《Code Worlds —The Resurgence After the Fall—》 Chapter 1.0 ¡°Sonoka, Chidori, you must survive!¡± ¡°Mother, no!¡± Sonoka¡ªaged eight¡ªtried to escape from the closet her mother had just shoved herself and her twin sister Chidori into. Yet, her mother would not have it as she firmly closed the door and barred it shut with a wooden batten. Soon, her children could only hear her fading footsteps as she evacuated the building to check the damage outside and wait for an opportunity. The closet she had hidden her children in was a specially reinforced furnishing she had constructed in her house as an emergency hideout for her children as she did not once consider making it large enough to fit herself into it; she never thought that she would have to use it as a result of an alien invasion. As she listened to her mother¡¯s receding footfalls, Sonoka dug around her memories, recalling the ¡°2012 phenomenon¡± where many people thought the world would reach its prophesied end as it was the final year in some ancient culture¡¯s calendar¡ªshe couldn¡¯t remember which one. All she knows is that today¡¯s date¡ªDecember 21, 2012¡ªwas the date of that supposed cataclysm. Many people thought it was bogus¡ªSonoka thought so as well¡ªhowever, with the invasion of what cannot be described as anything but unintelligent aliens beginning to decimate humanity, Sonoka began to believe that maybe that ancient culture was right. Maybe they were justified to believe in the advent of the endtimes. Maybe they were justified to believe in an upheaval of the current world order. Maybe they were justified to believe in the hubris of mankind going too far. Perhaps maybe¡­ ¡­ this was humanity¡¯s punishment. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ It was perhaps one full hour before Sonoka stopped hearing divine retribution. With her sleeping sister (who cried so much that she lost consciousness) in her arms, Sonoka waited with bated breath. Ten minutes later, she heard footsteps and squeezed so far back into the closet that she might as well have vanished into the walls. She was worried that she and her sister would be unable to fulfill the last promise to their mother. Contrary to her fears¡ª ¡°Sonoka, Chidori, are you okay?¡± ¡°Mom!?¡± Careful not to disturb her unconscious sister, she crawled to the door and tapped gently. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± her mother replied, opening the closet and welcoming the child-shaped rocket crashing into her. There was less force than what she was used to, however. ¡°Chidori?¡± ¡°She cried herself to sleep,¡± Sonoka said. ¡°I kept her close.¡± ¡°You¡¯re such a good girl, Sonoka,¡± her mother cooed, patting her atop her head. ¡°That¡¯s what all big sisters should do. Just like I protect you two, you have to protect your sister.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± she nodded as she happily accepted the warm headpats. ¡°But, Mom, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°I think¡­ it would be best for you to see for yourself.¡± Sonoka nodded, gently rousing her sister Chidori awake and reassuring her that they were okay. As an additional measure, their mother hugged them close before holding their hands and leading them outside and away from their hiding place. The house they lived in was mostly decimated with the only items remaining intact being the closet they hid in and the doorframe of the front door. Upon taking her first steps outside, Sonoka forgot to breathe. What she saw¡ª Sonoka¡¯s first memory was being born in a particularly high-end hospital of Shibuya Ward. She was delivered normally alongside her fraternal twin sister and then raised by their single mother. While she had yet to understand, her mother made only a middle-class income yet was able to afford a high-end mansion in Minato Ward¡ªthis is due to the regular ¡°donations¡± she received from a certain someone who she later learned was her father. Unfortunately, her mother would refuse to tell Sonoka or Chidori their father¡¯s identity¡ªthey simply only know that to their mother, their father was an ¡®angel that blessed her that one night.¡¯ No matter how much she pleaded and begged, her mother would simply gently poke her on the forehead and insist that she¡¯ll tell her next time. Despite still only being eight, Sonoka¡¯s experience attending school told her that she didn¡¯t belong. The treatment she received from her classmates was simply transparently malicious. While their house was magnificent, Sonoka didn¡¯t have much else¡ªher mother was frugal with her money and Sonoka understood why. As she was a child, she had yet to truly understand the value of money but even she was old enough to comprehend that money could both hold a family together and break it apart, as she could occasionally see with some of her classmates. As such, when Sonoka gazed at the destruction with her own eyes, she could only laugh under her breath. So much wealth, squandered by her overly affluent neighbors yet essentially nothing survived the end of the world. Even now, Sonoka could spy those animal-like entities of varying shapes and sizes roaming the sky, blasting high-powered lasers every which way and searing through anything in its path. With their mother firmly holding their hands, Sonoka found herself led to what appears to be a specially constructed bomb shelter a few blocks away from their ruined home. Upon arriving, their mother conversed with the person guarding the door who regarded her and her children with pity; this man was one of their mother¡¯s few friends, occasionally babysitting herself and her sister. He reassured her that there was plenty for everyone. Stolen story; please report. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Before Sonoka knew it, it was already early February the year after. Despite spring being right around the corner, it did not feel like spring was coming as not only did the Honkai decimate infrastructure but they also interfered with global weather patterns. Around the world, abnormal cold snaps have sent temperatures plummeting¡ªthe proof was in the blizzard that swept through the periscope of a window she was looking through. The bomb shelter she was currently in was constructed by their mother¡¯s friend who was paranoid about the end times¡ªhe would ironically be accurate in his mad ravings. It was located beneath his mansion¡¯s basement and it was built to last for a long time as all sorts of necessities were prepared, including food, water, and toiletries. Occasionally, Sonoka was allowed to leave the shelter with the supervision of the young man and while it was still mostly chaotic outside, survivors like herself can eke out a living. Sonoka¡¯s favorite pastime was when the young man would take her down to the shore and teach her how to handle a fishing rod; sometimes, all they ate was fish as with both Sonoka and the young man fishing, they would together catch a veritable feast. This time too was like all the other times, a short period of peace in between the world¡¯s endtimes. ¡°Uncle, it sure is a beautiful day to fish!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve said it, Sonoka-chan,¡± he beamed, hoisting his rod. ¡°Let¡¯s bring in some tuna for your sister!¡± ¡°Chidori should come too¡­¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped¡ªshe¡¯s terrified of fish slime.¡± ¡°You can just wash it off¡­¡± ¡°As expected of the big sister. You really are a strong one, Sonoka-chan.¡± ¡°I have to be¡ªMother¡¯s keeping us together. I can¡¯t be worrying her by being a little girl anymore. I have to grow up.¡± ¡°¡­¡± To that, the gentleman could only manage a sad smile. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ¡°Mr. Tsarnaev, are you sure?¡± The onyx-haired Caucasian nodded at the lead researcher¡¯s question. ¡°Please, Professor, I know this may sound far-fetched¡ªhell, it sounded far-fetched in my head. However, I believe that this is the only way forward. They came from wherever they call home, intending to kill us all¡ªlet¡¯s use their fallen brethren against them. Besides, if we study them, perhaps we can finally perfect cryonics for global use.