"...Ah."

Awakening. Along with a word that sounded like a sigh, bubbles rose up. This was the deepest bottom of another dimension. Common sense of reality did not apply here. A place like a valley between worlds. The reason the surroundings behaved like the seabed was because she "wished to see it that way."

"I... I was sleeping. I see."

Her body remained motionless, lying on the craggy rocks. She had already reached her limit. Transformation magic carves away at both life and soul. This was something many students had demonstrated with their own lives, and it was no longer surprising. Furthermore, the wounds were severe. Her back was likely slashed deep. Her arm was likely broken. She couldn't find her leg. Most of her tentacles were torn, drifting around like white fleshy scraps resembling flower petals.

Gurgle.

Perhaps catching the scent of blood. The extra-dimensional creature—a deep-sea fish with jagged teeth that had done this to her—was heading this way. There was nothing left to do.

"If I had known..."

If I had known. Guest's face came to mind.

"If I had known, I would have... just a little more... faced the things outside the sea..."

She smiled. Guest's face appeared inside the mouth full of jagged teeth that now filled her vision. Oh, this was it. This was the end. I wonder what that person is doing now. Are they getting scolded by the teacher for dozing off again? Are they having breakfast at Mi-chan's cafeteria? Are they having a complicated discussion with Lexa? Are they up to some silly mischief with Sharon? With Alpla... with Gwen, or maybe with another girl...

"I don't like that. Hehe."

She laughs.

Snap.