"――Sevens, activate."
In response to my voice, a wind of blue light swirled around me.
The Jewel shone with a brilliance unlike anything before. It was the light of a candle flame flaring in its final moment.
"Damn it! I didn't want to use this."
Forcing a one-time instant growth. This meant new memories I'd rather forget would be mass-produced. Well, whatever I did was cool anyway, so everyone else would remember it for me. It couldn't be helped.
Still, there was something unforgivable. That was the fact the Jewel would lose its power and revert to a simple stone.
That meant the Jewel that had been with me until now would be reset. It would return to just a stone that had Skills recorded in it.
If the Skills remained, maybe that would be enough, but something even more important—
—Slowly, my thoughts began to clear. A sensation of power welling up from deep within my body blew away all my weariness. And there came a feeling, like a libido, of magic swelling and rampaging inside me.
"It's surging!!"
With my shout, seven silver weapons sprang from the Jewel.
They appeared around me and drove into the floor.
The First Generation's greatsword.
The Second Generation's bow.
The Third Generation's sword.
The Fourth Generation's short sword.
The Fifth Generation's whip sword.
The Sixth Generation's halberd.
The Seventh Generation's gun.
Each of them embedded into the floor around me like I was being enclosed, and Agrissa looked down at me from above, narrowing her eyes as she studied my form.
"—So you forcibly raised your adaptation level? No, I suppose they call it growth now. And that Skill—the kind that lets you wield seven weapons? That's an interesting Skill."
I gave a light laugh in response to the confident Agrissa. Whether Agrissa was holding her back, my ancestor—Lyle of the previous generation—stood at a distance with her weapon raised.
Speaking toward Agrissa, I said:
"You've got the wrong idea. Just because I use seven weapons, that makes me the Seventh? I'm not that simple a man. Also, would you come down? Floating around like that while naked makes it look like I'm peeping at you. You'd be cuter with a bit more modesty, Agrissa."
So saying, I brushed aside my bangs and straightened my hair. Agrissa looked down at me, seeming slightly surprised.
Aria turned toward me, shoulders slumping.
"…Hey, your Skill couldn't possibly be—"
Before Aria could finish, I cut in.
"Let me guess what you're thinking. You think it's a Skill that forcibly manifests me at my peak performance, right? Don't say it, I already know. After all, I love all of you!"
However, Shannon began to respond to my words—
"Well, since we're connected through the Connection, it wouldn't be strange to have a general idea—"
But it was Monica who cut Shannon off.
"Looks like it's fever time. Still, this should raise our win rate a bit. Chicken has never lost in this state."
I shook my head at the cheerful Monica.
"That's not it. The moment I'm here, this fight is already mine to win! I'm a man loved far too much by the goddess of victory!"
At that, Agrissa burst into laughter.
"Ahahaha—so after growth, your mind becomes unstable. So that's what you're like post-growth. I see, interesting. Your mental state is affected by the surge in power after growth. However—I can't accept that you think you can win."
Immediately after, my ancestor lunged at me with her blade. But I didn't move. My beloved brides around me started to move in concern for my safety, but I stopped them from doing so.
"Don't bother. Just watch—it'll be over soon."
The ancestor closed in right before my eyes, raising her greatsword. I watched the blade and laughed. A voice called out from behind me. Everyone turned at the sound.
"You really picked a fun time to summon me. Well, summoning me was the right call, I suppose."
The owner of that casual voice dashed forward, pulled the sword embedded in the floor, and deflected the ancestor's greatsword. Perhaps misjudging the range of an invisible blade, the ancestor leaped back.
Her golden hair fell just below her shoulders, soft and straight. She draped a short green mantle over her shoulders, rested a sheathless sword on her shoulder, and—Third Generation surveyed the surroundings.
"That said, you really sent her flying in style."
She said that with a smile. Then, the next voice to address me was Seventh Generation. She pulled the knife from the muzzle of the gun embedded in the floor and fired several shots at the ancestor, who was trying to start moving again.
The bullets she tried to swat away warped and opened several holes in the ancestor. Since she was a dead soldier, they would heal, but it looked like it would take some time.
"Lyle, well done. This is a fitting moment to use your trump card."
Then, the sound of footsteps walked toward me, stopping just before passing, and a hand was placed on my shoulder. The hand was gripping a snake-sword.
"You've cornered her this far—excellent work. Now let the rest of us help."