¡± The professor still had a disapproving expression, however, he soon relented with a sad sigh. ¡°I suppose you do have a point. If we can discover what makes these entities beat, then perhaps¡ª¡± Standing astride a capsule holding a preserved human, the young man recalled the past. It was only half a year ago when Dzhokhar Tsarnaev proposed his insane plan to use the Honkai for humanity¡¯s survival¡ªin fact, he still considers himself loony for suggesting it. However, it was far too late for it to be taken back as he had already perfected cryonics. Even now, he was looking at the first clinical trials on a living human. He was now sure more than ever that his out-of-the-box idea was the only way forward and the remaining great scientific minds seemed to agree as his achievements earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Unfortunately due to the state of the world, he was unable to fully appreciate the experience, seeing as the award procedures had to be immensely abridged due to the lack of available personnel for the proceedings; the general collapse of international travel also prevented him from traveling to Stockholm where he would have received his prize. Not long after Dzhokhar¡¯s breakthroughs in the field of cryonics in early December, the remaining world leaders decided that all children under the age of eighteen were to be put to sleep to preserve them for the future. Dzhokhar had long since publicized his research and findings in the hopes that other countries would be able to reproduce his works, however, as a college student studying in Japan, he is forced to focus his efforts on the country he lives in. Mass production had proceeded smoothly but he was unsure about the distribution of the technology now that most of humanity¡¯s infrastructure had collapsed. He felt his chest constrict at the thought of being unable to save those he cannot reach. Nevertheless, Dzhokhar steeled himself upon seeing the young girl¡¯s face through the capsule windows. I have to work hard for the sake of the remaining children I can reach¡­ That is my mission. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ It was a few days before the new year following the Fall¡ªthe name given to the endtimes¡ªthat Sonoka and her family heard the news of Dr. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev¡¯s medical breakthroughs. The announcement that cryonic technology was perfected and that all children were to be evacuated put a smile on her mother¡¯s face. However, this news was nothing but disastrous to Sonoka. No matter how much she asked her mother to reconsider, she found herself rebuffed. Even now, she continued begging her mother to change her mind as she was led down the hall of a relatively intact hospital complex; her mother bringing them here was so sudden, she was unable to say goodbye to her mother¡¯s friend, their benefactor. As she passed by the rooms, she could see other families saying their goodbyes which further kindled in Sonoka the drive to stay with her mother. Her sister, Chidori, could only silently cry; her timidity prevented her from speaking her mind like Sonoka can, so Sonoka spoke for her too. Their mother soon talked with the presiding nurse who arranged for their pods. ¡°Listen, Sonoka, Chidori. I, as your mother, do not wish for you to live in a destroyed world like this. You must trust my judgement on this and have a restful sleep. I promise you that we will meet again when the world is better.¡± ¡°But Mother¡ª¡± ¡°No ¡®buts,¡¯ my sweet,¡± she replied, silencing her with a finger. ¡°Come, the nice nurse has to put something in you.¡± She led her two daughters by the hand to the nurse who asked them both to climb into the two hospital beds, facing down. She spoke to them in a mild tone as she explained what she was about to do while gently rearranging their hair to expose their napes. Sonoka sucked her breath in as she felt something enter her neck. Her mother soothingly held her hand which calmed Sonoka¡¯s raging heart. The nurse finished what she was doing before informing Sonoka¡¯s mother about the necessary next steps in the procedure. Sonoka got up from the bed and reached for the back of her neck, wondering what the nurse put in her. She felt something hard, shaped like a small rectangle¡ªperhaps four centimeters wide and two centimeters tall. ¡°What did she put in me?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t really get it myself but it¡¯s apparently a regulator for when you¡¯re put to sleep. Speaking of which, it¡¯s time for me to go.¡± ¡°Mother¡ª?!¡± ¡°Sorry but I¡¯m not allowed to accompany you further.¡± She got to her knees to hug her two daughters. ¡°I promise you, we will see each other again. Now, be good girls and go take a nap.¡± The nurse pointedly kept herself invisible as she gave the family the space for their parting moments. Sonoka couldn¡¯t help but cry which was soon followed by her little sister breaking out in tears as well¡ªtheir mother too began sniffling. ¡°Always know this, Sonoka, Chidori. No matter how much time has passed, remember that I will always, always, always love you.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Sonoka never stopped looking back as she was led away by the nurse. She burnt the sight of her mother¡¯s tearful yet happy face into her memories, earnestly praying that she may see it again¡ª ¡ªyet that was not what would come to pass. When Sonoka next awoke from within the capsule with nothing but her still-wet hair hiding her eight-year-old nubile body, she was surrounded by strangers of all ages and genders. One of them looked familiar but Sonoka was sure her memories were playing tricks on her as she could not have met anyone while she was sleeping. Her confusion only grew as the assembly gave her a greeting, one that would drastically shape her life. ¡°Your Imperial Highness, the Empire¡¯s uttermost eminent Evening Star, we are most graciously thankful for your return.¡± Chapter 1.1 4 April, Shinku 19¡ªotherwise, AD 2072. 0922. Aboard the Kazuiu racing across the Shin-Sannomiya Tokyo Line. The scenery outside the window slowly began to focus within Sonoka¡¯s vision. She could tell that the Kazuiu was pulling into the Sannomiya Station as she closed her eyes to focus her mind. She waited patiently for the train to stop vibrating and when it did, immediately straightened her black military-style school uniform¡ªmodified to accommodate a black hakama¡ªand extricated herself from her seat. Moving to exit the lavishly decorated car, a voice from behind her drawled in a relaxed manner, ¡°Would it hurt not to relax yourself for a bit longer? You didn¡¯t have to get up right away.¡± ¡°Surely you jest, Ayato. As student representatives, we should always strive to be punctual¡ªnay, earlier than punctual. This much is expected from me.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, of course, it is as you say, oh great Saintess.¡± At that, Sonoka shot him a disapproving glare (well, as much of a disapproving glare as her expressionless visage could convey) and Ayato held up his hands in surrender; however, his expression did not imply that he was sorry for the verbal jab. She sighed under her breath as she held her prized katana at her side before exiting the train. Of course, as expected of a student of her station, the accompanying couriers had already gotten to work, escorting both Sonoka and Ayato down the train¡¯s steps and onto the platform. Sonoka thanked the workers who all bowed before returning to attention and saluting. ¡°No matter how many times I see it, you really do command such majesty. Should I start calling you ¡®Princess Imperial?¡¯¡± Sonoka adjusted her uniform¡¯s collar, a habit she gained displaying her internal turmoil. ¡°Stop it. They¡¯re merely showing their respect to us. Besides, it would hardly be respectful for me to assume such a title. I am not the Lady Kanayoshi, the actual princess imperial.¡± ¡°Right, right, that is the cover story, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Ayato, you should know better than anyone that there is a reason for this.¡± ¡°Of course, of course.¡± ¡°Besides, they are saluting to you as well¡ªisn¡¯t that right, Substitute Head Student Representative of Tokyo-san?¡± ¡°Ugh, stop it, you know I hate being referred to by the full title.¡± ¡°Get used to it. After all, we¡¯re here to attend the Defense Liaison Conference.¡± ¡°What a slag of a meeting¡­¡± Ayato mumbled as he pocketed his hands into his military-grade black pants. He glanced at the decorated blade resting at Sonoka¡¯s waist, asking, ¡°Don¡¯t you get tired from having your Second Substantiation active at all times?¡± ¡°It makes for excellent training for my Qualidea if I could be biased to my own experience,¡± Sonoka replied. ¡°You should try it too.¡± ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good. I¡¯m pretty proud of my Psion reserves so I could probably manage somewhat but yours is on a different planet entirely. Where exactly do you store these ludicrous amounts?¡± He shrugged affectedly before his gaze settled on Sonoka¡¯s chest. To say there was nothing there¡­ was a lie but there certainly wasn¡¯t much. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t even say anything!¡± Ayato laughed as he looked away. Yeah, definitely not in there (lol). ¡°That¡¯s enough clowning around, Ayato-dono.¡± A cold voice from behind threatened to slice through the offending young man and Ayato exaggeratedly threw up his hands in surrender. The girl, whose face was hidden from view by a black veil yet had unmistakably blonde locks peeking through the fabric, approached the pair, hoisting a decorated parasol. ¡°Aaaaaand here comes another serious one.¡± ¡°The fact that you aren¡¯t is an embarrassment, Ayato-san,¡± the fourth representative¡ªthat is, Sonoka¡¯s twin, Chidori¡ªinterjected. ¡°We have the school¡¯s honor and title as the strongest Academy to defend.