ã€ŠSaijaku Muhai no Bahamutã€‹


 Volume 1 - Prologue

    The girl looked up to the sky.

    As if being absorbed, the girl looked at the deep, dark sky as though she was enchanted by it.

    However, the lower region of the sky was red.

    The red flames that were slowly wavering within the whole surface.

    The powerful country that controlled one fifth of the world. The castle of the Acadia Empire was burning.

    A castle made from thick rock was built up high, as if trying to cut itself from the outside world.

    The girl simply looked up the sky while being surrounded by sparks that fell down the courtyard.

    There were Dragons dancing in the sky.

    The battle of the Drag-Knights with their lives on the line where they wore a dark grey ancient weapon over their body.

    Hundreds of Dragons danced in the sky that was lit by the flames as they howled, had their wings torn off, and fell.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to run away, brat?¡±

    The girl turned around; hearing a voice from behind her.

    There was a youth standing there.

    A handsome face with silver hair and ash coloured eyes.

    That man who wore a cape with a refined design imprinted on it acted in a manly manner like that of a noble, but he looked at the girl with his sparkling eyes that made you think of a hungry beast.

    However, the girl clad in a black dress who had no emotion in her eyes didn¡¯t get scared and instead gazed at the youth with her eyes.

    ¡°¡­¡­Were you the one that killed them? The people of this castle¡ª¡±

    ¡°I did. ¡­¡­.If I say that, will you avenge them? Fine then, bring it.¡±

    Instead of trembling at the question thrown at him, he drew his sword out with joy.

    It was a beautiful blade that had multiple silver lines on its surface.

    A divine weapon that was the key to activate the Drag-Ride and control them¡ªthe sword device.

    ¡°¡­¡­If you did, then kill me right here as well.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡­?¡±

    The youth twitched his eyebrows at what the girl muttered.

    ¡°If the Empire is going to fall, then I don¡¯t have any other place left where I belong to¡ª.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The youth made an uncanny look, and stared at the girl for a while.

    ¡°¡­¡­Kuhahahaha! Oh I see! So you were that kind of girl! One of that kind of people! This is a masterpiece! Hahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!¡±

    He suddenly put his hand on his forehead and laughed as if he was mad.

    Despite that, the girl didn¡¯t show any response.

    ¡°This is boring¡­¡­ I¡¯m not going to kill you, idiot. What benefit will i get from killing someone amusing like you?¡±

    As the man said that, he took off the other sword that was hanging on his hip along with its sheath and threw at towards the girl.

    On the sheath that sunk down on the grass while it made a heavy sound, it had beautiful ornaments carved into it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give that to you. The ¡°power¡± that will change fate¡ªthat sword device that is. So flee while taking that with you. This castle will go down very soon, lady.¡±

    The man said that while putting on a smile that didn¡¯t carry any of the craziness he had till just now.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The girl picked up the sword silently.

    She embraced the sword which was too big for a young small body like hers along with the sheath.

    After the youth smiled fearlessly seeing that, he turned around and walked into the castle.

    ¡°Wait.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    The silver haired youth stopped due to the girl¡¯s voice, and he turned around reluctantly.

    ¡°What is that¡­¡­?¡±

    The girl pointed at the sky.

    What was there was a devil that was destroying the Empire that was known as the absolute undefeated myth.

    It flew in many directions at the sky where there were sparks. A single grey coloured Dragon that was causing havoc by destroying Drag-Rides that belonged to the Empire one after another.

    It was a giant jet-black Drag-Ride that had the same colour as the sky.

    ¡°Kukuku. ¡­¡­No idea. Except, for the majority of the people in this town, you can call it the great hero that took down the horrible Empire.¡±

    ¡°A hero¡­¡­?¡±

    The man disappeared during the time the girl looked up once again.

    She didn¡¯t get any answers.

    That¡¯s why, the girl wished to live on until she found the answer.

    Even the hot wind that came from inside the castle became violent, and caused the sparks that were falling down on the courtyard to swirl.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The girl went inside the water well while embracing the sword that was given to her by the youth.

    When she went down the well using the hanging rope, there was a blocked hole near the water surface.

    She used the key she was hiding inside her pocket. The girl stopped right before entering the passage.

    She looked up very high to the night sky which was a battlefield as if she was being absorbed by it.

    ¡°Father¡­¡­ I¡ª¡±

    The girl muttered as if she was dead.

 Volume 1 - CH 1

    There was a colour of the skin.

    A white steam that covered all of the sight.

    At the other side of the steam, there was a wall and a marble pillar that was visible due to being lit by the lamp.

    And the feeling of the warm water that wet his cotton trousers.

    No matter how you thought about it, this was a bathroom.

    ¡°¡­¡­U-Umm?¡±

    (How did this happen again¡­¡­?)

    That question was going through Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux looked down while he tried not to look at the naked girls that were standing there shocked at the other side of the steam.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­Fu.¡±

    Underneath Lux who was inside the hot water with his clothes on was a girl who made a laugh.

    Unlike her slim body, there was a mature smile on her expression.

    Her smooth white skin turned red due to being inside the bath where her cheek also became red.

    (She¡¯s cute.)

    He could have said that if he was looking at her from the side, but Lux not only couldn¡¯t speak, but also couldn¡¯t move an inch due to the dangerous feeling and the steam coming out from the girl.

    ¡°¡­¡­Hey, pervert. Do you have anything left to say before dying?¡±

    Scary words came out from her lovely face where she had forcefully made a smile.

    Well, it wouldn¡¯t be weird for her to be angry.

    That¡¯s because¡ª, he could see her.

    Inside the spacious bathroom, the towel that was wrapped around her body fell and her fresh looking naked body became visible.

    Her cute looking breast that was shivering while hitting back the hot water.

    Her collarbone that rose above the hot water and the tight curve on her hips.

    And also, even places below her silky stomach were¡ª.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    His fate might be decided with his next word.

    Lux started to choose the words carefully with his panicked head.

    (I, I should praise her first¡­¡­!)

    In the past when he did chores while working as a bar waiter, he was taught the technique of how to praise a girl.

    Before he could come up with something, his honest opinion came out from his mouth.

    ¡°¡­¡­Hmm, the thing is. You are cute. Your whole package itself is like that of a child¡­¡­no, even though you seem young, you have quite the chest¡ªand it¡¯s quite tempting. ¡­¡­Wait, what the!?¡±

    (I¡¯m dead.)

    (What on earth am I saying! That¡¯s not what I¡¯m supposed to say!)

    (Who was it!? The one who taught me the wrong way to say it!? That damn perverted bar owner!)

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­Fu.¡±

    The naked girl who heard that released a bitter laughter.

    For an instant, she made a bright smile as if she was satisfied with it, and then¡ª

    ¡°How long are you planning to ride on top of me, you fooooooool!¡±

    She made an angry voice.

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaah!?¡±

    At the same time, there were many screams coming from the girls of the whole bathroom.

    The naked girls started to throw anything they could find at Lux with all their might.

    ¡°I, I¡¯m sooooooooorry!¡±

    Lux tried to escape in panic.

    ¡°H-How did it turn out like this!?¡±

    With teary eyes, Lux started to remember what happened several hours ago with the bag he was carrying in his hand.

    ¡°Stoooooooop!¡±

    The voice he let out from his stomach echoed through the buildings.

    The cross-shaped fortress town made from block of five towns, ¡°Crossfield¡±.

    At the first district which was located at the centre of such place, there were two shadows that were sprinting.

    One of the shadows that was running ahead was a cat with tiger stripes and it had a small bag within its mouth.

    The shadow belonging to a small build boy was chasing after the cat with all his might.

    The sprint started from the third district that is located to the west of the town shaped in a cross.

    The boy, who already ran a distance which normally made you think whether you should take a cargo, had already ran across a single town, was already at his limit in terms of exhaustion.

    Even so, the silver haired boy with a choker continued to run.

    The girl from the liquor store who gladly allowed Lux who didn¡¯t have a place to sleep to stay over last night.

    When he saw her again, the small bag that she was carrying had been taken by a cat nearby all of a sudden.

    ¡°Ahaha¡­¡­, you know you don¡¯t have to force yourself?¡±

    She put on a bitter smile when Lux was about to go after the cat, but¡ª.

    ¡°I will definitely bring that back.¡±

    To serve and to help the people of this country.

    That is an obligation and aim for Lux who is put in a special position of this country.

    Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, he wouldn¡¯t allow the cat to run since it¡¯s a belonging that belongs to someone who had helped him.

    Lux raised his spirit once again and sprinted up the slope that was located on the main street.

    ¡°¡­¡­Oh, if this isn¡¯t the young lad. It¡¯s been a while. Will you be able to work at my place next time? I don¡¯t have much manpower to plant some seeds during this season¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m in a middle of something, so I¡¯ll get back to you next time¡ª¡±

    Even though an old man stopped him from the side of the street, Lux replied back politely even though he¡¯s in a rush.

    (This isn¡¯t the right time!)

    Even though he was panicking in such a way, he saw an old woman with good physique far away this time.

    ¡°Oh my, its Lux. Can you help out at my kitchen next time? It¡¯s almost the time for the anniversary for the establishment of the New Kingdom of Atismata. You can also make a bit of dishes fitting for a party, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll come to you when the time comes!¡±

    Lux took out a notepad and a pen quickly from the bag equipped on his belt and wrote down some memo.

    He was out of luck to have shown some confidence due to the cat slowing down its pace up the slope.

    ¡°What, you came back from the kingdom? You should have come to my atelier to give your greetings to me. You were still in the middle of your training as a blacksmith at my place.¡±

    The stern-looking worker turned around and said that to Lux.

    ¡°Umm, I have a bit of free time in five days so¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey, Lux. Can you help out at taking care of the cow¡ª¡±

    ¡°Can you become a play buddy for my daughter¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hold on a sec¡­¡­, I can¡¯t! I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t do all of this now!¡±

    He was trying to write all of that down but had put away his notepad and gave up.

    Now wasn¡¯t the time to taking request for his ¡°labour¡±.

    His first priority was to capture the cat.

    Putting that in his head, Lux sprinted as he put the last energy he had in his legs.

    One hour later. About time when it became dusk.

    ¡°I, I should have given up already¡­¡­¡±

    Possibly due to the labour work Lux had done from morning to noon, he was simply exhausted.

    Apparently it was a part of organisms¡¯ instinct to chase after those who ran away from them.

    Despite breathing violently, he climbed up a tall wall and continued to chase after the cat.

    ¡°Huh¡­¡­? Where is this place?¡±

    For an instant, Lux panicked thinking that he had entered military area due to the spacious area and atmosphere. But there should be something else in this first district of the central.

    (Then I would be able to come up with an excuse.)

    As he thought that, the cat climbed onto a different building while it carried the girl¡¯s bag in its mouth.

    ¡°W-Why did you have to go over there¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux didn¡¯t have a choice but to kick the wall and jump onto the other roof.

    Since he had experience repairing roofs many time as a part of his labour, he had good grasp of climbing the roofs safely.

    He wouldn¡¯t have to do this normally, but he was already doing it basically due to obstinacy.

    ¡°¡ªAlright! I¡¯ve finally arrived!¡±

    There was basically no place left to go, so Lux closes the distance between him and the cat slowly.

    He then became resolved and went for the cat.

    ¡°Nyaa!¡±

    He will obviously lose to the cat in terms of speed, but his target was the girl¡¯s bag from the beginning.

    When Lux grasped onto the shoulder belt of the bag with his fingers, the cat finally let go off the bag it was holding onto.

    ¡°Hooray!¡±

    (I finally retrieved it!)

    Lux started to smile due to the relief and accomplishment.

    This might be a small achievement, but this was still an act of goodwill.

    (If I report this to the administration, they may help me by lowering the debt I have by a bit.)

    ¡°¡­¡­No, this kind of selfishness isn¡¯t right.¡±

    No matter how much huge debt Lux had been burdened by this country, he should simply be happy that he was able to become a help for someone.

    ¡°Now then. If I don¡¯t get back soon¡ª¡±

    It has completely become dusk all of a sudden, so the surrounding has become dark.

    (Not being able to see the surroundings once I become too focused on things is my bad habit.)

    As Lux reflected on his own action, he was about to jump of the roof, but¡ª

    Crack!

    A nasty sound like that was made.

    ¡°Eh¡­¡­?¡±

    The source of the sound came from the single part of the roof Lux was holding onto while he put all of his weight on it.

    ¡°H-Hey!? Don¡¯t tell me this is¡ª¡±

    Lux tried to get away from the spot in a hurry.

    But he was too late.

    While the crack was made below his hand while making so much sound, the speed of it breaking increased and then shattered.

    ¡°Uwaaaaaah!?¡±

    Lux fell along with the sensation of losing the sense of his weight.

    Splaaaaaaaash¡­¡­!!

    Lux fell into the water after a second.

    ¡°Uwaaaah! Cough! ¡­¡­Huh?¡±

    Apparently there was water under him.

    Lux became relieved for a moment that he wasn¡¯t injured, but he realised the strangeness right away.

    (This is¡ª hot water?)

    When he looked, his body from his hips and below was covered by hot water.

    At the other side of the white steam, he was able to see an expensive looking marble pillar and wall due to the faint lamp that made the surroundings look orange.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this place is¡ª¡±

    Lux realised it the moment he was trying to grasp hold of the situation.

    The fragments of the roof he fell from.

    Those fragments fell, and even from above the small build girl who was nearby¡ª.

    ¡°Look out!¡±

    Lux jumped towards her by reflex to push her away and jumped on her.

    ¡°How long are you planning to ride on top of me, you fooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!¡±

    ¡ªAnd Lux¡¯s conscious connects to the present.

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Several loud screams echoed throughout the bath.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorry!¡±

    Bath tub, chair, soap. Various things were thrown out, and Lux retreated towards the washing place.

    (What do I do? To think that I would fall into the women¡¯s bath of the large public bath¡­!?)

    Starting to despair so, Lux confirmed that there was a girl¡¯s pochette, which got a little wet with hot water, in his hand.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I-I fell here because the roof broke; I just wanted to get this back¨C¨C¡±

    While turning his face away from the girls¡¯ naked bodies, Lux hung up the pochette which he had in his hand.

    Then, the pochette¡¯s mouth opened and two pieces of clothes fell flutteringly.

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    It was two pieces of underwear white above and below.

    The owner of the underwear was certainly a woman, but¨C¨C.

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Underwear thief! On top of being a peeping tom, he¡¯s an underwear thief!¡±

    ¡°The guards! Call the guards quickly!¡±

    ¡°Fetch your swords! Legitimate self-defense is approved as of now!¡±

    ¡°P-Please wait a minute! This isn¡¯t mine, um ¨C¨C it belongs to a girl who happened to pass by¨C¨C!?¡±

    As he desperately tried to explain, Lux noticed.

    (Damn! Any kind of excuses won¡¯t work!?)

    ¡°How to put it, um, sorry!¡±

    As Lux hurriedly jumped out of the bathroom, he passed through the dressing room and started running.

    He had the feeling that there were girls who were taking off their clothes also there, but he decided to pretend that he saw nothing.

    ¡°H-How did it turn out like this¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Catch him! Don¡¯t let him escape!¡±

    Lux, who somehow managed to escape the danger zone, while being chased by girls who wore their clothes, ran with all his energy in an unknown building.

    A red carpet of high quality was spread out on the floor.

    There were a large dining room like a party hall, a playroom and countless guest rooms.

    Refined paintings and furnishings were put here and there.

    ¡°Huh? This building is¨C¨C¡±

    At first, he thought that he fell into a high-class hotel with a large bathroom, but it was too wide for it.

    It was not the Imperial Court of the Capital, why was there such a building in this Fort city¨C¨C?

    ¡°Ah! He¡¯s there! The pervert who touched my chest is here! Bring me a spear quickly!¡±

    When he was thinking so, the girls who ran into him in the front suddenly screamed.

    ¡°Wai¡­!? How did it become something this big!?¡±

    No¡­, since he was chased as he ran away, if he wanted to prove his innocence, he should just behave himself, but ¨C¨C he instinctively ran away.

    Like wanting to chase when one runs away, wanting to run away when being chased may also be instinct of a creature.

    Lux ran while thinking such a trivial thing in the corner of his head.

    ¡°I-It''s already hopeless! I¡¯ll just go through with it¨C¨C¡±

    For now, he had to run away on until the uproar settled down.

    When he arrived at the entrance of this big building while thinking so,

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C!?¡±

    Lux stopped, and once again doubted his own eyes.

    Under the stairs of the colonnade where he stood, there was a large space decorated with a chandelier of candles.

    Three girls armed with swords were standing there.

    ¡°Royal Military Academy regulations, article 18.¡±

    A quiet voice which was that of one of those three girls. It was emitted by the blue-haired girl with a dignified face.

    The three girls¡¯ figures and atmospheres were completely different.

    However, only the uniform and the sword belt which they wore were alike.

    ¡°Regardless of within and outside of the academy, it is forbidden to draw out a sword device without the permission of a superior officer. However, only in case of flagrant delict¡¯s confirmation or when danger befalls oneself is one allowed to draw sword and use a Drag-Ride.¡±

    With a well-projected voice in the large entrance, the blue-haired girl smiled.

    Lux who heard it forgot even to give an explanation to the girls and was driven in confusion.

    ¡­Eh!?

    Just now, what did she say?

    Sword device and ¨C¨C Drag-Ride?

    Why did these names come out from such girls¨C¨C?

    ¡°Hmph. For a pervert, you are the first with the best look so far. You¡¯re good looking enough to be even added as a candidate for my marriage meeting.¡±

    ¡°Um, sorry. A while ago, what did you¨C¨C?¡±

    To the dazzlingly beautiful blue-haired girl who seemed to have the leader status, Lux asked.

    ¡°But, it¡¯s regrettable. There is no pervert who creeps in this women¡¯s dormitory and succeeded in escaping when being found by the us ¨C¨C the Triad.¡±

    ¡°Eh!?¡±

    Women¡¯s dormitory? What is she talking about?

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Tillfarr! Nokuto!¡±

    ¡°OK!¡±

    ¡°Yes, my lord. But, just in case please be careful. Sharis.¡±

    The blue-haired girl called Sharis and the two girls who were standing still on both her sides.

    These three girls simultaneously unsheathed their swords.

    With a dark gray blade, a sword on which a shining silver line floated ¨C¨C sword devices.

    ¡°No way!?¡±

    When Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise, he heard Sharis¡¯ voice.

    ¡°¨C¨CCome forth, Wing Dragon of the crest which is the symbol of power. Fly in accordance with my sword, <Wyvern>!¡±

    At the same time, the space of the sword tip which Sharis swung shook and warped.

    What gathered there at high speed were grains (particles?) of light.

    Countless pale lights tinged with undulation formed one single entity.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    What appeared was a mechanical dragon twice as big as a human.

    A streamlined form where metals with an acute angle were connected lay innumerably on top of one another.

    The wet luster was abominably beautiful like an embezzled famous sword.

    ¡°A Drag-Ride!? Why¨C¨C¡±

    Drag-Rides.

    They were ancient weapons which were summoned by drawing sword devices used as a pair, mechanical armors, which copied legendary dragons, worn on one¡¯s body and with which one acquired the war potential of thousand soldiers.

    Seven Ruins were discovered in the world.

    Those weapons which were excavated from there possessed power enough to overturn the war concept, which had been cultivated several hundreds of years in the past, in an instant.

    Humans who wore those Drag-Rides and could master them were called Drag-Knights.

    But, Drag-Rides were scarce and very expensive and only knights of the Kingdom and some influential persons could basically possess them.

    Why do these girls possess them¨C¨C

    ¡°Connection On.¡±

    Sharis muttered, during the opportunity when Lux was dumbfounded.

    The blue streamlined machine opened from within, and was unfolded to innumerable parts.

    The parts went towards Sharis¡¯ both arms, both legs, trunk and head, connected at high speed ¨C¨C it was equipped.

    The Drag-Ride covered its master¡¯s body with non-stopped movements and changed into armor.

    ¡°Oh my, did you creep in here without even knowing where it is? But, it¡¯s useless even if you are befuddled, Pervert-kun. Give up and make a Dogeza[1] there. If you do so, I can get it over with about ten whiplashes.¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh. Peeping is a crime.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my Lord. Either way, you will be punished.¡±

    At the words of Sharis who was the leader, the girl with a light tune, Tillfarr and the girl with a calm atmosphere, Nokuto agreed.

    These two girls were also wearing other kinds of Drag-Rides on their bodies and took a stance of combat as well.

    ¡°¡­Ah, wait a minute!?¡±

    Isn¡¯t this a very dangerous situation?

    Within a building like this ¨C¨C no, in the first place, it wasn¡¯t an equipment to use against a flesh-and-blood opponent!

    ¡°Haa!¡±

    Sharis who wore <Wyvern> on her body kicked the floor and flew.

    From the armor of both wings of legs and back, she sprayed wind wearing light.

    With a single leap from the edge of the entrance of the building, she attacked Lux who was in the open ceiling of the second floor.

    She greatly swung the arm covered with metal armor and suddenly struck it as she used it like a sword.

    ¡°Uwaaaaaaaah!?¡±

    Lux abruptly turned sideways and dodged it.

    Though he was able to evade it by a hairbreadth, the wooden handrail which was over there was smashed to pieces.

    ¡°Oops! Did I hold back the speed too much?¡±

    ¡°No! You use too much power! I¡¯d have died though!?¡±

    While putting a riposte to the surprised Sharis, Lux went down the stairs as he rolled over.

    Then, the Drag-Ride for land battle which was at the entrance up to now. Tillfarr who equipped a jade green Drag-Ride ¨C¨C <Wyrm> immediately blocked his way.

    ¡°Hyaffuuuuh. Uh oh, test, test[2]. Notification to Pervert-san there. As of now, your crime is light.¡±

    ¡°In a sense, I¡¯m treated more severe than in an average punishment, though!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s bad¡±, thought Lux while riposting.

    The flight ability could not be fully used indoors; on the contrary, it became a hindrance to the movements.

    That¡¯s why Sharis¡¯ flight general purpose Drag-Knight <Wyvern> was still good, but it was dangerous here.

    The limbs covered with thick armors possessed a high mobility due to multiple variables frames and could let power likely to explode at any time swell.

    After all, the land battle general-purpose Drag-Ride <Wyrm> was a Drag-Ride with property most suitable for close range combat.

    ¡°Well, anything is fine, so behave yourself. If you struggle strangely, it¡¯ll be rather dangerous.¡±

    ¡°At this rate, I would rather be killed!?¡±

    Lux put his feet on the handrail, and jumped down to the first floor without going down the stairs where the path was blocked.

    However¨C¨C,

    ¡°U-Uh-oh! I won¡¯t let you pass here!¡±

    Floating a confident smile, Tillfarr instantly stood in the way.

    Together with the armor worn on her body, she made a side fall down centering on the handrail of the stairs and landed.

    A Drag-Ride was not just a merely heavy and hard armor.

    The kinematic performance of the installation part was also greatly strengthened by the energy brought from the Force Core which was the Drag-Ride¡¯s power

    ¡°Haaah!¡±

    The right arm of Tillfarr clad in that armor was swung downward.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    *BANG*! With a crushing sound, the wooden floor was smashed and dust soared. There were a light shout and movement, but the power was very great.

    While Lux shuddered at the performance of a Drag-Ride which he felt with his own body¨C¨C.

    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±

    Tillfarr wearing <Wyrm> looked at the floor where her fist was driven in.

    Its disappeared.

    The figure of Lux, in front of whom she displayed her power just now, and who should be surprised.

    ¡°Under the floor! Tillfarr!¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Sharis¡¯ dignified voice overhead reached Lux who ran under the floor.

    The blow which Tillfarr let out as intimidation.

    He went through the hole which it made, escaped under the floor and was running.

    ¡°Mmm¡­¡±

    When Tillfarr who was pointed out looked into the hole of the floor with a discontented face,

    ¡°Don¡¯t chase him, Tillfarr.¡±

    Sharis¡¯ calm voice stopped Tillfarr.

    ¡°No matter how effective <Wyrm>¡¯s maneuverability is, the bottom of the floor here is too narrow. If you destroy the dormitory any further, it¡¯ll be a written apology. I won¡¯t chase him anymore, either.¡±

    ¡°But, but! If we let him escape like this¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Nokuto has already moved. She won¡¯t let him escape.¡±

    While calming Tillfarr, Sharis let her gaze wander about at the surroundings.

    ¡°But, what is the meaning of this? He manages to hold on without equipment¡­ Those movements. It was as if he saw through the special characteristics of our Drag-Rides in an instant¨C¨C¡±

    To the perplexity of the girl who was usually very confident, Tillfarr tilted her head to the side.

    ¡°Hmm? What is it? Sharis.¡±

    ¡°Silver hair and black collar. No¡­, don¡¯t tell me that boy is¨C¨C¡±

    With a serious tone, she just coughed so.

    ¡°Uwaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Escaping to the outside of the building from under the floor, Lux dashed on the road of the ground.

    The <Wyvern> of Sharis and the <Wyrm> of Tillfarr.

    Also the moment when he escaped from two general-purpose types Drag-Rides.

    The third person ¨C¨C the girl named Nokuto came chasing Lux.

    Her orange Drag-Ride was a general purpose Drag-Ride called <Drake>.

    In contrast with the flight type <Wyvern> and the land battle type <Wyrm>, it was a type classified into special equipment (customized) type.

    Although it was a Drag-Ride equipped with special functions such as searching for the enemy, camouflage, support, assistance, restoration and the like, and its basic performance (ability) was somewhat lowered, its strength under a specific situation surpassed the other two.

    Its special characteristic ¨C¨C visually checking Lux even within the darkness by means of the goggles which were worn on her head, Nokuto accurately ran after him.

    ¡°Stop. If you don¡¯t stop, I will shoot. If you stop, I will shoot kindly.¡±

    At Lux who ran in the vast site towards the main gate, Nokuto called out to him while chasing him.

    Needless to say that Nokuto clad in <Drake> was above in speed.

    However, Lux ran as he wove his way through the bush with many trees and weakened her momentum of chase.

    ¡°Kindly? What do you mean!?¡±

    Lux answered only with his voice without looking back.

    ¡°Yes. It''d be great if you didn''t die. In that sense.¡±

    ¡°It was only the problem of feelings!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. And, I will do so that you won¡¯t suffer as much as possible. In that sense.¡±

    ¡°You have the atmosphere of ¡®however much I kill you, it won¡¯t be enough.¡¯!?¡±[3]

    As expected, I couldn¡¯t stop her.

    I will be killed if I stop.

    And just in case, if his identity was exposed, it would become something terrible¨C¨C.

    ¡°Yes. ¨C¨CThen, it can¡¯t be helped.¡±

    At the same time she leaked such a dangerous mutter, Nokuto set up a Breath Gun.

    It was a rapid-fire (blaze) type rifle which let the Drag-Ride¡¯s energy converge and began to shoot.

    It was an armament of low power against a Drag-Knight, but if received it with a human body, one would fall easy victim.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    Lux, who sensed the presence where the trigger was pulled on his back, jumped diagonally forward with all his strength.

    From within the darkness in order to conceal his figure, to the way to the main gate brightly illuminated.

    There ¨C¨C there was a bonfire to illuminate the passage up to the building.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    The next moment, Nokuto obstructed the goggles of the armor with her hand.

    Because the bonfire itself was used as an obstacle (wall), it was too dazzling in the view which raised sensitivity.

    ¡°Yes. It looked like you know the <Drake>¡¯s special trait. However, with only that¨C¨C¡±

    The view sensitivity which was provided through the goggles of the <Drake> could be immediately adjusted.

    When Nokuto exposed her face which she covered with her hand so as to take aim with the Breath Gun again,

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    Before her eyes, fire was approaching.

    It was firewood with fire that was a part of the bonfire. Lux which gripped one of it threw it aiming at Nokuto¡¯s rear.

    ¡°Kuh¡­¡±

    She swung the armored arm in a hurry and flipped the firewood.

    With a Drag-Knight as opponent, ordinary attacks would not work; throwing of smoke screen would be better[4].

    But, at that opportunity where Nokuto suddenly stopped, Lux reached up to the way near the main gate.

    Exactly at that time, a girl wearing the same uniform as Nokuto and company walked as she slowly headed to the women¡¯s dormitory from the main gate.

    Since there was danger of involving the girl, she could no longer shoot with the Breath Gun.

    While thinking so in the corner of her head, Nokuto was astonished.

    ¡°Why? It can¡¯t be¡­¡±

    No matter how much they were going easy on him, to succeed in escaping against three Drag-Knights without equipment¨C¨C.

    ¡°Who is he? That boy¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ok, with this, I somehow¨C¨C¡±

    Lux looked back behind and checked that Nokuto lowered her gun.

    It would not be wise to escape as is though.

    When the other side settled down, he would properly explained himself and apologize.

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    When he thought so, as he noticed before his eyes, the girl was there.

    The breathing of Lux who was running away with all his power stopped for an instant.

    It was a beautiful girl.

    She had a slender and well-proportioned body, noble features and cold eyes.

    Just like a perfect work of art, the girl, showing neither strain nor slack, was standing before Lux.

    ¡°You do not need to chase him. Since I will stop him.¡±

    ¡°Krulcifer-san¡­¡±

    The girl in front of him lightly raised her right hand called out to Nokuto behind.

    To her movements which had not that much hesitation, Lux instinctively stopped.

    ¡°Haa, Haa¡­ Um¡­ Excuse me. I¡¯m, errr¨C¨C¡±

    From the building behind, screams such as ¡°pervert!¡± or ¡°underwear thief!¡± could be heard small.

    ¡°Yes, I know.¡±

    Looking at Lux who hurriedly tried to explain, the girl smiled.

    ¡°What a fairly pretty peeping tom, pervert and underwear thief, eh. He¡¯s still a child.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­!? ¡­N-No¡­, I¨C¨C¡±

    While shaking, Lux was, just a little, irritated.

    Certainly the girl in front of him has a grown-up atmosphere, but she should be about the same age as him.

    And yet¨C¨C.

    ¡°¡­I may not look like this, but I¡¯m 17 years old. Well, I¡¯m often told that my face looks childish, but¨C¨C¡±

    Forgotten that he was in a situation where he was cornered, Lux rebutted.

    The fairylike girl suddenly showed a sad expression.

    ¡°¡­Is that so. But, I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t like it, but even with a child as opponent, I can¡¯t overlook an offender.¡±

    (C-Child, child, doesn¡¯t she care about what someone told her¡­!?)

    In a part totally unrelated to this turmoil, Lux inwardly decided further.

    He understood that he, who suddenly plunged into the large public bath and could not make any excuses, was totally in the wrong.

    But, be that as it may, there was the problem of pride.

    Even though he might not like this, he intended to pile up (acquire) even the training of hand-to-hand combat as such.

    In that case¨C¨C.

    I will show her how much even that ¡®child¡¯ can do as such.

    Of course, he did not intend to attack her or even use attacks as intimidation from the start.

    He would dodge her and escape outside with just mere footwork.

    ¡°¡­Haa!¡±

    With such a scream, Lux began the bout.

    In order to dodge the girl in front of him, he made a feint to the left, turned and went to the right.

    The girl could not react. He overtook her.

    The moment when Lux believed so¨C¨C,

    ¡°¨C¨CYou¡¯re naive, eh.¡±

    At the same time as the voice of the girl called Krulcifer, the world turned upside down.

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C!?¡±

    After the question of the moment, a shock ran throughout his body.

    What on earth¨C¨C

    ¡°Well then, I leave the rest to you. I¡¯m going to the bath. There is no more peeping tom, is there?¡±

    Soon after having heard her indifferent voice, Lux¡¯s field of vision blacked out.

    It was after he woke up later that he noticed that it was due to the shock when he was flung by Krulcifer.

    The long first day ended, and began.

 Volume 1 - CH 2

    ¡°Haah¡­ I¡¯ve done it now.¡±

    In a gloomy basement, Lux Acadia woke up.

    It was enclosed by stone walls and iron grills; a plain isolation cell with one bed and a bathroom.

    Neither handcuffs nor fetters were attached on him, but all his personal belongings were confiscated.

    Of course, even the two Sword Devices which were hung to his waist. A stolen knife, a tool kit and even the pochette which he got back from the cat were seized.

    Though he did not know the exact time, as he saw light coming in through the skylight, Lux guessed it was probably the time of breakfast.

    ¡°What a bummer! Even though a work reservation was made today¡­¡±

    With a sigh, when he carefully though about it, he noticed that it wasn¡¯t the time for that.

    ¡°I mean, my real identity was also completely exposed¡­¡±

    Lux¡¯s characteristic ¨C¨C his silver hair inherited from the Old Empire¡¯s royal family.

    And, the black collar which showed the ¡°criminal¡± who received amnesty from the new royal family.

    With that much evidence gathered, his identity had probably been already specified.

    The Old Empire Acadia which had laid out tyranny for a long time, was destroyed by a coup d¡¯¨¦tat.

    It was about five years ago that Lux who was a survivor of the old imperial family was released by the amnesty of the New Kingdom Atismata¨C¨C, and signed a contract with the condition of ¡°undertaking miscellaneous affairs of any people¡±.

    The contents of the miscellaneous affairs varied from domestic servant, bar waiter, carpenter and blacksmith to field work.

    At the beginning, alone without doubts, he managed the work given by the New Kingdom as if it was a matter of course, but now he was acknowledged for being a ¡°convenient guy¡± by various people, up to a schedule of one month later, he had become so popular that he was swamped.

    In order to handle a new request this time too, Lux had plans to head to a certain place, but¨C¨C

    ¡°No matter how you look at it, I won¡¯t make it in time for work¡­¡±

    Looking at a page of his notebook, the only thing which was not confiscated, Lux grumbled.

    Even though the job schedule is still tightly packed.

    From the afternoon to the half-day rest, he was out of luck to have come across that cat.

    ¡°If I drop the job that I already promised to do, my debts will increase again. What on earth should I do¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Are you awake? Prince.¡±

    ¡°Uwah¡­!?¡±

    Lux was startled by a voice which he suddenly heard.

    Before he was aware, on the other side of the iron grill, one girl was standing there.

    With blond hair in which one part was tied up with a black ribbon, and deep crimson pupils, sharp like the point of a sword.

    Wrapping her body in a white uniform, she displayed a smile which somewhere had a shadow.

    ¡°Errr, you¡¯re¨C¨C¡±

    It was a light-complexioned girl with a height slightly lower than Lux¡¯s and a small stature.

    Nevertheless, the girl¡¯s presence was fearfully strong.

    She was clad in fearless, strong and absolute self-confidence which did not let anyone get closer.

    It was a girl who gave the impression of having both sweetness and heat just like an ignited cake containing plenty of alcohol.

    ¡°Fufufu¡± that girl suddenly laughed in a low voice.

    ¡°Thank you for the help last night. Incidentally, it was a wonderful pick-up line. To the extent that I was unintentionally charmed.¡±

    ¡°¡­Ah!?¡±

    For an instant, Lux raised his voice.

    He remembered!

    She was the girl whom he had held down by force when Lux fell into the bathroom last night ¨C¨C

    To the presence which got filled with the girl¡¯s anger, Lux felt cold sweat streamed down his back.

    ¡°Fufufu. Well, there is something I really want to tell you though. Besides, the Principal wants to talk with you. Follow me.¡±

    As she turned her smile which had a shadow somewhere to Lux, the blond girl opened the lock of the prison.

    ¡°¡­The Principal?¡±

    ¡°Hou. You have an honest face, and your mouth also stands. Do you intend to say that you creep in this girl¡¯s dormitory without knowing?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­ Eeeeeeeeeeh?¡±

    At the girl¡¯s reply, Lux raised a voice of surprise.

    He hurriedly took out his notebook and looked at today¡¯s date.

    [Workplace] Fort City, ¡°Cross Feed¡± Academy.

    [Client] Principal, Relie Aingram.

    [Work contents] New Kingdom, Maintenance of Drag-Rides in the fourth Machine Dragon Hangar.

    ¡°Th-Then, don¡¯t tell me here is¡­ where I was scheduled to come work at, this time ¨C¨C¡±

    The Girl¡¯s academy of Drag-Knights founded by the New Kingdom Atismata.

    That¡¯s why the girls who had attacked me yesterday were using Drag-Rides, huh.

    As Lux who realized it was standing petrified and half amazed,

    ¡°Lizsharte Atismata.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    From the girl in front of him, words and a smile came back.

    ¡°It¡¯s my name. New Kingdom First Princess ¨C¨C commonly known as the Scarlet Princess. I¡¯m the Princess of the New Kingdom which destroyed your empire five years ago. Nice to meet you, Prince.¡±

    *Plop*, his shoulder was tapped by the smiling girl.

    Her eyes were not particularly laughing.

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s scream echoed in the underground prison.

    ¡°Phew¡­ then in the end, let¡¯s say that this time was an unfortunate accident, okay? Lux Acadia-kun.¡±

    Lux who went to the Principal room was receiving an explanation from Principal Relie about the school itself which was the scheduled workplace at the same time as he talked about the circumstances which led to this uproar.

    This was the academy of Drag-Knights officer candidates managed by the New Kingdom Atismata.

    It was a place which trained the so-called officer ¨C¨C high-rank persons even among the government officials including military and civil officials, and moreover speaking in detail¨C¨C

    ¡°An academy which trained humans engaged in Drag-Rides, huh¡­?¡±

    ¡°You can say that.¡±

    At Lux¡¯s question, Principal Relie nodded with a smile.

    Although the Principal, she was still young.

    She was probably in her late twenties or so. Even if one said teacher, the woman of allowable looks called herself Relie Aingram.

    She herself was also the daughter of a financial group which held a market directly associated with the nation, in other words one of the native cased young ladies.

    And ¨C¨C she was one of the few acquaintances of Lux who was from the former imperial family.

    Both the Drag-Ride and the Sword Device were weapons which were used as a pair.

    Drag-Rides were usually enshrined to a place called ¡°hangar¡± in various places; by pulling out the Sword Device from the scabbard and pushing a button in the grip, one could transfer ¨C¨C summon the matching Machine Dragon.

    With weapons other than Drag-Rides, such a thing was not possible.

    It was a possible feat precisely because there were the Mithril Dite, metal which turned into light and enabled the metastasis of the space, and the Force Core, a nuclear stone which was the source of power of a Machine Dragon.

    The structure of the transfer itself was not yet clarified.

    That the Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated from the ruins, and that the investigation of the ruins themselves was not readily progressing due to certain circumstances was the main cause.

    But even so, the power which the Drag-Ride held hid a too extraordinary power to refrain from use by the reason ¡°the technology cannot finish clarifying it¡±.

    Therefore, the competition on the survey (research?) about the structure and even the principle clarification of the Drag-Rides was carried out intensely in each nation.

    ¡°It has been more than ten years since the Drag-Rides have been discovered from the ruins. Their use has almost been prohibited to us women, due to the trend and the system of the androcracy[1] that the Old Empire laid. But¨C¨C¡±

    As Relie cut her words, Lizsharte who was standing beside Lux suddenly opened her mouth.

    ¡°With the coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago, that perception completely changes after what the New Kingdom established. Aside from the exercise aptitude to use for the handling, the data reported that the compatibility aptitude of the airframe control of women was far above, and thereafter, they established a special training organization, and concentrated their efforts on that upbringing in order to prepare Drag-Knight officers who won¡¯t lose to those other countries¨C¨C something like that.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    To Lizsharte¡¯s supplement, Relie nodded.

    Drag-Rides were super weapons to the extent that they rendered the existence of swords, guns, cannons, and horses which were the main force war, nonexistent.

    Since their appearances, one already came to the point where it was impossible to talk about anything without words including war, diplomacy, commerce and industry.

    Taking that into consideration, even Lux knew at least that a Drag-Knights training institution existed.

    However¨C¨C

    ¡°B-But, why was I called?¡±

    It was the principal Relie who made the request of work.

    As Lux asked about that with a bemused expression¨C¨C,

    ¡°Oh my. I see that the ¡°weakest undefeated¡± of all people is quite modest, eh.¡±

    A seemingly mature, teasing smile returned.

    ¡°Weakest undefeated¡±.

    An Official Mock battle which made use of Drag-Ride was held once a month in the coliseum of the royal capital.

    As there was also a prize depending on the military record, it was the nickname attached to one who boasted of the most participation frequency from his combat style, and Lux was called so, but¨C¨C

    ¡°It¡¯s probably strength in no way inferior to that of Lizsharte-san who is one of the best users even in this academy. I think that it¡¯s by no means an inappropriate job for you though.¡±

    ¡°¡­Hou.¡±

    As if to disapprove Relie¡¯s words, Lizsharte twitchily shook her shoulders.

    (I-I have a bad feeling about this¡­!)

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t mean that, it seems that this place is a girl¡¯s academy, so for me to work here¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s regrettable, but we lack manpower.¡±

    Relie answered before Lux¡¯s rebuttal.

    ¡°The history of Drag-Knights is rather short, isn¡¯t it? Most of the users of the Old Empire which monopolized the Drag-Rides for many years have died with the coup d¡¯¨¦tat. In that case, though reluctant, I can do nothing but regularly invited a male cooperator. Be it a Drag-Ride¡¯s mechanic or a Drag-Knight.¡±

    ¡°¡­I can hardly do maintenance, you know?¡±

    ¡°You just have to learn hereafter. Just having a prerequisite knowledge as a user is valuable.¡±

    Relie replied immediately.

    ¡°The New Kingdom fourth Machine Dragon hangar is located in the premises of this academy. Your work is there, so from today I will have you go by there three times a week. It¡¯s dirty, the work is hard and there is also the danger of injury. I can¡¯t give such a job to young ladies from good families, can I? Don¡¯t you think that you should also feel honored and privileged to have been born male?¡±

    With a teasing voice, Relie smiled.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    (She¡¯s pushy as usual, eh¡­)

    Lux thought as he smiled wryly.

    It had already been several years since he had met Relie for the first time, but nothing about this quite indifferent personality, deftness and malice had changed.

    She should be the eldest daughter of the Aingram House, the big mercantile House of a financial combine class, but she was quite unique.

    When Lux inwardly sighed, Relie took another deep breath,

    ¡°I¡¯m still thinking about what work to give you as a Drag-Ride user, so I will tell you soon ¨C¨Cokay?¡±

    ¡°Right¡±, when the conversation was settled,

    ¡°Principal. Can I have a little time?¡±

    Suddenly, Lizsharte stuck out her hand and interrupted the conversation.

    ¡°I understood the story. But, we haven¡¯t admitted this man yet.¡±

    She stared at Lux with a sharp look and said.

    The edge of her mouth made a faint smile.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Is she really a Princess, this child?

    How to put it, I feel a really bloodthirsty presence.

    No, well, I did such a thing in the bath, so it might only be towards me though.

    ¡°My doubt has not cleared up. This man is guilty of being a peeping tom, a molester and a pervert underwear thief. There is no way we would let such a ¡®man¡¯ work in this academy. I mean, we should first hand him over to the army. And we should judge him in a judicial place and let him get some fresh air after he ate smelly food for several years.¡±

    ¡°N-No, like I said, it was a misunderstanding¨C¨C!?¡±

    Lux tried to object, but being thrown a glance at by Lizsharte, he shut his mouth.

    ¡°I see, he said that he accidentally intruded into the bathroom as he was chasing a cat. But, how can he prove that? Principal. I think that giving shelter to a criminal who is not worth trusting is rather dangerous.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We are acquainted, so I know Lux-kun really well, but¨C¨C¡±

    Relie said that and smiled wryly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t assert at all that this uproar was really caused accidentally.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you assert there!?¡±

    With somewhat teary eyes, Lux complained.

    He was sure that she would support him.

    ¡°But actually, no one can prove about whether or not it was on purpose. Then, he is also a victim in this matter, and so is Lizsharte-san who is the top student of the second year, too. May I leave his punishment to your discretion?¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    (Why you leave it to her!?)

    Lux desperately swallowed the cry of his soul and endured.

    As a pardon at the time of the New Kingdom establishment, Lux was forgiven for the crime of being former royalty and released on parole, but at the same time by the contract which he signed, he was charged with a debt of an amount equivalent to 1/5 of the national budget.

    That such ¡®offender¡¯ Lux becoming a criminal furthermore was very inconvenient¨C¨C

    ¡°Fufu.¡±

    Lizsharte who saw that Lux panicked scornfully laughed in a low voice,

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s see. I will give you one chance of redeeming yourself.¡±

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    ¡°Whether you are really worth enough to work in this academy as a ¡®male¡¯ Drag-Knight. Or just a simple pervert. I will test your fighting spirit and ability.¡±

    Saying so, Lizsharte touched the handle of the sword to her waist and at the same time slowly walked before the door of the principal¡¯s room.

    ¡°If you are defeated by me, you will be taken to the prison as a criminal; if you win, I won¡¯t mind you working by acquittal. The match will be a mock battle of a one-to-one fight using Drag-Rides. ¨C¨CIt¡¯s all right with that, isn¡¯t it? Curious onlookers.¡±

    The moment that Lizsharte said so and turned the doorknob of the room,

    ¡°Kyaaaaah¡­!?¡±

    The female students who had gathered over the door noisily fell into the room and were overlapping on one another.

    They were apparently concerned about the treatment of Lux whom they heard rumors about, and it seemed that they were listening outside, over the door.

    ¡°Spread it to everyone in the academy. The more spectators, the better. A show where the New Kingdom¡¯s princess will beat the Old Empire¡¯s prince.¡±

    The female students who heard that raised happy voices and left.

    ¡°It has become something big! Lizsharte-sama challenges this pervert to a duel¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It seems that the other party is the ¡®weakest undefeated¡¯. Does anyone know the details?¡±

    ¡°In the first place, he is a prince of the Old Empire, isn¡¯t he? That underwear thief, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Appearance-wise, he¡¯s my type ¨C¨C but it¡¯s a shame.¡±

    Hearing such voices along with Lizsharte who got out from the room, Lux became speechless.

    At this rate, this talk would spread all over the academy before the duel.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Somehow, it has become something big¡­

    ¡°I wonder if I should review the educational system a little. Don¡¯t forget that this place is a diligent academy.¡±

    To Relie¡¯s amazed mutter, Lux unintentionally swallowed his words,

    No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s your influence¡­

    ¡°By the way, Lux-kun. Before the duel, there is a place I want you to stop by a little.¡±

    ¡°Errr¡­ where is it?¡±

    ¡°The reception room immediately nearby. Your younger sister is waiting for you there.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    To Lux who raised a surprised voice, Relie returned only a smile.

    ¡°Geez, what is Nii-san doing? I¡¯m amazed.¡±

    The Academy reception room for visitors.

    As expected of an academy where noble children gathered, in this room which gave a high class impression along with the furniture and furnishings, two female students were standing stock still.

    One was a calm black-haired girl who ringed a bell.

    The other was a girl who had the same silver hair and the same collar as Lux.

    Her graceful and calm atmosphere like a high class antique doll looked somehow more mature than her big brother Lux¡¯s.

    ¡°Um¨C¨C, I¡¯m sorry for a lot of things. Airi.¡±

    First of all, Lux lightly apologized to the girl, Airi Acadia who was his younger sister.

    Airi who saw that shrugged her shoulders along with a sigh, and moved her gaze towards the girl beside her.

    ¡°She is my roommate in the girl¡¯s dormitory. Her name is¨C¨C may I ask for it?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I am¡­ first year, Nokuto Leaflet. I apologize for last night.¡±

    The girl who gave a quite calm impression softly bowed her head and stared at Lux.

    Last night was the bathroom intrusion incident.

    She was one of the tree girls who chased him at that time.

    ¡°It seems like you were really running after a pochette which was stolen by a cat. I am sorry for having treated you like pervert.¡±

    ¡°I-I am sorry, too. Um¨C¨C, I didn¡¯t think that there was underwear in it¡­ But, what a relief. It looks like the baggage is perfectly safe.¡±

    He thought that she was a fairly severe child last night, but she apparently seemed to be an honest and good child.

    (I¡¯m happy that she believes me¡­)

    As Lux looked at Nokuto and let his troubles melt¨C¨C

    ¡°Um, though I¡¯m sorry to interrupt your happy conversation.¡±

    Airi who was looking at their exchange with reproachful eyes coughed, seeming to be in bad mood.

    ¡°Because of Nii-san, it isn¡¯t time for that now though.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    The moment Lux came to his senses, Airi sighed once again.

    ¡°Hah¡­ Even though for appearance¡¯s sake, I have told to my surroundings that you¡¯re a cool older brother, what on earth will you do about it? Peeping tom, underwear thief, molester. To think that a relative of mine is a criminal, please think about my position in the academy.¡±

    ¡°F-For appearance¡¯s sake, huh¡­ not that, like I said, it was a misunderstanding!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I think that only your face seems like a Prince roughly. It is a little unreliable though.¡±

    ¡°¡­You¡¯ll be cleaned off if you thought that she was praising you!?¡±

    It was simply shocking.

    As expected, this girl called Nokuto is a little strange.

    ¡°Shall I get down to the main issue?¡±

    *cough* clearing her throat, Airi sat on the sofa.

    As Lux did the same sat opposite to her, Nokuto poured tea in the tea cup from a teapot which had been prepared.

    ¡°To be frank. I think that it will be good that Nii-san occasionally sees painful experiences, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Cruel!?¡±

    Not paying heed to Lux¡¯s reaction, Airi continued with a serious look.

    ¡°This time only is a little special. If Nii-san was to be caught, how will I be able to pay the debt alone?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    (It¡¯s a cruel way to put it¡­!)

    The brother and sister of the Old Empire¡¯s royalty were coldly treated.

    In the amnesty contract exchanged at the same time as the New Kingdom establishment, one became a ¡°person in charge of odd jobs¡± and worked bearing a part of the national budget of the New Kingdom.

    And the other would live in a place where the royal family¡¯s eyes would reach.

    It was agreed that if Lux were to run away or commit misbehavior, Airi would be punished instead.

    However, Lux had not thought of this agreement in itself to be dissatisfying.

    Although there was the restriction that he must receive miscellaneous jobs from anyone, he was the ¡°property of the Kingdom¡±, so he had not received compulsive treatment so far.

    To begin with, it would not be strange even if the Old Empire¡¯s imperial family, which had been exerting tyranny for many years, was killed with the unjust resentment of anyone.

    In such a meaning, they were made to work to pay debt ¨C¨C so as to atone for their crime; and depending on the situation, it could be said that they were protected by the New Kingdom.

    Well, there were also other little circumstances which were concealed though.

    ¡°With that said, Nii-san must win against Lizsharte-sama by any means necessary. However¨C¨C¡±

    Starting saying so, Airi faltered.

    ¡°Is that child strong?¡±

    Lux asked.

    This was because in the tournament of Drag-Knights held in the capital where he had fought, Lux had no memory of Lizsharte participating in it.

    ¡°We, students of the academy, are not admitted to participate in the tournament. It is also for the concealment of military strength, and if an officer cadet¡¯s student were to lose, it would not look good enough to be shown publicly.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ which means.¡±

    ¡°Yes, instead there is regularly something like a campus battle in this academy. Lizsharte-sama is currently undefeated. Moreover, after having begun to use a Divine Drag-Ride, she continued winning successive victories with an overwhelming strength.¡±

    Divine Drag-Ride.

    Being able to handle it, which held a special power among the Machine Dragons would certainly mean that she was a powerful opponent.

    To Airi¡¯s words, Lux was troubled,

    ¡°Well, it¡¯ll be a little tough, I guess.¡±

    As he scratched his head¡­,

    ¡°Yes. Then, I will advise a way so as to be able to withdraw the duel to Lizsharte-sama.¡±

    ¡°Oh my. You shouldn¡¯t, Nokuto.¡±

    With a gentle smile, Airi stopped Nokuto who offered so.

    ¡°It¡¯s best that he takes responsibility for his own actions himself. Geez, since a long time you immediately act when you make up your mind and you can¡¯t become calm at all, so you only encounter such bad experiences.¡±

    ¡°Uwah, you¡¯re cruel!? Even though I have been doing my errands of ¡°person in charge of odd jobs all along since the day of the contract!?¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Then Nii-san, are you saying that you want to become the hostage of the New Kingdom in my stead?¡±

    Airi took up Lux¡¯s rebuttal with a cool expression.

    And just now, she ran her white fingertips onto the back of Lux¡¯s neck.

    ¡°¡­!? Wait, Airi, what are you¨C¨C!?¡±

    As she approached his face until a distance as to seem to kiss him, Lux got excited.

    ¡°Nii-san. Being watched as a hostage is really hard, you know? Because of this collar, I¡¯m always seen by strange eyes from others. Even so, I earnestly think that¡¡it''s my personality and the fruit of my efforts that enable me to maintain smooth human relations. Ah, and then, even I considerably contribute to the debt repayment after all, you know? If I concretely have to say how much I earn in the side job which extended until midnight while studying the deciphering of ancient manuscripts excavated in the ruins or the update of the Drag-Ride¡¯s manual in the academy¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°U-Understood. It was my bad¡­¡±

    ¡°Fufu, I¡¯ve won again. With this, it¡¯s 102 games, 102 victories. I wonder when the day will come when I will be defeated by Nii-san¡±

    With a childlike smile, Airi abruptly stood up.

    It¡¯s always like this¡­

    In his fights of these several years, there was no precedent where Lux was able to win.

    This young sister honor student had a weak constitution a long time ago and always clung to her mother and Lux, but now she was very strong.

    As Nokuto found such an aspect of Airi unexpected,

    ¡°You get along quite well, eh.¡±

    She said and smiled wryly.

    ¡°Well then, shall we go already? Follow me.¡±

    ¡°Go? To where?¡±

    ¡°To the Machine Dragon hangar. An airframe check before the mock battle is an indispensable matter in the academy after all. Just in case, I will guide you up to there. And while we are at it, I will teach you a countermeasure against Lizsharte-sama.¡±

    Saying so lightly, Airi left the reception room ahead.

    As Lux followed afterwards while sighing,

    ¡°Well but, if you haven¡¯t yet lost to anyone, I guess Nii-san is also like her, right?¡±

    A voice full of conviction tickled Lux¡¯s earlobes.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    And after heading to the Machine Dragon hangar which was away from the academy and having Lux¡¯s Sword Devices returned¨C¨C

    Finally, the time of the duel came.

 Volume 1 - CH 3

    ¡°Well then, the Machine Dragon match between the New Kingdom¡¯s First Princess Lizsharte and the Old Empire''s Seventh Prince Lux is about to begin.¡±

    At the same time as the voice of the teacher referee, the stage was wrapped in cheers and seething emotions.

    The Drag-Ride practice field located in the school premises;

    Fenced in with a circular stone wall, there was a broad ring spreading out to a mound.

    At the center, Lizsharte and Lux were facing each other.

    The ring at the center was low and the shape, which was loftier the more it went to the exterior, was reminiscent to that of the Coliseum of old times.

    Strong lattices were stretched on the spectator seats, and in addition, several Drag-Knights constantly deployed barriers in order to protect students, so viewers did not have to worry about being affected.

    As Lux looked around, not only a large number of female students, but even instructors seemed to have come to watch this duel which was supposed to be a private battle.

    ¡°I wonder why so many people have gathered¡­¡±

    Under the watchful eyes of a great number of the school¡¯s staff, Lux became nervous.

    I see that all of them have a little too much time to spare.

    He was selfishly made an actor of an amazing show, but¡­

    ¡°Do you want to know the reason? Lux Acadia. The reason why I challenged you to a duel.¡±

    Standing in front of Lux, Lizsharte fearlessly smiled.

    Both of them had not yet donned their Drag-Rides.

    Wearing a ¡°dress gear¡±, clothes which fitted on the body and were suitable for wearing a Drag-Ride, they were standing stock still on the ring.

    After the match preparation was completed, they drew their Sword Devices and at the same time that the referee checked that they had mutually connected their Drag-Rides, the signal of the duel beginning would be given.

    The rules used here were almost the same as those used at the tournament of the capital though.

    ¡°¨C¨CIs it because I¡¯m a Prince of the Old Empire?¡±

    To the princess right before him, Lux asked.

    The Old Empire which had spread a tyrannical rule for more than 100 years, and forced people to comply to the trend and system of androcracy.

    The New Kingdom Princess would want to knock down the fallen Prince who was a survivor of that Empire.

    Gender and nation. A duel which conceived both bonds.

    From a spectator¡¯s point of view, there might certainly not be a more eye-catching show than this.

    But¨C¨C.

    ¡°I will tell you if you defeat me.¡±

    Lux was very concerned about this.

    Was it really only because of that?

    Lizsharte was certainly a belligerent girl.

    But, shortly after Lux fell into the bathroom and pinned her down that time, the gaze which she directed towards him ¨C¨C was not just that of shame.

    ¡°Um, may I confirm one thing before the fight?¡±

    ¡°What? Did you get frightened? It will be unsightly to beg for your life at this late hour.¡±

    ¡°Begging for my life¡­? So you really intend to kill me!? ¡­It¡¯s not that I want to talk about. Um, if it¡¯s a draw, could we make it as if this match didn¡¯t happen?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A moment of silence.

    Suddenly, Lizsharte¡¯s atmosphere changed.

    ¡°Fufufu. Is it my imagination?¡±

    To Lux¡¯s question, Lizsharte brushed up her honey-colored forelock and smiled.

    ¡°We¡¯re already at this stage, and I have the impression of hearing sleep-talking.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not sleep-talking, I¡¯m seriously¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I see. Then, that¡¯s good.¡±

    Lizsharte narrowed her eyes and put the handle of her Sword Device in her hands.

    ¡°If you can say that after being aware of my true identity, then that¡¯s still good.¡±

    Her piercing gaze gave a shiver to Lux.

    That child is definitely not an ordinary Princess!

    ¡°Player Lux, get ready for the connection!¡±

    At the same time, the teacher referee urged Lux.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux reluctantly pulled out his Sword Device.

    From one of the sheaths of two different colors; the white one,

    ¡°Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.¡±

    While holding the button attached on the hilt, he shouted.

    The pass code in order to transfer a Machine Dragon before oneself.

    The silver lines of the sword blade which recognized the contractor¡¯s voice wore a blue-white light.

    ¡°Connect On¡±

    As he muttered again, the armor instantaneously opened and covered Lux¡¯s body.

    The head, both arms, shoulders, waist, legs and the wings and armaments.

    The dress gears which were similarly excavated from the ruins efficiently conducted the energy from the Force Core and protected the equipped parts (of the body) as it also generated a powerful barrier, different from a common barrier, on its surface.

    The machine armor which imitated a dragon was equipped as if uniting with Lux and he became a Drag-Knight of about two sizes bigger than the body of the person himself.

    Ancient weapons excavated from the ruins.

    That power which concealed a great military power was however quickly engulfed by a huge pressure on the opposite side.

    ¡°Is that other sword just for decoration? Lux Acadia.¡±

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    At that instant, Lux opened his eyes wide.

    Lizsharte¡¯s body was covered with a red Machine Dragon which he had never seen before.

    The outward appearance was completely different from that of the three types commonly known as General-purpose Machine Dragons, that is, Flying-type Machine Dragons (Wyvern), Ground-type Machine Dragons (Wyrm) and the Customized-type Machine Dragons (Drake).

    A red Machine Dragon much huger than Lux¡¯s appeared in front of him.

    ¡°New Kingdom royal family personal unit. Divine Drag-Ride ¨C¨C <Tiamat>. This Machine Dragon is on an entirely different level from those you know.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Divine Drag-Ride.

    It¡¯s a rare species of Drag-Ride whose existence had only been confirmed for each species in the world.

    Its airframe performance was far above that of a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

    But¨C¨C, at the same time, the consumption of both spiritual and physical strength and the processing degree of difficulty were also in a different league.

    The possessing of a Divine Drag-Ride, where it would not be strange even if one were to die when using it, was severely restricted by the New Kingdom, and its use was only permitted to those with suitable ability.

    In other words, the fact of being able to use it was proof of a peerless talent and unremitting efforts.

    However¨C¨C, while being aware of that fact, Lux remained calm.

    (It¡¯s all right. ¨C¨CI should still have a chance.)

    Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> was a basic general-purpose Machine Dragon, but its parts and armaments had been remodeled with a specialization in defense.

    In the capital, the skill of the one called the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡± who managed the largest number of mock battle and yet had never suffered one defeat in a match.

    Even if he were to have a Divine Drag-Ride as an opponent, he should be able to hold out somehow.

    The audience which was lively and excited fell silent.

    The high-pitched sound of the bell echoed to the ring as if to break the atmosphere which was strained to the limit.

    ¡°Mock Battle, Start!¡±

    At the same time with the referee¡¯s voice, the two Drag-Rides began to move.

    It was Lizsharte wearing <Tiamat> that flew first.

    At the same time that the red Machine Dragon which bore the name of a Goddess handed down from the ruins flew up to the sky, she set up the Breath Gun ¨C¨C the large gun in her right arm that was the Machine Dragon personal (exclusive) armament.

    Lux drew out his Machine Dragon blade and tried to chase Lizsharte in the sky with his <Wyvern> which also possessed the flight function, but when he saw her setting up the Breath Gun, he stopped his movements in mid-air.

    ¡°No way, does she intend to shoot it right from the start¡­?¡±

    Breath Gun.

    So to speak, the main armament which envisioned strong flames harking back to a Dragon¡¯s breath.

    A blow with a high temperature and impact, that loads the energy from the Force Core which is the power source and releases it. It held power, enough to easily blow up one building.

    But, there was the part which required a ¡°charging¡± until the firing and one could make enough distance for an evasive action; that a defensive stance could be taken was the flaw.

    Actually, even Lux had currently taken a suitable distance enough to be able to evade it.

    Therefore, the opening in a one-to-one fight was not something which one should quickly aimed at, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Fufufu¡­!¡±

    As if reading the intention of Lux, Lizsharte laughed.

    And, the cannon¡¯s sight which was originally aimed at Lux abruptly deviated slightly sideways,

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    Boom!

    It fired.

    A light beam of high temperature with undulation was shot from the sky straight toward the ring on the ground.

    But, it was of course, not aimed at Lux, so he would not be hit as long as he did not move.

    Is it intended for a threat or a warm-up?

    To Lizsharte¡¯s incomprehensible action, Lux¡¯s body slightly stiffened.

    That moment¨C¨C

    ¡°Ah¡±

    Lizsharte who was far in the sky looked down at Lux and swerved her mouth.

    In her right hand was the cannon which fired just now.

    And her left hand¨C¨C, was holding the hilt of the Sword Device.

    The Sword Device was one of the control sticks to mentally operate a Machine Dragon and its armaments, in other words¨C¨C

    ¡° ¨C¨C!?¡±

    Suddenly, a shock as if being hit by a large hammer ran down Lux¡¯s flank.

    He was flipped aside and thrust away along with the <Wyvern>.

    In other words, Lux was pushed out to the trajectory of the original bombardment which Lizsharte shot by deliberately deflecting her aim!

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    An inescapable timing where he was completely taken by surprise.

    Although the armor of Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> had been tuned to be relatively thick, it would end with a single blow if he were to receive the attack of the main armament with its maximum output head on.

    Lux instantly set up his blade diagonally so as to use it like a shield for the bombardment.

    He fully poured energy from the Force Core and equipped it on the blade.

    Originally, it was an ability to amplify destructive power, but by doing so, he would deflect the power of the bombardment and he himself would also be flipped off from the trajectory of the bombardment.

    ¡°Uh, ah¡­!¡±

    Objects of high speed came flying while aiming at Lux who was blown off and was rotating in the air.

    As he quickly swung the partially damaged blade and flicked off the four flying objects, they stopped in the sky and returned to Lizsharte¡¯s surroundings.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C!¡±

    ¡°Hmm. You¡¯re better than I thought.¡±

    Lizsharte wearing <Tiamat> looked down at Lux and fearlessly smiled.

    A little away around her, four huge arrowhead-shaped objects were floating.

    ¡°I never thought that you would escape my attack with only a sword, handling from that posture. It really hurts my pride. Should I say as expected of the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±?¡±

    ¡°W-What did you just¨C¨C!?¡±

    Looking up at Lizsharte in the sky, Lux sweated.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯ve probably heard about my special armaments from your little sister, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s right, but¨C¨C¡±

    A special armament which only a Divine Drag-Ride could use.

    Lux had also heard from Airi about the special armament <Legionairborne fortress> that <Tiamat> possesses.

    There were long-range throwing weapons of small streamlined metals which were controlled and held a propulsive strength themselves.

    Usually four of them were equipped to the airframe; after launch, the units could freely move, and directly impact damage to the enemy.

    Of course, Lux also intended to be cautious because of that troublesome disposition, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Kuh!¡±

    (But, no matter what, that way of using them¨C¨C)

    At the same time as the start signal, Lizsharte had launched the <Legionairborne fortress> to the side while flying, so that they would not be noticed by Lux. In addition, she aimed the Breath Gun at Lux.

    A Divine Drag-Ride exceeded a general-purpose Machine Dragon in terms of output and efficiency.

    When suddenly being aimed at by the main armament, anyone would focus his attention there.

    As she deflected her aim to the side and fired and attracted Lux¡¯s attention towards his right side, she threw the <Legionairborne fortress> which she made take a detour from the left side so that they escaped his field of vision; then, she pushed him into the original trajectory of the main armament¡¯s maximum output and attacked him.

    A one shot kill strategy.

    Devil like tactics without any mercy.

    What was frightening above all else was that there was no stagnation (moment of pause) at all to this series of actions.

    No matter how excellent the tactics were, as long as there was any unnatural movement, it was possible to perceive and avoid them.

    But, even in the mock battles in the capital, Lux had almost never fought against this kind of opponent so far.

    Is she really a Princess of the New Kingdom? That child¨C¨C

    ¡°Old Empire¡¯s Seventh Prince, Lux Acadia.¡±

    When Lux was recovering his balance, Lizsharte¡¯s voice came down.

    ¡°Honestly, I underestimated you, but I take back what I said. You aren¡¯t bad. Just a little, I¡¯m impressed. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll take this opportunity to say it now. You¡¯d better release (disarm) that <Wyvern> which is about to break and use that other Sword Device.¡±

    It was a tone of voice which contained a deep affection and which was somewhat gentler than before.

    A small stir came from the surrounding audience seats.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of Drag-Ride it is, but it should be better than that partially destroyed one. Show it to me, your full strength.¡±

    ¡°¡­Um. Then, may I again say one thing?¡±

    To Lizsharte¡¯s words, Lux looked up at the sky.

    The blade which was Lux¡¯s main weapon was already partially destroyed and the defense armor was also shaved off to one third, so it could no longer generate a complete defensive barrier.

    The remaining equipment of his <Wyvern> was one Breath Gun for barrage shooting, three Machine Dragon claws blades (daggers) for close range combat as well as for throwing, and also one Wire tail for medium-range.

    None of them was a weapon which could pierce through the defensive barrier and thick armor of <Tiamat>.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¨C¨C. I can¡¯t use this sword.¡±

    Even so, with a composed attitude Lux said that.

    ¡°So, if it becomes a draw at this rate, could we come to an agreement regarding this matter? Honestly, I¡¯m tied up with other jobs. S-Sorry for the b-bath. I apologize¨C¨C¡±

    Lizsharte¡¯s eyebrows became stiff from Lux¡¯s words.

    And, not only her cheeks, but also her whole face became red and the whole Machine Dragon''s body shook.

    Of course, Lux was speaking seriously.

    But, she probably thought that she was being underestimated.

    ¡°Oh, I see. It sounds as though you¡¯re not an ordinary ¨C¨C BUT A BIG FOOL!¡±

    Lizsharte suddenly hung up her Sword Device to the sky and shouted.

    ¡°<Tiamat>! Reveal your real nature!¡±

    At the same time as her voice, a big noise spread like ripples around the audience seats.

    Immediately after, a dazzling light ran around <Tiamat> and something was transferred (summoned).

    It was an auxiliary armament whose use was usually avoided because the burden (put on the body) was great.

    It was a main armament two times bigger than the cannon set up a little while ago. That was linked ¨C¨C connected to <Tiamat>¡¯s right shoulder and right arm.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C!¡±

    A huge gun barrel which had seven muzzles.

    The Goddess Tiamat not only gave birth to an army of demons and controlled them, but she also turned herself into a seven-headed dragon.

    Lux had only heard about that auxiliary armament which was called <Seven HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon> from Airi, but¨C¨C.

    ¡°Are you good at dancing? Lux Acadia.¡±

    An absolute confidence and an intimidating smile.

    Saying with a graceful voice, Lizsharte set up her Sword Device.

    ¡°My dance is a little rough. Entertain me, Prince.¡±

    Around her, the number of <Legionairborne fortress>, which was four until a little while ago, increased; the number quadrupled ¨C¨C a total of 16 aircraft throwing weapons were floating in the air.

    It looked like these arms were also transferred in by the Sword Device.

    Logically speaking, the burden and processing degree of difficulty should also double in proportion to the number of the arms, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    Compared to that, Lux¡¯s equipment was extremely weak.

    The airframe performance itself was still far inferior, too.

    A too overwhelming military power difference.

    But, precisely for this reason¨C¨C, Lux perceived a chance of winning.

    ¡°P-Please wait a minute! Princess Lizsharte! Do you intend to kill your opponent? If you went as far as to use <Tiamat>¡¯s auxiliary armament, no matter how much you hold back, it will still go beyond the scope of a mock battle!¡±

    The instructors, responsible for monitoring, who saw that hurriedly tried to stop her, but,

    ¡°So they say, but? Do you want to throw in the towel?¡±

    To the question of Lizsharte who was floating in the sky, Lux shortly, but clearly¨C¨C

    ¡°No ¨C¨C I don¡¯t.¡±

    Answered so.

    ¡°Then, perish in this place! With the pride of the Old Empire!¡±

    At the same time Lizsharte shouted, she wielded her Sword Device.

    At that moment, the throwing weapons which were floating whirlingly around her¨C¨C, the sixteen <LegionAirborne fortresses> began to attack all at once.

    ¡°Lux-san¡­¡±

    Nokuto had been watching the mock battle which began with Lizsharte¡¯s fierce attack in the audience seating.

    ¡°Oops. This is terrible! We must quickly tell the teacher and stop her¨C¨C!¡±

    As expected, even Tillfarr, a girl with a usually light tone, said in panic.

    Although there was just one grade of difference between them respectively Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto, they were called the ¡°Triad¡± in the academy and they were also childhood friends.

    The third year student Sharis whose father was serving as the vice-commandant of the New Kingdom army had the lead status with seniority. She enjoyed both play and study.

    Especially, Sharis who had a strong sense of justice also volunteered to join the paramilitary section.

    It was already five years since the New Kingdom was established.

    Although the custom of androcracy was gradually dying out, the people¡¯s consciousness could not change immediately.

    Even the people opposed to the new government itself and the kind of treatment towards women and riots were unending.

    For this reason, she bore the pride of protecting the students from the male offenders who sometimes showed up in the academy, too, but¨C¨C

    ¡°To think that such a fight would happen¨C¨C¡±

    By now, they realized that it was them who made that uproar that big a deal.

    For this, the three girls felt some regret.

    Incidentally, the three girls were in the end made to write a letter of apology about the matter where they destroyed the women¡¯s dormitory by using Drag-Rides as ¡°they went too far¡±.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lux-kun.¡±

    At this rate, not only would Lux lose, worst, he might also die.

    In the case that Lizsharte were to use <Tiamat> , the students who only possessed a general-purpose Machine Dragon would be no match for her.

    It had only been once that she was seen going as far as to transfer the auxiliary armament.

    The innumerable units which flew about freely inside the broad ring, <LegionAirborne fortresses>.

    The main armament of super-heating power which completed its charge and would be shot if Lux were to stop moving even for a moment, the <Seven HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon>.

    There should be no means to go up against these two overwhelming powers with only a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>.

    ¡°You do not need to worry. Sharis-senpai.¡±

    Suddenly, Lux¡¯s younger sister who was next to her ¨C¨C Airi called out to Sharis so.

    ¡°About that incident, it¡¯s something that Nii-san did selfishly, so it¡¯s the natural consequences of his own deeds. He holds an odd sense of justice, so he¡¯s always dragged into unnecessary troubles. At first glance, he looks sensitive, but he¡¯s just a softhearted and simple fool, so it can¡¯t be helped.¡±

    With a fairly serious look ¨C¨C no, even with a smile, Airi indifferently continued her words.

    ¡°¡­You¡¯re an unexpectedly interesting child, you¨C¨C¡±

    When Sharis returned a wry smile seeing that she was so indifferent,

    ¡°But, even to such a hopeless Nii-san, there is only one thing that even I admit; he has a lot of good sides.¡±

    Airi said so and gently pointed at the center of the ring.

    With a smile tinged with a little pride.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C?¡±

    When Sharis asked back and moved her gaze to the ring, it could be seen with a big noise.

    ¡°Once he has decided something, he will carry it out until the end.¡±

    Within the ring practice field, a fierce fiery whirlwind blew.

    After being launched, the <LegionAirborne fortresses> attacked with their own propulsion.

    Lux dodged all of the simultaneous attacks which consisted of a total of 16 units ¨C¨C by a hairbreadth, including the additional auxiliary armament.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    Anxiety appeared on the face of Lizsharte who manipulated them by swinging the Sword Device in her left hand

    Even though the offensive was completely one-sided, she desperately swallowed her voice, not shouting ¡°why?¡±.

    Not even one of the units of <LegionAirborne fortresses> which she manipulated had been destroyed.

    Lux just dodged and repelled them.

    Only using the partially destroyed blade, the Breath Gun, the daggers and the wire tail.

    Each of them was a basic weapon of a Machine Dragon, but Lux skillfully used them to defend against all the attacks.

    Of course, it was not as if the attacks were not totally hitting him.

    In fact, Lux¡¯s armor was also being torn off gradually and even the barrier which he had deployed was also running out of power.

    The remaining arms (weapons) also got gradually damaged each time they repelled the <LegionAirborne fortresses>.

    Nevertheless ¨C¨C he showed no signs of falling.

    So, that¡¯s the reason why he is called ¡°the weakest undefeated¡±!

    Just five minutes since Lizsharte was going all out.

    No, it was ¡°already¡± five minutes.

    It should be impossible for an ordinary general-purpose Machine Dragon to hold even dozens of seconds against a Divine Drag-Ride going all out.

    That fact which was beyond Lizsharte¡¯s calculation restrained her tactical thinking.

    She sent a fleeting glance to the big clock of the academy and checked the needles.

    There were still about three minutes before the end of the match.

    But, at this rate, Lizsharte¡¯s stamina would run out before the timeout.

    ¡°Lizsharte-sama!?¡±

    A voice from a student in the audience seats reached her who was struck dumb.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    The moment when she was distracted in thinking, she saw a dagger thrown by Lux approach.

    It was too late to doge it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me!¡±

    But, as Lizsharte wielded her Sword Device and pointed it out before her eyes, the dagger changed the trajectory as if being flipped by an invisible force and fell to the ground.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    At that moment Lux¡¯s complexion changed due to this mysterious phenomenon, Lizsharte inhaled.

    ¡°Haa. All right, the ¡°weakest undefeated¡±! In order to express my respect to your skill, allow me to show it to you! The Divine Raiment of my <Tiamat>, that¡¯s!¡±

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    Divine Raiment¨C¨C¡£

    The moment when he heard these words, Lux stiffened for a short moment.

    ¡°Prostrate yourself under the name of God! <Heavenly Voice>!¡±

    At the same time with a loud voice, Lizsharte once again pointed to Lux with her Sword Device.

    That moment, the <Wyvern> that was flying in the sky at high speed until now fell to the ground.

    The armor leg which held out suddenly sank along with the foothold.---how does this sentence fit with the current context/situation?

    ¡°This is¨C¨C!?¡±

    Divine Raiment was a special ability which only a Divine Drag-Ride possessed.

    It was said that this ability existed only for the Divine Drag-Ride type and the true nature of each of the Divine Drag-Rides was almost unknown.

    From the information he also heard from Airi, there was not this (this was not in it).

    Judging from the strong burden put on his whole body along with the Drag-Ride, and the movement of the dagger which was stopped a little while ago, <Tiamat>¡¯s Divine Raiment seemed to control gravity.

    But, the situation had already been checkmated when he realized it.

    The <LegionAirborne fortresses> circled at high speed like a tornado around Lux, blocking any escape paths. And,

    ¡°¨C¨CIt¡¯s over. Fallen Prince.¡±

    <Tiamat>¡¯s auxiliary armament, the huge gun connected to the right shoulder and right arm.

    The <Seventh Heads> aimed at Lux.

    (¡­To think that she even uses the Divine Raiment! I have no other choice, but to do it.)

    Lux instantly resolved himself for a certain thing ¨C¨C at that time,

    ¡°¨C¨CWha?¡±

    Kaboom!

    Along with this sound, Lizsharte which wore <Tiamat> violently inclined to one side.

    Almost at the same time, the gravity exerted on Lux and his <Wyvern> was also released.

    Lizsharte seemed unable to fully grasp what happened and stared at the Machine Dragon which was wrapped around her body.

    (This is bad¨C¨C!)

    Compared to a general-purpose Machine Dragon, not only is a Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s processing degree of difficulty high, and the exhaustion of the user intense, but there was also a more fundamental danger.

    It was the fact that it could rampage.

    A Drag-Ride operation method broadly divided into two types.

    The body armor processing by moving the armor wrapping one¡¯s body with the limbs and power condition, and the mind processing done by thought via the Sword Device.

    Generally, a skillful use of these two methods would operate a Machine Dragon, but under extreme fatigue and burden, the user¡¯s rhythm would go amiss and the Machine Dragon would act beyond expectations ¨C¨C In other words, the rampage begins.

    If he did not settle it quickly, it would become dangerous for both parties.

    The moment Lux saw that, he used his <Wyvern>¡¯s maximum output and flew into the air.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!? W-With such a thing¡­¡±

    Clear agitation and a color of fatigue appeared on Lizsharte¡¯s face.

    But, she instantly changed her expression.

    Lizsharte quickly wielded her Sword Device and injected a new thought.

    The 16 <LegionAirborne fortresses> which were flying around Lux lost their output and fell to the ground.

    Cutting of control.

    She focused her consciousness and power which were originally distributed to other arms, and chose only one point, channeling all that destructive power.

    All that energy was converged into the main armament, the <Seventh Heads>.

    ¡°Like I would loooooosssssssse!¡±

    At the same time with an earsplitting scream, <Tiamat> returned under her control.

    Lux rose and stabbed his sword and Lizsharte determined the target under her eyes (below).

    The two people¡¯s fight reached the climax. At that moment¨C¨C,

    An incident, which should have never occurred, occurred.

    Guuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    ¡°¡­!? This sound is¨C¨C!¡±

    Vertically piercing through the clouds, the scream of a beast descended.

    From high up in the sky above the practice field, an inhuman intruder interfered.

 Volume 1 - CH 4

    It is not just against a fellow Drag-Knight that a Drag-Knight should look out for as an enemy.

    No, more importantly, humanity¡¯s natural enemy to which they must be very careful of, entered this world just now.

    It is a mysterious mythical beast which has come to appear occasionally from the ruins where the Drag-Rides were discovered about ten years ago.

    There exists countless species and it was said that they would indiscriminately attack humans and animals once they come across them.

    What separated them from common beasts were their strength, their mysterious mode of life and their unique abilities.

    Therefore, the majority of powerful nations placed forts, barriers and fort cities near the several ruins, and deployed Drag-Knights in preparation for unexpected circumstances.

    Even those fort Cities, located between the capital and the ruins, were cities catered to defensive positions.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?¡±

    ¡°W-Why is an Abyss suddenly appearing in a place like this¨C¨C?!¡±

    ¡°Is that¡­, a Gargoyle type recorded in the books!? Why didn¡¯t the alarm ring!?¡±

    ¡°Everyone, calm down! Lower-class students, do not draw your Sword Devices! Gather without panicking and take shelter in the school building!¡±

    Screams rose one after another from the female students in the audience seats.

    Besides Officer Candidate Drag-Knights, there were very few students who had combat experience.

    Though the appearance rate of an Abyss is quite low, they are basically several times stronger than Drag-Knights.

    Furthermore, since they originally flew from the ruins, which were dozens of kilometers away from the Fort City, a notification of its appearance would generally come from the forts or barriers.

    In addition, if it happened that Drag-Rides were deployed in crowded areas like the audience seats, it was a foregone conclusion that the deployment would be delayed by the summons.

    When suddenly coming across a wild beast in a downtown, one could not have time to leisurely load bullets in a gun in front of the beast.

    Even the eight student Drag-Knights who were deployed to stretch the barrier of the audience seats were completely petrified in face of this sudden occurrence.

    ¡°What on earth happened¡­?¡±

    A female instructor, Raigree stared at the sky while gathering the students and put her hand on the Sword Device to her waist.

    The habits of an Abyss are quite similar to that of a carnivore.

    The tendency of counterattacking what attacks it first or running after a prey trying to run away was a typical behavior that belonged to these monsters.

    If someone were to make a careless move from the ground, the Abyss which was in the sky would react and might start to attack the audience seats below.

    Therefore, Raigree hesitated in her decision.

    But, at that time¨C¨C,

    Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    The mechanical type Abyss with a winged person shape, the Gargoyle howled.

    At the same time, from a part of both its wings which were spread apart, it scattered feather type light bullets.

    The shooting direction was below.

    In other words, the audience seat ¨C¨C in this practice field.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    At that moment when instructors and students held their breath.

    Lux Acadia sliced the Gargoyle in the sky.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    The moment when Lizsharte had her attention attracted by the Gargoyle high in the sky, Lux Acadia accelerated further.

    He sharply raised his partially destroyed blade in a posture to thrust it upward.

    He passed across Lizsharte and further closed in upon the Gargoyle in the sky.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Immediately after, from both wings of the Gargoyle, feather-type light bullets were released directly under.

    But,

    ¡°Drag-Ride ROAR (Howling Roar)!¡±

    On the front of Lux Acadia¡¯s <Wyvern>, a spiral shock wave was developed (unfolded).

    It was a Drag-Knight¡¯s basic technique which flipped the enemy throwing attack by means of a shock wave generated from the Force Core.

    The attack¡¯s trajectory was deflected by it and the light bullets poured down not on the practice field, but over the surrounding vacant landscape.

    Bang¡­¡­!

    A moment later, a roaring sound and a shock wave burst in succession.

    The blast wind blew down trees, stirring up violent sandstorms.

    From the audience seats, female students¡¯ screams could be heard.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this!? Why did the Abyss suddenly appear¨C¨C¡±

    As Lizsharte, greatly shaken, was going to set up the <Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon> of her <Tiamat>,

    ¡º¨C¨CLizsharte-sama¡»

    Lizsharte could hear Lux Acadia¡¯s voice directly within her head.

    It was the communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides ¨C¨C dragon voice.

    While sending his voice, Lux Acadia blocked the Gargoyle¡¯s way.

    ¡°¨C¨CShaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Long and slender arms, and claws which shone purple.

    Lux Acadia parried high-speed consecutive blows drawn out from there with his partially destroyed blade.

    ¡ºWith my <Wyvern>¡¯s fire power, I cannot destroy the Abyss. So, please, go down to the ring on the ground and aim at the enemy.¡»

    ¡ºDo you intend to order me around? To begin with, can you hold back the Abyss all by yourself¨C¨C¡»

    ¡ºI will somehow manage. The signal of the bombardment will be immediately after I brandished my sword.¡»

    ¡ºH-Hey! Wait a minute!? Lux Acadia!¡»

    But, the fact was that, due to <Tiamat>¡¯s extreme consumption, her operation limit was approaching.

    Certainly, there was only enough spare energy to release one more shot at the maximum output.

    Lux Acadia¡¯s judgment was correct.

    However¨C¨C,

    ¡°Is he crazy!? Even a kingdom army¡¯s Drag-Knight alone can¡¯t do anything¨C¨C¡±

    When Lizsharte, who went down to the ring on the ground, looked up at the sky, she saw this scene.

    Shortly after the Gargoyle scattered the feather-type light bullets, triggering numerous explosions.

    The audience seats and its surroundings were wrapped in panic and confusion.

    ¡°Hey, hasn''t the permission for drawing swords been issued yet!? W-We must either run away quickly or fight¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Backup hasn¡¯t yet come!? What are the guards doing!?¡±

    ¡°W-Why did the third year students have to go for practice at a time like this¡­¡±

    ¡°Everyone, listen carefully! All students armed with a sword, draw your sword! Deploy a barrier with 70% of power overhead and help students without swords to block attacks! We will dispose of the enemy! Don¡¯t make a move on the Abyss now!¡±

    In an actual combat situation held just before their eyes for the first time, the instructor scolded the confused female students.

    While looking at it from afar, the three girls of the Triad and Airi gathered.

    Since Airi had a weak body, she applied as a civil official; thus, she possessed neither Sword Device nor Drag-Ride.

    Therefore, so as to protect her, the three girls wore Drag-Rides on their bodies and set up a barrier overhead.

    ¡°Good grief, they are still knight candidates after all, so they are vulnerable to a sudden disturbance.¡±

    Airi sighed while surveying her surroundings.

    Nokuto who saw it nodded slightly,

    ¡°Yes. ¨C¨CBut, you can¡¯t blame them. In the case of a fight against Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride, it would require at least three high-class or seven middle-class renowned users. It¡¯s said that in the case of low-class users, a battle only for withdrawal or base defense is possible with about ten renowned users. What¡¯s more, in this situation when we were caught off guard¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Certainly it is.¡±

    The dignified blue-haired girl, Sharis looked around and agreed.

    ¡°It was also the right decision to order the standby and defense to the students who can fight. The students who were shaken after seeing the Abyss¡¯s strength will become useless. A soldier who has once been corroded by fear must not participate in the battle then. It¡¯s what my father once said.¡±

    ¡°More importantly, Lux Acadia-kun. Will he be all right?¡±

    To Tillfarr who whispered nervously, Sharis also nodded.

    ¡°The ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±¡­ He seems to be really good at defense, but, it¡¯s useless against an Abyss. If other instructors don¡¯t come quickly¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It looks like there is only one enemy, eh.¡±

    To Sharis¡¯ voice tinged with tension, Airi looked up at the sky and muttered.

    ¡°Then, he won¡¯t lose. If it¡¯s Nii-san¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.

    The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Lux Acadia flipped and parried them with his blade.

    Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as not to let one breath, the power of each blow was enough to creak each time the receiving armor.

    On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.

    Chasing Lux Acadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.

    The black of the Abyss and the blue of the <Wyvern>.

    The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks scattered.

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    But, while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Lux Acadia¡¯s mind was not confused.

    He could assume only minimal evasive action.

    If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its target of attack.

    To the audience seats where there was his younger sister Airi and ¨C¨C the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.

    Thus, it was in a situation where even his defense options were restricted.

    However,

    (It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)

    The ability which could be called the essence of Lux Acadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.

    The life-or-death crisis which he had got over on countless occasions.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.

    His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.

    At this moment ¨C¨C Lux Acadia¡¯s scenario was completed.

    By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle¡¯s chest in perfect timing.

    ¡°Guih¡­!?¡±

    To the sudden counterattack of Lux who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.

    On its hard body, a wound of a finger size.

    That was only it, but the Gargoyle¡¯s mechanical expression turned harsh.

    Lux Acadia¡¯s combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.

    There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.

    Among the frightened female students of the audience seats on the ground, Lux Acadia¡¯s ears also heard that a big stir occurred.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaah!¡±

    The Gargoyle¡¯s movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.

    It could not be determined whether it recognized Lux as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.

    The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.

    It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.

    ¡ºLux Acadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!¡»

    A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Raigree on the practice field.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    When Lux, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and charged.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­!¡±

    Lux reflectively set up his blade.

    But, the Gargoyle passed through Lux¡¯s side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.

    At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.

    The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.

    The aim was¨C¨C, the audience seats!

    While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken aback.

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C!¡±

    Lux switched his <Wyvern>¡¯s propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.

    Catching up with its back, Lux brandished his blade overhead. At that time,

    ¡°Guaaaah!¡±

    The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the air.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    The Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.

    During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Lux¡¯s ability and saw through his intention of fighting.

    Lux¡¯s action purpose ¨C¨C was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.

    The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Lux.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.

    Lux Acadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.

    ¡°Shaaaaaaaaa¨C¡±

    From below to above, a flash of claws.

    It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Lux Acadia¡¯s shoulders.

    In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.

    ¡°Ku, ah¡­!¡±

    The <Wyvern>¡¯s system shut down and Lux Acadia started a free fall.

    But at that moment¨C¨C,

    ¡°¡­I see. I understood.¡±

    Lizsharte¡¯s smile was reflected in the eyes of Lux Acadia who turned his face.

    ¡°If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy¨C¨C. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I¡¯m the same, too.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CGi!?¡±

    The Gargoyle¡¯s agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.

    <Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon>.

    The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride<Tiamat> which Lizsharte drives, possessed.

    The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle¡¯s strong metal body and pulverized it.

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.

    Lux Acadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.

    To the peace which returned after the beast¡¯s defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.

    ¡°However, what a man¡­ you are.¡±

    Lizsharte who caught Lux Acadia cancelled <Tiamat>¡¯s connection and laughed.

    How many humans were there in this place that understood of the fearful Lux Acadia with the current offense and defense?

    ¡º¨C¨Cthe signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.¡»

    The first words which he said with the dragon voice¡¯s communication.

    In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Lux Acadia was the scenario which Lux Acadia had drawn up completely.

    Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think ¡°this guy is dangerous¡±.

    Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.

    Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attacked at that opportunity¨C¨C

    ¡°However ¨C¨C you¡¯re a fool after all.¡±

    With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.

    And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.

    ¡°Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, I have something important to announce!¡±

    Lux Acadia¡¯s fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.

    Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.

    (It somehow went well, I guess¡­?)

    After ascertaining only that, Lux Acadia finally lost consciousness.

    After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte¡¯s daily routine.

    Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.

    Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.

    It was not unnecessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.

    ¡°Phew¡­¡±

    As she lightly sprinkle hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte¡¯s face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.

    Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.

    The girl had many times tasted such things until now.

    (But¨C¨C, what is it? This feeling¡­)

    However, today¡¯s feeling was different from any of that.

    ¡°To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me¡­ Besides¨C¨C¡±

    She thought that this was the first time.

    (A man who also tried to help and protect me¡­)

    That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Lux Acadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.

    (This was the first time. That I thought I ¡°lost¡±¡­)

    The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the ¡°man¡± who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.

    Even from her father who planned the coup d¡¯¨¦tat to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.

    She had never once held something like romantic feelings.

    But¨C¨C.

    (It might have been fortunate that this has been seen by that guy.)

    While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.

    Even though it was secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.

    The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.

    ¡°Hmm, phew¡­¡±

    When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.

    ¡°Lux Acadia¡­ huh¡±

    The girl¡¯s shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.

    ¡°There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh¡­¡±

    With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.

    That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a ¡°person¡±.

    He had a dream.

    Six years ago. One year before the coup d¡¯¨¦tat occurred, the scene when Lux Acadia headed to the Imperial Court.

    The world¡¯s largest country, the Acadia Empire.

    A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.

    In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Lux Acadia was looking up at the sky.

    ¡°Even though you didn¡¯t come to the imperial capital for a long time, that¡¯s a fairly long face. Dear little brother.¡±

    A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar¨C¨C, the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.

    He was Lux Acadia¡¯s eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front line because injury and disease due to an accident.

    Thus, he had a really close relationship with Lux Acadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.

    ¡°Was I wrong?¡±

    As his gaze fell to the water¡¯s surface of the pond, Lux Acadia muttered.

    The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family¡¯s mantle on his body was cold and stiff.

    ¡°No, you did well.¡±

    Fugil answered in a calm tone.

    ¡°The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father ¨C¨C to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 12.¡±

    The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experiment of powerful drugs using poor citizens.

    Lux Acadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.

    ¡°But, His Majesty the Emperor didn¡¯t even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.

    To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.

    ¡°It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty¡¯s way of doing is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives.¡±

    ¡°What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire.¡±

    Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.

    It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.

    It was an inhuman ruler¡¯s smile.

    It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.

    ¡°The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report.¡±

    Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.

    ¡°¨C¨CDespite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords.¡±

    ¡°¡­You¡¯re right.¡±

    To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.

    ¡°He neither takes the populace¡¯s life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn¡¯t carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of ¡°Standing above others¡±. Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited ¨C¨C to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the ¡°irrational misfortune of others¡±.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After Lux Acadia slightly nodded to Fugil¡¯s words,

    ¡°Yes¡­ That¡¯s why this empire ¨C¨C the world doesn¡¯t change anymore. It can¡¯t be changed. As long as the empire''s army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I¡¯ve heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters.¡±

    ¡°Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CNo, I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Lux Acadia said clearly.

    ¡°So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It¡¯s for that reason that I come today to the imperial capital.¡±

    Lux Acadia¡¯s smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.

    That scene became dim and disappeared.

    And Lux Acadia regained his consciousness.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.

    A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.

    Lux Acadia woke up on the bed of the room.

    A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.

    ¡°This place is¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ D-Did you wake up!?¡±

    ¡°Uwah¡­!?¡±

    Hearing a voice nearby, Lux Acadia, startled, sprang up.

    A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.

    It looked like this place was the academy¡¯s medical office.

    ¡°D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but¨C¨C¡±

    With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Lux Acadia¡¯s face.

    She seemed to be extremely worried about him.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After grasping the situation, Lux Acadia looked downward for a while,

    ¡°Um¨C¨C, thank you.¡±

    He said so with a smile.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Lux Acadia

    ¡°For having taken care of someone like me¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise¨C¨C,

    ¡°Lux Acadia. You¡¯re a guy whom I don¡¯t know whether you¡¯re modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I have been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was child.¡±

    As Lux Acadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice ¡°I see¡±.

    ¡°D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?¡±

    She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ¡°An ordinary human can¡¯t do it and wouldn¡¯t. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is¡­ Why did you save me¨C¨C?¡±

    Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.

    ¡°¡­E-Errr, I don¡¯t remember well.¡±

    Lux Acadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.

    ¡°However, I just think that I have to do it. I¡¯m often scolded by my little sister. ¡°Nii-san does right away what he thinks¡± she says.¡±

    When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,

    ¡°I see. Well, it¡¯s fine. It''s my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me ¨C¨C us. I will leave it only at that.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a quite frank person, eh. Princess.¡±

    As Lux Acadia said with an awkward smile,

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent.¡±

    Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.

    The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.

    Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.

    ¡°Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince.¡±

    As Lux Acadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,

    ¡°Okay, Lux Acadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise.¡±

    Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.

    ¡°A promise?¡±

    ¡°I-I said it, didn¡¯t I? The reason why I challenge you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn¡¯t let you off like that. S-So¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ah. U-Um ¨C¨C sorry, I saw everything¡­ But, it was beautiful.¡±

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is¨C¨C¡±

    As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Lux Acadia blocked his view.

    Have I said something rude?

    As usual, I don¡¯t really know how to interact with girls.

    As Lux Acadia thought so and took the towel in front of him¨C¨C,

    ¡°U-Um¨C¨C, it¡¯s this.¡±

    An unbelievable sight spread before his eyes.

    In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte¡¯s skin could be seen.

    She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.

    As if saying that ¡°I wanted you to see¡±.

    The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because shyness.

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s like that. This is the real reason why I challenge to a duel. You have seen this in the bathroom at that time, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The girl¡¯s fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.

    Lux Acadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.

    ¡°W-Why don¡¯t you say anything!? How about you say something?¡±

    ¡°¡­! U-Um, errr¨C¨C¡±

    While completely forgetting himself, Lux Acadia thought.

    That¡¯s right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.

    When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths¨C¨C

    ¡°Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you idiot!? Pervert! Die!¡±

    I failed again! Let¡¯s forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there¡­

    While Lux Acadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.

    But, everything else was fairly visible to Lux Acadia.

    ¡°Is that crest¡­ possibly ¨C¨C the Old Empire¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°¡­D-Did you finally noticed? ¨C¨CSo that means, you haven¡¯t told anybody about this, right?¡±

    As Lux Acadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back her clothes sat on the chair.

    The Old Empire¡¯s crest which modeled a black dragon.

    That brand was in the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.

    ¡°Why in the world¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell it yet. But, don¡¯t speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.

    It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.

    Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Lux Acadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.

    Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.

    It was not ¡°I want you to overlook it¡±¡­ but rather ¡°I want you to believe in me¡±.

    Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.

    Surely ¨C¨C it was not a guilty, simple secret.

    Even Lux Acadia himself had such a past.

    That¡¯s why he understood.

    This child had probably not done anything bad.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I won¡¯t tell anybody.¡±

    ¡°Really? Can you swear it?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess.¡±

    Lux Acadia straightened himself and bowed his head.

    Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.

    ¡°Thanks god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confined you in the underground prison by that duel, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­ Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!

    As expected, it isn¡¯t the way of thinking of a Princess.

    She¡¯s pretty rough, this child¡­

    ¡°Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start¨C¨C¡±

    The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.

    Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.

    When Lux Acadia was relieved so,

    ¡°Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as a officer candidate student to our academy.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes. Understood.¡±

    Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Lux Acadia reflected on that meaning,

    ¡°¨C¨CWait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    He instinctively screamed.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s a joke, right¡­? I mean, in the first place, I¡¯m a man¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°A-And, call me ¡°Lisha¡± like my classmates. This is a promise, too.¡±

    It looked like she was completely serious.

    Seeing Lisha¡¯s bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.

 Volume 1 - CH 5

    ¡°¨C¨CWith that said, he is Lux Acadia who will be attending this school from today. Everyone, there are probably many things which you aren¡¯t used to, but I hope you will get along with him.¡±

    The next day ¨C¨C.

    The school building: second floor, second year¡¯s classroom morning.

    Receiving the introduction of the female instructor in charge of the class Raigree Balheart, Lux made an expression showing that he did not know what to say.

    Raigree, while being a woman, played an active role as a Drag-Knight in the Old Empire Era, and she also took the New Kingdom side as the ally of women in the coup d¡¯¨¦tat.

    In addition, including her beauty and dignified personality, she seemed to boast of great popularity among the female students.

    It might have been some sort of fortune that he was put in the class which such an instructor took charge of.

    That¡¯s ¨C¨C if Lux was a female student officer candidate though.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Last night, since there was no vacant room in the girl¡¯s dormitory, Lux ended up staying at the drawing room for visitors and spent a night where he was not able to sleep very good.

    However, it was because of that Lux¡¯s stomach hurt.

    After the New Kingdom establishment by coup d¡¯¨¦tat, Lux who was working as a chore Prince was used to busy and hard work.

    What was the most toilsome was that when seeing the classroom, he was strongly feeling out-of-place.

    It''s impossible.

    Even more than Lisha¡¯s coerciveness, as ¡°a test entrance which considers a future coeducation¡±, and frankly speaking, he did not know at all about what Principal Relie who also permitted it, though it was a temporary enrollment was thinking.

    (How can she easily permit it even though it¡¯s a girl¡¯s academy¡­?)

    Lux knew that Relie had such a character from a long time, but as expected, she had too much freedom.

    By the way, since it seemed that a substitute capable person would be arranged by the Kingdom to do the other miscellaneous jobs, which Lux was scheduled to do, he was relieved for the time being.

    ¡°Errr, I¡¯m Lux Acadia. I hope to get along with you¡­¡±

    For the time being, he made an awkward greeting.

    By the way, Lisha who was in the same class, probably due to yesterday¡¯s fatigue, far from offering a lifeboat to Lux was sleepily rowing the boat.

    Small buzzing and whispering voices filled the classroom.

    Well, it¡¯s no wonder.

    He was a Prince of the Old Empire which laid out the trend of androcracy for many years, so although the system changed five years ago, it was still the object of caution for girls.

    Moreover, that a person like him was the only one admitted in a young ladies¡¯ academy¨C¨C

    (Haa¡­, I want to go home.)

    Everyone probably hates it, too, and honestly even I don¡¯t know what to talk about¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Ah. It¡¯s Lu-chan.¡±

    As Lux was inwardly shedding tears, he suddenly heard such a voice.

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    A pink-haired girl who was in a seat on the window side of the classroom.

    Her fluffy hair was brought together with two ribbons, which properly suited the girl¡¯s absentminded atmosphere.

    And, her rich chest which greatly pushed up her uniform brought about a mysterious charm to the girl¡¯s face where traces of childishness remained.

    ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    In a soft voice, the girl smiled at Lux.

    Her slow way of talking and peculiar atmosphere rang a bell to Lux.

    ¡°Errr, are you by any chance, Philphie¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    To Lux¡¯s question, the girl nodded and confirmed.

    Philphie Aingram.

    She was the second daughter of the great mercantile House, the Aingram Financial Conglomerate, and also Lux¡¯s childhood friend.

    Furthermore, she was the Principal ¨C¨C Relie Aingram¡¯s younger sister.

    It had actually been seven years since the last time they met.

    At that time, the Aingram House was associated with the Old Empire and there was also the fact that they were the same age, so Lux remembered that they played a lot together when they were children.

    ¡°So you are attending this school. I¡¯m glad. Please, take care of me, Lu-chan.¡±

    With a tone which did not seemed that much happy, Philphie said.

    Though, Lux knew that Philphie was originally a girl who was not very good in expressing her emotions.

    And, the fact that she was not so talkative and also that she had an honest personality.

    Therefore, even though she looked like this, she was probably really happy.

    ¡°Ah, yes. Likewise, take care of me.¡±

    As Lux exchanged greetings like this, the instructor Raigree pointed and said ¡°okay, Lux. Your seat is next to that child.¡±

    Lux was nervous, but as he sat down next to his childhood friend, he took a breath of relief for the first time.

    Thank god.

    Even if was a few, there was a friend whom he could speak with.

    While Lux who was tired in various ways since yesterday loosened his cheek in relief, he looked at his childhood friend sitting nearby¨C¨C

    (But, we are in an age and position different from those seven years ago, we¡¯re in a classroom, so I should take that into consideration a little, shouldn¡¯t I?)

    ¡°Um, would it be better that I call you Philphie-san?¡±

    The moment Lux said so, suddenly (in a bad mood) Philphie turned away with a serious look.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Lux was perplexed to that reaction.

    Did I say something rude?

    (But, I have memory that it was rare that Philphie got angry about something, but¨C¨C)

    ¡°It¡¯s Phi-chan, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    As Lux thought so, Philphie said that while still looking away.

    ¡°¡­Eh? Can I call you like that here!?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Philphie affirmed as she nodded.

    (N-Now that I think about it¡­!)

    Lux remembered with cold sweat.

    Philphie had since olden days demanded a relationship where she and someone whom she took a liking to called each other by their nickname.

    Lux was also doing so since they were very close when they were children, but¨C¨C

    ¡°I-I¡¯m happy you say that, but as expected, I can¡¯t call you that here¡­ I mean look, we have already grown up, also we¡¯re officer candidates, and we¡¯re in the academy¡­¡±

    Or should I say, it was very embarrassing to call you so in front of unknown classmates.

    ¡°Would you consider the situation at that angle?¡± Lux expected so, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Hmph.

    Looking at Lux who made excuses, Philphie looked away once again.

    The noisy stir of the classmates could be heard.

    ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t make noise. I''m starting the lesson.¡±

    With Raigree¡¯s voice, the classroom regained calm instantly.

    But, since it was a sudden admission, Lux had not yet have a textbook at hand.

    ¡°Philphie-san. Can I use your textbook together with you?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    He was ignored.

    ¡°Ph-Philphie. T-This much is all right, right? H-Hey, we¡¯re in class now¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    There was no reaction.

    I soon wanted to cry.

    ¡°¡­Hey, Phi-CHAN.¡±

    ¡°What¡­? Lu-chan.¡±

    As Lux somehow squeezed his voice, Philphie turned towards him and said so.

    ¡°M-May we read your textbook together¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes, all right.¡± At that moment, laughter leaked from all over the classroom.

    ¡°Cute¡± ¡°Phi-chan he says¡± ¡°Did those two have that kind of relation?¡±

    Hearing many such voices, Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    Ha, it¡¯s too embarrassing¡­!

    What is this!?

    What kind of situation is this!

    ¡°Fufufufu¡­!¡±

    Incidentally, even the serious instructor Raigree was trying to suppress her laughter.

    Lux endured the urge of wanting to run away right now and somehow took the class.

    ¡°¡­Hmph¡±

    Lisha who woke up looked at this as she seemed to be in a bad mood.

    And, Lux did not notice another female student¡¯s gaze

    However, unexpectedly his embarrassing exchange with Philphie seemed to bear fruit as Lux¡¯s classmates seemed to have dispelled their caution towards him.

    ¡°Hey, hey, were Philphie-chan and Lux-kun by any chance fianc¨¦s?¡±

    ¡°What kind of jobs does the chore Prince usually do?¡±

    ¡°Speaking of which, why can you fight against an Abyss alone? Isn¡¯t it great!?¡±

    ¡°Are men that good at using Drag-Rides? I heard that the aptitude rate was originally above for women, but¨C¨C¡±

    And then, the number of female students assailing with questions and gathering in front of his desk, at every short break during lessons increased like a festival.

    The duel with Lisha who was the Princess, and the repulsing of the Abyss.

    For good or for bad, the bad impression of having intruded into the bathroom was completely wiped out and it seemed that only interest and favorable impression towards Lux remained in the students.

    Just before the lunch break, a large number of onlookers flocked from other classes.

    (Somehow, it¡¯s different from what I¡¯ve imagined¡­!)

    Knight candidates¡¯ academy which noble young ladies attended.

    As Lux was perplexed to the atmosphere which crumbled too much regarding it¨C¨C

    ¡°Lux-kun. That reminds me, you¡¯re still doing the miscellaneous jobs, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Errr. Yes, well¡­ it¡¯s my duty after all.¡±

    As he replied so being asked by one of the girls who surrounded his desk,

    ¡°So if I ask, Lux-kun will do jobs here. All right, shall I ask at once?¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not fair. I also wanted to ask!¡±

    ¡°Lux-san. More importantly, would you like to have tea with me?¡±

    ¡°Everyone, if you¡¯ve any request, I will collect them. If you approach him all at once, Lux-cchi will be troubled, right?¡±

    Tillfarr who was a classmate came over and began to bring everyone together.

    (I¡¯m selfishly given a strange nickname¡­)

    It looked like Tillfarr, who was one of the trio ¨C¨C one of the ¡°Triad¡± which seemed to be famous even in the academy, was the mood maker-like existence even in the class.

    ¡°Phew¡­¡±

    However, honestly, he felt relieved.

    It''s a good thing if Tillfarr interceded for everyone¨C¨C

    ¡°Yes, yes. Write your odd jobs requests to Lux-cchi and put them in this box. Carry them. Put in also the appointed date. They will be done in turns later.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    (Somehow, the talk has been settled in a bad sense!)

    ¡°Don''t worry. Everyone is rich after all. Like this, Lux-cchi¡¯s debt can also be paid quickly!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As far as he could see the written requests being thrown in the wooden box which Tillfarr prepared to the extent that they overflowed, he felt like he was going to collapse before the completion of requests.

    And ¨C¨C it was lunch break; as Lux who was mentally tired laid face down on his desk for a while,

    ¡°H-Hey. If it¡¯s fine with you, how about going to eat meal together? Lux.¡±

    ¡°Uwah!?¡±

    Being suddenly called out to from above his head, Lux jumped.

    Standing before him was Lisha.

    He had the feeling that she had been half sleeping nearby during the lesson, but she seemed to have woken up before he noticed.

    ¡°Errr, do you mean ¨C¨C the two of us?¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s right ¡­ Don¡¯t you want to go with me?¡±

    While faintly reddening her cheeks, Lisha looked away.

    At that moment, a small stir filled the classroom.

    ¡°A-And if possible ¨C¨C I would like you to become my exclusive care taker from here on. Coincidentally, I also wanted one servant after all.¡±

    As Lisha said so while restlessly twining her finger in front of her chest,

    ¡°Eeeh!?¡±

    Along with Lux¡¯s scream, the whole class rustled once again.

    ¡°Eh? What does she mean?¡± ¡°If I remember correctly, Lizsharte-sama didn¡¯t apply even a maid for her care as she is misanthropic, right?¡± ¡°To make him, a ¡®man¡¯ her servant is¨C¨C¡± ¡°No way¡­¡±

    From the female students of the class, he could hear such voices from afar.

    ¡°S-Such a thing¨C¨C¡±

    Since he could not reject it in a loud voice, he was troubled.

    ¡°This much is fine, isn¡¯t it? At that time, you forcibly saw even my naked body after all¨C¨C¡±

    At Lisha¡¯s words, ¡°kyaaaaaaaaah¡± high pitch voices rose from the classroom.

    As expected, the incident of the bathroom had become a rumor, but there seemed to be students who did not know the details.

    ¡°T-That was ¨C¨C um¡±

    As Lux completely panicked¨C¨C,

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A girl quietly approached Lux.

    ¡°¡­Phi-chan?¡±

    It was Philphie.

    While already eating something which looked like baked doughnuts silently probably for lunch break, she stood just beside Lux and Lisha facing each other.

    She was expressionless as usual, but she revealed a strong presence.

    ¡°*gulp*. Lu-chan is troubled. Lizsharte-sama.¡±

    Swallowing the doughnut in her mouth, Philphie said.

    ¡°What. I was wondering who it was, but it¡¯s just the airhead daughter of the Aingram Financial Conglomerate, huh. It¡¯s troublesome. Okay, I''ll give you my snacks, so step back calmly.¡±

    After knitting her brows only for an instant, Lisha took out paper packages from her bosom and ordered Philphie.

    Judging from the faint sweet smell and the package, a golden gloss (luster).

    The contents seemed to be bread seasoned with honey.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    It was specified in the school regulations that there was no hierarchical relationship between nobles and that they were treated as equal knight candidates within the academy.

    But, that was to the bitter end an official stance, and it was not going on like that in reality.

    A Princess was after all a Princess.

    ¡°It¡¯s not as if Lux himself really asked for help, right? I don¡¯t know about you being childhood friends or whatever, but I advise you not to thoughtlessly poke your nose into other people¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Lisha told so as to persuade her.

    Philphie silently gnawed the bread from the package she received like a small animal.

    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re eating it¡­¡±

    Philphie was extremely fond of sweet things. And, she was doing things at her own pace.

    She also seemed to have not changed on that side since a long time.

    ¡°Everyone would understand just by seeing that Lu-chan is troubled. So stop. Princess.¡±

    A slow and loose tone.

    But, Philphie told so clearly.

    One did not know what Philphie was thinking as she was usually absentminded, she firmly insisted unexpectedly and she was the obstinate type.

    The exchanges of the two girls became incandescently calmly.

    The classmates of the classroom brightened their eyes to that scene and began to get greatly excited.

    ¡°I wonder who will win.¡±

    ¡°The New Kingdom Princess and or the childhood friend of the Aingram Financial Conglomerate¡­¡±

    Lux who became unable to endure being here, hurriedly,

    ¡°W-Wait, you two, calm down¨C¨C¡±

    The moment when he raised his voice,

    ¡°¨C¨CSorry for meddling as you¡¯re busy, but can I?¡±

    A dignified sound.

    He heard a translucent voice in the classroom.

    Lux remembered the girl with beautiful features like a fairy.

    Krulcifer Einvolk.

    She was a fellow knight candidate classmate who was a foreign student from the religious country Ymir, a powerful nation in the north.

    It was that girl who made the escaping Lux swoon; flinging him away in the incident of the day before yesterday.

    ¡°Krulcifer, huh. If you have business, leave it for later. I¡¯m in the middle of an important talk now¨C¨C¡±

    Lisha swelled her cheeks (as if pouting) and protested so, but

    ¡°I was asked for a little business from the Principal of the school. There is a place that she wants me to guide that child to at lunch break. Understood, Lux-kun?¡±

    ¡°Errr¡­, ah, yes.¡±

    It was the first time he heard about the matter of being guided, but thinking that it was a lifeboat, Lux rode on the talk.

    ¡°Then, it¡¯s like that, so.¡±

    As Krulcifer told so and softly held Lux¡¯s hand, she pulled him to the corridor without waiting for Lisha¡¯s and Philphie¡¯s reply.

    ¡°¨C¨CNo way, to think even that talented Krulcifer-san is interested in him¡±

    ¡°It has become interesting.¡±

    To his classmates¡¯ shrill voices which he could hear from behind, Lux walked down the corridor while bearing some anxiety.

    Coming out from the classroom to the corridor, they went up the stairs.

    When they arrived at the rooftop where there was no one, Krulcifer approached the handrail and quietly looked down below.

    The scenery of the large school site could be overlooked from here.

    A vividly green courtyard and great school buildings.

    In a slightly remote place, there were the girl¡¯s dormitory and the Machine Dragon practice field and the fourth Machine Dragon hangar.

    And, there were some buildings which he did not know yet.

    ¡°Um, thank you. Krulcifer-san¡±

    For the time being, Lux who took a breather thanked her first.

    He had heard rumor about Krulcifer Einvolk only a little from his little sister Airi.

    A foreign girl who possessed first-class skill in studying, body techniques, and Drag-Ride¡¯s handling.

    Including her beauty which exceeded that of an ordinary person, she was a talented woman whos superiority was acknowledged by the people in the academy.

    ¡°You helped me¡­ didn¡¯t you? Probably.¡±

    ¡°Despite your childish face, you¡¯re unexpectedly sharp.¡±

    ¡°T-That has nothing to do with it, right!? Why do you say such a thing!? Even though I mind it!¡±

    As Lux unintentionally reddened his face, Krulcifer chuckled.

    ¡°The fact that you immediately become irritated like that, despite being a Prince of the Old Empire is what I call childish. Though former, you¡¯re also of a royalty, so I wanted you to return such an obvious provocation with sarcasm.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    (It¡¯s no good. We should be the same age, and yet she completely has the upper hand.)

    When Lux was inwardly snubbed so,

    ¡°But, other than it, I praise you. You might say that I admire you. For noticing my intention. It saved me the trouble.¡±

    ¡°¡­Um. Then, as expected, is there something you want to talk to me about?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there several things. But, first of all.¡±

    She said so and turned her transparent pupils towards Lux.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you give the finishing blow yesterday ¨C¨C at that time?¡±

    ¡°¡­Are you talking about Lizsharte-sama? Or about the Abyss¡­?¡±

    ¡°I think that you could have defeated both though. Only if you felt like it¨C¨C¡±

    At Krulcifer¡¯s glance as she saw through it, Lux hesitated for an instant,

    ¡°¡­You overestimated me too much.¡±

    After several seconds, he replied so.

    ¡°Certainly, I have never lost in an official mock battle of Drag-Knight. But, I never won, either.¡±

    The nickname ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡± named from the style where he devoted himself entirely to defense and evasion and delivered no attack.

    But, as that name showed, all his war records were draws.

    Lux had also never won.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t intend to force you to speak about something you don¡¯t want to speak about.¡±

    (I-I¡¯m not trusted¡­!)

    As Lux hung his head, Krulcifer said as if reading his thoughts.

    ¡°Oh my, there is no way I would trust you, right? You, the peeping tom and underwear thief Prince.¡±

    ¡°L-Like I said! You¡¯re wrong¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux blushed and became confused, Krulcifer chuckled.

    It was a graceful smile hardly thinkable of a girl of the same age.

    Lux¡¯s heart throbbed for an instant to that expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m a little relieved.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because you are a more harmless boy than I expected. Your not that much like the Empire''s royalty.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A tone with which he didn''t know whether he was praised or made a fool.

    But only a little, she seemed to be having fun.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. After all, I¡¯m the seventh Prince, and moreover¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve a childish face and you¡¯re also short?¡±

    ¡°NO!? Um¡­, for various reasons, we were driven out of the Imperial Court when I was child. So, We¡¯re not that much familiar with the Old Empire¨C¨C¡±

    After the coup d¡¯¨¦tat succeeded, Lux and Airi were released by the New Kingdom¡¯s amnesty.

    With the criminal¡¯s collar attached to their necks and a large amount of debt as a mark of atonement.

    And also another deal¨C¨C.

    ¡°Is that so.¡±

    Krulcifer curtly muttered these words without showing any feelings in particular.

    ¡°So, Krulcifer-san came abroad to study from the religious country Ymir, to learn about Drag-Knights?¡±

    ¡°Certainly, that¡¯s also one of my goals.¡±

    How to put it, this girl seemed to always like an elusive way of speaking.

    ¡°Then, what kind of other purpose do you have? I heard that you¡¯re an Earl¡¯s daughter, but is it in order to connect interchanges with the New Kingdom or something like that¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Hey, do you know about the ¡°Black Hero¡±?¡±

    Interrupting Lux¡¯s words, Krulcifer asked.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°The monster that destroyed about 1200 of the Empire''s Drag-Knights using only an unknown Drag-Knight, and drove the Empire to defeat. Both his affiliation and purpose were unknown. That user¡¯s figure hasn¡¯t been confirmed in the current New Kingdom. Therefore, he is handed down as a demon of destruction for the Old Empire and as a legendary hero for the New Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°¡­If it¡¯s only the rumor, I¡¯ve heard about him, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At Lux¡¯s answer, Krulcifer said nothing.

    She was just overlooking quietly the scenery below in front of the handrail of the rooftop.

    ¡°Um¡­?¡±

    ¡°I have one job request for you.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ¡°Look for the ¡°Black Hero¡±. I have business with that person.¡±

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    The moment when Lux unintentionally gasped.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    ¡°The afternoon lesson will soon start. Next is the Practical training exercise for Drag-Rides, so we better hurry up.¡±

    While saying only that, Krulcifer got down from the rooftop ( you get down from the roof by taking stairs so this sentence doesn''t really make sense in my opinion, )and slowly walked to the stairs.

    ¡°U-Um¡­ Krulcifer-san!¡±

    When Lux called out to her back, Krulcifer stopped for an instant and turned around.

    As Lux was perplexed as he didn''t even know what he was going to say,

    ¡°Speaking of which, Lux-kun, did you eat lunch?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­!?¡±

    (N-Now that she mentioned it, I hadn¡¯t yet!)

    It was because he was completely exhausted at the beginning of the lunch break and was rolled up in trouble afterwards¨C¨C.

    The moment he conscious of so, Lux¡¯s stomach growled and his face turned red.

    ¡°Do your best. Cute chore Prince.¡±

    Krulcifer suddenly smiled and left just like that.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Somehow, she was too mysterious a person, but there was only one thing made clear so far.

    This person is too tough, in various ways¡­

    Lux held these indescribable feelings and his hunger, and took the afternoon lesson.

    ¡°Haa, I¡¯m already tireeeeeed¡­¡±

    Night time.

    The large public bath linked to the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    While strongly brushing the bathtub and floor where he intruded into the day before yesterday, Lux was exhausted.

    After finishing the afternoon class, the number of requests of ¡°odd jobs¡± which dropped into Lux¡¯s hand had increased.

    Was the first ever man to move into this girl''s academy? ¨C¨C the Old Empire¡¯s chore Prince that rare (unusual).

    Or, did he attract attention in various ways because of yesterday¡¯s duel and incident?

    The requests, including those from the academy and students, exceeded dozens of matters only today, and the number of reservations still kept increasing.

    Originally, if Lux had not organized the odd jobs which reached a hard schedule, he might have given up long ago.

    ¡°Even so, I think that it¡¯s a place like a paradise though.¡±

    About five years after Lux was released by the amnesty of the New Kingdom.

    His life as the chore Prince was by no means comfortable.

    Of course, there were also good people at the work place.

    But, during the countless requests, there were also many painful and difficult things.

    He was awfully cursed (abused) by the people who resented the Old Empire.

    Conversely, he had also been spoken ill of as the ¡°dog of the New Kingdom¡± by the Old Empire¡¯s adherents.

    ¡°But¨C¨C. This place is¡±

    While working hard at studying, he could pay his debt and moreover, his safety was guaranteed.

    And above all ¨C¨Cdaily Drag-Ride training was possible.

    It could be said that the fact of the burden of the expensive management, and maintenance fees of his Machine Dragon also disappearing was ideal for the kind of life that Lux aimed for.

    However, the only thing which he was concerned about,

    ¡°Was it all right for someone like me to stay in such a place?¡±

    In this place where Lux muttered, after a light knock, the door to the dressing room was suddenly opened.

    ¡°W-Waaaah!? Sorry! The bath cleaning is already over, can you just wait a little bit now¨C¨C!?

    Damn!?

    Have I by any chance forgotten to put the note ¡°under cleaning¡±?

    As Lux raised a voice of explanation in panic¨C¨C

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not meeting your expectation, Nii-san. Did you want to see it? My naked body.¡±

    There was his little sister Airi and the Triad¡¯s first-year student who was her friend, Nokuto.

    By the way, both of them were properly dressed.

    ¡°W- What are you saying!? Ah, Nokuto-san, good evening¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes. But, it can¡¯t be helped. I hear that adolescent males usually have it tough in various ways. I wonder about how about they lust (crave) for a blood relative, but¡±

    ¡°Why did you assume that I was expecting a naked body!?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s fine though. Shall we, the only family members, enter the bath together next time? Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°Airi¡­ It¡¯s embarrassing, so could you please not tell such a joke in front of people?¡±

    When Lux¡¯s cheeks reddened and he protested, as Airi was also a little embarrassed, she deceived it by clearing her throat *cough*.

    ¡°So, do you have business with me? This bath cleaning is already the last for today¡¯s requests, so if it isn¡¯t a pressing business, I want you to wait a little¨C¨C¡±

    To Lux who straightened his back, Airi and Nokuto smiled wryly.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a little work. Afterwards, please come immediately to the grand hall of the girl¡¯s dormitory. A detour is out of question (prohibited). Well then, later.¡±

    Airi smoothly said and turned her back.

    ¡°Understood. I''ll go immediately.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please look forward to it.¡±

    When bowing to Lux who answered, Nokuto also left the bathroom together with Airi.

    ¡°Look forward¡­?¡±

    Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, but in the end he did not understand.

    The evening when the sun also went down completely.

    After having the housemother who made the request checked the cleaning, Lux headed to the grand hall without break like he was told by Airi and Nokuto.

    As he walked in the dormitory, wide like a high-class hotel in the capital, he unintentionally smiled wryly to himself who felt that he was ¡°out of place¡±.

    ¡°Speaking of which, I was royalty, too¡­¡±

    He had lived in the imperial court until 7 years old, but after being deprived of the right of succession to the throne, he lived out of the castle, and it was not that rich (affluent) of a life.

    The coup d¡¯¨¦tat occurred when he was 12 years old, and with a short-term war of about one month, after the Atismata chief officials won, he was imprisoned with his little sister Airi and they were detained for a while.

    And¨C¨C, at the same time as the New Kingdom government was born, Lux became a criminal and it had been decided that he would bear the mission of undertaking odd jobs and a debt with an amnesty.

    They were the only two survivors of the Old Empire''s royalty.

    Although they were almost ousted from the imperial family, to let Lux and his little sister, who had imperial blood live and release them, various agreements were necessary.

    Along with another secret which could by no means be said¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Errr, was it the grand hall?¡±

    Lux noticed and stopped.

    (¨C¨CBut, for what reason would they call me at such a time?)

    Even though there are many jobs I can¡¯t do when the night comes.

    As Lux was thinking so, he saw Airi¡¯s figure in the hall which was down the stairs.

    ¡°You seem to have straightened your appearance. I¡¯ve gotten a better opinion of you, Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°E-Even I will at least do that much! Um, about the request from the girls¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Well then, please come here. Everyone is waiting.¡±

    Ignoring Lux¡¯s words, Airi took his hand.

    Just like that across the passage, to the cafeteria (dining hall).

    ¡°Huh¡­? If I remember correctly, this place is¨C¨C¡±

    Even though it was already the time when the cafeteria (dining hall) was closed.

    As Lux thought so, looking puzzled and entered,

    ¡°CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR ADMISSION!¡±

    He heard the girls¡¯ voices all at once.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    When looking at the front, many dishes were placed on a big table.

    Meat pie with sauce was put and all sorts of sandwiches with vegetables were put.

    Pasta with mushroom dressed with plant oil. Chicken saut¨¦ seasoned with spice.

    Soup with cooked vegetables, drawing out sweetness.

    Even a red wine bottle and teapot were prepared.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell this is¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°Right, it¡¯s the celebration of your admission. Lux-kun.¡±

    Seeing Lux¡¯s reaction, Sharis of the Triad lightly smiled.

    When looking, the dining hall was set like a small party meeting place, and many students gathered there.

    Lizsharte, Krulcifer, Philphie.

    Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

    And, several students of the same class and also the instructor Raigree also sat in a corner.

    For a moment, he could not believe that sight.

    It was like a dream.

    Lux was absentminded for a little while.

    ¡°Um, by any chance ¨C¨C is it for me?¡±

    ¡°¡­Well, it¡¯s something simple we gathered and planned after all. It might be a little plain to entertain you, a former Prince, but please do with it.¡±

    As the third-year student Sharis said so,

    ¡°Uh-huh. The dishes are everyone¡¯s handmade dishes, but don¡¯t get your hope up for the taste of what I made! I¡¯m extremely clumsy after all!¡±

    Said Tillfarr with a face (smile) on her whole face.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think that it¡¯s something you should say in this (first) place.¡±

    Nokuto threw in a calm response to it.

    ¡°Lu-chan. We will be together from now on.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m expecting various things from you.¡±

    After Philphie and Krulcifer respectively called out to Lux,

    ¡°Yo. Ah, um, how to say it.¡±

    Lisha who was sitting on a chair in the back lightly raised her hand and stood up.

    ¡°U-Um ¨C¨C frankly speaking, I¡¯m not very good with such a party or event. Therefore, um, I don¡¯t really know whether you¡¯re happy. But, I thought we should finally do it¡­ Good work¡­ No, it was a great honor on this occasion. Lux Acadia.¡±

    While shyly averting her eyes a little, she muttered.

    Her attire was a red dress which Lux saw for the first time.

    ¡°Yes. Lizsharte-sama seems to want to say ¡°I wanted to thank and congratulate you, and so I planned it. I will be happy if you enjoy it even a little¡±.¡±

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re wrong!? Don¡¯t translate it on your own! Even though you¡¯re just a first year!¡±

    Seeing that exchange, the other students suddenly burst into laughter.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Because of too much shock, Lux was stiff for a while, but

    ¡°¨C¨CThank you. Lisha-sama. I¡¯m happy.¡±

    He said so with a natural smile.

    ¡°N-No¡­ Well, um, how to say it. It¡¯s only one, but I also tried and made a dish. Errr¡­¡±

    ¡°Well then, shall we already go with the toast?¡±

    To these words, everyone poured wine in their glasses and raised them.

    The lively night wore on.

    The happy time passed in the blink of an eye.

    After Lux¡¯s welcome party ended and they dispersed.

    ¡°What to do¡­ I completely forgot¡­!¡±

    Because his stomach was full, and there was also the fatigue from the jobs and the moving on the first day, Lux wanted to lie down (and rest) as soon as possible, but he had noticed about this time the fact that an important problem remained.

    That was ¨C¨C about the bed (where to sleep).

    Lux had been using the drawing room for visitors, but since maintenance was necessary, he just remembered that it was said that it could not be used for a while,

    In this academy where there was only the girl¡¯s dormitory, the room where Lux would stay has not been yet found.

    Therefore, securing a place to sleep was also a problem for Lux, but¨C¨C

    ¡°I wonder why only this place is the same as the time before the move in¡­¡±

    Even though there were many rooms, there was none where he could stay.

    (I should have consulted with the instructor at the party¡­)

    ¡°It¡¯s no use. I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡±

    The collected fatigue and the feeling of a stomach full from a meal.

    Without fighting against the sleepiness which suddenly assailed him, he genuflected.

    ¡°I will rest a little, so¡­¡±

    Right, on the hallway carpet, it was right after he leaned on the wall.

    Lux¡¯s consciousness was immediately swallowed by darkness and he sank into a deep sleep.

    The chirps of small birds could be heard and on the back of his eyelids, he could feel the warmth of a dim sunlight.

    It¡¯s morning. Thought Lux within his consciousness.

    Have I slept on the corridor? It¡¯s a mysterious sensation for it.

    (The carpet of this dormitory is warm and soft, huh.)

    Besides, it somehow smells really good.

    (Until a little while ago, sleeping outdoors or staying in a stable was normal for me after all.)

    Remembering such a thing, Lux smiled wryly in a doze.

    Before he noticed, he seemed to have gotten used to his fairly poor life.

    I should wake up soon; I still have many things to do.

    But, I want to stay like this only just a little¨C¨C

    Thinking so, he tried to haul in the blanket in his hand, his eyes closed as it is.

    ¡°Ahn¡­¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    (I wonder what this is.)

    It was fluffy, fleshy, smooth and very soft.

    It had elasticity just like kneaded bread dough, and when sank in plumply, Lux¡¯s fingers were pushed back.

    As that sensation was comfortable and Lux massaged it several time with his eyes still closed¨C¨C

    ¡°A-Ahn¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The voice before him turned into a seductive one.

    As Lux who was surprised by this opened his eyes¨C¨C,

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    A girl with fluffy, light pink hair and golden pupils which thinly opened.

    Philphie Aingram was on the same bed ¨C¨C next to Lux.

    ¡°Wai¡­!? Why is Phi-chan here!?¡±

    ¡°¡­Ah, morning. Lu-chan. Fuhaah.¡±

    In contrast with the confused Lux, Philphie winked sleepily.

    Her appearance was one thin shirt, an exposed chest and ¨C¨C her underwear could be seen on the lower part of her body.

    ¡°Wh¡­ What on earth happened!? Why!? Why are you¨C¨C¡±

    Lux hurriedly sprang up from the bed and looked around.

    Bunk beds, a closet, a small table of two cliffs, a desk¨C¨C

    No matter how you think about it, it was a room for two people of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    ¡°¡­the washroom is on the first floor?¡±

    ¡°Not that!? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m worried about!? I mean, cover it! I can see it after all! I can see in various ways!¡±

    While retorting in a fluster, Lux hurriedly covered his eyes with his hands.

    As he did so, Philphie yawned in a cute way and crawled once again under the bunk bed (blanket)

    ¡°Hey!? Don¡¯t sleep again! What¡¯s with this situation!? If I remember correctly, last night, I was¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes. I brought you here. It¡¯s because I found you sleeping on the corridor on my way to the toilet¡­ You¡¯d have caught a cold, you know?¡±

    ¡°T-Thank you¡­ Not that!? This room is a room for two girls, right!?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the only one using this room, so it¡¯s all right.¡±

    ¡°Even though there are bunk beds, why did you sleep with me!?¡±

    ¡°It was bothersome to carry you above. And I was sleepy¡­¡±

    ¡°T-Then, wouldn''t it have been better if you have gone to the top, right¡­?¡±

    ¡°Climbing the ladder was bothersome.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    End of discussion.

    ¡°B-But¡­ Um, it¡¯s bad after all, right? In a lot of ways¨C¨C You and I are already at this age.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m all right with it though.¡±

    ¡°Ah, geez¡­ How much haven¡¯t you changed since a long time ago¡­!¡±

    No matter how much she is a boxed in young lady, as expected, she is a little too off.

    I¡¯m greatly happy that we¡¯re close like a long time ago, but the stimulus is stronger now.

    Both her appearance and smell let one feel that she was a completely grown-up ¡°girl¡±.

    ¡°Did you change, Lu-chan?¡±

    ¡°Eh...?¡±

    Quietly getting up and with a serious look as usual, Philphie said so.

    ¡°I think that nothing has changed. I think that you¡¯re always the kind Lu-chan of those days.¡±

    And just a little bit, she smiled.

    A soft smile to the extent that it could only be noticed by someone who had been close to her since a long time.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m sure we haven¡¯t changed.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    I wonder why.

    To Philphie¡¯s smile and her words, Lux almost cried (felt like crying).

    After all, I am¡­

    On the last day of that coup d¡¯¨¦tat, I¨C¨C

    At that time, a sound of knock resounded in the room.

    ¡°Philphie! It¡¯s already morning. If you don¡¯t wake up quickly, you¡¯ll be late! You¡¯re already late all the time, so if you¡¯re late any more than this ¨C¨C may I enter?¡±

    The second-year student of the ¡°Triad¡±, Tillfarr¡¯s voice could be heard coming over the door.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    (It¡¯s bad!)

    No matter how much there were circumstances, being seen in this situation would be¨C¨C

    ¡°Philphie¡­, you know? I¡¯m already up, so can you keep it a secret about me being here¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Enter.¡±

    Before Lux finished saying, Philphie plainly answered.

    ¡°Wai¨C¨C!? Doe this room by any chance not lock with a key!?¡±

    Tillfarr opened the door and entered.

    ¡°¨C¨CHuh?¡±

    And, after absentmindedly opening her mouth as she saw Lux and Philphie,

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Sorry for the intrusion!¡±

    ¡°HEY!? You¡¯re wrong! So, please don¡¯t spread that story!¡±

    Lux hurriedly came out of the room and ran after Tillfarr who ran away.

    In the end, Lux, Philphie and Tillfarr became late while getting along well.

 Volume 1 - CH 6

    Castle town of the Imperial Capital. In the drawing room of a small mansion in the outskirts, Lux and a guest were sitting.

    Five Years Ago, April.

    The feudal lord of the North East from the Imperial Capital, Count Atismata gathered the resistance of every place and raised an uprising 20 days later.

    Coupled with the support of neighboring countries, he was ready to lead an army of 70000 soldiers and 207 Drag-Knights and decided to invade the Imperial Capital.

    To convey this very important and highly classified information, Fugil came.

    It was exactly ten days before his little sister Airi was to head to the Frontier Count.

    Fugil, who tightly wrapped himself in a robe from head to toe, sat on a seat at the table illuminated by a candle flame, and slightly stuck out his head.

    ¡°The matter is proceeding as planned, little brother. As you planned, everything is going well.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lux bowed and then put the Sword Device which he was wearing on the table.

    ¡°I¡¯m also ready.¡±

    ¡°As expected of you, little brother.¡±

    Fugil who heard that nodded with admiration.

    ¡°You¡¯ve far exceeded my expectations. Being the youngest user in the history, you displayed your ability by gaining several hundred victories in the training and mock battles of the Empire army. Originally, that unprecedented exploit is something which should be praised all over the country and also by the Emperor ¨C¨C but this Empire ended up being corrupted to the root.¡±

    In a voice mixed with resignation, he continued further.

    ¡°You¡¯re the illegitimate seventh Prince. Moreover, you¡¯re a person who objected to the politics of the Empire. No matter how much skill you have ¨C¨C even if you are praised for your achievements, you hold a differing opinion which doesn''t garner attention towards blood legitimacy. This means that such a person can¡¯t be a ¡°Hero¡±.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought to set myself up as a hero. Just¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    To the answer of the calm Lux, Fugil smiled.

    ¡°But, I''ll ask you once again, shouldn¡¯t you stop that way of fighting? You don¡¯t expressly have to put yourself in danger in order to save the enemy. If you feel like it, though there will be sacrifices, you can choose a safer way¨C¨C¡±

    Not even shaken by the voice of Fugil who invited him, Lux raised his face.

    ¡°This way, even supposing that the plan succeeds, there will be no meaning.¡±

    ¡°Most men of the army are puppets of the imperial family. While wielding the absolute weapon which is the Drag-Ride, they would blindly obey orders of oppression and massacring of innocent people. So, you can¡¯t assert that they have no responsibility.¡±

    ¡°But, they might just be forced to execute orders which they don¡¯t want. Even the people of the army have family.¡±

    ¡°Phew¡­ Geez, your resolve deserves great admiration¡±

    Fugil, somewhat amazed, smile wryly and then stood up.

    ¡°Well then, see you in three days then. As per your instructions, I will come here again. Until then, give me a definite answer. Whether you will cooperate with a <Wyvern> and fight alongside my <Bahamut>? Or¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°Like I thought, we should kill those guys and cut off the bad habit. Will you keep asking about something which won¡¯t change? Will you give up everything for what you are trying to change? As a Prince of the Empire, if you possess the pride to fulfill it, then¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m¨C¨C¡±

    Looking at Lux who did not change his expression, Fugil got ready to go back.

    And with a hand, holding back Lux who tried to stand up and see him off, he slowly opened his mouth.

    ¡°Ah, which reminds me, Lux. That matter which you asked me to investigate about. About the medication and experimentation on a human body that the Empire''s army was running.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CYes¡±

    To the words which were released, Lux showed a faint agitation.

    The trend of the androcracy which went to extremes.

    All the women are tools.

    In the imperial traditional culture, the fact that women obeyed men was taken for granted.

    The scene where any male aristocrat made up a reason and abducted citizens or young girls of poor family as an outlet of his desire and manpower was not unusual.

    But this time, a more horrible thing was happening.

    The extremely horrifying affair where the military authorities were said to use very young girls for a certain special human experimentation.

    On the surface, it was a clinical trial for making medicine to cure plague.

    However, in reality, it was human experimentation for poison and weapon.

    With the fact that the majority of the results were either unknown after-effects or death, they returned to their family.

    ¡°Young children ¨C¨C Among them, it seems that a subject chosen by a certain standard was the most suitable for the experiment; and this time, even several noble children seem to have been taken to the military facilities. Philphie Aingram. Including that childhood friend of yours with whom you were getting along with.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The moment when he heard this, Lux¡¯s expression slightly stiffened.

    ¡°It seems that the elder sister Relie went to the imperial court to appeal for letting her go while crying, but, she was flatly refused. And it seems that the medication and surgery ¨C¨C the experiment will begin within two weeks at the earliest.¡±

    ¡°Understood¡±

    Even so, immediately regaining his composure, Lux answered.

    ¡°Then later, little brother. I believe in your resolution.¡±

    Fugil left the mansion before one could noticed.

    However, there was only darkness and the sound of rain there.

    Several days since Lux came to the Royal Knight Academy.

    Lux was spending his first holiday in a two person room of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    ¡°¨C¨CNii-san, Nii-san! Please get up.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    Feeling someone shaking his body, Lux woke up.

    ¡°Airi ¡­?¡±

    As he half-opened his eyes against sleepiness, he first saw his little sister¡¯s face. Then, the near ceiling of the bunk beds came into view.

    Airi seemed to have come into the room where Lux was sleeping to wake him up.

    ¡°Get down quickly and come to the dining room. I have to talk with you.¡±

    ¡°Ngh¡­ Understood.¡±

    Probably because it was a holiday, Airi wasn''t wearing her school uniform, but a casual chic dress.

    For Lux who had hardly lived in the same place as her, with only that, deed emotions welled up within him, but¨C¨C

    ¡°I wonder how many years it¡¯s been since you have come to wake me up, Airi.¡±

    ¡°More importantly Nii-san, what is the meaning of this?¡±

    The skin around the eyes of Airi who smiled suddenly darkened.

    ¡°Ah, no, um¡­¡±

    Gently holding the cheeks of Lux who unintentionally averted his face with her hands, she glared at him with scornful eyes.

    ¡°During the time I didn¡¯t see you, you¡¯ve become quite lazy. Please come to the dining room in less than three minutes.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even give me time to change my clothes?¡±

    ¡°Is that so? So usually, you change your clothes leisurely with your roommate around.¡±

    Turning a fleeting glance under the bunk bed, Airi said.

    To her cold voice, Lux could only answer ¡°I will come at once¡±.

    ¡°Well then, I¡¯m waiting, so.¡±

    Seeming amazed, Airi briskly left the room.

    ¡°Haa, don¡¯t get angry¡­¡±

    ¡°Munyah¡­ Lu-chan¡±

    At the sleep-talking of Philphie which could be heard from under the bed, Lux smile wryly.

    ¡°I¡¯m going. Phi-chan.¡±

    The dining room of the girl¡¯s dormitory was opened even on holidays.

    However, since the time when meals were offered, was fixed, even if one woke up early in the morning, he could not get a meal immediately.

    So, there were almost no students here at this early a time during holidays.

    In the meantime, Lux and Airi were facing each other on the seats of a small table.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see that you¡¯ve considerably gotten used to the academy. You seem a little too close to your roommate though.¡±

    Airi said such sarcasm as she sipped her tea.

    ¡°Like I said¡­, that was inevitable¡­ When I searched, the girl¡¯s dormitory had no vacant room, and I don¡¯t know why, but there was no roommate in only Philphie¡¯s room, um¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Thus, you may stay at the room of a female childhood friend, huh. It¡¯s indecent, extremely immoral. Would you like me to tell Principal Relie?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told Relie-san about it. And then, she replied ¡°I leave my little sister to you¡±, ¡°it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s Lux-kun¡± with a smile¡­¡±

    In the end, Lux was sent to Philphie''s room in the girl¡¯s dormitory until a place where he could stay was found.

    Philphie, as usual with her easy-going personality, far from minding it seemed to be pleased, but Lux spent every day where he could not sleep easily.

    It seemed that the three girls of the Triad and Airi already knew about it, but they wanted to keep this matter a secret as much as possible.

    ¡°It looks like before correcting Nii-san¡¯s common sense, I should first admonish the principal, eh¡­¡±

    As her exchanges with Relie immediately came to her mind, Airi sighed.

    ¡°So, what business do you have with me today? Airi.¡±

    ¡°Ara, so I can¡¯t talk with you if I have no business? Nii-san.¡±

    Lux¡¯s question was returned with a mischievous smile.

    Unlike a long time ago when she had a weak constitution, she had become a lady very skilled at bargaining.

    ¡°Well then, errr¡­ are you doing well in the academy, Airi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, everyone takes good care of me, so Nii-san doesn¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±

    ¡°I see. You¡¯re loved by everyone, huh.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t put it like that.¡±

    He smoothly said with a refreshing smile.

    ¡°¡­As expected, you¡¯re good at dealings with things as usual.¡±

    Lux said with a wry smile, but he also had slightly mixed feelings.

    Even if she was ejected from the succession struggle early, Airi was a ¡°woman¡± of royalty.

    When her mother died when she (Airi) was young, her position became complicated in various ways; if she did not acquire a determined personality from a tender age, she would not have been able to survive so far.

    When he thought so, he also thought of wanting to spoil her more as her brother, but.

    ¡°And Nii-san as usual seems to always get dragged only into troubles and difficulties. If you need any help, please tell me.¡±

    ¡°¡­Ah, it¡¯s all right.¡±

    Without words to return coming out, Lux returned a mixed smile.

    It looked like he was the one getting spoiled.

    Really, my little sister has gotten strong.

    ¡°Do you also have jobs from now on today?¡±

    ¡°Yes. After eating breakfast, it¡¯s been planned that I will go to the ¡°Atelier¡± in the academy.¡±

    ¡°Is it for a request from a student?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s from the academy. But, they say that it isn¡¯t a pressing business.¡±

    ¡°Without it, you would have received invitations for a date on the holiday from the young ladies, eh.¡±

    ¡°W-What are you saying!? There would be no such thing¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux got flustered as he was teased,

    ¡°Haa¡­, this is why Nii-san is¡­ Though you¡¯ve been like that since long ago. Please, be a little aware of how others see you. Thanks to the fact that Nii-san stood out early, I also receive a lot of requests for you, you know?¡±

    Airi said so with a sigh.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°I wonder what the young ladies here are thinking, asking to arrange a place where they can speak with Nii-san or to casually appeal for them.¡±

    ¡°¡­Really!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. In the Old Empire, women of citizen level or below were oppressed, and even most of the noble women were treated as tools for political marriage, so they apparently never felt that much close to men.¡±

    ¡°¡­I wonder if it¡¯s what you call peace.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a little exaggerated to say peace, but since the establishment of New Kingdom, there has been no major incident, so there may be no helping it. It¡¯s only been five years since the Old Empire which laid out a tyrannical rule for many years has been destroyed. I¡¯m sure that for the people of the New Kingdom, it¡¯s still like a dream, like they are in the middle of a happy festival.¡±

    She whispered and then sipped her tea.

    Contrary to her cynical words, Airi¡¯s expression did not seem that dissatisfied.

    ¡°Yes, it would be good if it continues like this forever.¡±

    ¡°For that, don¡¯t forget our other purpose. Okay, Nii-san?¡±

    The moment when Lux agreed, in the almost deserted dining room, Airi dropped the tone of her voice.

    ¡°¡­ Yes, I know.¡±

    Similarly in a lower tone, Lux replied.

    ¡°Then, I can feel relieved. The analysis regarding the output of that Machine Dragon will be over soon, so until then¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux nodded, Airi finished drinking her tea and stood up.

    ¡°Huh? Aren¡¯t you eating breakfast with me? Theres still time before the cook arrives though¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass. If just the two of us are seen by everyone of the class, they''re likely to be jealous after all.¡±

    To Airi¡¯s words which posed as a joke, Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no way that would happen. After all ¨C¨C we¡¯re siblings.¡±

    ¡°Besides, if we¡¯re together anymore than this, I would be more reluctant to leave.¡±

    She said in a small voice mixed with the fragrance of tea.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a joke, Nii-san. Well then, please be careful so as not to draw out that sword.¡±

    Saying so at the end, Airi left the dining room.

    After finishing his breakfast, Lux decided to begin today¡¯s chores.

    By the way, the written requests addressed to Lux, far from decreasing as the curiosity at first disappeared, increased in number as time passed, and he had already reached a physically impossible domain. Therefore, Lux settled down in the way of whether to accept the tasks judging from the importance and the degree of relative priority.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m used to not having days off, so it¡¯s fine anyway.¡±

    Rustlingly looking through the bundle of requests dropped in, Lux sighed.

    The jobs such as watering the flower bed, studying and helping with cleaning the dormitory were still better.

    Baggage carrier for shopping, help changing clothes, massage, being a person to talk to during tea a party and the like exceeded the mixing up of public and private matters; it was very likely that they were mistaking Lux for a butler or something.

    ¡°¡­I mean, about half of them aren¡¯t jobs that I, a man, should do!?¡±

    He unintentionally retorted to the bundle of requests.

    But, this was not a joke and since there seemed to be a lot of students who have written seriously, he had a headache.

    Be that as it may, if there were jobs which should be given priority, he could use them as an excuse and turned down those requests, so for now he could relax.

    The job which he had to do today was a request from the academy.

    [Workplace] Royal Knight Academy Machine Dragon research and development site, Atelier

    [Client] Machine Dragon Research and Development Chief

    [Work contents] Machine Dragon Operation Test

    The atelier was a large detached building located in the corner of the school premises.

    He had several times helped with blacksmith works, but an atelier for Drag-Rides was a first for him.

    He was slightly anxious about doing a job he was not familiar with, but he was also looking forward to it.

    Originally, he intended to come to work as a mechanic apprentice of Machine Dragons, so it was welcoming.

    ¡°Excuse me. It¡¯s Lux Acadia. I came for the commissioned work.¡±

    He lightly knocked and greeted in a loud voice.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    However, the answer to Lux¡¯s greeting which was slightly tinged with tension was only silence.

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    He once again checked by looking at his requests note and the academy¡¯s big clock.

    There was no error.

    Both the place and time should be right¨C¨C

    As he tried to turn the doorknob, he found that it was not locked.

    ¡°That¡¯s really careless¡­¡±

    The existence and technology of Drag-Rides should be top secret in any country.

    Just because it¡¯s within the school premises, I wonder if this is all right.

    While smiling wryly, Lux quietly stepped inside.

    ¡°Excuse me. Is there anyone¨C¨C¡±

    Lux unintentionally swallowed his voice which he was about to utter.

    A large space in this brick building filled with the smell of oil and metals.

    At the back where innumerable parts and tools were scattered about, there was a monster.

    In the court of the imperial capital a long time ago.

    Since he became the chore Prince, he had seen many Machine Dragons in the Machine Dragon hangar before holding a mock battle.

    But¨C¨C, this was totally different from them.

    A strange Machine Dragon which fused halves of the bodies of a <Wyvern> and a <Wyrm> was over there.

    ¡°This is¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°Ngh¡­ what the heck is it? So noisy¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux was looking at it in utter amazement, he suddenly heard a voice from the nearby sofa.

    ¡°Lisha-sama¡­?¡±

    Sleeping there covered with a thin blanket was Lisha dressed in a white gown on her uniform.

    Probably because she had stayed overnight, her whole body got slightly dirty and her hair was also slightly disheveled.

    Incidentally, her uniform was also very messy and her blouse was turned inside out. Lux unintentionally averted his gaze.

    ¡°What are you doing in a place like this?¡±

    ¡°¡­Huh? Lux, why are you here¨C¨C? ¡­Ah, I see. Now I remembered, I had requested you. Fuhaa¡­¡±

    While rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lisha said something which he did not really understand.

    When Lux went out again and got tea in the dining room, Lisha who fixed her messed up clothes drank it in one gulp.

    ¡°Fufu. You¡¯re quite thoughtful, eh, Lux. As expected of the man that I acknowledged!¡±

    With a behavior unlike a Princess¡¯, Lisha showed a happy smile.

    She probably came for a visit of the atelier and ended up staying overnight.

    ¡°Good morning. By the way, where is the chief of the atelier?¡±

    As Lux asked after calming down,

    ¡°Here, here, right before your eyes.¡±

    Lisha pointed at her small face and said.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t noticed? It looks like I need to somewhat correct my assessment regarding your insight! I¡¯m saying that I¡¯m the chief.¡±

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    No, she¡¯s certainly wearing a gown which seems to be for work, but¡­

    Honestly, it only looked like a child¡¯s playing attire.

    The hems were so long that they dragged on the floor.

    ¡°Whew. You¡¯re very good at provocation. All right, I¡¯ll ride on it.¡±

    As Lisha proudly laughed, she drew out the two Sword Devices hanging on her waist at the same time.

    ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°¨C¨CCome out. The Primordial Chaos Dragon that is the perforating wedge against Heaven and Earth. <Chimeric Wyvern>!¡±

    At that moment, the strange Machine Dragon which could be seen at the back of the atelier turned into photons, and was transferred behind Lisha.

    ¡°This is¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°A connection should not be necessary. All right, go back.¡±

    Lisha simultaneously wielded her two Sword Devices and put them in the sheath.

    Then, the Machine Dragon which was summoned once again changed into light particles, and went back to the depths of the warehouse.

    ¡°¡­What is it, that thing?¡±

    Staring in wonder at it, Lux muttered.

    ¡°How¡¯s that, were you surprised?¡±

    Lisha, who was pleased with Lux¡¯s reaction folded her arms and stuck out her chest with pride.

    ¡°<Chimeric Wyvern>. It¡¯s the world¡¯s first original Drag-Ride which I¡¯ve developed.¡±

    Lux doubted his ears.

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated in ruins.

    Since they had been discovered more than ten years ago, their concrete principle even now remained a mystery, and at best only adjustments of the degree of either installing the existing parts or replacing them could be performed.

    A remodeling into a totally different Machine Dragon like this should existed nowhere in the world¨C¨C

    ¡°If you can process the Mithril Dite and Force Core, there seems to be a lot of things which can be produced. Afterward, the performance and output of that body are quite impressive, but it¡¯s a little neck that one has to use two Sword Devices for the activation.¡±

    He had never heard about the fusion of two kinds of Machine Dragons and dual wielding Sword Devices.

    If she had combined two original machines and even learned to operate two swords, then this girl concealed an unimaginable potential as an engineer.

    ¡°Um, who are you really, Lisha-sama?¡±

    ¡°Fufu. Did you get a better opinion of me?¡±

    Smiling contentedly, Lisha sat on the chair before the work unit and looked up at Lux.

    ¡°Praise me more. You know, it isn¡¯t because I have the position of the Princess of the New Kingdom that I¡¯ve been allowed the foolishness of letting you admit into the academy. This is because I show ability and gave results enough to be entrusted a personal atelier at this age. How¡¯s that, are you surprised?¡±

    ¡°By the way, at the back there, there is something which looks like a serious burn mark or rather trace of an explosion though¡­¡±

    As Lux pointed at the room kept opened as the door was broken and asked,

    ¡°¡­Failure is the mother of success.¡±

    Holding down her slight agitation, Lisha asserted.

    Not inquiring any further, Lux asked.

    ¡°Perhaps is this research the reason why you always sleep during class?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s half correct. But, I do properly listen to lectures and I can¡¯t really be half asleep during the practical training. Instructor Raigree is also totally merciless to me who is the Princess. If I skimp in the Machine Dragon¡¯s training or don¡¯t take it seriously, I¡¯ll have a hard time. She really deserves respect.¡±

    Lisha was not sarcastic; she really admired her.

    ¡°Then, what about the other half?¡±

    ¡°Take this, it¡¯s your Sword Device.¡±

    Not answering the question, Lisha took the Sword Device which was on the desk and handed it to Lux.

    That which Lux received was undeniably the sword matching his <Wyvern>.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, I should have asked the mechanic for the repair of this¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve fixed your Drag-Ride here¡±

    As she smoothly said so as if it was a matter of course, Lux doubted his ears.

    A Machine Dragon¡¯s repair, maintenance and adjustment were so difficult that an expert other than the user was required.

    Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> was partially destroyed in the fight with the Abyss, so he thought it would take quite the time and money to repair it, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Is it true!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the Machine Dragon of the hero who saved the school. You don¡¯t really have to be surprised. But, I stayed up all night several days and finished it just this morning.¡±

    ¡°Thank you very much!¡±

    Lux unintentionally bowed with a smile.

    She was skilled to the extent of taking apart two Machine Dragons and building a new Machine Dragon.

    For a naturally gifted engineer like Lisha, this much might be simple.

    But, even Lux could easily imagine how much hard it was for a small-sized girl alone to repair a Machine Dragon built of a large, heavy metal.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I-It¡¯s not a bad feeling to see you so happy¡­ P-Praise me more; if y-you can even pat my head¨C¨C¡±

    Lisha suddenly blushed and lightly scratched her head.

    And looking at Lux who asked back ¡°eh?¡±, she cleared her throat confusedly.

    ¡°W-Well then, test it at once to see whether it moves properly.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lux drew the Sword Device hung on the belt of his waist and muttered the pass code.

    ¡°¨C¨CCome forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.¡±

    Light particles gathered before Lux and it instantly transferred ¨C¨C summoned beside him.

    There, his blue Machine Dragon which should have been destroyed was completely¨C¨C

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

    Completely ¨C¨C the appearance was different from what Lux had been using.

    Among the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons, the <Wyvern> was the Machine Dragon with the flight ability.

    Lux had the mechanic adjust it with that (flight ability) as a base and put on a thicker armor, but¡­

    ¡°Hey, what is this!?¡±

    There was a strange dragon with an abominable appearance there.

    Breath Guns linked on both shoulders and an injection port for flight in the back and legs.

    Although the large-sized blade which he was using before remained to a very poor degree, more than half of the thick armor was chipped off and became sharp like the blade of a naked sword.

    ¡°Ah, while I was repairing it, it was interesting in various ways. So I remodeled it a little.¡±

    ¡°This is beyond the level of ¡®a little¡¯!? You¡¯ve even installed something like a drill on the left hand!? What is this!?¡±

    ¡°Oh that? It¡¯s cool, right? It¡¯s a rare parts even among those found in the ruins.¡±

    To Lisha who looked happy, Lux was at a loss for words.

    He recalled the bad things about the engineers and craftsmen, which he had seen during his previous odd jobs up until now.

    ¡°To begin with, it¡¯s weird. That Drag-Ride which you were using, that is.¡±

    Before he could speak, Lisha began to talk.

    ¡°In addition to the basic air frame, there were only parts of armor strengthening stuck here and there. Things like uselessly thickening the armor of a flight type Machine Dragon and raising the weight are stuff that a complete amateur does, you know? Like this, it can¡¯t even show its original performance at all. To begin with, judging from the appearance, it¡¯s too lame.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think appearance has anything to do with it¡­¡±

    To Lisha¡¯s angry look, Lux, though restrained, rebutted. But,

    ¡°Are you an idiot! Concerning Drag-Rides, functionality is first, and the coolness is the second most important thing! Just looking at this, I will become miserable for having been unable to win against such a quack Machine Dragon!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    It¡¯s a cruel way of putting it¡­

    Lux thought so and sighed.

    ¡°Um, I¡¯m sorry¡­ It isn¡¯t like I don¡¯t understand your feelings. But, could you return it to how it was? That was the handiest for me and I was also used to it, so¨C¨C¡±

    What Lisha said was not off the mark.

    No, it was a matter of fact. Far from being painfully true, in the first place, it was all as she said, but¨C¨C, even so Lux had a reason for why he didn''t want to change it.

    ¡°¡­No matter what?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    He bowed his head.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped, eh. Even though this remodeling took a lot of time¡­¡±

    Rather, didn¡¯t it take time because of the remodeling?

    Lux could not help but think so, but Lisha, while grumpy, somehow compromised.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right if the armaments are the same, right? The large-sized sword being the main weapon, and the Breath Gun, Daggers and Wire Tail the sub-weapons. I will thicken the whole armor mainly with the PL ¨C 12 type, I''ll also raise both the barrier and output, and as for the roar generator of the head, with a high output possible type¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    As Lux answered, Lisha promptly began the maintenance with practiced movements.

    ¡°But you know, it¡¯s weird after all. This Drag-Ride¡­¡±

    Lisha muttered so with an expression which was not somewhere lively.

    ¡°It¡¯s really strange; the balance is obviously a problem. If you want to crush your opponent by endurance and firepower, it will be better to use a Ground-type Machine Dragon whose gross weight could be raised; in a Flying-type Machine Dragon which has high mobility, there is no meaning to go so far to strengthen the defense. Rather, it will become heavy and slow, it will unnecessarily increase the burden on the user too, ¨C¨C are you a masochist?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s fine. There are also things which only the human user can understand after all. It¡¯s none other than your request.¡±

    Lux was relieved inwardly.

    Any ordinary Machine Dragon mechanic would feel a sense of incongruity to Lux¡¯s <Wyvern>.

    He could not talk about the reason and he could not let the reason be noticed, either, but¨C¨C,

    ¡°Hey, Lux.¡±

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    Suddenly being called to, Lux¡¯s spine slightly shivered as he was taken aback.

    ¡°By the way ¨C¨C may I leave only the drill?¡±

    With her loveliest smile so far, Lisha said.

    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really stingy, even though you¡¯re just a former Prince!¡±

    ¡°That has nothing to do with it.¡±

    With that last exchange, the silent work continued for a while.

    In the early afternoon, Lux¡¯s Machine Dragon was completely restored.

    For the time being, it was good that his Machine Dragon was repaired.

    Lux felt relieved so, but,

    ¡°All right, then it¡¯s time to go.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Where?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? What do you think I stayed up all night to repair this for? Of course, it¡¯s for your new workplace.¡±

    Seeing Lisha with sparkling eyes, Lux got a bad feeling about this.

    Even in the afternoon of the holiday, a part of the school facilities was opened.

    Though few, club activities also existed and there were also students who were active on holiday.

    But, it was in the waiting room of the practice field that Lux who was brought by Lisha went to.

    It was a slightly wide room for changing into Dress Gear ¨C¨C exclusive clothing in order to equip with Machine Dragon, and for discussing tactics.

    Several dozens of students wearing Dress Gears were waiting for Lux there.

    Of course, there was no man other than Lux.

    There were students whom he recognized, Krulcifer and Philphie.

    And Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

    As the students gathered regardless of class and grade, more than half of them were unfamiliar faces.

    ¡°Do you really intend to let him join the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, Lisha-sama?¡±

    A tall female student whom Lux didn''t even know the name of, said so as she looked at him.

    ¡°That goes without saying. He will show his ability from here on. It¡¯s for that reason that I repaired Lux¡¯s Drag-Ride after all.¡±

    ¡°Errr ¨C¨C what are you guys talking about?¡±

    As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement not knowing what they were talking about,

    ¡°Princess Lizsharte would like to recommend you to this unit. A guerrilla unit which can also use Drag-Rides, other than during practical skill exercises while being an officer cadet. That¡¯s the special unit ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.¡±

    The third-year student Sharis said with a refreshing smile.

    As he heard the explanation in detail, it was apparently something like this.

    In the current New Kingdom, there was always a shortage in talented Drag-Knights who could perform in actual combat.

    Moreover, this place was the Fort City which could be called the bastion (defensive position) of the capital.

    Therefore, not letting young students with outstanding talent and ability fight in accordance with the rules was pearls thrown before swine.

    Thereupon, a guerrilla unit ¨C¨C the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± which holds special battle permission while being composed of officer cadets was established, and they delved into long day and night fighting techniques.

    If one belonged to the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, he could get a reward by assembling a platoon with several people and receiving missions from the army.

    Thus, even in the perspective of Lux¡¯s ¡°chores¡±, it would be a very useful place, but¨C¨C

    ¡°But you know, the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± isn¡¯t some kind of place where anyone who wants to join can join.¡±

    As Sharis¡¯ explanation ended, a girl whom he was not familiar with muttered so.

    ¡°You must get a high evaluation with the results of the campus battles. Your level as Drag-Knight should be more than the intermediate level. And, the majority of members of the current ¡°Knight Squadron¡± should acknowledge your ability and vote for the approval of you joining.¡±

    These three things seemed to be the conditions for joining.

    ¡°Um, but I attended the academy since only several days ago, and my practical skills are also¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, it seems to be so. I¡¯ve heard the rumor about you being the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡± though.¡±

    As the female student who seemed calm said so with a wry smile,

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Lisha cut off the flow, full of confidence.

    ¡°The first two conditions are just a given. Most of the students who are here should already know Lux¡¯s ability. After all, he had a draw in a one-to-one fight against me and went against the Abyss all alone.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s true, but¡­¡±

    Overwhelmed by Lisha¡¯s momentum, the tall girl faltered.

    ¡°But, now the third-year members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± aren¡¯t there. We can¡¯t decide about it at such a time¡­¡±

    A small-sized girl said so as to add to the tall girl¡¯s case, but

    ¡°The whole majority is properly here. Even if all those who aren¡¯t here vote ¡®no¡¯, it won¡¯t matter if all the members here agree, right?¡±

    In the end, Lisha settled the talk.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the third-year students here?¡±

    As Lux asked Sharis who was beside him in low voice,

    ¡°Well, currently the third-year students went to the capital for practice for about two weeks. Due to some circumstances on my end, I couldn¡¯t go this time.¡±

    ¡°Then, won¡¯t it better to decide after the third year members come back?¡±

    ¡°Well ¨C¨C I think that it¡¯s just the opposite.¡±

    Suddenly, Krulcifer who kept silent until now reacted to Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡°The Princess believes that precisely now is the best time of let you join. The third-year leader of the Knight Squadron is quite the man-hater after all¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Third-year student, Celestia Ralgris. An influential person who is the daughter of a Duke House and is said to be the strongest of the academy. She¡¯s also popular and a lot of students admired her too. If that person was presently in the academy, it¡¯s probably more likely that even something like letting a man attend the academy would have been revoked.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    In other words, using the chance when that man-hating leader is absent, Lisha wanted to rush the matter into a fait accompli[1].

    ¡°Krulcifer, don¡¯t talk nonsense. I only do what I should do as the New Kingdom Princess.¡±

    Lisha who heard the talk cheekily rebutted.

    ¡°The Abyss''s sudden attack without warning the other day. Although it didn¡¯t lead to serious consequences, the cause is still unknown, so it¡¯s under investigation. Ensuring (or securing) an immediate asset is the natural judgment. Especially all the more since the majority of third-year students are absent now.¡±

    She says something that sounds really good.

    Lux admired inwardly.

    He had thought that she was unlike a Princess, but unexpectedly, she also seemed to have political ability.

    ¡°But as expected, even I won''t think of letting him join without him going through any procedure.¡±

    Before a rebuttal came, Lisha who was at the center of the waiting room looked around everyone.

    ¡°We will hold a Machine Dragon confrontation battle in teams from here on. And with the battle outcome, we should decide whether or not to allow Lux to join.¡±

    She said so and quickly began to choose the opponents.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    (She completely ignored my opinion, huh¡­)

    Lux really wanted to say so a little bit, but¡­

    ¡°Lux. If you do missions and security guard jobs in the Knight Squadron, you¡¯ll also get rewards. It will help you pay off your debt! You should just gladly work like a horse!¡±

    As he saw Lisha smiling, he felt that it would be useless even if he refused.

    As Lux who was at a loose end watched around the waiting room,

    ¡°I mean, so Philphie was also a member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±?¡±

    As Lux who caught sight of his childhood friend in the corner asked,

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Philphie who gnawed snack biscuits did not react.

    ¡°Errr, Philphie¡­?¡±

    As he thought that she didn''t and called out to her again,

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s Phi-chan, right?¡±

    In a slightly emphasized tone, Philphie muttered.

    ¡°Eh¡­!? D-Do you want me call you that even here ¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Philphie nodding with a serious look, Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    If it weren¡¯t for this, she would really be a good girl, but¨C¨C

    But that aside, it was unexpected.

    The last time they met was seven years ago; in the Old Empire''s society before the coup d¡¯¨¦tat, women had little opportunity to get in contact with Drag-Rides.

    Therefore, Lux had no memory of having seen Philphie ever used a Drag-Ride.

    But, to think that this girl with a gentle atmosphere had enough ability to join the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± ¨C¨C

    ¡°Phi¡­chan, are you strong?¡±

    ¡°Ordinary, I guess.¡±

    As he awkwardly called her by her nickname, a simple answer came back.

    But upon close inspection, not a Sword Device of a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but a short sword decorated with a unique design was in the scabbard hung on her waist.

    ¡°She¡¯s very strong, this girl. She is the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> after all. Together with my <Fafnir>.¡±

    ¡°Eeeh¡­!?¡±

    As Krulcifer added, Lux unintentionally opened his mouth.

    To think that Philphie possessed enough skill to be able to use a Divine Drag-Ride which even first-class Drag-Knights couldn''t handle so often.

    And also Krulcifer.

    Even if they were called ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, they were still officer cadets after all.

    It looked like his preconception was greatly wrong.

    Even excluding the third-year members, if there were even three users of Divine Drag-Rides, it was a military power worthy of threat.

    Which meant, even the missions given were more likely to be suitable as such.

    From now on whether he wanted to or not, he might be sent on dangerous missions.

    (¡­What shall I do?)

    ¡ºFor that, I hope that you didn¡¯t forget the other purpose, Nii-san.¡»

    He recalled the words said by Airi early in the morning during breakfast.

    Before attracting a curious attention, he started thinking to decline joining the unit.

    He was thankful that a hefty reward was given, but if he got involved in too deeply, it would be likely to affect the ¡°other purpose¡±.

    ¡°Hey, Lux. I settle the talk.¡±

    While he was thinking about such a thing, his shoulder was patted by Lisha.

    ¡°You and I will team up and fight against the opposition¡¯s team. Hurry up and go to the compartment to change into a Dress Gear.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    It looked like it was already too late.

    ¡°What? You may also change without hiding if you want, you know?¡±

    ¡°I am not worried about that!¡±

    As Lux¡¯s face turned red as he panicked to Lisha¡¯s teasing,

    ¡°You peep, but you don¡¯t want to be seen yourself, huh.¡±

    Even Krulcifer who was in the corner muttered in a subdued voice, and Lux was at wits¡¯ end.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go change!¡±

    Lux hurried up and changed into the Dress Gear he was given and came out of the compartment.

    ¡°So¨C¨C, I understand that Lisha-sama and I will team up, but how many people are there in the opponent team?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It seems to be all the members here that met with Lux-san for the first time.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    In other words, all the members present except Krulcifer, Philphie and the three girls of the Triad.

    ¡°Wait, isn¡¯t it reckless no matter how you look at it¡­?¡±

    Lisha was strong.

    Even compared to Drag-Knights that Lux had confronted so far, she was probably the most powerful.

    But it should also be the same for the Knight Squadron¡¯s members present here.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. According to my calculations, even this should work out good enough. If it¡¯s not enough, well let¡¯s see, it¡¯s not too late to change your Machine Dragon to attack specialization even now¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll do my best as it is.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll fight with the <Chimeric Wyvern>, but¨C¨C well it¡¯s fine. We¡¯re outnumbered anyway. Once it starts, even you¡¯ll have no choice but to fight.¡±

    To Lisha¡¯s words which somewhere had a hidden meaning, Lux sighed.

    Both parties finished their preparations and went out to the practice field.

    And the mock battle began.

    ¡°What the hell, geez!¡±

    Immediately after the team confrontation battle which ended in no time.

    Lisha who returned to the waiting room of the practice field was shouting like a spoiled child.

    Most of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± members had already changed and left the room, only Lux, Lisha and several acquaintances remained in the room.

    ¡°Please, cheer up already. We¡¯ve won after all.¡±

    As Lux calmed her so with a troubled face,

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you attack even once!? I should have also got on the opponent team! You wasted a rare chance! You fool!¡±

    Lisha raised her voice with somewhat teary eyes.

    The team confrontation battle for letting Lux join the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    Overturning the overwhelming handicap of two against ten, Lux and Lisha had won.

    By the way, it was Lisha who defeated all the opponents¡¯ Machine Dragons.

    While Lux was dodging and defending against the enemy¡¯s attacks, the battle ended.

    Although they won as a result, Lux¡¯s joining was rejected by the majority vote, and Lisha was furious.

    The reason that he was not able to earn an affirmative vote was because Lux had not attacked even once.

    Though he felt bad for Lisha, Lux was inwardly relieved.

    ¡°Was my strategy a failure? Or¡­, was there a problem with the opponent team formation¡­? But, by my initial expectations¡­¡±

    While grumblingly muttering, Lisha began to change her clothes on the other side of the compartment.

    (It will be bad if I go back without permission, right¡­?)

    When Lux who had finished changing from the Dress Gear into his uniform first, sat down before the table of the waiting room and was waiting.

    ¡°Good work, Lu-chan.¡±

    Philphie who was sitting in the opposite side suddenly called out to him.

    The vote ended; his childhood friend who had finished changing into her uniform remained in the waiting room, peeled a fruit and ate it.

    Or it was supposed to be like this, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Uh huh. Thank you¨C¨C. Wait, what is this?¡±

    ¡°Orange.¡±

    A brief answer came back with the peeled orange.

    She pinched the fresh fruit flesh where the white pith was removed with her thin fingertips, and held it out in front of Lux.

    ¡°No, I understood by seeing, but¡­¡±

    ¡°I help you remove the orange¡¯s white peel.¡±

    Such words were said with an indifferent tone.

    Lux brooded over their meaning for just several seconds,

    ¡°Eh...? Is it, by any chance ¨C¨C what I think it is!?¡±

    Suddenly, his cheeks became hot.

    Lux remembered that when they were children, Philphie used to peel the pelt of the orange which he was not able to eat as he disliked that part (pelt).

    ¡°T-Thank you, Phi-chan. B-But, I¡¯m not a kid anymore, so I can¡¯t do that much alone¡­¡±

    When he answered so as he was a little embarrassed,

    ¡°¡­You don¡¯t want?¡±

    Philphie intently turned her pupils and looked into Lux¡¯s face.

    It was a somewhat dejected and lonely tone.

    ¡°T-That isn¡¯t it¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Then, eat.¡±

    When he was at loss, Philphie softly pushed the orange''s flesh to Lux¡¯s lips.

    Seeing that he received it with his mouth, Philphie slightly smiled.

    ¡°Is it delicious?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±

    (¡­Rather, it¡¯s so embarrassing that I can¡¯t taste it¡­!)

    Looking at Philphie who was somewhere happy, Lux was bewildered,

    ¡°It¡¯s all good that you¡¯re so close, but I think you should watch your surroundings a little more.¡±

    ¡°¡­!? N-No, this is¨C¨C¡±

    Teased by Krulcifer who was in a corner of the room, Lux became flustered.

    When he turned his eyes around as he wondered whether they were seen by others,

    ¡°¡­Hmm. Even though I¡¯m unusually troubled, to think that you flirt with another woman before my eyes. I¡¯m envious, Lux.¡±

    Lisha who had finished changing and came out muttered as she was amazed.

    ¡°However¡­, I see. There was that way (hand), huh¡­¡±

    And walking at a quick pace, she came before Lux who was sitting.

    (It¡¯s bad. I¡¯ll be scolded¨C¨C)

    As Lux closed his eyes thinking so.

    Something was slapped on the table before him.

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    What was put on the table was a sheet of paper ¨C¨C a request for a job.

    ¡°W-Which reminds me after this, you shouldn¡¯t have undertaken any job requests in particular, right?¡±

    Lisha who sharpened her lips leaned her face immediately to Lux¡¯s.

    When he was sure that she was angry, her cheeks somewhat turned red and she averted her eyes from Lux.

    ¡°Eh, well¡­ yes.¡±

    ¡­I wonder what the matter is.

    When Lux replied as he wondered so, Lisha quickly took a breath and stuck out her chest.

    ¡°T-Then, it¡¯s an additional request. Um¨C¨C, come with me now.¡±

    Cross-shaped Fort City, Cross Feed.

    From the sunrise until late at night, the people¡¯s bustle and hustle had not stopped in this first block which was located in the center.

    Probably because of the early spring, the evening sunlight was still strong.

    Lux and Lisha were walking on the main street of maintained stone pavements with a lot of pedestrian traffic.

    (She asked me to come along, so it was for shopping, huh¡­ I was surprised.)

    ¡ºU-Um¡­, I think that in order to form a partnership, it¡¯s important to know each other well. After all, I still don¡¯t know much about a man of the same age¡­¡»

    The reason why Lisha invited Lux to go out seemed to be something like that.

    (But, I¡¯m still nervous. To be with a Princess of the same age, only the two of us is¨C¨C)

    When looking to the side as he thought so, Lisha who was also somewhat restless was looking at the cityscape.

    ¡ºOh my, to think that you¡¯re going out with the Princess; not bad, Lux-kun¡»

    He remembered that when he parted from Lisha once to go prepare himself, he was told so by Principal Relie who happened to pass by in the neighborhood.

    ¡ºSomeone like Lizsharte-sama who immerses herself only in fighting and research has no immunity in the love area. If she was suddenly pushed into a boy she likes, she might easily fall, you know?¡»

    ¡ºNo, I don¡¯t think it can be something like that¡­¡»

    At that time, Lux denied it with an indescribable expression, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Come to think of it. Lisha-sama, do you often go out into town?¡±

    ¡°N-No¡­, not at all.¡±

    To Lux¡¯s question, Lisha firmly shook her head.

    ¡°These days, I was always working in the atelier after all. I was busy with the Drag-Ride''s remodeling...¡±

    While looking around curiously, Lisha turned a fleeting glance at Lux,

    ¡°Um..., d-do you often go out? With other girls¨C¨C¡±

    She asked so in an irritated tone.

    ¡°N-No... I also have a debt to pay off, so I''ve no time for that.¡±

    ¡°I-I see...¡±

    As Lux denied, Lisha smiled as she was relieved,

    ¡°All right. Then, since it''s the first time for both of us, I shall escort you! If I''m not mistaken, there is a good restaurant in this urban area... No, wait.¡±

    When she suddenly stopped moving, Lisha touched her uniform (as she was searching something) and made a bitter expression.

    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh huh... Well, it''ll be all right, I guess. I''m a Princess, so I should be able to ask for a credit...¡±

    ¡°By any chance... did you forget your wallet?¡±

    ¡°Ugh... Um, it was just accidentally today...¡±

    To Lisha who looked downward as she was embarrassed, Lux smiled wryly.

    Seeing her all flustered, he felt somewhat relaxed.

    I guess she isn''t really used to going out.

    Then¨C¨C, within the range possible in my meager experience, I wanted this girl to enjoy herself.

    Lux thought so.

    ¡°It''s not good. The New Kingdom Princess shouldn''t easily ask for credit.¡±

    ¡°T-Then, what...? Are you already saying to call it a day...?¡±

    Looking at the somehow lonely Lisha, Lux kindly smiled.

    ¡°If you don''t mind me, I will offer you hospitality.¡±

    After a few minutes. Lux and Lisha sat side by side at the curb of the central open space and were looking at the sunset.

    The apple pie which he gave to Lisha was something reputed to be the most delicious even in the stands of the Fort City, and it was a shop where Lux once worked at for odds jobs.

    ¡°How is it? Lisha-sama¡±

    ¡°Hmm. it''s sweet and delicious. Thank you...¡±

    While biting the apple pie from the paper package, Lisha frequently sent a passionate gaze to Lux''s face.

    Lux did not have that much on hand, but looking at Lux who was accompanied by Lisha, the employee of the stall gave them to him for free.

    In the end, giving his thanks together with Lisha, he decided to gratefully accept them, but¨C¨C

    ¡°However, being well known even to the stalls, you are appreciated by the people of this city, eh.¡±

    ¡°My face is just known due to working odd jobs.¡±

    To that mutter of admiration, Lux replied with a wry smile.

    ¡°B-But, it''s strange... Even though I planned to make you appreciate me, but like this..., instead I''m¨C¨C¡±

    To Lisha who muttered in a low voice; Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

    ¡°What''s the matter?¡±

    ¡°N-No, how to put it ¨C¨C this area is glug-glug since some time now...!¡±

    Looking at Lisha whose cheeks reddened, and that set a hand on her chest,

    (I wonder if she''s nervous after coming out to downtown after a long time.)

    Lux thought so.

    ¡°Are you all right? If you aren''t feeling well, we should rest somewhere...¡±

    ¡°I-I''m all right... If I sit for a little bit, I think I''ll be fine...¡±

    ¡°I haven''t that much knowledge in medical treatment. But, I know a place of good and free medical treatment; so if there is anything, please tell me immediately.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes...¡±

    After giving a vague answer with a flushing expression, Lisha entrusted her body to Lux for a while.

    ¡°S-Speaking of which ¨C¨C do men prefer girls like your childhood friend?¡±

    ¡°...Yes?¡±

    To the words suddenly released by Lisha, Lux looked puzzled.

    ¡°I don''t really understand... I haven''t thought that much about wanting to be spoiled by someone, or being together with someone else. But¨C¨C¡±

    While muttering with upturned eyes, Lisha timidly held out an apple pie to Lux.

    ¡°Errr¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Hey, can you taste this for poison?¡±

    ¡°You''ve already started eating it though...?¡±

    ¡°D-Don''t worry about trivial things!? Just do it!¡±

    No, I think it''s pretty important though...

    Swallowing such a retort, Lux bit the pie which was held out.

    ¡°Ah...¡±

    The crunchy pie crust and the sweet fragrance of the apple spread in his mouth.

    ¡°T-There is no poison. Now, can you rest assured?¡±

    As Lux smiled, Lisha once again ate the pie while staring at him with feverish eyes¨C¨C

    ¡°Uh, auh... Fuuh...¡±

    After her face became red to the extent that it could be clearly seen even in the evening, her body lost all its strength there.

    ¡°Hey!? What''s the matter? Lisha-sama!¡±

    As Lux hurriedly caught Lisha who was about to fall,

    ¡°Hiyan...!?¡±

    Her chest that was being rubbed, although of a petite built, firmly asserted its size; Lisha¡¯s thin body shook in Lux''s arms as she was startled.

    (Shit! she''ll get mad...!)

    Although he held her on the spur of the moment, he had done a terrible thing.

    (But..., it was very soft, huh. Lisha-sama''s¨C¨C not that! What am I thinking!?)

    ¡°Ah, um ¨C¨C I-I''m sorry!¡±

    As Lux who changed the position of his hand apologized while being confused,

    ¡°W-Well, I will forgive... But, more importantly¨C¨C¡±

    Lisha said so and tightly grabbed the collar of her uniform,

    ¡°I-I don''t really know why, but since some time now, my chest is hot and I feel dizzy...¡±

    While exhaling a feverish breath, she muttered as such.

    ¡°W-What''s wrong? Um, I will bring you to the nearby house for free treatment¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I-I''m all right... I will get better after a short time, I think, probably...¡±

    Lux anxiously supported Lisha for a while, but after a few minutes, she regained her composure before long and returned to her usual condition.

    The curfew time was approaching, so they decided to return to the academy and began to walk slowly.

    Lux was also surprised by Lisha''s sudden request this time, but

    ¡°T-Today, um... it was quite fun. Thank you, Lux...¡±

    With just such a sentence from Lisha, he felt like he had been rewarded.

    ¡°Speaking of which, I''m sorry. For not being able to join.¡±

    Several minutes later. As Lux once again said so while walking his way back on the deserted street,

    ¡°Don''t worry about it. I can do the joining recommendation in the next month after 5 more days later after all. From tomorrow after school, we will begin with the coordination training at once.¡±

    Lisha replied so with a smile on her whole face.

    ¡°Do you still intend to get me into the "Knight Squadron"!?¡±

    ¡°Well, as for the strategy. You plunge right in the middle of the enemy camp, and I blow away the opponents who have their attention attracted to you one after another. Afterward, while I defend you, you can at least defeat one machine.¡±

    ¡°Isn''t it a little too cruel...? In various meanings.¡±

    Unintentionally, it was tactic which brought a cold sweat to the spine.

    Judging from Lisha''s tone, probably... she was serious.

    ¡°...More importantly, about Lisha-sama''s <Chimeric Wyvern>... That was amazing, eh.¡±

    ¡°Hmm? Did you come to want it? I had quite a hard time making it, but if you want, I could specially make another one for you.¡±

    ¡°Can you make many machines like that?¡±

    ¡°Even if I make it, it will be useless now though. it is 50% stronger than a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but the burden of stamina aside, the operation difficulty isn''t on the same level as that of an average Divine Drag-Ride. Even the Sword Devices'' dual wielding can''t be used by anyone other than me. Do you want to try it?¡±

    ¡°No, thank you...¡±

    Honestly, Lux also thought that it was impossible.

    The conception of combining two kinds of Machine Dragons performances was certainly amazing, but it could probably not be mastered by anyone except Lisha who was a genius engineer and also a first-class Drag-Knight.

    ¡°How about somehow improving it in a way that it will be easier to use? To the extent that even only the students of the "Knight Squadron" are able to use it. As a Princess¨C¨C¡±

    Words came out naturally so.

    There were not words in order to go along with the talk, he truly thought so.

    He might have voice out what he was vaguely thinking all the time inwardly.

    The rule of the empire for a long time.

    And precisely because they were released from it now, he wanted her to become a good Princess.

    He wanted her to be a Princess who thinks about the people and considered others'' feelings.

    Such a desire of Lux might have unintentionally been voiced out.

    ¡°As a Princess?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes... As the New Kingdom Princess, you will be more useful to the people like that¨C¨C¡±

    However,

    ¡°I don''t need it.¡±

    Lux shivered to the coldness of the voice which came back.

    With neither anger, sorrow nor even apathy. A hollow voice which lost all colors.

    For just several seconds, the surrounding atmosphere froze.

    ¡°Phew. I''m often told that. Both my technique of Machine Dragon development and results in the school battles. I get tired whenever I''m summoned to the capital about things such as ''you should be proud as a Princess'' or ''it''s a great achievement''.¡±

    ¡°What..., do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Before that, answer my question. What is a Princess?¡±

    A concise question of only a few words.

    But, Lux was not able to return an answer to it.

    ¡°My father, Count Atismata who raised a coup d¡¯¨¦tat has died without sitting on the New Kingdom''s throne because of an injury at that time. But, his fame remains and my aunt, Queen Raffi succeeded the country. And I, as a memento of the late great man, got the status of Princess of the New Kingdom. I''m merely that much of a human.¡±

    ¡°That''s not...¡±

    ¡°But, the citizens are thankful and extolled the idol who is me. It''s interesting, isn''t it? It''s a laughable story. The Old Empire had thoroughly laid out a tyrannical rule after all. As a substitute, they force me to be a splendid person of character like a Princess. If I don''t do it, they will urge me. They will say incomprehensible things like ''you have that responsibility, don''t run away, carry out your mission''.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°There is a place where I want to stop by a little.¡±

    Lisha muttered so and headed to a vacant land with a good view which deviated from the main street.

    And, when confirming that there was no one around, she lowered her voice and began to talk.

    ¡°Won''t you tell me? Lux Acadia. You, a Prince of the destroyed Empire, tell me the way of a righteous princess.¡±

    ¡°... I, to me¨C¨C¡±

    He could not answer.

    A society and laws without unequal and unjust discrimination.

    No, it did not have to be such a thing.

    But, just a world without unreasonable suffering¨C¨C

    The wishes which Lux was harboring were all crushed on that day five years ago.

    ¡°Do you remember the Old Empire''s brand applied on my belly?¡±

    Lisha said with a dry smile.

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°Most of the citizens admire and extol my father. That he is the hero remaining in the history that destroyed the Empire. Many years before the coup d''¨¦tat occurred, my father had opposed the Empire and raised an objection to its policy. Naturally, he incurred the enmity of those from the Empire''s side, to the point that it wasn''t strange that his precious daughter was kidnapped¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°...Don''t tell me¡±

    When Lux arrived at that guess, Lisha laughed incidentally.

    ¡°Right, I was caught by the Old Empire at that time five years ago. And, I was used as a bargaining chip to my father who was furthering the coup d¡¯¨¦tat plan, but in the end ¨C¨C I was abandoned. This carved seal is the proof that I was considered the possession of the Old Empire.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    As tension ran to Lux''s expression, Lisha continued in a calm tone.

    ¡°Actually, my father was probably a great man. In order to bring down that Empire, my father should have concentrated all his efforts to plan the coup d''¨¦tat. He couldn''t possibly ruin everything because of one life which is his daughter''s. It had been only about two months that I had been put under house arrest, but I was abandoned, and was no longer the Earl''s daughter or anything. My mother died from illness, but since I had a little sister, in the dawn when the coup d''¨¦tat succeeded, that child should have become the Princess of the new royal family. Instead of me.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°However, it seems that my little sister was killed during the coup d''¨¦tat. So, my aunt, the queen of the New Kingdom who had no child accepted me, who was rescued, as her adopted child and I acceded to the position of Princess. In order to gather up the country together as a memento of my late father, the hero Count Atismata, and as the symbol of the New Kingdom. The fact that I was abandoned by my father and applied with the brand of the Old Empire was concealed.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    At that time¨C¨C, when Lux and Lisha met for the first time.

    So that''s why she had wore the towel in the bathtub, hiding her skin even to other female students.

    Since her secret which mustn''t be seen was seen by Lux, who was none other than a Prince of the Old Empire, Lisha went so far against Lux¨C¨C

    ¡°Lux. Was it painful for you to be no longer a Prince of the Old Empire?¡±

    Lisha asked with a self deprecating smile.

    ¡°Well... I¨C¨C¡±

    Coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago.

    A scene a few days earlier than it was revived in his memory.

    His little sister and his childhood friend who had danger approaching her due to the Empire.

    Lux, as a member of the royal family and as a "person with pride", thought that he wanted to do something about this country.

    However¨C¨C,

    ¡°I wasn''t even able to do anything which seems like a Prince, so...¡±

    As Lux quietly shook his head, Lisha laughed lonely.

    ¡°You know, I didn''t like my father. When thinking about it now, he might have rather pretended to act indifferent towards me to keep me away from the danger of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat. My father''s judgment of abandoning me might have been something very brave and which should be praised. As one of the citizens who had suffered a tyrannical rule, I might have respected and admired my father like everyone. However...¡±

    Cutting her words at once, Lisha looked downward,

    ¡°I...¡±

    In a choked voice and moved to tears.

    ¡°I wanted him to save me.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°I wanted him to choose not the country, but me... I''m a hopeless person, right? I, who was captured, was so scared that I couldn''t even commit suicide. That''s why I''m not the New Kingdom Princess and don''t have such qualifications to be.¡±

    So that''s why she hates to behave like a Princess, huh.

    After all, it isn''t anyone else, but herself who thinks that she is unqualified.

    ¡°Let''s talk about the reason why I invited you.¡±

    As she suddenly returned to the talk, Lux kept quiet.

    ¡°This is because Drag-Knights are all in this era. The investigation of the ruins, the turf war for resources with other countries, peace and sovereignty. Drag-Rides are involved in all of these. In a sense, it''s good for the country that I become strong.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°Lux. I want to know who I am.¡±

    Saying so, Lisha began to walk her way home which had become dark.

    ¡°My father was the hero who saved the people of this country. But, now I''m no one. So, I want to know it after becoming the strongest Drag-Knight. For that, I need your power. I will have you play an active role as my right hand in the "Knight Squadron". You have no objection, right? Chore Prince.¡±

    ¡°Objection...? haven''t you already decided?¡±

    ¡°An able woman is also quick in decisions.¡±

    Lisha laughed so proudly.

    ¡°First will be the platoon confrontation battle of the academy. After having won it ¨C¨C we will attend the next battle. It''s the off-campus confrontation battle with the representatives of each country.¡±

    ¡°An off-campus, confrontation battle¡±

    As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement at the unfamiliar words,

    ¡°Although you''ve been doing odd jobs in many places, don''t you know the world situation? You did yesterday''s lesson, right? About the investigation of ruins in each country and the struggle to obtain their rights¨C¨C¡±

    Currently in this New Kingdom, there are three crises where one did not know when they would occur.

    The first crisis is the rebel army of the Old Empire troops that has been hiding after the coup d''¨¦tat.

    The second crisis is the existence of Abyss which occasionally appears from the ruins.

    And the third crisis is the turf war with other countries regarding the research activity of the ruins themselves

    ¡°Although the New Kingdom was born, there are still the Old Empire''s remnants remaining. They escaped into the neighboring countries which were supporting the Empire, getting cooperating organizations, and even now ¨C¨C aim at the recapture of the government by military power (force).¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    In fact, there had been rumors that the rebel army of the Old Empire was superior in number than the regular army of the current New Kingdom.

    However, they just haven''t showed up these several years.

    ¡°Next is¨C¨C, the problem of Abyss.¡±

    The mysterious beasts which frequently appear from the ruins themselves or from their surroundings.

    While knowing that various treasures were excavated from the ruins including the Drag-Rides, it was mainly because of the Abyss that the research of each nation did not readily progress.

    As a result of having greedily forced an investigation of ruins, there were also precedents where nearby villages, towns and small nations themselves were destroyed in only one night by the Abyss which appeared.

    All what was known was that as long as you destroyed the core inside the Abyss'' body, you could kill them.

    But, on top of the fact that it was accompanied with many dangers, one stood no chance against them with military power other than Drag-Rides.

    Therefore, ancient weapons and resources were dug illegally by thieves; damaging the ruins, and moreover so that Abyss did not end up being summoned, the ruins discovered in the country were designated off-limits and strictly controlled.

    ¡°And¨C¨C, thirdly is the turf war with other countries.¡±

    Every corner of the world was dotted with ruins and the countries who managed their lands were basically investigating them.

    So as not to selfishly get into the ruins of another country, an agreement was established too.

    However, if the weak carelessly advanced their investigation of the ruins, they might incur damage even to the surroundings countries by the Abyss'' appearance.

    Along the border, there were also ruins of places that were vague; whether it was the territory of which country including the sea area of distant places.

    Therefore, one agreement was made and a mock battle of Drag-Knights in order to gain what should (could) be called "the ruins investigation right", was to be held in each country once every several months.

    It was said that in one of them, there was also a tournament among fellows officer cadets.

    ¡°Then, until then...¡±

    ¡°Yes, by the confrontation battle which will begin two months later, I shall have gather the strongest unit. For that purpose, I expressly made you get in the academy, and tried to make you join the "Knight Squadron", but¨C¨C¡±

    Lisha got sulky.

    ¡°No, um... I understand your feelings and I''m glad that you''re expecting a lot from me, but I''m good only at defense¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Let''s practice the attack!¡±

    He was sternly pointed at with a finger and scolded.

    ¡°To begin with, my attacks were avoided so much by you. If you acquire even the experience of attacking, you should be recognized as a powerful and outstanding figure even by the "Knight Squadron" like I anticipated. And, um, as m-my first partner, someday¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Eh...?¡±

    As Lux looked puzzled at Lisha who mumbled as her cheeks suddenly became red,

    ¡°F-For the time being, that''s your task. As my escort, I will talk it over with the Principal whether you can have the same authority as the "Knight Squadron" as an exception.¡±

    ¡°Eeeh!?¡±

    ¡°You can''t attack, but the existence value of a Drag-Knight who has never been defeated is enough. In short, it''ll be good as long as you play an active role as my shield.¡±

    ¡°I-Isn''t that a little cruel...¡±

    In various meanings.

    ¡°¨C¨CBy the way, it''s about your other Sword Device, but can you show it to me a little? If it''s a good material, I would like to remodel it.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeeh!?¡±

    Looking at Lisha whose eyes suddenly brightened, Lux panicked.

    ¡°Hmm...? Is there something to be surprised with?¡±

    ¡°Errr? That is... Um, I was told by Her Majesty the Queen to strictly manage it, so...¡±

    ¡°What! You''re stingy, eh. Can''t you at least show it to me?¡±

    Dissatisfied, Lisha pouted.

    ¡°In that case, I will go get permission from Her Majesty the Queen later. You should protect that sword well till then.¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡±

    Lux nodded with an evasive reply.

    ¡°What''s the matter? You look pale. If you''re tired, you should rest by somewhere¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°No...¡±

    ¡°Then, it''s good. Then, take care of me again, Lux.¡±

    As they returned up to the academy''s main gate, Lisha lightly tapped Lux''s shoulders and left.

    ¡°............¡±

    Lux went to the drawing room of the academy with the same pace as when he was walking with lisha.

    Originally, he was temporarily allowed to sleep in Philphie''s room, but he wanted to stay at the drawing room only today without notice.

    Rather than an ethical issue or personal reasons, Lux did not want to meet anyone now.

    ¡°I¨C¨C. I''m hopeless...¡±

    It was lightly self-loathing that he had lain down on the sofa.

    Though on the spur of the moment, he was regretting having said those words to Lisha.

    ¡°I have no right to say that ''you should be more like a Princess'' to her...¡±

    To think that I want someone to do what I wasn''t able to do.

    (What have I ever done for the citizens in those days?)

    What Lux had obtained five years ago was the title of Prince and several privileges.

    He was thinking whether even the young him could not do something as a prince of a great Empire which lasted several hundred years.

    And, the day of fate.

    As the result of the fact that he himself personally moved¨C¨C, the ideal which Lux painted as a Prince was smashed up.

    Therefore, right.

    As he became the chore Prince, Lux was saved for the first time.

    The people of the town with whom he could not even get in touch with well until now.

    Every place and every job.

    With odd jobs for five years, he felt like having slightly gotten used to being a familiar existence.

    He intended to be able to understand the words "for the people" that he had spoken.

    (I''m selfish, eh...)

    Why couldn''t I understand the feelings of Lisha who couldn''t behave like a Princess?

    In the good point of having lost his position of Prince, this time he acted like a citizen and flattered the Princess.

    He could not forgive such a side of himself.

    Even so, Lisha said that she expected a lot from him.

    Philphie said he was the same as in the old days.

    Other students also accepted him.

    I want to become everyone''s power, but ¨C¨C the current me can''t use that sword.

    But,

    (I ¨C¨C at that time)

    A languid fatigue attacked Lux.

    And Lux quietly closed his eyes.

    Sparks fluttered down from the sky.

    The imperial castle of the Acadia Empire.

    Inside the castle where the war was over.

    A great number of soldiers'' corpses were piled up, and while a flow of blood streamed down the floor like a muddy stream, Lux was walking dragging his feet.

    Where he arrived at was the audience room which was fiercely destroyed.

    In front of the throne, the emperor was lying on the floor.

    His chest was very deeply pierced by a sword, and he died like that with his eyes wide opened.

    ¡°Oh dear, so you were alive. As expected of you, little brother.¡±

    Beside him, a young man smeared with blood spurts was laughing.

    An innocent, pure smile like a child.

    ¡°How..., why...?¡±

    Within a hazy consciousness and putting strength in his legs which were likely to collapse at any moment, Lux asked.

    Immediately after, he strongly coughed and finally vomited a clot of blood.

    ¡°Kukukuku. As expected of you, little brother. To be able to use that Drag-Ride until you vomit blood¨C¨C, I want even this gutless emperor to follow your example in the netherworld.¡±

    Saying so, the man kicked the face of the motionless emperor.

    ¡°Why, did you, kill him...?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    To Lux''s voice which got blurred, the man cocked his head in puzzlement.

    ¡°The Drag-Knights, of the, army, as well, as His Majesty the Emperor, everyone,... This is, from the plan¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ku, hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!¡±

    The man laughed loudly.

    And after suddenly opening his eyes wide, he glared at Lux.

    ¡°I was saved the trouble thanks to you. I never thought that you would be going so far. Thanks to you, this easily advanced farther than what I planned. If you were done without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".¡±

    Taking out a golden flute never seen before from his breast pocket, the man laughed.

    ¡°If I called a large quantity of Abyss, it would be easy to destroy this country, but the cleaning up afterwards would be troublesome. You save me the trouble. Goddamn Prince.¡±

    ¡°Kahah...!¡±

    Lux once again vomitted blood and fell on the floor.

    He could not stand up anymore...

    As if blood disappeared from his whole body, he grew weak.

    The sensation of certain death wrapped Lux''s whole body.

    ¡°But, you deserve respect. At this age, you manage Machine Dragons better than anyone else, and without using trickery, you fought to put an end to the history of this rotten Empire. By using me and borrowing Count Atismata''s strength, you wonderfully destroyed this country. You''re splendid, little brother! I praise your bottomless resolve and pride, and your talent!¡±

    Fugil raised his voice and looked down at Lux.

    ¡°But ¨C¨C you had no luck. You have been betrayed by me whom you trusted. Let me tell you something in the end, little brother. I wasn''t a Prince of this Empire from the beginning.¡±

    Devil like words were spitted out from the man''s mouth.

    ¡°My purpose isn''t the peace that you desired. Good work for destroying the Empire. Prince.¡±

    Laughing with a frivolous voice, the face of the man who opened his eyes wide was reflected in Lux''s pupils.

    ¡°Why...?¡±

    ¡°Let''s see ¨C¨C shall I tell you, little brother. The reason why you weren''t able to achieve your ideal.¡±

    The voice of a big brother which suddenly regained his composure and came to his senses reached Lux''s ears.

    ¡°You know nothing of the world. You are not in the caliber of kings. The weakest.¡±

    Lux''s memory was interrupted at that last conversation.

    It was a morning seven days after losing consciousness, and wandering about life and death that he woke up.

    Meanwhile, all was over.

    The defeat of the imperial army.

    The approximately 1200 Drag-Knights who participated in the battle were killed in action.

    The ideal end to which Lux believed in was nowhere.

    ¡°Ngh...¡±

    Lux woke up on the sofa of the drawing room.

    Before he knew, a blanket was put on his body.

    On the other side of the window with the curtains opened, one could see the eastern sky which has became white.

    It was dawn.

    (I should go back to the room to get a uniform change...)

    When Lux thought so and was going to get up,

    ¡°¨C¨CUwaaaaah!?¡±

    Noticing a girl sitting face to face with him, Lux unintentionally shouted.

    Krulcifer Einvolk.

    The girl who was beautiful like a fairy was staring at Lux with her usual cool face.

    ¡°It'' still early morning. Although it isn''t the girl''s dormitory, I don''t think it''s a good idea to shout too much.¡±

    Smoothly brushing up her hair, Krulcifer said.

    ¡°Besides, it''s also vexing when you scream as if you''ve seen a ghost.¡±

    ¡°Ah, s-sorry... Um, The reason why I screamed is because I had a dream, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You''re quite honest. I''m joking, so don''t worry.¡±

    Krulcifer''s mouth made an arc as she smiled.

    She was usually a girl with a grown-up, cool impression, but that smile was lovely for a girl her age.

    ¡°U-Um..., why is Krulcifer-san here?¡±

    As Lux asked so regarding their encounter in an unexpected place,

    ¡°Want to hear it?¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    She returned a mysterious smile which somewhere had an implication.

    Catching sight of her long legs which peeped out from the skirt of her uniform for an instant, Lux''s heart throbbed.

    ¡°Don''t worry. Since, I don¡¯t have an indecent goal like fantasizing about you.¡±

    ¡°I haven''t said anything yet, right!?¡±

    ¡°Sorry for not being able to meet your expectations.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, I didn''t think that!?¡±

    ¡°Is that so. So it''s an optical illusion of my eyes that your face looks red, huh.¡±

    ¡°A-Anyone can become like that! If a beautiful person like Krulcifer-san is in the same room as you when you get up¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    Krulcifer who heard this, after being bewildered for a moment, kept silent for a while,

    ¡°It isn''t like this place is your private room.¡±

    ¡°...Eh?¡±

    She suddenly returned to a serious look and said so.

    ¡°As for the reason why I came here. Occasionally, I slipped out of the dormitory to pass time. It just so happens that today it was in this drawing room that I came to. And then, you were sleeping here. That''s all.¡±

    Saying so, Krulcifer with her good posture sitting on the sofa as such, softly turned her gaze to the window.

    Her profile was so lovely, like a painting, such that Lux could not help being fascinated (by it?).

    ¡°Do you think that it''s a lie?¡±

    Suddenly, her thin lips opened and words came out.

    Lux calmly shook his head at her question,

    ¡°No. After all, I occasionally want to do so, too. It''s also so when I''m alone, just look up at the starry sky and do odd jobs.¡±

    ¡°You''re quite the romanticist. Is what I would like to say, but..., you''re careless. If I was an assassin who has a grudge toward the Empire, you would have been killed long ago.¡±

    ¡°Oh, haha...¡±

    Lux returned a wry smile.

    On that point, he should have had the habit of properly locking the door and lightly sleeping, but for some reason, he seemed to have been careless recently.

    ¡°Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san can also use a Divine Drag-Ride, right?¡±

    ¡°If I only hold onto it and doesn¡¯t use it, it will be a useless possession. After all, I can''t fight here and I have no interest in that anyway.¡±

    Saying so, Krulcifer dropped her gaze to the Sword Device hung at her waist.

    ¡°What do you mean by having no interest?¡±

    ¡°It means that I don''t want to fight. Long ago, I tried hard and fought for someone precious to me¨C¨C. And I got my hands on the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>. But, at a certain time, I have lost all reasons to fight.¡±

    ¡°By that...¡±

    What do you mean?

    Lux was going to ask so, but he reflexively hesitated.

    The pain of having lost something important.

    It was because he thought that it was not a good thing to ask out of curiosity.

    ¡°There is only one truth which remains in me. One of the keys to figure it is the "Black Hero". So I ¨C¨C chase after it.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    ¡°Hey, I want to ask you something.¡±

    Those eyes.

    Countless Machine Dragons shot down.

    The flow of a large quantity of blood overflowing from the gap of the broken floor.

    The First Prince who betrayed him, Fugil.

    That black Machine Dragon¨C¨C

    Suddenly, from the clock tower of the first block, they heard a big bell.

    ¡°This sound is¡­!?¡±

    A sound which was not a tone to tell the time and which rang violently.

    It was the alarm to warn of an enemy attack.

    ¡°Don''t tell me¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°...I''ll go ahead.¡±

    Running after Krulcifer who quickly moved, Lux also came out to the corridor.

    And, he ran to the sharing room where Philphie slept.

 Volume 1 - CH 7

    In the fort city of the country of morning glow, the bell¡¯s sound which conveyed caution and Machine Dragons'' roaring were resounding.

    Several Drag-Knights were flying all over the town in order to inform of the Abyss''s attack.

    In the school, the emergency meeting which gathered the instructors and top brass of the city was held immediately.

    Meanwhile, Lux and the officer cadets received orders to wear their Dress Gear and stand by, they had gathered in the Machine Dragon Hangar.

    Fort City Cross Feed, the Fourth Machine Dragon Hangar.

    That building which was located in the school premises was wide in itself; it was a shelter with bulky stone walls as well as a depository of Drag-Rides before transfer.

    It was said in case of emergency, that this place was the waiting place and could also become an evacuation site.

    ¡°Well then, as everyone gathered, I shall notify you, ladies and gentlemen officer cadets.¡±

    The reason of the alarm bell was due to the appearance of Abyss.

    According to the report of Drag-Knight scouts, the kind was a large-sized one.

    The place of emergence was estimated to be the ruins in the south west, and the appearance time was late at night.

    There was talk about the fact that between the Fort City and the ruins, three strongholds existed, but the security network around the ruins and the first stronghold were already broken through, and the situation was urgent.

    ¡°Currently, we are being stationed in the second and third strongholds and several Drag-Knights of the district defense unit are heading to the subjugation. But, the enemy is a large-sized one. In preparation for the possibility that it breaks through and damage extends to the Fort City, We will also form an interception unit and prepare for battle. Get ready and stay on alert while waiting for orders.¡±

    In an unusually serious voice, instructor Raigree explained so and ended the talk.

    There was the explanation that a reinforcement demand had already been sent to the Capital.

    Some female students sighed in relief after hearing that, but¨C¨C

    ¡°They really are a bunch of peace idiots, eh. The young ladies of this academy.¡±

    ¡°Eh...?¡±

    To the mutter of Krulcifer who was standing alongside the wall of the hangar, Lux unintentionally asked back.

    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t expect reinforcements from the Capital so easily.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Everyone who is here are officer cadets, right? Unless the Drag-Knights of the army from the Capital come¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Your voice is too loud, Lux-kun.¡±

    Sharis who came around suddenly put her index finger on his mouth and smiled wryly.

    ¡°Just to note, you¡¯re a former Prince and a Drag-Knight. I thought you knew the circumstances on that point about this country''s military situation.¡±

    ¡°To put it simply, there is a lack of manpower. That¡¯s the practical problem.¡±

    Tillfarr who was on the side supplemented so while shrugging her shoulders.

    ¡°Yes. Even you should know that this isn¡¯t an ordinary city.¡±

    And as Nokuto added, she slowly walked towards the door going outside.

    ¡°Where do you intend to go?¡±

    ¡°We are of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±. So we should proactively take the initiative in case of emergency. Those living in this place certainly have some benefits; but there are always ups and downs.¡±

    Now that the Drag-Knights of the army were almost all out, there was military power which could oppose the Abyss.

    Sharis returned a smile and the three girls went out as such.

    They would probably wear their Machine Dragons in the practice field and head to the subjugation of the Abyss.