Fifth Generation then stepped forward, swinging her sword to entangle the ancestor's leg with her snake-sword. Meanwhile, a dagger stabbed into the ancestor's other leg.
The one with long, light-blue hair, pushing up her glasses, was Fourth Generation.
"You've certainly grown tough, Lyle. Well, I'd normally tell you not to rely on the dead, but since your opponent is also dead, it can't be helped."
Sixth Generation, who had dashed past me, picked up a halberd and charged the ancestor, deflecting the greatsword.
"Seriously, you've taken on something unbelievable. Let me help too."
He turned around with a smile. And beside me, Second Generation, dressed as a hunter, had already drawn her bow, smiling slightly.
"Actually, I've been wanting to try this out—this Silver Bow. Well, the plain one of us should put on a bit of a show, shouldn't she?"
The arrows she released altered their trajectory and, as if each had a will of its own, pierced the ancestor and exploded. Because they were dead soldiers, they regenerated, but the speed was incredibly fast. Even the greatsword she had lost grew back from her hand.
However, I could feel the battle was decided.
"Gahahaha, you've grown big on me without me noticing. You might be a little capable now, but you're still not there yet!"
It was the First Generation who yanked the greatsword from the floor, charged forward, and leaped into the air. Laughing, she swung the greatsword down at the ancestor, and the blade erupted in blue light, unleashing a shockwave that tore through the ancestor and everything behind it.
The destructive power was as overwhelming as ever.
The First Generation, in her barbarian style, hoisted the greatsword onto her shoulder.
"This is great! Feels like I could cut through anything!"
The Second Generation looked at her with exasperation.
"You're not cutting so much as crushing it to pulp, are you? Look—there's nothing left."
Seven figures materialized in front of me, arms crossed. With allies this reliable showing up, I looked up at Agrissa floating in the sky and laughed. She spoke.
"So you summoned the seven who were recorded in the Jewel. I see, that's why—but you people are ruthless. The one you just defeated was your own ancestor, you know."
The Third Generation replied in his usual tone.
"No, no, I'm sure they were being controlled by you and suffering. Probably. So we were moved to tears as we freed our poor, pitiable ancestor—that's the vibe, right?"
The Fourth Generation chimed in right along with him.
"That's right. I felt like they were saying with their eyes, 'Please, stop me!' ...Probably."
The Sixth Generation said the same.
"If I were in the same situation, I'm sure I'd say the same. ...Probably."
The First Generation then looked surprised.
"Huh? Our ancestor!? That hulking brute from just now! You're kidding!"
The Second Generation glanced at her.
"Go look in a mirror. You'll see a guy even more hulking and barbarian than the one from before."
I nodded.
"Fair point."
And so, all eight of us—including the First Generation—burst into uproarious laughter.
Agrissa, still floating in the air, didn't look pleased that her favorite of our ancestors had gone down.
"…You act awfully tough just because seven more showed up. Fine. I wasn't planning to hold back with six million. I'll prepare tens of millions—even hundreds of millions of undead soldiers and crush you. Let's see how well you can fight with just that number—"
I tilted my head. The other seven did the same, all sharing my confusion at Agrissa's words.
And that's when I realized Agrissa was still under a misunderstanding.
She thought we called the seven ancestors because of "Seventh"? That wasn't it at all.
"You're still confused, aren't you, Agrissa?"
Shannon reacted to my words with a surprised "Huh!?" Looks like there were allies on our side under the same misconception. Aria, Gracia, and Eliza all averted their eyes from me. These girls were adorable in their own clueless way.
I looked at the Jewel resting in my palm. The blue Jewel shimmered, and within it—I could see a tiny star. The image of our radiant blue Mother Earth.
I clenched the Jewel tight and thrust my fist toward Agrissa.
"Seventh—the seventh one. It's a Skill I can use because I, who carry Septem's blood, am connected to the seventh goddess. Growth? That's nothing but a bonus. The true meaning of Seventh is—"
Just as I said that, a massive explosion erupted near where the allied forces had set up their formation. Dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of ultra-powered magic spells rained down.
The Fourth Generation trembled as he straightened his glasses.
"Sorry, Lyle. There's so much I want to say and so much I want to ask… but my wife's calling, so I'm heading out. She sounds kinda pissed. Oh, and Ludmilla, you're coming with me. Let's go reassemble the Kartafos forces."
