-1397- The beginning but also the end

For the next few days, Rozen remained in Hagun Academy.

During these days, nothing significant happened.

Even though the outside world was tumultuous for various reasons, Rozen and Edelweiss stayed in Hagun Academy, living a very ordinary life, indifferent to external affairs.

Of course, such a life was far from boring.

Rozen got to enjoy meals and desserts personally prepared by Edelweiss daily, receiving the utmost treatment.

Edelweiss seemed eager to hear about Rozen's past experiences, always listening intently to his tales of traveling and training in different worlds.

Both of them, ignoring the chaos outside, lived their lives, enjoying their peaceful and ordinary days.

These times were both nostalgic and rare for Rozen and Edelweiss.

Until a few days later, the representative contestants, who had gone out for their final pre-match preparations, returned one by one, ready to head to the stage of the "Seven Stars Sword Art Festival."

Rozen and Edelweiss saw them off, watching them step onto the stage of the "Seven Stars Sword Art Festival" with gentle eyes.

During this period, both Ikki and Stella bid farewell to Rozen.

"Thank Miss Altera for her past guidance."

Ikki said to Rozen.

"I will definitely claim the position of the Seven Stars Sword King and win."

Stella promised Rozen with eyes burning like a crimson flame.

The two, almost like Rozen's disciples, left with the other representative of Hagun Academy, stepping onto the national and global stage.

Accompanying them were only a few, such as Shinguji Kurono, Saikyo Nene, and Arisuin Nagi.

Thus, the battle that would decide the future of this turbulent country began.

Next, Edelweiss would also set out for the stage of the "Seven Stars Sword Art Festival" to witness this year's competition till the end.

And Rozen would officially leave this world with Altera.

In room 406 of the First Student Dormitory, Rozen used the power of "Miracle" to open a "Door" to the next world.

This time, Rozen wanted to return to worlds he had visited before to make up for some regrets.

Among them, Rozen especially wanted to return to the world of Sword Art Online.

"Chaldea should still be conducting the final observations and analyses, and Mash's physical condition shouldn't be a problem for now, so there's still time."

"As for the automaton world, I don't know if Yaya has returned yet, and the Night Party hasn't ended its break, so there's no rush."

"The world of Onmyoji is also not an issue. Natsume and Suzuka are likely still undergoing training to become living spirits, and with the Tsuchimikado family's capabilities, they shouldn't immediately encounter trouble even if hunted by the Onmyo Agency."

"And for Itogami Island, if they find out I'm missing, Natsuki-nee and everyone might worry, but it shouldn't be a big issue."

"Instead, in the SAO world, Asuna and Yui's situation is unknown, Kirito's condition is unclear, the game might not be cleared, and it's uncertain how many people have died."

Therefore, given the current situation, Rozen believed he should first return to the world of Sword Art Online to prevent the worst-case scenario.

If the worst-case scenario did occur...

"At that time, even if I have to use the forbidden art 'Taizan Fukun Ritual,' I will bring back Asuna and the others' souls and revive them."

Rozen made this decision.

However, considering that "Miracle" did not issue a warning like it did in the Tokyo Ravens world, and no urgent reverse summoning was triggered by someone related to him, the worst-case scenario probably hadn't happened yet.

"Anyway, I should go back and take a look."

In terms of priority, Rozen decided to do so first.

But something unexpected happened to Rozen.

"Zing————!"

When "Miracle" radiated a dazzling light, creating a vortex-like tunnel of light particles, Rozen and Edelweiss stood there, looking inside.

"Is that the other world?"

Witnessing this miracle firsthand, Edelweiss was amazed and stared in awe.

However, Rozen showed a look of surprise.

"What's wrong?"

Edelweiss, keenly noticing this, instinctively asked.

Rozen didn't answer immediately, staring intently at the light tunnel before him. After a while, his face darkened, and he firmly stated.

"This isn't the tunnel to the world I wanted to go to."

Indeed.

After opening the "Door," Rozen realized that this "Door" didn't lead to the world of Sword Art Online but to an unknown new world.

Why was this the case?

The reason was simple.

"This tunnel was opened by 'Miracle' itself."

