Still...
Even so, we'll protect Azpire.
Even if we fall here, I'm sure Taichi will come.
He'll protect the town and everyone.
We won't lose to you all.
Because Taichi is strong!
I'm sorry, Taichi.
I wonder why I never said it sooner?
Thank you for being with me.
I wanted to at least tell him that...
Then...
why not just tell me?
Taichi?
Sorry I'm late.
Episode 7 Summoner
Rin!
Thank goodness!
Muller...
You finally showed up.
Sorry. I had to exterminate some goblins underground.
We can talk later. Watch them.
Yeah.
Okay.
Let's get ready to rumble.
Don't underestimate my cheats!
Incredible.
Man, it really is easy to fight opponents that are vulnerable to physical attacks.
Taichi, what was your Enhancement level just now?
One hundred.
I would've been no match for it if I didn't go that high.
Lemia.
What is it?
How much of a fight do you think you three can keep putting up?
If I'm being honest, I'd have to say it'll be rather tough.
Keeping the status quo will be the most we can manage.
By the way, who are those children?
I'm not a child, I'm Milo!
I'm not a child, I'm Melo!
Help.
They're earth magicians, and they're on our side now.
They're more talented than they look.
Sorry, but can I ask you to watch my back while I take care of these guys?
Hmph. Who do you think you're speaking to?
Don't worry. Go ahead and cut loose.
I'll work hard, too!
I'll work hard, three!
Yeah, I'm counting on that.
Taichi...
Rin.
I'm amazed.
I can't believe he wiped out that many goblins in just a single night.
He's beyond human at this point.
That's why we needed this test.
The ploy that will mark this festival's finale is already prepared.
After all, she has visualized every single situation and possibility.
And we're just being used as pawns to achieve those ends?
Yes, we are.
Me, you, and them, too.
None can oppose her will.
I have a report!
The majority of the red monsters
have been quelled by the Mage of Falling Leaves's tactical grade magic.
Lemia went and unleashed that?
However, the Red Ogres believed to be the commanders were unharmed.
The Ogres are currently engaged with the young adventurer who went to their aid.
And what about Taichi? That adventurer?
He's fighting them with equal... no, even greater force, but it's three versus one.
I don't think we can be optimistic.
Ana... Stay here and help the other adventurers protect Azpire.
Taichi...
I promise I'll be back!
He was the only one.
He was the first to treat me as a person,
as a woman, instead of a tool.
Thank you.
Huh? Um?
You saved us, young lady.
Yes, and when there were so many monsters outside, too.
Good luck to you.
It's to protect this city.
I can deal with this.
I've been stained by the blood of assassinations,
but if I have a chance to start all over...
I'll believe in you, Taichi.
I'll believe in you, since you had faith in me.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thunder!
Red Lotus!
Blaze Wave.
Fall Down!
Flame Lance!
You ladies...
...are pretty strong!
It's a war of attrition from here.
Don't waste your shots.
Use your head.
We're going to defend Taichi's back!
Enhancement Level 100 sure is pretty draining.
Time to finish this.
One down...
Is this...
Lemia?
Impossible.
They never interfere in battles between men and monsters.
They?
The ones who sleep...
...beneath the earth.
A Twin-Head Dragon.
Your Eminence, you knew?
Now all the necessary pieces are finally on the board.
This is where it really starts.
Young man from another world,
it's time to gauge your power.
Taichi!
Rin...
Hey, is that...
Hey, all this commotion didn't wake up a Dragon sleeping underground, right?
That's not it, right?
No, they rarely ever leave their own dens.
Besides, to Dragons, a war above ground is but the flutter of an insect's wings.
It's not even worth their attention.
And yet for some reason, this one has surfaced?
Taichi, you're not planning on fighting it, are you?
That's just too reckless!
But it's not exactly avoidable, is it?
Well...
It's a retreating battle from here.
Lemia...
Take everyone back to the city.
Prepare for evacuation in case the worst happens.
Yeah, I understand.
Muller...
Please take these children.
All right.
Taichi, I'm staying.
We promised, remember?
To go home together.
And not to leave each other alone.
All right, have it your way.
Yeah, I will.
Good grief! You apprentices sure trouble your master.
I won't forgive either of you if you don't come back!