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, I just have to invoke my Second Substantiation?¡± What a drag. While it was indeed a pain in the ass, Ayato found no good reason not to follow his friends as he too was proud of the fact that he was attending Tokyo Preparatory Academy, the undisputed mightiest of the three Academies. As such, he muttered, ¡°Second Substantiation¡ªBinary Phase: Nigen¡¯isou.¡± Quietly clapping his hands together, he opened them up, and in between, grew two blades. Grasping them before they fell to the ground, he mounted them to his waist where a set of fittings that weren¡¯t there before had appeared in conjunction with his blades. It was at this point that the four students arrived at a security checkpoint in front of a pair of escalators that would bring them to Hotel Renascentia, an extravagant five-star post-modern-apocalypse establishment that both serves as a luxury hotel as well as the main office headquarters of the South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference. For most of the year, the hotel was empty; it was only during the biannual meetings of the Defense Liaison Conference that there is activity. This checkpoint the four students were standing in front of was the only way in and out of the Greater Sannomiya Complex¡ªthere is no other entrance as there was nothing in the plans for such when this construction project was naught but schematics and blueprints (there are, of course, multiple emergency exits but they are designed to be impossible to access from outside). The officer manning the checkpoint saluted Ayato and Sonoka¡ªthe leading pair¡ªbefore the two stepped into a glass box where they were then subsequently scanned. Sonoka moved excess hair away from her neck to give the scanner access to her Code, implanted on her nape¡ªAyato, meanwhile, simply stood up straight as his impeccable cut left no loose strands to interfere with his (except for his school uniform¡¯s high collar but that is a non-issue). After the scan was completed, the two¡¯s profiles were displayed on the screen¡ªpersonal data recorded on their Codes, including identification numbers and photographs, their names, their registered epithets, their current rankings¡ªboth internal and overall¡ªtheir Qualideas, their Qualidea Suppression Percentages, contact information¡ªboth personal information and emergency contacts¡ªand short detailed assessments of the identified persons. After checking that everything was correct, the officer saluted. ¡°Thanks again for your service, Ayato-kun, Lady Sonoka. I hear you two took care of another case on your way here.¡± ¡°But of course, Sir. It is only through your grueling efforts that we students in the combat curriculum can focus solely on the eradication of those accursed Honkai.¡± ¡°It is as Ayato says. We are always reassured to have such dependable adults managing the background.¡± ¡°Yet, regardless of that, you never manage to be late. Your meeting is at 0930 and despite spending the time to deal with a disturbance, you¡¯ve made it here five minutes prior.¡± ¡°If anything, I am more than a little disappointed that we¡¯ve made it that close.¡± ¡°Look on the bright side¡ªat least, we¡¯re not late.¡± ¡°As always, you two are harmonious. Well, Ayato-kun, have you made any progress?¡± As the security officer grinned cheekily, Ayato responded with his own smug smirk. ¡°Oh, yes, her lips are qui¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Sonoka cut Ayato off with a sharp stab with the pommel of her blade into his side before she huffed away, her gait slightly faster than usual. ¡°Gossip is a fine way to destress but please don¡¯t use me as your material.¡± The officer said nothing further but internally smiled as he spied a healthy light flushing across Sonoka¡¯s cheeks. As always, there is no one more fit for Lady Sonoka than Ayato-kun. I¡¯m glad that she has found an ideal partner. The proceedings for the pair behind them finished smoothly and all four began ascending the escalator together. The young lady with the parasol inquired, ¡°You don¡¯t suppose you know what¡¯s on the itinerary for this meeting¡¯s discourse, President?¡± ¡°Hmm. If memory serves, the first point of discussion is a review of the current overall rankings.¡± Ayato chortled, ¡°Pfft, as if there would be any changes. If there were, it¡¯d be all over Eclipser by now. The Round Table changing seats is big enough to be historic.¡± ¡°If you mean the upper half, then yes,¡± the parasol girl replied. ¡°The lower half has a higher tendency to switch hands. After all, the power gap between us and them widens, albeit not by that much. I, the Seventh Seat, and you, the Eighth Seat, are the closest to reaching President and Vice-President in the upper ranks.¡± ¡°Let us not discount the Ninth Seat¡ªwhile she still requires further refinement, she possesses the talent to rise and become a higher Seatholder,¡± Chidori, the named holder of the Eighth Seat, suggested. ¡°Ho? Who do you suggest give up their Seat?¡± ¡°Why, it would be you, of course.¡± ¡°Oh, please, you have yet to best me once in a sanctioned duel. Why do you think I am the Seventh Seat while you are the Eighth Seat?¡± ¡°Alright, alright, that¡¯s enough, you two. My head hurts already without you two being at each other¡¯s throats.¡± ¡°I will serve as referee in a mock duel once we finish today¡¯s meeting¡ªplease, do leave your differences at the foot of this escalator. Besides, for you to enter the first half of the Round Table, you¡¯d have to defeat Sir Seraphiel or Saori the Adjudicator.¡± The two girls glared at each other but conceded to Ayato and Sonoka¡¯s requests. The timing was rather perfect, as they now approached the sliding glass entrance. Hotel Renascentia¡¯s lobby was impeccably decorated with the most priceless of commodities, including antiques that have survived the Fall, ¡°antiques¡± of items created in the fifty-some years since, and contemporary decorations¡ªall of which combined to paint an ambiance that made even those with no interest in art enthralled. Of course, outliers still exist, usually in the form of Ayato Yamaki who does appreciate the installations but has relatively little attraction past that. Said nonappreciating student quipped, ¡°As always, I kinda feel sorry for the staff who have to run around like crazy to accommodate us.¡± The blonde girl shrugged. ¡°Well, they¡¯re excited to greet us? I mean, this establishment is more or less a ghost town for most of the year¡ªthe only ¡®work¡¯ they get to do is when we¡¯re here for our biannual meetings.¡± ¡°The entire top floor is rearranged completely too. Did they include that overly excessive ¡®mode switch¡¯ in the plans, Aneue?¡± If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Chairman Amatsuki has told me that it was. While it is indeed unnecessarily large, it was to accommodate all of us and all those massive computer monitors. Truly a luxury high-rise penthouse apartment exclusively for us.¡± ¡°My favorite part has got to be that rooftop garden. It¡¯s the only part of the top floor to actually be open to the outside in both modes¡ªif memory serves, the garden is connected to the Tsukuyomi Suite?¡± ¡°I agree. Can you believe all that room on the top floor is just for two suites?¡± Ayato replied to his blonde classmate, approving of her tastes. He then approached the retinal scanner where the system registered him as someone with permission to use the express elevator before the doors opened and he stepped inside. Everyone after him followed suit as despite the doors being open, there was a Psion barrier that would stop anyone from attempting to enter without having had their biometrics thoroughly checked beforehand. ¡°This elevator too. It¡¯s high-tech¡ªcrazy awesome.¡± ¡°It¡¯s thanks to us that this was built quickly in so little time. We get some pretty big bonuses for our help too. After all, this view is spectacular no matter how many times I see it.¡± Outside the now-transparent elevator shaft as indicated by the parasol-hoisting girl, a panoramic scene of the crystal clear water of the Tokyo Bay showed itself to the four students. The four sighed in unison as they all unanimously agreed to enjoy the view, with the calming music playing further enhancing the experience. The idyllic trip up the skyscraper slowed to a stop as a ping announced their arrival on the top floor. When the steel doors opened, a glass canopy greeted them while slightly further down the open corridor, were the three seating areas for the conference meeting. ¡°Would you look at that, the others are here already.¡± ¡°About time~! I thought you weren¡¯t going to come today!