Rozen frowned and said in a deep voice.

"Miracle?"

Edelweiss immediately turned her gaze, looking at the radiant golden ring in Rozen's hand.

Rozen also looked down at the ring, its bright light reflecting on his face, which showed a complex expression.

What was going on?

As the user of "Miracle," Rozen had a vague understanding.

At this moment...

"It seems, just like in the last world, it wants to guide you to a world where you can fully grasp its power."

With these words, Altera appeared behind Rozen.

"Miss Altera..."

Edelweiss looked at Altera.

"Altera."

Rozen also turned and looked over.

In this situation, Altera remained calm as always and spoke.

"Just like it guided you to this world, making you realize its power and obtain the key to using it, this time, it wants to guide you to a world where you can find the factors to fully grasp its power."

So, when Rozen used "Miracle" to open the "Door," the ring first opened the tunnel to a world with such possibilities.

To guide Rozen there.

"In the past, it has helped you a lot." Attila looked at Rozen and said, "How about it? Do you want to go?"

Hearing this, Rozen remained silent.

In that instant, hesitation appeared on Rozen's face.

"But I have worlds I want to visit."

Rozen spoke honestly.

But this time, without waiting for Attila to speak, Edelweiss spoke first.

"Indeed, some of the worlds you experienced didn't completely resolve their crises after you left, and you need to go back, but since you've waited until now, there's no need to rush."

Edelweiss offered her opinion.

Obviously, Edelweiss hoped Rozen would put aside his plans for now.

"I agree." Altera also nodded, "The power of that ring is extraordinary. If you want to achieve all your desires and save humanity and your subservient beings, mastering it is absolutely necessary."

Compared to this matter, everything else could wait.

That seemed to be Altera's opinion.

However, at this point, Rozen found it difficult to decide.

Having decided to remedy past regrets, Rozen was eager to set off immediately.

With a clear mind, Rozen no longer wanted to avoid things, and even with issues of priority, he still wanted to return to the previous worlds and make amends.

Now, having made such a decision, he was being asked to venture into a new world for more travel and training, which was hard for Rozen to accept.

"Can't I handle my affairs first and then go to that world?"

Rozen thought so.

But neither Altera nor Edelweiss agreed.

"If your affairs didn't seem urgent to you, it means they are not irretrievable. But if you miss your chance, it might truly be gone."

Edelweiss sincerely advised.

"...If you truly want to fulfill all your desires and save humanity and your subservient beings, the power of that ring might be indispensable."

Altera remained silent for a moment before speaking emotionlessly.

Both of them hoped Rozen wouldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It wasn't because they were heartless but because they valued Rozen's growth and improvement more.

They both understood that the ring, as the medium for Rozen's journey through different worlds, was crucial to his current self, making it the most important thing for him.

Only by truly mastering the power of "Miracle" and understanding its origins could Rozen possibly comprehend his existence's meaning and his connection with "Miracle."

Even Edelweiss knew that without the appearance of "Miracle," Rozen would have perished at the age of two.

The existence that determined Rozen's life, future, and destiny was now guiding him forward, and Rozen had no reason to abandon it.

Rozen naturally understood Altera and Edelweiss's thoughts, and he fell silent.

After a long while, Rozen sighed.

"Let's go."

Without further hesitation, Rozen decided, as if cutting off his attachment.

Otherwise, he feared he might regret it later.

Looking at the light tunnel before him, Rozen told himself.

"This will be the last world."

After this world, Rozen would return.

With this resolution, Rozen exchanged a final glance with Edelweiss.

"Go."

Edelweiss also bid farewell concisely, as if cutting off her attachment.

"Yeah."

Rozen nodded, turned, and stepped into the light tunnel.

Altera followed immediately.

However, as Altera passed by Edelweiss, she heard...

"I'll leave him to you."

Hearing this, Altera's steps paused slightly.

Then...

"I am his servant, and he is my master."

Leaving these words, Altera followed Rozen into the light tunnel.

The light tunnel then swirled and disappeared.

Leaving Edelweiss alone, gazing at the scene, not leaving for a long time.

Rozen embarked on a new journey.

It was the beginning but also the end.