    ¡°Well then, Lux. I¡¯m going.¡±

    Coming to pat his shoulder with her hand was Lisha wearing a Dress Gear.

    The attack of a large-sized Abyss.

    In spite of the tense situation, Lisha¡¯s expression showed no signs of tension.

    ¡°Please, be careful.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be all right. I¡¯m strong after all. However, it¡¯s regrettable that you can¡¯t accompany me. Even though I intended to use this opportunity to teach you how to attack.¡±

    Lisha showed a smile as if her depression from yesterday had never existed.

    She should be all right at this rate.

    Lux felt relieved and saw off Lisha.

    Upon close inspection, from within the hangar, most of the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± were not there.

    Only Philphie who could use a Divine Drag-Ride seemed to remain for the defense of the Fort City, almost all the others seemed to have sortied for the Abyss subjugation.

    Lux was at a loose end since familiar faces temporarily disappeared.

    As he turned his gaze to the vicinity, the face of Krulcifer who was leaning her back on the wall could be seen.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san, even though you¡¯re of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, you didn''t go for the subjugation?¡±

    As Lux stepped up and asked so,

    ¡°For overseas students from foreign countries like me, an original battle standard is established by the school regulations.¡±

    She plainly answered with her expression which did not change at all.

    ¡°I have no obligation to be involved in a direct battle with the Abyss. Otherwise, I can at least cooperate with other forms of support, such as information transfer and goods supply beyond the scope of danger to my life. I can help if I want, but a complain will come from my country, so I don¡¯t intend to do so.¡±

    Krulcifer was an overseas student from Ymir, a large country in the north.

    If learning the technology and knowledge of Machine Dragons was the purpose, to take the initiative, and fight in the crisis of other countries and lose their life would be the most unreasonable.

    In other words, it meant that the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± led by Lisha would be exposed to danger.

    ¡°............¡±

    As Lux was at a loss for words to that fact,

    ¡°You don¡¯t really need to worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Eh...?¡±

    ¡°We aren¡¯t people who should fight now. It¡¯s natural that even such situation happens. You¡¯re a general student who hasn¡¯t even joined the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±. So, there''s no need to be concerned about being unable to fight. You should just obey the directives of the instructor.¡±

    ¡°............¡±

    Lux could not answer anything.

    ¡°Nii-san. You mustn¡¯t go.¡±

    As Lux was separated from the crowd, Airi came over in front of him.

    ¡°With that <Wyvern>, you can¡¯t attack and you can¡¯t use the other sword. There is nothing that your current self can do, Nii-san. If it¡¯s Lisha-sama and the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± who are there, they can defeat even a large-sized Abyss. So¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I know. I know, but¡­¡±

    Lux spoke ambiguously while nodding.

    The military power of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± was reduced to half, by the fact that the third-year students who accounted for half the number of the members, had gone to the Capital for practice.

    Even so, about ten Drag-Knights were strength enough to be able to find a chance of victory against a large-sized Abyss.

    But, something seemed awry.

    He remembered that Abyss which attacked them at the time of the duel with Lisha a few days ago.

    For Abyss which appearance rate was always low, two appeared in this short period of time.

    When Lux had guarded the ruins of the frontier before as an odd job, Abyss appeared only once a month.

    Of course, there was also the possibility of coincidence, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Is there anything bothering you? From now, I plan to only see the situation from a distant position, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯m going.¡±

    ¡°Please, be careful.¡±

    As Krulcifer got up to leave, Lux began to walk slowly in the hangar. In order to look for unknown questions and answers.

    A very spacious wasteland about 3km away from the Fort City.

    At one time, it was covered with a carpet of grasslands and there were several villages and settlements, but due to the influence of ruins and Abyss which appeared more than ten years ago, all these were destroyed and there was only abandoned wreckage.

    The first stronghold which was the closest to the ruins, and the second stronghold had already been broken through.

    It was said that the guard troops of the Kingdom army that could fight, was in the middle of gathering neighbouring soldiers and reorganizing.

    Stopping the Abyss heading to the Fort City would depend on the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±¡¯s activity.

    ¡°Is this thing ¨C¨C that Abyss?¡±

    From the ground and the sky about 200 miles away from the target, about ten members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± confirmed the Abyss.

    It had no legs. From its trapezoidal large build like jelly, two arms like spires stretched left and right, and two purple spheres like eyeballs were floating inside the body close to the top of the head.

    It was just that much a creature.

    A Slime type said to have almost no intelligence.

    However, that Abyss, a large-sized one as the report said, boasted of an extraordinary large build which could swallow a castle.

    In the inner part of its translucent body, a slightly dark red sphere ¨C¨C the thing called the core could be seen.

    And the frightening thing was that castle like large build was moving.

    It looked like the speed of the degree which a child runs at, but considering its huge size, it was too fast.

    The question now was how they should conquer it¨C¨C

    ¡°Okay, I will fire.¡±

    Lisha who was left the command suddenly set up her Breath Gun with a smile.

    It loaded energy from the Force Core to the cannon.

    The main weapon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> took aim at the Abyss¡¯ core.

    ¡°Are you going to shoot all of sudden!?¡±

    One member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± that was behind her shouted so as she was frightened.

    ¡°It won¡¯t begin unless I try, right? Here I go!¡±

    Lisha, showing no signs of being scared pulled the trigger of the cannon.

    ¡°Goboh¡­ Gubaaah!¡±

    Immediately after, the shock dashed across the Abyss¡¯ body surface.

    And *splash*, its mucus scattered.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    Since they took enough distance, the mucus did not reach the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    But, the mucus which scattered to the ground fell onto the grass and melted it in no time.

    The third-year student Sharis who saw that called out to the whole ¡°Knight Squadron¡± using voice dragon.

    ¡ºIf you touch its body, you¡¯ll turn out like that. It looks like we can''t count on the Machine Dragon''s barrier that much.¡»

    ¡ºYes. It would be best for us to avoid close combat. I think we should all prepare our shooting armaments. Lizsharte-sama.¡»

    Nokuto asked for instructions.

    But, before Lisha could answer,

    ¡°Hey!? More importantly, look at that!?¡±

    Tillfarr in a panicked voice pointed at one point with the blade in her hand.

    There, a shadow¨C¨C,

    ¡°Gopoh, Gopopopoh¡­¡±

    Without caring about Lisha¡¯s bombardment, the Abyss continued its advance.

    No, it reacted to the attack and increased its movement speed.

    Climbing over the third stronghold which was before it, it was imminently approaching the last defense point ¨C¨C the rampart of the Fort City second block.

    ¡°The bombardment didn¡¯t work¡­?¡±

    Among the general-purpose Machine Dragons that posseses a Breath Gun, the <Chimeric Wyvern> used one which had the highest power.

    However, the bombardment only flipped a part of the body surface it didn''t touch the core at all.

    Even the holes pierced on its body were filled by the surrounding body fluids, and it regenerated in less than ten seconds.

    ¡°Tch¡­ It looks like that big thing¡¯s body is made of troublesome mucus. It seems to scatter the Breath Gun¡¯s power by conveying the impact and heat on the whole surrounding body fluids¡±

    Lisha, though subtly clicking her tongue, kept her calm.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the strategy? Commander.¡±

    To the question of Sharis who was staying in the air nearby, Lisha snorted,

    ¡ºIt¡¯s obvious. Simultaneous shootings while aiming at the core. Everyone, take a distance of 200 miles and load to the maximum. The power will fall if you¡¯re too far. I¡¯ll do the countdown. Understood?¡»

    As she also called out to the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± above ground using the dragon voice, Lisha let the energy fill her own cannon.

    (With this, we can surely defeat it. It¡¯s our win.)

    Lisha was convinced of her victory.

    A concentrated fire (barrage) released by a dozen Drag-Knights.

    Based on the previous bombardment, as long as she confirmed the situation of the body fluids scattering, this power should be able to go through.

    ¡°I''ll begin the countdown. We all shot at zero¡­ 5, 4, 3¡­¡±

    Following Lisha¡¯s orders, all the machines set up their cannons loaded to the maximum.

    ¨C¨CIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

    ¡°2, 1, sho¨C¨C¡±

    At that time. The strange sound of a flute resounded from somewhere in the neighbourhood.

    (Where is this sound? From the rear of the Abyss¨C¨C)

    When Lizsharte thought so in the corner of her head, the shock of the salvo shook the atmosphere.

    At the same time, something unusual occurred to the Abyss before their eyes.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    The dark red core inside the body that they were aiming at.

    It suddenly swelled like foam filled with wreckage.

    ¡°Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Immediately after, before the bombardment hit, the Abyss burst itself.

    The explosion of the core.

    High heat and impact which far exceeded expectations painted out the field vision and surged.

    ¡ºDeploy a barrier! Use also the Machine Dragon roar!¡»

    Lisha¡¯s shout was drowned out by a roaring sound and disappeared.

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    As Lux was aimlessly walking inside the Machine Dragon hangar, on the other side of an opened door there was a staircase leading to the basement.

    ¡°There was such a place, huh¡­?¡±

    Lux¡¯s feet naturally headed to the basement.

    As he quietly opened the door within reach, there ¨C¨C Philphie was there.

    His childhood friend who was a user of a Divine Drag-Ride was sitting on a small chair, absent minded as usual.

    ¡°¡­Philphie?¡±

    She was a girl with an usually mysterious impression, but Lux felt a strange presence and called out to her.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    But ¨C¨C there was no response.

    Something was strange.

    As if she did not hear Lux¡¯s voice since the beginning.

    ¡°I can hear, a sound.¡±

    However, staring at one point of the wall as such, Philphie said.

    ¡°A sound?¡±

    When Lux asked so,

    ¡°A sound.¡±

    Philphie muttered as she repeated.

    Lux¡¯s ears could not hear anything.

    But,

    ¡°I can hear the sound of a flute¡­ from the other side.¡±

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    To her words spat out absent mindedly, Lux¡¯s heart bounced.

    ¡ºAfter all, If you were done without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".¡»

    The tone of the flute.

    The Abyss¡¯ sudden attack during the duel with Lisha.

    The timing of the third-year students of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± being away.

    All the gears were linked; one answer was born.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¨C¨C¡±

    Suddenly, a vibration like the ground rumbling shook the hangar.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll go check out the situation. Philphie.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please, Lu-chan.¡± With only her voice, Philphie saw off Lux who left the basement with a serious face.

    ¡°Go help, in my stead¨C¨C¡±

    She muttered so at the end with a hollow expression.

    The military unit ¡°Knight Squadron¡± which was fighting the Abyss fell into a partial destroyed state.

    ¡°Ku, aah¡­!¡±

    ¡°U¡­ku, ah¡­!¡±

    With the sound of acid burning, several Machine Dragons¡¯ armors melted.

    There were also many members who switched from cannon or blade, which they had in hand, to a shield; their armaments had already become unusable.

    Even the Drag-Knights who were flying were blown away due to the shock of the explosion, and all of them were dropped on the ground.

    ¡°¡­Kuh! To all machines of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± platoon, evacuate! We will rebuild our posture once again. Those who can¡¯t use any weapons, step back for the moment!¡±

    The failure of the planned attack.

    And knitting her brows at the reality of there being great damage, Lisha groaned.

    ¡°We can still fully fight! Don¡¯t panic!¡±

    Calling out so to her comrades, she tried to raise their willpower.

    But,

    ¡ºHou, you¡¯ve really gotten used to acting like a Princess, eh, Lizsharte.¡»

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    Suddenly, through dragon voice somewhere ¨C¨C a man¡¯s voice which became hoarse could be heard.

    It was not a member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    It was a Drag-Knight attached to the defense corps of the New Kingdom army that had chased after the Abyss which broke through the strongholds.

    A man wearing a gray Machine Dragon and standing still in the sky, at the rear of the Abyss which charged could be seen.

    ¡ºBut you know? You aren¡¯t of such caliber.¡»

    ¡°You bastard, what are you saying¨C¨C¡­!?¡±

    Immediately after her words, a flash bombardment was released by that Drag-Knight towards Lisha.

    ¡ºCommander!¡»

    ¡ºPrincess!¡»

    The screams of the Knight Squadron echoed on the dragon voice communication.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    It was at a timing where she was completely taken back, but Lisha barely evaded a direct hit.

    But, the bombardment which grazed broke the armor and she fell over sideways on the ground with the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

    ¡ºUh¡­ Kuh! What the hell are you trying do¡­!? Captain of the guard corps deployed from the Royal Capital¨C¨C¡»

    Lisha glared at the Drag-Knight standing still in the sky and shouted so.

    In response, the man in his prime, serenely,

    ¡ºYou are mistaken.¡»

    Declared so as if ridiculing her.

    ¡ºIt''s from the Imperial Capital[1] that I came, Your Highness Princess Lizsharte. Acadia Empire, Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief, Velvet Barth is my name.¡»

    ¡º¡­!?¡»

    To the polite voice heard through the dragon voice, all of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± members present gasped in surprise.

    After the Old Empire was destroyed by the coup d¡¯¨¦tat.

    The Drag-Knights survivors which were on the Empire side were once put in jail as war criminals.

    However, those who pledged allegiance to the New Kingdom and were proven their innocence became once again officers as the New Kingdom¡¯s Drag-Knights, but¨C¨C

    Hearing the lines ¡°I came from the Imperial capital¡±, Lisha guessed the man¡¯s identity.

    An enemy of this country.

    The rebel army which was scheming the restoration of the Old Empire, and the man who carried that will in his body.

    ¡°So you betrayed the New Kingdom? And you even went as far as to expressly pull an Abyss from the ruins¨C¨C¡±

    ¡ºDo not say a disgraceful thing like betraying. I got back on the right track. I obtained power.¡»

    The voice of a man who was elated with success could be heard in the head through the dragon voice.

    ¡ºDid you think that you could beat me with one surprise attack? Your arrogance will cause your loss, Velvet.¡»

    Being shot on the flight device, Lisha calmly set up.

    Velvet who also saw that had a composed expression.

    ¡ºI can win. After all, luring you out like this was also to create a chance for victory.¡»

    The gray Drag-Ride got down from the sky.

    Strengthened Flight Type Machine Dragon <EX Wyvern> where there was the Old Empire¡¯s army symbol on the coating.

    The guard squad commander Velvet picked up a small golden flute in front of the Abyss which fell in the mud.

    ¡ºNow, hatch out. Eggs.¡»

    And, he put his mouth on the flute with a cruel smile.

    A never heard before harsh dissonance resounded on the rough earth.

    Just after.

    On the surface of the Abyss which had exploded and crumbled down in the mud, countless oil slicks bubblingly floated.

    The small bubbles pimply increased in size at a high speed and popped off all at once.

    ¡°That is¨C¨C!?¡±

    The members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± stared wide-eyed in surprise.

    What came out were birdmen of black metal.

    A herd of Gargoyles like the one which attacked the academy a few days ago.

    There were born from the Abyss¡¯ body.

    ¡ºO-Oh¨¦, oh¨¦¡­¡»

    ¡ºSuch a number¡­! Even though we have never fought more than two Abysses at the same time¡­¡»

    ¡ºWhat do we do¡­, I haven¡¯t heard about this¨C¨C¡»

    ¡ºIn the first place, to think that the garrison in the army were enemies ¡­¡»

    Multiple voices overlapped in the dragon voice¡¯s line.

    Giant bubbles of despair were born and burst.

    Black metal wings gradually covered the sky of the morning glow from which the day began to rise.

    There were about 30 Gargoyle Type Abysses.

    An enemy force of more than about 120 machines in terms of full-fledged Drag-Knights was born in that place.

    ¡°¨C¨CAwaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an Army in itself. <Tiamat>!¡±

    Lisha cancelled the connection of the damaged <Chimeric Wyvern> and wore her Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

    However,

    ¡ºLisha-sama! Please, prepare for withdrawal! A fight with this level of military power is dangerous!¡»

    One member of the Knight Squadron shouted so through the dragon voice communication, but Lisha gave her head a small shake.

    ¡ºSorry, but it seems to be impossible. The enemy has wings. Even if we run away into the Fort City, they will fly over the wall. We have no choice but to fight them here.¡»

    ¡ºB-But¨C¨C. We will gain time, so at least Lisha-sama must escape! You who is the Princess cannot die here. Also for the sake of the people of the New Kingdom which finally obtained peace.¡»

    Moreover, another member shouted as to urge her.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡ºDo you mean ¨C¨C surviving is also a Princess¡¯ duty?¡»

    Lisha¡¯s wry smile came back through the dragon voice.

    ¡ºThen, I¡¯m not fit to be a Princess after all.¡»

    With these lines, she lonely turned around.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s bothersome, I¡¯m not good at it. At surviving by sacrificing someone, extolling someone¡¯s death as heroic, doing at least one speech to the citizens who survived and being exposed to applause.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºThat¡¯s why I will fight. It¡¯s surely the mission which I can do as a Princess.¡»

    As soon as she asserted this, Lisha¡¯s <Tiamat> flew.

    ¡ºTell all the Knight Squadron¡¯s members, from here on we will engage the enemy. Those unable to fight as well as the injured should take shelter within the walls. The members who can fight, cover me. Go down a little to not be hit by the <LegionAirborne Fortress>.¡»

    ¡ºLizsharte-sama¡­¡»

    Even the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±¡¯s members who felt her resolution in her tone regained their calm naturally.

    ¡ºNokuto. You return to the Fort City, explain about this situation to the academy and ask for orders; can you do it?¡»

    ¡ºYes. Roger.¡»

    Immediately after her answer, Nokuto¡¯s <Drake> glided towards Cross Feed.

    At the same time, the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± set up their remaining armaments all at once.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s play. Traitors.¡±

    Wielding her Sword Device, Lisha summoned her auxiliary armaments.

    Twelve more <LegionAirborne Fortress> and the ultra-fired gun <Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon>.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite a foolish mouth you have, Princess.¡±

    The defense squad Commander Velvet twisted his mouth in an arc, and once again pushed his lips to the flute.

    ¡°¨C¨CThat¡¯s all, but I will confirm by sight from a long distance, the current war situation that I heard through dragon voice from Nokuto-san.¡±

    The students staying on standby fell silent to the fact which Krulcifer brought back with the speed of her Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>.

    ¡°Withdraw from Cross Feed? Or fight back? It was necessary to decide this. The enemy was already closing in right now after all.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I thank you for your cooperation. Krulcifer.¡±

    At the same time as instructor Raigree answered, a heavy silence filled the Machine Dragon Hangar.

    Having brought the Abysses was a man of the rebel army, who was the defense squad commander and somebody that inherited the will of the Old Empire.

    The biggest military power of the Fort City at present, the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± was on the verge of annihilation.

    With that fact being thrusted at them, the female officer cadet students were at a loss for words.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Lux was about to go out of the hangar.

    In front of the door heading to the outside, Airi was standing there with a worried expression.

    ¡°Where do you intend to go? Nii-san.¡±

    Airi asked Lux who had an expression showing that he had already made up his mind.

    With an obstinate expression which muffled something.

    ¡°I'' am going to help Lisha-sama.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t!¡±

    Airi flatly told so.

    ¡°With that <Wyvern>, even if you can defend, you can¡¯t defeat the Abyss; you also can''t use the other sword. There''s nothing that the current you can do, Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°But¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I understand Nii-san¡¯s feelings. But, in this world, there are things which can¡¯t be help. No matter how much you do your best, there are many things which can¡¯t be reversed. We, the Old Empire¡¯s royalty should have seen it as unpleasant it was!¡±

    Throwing off her usually clear expression, Airi appealed to him.

    Lux knew what she meant by that.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t we fighting for justice? Don¡¯t forget our purpose. Do you plan to die here? Please. For this country, we¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong, Airi.¡±

    Lux interrupted Airi¡¯s words and suddenly smiled.

    ¡°My purpose is to defeat the Empire. It¡¯s to defeat the enemy who takes important people away from me.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be all right, Airi. I won¡¯t leave you alone, so¨C¨C¡±

    Airi calmly looked downward to these words.

    ¡°I ''ve already finished the output adjustment of that Machine Dragon. It has to the bitter end been analyzed by me who''s still studying, but¡­ I cannot guarantee more than ten minutes¡­¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    As Lux smiled at his little sister, he approached Krulcifer who was outside the door.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san. I have a request.¡±

    ¡°¡­What is it?¡±

    ¡°Please activate your <Fafnir>. Not to cover me, but to save Lisha-sama. You are the only person who can go out of the Fort City right now.¡±

    As Lux turned straight eyes <--[need to fix] and said so,

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say it before? I cannot go fight using this life that belongs to the religious country Ymir.¡±

    Krulcifer told so in a calm tone until the bitter end.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°I know the identity of the ¡°Black Hero¡±. Let¡¯s make a deal. I''ll tell you if you listen to my request.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    One could clearly feel even without seeing that Airi had turned her gaze away from Lux.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Krulcifer nodded after a short pause.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡±

    And, the two people unsheathed their Sword Devices at the same time.

    A mortal combat was unfolding in the battlefield of the wasteland.

    30 metallic flying type Abysses; the Gargoyles¡¯ fierce attack.

    And for some reason, the defense squad commander Velvet who wasn''t attacked by the Abysses, was looking at that hell from the rear like a commander.

    Was it the power of the flute which he holds in his hand? It looked like he commanded the Abysses and controlled their movements.

    ¡°Kuh¡­! Haah!¡±

    Lisha roughened her breathing and put strength to all parts of her limbs.

    She perturbed the opponents with a total of 16 <LegionAirborne Fortress>, blocked their movements with the Divine Raiment <Heavenly Voice>, Gravity Control, and surely consigned them to oblivion with the maximum bombardment of the <Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon> at last.

    An extreme battle which fully used the three major armaments of the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

    She performed an attack with output beyond the limit consecutively and the Knight Squadron¡¯s members who covered her were also making frantic efforts, but they were still outnumbered.

    Even so, without loosening the offensive, she continued to reduce the enemies¡¯ number little by little, but¨C¨C,

    ¡°Kuh¡­ Haa!¡±

    Finally, the limit which couldn¡¯t be extended with just feelings was approaching.

    Her vision grew hazy and her hands and feet no longer did what she wanted.

    ¡°Haa¡­, Haa¡­!¡±

    There was about a dozen of Gargoyle type Abysses remaining.

    Of course, even if only one was remaining, it was not an opponent to which you could let your guard down, but finally the chance of being able to execute the last plan came.

    ¡°Sharis, Tillfarr¡­, are you safe?¡±

    Narrowing down the dragon voice to only the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±¡¯ members, Lisha called out to them.

    ¡º¡­I¡¯m sorry, but Princess, I was saved by a comrade and have already begun to withdraw.¡»

    ¡ºYes, it looks like I¡¯m also at my limit¡­ My armaments have been blown off along with the armor of both my hands¨C¨C¡»

    To the reply with a voice which got husky, Lisha smiled wryly.

    She was rather thankful to her friends who fought with her in the middle of an overwhelming force difference.

    ¡ºYou guys should withdraw. Instead, I have a request. Tell the instructors who are in the Fort City to come out to attack. If my aim from now on succeeds, that is.¡»

    ¡ºPrincess. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s¡­?¡»

    Sharis guessed Lisha¡¯s intention.

    ¡ºYes, I¡¯m ¨C¨C going to aim at the boss who possesses that flute.¡»

    It was recorded that Abysses originally had the habit of attacking living things indiscriminately.

    Nevertheless, that defense squad captain Velvet who sided with the Old Empire, far from being attacked, showed no signs that he could get caught up by their attacks.

    And, the golden flute which the man possessed was not a Drag-Ride¡¯s armament.

    It was probably a treasure of the ruins, and he was manipulating the Abysses using it.

    In short, if she could even do something about that flute, or if she defeated even Velvet, it was likely that the Abysses would lose control.

    She couldn''t do it until now as the numbers were too much, but her chance had finally come.

    ¡°¨C¨CHow unsightly, Lizsharte. Originally, it was a mistake in the first place that the likes of a bitch like you, who must have lived waiting upon a man even if for a while, to seat on the seat of Princess.¡±

    Velvet who was staying in the air behind the Abysses was looking down at Lisha with a smile of mockery-

    ¡°Hmm. So that''s to say, men are fellows like you who act conceited and make up repetitive excuses after it¡¯s over? And yet, they can only say things when they are in an absolutely advantageous situation, huh. I see; then it¡¯s natural that the Empire has been destroyed by we, the women.¡±

    ¡°¡­You¡¯ve some nerve. No, I shall give praise for that remarkable bluff. Even though you¡¯re exhausted to the extent that the Divine Drag-Ride which you wear has already begun its rampage.¡±

    As Velvet sneered at her, he put his lips on the flute and sent a breath.

    A strange noise that was hard to describe resounded, and the Abysses came back behind Velvet all at once.

    ¡°As you wish. I¡¯ll ride on the one-to-one fight that you desire. I shall give a glorious death in battle to you.¡±

    Setting up a large-sized blade in a overhead position, Velvet declare so.

    ¡°What a funny joke. It will only be a shame even if my life was taken by a small thing like you.¡±

    As Lisha returned a smile to that, she pulled a small blade and flew up.

    Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> vs. Strengthened Flying Type Machine Dragon <EX Wyvern>.

    If the users'' technique, stamina and equipment were equivalent, <Tiamat> was an advantageous combination in a difference of air frame performance, but now it was different.

    Lisha accumulated fatigue to the extent of vomiting blood and her armor was also crumbly.

    Her special abilities ¨C¨C not only weren¡¯t there the <Heavenly Voice> Divine Raiment, there were also neither the strength to operate the <LegionAirborne Fortress> nor the spare energy to perform a bombardment with the <Seventh HeadsSeven-Headed Dragon>.

    It was even difficult to fly straight to where Velvet was, who was waiting in the sky.

    If it was a one-on-one fight, the result could be seen.

    The enemy was also confident about it.

    Precisely because of this reason¨C¨C, there was a chance of victory

    ¡°Come on, you should scatter that life! False princess!¡±

    The moment when the energy from the Force Core streamed down Velvet¡¯s large sword.

    Lisha threw her set-up blade before his eyes.

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    The throwing of the small sword. At the same time, <Tiamat> which was rising suddenly stopped.

    It wasn''t limited to just Drag-Knights, if you lose your weapon in a battlefield, it will lead to an immediate death.

    Velvet cut off the blade which was thrown with his large sword swung downward.

    ¡°Fool, did you think that such a move would work?¡±

    There were no substitute weapons in Lisha¡¯s hands.

    The fight was decided.

    ¡°Haha. It¡¯s you who made a mistake.¡±

    Lisha¡¯s small laughter reached the ears of Velvet who was facing her.

    Her hands were holding slender twin swords.

    The two Swords Devices corresponding to the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

    Once one wore a Machine Dragon, the Sword Device could only be used as a control stick.

    If the Sword Device to control the Machine Dragon was taken away or destroyed, one¡¯s defeat was decided.

    Aside of using it that way, it was for self-defense before wearing a Machine Dragon, it could not be used as weapon after wearing the machine.

    Thus originally, it was an attack which could not be predicted.

    If it was a Sword Device where the Force Core was used in a part of the sword blade, one could also break through the barrier of a Drag-Ride.

    Velvet had completely exposed an opening immediately after shaking off his large sword.

    (Got you!)

    The moment when Lisha wielded her twin swords with conviction,

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame, bitch.¡±

    ¡°Wha¨C¨C!?¡±

    Lisha¡¯s senses became dull as if time stopped.

    As if the flow of time which she felt slipped through her recognition.

    Velvet¡¯s large sword was swung first.

    The fragment of the armor scattered before Lisha¡¯s eyes.

    In the blue sky where the sun rose, one red flower bloomed.

    ¡°Ku, ah¡­!¡±

    The twin swords being flipped, Lisha who had a part of her armor broken fell on the ground.

    As if seeking something, she stretched out her right hand to the sky and suddenly ran out of energy as such.

    ¡ºLisha-sama!¡»

    A member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± that was preparing for withdrawal screamed.

    But ¨C¨C it was no use.

    The dozen of Abysses which had been on standby quickly moved and stood in the way, as they formed a wall between Lisha and the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    ¡°Ha! Hahahahaha!¡±

    Velvet¡¯s sneer resounded in the wasteland and the sky.

    ¡°W-What¡­ is this¡­?¡±

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s groan, Velvet fearlessly smiled.

    ¡°Quick Draw¡±¨C¨C. It¡¯s a kind of Drag-Knight secret art once handed down to the Empire''s army. After reaching the Imperial Guardsman Knight Squadron''s head, and after five more years of training ¨C¨C I finally mastered it.¡±

    ¡°Quick Draw¡±

    A mind control operation in addition to the body control operation.

    A special move that dishes out unseen attacks with just one stroke, in an instant, through a sequence of movements from the perfect overlap of manipulating two differing systems.

    The Drag-Knights¡¯ three secret arts had been handed down as a legend even after the New Kingdom establishment, and a person who mastered even one of them was praised as a super first class user.

    ¡°I have been sharpening my fangs for this time for five years after the day of coup d¡¯¨¦tat. I endured the painful act of becoming the watchdog of you damn bitches. Hahahahahaha! It¡¯s the best feeling!¡±

    ¡°You low-life¡­!¡±

    Lisha, still lying face up with her arms and legs outstretched, chewed her lower tip.

    ¡°With this, I¡¯ve achieve my purpose. Afterwards, I''ll hold you hostage and only use you as in a deal with the Queen.¡±

    Velvet played the flute and called back the Abysses behind him.

    Lisha herself had no more cards to play.

    ¡°Kuh¡­¡±

    She pulled the trigger with a fingertip as she struggled, but <Tiamat> no longer reacted.

    (Finally, this time has come again¡­)

    As her consciousness become cloudy due to fatigue and bleeding, Lisha suddenly heard a voice.

    ¡ºLisha-sama!¡»

    ¡º¨C¨CL-Lux¡­?¡»

    A dragon voice limited to only her could be heard through <Tiamat> which could no longer move.

    Is it a dream, or an auditory hallucination?

    Lisha though that either was fine if she could talk to him at the end.

    ¡ºHaa¡­ my bad. I¡¯ve been defeated. Haha¡­¡»

    ¡ºOnly a little more. Please stay conscious only a little more. If you do so¨C¨C¡»

    ¡ºForget about me, abandon me. You don¡¯t need to worry. It may be conceited, but you don¡¯t need to come help me, so¡­¡»

    Thanks to that, a small of amount of strength welled up within her.

    ¡ºInstead, listen; keep my secret until the end¨C¨C¡»

    ¡°¡­ Like this, do you think that you won?¡±

    While speaking with Lux through dragon voice, Lisha muttered so towards the enemy before her.

    Her gaze was directed far backwards ¨C¨C behind Velvet standing stock still in the sky.

    ¡°Hou. What do you mean by that? Very interesting indeed.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t given up yet. I still have a way to defeat you.¡±

    ¡°Kuhahahaha! What a pathetic woman. I¡¯m amazed beyond laughter. To think that you¨C¨C¡±

    Laughing so, Velvet looked back behind himself.

    ¡°I hope that you aren¡¯t thinking that those are reinforcements from the Capital.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    The moment she heard that, the face of Lisha who was desperately keeping her consciousness turned pale.

    Lisha who was lying down saw nearly 100 Machine Dragons from the other side of the wasteland ¨C¨C behind Velvet coming their way.

    But¨C¨C, all of them were gray.

    The same color as the coating of the Old Empire from before ¨C¨C the rebel army!

    ¡°How foolish of you, Princess Lizsharte. No, just a slave who betrayed our Empire, right? That¡¯s your true identity¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Kuh!?¡±

    The moment she heard that, Lisha¡¯s voice was clogged.

    The hand which was holding the Sword Device began to tremble with a clattering sound, and her crimson pupils shook.

    ¡°Hahaha! How nostalgic, young lady. That¡¯s right! It¡¯s me, Lizsharte. The one who put the mark of the Empire on your belly! To you who was abandoned by the Earl House, you had no value as a hostage. That¡¯s why I taught you how to use a Drag-Ride in order to make you live as an assassin¡­¡±

    ¡°Ku, a, aah¡­¡±

    A soundless scream was squeezed out from Lisha¡¯s throat.

    A scream of despair dyed in a bottomless darkness.

    ¡°But, the coup d¡¯¨¦tat succeeded and you, who was saved luckily, was declared Princess as if nothing ever happened. Your little sister who was left as the inheritor died, and it became inconvenient, so another one was picked up. Kukuku, what a cruel country, eh. This New Kingdom.¡±

    Before she could say something, Velvet set up his large sword while ridiculing her.

    The 100 Drag-Rides which rushed in as Velvet¡¯s reinforcements had already surrounded the area.

    <Wyvern>, <Wyrm>, and <Drake>. A total of hundred machines of the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons.

    In addition, a dozen of Gargoyle type Abysses who waited for the signal of the flute.

    It was a military power which could gain total control of the Fort City at this rate ¨C¨C no, even take away the Machine Dragon Hangar and the academy, and invade the Capital as it is.

    ¡°But, it¡¯s convenient now. I''ll have you become our bargaining chip as a ¡°real Princess¡±. Isn¡¯t it nice? Lizsharte. You are a person on the side of our Empire. If you understand, then kneel on the ground and say that ¨C¨C you will be our slave.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lisha did not react to the triumphant Velvet.

    She was sending her voice towards Lux.

    ¡º¡­ Listen, Lux Acadia. You know? I ran away. I wasn¡¯t able to die as a daughter of the proud Earl House.¡»

    A hollow voice was sent to Lux through the dragon voice.

    ¡ºKnowing that I was abandoned by my father, I was told to choose either becoming an assassin of the Empire or die. I was so scared that I wasn¡¯t able to kill myself. Therefore, I once gave up on everything and decided to become a person of the Empire. From the beginning ¨C¨C I wasn¡¯t qualified to be a Princess.¡»

    ¡º¡­Lisha, sama¡»

    ¡ºIt was hard for me to behave like a Princess. But in fact, I wanted to become one, too. I, a person who betrayed the Empire once, might be saying something selfish. But you know; now I like everyone¡­ I wished to be recognized this time for sure.¡»

    ¡ºMe too¨C¨C¡»

    The voice of Lux who took a deep breath came back.

    ¡ºI also have something to say. Sorry for having kept quiet about it. It¡¯s something important. I want you to hear it. So¨C¨C¡»

    ¡ºAh, sorry, it looks like I have no more time. Well then¨C¨C¡»

    Lisha smiled wryly and looked up at the sky.

    ¡ºTake care of yourself, Prince.¡»

    Immediately after, a long straight light ran straight through the atmosphere.

    ¡°Ku, ah¡­, y-you bastaaaaaard¡­!?¡±

    The first and last weapon which Lisha threw at high speed.

    It was the Sword Device of the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

    Lisha threw that lifeline which one must absolutely never let go, aiming at Velvet high up in the sky ¨C¨C and, although taken by surprise, it had been barely dodged.

    On his cheek, a red line which was cut just now was running.

    ¡°Fufu. Aren¡¯t you a little good-looking now? You should be happy, underling; you will look good enough to be shown publicly when taking me to the Capital.¡±

    ¡°Kuh, nuuh¡­!¡±

    Holding his wound, Velvet glared at Lisha lying down face up.

    ¡°As a Princess even for an instant, I shall warn you. You should stop; someone of your caliber can¡¯t destroy this country. You¡¯re just an underling who was surely incited by someone¡¯s sweet words and rode on them. You obtained power, you say? Don¡¯t speak gibberish. You¡¯ve ¨C¨C changed nothing. You¡¯re just the same like in those days when you were only used by the Old Empire.¡±

    A momentary silence.

    But meanwhile, Velvet¡¯s whole body was shivering and trembling in anger.

    ¡°¨C¨Call right, Lizsharte. I changed my mind. I will tear you to pieces, throw your corpse into the royal palace and just invade it like that! Die here!¡±

    Velvet set up the <EX Wyvern>¡¯s cannon.

    Lisha stared at it in a slightly distant look.

    ¡°Haa. It¡¯s frustrating.¡±

    Shedding large drops of tears, she looked up at the high sky.

    ¡°Even though I was thinking that I''ll behave like a Princess; without crying till the end this time even if I¡¯m scared¡­¡±

    When she muttered so, a shadow fell on Lizsharte¡¯s body.

    It¡¯s over.

    When she held such a conviction,

    Soon after all was wrapped in huge flames¨C¨C,

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    A blue Machine Dragon ¨C¨C Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> was there.

    He deployed the barrier at maximum output and defended against the impact with his armor.

    But, the <Wyvern> which took a direct hit from the main cannon was smashed to pieces on the spot.

    ¡°Kuh¡­! I don¡¯t know who it is, but stop this useless struggle¨C¨C¡±

    Velvet, whose bombardment was repelled for the price of a Machine Dragon, chewed his teeth and set up his large sword.

    The army of Machine Dragons which was waiting behind him set up their weapons all at once as it was the signal of attack.

    ¡°Lux¡­? Why¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Sorry, Lisha-sama. Even though I had you repair it with much trouble.¡±

    At the same time, standing in the way before Lisha lying down face up, Lux revealed a lonely smile.

    Then, he cancelled the connection of the seriously damaged <Wyvern> and quickly put his hand on the other Sword Device remaining on his waist.

    ¡°You know nothing about this world. You aren¡¯t in the caliber of kings. The weakest.¡±

    Five years ago, the last day of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat.

    That night when the jet-black sky was illuminated red by the flames of war.

    In the audience room of the burned-down imperial castle, his eldest brother Fugil said so.

    In a calmed voice as he looked down on him.

    As he scorned him.

    And, as he admonished him.

    ¡°You weren¡¯t able to become completely evil after all. You said that as a Prince, you want to make the citizens happy. You want to save those who were abused and received unfair treatment¨C¨C. But you know, little brother? You had never had the qualifications to be King in the first place.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A fatigue from which he could not even groan let alone stand up.

    Even so, Lux, just lying face-down as such, maintained his consciousness.

    ¡°However much resolve you hold, you believe that a ¡°country¡± or ¡°people¡± are valuable things. So, you were able to spit out pipe dreams like letting them live and making places for discussions. You should be thankful to me, little brother. If I didn¡¯t massacre the surviving army and imperial family on whom you went easy on, you would have been assassinated by those people some day.¡±

    It was a mockery.

    ¨C¨CHe held the resolution of destroying the Empire and killed his own heart.

    Finally to Lux who wished for an ideal ending.

    ¡°As King, you tried to save not only this country¡¯s people, but also the rotten royalty and aristocrats. You didn¡¯t try to abandon anything. That¡¯s why ¨C¨C you were outwitted without seeing through me, the ¡®evil¡¯ who tries to take away¡±

    A cruel tone.

    As he felt the cold gaze of his older brother, whom he loved and respected, on his back,

    ¡°It¡¯s meaningless, Lux. Someone who doesn''t have the resolution of incarnating ¡®evil into his own will, and who isn''t willing to make sacrifices, however much power he holds, it will be meaningless. That¡¯s why you are the weakest.¡±

    To these last words, Lux lost consciousness.

    Lux drew out his Sword Device from the black sheath and held it up to the sky.

    At the same time as he pressed the button on the handle, , he muttered.

    ¡°¨C¨CManifest, Violent Dragon which devours the gods¡¯ flesh and blood. Cut off the cloudy heavens, <Bahamut>!¡±

    At that moment, particles of light gathered at high speed.

    What appeared was black.

    A lump of Mithril Dite wearing an ominous blood lust and brilliance.

    From the head ¨C¨C which imitated a dragon¡¯s, two piercing eyes shining red peeped out.

    ¡°This is¡­¨C¨C?¡±

    To that uncommon power and presence, Velvet in the sky raised his voice.

    ¡°Connect On¡±

    The Machine Dragon which appeared before Lux transformed into countless pieces of armor and wrapped his whole body.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­, you are¨C¨C?¡±

    Lisha who saw this stared wide-eyed and muttered.

    Soon after, in front of the 100 Machine Dragons of the Rebel army approaching before him, Lux who wore the jet-black giant dragon <Bahamut> blocked their way.

    In his hand, a large sword of a black deeper than darkness was held.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are, but it doesn¡¯t matter! I will get rid of both of you!¡±

    In accordance with Velvet¡¯s voice, the first three machines brandished their blades and charged.

    They intended to load energy from the Force Core to them (blades) and cut down the whole barrier.

    The simultaneous attack of the three machines from three directions, the right, the left and the front attacked Lux.

    At that moment¨C¨C,

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    The moment when the three Drag-Knight were about to swing down their swords, the Drag-Rides which the men were wearing burst into pieces.

    The armor arm holding the Machine Dragon blade, the Force Core in both shoulders and the Sword Device hanging on the waist.

    The three points which were vital points of attack, power, and control were pulverized in an instant.

    And at the same time ¨C¨C the three machines which came attacking all at once at that.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    The eyes of the men who were defeated were not able to see anything.

    What on earth happened?

    At a speed which the eyes could not catch, <Bahamut> swung its blade, and the moment when the swords crossed, the fight was decided.

    ¨C¨CWhy!?

    ¡°Devour time and accelerate, <Bahamut>.¡±

    Before they could understand the situation, Lux¡¯s large sword flashed once more and knocked down the three machines before him.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaaah¡­!?¡±

    The three <Wyvern> of the Old Empire that were already destroyed instantly lost their power and propulsion output, and fell headlong.

    Although barely picked up by their friends¡¯ Machine Dragons which were on the ground, they were no longer able to fight.

    ¡°You bastaaard!¡±

    After a pause of several seconds, five Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army once again attacked Lux simultaneously.

    ¡°< Reload on Fire >¡±

    But, their attacks from the top, bottom, right, left and the front were fruitless and once again all the five machines were simultaneously shot down.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    ¡°What does that mean¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°What is happening, what the hell¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I-Is that a Divine Drag-Ride¡­!? Why does it easily, like that¡­!¡±

    A great number attacked all at once, and faster than anyone of them could swing his sword ¨C¨C or could pull the trigger of his gun, they were knocked down in an instant.

    Just like a cheap-looking drama-like spectacle.

    The rebel army stirred to the nightmare-like reality.

    ¡ºD-Don¡¯t panic! That guy is just a Drag-Knight like us!¡»

    Velvet raised his voice and rebuked his subordinates.

    ¡ºThere is no way that that guy ¨C¨C a man has enough aptitude to use a Divine Drag-Ride for a long period of time! Besides, his movements will surely become dull soon after his attack! Aim for that chance!¡»

    ¡°Haah!¡±

    The Drag-Knights who received instructions from their commander surrounded Lux and attacked him once again.

    Certainly, Lux loosened his movements for a few seconds as he got tired from the processing of <Bahamut>.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    But, the next moment when his movements became slow and it looked like he showed an opening.

    He pulverized the seven Machine Dragons of the Old Empire that entered his range in an instant.

    ¡°¡­Impossible!¡±

    Once again, unrest ran among the Old Empire¡¯s Drag-Knights.

    ¡°A jet-black Divine Drag-Ride¡­ You bastard¡­! Don¡¯t tell me ¨C¨C your the one at the time of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat¡­!?¡±

    When Velvet muttered, Lux looked up to the sky as if responding to it.

    In the bottom of his eyes which closed just for an instant, Lux recalled the past.

    ¡ºDo you want to cooperate with a wyvern along with my <Bahamut>? Or¨C¨C¡»

    What Fugil asked Lux before the execution of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat.

    ¡ºAre you going to use <Bahamut>¨C¨C?¡»

    ¡°Haa¡­ So, you¡¯ve done it. Nii-san¡­¡±

    On the other hand, Airi who asked Nokuto,who came back to the Fort City, went out of the rampart together with her, and was gazing at the battlefield as she deeply sighed.

    At a site separated from the rampart and about several hundreds miles away from the wasteland of the battlefield.

    Airi was carried by Nokuto¡¯s <Drake> to a distance where the dragon voice barely reached the battlefield.

    She had to record the information about how long Lux could use a certain Machine Dragon.

    In order to closely grasp the Machine Dragon¡¯s output and operation limit, Airi asked for the unreasonable things, like wanting to go nearby, and had Nokuto take her.

    ¡°What''s happening? Lux-san is¡­ That black Divine Drag-Ride¨C¨C?¡±

    The usually composed Nokuto asked as her voice quavered.

    The fact that though also correct for Divine Drag-Rides, Lux whose aptitude for the Machine Dragon should originally be inferior as he is a man, was handling more than enough.

    And, the incomprehensible high-speed movement which instantly shot down the enemy army which charged.

    ¡°¡­Nokuto. Can you keep secret what I¡¯m about to tell you now?¡±

    Unlike her usual straight atmosphere, Airi whispered in a slightly casual air.

    ¡°Yes. I swear on the pride and the master of the household of attendants, the Leaflet House.¡±

    As Nokuto nodded, Airi suddenly began to talk after a deep breath.

    ¡°That is Nii-san. The strongest Drag-Knight riding the Empire¡¯s strongest Machine Dragon <Bahamut>. In the coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago, the one who destroyed 1200 Machine Dragons of the Empire army all by himself ¨C¨C the ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C!? What do you mean by that? Airi Acadia.¡±

    Nokuto opened her eyes wide and asked Airi.

    ¡°It was a Prince of the Empire ¨C¨C that destroyed the Old Empire? Why¡­?¡±

    ¡°¡­Diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeee!¡±

    Soon after Nokuto¡¯s voice quavered.

    Screams and explosions echoed again in the sky.

    A jarring tone of flute could be heard immediately after.

    Probably¨C¨C, Velvet gave directives to the dozen of Gargoyles, which were left behind to invade the Capital, to charge.

    But, even if he used the Abysses, the results would the same as a little while ago.

    The sword which Lux swung at lightning speed destroyed the Gargoyles¡¯ bodies to pieces and shot them down,

    In mid-air where numerous explosions occurred, the Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army charged furthermore.

    ¡°<Reload on Fire> ¨C¨C That is <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment. Its ability is a 10-second magic called Compression Strengthening.¡±

    A Divine Raiment of seal and release.

    Or, repression and liberation.

    An ability which rapidly decreases the energy and phenomenon until a fraction of it remains in the former five seconds, and then explosively unleashes their power in the latter five seconds.

    ¡°It decelerates the flow of time in the target to some fraction in the first five seconds, and accelerates it several times in the last five seconds. Thus, the moment when the enemy showed the preliminary movement of his attack, he easily overtakes it with an accelerated slash and destroyed the enemy. It¡¯s Nii-san¡¯s technique called ¡°quick shot¡±.¡±

    ¡°Quick shot¡±

    A special move which saw through the enemy¡¯s attack preliminary movement, used the acceleration by <Reload on Fire> and instantly destroyed the enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride.

    Therefore, the moment when they brandished their swords and put a finger on the gun¡¯s trigger in Lux¡¯s range, the fight was decided.

    It was the reason why he was called the strongest Drag-Knight.

    ¡°T-Then if he''s so strong, why is Lux the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, there is a reason. It¡¯s quite difficult to do the ¡°quick shot¡±.¡±

    Airi muttered while watching the fight between Lux and the Old Empire army.

    ¡°In order to certainly crush the opponent¡¯s Machine Dragon, you have to perfectly strike that opening. Therefore, training was necessary in order to perfectly see through the Drag-Knight¡¯s movements and his attack preliminary movement. For example, such as keeping to defending oneself by doing nothing, but dodging the enemy¡¯s attacks without attacking him even once in a match¨C¨C¡±

    In other words, the weakest in order to become the strongest.

    The mock battle where Lux fought using the <Wyvern> was no more than training in order to use <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    A technique which he acquired after about several hundred thousand battles since the Old Empire''s era five years ago.

    So as to move with the same sensation even with <Bahamut>, he had been adjusting by calculating the weight and air resistance and adding armor on the Wyvern.

    Therefore¨C¨C,

    30 machines, 40 machines, 50 machines¡­

    At the moment when they were about to attack, the Machine Dragons of the Old Empire army were shot down.

    The Old Empire¡¯s Drag-Knights army of approximately 100 machines, which existed as Velvet¡¯s unit had been reduced to less than half in no time.

    ¡°Impossible¡­¡±

    Velvet, who was watching this muttered, dumbfounded.

    It¡¯s strange.

    No matter how much he could use a Divine Drag-Ride, if he used its special ability, the Divine Raiment, it should put a considerable burden.

    There was no way that Lux, whose Machine Dragon aptitude should be lower than a woman¡¯s could continuously fight for so long.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s useless even if you try to gain time. Nii-san¡¯s Machine Dragon aptitude¡¯s numerical value is much higher than the basic aptitude value of us, women.¡»

    Airi¡¯s composed voice reached even Velvet through the dragon voice of Nokuto¡¯s <Drake>.

    No way¨C¨C

    In the reality where he could only think so while doubting,

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t kid with me! Are you telling me that this bastard is that ¡°Black Hero¡±!?¡±

    Even while being flustered, Velvet furthermore issued instructions to his Drag-Knight subordinates.

    But, even their movements to strike at the opening of <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Reloading on Fire> were seen through and they were crushed in no time.

    ¡°Who are you?! Why do you bastard¨C¨C!¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CDon¡¯t you remember my face, Imperial Guards Knight Squadron chief Velvet?¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    Just an instant.

    To the words of Lux who turned a cold, fathomless gaze, Velvet gasped in surprise.

    A brief silence was born, and at the same time, even the Empire army¡¯s Drag-Knights stopped their attacks.

    ¡°Fu, kukuku¡­! Hahaha!¡±

    Seeing that, Velvet burst into laughter.

    His gaze was turned to Lux¡¯s collar.

    ¡°Well well, isn¡¯t it the seventh Crown Prince? Although I did not know, please excuse my repeated rudeness.¡±

    ¡°Please stop.¡±

    To Velvet carrying out an impolite greeting, Lux returned to his usual self and curtly replied.

    ¡°Please surrender at once. Fighting anymore than this is meaningless.¡±

    ¡°Fu, hahaha¡­¡±

    Holding his lips so as to bear it, Velvet laughed again.

    ¡°More importantly Your Highness. I would also like to say some words. For what reason¨C¨C, why are you siding with the New Kingdom ¨C¨C the Empire¡¯s enemy?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Why?! Lux Acadia! Why do you, a Prince and survivor of the imperial family, turn your sword to us?! Do you intend to become a hero by fighting for the people!? You are wrong! With such superficial feelings, be it the people or the country ¨C¨C you will not move anything!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a hero.¡±

    Lux answered so with a dry smile.

    And,

    ¡°Please listen, Lisha-sama.¡±

    Lux looked at Lisha lying on the ground and gently called out to her.

    ¡°For this country, for the people¨C¨C; I couldn¡¯t do anything as a Prince. I lose my mother; I was afraid of losing another close person again.¡±

    While he muttered, the memory of five years ago floated in his mind.

    ¡°I was not able to become strong for justice. I tried to save all the people, but failed. So that it doesn¡¯t happen so this time, in order to carry out my mission, I conceal myself as the chore Prince.¡±

    ¨C¨CYou know nothing about the world. You aren¡¯t in the caliber of kings. The weakest.

    ¡°But ¨C¨C as expected, I want to help. I thought that I want you, who are suitable as the New Kingdom Princess, to recognize me. So¡­¡±

    ¡°Lux¡­¡±

    Lisha¡¯s scarcely audible voice.

    While hearing it, he turned his large sword towards Velvet and declared.

    ¡°I am not a hero. I¡¯m the weakest Drag-Knight who destroyed the Empire.¡±

    Soon after Lux defiantly declared,

    ¡°¡­All right.¡±

    Velvet raised his sword and sent a signal to his subordinates.

    ¡°In that case, You should die! As a cornerstone of a new Empire, rot away under the justice of the Acadia Empire that I serve!¡±

    All the dozens of Machine Dragons remaining simultaneously began an all-out attack.

    ¡°<Reload on Fire>¡±

    In response to it, <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment activated.

    It ate time ¨C¨C and accelerated.

    The special move ¨C¨C ¡°quick shot¡± which saw through all the attack''s preliminary movements, and pulverized the enemy in an instant.

    At the same time that several Machine Dragons¡¯ armors were smashed to pieces, Velvet attacked as he wove his way to the momentary opening.

    ¡°Lux!¡±

    Lux heard Lisha¡¯s scream.

    The subordinates whom Velvet instigated were decoys.

    And, it was just after <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Reload on Fire> already activated its effect.

    Before the time accelerated once again, it must first decelerate.

    Even so, if it was an ordinary opponent, it was timing which Lux could prevent with his reading (see through).

    But¨C¨C, the enemy was not a mere Drag-Knight.

    ¡°Apologize to His Majesty the Emperor in the other world! Traitor!¡±

    Velvet let out a sharp, straight line slash.

    A high speed flash by quick draw.

    When the inescapable slash attacked Lux¡¯s <Bahamut>¨C¨C, Velvet saw it.

    The cut line which he should''ve trace with the point of his sword running on Lux¡¯s Machine Dragon.

    And another cut line was running on his own armor arm wielding that blade.

    ¡°¨C¨CWha!?¡±

    ¡°Whaaaaaa¡­!?¡±

    The damage minced on his Machine Dragon was reflected in the pupils of Velvet, who opened his eyes wide in surprise.

    Soon after, as if tracing the irreversible fact that ¡°it was cut¡±, the <EX Wyvern> broke into pieces.

    The wrist armor, the Force Core and the Sword Device.

    Lux¡¯s ¡°quick shot¡± crushed all of them.

    ¡°W-Why¡­!? Your Divine Raiment¡­ You shouldn¡¯t have been able to use it yet ! Why was my quick draw defeated¨C¨C¡±

    <Reload on Fire>.

    A Special ability of compression strengthening by the Divine Raiment.

    The Divine Raiment cannot be re-activated immediately after he decelerates the time in the first five seconds, and accelerates it in the last five seconds.

    Even though Velvet should have cut him after seeing through it¨C¨C

    ¡ºYou are quite a reckless person, too.¡»

    Soon after, a dragon voice through Nokuto¡¯s <Drake> ¨C¨C Airi¡¯s voice reached Velvet.

    ¡ºJust because you can use the quick draw, there is no way you can win with the same technique against the one who invented it, right?¡»

    ¡°Wha¨C¨C!?¡±

    To the indifferent voice, Velvet was at a loss for words.

    The moment Velvet used the quick draw, the quick draw of Lux who saw through his preliminary movement overtook him with a Godspeed far exceeding it, and then did a ¡°quick shot¡±.

    Be it the Divine Drag-Ride <Bahamut>¡¯s performance and output.

    Or the skill of Lux who became the Empire''s strongest.

    Or even the Divine Raiment of compression strengthening which could shot down multiple Machine Dragons in an instant.

    Lux¡¯s strategy to lure Velvet by making him think ¡°I can beat him¡±.

    (This guy, really how many trump cards does he hide¨C¨C!)

    In the midst, Velvet realized a certain fact.

    ¡°W-Wait! You invented it!? That can¡¯t be! You were still 12 in those days¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Good-bye, Velvet. Though I can¡¯t judge you as royalty anymore.¡±

    At the same time as Lux calmly muttered, the <EX Wyvern> was falling.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight for the Empire as a Prince, nor for your sake. I want to fight for these girls, hoping one day to get their recognition¨C¨C¡±

    Velvet who was shot down fell to the dry earth.

    All the Machine Dragons of the Old Empire¡¯s Drag-Knights were destroyed and the fight came to a close.

    As Lux got down on the ground, Lisha who somehow managed to stand up stepped up while her legs were staggering.

    And, she entrusted her small body to Lux wearing the Machine Dragon.

    ¡°¨C¨CThank you, Lux.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    To the words of the Princess whose eyes were moist, Lux responded with a small smile.

    Then suddenly, his body along with <Bahamut> slanted.

    ¡°H-Hey!? Are you all right? Lux!¡±

    ¡°Ahaha. It¡¯s been a long time; I got just a little tired.¡±

    He cancelled <Bahamut>¡®s connection and replied so.

    His consciousness became gradually blurred.

    While faintly hearing the shouts of joy of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± audible from far away, Lux quietly closed his eyes.

 Volume 1 - Epilogue

    ¡°N, Ngh¡­¡±

    With a small groan, Lux opened his eyelids.

    He first saw a relatively new wooden ceiling, and the fragrance of flowers, medicinal herbs, and faint alcohol tickled his nose.

    ¡°¡­!? You woke up!? Thank god¡­! Nii-san!¡±

    The smile of the girl who embraced him was reflected in Lux¡¯s thinly opened eyes.

    ¡°This place¨C¨C?¡±

    As he somehow spoke while blushing, Airi hurriedly parted from Lux and after clearing her throat once, she quickly made a settled expression and straightened up her back.

    ¡°Um ¨C¨C so, you finally woke up, Nii-san?¡±

    ¡°Airi? Ugh¡­!¡±

    Trying to get to his little sister¡¯s voice, Lux knitted his brows at the dull pain running throughout his body.

    Airi dressed in her uniform who saw that, sighed once on the chair in front of the bed.

    ¡°You reap what you sow. After continuously using <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment that much, it¡¯s obvious, right? It¡¯s better than you sleeping for one week as in the old days though.¡±

    ¡°¡­Perhaps, are you angry?¡±

    As Lux laughed so awkwardly,

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand if I don¡¯t say anything?¡±

    She returned a grin.

    <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment required a very intense consumption from the user.

    Even for Lux, who had a Machine Dragon aptitude which far exceeded an ordinary woman¡¯s while being a man, it was a considerable burden.

    Because of that, Lux who had almost died before made a promise to Airi not to use it directly until <Bahamut>¡¯s operation time limit including the Divine Raiment was accurately clarified.

    It was also the reason why Airi, as a student of civil official aspiration, was deciphering ancient documents of ruins involved with Machine Dragons

    And if by any chance, Lux¡¯s talent and the fact that he was the ¡°Black Hero¡± were known, Airi feared that he would be regarded as dangerous by various organizations including inside and outside the country, and would be targeted.

    That¡¯s why she had tried to stop him.

    Until Lux defeated ¡°a certain man¡± whom he was chasing, in another sense, she had tried to stop his habit of exposing himself to danger¨C¨C

    He knew that Airi was worried about him.

    So, when he tried to apologize,

    ¡°Nii-san is¨C¨C, a big idiot.¡±

    Airi said so and embraced Lux, burying her face in his chest.

    ¡°¡­Five years ago. When Nii-san fell and did not wake up, do you know how much I was worried every day¡­?¡±

    Airi who had a usually settled attitude said as her voice got cloudy.

    ¡°Certainly, I¡¯m a big idiot¡±, Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you worried, Airi.¡±

    After patting his little sister¡¯s head for a while until she settled down,

    ¡°Speaking of which¡­, is everyone safe?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The moment when she heard Lux¡¯s words, Airi parted from Lux and turned scornful eyes towards him as she was amazed.

    She seemed to be somehow dissatisfied.

    ¡°Ask that to them. I¡¯m leaving already. Well then Nii-san, take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, later then.¡±

    Airi stood up and quietly left the medical office.

    She passed by three girls who entered the room.

    ¡°Hi, it¡¯s good to see that you look fine, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m glad you woke up! How is it, Lux-cchi? Do you remember me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It seems that it¡¯s just fatigue, so I think it¡¯s all right.¡±

    They were Sharis, Tillfarr, and Nokuto of the Triad.

    Each of them held fruits, flowers, and a silver work of charm, putting them on Lux¡¯s bedside.

    ¡°¡­Thank you¡±

    To the fact that there were people who would do that much for him, he was unintentionally moved to tears.

    ¡°Fufu. You seemed to be so moved that you don¡¯t know what to say. But, you shouldn¡¯t mind it, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You know, Lux-cchi. When a young lady gives you a present, the way to return it is with a bigger one. Let¡¯s say that it¡¯s courtesy in the current New Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Yes. All of us expected it, so.¡±

    ¡°¡­.Ah, what to say, I will do my best.¡±

    To the three girls¡¯ smiles, Lux returned a complex smile.

    ¡°It will be bad to stay too long in a place of convalescence. We will excuse ourselves to leave early.¡±

    (In that case, I also wanted you not to put the pressure of presents on me¡­)

    As he swallowed such words and saw off the Triad, two girls entered next.

    ¡°You seem to be more all right then I thought.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Lu-chan.¡±

    A slender girl with a cool impression, and a big girl of chest gaving a fluffy feeling.

    Krulcifer Einvolk and Philphie Aingram.

    ¡°Well, there are a lot of things which I want to thoroughly talk with you about, but¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer cast down her eyes and showed a thoughtful face for a short while.

    Realizing that it was about the ¡°Black Hero¡±, Lux was startled.

    ¡°Still, you¡¯ve quite a disadvantageous character.¡±

    Krulcifer said in a teasing tone.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t request my cooperation, I wouldn¡¯t have known your secret. Why?¡±

    He asked Krulcifer to protect Lisha and the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    In order to stop the enemy¡¯s attack in case he tried to aim not at Lux, but at Lisha and the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± in the rear.

    This time, Lux ended up defeating all the enemies as a result, but it seemed that Krulcifer had cleaned up afterwards in various ways, such as capturing those rebels whose Machine Dragons were destroyed after all was settled, and handing them over to the guards of the Fort City.

    ¡°It¡¯s because I thought that it was the only way.¡±

    Lux honestly answered back.

    He would have done everything he could to save Lisha.

    Therefore, so that he could fight without constraint, the cooperation of a talented person was indispensable.

    ¡°That¡¯s all good, but you should be careful. For some reason, you seem to be full of openings even though you are that strong.¡±

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    Lux was shaken by Krulcifer¡¯s mischievous voice.

    ¡°I am not a cruel woman so as to continue this in front of a convalescent person. We will talk slowly and carefully sometime soon again.¡±

    ¡°Ah, um, gently¡­¡±

    As Lux somehow managed to return only that to Krulcifer whose smile contained an implication,

    ¡°¡­Philphie?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Philphie silently approached Lux and clang her front on his.

    ¡°Uwah!?¡±

    Approaching her lovely face at a distance enough to be able to kiss, Lux confusedly bent backward.

    Even so, Philphie showed no signs of minding it in particular.

    ¡°Yes. You don¡¯t have fever, so it¡¯s all right, I guess.¡±

    She muttered so as she nibbled a doughnut at hand.

    ¡°Welcome back, Lu-chan.¡±

    Philphie who seemed to be emotionless at first glance revealed a small smile.

    ¡°¡­Ah, yes. I¡¯m back, Phi-chan.¡±

    As Lux who has become slightly embarrassed blushed, Philphie suddenly left his side and went out.

    ¡°Well then, see you later.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve quite a pretty childhood friend.¡±

    ¡°P-Please, don¡¯t tease me!¡±

    Krulcifer also chuckled and left the medical home.

    As Lux whose heart was still beating fast got up, several more classmates and ¡°Knight Squadron¡± members visited the medical home.

    ¡°Ah, so you were safe! You¡¯ve a strong bad luck, eh.¡±

    ¡°It seems that you¡¯ve protected Lizsharte-sama. You¡¯ve my thanks.¡±

    ¡°Next time, you should learn how to attack. Though you won¡¯t be as good as that, legendary ¨C¨C ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    Hearing the talk of several female students, Lux guessed that his identity was not exposed.

    Lisha of course, but also Krulcifer and Nokuto seemed to exercise tact.

    ¡°¡­Phew¡±

    After all the visitors left, the woman who was the doctor of the medical office came by at last.

    After asking first several questions to the awakened Lux, then taking a light examination,

    ¡°I have a message from Principal Relie. She wants you to come to the principal room after you settle down. That there¡¯s something important concerning your treatment¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Understood.¡±

    Lux sighed once after leaving the medical room.

    As expected, the important matter should have already been known by Principal Relie, too.

    Now that the ¡°Black Hero¡±¡¯s identity, though to only several people, was exposed, Lux could not remain here.

    Originally, the story that a person of the Empire took part in the coup d¡¯¨¦tat must not come to light.

    If a member of the Old Empire¡¯s imperial family destroyed the Empire, it would be recognized by the citizens and feudal lords that it was not a revolution, but a fight for hegemony in the Empire or just an act, and the unifying force of the new Kingdom would weaken.

    Therefore, even if the rumor that the ¡°Black Hero¡± was there arose, it would be bad that Lux, the Prince who was that proof remained.

    ¡°Besides, it was a temporary enrolment to begin with¡­¡±

    It was surely about that kind of talk.

    (¡­It¡¯s finally a good bye, I guess.)

    With a slightly deep emotion in his chest, Lux decided to head to a certain place.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s workshop smelled of metal and oil as usual.

    Thinking about it, even though I came to the academy to do the work of a Dragon machine mechanic apprentice, I didn¡¯t do anything in the end, thought Lux with a wry smile.

    <Bahamut>¡¯s storage location was not in the hangar of ordinary Machine Dragons.

    It was quietly sleeping in a secret place called the top-secret hangar N¡ã 0 which was in the basement of the Capital.

    The Coup d¡¯¨¦tat¡¯s last day five years ago.

    After having lost consciousness in the audience room, Lux was picked up by Lisha¡¯s aunt who became the later New Kingdom''s Queen.

    When he woke up, Fugil had suddenly disappeared, and his whereabouts were unknown.

    Probably because of the collapse of the imperial castle, not only <Bahamut> was not taken to Lux, but he also miraculously regained consciousness.

    The revolution succeeded, but Lux regarded Fugil, who intentionally led the Empire to collapse, as dangerous and afterwards he decided to chase him.

    As the chore Prince of the New Kingdom.

    And, in order to stack training so as to be able to freely use <Bahamut> whose burden was too big while wandering¨C¨C

    There was the danger of being assassinated as a Prince of the Old Empire, so he could not stay at the same place.

    ¡°But, I feel like I''ve been here for a quite long time ¡­¡±

    He was happy for attending the Drag-Knight¡¯s academy, and for also being able to meet friends of the same age for the first time ¨C¨Cor at least people whom he could called so.

    It was a little regrettable that she did not come for a visit, but he wanted to greet the person to whom he was the most indebted to last, and thus came here.

    ¡°Hey! Isn¡¯t it Lux?! Is it your injury already all right?¡±

    As he was thinking about such a thing, a girl who was sitting before the work unit for Drag-Rides looked back at Lux with a smile.

    A slightly dirty white gown put on top of her uniform.

    Lisha¡¯s figure which did not seem Princess-like as usual was there.

    It looked like she was still working hard in the research of the strongest Drag-Knight in this workshop.

    Until very recently, I was thinking that she was acting like a Princess, but now ¨C¨C I felt very relieved.

    Lux also thought that it was sad after all that he could not see her anymore.

    ¡°Lizsharte-sama. Thank you for what you¡¯ve done until now.¡±

    ¡°Fufu. I¡¯m moving for myself. So, there is no reason for you to thank me. More importantly, I want you to test something next time. I found an interesting equipment.¡±

    ¡°Then, give me a request again then. I will come soon at anytime.¡±

    However ¨C¨C I must already leave the academy though.

    Thinking so, Lux was about to leave the workshop, but he suddenly remembered his purpose.

    ¡°Ah, speaking of which, it¡¯s about my <Wyvern>, but¨C¨C¡±

    It should have been greatly damaged by that fight, but he wondered how he would take it back.

    Since Lux had only <Bahamut>¡¯s Sword Device at hand, the other one should probably be under repair, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Ah, before that, look at this. Because you¡¯re a special person, you mustn¡¯t show it to other students, but ¨C¨C you¡¯re the owner.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Suddenly, Lisha opened the garage storing Machine Dragons in the back of the room.

    There¨C¨C, there was a huge jet-black Machine Dragon.

    It was Lux¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride <Bahamut>.

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? ¨C¨CWhy!?¡±

    He unintentionally cried out.

    ¡°Now, I am repairing the very old scratches. Divine Drag-Ride repair is difficult, but I can¡¯t let anyone help me for only this much, either. After all¨C¨C, it¡¯s an important secret in which only a restricted number of people know that this machine will be put in the academy.¡±

    ¡°I''ll go see the Principal a little!¡±

    When Lisha was going to talk again, Lux had already started running.

    Running up by skipping 2 steps once while running up the stairs of the school building, he headed to the principal room.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Relie-san!?¡±

    When he pushed the large door open with both his hands,

    ¡°Congratulations on your official admission! Lux-kun!¡±

    With small cheers, thunderous applause arose.

    In the wide principal room, other than Relie Aingram, girls whom Lux was familiar with.

    Krulcifer, Philphie, Airi, and other classmates had gathered.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Lux who thought that there would surely be only the Principal, stiffened as he was taken by surprise.

    And, a last person, a girl in uniform entered.

    ¡°Lizsharte, sama?¡±

    ¡°Ahem. Well then, instead of the Principal, allow me to carry out the greeting. Chore Prince Lux Acadia. I, the New Kingdom Princess, shall grant life to you, a criminal.¡±

    Lisha changed her way of speaking, said so and walked before Lux.

    One Sword Device stored in a brand-new sheath in her hand.

    ¡°Thanks to your cooperation ¨C¨C I was saved. You were able to protect not only this Fort City, but also our country. I admit that there is clear power and justice in yourself and extol you.¡±

    Declaring so, Lisha softly smiled.

    ¡°Therefore, here is an order from me. You stay here. As our chore Prince, as the first male student, become our power. We shall admit you who should not originally be allowed here. There is no objection, Hero.¡±

    ¡°Errr¡­¡±

    A silence as if time stopped.

    When Lux raised his face as he was embarrassed, Principal Relie smiled wryly.

    ¡°If you¡¯re like that, then you¡¯ll have trouble handling girls from now on, Lux-kun.¡±

    She just said that.

    So, this is what she meant by ¡°there¡¯s something important concerning your treatment¡±.

    ¡°Therefore, how to put it. The sword of the <Wyvern> is still in the middle of repair, but¨C¨C, Will you receive it? My sword.¡±

    While her cheeks were dyed red and she slightly averted her eyes, Lisha held out the sword.

    The moment he saw it, Lux suddenly leaked a breath and kneeled down.

    ¡°As you command, my Princess¡±

    Immediately after Lux received the sword, cheers arose from the surroundings.

    Hung by Lisha¡¯s smile, Lux also smiled wryly.

    Thus, Lux Acadia got a place where he belonged for the first time in the New Kingdom.

    As the Prince of girls whom he should protect.

 Volume 2 - Prologue

    ¡°Haa¡­Haa¡­!¡±

    Lux was running in the school building on a bright day after school.

    As if being chased by an invisible predator.

    Or, he was running gasping for breath as if running down an endless steep slope.

    Now everyone else was the enemy.

    In an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, Lux kept running.

    He ran out of the Principal¡¯s room, passed through the familiar corridor and went up the stairs.

    Isn¡¯t there any good hiding place somewhere?

    Though he thought so in the corner of his head, he immediately realized that there was no place where he could feel at ease.

    Therefore, Lux could not help but keep running.

    ¡°Phew¡­ I somehow manage to get away for the time being, I guess¨C¨C¡±

    The corridor of the school building''s third floor where the neatly tended green courtyard could be seen from the window.

    When there was finally no one around, Lux heaved a sigh of relief and stopped.

    At that moment,

    ¡°Oh! Found you!¡±

    The female students who appeared from the corner of the corridor shouted as they saw Lux.

    ¡°Over here! Everyone, come help catch him!¡±

    ¡°Wait!? It¡¯ll be bad if you call even the third years! Otherwise, they¡¯ll monopolize him!¡±

    Immediately after, several female students appeared one after another before him.

    ¡°Wai¡­!?¡±

    What¡¯s more, their hands were holding various tools.

    Staffs for self-defense and ropes for arrest.

    Furthermore, they had prepared up (instead of up maybe change it to even) to a huge catching net, handcuffs and a collar.

    (What the hell do they intend to do to me after catching me¡­!?)

    He could not help but think so.

    ¡°Fufufu. We finally cornered you. Just let us catch you without resisting.¡±

    ¡°Right, right. You¡¯re usually monopolized by the Princess and company after all. You should occasionally become our toy¡­ not that. You have to do decent odd jobs¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You, you¡¯re drooling¡­?¡±

    To the mutter of the girl who held the collar, the girl beside her retorted.

    As Lux reflexively stepped back, before he was aware of it, other female students made a wall even behind him.

    ¡°Oops!?¡±

    He was completely caught in a pincer attack.

    ¡°You have nowhere to escape. Give up.¡±

    The large number of girls smiled as they were convinced of their victory.

    Afterwards, it was no longer the outcome between Lux and the girls.

    But, a fight between girls to know who would get the reward from the victory.

    With the momentary opening that this state of war brought, Lux immediately put his hand on the side of a window.

    ¡°W-Wait a minute!? This is the third floor, you know!?¡±

    The eyes of the female students who had cornered him stared in surprise.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m a bit scared about what you¡¯ll do to me if I¡¯m caught.¡±

    Immediately after, Lux jumped down outside of the school building through the open window.

    ¡°Aah!?¡±

    Small screams rose from the female students who were there.

    Lux kicked the outer wall in the middle of the fall, seized a branch of the tree on the other side in an instant, and landed after reducing the impact of the fall.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!? I-I guess the third floor was reckless indeed¡­¡±

    Although he considerably reduced the impact of the fall, even so numbness ran throughout his body from the bottom of both his legs.

    ¡°But well, with this, I¡¯ve considerably bought time¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux heaved a sigh of relief as such,

    ¡°He¡¯s there! Over here!¡±

    The female students who heard the commotion further gathered from here and there.

    ¡°There are more people than before!? You¡¯ve no mercy at all!? Even though my legs hurt from having just jumped down!¡±

    While resuming his escape in panic, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

    (W-Why do I have to go through this¨C¨C!)

    To know the cause of this festival, we must go back several minutes ago¨C¨C

    ¡°Lux-kun. How do you spend your school life?¡±

    One day after school in May.

    It was Principal Relie Aingram who called Lux to her room.

    The Royal Military Academy of Drag-Knights existing in the first district of the Fort City Cross Feed.

    It was an academy of noble girls that raised female Drag-Knights who had not been trained due to the system of excess androcracy of the Old Empire.

    It was about only two weeks since Lux who was a Prince of the Old Empire was admitted into the academy, taking advantage of a certain incident.

    An exceptional admission made by the New Kingdom Princess Lizsharte¡¯s strong demand, and the consent of the head of the academy Relie.

    Lux, whose existence was accepted as the only male student at present in anticipation of a future coeducation, probably had troubles and problems in the field of cohabitation.

    Hence, Relie called him like this to ask about it.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m somehow doing well. I didn¡¯t know what to do in the beginning though.¡±

    Lux¡¯s answer was what he really thought.

    Princess Lizsharte and most of the female students of this academy that originally had a hostile relationship with Lux treated him kindly now.

    Even among the third-year students who came back from the practice at the Capital. While being surprised at Lux¡¯s presence, there was no one who raised an objection to Lux¡¯s admission after being told stories about the fact that he evenly matched Lisha in a duel ,and that he protected the students from the Abyss attack.

    It seemed that they were watching the situation for the time being.

    ¡°Well, it might be thanks to the fact that Celis-san¡¯s return was delayed.¡±

    Relie said so at last with a bitter smile.

    Celestia Ralgris, the top of the third-year students, the strongest of the academy and the daughter of a renowned Duke House.

    She, who was from one of the four Great Nobles and seemed to be famous to be <--(for being) a man-hater, was left in the Capital for a little while for the subjugation of insurgents discovered over there.

    Therefore, Lux was able to lead a peaceful school life for now, but¨C¨C

    ¡°But you know, Lux-kun. Many students¡¯ complaints towards you have gathered now at my place.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Relie suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.

    Did I do something wrong?

    Or were there after all objections among the third-year students regarding Lux¡¯s enrollment¨C¨C

    When such an uneasiness crossed Lux¡¯s chest,

    ¡°Ta-da! Yes, this!¡±

    With a smile all over her face, Relie slapped a thick bunch of papers onto the desk.

    There were probably more than 100 sheets.

    ¡°Errr¡­ Could it be that these are¨C¨C¡±

    The criminal Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire signed a certain contract at the same time with an acquittal as the amnesty by the New Kingdom.

    The obligation in which he must undertake odd jobs from anyone of the nation, and do works as a ¡°Chore Prince¡±.

    That work was currently performed in the form of ¡°handling the requests of this academy''s staff including student''s¡±, but¨C¨C

    ¡°These are odd jobs requests to you. There are too many, eh¡­ Therefore, it was decided that you would handle them by choosing requests you consider high priority. But, if they pile up this much¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As Lux stiffened with an indescribable expression, Relie showed a mischievous smile.

    I-I¡¯ve a bad feeling¡­

    From his past experiences, Relie making this face, was always thinking about nothing good.

    ¡°B-But, it can¡¯t be helped¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux tried to explain in a hurry, shouts from female students could be heard somewhere.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡±

    The source of the voices seemed to be from the classrooms in the school building and the school premises, but¨C¨C

    ¡°I know that. That¡¯s why I¡¯m now explaining it to the students. The event that I planned ¨C¨C the ¡°Lux-kun contest¡±, that is.¡±

    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±

    As Lux looked puzzled to these words, Relie spread one red request form on the desk.

    ¡°An event of canceling dissatisfaction of students whose requests aren''t received by you. ¡°A special request form, whose request is able to have priority over Lux-kun for only one week¡± ¨C¨C in other words, the girl who snatches this away from you within a time limit can monopolize you for one week.¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s a joke, isn¡¯t it!? Don¡¯t tell me you seriously¨C¨C¡±

    Lux¡¯s face unintentionally became stiff.

    Relie, not answering his question, showed a smile all over her face.

    ¡°The game¡¯s time is one hour from now. I leave this request form to you; so you won¡¯t have to hear orders from anyone if you manage to hold on until the time limit. Ah, you are all prohibited from using Drag-Rides, so you must not let the young ladies hurt themselves as much as possible, okay?¡±

    ¡°P-Please, wait a minute!? To suddenly say that¨C¨C¡±

    No matter how you put it, it¡¯s unreasonable.

    When Lux was going to rebut so, a sound like that of the ground rumbling could be heard outside of the Principal room.

    ¡°Oh my? Everybody seemed to have come over at once. If you don¡¯t run away quickly, you¡¯ll be caught immediately.¡±

    ¡°What are you thinking, really!¡±

    The next moment, Lux jumped out of the Principal''s room and began to run.

    Soon after, shouts arose from female students who were going up the stairs of the school building.

    Thus, the ¡°Lux contest¡± which was Principal Relie¡¯s plan started.

    And, after having run around the school premises from place to place for about 40 minutes from the start, he was at last cornered in the corridor of the school building and he jumped off outside¨C¨C

    In addition, Lux avoided the female students who gathered there and fled.

    Since it seemed to be a violation of the rules to leave the school premises, danger always remained.

    ¡°Haa¡­, haa¡­!¡±

    It was good that he somehow escaped from the predicament, but as expected he was out of breath.

    Even though he had stamina thanks to the fact that he had been handling odd jobs since a long time ago, it was unbearable when being targeted by the female students in the academy.

    There was also the option where he could let himself be caught and hand over the request form, but as far as he could see the girls were in a festive mood, it looked like he would be made to do a ridiculous request and he felt like it was bad.

    ¡°¡­!? That¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    Lux who found a familiar girl promptly hid behind a weedy thicket.

    ¡°¡­Fufu¡±

    When she lightly winked as she caught a glimpse of Lux who was hiding, she went into a building different from the school building.

    (That place is¨C¨C)

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux understanding that the girl¡¯s wink was a signal to him began to walk slowly as he slipped through the surrounding stares.

    And he ran into the big building where she entered.

    A large stone-built space where the smell of metal and oil drifted.

    In front of the central work unit, a small-sized girl wearing a white gown was sitting with a smile.

    ¡°Yo.¡±

    The chief of the building greeted as she raised one hand.

    Lizsharte Atismata.

    The girl, who was the New Kingdom Princess and a genius engineer of Drag-Rides, looked at Lux who entered and showed a sweet smile.

    ¡°Errr¡­, um¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so scared. You want help, right? You can hide here for a while if you want.¡±

    Lisha said so and once again moved her look to the work unit.

    ¡°T-Thank you. Then, I will accept your offer.¡±

    While heaving a sigh of relief, Lux sat down on the nearby sofa.

    Other unrelated students couldn''t enter the Machine Dragon development atelier without the permission of Lisha who was the chief.

    In other words, it was the safest place now in the school premises where the ¡°Lux contest¡± was held.

    As long as Lisha herself did not set up something¨C¨C

    (Well, I don¡¯ think that Lisha-sama whom I¡¯m usually with a lot would participate in this contest, but¨C¨C)

    Thinking so, Lux suddenly relaxed his whole body and slightly leaned down.

    ¡°Are you making something again?¡±

    A disassembled green Drag-Ride was put on the work unit before Lisha.

    ¡°Ah, this is a new experiment.¡±

    For a small-sized body, Lisha who greatly stuck out her chest replied so.

    ¡°¡­An experiment?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Shall I show you a little?¡±

    As Lisha suddenly smiled, she picked up a Sword Device on her side.

    At that moment, the silver line which ran through the surface of the sword blade shone with a pale light.

    ¡°Capture him! <Arms Wyrm>!¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Gashii!

    The moment when Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, the Drag-Ride which was on the work unit changed into the shape of a huge arm and grappled hold his body.

    As Lux stared in wonder at the unexpected occurrence,

    ¡°Fufu. You fell for it, Chore Prince. As expected, you¡¯re too soft-hearted.¡±

    Like a child whose trick succeeded, Lisha turned an innocent smile.

    And with a finger, she morosely poked at the waist of Lux who was raised in the air.

    ¡°W-What is this!? This Machine Dragon ¨C¨C or rather do you possibly intend to catch me¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Well, yes. It didn¡¯t feel like I could catch you by squarely running after you. I used a technique still under study where I can operate a Drag-Ride to some extent without equipping it.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the use of Drag-Rides prohibited in the rules of this time?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Like I said, I¡¯m not wearing it, look.¡±

    (T-That¡¯s plainly cheating¡­!)

    Lux wondered whether that was the way of thinking of a Princess, but now that he was captured by the Drag-Ride like this, there was no helping it.

    ¡°Or rather, even if you don¡¯t participate in something like the ¡°contest¡±, haven¡¯t I properly received Lisha-sama¡¯s requests until now!?¡±

    As Lux said so, trying to persuade her,

    ¡°I-It isn¡¯t really like that. I may not look like this, but e-even I¡¯m usually holding back myself¡­ Besides, there are also things to consider in the future, and I can¡¯t hand you to other people¨C¨C¡±

    Lisha who blushed bashfully twined the fingers of both her hands and muttered so.

    ¡°W-With that said, resign yourself. Even if it¡¯s you, you can¡¯t escape from a Machine Dragon¡¯s restraint without equipment.¡±

    Lisha thrust her hands into Lux¡¯s clothes and began to touch them as she looked for the red request form.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see. That request thing, where is it¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°H-Hey, please stop¡­!? I surrender!¡±

    To the touch of her small smooth hands stroking within his clothes, Lux began to feel strange, but, he somehow endured it and spoke.

    ¡°The request is in my coat which is held by the Machine Dragon¡¯s hand, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I see. All right, I understand.¡±

    Lisha raised the Sword Device and made a mind operation by thought.

    The moment when the restraint of the <Armed Wyrm> grasping Lux¡¯s body loosened,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Lisha-sama¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Wha!?¡±

    Lux slipped through the Machine Dragon¡¯s hand by using that slight opening.

    He kicked the stone-paved floor at the same time as the landing, flew and quickly went out of the atelier.

    ¡°Thats sly, Lux! Waiiiit!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re even!¡±

    Lux ran as to shake off Lisha chasing him with teary eyes.

    As he shook off the chase of the female students who were outside, and somehow hid between the bush of plants and the wall of the Machine Dragon Hangar,

    ¡°¡­Ah, it¡¯s Lu-chan.¡±

    ¡°Uwah!?¡±

    A young girl was standing on the side of the brick wall.

    ¡°What the, Philphie!? Why are you here¨C¨C?¡±

    Lux¡¯s childhood friend who always had a fluffy, loose atmosphere, Philphie Aingram.

    The impressive girl with pink hair and a big chest was chewing a snack-like rusk.

    As Lux unintentionally halted at this meeting in an unexpected place,

    ¡°It¡¯s Phi-chan, right?¡±

    While expressionless, she said so in a voice mixed with a slightly sullen nuance.

    Among his close friends, she asked for a relationship where they called each other by their nicknames.

    It was less objectionable now since there wasn''t the public eye, but it was pretty embarrassing because he was coerced even in the classroom

    ¡°S-Sorry¡­ But, Phi-chan. Why on earth are you in such a place¨C¨C?¡±

    Since Philphie had for better or worse an easy-going character, it was hard to think that she would participate in this event.

    When Lux asked so as he was puzzled,

    ¡°It¡¯s for cake. *gulp*¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes?¡±

    Swallowing the rusk which was in her hand, Philphie said something which he did not understand well.

    ¡°It¡¯s because Onee-chan said that she would give me cake if I caught Lu-chan.¡±

    ¡°W-What is that person thinking¡­!?¡±

    Lux was bewildered at Philphie¡¯s mutter.

    Going as far as to incite her own little sister; is she really the Principal?

    (¡­No, Even Philphie who is lured by one cake is also to blame though.)

    ¡°With that said, I¡¯m coming.¡±

    Philphie took a stance with unhurried movements.

    In the Royal Military Academy, one learnt not only handling as a Drag-Knight, but also taijutsu and fencing for self-defense.

    Lux had never properly seen Philphie fight, but¨C¨C

    (Philphie is a girl and she seems not very good at exercise, so I can probably dodge with my legs.)

    Thinking so, Lux planned to breakthrough head on.

    Since he would be found by other students if he dodged her too greatly, he planned to forcibly go through Philphie¡¯s side.

    ¡°Phi-chan. It¡¯s dangerous, so be careful.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Understood.¡±

    As he urged her so, Lux started running.

    When he was going to slip through Philphie¡¯s flank as he kicked the hard ground and changed the trajectory¨C¨C

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful not to hurt you.¡±

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    She whispered in a subdued voice close to his ears and Lux noticed for the first time.

    About the fact that Philphie was bending his joints behind him to the extreme, as she grasped Lux''s wrist when he tried to run through her.

    Furthermore, she quickly took his remaining arm with her other hand and entangled one of her leg around Lux¡¯s legs.

    Lux¡¯s movement was completely sealed in an instant.

    (W-what was that? That movement just now¨C¨C!?)

    Philphie¡¯s movement was by no means fast.

    Rather, it was a movement which could be said to be loose, and yet Lux could not avoid it at all.

    Fluent movements without any waste at all, like a feather fluttering about in running water or midair.

    With her beautiful taijutsu, she easily caught Lux.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!? ¨C¨COr rather, I can¡¯t move at all!?¡±

    Since his childhood friend was the opponent, he intended to not act violently as much as possible from the start.

    But, as he put all his energy to undo the restraint with brute force, Lux was not able to move an inch.

    ¡°Just for a note, it¡¯s been about seven years, since I learned martial arts a little.¡±

    In a serene tone, Philphie whispered.

    ¡°I-Is that so!?¡±

    Lux was surprised at the revelation of the unexpected fact.

    However, aside from her refined taijutsu, is this superhuman strength a talent?

    Even though he did not feel that she did not put that much power, he could not move at all.

    Like the power difference between an adult and a child.

    ¡°Thank god. Like this, I can also eat the cake together with Lu-chan.¡±

    Holding Lux¡¯s body as such, Philphie smiled slightly joyfully.

    The swelling of Philphie¡¯s chest pressing from behind was squashed with a sweet sensation.

    (A-As expected, Philphie¡¯s are pretty big¡­!)

    Towards the feel of those two with elasticity, whose contents were plumply jam-packed, Lux felt his heartbeat speeding up.

    In a sense, at this rate it was a situation where it seemed like it would become painful indefinitely, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Ah, the request¡­¡±

    At that instant, a red request felt to the floor from Lux¡¯s chest.

    When Philphie stretched out her hand to pick it up at once¨C¨C

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    Rapidly removing the restraint, Lux succeeded in escaping.

    ¡°Sorry. Philphie!¡±

    As he quickly collected the request with the momentum, Lux ran through the shadow of the Machine Dragon Hangar.

    ¡°Haa, haa¡­ It¡¯s becoming gradually hard..!¡±

    Although he somehow managed to escape from Philphie, Lux¡¯s stamina was already at his limit.

    While hiding from the female students still looking for him, he headed to the waiting room of the practice field.

    (Wait ¨C¨C if it¡¯s now when lessons are over, there should be no one!)

    Lux thought so and crept in the waiting room.

    As expected, there was no one in that wide space.

    ¡°¡­All right¡±

    So as not to be found, he moved to the other side of the compartment for changing clothes just in case.

    ¡°Haa¡­!¡±

    As he hid himself sitting on the wooden floor, Lux heaved a long sigh.

    Another 10 minutes like this and the game will be over.

    When Lux thought so, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    Lux promptly stopped his breath and erased his presence.

    He wondered whether it was some kind of mistake that a female student came here now, but¨C¨C,

    ¡°Haa, it became really unpleasant, eh. Even though now is a rare chance to catch Lux-kun¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ahaha. Well, it can¡¯t be helped; the Drag-Ride¡¯s repair is over, so I have to properly to test it¨C¨C¡±

    Judging from the voices, there were about five or six people who came over.

    They seemed to be female students who were members of the academy guerilla squad, the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    It looked like the Machine Dragons¡¯ test run which was not scheduled would be rapidly carried out.

    (W-What to do? at this rate¨C¨C)

    Unfortunately, since the door and windows were far from the back of the compartment, there was no way to go out without exposing himself before the girls.

    (Even if I hide here, they should come to this side of the compartment after changing into the Dress Gear. So, I should already stop hiding¨C¨C)

    The moment when Lux resolved himself so,

    The sound of the rustling of clothes could be heard.

    (Eh¡­? Eeeeeeeeh¡­!?)

    ¡°Oh my, that underwear is pretty. In which store did you buy it? I¡¯m envious, eh.¡±

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t look at me too much¡­ It¡¯s embarrassing¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? Even though you have such a splendid thing unlike me.¡±

    To the girls¡¯ innocent voices, Lux¡¯s heart throbbed.

    Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s the ones I think it is¨C¨C

    Lux stealthily peeped on the other side from the shadow of the compartment.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    There was a heaven-like sight there.

    There were familiar female students of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± and probably unfamiliar third-year members.

    All of them took off their uniforms and were joking with each other in underwear.

    (¡­W-What is it!? Why are they already getting dressed up!?)

    When Lux¡¯s head was about to become blank, he finally understood the reason.

    In this academy where there were basically only female students, those expressly changing their clothes behind the compartment were few.

    Moreover, Lux who was the only male student had not officially joined the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± yet.

    Now when only the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± use the waiting room after school, it was inevitable that it became so.

    (W-What to do¡­!? I can¡¯t go out from here¡­!)

    If there is any student who comes on this side of the compartment on a whim¨C¨C

    ¡°¨C¨CSpeaking of which, that boy of the rumor. Was he called Lux Acadia? Is it really all right to let him attend this academy?¡±

    He suddenly heard such a voice of a female student who seemed to be a third-year student.

    Though there was no anger or displeasure, her tone of voice was tinged with caution.

    They received tyranny and discrimination from the Old Empire just only five years ago, so for a third-year student who did not know Lux well, they were reasonable words, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Hmm. When trying to speak to him, he¡¯s a really humble and good person. Also as a Drag-Knight, he¡¯s pretty amazing¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, besides precisely because he is a former Prince, he also has a cute face¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Hmm. But, isn¡¯t there any worry of him being a pervert and peeping tom? Like he looked at you with indecent eyes. After all ¨C¨C most of the ¡°men¡± are such creatures, right?¡±

    To the words praising Lux, the voice of another girl who seemed to be a third-year student rebutted.

    But,

    ¡°No, there is no such thing in the Lux-kun''s case! I don¡¯t think that he will do such cowardly things!¡±

    ¡°Yes¨C¨C. We, who have seen his way of fighting, trust him.¡±

    He was very happy that the second-year student members supported him, but

    (Wait, it becomes more and more a situation where I can¡¯t afford to be found¡­!)

    When, although unexpected, Lux harbored feelings of guilt about the fact that he had seen them in their underwear,

    ¡°Ah, Krulcifer-san. Good morning.¡±

    To a bright voice emitted by a female student who was changing her clothes, Lux¡¯s body froze in surprise.

    Krulcifer Einvolk.

    A foreign student of the academy and daughter of an earl of Ymir, a large and religious country of the North.

    A mysterious girl with perfect beauty and ability.

    Lux panicked even more since even a girl who was his classmate came.

    (This is bad! I have to get out of here as soon as possible by any means¨C¨C)

    However, not eventually coming up with any way to evade well, time passed.

    ¡°Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san. The Drag-Ride¡¯s guidebook. Do you know where it is? If I remember correctly, I think that I had put many volumes in this room, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ The book would get damaged if exposed to sunlight, so I think I put it here¨C¨C¡±

    Soon after this voice could be heard,

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­!?¡±

    The eyes of the girl who came to the other side of the compartment and Lux¡¯s met.

    It was Krulcifer who had already taken off the top and bottom of her uniform, and was in underwear.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    For a moment, Krulcifer looked at Lux with a surprised face.

    The cheeks of the usually composed girl slightly reddened in embarrassment.

    Similarly, Lux averted his eyes from her while confused to the point that he could not even utter his voice.

    A slender body without any waste at all.

    However, a bodily build with a chest and hips which let one feel a feminine freshness.

    Bewitching snow-like skin and a sweet fragrance of perfume slightly drifting.

    Krulcifer¡¯s appearance in underwear that he saw for the first time was preposterously attractive and beautiful.

    But,

    (¨C¨CIt¡¯s over)

    Immediately after, Lux¡¯s face quickly turned pale.

    At this rate, Lux would be handed over as a peeping tom and expelled from the academy.

    Inside a cage as a criminal who betrayed the girls¡¯ trust¨C¨C

    ¡°Krulcifer-san. What¡¯s wrong? Is something the matter?¡±

    When such despair floated across his mind, he heard the voice of a female student from the other side of the compartment.

    Lux promptly hung his head as he prepared himself for the worst, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¨C¨CIt¡¯s nothing. I found the guidebook.¡±

    Krulcifer returned her usually refreshing expression and walked to Lux¡¯s side.

    And when she picked up the book put nearby, she returned to the other side of the compartment as if nothing happened.

    (Eh¡­?)

    ¡°I will quit today¡¯s training after all. I remembered that <Fafnir>¡¯s maintenance wasn''t over yet, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Then, we¡¯re going.¡±

    After Krulcifer said so, the presences disappeared from the waiting room with lively voices.

    The other female students, who were inside, seemed to have gone to the practice field.

    ¡°Um¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux timidly let his face peek from the compartment,

    ¡°It¡¯s all right now. Cute peeping tom.¡±

    Krulcifer had put back on her uniform and was reading a book before the table.

    Making a small smile on her mouth, she sent a fleeting glance at Lux.

    From that gesture, Lux was able to grasp her intention.

    ¡°¡­Um, thank you.¡±

    As Lux thanked her for having helped him,

    ¡°If you are so pleased, then it was worth it that I have also felt embarrassed.¡±

    Being said so in a teasing tone, Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say thank you in that sense, um¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Oh my! Didn¡¯t you have any interest in my naked body? Considering that, you seemed to be fairly looking thoroughly though.¡±

    Krulcifer coiled herself with sweet voice as to feel even composure.

    (S-She noticed my eyes¡­!?)

    ¡°ah, uh¡­, errr ¨C¨C I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    As Lux, not being able to endure it, apologized, Krulcifer suddenly returned a serious face,

    ¡°It looks like I pushed the teasing a little far. It¡¯s a bad habit of mine.¡±

    As to let Lux calm down, she softly put her index finger at the seat next to her.

    It was a signal to ask him to sit beside her.

    ¡°Errr, do you forgive me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I intend to do so, but¨C¨C I wonder why; but when I¡¯m looking at you, I want to tease you so badly. There is no malice, so it will save me if you don¡¯t let it bother you.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s words which were muttered with a smile were probably her true intentions.

    However,

    (It¡¯s quite bad for my heart¡­)

    While having mixed feelings, Lux sat down next to her.

    ¡°¨C¨CBut, you should be a little more careful. You¡¯re at present the only boy in this academy after all.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m reflecting (on it)¡­¡±

    Seeing Lux hanging his head, Krulcifer happily muttered ¡°then, it¡¯s fine¡±.

    Then, she closed the book she was reading and turned her gaze to Lux beside her.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s a rare opportunity, why don¡¯t you rest a little? I also happen to have something I want to ask you.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but I¡¯m¨C¨C. Now is, um¡­¡±

    ¡°It seems that the bell to inform of the end of the event called your contest rang a while ago.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    As he was said so and looked at the clock of the waiting room, it was certainly past the end time.

    Since he had been in panic, Lux might have failed to hear the bell ring for the signal of the end.

    ¡°At last, it¡¯s over¡­ Haaa¡­!¡±

    When Lux lay down on the desk, Krulcifer chuckled.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you lost that request? It wouldn¡¯t a laughable matter if it was inadvertently taken.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s also true. I¡¯ll check whether I properly have it¨C¨C¡±

    To confirm it, Lux took out the special request from his pocket and put it on the table.

    The request in which a blank space, where the winner who became a client would write, remained was safe without being taken by anyone.

    ¡°Really, thank you very much. Krulcifer-san¡±

    ¡°Is that so? I don¡¯t think that you really need to thank me. After all¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s smile was returned to the relieved Lux. At that time,

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ¡°I found you at last, Lux! Now, quickly hand that request to me¨C¨C!¡±

    When looking, including Lisha at the vanguard, a great number of female students had gathered at the entrance.

    (Huh? It should have been over; and yet why¨C¨C?)

    Soon after Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

    ¡°It¡¯s the end time! The female student who has the red request now gets the privilege to do as she pleases to Lux-kun for one week!¡±

    The voice of the female student in charge of the event could be heard along with the high-pitched sound of the bell.

    ¡°Eeeeeh¡­!? What on earth does this mean¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you, right? That you should be a little more careful.¡±

    The moment when Lux looked back, the answer was there.

    Krulcifer who had the red request of the ¡°Lux contest¡± was smiling calmly.

    The moment they saw it, the large number of students raised high-pitched screams ¡°kyaaaaah!¡±.

    ¡°W-Why¡­!? But, the time of the clock has already¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You just tamper a little with the needles, then it¡¯s over.¡±

    He was said so without hesitation with Krulcifer¡¯s serious look.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    (I-I was completely tricked¡­!)

    As the fatigue until now assailed at a stretch, Lux sank down to the floor as such.

    He was thinking that Krulcifer had no interest in such things¡­

    Krulcifer¡¯s victory was declared by the person in charge after she filled out the red request.

    ¡°With that said, I will have you listen to what I say for one week. I''ll count on you.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­, please treat me well.¡±

    With a countenance as if his soul came out, Lux somehow answered.

    Immediately after, the surrounding female students got excited and showed various reactions such as ¡°congratulations!¡±, ¡°as expected of you¡±, ¡°to think that even Krulcifer-san was aiming for him¨C¨C¡±

    While the cheers of the female students surrounded the two of them, Krulcifer turned around to Lux.

    ¡°By the way, Lux-kun. May I make a request at once?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ If it is something that I can do¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux stood up, he replied so with a half negligent state of mind.

    Then, Krulcifer showed a graceful smile and softly let a finger crawl over Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡°I want you to become my lover for one week from now. That is my request.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    It was not only Lux, the person concerned who stiffened.

    The atmosphere of the waiting room fell silent; after several seconds, it became a big commotion again and exploded.

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Soon after high-pitched screams resounded, the female students who happened to be present raised their voices unanimously.

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing! Even such a request can be done, eh¡± ¡°What should we do? With Krulcifer-san as opponent, it doesn¡¯t seem like we can win¨C¨C¡± ¡°Wait. If you think conversely, can¡¯t it be said that it was an unprecedented?¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s hope for a next contest!¡±

    While such words flew about among the girls,

    ¡°¨C¨CThat being said, please take care of me.¡±

    As she whispered so to the panicked Lux, Krulcifer left the waiting room.

    ¡°Eh¡­, wait!? Krulcifer-san?¡±

    ¡°Hey, Lux!? What is the meaning of this?! Even though you already have me¨C¨C¡±

    For some reason, Lisha flared up at him with teary eyes, but honestly, Lux did not understand it either.

    ¡°Errr¡­, I don¡¯t understand, either.¡±

    While defending himself as he was troubled, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

    (¡­What did she mean by that?)

    ¡º¨C¨CI¡¯ll give you the details later.¡»

    Krulcifer¡¯s last words which she had said when leaving remained in Lux¡¯s ears for a while.

 Volume 2 - CH 1

    ¡°Haa¡­ Really Nii-san, what on earth are you thinking about?¡±

    In a voice mixed with frustration and anger, Airi heaved a big sigh.

    The girl, Lux¡¯s little sister, who had a doll-like beauty, was staring at Lux with reproachful eyes as she stood up before him who was for some reason kneeled on the floor.

    ¡°I told you many times not to stand out, right? Because of you, just now I was tormented by my classmates as they asked me ¡°did your brother find a lover!?¡±¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes. I understand your feelings, Airi. But, please let¡¯s leave it as that.¡±

    Nokuto, Airi¡¯s roommate who was beside her, was a calm girl who was also one of the three members of the academy famous trio called the ¡°Triad¡±.

    Being soothed by her, Airi finally muttered ¡°I think you¡¯ve already reflected on this, Nii-san¡±.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry¡­¡±

    Saying so, Lux stood up with a tired face.

    Here was the site of the Royal Military Academy, in one of the girl dormitory¡¯s room.

    Lux, who finished eating dinner after the end of the ¡°Lux contest¡±, had been called by his little sister Airi in order to handle a certain request of the academy.

    Since he was told that it was an important request, he hurriedly went to Airi¡¯s and Nokuto¡¯s room, but what was awaiting him was his little sister¡¯s sermon.

    ¡°In the first place, why didn¡¯t you come directly to my place? If you did so, we would have settled it between us siblings, and it wouldn¡¯t have become such uproar.¡±

    Airi seemed quite displeased by the behavior of her big brother who did not seek her help.

    There seemed to be also many people in the girl¡¯s dormitory, so it was certainly a blunder that the choice of escaping to Airi¡¯s room did not occurred to him, but¨C¨C[1]

    (If by any chance I was also caught by Airi, it was likely to become troublesome, so¡­)

    If he was to say so, he would have been scolded by ¡°are you going to doubt a blood relative?¡±, so he said nothing.

    ¡°However, personally, I was surprised. I thought that Krulcifer-san asking Lux-san out was unlikely, considering her character.¡±

    Nokuto calmly spoke of her impression.

    But, the shoulders of Airi who heard it suddenly shook.

    ¡°So Nii-san, what kind of happy time are you going to spend with her from now on?¡±

    ¡°E-Errr¨C¨C basically, it won¡¯t be different from the requests I¡¯ve done so far probably, I guess?¡±

    While trembling to the strangely gentle smile of Airi, Lux said so with a perfunctory look.

    To the request of Krulcifer who won the ¡°Lux contest¡±, the agreement of ¡°becoming her lover¡± for about one week was established.

    However, the content was very vague, so except listening to her request preferentially, he should be able to spend his life as usual.

    When Lux finished explaining so to the two girls,

    ¡°Hmm. Well, it¡¯s fine. Nii-san is already at that age after all.¡±

    ¡°N-No, it isn¡¯t really me who asks Krulcifer-san this time!¡±

    To Airi who turned away her gaze as she pouted, Lux explained confusedly.

    ¡°Yes. I cannot surmise Krulcifer-san¡¯s real intention, but I think it can¡¯t be helped.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Looking at Airi who raised her face to Nokuto¡¯s follow up, Lux was relieved for an instant.

    ¡°Yes. Be that as it may, Lux-san seems certainly weak to a girl¡¯s aggressiveness though.¡±

    ¡°Hey!? Even though it was about to be settled with much trouble, why do you say such a thing again!?¡±

    ¡®¡®As expected even this Nokuto girl is a very difficult child to deal with.¡¯¡®

    As Lux was once again troubled, Airi lightly cleared her throat and stood up.

    ¡°About that, I will have you tell me about this matter in detail some other time. It¡¯s time to go to the place of the request.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­, t-that¡¯s right.¡±

    Relieved about the fact that this talk was over for the time being, Lux left the room.

    ¡°I heard that it¡¯s a request at the school site; but it¡¯s night, so be careful.¡±

    Nokuto said so and saw off Lux and Airi.

    When he was outside of the girl¡¯s dormitory with Airi, the neighborhood was already covered with a jet black curtain.

    ¡°It is good and all that you enjoy your school life, but please do not forget. About our ¡°plan¡±¨C¨C¡±

    As they were now both alone, Airi said so as she remembered.

    ¡°Ah¡­, yes. I know.¡±

    He intended to consult her a little about something, but in the end, he hesitated to talk about it.

    ¡°Phew¡­¡±

    While walking along the lawn within the academy as he followed after Airi, Lux sighed softly.

    It was about Krulcifer that he was troubled.

    (¨C¨CWhat may I do to behave like her lover?)

    ¡®¡®I mean, I have never gone out with anyone¡­¡¯¡®

    The ¡°true request¡± which was told by Krulcifer after that lover declaration.

    Lux hung his head as he was troubled by that request which was on a whole other level from the odd jobs he had done so far.

    ¡°¨C¨CI want you to act as my lover.¡±

    About ten minutes after he was asked of that in the waiting room.

    Lux who was called to the deserted rooftop of the academy was hearing about the details from Krulcifer.

    ¡°Pretend to be Krulcifer-san¡¯s lover¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I want you to play that role for one week starting today.¡±

    ¡°B-But, why should I do such a thing¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer who said so indifferently, she explained the situation in detail.

    Krulcifer was an Earl¡¯s daughter of the large country of the North ¨C¨C the religious country Ymir, and a foreign student in the academy.

    One of the reasons why she came to this New Kingdom to study was because she had an important goal to achieve.

    ¡°In short, a political marriage of convenience.¡±

    ¡ºDuring attendance at school, conclude an engagement with a high ranking noble in the New Kingdom. ¨C¨COr get married.¡»

    Such instructions had been given to Krulcifer by the Einvolk House which was her home.

    Making connections with an influential person holding a strong position in the New Kingdom.

    She was enrolled in this academy not only to learn knowledge and technique as a Drag-Knight, but also with such an intention since the beginning.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C. Such a thing is¡­¡±

    ¡®¡®Isn¡¯t it too selfish?¡¯¡®

    ¡®¡®No matter how much the Einvolk House is a prestigious noble family, to let Krulcifer go alone to a foreign ground and burden her with such a duty¡­¡¯¡®

    As Lux unintentionally started to say so,

    ¡°As usual, you say something unlike a Prince of the Old Empire.¡±

    Seeing Lux¡¯s expression which showed that he did not consent, Krulcifer chuckled.

    ¡°Marriages between nobles are 90% like that. It¡¯s no use even if you mind it.¡±

    She asserted in a curt tone.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    About that, Krulcifer was right.

    A marriage between nobles was basically like that regardless of nationality.

    Lux who had been in the Imperial Court as a Prince of the Old Empire before, understood it only too well.

    ¡®¡®But still, it¡¯s strange.¡¯¡®

    ¡°But then, why do you want me to pretend to be your lover?¡±

    ¡°To put it plainly, I want to avoid trouble to the limit. Until I achieve my personal goal¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Personal goal¡­?¡±

    Not answering Lux¡¯s question, Krulcifer continued.

    ¡°Several days later, it¡¯s scheduled that a messenger will be dispatched to this Fort City by the Einvolk House which is my home. In order to confirm and report the progress of my engagement¨C¨C¡±

    In short, it seemed to be about a ¡°lover role¡± in order to deceive the messenger coming over.

    A man who was of noble lineage as well and also had a connection with Krulcifer.

    Lux seemed to have been chosen based on the above conditions.

    ¡°Therefore, I will have you behave as my lover for one week from today on. So, is it all right?¡±

    ¡°B-But, I ¨C¨C um, I¡¯ve never gone out with anyone¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh my? Actually, I don¡¯t have any experience, either.¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t mean that¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux was flustered,

    ¡°Besides, it can¡¯t also be just with anyone, right? You have seen my shameful side¨C¨C¡±

    Slightly blushing, Krulcifer softly smiled.

    ¡°¡­!?¡±

    Suddenly recalling her figure in underwear in the waiting room, Lux¡¯s face became red.

    ¡°If you say that you won¡¯t take responsibility no matter what, then I will tell everyone about your peeping.¡±

    She whispered so with a mischievous tone.

    At her tone of voice which tickled his earlobe, Lux gave up immediately.

    ¡°U-Um¡­, if you¡¯re fine with me, I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I like that honest side of yours.¡±

    To Lux who hung his head, Krulcifer replied with a smile.

    ¡°I will be troubled if the fake lover thing was leaked to someone, so until this week passes, we will keep this matter secret. Can you promise that?¡±

    ¡°U-Understood.¡±

    ¡°Good answer. Then ¨C¨C from today on, you are my lover. Please take of me, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s smile, Lux returned an awkward smile.

    Thus, the agreement was established.

    The library in the academy was built separately from the school building.

    Though he had several times used it because of the academy¡¯s lessons, this was the first time that he came there this late at night.

    ¡°Over there, Nii-san.¡±

    Since the front door was already closed, he entered from the back entrance following Airi¡¯s lead.

    The space where high, innumerable bookshelves stood in a row and the old-fashion which let one feel history somewhere were of a structure harking back to an ancient labyrinth.

    He had the experience of being a librarian due to odd jobs in the past, so there was no resistance in particular about this atmosphere itself, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Is there really a request here?¡±

    A question concerning the request of the deserted library floated in Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s no mistake. It¡¯s a little bit ahead.¡±

    They went through a passage between bookshelves and arrived at a door at the end.

    Then, she opened the door with a key different from that she used to open the back entrance.

    When they went down the stairs leading to the underground, there was a large stone space there.

    ¡°This place is¡­? Is there such a place in the underground of the library?¡±

    A place which he didn¡¯t even know the existence of let alone entered due to odd jobs.

    Over there, not only bookshelves, but also an iron work unit, a furnace for sublimation as well as countless experimental devices lined up.

    At the same time, there was also the smell of acrid chemicals.

    ¡°Please, keep this place¡¯s existence secret, Nii-san. It¡¯s also a small laboratory after all.¡±

    ¡°Laboratory?¡±

    Though Lux asked back, he thought that it really gave such an impression.

    The Drag-Knight¡¯s atelier where Lisha acted as the chief.

    If Lisha¡¯s atelier had a structure somewhere reminiscent to a blacksmith¡¯s, this place seemed just like an atelier of an alchemist.

    As he followed Airi while holding such an impression,

    ¡°I was waiting for both of you.¡±

    Principal Relie Aingram was in front of a small table.

    ¡°Good evening, Lux-kun. Do you properly look after Philphie? Or ¨C¨C have you already attacked[2] her?¡±

    ¡°Really, you¡­¡±

    Lux replied with an indescribable expression.

    By Relie¡¯s arrangement, Lux was staying even now in the same room as Philphie, her little sister, in the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    As Lux blushed when recalling it¨C¨C,

    ¡°Principal. Why don¡¯t you leave your teasing of Nii-san for another time and begin the talk?¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s also right. Then, I will ask you not to speak about what I¡¯m about to tell you from here on.¡±

    When Relie said so, she placed a small metal box on the table and inserted a key in the lock.

    ¡°It¡¯s fairly secure, eh.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    As Relie opened the box while nodding back, it could be seen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell this is¨C¨C¡±

    What was inside the box was a strange-shaped golden flute.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the thing which the former Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief Velvet, who attacked this city two weeks ago, held.¡±

    This flute possessed the power to summon and control the mythical beasts ¨C¨C Abysses which appeared from the ruins.

    Lux and the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± witnessed it and fought with them just the other day.

    ¡°By the way, I reported it to the top brass, but I was told by Her Majesty Queen Raffi to have you study it while advancing the analysis here as this place is closer to the ruins.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°It seems that Velvet confessed that he bought this from a foreign merchant. He says that it¡¯s called ¡°horn¡±. Do you know anything about this, Lux-kun?¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s also the first time for me to see it up close like this. But¨C¨C¡±

    His older brother Fugil of the Old Empire that Lux was after.

    Judging from the words ¡°summon the Abysses¡± that Fugil had said, there was no doubt about the fact that this horn was an important treasure related to the ruins.

    ¡°That Velvet didn¡¯t seem to know anything else, but I think that it¡¯s necessary to analyze this item at the same time as the investigation of the ruins.¡±

    Airi added so while opening a thick book ¨C¨C a document related to the investigation of ruins.

    ¡°Then, why having shown this to me¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Because I will have you hold onto this.¡±

    Relie calmly said and closed the box containing the horn.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t told everyone yet, but ¨C¨C these past several days, there is a little movement on the continent. So, I will have you, and members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, head to the investigation of the ruins before long.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    More than ten years ago ¨C¨C the ruins brought Drag-Rides and a number of technologies into the world.

    In that place which was protected by the existence called Abyss, many records and treasures are still sleeping.

    ¡°Even including the ruins of the Atismata New Kingdom territory, it¡¯s the present situation is that humans have only gotten until the second layer in the ruins, but it is written that to reach the third layer, an existence called ¡°key¡± is necessary.¡±

    Airi spoke so with the thick ancient document at hand.

    It was known that each country¡¯s civil officials had already explained the existence of a ¡°key¡± in itself, but its true nature has not been established even now.

    ¡°Perhaps ¨C¨C this horn is the key to enter into the depths of the ruins. Or, it may become something to defend ourselves from the Abysses. Something like that, that also includes the investigation. Therefore, I intend to entrust you with this, Nii-san.¡±

    Lux noticed the intention of Airi who included an implication.

    She meant that this horn might become a clue for searching for Fugil.

    ¡°¡­I understand.¡±

    While engraving her words into his heart, Lux received the horn.

    ¡°By the way, Principal.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine if you call me Relie at such times. Otherwise, I don¡¯t mind even if you call me sister-in-law¨C¨C¡±

    Smiling wryly to Relie who teasingly said so, Lux asked what had been bothering him.

    ¡°Relie-san. I¡¯m not yet a member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±. I may not be granted permission to accompany the ruins¡¯ investigation.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I will give only you a special permission for accompanying after all. There is also the achievement of having saved Lisha-sama, so I don¡¯t think anyone will be against it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡®¡®She is good as usual when it comes to preparation at such times.¡¯¡®

    ¡°However, can I have you keep this matter still secret to other students? It¡¯s a fairly important issue after all.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±

    As he replied with a slight tension, the three of them went up the stairs of the basement.

    ¡°Besides, also regarding the ruins¡¯ investigation, I want results for the new layer soon. As a matter of fact, also for that child[3]¨C¨C¡±

    Turning a somewhat distant look into empty space, Relie muttered so.

    After having parted from Relie, Lux went out of the library along with Airi.

    With no trace of anybody in the neighborhood, a pale moonlight was illuminating the path to the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    ¡°It may be only today that I can be with Nii-san in this way. You will have Krulcifer-san from tomorrow on after all.¡±

    ¡°Errr¡­ Airi, I don¡¯t think what you¡¯re saying will happen though¡­¡±

    To Airi¡¯s words which posed as a joke, Lux replied so while smiling wryly.

    ¡°But, please be careful. Especially¨C¨C of her.¡±

    ¡°By her¡­ you mean Krulcifer-san? She¡¯s amazing in various ways, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯s a bad person.¡±

    ¡°Maybe. It''s just a woman''s intuition. It¡¯s somehow bothers me. Not only the fact that she is a foreign student from Ymir, but it¡¯s also as if she is hiding something¨C¨C¡±

    To Airi¡¯s mutter, Lux walked while looking puzzled.

    When they returned to the entrance of the girl¡¯s dormitory, they decided to part ways there.

    ¡°Well, Airi. See you later.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please be careful, too, Nii-san. I have discussed with them for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing, Nii-san.¡±

    Leaving behind a meaningful smile, Airi left.

    It was the usual Airi, but Lux noticed her last concern said in a stronger tone.

    The obtained horn and ruins¡¯ investigations which aren¡¯t progressing.

    Though just to a few people, The ¡°Black Hero¡¯s¡± real identity was revealed.

    The time which had stopped began to move little by little.

    ¡°Hey, Lux-kun. May we eat lunch together?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes. That¡¯s fine by me, but¨C¨C¡±

    The next day at lunch break.

    When Lux was thinking about the ruins¡¯ investigation, Krulcifer came over to his seat.

    Acting as her ¡°lover¡± for one week.

    For Lux who knew of that agreement, this was certainly natural; but as expected when being invited by a beautiful girl like Krulcifer, it makes one¡¯s heart beat fast.

    ¡°Ah, so Krulcifer-san wasn¡¯t joking after all.¡±

    ¡°Yes, to think that that girl was so assertive¡­ She¡¯s serious.¡±

    The classroom was astir and the female students raised their voices so unanimously.

    (Not good, this conversation attracts attention too much¡­!)

    As Lux confusedly stood up and was about to leave the classroom,

    ¡°Hey both of you, wait a minute.¡±

    Lisha suddenly stood in front of Lux and Krulcifer.

    The New Kingdom Princess with blond hair tied to the side and deep crimson pupils.

    In this academy, she was given treatment in no way different to that of other students, but as expected the students¡¯ attention gathered.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I have to talk to Lux a little, not you. So, you don¡¯t mind if I also accompany you to the dining room, right?¡±

    ¡°Ah, if it¡¯s only that¨C¨C¡±

    Before Lux could agreed,

    ¡°Sorry, but I will have to refuse.¡±

    Krulcifer calmly declared so.

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Today, I want to talk with him, just the two of us. He became my ¡°lover¡± for one week, so I have at least such a right, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Guh¡­¡±

    Lisha¡¯s face became stiff.

    ¡°Well then, excuse us. Princess¡±

    Krulcifer pulled Lux out of the classroom.

    ¡°Guh, I¡¯ll remember this!¡±

    While hearing Lisha¡¯s frustrated voice, the two people walked down the corridor.

    As the foreign student Krulcifer and the man Lux sat down together on the seats of the dining room, just that was enough to attracted attention very much.

    (As expected, I¡¯d better pay extra attention to this request¡­)

    Lux slowly ate lunch while thinking about such a thing.

    The afternoon class was a practice of battle form.

    They headed to the practice field away from the school building and dormitory, changed into dress gear and wore Machine Dragons.

    ¡°Well then, today, we will mainly focus on the practical skill training for the campus selection battle, which will be held two weeks later.¡±

    When all the members of the class lined up, Instructor Raigree¡¯s dignified voice resounded in the wide practice field.

    The ruins where ancient weapons and technology slept were not places where anyone could readily investigate.

    The right and opportunity to excavate the ruins were formalized by an international agreement several years ago, and the national tournament results would decide who would have the ruins investigation rights.

    Plainly speaking, the country which left the better results in the tournament could acquire more investigation rights.

    The off campus tournament was held once every several months.

    The campus selection battle in order to choose participants for it was going to begin soon.

    Therefore, it seemed that it was scheduled to do training for actual fighting today, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Today three Drag-Knights have come from the capital¡¯s army as temporary instructors. Everybody, do not miss this opportunity, and properly learn.¡±

    By Instructor Raigree¡¯s introduction, the men entered the practice field.

    Men wearing the regular army overcoat on their dress gears.

    Their age was probably almost the same as Instructor Raigree, about twenty to thirty years.

    The female students leaked whispering voices at the army¡¯s temporary instructor who was a man with a stern face standing at the vanguard of the other two.

    ¡°This is the first time. To think that ¡°males¡± from the capital would be involved in such a lesson¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­In the first place, this was not in the schedule, right?¡±

    ¡°There are many people with a somehow cute face. Well, it isn¡¯t to the extent of our Prince.¡±

    ¡°Or rather, isn¡¯t it disgusting? How they stared at us¨C¨C¡±

    When the female students were embarrassed being fixedly stared at as they were wearing dress gear which tightly fitted to their bodies¨C¨C

    ¡°Hou. As expected, coming here was the right choice.¡±

    The man with a stern face standing at the vanguard smiled wryly as he looked at the embarrassed students.

    It appeared that this man was the leader among the three.

    ¡°The Royal Military Academy for only female students established not long ago. Indeed, it looks like it¡¯s dependent on the New Kingdom¡¯s permissive system to women and usually does lukewarm training.¡±

    ¡°That is because they are still receiving an education curriculum.¡±

    Instructor Raigree calmly replied.

    Judging from her businesslike tone and expression, the visit of these temporary instructors was not originally scheduled, and even Lux could guess the fact that it was not expected.

    But then, what was the reason why these men expressly came for?

    ¡°No, no, Raigree-dono. We, adults must teach them the severity of battle as early as possible. No matter how high the Machine Dragon aptitude value¡¯s average was judged to be, in the end there is no way that a woman can rival a man, so¨C¨C¡±

    The muscular man with a rustic impression broadly grinned and said as to pick a fight.

    Then, the lean man beside him stepped forward.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If you get carried away because of that level of military exercise in the capital ¨C¨C two weeks ago, you¡¯ll have difficulty in the future. There is just a handful of strong student Drag-Knights after all. I will also use this opportunity to firmly teach you the severity of a battle.¡±

    To the tone of the sticky man, the students¡¯ expression stiffened.

    ¡°But, I would like you to refrain from dangerous behavior. They are still students after all.¡±

    As Instructor Raigree resolutely said so,

    ¡°Of course, we will be careful. However ¨C¨C formal training might be somewhat harsh for these weak girls though.¡±

    In contrast, the men said so unapologetically.

    And, within a strange atmosphere slightly different than usual, the practice began.

    Beginning from the Machine Dragon¡¯s operation check, they advanced to basic skills practice such as barrier deployment, flight or acceleration and the like, and even extended to shooting by armaments and close range hand-to-hand fighting.

    But at this point, it had already become something different from the usual practice.

    ¡°Hey, you bastard! With such slow movements, you can¡¯t even become a target on the battlefield!? Are you making fun of me? Huh!?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong!? Are you already tired? Do you think you can handle a Machine Dragon with this level?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be naive! Don¡¯t ask anyone! Think by yourself and redo it!¡±

    About ten minutes after the start.

    The temporary instructors in question were instructing the female students with quite rough methods.

    Even Instructor Raigree who watched it attentively looked like she couldn¡¯t somehow settle down.

    ¡°What the hell does this mean¡­?¡±

    As Lux, who was taking a break, muttered as he watched the situation from the audience seating¨C¨C

    ¡°It seems that there has also been something like this before.¡±

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    Krulcifer who was behind him before he knew it muttered so calmly.

    Both of them were not wearing Machine Dragons now.

    Since a Drag-Ride¡¯s continuous use had a great burden on the body, they were divided in several groups in the middle of practice and two short breaks were established for each.

    ¡°¨C¨CMay I sit next to you?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­, yes¡±

    When Lux nodded, Krulcifer quietly sat down beside him.

    And, she fixedly stared at the practice field and opened her mouth.

    ¡°Those temporary instructors are nobles belonging to the army of the Capital, and it seems that they have wanted to come to this Royal Military Academy since some time now.¡±

    It seemed that Krulcifer, who belonged to the Knight Squadron that was the guerrilla unit of students, had also heard many times about such hidden circumstances.

    ¡°But, aren¡¯t there already Instructor Raigree and men instructors in the academy? And yet, why¨C¨C¡±

    The instructors had already been acknowledged as guides who endorsed the New Kingdom¡¯s ideas.

    ¡®¡®And yet, why have they expressly come here?¡¯¡®

    ¡°To put it plainly, people don¡¯t change so easily.¡±

    With a tone mixed somewhere with resignation, Krulcifer said.

    ¡°What do you mean¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a foreign student from another country, but I know at least this country¡¯s history.¡±

    History ¨C¨C in other words, the Old Empire¡¯s government system.

    She was probably speaking about the trend and system of androcracy.

    ¡°They want to shake the predominance of women. They don¡¯t like the fact that women step into the area called Drag-Knight which was the men¡¯s privilege in this country. It¡¯s natural that such people would come over. No, if anything, a person like you may be rare. Former Imperial Prince.¡±

    Krulcifer jokingly said, but Lux did not laugh at it.

    Since there was such a long history, it was natural that there were ¡°men¡± like them.

    Rather, although they did not take a conspicuous attitude, there were probably many people who were thinking so inwardly.

    (I thought I understood at least this much, but¨C¨C)

    ¡°Besides, this incident this time is surely their revenge.¡±

    ¡°¡­? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You know about the fact that the third-year students had gone for practice to the Capital last month, right? It seems that during that practice, the academy strongest third-year student, Celis-senpai had completely crushed the faces of the Drag-Knights over there. With her overwhelming strength.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Celestia Ralgris.

    A daughter of a Duke House and the academy strongest girl famous for being a man-hater.

    It seemed that she was also ostensibly calm, and she had a personality of not needlessly showing off her strength, but she was looked down upon by the men of the army, and had mercilessly beaten her opponents up in the practice.

    Therefore, it was more likely that several men of the army in the Capital that had their pride crushed forcibly screwed in and carried out this matter of temporary instructors.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that¨C¨C just venting their anger?¡±

    Since they could not hold a candle to Celestia, they used the pretext of instruction to work the other inexperienced female students Drag-Knights hard.

    ¡®¡®If that¡¯s true¨C¨C¡¯¡®

    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s just a rumor, and half is my guess; but such a rumor doesn¡¯t seem to be groundless.¡±

    Saying so, Krulcifer slowly stood up while turning her gaze to the practice field.

    ¡°Break time is over. Shall we go, too?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    Lux and Krulcifer returned to the practice field side by side.

    And they resumed training.

    ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaah!?¡±

    It happened when Lux and Krulcifer returned to the practice field and was about to begin training.

    One female student wearing a Machine Dragon was shot down in the air and struck the ground.

    The present training was a mock battle of combat form, a composition of one-on-one between fellow students, but¨C¨C,

    ¡°Hahaha! As expected, it¡¯s only this level, huh! You aren¡¯t worthy of the glorious reputation of officer cadets.¡±

    A triumphant voice could be heard from the man with a muscular body standing still in mid-air.

    Three men came over as temporary instructors.

    Under the pretense of ¡°guidance¡±, they forcibly constrained mock battles with students.

    Men should basically be inferior to women in Machine Dragon aptitude value, but they utterly defeated the girls by many years of experience and exercise performance.

    ¡°I would like you to restrain such dangerous behaviors!¡±

    Raigree glared at the man in mid-air and tried to remonstrate him in a strong tone.

    ¡°Raigree-dono, too, will you stop pampering them? We are only teaching them the severity of battle in this way. If the thought of ¡®they are women, so go easy on them¡¯ is rooted, then there will be no future for this country¡¯s military force.¡±

    But the men¡¯s faces, far from reflecting, revealed smiles of mockery.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    ¡°U-Um¡­ Sensei. I¡¯m not injured in particular, so¨C¨C¡±

    The somewhat mature girl, who was just knocked down, got up.

    Although she said so, her expression was still depressed.

    ¡°Hey, please stop it! What are you temporary instructors doing since some time now?! Launching a surprise attack which we haven¡¯t even learnt in class and continuing to pursuit the student who fell down, such a thing¨C¨C can¡¯t be called training!¡±

    As a girl with a serious expression who equipped a <Wyrm> said so and stood in the way,

    ¡°Hou, as expected of young ladies who grew up spoiled by the New Kingdom system. You seem to want to say that we should care about you because it¡¯s training for battle. Hahahahaha! You¡¯re all to stay for supplementary lessons after school today, I will be affectionate with you plenty enough!¡±

    The man with a stern face laughed loudly and the other men also laughed as they followed.

    ¡°Then, I will be your opponent!¡±

    ¡°All right. Come.¡±

    The female student, who spoke sharply, came slashing with her blade head on. However,

    ¡°Haa! It¡¯s only that?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­!?¡±

    The moment when the <Wyrm>¡¯s blade came slashing, the instructor took distance by skillfully pulling back and aimed at the wrist armor which swung completely.

    The blade held by the girl was quickly sent flying and it pierced the ground of the practice field.

    ¡°You¡¯ve not enough training. Young lady.¡±

    ¡°P-Please wait a minute! My weapon is¨C¨C¡±

    When the man was about to swing downward his weapon to the girl who drew back frightened¨C¨C,

    ¡°Ngh¡­? What is it now?¡±

    Breaking in was Lux wearing his <Wyvern>.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interfere with your guidance.¡±

    With a calm expression and tone, he lightly bowed his head first.

    ¡°What are you planning, you bastard? In the first place, why is a man here¨C¨C¡±

    When the man emitted a question, he glared at Lux.

    His gaze focused on Lux¡¯s characteristic silver hair and black collar,

    ¡°Haa¡­! I was wondering who it was, but it¡¯s just the Chore Prince of the Old Empire, huh. Why are you in such a place? Were you entrusted with a weeding job?¡±

    He said so as he treated Lux with contempt.

    In no way perturbed by this clear insult, Lux returned a calm smile.

    ¡°No, due to some circumstances, I commute now here as a student. Setting that aside, could I replace you for instruction? I promised to teach her from now on, so¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    As Lux told so to the man, the girl with a too serious expression showed a surprised face.

    Of course, he did not make such a promise. It was just an excuse he thought of just now.

    ¡°What did you say¡­?¡±

    The man in front of Lux and the other two men turned openly displeased expressions towards Lux.

    No, they were glaring at Lux with clear hostility.

    Even so, Lux not even daunted, answered with a cool face.

    ¡°And ¨C¨C also all the girls present here. I had a prior engagement to teach them how to operate a Drag-Ride after school, so supplementary lessons won¡¯t be necessary.¡±

    ¡°¡­!?Don¡¯t get carried away, brat. We¡¯re the instructors from the army! You lowly criminal and fallen Prince!¡±

    To Lux¡¯s indifferent tone, the temporary instructor revealed anger.

    The atmosphere of a critical situation drifted and Lux was surrounded by the three men.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see¨C¨C. Then, shall we settle it with a fight between you and us?¡±

    The male temporary instructor with a stern face which seemed to be the leader said so.

    ¡°You¡¯ve to show the proof whether you really have enough skill to replace us. If you¡¯ve any complaint, take back your earlier words¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Lux readily nodded.

    The surrounding female students who were watching the course of events became astir.

    The male leader knitted his brows as he got angry at Lux¡¯s reaction,

    ¡°But, we have been fighting continuously, so we¡¯re more exhausted than you. Therefore, we will have you attached gyves of weight on your Machine Dragon, but is that still all right with you?¡±

    When Lux nodded at his question, the men smirkingly laughed.

    The three men also are people ranked to some extent in the Capital¡¯s tournament.

    They knew about the fact that Lux was a Drag-Knight good at defense called the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±.

    But, on top of the peculiarity of battles where he does not attack by himself, if you also put the difference between the number of people and a handicap, they estimated that they would easily defeat him.

    Beat up those who oppose as an example and make the female students who watched it surrender.

    The aim of the man who was dyed with the Old Empire¡¯s ideology was transparent and visible to Lux.

    ¡°All right. We will slightly tamper with your Drag-Ride.¡±

    ¡°Certainly.¡±

    The temporary instructors began to attach parts for weights that were in a corner of the practice field to Lux¡¯s <Wyvern>.

    Seeing that, Lisha who was on break also ran up.

    ¡°Lux, is it all right? If you want, I can fight instead¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better stop it. I think that if you who is a princess beat them up, it will be somewhat troublesome¨C¨C. So this time, let¡¯s leave it to me.¡±

    ¡°But¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be all right. Please, leave it to me.¡±

    While Lux replied so, the attachment of parts for weight was over.

    ¡°Kukuku. With this, we¡¯re even. Then, shall we start the match?¡±

    The men laughed and made the female students who were on the practice field step back to the edges (of the field).

    Seeing the situation, the female students raised trembling voices.

    ¡°Hey, what is this¡­? No matter how you look at it, it¡¯s unfair!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the weight parts attached almost to the limit!? Such airframe¨C¨C can¡¯t even properly fly with that overweight.¡±

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s Lux-kun, like that¨C¨C¡±

    They forcibly attach parts for weights to Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> which already had armor with thick weights.

    Even someone with little knowledge of Machine Dragon maintenance would judge that it would be impossible to control the overweight.

    ¡°It¡¯s something that you approved. You¡¯ll surely have no complaint, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CI understand¡±

    The three men burst into laughter at Lux¡¯s reply.

    ¡°You fool¡± ¡°This guy doesn¡¯t seem to understand Machine Dragons¡± ¡°Well it¡¯s fine, we will fully teach him¡±

    And the lean man who drove a <Wyvern> approached Lux.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see. Then, I will test mobility which is the basics of a Drag-Ride. Of how many times I can sneak behind him within five minutes¨C¨C¡±

    Though it was common in all fights, taking the opponent¡¯s back was a basic tactic.

    Especially in a fight between fellow <Wyvern> that mainly assumed air battles, it could be said that how many times one could attack the defenseless back that had weak barrier was the key to victory.

    But, Lux on whom, weights were attached to the extent that it could be called overweighed, was already in a situation of certain defeat.

    Then, the muscular man using a <Wyrm> folded his arms and looked down at Lux.

    ¡°Then, I guess I¡¯ll test the evasion technique. Let¡¯s test which one of us can fend off more attacks in actual combat.¡±

    Finally, the male leader who operated a <Drake> set up a sniper rifle and laughed.

    ¡°Then, I will test attacking. It¡¯s a match about which one can hit more than the other. Oops, there¡¯s probably not much time left for practice, so let¡¯s the three of us test him all at once.¡±

    Stirring voices leaked from the female students in the audience seating.

    ¡°People of the army, I would like you to stop this prank.¡±

    Instructor Raigree knitted her brows to the confrontation which could not even be called a decent match, but the men ignored her and turned to Lux.

    ¡°Hey, if you grovel on the ground now and apologize, I don¡¯t mind stopping. Ingratiating yourself to people is your specialty, isn''t it? Dear Prince.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve already decided the match format, can we begin?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    To Lux¡¯s calm words, the lean man revealed an uncanny look.

    ¡°Hahaha. Don¡¯t pretend to be tough and show off. The current you can¡¯t even take off from the ground¨C¨C¡±

    When the lean man showered scornful laughter, the back wings of Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> shone.

    It released wind from the jet hole and rose from the ground.

    Small cheers leaked out from the female students in the audience seating.

    ¡°W-What¡­?¡±

    The lean man¡¯s eyes were opened wide in shock.

    Originally, it should be enough weight to not be able to decently move let alone fly, but Lux calmly performed it.

    ¡°Please, give the signal. Instructor.¡±

    ¡°¡­Is it all right?¡±

    Instructor Raigree asked with a dubious face.

    But, seeing Lux nod without hesitation, she sent a signal to the official in charge in the audience seating.

    ¡°Mock battle, start!¡±

    Shortly after, the signal of the battle starting was given.

    A moment later, the three temporary instructors began to move.

    ¡°Haa¡­! You fool!¡±

    Chasing Lux who flew in a somewhat low altitude, the lean man also flew.

    Exactly as his words said ¡°mobility test¡±, he came aiming at Lux¡¯s back.

    Regardless of the fact that they both used <Wyvern>, there is a big difference in speed due to the gives of weight (handicap).

    ¡°Ha, what¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s wrong?! Were you energetic only at the beginning?!¡±

    Although Lux was able to fly, as expected the man, who stuck on the back of Lux who could not gather speed, raised his voice and laughed.

    Far from turning around and taking his opponent¡¯s back, it looked like running away by flying straight was the best Lux could do.

    The lean man who saw that became more arrogant.

    ¡°Fall down unsightly! You fallen Prince!¡±

    The moment when the man who pressed hard on Lux¡¯s back was about to slash with his blade¨C¨C

    ¡°Wha!?¡±

    The <Wyvern> of Lux who had his back turned made a somersault and arrived exactly at the back of the man flying straight on.

    As a result, before he knew it the man found himself before the wall surrounding the practice field.

    Thus ¨C¨C in order to avoid a crash, he could not help but suddenly stop (he was compelled to a sudden stop).

    ¡°Gah!?¡±

    Without overlooking his defenseless back, Lux¡¯s lightning slash knocked him down.

    The lean man, still wearing his <Wyvern>, violently crashed onto the ground and the wall.

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    At the dust which rose up, and the sound, the audience seating of the practice field fell silent.

    ¡°That is... no way.¡±

    When Lisha was amazed, Krulcifer beside her also nodded.

    ¡°Yes, if you can¡¯t generate enough speed to sneak behind your opponent, you should just let him stick closely on your back and then sneak behind him with a somersault. He seems to have been aiming for this since the beginning.¡±

    It was easy to explain like this, but pulling it off was an extremely difficult task.

    The students with the ability level to know that were speechless, and the other students raised shouts of joy.

    ¡°Hmm. As expected, my eyes weren¡¯t wrong. All right, I shall make him join the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± as soon as possible, a-and as for that other request¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good and all, but right now, he¡¯s my lover.¡±

    ¡°Ngh¡­!¡±

    When Krulcifer and Lisha mutually clashed with their gazes,

    ¡°Don''t get carried away! You brat!¡±

    The muscular man wearing the <Wyrm> raised an angry voice and set up his cannon.

    Due to the load of weight parts, the mobility of Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> was extremely reduced.

    Furthermore, since flight took up energy, he should not be able to fully stretch a barrier.

    By focusing all the energy in a single blow of the main armament, he could certainly make Lux unable to continue fighting.

    The man who planned so fired the cannon aiming at Lux.

    ¡°...!¡±

    But, Lux deflected the main armament¡¯s shooting from point-blank range with the point of his blade clad in energy, and evaded it.

    The man changed his aim and continued shooting a second, and then a third time, but the result was exactly the same.

    ¡°W-Why?! How can you apply your sword so accurately and deflect the attacks?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because your aiming was relatively simple.¡±

    As Lux answered indifferently, the muscular man became speechless.

    ¡°It¡¯s basic to aim for the center of a Machine Dragon if you only think about blowing away your opponent, and it seems that you¡¯ve also been doing so all the time even in the tournament of the Capital, but¨C¨C. Thanks to that, I was able to minimize the barrier and use energy in the blade.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    While the muscular man was flustered, the male leader wearing the <Drake> ground his teeth with his sniper rifle still set up.

    He was 300 Mel away from one edge of the practice field where Lux fought.

    From that safety zone where he could never receive the opponent¡¯s counterattack, he intended to one-sidedly snipe at Lux whose attention was attracted by his two comrades, but¨C¨C,

    ¡°What the hell is happening¨C¨C?¡±

    In a state of overweight where it was originally impossible to operate, Lux had conducted himself more than equally against three machines of the Capital¡¯s army as opponents.

    The <Wyvern> of the lean man was flown by Lux as his back was taken by Lux, and the <Wyrm>¡¯s cannon was altogether flipped by Lux¡¯s blade, too.

    And, although he aimed at Lux with his sniper rifle, his attacks were all evaded by movements which, while in low speed, did not let him focus his aim; and not even one of his attacks hit.

    To that too much unreal spectacle, he felt irritation and shiver.

    The men intended to torment (bully) Lux who defied them.

    ¡°But ¨C¨C like this, it¡¯s as if¡­!¡±

    The Drag-Knights of the army, even though there were three, were led around by the nose by the officer cadet Lux who bore a tremendous handicap.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we the ones who have been humiliated¡­?!¡±

    That humiliation caused the man to make a certain choice (option).

    ¡°Gee, it¡¯s fascinating as usual, eh. Lux-cchi¡¯s movements¨C¨C¡±

    Tillfarr of the Triad, who was the person in charge of deploying a barrier before the audience seating muttered so while watching the fight.

    While the other female students raised cheers, Tillfarr, Lux¡¯s classmate who was also a member of the guerrilla unit, ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, was analyzing the progress of the battle relatively calmly.

    ¡°Why was Lux-cchi able to take the back of the opponent¡¯s <Wyvern> so easily? Even though his speed should have been far inferior due to the overweight¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It is because his flying method (technique) is quite special.¡±

    To Tillfarr¡¯s mutter, Krulcifer who was directly behind her in the audience seating answered so.

    ¡°Eh? ¡­What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Normally, when one wants to sneak behind his opponent in a battle between fellow flying type Machine Dragons, he has to stick on the opponent¡¯s back by adjusting up and down the propulsion output. However in Lux¡¯s case, he pursuits the enemy by skillfully interlacing ascent and descent while adjusting the distance after having predicted his opponent¡¯s flight trajectory.¡±

    If he took a rising trajectory while advancing, he would become temporarily slower than his opponent; and then by descending while being subjected to the influence of the gravity, he could approach the opponents more quickly.

    ¡°As such, it¡¯s a quite advanced technique, but you can¡¯t help but say that pulling it off in that overweight state is nothing short of a miracle.¡±

    ¡°At this rate, Lux¡¯s victory is determined. That evil trio. It¡¯s your reward for having underestimated my favorite (loved one?).¡±

    As she was pleased with this situation, Lisha contentedly folded her arms.

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°He is much stronger than the Drag-Knights of the army!¡±

    The female students¡¯ voices began to leak so, and the outcome was certainly determined.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°No. I am afraid there is still one concern.¡±

    Krulcifer stared at the practice field with calm eyes and drew out the Sword Device from the sheath at her waist.

    It was not her personal Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>¡¯s, but a <Wyvern>¡¯s for practice.

    ¡°Hey? What do you intend to do?¡±

    To the question of Lisha who looked puzzled, Krulcifer answered with her usual smile.

    ¡°A little help. To my ¨C¨C lover, that is.¡±

    Only several minutes since the start of the mock battle.

    One of the three temporary instructors, the <Drake> with the attack role could not catch the <Wyvern> of Lux who was flying skillfully.

    But, covering his two comrades which were exhausted, the male leader made a certain resolution.

    ¡ºYour getting carried away ends here. Fool! ¡»

    ¡°¡­!¡±

    When Lux noticed it, the man said.

    He spoke narrowing down the dragon voice which was the communication function between fellow Machine Dragons only to Lux.

    ¡ºDo you understand? Don¡¯t dodge it.¡»

    With a smile filled with dark emotions, the man said so.

    ¡°¡­?¡±

    While cocking his head in puzzlement, Lux set up his sword in mid-air and braced himself.

    At that moment¨C¨C,

    ¡°Kyaaaaaah!¡±

    The atmosphere of the practice field burst, and the light bullets shot by the sniper rifle reached the audience seating behind Lux.

    ¡°Uah¡­!¡±

    The student who was in charge of widely stretching the barrier in the audience seating ¨C¨C Tillfarr, one of the Triad, received a direct hit and lost her balance.

    The female students of the audience seating that were relieved at Lux¡¯s odds held their breath in tension.

    ¡°Oops, sorry. It doesn¡¯t hit you easily, so I anticipated your next movement; but I ended up missing.¡±

    Unlike until a while ago when Lux was moving continuously, he was now static in mid-air.

    There was no way that a Drag-Knight of army would miss in these 300 Mel which was the distance of the rifle¡¯s range.

    (He aimed not at me, but at everyone behind me¨C¨C)

    ¡ºWhen I said not to dodge, it also includes not to defend yourself. The next time, we¡¯ll attack you with the three of us. If you try to dodge again¨C¨C¡»

    The male leader grinned, and at the same time, his two comrades who were heavily breathing also set up their cannons. The three men wanted to defeat Lux by shooting simultaneously at one point.

    If he were to either dodge or defend against it, they would probably intend on crashing their simultaneous attacks on the female students of the audience seating behind him.

    If the student in charge of the barrier was to receive the three men¡¯s simultaneous attacks, she wouldn¡¯t be able to defend against them.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    With a tone of resignation, Lux, still floating, undid his stance.

    And when he was about to prepare himself, *pang*!, the air burst.

    ¡°Wha!?¡±

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    Krulcifer wearing a <Wyvern> went down to the stage of the practice field. As she fired only one shot towards the blue sky, she set up her rifle again and fearlessly laughed.

    At the same time, the bell rang and the mock battle ended.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame ¨C¨C but it looks like it¡¯s time-out. The match is over.¡±

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t joke with us!?¡±

    The men who were thinking that they were about to defeat Lux unanimously raised flustered voices.

    ¡°A little more and it would have been our victory! Letting it end like this without settling it is¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Is that so? In that case, what about having a match with me next?¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    The men were flustered at the sudden challenge from the girl.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear that you weren¡¯t able to knock him down, but it isn¡¯t like I don¡¯t understand your feelings of wanting to settle it by all means. Therefore, I will be your opponent. This time ¨C¨C let¡¯s do a battle of sniping at each other.¡±

    ¡°Y-You little girl¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°A match of only a minute, the condition will remain a three-to-one fight. If you¡¯re fine with that, then let¡¯s begin.¡±

    To the smile of Krulcifer as if seeing through all, the temporary instructors revealed irritation.

    It would have gotten nowhere if they continued being led around by the nose by Lux like this.

    As each of them held their weapons, they rushed onto Krulcifer.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!¡±

    Lux called out to her in panic, but Krulcifer returned only a smile, quickly set up the rifle in her hand and shot.

    ¡°Ough¡­!?¡±

    ¡°What¡­!¡±

    A dreadful quick shot, whose alignment is determined almost instantly in one stroke, in addition, regardless of firing in three directions, the abnormal speed and precision sent the armaments in the opponents'' hands flying.

    Moreover, when she shot the confused opponents¡¯ feet and broke their stance, she shot at the Force Core from the slight opening in the barrier.

    Being accurately struck on the weak point, the three men¡¯s Machine Dragons stopped their function.

    ¡°N-No way¡­ Impossible!?¡±

    Although the opponents were also caught off guard, the men of the army were at a loss for words at that skill which sniped at the three moving Machine Dragons in a flash from a position at the very limit of the range.

    ¡°It looks like you also have no qualifications to teach attack techniques. With that said, should they be in such a place? Sensei.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. This match is Lux Acadia¡¯s victory.¡±

    At the same time as Instructor Raigree gave the judgment, the audience seating was wrapped in cheers.

    ¡°And one more thing¨C¨C, you temporary instructors will let me hear about your story later. It¡¯s a big problem for soldiers of the New Kingdom to purposely aim at students in the audience seating. You have no qualifications to act as instructors.¡±

    ¡°Guh¡­!¡±

    The three temporary instructors who were beaten left the practice field while grinding their teeth.

    With this¨C¨C, they would not get close to the academy for a while.

    As Lux who heaved a sigh of relief got down to the ground, Instructor Raigree who drove out the temporary instructors came before him.

    ¡°Lux Acadia. I shall express my thanks this time, but do not act rashly all by yourself.¡±

    In a calm tone with no anger, Instructor Raigree said.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    As Lux cancelled his armor while answering, he approached Krulcifer.

    ¡°Was it unnecessary help?¡±

    ¡°No¡­, you¡¯ve been a big help.¡±

    To the words of Krulcifer who revealed a smile, Lux returned so.

    ¡°You have predicted up to the fact that they would aim at the girls in the audience seating after all. If Krulcifer-san hasn¡¯t been there¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°At that time ¨C¨C you would have stood out more and more.¡±

    As though she saw through it all, Krulcifer muttered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Half of the reason was because I want you to know my ability, so I only poke my noise into this.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about the other half¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want you to be stolen by everyone ¨C¨C what if I said that?¡±

    Saying so, Krulcifer turned a meaningful look sideways.

    There, their classmates who had been watching the mock battle until now were closing in.

    ¡°You did it! I feel good thanks to you! Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey. Like you said a while ago, you¡¯ll teach us after school, right? Sensei.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. By all means, I would like you to properly instruct us.¡±

    Lux was surrounded by the girls released from the violent temporary instructors, who had smiles of relief and joy.

    ¡°E-Errr¡­ Um, saying that I will teach was a figure of speech, um¨C¨C¡±

    Of course, it was an excuse to resist the temporary instructors.

    The girls should also understand that, but still they wanted to say so.

    Thus, as Lux was troubled as to what to do¨C¨C,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But, I already have a plan with him today. It¡¯s me who has won the contest, so I will have you let me speak out my selfishness this time.¡±

    As Krulcifer said so, she entwined her arm to Lux¡¯s.

    ¡°Wait, Krulcifer-san!?¡±

    The swelling of the girl¡¯s chest lightly touching him, Lux panicked.

    It was softer than expected even from the dress gear.

    ¡°Kyaaaaah¡±, his classmates who saw that raised their voices further.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At the audience seating of the practice field drifted the ¡°case is closed¡± atmosphere.

    Lisha, still wearing the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> was gazing at Krulcifer and company on the practice field.

    ¡°I-I was completely late¡­¡±

    Lisha also moved a moment later than Krulcifer, but she saw through the fact that the student in charge of stretching the barrier was likely to be attacked and summoned <Tiamat>, but¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s strange¡­ even though I was supposed to help Lux at this place¨C¨C¡±

    It had been settled in no time with Lisha not forcing her way through.

    Tillfarr who was beside her smiled wryly as she saw Lisha¡¯s whole body tremble.

    ¡°W¡­Well, it can¡¯t be helped. Lisha-sama has also saved everyone properly, so I¡¯m grateful to you.¡±

    Patting the armor which Lisha wore, Tillfarr gave words of thanks.

    ¡°It¡¯s bad, it¡¯s bad¡­ At this rate, my partner will be¨C¨C¡±

    While grumblingly muttering, Lisha cancelled her connection and stood on the practice field.

    ¡°Hey, Tillfarr. You said that you were grateful to me, right?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­!? Well, kind of¡­¡±

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin a strategy meeting! Let¡¯s think of a way to take back my partner!¡±

    As Lisha declared so, she found Philphie who was standing nearby and approached her.

    ¡°I will also have you cooperate, airhead girl. There are a lot of things I want to ask you about Lux.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Philphie seemed not that much interested, but did she think of something ? (but then she thought of something), she agreed by nodding.

    ¡°Then, we will begin today after school. You will gather at my atelier.¡±

    Lisha decided so and ended the talk.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really think that Lu-chan has forgotten. About the two of us.¡±

    On the side, Philphie muttered in a subdued voice.

    ¡°Phew, I¡¯m tired today, too¡­¡±

    The night of that day too, after finishing odd jobs such as the arrangement of bookshelves in the library, the care of the yard as well as the girl''s dormitory bath cleaning, Lux was heading to the dining room.

    The request of being Krulcifer¡¯s ¡°lover¡± for one week was given priority, but he felt awkward to completely decline other odd jobs, so in the end, he ended up working.

    The debt which Lux and Airi who were the survivors of the Old Empire were burdened with in exchange for release on parole could hardly be paid by one person, but they must return it even if little by little.

    ¡°But like this, the rest is only my personal business¡­¡±

    When he arrived at the dining room where there was no one, he spread the several sheets of papers and textbooks in his hands and began to study, but¡­

    ¡°N-Ngh¡­¡±

    Probably because of the fatigue of odd jobs, his eyelids immediately got heavy.

    His eyes were closed when he noticed.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    ¡°Uuh¡­¡±

    Lux woke up to the fragrance of vivid black tea.

    Before him, there were a porcelain teapot with a flower pattern and a beautiful girl in uniform.

    ¡°Did you wake up? You will catch a cold if you are sleeping in such a place.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ Wait, Krulcifer!? Why are you here¨C¨C?¡±

    Lux confusedly turned his gaze at the surroundings.

    When he looked at the big clock of the dining room, he seemed to have dozed for about just ten minutes.

    ¡°Oh my? I am your lover. It won¡¯t be strange even if I¡¯m staring at your cute sleeping face, right?¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t mean that¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux was flustered with a red face, Krulcifer poured black tea into a teacup.

    And she held out the cup to Lux with her usual cool smile.

    ¡°I called the manager and I had him give me an exception to use the fire.¡±

    ¡°T-Thank you¡­¡±

    As he drank the tea, a nice fragrance came into his nose, and a faint bitterness got rid of his sleepiness.

    A little vitality returned to his exhausted body.

    ¡°It¡¯s just by coincidence that I found you. I had wanted at least something to talk about with you when we meet though.

    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡±

    ¡°More importantly, what are you also doing in such a place? I don¡¯t intend to interfere with your odd jobs, but I think that homework should be done by the person himself.¡±

    To the words of Krulcifer which he did not know whether she was joking or serious, Lux smiled wryly and answered.

    ¡°No, this is my personal self-study. Um ¨C¨C I¡¯m still behind everyone on most subjects, so¡­¡±

    In his tender age, Lux was taught basic manners and study from an educational staff.

    But, being expelled from the Imperial Court and moreover in the five years of life doing odd jobs after the coup d¡¯¨¦tat, if anything, there were many practical things which he learnt and he had not that many opportunities to touch (experience) study.

    Here, there were not only matters related to Machine Dragons, but also classes of education and study in order to become a military officer or civil official, so he thought that he wanted to study properly.

    When Lux talk about it to Krulcifer,

    ¡°I see¡­ Then, shall we study together for only 30 minutes from now? Since it will be inefficient with a tired head even if you overdo it, let¡¯s concentrate just a little.¡±

    She calmly said and sat opposite to Lux.

    ¡°I roughly know the parts you aren¡¯t very good at. So, you should catch up by simply memorizing little by little the subjects where you can pack knowledge in your spare moments. For now, let¡¯s focus on the premise parts in order to make it easier to understand the lesson.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps ¨C¨C will you teach me?¡±

    ¡°Are you dissatisfied with me? I may look like this, but if it is only the results of tests, I¡¯m the top of the second-year students.¡±

    To Krulcifer who smiled proudly, Lux hurriedly shook his head.

    (Or rather, even though Krulcifer-san is a foreign student, to think she is the top of the second-year¡­)

    While being dumbfounded at her excellence, he continued to study through Krulcifer¡¯s guidance.

    She splendidly resolved the places such arithmetic, geometry, and alchemy which Lux had trouble with and helped him understand them.

    When the tea filling the pot was almost emptied and they took a short break,

    ¡°With this, has it started to sink in somewhat? It seems that you are unexpectedly catching on (up) quickly, so if I teach you several times again, I think that there won¡¯t be any place where you will have troubles at the lectures.¡±

    ¡°¡­Ah, yes. Thank you for today Krulcifer-san!¡±

    As Lux turned a smile of relief and thanked her,

    ¡°This much is not a big deal.¡±

    Was she embarrassed, she slightly averted her eyes from Lux and answered so.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right. Even in the fight at the time of today¡¯s practice, you came to help me¨C¨C¡±

    He saw through the ability of the men of the army, but the last threat was a miscalculation.

    ¡®¡®Without Krulcifer¡¯s quick wit, I would¡¯ve had to take a risk.¡¯¡®

    When Lux once again thanked her as he thought so,

    ¡°About that, there is no need for you to thank me.¡±

    Krulcifer plainly said with a serious look.

    ¡°I am a calculating woman. That is something I did for me. If you were to injure yourself and fall down, it would have impeded that ¡°lover role¡±, right? So ¨C¨C you shouldn¡¯t mind it.¡±

    ¡°But¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°More importantly why did you do such a thing, too?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s sudden question, Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

    ¡°You went to save the involved (bullied) girl in the practice field. As a result, after that, the party of the third-year students, those students who advocated the question of your admission, who heard the story seemed to have revoked their complaint which they were going to say to the Principal. But, it¡¯s not as if you did something like that by such a calculation, right?¡±

    ¡°Well, I guess¨C¨C¡±

    Lux was at a loss on how he should answer.

    Frankly speaking, there was not a deep reason this time.

    He had just done it reflexively.

    But, if there was something which could describe such a behavioral principle of Lux¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Past memories were revived in Lux¡¯s mind.

    When he hesitated for an instant to speak of it,

    ¡°Oh? What are you doing at such a time, Lux?¡±

    With a surprised voice, three girls appeared in the dining room.

    ¡°Huh? Everyone¨C¨C¡±

    There were Lisha, Philphie and Tillfarr of the Triad.

    They were classmates, so it was not strange; but Lux thought that it was an unexpected combination.

    Regarding Philphie, she was dozing off while holding a pillow under her arms; it clearly brought the feeling that she was forcibly brought along.

    ¡°To be together like this until this late hour. Not bad, you two.¡±

    When Tillfarr said so with a mischievous smile, Lisha beside her reacted twitchily.

    As she silently went before Krulcifer, she called out to her with an impatient expression.

    ¡°Hey Krulcifer. Just because you became Lux¡¯s, um ¨C¨C l-lover by your request, don¡¯t do strange things as you pleases.¡±

    ¡°Oh my? Strange things? Hardly. As you see, we were just studying peacefully.¡±

    Krulcifer entwined her arm on Lux¡¯s while lightly eluding.

    ¡°Wai-, Krulcifer-san!?¡±

    To the nice fragrance which softly drifted and the softness of her body which could be felt even over her uniform, Lux¡¯s heart unintentionally throbbed.

    Lisha who saw that was further upset with teary eyes.

    ¡°W-What are you doing right after what you said!? Go away! We¡¯re within the academy here!¡±

    ¡°I see; it can¡¯t be helped.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Krulcifer obediently parted from Lux.

    (Honestly, even I can¡¯t endure it, but¡­!)

    It was certainly for the acting to the bitter end, but the stimulation was too strong for Lux.

    ¡°With that said, it¡¯s already late, so let¡¯s call it a day! Lead a regulate life.¡±

    ¡°I understand. See you tomorrow. Lux-kun.¡±

    When Krulcifer was about to leave so, Lisha raised her voice.

    ¡°Krulcifer, I¡¯ll tell you just in case. But I¡¯ve already linked arms with Lux on a date. So don¡¯t think you can easily exceed that lead!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At that proud declaration, the members who were present there stiffened silently.

    ¡°Fufu. It looks like you¡¯ve lost your voice. But, it can¡¯t be helped. After all, the relation between Lux and I has already advanced till there.¡±

    To Lisha who crossed her arms and proudly nodded, Krulcifer whispered into Tillfarr¡¯s ear.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that knowledgeable about the view of love in this country, but is linking arms such a great thing?¡±

    ¡°No, Lisha-sama probably don¡¯t know about these things at all¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Um, Lisha-sama¡±

    Lux who became anxious asked to Lisha¡¯s side just in case.

    ¡°Errr, do you know what a kiss is?¡±

    ¡°Wha!? D-Don¡¯t make a fool of me!? Of course, I know it! U-Um ¨C¨C it¡¯s something you have to do when you get married¡­ It¡¯s something necessary when making children in the future¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    To Lisha who blushed and hesitated, all the remained people became silent.

    ¡°Why did you leave things be until it became like this¡­?

    ¡°W-Well, Lisha-sama was only interested in Drag-Rides, so¡­¡±

    While Krulcifer and Tillfarr whispered at each other with expressions showing that they did not know what to say,

    ¡°I have kissed with Lu-chan long ago, though¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Hey, Phi-chan! Don¡¯t say that now¨C¨C!¡±

    Hurriedly holding the mouth of Philphie who muttered in a subdued voice, Lux who also got tired returned to the room.

    It seemed that they would be more ups and downs during his lover life with Krulcifer.

 Volume 2 - CH 2

    Three days had already passed since Lux became Krulcifer¡¯s ¡°lover¡±.

    In order to handle the ¡°lover role¡± requested by her, they continued life that looked like it[1] as they did practice together or as a pair as much as possible and had their lunch together in the dining room.

    Thanks to that the initial awkwardness somehow disappeared, but.

    ¡°Still, I¡¯m envious of Krulcifer-san.¡±

    ¡°But, it¡¯s her who won the contest, so there¡¯s no helping it.¡±

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s frustrating, but they look good together. Be it appearance or ability¨C¨C¡±

    One day after school when such voices had begun to be whispered among the female classmates.

    ¡°Today after this, I want you to go on a date with me.¡±

    With her usual cool smile, Krulcifer said so.

    And it was still in the classroom in which many classmates were still present as the lesson had just ended.

    ¡°D-Date!? Or rather, why are you expressly saying it here!?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Being turned a cramped smile by Lisha at a corner of the classroom, Lux confusedly protested.

    But, Krulcifer calmly acted flirtatiously and bent her head slightly to one side.

    ¡°It just occurred to me, so I said it ¨C¨C was it bothersome?¡±

    ¡°I-It wasn¡¯t, but¡­¡±

    ¡°I see, thank you. I¡¯m glad.¡±

    (N-No good ¨C¨C I was completely sucked by her pace)

    ¡°Kuh, endure it, endure it¡­¡±

    They came out to the corridor leaving Lisha who grumblingly muttering so in the classroom.

    Then, at the moment when there weren¡¯t any signs of other students, Lux began to speak.

    ¡°Um, that declaration just now, perhaps was it on purpose?¡±

    ¡°Of course. If we don¡¯t properly make everyone think that it¡¯s the ¡°real thing¡±, the messenger of the Einvolk House that will come soon will find it suspicious that it¡¯s a fake.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    To Krulcifer who smoothly declared, Lux could not say anything.

    ¡°But¡­ Even if you don¡¯t go so far¨C¨C¡±

    Even if it¡¯s said that a messenger will come from the Einvolk House, would he go as far as to doubt Krulcifer¡¯s words and try to collect evidence?

    ¡°You will understand those circumstances right away. The date itself is true, so we shall prepare a little.¡±

    While curtly answering Lux¡¯s question, Krulcifer said so in front of the dormitory.

    After returning to his room and preparing his outfit, he met with her in front of the school gate ten minutes later.

    ¡°First, let¡¯s go buy clothes.¡±

    They left the school premises and walked down the main street of the first block.

    Ahead of them after walking for about 30 minutes, was the commercial area for relatively affluent customers even among the Fort Cities.

    The noticeable establishments were upper class-oriented high-class hotels, restaurants, tailor¡¯s shops, monasteries and free medical institutions.

    Stately mansions built on a large site were standing in a row in a place where Lux had not come by that much for odd jobs.

    The Fort City was also an important base for investigating the ruins.

    There were many Drag-Knights nobles living in this city, and there were also a lot of examples of even people living in the Capital having built a secondary residence here.

    Even now when the system changed after the outbreak of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago, such things remained unchanged.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°It¡¯s really interesting.¡±

    Krulcifer walking beside him suddenly muttered.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that rare a cityscape, right? For you, a former Prince.¡±

    She seemed to have said it as she saw Lux looking curiously around.

    ¡°Do you often come to such places, Krulcifer-san?¡±

    ¡°I rarely come.¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s reply was plain.

    ¡°I see. I think that someone like Krulcifer-san is more suited for the atmosphere of such a refined town more than me¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux looked at her profile while saying such a thing,

    ¡°That isn¡¯t the case. After all ¨C¨C I hate it.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Still looking forward, Krulcifer said clearly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like people such as aristocrats.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After that, the conversation stopped for a while.

    (What the hell does she mean by that¡­?)

    Krulcifer was a daughter of an Earl of Ymir.

    The reason why she, who was from a prestigious family, hated the same aristocrats.

    I don¡¯t think it¡¯s for something as simple as antipathy to political marriages of convenience.

    ¡°¨C¨COver here.¡±

    When Lux thought about such a thing, Krulcifer suddenly stopped.

    There was a big tailor shop decorated with a beautiful signboard and carvings there.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shop which seems to be quite expensive.¡±

    ¡°Really? I thought that you, former royalty, was used to such things though.¡±

    When Krulcifer said so with a smile, Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡°Having dressed in nice clothes in the Imperial Court is a thing of the past. I don¡¯t remember it any longer.¡±

    ¡°Then, it doesn¡¯t seem to be so enjoyable for you, huh. Then, let¡¯s finish this as soon as possible.¡±

    Saying so, Krulcifer entered the shop first.

    Lux followed after her.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After measured his body size and choosing clothes, they had the tailor fix those according to his size.

    And, one hour later.

    ¡°¡­Wait, was the shopping for my clothes!?¡±

    In the cityscape wrapped in dusk, Lux who came out of the shop unintentionally cried.

    ¡°Rest assured. As far as you trying them on, you looked quite good in formal clothes. As expected of a former Prince.¡±

    Krulcifer returned so with a smile as if it was somebody else¡¯s problem.

    ¡°Whether you like it or not¨C¨C, I can¡¯t accept such expensive stuff!¡±

    Lux, who was bought formal clothes and shoes by Krulcifer, hurriedly declined.

    They settled with the tailor that the clothes would be completed after three days, but the fees seemed to have been paid in advance.

    ¡°You do not need to mind it. It¡¯s in the range of funds that I can use freely. It¡¯s also not a great amount.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux had just brought clothes worth the amount of money that he would¡¯ve spent in three months during the time he was doing odd jobs, so he once gain realized that she was after all an Ojou-sama[2].

    No, it might simply be that he did not just seem like a former Prince, but¨C¨C

    ¡°We take the trouble to come to town, so shall we have a meal and then go back? I will pay.¡±

    They left the high-class commercial area and came out to a large street.

    Probably because of the time period when it was growing dark, there was nobody in the neighborhood and it was dusky.

    ¡°U-Um ¨C¨C as expected, even I can pay¡­¡±

    No matter how often he was made to go along with only Krulcifer¡¯s plans, Lux also had his pride.

    ¡°I kind of like such manly sides on a boy. Though you usually have a face like a girl¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°T-That has nothing to do with it, right!?¡±

    It had been a long time since he had his appearance spoken about, so Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    At that time when the tension somewhat loosened¨C¨C,

    ¡°¡­!? Watch out!¡±

    At the same time as he shouted, Lux jumped towards Krulcifer and hugged her.

    Immediately after, something like a whip extended at high speed and wound the empty space.

    In other words, the space on the street where Krulcifer was standing until just a while ago.

    A passage slightly away from the upper class area.

    Lux was familiar with that weapon which extended from the shade of a vacant house.

    ¡°A wire tail¡­! A Drag-Knight, huh!?¡±

    He promptly drew out his <Wyvern>¡¯s Sword Device from his waist.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move! If you move, I¡¯ll shoot!¡±

    But, almost at the same time, five Drag-Rides which appeared from the surroundings had set up Breath Guns towards Lux and Krulcifer.

    The five people operating the Machine Dragons were men who wounded their heads with a cloth.

    Their unfamiliar rustic impression totally harked back to thieves.

    ¡°There are five <Drakes>, huh. We were careless¡­¡±

    Krulcifer seeing that raised both her hands as to surrender.

    Lux also reluctantly followed it and put his sword at his feet.

    ¡°Remain like that. Don¡¯t call any Machine Dragons. In any case, you can¡¯t escape anymore.¡±

    The <Drake> ¨C¨C these Machine Dragons called customized general-purpose Machine Dragons, unlike the other two kinds, had unique abilities.

    One of them was the power of ¡°camouflage¡± they had used just now.

    It erases the drive sound and light, and conceals itself by lightly projecting the scenery of the surroundings.

    Therefore, they were able to nudge at Lux and Krulcifer¡¯s opening and take the first move in downtown.

    ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll tie you, so can you stay quiet? It¡¯ll be uncomfortable, but I will have you endure it.¡±

    The man at the vanguard said so within the darkness.

    Is their purpose kidnapping?

    They¡¯re probably bandits aiming for Krulcifer, a daughter of an Earl.

    As Lux who guessed so quietly took a deep breath,

    ¡°You¡¯d better stop it.¡±

    He spoke like so towards the men.

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    To Lux¡¯s attitude which, far from begging for his life, showed no signs of being perturbed, the male thief uttered a dubious voice.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, you¡¯d better stop it. If you don¡¯t want to be hurt, that is.¡±

    Similarly, Krulcifer beside him also muttered as to follow.

    ¡°Fuhahahaha! This is why the aristocrat people are¡­ You don¡¯t seem to understand reality. Well it¡¯s fine; you guys, catch them quickly¨C¨C gugah!?¡±

    The man in the vanguard who began speaking suddenly fell, leaning forward with his Machine Dragon and groaned.

    ¡°¡­Wha!?¡±

    When the other Drag-Knights squared off, Lux led Krulcifer by the hand and began to run.

    ¡°W-Wait!?¡±

    The remaining four <Drakes> who saw that moved in a hurry.

    When they were going to chase the two people so that they won¡¯t escape into a narrow passage,

    ¡°Errr. Will you stop?¡±

    A huge purple Drag-Ride stood in between Lux and the men.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

    It was a ground-type Drag-Ride specialized in close range combat that, although both arms weren¡¯t equipped with weapons, overwhelmed the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with claws and fists.

    ¡°Good evening. Lu-chan¡±

    His childhood friend who was the user of that Machine Dragon called out like so to Lux.

    ¡°Philphie¡­ You came after all.¡±

    As Lux smiled wryly and replied to it,

    ¡°Hey Lux! I¡¯m also here, you know!? Look here, too!¡±

    Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern> had already knocked down one Drag-Knight.

    ¡°Lisha-sama!¡±

    ¡°Why are you two in such a place?¡±

    ¡°N-No¡­ Um, isn¡¯t it just a coincidence? It isn¡¯t really like we were concerned about the relation between you two and followed you or something like that¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see¡­¡±

    As Lux turned an indescribable face to Lisha who averted her eyes and blushed, the three Machine Dragons driven by the remaining men Machine Dragon moved simultaneously.

    ¡°There are only two enemies! Beat them and kidnap them!¡±

    The <Drakes> respectively set up their small-sized blades and attacked <Typhon>.

    But,

    ¡°Eeih.¡±

    Contrary to the leisurely voice, a quick fist was let out by <Typhon>.

    A strong arm probably twice as big as a common Drag-Ride¡¯s.

    The <Drake>¡¯s right arm which was holding the blade that was hit with that fist was pulverized with one blow.

    ¡°W-Whaaaat¡­!?¡±

    In front of the man who opened his eyes wide in surprise, <Typhon> made a somersault.

    The Drag-Ride, a weapon built up with metal frame, accelerated with swift movement like a wild beast.

    And, a kick of the Machine Dragon pierced through the body (of the Drake) which became defenseless as the arms were destroyed.

    ¡°Ga¡­aah!?¡±

    The bandit was sent flying dozen of Mel behind and fainted in agony.

    The barrier which was deployed at maximum output was also smashed and the Machine Dragon¡¯s connection was immediately cancelled.

    ¡°Uwah¡­!?¡±

    Lux seeing that strange combat style could not help but cry out.

    ¡°Is it your first time? Watching directly how she fights with her <Typhon>.¡±

    Krulcifer who escaped into the shade of an alley with Lux asked so.

    ¡°Philphie. So you can do such things¡­¡±

    Taijutsu attacks using a Drag-Ride.

    Then, she caught the blade of another <Drake> with the palm of her Machine¡¯s hand this time and crushed it in an instant. She launched a punch with the other arm almost simultaneously and smashed the armor with one blow.

    Philphie who had learned martial arts seemed to be good at close combat.

    That human bullet attack which made use of the weight and output had the destructive power to easily defeat a general-purpose Machine Dragon even with defense.

    Such a flexible and quick carriage (movement) which made it hardly thinkable that she was wearing armor.

    Lux had never seen a Drag-Knight use a roundhouse kick from martial arts.

    ¡°I-Is she a monster, this girl¡­!?¡±

    The fifth bandit, whose comrades were defeated in an instant, started escaping using his <Drake>.

    When the man turned his back as he escaped to the alley where it would be hard to chase him with <Typhon>¡¯s big frame,

    ¡°

    ¡±

    At the same that Philphie muttered, a thick dark gray wire was shot from the armor (shell) of <Typhon>¡¯s both arms.

    ¡°Wha!?¡±

    As the metal, which is at the tip of the wire that came flying bit at the opened <Drake> like the jaw of a big snake, the man was pulled back at high speed before Philphie.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s <Typhon>¡¯s special armament. At first glance, it¡¯s a weapon of the capture system like the wire tail, but it seems that it can be emitted from various parts of the armor and can capture an enemy within range.¡±

    At the same time that the

    , which was shot from the left arm and caught the enemy, pulled him back at high speed, <Typhon> raised its right arm.

    When the forceful counterattack, that was released while drawing in the opponent, was about to burst in front of his eyes,

    ¡°H-Help¨C¨C!?¡±

    ¡°I went a little far ¡­ I guess?¡±

    But, the <Drake> which had been pulled back at high speed toppled sideways by the force of inertia and crashed into the wall. ¨C¨CIt stopped moving.

    ¡°Hey, airhead girl. Don¡¯t let your guard down!¡±

    Lisha shouted while restraining the Drag-Knights whose armor was destroyed using the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±

    The moment when Philphie turned her gaze at the Drag-Knight that she had beaten, the man wasn¡¯t in the <Drake>.

    When she looked around, the man could be seen running down a back alley as he cancelled the connection.

    Escaping after casting aside his Machine Dragon ¨C¨C no.

    Ahead of where the man was running away, a slender woman was standing.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t move! The woman there¨C¨C!¡±

    Pulling a knife from his waist, the bandit shouted.

    He probably wanted to hold her hostage.

    ¡°Watch out!¡±

    Lux unintentionally cried out, and was about to run to help her, but¨C¨C

    ¡°There is no need to go help her.¡±

    He was quietly restrained by Krulcifer with a serious look.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Meanwhile, when the bandit approached the woman and was going to thrust the knife at her chest,

    ¡°It¡¯s really bad, eh. This country¡¯s public order (security)¨C¨C¡±

    Soon after the woman calmly muttered, the bandit¡¯s knife flew in midair.

    ¡°Wha¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Please do not move. Otherwise, my hand will slip.¡±

    The bandit who fell on his backside on the spot had the tip of a long sword thrust at his throat.

    Countless silver lines were running on the surface of the long sword held by the woman.

    ¡°A Sword Device¡­!? That person, who on earth¨C¨C¡±

    At the same time Lux that muttered, the woman with a cool-headed expression calmly raised her face.

    ¡°Long time no see. Miss¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Next to the confused Lux, Krulcifer sighed.

    ¡°She is an acquaintance of mine. The butler of the Einvolk House, Alterize McClair.¡±

    ¡°Then, perhaps she is¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she is the Einvolk House¡¯s attendant who came to see how I do.¡±

    ¡°May we change the place? This place is inappropriate to have a talk.¡±

    The woman called Alterize calmly suggested so.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After handing over the bandits to the guard soldiers who arrived late, Lux and company followed after Alterize.

    About ten minutes after they walked away from the scene.

    They decide to gather in a bar a little near the academy site and to have a light talk.

    Although access to bars was not allowed in school regulations, Alterize said that she would take responsibility.

    Lux, Krulcifer and Alterize sat on a table for three people, and Lisha and Philphie sat on the table immediately nearby.

    The latter two should originally have nothing to do with the matter, but they ended up coming together along due to the course of events.

    ¡°First of all, well. It is good above all to see you in good health, Miss. Is what I would like to say, but¨C¨C¡±

    Alterize glancing at Lux and the others, began to talk so.

    The Einvolk House, a noble House of the religious country Ymir and a prestigious family which produced Drag-Knights in large number.

    It seemed that she, who served as a butler, was herself an excellent Drag-Knight, and one of the strongest people called Ex-class in the country Ymir.

    ¡°There is no need for unnecessary concern just because we are in front of my classmates.¡±

    As Krulcifer curtly said so, Alterize leaked a sigh.

    ¡°Well then, straight to the point. Please be a little more careful. Your body belongs to the Einvolk House.¡±

    ¡°Then, being targeted by thieves is also the fate of a prestigious family, so it can¡¯t be helped.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    In a tone mixed with sarcasm, Krulcifer returned like so to Alterize¡¯s words which were somewhat disagreeable.

    Lisha, who saw it, muttered ¡°What is it? Are they on bad terms?¡± at the table nearby.

    (But certainly, I feel like it¡¯s a little different from a normal master-servant relation¡­)

    Lux who was watching it also had the same impression.

    Be it good or bad, it felt like there was no reservation to each other.

    ¡°There¡®s not much time before the curfew of the girl¡¯s dormitory, so it will help if you make it short. The reason of you coming here is obvious anyway.¡±

    ¡°It is because Miss is insincere like that that I had to come here.¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s words, the woman butler returned in a strong tone.

    The butler Alterize with a strict character and the somewhat elusive Krulcifer didn¡¯t seem have that good of a relationship.

    (Alterize-san¡¯s business which Krulcifer-san says is¡­ after all)

    While listening to their exchange, Lux recalled the circumstances until now.

    Krulcifer¡¯s mission in which she must find a fianc¨¦ during attendance at the academy.

    About how he was asked to become her lover in order to deceive the attendant of the Einvolk House.

    ¡°By the way¨C¨C, who is that man?¡±

    Alterize suddenly said as she turned her gaze to Lux.

    ¡°He¡¯s my lover. It¡¯s great, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    The moment Krulcifer replied so, the shoulders of Lisha who was sitting nearby twitchily shook and she looked at their table.

    ¡°Your lover? That boy is¡­?¡±

    Alterize asked with a dubious face.

    ¡°Yes. He may not be that familiar to you, but he is a Prince of the Old Empire, Lux Acadia. He is my classmate who commutes to the Royal Military Academy as the only male student there. Is there any problem?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°There is a problem. Lux will from now on in various ways¨C¨C Mmm¡­!?¡±

    ¡°I-I will listen to you later, so please be quiet for now.¡±

    Alterize suspiciously stared at Lisha, who interjected from the table nearby, and Lux who held her mouth as to calm her. And after heaving a deep sigh, she muttered.

    ¡°I see, that¡¯s really troublesome, the truth is¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Well, well¨C¨C, I was looked down upon, too.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    To the man¡¯s voice uttered suddenly, all the people present gasped in surprise.

    The man wearing a red, gorgeous overcoat with treated golden embroidery was standing behind Alterize.

    A tall and thin man who let his limbs peep out from under the overcoat.

    Although with his golden hair and upright face, he seems to be a handsome man of gentle manners at first glance, but his slightly hypocritical smile and sharp eyes let one feel a somewhat overbearing atmosphere.

    A knight with a strong confidence ¨C¨C or rather, clad in an armor of ego.

    If it was someone seeing it for the first time, nine out ten people would have such an impression.

    Having appeared before Lux and company was such a man.

    ¡°Lord Kreutzer!? Why are you here? I am sure that the dinner was scheduled for tomorrow, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, it isn¡¯t like I¡¯ve forgotten. Alterize-dono.¡±

    The man called so returned a smile to the surprised Alterize.

    ¡°I may not look like this, but I¡¯m an annoying guy about fixed dates, you see. ¨C¨CBut yes, if I dare to speak about my shortcomings, I¡¯m a little bit impatient. I want to see the girl who will become my wife in the future one step earlier.¡±

    As he let his look crawl from her head to toes as if licking, the man satisfactorily nodded.

    ¡°Ooh. She¡¯s really a beauty as the rumors say. I may not look like this, but I¡¯ve showed up several times to the social parties of the Capital, but¨C¨C I¡¯ve never seen such a beautiful girl. Your bodily build is slightly modest[3], but I look forward to your growth.¡±

    ¡°I am honored that you praise her.¡±

    Replying so was Alterize.

    ¡°Alterize. Who is this person?¡±

    As Krulcifer asked so with a cold expression,

    ¡°I see. It looks like you had not yet talk this through. Well then, I will give my name. My name is Barzeride Kreutzer.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    The moment when they heard the man¡¯s words, tension ran through Lux and Lisha ¨C¨C no, throughout the whole bar including the customers around.

    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t tell, one of the four Great Nobles!?¡±

    ¡°Why is the ¡°titleholder of the Kingdom¡± here¨C¨C?¡±

    As several people inside the bar realized his identity, they turned their gazes with low voices.

    ¡°You mean Kreutzer of that House?¡±

    Alterize nodded at Krulcifer¡¯s question.

    ¡°One of the four Great Noble Families with historical lineage which continued to this day since the Old Empire era. Particularly, it is a noble household which produces many knights and Drag-Knights from generation to generation. This gentleman is its heir.¡±

    (If I remember correctly, the Kreutzer House is¨C¨C)

    Lux recalled after a little thought.

    It was indeed a well-known noble House as a noble, but at the same time it was famous as the hawks of the Old Empire.

    Regarding pedigree, influence and fortune, it was an outstanding House even in the New Kingdom.

    But, the whole family¡¯s way of thinking virtually inherited the Old Empire¡¯s ideas, and Lux had not heard that many goods rumor about them from the past.

    ¡°An heir of the four Great Nobles¡­? Alterize, don¡¯t tell me you¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer who heard this slightly knitted her brows.

    ¡°Yes. While very selfish, I went ahead with the talk to introduce Miss to Lord Kreutzer by the dinner that I had scheduled for tomorrow, and have you exchange an engagement there. But¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you inform me, the person concerned, of that?¡±

    As Krulcifer asked in a amazed tone,

    ¡°It is because if I do not do at least this much, Miss will give a reason again and run away.¡±

    Alterize calmly replied without being shy.

    It looked like although the relation between the two girls was not good, they knew each other¡¯s personality very well.

    In short, seeing through the action of Krulcifer of avoiding the engagement by giving a reason one way or another, Alterize seemed to have scheduled to bring the fianc¨¦ she personally chose.

    Thanks to that, it became quite a chaotic situation.

    ¡°I see. But, it¡¯s really a shame. As you see, now I have a man I¡¯m going out with. Isn¡¯t it? Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­? Ah, yes. Kind of¨C¨C¡±

    Lux became confused as the subject was brought forth by Krulcifer.

    ¡°Lux¡­? Ah, I see. That appearance¨C¨C, so you¡¯re a survivor of the Old Empire¡¯s royalty. This is the first time we exchange words directly like this, eh.¡±

    Barzeride who was quiet until then approached Lux.

    After staring at his face for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ It¡¯s a weak look hardly thinkable of someone from former royalty. As expected of a dog which was let to live by the New Kingdom¡¯s amnesty. ¨C¨CYou¡¯re really worthy to be called the Chore Prince.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A smile and tone including contempt.

    As Lux remained calm even when being shown such clear hostility,

    ¡°Alterize-dono. Is there really a need to postpone this engagement because of a man of this level?¡±

    Barzeride added so as to incite him.

    ¡°Certainly, he is from the former royal family. In such a meaning, he may have a lot of influence in various places, but now he¡¯s just an unsightly fallen Prince. He¡¯s a man only living by receiving others¡¯ leftovers. I judge that he isn¡¯t a man worthy of the lineage of the country Ymir¡¯s prestigious family that you serve, the Einvolk family¡±

    ¡°Certainly, that is¨C¨C¡±

    The moment when Alterize was pressed and was about to consent,

    ¡°Haa. Even if you claim to be from the four Great Nobles, it¡¯s only to this degree after all.¡±

    A girl¡¯s dignified voice suddenly cut off the conversation.

    The voice was from Lisha sitting by the nearby table.

    ¡°To think that you can¡¯t even see through the worth of the man before you. I¡¯m really glad for having the number of rivals decrease, but could you refrain from such a rude tone? Lord Kreutzer.¡±

    After talking with a proud smile, Lisha scowled at the two people at last.

    Though he did not seem to be overwhelmed by it, Barzeride shot back a gaze.

    ¡°If I remember correctly, you¡¯re¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°First Princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata. Lux is the man who is going to become my partner. If you dare to insult him, then I will riposte.¡±

    After Barzeride remained silent for several seconds to Lisha¡¯s sharp words,

    ¡°¡­Kukuku. Hahahahaha!¡±

    He suddenly burst into laughter.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    ¡°What do we have here¡­ so that¡¯s it. It looks the fallen Prince of the Old Empire is quite good at currying girls¡¯ favors. However ¨C¨C the era from here on will be one of battles/fighting. Powerful people who destroy the appearing Abysses and win against other countries in the fight for ruins are sought above all. And we, the royalty and titled nobility, must excel at the skill in operating Drag-Rides. The power as a Drag-Knight and strength as a leader are sought above else.¡±

    Prefacing so, Barzeride once again turned his face towards Lux.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯m on an entirely different level from this man. It¡¯s a waste of time. Alterize-dono, I would like you to arrange the engagement as soon as possible, even tomorrow would work.¡±

    ¡°Yes. ¨C¨CThen tomorrow night as scheduled.¡±

    When Alterize was going to settle so,

    ¡°Could you wait for a moment?¡±

    Holding back Lisha who was about to complain again, Krulcifer said so.

    ¡°Hou. What¡¯s the matter? Do you want to talk with me? My future wife.¡±

    ¡°From here on, power as a Drag-Knight and power as a leader are above else. You said so, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the Einvolk House also thinks so. Therefore, Lord Kreutzer who is from the four Great Nobles and the ¡°titleholder of the New Kingdom¡± is suitable as a fianc¨¦¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Is that really so?¡±

    As she interrupted Alterize¡¯s words, Krulcifer revealed a smile.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s about skill as a Drag-Knight, my lover doesn¡¯t lose, too. Because he is the ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡± famous at the New Kingdom¡¯s tournament after all.¡±

    ¡°Fuhahahahaha!¡±

    Barzeride who heard that burst into laughter once gain.

    ¡°The ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±, huh. Now that you mention it, there was also such a shameful nickname, eh. But ¨C¨C my future wife. Wise as you are, you understand, right? That a coward who only defends himself can¡¯t gain anything.¡±

    ¡°But, in the tournament of the Capital, it isn¡¯t like you also won against him, right?¡±

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    ¡°And, could you please stop that way of calling me ¡°my future wife¡±? You and I are still just strangers.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The expression of Barzeride who heard that suddenly changed into a dangerous one.

    ¡°Lord Kreutzer. Please excuse her rudeness¨C¨C¡±

    When Alterize was hurriedly going to intercede,

    ¡°I see. Isn¡¯t the Einvolk House¡¯s daughter quite a capable person. I like you more and more, Krulcifer.¡±

    Distorting his mouth into an arc, Barzeride remained composed.

    But, Lux knew.

    That behind his expression apparently calm at first glance, a quiet anger burned.

    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s see. How about a match between me and that fallen Prince? A duel with Drag-Rides, that is.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    At Barzeride¡¯s words, tension ran within the store.

    ¡°L- Lord Kreutzer, that¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    When Alterize uttered so in surprise,

    ¡°Certainly, it looks like you didn¡¯t inform her of the talk of engagement. It¡¯s your fault for not having gotten her consent on this matter. However, there is no way she would consent if you forcibly concluded an engagement here, right? After showing my ability, the marriage would go smoothly.¡±

    Sending a gaze at Krulcifer as if asking, Barzeride said.

    His intention of wanting to make this stubborn, yet smart girl yield on this occasion was transparent and visible.

    ¡°To the fight this time, there will be no ¡°draw¡±, but you don¡¯t possibly intend to run away, do you, Fallen Prince?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Being provoked, Lux hesitated to speak.

    Thinking about the future, he mustn¡¯t stand out too much.

    He understood that well.

    But,

    ¡°¨C¨CUnderstood. I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    After a slight hesitation, Lux nodded.

    If he did not accept the duel here, the engagement between Krulcifer and Barzeride would¡¯ve almost been decided.

    He could not use <Bahamut>, but he had no choice but to do it.

    ¡°No, I cannot afford to cause Lord Kreutzer trouble¡­¡±

    When Alterize could not consent and was about to interject as such,

    ¡°On this occasion, why don¡¯t you also participate in the duel?¡±

    Krulcifer suggested so calmly.

    ¡°¡­What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It will not look good if I, the person concerned and you, the person in charge who approached with this matter are just spectators. We might as well make it a duel of two vs. two altogether; how is that?¡±

    ¡°W-What are you saying now!? Please stop with the joke! Do you think that Lord Kreutzer would ride on this¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It does not fit my nature to just be waiting for the result like a commodity.¡±

    As Krulcifer said so without hesitation,

    ¡°Kukuku, I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Barzeride readily consent with a fearless smile.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it good, Alterize-dono? A fight without grudge is the very purpose of the duel. Besides, I¡¯m a pacifist, but there are often times when I want to go all out. After all in the tournament of the Capital, I instinctively hold back so that there are no injured¡±

    He extended his hand to the hilt of the sheathed Sword Device and swung it with a clank.

    Probably, a Divine Drag-Ride was stored in the scabbard with a showy ornament.

    ¡°It¡¯s regrettable for tomorrow¡¯s dinner, but we¡¯ll cancel it. Then, let¡¯s say the night three days later. I¡¯ll prepare the place for the duel. On account of the work, I¡¯m staying at the Fort City for a while. Don¡¯t run away.¡±

    When only saying that, Barzeride let his luxurious overcoat flutter and left the bar.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    A flaccid atmosphere flowed before long and bustle return to inside the bar.

    ¡°Phew¡­¡±

    As Lux whose strain loosened sighed,

    ¡°You two, do you know what you have done?¡±

    Alterize frowned with a tone as to admonish them.

    ¡°Not only did you reject the engagement, but on top of that ¨C¨C you also challenged a member of the four Great Nobles to a duel. You carried your joke too far. Lord Kreutzer possesses the Divine Drag-Ride <A?i Dah¨¡ka> and is skilled enough to be called ¡°titleholder of the New Kingdom¡± in the Capital, you know?¡±

    Barzeride boasted of the record of last year¡¯s third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

    Lux who had similarly appeared in the tournament also knew that, but¨C¨C

    ¡°If it¡¯s a Divine Drag-Ride, I also have <Fafnir>. There is no need to be so afraid, right?¡±

    Looking at Krulcifer who showed no signs of being perturbed, Alterize anxiously held down her head.

    And after several seconds, she raised her face.

    ¡°I understand. However, that person¡¯s ability as a Drag-Knight ¨C¨Cand his influence is something clear even in the New Kingdom now. And it looks like I have also spoiled you too much.¡±

    ¡°Spoiled me? You were just afraid of touching the tumor[4], right? Same as the people in that House¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At Krulcifer¡¯s smile which mixed sarcasm, Alterize tightened her expression.

    As she quietly stood up from her seat, she put some money tickets on the table.

    ¡°I will leave it as it is for tonight. I will show no mercy in this fight with you two.¡±

    Saying just that, the woman dressed as a butler left the bar.

    (What on earth did she mean by ¡°the people in that House¡±¨C¨C?)

    Lux wondered whether anything happened between the Einvolk House and Krulcifer in the past.

    A strange silence flowed among Lux and the others.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost the time of curfew. Let¡¯s already go back for today.¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s words emitted before long, Lux and company decided to go back.

    ¡°¨C¨CJust a while ago, I did something bad to you, Lux-kun.¡±

    Krulcifer muttered so as the four people were on their way back walking to the academy side by side.

    At her unusually depressed voice, Lux hurried shook his head.

    ¡°No¡­ But more importantly, are you really fine with that?¡±

    The mission of engagement imposed on Krulcifer.

    Though he had certainly heard about it, Lux was inwardly surprised at the emotional resistance that did not seem like her who was always calm.

    ¡°I see, in other words Krulcifer didn¡¯t want a political marriage of convenience and asked Lux to play the role of her lover, huh. Thank god¡­ I¡¯m now relieved.¡±

    Lisha stroked her chest as she felt relieved and then cocked her head in puzzlement.

    ¡°But, that butler ¨C¨C was it Alterize? For a mere butler, she is impudent, or rather she was a somewhat strange fellow.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux also felt it.

    Even disregarding the point that it was a strict noble family, he felt like that butler and Krulcifer did not have the ordinary master/servant relation for some reason.

    That it was something which was not a mere intimate or bad relationship.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. Alterize has been like that since long ago after all. That aside, you saved me by accepting the duel proposed by Lord Kreutzer.¡±

    Krulcifer smiled and looked at Lux walking beside her.

    Being stared at by her transparent, beautiful pupils, Lux¡¯s heart could not help pounding.

    ¡°M-More importantly, is it all right? A duel with those two¡­¡±

    ¡°Although I was calm at that time, it¡¯s really troublesome, eh. If you could use that Divine Drag-Ride, there would have been no problem, but¨C¨C¡±

    The ¡°Black Hero¡± who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

    Lux could not afford to let Barzeride and Alterize know that he was <Bahamut>¡¯s user.

    Moreover, in terms of strength the opponent this time was in no way comparable to the temporary instructors a few days ago.

    On one hand, an Ex-class¡¯s Drag-Knight prominent even in the large country Ymir of the North.

    On the other hand, a Drag-Knight who was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <A?i Dah¨¡ka> and the third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

    Even if it was a pair with Krulcifer who had the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>, it could be said that it would be fairly tough to fight only with a <Wyvern> against those two people as opponents.

    ¡°What, there¡¯s no need to be afraid. Lux was able to defend with his <Wyvern> even against my <Tiamat> as the opponent. Then, other male Drag-Knights whose Machine Dragon aptitude values are low should soon be worn out if you gain time.¡±

    ¡°It will be good if it goes like this¨C¨C¡±

    Lux somehow guessed the meaning of Krulcifer¡¯s words, too.

    In the tournament of the Capital, the battle time is a little short and rules had been established to be advantageous to men.

    There were traces of the rules established in the Old Empire era, but even if deducting it[5], it seemed that Barzeride would handle a Divine Drag-Ride without difficulty.

    Therefore, now that the Old Empire was destroyed, he¡¯s called the ¡°titleholder of the New Kingdom¡± as a leading figure of the new era.

    Lux did not know about <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s Divine Raiment, except its name <Avest¨¡ >.

    Moreover, it was a duel where he could not aim for a draw this time.

    Fighting under such conditions, even Lux also felt somewhat uneasy.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get angry, huh.¡±

    As he was lost in such thoughts, Krulcifer beside him suddenly muttered so.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Normally, you will be angry for having been dragged into such a duel. Even though you are not a real lover¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°No¡­ It¡¯s something I said myself after all.¡±

    Honestly speaking, Even Lux didn¡¯t know why he had decided to accept the duel at that time.

    He would probably be scolded by his little sister Airi for that.

    ¡°Thank you. I will say so first for the time being.¡±

    But, Lux did not regret anything.

    Rather, he thought that he wanted to know more about Krulcifer who thanked him shyly.

    ¡°All right! Well then, let¡¯s hurry back at once; I will strengthen Lux¡¯s <Wyvern>. This time for sure, for the specification of attack specialization¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ah, you don¡¯t need to do that¡­¡±

    As Lux returned a serious look and shook his head,

    ¡°Kuh! T-Then¡­, I will equipped it with a special hidden function which I had thought about since some time now¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You know?¡±

    Philphie who had been tagging along in silence until now muttered with a serious look.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t hurry, the curfew will pass.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeh!?¡±

    They looked at each other and unintentionally cried out.

    They hurriedly ran back, but in the end they did not make in time.

    The early morning of the next day, the four people received the punishment of cleaning duty.

    That night when Lux and company were hurrying on their way back, a meeting was held.

    Sitting on the seats of a round table illuminated by a chandelier were seven men and women dressed in dress, formal clothes or military uniform.

    The three people who sat down at the head of the table were Queen Raffi, the Prime Minister and the vice-commander of an army of the New Kingdom.

    The remaining four people were the most prominent Dukes called the Four Great Nobles.

    Family heads of prestigious families which governed the territories of the Old Empire for a long time, and held great influence and power even afterwards.

    There was a big middle-aged man with a good complexion, a white bearded old man whose eyes became hollow like a skeleton, a gentleman in his prime with well-ordered features and, a long-haired man who put on a dark red overcoat with an ornament of steel.

    That room where the New Kingdom¡¯s influential persons gathered together was filled with solemn tension.

    ¡°I wonder how many years it has been since we were all summoned like this.¡±

    The old man¡¯s hoarse voice first broke the silence.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it since the New Kingdom establishment? I almost forgot your faces. After all, business is going well in my territory.¡±

    ¡°At any rate. Does this mean that Her Majesty the Queen needs our help?¡±

    Ignoring the middle-aged man who responded with a joke, the man in his prime summarized.

    The Queen who was asked calmly nodded and urged the Prime Minister beside her.

    ¡°It is the matter of the letter sent to you two months ago. Regarding the Heiburg Republic and its three allied countries.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell it¡¯s still the incident due to that black marketer? I heard that not only did he circulated a large quantity of Drag-Rides to the Heiburg Republic, but for some reason, he has also wholesaled suspicious devices (tools) in even this country, but¨C¨C¡±

    To the old man¡¯s voice, the Prime Minister shook his head and answered.

    ¡°It is not about that. It is about the Ragnarok this time.¡±

    Hearing that, the middle-aged man raised his face.

    ¡°Ragnarok, huh. I have heard about it several times from the Old Empire era, but to think it really existed.¡±

    Ragnarok.

    There are seven Abysses which concealed paranormal power of which it¡¯s said that there exists only one for each of the ruins.

    It was said that the legendary class monster whose hugeness and strength were on an entirely different level from a common Abyss erased several towns and villages in the territory eight years ago in the Old Empire era and moreover, destroyed territories of other countries and even small countries themselves.

    However, because it was an event which the Old Empire¡¯s administration had kept secret, only a restricted number of persons knew that truth even now.

    ¡°I see. So you are trying to say that on top of this, the evidence about the Ragnarok¡¯s existence, that was said to have appeared from the ruins of our country, was collected?¡±

    To the words of the man in his prime, the Prime Minister nodded with a bitter face.

    The serious damage which one Ragnarok, released after the Old Empire wrenched the ruins open, once brought upon every place in the world. The responsibility of that was demanded to the New Kingdom several years after the Old Empire was destroyed.

    On the occasion of the coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago, one of the government officials who fled into a foreign country spread a document of the Old Empire related to the Ragnarok, and the Heiburg Republic which took that proof had impeached the New Kingdom.

    ¡°The Heiburg Republic was originally a major power second to the Old Empire. They have a big influence in the neighboring countries now. If we reject this appeal, let alone the three allied countries, we will make enemies of the whole world, right?¡±

    ¡°Thus we shall discuss a counter-measure¨C¨C huh? But, wasn¡¯t the Ragnarok¡¯s subjugation completed seven years ago?¡±

    ¡°It seems that it¡¯s temporarily petrified and is just lying dormant. According to the scout¡¯s reports, the petrifaction of the Ragnarok which is at the Lidneth seashore has begun to melt (loosen?) gradually a few months ago. Therefore¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Do you want to say that they want us to engage it once again?¡±

    ¡°The Heiburg Republic demands of us the Ragnarok¡¯s subjugation. However, it¡¯s too dangerous to fight the Ragnarok, which was finally put to sleep after cooperating with other countries even in those days, with only the New Kingdom army.¡±

    ¡°Even if we make the small number of high level Drag-Knights strike all together, the odds of victory will probably be small. As expected, Divine Drag-Rides¡¯ users have to lead the subjugation unit¨C¨C¡±

    When they reached that conclusion, silence rose for a while.

    They understood even without any words.

    That the Ragnarok¡¯s subjugation was accompanied with a high death risk.

    And that there was no suitable ¡°Hero¡± which could settle it in the current New Kingdom.

    ¡°¨C¨CIn that case, I will send my son.¡±

    ¡°¡­Lord Kreutzer!?¡±

    Not having uttered a single word despite being there, the man who remained silent spoke.

    That man which wore the ornament of steel on his body and emitted an unusual intimidating air was named Warg Kreutzer.

    ¡°My son has a Divine Drag-Ride called <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which he obtained one year ago. He¡¯s also skilled at handling it and has enough ability to be ranked third in the tournament of the Capital. I think that he is qualified enough to be the commanding officer, but what do you think? Your Majesty the Queen Raffi.¡±

    Queen Raffi was cautious (looked out) to Warg Kreutzer who talked with a fearless smile.

    Among the Four Great Nobles, certain black rumors did not die out about the Kreutzer House.

    Dangerous rumors such as whether this great Noble who possessed a vast territory and was followed by many private soldiers was not originally scheming for a takeover of the Old Empire.

    ¡°We cannot afford to expose Her Highness Princess Lizsharte to danger. Please, leave this matter to this subordinate.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CUnderstood.¡±

    Queen Raffi finally nodded to Warg who suggested this while exaggeratedly bowing his head.

    At the same time, Warg revealed a smile as if to say that he was waiting for this time.

    ¡°However, for this important task where I¡¯m likely to lose not only the Drag-Knights of my territory, but also my son and his Divine Drag-Ride, aside from war funds, soldiers, and Machine Dragons, I think I would also like to have a certain reward.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the full authority on the Atismata New Kingdom army. I would like you to give me the position of General on the occasion when my son Barzeride achieved the mission.¡±

    With eyes full of ambition, Warg said so.

 Volume 2 - CH 3

    Fort City first block. A white stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy.

    Two persons were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

    One of them was a man characterized by his blond hair and high stature, Barzeride Kreutzer.

    The other was an existence with sharp piercing eyes which put on a jet black robe and a hood which covered over his eyes.

    Inside, the house was illuminated by the sunlight flowing in through the windows and there was no presence of other people such as servants.

    ¡°So ¨C¨C how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <A?i Dah¨¡ka> that I sold¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s splendid, my friend. I was finally able to perfectly master its Divine Raiment. I still content myself with third place in the tournament of the Capital for now, but¨C¨C. If I feel like it, this country¡¯s Drag-Knights will no longer be opponents for me.¡±

    To the existence with the robe, the blond man full of confidence answered while returning a smile.

    ¡°I see; it¡¯s as expected of you, my sworn friend. Then¨C¨C I count on you for the matter we have talked about.¡±

    Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

    ¡°If I remember correctly, it was about me marrying that young woman of Earl of Ymir, right? The fact that she is a foreign woman will be a bit of a problem, but is there anything special with her?¡±

    ¡°She is a ¡°key¡±. The key to unlock the seal of ruins, she has that kind of power. In order to reach a deep level where humanity has never gone in until now.¡±

    ¡°Then¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I want to entrust it to you. Therefore, it doesn¡¯t matter whatever means you use. Be sure to conquer (subdue) her and by using her power ¨C¨C I want you to wrench the doors of the ruins open. If you do so, I¡¯ll leave half of the ruins¡¯ treasures and this country¡¯s rule which will someday fall into our hands to you.¡±

    ¡°Kuku, I understand. That woman seems to be quite proud, but such a female is worth breaking. I¡¯ll live up to your expectations, my friend.¡±

    Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

    As he imagined his military rule in the future.

    ¡°Well then, I will take my leave. You don¡¯t need to see me off.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, see you again, my friend.¡±

    Saying only that, the existence with the robe soundlessly left the mansion.

    After Barzeride went up to the second floor of the mansion, and saw with his own eyes from the window that the figure disappeared in the alley,

    ¡°Hmph. Don¡¯t think that you can tame me forever. Well, it¡¯s fine; if you say I can use whatever means, then there are many measures to consider.¡±

    Saying so, Barzeride tightly grasped the Sword Device at hand and clicked his tongue.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it. This country¡¯s next King ¨C¨Cwill be me.¡±

    ¡°Phew¡­¡±

    It was the day after they agreed to a duel with Barzeride.

    Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

    Since he handled a classmate¡¯s request today from earlier this morning, he was a little tired.

    This was because he thought that it wasn¡¯t good that he gave so much priority to Krulcifer¡¯s request that he hardly listened to other girls¡¯, but¨C¨C

    (As expected, I overdid it a little, I guess¡­)

    On account of his life of odd jobs, when it grew dark, he went to bed and made sure to relieve fatigue for the next day¡¯s work, but, since he came to this academy, he had worked even more as much as he was usually taken care of.

    He didn¡¯t know whether or not she guessed it, but Krulcifer unusually released Lux saying ¡°I have some business to take care of today¡±.

    Though it wasn¡¯t a bad feeling to live as Krulcifer¡¯s ¡°lover¡±, as expected spending time with her who was much more elegant than him was unexpectedly nerve wracking.

    Thus, when it had been long since he lazed; lying down on the desk, Tillfarr, one of the Triad, gently poked the shoulder of Lux who was half asleep.

    ¡°Oh my, I see that your girlfriend isn¡¯t here today. Lux-cchi, you¡¯re lonely, right?¡±

    To the carefree smile like a flower, Lux raised his face with a wry smile.

    ¡°Errr, is it for a work or something?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you may say that, I guess? Seems like you¡¯ve been abandoned. Then, can you tag along with me a little?¡±

    Tillfarr naturally took Lux¡¯s hand and left the classroom with him.

    Other students who were withholding due to the matter of Krulcifer¡¯s ¡°lover¡± were showing faces saying ¡°damn it, I was late¡±.

    ¡°Okay. It¡¯s here.¡±

    When they walked down the corridor a little, they arrived in front of a certain room before he was aware.

    ¡°Huh? This is the drawing room, but¨C¨C?¡±

    It¡¯s originally a room for visitors or guests, but is it all right to enter now?

    As Lux was thinking so,

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. There is no plan for it to be used today, and we got permission from the Principal. Well then, I¡¯ll go prepare, so wait. Ah, peeping is forbidden.¡±

    The mastermind Tillfarr who brought him along left Lux and went somewhere.

    ¡°What on earth does this mean¡­?¡±

    Rather, what does she mean by peeping?

    Lux sat on the sofa while being puzzled, but probably because of fatigue, he had fallen into a light sleep.

    ¡°N, Ngh¡­¡±

    ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting! Then, excuse me!¡±

    When he suddenly woke up and raised his face, he heard a knock on the door and then Tillfarr¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Ah, welcome¨C¨C, wait, eeeeh!?¡±

    Lux who was still half asleep couldn¡¯t help but doubt his own eyes as he saw the outfits of the girls who entered.

    ¡°¨C¨CI¡¯m coming in, Lux.¡±

    ¡°Lu-chan. You¡¯re drooling.¡±

    Standing there were Lisha and Philphie dressed in unfamiliar maid outfits.

    Following after them was Tillfarr holding plates of food in both hands.

    ¡°So, in order to heal Lux-cchi¡¯s daily fatigue, let us serve you. Master, rest slowly.¡±

    Looking at Tillfarr¡¯s who winked and the other two¡¯s appearances, Lux opened his mouth flabbergasted.

    It was a plain black maid outfit with a white brim, but as the clothes were a little customized, the skirt was cut rather short.