¡± A peppy voice shouted at them from one of the three seating areas. The bearer of the voice then proceeded to leave their seat and merrily make their way over. The speaker was dressed smartly, in a chokingly formal-wear modified version of the standard school uniform of Chiba Preparatory Academy. Gold buttons decorated the front with other gold embellishments enhancing the uniform elsewhere, physical proof of their many merits. Their usually-closed eyes opened to reveal a piercing serpentine gold; despite knowing that he could cancel out the power of those eyes, Ayato still instinctively felt himself tensing up as the student made a beeline for him. ¡°Ya-ho, Ayato-kun! Whoa, did you pack on more muscle over the last six months!?¡± ¡°Erm, I wouldn¡¯t think so,¡± Ayato replied, barely stopping himself from stammering. The smartly dressed girl¡ªor well, person¡ªin front of him was Kaoruko Himeno, incumbent student body president and Head Student Representative of Chiba Prefecture. While Kaoruko¡¯s data in the system lists their gender as ¡°male,¡± they speak and act like a woman, their feminine body shape further accentuating that image. Kaoruko is quite talkative and has told everyone about their strange physiology¡ª¡°intersex¡± is the best way to describe them as they developed atypical sexual organs and personality traits due to a certain genetic anomaly at birth. Despite their unique bodily traits, Kaoruko has no problem fitting in. Case in point¡ªnow. ¡°You sure? You seem bulkier...¡± Kaoruko started feeling up Ayato¡¯s arm, trying to gauge his muscle mass. ¡°Hmm... Yeah, you seem to have a bit more muscle! Man, you¡¯re so hot! Please take me!¡± Kaoruko threw their arms around Ayato¡¯s neck and moved to kiss him but¡ª ¡°I would appreciate it if you would keep away from my partner.¡± Sonoka¡¯s sharp voice cut through the romantic air as she jabbed the pommel of her blade into Kaoruko¡¯s chin, knocking their head back. Of course, Kaoruko was quick to let go, backflipping before they were struck by the pommel and cackling, after closing their eyes, ¡°Aha, good to see you too, Sword Saintess-sama. What¡¯s wrong¡ªyou seem extra grouchy today.¡± ¡°Realize that this is all your fault, Chiba Head Representative Kaoruko-dono.¡± ¡°Ouch, so prickly! Loosen up, Sono-chii!¡± ¡°If y¡¯all are done with flirting over there, then get over here already!¡± hollered a spirited voice. ¡°Meeting¡¯s not gonna start if you nutjobs aren¡¯t in place~¡± ¡°Shut it, Seraphiel,¡± Ayato retorted. ¡°Don¡¯t deny that you enjoy being in the peanut gallery.¡± ¡°Mmn, that¡¯s true¡­ It takes a nutjob to know one~¡± ¡°Dude, you wanna go!?¡± ¡°Sure, why not? A little exercise never hurt anyone~¡± The egging student stood up from his seat and began stretching, his Psionic output elevating. In response, Ayato too began emitting his own as he stormed over to the conference table, hand on his blade ready to draw at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°Alright, you two, settle down or I¡¯ll tack on one thousand demerits each to your tabs.¡± A severe voice cut into the room, the force of which had Ayato and the student he was arguing with return to a resting state. Wordlessly, everyone present seated themselves and turned their attention to the three massive floating air windows above them as they relaxed themselves. Immediately, they were waited on by three maids, who brought work implements such as pen and paper, and refreshments. ¡°Right on schedule. In that case, let¡¯s begin the one hundred and thirteenth South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference.¡± Here, at this meeting, assembled the twelve knights who hold seats in the Round Table Conference Commission. The venerable First Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Arthur¡ªthe Saintess of Clockworks, Sonoka Tenkawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Time. The all-shaking Second Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Galahad¡ªApollyon, Saiki Tokiyo, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Annihilation. The inquisitive Third Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Lancelot¡ªMockingbird, Ayato Yamaki, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Imitation. The coiling Fourth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Gaheris¡ªEssence of Serpent, Kaoruko Himeno, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Corruption. The untameable Fifth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Agravain¡ªAdjudicator, Saori Furukawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Binding. The luminescent Sixth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Palamades¡ªSeraphiel, Kagemori Kirigiri, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Light. The gravitating Seventh Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Gawain¡ªPressure Tempest, Mirabelle Trezequet, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Force. The shapeshifting Eighth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Ywain¡ªMedium of Celestials, Chidori Tenkawa, otherwise known as the Herrscher of the Zodiac. The elementalist Ninth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Percival¡ªNuclear Blademaster, Azumi Higashikuni, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Elements. The storming Tenth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Tristan¡ªAtmospheric Spiral, Hajime Wakaizumi, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Winds. The freezing Eleventh Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Gaheris¡ªIcicle Lancer, Banri Yuizaki, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Ice. The fiery Twelfth Seat¡ªwho goes by the alias of Sir Dynadan¡ªHeat Haze, Kazunari Zaizen, otherwise known as the Herrscher of Flame. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ¡°While we have yet only a single example to choose from, should we change the format of the Star Warrior Festivals as suggested by our constituents?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead and display it on the screen¡ªthe results of the poll taken over the course of the last week. As you can see¡ª¡± All those present laid their eyes upon a pie chart titled ¡®General Opinions of the Star Warrior Festival, Its Management, and Future Events.¡¯ An overwhelming majority¡ª97% of those who took the survey¡ªwere satisfied with the Star Warrior Festival and were eager to see more. ¡°There are some opinions on how to better manage the festival proper but many are immensely satisfied with the event itself and would like to see more.¡± Chairman Amatsuki nodded at his deputy¡¯s analysis, adding, ¡°In that case, we should keep it as is. This year will mark the second season and the second Binary Star Festival¡ªspeaking of such, the survey also wants to make the Festival a semiannual event.¡± Sonoka crossed her arms as she quickly perused the data shown to her at this current time and internally reviewed the meeting¡¯s progress since the beginning. The conference started as normal with updates on the seatholders of the Round Table Conference Commission (there weren¡¯t any, of course, although Atmospheric Spiral and Icicle Lancer had swapped seats once again) and an overview on the number of merits held by the Round Table. As its head, Sonoka ranked first within her own school and the overall rankings while possessing a truly unrivaled amount of merits, totalling 12,070,000. Far and away were the second and third in line with Saiki Tokiyo having 986,865 and Ayato Yamaki having 985,500 followed by Kaoruko Himeno¡¯s 966,669, Saori Furukawa¡¯s 960,800, Kagemori Kirigiri¡¯s 948,480, Mirabelle Trezequet¡¯s 945,070, Chidori Tenkawa¡¯s 944,900, Azumi Higashikuni¡¯s 942,600, Hajime Wakaizumi¡¯s 930,050, Banri Yuizaki¡¯s 923,200, and Kazunari Zaizen¡¯s 919,750. After the merit count review, the overall standings of the three schools of the Academy superproject were revealed with no changes as Tokyo has always pulled ahead. Forecasts of future Honkai invasions based on careful pattern analysis of previous invasion frequency were discussed before moving on to the most important item on the menu, the evaluation of the Star Warrior Festival¡¯s performance and whether or not to continue the ¡°experiment"¡ªas it was considered when the idea was first suggested. Uncrossing her arms, Sonoka gave her opinion. ¡°I oppose the suggestion. The Star Warrior Festival is an event where one demonstrates their martial prowess. Rather than change the format to something our students are unfamiliar with, it should be kept as fixed as possible to keep the event¡¯s goal unchanged¡ªthat is, the showcase of individual students¡¯ martial prowesses.¡± ¡°I concur,¡± Kaoruko added. ¡°¡®Sides, there¡¯s the cultural festival if you miss out or don¡¯t qualify. It holds smaller events for those people. Of course, there¡¯s still some regulations to prevent unsolicited duels but they should behave until the next Star Warrior Festival. Holding such festivities too often would detract from our main goal of annihilating the Honkai.¡± ¡°Hmm, what do you say, Chairman?¡± ¡°If both Saintess of Clockworks and Essence of Serpent object, then I see no problem but... Tsuguko, can¡¯t you call me ¡®Dear¡¯ as you always do?¡± ¡°Chairman, as I¡¯ve told you multiple times, we are on record. Such affectionate language has no place in this conference.