She lost her posture in midair, landing without attacking me.
After staggering slightly, she looked down at the arrow embedded in her chest.
Her expression changed as if she'd realized something.
"So that's what this is..."
"The arrow that brought about your death back then."
I deliberately spoke the words aloud.
The arrow I had shot at her was the very one used in her execution over a decade ago.
Before this battle began, I had searched the Valley of the Dead to retrieve it.
To any ordinary person, it would seem like nothing more than a decayed, ancient arrow.
But for her, who had lost her life to it, it was an artifact bound by deep karmic ties.
The arrow contained the very concept of "the arrow that slew the hero."
This held magical significance, functioning as a kind of curse.
The arrow and the hero were linked by causality.
Once loosed, it was destined to find its mark and pierce her life.
It didn't matter even if her soul was immortal.
The bonds of death were powerful.
They could bypass and override the nature of the soul itself.
The reason I hadn't used this certain-kill arrow until now was the fear that she might still find a way to defend against it.
We needed to be in a state of mutual exhaustion, in the moment with the least room for either of us to spare.
That is why I had held it in reserve until now.
"...I'm a little tired," she said, lowering her sword.
The aura of fighting spirit was gone.
She had accepted defeat.
When I lightly touched the arrow, she offered a faint, gentle smile.
"A truly precise countermeasure. Looking back, your strategies have aided me many times. This time, I'm tasting their effectiveness personally..." she said, a nostalgic tone in her voice.
She must have been remembering our days traveling together.
Back then, I served in a role akin to a strategist.
In our battles against the Demon Lord's army, I devised all manner of plans and operations, and she would act upon them.
Even when facing powerful demon kin, I would formulate thorough countermeasures before engaging in combat.
In this way, I contributed from the shadows to the hero's victories.
She faced me directly, her words flowing without any hint of pain from the arrow.
"You've grown stronger. As someone who fought alongside you, I couldn't be more proud."
"I have you to thank. It's a realm I never could have reached alone."
The fact I could call myself a sage was only because she existed.
The one who raised me to the status of a hero was none other than the hero herself.
Becoming the Demon Lord was the same. Both were positions that stood only because she was there as a premise.
That I reached one answer at all was because I could hear her true feelings.
This battle had a profound impact on me.
The conflict that had smoldered at my core was resolved, and I surpassed her, who I had only chased.
I dispelled my own blade, then steeled myself and spoke.
"...Lady Clea."
"Yes?"
"Thank you for everything until now."
I lowered my head.
As memories raced through my mind, I expressed my gratitude to her.
I focused with all my might to keep my voice from breaking.
My trembling hands clenched tightly.
"No, I should be thanking you. You've been a great deal of trouble."
When I looked up, she wore a gentle expression.
Her clear eyes held a sincere hue.
"The fate of the world is entrusted to you. Don't be trapped by the thoughts of a dying hero—walk by your own will."
"Yes... I understand."
I nodded in response.
The battle ended with the Demon King's victory.
If so, then I must see through the principles I upheld.
That was the duty of the victor.
She tilted her head back toward the night sky and let out a soft breath.
As her lowered gaze found me, a clear light of joy shone in her eyes.
"I was opposed to this kind of resurrection, but it has turned out to be surprisingly pleasant."
"What do you mean?"
I raised a question.
I had gathered that she did not wish to be revived.
So her positive evaluation of it was unexpected.
Seeing I was not satisfied with the answer, she confessed without reservation.
"Dwight Harvelt... I was able to witness your growth, dear one. There is no greater happiness."
The moment she finished speaking, her eyes glistened.
She quickly looked down to wipe them, then turned her back to me.
Illuminated by the moon and stars, she spoke quietly.
"I will be watching over your exploits from the underworld. I do not wish for a reunion beyond this."
"Of course. I understand."
"So that is how it is..."
Before long, she collapsed onto the night wilderness.
She never moved again.
Her soul dissipated from her body.
Having witnessed the hero's end, I knelt and offered a silent prayer.