    As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

    ¡°Errr ¨C¨C what is this?¡±

    ¡°Well you know, master. I was also consulted by Lisha-sama as to how to make Lux-cchi happy. Because the Princess says that she doesn¡¯t really know what can make a man your age happy, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°H-Hey. You promised not to say that, right!?¡±

    At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

    ¡°¨C¨CAnd then, we reached the conclusion that imagining the scene of the time when Lux was a Prince, and serving you as maids was the most pleasing to do.¡±

    ¡°But, I hadn¡¯t gotten maids to take care of me that much¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Then, you should use this opportunity to fully enjoy it. We¡¯re all amateurs though.¡±

    As expected of the class¡¯s mood maker, she forcibly pushed forward the talk.

    Then, she began to display the dishes on the table.

    Since it was just lunch time, too, they seemed to want him to eat here.

    (Is it all right to do something like this in the academy¡¯s drawing room¡­?)

    Though it isn¡¯t as if Lux didn¡¯t think so just a little,

    ¡°Um ¨C¨C Is it troublesome? Doing something like this suddenly¡­?¡±

    Looking at Lisha in her maid outfit averting her eyes slightly embarrassed, he changed his mood.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m very happy. Thank you, Lisha-sama.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!? N-No, um ¨C¨C f-for the time being today, you may think of me as being your maid and do somewhat indecent things like when you were young¡­¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t do that!? What do you think I was when I was young!?¡±

    ¡°I-I see. Tillfarr said that such things seem to be a maid¡¯s work, too¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As Lux turned a surprised look, Tillfarr whistled acting as if she knew nothing.

    Though Lux found it really troublesome, he was honestly happy that they were concerned about him who was tired.

    ¡°Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯s a rare opportunity, a maid will feed you. Lisha-sama.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!? A-As expected, that¡¯s more embarrassing, or rather¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Shall I do it?¡±

    ¡°N-No, let me do it after all. Can I, Lux!?¡±

    Though Lisha was somewhat reserved, she said so as to oppose Philphie.

    Then, she picked up a sandwich put on the plate and held it out to Lux¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°U-Um, thank you for the meal.¡±

    Since the other two were watching steadily, it felt somewhat awkward, but Lux ate the sandwich from Lisha¡¯s hand.

    It had the taste and texture of fresh vegetables, ham, eggs, spices, and sauce.

    Since there was also the fact that Lux was also hungry, the sandwich which seemed to be homemade smoothly went into his stomach.

    ¡°U-Um, how is the taste? Just to note, we had the dining room¡¯s cook help us with it¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very delicious.¡±

    As he replied so to Lisha in her maid outfit who asked with upturned eyes,

    ¡°Haw¡­!?¡±

    Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

    ¡°Lux ate it¡­ It¡¯s somehow very exciting. Doing something like this.¡±

    While leaking a seductive sigh, Lisha carried the sandwich to Lux¡¯s mouth with tottering hands. The dish which was put on a large plate was eaten in no time.

    ¡°Here, water. Afterwards well, let¡¯s see; shall I massage your shoulders?¡±

    As Lisha was looking outside from the window from the room with an entranced expression, Tillfarr gave him water and gently massaged Lux¡¯s shoulders.

    Then, Philphie who was silent until now also put a large plate on the table.

    ¡°I made a dessert.¡±

    ¡°T-Thank you ¨C¨C wait, the dessert after the meal is this!? Isn¡¯t it a little unreasonable!?¡±

    It was a circular pancake ¨C¨C no, it which was made in seven thick layers could already be regarded as a cylinder.

    When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

    ¡°¡­Lu-chan is, cold. Even though you gladly ate it long ago.¡±

    Abruptly looking away as if her pride was wounded, Philphie sulked.

    Pancakes were certainly Philphie¡¯s specialty when they were young, but¨C¨C

    ¡°N-No. I like this, too. It wasn¡¯t so much in the old days ¨C¨C b-but, it¡¯s so nostalgic, I¡¯m happy.¡±

    When he hurriedly corrected himself like so, Philphie¡¯s good mood returned as she said ¡°really?¡±.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s eat together. We can finish it if we eat together.¡±

    Philphie showing a gentle smile and Lux began to eat the pancake tower together.

    After eating two layers, Lux was down and unable to continue; in the end, Philphie ate up the rest in the blink of an eye.

    Though it was quite interesting and was a feast for his eyes, Lux thought at last with a wry smile.

    (In the end, the three of them were not maid-like at all¡­)

    ¡°Oh, you finally came! I was waiting for you, Lux.¡±

    Then ¨C¨C After school of that day.

    Lux showed up in the Drag-Knight¡¯s atelier by Lisha¡¯s request.

    The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

    And, countless assembled Machine Dragons standing in a row was a magnificent view no matter how many times one saw it.

    One could understand by seeing that Lisha had put on a white gown on her uniform, and was doing her work as an engineer.

    ¡°Errr, so, for today¡¯s work¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°W-Well¡­, leave aside the talk of work for the time being and make yourself comfortable. I¡¯ll get you some tea now, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Oh, then I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    As Lux offered so due to his usual odd jobs¡¯ habit, and was about to head to the small kitchen located in the back of the atelier.

    ¡°No. There¡¯s no need. I, the younger one, should do it.¡±

    ¡°You should just sit down there, Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±

    Standing there were two familiar girls, his little sister Airi and her friend Nokuto.

    ¡°Why are you here, too¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°We had a little business regarding Machine Dragons; since it¡¯s a rare opportunity ¨C¨C are we in your way? Nii-san.¡±

    Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

    ¡°Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!¡±

    Lisha who saw that called out to him from the sofa.

    ¡°Geez, I can at least explain it by myself¡­¡±

    Judging from Lisha somehow discontented, Airi and Nokuto seemed to have forcibly intruded on here.

    After a while, tea poured into cups was carried, and Airi and Nokuto also sat down before the work unit.

    And, Airi spread several sheets of papers there.

    ¡°This is¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto¡¯s <Drake>.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux slowly looked over the bunch of paper.

    Starting with the estimated output when he used the Divine Raiment, detailed records such as the estimated time of operation limit were written.

    Airi probably collected them over many hours for Lux to use <Bahamut> someday.

    By increasing the output, one would be able to momentarily generate a strong power, but in return, the consumption would be huge.

    A precise adjustment of the output of the Drag-Ride and each armament was carried out in accordance with the ability and aptitude of the user.

    However, unlike a general-purpose Machine Dragon, for a Divine Drag-Ride whose existence was confirmed and it was said that there was only one for each species in the world, there was no standard value of adjustment, and it was the present fact that analyses aren¡¯t readily advanced.

    Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°While looking at it, I made a fine output adjustment to <Bahamut>. As expected, it was hard to do it until now since there was no data. I cut the output which is likely to be vainly used as much as possible, so I think you can fight quite easily more than before.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lisha-sama.¡±

    As Lux turned a smile, Lisha suddenly blushed and averted her eyes.

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ If you say it like that, then it was worth my doing my best. U-Um, as a reward, if you could hold me¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°Ah, thank you both of you.¡±

    ¡°Yes. I feel obliged.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CH-Hey!? I haven¡¯t finished talking yet!¡±

    Ignoring Lisha who shouted from behind, Airi continued the talk.

    ¡°By the way, it doesn¡¯t mean that I want you to fight for a long period of time. So, please do not act rashly. That ¨C¨C you understand, right?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes. I know.¡±

    To Lux¡¯s smile, Airi also returned a smile.

    ¡°With that said, Nokuto. I cannot trust Nii-san, so I can only rely on you.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Roger, Airi.¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey!? What do you mean? You don¡¯t trust me!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious, right? Even though you always ignore my advices and rampage as you please.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    When being told so, he thought that she was actually right; so his ears hurt.

    ¡°Well, in tomorrow¡¯s ¡®Abyss subjugation¡¯ and ¡®ruins investigation¡¯, as expected I don¡¯t think <Bahamut> should be used.¡±

    Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

    ¡°Ah, speaking of which¨C¨C¡±

    The ruins¡¯ investigation by ¡°Knight Squadron¡± that he was told about by Relie.

    The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

    The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large Abyss which appeared around the ruins.

    As well as the sixth ruins ¨C¨C Garden¡¯s investigation.

    Originally, that mission would be carried out by a unit whose members were half composed of those elected from the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, but this time by Relie¡¯s recommendation, Lux was also going to tag along as an exception.

    Of course, he could not afford to let <Bahamut>¡¯s existence be known to the other members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±, so he did not want to act too much rashly, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. After all, the commanding officer this time is me.¡±

    Drinking tea contained in the cup, Lisha stuck out her chest.

    ¡°While we are it, I also prepared the most recently drawn map of the ¡°Garden¡±, so please keep it in mind during this evening.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes. Thank you.¡±

    Lux nodded and thanked Airi¡¯s consideration.

    The ruins were labyrinths whose existences had been confirmed to number seven in the world presently and in which ancient technology slept.

    Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

    This place was an existence which brought various things in the world and prompted rapid evolution and development in these past ten years.

    Among the three ruins which were in the territory of and around the New Kingdom, the sixth ruin, the ¡°Garden¡± was the place where investigation had advanced the most in the present situation, but even so ¨C¨C its whole aspect had not been clarified yet.

    But, since it was a matter which had continued since the Old Empire era, it was a path which could not be avoided.

    ¡°This time, as expected Krulcifer won¡¯t tag along. So, you may rely on me without reserve, Lux.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    To Lisha who tapped his shoulder smilingly, Lux returned so.

    ¡°Yes. In her case, there is that ¡°condition¡± after all.¡±

    Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

    Therefore, on the occasion of fighting in this Atismata New Kingdom, her unique standard was determined.

    When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

    (I wonder if she¡¯ll be right by herself. Krulcifer-san¡­)

    However, Lux was anxious about going and leaving her alone.

    It should be the safest if she didn¡¯t go to the ruin investigation, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Okay, this talk is over. Therefore, how about you young girls go back? I want to talk with Lux about a slightly personal matter, you see?¡±

    ¡°A talk?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ well.¡±

    When Lisha was about to begin talking,

    They heard a light knock.

    ¡°Good evening!¡±

    Before they could reply, opening the door and entering was Tillfarr of the Triad.

    ¡°What are you all doing? It looks very interesting, so let me in.¡±

    ¡°As usual, you¡¯re someone who can¡¯t read the atmosphere¡­¡±

    Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

    ¡°Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.¡±

    As she couldn¡¯t just watch that without doing anything, Nokuto also of the Triad asked just as amazed.

    ¡°Well, there is a message for Lux-cchi. From Principal Relie; she said that tonight after about five o¡¯clock¨C¨C, you¡¯ll be able to enter the bathroom.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±

    At these words, Lux also forgot their talk about the ruins and stood up.

    About the bathing in the girl¡¯s dormitory, Lux was basically prohibited from going in, but there was a certain period of time when he could use the bathroom; about once a week.

    When the female students finished their bathing and there were no other users, he was called out by the manager such as the dormitory leader and was allowed to enter all alone.

    Since he usually got it over with only wiping his body with a towel dipped in cold or hot water, bathing was a rare opportunity for Lux.

    ¡°Then, even if I go¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­, it can¡¯t be helped. Let¡¯s call it a day. Let¡¯s talk about this another time.¡±

    With Lisha¡¯s permission, Lux left the Machine Dragon¡¯s atelier.

    And he went straight to the large public bath of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    ¡°Phew. It¡¯s been a while since I was in a bath¨C¨C¡±

    He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate ¡°under cleaning¡± outside and took off his clothes.

    Although he had properly gotten permission from the Principal, as expected he couldn¡¯t help being nervous just by being in the bathroom of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    Marble pillars, and the large bathroom which lamps faintly illuminated.

    After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

    I was regularly bathing in my Imperial Court life when I was young, but after beginning my life of Chores, I was hardly able to take a proper bath; so this is also a side benefit, Lux thought.

    He relaxed his whole body and entrusted it to the buoyancy of hot water.

    The sensation of his muscles, which got tired with daily odd jobs and training, getting loose was comfortable.

    ¡°Haa¡­¡±

    Originally a time of the supreme bliss that he could rarely taste.

    Nevertheless, there was a certain concern in Lux¡¯s head.

    It was about the duel over Krulcifer¡¯s engagement.

    There was no problem to the fact that it had come to a duel ¨C¨C to the fight itself.

    However, aside from the woman butler Alterize, Barzeride was a dangerous opponent.

    And, he was also worried about Krulcifer who had also decided to fight.

    (I don¡¯t really understand though. She doesn¡¯t seem to have a very good relationship with her home¨C¨C)

    Of course, since it was about Krulcifer, she was probably doing well; but it somehow felt like she did not trust the members of the Einvolk House.

    This might be because Lux, who was treated as a parasite among the imperial family before, put himself in her place that he ended up thinking so.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux gently closed his eyes while being soaked into the bathtub.

    Tomorrow, Lux would join the ruins investigation by the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± for the first time.

    ¡°I hope we¡¯ll be able to come back safely¨C¨C¡±

    As he talked like so to himself.

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    When he spontaneously opened his eyes and looked at the figure hidden in the white steam,

    ¡°¡­¡­ Huh?¡±

    A familiar pink-haired girl looked at Lux with her absentminded eyes and tilted her head to the side.

    ¡°¨C¨CWait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?¡±

    Standing with a splashy sound, Lux could not help but draw back in the bathtub.

    As he flung his back on the wall, he finally grasped the present situation.

    ¡°It¡¯s rude. Lu-chan.¡±

    When Philphie who let her hair down said so with a serious look,

    ¡°Ah, s-sorry¨C¨C not that!? Why is Phil¡­Phi-chan here!? Um, wasn¡¯t there a plate ¡°under cleaning¡± outside!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because I came back late for training today. Onee-chan said that the bath is still opened¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

    This situation was definitely Philphie¡¯s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie¡¯s doing.

    ¡°Geez, what is she thinking!? That person¡­!¡±

    No matter if they were childhood friends, she should not let a young lady and a man their age sleep and take a bath together.

    It looked like Philphie herself did not mind it, but there was a problem after all.

    ¡°S-Sorry. W-Well then, I¡¯ll immediately go out, so¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux, thinking so, was about to get out of the bathtub,

    ¡°¨C¨CWhy?¡±

    Philphie returned a straight face.

    ¡°No, after all!? Even Phi-chan hates it, right!? To take a bath with me, a man¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux confusedly said so,

    ¡°I will never take a bath with a man I don¡¯t like.¡±

    Bending her head slightly to one side, she replied with a serious look.

    Lux¡¯s face reflexively became red

    ¡°N-No, I¡¯m not talking about that¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux said so while covering his eyes with his hand,

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I took a bath with Lu-chan. It¡¯s really nostalgic¡­¡±

    Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Her tone looked really happy for her, who was usually taciturn, and Lux somehow hesitated about getting out of the bathtub.

    (N-No, but¨C¨C, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that it¡¯s ethically wrong!)

    Within his whole body conflict and embarrassment seethed, Lux threw a fleeting glance at the figure of Philphie slightly away.

    It was beautiful.

    Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

    Her fluffy pink hair got wet and slightly stuck on her skin.

    And, her white, firm skin and big chest which floated in the bathtub¨C¨C

    (Wait, looking more than this is bad¡­!)

    Lux looked away and somehow maintained his reason which almost collapsed unintentionally.

    As he threw a fleeting sidelong glance at Philphie after calming down after several deep breaths¨C¨C

    ¡°¡­Kukah¡±

    ¡°She actually fell asleep!? Wait, you can¡¯t sleep here, Phil¨C¨C¡±

    Unintentionally drawing near, he lightly shook Philphie¡¯s shoulders soaking in the bathtub.

    Her vivid body temperature and the feel of her smooth skin.

    The rich swelling which shook together with Philphie shaken back and forth.

    (W-Wait, I can see her breasts¡­! From the front is bad!)

    Lux¡¯s gaze was attracted to her half exposed big chest floating in the hot water, and his throat quickly got dry.

    In order to restrain himself, as he got up from the bathtub at once, put his hands on Philphie¡¯s shoulders from behind and lightly shook her¨C¨C

    ¡°Huh¨C¨C?¡±

    For an instant, a strange sense of discomfort cooled down Lux¡¯s mind.

    Lux himself, not knowing immediately the reason, stiffened for about several seconds.

    ¡°Ngh¡­ what¡¯s wrong? Lu-chan¡±

    ¡°N-No¡­ M-More importantly, you shouldn¡¯t sleep in the bath, Phi-chan.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes. Thank you.¡±

    Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

    So as not to see her naked body over the transparent hot water, Lux, after averting his eyes, finally realized the true identity of the sense of discomfort.

    ¡°H-Hey, Phi-chan¡±

    ¡°¡­What?¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there scar on your back? A small one diagonally from the right shoulder¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­Maybe there was. I don¡¯t really remember though.¡±

    With slow movements, Philphie passed one hand onto her back and traced it with a finger.

    Right, I¡¯m sure there should have been one.

    Lux remembered having heard that it was a scar she had gotten by having fallen down in her childhood before meeting with him.

    It was not that deep a scar, but one could tell by sight that it was an old wound.

    But, as far as Lux saw a while ago, the scar had neatly disappeared.

    Could the wound which left a scar that remained from the time of childhood be healed at this age?

    ¡°Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°E-Errr¡­?¡±

    Lux came to his senses at Philphie¡¯s voice.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to the ruins, right? I won¡¯t also be able to go with you this time due to orders. It¡¯s regrettable, but I was told so by Onee-chan.¡±

    He had the feeling that slight loneliness was mixed into her usually leisurely tone.

    It seemed that she wouldn¡¯t be able to sortie together with them as a member of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± this time, too.

    Although a military power to protect the Fort City was also necessary, it isn¡¯t like that problem did not occur to him, but

    ¡°Y-Yes. It¡¯s all right. I¡¯ll come back again properly.¡±

    As he promised so, Lux, after having allowed Philphie to get up first, left the bathroom.

    ¨C¨C About ten minutes later.

    In order to pass time so as to not see Philphie changing her clothes, it seemed to have been a longer, leisurely bath than he thought.

    It took a while for Lux, who felt dizzy, to return to his room.

    And¨C¨C, the morning of the next day.

    Lux and the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± had gathered to the waiting room of the practice field for the mission.

    The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large-sized Abyss which wanders around the ruins, and the internal investigation of the sixth ruins ¡°Garden¡±.

    Lux and company were exempted from today¡¯s lessons, and it was scheduled that they would return before the tomorrow evening

    The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

    It was planned that after defeating the large-sized Abyss ¨C¨C Golem, a few elites with remaining power among them would enter the ruins.

    ¨C¨CNo, they intended to do so.

    ¡°Well then, I will inform you of a few points about the change of plan of today¡¯s strategy execution.¡±

    Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

    As the one supervising the strategy this time, it plainly showed that an unexpected and troublesome incident happened.

    ¡°First of all ¨C¨CI will have the foreign student Krulcifer exceptionally participated in this strategy. Her participation to the strategy was strongly requested by the person herself. She asked not to have special treatment and to carry out the mission as a member.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Why did Krulcifer-san¨C¨C?¡±

    The members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± could not help but leak out voices of surprise.

    Lux also felt the same way.

    Even though by order of the country Ymir, she should¡¯ve said that she would not get involved in dangerous missions¨C¨C

    ¡°Please, take care of me. Everyone¡±

    The person concerned, Krulcifer simply got it over with a greeting without explaining her reason for tagging along.

    A volunteer to the ruins investigation which they didn¡¯t even expect.

    Though that alone deserved enough surprise¨C¨C

    ¡°And this person is¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ah, I will personally introduce myself. I cannot afford to cause you trouble, Instructor.¡±

    Lux was familiar with that haughty tone, and theatrically exaggerated behavior and expression which coerced others.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this? Why is this guy¨C¨C¡±

    The mutter of Lisha, who could not hide her confusion, could be also heard by Lux beside her.

    ¡°My name is Barzeride Kreutzer. I act as assistant lord of the Bergeijk region. I graduated as the top student from a Drag-Knight¡¯s military academy two years ago. I thought to offer my cooperation hoping to be of help regarding the duty of this Abyss subjugation as well as the ruins investigation.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Noise.

    Unrest which could not be hidden ran through the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± which should be used to unusual events and fighting scenes (bravado).

    Which wasn¡¯t surprising.

    No matter how you think about it, an aristocrat with a position to govern a territory ¨C¨C and a former military employee at that suddenly participating in a mission of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± was not common.

    ¡°Instructor. What the hell does this mean?¡±

    As if speaking for the voices of all the members present there, Lisha took a step forward.

    ¡°That is¨C¨C¡±

    When Raigree who was asked was suddenly at a loss for words,

    ¡°No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army¨C¨C He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can¡¯t consent that such a person suddenly participated in this important strategy. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    Lisha frowned at Barzeride who talked with a smile as he saw through her.

    ¡°No worries, I don¡¯t intend to interrupt or interfere in the mission contents. Help ¨C¨C yes, I just purely intend to help. Rather, shouldn¡¯t you be happy with that? After all, I, who gained the seat of third place in the tournament of the Capital, have volunteered for the shield role of delicate (frail) girls like you¨C¨C¡±

    It was a statement which posed as a gentleman¡¯s at first glance.

    However, his real intention which treated the female students here with contempt and looked down on them was clearly transmitted.

    (What is he planning¡­?)

    Even Lux could not yet understand what Barzeride had in mind.

    That alone was uncanny.

    ¡°That is what¡¯s called ¡°minding your own business¡±, Lord Kreutzer. If someone who didn¡¯t participate in the coordination training is added to the strategy, our actions will be inhibited, too. To begin with, if a ¡°Big Noble¡± such as you were to be injured, the academy side could not take responsibility, either.¡±

    Even so, Lisha showed a will of refusal to Barzeride who did not changed his strong will.

    The other party was from one of the ¡°Four Great Nobles¡± which had governed a very large territory from the Old Empire era.

    Lisha who was the New Kingdom Princess was the only person in this place that could speak as an equal.

    But,

    ¡°You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stop by the Principal room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something was to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.¡±

    Barzeride calmly replied so.

    When Lisha turned a fleeting glance to the side, Instructor Raigree gave a small nod as she gave up.

    This matter had probably already been settled prior.

    ¡°I see. I understand the situation. But, why going that far¨C¨C?¡±

    When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

    ¡°If you¡¯re asking for a reason, there is one. The girl who should become my future wife will be there. In case anything should happen in this dangerous mission¨C¨C¡±

    Barzeride bragged with a smile.

    Small ripples spread among the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± that heard that.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Krulcifer who was thrown gazes looked the other way seeming totally unconcerned.

    Was she disgusted or maybe she didn¡¯t want to show a reaction?

    Or it might be both, Lux thought.

    ¡°¨C¨CWell then, I will have Lord Kreutzer act only as support in the Abyss subjugation. He will not be involved with the investigation. Understood, everyone?¡±

    When Instructor Raigree said so, there was no further objection.

    When the strategy meeting ended, Lux and company changed into dress gear and came out to the practice field.

    Afterwards, each of them equipped their Machine Dragons and began to move towards the target location, but¨C¨C

    ¡°Um, Krulcifer-san. Why are you taking part in this mission¨C¨C?¡±

    Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

    Participation in a dangerous mission should¡¯ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

    As Lux tried to ask the reason,

    ¡°I will tell you in detail later. Right now, it is one of the few opportunities for me to achieve my purpose.¡±

    Krulcifer returned so in low voice to Lux while paying attention to the surrounding.

    What does she mean by the investigation of the ruins was her purpose?

    Is it also somehow related to Barzeride¡¯s unnatural participation?

    Though Lux had such a speculation,

    ¡°And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I do not know where he heard about it from; but he just selfishly came along.¡±

    ¡°Those are really cold words, eh, my future wife.¡±

    As he had heard their conversation, Barzeride appeared from behind Lux.

    Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

    ¡°Hey, can you stop with that future something? I remember having said that you and I are just strangers.¡±

    Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

    If the woman butler Alterize who tried to make the engagement saw that, she would fly into rage, but

    ¡°Ah, sorry for that. But well, I thought that the result of the duel that will be held tomorrow night has already been decided.¡±

    Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

    A duel to decide the establishment or cancellation of the engagement.

    About that fight which Krulcifer was the prize, he was probably thinking that his victory was already a matter of fact.

    ¡°Still ¨C¨C it¡¯s unexpected.¡±

    Then, as he turned his face to Lux who was immediately nearby, Barzeride showed a frivolous smile.

    ¡°To think that a man who can do nothing other than defending himself is participating in such a mission. Geez, there is nothing more ludicrous than this.¡±

    A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

    Though Lux did not react and remained silent to that clear hostility,

    ¡°Could you stop talking about unnecessary things, Lord Kreutzer?¡±

    Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

    ¡°And I¡¯ll say this while I¡¯m at it; Lux has the important mission of going into the ruins with us this time. If you intend to hamper the strategy by saying more nonsense like that, I shall ask you to leave right now. Even if you have some other purpose.¡±

    ¡°Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.¡±

    Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

    ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.¡±

    ¡°Ah, no. Well¡­ Yes, d-don¡¯t mind it.¡±

    Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

    ¡°We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.¡±

    ¡°Tch, interrupting us when we¡¯re in a good atmosphere¡­ Well then everyone; equip your Drag-Ride. We are departing!¡±

    Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

    Finally, the operation commenced.

    A few minutes after they equipped their Machine Dragons and departed.

    All the members arrived at the ruins of the New Kingdom territory about 20 Km away from the Fort City.

    A huge white cube which had grown from the ground of a wasteland.

    That building called the sixth ruins ¨C¨C ¡°Garden¡± was endowed with an inorganic, majestic appearance.

    ¡ºThe target has been confirmed. Everyone, get ready for battle!¡»

    Lisha who acted as the commanding officer this time urged vigilance through the dragon voice.

    Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

    ¡°This is the ¡°Garden¡±¡­¡±

    There were three ruins, which appeared from about ten years ago, existing within the New Kingdom¡¯s territory.

    The ship type ¡°Ark¡± floating on the open sea.

    The ¡°Babel¡± extending from the land of the border, breaking through the clouds and soaring.

    And this ¡°Garden¡± close to the Fort City.

    In the interior where six sides were surrounded by a square wall, there were a forest, lake, cave and the like, it seemed like a structure connoting one small world.

    It seemed that Machine Dragons and technology from the past were sleeping at the altar at the that center, but¨C¨C

    ¡°It¡¯s really curious. Is this also the first time for you, a Former Prince of the Empire, to be seeing this?¡±

    Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> and flying beside Lux accosted him as such.

    It seemed that only third-year students in the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± had experience with investigation.

    ¡°I have worked as a guard, guarding the surroundings due to odd jobs¨C¨C, but this is my first time seeing it this close.¡±

    ¡°I see. In this place, only the third-year students who came along have experience in investigations. You have probably heard about it in the prior strategy meeting, but if there is anything, you can ask me without reserve.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When Lux nodded,

    ¡ºHey. Be careful, everyone! Abyss confirmed ahead!¡»

    Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

    At a closer look, a huge lump appeared from the shades of the ¡°Garden¡± where there were several castles.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C!¡±

    Reflected in the eyes of the Drag- Ride clad in Lux was a giant metal soldier whose half body was covered with rock scales.

    It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

    A large-sized Abyss which boasted of its big frame and superhuman strength.

    Although it had weaknesses such as its slow pace and its monotonous attacks, it possessed a hard, sturdy metal body; it was proud of its power in which a single blow delivered from its weight was impossible to defend against and to which a fatal wound was unavoidable.

    Escape would be easy for a competent Drag-Knight, but the subjugation was a nearly impossible formidable obstacle.

    The only consolation was that because it was not an active kind for an Abyss, if one did not approach carelessly, there was a very small risk of being attacked; but since it had appeared, it could not be left alone forever.

    ¡°It looks like it will be quite worth defeating it, Lux¡±

    Even so, Lisha calmly muttered while looking at the target.

    The distance between the Knight Squadron¡¯s platoon and the Golem was about 500 Mel by eye measurement.

    It had been established by past battles that the location of its core was in the chest, but its outer shell would probably not be pierced with half-hearted long-range shooting.

    ¡°Errr, in the prior strategy, if I¡¯m not mistaken ¨C¨C¡±

    Ordinary long-range shooting wouldn¡¯t be able to make even a dent on it.

    First attract the enemy¡¯s attention with the high mobility of a <Wyvern>, then attack its chest with <Wyverns>¡¯ Breath Guns loaded at full power from the ground and continue shaving its shell until the core is exposed.

    The strategy which had been planned on the previous day should be something like this, but¨C¨C

    ¡°It will take too much time.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    As Lux reacted to that mutter, Krulcifer turned her face to Lisha.

    ¡°Can you leave the diversion and attack to me? It will be faster that way.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait a minute! Do you intend to do it alone!?¡±

    Lisha hurriedly tried to stop Krulcifer¡¯s proposal, but she was not shaken at all.

    ¡°It is possible with my <Fafnir>. If there is not any problem, then let me go.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s certainly true, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Then ¨C¨C I will start moving.¡±

    The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

    ¡°¨C¨C!¡±

    Immediately after, not only Lux who tried to call out to her, but the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± also gasped.

    <Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

    (Fast¡­!)

    A speed to the extent that even Lux who possessed a superhuman kinetic vision and reading lost sight of her figure.

    With its extraordinary mobility, <Fafnir> closed in upon the Golem in an instant.

    Ooooooooh¡­

    The Golem which reacted to <Fafnir>¡¯s approach issued a strange noise from its head and let its strong arm howl

    It pulled (wielded) its fist like a thick huge rock and let out a blow describing an arc.

    ¡°Watch out!¡±

    The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

    A female student reflexively shouted at the blow released from a blind spot.

    ¨C¨CBut,

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    The moment when it looked as if the fist hit, <Fafnir> evaded it without even looking behind.

    A minimum movement without too much waste considering it immediately moved after sensing the presence.

    It set up a sniper rifle and fired light bullets while coolly receiving the sudden gust which arose.

    Several shots impacted on the Golem¡¯s opened underarm and bluish white lights burst.

    Guh¡­! Ooooooooh!

    The Abyss raised a groan and launched an attack with the other arm, but Krulcifer did not move.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!¡±

    Lux raised his voice this time, but Krulcifer still floating in mid-air did not move an inch.

    But, a strange thing happened again.

    Whether it used up all its strength or its posture was broken by the shooting earlier, the Golem¡¯s fist stopped exactly just before hitting Krulcifer.

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

    The precise shooting which could also be called divine feat which she showed in the mock battle again the temporary instructors before.

    But, even if it had been hit by an attack of several shots, the Golem did not move an inch.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go, too. As expected, it can¡¯t be defeated with just a rifle. We have to cooperate¨C¨C¡±

    I don¡¯t know why, but Krulcifer hurried ahead.

    As Lux who intuitively felt so was going to back her up,

    ¡ºYou do not need to come.¡»

    Through the dragon voice, Krulcifer¡¯s voice could be heard for all of the members of the Squadron.

    ¡ºIt looks like I will soon defeat this enemy.¡»

    ¡°Eh¨C¨C?¡±

    The other members, at the same time they blankly opened their mouths, understood her reply.

    Guh, ¡­Oooooooooooooooh!

    At first glance, the movement of both arms of the Golem almost stopped.

    ¡°Looks like it.¡±

    Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

    It had been frozen.

    The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

    The joints of both elbows and wrists were frozen and its movements were sealed.

    ¡°That is <Fafnir>¡¯s special armament ¨C¨C the <Freezing Canon>. It basically has the same high efficiency of a sniper rifle, but that armament holds the ability to freeze the parts shot. It¡¯s a troublesome weapon which, if you defend, would freeze you together with the part used to defend. In the case of a mock battle with her, you can¡¯t help but avoid her attacks.¡±

    ¡°... Amazing.¡±

    While listening to Lisha¡¯s explanation, Lux leaked a voice of admiration.

    She said to avoid, but it was probably a level where it might be said it was impossible to evade all the precise shootings of that <Fafnir>.

    ¡°By the way, <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment seems to be the ability of future foresight called <Wise Blood>. It was probably thanks to that, that she was able to one-sidedly attack while dodging the enemy¡¯s attack earlier.¡±

    ¡°That was <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment¨C¨C¡±

    A Divine Raiment of offense and defense which foresaw an opponent¡¯s attack and aimed at their opening.

    Moreover, Krulcifer had precisely frozen only the joints of the Golem.

    With that ¨C¨C the enemy could no longer fight back.

    As its chest was finally also frozen, the Golem began to behave violently as it struggled, but because of its own weight and muscular strength, the self-destruction of its joints began.

    ¡ºKrulcifer, leave the rest to us. I¡¯ll finish it off with long-range shooting.¡»

    When Lisha was going to call out to Krulcifer with the dragon voice,

    Guoh¡­ Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

    The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

    At the same time, its huge head cracked opened like a cotyledon which buds.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    The moment when Krulcifer raised her guard, a straight flash was released from the huge jewel which was there.

    It would be meaningless if she didn¡¯t consciously activate the precognition ability which is her Divine Raiment.

    ¡°Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!¡±

    Before Lisha had finished shouting, a line of light flew to <Fafnir> and an explosion occurred.

    Boom!

    With a roaring sound, the storm and impact reached up to Lux and the others who were away.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!¡±

    Lux could not help but raise his voice, and headed to her rescue with his <Wyvern>.

    But,

    ¡°I remember having said that you do not need to come. Lux-kun.¡±

    Suddenly, Krulcifer¡¯s cool voice tickly struck Lux¡¯s ears

    Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>¡¯s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem¡¯s frozen chest.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    The moment when the white smoke which was obscuring the field of vision cleared up, it was reflected on Lux¡¯s eyes.

    She was unhurt.

    On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-while light were unfolded.

    ¡°That¡¯s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.¡±

    Such explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

    ¡°A defense type armament which automatically protects the main body in response to an enemy¡¯s attack. It is said to be several times harder than an ordinary barrier.¡±

    An armament which symbolized solid scales symbolizing the gigantic dragon Fafnir.

    Lux couldn¡¯t help but feel admiration before her ability to easily use up the two special armaments.

    Precise shooting impossible to defend, high-speed mobility and moreover an impregnable defensive barrier.

    Krulcifer who boasted of a flawless strength overwhelmed the Abyss all alone.

    ¡°But, to be able to manage the Divine Raiment and the special armaments to such extent, is related to Krulcifer¡¯s aptitude value.¡±

    ¡°Aptitude value, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Her Machine Dragon aptitude value is exceptionally high even among the female students of this academy. Normally, it¡¯s an unbelievable numerical value. In such a meaning, you¡¯re quite unnatural, too.¡±

    Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux raised his voice,

    Gu¡­ Ooooaaaaah!

    The Golem whose chest was torn by <Fafnir>¡¯s rapid-fire and core crushed collapsed.

    The frozen joints broke to pieces with a roaring sound and dust soared highly.

    ¡°She did it!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Krulcifer-san!¡±

    As they were released from the tension, the female students of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± raised cheers.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    But, Krulcifer, in contrast to her comrades in high spirits, was staring at the outer wall of the ¡°Garden¡± with an expression as if brooding over something.

    ¡ºEeih, be quiet! We¡¯re still in the middle of the plan.¡»

    Lisha shouted at the unit by dragon voice as to chide them.

    ¡°Well then ¨C¨C we¡¯ll get down to the ruins like this.¡±

    At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

    ¡ºW-Wait, Krulcifer!? It should have been planned that it will be the members of the Triad, Lux and I to investigate the ruins!¡»

    The investigation of ruins was also accompanied with the danger of the appearance of a new Abyss.

    Therefore, a few elites would penetrate the ruins and a powerful person would also be left outside and prepared just in case something unexpected happened.

    In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but¨C¨C

    ¡°I can still fight. So, you don¡¯t mind, right?¡±

    ¡°Krulcifer, san¡­?¡±

    (Is she by any chance¡­ impatient?)

    Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer¡¯s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

    As it is, they started moving to get down to the ¡°Garden¡±.

    Something doesn¡¯t feel right.

    When Lux thought so,

    ¡°Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That¡¯s a splendid skill ¨C¨C but¡±

    In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type <Wyrm> suddenly laughed.

    When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

    ¡ºEveryone! Be careful ¨C¨C something is coming!¡»

    Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

    ¡ºSigns of an enemy confirmed by radar. It¡¯s a new type of Abyss.¡»

    The moment when Nokuto with her <Drake> added that, it could be seen.

    ¡°¡­!? W-What is that? ¡­!¡±

    A Knight Squadron¡¯s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­!¡±

    In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

    A big frame which easily surpassed a standing big bear¡¯s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

    It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

    It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

    It showed no sign of hiding at all.

    But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, that¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°A Diabolos¡­ huh!¡±

    Lisha, frowning, cried.

    Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins¡¯ investigation book.

    A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to able to destroy a small town.

    It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

    Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

    But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

    It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

    ¡°¨C¨CGieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss¡¯s eyes shone.

    When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

    ¡°Shaaaaaaaaa!¡±

    It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a <Drake> down below.

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

    So as to mow the girl¡¯s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

    I won¡¯t make it in time!

    When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

    ¡°Lux¡­san!?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¨C¨C so get away!¡±

    Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux¡¯s way, hurriedly jumped back.

    A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

    Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

    Moreover ¨C¨C that alone could not completely stop it.

    Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

    The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

    (At this rate ¨C¨C it¡¯ll break!)

    When Lux perceived danger,

    Boom!

    A light beam emitted from the canon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> was fired at the Diabolos¡¯s flank.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaah!¡±

    The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

    At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade ¨C¨C but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°Kuh¨C¨C!?¡±

    Her weapon caught, Sharis¡¯s judgment suddenly became dull.

    The demon¡¯s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

    ¡°Guooooooah!¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s <Freezing Canon>. Using that opportunity when the demon¡¯s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss¡¯s range.

    When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron¡¯s members.

    A face-off after taking distance.

    In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

    ¡°¨C¨CWell then, it¡¯s my turn soon, I guess.¡±

    The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

    Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his <Wyrm> and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

    His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

    ¡°That¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

    Divine Drag-Ride <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡£

    Barzeride¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

    It was the battle figure of the man called ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±.

    ¡°Fuhahahahaha!¡±

    At that moment, Barzeride¡¯s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil¡¯s Glow>.

    The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

    The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos ¨C¨C but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

    ¡°Kyaah¡­!?¡±

    All the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s shelling had grazed the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡±.

    But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

    ¡°How¡¯s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first¨C¨C. If you can defeat it before me, I¡¯ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel¡¯s promise.¡±

    ¡°Quit the joke, Barzeride.¡±

    Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I¡¯ll first beat you up here.¡±

    However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha¡¯s anger and continued.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you confident? Lux Acadia.¡±

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

    Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

    ¨C¨CThis man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± around in the shelling.

    If by chance something was to happen, this man for sure ¨C¨C intended to cover it up as an ¡°accident¡±.

    ¡°You¨C¨C¡±

    At this time when Lux¡¯s voice trembled in anger,

    ¡°Would you please stop fooling around?¡±

    Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

    ¡°Kuku, that¡¯s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I¡¯ll allow that much. That¡¯s why you¡¯re worth being conquered.¡±

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>¡¯s shoulder.

    After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

    ¡°I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?¡±

    She declared so with a cool expression.

    ¡°Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.¡±

    ¡°Krulcifer! Don¡¯t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!¡±

    Lisha ignored Barzeride¡¯s statement and said so.

    But,

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides ¨C¨C time is precious.¡±

    With an expression which repressed her feelings Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

    And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

    Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!¡±

    It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride¡¯s attention and not let the others become involved.

    Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron¡¯s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

    ¡°This time for sure ¨C¨C I will shoot it down.¡±

    At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

    Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

    Or at least, it should like that.

    ¡°¡­!? Why did <Fafnir>¡¯s foresight¨C¨C?¡±

    The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer¡¯s profile and she stopped moving.

    Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

    ¡°Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

    ¡°Watch out!¡±

    Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

    ¡°Ushaaaaaaaa!¡±

    Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, it directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

    ¡°Guh¡­!¡±

    He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

    ¡°Lux!¡±

    As the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron¡¯s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

    But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

    ¡°Kuuh¡­!¡±

    When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected¨C¨C

    ¡°¨C¨CGood grief, so my help is necessary after all.¡±

    From Barzeride¡¯s <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil¡¯s Glow> was released.

    As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame ¨C¨C but,

    ¡°Guaah!?¡±

    On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

    For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>.

    Among the Drag-Rides¡¯ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

    The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

    Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn¡¯t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

    It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

    ¡°Guru¡­. Aaaaah!?¡±

    Maybe because it was fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

    ¡°This game ¨C¨C it¡¯s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.¡±

    Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

    But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

    ¡°¡­Why? I¨C¨C¡±

    Although ostensibly uttering calm voice as usual,

    But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

    This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

    Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <A?i Dah¨¡ka> operated by that Barzeride.

    The girl¡¯s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

    ¡°Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.¡±

    Barzeride¡¯s shrill laughter resounded around.

    He¡¯s certainly strong.

    He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±, Lux thought

    However,

    (Something doesn¡¯t feel right¨C¨C)

    When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

    ¡°Don¡¯t relax yet!¡±

    Lisha¡¯s voice could be heard from a distant place.

    ¡°Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah¡­!¡±

    The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

    Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

    ¡°¡­!? Leave quickly!¡±

    The Knight Squadron¡¯s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

    ¡ºEveryone, deploy your barrier at max power!¡»

    Immediately after Lisha¡¯s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

    red cracks appeared on the Abyss¡¯s whole body and it was tinged with light.

    Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-blasted had been confirmed.

    When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t it move? My <Fafnir>¨C¨C¡±

    Next to Lux, Krulcifer¡¯s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

    Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

    The control confusion due to the user¡¯s exhaustion ¨C¨C the rampage began.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!?¡±

    Immediately after, the Abyss¡¯s body exploded with a flash.

    A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

    With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

    Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

    Then, he lost consciousness.

    The sound of rainfall could be heard.

    What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

    A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

    Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

    Although it was said that it was cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

    But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

    There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress ¨C¨C Lux¡¯s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

    ¡°Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!¡±

    While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

    It was an incident of two years ago that Lux¡¯s mother¡¯s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

    After his mother¡¯s father ¨C¨C that is, Lux¡¯s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux¡¯s family was treated coldly.

    After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

    ¡°Please! We will reward you. If I don¡¯t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will¨C¨C¡±

    A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

    The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

    But, no one responded to Lux¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Please! Somebody! ¨C¨C!?¡±

    What came down instead of a response were stones.

    Blood flowed from Lux¡¯s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

    Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

    ¡°Shut up! You damn kid!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?¡±

    ¡°Even if we won¡¯t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won¡¯t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!¡±

    The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

    The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

    All the fights began.

    ¡°Ngh¡­ Hum¡­¡±

    Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

    His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

    ¡°¡­!? That¡¯s right, everyone is¨C¨C!¡±

    Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

    Then¨C¨C

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Lux¡¯s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

    It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

    ¡°Where the hell is this place¡­?¡±

    ¡°Probably ¨C¨C inside the sixth ruins ¡°Garden¡±.¡±

    ¡°Uwaaah!?¡±

    At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux¡¯s body shook in surprise.

    When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt of her waist.

    ¡°I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Ah, sorry¡­¡±

    At her usual very calm, and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

    She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little a while ago.

    ¡°What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It¡¯s also only a little while ago that I woke up.¡±

    Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

    ¡°Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I¡¯m all right. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Ah, no. I¡¯m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.¡±

    As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

    I thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn to inside the ruins.

    ¡°Beside us, it seems that several members of the ¡°Knight Squadron¡± were also sucked in, but other than that, I don¡¯t know the rest of the details.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?¡±

    Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

    The ¡°Garden¡± had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

    There were access gates in each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

    ¡°In case the invasion to the inside of the ¡°Garden¡± succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation in the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.¡±

    Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

    ¡°Yes. But¨C¨C, now¡­¡±

    An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

    It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

    Under the present conditions where they didn¡¯t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron¡¯s members¡¯ safety should be top priority.

    ¡°Well then ¨C¨C let¡¯s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.¡±

    Krulcifer calmly muttered.

    ¡°Is your body all right, Lux-kun?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes, well¨C¨C. Not that, is it okay!?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

    Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer¡¯s face in panic.

    If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

    But, in case that there were casualties or that the members¡¯ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

    In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

    In other words, in this case¨C¨C

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t overdo it. Um ¨C¨C we also have that duel tomorrow night¡­ Even your body is tired, isn¡¯t it, Krulcifer-san¡­?¡±

    <Fafnir>¡¯s rampage shown earlier.

    The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

    What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

    For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

    And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

    Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I¡¯m not injured. What about you?¡±

    As she turned her usual calm voice and look to him, he wasn¡¯t able to say the words he should say.

    ¡°I¡¯m also all right, but¡­ ¨C¨CAh.¡±

    While touching his body, Lux noticed,

    The blade of the <Wyvern>¡¯s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

    This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a ¡°serious damage¡± state.

    Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

    <Bahamut>¡¯s black sword was fine, but since he couldn¡¯t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

    ¡°I wonder if it is broken. It¡¯s because you protected me, huh.¡±

    ¡°N-No, we were both safe, so we¡¯re pretty lucky.¡±

    Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

    However ¨C¨C when thinking about tomorrow¡¯s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

    ¡°If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I¡¯ll go alone.¡±

    Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

    That instead stimulated Lux¡¯s uneasiness.

    ¡°N-No¨C¨C. I¡¯ll also go! I can¡¯t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!¡±

    ¡°¡­Thank you.¡±

    To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

    The moment when Lux¡¯s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer¡¯s slightly feverish gaze,

    ¡°By the way, Lux-kun. You ¨C¨C are you good at cooking outdoors?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

    ¡°I do not know the theory behind it, but in this ¡°Garden¡±, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.¡±

    ¡°E-Errr, um¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°In the case that we are in the ¡°Garden¡±, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡±

    To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

    ¡°And ¨C¨C the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?¡±

    ¡°Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is¡­¡±

    ¡°I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I¡¯ am counting on you, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

    In a peremptory tone¡­

    ¡°T-Then, I¡¯ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.¡±

    When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

    (B-But well, it somehow feels like it¡¯s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaves like herself.)

    He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

    That¡¯s what being a man is, Lux thought.

    (I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but¡­)

    Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­

    There was no sun in the ¡°Garden¡±.

    Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

    They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

    As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

    ¡°Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe¡­¡±

    Lux anxiously muttered so.

    He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

    ¡°If there was <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.¡±

    ¡°Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we¡¯re lucky, we might be able to join them there¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

    About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

    About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

    And¨C¨C

    ¡°We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.¡±

    As if sliding into Lux¡¯s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

    Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the ¡°Garden¡±, so they didn¡¯t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

    But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the ¡°Garden¡±, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

    ¡°T-Then, I¡¯ll look out first.¡±

    When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

    ¡°Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.¡±

    As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

    ¡°Don¡¯t attack me, okay?¡±

    ¡°I-I won¡¯t do something like that!?¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

    ¡°I see¡­ But just to note, you have a criminal record.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I¡¯ve broken into the bath before was because¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As usual, he was played with.

    When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper¡¯s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

    ¡°Ruins, huh¡­¡±

    After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

    An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

    The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

    It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

    Was the key to reaching the ruins¡¯ depths that Airi who, deciphered ancient documents, was talking about was something different?

    And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

    ¡°It would be good if nothing happens¡­¡±

    Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

    One night passed in the ¡°Garden¡± ¨C¨C the next day

    Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

    It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

    After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the ¡°altar¡± at the center.

    They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux¡¯s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

    Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

    In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn¡¯t let their guard down even for a moment.

    ¡°It looks like it is going to rain.¡±

    Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

    ¡°It looks like it is going to rain.¡±

    ¡°Rain? Does it even rain in this place?¡±

    ¡°Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though¨C¨C. Let¡¯s hurry.¡±

    Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

    But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered (slanted) a bit.

    ¡°Watch out!¡±

    When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san. Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s¨C¨C¡±

    The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night¡¯s camping.

    If Lux¡¯s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

    ¡°¡­I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.¡±

    But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

    A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

    The inside of the ¡°Garden¡± was by no means hot.

    Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a little twisted. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±

    ¡°As expected, shouldn¡¯t we go back? I¡¯ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I am sorry.¡±

    As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

    ¡°I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­I understand.¡±

    Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

    ¡°In return, let me walk in front.¡±

    As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

    For a while, the two people silently advanced.

    ¡°Hey, Krulcifer-san.¡±

    ¡°¡­What is it?¡±

    As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the ¡°Black Hero¡±?¡±

    At Lux¡¯s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

    ¡°For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.¡±

    She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

    ¡°Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°But?¡±

    ¡°If the legend of the ¡°Black Hero¡± is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me ¨C¨C something like that.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Unable to say anything at Krulcifer¡¯s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

    And after about ten minutes,

    ¡°This place is, um¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

    Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

    A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

    It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the ¡°Garden¡± was the altar.

    ¡°It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh¡­¡±

    Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

    ¡°Well then, we will wait for everyone here¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux proposed so,

    ¡ºGa, gagaga¡­¡»

    A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices to their waists at once,

    ¡°An Abyss¡­ it doesn¡¯t look like it!? This voice is ¨C¨C a person¡¯s!?¡±

    ¡ºGa, gagaga¡­! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.¡»

    A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

    ¡°This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar¨C¨C!?¡±

    At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

    ¡°This¨C¨C!?¡±

    They reflexively closed their eyes ¨C¨C when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

    ¡°¨C¨CIt looks like we were transferred to the inside.¡±

    An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

    It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

    ¡°This place, is my¡­¡±

    When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

    And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

    ¡ºConfirming key¡¯s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.¡»

    ¡°The object, talked¡­!?¡±

    To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

    The strange voice which was emitted from the object.

    Has it reacted to Krulcifer?

    ¡°So¡­I was right after all, huh.¡±

    With a small sigh, Krulcifer¡¯s hand separated from the object.

    And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was in the side of wall side of the room.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!? That place¨C¨C¡±

    Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

    Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons¡¯ parts and ancient documents ¨C¨C <Box> existed.

    However, because the seams were firm and couldn¡¯t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but¡­

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡ºConfirming key¡¯s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.¡»

    Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

    ¡°Eh¡­!?¡±

    With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

    Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons¡¯ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

    Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

    Each time she shook her head while saying ¡°that¡¯s not it¡­¡±; she walked to the doors at the back.

    The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

    Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

    ¡°I still don¡¯t know. Deeper¡­ I should search deeper. ¨C¨C!¡±

    While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer¡¯s body suddenly fell.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san!¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

    But, she could not get up straight.

    Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

    ¡°So hot, don¡¯t tell me¡­?¡±

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m all right, I can still¨C¨C¡±

    ¡ºGagaga¡­, pipipipi¨C¨C!¡»

    The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

    ¡°An earthquake? No¨C¨C¡±

    ¡ºDanger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.¡»

    Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±

    Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

    The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    ¡°It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.¡±

    Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

    Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

    That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

    Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it¡¯s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I¡¯ll look over the situation around here a little, so¨C¨C¡±

    After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

    Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

    ¡°¡­I am sorry.¡±

    He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

    ¡°No. Don¡¯t worry about it. More importantly ¨C¨Ceh?¡±

    When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer¡¯s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

    ¡°Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I am not a human of this world. I am¨C¨C a survivor of the ruins.¡±

    ¡°A survivor¡­?¡±

    Lux couldn¡¯t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

    ¡°I see, so ¨C¨C were you able to confirm her function as a ¡°key¡±?¡±

    The same time at Fort City.

    In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

    They were Barzeride Kreutzer called ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡± and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

    ¡°Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss¡¯s explosion, it looks like I was drawn to the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about ¨C¨C but with this, I understand now.¡±

    Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

    ¡°If we get that ¡°key¡±, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the ¡°strongest power¡± and the ¡°greatest fortune¡±.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile ¨C¨C living doll for you.¡±

    The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

    Although his eyes couldn¡¯t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t use those kinds of means.¡±

    But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

    ¡°I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don¡¯t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won¡¯t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I¡¯ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides ¨C¨C even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.¡±

    ¡°What a good hobby you have, ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±.¡±

    The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

    ¡°But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a stupid question, brethren.¡±

    As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung to his waist with his fingers.

    ¡°The Divine Raiment of <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don¡¯t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary ¡°Black Hero¡± is to appear, he won¡¯t be a match for the current me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Speaking of which ¨C¨C there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.¡±

    The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

    Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

    ¡°The Old Empire¡¯s legend ¨C¨C the Black Hero¡¯s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don¡¯t you want to buy this information?¡±

    ¡°I am not a human of this world. I am¨C¨C a survivor of the ruins.¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

    In this altar room where they couldn¡¯t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

    ¡°A human of the ruins¡­, don¡¯t tell me¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°I was found in the ruins of Ymir¨C¨C, a place called the ¡°fourth ruins ¨C Hole¡±. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.¡±

    ¡°By that, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins¡¯ investigation ¨C¨C and currently my foster father found me.¡±

    ¡°Then, for the Einvolk House¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins ¨C¨C and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Around the time when I was also enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I¨C¨C was different from the people of this house. That¡¯s why I worked very hard. In order to please to everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.¡±

    ¡°Krulcifer, san¡­¡±

    ¡°And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette¡­ also as Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But¡­ in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

    Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

    So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.¡±

    Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

    ¡°And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins¡¯ investigation?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but¨C¨C¡±

    Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

    Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

    ¡°My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins¡¯ reaction to me, I¡¯m now sure of that. But¨C¨C I was not able to remember anything about the me and the events of the past.¡±

    Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

    ¡°Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn¡¯t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine already.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

    Krulcifer¡¯s lean figure was trembling little by little.

    ¡°I have already become scared now, so¡­ I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House¡­ even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and ¡°different¡±, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other people from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence ¨C¨C When I think so.¡±

    ¡°Krulcifer¡­san¡±

    To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡±

    Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Lux¡­kun?¡±

    ¡°Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now ¨C¨C my love¡­ partner right?! So ¨C¨C no longer say such lonely things¡­¡±

    Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

    ¡°Fu, Fufufu¡­¡±

    She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    ¡°Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman¡¯s complaints.¡±

    ¡°Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh¡­!?¡±

    Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

    ¡°Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?¡±

    When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer¡¯s hands,

    ¡°You should stop sympathizing with other people¡¯s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous with others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.¡±

    ¡°¡­Ah, Hahaha.¡±

    To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

    ¡°But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Though I think that it isn¡¯t really like I¡¯m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.¡±

    To Krulcifer¡¯s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family¡¯s education, so I think that he wasn¡¯t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire¡¯s way of doing things. But¨C¨C¡±

    At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

    And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

    When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux¡¯s mother who was injured die.

    They did not get rescued.

    Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

    Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

    ¡°That¡¯s a really tragic story¡­ Did you not resent anyone?¡±

    ¡°I resented them, of course.¡±

    Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

    ¡°The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything ¨C¨C but¡±

    ¡°But?¡±

    ¡°Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time¨C¨C. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.¡±

    Even to Lux¡¯s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

    ¡°I noticed then. That I didn¡¯t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn¡¯t want to hate those important to me¨C¨C or those who might become so.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like¡­ See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.¡±

    He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

    ¡°¨C¨CYou really are a good person, eh.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right. After all, I¡­¡±

    At Krulcifer¡¯s earnest words, Lux returned so.

    ¡°If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°No, it is nothing.¡±

    The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

    ¡°Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!¡±

    From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

    ¡°Lisha-sama!?¡±

    ¡°Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!¡±

    When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

    They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>¡¯s right arm.

    ¡°Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so ¨C¨C it¡¯s good that you¡¯re safe above all.¡±

    Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto¡¯s voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost the time when the gate will open. I¡¯ll carry you, so let¡¯s go quickly.¡±

    When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>¡¯s left hand, but

    ¡°You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.¡±

    Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

    ¡°¡­Wha!? B-But¡­ Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.¡±

    ¡°Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.¡±

    While smiling wryly at Lisha¡¯s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

    ¡°We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons¡¯ parts to the other members and made them wait near the ¡°gate¡±. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.¡±

    While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

    ¡°What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

    On the way to the ¡°gate¡±, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

    ¡°So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the ¡°key¡±, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux returned to the girl¡¯s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of ¡°complete bed rest¡± for a while.

    In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

    Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon¡¯s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

    Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron¡¯s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

    ¡°No, like I said, sorry.¡±

    ¡°I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again¨C¨C¡±

    About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but

    ¡°In the end ¨C¨C that horn was not a ¡°key¡±, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.¡±

    Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

    But, he could not say yet that he had found a different ¡°key¡±.

    About the fact that the path to the door had been already opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

    ¡°I see¡­ It¡¯s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there¡¯s no helping it.¡±

    With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

    In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

    For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

    Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

    But, before that¡­ there was something he had to do.

    ¡°Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.¡±

    As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

    ¡°This is¨C¨C?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes. Thank you.¡±

    Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

    ¡°¡­Ngh, hum¡±

    After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

    As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    ¡°¨C¨CAre you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±

    Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

    Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

    ¡°Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.¡±

    With her usual cool expression.

    ¡°Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.¡±

    When Airi asked so wonderingly,

    ¡°He will certainly. But¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

    While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

    It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

    ¡°I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.¡±

    ¡°In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.¡±

    Airi, staring at Lux¡¯s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

    ¡°Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can¡¯t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in the duel at that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

    In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

    ¡°Besides ¨C¨C since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.¡±

    The ¡°Black Hero¡± who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

    If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

    If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

    Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

    A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off¨C¨C. This request also will be over by tomorrow.¡±

    Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

    After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

    ¡°As expected, you still know nothing about Ni-san¡­¡±

    Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

    Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

    ¡°Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ¨C¨CWait, the little sister is also here, huh.¡±

    Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

    ¡°Is there something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.¡±

    ¡°No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride ¨C¨C he is quite suspicious. He¡¯s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.¡±

    ¡°That is certainly strange.¡±

    ¡°But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we mustn¡¯t overthrown Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom¡¯s crisis will be¨C¨C¡±

    And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

    About the conspiracy of the ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡± hidden in this matter.

 Volume 2 - CH 4

    Lux¡¯s memory of seven years ago.

    At the funeral of Lux¡¯s mother, there was no one of the imperial family.

    Probably because of their social position after they were banished from the Imperial Court, it was so plain that it was hard to imagine that she had been a queen.

    Even so, it did not matter for Lux.

    What should be done from now on and how to protect his little sister Airi, who was lying down in sickness.

    Lux was just looking vacantly at the stained glass in a church.

    After a while, he came out of the church to go back home.

    In front of his mother¡¯s gravestone where the few relatives had already left, someone was standing.

    A silver-haired man wearing black clothes.

    Lux was slightly familiar with that man of a calm demeanor.

    ¡°About your mother, it was regrettable.¡±

    The man¡¯s name was Fugil Acadia. He was Lux¡¯s half-brother.

    He did not stay long in the Imperial Court, and even Lux who was estranged to the power struggle somehow understood.

    That this man ¨C¨C he was somewhat different from the other members of the imperial family.

    ¡°Little brother. If you want to achieve something as royalty, you may ask me. In the imperial family, even if you are banished from the Court, there are some special privileges you still have as royalty. It may be difficult by yourself, but if I put in a good word for you, you may be able to learn a thing or two.¡±

    When he said ¡°able to learn a thing or two¡±, he was speaking about various studies including tactics and administration, and Drag-Rides.

    Be it decorations or a diplomatic tool, Lux would not be blamed for raising his ¡°quality¡± as a royalty by basic education.

    ¡°It will be a long and steep way. But perhaps your determination may change the Empire. Do you want to try?¡±

    ¡°¡­Please.¡±

    From that day onwards, the relation between Lux and Fugil began.

    Permission to access the royal library, and Drag-Ride guidance. And¨C¨C

    Then, one day after seven months, Fugil witnessed a certain scene.

    ¡°What is going on? Little brother.¡±

    One of the Machine Dragon practice field located in the Imperial Capital.

    There were a pile of destroyed <Wyverns> in the corner.

    At this time, Fugil had funds with which Lux used to operate a Drag-Ride, but he heard about repeated injuries and Machine Dragons¡¯ damages from his attendant, and came to see the situation.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I failed a little¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you. How is it possible that you, who has shown a skill which should be called a natural talent as a Drag-Knight until now, fail to operate¨C¨C. Hmm¡­?¡±

    Fugil who noticed the abnormality opened his eyes wide.

    The destroyed <Wyverns> had a strange common point.

    The armor from the right arm wielding the blade to the back wings was squashed in a strange shape and broke.

    And on the other hand, one part of a wall covered with a board of steel was shattered and disappeared.

    A wall which a sword could not cut and a shelling could not shatter, either.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like you operate the Drag-Ride commonly. Did you try some kind of special method of operation?¡±

    Fugil who grasped the unlikely situation inquired as he could not hide his surprise.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    With an expressionless face, Lux plainly replied.

    ¡°With just an ¡°ordinary strength¡±, I will come to regret once again. In order to protect the things important to me, I want a stronger power.¡±

    The memory faded and became blurred.

    That¡¯s right. I can¡¯t forget.

    There was a promise which he swore to himself.

    And then, Lux woke up.

    Under the night sky where the moon floated, Krulcifer was standing.

    The church site designated as the place of the duel was located in the outskirts of the Fort City third block.

    A desolated abandoned building which was destroyed after becoming the battlefield against an Abyss which appeared about two years ago.

    That site, where numerous debris were scattered about and the outer wall destroyed in every direction remained, was at least 1km away from a town where there were signs of people.

    Moreover, there was stage where Drag-Knights were deployed for lookout and dispersing unrelated people.

    Standing there were Barzeride and Alterize.

    ¡°I came at the agreed time, my future wife. I believed that you would safely finish the mission of ruins investigation and return.¡±

    As Barzeride exaggeratedly said so, Krulcifer, face to him, slightly frowned.

    ¡°By the way ¨C¨C what about that man whom you said about being your lover? I heard that he safely returned from the ruins, but did he fall from fatigue? Or ¨C¨C did he get scared and run away?¡±

    ¡°I had him go back.¡±

    Krulcifer was not shaken at his entwining-like provocation.

    She said so as to brush it away and turned her cold piercing eyes towards the two people.

    ¡°I cannot let him get involved with such worthless farce any more than this¨C¨C¡±

    Then, she calmly unsheathed her Sword Device that was hung to her waist.

    Barzeride seeing that smiled and loudly spoke.

    ¡°The start time is from now on. The conclusion will be until either, when the worn Machine Dragon is cancelled or when the two opponents of the duel accept to surrender.¡±

    As to follow, Alterize, a servant of the Einvolk House also drew her Sword Device.

    ¡°Intentional escape from this church site which is the stage of the duel will be considered a defeat. Other than that, the rules are conformed to those used in the tournament held in the Capital of this country. You¡¯re fine with that, right? Miss.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have made up my mind. Since a long time ago¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s words which somehow had a hidden meaning.

    Repressing her faint unrest, Alterize inhaled.

    ¡°¨C¨CCome forth, dragon symbolizing immortality. Turn into the fangs of the linking Earth. <EX Wyrm>!¡±

    Countless particles of light danced at the same time she said the pass code, and the <EX Wyrm> which was a reinforced ground-type Machine Dragon was summoned.

    The greatest military power given to a skillful Drag-Knight not possessing a Divine Drag-Ride.

    Barzeride turned a look of admiration to Alterize¡¯s Drag-Ride.

    ¡°As expected of the Einvolk House. To think that even a butler Drag-Knight has the skill of EX-class. I look forward more and more to my engagement with you. Krulcifer.¡±

    ¡°Could you please stop acting familiar with me? It is a waste of time.¡±

    Krulcifer returned a cold voice to Barzeride¡¯s praise.

    ¡°I am an orphan. When you are living in the house of other people for a long time, you can understand certain things. Such as what others really think of you.¡±

    ¡°Hou¡­?¡±

    Soon after Barzeride muttered so, Krulcifer set up her sword.

    ¡°¨C¨CReincarnate. The Giant Dragon of calamity imprisoned by worldly treasures. Become the equivalence of an endless desire, <Fafnir>.¡±

    Immediately after, the surrounding space was distorted and countless particles of light gathered.

    Having been formed was a huge silver Machine Dragon reminiscent of an ice statue.

    When it opened from the inside, it instantly changed into armor which wrapped Krulcifer¡¯s body.

    Barzeride, who saw the summon, grinned.

    Then, he himself also equipped his body with <A?i Dah¨¡ka>, glanced at Alterize and urged her to give the start signal.

    ¡°Then duel, start!¡±

    Soon after Alterize shouted, Krulcifer¡¯s <Fafnir> flew.

    She threw a Dagger aiming at Barzeride and swiftly set up her special armament ¨C¨C the <Freezing Canon>.

    Long-range high speed precise shooting which was Krulcifer¡¯s battle style.

    The moment when Barzeride strengthened his barrier in order to flip the Dagger, Krulcifer immediately pulled the trigger.

    She aimed her attacks towards the direction where he dodged and at the opening when he blocked.

    A blue flash tinged with cold pierced the dark night and impacted Barzeride.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°For a surprise attack, it lacks in appeal, but I praise your judgment and skill. Krulcifer.¡±

    Krulcifer shuddered at Barzeride¡¯s calm voice.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    What had been frozen was a lump of debris that <A?i Dah¨¡ka> threw out in front of itself.

    A piece of a collapsed building that fell into this place which was the church site.

    He smashed it with his halberd and defended against the <Freezing Canon> by rolling it up as another shield.

    The mass was not being enough being just dug-up debris, so it was usually difficult to implement this countermeasure.

    So having chosen this church site for the duel was within Barzeride¡¯s plan.

    ¡°I was careless. To come up with a countermeasure so early. Is this your doing? Alterize.¡±

    A countermeasure which was the only weak point of the <Freezing Canon>.

    There was also the possibility that Barzeride himself, who saw it once in the battle of the ruins investigation, came up with it, but if someone who knew of it beforehand suggested the plan¨C¨C

    ¡°What might you mean?¡±

    Alterize¡¯s <EX Wyrm> jumped towards Krulcifer flying in mid-air.

    When Krulcifer barely dodged the twin swords sharply swung, Alterize showed a smile.

    ¡°Your skills grew dull. Miss.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C!¡±

    Rotating the Machine Dragon¡¯s airframe in the air, she further came slashing with the other blade.

    But,

    ¡°The na?ve one is you.¡±

    The blade¡¯s slash was blocked by the automatic special armament which activated regardless of the user¡¯s will ¨C¨C the <Auto Shield>.

    But at that moment, the <Devil¡¯s Glow> which extended from both shoulders of Barzeride¡¯s <A?i Dah¨¡ka> had set up its aim on Krulcifer.

    ¡°With that special armament, can you also defend against this?¡±

    This attack itself could be blocked with the <Auto Shield>.

    But, in that case, it would cause her posture to collapse and Alterize would probably follow after.

    At this rate, it would gradually turn into a defensive battle.

    (As expected ¨C¨C I have no other choice but to gamble.)

    Krulcifer judged so while grasping the two people¡¯s movements.

    With a body in which injury and fatigue by the ruins investigation remained, she would be the one at a disadvantage in a drawn-out battle.

    Therefore, she activated <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment <Wise Blood>.

    The foresight ability which perceived the future within a radius of a dozen of Mel several seconds ahead.

    When she dodged the attacks with that Divine Raiment, Krulcifer perceived her path to victory line.

    ¡°I see ¨C¨C you¡¯re strong. You¡¯re indeed strong.¡±

    From a remote location, Barzeride repeated that as he was impressed.

    ¡°But you know, Krulcifer? You should quietly become my wife after all. That way, you can be happy. I don¡¯t want to hurt you even by any chance. Could you please surrender now?¡±

    To Barzeride who uttered an ingratiating voice, Krulcifer leaked a sigh.

    ¡°Sorry but ¨C¨C I am not fond of talkative men.¡±

    And at the same time she replied, she began to move.

    ¡°¡­¡­!? Fast!¡±

    Leaving Alterize who was in front of her in a lurch, <Fafnir> accelerated.

    With the flight device of the back wings at max power, she charged at Barzeride at a speed which the eyes couldn¡¯t catch.

    ¡°Are you actually challenging the ground-typed Machine Dragon <A?i Dah¨¡ka> as the opponent to close-range combat? Interesting.¡±

    Barzeride set up his halberd with a fearless smile.

    In contrast, Krulcifer brandished a medium-sized blade and slashed at him.

    Without any fear to the halberd which was let out as to flip her blade up, Krulcifer charged.

    ¡°In the case of a simultaneous and mutual clash, it¡¯ll be my victory, you know?¡±

    Krulcifer was aware of the fact that the armor and barrier possessed by <A?i Dah¨¡ka> boasted of a unmatched defensive power.

    The moment when each other¡¯s weapon was about to cross¨C¨C,

    ¡°I wonder about that.¡±

    Krulcifer suddenly smiled.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    Soon after, Barzeride opened his eyes wide.

    The canon of the special armament installed on the right shoulder of the Divine Drag-Ride <A?i Dah¨¡ka> shattered.

    She was aiming at the special armament on the shoulder and the Force Core from the start.

    Then, she dodged the blow of Barzeride who should have the advantage in close-range combat by a hairbreadth.

    ¡°The ability to read the future, it¡¯s your Divine Raiment¡­¡±

    Future foresight by <Wise Blood>.

    While dodging Barzeride¡¯s attack using it, she set up a counterattack.

    ¡°Nicely done, Krulcifer. Though there are some flaws, I will praise your skill for having broken my right shoulder as splendid.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good and all that you praise me, but I have not done anything special yet.¡±

    ¡°Lord Kreutzer! Please, step back! It is dangerous at that range!¡±

    From far behind, Alterize¡¯s shout could be heard.

    However, it was too late.

    By <Wise Blood>¡¯s future foresight, Krulcifer would be able to predict all of the offense and defense in close-range combat.

    And in this land where debris were buried here and there, it would take at least three seconds until Alterize¡¯s <EX Wyrm> could catch up with them.

    Even a long-range shelling would be blocked by the <Auto Shield>.

    All was according to Krulcifer¡¯s calculation.

    ¡°Well then, goodbye.¡±

    She did not let her guard down until the end.

    When Krulcifer¡¯s blade was about to break the Force Core which was under the battery of the shattered shoulder¨C¨C

    ¡°Do you really think that you can beat me?¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CEh?¡±

    Suddenly, the image of future foresight disappeared from Krulcifer¡¯s field of vision.

    Barzeride¡¯s attack which she foresaw swayed like haze, and from the special armament of <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s left shoulder, the canon was shot at almost point-blank range.

    The <Auto Shield> instantly activated, and an impact and flames burst in front of the seven shields.

    While subtly groaning, Krulcifer stared at the burst of explosive flames before her eyes.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!? Why did Wise Blood> again¨C¨C!¡±

    Her physical and spiritual strength should not have run out yet.

    Of course, it was a fact that she was already exhausted before the duel, but still she made a plan where she could use only the Divine Raiment and her special armaments.

    Nevertheless¨C¨C,

    ¡°That is because you mistook my ability.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Flame and smoke rising like a pillar.

    Being hidden within their shadow, Barzeride¡¯s <A?i Dah¨¡ka> took a roundabout path to <Fafnir>¡¯s flank.

    The halberd was struck at a sharp angle.

    The <Auto Shield> automatically activated and tried to prevent that attack, but¨C¨C

    The seven shields deployed in the air were flipped and the halberd hit the airframe.

    ¡°Uh, kuh¡­!¡±

    Although it hit the barrier, the power that its (halberd) weight carried could not be completely suppressed.

    While being blown off along with <Fafnir> and rolling on the ground of the abandoned building, she bumped into a mountain of rubble.

    ¡°Kaha¡­! Uh, ah¡­¡±

    Her usually composed face twisted in pain, and Krulcifer writhed.

    ¡°Oops, sorry. It¡¯s the important belly which will someday conceive my child. I¡¯ve got to be a little gentler.¡±

    Contrary to his words, Barzeride was laughing with an expression free of any sense of guilt.

    (It¡¯s strange. Why did something like this¨C¨C)

    The fact that the future foresight by the Divine Raiment <Wise Blood> was erased and that the <Auto Shield> which boasted of an absolute defense was broken through.

    It did not happen due to Krulcifer¡¯s mistake or the fatigue.

    Her spare energy calculation should have been accurately done.

    And yet, what was this reality?

    Besides, Barzeride, a ¡°man¡± who should have already hit his limit due to his Machine Dragon aptitude value being low showed no signs of being tired yet.

    Did it mean that not only his skill enough to be called ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±, but also his Machine Dragon aptitude was not average?

    (But¨C¨C, I¡¯m not yet¡­)

    In a desperate situation enough to make one lose their fighting spirit, Krulcifer repressed her pain and stood up.

    ¡°Do you still intend to fight? Though your perseverance deserves praise, you no longer have any chance of winning.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t know until I try.¡±

    When she took a deep breath and changed her mood, Krulcifer flew with a trajectory describing an arc and brandished her blade.

    ¡°<Wise Blood>.¡±

    Then, she once again activated <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment and read the future several seconds ahead.

    While reading Alterize¡¯s shelling from behind and avoiding it, she feigned a slashing attack and tried to strike the <Howling Roar> on <A?i Dah¨¡ka> ¨C¨C but,

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C!? The foresight again¡­¡±

    Once again, the effect of the future foresight by <Wise Blood> disappeared and a shelling was released from <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s left canon.

    It erased the <Howling Roar>¡¯s impact and pulverized the debris far behind.

    ¡°Why did the attack just now¨C¨C¡±

    The <Howling Roar> was an attack originally used in order to flip a throwing attack.

    The enemy had accurately set up his canon against the attack of Krulcifer who was taken aback.

    Just as if he predicted everything.

    ¡°Did you think that I wouldn¡¯t able to read your movements?¡±

    At the same time with his voice, the halberd was swung once again.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!?¡±

    The blow which creaked the tenacious armor of <Fafnir> hit directly; exactly at the same place of just a while ago.

    She was once again blown right off besides and her back struck the broken wall.

    ¡°Ka, hah¡­!¡±

    She violently hit her whole body and her breathing stopped for a moment.

    Even so, when she tried to fight back, <Fafnir>¡¯s armor arm which grasped the <Freezing Canon> was swiftly knocked down.

    ¡°How unsightly¨C¨C. Don¡¯t disappoint me, my future wife. Don¡¯t struggle unnecessarily in a fight that you¡¯ve no chance of winning. That¡¯s what I believe.¡±

    Barzeride suddenly talked as to persuade her.

    Alterize probably also felt the same way.

    Not starting pursuit with the <EX Wyrm>, she was watching the course of events at that place.

    If there were other spectators here, anyone of them should have thought that the outcome was decided.

    But¨C¨C,

    ¡°I am sorry to disappoint you¨C¨C, but I am not fond of men who tell obvious lies.¡±

    Suddenly making her usual serious expression, Krulcifer asserted.

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    ¡°Disappoint you? No, you should have been glad. For tormenting me like this ¨C¨C for this expected development.¡±

    Barzeride¡¯s expression which was revealing a faint smile instantly changed into a cold one.

    ¡°You are cancelling my Divine Raiment. Probably for that reason ¨C¨C in order to read the scope of my power, you joined that ruins investigation. Even saying that you took a liking to me as a wife is also a lie. It¡¯s because it looks like you can use me as a tool, right?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Barzeride, showing no signs of interrupting, was silently listening to the words of Krulcifer who indifferently told that.

    ¡°Besides¨C¨C, about when we were attacked by Drag-Knights in the upper class residential area. Wasn¡¯t that also your doing? In order for people like them to enter that zone, the guidance of an influential person is necessary. If you saw my <Fafnir>¡¯s ability over there, it would have saved you the trouble of tagging along in the investigation, right?¡±

    ¡°¡­Haa!¡±

    At the same time when Krulcifer concluded her words, Barzeride revealed a wicked smile.

    And, he applied pressure to <Fafnir> with <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s stout arm.

    ¡°Ku, uuh¡­!¡±

    With a power which could by no means destroy the flesh, but to the extent of fully giving pain, he slowly applied pressure so as to not let Alterize who was on standby behind notice.

    ¡°As expected of a girl which becomes a ¡°key¡± of the ruins. You were able to read so far.¡±

    ¡°¡­!? You¨C¨C!?¡±

    About the fact that she was a human from the ruins and that she had the ability as a ¡°key¡±.

    Being told about her true identity which should have been secret, Krulcifer¡¯s face turned pale.

    ¡°How sad, Krulcifer. What a sorrowful girl you are. To think that the likes of tool of the Einvolk House ¨C¨C the thing sold over to me now was that clever.¡±

    In a grieving tone, Barzeride continued.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s as you said. Krulcifer.¡±

    Barzeride muttered so in a whispering voice.

    ¡°Anything and everything has been plotted by me. Hearing about you who is a ¡°key¡± which open the ruins, and approaching that butler with the engagement. Though someone got in the way earlier and defeated the bandits. And also having summoned a new Abyss at that time in front of the ruins. Everything¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°But you know? Even if you know the truth, you can¡¯t do anything after all. You, who is no more than a ¡°tool¡± in this world, can in no way change this reality.¡±

    A look full of contempt and a twisted mouth.

    Barzeride Kreutzer¡¯s true character could be seen there.

    ¡°¨C¨CTool.¡±

    To that word thrust at her, Krulcifer¡¯s body trembled.

    Her skill as a Drag-Knight and even her trusted <Fafnir> had been defeated.

    Krulcifer¡¯s mask which did not come off despite this was about to collapse.

    She was picked up as a survivor of the ruins by the Einvolk House, and in order to acquire the bonds of a family she was not born from, she accumulated efforts oozing of blood (desperate efforts).

    But, however much honor she was given, her desire of the family she wanted just drifted further away¨C¨C

    (No, it¡¯s wrong¨C¨C. From the start, I didn¡¯t have it¡­)

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Krulcifer. The likes of a tool like you mustn¡¯t oppose me.¡±

    An ice-like cold sensation took away the temperature from her body.

    Comrades who could acknowledge her existence might be in the ruins.

    If she was a human of the present era, her family might have accepted her.

    Thinking only about chasing these possibilities, she had desperately sought the truth until now.

    ¡°I will make all the ruins¡¯ technology and treasures my own and ultimately stand at the top of this country. You¡¯re a tool for that purpose. If you behave yourself, I¡¯ll cherish you from now on.¡±

    He took down the halberd which he was grasping, and stroked Krulcifer¡¯s belly with the fingertips of his Machine Dragon.

    ¡°You understand, right? There is nobody in this world that will come save you. So, accept it. Your fate of devoting yourself to me, your master¨C¨C ¡­!?¡±

    While he was speaking, <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s armor arm was taken away from Krulcifer¡¯s belly.

    After just a moment, a blade glittered in that space and a dagger pierced the ground.

    ¡°Who is it!?¡±

    Barzeride retreated and looked up at the night sky.

    There was one dragon there.

    The symbol of destruction which overwhelmed those who saw it and inspired awe.

    With the pale moon in the background, Lux wearing <Bahamut> calmly looked down at the battlefield.

    ¡°Why¡­?¡±

    Krulcifer who looked up as if getting hook on it muttered in mute amazement.

    ¡°¨C¨CI¡¯m sorry for being late, Krulcifer-san. I heard the circumstances from Airi.¡±

    Lux showed a gentle smile and called out to her.

    But,

    ¡ºNot that! I did not intend to get you involved anymore!¡»

    She sent a sorrowful cry to Lux through the dragon voice.

    ¡ºWhy did you come wearing <Bahamut>!? Like this, even your true identity will be¨C¨C¡»

    His <Wyvern> was seriously damaged in the ruins investigation and could not be used.

    Even Lux himself got injured protecting Krulcifer and ended up consuming his strength.

    And he couldn¡¯t afford to let these two people know his true identity which was the ¡°Black Hero¡± now.

    Therefore, even though she made Lux sleep with medicine at that time and engaged in the duel alone¨C¨C

    ¡°I¡¯m Lux Acadia, a duel opponent. Currently at this time, I enter the battle.¡±

    When Lux said so in a voice full of determination, he landed in front of Krulcifer and stood in the way.

    ¡°A jet black Divine Drag-Ride¡­? Who on earth is he¨C¨C¡±

    Alterize muttered as she was perplexed and tightly grasped her twin swords.

    Alterize had also heard about the story of the ¡°Black Hero¡± ¨C¨C the legend which destroyed the Old Empire.

    But, it was just a wild tale of a foreign country.

    Even with the real thing just before her eyes, she was not immediately aware of his true identity.

    ¡°Hahahaha! Hahaha!¡±

    At the same time, Barzeride burst into laughter.

    He glared at Lux with a happy expression.

    ¡°Look whose here, I mistook you. I was sure you ran away. To think that you reveal your true identity just to save one woman¨C¨C. It looks like you are an unexpectedly stupid man, eh, ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±

    To Barzeride¡¯s pointing that out, Lux changed his expression to a sharp one for an instant.

    ¡°¨C¨C¡°Black Hero¡±!? No way, this boy is¡­!?¡±

    Though Alterize confused also shouted, Lux did not move an inch.

    He was just calmly staring at Barzeride in front of him.

    ¡°No, shall I say the rumored ¡°Self-proclaimed Hero¡±? Stop doing such a meaningless thing. Even if you fight in spite of your injury and fatigue, this woman won¡¯t bring you any benefit.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±

    Krulcifer inwardly chewed her teeth to that being pointed out.

    He probably saw through Lux¡¯s fatigue and small injuries from the slight gap of his center of gravity.

    Although arrogant, as expected of someone from the Four Great Nobles and the Drag-Knight called ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±.

    Even his ability was not just a decoration. But¨C¨C

    ¡°I refuse. Lord Kreutzer.¡±

    Lux, not even shaken, stared at Barzeride and said.

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand at all how worthy she is.¡±

    At the same time as his voice, he set up his large jet black sword.

    And when he put strength into his feet to jump in a straight line¨C¨C,

    ¡°Wait!¡±

    ¡°Lord Kreutzer is worn out by fighting with her. This is a two vs. two formal duel. First, I shall be your opponent.¡±

    She made use of her physical strength strengthened with the <EX Wyrm> to the maximum and slashed at <Bahamut> with her twin swords.

    A surprise, instant attack.

    ¡°Lux-kun!?¡±

    When Krulcifer called out to him from behind, the outcome was already decided.

    ¡°Wha¡­!? This is¨C¨C!?¡±

    The twin swords held by the <EX Wyrm> were cut and moreover the right wrist was destroyed.

    One counterattack flash by <Bahamut>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Reload On Fire>.

    He temporarily decelerated his own time and accelerated it up to several times afterwards.

    He easily defeated Alterize by using the Divine Raiment of compression strengthening.

    ¡°¡­, b-but!¡±

    Having lost her two weapons, Alterize took distance from Lux.

    ¡°It¡¯s not over yet!¡±

    Then, she set up a canon with the remaining left arm and tried to continue the battle,

    ¡°Alterize-dono.¡±

    In a calm voice, Barzeride¡¯s <A?i Dah¨¡ka> applied its hand on her <EX Wyrm>¡¯s shoulder from behind.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    Immediately after, light disappeared from the <EX Wyrm>¡¯s armor and Force Core.

    Energy consumption or forced system shut down?

    In any case, the <EX Wyrm>¡¯s energy rapidly decreased and Alterize knelt down on one knee.

    ¡°W-Why did such thing¡­!? The Machine Dragon¡¯s system is¨C¨C¡±

    As it was an unexpected phenomenon, the calm Alterize showed confusion.

    Then, Barzeride talked in a chilly voice.

    ¡°I want you to leave this to me. You¡¯ve no chance of winning now anyway, and above all ¨C¨C at this point when he went easy on you, the outcome is already clear.¡±

    ¡°¡­Kuh!¡±

    It meant that it was because Lux carefully considered her position and pride that he stopped at only one arm¡¯s destruction of the <EX Wyrm>.

    He went easy on her in respect to a powerful person who entered the top ten in the religious country Ymir.

    And in consideration for Krulcifer who was a friend.

    Alterize who noticed that reality nodded while grinding her teeth, and withdrew.

    ¡°To think that he¡¯s really the legendary¨C¨C¡±

    Was it the true identity of the ¡°Black Hero¡± who destroyed the Old Empire before?

    The owner of legendary strength (class) surpassing that of super first class.

    However¨C¨C,

    ¡°Why did he¡­? For Miss¡­¡±

    While muttering her doubt, Alterize got away from the abandoned building, thus withdrawing from the front.

    Then, with a strange fatigue different from that of the battle, she removed her armor.

    ¡°Also, what is this¡­? This feeling¡­¡±

    Alterize sat down as such and lost consciousness.

    ¡°Be careful, Lux-kun. The ability of that man¡¯s <A?i Dah¨¡ka> is unknown.¡±

    Leaning on the broken wall, Krulcifer called his attention.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    At the same time Lux lightly nodded,

    ¡°Is your strategy meeting over? Then, I¡¯m coming! ¡°Black Hero¡±!¡±

    Barzeride kicked the ground and pounced in a straight line.

    The wheels of the legs of the ground-type Machine Dragon <A?i Dah¨¡ka> rotated at high speed and instantly shortened the distance.

    Then, it mowed down the large-sized halberd it held in hands before his eyes.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux moved his body backward and dodged it by a hairbreadth; and using the rotation of when he swung completely, Barzeride chased him.

    From horizontally mowing down to vertically swinging down.

    The moment when the blow, coupled with the iron lump¡¯s weight attacked Lux¡¯s <Bahamut>,

    ¡°<Reload On Fire>¡±

    <Bahamut>¡¯s airframe shone and released an ultra-fast slash.

    Divine Raiment of compression strengthening which devours its own time and accelerates several times.

    When Lux¡¯s swung large sword was about to smash <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s armor,

    ¡°Ha¡­!¡±

    At the same time with a sneer-like voice, the point of that sword cut the sky.

    ¡°¨C¨C!?¡±

    He pretended to swing downward his halberd, and deployed a barrier with the maximum output before Lux.

    Blocked by a threefold wall of light, the large sword could not pass through.

    Soon after Barzeride received a total of seven flash slashes,

    ¡°¨C¨CDie!¡±

    The halberd tinged with a red light was flung aiming at <Bahamut>¡¯s head.

    ¡°Lux!¡±

    Krulcifer¡¯s scream came up from far behind.

    A roaring sound resounded and the impact shook the atmosphere.

    When a thick cloud of dust rose up around, Lux fled to the sky.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Hou. So your complexion doesn¡¯t even change one bit, even after your Divine Raiment is defeated, huh. As expected of the man called the ¡°Black Hero¡±. But¨C¨C¡±

    While he was speaking, Lux once again activated <Reload On Fire> and slashed at him.

    Instead of waiting for an opportunity to launch a counter; aiming the ¡°Quick slash¡± which brought down the opponent, he set the first move by himself with an ultra-fast slash.

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka> generated the threefold power barrier.

    Lux loaded energy to the tip of his large sword so as to tear them up one-by-one.

    But, unable to break through the last fold of the barrier, he once again retreated to a suitable distance.

    ¡°As expected¡­ so that was it.¡±

    ¡°Hou. What, you speak as though you understood something. Do you intend to make excuses?¡±

    ¡°<A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s Divine Raiment is to steal other Machine Dragons¡¯ power, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨C¡±

    At Lux¡¯s statement, Barzeride revealed an uncanny look.

    ¡°No way¡­!¡±

    Krulcifer reflexively raised her voice.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also heard rumors about the ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±. That beside his bold character full of ambition and though originally being a man not having a high Machine Dragon aptitude, he boasts of a threatening endurance.¡±

    ¡°But, it is impossible. Without a high Machine Dragon aptitude, energy should have immediately dried out. If he uses a Divine Drag-Ride which has intense consumption, then all the more¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why he absorbed power. From the other Machine Dragons and people around. If he can steal energy while fighting, he can compensate for the weakness of exhaustion. And he should probably also be able to steal a Divine Raiment. A little while ago, he was clearly reading my movements.¡±

    ¡°¡­Then, that was my¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Yes, he was probably using <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> that he stole. He steals a Machine Dragon¡¯s energy just by getting close, and by touching it, he can temporarily steal even a Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s ability and use it. That¡¯s the true nature of <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s Divine Raiment ¨C¨C <Avest¨¡>. Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    It was probably because of that that Alterize¡¯s <EX Wyrm> which withdrew from the front suffered a system shut down, and she also suffered from severe consumption.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Not denying Lux¡¯s answer, even so Barzeride¡¯s composed attitude did not collapse.

    ¡°Hou, that¡¯s a pretty keen reading. I shall praise you for having seeing through it. But ¨C¨C even if you understood it, you can¡¯t defeat me after all.¡±

    As he suddenly glared at Lux, he activated the <Devil¡¯s Glow>, the canon which was the special armament on the left shoulder.

    Its muzzle was turned not to Lux, but to Krulcifer who could not move anymore.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be able to prevent it in your weak condition. But, that woman''s limbs will become somewhat crippled, however I don¡¯t care at all.¡±

    Simultaneously with a mocking voice, the shelling was shot.

    ¡°Kuh¨C¨C!¡±

    Lux appeared before <Fafnir> and prevented it with a barrier at max power.

    A roaring sound and explosive flames.

    Lux who put himself in this vortex noticed an abnormality.

    The wire tail which <A?i Dah¨¡ka> had at hand twined around <Bahamut>¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°You fell for it. ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    ¡°Lux-kun¡­!¡±

    At the same time when Krulcifer raised her voice, Lux cut the wire tail with his large sword.

    But, if we consider this as a contact between Machine Dragons, then¡­

    ¡°Oops. Sorry, but ¨C¨C it¡¯s too late. With this, I¡¯ve obtained the Divine Raiment that your <Bahamut> possesses.¡±

    Barzeride threw away the cut wire tail and revealed a wicked smile.

    The reason why he aimed at Krulcifer was to make Lux create an opening.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°You false Prince and self-proclaimed Hero. I¡¯ll now end your meaningless struggle.¡±

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s armor feet firmly stepped on the devastated ground of the abandoned building.

    With steps convinced of his victory, he intentionally gained time, thus applying a strong pressure on Lux.

    ¡°You¡¯ll die if we fight like this, but are you still fine with it? If you beg for your life and admit defeat, then I may overlook you here.¡±

    Like a sweet temptation, Barzeride said to Lux.

    But,

    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±

    Lux, far from shaking, showed no opening at all and stared at Barzeride.

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    Within a desperate situation, even judging from Krulcifer, where <Reload On Fire>, the Divine Raiment he mastered in order to become the strongest was stolen and his energy got absorbed by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>, Lux was smiling.

    He said in a cold voice and with cold eyes enough to give a chill to those seeing it.

    ¡°After Alterize-san concluded the engagement and returned to her country, you¡¯re going to use your subordinates and attack by surprise, right? A more certain method as to not get your hands dirty. ¨C¨CI¡¯m getting really tired of seeing it, Barzeride. Of that way of doing things exactly the same as the Old Empire¡¯s royalties, that is.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    At that attitude completely different from the usual Lux¡¯s, Barzeride fell silent just for a moment.

    ¡°Ku¡­ Hahahahaha!¡±

    Then, he suddenly burst into laughter.

    ¡°I see, you¡¯re an interesting man. All right, ¡°Black Hero!¡± Show me what you can do in this situation by struggling and entertaining me as much as possible!¡±

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s airframe wore a pale light.

    At the same time, Lux¡¯s <Bahamut> kicked the ground and charged at it.

    With a blade clad in energy and while twisting his body, Lux slashed at Barzeride.

    However,

    ¡°After rattling so much, is it only this level?¡±

    As expected, he couldn¡¯t completely cut through <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s threefold barrier which was firmly stretched.

    Before reaching the opponent¡¯s armor, the power was suppressed and the blade of the large sword was flipped along.

    ¡°Then, allow me to attack now. <Reload On Fire>!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±

    Immediately after, <Reload On Fire> stolen by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s Divine Raiment <Avest¨¡> activated.

    The halberd was swung at a speed which the eyes could not catch, and <Bahamut> was blown away.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    He violently struck a pillar remaining to the abandoned building and crashed into a mountain of rubble.

    Going after him, Barzeride accelerated <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s wheels.

    ¡°Kukuku! This power is splendid!¡±

    Raising a cry of delight, Barzeride started pursuit.

    A super acceleration that was several times faster after having decelerated his own time up to a fraction.

    Through the ability to see everything that was polished in thousands of battles, Lux evaded the attack and aimed at Barzeride''s chest, but after having stopped it with his tenacious armor and barrier, Barzeride released continuous attacks.

    On the other hand, with an enemy strengthened with <Reload On Fire> as opponent, Lux also could not use quick slash.

    Even when letting out a counterattack by attacking the opening at Barzeride¡¯s <Reload On Fire>, Lux¡¯s attacks were all blocked by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s threefold barrier.

    ¡°But, this ability to accelerate time is really difficult. Even if I have it, it looks like it¡¯s impossible to master it immediately.¡±

    When Barzeride sighed like so, he suddenly reduced his speed.

    Perhaps because fatigue spouted out at the same time, <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s threefold barrier became thin.

    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±

    At that moment, Lux glided and let out a high-speed thrust.

    The moment when energy was concentrated at the tip of the large sword, and looked like it could pierce the wall in a one point breakthrough,

    ¡°¨C¨CYou fool.¡±

    At the same time with Barzeride¡¯s fearless smile, an unusual phenomenon occurred.

    The threefold barrier which became thin and weak increased in thickness and shine just before Lux¡¯s sword touched it and, far from preventing the sword¡¯s hit, flicked off <Bahamut> itself that had rushed.

    ¡°Guhah¡­!?¡±

    Being instantly blown away dozens of Mel to the rear, Lux struck his back on the debris.

    Though the armor did not break, his charge at full power was repelled and a faint groan leaked out.

    ¡°Kukuku, it seems that I¡¯ am able to master this Divine Raiment. ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    ¡°No way¡­, did he strengthen the Machine Dragon¡¯s barrier?¡±

    Krulcifer who saw that muttered in blank amazement.

    <Reload On Fire> was a Divine Raiment of compression strengthening.

    Lux used it in time acceleration by predicting with his superhuman reading and attack movement, but it looked like Barzeride used it to compressed strengthen <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s threefold barrier.

    If he did future foresight several seconds ahead, using <Fafnir>¡¯s Divine Raiment <Wise Blood> at the same time, he would be able to attack with the strengthened threefold barrier at the moment of the hit.

    Normally speaking, having used his power to that extent, if he were to go as far as simultaneously use the Divine Raiment, an unimaginable burden and fatigue would be put on the user and he would immediately run out of power.

    But, Barzeride enabled continuous actions by stealing Machine Dragon energy from Lux.

    Therefore, escaping from <Avest¨¡>¡¯s striking range was the best plan, but¨C¨C

    ¡°¨C¨CWhy does he not escape¡­?¡±

    Krulcifer already understood the reason.

    If Lux were to take distance and gain time, Barzeride would probably attack Krulcifer again.

    Precisely because of that, she did not understand.

    About why Lux went as far as to reveal his true identity as the ¡°Black Hero¡± and was fighting for someone unrelated to him.

    ¡ºThat is Nii-san¡¯s good point, but also his bad point.¡»

    When thinking so, a voice reached Krulcifer through dragon voice.

    The voice of Airi, Lux¡¯s little sister.

    ¡ºYou are¨C¨C¡»

    ¡ºPlease, act as if you have not yet noticed. Krulcifer-san.¡»

    Airi told in a very calm voice.

    ¡ºRight now, Nii-san¡¯s plan is being implemented, so please wait only a little. And then¨C¨C¡»

    Airi exhaled and told.

    ¡ºPlease watch it without losing consciousness. That fighting for your sake¨C¨C¡»

    They crossed swords about ten times.

    Slashes at a speed which the eyes couldn¡¯t catch were mercilessly damaging <Bahamut>¡¯s armor.

    ¡°Haa¡­ Haa¡­¡±

    Each time, getting his energy absorbed by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>, Lux¡¯s breathing became rough.

    Even so, he was keeping a match on equal terms with Barzeride who was using <Reload On Fire> which he wasn¡¯t used to, but Lux¡¯s body was also finally reaching its limit.

    ¡°¨C¨CKuh!¡±

    Along with Lux¡¯s breathing becoming rough, even <Bahamut>¡¯s airframe began to gradually shake with a rattling sound.

    ¡°So the omen of rampage has come. The conclusion is near, ¡°Black Hero¡±.¡±

    Barzeride who struck a smile approached Lux with a composed expression.

    He foresaw that with the attack of Lux who lost <Reload On Fire>, he would no longer be able to break through <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s threefold barrier.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it time to admit your defeat already? ¡°Black Hero.¡±

    While continuing fighting, Barzeride interjected in an amazed tone.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s a rare opportunity, I¡¯ll tell you something good. As a Prince, you seem to be fighting for atonement ¨C¨C but such a thing is just a vain effort. No, I should say it has the opposite effect.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux, confronting him, kept silent.

    While breathing with his shoulders moving up and down, Barzeride calmly stared at him.

    ¡°I¡­ The ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡± am trying to save this country¡¯s future. Do you know? Lux Acadia. The crisis which is approaching this country currently ¨C¨C something called the Ragnarok.¡±

    ¡°¨C¨CI know.¡±

    Lux answered briefly.

    The negative legacy of the Old Empire, together with the other countries of major powers it was soon going to befall as the New Kingdom''s misfortune. After waking up, he heard about it from Lisha.

    Also about the fact that the New Kingdom¡¯s Prime Minister issued instructions; so as to stop anything which could cause harm to Barzeride.

    ¡°Then, it saves me the long talk. There are no Drag-Knights appropriate for subjugation with that monster as the opponent at this time in the New Kingdom. Except me, that is.¡±

    Barzeride raised his voice so that even Krulcifer could hear.

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that in order to save this New Kingdom, I will be fighting that monster. Therefore, it¡¯s necessary to obtain further military power from the ruins. So, it¡¯s necessary for me to marry that girl. And from here on, I must use that woman as soon as possible, let scholars check her body in various ways and dig up new weapons and technology from ruins.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Krulcifer hearing that revealed a scared expression.

    ¡°Fallen Prince. If it¡¯s you, you should understand, right? This is something necessary. It¡¯s for the future of the New Kingdom. There is no victory without sacrifice. With one girl of a foreign country coming over to me, this country will be saved. Even so, are you saying that you¡¯ll still get in my way? After having failed to save this country, are you once again going to plunge this country into a crisis?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Listening to the speech full of deceptions, Krulcifer¡¯s expression became cloudy.

    Barzeride was trying to break Krulcifer¡¯s heart by using Lux.

    In order to throw her into despair and make her yield, he was telling Lux himself to abandon her.

    There is nobody who will save you.

    Lux knew it and took a posture of resistance. At that time¨C¨C,

    ¡°It¡¯s fine already, Lux-kun.¡±

    ¡°¡­Krulcifer-san?¡±

    To Lux¡¯s roughly breathing, Krulcifer plainly said.

    ¡°It¡¯s enough already. You have properly accomplished my request.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. It isn¡¯t over ye¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Since it is now, I will tell you ¨C¨C but I was using you. It is only with this intention that I approached you from the start. That¡¯s why you no longer need to feel either responsibility or obligation.¡±

    Krulcifer revealed her usual cool smile and continued.

    ¡°That¡¯s why, give up already. You should not have to die in such a place. You will fight for a country that is your ideal, right?¡±

    With thoughts like vomiting blood, Krulcifer span her words.

    That she wanted him to abandon her.

    With an ice-like expression, she continued so.

    ¡°For me, you were just a tool. Therefore, I want you to say so, too. That you are a tool¡­ If I had explained so from the start, it would''ve ended without expecting something like ¡°maybe¡±. I wouldn''t have ended with such thought, so¨C¨C¡±

    A single tear drop, as she was not able to bear it, streamed down Krulcifer¡¯s cheek.

    The solitary, noble, and icy girl.

    Something that she, who kept on smiling without revealing to anyone any weakness, truly desired.

    Perhaps, we might be able to become a family.

    She had kept fighting alone with only one thought in her heart.

    ¡ºIf you had became the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?¡»

    Now, he clearly understood the true feelings that Krulcifer was hiding.

    That¡¯s why Lux asserted.

    ¡°You¡¯re¨C¨C my lover. So, I will definitely save you.¡±

    Then, he turned to Barzeride and glared at him.

    ¡°Hou, even though you¡¯ve no chance of winning, you still want to continue? Your so-called ¡°lover¡±, she doesn¡¯t seem to want that, though. In the first place, how do you intend to save the New Kingdom from the crisis after defeating me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look for someone more suitable than you and persuade him. If I don¡¯t find anyone ¨C¨C at that time, I¡¯ll go out.¡±

    Shaking the large sword, Lux declared.

    ¡°Why¡­¡±

    Lux looked back again at Krulcifer whose eyes were moist, and smiled.

    ¡°It¡¯s because I also want to be taught how to study by Krulcifer-san again. You were very kind to me. I want to be your strength. Please let me fight. For you who is important to me¨C¨C¡±

    Then, he turned his bottomless gray pupils that those who saw them felt fear, towards Barzeride.

    ¡°¨C¨CIt¡¯s a match, Barzeride.¡±

    The only wish which he swore in his younger days.

    In order to achieve it, he had killed his self and sharpened his sword to the utmost limit.

    Lux¡¯s <Bahamut> which was gradually shaking further creaked.

    The lines carved on the airframe were tinged with red light as if it was on the brink of collapse, showing signs of rampaging.

    Shaking the shoulders so as to repress it, Lux brandished the large sword.

    ¡°Ha! How foolish. Your boring talk¨C¨C¡±

    At that moment, Lux moved while muttering.

    <Bahamut>, who was shaking until just now on the verge of rampage so far shone red and swung the sword.

    But,

    ¡°Fool! As if you can break this barrier with your power!¡±

    Suddenly, the special armament possessed by <Fafnir>, the <Auto Shield> built a shield barrier in front of <A?i Dah¨¡ka>.

    ¡°¡­!? You stole even my special armament!?¡±

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s Divine Raiment which had been hidden until now.

    An ability which temporarily stole even the right of control of a Machine Dragons¡¯ special armaments.

    From there, Barzeride furthermore activated <Reload On Fire>.

    The absolute defense <Auto Shield> and the threefold barrier where the compression was strengthened.

    The armor of the title holder that had never received one scratch not only in the tournament of the Capital, but even with an Abyss or a Divine Drag-Ride as opponents.

    He intended to block Lux¡¯s sword with that absolute shield.

    ¡°Die! You Fallen Prince and self-proclaimed Hero!¡±

    When he saw through the moment of the attack with the future foresight by <Wise Blood> and the barrier strengthened with <Reload On Fire> was about to crush Lux¨C¨C,

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to become a Hero. But¨C¨C¡±

    Lux¡¯s mutter quietly echoed at the moment of crossing under the moon.

    ¡°At that time, from that day when I swore to destroy the Empire ¨C¨C I had already made the resolution to fight.¡±

    Bikiiiiiiiiiiiiiih!

    A dissonant sound which informed of the collapse (of a collapse, but it¡¯s not a physical collapse right it¡¯s metaphorical) echoed in the church site at night.

    ¡°¨C¨CWha!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s slash, coupled with a spin, was sharply released.

    That flash in no way inferior to the Quick Draw in speed easily flipped the shield of the <Auto Shield> on all four sides, easily pierced the threefold barrier several times strengthened and hit directly <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which boasted of its hard armor.

    ¡°Gu, gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±

    A shock, like that of hundreds of millions of needles, spreading from the point of contact of the blade which touched the top of the shoulder broke through and the Machine Dragon began to collapse.

    The mountain of rubble behind and even the hard ground of the wasteland were also smashed up by the aftereffect of the shock.

    Barzeride who was in the middle of that destroyed space gushed blood from his whole body, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

    ¡°Impossible..! Why is such a thing¡­, such a thinnnnnnnnnggg?¡±

    Barzeride who screamed as he was in agony, nonetheless struggled to wield the halberd.

    But, the brandished halberd and even the <Devil¡¯s Glow> of both shoulders activated, then cracked and simultaneously broke into pieces.

    Be it his Drag-Ride or Divine Raiment, all of these were lost.

    ¡ºShall I tell you? Lord Kreutzer¡»

    To <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which received a fatal destruction, Airi sent her voice through the dragon voice

    ¡ºThis is ¨C¨C the second hidden technique that Nii-san created, ¡°Recoil Burst¡±. A special ultra-move where he intentionally lets his own Machine Dragon rampage and releases it against the burden of just before self-destruction.¡»

    Recoil Burst was a skill released by an approach completely opposite to that of the Quick Draw which combined two operating systems simultaneously.

    A hidden technique which creates the accumulation of utmost limits by restraining, through one¡¯s own mind processing, an action at full power by body manipulation.

    An attack at full power and the order to stop it.

    It originally releases an ultra-powerful blow which is contradictorily performed through powerful operation at the same time as the Machine Dragon was intentionally allowed to rampage.

    A forbidden technique where, if he could not perfectly perform the braking of energy flowing from the Force Core, <Bahamut>¡¯s power would go on a rampage midway, and he would expose his surroundings and even his body to the danger of death.

    That power boasted of a power dozens of times that of an normal blow released at full power.

    Thus, it was able to destroy even <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s ¡°wall¡± equipped with the special armament of absolute defense and a strong barrier in one blow.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t be kidding me! As if such thing could happen! Such a¨C¨C, *gobo*! Something like this!¡±

    ¡°The match is already over. But¨C¨C¡±

    Lux calmly said, and stared at Barzeride¡¯s face at last.

    ¡°If you intend to interfere with her again or anyone of the academy any more, then I¡¯ll have no mercy. ¨C¨C Can you promise that?¡±

    ¡°¡­Ku! Hahahahaha!¡±

    Barzeride who heard that leapt back with an ugly smile.

    Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih!

    The partially destroyed <A?i Dah¨¡ka> raised a harsh roar.

    ¡°That just now¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Kukukuku¡­! It¡¯s just a signal. To my private army ¨C¨C my subordinates; Drag-Knights deployed to disperse the surrounding neighborhood from the duel, that is!¡±

    ¡°¡­Does that mean that you had planned that from the beginning?¡±

    Lux calmly stared at Barzeride and asked so.

    Since Alterize fainted midway, there was no eyewitness.

    If he disposed of even Lux saying it was by an unfortunate accident, he could threaten Krulcifer and kept her quiet.

    He had prepared the place of the duel with that intention from the beginning.

    ¡°This is also a splendid plan, Hero. Matches are such things! The ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡± can¡¯t afford to lose! Even you, a Prince of the Empire, should know that!¡±

    Barzeride revealed a triumphant smile.

    Lux who used his hidden technique and Krulcifer¡¯s stamina had already exceeded their limits.

    They should have no spare energy to further defeat Barzeride¡¯s private army from here.

    The last plan considered so.

    ¡°I know. After all the Old Empire¡¯s way of doing, I saw it enough times that I got disgusted when I was a child.¡±

    ¡°Kukukuku¡­, so that¡¯s what you mean by you¡¯ve resolved yourself, huh? Well then¨C¨C¡±

    The moment when Barzeride was about to send a dragon voice, or send a message through the dragon voice to his private army¨C¨C

    ¡°¨C¨CAre these guys your private soldiers that you talked about? They¡¯re quite reliable people, eh.¡±

    ¡°*Gefuuh*¡­!¡±

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    When Barzeride looked up at the sky with his eyes wide opened, a giant red dragon was there.

    The New Kingdom Princess Lisha and her Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

    One of the prominent strong persons (individuals) even in the Royal Military Academy was staying in the sky where clouds floated.

    ¡°Where did the other guys go!? There should have been 50 machines including mercenaries! I must quickly make them¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Lu-chan, are you all right?¡±

    In response to Barzeride¡¯s shout, a dull voice came from behind.

    ¡°Wha¡­!¡±

    Having appeared carrying dozens of private soldiers whose armors were cancelled was Philphie wearing the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

    ¡°Sorry, but I will have you tell me all your evil plots, Lord Kreutzer.¡±

    In addition, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> declared so.

    ¡°Yes. Well, you can¡¯t make excuse at this late hour. I also heard it. Resign yourself.¡±

    Tillfarr with a <Wyrm> consented, and Nokuto who was behind her also put up her Machine Dragon¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Yes. With the monitoring function of my <Drake>, I recorded the conversation within range. About how you had threatened Krulcifer-san, a student of the academy. The suspicion of having employed thieves. And the suspicion of the rules violation of the duel as well as the attempt to kill your opponent intentionally. We had the people of the army you brought along confirmed all of this, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°U, gu¡­ uh!¡±

    Sharis¡¯s father was a soldier of the New Kingdom and he acted as vice-commandant.

    Using that connection, she requested the guards of the Fort City to tag along and had them standby in the neighborhood.

    In order to avoid interference, Barzeride deployed his private soldiers and had them dispersed people from the duel place, but those obstacles were easily broken through by Lisha and Philphie.

    ¡°Give up, ¡°Title Holder of the Kingdom¡±.¡±

    Lisha wearing <Tiamat> solemnly told so from the sky.

    ¡°¨C¨CFu¡±

    It was no longer Barzeride¡¯s personal problem.

    While being aware of his defeat, he executed his last action.

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which already lost all its weapons turned its back to Lux and the others and started running.

    ¡°Wait! Are you trying to run away!?¡±

    A dense forest spread immediately near the church site.

    Had he also prepared an escape course?

    Did he intend to escape from the Fort City, go back to his territory and leave everything unsettled using his influence?

    Or, live under an organization outside the country and plan his revenge?

    When he set up this match,

    ¡°¨C¨CToo na?ve.¡±

    A translucent voice and a gunshot resounded in the church site.

    ¡°Guh¡­!¡±

    Immediately after, the shooting of <Fafnir>¡¯s special armament, the <Freezing Canon> froze <A?i Dah¨¡ka>¡¯s armor.

    ¡°Krulcifer¡­san!?¡±

    Lux stared in wonder at the very precise shot of the girl whom he thought had run out of strength long ago.

    ¡°I said, right? That you should not underestimate me.¡±

    Showing her usual cool smile, she muttered as if speaking to herself.

    Krulcifer had the highest Machine Dragon aptitude value in the academy.

    If she could prevent even the absorption of energy by <A?i Dah¨¡ka>, it would mean that she had accumulated enough power to be able to shoot back once.

    <A?i Dah¨¡ka> which had already received fatal damage fell and completely shattered; and the user Barzeride lost consciousness.

    ¡°In the end, you are the only person who did not abandon me until the end.¡±

    She suddenly showed a somewhat farsighted profile to Lux and continued.

    Barzeride, who, though evaluating the girl called Krulcifer as the ¡°best tool¡±, threw her away and fled.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t true.¡±

    The moment when she showed her sentimental side, Lux suddenly smiled at Krulcifer.

    ¡°¡­Eh?¡±

    ¡°When I said that I will go to the duel, everybody cooperated. Lisha-sama, Philphie and even every one of the Triad¡­ So¨C¨C¡±

    As Lux looked at Lisha who landed next to him and said so,

    ¡°Is that right¡­?¡±

    ¡°Errr, well yes¡­¡±

    Lisha who was suddenly accosted slightly blushed and averted her gaze.

    ¡°It seems that I got you to cooperate even when you saved me the other day. Besides ¨C¨C it was Lux¡¯s request after all. With that said, I beat that man¡¯s private soldiers, so from tomorrow when the request will be over, give him back to me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me who beat more than half though.¡±

    When Philphie muttered so behind her, ¡°Ah geez, shut up!¡± shouted Lisha and dodged it.

    Krulcifer seeing that chuckled.

    As both of them cancelled their armors, Lux took Krulcifer¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Well then, shall we return? To our academy.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Thus, this incident calmly came to a close.

 Volume 2 - Epilogue

    ¡°Nii-san. Please come out. ¨C¨CNii-san?¡±

    *knock-knock*. The door of one room of the girl¡¯s dormitory was lightly knocked on.

    When Lux slightly opened his eyes from within a deep catnap, the furniture of the usual two person room came into view.

    Today was a holiday.

    ¡°Sorry, Airi¡­ As expected today, I¡¯m a little tired¨C¨C¡±

    When Lux unusually tried to escape into the blanket as he said so,

    ¡°¨C¨CDo you not mind even if I expose to every one of the class that you are sleeping with Philphie-san, Nii-san?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Hearing a devilish voice, Lux quickly sprang up.

    When he hurriedly opened the room¡¯s door, Airi with a serious look came in.

    ¡°You know¡­ Airi. That kind of joke is bad for my heart, so could you stop it?¡±

    ¡°I was serious though?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Being said with a carefree smile, Lux became speechless.

    ¡°Lately, you rely too much on me, Nii-san. Even for the matter before, I was against it, you know? But Nii-san said he will do it no matter what, so I had no choice but to accept¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ah, I really appreciate it. Thank you, Airi.¡±

    On that day, after having come back from the ruins investigations.

    Lux predicted the situation where Krulcifer would want to go to the duel alone, and asked Airi beforehand so as to stop it.

    In other words, the sleeping effect of the medicine that Airi concocted was just a little.

    Even so, Airi, also thinking about Lux¡¯s safety, was hesitant about what to do until the end.

    ¡°I¡¯m always worried, and you don¡¯t even consider my feelings¡­¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    Being asked by Lux after she said that in a subdue voice, Airi answered ¡°I-It¡¯s nothing!¡± in panic.

    ¡°To begin with, what is this? To think you have forgotten about asking me, your little sister¡¯s help to choose an outfit for a date ¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry. Since it¡¯s just after yesterday, and now today, so I¡¯m a little tired¡­ Or rather, it isn¡¯t a date.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s something similar, right?¡±

    Airi muttered somewhat displeased,

    ¡°Well, please change your clothes quickly. There¡¯s no time, isn¡¯t there?¡±

    As she smoothly brushed that away, she said so and urged Lux.

    After wearing the clothes which Krulcifer had bought for him and having Airi checked them, Lux left the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    Near the school gate, Krulcifer wearing a light blue dress was standing.

    ¡°Well then, shall we go? I called a carriage for today, so¨C¨C¡±

    As expected, flying with Machine Dragons would be boorish and since both them piled up fatigue, they could also not do that.

    ¡°Hey, you two, wait a minute!¡±

    When they were about to get on the carriage as planned, Lisha came over before the school gate.

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s the matter, Lisha-sama?¡±

    Even though you should usually be in your atelier ¨C¨C Lux looked puzzled.

    ¡°I¡¯m also going with you. You¡¯re going to meet with that butler of the Einvolk House, right? You two don¡¯t have your Sword Devices with you, so you¡¯ll need an escort, right?¡±

    On the waist of Lisha who said so, there was a Sword Device hanging.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s indeed so, but¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Ah, you know? Lisha-sama said that she was concerned about your relationship.¡±

    Before they were aware, Tillfarr who came over to see them off declared with an innocent smile.

    ¡°Y-You fool! Don¡¯t say things that could be misunderstood! I just¨C¨C¡±

    When Lisha who saw that desperately tried to smooth it over, Krulcifer chuckled.

    ¡°Then, I shall gratefully take you upon your offer.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ That¡¯s right.¡±

    When Lux awkwardly nodded, the three of them got on to the carriage.

    The destination was a high-class commercial district which was originally designated for concluding the engagement.

    Perhaps because it was a holiday, the streets seen from the window of the carriage were very bright and lively.

    As if to heal the wounds and fatigue of last night¡¯s duel, Lux was looking at the flowing scenery.

    ¨C¨CThat evening, when all was settled.

    The Heir of one of the Four Great Nobles, Barzeride Kreutzer was accused of crime and the matter had not yet been publically announced.

    It seemed that Barzeride arranged bandits disguise as private soldiers behind his father¡¯s and family¡¯s back and was working in the shadows to allow illegal digging at the ruins and apply pressure to the opposition.

    No ¨C¨C they did not know whether it was really by Barzeride¡¯s individual decision, but anyway, after all the investigations were over, it was a fact that he would be obviously sentenced to heavy punishment and imprisoned.

    Then, about the Black Hero¡¯s true identity.

    The case where it was known that Lux was <Bahamut>¡¯s user seemed to have been kept secret by Queen Raffi¡¯s management.

    Either way, as for Barzeride¡¯s crimes, however much power of the Four Great Nobles he held, he would not come out for at least five years.

    (That in itself isn¡¯t particularly worrisome, but¨C¨C)

    There was no horn for summoning the Abyss in Barzeride¡¯s possession.

    But, it was an undeniable fact that the Diabolos had intentionally been summoned before the ruins at that time.

    In other words, it was very likely that there was an existence suggesting Barzeride¡¯s actions and manipulating the Abyss behind the scenes.

    It was still unknown whether it was Lux¡¯s brother of the Empire ¨C¨C Fugil whom he was pursuing though.

    ¡°We have already arrived.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    While he was lost in thought, they seemed to have arrived at the destination.

    A high-class restaurant where it was scheduled to talk about the matter of the engagement.

    As they got down from the carriage, they went in the restaurant along with Alterize who was in front of a shop.

    As a reservation had been done beforehand, there was only the female owner inside.

    ¡°Welcome, Miss, Lux Acadia-sama and, errr¨C¨C?¡±

    Alterize, in the middle of greetings, turned her eyes next to Lux.

    For a woman butler with an upright character, she revealed an unusual troubled expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m their escort. Is there any problem?¡±

    ¡°N-No, excuse me¡­¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Well, since I came until here, you won¡¯t be attacked by assassins. I¡¯ll stand guard outside.¡±

    Perhaps because she was being unusually considerate, Lisha went out of the shop.

    As she sat on a seat and coughed once, Alterize straightened herself and bowed her head.

    ¡°The matter this time. It is my responsibility for having tried to press the engagement forward without seeing through Lord Kreutzer¡¯s scheme. I also do not know how to apologize to Miss and Lux Acadia-sama. Since I will receive a severe punishment upon my return to the Einvolk House, in this place, I implore your pardon¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux and Krulcifer who saw that hesitated for a little while.

    Though Lux had heard from Krulcifer, she seemed to have the position of an orphan taken in the Einvolk House.

    This was probably the result of devoting her loyalty in her own way and executing an order.

    Lux could not bring himself to especially blame her.

    ¡°Krulcifer-san¡­¡±

    As Lux thought so and turned his sights next to him,

    ¡°Can you raise your head? It is embarrassing to lower one¡¯s head inside a shop after all.¡±

    Krulcifer answered with a cool face.

    At first glance, it looked like a cold attitude until very recently, but her tone was gentle.

    ¡°As for the matter this time, I am also at fault. You also have it hard, Alterize. So ¨C¨C we are even. There is no need to apologize.¡±

    Only just a little, the two girls¡¯ gazes crossed and a calm silence was born.

    Alterize adopted by the head butler of the Einvolk House from an orphanage.

    And Krulcifer dragged in as a lineage of the ruins.

    Lux seeing this actually felt that the two girls with similar circumstances that were working hard could surely get along well.

    It was above all a happy thing.

    ¡°Those words are waste to me. But ¨C¨C my mission is already as good as settled, too.¡±

    Then, Alterize suddenly said such a thing.

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    Lux and Krulcifer looking puzzled simultaneously raised their voices.

    ¡°Lux Acadia-sama¡¯s ability as a Drag-Knight and his wisdom of having seen Lord Kreutzer¡¯s conspiracy and broken the trap. I certainly witnessed them. Moreover, he is acknowledged by the New Kingdom¡¯s Queen and had connections with many feudal lords and nobles. The Head of our Einvolk House will surely judge you to be suitable as the fianc¨¦, too.¡±

    ¡°¡­Eh!? Errr¨C¨C¡±

    The moment when he saw Alterize¡¯s modest smile, Lux was perplexed.

    Confused, he whispered in a low voice into the ear of Krulcifer who was beside him.

    ¡°¡­Wait, Krulcifer-san. What does this mean? Haven¡¯t you told her yet!? About our relation ¨C¨C being an act.¡±

    ¡°I did not have time for that. That¡¯s why I intended to tell her now, but¨C¨C¡±

    Perhaps because it was unexpected, Krulcifer who was also somewhat flustered replied.

    ¡°U-Um, Alterize-san¡­ I-I, um¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Please rest assured. From here on, it is my job. I will put all my soul into recommend you by all means as the fianc¨¦ to my master, the Head of the Einvolk House.¡±

    ¡°Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? W-Wait, that¡¯s¨C¨C!¡±

    ¡°Well then ¨C¨C I shall take my leave. I have already dealt with the bill for dinner, so you two, please take your time. It is the least I can do to apologize.¡±

    When briefly saying so, Alterize calmly left her seat.

    ¡°Well then, excuse me. Miss¨C¨C. I will visit you someday again¡±

    ¡°You, too ¨C¨C stay well.¡±

    Alterize returned a bow to Krulcifer¡¯s gentle smile.

    Her gesture had already returned to the usual serene one, but a smile which hid something floated on her expression.

    ¡°¨C¨CAh, please wait! Alterize-sa¡­¡±

    When Lux unintentionally tried to chase her, it was already too late.

    ¡°She¡¯s gone. Even if she returns to Ymir, it will be good if she also does well there.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right¨C¨C¡­. Not that, what do we do!? About the matter of the engagement!¡±

    ¡°If Lux-kun is fine with it, I do not mind officially concluding an engagement.¡±

    When Krulcifer said so with a mischievous smile, Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    ¡°P-Please don¡¯t tease me. Besides, the request will be over soon, so¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right ¨C¨C with this, the contract with you will also be over for the time being.¡±

    The special request made on a whim by Principal Relie.

    Exactly one week has passed since that day, and Krulcifer¡¯s request was about to end.

    Krulcifer¡¯s request saying ¡°I want you to become my lover¡±.

    Lux was troubled in various ways as she was his first experience, but¨C¨C

    (Did I properly accomplish it?)

    As her request was about to end, Lux felt a little lonely.

    ¡°I might not have been the suitable person for it, but it was fun.¡±

    He turned a gentle smile to Krulcifer.

    Though that was without doubt Lux¡¯s true feelings,

    ¡°That¡¯s right. But sorry ¨C¨C as expected I am not really fond of indecisive men.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Being ¡°lovers¡± with you for one week, I once again realized it.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Hahaha¡­¡±

    Revealing a slightly bitter face, Lux laughed.

    (I-It¡¯s unexpectedly painful to hear that!)

    He was originally a fake lover, so he understood that it would turn out like this, but¨C¨C

    Krulcifer softly drew her face to the mug of Lux hanging his head depressed.

    ¡°But, the real you is quite a coercive person. So ¨C¨C I like the coercive you very much.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­? ¨C¨C¡±

    The moment when Lux raised his face to Krulcifer¡¯s whisper, his lips were blocked (locked).

    The smell of a high-class perfume and the feel of sweet, soft lips.

    ¡°Wai¡­!?¡±

    At the kiss with just a little bit of touching, Lux¡¯s body suddenly turned red.

    ¡°It is a little expression of my gratitude for handling my request. ¨C¨CIsn¡¯t it enough?¡±

    Though a cool expression as usual, Krulcifer¡¯s cheeks also turned slightly red.

    ¡°S-Such a thing¨C¨C¡±

    ¡°Then, again¨C¨C¡±

    Krulcifer once again kissed the confused Lux as if pecking repeatedly.

    When she finally let go, she stuck out her tongue and licked her lips.

    ¡°T-The shopkeeper is looking!? Krulcifer-san!?¡±

    ¡°I don''t lose anything, so it¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t it? If Lux-kun really accept to get engaged with me ¨C¨C I do not mind continuing this.¡±

    When Krulcifer softly ran her fingertip on the cheek of Lux, who was already completely confused,

    ¡°Hey! What are you guys doing!?¡±

    Lisha barged into the store, she interrupted in a panic.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped, huh. Well then, think about the engagement talk.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­? Hey! Explain Lux!? What does she mean by engagement!?¡±

    ¡°P-Please wait a little! This is, um¨C¨C¡±

    The busy daily life returned to the Fort City.

 Volume 3 - Prologue

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 Volume 3 - CH 1

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 Volume 3 - CH 2

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 Volume 3 - CH 3

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 Volume 4 - CH 1

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­. I felt sick¡­¡­¡¹

    The boisterous sound of waves and the cry of the sea birds could be heard.

    Lux was turning over with pale face on the bed inside a cabin where sunlight was shining in from the window.

    The truth was that it had been a few years since the last time Lux boarded a ship for real.

    Or rather, perhaps this was actually his first time.

    There were several occasions when he was helping with carrying and managing ship cargo when he was doing odd jobs at the harbor.

    But, this time he wasn¡¯t boarding a small ship that was going to fish, but a quite large ship that was heading to a far away destination. Lux had never experienced something like that since he was born.

    It was fortunate that there was cabin for personal use in the ship because the ship was a large military ship of the new kingdom.

    Lux didn¡¯t wish to worry his female classmates by showing his pallid face to them, and what¡¯s more everyone else seemed to be fine in general, so this problem was also a concern about his personal honor.

    ¡¸Nii-san. I¡¯m coming in.¡¹

    The door of the room was opened after a knocking sound. Lux¡¯s little sister Airi showed her face from there.

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. Airi is all right¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸So there is something else that Nii-san is poor at other than your relationship with woman.¡¹

    Lux tried to smile, but he was unable to make a good expression, which caused Airi to smile wryly.

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s not like, I¡¯m that weak ab©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux felt mortified because his little sister was all right for some reason despite the two of them were placed in the same environment, so he tried to say his objection, but then,

    ¡¸I only heard this just now but, because of the sea current and the wind, it looks like that our arrival might be delayed for a few days.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s head dropped down dejectedly after seeing Airi¡¯s smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯m lying. It looks like we are going to arrive at the island soon, so how about Nii-san come out to the deck to look at the scenery?¡¹

    Lux nodded¡¸Ah, right¡¹ at Airi who was showing a teasing smile before he stood up.

    When he tried to go outside with staggering footsteps, he suddenly became concerned about something and turned his face to Airi.

    ¡¸Say, Airi. About that girl called Hayes©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I also, don¡¯t know anything.¡¹

    Perhaps expecting Lux¡¯s question, Airi answered with a complicated face.

    ¡¸If what Nii-san saw was correct, then I think that there is almost no doubt that she is one of the imperial family of the old empire. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    A few days ago, the special forces of Heiburg assaulted the academy.

    The Black Marketer, a girl called Hayes was currently placed as the strategist of that Heiburg. Her silver hair and eyes resembled Lux and others, the imperial family of the old empire.

    When Lux was a child living in the imperial court, he had seen the face of all the imperial family of the old empire.

    But, it was like only the face of that girl named Hayes didn¡¯t exist in his memory.

    At the coup d¡¯etat five years ago, the imperial family of the old empire died with the exception of Lux and Airi. There shouldn¡¯t be other living imperial family except the two of them.

    From the story of queen Raffi of the new kingdom, not to mention the imperial family inside the castle, even most of the important people who were related to the imperial family were assassinated.

    Lux¡¯s eldest brother, Fugil was the only one whose whereabouts was unknown, but could there be other member of imperial family who was still alive?

    Lux discussed about the matter to Airi, and the other day they sent a secret message to queen Raffi for confirmation, but the reply was still the same like five years ago.

    No answer came out even after thinking about it.

    Perhaps there would be no other way to find the answer except capturing that girl called Hayes and asked her directly.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll go out in a bit.¡¹

    Lux stopped the talk and he climbed up the stair to come out to the deck.

    ¡¸Uwah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux unconsciously held his breath from witnessing the superb view that couldn¡¯t be seen at Cross Field(Fortress City) that was located inland.

    The weather was clear without a single cloud in the sky, with the beautiful sea that was reflecting the blue color of the sky on its surface.

    And then the dazzling sun of the early summer was highlighting their destination this time clearly.

    The island floating at the ocean that was the new kingdom¡¯s territory, covered with the greenery that was the unique vegetation of the island©¤©¤Ries Island.

    For one week starting from today, Lux and co would make the boardinghouse in that island as their base.

    ¡¸Special training camp, in Ries Island©¤©¤is it?¡¹

    About three weeks after the academy internal selection battle, the early summer of June.

    In preparation for the international tournament, the twelve names who were the representatives who would participate in it were gathered inside the waiting room of the practice ground.

    There, all the members were told about that proposal instead of the original plan.

    ¡¸Yes. I heard about it from the board chairman just now, so I¡¯m thinking to hear the opinion of everyone.¡¹

    The words of the captain of the academy¡¯s raid squad ¡ºSyvalles(Knight Squadron)¡», Celistia caused the eyes of the noble lady students to shine.

    ¡¸Hmm. If I remember right, there is a huge practice ground for Drag-Ride in Ries Island. That¡¯s a good place for our final preparation toward the international tournament. No objection at all from me here.¡¹

    First it was the princess of the new kingdom Lizsharte who showed her approval about the talk of training camp.

    Starting from the overseas student Krulcifer, Lux¡¯s childhood friend Philuffy, the famous trio of the academy the Triad, and so on, the other selected members also consented one after another, and it was decided in the blink of eye.

    ¡¸This will be the first time I¡¯m participating in this kind of event, so I¡¯m looking forward to it. ©¤©¤Lux-kun, what about you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I guess. Yes, I¡¯m also looking forward to it.¡¹

    Lux was nodding in agreement at Krulcifer¡¯s words while showing her a smile, it was at that time

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to feel bad for everyone in the academy, but it looks like I will be able to spend time with you just the two of us after so long, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux felt his heart jumped from the mischievous gaze of Krulcifer while his mouth replied like that.

    Lisha who saw that cut in between the two of them with a sullen face.

    ¡¸Oi! What kind of licentious thing you are thinking right now Krulcifer!? Just so you know, Lux is going to help with my research, or doing Drag-Ride practical test, ¡­¡­anyway I¡¯m going to have him do various things for me there!¡¹

    ¡¸How vexing. I¡¯m not thinking about anything wicked at all. Rather than that, I want to give you a tiny piece of advice though. I think that there is something wrong if you are working him hard like a horse just because you want to be together with him you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­, it, it¡¯s not like I want©¤©¤!¡¹

    When Lisha¡¯s cheeks were turning red against Krulcifer¡¯s cool smile,

    ¡¸The two of you, I¡¯m still in the middle of talking.¡¹

    The serious faced Celis flatly rebuked the two of them.

    ¡¸This kind of event is rare, so I also understand your feeling of wanting to let loose, but this is a part of our education. Keep in mind to not forget about our duty.¡¹

    Her face was the face of a resolute senior that was worthy for the name of the strongest girl of the academy.

    (As I thought, Celis-san is just amazing¡­¡­)

    Lux breathed out in relieve inside his heart seeing the small quarrel settled down safely.

    There was an aspect of Celis that was relatively awkward, but she was fundamentally a splendid mediator.

    Lux was directing such respectful gaze at her, it was at that time

    ¡¸Co, come to think of it, there is something I want to ask Lux regarding the matter of this training camp.¡¹

    Celis was asking him like that as though she had suddenly recalled something.

    ¡¸Yes. What is it?¡¹

    When Lux replied back, the academy¡¯s strongest girl spoke with seriousness in her face,

    ¡¸Tha, that¡­¡­I heard that one should carefully choose their spare underwear when they are going for a sleepover with a boy, ©¤©¤is that true?¡¹

    *murmur-*¡­¡­Ripples spread inside the waiting room at that moment.

    ¡¸Tha, that kind of thing is the first time for me and I don¡¯t really get it so, that¡¯s, if possible I want to receive advice from Lux who is a boy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, perhaps that¡¯s the misunderstanding of the person who told senpai that you know!? That¡¯s a sleepover in a different meaning you know!?¡¹

    When Lux said that in panic,

    ¡¸Well, in a sense that¡¯s not wrong though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you mean? Teach me Krulcifer.¡¹

    Lisha tilted her head in puzzlement when Krulcifer who was beside her said that.

    ¡¸Or rather, isn¡¯t captain Celis unexpectedly letting loose too in this¡­¡­¡¹

    When Tillfur muttered that with a complicated face at the end, Celis straightened her posture in panic.

    ¡¸The, there is no such thing! It¡¯s not like I¡¯m thinking something like what kind of game to bring In order to deepen my interaction with everyone this time for sure or anything, not at the slightest so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Celis, I think that we are still in the middle of the explanation here¡­¡­¡¹

    When Sharis who was similarly a third year retorted so, Celis¡¯s face reddened and she put her breathing in order.

    ¡¸My, my apologies! E, err¡­¡­, then I think that everyone is in agreement with this proposal, so let¡¯s end this talk for the present. As soon as the detail is settled, we will once more©¤©¤¡¹

    (Senpai¡¯s true color is completely showing out¡­¡­)

    The strongest girl who was obstinately protecting the discipline she imposed and was bound by ¡ºrightness¡».

    But, perhaps thanks to her relying once on man that was Lux and his declaration that he could accept her, it might be that she became relatively able to also show her weak side.

    ¡¸Oh man, I¡¯m really looking forward to it. Lux-chi is also happy right? You¡¯ll be able to have training camp together with everyone.¡¹

    Right after the explanation was over, one of the Triad, Tillfur called out to him with that sentence.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m also a bit excited. This kind of even with everyone is the first time since I came to this academy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. This experience is also the first time for me, so I¡¯m feeling a bit in high spirit.¡¹

    Even Noct who was usually cool and collected among the Triad was showing an unexpected side of her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? Geez Lux-chi, could it be that you don¡¯t notice?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head in puzzlement hearing Tillfur¡¯s suggestive sentence.

    ¡¸Lux-chi is slow as usual in this kind of thing ¡®innit. Well, doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s something to look forward to later.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯ll also stay quiet until that time.¡¹

    (So, somehow I¡¯m getting really worried¡­¡­!)

    Although Lux felt somewhat uneasy from Noct¡¯s whisper, for the time being they wrapped up the whole talk.

    (¡­¡­But, I¡¯m glad that I can go outside the academy in this timing.)

    The other day, when the academy was assaulted, Lux used his divine Drag-Ride <Bahamut>, but the majority of the students were in chaos and it was the best they could do to evacuate, so with the exception of a small part that was the selection members here, there was no sign that Lux¡¯s true identity was exposed.

    But, because the rumor of ¡¸Just what is that black Drag-Ride and its Drag-Knight?¡¹ became hot topic inside the academy for a while, it caused Lux to go through days that were bad for his heart.

    He was thinking that it would be great if the rumor calmed down nicely while he was going to the training camp.

    Lux slowly turned his gaze to his side while thinking of such thing.

    Ahead of his gaze there was the face of his childhood friend who possessed beautiful pink hair.

    ¡¸Training camp. Sounds fun, isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Philuffy said that to him with her face was still nearly emotionless.

    ¡¸Ah, yep¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux also replied back with an awkward smile.

    Philuffy was fatigued at the assault to the academy before this and so she took a break. But it seemed that her condition had became completely well, so Lux was relieved about that, although©¤©¤,

    (Ries Island, huh¡­¡­)

    Lux harbored a complicated feeling toward that name of the place they planned to go to.

    And then, at the morning five days later.

    Lux and co departed to the practice ground of Ries Island using the large military ship of the new kingdom.

    The time after the island came into view from the ship was fast.

    The ship approached the pier that was made from stone, the anchor and the cargo were brought down, then all of them walked through the road in a line.

    The path that was surrounded by grove of tall summer trees gave the image of a green corridor.

    ¡¸The plants are growing really thick. The path is also rough, the maintenance here is lacking. ¡­¡­Good grief.¡¹

    When Lisha was grumbling while both her hands were carrying her bag, headmaster Relie who was at the rear of the line started explaining with a smile.

    ¡¸It¡¯s on purpose that there are a lot of plants around here. This place more or less is also a military facility, that¡¯s why it¡¯s set so that the gaze from outside can be avoided as much as possible. And so everyone, be careful not to get lost ok?¡¹

    By the way, Ries Island was quiet far from Cross field, so the preparation for this training camp was a bit problematic.

    The summoning of Drag-Ride became unable to function if there was too much distance.

    There was the nearest Drag-Ride hangar at the neighboring port city, so the Drag-Rides of the participating members were re-stationed there temporarily. They needed to arrange such thing so that they could summon the Drag-Ride in this Ries Island.

    ¡¸Aah, aah, even though it will be a breeze walking through this kind of path if I can use <Wyvern>¡¹

    It was obvious, but the use of Drag-Ride outside of training and emergency was fundamentally forbidden even in this island.

    Perhaps because of being not accustomed to travelling, even Tillfur of Triad was muttering about how tiresome this was, it was at that time

    ¡¸You can be relieved. Looks like we arrived already.¡¹

    When Lux raised his face at the same time with Krulcifer¡¯s calm words©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Waah¡­¡­¡¹

    The surprised voice of the girls could be heard from behind Lux.

    Ahead of the path that came out of the thick tunnel of leaves, a site that looked like another world spread before their eyes.

    A spacious practice ground surrounded by thick and steep stone wall could be seen from afar. Right before it, there was a forest that functioned to absorb shockwave and sound from the practice ground.

    There was also a huge lake and farming area. And not just lodging facilities to be used as base, there was also shops lining up even though small.

    Ries Island was originally the military facility of the old empire, but during these five years, it seemed that it had changed considerably.

    There was also the existence of vegetations that were unique to the island that even gave them the illusion as though they had arrived to another country.

    All the students including Lux had their gaze stolen by the sight for a while.

    ¡¸Oo. Welcome, it¡¯s a pleasure to be in your presence, Relie Aingram-sama. I would have come to receive you myself if only you contacted me beforehand.¡¹

    A gentle-looking old man who grew white beard on his face was slowly walking their way.

    It seemed he was the village chief of this island.

    ¡¸I came here today as headmaster, so please don¡¯t worry about it. We will be in your care for a while.¡¹

    The village chief greeted Relie warmly. The two of them might be acquainted through Aingram Conglomerate. After the greeting, Relie received something like a key and she walked at the front.

    ¡¸Currently the military personnel isn¡¯t using the practice ground, so you all can take it easy here.¡¹

    After Relie said that, they walked for a bit before reaching a hut that was the boarding house.

    Perhaps because it was originally a lodging facility for use of the old empire military, the structure of the building was spacious and solid, but when compared to the girl dormitory of the academy, as expected it gave off a plain impression.

    Even so, when Lux thought back of the period when he was doing chores, it was a building that was enough to be called as splendid.

    After Lux put down his luggage, he was about to go help out someone else, it was at that time,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m just a bit, tired.¡¹

    Airi who finally arrived at the living room of the boardinghouse let out a sigh.

    Her personal luggage should only be filled with things related to documents, but it seemed that she was tired from the long trip that she hadn¡¯t done in a long time. She was sitting down deeply into the sofa.

    ¡¸Airi, are you okay? If you feel unwell, then I¡¯ll call the doctor of this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. Nii-san is always treating me like a child. Even me is already an adult you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, yes. You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lux showed a wry smile at Airi¡¯s sullen expression while he replied like that.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, why is Airi coming along here?¡¹

    ¡¸What a heartless brother. Am I not allowed to come along here?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not what I meant. This, it¡¯s the training camp for the representative members for the international tournament right? I¡¯m just wondering if it¡¯s alright for Airi to come along too¡­¡­¡¹

    About Airi¡¯s accompaniment, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine the headmaster Relie giving Airi permission using her authority.

    However, Lux thought that there wasn¡¯t any reason for Airi to purposefully participate in this training camp, but,

    ¡¸I come to monitor Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi replied to Lux¡¯s modest question with a nonchalant face.

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸Recently Nii-san flirt with girl too much. It makes me a bit worried that some kind of mistake might happen, that¡¯s why I came along here.¡¹

    ¡¸By mistake you mean¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected, whatever the circumstances may be he didn¡¯t think anything like that would occur.

    Since Lux came to the academy, he came to get along well with a lot of girls, including the man-hater Celis. He wanted to think that it wasn¡¯t just his conceit but, even so©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Err, I¡¯m the only man here, that¡¯s why everyone act kindly to me. That¡¯s all there is to it I think.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s sentence caused Airi to stare fixedly at him in exasperation,

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. I don¡¯t know if I should be relieved, or perhaps I should feel uneasy¡­¡­. Nii-san is Nii-san as expected isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what do you mean©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Lux tried to ask back,

    ¡¸Airi-chan. Everyone has finished changing already. They are going ahead, so tell Lux-chi too ¡®kay.¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s bright voice could be heard from outside the room.

    Airi who heard that let out a light sigh ¡¸Fuu¡¹, and then she handed the bag on her hand at Lux.

    ¡¸Then Nii-san, change into these clothes and then please go to coast. If you get out of the lodging, and then go straight the right path, you will arrive at that place.¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­. Then, I¡¯m going.¡¹

    Lux changed his clothes as he was told while still not really understanding anything, and then he got out of the boardinghouse.

    It seemed that Tillfur and others had changed and gone on ahead, but was the place they were going the practice ground?

    (But, as expected from everyone. For them to practice right after arriving©¤©¤)

    Just as he was told by Airi, he went through the many paths with a lot of vegetation and headed toward the coast.

    ¡¸But, what¡¯s this clothes? It looks different from the suit¡­¡­¡¹

    The clothes Lux changed into was different from the suit for Drag-Ride use, it was only the size of underwear for the lower body.

    ¡­¡­Was there some kind of mistake perhaps?

    For a moment Lux hesitated whether to head back to the boarding house or not, it was at that time©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Ooooi. Lux-chi, this way, this way©¤¡¹

    He could hear Tillfur¡¯s voice from ahead of the narrow path that was colored by greenery, from the opening of a thicket where sunlight shined through.

    When Lux moved his feet forward following the call, his view suddenly opened up and he could see the coast.

    ¡¸Sorry. I¡¯ve made everyone wait©¤©¤¡­¡­eh, eeeeeh!?¡¹

    When Lux got down with his hand blocking off the strong sunlight of the early summer, he could see it.

    The shining bright beach, and the transparent blue sea.

    And then, the girls clad in colorful and vivid outfit who were gathering there.

    ¡¸You¡¯re late, Lux-kun. Everyone is already impatient here.¡¹

    The third year Sharis©¤©¤, one of the Triad whose body was clad in small clothes with rose decoration was smiling elegantly.

    ¡¸U, uwaaah!? I¡¯m sorry-¡­¡­! I, I¡¯m not looking so©¤©¤¡¹

    The exposure rate of the outfit was high, so Lux thought that Sharis was wearing underwear. He tried to avert his gaze in panic.

    ¡¸No. I judged that your reaction is wrong. Lux-san, our clothing isn¡¯t underwear.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux felt puzzled hearing that. He turned his gaze toward the owner of that voice Noct.

    The exposure rate was high, but that outfit with polka dots pattern decorating it really matched the girl¡¯s unique atmosphere.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate for Lux-san, but this isn¡¯t underwear.¡¹

    ¡¸Why did you say it twice!? Or rather, in the first place it¡¯s not unfortunate or anything!¡¹

    ¡¸Uwaa, geez Lux-chi, your mind is dirtyyy. But it¡¯s fine you know, we¡¯re always indebted to you anyway¡¹

    Even Tilffarr who was wearing outfit with yellow sunflower pattern was sending him a teasing stare. As expected her outfit was an outfit with slightly high exposure rate compared to the suit she was usually wearing.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like I©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face reddened and he was troubled of where to look. When he tried to make excuse in a hurry,

    ¡¸It seems that this thing is called water dress.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux turned around toward the voice he heard from behind him, there was Krulcifer standing there.

    The outfit made from black fabric accompanied with silverwork was bringing into prominence her transient and mystical beauty all the more.

    Her smooth skin that was like fresh snow, and those limbs which while slender depicted alluring line, they caused Lux to gulp his saliva.

    ¡¸It was from a few years ago, but it seems this outfit is popular among nobility. It¡¯s a custom to create and wear outfit for the sake of dressing up yourself when swimming in the ocean. I too am wearing this for the first time in this country but©¤©¤what do you think?¡¹

    Saying that, Krulcifer showed the ¡ºwater dress(swimsuit)¡» she was wearing to Lux.

    ¡¸E, errr©¤©¤, it¡¯s really beautiful. It completely matched, Krulcifer-san¡¯s atmosphere¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You think? Thank you. To hear you say that to me, it¡¯s worth it for me to spend time choosing this.¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s face wasn¡¯t her usual cool expression, she was acting bashful with a slightly embarrassed face.

    That gesture was excessively cute that Lux spontaneously felt his heart jumped.

    ¡¸My my, how nice. It feels like the springtime of the youth.¡¹

    The headmaster Relie spoke out from under the pavilion to block the sunlight a slight distance away.

    Perhaps it should be said as expected, she too was properly wearing the so called water dress.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, even Relie-san is planning to play around!?¡¹

    She was the headmaster, someone who was in the position of leading others, and yet she was wearing outfit with excessive exposure rate that shocked Lux unintentionally.

    ¡¸My, discrimination is no good you know, Lux-kun. Although I¡¯m the academy¡¯s headmaster, but I¡¯m also a human. Can you allow me to let my hair down a bit this time as an occasional day off for me?¡¹

    ¡¸No, if it¡¯s Relie-san, I got the feeling that you¡¯re already relaxing quite often even usually ©¤©¤I mean this, in the first place we¡¯re here not for holiday¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux retorted calmly like that,

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as he say. I cannot allow something like playing right from the first day. In the first place, we came to this island under the pretext of training camp. We should strive for more seriousness.¡¹

    Celistia came beside Lux as though to give backing to those words.

    Celis was wearing light blue water dress with an appearance that was nearly a dress type compared to what the other girls were wearing.

    Regardless of the exposure rate that was slightly moderate, the destructive power of that abundant body was sucking in Lux¡¯s gaze unintentionally.

    ¡¸You said that, but even you are properly wearing water dress here aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸This is only because the headmaster(you) tricked me saying that this is for swimming practice!¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, you¡¯re stubborn as usual¡­¡­. Working hard is important, but this time it will a long training, so don¡¯t you think that a bit of breather is also important? Right, Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux. You too, please say something to the headmaster. This kind of conduct cannot be tolerated.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? Celis-senpai is also turning on me!?¡¹

    Honestly speaking, he was really poor of making determination in a problem that affect more than himself.

    What to do.

    Certainly Celis¡¯s opinion made sense, but he didn¡¯t think that she would win against Relie by reasoning©¤©¤.

    (Aa¡­¡­)

    At that time, suddenly a silhouette entered the corner of Lux¡¯s sight.

    After giving a glimpse at that figure, Lux immediately determined himself.

    ¡¸Eerr, Celis-senpai. Certainly I think that training is also important, but isn¡¯t it also fine to spend a bit of time with everyone right now?¡¹

    Celis showed a vaguely sullen looking face hearing Lux¡¯s polite proposal.

    ¡¸You are a kind person, but you are a bit soft toward everyone. In order to obtain many victories in the international tournament, desperate effort is necessary©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, how about loosening up our body by swimming a bit before doing hand-to-hand combat training? The ground here is also soft sand, and it will also become warm up until we use Drag-Ride.¡¹

    Lux skillfully pacified Celis who was obstinate to the last.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­. Is, that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes! I think that¡¯s so! Besides look, Celis-senpai too, you look really good in that water dress. You don¡¯t need to be that bothered about the gaze of the surrounding©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux pressed on when he saw Celis was wavering, at that time,

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? What are you saying-!? Ple, please don¡¯t say strange thing! It, it¡¯s not like, I want to change clothes quickly because I¡¯m not used with this outfit and it feel embarrassing, it¡¯s nothing like that at all I¡¯m telling you!¡¹

    (S, so that was it¡­¡­)

    Lux pushed those words down into his throat and he smiled awkwardly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. In deference to you, I¡¯ll allow this just for today. But, don¡¯t forget that this too is the extension of training. A, also, it¡¯s prohibited to goggle intently at me.¡¹

    Lux felt relieved hearing Celis¡¯s words while turning around to everyone behind him.

    ¡¸Geez Lux-chi, you¡¯re working hard like that, because you want to look at everyone¡¯s swimsuit.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, I think that¡¯s understandable. After all even Lux-san has sexual desire inside him.¡¹

    ¡¸He casually guide the conversation to carry out hand-to-hand combat training while we are dressed like this¡­¡­. Lux-kun, you too are a strategist huh.¡¹

    The Triad said those things one after another.

    ¡¸Even though I did my best for everyone, that¡¯s cruel you know-!?¡¹

    The teased Lux reflexively complained with a troubled look, it was then,

    ¡¸¡­¡­ei¡¹

    ¡¸Wah¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Suddenly Lux¡¯s back was splashed with water along with a girl¡¯s absent-minded voice.

    When he turned around hurriedly, he found Philuffy in water dress there, dipping inside the sea where the water reached until under her knees.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it cold, Lu-chan?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s childhood friend showed a faint smile slightly inside that usual expressionless face.

    But, rather than the surprise from getting splashed by water, it was Philuffy¡¯s appearance that Lux¡¯s attention was directed to.

    The light green water dress decorated with flower pattern had a lot more exposure rate compared to the pilot suit Philuffy usually wore, that bewitching springy white thighs, and the soft-looking breast valley, and so on were being emphasized.

    ¡¸We playing together in the sea. This is the first time.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    The face of Lux who replied half-heartedly like that was getting heated naturally.

    When the two of them were children, he had played at the shallows of river bank with Philuffy several times. Various things right now couldn¡¯t be compared with that time.

    The face that still had vague trace of childishness in it, with voluptuous figure that stimulated male instinct.

    In spite of that, it was only Philuffy¡¯s attitude toward Lux that was still the same like in the past. For some reason that felt really nostalgic for Lux.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. I was able to imagine it but, when we come to this kind of place¡­¡­as expected this girl completely make me feel inferior.¡¹

    Krulcifer who saw that said so with a complicated face.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true you know!? E, even me, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m only looking at that kind of place of everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My? I wonder where are you looking at on my little sister¡¯s body? Can you tell me in more detail, Lux-kun?¡¹

    When the startled Lux tried to make excuse in panic, Relie came teasing him even more.

    ¡¸Ra, rather than that, I don¡¯t see Lisha-sama anywhere©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m right here!¡¹

    When Lux ran his gaze at the surrounding, he could see Lisha¡¯s figure under another pavilion that wasn¡¯t used by Relie.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? What are you doing there, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    From what he saw it seemed that she had changed into a water dress, but she was hiding her body with a thin towel and stayed motionlessly in the shadow of the pavilion.

    ¡¸Co, come here for a bit. I¡¯ll explain the circumstance to you¡­¡­¡¹

    Beckoned by Lisha, Lux approached her. Lisha was sitting down wearing a vividly crimson water dress the same color with her eyes.

    Her waist was wrapped with red decoration fabric, but the exposure rate of the outfit was fundamentally high.

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t stare so much at me!? That¡¯s embarrassing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aa©¤©¤, could it be¡¹

    Lux finally noticed belatedly.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s how it is. The area around my stomach is visible more than I thought, that©¤©¤¡¹

    There was a mark that was branded on Lisha¡¯s abdomen by the old empire in the past.

    That secret was originally something that mustn¡¯t be known by anyone.

    The mark was being hidden by the fabric tied on her waist, but there was a chance that it could be exposed if she made a big movement.

    ¡¸No, actually it would be better if I don¡¯t change into these clothes but¡­¡­. How should I say it, swimming in the sea looks fun, so I was careless¡­¡­.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly seeing Lisha whispering shamefully.

    Lisha usually was working hard in  fighting and developing Drag-Ride, but she also had desire that was appropriate for her age.

    ¡¸I understand. But, that water dress, it looks really cute you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? What are you saying!? Thi, this lecher!¡¹

    Lux returned a smile at Lisha who became bright red and panicked before he went out of the pavilion.

    And then, he decided about something for the sake of the frustrated Lisha while returning to where everyone was, it was at that time,

    ¡¸Ah©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Hello, I¡¯ve been waiting, Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi who had changed into a water dress finally arrived at the sandy beach.

    Airi¡¯s dainty and ephemeral atmosphere really suited her pure white water dress.

    However different from the past when she was frail and sickly, her body build was healthy as appropriate for a girl her age.

    ¡¸So Airi also changed into such outfit, just as I thought.¡¹

    Lux abruptly smiled seeing her currently grown little sister when he recalled about the past.

    That was the feeling of relieve as the big brother, but,

    ¡¸Nii-san, you said just as I thought, don¡¯t tell me, has Nii-san been imagining about how I look in water dress all this time?¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong!? Like that won¡¯t I become a person who is bad in various meanings!? That¡¯s not what I mean, just now, you were watching this way while hesitating right? You were at lost whether to come here to play together, or else©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­So Nii-san noticed.¡¹

    Yes.

    When they were talking about whether they should train together with Celis or play at the sea, Lux could see Airi¡¯s figure at afar spying this way.

    There, Lux thought to skillfully guide the development to a direction where everyone would play together at sea.

    ¡¸But I¡¯m glad. Like this you can play together with everyone.¡¹

    In this training camp, Airi who was unable to use Drag-Ride would record the Drag-Ride¡¯s output from outside, deciphered the ancient documents from Ruin, and many other work where she would be doing it alone.

    Even if it would be for the sake of the training camp, but no matter what it would surely be lonely and boring for Airi.

    That was why Lux decided that he wished Airi could at the very least play with everyone at the first day and he took a plunge.

    ¡¸For me to be fussed about by the insensitive Nii-san, for some reason it feels like I¡¯m defeated.¡¹

    Airi puffed up her cheeks slightly and she muttered with a complicated face.

    But,

    ¡¸And yet, that consideration make me happy, just a little. That¡¯s why, today I¡¯ll play with Nii-san for a bit today.¡¹

    Airi smiled at Lux with a voice that sounded just a bit embarrassed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like, I too am still immature as a leader.¡¹

    Celis suddenly muttered so from behind.

    ¡¸Relaxing at least at the first day we arrived is it, but, just in case everyone should warm up their body lightly. The having fun will be after that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please.¡¹

    It seemed that Celis also changed her thinking after seeing the exchange between Lux and Airi.

    ¡¸Then, please quickly gather the members who can move. It will be free time after we have a bit of run along the sea.¡¹

    The leader Celis gave that order.

    ¡¸Yes-!¡¹

    Like that, the eleven members other than Lisha replied with anticipation of having fun after that.

    ¡­¡­But.

    Right after that, everyone present including Lux came to a realization. The words ¡°a bit¡± and ¡°light¡± that came from Celis who habitually accumulated training steadily while treating herself strictly, actually referred to training in a level that was honestly wearisome even for Lux.

    Although Airi tried to keep up at the beginning, she then quickly escaped to where headmaster Relie was. Lisha who was only observing was also relieved.

    In the end, they were able to have fun at sea an hour later.

    ¡¸Haaa¡­¡­. I¡¯m tireeed. I want to have a nap just for a bit heree¡¹

    After running, it was a swimming practice that was accompanied only by spirit without skill.

    And then after the long-awaited water play was finished, everyone returned to the inn and ate box lunch and the time turned into afternoon.

    Continuing after that, everyone began to look around inside the island¡¯s facility following the schedule. It was at that time Tillfur yawned and let out a complaint.

    ¡¸No. I judged that you were too high-spirited in having fun, Tillfur. You were also playing too much with your all when the training was over.¡¹

    ¡¸It feels wasteful to rest after we finally got over the training don¡¯t¡¯cha think!?¡¹

    The leader among the three, Sharis lightly tapped the shoulder of Tillfur who responded to Noct¡¯s report.

    ¡¸By the way, you don¡¯t forget that there is also a plan for light practice after we finished with this looking around aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Lux reflexively smiled wryly seeing Tillfur¡¯s shoulders dropped in dejection.

    Everyone walked in one line through the neglected narrow path that was illuminated by the sunlight filtering through trees.

    The scenery of the island that possessed a lot of trees and ground undulation changed variedly depending on the location.

    ¡¸There is also farm here. It¡¯s so big you won¡¯t think that this is an island that has practice ground.¡¹

    Relie casually replied ¡¸Right¡¹ at Celis¡¯s muttering and she lifted her face.

    ¡¸That¡¯s because in the past there was a lot of people here, although now there isn¡¯t that many people.¡¹

    Lux guessed that she must be talking about the period of the old empire.

    This place was used as the army¡¯s practice ground, as the testing site for military weapon©¤©¤and also as a base nearby a Ruin.

    The facility that was well-ordered more than ten years ago changed shape and it was taken over by the new kingdom.

    From Relie¡¯s explanation, at their left side were forest and farm area, large water reservoir, practice ground, Drag-Ride atelier, small hangar, and then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸By the way, the best thing here is the hot spring. It will take a bit more time until we can enter it, but this time it will be reserved just for us, so all of you can heal you fatigue from training there.¡¹

    The training camp members were excited hearing that unexpected news.

    ¡¸Waa¡­¡­. It will be my first time entering a hot spring!¡¹

    ¡¸We can really do that!?¡¹

    ¡¸Reservation, that¡¯s really a surprise. But, there should be other people too in this island, just how in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing the students of Syvalles(Knight Squadron) became high spirited, Relie smiled and then said a short sentence.

    ¡¸You use the power of money for that.¡¹

    Hearing that caused the face of everyone to turn really complicated with mixed feelings.

    (As expected, it¡¯s just like Relie-san to do something like that¡­¡­)

    As might be expected from Aingram conglomerate that was one of the prominent wealthy group even in the new kingdom, the way they used money was pointlessly amazing.

    At Lux¡¯s memory about when he was a child, he recalled about the birthday party of the little sister Philuffy that was celebrated in an excessively large party hall with a gigantic cake prepared for the occasion.

    He believed that at the time Relie was also still young, but her personality hadn¡¯t change since that time.

    ¡¸If everyone is in agreement, it¡¯s fine for Lux-kun to enter together you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Relie said that with a mischievous face.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s, as expected that¡¯s a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what are you saying headmaster!? Such licentious©¤©¤¡¹

    When the panicked Lux and Celis reflexively protested,

    ¡¸You mean while wearing water dress isn¡¯t it, headmaster Relie?¡¹

    Krulcifer smoothly guessed so from the side.

    ¡¸My? Even though I want to tease them for a little bit more, Krulcifer-san, you expose the joke too fast.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, if it¡¯s wearing water dress then¡­¡­¡¹

    For a moment Lux almost consented, but,

    ¡¸No that¡¯s still no good you know!? Even if we are wearing water dress©¤©¤¡¹

    After thinking really, really carefully, Lux shook his head in panic.

    Although there was water dress, in the end it didn¡¯t change the fact that everyone would be lightly dressed.

    It felt like his head would boil just from hearing the fact of beautiful girls entering bath.

    ¡¸That¡¯s regrettable.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you really¡­¡­, a headmaster?¡¹

    Lisha retorted with an exasperation expression and the talk was somehow settled there.

    ¡¸Then, for the time being how about we look around? The facility here that is introduced right now©¤©¤¡¹

    Following Relie¡¯s words, they looked around the facilities that gave off historical impression in order.

    It seemed the military of the new kingdom wouldn¡¯t come here in this one week, but it appeared that every facility was still properly attended by its supervisor, guard, and so on.

    Even at the inside the atelier of Drag-Ride was fairly in order, making Lisha¡¯s eyes to shine.

    ¡¸We are going to finish looking at everything soon. Then, let¡¯s practice lightly before we end this day.¡¹

    Following Relie¡¯s instruction, they headed toward the practice ground for the last.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Midway, Lux caught sight of an out of shape building above a small hill.

    The name of the last facility that Lux knew, didn¡¯t come out in his mind.

    And then, the light practice was over in the blink of eye, and the night of the first day training camp arrived.

    Different from Cross field, there were few buildings and street lights in Ries Island, so the night was dark.

    Everyone gathered in the spacious living room of the boardinghouse to take dinner but,

    ¡¸By the way board chairman, why didn¡¯t you call for cook for the training camp this time? Even though we can save time and effort if you do that from the start.¡¹

    ¡¸My, making the food with everyone in this kind of time suit the mood more you know?¡¹

    Relie responded with a smile at Lisha¡¯s question.

    ¡¸But¡­¡­Relie-san, I don¡¯t remember but can you cook?¡¹

    When Lux said that while reeling in his memories of the past,

    ¡¸There is no way I can.¡¹

    ¡¸I know it¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could only look astonished when he was told that by the widely smiling Relie.

    ¡¸Anyway, we brought the ingredients and seasoning here so it looks like we have everything. With this, we will be able to make something somehow don¡¯t you think?¡¹

    Krulcifer took a glance at the kitchen and the ingredients storage before she muttered.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Can you help me for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes.¡¹

    It appeared the one who was skilled in cooking among the noble ladies was Krulcifer who possessed spirit of self-reliance since the past. It was also amazing how she reserved her stamina properly even after the training.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll also help. I¡¯m still not really good at cooking but¡¹

    Celis made that offer, but,

    ¡¸Please stop Celis-san!¡¹

    The students who were at the third year like her stopped Celis with their all.

    ¡¸Wh, why!? Even though I look like this but I too am quite©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because we realized it at our expedition to the capital before this! We are begging you, please don¡¯t break various things anymore!¡¹

    It felt terrifyingly uneasy from what could be seen from that exchange.

    ¡¸But, we are still short of hands in order to cook for the portion of 14 people. Is there anyone else that can help?¡¹

    ¡¸I also, can cook you know?¡¹

    The one who raised her hand silently was Philuffy who was watching the course of events absentmindedly until now.

    ¡¸By the way, I wonder what cooking you are good at?¡¹

    ¡¸Something like hotcake, or cookie. Also, I can cook donut too you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m happy with just your feeling of wanting to help.¡¹

    That was so.

    Philuffy had matchless fondness for sweet things, furthermore she was a big eater.

    Perhaps Krulcifer imagined the dinner table would be filled to the brim with sweets because she quickly declined Philuffy¡¯s help too.

    ¡¸Excuse me Krulcifer. In the past, the cook in my house praised me that I¡¯m good at decorating though¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis called out once more. Perhaps it was frustrating for her to not do anything.

    ¡¸I hope you can talk with cooking as the base judgment at the very least¡­¡­¡¹

    In the end, it was Lisha who wasn¡¯t used that much to cooking who was helping out.

    The cooking was finished half an hour later and everyone took dinner.

    Thinking that this was the first time they were cooking cooperating with everyone in the kitchen for the first time, the result was adequate.

    Even so perhaps because everyone¡¯s stomach was empty from exercising the whole day, when the meal was started there was almost no conversation.

    Ten minutes later, the content of the plates were cleaned up leaving nothing behind.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    When the meal was finished and they took a breather, everyone started to relax inside the spacious living room.

    Airi was reading the book she brought, while Noct was doing chess with other girl. Sharis and Tillfur was doing betting trump where they got scolded by Celis then.

    Relie was emptying a wine bottle, where Philuffy was eating cookie while accompanying her.

    Lisha was spreading blueprint of Drag-Ride above the table and thinking about something.

    Lux who finished tidying up the tableware was watching that while he was enveloped in a mysterious sensation.

    ¡¸Somehow, this kind of thing is nice.¡¹

    Such words leaked out subconsciously from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    He also spent time together with the girls at their everyday class or at the girl dormitory, but spending time together with school friends the same age inside the same room like this made him felt like his yearning in the past was fulfilled.

    ¡¸Certainly, it¡¯s also not bad doing something like this occasionally.¡¹

    Perhaps Krulcifer also felt the same because she said so while sitting beside him.

    ¡¸Yes. It will be great if we can also win the international tournament and finished everything safely like this without any incident but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. And then, I¡¯ll also pray so that your anxiety can be taken care of if possible.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s heart pulsed heavily from hearing Krulcifer casually whispering suggestively to him.

    She was right on the mark.

    Since Lux arrived on this island, he had been bothered by something all this time. It wouldn¡¯t leave his mind.

    ¡¸How, did you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not something I can really brag about. For a long time I was living by covertly examining people¡¯s expression, that¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    Krulcifer was discovered inside the Ruin of religious country Ymir, she was then adopted by Einfolk family and lived there until now.

    Because she was raised in other people¡¯s family and wasn¡¯t allowed to relax her guard around anyone, she excelled in seeing through the subtlety of people¡¯s heart.

    Surely that was the kind of meaning her words had.

    ¡¸Since you arrived in this island, you look restless somewhere inside you. You¡¯ve been worrying about something all this time. It will be great if it¡¯s just my needless anxiety though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s nothing at all. It¡¯s a matter of the past, right now it¡¯s already©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux showed a powerless smile while answering like that.

    Krulcifer calmly smiled, then her fingertip gently reached out and caressed Lux¡¯s cheek.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t have to say the reason. But please remember this. If you wish it, I will come help you risking my life anytime. I want you to remember that much.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s heart was struck by those words and he unintentionally stiffened.

    ¡¸Oi! What are you two doing in the living room where everyone is here!? Be, besides Lux. If you have free time, help me right now©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lisha who saw the exchange between the two cut in spontaneously,

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux suddenly hit the palm of his hand, then he said toward everyone who was currently relaxing.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. There is work that I¡¯ve to do after this for a bit, I¡¯m going to step outside temporarily.¡¹

    After saying that as the preface, Lux rushed toward Lisha and then quietly whispered into her ear.

    ¡¸Wha, what? You need something from me?¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. Can I ask you to accompany me for a bit after this?¡¹

    Lux told her that with a bright smile on his face.

    The calm sound of wave was echoing in the sandy beach that was illuminated by moonlight.

    The night of the early summer was warm. Even when one was dressed nearly naked, they wouldn¡¯t feel cold by any mean.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and Lisha wearing water dress came to the same beach where everyone was playing water at the afternoon.

    They both dipped into the sea until the water reached above their knee, tasting the sensation of the gentle wave surging in.

    ¡¸Is something wrong, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, how should I say it, I¡¯m a little surprised.¡¹

    Lisha averted her gaze from Lux while she embarrassedly fixed the placement of her swimsuit.

    ¡¸As I thought, isn¡¯t this appearance strange on me?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true at all Lisha-sama, I think you look really cute.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lux said that with a smile, Lisha was startled and her cheeks blushed.

    The moon and stars that were reflected on the water surface were shining like scattered gems.

    The white figure of Lisha was reflected among that wondrous scene and highlighted her presence.

    ¡¸I, I see¡­¡­. When I heard you telling me to wear my water dress and come to the beach, I wondered what are you planning to do but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama had expressly bought a water dress too coming here, so I was wondering that perhaps I can play together with Lisha-sama. After all see, if it¡¯s me I know about the mark on your stomach, so there is no problem. And if it¡¯s at night right now©¤©¤¡¹

    Even if anyone saw from afar, it wouldn¡¯t stand out in this dimness.

    Making that conclusion, Lux tried inviting Lisha who was only secluding herself alone in the afternoon under a pavilion to play at this time as much as she wanted.

    ¡¸I thought that surely Lisha-sama want to have fun, because you have even picked a water dress.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­N, no, I picked a water dress, because I wanted to show it to yo©¤©¤I, I don¡¯t say anything-!?¡¹

    Lisha was about to say something with a small voice, but midway she went bright red and denied in panic.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Could it be, I¡¯m being a bother to you?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true! That¡¯s©¤©¤thank you, Lux.¡¹

    When Lisha-said that mutteringly, Lux stroked down his chest in relieve and he showed a smile.

    This princess had a childish side somewhere in her, but she was a confident and adorable princess. That was what Lux thought.

    ¡¸Besides, I also want to look properly, at that water dress©¤©¤¡¹

    Different from the afternoon, this time Lisha¡¯s mark under her navel wasn¡¯t being hidden by a cloth wrapped around her waist.

    Therefore, Lisha panicked when she realized how high the exposure rate of her appearance right now.

    ¡¸E, even though I¡¯m a bit moved here, you lecher!¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    Lisha splashed sea water on Lux to hide her shyness.

    ¡¸Fuh, I¡¯ll do this to a guy like you! Don¡¯t think that you¡¯ve won just because you¡¯re better in Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸I got it. Then I too©¤©¤!¡¹

    Like that, both of them played by splashing water at each other at the depth where the water reached until their knee.

    The sea water that was slightly cold felt pleasant on their body that still felt the heat from the afternoon temperature and the training.

    ¡¸Yosh! You¡¯re cornered Lux! ¡­¡­oops¡¹

    ¡¸Dangerous-!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s body was suddenly unbalanced. Lux hurriedly caught her body in his arms.

    ¡¸Are you okay, Lisha-sama!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­. I¡¯m all right. My leg is only a bit sprained©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please stay still. We have to get out of the water and take a look at it thoroughly¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux held Lisha¡¯s back with one arm, while his other arm lifted her up from behind her knees.

    It wasn¡¯t that hard to do that because from the start she had petite stature.

    Lisha spontaneously became red faced due to the posture as though she was treated like a princess inside a story.

    ¡¸O, oi Lux. This posture, it feels embarrassing somehow¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s no good if we don¡¯t take precaution.¡¹

    Lux ignored her and he advanced forward.

    Midway, Lux noticed that Lisha¡¯s entranced face was near him and he became embarrassed. When he averted his gaze slightly to the side,

    ¡¸Wah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s wrong Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, no, nothing©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux avoided the question in panic while he continued walking.

    (This, this posture, Lisha-sama¡¯s breast touched©¤©¤)

    That was so.

    Lisha¡¯s breast that was growing well for her small stature touched the chest of Lux who was holding her in his arms. He felt that soft sensation through the water dress.

    In addition the white cleavage that was wet from sea water was also near his face, his male instinct was getting conscious of it automatically.

    (Wha, what am I thinking!? Right now Lisha-sama¡¯s injury is©¤©¤)

    Lux denied his worldly desire. He then made Lisha sat on the beach and took a look at her leg.

    Fortunately she really only got a light sprain and it seemed the pain also receded quickly.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m glad. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yep¡­¡­. But, like before, just a bit more©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸No, nothing at all! Ra, rather than that¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. What is it?¡¹

    When Lux asked calmly, Lisha hesitated a little and she looked down.

    ¡¸That¡­¡­can I, ask something a bit selfish to you, again?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind, though why would Lisha-sama ask something like that to me?¡¹

    With hesitation on her face, Lisha averted her eyes from the puzzled Lux.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, recently when I¡¯m looking at you, I was thinking. You¡¯re certainly a reliable man, but just because you will listen to anything I ask, someone immature like me isn¡¯t facing my duty as the princess of the new kingdom, am I not just using you as I please¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She was someone who was abandoned by her real father, Count Atismata who was lauded as a great man, she then swore to obey the old empire, but after that, due to adverse fortune, she gained the seat of the new kingdom¡¯s princess.

    Because of that she had inferiority complex and reluctance in behaving as princess, but even so she was trying to face herself.

    For her to say the words ¡ºthe princess of the new kingdom¡», most likely the ¡ºselfishness¡» she mentioned was something related to the new kingdom.

    Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like Lisha-sama to be considerate to me.¡¹

    Lux made a smile that was filled with deep affection and stated so.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I am a criminal that has to accept the request from the citizen but, I¡¯m not doing the work just because of duty. I¡¯m fighting by my own will.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lisha let out a sigh of relieve and she puffed out her chest.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as you say. It¡¯s not like me to keep being indecisive! Then right away, starting tonight we are going to do the practical test for the new weapon that has been warming up for many years! Commence the experiment!¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow I feel uneasy from the words at the end there though!?¡¹

    Lux was feeling a tinge of unease toward the fully confident Lisha. A few minutes later, the two of them changed clothes, and then they headed toward the island¡¯s Drag-Ride atelier.

 Volume 4 - CH 2

    The dark and deep realm of memory.

    The continuation of that day, nine years ago when he met Philuffy for the first time.

    The scene of the live in the imperial capital of the old empire was replayed inside Lux¡¯s dream.

    The head of Aingram conglomerate who was an old friend of Lux¡¯s mother©¤©¤Dalt. Lux thought that their encounter with each other would be only that one time.

    But, perhaps because Dalt started his business with the imperial capital as his base, he often made his appearance at the residence that could even be called as a palatial residence near the castle.

    Each time he visited, his two daughters©¤©¤Relie and Philuffy also came, but for some reason Lux couldn¡¯t compose himself toward them.

    Relie was a girl who was cheerful and mischievous, but perhaps because there was difference of age between her and Lux, or perhaps it was because she had apprehension toward Lux who was a royalty, she behaved as a ¡ºnice big sister¡» toward him.

    But, the girl called Philuffy who was the same age with him was a silent person where she was mostly expressionless. Lux couldn¡¯t understand what she was thinking.

    His father who was apathetic toward him.

    How he was thought as a worthless existence.

    Perhaps it was because of those that he was hesitating to call out from his end.

    But, he could see that the big sister Relie was really pleased and affectionate to her little sister.

    ¡¸Lux-kun too, please get along with her. Even though Phi look like this, but she is a really interesting kid you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    That was how he answered at that time, but even when the two of them were left alone with each other, they didn¡¯t particularly played with each other.

    Even Lux was only making idle and inoffensive talk like ¡¸The weather today is nice isn¡¯t it?¡¹ or ¡¸What is your father doing?¡¹, while Philuffy too was only eating the sweets she was carrying or returning short reply like ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹.

    A silent child without any up and down in her emotion.

    Lux¡¯s first impression toward Philuffy was something like that.

    At the time, Lux¡¯s experience of playing with boys the same age of him was practically zero.

    There was also the fact that the age of his siblings in the imperial family was a bit distanced from him, but the biggest cause lied elsewhere.

    The emperor¡¯s wives numbered six people in total, but their children were contesting the succession right of the throne against each other, and the youngest brother Lux was the target to be looked down by them.

    It was only the first imperial prince Fugil who was different, but for Lux who at the time was a child Fugil was a far away existence.

    Because he was being taught to study by private tutor and a lot of the time he was staying at the side of the frail and sickly Airi, Lux almost had no chance to go outside.

    Lux was a ¡ºmale¡» that possessed the qualification to be the next emperor.

    However, he was the seventh imperial prince whose position was the weakest among all the candidates.

    Although the maid, butler, and the soldiers of the imperial court would serve him, but that was the extent of his relationship with them.

    With all those circumstances overlapping, Lux mostly spent his time at the library of the imperial court.

    He was a figurehead prince. By no meant he could come into contact with the center of the empire, his fate was to become the tool of the emperor and someone who someday would succeed the emperor.

    He was thinking that he didn¡¯t mind that.

    As long as his beloved mother was at his side, and his sickly little sister became healthy.

    He was also a bit curious about the girl named Philuffy, but that was all.

    She was a daughter of a conglomerate, but she was different from the imperial family.

    Philuffy too was staying beside Lux right now because of the circumstance of her father¡¯s work, but the more time passed, they would notice that Lux didn¡¯t have considerable utility value and they would surely lose interest at him then.

    Lux was thinking so in his childish heart.

    But one day, a turning point suddenly arrived.

    About a week since he encountered Philuffy, a large sized work of art was sent to the imperial court.

    It was a sculpture of a spirit that was worshipped at the holy birthday of the empire.

    A sculpture of the figure of a very young girl wearing mysterious and unique clothing that couldn¡¯t be seen anywhere else.

    It was an epic work that was decked out with gold, silver, and gems, and created by employing a first rate artisan.

    Several years was needed to make it. For Arkadia empire it was considered to be an important treasure. The sculpture was scheduled to be stored in the castle¡¯s warehouse until the holy birthday ten days later.

    The sculpture was showed to Lux and Philuffy once when it was delivered, but after that they had never stopped by at the castle warehouse.

    But at the afternoon of that day, after Lux borrowed a book in the library, when he was walking inside the castle, he heard a sound nearby the warehouse.

    ¡¸Oi, what¡¯re we going to do? At this rate, we¡¯re going to receive some kind of punishment©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, it¡¯d be bad if we leave it like this. But, it¡¯s also impossible to play dumb about it. Then©¤©¤the best thing to do is to blame it at someone else.¡¹

    It was the voice of boys that Lux was familiar with.

    They were boys who were three years older than Lux.

    Lux felt a strange atmosphere from their tense voice and he approached.

    ¡¸What are you doing, elder brother?¡¹

    ¡¸U, uwah¡­¡­!? Wha, what, it¡¯s you, don¡¯t startle us.¡¹

    It was the sixth imperial prince, Lux¡¯s brother from different mother Abel, and also his best friend Ragreed who came from a high nobility.

    According to their explanation, the supervisor forgot to lock the warehouse. Then when Abel and Ragreed tried to touch the decoration of the sacred statue for the holy birthday, a part of the statue became chipped.

    ¡¸We have to quickly tell someone and get it repaired. There should be still time until the holy birthday©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux turned around in panic. It was at that time Abel¡¯s hand caught Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Wait there, you are a brat like always huh. You see, for something like this, the order of thing is important. At this rate, this will become our fault right?¡¹

    Lux got a bad premonition the moment this brother who was older than him said that.

    ¡¸Fortunately, there is nobody else other than us who saw what happened.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you are planning to stay quiet? But, at this rate¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux quietly objected, Abel snorted as though making fool of him.

    ¡¸You are really an idiot. I¡¯m saying that we¡¯re going to lay the blame on someone else. It¡¯s nice timing that at this time there are several children of the guest coming to our place right?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That daughter of merchant called Aingram or something, isn¡¯t she just right for this?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hearing what Ragreed spoke, for a moment Lux¡¯s mind became blank.

    His expression cramped reflexively and his voice became high-pitched from agitation.

    ¡¸Such thing©¤©¤how can that be allowed?¡¹

    ¡¸That girl isn¡¯t even royalty, and she is just a girl anyway.¡¹

    Abel¡¯s words cut down Lux¡¯s argument in a single stroke. Lux was speechless.

    ¡¸Her family is richer than mine, she is an eyesore so this is perfect timing. What¡¯s more that girl, she is mute and absentminded, even when she is called there is almost no reaction. She must be an idiot. She is perfect to get deceived.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s perfect, she came at the right timing. Oi Rag, take her here using any kind of excuse. She must be in the courtyard.¡¹

    Ragreed nodded at Abel¡¯s command and he started running while laughing.

    In order to lay the blame on Philuffy who didn¡¯t know anything.

    ¡¸Such thing, such thing is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What is it, Lux. You, even though you are the youngest, you¡¯re going to go against me?¡¹

    Abel glared and yelled threateningly.

    ¡¸But, such thing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Hah, you don¡¯t get it at all. Listen. In this empire, something like woman is just tool. Their role is to devote their all to us man, give birth to children, and make us feel good. What¡¯s more that girl isn¡¯t royalty, but just the daughter of someone who has a bit of money. Just something like this won¡¯t be a big deal.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux understood how it became like this.

    The custom of the empire that was propagating absolute male chauvinism.

    Abel who was one of the imperial family was also following that common sense without questioning it.

    No, even among the others Abel was disdaining woman excessively and tended to degrade them.

    He was doing every kind of harassment and insult toward his little sisters who were similarly royalty like him and the maids. The surrounding feared what would happen when he became adult.

    A big part of the reason of his attitude was likely because of his position that was far away from the throne succession right, furthermore he wasn¡¯t blessed by any talent at all and he lamented about his situation, and so he vented his resentment to the surrounding.

    Especially in a situation like this time, the possibility of Abel retracting his previous remarks was the same like nonexistent.

    ¡¸You get it? You stay quiet, Lux¡­¡­. Oh, here they come.¡¹

    Abel grabbed Lux¡¯s shoulder and hid at the shadow inside the warehouse.

    And then, Philuffy was brought in. It appeared that Ragreed was hinting that the sacred statue looked strange, so she should try touching it, and so on.

    ¡¸Never mind that, I told you just touch it. Come on, do it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was expressionless, so it was hard to understand what she was thinking, but most likely she was perplexed right now. Because she was hurried, in the end her hand reached out to the statue.

    At that moment, Ragrid pushed hard at Philuffy from behind and caused her head to hit the statue.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux saw that sight and he reflexively held his breath, it was at that time,

    ¡¸Oi. You too match your story with us, you understand?¡¹

    When Able said that, at the same time he dropped the fragment of the statue ornament his hand was holding on the floor.

    *kachin!* High-pitched metallic sound echoed inside the warehouse, immediately following that©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Oi, you! How dare you break this sacred statue!¡¹

    ¡¸Now you¡¯ve done it. How about apologizing honestly huh?¡¹

    Abel who jumped out from behind the cover and Ragreed declared that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    On the other hand, Philuffy was silently rubbing her forehead that hit the statue while tilting her head in puzzlement seeing the boys.

    And then, she was staring fixedly at the hand of Abel and Ragreed.

    ¡¸It¡¯s useless even if you play dumb and pretend ignorance. After all we are the witness.¡¹

    Abel smiled faintly and told Ragreed to go call the head butler of the palace.

    The best friend Ragreed nodded in respond and started running through the corridor inside the castle.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    (¡­¡­What to do!?)

    Lux looked at Philuffy and pondered.

    Surely Abel and Ragreed wouldn¡¯t stop anymore now that they had raised this much commotion.

    No matter what they were planning to push the blame on Philuffy.

    The current Lux didn¡¯t have any way to stop that.

    (But, there is no way something like this is okay. Doing this to her who doesn¡¯t know anything is©¤©¤)

    Lux bit his lips and clenched his small fist tightly, at that time,

    ¡¸Are you speaking true? That the sacred statue is broken©¤©¤¡¹

    A man in his prime who was the head butler arrived in panic.

    And then, he walked toward Philuffy who was standing still in front of the statue and questioned her.

    ¡¸I heard that you seem to be the one who did this, is it correct? In that case©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. That girl might lie, but we saw it without doubt! That girl slipped and her head hit the statue, breaking that part©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­. I am©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy was about to say something with her usual expressionless face, it was at that time,

    ¡¸©¤©¤I, did it.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s voice echoed inside the cold metallic warehouse.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    First it was his big brother¡¯s best friend who raised a shocked voice, after that the head butler knitted his eyebrows.

    ¡¸Is that, the truth?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. The warehouse is not locked, so I entered, and then when I touched the statue accidentally, the statue is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What about the testimony that said it was the daughter of Aingram house who did it?¡¹

    ¡¸I was scared to tell someone that I broke it and stayed silent, but then that girl came here so¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm¡­¡­¡¹

    The head butler muttered and he ran his gaze at everyone there.

    The head butler who was called as relatively a man of character inside the imperial court was pondering for a while. And then he nodded.

    ¡¸Is that so, I see¡­¡­¡¹

    He showed a face that was somewhat questioning, but there was no proof whatsoever.

    Before long the head butler let out a small sigh and he turned his face toward Lux.

    ¡¸By all rights, it¡¯s only proper to have you receive a scolding from your father his majesty the emperor, but his majesty is a very busy personage. I will leave the handling of this case to your mother and private tutor. Is that agreeable with you, Lux-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. Forgive me.¡¹

    The head butler said that he would call the artisan for the repair and left.

    Perhaps he had noticed the truth from looking at the attitude of everyone there, but instead he respected Lux¡¯s intention and placed the blame on him.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­! As expected from the bottom rung seventh imperial prince huh, Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Keh. What a killjoy, crushing our plan like that.¡¹

    Abel sneered at his younger brother in a good mood, but Ragreed who didn¡¯t manage to push the blame on Aingram house was clicking his tongue in annoyance.

    He understood that Lux¡¯s action completely prevented any bad reputation toward Philuffy by making the head butler as the witness, at the same time he noticed that his own scheme was crushed.

    ¡¸Well, doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡­. You too, apologize to this girl for what you did.¡¹

    Even so, perhaps he thought that Lux would be hated by Philuffy because Ragreed then grinned daringly.

    The two of them showered Lux with insult before they left that place.

    Later there were only Lux and Philuffy remaining there.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sorry.¡¹

    Lux turned around and then said that while looking down.

    He was scared.

    It seemed the head butler put the blame on Lux with the understanding of what was actually going on, but Lux didn¡¯t think that the truth would be known by anybody else around them.

    Lux was anxious that his bad reputation would spread among the people of the imperial court, but more than that there was also the risk that even his mother and Airi would also met difficulty because of that.

    And then, he would also get hated by none other than the girl in front of him.

    (But, this is the only way¡­¡­)

    If he tattled about the bad deed of the two, the two of them would resent him unjustly and they would surely bare their fang not just at Lux, but also to all the people around him.

    The result that would come from that ill will would be incomparable with the case this time.

    ¡¸I¡¯m really, sorry. But©¤©¤uwah!?¡¹

    Suddenly the silent Philuffy grabbed his hand and Lux raised his voice refelexively.

    The palm of a girl that he touched for the first time was really soft©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Slippery¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­, what¡¯s this, it¡¯s sticky©¤©¤!?¡¹

    And then, his hand became slippery with something like oil.

    ¡¸You covered, for me¡­¡­didn¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was taken by surprise by the question from the serious faced girl.

    Lux also felt shocked that the silent Philuffy was starting conversation from her end, but more than that,

    (How, did she©¤©¤?)

    ¡¸The surface of that statue, is slippery. When I was pushed and touched it, I noticed. The hand of those two, was also slippery.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was the oil of painting material. The completed sacred statue was most likely varnished with that.

    The luster and stickiness of the oil wouldn¡¯t disappear right away even after washing it with water.

    Surely Philuffy saw through the truth by confirming the hand of the two and Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸Thank you. You helped me.¡¹

    The expressionless girl showed a faint smile.

    Lux who saw that for the first time felt a mysterious feeling filling his chest.

    However©¤©¤,

    ¡¸I¡¯m, not¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux recalled that his fellow imperial family member was trying to harm her, his mouth said those words.

    ¡¸Sorry, I¡¯m really©¤©¤wah!?¡¹

    Seeing the despondent Lux, Philuffy hit his head with one hand.

    Rather than calling it hitting, the strength she was using was more like caressing. Her cheeks were puffing up a bit.

    ¡¸Bad-, you know.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Apologizing even though you aren¡¯t at fault, is no good.¡¹

    The girl said such thing dispassionately with serious expression still fixed on her face.

    ¡¸Doing that, is as no good as, not apologizing when you are at fault.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m, angry you know?¡¹

    When Lux tried to apologize again, Philuffy pushed back with a tone that didn¡¯t allow any objection.

    Her expression didn¡¯t change, she didn¡¯t look like she was angry at all, even so her firm will could be felt.

    When Lux was troubled of how to respond, Philuffy suddenly took out a small white bag from her breast pocket.

    She took out a cookie as big as her pinkie from there and pushed it toward Lux¡¯s mouth.

    ¡¸For you.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? Wait¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. My other hand, isn¡¯t dirty.¡¹

    Philuffy raised her other hand to show at the flustered Lux and she muttered so.

    Lux was completely bewildered facing the sudden occurrence.

    Because she had never receive food from the hand of other person except his mother, not even once.

    ¡¸The proof of, getting closer.¡¹

    However, the words and eyes of Philuffy who said that to him were very much straightforward. Lux couldn¡¯t refuse and put the cookie into his mouth.

    The confection that had walnut fragment inside it was slightly sweet and fragrant.

    ¡¸Is it delicious, Lu-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. It¡¯s delicious, thank you¡­¡­¡¹

    He felt somewhat embarrassed. His cheeks reddened and he averted his gaze.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    Philuffy showed  a small smile once more toward such Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, by the way, what do you mean by Lu-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s you. Because, you¡¯re Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so!? But it sounds a bit embarrassing¡­¡­. Getting called like that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Phi.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux reflexively asked back toward the girl¡¯s sudden muttering.

    ¡¸Call me, like that. Because, Okaa-san and Onee-chan, call me like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­. Yes, I got it, Phil¡­¡­err¡¹

    ¡¸Phi, you know?¡¹

    When Lux got embarrassed and he faltered, Philuffy brought her face closer and demanded so.

    This girl was silent and her emotion didn¡¯t really come out to the surface, but she had an aspect where she was far sharper and deeply prudent than she looked like.

    And then, Lux also realized that she was more forceful and strong-willed than he thought.

    ¡¸Then, take care of me. Phi-¡­¡­chan.¡¹

    That day, Lux made a friend of the same age for the first time.

    The second day of the training camp started at Ries Island.

    ¡¸Lux. I¡¯ve a request that I earnestly want to ask from you. Is it okay?¡¹

    The training was running to train basic stamina, and hand-to-hand combat that included sword fighting.

    After those were finished, it was finally the time for Drag-Ride training. At that time Celis pulled Lux to stand in front of everyone.

    ¡¸Err, what is it?¡¹

    Lux was nervous from being made to stand in front of everyone who were lined up in their pilot suit appearance, then,

    ¡¸Last night, I was talking with headmaster Relie, and we are thinking to change the way to practice Drag-Ride slightly.¡¹

    ¡¸Changing, the way?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. At first, I was planning to have everyone do self-assessment, then I¡¯ll have them train with the objective to better their strong point and overcome their weak point.¡¹

    ¡¸I think that¡¯s fine but©¤©¤what are you going to change?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement toward Celis¡¯s words,

    ¡¸About that strong point and weak point, Lux, we¡¯re thinking to have you evaluate it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s eyes opened wide the moment he was told that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what do you©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s simple.¡¹

    Relie who was watching from outside suddenly cut in and she approached Lux¡¯s side.

    ¡¸The selected members here know about your true skill. Then, having the strongest person you directly teaching them will be the fastest way to level up them don¡¯t you think?¡¹

    An expert in using Drag-Ride giving guidance to other.

    In this training camp where everyone knew about Lux¡¯s true strength, certainly that might be a rational method.

    ¡¸But, if that¡¯s the case then Celis-senpai can also do¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸No, this is something that only you can do.¡¹

    Relie tapped Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Rather than Celis-san who is always defeating her opponent with overwhelming strength, you who are fighting by intently seeing through the opponent¡¯s movement and have a good command of defense know about the weak point of the other students right? At the same time, you also accurately grasps their strong point too, so we want you to give advice based on all those factors, and present them a task as their target. Everyone also has no objection correct?¡¹

    ¡®Yes!¡¯, the selected members immediately replied.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, I understand.¡¹

    Relie¡¯s proposal was certainly making sense.

    When Lux nodded, Relie¡¯s lips grinned.

    ¡¸Besides, even though we finally have the only boy in the academy here, it won¡¯t be interesting if we don¡¯t make you get caught up in various things.¡¹

    For some reason she muttered suspicious thing.

    ¡¸Also, if there are students who safely cleared the task they are given, I want Lux-kun to give them reward. Specifically speaking, after this training camp is over and we go home, you can accept personal request from them©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux and the students raised their voice simultaneously in reaction to Relie¡¯s following words.

    ¡¸By the way, how about we pick three names from among the students who cleared their achievement quickly? By doing that, there will be sense of competition among you all and the atmosphere will be heated up.¡¹

    Honestly speaking, Lux didn¡¯t mind giving other guidance, but he questioned this kind of method.

    (Or rather, my will is completely ignored from the start isn¡¯t it¡­¡­?)

    It also felt like it was always like this when it came to Relie.

    ¡¸Eh? Is that really okay!? Headmaster!?¡¹

    ¡¸That sounds fu©¤©¤my motivation is coming out!¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder if any kind of request is okay, like this or that or©¤©¤¡¹

    And so on, the girls of Syvalles who usually he wasn¡¯t really close with had their eyes sparkled brightly and their mouths said those things.

    The air became really lively. It was unthinkable that they were actually in the middle of training.

    (Well, it can¡¯t be helped¡­¡­is it?)

    Lux let out a sigh inside his heart with a mood that was slightly in resignation, it was then,

    ¡¸Then, please do mock battle with them one by one right away.¡¹

    ¡¸Ee©¤©¤? Could it be, you are telling me to take a look at everyone by myself!?¡¹

    ¡¸Please do, okay? Because I have various work of the academy after this.¡¹

    Relie warded off Lux¡¯s objection and she left.

    ¡¸Yosh! I¡¯m first before everyone else! Lux, quickly prepare!¡¹

    Lisha pulled out the Sword Device of <Tiamat> as though to compete with the other students.

    ¡¸Wait, you¡¯re planning to suddenly use Divine Drag-Ride!?¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s with that? You don¡¯t like it? I think that it¡¯s meaningless to train if we don¡¯t give our all though.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, that¡¯s true but¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was responding while moving to the center of the practice ground along with Lisha.

    ¡¸The, then, it will be three minutes per person¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t get out of it anymore, so he resolved himself.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be next.¡¹

    ¡¸No I will©¤©¤¡¹

    (I wonder, can my body hold¡­¡­)

    Seeing the girls lining up and raising their hand striving to be the first, Lux¡¯s chest whirled with unease.

    It went without mention, but the girls were strong.

    However, he simulated in his mind that he would barely manage somehow, it was then,

    ¡¸Pe, personal request is it¡­¡­. Then I too by all means©¤©¤I have to make serious effort here.¡¹

    A tall girl with long blond hair whispered with a small voice.

    ¡¸No, please wait a second!? Don¡¯t tell me Celis-senpai is also joining in!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? Is, is it no good for me to participate!?¡¹

    Celis was full of motivation, but when Lux said that to her, her face looked shocked.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean but¡­¡­based from what I saw when I fought senpai before, there is really nothing that especially need to be fixed though©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­. So that¡¯s it, I who is the leader of Syvalles need to have strength that doesn¡¯t need to be taught by someone else isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Celis instantly made a proud smile and a dignified expression.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll do independent training. Or else, when you finished creating task for everyone later, I¡¯ll take on the role of assisting them then. That is surely the thing that I ought to do.¡¹

    Celis puffed out her voluptuous chest that possessed weighty presence before she separated from the line up with brisk footsteps.

    And then, she headed toward practice ground space where there was no one,

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. It¡¯s independent training again. It¡¯s painful. When I try to teach my junior, for some reason they will say ¡ºThat¡¯s beyond my station¡» and refuse. When we went for expedition to the capital too, various things happened and I beaten the male of the army, so the instructor there avoided me from start to finish. Everyone looks like they are having fun, it¡¯s envious¡­¡­. How nice¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis was  enveloped in sinking depressing air while muttering under her breath without pause.

    (Wha, what a really unbearable air¡­¡­!)

    The other members watched that with a complicated face. Lux felt uneasy before he then hurriedly rushed toward Celis.

    ¡¸Say, Celis-senpai. If you are fine with me, can I ask you to have a light bout with me?¡¹

    When Lux called out to her stiffly like that,

    ¡¸Is it all right!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. If you are fine with the advice of someone like me then¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    For a moment, those beautiful jade pair of eyes sparkled brightly, however, faint color of hesitation surfaced.

    ¡¸N, no. Pardon me. Please forget it¡­¡­. As I thought, your strength should be allotted between the members who are still in the middle of their growth. I judged that it¡¯s for the sake of Syvalles and the new kingdom.¡¹

    Perhaps thinking of her position, Celis said that and restrained herself but,

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. Celis-senpai is really strong even now, but there is still room for you to grow.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that true?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s why if it¡¯s not a bother for you, can I ask you to have a little bout with me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, I understand. Then, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡¹

    Celis gave in with faint blush on her cheeks, but there was a small smile floating on her lips.

    ¡¸I¡¯m happy that I can receive training from you. Lux really is a boy that can be relied on.¡¹

    Hearing those words that were whispered softly, Lux felt glad that he dared to call out to her but,

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll use <Lindwurm> and go full strength after so long! That¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it, Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, I¡¯m planning to use my usual <Wyvern> so, that¡¯s, please don¡¯t be too hard on me¡­¡­¡¹

    He was extremely worried whether he would be able to hold on for three minutes.

    And then one hour later.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux carried out mock battle with everyone, gave simple guidance and advice, and presented practice menu for everyone.

    After that he moved to the shadow of tree where he could avoid sunlight and fell down face up in order to take rest.

    ¡¸As, as I thought it was severe¡­¡­!¡¹

    At the practice ground in the distance, everyone was already carrying out each of their own training including cooperating with each other.

    It seemed that everyone was motivated.

    (No but, I think that they are motivated not just for the sake of making request to me though, there is no way.)

    The international tournament this time would be held in the royal capital of the new kingdom Atismata, Lordgalia. The feudal lords of the new kingdom were also assembled in great number there.

    If one¡¯s strength was acknowledged by them, it might be possible to get employment as knight.

    In a sense, it was a stage that could also be called as the trade fair of Drag-Knight.

    It wasn¡¯t just for acquiring the investigation right for Ruin, but it also included such significance.

    (It will be great if we can win safely without incident but¡­¡­)

    According to the information he heard from Airi, Heiburg Republic was also participating.

    Regarding the incident where the academy was assaulted the other day, the new kingdom government questioned the republic, but because the group that attacked was a bunch of fellows that weren¡¯t publically acknowledged, there was no satisfying response from the republic.

    Heiburg Republic once had their territory threatened by the old empire Arkadia, they had also received damage from Ragnarok(Divine Beast of Demise) in the past. Because of those, they expanded their military strength in opposition.

    But, the enlargement of the organization and military strength also brought about distortion in their political field at the same time.

    Skirmish with the neighboring countries, and acquisition of Ruin investigation right where treasure and technology were sleeping.

    Their military expansion advanced even further as countermeasure against the Abyss(Phantasm Divine Beast) that appeared from the ruin, completely rewriting the political power map.

    The republican system was turning into a mere shell, and there was rumor that the actual holder of highest authority was in fact the army commander man.

    There was no doubt that they were a troublesome opponent.

    There, even that mysterious strategist called Hayes also joined in.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who finally stopped sweating opened his eyes along with a sigh.

    When he got up in order to return to the practice ground, he could see a human silhouette coming his way with staggering footsteps.

    ¡¸Eh? Phi¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    The childhood friend Lux was familiar with was holding her forehead with one hand while heading his way with swaying footsteps.

    ¡¸I¡¯m a bit, tired¡­¡­¡¹

    And then her posture crumbled before she could reach the tree shadow Lux was at.

    ¡¸Dangerous-!¡¹

    Lux hurriedly caught her body that almost fell down, and then,

    (What¡¯s, this¡­¡­? Her temperature is really hot¡­¡­)

    It wasn¡¯t just fatigue.

    It might be that she was dehydrated because of the heat, in any case it wasn¡¯t normal.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, are you okay!? Get a hold of yourself!¡¹

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was questioning her, but Philuffy was only raising her voice weakly and she didn¡¯t even twitch.

    Tillfur was coming for taking rest too. Lux told her that he was going to bring Philuffy back to the lodging before he began to walk while holding Philuffy¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Airi! Where is, the village¡¯s physician©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? I know the place, so I¡¯ll go to call him. Nii-san, please lay down Philuffy-san on the bed and make her comfortable.¡¹

    After returning to the boardinghouse, for the time being Lux led Philuffy toward the bedroom.

    He laid down his childhood friend who was breathing roughly with her eyes closed there, after that,

    ¡¸Phi-chan, are you okay? Get a hold of yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸It feels, hard to breathe. ¡­¡­My chest¡¹

    Philuffy muttered deliriously when Lux called out to her.

    ¡¸I get it! I¡¯ll loosen the suit a little, so don¡¯t worry©¤©¤¡¹

    But, when Lux was actually going to do it, he was troubled.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­. This suit, how is it working again?¡¹

    It was obvious, but Lux only knew about the suit for male use.

    It wouldn¡¯t be too late even if he wait for someone to come to loosen up Philuffy¡¯s suit but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Nn, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Philuffy groaning painfully, Lux¡¯s feeling became impatient.

    ¡¸Yosh¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux resolved himself and he tampered with the fastener to loosen the fastening around the chest area, right at that moment,

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The fastener was suddenly unfastened, and the fabric of special material smoothly opened to left and right.

    And then, her white breast that was tightly repressed until now spilled out before Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Big.

    He already understood it even just from looking from above her uniform or suit, but now that he was looking at it directly like this, that sense of voluptuousness became even further engraved into his realization.

    Even when Philuffy kept lying down face up, the shape of the breasts almost didn¡¯t lose shape, they were quietly swaying along with her breathing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux forgot to even breath, he was rooted still in place. And then suddenly Philuffy opened her eyes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯re you doing, Lu-chan?¡¹

    Getting questioned like that with his face still blushing, Lux was at loss for words.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s, this is you see©¤©¤!? I, it¡¯s not like I did this with wicked feeling¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux tried to justify himself in panic, he felt a strong killing intent behind him that made him turned around.

    ¡¸What are you doing, Nii-san?¡¹

    Air whose eyes were dark despite the smile on her face was standing there.

    ¡¸E, err, that©¤©¤. I don¡¯t understand how to take off the suit!¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter, please go out quickly from this room-!¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry-!¡¹

    Yelled angrily by Airi, Lux rushed out from the sleeping room and escaped.

    Surely Philuffy herself wouldn¡¯t be angry about the circumstance, but Lux got the feeling that the present Airi wouldn¡¯t listen to him.

    Ten minutes later.

    After Lux changed into his uniform and waited outside, Relie¡¯s voice called out to him out of nowhere.

    Fortunately after that Philuffy¡¯s condition immediately recovered and it seemed she was resting right now.

    According to the island¡¯s physician, Philuffy might be affected by light anemia and heatstroke.

    ¡¸Thank you for taking care of her. But I wonder, will it be better to teach you the way to take off a girl¡¯s pilot suit for the future?¡¹

    After the health checkup was finished, Relie who came back to the boardinghouse said that to him jokingly.

    Philuffy who had been changed into a thin sleepwear was lying down on the bed quietly.

    ¡¸I beg you please let me off already¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux said that with his head hanging down crestfallenly, Relie made a smile that was filled with implication.

    ¡¸My? You¡¯ll be taken advantage of if you apologize too much you know? Then, perhaps I should have Lux-kun formally take responsibility.¡¹

    ¡¸Excuse me, Relie-san, did you call me to bully me¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux raised his face with a bitter expression, Relie chuckled a bit.

    ¡¸That also sounds fun, but what I want to say is about a bit of work. Regarding Philuffy¡¯s matter©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was puzzled hearing those unexpected words, and then,

    ¡¸About what happened to her just now, recently the change in Philuffy¡¯s physical condition is drastic. That¡¯s why©¤©¤during this training camp, can I have you take the role as my little sister¡¯s attendant?¡¹

    ¡¸Attendant¡­¡­is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Just as Lux-kun also know, Philuffy doesn¡¯t really let her emotion come out right? But, if it¡¯s you my little sister won¡¯t force herself, or maybe you will understand her even if it¡¯s just from slight subtlety. ©¤©¤What do you think? Can I rely on you?¡¹

    Certainly, it was just like Relie said.

    For a moment, Lux wondered if a girl would be more suitable in various meaning to look after Philuffy, but if it was something like Relie said then Lux was the one suited for it.

    However, gauging Philuffy¡¯s emotion wasn¡¯t something easy even for Lux though¡­¡­.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. If you are okay with me, then I¡¯ll accept.¡¹

    He immediately resolved himself and accepted the request.

    If there was something he could do for Philuffy¡¯s sake, then he had no reason to refuse.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Seeing the relieved Relie, Lux felt glad from the bottom of his heart that he received her request.

    ¡¸By the way the spare underwear for her change of clothes is inside this closet.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, why are you telling me such thing-!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively retorted when he saw the place Relie pointed at.

    ¡¸I think that you will need it while looking after Philuffy.¡¹

    ¡¸Now see here¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux was exasperated toward Relie who was showing him a wide smile, Philuffy raised her face and said.

    ¡¸When sleeping, I¡¯m fine, even if I don¡¯t wear clothes you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. Then there won¡¯t be any problem then¡­¡­not that!! That¡¯s really bad you know!? How does it turn out like that!?¡¹

    Lux imagined for a moment Philuffy laying down on the bed naked before he shook his head flusteredly.

    In the end, it was decided that he would call the other student when Philuffy needed to change clothes and he saw off Relie leaving.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. In any case, I¡¯ll look after you, Phi-chan. Tell me right away if your condition worsened.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you, Lu-chan.¡¹

    The two casually exchanged those words inside the room where they were left alone.

    ¡¸Then, is there something you want me to do right now?¡¹

    When he said that for the time being to fill the silence,

    ¡¸Heave-ho¡¹

    Philuffy got up slowly from the bed and began to take off her sleepwear that was a chic black blouse.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you doing so suddenly!?¡¹

    ¡¸Changing clothes. ¡­¡­Anything wrong?¡¹

    Lux was flustered instead when Philuffy replied so seriously.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean, that©¤©¤I, I¡¯ll call someone here so-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? My body, is already fine you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I, I see¡­¡­! Then, I¡¯ll be going-!¡¹

    There was no way he could stare at her changing there. Lux went out of the room.

    As expected, looking after Philuffy who was doing this at her own pace was difficult. Lux realized that once more.

    At the night of the second day of the training camp when the afternoon practice was over, the atmosphere was calm compared to the boisterousness of the first day.

    At the free time after dinner, there were also those who already headed to their room because of fatigue, but Lux did the chores of the boardinghouse by his own initiative.

    ¡¸Doing work even though no one is asking you, Nii-san is already seriously ill¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was cleaning up the dishes and drew water that would be used for the next day while the exasperated Airi threw a retort at him.

    After that, he went to look the condition of Philuffy who was sleeping in the bedroom in order to rest.

    So that he wouldn¡¯t get caught in Relie¡¯s trap, he carefully knocked before entering the room.

    ¡¸Is your body all right, Phi-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m fine.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded and answered concisely before her eyes dropped toward the book in her hand.

    When Lux handed her a tea mixed with honey that he made in the kitchen, Philuffy said¡¸Thank you¡¹ and nodded with a small smile.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, what are you reading there?¡¹

    Lux who was relieved at Philuffy¡¯s good condition turned his gaze at her hand.

    ¡¸Book of economy. Like the law of trade, various things¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously leaked out a surprised voice hearing that slightly unexpected answer.

    Hearing what Philuffy said, thinking back, certainly the Aingram family was a conglomerate that had continued since the era of the old empire, they were controlling several mercantile house.

    The way of making use of abundant capital, the procurement of merchandise, buying and selling.

    And then, the understanding of the law that was related to trade.

    Philuffy was also the second daughter of Aingram family, someday she should be placed into an important position there.

    In that case, there were a lot of things she had to learn while she was a student.

    Thinking carefully, that was something that should be obvious for someone of her standing but©¤©¤.

    (What¡¯s this? I was arbitrarily thinking that there is no way Philuffy is like that based from her image¡­¡­)

    That was the impression he arbitrarily harbored about his childhood friend Philuffy, but people changed.