¡± ¡°Ah, there they go again,¡± Ayato muttered under his breath. It was a well-known fact that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairwoman are husband and wife and that Chairman Suenaga Amatsuki is exceedingly affectionate towards his spouse¡ªby contrast, Deputy Chairwoman Tsuguko Amatsuki was rarely seen being affectionate towards her spouse in public (of course, it¡¯s an open secret that she is affectionate behind closed doors). Before it got worse, Ayato cut in, ¡°Chairman, what of this issue here?¡± He created a small shadow of a finger and manipulated it to circle a section of the survey that interested him. ¡°Ah, the concern about how the competition would be uninteresting if the Round Table participates? Hmm. That cannot be addressed so simply.¡± ¡°Mm, that¡¯s just how things are~ As much fun as it¡¯d be to join in alongside our juniors, it¡¯d be more akin to us trampling upon them as if mere gravel and pebble, no?¡± ¡°¡®Mere gravel to tread upon,¡¯ you say? In that case, do me the honor of being my path... Oh wait, you¡¯re hardly one at all, Sixth Seat.¡± ¡°Bold words for a mere copycat~ Perhaps I should take that Third Seat for myself after all¡­¡± Once again, Ayato and the head Kanagawa representative raised their hackles, the pressure from their respective Psionic reserves rattling the teacups on the tables. Both reached for their signature weapons¡ªAyato for his katana at his waist and the head Kanagawa representative for the intricate golden halberd laying at his side¡ªand were about to leave their seats when a sudden blast from the middle of their assembly stayed their hands. The maids quickly retrieved the disturbed teacups before they shattered against the floor and the clear glass canopy above them creaked under the pressure of the Round Table¡¯s strongest¡ªthe First Seat, Sonoka Tenkawa. ¡°You two... I am sure I do not need to remind you about what would happen if you draw blades here, yes?¡± Having been interrupted from her reverie to give her opinion concerning the immense gap in power levels in those participating in the Star Warrior Festivals, Sonoka opened her eyes, revealing that both of her irides had morphed into clockfaces¡ªone ticking forward, one ticking backward. She had also raised her sword from where she was resting it in her lap and thumbed the tsuba, indicating her intent to draw if necessary. ¡°¡ªBe glad that you¡¯ll keep your place, Sixth Seat.¡± ¡°Mmm, alright. Just remember; your days are numbered, Third Seat~¡± ¡°Hah, then come! You have yet to defeat me in an official duel.¡± ¡°Simply because I felt it was too early to hand you a thrashing~.¡± With those verbal jabs, both boys settled down¡ªseeing this, Sonoka too closed her eyes, returning them to normal. The pressure emanating from the strongest Arbiter also passed with the maids returning to their waiting duties. This earned a whistle of appreciation from Chairman Amatsuki. ¡°Well, well, to think I would bear witness to Chronos Lock: Continuance Inversion outside of battle. I see that this conference will never fail to amuse. Now, moving on¡ªjudging from your reactions, I will assume we will do nothing concerning the leveling of the playing field between contestants in the Star Warrior Festivals, correct?¡± Sonoka gave voice to her proposal. ¡°If I may, Chairman Amatsuki, should we consider the application of Qualidea Suppression measures?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Kaoruko chimed in, ¡°I second that suggestion. We could also consider banning the use of Second Substantiations¡ªbarring Illumina¡ªand above.¡± Nodding, Sonoka added, ¡°A reasonable measure would be half-strength¡ª50% suppression for those in the Round Table. Perhaps 25% suppression for Round Table Candidates, although I will leave it to the discretion of the planning committee as some candidates do not require such measures, relatively speaking.¡± Sonoka¡¯s secretary, the blonde parasol-toting classmate Mirabelle Trezequet, added, ¡°Although in your case specifically, Sonoka-san, we would likely have to implement a 75% suppression.¡± Kagemori shrugged, choosing to ignore the additional suppression conditions for Sonoka (although he personally agreed with it), before saying his piece. ¡°75%... Yeah, that should be enough for her~ Honestly, I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ve got a successor in line yet; it¡¯s hard finding a worthy candidate in this day and age, y¡¯see. Whole lotta potential¡­ perhaps, but I¡¯ve yet to find anyone who blooms quite as magnificently as Nacht and I~¡± Ayato snickered, ¡°I would be interested in whoever would claim your Sixth Seat after our graduation¡ªafter all, I¡¯m sure no one wants it.¡± ¡°Kagemori, Ayato, restrain yourselves. This isn¡¯t the time or place to¡ªhmm?¡± Sonoka cut herself off as she whirled around to glare at her left (as much as she could with her closed eyes). ¡°What seems to be the mat¡ª?¡± The imposing cacophony of emergency sirens interrupted the Chairman. ¡°Emergency alert. The appearance of an Upper Construct has been detected above the southern waters, five kilometers east of the Tokyo Bay Gate. The three schools of the defense cities, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba, are to intercept at once. Repeat: the appearance of an Upper Construct has been detected above the southern waters, five kilometers east of the Tokyo Bay Gate. The three schools¡ª¡± ¡°As expected. I felt a vibration from the prison around the Gate. It must have been set off.¡± ¡°To think you¡¯d detect an incursion before the emergency alert system does... As expected of the Saintess of Clockworks. In that case, we have discussed the majority of the important items on the itinerary. Let us adjourn for the day. Head Student Representatives Sonoka Tenkawa, Kaoruko Himeno, and Kagemori Kirigiri¡ªin my capacity as Chairman of the South Kanto Tri-City Defense Liaison Conference, I order an emergency deployment. I allow you to act as the vanguard, however, I will have you arrange for a deployment of your forces from your respective schools. Disobedience will lead to a mountain of demerits. Is that understood, Ayato?¡± ¡°Me? Why¡¯d you single me out?¡± Kaoruko laughed, ¡°You¡¯re a repeat offender, Ayato-kun! I mean, I guess it¡¯s Sono-chii¡¯s fault too for listening to you but still!¡± ¡°I merely felt like ordering an unnecessary deployment was a waste of time¡ªalbeit, this time, I must concede with the directive. An Upper Construct is difficult enough to defeat on our own and we do not yet know if it is acting alone or in a group. Chairman, allow me to spearhead the vanguard.¡± Sonoka did not wait for a reply as she drew her sword and deployed it in Real Form before approaching the edge of the building and jumping off. Almost immediately, she vanished as she bounded through the air toward the direction of the detected invasion. ¡°¡ªAnd off she goes!¡± Kaoruko drawled, their hand on their forehead as they stared at her shrinking back. ¡°Sono-chii¡¯s too diligent¡ªshe¡¯s already deployed her Illumina¡¯s Real Form! She got too much of a head start!¡± ¡°That¡¯s the Uncrowned Undefeated Empress for you~ Well, guess I shouldn¡¯t fall behind¡ªNacht! Hold the fort for me; I shan¡¯t be but a moment~¡± Addressing Tokiyo, Kagemori casually rushed to the building¡¯s edge and vaulted off the railings¡ªfading into light and rushing forth as a single streamlined flash illuminating the morning. ¡°Damn showoff.¡± ¡°Now, now, depending on how many came through, we¡¯d have some fun too. Stop moping, Ayato-kun, and get going!¡± ¡°Sure, I guess.¡± Chapter 1.2 1111. The air around the incursion point. Tokyo¡¯s Aerial Squadron. ¡°Lady Chidori, the forward guard is all present.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Seeing her sister disappear instantly made Chidori curse her own shortcomings. Nevertheless, it was Chidori¡¯s role to fill in for her sister¡¯s duties. After parting with the other representatives of the Defense Liaison Conference, she immediately flew back to their campus and began organizing a strike force before returning to the frontlines with a selected platoon of elites. The larger deployment¡¯s chain of command was left to her deputy, a student considered a Round Table Candidate for their ranking in the top twenty-four. As Chidori arrived at the battlefield, she began to reminisce about the past¡ª ¡°I can see Lady Sonoka is as preeminent as ever. I can hardly tell where her assault begins and where it ends¡ªalthough I suppose when would be a more accurate descriptor.¡± As her adjutant stated, Sonoka¡¯s attacks were imperceptible¡ªone could see her swing her sword yet could not place where her actual attack was. Such was the nature of the Qualidea named Eternity Manipulator, Tempus Verbatim. Shaken from her recollections, Chidori began to give orders to the elite fighters of Tokyo¡¯s Aerial Squadron. From her peripheral vision, she singled out Yokohama¡¯s naval deployment and Chiba¡¯s ground deployment, using the bridge of the Shin-Sannomiya Tokyo Line as their ¡°ground.