"It's hard to say. Tenkei is no longer human, so we can't judge him by human standards. From the examination results, though, everything appears completely normal."
In the room, Romani shook his head as he reported the findings to Morgan after completing Shiomi's routine checkup.
"As expected…" Morgan wasn't particularly surprised.
Still, just because Shiomi had become a god didn't mean they could skip proper examinations when he collapsed.
"For now, the important thing is rest," Romani concluded. "You said that the form called Unity God inherently carries a burden and risk. It's not something that can be maintained for long…"
This time, they had faced the "Alien God" after she had reclaimed the Mana of an entire Fantasy Tree. To secure their odds of victory, they had immediately entered the Unity God state.
What they hadn't anticipated was how long the battle would drag on.
Even by conservative estimates, the fight had lasted over thirty hours.
"There are risks," Morgan said calmly. "But the returns are greater."
By using that state to further refine an incomplete divinity and fight in a more perfected form, only then could they stand against the "Alien God."
"It's fine. We'll return to the Wandering Sea to recover first, then prepare to head for the final Lostbelt." Shiomi spoke softly to reassure Morgan, then turned to Romani. "Thank you for making the trip to check on me."
"In that case, I won't disturb you further." Romani nodded, packed up his instruments, and left the room.
Once he was gone, Morgan caught Shiomi's hand and looked at him intently.
"This time, when we dissolved the fusion, I felt no burden or danger at all. Would you care to explain that to your wife?"
"…"
Shiomi froze for a moment, guilt flickering across his face.
"It's nothing. We just went a little past the time limit. To be safe, I made a small adjustment."
Morgan leaned in closer, eyes fixed on him.
"What adjustment?"
"I left control of the battlefield to you," Shiomi admitted, rubbing his nose, his tone faintly uneasy. "My soul focused on absorbing the strain and shielding yours. I figured that even if we couldn't win outright, we could at least eliminate an Apostle and force the 'Alien God' to lose her support."
Unfortunately, the growth in the "Alien God's" power had exceeded their expectations.
Every attempt Shiomi and Morgan made to strike at the Apostles during brief openings was blocked by the "Alien God."
On the contrary, she was able to assist her Apostles, dragging the fight further into a stalemate.
With the advantage gained from reclaiming the Fantasy Tree, the "Alien God" forced the entire battlefield into an even deadlock. Neither side could claim the upper hand.
"That was extremely dangerous," Morgan said softly, lowering her gaze. "If you hadn't done that, what would have happened?"
"On one side, the soul, mind, and body of a fairy. On the other, the soul, mind, and body of a god."
Shiomi withdrew his hand and held it up between them as if illustrating the point.
"When the two fuse together, which one do you think gets digested?"
"The fairy," Morgan answered without hesitation.
Even though her soul's rank had risen high enough, it still stood beneath Shiomi's.
The Unity God form was born from absolute, unreserved trust between them.
But over long periods, maintaining that completely unguarded intimacy meant that the difference in their spiritual ranks would inevitably place Morgan in danger.
If Shiomi had not remained vigilant the entire time, then after such a prolonged battle, even if they had defeated the "Alien God," Morgan herself would have been completely erased within the Unity God state.
"That's how it is." Shiomi shook his head. "I didn't think it through this time. I almost dragged you into a point of no return."
"What point of no return? We avoided the worst outcome. That alone makes this a very good result." Morgan shook her head softly. "It's just that you quietly shouldered all the consequences by yourself without saying a word. I…"
"Compared to this level of pain, losing you would be the consequence I could never accept." Shiomi smiled gently.
Morgan let out a helpless sigh. She took his hand again, lacing their fingers together, then leaned fully into his arms.
"Even with nothing more than physical contact, our Magic Circuits start moving on their own, letting Mana circulate between our bodies." She gave a low laugh. "It's a strange feeling."
"It really is," Shiomi replied quietly, holding her close. "Unlike deliberate contact, this unconscious flow… what does it actually mean?"
"When two become harmonized, they surpass a complete individual," Morgan said. "Perhaps between us, we've achieved true, perfect harmony."
"Perfect harmony…" Shiomi repeated, thoughtful.
After a moment, Morgan continued, "Still, your depletion this time was severe. You won't return to full condition anytime soon. We should remain in the Wandering Sea to recuperate a while longer."
"I'd like that," Shiomi said, shaking his head slightly. "But we failed to seriously wound the 'Alien God,' and we didn't eliminate more of the Alien Apostles. That means it won't be long before they move on the Fantasy Tree in the South American Lostbelt."
Morgan agreed. "And the final Crypter's view of the current situation deserves careful consideration."
Would he continue to carry out his role alone? Or prepare in secret, waiting for Chaldea's arrival while keeping watch against the 'Alien God'?
Either possibility fit Daybit's style.
It was also Kirschtaria's assessment.
Daybit was not the type to abandon his mission simply because their leader had fallen.
"If he plans to sit back and reap the rewards, he'll at least need to arrive first," Shiomi said. "Once everyone's finished resting, we can prepare to depart."
He cupped Morgan's face, then added with a hint of concern,
"Especially you. Make sure you get proper rest."
"What right do you have to tell me that?" Morgan laughed lightly. "You're the one who needs rest. Otherwise, when everyone else is fighting on the front lines, you'll be stuck holding the rear. And if you end up feeling frustrated about it, there's nothing I can do for you."
"Mm, that would be a serious issue," Shiomi admitted.
"Good. As long as you understand." Morgan lifted her hand and gently stroked his hair and ear.
At that moment, the door to the room opened slowly.
Olga Marie rushed in first, with Scáthach and the others following close behind.
"Teacher, are you all right?" She hurried to the bedside, worry written plainly across her face as she looked Shiomi over carefully.
When she had seen Shiomi cough up blood and collapse earlier, Olga Marie had nearly lost her composure.
She had forced herself to finish her duties as Director before hurrying over.
"I'm fine. I just need some rest." Shiomi reached out and lightly touched Marie's cheek. "Sorry for making everyone worry about me again."
"No matter how many times this happens, I can't get used to it," Scáthach said with a sigh, shaking her head.
The others nodded in agreement.
Shiomi could only smile wryly and accept everyone's complaints about his recklessness this time.