    Lux was feeling a bit complicated while he tried to change his feeling, it was then,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I think? What¡¯s this book?¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t know!? Why are you asking me!?¡¹

    Philuffy tilted her head in puzzlement midway. Lux acted the straightman with all his heart in response.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. It¡¯s no good if you¡¯re noisy at night, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­. So, sorry. I was loud©¤©¤. Tha, that¡¯s not it. That book, did you read it yesterday?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. When I¡¯m reading this book, I can sleep well.¡¹

    ¡¸The way you use it is wrong you know-!?¡¹

    Should he say that he was disappointed, or perhaps shocked, anyway as expected Philuffy was Philuffy.

    ¡¸But, very soon I have to decide, about this kind of thing too.¡¹

    Philuffy was muttering so quietly with her usual mellow voice.

    ¡¸You mean, about our career after graduating?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I too at least, have to think about it.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Philuffy said that while drinking the tea in one gulp, Lux thought for a bit.

    In the course of five years of life doing odd jobs and travelling to search Fugil who destroyed the old empire, he was admitted into this academy.

    After that he became friend with several girls and overcame large incidents so far.

    Because he had been fighting through battles where it wouldn¡¯t be strange even if he died until now, putting aside about his own mission and objective, Lux had never thought about something like the future at all.

    ¡¸Though Onee-chan, she told me¡ºI want you to become my bodyguard and secretary¡».¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    No matter what, he couldn¡¯t imagine Philuffy assisting Relie in matter of business, so he felt like that Philuffy would be perfectly suited only to become bodyguard.

    Unexpectedly Philuffy was also strong in unarmed hand-to-hand fighting, and she was even able to use Divine Drag-Ride, because of that she must be qualified if she took the license as an official military officer.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, do you have, something you want to do?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, I¡¯m©¤©¤¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t reply right away.

    Something he wanted to do.

    ¡®At the past, what I wanted to do was©¤©¤.¡¯

    ¡ºI¡¯ll absolutely create it! A country where even girls like Phi-chan can feel safe, I will create it! I swear that I¡¯ll absolutely change this empire! That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡»

    At the time he was a young child, when he parted with his important childhood friend, they exchanged promise.

    In the end he couldn¡¯t fulfill it by his own hand, and he chose the path of overthrowing the country.

    Even that path found him mowed down midway and Lux¡¯s determination became suspended in limbo.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really have anything like that right now. If I can become the strength for everyone in the academy, then I¡¯m satisfied with just that.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Philuffy closed the book with a snap before she talked earnestly.

    For a moment Lux was startled, wondering whether she would broach about the topic of the promise he said to her in the past.

    ¡¸In that case, I¡¯m relieved I think?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Philuffy whose expression was absentminded as usual smiled softly at him.

    What did she mean by that?

    Lux didn¡¯t understand at all. And when he was waiting for the continuation of her word©¤©¤,

    *GOGOGOGOGOGOooOONn¡­¡­!*

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Along with a terrific rumble in the ground, the earth along with the boarding house shook and he reflexively held his breath.

    There was mechanical sound of something moving like Drag-Ride in addition of the sound of huge water splash.

    (Even though earthquake rarely occurred in the new kingdom, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!)

    ¡¸Phi-chan, stay there and don¡¯t move! I¡¯m going to see the situation!¡¹

    Lux reflexively put his hand on the Sword Device on his hip and yelled so.

    He rushed out from the bedroom into the living room. Relie was already there along with several students.

    ¡¸My my, it¡¯s faster than expected. I thought that it would take a bit more time though©¤©¤¡¹

    While everyone was surprised and on their guard, it was only Relie who was smiling with slight drunk intoxication.

    ¡¸Headmaster. What in the world this©¤©¤?¡¹

    Celis was the first to ask. Relie got up on her feet and he started walking toward the door.

    ¡¸Everyone, come with me. I will teach you the true objective of this training camp now.¡¹

    When they went outside, the moon was floating in the sky.

    The sea that was vibrantly blue at the afternoon now looked completely different. The sea was pitch black.

    At the shadow of raging waves that looked like the devil¡¯s beckoning hand, the figure of a ship that was even more gigantic than the island could be peeked at.

    Everyone climbed the only lighthouse in the island and they witnessed it.

    A strangely shaped ship that was larger than any military ship Lux had ever seen before.

    ¡¸This is, could it be¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Lisha whispered so, Relie nodded.

    ¡¸Yes, one of the Ruin in the new kingdom¡¯s territory. What we call the third Ruin, the Ark.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Even among the Syvalles, few had the experience of seeing the Ark.

    Even Lux who had the experience of guarding the surrounding of a Ruin had only seen this Ark once from afar at a different place from this island.

    It was a special Ruin that usually bobbed up and down at the ocean of the new kingdom, it would change location in a fixed period.

    Due to its special characteristic of making its appearance mostly above the sea, he heard that the investigation of this Ruin was mostly not progressing.

    ¡¸Headmaster. You said the true objective, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤you mean this?¡¹

    ¡¸It helps that you guessed quickly.¡¹

    Relie returned a smile at Celis¡¯s question.

    ¡¸The investigation of the new kingdom¡¯s third Ruin, this Ark, that¡¯s our mission this time. The gate keeper of the depth©¤©¤the Ragnarok, Poseidon, that was said to be released from here once by the old empire. Now that it had died at the battle in the practice ground before this, there is the possibility that the door toward the deepest level is opened. It¡¯s the place where everyone in this generation hasn¡¯t reached yet you see.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The students subconsciously held their breath hearing the indifferent explanation of Relie.

    The sound of raging waves that resulted from the appearance of Ark was buried by that silence.

    ¡¸The objective of our coming to this island other than having training camp, is to accomplish a secret mission from the new kingdom. This Ark will be mooring at the vicinity of this Ries Island for approximately a week. We will begin infiltrating to investigate starting from tomorrow afternoon. Do you understand, everyone?¡¹

    After the students nodded, everyone returned to the boardinghouse while they were still bewildered.

    Because the night had grown late, they went to sleep right away.

    Because there were three bedroom for two people and two bedroom for four people, it was just right for the number of members this time.

    Through a natural conclusion or common sense decision, the siblings Lux and Airi shared a room, so everything was settled.

    Even Lux somehow understood that everyone was being taciturn.

    (The deepest floor of a Ruin that no one has reached before¡­¡­, is it?)

    The structure of the ancient times that was still mostly inexplicable©¤©¤the Ruin.

    The weight of witnessing not yet known legacy faster than anyone in the world made everyone timid.

    It was a secret investigation, that was why no one was told until they arrived in this island.

    If the country massed the troops openly, it would attract attention from every other country, because of that this training camp was used as pretense to gather the elites for investigation.

    It wasn¡¯t like Lux didn¡¯t understand about that kind of situation.

    (But what¡¯s this? This strange out of place feeling¡­¡­)

    ¡¸Does Nii-san also concerned?¡¹

    Airi asked inside the room that already had its lighting turned off.

    ¡¸Concerned¡­¡­it¡¯s not to that degree though.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, I won¡¯t say anything yet about that. I too am still unable to form my words.¡¹

    After ending it there, there was only the sound of calm breathing filling inside the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s body was quite tired from the long journey and two day of training, but he wasn¡¯t really able to sleep.

    (How is that place right now I wonder¡­¡­?)

    The day of coup d¡¯etat five years ago.

    His childhood friend Philuffy was taken away for the sake of medication experiment. Hearing that, Lux located this place and came to save her.

    And then. he searched for her at the basement of a certain monastery©¤©¤, for some reason he couldn¡¯t recall the memory after that no matter what.

    (However©¤©¤Philuffy should be safe that time.)

    A while after that, a letter that notified him of Philuffy¡¯s safety reached him, besides©¤©¤.

    Right now the girl was at Lux¡¯s side in healthy shape after all.

    The silent sound of waves was gradually filling his thought.

    And then, Lux finally fell asleep.

    At the morning next day, it was the time for independent training immediately following the basic training.

    Together with Lisha, Lux went toward the atelier of Drag-Ride in Ries Island.

    Spacious arrangement of rooms made from stone, the smell of oil and metal that stabbed the nose.

    At the large pedestal in the center, a great number of assembled Drag-Ride and weapon were scattered.

    The fundamental construction was similar with the atelier inside the academy, but the atelier here was larger in scale.

    Naturally, the inside of the atelier was filled with important highly classified information, so it seemed that no one could enter if it wasn¡¯t someone with authority at the level of Lisha.

    First Lux was instructed to summon the <Wyvern> he was using, so he pulled out his Sword Device and called out his Drag-Ride©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Then, activate the System mode of the <Wyvern> for me.¡¹

    ¡¸System, is it? Err©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux did as he was told even while tilting his head in puzzlement.

    He lightly closed his eyes and carried out the mind control operation toward the Drag-Ride before his eyes.

    When Lux sent the image thought of the Drag-Ride and his nerve connected with each other, bluish white light was formed from the head part of the folded <Wyvern>. The light then emerged as window frame, graphic, and countless character string.

    ¡¸Err, next be aware of the graphic at the upper left and look at it. You can proceed using that.¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t read ancient letter, so he operated following Lisha¡¯s instruction.

    By using the controller(joystick) that was the Sword Device, the Drag-Ride could be made to enter a state that was called the system mode. There things like the tuning of the Drag-Ride, the authentication registration, and so on could be performed.

    Things like the tuning of Drag-Ride parts, adjusting the output of the equipped weapon and so on were also indispensable function, but in general a lot of Drag-Knight only knew about the system of authentication registration that was done at the very beginning.

    Similarly Lux was also one of those many who only knew of that very basic but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Yosh, remember the control procedure you have just done so that you can do it yourself. <Bahamut> should also have basically the same procedure like this.¡¹

    Countless graphics and bluish white letters were floating above the head of the Drag-Ride.

    When all those advanced until a state where everything was released, Lisha told Lux to take a breather.

    ¡¸So with this the new function can be used?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, with this the Drag-Ride¡¯s function and weapon¡¯s strength will increase exceptionally. For example, the great sword your <Bahamut> have, if it¡¯s that <Chaos Brand(Stigma Sword)>, not to mention its destructive power, just by defending, it can accomplish the same role like the Scale Blade(Barrier Fang Sword) I created exclusively for the <Wyvern>.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that, true?¡¹

    ¡¸However, if you mistaken the way to use it then you will die though.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face spontaneously grimaced. Lisha let out a small sigh to that.

    ¡¸Remember that this is just my personal experience. This is a method to connect with the system to release the full ability of Drag-Ride that is usually restricted. All Drag-Ride, in order to avoid excessive burden to the user¡¯s body, stamina, and mental©¤©¤the Drag-Ride¡¯s performance is usually not fully accessible. A Drag-Ride in a state where this limiter is fully released is called the Awakened State, the mention of this was written in the ancient text from Ruin. But, no matter which country, including the new kingdom, none has reached the stage where they can make a practical use of it.¡¹

    The theory was understandable.

    Even in horse-riding, there was example of case where someone died from fatigue due to the distance and time traveled.

    Surely it would be impossible to use Drag-Ride stably when the system to reduce burden toward the Drag-Knight was removed.

    ¡¸You can close the system mode now. The input of the code to release all the ability limiter from there can be performed using mind control operation through the Sword Device but, don¡¯t you dare test it yet okay?¡¹

    Just as Lisha said, when he cut off the mind control operation that he was doing through the Sword Device, the floating countless letters and graphics vanished, and the Drag-Ride was also turned inactive.

    ¡¸The limiter release for Divine Drag-Ride is a bit more particular, it¡¯s something delicate you see. Regarding your <Bahamut> too, I¡¯m investigating its limiter release code but, ©¤©¤it¡¯s dangerous until we fully understand the detail.¡¹

    Lisha continued talking with a serious tone.

    ¡¸I tried it with <Tiamat> around a year ago, but when I released around half of the limiter, I almost died. That¡¯s why until now the use of it is sealed but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Are you, planning to use it from now on?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m thinking of searching for a good way to release the limiter, so that it can be used somehow. It will be best if we never have to use iit but, nothing will be gained if we are scared to take a step forward.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The code to surpass the limit of Drag-Ride and evolved it into the awakened state.

    Lux was puzzled.

    Even though this should be the first time he heard about it, he felt nostalgic somewhere inside himself.

    ¡¸By any chance, is the selfishness that Lisha-sama mentioned before, is about this?¡¹

    Lux recalled what she said to him the day before yesterday and when he asked her,

    ¡¸N, no, that¡¯s about another matter. It¡¯s something more personal for me should I say¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha entangled her fingers with each other while fidgeting. She looked hesitating.

    After she was acting like that for a while, she opened her mouth with resolve.

    ¡¸Tha, that©¤©¤wo, won¡¯t you become my knight!?¡¹

    ¡¸Knight©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸A, actually¡­¡­, mother had been saying it to me since long ago. When I graduate from the academy I¡¯ll have to do a lot of public business, so I should have an exclusive attendant as my guard. Until now, I¡¯m opposed to have a male knight assigned to me, so I¡¯ve been turning it down all this time but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be Lisha-sama means me?¡¹

    ¡¸I, if it¡¯s you, you¡¯re strong, you know about my secret, and most of all, if you will stay by my side©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was about to say something, but then her face reddened and she shut her mouth.

    Becoming the knight of Lisha who was the princess of the new kingdom.

    That invitation that he had never even anticipated caused Lux¡¯s mind to become blank for a moment.

    ¡¸By any chance, do you, hate it?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true! It¡¯s an honor, but©¤©¤¡¹

    He was an imperial family member of the old empire.

    A criminal that was the last surviving member.

    Wouldn¡¯t it be a problem if someone like him was given the position as the knight of the princess?

    Besides, the queen, the feudal lords under her command, and many of the people might refuse to acknowledge it.

    ¡¸I know what you want to say. I also know how difficult it will be to make it reality¡­¡­. However, I want you to think about it. It¡¯s fine, if you just think about it¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha finished talking with a tone that vaguely sounded vexed and she averted her face away.

    ¡¸Yo, you understand now!? You can give me your answer after we return to the academy so, bye!¡¹

    Telling him that, Lisha went out of the atelier.

    Lux was watching the girl vanished behind the door, and then he stayed unmoving for a while in that place.

    ¡¸The knight of the new kingdom, of Lisha-sama, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    He didn¡¯t feel bad toward her proposal.

    Rather, he felt happy toward the trust and special feeling she directed toward him. But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Do I, have any¡­¡­qualification for that?¡¹

    Lux whispered to himself and looked up to the sooty ceiling.

    Before long he noticed that he wouldn¡¯t find the answer quickly. He locked the atelier¡¯s door and he exited the room too.

    At the afternoon, after the individual¡¯s free practice was over and everyone took lunch at the boardinghouse.

    When the members were taking rest after the meal in their own way, it suddenly came.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    A small silhouette of ship could be seen from the second floor window of the boardinghouse.

    From a glance the ship wasn¡¯t a fishing ship or merchant ship. The crest of the new kingdom was drawn on the sail.

    The army shouldn¡¯t be practicing here while Lux and others were doing training camp but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Anyway, I have to tell everyone about this.¡¹

    When Lux was about to head toward the living room, the sound of bell could be heard from the lighthouse.

    The signal of the bell ringing three times seemed to be the notification of a sudden visitor.

    After a while, the large army ship docked at the island¡¯s wharf.

    Relie and the selection members gathered. When they arrived at the pier, the visitors had already disembarked the ship.

    The old man that was the manager of the port welcomed a middle-aged man wearing noble dress suit and men who seemed to be his subordinates.

    ¡¸Please pardon my rudeness of coming to visit without any prior notice. My name is Dobar Fest. Please to make your acquaintance from here on.¡¹

    He was a man with round and wide body, his head was bald with plentiful of white beard growing on his face.

    From a glance he looked like a good-natured elderly man, but Lux felt an impression that the man was vaguely unsettled.

    It was a presence unique to an influential person who placed himself in political arena.

    ¡¸What a surprise, welcome, you¡¯ve traveled for quite the distance. However, what could bring your honor to a far away island like this¡­¡­?¡¹

    The elderly man lowered his head and tilted his head, then this man called Dobar showed a smile.

    ¡¸Who is this person?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was observing the situation from a distance whispered with a low voice.

    Lux too wasn¡¯t that knowledgable  regarding the noble of the new kingdom, so he didn¡¯t know about this person, but,

    ¡¸Marquis Dobar. He can be considered as a distant relative of her majesty the queen of new kingdom Atismata. He was a former military officer of the old empire, after past a certain age he served as a feudal lord of a remote region, but right after the establishment of the new kingdom, it seemed he recommended himself as a candidate for a new consul and returned to the capital along with his knight order. If I remember correctly, right now his official position is as an adviser for the army or something.¡¹

    Airi smoothly explained with a flowing tone.

    ¡¸How detailed, Airi Arkadia. Though I too know as much as his name.¡¹

    Celis who was at the head of the selection members said so in admiration, then,

    ¡¸That¡¯s because the fate of I and Nii-san hang on the current royal family.¡¹

    Airi responded like that very seriously.

    While Lux was chasing after the ¡ºexternal¡» threat that was Fugil, Airi was making use of her intellect and position to constantly pay attention to the ¡ºinternal¡»©¤©¤to the domestic affairs of the new kingdom.

    What was called as authority was more uncertain than what could be currently seen, it was something precarious.

    They didn¡¯t  know when the enemy of the ¡ºsurvivor of the old empire¡» would appear and acted hostilely to them.

    It could be imagined from Airi¡¯s words how much meticulous attention she paid toward that aspect.

    ¡¸He should be considered my relative, but I don¡¯t even remember his name regarding that¡­¡­. However, why is that kind of guy come to this island right now?¡¹

    When Lisha whispered so in irritation, Relie also exchanged a casual greeting with Dobar, and then both of them went together toward where Lux and other were at.

    ¡¸Oo. It has been a long time, your highness. You¡¯ve grown beautiful. By any chance, do you remember me?¡¹

    Dobar first bowed toward Lisha who was a distant relative, and next he turned toward Lux and others.

    ¡¸Also, all of you are the chosen members with skill that cannot be made light even in the Cross Field©¤©¤the Syvalles isn¡¯t it? Forgive me for the ruckus I caused this time. Even at the capital I¡¯ve heard about the deeds of arms that all of you have displayed, how all of you made great contribution as Drag-Knight even while still being an officer cadet. This might be an unrelated matter for all of you but, I¡¯m©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We know about your identity. There is no need for self-introduction, Marquis Dobar. Rather than that, just what is your business coming here? We¡¯re going to be busy from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸How rude of me my princess. But, we have not the slightest intention of being a nuisance to the mission of the Syvalles. Rather it¡¯s the opposite©¤©¤we came here to be of assistance even as meager our capability is.¡¹

    When Lisha spoke looking slightly vexed, Dobar showed her a flattering smile.

    ¡¸Actually, the other day I happened to overhear an information. I understand that in this period of time, a Ruin, the Ark would appear adjacent to this island©¤©¤. I came here to prepare just in case but, good gracious I¡¯m shocked that it¡¯s actually true.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Tension ran through all the members who heard that.

    The Ruin investigation this time should be a top secret mission from the royal family.

    Such thinking also flashed inside Lux¡¯s head for a moment but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸The investigation of a Ruin is accompanied with danger. Especially when it come to this time¡¯s investigation where there is a possibility to reach the deepest part that no one has even reached, then it will be even more true. By all means, I wish to be allowed for my elite force to cooperate in this investigation.¡¹

    Dobar showed a courteous attitude, but his eyes were alighted with wicked light, there wasn¡¯t any indication at all that he was talking about ¡ºgenuine cooperation¡».

    He was a fellow who lined up plausible reasons to snuggle close to authority and treasure.

    If one tried to reach the deepest part of a Ruin, then there was a high possibility that the amount and quality of the treasure would be different from everything of before.

    Surely this man had the aim to purely try to embezzle that treasure, but there was also the possibility that he was selling favor here in the name of cooperating with the Ruin investigation, aiming for climbing up in status in the new kingdom.

    Although, it was hard to reprimand this arriving noble from their standpoint as fellow people of the new kingdom.

    Therefore, everyone, not just Lisha, was unable to say anything, it was then,

    ¡¸I understand what you are saying.¡¹

    Relie made a gentle smile and responded.

    ¡¸Are you perhaps aware of the pact of Ruin investigation? Regarding a part of the excavated information and treasure, and also things like the appearing Abyss and other phenomenon, it¡¯s necessary to report it to the royal family and other foreign countries.¡¹

    ¡¸Of course I¡¯m aware. I¡¯m also bringing the investigation rule book and the protocol book. I wish to be allowed for my force to be entrusted with being the advance vanguard and the logistical support by all means.¡¹

    There was a shadow behind Marquis Dobar¡¯s statement, but they also couldn¡¯t refuse him out of hand.

    Relie who must understood all of that displayed an unfazed smile.

    ¡¸My thanks for your cooperation. But, this mission is dangerous and yet it¡¯s necessary to be urgent, so even if by any chance the force your honor employed meet a predicament, it¡¯s possible that we won¡¯t be able to assist them. Therefore, I¡¯m thinking if this time we can ask you to have discretion and©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see, haha.¡¹

    Dobar grinned and laughed in respond to Relie¡¯s roundabout rejection.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to worry you know, headmaster-dono. The action of my force and the responsibility for that will be wholly taken by me who is commanding them. You don¡¯t need to feel reserved about our cooperation. However, yes©¤©¤you can just think that the number of helping hand to carry back information and treasure is increasing a little.¡¹

    He was talking with a calm tone, but his eyes clearly emitted clear opposition.

    ¡¸Then, let the both of us give our all for the prosperity of the new kingdom, Dobar-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll pray for your success, headmaster-dono.¡¹

    At the surface Relie was accepting Dobar¡¯s cooperation, but there were several tacit understanding that was exchanged implicitly.

    There was no obligation to help each other, the investigation and excavation would be carried out by their own respective judgment.

    That agreement was established right now in this place, it was at that moment©¤©¤,

    *GOuuuUUUN-!*

    A strange mechanical sound resounded throughout the island along with a rumble in the ground that was similar like yesterday.

    Sea spray that exceeded the rock cliff was raised and the black Ark ran aground on the shore.

    ¡¸Oo¡­¡­! Just as the information said, it looks like it¡¯s approaching even nearer. Then©¤©¤excuse me.¡¹

    Dobar bowed exaggeratedly and left with a quick pace.

    Seeing him off, Relie then turned toward the members of Syvalles.

    ¡¸Sorry you all, we were talking too long.¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t mind. But headmaster, what are we going to do?¡¹

    Celis glanced at the bewildered members and asked Relie.

    But, Relie didn¡¯t look worked up. She began to walk with her shoes making steady footstep sound.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as all of you saw just now. We the Syvalles will follow our original plan and begin the top secret mission after this. We will do it ahead of anyone else©¤©¤get it?¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, so it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    Celis sighed in understanding.

    ¡¸Even though we talked about cooperating in the investigation, both our sides won¡¯t interfere with each other. Till the end both sides will carry out their own investigation by their own judgment carrying their own responsibility. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s really easy to understand. In short, it¡¯s first come first served right?¡¹

    Lisha concluded like that along with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸Conquering the Ruin faster than that suspicious group and reach the unknown territory, whether we can do that or not©¤©¤. Originally there should be no reason for fellow people of the new kingdom to compete with each other but, we¡¯ve got to do it.¡¹

    Saying that, Lisha directed her confident crimson eyes toward the Ark. Her gaze looked as though she was pointing a sword.

    ¡¸I guess. At the very least, they don¡¯t show any sign of cooperating with us. I don¡¯t know to what extent those people have hidden intention in this, but that¡¯s the only thing we can be sure on.¡¹

    Krulcifer also brushed up her hair with a cool face and agreed with Lisha. Dobar spoke about ¡ºnot cooperating¡», but it wasn¡¯t because he felt apprehension of the operating getting delayed, but it must be because he wanted to help himself to the treasure.

    In that case, they couldn¡¯t lose in this competition.

    ¡¸Everyone, can you finish preparation for the Ruin investigation in fifteen minutes?¡¹

    Celis tensed her expression and she addressed the members.

    ¡¸We planned for the investigation today to take an hour and a half, but we will alter the time to two hour. We will increase the ration we carry in case of unexpected situation, conversely please decrease the mining tool you carry. We will prioritize our advancing speed and restrain ourselves from recovering treasure, and calculate our route based on that. Is that fine, headmaster?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s perfect, Celis-san.¡¹

    Relie smiled and said that to Celis who gave out instruction swiftly.

    ¡¸Everyone, you are not permitted to be flustered because of competing against their force. The Ruin is a dangerous place, that¡¯s why we should act reliably, please conduct yourself correctly. Understand?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes-!¡¹

    Everyone nodded toward Celis¡¯s instruction. And then they broke up for the moment.

    ©¤©¤And then, fifteen minutes later.

    The members of Syvalles had changed into their Drag-Knight suit and finished their preparation. They assembled at the shore area under the lighthouse.

    ¡¸So this is©¤©¤the Ark.¡¹

    There was only one way to board the Ruin©¤©¤the Ark according to the investigation report of the new kingdom.

    By standing at the middle of the circle of ancient letters drawn at the center of the deck, people would be pulled in along with light after staying there for a fixed time.

    In short, it was the same transfer system like the Garden.

    If there was one thing that was different, it was only that there was just one spot that was the exit and entrance.

    The Ark came to a stop in the form of running aground the rocky area nearby the lighthouse©¤©¤at the eastern part of the Ries Island, so they embarked toward the deck directly by using the leaping power of Drag-Ride.

    However, the structure¡¯s size was tremendous. Because it was bigger by several dozen times compared to normal large ship, the Ruin could only be looked down at after climbing up the island¡¯s lighthouse.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go. We will send the signal using dragon voice after confirming that it¡¯s safe.¡¹

    First three people including Celis observed the Ruin from the sky above, then they sent the signal that it was safe to board.

    And then, the following members flew or jumped and they boarded above the deck one after another.

    ¡¸Nii-san. It¡¯s time, please.¡¹

    Airi who was waiting nearby looked up to Lux and said that to him.

    Relie and Airi who wasn¡¯t Drag-Knight would come along and enter the Ruin because there was a lot of Drag-Knight to be their guard and in order to investigate the inside of the Ruin in detail.

    Of course because there would be danger, Lux told them not to come, but Airi said ¡¸I¡¯m not a child¡¹ and volunteered herself.

    ¡¸Ah, yes. But, I¡¯ve never really fly while carrying someone so¡­¡­. That¡¯s, be careful.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san¡¯s feeling toward me will be in question depending on how you do.¡¹

    Air showed a mischievous smile and said bluntly.

    Lux smiled wryly at Airi¡¯s words and he flew with her in his arms.

    That act in itself was extremely skillful but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When the spacious deck and circle pattern that were several dozen times of the normal ship came into view, even more different thing entered their sight.

    What they caught sight of was that Marquis Dobar and the private force he owned.

    ¡¸With this both sides has their force assembled. It looks like by chance both of us happen to be here at the same timing, so I believe we should enter at the same time¡­¡­. Is that fine with you, your honor?¡¹

    ¡¸But of course. If we can enter a Ruin along with Cross Field¡¯s Syvalles, then there will be nothing more reassuring than that.¡¹

    Marquis Dobar nodded pleasantly toward the invitation of Headmaster Relie who was standing in the middle of the circle pattern.

    Even though Dobar and others should be the one that departed later, and yet they were already here. It looked like they were going to charge in without even any sufficient preparation but,

    ¡¸Looks like the force of marquis-sama arrived here only just now. Looks like those people are also quite crafty in their doing.¡¹

    Krulcifer who was observing the course of events from distance whispered in a low voice.

    ¡¸You mean those people also came here with their preparation completely in order?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not that kind of proper reason.¡¹

    Krulcifer shook her head toward Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Regarding the Ark, there is only one entrance and exit based on is known. ©¤©¤That means that in case there is a swarm of Abyss gathering inside at the transfer destination, it will suddenly become an all-out battle. The enemy¡¯s number, type, and also the terrain condition won¡¯t be able to be predicted. If we fall into such situation, then even if we don¡¯t get annihilated, there will be a great chance that it will become hindrance to our later deployment.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, that means they were waiting here for us to arrive?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Let alone being the advance vanguard, their tactic is to make us become the advance vanguard for them instead. We ran into them here must be because of bad luck. Of course the headmaster also notice this.¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s matter-of-fact consideration caused Lux to leak out a sigh.

    Relie said that their side was comprehensively superior than Dobar¡¯s force, but if they let their guard down the other side might reach the deepest part ahead of them.

    Lux judged it to be so and he tensed himself.

    ¡¸But, for them to try to make us be the advance vanguard, means that those bunches aren¡¯t that strong right? Then there is no problem. I¡¯ll let loose for the first time in a while.¡¹

    Lisha grinned and she moved her mixed Drag-Ride that was the combination of two type of Drag-Ride, the <Chimeric Wyvern> to show off.

    This time it seemed to be a new type that was the fusion of <Wyvern> and <Drake>, it was a specification that was suited for the mission this time where they would search and investigate inside a ship where there would be many passage.

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­. Be careful okay?¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. Noct is planning to accompany me to protect me, but it¡¯s fine even if Nii-san is a bit concerned for me you know?¡¹

    She must be uneasy entering a ruin with her flesh body, but she pretended to be tough instead.

    Lux had a complicated feeling seeing her sister who pretended to be all right in this kind of time so as to not worry him.

    Right after that, the circle where Lux and other were standing on was tinged with faint light.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Everyone! Is your preparation all right?¡¹

    When Celis raised her voice as the group leader, the members put themselves on guard reflexively.

    Right after that, blinding light pillar rose up high to the sky, and Lux¡¯s field of vision was enveloped in white.

    *splash*

    Such sound of water hit the ear the moment they came to.

    After a lapse of awareness that was only for a few seconds, when they noticed, Lux and others were standing in a dim place.

    There wasn¡¯t any cover or anything nearby. Humid air was filling the surrounding.

    The surrounding was dim, there were only bluish white strange light that dotted the surrounding bit by bit.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The ground was bobbing up and down, and also perhaps when they were taken in the air above the deck was also brought together with them, because the peculiar smell of seashore stabbed the nose.

    (Besides, what¡¯s this? This presence¡­¡­)

    There was one more thing, a disquieting presence of something that Lux sensed. He quickly moved to the side of Airi who wasn¡¯t wearing any protection.

    ¡¸Noct, can you do it?¡¹

    When Sharis raised a tensed voice inside the dim space,

    ¡¸Yes, my lord. Confirming the reaction of Abyss organism using the <Drake>, please wait for a bit.¡¹

    Noct and other member who were wearing a special type Drag-Ride, <Drake> were carrying out enemy search and confirmed the safety of the surrounding.

    After that, when each Drag-Ride turned on their search light, the surrounding was illuminated brightly and the sight inside the ship became clear.

    Syvallesmembers who had secured their field of vision were about to let out a sigh of relieve, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait, just what is¡­¡­, this?¡¹

    The eyes of the girls were opened wide in surprise, and their body that were clad with armor were was trembling.

    Lux also felt the same, but he immediately changed his thought.

    ¡¸What, is this¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha who confirmed her vicinity a bit delayed knitted her brows after seeing that sight.

    Destruction.

    There were depression here and there, a large amount of inorganic substance smashed and scattered apart.

    Due to the countless rubbles with incomprehensible shape, there wasn¡¯t even any place for their feet to step on.

    ¡¸According to the document, this space is called the lounge. For now it looks like we have accomplished our first objective of entering safely.¡¹

    Airi looked around timidly while informing the other that.

    The structure of the third Ruin, theArk was comparatively easy to understand.

    The only facts that had been proved was that this Ruin was divided into eleven level, there were stairs that continued to the next level located at the bow and the stern of the ship, from the investigation, the floor where they were transported into from the deck was numbered as the first floor, while the lower floor after it was the second floor, and so on.

    Although there would also be a lot of fork road midway, there was basically stairs that connected to the upper and lower level in each floor.

    ¡¸It¡¯s great that all of us are safe, headmaster.¡¹

    Dobar and his private forces called out to them from slight distance away.

    ¡¸It seems that the trace of fighting of the ancient time is remaining here. Let us both be careful.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, may the fortune be with you.¡¹

    After Relie returned a smile. Dobar bowed with¡¸Well then¡¹ and left with his men.

    Similarly, Lux and others who confirmed the presence and safety of all the members also started their march.

    In order to shoulder the role of exploration, enemy search, and lighting the path, two <Drakes> and three other Drag-Rides were kept as they were, while the remaining members desummoned their armor.

    This was a method to preserve their stamina while marching in shift.

    ¡¸Well, I understand that this is a safe plan but, how should I say it, this is really sluggish ain¡¯t it, going slowly like this.¡¹

    Tillfur who was wearing <Wyrm> were grumbling from the tediousness.

    Her job was to remove the rubbles using her Drag-Ride¡¯s power and secured the route, but it seemed she was tired of that and felt annoyed.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. There is a chance that Abyss or trap is hidden under the rubbles.¡¹

    Sharis immediately soothed her. Noct also sent a glance to Tillfur.

    ¡¸Yes. The <Drake> is recording the shortest route that has been confirmed as safe, so when we come here next all of us will be able to wear our Drag-Ride and advance several dozen times faster.¡¹

    ¡¸We are moving to the stern from the first floor¡¯s lounge. There are several area midway, but a lot of the wall is destroyed, so the path become hard to comprehend.¡¹

    Airi who was memorizing the Ruin¡¯s information was giving explanation sometimes while moving her legs.

    And then, Lux was worried about Philuffy who was walking beside him.

    ¡¸Philuffy. Is your body all right? You aren¡¯t tired?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    The answer from Philuffy that was said with her usual expressionless face was hard to read whether she was saying the truth or not.

    After they were walking forward silently, at the stern of the first floor©¤©¤they found the stair that continued to the second floor and they went down.

    Even though the level was changing, the scenery was basically unchanging.

    The bluish white lighting, the dimness of the area, and the dreadful trace of destruction were also the same like before.

    Marquis Dobar said that it was the traces of the battle from the ancient time but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, do you notice? This trace of destruction.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. Somehow, but©¤©¤it looks new isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Lux nodded in return toward the whisper of Krulcifer who was walking beside him.

    Lisha who was walking in the lead heard that and she turned around.

    ¡¸What is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t mind us. Right now it¡¯s still just a conjecture.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t leave me in suspense like that! You make me excessively curious here you know!?¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously flared up at Krulcifer, it was then,

    ¡¸Everyone, please stop.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s voice that was tinged with nervousness made everyone held their breath.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­?¡¹

    When the light from Noct¡¯s <Drake> shined forward, there was a huge space before their eyes.

    The surrounding was covered with something that looked like hard glass, with half-dome ceiling.

    It was a boundary that displayed that from here on ahead was a completely different domain.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this? Is it a room or something?¡¹

    ¡¸This is a section that is called as Biome Sphere. It looks like it¡¯s running an independent ecosystem, as though it¡¯s a natural forest. Although¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi was explaining with an ancient text in one hand, however at the end her word turned ambiguous.

    The answer was apparent from a glimpse.

    ¡¸Looks like there was a really fierce battle at the past. Besides, it seems that the functions of the Ruin that maintain this ecosystem are completely suspended.¡¹

    When Krulcifer whispered so, Lisha also nodded and she raised her voice.

    ¡¸Noct, can you see any sign of enemy nearby?¡¹

    ¡¸No. I have been turning my range for enemy search to maximum since some time ago, but there is no presence of Abyss. The force of Marquis Dobar is located around 300 mel ahead at a different route.¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like those were advancing quickly, but I think we can overtake them soon.¡¹

    Relie who heard that let out a sigh of relieve,

    ¡¸But, from here on is where it really start.¡¹

    She stared at the Biome Spehere spreading before their eyes and continued with that sentence.

    The devastated state of the ecosystem increased the complexity of the path. Added with the rock, soil, and the uneven ground, it was like there was a natural labyrinth blocking the way of the intruder.

    And then, the vegetation that were growing densely and abundantly turned into a shade. They couldn¡¯t even see several dozen mel ahead of them.

    ¡¸Looks like it will take time to search for the correct path from here on ahead. If there is no sign of Abyss, I think that we should split to search though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Guess so. Then for now let¡¯s split into a team of three or four people and begin exploring to four directions. If anyone find something, send contact using dragon voice. Okay?¡¹

    Relie agreed with Krulcifer¡¯s suggestion and the members formed their own team.

    They grouping was decided beforehand based on the number of people. Lux, Noct, and Airi were in one group.

    ¡¸Take care of me, Noct.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I judged that being grouped with Lux-san is a really fortunate event. It¡¯s me that should ask you to take care of me.¡¹

    Noct bowed with a bob of her head, her expression calm as usual.

    Lux was wearing <Wyvern> while Noct was wearing <Drake>.They advanced ahead in order to guard Airi.

    Lux was the eldest person present, so he took a deep breath to fire himself up, it was then,

    ¡¸Nii-san. Please don¡¯t lay your hand on my roommate too just because there is no one else around okay?¡¹

    ¡¸No, why are you talking as though I¡¯m always wooing girl!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I understand Airi¡¯s feeling that is worried that your brother might be taken from you by everyone, but I judged that your statement just now is only a needless anxiety.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-¡­¡­, please don¡¯t say something strange so suddenly Noct!¡¹

    Not minding Airi who was unusually flustered, Noct continued.

    ¡¸Surely Lux-san is not seeing me as a girl. I¡¯m someone who is expected to serve Baltshift family after I graduate. Something like love is inconsequential, but for me to be outside being a target of love already in this age, is a bit depressing. Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    She sounded a bit like she was reading in monotone, but it was also rare for Noct to talk in pessimism like that, so Lux got driven by guilt.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true. I think that Noct is also really cute¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so? Then more specifically, from Lux-san¡¯s point of view, which part of me is charming?¡¹

    ¡¸E, err, that¡­¡­. Well, the line from your collarbone until your chest, is really©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san¡­¡­do you remember what I just talked about?¡¹

    When Lux said that while looking at Noct in her suit, Air retorted with a chilly expression.

    ¡¸Yes. I think that Lux-san ought to be a bit more careful when dealing with female. That way of praising that feels indecent, Lux-san might get accused as someone obscene and get tricked by someone because of it.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I did my best to give praise, you are picking fault on it, and on top of that you also tricked me-!?¡¹

    Lux plainly felt shocked from being toyed around by a girl who was his junior and he hung his head down.

    Beside him Airi was,

    ¡¸I¡¯m relieved in a sense. Usually Nii-san was praised to the sky of how cool you are, but as I thought Nii-san is someone like this in truth.¡¹

    Like that, she was somewhat in acceptance.

    (Fo, for some reason I¡¯m feeling very vexed¡­¡­-! She is hitting right on the mark¡­¡­)

    Lux was anguished so inside his heart, it was then,

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    He noticed Noct was watching over Airi who was walking beside her with a small smile on her lips.

    ¡ºCan we talk for a bit?¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­? What business do you have, to use dragon voice in this kind of distance?¡»

    The dragon voice was a communication method through the medium of Drag-Ride.

    When Lux sent dragon voice limited to Noct beside him, she sent back a questioning voice to him.

    ¡ºDon¡¯t tell me, Lux-san is going to secretly sent me an obscene verbal abuse that you cannot say in front of Airi©¤©¤!¡»

    ¡ºThat¡¯s not it-!? Just how indecent of a person I am!?¡»

    ¡ºYes. I know. Lux-san is quite an indecent person despite your face that looks harmless, but I don¡¯t think that you have that kind of guts.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    As always it felt like he was being toyed around by Noct, but he somehow endured it and continued his words.

    ¡ºThat¡­¡­thank you. You were intentionally making cheerful talk for the sake of Airi who is uneasy because this is her first time exploring a Ruin right?¡»

    Thereupon, Noct showed an amazed face for a moment as though she was taken by surprise, but,

    ¡ºNo. That¡¯s not it. I was merely wanting to make fun of Lux-san. That¡¯s why, I think there isn¡¯t any need for me to be thanked.¡»

    Her expression immediately returned to her usual composed face and she answered like that.

    Even so Lux said his thanks with a smile.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s really a big help, Noct.¡»

    Noct was denying about her consideration toward Airi must be because of her pride as someone who descended from a lineage of attendant family.

    Covering up for the master and guest without being noticed was the family precept of Noct¡¯s family. It was something that Lux remembered hearing from Tillfur who was also of the Triad.

    ¡ºI only need to be appreciated by my master, so it¡¯s unnecessary for Lux-san to be concerned of me.¡»

    Noct replied like that through the dragon voice with her usual calm tone.

    ¡ºI see.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤But, a part of me that is outside my position, feels just a bit happy hearing those words.¡»

    But, she gave such respond to Lux while showing a faint smile.

    ¡ºIf Lux-san become my employer, it looks like it will be difficult to act in a casual manner isn¡¯t it?¡»

    ¡ºEh¡­¡­?¡»

    ¡ºI¡¯m joking. Rather than that©¤©¤¡»

    Suddenly the presence of Noct who was walking beside him changed.

    ¡¸Please stop, both of you.¡¹

    Noct used her physical voice this time to let out a voice that was tinged with tension.

    Airi backed away while Lux readied his blade and stepped forward, then,

    ¡¸It¡¯s not Abyss¡­¡­but, under the rubbles a few hundred mel ahead from here, there is a human-like shape present there. There is no heat or movement reaction, perhaps it¡¯s some kind of trap¡­¡­, it can also be something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. I¡¯ll go look.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t wait for any reply and flew his <Wyvern>.

    If it was by any chance a corpse, he didn¡¯t want to show it to Airi©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux who lifted up the huge rubble doubted his eyes reflexively.

    That human shape which was laying down on the ground was beautiful.

    It was a green haired girl wearing a dress with strange silver lines. She was lying down as though she was sleeping.

    She looked like she was around eleven or twelve years old, her figure was young and petite.

    Her well-ordered feature, combined with her silently closed pair of eyes made Lux vaguely felt a mystique atmosphere from the girl.

    Of course, her clothes and skin were dirtied with mud, showing how long the years had passed for the girl, even so she looked so beautiful it was unthinkable that she had died.

    And then there was a mechanical decoration that was designed like bunny ears on her small head.

    ¡¸Is everything all right, Lux-san?¡¹

    While Lux was staring at the girl half in a daze, Noct and Airi caught up with him.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­!? This child, what on earth©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected even Airi seemed to have no clue, she was speechless after catching the sight of the girl.

    Under the bluish white lighting that was like the moonlight, that place was filled with silence for a while, but,

    ¡¸Noct, is Krulcifer-san¡¯s group nearby?¡¹

    ¡¸There is reaction in the location 200 mel from here. It seems she is not wearing <Fafnir>, but it¡¯s possible to contact here if I send dragon voice to the member in her group.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. Can you call her for me?¡¹

    ¡¸Roger. ©¤©¤But, why her?¡¹

    Noct was having a bit of doubt even while she was quickly taking action. To that Lux,

    ¡¸Just a bit of something¡­¡­¡¹

    He returned an ambiguous reply.

    <Fafnir> came flying in less than a minute after Noct sent the communication.

    Perhaps it should be said as expected from a user of a Divine Drag-Ride, she came flying in high speed through dark path where the ceiling was low and trees and rocks were lined up.

    ¡¸You said that you found something mysterious but,what is it I wonder?¡¹

    As soon as Krulcifer who finally arrived saw it, her usual cool voice vanished.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­. No, this child is?¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t know. But, I thought that if it¡¯s Krulcifer-san who has seen the Ruin in Ymir, then you might know something¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer stiffened with her gaze still fixed seriously on the girl.

    Her reaction was understandable, Lux thought.

    For Krulcifer whose origin was from a Ruin, this girl might be her brethren that she was unable to find throughout all these long years.

    This was her first time seeing with her own eyes that body existing for real.

    ¡¸Even the ancient text I am translating doesn¡¯t record the existence of someone like this. What do you think, Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    Airi who had been pondering until now seemed to grow restless and asked that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s dangerous.¡¹

    Suddenly such whisper leaked out from Krulcifer¡¯s mouth.

    ¡¸The two of you, can you join up with the group I was with before? There is a chance you can get entangled into danger by staying here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s face returned to her usual expression. Her long beautiful hair shook and she continued.

    ¡¸In the past, I heard about a story that there might be human shaped trap in the Ruin of Ymir. I¡¯ll try to examine this girl right now, but if a battle ensued, it will be difficult to protect you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand.¡¹

    Having been told that, Airi left that place together with Noct even though she looked reluctant.

    After the figure of the two completely vanished, Lux raised her face.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san. What you said just now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, of course it¡¯s a lie.¡¹

    Krulcifer said nonchalantly.

    She was a girl who originated from a Ruin. She was someone who was standing in a peculiar position. Her true identity couldn¡¯t be exposed that lightly toward anyone.

    If that secret was leaked out from somewhere, then fellows who would try to use her existence would appear and she would get aimed at, just like how Lux¡¯s secret as the Black Hero was.

    He didn¡¯t think that Airi and Noct would blab, but there was also a precedent like the existence of Saniya in Syvalles, so they couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    ¡¸Sorry. Even though I need to pay attention in something like this.¡¹

    Lux thought so and he tried to apologize, but then,

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry about it. Rather than that, this child¡­¡­isn¡¯t a human isn¡¯t she?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer told the perplexed Lux with her usual calm and collected expression.

    ¡¸Of course, she is also not an Abyss. I cannot think of any adequate definition but©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer was caressing the girl¡¯s cheek while talking ambiguously. Right after that, the little girl¡¯s golden eyes opened with a snap.

    ¡ºSupervisor¡¯s living reaction is confirmed. System reboot.¡»

    It was an inorganic voice that resembled a heavy metallic sound.

    At the same time the dress with strange silver lines running through it fluttered and the girl got up.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux and Krulcifer who was wearing Drag-Ride reflexively took distance quickly. They readied their respective weapon.

    When they directed the greatest vigilance toward the standing up girl,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    The girl turned her head left and right restlessly, she was staring at Lux and Krulcifer, then at the completely devastated sight of the surrounding, after that©¤©¤.

    *bam*

    Suddenly the girl fell prostate on the ground.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Looks like no one is calling for me here¡­¡­. Good night.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a second!? Why are you collapsing again!?¡¹

    ¡¸I, I wish you won¡¯t misunderstand, I don¡¯t have any memory at all regarding this disastrous scene. But still, I¡¯ve a hunch that this is surely isn¡¯t my fault, so if possible I want to beg to not get disposed, but just a program correction is©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­She is suddenly starting to shift responsibility. Just who in the world this girl is?¡¹

    Krulcifer turned toward the girl with a questioning expression, then,

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­? By any chance, you don¡¯t know about me, Xfer(Key¡¯s Supervisor)-sama?¡¹

    The girl said incomprehensible thing like that.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. More importantly, what are you? Your name?¡¹

    ¡¸This is, my deepest apologies. My name is La Cruche. The Gear Leader(Controller) of this Ark. To explain it in an easier to understand term, I am the personification of the system that is governing this facility©¤©¤an existence that everyone is calling as Automaton. Pleased to make your acquaintance from here on.¡¹

    She bowed reverently like a maid that was serving her master.

    Judging from her behavior, it seemed the relatives of Krulcifer was in the position as the one who managed the Ruin.

    The system¡¯s Automaton that remained inside the Ruin.

    Until know they had never heard of such existence in the history of any country.

    If this girl¡¯s words were the truth, then this might be the first contact with someone who knew about the history of the ancient era.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Perhaps, we are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux also understood the meaning of Krulcifer¡¯s anxious voice.

    The moment he realized that, Lux¡¯s heart was also pounding fiercely.

    The existence of Ruin that was mostly wrapped in mystery until now, that mystery might be solved in its entirety right now in this place.

    ¡¸Then you, you know about everything of the ancient era?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s impatient voice shook the forest¡¯s air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A moment later, the Automaton who introduced herself as La Cruche tilted her head and made a thinking posture.

    ¡¸Regarding my memory of the past, my deepest apology but©¤©¤¡¹

    Amidst the fierce tension where one hesitated to even breath.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It looks like I overslept too much that I seriously forget it. Really, sorry.¡¹

    The machine girl said so with a slightly apologetic look, she then bowed her head down.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aah, I beg you don¡¯t look at me with that kind of eye. Also please don¡¯t scrap me. I really don¡¯t remember anything. It appears that because of this unknown incident, my memory data was completely blown away temporarily, it¡¯s true!¡¹

    La Cruche desperately made excuse after seeing Krulcifer¡¯s chilly gaze.

    They didn¡¯t really understand, but it seemed this girl also had personality, or the concept to protect herself at the very least.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have any such intention, but we want to question you a little.¡¹

    After letting out a little sigh, Krulcifer questioned La Cruche, and La Cruche answered her.

    First, the girl was the Gear Leader of the Ark and an Automaton. She was connected to the central of this Ruin and it was possible for her to manage the Ruin.

    She recognized Krulcifer as an Xfer(Key¡¯s Supervisor) that was the constructor of the Ruin, and she was intending to obey Krulcifer¡¯s will and command.

    And then the last, because of the impact from the incident that occurred in this Ruin at the past, La Cruche confessed that it seemed she lost her past memory.

    ¡¸Forgive me. Originally as the Gear Leader, I should be able to connect to the central right away if the main unit is safe, and from there it¡¯s possible to recover my memory but¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl exaggeratedly prostrated herself and apologized.

    ¡¸I can mostly imagine the cause. Most likely it¡¯s the same cause that make this room dimly lighted like this, the majority of the Ark¡¯s function right now is being suspended, is that it?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right. As expected from Xfer-sama. You are not only beautiful, but you are also really wise.¡¹

    La Cruche¡¯s rabbit-like ears were moving twitchily and she jumped on the spot.

    Krulcifer who saw that made a slightly wry smile and she patted the girl¡¯s head.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need flattery. I still don¡¯t understand what kind of relationship ought to exist between us, but you can talk to me more casually you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Those words are too good for me. Then, while presumptuous for me, I wish to express an advice so you can become more beautiful. Xfer-sama is a bit too thin. I think that if you eat a bit more meat, then a part of that humble body of yours might be improved©¤©¤¡¹

    La Cruche spoke with a cheerful smile, but it felt like the air suddenly froze and cracked.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­. Come to think of it, in the end you don¡¯t know about anything essential aren¡¯t you? In other words even if you are destroyed here, it won¡¯t be any inconvenience for us©¤©¤is my understanding correct?¡¹

    ¡¸My, my deepest apologies-!? I have only this one personality, so if it¡¯s possible that I can receive mercy©¤©¤¡¹

    (S, so, Krulcifer-san is actually bothered about that¡­¡­)

    Seeing the chilly smile Krulcifer displayed, Lux swore inside his heart to absolutely not touch about this kind of topic with her.

    ¡¸And, what should we do to restore that thing you called the central system?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. By going to the control room area and have Xfer-sama authenticated there, it¡¯s possible to give out the restoration command after that.¡¹

    ¡¸Where is that place called control room area located?¡¹

    Lux held his breath while waiting for the answer that Krulcifer asked dispassionately.

    ¡¸Everything is located right before the deepest level of the Ark in the underground eleventh level, the tenth level©¤©¤if we can go there, we will understand everything.¡¹

    La Cruche reverently bowed her head and declared.

    ¡¸Does that kind of girl really exist? I cannot believe it right away.¡¹

    An hour after Lux and Krulcifer parted from the Automaton(La Cruche).

    After exiting the Biome Sphere, everyone reached the sixth floor. After that they returned to the surface before the sunset.

    They encountered and fought Abyss only two times since they infiltrated the Ruin until they reached the sixth floor. The Abyss was in the weak category, so their advance was favorable.

    After that, they had dinner early. In the information report meeting they carried out in the boarding house, Lux and Krulcifer informed Relie about La Cruche.

    ¡¸Her appearance is like a girl, but she is undoubtedly a doll that was created by the ancient technoloqy. She©¤©¤La Cruche herself is the Gear Leader of the Ark, so she cannot get out of the Ruin thoughtlessly, that was what she said.¡¹

    It seemed that it would be possible for her to come out once the Ruin¡¯s system was restored, but at the present time it was impossible so they parted for the moment.

    However, they had arranged for a place and time to meet again, so there should be no problem to reunite with her.

    ¡¸And©¤©¤where is that girl right now?¡¹

    ¡¸I told her to hide in a room at the sixth floor¡¯s residential area, because it feels like it will become complicated if she meet with Marquis Dobar¡¯s group.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. It¡¯s fine if we can meet her tomorrow but, if possible I wanted to see her today.¡¹

    ¡¸The Ruin¡¯s Automaton huh, it¡¯s really interesting that there is even the existence of machine doll.¡¹

    Continuing after Relie, Lisha muttered so.

    ¡¸But, according to the story of Lux-kun and Krulcifer-missy, what the girl know is few anyway until we recover her memory, right? It¡¯s better like this rather than having everyone gathering there and barraged the girl with question instead.¡¹

    The leader of the Triad, Sharis concluded like that in the end.

    Their objective this time was reaching the deepest floor in the end.

    Seeing how La Cruche lost her memory, it was pointless to investigate about her until they reached the control room area and restored the system.

    ¡¸At any rate, today is reeeally tiring. The training was hard, then strange people also came, and the Ruin investigation is wearing down the nerve©¤©¤¡¹

    When Tillfur fell prostrated on the table and grumbled like that, the headmaster Relie lifted her face.

    ¡¸Then, the sun has also set while we were talking, how about we have the fun talk now?¡¹

    ¡¸What is it now headmaster? I¡¯m already at my limit here¡­¡­. After this I also have my personal work so©¤©¤¡¹

    Perhaps because they were always hearing troublesome talk from Relie, Lisha was being alert toward her.

    ¡¸My? So you are going to abstain? That¡¯s too bad. Even though we finally can enter the island¡¯s hotspring©¤©¤¡¹

    When Relie said that mischievously, the fatigued everyone got excited a moment later.

    ¡¸Eeeeeeeh!? Is that true-!?¡¹

    ¡¸If I remember right, it¡¯s reserved just for us right!?¡¹

    ¡¸We can enter now!? The preparation©¤©¤¡¹

    The selection members raised their voices. Even Celis and Krulcifer¡¯s eyes were secretly shining.

    It was difficult to secure fresh water in Ries Island, so there was no bathtub here like in Cross Field. They were basically making do with just wiping their body so far, but as expected, for girls their age taking bath was something they really had zest for.

    Especially when it was entering a hot spring. In the new kingdom few people had such experience.

    ¡¸I understand your feeling, but calm down a little. Even here all of you are the students of the Royal Officer Academy you know? Please act more gracefully like a noble lady.¡¹

    Relie said that to the excited girls and calmed them down.

    (I think that Relie-san is the one who is acting not like a headmaster the most though¡­¡­)

    Lux wanted to say that, but he somehow endured it and listened to the talk.

    It seemed that the maintenance work of the hot spring that was carried out since the day they arrived at the island had finished just now.

    It was fully reserved for them, so after this everyone would go to enter it right away but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Can I talk with you a bit?¡¹

    When the girls were heading to their shared room in order to prepare entering the bath right away, Relie was staying behind by herself and called out to Lux.

    ¡¸Eh? Relie-san isn¡¯t going to enter after this?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do that later. This training camp is a rare chance, so I want them to enjoy themselves without an adult present. Or else©¤©¤, does Lux-kun want to enter together with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Look here¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Lux¡¯s troubled face, Relie let out a small chuckle.

    Her teasing him like this hadn¡¯t changed since the past.

    ¡¸This is a special request to protect everyone. It¡¯s great that the hot spring can be entered, but there is something a bit troubling too.¡¹

    ¡¸Something troubling?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, can you come with me for a bit? I¡¯ll explain your special job.¡¹

    Ten-odd minutes later.

    *splash*

    Such water sound shook the night air of the quiet Ries Island.

    White vapor enshrouded the surrounding area, the sound of waves that could be heard from afar brought small elegance with it.

    The selection members added with Airi numbered twelve people in total. They soaked inside milky white hot water together.

    The maintenance and the management of the hot spring was difficult, so it was left alone for a while, but thanks to the workers Relie brought with her, the hot spring was completely put in order.

    The place was cramped but there was also washing place, the surrounding was fenced with high board fence.

    The color of the hot spring¡¯s hot water made it difficult to see through, but Lisha entered the hot water with a towel wrapped around her waist so that the mark on her abdomen wouldn¡¯t get seen.

    ¡¸Haaa. It¡¯s different from the bath in the girl dormitory, there is the feeling of liberation with the sky visible like this.¡¹

    Tillfur who wrapped her hair with towel without even trying to hide her nakedness muttered in satisfaction.

    ¡¸Yes. This is the first time I enter a bath like this, this is really interesting.¡¹

    When Noct muttered back in response, her classmate Airi smiled too,

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. Though everyone¡¯s style is nice, so it¡¯s a bit embarrassing¡­¡­¡¹

    She said that while pressing her reserved breast.

    ¡¸Fuh, the youth of the juniors is really envious isn¡¯t it, Celis?¡¹

    When Sharis muttered that with deep feeling, beside her Celis made a doubtful face.

    ¡¸I think that you are usually acting relatively childish though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, now you¡¯ve said it. Then I¡¯ll fool around like a kid! Eat this, how¡¯s that!¡¹

    ¡¸Please stop! Our juniors are watching!¡¹

    Celis struggled and brushed away the hand of Sharis who moved to touch her breast.

    Krulcifer watched that while saying ¡¸How lively¡¹ with a smile.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, he is a bit pitiful. Although it can¡¯t be helped, he has to enter alone later.¡¹

    When Krulcifer whispered with slight sympathy entering her voice, Tillfur nodded behind her.

    ¡¸I guess. ¡­¡­But see, I feel sorry for Lux-chi, but there is also some talk we can do because there is no boy nearby right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Several students including Krulcifer reacted toward that suggestive statement, then,

    ¡¸Yosh! Then, because this kind of chance rarely come, how about we open up a confession convention, about how does everyone think about Lux-chi!?¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeee¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Everyone who was soaked in hot water stiffened from hearing Tillfur¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll start as the one who suggested it. Nnn, Lux-chi really feels like a great prince I think. His manner is pleasant. Then even though he is an imperial family member of the old empire, he ain¡¯t putting on air at all. Also¡­¡­well, ain¡¯t matter! Yes, next person please!¡¹

    For some reason Tillfur words were ambiguous at the end before she moved the talk toward Noct beside her.

    Noct stared still doubtfully at Tillfur for a while, but she was helpless against the stare from the surrounding and she nodded.

    ¡¸Yes. I guess so. I think that Lux-san is a really interesting person. Normally he is someone whose position will make you hesitate to call out to him, but when you are beside him, for some reason you will want to call out to him.¡¹

    ¡¸Hee, even Noct who looks like she don¡¯t have any interest at boy is conscious toward him too?¡¹

    Sharis who soaked in hot water with her upper body above the water surface said that to Noct teasingly, but,

    ¡¸I will be lying if I say that I¡¯m not somewhat interested as a person, but in the first place I don¡¯t understand about the emotion of love itself.¡¹

    ¡¸That means, that you¡¯re expecting for an impetus from here on, is that it?¡¹

    ¡¸By the way what about Sharis?¡¹

    Against Noct¡¯s counterattack, Sharis pffted and her cheeks loosened,

    ¡¸Right. The first time I met him, I only saw that he has cute face but¡­¡­, right now he is a junior that is worthy of trust. It will be fun if a child like him is my little brother.¡¹

    After she asserted so with an earnest tone, she directed her eyes toward everyone around.

    ¡¸Well then, that¡¯s all from us. How about we now listen from the main cast? First is, Krulcifer-missy.¡¹

    Krulcifer who soaked in hot water at slight distance away slowly raised her face toward that question.

    ¡¸it feels like you three were also avoiding the crucial part but, ¡­¡­well, it¡¯s fine. Regarding about how do I feel about him, I don¡¯t need to use that many words to express my feeling.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou¡¹

    Sharis showed her interest.

    ¡¸Wha, what does that mean Krulcifer!? Don¡¯t tell me, you are still thinking about things like wanting to become Lux¡¯s lover or something©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who soaked in another spot cut in with her yell.

    ¡¸He is someone important for me. I also want him to feel the same about me. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    Krulcifer asserted that with a cool face.

    ¡¸Uwaaa. Krulcifer-san, that¡¯s really adult¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur muttered that. The expression of everyone around was also in a daze for some reason.

    ¡¸And you, how do you feel I wonder, about him?¡¹

    When Krulcifer moved the talk to Lisha, Lisha quickly dipped herself into the water until her shoulder. She then entangled her fingers fidgetingly while her cheeks were blushing red.

    ¡¸E, even if you ask me how do I feel¡­¡­. That, my feeling swell up when he is staying at my side, and when he praise me, I feel like, really happy¡­¡­. He is a man that make me want to work hard, like, because I want to experience that feeling more©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow, it¡¯s us who is listening that get embarrassed, when hearing that kind of speech¡­¡­¡¹

    When Airi whispered so with a complicated look, beside her Noct turned her gaze to Airi.

    ¡¸As the one closest to him, what does Airi think?¡¹

    ¡¸For me, Nii-san is Nii-san. He is my only blood relative, so I don¡¯t have any special feeling or anything like that about it.¡¹

    Airi answered like that without hesitation toward the question from Noct.

    ¡¸But, recently Nii-san get overestimated a little bit too much. Even though setting aside his strength, he is actually a really clumsy and introverted person¡­¡­. As his little sister, I feel a little complicated in regard to that.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though it¡¯d be better if you just honestly say that you don¡¯t wanna him to get taken away.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that, the next person©¤©¤what about Celis-senpai?¡¹

    When Tillfur spoke teasingly like that, Airi moved the talk toward Celis in hurry.

    ¡¸I, I also need to speak!? Tha, that, cannot be permitted¡­¡­! This training camp is something important for the sake of the international tournament, so I think we ought to take our bath quietly and restore our energy.¡¹

    ¡¸Celis. Your opinion is correct, but don¡¯t you think that you are setting a bad example to our juniors if you say that after listening to everyone¡¯s talk until this far? As the leader of Syvalles, I think the correct attitude here is to take up the gauntlet fair and square.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    When Celis was hesitating to say from Sharis¡¯s retort,

    ¡¸That¡¯s right! Please tell us!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfair if it¡¯s only captain Celis who doesn¡¯t talk!¡¹

    The members called out like that one after another.

    ¡¸The, then just for a little¡­¡­. He is a really reliable boy, so, it¡¯s like I want to know more about him©¤©¤. Incidentally I also want to take the opportunity to be taught a lot regarding boy. For the sake of my growth too¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The girls went silent for a while after hearing Celis squeezing out those words timidly,

    ¡¸I really misjudged you Celis. For you, the captain to make that kind of erotic confession is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, how do you perceive it like that-!? I¡¯m just, for the sake of everyone¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Captain Celis is only being a bit self-unaware. If the other party isn¡¯t Lux-san, then she might have really indecent thing done to her already a long time ago.¡¹

    While the talk was suddenly tinged with such fever, Lisha¡¯s gaze suddenly turned toward Philuffy¡¯s absentminded face.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, what about you? Other than the little sister, it¡¯s only you who know about Lux in the past, right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Toward that question, Philuffy held back from speaking for a while,

    ¡¸Lu-chan is, Lu-chan you know?¡¹

    She declared like that with a serious face.

    ¡¸No, not that. In other words, that¡­¡­I¡¯m asking what kind of feeling you¡¯re harboring toward Lux©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lisha continued asking with an exasperated face,

    *rustle-¡­¡­*

    Such sound from a bush suddenly came into hearing. Everyone ducked their body into the water and raised their vigilance.

    The hot spring¡¯s surrounding was half covered with fence, while the other half was surrounded with boulders, but someone could come closer from outside.

    Of course there was rope stretched around the area with notice board that it was forbidden to enter, to clear out the people but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think that anyone will come here but, would it be better if we prepare some kind of countermeasure?¡¹

    Celis grabbed a stone the size of a person¡¯s head, her voice tone was tinged with tension. But Krulcifer stopped her.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. If it¡¯s just a simple peeping tom, then he surely will do something about it.¡¹

    ¡¸He¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lisha tilted her head, the dull scream of a man could be heard.

    Around the time Lisha and others who were in the middle bath heard a man¡¯s scream, there was a battle ensuing at a road inside the forest that led toward the hot spring¡¯s fence.

    ¡¸Guaah¡­¡­! I, it was my bad! Let go of me¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot. Please be quiet¡­¡­. And done.¡¹

    Lux kept his hold on the hands of the young man while tying the man¡¯s feet and hands with a rope, binding him on the nearby tree.

    A while after that when Lux returned to his given position, he let out a small sigh.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. It¡¯s the eleventh people with this¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s special mission that was given by Relie was to catch the men of this island who came to peep.

    Because half of the hot spring was surrounded by boulders, this was the only path that led toward the fence.

    But even after Relie told him that, Lux was half in doubt whether anyone would really come in this island with its small population, but in the end his prediction was greatly betrayed.

    Perhaps there was islander who excelled in information gathering, or perhaps it was because in this small island any happening would immediately get told to the nearby people, because a lot of people starting from a young man around Lux¡¯s age, a middle aged merchant, a carpenter in the prime of his life, and even a white haired old man gathered in this place.

    Even Lux had accumulated considerable training in hand-to-hand combat, so he somehow managed to apprehend everyone, but,

    ¡¸Oi you! I don¡¯t know who you are! But, are you fine with this-!?¡¹

    The captured young man around Lux¡¯s age yelled toward Lux while still being tied to the tree.

    ¡¸What do you mean by that?¡¹

    Even though Lux didn¡¯t need to respond, but he replied back honestly.

    ¡¸You, you must be a staff of the academy¡­¡­, but you¡¯re a man right!? Just what are you thinking not peeping using this chance of your lifetime huh-!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, that¡¯s a crime.¡¹

    Lux answered properly after thinking about it for a moment.

    By the way, perhaps because the surrounding was dark, it seemed the man didn¡¯t notice Lux¡¯s hair and eye color, and also the criminal choker on his neck, and the man didn¡¯t notice that Lux was the chores prince.

    But,

    ¡¸That¡¯s right-! When I was young, I climbed down the rock cliff naked, I went to peep even with my life in danger¡­¡­¡¹

    The white haired old man who heard the young man raised his voice in respond.

    ¡¸Exactly! Kids these days are pathetic-! Did you lose even your balls just because you have girly looking face huh!?¡¹

    The carpenter at the prime of his life also joined in.

    ¡¸Wai-, please wait a second!? It¡¯s not like I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oi brat, don¡¯t you want to see the naked body of those young ladies-!? They are the beautiful girls of that academy you know, where the aristocrat daughters are gathered!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, can¡¯t you understand our feeling that is trying to chase after the endless romance-!?¡¹

    It was absurd¡­¡­.

    Lux was exasperated, however because he was a man, it wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t understand their feeling.

    There was still a bit of time for the girls¡¯ turn in the bath.

    If he approached until near the wooden fence that surrounded the bath, there would be a crack where he might be able to catch sight of the girls.

    And then it was dark inside the forest, it should be difficult for the girls inside the bath to notice him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, just what am I thinking!? No way I can do that!¡¹

    Lux who was about to imagine that scene for a moment shook his head flusteredly.

    In the first place, this was a request that Relie appointed to him because she said he was someone that could be trusted.

    However, when he could listen the voice of hot water and the voice of the girls making merry, he got curious no matter what.

    Before Lux went to guard this place, he met Krulcifer and she said to him ¡ºIf you want you can enter together with me secretly later you know?¡» teasingly, so his feeling was heating up even more.

    Surely that was a joke, but it was bad for his heart.

    Lux passed the third night of the training camp with his mood in anguish like that.

    Under the same dark sky of the night.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, so those bitches already overtook us. That¡¯s unfortunate.¡¹

    At the dock of Ries Island, the sound of sea breeze and surging waves could be heard.

    In that place far away from the base of Lux and others, there were the figures of Marquis Dobar and his private forces.

    ¡¸We have no excuse. For us who aren¡¯t used to Ruin investigation, also coupled with our encounter with Abyss, it will be hard to raise our speed further than this.¡¹

    A man in the prime of his life who seemed to be the leader of the group made his report quietly.

    ¡¸I see, it¡¯s something that I have anticipated beforehand. Don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    In contrast Dobar showed a large-hearted smile without any sign of impatience.

    Dobar¡¯s post in the new kingdom was as an adviser to the military, but he almost had no experience in commanding a real battle.

    He was a man who was rising only by buttering up the strong, disdaining the weak, and made liberal use of trickery.

    The person himself was almost powerless in using Drag-Ride or battle.

    But, the man who was the group¡¯s leader thought that this man¡¯s point of favor was that he understood about that fact

    Therefore, even in the mission this time to snatch the treasures of the Ruin, Dobar wasn¡¯t hastily doing anything reckless but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s triple our marching speed tomorrow. We will choose only the shortest route that is easy to pass through.¡¹

    Dobar showed a smile that filled his whole face which distorted his flabby cheeks.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    That very reckless plan caused the leader¡¯s face to cramp.

    It was his first time questioning the sanity of his master since he worked for this man named Dobar.

    ¡¸With all due respect, certainly we will be able to progress faster if we choose the path that is easier to travel. But, doing that will raise our encounter rate with Abyss, if we move in high speed through path where our sight is obstructed, it might cause various incident. With our force¡¯s composition and the troop¡¯s proficiency, our speed today is our limit©¤©¤¡¹

    The leader took a deep breath and objected.

    This kind of common sense was applied not only in the Ruin, but also when marching undeveloped area that had wild beast or Abyss living in it. Surely there was no way Dobar didn¡¯t know about that.

    Therefore, the leader didn¡¯t understand about the true intention of his master who was trying to force his way.

    When everyone present gulped their saliva nervously while observing Dobar¡¯s reaction©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Ha-ha-ha-ha!¡¹

    After a pause of a few seconds, Dobar raised his voice and laughed out.

    It wasn¡¯t a crazed laugh, but a bright voice.

    The men of Dobar¡¯s private force showed a dubious face, it was then Dobar snapped his finger toward the large ship behind him.

    ¡¸No, sorry for that. Looks like I surprised everyone a little. Of course, I¡¯m aware of the problem you mentioned. Don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Then¡­¡­, our march tomorrow will be the same like today?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, there is no change in what I said. Triple the speed, just like I said.¡¹

    Dobar¡¯s cheerful smile went through a round-about change and his eyes glared fiercely.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not impossible if the unit¡¯s composition is focused on mobility. For the sake of the new kingdom, no matter what method I have to use, I have to expose the deepest part of the Ruin!¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, however¡­¡­. If we are lacking in vigilance and encounter a lot of Abyss or trap, our force might get annihilated. More than this is©¤©¤¡¹

    *GAKIiiiiN*

    A dull sound of scraping metals resounded. Dobar¡¯s private force all raised their face.

    A square lump of iron was dragged out by a <Wyrm> from the military ship behind, it crossed over the ship and brought to the land.

    When the lump of iron was placed above a stand that was attached with pulley and arrived before their eyes, the troops shuddered.

    ¡¸Oo, it finally arrives. My trump card.¡¹

    ¡¸Trump card¡­¡­? Is it a new weapon? Or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    The leader felt an air of unrest and reflexively asked that.

    That box that could also be called as a lump of iron©¤©¤.

    No, that thing that was encircled by firm lock and chain looked like a cage.

    ¡¸Open it.¡¹

    Dobar didn¡¯t reply and instead gave instruction to the soldier lowering down the cargo.

    The thick iron door was opened and the content became clear.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The men of Dobar¡¯s private force became speechless after taking a glance.

    It wasn¡¯t an armament, it also wasn¡¯t a Drag-Ride, it wasn¡¯t even a weapon.

    It was a person.

    A shackled black haired girl, her eyes blindfolded, and her body clad in foreign outfit they had never seen before.

    Not even caring about the binding that was painful to even look at, the girl¡¯s mouth was smiling.

    ¡¸Gentlemen, I¡¯ll introduce her. This is the trump card that was hidden by that old Empire Arkadia©¤©¤she was called the Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger, the worst and the strongest Drag-Knight.¡¹

 Volume 4 - CH 4

    The world a few years ago.

    Look was looking back at the continuation of that.

    The memory when he was a child. The continuation of the day when he helped Philuffy and they recognized each other as friend for the first time.

    After that, it didn¡¯t take much time until the two of them became close with each other.

    Because of the circumstance of Philuffy¡¯s father¡¯s work, until now she had never stayed for long at the same place, and Lux too didn¡¯t have someone the same age as him who he could open his heart to.

    While Philuffy¡¯s father was staying in the capital because of the business condition of that time, Lux was spending a long time with Philuffy inside and outside the imperial court, he also went to play at her house.

    It was only a period of around two months, but for Lux who didn¡¯t have friend until now, the happy time that was like a dream continued.

    In the castle they explored various places that they could enter, because of that they got lost and later got scolded by their parent.

    They made toy craftsmanship at a workshop outside the castle and presented it to each other, and explored the nearby vast forest.

    Lux was treated by Philuffy¡¯s specialty cooking that was hotcake, because Lux said that it was delicious Philuffy created a lot and it felt like his stomach would burst.

    When they became covered all over with mud in a rainy day, they entered the bath together.

    Lux was used to see his little sister¡¯s naked body, but he still felt a bit embarrassed.

    But, the happy every day suddenly met its end.

    The day Lux¡¯s grandfather Wade had an audience with the emperor.

    Because he gave a strong counsel and tried to admonish the emperor, he earned the animosity of the emperor. Lux¡¯s grandfather was imprisoned due to the crime of defamation and Lux¡¯s family was also expelled from the imperial court.

    What was waiting for Lux and others who left the castle was the hatred and fury of the people who were oppressed by the empire.

    The gaze of resentment that he felt when he went out of the residence at the outskirt of the imperial capital.

    Lux had never heard of anything that they said then, but even from afar he understood that they were talking maliciously about him.

    When he were living in the imperial court, his nerves were worn out as an imperial family who was the farthest from the throne succession right, but the conclusion was the worst.

    Lux and his family who was recognized as the decoration of the imperial capital was only used as an example to serve as warning.

    Those who turned their blade to the emperor, the people whose will strayed from the imperial family, they would lose protection.

    What would happen as result to those who lose that protection? Lux tasted the resulting terror and repulsiveness keenly.

    He also became unable to meet Philuffy that often.

    Thinking back, Philuffy¡¯s father must be regarding it as dangerous to meet him openly.

    Even so, when he was able to meet Philuffy sometimes, it would be just like in the past. It supported Lux very much.

    And then©¤©¤that day seven years ago.

    Under the raining hill, that day the horse carriage Lux and his mother were riding fell.

    Lux asked for help. But the people that his grandfather tried to protect showered them with boos and rock, they were watching his seriously wounded mother died without helping.

    Even Lux who was still a child at that time logically understood why it turned out like that.

    Other than a part of the nobility and the imperial family, nobody else knew what Lux¡¯s grandfather said to the emperor that caused him to get thrown into the prison.

    The people resented the imperial family who was carrying out tyrannical rule and lived in vice while tormenting them.

    As the punishment for defying the emperor, the emperor deliberately sent Lux and his family to such environment.

    The horse carriage falling into a cliff at that time was only a tragic incident that came at that unfortunate time.

    But, this was about his only mother.

    Furthermore she was the only parent that protected Lux. For Lux who lost her, such logic didn¡¯t become any consolation for him.

    His father the emperor, the imperial family, the factions©¤©¤and even the people were his enemy.

    Lux who was hit by the hatred and resentment from the surrounding felt something like dregs piling up day by day inside his chest.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t want to meet you again, go home.¡¹

    After his mother¡¯s death, when her modest funeral service was over, Lux said that to Philuffy in front of his mother¡¯s grave.

    He knew that he was just venting his anger to the wrong person.

    However, because of the muddy black something whirling inside his chest, he was unable to look at his childhood friend¡¯s face like usual.

    And then, if even Phillufy and her family were changing how they were looking at Lux then©¤©¤.

    That imagination was very much terrifying, that he couldn¡¯t help but distancing Philuffy from himself.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll, come again.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux pretended to not hear the small voice from behind him because of the rainfall.

    But, somewhere inside his heart, his childish heart was hoping.

    The imperial family, the nobles obeying them, and then the people too were the enemy of Lux¡¯s family.

    Even so, perhaps only Philuffy would stay as his ally. He held such hope.

    After that, a week passed.

    But since that day, Philuffy had never visited Lux¡¯s residence again.

    He thought that it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    His family was already an existence that was shirked in the imperial capital.

    If someone got close to his family, they might meet misfortune. There was no doubt that Philuffy¡¯s father also stopped her from coming.

    Even though he understood that logically, it was painful.

    That day Lux also came to the grave in front of the church.

    He visited the grave once a day, but every time he came there always would be a single flower placed before the grave.

    Thinking that it must be the priest who placed that flower, Lux felt saved just for a bit.

    But, that day there wasn¡¯t any flower, when Lux returned to his residence, he heard the sound of the door being knocked.

    ¡¸Lux-kun!? It¡¯s a disaster! Philuffy disappear from home©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s mind turned white for a moment hearing Relie¡¯s words, and then, he noticed.

    The one who brought flower everyday to his mother¡¯s grave, was Philuffy.

    According to Relie, Philuffy was forbidden from going to Lux¡¯s residence for a while by her father¡¯s order.

    In the first place, there was a far distance from their mansion until this residence, they wouldn¡¯t be able to come without using horse carriage.

    But, Philuffy sneaked behind the back of the servants and slipped out of the mansion, she walked through long distance and came until nearby Lux¡¯s residence.

    Since then Philuffy came everyday to where Lux was.

    When Lux split with Relie to search separately, he found Philuffy placing a flower in front of the grave of Lux¡¯s mother.

    Her clothes was covered with mud everywhere, blood was flowing from her knee and forehead. Perhaps she had fallen down in the forest.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­?¡¹

    Hearing the words Lux squeezed out, Philuffy turned around and answered.

    ¡¸I thought that if I come here, I can meet you.¡¹

    ¡¸Why did you sneak out and come here!? Even though I told you that I don¡¯t want to meet you anymore, why did you come everyday!? Even though, meeting someone like me who isn¡¯t wanted by anyone anymore, is meaningless©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because, I¡¯m a poor talker.¡¹

    When Lux yelled that with a sorrowful voice, Philuffy looked down with her usual expressionless face looking just a little sad, and muttered.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t understand, what should I say to Lu-chan in this kind of time, but¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was speaking while walking slowly under the rain toward him.

    And then, he tightly embraced Lux¡¯s body, and whispered.

    ¡¸Phi¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    ¡¸In the past, my dead Okaa-san told me. Do this, to your important person, she said.¡¹

    The sensation of cold skin that was exposed to rain.

    Even so a faint warmth shook Lux¡¯s heart.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, isn¡¯t alone.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s body began to tremble hearing the kindly whispered words.

    He hugged back her body with a trembling hand. He raised his voice and continued to cry.

    The tears that he had never let out even once since that day his mother died, the dam broke and it overflowed out.

    Philuffy continued to gently pat Lux¡¯s back.

    The hatred and resentment that filled Lux¡¯s chest until now felt like the all vanished just from that.

    After that, the father who was beaten down by Philuffy¡¯s persistence attached Relie and servant and guard at her side to bring her to Lux¡¯s residence everyday.

    A few days after that, it seemed that they would have to leave the capital because of work circumstance and the last day of the parting finally arrived.

    ¡¸Really thank you, for everything. Phi-chan.¡¹

    Lux who had completely regained his footing was calm even in his parting with Philuffy.

    He would be lying if he said that he wasn¡¯t lonely, but thanks to her he could keep on living from here on too.

    He thought that he wouldn¡¯t lose sight of himself anymore.

    On the other hand Philuffy was silent like usual, Lux was talking various things with several adults including Relie and Dalt.

    And then, when the time to part arrived, Lux yelled toward that back.

    ¡¸That¡­¡­, I¡¯ll absolutely create it! A country where even girls like Phi-chan can feel safe, I will create it! I swear that I¡¯ll absolutely change this empire! That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux looked down his words got caught in his throat. Philuffy turned around toward such Lux.

    And then, she slowly walked toward Lux, then she softly pressed her lips on Lux¡¯s lips.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    The soft sensation touching his lips.

    A sweet fragrance tickled his nasal cavity before it went away.

    ¡¸Good luck charm. Onee-chan taught it to me. So that one day, we can meet again for sure, she said.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t make any word.

    It wasn¡¯t just because of feeling embarrassed from getting kissed, he was completely in a daze from the lingering mysterious warm filling his chest.

    ¡¸Bye bye, Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Rig,ht¡­¡­¡¹

    The little bit of Philuffy¡¯s smile he saw at the end melted into Lux¡¯s memory and vanished.

    And then©¤©¤Lux woke up.

    Fourth day of training camp.

    Following their usual plan, after completing their individual training at the practice ground, they carried out the Ruin investigation once more.

    ¡¸I and Airi-chan will come along too today. This is originally a dangerous activity, so we¡¯ll try to not be much of a hindrance.¡¹

    Relie who was putting a bundle of ancient text in order consulted Celis and they decided today¡¯s unit composition.

    Lux, Relie, Philuffy, and Tillfur, these four names would form a group and advanced forward.

    ¡¸Philuffy, how is your condition?¡¹

    Lux asked Philuffy in consideration of her recent poor physical health and anemia.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m okay.¡¹

    She gave a concise answer with her usual serious face.

    ¡¸Tell me right away if your condition worsen. It¡¯s no good to force yourself you know?¡¹

    Lux felt some kind of unease while saying that.

    It wasn¡¯t toward Philuffy, but regarding this situation.

    But, he couldn¡¯t put into words about what was strange specifically. Everyone entered the Ark with him unable to resolve that feeling.

    Using what the Ruin¡¯s girl, La Cruche told them as reference, Airi highlighted the route until the control room area in the map and distributed it.

    The turnaround point of the Ark that was divided into eleven level in total©¤©¤the sixth floor. They had already finished determining the safe route until that point.

    Therefore, as long as they didn¡¯t encounter any Abyss, they should be able to reach until the control area with their fast pace but,

    ¡¸Everyone. I¡¯ve been waiting. It has been a long time.¡¹

    Everyone reached the sixth floor after marching for dozens of minutes. When they assembled there, La Cruche was waiting there following the prearranged place and time.

    ¡¸Waaa, she is tiny and cute!¡¹

    ¡¸She looks like a doll isn¡¯t she? Let me touch her too.¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, the, the ears are delicate so please don¡¯t touch them!¡¹

    The automaton La Cruche who looked like a little girl was surrounded by the girls who weren¡¯t wearing their armor in order to save energy.

    ¡¸Will she be fine¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right I think? I¡¯ve told her beforehand to not say anything important.¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly seeing what was going on, Krulcifer smoothly said so.

    According to La Cruche, she would obey the command of Krulcifer who was an Xfer, so she was told to keep it a secret about their relationship©¤©¤it appeared that La Cruche was following that order properly.

    ¡¸But, there is one thing that concern me.¡¹

    Krulcifer was watching over La Cruche from afar while she suddenly muttered that.

    ¡¸Concern?¡¹

    ¡¸According to what she said, I am simply her supervisor, and above the supervisor it seems there is the existence of the Lord(Creator). A possessor of authority that surpass mine©¤©¤¡¹

    A figure that was even more important than her that was the Ruin¡¯s supervisor.

    Lux couldn¡¯t imagine at all what kind of position such person had but,

    ¡¸But, that kind of person rarely exist isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was discovered inside a Ruin.

    And then, thinking back about how La Krusche had never awakened until now inside the Ark, it should be fine to believe that the possibility of encountering the existence of a person with such high position was really low.

    ¡¸Most likely the possibility is really low, but it¡¯s safer to not let her meet with anyone else other than us. Especially in a situation like this time.¡¹

    The investigation of unknown Ruin where they didn¡¯t know what would happen.

    In the case that a hostile opponent snatched the control of La Cruche, they didn¡¯t know what would happen.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-samaaa! Then, let¡¯s depart immediately.¡¹

    La Cruche went toward Krulcifer after all the members be affectionate with her.

    While they were marching, La Cruche would be entrusted to Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Then, see you later. Be really careful okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Krulcifer-san too, be safe.¡¹

    They exchanged light words, and then they formed small groups once more under Celis¡¯s instruction.

    When it was over, Relie walked to the front and talked lightly.

    ¡¸The seventh floor ahead seems to be a place that is called as the manufacture area. According to the Drake¡¯s enemy search, it appears there is sign of Abyss there. They aren¡¯t moving, but their number is quite a lot.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing those words, everyone present tensed their loosened expression.

    ¡¸So that we won¡¯t get discovered by Abyss and aimed from the surrounding, we will circle around the center and advance through the corridor route. Everyone, be careful okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    After everyone replied, they began advancing.

    When they advanced through the seventh floor, the passage immediately branched into five paths.

    There was the main center route that was blocked with a sturdy door, and four other small corridors.

    Lux and co planned to split into four groups and marched the four corridors.

    There was no doubt that all the path would lead to in front of the stair toward the eighth floor, but although the center route had the shortest distance, it was spacious and there were a lot of Abyss sign detected from there.

    Therefore, they chose the detouring route that was the four corridors other than the center path.

    Lux¡¯s group advanced through the corridor at the very left.

    Lux and Tillfur were clad in their Drag-Ride and protected Relie, while Philuffy was saving her energy and walked on her own feet.

    Even so if everything went according to the plan, they should be able to reach the ninth floor within today.

    ¡¸Even so we almost don¡¯t see any Abyss in this Ruin isn¡¯t it? No, it¡¯s better if we don¡¯t meet any but, somehow, it feels unnatural.¡¹

    Tillfur muttered while walking at the lead.

    ¡¸Certainly¡­¡­¡¹

    Just because they were inside a Ruin didn¡¯t mean that they would encounter Abyss for sure, even so, although they had moved for quite a long distance in this exploration, they had only encountered the Abyss two times until now.

    Was that just a coincidence, or perhaps something else©¤©¤.

    ¡ºEveryone. We will soon pass through the side of the center main street. Please be quiet so to not awaken the Abyss.¡»

    Noct¡¯s dragon voice that suddenly came into hearing tensed Lux.

    The wall of the corridor Lux and co was passing through became glass at the right side. They could look down at the center route from there.

    The glass was different from the glass Lux and others normally saw, it seemed to be made from a solid material that was unique for Ruin but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux-chi. That¡¯s, could it be¡¹

    Tillfur looked down toward the center route and she gulped.

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    At the large hall spreading at the other side, there were countless things that looked like giant bottle lining up.

    Inside them was crowding with grotesque figure they had never seen before.

    Inside the transparent bottles, was Abysses immersed in liquid of various color. They couldn¡¯t see whether the Abysses were conscious or not from where they were.

    But, even just from a simple estimation, the number of the bottles was a few hundred.

    If by any chance all of the Abysses awakened all at once, even if it was Lux and others they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.

    ¡¸Manufacture area¡­¡­could it means, they are manufacturing Abyss?¡¹

    Relie nodded toward Tillfur who was raising a cramped voice.

    ¡¸Looks like it. From the start it has been speculated that something like that exist somewhere inside the Ruin though, most likely the Abyss manufactured here will appear inside the Ruin or at the surrounding.¡¹

    ¡¸By that you mean, all of those are actually alive! Please stop saying that!¡¹

    Relie smiled wryly seeing Tillfur¡¯s body shaking along with the Wyrm she was wearing.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s get through this place quickly without delay.¡¹

    They were going to resume their march further while talking like that, it was then,

    ¡¸Wait.¡¹

    Philuffy who was walking quietly until now lifted up her absentminded face and spoke.

    ¡¸Something is©¤©¤coming.¡¹

    *GASHIiiiIN!*

    Right after that, a loud and heavy metallic sound resounded from behind Lux and others.

    At the same time, the lighting illuminating the corridor with bluish white light instantly flickered and switched color to red, piercing warning sound could be heard.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, what happened!? We don¡¯t really do any©¤©¤!¡¹

    When Lux and Tillfur raised a bewildered voice,

    *GUooOoOOOON!*

    Such heavy bass roar passed through the corridor and entered their ear.

    It was the existence of powerful Abyss that they felt for the first time since coming here.

    They felt that dreadful killing intent from the other side of the long and narrow corridor, and then,

    ¡¸Be careful.¡¹

    Philuffy whispered and pulled out her knife-shaped Sword Device.

    The moment Relie reflexively withdrew behind, a gust blew from the front.

    ¡¸GURURURUGAAAaAAAAA-!¡¹

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Tillfur blocked the coming high speed flying attack with the battle axe of her Wyrm and she was blown away.

    The large body that was only barely could be seen didn¡¯t pause and rushed forward. When it circled at the back of Lux and others, it twisted its body and accelerated once more.

    When a front leg that was thick like a log attacked, Lux¡¯s Wyvern blocked it using its blade.

    ¡¸Lux-chi! Thank you! ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Tillfur leaked out a relieved voice for a moment, but she then held her breath when the true identity of the attacker became clear.

    It was a gigantic dog.

    No, it was too halfhearted to call that shape as dog. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call it a monster.

    It was as though it was outside the categorization of animal, a grotesque huge body that easily surpassed a house.

    Violet fur that was nearly black, pointed eyes and sharp pupil that were laced with madness.

    Inside its mouth was packed full with knife sharp fangs without any gap.

    And then above all else, it had two head, seven snakes were growing on its back, they were crawling around.

    Its size took space of more than half of the corridor¡¯s width, regardless of that it was abnormally agile.

    And then, it possessed terrific strength just as its appearance suggested.

    ¡¸Ku, u¡­¡­¡¹

    The giant dog put its strength to smash the blade stopping it, but Lux somehow parried the attack and dodged.

    After that the mad dog¡¯s vigure vanished deeper into the dim corridor©¤©¤into the darkness once more.

    It wasn¡¯t running away. Piercing sharp killing intent was still directed toward Lux¡¯s group of four.

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s that¡­¡­!? It¡¯s something I¡¯ve never seen at the academy¡¯s Abyss picture book. In the first place, just what is going on!?¡¹

    Tillfur couldn¡¯t hide her agitation and yelled. Relie whispered with her face also looking tense.

    ¡¸Someone wrenched open the gate of the center route and infiltrated the manufacture area¡­¡­. The possibility is high that this Abyss appears in response to that.¡¹

    Most likely that manufacture area had great importance even among all the mechanisms in this Ruin.

    Most likely because there was someone who infiltrated that place, the defense mechanism activated.

    ¡¸GUAAaAAaAaaaaAH!¡¹

    When the mad dog Abyss growled once more, Lux leaped forward.

    ¡¸Howling Roar!¡¹

    It was the basic technique of Drag-Ride, the howl of Drag-Ride that deployed a vortex of shockwave.

    Originally it only possessed the strength that could only frighten the enemy, but in this cramped corridor that was only a straight line, it was able to definitely stop the enemy¡¯s momentum.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Lux-chi, be careful! It¡¯s not faltering at all!¡¹

    Tillfur whose gaze was focused at the darkness further ahead readied her battle axe while covering the other two behind her.

    Immediately after, the wall of shockwave was easily pierced through, and the mad dog Abyss came attacking.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    *GIIN*, a piercing sound stabbed the eardrum.

    The front leg attack the Abyss unleashed once more was blocked by Lux¡¯s blade, at the same time *crack*, a crack entered that huge claw.

    Critical hit.

    The Scale Blade that Lisha created©¤©¤a sword that had barrier running along its blade, by using that, it was possible to force back enemy¡¯s attack if the user moved with unparalleled accurate timing and positioning. It was Lux¡¯s special move when he was using Wyvern.

    By focusing the opponent¡¯s strength into one point and returned it back, it became a counter that brought about destruction.

    Lux used Howling Roar wasn¡¯t to give the enemy damage, it was to limit the offensive option of the enemy.

    ¡¸GU, ooOOH!¡¹

    Even though Lux couldn¡¯t defeat it with his attack just now, but it seemed that the Abyss was at least damaged. The mad dog leaped backward and then turned around.

    And then it hid its body inside the darkness once more and this time even its presence vanished.

    ¡¸Haaa, that was scary¡­¡­¡¹

    A few second after the threat left, Tillfur exhaled out deeply.

    ¡¸Just what in the world is that¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Lux was still agitated.

    He could use Critical hit in large part because this area of the corridor was narrow, so the direction of enemy¡¯s attack was greatly limited from one direction.

    He would need some more time until he was able to see through the enemy¡¯s movement and matched the timing perfectly.

    For the time being, he confirmed that Relie and Philuffy were safe. And then when he was being vigilant at his surrounding omce more,

    ¡ºLux-kun, can you hear me?¡»

    A dragon voice from Krulcifer that was exclusively sent to Lux came in.

    ¡¸A large dog Abyss came out, but everyone here is safe! What about Krulcifer-san and others!?¡¹

    When Lux replied like that, Krulcifer let out a faint relieved sigh, then she talked with a voice that was tinged with tension once more.

    ¡ºThat Abyss is most likely Orthros. According to La Cruche, when the Ark entered the alert state, three of that Abyss will be released. The first will target the one that caused the alert, the second will patrol inside the ship, and then the third will go outside the ship and attack the surrounding. They are the Ark¡¯s watchdog. It seems that they are quite strong even among the Abyss.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºI¡¯ll give you the message from La Kruche. This warning sound is coming from quite far in the back, it seems that it was because someone wrenched open the door of the manufacture area.¡»

    ¡¸Just who was©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºIf the door is opened because the Ruin confirmed someone to be related to the Ruin like me, it wouldn¡¯t become like this. The one who forcefully opened the door was most likely©¤©¤the group of that Marquis Dobar, this is their work.¡»

    ¡¸But if I remember right, they should be several floor above©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºYes, I don¡¯t know how they caught up to us but¡­¡­. They¡¯ve arrived until the beginning of this seventh floor, at the bow area. And then right now they are planning to break through the shortest center route in order to overtake us.¡»

    ¡¸But, if they do that¡­¡­!¡¹

    They would be rushing through the very center of the Atelier that was manufacturing Abyss.

    Surely there was no way that all the Abysses inside those bottles would start moving all at once, but it would be still extremely dangerous.

    ¡ºYes, it¡¯s possible that they will get surrounded by Abyss and get killed. But, we can only ask the headmaster and Celis-senpai to make decision of what we are going to do now.¡»

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    After the communication with Krulcifer was cut, Lux hurriedly reported the information he heard to Relie and others.

    Marquis Dobar¡¯s private force suddenly raised their marching speed, and there was high possibility that they would catch up.

    As the result of the wrenching open the door in their attempt to break through the manufacture area, this alarm sounded and three powerful Abysses appeared.

    Marquis Dobar¡¯s force was also in danger.

    Relie who heard all those information hesitated slightly.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Let¡¯s hurry ahead.¡¹

    Relie brushed up her hair and declared that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸From the start we had talked about this with them. That we will investigate this Ark at our own risk. Besides we are already half-way through this seventh floor corridor. If Abyss came out in response to this alarm, then we won¡¯t make it in time even if we turn around.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The corridor route Lux¡¯s group was in didn¡¯t have direct connection with the center route of the manufacture area.

    If they tried to return until the seventh floor entrance from here, it would take several minutes even with the top speed.

    Besides, in the case that a swarm of Abyss appeared inside, if Dobar¡¯s group attempted forceful breakthrough, then they would simply miss Lux and others, and not only that Lux¡¯s group that headed out to save them would instead become surrounded by the many Abysses that appeared to chase Dobar¡¯s group.

    If they assumed such worst case, then it would be the safest to reach the control room area at the tenth floor below.

    But,

    (Is that okay? Is it really©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Come¡­¡­, Typhoon¡¹

    That moment Lux was pondering, the Divine Drag-Ride Typhoon was summoned in front of Philuffy.

    ¡¸Philuffy?¡¹

    When Lux turned toward the direction of the voice, Philuffy¡¯s body was clad in armor.

    ¡¸I think, that it¡¯s better if I and Lu-chan return to the surface, for the moment.¡¹

    And then, she continued with her usual calm voice.

    ¡¸Because perhaps right now, that Abyss is coming out outside  the Ark too.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered while sending her gaze toward the reinforced glass along the wall.

    According to La Cruche¡¯s explanation that her heard from Krulcifer, certainly it was said that one of three watchdogs would head outside the Ark.

    Currently there was almost no military Drag-Knight in Ries Island.

    ¡¸I understand¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing her little sister¡¯s words, Relie looked down with a face that looked worried and then she gave a new instruction.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Can you pursue that Abyss together with Philuffy? Everyone else will hurry to reach the eighth floor while no Abyss is pursuing.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes! But, headmaster¡¯s is¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, it¡¯s fine about that. There is contact from Noct just now, seems like the group of Celis-senpai that reached the eighth floor earlier will hurry to come here so©¤©¤. Until they come, I can hold out here even alone!¡¹

    Tillfur readied her armament, the battle axe and showed a confident smile.

    Her body was still shaking a bit, but she was encouraging herself as a member of Syvalles.

    ¡¸Just as I was taught, it¡¯ll be fine if I move after calmly looking at the opponent¡¯s movement ain¡¯t it, sensei?¡¹

    Tillfur recited Lux¡¯s teaching that he gave her when giving personal guidance at the practice ground.

    Lux¡¯s expression loosened seeing the girl¡¯s enthusiasm and he nodded.

    ¡¸Yes. If it¡¯s Tillfur, you can do it. ©¤©¤That¡¯s why, do your best.¡¹

    ¡¸Ro-ger, instructor-sama.¡¹

    After exchanging salute with Tillfur, Lux turned toward Philuffy.

    ¡¸Philuffy, is your body all right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. I can go.¡¹

    Philuffy responded with her usual serious face.

    It was hard to notice inside the corridor that was lighted by red light, but Philuffy¡¯s condition looked worse than before.

    Her cheeks were slightly red, and her breathing was rough.

    Above all else, her reaction when the Abyss attacked just now was unthinkably slow compared to her usual movement.

    When Lux ruminated about those facts and hesitated, Philuffy took a deep breath.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s hurry. If we have to search for the Abyss that headed outside, it would be too late if we don¡¯t split.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it. Let¡¯s go.¡¹

    The safety of the islanders was the foremost.

    Lux accepted Philuffy¡¯s will and he pulled out his other Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon that devour the gods¡¯ flesh and blood. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut!¡¹

    Lux pushed the button on the grip together with the Passcode, and summoned a jet black Divine Drag-Ride.

    That huge dragon that possessed streamlined shape quickly covered Lux¡¯s body and changed into armor.

    And then, he flew glidingly through the corridor that was still filled with ominous alarm sound.

    When fighting an Abyss that he had never seen before, normally Lux would first use the Wyvern that was specialized for defense.

    Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment was the ability of compression strengthening©¤©¤Reload on Fire(Violent Eater).

    At the first five seconds, one¡¯s own time would be decelerated by several times over, and then at the next five seconds the flow of time would be accelerated until several times over. Using that special ability, Lux could use Quick Shot that would instantly destroy the opponent¡¯s mobile parts, but to perform that attack it was necessary for Lux to be able to see through the enemy attack¡¯s preliminary movement with great precision.

    In order to see through the attack, Lux needed to confirm and learn the enemy¡¯s behavior through many exchange of offense and defense. Wyvern was effective as the preparatory steps for that, but as expected this time there was no time for that.

    In order to pursue the Abyss heading outside the ship from the seventh floor, the flying speed of Wyvern was undependable, and above all else Lux was impatient.

    (I also don¡¯t want Philuffy forcing herself, if I don¡¯t protect everyone in the island¡­¡­!)

    For that too he had to defeat that Abyss without wasting time. Lux glanced briefly at Philuffy who was following behind using her Typhoon, and then he accelerated Bahamut even further.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­, bad!¡¹

    Lux noticed a certain fact after he passed through seventh floor and continued to retrace their steps from the sixth floor until the first floor.

    With Bahamut¡¯s top speed, even that Orthros could be pursued. But he couldn¡¯t use that much speed in order to avoid the obstacles inside the Ark.

    And perhaps because of the alert state of the Ruin, bulkhead appeared in a part of the route and blocked Lux¡¯s path. Because of that he lacked behind the Abyss.

    He finally reached until the portal of the Ark, but he had to wait several second until the transfer to outside started.

    (If the Abyss get outside the Ark like this, then everyone, the people of the island will©¤©¤!)

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, Lu-chan.¡¹

    When Lux was losing the presence of his mind, Philuffy drove Typhoon to his side and talked to him.

    ¡¸But¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸That Abyss still hasn¡¯t go outside. I know from its presence¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Philuffy?¡¹

    Suspicious presence and empty tone.

    Lux¡¯s back became slightly cold seeing Philuffy¡¯s atmosphere that he had seen before.

    The alarm sound that felt unpleasant to ear he was hearing inside the Ark.

    At the beginning he didn¡¯t notice, but it felt like he had certainly heard it somewhere before several times©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, say.¡¹

    Anxiety was suddenly born inside Lux¡¯s chest. It was an awkward time until the transfer began.

    It caused Lux to speak out the question that he was unable to say until now.

    ¡¸Have you ever, come to this island, before¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no light in Philuffy¡¯s eyes.

    She didn¡¯t even react to Lux¡¯s question.

    It was as though she was already unable to hear anything right from the start.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    His throat was dry.

    It felt suffocating, an indescribable uneasiness stabbed his chest.

    Lux was going to try calling out once more, but it was then the pattern beneath them shined faintly. A pillar of light enveloped the two of them.

    Gravity vanished from beneath them. Right after that mysterious sensation,

    ¡¸GURUaaaAAAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    They could see the form of Arthros jumping toward the island from the edge of the deck along with a loud howl.

    It was the Abyss that had one of its claw cracked by Lux¡¯s Critical hit.

    One of its heads glanced toward where Lux and Philuffy were, and right after that it ran inside the forest in high speed.

    ¡¸Damn it! At this rate©¤©¤¡¹

    The Abyss was already heading inside the island.

    The only silver lining was that it wasn¡¯t going toward the residential area, but they would lose sight of it if it entered deep inside the forest.

    Lux was about to fly Bahamut to quickly pursue it, it was then,

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Tell me the location of the Abyss while you pursue it.¡¹

    Philuffy who was skating behind spoke to Lux with a calm voice.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤, could it be?¡¹

    Lux guessed her intention just from that.

    ¡¸Yes. If you stop its movement for me just for a moment, I can catch it.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no time for hesitation.

    Lux raised Bahamut¡¯s speed and pursued the Orthros that was changing its route irregularly in order to shake him off.

    The Abyss wasn¡¯t counterattacking right away must be because it was trying to camouflage its figure by hiding inside the forest.

    Its aim was to make Lux worried that he would lose sight of it and made his motion simple.

    (But, I¡¯ll let it escape if I hesitate because I¡¯m scared to take the bait¡­¡­!)

    Lux resolved himself and tried to raise Bahamut¡¯s speed even further, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡ºLu-chan. It¡¯s fine. We aren¡¯t that weak you know?¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Thank you, Philuffy.¡»

    Hearing Philuffy¡¯s voice, Lux recovered his composure.

    He took a deep breath and accelerated Bahamut further.

    He reached the position right above the Orthros that was dashing agilely inside the forest and he gradually shrank the distance.

    ¡¸Gu, urururururu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even Lux could hear its ferocious voice that was mixed with the sound of grinding teeth.

    It must be irritated toward Lux that was sticking close to it without choosing to attack forcefully.

    But, Orthros was gradually approaching the practice ground.

    And then when it came out of the forest, the strategic moment came.

    ¡¸Howling Howl!¡¹

    The practice ground was surrounded with bulky stone wall, there was a single path that connected its entrance with the forest.

    Lux struck with the impact of Holwing Howl in that place where there was no obstacle at all.

    But,

    ¡¸GU, RURURUaAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    That instant, Orthros¡¯s eye glint shined and it accelerated even faster.

    It dodged the Howling Howl¡¯s shockwave and slipped through the gate of the practice ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A moment later, Typhoon¡¯s Divine Raiment, the wire of Pile Anchor(Dragon Bite Binding Chain) cut through the air.

    Their coordination failed.

    The Orthros that saw a good chance filled its four limbs with strength and leaped toward Lux above who was showing an opening, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸That was perfect, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Something unusual happened at the same time with Philuffy¡¯s slow voice.

    ¡¸GA, GAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The leg of Orthros that should have avoided the attack completely was snapped by the tip of the wire that was modeled after snake¡¯s jaw.

    Looking there, there was phosphorescence twinkling around Lux, flickering like flame.

    Linker Pulse(Resonance Wave).

    It was the special armament loaded inside Bahamut. It formed  force field at the surrounding with a power to generate some amount of attraction or repulsion force.

    By using that, the trajectory of the Pile Anchor that should be cutting empty air was adjusted and captured the prey. It was a two-stage trap.

    A coordination that made use of Lux and Philuffy¡¯s special armament.

    ¡¸GURU¡­¡­AaaaAAH!¡¹

    While the mad dog growled and struggled, an anchor rolled it up in high speed and pulled it toward Typhon.

    ¡¸¡­¡­ei¡¹

    Philuffy who pulled the Abyss up until the outer wall of the practice ground unfastened the entangling wire, at the same time her fist punched the Abyss flying with a wide swing.

    ¡¸GUGAaAAH!?¡¹

    The Orthros that was blown away toward a direction where there was no sign of people started running again after it fell.

    Chasing after it, Philuffy also jumped down the outer wall.

    ¡¸Yosh!¡¹

    Next Lux also chased after the Orthros.

    But, he noticed something in the middle of doing that.

    ¡¸This place, if I¡¯m not mistaken©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux followed Philuffy and the Orthros into the abandoned monastery.

    A part of the floor of the moldy building was broken, exposing an underground room and path below.

    ¡¸Uu, kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux kept floating above that ruined building, felt a sharp pain behind his eyes and he held his forehead.

    The scenery below him shook fiercely and a memory of the past overlapped his sight.

    (What¡­¡­is this!? This sensation©¤©¤)

    His five senses remembered it along with a strong stimulus.

    The blackness of dried blood, and the rotten smell filling the air.

    The echo of scream that couldn¡¯t be made out as a voice anymore.

    Black remains with skin and hair clinging on it.

    The disposal place for thing that used to be human.

    Lux desperately moved his gaze that was shaken by despair to the surrounding, searching for ¡ºthat¡».

    And then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, AAAAaAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux raised a yell from the sharp pain in his chest and breathed roughly.

    ¡¸There is no way¡­¡­that¡¯s true!¡¹

    He remembered.

    The day of coup d¡¯etat five years ago.

    A few days before that day, Lux came to this place.

    His childhood friend Philuffy was brought here to be test subject for medicine. Hearing that, he located this place and came to save her.

    What he found inside, was dead young girls that looked as though they were devoured apart from inside.

    Human experiment for developing new weapon that was carried out at the era of the old empire.

    This facility was built as monastery at the surface. Below it the true tragedy was ensuing.

    After the success of the revolution, this facility was abandoned and the corpses of the girls were given burial, but the trace in this place still remained the same like in the past.

    (©¤©¤But, that time. Philuffy wasn¡¯t here¡­¡­)

    A while after the coup d¡¯etat succeeded, he got a letter from Relie that which him that Philuffy was safe.

    That was why, he must had luckily saved Philuffy.

    Everything was just Lux¡¯s absurd fear, there wasn¡¯t anything wrong.

    It should be so.

    Even though there should be nothing more than that.

    OOOoooOOO¡­¡­!

    Orthros¡¯s growl was echoing strangely and reached Lux¡¯s ear.

    Lux who came back to his senses landed down into a large room at the underground facility. The dark shadow suddenly wavered.

    ¡¸GUSHAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux received the claw attack that stabbed to him in high speed and parried it.

    Then, the mad dog didn¡¯t stop moving and immediately rushed through Lux and hid itself.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was spontaneously shocked when he saw its figure just for a moment.

    Orthros¡¯s shape changed.

    There were dark red veins running through its whole body, its cloudy jet black pupils were shining gold.

    And then above all else, the claw that Lux broke with Critical hit was completely regenerated.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, it¡¯s the same like the Chimeira Celis-senpai saw, and the Poseidon©¤©¤¡¹

    Revival from a state of near death into a shape that achieved flesh regeneration and strengthening.

    It felt like the enemy¡¯s movement that he was in the process of learning until just now was reset.

    At present when it was difficult to see through the enemy attack¡¯s preliminary motion, it was extremely dangerous to use Reload on Fire, but,

    ¡¸SHAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    The mad dog¡¯s violent attack that assaulted from the darkness once more was blocked by Lux from the front.

    Orthros¡¯s fang attacked at Bahamut¡¯s armor. At that moment its left eye was slashed.

    ¡¸GU, GAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    One of the three hidden techniques Lux invented at the end of his training©¤©¤Quick Draw(Godspeed Control).

    Lux aimed at the eyeball because he saw it difficult to deal a lethal wound to the body of Orthros that was in a rampaging state.

    Orthros¡¯s expression distorted in anguish. It tried to leap back, but its jump ended incompletely.

    ¡¸GU, GA¡­¡­?¡¹

    The flash of Quick Draw that Lux unleashed once more severed the tip part of its front leg this time.

    Orthrus that confirmed what happened raged and the countless snakes growing on its back squirmed.

    ¡¸GUAaAAAAAaAAAH!¡¹

    It attacked not using its front leg or its fang, but the countless snake head that attacked simultaneously.

    Judging that it couldn¡¯t win by defending and attacking one by one, it increased its number of attack to the maximum and launched simultaneous attack.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Reload on Fire.¡¹

    Super high speed instantaneous attack using Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Red slashing line that reached a total of twelve lines ran through Orhtrus¡¯s whole body instantly. Right after that, its body fell into pieces.

    The mad dog that was severed apart until its core became black ash and crumbled.

    It welcomed the same end like the Chimaera and Poseidon before and scattered apart.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who finished defeating the Abyss dispelled Bahamut for the moment.

    In the first place Bahamut¡¯s fuel consumption was really bad even among the Divine Drag-Rides that already had severe consumption rate. Even though it was Lux but it was really hard to use Bahamut concesutively.

    After he met up with Philuffy, he would use Wyvern to return back. And so he was going to search for her, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Philu, ffy¡­¡­?¡¹

    He noticed that Philuffy herself wasn¡¯t anywhere he could see.

    But, he could hear a frail, faint breathing sound from the other side of a broken wall.

    At that instant, a strange sight surfaced at the back of Lux¡¯s mind, and he could hear a voice.

    A certain day five years ago, a few days before the coup d¡¯etat.

    Relie Aingram visited him at the outskirt residence he was living in.

    Her face was haggard and lethargic, her eyes became red from weeping her eyes out.

    And then, her lips that were forcing out a smile silently opened.

    ¡¸I want Lux-kun to also attend that girl¡¯s funeral. She surely, will feel happy. Xxxxx too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, AAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    An intense headache attacked Lux and he crouched on the spot.

    Strange disordered memory.

    Lux shook his head in denial to shake off that memory.

    ¡¸There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true¡­¡­! Philuffy should be saved that time!¡¹

    That day five years ago, when Lux searched for Philuffy here, she wasn¡¯t here.

    After that a letter from Relie came telling him that Philuffy was safe.

    (Then, what¡¯s this? This strange painful memory¡­¡­? I certainly©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Rough breathing voice pulled Lux¡¯s consciousness back to reality.

    He suddenly could hear a girl¡¯s voice from the corner of the large room.

    ¡¸Philuffy!¡¹

    Lux hurriedly ran toward the direction of the voice. There Philuffy was leaning on the wall and sat as though she was sinking down on the floor.

    She wasn¡¯t injured.

    Lux who was thinking about the worst case let out a relieved sigh and walked toward her.

    Most likely she forced her anemic and feverish body and she reached her limit.

    ¡¸Get a hold of yourself. I¡¯ll carry you to the boardinghouse right away, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lu¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    Lux was slowly walking toward Philuffy to lend her his shoulder so she could stand. But then Philuffy opened her eyes slightly.

    ¡¸Are you okay!? You are really feverish©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy silently lifted up her face beside the hurrying Lux.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t. Nearby, an Abyss is¡­¡­¡¹

    And then, she deliriously whispered with emotionless voice.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay. If it¡¯s Orthros, I defeated it already. That¡¯s why don¡¯t worry©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was unable to say his next word.

    His neck was grabbed far faster than he could speak and he was lifted up high.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Both his feet left the floor. Lux was flustered.

    His neck was strangled by Philuffy¡¯s right hand. At the same time he was hanging in midair.

    It took Lux several seconds until Lux realized his situation.

    ¡¸U¡­¡­guh! Philu, ffy¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lux questioned with an anguished expression, he saw it.

    Faint red pattern entered Philuffy¡¯s skin, both her eyes were dyed black.

    Her pupils shined gold, a smile was pasted on her mouth.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The girl¡¯s smile was infected with madness that he had never seen from her even once until now.

    Seeing the completely changed Philuffy, several image of Abyss emerged inside Lux¡¯s brain.

    Chimaera, Poseidon, Orthros.

    The form transformation all those Abysses displayed.

    However, why?

    Why was something like that, in Philuffy©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Ka, ha¡­¡­!¡¹

    His breathing and blood flow stopped, and his consciousness became distant.

    Right after Lux resolved himself for death, Philuffy¡¯s hand suddenly let go.

    ¡¸Gehoh¡­¡­! Kohah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was breathing roughly on the stone paving he was thrown at.

    Before his eyes, Philuffy¡¯s eyes closed and she abruptly collapsed face down.

    The strange dark red pattern emerging on her skin was vanishing.

    Seeing that, Lux approached Philuffy once more.

    ¡¸Oh, oh-hoh. Are you two in the middle of having fun? My bad for being nuisance here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A scornful laugh came from the large room of the underground facility.

    At the same time a small statured shadow wearing jet black robe showed up in that place.

    ¡¸You¡­¡­!¡¹

    Silver hair that was the same like Lux, and gray and blue eyes.

    The girl who possessed asymmetrical pair of eyes was standing there.

    The arm dealer of darkness that was secretly maneuvering by selling weapon and information at various places.

    Previously, this girl named Hayes she showed her face when the academy was assaulted and introduced herself as Heiburg¡¯s strategist.

    ¡¸Why are you here!?¡¹

    Lux pulled out the Sword Device of Bahamut while yelling at the same time.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t scream like that prince, I¡¯m getting cold feet here.¡¹

    In contrast Hayes showed a sticky smile while sitting on a table and crossed her legs.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That Abyss too, was it your doing?¡¹

    The enemy didn¡¯t seem like she would take fighting stance, but Lux didn¡¯t bother with it and closed the distance.

    He reached a distance where his blade could reach in a single breath, faster than a Drag-Ride could be summoned.

    But, Hayes didn¡¯t look perturbed at all. She lifted her face in enjoyment.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ku-ku-ku. Just when I thought that you are just a brat enjoying harem life with those sluts, but you bastard is actually one cruel guy huh. You¡¯re planning to let your lifesaver die? I¡¯m referring to your childhood friend croaking there you know.¡¹

    Ahead of her gaze was the collapsed figure of Philuffy.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­do you mean?¡¹

    A shadow entered Lux¡¯s face.

    Somewhere in his heart, he had suspected the answer.

    ¡¸Ratatoskr(Parasitic Plant).¡¹

    The mouth of the sitting down Hayes distorted into a repulsive arc.

    ¡¸The woman behind you has a part of a Ragnarok¡¯s body that I planted into her©¤©¤a seed of the Yggdrasil you see.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That woman¡¯s body is already half assimilated with Abyss, turning into a part of Yggdrasil.¡¹

    Like that, she told the answer.

    The fact that Lux feared and wanted to deny the most.

    ¡¸Her heart is assimilated with Abyss¡¯s core. She¡¯ll die if you try to remove it forcibly. Usually the seed is just sleeping inside that woman, but sometimes it will appear because of the danger to life and abnormal agitation of mind. It¡¯s basically show up as abilities the same like what you¡¯ve seen until now.¡¹

    Abnormal super recovery and the improvement of body function.

    But, when the life energy was used up because of the abnormal consumption rate, the Abyss with those abilities would become black ash and crumbled at that time.

    ¡¸And then your childhood friend cannot go against ¡ºYggdrasil¡», my Ragnarok that is the master of that ovule seed. Usually she is no different at all from a normal human, but the parasite target that receive the sound wave command Yggdrasil emitted will be instinctually urged to carry out that command. If the parasite target go against that command, they will be tormented with high fever and headache, and their body function will start go out of order. It¡¯s at the level that it¡¯ll be hard even to just stand up straight.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux shuddered hearing that explanation.

    ¡¸Yes, that woman have been opposing the order Yggdrasil gave all this time. Kill Lux Arcadia. She has been obstinately refusing that command, and inside the pain that feels like hell, she was finally at her limit just now in this place.¡¹

    Hayes cackled while jumping down from the table.

    That moment Lux thrust the tip of his blade toward her throat.

    ¡¸Stop that command. If you don¡¯t©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oi oi, calm down okay, prince.¡¹

    Hayes wasn¡¯t perturbed at all. She raised both her hands and played the fool.

    ¡¸You at least already understand the reason why I appeared in front of you like this right? It¡¯s too late even if you kill me now. ©¤©¤No, instead it will be a disaster if you kill me or something. No one will be able to control Yggdrasil if I¡¯m gone, and the last order given to it won¡¯t be revoked for eternity. You trash, pull away this rude sword right away. Or I¡¯ll kill that monster woman.¡¹

    Hayes fiddled with the horn flute in her hand, both her eyes opened and she sneered.

    Unable to oppose her, Lux gritted his teeth while withdrawing the sword.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Now, calm down and listen to me. That woman doesn¡¯t have long. The reason is because she has committed the greatest taboo for a parasite body of Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸Taboo you say¡­¡­?¡¹

    Hearing Hayes¡¯s completely unexpected words, Lux responded by parroting her word.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. The greatest taboo for Yggdrasil¡¯s parasite body isn¡¯t going against order, it¡¯s attacking another parasite body. That woman attacked an Abyss with parasite inside its body just now. She tried to kill it.¡¹

    The body of Orthros that became ash and vanished just now.

    Most likely before Lux went into the underground facility, Philuffy cornered the Abyss until near death once already.

    Therefore, it became the greatest rebellion against the controller of parasite body Yggdrasil and her body reached the limit.

    ¡¸What a sad reality. That woman is basically beyond help. She will die for sure within a few days. Just like the Abyss with parasite body inside it that you guys killed, she will turn into a pitch black ash.¡¹

    Hayes declared indifferently.

    Lux¡¯s heart rapidly chilled hearing that.

    Lux understand not logically, but instinctually that what she was telling him was the truth.

    ¡¸You understand what I¡¯m telling you? Then, let¡¯s get to the main point.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you, mean?¡¹

    Lux whose eyes expression was shadowed asked with a dark voice.

    ¡¸You are really slow huh, prince. Is even your head get screw loose because of the shock from your cute childhood friend¡¯s condition? Do you think that this me intentionally show up here just to harass you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This is a transaction. I¡¯ll especially give the order to Yggdrasil to save that woman. If you open the door at the deepest level of that Ruin©¤©¤the Ark that you guys are sneakily searching.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What does that mean?¡¹

    ¡¸To open the door at the deepest part of every Ruin, the authentication of Xfer(Key¡¯s Supervisor) is needed see. I also have one Xfer, but unfortunately after they used their authority once, they won¡¯t be able to use it again for a few months. If possible I want to have the Xfer with you, that woman with blue hair to open the door.¡¹

    The Xfer that Hayes was talking about must be about Krulcifer.

    From the beginning in the investigation this time the objective was to reach the deepest level of the Ruin, so that condition could be achieved without any problem.

    However©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is your objective? What are you planning as the strategist of Heiburg? Can you guarantee that Philuffy can be saved by doing that?¡¹

    Even so, he couldn¡¯t imagine at all that this wicked girl would fulfill her promise.

    Hayes let out a thin smile at Lux¡¯s question and she threatened.

    ¡¸Hee, I¡¯m shocked. You bastard still don¡¯t understand your position even at this point huh.¡¹

    And then, she made an evil look and her face came near Lux.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t have any choice right from the start. If you want to let that woman die then do whatever you like, you hero pretender false prince.¡¹

    Hayes said only that before she worn back her hood low over her eyes and turned around.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll confirm whether you did your work by confirming whether the room at the deepest part is opened or not. You don¡¯t get much time left y¡¯know. Finish your investigation in two days. About the time©¤©¤let¡¯s see. Open it at afternoon when my eyes can follow your group¡¯s movement. Even if you open the door when I¡¯m not here, it will be closed frm inside so there won¡¯t be any meaning doing that.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait! Hayes!¡¹

    Lux yelled toward Hayes who turned her back at him and walked away.

    Her steps stopped, and she turned around with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸Who are you? Those eyes and hair color, they are the same like the old empire¡¯s Arcadia family. Are you a survivor of the imperial family that I don¡¯t know about? Or else©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡¹

    Hayes laughed off Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸I¡¯m troubled if you¡¯re misunderstanding. I¡¯m the real thing, different from you all.¡¹

    She only said that before her robed figure vanished ahead of the passage.

    After that only Lux and Philuffy were left behind.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­, haa! Somehow we defated it¡­¡­. It¡¯s really a troublesome opponent.¡¹

    ¡¸Anyway, looks like this place is settled.¡¹

    Inside the Ark, near the center of the seventh floor.

    Inside one of the four passages around the main route, Lisha and Krulcifer took a breather.

    In front of them was the remain of Orthros that had its core broken already and died.

    The two of them somehow managed to repel one of the three watchdogs that appeared simultaneously inside the Ark.

    They didn¡¯t know how it worked, but the alarm resounding inside the ship had also stopped.

    Right after Lux and Philuffy chased after an Orthros outside the ship, all the members inside joined up together. It was then the second Orthros showed up.

    Judging that it would be dangerous to do battle while unarmed members like Airi and Relie were present, Lisha and Krulcifer carried out Orthrus¡¯s extermination at the seventh floor, while Celis lead the group and moved toward the eighth floor.

    If they could go to the eighth floor, they would be able to open the door of dedicated passage that connected to the deck. They had confirmed with La Cruche that they would be able to return again to the eighth floor using that passage next time.

    And then with this the most dangerous place in the Ark that was the Abyss manufacture area was cleared.

    The remaining floors only had exceptionally short distance that had to be traveled compared to the previous floors, and it seemed there was also little danger.

    Therefore, the possibility that they could safely conquer the Ruin before they finished their training camp and returned home was heightened.

    ¡¸Even so, something is strange¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What is?¡¹

    Krulcifer asked with her usual cool expression toward Lisha¡¯s muttering.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also troubled if you ask me what is strange but¡­¡­. If I have to say, it¡¯s everything. The events and situations since we came to the training camp until now, no matter what it doesn¡¯t feel matched up. Krulcifer, what do you think?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­This is unexpected. It looks like you are more attentive than I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸Fufu, well yeah. Even though I look like this, sometimes I too will©¤©¤wait, you¡¯re subtly making fool of me right!?¡¹

    After nodding proudly for a moment, Lisha frowned and snapped at Krulcifer.

    But, Krulcifer eluded her calmly and continued her talk.

    ¡¸The appearance of Ruin that no one knew or even predicted. The Ruin investigation that even drastically altered the original training camp schedule. And then, Airi-chan and Headmaster Relie coming along in this training camp. No, rather than that©¤©¤why did the headmaster intentionally made that girl whose physical health is bad to come along here?¡¹

    ¡¸You mean that natural airhead? Certainly that¡¯s strange. I thought that the headmaster was surely doting at her little sister to an overprotective degree, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right. You understand already if your thought has reached that far aren¡¯t you? Just what is the source of the strange out of place feeling from this training camp©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    When Lisha got that inkling, at that moment,

    ¡ºLisha-sama, Krulcifer-san. Asking for response. Are you two safe?¡»

    A transmission of dragon voice came in and the two lifted their face at the same time.

    ¡ºNoct, what¡¯s the matter? Is everyone safe?¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤Yes. We safely reached the center of eighth floor and opened the direct passage to the deck. But¡­¡­¡»

    The voice of Noct who usually kept composed was slightly tinged with impatience.

    Lisha and Krulcifer¡¯s expression also tensed from her air.

    ¡ºDue to a cave-in and appearance of multiple Abyss midway, we lost sight of Airi. If the two of you are safe, please cooperate with the search.¡»

    ¡ºGot it! We¡¯ll head there right away! Eighth floor right!?¡»

    Lisha yelled and immediately drove away her Tiamat.

    Krulcifer similarly nodded and together they flew through the corridor.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­, nn¡¹

    After the appearance of the Orthros, a confusion occurred due to a cave-in at a part of the seventh floor.

    And then, Airi was separated from the group because of the melee against the spilling out multiple Abyss, she was now walking alone in a corridor of the Ark.

    Her current position was most likely the latter half of the eighth floor.

    She couldn¡¯t even see clearly for a few mel ahead because several lighting went out due to impact.

    For the time being, it was a small mercy that she wasn¡¯t injured at least, but she wondered if everyone was safe.

    Besides,

    ¡¸Nii-san©¤©¤is he safe right now?¡¹

    The gloomy atmosphere and the coldness filled her with unease.

    As always, when she was alone her weakness like when she was still sickly came out.

    Her sickness and frailness led her to depend on someone else.

    That was something that came from the instinct as a living thing of wanting to receive the protection from people close to her, but because of that, she caused her only big brother to worry very much after her mother died.

    Perhaps because she was at the age of entering puberty, she was usually really shy to say it out, but she was really grateful toward her brother.

    After the old empire was reborn as the new kingdom because of the coup d¡¯etat that Lux caused, she thought that she too had to change.

    As his only beloved family, this time she wanted to support her brother with her own strength.

    Thinking that, she endeavored to study harder than anyone in the academy and obtained various knowledge as a civil official.

    She obtained the knowledge about Drag-Ride and Abyss,  she was also more skilled than any student in deciphering the Ruin¡¯s ancient text, Relie had also entrusted her with the position as the exclusive aide of Syvalles the other day.

    She got along well with the girls at the academy, and she could also more or less accommodate her big brother.

    She believed that although imperfect, she had managed to grow up splendidly.

    Despite so.

    ¡¸Please quickly come here if you¡¯re safe. It¡¯s really cold here you know?¡¹

    Wide space enclosed within darkness.

    The situation where she didn¡¯t even understand where she was walking and the strange sounds she could faintly heard became fear that encroached into her heart.

    Suddenly cold wind caressed her cheek and Airi spontaneously shivered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nii-san too has become really cold-hearted. Because of that my body got really cold. Because he doesn¡¯t quickly come here to get me©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi was whispering while slowly reaching out her hand to empty air. Then she suddenly returned to her senses and lifted up her face.

    ¡¸Just what am I saying.¡¹

    If someone heard her talking to herself like this, it would feel really embarrassing for her.

    Airi looked around her restlessly with slightly red face.

    Even so it was fine if she could be distracted.

    The dangerous time was exactly the time when she had to be calm.

    If she got scared and panicked, then acted rashly because of that, death would be waiting for her.

    When he looked at the direction where there was no loud sound, it didn¡¯t seem like there was Abyss nearby, but depending on the species there was also the possibility of them camouflaging or hiding themselves.

    It was still too fast for her to loudly call to her comrade.

    Thinking so, Airi continued to walk cautiously.

    If the direct passage that connected the eighth floor and the deck La Cruche told them was at least nearby, she would be able to escape by herself, but that was only an overly convenient imagination.

    As a protection charm, she was carrying the horn flute that could manipulate Abyss.

    Regarding its mechanism and the way to play it, she was taught by La Cruche not long ago through Krulcifer, and she somehow managed to learn just the basic, but using it was accompanied with risk.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really want to use this though¡­¡­¡¹

    Shelving its use as her last resort, Airi walked while avoiding massive rubbles and followed along the wall that divided the area.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    After she walked for a few minutes, she could hear a small sound.

    Airi immediately hid herself and her hand reached toward the horn in her breast pocket.

    Should she blew it or not? A hasty decision would be fatal.

    Inside the extreme tension that made her hesitate to even breath©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­that, something like this¡¹

    The clearly human voice entered Airi¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi almost reflexively ran toward that way, but she held back herself with an effort.

    It seemed there was a group at the neighboring area with a thick wall interposing her from them.

    However, that voice didn¡¯t come from girls, it was the rough voice of men.

    The private force that Marquis Dobar brought here with him.

    Even so if she told them her story and asked for help, surely they wouldn¡¯t ignore her.

    But more importantly than that, she felt discomfort from the atmosphere of their conversation. Airi stayed quiet, she killed her presence and approached stealthily.

    ¡¸It turned into something bad. Like this the Abyss might get out and even the people of Ries Island will get harmed. If it become known that we caused this incident because we forcefully break through the manufacture area©¤©¤¡¹

    It was the voice of the elderly group leader.

    Airi who heard that sentence instantly understood.

    As expected, that alarm sound and the release of the Abyss was the doing of Marquis Dobar¡¯s group.

    According to the international agreement, it was everyone¡¯s responsibility to avoid Abyss¡¯s appearance as much as possible so that unnecessary damage wouldn¡¯t be caused in Ruin investigation.

    If it was reported that this disaster was because of their blunder, than that group¡¯s leader and Dobar himself would be judged in a trial.

    ¡¸You really don¡¯t get it. How many years you¡¯ve been wielding your sword under me?¡¹

    A bit after that, Airi could hear Marquis Dobar¡¯s voice.

    There wasn¡¯t any tone of panic or regret in his voice. Instead his voice oozed out composure and joy.

    ¡¸You still haven¡¯t notice my intention. Just why do you think I made the Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger broke the door of the manufacture area?¡¹

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Are you listening? Currently the Ragnarok protecting this Ark has died, there is the possibility that the door at the Ruin¡¯s deepest floor is open. Treasure that no one has ever seen and information of the ancient era. This is the perfect chance to make all of those mine. Therefore, we have to prioritize becoming the first one to reach the deepest floor the most. Those officer cadet bunches getting dragged into this would actually be ideal.¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, however¡­¡­. If those girls the officer cadets©¤©¤the Syvalles unit is annihilated, it will become a great loss for the new kingdom too¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right. In other words, in order to make up for that lost strength, the new kingdom will have to rely on the treasures that we bring back from the Ruin. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    Dobar laughed smugly with a crooked smile.

    ¡¸That Syvalles bunches are eyesore anyway. If those girls enter the military later on and raise their position, it will shame the male Drag-Knights even more. If they die or even just get hurt, then they become obedient because of that, then that would be best don¡¯t you think?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­As you will.¡¹

    The group leader fell silent with those words as his last.

    He listened attentively to his master¡¯s words and accepted it.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a, horrible talk¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi unconsciously whispered in a low voice that no one could hear.

    She never expected that the other side wasn¡¯t running out of control simply because they were impatient to get meritorious deed, but they also wanted to harm Syvalles.

    She really wanted to denunciate them right away, but it would be dangerous if she did that.

    The possibility that they would give Airi protection was already very low.

    No, far from that, if they became aware that she just heard about their talk©¤©¤,

    (Besides, the Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger, where did I hear it before©¤©¤)

    Airi was trembling while trying to search back her memory, it was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤My apologize to interrupt your talk. But there is one thing that I noticed though?¡¹

    A high and charming voice of a girl resounded in the eighth floor¡¯s corridor.

    Airi split her attention toward that voice of a girl that shouldn¡¯t be among Dobar¡¯s private force, it was then,

    *kashun*

    After such quiet Drag-Ride¡¯s mechanical sound, the resistance on Airi¡¯s back vanished.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    *DON!* What collapsed and raised that sound was the partitioning wall behind Airi.

    When she turned around, she saw the private force of Dobar wearing Drag-Ride and the figure of a girl that she saw for the first time.

    The special shape of the Drag-Ride the girl was wearing made it highly probable that it was a Divine Drag-Ride.

    That girl smiled the moment Airi¡¯s gaze met hers.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤?¡¹

    The private troops that saw Airi¡¯s figure leaked out surprised voice and stiffened.

    The flustered Airi immediately tried to hide but,

    ¡¸Hou. Look who is here©¤©¤isn¡¯t this the criminal former imperial princess who come along with everyone of the academy? I wonder, what happened that you are in that kind of place?¡¹

    Dobar¡¯s gentle voice and gesture felt terrifying instead.

    But, she would meet her end here if she imprudently showed a scared attitude.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Syvalles is getting into battle with Abyss, so I took some distance to avoid the danger. The battle will end soon and they should come here then.¡¹

    Airi pretended to be calm as much as possible and told them that.

    She didn¡¯t tell them that she was separated from the others because of the melee but lied that the others planned to meet up with her in order to protect herself.

    If they knew that Airi was overhearing their talk by herself then she would be silenced without a doubt.

    She made a lie that her comrades would come soon and prayed that Dobar¡¯s group would let her go.

    ¡¸I see. However, that¡¯s really dangerous. In this situation we don¡¯t know where Abyss is hiding©¤©¤. Kirihime, if my memory serves me right, your Divine Drag-Ride is Drake type right? Can you search for the group that was with her?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s possible. Please wait for a second.¡¹

    The girl called Kirihime consented calmly.

    Even Airi had never seen a Drake type Divine Drag-Ride but©¤©¤, the ability that normal Drake possessed©¤©¤enemy search, camouflage, support, assist, repair, this Divine Drag-Ride should possess all of those too.

    If they found Syvalles was nearby, they might took her to them.

    When Airi was desperately harboring such wish inside her chest.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate, but there is no one else nearby. It seems they are a bit farther from here.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, then kill the criminal lady.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s thought came to a halt hearing Dobar¡¯s unhesitating words.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Is that okay? She is one of the only two survivors of the old empire isn¡¯t she?¡¹

    The girl called Kirihime tilted her head with her smile staying unchanged.

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­. Are you hesitating to sever the bloodline of the empire that you once swore your loyalty to?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes perhaps, now that you mentioned it, that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    The girl called Kirihime said with a bright and refreshing face that didn¡¯t look like she was worried at all.

    ¡¸But, Arcadia Empire has perished. Your new lord is I who took you in. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, I acknowledge that.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm¡­¡­. It¡¯s fine as long as you understand that. If you are reluctant then I¡¯ll let other person do it. Oi¡¹

    Dobar lightly raised his hand and gave his instruction. Then three Drag-Knights including the group leader came forward and surrounded Airi. They lifted their sword.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t think bad of us okay¡­¡­¡¹

    Don¡¯t speak about escaping, she couldn¡¯t even beg for her life anymore.

    Airi who grasped the situation that she was already beyond help no matter what she did accepted her own fate.

    ¡¸Nii-san¡­¡­!¡¹

    Airi squeezed out that word while closing her eyes. At that moment,

    ¡¸Guah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Immediately following that short moan, *DON*, there was a loud sound.

    When Airi opened her eyes, the three Drag-Knights who were going to kill her were collapsing.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The private force of Dobar that was at the back opened their eyes wide in shock.

    The girl called Kirihime was standing in front of Airi with a large blade pulled out.

    It was a peculiar weapon called ¡ºkatana¡» that possessed smooth curve.

    The girl handled that blade easily and cut down the troops easily.

    ¡¸Dear me. I was thinking to go along with you all for at least a bit more, but being fickle is my weak point.¡¹

    The girl who was the culprit who carried out this violence was continuing to speak matter-of-factly with a tone as though she was making a small talk.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing¡­¡­!? Yo, you¡­¡­you want to betray me!?¡¹

    The panicked Dobar hid behind the group of Drag-Knights standing by at the back. He yelled fearfully.

    ¡¸Please cease with the false accusation. From the start this body has sworn loyalty to Arcadia Empire. I was merely pretending to cooperate with all of you in order to get out of the island and come here.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Airi realized her reason when she heard the name of Arcadia Empire.

    This girl exposed her true nature when the order to kill Airi who was an imperial family of the old empire was given out.

    ¡¸I, I was the one who rescued you who was imprisoned in the island¡¯s prison and welcomed you as my subordinate. That debt©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We were only using each other based on convenience. In this kind of relationship, the side that is abandoned first is the one who lose, that¡¯s how this work don¡¯t you know?¡¹

    The eyes of the girl who was smiling cheerfully suddenly was tinged with sharpness.

    ¡¸Do it! Kill that woman at once! Kill the two of them altoge©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, I¡¯m not pleased with you. You are in contradiction with my aesthetics. You pretend to swear loyalty to the old empire and also the new kingdom, you change your master as easily as flipping your hand depending on the situation, that low-life personality without even a shred of pride in it is©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after that, *kin-!*, the ringing metallic voice could be heard.

    At the same time, the seven Drag-Knights that attacked simultaneously stopped still©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wha, what happened¡­¡­!? The Drag-Ride¡¯s movement is¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s going on!? Is your Drag-Ride breakdown!? Wait, stop©¤©¤!¡¹

    The private troops raised their scream. Right after that, everyone began to attack each other with the weapon in hands.

    Someone pierced the chest of the man beside him, someone stabbed a neck with dagger, someone turned another into beehive with gun.

    The spurting out fresh blood dyed the surrounding red, the Drag-Rides were desummoned one after another.

    ¡¸Hi, HIiIiiH!?¡¹

    Dobar screamed after witnessing his troops were turned into corpse by friendly fire and he backed away.

    Both his stubby and short legs were entangled with each other and he tumbled on the floor unsightly.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing-¡­¡­!? Why, did my troops©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My my, you still have the calm to ask that kind of pointless question? You¡¯re mistaking the order of your priority. What do you want me to do so you will overlook me? Right now that¡¯s the question that you should be asking me.¡¹

    The girl who instantly murdered seven Drag-Knights spoke with a kind smile.

    That awfully bright voice was obviously mixed with scorn.

    ¡¸Ple, please. Save me!? I, I¡¯ll give you all the money and land that you want! I¡¯ll make you into an officer of the new kingdom¡­¡­! You can rise in the world if you work under me, this country is©¤©¤gebah!?¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­dear me. You are not listening to my words at all, not even the tiniest bit aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Dobar¡¯s throat was cut along with that exasperated voice.

    ¡¸That is troubling for me. If something like the new kingdom exist, then Arcadia Empire cannot be restored by my hand.¡¹

    Dobar fell behind. He then choked on blood and writhed for a while before he soon became unmoving.

    ¡¸Now then.¡¹

    The girl in black clothes turned around and stared at Airi.

    She faced Airi who was speechless from great shock and bowed with a friendly smile.

    ¡¸Thank you for waiting. You are the imperial princess of the old empire, her highness Airi Arcadia correct?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, right¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi mustered her courage and managed to answer somehow.

    There was no meaning in lying seeing how her hair and eye color was all the proof needed.

    ¡¸I am called Kirihime Yoruka. A Drag-Knight who was once called as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger. The loyal servant of his majesty the emperor of Arcadia Empire.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Airi had heard at least once regarding the existence of the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade.

    She was a Drag-Knight from an island country at the east that was destroyed by the old empire in the past, she couldn¡¯t be killed no matter how large the army that was invested, she was a devilish girl.

    She exchanged a certain pact with the emperor and entered under his banner, after that the people of authority who witnessed her true strength feared to even make use of that strength and she was sealed into a solitary island as a secret weapon.

    But, in the end all of those were only baseless rumor, Airi didn¡¯t know anything about this girl.

    Therefore, Airi didn¡¯t say anything unnecessary.

    Based on what she heard from Dobar¡¯s conversation, this girl was faithful to the old empire even now when it had perished.

    If she said something imprudent, she would be dealt with similarly like them in this place.

    ¡¸Now then, we have finished the greeting so let¡¯s enter the main topic.¡¹

    The girl showed an alluring smile and narrowed her eyes.

    ¡¸Your elder brother©¤©¤the last male survivor of the old empire. His highness Lux Arcadia, where could he be?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Airi¡¯s breathing stopped hearing that question that she feared the most.

    ¡¸Although you are also a member of the imperial family, but man and woman exist in completely different dimension. I more or less have the duty to save you, but that¡¯s only after I can meet your elder brother. I have heard from Dobar that he is attached to the academy of Cross Field. He is coming to this island in participation of this training camp thing isn¡¯t he?¡¹

    Yoruka was talking while peering on Airi¡¯s face with her two differently colored eyes.

    Ominous devotion was filling the inside of that friendly smile.

    This person¡­¡­cannot be allowed to meet Nii-san.

    With her arms and legs trembling from fear, Airi resolved herself.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, he isn¡¯t here.¡¹

    And then, she answered so clearly.

    ¡¸Is that true? If you are lying©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s true that Nii-san belong to the academy, but right now he is in the middle of doing another special mission. ¡­¡­I¡¯m thankful for the help you gave me, but I still cannot tell you the location of my brother.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, that¡¯s unfortunate.¡¹

    Hearing that, Yoruka calmly smiled.

    Airi who saw Yoruka accepted her answer was about to sigh in relieve, it was then,

    ¡¸You don¡¯t intend to say the truth even if I kill you, is that right?¡¹

    The smile of Yoruka whose eyes were wide open was right before Airi.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Her lie was seen through.

    Including her resolve to not speak of Lux¡¯s whereabouts even if she was killed.

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s stop here for now. Actually I wish to meet him immediately even for a second faster, but for now he seems to be safe, the first impression is important for something like this, so¡­¡­. I will come visit again after I make a little more preparation. Excuse me¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka said only that while bowing with her body still clad in Drag-Ride. She then turned around her Drag-Ride and it was only her head that looked back toward Airi.

    ¡¸Aa, I recall one thing. I killed that strange two-headed dog, but the distance from here until the surface is still far. I won¡¯t mind escorting you until there you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No thank you. I don¡¯t need it.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. Please be careful.¡¹

    Yoruka smiled in satisfaction and vanished inside the darkness.

    Ten seconds later after her presence completely disappeared, Airi¡¯s legs lost strength and she fell on her knees.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! Haah¡­¡­¡¹

    There was only the sound of rough breathing resounding in the out of shape eighth floor¡¯s area.

    ¡¸That person¡­¡­, just who is she©¤©¤¡¹

    At this point of time Airi shivered and her teeth were clattering.

    The acting and lie that she desperately put up were completely seen through, and on top of that she was let go.

    That strange mentality and bottomless strength was beyond the imagination even for Airi who had seen various Drag-Knight until now.

    ¡¸Could it be, that person is stronger than Nii-san¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi shook her head and denied that imagination.

    But, in opposite with Airi¡¯s will, the trembling of her body didn¡¯t disappear.

    ¡¸She, cannot be allowed, to meet with Nii-san¡­¡­¡¹

    And then a few minutes later.

    She met up with the group of Celis and others who came searching for her and Airi returned back to the surface.

 Volume 4 - CH 5

    ¡¸With this we can relax somewhat. Everyone, thank you for your hard work.¡¹

    Relie said that to the members of Syvalles who returned to the boardinghouse and finished their medical treatment and dinner.

    The alarm that was activated at the seventh floor¡¯s manufacture area settled down and they were able to safely open the direct passage from the eighth floor to the deck.

    They found Airi who was separated from them and there was no member who was seriously harmed.

    Philuffy also fell into fever because she fought Orthros and collapsed, but her condition was settling down right now.

    Tomorrow they would finally aim to reach the control area and the deepest floor, tonight they would retire to bed.

    After Lux talked to Airi who was separated from the group at the afternoon and everyone who fought Orthros, Lux visited Philuffy¡¯s room.

    ¡¸How do you feel, Phi-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­. I think, I¡¯m hungry.¡¹

    When Lux asked, Philuffy got up and said that.

    When Relie asked her about what happened right after she woke up, it seemed that Philuffy didn¡¯t remember anything after she went out of the Ark chasing after Orthros.

    It was fortunate that she didn¡¯t remember about herself running wild right after that and also about the conversation with Hayes.

    ¡¸Then, you¡¯ve already waken up, so do you want to eat something? Something like fruits, I asked Krulcifer-san to cut various things©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll feed you today.¡¹

    Normally Lux couldn¡¯t do that because he would feel embarrassed, but he was able to act naturally toward the current Philuffy.

    (It feels like we returned to when we were children¡­¡­)

    Lux recalled that period when he spent time with Philuffy inside and outside the palace.

    Lux used a fork to carry the assortment of fruits Krulcifer cut for him bit by bit into Philuffy¡¯s mouth.

    Philuffy was continuing to eat them silently with her mouth moving like a small animal.

    ¡¸Is it delicious?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes¡¹

    It was a short reply, but Lux could sense Philuffy¡¯s happiness from the slight change of her expression.

    ¡¸Lu-chan too, eat with me.¡¹

    Philuffy silently took the fork from Lux¡¯s hand and stabbed at the orange on the plate.

    And then she silently presented it toward Lux¡¯s mouth.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? I, I¡¯m fine. Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    It was the same fork Philuffy just used, so he felt a bit embarrassed.

    Lux thought like that and his heart pounded hard. Seeing such Lux, Philuffy brought her face close toward him.

    ¡¸Here.¡¹

    She urged him with an attitude that didn¡¯t bother at all with Lux¡¯s rejection.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected, he wasn¡¯t a match against Philuffy.

    The orange that was steadily fed to him felt especially sweet.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, rest at ease until your body recover okay? If you need something, call someone right away.¡¹

    After the fruit plate became empty, Lux turned off the lamp¡¯s light and he was about to leave©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lu-chan.¡¹

    Her single word that she suddenly heard caused Lux to twitch and stiffened.

    The Ratatoskr of Yggdrasil that was planted on Philuffy¡¯s heart.

    It wouldn¡¯t be strange even if the impulse of the command that Hayes sent to Philuffy through the Yggdrasil ran wild anytime.

    When Lux turned around nervously,

    ¡¸It¡¯s no good, if you act too recklessly you know?¡¹

    He saw the usual gentle face of Philuffy there.

    But, Lux¡¯s expression froze seeing that face.

    One of Philuffy¡¯s eyes was dyed jet black, the golden pupil in it was shining.

    But, Philuffy¡¯s expression was the same like usual. It was unknown whether she noticed it herself or not. Lux stared at her in a daze.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right, I, know.¡¹

    He barely nodded back and Lux left the room.

    ¡¸Rest well, Phi-chan.¡¹

    And then he quietly closed the door. Lux walked in the corridor with heavy footsteps.

    After walking for around a few mel, he knocked his forehead on the wall.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­, a, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    The inside of his head was going around in circles, the world warped.

    His limbs shook and he didn¡¯t know what his expression looked like.

    ¡¸How¡­¡­! Why!? Did I not save Philuffy that time¡­¡­!? Why, why, I©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux headed toward another room as though running away, there was Relie standing at the middle of the corridor.

    ¡¸Thank you for looking after her, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Her face didn¡¯t have her usual joking expression, it was a face that somewhat looked quiet.

    ¡¸How about, we talk a little?¡¹

    Following Relie¡¯s words, Lux headed toward another room away from that place.

    ¡¸Looking at your face, it looks like you have noticed it already haven¡¯t you?¡¹

    Lux guessed the truth from Relie¡¯s extremely calm words.

    ¡¸Do you know, about Philuffy¡¯s condition¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux asked with an empty expression.

    It was a dark voice that was chilly even for him.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know as far as the specific, but I too only realize it only recently.¡¹

    Relie opened a room¡¯s door with a smile that was mixed with self-derision.

    It was the personal room for the use of the manager. On the table inside the room, there was documents that Relie brought from the academy piled up high there.

    Most likely, she herself was also investigating the information from Ruin even after giving Airi the work to decipher the ancient text of the Ruin.

    Looking for a way to save her little sister that assimilated with Abyss.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Where should I begin from I wonder. Lux-kun, do you remember about the incident when Philuffy was kidnapped by the old empire¡¯s military in the past?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no way he would forget.

    Five years ago, he cooperated with Lisha¡¯s father Count Atismata and planned the coup d¡¯etat. He heard about the incident from his eldest brother Fugil and went to this Ries Island alone.

    That disgusting incident where young girls were taken away under the guise of medical care, when it was actually in order to do medical experiment of military weapon.

    Lux located the experiment place. When he arrived at the experiment facility underground the monastery, he didn¡¯t find Philuffy there.

    ¡¸That time, I sent a letter to Lux-kun, saying that Philuffy was saved.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Was that, a lie?¡¹

    ¡¸Half of it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux opened his eyes wide at Relie¡¯s baffling answer.

    ¡¸She actually should be died. When we discovered her, it was already¡­¡­too late. Even the doctor I brought with me threw up the towel and stopped his examination. But©¤©¤after that, Philuffy was resurrected together with a mysterious light and pattern.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That must be the Ratatoskr Hayes mentioned.

    A part of Ragnarok, the seed of offshoot that Yggdrasil supplied combined with Philuffy and saved her.

    ¡¸Seeing her condition at that time, I was wondering whether there was something dangerous planted in Philuffy. Since then, Philuffy¡¯s body became tougher than before. If she is serious, she can exert strength that even adult cannot compare with. I entrusted Philuffy to a teacher from martial art family to teach her the way to suppress her strength. I hid my little sister¡¯s condition while investigating about the thing planted inside her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I noticed that my little sister become something like Abyss since I became headmaster here and Philuffy became student. That¡¯s why even when Philuffy became a Divine Drag-Ride user, I excluded Philuffy from getting involved with Ruin and from the Abyss extermination duty. It¡¯s because Abyss is a target to be disposed in the new kingdom¡¯s law. If this fact become known by someone©¤©¤there is high chance that she will get killed.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who was listening until now spontaneously yelled.

    Relie who saw that made an empty smile along with a small sigh.

    ¡¸For me, the inside of that ruin is my last hope. It¡¯s only a slight possibility, but it¡¯s the only place with any chance where I can save my little sister. If I can grasp the information at the untrodden deepest level, then perhaps it will be also possible to save a human that is assimilated with Abyss.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why you use us to investigate the Ruin without taking permission from the new kingdom¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, that¡¯s right.¡¹

    Relie nodded in resignation toward Lux¡¯s question and confirmed it.

    And then, she took a deep breath and showed a face that contained determination in it.

    ¡¸Regarding what I¡¯m doing, I¡¯m doing it with the resolve to accept the consequence. I don¡¯t regret it, and I don¡¯t intend to. I¡¯ll reach the deepest floor in this time¡¯s Ruin investigation no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸Relie-san¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind even if you tell everyone. At that time I intend to go alone. It seems according to La Cruche, Abyss almost surely won¡¯t come out in the remaining distance until the deepest level anyway, if I¡¯m lucky I can reach there.¡¹

    Relie said only that then she silently sat on a chair inside the room.

    And then she looked down as though to say that she had no more words.

    Lux went out of the silent room and looked up to the sky from the corridor¡¯s window.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t say anything.

    The parasite body of Ragnarok that was administered into Philuffy was constantly receiving the command to kill Lux. Because Philuffy rejected it, her body was weakening.

    The time until Philuffy¡¯s life ran out wasn¡¯t that long anymore.

    ¡¸What should I choose¡­¡­¡¹

    The answer didn¡¯t come out even when he looked up to the sky.

    The next day, the Ruin investigation was carried out since the morning.

    They started the investigation from the stopping point at the eighth floor and hurried through the path that was almost a straight line.

    Airi and Relie participated this time too. Including them there were thirteen people participating, but Philuffy was resting at the boarding house because her condition wasn¡¯t well.

    Fortunately, they reached safely until the tenth floor without encountering Abyss just as expected.

    While continuing to walk the corridor where unfamiliar strange objects were lining up, La Cruche suddenly stopped her legs, and then, she looked up to the ceiling with her small body.

    ¡¸Everyone, thank you for accompanying me until this far. We have safely arrived at the control room area. I will open the door after this, so can I ask for a little help?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do it. What do I need to do?¡¹

    Krulcifer replied like that earlier than everyone and came forward.

    This was something that she had arranged beforehand with La Cruche.

    The cooperation of Krulcifer who was an Xfer, someone who inherited the blood of the Ruin¡¯s supervisor was necessary to open the door of the control room area. She wanted to hide that true identity of hers.

    For that, La Cruche asked for the cooperation of ¡ºsomeone¡» to hide that fact.

    ¡ºXfer¡¯s existence is confirmed. The door will open.¡»

    The door of the control room area was opened along with the sensation of an unfamiliar inorganic voice echoing directly inside the brain.

    It was a fairytale-like space that was enveloped with faint mysterious light.

    ¡¸Please wait for just a bit. I will supplement my memory and restore the Ark¡¯s system.¡¹

    And then, La Cruche sat down on a small chair at the center of the room. At the same time, something like a helm came down from overhead and connected with her.

    She slowly closed her eyes and began to concentrate her consciousness.

    ¡¸If everyone has spare time, it¡¯s fine even if you all go ahead to look at this Ruin¡¯s deepest part you know? It looks like it will take quite a bit of time until my lost memory is restored.¡¹

    ¡¸Then we will do as you say. Airi-chan, will you come with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. I don¡¯t mind but©¤©¤it¡¯s just¡­¡­¡¹

    Relie immediately agreed and she was about to head to the deepest part. In contrast Airi was mumbling as though she wanted to say something. Even so she nodded.

    Lux and others also accompanied the two of them.

    The distance from the tenth floor¡¯s control room area until the deepest part was really short.

    After they went down cream colored and smooth stair, they could see the door of the deepest level.

    It was a grey colored gate that was far firmer then everything until now.

    ¡¸This place, so this is¡­¡­¡¹

    Relie touched the solid door and muttered emotionally.

    She approached the strange gem before the gate, but there wasn¡¯t any reaction.

    ¡º¡­¡­Ah, please don¡¯t give any impact to that room over there.¡»

    ¡¸Uwah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux and Lisha reacted in surprise hearing that voice that came out of nowhere.

    Krulcifer calmly looked up and muttered.

    ¡¸La Cruche. Is this your voice?¡¹

    ¡ºYes master. I¡¯m contacting you through the communication equipment and monitoring devices deployed through the Ark. The last room will need your©¤©¤not that, it need specific authentication, but as long as you have that then you¡¯ll be able to enter inside.¡»

    ¡¸Then, can you teach me that method?¡¹

    Relie urged from the side.

    She was feigning calm, but most likely she was impatient inside.

    She wanted to obtain the knowledge of the ancient era as soon as possible, deciphered it, and found the method to safe Philuffy.

    Everyone present there gulped and held their breath, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Please wait!¡¹

    Suddenly Airi spoke out and broke the mood.

    While everyone there held their tongue from the surprise, Airi started talking with trembling voice.

    ¡¸This morning I deciphered an ancient text©¤©¤it¡¯s a text that was newly obtained from the Garden previously. It was written there that a mobile device of a weapon that mustn¡¯t be touched is sleeping here. About the detail, even I was unable to decipher it, and it also need confirmation from the government so I stayed quiet but¡­¡­. If, this translation is correct then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, what destroyed the ancient era that created this Ruin was¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi silently nodded at Lux¡¯s muttering.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s highly likely that it was because of that weapon. If the forbidden device sleeping at the Ruin¡¯s deepest part is activated, we don¡¯t know what will happen. It¡¯s dangerous for us to decide it right now.¡¹

    ¡¸That might be so.¡¹

    Krulcifer also agreed with Airi¡¯s fearful opinion.

    ¡¸If there is a secret that important inside, then we cannot open this with our own discretion. We should send messenger to the capital and ask for the decision from above. We also have to obtain the information at the control room area from La Cruche, and then every country need to have discussion with each other based on that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Relie¡¯s shoulders were quaking a bit beside Krulcifer who was talking calmly.

    Even Lux could understand her feeling like the back of his own hand.

    Philuffy¡¯s condition was a race against time.

    Surely Relie wanted to enter this room right now without wasting time.

    Lux also felt the same like her.

    If the door of the deepest part wasn¡¯t opened until the sunset of two days later©¤©¤.

    Hayes¡¯s words crossed through his mind.

    However, he couldn¡¯t divulge that fact right now in this place.

    While Lux was feeling conflicted, Relie made a choice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    She made a gentle expression and calmly spoke.

    ¡¸Certainly it will be dangerous to enter the deepest part with our current group. Let¡¯s come back again here later. The restoration of La Cruche¡¯s memory will also finish around that time.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi leaked out a relieved sigh.

    With her methodical personality, originally she wouldn¡¯t immediately speak about the content of the ancient text she deciphered, instead she would confirm it with other expert first without fail to make sure that her translation was correct, but this time the content was too risky, so that was why she was flustered like that.

    They met up with the other members, and then after explaining that, they returned back to the surface.

    La Cruche said that it would take half a day for her to restore all her lost memory.

    And then after getting information from her, they would submit their report to the new kingdom government and waited for the next instruction regarding the Ruin investigation.

    They finished talking with such conclusion.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, where is that guy called Dobar or something? Even though that guy was that hasty, but we didn¡¯t catch sight of him at all©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha said that while they were going back. Everyone exchanged opinion casually, but in the end they all returned to the surface without knowing anything.

    At night, inside the boardinghouse after dinner it was silent as death as though the bustling atmosphere a few days ago was just a lie.

    Other than training camp, there was also the Ruin investigation and fight against Abyss.

    More than half of the members reached their limit from the fatigue of training and investigation every day. They quickly headed to their bedroom after lightly washing off their sweat.

    When Lux returned to his room, there was Airi nodding off while facing her desk.

    She must be tried from the nervousness of traveling inside Ruin in flesh without wearing protection and from her work deciphering the ancient text.

    Lux carried her in his arms and moved her to the bed, then put a blanket on her.

    He thought to consult her, but as expected he couldn¡¯t involve Airi.

    Philuffy was sleeping inside her room. She didn¡¯t show any sign of waking up.

    The promised date was approaching.

    ¡ºFinish your investigation in two days.¡»

    Hayes¡¯s objective might be the activation of the forbidden device that Airi mentioned.

    If he asked Krulcifer to open the last door, it was possible that the device would get stolen by Hayes, and the new kingdom©¤©¤no, the world itself would be in danger.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What should I do?¡¹

    Even though he wanted to save Philuffy no matter how faint the hope was©¤©¤he couldn¡¯t decide.

    Perhaps what he was going to choose to do might become a repeat of the same mistake like that time.

    Just like before when for the sake of his wish to change the country, he caused a war and he failed.

    (Even so, I©¤©¤)

    Lux gripped the sheath of his Sword Device hard and closed his eyes tightly, it was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Dread ran through him.

    Even Lux didn¡¯t understand what was going on at first, he looked at his fingertips and knees that were starting to shake, and he noticed the cause.

    The night in the island that was wrapped in the roar of the sea.

    A monster melted into the tranquil darkness and held its breath.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux wordlessly got up and went out of the boardinghouse through the backdoor so that other members wouldn¡¯t find him.

    He crossed through the bushes where there was no lighting and came out into an open space.

    That man was standing under the brilliantly shining full moon.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It has been a long time, my younger brother. O the weakest hero who was defeated in the battle of ideal.¡¹

    Calm and elegant voice, and a composed bearing.

    He was wearing a luxurious overcoat. Silver hair, fiercely glaring gray eyes that reminded one of a hungry beast. He was that man without a doubt.

    *dokun¡­¡­!*

    Lux¡¯s heart jumped, it caused a hallucination as though his blood was flowing in reverse.

    The face of his only relative who understood him.

    And the scorning face that was looking down on the fallen him.

    The countless memories until that point flowed inside Lux¡¯s mind in an instant©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Fugil Arcadia¡­¡­!¡¹

    He spouted those words as though they were pushed out from his lungs.

    The man who was the first imperial prince of the old Arcadia Empire, planned the coup d¡¯etat together with Lux¡­¡­, and then he was the man who betrayed Lux at the end and erased the remaining imperial family.

    Lux¡¯s longtime enemy, the older brother that he was chasing for these five years.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why are you here?¡¹

    His throat felt terribly parched just from saying that short sentence.

    Lux questioned with a tense voice, at the same time he drew out Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    At this distance, it was faster to directly slash at the opponent rather than summoning and deploying Drag-Ride.

    And also, there was no sign and presence of enemy at the surrounding other than Fugil.

    He could take the initiative at the instant of opening when the opponent prepared for summoning.

    Lux slowly closed the distance while observing Fugil.

    ¡¸Is that Heiburg¡¯s strategist called Hayes, also instigated by you?¡¹

    ¡¸What if I say that¡¯s true?¡¹

    Fugil showed a fearless smile and jested.

    Lux didn¡¯t overlook the instant of opening when Fugil breathed in to reply.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll capture you.¡¹

    Lux kicked on the ground that was covered with grass while muttering that at the same time.

    Lux stepped forward with low posture. He swung his sword quickly at the same time, tripping the foot of Fugil who tried to dodge.

    ¡¸Oof¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fugil fell down face up. Right after that, Lux swiftly thrust the tip of his sword on Fugil¡¯s throat.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. You intend to take me hostage to safe your childhood friend by using me to bargain for her release?¡¹

    Fugil asked with a composed smile without even a twitch in his eyebrow.

    Lux glared at him and silently affirmed it, then,

    ¡¸Really it¡¯s just as I expected from you, my younger brother.¡¹

    An admiring voice came from behind Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who had progressed the event calmly until now instantly opened his eyes wide in surprise.

    The figure of the man who should be lying down on the ground with a sword pointed on his throat was vanishing.

    When Lux turned around in panic, there was Fugil calmly standing above a low-rise hill at slight distance away.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡®What happened!?¡¯

    Lux was confused by the impossible reality.

    (I didn¡¯t take my eyes off him even for a moment. He also didn¡¯t use any distraction or that my attention was diverted. And yet, how©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Way to go my younger brother. Amazing thought and judgment as expected. The moment you saw me your bitter enemy, if it¡¯s a normal person they will only stand still trying to understand the situation, but you formed several plans in merely a few moment and carried them out.¡¹

    Fugil continued his words looking like he was enjoying it happily from the bottom of his heart, along with a wicked smile on his face.

    ¡¸You predicted my connection with Hayes, thought a plan to capture me to make use of me as negotiation material, and you tried to make it reality. That was an action that was unthinkable to come from someone who had been beaten to the punch. It was also amazing how you dare not to call your Drag-Ride in order to take me by surprise.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    With a snap, Fugil sheathed his sword while smiling.

    Lux only noticed just now that the brother he was confronting had unsheathed his sword without him realizing it.

    Did he overlook that because he was too flustered?

    (©¤©¤No, that¡¯s not it. Fugil didn¡¯t unsheathe his sword, I¡¯ve no doubt about that.)

    Perhaps his hand held the sword handle and moved in just an instant. But, even so what was the connection?

    (No! It¡¯s not the time to think about that right now!)

    Lux aborted his thought that was starting to wander off course. He concentrated toward the phenomenon before him.

    At any rate, his first attack missed and a distance was opened between them.

    He could only call Bahamut.

    Lux put his strength onto the button on the sword handle, and he was going to whisper the passcode, it was at that instant,

    ¡¸But, unfortunately you misread the situation, my younger brother. I don¡¯t have any worth at all as a hostage. It¡¯s pointless to capture me.¡¹

    Fugil informed indifferently as though to shave off Lux¡¯s resolve.

    ¡¸And then you are going to commit a great mistake. If you start to fight me here, there will be no helping your childhood friend anymore for eternity.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    Lux¡¯s hand stopped hearing Fugil¡¯s extremely calm statement.

    ¡¸What do you¡­¡­, mean?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m trying to stop that woman called Hayes. I should be her ally, but that woman is deviating too much from our original conduct you see. It¡¯s necessary to correct the course here. In other words it¡¯s only in this moment right now©¤©¤that my interest align with you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸To control that Yggdrasil©¤©¤the Ragnarok¡¯s main body, a particular requirement is necessary. The horn flute that brat is carrying is specially made, a one and only item that is called¡ºOrigin Variety¡». Therefore©¤©¤if you can just destroy or steal it, she won¡¯t be able to give new instruction to the Ragnarok anymore. And then if you can just defeat the main body of Yggdrasil, you can remove the harm toward that childhood friend of yours. That¡¯s how it is, even if for example the blood of Abyss is already residing in half of her body.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Do you have proof that this isn¡¯t your trap?¡¹

    Lux fixed his expression so that the agitation in his heart couldn¡¯t be detected and he asked.

    There was no way he could just swallow the words of his enemy Fugil, but he asked that in order to probe Fugil¡¯s true intention.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I can only put my hope on your discernment for that. That¡¯s including your discernment whether I have any need to tell such lie.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The horn flute to use at Ragnarok that only Hayes possessed, the Origin Variety.

    Previously, when Poseidon was resurrected, Hayes was hiding inside the shadow of her robe and he couldn¡¯t see what she was doing.

    But, two days ago when Hayes showed up in front of him, the horn flute that he saw she was holding had strange pattern engraved on it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is that, everything you want to say?¡¹

    ¡¸No, putting aside my advice, I have one thing I want to ask. Assuming that what I said was all true©¤©¤do you really have the intention to save that childhood friend of yours?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In respond to Fugil¡¯s question, Lux met his gaze wordlessly.

    ¡¸As I thought, you haven¡¯t changed huh. You are still the same like that time, foolish and weak.¡¹

    Fugil sighed in exasperation and he looked up to empty air.

    With his back still facing the deep ultramarine of the darkness, he formed a smile that could even be called as evil countenance.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you notice that you too are trying to do the same thing like that woman called Relie? Saving what is important, an existence that is irreplaceable for you. Certainly it sounds nice, but in actuality doing that is a betrayal toward this country and those students. You are committing a folly that might turn you into the enemy of the world.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s evil©¤©¤is that what you want to say?¡¹

    ¡¸No¡­¡­¡¹

    Unexpectedly Fugil instantly denied it.

    ¡¸It¡¯s troubling because it¡¯s not evil or anything. However, if there are a thousand people then there will be a thousand path of justice©¤©¤I don¡¯t have any intention to speak any tomfoolery like that.  They don¡¯t have any awareness of good and evil, this is nothing more than them merely in conflict regarding something that they cannot concede, as only natural.¡¹

    Fugil continued so still wearing his composed smile.

    ¡¸That is the nature of living thing as it were. People who have been hungry in the past will try to gather more food. The weak will try to obtain even stronger power. People who have their important person robbed from them will try to protect their important person desperately. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil peered into the eyes of Lux who was still holding up his sword and laughed.

    ¡¸Someone who wasn¡¯t loved by anyone, will try to be loved ny anyone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t reply at all toward Fugil¡¯s words.

    But, he narrowed his shadowed eyes and spoke.

    ¡¸Why, did you kill all the imperial family and army of the old empire that day? Your true objective©¤©¤what is it?¡¹

    ¡¸The current you won¡¯t understand even if I told you.¡¹

    Fugil replied with a tone that was mixed with a sigh.

    ¡¸But, someday you will understand if you keep walking your path as it is. In the future each nation will develop even more intense conflict. The lot of the new kingdom will approach to make use of your and your comrade¡¯s strength. They will come to take you into their fold. They will try to lure you into a repulsive path, carrying the great cause that is no other than¡ºto protect the new kingdom¡¯s peace¡».¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You should understand before long. Just what did I do at that day. Why did I make use of you. If you get involved with this country again, and yet you will still try to persist in your ideal, then©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil turned around. He tilted his head and looked back with a smile.

    ¡¸You will understand that nothing exist in this world. Whether it¡¯s your ideal, or what you want to protect, everything.¡¹

    He left behind only those words and walked away.

    When Lux stepped forward to chase after him, he saw Fugil drew out his Sword Device.

    The blade glistened with light, silver lines were running through it.

    The sword emitted undulating faint light of seven colors.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­, ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Sharp and piercing pain instantly ran at the back of Lux¡¯s eyes. Lux pressed his hand on his forehead and fell on one knee.

    When he noticed, Fugil was vanishing like a mist.

    It was as though nothing was there right from the start.

    ¡¸Oooii! Lux!¡¹

    A voice came while Lux was staring at the darkness in blank amazement.

    When he turned around, he saw the figure of Lisha approaching him in a run.

    ¡¸Lisha, sama¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I finally completed it! I succeeded in the last system removal so that your Bahamut can use the awakened state! It¡¯s thanks to the code that your little sister solved. But©¤©¤¡¹

    She talked in excitement until midway before her tone became faltering.

    ¡¸This thing, as I thought it¡¯s better not to use it¡­¡­. It¡¯s a good thing that the ability can come to light but, the burden is too great. Using that with Bahamut is still©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please teach me! I beg you!¡¹

    ¡¸Wah!?¡¹

    Lux took both her hands and pleaded.

    The surprised Lisha was blushing while,

    ¡¸Ca, calm down. Certainly it¡¯s a failed work right now, but perhaps it will become usable depending on the future improvement. That¡¯s why, don¡¯t be reckless. Letting you do something dangerous by yourself more than this is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I beg you, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux sent her a serious gaze and didn¡¯t let go of her hands.

    ¡¸A time will come where I have to use it. At this rate, it might turn into something I regret again. I©¤©¤don¡¯t want, to repeat the same thing like that time!¡¹

    ¡¸That, time¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lisha tilted her head, a strange scene was revived at the back of Lux¡¯s mind.

    That day when the old empire was finished.

    Sparks danced in the sky, swarms of Drag-Ride crossed in the dark night.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The consciousness of Lux that was receding away was called back.

    The sensation of soft and smooth small hands.

    In front of him Lisha was grasping back at Lux¡¯s hands while her cheeks were slightly dyed red.

    ¡¸I, I get it.¡¹

    She directed her gaze at Lux with slightly exasperated face and puffed up cheeks.

    ¡¸You won¡¯t listen to anything once you already speak. Even though normally you are that humble¡­¡­. But, the code to release Bahamut is complicated, so I have to teach you from scratch you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh¡¹

    Seeing Lux bowing his head really deeply, Lisha smiled with a troubled look.

    ©¤©¤With this, the preparation was in order.

    This was the only plan left that could save Philuffy within tonight.

    Lux resolved himself like that in his heart. It was then Lisha suddenly lifted up her face,

    ¡¸Come to think of it, where is Relie? I was looking for her since some time ago to get the permission to use the awakened mode©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux suddenly realized hearing that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    And then a few second later Lux turned to face Lisha and told her with a serious expression.

    ¡¸Can I ask you to contact everyone? If Relie-san cannot be found anywhere then©¤©¤¡¹

    Saying that, Lux resolved himself.

    It was the determination to plunge himself into the upheaval once more.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll look for her. At the deepest level of the Ruin©¤©¤¡¹

    Ten minutes later. Everyone split to search for Relie at the likely places like the boarding house, the practice ground, and other places.

    But, there wasn¡¯t any sign of her at all.

    There was also the possibility that she was kidnapped by someone, but Lux had an idea about her whereabouts.

    The Ruin.

    In order to look for a way to erase the Ratatoskr of the Ragnarok taking hold of Philuffy, Relie planned to slip into the deepest level.

    Therefore, Lux would slip into the ruin alone in order to not involve the other students.

    From here onward, there was the possibility that the students would get dragged into a serious crime.

    If they weren¡¯t careful, it wouldn¡¯t end as only the problem of the new kingdom. It might become a big international problem that could affect the international tournament that would start after this.

    (But¡­¡­, I cannot leave her alone like this.)

    At the night duty room in the boardinghouse where Relie was.

    There was a letter placed on the table there. It was only written with ¡®please take care of Philuffy¡¯.

    Lux who sensed an alarming atmosphere from the letter hurriedly moved to exit the boardinghouse, it was then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Wait.¡¹

    ¡¸Philuffy¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When he looked there, Philuffy was getting up with her face red and her body staggering.

    ¡¸You must not! Right now, if you don¡¯t sleep©¤©¤¡¹

    There was no way he could talk about the Ragnarok, so Lux told her like that in panic.

    However,

    ¡¸I, already know.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸That in my body, there is Abyss.¡¹

    Philuffy said that with her usual absentminded tone and serious face.

    The moment Lux heard that, the inside of his head became blank.

    ¡¸Philuf, fy¡­¡­¡¹

    A listless voice was squeezed out from Lux¡¯s lungs.

    ¡¸Sorry, for staying quiet.¡¹

    Philuffy calmly smiled while saying that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I noticed it recently but, well, it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh!?¡¹

    Lux was taken by surprise from Philuffy¡¯s words that were still at her own pace even now.

    But,

    ¡¸Yes. because, it¡¯s important that I live. Because, if I die, both Onee-chan and Lu-chan will surely be sad.¡¹

    Philuffy lightly put her hand on her chest and muttered.

    ¡¸Onee-chan, after Okaa-san died from sickness, she looked like she was really lonely. That was why, I thought, I cannot die.¡¹

    Philuffy continued talking while smiling. Her tone was detached in nostalgia.

    ¡¸Lu-chan is also someone who get lonely really easily, so I thought that it will be really painful for you, if I die.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why©¤©¤I¡¯m glad, I¡¯m alive until today.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s chest tightened hearing that sentence that was like a surprise attack.

    He wondered since when he misunderstood that Philuffy didn¡¯t notice.

    Normally Philuffy was silent and she wasn¡¯t good in expressing her emotion, but with her sharp intuition, she understood about Lux and Relie more than anyone.

    Of course that included how Lux and Relie were actually alive while carrying unbearable loneliness and wound.

    And also how if Philuffy who was their support died, both of them would lose sight of themselves.

    Philuffy knew all about the change of her own body, she noticed it, but she still tried to live.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s already okay.¡¹

    Saying that, Philuffy made a transient smile.

    ¡¸Because, Lu-chan already made, a lot of important people. Because, you¡¯ve become strong.¡¹

    She said that with a voice that sounded just a little lonely.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why surely, you¡¯ll be fine.¡¹

    That voice that was trying to reassure him was the same like that time seven years ago.

    However, it was different from that time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯re wrong-!¡¹

    Lux reflexively yelled, but he couldn¡¯t speak further.

    And then, he strongly embraced the body of Philuffy before him.

    ¡¸Lu, chan?¡¹

    Warm body and the faint sweet fragrance.

    Lux whispered while pushing down his emotion that usually made his heart pounded hard at this kind of time.

    ¡¸I¡¯m, no good¡­¡­. I haven¡¯t changed at all since then¡­¡­I¡¯m still, weaker than anyone else!¡¹

    Faint surprise and perplexity could be felt from the girl inside his arms.

    Even so, Lux didn¡¯t let go of her.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t disappear¡­¡­. The wound inside me still remained all this time since that day! It was because Philuffy saved me that day, because you stayed alive until today, that I could fight as the prince of Arcadia Empire!¡¹

    A person who lost the important person that they ought to protect.

    A person who cursed the whole world and turned it into enemy, such person wouldn¡¯t be able to change a country.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, don¡¯t go! Don¡¯t disappear! I absolutely, this time for sure I absolutely will save you! That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    A gentle sensation of a hand caressed Lux¡¯s front hair.

    When he noticed, Philuffy was making a faint smile at him.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, still haven¡¯t changed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philiffy caressed Lux¡¯s cheek in nostalgia and muttered.

    ¡¸Thank you. I¡¯ll wait.¡¹

    It was only a brief sentence.

    It was the demonstration of will showed by the silent Philuffy using words.

    Lux understood everything just from that.

    ¡¸Please, take care of Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Lux nodded firmly and turned around.

    And then, the moment he turned his back, Philuffy¡¯s voice called out to him.

    ¡¸Also, call me Phi-chan, okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­sorry.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly hearing Philuffy¡¯s words that sounded a bit sullen.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, I¡¯m going, Phi-chan.¡¹

    And then Lux exited the boarding house and started running.

    Lux ran at full speed along the coast late at night.

    Lux asked Lisha and others to communicate to everyone at the surface to not go near the Ruin, and for them to wait until Relie and Lux returned.

    If he tried to get the cooperation of Lisha and others, they would get dragged into this dangerous battle where there would be no return.

    Lux jumped on the deck of the Ark, opened the door of the direct passage, then stepped above the relay portal.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the symbol of power the winged dragon of crest. Obey my sword and take flight, Wyvern¡¹

    First Lux equipped Wyvern and waited. Then the transfer began.

    The corridor of the eighth floor that they previously reached now had bluish white lamp shining, different from before.

    ¡¸Did the system, recover?¡¹

    La Cruche was recovering her memory at the control room area and restored her authority as the Gear Leader.

    Originally everything should turn out well with that but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸GURORORO¡­¡­!¡¹

    A weird growl came from behind an object.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux noticed, the thing already leaped at him.

    ¡¸SHAAaAAAAH!¡¹

    A winged person made from a solid material attacked while letting out a piercing cry.

    Lux barely used his sword as shield and blocked the first attack.

    ¡¸Gargoyle!? Why here¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Automaton(La Cruche) said that Abyss mostly shouldn¡¯t appear at eighth floor and below. It was because originally it wasn¡¯t a place that should be protected.

    For that reason Relie hurried ahead thinking that she could reach until the deepest level even without Drag-Ride but©¤©¤.

    (No, right now isn¡¯t the time to think about that!)

    Lux instantly erased his various imagination and poured his concentration to the battle in front of him.

    He destroyed the second attack toward his Wyvern with the Scale Blade¡¯s Critical Hit.

    ¡¸GUGAH, AAaAAH!¡¹

    The Gargoyle writhed when its sharp claw along with its right arm was pulverized.

    But at the same time, even more enemy presence appeared as though they heard the scream.

    There was a Chimera that he once witnessed together with Celis, a winged beast Gryphon, and also squid type Abyss called Kraken.

    There were more than ten enemies just from what he could see.

    The Abysses were taking formation that surrounded him in this place where there was little cover.

    (This is bad, at this rate©¤©¤)

    Although Lux was used to fight Abyss, this situation was still overwhelmingly disadvantageous for him.

    He could face them down if he switched his Drag-Ride into Bahamut!

    ¡¸SHAaAAAAH!¡¹

    The Gargoyle roared and it was about to attack Lux once more, it was then©¤©¤.

    *DOON!*

    Dazzling flash ran through empty air and hit the Gargoyle.

    ¡¸GA, aAAAAH!¡¹

    Its dying scream was drowned by an explosive sound. It scattered black fragments and vanished.

    The canon attack that was fired from behind Lux pierced the one armed Gargoyle.

    ¡¸As always, you are a forceful guy huh.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise and he turned his gaze to the surrounding.

    At that time, large type Abysses that were waiting for the chance to attack had their body frozen one after another.

    ¡¸I understand that you¡¯re feeling impatient, but it¡¯s putting the car before the horse if you¡¯re defeated.¡¹

    When Lux turned toward the voice from behind him, he found the figure of Lisha and Krulcifer there wearing Tiamat and Fafnir.

    Without even any time to let out any word in surprise, lightning ran at the surrounding and turned the frozen Abysses into ash one after another.

    ¡¸The headmaster is like that, but you too are also really rash. I conclude that a lecture is needed when we get back.¡¹

    Celis who was wearing the Divine Drag-Ride of lightning Lindwurm told Lux that in exasperation.

    ¡¸It appears that the headmaster is going ahead until the tenth floor. From the reaction, La Cruche is also beside her. Abysses are approaching them from the surrounding. It¡¯s better to hurry if you want to chase them.¡¹

    Noct said from behind while confirming with her Drake¡¯s radar.

    ¡¸Aah but, a lot of enemies are coming down to this area, so Lux-chi , you can just leave this to us! Ah, you can pay us back for this later on!¡¹

    ¡¸Well, putting aside Tillfur, those three Divine Drag-Ride users are really something, so leave this place to us lad.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah, meanie! Even though I¡¯m enduring my fear like this!¡¹

    Hearing Sharis¡¯s words, Tillfur showed her actual feeling and acted flustered.

    It seemed that everyone gathered here because they noticed Lux¡¯s objective.

    However,

    ¡¸Why is everyone, doing this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I told everyone.¡¹

    *step*, A small walking sound echoed and a small statured girl walked forward.

    The girl wearing school uniform was Airi.

    ¡¸I accidentally listened to Nii-san and headmaster¡¯s talk. After hearing that, it¡¯s simple to predict how Nii-san will act so©¤©¤¡¹

    Saying that, Airi looked up toward Lux with slightly anxious face.

    ¡¸Nii-san is going to save Philuffy-san right? No matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s start. Doing it with everyone should have higher chance of success. Surely©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Airi, please be careful. It¡¯s enemy reinforcement.¡¹

    Noct raised a tensed voice, at the same time everyone stood ready.

    ¡¸Lux. Go quickly! We will take care of these guys!¡¹

    Right after Lisha raised her voice, Krulcifer also sent a dragon voice that was transmitted to only Lux.

    ¡ºWe¡¯re going to catch up soon. I think that my authentication might be necessary to open the door to the deepest level. For now, go on ahead to the headmaster©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    Lux replied while flying his Wyvern at the same time.

    ¡¸Everyone, thank you.¡¹

    Lux said his thanks to everyone who gathered here and rushed through the passage in full speed.

    Lux thought while going straight through the remaining floors in high speed.

    Even though he intended to not involve them, in the end he made them to fuss about him needlessly instead.

    Even though there should be no time for them to hear about the detail from Airi, even so everyone rushed to help him.

    He felt a mysterious feeling.

    The thing that he couldn¡¯t obtain all this time since that day when he was a child.

    Perhaps this time for sure he would obtain irreplaceable comrades that he could trust.

    And then, even now Lux was scared that those comrades would abandon him, or perhaps he would lose them because of his fault.

    That was something that didn¡¯t change since that day where he harbored doubt toward the old empire(that country).

    (But©¤©¤!)

    There was already no time for hesitation.

    The time of his childhood where he couldn¡¯t do anything.

    And then, the day of revolution five years ago when he was betrayed and failed.

    His current answer would come out after this.

    Passing through the scenery that was flowing in high speed over him, Lux resolved himself, at that moment,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Relie-san!¡¹

    He saw it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux-kun-!?¡¹

    He overtook Relie who was together with La Cruche and intercepted the beast type Abyss that was standing in their way.

    ¡¸Uo, OaaAAAAH!¡¹

    The Abyss that was called as Werewolf received the Critical Hit from the Scale Blade and its upper body was blown away.

    After confirming the Abyss¡¯s death, Lux walked toward Relie who was falling on her knees.

    ¡¸Are you all right? Is anywhere hurt©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸How, did you know I came here©¤©¤? No, rather than that¡­¡­even you¡¹

    Relie opened her eyes in blank amazement while whispering.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯ll also save Philuffy. No matter what, for sure.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Relie made a frail smile hearing Lux¡¯s words and she averted her gaze.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, something like that, actually might not exist. Something like a way to save that girl, actually it¡¯s nowhere to be¡­¡­. Even so©¤©¤I¡¹

    A voice that was filled with emptiness was squeezed out from Relie¡¯s lungs.

    She used every way available in order to save her beloved little sister, then she realized that everything she did was for naught,

    Even so, she couldn¡¯t give up.

    Inside those words, there was the suffering of someone who continued to fight loneliness.

    ¡¸It will be fine. Surely, we will manage somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even so, Lux didn¡¯t take back the hand he offered and formed his words strongly.

    ¡¸Besides I promised her, that this time for sure, I¡¯ll absolutely save her©¤©¤¡¹

    Relie looked down hearing Lux¡¯s voice that was filled with conviction.

    But, this time she took Lux¡¯s hand and stood up.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry for dragging you into this. ©¤©¤But, thank you.¡¹

    Relie wiped her eyes that were blotted with tears and silently stood up.

    ¡¸Sorry to keep you waiting. Let¡¯s hurry.¡¹

    Relie tensed her expression and turned her gaze toward her side. There La Cruche was smiling.

    ¡¸I read the mood and stayed quiet. I¡¯m a good child.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, isn¡¯t that right¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux responded with a wry smile.

    While no more Abyss came, they went down until the deepest level of eleventh floor. It was then Lisha and others caught up from behind.

    ¡¸Master. Please touch the crest of the door and think silently. The door of the deepest part will open after that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand.¡¹

    Krulcifer took a deep breath, then she walked toward the huge door.

    At that time Lux whispered into the ear of Airi who was standing beside him.

    ¡¸Airi, do you bring the horn flute?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m carrying it close to my person though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then I have a request. If the situation become like what I predicted, I want you to use it.¡¹

    When Lux began telling Airi about ¡ºthat plan¡» , Krulcifer¡¯s hand was held out toward the door.

    The moment her hand touched, several streak of blue lightning ran on the surface of the door.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer leaked out a small moan from feeling a stimulus that felt like pain. Shining countless letters were emerging on the smooth surface of the door and it was opening.

    ¡ºThe authentication of Xfer is confirmed¡­¡­connection complete. There is also no problem with the usage restriction. Unlocking is possible with mind control operation.¡»

    The inorganic artificial voice could be heard. Bewilderment appeared on Relie¡¯s face.

    ¡¸What happened? Krulcifer-san, you are¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll explain later. If we are still safe at that time©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer closed her eyes with her hand still on the door and she concentrated.

    And then the door rumbled and a strange vibration was transmitted through her hand, after that,

    *GASHIiiIIIN!*

    The door opened to four directions like flower petals along with heavy metallic sound.

    An unimaginable sight was spreading there.

    ¡¸Is this¡­¡­the deepest level!?¡¹

    It was a vast dome shaped space that was surrounded with hard metallic wall.

    That place which was illuminated by light source overhead looked like the colosseum of the ancient era.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is this place really the deepest level, La Cruche?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s question was only natural.

    Their image regarding the Ruin¡¯s deepest level was a huge treasure warehouse.

    And yet, don¡¯t mention ancient text or tool of ancient era, not even a part of Drag-Ride could be found here.

    When they had walked until nearly the center of the space, Relie watched the back of La Cruche with an expression that was a mix of bewilderment and anxiety.

    ¡¸Is there some kind of mistake? Could it be, that your memory restoration faile©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true.¡¹

    La Cruche walked ahead. She then twirled around that caused her dress to flutter before answering.

    Her height only reached until Lux¡¯s waist. She was a lovely girl that looked like little girl.

    He didn¡¯t notice until now how the look of her eyes was covered with dark shadow.

    ¡¸My memory restoration was a success. I remember everything. The thing that I should do is©¤©¤¡¹

    La Cruche smiled and lifted her hand.

    It was the smile of a predator that caught its prey into a trap.

    ¡¸©¤©¤getting rid of all of you, leaving not a single one alive.¡¹

    A shudder ran through Lux and everyone else. In that instant, the thick door behind them closed swiftly.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When everyone turned around, it was already too late.

    The thick last door was firmly closed. In front of it there were the silhouettes of two figures wearing black robe.

    ¡¸What are you doing? Listen to what I¡¯m saying as the supervisor©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lucifer was questioning her in panic, La Cruche bowed courteously.

    ¡¸Master. I have the obligation to listen to your order. But that is not the top priority of the current me. As the Gear Leader of the Ark, I have to eliminate all of you, a family of the rebel who betrayed and overthrew my masters then invaded this place, and his comrades©¤©¤¡¹

    La Cruche glared at Lux with naked animosity filling her gaze.

    Several scenes were resurrected at Lux¡¯s mind seeing that gaze.

    The inside of the ship that was destroyed and fell into ruin that they saw right after entering the Ruin.

    And then, the Ragnarok that appeared from the Ruin, Poseidon.

    Fresh traces of destruction that weren¡¯t from the war of ancient era, which appeared to come from the invasion of the old empire ten-odd years ago.

    Did La Cruche traced back that memory, and because of that she considered Lux who had the same features as her opponent?

    (But©¤©¤a family of the rebel¡­¡­she said, what does she mean? Is there someone else other than me and the imperial family?)

    He didn¡¯t understand.

    Lux had no way of knowing about the truth of the old empire that had continued for several hundred years.

    But, the footsteps of two people approaching from behind pulled Lux back into reality.

    What existed ahead of his gaze when he turned around were two figures clad in robe.

    The figure walking at the front pulled off her hood and showed her face.

    It was a girl with shining silver hair and asymmetrically colored eyes©¤©¤Hayes.

    ¡¸The negotiation breakdown huh, prince. No, you were moving like an idiot and carried out my objective just like I planned, so perhaps I ought to say thanks to you instead?¡¹

    ¡¸You©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who confirmed her identity muttered with a groan.

    Why did the girl who told him to open the door at the afternoon was here?

    She specified the time period and told him that he had to follow it was a trap.

    Although he was threatened, Lux and others should have resistance of being made to open the last door just as Hayes ordered.

    Hayes saw through that. She saw Lux and others were moving in the night and grasped their side¡¯s movement.

    ¡¸You are on the wanted list of the new kingdom. Prepare your©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai!¡¹

    Celis who confirmed Hayes¡¯s existence faster than others assaulted with Lindwurm.

    She unleashed a stab of her special armament the large spear, <Lightning Lance> in high speed. ©¤©¤But,

    *BASHIIN!*

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Celis unleashed a lunge with her large spear through the shortest motion, but her eyes opened wide in shock.

    The other robed figure stood in front of Hayes faster than the tip of the spear could hit.

    The spear was blocked.

    The attack of the lance that could pierce Abyss and destroy even fellow Drag-Ride without difficulty was stopped by a slender robed human.

    The robe fluttered, the figure didn¡¯t overlook the opening when Celis stiffened because of the hard to believe reality.

    *DOGUH!*

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Celis retreated for ten-odd mel from receiving the punch attack.

    Celis had quickly strengthened the output of her barrier to block the punch, but the flow of her offense was completely severed.

    ¡¸As expected from the honor student¡¯s leader, even your surprise attack is beautiful. Just discharge your specialty electric attack and burn your cute junior black already.¡¹

    ¡¸You are, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤?¡¹

    Celis didn¡¯t respond to Hayes¡¯s provocation and focused instead on the hooded figure before her eyes.

    The figure threw away the robe that was turned into scrap rag from the impact which made clear her identity.

    ¡¸Phi, luffy¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux muttered reflexively.

    ¡¸Wh, y¡­¡­¡¹

    Relie was also dumbfounded and stood still in place. The remaining members were also speechless from the revelation.

    His childhood friend¡¯s expression looked hollow and shadowed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy who should be waiting in the boardinghouse for their return was right there.

    ¡¸Why is that natural airhead here!? Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, I forgot to say, but if this woman continue to oppose the order of Yggdrasil, the Ragnarok that I¡¯m controlling, she will die. But see, it¡¯s also possible to give powerful order signal that leave no room for opposition and make her listen if Yggdrasil devotes its strength for that.¡¹

    Lux sent a sharp gaze at Hayes who was talking with ridiculing tone.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So you mean, that you were toying with us right from the start?¡¹

    ¡¸You only notice it this late? Is what I want to say but©¤©¤this is also within my calculation. Everything, including toying with you guys is nothing more than a part of it. Well no matter, I¡¯m grateful that you open this door for me you know?¡¹

    Hayes walked with brisk footsteps that echoed on the metal floor. She passed through the side of Lux and others and headed to inside from the center.

    It was the best chance to strike at her, but because Philuffy was following closely behind her, they couldn¡¯t move.

    A huge crystal the size of a human head was being held under Hayes¡¯s arm.

    ¡¸Now then, from here on just me alone will be sufficient. Thanks for your hard work, false prince and his hangers-on.¡¹

    The moment Hayes lifted up her hand toward the wall surface, the wall moved like puzzle pieces and she entered inside.

    ¡¸You guys must be coming here a step ahead planning to outwit me, but your expectation missed. After all, your shallow thinking is like an open book for me.¡¹

    Before the door of the strange room closed, Hayes looked back and laughed.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s fine right? Your childhood friend is a wonderful girl. Originally it¡¯s hard to find a body that Yggdrasil¡¯s Ratatoskr can adapt to©¤©¤but she showed the greatest adaptability, she is an excellent monster. Even though she should be really usable as battle strength, but you didn¡¯t notice anything, and her big sister the headmaster also only kept her hidden.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who heard that clenched his fist tightly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why you are a complete failure. You don¡¯t use a useful pawn, you don¡¯t understand the way to use people. As someone who is similarly standing at the top I¡¯ll give you a lesson©¤©¤about how to use a useful pawn!¡¹

    Hayes opened both her eyes wide in a flash and took out a horn flute from her pocket.

    It was the Origin Variety horn flute that Fugil said was controlling the Ragnarok.

    She put it on her mouth and strongly blew into it.

    ¡ºPhiluffy Aingram! Exterminate the all the low born there! When you finished with that, you can be free you know, HAHAHAHA!¡»

    Right after that gyrating noise, a commanding voice echoed inside the dome.

    And then Hayes vanished behind the door along with a callous laugh.

    ¡¸That damned low-life¡­¡­! Giving such command©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha gritted her teeth hard while groaning.

    Lux and also everyone else understood the meaning of that evil command.

    In the case that everyone there couldn¡¯t kill Philuffy and she killed everyone instead, then surely Philuffy too would suicide after that.

    It was Hayes¡¯s evil design that was anticipating until that far.

    ¡¸Nothing will begin even if we complained. Can the door to outside get opened?¡¹

    With a conflicted face Celis looked toward Krulcifer beside her.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let you, master. In any case, if I the Gear Leader don¡¯t cooperate, you all won¡¯t be able to get out from here.¡¹

    La Cruche stood in their way and she waved her finger lightly like a conductor baton.

    Instantly three Drag Rides came down before Lux¡¯s eyes along with a faint light.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Start On¡¹

    The three Wyvern deployed at the same time with La Cruche¡¯s shout.

    But, the Drag-Rides didn¡¯t have any human piloting it.

    In exchange there was strange puppet made from metal placed in them.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!? Puppet!? Something like unmanned Drag-Ride, I¡¯ve never even hea©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha raised a bewildered voice. At the same time those three Drag-Rides brandished a large blade and flew toward Lux.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who was wearing Wyvern immediately blocked with his blade.

    At the same time when the battle began, there was a small sound of blade being unsheathed from behind him.

    Philuffy was pulling out her short sword type Sword Device with shining pair of eyes.

    She readied the sword before her eyes and quickly spoke the passcode.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Activate. The star breaker, the end piercer, godslaying giant dragon. Release the fangs of a hundred head and kill the almighty, Typhoon.¡¹

    It was an empty and dark voice that was completely different from the usual Philuffy.

    And then, her face that was tinged with crazed delight gave fear to everyone there.

    Should they persuade her? Took shelter? Or restrained her?

    A huge violet dragon was summoned and connected to the summoner, snatching even the time to feel hesitation.

    Philuffy¡¯s golden pupils shined, red pattern was emerging on her skin. She took her stance while smiling.

    The selection members with Celis at the lead faced her from the front. Their expression tensed.

    ¡¸Celis-san¡­¡­, Philuffy is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I understand.¡¹

    Celis gave a small nod toward Relie¡¯s pleading. She then looked toward Krulcifer and others behind her.

    ¡¸Everyone! We will restrain her. Then as soon as we succeed doing that, we will reinforce Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    Lisha and others nodded wearing their Drag-Ride. At the same time Philuffy¡¯s Typhoon skated forward.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux moved to the position of the wall where Hayes vanished while fighting the three Drag-Rides.

    Fortunately the unmanned Drag-Rides weren¡¯t that strong.

    But, their movement pattern was clearly different from human. Their movement was hard to read.

    ¡¸How long you are planning to run away?¡¹

    La Cruche asked with a robotic tone that was unique to a puppet mixed with sadistic smile.

    Most likely she was controlling the Drag-Rides using her thought in place of pilot.

    ¡¸It looks like you are getting pushed back, but you still have composure. Are you not defeating them because you are waiting for the chance to bring down with certainty?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t answer La Cruche¡¯s question.

    If he got serious then he could destroy his opponent with Critical Hit, but if he did that there was the possibility that La Cruche would call for a fresh reinforcement.

    ¡¸I see, you are quite clever. You are pretending to avoid your opponent¡¯s attack continuously©¤©¤while aiming at me.¡¹

    Lux shook off the unmanned Drag-Rides. Then when he fixed his aim at La Cruche,

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, that¡¯s your fatal mistake.¡¹

    *bachi-¡­¡­!*

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Wyverns that he had completely dodged until now shined and accelerated.

    The three Drag-Rides made strange noise like creaking metal and they swung down their large sword.

    ¡¸Nii-san-!?¡¹

    When Airi¡¯s voice resounded at the surrounding, the blades from the three smashed the solid floor.

    ¡¸This movement©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux barely reacted and dodged, but he was amazed with the three Drag-Rides.

    Their driving force was clearly different from the performance of a normal Wyvern.

    Was that because they were controlled by La Cruche and not by human hand, no©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Did you misread? Or else, did you not understand? The true form of these Drag-Rides©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after that, light flickered and countless letters and images that looked like small window were floating around La Cruche.

    The three Wyverns were also tinged with light as though in alignment. The string of letters shined faintly orange and flowed from above to below in high speed.

    *bashun!* Countless frame parts changed construction and their lock was taken off.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lisha who saw that from distance raised an amazed voice. La Cruche muttered at that time.

    ¡¸Release all safety device. Maximum output©¤©¤<Over Limit(Limit Break)>¡¹

    Instantly, all the floating letter strings vanished and the three Wyverns shined.

    Bluish white beam of light wrapped around them like vapor, right after that,

    ¡¸Sayonara.¡¹

    The unmanned Wyverns La Cruche controlled broke the sound barrier.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    It was high speed movement that was incomparable with everything until now.

    Blades of large sword were swung down, surpassing every estimation of movement range limit.

    The dagger and barrier that Lux reflexively prepared were severed without difficulty, and his neck was assaulted.

    The slash that came flying with speed that naked eye couldn¡¯t follow was about to cut Lux¡¯s neck altogether with his barrier, it was then,

    *GIIN!* Lux repelled the slash with the blade his other hand was equipping.

    ¡¸Hee¡­¡­?¡¹

    *clang* A part of his armor that was cut diagonally fell on the floor.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux had instantly touched the handle of his Sword Device and activated Quick Draw.

    It was a hidden technique that used perfect alignment of body control operation and mind control operation to execute only a single action with godpseed.

    Lux used that technique reflexively, matched the sword and barely avoided direct hit to himself.

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing that you can avoid that. For someone to survive it at the first sight, it¡¯s the first in my memory.¡¹

    La Cruche smiled with an admiring voice.

    At that moment, fresh blood splattered from Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Lux-kun!¡¹

    Relie screamed. Lux¡¯s face grimaced a bit and he backed away.

    ¡¸Lux. Are you okay©¤©¤!? Uah!?¡¹

    Lisha who was wearing Tiamat was caught by the Pile Anchor that Typhoon fired from the side and she was sent flying.

    Celis, Lisha, Krulcifer, and the Triad, a total of six Drag-Knights were facing Philuffy simultaneously. And yet Philuffy was more than a match against them.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Let¡¯s give her a shock temporarily to dispel her Drag-Ride, then subdue her!¡¹

    Celis who saw their unfavorable situation gave instruction to everyone.

    They held back their attack in consideration to Philuffy¡¯s body, but such leeway was gone.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll start.¡¹

    Krulcifer nodded in response, immediately after that she flew her Fafnir and moved above Typhoon.

    Originally she was more suited to support from long range with precision sniping in conjunction with her comrade¡¯s cooperation, but she dared instead to approach near in order to read the movement of Philuffy who was controlling her Drag-Ride peculiarly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood(Wisdom of Fortune Calamity)¡¹

    She activated the Divine Raiment that Fafnir possessed.

    With the ability of future prediction activated, she looked for an opening at Typhoon.

    At the same time Lisha flew high above and activated the Divine Raiment of gravity load, Suppressor(Heavenly Voice).

    Then at the end Celis activated Divine Gate(Ruler¡¯s Sanctuary) and instantly took the stance to shift into offence, it was at that moment,

    ¡¸©¤©¤<Missing Faith(Fruit of Heartlessness)>¡¹

    Philuffy whispered with shining golden pupils.

    Right after that, the whole body of Typhoon shined faintly and its Divine Raiment activated.

    *GAUuuUUUUUNN!*

    Instantly jet black wave motion was generated with Typhoon at the center, spreading outward in spherical shape.

    The three girls put up their guard thinking that it might be a type of shockwave. When the wave reached them, the gravity load of Suppressor disappeared.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Too, slow.¡¹

    Not letting go of the opening when Lisha¡¯s body stiffened from surprise, Philuffy fired Pile Anchor from the ground. The tip that was modeled after the jaw of a large snake snapped at the right arm part. Typhoon then ran in high speed on the floor and pulled at Tiamat before throwing I toward the wall.

    The aim of the throw was toward Krulcifer who was also midair.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was aiming to snipe with her special armament, the gun of freezing bullet©¤©¤Freezing Cannon(Frozen Breath Projectile), couldn¡¯t evade Tiamat that was approaching before her eyes.

    ¡¸Why, do my foresight vanish©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The two Drag-Rides collided before she could grasp the answer and they were sent flying to the back.

    ¡¸Why is this¡­¡­. My Divine Gate¡¯s teleport barrier is¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment could do instant teleportation within a fixed distance.

    A domain of light was deployed in order to create that teleportation range. That light was now dispersed without any trace behind.

    Celis used her lance to barely blocked the huge arm of Typhoon that was sent toward her©¤©¤but, the electric attack that should be dealt to the enemy wasn¡¯t generated for some reason.

    ¡¸Lindwurm¡¯s output is falling drastically. Don¡¯t tell me, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Be careful! Philuffy right now can use Typhoon¡¯s Divine Raiment! It neutralize the Divine Raiment of other Drag-Ride and also lower their performance©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Everyone who heard Relie¡¯s voice was shaken and nervous.

    Until now Philuffy had never used Typhoon¡¯s Divine Raiment that was called Missing Faith in real battle.

    The reason was because of the problem of concentration and burden.

    Because Philuffy was performing a special movement that was called martial art using Drag Ride, the majority of her concentration was poured into Drag-Ride control.

    Therefore, if she used her Divine Raiment that demanded powerful concentration at the same time, the burden would be too large for her and her Drag-Ride would rampage.

    That was why, she was unable to use it skillfully and she also had no intention of using it in real battle in the future.

    According to Relie that was what Philuffy told her.

    That was why until now no one had witnessed the might of that Divine Raiment that ought to be called as anti Divine Drag-Ride specialist, but,

    ¡¸So this is, because of the Abyss¡¯s power¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha muttered along with a bitter expression.

    Even Philuffy¡¯s brain function was improved by the strengthening of Yggdrasil¡¯s Ratatoskr.

    Philuffy became able to use her Divine Raiment must be because of that.

    ¡¸At this rate, we won¡¯t have any chance of victory¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct who was guarding Airi and Relie using her Drake whispered in a daze, it was then Airi slowly put her horn flute inside her pocket.

    In exchange she took out a pocket watch and watched its second hand as though praying. It was then the door at the inner part opened.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, so it¡¯s still not over yet here. Troublesome.¡¹

    Hayes who was showing a fearless smile slowly stepped out from inside.

    Most likely she had already finished with what she was doing at the innermost room.

    ¡¸I also want to play around a bit more, but it¡¯s not like I got a lot of free time. I also finished using Grand Force, I gotta go soon. I¡¯ll give the command to that woman through Yggdrasil to strengthen her until she become ash!¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it! Please!¡¹

    Relie yelled when she saw Hayes taking out her horn flute once more.

    Hayes who saw that responded with a wide smile.

    ¡¸Now, get serious monster! Fight until you die, make those guys©¤©¤!¡¹

    The thinly smiling Hayes¡¯s face stiffened.

    ¡¸Lord(Creator)-sama!¡¹

    The moment La Cruche raised her voice in panic, a Pile Anchor was fired from Typhoon with speed like bullet.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    Because there was quite a distance in between, Hayes managed to dodge in a hair¡¯s breadth.

    But,

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­!¡¹

    *PAKIIN!*

    The Origin Variety horn flute in Hayes¡¯s hand was smashed apart and golden fragments danced in the air.

    High-pitched sound resounded inside the dome and time stopped for just a few second.

    ¡¸U, aa¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Right after that, Philuffy¡¯s eyes suddenly closed and the red pattern vanished from her whole body.

    And then Typhoon¡¯s armor was dispelled and she collapsed limply on the ground.

    ¡¸Philuffy¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Relie who ran close to her caught her body firmly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What¡¯s this!? How could she go against the order Yggdrasil gave©¤©¤¡¹

    Smile vanished from the face of Hayes who saw that.

    When Lux turned his face toward that voice with bottomless darkness and cold anger,

    ¡¸It¡¯s something like this.¡¹

    Some distance away Airi held up the horn flute she held.

    The horn flute possessed by the captain of the rebel army¡¯s leader Velvet and later on was managed by the academy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How do you son of a bitch know how to use that?¡¹

    Airi faltered for a moment when a gaze filled with hatred was directed toward her.

    But, the Triad members stood in front of her to protect her, so Airi tightened her expression.

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t notice? Something like your stupid scheme, it had been seen through by us©¤©¤by Nii-san right from the beginning.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hayes smiled once more in response to Airi¡¯s resolute expression and voice.

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­, so it was seen through. By temporarily erasing the command given by Abyss or Ragnarok using the horn flute©¤©¤¡¹

    The effect of the flute that controlled Abyss only worked within a certain time after its user played it.

    They confirmed the sound of the horn flute repeatedly when Abyss attacked was because of that.

    If the horn flute could put Abyss under human¡¯s control permanently after playing it one time, they wouldn¡¯t hear the flute¡¯s sound that often from nearby.

    As for the way to use the flute, Airi deciphered the ancient text from the Ruin of the Garden that Krulcifer opened, and when they came to this Ruin, Airi had tested it several times.

    Therefore, it could be predicted that even the ¡ºcommand¡» given to Philuffy would wear off as time went on.

    Hayes was purposefully trying to play the horn flute once more was because of that.

    Therefore, Airi took advantage of that opening where the command had cut off, played the flute in between the battle, and gave Philuffy a new command. That was the instruction that Lux gave to her.

    The command was ¡ºDispel your armor and fall asleep¡».

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon that devour the gods¡¯ flesh and blood. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut!¡¹

    When Hayes was taken by surprise, La Cruche turned the three Wyverns into defense in order to protect her lord Hayes. Lux switched Drag-Ride in that moment.