I mean it!
Well, Rin...
Yeah.
Stay out of this one.
Your reason?
I probably won't have any leeway in this battle.
If it targets you, then I'll act on reflex.
And that will probably be the end for me.
All right.
But thanks.
Taichi...
You're here.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Aerial, are you there?
No use, huh?
Was that just a fluke last time?
Oh well, then.
It'll be an honest, head-on battle!
Taichi!
You're telling me to stay out of this?
Ow.
Jeez, Dragons are seriously strong.
It's like I'm an ant going up against an elephant.
Though that attack just now...
That could have been lethal if it wanted,
so why did it hold back?
Also, why is a dragon getting involved in a battle between men and monsters?
Taichi?
Ana?!
What are you doing here?!
This is bad. We need to get you treated at once.
Wait, why are you here?!
Huh?
Why am I?
I was just...
You don't remember?
I don't know.
But I never intended to get in your way.
Anyway, it's dangerous here. You need to...
No!
Ana!
Anastasia!
Taichi?
Ana...
I'm sorry.
It's fine. Don't speak.
Just be still.
But it's my fault.
Of course it isn't!
The fact that you're alive right now is plenty.
Just wait, I'll finish this up and get you to a doctor.
You're so kind...
Taichi...
Ana...
Thank you.
You treated me as a human, as a woman.
If...
If I make it out of this alive,
please...
Ana?
But I'm sure
these feelings are sadly one-sided.
Will...
Will you be my f-friend?
What are you saying? We're already friends!
Ana?
I couldn't protect her.
I won't let you die as long as I'm around.
After I said that to her...
I thought everything would be fine, thanks to my cheats.
But I was naïve and didn't take anything seriously.
In the end, I couldn't do...
Hand it over.
Hurry up and hand it over.
What are you sitting there in silence for?
You're right there, aren't you?
Then...
Get out here and give me your power, Aerial!
Yes, that's the strong emotion you needed, Taichi.
Why, you!
I'm sorry.
Why?
I really, truly couldn't do anything about it!
I'm a spirit,
and you're a Summoner who commands the spirits.
Spirits aren't allowed to use their power without orders from the caster.
That's the law of this world.
It's a rule we must never break.
But the other day—
That was an exception,
because your own life was in danger.
It wasn't a formal pact.
Pact?
The caster must order the spirit to give them their power,
and the caster must have the resolve to accept that spirit's power.
Those are the two absolute requirements for forging a formal pact.
Is that how it was?
So I'm sorry.
No, you're not to blame.
It's my fault that I couldn't protect Ana.
It's because...
I lacked the resolve to accept your power.
Taichi...
I got what I deserved.
I kept calling it a cheat and acting full of myself,
yet part of me was still scared.
Scared of the idea that I could wield power beyond mankind.
But...
Now I understand.
I know what I was meant to do in this world.
I want the power to protect everyone,
so give me your power, Aerial!
Of course, my master.
Please call me Aery from now on.
Taichi!
Rin...
Who's this?
Please take of her.
She's a precious friend.
Rin, I've become a Summoner.
Aery, you there?
Yes.
We'll settle this in one blow.
Yes.
Oh, I admire your courage to stand
and face me once more after withstanding my breath.
There's something I want to ask you.
Why is a superior species like a Dragon intervening in this war?
What is your goal?
What would make you withdraw from this battle?
In that case, human child, you should show me your true power.
Then I shall answer your question and leave this place.
All right.
Here I go.
Try withstanding this blow!
Why, you...
Splendid.
I shall answer as you desire.
I intervened in this battle at the request of a certain individual.
The goal was to fight you.
Me?
What do you mean?
I'll offer you a final word of warning.
That individual is sure to continue guiding you from now on.
Guiding me?
But that is necessary for both this country and this world.
I lent that person my power because I agree with their beliefs.
So be certain you don't forget this.
If you wish to protect your treasure, then be strong.
Strong, huh?
I see. So the test was a success.
Yes, that power...
I believe the young man has forged a formal pact with a wind spirit.
Then I must quickly prepare his next guidance.
As you wish. Preparations are steadily underway.
I can't wait.
After a town comes... yes,
a country.
Royal Capital Wennifix
Next episode: "Royal Capital Wennifix."