The Climb to the Tower
Four intruders cut through the Dark Forest to reach the Tower, and one of them is fired over the barrier in a cannon of ice.
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Journey from Chiseido
Sawano, Yuki, Kimiko, and Reiko leave the school region to recover Ryuji from the Tower. They cross the Dark Forest of Eterna, fight through a goblin camp, and kill its hobgoblin king. Reiko explains that the absence of monsters nearer the summit is caused by the Tower's overwhelming mana.
Breaching the summit
The group finds a five-storey fortress behind a black steel fence and two enormous barriers. Reiko builds an ice cannon and Kimiko provides the impact that launches Sawano toward an upper balcony. The barrier admits her because its master has weakened it, and she crashes through the doors.
Reunion
Sawano finds Ryuji with Haruka. Startled by his changed appearance, she retreats and wounds him emotionally before returning to apologise and embrace him. When Shun arrives, Ryuji shields Sawano. Suzu repairs the damaged balcony, but the reunion leaves the larger conflict over Ryuji's captivity unresolved.
Published-story boundary
This article includes information published through Volume II, Chapter 17, “Love & Loyalty.” Events from Chapter 18 onward remain undisclosed.