    Lux who was clad in the violent black dragon that was the symbol of destruction rushed in a counterattack and divided apart the three Wyverns right away.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s only you and that piece of junk puppet left. Are you prepared?¡¹

    Lisha who had rallied herself and landed down pointed her Sword Device toward the two.

    ¡¸I guess. It looks like you possess a strange authority in this Ruin, but the distance is too far to run away from here to outside. ©¤©¤You¡¯ve dug your own grave here.¡¹

    Krulcifer also landed quietly from behind.

    ¡¸It¡¯s over already for you. If you surrender we¡¯ll at least guarantee your life. There¡¯ll be no mercy if you refuse. We¡¯ll execute you here together with that Automata too. This is your last warning©¤©¤arms dealer Hayes.¡¹

    At the end Celis pointed the tip of her lance to Hayes and declared so.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuh. Fufufufufufu¡¹

    Surrounded by Syvalles, a small voice leaked out from the mouth of the looking down Hayes.

    It wasn¡¯t her usual foul-mouthed tone that sounded like a man, but the voice that was appropriate for a girl her age.

    Dark shadow dwelled around Hayes¡¯s eyes and her expression changed.

    And then, her hand took a small gem that was inside the broken horn flute and she lifted her face.

    ¡¸The last warning you say? So you haven¡¯t notice yet, these fools.¡¹

    Instantly, the Dome¡¯s ceiling cracked.

    ¡¸The one who fell into trap©¤©¤is you all.¡¹

    And then, a strange giant tree with dark red veins running on its surface fell down from the ceiling.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, this thing is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸One of the Ragnarok, Yggdrasil¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Ragnarok that was the main culprit who tormented Philuffy following Hayes¡¯s order.

    That thing appeared as though to blanket the vast dome.

    ¡¸It¡¯s true that I cannot give out any new order to that woman. ©¤©¤But, as long as I¡¯m holding the gem of the horn flute that was played last, this Ragnarok will protect the owner and destroy the enemy standing against it.¡¹

    Thick tree trunk with skull-like shadow on its surface was supported by countless roots creeping on the ground, it adjusted its stance like a single animal and roared.

    EEEeEEeeEEEAOOooOooOOOOO!

    A thunderous roar that human language couldn¡¯t comprehend shook the atmosphere like an electric shock.

    ¡¸Kuh! Shut up, this©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lisha immediately flew, and the moment she swung her Sword Device, ©¤©¤a flexible branch flew toward her like a whip.

    ¡¸Ku, ah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It sent flying the Legions Lisha were controlling and hit Tiamat several times.

    Tiamat was blown away along with its barrier that should possess tough endurance.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!?¡¹

    The moment Lux called out, the giant tree trunk creaked and countless holes opened on it.

    What showed up from those holes were countless gun muzzles.

    They were tinged with the light of Cannon(Drag-Ride Breath Gun) that was Drag-Ride¡¯s equipment and fired all at once.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    When Lux barely evaded them, blades grew from countless tips of branches and they were tinged with the same light like Blade(Drag-Ride Fang Sword) and attacked him further.

    Lux used his large sword to sever the tentacles and blades that moved with speed his eyes couldn¡¯t even follow.

    Although he barely managed to at least defend against direct hit, he was pushed back by the force and then he got thrown backward.

    The slashes of the blades that were filled with energy would deal lethal wound if he mistaken how to block them.

    The advantage of that being the only weapon that could win against Abyss was now possessed by the enemy too.

    ¡¸How can a Ragnarok, use Drag-Ride¡¯s armament©¤©¤¡¹

    After Krulcifer whispered in amazement, Hayes¡¯s ridiculing laugh resounded.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll teach you something good. Yggdrasil¡¯s basic ability is controlling and strengthening through its parasite. It works at both organic and inorganic matter. I made it ate several dozen general-purpose Drag-Rides and armaments. In other words©¤©¤you get it already?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and others were at lost for words, at the same time that tree trunk and branches moved, and they could see countless iron lump wriggling from inside the dark red surface.

    It wasn¡¯t just a merely powerful monster.

    This main body of Yggdrasil was able to incorporate all Drag-Ride¡¯s ability and armament and controlled them like its own limbs.

    What¡¯s more, it controlled them with the number and power several dozen times that of a normal Drag-Ride.

    When Krulcifer fired the bullet of light of her Rifle(Sniping Dragon Gun), barrier emerged instantly from its surface and repelled the bullet.

    ¡¸Looks like it¡¯s also meaningless to simply aim and shot it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s futile! The attack of the likes of you all won¡¯t work against this guy!¡¹

    Yggdrasil moved at the same time with Hayes¡¯s insult.

    The air at the surrounding whirled and a tremendous shockwave burst out.

    Howling Howl.

    Perhaps because the number of Force Core that generated the shockwave was off by a digit, it caused a storm that swept over not just its surrounding but the whole room.

    Several hundred Daggers grew from the tip of its branches like leaves and poured down like rain to further strike everyone who lost their balance.

    A mortal combat against Yggdrasil that had been turned into Drag-Ride fortress began.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a terrifying opponent. But©¤©¤! We cannot lose!¡¹

    Celis didn¡¯t even flinch against the difference in strength that was despairing even from a glance and she raised up her spirit.

    Following after her who took the role as vanguard, Lisha and Krulcifer also threw their body into the battlefield.

    Against the overwhelming number of attack and might of Ragnarok that was said to be able to destroy even a small country, the girls were devoting themselves to defensive evasion for a while.

    ¡¸So this is Ragnarok, I thought that it¡¯s unbeatable unless we use the whole force of the new kingdom but©¤©¤it¡¯s a total disappointment!¡¹

    After a few minutes passed, the flow of battle suddenly began to change.

    Lisha who was starting to grasp the enemy¡¯s movement gradually controlled her Legions, while conversely she dodged the whipping branches the enemy stretched out and the armaments it fired.

    The moment she finally entered the enemy¡¯s space, she activated her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸Prostrate under the name of god! Suppressor!¡¹

    The moment Lisha pointed at the grotesque giant tree with her Sword Device, a wide range gravitational field was generated and the trunk creaked.

    Her objective wasn¡¯t just to seal the enemy¡¯s movement, she put super heavy pressure on it aiming to flatten it.

    Countless branches made sound and snapped off, while the many armaments loaded inside the trunk were creaking.

    ¡¸GU, OooOOOOOOoOOOOH!¡¹

    Yggdrasil raised a roar that sounded like scream.

    But, there wasn¡¯t any sign that the essential part, the trunk would also snap.

    ¡¸Do you think you can kill Yggdrasil with just that much?¡¹

    Hayes that was inside a cage made from countless branches muttered mockingly.

    But,

    ¡¸Naturally, no one here think so.¡¹

    Krulcifer answered while at the same time she pulled the trigger of her Freezing Cannon.

    ¡¸The endurance contest is starting from here you know?¡¹

    Her aim was the countless Force Cores that moved the great amount of armaments loaded inside its trunk and branches.

    She froze every part where Force Core was loaded, then used normal bullet of light to shot through them one after another, destroying them.

    That amazing accuracy and speed caused splinters to scatter in succession.

    Due to the Force Cores¡¯ destruction, Yggdrasil¡¯s main method of offense was drastically reduced.

    The remained offense method for it was hitting or stabbing with its branches, and also using the horn growing from the skull on its trunk part.

    ¡¸With this we finally©¤©¤can attack at the main body¡¯s core.¡¹

    Celis muttered. She evaded the branches that stretched toward her in counterattack using Divine Gate and teleported right before Yggdrasil.

    ¡¸You made light of human, Ragnarok.¡¹

    And then, she fired the light bullet of wide range bombing, <Starlight Zero>.

    ¡¸oooOOOAAA!¡¹

    After a few second, light and shockwave burst out inside Yggdrasil¡¯s mouth.

    Even the dome shook. When the violent explosion blast stopped, there was Yggdrasil that snapped from its burnt black trunk there.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. We somehow defeated it¡­¡­. However, this kind of disgusting flesh tree cannot even become replacement for firewood.¡¹

    Lisha let out a breath in relieve. Seeing the burnt black Yggdrasil, she came down.

    But, Celis and Krulcifer didn¡¯t let down their guard.

    ¡¸It¡¯s still too fast to relax your attention. We have weakened it, but we cannot be relieved until we confirmed the destruction of its core. Without delay©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯ll foresight the enemy¡¯s movement one more time, so for now let¡¯s deal additional©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis readied her lance, and in respond Krulcifer put her hand on the armor part of her head, it was then,

    ¡¸Aa©¤a, it¡¯s boring.¡¹

    The despondent voice of Hayes echoed inside the dome.

    ¡¸Even though I thought that you guys will let your guard down and got done in instantly.¡¹

    *GOO-!*

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    At the same time with Hayes¡¯s whisper, new branch extended out from inside the burnt trunk with speed that eye couldn¡¯t even follow.

    Fafnir avoided getting pierced in a hair¡¯s breadth, but several other branches that came after that hit Fafnir hard and knocked it down.

    ¡¸Krulcifer! Kuh¡­¡­this thing!¡¹

    ¡¸Lizsharte. The gravity load!¡¹

    ¡¸I know even without you telling me! Suppressor!¡¹

    Urged by Celis, Lisha attempted to stop Yggdrasil¡¯s movement with gravitational field at maximum output once more. But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸What-!?¡¹

    The countless branches that were snapped before this now endured with only bending lightly from the gravity effect. Then they sent Lisha¡¯s Tiamat flying.

    Without pause she collided on the wall at the back. At that moment Celis deployed Divine Gate and circled at Yggdrasil¡¯s back.

    Right after she carried out the instantaneous teleportation, she stabbed her lance with the shortest motion©¤©¤but, it was as though her movement had been predicted, a whipping branch quickly flew and struck Lindwurm hard.

    ¡¸Ku, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The flow of battle completely changed for the three. After their offensive, they were now struck down in the blink of eye.

    Krulcifer only barely managed to stand up. She fired the branches¡¯ joint with her Freezing Cannon, but the spot she fired at only scattered ice beads at the surrounding and didn¡¯t freeze.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t freeze¡­¡­!? Why!? Before this it certainly©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who rallied herself passed through beside the shaken Krulcifer and let her Legion flew.

    All the bullets that the Legions fired without aiming were flicked off by the countless branches without difficulty.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? ©¤©¤It¡¯s not just the Divine Raiment! Even special armament also become ineffective¡­¡­! Don¡¯t tell me, this thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Everyone there who saw that sight felt shuddering sensation, it was then,

    ¡¸Hahahaha! Thanks a lot you guys. It¡¯s just as planned©¤©¤you guys made Yggdrasil strong for me.¡¹

    The high-pitched loud laughter came from Hayes who was watching the battle.

    ¡¸Defeating Ragnarok you said? Don¡¯t tell me that you guys seriously thought that its ability is just high-speed regeneration and parasitic ability?¡¹

    Hayes laughed while toying with the jewel inside her hand.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll tell you something good. The greatest ability that is only possessed by Yggdrasil¡¯s main body is ¡ºhigh-speed reinforcement¡». If it get attacked it will prepare resistance against that attack, it will also surpass the opponent in speed and power. It will evolve in the middle of battle and become strong endlessly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone trembled with fear hearing that terrifying declaration.

    ¡¸Well, although I said that, it has limit more or less. Even though it can regenerate and reinforce itself, it will be over for it if its life force runs out, but unfortunately it won¡¯t turn out like that no matter how many attack it received. The reason is©¤©¤I already made it devour several hundred Abysses in this Ruin¡¯s manufacture area for its life force stock.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Don¡¯t tell me, there was almost no Abyss coming out in this Ruin until midway was because©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis stood up and whispered with trembling voice.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. I used the usable facility of the manufacture area and devoted myself in storing life force for Yggdrasil. I overlooked you bunches of insipid girls until you arrived here was also all for the preparation period for this.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re really loose lipped for someone who introduced herself as Heiburg¡¯s strategist.¡¹

    Krulcifer stood up and sent a cold gaze at Hayes.

    ¡¸You will regret it if you get cocky and talk too much you know? When you lose that is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What enviable people. Not knowing anything is really happiness.¡¹

    Hayes snorted in response to Krulcifer¡¯s words and shrugged.

    ¡¸You guys already lost by the time you came here and fell into my plan! But, do your best to fight back! And then become food for Yggdrasil!¡¹

    The giant tree began to move once more along with the declaration.

    Lisha and others also desperately fought back, but their every single move was surpassed.

    And then©¤©¤, finally Tiamat¡¯s armor was dispelled because of excessive damage.

    ¡¸U, aa¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama-!?¡¹

    Lux repelled the countless stretching branches while rushing toward Lisha¡¯s side.

    He held her body and retreated to the rear.

    He lowered down Lisha who was breathing hard from exhaustion. At the same time Lux spoke.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. Please let me use it. The other power hidden inside Bahamut©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, must not. It¡¯s dangerous to use that right now! We haven¡¯t test it yet using Bahamut, and you are too exhausted already. If you force yourself here, you¡¯ll©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please. We cannot lose here. I don¡¯t want it to turn out like that day five years ago again!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That day five years ago©¤©¤.

    The last day when the old kingdom perished and the palace fell.

    Was Lisha also thinking back about that too?

    ¡¸I¡¯ll have to send the code from my Chimeratech Wyrm to you. Also, hold out for a minute. If you do that, I¡¯ll sent it to you for sure.¡¹

    Saying that, Lisha pulled out two Sword Devices.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, return back properly! Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I promise.¡¹

    Right after telling her that, Lux stood in front of Yggdrasil¡¯s way.

    The remaining members were already wounded all over, they couldn¡¯t even fight.

    ¡¸Now, you¡¯ve resolved yourself right, false prince.¡¹

    Hayes displayed a wicked smile. At that moment, dark red branches approached with speed several times faster than before.

    But, from an inescapable situation, Lux¡¯s Bahamut cut the branches with speed that surpassed it.

    One of the three hidden techniques, Quick Draw.

    Lux let out a single flash with certainty, but against this powerful monster as the opponent, it couldn¡¯t hope to inflict a lethal wound.

    (Then first©¤©¤I¡¯ll expose its core!)

    Lux slipped through the countless branches flying about and approached the main body that was the trunk.

    At the same time, the right arm of the Drag-Ride that was holding a large sword began to make a strange sound.

    It was a gyrating sound of creaking metal. In order to block Lux¡¯s path, several branches formed a defensive wall that looked like a spider¡¯s wed. Then a single flash exploded out.

    Recoil Burst.

    It was the hidden technique that used both body control operation and mind control operation, by controlling them in opposite to each other instead of harmonizing them, it caused an intentional rampage.

    The single attack that obtained the might of several dozen times a normal slash had broke apart countless branches, and gouged a large scar on the trunk.

    (Did I do it? But, not yet©¤©¤)

    Although the giant tree was shaved, but it didn¡¯t reach so far that its core was exposed.

    The burden from using Recoil Burst was great, but he could only gamble here.

    Lux didn¡¯t let the chance to win escape and launched the finishing attack.

    He swung his large sword, erased the opening that should have resulted when his action ended, and persisted to shower the enemy with rain of slashes one after another without pause.

    Infinitely continuing consecutive attack, End Action(Perpetual Links).

    He shook off the burden and fatigue that was gradually piling up in him and attempted to make his blade reached the core, it was then,

    *GAKIN-!*

    Such metallic sound echoed. Yggdrasil repelled the blade of the large sword he swung down.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment the slash that he was about to unleash was stopped, Lux got hit consecutively by whip of branch and got blown away.

    ¡¸Why!? Even though it shouldn¡¯t have been given time to even regenerate©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis yelled from behind.Hayes laughed loudly to that.

    ¡¸Idiot! You thought that Yggdrasil will croak just from a few hundred of slash!? This monster can evolve even while getting attacked! With this, your specialty hidden techniques whatever are all used up!¡¹

    Hayes who laughed scornfully got out from in the middle of the branches surrounding her and yelled.

    ¡¸This is the end! You damn shitty prince pretending to be hero. I¡¯ll send those bunches idolizing you to death altogether©¤©¤I¡¯ll also destroy the new kingdom that you wished for. Anything and everything is all your fault! No matter how much you bluff and enumerate your ideal, in the end you cannot save anything. HAHAHAHAHAHA!¡¹

    Lux was inside the darkness.

    His surrounding was covered with countless dark red branches. His Drag-Ride was slowly constricted to smash it.

    Yggdrasil was already surpassing the full power of Bahamut.

    A sudden fatigue assaulted his whole body, it felt like his blood had become like mud.

    Cold despair was invading Lux¡¯s thought and heart.

    In order to oppose the fate that was the old empire¡¯s rule and accomplished his duty as a prince, he fought desperately.

    (Even so, was it impossible no matter how much I did my best¡­¡­. From the start I©¤©¤)

    ¡ºSomeone who wasn¡¯t loved by anyone, will try to be loved ny anyone.¡»

    It was true.

    He had no power or position to move the country.

    He knew that he couldn¡¯t do anything, even so he wished to protect what was important for him and he began to fight that day.

    The girl who he wanted to protect even at the cost of his life was snatched from him, the country that he tried to change followed the path of ruin.

    Even though it would be fine as long as his important people were safe even if he had to use up his life.

    (¡­¡­I, couldn¡¯t save anything)

    Lux thought that something like Black Hero was just a terrible irony.

    He was merely scared.

    He was scared that he would lose his important people, he was also scared that the people would turn into his enemy.

    He feared, and feared.

    He tried to fight that mighty empire.

    He tried to accomplish his duty as a prince.

    He was putting on so much effort that his body might break apart.

    All of those, he was fighting only for the sake of continuing to run away from the malice haunting his heart.

    It was just as she, Hayes said, surely©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s, not it.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Inside his fading consciousness, he could hear a girl¡¯s voice.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t decide, about Lu-chan, when you don¡¯t know anything.¡¹

    It was a familiar voice. From a glance that voice sounded indifferent, however it was a straightforward voice, with strong will in it.

    Inside the sleepiness where he didn¡¯t understand if he was even awake or living.

    From the gaps of the branches enveloping him, he could see the girl¡¯s figure.

    She had only just waken up, her breathing was also feeble, even so Philuffy gazed at Hayes at the opposite side and stood up.

    ¡¸Because, I know. Even though Lu-chan is hurt, he tried to change this country. I know that. Even now he wants to know the feeling of everyone in the country, so he did many odd jobs. I also know that.¡¹

    And then, she continued to speak as though to talk to Lux inside the darkness.

    ¡¸I know everything, that¡¯s why fight. Not for anyone else. But for the sake, of the wish Lu-chan desire©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Instantly Lux was liberated from the sleepiness and he tightly gripped Bahamut¡¯s controller.

    At the same time a dragon voice from Lisha¡¯s Chimeratech Wyrm was sent to him.

    ¡ºLux! Can you hear me!? I sent you the procedure to release the Drag-Ride¡¯s limit! Use it! The Over Limit!¡»

    Instantly Lux¡¯s consciousness was detached from the real world and blacked out.

    It was a world that enumerated strange numbers and letters where there were only him and his Drag-Ride in existence.

    A scenery that Lux should have never seen before was occupying his field of vision.

    ©¤©¤No, that¡¯s not it.

    The release code that Lisha sent to him.

    He certainly remembered, that release method.

    His thought ran off by its own and overtook his self from the past up to the present.

    If he remembered right, this was©¤©¤.

    ¡ºLux! What¡¯s wrong!? That¡¯s, what in the world©¤©¤¡»

    When he woke up in response to Lisha¡¯s yell, light was floating at Bahamut¡¯s surrounding.

    All the code for the safety measure and output restriction emerged and warning signals were displayed one after another.

    Originally, the utmost concentration in addition of training for the sake to remember the complicated procedure was needed to run the release code.

    It was now unfolding with abnormal speed with surpassed the time when Lisha was doing it before.

    He had already seen several times the release procedure where this should be his first time doing it.

    Before La Cruche used the procedure of full release that ignored the burden limit because the user Drag-Knight was puppet. Now Lux carried out the steps of that same procedure in high speed.

    The mechanism of ability restriction that was used to protect the Drag-Knight, he released them all until the last one without leaving a single one.

    ¡¸This is, what I showed just now. The procedure of maximum release of Over Limit©¤©¤. Don¡¯t tell me, you remembered that!? From in the middle of the battle just now!?¡¹

    While La Cruche raised a shocked voice, even more letters and graphics made of light were unfolding.

    They increased in number with accelerating speed, and the moment all the enumeration vanished, the suspended Bahamut activated.

    ¡¸Impossible©¤©¤!? How can, this guy¡­¡­!¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s expression twitched and her eyes snapped wide open.

    That instant, light flashed and along with it, the branches covering Lux burst out and a transformation started.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Over Limit ¨C On¡¹

    Right after Lux whispered, light particles gathered at the surrounding in high speed, and additional summon was executed on the armor that was emitting ominous luster.

    In the blink of eye, new pair of wings and various parts connected and the shape of huge dragon changed.

    Both arms were attached with cartridge that was for high output flying mechanism and increasing the offense of the blade.

    The dragon figure that expressed majesty uncovered its tyrannical true nature and accomplished transformation into a fiendish form that was specialized for offense.

    ¡¸This is, Bahamut¡¯s¡­¡­Over Limit.¡¹

    The moment everyone there including Lisha held their breath, red light burst up from under Bahamut¡¯s legs.

    ¡¸OOOOOoOOOOOOOOOoooooOOOOO¡¹

    Yggdrasil roared as though responding to the appearance of a formidable enemy and attacked.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! Be careful©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer yelled when she saw dark red tentacle branches stretching out in countless number.

    The great number of branches that had regenerated many times©¤©¤were strengthened and endowed with steel-like endurance.

    However,

    *ZAGUU-¡­¡­!*

    Jet black slash line that split the space vertically instantly severed all those.

    It was a single strike that didn¡¯t even use the Divine Raiment Reload on Fire or the hidden technique of Drag-Ride control.

    Despite that, it could be confirmed from what just happened that the attack was endowed with both heaviness and speed that was incomparable from before.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What the?¡¹

    Hayes reflexively frowned seeing that hard to believe sight, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Prepare yourself, Hayes.¡¹

    Lux who was wearing the awakened state of Bahamut proclaimed quietly.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t, forgive you.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t a threat or even recommendation to surrender.

    Those eyes that were clad in bottomless coldness were directed to her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fu¡¹

    Hayes almost flinched from that chilly pressure that was completely different from the usual Lux, but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Just try it! You lowly false prince!¡¹

    Her expression immediately turned furious and she tightly grasped the gem inside her hand.

    Due to its special characteristic of protecting the master that blew the horn, Yggdrasil¡¯s branches that were covering Hayes to protect her increased further, forming a solid protective wall.

    At the same time Bahamut was clad in flickering light that looked like flame and flew.

    ¡¸ooOOooOOOOooOOOoOOOOOO¡­¡­!¡¹

    Yggdrasil roared with the appearance of a formidable enemy and met the huge dragon.

    It created sharp spear tips with its branches to skewer the enemy.

    It created branches with hammer-like tips to crush the enemy.

    It opened its branches up and down like a beast¡¯s jaw and sent it forward to bite the enemy dead.

    Devilish branches were set forth, covering the whole field of vision.

    The jet black streak ran every which way, dodging and cutting everything.

    Finally Yggdrasil¡¯s main body, the trunk that had skull pattern on its surface had countless wounds carved on it.

    The full strength of Yggdrasil that had grown until it surpassed even Divine Drag-Ride was being completely excelled by Lux and Bahamut.

    ¡¸What power¡­¡­. Perhaps, if it¡¯s with this©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis was looking for an opening while whispering toward that terrifying offense and defense that was beyond human understanding.

    The great number of Yggdrasil¡¯s branches were rapidly diminishing and at this rate it seemed possible to overcome the Ragnarok.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *BASHIIN!*

    The giant flesh tree that had its branches severed and its trunk pierced many times was starting to react gradually.

    Although it still couldn¡¯t land a direct hit at Bahamut, but it wa starting to follow Bahamut¡¯s movement, what¡¯s more it was even scraping off Bahamut¡¯s reinforced barrier.

    ¡¸Fuh, fufufu¡­¡­what¡¯s the matter false prince? You are finished getting cocky already!?¡¹

    ¡¸Is it impossible even with that Bahamut¡­¡­¡¹

    Every aspect of Yggdrasil was starting to surpass Bahamut as though to make Lisha¡¯s words a reality.

    ¡¸I told you already that you cannot win against this guy! Even if you use the awakened state of Drag-Ride, its power would be several times the normal Drag-Ride at best. It doesn¡¯t have the power to finish with one blow my Yggdrasil©¤©¤the monster that has eaten several hundred Abysses. Thanks a lot false prince. For making my Yggdrasil©¤©¤into the strongest.¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s loud laughter resounded in the area.

    ¡¸This is, already¡­¡­!¡¹

    Everyone, including Tillfur was starting to let out air of pessimism.

    Even the power of Bahamut that used Over Limit was being overwhelmed in attack speed.

    They were already unable to even make a dent on the enemy no matter how hard they struggle with the battle strength they currently had in hand.

    Something like a method to defeat the Ragnarok before them, it existed ©¤©¤nowhere.

    While everyone present lost their voice in despair, only Lux kept focusing on the enemy before his eyes without even a single twitch in his eyebrow.

    ¡¸Now! Get smashed into pieces and fall! You weakest ruined prince!¡¹

    Yggdrasil¡¯s trunk creaked at the same time with Hayes¡¯s bellow and the skull at the center opened its mouth gaping wide.

    Silver horn grew from inside its mouth.

    The greatest attack lengthening out with high speed was about to pierce Lux¡¯s Bahamut, it was at that moment fierce red light rose up like flame pillar from that jet black armor.

    ¡¸Reload on Fire.¡¹

    ¡¸Dumbass! Don¡¯t you get it that it¡¯s pointless!? It¡¯s useless no matter how strong you try to become! With your strength, defeating this Ragnarok is absolutely©¤©¤impossible!¡¹

    The moment the two sides crossed, Lux whispered with cool-headed glint reflected in his eyes.

    ¡¸Hayes, you said, just try it right?¡¹

    Yggdrasil¡¯s horn©¤©¤the tip that was generating shockwave hit Lux¡¯s large sword.

    Impact that was incomparable with everything from before burst out and Lux¡¯s body should be blown away©¤©¤but.

    *BIKIiiiII-!*

    The thrusting horn instantly snapped, then immediately after, cracks ran through Yggdrasil¡¯s whole body.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Hayes raised a bewildered voice, at the same time Lux swung his large sword through.

    ¡¸I absolutely©¤©¤won¡¯t hand Philuffy to you. No matter how weak I am, never again.¡¹

    The created cracks increased in size and number with accelerating speed and the trunk was smashed up into pieces.

    The giant flesh tree Ragnarok©¤©¤Yggdrasil crumbled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ho, how!? How, is my Yggdrasil¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hayes who lost the barrier of branch protecting herself whispered dumbfounded.

    ¡¸That guy¡¯s life force should still be all right! It doesn¡¯t matter even if the opponent is a Divine Drag-Ride that is usuing Over Limit, it shouldn¡¯t pose any problem at all! My plan should be perfect! And yet©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux was standing in front of the yelling Hayes who couldn¡¯t hide her shaken mind and he pointed his sword at her.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t move, Hayes.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hayes stiffened from receiving Lux¡¯s cold gaze that was lacking in emotion.

    Hayes gritted her teeth hard, even so she showed a fearless smile and her hand was about to grasp the gem in her hand even tighter, it was then.

    *zashu-!*

    ¡¸Gu, aGAAAaH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s sword quickly moved and destroyed the horn flute¡¯s gem inside that hand.

    ¡¸You, bastard-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Hayes whose right hand was slashed glared at Lux with hatred-filled eyes. It was at that timing©¤©¤,

    ¡¸We are retreating, your highness.¡¹(TN: In the raw, it¡¯s your highness the imperial princess. It¡¯s too long so I shorten it)

    That moment, a calm voice came down inside the dome.

    The ceiling of the dome where the destroyed Yggdrasil was at.

    From there two people, a male and a female came down and stood in the way of Lux and others.

    ¡¸Fugil¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Uh oh, I don¡¯t have any intention to quarrel with you. Your body is already at its limit already anyway. If you force yourself more than that, you¡¯re going to die for real you know?¡¹

    Fugil also took out his Sword Device and took a stance as though to hold back Lux who was readying his Blade.

    The strange scene from when Lux met Fugil before was brought back in Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸Wait Fugil! It¡¯s still not over yet! My subordinates are standing by nearby! This time for sure©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless, Hayes.¡¹

    Fugil returned a fearless smile toward Hayes whose face contorted in rage.

    ¡¸You cannot defeat him. It looks like you don¡¯t even notice why that guy intentionally strengthened Yggdrasil huh©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wh, at¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s expression twitched hearing Fugil¡¯s words and she raised a stifled voice.

    ¡¸A Ragnarok that devoured more than a hundred Abysses¡¯ life cannot be defeated by a Drag-Knight¡¯s strength no matter who. ©¤©¤That¡¯s why that guy made use of the ability and attack of none other than the Ragnarok itself, using that sword technique to receive the enemy¡¯s attack and reflect it back.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The special move that seized the starting point of enemy¡¯s attack, and then countered by returning back that attack strength as it was©¤©¤Critical Hit.

    Lux held back from using that technique in this battle so that Yggdrasil wouldn¡¯t adapt against it, his last technique.

    ¡¸Bu, but, even if he reflect Yggdrasil¡¯s attack back to itself, there was no way it could get done in just by©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. But, it¡¯s a different story if that Yggdrasil¡¯s attack power was magnified until nearly a hundred fold. He used Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment that was extremely reinforced by using Over Limit see.¡¹

    Yes©¤©¤.

    That was Lux¡¯s aim.

    Even the performance of Reload on Fire that was a Divine Raiment of compression reinforcement, because of Over Limit, it was strengthened to the degree that it was able to amplify an attack¡¯s original might until nearly a hundred times.

    The attack power of the Ragnarok that Lux raised up until now, and even the Over Limit at the end, everything was the groundwork for this.

    For the sake of destroying the strongest Abyss that no one could win against using its own strength©¤©¤.

    ¡¸So you see Hayes, it¡¯s impossible. No matter what, something like a person who doesn¡¯t fear an enemy that is getting stronger endlessly©¤©¤something like a person who doesn¡¯t hold any fear whatsoever in planning to actually make use of that strength to strike back at such enemy, there is no way such person exist. Except this terrifying weakest enemy in front of you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil averted his gaze from the speechless Hayes and gazed at Lux.

    ¡¸You win the gamble. You saw through Hayes¡¯s trap, and yet you dared pretending getting caught in the trap, and chose the path to defeat the Ragnarok.¡¹

    For Hayes to not bring any minion while Philuffy was near meant that there was high likelihood that the main body of the parasite, Yggdrasil was also in this island.

    If Hayes¡¯s objective was to enter the deepest room of the Ruin, then if a battle occurred©¤©¤, the probability was high that Yggdarsil would come to clash against Lux and others.

    In other words©¤©¤the flow until this point where it looked like they got caught in Hayes¡¯s trap was Lux¡¯s plan to defeat Yggdrasil and saved Philuffy.

    Fugil saw through that.

    ¡¸Now then, it¡¯s regretful, but we have to retreat soon. My bad, but we too have things to do.¡¹

    ¡¸Well then, please excuse us, everyone.¡¹

    The maid beside Fugil bowed, took Hayes in her arms, and then floated using EX Wyvern along with Fugil.

    Her emotionless eyes slightly reflected Krulcifer who was inside the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer also sent her gaze toward the female who was dressed as maid.

    But, a few seconds later, the maid flew away as though nothing happened and vanished from the hole overhead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    No one could chase because of their wounds.

    Lux too lost consciousness after seeing them vanished.

 Volume 5 - Prologue

    Habakiri Yoruka who was born as the princess of Ancient City killed a person at the mere age of five.

    Her opponent was an assassin hired by a noble¡¯s mistress.

    She dodged the black clothed man¡¯s swung blade and stabbed a single bamboo skewer in his throat, ending his life.

    Assassination, murder, stealth elimination.

    In the Habakiri Castle©¤©¤the royal family, the central figure of Ancient City, was in a state of utter turmoil and unrest.

    ©¤©¤However, the reason why Yoruka was rejected by everyone around her was not due to her continued murder, but because she struck down every single assassin sent after her all by herself.

    ¡ºYou ©¤©¤¡­¡­Someone like you is not a person!¡»

    Yoruka smiled with a chuckle and suddenly opened her eyes in the darkness.

    Even though she couldn¡¯t remember her father¡¯s face in the slightest, for some reason only his frightened words remained in the girl¡¯s memory forever.

    Possessing an imperturbable heart ready to harm and kill without a shred of hesitation.

    And an unusual talent for battle far removed from the realm of nature.

    Yoruka attained full mastery of martial arts from the swordsmanship instructor and was feared by everyone in the castle. On her ninth birthday, she received the unspeakable name¡ºKirihime¡».

    Two years later. Yoruka joined the Arcadia Empire after the war where they started invading Ancient City.

    She made a single contract and pledged loyalty to the emperor.

    That Arcadia Empire was also destroyed©¤©¤but, the imperial blood had yet to die out.

    ©¤©¤And now. Yoruka broke into a shallow smile while looking at the silver haired boy in front of her.

    It was rather unexpected for Yoruka to harbour such strong feelings towards others.

    Yoruka has no concerns or attachments whatsoever, hence her imperturbable heart. Having such a strong interest for that boy was probably a first to her.

    ?

    ¡¸Mmm¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux slightly opened his eyes as he roused from deep slumber.

    While his body still seemed listless from sleep a girl¡¯s white bare body entered his view.

    £¨Is this©¤©¤a dream¡­¡­? £©

    Amidst the midnight air. An unfamiliar figure was visible in the infirmary scenery dimly lit by a lamp.

    There was a half-naked girl clad in an unravelled black kimono straddling the sleeping Lux.

    Lux¡¯s heart started pounding audibly at the refreshing feeling of her plump thighs and swelling breasts, which kept their beautiful shape while pressing on him, such a well-proportioned body reminded someone of an exquisitely crafted piece of silverwork.

    ¡¸I could meet you at last. Aruji-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    A beautiful girl with eyes of different colour and long glossy black hair muttered so in a somewhat feverish voice as her fingers caressed Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    The sweet scent of a girl faintly tickled Lux¡¯s nose sending shivers down his spine.

    ¡¸It seems you are rather tired Aruji-sama. Tonight, it¡¯s enough just to be able to come and see you¡¹

    The girl¡¯s presence suddenly started to dwindle and her figure dimmed in the darkness.

    ¡¸Look forward to it, Aruji-sama. I¡¯ll show you how I take back the Arcadia Empire with my own hands©¤©¤without fail¡¹

    The girl disappeared leaving only those words behind.

    Like that the night at Cross Field came to an end with no one aware of their meeting.

 Volume 5 - CH 1

    Part 1

    On that day Lux was sleeping in the infirmary office too when a sudden clamor arose.

    ¡¸Lux! I remodelled the previous¡¶Chimeratech Wyvern¡·to make you a nursing Drag-Ride! With this the toilet and bathing will be child¡¯s play©¤©¤probably!¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that quite dangerous instead!? Or rather, I¡¯m probably the one testing it aren¡¯t I!?¡¹

    Faced with Lisha¡¯s innocent smile Lux refused in panic.

    Krulcifer who saw it directed an amazed gaze to Lisha from the side.

    ¡¸As usual you are wasting your talent needlessly, are you not¡­¡­In the first place, there is no need to take such a dangerous approach, you could easily take care of Lux-kun¡¯s bath if you just wear the water dress you bought last time¡¹

    ¡¸T-There was that way too! I mean, why are you here!? Today is not your turn, is it!? I¡¯m already taking care of Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸I am merely coming here to teach him today¡¯s lesson that he missed while he slept. Though I will obediently leave if you can do that in my place though?¡¹

    Fort City Cross Field, a white room in the first block inside the academy.

    Right next to the sleeping Lux¡¯s bed two girls were quarreling.

    One was the young princess of this New Atismata Kingdom, Lizsharte.

    The other was Krulcifer, an exchange student and daughter of a count from the religious country Ymir.

    Lisha was a lovely princess with scarlet eyes and long blonde hair tied in a ponytail to the side, a girl full of energy with a strong will despite her petite body.

    Krulcifer was a beautiful girl with long flowing bluish hair and white porcelain skin, a talented woman possessing unparalleled ability in both literary and military arts and the grace befitting a noble¡¯s daughter.

    Lux was overjoyed that such girls frequently come to visit, but©¤©¤.

    £¨Why does it always turn this way¡­¡­£©

    Lux was breaking out in a cold sweat while looking at the two girls before him.

    One week after completing the training camp in Ries Island there would be a tournament in the capital©¤©¤the¡ºAll-Dragon Battle¡». But he had yet to fully recover.

    Even after waking up from a long sleep he couldn¡¯t move his body as he pleased due to the recoil from using Over Limit, a function to remove the Drag-Ride limiter.

    In order to relieve his still aching muscles of the strenuous fatigue, he was staying in the academy¡¯s infirmary office.

    Until the day of the tournament in the capital light exercise was forbidden, not to mention Drag-Ride practice.

    Such were the conditions imposed on Lux by the doctor after finishing his examination.

    ¡¸I do not mind the both of you enjoying yourselves with Nii-san, but be a little quiet please. Did you forget that we are in the infirmary office?¡¹

    Such an exasperated murmur suddenly came from the nearby chair.

    Airi Arcadia©¤©¤Lux¡¯s little sister sharing the same hair and eye color directed her gaze to them with a book in hand.

    ¡¸Muu, can¡¯t be helped then. I guess it¡¯s fine if the little sister is here¡­¡­I¡¯ll come back again later¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It really cannot be helped. I will take my leave for today too. Let¡¯s work hard with the supplementary lessons next time¡¹

    Lisha stood up and left the room with Krulcifer in tow.

    Only Lux and Airi were left in the infirmary office bathed in the early summer afternoon glow.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­even so, lately Lisha-sama and Krulcifer-san seem kind of scary. I wonder what¡¯s going on?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s all because of Nii-san that those two are so worked up though¡¹

    ¡¸Huh?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head to one side at Airi¡¯s brief comment.

    ¡¸Having no self-awareness is a poor taste¡¹

    She murmured so in a small voice with her gaze still on the book in her hands.

    Speaking of which, he got the feeling that Krulcifer became more aggressive than before after he told everyone that he would be Lisha¡¯s knight©¤©¤Could it be, it was related to that?

    £¨¡­¡­It can¡¯t be, right?£©

    Lux took a deep breath to sort out his feelings while looking out the window.

    For the time being, let¡¯s focus on the things right before himself.

    Fight for the right to investigate the ruins at the tournament in the capital.

    In truth, Lux also wanted to train in order to get the overall victory in the upcoming All-Dragon Battle that would be held in the capital but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸By the way, according to my calculations your operational limit is about 12 minutes¡¹

    ¡¸12 minutes?¡¹

    Lux showed a doubt at this sudden murmur, to which Airi nodded while lowering her gaze.

    ¡¸That is the time Nii-san will be able to use¡¶Bahamut¡·until the All-Dragon Battle is over, the armor will be forcibly disengaged if you use it beyond that. But this is still a numerical value obtained after running calculations with the operational data up to now, it will change somewhat depending on how you use your weapons. If you use a¡¶Wyvern¡·you could manage to a certain extend©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I only have, that little time?¡¹

    He was already prepared to some extent for the lingering fatigue from the recoil of using Over Limit, but as expected it was harsh.

    He wouldn¡¯t use¡¶Bahamut¡·in the upcoming matches anyway, but still©¤©¤.

    Thump! Airi closed her book audibly and flashed a cool smile to Lux.

    ¡¸This is as much as I¡¯ll compromise. In reality, Nii-san¡¯s wounds are at a level where he should refrain from participating in the All-Dragon Battle right?¡¹

    ¡¸I-I understand, my bad¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi stood up with a sigh when Lux apologized immediately after sensing danger.

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤the current Nii-san has a higher possibility of running into something even more dangerous¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. I know, Hayes and Nii-san©¤©¤right?¡¹

    Hayes, the Black Marketer, and the military strategist of the Heiburg Republic.

    And Fugil, an enemy of the old  empire whom Lux had pursued for years.

    Heiburg had continually attacked the New Kingdom time after time, against such an opponent Lux and the others definitely couldn¡¯t let their guard down during the All-Dragon Battle.

    ¡¸Actually, that¡¯s not the only thing though¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll tell Nii-san when you get a little better¡¹

    Airi left the room after Lux tilted his head at her meaningful words.

    Once the infirmary office returned to silence, Lux recalled the girls¡¯ faces.

    It was hard to notice because both Lisha and Krulcifer put their appearance in order first before coming here, but he noticed.

    They were actually going through some intense practice under the scorching sun, pushing themselves until they were out of breath.

    They would never say it, after all, the reason why they were going so far during training was to prevent Lux from carrying all the burden alone.

    ¡¸We have to win©¤©¤Absolutely¡¹

    Lux clenched his fists tightly and renewed his determination.

    For the sake of Philuffy and Lisha, whom he vowed to become her knight.

    Part 2

    The cries of cicadas and midsummer heat permeated inside the classroom through the fully opened windows.

    Two days later. After a long stay in the infirmary office, Lux finally showed up in the classroom fully rested.

    Today is the second day of attendance set in a row.

    Many students in the dormitory were going back home during summer vacation so half of the seats in class re empty, but still, entering the classroom after a long time felt somewhat nostalgic.

    ¡¸Hi! Congratulations on your full recovery Lux-chi!¡¹

    ºÏËÞ¤«¤éŽ¢ß€¤·¤¿áá¡¢³õ¤á¤Æ×Ô·Ö¤ÎÏ¯¤Ë×Å¤¯¤È¡¢ÈýºÍÒô(¥È¥é¥¤¥¢¥É)¤Î¥Æ¥£¥ë¥Õ¥¡©`¤ò³õ¤á¤È¤¹¤ë¡¢¥¯¥é¥¹¥á¥¤¥È¤ÎÉÙÅ®¤¿¤Á¤Ë‡ì¤Þ¤ì¤¿¡£

    When he got to his seat for the first time since he came back from the training camp, he was surrounded by all the girls in class led by Tillfur of the Triad.

    ¡¸Thanks for the hard work! I got worried when I heard you collapsed~¡¹

    ¡¸How was the training camp? Did anything fun happen©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I missed you~. I didn¡¯t go back home this year so I was bored~¡¹

    Only after having entertained all the girls who surrounded him could Lux finally talk to Tillfur.

    ÈýºÍÒô(¥È¥é¥¤¥¢¥É)¤Î¥·¥ã¥ê¥¹¤ä¥Î¥¯¥È¤ÈÒ»¾w¤Ë¡¢±ËÅ®¤âºÎ¶È¤«Ò½„ÕÊÒ¤ØÒŠÎè¤¤¤ËÀ´¤Æ¤¯¤ì¤¿¤¬¡¢Æ£¤ì¤Æ¤¤¤ë¥ë¥¯¥¹¤òšÝÇ²¤Ã¤Æ¤«¡¢¤Û¤È¤ó¤ÉéL¤¤Ô’¤Ï¤·¤Æ¤¤¤Ê¤«¤Ã¤¿¡£

    She went to visit him in the infirmary office a couple of times along with Sharis and Noct of the Triad, but they did not talk for long in consideration of the weary Lux.

    ¡¸Good morning. Did anything unusual happen while I was away?¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm, that¡¯s right~. I¡¯ve got some interesting news for Lux-chi but which one would you like to know first?¡¹

    Tillfur held three fingers in front of Lux and asked teasingly.

    As the mood maker of the class and someone well-known and eager for any rumours, Tillfur gathered information from all over the academy.

    It seemed like Lux¡¯s reasoning wasn¡¯t really wrong.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see, if possible, about something related to me I guess?¡¹

    ¡¸Alright! Hmm, well¡­¡­then, here!¡¹

    Thump!

    And, she suddenly pulled a thick stack of papers out of nowhere and put them on his desk.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this¡­¡­?¡¹

    While listening Lux could somewhat guess how did things turn out like this.

    ¡¸Well~, it looks like an unreasonable amount of requests piled up while Lux-chi was not here. And, just for the record, I narrowed it down to one-third of it. So I¡¯m counting on you to do those when you feel like it!¡¹

    ¡¸This is after whittling it down!?¡¹

    It was shocking.

    ¤·¤«¤·¡¢ŸoÒ•¤¹¤ë¤ï¤±¤Ë¤â¤¤¤«¤Ê¤¤¤Î¤Ç¡¢Ð£ÍâŒ¿¹‘é¤ÎÇ°¤ËÉÙ¤·¤Ç¤âœp¤é¤·¤Æ¤ª¤­¤¿¤¤¡£

    Still, it wouldn¡¯t do to ignore it, he would try to reduce it if even a little before the tournament took place.

    ¡¸I guess the second one is that recently my chest has grown slightly bigger¡¹

    ¡¸Is that even something I need to know!?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwa, how cruel! This is something pretty embarrassing to say you know! Lux-chi too, read the mood and go along with the joke! Uuh, how depressing¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux averted his gaze from Tillfur as her cheeks turned faintly red.

    £¨Don¡¯t say it if you are going to get embarrassed¡­¡­£©

    He smiled bitterly while looking nonchalantly at her breasts as he thought this was the sad nature of man.

    ¡¸F-Forget about just now, okay? And©¤©¤finally for the main one, it seems like something amazing happened in the capital during the official mock battle held three days ago¡¹

    ¡¸In the capital¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux inadvertently held his breath after seeing Tillfur¡¯s unusually serious expression.

    As a Drag-Knight Lux was also known by another name.¡ºWeakest Undefeated¡»

    ¤½¤Î®Ãû¤¬¤Ä¤¤¤¿Íõ¶¼¤ÎÄ£”M‘é¤Ë¤Ï¡¢¤«¤Ä¤ÆŽ×¶È¤È¤Ê¤¯³öˆö¤·¤¿¤â¤Î¤À¤¬¡¢¤³¤ÎÑ§ˆ@¤Ë¾ŽÈë¤·¤Æ¤«¤é¤Ï¡¢¤Û¤È¤ó¤ÉÇéˆó¤¹¤éÊËÈë¤ì¤Æ¤Ê¤«¤Ã¤¿¡£

    Even though he once participated several times in the mock battles at the capital where he was given that name, he had hardly heard anything from there ever since he enrolled in the academy.

    ¡¸Un. Lux-cchi, do you know of the top 10 Drag-Knights there?¡¹

    ¡¸I have never really fought them directly during ranking matches, but well¡­¡­somewhat¡¹

    As the previous year¡¯s 3rd ranked Barzeride disappeared some of them have changed, but he remembered that the top 10 rankers were all strong fighter.

    ¡¸The thing is, it seems that everyone from the 1st to the 10th rank were all brought to their knees on the same day by a single girl in battle©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    At those unexpected words Lux doubted his own ears.

    ¡¸No way©¤©¤, that¡¯s impossible¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. In the first place, there are some elite Drag-Knights from the EX-Class among the 1st to the 10th rank, right?¡¹

    The surrounding girls raised their voices in disbelief but Tillfur kept her stern look.

    ¡¸I think so too but there¡¯s no doubt of it. That girl is an amazing beauty with black hair and eyes of different colour, she appeared to be wearing black clothes from a foreign country©¤©¤¡¹

    From a fuzzy dream¡¯s memory Lux recalled the figure of a girl¡¯s bare body in the dark night.

    ¡¸Is that©¤©¤¡¹

    Just as Lux was muttering so instructor Raigree came into the classroom.

    ¡¸Everyone, go to your seats. Lesson is starting shortly¡¹

    Even though it was already summer vacation the remaining students regularly attend lessons and train to keep their minds and bodies from dulling.

    When Lisha and the others who seemed to have gone for training early in the morning entered the classroom, the first class for Lux after a long time finally started.

    Part 3

    ¡¸Yosh, Lux! Let¡¯s go the cafeteria quickly! My stomach is really hungry.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you are sleeping like a log until just now, you wake up with really good timing¡­¡­. Besides, I also have the right to invite him you know?¡¹

    When the lunch break came, Lisha who was sleeping prostrated on the desk became the first one who came beside Lux¡¯s desk.

    Krulcifer cutting in there was also the everyday thing, but today the situation was a bit different.

    ¡¸Today is my day, you know? Helping Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy was speaking out from the neighboring seat while nibbling on a light brown donut.

    She was a girl with trait of pink hair, amber eyes, and then voluptuous breasts.

    Philuffy who was Lux¡¯s childhood friend and the young daughter of a financial conglomerate was talking with her usual my pace tone as though what happened at Ries Island had never happened.

    The seed of a Ragnarok that was planted inside her©¤©¤Ratatoskr.

    Lux fought in order to free Philuffy from that fate that could also be called a curse.

    Fortunately, after that it seemed there was no bad effect for her and she could spend her everyday normally.

    Lux was really glad about that and he was relieved, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸I, indeed today is your turn but, that, my body, it¡¯s already fine see.¡¹

    When Lux replied like that stiffly, Philuffy stared fixedly into Lux¡¯s eyes with her usual expressionless look.

    ¡¸I, only looked after Lu-chan once you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸The nursing turn was decided with lottery, but I only got to do it once you know?¡¹

    Duty rotation system.

    Because Lisha and others nominated themselves to look after Lux while he was unable to move properly, they decided their turn by drawing lottery, and they took daily turn nursing Lux, but Philuffy¡¯s turn only came out once.

    Of course that was just a coincidence, but it seemed that Philuffy couldn¡¯t accept it.

    ¡¸No but, even Phi-chan is still recovering too, and as you can see, I¡¯m already fine so©¤©¤¡¹

    Actually he still wasn¡¯t in his peak, but it was embarrassing for girls the same age like him to ¡ºnurse¡» hum, so Lux pretended to be tough like that but©¤©¤,

    Puih.

    As soon as Philuffy saw Lux¡¯s reaction, she averted her face with her face still looked serious.

    ¡¸Eh? Phi-chan¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan, is cold.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered that with her cheeks slightly puffed up.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s, we are already at this age see, as I though doing thing like that in moderation is, wholesome or something©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux tried to soothe Philuffy in panic,

    ¡¸Even though, I slept with Lu-chan after you asked me.¡¹

    *Mutter*, the girls at the surrounding were stirred at that instant.

    ¡¸No, that, it¡¯s, it was when I caught a cold so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Also, you asked me too, when you found a spider in your room at night though?¡¹

    ¡¸Why do you remember that too-!? Forget it already!¡¹

    ¡¸You also touched my breast, several times while sleeping you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry! It was my bad! That¡¯s why, I beg you stop it already©¤©¤¡¹

    Thus Lux raised the white flag. It was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m sorry. Excuse me.¡¹

    Suddenly a calm voice interrupted that tumult quietly.

    It was the roommate of Airi, and the first year of the academy¡¯s well-known trio©¤©¤the Triad, Noct.

    She came in front of Lux with her usual calm face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aa, Noct, it¡¯s been a while. What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸I was asked by Airi to secure Lux-san. It looks like she wants to talk at the courtyard. She is going ahead to reserve a spot, so can I ask you to accompany me?¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­. Then, right now is also time for lunch, so everyone together©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a matter that require urgency, so please come with me at once.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. I get it.¡¹

    ¡®Sorry¡¯, Lux turned down the other girls, then,

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s hurry.¡¹

    Noct who was usually reserved unusually pulled Lux¡¯s hand and started walking.

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s the matter? Is it that urgent©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux asked agitatedly, Noct continued walking with her eyes staring forward while she answered.

    ¡¸It seems that there is a danger approaching Lux-san. There is an enemy aiming and chasing after you, was what Airi said.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Does Lux-san know about a Drag-Knight called the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade? I only heard from Airi just now, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct continued while pulling the hand of the bewildered Lux.

    ¡¸The Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade? That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    He had heard only the rumor a long time ago.

    A Drag-Knight that boasted an abnormal strength who hailed from eastern island country that was once destroyed by the old empire.

    The old empire¡¯s emperor©¤©¤Lux¡¯s father signed a contract with that Drag-Knight and then that person worked for the old empire. After that no one knew about that person¡¯s whereabouts.

    When Lux tried to grope his thread of memory further, the came out at the other end of the passage and arrived at the courtyard.

    Perhaps because it was lunch time, there were a lot of students coming and going.

    Amidst the cheerful crowd that could be mistaken as a throng in the city, Lux could see the figure of Airi sitting on a curb. It was then Lux noticed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s time suddenly stopped.

    Inside the courtyard and the female students who he was used to seeing, there was a terribly mismatched existence mixed in.

    A small statured girl wearing black outfit with high degree of exposure.

    Glossy black hair that reached until the waist, and eyes of different color from each other.

    Her right eye was vibrantly blue like the sea.

    Her left eye was devilishly purple, calling to mind the image of a cursed gem.

    Even after taking into account that her features weren¡¯t something he was familiar with in the new kingdom, she was a very beautiful girl.

    And then©¤©¤what impressed the most was the girl¡¯s gaze.

    It was an alluring gaze that was filled with strong affectionate zeal.

    The smile of that girl whose cheeks were faintly flushed was so lovely that Lux¡¯s heart spontaneously jumped©¤©¤at the same time, it also aroused the feeling of shuddering fear in him.

    (©¤©¤What¡¯s with, this girl? Her presence isn¡¯t like a person, isn¡¯t human¡­¡­!)

    Instantly, the words of Tillfur this morning emerged in Lux¡¯s mind.

    The external appearance of the girl who consecutively won against the first until tenth place in mock battle at the royal capital.

    ¡ºThat girl is an amazing beauty with black hair and eyes of different colour, she appeared to be wearing black clothes from a foreign country©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸Nii-san! It¡¯s that person! That person there, she is the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade aiming at Nii-san!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi¡¯s voice returned Lux to his senses.

    The black clothed girl who was called the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade was walking step by step toward Lux as though the other bewildered students didn¡¯t exist.

    And then, when she finally arrived in front of Lux,

    ¡¸Nii-san, please run away! With Nii-san¡¯s body right now, against this girl it¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    When Airi yelled, Noct who was beside Lux put her hand on the handle of her Sword Device.

    That moment when a single move could set off the explosive situation©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Aruji-sama. You are, the legitimate successor of Arcadia Empire©¤©¤Lux Arcadia, is that correct?¡¹(TN: Aruji-sama = My lord/master)

    The girl gracefully kneeled in front of Lux and lowered her head reverently while speaking.

    ¡¸¡­¡­E, err, more or less it¡¯s like that©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux immediately put up his guard, but he was taken aback from seeing that gentle manner.

    ¡¸I have been looking forward to the day where I can meet you Aruji-sama. My name is Kirihime Yoruka. I was once called the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade, a Drag-Knight of Arcadia Empire.¡¹

    The girl who introduced herself as Yoruka stood up. She then brought her face closer to Lux with her cheeks blushing scarlet.

    Her faint sweet perfume aroma and that distance where it felt like he was going to be kissed caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb.

    ¡¸Wa, wait, what is this about!? About Arcadia Empire¡­¡­are you, from rebel army? Could it be, you are coming to kill me©¤©¤¡¹

    The old empire that once ruled this region through the span of several hundred years.

    The remnants of that old empire formed the rebel army that was hostile against the new kingdom. From that fact, Lux thought that perhaps this girl was hostile against Lux because he was siding with the new kingdom, but.

    ¡¸Certainly not.¡¹

    In contrast with Lux¡¯s anxiety, Yoruka instead made a bright smile suddenly.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not connected with that rebel army whatever. I am genuinely coming here in order to serve you, Aruji-sama. It is my dearest wish for every shred of my flesh and every drop of my blood to be used up as the limbs or tool to make Aruji-sama¡¯s ambition come true.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and Airi stood petrified on the spot hearing those very unexpected words. The students who were at the courtyard were also starting to make commotion.

    Lux was unable to gauge the girl¡¯s true motive regarding the sudden proposal©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Err, Kirihime¡­¡­san?¡¹

    ¡¸It will be my happiness if Aruji-sama can just call me Yoruka without any honorific. I am just a mere servant, my age is also a year below Aruji-sama©¤©¤and, what does Aruji-sama need from me?¡¹

    ¡¸That, you said just now about serving me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please say anything if there is something that Aruji-sama wished for. Whether it¡¯s assassination, or some trivial chores, or perhaps©¤©¤even if Aruji-sama wishes for my body to take care of your desire using my mouth, I won¡¯t mind at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? How did you reach that conclusion!?¡¹

    ¡¸My? It¡¯s fine even if Aruji-sama doesn¡¯t hide it you know? Since some time ago, Aruji-sama has kept stealing glances at my skin. I have seen through at least that much.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, that¡¯s because I¡¯m concerned that Yoruka¡¯s clothes are exposing a lot©¤©¤that¡¯s not it. What I meant to ask, could it be that the one who consecutively won at mock battle in the capital, it was you?¡¹

    When Lux asked what was in his mind, Yoruka became awkwardly bashful.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama is a bully aren¡¯t you? Regarding that matter, it was my shame, so it will be helpful if Aruji-sama can forget about it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What, do you mean?¡¹

    When Lux asked, Yoruka made a faint wry smile while,

    ¡¸Before going to greet Aruji-sama, I was thinking to obtain a bit of prestige first. It¡¯s so that Aruji-sama can recognize my true strength without reservation, thinking that©¤©¤but, it was a massive failure.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered while averting her eyes with cheeks blushing red.

    ¡¸Massive failure¡­¡­you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Because it was a tournament in the capital, I thought that the top ranking would be quite a big deal, and yet©¤©¤they are just too weak. No matter how many people of that kind I defeated, it won¡¯t be anything to boast about at all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was speechless toward that innocent smile.

    Naturally, defeating all the top rankers of the mock battle wasn¡¯t a trivial matter.

    Even for the selected members for the All-Dragon Battle in the academy, it would be almost next to impossible to win against those top rankers counting out the Divine Drag-Ride user.

    And yet©¤©¤this girl.

    While Lux was staring at Yoruka in surprise,

    ¡¸©¤©¤That intruder over there! Don¡¯t move!¡¹

    Suddenly there was the angry yell of a man. Several guards wearing white uniform were heading their way in a run.

    It was likely that a student who noticed Yoruka entering inside the academy ground reported it to the guards.

    But, the person in question Yoruka herself didn¡¯t even look perturbed. She spoke calmly.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama. Please I beg you to kindly give me your first command. That is©¤©¤¡ºRemove the nuisance¡».¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, let¡¯s continue this talk later.¡¹

    Lux who was convinced of Yoruka¡¯s disturbing sign immediately told her so.

    ¡¸I want you to wait for a while until I can make some time. Can you leave from here without injuring them?¡¹

    When Lux carefully said that, Yoruka flashed him a composed smile.

    ¡¸As you wish Aruji-sama. Then©¤©¤I will come again later.¡¹

    Right after that, Yoruka started running with a relaxed movement.

    ¡¸Wait you there! Don¡¯t think that you can escape from here!¡¹

    Yoruka evaded the hand of the male guards, she then vanished from sight by swiftly weaving her way through between the buildings.

    The strange tension filling the courtyard finally left.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath with the departure of the small storm.

    ¡¸Even though she is wearing that kind of loose clothes, and yet she easily evaded capture.¡¹

    Noct whispered in admiration while looking at the direction Yoruka escaped toward.

    But, Lux was harboring a troubled impression.

    Even though she was only taking action for simple escape, but the sharpness of her movement was outstanding.

    Most likely when she wore her Drag-Ride, she should display strength that was even more in different league.

    (Can I win against her? Even if I¡¯m using Bahamut in a state of perfect health©¤©¤)

    That scene crossed his mind for an instant, however he shook his head.

    Right now it was pointless to think about it.

    Lux ended his fruitless consideration and returned his gaze to his front, it was then©¤©¤,

    *kyurururu*

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face reddened from the sudden growl of his stomach.

    ¡¸For now let¡¯s have lunch, Nii-san. We also need to talk about that girl.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly, and then he headed toward the cafeteria together with Airi and Noct.

    He also talked about the matter of Yoruka to Lisha and others who came to check Lux¡¯s condition, and it was decided that before long they would discuss it with everyone.

    With that, he thought that for the time being he could delay the problem of his encounter with the girl who could even be called his fate with the old empire, but©¤©¤,

    (My, my thinking is too na?ve¡­¡­!)

    Perhaps because it was the summer vacation, or perhaps because the teachers were busy with the advance arrangements for the tournament, the afternoon class unusually became self-study class. It was then a new incident occurred.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Aruji-sama. What could you be doing right now? This is a really peculiar work.¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­this isn¡¯t work, it¡¯s a mathematic class you. Things like the weight of Drag-Ride, or the formula used when calculating motion©¤©¤I mean, for now, can you get out of the classroom first!?¡¹

    When Lux said the thing that in everyone¡¯s mind, Yoruka tilted her head and,

    ¡¸Aruji-sama is highly strung isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s fine if Aruji-sama only think about me like empty air.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not just me, everyone in the class is also troubled¡­¡­in the first place how did you enter the academy again¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to fire those guards quickly without delay Aruji-sama. They are just too much of an incompetent to be the subordinate of Aruji-sama who will one day take back this country.¡¹

    A very awkward atmosphere filled inside the self-study class.

    After they parted in the courtyard©¤©¤Lux thought that even in the worst case Yoruka wouldn¡¯t show up again until after school, but of all thing, she intruded in until this class at the same time when the afternoon class began.

    And then, she attached the desk and chair that she brought from somewhere beside Lux¡¯s seat, making it so that her body was coming near Lux¡¯s body from the side.

    According to Yoruka herself, she was guarding her master Lux.

    However, because she was sticking close to him, he couldn¡¯t concentrate at all with the studying.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The stares from not just the other classmates, but also from Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy hurt.

    This bizarre situation was happening because of Lux¡¯s request to his classmates.

    Kirihime Yoruka©¤©¤the girl who was once called as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade was terrifyingly strong, and then her action couldn¡¯t be predicted at all.

    What he understood from Airi¡¯s story was that she was loyal toward the destroyed Arcadia Empire, and that she was fixated with Lux who was a male from the former imperial family. Provoking the girl in the present would be dangerous.

    Fortunately, it seemed that she was listening to Lux to a certain degree. He wished to settle the matter peacefully without causing any big commotion at the present time.

    And so, he requested everyone to not interfere with him and Yoruka but©¤©¤.

    (How to say it, it feels like I completely picked the wrong choice¡­¡­)

    Lisha who should be sleeping right away if it was self-study time was ignoring studying in favor of glaring at Yoruka. As for Krulcifer who was looking calm in a glance, there were already papers crumpled into round shape on her desk.

    Philuffy beside him was looking absentminded on her own pace like usual, but conversely speaking, if Philuffy became unable to hold herself back, then even Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to stop her anymore.

    Inside the atmosphere that felt like sleeping on a bed of nails, the sound of bell that informed the end of the class rang.

    ¡¸My, it looks like it¡¯s finally over. Then Aruji-sama, let¡¯s have a bit of talk in your room©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait a second!? You see, after this I have some chores.¡¹

    ¡¸My? Is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. That¡¯s why Yoruka, you spend a bit of time outside okay? Can you come again when my work is over? It¡¯s fine for you to not guard me while I¡¯m inside the academy.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand Aruji-sama.¡¹

    He thought that she might refuse because he had made her waiting until now, but Yoruka nodded unexpectedly easily and left from the classroom.

    Lisha and Krulcifer came in front of Lux who was sighing in relieve.

    ¡¸Oi Lux. Did that woman said where is she going? I need to talk a bit to her.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, please don¡¯t¡­¡­. I understand your feeling but, the All-Dragon Battle is right on the corner already.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha drawing out her Sword Device with a daring smile, Lux hurriedly soothed her down. But then this time it was Krulcifer who looked like there was shadow around her eyes.

    ¡¸Nevertheless Lux-kun, you too don¡¯t look like that you really hate it aren¡¯t you? That girl is beautiful, and she is also dressed lewdly just how Lux-kun likes it, good for you isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Even Krulcifer-san, please don¡¯t bully me like that! Tha, that¡¯s, certainly it was my bad that I couldn¡¯t refuse her clearly but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan, pervert.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s brief words that were muttered calmly from the side with that serious look expressed how she was feeling.

    If the third year Celis was here, Lux was convinced that it would become even more troublesome.

    In the end he requested everyone that he would do something about it before long. The class was over and it became after school.

    (Haa, it¡¯s finally over¡­¡­)

    But after that, when he thought that he was temporarily freed from Yoruka, he was mistaken.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Aruji-sama. I will also help out.¡¹

    Lux was going to do three light chores for his relaxation and rehabilitation.

    The girl appeared at his destination and offered to help.

    ¡¸I¡¯m skilled in handling edged tool.¡¹

    When Yoruka appeared at the back of the school building where he was mowing grass, she began to cut the grass using Sword Device. It was terrifying so Lux stopped her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m stronger than I look you know?¡¹

    When Lux was watering the flower bed, she was throwing out a large amount of water right from the water bucket, so he stopped her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m good with disposing unneeded thing.¡¹

    When Lux was tidying up documents, she was going to incinerate all the stained book so he stopped her.

    ¡¸I, I beg you, can you just stay still over there¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. Then, I¡¯ll serve as Aruji-sama¡¯s guard just as planned.¡¹

    At the end, Yoruka concluded so with a smile that contained not even the slightest ill will.

    ¡¸Haa, the fatigue from the chores is three times the usual¡­¡­!¡¹

    The sun finally set and the night came where the cries of the insect began to be audible.

    Lux who received the dorm¡¯s mother permission was heading to the large bath of the girl¡¯s dormitory after so long.

    For Lux who was the only boy in this academy, this was a precious time that was permitted to him after all the female students had finished taking bath.

    These few days where he was unable to move properly from the recoil of Over Limit, he was wiping his body with towel, but as expected it was insufficient with just that in this summertime.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­, it¡¯s really calming.¡¹

    Lux dipped into the wide bathtub slowly after lightly washing himself.

    The large public bath was created from white marble. Orange colored lamps were illuminating the place.

    Entering this place by himself gave him indescribable feeling of liberation, it felt like he had even become a king.

    (Well, I¡¯m also formerly from imperial family though©¤©¤)

    Lux smiled wryly while recalling the matter of Yoruka who was calling him as ¡ºthe legitimate successor of the empire¡».

    The only thing that he clearly understood from her shadowing him this whole day was that she didn¡¯t have any ability for a normal life at all.

    It seemed that she had confidence only in regard of sewing but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I wonder how should I treat her¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux talked to himself while soaking deeply inside the bathtub.

    He still didn¡¯t understand the true intention of Yoruka, the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade.

    What he knew was only that she was still faithful toward Arcadia Empire that had perished five years ago and she wanted to swear her loyalty to Lux who was the last remaining blood-related male of the imperial family.

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s no good unless I talk properly with her¡­¡­¡¹

    After whispering, Lux got out of the bath and headed to the washing place.

    If that girl was the survivor of the old empire¡¯s servant, then he had the duty to face her as the survivor of the imperial family.

    While Lux was sitting on a chair and washed his body, around his back there was the sensation of a towel that was lathered with soap.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is there something troubling you, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    Was it his just imagination, he felt like he was hearing the voice of said girl. Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡¸Yes, just a bit.¡¹

    When Lux replied half-heartedly, the washing sensation on his back became a bit stronger.

    The superb strength control felt really pleasant.

    He was bad at washing his own back, so it felt good that his back was getting washed well, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux who split his attention in his thought suddenly noticed that both his hands were right in front of him.

    Then, what was the sensation on his back then?

    ¡¸How are you feeling, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux turned around in panic hearing that voice, there was the color of skin in front of his eyes.

    White and bewitching, glistening and lustrous skin of a girl.

    That beautiful naked body with feminine undulation from the breast until the legs was only hidden by just a few bubbles. It was mostly in plain sight.

    ¡¸Wha, wha-wha-wha-wha-wha, what are you doing here Yoruka-!?¡¹

    Lux was backing away in his intense confusion while saying that. In response Yoruka giggled with her cheeks slightly red.

    ¡¸There is no need to worry. I¡¯m properly carrying my Sword Device after all. There is no flaw in your protection detail Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! That¡¯s not what I¡¯m concerned about!¡¹

    ¡¸My? It¡¯s fine to not be so reserved around me you know, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously gave a straight man retort with bright red face, but Yoruka wasn¡¯t perturbed and she moved even closer to him.

    ¡¸I have ascertained the previous day that there is no problem with Aruji-sama¡¯s male instinct. If it¡¯s your wish, please allow me to help as a woman in this place.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Hearing that sentence, the girl¡¯s naked body flashed back inside Lux¡¯s mind and he was bewildered.

    ¡¸At that time, I was going to take off my clothes to show that I was unarmed, but Aruji-sama seemed tired so I put back my clothes. And so©¤©¤will Aruji-sama let me help now?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s fingertip slowly traced Lux¡¯s chest, at that moment©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sorry! I remember that I¡¯ve something to do for a bit-!¡¹

    Lux evaded Yoruka, poured himself with hot water, and then he went outside the public bath without pause.

    He changed clothes mostly without toweling his wet body, and then he started running to escape from that place.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­I forgot that my body still cannot move well because I¡¯m still recovering¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux breathed heavily with heaving shoulders while taking stock of his present situation once more.

    He wanted to consult with everyone and thought a bit more about the matter of Yoruka, but it didn¡¯t seem like he could do that.

    Lux went to Airi¡¯s room and then asked her to tell everyone that.

    And then he returned to his room and made preparation.

    Part 4

    Outside the academy¡¯s ground.

    The first city block of Cross Field at night was quiet with little lighting.

    The curfew had passed a long time ago, so he would surely get scolded by the dorm¡¯s mother when he returned, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    Inside the dim light, Lux was heading to an empty plot with few pedestrian traffic©¤©¤however it possessed some degree of space. It was then a faint presence followed him from behind.

    It was early summer night when people were going to sleep.

    Lux sharpened his nerves inside the silence before he finally could sense that existence.

    ¡¸Yoruka. Are you already nearby?¡¹

    ¡¸Please rest assured. I am constantly at Aruji-sama¡¯s side.¡¹

    When Lux questioned toward empty air, a voice immediately responded back.

    Right after that, Yoruka showed up from the shadow of a building while smiling.

    Inside the darkness of night where there was almost no moonlight, the girl¡¯s different eye colors were reflected beautifully.

    ¡¸But, this is a little careless. I heard that it is relatively safe inside the Cross Field, but if we think about Aruji-sama¡¯s status©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Say Yoruka, why are you trying to devote yourself until that far to me?¡¹

    Yoruka only returned a quiet smile toward Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸From what I heard through the rumors, you were a Drag-Knight from the nation of Koto©¤©¤a country that was destroyed by the old empire, at that time you signed a contract with my father the emperor, and you joined under the banner of the empire¡¯s army¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸How unusual. When rumor is embellished, the resulting conclusion will be off the mark, however©¤©¤, yes, that¡¯s correct. Frankly speaking, Aruji-sama¡¯s perception is mostly not mistaken.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s face burst into a bright smile and she showed affirmation like that.

    ¡¸Is that really all? Because, Arcadia Empire has perished already you know?¡¹

    But, what Lux wanted to know was beyond that point.

    ¡¸If you had a contract with my father the emperor to protect me or the lineage of Arcadia Empire, then there is no more need to protect that kind of contract©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My name©¤©¤Kirihime is a name that was assigned to me later.¡¹ (TN: Kirihime is formed from the kanji of kiri(cut) and hime(princess).)

    Yoruka suddenly let out a jesting tone and turned her back on Lux with a twirl.

    ¡¸The surname of the royal family that governed the nation of Koto was Habakiri©¤©¤. While I was a princess of a country, when I was a child I was casted away because I am disqualified as a royalty.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux unconsciously held his tongue hearing the content of Yoruka¡¯s story.

    The nation of Koto was a small island country at the east, at the past the skirmish that contested trade resources developed into a war, and in the end the country was destroyed by the old empire.

    The fact that Yoruka was a princess of that country was also something shocking, but,

    ¡¸Casted away¡­¡­you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Well, it¡¯s not something of significant. In the first place it was my little brother who was expected to succeed the throne©¤©¤rather at that time I was relieved because I didn¡¯t need to do all the troublesome things anymore. After that my talent in sword and as Drag-Knight was recognized and I was picked as the royal guard of my brother.¡¹

    Based from Yoruka¡¯s bright attitude, it was unthinkable that she was lying.

    However, Lux wondered why.

    He felt like he could see some kind of emotion inside Yoruka¡¯s elusive personality for the first time.

    ¡¸A few years after that. At the wartime against Arcadia Empire, I signed a contract with his majesty the emperor. The contract is for me to live and die for the empire. I don¡¯t have attachment to desire or interest by nature since I was born. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m planning to fight for this country©¤©¤until its very end.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Yoruka turned around. Her violent smile made Lux to step back reflexively.

    ¡¸Then, please allow me to ask my own question too. Aruji-sama©¤©¤how long you are going to deceive those girls?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What, do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸It means exactly as it sound. With Aruji-sama¡¯s strength, it¡¯s possible to destroy this falsehood of a country immediately. Even cutting down the pillar of this country and rebuilding Arcadia Empire is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re joking, right¡­¡­?¡¹

    It was impossible.

    It wouldn¡¯t easy by any stretch of mean for Lux to take down the present imperial capital by himself, even for example he actually did it, the country wouldn¡¯t change. Above all else, Lux who once destroyed the old empire had no such intention at all.

    ¡¸Of course, I won¡¯t mind even if Aruji-sama is looking a bit at the long term. But©¤©¤destroying this country and taking back Arcadia Empire someday. Can I ask Aruji-sama to swear at least that right now?¡¹

    A pure smile of a girl that was filled with anticipation was directed at Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux lost his words against that determination that was like a curse lurking in the shadow.

    He could almost understand the real feeling of terror that was the reason this girl who was formerly of the royalty was banished from her royal family.

    (This girl, it almost like she has no self-restriction.)

    People no matter who would live depending on something.

    That something would be family or friend as the closest. And then from their position inside a system like their occupation or organization, people would live while being conscious of their position and relationship inside something big like their city or country.

    But, this girl didn¡¯t have anything like that.

    She was merely moving for the sake of herself as a single unique and independent individual.

    Therefore if Lux mistaken his choice here, she would bare her fang even toward Lux who she recognized as her lord.

    (But©¤©¤)

    If she was a person who was succeeding the will of the old empire, the country that Lux failed to save in the past, then he was even more unable to deceive and lie to her here.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have any intention like that.¡¹

    Lux lifted his face and stared straight into Yoruka¡¯s eyes while informing her so.

    ¡¸Arkadia Empire has perished. It ended five years ago in that day. That¡¯s why, you too©¤©¤don¡¯t need to obey such contract anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all even while hearing that farewell pronouncement.

    ¡¸Is Aruji-sama, serious?¡¹

    When Lux nodded wordlessly, Yoruka slowly took off his gaze from him. She then looked up at the moon that was obscured by cloud.

    ¡¸The wind is blowing isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Lured by Yoruka¡¯s words, Lux lifted up his face to look at the sky, it was at that moment©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    *GIINN¡­¡­!*

    The sound of high-pitched sword clashing burst sharply in front of Lux.

    One side that caused that was Yoruka¡¯s slash from the Sword Device she unsheathed from her waist and flashed in an arc.

    And then the other side was a rapier thrust that flew like an arrow from behind Lux.

    That slim blade had countless silver lines running on it the same like Yoruka¡¯s Sword Device.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Celis-senpai!?¡¹

    When Lux looked back in surprise, a girl was standing there.

    The academy¡¯s strongest third year student with the trait of beautiful blonde hair and jade eyes.

    A girl that was the captain of the academy¡¯s raid unit Syvalles(Knight Squadron), Celistia Ralgris.

    ¡¸Please draw back Lux. It¡¯s dangerous for the current you.¡¹

    Celis muttered that calmly while not taking off her gaze from Yoruka who was the owner of the blade clashing with hers.

    With his current condition, he would become hindrance for Celis.

    Thinking that Lux leaped backward. Right after that the crossing swords of the two scattered sparks and repelled each other.

    ¡¸You are quite something.¡¹

    Yoruka showed a surprised smile while leaping back. She then readied her katana-type Sword Device in middle stance.

    ¡¸The leg strength and explosive power that can close the distance from that position until here with one step. The skill to block my slash with that slim sword. And then above all else©¤©¤your instantaneous discernment is splendid.¡¹

    Far from getting shaken up by the sudden interruption, Yoruka instead muttered looking like she was enjoying it very much.

    In contrast Celis lightly pulled back her rapier and observed her opponent silently with unmoving stance.

    ¡¸You are exaggerating. I still haven¡¯t showed anything that is worthy of praise.¡¹

    Right after Celis declared so to pressure the opponent, light particles converged behind her and a golden dragon appeared.

    The Divine Drag-Ride that Celis owned, Lindwurm was summoned with mind control operation without chanting the passcode.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai! She is still©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s regretful, but I won¡¯t listen if you are asking me to be considerate to her. This is not an opponent that will allow such carelessness.¡¹

    Celis declared with aloof air.

    ¡¸A good decision©¤©¤but¡¹

    That moment, Yoruka whose eyes were shadowed leaped back from that place with a step.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t being careless at all, but you aren¡¯t seriously thinking that you can really defeat me aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Yoruka easily took a distance of ten mel just from sharply kicking on the ground once.

    At the same time she quickly readied her Sword Device and light particles converged behind her in high speed. A Drag-Ride with dark color they had never seen before was formed and it instantly transformed into armor that covered Yoruka¡¯s body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Prepare yourself!¡¹

    Celis covered herself with Lindwurm¡¯s armor and chased after the backing away Yoruka©¤©¤she unleashed a thrust with her lance.

    Yoruka who was similarly deploying her Drag-Ride while escaping also swung a huge ¡ºkatana¡» that was the same shape with her Sword Device and quickly blocked the lance.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It was an instant of offense and defense where there was no time to even breath.

    The moment sparks that were fiercer than the previous clash scattered, Yoruka backed away even more and took some distance.

    Right after that, the special armament that Lindwurm possessed©¤©¤, Lightning Lance¡¯s surface was traveled by lightning and brightly illuminated the night¡¯s darkness at the surrounding.

    ¡¸Looks like you have a really good instinct. Also, that Divine Drag-Ride is©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis silently readied her lance and whispered with her gaze on Yoruka.

    At that darkness ahead, the Drag-Ride with peculiar shape was floating up along with a fierce killing intent.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously held his breath seeing that peculiar Drag-Ride figure.

    ¡¸Let me introduce it Aruji-sama. This is the Divine Drag-Ride in my possession©¤©¤<Yato no Kami>.¡¹(TN: Yato no Kami = God of Night Katana)

    Lux¡¯s eyes could see the full appearance of that Drag-Ride at the same time with Yoruka¡¯s mutter.

    The sharp shape of the armor that was like blade, strange mechanical ring that was wrapping around the waist©¤©¤and then, two auxiliary feet extending backward from its two legs.

    The armor¡¯s configuration itself resembled the general purpose Drag-Ride <Drake> that Noct of the Triad was using, but the dragon majesty emitted from this Drag-Ride was obviously in a different dimension compared to other.

    (This is bad! At this rate, leaving this to only Celis-senpai is©¤©¤)

    Lux who felt the threat put his hand on Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device intending to reinforce Celis.

    But then a voice that came from somewhere stopped him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sorry, but I¡¯ll steal your spotlight here, Lux!¡¹

    Instantly flying huge metals shaped like an arrowhead attacked Yato no Kami consecutively.

    Yoruka quickly swung her katana-shaped Blade and repelled away everything.

    ¡¸This weapon©¤©¤Lisha-sama!?¡¹

    When Lux looked up to the sky, he immediately found the answer.

    Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat.

    Lisha who was wearing a crimson dragon was commanding its four special projectile armaments©¤©¤Legion(Airborne Fort) and assaulted Yoruka.

    ¡¸I was irritated by this half-naked girl the whole time anyway. I¡¯m going to have my payback now.¡¹

    ¡¸The attack just now is quiet powerful©¤©¤but, it was very sloppy wasn¡¯t it? How about you aim a bit more before throwing it?¡¹

    Yoruka dodged the four Legions that were attacking her again while still showing a leisurely smile even then. There©¤©¤,

    ¡¸That¡¯s because it¡¯s related with this thing called cooperation.¡¹

    *PAN!* There was a voice that shook the air and Yato no Kami¡¯s hand that was holding the Blade snapped back.

    Even more shots of light bullet hit the Drag-Ride frame while her posture was unbalanced.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The shots¡¯ strength was blocked by the barrier, but Yoruka retreated even further from receiving the precision consecutive sniping.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    The figure of Krulcifer who was similarly wearing Fafnir appeared at the sky.

    Most likely she was together with Celis and Lisha coming here after him to watch the situation.

    ¡¸Our bad for outnumbering you like this, but don¡¯t think that we will go easy on you.¡¹

    Krulcifer stated to Yoruka like that with her usual cool expression.

    At the same time, she resumed sniping from the sky using her Rifle(Sniper Cannon) while matching the timing with Lisha¡¯s Legion.

    Even so Yoruka skillfully controlled Yato no Kami and continued to dodge the attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You are, caught.¡¹

    Suddenly the tip of a wire that flew from behind Yoruka snapped on Yato no Kami¡¯s wrist.

    ¡¸Philuffy!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s childhood friend, Philuffy. Her Divine Drag-Ride, Typhoon possessed special armament called Pile Anchor.

    Wires were fired from various part of the armor, then the pile at the tip could seize the enemy.

    Right after that, Philuffy who got down on the empty plot pulled Yoruka toward her in high speed.

    ¡¸Philuffy! There is residential area nearby, so don¡¯t do anything excessive©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I know.¡¹

    Typhoon couldn¡¯t use its fist to send the enemy flying or use a special armament with excessive destructive power here.

    Even so the straight fist attack from Typhoon would surely be able to destroy Yato no Kami without difficulty.

    ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸Oh dear.¡¹

    Yoruka showed a fearless smile. Right after that, the binding of the Pile Anchor¡¯s tip suddenly came off.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment the calculation of everyone there went out of order, Yato no Kami made use of its momentum from getting pulled in to slash at Typhoon.

    Philuffy immediately used her Drag-Ride¡¯s stout arm and successfully block the slash, but the surface of the arm that blocked the blade had countless letters shining purplish red slowly spreading on it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux opened his eyes wide. At that moment, two Pile Anchors were simultaneously fired from Typhoon¡¯s both shoulders.

    At the direction the Pile Anchors were fired at, there were Lisha and Krulcifer who were aiming at Yoruka from the sky.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It was an attack that came in an unexpected timing, but the two dodged the pile in a hair¡¯s breadth.

    ¡¸Oi! What are you doing natural airhead! You want to shoot us down huh!?¡¹

    Lisha yelled angrily, but Philuffy whispered ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s not it¡¹ there.

    At the same time, Yoruka dodged Celis¡¯s spear thrust and she smiled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing how the two of you dodged that surprise attack. But©¤©¤, how about this?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What!? Uah!?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s Tiamat and Krulcifer¡¯s Fafnir suddenly snapped backward as though they were pushed away by something. Their altitude dropped drastically.

    But, rather than that fact, Lisha was more confused by the attack method that caused it.

    ¡¸Impossible¡­¡­! Why is my Legions are willfully©¤©¤why!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤They¡¯re coming!¡¹

    It happened together with Krulcifer¡¯s tensed voice.

    The propulsion device built inside Yato no Kami¡¯s auxiliary feet for leaping high.

    Fire burst out from there and the Drag-Ride jumped to midair as though it was kicking on an unseen floor.

    Yato no Kami that was ascending using double jump aimed at the falling two Drag-Rides and quickly swung its katana.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Too slow.¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer readied their respective weapon in order to block the slash, but at that moment Yoruka¡¯s Blade had finished slashing.

    Sharp impact ran through the frame of Tiamat and Fafnir and their altitude dropped even more.

    ¡¸Kua¡­¡­! Now you¡¯ve done it! You damn half-naked girl¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha corrected her balance, then she tried to ready her Cannon. It was then something unusual occurred with her Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Please be careful! She is controlling your Drag-Ride!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸The moment Lisha heard Celis¡¯s voice, mysteriously shining letters were surfacing on the surface of Tiamat¡¯s armor.

    And then, the Cannon muzzle aimed at Celis as though it was manipulated by something, then the Drag-Ride¡¯s finger pulled the trigger.

    A beam of light as thick as a pillar attacked toward Lindwurm in a straight line.

    ¡¸U, ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux escaped the danger just a moment faster byhiding behind a rubble, but the impact¡¯s after effect caused his to leak out a groan.

    ¡¸My my, so it¡¯s exposed already. As expected this difference in number is a disadvantage for me.¡¹

    When the white smoke cleared, Yoruka smiled in jest.

    ¡¸Allow me to introduce it to Aruji-sama. My Yato no Kami¡¯s Divine Raiment is <Spell Code>, it¡¯s a power to temporarily control other Drag-Ride that it touched.¡¹

    And then she revealed the true shape of her own Divine Raiment without hesitation.

    ¡¸It snatch the control of the opponent¡¯s Drag-Ride at the area centered on the touched spot, the longer the time of contact is©¤©¤the more accurate and powerful the command that can be given out. If I can touch a Drag-Ride for ten second without breaking contact, I will be able to put that Drag-Ride completley under my command.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤In reverse, this controlling power will also disappear the longer time pass while we are separated from you, right?¡¹

    Krulcifer calmly stepped forward and interrupted Yoruka¡¯s talk.

    The Spell Code¡¯s letters were already vanishing from the surface of Fafnir¡¯s armor.

    She must have instantly grasped that fact from comparing her own Drag-Ride with others.

    Even in the case that they were touched, if they immediately took distance, Yato no Kami would only be able to control the part that was touched.

    Even for example they got controlled, the effect would wear out if they took some time separated from Yato no Kami.

    But, even after knowing that weak point, it didn¡¯t change the fact that it was a Divine Raiment that was hiding a terrifyingly troublesome ability.

    Even if one blocked the opponent¡¯s attack, but just from that contact the control of their Drag-Ride would be stolen.

    Therefore, they would be burdened with an overwhelming disadvantage at the point they chose close quarter combat.

    And then, there was the godspeed sword handling that Yoruka displayed just now.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    They couldn¡¯t win.

    No matter how advantaged they were in term of number, they were near residential area here, because they were restricted in what they could do as to not to involve the civilian, they couldn¡¯t act excessively.

    (Possibly, other than deciding the match instantly©¤©¤there¡¯s no other way.)

    It would be a gamble if he used Bahamut in his state, but Lux resolved himself and put his hand on his Sword Device once more.

    Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Oi, what¡¯s that sound?¡¹

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t it come from that empty plot? It¡¯s really close from here!¡¹

    ¡¸What are the guards doing? Can¡¯t be helped¡­¡­I¡¯ll go call them©¤©¤¡¹

    Such voices could be heard from the surrounding houses with turned on light.

    ¡¸Looks like people are coming. Let¡¯s stop exposing our hand to each other with this much. My objective of displaying my strength and Yato no Kami¡¯s power is already accomplished.¡¹

    Yoruka casually looked around before suggesting that.

    But, Celis who was wearing Lindwurm came forward and pointed her huge lance.

    ¡¸Are you thinking that you can escape?¡¹

    ¡¸I have no problem continuing you know? It feels like I will be able to have quite much fun if you are my opponent. But, let me ask you instead. Is it really okay, wasting my consideration like this?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s tone sounded like they were only chatting casually.

    However that smile which looked gentle in a glance was filled with terrifyingly overpowering pressure.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai©¤©¤this is¡¹

    Lux immediately called out to Celis¡¯s back.

    This girl called Yoruka didn¡¯t care about right and wrong.

    If they continued fighting like this, she surely wouldn¡¯t have the slightest bit of hesitation to involve the civilian and guard gathering here because of the commotion.

    They had to avoid that worst case no matter what.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand.¡¹

    After hesitating slightly, Celis backed off. Lisha and others also lowered their weapon following that.

    Then Yoruka also lowered her katana and slowly faced Lux again.

    ¡¸Then, Aruji-sama. I¡¯ll be waiting ahead in the capital.¡¹

    Yoruka flashed a bewitching smile and bowed reverently while still wearing Yato no Kami.

    ¡¸I will ask about the aforementioned matter once more at that time. Is that©¤©¤all right with you?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you¡­¡­serious?¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and asked with a trembling voice.

    ¡¸You are planning to fight with the intention to restore Arcadia Empire no matter what?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded without hesitation in her expression. Then she suddenly showed a gentle smile.

    ¡¸If Aruji-sama has no intention for that©¤©¤I¡¯m planning to accomplish that even by myself.¡¹

    Saying that, she turned her back at him, and then she looked back with only her head and continued her words.

    ¡¸It¡¯s truly unfortunate that I am turned down here. But, my feeling that wish to devote my loyalty to Aruji-sama doesn¡¯t change at all. To proof that, if Aruji-sama come together with me right now, I¡¯ll tell you a secret that I¡¯m putting in reserve. It¡¯s a talk of a plan©¤©¤that concern the life or death of this country.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­A, plan?¡¹

    Those words that contained concerning implication caused Lux to ask back with dubious face.

    ¡¸I¡¯m looking forward to it Aruji-sama. The time when I can meet with you again next©¤©¤¡¹

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t answer Lux¡¯s question and slowly walked away.

    At the same time the surface of Yato no Kami shined. That frame instantly assimilated into darkness and its figure vanished.

    ¡¸Is that one of the functions of specially equipped type Drag-Ride Drake©¤©¤the camouflage effect?¡¹

    When Celis muttered, Lisha and others who came to her side also made vigilant expression altogether.

    ¡¸Troublesome. It seems that in battle the camouflage ability¡¯s performance will drop drastically, even so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux nodded at Krulcifer¡¯s muttering.

    Under the darkness, if she fought while using camouflage, it would be overwhelmingly disadvantageous for them.

    Yoruka was fighting simply©¤©¤to show her true strength to Lux.

    ¡¸So, she is waiting in the capital. Don¡¯t tell me, is that girl planning to come out in the international tournament?¡¹

    Lisha grumbled that with a displeased expression. In respond Philuffy whispered¡¸I wonder¡¹ and she dispelled the armor she was wearing.

    Krulcifer who saw that also dispelled her armor and sighed.

    ¡¸But, that girl doesn¡¯t look like the type of person who will joke around. It¡¯s a bit concerning regarding that point. Whether it¡¯s about her statement that she will appear in front of Lux-kun again, or about that some kind of plan too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re right.¡¹

    A girl who swore to destroy the new kingdom and succeed the dying will of Arcadia Empire.

    Perhaps they would fight her once more in the stage of the capital that was holding the All-Dragon Battle.

    Lux took a deep breath and looked up to the sky where the curtain of night had been lowered.

    The devilish crescent moon that was tinged with shadow.

    That existence that seemed as though it was symbolizing the girl called Yoruka was silently looking down on him.

    Part 5

    Two hours after Yoruka exited the first city block.

    At an abandoned building at the outskirt of Cross Field where there was no sign of people.

    Yoruka arrived nearby an aging and crumbling residence that was covered with green moss.

    ¡¸Have you finished your greeting to the chores loving ruined prince, you murdered pretending to be loyal subject?¡¹

    Right after Yoruka dispelled Yato no Kami¡¯s armor, a voice mixed with contempt greeted her.

    Looking up, there was a robed figure standing on the dilapidated house¡¯s roof.

    It was the Black Marketer who in these few years had wandered from place to place, selling weapon to various country and secretly maneuvered various incidents.

    It was a girl named Hayes who at present was taking the position of Heiburg¡¯s military strategist.

    Yoruka had finished confirming that this girl and three other people were nearby using the radar that Yato no Kami, a Drake-type Drag-Ride possessed.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s just as I expected, he is a person worthy to be the next emperor. ©¤©¤By the way, how is the wound of that right hand? You should take better care with that.¡¹

    Yoruka told with her voice in exaltation while her lips were forming an arc.

    She saw through the wounded hand that Hayes was hiding inside her sleeve and pointed it out. Was that merely a coincidence?

    Or perhaps, could it be her mischief that came from her instinct seeing through that it was a wound given to Hayes from Lux?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Either way, Hayes snorted in irritation and looked down on Yoruka with her asymmetrically colored eyes.

    ¡¸Looks like you¡¯ve forgotten your debt to me after I finally woke you up from your five years of sleeping underneath that island huh? Even though I have even applied a¡ºBaptism¡»of different kind from mine into that left eye.¡¹

    ¡¸If that¡¯s really the case, then it would be better if only you didn¡¯t entrust me to that odd noble and met me right from the start instead to talk about various things.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You mean Dobar? That was a miscalculation. I planned to give you instruction through that guy. Because that idiot tried to use you as he pleased, it became problematic. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    ¡¸I never thought, that at that time even you were also inside the Ark. If I knew, I would also help. It was a pity.¡¹

    Hayes glared in annoyance at the jesting Yoruka. She then threw a letter that was sealed with wax to her.

    ¡¸The plan is written there. Your role until the appointed day is there. Dump it there after you finished reading, and then piss off from my sight quickly.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. Then let us have a united front just as planned. In order to©¤©¤destroy this new kingdom.¡¹

    Yoruka answered while opening the seal of the letter, after that©¤©¤she left without any sound from there.

    When the girl¡¯s presence completely disappeared, the three shadows lurking in that place silently moved out.

    Sania, Egnid, Kirly.

    These three people of the special force¡ºCerberus¡» who were the direct subordinates of Hayes were Drag-Knights affiliated with Heiburg Republic.

    The brown skinned girl Sania who was their leader lifted up her face as though she had been waiting for it.

    ¡¸Will that woman really move as we intended? Certainly her strength is something unparalleled, but isn¡¯t it a bit dangerous using her?¡¹

    When Sania advised so with a slightly nervous tone, Hayes sighed and turned her back on her.

    And then she slowly turned only her head back while her body was basking on the moonlight of ultramarine color.

    ¡¸You¡¯re nitpicking on my strategy? The likes of you who is at the lowest class in Heiburg is now really a big shot huh.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sania held her tongue after that mocking sentence.

    ¡¸Hayes-sama. That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    The red haired man beside Sania, Egnid reflexively tried to say something, but Sania¡¯s hand quickly stopped him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤We are moving.¡¹

    At that moment, Hayes looked down on the three with a grin pasted on her face and she told them the answer.

    ¡¸The preparation is already finished. The Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger and that ruined prince, they will surely try to kill each other following their own will, due to the garbage conviction they have©¤©¤and the inevitable incident that will happen in the capital after this. Do I need to explain more than this to you all who are nothing but a single cog in the big picture?¡¹

    ¡¸No¡­¡­¡¹

    Sania silently answered so toward Hayes who was making a wicked countenance.

    If their master had her own thought, then they could only withdraw here.

    ¡¸After this we will head toward the capital just as planned. Then, excuse us.¡¹

    After Sania said that, she took only Egnid with her and left.

    Before long after the two entered into a plain with no sign of people, the red haired man sighed.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­even so, as expected that newcomer strategist-sama is really difficult.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t chatter. We are already formally military personnel.¡¹

    Sania immediately rebuked Egnid from his grumbling.

    ¡¸Military personnel eh¡­¡­. Certainly that¡¯s so, but is it really okay for us to keep being like this?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸I mean, that strategist and also the other, aren¡¯t they still hiding something from us?¡¹

    Egnid muttered that and slowly looked behind him.

    It was as if he was being vigilant against the existences at that direction.

    ¡¸The other, what do you mean by that?¡¹

    ¡¸Have you ever seen Kirly¡¯s bare face?¡¹

    ¡¸Never¡­¡­. I heard that her face had burn mark. She got it when Arcadia Empire invaded her home when she was still a child.¡¹

    ¡¸That was just on the surface don¡¯t you think? That girl isn¡¯t like us who was taken custody from among the war orphans by Heiburg¡¯s military affair department and entered officer training school, she was brought from who know where by that strategist. I heard that she cannot even speak word so the story you heard actually doesn¡¯t come directly from her©¤©¤. I incidentally, saw that girl¡¯s bare face before this.¡¹

    ¡¸So what? Don¡¯t tell me, under the mask it was a monster, there¡¯s no way that¡¯s true.¡¹

    ¡¸Exactly like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sania¡¯s complexion changed when she heard Egnid¡¯s immediate reply.

    ¡¸Just joking. ©¤©¤Wait, don¡¯t pull out your sword captain! It¡¯s half true!¡¹

    ¡¸Just speak without putting on air.¡¹

    ¡¸Aah geez, we too have got a position that is a bit respectable now, so let¡¯s act with a bit more composure yeah. ¡­¡­So, about Kirly¡¯s bare face©¤©¤when she took off her mask and lowered her hood, there was something metallic like a bird¡¯s feather attached on her head.¡¹

    ¡¸Bird¡¯s, feather?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, it wasn¡¯t accessory or anything. It looked like it¡¯s directly growing from around her ear. What¡¯s more, her face is a pretty thing, there ain¡¯t any burn mark or anything, not in the slightest yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Something like sickness, or deformation from birth. And the mask was for hiding that?¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows. But, regarding that strategist-sama, there is only thing that is clear about her. Do you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Even I know if it¡¯s just that much.¡¹

    Sania made a bitter smile that was mixed with resignation and she kept silent.

    Both of them became war orphan at the war with the old empire, from there they were at the lowest social strata for a long time before they became military soldier.

    Even so they were just Drag-Knight of the lowest class because of the difference of birth. One day they were picked by Hayes who arrived at Heisburg and valued as her direct subordinates©¤©¤after that when Hayes was placed as Heisburg¡¯s military strategist, they formally obtained a position as a knight within the country.

    But, even so they had a feeling that was like a tinge of anxiety, that it was hard to honestly accept their present situation.

    The outsider existence called Hayes who was wholly enveloped in mystery.

    They wondered whether it was all right to entrust the fate of their country in the hand of such person.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have any other choice than to settle this.¡¹

    They had hesitation.

    Even so Sania and Egnid renewed their determination that they could only advance forward and they started walking once more.

 Volume 5 - CH 2

    It was the morning two days later after Yoruka appeared in front of Lux and caused a disturbance.

    Finally Lux and others departed to the capital for the sake of the international tournament©¤©¤the All-Dragon Battle.

    Using horse carriage, they passed through four checking stations for three whole days before they finally arrived there.

    The royal capital Lordgalia.

    After the old empire perished, it was rebuilt. Its name and also townscape were greatly changed and now it was the biggest city of the new kingdom.

    The castle town, a metropolis that continued toward the enormous palace was separated into seventeen blocks, far more than Cross Field. Its population density was also high.

    So that it was possible for the city to be self-sufficient, industry, agriculture, commerce©¤©¤and then army¡¯s base were scrupulously laid out, lining up with regularity that was a marvel.

    Arcadia Empire that possessed several hundred years of history, all of its technology and assets were massed to build up the workings of this city, even now after five years since the empire turned into the new kingdom, it still remained as scenery.

    ¡¸It has also been really long since I¡¯m here.¡¹

    Entering the high class inn of the capital that they reserved, Lisha sat down on the sofa at the entrance and muttered so.

    Perhaps because of the long travel, the other selection members entered their allotted room to take some rest it seemed.

    ¡¸During the summer vacation, it seems there are also a lot of students returning back to their home in the capital(here) you know? It seems they will also come to cheer for us in the All-Dragon Battle, if you¡¯re lucky you might cross each other in the city somewhere.¡¹

    Headmaster Relie who went out of her room stretched her back while saying that. Hearing that, Lux¡¯s little sister who was nearby©¤©¤Airi was showing a complicated expression.

    ¡¸Rather than talking about that, it¡¯s a wonder that the government people is allowing headmaster to still lead this group.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, it was just barely. At any rate, on top of getting a scolding of a lifetime¡¯s worth, I was also paying quiet a lot of fine. Currently I¡¯m not behind the bar is solely thanks to my current position and money.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not really something that can be joked about though¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux retorted at Relie who was showing a complicated smile, an awkward atmosphere flowed.

    The training camp at Ries Island that was carried out two weeks ago.

    There the headmaster Relie performed Ruin investigation without permission from the government in the capital in order to save her little sister Philuffy.

    It seemed that her responsibility for that illegal act was questioned and there was a really intense exchange between her and the capital¡¯s government.

    But, in order to avoid mayhem that could affect the All-Dragon Battle that was approaching close, currently her punishment was put on hold.

    For the time being Relie avoided jail with only stern warning given to her temporarily.

    ¡¸Well, because of that I was made to transport ¡ºthat¡» which was hidden in the academy to here but©¤©¤, it¡¯s relieving instead that I don¡¯t need to manage it more than this.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡ºThat¡»?¡¹

    Lux reacted to Relie¡¯s whisper.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ahaha, it¡¯s nothing. Just forget it.¡¹

    Relie said that with a flustered look along with a stiff wry smile.

    Now that she mentioned it©¤©¤Saina who came to the academy as a spy from Heiburg was looking for something in the academy. He heard about it from Airi, but was this about that?

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, Airi didn¡¯t move her gaze from the book she opened. Seeing her behaving that it wasn¡¯t any concern of her, Lux too didn¡¯t pursue any further.

    Then, Relie began to talk to varnish over the awkwardness.

    ¡¸Rather than that, we¡¯re finally in the capital, so how about everyone have fun in this city? There is also a festival that will start soon.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the festival for the new kingdom¡¯s nation founding anniversary isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    When Relie muttered that, Celis who exited from the hotel room interjected lightly.

    ¡¸It seemed that five years ago it was called the empire¡¯s holy birthday festival, but right now various things has changed. Not just that name©¤©¤but also the festival¡¯s content.¡¹

    As expected from the daughter of a duke of one of the four great nobles, Celis was knowledgeable in various subjects.

    ¡¸Actually I should also come along with you kids as the one leading this group, but I¡¯m a bit tired. And so, kids who is still energetic can go for a relaxation before the tournament.¡¹

    Saying that, Relie took out a whole bundle of paper money from her wallet and put it on Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸Tha, thank you very much. ©¤©¤Wait, this is too much you know!? We don¡¯t need this much!¡¹

    ¡¸My, is that so? Well, you can just return it later if there is leftover.¡¹

    As expected from the heiress of Aingram family that was a prominent conglomerate even in the new kingdom.

    That sense of money was completely different from Lux who was doing odd jobs for these five years.

    (Or rather, it will be dangerous instead if we are walking around carrying this much money though¡­¡­)

    ¡¸Come to think of it, this is my first time coming to the capital. Lux-kun, can I ask you to guide me through the city for a bit?¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, Krulcifer who arrived at the entrance asked him that.

    ¡¸Ah, okay. I don¡¯t mind though©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was about to agree readily like that,

    ¡¸Oi! Don¡¯t decide that as you please! I also have plan to borrow Lux after this!¡¹

    Lisha cut in and the usual quarrel began.

    ¡¸There are also some of you who is tired and don¡¯t feel like going out, I¡¯ll leave that for you to decide among yourself. But©¤©¤it will be standing out if you kids are moving in group, so split yourselves into group with four people at most per group, okay?¡¹

    With Relie¡¯s suggestion, they made groups using lottery and it was immediately decided.

    One group was made of Lux, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Airi.

    The other group consisted of Celis, Philuffy, Noct, and Sharis.

    Tillfur who usually took initiative in going outside couldn¡¯t participate because her condition broke down from the long travel. Saying ¡¸Heartless people©¤!¡¹ she glared resentfully at the other two Triad members.

    ¡¸We will buy a lot of souvenirs for you.¡¹

    ¡¸Uuu¡­¡­, don¡¯t forget okay?¡¹

    Lux consoled his dejected classmate before sallying forth into the capital¡¯s city.

    Because the time was still afternoon, it seemed there wouldn¡¯t be a problem if they didn¡¯t go far away.

    ¡¸¡­¡­A, right right. The selection members from other country has also come it seems, so do your best to not cause any trouble before the tournament.¡¹

    Relie said that at the end. Lux and others nodded and exited the inn.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, where should we go first? The place that I want to go first is the Drag-Ride museum at the capital though.¡¹

    ¡¸As always, you don¡¯t change at all aren¡¯t you¡­¡­. Don¡¯t you have other interest in this rare chance that we have gone as far until the capital?¡¹

    ¡¸Muu¡­¡­. Then try saying what do you want to do!? What do you know when it¡¯s your first time here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. First there are several tailors that are famous even in the capital nearby from here. There are many other shops too, so just looking around is also not bad. Besides, it will be a bit far but if we go to the national park, there will be a small stream there, it feels like it will be refreshing there. If you feel a little hungry, there is also a street lined up with stalls right there©¤©¤the district of craftsman are making and selling things like watch accessories or special handicraft©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wai, wait a second Krulcifer! Isn¡¯t this your first time coming to the capital!?¡¹

    Lisha yelled flusteredly toward the girl who was talking continuously without pause.

    ¡¸What I said just now are courses that are comparatively common when sightseeing in the capital you know? How about you also do a little investigation so that you have something to talk with the other nobles too?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!? Back at you, you actually don¡¯t need any guide right from the start right!? You vulgar girl, that was just your excuse to invite Lux!¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously yelled when she saw Krulcifer telling her like that with a cool tone.

    She was inadvertently more knowledgeable than Lux who was supposedly living in the capital at the past.

    ¡¸Then for now, should we leave it to Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    As expected, even Airi too didn¡¯t seem to be that knowledgeable about the capital¡¯s layout. In the end they had fun in the capital¡¯s street following Krulcifer¡¯s escort.

    A few hours later.

    They went around a lot more places than they expected and by this time the sun had already went down completely.

    Lux and others, the four people were taking dinner in a large eatery nearby the main street.

    As expected from an eating place that had existed for many years in the capital, the meal was delicious without anything to complain about. The four were reminiscing about their day but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oi oi, I beg you lad. Don¡¯t sleep in this kind of place! Also you¡¯re drinking too much.¡¹

    When they were thinking to leave soon, they could hear the troubled voice of the owner from the corner.

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t no one is slee©¤ping here¡­¡­. Just shut up and bring more sake here©¤. Munya¡­¡­¡¹

    A male was lifting up a wooden beer mug while speaking with a tone that was obviously dead drunk from anyone¡¯s point of view.

    His age was still young. The young man¡¯s trait was his dull blonde forelock that was bristled up as though frayed, and his sanpaku eyes. (TN: Eyes with visible white between the iris and the lower eyelid)

    He was wearing durable looking black shirt and trouser.

    Within that simple appearance, it was only the rustic silver sword belt on his waist that was standing out.

    Looking only from his looks, he looked like a rude thug, but perhaps because of his child-face that had no ill-will in it, he didn¡¯t give that bad of an impression.

    ¡¸To begin with, are you in the age that can drink alcohol huh lad? You look really young.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s oka©¤y. My principle is ¡ºreckless challenge¡» yeah¡­¡­. Being reckless without conservativeness is what gonna open the new path©¤©¤uppuh¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re over your limit there!? By the way lad, you look like a traveler, but where are you come from?¡¹

    ¡¸Who care©¤s, just pour more drink. After all I cannot drink back home see©¤¡­¡­. I¡¯m told today is a rare festival in the capital yea©¤? Don¡¯t be so stingy©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The nation founding anniversary is still two more days. ¡­¡­Rather than that, you look young but do you got money on you?¡¹

    When the young man grumbled with bright red face, the owner sighed and asked.

    Lisha beside Lux whispered in exasperation while watching that scene from distance.

    ¡¸I thought that only nobles came to the capital, but there are also quite a lot of country bumpkin huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Your voice is loud you know, princess.¡¹

    When Krulcifer chided curtly like that, an incident occurred.

    ¡¸Look here, even like this I got money y¡¯know©¤. I earned a lot from my work©¤©¤¡¹

    The young man took out a wallet from his trouser¡¯s pocket. The moment he put it on the table, a middle-aged man drinking alcohol behind him stood up and moved suddenly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Drunkenness reflexively vanished from the young man¡¯s expression and his hand reached at his sword¡¯s handle.

    But, when the middle-aged man reached out at the wallet, the man snatched it in the blink of eye and vanished to outside the restaurant.

    After a tense moment, a small commotion filled the restaurant.

    ¡¸Aah-ah, he got you there lad. That kind of fellow ain¡¯t someone you usually find in the capital, but robber who came here in this kind of time from various place y¡¯know.¡¹

    With a complicated look, the restaurant owner told so to the young man whose wallet was stolen.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who had experience doing odd jobs many times at the capital had recollection of it.

    Before and after the country founding anniversary or the tournaments including All-Dragon Battle, the population of the capital that was already a lot even under normal circumstances would increase explosively.

    Nobles and travelers would gather to watch the event from various places of new kingdom©¤©¤or even from the foreign countries.

    And then, the robbers would also gather into the capital, aiming for their wallet.

    But, the capital was different from Cross Field. Although its size was vast but there was unexpectedly few hiding place there.

    The streets were systematic due to the wisdom from the past in order to be able to corner hostile individual and captured them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll go for a bit.¡¹

    Lux pulled back his chair with a clatter and stood up.

    ¡¸Oi wait, where are you going Lux!? Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lisha called out in surprise, Lux was rushing out of the restaurant.

    ¡¸I can predict where the thief will escape in general, so everyone go back first to the inn!¡¹

    Lux only said that and then ran out without giving the girls any time to stop him.

    Chasing after the man¡¯s footsteps and presence, Lux moved from the main street into a complicated back alley.

    When he arrived at the end of a gloomy alley some distance away from the bar, he found an unexpected sight there.

    ¡¸Chih! Someone caught up already, but©¤©¤¡¹

    The man just now who Lux thought as a mere thief summoned a Wyvern Drag-Ride and wore it.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Because using Drag-Ride in the capital would stand out, this was something that took Lux by surprise.

    However, if the thief could escape for the moment to the sky, it would be hard to catch him when he went away from the capital.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the symbol of power the winged dragon of crest. Obey my sword and take flight, Wyvern¡¹

    This is the first time Lux summoned Drag-Ride since he used Over Limit.

    His use of Wyvern also doubled as light rehabilitation, but physically it was as though there was no problem at all.

    (¡­¡­I can do this!)

    Lux ascertained the sensation of wearing Drag-Ride while flying in pursuit of the thief¡¯s flying Wyvern.

    The thief held his breath for an instant in order to further accelerate his Drag-Ride.

    Lux didn¡¯t overlook that opening and he lifted up his Scale Blade, it was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Oi prince, I¡¯ll be first okay?¡¹

    A voice with a tone that had peculiar mannerism in it came. Along with it, the thief¡¯s Wyvern in front of him was struck down.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    There an unfamiliar Drag-Ride©¤©¤a Drag-Ride with countless scale-like armor attached on it was taking stance with a Blade that was strangely curved.

    (This is©¤©¤!)

    It was a male Divine Drag-Ride user that was rarely seen other than Lux himself.

    Because female¡¯s aptitude with Drag-Ride was far higher than male, Drag-Knight that could skillfully use Divine Drag-Ride that was difficult to control and consumed energy intensely was few in number even throughout the world, but©¤©¤this young man, even in his completely drunken state, he controlled his Drag-Ride with precision and knocked down the enemy in an instant.

    ¡¸Gu, gahah¡­¡­a!¡¹

    The knocked down thief writhed from the impact and he didn¡¯t look like he could take anymore action.

    The blonde young man who saw that was about to deal additional attack below him.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not gonna kill you cause it¡¯ll be troublesome, but I¡¯ll at least take both your arms.¡¹

    The large Blade with strange curve was going to sever the thief¡¯s arms from the elbow just as the young man proclaimed, but then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *GIIN!*

    The blade was deflected along with a high-pitched metallic sound.

    Lux¡¯s Scale Blade blocked the Blade that they young man swung down.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop. This person cannot move anymore. More than this is meaningless.¡¹

    The young man¡¯s eyes opened wide for a moment in surprise, but he soon stared at Lux with an ironic wry smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really na?ve, prince. That line is really unthinkable coming from the survivor of that Arcadia Empire¡¯s imperial family that was extolled as inhuman yeah.¡¹

    Contrary to his words, the young man obediently dispelled his armor and sheathed back his Sword Device into his sword belt.

    Because the thief had already fainted, Lux also dispelled his armor next after checking the surrounding vigilantly.

    And then, once more Lux faced the young man confronting him still with a smile on his face.

    ¡¸You know? About me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re a bit of celebrity at the neighboring country y¡¯know? Even a slacking guy like me know that much.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The young man¡¯s sharp gaze caused Lux to tense up his expression too.

    Arcadia Empire reached out its hand not only within its vast territory, but also to the surrounding territorial water and island. At the time various skirmishes happened repeatedly with many countries at the surrounding.

    There were still many foreign countries that held grudge against the imperial family that was the main culprit of that.

    When strange silence and strained atmosphere were flowing between the two©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Oooi! What are you doing, Greifer!¡¹

    A bit high soprano voice resounded in the back alley the two were at.

    The one who arrived was a young man that was his same age with an androgynous face.

    ¡¸Aaa-aa. The troublesome guy came¡­¡­. I¡¯ll introduce him, he is my staff officer and also the one tasked wiping my ass, the great Coral-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸What stupid thing you¡¯re saying! Just how many times I told you already not to draw your Sword Device inside the capital!?¡¹

    The young man who was called Coral yelled angrily at Greifer before turning toward Lux.

    ¡¸Are you all right Lux!? You are weak right now, that¡¯s why forcing yourself is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha and others came running slightly behind, but they stiffened when seeing the duo facing Lux.

    ¡¸What do we have here, the selection members of the new kingdom is also coming eh. Hey there.¡¹

    ¡¸You two, who are you¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lisha questioned with a slightly tense voice, Greifer showed a sarcastic smile.

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t introducing from yourself the polite thing to do? But yeah certainly, I ain¡¯t this country¡¯s person¡­¡­gofuh!¡¹

    *Bam*, Greifer pitched forward due to the strong hit from Coral on his back.

    As though to replace him, the young man called Coral moved to stand before Lux and others.

    ¡¸Please forgive my colleague¡¯s rudeness. We are the selection members of Vanheim Dukedom. Nice to meet all of you.¡¹

    The young man greeted with a refined voice and gesture. Lux and others faltered for a moment.

    ¡¸He is our leader, Greifer. My name is Coral. We has only arrived the other day but©¤©¤forgive us for causing a ruckus.¡¹

    It seemed that different from Greifer who had a peculiar personality, this young man named Coral was really amicable.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t need to apologize here Coral. In the first place, I¡¯m just trying to catch the thief stealing my wallet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s forbidden to drink alcohol at our expedition destination isn¡¯t it, Greifer? I¡¯ll tell about this matter to the instructor later. I think that this time won¡¯t end up with only training as your punishment, so you better prepare yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwaa!? What are you gonna do if we lose the All-Dragon Battle because of this huh!? Oi Coral! Think again about it©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral shut the fussing Greifer¡¯s mouth with his hand while facing Lux and others once more.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to bother you, but can I ask everyone to take care of the thief sleeping there?¡¹

    Lux took a step forward toward the awkwardly smiling Coral and replied.

    ¡¸Yes. We will hand him over to the guards. Perhaps that way will be less troublesome in various things.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. Well then, we will have to trouble you with that.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, the wallet¡­¡­. It was falling there.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I¡¯m sorry. But, we¡¯ve been a bother to everyone, so©¤©¤please, I hope everyone can have a nice dinner with this.¡¹

    Coral said that while taking out several piece of paper money from Greifer¡¯s wallet.

    ¡¸Oi! Don¡¯t take out other¡¯s money as you please! I didn¡¯t say anything about giving©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral ignored the protesting voice from behind him and offered the money to Lux with a smile, but,

    ¡¸We didn¡¯t do anything, so it¡¯s fine. Rather than that, something like this happened out of nowhere, but if you could please not hate the new kingdom because of it¡­¡­it will make me glad.¡¹

    Coral¡¯s eyes instantly opened wide after hearing Lux¡¯s words that were said with a wry smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s surprising.¡¹

    Coral whispered that accompanied with a small admiration.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You are completely different from the imperial family of the old empire that I¡¯ve been hearing.¡¹

    Coral said that with a smile. He then held out his right hand toward Lux quietly.

    For a moment Lux didn¡¯t understand his gesture, but when he understood that it was for handshake, Lux responded. Coral grasped his hand back smilingly.

    His androgynous handsome look looked like a girl. Lux felt his heart throbbed slightly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Instantly, heat flickered and burned his brain, as though electricity was flowing behind his yes.

    His consciousness was getting farther away, as though he was suddenly entering inside a sandstorm.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is something wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, no. It¡¯s nothing©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux immediately separated his hand from Coral¡¯s right after he spoke to him, and the pain settled down.

    Lux wondered just what in the world that was just now.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s meet again at the All-Dragon Battle.¡¹

    Coral brought the talk to finish like that and he took away Greifer from the back alley.

    Lux finally breathed out in relieve. At that moment, Lisha who had handed over the fainted thief to the guards quietly arrived in front oh him.

    ¡¸Oi Lux. You were holding that guy¡¯s hand for really long there¡­¡­I¡¯ll say this just in case, that guy just now is a man you know?¡¹

    Lisha said that to him with twitching gaze that looked doubtful.

    ¡¸I, I know that. That much is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unexpected that Lux-kun has interest in that direction. It¡¯s no wonder that your reaction is weak against my advance.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Even Krulcifer-san, just what are you saying!?¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re panicking like that make it even more suspicious. Well, putting aside the joke©¤©¤they are formidable enemy aren¡¯t they?¡¹

    Airi concluded like that while taking a final shot at Lux while she was at it.

    Lux was also in agreement regarding that.

    ¡¸Especially that one who was called Greifer, if I remember correctly he is the candidate for ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡» of Vanheim Dukedom.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Seven Dragon Paladin?¡¹

    ¡¸That kind of talk was suddenly announced while Lux-kun was forced to bed.¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement hearing those unfamiliar words, Krulcifer quietly taught him what it was about.

    ¡¸The talk is about forming an organization where every country is cooperating to oppose the threat of Abyss that is increasing every year. About the Seven Dragon Paladin, they are the Drag-Knights where each country will select one person as their representation in that organization.¡¹

    After hearing the further detail from Airi, it seemed that there was still time until the Seven Dragon Paladin was selected, but there were already several countries that put out their candidate¡¯s name.

    ¡¸That guy¡¯s personality is a bit like that but, he looks troublesome huh. ¡­¡­Rather than that let¡¯s go back, I¡¯m sleepy.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lisha yawned ¡®fua¡¯ with a cute gesture. Lux smiled wryly to that and nodded in agreement.

    After that they went back straight to the inn without stopping anywhere and retired to bed.

    At the territorial waters slight distance away from the new kingdom.

    At that place that had a lot of reef and even fishing boat couldn¡¯t approach, a huge building was hidden within the cover of fog.

    Inside©¤©¤countless metal objects were lining up in a spacious space. Several silhouettes were there.

    One was a silver haired girl wearing jet black robe©¤©¤Hayes.

    A blue haired maid was standing at her side, Mishis.

    The last was a tall and slender man looking at everything with a distant look, Fugil.

    ¡¸The entire plan is progressing favorably, but can I ask you to rethink it again, your highness Hayes?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is?¡¹

    When the maid called Mishis addressed her, Hayes responded while still lying prostrated on the round table at the center.

    ¡¸Certainly its necessary to offer your blood and mind to control the Artifact(Transforming Weapon), but as I thought it¡¯s too reckless. Even if bring them down thoroughly until the root, but if your life is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸So what?¡¹

    When Hayes responded with a displeased look, Fugil who was standing while leaning on the wall until now walked toward the table at the center.

    ¡¸She is merely worrying about your highness the imperial princess. At the previous battle, our greatest pawn that is necessary for the ¡ºimperial capital recapture plan¡»©¤©¤the Yggdrasil was defeated. Of course, if we invest our whole war potential, it¡¯ll be possible to defeat them even then. But, your highness will be forced to lose a lot of your time as the compensation of that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oi Fugil. When your parent¡¯s enemy die from sickness, can you then laughed it off and get happy with that?¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I¡¯m someone without a single relative.¡¹

    Fugil smoothly answered Hayes¡¯s question that was mixed with irritation inside.

    But, Hayes ignored that and showed a distorted wicked smile on her lips.

    ¡¸A low-life like you won¡¯t get it, but if it¡¯s me that¡¯s impossible. What you call revenge has worth only if you do it by your own hand and nobody else. Hiring a hit man to do it? Waiting for chance until he is killed by someone? ©¤©¤That¡¯s not it, something like that has no value at all. If I don¡¯t drag out those guys in front of me by these hands and kill them myself, then it ain¡¯t got any meaning at all!¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s asymmetrically colored eyes snapped wide open and she yelled.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Stop there, don¡¯t give me any pointless talk. It¡¯s a story you cannot possibly understand. For the lowest and worst traitor who cut down all those bunches who can even be called as your blood relative©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil returned a fearless smile at the words that Hayes spat out.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Get it? I won¡¯t borrow your hand in my revenge. You just work like slave until you die like usual for the sake of our empire, that¡¯s the only compassion that can be given to you who is of that family.¡¹

    ¡¸By your will. Without any doubt, I am an ally of all of you.¡¹

    Hayes scowled seeing the humble Fugil.

    Almost at the same time, the metallic door at the back automatically opened and a girl came in.

    It was a girl with ears that looked like bird feather, wearing an unfamiliar outfit.

    ¡¸The Artifact¡¯s activation as well as the tuning of the Divine Drag-Ride is completed, my lord(creator).¡¹

    The girl informed with no pause between her words and robotic voice that didn¡¯t contain emotion.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Can it work? Gear Leader El Fajura. That¡¯s including the two original special functions that you have.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s possible to execute as planned.¡¹

    After the girl called El Fajura nodded, Hayes¡¯s lips crooked into a smile and she stood up.

    ¡¸I see, then we¡¯re moving. In order to accomplish our longstanding desire and retake that.¡¹

    Hayes reached her hand toward the small half-sphere object at the middle of the round table.

    Instantly that half-sphere was tinged with faint light. Lines of light were circulating along the floor and wall like spider web that was spreading from the center.

    Right after that, the wall itself fiercely shook and the exterior started moving on the whole.

    On the other side, the capital at night.

    After Lux and co returned to the high class hotel they reserved, the reunited selection members and Airi were called by Relie and everyone gathered at the entrance.

    Perhaps because she had received a lot of souvenir, or perhaps because she had rested properly, Tillfur had recovered her liveliness. That was something good but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then without delay, let¡¯s have Lux-kun announce who is the girls who has worked hard at the training camp the other day and will receive the prize.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh!?¡¹

    The very first sentence that Relie spoke out caused Lux¡¯s mouth to drop wide open without closing.

    It seemed that it was also unexpected for the other girls too, because everyone stiffened simultaneously.

    ¡¸My, everyone is cold isn¡¯t it? Didn¡¯t you all work hard at the training camp for this?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­, that¡¯s, well it¡¯s true but¡¹

    Even Tillfur who would normally play along with the mood was replying with a somewhat bewildered feeling.

    Lux too had completely forgotten about it until now, but certainly there was such promise between him and everyone.

    It was a competition between the members who received Lux¡¯s individual guidance at the training camp in Ries Island, about who would be the one who could safely complete the assignment given to them.

    The first three name who could complete their assignment first would be able to specially make individual request to Lux as their reward, that was the promise (that Relie arbitrarily decided), but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Actually, the plan was to immediately decide it right after we returned from the training camp, but then Lux-kun was really tired, and the situation also didn¡¯t allow it. And so, can I ask you to announce the result here.¡¹

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone¡¯s gaze gathered on Lux after Relie¡¯s words. Lux hesitated to speak.

    He reflexively wanted to say ¡¸Can I say it later?¡¹, but seeing the eyes of the members around him that were filled with expectation and nervousness, it didn¡¯t look like he could escape.

    He took a deep breath, then he recalled the training scene at the training camp©¤©¤and the activity of the girls after they returned to Cross Field.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤eerr, first is¡­¡­¡¹

    And then he announced the three names after hesitating about it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Even so, I wonder what kind of business Lux-chi is called for? What¡¯s more it¡¯s this late at night~.¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows. Well, it¡¯s a summon from the government, so it¡¯s not something strange I think.¡¹

    Inside one room in the inn where the members were staying, Tillfur¡¯s muttering was answered by Sharis.

    The three members of Triad were sitting down together on the bed inside the room that they were sharing while Tillfur who was wearing her sleepwear was tilting her head in puzzlement.

    Only a few minutes ago, right after Lux announced the three names who accomplished their assignment, a messenger from the castle arrived at the inn that the selection members were reserving.

    Lux and Airi were the ones summoned. The government had an important talk with them.

    ¡¸However it¡¯s unfortunate isn¡¯t it? For Tillfur too, even though you worked that hard, you weren¡¯t selected as one of the three.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwaaa¡­¡­don¡¯t say it please, it makes me down. The rivals are just too strong¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s expression was clouded from Sharis¡¯s consolation and she sighed.

    ¡¸Yes. ©¤©¤But, I did everything I could, Sharis and Tillfur too. I judged that there is nothing for us to feel shame about.¡¹

    Noct who was reading book quietly whispered that with her expressionless look unchanging.

    ¡¸This is pretty much concerning my dignity as a third year though. After all I¡¯m setting a bad example that I lost to my junior in completing the assignment. ©¤©¤I lost completely. But rather than that, it¡¯s unexpected that even Noct also wanted the prize.¡¹

    ¡¸No. I don¡¯t really have any request that I want to ask from Lux-san. But, I wanted to proof my effort, in that meaning it¡¯s unfortunate. Because Lux-san¡¯s instruction and assignment were accurate.¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter anymore~. It¡¯s over anyway for use©¤©¤¡¹

    When Tillfur rolled around sulkily, Noct sent her an exasperated gaze.

    ¡¸No. ©¤©¤The crucial moment will be from tomorrow. The All-Dragon Battle in the capital©¤©¤it will be great if nothing happen.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. Let us do what we can do. Also, don¡¯t complain at Lux-kun okay? After all the one who is always working the hardest is none other than him.¡¹

    After the leader Sharis concluded like that in the end, Tillfur and Noct didn¡¯t raise anymore voice of complain.

    ¡¸Oh, even though it¡¯s already this time, it looks like it¡¯s going to rain isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Sharis suddenly muttered so when she stared at the window outside.

    Ahead of her gaze were the lamps of the people living in the capital that were numbered far more compared to Cross Field.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, to start off. To congratulate this critical juncture that is the fifth year since the founding of the new kingdom, I¡­¡­haa, I¡¯m tired.¡¹

    On the other hand, inside another individual room in the inn, Lisha was reading a document.

    Because they reserved the inn, they could choose to share room with someone, but Lisha wanted to spend her time alone just for today.

    The largish note in Lisha¡¯s hand contained the writing for her greeting at the new kingdom¡¯s founding anniversary.

    Until now LIsha avoided her work as a princess as much as possible, but this time she couldn¡¯t do that and she reluctantly consented.

    ¡¸Even so, just why didn¡¯t Lux choose me!? Even though everyday I¡¯m working hard until late at night in order to improve that guy¡¯s Bahamut¡­¡­geez.¡¹

    She was dissatisfied that she wasn¡¯t chosen among the three names who accomplished Lux¡¯s assignment and received the reward to make request, but because Lux had already complied with her selfishness, she also thought that it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    ¡®Fuu¡¯, Lisha leaked out a small sigh and threw herself on the bed wearing her sleepwear.

    ¡¸It¡¯s depressing doing this public greeting. From the start I don¡¯t have the awareness as a princess, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    Even so, she could run away from the matter and responsibility before her.

    ¡¸We, well but¡­¡­to announce about that thing with Lux, as expected, I have to do this greeting huh.¡¹

    Lisha imagined about that with faintly blushing cheeks before she muttered somewhat brusquely.

    She had already received the consent from her stepmother Queen Raffi too.

    She heard that half of the capital¡¯s consuls were in opposition, but it seemed that it was somehow accepted.

    If it went as planned, the founding anniversary the day after tomorrow would become the day where she would officially announce it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I can¡¯t wait. With this Lux will become my knight.¡¹

    She whispered as though to test how it sounded and she ruminated the words.

    The hapless fate where the existence of old empire stole her position before she was then placed on the seat of the princess of the new kingdom.

    Because of that chronology and upbringing, she was unable to familiarize herself with the position as the new kingdom¡¯s princess.

    The one who saved her from that was none other than a ¡ºman¡» who she thought as her enemy, the prince of the old empire Lux. That was why it was a mysterious fate at work.

    ¡¸Besides, he was also considerate to me at the training camp before. He is really kind.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s lips slackened abruptly. She laid down on the feathers bed and looked up to the ceiling.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But that man, he look sincere from a glance, but he is really a pervert. It¡¯s a bit uneasy with him only becoming my knight.¡¹

    Lisha whispered such thing while lightly closing her eyes and thought about Lux.

    If she showed some understanding in that area as a ¡ºwoman¡», Lux would surely feel satisfied wouldn¡¯t he?

    ¡ºTha, that¡¯s©¤©¤. Lisha-sama¡¯s body, even though it¡¯s small statured, but it¡¯s feminine and really sexy but still cute, honestly speaking it excited me¡­¡­¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uwah!? Am I an idiot!? Ju, just what am I thinking, geez!¡¹

    After Lisha recalled a past conversation, she yelled with a bright red face and she came back to her senses.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come back quickly already, Lux.¡¹

    Lisha slowly put her hand on her chest while she whispered with her eyes closing.

    In another different room©¤©¤.

    Inside that room that was extravagantly decorated typical of a high class hotel, Krulcifer was changing into her sleepwear while combing her hair in front of a mirror.

    Because Krulcifer¡¯s homeland, the religious country Ymir also participated in the All-Dragon Battle, the maid of Einfolk family, Alterize would also come to this inn. She was already notified of that through a letter.

    At the training camp in Ries island, she was instructed by Lux about overcoming her decisive blow insufficiency.

    Her highly accurate marksmanship using long distance Rifle, and her offense and defense that was making use of Fafnir¡¯s armament and mobility produced a battle style that left no opening.

    She was strong enough with just that. Even in the capital¡¯s tournament, it could be asserted that there was almost no one who could best Krulcifer.

    But, she had a weak point. Her attack was light.

    She would be fairly in advantage if she could attack the Force Core of enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride with her accurate shot, but in real battle it wouldn¡¯t go that conveniently.

    If she was facing against Drag-Ride that possessed powerful barrier like Azi Dahaka©¤©¤or an Abyss that was resistance against ice ability appeared, her offensive option would be severely limited.

    She also could handle other weapon like Blade more or less, but that couldn¡¯t become her finishing move.

    After they returned to the academy, she directly showed Lux the answer to the assignment he gave her. With that she splendidly won the right to make a special request to Lux.

    If it was seen just from that, then it was a really good result, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸This situation, it¡¯s not something that I can really be happy about without reserve.¡¹

    She let out a small sigh and laid down on the bed face up.

    She was looking up to the ceiling that was still new without a single stain on it while recalling Lux¡¯s statement.

    He said that he would become the exclusive knight of the new kingdom¡¯s princess, Lizsharte.

    ¡¸Perhaps, I¡¯m looking at this a bit too naively.¡¹

    If Lux was formally appointed as Lisha¡¯s exclusive knight, he would be repeatedly recruited to Lisha¡¯s official business. And depending on the situation, he would be attending Lisha constantly.

    Of course, while they were still military cadet who weren¡¯t burdened with that much official business, there wouldn¡¯t be that much turn for that.

    But, she couldn¡¯t erase the feeling that the other side had overtaken her by a step.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I wonder if I too has become bad at keeping up appearances.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled wryly while questioning herself.

    Lux himself had a complicated circumstance and past that connected the new kingdom and the old empire. Most likely he himself had an objective that he was trying to accomplish.

    Just like Krulcifer who wished to know about the true identity of herself who came from the Ruin.

    Because of that she was thinking to deepen her relationship with Lux by respecting his will that wanted to become the new kingdom¡¯s strength at the present, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸To be unable to say what I want to do if there is no reason. I too haven¡¯t changed.¡¹

    Krulcifer was deriding herself like that with a cool smile before she woke up.

    She was the only human that was discovered inside a Ruin.

    She was taken and raised inside other people¡¯s family. She was an outsider that was shunned by that family.

    That was why she worked hard to be recognized. After that effort ended in vain, she tried to live without relying on anyone, but,

    ¡¸Perhaps, this is the first time I was able to feel wanting to rely on a person.¡¹

    She silently whispered so and spread the map of the capital on her desk.

    The diligent Krulcifer had already memorized the simple sketch of the area around the block they were currently at, but she was jotting down even more detailed information by hand.

    Yesterday she was able to escort Lux and others without hesitation was also the fruit of her hard work of properly doing the preliminary investigation.

    ¡¸I¡¯m looking forward to the anniversary the day after tomorrow.¡¹

    She whispered with a voice that no one could hear.

    She had already decided the content of the special request she would make to Lux.

    And then, in further another room, where Philuffy, Celis, and Relie, the three people were sharing room.

    There was still empty room in the hotel, but Celis didn¡¯t choose a private room and stayed at the same room with Philuffy and Relie. There were several reasons for this.

    One, she was asked by Relie herself to be her observer because she had caused trouble last time.

    The other reason because Relie was worried about the Abyss factor residing inside Philuffy¡¯s body.

    About that itself there wasn¡¯t any particular problem, but now there was a bigger problem than that.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­a bit troubling.¡¹

    Celis whispered after opening the letter that was handed from the messenger who arrived just now and confirmed the content.

    It was a secret message sent by one of the four great nobles, Celis¡¯s father©¤©¤Dist Ralgris.

    ¡¸My, it¡¯s rare for someone of your level to be worried? If you¡¯re alright with us, then please let us take part in consultation but©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy at the neighboring bed also nodded in response to Relie¡¯s statement.

    The gaze of Philuffy who lifted up her upper body on the bed was directed on a book page regarding business company.

    ¡¸N, no, this is, that¡¯s¡­¡­it¡¯s about something that I should resolve myself.¡¹

    Celis answered in panic before her gaze returned to the letter from her father on her bed.

    The content of the letter talked about Ralgris house wanting to invite the criminal Lux to their house for once in order to protect his position.

    Further than that, the letter also commanded Celis to make use of her relation with Lux in Syvalles to make him associate with Ralgris house in the meeting they would participate in, and also for Celis herself to proactively give Lux guidance.

    ¡¸Wha, what could this be about? As expected, for me to bring Lux to Ralgris¡¯s house is©¤©¤, it make my heart beat fast for some reason.¡¹

    When Celis unconsciously raised her voice in reaction to that description, Rleie who was sleeping inside the same room twitched in reaction and her complexion changed.

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­. It¡¯s nothing at all so¡­¡­!¡¹

    Celis was making excuse with awkward fast-talking while thinking.

    (Really, just what could Chichi-ue possibly think¡­¡­) (TN: Chichi-ue = a more archaic way to call father)

    She talked to her father about the case of Lux becoming the member of the academy¡¯s raid unit, Syvalles, but this letter¡¯s content was slightly strange.

    For a noble to invite outsider into their house had quite the meaning.

    Especially if the one doing it was one of the four great nobles, for Dist who had brought to her several talk about engagement or marriage interview, to purposefully tell her to bring Lux to their house, it was something unlikely under usual circumstances.

    Was he trying to involve Lux into some kind of big trouble?

    Or else, could it possibly be©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s something that I still cannot permit! Lux still, hasn¡¯t taught me a lot about male¡­¡­. Ce, certainly he is a male that is closest to me but, something like be, betrothal, as expected it¡¯s still too©¤©¤¡¹

    *gata-!* At that moment Relie stood up from her bed with a pale expression.

    ¡¸That talk©¤©¤can you tell me about it in more detail, Celis-san?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no! Just now is my misunderstanding, so it will help if you can forget about it for me!¡¹

    Celis made excuse in panic, but Relie showed a twitching smile and sighed deeply.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. No matter how dull Celis-san is in regard of love, but I¡¯ve been a bit careless. And, what are you going to do about your request toward Lux-kun?¡¹

    Relie suddenly questioned like that. In respond Celis was,

    ¡¸Fo, for now, I have to consult about a certain matter to Lux so, that¡¯s©¤©¤I¡¯m thinking to ask him to make some time at the recess day of the All-Dragon Battle.¡¹

    ¡¸I see©¤©¤the All-Dragon Battle¡¯s recess, that means the new kingdom¡¯s founding anniversary. At that day, you will go in a date with Lux while progressing the talk until betrothal. What a really terrifying plan¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Just what are you talking about headmaster!? It¡¯s not like I©¤©¤¡¹

    Relie whose thought was heated up even more from hearing Celis¡¯s plan was walking to the front of Philuffy who was already looking sleepy.

    ¡¸Phi. Until now I was preparing an environment that was like in the past for you and Lux-kun so that you two can slowly deepen your relationship while expecting Lux-kun to commit a mistake, but©¤©¤now that it has come to this there is no other way.¡¹

    ¡¸Headmaster, just now, it feels like I was hearing strange words that are terribly unwholesome though¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis retorted with a complicated look, but Relie didn¡¯t pay it any mind and called out to Philuffy.

    ¡¸I wonder what should you ask Lux-kun for with the special request? Preparing an environment where you can approach him more proactively is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Onee-chan. Noisy.¡¹

    Relie stiffened into a statue hearing the sudden word that Philuffy whispered with her unchanging serious look.

    Philuffy¡¯s tone was indifferent like usual, so it didn¡¯t sound like she was particularly angry, but as expected Relie still received a shock.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry Phi. But, it¡¯s not like I want to trouble you and Lux-kun. Rather it¡¯s, I want to help just for a bit, for the sake of the future of you two©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, already decided, my request to Lu-chan.¡¹

    Her expression and tone were absentminded like usual.

    However, she asserted so without any hesitation. After that Philuffy¡¯s gaze dropped to the book once more.

    ¡¸Phi. You¡¯ve grown¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps sensing something from Philuffy¡¯s attitude, Relie stared at Philuffy deeply moved.

    ¡¸How should I say it, I wish to be permitted to move to another room tomorrow¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis also took a deep breath after watching that scene with a complicated expression.

    ¡¸Date, is it¡­¡­. That, I heard that it is something man and woman will do before marriage but¡­¡­. Walking with a man just the two of us in the city, as I thought, that will make me nervous.¡¹

    Celis averted her face from Relie and Philuffy and whispered softly so that she wouldn¡¯t be heard.

    The young man who saved her by removing the shackle that was the sin and righteousness she was burdened with.

    Because of Relie¡¯s misunderstanding, the thinking of ¡®what if¡¯ was accelerating inside her mind on its own accord.

    (A, as I thought this thinking isn¡¯t wholesome©¤©¤it¡¯s not permitted.)

    Imagining herself having a date with Lux, Celis covered her own lips in panic with her sheet.

    Around the same time.

    While the girls were thinking about what they should do with the reward of special request©¤©¤Lux and Airi passed through the castle gate and stepped inside the castle.

    The hustle and bustle of people remained in the night air in preparation for the All-Dragon Battle that would start tomorrow and the new kingdom¡¯s founding anniversary the day after that.

    Lux was wrapped with strange nervousness when he entered inside the castle after almost five years.

    The chalk white structure that were inherited from the building since the era of old empire was this country¡¯s government office.

    Inside the spacious assembly hall that was illuminated by lamp¡¯s lighting, a great number of consuls were already assembled.

    The seating was placed to left and right in stair shape. A red carpet was laid down on the pathway.

    Lux and Airi were standing on a platform at the lowest level©¤©¤where they were stared down from the stair model seating facing them.

    ¡¸You must be tired from the long travel, former Arcadia Empire¡¯s seventh imperial prince Lux Arcadia. And then his little sister Airi Arcadia.¡¹

    ¡¸We have arrived in accordance to the invitation.¡¹

    Lux responded like that to the consuls addressing him and bowed.

    Their seating was enveloped in ultramarine colored darkness. From where Lux was standing, he couldn¡¯t see the face of everyone there.

    Originally their face should be visible. But for Lux who was completely distant from the capital after the founding of the new kingdom, he didn¡¯t even know most of their face and name.

    ¡¸So, what business do you have with us?¡¹

    Airi who was behind Lux asked the question with a voice that was slightly tinged with nervousness.

    The messenger who came to their inn before this only told them ¡ºIt¡¯s an important talk¡».

    At that point it was undeniable that it was suspicious, but seeing this many consuls gathering like this, that suspicion turned into conviction.

    ¡¸What a hasty young lady. ©¤©¤Well, certainly it¡¯s the night before the All-Dragon Battle, it will be pitiful to make you accompany us for a long talk. Oi, prime minister-dono.¡¹

    The one who urged on with such large voice was a big man with red hair, one of the four great nobles, a man called Bugriser.

    Even Lux who wasn¡¯t that knowledgeable about the politic in the new kingdom recognized the four great nobles¡¯ feudal lords who controlled the vast territory in the four directions since the era of the old empire.

    Even their personality and their way of doing thing.

    ¡¸Do you remember my face? I¡¯m the prime minister who serves as the aide of her majesty the queen, Nulph. We are expressly summoning the two of you here like this is just as you suspected, because we wish you to listen to an important matter that still cannot be disclosed to the people of this country. ¡ºImperial capital recapture plan¡»©¤©¤it¡¯s the plot of Heiburg Republic.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux and Airi¡¯s expression changed from Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s words.

    ¡¸A notice has come from the spy we sent to Heiburg, we understand the specific of the plan. It seems that the enlarged military division of Heiburg will enforce it. The plan will be carried out before long©¤©¤perhaps even right after the end of this All-Dragon Battle. They will take advantage of the opening when the security of the new kingdom will be short of hand.¡¹

    Nulph was reading from the document on his hand dispassionately.

    ¡¸But, Heiburg¡¯s troops won¡¯t attack directly. The remnants who sought asylum there and wished for the restoration of Arcadia Empire©¤©¤the rebel army will become the ringleader at the surface.¡¹

    ¡¸The rebel army that escaped to Heiburg will come attacking the new kingdom. So that means, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi whispered with a trembling voice. Prime Minister Nulph nodded silently to that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as you surmised. If Heiburg¡¯s pet, the rebel army take down the capital, it will become the start of the indirect rule of Heiburg¡¯s military division. That¡¯s the only thing that we have to avoid at all cost.¡¹

    ©¤©¤The remnants of the old empire.

    In other words this was the rebel army¡¯s imperial capital recapture plan against the new kingdom.

    Their objective was to destroy the pillar of the new kingdom and then bloomed a second time as ruler once more, but they were actually being used by Heiburg Republic¡¯s military division to invade the new kingdom.

    Furthermore it was obvious that the Black Marketer Hayes was deeply involved in this.

    ¡¸The supreme commander of the rebel army that became Heiburg¡¯s pawn is, a man called Ragreed Forus I believe?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    A hoarse voice abruptly came from the edge of the parliamentary seat.

    The owner of that voice was one of the four great nobles, Zagha Schultzed. Lux reacted to the words he said.

    Ragreed Forus.

    He was once a high noble that was in the empire faction, a man who was the best friend of Lux¡¯s older brother Abel.

    And then, he was also the man who once attempted to make Philuffy into a scapegoat at the imperial court.

    Five years ago when the old empire perished, his whereabouts became unknown, but to think he was escaping to Heiburg©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oo, come to think of it, Lux-dono, if I remember correctly©¤©¤you were acquainted with him I believe? At the surface he is the leader of the rebel army, but it seems he is the one leading the whole army to attack here you know?¡¹

    The destiny between him with Ragreed Forus from their childhood.

    The man who inherited the ideology of the old empire markedly appeared leading the rebel army as the supreme commander of the imperial capital recapture plan.

    But rather than that information itself, it was the fact that this information was told to him right now in this place that made him sensed a certain omen.

    ¡¸And¡­¡­what do you want me to do?¡¹

    ¡¸Hohou. As expected from a former prince, although you were estranged from politic for five years already, but you possess a profound discernment. Have you predicted it from what we said just now?¡¹

    ¡¸You ought to stop with the foolish preface, Lord Zagha.¡¹

    The voice of a gentleman in the prime of his life interrupted Zagha who was letting out admiration while continuing.

    One of the four great nobles, Dist Ralgris.

    He is the father of Syvalles¡¯s captain, Celis.

    ¡¸Just as we explained, this country is in the verge of unprecedented danger. In order to prevent that, we wish to borrow your strength, as the trump card against the imperial capital recapture plan.¡¹

    ¡¸What kind of role I¡¯ll have more specifically?¡¹

    Lux replied shortly and waited for the answer. Dist paused shortly before continuing the talk.

    ¡¸I have heard about your true strength and deeds of arms from my daughter. Yes, of course I knew about the rumor from the royal capital¡¯s tournament(official mock battle), but I never thought that your strength is to the degree of being able to repulse Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux responded to that with silence.

    At first glance it was a compliment to him, but he couldn¡¯t get carried away and said anything unnecessary.

    The matter of a seed of Abyss was inserted into Philuffy¡¯s body and that the seed¡¯s host, Yggdrasil had been defeated were significant secrets that were only know to Lux and co.

    Abyss was subjugation target by law. That law applied not just in the new kingdom, but anywhere.

    Therefore, he absolutely had to avoid from saying anything careless and caused the secret to become known.

    ¡¸Other than that, I also heard the report that you saved the students many times from Abyss¡¯s assault to the academy, and you were victorious against Lord Barzeride in an one-on-one duel. There is already no doubt that you are a prominent Drag-Knight even among the men of the new kingdom. ©¤©¤Therefore, we judged that it is possible if it¡¯s you.¡¹

    Dist stopped his calm praising words and changed his tone into a strict one.

    ¡¸From the scout¡¯s report, a hundred Abyss that appears to be the battle strength for the sake of this imperial capital recapture plan are already hiding in an abandoned village northwest from this royal capital.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    That terrifying information that was said really naturally caused Lux and Airi¡¯s body to tremble in shock.

    Even just several Abyss were hiding strength that could easily destroy a single village without Drag-Ride to oppose them.

    If several dozen Abyss were rampaging in the capital unchecked, it would brought danger of destruction in one night just from that.

    ¡¸Is that information©¤©¤true?¡¹

    ¡¸For the Abysses to quietly lurking in an abandoned village, there is no doubt that the treasure called ¡ºhorn flute¡» that was used by a rebel army¡¯s commanding officer you once brought down is in use here. The execution day of the imperial capital recapture plan will be the next day after the end of the All-Dragon Battle. It¡¯s necessary for us to be a step ahead of the rebel army and exterminated the Abysses before they can be used to attack here. Therefore©¤©¤¡¹

    Dist cut off his words for a moment and gazed at Lux, then, he told him.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia. We will have you to take on the role as the decoy to lure all one hundred Abyss.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please stop with the joke Lord Dist! That¡¯s impossible! No matter how, for my brother alone to face such large army is©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi pleaded in panic right after Lux held his breath.

    But, all the consuls including Dist resumed the talk as though nothing happened.

    ¡¸We have sent a scout to the abandoned village and confirmed that fact. This role can only be carried out by you, the Weakest Undefeated©¤©¤the one who excelled in defense more than any Drag-Knight. And then of course, we don¡¯t intent to leave it to you to annihilate all of the Abysses. You will lure the Abysses until a hidden fortress located at the north of the new kingdom, then the army unit standing by there will strike down the Abysses with concentrated fire. That¡¯s the plan.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This plan didn¡¯t come from my own discretion. It¡¯s a conclusion that was hammered in a war council that reflected the opinion of her majesty the queen and all the consuls here. The execution of this mission will be the next morning after the founding anniversary. We will crush the Abyss swarm that is the keystone of the rebel army¡¯s tactic beforehand. Also in order to avoid chaos from the foreign countries and the people, refrain from saying a word of this to other people.¡¹

    ¡®I see¡¯, Lux comprehended inside his heart.

    It was unclear whether these people had grasped as far until the matter of ¡ºBlack Hero¡», but Lux understood several things.

    Putting aside the intention of the four great nobles, the consuls of the new kingdom were putting their utmost trust in Lux¡¯s strength, on top of that©¤©¤they wished to make the annihilation of the Abysses as the achievement of the new kingdom¡¯s army, that was their thinking.

    Lux was selected to take the decoy role for that reason.

    Arcadia Empire lost the majority of their Drag-Knight¡¯s war potential from the coup d¡¯etat five years ago and their military strength was greatly weakened.

    The new kingdom was hastening the nurture of the Drag-Knight, but as expected, looking at the whole, it was the fact that there was a large gap opened between the new kingdom¡¯s force and the surrounding large countries.

    There, they wanted to use this chance where many important people from various neighboring countries were gathering to demonstrate the new kingdom¡¯s strength to the people and all other countries.

    However, skilled Drag-Knight whou could carry out the decoy role was few in number in the new kingdom, and no one wanted to lose their own superior pawn.

    They were trying to use Lux was most likely because of such reason.

    ¡¸If you cooperate with us, the matter of the other day©¤©¤the unauthorized Ruin investigation by the arbitrary judgment of the headmaster of the royal officer academy you are attending, Relie Aingram, as well as the indiscretion of all of you Syvalles who was going along with it in order to save her. We won¡¯t question those any further. I think that this is not a bad deal, but what do you think?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s reckless Lord Dist! My brother¡¯s wound is still not fully healed for battle. Carrying out that mission by himself is©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi raised her objection against Dist¡¯s offer.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. I¡¯ll do it.¡¹

    Lux calmed his breathing in only a moment and clearly answered like that.

    ¡¸Nii-san!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine Airi.¡¹

    Lux smiled gently in order to calm the worried Airi.

    ¡¸In the end, this is something that someone has to do. Even the current me will manage somehow, surely.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi faltered to say further from working her thought to think of various things. Then more voice came from the parliamentary seat.

    ¡¸Looks like the talk is finished. Then, I¡¯ll speak another demand from us.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The words of one of the four great nobles Zagha that suddenly came caused Airi to knit her eyebrows. The aged man then grinned smugly and raised four of his fingers.

    ¡¸Four win©¤©¤. In order to obtain enough Ruin investigation right, we want you to get at least four win. Of course, carrying out the aforementioned decoy role is your top priority still.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What could you mean by that?¡¹

    When Airi made a dubious face, Zagha¡¯s narrow eyes narrowed further and he chuckled with a stifled voice.

    At the All-Dragon Battle, it would be a round-robin event against each country. This time a total of six battles would be carried out.

    In the recent years, the military cadet of each country had grown in strength quite much. Obtaining four victories there was next to impossible.

    Nothing could be done about it with just Lux¡¯s strength alone but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It means exactly like how the words sound. It will take some effort to not question the incident we mentioned just now. There is also no way we can just not question the incident of using the Ruin investigation right without authorization itself. Don¡¯t worry, I heard that all of you the selection members of Syvalles are a gathering of powerful people. It will be easy to raise four win in the All-Dragon Battle I¡¯m sure. If needs be, you the Weakest Undefeated can just fight hard for the sake of victory.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, no matter what it¡¯s too high-handed©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Airi moaned and she prepared to protest further, but her mouth closed against the cold gaze from the consuls that were looking down from the surrounding seat.

    The demand of firm promise for obtaining four win in the All-Dragon Battles following the matter of the decoy role.

    Lux who had seen the way the old empire did thing in the past could easily read their intention of intentionally forcing difficult tasks to him.

    They were preparing a difficult problem that was hard to accomplish in addition of the decoy role matter was so that in the case he was unable to accomplish one of the tasks, they intended to force another troublesome request to him again someday in the future.

    They would use this chance to ascertain whether Lux was an existence that was easy to control for the new kingdom or not, and whether he was a beneficial personnel or not. If possible they would want to put a collar on him.

    Not a shred of guilt could be seen from such people was because Lux and Airi were criminal from the old empire.

    (Aa, this again¡­¡­)

    It was pointless no matter what they said, they who were an existence with weak position.

    People like them who held authority would be endlessly self-assured against such weak existence.

    Just like the old empire that once imposed tyrannical rule to the people and brought the tide of male chauvinism in the past©¤©¤.

    (Eh? Just now, what did I¡­¡­?)

    Lux asked himself in his mind because of the strange d¨¦j¨¤ vu.

    It was strange. Even though here wasn¡¯t the old empire anymore¡­¡­why?

    But if that was the case©¤©¤if it was the same like in the past, then it was easy to understand.

    If it was the current him, he had even more way to do thing than in the past.

    ¡¸Understood. Regarding the decoy role for the Abyss extermination and the four win from the All-Dragon Battle. I will undertake both of them.¡¹

    ¡¸Oo!¡¹

    At that moment, cheers and small applause welled up from the stair-shaped parliamentary seat.

    Airi looked like she wanted to say something, but after a few moments she hung her head down in resignation.

    ¡¸It became later than we thought isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s lucky that the rain isn¡¯t strong though©¤©¤¡¹

    A light rain was gently falling on the capital¡¯s townscape.

    Countless orange colored lamp colored the scenery brilliantly. Lux and Airi were watching that wondrously beautiful sight while going back to the inn.

    After that, there was the briefing session about the detail of the mission where Lux would serve as decoy. He was talking with the military officers about the procedure, terrain information, how to deal with unexpected situation, and so on.

    Among those he was a bit concerned about the information which said that Heiburg¡¯s Ruin was gone from sight, but it was something that wasn¡¯t really related with the operation this time, so even when asked for more detail about it there wasn¡¯t any more information.

    It would worry him if he made Airi went home alone at night, so he made her waited for long, but when it came to that Airi©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Like that, since some time ago she only kept sighing with a depressed expression.

    ¡¸How about wearing this if it¡¯s cold? I also brought a coat just in case though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! I¡¯m not cold anywhere! I¡¯m worrying about Nii-san here you know!?¡¹

    Airi said that with a loud voice that was unusual for her. But after that she suddenly returned to her senses and shut her mouth.

    Perhaps she was embarrassed about her loud voice, her cheeks were slightly reddening. She averted her gaze and resumed walking.

    ¡¸Thank you for worrying about me. But, I¡¯m fine. If it¡¯s about me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸At that time, why didn¡¯t Nii-san say that you cannot use Bahamut¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi showed her back toward Lux who stopped his feet and asked that while walking ahead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand. If they don¡¯t know about the matter of the Black Hero, then we cannot disclose it intentionally. But, if it¡¯s Nii-san then you know aren¡¯t you? The meaning, of what I¡¯m saying©¤©¤¡¹

    And then, Airi stood still and turned around to stare at Lux.

    Due to the recoil of using Over Limit, Lux experienced extreme fatigue and burden.

    He was recovered until a state where he could use Drag-Ride once more was only a few days ago.

    In Airi¡¯s calculation, he could only use Bahamut for twelve minutes during the period of All-Dragon Battle.

    If Lux used Wyvern, he could use it continuously to a certain degree, but even so it was unclear whether he could serve as a decoy against a large army of Abysses by himself.

    ¡¸The meaning is different you know? Having only a Wyvern to lure the enemy while continuously escaping, and having Bahamut in reserve so that if I feel like it I can use it to escape while defeating Abyss are two different things©¤©¤¡¹

    No matter even if he had the Scale Blade that Lisha developed, it was impossible to continuously execute the counter technique Critical Hit when he was surrounded by a large number.

    Also, because the situation would greatly vary depending on the number and variety of the Abyss, he would have to deal with many kind of diverse offense. Dealing with that would surely fray his nerves.

    Most of the consuls were taking an optimistic view because they heard that Lux had taken part in Ragnarok extermination, but the matter wasn¡¯t that simple.

    ¡¸Besides, there is the promise that we will obtain four win in the All-Dragon Battle too©¤©¤the fact is that Nii-san who will carry out the decoy role will become unable to go out in the second half of the match where your appearance is scheduled, and yet forcing that kind of demand is¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi whispered with a grieving expression. Lux floated an apologetic smile toward such Airi.

    ¡¸Even so, as I thought, I think that it¡¯s something that I should do.¡¹

    In the end, it was like that.

    The consuls forced a difficult problem on him, but their strategy and decision themselves weren¡¯t mistaken.

    Using decoy would end it with the minimum death and wounded from the military and made it easier to annihilate the Abysses.

    And then, if Lux rejected it, then someone else would have to do it in his place.

    Rather than having Lisha or Celis, or perhaps Philuffy to become the candidate for such role, doing it himself let him felt more at ease.

    Lux and Airi walked side by side. From the main road they entered into a narrow street where there wasn¡¯t any sign of people.

    Because of the night¡¯s darkness and the rain, the light and temperature at the surrounding suddenly felt like they were dropping drastically.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, in the end it turned out like this. If I at least can come along, I will be able to protect Nii-san a little, that was what I thought when coming here but©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi whispered in melancholy.

    However, Lux¡¯s body moved reflexively faster than he could reply at her words.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Watch out-!¡¹

    ¡¸Kyah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux quickly pushed down Airi who was walking in front of him down on the street¡¯s stone paving.

    Lux covered the back of Airi¡¯s head with his hand so it wouldn¡¯t hit the ground but,

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing all of sudden!?¡¹

    Right after Airi who was pushed down as though being embraced yelled that, the sound of a violent cutting wind was passing through in high speed right above Lux and Airi who were ducking down.

    Airi who saw that became speechless and her body froze.

    The raining royal capital at night with no presence of people.

    A dragon of atypical shape was floating at the air above that street.

    ¡¸My ba-ad, getting in the way of your fun date like this.¡¹

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­, from the afternoon©¤©¤¡¹

    The dull colored hair with a part of the bangs standing on end, and dangerous sanpaku eyes.

    A selection member of Wanheim Principality, and one of the candidates for the Seven Dragon Paladin, Greifer.

    His tone and attitude was lackadaisical like usual, but his presence was clearly different from before. He was emitting a definite hostility toward Lux and Airi.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What is your intention?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s my line y¡¯know? Don¡¯t play dumb and handover the culprit already. If you do that then I too won¡¯t need to attack you.¡¹

    Greifer was saying strange thing in response to Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸What are you talking about!? We didn¡¯t do any©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Just now one of our selection member, he was attacked nearby the inn where we are staying by your country¡¯s guard©¤©¤a Drag Knight.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux and Airi raised a bewildered voice hearing Greifer¡¯s words.

    ¡¸I also saw the new kingdom¡¯s crest so it ain¡¯t a mistake yeah? It was a Drake-type and he escaped right away, but without a doubt our student was assaulted in a surprise attack.¡¹

    One Drag-Knight who was serving as guard of the new kingdom was ambushing the representative student of other country.

    Such thing should be impossible.

    But, looking at the Greifer in front of them who was looking dangerous, it didn¡¯t look like he was lying at all.

    ¡¸The attack was using Breath Gun from long range, so fortunately it wasn¡¯t fatal yeah. But both his legs were broken, it was hopeless that he¡¯d make it for the match tomorrow. I¡¯m gonna have you settle the bill for that. Any objection?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Putting aside whether your story is the truth or not, why are you aiming at us!?¡¹

    When Airi objected, Greifer snorted scornfully and showed a wicked look.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t play dumb this late. Fundamentally any representative of other country don¡¯t know anything like where are we staying y¡¯know? Except you new kingdom bunches who assigned the inn for us to stay.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh.¡¹

    ¡®This is bad¡¯, thinking that, Lux resolved himself in his heart.

    The truth of the incident was completely shrouded in mystery, but the point Greifer mentioned was indeed correct. It was obvious that Greifer had no intention of backing away. Then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the symbol of power the winged dragon of crest. Obey my sword and take flight, Wyvern!¡¹

    Lux quickly pulled out his Sword Device from its sheath and summoned Wyvern in front of him.

    He immediately wore that armor. Right after that, Greifer laughed.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll introduce it before killing you. The name of the Divine Drag-Ride I got is <Cuelebre>. Here I go ruined prince©¤©¤Weakest Undefeated-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸Both of you, please wait! Doing this here is©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Airi yelled, the two Drag-Rides moved at the same time.

    Lux¡¯s Wyvern slashed up while flying and Cuelebre descended rapidly while its Blade stabbed downward. The two weapons collided and sharp sound of blade clashing and sparks scattered.

    ¡¸Airi! Return to our inn and tell Relie-san about this matter, confirm about the mentioned guard! I¡¯ll stop him here alone.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san-!?¡¹

    Airi yelled seeing Lux raising his voice with unusual tension in it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m relying on you. Be careful.¡¹

    After telling her that, Lux lightly glided and fixed his posture midair.

    Right after the momentary clash, the shoulder armor of Lux¡¯s Wyvern was shallowly gouged.

    (This is, bad©¤©¤)

    Even if the fact that Lux wasn¡¯t in full health was taken away, this man called Greifer was considerably skilled.

    There were two reasons why Lux didn¡¯t request Airi to ask for help from Divine Drag-Knight user like Lisha and others.

    One, in order to prevent this incident from turning big.

    And then the other reason was because he understood that this was an opponent that might harm even Lisha and co.

    In that case there was no way Lux could call for help from them here.

    ¡¸You¡¯ve got it in you huh, former prince-sama. Defending against my sword with a mere general purpose Drag-Ride, not just that, you even shift the trajectory of my rush so that your little sis won¡¯t get dragged into this. But¡¹

    Greifer readied his large Blade©¤©¤a weirdly shaped blade with the length of its blade reaching around two mel. Then he circulated the energy from his Force Core through it.

    ¡¸If you think that this is me being serious, then that will concern my honor yeah.¡¹

    The air was thick with tension that felt like it was electrifying the skin.

    The moment the tension heightened until the limit, Cuelebre moved.

    Cuelebre was clad in violent gale that was visible with naked eye and charged forward like a bullet.

    At the same time a slash that was several level faster than before drew an arc and assaulted the Wyvern, it was then©¤©¤that long blade shined faintly and its length extended several times over.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The weapon transformed in the middle of slashing.

    It was most likely©¤©¤Cuelebre¡¯s special armament.

    The Scale Blade couldn¡¯t make it in time to block the attack from the midway transformation that suddenly occurred.

    Greifer¡¯s Blade was falling toward the Wyvern¡¯s shoulder by grazing the Blade Lux was holding, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Nn?¡¹

    *PAAN!* A whirling air burst in front of their eyes and both of them were sent flying backward.

    Right after their blades clashed at the beginning, Lux amassed energy in advance to use Howling Howl for holding back the opponent. He immediately released it just now and barely blocked a direct hit on his self.

    But, Greifer who fixed his balance in only a single instant didn¡¯t pause and pursued after Lux who was attempting to escape to the opposite direction using the momentum of Howling Howl.

    The townscape of the royal capital consisted of countless high and low buildings packed close to each other.

    One wrong step and they would crash. In such situation, the two skillfully weaved through the buildings and flew in high speed.

    ¡¸So you dodged my <Tail Blade(Dragon Tail Connecting Blade)> at first sight. Looks like it ain¡¯t that much of an exaggeration that they called your defense unrivaled huh.¡¹

    Greifer smiled fearlessly while driving his Cuelebre and unleashed an attack toward Lux who was intently retreating to take some distance.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was called as the Weakest Undefeated because he carried out many mock battle in the capital by devoting himself to defense, but the attack of this young man called Greifer was terribly hard to see through.

    The sharp slash of the Tail Blade that could transform its range and trajectory midway, and Greifer¡¯s timing in throwing Dagger the moment Lux reacted to it was superb. It couldn¡¯t be dealt with by ordinary means.

    Lux was also holding back the opponent using Howling Howl and Breath Gun, but just a bit of attack didn¡¯t even budge Cuelebre that possessed solid armor and barrier.

    Therefore Lux couldn¡¯t exchange attack with the opponent equally and he was forced to a one-sided defensive battle.

    In a glance, Greafer¡¯s offensive was just a simple brute force but©¤©¤there was no pause between his attacks.

    If there was a building at Lux¡¯s right side, Greifer would deal out a slash from the left. He limited the escape path, and on top of that he also threw a Dagger as extra attack.

    If Lux dodged just barely, Greifer would use Breath Gun and Cannon in conjunction and stopped him in his track.

    It was attacking in waves like a storm.

    It was like how a skilled hunter would cut the escape paths of his prey one by one, controlling the prey¡¯s movement while chasing after it, cornering the prey with certainty.

    At first Lux could perfectly dodge Greifer¡¯s attack, but the number and power of the attacks were gradually increasing. The barrier of the Wyvern was gradually pierced and the surface of its armor was starting to get scratched.

    ¡¸You¡¯re using a rare Blade there but©¤©¤it¡¯d be better for your health if you aren¡¯t stingy y¡¯know? In two or three more attacks, I¡¯m gonna chop you up.¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s Blade struck down vertically along with that declaration.

    But when Lux was blown away backward, Greifer noticed something odd and stopped moving.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hm? This place, where in©¤©¤?¡¹

    There were few lighting around and the air was quiet like a lake surface.

    It was the new block of the royal capital©¤©¤the redeveloped district.

    It was a place where there would be a lot of construction worker, but at night it was mostly an empty lot.

    Lux was estranged with the terrain of the capital these days, but he executed his plan by relying on his memory of the capital¡¯s map that he saw when he was summoned just now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, so you made a show like you are getting cornered while it¡¯s actually you who are luring me in? Into this place where it¡¯s okay even if we rampage a bit.¡¹

    Greifer who grasped Lux¡¯s plan grinned and readied his sword.

    ¡¸Man, that¡¯s terrifying yeah. A guy who can match me this far by using general purpose Drag-Ride ain¡¯t that many even at Wanheim Principality. That¡¯s why it¡¯s a pity©¤©¤that I¡®m gonna have to crush you here.¡¹

    Suddenly Greifer¡¯s atmosphere changed with his tone and expression looked arrogant.

    He used his empty left hand to pull out his Sword Device, held it as though he was sending thought to it, and then he returned it into the sheath once more.

    It was a Drag-Ride control motion to sharpen one¡¯s nerve for the mind control operation.

    (No good©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me, he is planning to use Divine Raiment!?)

    Greifer sent a piercing eye glint toward Lux¡¯s Wyvern, and then he held aloft his Tail Blade really high that the sword blade couldn¡¯t be seen from the front.

    ¡¸It¡¯s too late even if you notice it this late y¡¯know, Weakest Undefeated!¡¹

    Lux who felt the alarming sign jumped back. At that moment, Greifer threw three Daggers and cut the escape path to the back while he charged forward.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Greifer had anticipated that Lux would take distance by moving backward, and on top of that he accelerated extremely by predicting that escape trajectory.

    Normally, Lux¡¯s style was to see through the preliminary movement of the enemy¡¯s attack and, but now his action to move at a spacious place where he had breathing room in order to neutralize the opponent¡¯s initial speed and power was aimed at by Greifer.

    In other words, this man called Greifer had predicted Lux¡¯s defensive action.

    An opening would be created if he deflected the Dagger using his Blade.

    Therefore, the moment he deflected the Dagger using Howling Howl, Greifer circled to right beside Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is my win yeah? Prince-sama]

    He swung the quickly transforming multi-joint blade, aiming at Lux¡¯s torso.

    But at that moment, Lux who should be taken by surprise met the tip of that blade precisely with the tip of his Scale Blade.

    Lux¡¯s movement that looked like his escape was cut off was a bluff to entice Greifer into a narrow place.

    Lux deliberately got cornered into a place that was surrounded by building to limit the angle of attack of his opponent so he could aim for a counter using Critical Hit.

    The perfect timing.

    The tip of the Tail Blade that extended out in order to aim for Lux, just when Lux thought he would be able to destroy it completely,

    ¡¸©¤©¤

    ¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment both weapons crossed, Cuelebre¡¯s whole body was enveloped in blazing light.

    Immediately after, the Scale Blade¡¯s barrier that Lux generated rebounded from the light and Lux was blown backward.

    ¡¸U, ah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux who was blown away while rolling on the ground crashed onto a huge clock tower.

    He didn¡¯t receive lethal wound, but impact ran through the flying device on his Wyvern¡¯s back wings. Letters of light floated in front of his eyes, displaying the decreasing output.

    (Damn it¡­¡­! I cannot avoid©¤©¤the next attack.)

    Lux immediately laid out a barrage of Breath Gun, and he further threw Daggers to hold back the opponent.

    But, both attacks were easily deflected by the light enveloping Cuelebre and lost their effect.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤, that Drag-Ride¡¯s Divine Raiment¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Deflecting the opponent¡¯s attack©¤©¤even the barrier of normal Drag-Ride could possibly achieve such feat, but normally if a Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier blocked an attack, it would result in some amount a backlash for the Drag-Ride.

    But, that blazing light which was enveloping the armor didn¡¯t cause any backlash for the user.

    ¡¸Correct answer. The ability of Cuelebre¡¯s Divine Raiment is ¡ºinvicibility¡». In a state where I am enveloped by this light, all kind of attacks woulda get deflected, what¡¯s more I¡¯m the only one who can attack one-sidedly. I¡¯m teaching you that after all your effort©¤©¤that¡¯s the prize for fighting me until this far with just a mere general purpose Wyvern.¡¹

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux groaned. Right after that, the light enveloping Cuelebre vanished as thought it had burned out.

    It seemed that invincibility could only be maintained for just around few seconds, but for the current Lux, he couldn¡¯t hold out even if the enemy didn¡¯t have that.

    (Even though I cannot use Bahamut here©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Killing you will make it troublesome later so I¡¯m not gonna kill you, but I¡¯ll have you meet the same fate like my comrade whose legs were broken!¡¹

    Greifer lifted up his Tail Blade to aim at Lux who was buried under rubble, but then,

    *BASHII-!* A Wire Tail(Dragon Tail Rope Wire) stretching from behind entangled that one hand and stopped it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s as far as you go, Greifer!¡¹

    The true identity of the intruder became clear along with that refined soprano voice.

    Behind Cuelebre there was the silhouette of an EX Wyvern before anyone noticed it.

    The Drag-Knight clad in armor was the young man with androgynous face that was with Greifer before, Coral.

    He wasn¡¯t wearing pilot suit but the uniform of his own school must be because he was hurriedly rushing to here.

    ¡¸Please forgive his rudeness. Our leader ran by himself©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oi, why are you stopping me? And then what are you doing apologizing as you please huh, Coral? What I¡¯m doing here is a justified revenge y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸Did you see him as the one actually doing it? If not then there is no proof at all. As long as the culprit isn¡¯t caught and interrogated, this is nothing but false accusation and violence from our side. You understand that don¡¯t you?¡¹

    Greifer showed a grave look. But Coral also didn¡¯t concede at all. He retorted back with a cool tone.

    Based from his dignified attitude, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine that this young man whose appearance looked like a girl was also hiding an equal strength with Greifer.

    ¡¸Keh! I got it already honor student-sama. Aa-aa, that¡¯s why I hate you.¡¹

    Greifer spat out as though he lost interest before he sheathed his sword and dispelled his armor.

    Coral who saw that then approached the clock tower where Lux crashed onto.

    ¡¸Are you all right? Any injury©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No. I¡¯m still fine, more or less.¡¹

    Lux told so to Coral who was holding out his hand toward Lux worriedly. Lux then went down to the ground with his own strength.

    Certainly he didn¡¯t have any serious injury or damage.

    But, it was only him escaping such thing with a paper-thin difference, if Coral was late several second, he didn¡¯t know what would happen to him.

    ¡¸By all right, this matter have to be reported and discussed with the judge panel of the All-Dragon Battle and, but¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral also went down and dispelled his armor. Then he muttered that with an awkward look.

    By all rights, the selection members for the All-Dragon Battle from each country weren¡¯t permitted to battle each other outside the arena. In the case that rule was broken, the offender would be banned from participating©¤©¤or depending on the situation, the represented country would also be disqualified.

    Because this time it was Greifer who inititated the fight, that rule should be applied to him, but Lux shook his head.

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s fine if we treat this matter as never happened. I don¡¯t know about the detail, but it seemed that the new kingdom¡¯s guard attacked your member first¡­¡­. I too don¡¯t want to make this into a big problem.¡¹

    ¡¸It also cannot be like that. At the very least we have to check whether you are injured or not©¤©¤if you tell me where is the capital¡¯s hospital is located, I¡¯ll accompany you there.¡¹

    ¡¸Oooi, honor student. Since when you became the new kingdom¡¯s aide huh?¡¹

    ¡¸You just shut up over there.¡¹

    Coral scolded with red face when Greifer pointed out with casual tone.

    Lux was thankful for Coral¡¯s consideration, but Lux too didn¡¯t intend to prolong this matter for more than this.

    ¡¸I¡¯m really all right. Rather than that, our side will also investigate about the matter in question, so for today©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I guess. It will be a big day for both of us tomorrow, we too has already reported to the other guard just now, so©¤©¤later.¡¹

    When Lux said that, Coral bowed in thanks and walked away.

    Even though he had come until this far outskirt, he didn¡¯t leave using Drag-Ride was to avoid even further commotion than this.

    At the sky, several Drag-Knights from the military were already circling around  because they heard the commotion.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m going home too. I got a bit of bone to pick with you and this country, but let¡¯s settle it next time. It¡¯s a waste to finish you with this kind of half-baked battle.¡¹

    Greifer grinned while saying that before he left.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuu.¡¹

    The time that was like a storm passed and Lux was finally liberated.

    There was no curfew at the inn they were reserving, but he didn¡¯t want to worry everyone, so he hurriedly went back.

    Lux dragged his body that was heavy from fatigue and somehow managed to return until the inn. There, Airi was standing in front of the door with a stole wrapped on her shoulders.

    ¡¸Uwa¡­¡­¡¹

    Those reproachful eyes staring at him caused Lux to raise his voice reflexively.

    ¡¸¡ºUwa¡­¡­¡» , it¡¯s me who want to say that. What were you doing fighting like that? What a no good Nii-san as usual.¡¹

    Airi immediately replied with an exasperated tone.

    Most likely she explained the situation to Relie and asked her to dispatch the army¡¯s guard to reinforce Lux. After that she was waiting for Lux¡¯s return here.

    ¡¸No but, I was pursued¡­¡­and I couldn¡¯t shake him off.¡¹

    ¡¸Wouldn¡¯t it be fine if Nii-san ran away to a place with a lot of people or to a military facility? ¡­¡­Well, though knowing Nii-san you must have escaped to the direction of the redeveloped district where there is no people so that no one will get dragged into it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Everything was seen through so Lux couldn¡¯t even say anything in his defense.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go inside quickly. You will catch cold if you stay wet like that.¡¹

    Airi opened the door and urged Lux to come in. Lux obeyed her meekly and followed behind her.

    ¡¸Eh!? You knew the true identity of the culprit? The one who attacked the selection member of Wanheim Principality©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please lower your voice Nii-san. It will become complicated again if someone heard it by any chance.¡¹

    Lux wiped his body that was wet from rain, drank a hot tea, and warmed his cold body.

    After that, he entered the double room that he shared with Airi in order to sleep. But the first word he heard right after entering inside caused Lux to raise his voice unconsciously.

    The incident not long ago that became the origin of the dispute.

    A Drag Knight of the new kingdom attacked the inn of Wanheim Principality. Airi said that she knew the true identity of the attacker.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this first, but it¡¯s forbidden to disclose it to other people okay? I too only heard about it from Relie-san just now.¡¹

    ¡¸And, why did a guard of the new kingdom did something like©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, unknown.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Lux was perplexed. In contrast Airi continued her talk with a serious expression.

    ¡¸When he was using Drag-Ride to patrol the capital, suddenly the Drag-Ride became impossible to control and attacked the inn of Wanheim Principality that was nearby©¤©¤. That was the excuse of the officer in question.¡¹

    ¡¸Drag-Ride¡¯s, rampage©¤©¤was that it?¡¹

    ¡¸That too is a strange story isn¡¯t it? A Drag-Ride¡¯s rampage©¤©¤it happens when the Drag-Ride surpass the ability of the user to control and do unintentional act. Of course, there are a lot of incidents where people or thing was harmed because of that. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸This time, a selection member of Wanheim Principality who is inside an inn was shot by Breath Gun, and then after that the guard immediately escaped from there¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that kind of skillful rampage method is impossible. Besides, it seems that officer is quite the veteran, and when his Drag-Ride was inspected there wasn¡¯t any abnormality.¡¹

    A rampage that happened in an impossible timing and an assault that occurred because of that.

    ¡¸The capital apprehended him and an interrogation is being carried out continuously. It¡¯s still not known how they will explain about it to Wanheim Principality.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    If a conclusion had to be spoken, that officer himself might be a spy from somewhere.

    That possibility too certainly wasn¡¯t zero but©¤©¤could it be?

    ¡¸By the way Nii-san, do you remember about that girl?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    Airi quietly talked to Lux inside the bedroom that had its lighting turned off.

    Lux too noticed it.

    Yoruka¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride that he had already told to Airi too©¤©¤Yato no Kami.

    The ability of Spell Code, the Divine Raimen that dominated and controlled other people¡¯s Drag-Ride.

    If it was with her strength and skill©¤©¤certainly she could easily cause this kind of incident.

    (But¡­¡­I don¡¯t understand. Is this, really Yoruka¡¯s work?)

    The piled up fatigue was gradually robbing him of his ability to think.

    And then, Lux fell asleep.

 Volume 5 - CH 3

    The next day, the international tournament©¤©¤All-Dragon Battle¡¯s first day was finally held.

    The place was the Drag-Ride arena nearby the castle.

    The scale was even larger than the academy¡¯s practice ground. A great number of citizens and nobles were gathering there.

    It was scheduled for three days. In order to limit the Drag-Knights¡¯ fatigue to the minimum, there would be one day of rest in between. The tournament was divided to the first half in the first day and the later half in the second day and it was carried out under special rule.

    The tournament this time was a round robin event that was performed by the seven participating country.

    Three battle in the first half, and three battle in the later half. A total of six battles would be carried out.

    The competition rule against a country was a maximum of the three matches, the one who took the first two victory in two matches won the battle. It was fundamentally based on the rule of the capital¡¯s tournament.

    There was two kind of matches, a one-on-one individual battle, and a two-on-two pair battle. The side that settled two wins first would win at that time.

    In the case the result was one win and one loss, both camps would choose a member who still hadn¡¯t fought and the last individual battle would decide it.

    It was only after all the members had performed once that the team could choose once more between all their members.

    Therefore the comprehensive strength of the team was stressed here. It was a system where it would be hard to be victorious by depending on the great effort of a single powerful member.

    When the members of the new kingdom gathered inside the waiting room in the arena, the leader of Syvalles Celis stood in front of everyone.

    ¡¸The three battles today will be against religious country Ymir, Turkimes Confederation, and Blackened Kingdom. About the first battle against Ymir, I believe we will carry it out without our four Divine Drag-Ride users as arranged.¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, if I¡¯m not mistaken this is what you called throwing a match right¡­¡­?¡¹

    Tillfur of Tria who heard that spoke sounding somewhat dejectedly.

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s what you call a strategic bargaining. Or rather, please don¡¯t bring up again the matter that has been decided from previous discussion.¡¹

    Noct immediately retorted and lightly clapped on Tillfur¡¯s back.

    The new kingdom ide ended up borrowing Krulcifer who was a prominent Drag-Knight from their allied country Ymir.

    Therefore, it was the moral principle for the new kingdom to not put Krulcifer in the first battle against Ymir, and they also couldn¡¯t show a stance of doing their all to win by investing their other Divine Drag-Ride user.

    Because of such reason it was decided to enter the users of general purpose Drag-Ride only against religious country Ymir.

    In this aspect, it was the instruction that came from the capital government¡¯s strategic bargaining rather than the selection members themselves, so there was also an implicit understanding part in it.

    And then Tillfur was planned to enter the first match, the individual match of this battle.

    ¡¸But of course, you don¡¯t mind if we actually won this battle right, captain-dono?¡¹

    When Sharis said that, Celis nodded with a serious look and,

    ¡¸Of course. The member¡¯s placement is already decided, but that¡¯s all the restriction imposed on this battle. Please go and win, Tillfur.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Roger!¡¹

    Tillfur strongly nodded after a slight hesitation.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s Tillfur then you will surely win.¡¹

    When Lux called out from the side,

    ¡¸Right, thanks. I¡¯ll do my best for instructor-sama¡¯s sake too okay~¡¹

    She laughed jestingly.

    ¡¸Then, if there is no more question we will end this talk here. I won¡¯t mind if each of you watch the battle or take rest by your own decision, but I order all of you to grasp the schedule and return here when it¡¯s time. Understood?¡¹

    Everyone nodded at Celis¡¯s words.

    At the end Relie who was at the room¡¯s corner stood in front of everyone and gave the concluding speech.

    ¡¸Everyone©¤©¤you¡¯ve worked hard the other day. And then, thank you. Today fight for the sake of this new kingdom and for the sake of none other but yourself, okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    Everyone raised their voice before breaking up.

    And then thirty minutes later, the All-Dragon Battle finally began.

    OOOOOOOOOOoooo!

    The moment Lux exited the waiting room into the venue, cheers that shook the earth overwhelmed Lux.

    Perhaps it should be said as expected from the All-Dragon Battle, even Lux who had participated in the mock battle here several times had never seen the place this bustling.

    ¡¸It¡¯s finally starting huh©¤©¤, our battle that is.¡¹

    When Lux sat down on the spectator seat for the participants, Krulcifer quietly took the seat beside him.

    Krulcifer¡¯s turn would be at the third battle, so she still had leeway for time.

    Everyone else was spending their time tuning their Drag-Ride until the very last minute or heightening their focus for the match, but for Lux he wasn¡¯t arranged to appear today.

    Because he was still recovering, it was better to not force himself to participate. Or rather, that was the cover reason that Airi told to everyone, but in actuality it wasn¡¯t the true reason.

    From late at night tomorrow until the dawn©¤©¤, he would do his best to accomplish his decoy role that was ordered to him from the government in order to obstruct the imperial capital recapture plan. That was the true reason.

    It was kept secret from other selection members so to not make them worry, but Krulcifer had sharp instinct and mind, so Lux was anxious whether he was seen through by her.

    ¡¸Somehow, it feels difficult to fight against our allied country Ymir isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder? I¡¯m all right though. Because I¡¯ve come to a clean decision about it.¡¹

    When Lux spoke while watching the battle, Krulcifer responded with a cool smile.

    ¡®As expected¡¯, Lux thought while smiling wryly inside his heart.

    ¡¸It looks like a candidate of Seven Dragon Paladin from Ymir also participate. Though I don¡¯t know the detail as someone studying abroad in the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I heard about it from my family¡¯s butler, Alterize. This candidate is a powerful person that is the best by far even among the officer cadets, and that she is number one even through the successive generations.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s that girl, isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Lux sent his gaze at the arena¡¯s ring and asked.

    It was a girl with platinum hair and small stature that could be mistaken as a child.

    ¡¸Mel Gizalut. She is the top student at the faith military academy, a Drag-Knight who is crowned with the nickname of Subjugator.¡¹

    The girl Krulcifer talked about was maintaining a composed smile from start to end while cornering the new kingdom¡¯s selection member with skillful tactic.

    The Drag-Ride she was using was EX Wyvern, but looking from her skill, it was certain that she also had the strength to skillfully use Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸It seemed that there was a bit of dissent between her house and my Einfolk house regarding Ruin. Well, it¡¯s something that is not really related to me who is shunned from my house though.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Hearing that self-depreciation that was rare for Krulcifer made Lux spontaneously spoke.

    ¡¸But, even if someday a chance to fight with her come, I don¡¯t have any intention to lose.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Becoming a first class Drag-Ride. Continuing to be strong©¤©¤even if I¡¯m alone. Those are targets that I imposed on myself, because they are necessary for me to live.¡¹

    Krulcifer, the girl who was discovered inside the Ruin of religious country Ymir.

    Because she had such past, she felt sense of alienation toward her family and other people even after she was adopted by Einfolk house, therefore, she was looking for accomplishment in order to be recognized by her family.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t plan to be like before anymore. And I have trained just for that.¡¹

    The before that she meant was about the battle at the Ark.

    She must be talking about one of the Ragnarok, Yggdrasil.

    ¡¸About that, it couldn¡¯t be helped. Even I only managed just barely that time. That victory came because there were various coincidences and luck.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps that is so.¡¹

    Krulcifer agreed with Lux¡¯s words once, before she suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s vexing. It doesn¡¯t matter even if the opponent was a Ragnarok that human couldn¡¯t match, I cannot be satisfied with that result. Lux-kun, you see, even though I look like this I¡¯m really a sore loser you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so?¡¹

    Krulcifer slowly brought her face closer with a mischievous smile. Lux¡¯s heart unconsciously jumped.

    ¡¸More accurately speaking, I have several things that I absolutely don¡¯t want to concede, and I really hate to lose in regard to them. That¡¯s why, I have a request for you. At the country founding anniversary tomorrow, can you spend a bit of time with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux raised a surprised voice because the talk was suddenly brought to a different direction.

    ¡¸That¡¯s my special request from your reward to me. Will you accept?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    The request of Krulcifer to spend time together at tomorrow¡¯s country founding anniversary.

    So to speak wasn¡¯t this that thing called date?

    Thinking so, caused Lux¡¯s heart to beat fast inside his chest.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡­¡­. It seems that our butler Alterize also come here as one of the delegation leaders of Ymir. I want to show to her that it looks like our relationship is going well.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, is, is that so. Then, perhaps it¡¯s that thing again©¤©¤that ¡ºlover case¡»?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes, that¡¯s right.¡¹

    Krulcifer nodded while showing a somewhat embarrassed expression.

    Once, in order to avoid the political marriage that her family the Einfolk house forced on her, she made a request of acting ¡ºKrulcifer¡¯s lover role¡»to him.

    The eldest son of one of the four great nobles Balzeride lost his standing, and that case was safely washed away but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, in the end what happened with that? Alterize-san misunderstood us as real lover, and she said that she will endorse me as Krulcifer-san¡¯s fianc¨¦e but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸About that©¤©¤it¡¯s really not a problem. It¡¯s going well, so it¡¯s all right if Lux-kun doesn¡¯t worry about it.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux felt some kind of implication from Krulcifer¡¯s tone, but perhaps it was just his imagination.

    ¡¸And so, in order to make her believe that even now our relationship is continuing, that¡­¡­it will help if you can act as though it¡¯s a date between lovers.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right, I understand. I¡¯m a bit nervous, but if it¡¯s with Krulcifer-san I feel that it will be fun.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­? If you say that, then it¡¯s also worth it for me to rely on you.¡¹

    Krulcifer averted her gaze and for some reason her cheeks were blushing.

    The air felt embarrassing somehow, but when it flowed between the two©¤©¤,

    OOOOOOOOOOOH!

    A conspicuously loud cheers rose from the surrounding audience seats.

    ¡ºThe third one-on-one matches is Ymir¡¯s victory. With two win and one loss, the first battle of block A goes to religious country Ymir¡¯s victory!¡»

    A Drag-Ride commentator raised his voice using Drake¡¯s function to magnify the voice.

    It went mostly as expected, but all the same the defeat felt regrettable.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, it looks like we lose.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. How about we return for now before the next match begin?¡¹

    Lux and Krulcifer stood up from the venue¡¯s audience seating where the enthusiasm was still continuing.

    Their expression had returned back into seriousness.

    Although their first battle ended in defeat, the second battle against Turkimes Confederation ended up safely in victory thanks to Celis and Philuffy¡¯s great contribution.

    And then, continuing to the third battle. Against Blackened Kingdom, Krulcifer won the first match, then the pair of Lisha and Noct at the second match also progressed through their match dominantly, but midway a bit of accident occurred.

    The special armament of Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat that Lisha controlled, Legion. One of it misaimed and flew toward the audience seat.

    In front of each spectator stand there was Drag-Ride stationed for defense. They deployed wide range barrier, so there was no particular damage, even so it was judged to be a dangerous act and Lisha received a warning.

    After that the new kingdom¡¯s side advanced the match dominantly without any particular problem©¤©¤and settled it.

    ¡ºBecause both the pair member of Blackened Kingdom are unable to continue fighting, it¡¯s the victory of the new kingdom¡¯s pair! Because they have obtained two win, the third matches become the new kingdom¡¯s win!¡»

    The spectator stand at the new kingdom¡¯s side was greatly excited from the second victory of today.

    Lux hurriedly went to the stone passage that connected toward the waiting room to welcome the pair.

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    When Lux called like that to the two who had already dispelled their armor and walked toward him, Lisha responded ¡¸Ye, yeah¡­¡­¡¹ with her expression looking bewildered.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸That, I think you also noticed but, in the middle of the match©¤©¤my Drag-Ride¡¯s control temporarily stopped working. I wondered what was it but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I judged that surely Lisha-sama did that purposefully.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you stupid!? Even for luring the enemy, there is no way I¡¯m going to do something like sending my Legion flying toward the audience seat even purposefully isn¡¯t it!? Even I am©¤©¤, more or less the princess of this country after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who heard Lisha¡¯s words whispered seriously.

    Certainly he thought that it was an unnatural action, but it seemed that even Lisha herself didn¡¯t understand the cause.

    Tiamat was a Divine Drag-Ride, losing control because of the degree of difficulty piloting it and the intensity of exhaustion©¤©¤the danger of ¡ºrampage¡» existed from the beginning.

    But, recently Lisha¡¯s control skill, physical ability, and her mental strength were increasing. Because of that something like rampage indication couldn¡¯t be seen at all from her.

    (Something, bothers me¡­¡­)

    ¡¸We, well, it doesn¡¯t matter. Rather than that, I have something I want to talk with you for a bit¡­¡­is it okay?¡¹

    Lisha looked up at Lux¡¯s face looking somewhat discomposed.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­! Come to think of it, me too. Then, after returning once to the waiting room, let¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We, well then, after I change clothes¡­¡­I¡¯ll be waiting.¡¹

    Lisha said only that before leaving with a jog.

    The first day of All-Dragon Battle came to an end without a hitch like this.

    ¡¸It has been very long since I last entered the capital¡¯s atelier.¡¹

    After the simple meeting in the waiting room where they looked back at today¡¯s battle was over.

    Before returning back to the inn that was the base of the selection members, Lisha called Lux to the Drag-Ride atelier that was inside the castle¡¯s ground.

    Lux had visited that place many times at the old empire period. A great number of Drag-Ride were lining up there, with characteristic metallic smell drifting in the air.

    Inside the atelier where one could somehow felt its history, Lisha and Lux were sitting in front of a pedestal while slowly drinking tea.

    ¡¸I see. However, it¡¯s great that this place is reserved for us during the All-Dragon Battle, but as I thought a new place feels unfamiliar. When things like the tools or the positioning of the work table are different, it will bother you no matter what.¡¹

    Lisha grumbled while sipping the herb tea that was prepared by a maid.

    Lisha was wearing a white robe similar like when she was at the academy¡¯s atelier. It seemed that she was completely feeling like a developer.

    Lux was relieved that she wasn¡¯t bothered anymore by the rampage that occurred at the previous match while he smiled wryly.

    ¡¸But, for Lisha-sama to call me here, have you created some kind of weapon or Drag-Ride again?¡¹

    ¡¸No, after all as expected these few days there is no time at all. Checking the Drag-Ride that I¡¯m using, then©¤©¤. That, there are various things like training and so on, like the speech for your introductio¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The last part was said with low voice, so Lux couldn¡¯t hear it. When he tilted his head in puzzlement,

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing! ¡­¡­Right! Open your schedule for tomorrow night no matter what okay!? I called you here to say that!¡¹

    ¡¸Tomorrow night¡­¡­is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yeah¡­¡­. That¡¯s, if possible, I¡¯ll be happy if you can also go around with me at the country founding anniversary but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I¡¯m sorry. For that it¡¯s a bit¡­¡­I still don¡¯t know my schedule.¡¹

    ¡¸Mugugu¡­¡­. It must be that Krulcifer again anyway. Good grief.¡¹

    Instantly Lisha guessed something and she muttered with a pout.

    She pondered looking troubled for a while, but she immediately pulled herself together and turned toward Lux.

    ¡¸Well fine. Those bunches has the special request right so it can¡¯t be helped. But, come properly to where I am before the anniversary is over okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. I¡¯ll go without fail, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    After Lux nodded, Lisha also crossed her arms in satisfaction and puffed up her chest that was quite large for her small build.

    ¡¸¡­¡­And, just what kind of business you have with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, that©¤©¤it¡¯ll be great if this is possible¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux brought his mouth closer to Lisha¡¯s ear and whispered ¡ºa certain thing¡» that he thought up last night.

    When he finished talking, Lisha looked at Lux with a dubious face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s with that? What¡¯s the meaning of purposefully doing something like that?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. I cannot guarantee that it will surely be helpful, but©¤©¤by some chance, it could be the key for the battle this time. Please, can you do it?¡¹

    Lux told that toward the bewildered Lisha with a serious expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Its performance being the same like usual is okay right?¡¹

    Lisha closed her eyes and groaned for a while, before at the end she said that.

    ¡¸It can be done!?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know how far I can do it, but I¡¯ll manage somehow. After all that kind of playing around that isn¡¯t related with actual function is totally my specialty. But, the customizing that you ask, it will be a gamble whether it will look like it or not©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Lisha-sama!¡¹

    When Lux grasped Lisha¡¯s hand in gratitude, Lisha went ¡¸Wa-¡­¡­¡¹ and showed an expression that was a mix of bewilderment and embarrassment.

    But, after keeping that posture for a few seconds, Lisha¡¯s cheeks were turning faintly red and she glared at Lux with an upward gaze.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, I certainly accepted that request. But, putting that aside©¤©¤how should I say it, you, recently are you mistaking me as a handyman or a toolbox?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    For a moment Lux tilted his head in incomprehension of the words¡¯ meaning. Lisha continued speaking further.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m particularly dissatisfied with your request just now. ¡­¡­But, like, sometimes I wish that you will ask me for something different. Specifically things like, you want to go to a date with me, of you want me to make you lunch, if you are asking me something in that direction¡­¡­so far, I¡¯m also learning cooking bit by bit, and yet¡¹

    Lisha was whispering such thing with a low voice while fidgeting and entangling her fingers in embarrassment, but,

    ¡¸A, as I thought it¡¯s nothing! Forget what I said just now!¡¹

    Midway she yelled somewhat panicky and in the end she left it vaguely.

    ¡¸Yosh! I¡¯ll do the matter you ask without fail so leave it to me! By the way, today there was a dummy arm for Drag-Ride sold at the capital¡¯s commerce and industry district, this is a rare chance, so I¡¯ll remodel your Wyvern with six arms©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t! My request just now will be meaningless like that!¡¹

    ¡¸I see©¤©¤then, what if two from that six are turned into drill?¡¹

    ¡¸What kind of standard you are using to compromise!? I¡¯m begging you, just do like what I said before©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I get it. I¡¯ll back down this time for your sake.¡¹

    Her cheeks puffed up in dissatisfaction, and yet she immediately took out the diagram that recorded the Drag-Ride¡¯s parts and began staring it while putting on a monocle.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll start working on it after this, so you just go do your own work. I¡¯ll do my best properly too.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. I¡¯m looking forward to tomorrow night, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux answered firmly to that alone and he left the Drag-Ride¡¯s atelier.

    In the end, he still didn¡¯t tell anyone about the imperial capital recapture plan even to Lisha.

    In any case Lux¡¯s resolve to play the decoy role by himself didn¡¯t change, and right now he wanted to concentrate to All-Dragon Battle.

    (There is no doubt regarding that. But©¤©¤)

    But, inside Lux there was something bothering him.

    The case with Greifer that occurred yesterday, and Tiamat¡¯s rampage that occurred today.

    It was only a fragment of faint out of place feeling that was too much to be called suspicion.

    As the result of taking those into consideration, he thought to ask Lisha to do something for him.

    ¡¸Next©¤©¤there¡¯s only one left, huh.¡¹

    He was only concerned of the movement of Hayes who escaped at the previous fight, but at this point of time he wouldn¡¯t understand anything even if he thought about it.

    Right now he had to do what he ought to do.

    First, he had to hear about the special reward request from Philuffy and Celis.

    ¡¸Well, as expected I don¡¯t think that I¡¯ll receive more invitation for date though¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux muttered to himself while going outside, and he hurried on through the evening capital¡¯s street.

    And then the next morning.

    The country founding anniversary of the new kingdom finally began.

    At the All-Dragon Battle¡¯s schedule, today was the second day that was for a resting day. The participants were basically free whether to rest or to look around the festival.

    Lux received a request from Krulcifer to ¡ºgo around the festival together¡» as the reward for finishing her assignment at the training camp.

    Krulcifer was already waiting when he headed to the entrance of the inn where they were staying.

    Krulcifer wasn¡¯t wearing her usual cool smile, but she looked slightly awkward with a complicated smile.

    In the middle of All-Dragon Battle, there was a rule that the participating selection members had to wear their uniform when going outside, so the two of them also wore their uniform, but Lux¡¯s concern didn¡¯t lie there.

    ¡¸This, I¡¯m sorry Krulcifer-san. I never thought, that it would become like this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not planning to blame you. I¡¯m only exasperated with my own carelessness. In a sense, it should be easy enough to predict that this day will turn like this.¡¹

    When Lux apologized, Krulcifer responded curtly.

    Actually yesterday, when he left Lisha¡¯s atelier and headed toward the practice ground inside the castle¡¯s site, he received an outrageous request from Celis who was there.

    ¡ºLu, Lux. I have a special request for you. It¡¯s©¤©¤I want you to accompany me at the anniversary tomorrow!¡»

    Honestly, it was troubling.

    He already had previous engagement with Krulcifer in that day, the request from the three who finished the assignment wasn¡¯t ranked differently against each other, and it also wasn¡¯t first come first served.

    For the time being, he talked with Celis that he received the same request from Krulcifer.

    ¡ºHo, how could this be!? I, I understand. In that case I¡¯ll accept half the time so please. Normally I¡¯ll be patient but¡­¡­at the moment it¡¯s, there is an important talk I need to have with you so©¤©¤I cannot concede here!¡»

    She strongly insisted, so in the end Lux agreed with the condition that he would consult Krulcifer too of what to do.

    After he returned to the inn that was their base, he immediately headed toward Philuffy¡¯s room and he unexpectedly encountered her inside her room dressed in negligee.

    Lux¡¯s heart was throbbing hard toward that stimulating figure while he asked Philuffy about the special request that she would want to make. He also talked about the request he received from Krulcifer and Celis, and then©¤©¤,

    ¡ºThen, tomorrow, go on a date with me too.¡»

    ¡ºEh¡­¡­!?¡»

    Yes, Lux was completely shocked from hearing Philuffy speaking with her usual absentminded and serious face was because of the very shocking request.

    No, of course there was a possibility that Philuffy too would say ¡ºI want to look around the festival together¡» to him, but for Philuffy who gave childish impression to say such thing was something that Lux had never even imagined.

    ¡ºEh, ah, right¡­¡­. That¡¯s©¤©¤fine though.¡»

    Lux was shook up by Philuffy who said that straightforwardly with her serious face and carefree tone stayed unchanging. His cheeks reddened while he consented.

    Since the past the two of them had played together many times, but this was the first time she called it a ¡ºdate¡», so he somehow felt embarrassed.

    ¡ºThen it¡¯s a promise, okay.¡»

    In the end after that, Lux wracked his brain to make the schedule with Krulcifer and Celis got by somehow and he wasn¡¯t able to really sleep.

    With such complicated sequence of events happening, all of them consulted each other once, and the result was that he would walk around together with Krulcifer from the morning until the lunch.

    ¡¸Well, putting that aside, let¡¯s depart soon. If I¡¯m not mistaken, Alterize said that she will return to Ymir¡¯s inn at afternoon after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Please take care of me, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    Lux who returned to his senses from those words pulled himself together and responded.

    If he kept worrying without end, it would be inexcusable to Krulcifer who had shown her understanding of Lux¡¯s position.

    Thinking that, they started walking toward the capital¡¯s street.

    And then, the second date with Krulcifer began.

    A large mansion located in the capital©¤©¤Moon Lamp Mansion. It was the first time Lux entered inside it.

    That facility which was mainly used for the party of nobles was divided into three floors. It had a bar that also offered meal, and a lounge with chic atmosphere.

    Its main attraction was the dance hall that was decorated with gorgeous furniture and chandelier with beautiful craftsmanship.

    People could also borrow outfit there although it would take some money. It was a famous social meeting place that anyone would show their face at least once there if they were a noble at the capital.

    Especially at this period when the country founding anniversary was on going, the venue was really crowded and enveloped in hustle and bustle since the daytime.

    After lightly viewing the bar and the lounge, both Lux and Krulcifer rented outfit for themselves and changed into it.

    When Lux who changed into a white ceremonial clothes was waiting at the dance hall, the door of the changing room opened and Krulcifer in dress appearance made her appearance.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve made you wait. I chose a slightly reserved piece however©¤©¤what do you think?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously held his breath after taking a glance at her appearance.

    She was beautiful.

    She was wearing a smooth jet black dress that made the whiteness of her skin that was like powdered snow became prominent.

    The area around her neck that was wrapped with black choker opened widely until her chest, showing the curve of that slender stature even more beautifully and charmingly.

    Her long blue hair that was like silk was gently bundled with hair clip and ribbon, spreading downward in a gentle arc.

    His feeling was paralyzed because he had gotten used at seeing her from nearby daily, but when she dressed up properly like this, he felt further from her a beauty that was in different dimension.

    ¡¸Suddenly choosing a dress on the spot is really difficult isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s good that I can somehow make it look appropriate but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, it really suit you Krulcifer-san. I thought that you are a princess from somewhere.¡¹

    Lux spoke with honest intention, but Krulcifer chuckled and she brushed up her hair with a hand that was wrapped in black long glove.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s you a former prince who say it, then I think I can take it a little seriously.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, sorry Krulcifer-san. It¡¯s hard for me to say it but¡­¡­I, never really attend this kind of party.¡¹

    Lux honestly confessed that he had no confidence in taking the lead here, but Krulcifer only showed him her usual cool smile.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s a simple dance then I know it, so it will be all right if you match my movement. Let¡¯s go.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Right. Please take care of me, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    Lux took Krulcifer¡¯s hand and they headed toward the dance hall.

    And then they enjoyed a wonderful time for a brief moment.

    ¡¸Aa, I¡¯m tired¡­¡­¡¹

    A few dozen minutes later, Lux and Krulcifer who exited the Moon Lamp Mansion sat by sat under the shade of tree of a spacious public park. They were eating skewered roasted meat and fruit pie that they bought from stalls while taking rest.

    Lux made mistake several time even though it was a basic dance, but he wished to believe that around the third dance he was starting to get good enough.

    Several times at between, some noble asked Krulcifer for a dance, but she decisively refused all of them.

    ¡¸How unexpected. Even though you almost never act tiredly even when you usually did that much chores.¡¹

    ¡¸This is because of nervousness, surely.¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly like that,

    ¡¸But, there was also gain from this you know? I noticed when we danced together but©¤©¤Lux-kun¡¯s height, it looks like recently that it¡¯s growing a bit isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! Really!?¡¹

    Lux looked listless because of the fatigue, but hearing that he reflexively bit at it.

    Seeing that Krulcifer showed a slightly surprised expression. And then she gently put her hand on Lux¡¯s head before averting her face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. It seems that it was just my imagination.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! That¡¯s cruel!¡¹

    Hearing Krulcifer¡¯s seemingly sad voice made Lux yelled with teary eyes.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be that dejected. Lux-kun has a lot of other lovely virtue right?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a second!? Don¡¯t crush the possibility of my height growing in the future arbitrarily like that! I¡¯m still in my growth period you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes¡­¡­. You¡¯re right, it¡¯ll be great if that day will come someday.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t say it with that kind of distant look!¡¹

    A few seconds after Lux unintentionally raised his voice and gasped for breath.

    Krulcifer who was smiling lightly put her hand on Lux¡¯s head once more.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, I teased you a bit too much. It was the first time I saw Lux-kun¡¯s eyes sparkling like that, so I unconsciously enjoyed it too much¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux stiffened with a complicated expression, Krulcifer took a deep breath and slowly stood up.

    ¡¸Thank you for accompanying me today.¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you don¡¯t need to thank me. I also had fun, that©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux also stood up and faced Krulcifer. Then refreshing wind flowed from between the gaps of the abundantly growing tree, gently shaking the greenery at the surrounding.

    ¡¸Say, Lux-kun. I have one last personal request, can I?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I told you that my house¡¯s butler©¤©¤Alterize is coming to the capital, but she has been watching us all the time through this date.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so!?¡¹

    The shocked Lux reflexively ran his gaze around him. Then he noticed a presence of something moving behind the cover of the wide public park¡¯s bushes.

    When he focused there, he was able to immediately find its true identity thanks to the unique butler uniform.

    (Wait, since when she came? Alterize-san¡­¡­)

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to be too bothered. I think that we surely have accomplished our objective today nicely.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­I guess.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t know since when Alterize was watching them, but the objective of the request this time was ¡ºpretending that his association with Krulcifer is continuing¡». He believed that they certainly had done it well.

    ¡¸But, I think that it¡¯s still slightly insufficient to completely trick her. That¡¯s why for the last©¤©¤let¡¯s see. Can I ask Lux-kun to kiss me from your own initiative?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh? Eeeeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was flustered hearing Krulcifer¡¯s speech that was muttered with a slightly embarrassed look.

    ¡¸Of course, I don¡¯t mind if you only pretend. If you brought your face closer to me to a certain degree, I think that will be enough to trick her.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ri, right¡­¡­. The, then, Krulcifer-san©¤©¤be careful.¡¹

    Lux turned his gaze around and checked whether there was any other gaze than Alterize¡¯s, after that he slowly brought his face closer toward Krulcifer whose eyes were lightly closed.

    After confirming the position of that small and glossy lips, Lux also closed his eyes and stood on his tiptoes, at that moment©¤©¤, ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    *chuu-*

    The touch of a soft sensation surprised Lux and his eyes snapped wide open.

