"We'll leave the rest—to you."
Having said that, Don Quixote and Hai walked off the battlefield together. Nearl stood momentarily stunned, then seemed to realize something. She exchanged glances with the Blood Knight…
"Right. This match was always ours alone…"
She rose slowly, a spear forming in her hand through Hemomancy, murmuring softly—perhaps to herself, perhaps to the Blood Knight:
"If that's the case…"
"…Then we should finish it ourselves."
The Blood Knight straightened himself, responding quietly yet firmly. At this moment, the Jester of Nihil had suffered a fivefold suppression and lost all its mechanics, having been repeatedly weakened by Don Quixote and Hai. Now, it was extremely vulnerable—
Vulnerable enough for Nearl and the Blood Knight to unquestionably defeat it.
The two charged forward once again.
Not toward windmills, but toward a dream certain to be realized.
They knew, once the Jester of Nihil fell, everything here would end—
Including this very Knight Tournament.
The sky returned to a clear azure.
Colors once more filled the world.
Victory's scent permeated the air.
Nearl and the Blood Knight sat on the arena floor, breathing heavily. Not far away lay the egg-like remains of the defeated Jester.
Their eyes met; both already knew what the other was thinking. Together, they stood up.
When the Jester of Nihil fell, the arena's suppression was lifted instantly, and everyone fled the scene. Thus, at this moment, the arena was deserted—except for Greatmouth Mob, still dangling high above, curled tightly in a corner throughout the chaos, along with Nearl, the Blood Knight, Don Quixote, and Hai.
Now, Greatmouth Mob stood shakily, mouth slightly agape, gazing down with indescribable emotion at the Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight's shared action.
Side by side, they stepped toward the empty podium, approaching the championship trophy that should have been guarded but was now left unguarded and abandoned.
In that instant, Greatmouth Mob understood clearly—he knew exactly what his duty was.
As the Radiant Knight and Blood Knight raised the trophy together, Greatmouth Mob lifted his microphone once more. Suppressing the tremor in his voice, he shouted passionately:
"I declare!—"
Even if no one could hear, even if the stadium was utterly empty…
"—The final victors are… The Blood Knight, and—"
"—The Radiant Knight!!!"
The trophy rose high above their heads, both knights staring firmly at it with unshakable resolve.
Below them, without notice, two figures had appeared quietly in the otherwise deserted stands. Smiling warmly, they clapped softly, celebrating the champions' victory.
They were Don Quixote and Hai.
Even if the arena had long been empty, they were there to applaud these uncrowned victors—
To praise all they had accomplished.
...
The Kazimierz Knight Tournament came to an end.
Lobotomy Corporation, the primary sponsor of this year's event, announced the Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight as joint champions. Few had objections to this outcome—
Because the Corporation had already methodically erased most memories.
The newspapers quickly picked up the story, lavishly praising the spectacular final match. People naturally constructed their own imagined versions of the duel. Though their accounts differed, the truth had long become unknowable.
In reality, all Lobotomy Corporation did was ensure everyone forgot anything related to the Jester of Nihil's involvement. In most minds, Nearl and the Blood Knight fought to exhaustion, finally respecting each other's ideals and calling it a draw.
Lobotomy Corporation accepted this resolution.
After the tournament, Don Quixote and Nearl remained in Kazimierz for a short while. Nearl and the Blood Knight traveled extensively, using their new status as champions to secure better conditions for the Infected.
Following this, Nearl and the Blood Knight had a long private discussion. No one ever learned what they spoke of, but soon afterward, Lobotomy Corporation informed Armorless Union that Don Quixote and Nearl had departed Kazimierz together.
This was, indeed, true. The Blood Knight, of course, stayed behind in Kazimierz.
As for the Jester of Nihil, it was securely contained in Lobotomy Corporation's Kazimierz branch, ensuring no further containment breaches occurred. The battle wasn't without gain—
At least, the Corporation successfully acquired the Jester's equipment.
Currently, it was their only ALEPH-level gear. And certainly not ordinary ALEPH-level equipment. According to X's estimations, the equipment's strength was enough to elevate even himself to a combat ability comparable to Hai's. And if Hai himself wore it, he'd likely approach the standards required of a "Color."
Hai, after completing his duties here, swiftly returned to the City, as he still had urgent matters to handle. Don Quixote and Nearl returned alongside him. Hai instructed Don Quixote to wait for him at the Hana Association Headquarters after reaching the City, as they had crucial matters to discuss.
Hai returned alone first, ahead of the others. After all, he had even more pressing matters to attend to—
Preparing the formal containment measures for "Nothing There."
After all this time, the City had finally decided to dismantle this ticking time bomb.
Thus, the stage shifted back to the City.
...
On the journey back, Don Quixote stretched leisurely and sighed with satisfaction:
"What an adventure this was…"
"Indeed, it truly was."
Nearl nodded gently in agreement. Don Quixote, suddenly seeming more spirited, turned toward her with a teasing smile:
"Oh, by the way—did I hear correctly back there? Didn't you call me 'Father'?"
Nearl's footsteps faltered. Her face quickly turned away, eyes trembling slightly. She hastily covered her face with her hand, blurting out quickly:
"Um, about that… please, let's talk about it later…"
"Haha, relax! Just teasing you. Come on, let's keep moving."
Don Quixote laughed heartily, continuing toward the City. Nearl let out a quiet breath, following a few steps behind. Then, as if finally making up her mind, she opened her lips slightly and softly whispered:
"Then… let's go."
"…Father."
"Let's continue our adventure together."
"So, you're saying I have to work overtime again?"
...
Meanwhile, at the Hana Association Headquarters, upon learning that Hai was soon returning but that she still had another day's shift ahead of her, Ch'en Hui-chieh stared at the Section One Fixer in front of her, eyes full of resentment:
The Fixer: (nod nod)
"Phew… The City—it's been so long. Or rather, it's only been a long time for 'me'…"
At the same time, Hai stepped back onto the City's soil. Raising his head toward the containment facility of "Nothing There," he gave a faint smile.
"Then, shall we begin preparations?"