¡± As she was fighting, Sonoka felt the telltale ripples of her other half entering her Simple Domain. I see Chidori managed to rally the forces of Tokyo. ¡°Now... I suppose that just leaves you.¡± Sonoka glared at the Upper Construct¡ªor more accurately, the one dozen Upper Constructs hanging out in the sky. ¡°Hoo, boy, we might have to call on the Headmistress for this,¡± Kaoruko whistled as they sidled beside Sonoka, their Illumina bearing the same name as their epithet¡ªEssence of Serpent¡ªin hand. ¡°Twelve of them, huh? This is already nearing the scale of the Midwinter Disaster three years ago... That was certainly a dark time in my past. If only I had enough power back then...¡± ¡°Reality to eighth-grader, reality to eighth-grader. None of us had the power back then. The Headmaster¡ªor well, he was still a student then¡ªand the other members of the previous generation of the Round Table held their ground for us...¡± Ayato, with his angelic wings of shadow, hovered beside his compatriots. ¡°But, since their graduation, it is now us with the power. Isn¡¯t that right, Saintess-sama?¡± ¡°I do not like your tone but you indeed speak the truth...¡± Sonoka nodded. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s split the work¡ªthere¡¯s three of us and twelve of them. What say we all take four at once?¡± ¡°Are you purposely leaving me out of the equation?¡± Ayato pouted. ¡°Leaving you out? As if Sonoka-dono would let us~ Still, with three heads here, we should be more than enough to utterly smite these things~¡± Kaoruko added, ¡°Mm, Kage-chii is correct. I doubt we¡¯ll struggle but you can offer rearguard support if you really want to.¡± ¡°¡ªLet¡¯s begin.¡± With that, Sonoka vanished before an explosive windburst sourced from a magnificent slash followed behind the disappearing girl. ¡°Tsk¡ªhard.¡± ¡°Wow! This lead Upper Construct managed to survive Sono-chii¡¯s serious cut! Only managed to get a fourth of the way through¡ª¡± ¡°So it seems~ Let¡¯s see, then¡ªThird Substantiation: Le Sabre du Roi de la Lumi¨¨re, Holy Sword Judgement Form.¡± In the air in front of him, a spatial condensation phenomenon compressed the atmosphere, igniting into a blade of hardlight; if one peered close enough, they would spy a halberd materialize first before being condensed. Via Second Substantian: Bulle L¨¦g¨¨re, he melted into light particles, shot up above, rematerialized, and performed a spinning ax-kick, before slamming the pommel of his saber of light directly into the gash opened by Sonoka¡¯s initial strike and following up with a vertical top-down slash, which further opened up the gash two-thirds through the creature¡¯s neck. ¡°Too weak!¡± declared Ayato as he too raced into the sky to the same airspace as Kagemori and followed up with Second Substantiation: Imitation: Ten Flowers Celestial Fall, an applied combination of Mirabelle¡¯s gravity-type Qualidea and a certain junior student¡¯s darkness-type Qualidea. The streak of midnight emanating from his blade silently thundered from above and finally rent the Upper Construct¡¯s ¡°head¡± from the rest of its body. Of course, this did not kill the creature as shown when the falling ¡°head¡± was already attempting to reattach itself to the main body. ¡°Seraphiel!¡± ¡°Already on it! Le Sabre du Roi de la Lumi¨¨re, Holy Sword Arrowhead Form~¡± Kagemori shifted the form of his holy sword and transformed it into a longbow. Drawing the string back, three shafts of light formed before firing with the force of a tank cannon. Piercing the headless creature¡¯s back, it ripped through its shell and annihilated its cores. The creature thrashed and began to fall. From below yet another windburst erupted into being as Sonoka threw a final slash that sectioned the creature from neck stump to its tail end, bisecting the two remaining cores, which she had singled out earlier upon studying the creature¡¯s Psionic flow spilling from its neck stump. ¡°One down,¡± she said simply, as the creature¡¯s body began to dissipate into particles while falling into the sea. Readjusting her grip on her blade¡ªthe Four Seasons, she wordlessly moved to strike another Upper Construct. ¡°Nice,¡± Kaoruko whistled. They then turned to one of the other Upper Constructs, brandishing their shamshir. ¡°I suppose you kitties are up next~??¡± They opened their snake-like eyes and a flash echoed from their gaze; immediately, the Upper Constructs stiffened with their extremities beginning to morph gradually into stone yet the speed at which this was occurring dissatisfied Kaoruko. ¡°Aww, I guess that isn¡¯t enough to finish you. Oh well, in that case¡ªSecond Substantiation: Snakecharmer, Eighth Melody: Inland Taipan: Venom.¡± From their Second Substantiation, a mysterious fluid formed, slicking itself over their curved weapon. With their gaze still fixed on the transmutating Upper Construct, they moved to strike, a single pass cleanly removing one of its ¡°arms.¡± Kaoruko then made a return pass, cutting off another extremity. Kaoruko¡¯s Qualidea¡ªEssence of Serpent, Omniferm Serpentis¡ªwas a truly terrifying Venereal Conjuration. Their most commonly employed technique, Snakecharmer, allowed them to choose a serpent¡ªbarring fantastical ones¡ªto imbue their weapon with. Depending on their characteristics, they gain a veritable variety of abilities. For example, their chosen snake of the inland taipan¡ªan endemic snake of Australia¡ªhas the world¡¯s most toxic venom; synthesizing such a ¡°venom¡± with their Psions grants them a truly corrosive poison which is superbly effective against the Honkai. Where Sonoka failed to cut in one strike, Kaoruko succeeded, the venom coating their blade eroding the cut. ¡°Not bad, not bad at all,¡± applauded Kagemori. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll have to get a little¡ª¡± The boy cut himself off as he vanished into sparkles of light¡ªrushing to avoid and subsequently strike down his second Upper Construct with a hail of light blades¡ªbefore instantly moving to intercept an attack by a different Upper Construct that was directly aimed for Kaoruko¡¯s unguarded back. Even with the hardlight weapon manifested with his Third Substantiation to parry the blow, however, he could only manage to hold back the strike long enough for Kaoruko to move out of range before another Upper Construct piled on. It broke through the blade of light before Kagemori could fall back and tore through his left arm entirely, followed by his left leg being caught in the resultant airblast and shredded completely. Soon, a visceral shower of ground flesh and bone sprouted from the stumps. Crimson blood flowed violently out of the wounds as he bit his lip, grunting in pain. ¡°Kagemori!!¡± Ayato yelled. ¡°Kuh¡­!¡± Sonoka quickly retreated from her engagement and swooped down to pick up the falling Yokohama head student representative. She grimaced upon inspecting the wounds; embedded bone fragments were tearing at the open blood vessels in addition to frayed nerves and torn muscle fibers hanging limply outside. Swallowing her bile, her eyes flashed as she recalled her clockfaces. Second Substantiation: Chronos Lock: Continuance Inversion. A sphere of stagnant time appeared with Sonoka as its core; within it, time rewound as she forcibly reverted the wounded student to a time before they were wounded. ¡°Pheew¡­sorry, Sonoka-dono¡ª Looks like I''m in your debt again this time...¡± ¡°Ayato!¡± ¡°Right!¡± Ayato traded places with Sonoka and flew to the rear lines with Kagemori. ¡°Goddammit, don¡¯t go dying on me, asshole! At least, not before I¡¯ve beaten the shit out of you!¡± ¡°Dying? Why, I''ve no intention~¡± he chuckled back through forced vigor, flexing his wrists and arms as he checked his own body condition. ¡°Just focus on the fight ahead¡ªI need but a moment of respite~ Your lady and companion still await you up there, no?¡± ¡°Oh, fuck off with that. You''re barely holding onto that smirk of yours ¡ª I''m getting you down there myself.¡± ¡°Haaaah¡­ Alright, have it your way then~¡± As soon as they were above the field headquarters, Kagemori let go, dropping to the ground, before walking toward the medical tent (it doubled as the refreshment tent as injuries during deployments were rather rare, occurring in less than 15% of deployments). ¡°I swear, going so recklessly¡­¡± Ayato grumbled. He then jetted back toward the aerial battle as he once again cast Imitation: Ten Flowers Celestial Fall to finish off the Upper Construct Kagemori failed to defeat. ¡°Still, this is strange. It seems¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªplanned?¡± ¡°Whoa!¡± Ayato stopped himself from flying away as Kaoruko sidled up to him. ¡°God, could you not sneak up on me?¡± ¡°Ehehe, sorry. Still, this many Upper Constructs coming out today, when the Defense Liaison Conference¡¯s twelve strongest fighters are all present? I don¡¯t fault you for thinking something¡¯s off.¡± ¡°Well, either way, we¡¯ll just have to cut through it,¡± Ayato shrugged. ¡°Second Substantiation: Imitation: Great Phoenix Divine Punishment!