Prison Visit

(Miluno)

The power of the "Present Moment" can suspend things, separating them from the flow of time and making them no longer affected by the outside world.

If this explanation is unclear, think of it as a certain piece of equipment in a popular game known as "Golden Body".

However, one cannot move while in a state of Time Stasis. Unless one is trying to dodge a deadly attack, using it on oneself is tantamount to giving up the initiative. Therefore, in my opinion, there is a more reasonable way to use "Present Moment".

Clang--

The fire axe struck the Crystal floor again, but this time it did not shatter. The axe was imbued with the "Present Moment" static effect, giving it the property of being absolutely indestructible. Even the Crystal floor was cracked by the impact.

The only problem is...

"Hey, isn't 'Present Moment' consuming way too much mana?!"

As soon as the clock hands turned, the magical power plummeted at a visible rate, and even the witch's body could not withstand such an exaggerated drain.

"To be precise, all three pocket watches consume a lot of energy. Even using Dark Energy to power them wouldn't last long, after all, they're magic that manipulates time."

The little thing makes it sound so easy, but I dare not use it recklessly; I must save my magic to open the door back.

So let's leave the "Future Moment" for later...

After a series of relentless blows, the shattered fire axe finally smashed through the Crystal floor.

As soon as the acceleration of Betelgeuse was deactivated, it rushed over and pulled out a blue Crystal brick from under the broken Crystal. It looked solid and was a little smaller than a shoebox at home.

"This is... Ancient Computer?"

Betelgeuse snorted:

"This is called Superbrain! Crystal are the best carriers of information, and your Star Crystal also have this structure, which is why they can bear the Will of the Stars!"

The little thing is still ranting in my head:

"Hey, she suddenly agreed to speak up?"

I think it was because she couldn't type through the eyepiece that she was forced to turn on her microphone.

"Damn it, they grabbed the stuff and ran! The police are here!"

Before the little thing could finish speaking, two canisters of Magic Suppressant potion were thrown down from above the Deep Well. I'm still in witch form because the horn on my forehead prevents me from wearing the Ghost Combat Suit, at least not the helmet. If only my body is invisible, with only my head floating in the sky...

Will this scare away those witches and Monster?

However, the Deep Well is very deep.

The time before the enemy landed was enough for them to drag Betelgeuse away from the bottom of the pyramid.

But I did not go directly back to the City School.

"Huh? Where am I? It's Confinement Zone!"

Keep your voice down, that dog-headed guard is behind that iron gate over there.

"What are you doing here at a time like this? Why don't you just go back?"

Realizing that Fomalhaut was just ahead, Betelgeuse froze, clutching the Ancient Computer.

I know she doesn't want Fomalhaut to see her acting with me. Whatever the reason, Fomalhaut will consider it a traitor...

"You guys stay here, I'll go chat with her for a bit."

Even if you can't see me in person, seeing the broken ground at the bottom should confirm my existence.

Right now, the "Supreme Council" must be on high alert, searching everywhere for me.

But who could have predicted that we would hide in the Confinement Zone?

The little thing is still humming in my head.

"You can open an interdimensional wormhole directly, and I can interfere with surveillance. If we join forces, won't we be unstoppable?"

Fomalhaut was found in the room at the far end of the Confinement Zone.

True to the typical architectural style of this world, this solitary confinement room was also sealed off, with only a slit in the door allowing anyone to peek inside. Apart from a hard bed, there was nothing there, and a white-haired girl dressed in plain clothes sat there meditating with her eyes closed.

As expected of the Sword Fiend, he truly possesses the demeanor of a master.

I greeted her through the door.

"Hey, if you're awake, stop pretending to be asleep."

Such a fragile cage could not possibly contain this powerful reindeer.

What are you doing here?

The white-haired girl who responded remained with her eyes closed.

"Oh? There are people everywhere outside arresting me, I dare not go out, so I came here to lay low for a while."

I made up a story that was half true and half false, which made her frown.

"This aura... have you become a witch?"

"Hmm! My horns are really cool, do you want to see them?"

She never responded to my jokes, she just asked:

"Even if she becomes a witch, she must stand on the side of humans?"

"Of course, darkness is just a power, and witches don't represent any particular stance. What one fights for is up to my personal will."

"So you're still my enemy... Fine, I'll kill you myself another day."

Great! Does that mean you won't cut me down today?

"Actually, I heard you were put in solitary confinement because you let me go."

"So what? I'm here simply to take responsibility for my own actions. This has nothing to do with you, so don't flatter yourself."

Without her consent, I slipped into the solitary confinement room via teleportation and sat down next to her.

Even the usually expressionless Sword Fiend showed a hint of disdain when I clearly crossed a certain line.

But she said she wouldn't cut me today, so she probably won't do anything.

I asked:

"I'm telling you, if there were no 'Supreme Council,' and instead this world was led by a witch... by you, would you be willing to coexist peacefully with Earth?"

"What, are you starting to have these weak thoughts too?"

She kept her eyes closed, and even at such close range, she couldn't be bothered to see my curved face.

"No, it's less about weakness and more about compassion. Your world is on the verge of collapse. I've witnessed the world crumbling at its edge. Your Barrel World probably won't last much longer. If Earth could offer you a place to settle..."

Before I could finish speaking, Fomalhaut interrupted me with a scolding rebuke.

"Speak of sympathy? Foolish! The scales of this war are not in your favor. Moreover, the clash between civilizations is destined to be a fight to the death; there has never been any possibility of reconciliation from the very beginning... Besides, as a witch, I have tasted enough the bitterness of being subservient to others."

Sword Fiend's heart was more turbulent than it appeared.

"Fomalhaut, why do you think I came to see you? And why am I telling you all this?"

"Miluno, we are enemies."

Is this a reminder to me?

I knew what she meant, but I still continued talking to myself:

"Originally, I didn't think there was any possibility of reconciliation between the two worlds. Such a naive dream is best left to someone like Ceruno. I'd rather be more realistic... But now I really hope that day will come. And why? It's all because of you, isn't it?"

"Don't be silly. As long as you remain Earth's ace, I am the nemesis you are destined to face."

Despite saying that, there was a subtle smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Being rivals is fine too, but you can use these to kill time in your confinement!"

I started rummaging through the Star Crystal and pulling out snacks like roasted sunflower seeds, cupcakes, and canned coffee.

Even the fruit-flavored potions produced by Barbara were kept as jelly.

She neither declined nor thanked him, and didn't even open her eyes.

"Well, since we can't be friends, then at least I'll have to take care of you myself."

"You have to live until then."

Hey! I don't need you to worry about me!

I took her cold hand and placed it on my forehead.

"How about it? Dark and coarse, huh! Let me tell you upfront, I'm a pretty powerful witch! You'd better wash yourself clean and wait for me!"

Of course, I'm referring to the neck.