    Even though he had definitely stopped just before his lips touched, when he noticed both their lips and firmly piled on top of one another.

    There was the aroma of sweet and graceful perfume, and the aroma of Krulcifer¡¯s own hair.

    The soft sensation of the lips felt pleasant, making his instinct hesitated to get away from it immediately.

    In the end they separated after exchanging kiss for a few second. Krulcifer whose eyes were opened lightly licked the corner of her lips.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It looks like, our positioning was slightly off.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, so,sorry. That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer smiling with her cheeks unusually blushing, the shaken up Lux started to say something before,

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to apologize. This is the first time I received a kiss from your end but, as I thought©¤©¤the sensation is completely different.¡¹

    Krulcifer averted her gaze from Lux and whispered with a voice that was filled with a hint of intoxication.

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san?¡¹

    For some reason it made the girl who was right before his eyes until now to look unthinkably sexy. Lux¡¯s heartbeat was pounding fiercely.

    ¡¸I wish that in the future you will do it for me by your own will. Then, I¡¯ll go report to Alterize so©¤©¤see you later.¡¹

    Krulcifer only said that and she turned around and slowly walked out of the public park.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A few seconds later after he saw her off, Lux sat down on the spot.

    After waiting the heat left from his completely flushed face, he left to fulfill his next request.

    ¡¸Eerr, if I remember correctly, right now Celis-senpai¡¯s schedule is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was walking on the bustling street of the royal capital while checking the request schedule that was written on a paper.

    He promised to go around the country founding anniversary from the afternoon until the sunset with Celis, but she said that she was going to train at the practice ground inside the castle ground until right before Lux came to pick her up.

    When Lux went to the guard¡¯s place, Celis wearing her uniform was already waiting in front of it. She turned his way and smiled.

    ¡¸Thanks for coming, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Good afternoon Celis-senpai. I¡¯m sorry to make you wait.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I too only came just now. However that¡¯s©¤©¤, it¡¯s a little troubling.¡¹

    When Lux approached, Celis¡¯s tone dropped a little with her condition looked unusually restless.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­, I made a blunder in picking our meeting place. I cannot calm down unless I train every day, so I only did basic training and sword practice but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux tilted his head hearing Celis¡¯s tone that gave a hint of frustration.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. After all Celis-senpai is giving off the nice smell of soap.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! I¡¯m not talking about the matter of sweat! Be, because there is this date with you, I properly washed myself after I finished my training so©¤©¤tha, that¡¯s not it, it¡¯s¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly seeing Celis who was showing him her flustered self. After that he noticed what she actually wanted to say a bit late.

    Countless gazes were directed toward them from the shadow of the castle wall and bushes. The sound of stifled breathing came from those directions.

    The reason for that wasn¡¯t merely because the castle was nearby and there were many officials there.

    Lux instinctually comprehended the reason that showed it.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai, how well do you know about the terrain of the capital?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr, I know enough in general. When I was a child I also lived here to some degree, last year and the year before that too I also came here when summer vacation came.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, what¡¯s left is only about the concern of stamina. Can senpai run right now?¡¹

    ¡¸I have difficulty to understand Lux¡¯s question but©¤©¤¡­¡­-!? Is it something like that?¡¹

    Celis tilted her head in puzzlement for a moment, but she immediately noticed and held her breath.

    After exhaling lightly, she showed a confident smile and started walking.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll take the lead, but we¡¯re going to walk slowly until a street where there is few passerby.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, please go easy on me¡­¡­¡¹

    Recalling the training camp the other day, Lux said that while smiling wryly.

    Celis who had imposed a strict raining on herself since she was little possessed a stamina that would make even man lost their face.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go, Lux.¡¹

    Saying that they walked side by side. Immediately after, the countless presences hiding around there started moving simultaneously. (So¡­¡­it¡¯s as I thought.)

    The gazes that were focused on Lux and Celis since some time ago.

    Most likely they were people of the palace who were trying to spy their movement.

    In order to shake off those observers, Lux suggested that they took ¡ºescape¡».

    ¡¸Could this be, because of my fault?¡¹

    Lux spoke his question while walking on the stone pavement outside the castle.

    Currently they were still walking at the level of fast-walking, but they were gradually moving in the speed like running children.

    ¡¸No, this might be my fault. After all it seems there are people scheming various things behind the scene in the current government office so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Scheme?¡¹

    They bought distance at the straight line of the main street where the visibility was nice, turned into a narrow back alley, and shook off the pursuer.

    Their speed wasn¡¯t affected at all even while they were conversing normally.

    ¡¸Perhaps it¡¯s better to call it a scramble for interests, and following after that is the factional strife. What I want to talk with you today is also related to that©¤©¤oh, I think this far should be fine don¡¯t you agree?¡¹

    Celis suddenly stopped and looked behind her.

    The presence of countless people following them from the castle had entirely vanished within a few minutes.

    ¡¸I, it seems so¡­¡­¡¹

    It was pathetic if he who was a man lost his breath first, so Lux pretended to be composed, but he was fairly tired.

    ¡¸However, this strategy is half failure. Even though I¡¯ve expressly washed off my sweat, now I¡¯m soaked in sweat again.¡¹

    As expected it would be like that if they ran with their all on the street at summer.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. I¡¯m also sweaty©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When Lux was about to agree, he saw it.

    The figure of Celis who slightly opened the breast area of her blouse in order to take in the wind, which caused her skin to look flushed.

    Perhaps because this was a back alley with the surrounding enclosed by houses and shops, she became somewhat defenseless.

    The valley of Celis¡¯s breasts that proclaimed their existence strongly even when they were within the uniform caused Lux¡¯s gaze to be reflexively attracted in.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong Lux? It looks like you are in a daze since just now? Don¡¯t tell me your health is¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s nothing at all! Ra, rather than that, about Celis-senpai¡¯s talk for me©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux averted his gaze in panic and asked once more.

    Celis was lightly vigilant toward the surrounding while she slowly started talking.

    ¡¸Lux. There is one thing that I want to ask you. What do you think about me?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered against Celis who suddenly displayed a serious tone and expression.

    And then, after thinking a bit for a few seconds,

    ¡¸I think Celis-senpai is really serious and just a little bit awkward but©¤©¤you are someone that is really reliable.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I also think the same of you.¡¹

    When Lux told her that with a small smile, Celis immediately replied back.

    ¡¸I dragged along the tendency of the old empire, feared to make a mistake, and kept away male at distance. You saved me who was like that. For me, you are a really reliable boy friend who I was able to make for the first time.¡¹

    Celis put her hand on her chest and whispered earnestly.

    ¡¸And so I want to talk about this. I received instruction from my father through a letter telling me to win you over. He instructed me to use my position as the leader of Syvalles to put you under my observation and jurisdiction©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The instruction from one of the four great nobles, Dist Ralgris that came to Celis.

    Lux instantly predicted the general objective and meaning of such instruction.

    ¡¸No matter what kind of thinking father have, I don¡¯t intend to follow his instruction this time. In the case that we come to a confrontation, I¡¯ll plead to him directly to withdraw that instruction. ©¤©¤But, he might bring trouble to Lux somewhere outside my sight. I still don¡¯t know what to do about that, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux smiled to assure Celis who looked confused.

    ¡¸I¡¯m happy that Celis-senpai are worried about me, but it¡¯ll also pain me if you come into a dispute with Ralgris house. I think it will be fine if you just pretend to follow the letter¡¯s instruction moderately.¡¹

    ¡¸But that¡¯s, my father might come to interfere with you directly then¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m used to something like that since I was a child. Besides©¤©¤, I already resolved myself to get involved with this country again, not only as a criminal imposed with odd jobs, but also in different shape.¡¹

    Lux declared with his gaze staring straight at Celis.

    ¡¸Lux, you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸In the first place, it became like this only because I did things that made me stood out every time, just like Airi always told me, this is me reaping what I sow.¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly, Celis¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise,

    ¡¸This is troubling. I talked of this with the resolve to be blamed by you but©¤©¤my worry is cleared up already.¡¹

    Celis slowly casted down her eyes and made a small smile.

    ¡¸I understand. I¡¯ll carefully handle the matter of putting you under my jurisdiction, but I¡¯m thinking to reply back that I don¡¯t want to force you. But©¤©¤if, in case that my father tries to do something, please talk to me anytime. I won¡¯t permit you to stay quiet. After all I also want to become a senior that you can and ought to respect.¡¹

    Saying that, Celis slowly offered her right hand.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I will, I promise.¡¹

    When Lux gently took that hand, the tension of the two abruptly felt loosened.

    ¡¸Even so, it¡¯s unfortunate.¡¹

    Celis suddenly muttered when they were about to exit the back alley into the main street.

    ¡¸What is?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I was thinking that if my talk with you finished early, perhaps we can look around the festival for a bit©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux noticed when he saw Celis running her gaze around looking vaguely dispirited.

    Several messengers in the palace were investigating into Celis¡¯s movement with Lux.

    Although they had shaken off everyone just now, if they enjoyed the festival in a place where there was many people, they would immediately get found out by those people.

    ¡¸Ah, ¡­¡­it, it¡¯s not like you have to worry about it because my objective has been accomplished! It¡¯s not like I want to have fun looking around the festival slowly for sure this time because until now I have never gotten the chance to look around the festival properly, there is no such thing at all so©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux noticed that and sent his gaze at Celis, Celis threw out her true feeling in the open in panic.

    ¡¸Ahaha, please wait a second. I¡¯ll think a bit so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly and retorted so, then he got an idea.

    (But this, we might need a bit of help from someone¡­¡­)

    When Lux was thinking that, he caught sight of a trio of girls walking on the main street.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, it¡¯s Lux-chi and Celis-senpai. What¡¯s up? At this kind of place©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur of Triad noticed them and called out.

    It seemed the three were also sightseeing the royal capital for relaxation from the All-Dragon Battle.

    ¡¸What a coincidence. However it smell a bit suspicious that you two are having date at that kind of deserted place you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I think I have the duty to report this to Airi as her best friend.¡¹(TN: A bit of reminder. When Noct said yes or no at the beginning of her sentence, in the raw she isn¡¯t using Japanese word like ¡®hai¡¯ or ¡®ie¡¯, but she is actually using English word of ¡®yes¡¯ and ¡®no¡¯. She also said ¡®my lord¡¯ at English)

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to do that! It¡¯s not like we are hiding anything that make us feel guilty I¡¯m telling you©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux objected at Sharis¡¯s grin and Noct¡¯s mutter while he lightly explained the situation.

    He told them about how he wanted to look around the festival with Celis and how several spies were searching for them.

    ¡¸And so, I want to ask a bit of help from everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux consulted his thinking of how to shake off the pursuer to the three people of Triad, then,

    ¡¸That¡¯s good and all, but somehow I¡¯m not motivated~. Even us here are bored with a lot of free time. And yet doing that will only make Lux-chi and Celis-senpai to get a great date without anything in it for us in the end~¡¹

    Tillfur nodded her head in the beginning while showing a complicated sulky face at the end.

    In respond Sharis plopped her hand on Tillfur¡¯s head and spoke admonishingly.

    ¡¸Fuh, Tillfur too is still young. At this kind of time it¡¯s more sensible to make them owe us without getting strangely obstinate. Especially because Lux-kun is the type who will return the favor properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I judged that cooperating with Lux-san and Celis-san here will be a worldly wise decision. After all the two of them are really capable people.¡¹

    When Noct also continued like that, Tillfur showed her usual bright smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s true. Then~, there is my acquaintance dressmaker nearby, so wait a bit here.¡¹

    (I, it feels like it¡¯ll be scary later but¡­¡­well, it¡¯s fine I guess.)

    ¡¸However, Lux. Just what could you possibly think about?¡¹

    Tillfur showed up once more faster than Lux could explain to the puzzled Celis.

    ¡¸See that shop, you can enter from the backdoor so no one will know. I¡¯ve talked to them so it¡¯s fine.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you©¤©¤let¡¯s go, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    Lux smiled and pulled Celis¡¯s hand, heading toward that dressmaker shop.

    ©¤©¤Thirty minutes later.

    A noble lady and a butler were standing in front of the dressing room inside the shop.

    ¡¸Wha, what do you think©¤©¤Lux? Does it look like we can hide well like this?¡¹

    A girl wearing pure white proper and prim dress, and a hat with wide brim of the same color on her head.

    The outfit was reserved and not showy, but it didn¡¯t harm the elegance possessed by the girl wearing it at all.

    Thanks to the thin dress that made the body line stood out distinctly, Lux received a charming impression that was several level above the usual uniform appearance.

    The parasol the girl was holding was decorated with ornament, which gorgeously gave color to the whole body that looked slightly meek.

    The parasol¡¯s purpose was to prevent sunburn, but it also functioned as a props to hide Celis¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Uwaaa¡­¡­. I don¡¯t want to do this~. She is too beautiful that I¡¯m feeling down just from looking~¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur who helped with the clothes changing hung her head down with a complicated look.

    Fundamentally the selection members were obligated to wear their uniform when going out during the period of All-Dragon Battle, but in order to avoid the observers¡¯ gaze right now, Celis dressed up like a noble young lady who came to the capital.

    ¡¸However, it¡¯s beyond expectation when Celis is dressing as a lady like this. Lux-kun also look suitable in that. If it¡¯s this then it will do somehow.¡¹

    Even Sharis who came together with them praised the finished up appearance of the two in satisfaction.

    ¡¸Ahaha. Though this appearance is really stuffy¡­¡­, I¡¯ll do my best.¡¹

    On the other hand, Lux was wearing a butler uniform with black basic tone.

    His standing out silver hair was hidden with black wig, so Lux¡¯s impression was greatly different from usual.

    Furthermore he felt the heat a lot because the black suit had little skin exposure, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    By the way the Triad at first tried to dress Lux in woman clothing, but this time he refused it with all his strength.

    ¡¸Yes. With this both of you are a noble lady and her butler that came to watch the festival. Please enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content.¡¹

    When Noct concluded their tactic this time at the end, Lux showed a smile and nodded.

    ¡¸Right. Thank you everyone. We are off.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for your cooperation. The, then Lux©¤©¤please treat me well.¡¹

    Lux and Celis thanked the Triad and left the dressmaker shop.

    The promised afternoon date resumed.

    ¡¸Well then my lady, is there somewhere you wish to look around at?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no that¡¯s, I¡¯m the senior here. I¡¯ve been living longer in the capital, so I¡¯ll be the one to show you©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly seeing Celis suddenly showed her usual seriousness.

    ¡¸Right now senpai is just a noble lady. Then, how about we look a around a large place?¡¹

    They traveled to the direction of the central block using a coach before looking around a crowded place that was centered on a main street with many street stalls.

    ¡¸Ah, there is a stall of baked sweets over there. How about it, my lady.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no! As the leader of Syvalles, I¡¯ll refrain from food that makes you fat. And so, something like a conduct of eating sweet thing is not permitted.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be fine if it¡¯s only a little. Also Celis-senpai, you aren¡¯t fat at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­? N, no©¤©¤as I thought it¡¯s no good! I won¡¯t be able to be example to other people if I don¡¯t comply to a discipline that I imposed myself.¡¹

    Right after she said so with an obstinate tone, Celis stared fixedly at the stall¡¯s direction with a longing expression.

    ¡¸Haa, the aroma of baked sweet is torture¡­¡­. I was scolded by father when I ate too much of it as a child, so I haven¡¯t eaten any properly for many years. But, there is also no way I can break the rule©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The, then, I want to eat so I¡¯ll go buy it!¡¹

    Celis was whispering with a depressed expression that looked really down, so Lux stood up in the stall¡¯s line resolutely.

    And then he bought a tart with the biggest size, split it into two, and offered it to Celis.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. I blundered and bought the large one, so can senpai help me eating it a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? Then, just for a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    Even like that Celis accepted the baked sweet with reservation, but after taking a bite, she showed a melting expression that was incomparable with her usual dignified expression.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s happiness. Being able to eat sweet thing for the first time in several years. Lux, thank you very much.¡¹

    Seeing Celis feeling so happy that she was moved to tears, Lux felt glad that he bought it forcefully.

    (Or rather, Celis-senpai, you held yourself back too much¡­¡­)

    Lux felt that this older girl who was serious and awkward like usual was charming. After that their date continued.

    Until the middle so that they didn¡¯t stand out they walked and talk while focusing on sightseeing the events, but when they got used to it they also went to place like auction market or divination stall at the public place. They also participated in wine tasting convention (Celis mistaken it as normal drink) that was done outdoor, and became infatuated with the enthusiasm that was unique to festival.

    The atmosphere that couldn¡¯t be experienced in the normal academy life, where rank was put aside that could only be experienced in festival day.

    Also thanks to the role of young lady and her butler that they acted, they cut loose a bit and enjoyed the anniversary festival that was done once a year.

    ¡¸Here, water. ©¤©¤Also if there is something senpai want to eat, I will go buy it from the stall.¡¹

    Lux made Celis sat down on a curb at a public park because she was staggering from drunkenness. He said that with a gentle smile.

    The sun was already mostly setting down, the time was changing from the dusk into the night.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. It has been a long time since I feel like this. I want to taste this atmosphere more as long as the time allows.¡¹

    After Lux handed over a cup that was filled with water, Celis smiled and she suddenly turned her gaze at the surrounding.

    Her flushed skin that was dyed red and her disordered breathing looked strangely captivating. Lux felt his heart spontaneously skipped a beat just from looking.

    After that, Celis looked like she suddenly became aware of herself and she straightened her back in hurry.

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­. As I thought it¡¯s no good. Because I have responsibility as the older one, I cannot trouble you for more than this. After this I¡¯ll properly escort you back as your senior.¡¹

    It was Celis¡¯s usual dignified tone.

    But, she was drunk so it was funny how she slurred. Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡¸I understand. Then please take care of me until our inn, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    At the end Lux also responded while stopping the acting of being a young lady and her butler.

    With the surrounding getting darker it also became hard to see, so Lux also took off his black wig.

    (It¡¯s really hot¡­¡­)

    There was also no sign of observer, the possibility of them getting discovered must be low. But just in case they chose back street where there was few sign of life to return back to their inn¡¯s location.

    The cool evening wind felt pleasant against their body that was flushed from the heat of the festival and sunlight.

    ¡¸Lux, is amazing.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously reacted to the words Celis muttered beside him.

    ¡¸You are working really hard for everyone¡¯s sake. Even though you are the only boy in the academy, you are idolized by everyone. Unlike me, you aren¡¯t feared or avoided.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is no such thing. I¡¯m only being helped by my current environment.¡¹

    ¡¸But, I too cannot lose. If you are doing your best to persist in your ideal, then I too have to work hard to get closer to my own ideal. I don¡¯t want to lose you like that time with Wade-sensei, where you will have to shoulder everything by yourself.¡¹

    At the practice time in the Ries Island last time, Lux who had a bout with Celis and saw her movement deliberately didn¡¯t give her any instruction.

    A Drag-Knight with strength that was perfected to Celis¡¯s level had no weakness that stood out.

    Whether it was her handling of her Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm, and her heavy attack by doing simultaneous offensive with her one Drag-Ride, also her swift thought that calculated the optimum solution in every situation by the book, her every skill and ability was at the level that was nearly at the peak.

    Then, there was only one thing that he could assign to her.

    Once, Lux developed three kind of hidden techniques by continuously exploring the operating technique of Drag-Ride that in a glance only looked reckless.

    When he instructed Celis, he also told her to seek for that.

    And then a few days after they returned from the training camp©¤©¤when Lux woke up from his sleep that was due to the exhaustion caused by Over Limit, Celis mastered that technique.

    That was the reason Lux decided that he would accept a special request from her as her reward.

    ¡¸Therefore I won¡¯t lose, Lux. I too will continue to pursue the path of Drag-Knight using you as the model.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, please take care of me from now on too Celis-senpai. ¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Right after Lux responded so to Celis¡¯s muttering, he felt a kind of presence and tension ran through Lux¡¯s spine.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What¡¯s the matter, Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Be quiet. Please follow me, this way.¡¹

    Lux lowered his voice as much as possible and spoke with a strong tone. He then pulled Celis¡¯s hand and led her into a back street with no sign of life.

    Celis who was a little drunk didn¡¯t notice, but Lux undoubtedly heard several footsteps following them.

    The footsteps were following when he escaped.

    It seemed that they noticed Lux and Celis as expected regardless of this darkness.

    (The footsteps are heavy. And then, this faint sound of sword guard, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?)

    This wasn¡¯t the observers that were chasing Lux from the castle.

    If these people had weapon hanging on their waist, then they might be thief or perhaps assassin from the rebel army.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Thinking about Lux¡¯s decoy role that would begin tonight and Celis¡¯s match for the next day, he wished to avoid a battle here.

    Lux kept holding Celis¡¯s hand and entered into the other side of a small shed nearby as though to follow his inevitable thought.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux? Wha, what are you doing taking me to this kind of place?¡¹

    ¡¸Shh, hold down your voice. The enemy will pass through here so©¤©¤¡¹

    Saying that, Lux entered the gap between the furniture left behind there to hide Celis behind him.

    But, because it was dark and he couldn¡¯t see under his feet, he stumbled on something like a squared timber and Celis¡¯s body tilted.

    ¡¸Uwah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    In order to save Celis who was falling face up, Lux also got carried by the momentum and he fell.

    Fortunately there was something like an old sofa behind Celis, so the impact wasn¡¯t hard.

    But, Lux¡¯s body was accidentally sticking close on Celis¡¯s body, as though he was pressing down on the body of the collapsed Celis.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The body warmth of the drunk Celis and the sensation of the voluptuous breast flattened under him.

    The unique sweet aroma that could be felt from nearby girl made Lux¡¯s head seethed.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux¡­¡­, this is©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please endure it just for a bit more. The pursuers¡¯ footsteps are approaching near.¡¹

    Inside the darkness of their shelter where he couldn¡¯t even see the front well, Lux told Celis that while repressing the fast beating of his heart and his excitement.

    Honestly he knew only too well just how bad their posture was, but it was dangerous to stand up right now and made a sound.

    He could only resolve himself here and waited for thing to pass.

    (The number of footsteps is three©¤©¤. They are close but, they should be still unaware of our location¡­¡­)

    Lux made such judgment while deciding that in any event he had to stand up even if it was only himself. He slowly tried to lift his body slowly so to not make any sound.

    In order to do that, his hand was going to push on the sofa while his body was still covering over Celis, it was then©¤©¤,

    *munyu*

    ¡¸Fuah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice leaked out along with soft elastic sensation in his hand.

    It seemed that because he couldn¡¯t see his hand really well, it touched Celis¡¯s breast instead of the sofa.

    (Wait, this is bad! At this rate©¤©¤)

    Lux tried to remove his hand, but at that moment, countless footsteps became louder. Lux became even more flustered and in panic his hand fumbled around in order to push on the sofa.

    Midway he could hear Celis¡¯s stifled voice, but a few seconds later Lux somehow stood up.

    When he hurriedly put his guard up to his surrounding, the presences and footsteps were vanishing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­We¡¯re saved, aren¡¯t we?¡¹

    After looking out and checked around, Lux turned around and offered his hand to Celis who was pushed down.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai. Are you okay? Your hand©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes¡­¡­. I¡¯m fine, but¡¹

    After grasping her hand tightly and pulled her up, she breathed roughly.

    Lux tilted his head. Celis averted her gaze from him and her face reddened.

    ¡¸Ple, please don¡¯t rub my breast so many times like that. I, if that is continued more than that, I¡¯ll become strange¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry-!¡¹

    Lux who noticed the true identity of the softness that both his hands felt before this yelled so in panic.

    (No, no wonder it felt really pleasant¡­¡­. ©¤©¤Not that!)

    When Lux worried how he was going to apologize with his chaotic mind,

    ¡¸I, It can¡¯t be helped. Fro, from the story that I heard, it seems that a girl has to be resolved to some extent when a male led them to a dark place, so I¡¯m resigned.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m saying that¡¯s not it! It¡¯s not like I brought Celis-senpai here with impure thought©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux tried to justify himself toward Celis who was starting to interpret the event somewhat peculiarly but,

    ¡¸By, by all rights it feels like this kind of deed must not be done because it¡¯s still too early but, today Lux has been a really great help to me so¡­¡­I, I¡¯ll specially permit it.¡¹

    Celis arbitrarily understood it like that, so Lux too gave up explaining it for more than that.

    ¡¸The, then let¡¯s go back Lux. Your childhood friend is surely waiting in the inn right now.¡¹

    Lux nodded to Celis who showed him a small smile and they started their way back once more.

    After that they were able to return to the inn safely without any problem.

    ¡¸My my, Lux-kun, you are slightly late. Philuffy has been waiting long you know?¡¹

    After Lux changed back to his uniform and entered the inn, the headmaster Relie came as though she had been waiting.

    There was no time left, so Lux immediately headed toward the entrance.

    The place¡¯s interior was designed with glossy olive brown color and red carpet. And then, the dull orange color of the chandelier illuminated the room. Lux found the girl¡¯s figure when he arrived there.

    ¡¸Sorry I¡¯m late! ¡­¡­Phi, chan?¡¹

    Lux who called out like that instantly stiffened on the spot.

    The one who was there wasn¡¯t the usual Philuffy.

    She was wearing a faintly pink colored dress that was decorated with frills and countless ribbons.

    Her hair that was usually split and tied up to left and right was bundled up with a small barrette, giving her a hint of adult impression that was the opposite of her childish look.

    Although her voluptuous breasts that protruded out pointedly and also her absentminded expressionless face were exactly from the usual Philuffy, and yet©¤©¤her fairytale-like beauty caused Lux to mistake her as a different person.

    ¡¸Welcome back, Lu-chan.¡¹

    That slow paced voice and the faint nuance of happiness pulled Lux back into reality.

    ¡¸Ri, right. I¡¯m back¡­¡­. Tha, that¡¯s©¤©¤the dress, it looks good on you.¡¹

    The face of his childhood friend that he should be familiar with for some reason looked more dazzling than usual. Lux couldn¡¯t look straight at her.

    ¡¸Thank you. Then, let¡¯s go.¡¹

    ¡¸Both of you be careful. ©¤©¤Lux-kun. Take care of my little sister okay?¡¹

    Lux nodded at Relie¡¯s words and he left the inn together with Philuffy.

    The capital where the sun had set was covered with the curtain of night. The light of the stars and countless lamps faintly illuminated the streets.

    Lux took the hand that Philuffy quietly offered and they headed to the central street.

    The national park was located further at the center of the central block. The path from there that connected to the cathedral that was a bit north from it, and then continued until the castle was the main route of the country founding anniversary.

    At this time, because the festival was approaching the end, it was the custom to spend one¡¯s time slowly while worshipping the statue of spirit that was carried from the cathedral until the castle using horse carriage.

    By offering prayer to the spirit statue that was passing through before one¡¯s eyes, people wished for safety for the whole year.

    Lux was also heading to the central street that was crowded with people in order to do that too, but,

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Suddenly Philuffy¡¯s feet stopped walking. Lux turned around and he titled his head in puzzlement.

    Philuffy stared fixedly at Lux¡¯s face with an atmosphere that was different from usual.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? To pray to the spirit statue, we have to get a bit nearer©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Rather than that, let¡¯s go there, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy turned a straightforward gaze to above.

    Ahead of her gaze was the location further than the national park, the third floor of the cathedral.

    ¡¸Surely we can pray, from there too.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right¡­¡­. Got it.¡¹

    Lux nodded to Philuffy¡¯s words and the two entered the cathedral.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Are you really, okay with here? We cannot pray with the statue right before our eyes here though?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded. Lux followed what she said and sat down there.

    The second floor of the cathedral was opened to the public until the end of the anniversary. Lux and Philuffy were sitting side by side at the jutting out balcony of that second floor.

    From there they could look down and watch the spirit statue above the horse carriage that was passing through nearby right at that timing.

    However, perhaps because a lot of people tried to look at the statue from nearby, there was practically nobody around the two.

    The two sat side by side on a stone bench while staring at the street and people that were colored by the faint light through the surrounding¡¯s gap.

    It was a quiet time with both of them not talking to each other.

    ¡¸Say, Phi-chan. Is there something you want to buy or anything©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux spoke to Philuffy so to not make her bored, then,

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you can rest you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head, Philuffy¡¯s innocent golden pupils peered fixedly into Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You look tired, but I¡¯m happy, that you¡¯re thinking about me.¡¹

    ¡®I¡¯m not tired.¡¯

    Lux tried to immediately refute like that, but his thought halted.

    Because in fact, he had fun with Krulcifer and Celis, but because he had walked around the capital that he was unfamiliar with under blazing sun, it was true that he was tired.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why©¤©¤it¡¯s no good if you don¡¯t rest properly, you know?¡¹

    When Lux fell silent, Philuffy said that and lightly tapped on her thighs. Her eyes turned on him as though urging him to do something.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait!? That, do you mean©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Sleep here. The seat, is a bit hard after all.¡¹

    It seemed that Lux¡¯s imagination was right on the mark.

    This was that thing called lap pillow, but because Philuffy was wearing summer dress, the length of her skirt was as short as the academy uniform or perhaps even shorter.

    When she sat down that white charming thighs were exposed, so his head would lie down on there.

    Furthermore depending on the direction Lux¡¯s face was turning at, it felt like he would be able to peek until the depth of Philuffy¡¯s skirt with impunity in that state.

    Lux unconsciously imagined that and he gulped, even so,

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m fine. Be, besides, because it¡¯s night this place is not standing out but, if other people see us from below©¤©¤it will be a bit embarrassing.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t, really care you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Isn¡¯t that right.¡¹

    Seeing Philuffy saying that with her unchanging serious face and tilted head, Lux thought that he failed to convince her.

    And then, Philuffy who entered this mode of hers would not relent by any means.

    In the end, Lux could only yield.

    ¡¸The, then¡­¡­I¡¯ll borrow your lap for a bit okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Philuffy nodded slightly, Lux slowly put his head on those thighs and laid down on the bench.

    ¡¸Uwah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Instantly the softness that touched the back of his head and the nape of his neck caused Lux to raise his voice spontaneously.

    The sensation of slightly cold skin felt pleasant to his body that was flushed from summer¡¯s heat.

    And then, when he breathed in the faint sweet smell wafting from Philuffy, strength left Lux¡¯s body.

    (For some reason, this feels really good¡­¡­)

    On one hand Lux felt his heart throbbing hard from the softness of her thighs and the sensation of the skirt¡¯s smooth fabric, but on the other hand there was the pleasant feeling of relief that would make him fell asleep at this rate.

    Suddenly a refreshing wind blew. Philuffy softly caressed Lux¡¯s head.

    ¡¸You can sleep like this. I¡¯ll wake you up when the spirit statue go to the castle.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ok¡­¡­. Then, please.¡¹

    When Lux turned his gaze to right above him, he had to look at Philuffy¡¯s face across her large breasts, which made his gaze to wander around spontaneously.

    He felt slight embarrassment and hard throbbing in his heart toward her body that touched him.

    And then Lux slowly closed his eyes along with a mysterious tranquility.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Above the balcony where only the faraway tumult and the night wind could be heard, Philuffy gazed at the city¡¯s lighting with the head of Lux who was starting to make small sleeper¡¯s breathing staying still on her lap.

    Her face was expressionless like usual, but there was the same hint of tranquility like what her childhood friend the young man had emerging there.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You see, I¡¯m actually not as you think you know?¡¹

    Philuffy dropped her gaze on Lux¡¯s face with her usual dispassionate expression and voice.

    ¡¸In the past, when Okaa-san died from sickness, everyone cried a lot©¤©¤both Otou-san and Onee-chan, they looked really suffering. That was why, I didn¡¯t cry. So that everyone wouldn¡¯t worry, so that they wouldn¡¯t be even sadder than that, I pretended to be alright all the time, even when other painful thing happened. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy paused her words momentarily and slowly inhaled slightly.

    ¡¸When Lu-chan covered up for me at the palace, and at Ries Island too, at those times I actually wanted help. Even when I pretended to not notice, Lu-chan always noticed for me.¡¹

    The thing that she lost without noticing while she was pretending to be all right.

    Since she was a child, she had been hiding all this time, locked behind that expressionless face.

    The true feeling that even Philuffy herself didn¡¯t notice, Lux made her to notice it.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lu-chan. For finding me©¤©¤¡¹

    Her usual expressionless face crumbled slightly and Philuffy smiled.

    She gently caressed the young man¡¯s hair and look into that face lovingly.

    And then, she slowly put her lips on the lips of the peaceful face of her sleeping childhood friend.

    Dozens of minute later.

    When Lux woke up from his sleep, he slowly lifted his head from Philuffy¡¯s lap pillow.

    It was a really pleasant sensation so he was reluctant to part from it, but Lux still had things to do.

    ¡¸Thank you Phi-chan. Thanks to you I¡¯m feeling really comfortable.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    When Lux faced Philuffy once again and thanked her, she showed him her usual very faint smile that only Lux could understand.

    Perhaps because of her dress appearance that was different from usual and the faint light illuminating her, she looked so lovely that Lux was unconsciously charmed by her.

    ¡¸It¡¯s still a bit early, but I have to go to where Lisha-sama is, any time now©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The words of Lux who stood up from the bench were cut off in the middle.

    Inside the tranquility of the anniversary¡¯s night, there was intense killing intent that resembled the spray of blood in the battlefield mixing in.

    ©¤©¤Nearby.

    The owner of the presence was most likely in the vicinity of this cathedral.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Can you go back to the inn from here alone?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. No problem.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry I¡¯ll go for a bit! Really thank you for today!¡¹

    Lux said only that and went down the stair, left the cathedral and chased after the presence.

    Because people was gathering in front of the castle gate where the spirit statue would head for the last, there was practically no sign of people nearby.

    After Lux walked a bit through the street heading to the castle, a girl stood in front of Lux.

    The native dress of foreign country©¤©¤the black outfit with high exposure rate and that black hair shined beautifully from the night¡¯s lamp.

    The Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka.

    The same like when he met her for the first time in the academy previously, a bewitching smile that stirred up emotion and uneasiness at the same time was tugged on her lips. She was merely staring on Lux with that smile.

    ¡¸Long time no see Aruji-sama. It¡¯s an honor to be able to meet you again.¡¹

    Yoruka showed a cheerful smile earlier than Lux could raise his voice.

    ¡¸But, Aruji-sama is a bit too careless. Aruji-sama is the only man left from Arcadia Empire, so I believe that you ought to place a guard that is a bit more capable in your side.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, the footsteps pursuing us at that time was©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux who heard Yoruka¡¯s words reflexively asked that.

    Several pursuers followed Lux and Celis when they were in the middle of going back from their date.

    The reason that their footsteps disappeared in the middle coincided perfectly with Yoruka¡¯s existence.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s just as Aruji-sama surmised. But©¤©¤that¡¯s not all you know?¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly turned her gaze to the street¡¯s corner©¤©¤at the narrow opening of an alley.

    Over there was the figures of several people lying down on top of each other.

    ¡¸Those are the assassins aiming at Aruji-sama just now. They are carrying short sword coated with poison so©¤©¤surely, they planned to slip inside the crowd and attack there. Their method was ill prepared though.¡¹

    ¡¸Are they as I thought, Hayes¡¯s¡­¡­?¡¹

    A special unit that wasn¡¯t regular army©¤©¤surely they were several names from among the company that was previously led by Sania and others who were Hayes¡¯s subordinate.

    ¡¸Please rest assured. Because I have exterminated the human pursuer too with my Yato no Kami¡¯s search function. In this capital there is no more enemy of Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸You protected me during the festival?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way I can let any riffraff other than me to kill Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux responded at Yoruka¡¯s seductive smile with silence.

    When they parted at Cross Field, Yoruka said that she would restore the old empire.

    Those words most likely weren¡¯t a lie.

    ¡¸If Aruji-sama is going to walk for a while then I will accompany you. Though if I am a bother, allow me to protect from the shadow again©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can you come together with me? I still hasn¡¯t ask anything about Yoruka yourself after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, please treat me well Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded and followed right behind Lux.

    When Lux gestured her to walk at his side, Yoruka lightly bowed and stood at Lux¡¯s side.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t hold back on my account, I will be happy if Aruji-sama ask anything. In any case I have no intention to fight against Aruji-sama tonight.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t know whether Yoruka¡¯s words were honest or not, but hesitating would be a waste of time, so he determined himself and got to the point.

    ¡¸Yoruka, you were a princess at the nation of Koto weren¡¯t you? Why are you©¤©¤not a princess anymore?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry. Perhaps I¡¯m asking about something unpleasant. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because I don¡¯t have the qualification.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered suggestively with unchanging smile.

    ¡¸Qualification¡­¡­?¡¹

    Right after Lux¡¯s mutter, Yoruka ran toward a stall that was remaining at the street¡¯s corner and beckoned at Lux with her hand.

    Over there was glass wine for the share of two.

    ¡¸Please Aruji-sama. If it¡¯s alright with you I¡¯ll also taste it for poison.¡¹

    ¡¸After this I have a bit of plan though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know about that, but getting a bit drunk will also raise your vigor you know?¡¹

    In the end Lux folded against Yoruka¡¯s forcefulness and drained up a glass.

    Perhaps because Lux wasn¡¯t used to alcohol his body immediately became hot inside.

    When Lux loosened up his collar slightly, small wind blew from his side.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, what are you doing with that?¡¹

    When he looked, Yoruka was fanning at Lux¡¯s direction using a half round paper in her hand.

    ¡¸This is what they call a folding fan in Koto. It doesn¡¯t exist in this country, but it¡¯s convenient when summer come you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you. But I¡¯m fine. Rather than that Yoruka, what do you mean by saying that you have no qualification?¡¹

    ¡¸¡ºA monster without human heart¡», my father said that to me. Since I was a child©¤©¤no, since I was born, somewhere inside me is broken.¡¹

    Yoruka self-deprecated herself with a tone that was vaguely lonely.

    ¡¸The first time I killed, it was the assassin that was employed by a concubine. Inside the castle where I spent my childhood, it was always a whirlpool of violence and scheme, no one know when they would be killed. But, I have a talent. The talent to see through a person¡¯s killing intent and kill my opponent without any hesitation©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The dispute for throne succession right inside a confined world.

    For Lux who had spent an oppressive childhood inside the imperial court, he felt like he could understand it somehow.

    ¡¸After that, father also died from sickness and the country was succeeded by my twin little brother who was still a child then. Unlike me, he was a sickly child, but my brother possessed a splendid human heart. In order to protect the nation of Koto and its people, he did everything in his power despite his inexperience. He even swore that he would protect his elder sister, me who was hated and shunned by the surrounding©¤©¤what a stupid child he was.¡¹

    The poison of the muttered word erased Yoruka¡¯s calm smile.

    The war princess of Koto that even the overwhelming force of Arcadia Empire couldn¡¯t defeat.

    Lux heard that due to the contract she exchanged with the emperor, Yoruka was put under the empire¡¯s control.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, my father took your brother hostage, and force the contract©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux immediately thought so, but he immediately noticed that it was strange.

    The reason was if Yoruka¡¯s little brother was still alive, it would become a talk whether someone of the new kingdom had captured him, and if that little brother had died, it was meaningless for Yoruka to be completely loyal to the old empire even now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤If I¡¯m allowed to say despite how rude this will sound, Aruji-sama resembles my little brother. Even though the hair and eye color, the strength, and everything between the two of you are completely different.¡¹

    Hearing that question, Yoruka abruptly made a soft smile and stared on Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My little brother died a long time ago. ©¤©¤But there was just one promise that I made. I promised that I will continue being a servant who devote my loyalty until the end for the sake of my lord who is my brother.¡¹

    ©¤©¤Lux guessed something from that sentence.

    In order to fulfill that promise, Yoruka obeyed the contract she tied with the old empire and fought.

    ¡¸I intend to fulfill my contract with the emperor of Arcadia Empire©¤©¤your father. I will protect the empire, and if it¡¯s stolen then I will take it back. As the last person who devote her loyalty to the old empire, I intend to destroy the new kingdom(this country).¡¹

    ¡¸Yoruka, you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Can you allow me to listen to your answer, Aruji-sama? What do you intend to do with this country?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s voice was erased by Yoruka¡¯s smiling face.

    Even without any words, the presence the girl was clad with told him clearly.

    That she absolutely had no intention to pull back anymore©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Even so, I cannot comply with your will. Because©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate. Even though there are a lot of important things that I wish to report to Aruji-sama right away.¡¹

    When Yoruka said that with a smile that was completely unchanged from before, they had approached near the castle¡¯s gate before they knew it.

    His appointed time with Lisha wouldn¡¯t be that much longer after this.

    ¡¸Can I ask you one last thing? Was it you, who controlled a Drag-Knight of new kingdom¡¯s military and attacked a selection member of Wanheim Principality?¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows? I really don¡¯t understand what is Aruji-sama talking about.¡¹

    Yoruka answered instantly with a bright smile that played the fool.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Really?¡¹

    When Lux asked once more with a cold glint in his eyes that was different from usual, Yoruka also changed her smile into a fearless one.

    ¡¸This is unexpected isn¡¯t it? I thought that Aruji-sama is similar with my little brother, but I misunderstood.¡¹

    Yoruka finished that sentence and twirled on the spot, then she brought her face close in front of Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama is similar with me. You look like you are fitting into this country more than anyone©¤©¤but you are a heretic whose nature cannot comply with this world more than anyone. Though I don¡¯t know if Aruji-sama is the same like me who is broken right from the start or not.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My protection ends here. Please don¡¯t die until you are killed by me. I too©¤©¤won¡¯t die until I am killed by you.¡¹

    Yoruka said just that before turning on her heel without waiting for Lux¡¯s reply.

    And then, she slowly vanished into the darkness.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    When her presence completely disappeared, Lux let out his breath and looked down.

    Even more question popped up from the conversation just now.

    He didn¡¯t talk to her about the imperial capital recapture plan that was formulated by Heiburg¡¯s military division and the rebel army, but the possibility was high that she was also related with that.

    After all putting aside the substantiality of it, at the surface her objective was the reinstatement of Arcadia Empire.

    ¡¸Important things he want to report right away¡­¡­huh.¡¹

    He didn¡¯t understand the true meaning of Yoruka¡¯s words.

    But, something sounded the alarm bell inside Lux.

    At this rate, would it end with only fighting her in the future, he wondered.

    A few minutes later. Lux slipped out of the crowd, received permission from the security guard of the castle gate, and entered inside the castle.

    Inside the private room he was allowed to enter, Lisha in dress appearance was sitting.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to make you wait, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you¡¯re slow, geez. To make a princess wait, your awareness as my knight is lacking.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­wait, eh? What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    Lisha usually would puffed out her chest self-assuredly, but seeing her vaguely looking discomposed made Lux tilted his head in puzzlement.

    When he looked really carefully, her hands and knees were trembling slightly.

    ¡¸Wha, what? I¡¯m feeling nervous, so this can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I too understand Lisha-sama¡¯s feeling.¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly, Lisha slightly looked down while making a self-mocking smile.

    ¡¸That¡­¡­, even I understand it already. I should just act like myself without getting too worked up. I know that much. But©¤©¤¡¹

    From the circumstance where she was once abandoned by her real father the great man Count Atismata, Lisha thought that she had no qualification as princess.

    Even so Lisha did her best every day, trying to become the princess of the new kingdom that could be recognized by everyone.

    That was why Lux gently took the hand of that girl who he respected and loved.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯ll be fine. Because I know, more than anyone, that Lisha-sama is worthy as the princess of the new kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. If you say that, then that must be true.¡¹

    Seeing Lux smile, Lisha nodded a little with a dazed expression.

    Her cheeks were dyed slightly red.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤for now, can you hold my hand just for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. By your will.¡¹

    A quiet time with just the two of them flowed for only ten-odd second.

    Right after that, the speech time arrived.

    At the same time when the spirit statue entered inside the castle, Lisha showed her face from the second floor balcony inside the castle.

    ¡¸Everyone. You did well to gather here at this night! With gratitude that the country founding anniversary has been carried out safely this time, allow this me who am the princess of the new kingdom to speak the concluding speech.¡¹

    Perhaps because of the quiet night, Lisha¡¯s voice transmitted well through the ground inside the castle.

    ¡¸I hate a long talk so I¡¯ll get to the point. The new kingdom can reach until this far is thanks to the cooperation of you the people. My gratitude for that. ©¤©¤And then, regarding the future, allow me to speak about my thought for a bit.¡¹

    The people who was energized by the lingering heat of the festival listened carefully with a serious expression.

    ¡¸Today, I chose my exclusive knight. He will become my right-hand man, who will accompany me from here on through my various duties as my guard and aide. That man is©¤©¤this guy.¡¹

    The moment Lisha pointed her hand, Lux walked to her side, illuminated by the torch fire behind.

    And then, the people who saw that stiffened with shock on their face. Commotion ensued.

    ¡¸O, oi. That person, could that be the chores prince?¡¹

    ¡¸Recently he wasn¡¯t in the capital but, so this is why¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸The old empire¡¯s©¤©¤criminal¡¹

    Unrest spread through the people like a ripple, but Lisha didn¡¯t pay it any mind and declared.

    ¡¸Just as everyone also aware of, he is the former prince of the old Arcadia Empire. Lux Arcadia.¡¹

    Right after that, an even bigger ripple spread through the gathered people.

    That was only natural.

    The evil source that governed tyrannically for a long time and created the custom of chauvinism.

    And now the princess of the new kingdom Atismata that destroyed all that under the name of justice was choosing the former prince who should be an enemy as her aide.

    ¡¸The reason why I chose this guy is because he is a survivor of the family that once corrupted this country and this is to make him redeem his sin as criminal©¤©¤that isn¡¯t the reason at all. It¡¯s because I met this man, spent time together in a same place, and thought that he is a man worthy of trust whether it¡¯s his ability or his heart!¡¹

    But, Lisha wasn¡¯t perturbed even against such reaction from the people and raised her voice resolutely.

    ¡¸Since the old empire perished, not enough time has passed yet to make us forget about the convention of the past. I also understand about the confusion of everyone. I¡¯m also prepared to be criticized. Currently the people of the palace are objecting of this decision of mine desperately. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha took a breath before she directed a straightforward gaze to the people below once more.

    Those were self-assured crimson eyes that were like a pointed sword, the same eyes when she first met Lux.

    ¡¸The way of the country that I¡¯m aiming from here on is a country that isn¡¯t imprisoned by the tie of the past or convention! I will accept failure and mistake, and focus at the very best future above it. I chose this man as my right hand man, my knight, is the proof of that. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    She paused her words temporarily, looked around below as though to observe the people¡¯s reaction, before continuing.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t ask you to understand immediately. But, watch over us for a while. Look for yourself, whether the thing that I believe in is really the correct thing or not©¤©¤that is a request from this still inexperienced princess!¡¹

    Lisha finished saying that before bowing. Then small applause arose.

    Even after Lisha¡¯s speech was over, applause that was unhurried but definitely loud was spreading in that place.

    ¡¸Haa, I was nervous¡­¡­¡¹

    After returning inside the castle from the audience balcony, Lisha tiredly let out a long sigh.

    Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph.

    After lightly greeting them and other nobles who were gathering inside the castle, Lux and Lisha headed toward the Drag-Ride atelier.

    ¡¸Thanks for your hard work Lisha-sama. It was splendid.¡¹

    There was All-Dragon Battle tomorrow, so they had a toast not with wine but with tea.

    After draining the cup in one breath, Lisha turned a dubious gaze at Lux.

    ¡¸Say, it¡¯s fine if you talk more casually like usual you know? That excessively courteous tone made me feel itchy when hearing it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. Honestly I too prefer it like that.¡¹

    Lisha was acting with decorum in her speech just now, but as expected she was still the same like usual.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m happy. In your speech, Lisha-sam recognized me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? I, I was just saying what I thought. Praising someone with flattery isn¡¯t my style after all.¡¹

    After speaking feverishly with bright red face, Lisha coughed to clear her throat and started walking.

    ¡¸Ra, rather than that, I finished that thing you requested, but what do you think?¡¹

    After chasing after Lisha and entering inside, the Drag-Ride that Lux requested was put there.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you very much. It¡¯s perfect.¡¹

    He received the Sword Device from Lisha and lightly checked its feel.

    With this, the minimum countermeasure against the matter that Lux was concerned about was in order.

    It would be great if he could manage somehow with just this Drag-Ride but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go back. To our inn©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah.¡¹

    Lux returned to the inn that was the base of the selection members along with Lisha who was nodding in satisfaction.

    After making little talk with the girls who were waiting for their return, they retired to bed in preparation for tomorrow.

    A few hours after Lux went to bed.

    At dawn when the sun hadn¡¯t even risen, Lux woke up secretly and went out from the backdoor of the inn.

    When he looked up at the sky of the capital that still had the lingering heat of the festival slightly remaining, the moon was still staying up.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry about the rest. Tomorrow, I will tell everyone the reason why Nii-san cannot appear in the All-Dragon Battle.¡¹

    ¡¸Right, I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¹

    Lux had told Airi that she didn¡¯t need to see him off, but she forcefully came along. Lux smiled wryly to that while telling her so.

    ¡¸Was there something concerning while I wasn¡¯t here?¡¹

    ¡¸No, nothing particular. Just in case I went to the castle at afternoon and asked about the detail regarding the decoy role mission. There was nothing strange whether about the information sent to us from our spy in Heiburg or about the content of the confirmation sent by the scout. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi sent an uneasy gaze to empty air, and then she stared at Lux with a perplexed expression.

    ¡¸¡­¡­The Drag-Knights stationed at northeast of the capital©¤©¤at the fortress along the rocky mountain and sea, it seems that they are being afflicted with a headache of unknown cause. There is no abnormality with their body, so it doesn¡¯t look like that it¡¯s poison or disease though.¡¹

    ¡¸Headache¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, surely it¡¯s just their imagination. I¡¯m sorry to detain Nii-san here.¡¹

    Airi always remonstrated Lux saying to him¡¸Doing reckless thing like this¡¹, but it was only at this kind of time that she was behaving meekly.

    Most likely it must be because she was feeling strong uneasiness that Lux would head to the Abyss extermination mission after this.

    ¡¸I will be fine. Rather than that©¤©¤I have one other thing to ask other than informing the others but, is it okay?¡¹

    ¡¸I will listen if it¡¯s not a talk about Nii-san doing even more recklessness than this.¡¹

    ¡¸I want you to carefully observe the Drag-Ride of Lisha-sama and others. Especially right after the Drag-Ride is summoned and equipped, pay attention whether there is anything unnatural happen or not.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What does that mean?¡¹

    Airi tilted her head. Lux averted his gaze just a bit.

    ¡¸I also don¡¯t really know. But, there is something that concern me a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. But, please don¡¯t expect too much okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Then, Airi. Be careful.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san too, be safe.¡¹

    After exchanging only those words at the end, Lux started walking through the street of the sleeping capital.

    At the same time, he took out a Sword Device hanging on his waist.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the symbol of power the winged dragon of crest. Obey my sword and take flight, Wyvern!¡¹

    Light flashed along with the passcode and a Drag-Ride was summoned.

    Lux quickly wore that armor and made his Wyvern flew toward the sunrise sky.

 Volume 5 - CH 4

    Lux continued to fly in a straight line through the night sky of the dawn that was still dim.

    The military¡¯s guard soldiers in the capital knew about the defense mission this time, but Lux was flying in high altitude so that he wouldn¡¯t get found by the Drag-Knights from other countries participating in the All-Dragon Battle.

    After flying to the north like that for a few minutes, Lux came to see troops of Drag-Knight outside the royal capital¡¯s wall.

    ¡¸So you finally come chore prince. Oops, right now you already the knight of her highness the princess huh. It¡¯s still a talk in the future if you can receive an official peerage but©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux landed in front of the troops, a red-haired big man in front, one of the four great nobles Bugriser laughed heartily.

    ¡¸Chore prince is fine. Rather than that, is there any change with the operation?¡¹

    When Lux asked seriously, Bugriser spread a large map for use of the operation and nodded.

    At the abandoned village northwest from here, there was about a hundred Abyss that was thought to be hidden by the rebel army there.

    Lux would lure them as a decoy, led them to the hidden fortress at the north where the new kingdom¡¯s main force was standing by, and exterminated the Abysses with all-out attack. That was the broad sense of the operation this time.

    Bugriser¡¯s Drag-Ride force was taking position at the north gate in order to intercept the Abysses that managed to slip away from that.

    ¡¸There is no change to the plan. Currently, there is no change in the abandoned village that became Abyss¡¯s hangout, there is also no report about anything strange from the Drag-Knight scout patrolling around the capital. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸But, what?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It seems that officer at the east fortress is saying that they are hearing strange rumbling sound sometimes. Well, I think that¡¯s just an absurd fear of theirs, but just in case we are being on guard.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, start the operation. Just like we first planned, the group of Drag-Knights of the combined forces arranged by the four great noble and the new kingdom military is standing by at the fortress. We are looking forward to your effort here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    Lux nodded lightly, then he put his strength into the touch part inside the armor and made his Wyvern flew.

    After increasing his altitude once more and confirmed the deserted village that was the target, he concentrated energy into the propulsion device at the wings on his back and accelerated the Drag-Ride further.

    He heard that there was no inhabitant in the deserted village that was his target.

    In the imperial capital recapture plan that the spy acquired, most likely there was no enemy Drag-Knight there except several ambush troops who were handling the horn flute.

    But, if Lux¡¯s prediction was right on the money©¤©¤.

    (¡­¡­No, it¡¯s useless even if I think about something I don¡¯t know. Today just concentrate at the current operation.)

    Lux put more spirit and arrived at the deserted village.

    That village he was overlooking from above was desolated as a matter of course. There was no sign of people, in exchange there was a small light in just one spot.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­..¡¹

    Lux strengthened his vigilance while going down to the village.

    What leaked the light was from a cave inside the forest.

    Lux walked between countless abandoned houses and when he got near the light, strange thing happened.

    IiIIiiIIIIIIIIiIiI-!

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    His brain felt like it was directly thrown out of order. An intense strange sound reverberated.

    It was the sound of horn flute that manipulated Abyss.

    The moment Lux noticed it, countless light bullets were fired at Lux¡¯s feet.

    He reflexively swung Scale Blade and deflected the light bullet of Breath Gun slantingly. ©¤©¤Then, he simultaneously reacted toward another moving presence and flew to midair.

    An additional Cannon attack was fired at him along with a thunderous roar.

    He deflected it with Scale Blade once more. Then after his gaze looked around, he caught sight of three Drag-Knights in his field of vision.

    ¡¸As expected hero. A Drag-Knight who get ambushed usually will try to counterattack right away or back away in panic but¡­¡­like this even the captain ain¡¯t your match.¡¹

    A young man wearing a general purpose Drag-Ride that received Yggdrasil¡¯s seed and got remodeled©¤©¤<B-Blood Wyvern>, he was stroking his short bristling up forelock while leaking out a sigh mixed with a wry smile.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t waste your time with stupid chatter Egnid. Take your position just as planned.¡¹

    The one who rebuked that frivolous talk was a familiar girl wearing the same B-Blood Wyvern.

    A girl with trait of wild long hair and dark brown skin, Saniya Lemiste.

    She was a spy of Heiburg Republic who once infiltrated the Royal Officer Academy, betrayed Celis, and assaulted the academy along with Hayes.

    Another girl wearing B-Blood Drake was standing by on her side. She was wearing a doodled round mask. Her true identity couldn¡¯t be peeked at.

    ¡¸Kirly, check if there is any sign of enemy around. Is there other Drag-Knight coming?¡¹

    ¡¸Uuu¡­¡­. Aa¡¹

    The masked girl called Kirly shook her head slightly in a display of answer no.

    Saniya saw that and she seemed to understand. She turned toward Lux once more.

    ¡¸Was it you guys who gathered the Abysses here?¡¹

    ¡¸Stop probing so transparently like that ruined prince. You yourself, what are you doing coming to this kind of deserted village by yourself while the All-Dragon Battle is going on? ©¤©¤Haa?¡¹

    Saniya grinned fearlessly like that before she lifted up a horn flute dangling from her neck.

    Instantly a shuddering chill ran through Lux¡¯s back and he reflexively flew to the sky behind him.

    At the same time a silhouette of winged man assaulted from the darkness of the forest behind the three.

    ¡¸This thing©¤©¤!¡¹

    A winged man type Abyss that possessed firm body, Gargoyle.

    It was a formidable enemy that possessed high speed mobility in the air in addition of the capability to fire feather shaped light bullet.

    Defeating it with the counter attack Critical Hit using Scale Blade would take some time because he needed to predict its inherent attack pattern.

    Lux quickly readied his Breath Gun and laid down a barrage in front of the Gargoyle.

    The claw tips of the Gargoyle who slipped through the barrage attacked. The moment Lux try to match the timing with Scale Blade©¤©¤one more Abyss, a Chimera assaulted from behind his Wyvern.

    ¡¸Got you.¡¹

    Saniya who laid the trap saw that and her lips loosened up into a grin©¤©¤but, right after that. The neck of the Chimera who should have taken Lux by surprise was snapped cleanly and the Abyss fell.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Lux pretended to intercept the attack from the front and evaded the claw while dealing the Critical Hit on the Chimera behind him. And then on the returning trip his sword dealt the second Critical Hit at the Gargoyle and smashed one of its hands.

    He pretended to get caught in Abysses¡¯ coordination and reversely created the chance for Critical Hit.

    Saniya and Egnid who saw that looked up to the sky with a strongly alert look.

    ¡¸This is a harsh joke yeah¡­¡­? That guy, is he really human?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, just because he isn¡¯t using Bahamut, doesn¡¯t mean that it will be that easy.¡¹

    Right after Egnid whispered in amazement, Saniya blew on her horn strongly once more.

    Abysses were going out one after another from the cave. Lux who saw that took even more distance.

    He defeated the Chimera with a bit of gambling on his part was n order to provoke Saniya and others.

    In order to lure the Abyss swarm to the hidden fortress north of the capital, he had to make all the Abyss came out.

    Therefore, Lux needed to make them think that just several Abyss wouldn¡¯t be enough to defeat him.

    ¡¸I want to pay my debt back to you directly, but it can¡¯t be helped. Become Abyss¡¯s food like this!¡¹

    Right after Saniya yelled, countless Abysses that surged out from the cave started moving simultaneously.

    After seeing that, Lux also turned around and flew away to escape.

    ¡º©¤©¤Fu, I¡¯ll tell you beforehand, your tactic is meaningless you know?¡»

    A communication using Dragon Voice came from Saniya. Lux held his breath for only a moment.

    ¡ºYou must be planning to steal the control right at the moment the effect of my horn run out using your own horn but©¤©¤it¡¯s pointless. Inside that swarm, there is a special Abyss called Grimoire. That guy will broadcast the command sent out by the horn to the surrounding area and make the Abysses to continue carrying out the same command. As long as that guy is alive, the effect of the horn won¡¯t be dispelled, and they also won¡¯t accept the command of other horn user.¡»

    The reason how a large amount of Abysses could be controlled in the period of several days when the horn¡¯s effect would run out in a fixed time.

    If they had that Abyss called Grimoire, certainly it was possible but©¤©¤there was also the possibility that Saniya¡¯s statement itself was a trap.

    She might be making Lux to think that it was impossible to steal control using the horn so to lure him into challenging the Abysses with decisive battle of brief duration.

    (In any case, I need to at least confirm it.)

    Lux evaded the attack of the countless Abysses while buying time by intentionally taking detour in his escape route.

    It was approximately ten minutes with his biological clock.

    In the timing when it seemed like the effect of the first horn flute should be running out, Lux strongly blew into the horn he was carrying.

    Strange noise ran through the area, but the movement of the Abysses in front of him didn¡¯t change.

    ¡ºNow you get it that it¡¯s pointless? Then this time resolve yourself for sure and fight.¡»

    (©¤©¤Good!)

    After confirming the existence of the Abyss called Grimoire, Lux started escaping again.

    Lux showed the fact that ¡ºhe was carrying a horn flute and tried blowing it¡» and made a reason for Saniya and others to chase after him.

    If Lux identified the Grimoire and defeated it, it was possible that the swarm of Abyss could be stolen by him.

    Therefore, Saniya¡¯s group should be moving to finish off Lux.

    Like this it was possible to carry out the plan©¤©¤luring all the Abysses to the hidden fort.

    ¡¸USHAAAAAaaA-!¡¹

    Right after Lux decided his action¡¯s objective, the swarm of Abyss attacked with even more vigor.

    Lux slipped through the fierce attack of a great variety of Abysses using sword handling and control skill and continued to escape.

    Because he continued to defend, he could only mix action to hold back the enemy from his end, each time he did that he risked danger and several times there was attack that grazed his Drag-Ride¡¯s frame.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    His armor was gradually shaved, he also became unable to use weapon, his option to defend and dodge was getting limited.

    He wasn¡¯t even allowed to blink inside the offense and defense to the utmost limit. That time when Lux almost ran out of breath, he finally saw the target forest©¤©¤the hidden fort where the interception force was standing by.

    (¡­¡­Here they come!)

    Right after Lux confirmed it, the Drag-Knights stationed inside the fortress were already readying their respective weapon simultaneously, and they pulled the trigger one after another.

    The fired countless flashes roared and ran through the sky, shaking the atmosphere and exploded.

    It became the starting signal of the battle and the extermination operation began.

    After a total of two hours since the beginning of battle between an army of around a hundred Abyss and a mixed force at the hidden fort.

    In the arena at the capital, the latter half of the All-Dragon Battle©¤©¤its first battle was already going to start.

    A lot of spectator gathered in the audience seat and the venue was filled with even fiercer enthusiasm than the day before yesterday.

    The three battles today would be against Heiburg Republic, Markafar Kingdom, and Wanheim Principality, in that order.

    Inside the waiting room before the battle began, the selection members of the new kingdom with the exception of Lux was assembled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Because of that, Nii-san cannot appear in today¡¯s match.¡¹

    When Airi talked about the detail of why Lux headed outside for the decoy mission, the selection members were shaken.

    The imperial capital recapture plan was also a fearsome threat, but that duty of becoming a decoy in order to lure nearly a hundred Abysses alone was also reckless, some voices rose saying that they should go to help but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Nii-san¡¯s wish is so that everyone won¡¯t be exposed to danger and for us to win the All-Dragon Battle.¡¹

    When Airi said that to everyone, before long everyone nodded in acceptance one by one.

    ¡¸However this is a let-down. I thought that those guys who attacked us at the academy before this would surely come out here too but©¤©¤¡¹

    The names of Saniya and others weren¡¯t registered in the roster of their first battle against Heiburg.

    ¡¸As expected, Saniya and others won¡¯t make appearance in the All-Dragon Battle. Currently I cannot see that they are preparing strong elite line-up that is even stronger than them, but¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis too was whispering with a complicated face, perhaps because she was Saniya¡¯s former friend and hoped for a chance meeting.

    ¡¸At any rate, we cannot let our guard down. Whether inside the match, or outside it too©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy also nodded shortly toward Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    Then, for the last Lisha took a deep breath and made a smile.

    ¡¸Then, we¡¯re going to obtain the greatest result before Lux return here! Let¡¯s go!¡¹

    Along with those words, the signal bell that informed the match starting time rang outside the venue.

    The audiences¡¯ voice that was heated up due to the starting of the match could be heard until where they were.

    At the same time. Nearby the hidden fortress north of the capital, the large scale battle between the Abysses and the mixed troops was continuing.

    After Lux led the swarm of Abyss and rushed into the forest, the military Drag-Knights who were tired of waiting started Cannon bombardment all at once and managed to exterminate a little under 20 percent of the enemy number.

    After that was an all-out war between the two sides.

    Thinking based on the pure battle strength, the advantage lied with the remaining around 80 Abysses.

    Abyss¡¯s strength varied depending on the size and type, and their battle strength would greatly change depending on the combination too.

    And then, even among the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom military, there were only 20, 30 percent officers who were used to fight Abyss.

    But, they had the terrain advantage where they were able to take cover behind a solid fortress while attacking.

    And then, because Lux had lured the swarm through a long distance, the Abysses that were coming at him all at once at the beginning were now scattered from each other, at present the new kingdom military was progressing the fight advantageously.

    Lux entered inside the fortress and finished his decoy role for the moment. He reported to the commander of the mixed army, after that he followed someone who guided him and collapsed onto a bed in an underground room.

    ¡¸As I thought, perhaps facing against a hundred was a bit reckless¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux forgot because he was absorbed in the middle of fighting, but in actuality he only made it barely.

    A great number of Abysses that received a command from a horn flute once had the tendency to attack in simple pattern.

    Furthermore Lux was constantly fighting in high altitude. If he didn¡¯t limit his opponent to only flying type like that, there was no doubt that he would be done in already.

    ¡¸Even so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux laid down face up, staring at the ceiling while wiping the sweat on his forehead with a towel.

    The three Drag-Knights that included Saniya vanished since midway for some reason.

    There was also the unlikely chance that they got dragged into the Abysses¡¯ attack, but he didn¡¯t understand the reason.

    Even if by chance they were heading to the capital by themselves, they shouldn¡¯t be able to do anything with just the three of them.

    (But, why is it I wonder? It feels like, we are overlooking something important©¤©¤)

    The recoil from finally getting liberated from the extreme tension caused the fatigue to steal Lux¡¯s ability to think.

    His consciousness was falling as though getting sucked into darkness.

    ¡ºNext, the second battle today. The match of New Kingdom Atismata versus Markafar Kingdom will begin. The participants of the first match, please come up on the ring!¡»

    When the new kingdom¡¯s referee who was wearing a Drake prompted the participants, the representative from Markafar, a male Drag-Knight walked toward the arena first.

    Markafar Kingdom had a wide territory, but perhaps because there was no Ruin existing in their territory, their Drag-Knight¡¯s nurturing wasn¡¯t that advanced.

    Therefore, deciding that they would be able to take advantage in the pair battle using things like cooperation and so on, it was decided that in the first one-on-one battle Lisha would come out as the vanguard.

    They obtained victory from the previous battle against Heiburg with two straight win, so they had some leeway for this battle.

    ¡¸Now then, I¡¯ll win and create the momentum.¡¹

    Lisha exited the waiting room and whispered that before she wore her Divine Drag-Ride, Tiamat.

    When she entered the passage that connected to the ring¡¯s entrance, a figure clad in black robe ran in a straight line toward her.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!¡¹

    Airi who was similarly going out of the waiting room to look at the situation saw that and yelled reflexively.

    ¡¸Hm¡­¡­? What¡¯s the matter little sister? Is there something?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    There was nothing behind Lisha and Tiamat who turned around. No, Airi saw that the moment the black robed shadow touched Tiamat, it looked like it vanished as though melting into air.

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s nothing¡­¡­. It was just, my imagination.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Strange girl. If it¡¯s about Lux, then he is surely fine.¡¹

    Lisha showed a smile before walking through the passage toward the venue.

    But, Airi rushed through the stair toward the audience seat still with uneasy look.

    ¡ºBoth sides are in position, so the first match of the first battle, New Kingdom Atismata versus Markafar Kingdom shall begin. Battle, Start!¡»

    Finally the match started.

    The vanguard of Markafar Kingdom was a user of general purpose Drag-Ride Wyvern.

    As long as there was no large incident, the victory of Lisha who was a user of Divine Drag-Ride was unshakeable.

    Lisha herself also sported a composed smile, and when she was about to press the opponent who was forced into a one-sided defensive battle©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Her expression instantly stiffened and agitation emerged on her face.

    ¡ºOh, is there some kind of trouble? The Drag-Ride of her highness Lizsharte is©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡»

    The announcer Drag-Knight saw that and tilted his head. Lisha¡¯s Tiamat moved right after that.

    The cannon that was charged until maximum was aimed at the audience seat that was in a completely different direction from the opponent, and the trigger was suddenly pulled.

    *DOUNN!*

    The cannon roared and a single beam of light ran thorugh the air.

    The defense Drag-Knight in front of the audience seat was shocked while blocking it with his strongest barrier.

    Although he barely blocked the attack completely, scared voice rose from the audience seat behind him.

    ¡¸Wa, wait-!? I¡¯m not doing any©¤©¤!?¡¹

    In contrast with Lisha¡¯s bewildered words, Tiamat started charging the cannon¡¯s energy once more.

    And then, it ignored the the Drag-Knight of Markafar Kingdom who was the opponent and once more aimed without the slightest deviation©¤©¤toward the audience seat that was fired at just now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why!? Why is Tiamat¡¯s control is©¤©¤!? STOOOPPP¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha screamed. At the same time a scream rose from the whole venue.

    The defense Drag-Knight was still unbalanced and was unable to deploy the next barrier.

    The moment the cannon with the maximum output was fired once more toward the spectators behind, faint territory of light spread in front of Lisha.

    ¡¸Divine Gate¡¹

    Celis¡¯s Lindwurm appeared before her eyes and deployed the maximum output barrier.

    Celis was blown backward from blocking it, but the attack was somehow held back so that no damage to the surrounding occurred.

    In addition, the armament of Krulcifer¡¯s Fafnir, the Freezing Cannon fired its freezing bullet and instantly froze Tiamat¡¯s cannon, both legs, and its back wings.

    With that©¤©¤Tiamat was completely suppressed.

    ¡ºHo, how could this be!? The Drag-Ride of her highness Lizsharte suddenly rampaged. However, this©¤©¤¡»

    Right after the commentary voice was raised,

    ¡¸Be silent! This match is suspended because of the trouble¡¯s occurrence!¡¹

    The referee official landed down on the ring together with several Drag-Knights.

    After that, Lisha¡¯s Tiamat was dispelled, and using a Drake¡¯s megaphone function, a formal judgment was handed down.

    ¡¸It¡¯s deemed as an attack that intentionally aimed at the audience! The second match is counted as the losss of the new kingdom side due to rule breaking!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Great commotion spread like ripple from the audience seat and people raised their voice.

    ¡¸Is her highness still unable to handle Divine Drag-Ride that it rampaged at that kind of time?¡¹

    ¡¸The aimed audience seat, the VIPs from Wanheim Principality were sitting there right? Perhaps this will become international problem©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Was she trying to kill them while pretending it as accident? Don¡¯t tell me, such thing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s wrong-!? I didn¡¯t do it! Such thing, absolutely©¤©¤!¡¹

    Krulcifer gently put her hand on the shoulder of Lisha who lost her self-control and shouted with trembling voice.

    ¡¸Let it pass for now. No matter what happened, right now©¤©¤it¡¯s still¡¹

    Hearing those calm and serious words, Lisha lowered down her hand that was reaching to empty air.

    That became the fall of the curtain of new kingdom¡¯s second battle.

    ¡¸Wha, what happened!? Why is fire from inside©¤©¤uwah!?¡¹

    ¡¸Re, retreat! They infiltrated until inside this fortress already!¡¹

    ¡¸Idiot! Retreat you say!? There are still thirty Abyss remaining there! No way we can run away to the capital at this rate!¡¹

    ¡¸You are the idiot! We cannot maintain the front line now that the formation has crumbled this far! At this rate it will be total annihilation!¡¹

    There was the loud bombing sound and the sound of Drag-Ride¡¯s propulsion device from above.

    Furthermore the scream of the soldiers was mixed with the roar of the Abysses. Lux who only just woke up instantly recognized the graveness of the situation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    He quickly took the pocket watch that he put on the stand beside the pillow and checked the time.

    It was less than two hour since Lux¡¯s consciousness cut off.

    He put strength into his lower feet and stood up and took a deep breath.

    Strength returned to his body, but under this emergency situation, not even a single miss would be permitted.

    He opened the door from inside with strong vigilance. When he tried to climb to the first floor from the stone underground room, he caught sight of a wounded person who seemed to roll down from the stair.

    ¡¸Get a hold of yourself! What happened!?¡¹

    When Lux rushed to the person in panic and lifted up his body, the soldier made a suffering expression and talked with a hoarse voice.

    ¡¸Re, retreat quickly! We were tricked. Our strategy was leaked to those guys right from the start! That¡¯s the only explanation. We fought the Abyss well at first, but those guys¡­¡­the rebel army that suddenly appeared from inside the fortress, attacked us©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­The rebel army? How?¡¹

    In the imperial capital recapture plan that new kingdom¡¯s spy obtained, the rebel army that was the main force shouldn¡¯t attack yet according to the plan.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But there is only one thing that is clear. It¡¯s already impossible to defend this fortress anymore¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux instinctually grasped the true situation.

    The fact that Lux heard from the consuls©¤©¤the rebel army¡¯s main force should be still standing by at a far away base. It was a trap from the enemy that they were caught in.

    (However©¤©¤it¡¯s only natural.)

    If a great number of Abyss were found to exist near the capital, anyone would have their attention diverted there.

    In order to intercept a hundred Abyss in this hidden fortress, sixty percent of the full strength of new kingdom¡¯s army was invested here.

    The situation was more pressing than expected.

    ¡¸Please hide underground and retreat when there is chance. I¡¯m©¤©¤going.¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait! What are you planning to do!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll lure away the remaining Abysses and the rebel army somehow for sure.¡¹

    ¡¸Sto, stop acting rashly¡­¡­!? Such thing, is imposs©¤©¤!¡¹

    Ignoring the soldier who tried to stop him, Lux summoned his Wyvern.

    He quickly equipped it and flew, got out of the fortress that was on fire, and headed to the sky in order to grasp the situation.

    What he found there was the swarm of Abyss that was climbing over the fortress while destroying it and©¤©¤around two hundred rebel army behind them.

    Until that point it was within Lux¡¯s expectation, but an unexpected face was among that army.

    ¡¸Hoo, it has been a long time©¤©¤Lux. O little brother of my best friend Abel Arcadia.¡¹

    Lux unconsciously held his breath after seeing the Drag-Knight inside the EX Wyvern flying in the front as though leading that army.

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­if I remember right©¤©¤¡¹

    Ragreed Forus.

    Five years ago he escaped from the new kingdom to Heiburg and colluded with the military division there.  The supreme commander of the rebel army.

    Once at Arcadia Empire, he was the best friend of Lux¡¯s older brother, the sixth imperial prince Abel, a man from a great noble family who was arranged to become a member of that Abel¡¯s imperial guard.

    His personality and ideology were dyed with the same color as the old empire, he schemed to put a false accusation on Philuffy who was still a child at that time, to Lux he was an opponent that he had a tie with.

    The subordinates behind him didn¡¯t move, perhaps because he gave instruction using Dragon Voice so that they didn¡¯t interfere.

    ¡¸Strange fate really does exist. We who have relation as someone who similarly spend childhood time in the imperial court are now reunited like this as fellow enemy. I heard about your story from the strategist you know? Black Hero.¡¹

    Ragreed sent a condescending gaze at Lux and grinned.

    It seemed that he already heard about Black Hero and Bahamut from that Hayes.

    ¡¸Since that time, when you became hindrance in my scheme, I got a hunch even as a child. This guy is absolutely©¤©¤going to be an enemy against me.¡¹

    He said with an annoyed tone before pointing his middle sized Blade toward Lux.

    ¡¸But, in the end it¡¯s me who win at the end. Already the capital is going to certainly fall. I will succeed the will of the old empire©¤©¤ascending to the throne of this country as the new emperor.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Pitiful person.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­?¡¹

    Ragreed knitted his eyebrows slightly in respond to Lux¡¯s cold gaze toward him.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you understand that you are only being used as pawn by Heiburg¡¯s miltary division and that strategist? By the time you become the emperor only in name, you will be nothing more than a puppet that rule this country obeying what those guys ordered to you. Are you planning to become a clown who is only acting like a ruler because your eyes are blinded by greed?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh, fufufu. KukukukukukukuHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!¡¹

    When Lux pointed that out, Ragreed covered his face with his right hand while laughing loudly.

    ¡¸You haven¡¯t changed at all huh. You, are you stupid or are you idiot©¤©¤or are you drunk?¡¹

    Ragreed made a vulgar grin on his mouth while tapping on his own head *tap tap* with his finger.

    ¡¸A propped up figurehead? A clown who is only acting? So what? Isn¡¯t that just fine? I will be able to wield the authority of this country publicly as the emperor under the banner of Heiburg. I¡¯ll be able to toy with this country¡¯s fortune and foolish mass, and act as tyrannical as I pleased. After all I¡¯m a modest and clever person. Qualification as emperor or recognition of other©¤©¤I don¡¯t have any interest to anything like that from the start. It¡¯s all fine if I can just live easy and make you all submit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux listened to that and let out a small sigh.

    This man before his eyes, originally he was a man from a great noble family at the level that allowed him to come and go even inside the imperial court, but right now he looked uglier than any kind of Abyss.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Only you, I absolutely won¡¯t allow to do that. ¡¹

    Lux quietly took a breath, then he looked forward with a chilly gaze.

    And then he took a stance with his Scale Blade positioned horizontally at the same height with his eyes. In respond to that, Ragreed also moved his EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸Kukuku! You sure can talk huh ruined prince! ©¤©¤Then, I¡¯ll make you beg!¡¹

    He flew drawing a sharp curve while saying that and unleashed a slash from his rush toward Lux.

    It was an attack that made use of EX Wyvern¡¯s mobility, but that was all there was to it.

    Lux saw it and then reacted. He intercepted using Critical Hit by means of Scale Blade.

    With that the opponent¡¯s attack power should be reflected back into a single point and destroyed that weapon and armor but©¤©¤.

    *BACHIIN!*

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Instantly a dazzling light burst at the point of contact and both sides were blown backward.

    The Critical Hit should have been executed perfectly, but the EX Wyvern was unharmed.

    No, rather than that©¤©¤.

    (The Drag-Ride¡¯s movement, at the midway¡­¡­it changed?)

    There wasn¡¯t just a powerful repelling force just now, right before Lux blocked the attack, the enemy¡¯s movement changed subtly.

    It happened in the timing that absolutely couldn¡¯t be changed if the Drag-Ride was only controlled normally.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What¡¯s up, is that everything you got? You seriously think you can protect this country when you cannot even beat me alone?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s Critical Hit ended in failure wasn¡¯t because Ragreed¡¯s movement was exceptionally excellent.

    Certainly he had the skill that was near the level of High Class Drag-Knight, but that was all.

    The Drag-Ride he was wearing had the appearance of a simple EX Wyvern but©¤©¤it contained some kind of secret.

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t going to use Bahamut against the like of me? Then I¡¯ll teach you something good. About right now a bigger calamity is approaching the new kingdom. A tremendous force that is even more dangerous than that Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Ragreed¡¯s fearless grin didn¡¯t show any sign of falsehood.

    No, leaving that aside Lux had a clue about it.

    If his worst imagination that normally should be absolutely impossible was right on the mark©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Howl!¡¹

    Instantly Lux emitted shockwave from his armor¡¯s head aiming at Ragreed in front of him.

    Right after the EX Wyvern was sent flying before his eyes, Lux moved backward and took a wide distance.

    Lux took position at the shadow of a large rock behind him, then he quickly dispelled his Wyvern.

    ¡¸Fuh! Finally you got motivated huh? Then©¤©¤I¡¯m going to go at full power too!¡¹

    Ragreed who saw that also pulled back temporarily before pulling the horn flute on his neck toward his mouth.

    Along with the dissonant chord of the horn, the command toward the Grimoire was rewritten and the remaining thirty Abysses stopped attacking the fortress. All of them simultaneously changed direction toward Lux. Furthermore with that as the signal, the rebel army¡¯s Drag-Knights who were colored in grey also directed their weapon¡¯s aim toward Lux.

    The current Lux could only use Bahamut for the time limit of twelve minutes.

    Using it for more than that would cause the Drag-Ride to be forcefully dispelled  and became unusable.

    The remaining thirty-odd Abysses and approximately two hundred Drag-Knights of the rebel army.

    The greatest threat currently approaching the royal capital.

    There was already no other way except making a gamble here in order to stop all those threats.

    Lux quickly muttered the passscode and equipped a jet black armor.

    ¡¸Kuku, finally showing up huh Black Hero! User of the violent dragon Bahamut! Now, show me! Just what can you do with that few remaining time and strength!¡¹

    Ragreed yelled and lifted his Blade high toward the sky.

    Instantly, the Abysses and Drag-Knights he was leading simultaneously started attacking.

    The All-Dragon Battle waiting room for the new kingdom was dead silent as though cold water had been poured there.

    The second battle before this ended as the loss of the new kingdom because they were regarded as violating the rule intentionally. In addition Celis and Krulcifer who barged into the arena also lost their qualification to participate today and their side was forced into a disadvantage.

    Lisha who was the perpetrator of the incident was taken away for a hearing by the investigator who came from the palace.

    Of course it was the fact that she was under suspicion, but because she was also in the position as the new kingdom¡¯s princess, there was also the intention to shelter her personage as quickly as possible.

    With this, for the last battle against Wanheim Principality, the only Divine Drag-Ride user who could participate was Philuffy, but there was an even more serious problem for the new kingdom.

    Lisha¡¯s cannon shot was directed toward the audience seat where the VIPs of Wanheim Principality were placed.

    Currently the All-Dragon Battle was still ongoing, so the matter was put on hold, but the other side was holding doubt that the incident was intentional.

    In the case that after the All-Dragon Battle was over Wanheim Principality denunciated the new kingdom with the suspicion of assassination, it was unavoidable that the new kingdom¡¯s position would worsen, in the worst case©¤©¤it might even become the spark of war against Wanheim Principality.

    And it would happen by the hand of none other than Lisha who said that she would fight for the sake of the new kingdom©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Even with the investigation of the cause, for the time being we have to prepare against the next match. The third match against Wanheim Principality will surely have a different atmosphere than before. ©¤©¤Are you good to go, Philuffy Aingram?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. Even in case someone blow a horn flute, I can endure it for a little while.¡¹

    Putting out Philuffy under this emergency situation was a kind of gamble.

    The opponent wasn¡¯t Heiburg Republic, but if they felt like doing something, there was the possibility they would use the horn flute to control Philuffy who possessed the trait and ability of Abyss to cause damage.

    An especially strict inspection toward the personal belonging of Heiburg people should be carried out, but they still couldn¡¯t let down their guard.

    And then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Controlling Drag-Ride¡­¡­if there is someone who set up Lisha-sama, then as expected, is it that girl?¡¹

    Airi spoke out what she was thinking since some time ago with a low voice.

    The girl who possessed the nickname of the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade, Kirihime Yoruka.

    The Divine Raiment of her Yato no Kami©¤©¤Spell Code, was the ability to control other person¡¯s Drag-Ride which was activated by touching the Drag-Ride.

    Lisha and others had witnessed it, and the other selection members had also heard about it from them.

    ¡¸Even if that is actually the case, we will have to search for her and apprehend her. There is almost no chance that we can make it until the next match begin but©¤©¤we can only do it.¡¹

    Saying that, Celis and Krulcifer stood up.

    ¡¸There is no time. I and Celis-senpai will split up and search for her. So©¤©¤Airi-chan. Can we leave the command of the team to you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand.¡¹

    Airi accepted with a nervous voice.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m going to equip my Drake constantly, so if there is something I will contact you two.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave it to you, then¡¹

    The two said just that and left the waiting room to search for the culprit.

    If Kirihime Yoruka was aiming for Lux, there was a possibility that she was lurking nearby.

    Thinking so, Krulcifer headed outside. Then she saw the figure of the guard soldiers around the practice ground rushing around in panic.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? Perhaps something troubling has happened?¡¹

    Krulcifer who felt the abnormality called out to a young officer.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­, no, there is nothing! Ple, please, you can continue to watch the match¡­¡­¡¹

    For a moment Krulcifer thought whether this was the government putting the incident that Lisha caused just now in order, but the situation was strange no matter how she looked.

    ¡¸I am a Drag-Knight who belong to Syvalles, the raid force of the academy of Cross Field. This time I am here as a participant of the All-Dragon Battle, but I have finished my turn. If there is a problem, can I please at least be informed about the detail?¡¹

    Krulcifer presented her student ID and told the soldier so.

    Originally speaking, Krulcifer who was an oversea student from Ymir couldn¡¯t participate in a mission with high danger level, so she lied only in that point.

    ¡¸Is, is that so!? N, no¡­¡­there is only a bit of mistaken information circulating between the defense force for the area around the capital¡­¡­! We are gathering information to confirm it while being on guard just in case©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Can you tell me specifically what is happening?¡¹

    Krulcifer who heard of that detail questioned the soldier further.

    The soldier was sweating nervously while forming his words.

    ¡¸Currently, a giant enemy force from the northeast of the royal capital©¤©¤there is high chance that this is a mistaken information, but it mentioned that the fifth Ruin that existed in Heiburg itself is moving©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The complexion of Krulcifer who heard that sentence changed.

    She already knew that behind the scene of this All-Dragon Battle, Heiburg¡¯s imperial capital recapture plan was in motion.

    And then, there was the existence of Hayes who was called as Lord(Creator) at the third Ruin the Ark.

    If they were similarly related with the attack this time©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Northeast of the capital is it? I will also go to take a look at the situation.¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please! I¡¯m in hurry to evacuate the resident at the northeast area so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oi! What are you doing there! Quickly go!¡¹

    The young officer was scolded by a man who seemed to be his superior and he hurriedly dashed away.

    After parting with the man, Krulcifer summoned Fafnir and equipped it.

    She took a high altitude where she could have bird-eye view of the capital and flew to the northeast.

    With Fafnir that possessed the greatest level of mobility, she would be able to make a round trip until outside the capital in just a few minutes.

    After continuing to fly with the maximum output of the booster in her back wings, before long the sight of the surrounding became obstructed.

    ¡¸Mist©¤©¤? Even though the capital had clear weather just now¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer decelerated Fafnir and hovered midair.

    She should be right outside the wall of the capital, but it was as though the scenery below was completely unseen.

    But, a heavy moving sound that the thick mist couldn¡¯t erase could be heard from right nearby.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Krulcifer whispered, a thunderous roar exploded.

    Countless flashes flew piercing the white mist obstructing her sight.

    One of it exploded and burst in front of Fafnir, sending it flying backward for a few dozen mel.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    She escaped danger because of the protection of the special armament of automatic defense©¤©¤the Auto Shield that activated just before it hit her. The power of the attack was tremendous to a degree that it wouldn¡¯t be strange that she would get serious damage without the protection.

    The enemy itself blew away the mist due to the explosion blast of the cannon attack it fired. Because of that the true shape of the enemy became clear.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment she was able to look the full picture of the enemy, Krulcifer¡¯s spine froze.

    It was gigantic.

    A giant body that far surpassed a large type Abyss©¤©¤Golem that Krulcifer once fought personally.

    It had two legs that could be mistaken as a mountain of steel. On top of those legs was a large waist two size bigger than the royal castle and an inverted triangle of a chest, at the left and right were protruding shoulders where each looked like a large type battleship. On the surface of those shoulders, countless cannon muzzles could be seen.

    The head part that resembled rhinoceros beetle had a neck that slightly extended to the front, looking down on the royal capital with robotic eyes.

    Its thin long arms had countless streaks running on it. At the end of each of those arms was a hand with five fingers. Several houses were already pinned under them.

    It modeled the shape of an armored soldier, the gigantic fortress of steel that should be emplaced at Heiburg.

    The fifth Ruin ¡ºGigas¡» that Krulcifer once saw in a book was moving as it was.

    ¡¸They got us. Who will ever thought that they were hiding this kind of trump card©¤©¤¡¹

    The Ark where Poseidon existed left its movement route until now by the action of Hayes and her group and its whereabouts became unknown.

    In that case, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if they also had done something to the Ruin of Heiburg where Yggdrasil©¤©¤the Ragnarok that Lux and others had defeated probably came from.

    But, although the fifth Ruin was liberated by that, for the Ruin itself to come invading like this was just too much.

    ¡ºWarning ¨C we demand for you to dispel your armor as well as surrendering, Xfer-sama.¡»

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Suddenly, a cold apathetic voice without any inflection in it could be heard through Dragon Voice.

    Krulcifer didn¡¯t see any other Drag-Ride around her.

    Krulcifer noticed a moment late that the voice came from the Gigas before her.

    ¡ºIdentifier name ¨C Gear Leader of the fifth Ruin El Fajura will break the prohibition in causing unnecessary harm to you©¤©¤no¡»

    That girl who was most likely similarly an Automaton like La Cruche of the Ark suddenly completely stopped her words that were said with no gap in between.

    ¡ºUnfortunately just now there was notification from my Lord to immediately©¤©¤exterminate you she said.¡»

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The change in attitude of the Automaton that also happened at the Ark.

    Krulcifer recalled the shadow of Hayes from that situation.

    ¡ºTransitioning to attack preparedness©¤©¤firing¡»

    At the same time with that voice, innumerable countless cannon muzzles extended from the Gigas¡¯s protruding shoulders.

    Right after that, thunderous roar and explosive blast that completely filled the surrounding swept over above the sky of the royal capital.

    ¡¸What in the world¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct who was wearing Drake inside the arena¡¯s waiting room heard the Dragon Voice from Krulcifer and she unconsciously groaned.

    The third battle of the All-Dragon Battle¡¯s latter half, the battle against Wanheim Principality was entering into the last third battle.

    Philuffy won at the first battle the individual match, and the second battle the pair match ended in defeat just now.

    With both sides having one win each, the third match would begin. But before it could start, the state of high alert was invoked in the royal capital and it was discussed to temporarily suspend the All-Dragon Battle.

    But, only Greifer who was the Wanheim Principality¡¯s participant for the third match was firmly maintaining his attitude that wished for the match to continue. He stayed rooted on the arena ring.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll wait just for five more minutes yeah? Come fight already, new kingdom.¡¹

    Greifer showed a fearless grin. He was already clad in his Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre waiting for the signal of start of the battle in the ring.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this beforehand. For the time being there is also this need for keeping up appearance so I come out into this match, but if you guys don¡¯t take responsibility for firing a cannon at our princess, then it doesn¡¯t matter what is the result of this match, I¡¯m gonna locate the criminal myself. I¡¯ll catch anyone suspicious one by one©¤©¤and then interrogate them with this hand.¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s eye glint that was tinged with killing intent caused the spectators to get goosebumps.

    ©¤©¤Right now, there was no Drag-Knight of the new kingdom who could stop Greifer who was in a frenzy.

    Almost all the Drag-Knights were already departing in order to defend against the force attacking from both sides of the royal capital.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Will he make it in time?¡¹

    Airi gazed at that ring. And then when she lifted up her face, Noct¡¯s Drake suddenly showed a reaction of receiving transmission of Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºCan you hear me©¤©¤Airi, Noct?¡»

    When she came to hear the familiar voice of her big brother, Airi¡¯s lips burst into a relieved smile.

    But, her expression immediately returned into her usual calm look and she brought her face closer to the Drake before throwing out her voice.

    ¡¸You¡¯re late! Just what have you been doing Nii-san! This side is in really grave trouble! A giant Ruin is attacking from the northeast! Lisha-sama¡¯s Tiamat rampaged, and the people of Wanheim Prinicipality was also aimed at©¤©¤what should we do about this!?¡¹

    ¡ºYeah, I also got set up in my side. The hidden fortress already fell, and I¡¯m getting chased by the rebel army and Abyss swarm.¡»

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? And, what is Nii-san planning to do?¡¹

    ¡ºI want you to tell everyone what I¡¯m going to say after this.¡»

    Lux told Airi the ¡ºstrategy¡» in the shadow of the arena that was enveloped with uneasy commotion.

    ¡¸The prime minister of Wanheim Principality is saying that they will bring up the incident this matter resolutely. They won¡¯t accept the explanation that there is defect in the Drag-Ride. He told us to hand over the princess to be judged by their law.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way we can do something like that! Even the All-Dragon Battle isn¡¯t over yet you know!? Tell him that we will listen to what he has to say again later!¡¹

    On the other hand, inside the castle. Inside the wide conference room, the angry yell of the consuls flew around.

    The extermination mission of the Abyss swarm failed due to the surprise attack of the rebel army led by Ragreed, and enemy army was marching on from the northwest.

    Their aim was just as the name ¡ºimperial capital recapture plan¡» suggested, this very royal capital itself.

    It wouldn¡¯t even take tens of minutes until all that force arrived in this place.

    ¡¸But, there is also the fact that just the other day a guard of the royal capital attacked a selection member of Wanheim Principality. In addition of the continuing bad blood since the era of the old empire. At this rate they surely won¡¯t listen to us urging them to go home to their country without even giving out any proof or the perpetrator.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­The princess also really has done something outrageous. Even though that bunch has been troublesome since the past©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please calm down. The clarification of the incident is not finished yet. Only after that everything can©¤©¤¡¹

    Lamenting voices continued to rise from the consuls hearing the reports coming in one after another.

    Lisha was hanging her head down while listening to those voices of despondency and indignation from the floor immediately below.

    After that match, still in her suit without even changing, she had been absentminded as though her soul had left her.

    Why it had turned out like this?

    Even though she should have done the best she could.

    Even though for the sake of this country, while knowing that she was still immature©¤©¤she thought of trying to become the real thing, and yet.

    She didn¡¯t have any such power, she betrayed everyone¡¯s expectation, and invited the greatest predicament.

    ¡¸It¡¯s like¡­¡­I¡¯m a criminal.¡¹

    Inside the hidden room for royalty¡¯s personal use that was prepared underground.

    She was isolated so that she wouldn¡¯t get aimed by the people of Wanheim Principality that she enraged. Lisha made a powerless bitter smile toward her situation.

    Her feeling was the same like five years ago when she was kidnapped by the old empire and became hostage, before she was then abandoned by her father the great hero.

    She couldn¡¯t do anything. She was toyed by the happening with nothing she could do with her own strength and lost everything.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­. Why it became like this again? Was I mistaken? From the start, someone like me©¤©¤¡¹

    When she couldn¡¯t endure anymore and let out a complaint, footsteps came from in front of her.

    When Lisha came back to herself and quickly lifted up her face, the room¡¯s door was opened.

    Over there, the Drag-Knights of the rebel army whose uniform was painted grey were standing with their weapon at ready.

    ¡¸We are going to have you come along okay, your highness. Together with us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha could only look down with a pale expression.

    Just like that day in the past.

    ¡¸How long you¡¯re planning to continue running huh, Black Hero? Aren¡¯t you going to stop me?¡¹

    Lux who was wearing a jet black Drag-Ride was being chased by Ragreed who was driving EX Wyvern.

    After exchanging blow several times above the hidden fortress, Lux who got a part of his shoulder armor broken escaped in a straight line toward the direction of the capital.

    But, he was chased by the strengthened general purpose Drag-Ride EX Wyvern, taking along the majority of the rebel army being led by Ragreed and also the Abyss that already numbered more than thirty.

    ¡¸Kukuku, I heard from the strategist you know? The time you can fight in that Bahamut is limited. That¡¯s why you are trying to lure us into a place where you can get the military¡¯s reinforcement and bring this into advantageous situation aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But, that¡¯s already impossible! Try looking in front of you!¡¹

    That sight entered the eyes of Lux whose field of vision was continuously filled by the scenery flowing backward in high speed.

    Bugriser¡¯s unit that should be preparing for interception in front of the wall already disappeared from there.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? I see, just as I thought¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux held his breath. At the same time he saw at far ahead and guessed the reason why the military had abandoned their position.

    The information that the fifth Ruin Gigas that existed at Heiburg couldn¡¯t be seen anymore.

    His worst prediction came true.

    The fifth Ruin, Gigas.

    The strange looking weapon that was filled with evil omen to accomplish destruction and atrocity was standing as though looking down on the capital¡¯s townscape.

    (But why? Why is no report came that it has arrived until this near!? If the Ruin is moving, the Drag-Knights at the east of the capital should have seen it and yet©¤©¤)

    GIgas that should be visible even from the distance of a few kl had approached until this near. Why didn¡¯t anyone notice? (TN: kl is kilometer and mel is meter)

    ¡º¡­¡­The Drag-Knights stationed at northeast of the capital©¤©¤at the fortress along the rocky mountain and sea, it seems that they are being afflicted with a headache of unknown cause. There is no abnormality with their body, so it doesn¡¯t look like that it¡¯s poison or disease though.¡»

    Suddenly that sentence that Airi told him was replayed inside his mind.

    Instantly, a prickling pain as though behind his eyes was burned ran through Lux¡¯s head. A scene that felt like it wasn¡¯t his memory entered into his head.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I thought that you will understand if it¡¯s you though, my younger brother.¡¹(TN: Fugil use the word ¡®kentei¡¯ to call Lux, it¡¯s usually a polite reference to another person¡¯s younger brother, but here he used it to call his own younger brother. Translated literally it means wise younger brother)

    A vaguely nostalgic refined noise©¤©¤the voice of his eldest brother Fugil entered his ear.

    Red night sky that was illuminated by blazing flame.

    In front of the castle of Arcadia Empire where whirling up fire sparks were falling down, that thing was existing.

    (This place©¤©¤what in the world? Is this the memory of that day, five years ago?)

    Lux could affirm that this scene had happened almost without a doubt, but a violent uncomfortable feeling bewildered Lux.

    Lux didn¡¯t have any memory at all that he had exchanged this kind of conversation with Fugil.

    ¡¸¡­¡­We cannot do such thing. There is no way something like this can be repeated because of the convenience of the like of me, the like of us!¡¹

    The Lux inside the memory raised his voice, in respond Fugil smiled fearlessly.

    A figure wearing a strange-looking Drag-Ride he had never even seen before with gigantic size even bigger than the castle at the back was there.

    ¡¸Is that so? You should have noticed already from a long time ago. You who were born inside that corrupted palace, living while stuck in dilemma between the royal family and the people, if it¡¯s you then you should have noticed the structural defect of this country©¤©¤no, this world and its people.¡¹

    Fugil spoke admonishingly, also as though in conclusion.

    ¡¸See, you who are purer than anyone, because you want to avert your eyes from that fact really much, you could only take on the ideal of a king that is more righteous than anyone and took refuge inside that dream. ©¤©¤But Lux, you should wake up already from the dream. We should accomplish it, we ought to carry out our true mission as hero.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong! There is absolutely no such thing! I¡­¡­what I really wished for is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fine. Then you can come at me.¡¹

    The Drag-Ride that was so gigantic its full figure couldn¡¯t even be grasped from nearby was starting up with a roaring sound that shook the earth.

    ¡¸You won¡¯t lose or anything. You cannot even stand on the same stage where I fight for eternity. Therefore, there is no victory of defeat right from the start. I will take the burden of your karma. Because I am©¤©¤after all.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux who was wearing Bahamut in Over Limit state flew toward that giant dragon.

    Instantly, the scenery distorted fiercely like jelly, enveloped by light, and vanished indistinctly.

    Seven Ruins. The simultaneous activation of the Artifacts(Transforming Weapons).

    The transforming Drag-Ride of the end at the beginning©¤©¤Uro¡­¡­boros.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux returned to his senses and returned his consciousness to the sight before his eyes.

    Perhaps it was a happening of only one or two seconds, because the Gigas at far away and Ragreed before him were in Lux¡¯s sight the same like before.

    ¡¸Now you get it? It¡¯s over for you all. You fell into our strategist-sama¡¯s scheme. Your body¡¯s shouldn¡¯t be in the condition to use that Bahamut for some more minutes right?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤So your aim for luring me is that?¡¹

    Lux gazed at Ragreed with chilly eyes and voice.

    Lux was lured at the north hidden fortress, the new kingdom¡¯s army was made to fall apart©¤©¤and the clincher was how he kept talking provocatively at Lux. All of those were the groundwork to make this situation.

    Hayes was on guard the most against Bahamut. She guided the event into a situation where Lux had to use it and drastically stole its operation time limit.

    No matter what their side tried to do, they already got cornered into a helpless situation with nothing that could be done. Hayes¡¯s scheme tried to obtain a certain victory like that.

    All of Lux¡¯s bad premonition was right on the mark©¤©¤no, the event was transitioning into a situation that was even worse than he imagined.

    Just like when Lux tried to destroy the empire in the past.

    But©¤©¤the present was different from the past, he now had a lot of comrades he could trust.

    That was why he resolved himself. That right here right now once again©¤©¤they would save the new kingdom with their power.

    ¡¸Ragreed Forus. You¡¯ve resolved yourself right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What?¡¹

    Ragreed frowned toward Lux¡¯s calm declaration.

    Completely different from in the past when they were in the imperial court, Lux¡¯s face there was hiding determination inside.

    ¡¸You put your bet on Heiburg and that strategist Hayes. As for me©¤©¤I¡¯ll bet on everyone who put their trust on me, and drive away all of you.¡¹

    Right after that, the jet black Drag-Ride Lux was wearing released a vortex of shockwave using Howling Howl.

    ¡¸Kuh, ©¤futile act!¡¹

    But, Ragreed held his ground and pulled his Cannon¡¯s trigger aiming at Lux¡¯s silhouette.

    The jet black armor was smashed and countless fragments danced in the air. ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­?¡¹

    Ragreed was bewildered because the opponent purposefully didn¡¯t deploy barrier and there was strangely no resistance from the hit.

    When he searched for Lux¡¯s silhouette that he lost sight of, a calm voice entered his ear from beside a nearby bell tower.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, violent dragon who devour the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of black cloud, Bahamut!¡¹

    ¡¸What-!?¡¹

    Ragreed raised a shocked voice hearing the muttered passcode.

    Right after that, light particles converged in high speed and formed shape. A jet black Drag-Ride was summoned once more.

    The aerodynamically shaped Mithrildyte(Phantasmal Gem Steel) clad in dragon¡¯s might manifested and emitted an ominous luster as though to display that absolute power hidden inside the frame.

    ¡¸How-!? How can there be two Bahamut!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Connect ¨C On¡¹

    The moment Lux muttered coldly, the Drag-Ride unfolded from inside and transformed into an armor that covered Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸What I was wearing while you were chasing after me was a mere Wyvern. It only had its armor parts adjusted and painted black.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­! Such thing! Impossible!?¡¹

    Yes, the true identity of the thing Lux requested at Lisha in the capital was that.

    It was another Drag-Ride that was different from his original Wyvern that was tuned for defense. It was a Wyvern with its armor and barrier scraped down as low as possible to make it light weight type that stressed in speed.

    By skillfully using it properly, Ragreed¡¯s eyes were tricked.

    ¡¸Bu, bu, how can you do something like that!? In the first place you should be only preparing for Abyss extermination! You shouldn¡¯t know anything about our attack! And yet why©¤©¤guah!¡¹

    Lux glided and took the position overhead Ragreed. He ignored the question and slashed at the EX Wyvern.

    Ragreed almost crashed into the bell tower from the impact he got, yet right before he crashed, the surface of his armor shined and his trajectory was altered, preventing him from crashing.

    ¡¸It wasn¡¯t like I understand what will happen. But©¤©¤I¡¯m just planning beforehand, to at least prepare a plan that can react against anything that could happen.¡¹

    The answer for Ragreed¡¯s question was exceedingly simple.

    From the start Lux was already harboring doubt toward the existence of the deserted village where a great number of Abyss was staying, and also the very fact that the new kingdom was able to obtain the information about it beforehand.

    The enemy¡¯s strategist Hayes also knew well about the information regarding the specification of Over Limit.

    In that case©¤©¤naturally Lux put into consideration the possibility that Hayes would put into motion a plan to exhaust him, and then Lux requested Lisha as the countermeasure against that.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have time right now. ©¤©¤But, I too still have something I want to confirm.¡¹

    Lux put in energy into his great sword Chaos Brand and let out a slash with the shortest movement he could toward the unbalanced Ragreed.

    He aimed at the part that was shining on the armor¡¯s surface just now and hit it hard.

    ¡ºU, aa¡­¡­!¡»

    *crackle crackle-!* After a small burst of electricity, light that looked like shining powder spilled out from the surface and a faint voice could be heard.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s the true shape of it? The thing that strengthened your Drag-Ride and assisted the control was©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Chih!?¡¹

    Ragreed clicked his tongue hearing Lux pointing it out.

    Lux was uncertain of the full detail of it, but most likely it was because of someone¡¯s cooperation©¤©¤or perhaps an old technology sleeping inside the Ruin that was applied on the EX Wyvern.

    Thinking about how Hayes used the fifth Ruin to invade the royal capital, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine.

    ¡¸Guah!?¡¹

    Lux struck down Ragreed to the ground with the returning movement of his sword.

    After looking at the EX Wyvern crashing at the vicinity outside the arena, Lux landed down on the arena ring where the spectators were already starting to evacuate.

    He landed facing Greifer who was standing there clad in Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre.

    Cheers and commotion rose up seeing the intrusion of the unidentified Drag-Ride.

    ¡ºWha, what could this be!? Suddenly, a mysterious Drag-Knight landed down at the position of new kingdom¡¯s side!¡»

    The military officer clad in Drake who had the commentator role also raised such surprised voice.

    Because the distance from the audience seat until the center of the ring was quite far, surely almost everyone didn¡¯t notice that it was Lux.

    ¡¸Oh. To think that there will be a superb performance where you come here for me huh.¡¹

    At the opposite side Greifer seemed to notice that it was Lux. His mouth loosened and made a grin.

    ¡¸Can you accept fighting me, right here right now?¡¹

    ¡¸Got no objection here, I don¡¯t intend to retract my previous statement yeah? Regardless of this match¡¯s result, we gonna capture the princess of you guys, then make her spit out the location of the culprit no matter what. I¡¯m not gonna allow what happened ten years ago repeat again, when the old empire charged a crime on my father and killed him.¡¹

    Lux was also concerned about Lisha, but right now he had to stop this person first.

    Lux stayed still on the designated position and ran his gaze around. Right outside the ring, the military officer who had the referee role was looking at Lux¡¯s Bahamut with a bewildered face.

    It was natural that he got bewildered when an unfamiliar Drag-Ride suddenly entered the ring.

    Reluctantly, Lux took a small breath in order to reveal his identity, but then,

    ¡¸I met him before so I remember. That guy is certainly one of new kingdom¡¯s representatives. If you get it then give the starting signal quickly. It¡¯s none other than me, the opponent©¤©¤who recognize it like that yeah?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ye, yes-!?¡¹

    Threatened by Greifer, the referee hurriedly moved to the direction of the audience seat and peeked at the complexion of the management committee members. And then, perhaps they gave him agreeing signal because the referee immediately raised his voice.

    ¡ºThen, the last battle that is today¡¯s third battle©¤©¤New Kingdom Atismata versus Wanheim Principality, the third match will begin!¡»

    The duel between a mysterious Drag-Knight who flew down from the sky against the leader of Wanheim Principality¡¯s representatives, Greifer.

    Inside the royal capital that was already imposing the state of high alert, at the arena that was enveloped with bizarre atmosphere where the spectators were starting to evacuate, the last battle of All-Dragon Battle started.

    ¡ºBattle, Start!¡»

    The instant the referee¡¯s voice resounded, Greifer¡¯s Cuelebre shot off.

    Its back wings spewed out air explosively, closing the distance instantly while unleashing a slash at the same time.

    The moment Lux blocked it with his great sword, a Howling Howl struck at him from above his defense.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Bahamut¡¯s barrier blocked the impact and it was forced to back off. From above the barrier, the peculiar slash of Tail Blade paid it no mind and struck down with the momentum of a surging wave.

    It was like a raging wind. It was a style of offensive tactic that forcefully robbed the opponent from any choice by constantly taking the initiative, cornering the enemy, and continued to attack without pause.

    That rain of attack that seemed sloppy from a glance increased in precision and power each time it was unleashed, cornering the enemy with certainty.

    The enemy was without exaggeration a strong person. If Lux wanted to defeat this man in this current situation©¤©¤there was only one way.

    ¡¸Reload on Fire¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Photon Dive¡¹

    The moment their sword crossed, Lux¡¯s Bahamut gushed out red light to display its Divine Raiment¡¯s activation.

    As though responding to that, Greifer also quickly invoked his Divine Raiment.

    The Divine Raiment that compressed the energy and phenomenon of the first five second, then activating and doubling it at the later five seconds, Reload on Fire.

    In contrast, Cuelebre¡¯s Photon Dive made it so that for a few second when the ability was activated, all the enemy¡¯s attack wouldn¡¯t affect it and got deflected, so to speak it was a Divine Raiment that transformed the Drag-Ride into invincible state.

    Lux was evading Cuelebre¡¯s slashes while carving many slashes using the blade of the great sword he wielded on the surface of the enemy¡¯s armor.

    But, his attack that was unleashed with the usual speed naturally didn¡¯t get through.

    At the end even the tip of his blade was deflected and it exposed a small opening on him instead.

    ¡¸I got you-!¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s blade struck along with a sharp step-in.

    Although Lux withdrew from the range just for an instant faster, the surface of his armor got a faint scratch.

    Even so Lux didn¡¯t show any agitation and he gazed at Greifer with expression that showed no opening.

    ¡¸That¡¯s quite something. So this is your true strength? But in the end it¡¯s pointless yeah? Cuelebre¡¯s Photon Dive won¡¯t get affected by any kind of attack. You absolutely©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    At that time when Greifer grinned proudly, something strange occurred.

    *PASHI¨C!*

    A sharp impact sound burst, and together with it countless red slash lines instantly ran through Cuelebre¡¯s armor.

    The impact energy from the Force Core that Bahamut¡¯s Chaos Brand was filled with. The energy came into effect with delayed time difference and attacked Cuelebre right after the effect of Photon Dive cut off.

    ¡¸Whattt¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸The Photon Dive give you roughly seven seconds of invincibility. Aiming at the moment it was turned off, I delayed the moment the impact of the sword I wielded reached you by using Reload on Fire¡¯s ability.¡¹

    Lux accelerated at the same time he coldly told that, and struck Cuelebre¡¯s torso with a full power attack where Lux put all his weight on it.

    ¡¸Gu, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The sword was swung to the end as though it was also shooting through the generated barrier altogether, sending Greifer flying to far distance away.

    Greifer crashed on the arena¡¯s wall and the impact made his deployed barrier to be dispelled.

    With that based on the rule the match was decided.

    ¡ºThe, the representative of Wanheim Principality has his barrier dispelled because of the damage and become unable to fight further! The winner of the third match as well as the third battle is, New Kingdom Atismata!¡»

    ¡¸OOOOOOH¡­¡­.!¡¹

    The sudden intrusion of the black Drag-Knight and that dramatic conclusion caused the spectators of the new kingdom who was still remaining in the middle of evacuation to raise a stir.

    Lux listened to that vaguely as though from far away while gazing at Greifer who was knocked onto the wall.

    (©¤©¤That was dangerous.)

    Lux won his dangerous gamble and he stroke down his chest in relieve inside his heart.

    The fight would undoubtedly become prolonged if he didn¡¯t settle the match in this opening phase. If the match dragged on, it would be unclear how the outcome would turn out to be.

    And then ©¤©¤Lux was able to win this battle merely because of the decisive difference of information both sides possessed.

    Lux knew about the trait and Divine Raiment that Greifer¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre possessed from directly crossing sword against him, while Greifer didn¡¯t know anything about Lux¡¯s Bahamut.

    This was a victory that he wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain without Greifer¡¯s reckless personality and that accidental battle, but it was fine like that for now.

    First was to stop the movement of Greifer and Wanheim Principality who were in an explosive state that could rupture anytime.

    The moment the first objective was cleared, Lux sent Dragon Voice through Noct¡¯s Drake that was limited toward several members.

    ¡ºI¡¯m sorry for saying various unreasonable thing. Everyone, can I ask you to fight following the strategy I talked just now?¡»

    When Lux asked that question with faint apologetic feeling in his tone, everyone¡¯s voice immediately responded back.

    ¡ºYes, I¡¯ll start.¡»(Krulcifer)

    ¡ºUh huh. Understood.¡»(Philuffy)

    ¡ºAcknowledged, Lux.¡»(Celis)

    ¡º©¤©¤Yes. Lux-san, please take care.¡» (Noct)

    ¡¸Thank you©¤©¤everyone.¡¹

    Right after that, Bahamut that Lux was driving flew with explosive momentum.

    And then from above the sky, he swooped down in high speed aiming toward a spot of the castle¡¯s rear entrance that he was told about.

    ¡¸Just what should we do¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸I, is there anyone who know about the mechanism of the fifth Ruin!? At this rate, the capital will©¤©¤¡¹

    The officer Drag-Knights who protected the new kingdom were surrounding Gigas using Wyvern in order to attack it, yet they were at a loss helplessly.

    They had tried roughly every kind of attack, but the steel fortress existing before their eye wasn¡¯t affected at all. They were unable to even hold it back.

    In this situation where it wasn¡¯t even a fight, the officers almost fell into despair. It was then they could hear it.

    ¡¸Looking tedious huh©¤©¤you ignorant uncivilized bunch of riffraff.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Suddenly, a voice came from the head part of Gigas. Stir ran through the flying officers of the new kingdom.

    The strategist Hayes who colluded with Heiburg Empire was wearing a huge silver grey armor, standing above Gigas¡¯s head.

    ¡¸You, you bastard©¤©¤are you the mastermind who is controlling this Ruin!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nope, you got it wrong, I¡¯m the savior. I¡¯ll stand at the top to rule this world in the place of you incompetent bunches. Rejoice you livestocks, your honored owner finally came after through a long time you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Bunch of nonsense¡­¡­! Fire-!¡¹

    Several officers aimed at Hayes and pulled their Cannon trigger simultaneously.

    The concentrated cannon fire from dozens of Wyvern continued and caused a violent explosion blast.

    ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸You can cut it already. I got the gist.¡¹

    Hayes raised a calm voice while being in the middle of a maelstrom of bombing that even a Divine Drag-ride with its barrier deployed couldn¡¯t possibly stay unharmed.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not¡­¡­working!? No, there is no way©¤©¤¡¹

    In front of Hayes was a layer of round shaped light wall©¤©¤.

    Not the slightest attack reached beyond that partition.

    Rather than calling it a barrier, it was as though space itself was cut off.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m late with the introduction huh. The name of my Divine Drag-Ride is <Nidhogg>. Its Divine Raiment¡¯s name is©¤©¤<Astral Line(Severer)>¡¹

    Hayes displayed a wicked smile and the armor¡¯s arm readied a sword with peculiar shape.

    The sword had a long blade that was several times the length of normal Blade. At its handle¡¯s opposite side there was also the same blade lengthening, a uniquely shaped blade©¤©¤two-bladed sword.

    When Hayes who was wearing Nidhogg carelessly swung down the atypically shaped sword that was tinged with the light of its Divine Raiment,

    ¡¸Be, be careful! Deploy your barrier in maximum output©¤©¤!¡¹

    The world was split into two, along with the officers¡¯ armor and the maximum output barrier they deployed.

    ¡¸Where are you all taking me¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha who was suppressed by the rebel army that was already infiltrating inside the castle without even any time to pull out her Sword Device was taken outside the castle without anyone even noticing.

    When Lisha asked that behind the castle surrounded by trees, a man of the rebel army grinned widely.

    ¡¸We want to have you take the arbitration role in order to not increase the number of unnecessary sacrifice in this war, that was what the strategist said. I¡¯m told that there is a secret on her highness¡¯s body that can achieve that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lisha suddenly groaned with an expression as though her chest had been stabbed.

    She noticed Hayes¡¯s scheme from that one sentence.

    The rebel army that was planning to suppress the new kingdom shouldn¡¯t be thinking about peace or anything.

    In other word, what Hayes was desiring from Lisha was to persuade the people©¤©¤no, her aim was to make known that the princess Lisha was a human at the rebel army¡¯s side.

    They would expose the brand of old empire that was engraved on her body at the past, revealed that her true identity was that of a traitor, lowering the unifying force of the new kingdom and Lisha, dropping the situation into chaos, and made it easier to take over the country. That was their intention.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t screw around¡­¡­. You think you all can keep using me like that however many times you like¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh? I heard that your highness is a person who dislike needless conflict and kind to the people though?¡¹

    The moment the man of rebel army jerked his chin to a far away direction, Lisha saw ¡ºthat¡».

    ¡¸-©¤©¤That¡¯s!?¡¹

    At far distance away, through the townscape of the royal capital, she could see the figure of Gigas.

    And then, the sight of the flash emitted by the Drag-Ride at the top of its head cutting apart the atmosphere, dividing the new kingdom military and the town into parts©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­¡¹

    *plop*, Lisha fell down on the spot in astonishment.

    ¡¸Do you understand now? This is the last work that the powerless you can do for the sake of this country. If your highness follow the intention of our strategist, there won¡¯t be anymore attack than this you know?¡¹

    ¡¸The, there is no way I can do anything like that! Something like me handing over this country to the like of you is©¤©¤¡¹

    Although it was so that the people wouldn¡¯t be harmed, but doing things like betraying their trust and delivering them to another ruler was just¡­¡­

    ¡¸Is there any meaning for you to act brave like that? Someone like you who disappointed them in the match before this?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s feeling was shaken when she recalled it.

    Perhaps a human who was feeling hesitation even in their own power had no qualification to lead the people.

    Even so.

    ¡¸Even so, that guy told me! That he will fight together with me©¤©¤!¡¹

    Right after Lisha closed her eyes and yelled, an impact struck the ground like a thunderbolt.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    The moment she opened her eyes in surprise, the armors of rebel army¡¯s Drag-Knights were smashed apart altogether.

    ¡¸Gu, AaA¡­¡­!¡¹

    The rebel army groaned and collapsed. And then the true identity of the one who did it became clear.

    The one who came down was a Drag-Knight clad in jet black armor.

    It was the silhouette of the Black Hero that she saw five years ago in that day.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯m late, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    When Lisha muttered, Lux smiled calmly and handed over the Sword Device of Tiamat that he recovered from the hand of the rebel army.

    The hand of Lisha who accepted it shook, she stumbled and squatted down on the spot.

    ¡¸I, I don¡¯t©¤©¤I don¡¯t have the face to look at you¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha hung her head down while speaking with a disappearing voice.

    ¡¸Even though I promised to protect this country together with you¡­¡­I made Tiamat rampaged in All-Dragon Battle, and degraded that oath myself.¡¹

    ¡¸That was Hayes¡¯s doing. I had grasped how she did it too. I will do something about it no matter what, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I know! But, even if we make that clear, everyone might not believe it anymore. The people¡¯s trust on me might not return! And most of all¡­¡­it¡¯s vexing!¡¹

    Lisha lifted her face. Her eyes were wet.

    ¡¸It¡¯s vexing that because of my fault, even you got made fun of and treated like villain! You who fought and risked your life for this new kingdom¡¯s sake more than anyone, I want to make everyone recognize it, that was what I wanted, and yet¡­¡­¡¹

    At that time Lux noticed for the first time.

    Lisha talked about making Lux her knight was because she wanted to save Lux who couldn¡¯t be recognized by the people because he was once a part of the old empire, who was collared as a criminal even now, and who was still ridiculed by a part of the country because of that.

    She wanted to make him into an existence that was recognized by all this country¡¯s people together as her knight in this new kingdom.

    The inside of his chest became warm that she was thinking that much for him.

    Lux softly caressed the head of such Lisha with his hand.

    ¡¸Lu¡­¡­x?¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. For thinking about me all this time. But, I¡¯m fine. Even without this country and all its people recognizing me, I can fight with only your recognition.¡¹

    He offered his hand in front of Lisha once more with a gentle voice.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, please fight together with me. Not for the sake of anyone else, but for the sake of your own oath. I need Lisha-sama¡¯s strength. In order to save this country one more time, this time for sure©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha who heard those words slowly took a breath, and lifted up her face.

    And then she grasped the handle of her Sword Device with a trembling hand, and pulled it out from its sheath as though resolving herself.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Awaken, the progenitor of beginnings. O monarch dragon of the gods that form an army on your own. Tiamat!¡¹

    Light particles converged in high speed. Immediately after that, the crimson great dragon that was summoned behind split into countless parts and transformed into an armor that covered Lisha¡¯s whole body.

    After blinking lightly and gazed to the front, over there was the figure of Gigas approaching the castle while treading on the buildings on its way.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s a mysterious feeling. Even though just now it felt really terrifying to wear a Drag-Ride, but now it feels really reassuring.¡¹

    ¡¸That is the true Lisha-sama, surely.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Let¡¯s go, Lux. We got to beat up the bunches doing as they please in my country after all.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Lisha¡¯s self-confident smile.

    ¡º©¤©¤Nii-san. Everyone is in position. We are starting.¡»

    At the same time Airi¡¯s voice came through the medium of the Dragon Voice of Noct¡¯s Drake.

    Lux sent his voice through the Dragon Voice that was already connected to Krulcifer, Philuffy, and Celis.

    ¡¸I¡¯m counting on you©¤©¤everyone!¡¹

    Lux said that while at the same time he flew his Bahamut together with Lisha.

    The operation against Gigas that continued to match in a straight line toward the castle finally began.

    ¡º©¤©¤Warning¡»

    It was a voice that sounded robotic and tinged with hollow presence.

    An amplified voice that was different from Dragon Voice which was a communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides was emitted from the head part of the Gigas.

    Approximately a hundred Drag-Knights of the new kingdom military were heading to intercept as well as defending against Gigas. Half of them was shot down by Gigas¡¯s bombardment and Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg, and the remaining half was withdrawing with the injured among them.

    The capital¡¯s northeast district that was starting to be evacuated was already crushed underfoot and fell into a half-destroyed state. The cause of that, the Gigas was moving toward the castle in high speed.

    ¡ºThe battle is decided already. New kingdom military as well as the queen and her subordinates in this place are to swiftly display their will to surrender by prostrating. By doing that any further attack will stop and we will grant repose that is our rule to everyone.¡»

    Hayes proclaimed that above the people who were running about trying to escape.

    The new kingdom that had its force scattered and also its defense line broken through had no more method to oppose it.

    And then, this advice was a trap.

    Heiburg would place the rebel army that was supporting the old empire as the head and indirectly ruled over the new kingdom.

    Furthermore, it would be shown to the VIP from many countries who were coming for All-Dragon Battle with the aim of putting a check on them too.

    The consuls inside the chaotic castle couldn¡¯t find any breakthrough solution against this advice.

    While the scream and confused voice of the people could be heard from the streets of the capital,

    ¡ºUnfortunately, your lords didn¡¯t give their answer©¤©¤. Therefore, We¡¯ll resume attacking!¡»

    Right after that cold proclamation, the Gigas moved.

    The countless cannon muzzles growing from those giant shoulders aimed downward, it was then an abnormality occurred.

    *GAKIiiI-!*

    The thin long arms growing from Gigas¡¯s shoulders with countless joint in it. One of those arms that looked like a spire suddenly slanted, the Gigas¡¯s posture crumbled and pitched forward.

    Right after that, the countless light bullets fired from those shoulders and the chest part rained down on greenery area right under it where people had already finished evacuating.

    ¡ºWhat¡­¡­!?¡»

    Hayes who was near the head part of Gigas noticed the cause of that and she frowned.

    Looking closer, Philuffy who was wearing Typhoon entangled several wires of Pile Anchor on one of Gigas¡¯s arms, pulled downward and broke its balance.

    ¡ºFoolish act¡­¡­! El Fajura! Crush her!¡»

    After Hayes gave that instruction to the Automaton, the Gigas pulled its other gigantic arm and aimed at Philuffy©¤©¤but, that instant when its attention was diverted to below, the left arm Gigas was lifting up was struck with light bullet.

    ¡ºThis is©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me!?¡»

    ¡¸Starlight Zero¡¹

    That was the compressed light bullet fired from Celis¡¯s LIndwurm. When Hayes noticed it was already too late.

    The attack fired from the special armament of wide range destruction sent flying the left arm of Gigas. The countless cannon muzzles sticking out from both its shoulders were smashed. That overwhelming offensive power was pruned temporarily.

    Hayes cursed receiving that fierce wave of explosive blast.

    ¡¸Pointless struggle¡­¡­. Enough, ignore them and crush the castle underfoot.¡¹

    Hearing Hayes¡¯s instruction, Gigas¡¯s feet that were like a mountain moved. It marched while causing fierce rumble on the ground.

    The many citizens at the area around the castle until the arena saw that and screamed. Running about trying to escape.

    But, when those feet arrived until nearby the castle wall surrounding the palace, a single Drag-Ride stood in its way.

    ¡¸Kneel under my name! Suppressor©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lisha wearing Tiamat unsheathed her Sword Device and pointed at Gigas.

    Instantly, a gravity field was formed on a spot of that gigantic right leg and its movement became dull.

    Seeing that, Hayes looked down on Lisha from above the Gigas¡¯s head.

    ¡¸So you come to incorrigibly expose your shame again huh, princess-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸Shut up this wannabe strategist! I¡¯ll make you payback your debt to this country and me!¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Don¡¯t get carried away, you substitute lowly princess! What can you son of a bitch do!? You think that this Gigas can be stopped by something like that?¡¹

    Just as Hayes ridiculing words said, the burden from the gravity field didn¡¯t do anything and the Gigas resumed its march.

    It was as though it was proclaiming that something like the resistance of Lisha alone was pointless.

    But the next moment, when the Gigas was about to take one more step,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    *DOOooOONN!*

    One of Gigas¡¯s legs smashed the stone pavement and the ground and it stepped through until below the ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Because of the gravity pressure that was reinforced until several times from before, that leg was buried deeply into the ground. Lux wearing Bahamut was looking down calmly on it from midair.

    Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment, the gravity field that in a glance looked like it wasn¡¯t working at all went through compression strengthening of Bahamut¡¯s Reload on Fire. The moment Gigas tried to ignore it and took a step forward, the power of the gravity field became several times the original and attacked.

    ¡¸Bu, but why, why is there a hollow below this kind of place!? What in the world©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Should I teach you, wannabe strategist? You see, the underground around there has a large scale tunnel that was dug up at the era of the old empire. It was something created more than a hundred years ago, that¡¯s why only very few know about it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Hayes also guessed the fact from listening Lisha explaining proudly.

    The people in the past were building a city above while knowing that there was a tunnel below was because it was constructed to be able to endure great burden and weight.

    But, because of Lux¡¯s Reload on Fore, Suppressor¡¯s gravity pressure was reinforced several times over, and aiming at the moment the super heavy Gigas step there, a pitfall was prepared to make the foot step through the ground.

    But even with that the best it could do was sealing one leg of Gigas, but at this moment a completely advantageous situation was created.

    ¡¸Chih!¡¹

    Hayes clicked her tongue. In order for the Gigas to pull out its buried leg, it was going to put both its hand on the ground, it was then two more people moved.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ei¡¹

    Philuffy fired Pile Anchor from every part of Typhoon and restrained a part of the thin long arm.

    At the same time she drove her Drag-Ride with her Booster at maximum output and ran through the street. By towing the arm once more, Gigas¡¯s balance almost crumbled.

    ¡¸You think I¡¯m going to let you do the same thing over and over!¡¹

    When Hayes¡¯s voice resounded, Gigas raised its remaining left arm and aimed to crush Typhoon.

    ¡¸Obstructing with that©¤©¤is not permitted.¡¹

    But, the lance attack of Celis¡¯s flying Lindwurm aimed at it instead.

    She aimed at the seam of the countless joints and made a thrust attack with maximum electricity discharge.

    Terrific sparks spread through the whole left arm that looked like a spire, and its movement stopped for just a moment.

    ¡¸Pointless! Gigas¡¯s arm won¡¯t be stopped with only a single Drag-Ride!¡¹

    When Gigas¡¯s left arm was swung down a moment later, Philuffy already released the binding of Pile Anchor, setting free the right arm and escaped.

    ¡¸You keep making trifling nuisance©¤©¤¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after Hayes cursed, she noticed it and held her breath.

    The right arm of Gigas that Philuffy was towing was frozen.

    Ten-odd spots of countless existing joints were frozen and its movement was almost completely sealed.

    At the sky above a slight distance away from there, Krulcifer wearing Fafnir and readying her Freezing Cannon was hovering.

    During the ten second Hayes¡¯s attention was diverted when Celis stopped the attack of Gigas¡¯s left arm, Krulcifer fired several freezing shots at each joint with terrifying precision and sealed that right arm.

    ¡ºThey got us Lord with this we cannot make movement.¡»

    An Automaton¡¯s voice came from inside Gigas toward Hayes who was wearing Nidhogg.

    Hayes too finally understood everything with that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Her greatest fighting strength the Gigas had its invasion completely stopped with the chain of cooperation from five Divine Drag-Rides.

    The smashed cannon muzzles jutting out from its whole body were being replaced, but there was some distance until the castle.

    Right after that, three people other than Lisha and Lux headed toward the castle and began to move respectively.

    ¡ºRescinding the frozen state to make both arms usable and the buried leg taken out©¤©¤more than ten minutes are necessary until Gigas recover to a flawless state.¡»

    The main body of El Fajura who was controlling Gigas from the control room area sent voice to Hayes telling her that.

    Many people and nobles outside the arena who were evacuating saw that sight and made a stir.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux let out a relieved sigh seeing that his plan went well for the time being.

    He had Sharis and Tillfur to investigate the structure of the fifth Ruin, Gigas.

    Because Gigas¡¯s shape was greatly different from other Ruins, he had them looked for the shortest route toward its deepest part.

    Of course, there was only a faint chance for them to discover the route nicely, even so they had no choice but to do it.

    ¡ºOperation success Nii-san. What¡¯s left is as planned©¤©¤please be very careful.¡»

    Airi who was watching over the situation from the spectator seat of the arena sent her voice through Noct¡¯s Drake.

    They had only finished stopping Gigas from moving, the situation still continued to be one where they couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    As for reacting against various other dangers that were occurring at the same time©¤©¤he could only leave it to other people.

    ¡ºRight.¡»

    Lux returned a small voice and looked down below him.

    And then, Gigas was starting to make a strange vibration sound that might be for melting the arm¡¯s frozen spots. Lux and Lisha landed together on the shoulder of that Gigas.

    The two giant shoulders at both sides of the head were each like a battleship¡¯s deck, fulfilling the role as spacious foothold that was several times larger.

    There, Hayes wearing Nidhogg and one other girl¡¯s silhouette were standing.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I know. I¡¯ll take on that fiendish strategist. You fulfill your duty as the former imperial prince, against that so called loyal subject who set us up.¡¹

    Lisha said only that and made her Tiamat glided, advancing toward Hayes.

    And then, Lisha turned her crimson pupils that were sharp like sword point straight to Hayes and she pointed her Sword Device forward.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t be able to ask you after beating you up so I¡¯ll ask ahead. What is your true identity and your objective? Is it authority, money©¤©¤or else some kind of honor or something?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s the point asking me that? A substitute princess like you who was placed only as the replacement of someone, after knowing the answer what are you going to do?¡¹

    Hayes jested in respond to that question and answered so with a ridiculing grin.

    ¡¸I¡¯m asking exactly because I¡¯m a substitute.¡¹

    But, it was as though Lisha wasn¡¯t shaken up or hesitating at all, she told Hayes calmly.

    ¡¸I somehow understand about you. Surely you and me are completely opposite©¤©¤or perhaps mutually similar people.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Lisha continued pushing her words toward the frowning Hayes.

    ¡¸I was toyed by fate, each time the chair I sat on changed, and I became unable to understand what is the true me. I was once abandoned by my father the great man and decided to betray the new kingdom, so I wondered whether someone like me have the qualification to sit on the seat of princess. But you are the opposite. Because you cannot proof your true position and identity to anyone, you¡¯re purposefully trying to display your privilege, all that ability and treasure of yours.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Controlling Ragnarok and dragging out this Ruin here are also like that. By doing this, you want to prove that you are an existence with something, a human race with great power that far surpassed the people of this world. You are someone in the position that is driven with the obsession that you must continuously prove that.¡¹

    Lisha asserted that and gazed at Hayes with a sharp glint of eye.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you just as you wished! Like this, who the hell are you!? You got any complain huh, this stupid idiot!¡¹

    Instantly, Hayes¡¯s countenance that until now was sporting a smile that looked like it was pasted on there changed.

    She strongly gritted her teeth, and then Nidhogg that she wore readied its weapon.

    ¡¸Fine then. I¡¯ll tell you my true identity, when I crush this country and it¡¯s time to carry out your execution!¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg soared and she brandished the two-bladed sword that had blade extending from both ends of its handle.

    Crimson and grey light crossed and the battle began.

    A battle between fellow Divine Drag-Ride had began on the right shoulder of Gigas.

    At the opposite side, a girl was standing on the deck.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ve been waiting, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    The black clothed girl displayed a smile that was filled with deep affection and bowed elegantly.

    The last servant who swore with that body of the old empire¡¯s restoration, the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade, Kirihime Yoruka.

    ¡¸It seems various things happened below isn¡¯t it? That princess also said it, something about someone¡¯s Drag-Ride getting manipulated©¤©¤. Aruji-sama, are you suspecting me of that?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, that wasn¡¯t your doing.¡¹

    Lux shook his head toward Yoruka¡¯s question and declared so.

    The Divine Drag-Ride she controlled, Yato no Kami.

    Its Divine Raiment, Spell Code. Certainly there was time when Lux suspected her because of that ability.

    But, there was something he noticed from talking with Yoruka several times.

    This girl¡¯s principle wouldn¡¯t trifle with that kind of petty trick.

    What happened was most likely©¤©¤Hayes¡¯s scheme.

    It was a trap to provoke and incite Wanheim Principality that had grudge against the old empire, making them aim at the members of the new kingdom that included Lux, and at the same time made Lux and others to doubt Yoruka as the perpetrator to make them fought each other.

    ¡¸But if that¡¯s the case, this is a bit strange isn¡¯t it? Then why does Aruji-sama appear in front of this me? Isn¡¯t Aruji-sama¡¯s first priority is to beat this Gigas first, which you can do by ignoring this insignificant battle against me?¡¹

    Yoruka tilted her head slightly and asked in wonder.

    ¡¸That©¤©¤I cannot do.¡¹

    Lux answered with a calm face while slowly closing the distance between them.

    ¡¸With you the strongest one in this place waiting here, I won¡¯t be able to pass even if I avoid you, besides I believe that surely there is a reason for me to fight you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka didn¡¯t reply anything t Lux who muttered that calmly. She was only deepening her smile.

    Without defeating Yoruka, Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to break through the path until Gigas¡¯s deepest part.

    But, Lux himself had his own thinking that differed from that objective.

    Other might laugh if they heard his reason but©¤©¤he wanted to save Yoruka.

    She was controlled by the old empire, exchanged contract with the emperor, and even now she adhered to it, tied by that curse.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Erode, the serpentine dragon of massacre that is the personification of evil omen. Exercise the authority of unworshipped god, Yato no Kami.¡¹

    Right after Lux spoke, Yoruka also drew out her Sword Device and summoned Yato no Kami.

    The Drag-Ride of darkness color was clad with a blade¡¯s majesty, worthy of its name. It immediately split into countless parts and transformed into an armor that covered Yoruka¡¯s body.

    ¡¸I thank you, Aruji-sama. Then, it will be a discourtesy if I make you wait for more than this.¡¹

    Yoruka declared with a smile and took a stance with her katana type Blade.

    At the same time, Lux also held aloft his Chaos Brand.

    ¡¸Here I come, Yoruka.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    At the same time with that voice, Lux¡¯s Bahamut kicked on the shoulder of Gigas that became the floor and soared.

    The remaining expenditure time of Bahamut¡¯s operation limit was approximately nine minutes.

    If Lux¡¯s assumption wasn¡¯t mistaken, he would consume seven minutes here.

    The curtain of that mortal combat had been cut off and fallen down.

    At the other side, inside the arena that was noisy from witnessing the Drag-Knights stopping the invasion of Gigas, something unusual occurred.

    Greifer who crashed onto the outside wall and stopped moving now woke up, furthermore the selection members of Wanheim Pricipality were each wearing their Drag-Ride and came down at the center of the ring.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing, everyone of Wanheim Principality? The last match of All-Dragon Battle was over already, right now a state of high alert is being imposed! Please hurry and evacuate from©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The new kingdom¡¯s officer that acted as the commentator called out nervously, but he stopped.

    He sensed the unusual hostility from the Drag-Knights of the selection members there.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate with the match, but it¡¯s your side¡¯s victory. But, the case where a member of ours was attacked in the inn, and the case where our country¡¯s princess almost got assassinated at the match before this. Regarding these two attacks toward our country, we don¡¯t recognize the explanation that your country is giving us.¡¹

    A girl wearing a Wyrm declared that with a cold voice and glared at the new kingdom¡¯s officer.

    ¡¸This is not a threat or revenge. It¡¯s your side who made a move first. We were told by his excellence to find out the perpetrator of this incident.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The new kingdom¡¯s government office as well as the new kingdom¡¯s military weren¡¯t in the condition that could take action because they were dealing with the dangers that were occurring simultaneously at present, but that reasoning wouldn¡¯t get through them.

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    The leader of selection members Greifer declared while readying his Sword Device.

    ¡¸The duke-sama of our country is already in angered state. Just like I said before, we received an order regardless of the result of this All-Dragon Battle. We are ordered to subdue the consuls of your country and make them take responsibility. And so©¤©¤first we are going to question you yeah.¡¹

    The female officer of the new kingdom who got the point of a Blade pointed toward her spontaneously faltered, it was at that moment©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    *BANG!* A sharp sound piercing the air accompanied a streak of flash running through the air.

    That light bullet of cold air was fired aiming at the Blade. Greifer pulled his sword just before the bullet hit and he dodged.

    The light bullet struck the stone ring and the spot that was hit instantly froze.

    ¡¸Can you please wait a little for the investigation of the incident©¤©¤even if you all are told that, it doesn¡¯t look like you all are in a state that will listen isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Along with that voice, Krulcifer clad in Fafnir was coming down to the center of the ring.

    ¡¸Hee, it¡¯s really interesting that even outsider like you are coming out, but it¡¯s better to stop now yeah?¡¹

    ¡¸I agree with that. I too don¡¯t want to do a pointless fight after all. Because right now there is enemy nearby©¤©¤what¡¯s more it¡¯s closer than you think.¡¹

    Krulcifer calmly brushed up her hair and spoke smoothly.

    Her gaze was taking in what was far behind Greifer, at the figure of Gigas.

    Lux clinched victory at the last match of All-Dragon Battle, but the attack he hit Greifer with was shallow.

    There was a chance that Wanheim Principality that was suspecting the new kingdom as the mastermind of this time¡¯s assassination attempt incident would directly act using force.

    Surely the rebel army and Hayes¡¯s subordinates would take advantage of such commotion and chaos.

    Therefore, Lux gave instruction for Krulcifer to stop that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate but we cannot do that. Even me have a fight that I cannot pull back from. If you are also someone from military family then you get it right? That¡¯s what this is.¡¹

    But, Greifer didn¡¯t budge for even an inch and he readied his special armament the Tail Blade.

    In respond Krulcifer also reacted by directing her usual composed eyes toward the opponent.

    ¡¸I understand it. I too cannot possibly lose here after he entrusted this place to me.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a nice resolve, too bad that you are a woman.¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying a strange thing just now. When the battle begin, it¡¯s the woman who is more resolved you know?¡¹

    Right after Krulcifer replied like that, Cuelebre suddenly moved.

    It approached with a powerful speed that even eyes couldn¡¯t follow like a single bullet. At that moment Krulcifer also carried out her act of interception.

    Greifer made a slash following a peculiar trajectory as though drawing a spiral using his Tail Blade that transformed into whip shape.

    Krulcifer ignored that using her automatic defense from Fafnir¡¯s Auto Shield while pulling the trigger of her Freezing Cannon in short range. The freezing bullet sniped at the right arm¡¯s wrist that was holding the sword.

    Tactic and attack that were both filled with certain victory crossed in that place and light scattered.

    ¡¸What is going on!? What should we do about that Ruin Gigas!? What happened with the mixed army stationed at the hidden fortress!?¡¹

    On the other hand, a tense war conference was opened in the conference room of the castle and many angry yell and scream flew around.

    The Drag-Knights that the new kingdom military and the four great nobles rounded up.

    Almost all of them six hundred Drag-Knights fell into Hayes¡¯s scheme and got scattered, more than half were annihilated and the rest was forced to retreat.

    Furthermore the Drag-Knights stationed at the northeast for monitoring the area and the scouts altogether failed to notice the Gigas, making it late to deal with it. The dispersed Drag-Knights were the crushed quickly and they took flight.

    The radical and large change in situation that was too much made the second and third defense plan that were prepared to be of no use and they fell into a kind of confused state.

    ¡¸Confirm the situation! What happen with the force there!? How many Drag-Knights remaining that can fight!?¡¹

    ¡¸Half the number of Lord Dist¡¯s force is rescuing the people and defending the surrounding block you say!? If they have that kind of free time then tell them instead to go suppress the enemy! What are they going to do if the enemy reaches until the castle! The safety of her majesty is number one!¡¹

    The remaining senior statesmen raised their voice roughly while gasping for breath.

    Amidst that, suddenly a voice came from beside the room.

    ¡¸How ugly. So any authority figure is all the same when they are cornered.¡¹

    ¡¸Sto, stop it! This room is©¤©¤guhah!?¡¹

    *DON!* Two palace guards were blown through the conference room¡¯s door from the shockwave of Howling Howl.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha, what¡¯s going on-!?¡¹

    After the panicked consuls yelled, three Drag-Knights were standing at the other side of the broken door.

    At the front was a girl with trait of brown skin wearing B-blood Wyvern©¤©¤Saniya.

    And then right behind her was a man wearing B-blood Wyrm, Egnid and a masked girl wearing B-blood Drake, Kirly. Both of them were accompanying Saniya.

    Hayes¡¯s direct subordinate©¤©¤the three Drag-Knights who were called Cerberus.

    ¡¸Yo, you bastard, who are©¤©¤hih!?¡¹

    The moment one of the consuls raised his voice, several shots of light and sound of destruction reverberated inside the conference room, blowing away several desk, flower vase, and document.

    The shooting of Breath Gun from Saniya¡¯s B-blood Wyvern threatened everyone there.

    ¡¸All of you don¡¯t have any right to ask anything. Just answer of question truthfully.¡¹

    Saniya directed a cold gaze at the speechless consuls and quickly told them.

    ¡¸Where are you guys hiding the Gran Force you brought from Cross Field¡¯s academy?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­what are you talking about?¡¹

    Several consuls paled at Saniya¡¯s question and replied like that.

    Saniya who saw that pointed her gun muzzle on a consul¡¯s head while smiling.

    ¡¸I see, a splendid resolve. If perhaps you really don¡¯t know about it, then I¡¯ll ask someone who definitely know about it. ©¤©¤Where is the queen?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When one of the consuls was faltering to speak, the fingers of the B-blood Wyvern Saniya was controlling touched the trigger of the Breath Gun.

    But at that instant, a territory of faint light spread inside the conference room and the space wavered.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Saniya reflexively leaped behind, right after that a girl clad in armor appeared along with seven colored halo.

    In the past when Saniya infiltrated as spy into the academy, she idolized this girl like a big sister©¤©¤a daughter of one of the four great nobles, Celistia Ralgris, it was her figure.

    ¡¸Celistia¡­¡­! Why are you here!?¡¹

    ¡¸To payback my debt©¤©¤no, to take responsibility.¡¹

    Celis told while directing a sharp eye glint toward the bewildered Saniya.

    ¡¸In the past, I didn¡¯t know anything about you even though I was trying to understand you. That¡¯s why©¤©¤I will settle this right now.¡¹

    It was a reunion with the girl who betrayed her.

    However, different from the past, now even when Saniya looked at that figure, there was no more hesitation inside Celis.

    Celis¡¯s consciousness was sharpened pointedly like a spear¡¯s tip, her body was clad in an aloof atmosphere.

    Celis¡¯s stance that was polished to the utmost limit from the accumulation of diligent constant training had not even the slightest opening.

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Saniya who should know about Celis¡¯s strength from staying closest to her more than anyone smiled without any fear.

    ¡¸Is it the instigation from that ruined prince? That¡¯s just fine¡­¡­I¡¯ll show you! The power I obtained, I¡¯ll show it to bunches of noble like you bastards who went through lukewarm way of life all this time!¡¹

    Saniya drove her B-blood Wyvern and slashed at Celis with swift action.

    When Celis blocked that with her Lightning Lance, Egnid and Kyril started giving cover fire.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hmph. We too finally finished reorganizing our formation here huh, that damn Lux, he made me went through this kind of trouble.¡¹

    On the other side, in front of the street that connected to the castle and the arena, the supreme commander of rebel army Ragreed and his subordinates were assembled.

    There were a total of fifty Drag-Knights, their armor was dyed grey that symbolized the old empire.

    Furthermore at the sky above them were around thirty flying type Abysses that possessed wings.

    ¡¸That guy preparing a fake Bahamut was a miscalculation, but it¡¯s convenient if he is fighting Gigas. Like that there won¡¯t be any trouble or enemy©¤©¤standing in our way to obtain this castle.¡¹

    Ragreed stifled his laugh and lifted the Blade of his EX Wyvern high.

    ¡¸Here we go! From here we are storming into the castle. We are taking back the glory of Arcadia Empire from the hand of those thieves this time for sure!¡¹

    ¡®OOOOOOOO!¡¯ His subordinates the rebel army hailed back in response with a war cry.

    The path to the castle had been evacuated with the people taken to the shelter. There were already no more guards remaining there.

    If Ragreed made the remaining Abysses and the rebel army force charge, the castle would fall easily.

    ¡¸Finally¡­¡­. Finally I can become this country¡¯s emperor!¡¹

    Ragreed raised a voice that was hoarse from excitement. He flew his EX Wyvern and right after that©¤©¤*GAUNN!* There was a sound slicing the air of something sharply sweeping sideways.

    ¡ºEnemy Drag-Ride¡¯s attack confirmed©¤©¤defensive movement activated.¡»

    El Fajura¡¯s robotic voice resounded and a barrier was forcefully deployed.

    The barrier deflected three Daggers approaching from the front, but a pile at the tip of a wire that was fired with a delay split to up and down like a snake¡¯s jaw, snapping into the shoulder of the EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nuuh!?¡¹

    When Ragreed who was surprised by the surprise attack turned his gaze downward, a huge purple Drag-Ride was there.

    Philuffy who was driving Divine Drag-Ride Typhoon appeared to intercept Ragreed.

    ¡ºEnemy sign confirmed warning two Drag-Rides that are Divine Drag-Ride Typhoon as well as a Drake appeared.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!¡¹

    Ragreed grasped the situation from what El Fajura pointed out, but Philuffy didn¡¯t give him time to react.

    With high speed she rolled back the wire she fired from her left arm¡¯s armor and pulled the EX Wyvern until in front of her.

    At the same time, she made the stout right arm of her Drag-Ride that was already in a stance to hum in energy, and that right straight struck.

    ¡¸Gu, Aa!¡¹

    It was a certain kill attack from an enforced counter after he was drawn in by the Pile Anchor.

    Although the Drag-Ride was a strengthened general purpose type EX Wyvern, that strength easily broke through the barrier and it should have broke the armor and the Force Core©¤©¤but,

    ¡ºDefensive coating as well trajectory change success.¡»

    Ragreed¡¯s Ex Wyvern that got hit by that was sent flying far away backward, but it corrected its posture midair and landed.

    The moment Philuffy¡¯s attack landed, light powders shined brightly on the surface of the EX Wyvern.

    That was exactly the power of the clone of Automata(El Fajura) that was converted into the form of countless miniscule machines and fused with the EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸What¡¯s that? It was really solid than normal.¡¹

    Philuffy tilted her head while taking some distance. At the same time Noct who was hiding at the back wearing Drake quickly called out.

    ¡¸Yes. Please be careful Philuffy-san. The surface of that Drag-Ride is being specially coated by something. The mechanism is unclear, but most likely it¡¯s from an ancient technology from Ruin.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. It¡¯s fine. That side cannot fly anymore, after all.¡¹

    But, Philuffy replied indifferently with her usual expressionless look.

    As though to prove her words, the soaring back wings of Ragreed let out crackling sparks.

    ¡ºBack wings booster damaged©¤©¤it¡¯s judged to be unable to be used for long time.¡»

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­!¡¹

    Ragreed confirmed the deterioration of his booster¡¯s function from El Fajura¡¯s voice.

    Philuffy¡¯s aim was the booster in the back wings.

    Because Typhoon was a land battle type, it was unsuited to hold back flying enemies.

    But, the calculation was that if she could just took away the wings of the supreme commander Ragreed, the rebel army and Abysses at the surrounding would also inevitably get held in place in order to protect him.

    Ragreed who noticed that clicked his tongue while gazing at Philuffy in front of him. His eyes opened wide as though he noticed something.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah. Just when I think who is this, it¡¯s the dim-witted daughter of Aingram conglomerate who came to the imperial court at the past. It has been seven years huh? Are you planning to take revenge from me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Ragreed recalled his memory and asked like that, but it was as though Philuffy didn¡¯t react at all.

    ¡¸I heard that a part of Abyss was planted into you it seems. Kukukukuku, you¡¯re a monster whose half inside isn¡¯t human anymore. Hahahaha! What a great mess! Surely even that ruined prince is also despair©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I remember you know? About that time.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered as though to interrupt Ragreed¡¯s provocation.

    ¡¸That time, Lu-chan didn¡¯t think of himself, like the two of you. He was really sad, saying that he couldn¡¯t help me skillfully.¡¹

    She spoke indifferently with her usual expressionless look.

    However, she continued with a clear tone.

    ¡¸I was happy he helped me. But, because of my fault Lu-chan got sad, that made me really pained too so©¤©¤¡¹

    After showing just a slightly lonely look, she stared ahead with a straightforward gaze that was filled with strong will.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I won¡¯t let you anymore. I will©¤©¤defeat you.¡¹

    Ragreed frowned seeing those eyes and stance that had not the slightest hesitation in it, and then he laughed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah! Just try it you monster! What can you do against this number with just you alone!¡¹

    Ragreed lifted up his Blade high and gave the command to attack.

    Right after that, fifty Drag-Knights behind him and the Abysses on the sky started moving.

    At the arena¡¯s ring.

    In front of the door of the conference room at the second floor inside the castle.

    And then in front of the front gate of the castle. Around the time the battles started at those places.

    Above Gigas that came to a stop just a few hundred mel until the palace, a mortal combat was unfolding.

    On the balcony located at Gigas¡¯s right shoulder, the duel of Lisha versus Hayes was being carried out.

    Lisha was firing her throwing weapons the Legion to hold back her opponent while using the Seven Heads that she equipped by using supplemental equipment transfer aiming to fire a bombardment, but her attack was altogether deflected by the two-bladed sword Hayes handled, she was completely held back.

    Even so Lisha was still calm, she kept shooting her Legion one shot at a time.

    ¡¸You got cold feet? With that kind of attack, I won¡¯t even need to use Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment you know?¡¹

    Hayes closed the distance bit by bit while showing a fearless smile and talked in provocation.

    But, in contrast Lisha kept glaring quietly at Nidhogg as though she wasn¡¯t budging even an inch.

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong©¤©¤. A bit more.¡¹

    And then, she whispered faintly like that with an expression as though she was heightening her focus.

    ¡¸Or else, are you perhaps trying to buy time until your friend come to help? ©¤©¤You incompetent.¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg that was being held back by Breath Gun suddenly accelerated and drew near.

    She slashed at Tiamat as though striking using her two-bladed sword that possessed two blades at the opposite ends.

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha barely blocked using her barrier, but a part of her armor chipped due to the impact that pierced through.

    After Lisha took further distance to the back, the sky was right behind her.

    ¡¸What¡¯s up? Aren¡¯t you the princess who possess both talents as researcher and Drag-Knight? Looks like that¡¯s just excessive flattery by this peace idiots country huh!¡¹

    Hayes floated a faint grin. In response Lisha let out a sigh.

    ¡¸Certainly, that might be an excessive title for me. ©¤©¤But¡¹

    Lisha whispered in self-deprecation like that while pulling out her Sword Device.

    And then, she quickly swung it and pointed at Hayes.

    ¡¸I haven¡¯t fallen that low that I need someone like you to worry about me!¡¹

    Two Legions were fired at the same time with that yell.

    The two armaments that approached in high speed were deflected by the two-bladed sword, it was at that moment something unusual happened.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Another Legion that was hiding in the shadow of the second Legion hit Nidhogg and sent it flying backward.

    It was a concealed shooting(Hide Shot) by making use of Legion that was a throwing weapon with physical substance.

    Lisha accurately grasped the opponent¡¯s line of sight and positioning and made her attack succeeded using advanced technique where accurate trajectory manipulation was indispensable. At that moment, the cannon Lisha readied had its trigger pulled and it fired.

    Right after that, the shot impacted Nidhogg that had its movement stopped and its frame was enveloped in flame.

    At the other balcony of Gigas¡¯s shoulder that was several times larger than a large type warship©¤©¤.

    There Lux and Yoruka¡¯s duel was unfolding.

    Every single one of the high speed slashes that were unleashed in rapid succession aimed at the vital spots. Even Lux found it difficult to defend.

    In addition, the Divine Raiment of Yato no Kami that Yoruka wore©¤©¤the Spell Code that could steal control from other Drag-Ride, it would be strengthened in its controlling strength and the span of time it stole control in proportion with the length of time it touched the opponent.

    Not to speak of locking sword for several seconds, even being touched by Yato no Kami would invite danger.

    Furthermore, even when Lux tried to use Quick Shot using the reinforcement of time compression from Bahamut¡¯s Reload on Fire, he was unable to predict Yoruka¡¯s attack preparatory movement at all.

    Quick Shot would decelerate the time of one¡¯s own body by several times first before activating, because of that at the beginning it would leave out an opening. It couldn¡¯t be used without being able to see through the opponent¡¯s attack preliminary movement first.

    Right now Lux was still able to continue defending against Yoruka¡¯s attack just barely, but that was the best that he could do.

    ¡¸As expected from Aruji-sama. This is the first time there is someone who can evade my sword this long. But©¤©¤¡¹

    The slash of Yoruka who was showing a composed smile increased further in speed and weight.

    ¡¸Is it fine like this? The current Aruji-sama doesn¡¯t have that much time left until you cannot fight anymore correct?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s tone that sounded like she had seen him through caused Lux to feel impatient.

    The operation time limit of Bahamut was approaching moment by moment even while they were doing this.

    Yoruka¡¯s exquisite swordsmanship wasn¡¯t something he could ascertain in this short time.

    Therefore Lux resolved to throw away safety.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤I¡¯ll make you let me pass.¡¹

    The moment Lux declared, Bahamut¡¯s great sword drew a slashing line with speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    It was the super speed activation for one action only by completely harmonizing body control operation and mind control operation©¤©¤Quick Draw.

    The attack that came from the Drag-Ride control technique that Lux devised in the past, when it hit the shoulder of Yato no Kami©¤©¤that instantaneous attack clashed with the slash Yoruka unleashed and fierce sound and sparks scattered.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux who saw that was shocked. He quickly flew backward and took some distance.

    Quick Draw¡¯s attack shouldn¡¯t be able to get overtaken by normal Drag-Ride operation even when they reacted.

    That movement that he had seen only once before at Cross Field was as expected©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Truly splendid Aruji-sama. It¡¯s only to be expected from someone who had devised this hidden technique as well as the remaining other two earlier than me isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly showed an innocent smile and told Lux so.

    ¡¸The great figure who was the youngest Drag-Knight of Arcadia Empire and devised special control techniques that ought to even be called as three type of hidden technique. The true identity of that person wasn¡¯t known until now but©¤©¤I can understand with this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was speechless hearing those matter-of¨Cfact words.

    If Yoruka was speaking the truth, she too was also able to use the three hidden techniques just like Lux.

    (©¤©¤No good. This girl¡¯s strength far surpass my imagination.)

    But, there was no time for him to hesitate.

    Lux kept taking distance while concentrating his mind. He readied his great sword.

    The second hidden technique©¤©¤Recoil Burst.

    By creating contradiction of holding down a full power body control operation with mind control operation that was focused into one point, this hidden technique of destruction would unleash an attack that was impossible to control from an intentional rampage.

    The armor¡¯s Mythrildite raised a strange creaking sound. That sound could be heard from Bahamut and Yato no Kami.

    (©¤©¤Yoruka is also doing Recoil Burst!? Is she planning both of us taking each other down simultaneously!?)

    *giggle* A small chuckle leaked out from Yoruka¡¯s mouth. Right after that, the blades of both sides that were unleashed as though there was an explosion behind them crossed while grazing each other.

    The slash was unleashed so that both sides would dodge just barely, but that terrific might blew away both Drag-Rides just from the shockwave of the aftermath.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­aa!¡¹

    Lux endured the recoil from the attack that was strengthened until more than ten times while rushing so to not miss that opening.

    The third hidden technique, End Action.

    It was a special move where a Drag-Knight could infinitely launch consecutive attack without end by alternately stacking operation command of body control operation and mind control operation that was independent from each other. Lux executed the technique with the resolve to decide the match before Yato no Kami¡¯s Spell Code was activated but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸My©¤©¤so this time it¡¯s a contest of endurance?¡¹

    The slashes that were unleashed without pause over and over were all returned blow by blow with exactly the same sword speed by Yoruka too.

    Upper slash, low slash, thrust, return slash, repel, dodge, parry.

    The sharpness of the sword flashes was gradually increasing, accelerating in high speed as though all the other awareness was cut loose.

    When more than a hundred slashes were crossed and repelled in the span of a few seconds, their arms and legs finally stopped.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, a¡­¡­haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Because they were unleashing slashed with any pause in a state of not breathing, they both ran out of breath and stopped moving.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s not so easy to defeat you Aruji-sama. There were several chances if I aimed for a simultaneous defeat but¡­¡­. I too still cannot die.¡¹

    Yoruka smiled with her shoulders heaving up and down. Her breathing was rough without even any composure to hide her exhaustion.

    Lux who was similarly lacking the composure had a question coming to his mind after hearing those words and he asked back.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you, mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Because after this, I have to raise Aruji-sama¡¯s younger sister to become a king in Aruji-sama¡¯s place.¡¹

    Yoruka said that with a matter-of-fact tone.

    She said that if Lux died, she would raise Airi who would be the last remaining bloodline of the old empire as king.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why are you that fixated to the old empire? No matter because you promised©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­How about we have a bit of talk about the past?¡¹

    Yoruka said that and started talking quietly about it.

    ¡¸Just as I said before this, I am a defective article. I don¡¯t have human heart since I was born. A heartless doll that lacked humanity. Even when my father told me that and cut off our familial relationship, I didn¡¯t feel a single thing.¡¹

    Yoruka who was the princess of the nation of Koto and her younger twin brother.

    Her little brother was sickly but a person of character, in contrast to him Yoruka continued to instinctually kill the hostile who attacked her and she was avoided by all her surrounding.

    ¡¸It was only my sickly little brother who was concerned of me who was shunned by everyone in the castle. Inside the castle that was like a rubbish heap where every single person only thought of kicking down other person, it was only my little brother who tried to become a splendid lord. He even spoke that he would surely protect me who wasn¡¯t understood by anyone©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux wondered why.

    Yoruka¡¯s little brother whose face he didn¡¯t even know, felt the same like Lux who tried to change the old empire from the inside.

    ¡¸We swore. My little brother would become a splendid lord. And I would become a servant who devotes my loyalty to my little brother who would succeed the throne. Both of us would risk our life to protect the other, and persisted on our respective path until the end. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly put her breathing in order, twisted half her body, and readied her katana shaped Blade in middle stance.

    ¡¸Now then, let¡¯s end this soon. Next I will display my own personal sword. This left eye©¤©¤that has been strengthened from having the operation called ¡ºBaptism¡»conducted on it, enabled this technique©¤©¤¡¹

    The pupil of Yoruka¡¯s left eye suddenly opened and it was tinged with bewitching purple light.

    Lux put up his guard against the uncommon presence, but right at that moment, it happened.

    *zagu-!*

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux heard the sharp sound of slicing wind, he was already cut.

    Bahamut¡¯s barrier that was deployed before his eye was slightly torn, a part of his armor was broken, and an impact pierced Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Instant Strike©¤©¤perhaps that¡¯s how I should name it? It doesn¡¯t has that much power, but if it¡¯s a Drag-Ride that only has average armor then it will take only one strike you know?¡¹

    ¡¸U¡­¡­, kuh!?¡¹

    Lux immediately took distance from Yoruka and grasped the situation.

    (¡­¡­Just now, what did she do!?)

    The speed of the Blade that Yoruka slashed was indeed fast.

    But, its speed was obviously inferior to his hidden technique Quick Draw, and her swordsmanship just now also wasn¡¯t particularly unusual.

    And yet, it was as though Lux was unable to see that slash that should be extremely simple.

    ¡¸Human, cannot do something like being conscious of the unconscious.¡¹

    Yoruka talked matter-of-factly while closing the distance.

    The pupil of her left eye stayed open while shining blazingly with mysterious light, a gruesome smile surfaced on her face.

    When Lux noticed, he was receiving the second attack.

    Lux concentrated trying to at least ascertain that sword flash, but he was unable.

    ¡¸What is called consciousness is the same like breathing. No matter how much someone tried to focus, there surely will be an instant where they paused. If I attack at that moment©¤©¤it will feel like the attack is visible but the opponent won¡¯t be able to react.¡¹

    ¡¸Gu, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux received the slashes Yoruka unleashed one after another and his Drag-Ride¡¯s output was rapidly decreasing.

    The moment his balance suddenly broke, Yoruka unleashed a slash as though she was aiming for that and he received it in full. He was sent flying.

    (Damn, it¡­¡­!)

    ¡¸When using Aruji-sama¡¯s hidden techniques and Instant Strike, I need to focus so I cannot use my Divine Raiment but©¤©¤the attack just now was different you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Mysteriously shining cursed pattern was surfacing on Bahamut¡¯s armor.

    Due to the ability of Yato no Kami¡¯s Divine Raiment, Spell Code, Bahamut¡¯s control was taken away.

    The power of that Divine Raiment gave stronger domination the longer the opponent was touched, but facing against an opponent as skilled as Yoruka, even a single second of opening would be fatal.

    Bahamut¡¯s movement stopped and even the barrier deployment was dispelled.

    The instant Lux became completely defenseless, Yoruka swung up her Blade with a smile.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    (©¤©¤She got me)

    That moment when Lux resolved himself, Yoruka¡¯s sword quickly moved. With his gaze kept facing the front, two throwing weapons flying from behind him deflected that attack.

    Right after Lux noticed that it was the cover fire from Lisha¡¯s fired Legion©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    Two more Legions hit Bahamut¡¯s shoulders and blew Lux backward.

    ¡¸I see, so that¡¯s her aim.¡¹

    Right after Yoruka smiled, the effect of Spell Code was dispelled because a distance was opened from her.

    ¡ºGet a hold of yourself Lux! Why are you having trouble facing against that kind of person!¡»

    The Dragon Voice from Lisha became blurred from the middle.

    Looking there, far away at the other side of Gigas, Lisha was receiving fierce attacks from Hayes who was wearing Nidhogg.

    Hah! Exposing an opening to save that shitty prince, you made an awful mistake!]

    Hayes laughed loudly while doubling her attack, but Lisha endured stoically.

    Although she once built advantage against Nidhogg, but in order to save Lux she used Legions. Hayes took advantage of it and the battle situation was reversed once more.

    Because Tiamat was a Drag-Ride that possessed a lot of armaments for long range, it was weak when the enemy got close.

    But, the glint of Lisha¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t weaken even slightly even while she was getting cornered into a disadvantageous situation.

    ¡¸Mistake you say? Are you talking about me?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. How can someone standing above other people get done in from covering for their subordinate¡¯s life? Because you don¡¯t even understand something like that you¡¯ll©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s you who don¡¯t get it, you damn wannabe strategist!¡¹

    *GAKII!*

    The two-bladed sword Hayes swung got through the barrier. But the Sword Device Lisha pulled out blocked it and using Howling Howl, Nidhogg was pushed back.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    That unexpected defense shook Hayes. It was then Lisha swiftly swung her Sword Device.

    Countless Legions were circling around Nidhogg like a tornado, cutting off the path of escape. Lisha pulled the trigger of Seven Heads.

    ¡¸Gu, AAAAH!¡¹

    The barrier of Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg was smashed through and a part of her armor broke apart.

    Hayes couldn¡¯t hold out and fell on her knee. Lisha readied her weapon once more.

    ¡¸You said that I¡¯m weak. But, how can you lose than against that me? No one was telling it to you. You put Ragnarok and this Gigas, things that no one can be a match against under your control, and you got deluded that all these are your own strength just from that. But, I¡¯m different from you! That guy remonstrated me who was conceited of my own strength. That¡¯s why©¤©¤the current me is here because I had piled up hard work, wanting to be recognized by that guy!¡¹

    Hayes was crouching in front of the pointed cannon muzzle.

    ¡¸Ku, kukukukuku¡­¡­¡¹

    Her lips were distorted into a fearless grin.

    The duel of Krulcifer versus Greifer was continuing in the arena.

    Thanks to Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment, Wise Blood that was the ability of future foresight, Krulcifer was avoiding Greifer¡¯s fierce offensive, but at the same time she was also unable to find a decisive chance.

    ¡¸You¡¯re really something huh! It¡¯s a waste of your skill that you appeared as borrowed thing of your allied country yeah!¡¹

    ¡¸I also think that you will be even more troublesome if you are just a bit more prudent, it will be at the level that I won¡¯t be able to manage.¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s Tail Blade lengthened its blade and attacked by drawing a strange trajectory.

    That consecutive attack that was unleashed with rapidly increasing power and precision was evaded by Krulcifer using her mobility and Auto Shield.

    Even so, because of Greifer¡¯s Divine Raiment, the invincibility ability©¤©¤Photon Dive, Krulcifer¡¯s counterattack was all neutralized.

    Therefore, both sides didn¡¯t have the deciding factor and the battle was prolonged, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I wonder if you can withdraw soon? I also don¡¯t have much free time.¡¹

    ¡¸Is it about that huge thing approaching this way?¡¹

    Greifer kept his gaze on his opponent Krulcifer while replying like that with a fearless grin.

    ¡¸If you understand than restrain yourself. Continuing further than this is meaningless.¡¹

    ¡¸Doing that caused things with old empire to get vague for many years. Unfortunately this is order from above yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸It looks like the intention of my words is not conveyed to you isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Krulcifer who heard that let out a small exasperated sigh.

    And then, she gazed quietly at Greifer and informed him with a calm tone.

    ¡¸Fighting more than this will end with your defeat©¤©¤that¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t notice? You have lost once to Lux-kun. At that time, the weak point of your Divine Raiment was identified.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, that¡¯s interesting yeah! I got curious now, just how confident you are in that!¡¹

    Greifer dashed and attacked fiercely. Krulcifer evaded while sniping with Freezing Gun. Greifer instantly activated Photon Dive and reflected back the freezing bullet that hit him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless! At this state, nothing will get through at me.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Krulcifer who kept evading like that was cornered to the wall and when she couldn¡¯t continue backing away,

    ¡¸Soon©¤©¤it will be time for your invincibility to end isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Krulcifer stopped escaping and dodging and stood her ground.

    ¡¸I see, so you really believe that my Photon Dive only get seven seconds in it huh?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Until now Greifer showed that his Divine Raiment¡¯s effect of invincibility would stop at precisely seven seconds.

    That fact itself was a trap Greifer laid out.

    In order to bring down Krulcifer who shifted into offense aiming at that moment when the effect was cancelled©¤©¤.

    ¡¸The loser is you, young lady of Ymir.¡¹

    The Tail Blade that was filled with energy to the maximum was deflected once by the Auto Shield, then the returning blade attacked Krulcifer.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, it¡¯s as I thought. It¡¯s you who lose.¡¹

    At that time, the muzzle of Fafnir¡¯s Freezing Cannon was already pressed on Cuelebre¡¯s shoulder.

    *BANG!* The sound of a normal bullet hitting was echoing inside the arena¡¯s ring.

    Right after that, Cuelebre that was clad in Photon Dive was sent flying backward. At the same time, its Divine Raiment and reinforced barrier were dispelled and decreased in output.

    ¡¸Wha, aat-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸What I¡¯m measuring isn¡¯t the timing when your Divine Raiment¡¯s invincibility cut off. But how to make my attack hit when you¡¯re in that state©¤©¤. Thinking back it¡¯s a simple thing. If all material and energy are deflected when you are clad in that light, your own attack too should only push back your opponent instead of hitting.¡¹

    Krulcifer was informing the shocked Greifer with her usual cool smile.

    ¡¸In other words, anything that attack you will be ineffective unless it¡¯s an attack that is done with certain mass and speed. That¡¯s why, if I shoot in zero distance with my gun muzzle glued on you, even the light of invincibility covering your Drag-Ride can be broken through. If I readied my gun muzzle the moment you rushed in convinced of your victory©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What a¡­¡­woman. So you made me think that you are aiming at the moment my invincibility run out was©¤©¤intentional huh. I must be losing my touch.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not something that you should feel that down about. Your Drag-Ride also still has that damage from Lux-kun, also I was told about your Divine Raiment so I had the time to prepare countermeasure. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer whisperd while fixing the aim of her rifle on Cuelebre again.

    ¡¸It was him who gave advice to me who was lacking a trump card against the powerful. If I drive in impact aiming at the dead center of Force Core, then even when it only hit from across the armor, it can stop the energy output of Drag-Ride temporarily.¡¹

    As though following Krulcifer¡¯s words, the Freezing Cannon that was aimed at Greifer was focusing bluish white light of cold wave.

    If she was unable to obtain instantaneous high offensive power, she would surpass it with her accuracy.

    That was the answer that Krulcifer reached based on Lux¡¯s advice.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know how our next fight will go, but for the time being this match is©¤©¤my and his victory.¡¹

    Krulcifer said that calmly and pulled her weapon¡¯s trigger.

    That moment, the conclusion in the arena was settled quietly.

    Inside the castle©¤©¤at the reception hall in front of the conference room, countless light bullets and blades were flying about.

    The three Drag-Rides that were planted with the seed of Yggdrasil. Horn flute was played to strengthen them.

    The grotesque Drag-Rides that were called B-blood were pushing back Celis¡¯s Lindwurm.

    Inside the complicated structure inside the castle where countless marble pillars were standing, Celis¡¯s option in fighting was extremely limited.

    Her special armament, the huge assault lance, Lightning Lance was too big to be wielded freely indoor, and Starlight Zero that fired light bullet of wide range destruction was impossible to even be used here.

    Therefore she was forced into a one-sided defensive battle against the teamwork of Sania, Egnid, and Kirly.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong Celistia! Can you still call yourself as a Drag-Knight of a prestigious noble family like that!?¡¹

    The Blade of Saniya¡¯s B-blood Wyvern sharply slashed through, furthermore her other hand pulled the trigger of Breath Gun and attacked further with rapid-fire.

    Holding a Blade and a Breath Gun in her left and right hands, she continued to attack without pause. That style of hers was the same like in the past, but her skill and power were far increasing than in the past.

    Furthermore the support of Egnid who was wearing Wyrm and Kirly who was wearing Drake that were similarly B-blood allowed them to completely grasp the initiative of the battle.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Celis was sent flying by the impact and crashed on the stone wall inside the castle. She groaned faintly.

    Saniya who was convinced of their superiority slackened the tension in her lips there into a smile.

    ¡¸With this©¤©¤my dear wish will finally come true. All of you will be defeated and put under the rule of our Heiburg. All of you who are standing above other people only because of your lineage, but from now on the time has come for you to be the one to obey us!¡¹

    ¡¸Is that your objective? You take part in this plan for the sake of something like that?¡¹

    When Celis asked that, Saniya exposed her rage.

    ¡¸You who were born from the house of a great noble won¡¯t understand, about us who were used by them and had our everything snatched away! My life will start from here! I will stand on the top of this country, and then I¡¯ll make all you bastards pay what you owe us without fail!¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so©¤©¤but, I reject that.¡¹

    In respond to Saniya¡¯s words, Celis slowly stood up and took a stance with her lance.

    ¡¸I understand your circumstance but, that kind of wish is pointless. You only want to torment other people with weaker position than you, just like what happened to yourself in the past. ©¤©¤There is no way I can let such wish be accomplished.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, that¡¯s what I thought you would say. Do it! Egnid! Kirly!¡¹

    Saniya grinned fearlessly and called out to her two subordinates.

    The three Drag-Rides simultaneously attacked Celis all at once.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s the me of the past, I will surely be shaken by your words. I will wonder whether my action is really correct. Whether the current rule is actually just the same like the rule of the old empire in the past©¤©¤but¡¹

    But, Celis¡¯s eye glint wasn¡¯t wavering at all.

    Instantly, Lindwurm¡¯s armor shined and a territory of faint light was spreading around.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    At the same Celis rotated a Dagger in the air. She accurately thrust at the butt of its handle and fired it like hammering a nail.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Saniya who saw that movement instantly guessed what was happening.

    A double attack. It was Cross Fire from two directions by using LIndwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment, the Divine Gate¡¯s instant teleportation.

    The strength of that special technique that only Celis could use was something that Saniya had witnessed many times.

    ¡¸Damn idiot! We have prepared©¤©¤countermeasure against that!¡¹

    Saniya quickly flew backward until near the wall, threw way her Breath Gun and readied her Blade with two hands.

    The countermeasure was to limit the directions she needed to be on guard against by making it impossible to attack her from behind.

    With the strengthened barrier of B-blood Wyvern, she could repel the Dagger flying to her from the front.

    Next if she could just drive away the lance attack, Egnid and Kirly would take advantage of the opening©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Crossing©¤©¤Multi Attack.¡¹

    Celis appeared in the space right before her eyes, at the same time her lance that was tinged with electricity lunged diagonally downward.

    And then, the Dagger that she was throwing just now, the Dagger that was similarly tinged with electricity, its tip hit the same spot of the lance¡¯s target.

    It was an attack focused to one spot from two directions that was done with a flawless timing.

    After receiving Lux¡¯s advice in the training camp, Celis devised this new tactic by herself.

    ¡¸Gu, AAaAAH!¡¹

    The impacting attack easily pierced through the Wyvern¡¯s barrier that was strengthened by Yggdrasil¡¯s ability and the readied Blade, furthermore even its Force Core was pierced and destroyed.

    ¡¸What-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Even Egnid who was trying to attack from behind stopped moving seeing that unimaginable result.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis finished Saniya and turned around, then in a flash she aimed her lance at Egnid before firing a Dagger wrapped in electricity once more.

    Staying on guard against the Crossing Multi Attack just now©¤©¤the attack that focused its hit on one spot, Egnid resolved himself to block it.

    He poured all his energy into his barrier, strengthened it to maximum, and deployed it facing the front, but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s a bad move.¡¹

    ¡¸Whaa-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Using Divine Gate, Celis circled behind Egnid this time, launched a thrust of her lance that was tinged with electricity, and smashed apart the armor of B-Blood Wyrm.

    ¡¸Gahah¡­¡­!? Bi, bitch©¤©¤that¡¯s just, cheating¡­¡­right?¡¹

    It was Cross Fire attack from two directions of back and front, right after she showed the Crossing Multi Attack that was an attack that focused on one spot simultaneously from two directions.

    Pressed with two options that would result in his instant defeat if he chose mistakenly, even Egnid was tragically defeated.

    ¡¸Winning percentage is sharply reduced©¤©¤retreating.¡¹

    The remaining Kirly activated her B-blood Drake¡¯s camouflaging and began escaping, but Lindwurm that circled right in front of her eyes smashed the armor with one lance attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Escape is not permitted. I¡¯ll have you receive a slightly painful experience too.¡¹

    *BASHIiIII-!*

    Blinding electricity spark scattered and Kirly¡¯s mask slowly fell.

    Behind the mask, there was the face of a little girl with special trait of ears that looked like bird feather.

    ¡¸Second clone©¤©¤serious damage.¡¹

    Kirly whispered while at the same time her body crumbled into sand©¤©¤no, into something powder-like that was even more minute than sand.

    From her heart area, a mechanical lump that had countless steel wire growing from it spilled out and in the end only her head retained its shape.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­what in the world!? Your true identity is©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Celis reflexively raised her voice, something strange occurred.

    ¡¸Kukukukukukukukukukukukukukuukukukekekekekekekekekekekkekekekekekekkekekekekekekeke¡¹

    The head of the girl who until now persisted in her artificial silence started laughing like a broken record.

    And then, the Automato borrowed Hayes¡¯s words and muttered something terrifying.

    ¡¸What is happening!? Why is she not defeated even with this much battle strength!? The enemy is just a single Drag-Ride!¡¹

    On the other side, at the plaza in front of the castle gate, it was a battle between Philuffy¡¯s Typhoon versus the swarm of Abyss and fifty Drag-Knights of rebel army Ragreed was leading.

    It was a battle that started in a condition that should be advantageous for the rebel army Ragreed was leading.

    The battle that seemed to be all but a victory for them was disturbed by Typhoon that Philuffy was driving with control technique that was interweaved with martial arts. The battle situation was gradually inclining to her side.

    Against the enemy¡¯s long range sniping, Philuffy would use Pile Anchor to pull in Abyss and made them into shield, or she would throw them and reduced the number. Furthermore if she was surrounded, she would shot her wire into the ground or the castle wall and moved herself in high speed.

    Furthermore her straight punch with all her weight behind it and her various kicking technique that would suddenly come flying would smash apart the enemy along with their weapon without giving them any time to react, burying them onto the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Biting Flare(Dragon Bite Bursting Fire)¡¹

    The last Abyss, a Chimera was seized by Typhoon, and with its special armament the Chimera was blown up while still being seized.

    The remaining Drag-Knights of the rebel army who saw that raised fearful voice and backed away.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This, bunches of dullard-!¡¹

    Ragreed was enraged seeing hiss fearful subordinates and spat out in irritation. But even the few who escaped were seized by Typhoon¡¯s Pile Anchor and they were easily shot down.

    ¡¸How, how can you fight like that!? You fight alone continuously using Divine Drag-Ride, why aren¡¯t you breathing hard!?¡¹

    ¡¸Because, Lu-chan taught me.¡¹

    Philuffy told the yelling Ragreed the answer seriously.

    ¡¸I became tired from fighting, because I put too much strength.¡¹

    Even at the academy, Philuffy was among the top class powerful people there, but her unique fighting style that incorporated martial arts consumed a lot of stamina within short time.

    Therefore through mock battle Lux taught Philuffy the way to relax even in the middle of battle©¤©¤she would constantly tense a part of her consciousness while also looking for timing to rest her body. She learned it and carried out in actual practice.

    ¡¸Hah, just a pointless struggle! You think making such effort would actually bear fruit? If your true shape as someone who has a part of Abyss inside you is brought to the open, you won¡¯t have any place to belong anywhere in this country! Your solitude fighting won¡¯t be rewarded at all!¡¹

    Right after that, Ragreed took out a horn flute from his pocket and blew into it strongly.

    The discordant chord resounded through the plaza in front of the castle, right after that Philuff¡¯s face grimaced sllghtly.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸You get it now, damn monster! Become skewered meat just like that!¡¹

    Philuffy split her focus in order to oppose the domination effect from the horn flute. In that moment Ragreed¡¯s EX Wyvern soared, then swoop down with his great sword at the ready.

    He fully used the flying device on his back wings that he preserved until now and violently assaulted Philuffy who couldn¡¯t take her stance, at that moment©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Missing Faith.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s eyes were dyed jet black with slight tinge of gold light.

    *GAUNN!* Typhoon¡¯s armor shined and a jet black wave was emitted to the surrounding.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha, aattt!?¡¹

    It was Typhoon¡¯s Divine Raiment that neutralized other Drag-Ride¡¯s Divine Raiment and lowered the power output of Drag-Ride itself.

    The output of Ragreed¡¯s EX Wyvern decreased the moment that wave of howl dashed over it and its speed fell.

    Right after that, Typhoon¡¯s straight punch that was lying in wai struck the EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸Gu, GAAaaAH!¡¹

    The impact pierced the barrier and crushed the armor.

    Ragreed spat out blood and he was sent flying far away behind, crashing onto the closed castle gate.

    ¡¸Gehoh¡­¡­, ho, how¡­¡­can you maintain your sanity? My horn flute, certainly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because, I keep training. Since then, Lu-chan and Airi-chan always, trained me with that.¡¹

    The eyes of Philuffy who was whispering that indifferently had already returned to her usual eyes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not pointless. Because from here on, I¡¯ll protect Lu-chan.¡¹

    It was a training to accustom the body, in order to endure the horn flute¡¯s control.

    Although there was limit at the time and number she could endure, the training was continued periodically so that she would at least be able to maintain herself as much as she could.

    Therefore, it was possible for Philuffy to Abyssification herself by her own will although it would only be for a short period of time.

    Of course it was a trump card that would put burden on her body, but in that short time she would be able to activate Typhoon¡¯s Divine Raiment that originally she was unable to use while her physical ability would also increase by leap and bound.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, impossible¡­¡­! Something, like hope, for you is¡­¡­¡¹

    Ragreed¡¯s head dropped down and he fainted.

    Philuffy who saw that leaked out a relieved sigh, but at that moment, a strange voice could be heard.

    ¡ºKukukukukuku©¤©¤how admirable to defeat two bodies of the facility¡¯s Gear Leader who is my compratriot and resist until this far. But, don¡¯t think that you are in advantage with this, you lowlifes.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s, this?¡¹

    The shining powder flaking off from the EX Wyvern Ragreed was wearing took the shape of human face and started talking.

    It copied the expression of the strategist Hayes grinning fearlessly.

    ¡¸This©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    Airi who was hiding together with Noct¡¯s Drake near the castle gate saw that and groaned reflexively.

    ¡ºI¡¯ll at least show you the prize for resisting my plan until this far. The destruction of this country that is!¡»

    *UUUN!* Instantly, Gigas that was visible far away at the capital¡¯s townscape radiated light and the ground was starting to shake like earthquake.

    ¡¸Lu¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    Philuffy whispered anxiously, at the same time she fell on her knee from exhaustion.

    ¡¸Gigas is vibrating¡­¡­!? What are you planning to do, Hayes!¡¹

    Nidhogg stood up taking advantage of when Lisha¡¯s attention was diverted by the loud rumble.

    Lisha who saw that reflexively pulled her Cannon¡¯s trigger.

    But, when Hayes swung her two-bladed sword that was tinged with light as though drawing a circle, a wall of light was created before her and blocked Lisha¡¯s cannon shot.

    No©¤©¤strictly speaking it wasn¡¯t a wall.

    The light of Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment was transmitted through two-bladed sword and tinged the blade©¤©¤turning into a light blade that cut apart everything, the trajectory that blade passed would leave behind cut section.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s futile. No one is able to pass through the cut section this thing created. And then, eat this!¡¹

    Next Nidhogg swept its weapon sideways. Just by doing that, the flash from it diagonally severed the upper part of the castle that was far behind. The castle crumbled down.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is your fault you know, damn substitute. To use this©¤©¤Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment, Astral Line, even I will need to resove myself. After all it¡¯s a Divine Raiment that split apart space itself, it¡¯s an article that might destroy even this Gigas and the treasure I want to snatch.¡¹

    Hayes laughed seeing Lisha shuddering from witnessing that terrible might.

    ¡¸See, I¡¯m good with just killing you guys, the top of the royalty in the capital. Beheading everyone will make it troublesome for controlling this country later, it will also prolong the chaos. But©¤©¤I gave up holding back already. Using Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment and Gigas¡¯s all-direction firing, I¡¯ll blow up everything altogether along with this capital!¡¹

    ¡¸Are you sane¡­¡­? You©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the fault of you guys for making me angry! You can go to hell without worry! Cause you¡¯ll go together there with the people of this new kingdom that you try to protect!¡¹

    Hayes yelled while Nidhogg swung down the blade that was tinged with the light of its Divine Raiment once more.

    The flash of Astral Line split the world vertically, from the sky to the ground.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s body was blown away along with one arm of Tiamat that immediately deployed reinforced barrier.

    A moment later, even Lux and Yoruka who were standing at the opposite side could hear that abnormal sound of slicing wind.

    Due to the Divine Raiment Astral Line that severed the very space itself, the capital¡¯s clock tower along with the city below were severed and collapsed with thunderous sound.

    The Gigas was quickening the gathering of faint light toward its central cannon muzzle and on its whole body. The aftermath of the vibration from it shook the ground.

    While scream and shriek could be heard from below, Lux who was on his knee lifted his face.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It looks like that side will also be concluded soon isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Yoruka was approaching near with a composed look even now after witnessing the omen to destruction that Gigas was showing and Nidhogg¡¯s attack.

    Although Lux was saved from his predicament due to Lisha¡¯s support, he was unable to find a conclusive mean of survival.

    Lux had no method to block Yoruka¡¯s special move©¤©¤the Instant Strike that took advantage of the gap of consciousness.

    There was less than three minutes left for the activation time limit of Bahamut.

    He was completely©¤©¤cornered.

    ¡¸Are you¡­¡­not scared? Even though that Gigas and Hayes might destroy this capital soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, not at all. Because I don¡¯t have any human emotion in me.¡¹

    Yoruka answered instantly while showing a carefree smile.

    ¡¸But, this is curious. Aruji-sama too desn¡¯t look scared at all. Aruji-sama is seriously intending it isn¡¯t it©¤©¤of saving this country.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What happened with your little brother?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes?¡¹

    ¡¸Your little brother swore to succeed the throne of Koto and become a splendid lord. And then, you©¤©¤swore to walk the path of a servant who will protect him, what happened to that?¡¹

    ¡¸In this kind of situation, Aruji-sama is asking interesting thing isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Because I think that I have to ask it, as the last prince of the old empire.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka hesitated just for an instant with the smile still fixed on her face.

    ¡¸My little brother©¤©¤was killed.¡¹

    She said it smoothly from start to finish without any change at all in her expression and tone.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸The castle was surrounded when I was going outside, so in order to save my little brother I surrendered. I obeyed the command to enter under the banner of the old empire with the condition that only my little brother¡¯s life is saved©¤©¤but¡¹

    Yoruka talked with a hint of nostalgia in her tone and she smiled.

    ¡¸My little brother was already killed, by none other than his subordinates the chief vassals. The chief vassals who gave up the war because of the difference in battle strength with the empire laid the responsibility on my little brother in order to protect themselves. They beheaded him and presented his head to the empire.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It was, vexing.¡¹

    The girl who was said to be not human whispered with something that felt like emotion coloring her tone for the first time.

    ¡¸My blood relative who was the only one who believe in a defective product like me died. And yet, even when I heard that news, I didn¡¯t feel sad even a little. That¡¯s, the most vexing thing above all else, was how I wasn¡¯t a proper human until the very end.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, you following the contract with my father©¤©¤with the old empire is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Both of us really weren¡¯t cut out for it. Something like becoming a splendid lord, and a servant who devote her loyalty to such lord is just©¤©¤¡¹

    Even so just like her little brother who kept his oath until he died, she herself also exchanged contract with the old empire in order to save her little brother. She was attempting to be faithful until she died to the only oath she had ever sworn by protecting that contract.

    ¡¸Now, the time to talk harmoniously is also over with this. Let¡¯s conclude this, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it.¡¹

    Lux gazed straight at Yoruka, then he took a stance by pulling his sword greatly to the back.

    ¡¸As a prince of the old empire, I¡¯ll defeat you here.¡¹

    In response, Yoruka took her stance and her purple eyes shined fierily.

    The battle technique of perceiving Lux¡¯s conscious wavelength and took the opening of the unconscious gap©¤©¤Instant Strike.

    Yoruka intended to settle the match using the greatest technique she had.

    The surrounding atmosphere tensed tinglingly and the tension was drawn until the very limit.

    A few instant later, it came.

    *BAKIiiIN!*

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    An instant of crossing, when the blades of both sides ran through empty air, Yoruka¡¯s Blades snapped and twirled in the air.

    At the same time, the Chaos Brand that Lux wielded also cracked, but it wasn¡¯t separated from his hand.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s attack that struck last pierced through the barrier of Yoruka¡¯s Yato no kami and her armor was destroyed.

    The impact on the Force Core completely downed the Drag-Ride¡¯s output.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How¡­¡­can this be?¡¹

    Yoruka showed a color of agitation for the first time. She whispered with a dumbfounded voice.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t understand something like the moment when there is gap in human¡¯s consciousness.¡¹

    Lux answered with wheezing breath.

    ¡¸But, I predicted it only hazily, your tendency, the omen when you are about to move after reading the gap of my consciousness. I was finally able to see it, thanks to you getting emotional for the first time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s Quick Shot that originally should be usable only when he used Reload on Fire.

    That technique which aimed to attack at the moment the opponent unleashed their attack by perfectly seeing through the attack preparation movement of the opponent, against Yoruka, it was unable to reach until her armor.

    Therefore, at the first attack Lux concentrated to only brushing away her sword, and then he decided the match with the next attack.

    ¡¸Certainly, my tendency will come into view if I exert my strength emotionally. What a failure. For I who am not a human©¤©¤to still have something like that.¡¹

    The moment Yoruka chuckled, the Gigas shined once more and it shook fiercely along with the ground.

    Right after that, from the shoulder of Gigas that was tilting diagonally©¤©¤Yoruka and Yato no Kami slipped off.

    ¡¸With this, Arcadia Empire too is finished, sayonara©¤©¤Aruji-sama.¡¹

    That moment she began to freefall, Lux flew his Bahamut, weaving through the gap of the broken armor that was thrown away along with Gigas¡¯s movement. And then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸What are¡­¡­you doing?¡¹

    With a look as though she was something inexplicable, she stared at the hand of Bahamut that was saving her.

    Lux reached out his hand in order to save Yoruka in timing where it seemed like he wouldn¡¯t make it in time at all.

    Even while shaking with most of his strength used up, Lux slowly pulled up Yato no Kami.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama doesn¡¯t have any responsibility or free time to save me you know? My wish is already©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I once tried to change this country©¤©¤and then I failed.¡¹

    Lux spoke cutting off Yoruka¡¯s words and he turned his eyes that were tinged with sadness to her.

    ¡¸No matter how I couldn¡¯t believe in how the country was, so I resolved myself to change it. After that various things happened and Arcadia Empire was destroyed. My older brother, he told me that it¡¯s impossible to persuade them. Perhaps he was right. Something like my wish might be a mistake that won¡¯t come true in the end. But¡­¡­¡¹

    While whispering, Lux mustered his remaining strength and pulled Yoruka up.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s possible to save, then I want to save even just one more person. It doesn¡¯t matter even if that¡¯s a reckless wish. After all, I resolved myself to destroy Arcadia Empire for that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m astonished. Something like that©¤©¤to choose the path of destroying one¡¯s own country by one¡¯s own hand in order to save it. This is my terrible misunderstanding. Aruji-sama, from the start you are fighting all this time for the sake of Arcadia Empire aren¡¯t you? In order to make it come true, the ideal country that you dreamed of©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly made a tranquil smile, as though she was released from something.

    Like that Lux pulled up Yoruka to the edge of Gigas¡¯s shoulder before he let go of her hand.

    ¡¸My battle is still not over. It has continued all this time©¤©¤since that day seven years ago. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m going.¡¹

    Lux only left those words behind and he was about to turn on his heel. It was then he heard a voice.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Does Aruji-sama know, about the entrance to the shortest route heading toward Gigas¡¯s control room?¡¹

    Yoruka who dispelled her armor was looking up to Lux with her usual smile.

    ¡¸I think it¡¯s a necessary information for Aruji-sama. If it can save your country, and really grant your wish then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸How long you are going to run? It won¡¯t be much long until Gigas¡¯s all-direction bombardment you know? You¡¯re planning to abandon this country huh, princess-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha barely continued to avoid fatal wound from the fierce attack that Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg unleashed by skillfully using Legion and Suppressor.

    The trajectory that was passed through when the blade of Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment, Astral Line was swung©¤©¤that severed cut section remained behind as wall of light. Because the space was literally cut apart like that, any attack wouldn¡¯t pass through to the other side.

    (As long as the enemy don¡¯t dispel that cut section created by the Divine Raiment, my attack won¡¯t reach, huh¡­¡­)

    Besides, the slash from Hayes¡¯s Astral Line could further sever that cut section of space from above.

    Just like how a paper with countless lines drawn on it had a new line drawn on it and enclosed an area, Lisha¡¯s was also gradually getting cornered with her escape path getting cut off one by one.

    It was a hopelessly unfavorable situation. Even so inside her head, Lisha was trying to form the strategy toward victory.

    How to make her attack passed through using all the method available to her.

    That was the tactical thinking possessed by Lisha who was called as the new kingdom¡¯s scarlet battle princess.

    (However, thanks to seeing that Divine Raiment many times like this, I finally understand how it works.)

    The moment Hayes tried to unleash slash using Astral Line again, Tiamat flew.

    ¡¸Idiot! No one can fly through the space that Nidhogg cut©¤©¤¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, the moment Hayes unleashed a new slash using her Divine Raiment, one of the walls of light from the cut space that was surrounding the area suddenly disappeared as though dissolving into air.

    ¡¸You¡¯re quite something in scheming, but you are not really a big deal when it come to Drag-Ride tactic huh©¤©¤bungler strategist.¡¹

    Lisha charged and slipped through that vanishing cut section©¤©¤the hole between the light walls.

    The cut section of space created by Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment couldn¡¯t be done infinitely by any means.

    In the case when more new slash was unleashed after already cutting apart a certain size of surface area, the cut section that was previously made would vanish in turn starting from the oldest cut section.

    Therefore, Lisha memorized the order by which the light wall of cut section was created, then she matched her timing with Hayes¡¯s attack and broke through the hole of the vanished wall.

    Even though Hayes understood the trait of Nidhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment, she wasn¡¯t grasping it thoroughly in real battle.

    That time when the difference in battle experience between the two sides was brought to the fore, Lisha aimed her Seven Heads.

    ¡¸Prepare yourself Hayes! This is©¤©¤your loss!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah¡¹

    But that moment, *gashiin!* Lisha together with Tiamat were restrained.

    ¡¸Wh, at¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The rumbling Gigas that should be only preparing for its all-direction bombardment until now.

    Its giant arm had moved unnoticed by anyone and caught Lisha with it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s na?ve, you substitute princess. Even if Gigas is in a state of opening all its gunport, but were you looking down on it that it won¡¯t be able to move all the time?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸I have great power, the proof of my bloodline that once ruled over this world and made you lowlifes succumb! This is©¤©¤the status that you fake absolutely cannot obtain.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s idiotic.¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice in respond to Hayes who was showing a triumphant smirk.

    ¡¸What did you say¡­¡­?¡¹

    Gigas¡¯s hand was tightened until just barely, even so Lisha grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸Just what is amazing from that? I don¡¯t get it at all. Are you really satisfied that you are able to subdue a junk that will move just because of your bloodline?¡¹

    ¡¸You are still going to bluff even at this point huh, this fake princess.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You see, when I obtained Tiamat, I didn¡¯t think like that for even the slightest bit. No matter how strong spec it has, I didn¡¯t want something like that for even the slightest bit. Since the past until now, what I want is the strength and qualification that is worthy for that Drag-Ride!¡¹

    Lisha put her strength into her Drag-Ride, trying to tear off Gigas¡¯s restrain.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll teach you! The thing that I¡¯m trying to obtain by fighting, if far higher in rank than your so called strength!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That as far as your joke go, get crushed and die.¡¹

    Hayes raised an angry voice and Gigas moved to closed its fist and crushed Tiamat!

    But at that instant, several of its five fingers were cut apart and a jet black Drag-Ride cut through the sky.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to make you wait, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux carried Lisha along with her Drag-Ride in his arms and spoke to her.

    Lisha who became aware of that saw Lux¡¯s face from close up and her face flushed up red.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? Yo, you are slow, really! Don¡¯t make me worry so much¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha yelled angrily to divert attention from her state before she averted her face and whispered so at the end.

    ¡¸Also, that girl¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride, Nidhogg, I saw through its ability. It will be sink or swim, but will you follow me?¡¹

    Seeing his master the princess pretending to be tough, Lux gently smiled at her.

    ¡¸There is only little time remaining until Bahamut¡¯s activation time limit. Please instruct me your plan through Dragon Voice.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yeah! We are going to teach that mad strategist a lesson!¡¹

    Lisha faced Nidhogg once more and began to focus energy into Seven Heads.

    At the same time, Lux who flew drawing a sharp arc attacked toward Nidhogg.

    His swordsmanship was endowed with weight and speed, but Nidhogg obstructed it with the wall its cut section created.

    ¡¸It¡¯s futile! It¡¯s impossible for you to surpass this wall! You guys will absolutely©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Try blocking this Hayes! The other technique that I devised!¡¹

    Immediately after Hayes who was convinced of his victory yelled, *DON!* Tiamat¡¯s armament the Seven Heads fired flickering purple light bullet from its center muzzle.

    Seeing that unfamiliar attack, Hayes showed an alert expression, even so she didn¡¯t move from her spot.

    Nidhogg¡¯s surrounding was already surrounded by the cut section light wall it created. No attack would pass it. In that case it should be absolutely safe if she didn¡¯t move but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Linker Burst. ©¤©¤And then, Reload on Fire.¡¹

    The moment Lux raised his voice, Nidhogg itself advanced forward as though it was being pulled.

    ¡¸Wh, at-!?¡¹

    Bahamut was internally equipped with special armament to create force field that controlled material¡¯s trajectory. It went through compression reinforcement by Reload on Fire, and the force field that originally didn¡¯t have the strength to move Drag-Ride moved Nidhogg.

    In order to prevent herself getting crushed by the light wall that her own Divine Raiment created, Hayes removed the cut section. In that instant©¤©¤the purple light bullet Lisha fired directly hit Hayes.

    ¡¸Gu, u¡­¡­! Damn idiot! My Nidhogg¡¯s barrier won¡¯t even break just from this much©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No worry Hayes. Your time is already over.¡¹

    The moment Lisha showed her grin, it happened.

    Nidhogg that received the black purple light bullet became unable to move.

    No, far from that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸What, this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Her armor creaked fiercely and began to distort in turn from the small parts.

    It was as though she was being held in place by pins midair. She was fixed on the spot by a powerful pressure and she was unable to escape.

    ¡¸Gravity bullet, it¡¯s a technique that applied Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment the Suppressor. Also once you got touched, you will get dragged at the center of the sphere until its effect run out and get crushed there. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was explaining while loading energy into Seven Heads.

    At the same time in front of her Lux¡¯s Bahamut was silently readying its black great sword©¤©¤red flash surged.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    Lux compressed his own time to the greatest degree and then he unleashed Quick Shot.

    Faster than Astral Line could create light wall, that two-bladed sword that was the Divine Raiment¡¯s starting point was destroyed into pieces.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Farewell Hayes, Heiburg¡¯s strategist whose identity isn¡¯t even revealed, see with your own eyes the strength of this scarlet battle princess and fall!¡¹

    Right after that, the maximum output cannon shot of Seven Heads attacked Nidhogg.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gu, GAaAAAaAaAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Extremely glaring light bore into the armor, then Nidhogg broke down along with Hayes¡¯s shriek.

    Shriek and armor fragments scattered everywhere along with an explosion, melting inside the light.

    ¡ºWh, y¡­¡­! Why are you bastards! The like of the descendants¡­¡­who betrayed us¡­¡­!¡»

    Hayes¡¯s voice that was sent through the Dragon Voice at the end got blurred and became distant.

    When their sight returned a few moments later, Hayes¡¯s figure had vanished without any trace.

    ¡¸We did it, next is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha moved even while wheezing roughly.

    ¡¸Yes! There is only one left©¤©¤¡¹

    Mustering their last strength, Lux and Lisha followed the passage that Yoruka told Lux and infiltrated inside from Gigas¡¯s chest part. After progressing through a single path for ten-odd seconds, they found the control room area just like what they saw before inside the Ark. There, a single girl was sitting on a chair.

    She had countless cables connected on her and a mechanical crown on her head, gazing to the front with emotionless eyes.

    Perhaps she was splitting her focus with the control of Gigas, she moved her face for the first time when catching sight of Lux and Lisha.

    ¡¸Situation of certain defeat evacuation impossible. Last order©¤©¤activate.¡¹

    The Automaton¡¯s expression was hollow. But, just a single animosity could be sensed from the peculiar tone of Gigas¡¯s Gear Leader, El Fajura.

    She knew of the defeat of Hayes, the Lord that she worshipped. And yet, even now she was resolved to take revenge by destroying the capital.

    ¡¸Stop! The outcome is decided already. More than this is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice to stop her while aiming her Cannon¡¯s muzzle at El Fajura.

    But, perhaps she had used up all of her energy and willpower because Tiamat didn¡¯t show any reaction.

    And then, Lux¡¯s Bahamut had also passed through its activation time limit and got dispelled.

    ¡¸Damn i©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Confirming situation change by sight, achieving the objective within the remaining few seco©¤©¤¡¹

    El Fajura whispered while watching that movement at the corner of her sight, in that instant,

    ¡¸That will be impossible I think.¡¹

    *stab* A katana shaped Sword Device sprung out from the center of her chest, *crackle* and yellow sparks scattered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When the surprised Lux and Lisha looked behind them, they noticed that Yoruka who was arriving from behind the two of them had thrown her Sword Device.

    ¡¸You©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Right after Lisha raised her voice in surprise, Yoruka smiled bewitchingly like usual.

    ¡¸This is a contract violation Automaton-san. Destroying this very country itself is different from my agreement with your master you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    El Fajura didn¡¯t react to those words. She gazed at Lux with sparks scattering from her stabbed chest. And then, her lips distorted into a grin and she laughed, as though displaying her will as an Automaton for the first time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see so you are the rebel. Did you obtain the world you wished for after throwing the previously created world principle out of order?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Lux asked back with a dubious face after hearing the Automaton¡¯s sudden words.

    ¡¸You will soon remember. Even if you are forgetting someday©¤©¤if you wish for that once more.¡¹

    After leaving those words behind at the end, light vanished from El Fajura¡¯s eyes. At the same time Gigas¡¯s rumbling stopped and the surrounding was filled with silence.

    The long and many battles were closed here.

 Volume 5 - Epilogue

    ¡¸We will arrive soon, Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux faintly opened his eyes along with the familiar voice of his little sister Airi.

    It seemed that Lux was dozing while sitting inside the neat horse carriage that was shaking sometimes.

    The canopy acted as sunshade, but the inside was hot because it was midday©¤©¤and then, the scent of summer¡¯s greenery was coming in.

    At this day where the last day of the summer holiday was fast approaching, Lux along with the other selection members were in a long trip back to the academy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, it¡¯s over already isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    They were delayed for ten days than their original return schedule, but thinking of the cleaning up of the great incident in the capital, the recovery and injury healing of Lux and co, and so on, it could be considered as fast.

    The imperial capital recapture plan that was schemed by Heiburg¡¯s enlarged military division was safely obstructed, and the All-Dragon Battle this time had also closed its curtain.

    The selection members who were the representative of each country returned back to their country, and in their place he heard that a lot of important people visited the royal capital in order to deal in regard with the various occurring problems.

    Regarding the case of the rampage of Lisha¡¯s Tiamat too, with the testimony of the captured Saniya and others, it seemed that for the moment the other countries were persuaded.

    Hayes¡¯s whereabouts was unknown, but it was very likely that she died in battle with how she was defeated at the end.

    Ragreed and rebel army¡¯s force that were used by Heiburg were also captured. From here on their crime would surely be inquired for a long time.

    And then, at the last day before they went back.

    Lux and Airi were summoned to the government office where the high officials were assembled.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia. Your conspicuous service of this time was truly splendid.¡¹

    The first words of the high official who was representing the consuls were that.

    The decoy role against the imperial capital recapture plan, and the four win at All-Dragon Battle.

    And then, the case regarding the sudden invasion of Gigas that assaulted the royal capital and how he stopped it.

    Looking at the result, Lux had completed all of the consuls¡¯ demand, and he even raised an accomplishment that far surpassed it.

    ¡¸Regarding the enemies that attacked the new kingdom, your meritorious deed of commanding the members of Syvalles and managed the defense is big. Therefore©¤©¤just as promised, the matter of unauthorized Ruin investigation by headmaster Relie won¡¯t be questioned.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you very much.¡¹

    Lux lightly bowed in respond to the high official¡¯s tone of voice that was vaguely mixed with fear.

    Lux had resolved himself against the possibility that they might make allusion regarding the jet black Divine Drag-Ride Lux had©¤©¤Bahamut and about the Black Hero, but unexpectedly those matters weren¡¯t mentioned.

    Perhaps the queen Raffi had explained it already, or perhaps they were forbidden to question it, even Lux didn¡¯t know what it actually was but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸A, and so. In regard of your exceptional achievement, we wish to grant you even more reward. The punishment given to you who were cast down as criminal along with the establishment of the new kingdom, we will recognize that you have compensated for them with your meritorious deed this time, write off that punishment, and we will lift up your status to be the same as us nobles.¡¹

    The high official¡¯s words were spoken along with a flattering smile.

    But even hearing those words, Lux¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all.

    ¡¸On top of that, we of the government wish to recommend you as a Drag-Knight to be the representative of the new kingdom©¤©¤becoming one of the ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladins¡». You are not a chore prince or the like anymore. Now you can become a first class knight of the new kingdom with honor.¡¹

    The surrounding consuls gave applause to their representative¡¯s words.

    But at that time, the calm voice of the young man suddenly resounded inside the government office¡¯s assembly hall.

    ¡¸Err, excuse me. This is a talk that is really too good for me, but I wish to decline it.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    It seemed that reply was completely unexpected, the representative high official showed bewilderment.

    ¡¸I am satisfied with the amnesty I received from her majesty the queen, and I am even indebted to her highness the princess. And so, I©¤©¤will be satisfied if I¡¯m allowed to attend the academy just as before.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The consuls there were making a stir seeing Lux refusing like that with a calm smile.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you saying!? We the representative of the new kingdom are saying here that we will pardon your crime you know!? You won¡¯t be ridiculed as the ruined prince or obligated to do chores anymore. You can become upper classes noble from your position as a criminal you know? That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s because my current lifestyle suits me. I wish to be allowed to work for the sake of this country¡¯s people and the academy from here on too.¡¹

    Lux emphasized a part of his words slightly while giving back a smile that was free of any malice.