"…Huh? Wait, what are you even saying—"
I waved goodbye as the Fourth Generation and Ludmilla warped away.
Miranda watched the whole scene unfold.
"…Those are House Walt's ancestors, right? Lyle, what exactly is—"
Just as she was about to finish, a figure appeared and placed hands on Miranda's and Shannon's shoulders. Seeing that person, the Sixth Generation broke into a grin.
"Mireia! You came too?!"
Then, with a refined demeanor, Mireia addressed the Sixth Generation.
"Yes, Elder Brother. This Mireia, though powerless, has rushed here to assist. I'll be borrowing Miranda and Shannon, if you will. The fighting has already started on Lyle's main front as well."
Shannon's eyes went wide as she stared at Mireia's face in shock. She probably couldn't believe that the girl who'd been putting on such an act in front of the Sixth Generation.
"Sister, this is also a fake—ow!"
Shannon was silenced by physical force as her shoulder was squeezed. Mireia was all smiles.
The Seventh Generation had his hand on his chin as he looked toward where my forces were stationed.
"So Maisel went that way. Then I'll head toward Fonbeau's position. I need to give Lyle a firm warning not to defy me... What an actress."
That last muttered line was spoken while the Seventh Generation looked at Mireia.
Mireia sent him a gaze that could have cut glass, but the Seventh Generation was already gone.
The Fifth Generation, perhaps reading the room.
"I suppose Feinz and I will head to where the forces are thinnest. Let's go. And you lot, come with me."
"Um, no—"
"Wait a minute!"
The Fifth Generation took Gracia and Eliza along and warped away.
"Very well then! Mireia, I'm counting on you with Miranda and Shannon."
With a serious expression, the Sixth Generation flashed us one last smile before vanishing as well. That left the Third Generation, who mused for a moment.
"Well then, I suppose I'll take on the job no one else wants to do. Alright, that settles it."
With that, the Third Generation disappeared.
The First and Second Generations, the only ones left, looked at Mireia.
"Hey, who's this?"
"...No, I don't know either."
As that awkward atmosphere settled in, Mireia bowed. It was a graceful bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, First Generation, Second Generation. I am Mireia— one of Fredricks' daughters. I'm in a bit of a hurry, so I'll be borrowing the two of them."
Then, looking my way, Mireia closed one eye.
"Lyle, go make a spectacle of yourself. House Walt is backing you, so you have nothing to worry about."
Mireia vanished, taking Miranda and Shannon with her. I waved goodbye, and the First and Second Generations just stood there, dumbfounded.
"There's a lot going on that I don't really understand."
"Well, they disappeared pretty early on, you know."
Up in the sky, there was an irritated presence. Agrissa.
"...I see. So that's how it is."
I cleared my throat. To explain the skill I hadn't been able to mention earlier.
"That's right. This is my ultimate skill. It's called Seventh— the skill that lets me use the Jewels created by Septem with administrator privileges. This thing is incredible, because after all... I can use the Jewels at full power with all restrictions lifted."
Aria, Clara, and Eva all had expressions that said they didn't understand. But Monica and the Valkyries were nodding.
"So that's what it is. Administrator privileges... then the magic energy pouring into you must be some kind of effect as well. For now, let's just be grateful."
The Valkyries' armor began to glow. Originally made from Trasy—the Trident Sea Serpent, a monster said to be a god of the sea—they too began to feel the effects. She was a mass of rare metal forged from that creature.
Wings spread wide, they began to float in midair. Monica was no different. Wrapped in a white dress, she too rose into the air.
"What's this, trading the maid outfit for a bride?"
When I said that, Monica smiled softly.
"Mm-hmm. Make sure you properly accept me."
—This girl is an idiot.
"Are you stupid? You're already mine. Whether I receive you or not — that's beside the point."
Then Eva looked over at me.
"Why is he always so cocky? He's usually such a coward."
The First Generation looked over at me while speaking.
"Are you okay? Wait, where's Novem? Oh! Aria!"
Aria gave a small wave back after the First Generation waved at her. Since the First Generation was an Aria fan, she was probably happy to meet her. As for Aria herself —
"Huh? Why is everyone so excited to see me?"
Then Agrissa, who had been watching our little act go on for far too long, spoke up.
"...You're putting on quite the show of confidence. But it seems you've gotten a little carried away. Lyle — it looks like I'll need to break your spirit after all."
