Brainwashing Magic—it is a magic that only demons of exceptional power among the demon race can use.

As the name suggests, it allows for overwriting the target's perceptions.

Lene had said that such magic had been cast on Shion.

“So, you're saying the reason Shion tried to kill you was because of brainwashing?”

“…Yes, that's right. Through brainwashing magic, that mission was implanted in her.”

“But who would do something like that…”

“Indeed, that's the most concerning part. Can you tell us, Shion?”

If Shion's story was true, then this incident had a mastermind behind it.

Unless they dealt with that presence, they couldn't truly claim the matter was resolved.

That was the reasoning behind the question, but Shion didn’t answer immediately.

“Shion?”

When Lene called her name, Shion flinched slightly.

Then, with a look as if summoning all her courage, she began to speak.

“Before I talk about that… there’s something I need to apologize to you for.”

“……”

“Three years ago. Because of me, you almost died.”

The one who reacted to Shion's confession was Leeshia.

“What do you mean by that? Wasn’t the incident three years ago also forcibly caused by brainwashing magic, just like this time?”

“…No. I was brainwashed after that. So… on that day, the one who put you in danger was none other than me.”

To those words, Lene responded in a gentle voice.

“Then, will you tell us? What happened to you on that day?”

“…Alright, I’ll tell you.”

Shion slowly began to recount the events of that day—

◇◆◇

Shion’s occupation was Puppeteer, a class often referred to as an unfortunate one by others.

Nevertheless, she had persevered without giving up, and her efforts bore fruit. She became capable of controlling up to three mid-sized puppets simultaneously.

She had also undergone various types of training to be effective in a support role.

As a result, she had earned Lene's recognition and was living her days as a member of the Hero’s Party, a group hailed as the strongest in history.

For Shion, those days were more fulfilling than anything.

That’s why, on that day—the day they first challenged the sixth level of the Septem Great Labyrinth—she believed they could conquer it as usual.

However—

“Hey, this Hydra… it doesn’t seem like a normal one…!”

When they confronted the Hydra awaiting them at the deepest part of the sixth level, the magic swordsman in the party muttered in confusion.

Shion quickly understood why.

Their party had previously defeated an A-rank monster, a Hydra.

But the Hydra before them was unmistakably different.

Its number of heads, the size of each one, and its overwhelming presence.

Everything about it indicated that this creature was far more powerful than any they had faced before.

When Shion felt more than ten pairs of golden eyes fixate on them, she had a gut feeling.

They couldn’t win against this enemy.

Even if they fought with all their strength, the outcome would be defeat.

And death.

The thought of wanting to survive at any cost emerged in Shion’s mind.

That said, similar situations had occurred many times before.

As the weakest member of the party, Shion’s fear of the enemy was always the greatest.

Yet, Lene, as the leader, always rallied the members, and they had overcome despair time and time again.

This time should have been no different.

However, something unexpected happened.

As Shion despaired before the Hydra, a strange voice echoed in her mind.

【Breaking Through Conditions Met】
【Puppeteer Evolved to Puppet Master】
【Derived From Magic Supply: Magic Creation Acquired】
【Derived From Magic Thread Manipulation: Self-Act Acquired】
【Base Stats Improved】

“What… is this?”

Shion was bewildered by the sudden event.

But the real shock was yet to come.

“Ah! Something’s grabbing my leg… a puppet?”
“Hey, Shion! What are you doing? Get this thing off me!”
“———”

For some reason, the puppets began moving on their own, without Shion’s commands.

And the problem lay in their actions.

Instead of confronting the Hydra, they restrained her party members.

Shion was thrown into confusion.

“What is this? What’s happening? …No! This isn’t the time to think about that! Everyone, get away from Lene and the others!”

But the puppets ignored her commands.

As if acting on their own will, they continued to trap Lene and the others.

“…I have no choice.”

Lene forcefully shook off the puppet that was clinging to her.

Then, she ran off to rescue the remaining two members.

Meanwhile, the puppet that Lene had shaken off astonishingly came toward Shion, lifted her slender body, and held her aloft.

Perhaps because it was a fighter-type puppet.

Even though it was mid-sized, it had enough strength to carry Shion’s body.

It began running away from the Hydra, carrying her.

“What are you doing?! Put me down! I can’t be the only one to escape!”
“……”

However, the puppet didn’t obey.

It silently carried Shion away.

Shion’s frail strength was no match for the puppet’s power.

“———Why?”

As she was carried away by the puppet, the last sight that filled her vision was Lene shielding the two remaining party members from the Hydra’s poison.