¡± In his left hand, Ayato gathered the great flames of the phoenix borrowed from Heat Haze¡¯s Qualidea as he flew toward Sonoka¡¯s side. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sonoka, I had to give Kagemori a talking to.¡± ¡°I see¡­ Fighting as if he''s got Tokiyo-san to back him up again, if I had to guess?¡± ¡°Sorry. I¡¯ll give him a stern talking to after we¡¯re done here.¡± Ayato lobbed the sphere of flames he had kept consolidated in his hand at an Upper Construct. ¡°Detonate!¡± he ordered, promptly closing his hand. The ball of fire rapidly expanded, engulfing the Upper Construct in a contained explosion. ¡°For good measure¡ª¡± Charging his blade with darkness, Ayato swung, sending a massive wall of blackness towards the sphere and bisecting it. Quickly throwing out his right hand, he cast Second Substantiation: Imitation: Cuboid Gravity Well¡ªborrowed from Mirabelle¡¯s Qualidea, isolating the explosion within a ¡°box¡± of localized gravity and preventing it from expanding toward them. ¡°Just one left?¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Ayato laughed self-deprecatingly as he immediately backed away just in time to be struck by the residual waves of Sonoka¡¯s colossal Psionic discharge. ¡°Third Substantiation¡ª¡± ¡°Fuckin¡¯ hell, where exactly does she keep such monumental Psionic reserves?¡± he cursed under his breath. Not including Apollyon, the Herrscher of Annihilation, Sonoka has a greater Psionic density than everyone in the top half of the Round Table combined. Just who is she? ¡°¡ªChronos Lock: Colorless Prison ¡Á Peerless Destruction.¡± The last Upper Construct was the largest of the twelve Upper Constructs that had appeared; if anything, judging from its Psionic circulation, Sonoka was sure it was one step shy of evolving into a Honkai Beast. They were a class of Honkai in a completely different league; the standard procedure of anti-Honkai Beast combat is to flee. Two such Honkai Beasts appeared during the Midwinter Disaster three years ago with one being destroyed by the three previous headmasters yet the damage the two immeasurable monstrosities wrought on the Defense Liaison Conference has not been repaired to this day. I cannot allow that day to repeat itself. I must annihilate this evolving monster here! Combining two different Second Substantiations, Sonoka encased the truly gargantuan construct within a space-time barrier before pouring Psions into her beloved blade. ¡°Farewell, you who would ascend. As long as I stand, you will not have your way. Rend!¡± Tremendous waves of colorless energy rippled through the air as Sonoka swung, collapsing the barrier and imparting utter ruin to the being trapped within. Upon the completion of her sword stroke, she turned around, sheathing her sword, paying no extra attention to the pitiful creature¡¯s death throes. Floating down to Ayato¡¯s side, she collapses, having spent more Psions than expected. ¡°Whoa there,¡± he said gently as he caught her in his embrace. ¡°Good work, Sonoka. Let¡¯s leave the cleanup to our classmates.¡± ¡°¡ªMhm.¡± Sonoka buried her face into Ayato¡¯s chest as the latter pointedly ignored the tears streaming down her face. Are you watching us, Kawasaki-senpai? We now have the power. If only we had this strength back then¡ª ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ??¡î?? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ 5 April, Shinku 19. 0930. ¡°First of all, I¡¯d like to open this meeting with a word of thanks for our three head student representatives.¡± Chairman Amatsuki fiddled with his wedding band as he paced back and forth across the conference room. Unlike yesterday when he and his wife, the deputy chairwoman, attended virtually (as the conference was called while they were preparing for a session of the National Diet), the couple are today attending in person. There were several rationales for this with the two main reasons being to discuss the abnormal incursion that had occurred yesterday and to place themselves in the protection of the Round Table and its twelve Herrschers as they, discounting older Arbiters such as the three current Academy headmasters, are the undisputed strongest Arbiters¡ªnowhere is safer than being at their sides. ¡°Were it not for your swift actions, we could have potentially faced a more disastrous repeat of three years ago.¡± ¡°No need for thanks, Chairman Amatsuki,¡± Sonoka stated, her rank as the highest seatholder obligating her to speak for everyone else. ¡°It is merely our duty.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Kagemori added. ¡°Reliving such dark days¡­ I can¡¯t say I¡¯d wish it on even my greatest enemies, Chairman.¡± ¡°On that note, how are your injuries, Kagemori-kun?¡± ¡°Like they never happened,¡± he grinned. ¡°Sonoka-dono does magnificent work, after all~.¡± ¡°No wonder you can¡¯t get past your Sixth Seat¡ªyou can¡¯t even fend for yourself,¡± Ayato muttered. ¡°Hmm? You sure you wanna repeat that, Mockingbird~?¡± ¡°Maybe I should throw you to the ground next time then, Seraphiel?¡± ¡°U-Umm! Le-Let¡¯s not fight¡­¡± To everyone¡¯s surprise, their most timid member raised their voice. Despite having such terrifying titles like Apollyon and Herrscher of Annihilation, the Second Seat of the Round Table was what one could call a ¡°cinnamon roll¡± as she was among the gentlest girls one would ever meet. The daughter of Koujirou Tokiyo, the sole surviving business magnate and the ultimate owner of essentially every company currently in operation, Saiki Tokiyo is the Defense Liaison Conference¡¯s richest young lady¡ªbarring the princess imperial, Lady Kanayoshi. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t really do anything yesterday an-and I don¡¯t like it when we fight¡­¡± ¡°Well, Nacht has spoken~¡± Relenting with an amused clap and a smirk, Kagemori sat back down; having stood up as their exchange began heating up. ¡°Alright, pack it up, back to the meeting everyone~¡± ¡°Haah¡­¡± Ayato shook his head and crossed his arms. ¡°As a show of respect to the Herrscher of Annihilation, I¡¯ll back down for today. Chairman Amatsuki, is there anything else we needed to discuss?¡± ¡°Ah, of course. Sonoka-kun, do you remember where we last left off?¡± ¡°I believe we were discussing the implementation of Qualidea Suppression Percentages for Round Table seatholders and candidates for the purposes of leveling the playing field during the Star Warrior Festivals.¡± ¡°Additionally, we did not go to vote,¡± Ayato supplied. ¡°Should we put forward one?¡± The chairman nodded in agreement. ¡°All in favor of the employment of Qualidea Suppression measures during the Star Warrior Festivals?¡±¡¯ Of the twelve assembled, seven voted in favor. ¡°Well, now that¡¯s a surprise. Didn¡¯t think you of all people¡¯d vote against this, Furukawa-san~¡± ¡°That¡¯d likely be for the exact opposite reason why you voted in favor, Seraphiel.¡± Of the five who voted against the motion, Saori Furukawa was the highest ranked¡ªas the Fifth Seat. ¡°I¡¯ll go along with the majority¡¯s decision but that will not stop me from expressing my opinion¡ªthe best way to induce growth in our rank juniors is to place insurmountable walls in their path and have them surpass said obstacles on their own merits.¡± ¡°Mmn, to each their own~¡± ¡°I¡¯m surprised you voted against the motion, Chidori.¡± ¡°Ye-Yes. I apologize, Aneue,¡± the younger Tenkawa balked. ¡°I-I¡¯m of the same opinion as Furukawa-san.¡± ¡°No need to be scared of expressing your own thoughts, Chidori,¡± the elder Tenkawa said, smiling. ¡°In fact, I¡¯m quite glad. Dissenting opinions is necessary to have healthy discourse. Chairman Amatsuki, I believe we have a majority.¡± ¡°Indeed we do. I¡¯ll pass on our decision to the Star Warrior Festival Committee at a later date. For our next order of business, I¡¯ll have the Nuclear Blademaster take it away.¡± ¡°Ugh. I can handle my cohort calling me that but could you not, Chairman? I have a proper name.¡± Rolling loops into her hair with her left index finger, the Ninth Seat grimaced in slight revulsion. Continuously keeping her parasol which was also her personal Second Substantiation, she straightened out her hair before patting down a few wrinkles in her school uniform, intensively modified to fit her tastes in gothic fashion. With her free hand, she fiddled with her air keyboard before projecting a display onto the large shared air window. ¡°I suppose it would be against my blood to report this but I hardly consider myself a Higashikuni so I shall. These are an array of documents I intercepted stamped with the personal seal of the Higashikuni family¡¯s head¡ªthat is, my dearest older brother¡ªbefore they handed the imperial proxy powers to the Kuni family. It seems that being the top honcho of the imperialists has been getting to his head¡­¡± ¡°The late Emperor Senkou would surely weep to see his distant relatives feuding like this,¡± Sonoka sighed. ¡°They have been making a few overtures in many attempts to swing the Kuni family over to the imperialists; I¡¯ve seen the Kitashirakawa family talk about such things. These documents¡­ Proof of bribes made to certain members of the National Diet, fraudulent contracts made to build the Higashikuni¡¯s wealth, documents detailing personnel management and lack thereof of the Tokyo Bay Gate¡­¡± ¡°See, the kicker with the contracts and personnel documents is that they have the princess imperial¡¯s heirloom seal stamped on them. At the very least, this means the princess imperial herself has made an oversight in her review of the documents.