I let out a soft chuckle.
"...If this Lyle Walt had a spirit that could be broken so easily, I wouldn't even dream of killing gods. My own mental fortitude scares even me. ...So go ahead and try to break it if you can!"
Agrissa spread both arms wide, seething with fury.
Clara, inside Porter, fired off a shot.
"...Once he comes back to his senses, he'll break on his own, you know."
A poison tongue. I thought that side of her was cute too.
"Then I'll give you exactly what you wish for! How about this?!"
From directly beneath Agrissa, a massive white ape wearing a red mask emerged. Its pectoral region was bare of fur, but otherwise the colossal ape was wrapped in beautiful white fur — and it was even bigger than Agrissa.
"Roughly ten meters, judging by eye."
As the First Generation spoke, the Second Generation corrected him.
"Twelve meters."
He corrected himself right away. And then, one after another, skeleton knights over two meters tall began crawling up from the floor.
Agrissa was overhead.
"You should be ashamed of yourself for getting bold over something as trivial as administrative authority. Lyle, I'll prepare a slightly harsher punishment for you. I'll discipline you until you're kneeling before me in tears, swearing your obedience."
I put the Jewel around my neck. Then I extended my right hand toward Monica. Monica tossed me a spare sword, and I caught it as I spoke.
"That looks like fun. I wouldn't mind trying it once, but I'd prefer something mild for starters. I'm still a virgin, you know. Too much stimulation would be a problem. Ropes and whips, I could tolerate. ...But I prefer being the one on top!"
Agrissa opened her mouth wide.
"Draw your sword! I despise that personality of yours!"
I grinned.
"I like you too, you know? Well, I do think you're a pitiful creature. So—let me end this for you, so you won't suffer."
Just then, a massive ape came swinging its fists down at us. It wasn't a Monster—more like a divine beast, similar to a Kirin or a whale. It breathed fire from its mouth as it threatened us.
The fire singed the fur on the trademark headpiece worn by the First Generation.
"What do you think you're doing, you damn ape! Fine then—come at me outside!"
The Second Generation drew his bow and arrow.
"...Dad, this is already outside."
The roof and walls had been blown away, and the floor below was crushed. Indeed, it was clearly outdoors. The three of us burst out laughing again.
Then the First Generation adopted a serious expression.
"Well, I suppose I should get serious before things get ugly. ...Come at me, then."
Behind the First Generation, a door appeared—the same door that had once been the gateway to his memories. From it emerged, one by one, the soldiers and barbarians who had once served under the First Generation. They looked nothing but barbarian chieftains now, but that was exactly what you'd expect from the First Generation.
The Second Generation spoke in a low voice.
"I think I'll call a few of my own. I'll at least have them support the skeletons down below, Dad."
The soldiers, having straightened up a bit, appeared as the Second Generation's memory door materialized. In their hands, they gripped bows, arrows, and machetes.
The First Generation wore a fierce grin.
"Now you're talking! Crassell! Lyle!"
"What is it?"
"The ape and the trash are ours to handle. You go pound Agrissa. And hey—where's Novem?"
"Oh, about that. She's been absorbed into Agrissa's chest."
"...Huh? Wha— what the hell did you do?! Look at what you've done!!"
When the First Generation roared, the white ape let out another war cry. Maybe it thought the First Generation was threatening it.
I slung my katana over my shoulder.
"Well then, I'll go rescue her. Aria, Clara, Eva—and Monica and the Valkyries, you're all coming with me. Time for a fun god-killing spree!!"
Aria leveled her spear while speaking.
"You're definitely a little unhinged. No— you're definitely unhinged, period! How can you possibly enjoy killing a god?!"
I said:
"You idiot! If I take down this fake goddess, I earn the title of God-Slayer! It'll make governing way easier from here on out! Clara, Eva—don't you dare miss the spectacle of my magnificence!"
Clara and Eva had backed away a little. No, not a little—more like "what is he even saying right now?" was the vibe. I'd thought the two of them would be thrilled, at least.
That said, Monica and her group were fully on board.
"Hya-ha-ha! Now we can beat these guys to a pulp without holding back, right?! I, Monica, will follow Lord Lyle for the rest of my life!"
Now that's what I like to hear. I flashed a provocative grin toward Agrissa, who glared down at me with undisguised loathing.
"Come on... let's have some fun!!"