One of my favorite spells is called "Explosion Trap".

　This spell is a fixed-point spell, and as the name suggests, it is used as a trap.
　When this spell is cast at a specific location, an explosive trap is set there. There are two ways of detonation, either by the magician's mind or automatically by an external shock.
　Unfortunately, these two conditions cannot be freely chosen, and the timing of the detonation cannot be perfectly controlled. However, it is still a powerful enough spell to set off a bomb as long as you have the magic power. It is also possible to use a combination of strings and pressure-sensitive plates to detect impacts.

　When I was a soldier in the Agency, I was taught this magic by my instructor.
　At first, he taught me how to use it in a general way, but ...... halfway through, the instructor noticed my high level of magical readiness and magical control, and suggested a special way to use the "explosion trap".

　I'm probably the only one in the kingdom who can use this technique.
　At any rate, even the instructor who devised the technique was so intimidated by its danger that he gave up on learning it.

　--"Instant Bomb".

　It became a weapon of unimaginable destruction.

"G-......?

　What was supposed to be a mere stone suddenly exploded, sending Oz flying backwards with great force.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"Now that's ......

"It's an explosive trap. It's a magic you know very well.

　You know the magic well.

"Though I'm not sure how to use it.

　You throw the stone at Oz again.
　They parabolize in midair and explode violently again.
　He quickly activates his "toughness" and quickly retreats, avoiding a direct hit.

I'm not sure if you're throwing ...... rocks at the same time you're activating the explosion trap?

　I'm not just an ex-agency soldier. He seems to have seen through the trick in an instant.
　Oz took our silence as an affirmation and was shocked.

You're an idiot!　If you miss your timing even for a second, you'll blow yourself up!

Yeah, right. ...... In fact, I blew my arm off many times before I got this.

　It turns anything you touch into a bomb. It's a spell called "Improvised Explosive Device".

　This is a spell that is a unique arrangement of the "Explosion Trap" spell.
　Originally, the "Explosion Trap" was a fixed-point spell that exploded upon impact. I cast this spell on a stone and complete it as soon as I throw it.

　If the timing of the completion of the spell is delayed even slightly, you're just throwing a rock, while if the timing is too early, the impact of the throwing will cause it to explode immediately. The key to 《Immediate Bomb》 is that you have to aim at the moment when the target leaves your hand, and complete the magic without any deviation.

　Naturally, I failed many times at first. I've blown my arm off nearly a hundred times. Each time, I was healed by the agency's best healing wizards.
　But I can say it was worth it.

　--The magic bullet.

　It's a spell that can kill most enemies with a single blow if it hits the right spot.
　The "magic bullet" he fired at Oz's forehead was narrowly avoided, as if he had read the line of fire.

　--Instantaneous Blade.

　This is also a magic that can kill an enemy with a single blow if the conditions are right.
　There are only a few people who can learn this spell, which is an adaptation of the close combat spell "materialize. As expected, Oz is not familiar with this spell, and is having a hard time dealing with it.
　Even so, if you can't kill it...

　-- "Improvised explosive device".

　He turns whatever he can find into a bomb and throws it.
　The blast raises a cloud of dust and fills my vision. Meanwhile, I get myself back into position.

　Then it's back to the drawing board.
　Basically, you can defeat the enemy in this loop.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh--!

　But Oz doesn't fit into that basic scheme.
　Oz was hit by an explosion at close range and unleashed a barrage of gunfire.

Don't think you can beat me with that!

I don't think so." "......

　Each shot has the power to turn the tide.
　There's nothing you can do about it.

　--We knew that.

　I'm not sure what you're talking about.
　I've been training in assassination and surprise, while Oz has been training in assault. It is difficult to overturn this difference at the last minute.

　The truth is, I don't stand a chance when I'm fighting one on one like this.
　What I'm doing now is just a bad attempt.

　As I was dodging the gunfire coming at me head-on, it suddenly started raining down on me from above. It seems that when the improvised explosive device created a cloud of dust, it had shot the bullets into the sky beforehand.

"d*mn.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　The mass of magic power that was pouring down was cut down faster than it could be unleashed. This will counteract the overhead bombardment, the "Meteor Gun".

　The other side has the advantage in numbers. Then we have no choice but to focus on the certainty of a single blow.
　Let the flesh cut the bone. With that resolve, I unleashed the Demon Bomb.

"Aah!



　The "magic bullet" shot through Oz's left leg.
　However, he was unable to avoid the frontal bombardment and was wounded as well.

"My leg's crushed--!

　Oz pointed his TD02 at the ground.
　At the same time as the bombardment is unleashed, Oz's body floats into the air and closes in on us. --Oz's body floated in midair, closing in on us.

　He was too late to react and allowed Oz to approach.
　I immediately activated my "toughness" and tried to intercept him, but before I could, Oz had thrust the tip of his TD02 at my forehead.

"...... You had your shot.

　He looked down at me as I fell to one knee, breathing on his shoulder.

I'll take back what I said about my arm being dull. I take back what I said about your arm slowing down. ...... I think it's great that you were able to fight so well in that condition.

......Thanks for that.

　I can't even sleep, I'm fighting under extreme conditions. You can't deny that your condition was terrible, but you can't complain like that in a real battle. Managing your condition is part of the battle.

"I'm not good at interrogation, so I'll only ask once. --Where's the Mize?

　Oz's cold eyes stare at me.
　But I... smile thinly.

"I don't have to tell you.

"Where's ......?

You'll see.

　Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to move. I keep my face down and try to catch my breath.
　That's when Oz saw the black bracelet on my left wrist.

　BF28.
　It's my trump card, my magic tool, but...

It's not ...... real, it's fake.

　Oz says, feeling uncomfortable about the shape of the black bracelet.

　You know what I mean. But it's too late.
　This black bracelet is not a BF28, but a mere accessory purchased from a village stall.



　For about ten minutes.



　For about ten minutes.
　Meescheriadze Arcadia had been watching the battle between Twight and Oz.

"We'll replace the bracelets as soon as I get a shot off.

　Ten minutes ago.
　Toate pointed to his own black bracelet and Mize's, which he had purchased in the village.

"If it's just a matter of swapping them, wouldn't it be faster to make the bracelets with materialization?

No, objects made with materialization can easily fall apart if you lose focus. If you're serious about deception, the real thing is better.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. ...... aim at that little rock. Just get a line of sight on it. I'll guide Oz into that line of fire.

　Twight pointed to a small rock at the end of the horizon. 　

'Don't make the mistake of trying to aim at Oz yourself. If you shift your aim--

"I know, sir.

　Mize nodded curiously.

"I'll do what I can.

　After the strategy meeting was over, Twite and Oz began to engage in battle.
　In the meantime, Mize was lying on the ground, covered with dirt, killing all signs of life.

　No matter how much Toate was hurt.
　Mize kept his mind calm and focused on doing his part.

　BF28's farsightedness crystal kept showing the rocks beyond the horizon.
　But the next moment - Oz appeared in the center of the farsighted crystal.

　--Open both eyes when you aim.

　Remembering Twight's lesson, Mize opens both eyes.

　--Breathe deeply.

　Breathe deeply. Visualize the oxygen traveling to the ends of your body.
　Gently place your finger on the trigger.

　--When you have exhaled half of the oxygen in your lungs, stop breathing.

　Your swaying body will become still.
　After a while, I heard the sound of my heart beating, thump, thump.

　--between beats.

　In that moment when the body is at its most tranquil...


"Pull the trigger.


　There was a small pang, and then...
　A single bullet shot through Oz's body.