¡± ¡°No, no, in Lady Kanayoshi¡¯s defense, those documents were worded in such a way that they can be taken as legitimate in the eyes of the uninitiated,¡± the chairman cut in. ¡°She is hardly old enough to truly understand these complicated matters. Sonoka-kun, the princess imperial is around your age, yes?¡± ¡°Correct. Lady Kanayoshi is¡­ an interesting personage and I treat her like I would my sister. I can sort of understand the problematic language but I cannot guarantee that I myself would not see and truly comprehend what is problematic until it is far too late.¡± ¡°Lady Kanayoshi is rather stubborn as well. I seem to remember that I was quite unwell the day the princess imperial reviewed these documents,¡± Mirabelle added. ¡°I¡¯m sure I told her to wait for me to feel better so I could read them over.¡± ¡°Ah, as the daughter of the respected late Ambassador, being rather well-versed in the law seems to be par for the course.¡± The deputy chairwoman nodded, satisfied with her conclusion. ¡°While it certainly isn¡¯t good the princess imperial has approved of these documents, their contents are still what they are. Could we perhaps use this as leverage for your circumstances, Higashikuni?¡± ¡°Erm, I hardly think so. I¡¯m sure Brother has many excuses lined up. Besides, the situation I¡¯m in isn¡¯t that particularly drastic just yet as Brother only plans to actually wed me to his grandson once he has crowned himself Emperor. The current status quo is only possible because of Brother¡¯s hubris.¡± ¡°If only there was someone who would take you away,¡± Kaoruko quipped, shooting a glance at Ayato who was immersed in the compromising documents while muttering to himself about how the princess imperial managed to miss such obvious malicious wording. ¡°In any case, there isn¡¯t much we can do at the moment concerning Brother¡¯s machinations¡­ although I will put forth a suspicion. I might just be going loony but I feel like my brother is moving on orders¡­ and not from a human.¡± Sonoka opened her eyes, narrowing them. ¡°¡ªAre you suggesting the Honkai Beasts?¡± The Ninth Seat met the First Seat¡¯s gaze, refusing to back down. ¡°Perhaps something like that. From the events of the Midwinter Disaster three years ago, we know that the Honkai Beasts can gain comprehension of our language¡­ by consuming a human heart. Is that not how we lost Kawasaki-senpai¡­?¡± That name sent the temperature of the conference room down at a rapid pace as the seated twelve recalled the horrid events of that day¡ªpresent as they all were. The Arbiters of the previous generation (although it was hardly that long ago) were led by the current headmasters¡ªChiba¡¯s Fuyuka Wakabayashi, Tokyo¡¯s Eisen Kitashirakawa, and Yokohama¡¯s Senri Ryuurin¡ªalthough all three were students of Tokyo at the time. Their ¡°glue¡± was their senior, a truly peppy woman known as the Herrscher of Inferno, Himeko Kawasaki. Himeko freely taught everyone she could get her hands on, including the current iteration of the Round Table despite their differing allegiances¡ªthe bonds they had were irreplaceable. That day¡¯s casualties were large but nothing hurt the survivors more than Himeko¡¯s death. She had personally and on her lonesome fought in the rearguard, defending the students unfortunate enough to be the targets of the two Honkai Beasts present. Amused by her actions, the Honkai Beasts defeated her, torturing her to within an inch of her life as her body was torn apart. All that was left of her was her torso and even that was desecrated as the two Honkai Beasts split her heart between themselves. Sonoka could tell that everyone remembered that that was when Eisen Kitashirakawa manifested what would later be called a Fourth Substantiation. It was a peerless technique that forced the Honkai Beasts to retreat but not before using their newfound language comprehension to leave behind an eerie message: ¡°We have come in search for the Sovereign and we will stop at nothing to find that esteemed personage.¡± ¡°Again, I may just be loony but Brother¡¯s fixation on the princess imperial is highly suspicious, especially since she is rumored to have powers on par with our First Seat here.¡± Azumi fiddled with her lapis lazuli earrings as she brought out her Type 99 bolt-action rifle and laid it across her lap. To be more accurate, however, the rifle that served as her personal weapon was a fantastical bolt-action that used the Type 99 as a base¡ªAzumi was, after all, a teenager and she loves cool (and cute) things like other teenagers her age. ¡°I am willing to point a gun at my own brother if necessary¡­¡± ¡°Things have yet to escalate that far,¡± Sonoka assured her. ¡°If such measures are necessary, then I will allow it; at least, according to the princess imperial, I can act as her proxy. I must say¡ª¡± ¡°Mm, if I may be so bold¡ª¡± Kagemori cut in. ¡°¡ªbut with how things look as is, wouldn''t it be most likely that either Lady Sonoka or the princess imperial would turn out to be the ¡®Sovereign¡¯ the Honkai Beasts speak of?¡± For the first time during this assembly, the infuriatingly good-looking Eleventh Seat Banri Yuizaki spoke up, ¡°I don¡¯t believe so but we should perhaps consider such things. For the time being¡ª¡± The Twelfth Seat Kazunari Zaizen¡ªa handsome figure of fiery temperament¡ªcut in, ¡°¡ªThis isn¡¯t the time for that. I think we could push that discussion to the next conference meeting as I don¡¯t think the evidence given by Higashikuni to be enough to condemn the Lord Higashikuni for anything just yet.¡± The Tenth Seat, the soft-spoken and often silent Hajime Wakaizumi, nodded in agreement. ¡°Hajime, you can talk, you know?¡± ¡°Le-Leave him be,¡± Saiki stammered. ¡°Ha-Hajime-kun just doesn¡¯t want to speak¡­¡± ¡°Well, no matter,¡± Chairman Amatsuki stated. ¡°Let us return order to the conference.¡± Deputy Chairwoman Tsuguko added, ¡°We have discussed the majority of this meeting¡¯s agenda. The last matter to attend to is the security detail for the princess imperial¡¯s speech later today.¡± Ayato leaned back in his seat, hands cupped behind his head. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just the usual? Simply leave it to Sonoka and be done with it.¡± ¡°Oh, but it never¡¯s quite that simple, now is it?¡± Kagemori laughed. ¡°Omnipotent as she is, you''re still sending her alone to guard the princess imperial herself, no? Have you no shame as a man, Ayato-kun~?¡± ¡°I don''t have a reason to not trust her, or do you think you can do better than the princess of time?¡± ¡°That''s not my point and you know it. You''re still ultimately relying on her alone¡ªpowerful or not, you are going to need someone else to cover her blind spots, no? Especially considering we¡¯re talking about guarding the princess imperial here~¡± ¡°In most cases, sure but if she needs help, she¡¯ll ask. I have trust in my partner¡ªI wonder if you can say the same?¡± Ayato remarked with a small smile, pulling out a book. ¡°Ayato-kun, we¡¯re still in the middle of a meeting, y¡¯know; were I to start with my proof and examples, we¡¯d be running overtime again~¡± ¡°Hoh? So you¡¯re just giving up? Must be the difference between the Third and Sixth Seats as always; I do not mind the overtime.¡± Opening the book, he began to find a comfortable spot in his chair before investing his focus on that. As expected, the two were off the rails yet again (at least, not resorting to combat for once) as Kagemori easily fell into Ayato¡¯s bait and began attempting to argue his case. The other Round Table members watched on with mixed reactions; Saiki in particular seemed resigned to the usual sight. Once more stepping in, Sonoka clapped her hands. ¡°Alright, enough, you two. If you¡¯re going to fight, do it in the upcoming Binary Star Festival. Apologies for that, Chairman¡ªor should I say, Prime Minister, I¡¯m sure you yourself need to leave in a timely manner to welcome the princess imperial¡¯s delegation.¡± ¡°Oh no, no need to stand on ceremony!¡± he chuckled. ¡°I do have a very competent Deputy Prime Minister, although I indeed would agree that it is most certainly uncouth of me to leave it to him alone. Seeing as there¡¯s no further need to deliberate, we shall commit to the standard procedure. The Herrscher of Time, the Herrscher of Corruption, and the Herrscher of Light shall once again serve as Her Highness the Princess Imperial Kanayoshi¡¯s honor guard.¡± ¡° ¡° ¡°Yessir!¡± ¡± ¡±