    ¡¸Bu, but¡­¡­, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Rather than that, if I¡¯m able to receive some kind of reward, there is one thing that I wish to request in exchange. I don¡¯t mind to be given a request, but from here on, can I ask all of you to refrain from calling out to me through someone else in the academy?¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I beg you, please protect that promise.¡¹

    After informing that with a cold gaze in the end, Lux left the assembly hall along with Airi.

    Amidst the parliamentary seat that was enveloped in agitation, one of the four great nobles Dist Ralgris who was sitting at a corner made a calm smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It looks like that we completely misjudged his existence.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean by that, Lord Dist?¡¹

    One of the four great nobles, Bugriser who was sitting beside him shook his large body and asked.

    ¡¸There is no other meaning. He showed how he completely outmaneuvered the consuls©¤©¤the nobles gathering here. By lifting a powerful Drag-Knight like him from his criminal status into a noble, he will become in ¡ºdebt¡» with them. The government officials attempted to put a collar on him like that. Just now were these lots trying to make him into their convenient tool.¡¹

    ¡¸I see. That brat saw through that miserable ulterior motive and so he refused to be freed from his criminal status.¡¹

    Dist nodded at Bugriser¡¯s words.

    ¡¸He is currently acquitted due to the amnesty that reduced him into the criminal status©¤©¤which put him under the management of her majesty the queen in the end. The other nobles cannot carelessly put their hand on him as long as that is the case. He weaved through the trap of the consuls here, and threatened back instead with that clever speech and achievements. All that while he is in the weakest position as a criminal.¡¹

    ¡¸This means that the blood of the empire cannot be underestimated. As expected, that young man seems to also possess the disposition of ¡ºking¡». ©¤©¤Perhaps it will be also quite difficult for us to make use of him at the future huh.¡¹

    One of the four great nobles Zagha laughed while saying that, then he slowly walked away from that place.

    After him Bugriser also stood from his seat, and Dist quietly raised his face.

    ¡¸I too deliberately asked for unreasonable things to test him. But, the result is that he is actually a man that surpasses my imagination. Then perhaps I have to ask for his cooperation quickly. ©¤©¤In order to save this country from the danger of the world.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa©¤©¤, I¡¯m tired.¡¹

    And then, finally at the night of that day. Lux returned back to the girl dormitory of the academy.

    Even though originally it was a place that the male Lux shouldn¡¯t be there, right now it made him relieved to be there somehow.

    ¡¸Come to think of it Lux-kun. Your new room has been arranged you know?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is that true!?¡¹

    After hearing what Headmaster Relie told him, Lux hurriedly headed toward the room he shared with Philuffy.

    Him staying there had been considered as a problem since a long time ago, but a room became empty right now because a female student moved from the dormitory into her villa, so a room for Lux alone was finally arranged.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you are leaving?¡¹

    ¡¸It, it can¡¯t be helped you know¡­¡­. That¡¯s, I¡¯ll come here again to play.¡¹

    Lux consoled the dissatisfied Philuffy while carrying his uniform and luggage.

    He opened the door of his new room and threw himself on the lower bed of the bunk beds. Then he closed his eyes and took a breath.

    ¡¸Haa, I¡¯m glad. It¡¯s calming like this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Welcome back, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Yep, I¡¯m back©¤©¤wait, EEeEH!?¡¹

    When Lux noticed the voice and opened his eyes, there Yoruka wearing her usual black outfit was straddling over Lux.

    ¡¸Wh, why is Yoruka©¤©¤right here!?¡¹

    When Lux raised a shocked voice, Yoruka showed that seductive smile of hers.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because I noticed my misunderstanding. Aruji-sama is picturing the figure of ideal empire even now with this country, so there is not a single reason why I cannot serve you. That¡¯s why, Aruji-sama©¤©¤once more, please take care of me.¡¹

    Yoruka climbed down from the bed and sat on the floor for the moment, then she bowed reverently toward Lux.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s great but, why are you coming to my room!? And then why are you starting to take off your clothes!?¡¹

    Lux averted his face from Yoruka who suddenly opened her black outfit bare and exposed her white breasts while he yelled with bright red face.

    ¡¸I have a bit of consideration©¤©¤as I thought for the sake in case something unexpected happen, it will be for the best to leave behind a heir I believe.¡¹

    Yoruka floated a bewitching smile with her cheeks slightly blushing while she drew near to Lux¡¯s body.

    Sweet scent and smooth skin. And then, the softness of the fleshy body caused Lux¡¯s heart to jump.

    ¡¸It seems that there is still no one among the girls around Aruji-sama who is pregnant. So I¡¯m thinking that first, Aruji-sama should use my womb here.¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait a second okay!? It¡¯s not like I, something like that¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Please rest assured. This is also the first time for me but, I have properly learned the knowledge for it in advance.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it you know!? What I want to say isn¡¯t that©¤©¤!¡¹

    Saying that, Lux squirmed in panic. It was then Yoruka¡¯s balance broke and she fell on top of Lux.

    That nicely shaped soft breasts touched the tip of Lux¡¯s nose, it was in that posture©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oi Lux! I come to play in your new room! How¡¯s it, your body¡¯s condition is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    That moment, the room¡¯s door was opened and Lisha who arrived saw it.

    *pikit-*Her expression stiffened and then spasmed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Just what are you doing right after changing room!? Or rather why is that exhibitionism ero woman with you!?¡¹

    ¡¸I also don¡¯t know anything-!¡¹

    The scream of Lisha who became teary eyed echoed inside the girl dormitory and the other girls were also gathering.

    The last night of the summer holiday felt like it would become really long.

    While the lively commotion of the girls could be heard from a room of girl dormitory.

    Airi was facing the desk in her shared room by herself, staring at it with a trembling hand.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Just, what is this¡¹

    What was spread on the desk was a page of ancient document that was excavated from a Ruin©¤©¤the deepest part of the Ark.

    Those documents where construction data of several Drag-Rides and Ruins, also description regarding Abyss or Automaton were also found in it, all of it was given a look over before they were submitted to the royal capital.

    ©¤©¤The documents had been deciphered only just now. Except this last page, the page that she quietly snatched without even Headmaster Relie or Lux knowing about it.

    Airi¡¯s skill in deciphering ancient document had improved until the level that wasn¡¯t that inferior compared to specialist official of the royal capital.

    She didn¡¯t want to deny the result of her hard work that she had continued for many years, but only this time it was different.

    If possible, she wanted to be mistaken.

    Thinking like that, she redid her deciphering many times, but the answer didn¡¯t change.

    What was inside the ancient document Airi deciphered was the name of the ancient imperial family members who were called as Lord(Creator) in the past.

    Holy Arcadia Empire   Thirteenth Generation Imperial Family¡¯s Name

    First Imperial Princess   Listelka Rei Arshalia

    Second Imperial Princess   Aeril Vi Arcadia

    Third Imperial Princess   Hayes Vi Arcadia

    ¡¸Why is, Arcadia¡¯s name, written inside an ancient document¡­¡­¡¹

    It was unthinkable that Arcadia Empire was merely borrowing the name of an¡ºempire¡» that existed in ancient time. (TN: There is difference between Arcadia Empire and Holy Arcadia Empire here. Arcadia Empire, the so called old empire in the raw is called Arcadia Teikoku, while the Holy Arcadia Empire mentioned in the ancient document in the raw is written Shinsei Arcadia Koukoku. One used teikoku, while the other used koukoku. The meaning is the same, though I think koukoku has like more sacred implication.)

    The reason was that the seven Ruins itself where this ancient document was excavated from, were only discovered around some ten-odd years ago. And Arcadia Empire had been reigning over this land since several hundred years ago already.

    Even in the history book of other countries, there wasn¡¯t any description that seemed to refer to the seven Ruins.

    If this¡ºempire¡» and Arcadia Empire had connection between them, then there should be a description in history book that hinted at the existence of the Ruins but©¤©¤.

    Then, was this just a coincidence of same name?

    But, the silver hair and grey colored eye that girl called Hayes possessed.

    That coincidental appearance that was only possessed by the imperial family of the old empire caused anxiety to grow inside Airi¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸Then, that Arcadia Empire where we were at was©¤©¤just what are we, Nii-san¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi tightly grasped the ancient document with trembling voice and body.

    Those small vanishing words didn¡¯t reach anyone¡¯s ear, merely absorbed into darkness.

 Volume 6 - Prologue

    I, Airi Arcadia, had always found this unbelievable since childhood.

    It was something that happened when I was still a frail little girl.

    Nii-sama, Lux Arcadia, had the rights to inherit the throne. But then, he was neglected by the rest of our family because he was only the 7th prince, the youngest one.

    I supposed even members from the other imperial families look down on Nii-sama for this fact.

    All that happened when the empire was still a patriarchy.

    Back then when I was young, I could tell that the environment we grew up in was a harsh one.

    However, Nii-sama¡¯s concern was directed at something else.

    ¡°You¡¯re feeling alright? Is there anything I can get you?¡±

    Those were that questions that he always asked the bedridden me.

    That was shortly after mother died in the carriage accident.

    The shock from the event had worsened my sickness.

    It was a sad time for the young me.

    ¡°Call for me if anything happens. When you are feeling better, let¡¯s go play in the park!¡±

    His gentle smile always put my mind at ease, but because I was still feeling tortured by the many emotions that came after mother¡¯s death¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Nii-sama, please leave me alone ¡­¡±

    Why did I say that? I still regretted it to this day.

    ¡°In two months, I¡¯ll be going to the count on the border ¡­ Even if you keep spending your time on me, Nii-sama won¡¯t achieve anything.¡±

    The sadness from being forced to leave the family due to father¡¯s orders.

    The sickness that was slowly eroding my body.

    In this helpless reality, I could only feel desperation and sadness.

    Under these circumstances, I made that remark.

    I supposed, even Nii-sama will get angry when hearing that.

    [ I really can¡¯t stand talking to you, especially since that¡¯s how you feel about me.] Was what I expected to hear.

    I also expected him to shout at the hopeless me who had refused his treatment.

    However, Nii-sama just smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Sorry, Airi, I made you worry.¡±

    He then softly stroked my hair.

    ¡°But, don¡¯t worry. I will find a way.¡±

    ¡°¡­ ¡­ !¡ª¡ª I¡¯m sorry, Nii-sama. I-I¡¯m s-sorry¡­ ¡°

    Tears came flowing out of my eyes.

    He lifted the sobbing me close, and hugged tightly.

    ¡°So, do not worry. You don¡¯t need to cry anymore.¡±

    His gentle voice penetrated my mind, freeing me from my worries.

    In my cold, dark world, this was the only thing that brought peace into my mind.

    (¡­ but, why?)

    I wondered since long ago.

    When I was still in the palace, mother and me were but ¡°women¡± living with Nii-sama.

    Even if he had no rights or power, as long as Nii-sama complied with the patriarchy and treated mother and I roughly, then Nii-sama wouldn¡¯t be looked down upon by the rest of the royal family, ¡­ ¡­

    Indeed, Nii-sama was different from the others.

    How was he different? I honestly couldn¡¯t describe it in words.

    Why didn¡¯t Nii-sama abandon me?

    Since childhood, I have never been able to ask this, and I ¡ª.

    ?

    ¡°¡ªAiri, are you feeling alright?¡±

    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s nothing ¡­ I always feel alright.¡±

    I answered Nii-sama coldly.

    ¡°Okay, but if there¡¯s anything, please tell me immediately.¡±

    Nii-sama smiled gently, and his footsteps slowly faded into the distance.

    Recently, I thought I had been making Nii-sama worry about me again.

    Whenever we met I always avoided eye contact and refused to talk.

    The reason for this, was in the pages of the ancient texts I¡¯m holding.

    Its contents differed greatly from our current knowledge.

    It was recorded there that the existence that was called the Lord(Creator) of the Ruin, they were called with the name Arcadia, the same name like us, the imperial family of the old empire.

    The first imperial princess   Listelka Rei Arshalia

    The second imperial princess   Aeril Vi Arcadia

    The third imperial princess   Hayes Vi Arcadia

    ¡­¡­There were no traces of these names.

    I had flipped through a lot of the old Empire family genealogy and history books, but their names didn¡¯t exist.

    A few decades ago, we confirmed the existence of Ruins for the first time. We also learned about the prosperity of the Arcadia Empire since centuries ago.

    So there was a possibility that a Lord did exist. There was a girl named Hayes who was trying to destroy us from the darkness.

    This situation had left me confused and uneasy.

    ¡°Who are we, Nii-sama¡­¡­¡±

    That question that I had whispered many times wasn¡¯t heard by anyone¡¯s ear and disappeared into the void.

 Volume 6 - CH 1

    Currently, the color of skin filled his vision.

    This was a room in one of the largest buildings of the academy.

    Other than the Drag-Ride trainings, most of other physical training, like kenjutsu and taijutsu took place here, hence the floor was padded with a high friction material.

    The second floor in this building would be used as a venue for meetings from time to time.

    Standing behind the wooden railings on the second floor, he could see all the girls in their underwear.

    (Wh-what¡¯s going on ¨C !? This is bad !?)

    As the footsteps got louder, Lux hid deeper into the building.

    (Am I stupid, what¡¯s the point of hiding? All I¡¯m doing is cornering myself like this!)

    Luckily, there wasn¡¯t anyone on the second floor originally, so all he had to do was to continue hiding and not be discovered.

    Lux hid in the shadow, after waiting for the girls he was trying to avoid walked past, he darted behind the armrest of a chair.

    (Calm down, though I¡¯m not completely sure how it ended up like this, but I will be killed if anyone finds me!)

    While trying to recall his original purpose in this place, Lux¡¯s eyes drifted further into the Shangri-La that was before his eyes.

    Under the sunlight that came in from a window, the glossy nudes of the girls are clear as day.

    Their skin shone in a healthy tone, they were even putting on some really alluring underwear.

    The blush of their cheeks, their defenseless skin and smiles of pure innocence.

    ¡°Did your chest get bigger again? That¡¯s so unfair ~¡±

    ¡°Of course not, it¡¯s just that that pair she¡¯s wearing is cuter and makes them stand out more.¡±

    ¡°Sen-senpai! Don¡¯t be so loud! After all, this place -¡±

    The room was filled with the soft breathing and sweet scent of the girls, all which were extremely stimulating to Lux.

    Feeling something was amiss, Lux decided to look for his target again, as his eyes landed on the half naked girls, his heart rate started to go up again.

    (W-why am I doing something like this that makes me look like a peeping pervert?)

    But Lux had no choice.

    Before finding out his secrets, Lux couldn¡¯t shift his vision.

    Lux trembled as he recalled what happened a few minutes ago.

    *

    ¡°Alright, as planned, we will be making the final adjustments for the promotion tests. There will also be mock exams for both the technical and written parts of the assessments, are you all ready?

    ¡°Yes¡­¡­!¡±

    As Raigree sensei¡¯s stern voice resounded through the classroom, the students, including Lux, replied in unison.

    That morning, the class was filled of tension and uneasiness¡ªeven a bit anticipation.

    The All-Dragon Battle in the capital ended 2 weeks ago, and autumn had arrived.

    Lux and his party returned to the city of Cross Field, shortly after returning to the tranquility of campus life, a new event had arrived to disturb their peace.

    That was the Drag-Knight¡¯s Class promotion exam which took place every spring and autumn.

    There were a total of 5 levels of ¡°Classes¡± for Drag-Knight, based on one¡¯s proficiency at piloting a Drag-Ride.

    There was the ¡°Beginner Class¡± which was only allowed to observe and took part in training sessions.

    Then there was the ¡°Low Class¡± who could take part in combating ¡°Abyss¡± when permission was given.

    Above that was the ¡°Middle¡± Class made up the numbers of the main fighting force, the ¡°High¡± Class that could command these forces, with the special Class at the apex ¡°EX¡±.

    Of course, ¡°Class¡± did not dictate everything. Especially so to those girls who saw piloting a Drag-Ride as their lifelong dream, this test was but a gauge of their personal strength.

    ¡°As said by the principal a week ago, this year¡¯s exams will be held at Wanheim, we, as representatives of the new kingdom must show our strength and not tarnish the name of our nation.¡±

    Moreover, this year¡¯s situation was somewhat different.

    Usually these Class promotion exams were held in the royal capital, but this year about half of the exams were taking place abroad.

    The join test had the objective of strengthening the alliance from the cultural exchange and unifying the standard of the evaluation related to Drag-Ride.

    So, the examinations would be in the Wanheim, and students from the new kingdom would be going over to take it.

    ¡°Your exams begin in 7 days, keep that in mind, do your best and leave no regrets!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    The students once again replied in unison, Raigree-sensei quietly nodded his head.

    ¡°Your written exam begins in 10 minutes, I expect you all to pay attention!¡±

    As she left the classroom, the classroom lightened up again

    ¡°Uwaa~ we are having a writing test next?¡­ Ah ¡­ That¡¯s too boring.¡±

    As the neighboring Tillfur complained loudly, Lux smiled.

    As planned, the mock writing exam began.

    Because Lux enrolled halfway during the year, even the basic questions were giving him a headache, but due to his studying sessions with Krulcifer in the library, he could barely cope with the questions.

    As the written exam ended, the technical exam was going to begin.

    The first part of the technical exam was a long-distance run.

    Then there were tasks that gauge the candidate¡¯s strength, balance etc. Following that were basic kenjutsu and taijustsu, lastly was the Drag-Ride proficiency where real blades and rounds were used.

    The Drag-Ride exam consisted of summoning and equipping, flight and weapon usage combined with various forms of other tests that would only get harder.

    Lux was able to handle all of these with ease, a few minutes later the bell sounded.

    ¡°¡ªWell that concludes the mock exam. Lux Arcadia. After this you are to proceed alone. After changing into your uniform, you are to wait in the classroom. If you feel tired, or experience pain, then proceed back to the dormitory to rest, if you are really bored, then go study at the library. I won¡¯t force you to stay indoors but you are not allowed to get close to any other buildings until you get permission.

    ¡°Uh. Okay, I got it.¡±

    Raigree sensei¡¯s instructions left Lux slightly puzzled. Just as he was ready to leave the training field ¡ª

    Lux felt a pat on his back,

    ¡°Yo, my knight, how was the mock exam?¡±

    He turned around.

    The girl in the pilot suit bared an innocent smile.

    Lizsharte Atismata.

    The princess of the new kingdom, the girl who appointed Lux as her personal knight.

    That ponytail tied with a ribbon on the side of her blonde head, her red eyes filled with strength, her small body exudes an infinite confidence and enthusiasm, Lizsharte Atismata was such a girl.

    She was the one to recognize the abilities of Lux, an orphan, as well as a criminal of the old empire, and the one who suggested forcing him to enroll. Now that the two had gotten close, Lux was truly grateful of her.

    ¡°There was no problem, thanks to Lisha-sama¡¯s tuning, the machine was able to function really smoothly.¡±

    The ¡°Wyvern¡± that Lux piloted was fine-tuned by Lisha.

    With the specialized defense tuning as its base, she added it with the weapon she developed herself: the Scale Blade. Even Lux, who had seen a lot of customized Drag-Rides in his lifetime, thought that Lisha¡¯s talent for this was one of a kind.

    ¡°Of-of course it was thanks to me! You are going to use that in your exams at Wanheim after all. Also, I¡¯m quite happy myself, since my knight is getting stronger!¡±

    Lisha nodded enthusiastically as she hugged Lux¡¯s arm. From this angle, her petite body only served to emphasize her bountiful chest that was rubbing against his arm. Lux heart went doki-doki, at this moment¡ª

    ¡°You are thinking too much, it¡¯s not like he is getting stronger because of you.¡±

    Wearing the same outfit as Lisha, Krulcifer appears from the side.

    Straight blue hair that reached her waist, a body that wasn¡¯t just graceful but also well-proportioned.

    This girl¡¯s beauty was almost fairy-like, she gave off a unique aura. She shrugged her hair elegantly as she approached.

    ¡°Ah, Krulcifer-san, good work there. Tha-thanks to your guidance I was able to successfully complete the written exam.¡±

    ¡°Ara, that¡¯s good news, looks like my nightly visits aren¡¯t wasted.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­¡­ !?¡±

    Upon hearing Krulcifer¡¯s really vague description, Lisha blushed and started to panic.

    ¡°Wha-What is this? Lux! Even though you already have me, why do you still mingle with this woman?¡±

    ¡°No, no¡ªShe is just helping me with my studies!¡±

    Lux tried to clear up the misunderstanding, but Lisha just glared at Krulcifer suspiciously.

    ¡°It¡¯s me who asked Lux to keep this a secret, and if word gets out that I was giving Lux extra lessons after classes, there would sure be bizarre misunderstandings.¡±

    ¡°Guh ¡­ ¡­ It¡¯s still really suspicious ¡­ ¡­ Well, since the writing exam is over, let¡¯s just forget about it.¡±

    ¡°Well, of course. Well, I believe we have our separate things to do after this, so I¡¯ll take my leave first. It¡¯s a pity that I¡¯m going to work separately with Lux.¡±

    As Krulcifer smiled and left, Lisha nodded to herself.

    (Huh ¡­ ¡­ So what¡¯s everyone going to do now?)

    As Lux wondered to himself, Lisha turned around and said to him.

    ¡°¡­ Right, that thing you left with me. It¡¯s on the workbench in my workshop ¡°Atelier¡±, can you get it by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I got it.¡±

    That thing referred to the ¡°Bahamut¡±, the sword that was kept in a black scabbard ¡°Sword Device¡±.

    Since the mock exams only required the ¡°Wyvern¡±, Lux left it with her since it¡¯s troublesome to carry it around.

    So far, their everyday life was a peaceful day.

    After Lisha left, Lux went to the workshop ¡°Atelier¡± to recover the ¡°Sword Device¡± of ¡°Bahamut¡±.

    ¡°Even so, last time was very dangerous¡­.¡±

    Although it was quite an imminent situation, the symbol of ¡°Black Hero¡± who once destroyed the former empire, the Divine Drag-Ride ¡°Bahamut, was used in the imperial city.

    Fortunately, because the huge chaos caused by the ¡°Giant Soldier (Gigas)¡± that was raging in the venues of the entire Dragon Tournament, coupled with the Queen Raffi and the relevant personnel¡¯s help, so the people didn¡¯t notice Lux¡¯s true face.

    However, it couldn¡¯t suppress the people¡¯s curiosity.

    Who was that Drag-Knight that saved the New Kingdom from the crisis, by chance, could it be the ¡°Black Hero¡± from 5 years ago?

    Such a rumor was whispered around the kingdom, it was a painful headache for Lux.

    At the academy, the identity of Black Hero was supposed to be unknown to anyone other than the ¡°Knights Squadron (Syvalles)¡± as usual, but if there was a girl student in the All-Dragon Battle auditorium and she saw him wearing ¡°Bahamut¡±, even if there was a distance she would be able to recognize him.

    ¡°It seems until the situation has calmed down, I need to be careful©¤©¤¡±

    Lux said so alone, trying to pick up Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    Now outside the scabbard was also wrapped in pieces of white cloth, it looked very simple.

    ¡°There should be no problem ¡­ ¡­ right?¡±

    When he went outside the workshop (Atelier) and confirmed it, the appearance of the dorm mother calling toward him from a place that was a little away came into Lux¡¯s sight.

    ¡°Hey, errand boy, I have something I want to ask a moment.¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªAh, yes. I¡¯m coming.¡±

    Because the sword scabbard he just picked up became an obstacle, he left it on the side of the curb, and went to listen to the story.

    The talk was about the previous chores, mainly about storeroom of the dormitory, although it only lasted for a few minutes¡ª¡ª

    ¡°A-eh¡­..?¡±

    When Lux got back to the location, the sword that should be placed on the curb suddenly disappeared.

    Lux confusedly looked around and saw someone looking liked a first year girl was running from not far away.

    ¡°Wait for me! I just found my ¡°Sword Device¡±!¡±

    He saw the girl chasing another girl student in a panic.

    And her hands were holding the scabbard ¡ª¡ª

    ¡°¡ª¡ªDon¡¯t tell me!?¡±

    Lux reflectively looked along the vicinity.

    In a position slightly far away, a Sword Device was also covered in white sheath stood against the curb.

    Lux immediately picked it up to check ¡­ but from a glance he knew that this thing was slightly different from his.

    The biggest difference was that, outside of the sword scabbard was trimmed with the name ¡°Clariss¡± embroidered in red.

    ¡°Not good!? That girl, she mistook my sword¡ª¡ª!¡±

    Perhaps taking advantage of the examination interval to rest here, the result was that she had forgotten and left her Sword Device here, then she noticed and came to get it in a hurry.

    Then, she accidentally misunderstood Lux¡¯s nearby Sword Device, and took it directly.

    ¡°Wait, wait a bit!? That¡¯s mine¡ª¡ª!¡±

    This is bad

    Absolutely bad

    Even currently at school, the rumor of ¡°The mysterious Black Drag-Knight in the kingdom capital¡± was buzzing, therefore the black Sword Device mustn¡¯t be exposed to the light.

    Thinking about it, Lux was losing his calm.

    Why, after receiving various simulation tests together, only Lux was forced to act separately.

    While not completely reaching the idea in there, he chased after the little girl with full force.

    Although the girls had run farther, but he was still able to catch up.

    However, as soon as he was about to catch her figure, the back of the girl disappeared inside the indoor practice ground ¡ª¡ªa wooden building that was as large as a large inn.

    ¡°A¡­¡­..!?¡±

    When Lux was just about to continue to chase her, he was stopped by the two girls at the door.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­A, Lux-senpai is off-limit? Because in here, there is special training.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , but as much as I personally want you to see¡ª¡ªA, as expected, it¡¯s no good. I¡¯m very sorry.¡±

    Both girls were standing up with their hands spread out blocking his view while they blushed.

    Although both of them looked like they were joking, but they didn¡¯t seem willing to let Lux through.

    ¡°That, a little girl who went in awhile ago forgot something ¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°A, that¡¯s alright. Because we will make sure to give it to her later. What did she forget?¡±

    Although the gatekeeper girls said so, but they seemed to be unable to move for awhile, in the meantime, it would be too late if they pulled out the Sword Device.

    Lux observed the indoor training ground and then made a decision immediately.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. It was my mistake. Well then!¡±

    Lux bid the girl farewell in a hurry, turned his heel and leaving the place ¡ª¡ª immediately after pretending to leave he hid in the shade of a tree nearby, this time, while watching the surroundings, he sneaked in from the side of the front entrance.

    Climbing up the tall tree on the side, he jumped to the staircase to the second floor from there.

    (¡­¡­success!)

    The janitor didn¡¯t find him, he finally reached the door of the indoor training field.

    The other end was connected to the second floor and roof, so he entered from there.

    This door on the second floor was badly built and not used normally, but just yesterday he just finished the repair chores.

    ¡°Great, now I can¡ª¡ª!¡±

    Having able to bypassed them and slipped in¡ª¡ª But, Lux regretted instantly

    ¡°¡­¡­.A-re?¡±

    A few seconds after he stepped in, the inside of his head turned white.

    Looking from the second floor, he saw the training ground filled with skin color.

    This vast space was covered with smooth floor, the floor also had a layer of red carpet.

    Girls in underwear were arranged in rows, and undressed uniforms were put here and there.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªUwaa!?¡±

    Lux involuntarily averted his eyes, and he hid in the shadows nearby.

    After a few seconds of confusion, Lux finally realized the fact.

    (Per, perhaps this is ©¤©¤ body measurement!?)

    To handle the Drag-ride, accurate information such as height and weight as well as simple physical ability were important.

    And, as expected, they couldn¡¯t let Lux do it together.

    ¡°You¡¯ll work alone after this¡± the meaning of this sentence, Lux finally understood.

    (¡ª¡ªArgh, It¡¯s not time to think about such thing! I have to get out of here quickly! )

    Lux reflexively left the second floor back to the stairs and between the entrance, and then he heard the footsteps coming closer, he had to hide again in the shadows.

    ¡°Strange? I heard something from here a little while ago¡­¡­..¡±

    ¡°Yeah? I thought this doorway could not be used, but the door is open?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­.!?¡±

    *Kacha*, the door was opened, and the two janitor girls appeared from behind.

    Fortunately, the second floor usually had no people, so the table, chairs, stuffed with non-slip mat wooden box, exercise equipment, things that weren¡¯t used were piled here, there were many places to hide.

    However, there was only one way, so it was impossible to go out.

    If he was found at this point, of course, Lux would be caught as a peeping devil.

    (Why, why is there such a thing¡­..!?)

    He was starting to lament to god.

    If they were only doing physical measurements, it was unlikely that Lux¡¯s Sword Device would be immediately pulled out, but the girl student who took ¡°Bahamut¡± would notice it sooner or later.

    Therefore, there was only one choice left.

    (There, there¡¯s no choice, I have to do it now!)

    He must somehow elude the eyes of the girls, then retrieve the Sword Device ¡°Bahamut¡±.

    Lux took a deep breath and decided to prepare, and walked up the passage on the second floor, which turned into a mid-sized storehouse.

    The girls behind, because they had a role as a lookout, they shouldn¡¯t be able to leave outside soon.

    As long as he stayed on the second floor, then he should be less likely to be found, but just in case, Lux put the tablecloth on the side to cover his body.

    Then he crept out of the shadows, looking at the situation from the gap between the handrail.

    Lux tried not to see the girl¡¯s skin as much as possible and carefully searched, finally he found the girl and the Sword Device.

    (Great, I found it¡ª¡ª but how do I get it out?)

    If he went down to the first floor where the physical measurement was being done, Lux surely would be found.

    However, it seemed that the measurement was being carried out didn¡¯t use all of the training field.

    If he moved to other rooms, because there was less eyes around, he could get close without being detected.

    Lux adorned the tablecloth, just ready to go to the corridors outside the training ground¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Kyaaaaa!?¡±

    Suddenly, outside the training ground sounded the shrill screams of the girls.

    ¡°Ku¡­.!?¡±

    He thought that his heart would stop due to fear.

    However, it seemed that they didn¡¯t discover Lux.

    ¡°What, what? What happened !?¡±

    ¡°It is said that there is a suspicious man outside, some students saw him secretly slipped into the campus!¡±

    ¡°The peeping tom came again!? But the date of the measurement has been changed every time¡ª¡ª¡°

    Then, the training ground became noisy.

    Several female instructors shouted ¡°Please calm down¡±, but once spread, the fuss couldn¡¯t died down and accelerated more and more.

    Uneasily Lux observed the situation downstairs from the shadow, his eyes met with Noct who was wearing a garter belt attached underwear.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux had just wanted to confirm that first year girl, but the result was that he was accidentally found by others, this was bad! Lux¡¯s heartbeat began to accelerate.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­.¡±

    Noct¡¯s eyes slightly opened wide, she blushed a bit, but she immediately averted her line of sight.

    Apparently she seemed to have guessed that there were some reasons, so she let Lux relax without concern.

    ¡°¡­ Wait a moment!? Someone is on the second stairwell!?¡±

    A scream of a girl who climbed up from another place struck where Lux was hiding.

    (Damn¡­..!?)

    Because the incident disrupted his position, so his body also stood up slightly, the result was that he was exposed.

    But fortunately he was also dressed in tablecloths, so they didn¡¯t see his face, but this was only a matter of time.

    Lux flew out of the shadows, and ran through the passage in full force.

    He only heard screams of the girls who saw him came from behind.

    For the time being, it was necessary to take off the tablecloth somewhere no one could see.

    ¡°Why, why does it look like the first time I come to the academy¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux kicked the door, jumped from the middle of the stairs and onto the grass, rushed into the empty campus, and then ran to school.

    (Since everyone is doing physical measurement, there should not be anyone in the classroom yet¡ª¡ª)

    Lux thought so, but

    ¡°Kya¡ª¡ª!? Oh no!? Someone entered the school building! Call for help!?¡±

    In the corridor he could see a girl wearing a green bow tie¡ª¡ªa third year girl hurriedly escaped.

    (Not good!? Wrong move!?)

    Instructor Raigree said, ¡°Do not get close to the library and girls¡¯ dormitory.¡±

    It was here that the girls who finished the body measurement returned and changed their clothes.

    That meant¡ª¡ªIn the vicinity of this, there was a high possibility that there were girls in uniforms who had already finished changing clothes.

    ¡°Stop! Call for backup quickly!¡±

    Along with the voice from behind, came the following footsteps of the students.

    With the cloth covering his head, his vision was poor so he couldn¡¯t run fast.

    As he came to the stairs, Lux rushed to the second floor of the school building.

    Fortunately there was no one in the front, but the footsteps of the pursuers were increasing.

    ¡°Ku¡­¡­!?¡±

    (I can¡¯t shake them off! I must¡ª¡ªmake a gamble!)

    In a desperate moment, Lux took off the table cloth in the last resort, and pushed open the door of the reception room for guests.

    From the scene just now, there should be a lot of students who had not finished the measurement.

    Especially in this reception room, the possibility that students were changing clothes was low.

    Lux thought so, and slid in with desperation.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªA.¡±

    Unfortunately, he lost the bet.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­!?¡±

    The room was full of luxurious ornaments, the ground was also covered with red carpet.

    In the familiar living room, a breathtaking scene was spreading.

    Carefully cared honey color long hair, under it was a pair of deeply transparent jade eyes.

    Among the body which was tall and well-balanced, the rich chest bulge that stuck out tightly, this contrast to the flawless glamour gave a vibe of dangerous beauty at first glance, making her more vivid and attractive.

    And her awe-inspiring atmosphere, with her appearance complemented each other.

    This great nobleman daughter of this caliber was as if the girl was specially tailored.

    Standing there was the most well-known academy strongest Drag-Knight, third year Celistia Ralgris.

    She was wearing light blue underwear, with her uniform neatly folded in front of her.

    ¡°Wha, wha-wha-wha¡ª¡ªwhat are you doing, Lux!? I am¡ª¡ª¡°

    After freezing for a few seconds, Celis screamed with red face.

    ¡°So, sorry!? There¡¯s  a reason¡ª¡ª!¡±

    When Lux was trying to defend himself in a hurry, the sound of running outside the corridor was heard.

    *Konkon*, after a light knock, a voice was spoken without waiting for a reply.

    ¡°Excuse me, did someone come here!? Looks like a peeping tom entered into the campus, we were chasing this far¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±

    To the voice of a girl who seemed to be a third year, Celis glanced at Lux with a combination of shame and anger.

    When Lux lowered his head apologetically, Celis let out a sigh ¡°Haa¡­..¡±, and raised her voice toward the outside girl.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anyone suspicious. I will help as soon as I¡¯m done changing clothes.¡±

    ¡°Thank you! Well then!¡±

    And, along with the answer, the girl¡¯s footsteps could be heard moving away from the outside of the living room.

    A couple of seconds after the greatest crisis had passed.

    Celis covered her lacy underwear with her hand, looking seriously at Lux.

    ¡°Ano, Celis-senpai, this is¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°Really ¡­ I didn¡¯t think there will be a scene where you would do such a thing ¡­ ¡­¡±

    With her face faintly dyed red, Celis angrily muttered.

    The muttering of the girl who trusted him struck him with guilt, but there was no time to feel depressed.

    ¡°Wait, please wait! Actually ¡­¡±

    ¡°Lux, peeking on girl changing clothes is not good, you know?¡±

    Celis scolded, with a tone for speaking to children who did mischief.

    Her face was full of shyness and angry, this scene made people felt freshness, it could somewhat be said to be quite cute.

    ¡°Haa, what a shock. I never think Lux would do this, what happened to you? I have never scolded a young boy, so I am troubled, what a headache©¤©¤ That, especially in this kind of situation, I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Holding her chest with both her hands, Celis talked to herself.

    For some reason her appearance looked extremely grave, Lux got stiff and forgot to say his excuse.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªThat¡¯s it. This is the solution.¡±

    ¡°Yes!?¡±

    Celis, whose eyes were suddenly shining, looked straight at Lux.

    ¡°In our Ralgris family of the Four Great Noble, I heard rumors that there are traditional methods of mental correction for vassals. It seems there is a need to go deep in an isolated mountain for two weeks, then soon Lux should also regain his original beautiful heart.¡±

    ¡°When that is over, it definitely will not be the original me, isn¡¯t it!?¡±

    Celis confidently said, while Lux desperately denied.

    ¡°That, that¡¯s not the case, this is a bit, I have personal complicated circumstances! I, I will accept punishment for this later, for now ¡ª¡ª¡°

    Then, Lux pleaded with sincerity.

    Celis who saw it stopped moving as if confused, then she began to think.

    ¡°Lux¡¯s circumstances¡­¡­By any chance, that is, I heard rumor from Sharis, some trouble that only male has¡­¡­. is it?¡±

    Celis whispered, her face showed a little confused expression.

    Then, Celis seemed to have decided, she released her hands exposing her body in lingerie.

    ¡°¡­¡­.I, I get it. If Lux says that much, I, I¡¯ll only allow a little bit. But, but this is, a secret to other students, okay?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about!?¡±.

    Hearing Celis said something so frightening, Lux unexpectedly blurted out.

    He didn¡¯t know what kind of misunderstanding she had, but she definitely wasn¡¯t thinking the same thing as he was.

    In a hurry he explained about his Sword Device to her, Celis suddenly realized.

    ¡°This, this is serious! I¡¯ll help as soon as I finished changing clothes, so quickly¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! Thank you!¡±

    Lux somehow got forgiven, and started to run out of the living room.

    He passed through the corridor so as to avoid being seen, trying to escape the school building for the time being.

    But after a moment¡¯s delay, Lux noticed that it was an incredibly bad idea.

    ¡°Ha¡­¡­!?¡±

    Was it because the student found him, or he was quite shaken by the sight of Celis in her underwear, he couldn¡¯t focus anymore.

    However, the students who already wore uniforms had gathered in the downstairs of the school building which could be seen from the staircase, and escape was impossible without being seen.

    (Dammit¡­¡­.!? That¡¯s¡ª¡ªI can¡¯t get out!)

    Not long after Lux felt shaken, he heard footsteps approaching from the bottom of the stairs.

    Since downstairs was certainly dangerous, then he could only escape to the roof.

    When Lux embraced the last trace of hope by opening the door, suddenly someone from behind seized his wrist.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªEh?¡±

    Suddenly there was a strong trembling feeling running across his spine, Lux hurriedly looked back.

    ¡°Ara? I was wondering who made a sudden visit¡ª¡ªso it was you, my lord?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Yoruka!? Why are you here!? ¡ª¡ªAnd, what¡¯s with that outfit?¡±

    Seeing someone who was so unexpected, Lux couldn¡¯t help but opened his mouth wide.

    A beautiful black hair girl showing a bewitching smile.

    With perfect body curve, the girl, who had different eye color blue and purple on the left and right pupil, her name was Kirihime Yoruka.

    In the past she was an assassin known as ¡°The Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade¡± serving the Old Empire, she was an exotic girl with unparalleled ability as a Drag-Knight.

    Although they opposed each other for a short time because of her loyalty to the old empire and her purpose of ¡°rebuilding the empire¡±, now she had sworn to become Lux¡¯s faithful servant and had been doing her duty.

    Currently in order to secure her position, with Headmaster Relie¡¯s help her admission procedures into the academy should be arranged but¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Yes, a few days ago they also helped me prepare this uniform. How do I look? My lord?¡±

    Usually Yoruka always wore a dark exotic dress, today was the first time he saw her in school uniform.

    Her bountiful chest wrapped in the blouse, and glossy lustrous thigh lines extending from the skirt, her beauty was dazzling.

    Although it was surprising to see in a glance, but because she had good looks from the start, there was not much discomfort from her appearance.

    ¡°A, yeah, it suits you¡­. Wait, it¡¯s not the time for that ¡ª¡ª¡°

    Lux said shyly, but then he immediately recovered himself.

    The girls who were searching in the school building seemed to be coming to the roof soon.

    In a hurry, Lux told her about the Sword Device of ¡°Bahamut¡± being taken by mistake, as well as about the peeping tom coming to the campus which caused the commotion.

    ¡°I see, it¡¯ll be good to get back the Sword Device from that first year girl¡ª¡ªand for my lord to be found here at school, it would be bad¡­.. is that it?¡±

    Yoruka let out a smile, then she approached Lux.

    During this time they heard the commotion of the girls downstairs.

    ¡°Wait, not here either? I wonder where he went?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still the rooftop¡ª¡ªcould it be?¡±

    Words like that could be heard, it was a desperate situation.

    ¡°What should I do, Yoruka? If this goes on¡ª¡ª¡±

    Lux had no choice but to ask, Yoruka revealed a bright smile.

    ¡°This is simple, my lord. I have a plan.¡±

    She gently brought her lips to Lux¡¯s ear and whispered.

    ¡°Wait!? Anything, but that¡ª¡ª!?¡±

    ¡°If we don¡¯t do it fast, they¡¯ll come here, right?¡±

    Yoruka emerged a mischievous smile, then she crawled her hands into Lux¡¯s clothes.

    Then, her suggestion was carried out¡ª¡ª3 minutes later.

    *Don*, the roof door was flung open violently, the girls who were chasing him looked around, they noticed someone¡¯s shadow from behind the wall and called out.

    ¡°Hey, did someone come here!? Someone like a peeping¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°No one came here from a while ago? I¡¯m a bit busy now, so can we do that later?¡±

    Faced with the urgent tone of the female students, Yoruka answered lightly.

    Of course, they didn¡¯t give up just like that.

    ¡°Maybe he hid somewhere. Let¡¯s have a little look¡ª¡ª¡­¡­£¡£¿¡±

    The sound of them becoming petrified, even Lux could hear it.

    They saw, lying on the rooftop¡¯s floor and tangling each other, the appearance of two girls.

    One of them, was a girl with beautiful black hair that fell on her own skin¡ª¡ªKirihime Yoruka

    And the other one, being pressed under, was a girl wearing a blouse and a skirt.

    Hidden by Yoruka¡¯s hand which was holding her Sword Device, the girl¡¯s face couldn¡¯t be seen, but it was obvious that she was a student at this school.

    ¡°You, you¡­..are¡ª¡ª£¡£¿¡±

    Seeing this, the two female students were speechless.

    Only the girl underneath was wearing uniform, Yoruka was riding on her waist, wearing only her top and bottom underwear.

    That¡ª¡ªcouldn¡¯t be imagined as anything else but a special tryst between girls.

    Looking at the girls who stiffened up with their red faces, Yoruka gently smiled.

    ¡°As you can see, we haven¡¯t seen any peeping tom. But it would be you two if you were to continue watching like this¡ª¡ª¡±

    As she finished, with her gorgeous little lips, she gently overlapped them on the lips of the girl lying underneath.

    Lips and tongues, engaged in a long tangling movement.

    ¡°¡ª¡ª£¡£¿¡±

    The girl underneath let out a muffled voice.

    After about ten seconds, the kiss was over, Yoruka loosened her lips, and a transparent silver string was trailing from her tongue..

    Immediately after seeing that, Yoruka gazed again and the girls retreated.

    ¡°Well, then please enjoy yourself!¡±

    ¡°Sor, sorry for disturbing!¡±

    The door of the rooftop was closed violently, and there was sounds of footsteps running away.

    After a while, screams telling that they had lost sight of the peeping tom in school resounded.

    ¡°Well, looks like it¡¯s fine now.¡±

    As Yoruka heard it, she crawled down from Lux¡¯s body, Lux murmured in a dying state.

    ¡°I thought everything was lost ¡­¡­¡±

    Or, it was better to say he¡¯d die if this were exposed.

    And not to mention Lux¡¯s mental state, as the only male student in the academy, he¡¯d certainly kneel.

    ¡°My Lord is exaggerating. Just let bygone be bygone.¡±

    ¡°Although it seems like I¡¯ve lost something important, but thank you¡­.¡±

    Lux thanked her, turned and began to take off the uniform.

    Yoruka proposed a plan to fool the girls¡ª¡ªThat was for Lux to wear Yoruka¡¯s new uniform, it could be described as a taboo approach.

    ¡°Just, just that¡ª¡ªthere¡¯s no need for the kissing part, right¡­.?¡±

    When Lux turned his face red and raised a voice of embarrassment, Yoruka showed a little bewitching smile.

    ¡°It was not unnecessary. And my lord response to women, after this time I can begin to understand.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    After all, her actual age should be one year younger than his, Lux felt speechless.

    ¡°Then I am going to get back to my lord Sword Device. Please wait for a while, then look for opportunities to return from the roof to the school building.¡±

    ¡°A, yeah. I¡¯ve troubled you.¡±

    Saying it in a monotone, Lux reluctantly nodded.

    When Yoruka who once again wore her uniforms went down the stairs, Lux was released from tension and he sighed.

    About the Sword Device, it would be better to leave it to Celis and Yoruka.

    ¡°Ha, somehow, I¡¯m exhausted¡­¡­¡±

    While looking at the clear sky, Lux powerlessly sat down.

    ?

    A few minutes later. After, Lux¡¯s Sword Device came back to his hand without being noticed by anyone.

    It seemed that the Triads and Airi also cooperated under Celis¡¯s command, and came looking for Lux on the rooftop and handed it to him.

    ¡°Thank you¡ª¡ªAnd sorry for the trouble.¡±

    While giving thanks to the girl, Lux was able to get out of the school building

    ¡°Fuu, I¡¯m saved ¡­¡±

    As he left the school building and wore the Sword Device he just got back, Lux sit on the curb of the courtyard and finally stroked his chest.

    Already most students had finished physical measurements and changed their clothes, and had come back to their rooms, Lux decided to take a rest for a while

    ¡°Although I can feel rest assured ¡­ what was the noise a little while ago?¡±

    It was a misunderstanding that Lux entered the indoor practice ground, but an incident appeared as an outside peeping tom was entering the school building, which made a serious commotion.

    ¡°A peeping tom. So who could it¡ª¡ª¡±

    Tilting his neck, Lux murmured to himself..

    Lux was in a daze in the courtyard in autumn where falling leaves were dancing.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªYou look free, little brat over there.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­£¡£¿¡±

    Because of the unexpected voice from behind, Lux bounced up straight.

    A voice of a heavy and deep man, rarely heard in school.

    Although in a musical range that could be affirmed as a mature man, but it wasn¡¯t loud and rough, it had a unique intonation giving those who heard it a strong impression.

    When he turned around, there was a man who he had never seen before.

    His appearance was similar to Lux¡¯s petite body.

    His face looked pretty young, at first glance he looked like a boy, but with somewhat old-fashioned expression and dangerous atmosphere around him, one would hesitate calling him a boy.

    He was wearing a slightly dark blue mantle, below that was a black suit, protected by a thin metal armor.

    Black hair under the hood, as well as his left eye was wearing a strangely shaped eye patch, decorated with metal pieces.

    But, stranger than his appearance, was his eye.

    Dark. Bottomless dark. Black pupil, such as the abyss where light could not be seen.

    Still, it was strange that his expressions and tone were not somewhat depressing.

    A shiny, hard polished black.

    He was a man with an atmosphere reminiscent of an obsidian incarnation.

    ¡°You are¡ª¡ª¡±

    When Lux was being stunned by his atmosphere, the man gently lifted his chin.

    ¡°I¡¯m a visitor. I¡¯m looking for the Headmaster for some business. Come show me the way quickly.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    Lux was speechless again when he heard the man¡¯s order.

    Why a man who looked like a boy like this, being so bossy.

    ¡°E, etou¡ª¡ªPlease wait. In the first place, who are you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a man that really like to ask trivial stuffs? Who am I, how should I say it I wonder?¡±

    His eyes opened wide, the man distorted his mouth into a bow shape, and laughed strangely.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Because here is within the grounds of the Royal Military Academy, I cannot guide you anywhere unless you tell me who you are. Moreover¡ª¡ªI¡¯m kind of busy right now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s too bad, but I don¡¯t mind? After you lead me there, I will handle it myself.¡±

    ¡°Not that, I said¡­.¡±

    Even Lux didn¡¯t know how to answer.

    Although he experienced doing service business many times while doing chores, he had never met such a domineering guest.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about details, but it seems an outside peeping tom got inside ¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Is that so? It was really troublesome, but it was strange? I was stopped by the guard at the gate earlier, I got in without permission while shaking them off¡ª¡ªI did not see suspicious people in particular.¡±

    ¡°E¡­?¡±

    As the man calmly uttered these words, Lux had a bad feeling.

    Stopped by guards, entered without permission?

    Then, don¡¯t tell me¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Oh? A, you don¡¯t have to say anymore. I get it.¡±

    And, while the man opened his usual eyes with no light, he raised his mouth into a smile, and pounded his hand.

    Then he looked straight at Lux and said confidently.

    ¡°The culprit is you, with a face like a woman, you transformationist.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong! It¡¯s you! The peeping intruder who went in without permission!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. This country will treat it like that. It is a cruel custom.¡±

    ¡°Any country will do the same! Please leave the campus quickly!¡±

    ¡°Yare yare. How awful, there was also unreasonable treatment. Even though I was called directly by the Queen of this country, I was told to get out.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!? What, just now¡ª¡ª£¿¡±

    The moment when Lux showed a dubious face, the man took out a document from his chest pocket and showed it to him.

    ¡°A letter from the Queen. Let me say it again. I request you to show me before the school headmaster. New Kingdom chore boy.¡±

    The man said with a sneer.

    It seemed that he knew Lux¡¯s position and added inside also a little provocation, Lux decided not to respond to it.

    ¡°¡­¡­I understand.¡±

    Lux had also seen the Queen¡¯s letter and signature.

    Although he did not know who he was, but what the man said was true.

    Lux decided to guide the man to the Headmaster¡¯s room.

    Fortunately or unfortunately, the body measurement seemed to have ended safely, and no sign of girls could be seen around.

    However, unlike the previous time, Lux tightened his face and entered the school building.

    He was aware that the unknown man was not a good character.

    ¡°It¡¯s a nice academy. Morale is also high, and the level of practice is also so so. It is also interesting to have a policy of educating women who are well-manned in Drag-ride. However, it is unnecessary for my subordinates. Are you not dissatisfied even if you see it?¡±

    After looking around to appraisal, the man spoke unexpectedly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    When Lux returned with a vigilant voice, he heard footsteps from behind.

    Coming in a hurry, a middle-aged man wearing a robe and two young men.

    If he remembered correctly, they were the chiefs of the new kingdom and the school secretary.

    ¡°This, this is, thank you for coming from such a long trip, sir Singlen. It seems that you came a little bit earlier than the original scheduled time¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a busy man unlike you. I do not like being kept waiting so I let myself in. Has the school headmaster known of this meeting?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it has been sent to inform her before.¡±

    Even with the man¡¯s rude attitude, the two men continued to abide by the etiquette, Lux showed a puzzle expression,

    ¡°It was a hard time chore boy. As a reward, let me give you the honor of knowing my name.¡±

    The black man¡¯s fearless smile, and he spoke his words in a tone that looked down from very high.

    ¡°Singlen Shelbrit. Vice captain of states alliance¡¯s Drag-Ride force, the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, affiliated to the Blackend Kingdom, head of the White Ridge Knights regiment, those are¡ª¡ªsome trivial titles of this great me.¡±

    ¡°¡±Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, Vice captain¡­.!?¡±

    Reflectively, Lux repeated like a parrot.

    ¡°The troublesome guys call me ¡°Blue Tyrant¡±. Call me whatever you like, chore boy.¡±

    The threat of Phantom God Beast (Abyss) growing year by year.

    To counteract the seven Ruins activating, each country selected one Drag-Knight as their representative, a total of seven Drag-Knights.

    It was an elite unit gathering representatives from various countries that would investigate the Ruins with their own authority and acted as a fighting force against those threats in case of emergency.

    Not all of them had yet been decided, but among them the captain and the vice captain were judged based from past record, and it seemed to be decided by discussion.

    In other words, it meant that he had such a tremendous outstanding track record on a worldwide scale.

    At the last All-Dragon Battle outside of school¡ª¡ªThe man did not show up because of the restrictions on the official candidate, but there was still stronger people in the world.

    (¡ª¡ªBut, why such a person is in the school of the new kingdom?)

    No way, was the threat like the Demonic Beast of The End (Ragnarok) approaching?

    ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t they tell you? The upper part of the country was also surprisingly scattered.¡±

    As if seeing through Lux¡¯s thought, Singlen mouth bent into a curve.

    His obvious imprudent way of speaking made the consul and the secretary behind stunned.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my affair here is just an interview. The ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡± of this country has not been decided yet. Before the meeting that takes place in the near future, I hope that each country decides at least one good candidate.¡±

    ¡°¡­..¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it. Can you do me one thing, chore boy. I want you to keep a watch on this place. I feel somewhat better than being watched by those two with a thin face.¡±

    In the corridor facing the long courtyard, Singlen said to Lux.

    This had been more than the level of rude, it could be said that his mouth was dirty, but Lux wasn¡¯t in the mood to refuse.

    ¡°¡­¡­..It doesn¡¯t guarantee that I will be allowed to do it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s done. It¡¯s me who decided it. ¡ª¡ªOkay, I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±

    After that, the man named Singlen went into the Headmaster¡¯s room.

    (That man, what on earth was he thinking¡­..?)

    After that, when asking if he could watch over the room to Relie who came, ¡°Really? Then please do so.¡± he easily got permitted

    As he was standing in front of the door for a while, the first who came over was Lisha.

    ¡°A-re? If it¡¯s not you, Lux. What are you doing here?¡±

    Looking at the Lux who was watching for some reasons, she widened her eyes surprised.

    Perhaps, it was probably that the people who would receive this interview had been decided in advance.

    ¡°There was something happening, and then it became such a strange situation.¡±

    ¡°What. I thought I¡¯d have you on the same seat as my knight, that¡¯s a shame.¡±

    Then with a proud face she crossed her arm which looked cute, Lux¡¯s expression also relaxed.

    ¡°But¡ª¡ªPlease be careful. The vice captain of the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, is quite an odd man.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There are many strange people in this school and I am accustomed to dealing with them. Besides¡ª¡ªIn a way, I¡¯m also the princess of this country.¡±

    She said so confidently, then left a ¡°Then, please stand watching¡±, she walked inside the room.

    Clack, a few minute after the door was closed.

    Since he couldn¡¯t freely eavesdropping, Lux was waiting at the distance¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Haa!? Stop joking! Who are you, calling people like that!?¡±

    Suddenly Lisha roared, it could be heard outside the room.

    ¡°No more talking. I¡¯m going home! I don¡¯t have free time to go with your nonsense!¡±

    Then it seemed that the conclusion of the discussion had arrived soon, Lisha came out of the room.

    From the outrageous attitude of that Singlen, it was possible to expect it to a certain degree, but this result was still a little surprising for Lux.

    Lisha¡¯s character was simple and straightforward on the surface, but in fact she would use strategy, and also able to see through nature of problems.

    For negotiations to break so quickly, it was hard to imagine.

    What Singlen was trying to do, Lux was being a little concerned about it.

    ¡°What a rude man!? Has the Blackend Kingdom quality become like that!?¡±

    ¡°Ano, Lisha-sama. I understand your feelings, but this is the corridor¡ª¡ª¡±

    Seeing steam coming out from Lisha¡¯s head, Lux persuaded her with a wry smile.

    Lisha complained for a while then left, and then there was another footstep coming near Lux.

    ¡°What a surprise, I didn¡¯t think we could meet here, Lux¡±

    The girl wearing a dignified atmosphere, third year student Celis.

    ¡°I was called here, to receive an interview as a candidate for the ¡°Seven Dragons Paladin¡± of the New Kingdom¡ª¡ªDon¡¯t tell me, you too?¡±

    ¡°No, I just have some reasons, I¡¯m supposed to be a guard here.¡±

    ¡°Is that so. I can¡¯t be panicked in front face of my junior. The opponent is the ¡°Blue Tyrant¡±, I have to keep it in mind.¡±

    Her tone was as serious as usual.

    But compared to thinking that was ¡°Really Celis-like¡±, Lux was more concerned about another word.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­About Singlen, do you know something?¡±

    ¡°To some extent ¡ª¡ªif you do not mind, can I speak what I know?¡±

    Lux nodded reflexively.

    Because time was running out, Celis made it very simple, but Lux learned about Singlen.

    A man from the Blackend Kingdom, he emerged immediately as a striking figure after the Drag-Ride was excavated, with overwhelming ability, he climbed to the rank of general.

    However, after a period of time, after a large-scale civil strife, he was punished by the king for his merciless fighting style, it was said that he was robbed of the title knight.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the truth, but the King seems to be afraid of his ability and kept him away from the royal family? There seems to be that theory, Later, Sir Singlen left the Imperial City.¡±

    Lux felt that the theory was highly believable.

    An era in which various things suddenly changed due to existence of Drag-ride, which was still about several years after the ruins were found.

    There was too strong military Drag-Knight that appeared, it was no wonder that people would fear his growing power.

    ¡°However, as we all know, a large-scale natural disaster has occurred in various places, including the Blackend Kingdom from the other day. The existence of a new type of humanoid Phantom God Beast (Abyss) called Nocturnal¡­..¡±

    After the end of the Dragon Tournament, Lux also learned from Raigree instructor about the matter.

    ¡°The Blackend Kingdom lost its main force due to the battle, I heard that Sir Singlen was called to the King¡¯s Castle again. Just before the former king was killed in battle and was substituted.¡±

    ¡°¡­..¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all I know. Then, I¡¯ll go first.¡±

    As Celis finished saying, she quickly went into the Headmaster¡¯s room.

    Unlike Lisha, if it was Celis who didn¡¯t act straightforwardly, she would be able to avoid being on the same pace as Singlen. Lux thought.

    ¡°Yes. Is, that so¡­.? No, I am honored to be praised. But¡ª¡ªeh?¡±

    Although he had no attention of eavesdropping, but he could hear a relatively calm voice.

    It seemed that the meeting was over in a matter of minutes, Celis came out of the Headmaster¡¯s room.

    Her face was a bit confused.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing special¡­.I got praised for my quality as a Drag-Knight, but the details about the subject, he seems to be avoiding it.¡±

    ¡°Avoiding the main issue?¡±

    ¡°And, of course, these contents should not be revealed to others, so let it be¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    With Celis words, Lux also noticed the danger of his remark.

    Soon after he regretted asking promptly, Singlen patted Lux on the shoulder.

    ¡°It¡¯s over, chore boy. Come and see me outside. That¡¯s my last request.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..understood.¡±

    Lux nodded and walked by Singlen¡¯s side.

    Did they know the news of Singlen coming to the academy?

    The appearance of the girl students looking at Lux in a long distance was seen in some places.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªYou don¡¯t ask me what I said to the two in the interview?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, please tell me.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Can¡¯t tell you.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..Is that so.¡±

    As Lux tone was mixed with a sigh, Singlen quivered his shoulders and laughed.

    ¡°Kukukuku, don¡¯t make such a face. Do you think it¡¯s hard to understand? A man purposely received a royal command from the Blackend Kingdom to come all the way here, why did he take a stuffy attitude towards those two girls?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­.¡±

    The eye reflecting the bottomless darkness looked into Lux¡¯s face.

    His eye was not laughing.

    Only his mouth was slightly bowed and distorted.

    ¡°Can you see through my intention? Chore-doing criminal.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..from the beginning you have no intentions of discussing. Is that right?¡±

    Lux answered immediately.

    Thinking carefully, it was very unnatural from the beginning.

    He visited the academy half a day earlier than planned, and also entered the campus without permission despite being stopped.

    At first glance he seemed to be just rude and arrogant, but this man who climbed up to the position of the royal knight¡¯s leader, there was no way he didn¡¯t understand how to behave.

    That was, contrary to the fact that the candidate must be determined as soon as possible, he didn¡¯t intend to achieve his goal from the start.

    ¡°Is that all? Well, it¡¯s only half of it. How disappointing. The worth of your head was only a little more precious than the majority of the country council.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Your understanding is really bad. Has your intuition slowed down just by taking care of the ladies.¡±

    Singlen turned a wicked smile at Lux.

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to put the story together. We¡¯ll talk here. Haven¡¯t I told you some hints? Didn¡¯t I let you stand there deliberately, and let you hear our discussion?¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªcould it be.¡±

    At this moment, Lux was aware of Singlen¡¯s intentions.

    ¡°You, chore boy. The ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±, former Acardia Empire Seventh Princes Lux Arcadia. I came to scout you out. As one of the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    Surprised and shocked, it penetrated Lux¡¯s body at the same time, he was petrified.

    ¡°Are you surprised? You thought that you were not supposed to be chosen? If so you¡¯re stupid. Compare to 5 years ago, has this peaceful days turned you into a fool. Like this kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Are you seriously saying that? To me¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°This is a boring conversation. Please stop acting in front of me. I need to pull the strongest man in this country as the vice captain of the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±. Not just on the surface, but the truly strong.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±

    How far this guy knows about myself?

    However, even if he saw through Lux¡¯s identity as ¡°Bahamut¡± user, Lux couldn¡¯t admit he was the ¡°Black Hero¡±.

    ¡°Although I was certainly recommended from the consular officers of the kingdom to be the candidate for the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, I do not think that I am suitable, and I don¡¯t intend to do so.¡±

    Although being on alert, Lux¡¯s voice was unwavering, Singlen continued.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say such childish words. You used to be more adult like. No©¤©¤Or that you just put on a mature look? In any case, you showed such performance at that age, you are not an ordinary man and you have qualifications for being the representative.¡±

    There was decisiveness in his tone.

    This tone was like he knew that Lux had destroyed the old empire in the past, Lux further raised his vigilance.

    ¡°Do you know¡ª¡ªabout me and the Old Empire?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t know. The upper part of the Old Empire had been associated with the Blackend Kingdom. Oh, I was getting along with your older brother from that time. Was his name Fugil Acardia?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­.!¡±

    Instantly hearing these words, Lux gasped.

    Although he wanted to conceal his own shaking, but that man might have been seen through him.

    ¡°It seems he¡¯s missing since the coup d¡¯¨¦tat five years ago, but I don¡¯t think the guy will die easily, do you know something?¡±

    ¡°No¡­..I know nothing.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a pity ¡­ No, actually, the other day, I heard a story that my subordinate saw a man looking like Fugil.¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªIs that, true?¡±

    ¡°You want to know? Just tell me. What, if you become one of the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, the opportunity to continue talking to me would come soon.¡±

    ¡°¡­..then, can I ask one last question?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. But make it quick, time is precious. Even gold can¡¯t buy my time.¡±

    Conceit, bold, and fearless.

    Singlen nodded, with an arrogant attitude befitting the title ¡°Blue Tyrant¡±.

    ¡°What is your real purpose? Promoting me to join the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, it isn¡¯t just simply to bring stability to the world isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Fu, what a troublesome kid. I was suspected quite a lot.¡±

    The school ground was surrounded by tall walls.

    They had arrived near the gate.

    ¡°My mission and purpose are to protect this world, as a Drag-Knight, as the commander of Drag-Knight, what else is there?¡±

    ¡°Well, I will talk about my purpose. I¡¯ll tell you as a chore prince, I will protect this academy, I will become the power of everyone who goes here, it is now my wish.¡±

    He didn¡¯t know Singlen¡¯s true intention.

    As a ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡±, why did he seek Lux¡¯s power so much.

    However, regardless of what the other side¡¯s intention, Lux had decided the answer.

    He once concealed his identity and destroyed the Old Empire, it was Lux¡¯s wish.

    He tried to make a country without unreasonable tyranny and unjustifiable discrimination.

    And now, to protect this new kingdom from the threat from other countries and Phantom God Beasts (Abyss), to support the power of the countries of the young girls with his own strength.

    For that reason, he became an exclusive knight of Princess Lisha.

    ¡°Ha ha ha. How awful, negotiation breakup, it¡¯s a shame, my time has been wasted. I wanted you to be a ¡°Seven Dragon Paladin¡± even now.¡±

    Singlen tilted his head slightly, only his mouth revealed that strange smile, staring at Lux¡¯s face.

    Lux also returned a resolute line of sight to his opponent, just outside, seven people wearing white helmet and cloak covering their faces, immediately came up to stop the two.

    ¡°My lord. We come to pick you up, it¡¯s about time to leave the kingdom.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..I understand. Farewell, orphan of the old empire¡ª¡ª ¡°The weakest undefeated¡±. You have to work hard to fulfill your wishes.¡±

    Saying that with a loud tone, Singlen walked out of the campus, and looked back.

    ¡°But remember, never, will your wish comes true. Because I¡¯ve never failed to achieve my purpose, and what you really want, is just boring self-sacrificing. ©¤©¤Well then, let¡¯s meet again, Hero.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±

    Even after hearing that final word, Lux didn¡¯t even blink an eye.

    ¡°The Blue Tyrant¡± and his followers gradually disappeared from the field of vision.

    The breathless encounter was over.

    But, why.

    Even though they didn¡¯t resemble each other, an air somewhat like his older brother Fugil, Lux could sense it from Singlen.

    ?

    ¡°So the result, ¡°Over Limit¡± can no longer be used?¡±

    In the school ground after the storm had left.

    In the Drag-ride workshop (Atelier), Lisha who was wearing a white gown said so suddenly.

    ¡°Yes, it seems so.¡±

    Putting his waist on the workbench, Lux answered Lisha who was watching him, and released ¡°Bahamut¡± armor.

    A special system which released the output restriction of the Drag-ride which was usually restricted to avoid the burden of body and mind, Limit Break (Over Limit).

    For a while, it was thought that Lux¡¯s body could not bear it, so it was forbidden to use it since the training camp, and as his physical condition stabilized now, in order to be prepared, he tried to repeat the steps but was unsuccessful.

    ¡°But it¡¯s strange. Don¡¯t you remember it? The way of perfect Limit Break (Over Limit), even I don¡¯t know it clearly¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°I do not know. Why only that time, I can do it¡ª¡ª¡±

    I remember seeing the method of Limit Break (Over Limit) that La Cruche had done as the Ruin¡¯s Supervisor (Gear Leader), I wonder if that was the reason for my memories?

    (¡­..Memory? No, I should have used the Limit Break (Over Limit) for the first time at that time. Or¡ª¡ª£©

    Am I forgetting something? Lux mind emerged this question.

    ¡°It may be because Phi-chan was there. Maybe I forgot something¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡­..!? That, that airhead girl has nothing to do with this!? That¡­. this is still a problem, I¡¯ll think about it myself. Hum.¡±

    After hearing Lux murmuring to himself, Lisha somehow anxiously shouted.

    Lux tilted his head curiously, as time went by.

 Volume 6 - CH 2

    Two days later.

    A total of sixty students, who passed the simulation tests at school, and several men from the military, who took the test together, left on a journey to the Principality of Wanheim.

    Although the area was smaller than the New Kingdom, the Principality of Wanheim also had vast borders, so it was also ranked as one of the big countries.

    The season was now early autumn, but Wanheim¡¯s climate was still very warm, so everyone was happy that they did not have to wear warm clothing.

    The downside was that the one-way trip lasted for over four days.

    They sometimes traveled by boat from the harbor, sometimes crossing national borders and would encounter wild animals and bandits, and also needed to use Drag-Ride to fly through shortcuts.

    But they still mainly rode carriage to the test site at Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    Initially, everyone was excited to see the exotic people and landmarks, and were all jumping in enthusiasm, but after four tired days of travelling on carriage, they became more obedient.

    ¡±But this is really troublesome, why do we have to travel this way every time, just directly use Drag-Ride to fly over is way better.¡±

    Located at the back of the wagon, Lisha boringly looked out of the window.

    ¡±Because you cannot run out of strength before the test, otherwise we¡¯ll be putting the cart before the horse? After all, others cannot use Drag-Ride casually like us.¡±

    ¡±Muu¡­..¡±

    Sitting opposite to her while calmly reading, Krulcifer whispered a reminder.

    Although having seated on the bumpy carriage for so long, she still looked quite refreshed, which made Lux admired her.

    ¡±Kuu¡­..Lu, chan.¡±

    At the same time, Philuffy, who early had entered her beautiful dream, leant her body on to Lux.

    In order to not give her extra burden, Lux didn¡¯t want to wake her up so he kept still, but her plentiful twin peaks happened to touch his arms. Moreover, as the carriage kept bumping, Lux¡¯s arm was buried deeper into her elastic chest, which couldn¡¯t help but made Lux¡¯s heart raced.

    ¡±Hey, that Tennen Boke (natural air head)! Don¡¯t get too close! Lux is troubled!?¡±

    Lisha, who had been sitting next to that scene, finally could not hold it in anymore and yelled.

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­Aa, I don¡¯t mind, just let her sleep.¡±

    Lux smiled wryly to soothe down Lisha.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. To be precise, you don¡¯t feel troubled, but feel happy ¡ª¡ªOr, you look very happy, you aren¡¯t saying this just to sit next to her, are you?¡±

    Krulcifer snapped close the book, and then stared coldly there.

    ¡°It, it¡¯s not like that!? Krulcifer-san, don¡¯t say such strange thing¡ª¡ªUwa!?¡±

    While Lux couldn¡¯t bear the despises of the two young girls and was stumbling around¡ª¡ª

    * Duang! *

    Suddenly a deep bell resounded.

    ¡±¡ª¡ªE?¡±

    That sound and the one from the Cross Field were different; it had a slightly solemn and calm tone, which made Lux speechless for a moment.

    ¡±Everyone, take a break for a bit. If anyone still has the strength to get down from the carriage and look, you can see good things.¡±

    Soon after he heard Relie¡¯s voice, Lux gently straightened Philuffy, opened the curtains and looked out the carriage.

    Then¡ª¡ª

    ¡±Uwa.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help but issue a sound of admiration.

    ¡±¡­¡­Amazing.¡±

    ¡±Beautiful¡­.There actually is such a city.¡±

    The girls jumped down from the carriage parked on the hillside and as they saw this scene, they also let out sounds of admiration.

    Reflected in their eyes were the majestic white gold walls surrounding the octagonal city.

    There were watch towers located at each of the eight corners, surrounding the giant hemispherical palace in the middle, divided into beautiful blocks dotted with numerous jungle and clear lakes.

    Inside those blocks, one could also see lots of house built with red bricks and buildings made out of marbles, with distinct order of elevation, covering the entire block in bright colors.

    Antique castles and buildings were characteristics of the city.

    People probably built up this city based on that theme.

    ¡±The Ruin City, Ruin¡¯s Gear. Right now, inside of the Principality of Wanheim it can be compared with the capital as big cities.¡±

    Jumping off from the carriage next to Lux, the Academy Headmaster and also Philuffy¡¯s sister¡ª¡ªRelie came to them and said.

    ¡°Ruin, City (Ruin¡¯s, Gear) ¡­¡­¡±

    In his childhood, back when he started living inside the Old Empire palace, Lux had heard about this city.

    The Second Ruin ¡°Dungeon¡± was located just below the city, and it had already been integrated with the city.

    The city had set up a lot of defense bases to combat the Abyss that came out from inside the ruin, at the same time there was also research of the treasures that were excavated from the ruin, causing this place to become a stage for the research institutions to compete.

    Built in the center was a palace, the upper part was the residential area which was called as the Canopy, the middle had a big opening, and underground there was a gate that connected to the Dungeon.

    Originally, if there was no exploration license you couldn¡¯t go into the Ruin, but because of this site was too special, so to a certain extent it could be an exception.

    ¡±I used to come here to negotiate, but this is my first time coming here since I became the headmaster. Wait till after going through this mountain we will be able to get to the Ruin City immediately.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right on time, I¡¯m also feeling a little motion sickness, I can breathe out a little after hearing that.¡±

    Lux sighed with relief, Relie smiled at him and said.

    ¡±You have nothing else to say? But well, this is Lux¡¯s style.¡±

    ¡±What do you mean?¡±

    Lux was puzzled a little, Relie revealed a rare subtle expression, and then remove her line of sight.

    ¡±The messenger from the palace told me, that you acted as the bait for the ¡°Imperial Capital Recapture Plan¡± in order to save me? Sorry, only now I come to say thank you.¡±

    ¡±You really don¡¯t need to thank me, I also volunteered to do so. As Airi said, I¡¯m just messing around.¡±

    Lux said with a wry smile, Relie also faintly smiled and said.

    ¡°You really haven¡¯t changed at all, really¡ª¡ªIt¡¯s great to have you beside Phi.¡±

    Relie seemed to think so from her heart, but the fact was, it was Lux who wanted to say those words.

    When he was little, Lux witnessed the Old Empire abandoned its citizens when they were in dangers and fell into a hell of despair. If not for Philuffy who saved him at the time, his future would not have been as bright.

    (That¡¯s right, that time¡ª¡ªto create a happy life for Airi and Philuffy, I vowed to be at war with the Old Empire.)

    This was the only desire that the young Lux craved.

    In order to achieve this desire, Lux studied from his imperial brother Fugil, read all of the books in the palace and devoted himself in Drag-Ride training.

    At that time, he firmly believed that, as a member of the royal family, he would be able to do it¡ª¡ª

    However, in the end he didn¡¯t achieve it.

    Just before Lux seized the answer to his conviction, the unfinished result was taken away.

    After that, he then traveled around the country as a chore prince to observe the situation after the revolution, and finally came to the school to get a new life.

    Right now¡ª¡ª

    ¡°At the very least, just treat this as an elder person meddling with other¡¯s businesses, but I think you should be more concerned about yourself. If you have any troubles later, you can absolutely shrink away from responsibility and let the adults go solve it. At least I don¡¯t want you to have bad memories because of me.¡±

    ¡°If Relie-san is in jail, I and Philuffy will be sad.¡±

    ¡±Is that so¡­¡­Maybe you¡¯re right.¡±

    Lux immediately replied, Relie smiled.

    ¡±Headmaster, it¡¯s almost time to go.¡±

    At this moment, instructor Raigree came up and said so, Relie nodded.

    ¡±Alright, then let¡¯s go. If Phi is still sleeping, I¡¯ll trouble you to go wake her up.¡±

    ¡±Yes.¡±

    Lux nodded his head and went back to the carriage.

    After another thirty minutes, they reached the Ruin City (Ruin¡¯s Gear) of the Principality of Wanheim.

    *

    Going through Ruin City (Ruin¡¯s Gear) main heavy door and advancing on the clean and smooth road for ten minutes, they finally reached the military installation site that conducts the tests, in addition to the dormitory at the side.

    The military facility covered an area almost the same size as the kingdom¡¯s Academy, but it excelled even the city of Cross Field in term of the number of facilities

    After getting permission to go through the gate, they began to unload the luggage from the carriage.

    After entering the facility surrounded by walls, Lux looked around for a moment, immediately he found a familiar group of girls.

    ¡±Faa! I¡¯m really tired¡­¡­.The carriage was way too crowded, my waist and butt are killing me¡­..A, Lux-chi, how are you?¡±

    Tillfur greatly stretched her entire body, and she waved her hand when she spotted Lux.

    Then, he also saw Sharis and Noct who just finished unloading luggage¡ª¡ªThey were well known in the Academy as the Triad, at the same time he saw his sister Airi.

    ¡±You¡¯ve worked hard. And also¡ª¡ªThank you for taking care of Airi.¡±

    Before departure, because Airi looked a bit strange, Lux was worried a bit, so he asked the three who boarded on the same carriage to look out for her.

    ¡±Please do not arbitrarily ask them to do such a strange thing. But for nii-san to care about such a thing, it¡¯s really unexpected.¡±

    At most, the person of concern Airi was a little embarrassed till her cheek was red, furthermore she stared at Lux intensely.

    ¡±Ara ara~, Lux-kun is worrying about you, Airi-chan, this time you should frankly thank him, isn¡¯t harmony between sibling a very good thing?¡±

    Sharis cheerfully smiled while stroking Airi¡¯s head, Noct also spoke.

    ¡±No, I think this is because Airi has her pride, after all in daily life, she wanted to be of help to Lux-san.¡±

    ¡±Wait¡­¡­.Noct, don¡¯t say such baseless words! It¡¯s because my brother is always reckless, so I have to be worry about things¨C¨C ¨C¨C¡±

    ¡±A~Noct, Airi-chan is actually a good girl.¡±

    ¡±Ahaha¡­¡­..¡±

    Looking at Tillfur¡¯s smile, Lux smiled wryly, but his heart was relieved.

    (That¡¯s good, although I¡¯m concerned about her situation, at least it seems okay.)

    Taking a break after finishing uploading their luggage, they were greeted by the military officers and cadets of the Principality of Wanheim, who brought everyone to visit their dormitory.

    First were introduction of the facilities and basic rules.

    To introduce all kinds of facilities from eating, bathing, resting, treatment, sleeping, and how to use them, Lux¡¯s group was walked through the entire place.

    Because they had not yet see the street outside so they were not clear, but these were Drag-Ride related facilities, so extra efforts were put in the desire, causing the standard of living here somewhat even better compared to the Cross Field city.

    However, because of the Ruin¡¯s Gear¡¯s own unique terrain, compared with the Cross Field city, it structures were more compact and complex, easy to get lost before one got used to it.

    ¡±Say, the soldiers of this country all seem to be belligerents, their gaze toward us is stinging.¡±

    Walking along the road, Lisha suddenly whispered.

    Female basically had better constitution to use the Drag-Ride¨C¨C¨C¨C although this was the truth, not just the ¡°men first women second¡± country like Arcadia Old Empire, countries that truly training female Drag-Knight to expand their own military power were not many.

    Basically, the concept of ¡°war is a man¡¯s duty¡± was entrenched in many countries.

    Even some countries that promoted equality between men and women, female soldiers were at the maximum up to no more than thirty percent.

    Due to that, although this place had many female aristocrats and he thought it was one of the special cases, in reality the actual situation did not seem so.

    Listening carefully, he could hear the men from the Principality of Wanheim standing around were quietly discussing.

    ¡±Look, they are the group of people known as the new generation of the New Kingdom Academy.¡±

    ¡°What, they¡¯re all girls. Even if they have the advantage of having high compatibility to Drag-Ride, but not to the degree of calling themselves ¡°the new era,¡± it seems like their male soldiers has no future.¡±

    ¡°You see, that¡¯s the rumored Prince of the declined Old Empire, as if also want to challenge the test this time. Obviously he was just a collared dog of the Queen, but still be able to look so calm, he really is shameless¨C¨C¨C¨C,¡±

    Most of the soldiers were throwing curious glances, but some rude soldiers were still whispering with each others.

    ¡±Fuu¡­¡­.¡±

    Lisha had been ignoring these ridicules, but she still stared back with a dissatisfied look when she walked past.

    ¡±Lisha-sama, please be moderate.¡±

    Lux quietly stopped her, Lisha sighed softly.

    ¡±¡­¡­I know, I cannot simply be provoked by this kind of weeds, but they still make a fool out of my knight, which made me really angry.¡±

    ¡±As long as you feel so in your heart, I have been very satisfied.¡±

    ¡°Furthermore, if we really follow them to ¡°make it clear¡±, we will need to have an excuse. What a shame.¡±

    Lisha revealed a dangerous smile, Lux cannot help but smile wryly.

    Actually, Lux was not angry.

    After all, for them, only because they were ignorant of what happened abroad, they could only make subjective assumptions based on some groundless rumors.

    No, not only that, based purely on the past struggles between the Principality of Wanheim and the Old Empire, only being targeted by this level of ridicule was a blessing.

    And¡ª¡ª

    ¡±Right, next I¡¯m going to go someplace else, we are to dismiss here.¡±

    When Lux was contemplating, Raigree-sensei stopped and announced.

    ¡°Those who want to rest follow me back to the dormitory. As for those who want to visit other places ¨C right, Dilwy-dono, can I trouble you?¡±

    ¡±E¡­¡­.!? A, Ha, haa¡­.., I know.¡±

    Giving that jumbled reply was a New Kingdom military officer who accompanied the group; a man named Dilwy Froias, a noble.

    He had slender body and delicate features, which was very rare in the army, but gave an impression of being indecisive.

    The young man was very honest and serious, but because of his unambitious air, on the contrary it caused people to not be confident in him.

    ¡°Speak louder when you say it! My substitute should not act like this!¡±

    ¡±A, yes, sorry. Ok, leave it to me.¡±

    Dilwy looked a bit embarrassed and confused for a moment before answering with a wry smile.

    Although Raigree-sensei exploded just now, she immediately returned her calm and left with the rest of the classmates.

    ¡°Well, shall we go? First of all¡­ Yes, let¡¯s go and have a look at the exercise field.¡±

    Dilwy led everyone to visit the exercise field.

    ¡±I always feel that, he is not the same as a normal male officer, completely unreliable¡­..¡±

    Lisha looked at him and sighed.

    ¡°That¡¯s not completely the case.¡±

    At this time, Sharis came and gave an unexpected reply.

    ¡±Although he is now resigned from the front line, but he is, the same as Raigree-sensei, also one of the New Kingdom¡¯s number one Drag-Knight; his personality is also very honest, and he will also meticulously face any missions, he is very well-known in the army.¡±

    ¡±Is that, so?¡±

    Lisha was a bit surprised, Sharis also continue very emotionally.

    ¡°A few years ago, I had also received his sword guidance, he had several times went abroad to improve his sword technique, and thus became a first-class Drag-Knight. For his craftsmanship and weapons, he had also won the title ¡®Silver Flash¡¯.¡±

    As expected from the daughter of the Duke House, of one of the Four Great Nobles.

    She was probably well aware of story of nobles, so she was very clear in her description.

    ¡±Hm. But it¡¯s really strange. If in the New Kingdom right now, there is such a ¡®male expert¡¯, it will certainly already become a topic¡­.¡±

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s question, Sharis lowered her voice.

    ¡°I heard that during the revolution he was traveling abroad and injured his right hand. Due to that he can no longer display his original strength ¨C¨C so don¡¯t ask him about these things, okay?¡±

    ¡°I know, I won¡¯t ask.¡±

    Was it because she saw some hidden circumstances in the matter? Lisha did not ask anymore and replied honestly.

    (Because of being injured that he couldn¡¯t fight as before¡­¡­. huh?)

    Listening to Dilwy¡¯s cruel experience, as Lux was thinking about it, he suddenly heard the sounds of footsteps from behind.

    ¡±Hoo, this is interesting. I heard there¡¯s a group of representatives from the far away Arcadia Empire coming¡ª¡ª¡ªKukukuku, it seems like they¡¯re nothing much.¡±

    Showed up in front of them was a group of large people, dressed in male military uniforms¨C¨C¨C¨Cthey were the soldiers of the Principality of Wanheim, and also were Drag-Knights.

    Leading the group of uniformed people was a man with a scar on his face.

    They were different from the group of people they had met previously, as they exposed blatant hostility toward Lux

    ¡°Really, if the New Kingdom¡¯s military must depend on these guys, seems like the New Kingdom is really in decline, how unsightly.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­.¡±

    These male soldiers did not let the other party saved their face and continuously slandered Lux¡¯s group.

    But, Dilwy, who was standing at the front, just turned his head down and endured them all.

    (Sure enough, coming to the Principality of Wanheim we will have to certainly face such a thing.)

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t like the soldiers of the Principality of Wanheim did not have humility.

    After all, Arcadia Empire in the past had conducted military interventions to its surrounding countries.

    In reality, those were military invasions to the surrounding countries

    The older the bordering countries, the longer their royal and aristocrat families had faced the pressure from the Empire.

    This a-hundred-plus years of struggles had left a deep scar. Even now there were still people bearing that grudge in mind.

    Not to mention the Empire had just collapsed five years ago, renaming it to New Kingdom basically did not solve this problem.

    But it still didn¡¯t vindicate how these soldiers were unable to restrain their grudge and anger in this place.

    ¡±Tch¡­..¡±

    Faced with the oncoming heavy hostility, the girls were forced to move back.

    The leader Dilwy had also turned away, unconfidently chose to avoid their sights.

    ¡°Hey hey, you guys aren¡¯t daring to even retort? You¡¯re calling yourself soldiers of the Old Empire like that?¡±

    A man walked up and blocked their way.

    In a blink of an eye, Lisha who were walking beside Lux also ran out of the group.

    ¡°¨C¨C¨C¨CHah, a group of dogs looking down on people. The Old Empire had soon collapsed and had no more relations with us. Still trying to find fault here, do you think doing that can erase your shame in the past?¡±

    ¡±¡­..Tch, what did you say!?¡±

    ¡°You want to insult us? At most you guys just happened to win against our participated soldiers in the All-Dragon Battle, do not think that you can win against us¨C¨C¨C¨C.¡±

    The Wanheim soldiers rebuked angrily.

    However, Lisha did not waver even for a little, her red eye emitted sharp glint like sword, showing a confident smile while staring back at them.

    ¡°Boring. You guys obviously came here to pick a fight, the result is I say one word and you guys cannot refute? What else do you guys want?

    ¡°Damn, since you said so ¡­¡­¡±

    An angry man went to Lisha.

    In the moment this man was about to pull his Sword Device from his waist¨C¨C¨C¨C

    ¡±This, it¡¯s best if you guys stop here?¡±

    Lux immediately rushed in front of Lisha, his hand was also pushing back the sword hilt.

    ¡±Wha¡ª¡ª!? You are¡­¡­!?¡±

    Witnessing Lux¡¯s quick but fluent movement, the man was a little shocked. Then after seeing Lux¡¯s hair and eyes, he widened his eyes and said hysterically.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a noble of the Old Empire who afraid of death? You dare to show up in front of my face!¡±

    At this explosive moment, suddenly on the narrow road¡ª¡ª

    ¡±¡ª¡ªEveryone, stop here.¡±

    Hearing the high pitched voice of a girl, everyone present stopped.

    The two youths wearing the uniform of the Principality¡¯s officer appeared on the road

    ¡±They are¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°Long time no see, everyone from the New Kingdom.¡±

    ¡±A¡ª¡ª¡­¡­¡­.so boring, why do I have to come with you.¡±

    Smiling and saluting at them were the two teenagers who fought as the representatives of the Principality during the All-Dragon Battle.

    One with a neutral appearance, with his hair tied to the back was the teenager, Coral.

    Meanwhile, another with neat blond hair, with a hot-blooded face and sharp eye was the teenager, Greifer.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we are late.  I would like to sincerely apologize for the offensive actions of our soldiers just now. I hope you guys can forgive them. We will punish them appropriately according to military regulations, please forgive us this time.¡±

    ¡±Don¡¯t, don¡¯t joke with me!? We didn¡¯t do anything¡ª¡ª¡°

    The male soldier began to make excuses with a worried face.

    ¡°Stop wasting time, do you know how loud your voices were? We could even hear them clearly across the street, so the Princess told us to come and look at the situation.¡±

    ¡±Uu¡­..¡±

    Hearing Greifer¡¯s rebuke, the face of these rugged male soldiers lost color one by one.

    Then they immediately followed the staggering man with the scar and left.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to have troubled you, everyone from the New Kingdom.¡±

    Seeing them leave, Coral bowed to Lux¡¯s group and apologized.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re fine, it¡¯s just that ¡ª¡ª¡±

    Lux replied, looking towards Greifer.

    They had met a month ago, during the All-Dragon Battle held by the New Kingdom. He served as a Drag-Knight fighting as representative of the Principality of Wanheim so there were some connections between the two people.

    Leaving the always friendly and helpful Coral aside, seeing Greifer, who had a grudge against the Old Empire, to help them was somewhat unexpected.

    ¡°Do not misunderstand, I have not yet accepted you. But it¡¯s a little bad to¡­¡­provoke the Princess¡¯s anger.¡±

    ¡°Greifer actually really cares about Milmiette-sama.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­ Coral, even if you are the princess¡¯s valet, don¡¯t think you can take a mile after been given an inch?¡±

    Greifer whispered a warning with an unsatisfied look, while Coral, the pale green hair teenager, was looking at Lux¡¯s group

    It seemed that they had special positions even in this Principality of Wanheim.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but if you want to visit the facilities, then let us valets of Milmiette-sama to be your guide, what do you think?¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­.Ha!? We!? I didn¡¯t say I¡¯ll help!?¡±

    ¡±What are you waiting for Greifer? You still have to lead Lux.¡±

    Coral smiled reminding him, Greifer frowned.

    Dilwy hesitated for a moment, before he finally accepted the proposal.

    ¡°Ok, for Lux-kun, actually there is a bit of another matter to attend, we will meet again later.¡±

    Finishing speaking, Coral gathered everyone else into a group.

    ¡±Wait, wait a minute!? Only the two of us?¡±

    To be honest, because Greifer had always been harsh on Lux so he was trying to avoid him, looking around for help.

    But Coral exposed a mischievous smile and moved his mouth near Lux¡¯s ear.

    ¡±It¡¯s alright, although he looks like that, Greifer has always taken good care of others.¡±

    Then, Coral took Dilwy and the rest away.

    On this spacious road now were only two people, Lux and Greifer.

    ¡±¡­¡­E, etou, because I do not know where to go, so¡­.. sorry to bother you.¡±

    ¡°Ha ¡­¡­ To be honest I really do not want to take this job, but it can¡¯t be helped since I¡¯m on an errand.¡±

    Greifer went on without motivation and Lux followed behind after a short distance.

    ¡±¡­¡­..¡±

    It was very awkward.

    Although Lux had no relation in this, Greifer lost his father when he was little due to the Old Empire, so Lux basically did not know what to say.

    They obviously were peers of same age, but Lux couldn¡¯t even find a topic of conversation.

    ¡°What are you afraid of? I can¡¯t believe this and the person who could fight against me last time is the same person.¡±

    Greifer as always with his proud attitude, continued to walk forward.

    Looking from the dormitory, they were advancing to the center of the Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    ¡°¡­ The, the Ruin¡¯s Gear¡¯s structures, are really interesting.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so interesting about it? I feel it¡¯s just troublesome.¡±

    ¡±A, I, I see¡­..So, look like you have a good relationship with Coral, you usually¡­..¡±

    ¡°We are only together because of our job required us to move together. Our relationship is not really that good?

    ¡±Is, is that so¡­¡­.¡±

    This was hopeless, the conversation couldn¡¯t be started at all.

    Because there was no proper conversation, it was leading to Lux feeling dejected-¨C¨C¨C¨C

    ¡°Hey! Have you now become silly? Don¡¯t fall down the stairs!¡±

    ¡±Uwa!? So, sorry!¡±

    While walking up the stairs of the building, Greifer stared and roared at Lux.

    (Sure enough, he hates me¡ª¡ªhuh?)

    Raising his head and observing carefully, he spotted the handrails had many cracks, it seemed to be fragile.

    (Is it, is it because it¡¯s dangerous that he warned me, right¡­¡­?)

    Although Lux noticed this, but Greifer did not say anything else and kept moving forward.

    ¡°That, for warning me just now, thank you.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Let¡¯s make it clear first, I am not a wild dog that destroys things randomly! Furthermore, that time was my misunderstanding, plus I was the one who picked the fight. At least in general, I did not specifically pick a fight with you.¡±

    It seemed that Greifer didn¡¯t particularly have high hostility toward Lux.

    And like Coral said, he would take care of people.

    Lux couldn¡¯t help but felt relieved. Unknowingly, the Ruin¡¯s Gear giant hemispherical palace appeared in front of his eyes, here was the destination.

    ¡±Here is ¡ª¡ª?¡±

    ¡±Here is the gate to hell, well¡ªsome happy-go-lucky officials at the capital described this as ¡®The Lid of the Treasure Chest¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Here, is the gateway into the Ruin¡­¡­¡±

    Although he had heard the rumors, but actually seeing it he was still nervous.

    ¡±In the upper part of the palace ¨C¨C¨C¨C ¡®Canopy¡¯, there are the Central Square and City Hall. The underground is the second ruins ¡®Dungeon¡¯. However, the next place we¡¯ll go to might not meet up to your expectations, we¡¯re going to the upper part.¡±

    As Greifer said, the center of the palace had a spiral staircase connected to the Canopy, but the way leading to the underground was in another way.

    ¡°Ok, although I just said I harbored no hostility toward you, but the next place we go to might not be the case.¡±

    ¡±E¡­.?¡±

    Greifer turned back and gave a meaningful caution, Lux was a bit confused.

    ¡°I will tell you the man who had summoned us here. ¡®Blue Tyrant¡¯ Singlen Shelbrit, he who presided over the ¡°Seven Drag Paladins¡± will held a round table discussion here.¡±

    ¡±¡ª¡ª!?¡±

    Lux,after hearing the name, immediately tensed his body.

    Without enough time to prepare himself, they had come to the front of the hall.

    *

    Because this place was on top of the ruin with Abyss, the hall was enclosed in several layers of stone walls

    Today, they were gathering in one of the rooms.

    ¡°Gentlemen, thank you for specially come here. First of all, at this moment we Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ can finally gather, I am very happy.¡±

    A man holding a wineglass full of deep red wine, his unique deep voice resounded through the room.

    ¡±Why, are you here¡ª¡ª¡°

    Lux, who saw the man after just entering the room, asked cautiously.

    It looked like this was just a small military conference room, the room had almost no decoration.

    At the center table in the main seat, there was a man.

    This man although he was short, but his words and gestures were especially sophisticated, his black eyes seemed bottomless.

    He was wearing an eerie dark blue cloak, not even taken off his hood, but just sitting there with a smile.

    He was the current Commander of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s guards as well as ¡°Seven Dragon Paladins¡± vice-captain, ¡°Blue Tyrant¡± Singlen Shelbrit.

    Beside him was someone who was even shorter¡ª¡ªA platinum haired girl.

    She was appointed a few days ago by Ymir Theocracy as one of the Drag-Knights of the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladins¡±, Mel Gizalut

    This girl looked like a child from the outside, only her mouth was smiling with interest while looking at Lux.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Hurry up and sit down, did you get tired after climbing up the stair? Do not hesitate to take a break first, this great me allowed it.¡±

    Singlen was buried deep in between his armchair, his whole body leaning back as he said that.

    Sure enough he still showed his familiar slovenly look even at another country.

    ¡°I am standing because of reason, as I am prepared to leave immediately.¡±

    Lux sighed, looking at him with weary eyes.

    ¡°Hey, why? Don¡¯t you like the Princess-sama¡¯s specially prepared rooms? What an arrogant guy. Can¡¯t be helped, I better go ask them to change the room.¡±

    ¡°For what reason, did you specifically summon me, who am unrelated to the ¡°Seven Dragon Paladins,¡± to participate in the discussion of the round table.¡±

    Lux did not go along with Singlen¡¯s joke, but asked indifferently.

    However, the concerning person had a look as if nothing had happened; furthermore he revealed a faint smile and looked at Lux with a surprise expression.

    ¡°You are really forgetful, I told you, right? Because your country has not elected a ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ candidate, so in the past I found a temporary substitute.¡±

    ¡°I remember I have refused on the spot. Have you forgotten?¡±

    ¡°Kukuku ¡­ ¡­ you really seem to hate this. Then I will first not treat you as a candidate. However, you still need to listen to this discussion and then decide the future path. So¡ª¡ªyou first of all should just represent the New Kingdom, participate as a representative of the New Kingdom.¡±

    ¡± ¡­¡­.!?¡±

    Lux exposed a surprise look, Singlen was showing a fearless smile.

    ¡±Chore Prince, quickly sit down. Or do you want to continue to waste time for all the guests here? We are all very busy. All of these happened are the fault of you guys for not electing a ¡°Seven Dragon Paladins¡± candidate.¡±

    Singlen indifferently warned, this again made Lux tensed up.

    He was still insolently arrogance, and didn¡¯t show the slightest flaw.

    Not only did he not compromise, but also use those sophistries to get the pace of the conversation into his hand¡¯s control.

    Compared with those controlling New Kingdom who didn¡¯t have any abilities, dealing with the person in front o fhim was much harder.

    ¡°You just need to listen, at most it will take some time, please forgive me.¡±

    If he resisted, he was afraid that it would only lead to heavier blame. Lux could only honestly sit down.

    Then Greifer sat down next to him, leaving three vacant seats.

    ¡°OK, we¡¯re all here, how about we first begin from self-introduction? My name is Singlen Shelbrit, I¡¯m appointed by the World Agreement as the vice-captain of ¡®Seven Dragons Paladin¡¯, please take care of me.¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡±We all must have heard of the World Agreement? There are many complex articles regarding the investigations of the ruins. There are considerations of the Drag-Knight¡¯s strength in relation to their Abyss subjugation, then again according to their merits to determine their World Rank. Now that is to say, as the Vice-Captain, I rank second.¡±

    Lux, Greifer, as well as Mel Gizalut showed no reaction.

    Then according to instructions Greifer introduced himself by simply saying his name. Then the turn of the young girl came.

    ¡±First time meeting you, I am the ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ of Ymir Theocracy, Mel Gizalut, please take good care of me.¡±

    She was wearing a unique styled dress, with black and white colors like a lovely girl.

    However, her big eyes were filled with determination and her breathing suggested that she was ready to fight as any moment.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare to see the ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ sitting together in one room. Originally, I was looking forward to this, but now they seem pretty weak, boring. Anyway, again, take care of me¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­.¡±

    Smiling innocently, Mel Gizalut finished her introduction. The room was quiet.

    The air was filled with an inexplicable sense of tension, and finally it was Lux¡¯s turn.

    ¡°I¡¯m Lux Arcadia, and I am attending this meeting as a substitute, so I suppose I don¡¯t need to speak.¡±

    ¡±Originally the Old Kingdom seventh Prince, now living in Cross Field City and enrolled in Cross Field¡¯s Academy, the chore prince who is worked hard by the officer cadets who are noble girls.¡±

    ¡±A¡­..!?¡±

    Lux had just sat down, Singlen sitting at the opposite immediately exposed his identity.

    ¡°Now is the lowest Drag-Knight, the Drag-Ride he is using ¡°Wyvern¡±, fighting style is not attack, only special defense type, so getting the such a name as ¡°Weakest Undefeated¡±, and ¡ª¡ª oh yeah, If I continue I¡¯m afraid it will cause problems, right?¡±

    ¡±Sir Singlen.¡±

    Lux looked at him with cold eyes and protested, but Singlen did not pay attention to it.

    ¡±Huh? What is it? Don¡¯t need to thank me, this level of supplement explanation is my job as the ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ vice captain. You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­ If it¡¯s all right, can you listen to my request? Because tomorrow I still have to attend the upgrade test, so I wanted to get back to the dormitory before midnight, please?¡±

    Lux sighed, and changed his strategy.

    After all, if he went head to head, there was no way to win.

    So Lux decided to wait and find a way out.

    ¡°You¡¯re really strong headed¡­¡­.there¡¯s no other way, let¡¯s get started. I have sent messengers to the Kings of the countries and their sides have received the message, but I¡¯ll say it again.¡±

    Singlen paused for a moment, and then the conversation suddenly became serious.

    ¡±¡¯Dragon Marauders¡¯, have any of you heard of this name?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡®Dragon Marauders¡¯?¡±

    Lux asked, Mel had a puzzled expression, Singlen nodded and said.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s the mercenary group that has been expanding aggressively in recent years. Drag-Ride mercenaries are not really that unusual. However, their real purpose is a big problem.¡±

    ¡°Uncle, your opening is too long. What are those sneaky guys prepared to do?

    Greifer rudely asked.

    ¡°They should be secretly plotting to overthrow our country.¡±

    Singlen raised his mouth to answer immediately.

    ¡°Overthrow huh, so how will they do it?¡±

    Mel wasn¡¯t surprised, she asked while still maintaining an innocence look.

    ¡±As I said, the ¡®Dragon Marauders¡¯ is a Drag-Ride mercenary organization, as long as there is money, they will ambush on the battlefield, waiting for action. There are a lot of people who will hire them, such as rich families, rulers, politicians, and there are¡ª¡ªarm dealers among countries that are hiring them.

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­..¡±

    Singlen looked meaningfully at Lux, and Lux remained silent.

    He thought of Heiburg¡¯s military adviser, Dark Merchant Hayes.

    That girl who was supposedly had connection to the Ruin, she also had anything to do with the ¡®Dragon Marauders¡¯?

    ¡°But this is strange, the mercenary group behaving this way is commonplace? Why do we have to discuss it here?¡±

    ¡°In other words, in fact, this is also our fault, Greifer. You will often hear of this argument. Since the early discovery of the Drag-Ride treasure slumbered inside the ruin, the pioneers, who in order to monopolize these treasures, had agreed on a set of rules. The whole All-Dragon Battle system is also a big part of it. And for example, we from the Blackend Kingdom is very far away from this ruin; even if we have an exploring certificate, we can¡¯t simply go in to explore. So we normally pay tolls to other countries to explore together to make up for this shortcoming. But this sooner or later will leave a gap, you dare say that this isn¡¯t a possibility?¡±

    ¡±And, what you mean is¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡±Everyone wants the Drag-Ride slumbering within the ruins, but exploring the ruins will mean they will inevitably face the Abyss. Only strong Drag-Knights can have the ability to compete with the Abyss, and the right to explore is decided by competition between the Drag-Knights, in that case the strong countries will only become stronger and stronger, while the weak countries will be left behind farther and farther.¡±

    Lux sensed the true implication in Singlen¡¯s words.

    Countries that had been lucky to get ahead developed the World Agreement in order to keep themselves in the first place.

    However, unfortunate countries and people were placed under restriction.

    Not only small countries without Ruin, even territories that have relics within great countries will have gap opened.

    This separation would create under-the-table power struggles. One might look and thought it was calm like water surface, but underneath is a burning flame of disputes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think this is very unreasonable? At most we don¡¯t really need to care much, after all the people who are enjoying the benefit won¡¯t think this is unreasonable, or pretend not to see it.¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡±As a result, they must face limited assets; those in power, politicians are afraid to lose their power. Once the military power gap becomes bigger, then their rights and property may be taken away at any time so they are anxious. The mercenaries Drag-Knight spot this as a money-making opportunity, moreover some people will depend on them to break the balance, and they might even steal the Drag-Ride and treasures in the ruins.¡±

    Singlen half mockingly laughed and then sighed.

    He shook his glass, and slightly leant his body on the chair.

    ¡±Of course, as you also knew, there have been several rebellions in various countries. Therefore, the situation surrounding the Ruins is also unstable and very dangerous, and there might even be unexpected situations. The group of thieves might cause disaster in the ruins that is unprecedented in the past. We Blackend Kingdom also had a ¡®disaster¡¯ occurred, a new Abyss calls Nocturnal(Phantom Devilman).¡±

    The ¡®Disaster¡¯ of Blackend Kingdom turned one-third of its territory into scorched earth.

    It was the incident that became the impetus for the recall of Singlen who was once exiled by the royal family.

    After that, although it had not yet been confirmed whether it was true or not, but compared with the Abyss in the past, the new Abyss¡¯s strength was overwhelming¡ª¡ªthe matter of Nocturnal had also been heard in the academy.

    ¡°And then finally, it¡¯s the turn of us the ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡±

    Mel showed a bold smile, Singlen nodded.

    Uniting the countries as well as strengthening combat capability, in order to oppose the threat of Ruins, and confronted the ¡°Dragon Marauders¡±.

    That was probably the reason the ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ existed.

    But¡ª¡ª

    ¡±Surely the outside world thinks so, however, have you thought about the implication inside this? To the end which side is right? One side who does not distribute the benefits derived from the Ruins, and afraid of it being taken away by others, and monopolize everything, are the major powers, the pioneers, royalties and nobles in the right in your view? Or the other side who cannot get the exclusive treasures, but can only use mercenaries to plunder those in power. Standing under different circumstances, can we dare to say that we are right?¡±

    Singlen jokingly laughed at it all.

    Greifer listened to his words, couldn¡¯t stand it and sighed.

    ¡±Haa¡­¡­So what are you trying to do? I¡¯m just a mere Drag-Knight, I have no interests in what is good and bad¡­¡­.And vice captain-sama, this kind of things are for the people above to judge isn¡¯t it? If you want to waste time, then I¡¯ll go back first.¡±

    Really worthy of Greifer, he was such a person.

    He had an indifferent look, watching it all from the perspective of a calm bystander.

    ¡°So, what do you want to do as a representative of the country? Do you want to join hand with the ¡®Dragon Marauders¡¯ because Blackend Kingdom has no ruins?¡±

    Then Mel Gizalut of Ymir Theocracy said contemptuously.

    Only to see Singlen put down the glass and bent his mouth.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªNo, I will not allow helps on either side.¡±

    He whispered in a dim voice enough to shake the ear membrane.

    Lux and three people exposed a look of astonishment, Singlen tapped his forehead with a finger.

    ¡±You didn¡¯t think about it? At the present, wars have been bogged down since a long time ago, ever since the discovery of ruins ten years ago, the scale of the war has also been suppressed. But this has not perfectly ended the war, so this ¡®Dragon Marauder¡¯ is the side-effect.¡±

    Singlen put his feet on the table like an uneducated child, a devil-like smile could be seen deep inside his hood, he looked at the three people one by one.

    ¡±The battle between two sides is inevitable, before the destruction of one of them, I am afraid they will also spread to the citizen to intensify the struggle. In the past, my country had also fallen into disaster because of riots. So¡ª¡ªHere, as the leaders of the countries are not present in this conference room, I have a proposal to tell you.¡±

    *Bam!* Singlen put his Sword Device on the table and exposed a fierce look.

    ¡±Let the elite Drag-Knights of this world create a unified country. A new army leads by us ¡®Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ to bring an end to this war, and also the governments of this world.¡±

    ¡±What¡­..!?¡±

    Hearing these words, Lux was dumbfounded.

    These words sounded impossible.

    Singlen¡¯s statement was clearly a rebellious incitement for them to oppose the government of each country.

    ¡±¡­¡­..That doesn¡¯t sound sane, what are you planning?¡±

    Even the usual unconcerned Greifer looked at him in caution.

    ¡±I don¡¯t think this is surprising, I just want to save my country. As I just said, once this mud-like battle intensified, then it is bounded to have huge casualties. Before the situation turn into this way, we rule this world by our own hands. It is a salvation in a way.¡±

    Just like that, Singlen indifferently and confidently woven his words.

    On one side the pioneer countries that got prioritized to explore the ruins, amassed a large number of Drag-Rides and Drag-Knights, and then at the other side was those who wanted to catch up but have no ruin inside their territories, and could only depend on the mercenary organizations.

    If Singlen¡¯s words were true, then his idea might not be mistaken necessarily.

    ¡±Well, it¡¯s really noble. But, why should we even do that? No¡ª¡ªit¡¯s better to say how can you guarantee we could do it successfully?¡±

    ¡°To win over the public sentiment you will need a just cause, and people to lead them. Evil foreign enemies and Abyss, if we can defeat these enemies that is threatening the existence of the common people, we can be seen as heroes. And the only people who can do this are us, elite Drag-Knights. We can then protect the people, conquer the lands, preserve the country existence. We can be way better than the backward system of long ruling aristocrats, this is my basis.¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After listening to Singlen¡¯s reasoning, Mel shrugged.

    She did not seem to accept this reason completely, however she also did not plan to refute.

    But Lux didn¡¯t relax his vigilance for a moment.

    (So, what is the final goal of this man¡­¡­)

    Lux didn¡¯t feel that Singlen would do this because he was driven by a sense of justice.

    No matter how to look about it, it all seemed like he was just inviting everyone to overthrow the existing regime.

    ¡ª¡ªWell, what is he planning to do?

    Even if it was really like Singlen said and there were bitter struggles over the ruins, there were surely other ways to avoid the struggle?

    ¡±If the three of you directly join my White Ridge Knights, I hope you will become the backbone of this new organization. Of course, you don¡¯t take orders from the Blackend Kingdom, please rest assured about this. I do not intend to let you betray your motherland and form allegiance to the Blackend Kingdom. But we will treat your family well, servants and friends, we will pay you enough compensation.¡±

    However, Lux ignored Singlen¡¯s casual invitation, and asked with a serious look.

    ¡±¡ª¡ªIf this really becomes so, then what about those who can¡¯t use Drag-Ride?¡±

    ¡±The talentless is obliged to serve the genius¡­¡­..Finally it will become so. But it will be based on that person¡¯s ability to grant him the appropriate power, we will set up a variety of qualifications or something. Like today Ruin¡¯s Gear organized class upgrade test¡ª¡ª¡±

    Singlen replied smoothly.

    Lux took a deep breath and stared at Singlen with cold eyes.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll pretend to not hear anything.¡±

    ¡°Gosh? Are you angry? Or¡ª¡ªBecause you want to accuse me of looking down on the weak? I cannot think how you turned out to be the royal family of the Old Empire of Arcadia.¡±

    ¡±Because your idea is too contradictory, you mock the folly of two sides fighting, but you create a new system only benefits the strong Drag-Knight, so you only treat it differently.¡±

    Lux stood up straight, and walked directly to the door.

    Before he could reach it, Singlen sighed.

    ¡±Is this a story that is too early for a kid to listen to? There is no equality in the world, if you think your country is now equal, it can only show that your eyes are clouded. And then currently, we are fighting battles with our life on the line, but we are in a position where sooner or later we will used up for all of our worth before getting thrown away. You¡¯re a strange man, Chore Prince. While you¡¯re standing in an unfair position where you yourself got hurt and made to take the brunt of everything, but you accepted it and did not even complain about the treatment you received. Are you born with servile personality seeping to your bone, or perhaps¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡±¡­¡­.¡±

    Listening to Singlen¡¯s rebuke, Lux suddenly stopped.

    ¡±But see, don¡¯t avert your eyes. Don¡¯t assume that your own choice is always correct. You¡¯re your hard work to try to save others sometimes will also cause distress to someone else. Just like by you helping the New Kingdom to carry out exploring the ruins, and defeat the Abyss Ragnarok, the result is that it makes people of your country and foreigner fear how dangerous you are. Yeah, I understand. You are doing that much of a feat of valor, but still idiotically insist on continuing being a sinner, your reason for doing that is ultimately¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡±-¡­¡­.!?¡±

    His heart was in pain as if being stabbed by a needle, which made Lux couldn¡¯t help but feel uncomfortable.

    Lux suddenly had an inexplicable impulse, just when he wanted to open his mouth to rebuff¡ª¡ª

    *Duang!*

    At this time, the bell rang vigorously. The bell rang through the city hall, including the center of the Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    This tone and the alarm were different.

    It was to inform people it was night time.

    ¡±¡­¡­So we have already talked this long. There are still you two? Greifer Nest and Mel Gizalut, what do you think?

    ¡°You think I would have the slightest interest in this nonsense?¡±

    In the face of Singlen¡¯s inquiry, Greifer rudely rejected.

    ¡±E~I think it¡¯s interesting?¡±

    Unlike him, Mel¡¯s voice was very happy, but half way her words became dim.

    ¡°But¡ª¡ªI do not want to join under you wings. If you let me be the leader, then I¡¯d consider?¡±

    Mel stared at Singlen with her dreary gaze.

    Worthy of being the elite Drag-Knights who had gone through many selections to represent their own country, everyone seemed to have their own plans.

    ¡±Whew, you¡¯re really an annoying group. Forget it, if later we have a chance we¡¯ll talk about it again. I hope next time you can give me an answer that will satisfy me.¡±

    Singlen took out his pocket watch before he slowly stood up and said that.

    ¡±¡­¡­I¡¯ll leave first.¡±

    Then, closest from the door Lux walked out of the room.

    Although he didn¡¯t deliberately look back, but he could also feel that someone was following after him.

    ¡±It actually dragged on for so long, if we go back at this time Coral must be very anxious.¡±

    Said Greifer as he casually walking next to him.

    He didn¡¯t touch the content of the meeting, was it because of him being considerate? But Lux did not say anything.

    Even if he reported Singlen¡¯s speech to the top-levels, it seemed there would be of no use.

    After all, he might have already discussed in advance with the leaders of other countries, saying he just wanted to ¡°test their loyalty.¡±

    (Rather than that, I, just what am¡ª¡ª)

    Regarding of what Singlen had said just now, the reason Lux was still continuing to stay as criminal.

    Although the consuls in the capital told him that they would free him from the shackles of being criminal, Lux didn¡¯t take their offer. Did he do that really only to avoid getting used by them?

    Walking down the long stairs, they finally left the upper part of the palace¡ª¡ª¡°Canopy¡±

    In front of them appeared the door to the second ruin ¡°Dungeon¡±, its structure was like an ant nest.

    *

    ¡±¡­¡­..Err, why is there no room for me?¡±

    Lux went directly back to the dormitory, after eating dinner.

    In order to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s test, he was originally scheduled to sleep in this dormitory today, but there happened to be a small problem.

    For the Class promotion exam this time, there were rooms prepared for Dilwy, the New Kingdom soldiers, and the female students.

    But all the rooms were full, and there was no extra room for Lux to stay.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lux-kun. I thought it would not be a problem for you and Phi to sleep in the same room.¡±

    ¡±Here¡¯s a foreign country, I beg you not to not give us special treatment even here, alright!?¡±

    It seemed Relie originally intended to let Lux and Philluffy share a room, but she got warned by the dormitory administrator, and of course it couldn¡¯t be accommodated.

    ¡°Okay, there is an empty bed in my room, why don¡¯t you comes sleep there?

    Coral who happened to pass by heard their conversation on the first floor of the dormitory and proposed that.

    Lux did not hesitate to agree, and finally decided to stay in his room for one night.

    ¡°Thank you very much, you¡¯re a big help.¡±

    Lux took the luggage and followed Coral in the hallway.

    ¡±You¡¯re welcome. I¡¯m guessing from the headmaster¡¯s words before, Lux, do you sleep together with that girl at the New Kingdom¡¯s Academy?¡±

    ¡±Of, of course not!? I certainly sleep alone!¡±

    Lux couldn¡¯t say that not long ago he was still sleeping with Philuffy. Coral showed a wry smile.

    It appeared that this guy was very friendly and liked to joke.

    ¡±Ahaha, but Lux-kun seems to have a very good relationship with them. Even though you¡¯re a prince of the old empire¡ª¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    Coral casually uttered a sentence, but it made Lux to become silence.

    ¡°Ah, sorry, did I say anything strange?¡±

    Coral took notice of his reaction and hurriedly apologized.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t mind it, I¡¯m just feeling relieved.¡±

    Lux answered with a stiff smile.

    In fact, Coral¡¯s unintentional words really touched Lux¡¯s heart.

    No, since coming to the Principality of Wanheim that was still hostile to the Old Empire, or to be more precise ever since meeting the man in the academy¡ª¡ªSinglen, Lux had been worried about something

    (Is it really okay for me to stay like this?)

    Meeting with Lisha and the other girls at the academy, Lux got a new place to belong.

    He would become the shield for the girls that were the New Kingdom pillars, and become their strength.

    This was the worth of Lux¡¯s life now, and also his purpose of living.

    Originally, that should be the case ¡ª¡ª

    ¡±Well, I¡¯m going to greet Milmiette¨Csama, you can rest in the room first.¡±

    ¡±A, yes, thank you.¡±

    Lux gently waved farewell to Coral walking out of the room, and then relaxingly sighed.

    Here was a foreign military dormitory, a person staying here would still be very tense, fortunately however, he shared the same room with acquaintance Coral, this made him felt relieved.

    ¡±Living in the city just above a Ruin¡­¡­always can¡¯t be at ease.¡±

    Lux sat on a side-by-side bed by himself.

    Cross Field that was acting as a defense point against Ruin also had the same danger level like this place, but he was still slightly concerned.

    Although he thought of this, but right now it had been a long time since he didn¡¯t have to worry about doing chore. Lux decided to take a deep rest.

    Lux crossed his hand and stretched over his head, it felt like his shoulders were a little stiff.

    ¡±Please feel at ease, master. Even if the Abyss or the Principality of Wanheim attacks, I will defend you.¡±

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­¡­I am relieved to hear you said so. But surely there will be no problem.¡±

    He felt there was someone with comfortable strength excellently massaging his shoulders.

    In this extremely comfortable feeling, his spirit gradually relaxed, then Lux suddenly reflected¡ª¡ª

    ¡±¡­¡­¡­.E, eeeeh!?¡±

    Surprised, Lux reflexively jumped out of the bed.

    Sitting behind him was a girl wearing an exotic dress¡ª¡ªKirihime Yoruka

    ¡±Wait a bit!? Why!? How come¡ª¡ª!?¡±

    It shouldn¡¯t be possible for her to be here, Lux¡¯s brain instantly went blank.

    ¡±Ara? It was a long way from the Cross Field City to here, I think master must have stiff shoulders, right?¡±

    ¡±I¡¯m not talking about that!? My shoulders are not important! Compared to that, how did you get here¡ª¡ª?¡±

    Yoruka had not officially completed the admission process.

    So she couldn¡¯t be accepted in the Class promotion exam. It should not be possible for her participate in this expedition.

    No, not only that, originally to enter the Principality of Wanheim, there must be a lot of procedures to handle.

    Thinking so Lux looked uneasily at Yoruka, she smiled brightly to give her master peace in mind.

    ¡°Please feel at ease, I smuggled in.¡±

    ¡±This is the worst answer!? What would you do if you were found!?¡±

    Although he wasn¡¯t sure of the law of the Principality of Wanheim, but it would be no doubt that she would go to jail.

    Of course, incidentally, the New Kingdom would be dragged into the trouble.

    ¡°Master, your concern is uncalled for. No one noticed along the way, and if I were discovered, I¡¯m going to shut them up.¡±

    Yoruka indifferently declared, Lux felt a little dizzy.

    Although they agreed that she couldn¡¯t kill anymore, but she was a born-assassin.

    It would only be a headache if he tried to get to the bottom of this, but he couldn¡¯t just let Yoruka wander around freely like that.

    After all, he had rescued her and made her as his courtiers, so she was his own responsibility.

    ¡±That, Yoruka¡­¡­.since you¡¯ve come here, there¡¯s no other way, but I hope while you¡¯re here try not to be found, can you do that?¡±

    ¡±I understand. Then let me hide in this closet, or the bed is also OK.¡±

    ¡±I beg you, find a place outside of this room to hide!¡±

    ¡±You are really nervous master, and this is the enemy¡¯s place, if I cannot be ready to serve master at anytime, then I would not be able to do the work of a follower.¡±

    ¡±No, this country for better or worse has at least signed the World Agreement¡­..¡±

    ¡±¡±But¡ª¡ªit seemed to me something is wrong.¡±

    ¡±E¡­..?¡±

    Suddenly Yoruka¡¯s tone was lowered by eight degrees, and a glamorous smile appeared.

    Then she sat on the bedside, brought her face rapidly toward Lux.

    ¡±Master seems have been on guard ever since he came to this country.¡±

    It was a transparent purple eye.

    In this pair of eyes, that had accepted Hayes ¡°baptism¡± and won the devils power, Lux¡¯s face was reflected.

    He was afraid, that this pair of eyes could see through every corner of Lux¡¯s heart.

    ¡±It¡¯s nothing, you think too much, I was just wondering what has happened before in this country, what did the Old Empire had done here, I just feel a bit concerned about these things¡ª¡ª¡°

    Yoruka nodded quietly, listening to Lux¡¯s voice.

    ¡±¡­¡­.About a dozen years ago, the royal family of the Arcadia Empire invaded this land. Their justification to foreign countries was only to compete for territorial¡¯s rights, but as for the truth it was not known, however¡ª¡ª¡±

    Yoruka paused, then continued.

    ¡±Greifer Nest. I remember that his father sold information to the Old Empire, which determined the victory and defeat of this war, at least that is what I¡¯ve heard. Of course, this is only the story from the Old Empire¡¯s side.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    The thief who sold intelligence to the Old Empire was his father.

    Whether this was true or not, this must be fate between Greifer and the New Kingdom.

    ¡±I only heard of these. Then, I will leave the room without leaving any traces, but please let me be able to respond immediately and stay within the scope of master¡¯s call.¡±

    ¡±Well, so be it. But, this time as long as I don¡¯t order, you are not allowed to interfere with anything no matter who.¡±

    ¡±I understand, master.¡±

    Yoruka gave a warm smile and opened the door quietly, then disappeared into the dark corridor.

    Her movements were so natural that it brought surprises, at most it seemed to come from her own special intuitions, she should be aware that the other people couldn¡¯t do it.

    ¡±Fuu¡­¡­..¡±

    Finally able to breath, Lux directly laid down on the bed.

    There was no helping thinking about the past.

    Lux knew that wanting to cut off his connection to the Old Empire that even he did not completely understand is very foolish.

    (But¡ª¡ª)

    Airi seemed somewhat strange.

    The code of Over Limit that he became unable to remember..

    Then, the ambition to let the Drag-Knights establishing a new system of domination, ¡°Seven Dragon Paladins¡± vice captain, Singlen Shelbrit.

    Originally he was looking forward to the Class promotion exam in this country, but it looked like there were some unrests hiding behind a hazy layer of fog.

 Volume 6 - CH 3

    Those three people were looking down on the ground from the sky.

    Light that was faint like candle but wasn¡¯t from flame was illuminating the cold space.

    Light images that were like countless small windows were projected on a wall surface inside that unique room.

    Four male and female with varying figure were there.

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­. So Hayes didn¡¯t wait for my awakening.¡¹

    A silver haired girl wearing a shining dress as though it was inlaid with gems was whispering so inside the darkness.

    There was a huge transparent pillar in front of the girl. That pillar was filled inside with water that was shining bluish white. A naked girl was floating inside the water.

    The girl that had the same silver colored hair was hanging her head down. Her body wasn¡¯t even twitching as though she was dead.

    When the girl in dress let out a lamenting sigh, a tall man kneeled in front of her.

    ¡¸The responsibility lies within me who was unable to protect her highness the third imperial princess. Please give me any punishment that you deem fit.¡¹

    ¡¸I heard the detail from Mishis. The fault doesn¡¯t lie on you. After all that girl, since the past she won¡¯t listen to anyone when she has set her heart on something.¡¹

    The girl in dress muttered apathetically as though she wasn¡¯t despondent at all.

    Then, the blue haired maid standing by at the back©¤©¤Mishis vi Exfer lifted her face.

    ¡¸Her highness the second imperial princess has already blended in as a close aide of a certain country. She told me that when Listelka-sama wake up, she wish you to contact her through me.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, well, surely Aeril has some kind of thinking. Among us that girl is a bit peculiar, but her ideal should be fundamentally the same with us.¡¹

    After saying only that, she stood in front of the kneeling man and gently presented her hand.

    And then, while her long hair that was dangling until almost reaching the floor swayed, she whispered calmly.

    ¡¸Please lift up your face Fugil. I am different from Hayes, I wish to borrow your strength. Will you help me, the priestess of oracle?¡¹

    ¡¸As your will wish it, your highness.¡¹

    Fugil smiled fearlessly while bowing. He then took her hand.

    Listelka gazed at that affectionately while smiling.

    ¡¸Thank you. And then let us take back our country together. You who prevented the betrayal toward us the LordCreator and destroyed that clan, saving us, my ©¤©¤hero¡¹

    With that word as the last, the inside of the room was filled with silence.

    Only the quiet sound of the Ruin¡¯s working could be heard for a while in that place.

    ¡¸Nn, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could hear the chirp of small bird.

    Warm sunlight was shining in through the room¡¯s old curtain.

    The morning at the land of foreign country was just a bit warmer than usual and invited sleepiness, even so a voice from the side awakened Lux¡¯s consciousness.

    ¡¸Good morning Lux-kun. Was the bed here hard?¡¹

    Coral who already woke up at the neighboring bed was wearing short underclothes similar like Lux. For an instant Lux felt his heart throbbed seeing that slender body and androgynous face.

    ¡¸N, no. I slept well, thank you.¡¹

    Lux felt embarrassed when he thought whether his sleeping face was seen. He immediately averted his face while replying back.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad. By the way, coffee or tea, which one that you like?¡¹

    Coral smiled and asked him that with a friendly tone.

    When Lux answered tea, Coral went to the service room and he brought back cups for two people.

    ¡¸It has been a long time since someone brewed tea for me in the morning.¡¹

    Lux muttered while quietly sipping the tea.

    ¡¸Is that so? As I thought, that¡¯s ©¤©¤Lux-kun is the one usually brewing it, because of your work then?¡¹

    Coral was asking in a bit of roundabout way, perhaps because he was avoiding from mentioning the nickname chore prince.

    Lux smiled wryly at Coral¡¯s friendly consideration and he nodded.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t do that kind of work that many times, but I like a chore where I can brew tea. When the result comes out good, for some reason it feels good.¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, that feeling. I also understand that. There is only slight difference, but you can understand right away from the taste and aroma©¤©¤¡¹

    Like that, Lux and Coral had fun talking with each other about trivial daily things.

    But, the bell that informed them to wake up immediately rang inside the building and they decided to head to the dining hall in order to take breakfast.

    ¡¸Ah, sorry. Even though you have exam today, I took your time to prepare.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Thanks to you I could relax.¡¹

    Lux was changing uniform on the spot while replying smilingly.

    Lux was worried last night about the matter of Yoruka, but it seemed it was the correct choice for him to receive favor from Coral.

    After he was showed the way until the dining hall, Lux parted from Coral for the moment and he joined up with everyone from Academy.

    The content of the meal was substantial to some degree, but as expected it was inferior when compared to the meal in the AcademyRoyal Officer Academy.

    (Without realizing it my tongue has also become used to luxury huh¡­¡­)

    Lux was thinking about such thing while finishing his meal, then the Triad and Airi came before Lux.

    ¡¸Morning Lux-chi! Were you lonely last night staying alone? You can come to our room to play you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Good morning Tillfur. That¡¯s, I¡¯ll just accept your feeling gratefully.¡¹

    After Lux smiled awkwardly, the other member of Triad, Sharis smiled to him.

    ¡¸Fufu, Lux-kun is also the same like usual huh. ©¤©¤That¡¯s what I want to say, but that absentminded face isn¡¯t like the usual you, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. As expected, Lux-san seemed to be worried about Airi. I should have visited to report that she is safe.¡¹

    ¡¸Thi, this is unrelated with me. Geez¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi who suddenly got the talk directed at her pouted shyly.

    It seemed although they had nervousness before the exam, but these girls was still the same like usual.

    ¡¸Everyone is different from me, you all don¡¯t look nervous.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that how we look like? Then, my acting skill must have gone up.¡¹

    Sharis suddenly smiled and folded her arms after hearing Lux¡¯s words.

    ¡®Eh¡­¡­?¡¯ When Lux observed the Triad really carefully, Tillfur was vaguely looking fidgety, Noct too looked like usual in a glance, but her expression was a bit stiff.

    Furthermore even Sharis who looked composed in a glance also said such thing, so she must be really nervous too.

    ¡¸We are Middle Class right now, so going up from here is gonna be really difficult right©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Well, as SyvallesKnight Order too we are going to lose face if we keep relying on you all the time. Today we are going to do our best©¤©¤to show result.¡¹

    At the end Sharis concluded beautifully like that befitting her status as the leader of Triad.

    ¡¸It will be fine. Everyone¡¯s strength has been growing up rapidly after all.¡¹

    When Lux said that to reassure the three, Airi sighed in exasperation.

    ¡¸What is Nii-san saying when you are still in Low Class yourself? Surely there won¡¯t be any problem with Nii-san¡¯s practical skill, but if you fail at the written test then it¡¯s hopeless you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Uh!?¡¹

    Lux flinched from the sharp retort and without paused Airi sidled up on Lux.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sincerely telling you Nii-san, please don¡¯t do anything that will make you really stand out. After all this country is a place that has discord with the old empire.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I understand that.¡¹

    ¡¸Also, I¡¯m not asking you to force yourself¡­¡­. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi muttered silently and brought her mouth close to Lux¡¯s ear. She then whispered to him.

    ¡¸If possible, please pay attention to everyone else. After all this seem to be their first promotion exam in foreign country. They too are a bit nervous.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I understand.¡¹

    Lux immediately gave that response before he suddenly made a smile.

    ¡¸Even so, it looks like Airi too has returned like usual¡­¡­I¡¯m a bit relieved.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what are you saying? I¡¯m worried whether Nii-san will do something unneeded and stand out©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry to always worry you. But, I¡¯m really thankful.¡¹

    ¡¸If Nii-san think that then please reflect a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi said that with a small voice and she looked down with her cheeks slightly reddening.

    Like that he parted from the Triad and Airi and moved to the designated place outside.

    ¡¸Well then, from here we are going to move to the written examination venue. Is everyone¡¯s preparation all right?¡¹

    Everyone gathered toward the corridor from instructor Raigree¡¯s brief words.

    Lux also opened the instruction manual for Drag-Ride and did his last review.

    At present Lux¡¯s position was Low Class, but the exam question for promotion to Middle Class wasn¡¯t that difficult.

    Although the difficulty level was different in proportion to the Class, the program of this time¡¯s overall exam was something like this in general.

    The first exam ¨C the written exam, related to knowledge of things like Drag-Ride¡¯s operating procedure, function, and so on.

    The second exam ¨C exam of basic physical strength, from hand-to-hand combat, as well as sword fighting skill and unarmed fighting skill.

    The third exam ¨C the exam of practical skill in operating Drag-Ride, regarding the basic operation and its practical application of the type of general purpose Drag-Ride the examinee used.

    The fourth exam ¨C the exam of combat practical skill, testing through mock battle the examinee¡¯s tactic and battle strength assuming they were facing against AbyssPhantom Divine Beast.

    And then©¤©¤, the scores from the first until fourth exams would be judged comprehensively, depending on the situation it was also possible for a supplemental exam to be carried out.

    Currently, among his close acquaintances, Celis was High Class, while Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct were Middle Class.

    Counting out the girls of the raid squad Syvalles, the female students who were participating this time were mostly in Beginner Class, the lowest kind of license, so first they would aim to be promoted to Low Class.

    Regarding this time¡¯s first exam©¤©¤the written exam, Lux was able to finish filling in the answers safely without any particular problem.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    He let out his breath and for the time being he was going to exit the venue, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Hahah, you sure look composed, but it will be the practical skill exam at the afternoon. There is not only piloting test, but there will even be test in the form of real combat. I don¡¯t know when the pretension of you guys will get peeled off, but I¡¯m looking forward to the bout y¡¯know?¡¹

    The moment Lux exited from the hall of the exam venue, a man came. It was the man with scar on his face who previously came picking trouble with Lux and others.

    A military officer of Wanheim Principality©¤©¤a man called Buzzheim said such thing to them with a disgusting smile.

    It was a transparent threat, but several of the girls were trembling seeing that.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hesitated whether he should make rebuttal, but his thought halted just before he could say anything.

    Quarrelling within new kingdom¡¯s territory was also troublesome, but right now they were in the territory of foreign country which could be even more troublesome.

    This thing caused one¡¯s feeling to be bad, but they must not get provoked by something of this level.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry. They too have their own official position, they won¡¯t be able to meddle with us that openly.¡¹

    Suddenly Krulcifer stood beside Lux while coolly brushing up her hair.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux uneasily raised his voice like that, but Krulcifer¡¯s face was serious.

    ¡¸From here on, those girls can only bet on their own effort. It¡¯s not something that you need to be responsible until that far.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡­¡­guess.¡¹

    ¡¸But, if it bothers you that much, then there is something that you can do.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸If the weakest you©¤©¤you whose true strength is by all rights nearly the strongest is taking the exam for Low Class, then depending on how you do it, you should be able to become the strength of those girls. Then, let¡¯s meet again later.¡¹

    Krulcifer only said that before she slowly left.

    An examiner passed her on the way and entered inside. When the break was over, the examiner told them to prepare for the next exam.

    Lux was thinking of Krulcifer¡¯s words while following behind the military officers of Wanheim Principality. He changed into his pilot suit at another room.

    He did light warm-up before exiting the room, then the time immediately arrived.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, the exam for the basic stamina as well as practical skill of hand-to-hand combat will begin now!¡¹

    The man of Wanheim Principality who was the examiner raised his voice and announced that.

    The exam of basic stamina was running through designated distances with the objective to clear each distance within the allocated time.

    This time they would run through the road at the outer circumference of Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    Lux also felt it when he received the exam at the new kingdom in the past, but he thought that it was a harsh exam for girl.

    ¡¸Haa, the distance is still all right, but just why is the road this bad©¤¡¹

    Those who could complain like Tillfur was still fine, but the majority of the girls were suffering from the steep slope of Ruin¡¯s Gear that they weren¡¯t used to.

    ¡¸This is really pitiful. It¡¯s because there is no decent man at new kingdom that weak children and women like all of you has to have a hard time of it.¡¹

    ¡¸How about you all stop forcing yourself and go back home? Or should I carry you on my back with my hand on your ass?¡¹

    Amidst that running, three men running along the girls were making fun of the new kingdom¡¯s girls who were gasping for breath.

    The faces of the three men were the same like the soldiers from yesterday. The men who were observing what was happening from far away also had familiar face.

    This must be the instruction from the scarred man with examiner tag on his chest, Buzzheim.

    These men wanted to clear up their resentment from the discord against the old empire in the past by venting it to the new kingdom.

    Lux tensed his expression and wracked his brain for a plan to stop that, it was then,

    ¡¸You three are really composed isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!¡¹

    A dignified expression without any opening in it, and an aloof presence that overpowered other people.

    The existence of the girl who completely changed even the surrounding air caused the man to hold their breath.

    Celis who was a part of the four great nobles cut in between the men.

    ¡¸If you three has that much confidence, how about having a match with me?¡¹

    The calm but vaguely overpowering tone provoked the three men.

    ¡¸What are, you saying? This is an individual exam you know? It¡¯s not a place to start any unnecessary match.¡¹

    The man¡¯s attitude suddenly changed. Perhaps Celis¡¯s fame was known even in Wanheim Principality.

    ¡¸Then, if you three can win against me in this competition, I¡¯ll listen to anything you say before our return home, how about it?¡¹

    ¡¸What-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, the words that Celis said caused the men to turn stiff for a moment. They looked at each other¡¯s face.

    Next their gaze crawled on Celis¡¯s face and breasts©¤©¤and continued further to around her hips that was wrapped in pilot suit. Before long a gulping sound could be heard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­As a noble of the new kingdom, there are no going back on those words right?¡¹

    The men licked their lips without even trying to hide their vulgar desire.

    ¡¸But of course. Although, that¡¯s only if you three win against me.¡¹

    ¡¸Hahah! Don¡¯t regret that later-!¡¹

    The three men only said that before they suddenly raised their pace and ran ahead.

    Until just now they were purposefully slowing down in order to harass the girls.

    Celis who was receiving exam to be promoted to EX Class was starting from quite far away behind the other examinees. The distance she needed to travel was long.

    Since her childhood, as the heiress of Ralgris house, Celis trained up herself severely, but there was no absolute guarantee that she would be able to win.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux called out uneasily, Celis smiled confidently.

    ¡¸Please rest assured Lux. I won¡¯t lose against them.¡¹

    She told him as though it was only natural, as if she wasn¡¯t even pressured.

    ¡¸Yes. But©¤©¤will you allow me to help a little too?¡¹

    Lux thought of her existence as reliable, at the same time he also thought of an idea.

    A way to oppose the harassment that was sent by that man called Buzzheim.

    When he told his suggestion with a low voice, Celis immediately agreed with it.

    ¡¸Understood. I¡¯ll rely on you, Lux.¡¹

    Celis accelerated her pace right away along with a calm smile.

    She immediately overtook the three men running at the front and in the blink of eye her figure disappeared from view.

    ¡¸Everyone, don¡¯t worry for the rest.¡¹

    Lux said that to the girls who were menaced and he too increased his pace gradually so that he was starting to catch up with the back of Celis and the three men.

    And then©¤©¤he began his tactic.

    ¡¸Hahaha, that stupid noble girl. Just as planned, she got angry and came opposing us.¡¹

    The three military officers who came harassing the girls©¤©¤the men who were moving following Buzzheim¡¯s instruction, one of them uttered those words and made a vulgar grin.

    It was unexpected that the other side was the one that came proposing a match, but seeing Celis running in a high pace was a happy miscalculation for the men.

    These three knew very well the environment of the running course around Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    The road surface at the latter half would be steep slope with neglected stone paving. That course would double one¡¯s exhaustion.

    It didn¡¯t matter that she was a trained military officer cadet, her stamina should be unable to hold out and she would self-destruct there.

    But, even after the men continued to run and finished climbing the long slope, they weren¡¯t unable to catch up with that back at all.

    ¡¸Chih. Are we going easy too much? Let¡¯s hurry up a bit.¡¹

    The men who were impatient with the situation that deviated from their expectation accelerated right away at the descending slope.

    But, the distance was only shrinking slightly.

    ¡¸Why, why aren¡¯t we catching up!? ©¤©¤, you bastard!?¡¹

    They continued to run until their breathing turned rough, even so Celis¡¯s back was far away.

    Furthermore Lux who looked tired with his head hanging down was running parallel to them, so the men¡¯s complexion changed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuh! Don¡¯t underestimate us! We have been running through this path everyday all this time!¡¹

    The men raised a spirited yell and raised their pace even further.

    At that moment, the match¡¯s outcome was completely decided.

    ¡¸Guu, haa, haA¡­¡­u, Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    The men involved in the match were sitting down hard on the ground with gasping breath.

    Naturally they were unable to win the ¡ºcompetition¡» against Celis. Their own pace got messed up, they self-destructed, and they ended up nearly at the last place in the exam.

    In the end, the plan that they executed didn¡¯t work against Celis and they were struck by trap instead.

    Celis normally was running by her own initiative on path that wasn¡¯t paved, separately from the general exercise.

    Therefore, she was mostly untroubled even when running on unstable path that she wasn¡¯t familiar with.

    In addition, was how Lux who looked knackered in a glance was running parallel beside the three men.

    Those three became impatient seeing Lux who looked exhausted was running beside them, and so they raised their pace further.

    ¡¸You helped me Lux. As expected from the grandson of Wade-sensei.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I was just getting on Celis-senpai¡¯s tactic.¡¹

    As expected, Lux wasn¡¯t a match with Celis who was talking without a single disorder in her breathing, but at the end he managed to reach the goal in top ranking, so Lux thought that he too had run quite much in his own limitation.

    Lux wiped his sweat and took rest there while letting out a relieved sigh, it was then,

    ¡¸I heard the rumor but©¤©¤the two of you are amazing.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Suddenly the strained atmosphere was gently dispelled.

    A girl with appearance that was out of place in this exam was standing right behind him.

    She was wearing a luxurious pure white dress, that was decorated with ornaments that looked like flower petals of many color piled up on each other.

    On top of her blond hair with trace of brown that was partly tied with ribbon, there was a small golden tiara decorating her head.

    That beautiful face was filled with gentle smile.

    ¡¸Ah, my apologize for my belayed introduction. I am Milmiette Crhodel. The princess of this Wanheim Principality.¡¹

    Right after she introduced herself like that, Celis and Lux kneeled almost at the same time.

    A moment later, the officers around the venue also took saluting gesture in panic.

    ¡¸Forgive our rudeness of not noticing the arrival of your highness.¡¹

    Even Raigree who was a slight distance away also saluted, but Milmiette shook her head slightly with a smile still on her face.

    ¡¸Please be at ease. All of your are our sworn friends who has expressly made your way until this land. I¡¯m only intruding here suddenly merely because of my curiousity.¡¹

    After Milmiette said that with a smile, everyone there silently stood up.

    Then, the princess talked to Lux and Celis once more.

    ¡¸Today the Class Promotion Exam is being held in this Ruin¡¯s Gear, and so I too have the privilege of observing it, but I was surprised by the ability of the two of you. I¡¯ll pray so that everyone of the new kingdom will receive encouragement, and so that the officers of our country will also put even more zeal into their training.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s an honor to be granted your highness¡¯s praise.¡¹

    Lux was lured by Celis¡¯s words and he also lightly bowed his head.

    Buzzheim who was standing at slight distance away was gritting his teeth seeing that scene.

    ¡®I see¡¯, Lux thought.

    Here Lux finally guessed the reason why a part of Wanheim officers and the examiner called Buzzheim were losing their temper.

    Originally they were roused up already with the visit of their country¡¯s princess to observe the exam, then in addition the exam became shaped like a competition against the country that was formerly their bitter enemy. It explained why their reaction was outspoken like that.

    ¡¸Well then, now I¡¯ll leave to meet with my knight, so excuse me for the present. May luck be with you, everyone of the new kingdom.¡¹

    The princess said only that before leaving with elegant footsteps.

    After that, her bodyguards and servants who came late followed after her in a rush.

    ¡¸She is a person with quite unique atmosphere isn¡¯t she?¡¹

    Celis whispered with a smile after the princess¡¯s presence left completely.

    Lux was also in agreement in regard to that.

    He thought that if it was the royalty of Wanheim Principality, they would be harboring bad impression too toward the new kingdom without doubt, but unexpectedly it didn¡¯t seem so.

    (By any chance, it could be that the advocate of her highness and the supporter of Buzzheim are split from each other.)

    While he was thinking such thing, his back was suddenly tapped from behind.

    ¡¸Looks like you were doing something quite fun huh, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Lisha-sama. Everyone too, thanks for your hard work.¡¹

    After the princess left, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy, the three who were at another place also came before Lux.

    ¡¸You suddenly have attention showered on you. Well, for a person with a position like you, it will be even stranger if that¡¯s not the case though.¡¹

    ¡¸Running with the two of you, unfair. I also want to run with Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly hearing Krulcifer and Philuffy¡¯s words.

    Thinking that it would be too standing out if he was grouped with the users of Divine Drag-Ride too much, he was deliberately avoiding to approach the girls, but in the end he became completely involved with Celis.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. This is my fault. I was relying completely on you again, what a blunder.¡¹

    Celis muttered with slightly awkward look. In response to that Lux shook his head in panic.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. Thanks to Celis-senpai, those girl were also saved, besides, senpai were really cool.¡¹

    When Lux honestly conveyed his feeling like that, Celis¡¯s cheek flashed red.

    ¡¸I, it really help that you are saying that. After all, that¡¯s with myself alone I¡¯m not confident, whether what I¡¯m doing is really correct or not¡­¡­¡¹

    She spoke bashfully while averting her face a bit.

    Lux who saw that was going to smile wryly, it was at that timing,

    ¡¸Both of you, this isn¡¯t the place to flirt!¡¹

    Lisha cut in with flustered tone.

    ¡¸Tha, that was rude of me. We are still in the middle of exam. We must not lose focus here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, certainly that¡¯s true. After all it seems they too are feeling even stronger rivalry toward us.¡¹

    Lux and others ran their gaze at their surrounding after hearing Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    Buzzheim who was observing their way from afar had approached until right in front of them unnoticed.

    Those sharp eyes that were like a beast were boiling with hostility toward the new kingdom.

    ¡¸You guys are really composed huh? No, perhaps it¡¯s more accurate to call it being overly conceited.¡¹

    He snorted scornfully at Lux and others while kept walking to pass through them.

    When they were passing each other, he came to a stop and twisted only his neck, directing a grin at Lux.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t push your luck just from passing the basic stamina exam. You all after all are nothing more than remnants of the old empire.¡¹

    Buzzheim spat off those words before going toward the next venue together with his hangers-on.

    It was something expected already, but it seemed that man didn¡¯t plan to back away just with this.

    Next would be the second exam¡¯s second part, an exam of unarmed fighting skill and sword fighting skill was carried continuously.

    They had heard from Raigree that in any kind of country, there was an inclination for man to have superior skill in unarmed fighting and sword fighting.

    ¡¸Will everyone be okay in the next exam¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸No matter how disadvantageous battle it is, it¡¯s still too early to give up winning against them you know?¡¹

    In respond to Lux¡¯s muttering, Krulcifer told him that with a suggestive expression.

    ¡¸Then, continuing the second exam of sword skill as well as unarmed fighting skill will begin. Form a line following the order you are called!¡¹

    At the next exam the officers of Wanheim Principality were really high spirited, forcing the girls of the Academy into a hard battle conversely.

    In order to avoid injury, the exam was basically examinees having practice match against each other to see who could hit the other following the proper stance, but as expected there was difference in pure physical strength between male and female, so the Academy students were falling behind.

    It wasn¡¯t a subject that was considered as that important as a Drag-Knight, but on the whole the new kingdom was being pushed back.

    ¡¸Now then, I too have to go all out as a member of Syvalles.¡¹

    When the turn of Sharis of the Triad came, a brawny man was waiting as her opponent.

    Normally, the opponent should have body build and gender that were as close as possible to the examinee, but it seemed that this was Buzzheim¡¯s instigation at work.

    ¡¸I believe that my opponent is obviously different, but it¡¯s a painful thing to be unable to assert that I¡¯m a woman in this kind of time.¡¹

    Sharis sweated and made a bitter smile. Almost at the same time the large man mercilessly attacked.

    It was an exam to see how much the examinee could get the better of the opponent using martial art and wooden sword in place of Sword Device, but in order to avoid injury, a special regulation to not use direct attack as much as possible was created.

    ¡¸DROP DEAD YOU BRATTtTtT-!¡¹

    Sharis evaded the attack of the large man that was aiming at her shoulder and swept away the opponent¡¯s leg.

    ¡¸Should I say that it was a blessing that I was usually defeated utterly by Celis? I won¡¯t be defeated by mere brute strength you know?¡¹

    Right after the man tumbled, Sharis quickly thrust the tip of her wooden sword on his chin.

    With that stance, according to the rule the match was concluded©¤©¤was how it supposed to be. But,

    ¡¸That¡¯s na?ve, girl.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Instantly, the leg of Sharis that was moved into the stance for the winning condition©¤©¤was swept. By the foot of the man collapsing on the ground.

    Sharis was reeled and she almost fell. Her wrist was caught and the large man stood up.

    ¡¸Wait!? What are you planning to do!? I should have fulfilled the win condition©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸The examiner didn¡¯t give the end signal right? That¡¯s unfortunate for you!¡¹

    The examiner Buzzheim intentionally overlooked the end of the match.

    The moment Sharis¡¯s face paled, the man¡¯s finger caught the seam of her pilot suit.

    ¡¸Wai-, sto¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Oops, my finger got stuck in a strange place so it can¡¯t be he©¤©¤guah!?¡¹

    The moment the seam of the pilot suit was slightly tearing, the man groaned and crouched down.

    Sharis got dragged down with him, but someone caught her in their arms. It was Lux.

    ¡¸Are you all right, Sharis-san?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­, ye, yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    When she looked, the man was writhing while pressing his side.

    Lux buried the handle of his wooden sword on the man¡¯s side.

    ¡¸The new kingdom examinee over there! That¡¯s considered as obstruction to other match, you are disqualified!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    Buzzheim announced with annoyance, but Lux accepted the decision calmly.

    But, because Lux moved as though he accidentally stumbled during the match against his opponent and collided on Sharis¡¯s opponent by chance, the other examinees stopped that decision and after a discussion, it ended with only point reduction for Lux and Sharis.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Lux-kun¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s me who am sorry. The exam¡¯s point, got reduced©¤©¤¡¹

    Sharis hung down her head in respond to Lux¡¯s wry smile that looked troubled.

    Buzzheim didn¡¯t learn from experience and he made the large man just now to do another match.

    Most likely they intended to do the same thing like before, but that scheme immediately collapsed.

    ¡¸WHAATT-!? A, against a small girl like this, IiIIIII-!?¡¹

    This time the large man was beaten up thoroughly by the hand of Lux¡¯s childhood friend, Philuffy.

    In the end, although the result was that on the whole Wanheim was slightly above in the average result, but the top grades were seized by Celis and others, the members of new kingdom.

    ¡¸Those bunches, are they really officer cadet¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸They must be special group even among the new kingdom right? I, if that¡¯s not the case, then how to explain©¤©¤¡¹

    At first they were in fervor purely not wanting to lose against the new kingdom, but gradually they were shocked and instead now they were even directing respectful gaze toward the Academy students.

    But, even so Buzzheim and his hangers-on were obstinately causing hindrance even at the third exam.

    ¡¸Uwah!? It¡¯s going to cra©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Tillfur who was doing practical test of basic operation of Drag-Ride was shaken by other Wyvern that was fast approaching and she halted midway.

    ¡¸Oops, sorry there. Looks like my track deviated a bit. After all our testing ground here is narrow, really sorry.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­¡¹

    His manner was polite, but that voice which was containing obvious threat caused Tillfur¡¯s face to become stiff.

    ¡¸Number 32, warning for you. You¡¯re going to get disqualified the next time you leave your course.¡¹

    The examiner was the said Buzzheim as expected.

    It was an exam to cover the designated route within the allotted time using the basic operation of each Drag-Ride, like running or flying.

    From Lux¡¯s point of view it was apparent that the man who was doing his exam at the same time with Tillfur next to her was making obstruction, but it was hard to prove it.

    ¡¸Uuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur groaned in distress.

    She understood that it was harassment from Buzzheim, but the stress that she might get hindered anytime added with the tension of doing exam in foreign country for the first time, her control was more disarrayed than she imagined.

    The male officer who saw Tillfur¡¯s gliding and laughed approached to menace her again.

    ¡¸Look, I¡¯m coming from your left again. Watch out!¡¹

    The male officer intentionally called out while flying in a way that felt slightly off from his own course, but when he approached until just barely,

    ¡¸The flag that is your target is over there you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who was similarly in the middle of practical exam using Wyvern to fly grazed the route of the officer that was menacing Tillfur.

    Lux had been flying ahead toward the route of the man that was trying to approach Tillfur.

    Perhaps the officer was panicked and mistook his control, because his trajectory kept deviating without him being able to correct it, and he was falling to the ground.

    ¡¸Watch out-!?¡¹

    There, the Drag-Rides around that area yelled©¤©¤but, Lux who swooped down using Wyvern picked up the Wyvern of the male officer just before he crashed.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­, u¡¹

    ¡¸Please be careful. If you don¡¯t pay attention to the angle of your propulsion nozzle, you will fall right away.¡¹

    When Lux indifferently said that, the obstructive man fell silent in frustration.

    ¡¸Diving down and making it in time in that situation¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I see, the new kingdom too isn¡¯t half bad.¡¹

    The officers of Wanheim Principality uttered their admiration at the act that Lux displayed nonchalantly, while the expression of Buzzheim and his underlings distorted in displeasure.

    The officer that was making nuisance of himself failed, on the contrary he even got saved from his predicament. There was no greater humiliation than that.

    On the other hand, a part of the officers were honestly in admiration seeing Lux¡¯s skill in handling Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Oi, do you guys really have the leeway to worry about the officer of other country?¡¹

    On and on, there was even voice raised in support of the new kingdom.

    The attitude of Lux and others who didn¡¯t yield against pressure and also their strength, and then the dirty method of Buzzheim were in the process of changing the atmosphere of the venue.

    This was Lux¡¯s aim.

    In Wanheim Principality, there were military officers who supported Princess Milmiette who was taking friendly stance toward the new kingdom, and the bunches like Buzzheim who were treating the new kingdom as enemy.

    In order to slant that air of rivalry to one side, he deliberately made the detractors to do their harassment openly instead, and then he showed how they smashed through all those schemes.

    ¡¸Just as expected from my knight, he pull it off really well.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right. But©¤©¤there is no way we can just let him take on their squabble by himself alone.¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer who were watching from some distance away were talking with a hint of delight.

    ¡¸Then, we too, let¡¯s go.¡¹

    Philuffy too, although her face was blank as usual, but she was starting to line up for the exam briskly as though she was triggered by Lux¡¯s action.

    In the end, even after that the obstructions didn¡¯t go well, and half of the top ten grades had the name of members of the new kingdom placed in there when Greifer and Coral were excluded.

    ¡¸Then from here it will be the last exam of today. The fourth exam©¤©¤the test of combat practical skill will begin!¡¹

    And then at the afternoon, the last exam was finally started.

    If this exam was over, an examination would be carried out by the examiners and the examinees¡¯ success or failure would be decided under the basis of each of their total score.

    But, the examiner who was obstructing the new kingdom in each exam©¤©¤Buzzheim was finally taking action personally.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia, Noct Leaflet, both names are to go to the practice ground at the northeast block and hold a mock battle with an examiner. Finish your preparation and then standby.¡¹

    In order to shorten the time needed and also to inspect cooperation between Drag-Knights that was an indispensable aspect, a mock battle in the format of a pair challenging an examiner would be held.

    Lux formed a pair with Noct, and the two of them sat side by side on spectator seats that were located on the high ground of the outer wall.

    ¡¸Take care of me, Noct.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I will do my best not to drag down Lux-san. I wish to do every effort that I can.¡¹

    The girl was calm like usual, but her voice was a bit stiff. It looked like she was a bit nervous.

    ¡¸Did Airi look well?¡¹

    When Lux asked that to make a small talk, Noct was unusually speaking hesitantly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. At the surface¡­¡­, but¡¹

    ¡¸At the surface¡­¡­you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸This is my personal conjecture, but perhaps Airi has been worrying about something from some time ago. But, I don¡¯t know what that crucial something is.¡¹

    She muttered matter-of-factly, and before long she leaked out a quiet sigh.

    ¡¸I tried to probe in my own way through normal conversation, but I didn¡¯t to find out anything. My deepest apologies for not being useful.¡¹

    Noct made a small bow with a quite tone.

    Lux who saw that shook his head in hurry.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t something Noct need to apologize for. This is like the failure of me, her big brother for not understanding about his little sister. I¡¯m really thankful just from you feeling that concerned about it.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. Besides see, Airi making fun of me when in front of someone else, usually that is something that doesn¡¯t really happen. That¡¯s why, for her to do that in front of you, her best friend, surely means that Airi too is letting her guard down around you so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux talked brightly to Noct who was unusually looking dejected.

    ¡¸I¡¯m thankful for your consideration. Thanks to that I feel a bit relieved. Then, at the mock battle against examiner after this, I will lay a barrage of support fire from behind. I¡¯ll entrust the charging role to Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Suddenly it¡¯s a merciless tactic like that!?¡¹

    The change of topic that was just too drastic caused Lux to raise his voice reflexively.

    ¡¸Is that so? Then, Lux-san is telling me your junior, to come out to the front as vanguard using Drake then.¡¹

    ¡¸No but, I, when I¡¯m using Wyvern, I¡¯m not suited for offense¡­¡­¡¹

    The exam this time was for examining the examinee¡¯s skill purely as Drag-Knight. Using things like remodeled weapon or Divine Drag-Ride wasn¡¯t permitted.

    Therefore, things like Scale Blade that Lisha developed couldn¡¯t be used, they would have to fight using only basic armament like normal Blade, Dagger, Breath Gun, Wire Tail, and so on.

    ¡¸I only remembered now by chance but, at the practice ground the other day, Lux-san was peeping at everyone¡¯s underwear from the second floor didn¡¯t you? Even mine©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please allow me to take on that role by all means.¡¹

    Toward Noct who was purposefully talking in monotone, Lux could do nothing but agreeing with a dry look.

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you very much. But, Lux-san isn¡¯t denying about you staring fixedly at my underwear, so I¡¯m feeling a bit creeped out though.¡¹

    ¡¸Denying or not, I didn¡¯t stare until that much you know-!? No, that¡¯s, because Noct¡¯s underwear was curious, so I unconsciously almost watched in fascination, but it¡¯s not like I was planning to peek right from the start©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux said that with flustered state, Noct fell completely silent.

    (Wait, this is bad¡­¡­! I spontaneously said the truth©¤©¤!)

    Lux was in panic while he fearfully took a peek at the girl¡¯s face thinking of what to do so she would forgive him, it was then,

    ¡¸Haa, Lux-san is really a troubling person.¡¹

    Her cheeks were vaguely blushing. She averted her gaze while muttering that with reproachful eyes.

    The rare reaction that came from Noct who was always taciturn and calm caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb from shock.

    While the two were doing such dialogue, the voice of the examiner could be heard.

    ¡¸Next, Lux Arcadia and Noct Leaflet. Your exam will start at the third block! Make your preparation at the designated place!¡¹

    Lyx changed his look while Noct¡¯s expression also returned to her usual look after hearing those words.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go, surely Buzzheim¡¯s aim at present is us.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It looks like this will become a fight that is worth doing.¡¹

    Noct responded to Lux¡¯s words by standing up from the bench.

    They passed through the corridor and stood at one of the rings of the practice ground that was divided into four.

    There, Buzzheim was waiting as expected with a challenging grin pasted on his mouth.

    ¡¸I¡¯m tired of waiting here. I can take you on personally©¤©¤is only at this time.¡¹

    After Lux advanced to the center of the ring, Buzzheim who was wearing pilot suit pulled out his Sword Device.

    Even without saying anything, his eyes were brimming with enough hostility.

    ¡¸The exam time limit is ten minutes. It¡¯s real battle format where combat skill and coordination of the pair are evaluated. The fundamental rule will conform to the rule of official sham battle. Are you ready?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the dragon of illusions that arrive at the origin. Establish a flickering form over and over again, Drake.¡¹

    Lux and Noct pulled out their Sword Device almost at the same time and pushed the trigger on the handle while muttering the passcode.

    The faint phosphorescence converging before their eyes formed shape and two Drag-Rides were summoned.

    ¡¸Connect ¨C On¡¹

    Right after the two equipped those, Buzzheim also similarly deployed his Drag-Ride and equipped it.

    In a glance, his Drag-Ride was similar with Wyvern, but its armor was a cut above the common Wyvern.

    ¡¸EX Wyvern¡­¡­is it? You¡¯re using a powerful Drag-Ride just for a mere test.¡¹

    Noct pointed out without letting out her agitation showing at the surface.

    SpecialEX general purpose Drag-Ride was fundamentally given only to human of High Class or above.

    Just from this it showed that this man wasn¡¯t only all about position, but that he was also a powerful person of higher order.

    ¡¸After all I¡¯m taking on two opponents here. I heard that the Drag-Knight of the new kingdom is excellent. Surely I¡¯m not going to be able to take on you two without at least this much right?¡¹

    Buzzheim bared a smirk, perhaps in sarcasm toward the good result that the new kingdom had scored until now.

    Lux once again sensed that as expected, this wasn¡¯t just a mere practical exam.

    ¡¸Drag-Ride¡¯s equipping is confirmed. The combat practical exam will begin after this¡­¡­¡¹

    The voice of the officer who took the role as a referee resounded in the ring. The atmosphere was tensing stingingly.

    The moment the tension heightened to the limit, Buzzheim¡¯s arm moved slightly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle, Start!¡¹

    Right after the referee¡¯s yell resounded, the back wings of Buzzheim¡¯s EX Wyvern shined and vortex of air whirled on his back.

    ¡¸Hah!¡¹

    Buzzheim accelerated until maximum speed in one breath along with a terrific eruption of light and he charged ahead.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was only for a few second, but he had controlled his Drag-Ride before the match started to take his opponents by surprise.

    Lux noticed the fact that the referee was someone under Buzzheim¡¯s influence and he was overlooking the foul play but©¤©¤too late.

    The enemy was already approaching right before Lux¡¯s eyes, swinging down a medium sized Blade.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ku!¡¹

    Buzzheim¡¯s rule violation and violent assault that was unthinkable for an exam.

    The attack of the great sword that had the weight of accelerating Drag-Ride put behind it drew a sharp trajectory.

    The moment Lux strengthened his barrier and took a stance with his Blade to use it as a shield to parry the attack©¤©¤he noticed that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    In a timing of mere instant, Lux quickly used the Blade that he readied as shield for blocking to sweep horizontally. With that motion, he was barely able to divert the trajectory of Buzzheim¡¯s slash that was feigning to attack him while aiming at Noct.

    ¡¸Uu, aa¡­¡­!¡¹

    ©¤©¤But, that attack which had maximum energy filled into the Blade couldn¡¯t be completely blocked. The Drake¡¯s barrier was shaved and a part of the shoulder armor broke.

    Unable to endure, Noct leaped backward and escaped from Buzzheim¡¯s range.

    Using that opening Lux laid out a barrage with his Breath Gun and cut off the flow of a pursuing attack.

    ¡¸Oops¡­¡­, aren¡¯t you better than I thought. I might have done something bad making my subordinates trying something on you guys¡­¡­. For those idiots this is something over their head.¡¹

    Buzzheim was blocking the barrage using his barrier while showing a smug smirk.

    As expected, a Wyvern that wasn¡¯t even tuned was a little in disadvantage against the output of EX Wyvern that was a strengthened version of general purpose Drag-Ride.

    Buzzheim¡¯s composure was exactly because he knew that.

    In this situation where Lux was unable to use Critical Hit using Scale Blade, destroying the enemy using normal method was next to impossible.

    The only method to breakthrough this was to make use of the opponent¡¯s low aptitude for Drag-Ride because he was a male, and waited out for him to run out of breath, but because this was an exam, the time limit was short, so that method couldn¡¯t be used.

    If Lux was alone, he would be able to continue to defend without problem.

    (But, what do I do in case he continued to aim at Noct?)

    The match result itself shouldn¡¯t be directly connected with their exam¡¯s success or failure, but there was no way he could let the enemy injured them.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? It won¡¯t be an exam if you just defending you know? Show me the skill of you two.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After hesitating for a few seconds, Lux advanced forward by himself just like he had arranged beforehand with Noct.

    ¡ºPlease be careful Lux-san! This man is©¤©¤serious!¡»

    Noct who had a part of her armor broken urged for caution using Dragon Voice from behind.

    ¡ºPlease don¡¯t worry about me! If you recklessly start attacking from your end, you will be overcome from the spec difference. In the worst case that Lux-san get hurt, I won¡¯t have any face to look at Airi.¡»

    Noct¡¯s prediction wasn¡¯t wrong. ©¤©¤But,

    ¡ºYou¡¯re wrong, Noct.¡»

    Lux talked to Noct behind him with a calm voice without any fervor or unease.

    ¡ºIf I let him hurt you more than this, it¡¯s me who will be the one that cannot face Airi.¡»

    ¡ºLux, san¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºLet¡¯s fight together. If it¡¯s us©¤©¤we surely can win.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Yes. Then©¤©¤can I ask you for instruction?¡»

    ¡¸You guys aren¡¯t coming? Then it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll use all the remaining time©¤©¤to crush you!¡¹

    Buzzheim who exposed a wicked look flew aiming at Noct once more.

    The remaining time limit was approximately seven minutes.

    The enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride danced in the sky in order to settle the match during that time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So this is where you are, Sir Singlen.¡¹

    Outside the outer wall of the practice ground¡¯s ring, the metal window bars that were set at the high ground.

    On the audience seat that was created not for military officer making use of the facility, but for important guest who visited, the Blue Tyrant©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit was crossing his legs while sprawling down.

    The tip of his excess sleeve fluttered from his casual hand wave. That was his only response to his subordinate¡¯s voice.

    That overcoat with strange design was a special item even among the White Ridge Knight Order of Blackend Kingdom.

    It was something specially developed by combining pilot suit with Drag-Ride¡¯s armor, an item that was called armor suit.

    The man who called out to him had half his face hidden with a white helmet, the long hair that was peeking out from the gap belonged to man with age past middle-aged.

    In contrast with Singlen who had small stature like a young boy, this man was an owner of a tall body that was approximately 2 mel.

    ¡¸You are going to catch cold if you stay in this kind of place. In the first place, something like the promotion exam of this Class isn¡¯t something that will be worth watching for you at this point.¡¹

    His tone was calm and courteous.

    But, the voice of the old knight was containing an emotion that couldn¡¯t be hidden even with his attitude of keeping up appearances.

    Disdain and disgust toward the weak. And then, something like an irritation.

    That old knight was giving off a personality that was characteristic of a soldier who had overcame several thousand verge of death, and came to consider only strength and carrying out duty as righteousness.

    ¡¸This show is not something that contemptible. There is a way to enjoy a game as a game. You are too serious. How about you relax for a bit huh, Zweigbergk?¡¹

    Singlen smiled while lightly shaking the wine glass that was filled with crimson liquid.

    Even after being soothed like that, it seemed that the old knight called Zweigbergk found it hard to agree with his master¡¯s words. He kept silent.

    ¡¸You see, Zwei. I¡¯m different from you, I don¡¯t have a taste that is unable to enjoy fellow small fries killing each other. Something that is really not worthy to be watched, is a fight that is only of pretension. I call something like that a farce. It doesn¡¯t matter even if it¡¯s this very patient and tolerant me, I won¡¯t be able to endure if I¡¯m made to see such thing in front of my eyes. A small fry of that level won¡¯t even become useful to measure the Black Hero. Just watching is a pointless waste of time.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, my lord©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯ll leave cleaning up this alcohol to you. I¡¯m going to ascertain that guy¡¯s true character.¡¹

    Singlen threw the glass that still had wine remaining in it to the old knight and he quickly cleared out the sheath in his sword belt.

    He formed that strange smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, and at the same time he directed his sharp eye glint to below.

    ¡¸How long you are going to keep running around? Try showing me the pride of new kingdom!¡¹

    Buzzheim laughed loudly while repeatedly flying in order to take the back of Noct persistently.

    Lux cut in on his trajectory again and again in order to prevent that. He blocked the slash with his sword.

    With general purpose Drag-Ride Drake that was specialized for rear support and gathering intelligence, it was nearly impossible to exchange blow properly with Buzzheim due to the spec difference.

    Therefore, Lux was forced into a one-sided defensive battle in order to cover for Noct.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you going to take revenge for those noble girls you are wagging your tail to? Or else, are you getting cold feet?¡¹

    Buzzheim was swiveling around in the sky with high speed so that he couldn¡¯t be locked on while laughing fearlessly.

    Seeing Noct that was devoting herself to evasion and Lux who was protecting her, he attempted such provocation.

    But, that was Buzzheim¡¯s trap.

    He planned to aim at the moment the opponent switched to offense and became defenseless, shooting them down then instead.

    (However©¤©¤this is a chance)

    The moment Buzzheim deliberately stopped his attack and showed his composure, Lux saw through that and moved.

    ¡¸Hah! Taking the bait huh you fool! ©¤©¤Howling Howl!¡¹

    The vortex of shockwave that shook the air was fired from the head part of Buzzheim¡¯s armor.

    But, Lux who predicted that transmitted his energy and turned his Blade into shield, breaking through the wall of shockwave.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    It was difficult to see through the opponent¡¯s attack pattern just from a few minutes of battle.

    But, the option against highly mobile Wyvern, and how Buzzheim¡¯s attack was mainly using the difference in spec between the Drag-Rides.

    Lux calculated the answer using his countless battle experience based mainly using those two points.

    ¡¸Nuuh!?¡¹

    But, even so perhaps it was as expected from the ability of an EX Class that possessed EX Wyvern, Buzzheim shifted his trajectory without delay and without pause he dodged Lux¡¯s slash toward him.

    Aiming at the opening that Lux exposed from making a big swing, he held aloft his large Blade.

    ¡¸Drop dead, you old empire¡¯s dog-! ¡­¡­©¤©¤tsu!?¡¹

    The moment Buzzheim bared his wicked look and he was going to swung down his sword, he noticed Lux¡¯s calm eyes.

    The angle of Lux¡¯s gaze wasn¡¯t directed at Buzzheim, but behind him.

    When he reflexively looked above the ring, Noct¡¯s figure was vanishing.

    It was the camouflage ability that was one of Drake¡¯s special functions.

    It was a stealth ability to cover one¡¯s own figure by assimilating into the surrounding landscape, but the figure would become exposed when the Drag-Ride turned to offense.

    ¡¸Planning to outwit me huh!? That method is©¤©¤obsolete already!¡¹

    He feigned to slash at Lux, but he then twirled in a circle and flashed his sword to behind him.

    But©¤©¤that Blade cut empty air along with Buzzheim¡¯s confidence.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. The cause of your defeat, is that you are looking down on your opponent thinking that it¡¯s obsolete.¡¹

    ¡¸Wh-¡­..at!?¡¹

    Noct wasn¡¯t behind Noct.

    For flying type Drag-Knight, having their back where the propulsion device was located taken by the enemy in a defenseless state was a situation that they should be the most vigilant against.

    If a Drake with its basic performance that was inferior by one or two level wanted to find means of survival, this was the only moment where that was possible.

    That was why Buzzheim saw through Lux¡¯s aim, and he predicted that the Drake which covered its figure with camouflage would attack him from behind.

    He was convinced by none other than the direction of the gaze of Lux who he was facing. Lux wasn¡¯t staring at Buzzheim but at behind him.

    But, the location where Noct was standing was right behind Buzzheim.

    The Blade that was swung with semicircle trajectory didn¡¯t hit anything, and then Buzzheim¡¯s open stance was in a position that was approaching near.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you bastards©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please be careful so that you don¡¯t get injured.¡¹

    In a flash, Noct pulled the trigger of her cannon that had been filled with energy.

    ¡¸Guh, OOOO¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The violent torrent of shockwave that was fired from close range blew away the EX Wyvern.

    Because Buzzheim allocated the energy from his Force Core into his slash, he was unable to deploy a solid barrier and his armament was smashed.

    ¡¸Ga, HaaA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Buzzheim¡¯s back struck the stone wall at far behind and he fainted in agony.

    With that, it looked like the match was concluded for the time being.

    ¡¸Thank you very much for the tactic instruction, Lux-san.¡¹

    Noct¡¯s tone that was indifferent as usual was really like her, Lux thought.

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s thanks to Noct. Your positioning and reaction, both were really skillful©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux said that with a smile in respond, Noct showed an expression that looked just a bit surprised.

    ¡¸No. Those words are too generous for me. I was only carrying out Lux-san¡¯s instruction, both in strategy and tactic. A person who is just performing what they were told cannot be called as a full-fledged servant.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled awkwardly. He wondered if she thought he was just flattering her.

    But,

    ¡¸Yes. But, it¡¯s also a lesson for me. After all, I almost feel completely satisfied just from receiving your praise from doing something ordinary.¡¹

    Noct looked at Lux and floated a faint smile on her lips while she muttered that.

    As though she was conveying to him, that by no means she was thinking anything bad of Lux¡¯s words©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, is it better if I say it like this? Don¡¯t let me down okay, Noct.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m looking forward to work together with you, Lux-san.¡¹

    Noct lightly bowed her head while still wearing Drag-Ride.

    That moment when he was going to return a smile at her, a cold dread ran through Lux¡¯s spine as a chill.

    ¡¸What the hell you two are prattling there! The exam is still©¤©¤ain¡¯t over yet-!¡¹

    The EX Wyvern that crashed on the outer wall with its driving force suspended.

    It rallied over itself unnoticed and readied a large sword that was clad with energy, rushing ahead in super low altitude with a speed like an arrow.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-san!?¡¹

    Noct quickly readied her Blade against that expression that was distorted from rage and humiliation.

    But, the killing intent that Lux feared wasn¡¯t that.

    Buzzheim¡¯s charge that was like a raging squall.

    The EX Wyvern that was drawing a straight line while leaving behind afterimage had its armored arm lopped off along with a thunderous sound.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Whaa-!?¡¹

    That destruction and impact that attacked his body without any advance warning at all caused him to lose his balance and crashed on the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Not just Lux and Noct, the other Drag-Knights who were receiving their exam also stopped moving simultaneously.

    ¡¸Guh, GaaAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    A hoarse scream resounded in the area, the blood soaked Buzzheim was toppled sideways along with his Drag-Ride.

    Without pause he crashed on the stone wall at the opposite side, and this time he didn¡¯t twitch anymore.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The sudden horrible accident caused everyone there to hold their breath.

    What cut apart that silence that was created for a few seconds was the voice of a certain man.

    ¡¸Really sorry, I missed my aim a tiny bit. My bad, my bad.¡¹

    A small figure wearing blue coat appeared while scratching his head with a look that showed not even a shred of guilt.

    The Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit was looking down to the ground from the audience seat above, in a state of wearing a special equipment general purpose Drag-Ride, Drake. (TN: Just o avoid confusion, it¡¯s not that Singlen¡¯s Drake has special equipment, but it¡¯s that Drake is categorized as special equipment general purpose Drag-Ride, what¡¯s with all its nifty function.)

    ¡¸¡­¡­The Blade just now, was your©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux asked with a voice that was tinged with caution.

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t going to say even a single thanks? The youngsters this day is really disagreeable huh.¡¹

    In respond Singlen grinned fearlessly and jumped down on the ring¡¯s soil along with his Drake.

    ¡¸Thi, this is¡­¡­what in the world is going on!? Sir Singlen!?¡¹

    When the examiners at the area who saw that came rushing in panic, Singlen shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.

    ¡¸I¡¯m requested to act as the general manager of this exam. Take away the examiner license from the idiot sleeping over there. Originally the exam should resume from square one after someone get blown away until outside the ground, but that guy broke the rule and launched surprise attack. ¡­¡­You need me to explain the exam¡¯s regulation further?¡¹

    ¡¸Uu, aa¡­¡­. Si, sir-¡­¡­! Understood-!¡¹

    With a glare from Singlen, the examiners who were asking question backed away in panic.

    After the fainted Buzzheim was carried away by stretcher, Singlen turned a smile toward Lux and Noct.

    ¡¸Now then, that was an annoying hindrance huh, chore handyman. Unfortunately it seems that there is no free examiner here, but you still got four minutes left. In their place, I the overseer here will personally give you your exam.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ©¤©¤¡¯It¡¯s dangerous.¡¯ Warning bell was ringing inside Lux¡¯s head.

    This man threw a Blade at a Drag-Ride flying in high speed and lopped off an armored arm with that one attack, like shooting down a termite dancing in the air.

    It was abnormal. Whether it was that miraculous feat that was done by using general purpose Drag-Ride. And also that mercilessness where there was not even a twitch in his expression from almost killing Buzzheim.

    But, till the end it was within the scope of an exam. Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Noct, you can still go?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s possible if it¡¯s the remaining four minutes.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, it¡¯s decided. Let¡¯s begin right away, oi.¡¹

    The officer that received a glance from Singlen raised his voice just as he was prompted to.

    ¡¸Battle, Restart!¡¹

    Together with that voice, Singlen drove his special equipment general purpose Drag-Ride Drake and lightly readied his Blade.

    ¡¸You are also using Drake? It¡¯s basic spec is the lowest even among the three types of general purpose Drag-Ride, is it okay?¡¹

    Noct pointed that out while frowning slightly.

    Singlen¡¯s choice was also unexpected for Lux.

    Of course, although it was the special equipment type, Drake, it strength depended on how the Drag-Knight used it, but to take on two opponents on a ring with good visibility like this time, it should be a type of Drag-Ride that was definitely in disadvantage.

    Although he was a member of Seven Dragon Paladins, a large part of his ability should also be made up from the Divine Drag-Ride that he used.

    From what Lux was seeing, the Drake in front of him didn¡¯t have any sign that it had been specially remodeled.

    And yet why, he chose that kind of Drag-Ride?

    ¡¸Is the handicap not enough? Should I throw away several of my weapon too?¡¹

    Noct fell silent seeing Singlen¡¯s condescending smile.

    In exchange Lux spoke as the proxy of her will.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine like that. Then©¤©¤here I come.¡¹

    Lux and Noct readied their weapon in a distance of ten-odd mel apart.

    They had a light briefing with each other using Dragon Voice and concluded their talk.

    ¡¸Four minutes remaining. You two can come at me, or running around to escape©¤©¤I mean, enduring the battle. It¡¯s your freedom.¡¹

    The way he was talking was provocative like usual.

    But, they needed to be even more vigilant in this battle than before.

    ¡ºNoct, we are going to split and hold him back in place with medium-range attack. If it looks dangerous then I¡¯ll move forward.¡»

    ¡ºYes. Roger.¡»

    Drake itself shouldn¡¯t have high attack power, but Lux who saw that it was dangerous to forcefully attack or to thoroughly defend gave such instruction.

    They would split into two unit and took distance where they would be able to support each other and also to take advantage if Singlen attacked one of them.

    ¡¸Kukukukuku, so you are taking the worst choice of all thing¡­¡­¡¹

    In respond, when SInglen saw that, he sniggered while standing still.

    Lux who saw Singlen stopped moving aimed at his armored leg using Breath Gun.

    Because Drake didn¡¯t have flying function, if bullet barrage was laid out under its feet, its movement would be stopped.

    As though seeing through that, Singlen¡¯s Drake quickly leaped aside.

    Light and wind were ejected from the back of the armor¡¯s feet. It was a StepLeap that was performed by a jump and high speed movement that was limited to a single step. But, Noct was waiting for that moment when he moved.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. Just as aimed.¡¹

    Noct who activated the camouflage function and hid showed up her figure in order to attack.

    She flowed energy into her Blade and reinforced it©¤©¤with the shortest motion she aimed at his shoulder.

    ¡®Get him¡¯©¤©¤even Lux was convinced of that.

    That attack couldn¡¯t be dodged using Singlen¡¯s Drake right after using Step.

    Even if he wasn¡¯t defeated by this attack, it was possible to press him back.

    ¡¸Aa, certainly it¡¯s just as aimed. ©¤©¤My aim that is.¡¹

    But, that instant when the Blade that Noct swung almost touched Singlen¡¯s Drake, that slash was easily repelled by barrier and it was parried away.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Noct was dumbfounded with a face that didn¡¯t understand what happened.

    Right after that, faster than Lux could react, Singlen¡¯s rotated the Blade in his hand, drawing a semicircle arc.

    A sharp slash struck Noct¡¯s back and she was blown away until outside the ring.

    She crashed on the wall at the edge and cloud of dust fluttered intensely.

    ¡¸Kuh, u¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Noct-!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. I¡¯m, all right, so¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct somehow replied with an expression that couldn¡¯t hide her pain.

    Perhaps because she was taken by surprise, or perhaps because her Force Core was accurately aimed, her Drake was forced into inactivity with just one strike even though it was done by the same kind of Drake.

    And yet©¤©¤Lux didn¡¯t understand how did Noct got done in instead.

    ¡¸How about stopping the farce any time now? It¡¯s because you cover for that gloomy small fry and try to score point by playing with petty trick that she met that kind of experience.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Tha, light is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The instant Lux reacted to Singlen¡¯s provocation, he noticed.

    Countless figures of light floated around the general purpose Drag-Ride the opponent was wearing.

    Rectangle figures displaying enumeration, symbol, and graphic of ancient language.

    It was the mode of tuning that was often seen when using the Systemcontrol system of Drag-Ride.

    But, Lux thought that till the end it was a function for use outside of combat.

    ¡¸What are you surprise about? I was just tampering a bit to release the output setting of a part. I¡¯m still not doing anything significant you know?¡¹

    Singlen floated a battle hungry grin and he readied his Blade.

    The remaining time was two minutes.

    Lux¡¯s survival rate would go up if he ran around like this, but there was no way he could stay quiet.

    (Then©¤©¤)

    Lux readied his Cannon and quickly loaded it with energy, and he fired.

    It was a diversion in order to see through the opponent¡¯s technique, and also to probe the enemy, but Singlen reacted in an unimaginable way.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha!?¡¹

    He didn¡¯t pull back or even dodge against the cannon shot, but leaped forward.

    That option that was originally impossible caused Lux to open his eyes wide, right after that©¤©¤, he saw that.

    (The barrier©¤©¤, it¡¯s not deployed at the front!?)

    Against the opponent¡¯s attack, it was natural to reinforce the barrier©¤©¤even if not, the barrier should automatically get deployed.

    But, Singlen¡¯s Drake didn¡¯t do that.

    It wouldn¡¯t make it in time. Death would wait if they attack hit directly on the flesh©¤©¤, the moment Lux feared that would happen, something hard to believe occurred.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C VicissitudesSenjin ¨C Ruten.¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s lips distorted and whispered something. Right after that, the torrent of impact and heat fired from the Cannon was deflected to the side with a spark.

    Without even blocking using barrier or evading, that attack was warded off from the front.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Do you still have such leeway with this me as your opponent?¡¹

    Singlen sharply drove his four armored legs and stepped into Lux¡¯s bosom in one breath.

    The moment Singlen¡¯s Drake came while driving in a high speed thrust, Lux quickly flew away from that spot.

    He laid out a barrage using his Breath Gun in order to cut off the flow of pursuing attack.

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Singlen dodged that by jumping to the side and he swung his Blade once more.

    ¡¸I see! But that¡¯s©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    Lux was struck with admiration at the same time he noticed that truth.

    Singlen¡¯s ¡ºtechnique¡» that parried his attack©¤©¤he noticed its terrifying true identity.

    ¡¸You are forming the barrier itself to move and deflect the attack!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m really pleased you noticed. It pays off showing it to you several times.¡¹

    Singlen snorted and stopped his legs.

    However, even after seeing through that, Lux couldn¡¯t hide his agitation.

    Normally, the Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier would react to the danger toward user and activated automatically, furthermore changing the degree of its strength from the user¡¯s control was the basic.

    But Singlen deliberately stopped the Drag-Ride¡¯s automatic generation of barrier. And then, her generated force field just before the opponent¡¯s attack hit him, then the momentum from that repelled the attack.

    From right to left, or from below to above, he didn¡¯t block the attack, but parried it.

    It was certainly possible in theory©¤©¤but,

    (If he mistake a step, he will get hit fully by the attack and get serious damage¡­¡­no, it¡¯s possible he would even die instantly from receiving attack directly on his flesh. Such thing, this man is©¤©¤)

    It was an undisputed superhuman feat. An advanced technique that was unusable without transcending even the fear of death.

    This man who easily pulled that off caused Lux to shudder.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? If you don¡¯t come then I¡¯ll be the one who go there.¡¹

    One of the Drake¡¯s four legs kicked on the ground and the Drag-Ride charged toward Lux in one bound.

    The Blade struck, which Lux blocked in a hair¡¯s breadth. He was pushed back for a few mel due to the impact running from that sword tip.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    ©¤©¤Heavy. A single attack of a general purpose Drag-Ride that wasn¡¯t even modified went through his armor and numbed his arm.

    Singlen unleashed his slash by operating together the driving force of every part in his Drag-Ride, in addition he put the propulsive power from his Step behind the blow.

    Pushed back by that attack power that was unthinkable to come from a mere Drake, the best Lux could do was only protecting himself.

    ¡¸Lux, san¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct¡¯s armor was dispelled outside the arena and she was brought away from there. Her voice could be heard distantly.

    But, there was no way he could just keep getting done in like this.

    The remaining time was a few dozen seconds. If he didn¡¯t return at least a blow during that time©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Hah, are you also thinking about wiping the ass of that small fry? You want to make her feel better by returning at least a blow at me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Singlen laughed as though he had seen through Lux¡¯s thinking.

    ¡¸What a really despicable man. Are you satisfied like that, if you are getting used so that you can say something like ¡ºit¡¯s for the sake of someone¡»?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shut up!¡¹

    Lux whispered while driving away the high speed consecutive attack Singlen unleashed.

    ¡¸You saved them from their predicament many times while you still keep wearing the collar of criminal, I saw that the new kingdom too is a gathering of low-life.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re wrong, the criminal¡¯s collar is something that I myself wished for!¡¹

    Lux tried to take distance by attempting to fly to the sky©¤©¤but, it was as though even that was seen through. Singlen didn¡¯t overlook Lux amassing a bit of propulsive power and he leaped to attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    It was an attack from overhead that took him by surprise.

    But, Lux was waiting for that.

    The super high speed attack that came by meant of complete alignment of mind control operation and body control operation, Quick Draw.

    Lux operated the frame of his whole body and swung the blade that he was holding in backhand grip into an upward thrust.

    His aim was the vital spot of Drag-Ride, the shoulder where the Drake¡¯s Force Core existed.

    It should be impossible for the Drake that had leaped to change trajectory midair but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­What a bore.¡¹

    *Bachii-!* A barrier was deployed once more just before the attack hit, parrying Lux¡¯s Blade.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The attack that should hit with certainty was dodged and his opening was exposed instead.

    (How!? Did he predict even until my use of Quick Draw¡­¡­?)

    It was an impossible reaction speed, but that was the only explanation he could think of.

    Singlen¡¯s attack that was unleashed in a flash scraped off Wyvern¡¯s barrier and blew Lux away to far behind.

    Wyvern¡¯s output lowered with its shoulder¡¯s armor destroyed instead.

    Lux just barely held on so that his armor wasn¡¯t dispelled but, his defense©¤©¤was completely destroyed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll say it one more time. Stop protecting the useless small fries. You are just wasting your strength.¡¹

    Singlen looked down on Lux with a pitying look. Lux silently took a stance with his Blade against Singlen.

    The only option left was for him to make his final gamble at the remaining ten-odd seconds.

    ¡¸Hahaa, I get it. You are scared right? Of the reality that the thing that you once accomplished by believing it as correct, might be mistaken.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s head was rapidly turning cold the instant he heard those words.

    At the same time a boiling impulse welled up inside him. He followed that impulse and held up his Blade.

    ¡¸Hahahahaha. Really, what an effeminate man. In the past you took action by your own will and strength, and fought ¡ºfor the sake of the people¡». But, it unreasonably failed and ended in the worst result. That¡¯s why right now, you are basking in the feeling of atoning by directly listening to other people¡¯s request©¤©¤their wish and fulfill it.¡¹

    *Thump*. Lux¡¯s heart pounded along with a sharp pain.

    Why, this man was able to speak as though he knew about those circumstances in Arcadia Empire©¤©¤as if he knew about everything?

    Lux deserted even such doubt and his emotion was highly strung.

    ¡¸But see, that won¡¯t even do any good to the requester©¤©¤to the bunches at that academy. What you¡¯re doing is nothing more than diverting yourself from your own desire by looking after the bunches around you. They will rely and you, get spoiled, thinking that you being there with your battle strength is only normal, thinking that the result obtained by making use of you is a matter of course. Hey Lux, come together with me. You should stand in a place where your true strength and worth can have practical use.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shut up-!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s Wyvern burst out light from its back wings, giving rise to a sudden gust and it flew.

    His three hidden techniques couldn¡¯t be used with this half-broken Drag-Ride.

    Even so Lux moved and struck with Blade that was clad in energy.

    ¡¸Is being used just as you are told your wish? It feels like something thought by you who were abandoned by both the country and its people, and even lost your own great cause.¡¹

    Singlen continued to dodge and parry all of Lux¡¯s slashes using Battle Array ¨C Vicissitudes.

    He didn¡¯t counterattack.

    He continued to dodge the attack that was Lux was unleashing in earnest.

    It was just like Lux¡¯s nickname the Weakest Undefeated, as though he was showing off a transcendent defense.

    But, Lux didn¡¯t stop his attack even then.

    He sent out his sword to shut up Singlen¡¯s mouth, so at the very least he wouldn¡¯t have the composure to talk.

    Within less than a few second, a few dozen slashes cut through the air.

    ¡¸What an unreasonable man©¤©¤then it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll make you meet a painful experience here.¡¹

    Singlen who was showing composure amidst that offense evaded using Battle Array ¨C Vicissitudes. At the same time he used the momentum of his Drag-Ride¡¯s turning around and struck his Blade on Lux¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Lux-!?¡¹

    Lisha who finished her exam and was watching from the audience seat yelled.

    But,

    ¡¸Howling Howl!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Lux whose attacks were evaded and exposed an opening generated shockwave from his head part and struck the ground. With that repellent force, Singlen¡¯s attack that aimed at his back was shifted.

    Naturally Howling Howl didn¡¯t hit enemy that wasn¡¯t in front of him, but for the first time he could derail the enemy¡¯s calculation.

    (Now, if it¡¯s this instant©¤©¤!)

    Singlen was completely taken by surprise.

    Lux was convinced of that and unleashed a counter attack with sword¡¯s returning movement, right after that,

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­¡¹

    Singlen certainly could be seen grinning within a time that was even less than a second.

    *Pakii!* The Blade that Lux¡¯s Wyvern swung was instantly broken apart and countless fragments scattered before his eyes.

    ¡¸Blocking with Blade¡­¡­!? But, how!?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s dealt with the attack merely by immediately using his basic weapon the Blade to meet the slash.

    The general purpose Drag-Ride Wyvern surpassed Drake in the energy output that could be poured into weapon.

    Therefore, even if Lux¡¯s attack was blocked, originally it wouldn¡¯t be him who got outpushed.

    And yet©¤©¤how?

    Looking closer, countless light images were floating around Singlen¡¯s armor once more.

    Tuning that was done by mind mental operation. That meant,

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Aeon FireSenjin ¨C Kouka.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s Blade that was tinged with intense light attacked Lux.

    His guard that consisted of his half-broken Blade and barrier that was automatically deployed were broken through, and a part of his armor was smashed apart.

    ¡¸U, ah¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Impact pierced his pilot suit and he was blown away.

    His armored arm grasped the ground and he held his ground.

    He was just barely still within the battle zone.

    ¡¸The power just now, what in the world¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Battle Array ¨C Aeon Fire. Another technique that is using tuning.¡¹

    Singlen told that to the bewildered Lux.

    ¡¸Tuning¡­¡­!? Just now, the energy output that is poured into the armament is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. I cut the Force Core energy that is normally used for the driving force of other part and concentrated it solely into my weapon. Although, in that state, other operation function and my defense power drop down. It will be suicide if it¡¯s used poorly.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux readied his Dagger to try to resist somehow, but the Wyvern that received impact on its Force Core didn¡¯t move properly.

    He couldn¡¯t dodge the attack from the Blade that was raised by Singlen who was approaching from the front.

    ¡¸Weakest Undefeated, your alias ends here. You find a bad match here.¡¹

    The match was going to be decided along with that sentence of Singlen, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤The match is over! Stop fighting, immediately dispel your armor!¡¹

    The officer who served as referee yelled that along with a high-pitched bell sound.

    SInglen¡¯s Blade stopped just before it touched Lux¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku, alas, that¡¯s disappointing, good grief how unfortunate. Even though I almost bring you down in less than a second.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why did you stop your attack?¡¹

    Lux dispelled Wyvern¡¯s armor while objecting with a chilly tone.

    With Singlen¡¯s strength, he should be able to bring down the blade before the referee called for a stop.

    No©¤©¤in the first place this man was fighting while completely grasping the remaining time.

    Singlen who similarly dispelled his armor was slowly walking toward outside the ring, then he stopped midway.

    ¡¸What a selfish guy. Even though you didn¡¯t listen to my talk the other night. Good grief, what a really selfish handyman.¡¹

    SInglen turned only his head toward Lux, showed a smile that only distorted his lips, and continued.

    ¡¸How many times you¡¯re planning to make me say the same thing? Stop protecting the weak without any ability or talent who are only clinging on your strength. Like that you won¡¯t be able to reach your big brother forever. No, far from that, you will get dragged down by those bunches and someday you will lose something.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *grit* Lux gripped his Sword Device hard, but now that the exam was over he couldn¡¯t lay his hand on Singlen.

    ¡¸Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll listen to you again later. Staying here will cause a hindrance for the next exam. ¡­¡­I¡¯m praying that good thing will result from this okay, my future compatriot.¡¹

    Singlen ended with that and turned his back as though to say that he didn¡¯t feel like responding anymore.

    After wordlessly seeing him off, Lux also left.

    The Blue Tyrant.

    His contact with the man who was a preeminent powerful person even amidst the Seven Dragon Paladins closed its curtain for the moment with that.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    After that, Lux received health checkup in the medical office before returning to his shared room in the lodging house. There he changed into his plain clothes and took a rest.

    It was a dreary room with simple furniture lined up.

    He sat in front of the single table that was put inside and silently rested his body.

    The Class Promotion Exam was over with that combat exam being the last.

    The result became a draw because of Singlen¡¯s intrusion, but the battle against Buzzheim himself ended up in their side¡¯s victory, so they still didn¡¯t know if they failed or passed the exam itself.

    Even Noct who was sent flying outside the ring didn¡¯t seem to be particularly injured.

    He wasn¡¯t bothered that he was cornered until an inch before defeat by an opponent that was similarly using a general purpose Drag-Ride.

    But©¤©¤he somehow couldn¡¯t calm down.

    He understood that the words that Singlen said in the middle of fight were provocation.

    And yet for some reason the scene of the past that he should have gotten over with right now were resurrected in the back of Lux¡¯s mind.

    (Why am I©¤©¤continuing to do chores for five years?)

    In order to chase the whereabouts of Fugil who betrayed, or perhaps tricking Lux right from the start and destroyed the plan of revolution.

    And then, there was no other path Lux could take, except looking around at the state of the country that was caused by his own responsibility.

    But, he met Lisha and others, and he thought that he wanted to become the strength of the girls who would become the new kingdom¡¯s cornerstone.

    Right now when the battle he tried to accomplish was over, that was the wish of the present Lux.

    ¡¸And yet, why©¤©¤, ¡­¡­eh?¡¹

    When Lux whispered to himself, he suddenly felt a presence outside the room.

    He thought that it was odd and went to check the situation, he could hear some small voice from across the door.

    ¡¸But this is a problem. I¡¯m bad at consoling or cheering up someone, but¡­¡­¡¹

    He noticed that the owner of the voice that sounded somewhat vexed was Lisha.

    But, what was odd was that she didn¡¯t knock the door for some reason.

    When he tried opening the door quietly, he could see the figure of Lisha loitering aimlessly with her back turned to the door.

    ¡¸What should I do to make Lux cheer up? That, perhaps holding hand is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are you doing, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? UWAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha turned around in panic when Lux called out.

    Her face was bright red. She looked his way while looking flustered.

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t surprise me so suddenly! I¡¯m, that¡¯s©¤©¤, I¡¯m a bit, concerned with how you¡¯re doing¡­¡­I guess.¡¹

    ¡¸Anyway, how about talking inside the room?¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while inviting the blushing and fidgeting Lisha inside.

    ¡¸I received tea from the dining hall, so please wait for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I don¡¯t need it. It¡¯s not like, I¡¯m coming to get you fuss about me¡­¡­¡¹

    When they sat down side by side on the bed, Lisha spoke that with a small voice.

    She stared still at Lux with an upward gaze and a look that was slightly nervous.

    ¡¸Is something the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, I¡¯m just thinking that you aren¡¯t completely as down as I thought. That, about the match just now, I thought that you are bothered by that but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The match just now¡­¡­is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, based from the rule the match wasn¡¯t settled, but it was the first time I saw you cornered that far, so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux finally noticed Lisha¡¯s intention from that sentence.

    She was coming here because she was worried about Lux who was completely helpless against Singlen.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Even though I¡¯m Lisha-sama¡¯s knight, I showed you something unbecoming¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux apologetically smiled bitterly, Lusha shook her head hurriedly.

    ¡¸N, no such thing at all! Your strength is something that I know best more than anyone. That¡¯s not it©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha faltered once more and she averted her gaze to the side, then she murmured.

    ¡¸I always got helped by you, so I also want to do the same to you. That, I was thinking how to cheer you up, and when I was loitering there, you found me out but¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Lisha looking down shyly, Lux suddenly felt warmth inside his chest.

    ¡¸Thank you, very much. Just from being able to see Lisha-sama¡¯s face, I¡¯m feeling really full of energy.¡¹

    Lux said that with a smile, then he grasped the hand of Lisha beside him.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lux conveyed his feeling of gratitude straightforwardly, Lisha¡¯s face turned bright red.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama is always bright, a forward-looking hard worker, so just from looking at you I feel strength welling up from inside©¤©¤. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m happy just from Lisha-sama coming like this.¡¹

    ¡¸U, au¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s face was red until her ears. She staggered with a dazed expression.

    Her body losing strength could be felt through the hand that Lux was holding.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama? Is something the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s nothing. Rather than that, it¡¯s©¤©¤. The, then, can I also do, a good luck charm so you can feel even more energetic?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Clo, close your eyes a bit for me. If you do that then surely, I¡¯ll be able to do it so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Under, stood.¡¹

    Lux obediently closed his eyes even while thinking vaguely that it was strange.

    ¡®What is she planning to do?¡¯, he thought inside his head, then right after that.

    *Munyuu-*, something soft touched Lux¡¯s upper arm.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment his eyes reflexively opened in surprise from that sensation, an unexpected scene flew into his eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    With her eyes closed, Lisha was slowly pushing out her lips, moving toward Lux¡¯s direction.

    Because she was trying to bring her face close to Lux like that, her breast pressed on his upper arm.

    Lisha¡¯s breasts that were largish for her petite body.

    The sweet softness and elasticity from them caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb while he let out a panicked voice.

    ¡¸Wha, what are planning, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? UWAAH!? Wha, what are you doing huh!? I told you don¡¯t open your eyes©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry. B, but that, your breast touched©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸U. a¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps she finally noticed what Lux pointed out, it was like fire was blowing from Lisha¡¯s face and she backed away.

    ¡¸Wha, what the hell are you thinking you pervert!? A, after finally it¡¯s just a little bit more, I can, kiss on your cheek©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing-!? Ra, rather than that, is there something else that you want to do!?¡¹

    Seeing Lisha prattling without pause as though to cover up something, Lux thought for a bit.

    After hesitating for a few seconds, Lux resolved himself and spoke.

    ¡¸Then, please teach me a bit. Regarding the Drag-Ride tuning that Singlen was using©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m back Lux-kun. Thanks for your hard work in today¡¯s exam.¡¹

    After hearing about the detail of tuning from Lisha and they parted from each other, Coral returned to the room.

    The face of the youth with androgynous features pulled back Lux¡¯s mind from the reverie he was absorbed in.

    When Lux was unable to reply back well, Coral sat down beside him.

    ¡¸You are unusually absentminded huh. Are you worried about the exam?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not, it but¡­¡­¡¹

    He had settled on an answer to a certain degree regarding the matter of Drag-Ride from his talk with Lisha.

    However, at the exam this time the Triad received obstruction from Buzzheim. He was a little worried regarding how their evaluation would drop.

    Coral was staring with a pondering look at such Lux, and before long he muttered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hey, Lux-kun. You want to try going out to play after this?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered at Cora¡¯s sudden proposal.

    ¡¸You said after this, but it¡¯s already night, it should be forbidden to go out©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux held the impression that this youth was friendly but diligent, but the current Coral was making a mischievous smile that looked like a young kid.

    ¡¸Not really, though we were told that ¡ºunnecessary outing¡» is no good. But, slipping out at this time will take a bit of effort, so I¡¯ll prepare first.¡¹

    After saying that with a smile that wouldn¡¯t accept any refusal, Coral rushed away busily.

    Putting aside Lux who was baffled and wondered whether he misheard, that chance soon arrived.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, why is even this me has to accompany you guys going out?¡¹

    Dozens of minute later. Inside a small bar at the urban area of Ruin¡¯s Gear, Greifer was showing a bitter face.

    Inside the old gloomy bar built from wood, men who had finished their work for the day were crowding the place full.

    It was the first time Lux entered a bar of another country, but fundamentally the air was the same.

    However, looking at the surrounding men¡¯s scar and tattoo, this place gave off heavy smell of outlaw.

    ¡¸Because, Greifer is the one most used to playing out. Even in the worst case that some kind of trouble occur, it feels like the punishment will turn lighter because you are a Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can I go home? Or rather, I¡¯m going back yeah?¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s chair made a sound *gata-* from him standing up, but Coral swiftly pulled down Greifer¡¯s hand and he smiled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to stay a bit more right? Remember how I¡¯m staying quiet to Mirmiette-sama about the incident before this too.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, just why is someone like this became my aide. Master, alcohol. Give me a strong one if possible.¡¹

    When Greifer sat down with a sigh, Coral ordered alcohol for Lux.

    Somehow looking from the atmosphere of the two, it felt like it wasn¡¯t just once or twice they were coming to bar like this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Or rather, is it okay for us to be here? Won¡¯t it be bad if we got found out?¡¹

    With the ordered ale before his eyes, Lux was hesitating with an awkward face, it was then,

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. After all this is a little-known good place where you need introduction to enter. Now now, try to take a sip.¡¹

    Urged by Coral, Lux tilted his beer jockey on his mouth.

    It was slightly bitter.

    Unique flavor and aroma that was like bread turned into liquid came out from the nose. Heat was welling up from deep inside the throat.

    He had been tasting alcohol since his childhood at banquet, but since he came to the academy he rarely drank.

    Perhaps the modest dinner from the dining hall had already passed through his stomach, because he became tipsy in the blink of eye before the jockey even became empty.

    ¡¸Hey, ask him quickly already, Greifer.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t get what¡¯s your meaning yeah? What about?¡¹

    Greifer was responding to Coral¡¯s deman with a dubious face.

    ¡¸Lux-kun looks like he has a bit of worry, so it¡¯s fine right?¡¹

    ¡¸You ask him! Why do you need to go through me huh!?¡¹

    ¡¸Really Greifer, how cold. Is it because you lost from Lux-kun before this? That¡¯s not manly you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer fell silent with a face that looked displeased from the bottom of his heart. Seeing that made Lux smiled wryly.

    This kind of unreserved dialogue between fellow man of the same age felt fresh.

    In the end, seeing that Greifer wouldn¡¯t start talking, Coral put the snack of cheese into her mouth with a sullen look.

    ¡¸Haa, too bad¡­¡­. Then Lux-kun. Once again let me say©¤©¤thank you for today.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Suddenly Coral said such thing to him.

    When Lux was bewildered from not getting what it was about, Coral leaned his body forward suddenly from the seat beside him and he brought his cute fate closer.

    The face of androgynous youth was blushing slightly from alcohol, which caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb for a moment.

    ¡¸It¡¯s about Buzzheim. Sorry, we allowed him to obstruct you all many times and caused discomfort to your group. Even like that, the guy is the son of a big shot in Wanheim Principality. Even us cannot carelessly lay our hand on him.¡¹

    The smile from before vanished and Coral murmured with a somber expression.

    Lux who saw that smiled wryly with a ¡®fuh¡¯ while,

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry about it. I also have heard about what the old empire did to the other country, so something like that won¡¯t just go away immediately.¡¹

    ¡¸I feel a bit at ease that you are saying that but©¤©¤as expected, I think it¡¯s not a good thing to bring in resentment into unrelated event. Right, Greifer?¡¹

    ¡¸Oi Coral. ¡­¡­Are you bringing me here to harass me?¡¹

    Coral smiled mischievously. Greifer clicked his tongue.

    Previously Lux¡¯s impression was that the diligent Coral was supporting the audacious Greifer, but it seemed these two¡¯s relation was taking balance like this.

    ¡¸But, if you are worrying about the past, then I think it will be better if you ask Greifer. He too is a Seven Dragon Paladins right now, but in the past he got a lot of difficulty.¡¹

    ¡¸Difficulty?¡¹

    When Lux¡¯s interest was attracted and he asked, Greifer sighed a bit.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll leave my seat for a bit, so the two of you talk cordially with each other okay?¡¹

    Coral waved his hand to Lux and Greifer and then he left the bar right away, vanishing into the town at night.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silent flowed for a few seconds.

    The awkward air that was starting to flow between the two caused Lux to try to say something, it was then,

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this first but, it¡¯s not like I got anything to talk yeah. I¡¯m also ain¡¯t planning to get buddy-buddy with a guy of other country.¡¹

    Lux hung his head down from that curt rejection.

    (As I thought, am I being hated¡­¡­)

    Lux was depressed inside while silently tilting his beer jockey into his mouth.

    While he was getting even more drunk and looked dazed, the bearded master called out from the counter.

    ¡¸Ou lad. How about taking some snack on the side? You¡¯ll get drunk quickly if you only drink beer.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, is there something that you recommended©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What about this? You¡¯ll get a kick eating it yeah?¡¹

    The master grinned widely while pointing at a part of the menu.

    ¡¸Then, please give me©¤©¤, eh?¡¹

    When Lux was about to nod, Greifer¡¯s arm quickly crossed in front of Lux¡¯s eye.

    The movement of the youth who should have been looking aside until now gave Lux a shock and he stiffened.

    ¡¸Master, cancel that one just now. In exchange give us my usual.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Oi! I¡¯m asking this lad here for order©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, I¡¯m fine with that!¡¹

    It looked like it would become a quarrel, so Lux followed what Greifer said.

    The master backed down grumpily and in the end he allowed the change of order.

    ¡¸Err, the food I was going to order just now, was it no good?¡¹

    ¡¸You, are you a glutton unlike your appearance?¡¹

    Greifer kept his gaze averted while responding curtly at Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m not like that though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Then give it up, that menu is a whole roast with a lot of fat meat. The spices are also strong. It ain¡¯t something you eat with a tired body after the exam. That master is greedy, so he was only trying to take an order for expensive food.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, is that so.¡¹

    While they were having that talk, the food Greifer ordered arrived.

    It was a half-solid soup with bread and vegetable boiled until simmering.

    ¡¸De, delicious. What¡¯s this taste, I might really like it©¤©¤¡¹

    The simple taste of the soup was healing his tired body gently.

    (Could it be, he is being considerate of me?)

    Greifer was showing a slovenly attitude like usual, but as expected it seemed he was a youth that was good at looking after someone.

    Lux didn¡¯t know it at the All-Dragon Battle, but it seemed that Greifer¡¯s personality was really interesting.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll cut loose. Oooi, old man, bring more alcohol here. The strong one.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, it¡¯s no good if you drink too much you know!? We are still not adult©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Haa? It¡¯s fine. In its own way it will be a challenge of how to return back in a state of complete drunkenness.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That, rather than a challenge, it¡¯s just a simple recklessness isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Weell, I cannot deny that, but that¡¯s how my disposition is.¡¹

    Greifer turned his eyes that were unfocused from tipsiness to empty air and he leaked out a small sigh.

    ¡¸Originally I was a noble young master, but when my father, a military officer was caught by the old empire©¤©¤he was indicted as a traitor to this country. The top brass of Wanheim also believed it seriously, my house was ruined and my family scattered. I too was living at the back alley since I was little. In order to earn money or eat food, I always gotta get reckless, if not I wouldn¡¯t be able to keep living yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the same regarding Drag-Ride. At first I was told that I got no aptitude and talent, but everyday I continued to use it until I almost fainted or vomited blood. But, one day I suddenly became able to use it skillfully, and I caught our princess¡¯s eyes.¡¹

    His doctrine, ¡ºreckless challenge¡» seemed to have the meaning that he would be unable to survive without constantly acting recklessly as though gambling.

    For the cause to be the old empire made Lux felt complicated.

    ¡¸Well, I ain¡¯t got any direct resentment to you, but the case about my father is smoldering inside me. I might wanted to settle it, at least once.¡¹

    ¡¸Settle¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux asked back by repeating that word, Greifer huffed and showed a smile that was filled with jest.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yeah, it ain¡¯t gonna end with everything staying half-baked. Whether it ends in failure or success©¤©¤, I wanted to settle the feeling and thinking that were in me until now. Surely, that¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Well, even that ended in total failure though, but I accept it more or less. Weeell, when I challenge you next time, I¡¯m gonna win for sure then.¡¹

    Greifer muttered that with a fearless grin.

    Lux smiled wryly with a troubled look. Even so he didn¡¯t feel bad from that.

    (Settling one¡¯s own wish and thinking, huh¡­¡­)

    The night¡¯s tumult that was enveloped with the faint light of the lamp, which felt somewhat detached from reality.

    The words that Greifer told to Lux from the side were permeating inside his chest.

    ©¤©¤At the same time.

    At another bar in the urban area of Ruin¡¯s Gear, the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom¡¯s army were drowning their worry in drink.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sheesh, I got awful grades. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to do something like exam in an unfamiliar country.¡¹

    ¡¸Exactly. Besides the young ladies of the Academy are really motivated. If it¡¯s only them who get promoted, we are going to be come laughingstock.¡¹

    Several men were gathered at the corner of the cramped bar.

    The male officers who belonged to the army accompanying the students to take exam together this time©¤©¤these men were a few names among them. They were sick of how hopeless their prospect was in the Class Promotion Exam and they grumbled to clear up their resentment.

    Among them, there were also the aristocrat officers who once got beaten up by Celis and then came to Academy picking a fight for clearing up their resentment.

    ¡¸In the first place we who got low aptitude for Drag-Ride has limited time even for training. We¡¯re handicapped no matter what. Aa, I¡¯m beaten.¡¹

    One of them men emptied his glass in one gulp and sighed exaggeratedly.

    Dilwy who had commanding role this time was staring at that sight quietly while drinking beer.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Originally, if it was the him with serious personality, this was a night playing that he ought to stop, but he instead accompanied they young men.

    Inside his eyes that had the color of hollowness vaguely emerging, there was no disappointment that the Class Promotion Exam didn¡¯t go well or disdain toward these depraved officers bunch.

    Just, his right wrist that was holding the glass with some beer remaining in it.

    His gaze was often attracted at the deep scar remaining there.

    He made a name for himself as a trueborn warrior even amidst the old empire and for a time he almost climbed up until EX Class. But Dilwy¡¯s arm was wounded by a certain incident and he became unable to move properly.

    ¡¸Nothing goes my way¡­¡­¡¹

    Dilwy was born with knight pedigree, his talent with sword was average.

    Dilwy wasn¡¯t blessed with physique or stamina, but he obtained the power of Drag-Ride that was starting to appear at that time and he ran up the royal road as a knight.

    Until he bore this wound in that land, the Blackend Kingdom©¤©¤.

    Because sometimes he was distracted by the ache of that scar, he was relying on alcohol like this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Captain, Captain Dilwy?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, aah¡­¡­. Is it the bill?¡¹

    The one who called out to him was a young officer who had just graduated from military school.

    ¡¸No, just want to talk. This country©¤©¤no, recently in various countries there is a rumor going around, does captain know about it? It¡¯s about a secret medicine found in Ruin, called Elixir.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤My bad but I¡¯m not really knowledgeable about medicine. I also haven¡¯t got near Ruin for some time.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m also not that detailed about it but, it seems that it¡¯s a medicine that increase aptitude for Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so? That sounds interesting. I want to get a look at it by all means.¡¹

    He had heard about that type of suspicious secret medicine many times since Ruin and Drag-Ride were discovered.

    It was a topic who would make the male officers who blamed their lack of strength to their low aptitude for Drag-Ride, but Dilwy couldn¡¯t get along with that story.

    ¡¸Right? If it¡¯s really true that a secret medicine was discovered from Ruin, it¡¯s something that I want to be shared with us by ll means. I heard that there is a guy selling it, and his figure was seen at the back alley around here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Strange. It shouldn¡¯t be something that the underling could easily get though.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong captain?¡¹

    The rookie soldier felt the presence of Dilwy that was suddenly making a forbidding look which caused him to slightly wake up from his drunkenness.

    ¡¸No, nothing. I remembered that I have an urgent business so I¡¯ll return early, the drink here is on me. You guys enjoy yourself slowly tonight.¡¹

    Dilwy only said that and left the bar without waiting for reply.

    Like that he headed to the back alley. There a silhouette could be seen inside the darkness.

    ¡¸And©¤©¤do you have any business with us?¡¹

    Dilwy was making a calm smile while his hand touched the Sword Device on his waist.

    It was most difficult to summon Drag-Ride in a confined blind alley.

    Therefore Dilwy was putting up his guard against the robed man before him while calling out in order to prevent the man from doing anything.

    ¡¸I heard about the rumor even in new kingdom. Dragon Marauder©¤©¤the warmonger Drag-Knights who recently became famous, they are secretly maneuvering in various places. Could it be, you are also someone of that kind?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The robed man didn¡¯t stir at all hearing Dilwy¡¯s words.

    There was only a calm smile emerging on the robed man¡¯s smile.

    ¡¸You have been following behind us since before we entered this bar haven¡¯t you? I don¡¯t know what is your objective, but if you cannot answer©¤©¤I¡¯ll have to arrest you.¡¹

    Dilwy pulled out his Sword Device with no question asked.

    And then, he closed in with one breath and put strength into his toes in order to thrust his sword, in that instant©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Stop it, you are planning to swing a sword with that injured right arm?¡¹

    When Dilwy stiffened from the surprise of those words, the man¡¯s figure vanished from before his eyes.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The alley in front of him was completely a dead end, there wasn¡¯t even any cover for hiding.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t move. And then, stop with the foolish drama. Though that must be an acting to protect yourself huh.¡¹

    The voice that talked calmly to him could be heard from behind.

    Dilwy kept readying his unsheathed sword while he was stiffened and unable to move.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The robed man¡¯s breathing could be heard from behind such Dilwy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s a nice Sword Device. It¡¯s maintained properly. I can see how much you are sending your heart into that Drag-Ride in these few years where you lost your right hand¡¯s freedom. But right now you are filled with despair. You lost everything, you¡¯re defeated. Even so you don¡¯t throw away hope and struggle. Even if you have to sell over your pride©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­. What are, you saying?¡¹

    Dilwy somehow made only that reply while his back was still turned toward the man.

    ¡¸Kukuku, don¡¯t act brave. I¡¯ll grant your wish earlier than those guys. What can save the current you isn¡¯t something like Divine Drag-Ride or anything. The power that you once possessed. I¡¯ll grant you the only method to take that back.¡¹

    It was a sweet voice that permeated directly into the skull.

    At that moment when the border between reality and dream melted and the world turned hollow, the robed man pulled out a knife.

    ¡¸Wh, at©¤©¤that¡¯s?¡¹

    It was a bizarre knife.

    Its shape was common, but the handle was lacquered jet black.

    And then an unfathomable pattern emerged on the blade, emitting strange light of seven colors.

    From a glance he thought that it was a kind of Sword Device, but something was different.

    ¡¸Are you curious about this? You see©¤©¤this was once a seed of war.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What?¡¹

    ¡¸At distant past. No, it¡¯s a time that is equal to an instant from my point of view, but human classified human into several races.¡¹

    The robed man apathetically whispered while staring at empty air.

    ¡¸There was a clan of influential people who obtained a power to rule the world. Among them a secret medicine that is able to transcend over human was created. The act of implanting a part of it into human was called Baptism. People who received Baptism will obtain ability that was hidden inside themselves and stood at height, reigning over as ruler.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But, before long the oppressed people wished for a world without unreasonable rule, and a war that span over a long time began. ©¤©¤That was the beginning of everything. The beginning of this shackled world that is like hell, continuing infinitely.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying©¤©¤? You are, just what¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Rest assured, your wish will be fulfilled¡­¡­, that¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about.¡¹

    *Stab*

    A sharp pain ran through Dilwy¡¯s right wrist. Heat burst out.

    The knife the robed man was holding emitted strange seven colors, sucking Dilwy¡¯s blood.

    ¡¸U©¤©¤GUAAaAAH!?¡¹

    His brain burned.

    The blood in his whole body felt like boiling at the same time with the intense pain. Dilwy groaned.

    He couldn¡¯t even breath. After a few seconds that felt like eternity passed, the pain in his wrist vanished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Let¡¯s meet again, oh the defeated wishing to become hero. After all, you still have that qualification.¡¹

    When Dilwy noticed, the robed man was vanishing.

    The bluish white moonlight peeking from between the clouds was illuminating the alley silently.

    Only the stone paving that was soaked with fresh blood and the knife emitting light of seven colors were remaining there.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    After the Class Promotion Exam was over, Airi finished taking a bath together with the Triad. She was looking up alone at the ceiling inside the shared room that was allotted to her.

    Although it was an exam that was full of trouble, everyone was safe. But Sharis, Tillfur, and then even Noct who were obstructed by Buzzheim met painful experience.

    The three were behaving stout-heartedly, but they couldn¡¯t hide their discouraged mood fully.

    Even though Airi understood that, but she was unable to be considerate toward the three. She hated herself who was like that.

    ¡¸I want to become their strength. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Right now, even Airi herself didn¡¯t have any leeway.

    A part of ancient document that was carried out from the deepest part of Ruin.

    It was a proof that showed the ties between the old empire, and the race that was called as LordCreator who seemed to exist in Ruin. Airi was putting distance with everyone, even with her best friend Noct so that it wouldn¡¯t be found out.

    But, when the time comes that the truth came to light, Airi wondered what she should do.

    She couldn¡¯t find the answer no matter how much she thought.

    ¡¸Nii-san, we are©¤©¤¡¹

    When she was letting out a sigh of who knew how many times, a knocking sound could be heard from the door.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, welcome back©¤©¤Noct¡¹

    Of course, she couldn¡¯t forget to hide the ancient document.

    But, her attention was taken by her hurry in hiding it that she opened the door without even checking.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi was speechless at the visit of the very unexpected character.

    A few hours ago, her big brother Lux was cornered in the Class Promotion Exam. By this person here©¤©¤the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    He was wearing a blue coat with excess sleeves and pilot suit furnished with metal plate that was called armor suit. And then under his hood, he was wearing a strange smile that didn¡¯t reach his eye.

    ¡¸Wha, wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸How do you do lady, I have something to talk with you for a bit©¤©¤is it okay?¡¹

    In respond to the dispassionate words, Airi was backing away in fluster.

    ¡¸The, there is no way it¡¯s okay right!? Just where do you think you are!¡¹

    With her frozen thought and her tense expression, it was the best she could do to reply like that for the time being.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak loudly like that. What a lady who lack in manners. With that kind of big brother, perhaps it¡¯s only natural that his little sister is like this, good grief.¡¹

    But, Singlen shrugged his shoulders in respond as though he had no ill will at all.

    ¡¸While it might be rude, but it¡¯s Sir Singlen who is lacking in prudence! This is the lodging for female. What kind of business do you have at this late?¡¹

    Airi was purposefully acting angry than necessary.

    She was doing that to encourage herself so that she wouldn¡¯t dragged away by this Blue Tyrant¡¯s pace.

    ¡¸I faced your big brother in the exam. I¡¯m concerned whether he is alright. I only came here thinking that I¡¯ll ask about his condition. Be grateful.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, why did you come to the place of me, his little sister then¡­¡­? ©¤©¤Wait, please don¡¯t come in as you please!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s dreary just as typical for an army¡¯s lodging huh. Lack of discrimination is a good thing.¡¹

    Singlen briskly entered inside and sat down heavily on the chair inside the room.

    AIri was enveloped in bewilderment, even so she shortly stood in front of the desk.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll call other people you know?¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re bad at lying former princess. It¡¯s you who will be troubled if you call someone right?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi¡¯s expression froze just for a moment. Singlen didn¡¯t miss that.

    ¡¸When human is placed in a dilemma, they will stand in front of the thing they want to protect the most. And for a young woman at that age, they will mostly stand in front of their bed or their closet. Even though both of those are right nearby, why are you standing in front of your desk that is the farthest?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He hit the bull¡¯s eye.

    The best Airi could do right now was pretending to be calm and not letting her agitation coming out to her face.

    Because at the gap of the board that was laid out in the desk¡¯s drawer, a part of that ancient document that Airi had never let go from her sight was carefully hidden in the cover of her diary there.

    ¡¸I have heard the rumors about you criminal former princess. It seems that you will find any excuse to go along in any Ruin investigation that is few in number. A human that cannot even handle Drag-Ride and should be nothing more than a hindrance, why are you behaving like that then?¡¹

    ¡®¡­¡­How did he know until that far?¡¯

    Airi couldn¡¯t speak that question out loud.

    If she said it, it felt like he would take advantage of it even more.

    ¡¸I hear that you are also a survivor of that old empire, but it feels like you also have other secret.¡¹

    Singlen walked closer toward Airi who was standing in front of her desk.

    When her body reflexively stiffened, his feet stopped still.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s enter the main topic, I came here to warn you. The bunches called Dragon Marauder. Those warmonger Drag-Knights are starting to secretly maneuver in various places. They are a gathering of mercenaries who staked their life to snatch the treasure of Ruins and tear down country.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what about it¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Those guys are sending spy to every country. It will be dangerous if they know you are hiding the secret of Ruin. What I want to say is be cautious.¡¹

    Singlen only said that before he turned on his heel and moved to leave the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No need for worry, because I know nothing of such secret.¡¹

    When Airi said that with fortitude, Singlen¡¯s shoulders shook slightly.

    ¡¸The fellows targeting you aren¡¯t just Dragon Marauder. Better remember my warning for just in case.¡¹

    Singlen said that without turning around and he left.

    Right after his presence vanished, Airi closed the door and locked it.

    She slowly sat down on the bed and sweat oozed out suddenly from her forehead.

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right¡­¡­. No one, haven¡¯t seen it yet, so¡­¡­¡¹

    She took out her diary from the desk, took off the leather binding and flipped the backside.

    The text of ancient document that Airi deciphered was held there without change.

    Just as Singlen said, it might be something that she couldn¡¯t hide forever.

    Even if the origin of their©¤©¤the old empire that perished five years ago was connected to the Lords of Ruins, nothing could be understood with just the content recorded here.

    Then, what was it that she was fearing until that much, Airi questioned herself.

    Was it the risk of even more crime getting piled up on Lux and Airi as criminal?

    Was it that they would have to shoulder the responsibility that was being hidden together with the mystery of the Ruins?

    ¡¸No©¤©¤, what I¡¯m fearing is, surely¡­¡­¡¹

    That Lux would know about this truth.

    And then, his big brother who had obtained this current meager happiness would get dragged into this unknown fate, with the situation near him changed drastically, and he would leave to a place where Airi¡¯s hand couldn¡¯t reach. That was her fear.

    Losing her beloved family Lux was what she feared the most.

    ¡¸Nii-san. Just what, should I¡­¡­¡¹

    The voice that was whispered with a small voice so that no one could hear, reached the ear of a man standing alone outside the door.

 Volume 6 - CH 4

    Part 1

    At the early morning next day.

    Lux woke up early before the sunrise and then he headed toward the practice ground inside the military ground.

    He had took confirmation from Coral who was in the same room with him that it was permitted to use the place. The place was empty as he expected, perhaps the factor that it was right after the exam also played a part of it.

    ¡°Now, then¡­¡­¡±

    After changing into his pilot suit, he wore Wyvern on his body and carried out basic operation as replacement for warming up.

    And then he released the control of tuning just like how Lisha taught him.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Several images of light were floating around him, with ancient letter, symbol, and graphic reflected in them.

    Originally it was a function that was literally to tune things like the Drag-Ride¡¯s output, armament, and so on. Usually this function wasn¡¯t used while fighting, but now he was deliberately starting up while keeping the function activated.

    (As I thought, controlling Drag-Ride in tuning mode is, considerably difficult¡­¡­)

    One could concentrate better if information and options were limited to a certain degree.

    The control of Drag-Ride was already complicated and numerous in the best of time. Adding the fiddling of even its output value in the middle of battle gave a degree of difficult that was nearly ill-advised.

    ¡°However©¤©¤¡­¡­just a bit more¡±

    After taking a deep breath and fired himself up, Lux repeated basic action while keeping that state on.

    After around an hour passed with some light rest in between, his stamina finally reached the bottom and he fell on his knee on the ground.

    ¡°©¤©¤Haa, haa¡­¡­¡±

    He was breathing hard with his shoulders heaving while crouching on the spot. Then suddenly he heard footsteps from behind him.

    The moment Lux stood up to turn around, a towel was dropped on his head.

    ¡°¡­¡­Wah!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s sight was plunged into darkness and he panicked.

    When he took the soft white towel, there was a familiar face there.

    ¡°Morning, Lu-chan.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±

    It was a lovely face that was expressionless and absentminded with trace of childishness remaining in it.

    Philuffy in pilot suit appearance was standing there.

    Different from usual, her hair was tied into a short ponytail. That appearance looked fresh and surprising.

    ¡°Phi, Phi-chan. Why are you here©¤©¤?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also always, doing morning training. Then, I heard Lu-chan¡¯s voice, from here.¡±

    After saying that with a dispassionate tone, Philuffy slowly took back the towel.

    ¡°Wai-, what are you doing Phi-chan!?¡±

    ¡°You will catch cold, if you don¡¯t properly wipe the sweat, you know?¡±

    Philuffy was wiping Lux¡¯s sweat using the towel with serious face and a tone that sounded a bit chiding.

    But, it was embarrassing to have a girl that was his childhood friend to do that much for him, so Lux was flustered.

    ¡°I, I¡¯m fine you know!? I, it¡¯s only this much. I can wipe myself alone so©¤©¤!¡±

    There was no people around, but Lux turned his head left and right to check.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m finished already.¡±

    Philuffy finished her work while he was doing that and she put the towel on Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    Like that she was then staring very still at Lux with her pure eyes.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Perhaps because she had just been training, Philuffy¡¯s skin and face were slightly flushed, and there was a faint scent of sweat from her. They made Lux¡¯s heart throbbed fast.

    Compared to her childhood, her breasts, her thighs, and other places had grown into an amazing feminine body. He thought of that once more while looking at her face from nearby.

    ¡°Wha, what¡¯s wrong? Is there something on my face©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Ei¡±

    ¡°Waah!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s body half rotated just from Philuffy lightly jerking his arm.

    In the blink of eye he was made to turn his back on her and he felt bewildered once more.

    ¡°Wha, what are you doing Phi-chan!? My sweat is already©¤©¤¡±

    Philuffy¡¯s body clung closely on the back of the flustered Lux. Then she whispered to him with indifferent tone.

    ¡°Checking a bit. Whether your body, is hurt.¡±

    ¡°Yo, you don¡¯t need to do that, I¡¯m really not tired! ©¤©¤Uwah!?¡±

    Honestly speaking, he was on tenterhooks because Philuffy¡¯s large breasts were touching his back.

    When Lux twisted his body to shake her off, his foot got entangled and they fell down together.

    ¡°Aa¡­¡­¡±

    Lux leaked out a voice after falling.

    When his hand reflexively moved to stand up, there was Philuffy¡¯s body right below him.

    ¡°So, sorry-¡­¡­!]

    The large breasts that didn¡¯t lose shape even when she was lying down face up flew into his sight, causing Lux¡¯s head to boil up.

    Philuffy who was expressionless as usual kept staring at Lux and she suddenly moved her lips.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, to not endure you know?¡±

    Philuffy¡¯s question that was said with her usual serious face made Lux turned stiff.

    The warmth and softness of Philuffy¡¯s body that was glued to him.

    After getting conscious of that, Lux¡¯s heart was pounding hard like an alarm bell, his consciousness turned blank for a moment.

    ¡°Because Lu-chan, you look like you are brooding over something.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Eh?¡±

    After Lux whispered toward those words that suddenly came at him, Philuffy showed a faint smile.

    ¡°Since the past, Lu-chan would immediately endure. You would hide your true feeling.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    That voice sounded somewhat nostalgic.

    And yet it also sounded somewhat lonely. Philuffy formed her words with such voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy, that you are doing your best for our sake, but©¤©¤. It¡¯s fine, to be more honest with your own feeling, you know?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Such, thing¡±

    ¡®Isn¡¯t true¡¯. For some reason he became unable to say that when he looked at Philuffy¡¯s straightforward gaze.

    *GOOOON*. Suddenly the sound of large bell that informed the time rang at the area.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡­, I need to return to my room soon©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Right. Later, Lu-chan.¡±

    They stood up, and then after exchanging only those words, Lux parted with Philuffy and returned to his room.

    The straightforward words of his childhood friend caused a mysterious feeling to sprout inside him.

    Part 2

    There was an emergency call. Almost all the officers as well as the officer cadet who were the examinees of Class Promotion Exam were gathered on the Canopy at the upper part of Ruin¡¯s Gear¡¯s center.

    The Drag-Knights were lined up. In front of them was a stage, where the principality¡¯s princess, Milmiette, and the man who was the mayor of Ruin¡¯s Gear were standing side by side.

    ¡°Everyone©¤©¤first, thank you for your hard work in the Class Promotion Exam this time. The joint exam with New Kingdom Atismata that was being held for the first time has also ended safely, I believe that it will give a result where we can hope for even better development.¡±

    Milmiette first showed a smile that was like a flower and greeted formally.

    But, in contrast with those words, it was as though the atmosphere didn¡¯t feel relaxed.

    ¡°Originally we will break up with this. But, just as everyone of the New Kingdom Atismata also knows, recently the appearance rate and the atrocity of the Abyss from Ruin are gaining strength. The second Ruin, the Dungeon existing underground this Ruin¡¯s Gear is also not an exception.¡±

    *Murmur*. The gathered Drag-Rides looked at each other¡¯s face after hearing those words.

    ¡°Originally, the number of Abyss appearing from Dungeon is fixed, but that number will overflow if it¡¯s left alone for a long period, and they will climb up from the door at the bottom. Originally this kind of situation happen once every few months, but regardless of the frequency of subjugation that we has increased in this Ruin, the situation is that the Abysses are going to flood out.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    The female students who came from Academy and the military officers gulped.

    ¡°Perhaps everyone can already imagine it after I talk this far, but I wish to ask the cooperation of everyone from the new kingdom, in exterminating those Abysses that has been increasing too many inside the Dungeon.¡±

    After she was speaking that far, the mayor stood on the stage and spoke out the outline of the mission.

    The Dungeon that was existing underground the Ruin¡¯s Gear.

    The underground was divided into five levels in total. In this mission they would descend down those levels, defeated as many Abyss as possible, and decreased their number.

    However, in the mission this time, they would only step in until the second level.

    The reason was because there were few cases where powerful Abyss appeared in low level.

    ¡°Of course, originally there is no merit in this talk for the ladies and gentlemen of New Kingdom Atismata. Naturally we are planning to pay the compensation for your effort, but we are thinking to grant one more reward for it.¡±

    After the grey haired mayor with moustache stepped down, Milmiette continued the talk once more.

    ¡°The result that everyone raised in this suppression mission will be treated as a special supplementary exam of this time¡¯s Class Promotion Exam, and the score will be added into the exam¡¯s evaluation.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Ooh!?¡±

    The dazzling smile and words of Milmiette caused the depressed officers to lift their face.

    ¡°Of course, cooperation with every officers and defeating many Abyss safely will be evaluated even higher. After all if one neglected to cooperate in their hurry for achievement, they will also fall behind in the real battle. Inside the Ruin, the Drag-Knights of our country who are serving as examiner will take the lead. It will be our happiness if those with spare energy can come forward and cooperate in this by all means.¡±

    Milmiette bowed, then a commotion that somewhat resembled a cheer rose.

    ¡°Fuu. The princess of this country can say a good thing too huh.¡±

    Tillfur who was beside Lux by chance showed a small smile after hearing that.

    At the exam this time, she seemed to be lacking in confidence what¡¯s with the obstruction in the middle of it too, so she must be relieved inside her heart for this chance.

    The subjugation would be done by team of three or four people. Fundamentally entering into the third level was forbidden.

    It seemed that this judgment came from the thinking that although the Dungeon was vast and deep, but because the passage itself wasn¡¯t that wide, moving in large group would be obstructive.

    This suppression mission would be performed for around three hours.

    Of course, continuously operating Drag-Ride through all that time would be impossible, so they would take rest inside the Dungeon, or outside.

    Everyone gathered comrades and prepared, then at the lobby they would apply for participation as team. After that they would gather under the Canopy©¤©¤in front of the spiraling corridor that continued toward the Gate underground, and they would enter in order from the team who got the permission first.

    ¡°It seems that the content of the supplement exam this time is advantageous for us whose main strength is cooperation.¡±

    Sharis of Triad who was listening to the talk from right nearby called out like that to her comrades Tillfur and Noct.

    Right at that timing, Noct who was there met Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡±

    The other day they parted without him unable to say anything to her. Lux was troubled about how he should greet her.

    (What should I say, that can assure her¡­¡­?)

    While he was hesitating in front of her with such thinking©¤©¤,

    ¡°Good morning Lux-san. Were you hurt from the exam yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Ah, I, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m completely©¤©¤¡±

    Unexpectedly it was Noct herself who broached the topic about the exam that he thought would be hard to talk with her.

    ¡°Is that so, I was a bit worried.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­¡­?¡±

    Lux tilted his head in puzzlement. Noct spoke with her usual calm expression.

    ¡°Yes. We are talking about Lux-san who is kind to girl here, so you will surely think about various methods in order to console me who might be feeling down. I was worried whether you would be lacking in sleep because of that.¡±

    ¡°N, no, it¡¯s not like I was thinking that©¤©¤¡±

    Noct¡¯s exactly right guess caused Lux to object with red face.

    ¡°Is that so, that¡¯s unfortunate. It doesn¡¯t matter that I am the roommate of your little sister, the matter about me won¡¯t really weigh in your mind that much isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Tha, that¡¯s not true. That, I was worried©¤©¤about the matter of all of you the Triad.¡±

    Noct looked at Lux with contemptuous eyes when he said that with an earnest tone.

    ¡°Yes. As expected you were thinking about that kind of thing weren¡¯t you? Surely it¡¯s a method of touching our body to console©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Just what kind of person Noct think I am!?¡±

    When Lux retorted in panic, Noct¡¯s expression suddenly loosened.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad. Because I thought that Lux-san would be troubled, that you were unable to help me in the exam the other day.¡±

    ¡°I was just concerned about you, but instead I made you worried!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Being considerate to the surrounding is the duty of Leaflet family that came from the lineage of servant. I still cannot lose against Lux-san.¡±

    The girl who was his junior smiled slightly at the exhausted Lux and she said that to him.

    ¡°Okay, oka©¤y. Then we will prepare as well. Lux-chi too, let¡¯s meet again inside the Ruin.¡±

    As soon as the mood relaxed, Tillfur came rushing in.

    ¡°Ah, that©¤©¤can you allow me to join the Triad¡¯s team together too?¡±

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing this, the Triad members were speechless for a moment with their eyes snapped wide open.

    ¡°E, eh¡­¡­? Is it, no good¡­¡­?¡±

    Seeing Lux being troubled, Sharis grabbed Lux¡¯s head into her underarm.

    ¡°Wah¡­¡­!?¡±

    Due to the posture, Lux¡¯s face hit Sharis¡¯s chest. His face suddenly heated up.

    Her body was toned, with the sensation of soft breast pressed on him.

    And from her body floated her trademark the rose fragrance that tickled Lux¡¯s nose alluringly.

    ¡°Fuh¡­so even that innocent Lux has become very proactive. You truly want to make all three of us fall for you, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Sharis said that jokingly with a mischievous smile.

    ¡°Wa ha haa, Lux-chi is so bold. As expected a boy is really different eh©¤¡±

    ¡°Yes, Lux-san too is finally developing a great interest in girls. I judged that it¡¯s my obligation to report this to Airi.¡±

    ¡°I, I said it¡¯s not true!? I don¡¯t have that kind of strange ulterior motive, I just©¤©¤¡±

    Even Tillfur and Noct got into the joke and Lux became even more panicked, it was then,

    ¡°We truly understand. Thank you for worrying about us.¡±

    Sharis released Lux from under her arm, and gently placed her finger along his chest.

    ¡°But, only this time some of us want to try things. So we are going to rely on you at another chance. For now, please go to the other girls who are waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡­ Then everyone, be careful.¡±

    With some hesitation, Lux agreed and slowly left.

    After he talked with Lisha and others about the grouping, Lux returned to the lodging house for once to see Airi¡¯s face.

    Part 3

    ¡°Fuh, it somehow went well. Although we originally agreed to this, you do not have any regrets, Tillfur, Noct?¡±

    Sharis was seeing off Lux¡¯s back while speaking to her two compatriots.

    ¡°Yes, we hope that we don¡¯t add to Lux-san¡¯s burdens by more than this.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I was really happy though¡­¡­. He is properly worrying about us too©¤©¤¡±

    With a joyful and lonely expression, Tillfur sighed.

    While Airi was alone in her dorm room last night, the Triad girls made some plans in advance.

    In order to help Lux, the three decided to distance themselves instead from him.

    Although it was because of Buzzheim¡¯s evil design and added with a coincidence, it still resulted in them dragging down Lux at the Class Promotion Exam.

    If they who didn¡¯t even have the strength to skillfully use Divine Drag-Ride were near Lux, they would become a hindrance to him.

    The words that Singlen said at the exam yesterday stabbed the chest of the Triad.

    To re-evalute their strength again from the beginning, the three decided not to request Lux¡¯s assistance and fought by themselves.

    ¡°But, I might have done something bad towards Tilfur. I stole away the time where you can be together with him.¡±

    Sharis spoke teasingly.

    ¡°Wai-¡­¡­!? Sharis yourself, even though just now you pushed your breast on Lux-chi!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think that¡¯s quite bold of Sharis. ¡­¡­In fact, you like Lux-san, correct?¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Fuh. I was just giving him a bit of nice memory in my onw way as my feeling of gratitude. No, though it¡¯s not a mistake that I¡¯m pleased with him.¡±

    image

    ¡°Is that really true¡«¡­¡­ ? Sharis, even though she has been putting act as a big sis but she is actually pure, so she is unexpectedly weak against straight advance though~, ¡­¡­and she like younger one too.¡±

    ¡°Yes, although we are childhood friends, this is the first time I have seen you do this type of thing towards a man.¡±

    ¡°¡­ We, well, time to get back to the topic on hand.¡±

    Sharis¡¯s face was slightly reddening from Tillfur¡¯s mischievous laugh and Noct¡¯s fixed stare. She then made a forced cough.

    ¡°Our goal is to accomplish this by our own strength. ©¤©¤Now, let¡¯s go and do what we can with our all.¡±

    Sharis repeated the instructions from the start. The other two nodded understandingly.

    The three of them stepped forth toward the passage of Drag-Ride hangar that was borrowed from Ruin¡¯s Gear

    Part 4

    ¡°Airi, are you in there?¡±

    After knocking gently on the door and hearing a¡±Come in,¡± Lux entered the room.

    Exuding her usual cold atmosphere, Airi sat at her desk reading.

    ¡°Is something the matter, Nii-san? You are going to join the aforementioned suppression mission aren¡¯t you? Isn¡¯t it better to quickly prepare?¡±

    ¡°Ahaha¡­¡­. No, there is something that troubled me a bit.¡±

    Saying that, he talked about how after he was rejected from accompanying the Triad, he went to where Lisha and others were.

    Lux was thinking to group with Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, or Celis who he got along well with and belonged to Syvalles together, but Instructor Raigree who was there told him that he was forbidden to accompany them.

    The instructor said,

    ¡°On the surface the task is officially to destroy the Abyss, but it is also a supplement exam to test the teamwork in facing the Abyss. You all the user of Divine Drag-Ride, don¡¯t group among yourselves. Split up and devoute yourself in supporting the other students.¡±

    It was like that.

    Now that he was told that, it was the natural decision.

    Lisha and others, the four of them were on another level of strength that was nearly EX Class and had a high chance of passing the exam, thus it would be unnecessary for them to force themselves to achieve victories in the campaign.

    Also, the second ruin [Dungeon] is very deep.

    It was better that the members of [Syvalles] who had experience going to the Ruins before to be split accordingly to support the other cadets.

    That was how they are told.

    ¡°Even though I¡¯m thinking of supporting Lux with the Drag-Ride that I¡¯ve newly created at great pains¡­¡­¡±

    After the warning, Lisha became upset.

    ¡°I understand what you are saying, and it¡¯s the correct reasoning. But I still feel a little dissatisfied emotionally.¡±

    Krulcifer showed a smile with hidden meaning while agreeing.

    ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate¡­¡­. Even though, I¡¯ve been carrying the snack for Lu-chan¡¯s share too.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Ahh, nn. Please bring it for me at the next chance. This time Phi-chan can eat them all yourself.¡±

    Lux showed a wry smile while comforting his usually expressionless childhood friend.

    ¡°Even though I wanted to peel the orange for you.¡±

    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to do that!? Going that far will make me embarrassed okay-!¡±

    After his panicked exclamation, Celis also came to his side.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. I originally wanted to use this opportunity to repay Lux for all the times you helped me but©¤©¤no, Its definitely not that I just want to be with you, okay.¡±

    ¡°Then please at another chance. For today please become the strength for the others.¡±

    Like that he parted with the girls and Lux returned to the lodging house.

    ¡°Haa, nii-san is very popular. However, please stop getting intimate with your classmates now while enrolled in the academy. Otherwise, I would feel ashamed.¡±

    ¡°Wha, what are you saying!? Everyone is just treating me well I¡¯m telling you.¡±

    Airi¡¯s accusation made Lux¡¯s face to redden as he panicked.

    Then however, Airi¡¯s sighed deeply as she muttered something quietly while averting her face away from Lux.

    ¡°¡­¡­Nii-san¡¯s denseness is already at the territory of serious illness after all. As I thought, is the cause because he is dragging along the matter of the past?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Never mind. It¡¯s not like I want to see someone like the womanizer Nii-san anyway.¡±

    Airi said in exasperateion while looking out the window.

    ¡°I will wait in the lobby of the Ruin. It seems that the people of Seven Dragon Paladins will also be there, so you don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±

    ¡°Mm, got it.¡±

    Lux nodded and smiled.

    ¡°Airi, other than this, has anything notable happened recently?¡±

    ¡°¡­Not really.¡±

    Lux smiled wryly when Airi answered with some hesitation.

    ¡°Okay, but if anything happens please let me know. Although I may be unreliable, I am still your big brother after all.¡±

    ¡°-¡­..!?¡±

    The words Lux said made Airi trembled for a moment.

    Although Airi immediately returned to her usual calm expressionless, and she showed a faint smile.

    ¡°I understand. Good luck, Nii-san.¡±

    ¡°Nn¡±

    After acknowledging this, Lux showed Airi a smile as he left.

    A few seconds later, the expression that she forcefully made finally crumbled, and Airi fell onto her bed.

    ¡°My uniform will get wrinkled¡­¡­¡±

    Such thinking was crossing the back of her mind even while she was unable to bear it.

    There was no way she could say it.

    For some unknown reason, Singlen was showing an abnormal fixation toward Lux.

    It wasn¡¯t only the persistent persuasion to join the Seven Dragon Paladins, he may also knew things about Lux¡¯s past when at the old empire and even about Lux¡¯s eldest brother Fugil.

    So©¤©¤in order to prevent the two from getting even more invoved with each other, Airi kept quiet about last night¡¯s events.

    The Dragon Marauder¡¯s spy may had already infiltrated the New Kingdom.

    And then, the important nobles of various countries who were financing Dragon Marauder were searcing for trigger of war.

    If the content of the old document that Airi deciphered was reported to the upper brass of the new kingdom, the history and knowledge about the old empire until now would be overturned and a great chaos would occur, the brunt of it would surely©¤©¤be pointed at Lux and Airi.

    As the final survivors of the Old Empire, amd then as criminals, there was the risk that thye would be doubted of having ties with the Lord(Creator) of Ruin.

    ¡°If it is only me that ends up hurt then it is still fine. But©¤©¤¡°

    The worst case would be if Airi was taken hostage, and Lux would fall into the grip of the New Kingdom.

    Furthermore, there were also people within the consul who desired to take advantage of Lux.

    She didn¡¯t want to become a burden for his big brother for more than this.

    ¡°I, what should I do¡­¡­¡±

    At that moment, a knock suddenly came on the door causing Airi to get taken aback and she held her breath.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    She asked as she placed her diary where the ancient document was hidden in a safe spot on her desk.

    ¡°Please do not panic. I am with Wanheim Principality.¡±

    Hearing the sound coming from a young girl, Airi relaxed as she opened the door.

    ¡°-¡­..!? You are©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Could you come with me? Miss Airi Arcadia¡±

    The one who appearead along with a few followers was Princess Milmiette.

    Part 5

    ¡°Now then, what to do from here.¡±

    In order to participate in the suppression mission, obviously he needed to fix his equipment.  However he was refused from teaming up with the Triad, and it didn¡¯t look like he could accompany Lisha or the others this time.

    ¡°Should I try aksing the other classmates?¡±

    Lux pondered such thing while opening the door of the lodging room©¤©¤then,

    ¡°Wah¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Eh?¡±

    Someone sitting on the bed was taking off their shirt, rolling the shirt off their arm.

    The exposed smooth white-skinned back appeared in front of Lux¡¯s field of vision.

    ¡°So, sorry-!? I didn¡¯t expect someone to be in the middle of changing here©¤©¤¡±

    Reflexively, Lux closed the door at the sight of the half-naked androgynous youth.

    However, after his panickedly yelled that, he noticed something strange.

    ¡°Eh¡­¡­? Looking closesly, could you be¡­¡­Coral?

    image

    ¡°Oh, ah, um¡­¡­that¡¯s me. I¡¯m also a boy, so there¡¯s no problem here. Come in.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, that¡¯s right. Then, I¡¯m coming in¡­¡­?¡±

    When Lux timidly entered inside, Coral who had already changed into a pilot suit was inside the room.

    No matter how androgynous his appearance and body, Coral undoubtedly should be a boy.

    And yet, for some reason a slight guilt welled up inside Lux. Even Lux felt it mysterious.

    ¡°Um, about that©¤©¤sorry that I suddenly made such a strange voice.¡±

    Coral apologized with a somewhat shy smile.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine. It was my fault for forgetting to knock©¤©¤anyways, is Coral also taking part in the mission?¡±

    He did not watch Coral¡¯s fight at the All-Dragon Battle last time, it was understood that given his ability to use EX Wyvern meant that his strength was High Class at the very least.

    From the results of the examination, it didn¡¯t look like that Coral necessarily need the extra points, but¡­

    ¡°Well, everyone in my country is basically participating. After all this is our own country.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Thinking about it, it was really the natural development.

    ¡°Sorry to make you accompany us playing out at night last evening. But©¤©¤did you able to relax a bit from it?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Thank you. Because of that, I was able to get along slightly with Greifer.¡±

    After hearing Lux¡¯s words, Coral put his hands together.

    ¡°That¡¯s good then. Lux is really very kind just as I thought.¡±

    Coral spoke with a voice that was mixed with relieve and delight. Lux smiled wryly to that, saying¡±No such thing.¡±

    There were the matter of what Singlen said, Airi whose condition was somewhat strange, and the matter of Triad, even so Lux¡¯s feeling had slightly beome light.

    ¡°Then, this is an opportunity that is hard to come by, do you want to join us in the suppression mission?¡±

    ¡°That, do you mean©¤©¤¡±

    Lux was bewildered at Coral¡¯s invitation.

    ¡°Mm. In the upcoming suppression mission in the Ruin, I hope that you and me, along with Greifer, can be in a team together. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    *chiri-*, a sharp pain ran behind Lux¡¯s eyes and static that looked like sandstorm ran at the back of his mind.

    (Again¡­¡­? Just what is this? This pain©¤©¤, I have felt it before)

    Before Lux was able to confirm what made him uneasy, the feeling soon went away.

    ¡°¡­¡­What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Ah, its nothing. I hope that I will not trouble you too much then.¡±

    Although he was hesitant whether he should help the other girls, but they were also encouraged by Instructor Raigree that they assembled team together with their allied country Wanheim Principality.

    After Lux gave his answer, he changed out of his uniform into his pilot suit.

    ¡°Wah¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Wha, what is it¡­?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing¡­¡­Don¡¯t¡¯ worry about me.¡±

    Coral answered with a troubled smile for some reason. Lux thought it strange while he finished his getup.

    He was carrying compass, protable food and drinking water in his bag, then they joined with Greifer.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really care, but why are you purposefully teaming up with this fellow from another country¡­¡­.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine right? Greifer doesn¡¯t have many friends anyway.¡±

    Coral retorted at Grefier who was a bit annoyed. Then after they stopped by at the base inside the palace©¤©¤the lobby, the three of them went towards the entrance to the Dungeon.

    After arriving at the bottom of the spiral staircase that was hollow like ant lion larva¡¯s pit, the Drag-Knights of both countries were already gathered in large number.

    ¡°Lux! If anything happens, call me immediately! I will rush to your aid!¡±

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s energetic voice, Lux awkwardly waved.

    Altough the three of the Triad were also present, for some reason that Buzzheim was also present.

    His injuries were tied with bandages, making it hard to imagine how he could operate a Drag-Ride. Moreover, his proctor license should also have been revoked.

    It seemed like he was merely there to see off the beginning of the mission as a member of the military. However, he glared at Lux with hound-like eyes like usual.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Relax. Buzzheim already doesn¡¯t have anything to do with this part of the exam.¡±

    Coral, who noticed where Lux¡¯s line of sight went, had understood the situation.

    However, Greifer muttered peevishly.

    ¡°¡­¡­I wonder? Well, I¡¯ll be keeping an eye for you.¡±

    ¡°Next team! Number 17, come forward!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s our turn now.¡±

    After being called by the proctors, Lux and his comrades walked up.

    If the Gigas that came to the new kingdom was excluded, this would be his first time entering the Ruin of another country. Lux was feeling nervous of that while he braced himself.

    As Lisha¡¯s knight too, it would be the best for Lux raise his Class.

    Besides that, in order to protect the city from the magical beasts, he would give his utmost effort.

    (But¡­for what?)

    Singlen¡¯s words stuck to his mind.

    He had decided that he would not hesitate¡­and yet why was his feeling like this.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lux-kun.¡±

    Coral gently touched Lux¡¯s back, indicating Lux to exit. In front of the site, Lux summoned <Wyvern> and pulled out his sword.

    ¡°Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of strength. Follow my sword and fly, Wyvern!¡±

    He pressed the button on his hilt and said the chant.

    Light particles gathered around him at high speed. His body became covered with streamlined blue armor.

    A few seconds later, while standing on the pentagon on the floor that was called the Gate, an orange light gradually rose, giving Lux a feeling of floating on air.

    Feeling like their consciousness was separting from the body, the three of them entered the Dungeon.

    Part 6

    The rooftop of the Palace that was overlooking down on the spiral staircase continuing to the Dungeon©¤©¤the edge of Canopy.

    Singlen, wearing his usual armor suit was lying down on the edge that was made of stone, where a single mistaken step would make him fall down for few dozen mel.

    As his eyes followed Lux disappearing in to the Dungeon, he stared lazily back towards the rear of the main troops.

    ¡°I have returned, my lord.¡±

    The air behind Singlen slightly rippled.

    As if he was covered by a bed sheet, an old knight wearing a white mask and white jacket appeared.

    ¡°You are late, Zwei. Did anyone tail you here?¡±

    ¡°There has been no action at all. Are they saving their capability? Or else, perhaps the Dragon Marauder too isn¡¯t planning to make a move carelessly here.¡±

    ¡°Who knows¡­If I were them, I would not hesitate at this chance. Right now that the danger of Ruin is increasing and each country is hardening their defense, there may not be another chance where they can move this easily if they miss this one.¡±

    ¡°¡­True.¡±

    The old knight¡¯s husky voice agreed with his master¡¯s opinion.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll order the Knights of White Ridge to stay vigilant. To prepare for the worst case scenario¡ª¡°

    The old knight prepared to leave. Singlen, stabbed the sheath of his Sword Device onto the ground, elucidating a small thud as it landed.

    ¡°Well, hold on a second, Zwei. Although you were an able man since in the past, your decision making is just a bit too premature. We certainly were requested to protect this city. ©¤©¤But, no one will evaluate us highly just from extinguishing a small fire that cannot be seen. Haven¡¯t we experienced that many times in the past, let¡¯s be a little cleverer here. We will make use of our lesson.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Singlen smiled as he said this, exuding a deep, unending darkness.

    The old knight suddenly realized the true meaning behind his words.

    ¡°¡­That¡±

    ¡°Catching the big fish requires patience. Keep in mind we will prioritize the Milmiette ojou-sama¡¯s safety first.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    After this brief response, Zwei disappeared.

    Singlen did not care as he looked over the doors of the palace.

    ¡°¡­Fugil, ah. What will your brother do next? I am looking forward to it.¡±

    Singlen¡¯s face held a deep smile.

    However, his dark voice was not heard by anyone.

    Part 7

    ¡°This¡­is the Dungeon?¡±

    As his body moved past the door, Lux could not help whispering as his witnessed the incredible interior.

    Although the Academy¡¯s lectures and pre-mission meeting described what he needed to know, it was still a view beyond his imagination.

    ¡°What¡¯s up? Is this your first time entering a Ruin?¡±

    ¡°¡­its very spectacular.¡±

    In response to Coral, Lux could not say any other words to describe his impression.

    However, those were his real feelings.

    In Lux¡¯s mind, the Dungeon was supposed to appear as caves.

    With cold, dark, inorganic rocks channeling through them.

    However, the scenery in front of him surpassed his imagination.

    Directly in front of them was an altar-like patio.

    Around the patio was a field of flowers.

    Above the patio, instead of a blue sky, something like moss that gave off a pale yellow fluorescent light made the area appear just bright enough.

    Rather than a cave, it was more like a courtyard with walls surrounding it on every side.

    ¡°Here in the middle is the exit to the outside world. There are also places like this far away from where we are with a lake and other scenery, isn¡¯t it interesting?¡±

    As Lux curiously looked around, Coral gave his explanation.

    As they approached, the other female students would stop to look in adungeonment.

    ¡°Oh, honor student-sama! Our task is to suppress Abyss here yeah? Don¡¯t treat it like a picnic.¡±

    ¡°Greifer is still the same! Our mission should last just a few hours, yet you still get nervous. Or is it that you just want to finish quickly and get back to Princess Milmiette?¡±

    The two of them began to quarrel.

    Lux looked at the two with a wry smile as a thought crossed his mind.

    ¡°So now¡­how many levels are we going to raid?¡±

    ¡°According to the records the exploration has only reached until level four. The area looks spacious, but it¡¯s actually quite complicated. After we pass three levels, the amount of powerful Abyss and harsh environment will increase¡­¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Listening to Coral¡¯s answer, Lux breathed a sigh of relief.

    It seemed that in this Ruin, the existence of Automaton that was called Gear Leader hadn¡¯t been confirmed.

    Without that Hayes who was called as Lord, the possibility that something happened in Ruin must be low.

    ¡°Shall we begin? Although there are only a few Abyss here, don¡¯t let your guard down and take them one by one!¡±

    Lux nodded to Coral¡¯s words, then they too began the Abyss extermination.

    Far in the darkness, a scream could be heard.

    ¡°That sound, its Hind huh.¡±

    ¡°Even though this creature looks like a deer, it is very ferocious. Be very careful!¡±

    Lux listened to Greifer and Coral¡¯s instructions as he drew his weapon.

    The suppression mission began with this team that was formed for the first time.

    Part 8

    ¡°Listen to me! Greifer is amazing? I failed so many dishes that I cooked yet he took it as a challenge and ate all of it!¡±

    ¡°¡­.I-Is that so?¡±

    At the same time.

    Under the Canopy, deep in the halls of the Dungeon above the door, Princess Milmiette and Airi were there.

    Why was she sitting next to the princess of Wanheim Principality?

    It seemed that Coral arranged a lot of security to ensure Airi¡¯s safety, but having a lot of guards made her nervous.

    ¡°Coral is the son of my distant relatives, but because of the death of his parents from illness, he was adopted as my escort. As the assistant of Greifer of the Seven Dragon Paladins, I think that sooner or later his visit to the new kingdom will also increase, please treat him well then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. That¡­If I may say so, could you excuse me for a few minutes?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I was too preoccupied with talking. I will send a guard to accompany you.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be fine by myself!¡±

    Princess Milmiette had good intentions, but being surrounded by male officers was troublesome.

    (How to say it¡­this person, she is too pure that it¡¯s hard to deal with her¡­¡­)

    Other than that, a lot of eyes and ears around made Airi felt uneasy.

    Because of the ancient document that she deciphered was hidden in a parcel in Airi¡¯s bag.

    She exited the Lobby and brought her feet toward the toilet.

    Airi had been very cautious until there.

    However, right after she finished her business and exited the building, for a moment she let her guard down.

    ¡°©¤©¤!?¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    A silhouette quietly approached from the shadows.

    A man with a cloth covering his face snatched Airi¡¯s bag.

    ¡°Thi-Thief! Stop! Please stop-¡­!¡±

    She was shouting while knowing that it was in vain.

    Even though she was hit and knocked down, she stood up quickly and began to give chase. However, she could not catch up.

    The man ran towards the cover of building inside the Palace. As if replacing that man, a Wyvern flew out from there while holding the bad and fled down the spiral staircase.

    ¡°©¤©¤Eh!?¡±

    Airi was stopped by the unexpected scene.

    If the man flew outside, it would be hard to find him. And yet the man was heading to the bottom of Palace©¤©¤to the entrance of the Dungeon where there would be no place to escape.

    He was a thief, so why would he run towards a place with a dead-end.

    Although a lot of Drag-Knights had gathered due to the suppression mission, however, if an outside went down there he should still get noticed.

    Unless this man was originally a Drag-Knight who was a part of the suppression mission and had received the permission to participate ©¤©¤.

    ¡°What exactly is going on¡­?¡±

    The situation was puzzling.

    But after thinking about it for a few seconds, the possibility made Airi tremble.

    From between the gaps in the cloth, the thief¡¯s face appeared similar to that of one of Buzzheim¡¯s men.

    ¡°Surely¡­it can¡¯t be¡­¡±

    At that moment, Airi remembered a scene from last night.

    When Singlen visited Airi¡¯s room last night, he used words that suggested that Airi was secretly in possession of the something that was connected to the Ruin.

    ¡¸Those guys are sending spy to every country. It will be dangerous if they know you are hiding the secret of Ruin. What I want to say is be cautious.¡¹

    Wjat if supposedly Buzzheim overheard this conversation¡­

    ¡°-¡­!?¡±

    Airi¡¯s heart beat furiously, and she felt her consciousness fading.

    If the ancient documents were exposed, they would lose the place that they had obtained in the new kingdom.

    People will question their relationship with the Lord(Creator), then they would be imprisoned once more, or else©¤©¤.

    (There is no time to hesitate)

    Airi rushed back towards the Lobby to inform others of the emergency.

    This matter of robbery couldn¡¯t be reported to the military officer of Wanheim Principality.

    Since there was no evidence that it was one of Buzzheim¡¯s people, and it was only Airi¡¯s speculation.

    She couldn¡¯t act against the military officer of another country without solid evidence. And even if for example she had something like that, they would obviously feign ignorance.

    That means she couldn¡¯t stop Buzzheim through normal means.

    ¡°Nii-san, I©¤©¤¡­¡±

    Airi hesitated to discuss this with her brother. Airi rushed down the spiral staircase as though she was being pushed down. As she approached the Gate of the Dungeon, Noct came into her field of vision.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter Airi? Your face doesn¡¯t look good.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Tillfur and Sharis of the Triad were also there. Perhaps they had just finished resting and returned here.

    However, Lux and Lisha and other members, the users of Divine Drag-Ride were not there.

    Perhaps it would be best to seek their assistance first, but there was no time for that .

    Buzzheim could not use a Drag-Ride due to his injury, and most of his followers shouldn¡¯t be accompanying him, only a few of them©¤©¤.

    ¡°Noct, there is something I need your help with. Could you please help me?¡±

    When Airi noticed, she had cut to the case.

    She said that she wanted to go into the ruins to catch the thief.

    Part 9

    ¡°Fuu¡­we did pretty well. And just now our team finished the fourth battle.¡±

    Coral said this with a smile as the firewood crackled.

    They were surrounded by rocks on all sides with a thin lawn covering the ground like a blanket.

    They were resting in an open space of the northeast part of the Dungeon¡¯s first level.

    It seemed there were several resting places called Camp scattered throughout the Dungeon.

    They were not originally part of the Dungeon but set up one by one by Wanheim Principality as they explored. Next to them, water from the waterfall parted to create a basin around them.

    Lux and Coral were resting in shabby tents set up in the vicinity.

    ¡°I doubt there is poison in the water, but it¡¯s still likely better to not drink it. If we can understand the situation upstream, then our safety will also increase, but there is no guarantee for that.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    The teapot and water they had at hand came from a part of the food they brought in advance.

    Since they were only exploring for a day, there was not a need to bring too many provisions in advance.

    ¡°©¤©¤However, there is no doubt that Lux will be promoted here.¡±

    As Lux sipped his tea, Coral smiled and congratulated him.

    Based on the pocket watch they had, there was less than an hour before they needed to return.

    They exterminated Abyss following the instructions of the examinees who were here and there and repeated that several times.

    While Lux could only use Wyvern to fight, Greifer and Coral were quite strong so the mission went smoothly.

    In the main exam, he acted in the way that lowered his evaluation several times, but with this Lux¡¯s promotion to Middle Class should be without a problem.

    He would continue to uphold his reputation as Lisha¡¯s knight.

    (Buy why is it I wonder¡­¡­. Why am I feeling this superficial?)

    Lux put down his tea cup and began strolling around the tent in a daze.

    There were no more Abyss around and only the sound of quiet water flowing could be heard, but¡­

    ¡°Oi¡±

    ¡°Wah!?¡±

    There was a voice that suddenly came from the side, then a Dagger stabbed the floor in front of him.

    When Lux jumped backward in panic, Greifer wearing Cuelebre arrived at his side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t loiter around as you please. We are resting right now but don¡¯t wander too far from the tent.¡±

    ¡°Ah, sorry¡­¡±

    Lux hurriedly apologized. Greifer grunted towards the side.

    (Aa, when I thought that our relationship has finally improved slightly¡­)

    Greifer¡¯s blunt attitude towards Lux made him felt down as he walked back towards the tent, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡°That was dangerous, Greifer! Anyways, you need to explain to him about that!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    The words of Coral who was exiting the tent confused Lux, while Greifer was showing a bothersome face.

    ¡°Haah, the Portal(transfer device) is in that direction. Didn¡¯t I explain it before we entered?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    Lux noticed what Greifer¡¯s intention was.

    Inside this Dungeon, other than stair that went underground, there were things called Portal installed at several floors.

    The Portal¡¯s shape was simply a group of rocks in a circle that was easy to notice, but because it could only transport things from the upper floor to the lower floors in one-way trip, the team could be in danger of getting separated at the moment they stood at that spot without noticing it.

    Lux noticed that while he presented a different attitude on the surface, Greifer was quite concerned about Lux¡¯s safety.

    In any case, the man is really quite caring no matter what he said.

    ¡°Thank you Greifer. I¡¯ll switch with you to patrol around now.¡±

    Lux said this with a smile, while for some reason Greifer gave an uncomfortable glance to the side.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t feeling like drinking tea, so I¡¯ll refrain. We are going to return back soon anyway right? Rather than that©¤©¤¡±

    Greifer had an indifferent look as always as he stood up wearing his Cuelebre.

    ¡°A communication from Dragon Voice came in. There seems to be something strange going on. The men of new kingdom who weren¡¯t too hot at the exam this time©¤©¤that team seems to raise some abnormal results for this exam.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? With that the possibility the people of new kingdom¡¯s military getting promoted will increase.¡±

    Coral tilted his head while Greifer continued to speak.

    ¡°That¡¯s if they are doing it in proper way. According to the proctor, it seems that team took care of about a dozen Abyss or more already.¡±

    ¡°Eh..?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lux reacted to the conversation for the first time.

    Strange.

    The New Kingdom¡¯s Drag-Knights, with the exception of the captain Dilwy, should be consisting of only Low or Middle Class Drag-Knight.

    Of course, that Class in the end was only one indicator of strength, but it was hard to imagine that they would all suddenly show such results inside this unfamiliar Ruin in foreign country.

    ¡°Seems that the Abyss on the second level ain¡¯t a match for them, thus they went towards the entrance to the third floor. I wonder, what is their trick?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    As Greifer said these words, a grave expression appeared on Coral¡¯s face for the first time.

    However, he sighed immediately and returned to his usual demeanor.

    ¡°That is concerning, but no rules were broken, so there is no problems.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s so then it¡¯s okay. It is still a bit early, but how about we start heading back?¡±

    At Greifer¡¯s suggestion, Lux stood up.

    But, at that very moment. *Dong!* The Dungeon began shaking vertically.

    ¡°Earthquake!?!¡±

    Right after Lux judged like that, the pale yellow light that illuminated the cave began to flash bright red.

    ¡°That¡¯s!?!¡±

    Lux recalled a past situation in the Ark that was similar with this. He pulled out his Sword Device.

    ¡°Someone broke into the third floor!? This is bad, at this rate©¤©¤the Ruin will enter alert state!¡±

    Coral who saw that also called out his EX Wyvern and equipped it.

    ¡°Greifer! I¡¯m going to confirm the situation. You go outside the Dungeon and await instructions from Princess Milmiette.¡±

    ¡°Gotcha. Hey, prince, let¡¯s go back to the Palace.¡±

    ¡°Hold on! I am going to go take a look as well!¡±

    Lux requested to accompany him, but Coral calmly shook his head.

    ¡°I can¡¯t take you along towards a part of the dungeon that you are not familiar with. Although you are concerned about the officers of the new kingdom, please bear with it for now.¡±

    Saying that, Coral glided out while driving EX Wyvern.

    He traveled through the dungeon and quickly disappeared from the field of vision in the blink of an eye.

    Part 10

    ¡°¡­w-what is this shaking! What is happening!?¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s not our fault!? Although we accidentally chased the Abyss towards the third floor, just because of that, the Ruin become like this¡­!¡±

    ¡°Captain Dilwy! Did you see!? Should we retreat¡­¡±

    It was a team that was composed of only male officers.

    The squad captain, Dilwy and three Drag-Knights of the new kingdom military. They were panicked at the sudden change in situation and showed the weak-kneed expression that was exactly opposite with until now when they were defeating a lot of Abysses.

    Their steady advance untilnow was solely thanks to Dilwy, while the other three were only given the leftover. There was no sense of duty or dignity as knight in that.

    ¡°©¤©¤Haah¡±

    Dilwy raised a smile of mockery towards them.

    His old wound had healed. His right arm now had strange black pattern on its surface. That arm was holding a knife that was left behind by the robed man last night.

    No, not so much as healed, but it was even stronger than before.

    ¡°The seed of war huh. I see, so that is how it was¡­¡±

    ¡°Cap-Captain Dilwy! Let¡¯s retreat quickly¡±

    ¡°Aah, it is already that time huh¡­then, let¡¯s have a farewell soon.¡±

    The men in his squad let out a sigh of relief hearing Dilwy¡¯s words.

    No one there noticed how Dilwy was like a completely different person from his normal demeanor.

    Part 11

    ¡°This sound, what happened¨C!?¡±

    Equipped with her Wyvern, Sharis was surprised and wondering what was happening?

    The Triad and Airi were searching for Buzzheim on the second floor when the sudden chaos ensued.

    Perhaps it was time to head back, there were no signs of other Drag-Knigths around them.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this bad!? How come this feels like the last time in the Ark?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I judge that the possibility is high. But according to the Radar, it will still take a little more until we catch up with Buzzheim and others who seem to be the robbery culptrit, about 70 mel ahead©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°¡­..¡±

    Airi bit her lips with a complex expression while being held by Noct¡¯s Drake.

    They heard explanation about the Dungeon¡¯s alert state when they received instruction regarding this suppression mission.

    About five minutes after the color inside Ruin changed, the stairs connecting the third floor and the second floor would be blocked. And there was danger that many Abyss would appear.

    That ancient document absolutely had to be taken back.

    ©¤©¤However, she also couldn¡¯t expose the Triad to even more danger than this because of her selfishness.

    ¡°¡­As long as we have my Drake, we will be able to communicate within the Ruin using Dragon Voice. There¡¯s about 50 mel left till we get to the stair connecting to the third level. They should be there.¡±

    Noct said this in response to seeing Airi¡¯s troubled face.

    Sharis also spoke to the undecided Airi.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. There is no time to waste. The despicable thieves, as someone serving as the Academy¡¯s vigilance committee, I will not stand them unless we pay them back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true~, they also harassed us a lot at the exam~¡±

    ¡°Yes, I will continue detecting the Abyss, so please leave securing the path of retreat to me.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤My apologies, everyone.¡±

    Airi let out a weak voice toward the Triad who were considerate and helpful to her.

    ¡°I¡¯d also like to test my skills after all. Let¡¯s go Tillfur, Noct.¡±

    ¡°Roo~ger¡±

    ¡°Yes, my Lord¡± (English)

    Tillfur and Noct responded to Sharis¡¯s statement with a smile.

    Right in front of the staircase leading to the third floor, it was discovered that Buzzheim and a small group of people were taking position there.

    Buzzheim did not have any Drag-Ride equipped but he was holding on to Airi¡¯s bag. However, the four men of Wanheim Principality¡¯s military officer with him each were equipped with general purpose Drag-Ride.

    Sharis quickly aimed her breath Gun and gave a warning.

    ¡°A warning towards all of you the officers of allied country Wanheim Principality! You are in possession of something that belongs to the civil official of our New Kingdom. If you return it now, I will nor report your deed to your superior and the incident will not turn into serious matter. But if you refuse, we will take it back by force!¡±

    In response, Buzzheim face shifted from surprise into a sneer.

    ¡°¡­Just when I thought what you are going to say, but could you have gotten the wrong people? The package was something that was given by an acquaintance of mine.¡±

    He said this as he retreated behind his subordinates.

    ¡°So you are refusing to return it. If so, I won¡¯t be so polite in taking it back.¡±

    The moment the finger of the Wyvern Sharis controlled touched on her Breath Gun, one of the followers wearing Wyrm rushed ahead suddenly.

    He released a barrier to protect himself from the assault, so that he could forcefully charge forward even while deflecting bullet.

    ¡°The standard reaction huuh. That¡¯s no good you know©¤©¤¡±

    Aware of the enemy¡¯s movements, Tillfur who was similarly wearing Wyrm intercepted the enemy.

    Tillfur¡¯s Hammer swept aside the enemy¡¯s Blade, making him lost balance. Then she landed a decisive blow to the shoulder of her opponent¡¯s armor.

    ¡°Ga, ahh¡­¡­!?¡±

    When the man flinched backwards after witnessing that smooth blow, Sharis who had switched her weapon followed with an attack by her Blade. The enemy¡¯s armor was dispelled after his Force Core received impact.

    Furthermore, Noct kept covering Airi while pulling the trigger of her Breath Gun to hold back the other men who tried to join the fray. The three of them splendidly coordinated their strategy and acted all at once.

    ¡°This is checkmate, Buzzheim-dono.¡±

    ¡°Ku¡­!¡±

    As Sharis¡¯s sword was pointed at him, the defenseless Buzzheim groaned.

    The outcome was decided.

    If they returned with full speed from now, they could go back before the blockade of the stair between second floor and the third floor was completed.

    As soon as Airi had a slight peace of mind, Buzzheim loudly called out.

    ¡°I-I will not give it back to you! I know that I am holding the evidence of of you hiding something that will lead to the Ruin¡¯s secret! If you hurt me, I¡¯ll expose everything in court! You wouldn¡¯t want that. After all©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Is that so©¤©¤then I¡¯ll have you entrust that so called Ruin¡¯s secret to me.¡±

    ¡°Na..!?¡±

    The sudden incoming voice made Buzzheim, his men, the Triad, and Airi all freeze in place.

    Standing there was a young man with delicate features clad in EX Wyvern, Dilwy Froias.

    (Even though I don¡¯t want it to get seen by this person too who is an army officer of new kingdom©¤©¤)

    Seeing how things have been going, Airi was desperately thinking about what to say to Dilwy.

    However, the necessity of this disappeared a moment later.

    ¡°Wh-what are you saying!? Who will¡­ahh!¡±

    *Zan-*, the EX Wyvern¡¯s Blade swung and cut off the head of Buzzheim.

    ¡°-¡­!?¡±

    Right after Airi and the Triad felt terrified, Dilwy¡¯s Blade slashed once more.

    Accompanied by the sound of air being cut away, the silver flash ran through the air and lopped off the head of the rest of Buzzheim¡¯s followers who were dumbfounded.

    ¡°Wha, what are you©¤©¤¡±

    Giving a glance at Sharis who whispered with pale face, Dilwy carelessly snatched the blood soaked bag of Airi from the arm of the headless Buzzheim.

    His presence was completely the same like his usual quiet attitude without any change.

    But that was instead felt so hair-rising terrifying.

    ¡°Ah, sorry to frighten everyone.¡±

    Dilwy said it with a deadpan face without revealing any emotion, as though what he had done was even less than crushing a bug.

    ¡°The squad that came with me are already heading back. Although it is quite difficult to communicate using Dragon Voice from this third level to the ground level, but in the unlikely chance you girls manage to call for help, it would be quite troublesome.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? You¡­¡±

    Sharis said with a slight trembling in her voice.

    ¡°Enough with the chit-chat. After all, threats require the necessary steps. So, how much should I say I wonder? Right, it¡¯s nearly impossible for you to call for help. If you draw your weapon against me, then you will die. I will cut the hands and legs off of the three girls around you one by one before cutting their neck. Do you understand now? Well then, this thing about the way to the Ruin¡¯s secret, could you please explain? Airi Arcadia?

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Airi could only shiver as the saliva in her mouth dried up.

    Her heart and mind were unable to comprehend the reality in front of her.

    However, one thing was obvious.

    That, this man©¤©¤was a horrifying enemy.

    ¡°Having said that, I did not expect that I can be this strong. Although my right wrist is now working thanks to that strange man©¤©¤well, I don¡¯t need to mention that too.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Sharis, Tillfur, are you in position? The reaction is close.¡±

    Adorned with her <Drake>, Noct whispered while holding a tense expression.

    ¡°Well, there is no other way©¤©¤let¡¯s go!¡±

    Right after that call, Sharis¡¯s Wyvern flew to the side.

    Taking a deep breath, Noct grabbed Airi and she with Tillfur ran following Sharis.

    ¡°Sorry, but we aren¡¯t a match against him! Your safety is the highest priority, Airi!¡±

    Sharis shouted while searching for a different path to get to the second floor.

    The understanding of the nearby terrain and the detection of Abyss had been finished using Noct¡¯s Drake.

    ¡°It appears that you all are unable to understand your own strength from the Class promotion exam, huh? I was threatening because all of you have no escape.¡±

    Dilwy spoke with a calm tone as he chased them with EX Wyvern.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I understand about myself. Your worry is unnecessary!¡±

    When they arrived at spacious, straight channel, Sharis fled towards the cramped passage at the side.

    ¡°©¤©¤!?¡±

    In that moment, a roar from the darkness before them sounds out through the air.

    ¡°Indeed you are the commander¡¯s daughter. That¡¯s not half bad.¡±

    Dilwy who noticed the Triad¡¯s intention whispered with a fearless smile.

    Sharis¡¯s plan was to escape by making fellow formidable enemies clashed with each other.

    A ferocious medium-sized Abyss intercepted Dilwy from the front.

    Part 12

    On the other side, since the mission was about to reach the time limit, and the Ruin entered the alert state, 90% of the Drag-Knights were returning to above ground.

    It was not only to escape the changing, deteriorating terrain but also to intercept the Abysses that were summoned around the Ruin. The combat force needed to return back for that.

    ¡°What do you mean? Why can¡¯t we go rescue them!?¡±

    In the middle of the Lobby where many Drag-Knights were gathered, Lisha, dressed in pilot suit flared up at the commander of Wanheim.

    ¡°That is because, due to the regulation regarding the Ruins, people the New Kingdom shall not enter the Dungeon while it¡¯s in alert state¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°I already said that we can! Give us the permission already!¡±

    As Lisha slammed her fist on the table, a voice came from behind them.

    ¡°©¤©¤Good grief, could you please be quiet, your highness the princess of new kingdom.¡±

    ¡°-¡­!?¡±

    A man in a blue coat made a sudden, unexpected appearance.

    The Blue Tyrant©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit who had been concealing himself since last night.

    Although the air was tense, he did not waver at all.

    His dull black pupils were deeply dark like an abyss.

    With that pair of eyes staring at her, Lisha slightly faltered.

    ¡°Can you explain to us? Our comrades are still trapped inside there.¡±

    Singlen shrugged toward the grim gaze of Krulcifer standing beside Lisha.

    ¡°Oh? It seems that I was overestimating all you. I thought that although you all are just noble daughters playing around, you all are still people who belonged to the military after a fashion, looks like I¡¯m wrong.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me! There isn¡¯t much time, so I can¡¯t be sitting around pretending to make conversation with you!¡±

    Krulcifer pushed out her hand to the side to hold Lisha back.

    ¡°The priority of the army is to protect Wanheim Principality¡¯s princess Milmiette here©¤©¤is that what you are saying?¡±

    From Krulcifer¡¯s words, Singlen merely responded with a  smile.

    Of course, although half of that reason was only a pretext. The truth was that they wanted as much combat force as possible to wipe out the Abysses that were appearing near the entrance quickly.

    Thinking about it now, from the start this was the reason that princess Milmiette purposefully came to observe the exam personally.

    If they recruited the officers of new kingdom to exterminate Abyss and the Ruin entered alert statem, they could gather combat force near the Dungeon¡¯s entrance and made them protect the city. That was their aim.

    The princess was a necessary presence to achieve each of these goals under just cause.

    ¡°This me who is holding the right of command this time have given the command to those in the Ruin to retreat. Well, do not worry, I will send in my men to search. If you¡¯re lucky©¤©¤hm? Aah¡±

    There, a man wearing a white coat representing the White Ridge Knights whispered in Singlen¡¯s ear.

    ¡°I see, it¡¯s quite regrettable. Just now, it seems that the entrance to third level is blocked, and the bunches on the third level became stuck inside.¡±

    ¡°What©¤©¤!?¡±

    Hearing that, even the expression of Instructor Raigree who was keeping calm changed drastically.

    At the second and third level, there was a mechanism to blockade the level entrance.

    Thus, it was strictly forbidden to enter the third floor. However, some did it accidentally.

    Such as the forces of Buzzheim and the troops of Dilwy.

    Additionally, the members of the Triad and who entered last Airi were also imprisoned on the third level.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. The investigation of Ruin is always accompanied by accident. We will send in rescue team after the alert state is dispelled, made up from those who still have spare strength left at that time.¡±

    Those words from Singlen changed the atmosphere.

    ¡°©¤©¤ Don¡¯t screw around.¡±

    A cold voice passed through the the noisy Lobby.

    From behind Lisha, Lux showed up while walking towards Singlen.

    ¡°Are you saying that you are abandoning them knowing that they are left behind? You¡¯re abandoning fellow Drag-Knights while having the strength to save©¤©¤¡±

    Lisha and Krulcifer were surprised at how Lux spoke with such a menacing force that was unlike him and they stared at his face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t lose your temper handyman. This is also the decision o fthe consul managing Ruin¡¯s Gear. The ones trapped on the third floor are mostly Middle Class or lower anyway. They are just obsolete bunch who fell behind without any significant ability or quality. In this current world©¤©¤there is no leeway to save the weak.¡±

    ¡°The weak¡­¡­you say?¡±

    Singlen chuckled at the Lux¡¯s quiet voice that contained rage.

    ¡°There also seems to be a few officer cadets mixed among those bunches. But, keep in mind, they are still military people. They should be resolved even with this kind of situation. A Ruin that is moving into alert state will summon a lot of Abyss to its surrounding in no time at all. In a situation where the enemy¡¯s battle force surpassed yours, it¡¯s the basic to do defensive battle at the base. You are planning on going to rescue them for the sake of your own so called sense of justice, and expose the people of the city to danger?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux had no words in response.

    Lisha and others, along with the other military personnel who until now were insisting to rescue their comrades held their breath without being able to say any more objection.

    Singlen¡¯s words were fundamentally correct.

    Plus they cannot disobey the man who was the current commander of operations.

    Whispered sighs spread like at his words.The commotion was drawing back like ripple.

    Even Wanheim¡¯s military personnel who were demanding to send rescue team, along with the offices of the New Kingdom, they came to think that there was nothing they could do. However,

    ¡°So what?¡±

    ¡°¡­huh?¡±

    Lux¡¯s sudden words broke the silence.

    He weaved through the gap of the bewildered soldiers and confronted Singlen.

    ¡°You said they are weak? That those who are left behind inside the Ruin, are bunches without significant ability or quality. That here, there is no leeway to save them.¡±

    ¡°I said that, so?¡±

    ¡°Your decision is mistaken.¡±

    Lux muttered these words as he glanced around. Then he continued.

    ¡°Rescuing the suriving allied combat force is also our job. In this suppression mission, when the time limit is passed, even if we exterminate Abyss after that, it won¡¯t add anything to our exam evaluation.¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°The possibility is high that our allies who are left behind inside the Dungeon likely entered the third level because they fought the Abyss in an unexpected situation and headed toward the third floor while the time hadn¡¯t run out. Or perhaps they chose that in order to save their comrade who was in the verge of danger. That¡¯s why they ended up left behind inside the Ruin.¡±

    Lux continued speaking matter-of-factly with calm demeanor.

    ¡°In the army, order is absolute. However, a knight that is able to make his own judgements considering the changing situations isn¡¯t the same like a coward who is merely fliching in front of enemy and only tries to survive without problems. You ©¤©¤which of the two are you?¡±

    A burst of commotion spread throughout the Lobby.

    Lux faced the commander of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen who was also appointed as the commander of the operation this time, with opposing attitude right to his face.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­.¡­¡±

    Singlen mulled over Lux¡¯s words quietly for a few seconds before giving an empty smile.

    ¡°Kukukukuku. You¡¯re a more interesting man than I expected. My opinion of you has slightly changed. But see, you are a powerless human. At this place, you are unable to ignore the rules set by Wanheim Principality.¡±

    ¡°Certainly. ©¤©¤Save ony one exception.¡±

    Right after Lux answered, *Bang!* the door of the Lobby was kicked open and a man entered.

    It was another member of Seven Dragon Paladins the same like Singlen, Greifer.

    ¡°I spoke to the geezers at the government office. If it is Seven Dragon Paladins who are recognized by the World Agreement, it seems they can exercise a unique authority even toward a Ruin of another country yeah? Especially in emergency cases, they can trespass into Ruin without going through protocol©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Greifer¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, my duty too originally was to protect the princess, but I also gotta go to search for that Coral.¡±

    Lux felt his conviction from that sentence.

    Right after that Lux turned again to face Singlen.

    ¡°I swear to the vice-captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit. At this very minute, I aspire to become the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata!¡±

    ¡°-¡­!?¡±

    The words of Lux took everyone by surprise.

    As the ripples of noise spread, an uninhibited smile emerged on Singlen¡¯s face.

    ¡°You¡¯re taking a big step just to save your sister huh. The man who before this refused to join by that much.¡±

    ¡°Time is running short. Even if you disagree, I will go to rescue them even if I have to violate the rule.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Fuh, fine then.¡±

    Lux¡¯s words caused Singlen to hold his laughter.

    ¡°I already obtained the consent of the people in authority. The last descendant of the old empire, the ruined prince Lux Arcadia. I¡¯ll recognize you as the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata.¡±

    Singlen loudly announced at the top of his voice toward everyone present.

    While the Lobby was in commotion due to the surprises, Lux walked away as though he was parting through the officers.

    Midway as he passed Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, and others, he stopped momentarily and whispered.

    ¡°My apologies, Lisha-sama. Please take care of the rest.¡±

    Lisha understood what he meant and nodded back with a confident smile.

    ¡°¡­Got it, get the better of that twisted man and leave him speechless.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lux nodded with a serious expression and then he stood at the edge of the spiral staircase¡¯s entrance that connected to the Dungeon¡¯s Gate.

    ¡°You¡¯re ready, prince?¡±

    Lux nodded his head wordlessly and pulled out Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    Greifer also readied the Sword Device of Cuelebre. Together they kicked the handrail and jumped down to the center.

    The people and the military surrounding them didn¡¯t even have time to be surprised as a roar thundered from the Ruin.

    ©¤©¤BIiiiiiiIIIII-!

    ¡°©¤©¤!?¡±

    Countless Abyss emerged from below the widely open spiral staircase through the Gate.

    The first to approach them were the Gargoyles, Chimeras, and other winged beasts that flew at them in a straight line from the central hole.

    Lux and Greifer both pushed the button of their Sword Device and equipped their respective Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡°©¤©¤Yoruka, I¡¯ll leave them to you!¡±

    After Lux¡¯s sharp shout, numerous cuts appeared across the air. Just from that, the many Abysses were cut apart and scattered everywhere in the blink of eye.

    After a breath, a Drake¡¯s camoflauge function was lifted, and a black haired girl with exotic foreign clothes was revealed piloting a Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡°I have been waiting impatiently for your command, my lord.¡±

    The assassin Drag-Knight who was formerly called as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka.

    In order to obtain assistance in this Ruin of foreign country where they were in a situation that was under many restrictiosn, Lux called for her even with the understanding of the dangers.

    ¡°Uoh!? Who the hell is this woman?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She is my©¤©¤ah, my companion.¡±

    Lux who wasn¡¯t an imperial family of the old empire anymore found it hard to call her as his servant or subordinate, so he spoke that.

    Yoruka was falling while cutting down winged Abysses one after another that crossed path with her, as though being vanguard for Lux and Greifer.

    Three people landed on the floor where four Abyss were cleared out at the same time. They then took position on the Gate¡¯s entrance that was enveloped with dim darkness.

    When Lux and co stood above the Gate wearing their respective Drag-Ride, they were immediately pulled into the inside.

    At the same time Yoruka pulled out her Sword Device, and countless windows of light floated from her shoulder armor.

    ¡°Search Frame ¨C On(Probe Mechanism ¨C Boot Up)¡±

    At the same time with Yoruka¡¯s whisper, countless lines of light spread radially from her shoulder armor and spread widely, crawling in high-speed along the ground and walls of the Dungeon.

    The Divine Drag-Ride of special equipment type, Yato no Kami was provided with functions like enemy search, camouflage, support, supplement, repair and so on. Its abilities were a few ranks above the general purpose Drag-Ride, Drake. (TN: The special equipment type here refer to Drake-type Drag-Ride that is installed with various ability that Wyvern-type and Wyrm-type doesn¡¯t have)

    ¡°©¤©¤My lord, your younger sister is still safe and sound. The three others around her are all right as well. From the coordinates, they are to the northeast part of the third level.Although they are moving little by little.¡±

    Most likely, they were searching for the exit of third level while running away from enemy at the same time.

    The three girls of the Triad were doing everything they could to protect Airi even under this situation.

    Their escape route was blocked, and they were left behind. In that desperate situation, they didn¡¯t give up and continued to fight.

    Just this fact made strength welled up in Lux chest.

    ¡°Yoruka, can I ask you to guide us through the Dungeon? I want you to derive the shortest route while avoiding battle with Abyss as much as possible.¡±

    ¡°Affirmative my lord.¡±

    Yoruka responded, at the same time she drove the four legs of Yato no Kami and jumped with a movement as though she was kicking midair.

    That special armament that was called <Vacuum Step> made it possible to make that frame of special equipment-type Drag-Ride that possessed no ability to fly to move as though it was sliding in the air.

    ¡°I see, for you to have this kind of terrifying ally, looks like you prince got more then meet they eye huh.¡±

    Greifer exclaimed in admiration from Yoruka¡¯s expert performance. From time to time, he sent flying the Abyss that was coming from behind using his Tail Blade.

    After a few minutes moving in high speed through the corridor, leaving behind the flowing scenery, Yoruka who was going ahead dropped her speed.

    ¡°We have arrived, my lord. It is right below us.¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Seeing the scene, Lux could not help but be shocked.

    Each floor had a large stair set up leading to the bottom. The entrance of the stair to the third level there was sealed by a solid iron lattice.

    ¡°Hah, just something like this©¤©¤!¡±

    Greifer filled his Tail Blade with energy and slashed, but only sparks flew out.

    ¡°©¤©¤This is not an ordinary iron lattice!?¡±

    Lux also followed, slashing his black great sword©¤©¤Chaos Brandhe, but it bounced off the same.

    The thick lattice around the size of an adult¡¯s arm was only scratched a little.

    It could possibly take them half an hour in order to break down the lattice.

    ¡°Nothing could be done, huh. Destroying this barrier is the key, but another way into the third floor is©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux bitterly kept thinking.

    (Calm down, there should be other ways. If I remember right, when they explained this Dungeon¡¯s structure description©¤©¤)

    [Lux-san! Are you close!? Please respond!]

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    At that moment, communication came through from the Dragon Voice of Noct¡¯s Drake.

    [I am here, Noct! We are above your position on the second floor! But©¤©¤]

    ¡°I know what you want to say, Lux-kun. We also tried it. If only we could destroy the partition between us, we will be able to escape somehow. ©¤©¤But¡±

    ¡°Sharis-san! Airi! Everyone else too©¤©¤¡±

    Across lattice that divided the area©¤©¤near the large stair, he could see the figure of the Triad and Airi.

    They seemed to have struggle too, but as expected it seemed they also failed to destroy the lattice from the third floor side.

    It was evidenced by Sharis¡¯s weapon being in tatters.

    ¡°¡­¡­Lux-kun, we are still safe. Don¡¯t be too rash. The alert state of this Ruin won¡¯t last for long right? Then it¡¯s fine. If it¡¯s just a few minutes, we will hold on somehow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m rea-ally frazzled but, compared to Celis-senpai¡¯s training this is still better perhaps.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am used to waiting.¡±

    Although Sharis and others showed a smile, it was obvious they were bluffing.

    Their forehead and neck were covered with sweat, and ragged breathing could be heard.

    They were fatigued from the Class promotion exam, in addition to the mission to suppress the Abyss that they participated in without resting.

    On top of all that, they seemed to have been battling with some sort of formidable enemy several times as evidenced by the cracks in their armor.

    ¡°My lord, there is an influx of Abyss coming from behind us. On your younger sister¡¯s side, there is the presence of Drag-Ride approaching. From their situation, it does not seem like that it¡¯s an allied Drag-Knight.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux had an idea about a party who would aim at Airi.

    TheDragon Marauder, whose goal was to explore Ruin and obtain treasures through any means to weaken the power of countries that currently were in possession of Ruin.

    This threat was approaching the Triad and Airi from their side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about my safety, Nii-san. I am still okay¡ª¡°

    And then, Airi called out from behind Noct.

    She had the same calm and graceful usual tone, with a smile of a young lady that smoothly navigated the society.

    Lux also understood that she was acting tough.

    ¡°Airi, I understand.¡±

    Thus, Lux also answered with his usual gentle smile.

    Just like what he had done many times since their childhood in the past until now, he used the same voice like when he patted her head and told her this.

    ¡°I will come save you soon, so wait just a little bit more for me.¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Lux¡¯s words made Airi¡¯s expression froze.

    The mask of calmness she would always keep on her face gradually collapsed and her shoulder began trembling.

    ¡°N-Nii-san, what are you talking about. ¡­¡­It won¡¯t work, please consider the situation. In any case, the second level and the third level are completely separated now!¡±

    Even so, Lux calmly breathed in without a single twitch on his expression.

    ¡°No©¤©¤there¡¯s a way.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Eh?¡±

    Lux calmly made a statement to that caused Airi and the Triad to stir.

    ¡°There is a one-way Portal in this Dungeon that connect to the lower floor. If we use that, we can get to the third floor evne from here.¡±

    ¡°Please hold on!? What are you thinking!? The Portal in this Dungeon will only lead you to the bottom! In order to save us, even you will be locked in. I don¡¯t©¤©¤want to become Nii-san¡¯s burden anymore!¡±

    ¡°Airi¡­¡±

    Seeing Airi shouting sadly, someone placed a hand on her head.

    ¡°We are also begging you. Don¡¯t be too rash, Lux-kun.¡±

    Sharis cut in with a gentle expression.

    ¡°I am very glad you are coming to save us. However, this is our responsibility. After all, we the Triad got lured here by that bunch. We were unable to see through their aim and exposed Airi-chan to danger.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we too do not wish to be a hindrance anymore to Lux-san.¡±

    ¡°We-ell, you don¡¯t have to worry so much. We¡¯ve survived till now, haven¡¯t we©¤©¤¡±

    And so Sharis and Noct requested, and Tillfur echoed their sentiments with a wry smile.

    They have obviously been through quite a bit with all the wounds over their body, but the four acted tough so not to burden Lux even more than this.

    ¡°No matter what, we the Triad will do our utmost to protect your sister. So©¤©¤¡±

    Sharis said it with a somewhat lonely tone, but also with the conviction of a warrior.

    But©¤©¤

    ¡°©¤©¤Yoruka, can you confirm the location of the transporter at the third level?¡±

    ¡°What¡­!?¡±

    The words that Lux said with serious face caused the face of the three Triad to change color.

    ¡°Why do you go so far¡­¡±

    While Airi whispered with a stunned look, Yoruka gave her report to Lux indifferently.

    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s a little far from here. It¡¯s position is to the northeast.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I want you to stay here and lure the Abyss swarm that come. Can I leave it to you?¡±

    ¡°It is regrettable that I cannot join you my lord, but it cannot be helped isn¡¯t it.¡±

    Yoruka responded with a hearty smile and she took a stance with her katana-type Blade.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Greifer!¡±

    ¡°Got it. I too gotta go find that Coral.¡±

    Lux steered Bahamut towards the Portal.

    ¡°Everyone! Hold on a bit longer!¡±

    Right after he yelled, he left the stair in the blink of eye and quickly flew wearing through the corridor.

    Before long they found a circle engraved with some unknown text. They landed on it.

    The time it took the Portal to move them towards the interior of the Ruin was quite short.

    The light began to overflow around Lux and Greifer along with the Drag-Ride.

    ¡°Sorry, Greifer for dragging you with me.¡±

    ¡°Hah, I have not gotten weak enough that I require your highness¡¯ concern.¡±

    In reply to Lux¡¯s apology, Greifer laughed confidently.

    In that moment, their weight seemed to disappear and their vision is covered by light.

    As their field of vision cleared up, some medium sized Abyss were coming.

    It was a situation that if it was the average Drag-Knight, this would become an assault that was like an ambush where they wouldn¡¯t even be able to react.

    However, the two members of of the Seven Dragon Paladins didn¡¯t waver at all even in this siutaiton and they moved.

    ¡°©¤©¤Photon Dive.¡±

    As sharp teeth and claws approached, Greifer¡¯s Cuelebre was wrapped in light.

    The Divine Raiment that performed invincibility for a few seconds repelled the attack of the Abyss before his eyes, it was at that moment Lux¡¯s Bahamut took action.

    ¡°Reload on Fire.¡±

    Time was compressed, and then his speed was accelerated by several fold which he used to launch super speed slashes.

    Criss-crossing slashes from a blade resulted in the beast¡¯s body to be completely hacked to pieces.

    Originally, it required preparation to counter the enemy¡¯s attack. However, Greifer¡¯s Photon Dive created an opening that allowed Lux to attack.

    ¡°You took the prey, huh. Oh well, not much time left anyway, I¡¯ll forgive you.¡±

    ¡°Much appreciated.¡±

    Lux expressed his appreciation, then continued flying towards where Airi was.

    However, although the Ruin was under alert state, surprisingly few Abyss appeared.

    He felt it strange even while they arrived at the location of the Triad and Airi.

    Across from them, the girls were facing a man.

    ¡°So you all also came here?¡±

    The Silver Flash, Dilwy Froias.

    A military officer who at this occasion was serving as a group leader leading the soldiers of new kingdom who were taking exam here.

    ¡°Well yeah. Rather than that where is your comrades? Also by the way, have you seen a Drag-Knight with a girly face named Coral or a man named Buzzheim?¡±

    Landing nearby, Greifer raised some questions.

    Lux intended to ask a question, when Sharis made a tense voice.

    ¡°Both of you be careful! That man is suspicious! Buzzheim and his men were also killed by him!¡±

    Lux and Greifer were puzzled after hearing those words.

    But, Dilwy, who didn¡¯t look bothered at the slightest, began laughing softly.

    ¡°That is a misunderstanding. They were attacked by some parasitic Abyss. And these kids saw me clean up the situation so they think I killed them. Why would I kill people of my own country and the soldier of Wanheim?¡±

    ¡°So¡­what is that thing in your hand then?¡±

    ¡°Oh this. This is something Buzzheim-dono dropped. I picked it up to hold on to it for now. But the content is somewhat suspicious for this to be his item. Inside there is a diary of a girl and some ancient archives from Ruin slipped in between.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After he muttered, he opened that ancient document and traced its text in a display.

    ¡°Even though I look like this, I am very interested in these treasures related to Ruin. I also once spent my time deciphering ancient text. I don¡¯t understand the exact content of this text because I¡¯m not that knowledgable though.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°The only thing that I understand from this text, is Holy Arcadia Empire©¤©¤only that name. I¡¯ve never heard that this kind of ancient document has been submitted. I have connection with the consuls of the royal capital see. If this document is something that you secretly concealed, then you two will need to be questioned for the responsibility¡­¡­no, about the connection between that old empire and the Ruin.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤?!¡±

    Airi had a tragic expression after hearing this.

    The secret that she thought should not be known to others was exposed now.

    ¡°Lux Arcadia. And Airi Arcadia. Are you two siblings knows about something? The old empire, and its connection to the Ruin that is described in this ancient document. The true identity of the two of you the imperial family of the old empire©¤©¤¡±

    Dilwy¡¯s words surprised everyone at that place.

    Between the intermittent alarm sounds and shaking red light, Lux breathed calmly.

    ¡°¡­¡­I don¡¯t know. Even if I did I wouldn¡¯t tell you.¡±

    He stared at Dilwy with cold eyes.

    ¡°You want to ask why¡­it is because you are a Dragon Marauder¡¯s spy, infiltrating the new kingdom¡¯s military looking for a chance.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤?!¡±

    As Lux asserted this, everyone there was tense.

    ¡°Why did you take your comrades into the third level of this Ruin? It is well known that the dungeon is deep, and exploring it is not allowed. For such an honest and loyal soldier who is famous like you, why would you commit such baffling act?¡±

    ¡°¡­You think too highly of me, Lux-kun. I am not perfect. Even I will make a miss when several unfortunate accidents piled up one after another.¡±

    Lux continued staring at Dilwy who was smiling bitterly.

    ¡°The purpose of the criminals Dragon Marauder is to plunder treasures in the Ruin in order to hamper the countries¡¯ military power. You caused the ruins to enter an alert state, you also provoked Buzzheim to steal the ancient document my sister had, in order to lay the blame on her, while you yourself will search for the secret of the Ruin©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­I have said several times already, kid. Buzzheim-dono was killed because he was possessed by Abyss. Are you so committed to make me out as a traitor so you can escape from my question?¡±

    ¡°The Portal to go to the third level is a one way road that go from above to below. That¡¯s why, in the case you go down the level without using that, you won¡¯t be conscious of the stair location. Can you grasp the route I used from the place where I was transferred to reach until this spot?

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Lux¡¯s question elicited only silence from Dilwy and his expression vanished.

    ¡°The corpse we saw had no trace of possession because of Abyss. In other words©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°There isn¡¯t anything else to say, meek man. You are the traitor who killed your own comrades.¡±

    Greifer calmly finished Lux¡¯s words, and held up his Tail Sword.

    Lux and Greifer deliberately showed an ignorant attitude based on their suspicion of Dilwy.

    ¡°¡ªHu¡±

    As Dilwy heard their words, the atmosphere changed.

    ¡°It seems that I underestimated you a little. The true identity of the Black Hero was you, a kid that appeared to be nothing special. Honestly, it was hard to believe.¡±

    ¡°Then, as expected my bag was stolen becauase©¤©¤?¡±

    As Airi whispered, Dilwy¡¯s shoulders shook in laughter.

    ¡°You misunderstand, it was purely by chance. I was just watching you. I happened to overhear your conversation with Singlen and induced Buzzheim by giving him hint to steal the bag with the ancient document. Another option would be using the magic flute to mae the Abyss kidnap you.¡±

    ¡°The plan was well-planned but the execution was stupid. Do you truly believe you can deal with two users of Divine Drag-Ride by yourself?¡±

    Taking Greifer¡¯s words as a signal, Lux also raised his great sword.

    When the explosive situation reached the limit, Dilwy¡¯s both eyes snapped open and he flew high.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!¡±

    The celing was flashing with the red warning light.

    From there, he swooped down and unleashed a stabbing attack with his Blade.

    From above©¤©¤especeially from right overhead was the position that Drag-Ride found it the most difficult to defend against.

    When Lux and Greifer barely avoided that attack, the Blade of  the EX Wyvern Dilwy was riding grazed through.

    ¡°This guy¡­!?¡±

    *Ceng!* As the crisp sound of air being sliced resounded, a slash drawing the trajectory of creascent moon came flying.

    Greifer twisted his body to avoid the attack. Then Dilwy quickly turned his right wrist resulting in a second cut, third cut, till fifth slash cutting the air.

    Criss-cross. Cascading shocks from the slashes crossing many times over were also moving towards Lux next.

    Lux avoided the slashes by a mere millimeter, as the rocks behind him became engorged with countless deep cut marks.

    ¡°Shot Blade(Dragon Teeth Shot Sword)©¤©¤, a rare weapon that general purpose Drag-Ride can use huh¡­¡­¡±

    Although the performance was not equal to that of special armament of Divine Drag-Ride, rare weapon with level of performance that was close to that existed.

    The Shot Blade, it could release energy from the forward motion of it blade, releasing arrow-like shots with a slash.

    Lux heard from Sharis that Dilwy¡¯s famous ¡±Silver Flash¡± nickname came from the fact that he was more skilled than anyone else with using that special armament.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite something. So the rumor that you are a man who cannot stand anymore in front line because your right hand is broken and unusable is just a bluff huh. That¡¯s some personality you got there.¡±

    ¡°You are incorrect©¤©¤. Until last night, I was a weakling exactly like your description.¡±

    ¡°¡­What do you mean?¡±

    Dilwy quietly smiled while listening to Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡°Why!? Why would©¤©¤! You who are my father¡¯s direct subordinate, why would you collude with the Dragon Marauder?¡±

    As the daughter of the deputy commnader of the New Kingdom¡¯s military, Sharis shouted at that conversation, resulting in Dilwy¡¯s exasperated sigh.

    ¡°Stupid question. A rich lady who happen to stand out among the weakling and is contented with her lot won¡¯t get it. You see, I have aaalways been dissatisfied. Five years ago, I was injured by the ¡®calamity¡¯ of Blackend Kingdom, and after returning home, I entered under the banner of the new kingdom as Drag-Knight of moderate faction.¡±

    ¡°Then, you¡­!?¡±

    ¡°You are of the rebel army that inherited the will of the Old Empire¡­is that correct?¡±

    Tillfur and Noct flared up, but Dilwy snorted.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shallow thinking. I am not interested in that sort of label. Whether it is the Old empire or the New Kingdom, it doesn¡¯t matter. I, Dilwy Froias, being born as a man in a family of knights only aim to become the strongest Drag-Knight.¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!? For that sort of goal, you abandon the New Kingdom to join the Dragon Marauder? You go so far as to ignore her majesty¡¯s kindness in promoting you as a non-commisioned officer©¤©¤¡±

    When Airi shouted incredulously, Dilwy wordlessly pulled out his Shot Blade.

    It cut through the air with a strange sound and the shockwave pierced the air flying towards Airi¡¯s neck.

    Noct moved to block the attack but her defense was broken, with the shockwaves hitting even her clothes.

    ¡°Guh, ah¡­!¡±

    ¡°Noct!?¡±

    ¡°Shut up please. Did I ask for your opinion? Mindless pawns will be mindless pawns, you can just feel satisfied as you are being used. Someone not even aiming for the top, not even lamenting their own powerlessness, existing just to complete the orders given to them. How can incompetent like that understand my distress?¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    His words caused the Triad to show pained expression.

    But the next moment, two Drag-Knights attacked towards Dilwy¡¯s sneering face.

    ¡°©¤©¤Don¡¯t screw around.¡±

    Lux¡¯s Bahamut flew parabolically.

    He used the momentum from the free fall to add some power to his attack as he swooped past.

    The use of the free fall part of the flight path (Downflow) was a higher level technique with more force than a stabbing attack.

    Even if Dilwy¡¯s skill let him rivaled EX Class Drag-Knight, it should be difficult to counter the power in the incoming attack, but©¤©¤.

    ¡°©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitudes.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­-!?¡±

    At the moment they crossed each other, Dilwy¡¯s <EX Wyvern> released a barrier which shocked Lux.

    It was a parrying technique that made use of tuning, to create sharp force field that averted attacl from left to right.

    That is the special move of barrier manipulation that the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit showed Lux.

    Dilwy grinned wickedly and swung his Blade to Lux whose attack was evaded and showed a defenseless back.

    He is aiming at the brainstem part, where the barrier of the armor was thin.

    Greifer¡¯s Tail Sword blocked that attack which assaulted in a timing of certain kill.

    The force by their attacks caused both of them to be repelled backwards away from each other.

    ¡°Hah, what a terrifying person, to be able to use even that vice captain-sama¡¯s technique. Well, you ain¡¯t gonna win against me with just that though.¡±

    ¡°¡­Seven years ago I once studied under Sir Singlen. At that time I was unable to learn any of his moves. But now, I finally obtained skill of that level.¡±

    Dilwy muttered to himself intoxicatedly.

    ¡°Wanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins¡­¡­ If it¡¯s you who start from being a lowly orphan and climbed up until being the princess¡¯s aide, you should be able to understand my pride too aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, I ain¡¯t interested in your life. Let¡¯s finish this quickly yeah, Dragon Marauder¡¯s spy.¡±

    ¡°You are after all, just a wild dog lured by bait. ©¤©¤Then, let me finish you off here.¡±

    While taking Greifer¡¯s shower of attacks one after another, Dilwy suddenly fired towards the ground with his Howling Howl.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Large amounts of dust suddenly arose inside the gloomy underground of the Dungeon, and then numerous silver flashes of light headed towards Greifer.

    ¡°©¤©¤Photon Dive!¡±

    Greifer¡¯s Cuelebre wasted no time to activate its Divine Raiment of invisibility and all the slashes from the Shot Blade were deflected.

    This was the battle style of Greifer and Cuelebre that excelled in defensive ability.

    Not giving the opponent the opportunity to counter-attack and dragged it into a battle where they could only defend while destroying all path of retreat©¤©¤it was like a seasoned hunter tracking his enemy before giving the final blow.

    However, he was affected by the smoke cloud that made him lose track of Dilwy¡¯s silhouette.

    ¡°©¤©¤What!?¡±

    As Greifer¡¯s eyes search for his lost target, EX Wyvern jumped out from behind Airi and the Triad.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡±

    But, Lux who stood on his way a moment quicker activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Using his time compression, he released consecutive high-speed slashes.

    The slashes aimed towards EX Wyvern¡¯s wrists and shoulders in an attempt to break the barrier. But in that moment, Lux noticed something and he changed his movement.

    Five Daggers were thrown in parabolic arc from behind Dilwy.

    Lux immediately knocked them down and at the end he aimed at Dilwy¡¯s armor.

    But, his attack was barely blocked by Shot Blade and a distance was opened once more between them.

    ¡°Even though I was hiding inside smokescreen so my attack pattern wouldn¡¯t be read, even so my movement was still predicted©¤©¤that¡¯s really something isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m getting a better opinion on you two now.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Having two Divine Drag-Rides as his opponent at the same time, Dilwy still revealed a composed expression.

    Seeing this, Lux had a strange sensation in his chest.

    Although Greifer too maintained a casual attitude, he gradually began to frown with suspicion.

    (Certainly, he might be already a brilliant Drag-Knight from the beginning, but©¤©¤)

    No matter how he was using an EX Wyvern with stacked up tuning and he was an expert of a rare weapon, but would that be enough to make him able to fight the current Lux and Greifer until this much?

    ¡°It looks like, your royal highness is also confused huh?¡±

    Greifer suddenly said such thing as he stood there.

    ¡°It¡¯s really strange. With that Drag-Ride and armament, it¡¯s not like that sort of move is impossible©¤©¤but, no matter how I see it that man is strange. I cannot say it well but, he ain¡¯t a normal human for sure.¡±

    Lux agreed with Greifer.

    But, he still wasn¡¯t really confident with his hypothesis.

    ¡°Is that it? That is your limit? The name of Seven Dragon Paladins is going to cry you know?¡±

    Greifer steps forward to meet the mocking Dilwy.

    ¡°You¡¯re on. I¡¯m also tired hearing your lecture, I¡¯ll finish this in the next move.¡±

    Then, Cuelebre flew and threw numerous Daggers towards Dilwy.

    ¡°Stupid man. Do you not understand that these tricks don¡¯t work on me?¡±

    In response, Dilwy moved his Shot Blade swiftly in various arcs to release shockwaves.

    The mesh-shaped shockwaves entangled the Daggers and deflected them.

    In long-range battle, Dilwy¡¯s Shot Blade held the advantage.

    When Greifer activated Photon Dive to defend against the silver flashes heading towards him, Dilwy grinned.

    ¡°©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitudes. How incompetent can you be to use the same move twice in a battle.¡±

    Dilwy formed a barrier forcefield in the timing of impact to parry the attack from right to left.

    Greifer¡¯s slash was dodged and he stood still with his defenseless back exposed to Dilwy.

    ¡°I have seen through the amount of time you can operate your Divine Raiment. ©¤©¤You should apologize to your princess from the other world.¡±

    Without missing the opportunity, Dilwy slashed at his back.

    However©¤©¤,

    ¡°¡­what!?¡±

    Instead of what Dilwy expected, Cuelebre¡¯s Photon Dive did not end, the light wall was deflecting the slash toward the back.

    Realizing his mistake, Dilwy attempted to flee from Greifer¡¯s thrust, however it was too late.

    ¡°©¤©¤The one incompetent is you right? I fought a woman who saw through this right from the start y¡¯know?¡±

    The stretching Tail Blade drew a spiral trajectory to avoid Dilwy¡¯s barrier and pierced his barrier.

    As the blade cut across his chest, droplets of fresh blood rushed out.

    ¡°Gobah¡­!?¡±

    Dilwy vomited blood as his eyes rolled back.

    At that moment©¤©¤the outcome was decided.

    ¡°¡­As I thought. It is easy to deal with opponents that you do not need to worry about killing.¡±

    The Photon Dive¡¯s duration on Cuelebre.

    Normally Greifer would deliberately fixed the duration of his Divine Raiment to a certain period and lifted the effect in short several seconds to mislead people of the timing of his invincibility.

    Although Lux heard about this matter from Krulcifer after the All-Dragon battle, it was still a splendid plan.

    ¡°Now then, we gotta think about how to get out of here. Although most of the Abyss seems to be gone outside, we still need to find that Coral.¡±

    The relaxed Greifer turned away from Dilwy¡¯s dead corpse.

    At that moment, Lux noticed something strange.

    ¡°Behind you! Greifer!¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤©¤©¤¡±

    Greifer heard Lux and turned back around while holding up the Tail Blade as a shield.

    However, his defense was a little slow. And Dilwy¡¯s Blade bit deeply into his armor.

    ¡°Guh, ah¡­!?¡±

    Greifer was blown backward, but he somehow held his ground.

    Dilwy, who should have been completely dead, continued to move.

    His chest was cracking, like dried fish.

    ¡°Wha¡­what the hell is this guy?!¡±

    Greifer who was normally aloof had a distorted expression from shock.

    It wasn¡¯t an illusion nor a fantasy. Dilwy, who could not have possibly survived the fatal injury, was giving a gruesome smile.

    His hand was not holding the EX Wyvern¡¯s control lever, but a small knife.

    There was a strange burst of seven-color aura coming out of the knife.

    ¡°¡­I will not lose. Because that hero has saved me! I who was clinging even to Dragon Marauder looking for hope, is filled with this light¡­¡­!¡±

    ¡°What did, you mean!?¡±

    ¡°Let me awaken! My voice, my cry, my shout, if they are reaching¡­.. Grant ¡±Baptism¡± throughout my whole body, guide me! Oh ¡±Elixir¡±!¡±

    *Stab*. Dilwy, with his trembling hand, inserted the knife into his own left chest. With the knife in his chest, he underwent another strange mutation.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!? Wh-What is that? What is happening!?¡±

    Sharis who was watching from the side was stunned as she whispered.

    While Everyone present was taken by shock, Dilwy¡¯s body that was still wearing EX Wyvern was suddenly©¤©¤transforming.

    The same black pattern that was running on his right wrist spread out from his left chest to the rest of his body.

    His body was like a pale flame wrapped in waves of heat, being colored darker and darker.

    His skin became darker than night, while his hair turned white.

    His eyelids opened wide, showing eyes radiating a scarlet red light like fresh blood.

    ¡°Wh-What is that¡­? It is not the Drag-Ride©¤©¤but he himself that is changing©¤©¤!?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the cause of calamity that occurred in various places, could it be¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Nocturnal¡­¡­, is this the new type Abyss©¤©¤!?¡±

    Tillfur, Noct, and Airi were shaking as this devil began to make its first sound of its birth in this world.

    ¡°SHAaAAAAAAAaAAAAaaAAAAaAaAAAAAAAH!¡±

    It was the roar of devil from a human that wasn¡¯t a human.

    That monstrous shriek was far more terrible than the Abyss that was the nemesis of human. The screams shocked the walls o fthe Dungeon as well as the eardrums of everyone present.

    The time passing seemed to be a mesh of nightmare with reality as the devil flew together with the Drag-Ride.

    ¡°©¤©¤!?¡±

    Fast.

    Compared to the winged Abysses they fought previously, he was considerably faster.

    EX Wyvern creeped along the ground in a very low flight.

    If a blunder was made©¤©¤no, with a speed that wouldn¡¯t stop even if it crashed on the opponent, Dilwy who was changed into devil attacked Lux.

    ¡°Kuh¡­!¡±

    He did not have time to use Reload on Fire to accelerate time.

    Lux swung his great sword using Quick Draw and slashed horizontally at Dilwy who was approaching like a bullet.

    ©¤©¤But,

    ¡°Ku ku ku©¤©¤this is the strength of the so called Black Hero?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­-!?¡±

    Lux was shocked as the dark voice reached his ear.

    Dilwy¡¯s Shot Blade met Lux¡¯s Chaos Brand, resulting in the projection of some intense sparks.

    ¡°¡­Gu!?¡±

    Lux was blown directly to the side from receiving the charge¡¯s gust of wind.

    Dilwy who looked like he was going to crash on the rock wall sharply dove up on the spot.

    He quickly somersaulted through the air, then moved towards Greifer next.

    ¡°What..!? This thing©¤©¤¡±

    From a super low-altitude flight to rapidly rising followed by a rapid dive into a backflip.

    The more preeminent someone was in handling Drag-Ride, the more they would understand just how impossible that movement was.

    Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t be moved with just pure operating skill.

    Things like the burden on the rider¡¯s body and stamina, the timing of breathing, and so on existed.

    No matter how proficient someone was at swimming, they wouldn¡¯t be able to dive underwater for tens of minutes without breathing.

    Thus, witnessing Dilwy making impossible movements for a Drag-Knight created a moment of opening in Greifer which Dilwy took advantage of. Greifer was blown away.

    ¡°Chih¡­! This damn monster¡±

    Lux and Greifer adjusted their movement in preparation for pursuing attack.

    But unexpectedly Dilwy and the EX Wyvern flew until near the ceiling of the hall, taking a position to look down on everyone there.

    ¡°©¤©¤!? Everyone, quick! Defend yourselves!¡±

    Lux immediately understood his intentions, and at the same time he flew to where Airi and others were at.

    The devil¡¯s eyes glowed deep red and grinned wickedly while overlooking the scenery.

    Next, the right hand armor gripped the Shot Blade which began to emit light energy.

    ¡°©¤©¤Silver Flash, Hail Fang¡±

    *Gin-!* With a roaring sound that could be heard splitting through the air, a flash of shockwave that drew an arc like crescent moon was fired.

    Originally, the silver flash the Shot Blade fired was limited to several shots per breath because of the burden on the user¡¯s stamina and mind.

    But this attack appeared to be an unending torrent of rain of light pouring down on the Dungeon¡¯s zone.

    ¡°©¤©¤©¤©¤¡±

    Several hundred overlapping sound of slicing wind and the destruction sound of the ground getting pulverized could be heard.

    The storm of hail that reached them in less than a second erased the stifled scream of the girls, blowing away even their consciousness and thought.

    Their breathing stopped in their tenseness and fear, and ashes were swept up that blocked their vision.

    As it felt like the endless nightmare was ending©¤©¤before long, Airi opened her eyes.

    ¡°¡­¡­U, ah.¡±

    Due to the aftermath of the attack, dust covered their bodies.

    The previously sturdy walls of rock were cut apart, and the terrain was completely different.

    While lying on the debris, Airi gingerly moved her fingertips.

    Fortunately, her body was intact.

    In addition, the Triad were lying around her with their Drag-Ride cancelled off.

    ¡°Everyone©¤©¤please, get ahold of yourself.¡±

    Perhaps due to being strained to their physical limit, the three of them could only stir a little bit.

    Airi intended to call for help but as she looked up, the scene made her at a loss for words.

    ¡°©¤©¤Ha, hah, ku¡­a¡±

    Buried in the rubble with Bahamut, Lux was breathing hard.

    Fatigued from all the fighting, Lux¡¯s face had an anguished expression and his whole body was dripping with sweat.

    ¡°End Action huh¡­¡­. a hidden move of Drag-Ride operation that was introduced during the Old Empire days, a technique that unleashed unlimited slashes. But even it has to end, and it seems your strength has finally reached its limit.¡±

    ¡°Damn¡­¡­, it¡±

    In an equally ragged state, Greifer in Cuelebre was laying at the opposite side of Lux.

    The invincibility of his Photon Dive could only be maintained for about 10 seconds at maximum.

    So, on this prolonged, uninterrupted attack that lasted more than ten second, he naturally could not make it out unscathed.

    At the same time, Lux too was protecting Airi, and the Triad using End Action and he succeeded, but it took everything he had to do so.

    The two of them were exhausted until very nearly the limit while they did their all so only their Divine Drag-Ride wouldn¡¯t get desummoned.

    That was their only way to resist in their current state.

    ¡°©¤©¤Magnificent.¡±

    Dilwy smirked in intoxication in the air as he looked down from above at everyone who was standing still unable to move.

    ¡°Ah, what a wonderful power.¡±

    He kept muttering to himself heartily.

    ¡°The officer cadets of the new kingdom, a Seven Dragon Paladins, the Black Hero¡­¡­I transcended and surpassed all their strength. Dilwy Froias is able to return in his true form as a Drag-Knight who aimed for the seat of the strongest like in the past. I will be able to realize the dream that I have held through a long time from here on. I¡¯ll immediately build a new legend. I can surpass the Blue Tyrant©¤©¤the mentor who once abandoned me. If it¡¯s the current me, even that will soon come true.¡±

    Dilwy ended his intoxicated self-praising words, and moved his venomous red eyes towards Lux.

    ¡°Although the outcome has already been decided, I do have some questions left for you, Lux Arcadia.¡±

    He opened Airi¡¯s bag and pointed to one of the lines of text in the ancient documents.

    ¡°The name of ¡±Arcadia¡± recorded in this ancient text. I wanted to ask before I killed you if you are associated with these Ruin, and know something about it.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­You have already betrayed everyone, what is the point? Just what do you intend to obtain by becoming the strongest Drag-Knight whatever for the sake of Dragon Marauder?¡±

    Although his breathing was ragged, even then Lux¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t dead.

    Seeing this, Dilwy¡¯s jet black face twisted as he laughed with bared teeth.

    ¡°The Dragon Marauder you say¡­? I have no more business with them. My goal was to attain even greater power from this Ruin. In order to prove my strength as Drag-Knight, I need to cause more chaos and great war¡­¡­!¡±

    His body was wrapped in dark desire and resentment.

    It was the answer of the man who was writhing in agony from being toyed by the reign of the old empire and the distortion of the era.

    His path as Drag-Knight met setback, his hope stolen, and after clinging on his past for a long time, this was his true real nature.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask you a second time, Lux Arcadia! Give me all the knowledge you own, show me the path to reach the deepest layers of these ruins! Otherwise©¤©¤¡±

    Dilwy turned his ominous crimson gaze towards Airi and the Triad, and he yelled.

    The roar of devil shook the air around him. Right then,

    ¡°Understood. It looks like, this is as far as it goes.¡±

    Airi who was dirtied by the dust of the smashed rock wall slowly stood up and muttered.

    ¡°Nii-san over there©¤©¤No, that person who I called brother and used by me, the Lord(Creator) of the Ruin is ignorant of my true identity. Asking him is useless.¡±

    ¡°Ai,ri¡­?¡±

    Lux who stood up trying to rally up Bahamut saw his sister¡¯s cold expression and icy eyes.

    ¡°Hou, you are saying that you are a survivor of Ruin, connected to the name of Arcadia written here? That you were hiding it all this time until now?¡±

    ¡°More accurately speakling, I just forgot about it. In order to protect my own safety©¤©¤but, there is no meaning even if I hide it in this situation. Even I value my own life.¡±

    Airi spoke these words fluently.

    Then, she looked at the bewildered Lux with a cold expression.

    ¡°When I found that old document, I remembered. That my true identity is one of the Lords, Aeril vi Arcadia, and also my original purpose and mission©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Y-you, what are you saying¡­? What is the meaning of this, Airi missy!¡±

    Airi turned a deaf ear to Sharis, who could only move half her body.

    ¡°In any case, the man who I called as ¡°Nii-san¡± and used as my guard is not usable anymore. But©¤©¤at the present, even I the Lord is unable to completely control the Ruin. If you promise that you will guarantee my life, I will cooperate with you to a certain degree you know?¡±

    ¡°Hou¡­¡±

    The expression of the devil who heard that distorted inhumanly in joy.

    ¡°I do not think you have any other choice. By yourself, you won¡¯t be able to use the true function of the Ruin fully.¡±

    ¡°Very well¡­¡±

    ¡®Ku ku¡¯, the devil Dilwy¡¯s shoulders shook with laughter.

    ¡°Now, come over here. I¡¯ll listen to the story of this so called Lord without rushing.¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Then, excuse my leave, everyone.¡±

    Airi whispered without any emotion as she moved towards Dilwy.

    ¡°¡­wait, a minute, Airi.¡±

    Noct and Tillfur were conscious but could not move as they lied on the floor.

    Airi glanced coldly at that as she walked towards Dilwy, and then©¤©¤,

    *Zan-*

    A jet black dragon landed down between them in a position that seemed to shield Airi from the devil.

    His heart was beating furiously and he could not control his breathing. His body also clearly displayed his fatigue. But Lux was somehow able to move his body.

    ¡°¡­¡­You are in my way. I have already said I don¡¯t have any use of you anymore.¡±

    Airi coldly criticized as she said with slight frown.

    But,

    ¡°©¤©¤I won¡¯t let you go. I have already decided that I won¡¯t let anyone take away those I cherish anymore.¡±

    ¡°Hah¡±

    Dilwy¡¯s eyes shot towards Lux. Looking into his determined eyes, Dilwy laughed and readied his Shot Blade.

    Multiple silver flashes pierced Bahamut¡¯s fragile barrier.

    Not being able to withstand the impact, Lux¡¯s upper body cracked with multiple red lines.

    ¡°Gu¡­!¡±

    However, he did not back down as he rushed toward Dilwy before him.

    Even as his body was swaying due to physical exhaustion, he slashed down an attack using his great sword with a sharp trajectory. Dilwy casually evaded it and struck Lux¡¯s body with his Shot Blade.

    Even so, Lux immediately regained his fighting posture and charged forward once more.

    However, before Lux¡¯s great sword found its mark, Dilwy deflected it with his own sword.

    ¡°You still try even though you know it is futile, how unsightly. So the true identity of the Black Hero is only something like this.¡±

    Lux unabatedly continued his assault while ignoring Dilwy¡¯s scornful words.

    In contrast, Airi began to feel pain as she witnessed the scene.

    ¡°Stop©¤©¤please, stop already!¡±

    Airi yelled seeing the heavily wounded Lux showing no sign of stopped fighting even then.

    ¡°Why, are you doing something like that!? You, you don¡¯t need to fight for my sake anymore, so why©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°I changed my mind. Although I¡¯m still interested in you, I¡¯ll bring you down here. Together with everyone else too.¡±

    Dilwy made a quick backhand stroke and flashes of silver flew towards the Triad who were lifting up their upper body.

    Lux flew and intercepted the roaring silver flashes.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!¡±

    Due to the pressure of the impact, Lux¡¯s face was covered with thin red lines.

    Even through all of that, Lux continued to glare at Dilwy with fearless eyes.

    ¡°Lux, kun¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Lux-chi¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­Lux, san¡±

    The members of Triad were speechless seeing him covering even their tattered self.

    Witnessing this scene, Airi had a faintly pained expression on as she held her hands on her chest.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t understand. Are you that stupid?  Even though there is no reason to save your sister who already betrayed you, even though there will be no advantage saving those useless small fries in this situation. Ku ha ha ha ha. Is it just like Singlen said? You really don¡¯t have any reason to fight, you try to save someone just because you want to be loved? A pitiful©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Shut up¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Lux commanded with a cold, yet threatening tone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you notice anything? Why Airi said those words, why she went as far as lying, pretending to be unrelated to us.¡±

    ¡°-¡­¡­!?¡±

    Airi¡¯s cold mask was on the verge of collapse at Lux¡¯s words.

    ¡°Airi wants to save us. Even if it gains the resentment of her friends, even if she has to become the villain, even though she cannot use a Drag-Ride, even so she is constantly thinking about what she can do, and fight.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­..¡±

    ¡°I remembered¡­¡­. Whether as the prince of the Old Kingdom, or a criminal of the New Kingdom, the reason I fight has not changed in the slightest since the past.¡±

    In order to protect the people important to him.

    No matter how powerful and unyielding the authority(plot) Lux faced, he swore he would accomplish its destruction in his own way.

    ¡°Since I failed at that time©¤©¤I thought that it would be fine if I entrust my dream to someone else.¡±

    Lux thought that his path was to protect Lizsharte, the princess of the new kingdom, and cooperated for the sake of her ideal.

    ¡°But, I¡¯m wrong. It won¡¯t be meaningful if my ideal doesn¡¯t come true together with it.¡±

    When an enemy that he couldn¡¯t match was standing in his way, if he had to consider his important people as weak and abandoned them like Singlen©¤©¤he would rather fight, became stronger, he swore he would protect them.

    ¡°I¡¯m©¤©¤not going to give up anything. I won¡¯t let someone like you, take away even a single one of these girls who are important to me.¡±

    Although blood was dripping from his head and whole body onto his armor, Lux¡¯s willpower didn¡¯t wither in the slightest.

    ¡°©¤©¤Hah! Then I will teach you your helplessness right here! You powerless hero!¡±

    Dilwy sharply flew forward and brandished up his Shot Blade, rushing toward Lux.

    He violently drove his EX Wyvern and struck with a terrific slash.

    ¡°You can¡¯t protect anyone! Let me show you!¡±

    Dilwy released silver flashes towards Airi.

    Lux intended to block the attack, but the number of attacks were too great and several slipped through him©¤©¤however,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, Lux-kun!¡±

    Sharis shouted from behind.

    The Triad stood up once more in their Drag-Rides and worked together to make a solid barrier to shield Airi.

    ¡°What are you all doing! Don¡¯t move so carelessly! Wearing Drag-Ride in that condition will make you©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all good, Airi-chan.¡±

    Sharis smiled even as blood was dripping from her forehead while the other two also nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Even though we look like this, we are not playing around. We cannot just lie down sleeping. It doesn¡¯t matter even if we are powerless in the present situation, we can¡¯t just stand around doing nothing after seeing how you and Lux are fighting.¡±

    ¡°We-ll yeah, we can still move after a fashion¡­¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, we will fight until our last breath.¡±

    ¡°You all¡­¡­¡±

    Airi whispered while the three of them were adjusting their formation.

    ¡°Thank you©¤©¤everyone.¡±

    Lux thanked them as he resumed his battle with Dilwy.

    With the three¡¯s assistance, the task of protecting Airi was left to them. Lux was gradually pushing on Dilwy.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡°Let me tell you¡­¡­all of your struggling is futile!¡±

    Dilwy once again soared towards the ceiling while waving his Shot Blade.

    ¡°You are definitely finished this time©¤©¤Silver Flash, Hail Fang!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be the one to die yeah, blackened uncle.¡±

    Unnoticed by anyone, Cuelebre rushed to meet EX Wyvern that was going to unleashes storm of slashes from the silver flash once more.

    ¡°©¤©¤You!?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking that I¡¯m not gonna die here for the sake of our princess. I too ain¡¯t able to bear it see, that I keep getting looked down by sleazebag like you.¡±

    Greifer concentrated all his energy and with a dazzling, shining light cut down with the Tail Blade.

    Seeing the spiral curve of the attack, Dilwy was snickered.

    ¡°©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude.¡±

    The moment just before the blade¡¯s tip touched, a forcefield of barrier that was formed with diagonal track repelled the attack of Tail Blade©¤©¤wasn¡¯t what happened here.

    ¡°What-¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate someone else too much, uncle. Certainly I¡¯m really reckless, but can learn y¡¯know?¡±

    The blade with multi joint drew an arc with a movement that avoided the barrier and entangled the blade of the Shot Blade.

    It was a deluding attack that pretended to aim at the body but actually attacked the opponent¡¯s weapons.

    ¡°Your struggling is futile! ©¤©¤How unsightly, you stray dog!¡±

    But, Dilwy who was taken by surprise counterattacked with Howling Howl without delay.

    The impact was several times more powerful than the attack output of an average Drag-Ride, and Greifer was blown far backwards.

    ¡°¡­¡­-!?©¤©¤Well fine, I¡¯ve made an opening I guess. I¡¯ll leave the rest to you yeah, your highness.¡±

    Cuelebre¡¯s armor was broken while Greifer said with a fearless smile.

    To his words, Lux responded with only brief comment.

    ¡°©¤©¤Yeah, I won¡¯t hesitate anymore to fight for my own sake.¡±

    The moment Dilwy turned into offense and exposed a large opening, Lux held aloft his great sword.

    ¡°It¡¯s futile©¤©¤no matter how many times you try, I am much faster than you!¡±

    Dilwy was able to defense faster than Lux could swing down his sword.

    He moved with an extraordinary speed and Drag-Ride operation technique that only the current him could achieve.

    He unleashed an attack using his Shot Blade to bisect Bahamut with all his strength, however, the forcefield of barrier that was generated from Lux¡¯s left to his right completely repelled that attack.

    ¡°©¤©¤Whaaat-!?¡±

    ¡°©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude¡±

    One of the Drag-Ride operation techniques that the strongest Drag-Knight of Blackend Kingdom, the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit used.

    Dilwy who couldn¡¯t learn that technique until he was turned into devil borrowing the power of Baptism witnessed it with his own eyes.

    How can this kid use this technique!?

    Just from seeing it only a few times during the Class promotion exam he©¤©¤.

    Even more shudder of terror ran through Dilwy without giving him any time to soak in his shock.

    ¡°©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Aeon Fire.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    The special move that even now Dilwy couldn¡¯t use.

    By collecting all energy from the barrier, propulsion, and driving force into the Blade, a blow with explosively increased might could be unleashed.

    The attack broke through the EX Wyvern¡¯s barrier of maximum output and cut down feeply into the shoulder.

    ¡°Guh, gahhhh¡­!¡±

    His blackly dyed shoulder was soaked red from the spilt blood.

    Blown to the floor, Dilwy tried to take action to defend from Bahamut¡¯s pursuing attack. However, EX Wyvern was slow to react as he tried to take a defensive posture.

    ¡°¡­¡­The machine isn¡¯t moving!? Why?! My body is still©¤©¤¡±

    Although his body was moving, the Drag-Ride was not responding.

    Given the impact of Lux¡¯s attack attack on the Force Core in his shoulder, he was unable to move for a few seconds.

    ¡°I won¡¯t lose¡­! After attaining this power! Against a bastard like you, I won¡¯t©¤©¤¡±

    Dilwy screamed and struggled as Lux moved nearer.

    He operated his Drag-Ride with all his available strength to defend against Lux¡¯s sword and slashed back©¤©¤, Lux didn¡¯t overlook that obvious counterattack.

    ¡°©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡±

    Instantly, countless slashes from the great sword cut through EX Wyvern¡¯s armor.

    The wrist armor, Force Core, back wings, and other joints to move the armor were slashed apart by the instantaneous slashes, bursting and scattering the EX Wyvern.

    ¡°Impossible¡­!? Wh, WHYyyYYY-!? I should have taken it back! The power that I should be able to obtain in my hand, and yet©¤©¤¡±

    Dilwy frantically screamed as his armor fell apart.

    He picked up the Shot Blade with his own flesh and blood hand and brandished it, but then that hand along with the sword was cut off.

    ¡°©¤©¤Then, that strength must be just an illusion right? Monster uncle.¡±

    ¡°Gahh¡­¡­! GUSHAaAAAAaAaAaAaAAA-!¡±

    The Blade of Cuelebre that Greifer drove flickered and the tip of the blade gouged the heart.

    Cracks of light emerged from his body as this monster that was once a man gave his last screams of sorrow.

    Similar to an Abyss with its core destructed, that body broke and dissipated into the dust.

    Part 13

    [So©¤©¤that handyman brat, he really used my technique, the Battle Array?]

    After the fight subsided, one man was moving in the shadow.

    It was a strange looking Divine Drag-Ride flying through the passage of Dungeon at high speed©¤©¤It was Zweigbergk the old knight.

    At the surface, he was following Singlen¡¯s orders to rescue Lux and others who were left behind in Dungeon but,

    [Sir-, but I don¡¯t understand. My lord¡¯s Battle Array that is making use of tuning is the best technique for a Drag-Knight. No matter how outsanding Lux Arcadia¡¯s skill is, it should be impossible to learn it in that short of a time period¡­..]

    The expression of the old knight didn¡¯t change. However he sent back a reply with Dragon Voice that was mixed with irritation somewhere. But,

    [That¡¯s simple. Isn¡¯t the answer obvious already, Zwei?]

    [By that, you mean?]

    Singlen maintained his calm attitude while answering.

    [That guy had already known about it. He couldn¡¯t use the two Battle Array that I use, but he knew them.]

    [¡­¡­¡­¡­]

    [The use of tuning is impossible if one is not knowledgable about the control interface of Drag-Ride. But that guy, he must have attempted the finesse of the technique many times since in the past. Even though he did not know the mechanism of tuning, he himself wasn¡¯t satisfied with just devising three hidden techniques. Even after that, he constantly thought whether there is something more that he could do, and day after day, on and on, he continued to work hard groping for new techniques. That¡¯s how it is.]

    [No way, such thing is¡­¡­]

    ¡®Hard to believe¡¯, Zwei let out such voice.

    [He crossed sword with me at the exam. When he saw that my skill is clearly superior, that guy immediately switched his fighting style. He moved not to defeat me, he fought in the way to steal my techniques©¤©¤that guy always hardened his defence at the tournament in royal capital most likely isn¡¯t just for training his foresight, he also aimed to learn the technique of his opponent¡¯s attack even just by one more.]

    Singlen¡¯s exultant tone caused Zwei to become silent.

    [In a situation where that guy cannot help but joining Seven Dragon Paladins, he realized my trap while leaping into it in order to save his comrades. Until that point it¡¯s according to my expectation, but it¡¯s unexpected that he also stole two of my techniques. Even though his face looks like he cannot even kill a bug, but he is scheming like a strategist. He cannot be dealt with normal method, is what this mean.]

    [¡­¡­¡­¡­]

    [I was thinking of him as one of the pawns connected to Fugil, but he is a man more terrifying than I imagined. The time ahead looks amusing¡­¡­don¡¯t you agree, Zwei?]

    Even while in one side Singlen was showing vigilance toward Lux, his tone sounded as though he was amused.

    Zwei nodded in agreement to that before he immediately cut off the Dragon Voice¡¯s communication.

    Part 14

    ¡°¡­¡­That was a tiresome battle. Good grief.¡±

    ¡°Are you all feeling okay? Greifer, everyone?¡±

    Greifer took a breath, then he saw a new EX Wyvern flying in front of him.

    The one who was riding it was a youth with androgynous features, Coral.

    ¡°You¡­¡­where did you go until now?! Do you know how long we have been looking for you©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Sorry. I desperately shook off the many Abysses that appeared here in the Dungeon. If I carelessly brought them over here, I am afraid it would put you all in danger so©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°Haa, well, doesn¡¯t matter. Although there are lots I wanna say, for now let¡¯s leave this place first.¡±

    The moment Greifer muttered, not far from them, the sound of a something being opened was heard. Yoruka wearing Yato no kami landed down.

    ¡°It is great you are alright, my lord. I followed your instructions and secured the escape route.¡±

    As a result, it seemed that she eliminated a large number of Abysses in the area by herself.

    The lights in the surrounding also returned to their original color, and the alert state of the Ruin was finally ended.

    ¡°Let¡¯s retreat now. We are going to talk later, after we ensure everyone¡¯s safety.¡±

    Greifer agreed with Coral¡¯s suggestion after examining the surroundings.

    The Triad also stood up somehow, while Lux who had dispelled his armor was standing in front of Airi.

    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡±

    Airi could not lift her face to meet Lux¡¯s eyes.

    The matter of the ancient document that she was hiding.

    The matter about whether she and Lux were really related by blood with the Ruin or not, which was still unclear at this point.

    The matter of how she showered harsh words to Lux and others, even though it was in order to save them.

    And above else, the matter of how she got caught into the evil design of Dilwy of the Dragon Marauder, which exposed everyone to danger. All those matters made her unable to lift up her face.

    However©¤©¤

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Airi. You feel pained for my sake.¡±

    Even so, Lux said in his usual tone while sounding somewhat apologetic.

    ¡°Airi, I completely understand how you are feeling. It¡¯s all right already, so©¤©¤¡±

    The words of her big brother that were the same like usual made Airi¡¯s feelings erupted.

    ¡°-¡­¡­!? Nii-san! Just what are you saying!?¡±

    The tears that she was trying to hold back dripped down, then she knocked her hands on Lux¡¯s chest powerlessly.

    ¡°We might be different from what we thought you know!? We might not be a mere criminal of the ruined old empire, we might be people related to Ruin! If that¡¯s really the case, then from here on, it¡¯s unknown what is going to happen to me or Nii-san!¡±

    Airi feared these things all this time.

    The possible realities weighed on her so she could not help but shout.

    ¡°Even just now too! Why didn¡¯t Nii-san just abandon me?! I don¡¯t want nii-san to suffer because of me anymore! So why©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel miserable or anything.¡±

    He murmured as he gently held Airi stroking the hair that was the same color as his.

    ¡°I have never imagined anything I have done to protect Airi to be painful. There is also nothing that I thought as painful or I regret doing for you. Just being able to protect my only important family makes me happy.¡±

    ¡°¡­Why¡±

    Airi could not bear it and she buried her face in Lux¡¯s chest with a sob.

    ¡°Why is nii-san always like this!? Are you idiot!? Why are you always, for the sake of someone like me©¤©¤¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry that I made you worry. But, I won¡¯t change my mind. No matter what kind of secret is hidden inside us, I will always be Airi¡¯s big brother, that¡¯s why¡±

    Lux gave off a slightly shy smile as he stroked his sister¡¯s back gently.

    ¡°It will surely be all right. It¡¯s alright, that¡¯s why©¤©¤don¡¯t cry anymore.¡±

    ¡°tsu¡­¡­U, AAaAAAAAAH!¡±

    Airi raised her voice in contrast with Lux¡¯s words.

    She wanted to hold back in front of the others, but the tears would not stop.

    The family who continued to stay at her side since she was a child, when she had been frail and helpless as she lost her mother.

    The big brother who since the period of old empire, had continued to protect herself no matter how much he got hurt.

    Even though he was always slow and insensitive, even though when the time came he would forcefully shoulder everything alone.

    His voice¡¯s warmth and his chest were warm, the reassurance from his hands stroking her hair, they caused the tears to spill out without end.

    Inside the Dungeon, a girl¡¯s sobs echoed.

    And then, the incident closed its curtain.

 Volume 6 - Epilogue

    Basement in¡ºLabyrinth¡»which the day after the night, suppression operation ended.

    In the presence of the consular officials including Milmiet, Lux officially signed a contract to become one of the¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡».

    It would usually take time to be approved by every country, however, there is no turning back.

    But it might cause any trouble in New Kingdom of Atismata if the admission for the¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡» is refused.

    Just as Lux was thinking, Celes called out.

    ¡°Well then Lux, please allow me to handle this. You, who refused my recommendation were detained. You decided to give in that strong argument.¡±

    Celes¡¯ expression is unusually happy.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to trouble Celes-senpai.¡±

    ¡°There is no trouble. As far as the Ralgris house is concerned, you become one of the ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡». I will be praised and face proudly in front of my father. That¡¯s why I want to help you. ¡±

    ¡°¡­ Then I will rely on you, senpai.¡±

    When Lux nodded in agreement, Celes was relieved and said,

    ¡°Yes. However, there is one condition. Each of the ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡» must have an aide. Please let me help you in this too. ¡±

    Aide of a¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡».

    Greif had taken Coral, and Singlen brought old knight Zwei

    He didn¡¯t waver.

    If Celes, who was the strongest in the academy and well-known in the history of all member country and the political affairs of their aristocracy supports him during negotiation, there would be no greater help than her.

    Lux agreed and finally settled.

    ¡°After the end of inspection and some treatment in infirmary, I decide to go in room where Airi and the Triad gathered.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want us here? Isn¡¯t it more convenient to talk among family?¡±

    Just as Lux sat on a bed in the room, Celes asked, but Airi quietly shook her head.

    It appears that Celes is thankful in Lux and Airi for risking their lives in this fight.

    ¡°Is your body okay? You aren¡¯t hurt, are you?¡±

    ¡°I ask a same question to you nii-san, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    For Airi who already returned to her usual self, Lux smiled nervously.

    At that moment, Airi suddenly sat on Lux¡¯s lap.

    ¡°Wa¡­!?¡±

    Lux didn¡¯t feel much weight in his legs because Airi is much lighter than him.

    Being puzzled by this rare behaviour of Airi, Lux froze in the place.

    ¡°¡­ Don¡¯t be shy now. I have some complaints towards nii-san.¡±

    ¡°Complaints¡­ on me? What did I do?¡±

    ¡°Because of nii-san, I have terrible memories from yesterday. I¡¯m embarrassed to death from crying in front of all those people. How are you going to repay me?¡±

    While blushing, Airi sat on Lux¡¯s lap and stared at him.

    ¡°So, sorry. But, that¡­ I¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Nii-san is truly selfish. It¡¯s aggravating so I gave up on stopping you.¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªEh?¡±

    ¡°Nii-san, as the ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡», please stop that Singlen. Nii-san¡¯s goals and plans are largely decided on that. I will also assist you as much as possible, such as deciphering an ancient document, and aiding Her Majesty the Queen.¡±

    Drag Knight world rankings.

    As Singlen served as vice captain, it is the world-wide rankings showing the capabilities of Drag Knights.

    The world rankings of Drag Knights are decided on various achievements such as Abyss subjugation, simulated warfare and strategy carried out at various places.

    As a ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡» representing the New Kingdom of Atismata to stop Singlen. Fugil needs to be tracked at once.

    ¡°¡­May I?¡±

    ¡°I admit defeat. From the start, I don¡¯t have any hostility towards nii-san. I knew, I already became aware of my feelings¡ª¡ª¡±

    Being embarrassed, with a glare in her eyes, Airi stared at Lux.

    Upon seeing this, Lux responded with a smile.

    ¡°Oh, wow. These two are letting us watch something good.¡±

    ¡°Forbidden love¡ª¡ª Ah, I won¡¯t lose¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Yes, I support Airi.¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªHa!? Are you serious!?¡±

    When Triad said it while watching, Lux¡¯s face became red with embarrassment.

    But, Celes stood face-to-face with Lux and coughing purposely to gain attention as she straightened her chest.

    ¡°Then, can you give me more time? Thanks to you, we have been appraised highly in this campaign and got qualifications to get into upper class¡ª¡ªbut, I decided to decline the offer this time.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°This is what we three decided after discussion. It is still early for us now, right. Even when I fight as ¡ºBlack Hero¡», I was trying very hard and you reminded me of my lack of strength and naivety.¡±

    ¡°Such a thing¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m aware of the gap between our talent and aptitude. However, I want to try again with you all three from the beginning. Therefore when we hit the wall, will you lend me your power as a friend?¡±

    To Celes¡¯ words, Tillfarr and Noct looked at her with determination.

    After hearing those words, Lux showed a warm smile.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªYes, if you are ok with me, I¡¯m glad to help.¡±

    To Lux¡¯s reply, the Triad replied with a smile and with Celes¡¯ proposal, Airi also participated in the celebration.

    After all, the hidden sake was brought out by Pare, everyone who used to be on good terms with him had now become angry at Professor Raigree.

    But now, there are many friends who support Lux and Airi.

    This became the happiest and the greatest achievement so far.

    From now on as a ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡», the pursuit of a new dream finally begin.

    In the meantime, Lux cherish his life filled with laughter and warmth, and with a great determination to protect it.

    ***

    The next afternoon, in the room where Coral¡¯s presence is not there, Lux was gathering his luggage to return home. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.

    When he got up and opened the door, Krulcifer was standing in front of him.

    ¡°Congratulations on your promotion.¡ª¡ªand great job. Also this time, it seems a lot of things had happened.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Also, congratulations to Krulcifer-san. ¡ª¡ªBut, what¡¯s the matter? We have to leave the city soon and later¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    Ignoring Lux¡¯s question, Krulcifer entered the room.

    And quietly sat on the bed where Lux was packing.

    ¡°¡­¡­?¡±

    Lux was slightly confused and sat next to her.

    ¡°So a ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladin¡». Lux-kun, you¡¯ve become a big deal. When I first met you, you were just a molester and an underwear thief. ¡±

    ¡°No, well¡­ ¡ª¡ªthat was an unfortunate accident wasn¡¯t it!? It was a misunderstanding!¡±

    While panicking, Krulcifer smiled and said.

    ¡°But you decided, right? You won¡¯t hesitate anymore.¡±

    ¡°¡­Un. Actually, I cannot suppress my feelings anymore. ¡±

    Five years ago, that day.

    Due to Fugil¡¯s betrayal, the future which Lux wanted during the revolution ended in failure.

    Lux took action because of the atrocities the royal family was committing.

    He understood, he could no longer hesitate.

    The ¡ºSeven Dragon Paladins¡»which is not bound to international treaties and using the power to protect those dear to him.

    Stop Singlen¡¯s tyranny who rules like the Old Empire and find the truth regarding the incident five years ago.

    The criminal living in the New Kingdom¡­ as the prince of the Old Empire, what can he do?

    He realized that he needs to find a way to walk towards his desires.

    Since you seem to be determined, can I say one thing?

    Sitting closely to Lux, Krulcifer whispered.

    ¡°Lux-kun. Are you interested in the mystery of the ruins?¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªEh?¡±

    Those unexpected words made Lux flinch.

    ¡°It is better to say that after returning to the new kingdom, I may return to Ymir once again.¡±

    ¡°Well, maybe¡ª¡ª¡±

    In the past, Lux involved in engagement of Krulcifer and was reminded of something.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s where I came from. I had an urgent call from Einfolk family. Obviously, it¡¯s regarding the political marriage to make connections with upper echelons of the New Kingdom. Hence, I do not know what kind of wind is blowing back home.¡±

    She smiled nervously.

    Krulcifer always talks indifferently about her family and home, it seems she had complex feelings about them.

    Krulcifer who came from ruins, still somewhere which it seems to have a wall between her and her family.

    ¡°Could that mean, it is related to ruins¡­?¡±

    ¡°I think that the possibility is high. There was a big event in the ruins. So, my presence is needed.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±

    Orders were sent to return home immediately due to the changes in Ymir¡¯s ruin and increasing vigilance.

    This is a reasonable decision even if the issue was not related to Krulcifer.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s why¡ª¡ª I came to consult with you¡­¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ªOkay, I will go.¡±

    Just as Krulcifer said that, Lux replied.

    ¡°Eh¡­¡­?¡±

    With round eyes, Krulcifer stared into Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡°Although I am Lisha¡¯s knight, I will go with you, I think she will allow us to go together.¡±

    ¡°Y, yes, thank you¡­¡±

    Towards Krulcifer who looked relieved, Lux looked curiously.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m surprised that you agreed immediately. Is it ok?¡±

    With blushed cheeks, she whispered to Lux with a tone only she can hear.

    ¡°Eh? Did you say something Krulcifer-san. Ah, What?¡±

    In the moment of confusion, Krulcifer further pressed her body against Lux.

    When Lux turned his face, Krulcifer whispered with a subtle expression.

    ¡°¡ª¡ªI have a favour to ask. If I¡¯m forced to explore the ruins, you will have to find something that connects to the Arcadia Empire.¡±

    Airi had already shared the information about the ancient document to Lux¡¯s close friends, Relie and Lisha.

    On top of that, Krulcifer was concerned about his relationship with Lux. His blood line called ¡°key manager¡± and the haze¡¯s blood line which he called himself ¡°Creator¡±.

    We may know what kind of mystery lies within when it is revealed.

    ¡°However, I just want you to promise me that no matter what I do, don¡¯t abandon me and be there for me¡ª¡ª¡±

    Krulcifer who was always calm said in a weak tone.

    She was afraid that when the mystery in the ruins is revealed, her relationships with the people around might change.

    Lux held the girl¡¯s hand and smiled gently.

    ¡°No matter what happens, Krulcifer-san will always be my friend. I promise.¡±

    ¡°¡ª¡ª Thank you.¡±

    Shortly after silence filled the room, Krulcifer gently stroked Lux¡¯s cheek.

    Then, as Lux blushed and diverted his eyes, Krulcifer brought her lips close to Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡°Ku, Krulcifer¡ª¡ª¡­ san?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This is the advance payment for coming to country of Ymir¡ª¡ª¡±

    While feeling the sweet moments with the girl close to him, a knock came on the door.

    ¡°¡­¡­!?¡±

    ¡°Lux-kun. It¡¯s time to say goodbye to everyone in the New Kingdom whom are about to depart¡ª¡ª¡±

    When the coarse voice came beyond the door, the two separated in panic.

    ¡°Just as we are in our sweet moments, someone came to disturb us.¡±

    While blushing, Krulcifer slowly stood up.

    While somewhat relieved, Lux had an awkward expression.

 Volume 7 - Prologue

    The dark night where the howling of beast could be heard.

    The silhouettes of two people were standing in a deserted house at the outskirts where there wasn¡¯t any sign of life.

    One person was a tall and lean man wearing a luxurious overcoat.

    The other one was a silver haired young girl with slender body build.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That is the words from the first imperial princess. She ask if we can receive your assistance in that occasion.¡¹

    Toward the tall man who informed so©¤©¤Fugil, the girl showed a slightly forbidding look.

    ¡¸I understand the situation. But, there is one thing that I want to ask. Why did you lend a hand to that new kingdom man©¤©¤, to Dilwy Froias. Listelka-neesama¡¯s instruction shouldn¡¯t include that.¡¹

    The girl asked to press further at the man before her.

    But, even then Fugil¡¯s fearless smile was still unchanging.

    ¡¸That is a misunderstanding. I was merely choosing that man as a method in order to instill the threat of Dragon Marauder and the Ruins into the countries. Everything is the groundwork for what is to come.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I get it, stand back.¡¹

    After hearing the girl¡¯s sigh, Fugil straightened the collar of his overcoat and bowed.

    ¡¸Then please be careful, your highness Aeril the second imperial princess. Until that day where the dearest wish of us the empire and all the XferKey¡¯s Supervisor ©¤©¤the path to reach AvalonGreat Sanctuary is realized.¡¹

    The man only left those words behind before leaving without any sound.

    Fugil¡­¡­, that man who was an irregularheretic of a special case even among the imperial family had been their ally consistently since far in the past.

    But regardless of that, when the girl was in Fugil¡¯s presence, she would raise her voice against her better judgment.

    Her big sister Listelka was giving him her utmost trust, but she was unable to accept that instinctively.

    No matter what she felt unpleasant feeling with the way that man was looking at her and other people.

    It wasn¡¯t a gaze that was looking down on other.

    Even though it wasn¡¯t an apathetic gaze, it was a bizarre gaze that she couldn¡¯t feel even the slightest fixation in it.

    It felt like that gaze was appraising human as a guinea pig©¤©¤no, it felt like those eyes weren¡¯t even considering human as living thing.

    That dark eye glint that felt like it was observing some kind of object or even numerical formula was spurring on the girl¡¯s unease.

    ¡¸As I thought, I have to disclose the truth¡­¡­. I©¤©¤¡¹ (TN: Here the girl use ¡®boku¡¯ instead of the more feminine ¡®watashi¡¯ to refer herself)

    The girl only whispered that in the end before vanishing into the dark night.

    ¡¸Fuaaah¡­¡­!¡¹

    At the new kingdom¡¯s Cross FieldFort City, at the first block¡¯s AcademyRoyal Officer Academy.

    Inside the Drag-Ride atelierworkshop located at that vast ground, Lizsharte stretched herself in a big way.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hmm. In the end I fell asleep here again.¡¹

    She rubbed her half-asleep eyes while brushing away the blanket that was put on her body. She shivered slightly after the blanket was removed.

    The morning of autumn where the leaves were also starting to change color felt slightly chilly on the skin.

    ¡¸Just a bit more until it¡¯s finished huh. I thought that it would make it in time for the campus festival but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was going to the atelier for developing new technology of Drag-Ride.

    The incident that happened at the class promotion examination that was taking place at Wanheim Principality the other day.

    The appearance rate of Abyss was increasing and the Ruins became harder to conquer, and the rise of the warmonger that was called as Dragon Marauder.

    While everyone was also becoming stronger to oppose those, Lisha was also putting her zeal into her research.

    From that she was so immersed into it that she felt asleep here unintentionally.

    On the central work stand, there were disassembled parts and written blueprints scattered everywhere.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, damn it!? It¡¯s already this kind of time!?¡¹

    After being in a daze for a while, Lisha saw the clock placed inside the room and panicked.

    Today should be a holiday, but by this time Lux would be already starting to do his morning chores.

    ¡¸No good! If I don¡¯t do something about this appearance quickly©¤©¤!?¡¹

    She took off her work gown in a feverish haste with fluster, then she fixed her disarrayed uniform¡¯s blouse and skirt.

    Then she washed her face and retied her prided side tail before she patted down her chest in relieve.

    Since Lux became Lisha¡¯s knight, he became worried for Lisha who was sleeping overnight at the atelier and he would come once every late at night and early morning in order to check on her.

    She felt really happy of him doing that, but she was a bit troubled that he could see her exhausted and slovenly appearance.

    If possible she wanted Lux to think of her as cute when he saw her.

    ¡¸Ah, today is scheduled for the ¡ºoperation¡» huh.¡¹

    Lisha suddenly recalled and she boiled water in the serving room deep inside the atelier.

    Lisha was secretly planning that she would treat Lux who came to visit her in between his always busy chores with tea, at least when it was holiday.

    ¡ºEven though Lisha-sama is also busy, but to go so far to do something like this for me©¤©¤I¡¯m happy.¡»

    ¡¸No well, it¡¯s not that big of deal. Once in a while even I need to show my feminine side.¡¹

    Lisha did a rehearsal while imagining Lux¡¯s grateful reaction.

    Furthermore this time Lisha was thinking that she would make a request to him.

    It was a plan to go incognito for a preliminary inspection at a city within the territory where she would be going for inspection in her official business as a princess.

    If it went well, then perhaps she could hold hand with him once more. She would be happy if she could.

    ¡¸Yosh! With this I¡¯m ready anytime you will come, my knight!¡¹

    Saying that Lisha folded her arms and waited with a proud smile.

    ¡­¡­But, for some reason it was only today that there wasn¡¯t any sign at all that he was coming.

    ¡¸Strange huh? That guy¡¯s activity rhythm should be far more exact then me though©¤©¤¡¹

    After tilting her head in puzzlement and waiting further, a sound came from outside the door.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Is there, someone?¡¹

    Lisha became curious and opened the atelier¡¯s door, but there was no one outside.

    But, a cup of tea that appeared to be boiled in the dining hall was put on a black tray on the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is this, from Lux?¡¹

    Lisha talked to herself, but naturally there was no reply.

    ¡¸Good grief, what a hasty guy. Even though he can at least accompany me for morning tea¡­¡­¡¹

    Her lips pouted slightly, even so he brought the cup into her mouth.

    But, the moment she took a sip, something strange occurred.

    ¡¸¡­¡­wait, it¡¯s bad-!? What is this!?¡¹

    Looking closer, inside the tea there were a lot of tea leaves directly inside, floating up. In short it wasn¡¯t filtered.

    ¡¸Who! Who is the guy that did this kind of misleading thing!?¡¹

    Lisha was convinced that it wasn¡¯t Lux who brought this here.

    It felt like she was doubly faulted, including from how she was made to drink this bad tea.

    ¡¸Can¡¯t be helped. Today I¡¯ll be the one who goes to meet him then.¡¹

    Lisha grumbled like that, then she started moving in order to search for Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san¡¯s location, is it?¡¹

    Lisha who rushed out of the atelier first visited the shared room of Airi and Noct in the girl dormitory.

    ¡¸Right. Lux who usually always came didn¡¯t show his face to me. That¡¯s why, it¡¯s, I¡¯m curious, just for a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha spoke a bit embarrassedly.

    Airi and Noct who saw that started whispering with low voice.

    ¡¸She is infatuated with Nii-san a lot isn¡¯t she? For her to expressly search for Nii-san like this just because he didn¡¯t come like usual¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, compared to when she was immersing herself entirely in developing Drag-Ride, I think this is a far healthier thinking.¡¹

    ¡¸E, enough with that, just tell me! Where is Lux right now!?¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I also don¡¯t know about that.¡¹

    Airi seriously answered the question of the red faced Lisha.

    ¡¸The chores schedule of Nii-san is too complex, it¡¯s at the level that even Tillfur-san who is compiling the requests don¡¯t understand where Nii-san¡¯s location is.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see. ¡­¡­Got it, I¡¯ll try asking someone else.¡¹

    After Lisha left, Airi let out a sigh.

    Then Noct softly brought her lips closer to Airi¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸Is it okay Airi? You didn¡¯t tell about that matter to Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s something related. Usually Nii-san¡¯s figure can be seen from this room¡¯s window, but today I didn¡¯t see him by chance, telling her such thing is©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi spoke brusquely.

    Yes. Just like Lisha, even Airi was harboring the same uncomfortable feeling from this morning.

    But, it was embarrassing to tell other people that usually she would look around from her room¡¯s window to search for the figure of her big brother doing chores around the girl¡¯s dormitory, so she couldn¡¯t say it.

    Especially because at the incident the other day, there was the particular where she fawned on him after so long, which made it felt even more embarrassing.

    ¡¸Airi is also going through troubles. In various meaning.¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please don¡¯t say strange thing right from the morning!¡¹

    When Noct who was usually staying cool said such thing smilingly, Airi raised her voice flusteredly.

    ¡¸However, certainly I¡¯m just a bit concerned. About Nii-san.¡¹

    The beginning of the usual calm ordinary day.

    But, Airi was feeling an atmosphere that was vaguely different from usual.

    ¡¸I think the possibility is low but¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha who left the shared room of Airi and Noct was heading directly to Lux¡¯s room this time.

    Lux shouldn¡¯t be there if he was doing his morning chores, but she knocked on the door just in case.

    Lisha could hear a quiet sleeper¡¯s breathing in place of voice, so Lisha entered inside while feeling puzzled©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Lux, are you there? ©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s figure wasn¡¯t inside. Philuffy was sleeping on his bed instead.

    ¡¸Munyaa¡­¡­. Lu, chan.¡¹

    Instantly, *piki-* Lisha was petrified on the spot.

    She ran her gaze around looking whether Lux was on the bed or not, then she went outside to check the name tag of the room, after that she leaped at Philuffy.

    ¡¸Oi! What are you doing there airhead girl!? Where did Lux go!?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lisha shook Philuffy¡¯s body roughly to left and right, the swelling of her chest that was heavily laden with those fruits also shook greatly following the shaking.

    Lisha also belonged in the categorization of the have for her small body, but as expected that impressive presence Philuffy had was overpowering.

    ¡¸Fua¡­¡­. Good morning, princess¡­¡­. Is there, something?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s my line here! Where is Lux!?¡¹

    From Philuffy¡¯s thin sleepwear, the line of well-fleshed voluptuous body could be seen clearly, and coupled with that childish and pure expression, she looked really arousing.

    When Lisha thought of what would happen if Lux saw that figure which would make even the heart of the same sex to skip a beat, she became very concerned.

    ¡¸Lu, chan¡­¡­? We were together, until we slept yesterday, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Sle, sleeping together you say-!? Wh, wh-wh-wh-why did you do such thing-!? N, no, more importantly©¤©¤¡¹

    That meant, Lux was definitely in the girl¡¯s dormitory until last night.

    She was concerned about the case of Lux and Philuffy sleeping together, but she also felt the same that he was suddenly disappearing from view.

    ¡¸Shit-! I¡¯m going to ask about this later for sure, Lux!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks were slightly reddening while she moved to the next place to search for Lux.

    Even though this was a holiday that rarely came, a lot of her acquaintances were still going through the day at their own pace.

    When Lisha headed toward the Drag-Ride practice ground, she accidentally saw the figure of Celis wiping her sweat while changing from the window of the waiting room.

    ¡¸Fuu, as expected sweat flowing from training is a good thing. It will be even worth doing if Lux also showed up but©¤©¤¡¹

    Because she could hear such monologue from across the wall, Lisha¡¯s hand that almost knocked the door stopped.

    Lisha came searching here because sometimes Lux accompanied Celis in her morning training, but

    (¡­¡­She is talking, does that mean someone else is there?)

    Celistia Ralgris, the strongest in the Academy, and the captain of SyvallesKnight Order.

    She who possessed dignified look and grace befitting someone from the four great nobles was famous as ¡ºman-hater¡», but for the first time she recognized Lux who was the only male in the Academy, causing the Academy to be greatly stirred.

    In addition the other day, she had just gotten settled as the aide of Lux who was appointed toward Seven Dragon Paladins, the group of Drag-Knights that each represented their respective country.

    In that kind of meaning, she was similar with Lisha based on their position, a girl that was close with Lux from relationship of their official position.

    (We, well, until the end it seems that Celis only think of Lux as a man who is her junior anyway¡­¡­)

    Lisha whispered in her heart to calm herself, but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤But I¡¯m happy. For him to expressly deliver a drink for me¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha twitched in reaction at Celis¡¯s muttering that sounded deeply impressed.

    Even though she completely thought that the tea was only placed for her at her atelier in the morning, and yet¡­¡­!

    (No, more importantly, she said that a drink is delivered to her, that means the one inside the waiting room right now is©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Thinking back, everyone who was training with me would go to rest earlier than me, so I never had someone being considerate to me¡­¡­, n, no. I am the captain, so I¡¯m in the position that has to pay attention to everyone else instead but©¤©¤¡¹

    Hearing Celis¡¯s delighted tone that was different from her usual atmosphere caused Lisha to be flustered.

    ¡¸Lux is younger than me, and yet he is also being considerate to me who is like that. Next time as my gratitude by all means I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What are you doing, the two of you!¡¹

    Lisha who couldn¡¯t endure anymore opened the door hard in panic.

    ¡¸Kyah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Inside, Celis who was in her underwear appearance yelled in surprise, while LIsha tilted her head in puzzlement.

    Even though she thought Celis was talking with Lux from her tone, and yet inside the room there wasn¡¯t any sign of other person.

    Just, on the chair in front of Celis, a small bear plushy was placed to sit.

    ¡¸Wha, what business od you have Lizsharte!? I, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m doing anything. Tha, that¡¯s, something like consulting a plushy, because I don¡¯t have a talking partner, such thing doesn¡¯t happen in any way here!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, doesn¡¯t matter. By the way, did Lux come here?¡¹

    When Lisha asked with a look as though she had something terribly disappointing, Celis adjusted her breathing in hurry.

    ¡¸Ye, yes. It seemed that some time ago he came to take a look here, and he left a letter and a drink behind. Though I didn¡¯t see his figure directly.¡¹

    ¡¸So it¡¯s the same like with me, huh¡­¡­¡¹

    There was nothing that was obviously strange, but as expected it felt strange.

    Considering Lux¡¯s personality, as long as there was nothing really pressing, he should at least show up his face.

    ¡¸But, certainly it¡¯s strange. Before I found this letter, I felt the presence of someone.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lisha showed a dubious face, *rustle* a slight sound could be heard from the thicket.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Are you there Lux!?¡¹

    Lisha reflexively yelled at the direction from where the sound came, but there was no reply.

    ¡¸Eei! After coming this far, I¡¯m not going to stop until I see your face!¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please wait Lizsharte! I¡¯ll also come with you to search!¡¹

    When Lisha started dashing toward the school building, Celis who had changed also followed her.

    It was now time for breakfast, while the figures of students in uniform were starting to walk inside the school ground here and there, their search continued.

    Library, the girl dormitory¡¯s surrounding, behind the school building, the storage room, etc, they continuously went around at the places where Lux might be at doing chores, but for some reason Lux wasn¡¯t at any of those places although there were signs of work.

    Even so after they continued to keep walking, they came across two people walking around the academy¡¯s ground in the morning just like them.

    They were Sharis and Tillfur of Triad, the famous trio of the Academy.

    ¡¸Oh, good morning princess.¡¹

    ¡¸Gooood morning Lisha-sama. Today you are really early aren¡¯t you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You two, what are you doing since the morning?¡¹

    They were walking to the same direction perhaps coincidently. Lisha asked them while walking side by side.

    ¡¸No, we are looking for someone who seem to be Lux-chi but©¤©¤somehow we cannot find him.¡¹

    ¡¸What does that mean?¡¹

    Celis asked in curiosity, to which Sharis who was at the same grade with her nodded calmly.

    ¡¸We noticed when we were doing our morning patrol see. Limited to this morning, the quality of Lux-kun¡¯s chores is strangely coarse. There together with Tillfur I was chasing him following after his schedule today but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸A, and then, where do you think Lux is?¡¹

    ¡¸He must be cleaning the parlor. If he is following the usual order, then the possibility should be high©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur looked at the memo on her hand while answering Lisha¡¯s question.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yosh, then we are going to absolutely find him!¡¹

    Like that the four entered the school building. There a single girl was standing in front of the parlor.

    ¡¸Eh? Philuffy?¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s voice caused the absentminded girl before them to turn her gaze toward them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Morning, everyone.¡¹

    Philuffy was holding the doorknob. It seemed that she was just about to enter the parlor.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Why are you here huh! Today is holiday right!?¡¹

    ¡¸I received snacks from the dining hall, so I¡¯m thinking to eat it together with Lu-chan.¡¹

    From behind Philuffy who was replying like that with her usual expressionless look, even Airi and Noct arrived there.

    ¡¸Oh, is Airi-chan also looking for your big brother? Also even Noct too.¡¹

    Noct who also belonged to Triad nodded to Sharis¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Yes. Airi said that she want to see Lux-san¡¯s face no matter what, so I¡¯m helping a little.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t say it strangely! That¡¯s, I only have something that I want to ask Nii-san for a bit!¡¹

    ¡¸So in the end everyone is looking for Lux-chi? Even though today is holiday.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    An indescribable silence was spreading from Tillfur¡¯s words.

    Lisha, Philuffy, Celis, Airi, and then the trio of Triad.

    All these girls whose grades were scattered all over assembled together looking for Lux.

    ¡¸We, well fine! Right now this is the priority. Are you there!? Lux©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Right after Lisha opened the door of the parlor, she spontaneously lost her words from shock.

    Light shined in from the gap of the closed curtain into the dim room.

    At the inside that was decorated with extravagant red carpet and high class furniture, a lone girl was standing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My? So I¡¯m found out already.¡¹

    A black haired girl wearing the Academy¡¯s uniform, with a katana shaped Sword Device hanging on her waist.

    The girl was a Drag-Knight who was once called as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade in Arcadia Empire, and currently she recognized Lux as her master and became his servant.

    Only recently she came under the jurisdiction of the Academy as a newly admitted student. Kirihime Yoruka, was standing there.

    ¡¸Wha-!? Why are you here!? Don¡¯t tell me, the one doing the chores today is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s me.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s face broke out into a bright smile in respond to Lisha¡¯s question and she replied immediately.

    Everyone who saw that stiffened in bewilderment.

    ¡¸What is the meaning of this? Why are you doing such misleading©¤©¤¡¹

    When Celis asked that, Yoruka chuckled and presented a letter before her eyes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because that¡¯s my role.¡¹

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤, Lux¡¯s!?¡¹

    Lisha snatched the letter as though plundering it and she hurriedly read the written letters.

    At the same time, Yoruka also talked about the letter¡¯s content.

    ¡¸Since last night, Aruji-sama headed outside the country for a certain task to do. Although©¤©¤his departure was earlier by one day than the original schedule.¡¹

    ¡¸EEEEEH!?¡¹

    Tillfur spontaneously raised a shocked voice.

    When she looked to Airi at the side in hurry, the girl shook her head left and right.

    ¡¸I also haven¡¯t heard about it, such thing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I was ordered to do today¡¯s chores in Aruji-sama¡¯s place, and at the end I am to tell about this matter to all of you. And with that, my duty is concluded.¡¹ (TN: A trivia, Yoruka¡¯s talking in the raw often ended with ¡®desuwa¡¯, it¡¯s a word that is often used by high class elegant lady character, I think)

    ¡¸Wa, wait a bit. I don¡¯t see Krulcifer¡¯s figure since some time ago, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lisha looked around inside the room restlessly, Yoruka responded with a carefree smiling face.

    ¡¸Yes. Just last night, Aruji-sama embarked to Ymir Theocracy with Krulcifer-san. Just the two of them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone there other than Yoruka had their mouth gaping open while their body stiffened.

    ¡¸EEEeeEEEEH!?¡¹

 Volume 7 - CH 1

    ¡¸Is it really okay doing that I wonder¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux shivered from the cold air right after he recalled it and smiled wryly.

    It hadn¡¯t began to actually snow, but the whole surface of the city was covered with the quiet color of winter.

    In order to distant the body from the cold, the houses were made from thick stone.

    Among them, he could see several buildings made from wooden staves in the style of stave church. It made him felt for real that this was the land that was supported by religious faith©¤©¤the great country of the north Ymir.

    The number of church was incomparably a lot more than in the new kingdom, and even among those churches, he could see from afar at the northern part the cathedral that was the substitute for a royal palace in this holy capital.

    ¡¸From here the weather will be growing cold, so it¡¯s better to tighten your collar a bit more.¡¹

    Krulcifer beside him gently whispered and she circled her hand on Lux¡¯s collar.

    The girl¡¯s slender fingers that could be felt even from across the gloves and her smiling face caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb slightly.

    The warm and light fur coat he wore was all prepared by Krulcifer for him.

    Traveling for half a day from the new kingdom until this Ymir Theocracy was really difficult.

    If using normal method, they would have to go through a voyage of more than ten-odd days using horse carriage and ship with transit in between, but Lux and Krulcifer ignored that.

    They made maximum use of their status as Drag-Knight with high aptitude score to travel through the sky in the fastest speed.

    It was a long distance that if it was other students, they would quickly get exhausted. The two were able to fly by taking several short breaks midway.

    And then now, the two entered the holy capital that was the capital city of Ymir Theocracy. Currently they were taking sight of that townscape.

    ¡¸I made you do something really excessive all the way until here, so if you¡¯re tired do you want to go rest somewhere?¡¹

    Lux lightly shook his head toward the consideration of the girl walking beside him.

    From the start Krulcifer was a beautiful girl, but seeing her in this holy capital gave him another different impression.

    Her symmetrical supple stature, and her snowy skin that was pure white and smooth.

    Her fantastical blue long hair and her pair of eyes that looked like ice made her looked more like a fairy than human.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. Besides, this time I¡¯m coming as Krulcifer-san¡¯s escort.¡±

    He would be lying if he said that he wasn¡¯t tired, but Lux pretended to be tough like usual and said that.

    The reason Lux accompanied her this time was that.

    The home of Krulcifer who came as transfer student from Ymil Theocracy, Einfolk house called her back using letter that said that there was an urgent business.

    There was the secret that Krulcifer¡¯s birthplace was from the fourth Ruin, the HallTunnel in this country, so most likely this urgent business should be related to the Ruin.

    In order to become the strength of this girl who was his important friend, he came together with her to pitch in and help.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay to not act tough you know? Everything will come to nothing if you catch a cold.¡¹

    She leaked out a chuckle before bringing her shoulder close to him.

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s the matter Krulcifer-san!? I, if you stick that close, i, it makes it harder to walk¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m thinking to warm Lux-kun a little so you won¡¯t feel cold. You don¡¯t like it?¡¹

    The cheeks of the girl who was smiling teasingly could be seen faintly blushing.

    The sweet breath and whisper caused even Lux¡¯s face to turn red.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m fine here. Rather than that, everyone©¤©¤I wonder if they are surprised that I was suddenly gone?¡¹

    ¡¸Surely just about now it¡¯s turning into a great uproar over there.¡¹

    The tone of voice of Krulcifer who was telling Lux that sounded vaguely amused.

    She fundamentally had an image as a talented person, but unexpected she also possessed humor or perhaps playfulness.

    Regarding the journey this time, Lux followed Krulcifer¡¯s suggestion and made preparation beforehand.

    First, he didn¡¯t want to make this talk to become too big of a matter and dragged the other girls into it.

    Especially to Lisha who Lux served as her exclusive knight, and to Celis who acted as his aide in his capacity as Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Thus, he told about the matter this time only to very few people, including the headmaster Relie. And to make it looked like Lux was still remaining at the academy until the very last moment before it was discovered, he left Yoruka behind to convey his message to others.

    Yoruka fundamentally didn¡¯t listen to what anyone said except Lux, so Lux ordered her just like Krulcifer suggested, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But, I wonder if Yoruka is doing well in conveying my message? As I thought, I should at least tell the others when departing from the Academy¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s no good Lux-kun. If we don¡¯t have that girl remaining behind in the new kingdom with your command, she would willfully come with us no matter what right? In that case, my plan would also come into nothing.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­? Just now what©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux could hear the word plan said smoothly just now, but did she mean the travel plan by that?

    ¡¸More importantly, there is a nostalgic face there.¡¹

    When Lux was about to ask about it, Krulcifer turned her gaze to the front.

    There an adult female attired with black dress suit was standing.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to have made you wait, Ojou-sama. And then©¤©¤Lux-sama, long time no see.¡¹(TN: Ojou-sama = term of respect for daughter of high-class family)

    Alterize McClair.

    A steady as well rigid woman who was a butler of Einfolk house. Once she confronted Krulcifer for nominating Barzeride of the four great nobles to be her fianc¨¦e, at the end she recognized Lux and also reconciled with Krulcifer.

    The girl who he was reunited with after a few months welcomed him with a friendly smile.

    ¡¸Are you also in good healthy? In the letter, I heard that the snow has began to fall this year though?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s colder than average, but I¡¯m fine. After all I was also born in this country.¡¹

    When Krulcifer called out to her, Alterize smiled calmly in response.

    Their personality was opposite to each other and their relationship was also that of master and servant, but the two who had similar background of getting adopted and raised in Einfolk house looked like they had mysterious bond with each other in Lux¡¯s thought.

    ¡¸I have prepared the horse carriage. Please over here.¡¹

    Alterize bowed before she began to walk through the main street. Lux and Krulcifer followed her.

    (I¡¯m glad. Both of them looks like they are closer than before.)

    For Krulcifer, it seemed that her home the Einfolk house felt somewhat uncomfortable for her, but if Alterize became her ally then it was reassuring.

    While Lux was thinking like that in relieve, Alterize suddenly lowered her walking speed and walked beside Krulcifer.

    And then, she sent a brief glance at Lux who was walking slightly behind them.

    ¡¸By the way Ojou-sama. That¡¯s©¤©¤your relationship with him, how far it has reached?¡¹

    ¡¸My? So even someone serious like you will grow some interest in the relationship of man and woman any time now?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, do, don¡¯t make fun of me please!? That¡¯s, I have a duty to report to the house.¡¹

    Alterize coughed with a red face against Krulcifer¡¯s reply.

    Then the blue haired young lady spoke her answer with slight hesitation.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. Our situation is one where it won¡¯t be an exaggeration that our relationship as lover is deepening favorably.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s really good to hear. And©¤©¤is, is it okay even if I ask for the specific?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as you saw, when we were walking together at the festival in the royal capital, I received a kiss from him. That is the degree of our relationship right now.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Besides in the Academy, we were spending time together almost every night.¡¹

    ¡¸A-, as expected is, isn¡¯t that, a little bit too far of a progress!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not a concern. Because we are properly bearing in mind our standing as a student.¡¹

    Krulcifer informed the flustered Alterize with a smooth tone of deep meaning.

    But, perhaps the information was too astounding because the female butler stiffened dumbfounded for a while.

    (Are they talking about the matter of Einfolk house?)

    Lux was watching over the two in front of him without even knowing about that. Then Alterize dropped her pace and came to stand beside Lux.

    ¡¸E, err, Lux-sama. I¡¯ll look after the luggage.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much.¡¹

    Lux responded to Alterize¡¯s offer with a gentle smile.

    But, for some reason she didn¡¯t return to Krulcifer¡¯s side who was walking ahead and continued to walk beside Lux.

    ¡¸Err, Lux-sama. While presumptuous, there is something that I wish to ask you. How is your relationship with Ojou-sama recently?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was staring in puzzlement while thinking slightly.

    Several moments ago, there was a need to make Alterize under the impression that he was Krulcifer¡¯s lover.

    This time he came as the escort of Krulcifer who returned back because her home¡¯s order, he wondered if he should answer that they were just normal friend.

    ¡¸Yes. Krulcifer-san is always looking after me.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? That¡¯s, I heard that the two of you have become even closer to each other? That¡¯s, it seems that the two of you got along really well even at the royal capital. I also heard something like, the two of you spending every night together at the Academy¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, so it¡¯s about that. It¡¯s exactly like that but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux agreed and he nodded with a smile.

    It was about the matter of Krulcifer giving Lux supplementary lesson in order for him to catch up to the class work that he fell behind because of his late admission.

    ¡¸I, is that true!? That Ojou-sama is doing something like that, I find it a little hard to imagine it.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. She was the one who invited me, but I too often requested her for it. Because Krulcifer-san is really skilled at teaching.¡¹

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s Ojou-sama who is leading!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Err, I think that¡¯s the case. Though I¡¯m also doing my best to catch up to her.¡¹

    ¡¸E, even though I¡¯m four years older¡­¡­! Su, such thing is¡­¡­. Pu, putting that aside, yo, you are doing that far inside the academy!?¡¹

    ¡¸Not just in classroom, we were even doing it in girl dormitory or the dining hall. When we don¡¯t have time, we will do it in the courtyard a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Do, doing such thing even outside-!? Tha, that is, as expected©¤©¤¡¹

    Alteriz couldn¡¯t hide her shock and she started walking to the front once more with staggered footsteps.

    When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement, Krulcifer came to his side.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san, what were you talking about with Alterize-san?¡¹

    ¡¸I was only telling her accurately about the relationship between the two of us.¡¹

    They boarded the horse carriage Alterize prepared and they advanced through the main street of the holy capital that was the mainstay city of the country.

    Lux was peeking at the scenery outside through the small window while feeling a certain out-of-place feeling.

    ¡¸The townscape of the holy capital, how is it compared to the royal capital?¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow, I¡¯m having a mysterious feeling. Even though the atmosphere is quiet in a glance, it looks like the citizens are vaguely restless©¤©¤¡¹

    The air was solemn which was appropriate for a religious country, but there was a vague feeling of exhilaration.

    When Lux told the impression he felt, Alterize who was sitting behind the carriage answered him.

    ¡¸What a keen insight. It¡¯s because the Pilgrimage Festival, which is an important ceremony for the adherents of Ymir Theocracy will start from tomorrow.¡¹

    Lux heard about the country¡¯s culture from Alterize during their travel until the destination.

    Pilgrimage Festival was one of the large festivals that were held every year in Ymir Theocracy. It seemed that it was a ceremony that was also holding a large meaning in their doctrine.

    This country deified an existence that was worshipped as god. In that day the people would offer their prayer.

    It was also a festival where people would walk toward places that had connection with god, but in reality the one who would visit several holy places would only be the high ranked priests like the pope and bishops, their guards, and perhaps several influential noble of the theocracy who was a believer of the religion.

    In addition, one of the holy places in the country existed nearby the Ruin.

    Therefore, in the current time where Abyss¡¯s appearance frequency was increasing, the pilgrimage would be accompanied by a lot of guards.

    ¡¸Currently we are not heading toward Einfolk house, but to the center of the capital©¤©¤the sanctuary. Originally his eminence the pope would be at the cathedral, but for the sake of the audience of this time, we are heading to this place.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s hand was holding a letter from Queen Raffi.

    The content couldn¡¯t be read because the letter was sealed, but when he received permission for his trip from Headmaster Relie, for some reason even the new kingdom¡¯s Prime Minister Nulph knew about this trip.

    As a person who was appointed as a Seven Dragon Paladins, go to give greeting to the allied country©¤©¤that must be their intention.

    Before long, the horse carriage arrived in front of the sanctuary.

    It was conspicuously standing out even inside the holy capital, a chalk white palace that brought about a solemn atmosphere.

    Its outside appearance wasn¡¯t too showy, but, it was a building that was congealed with design that made its viewer felt the history and authority.

    ¡¸Ojou-sama. Do you remember the etiquette in the sanctuary?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I look like this, I intent to be a devout believer you know? Even in case that I¡¯m driven out from Einfolk house, I won¡¯t forget it in just around one year.¡¹

    The question of Alterize who got down from the carriage was answered like that by Krulcifer with an ironic smile that didn¡¯t feel pious at all.

    Arterize leaked out a wry smile at that attitude while presenting something wrapped in cloth to Krulcifer.

    ¡¸This is the usual garment. I will wait here.¡¹

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go, Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes.¡¹

    Lux passed through the sanctuary¡¯s gate after Krulcifer.

    The inside had pillar and ceiling that were engraved with pictograph, made in a way that gave the feel of the history and the religious country¡¯s culture.

    The corridor that connected the building had long and narrow carpet laid out on the floor. The surrounding was illuminated dimly by lamps.

    While Lux was soaking himself in that unique atmosphere, Krulcifer feet suddenly stopped.

    ¡¸There is a waiting area if you go straight from here. My bad Lux-kun, but can you wait just for a bit there? Don¡¯t move as much as possible from there.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind but, why?¡¹

    ¡¸I have a bit of business. When it has been a long time since a believer entered the sanctuary, there is a lot of troublesome procedures to do.¡¹

    After saying that with a faint smile, Krulcifer walked toward a byway passage.

    Her back became more distant without even any time to call out to her.

    ¡¸So I guess for now, I just need to wait over there¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux headed toward the place that seemed to be the waiting place at the corridor, then there he sighed ¡®fuu¡¯ and sat down.

    The sanctuary at Ymir Theocracy was mainly a place for audience or ceremony. The number of guard there wasn¡¯t that many, but strange tension was hanging in the air.

    (Even so, is she okay I wonder, Krulcifer-san.)

    The reason Krulcifer was called back by Einfolk house still wasn¡¯t clear yet.

    The hidden past of the girl that was her origin from Ruin.

    It would be fine if Lux could become the strength of Krulcifer who was bound by that fact.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve to properly help Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    When he whispered to himself like that, suddenly he could hear the repeated sound of footsteps on the floor.

    ¡¸Big brother over there, are you worrying about something?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux turned around toward that voice, a small silhouette was standing there.

    A pure white robe without any stain was covering that petite body that was still childish.

    Under the veil of the same color covering her head, a lovely smile could be seen.

    It was a girl that was giving off sweetness like a white rose that had just only budded.

    ¡¸Ah, right¡­¡­a little bit. You are, a believer¡¯s child? Did you come here for praying?¡¹

    When Lux also responded like that with a smile, the girl nodded once.

    ¡¸Thaat¡¯s riight. I¡¯ve been praying here from quite some time ago. Big brother is a person from foreign country right? Should I show you around?¡¹

    The young girl suggested with a friendly smile.

    ¡¸No but, I¡¯m waiting here for a friend who I came with.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. We won¡¯t go for that long, we will be able to return soon, okay?¡¹

    The girl pulled at the sleeve of Lux¡¯s uniform with a spirited bright voice.

    In the end Lux lost against her pushing and he accompanied her just for a bit.

    The girl took Lux¡¯s hand and started walking in fast pace.

    And then she opened the door of a room that was slightly to the side of the passage that Krulcifer was heading to just now.

    ¡¸Then, first won¡¯t you try going in there?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ok¡­¡­¡¹

    Urged by the girl, Lux entered the room that he was shown.

    The cool room made from stone was dim, it was narrow like the passage.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Inside the long and narrow room, there was only one lamp. He couldn¡¯t even see a few mel ahead.

    Several shelves were lined up on the wall, and there was a small window at the opposite side with window bars in it.

    Deeper inside the room was a closed door. There was slight sound of water that he could hear.

    ¡¸Err, this place is©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Shh. Be quiet, we will be heard.¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head at the strange room¡¯s shape, the young girl put her index finger in front of her mouth.

    And then, she showed a vaguely mischievous smile and made Lux¡¯s hand held something.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eerr, what¡¯s this?¡¹

    While Lux was bewildered with the sensation of the fabric that was somewhat warm despite its smoothness, the young nun pointed at the barred window.

    ¡®Look over there¡¯, that must be what she meant.

    But, when Lux brought his face closer to that window, a hard to believe sight flew into his eyes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    He spontaneously doubted his eyes.

    The naked body of Krulcifer bathing in cold water was standing out in the dark background illuminated by lighting.

    Pupils of ice color that were tinged with gloominess. Transparent pure white thin fabric was clinging on her smooth skin that glistened.

    That was all her body wore, her lower body was naked.

    Her beautiful blue hair that was dripping with water, and her lean body line were also in full view. Despite that on the chest of her body that looked like there was no excess in a glance, a vivid swelling of flesh could be seen just slightly although it was smallish.

    That beautiful and sensual sight caused Lux¡¯s heartbeat to drum fiercely.

    (Wha-!? Wh, why©¤©¤!?)

    Lux suddenly noticed in surprise a moment later.

    It seemed that a devoted believer would clean their body at the entrance when they entered the sanctuary, rinsing out the filth of outside world.

    The bundle of cloth that Alterize handed over a while ago must be filled with the cloth for bathing.

    But, Lux¡¯s head was wrapped in chaos even now when he had reached that answer.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu¡¹

    At the other side of the window bar, a bewitching voice suddenly could be heard.

    (This is bad! Like this, I¡¯m peeping at Krulcifer-san will be©¤©¤)

    When Lux came to his senses and he was about to avert his gaze, the girl at the other side of the wall stirred.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Who!?¡¹

    Krulcifer raised a tense voice. Lux twitched and his body trembled.

    The piercing gaze of the girl stabbed him through the window bars.

    ¡¸Lux, kun¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you are mistaken Krulcifer-san!? Thi, this is, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m peeping, that¡¯s, I was just led here by accident©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux made excuse in great panic toward Krulcifer who was making a bewildered expression.

    The girl who was hiding her chest with both her hands was blushing red in shame while directing a reproachful eyes filled with resentment toward him.

    ¡¸I thought Lux-kun was a pervert and an underwear thief was only when you enrolled into Academy, but it seems that it¡¯s only my imagination.¡¹

    ¡¸Those are both misunderstandings you know!? I¡¯m saying the truth, I was only led here when someone was showing me around, it¡¯s not like I have any guilty conscience©¤©¤wait, that child isn¡¯t here-!?¡¹

    When he noticed and looked around, the figure of the nun who too Lux here was gone.

    When Krulcifer saw that with a chilly look, she let out an exasperated sigh ¡®haa¡¯.

    ¡¸Is that so? If possible I also want to believe Lux-kun, but unfortunately your persuasiveness seem to be nonexistence¡­¡­. First can I ask you to let go of that thing inside your hand?¡¹

    When Lux turned his face down just as he was told, his own hand entered his sight.

    What his sight that was used to the darkness could see, was his hand that was clutching a light green underwear tightly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, don¡¯t tell me this is Krulcifer-san¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s blood flow accelerated drastically and his heart was pulsating as though it was jumping in his chest.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry-!? The, then-©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux yelled as though screaming while letting go of the underwear and exited the room.

    Thinking back now, what he entered was the dressing room for the bathing. What¡¯s more©¤©¤it was the room for girl.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­, why!? Why is something like this©¤©¤!¡¹

    He was oozing out torrent of sweat even inside the chilly sanctuary.

    Lux returned to the sofa at the passage with waiting area, and when he was immersed in confusion.

    ¡¸I wonder if you could see heaven? Hell is waiting right after it though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? You are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A voice could be heard suddenly, the nun from before appeared in front of him.

    The attitude of the childish sweet girl was a complete change from before, she was spotting an evil smirk.

    But, the reason of Lux¡¯s surprise wasn¡¯t just that.

    He had seen the girl¡¯s face and impression before.

    Before he could recall it, the girl herself shed light of her true identity.

    She took off her robe and veil, and a figure wearing chic black dress appeared.

    Wavy platinum hair, and self-assured grin that contained unshakeable confidence.

    One of the Seven Dragon Paladins he met at Wanheim Principality©¤©¤The Subjugator, Mel Gizalut.

    ¡¸Why, are you here©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously blurted out. In respond Mel smiled innocently.

    ¡¸My, I am the Seven Dragon Paladins of Ymir Theocracy you know? There is nothing strange for me to go in and out the local sanctuary here right?¡¹

    There was no vestiges of the cherubic girl until just now, instead she was even tinged with vaguely bewitching, glamorous atmosphere.

    Therefore, Lux¡¯s doubt melted away.

    The incident just now, was him getting thoroughly set up by this girl.

    ¡¸Even the Black Hero of the new kingdom is unexpectedly nothing much. Or else, are you just indulgent against children I wonder? For you to be that easily getting caught by this kind of classic trick.¡¹

    ¡¸Wh, why did you do something like©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was bewildered by the chuckling Mel, the girl stood on her tiptoes and peered into Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Hey, I wonder, how far is your relationship with Krulcifer has progressed?¡¹

    The girl suddenly asked such thing.

    ¡¸E, even if you ask me such thing, that¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    Even while mumbling unclearly, Lux answered that question inside his heart.

    A girl who was his really important friend.

    Starting since he played the role as her lover, he was building a good relationship with her even after that.

    As though seeing through inside the heart of such Lux, Mel brought her face even closer.

    ¡¸Hmmm. It looks like you two are still not properly lovers. Although you don¡¯t look like you are that dissatisfied with that.¡¹

    ¡¸Lo, lovers? It¡¯s not like, I and Krulcifer-san are©¤©¤¡¹

    Having that pointed out caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat and his face reddened. It was then,

    ¡¸Then, how about I help you to reconcile with her?¡¹

    Mel¡¯s expression suddenly burst into a smile that was typical for a children and she told him that.

    ¡¸When Krulcifer return, I¡¯ll defense you about the matter of your peeking. I¡¯ll tell her that it wasn¡¯t intentional, but an unfortunate accident.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, helpful but©¤©¤¡­¡­wait, in the first place that¡¯s your trap right!?¡¹

    ¡¸Just, there is a condition if you want me to do that. Can you teach me that Krulcifer¡¯s weakness? Anything is fine so can you tell me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Those unexpected words from Mel caused Lux to reflexively tilted his head.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what do you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no particularly deep meaning. And, what will you do?¡¹

    The temptation of the girl that was like a little devil¡¯s invitation.

    But, after hesitating slightly, Lux decided his answer.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know anything like that, so I cannot answer you. Let¡¯s leep this a secret from Krulcifer.¡¹

    Lux turned down the offer clearly, but Mel too didn¡¯t show any shred of agitation and scoffed.

    ¡¸That¡¯s what I thought you will say. But, I wonder if your excuse will be able to persuade that girl.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m planning to frame it as though it¡¯s wholly your fault you know? I understand that half of it is my own fault.¡¹

    Lux was reflecting not just from getting tricked, but also about his own act of carelessly walking around.

    In regard to that, he could only apologize sincerely.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, it¡¯s, I cannot say anything about weakness. But can you just tell me one thing? You, what is your relationship with Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    Einfolk house was a distinguished family of great noble in Ymir Theocracy.

    And then, Lux predicted that Mel¡¯s Gizalut house was likely also in the same level.

    But, Lux couldn¡¯t see here as simply Krulcifer¡¯s aristocrat rival.

    ¡¸Hee¡¹

    The eyes of Mel who saw Lux¡¯s reaction slightly widened in surprise.

    ¡¸So you won¡¯t sell me out? Besides, it also looks like you aren¡¯t just a simple pacifist who avoided rocking the boat aren¡¯t you? For you to keep that woman¡¯s secret and probe out me instead.¡¹

    The more Lux talked with this girl named Mel, the more he understood the deep of her thought.

    If he got tricked by his young appearance, it felt like he would meet a painful experience.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like we are making a deal©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter gentleman-san. I want to teach you the answer in deference to your interestingness, but you can just ask it from Krulcifer later. I hate explaining it or even hearing it after all.¡¹

    Mel showed a smile with deep implication before she turned her gaze to behind Lux.

    When Lux turned around, there Krulcifer was standing with a somewhat conflicted expression.

    ¡¸Then see you later~. Lux-oniichan!¡¹

    Mel left along with an innocent smile.

    After that only Lux and Krulcifer were left behind with awkward air between them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A few seconds of silence.

    ¡¸Kru, Krulcifer-san!? That¡¯s, just now, eerr©¤©¤¡¹

    While Lux was worrying about how to apologize, Krulcifer brushed up her hair with her usual cool-looking face.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s leave that matter for later. Let¡¯s quickly go. His eminence the pope should be waiting.¡¹

    She told Lux that calmly and started walking on the floor of the sanctuary.

    Lux too slowly followed behind her after a moment of hesitation.

    Part 2

    ¡¸Krulcifer of Einfolk house, and you are the aforementioned Lux Arcadia of the Seven Dragon Paladins. How admirable for the two of you to visit this land in this chance. Coming from afar through a long journey must be arduous.¡¹

    The audience hall was decorated with angle sculpture and radiant stained glass.

    While guards of Drag-Knights that were called as Sanctuary Knight Order and three bishops were standing at the side, Lux was handing offer the letter from Queen Raffi while greeting Pope Nias.

    (This person is, his eminence the pope of Ymir Theocracy¡­¡­?)

    He had heard the rumor, but Lux couldn¡¯t hide his surprise inside his heart.

    ¡¸There is no need for consideration. God should be equally generous to all the people. You can be at ease.¡¹

    The one who told Lux like that very formal tone was a young boy of very young age.

    Although his appearance was wearing a robe for ceremony use, his whole body looked like really weighty even after the dress had been modified for children use.

    Of course, Lux had no intention to make light of him just because he was young.

    Just, Pope Nias smiled, perhaps because he guessed Lux¡¯s bewilderment.

    ¡¸Have you listen to the rumor about I? Well, it¡¯s just as you see, I have only take over after the previous pope. I¡¯m not good at difficult talk. Because of that, Orphel, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    The one who bowed reverently and walked forward was one of the bishops who was the pope¡¯s close aide standing by at the back.

    She was a young beautiful female with intellectual look.

    He heard she was a person of character who seemed to be of help for Krulcifer in the past and also had close relationship with Mel too.

    ¡¸Well then, please allow me to briefly talk about the Pilgrimage Festival that will start from tomorrow and about the matter that have us call you two here.¡¹

    With that preface, the bishop Orphel started talking about the circumstance this time.

    First the pilgrimage, the visiting route would be different according to the believer¡¯s rank, and the route that the pope whose rank was the highest among the believers would take was the most dangerous route.

    The reason was because the route would graze right beside the fourth Ruin, the Hall.

    Even at the best of time Abyss would still appear from Ruin, and yet recently that number of appearance was also increasing.

    Thus, until now the elites of Sanctuary Knight Order that consisted of Drag-Knight would accompany the pope with a lot of guards.

    But, taking into account of the recent year¡¯s situation where warmonger called Dragon Marauder was secretly maneuvering, there was also no way they could neglect the country¡¯s defense just for the sake of pilgrimage.

    In order to make the pope¡¯s pilgrimage ended smoothly while still leaving behind combat force that could oppose any threat, it was thought that reinforcement of excellent Drag-Knight was indispensable.

    ¡¸So, that means©¤©¤¡¹

    Pope Nias nodded right away at Krulcifer who muttered that.

    ¡¸Correct. My accompaniment for the pilgrimage this time will be the elites of Sanctuary Knight Order and Mel Gizalut of Seven Dragon Paladins. And then Krulcifer, you too are included.¡¹

    Even if it was a dangerous route where it would pass near the Ruin, if there was a force that included two users of Divine Drag-Ride serving as guard, then they would be able to oppose any opposition without problem.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s the plan so far, but we wish to make an additional request. Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux Arcadia. Can we ask you to also accompany the pilgrimage of his preeminence the pope?¡¹

    The words that Orphel said next caused Lux to stiffen slightly.

    If asked whether it was unexpected, it was an unexpected talk.

    Currently Lux came only with the intention of accompanying Krulcifer.

    But Seven Dragon Paladins was originally created in order for cooperation against the threat of Abyss and Dragon Marauder.

    Ymir Theocracy too had no reason to hesitate for requesting cooperation.

    ¡¸Of course, Ymir will pay the compensation through the new kingdom. Besides, just by receiving this guard duty for the pilgrimage, you will be given positive evaluation as a Drag-Knight. How about it?¡¹

    Raising his World RankWorld Grade Rank and through that increasing his influence inside the Seven Dragon Paladins was also one of Lux¡¯s objectives.

    In that case, he had no reason to refuse.

    ¡¸Understood. Please allow me to accompany the pilgrimage too.¡¹

    ¡¸Oo! As expected from the representative of our allied country. You can ask about the detail of the schedule to Orphel. Then, I will be relying on you from tomorrow onward.¡¹

    After Pope Nias spoke expressing his delight, the meeting was closed.

    By the way, the archbishop with highest rank next after Pope Nias seemed to be unable to come out because of sickness.

    After that, Lux was told about the specific of the arrangements from Bishop Orphel in different room before he left the sanctuary for the present.

    Perhaps because the sun too would soon set, the air felt colder than before and Lux shivered lightly©¤©¤then.

    ¡¸You will quickly freeze if you are forcing yourself to endure in this country you know?¡¹

    Suddenly a cape was put *pofu-* on Lux¡¯s head from the side.

    The fluffy sensation from the fur seemed to be something Krulcifer prepared in advance in anticipation of this situation.

    Lux was relieved from the girl¡¯s consideration while he recalled about the peeping incident.

    ¡¸Ah, Krulcifer-san. That, about the matter from before©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to apologize anymore. It¡¯s not like I was angry about it, I was just embarrassed that¡¯s why¡­¡­¡¹

    Saying that, Krulcifer¡¯s cheeks reddened slightly while she walked ahead.

    In front of the sanctuary, Alterize was waiting with the horse carriage.

    ¡¸After that, I also secretly listened to the conversation between Lux-kun and Mel.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, uh, right.¡¹

    Krulcifer was still looking vaguely dissatisfied, but Lux was relieved that he was forgiven.

    On the other hand, Krulcifer was still averting her blushing face from Lux.

    ¡¸Rather than that, it was embarrassing that my unprepared side got seen by you¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl whispered like that to herself with a small voice that couldn¡¯t be heard even by Lux who was beside her.

    They had just gone through a long travel, no, it couldn¡¯t be said to be that long but it still took almost the whole day. The underwear she was wearing all that time that she had finished wearing and left to be washed was taken into Lux¡¯s hand and it got seen by him.

    She believed that it wasn¡¯t that dirty, even so she couldn¡¯t help but pretend to be angry.

    ¡¸I wonder if I¡¯m thinking that I don¡¯t want my embarrassing side to be seen more than before¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer suddenly muttered with a small voice while climbing into the horse carriage.

    Their schedule for tomorrow was settled, but there was one more trial that would come after this.

    The homecoming after about a year and a half to Krulcifer¡¯s home©¤©¤the Einfolk house.

    An exhale that was slightly tinged with nervousness vanished into the empty air that was dyed white.

    ¡¸So, in the end even headmaster was staying quiet? A matter this important©¤©¤¡¹

    At the same time, in the evening.

    At the Cross Field of the new kingdom, in the headmaster office of the Academy, several girls were intruding inside.

    Because today was the holiday for the anniversary of the academy¡¯s establishment, Relie too originally should be resting, but only for today she remained inside the headmaster office and put a wry smile in front of her desk.

    ¡¸I understand that you are shocked that Lux-kun vanished, but it¡¯s not like I have any ill will in this matter.¡¹

    In front of her wasn¡¯t just Lisha who was making a dissatisfied face.

    Celistia, Philuffy, Airi, in addition of even the members of Triad, almost all of the main members of Syvalles were gathering at the same time for some reason.

    The matter of Lux traveling to Ymir Theocracy without any previous notice.

    They were unable to accept it just by hearing the verbal message from Yoruka¡¯s mouth, and they intruded until the place of Relie who knew about the situation.

    Like that what they were told from Relie¡¯s mouth was that originally Lux and Krulcifer were planning to depart from the new kingdom at today¡¯s night, not yesterday.

    It seemed that originally he planned to say goodbye to everyone before departing, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haa, in short we got deceived by Krulcifer-san¡¯s plan isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Airi muttered while letting out a deep sigh that was mixed with resgination.

    ¡¸Thinking back now, that opinion is highly possible.¡¹

    Relie replied lightly like that and continued the explanation.

    If Lux escorted Krulcifer who was ordered to return home, there was a possibility that Lisha and others would try to follow and drastically reduced the defensive force of Cross Field.

    Therefore, she wished to depart without telling anyone until the very last second. ©¤©¤That was Krulcifer¡¯s original stance on the surface.

    But, a deviation of a day occurred at the day before the scheduled day. Noticing that the two departed in hurry without even any time to say goodbye to everyone. Lux then hurriedly entrusted a verbal message to Yoruka©¤©¤that was the circumstances of this case.

    ¡¸She was totally planning it. Krulcifer missy too is really shrewd.¡¹

    ¡¸Wee-ll, it¡¯s really like her though.¡¹

    Tillfur responded to Sharis¡¯s smile, and Noct nodded at the end wordlessly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, the decider is that woman huh.¡¹

    And then Lisha glared at the corner of the room. The gazes of everyone present gathered there then.

    The girl who was unusually wearing the academy¡¯s uniform©¤©¤, Kirihime Yoruka was standing there.

    ¡¸I was simply following Aruji-sama¡¯s order.¡¹

    Yoruka floated a bright smile and lightly turned aside the gazes.

    But, Lisha walked rapidly before her eyes and then she stood in front of her while folding her arms.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I wanted to ask this since some time ago, what do you think about Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸My apologies, but my principle is not to think about troublesome thing.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s attitude was unchanged even in respond to that question.

    ¡¸My long cherished desire is to live for the sake of Aruji-sama and die as a tool. I already accomplished conveying the verbal message, so I¡¯m intending to pass my time quietly just like I¡¯m told.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Irritating. It makes me astounded asking this so called servant.¡¹

    Lisha who heard that pouted her lips in dissatisfaction and she pointed with her index finger.

    ¡¸You thinking that it¡¯s fine to just listen to the instruction like that conversely mean that you don¡¯t have any interest whatsoever to Lux right? Because you¡¯re like that you got caught in Krulcifer¡¯s scheme. As a Drag-Knight you are fairly strong, but at the inside where it¡¯s matter you are hollow huh.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s troubling. I don¡¯t happen to have any words in hand to reply back to that kind of emotional argument.¡¹

    ¡¸We-ll, in short Lisha-sama is saying ¡ºEven though you also like Lux, and yet don¡¯t you get pissed of that you got tricked by Krulcifer?¡», like that. She isn¡¯t being mean, so don¡¯t let it get to you okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-!? Do, don¡¯t interpret it strangely as you pleased!? Pu, putting that aside. Now that I know Lux¡¯s location, starting from now I¡¯ll also go to Ymir The©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate but, you cannot do that. Though I feel bad for everyone.¡¹

    When Relie said that while smiling wryly, Lisha straightened her back and puffed her chest.

    ¡¸Lux is my exclusive knight you know!? That¡¯s enough reason for me to accompany him right!?¡¹

    ¡¸No, even I cannot permit that. You who are the princess leaving your own country should be avoided as long as there is no very pressing reason is what I think.¡¹

    Celis cut in and remonstrated Lisha.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸And so, I who am an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins judge that I should go to check his condition.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, wait a second!? You are planning to go!?¡¹

    ¡¸At the very least, I think that I am suitable for that duty though?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, I thought that it will become like this.¡¹

    Relie smiled in exasperation and stared at the scene while supporting her cheek with her hand.

    If there was even one person trying to go to where Lux was, the other girls would obviously raise their hand wanting to go too.

    Looking at this situation, then Krulcifer¡¯s decision to depart without anyone knowing might actually be the correct course of action.

    (¡­¡­But, it¡¯s nice being young isn¡¯t  it.)

    Being true to one¡¯s own desire, or perhaps she should call it crashing their honest feeling against each other, Relie thought of their figure that was like that as charming.

    Having said that, currently she was an adult. She was in the position as a headmaster.

    Originally it wasn¡¯t in Relie¡¯s principle to suppress down this situation, but she had to fulfill her responsibility here.

    ¡¸That¡¯s enough everyone. I forbid anyone to follow after them in the matter this time. Surely all of you are dissatisfied, but I¡¯ll take the role to be the hated figure here. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    When Relie was going to conclude it with such firm tone,

    ¡¸I also, didn¡¯t know.¡¹

    From the side, Philuffy suddenly muttered shortly with a serious face.

    ¡¸Err, that, Phi¡­¡­?¡¹

    Hearing the words of the little sister she doted on, Relie reacted timidly.

    ¡¸I also didn¡¯t hear anything from Nee-chan. Even though I promised, with Lu-chan to go to a new crepe shop today.¡¹

    Inside that apathetic expression and tone, the presence of clear dissatisfaction could be sensed.

    That was a blunt attitude for Philuffy who was originally poor at expressing her emotion. Even Relie was bewildered against that.

    ¡¸Wha, what you are saying is also reasonable but, ca, can you endure it only for this time?¡¹

    Relie tried to soothe Philuffy somehow with a smile, but Philuffy turned her face away with ¡®puih¡¯.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy kept her face averted from the petrified Relie and she didn¡¯t even twitch with her expression staying serious.

    After a bizarre silence flowed for a few seconds, before long Philuffy muttered a few words.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I hate, Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Relie heard that, her face that was usually quite indifferent turned pale.

    She hurriedly approached in front of Philuffy, then she talked to her with trembling voice.

    ¡¸Yo, you see. Thi, this can¡¯t be helped you know? This is also unexpected for me. As expected, chasing after Lux-kun from now will be impossible, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, as expected Philuffy averted her face with ¡®puih¡¯ once more while her serious face didn¡¯t change.

    Relie who saw that stiffened as though she was turned into stone, then a few second later she folded.

    ¡¸I, I understand! I, I¡¯ll at least try negotiating something! Even if it¡¯s impossible for everyone to go, at the very least I¡¯ll make it so that Philuffy can go to Ymir Theocracy! That¡¯s why, don¡¯t hate Onee-chan!¡¹

    After saying that Relie returned to her desk and began to write up letter hurriedly.

    ¡¸Just what happened with that role to be the hated figure¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Or rather, that airhead girl, isn¡¯t she actually really calculating¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis muttered dumbfounded, followed by Lisha responding like that with a conflicted face.

    Although, from the view point of the national defense, it was hard to imagine that this situation could be overturned that simply.

    ¡¸I too need to think for a reason so that I can go somehow. Oi eroerotic woman, is there anything else that you know?¡¹

    While Lisha was asking Yoruka like that, Airi and Triad members were staring at that commotion.

    ¡¸¡­¡­By the way, this is just in case. But if they are able to go to Ymir, can we also go along with them I wonder. Look, we will be like extra assistants or something!¡¹

    ¡¸No. You can think of it as definitely impossible. Or rather, you should hide your true intention a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but giving up. Well, I too will be lying if I say that I don¡¯t want to at least show my face.¡¹

    Tillfur said jokingly, but Noct and Sharis easily admonished her.

    Inside the headmaster office that was filled with the tumult of the girls, Airi sighed with reproachful gaze.

    ¡¸Everyone, are really a pain isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone had the position as aristocrat in their own way, and they were also outstanding and powerful Drag-Knight. And yet, when it came to Lux, they were like children.

    (Well, there won¡¯t be any persuasiveness even if I say anything though.)

    She had no skill to control Drag-Knight despite her aptitude for it. In a sense that might be fortunate.

    She was putting up a calm front but, actually she was the one who was the most©¤©¤wanting to meet her big brother Lux.

    (I¡¯m also, a pain as a little sister¡­¡­)

    Airi whispered inside her heart and stared once more at the commotion before her eyes.

    The situation was slowly moving in the new kingdom too.

    On the other side, at the holy capital of Ymir Theocracy where the sun almost set.

    Lux stopped by at an inn together with Krulcifer and prepared for their visit to Einfolk house.

    The home of Krulcifer who was a daughter of a count was at another territory, but in day like this where the day when there would be a ceremony was close, the family would move into their secondary residence in the holy capital.

    First Lux and Krulcifer put their appearance in order as the preliminary arrangements before visiting that house.

    Normally he had close relationship with the girls at the academy like with Lisha or Philuffy, so he almost forgot, but the arrangement of noble was basically troublesome.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yosh, something like this is fine I think?¡¹

    Lux who changed from the academy uniform into a black dress suit looked at the mirror while whispering.

    This attire was also something Krulcifer prepared for him, but it looked excessively expensive, so he didn¡¯t dare to ask the price.

    This kind of full dress reminded him completely of his time as a member of the old empire¡¯s imperial family. For Lux he also felt a bit not used to it but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Can you show your appearance to me too? Let¡¯s check each other¡¯s attire.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    The voice that Lux suddenly heard caused him to look beside him in panic.

    Krulcifer wearing graceful dress with her shoulders slightly visible was standing there.

    The black fabric that gave the impression of elegance smoothness made her white skin to look even more prominent. A small silverwork accompanied her as a reserved decoration.

    While it was an outfit with few showiness, it didn¡¯t harm the intelligent charm she possessed at all.

    No matter how he looked at her, she looked completely like a count¡¯s daughter.

    ¡¸It has been a long time since I returned home, that¡¯s why I¡¯m worried whether I¡¯m wearing this well.¡¹

    After saying that, Krulcifer coolly brushed up her hair. Seeing that, Lux unconsciously became dazed.

    Lux noticed that she was looking for his impression and he raised his voice in hurry.

    ¡¸It really suit you, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Thank you. But, as for you it¡¯s still coming a bit short.¡¹

    Krulcifer approached Lux who was smiling awkwardly and she slowly brought her face closer.

    Lux was bewildered seeing that bewitching smile brought closer to him.

    ¡¸Wai-, Krr, Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    Their lips would touch with just one more push©¤©¤it was a distance where their chest almost clung to each other.

    The moment Lux became aware of the nice smell of her hair, her slender fingers touched Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸Uwah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Come on, don¡¯t move. Your collar is slightly off.¡¹

    With just a single whisper, Krulcifer stole Lux¡¯s movement ability.

    After slightly pinching the chest part of his shirt, she lightly adjusted its shape.

    ¡¸Okay, I¡¯m finished. With this you too became a really cool prince.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, thank you¡­¡­¡¹

    He thought that it was a bit exaggerated, but he didn¡¯t feel bad getting praised by her. His face turned completely red.

    (Wait, isn¡¯t this, aren¡¯t our position reversed here¡­¡­?)

    When they became alone together, Krulcifer led him around by the nose just like always.

    But perhaps it was thanks to that both of them could relax somewhat from their tension.

    While he was thinking that, Krulcifer suddenly turned her back toward him.

    ¡¸My, it¡¯s a bad hobby to peek you know, Alterize.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no-!? I¡¯m coming only to take a look at the situation!¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s teasing caused the female butler looking at the two of them from the corridor to respond in panic.

    ¡¸I, it will soon be the time for the visit. If we are too late in coming, it will become time for dinner.¡¹

    Alterize awkwardly averted her eyes from the two with her cheeks still faintly blushing.

    The girl had an image as a steady bulter, but it seemed she was estranged from the matter of romance.

    ¡¸If you are jealous, how about you also find a lover?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true, I¡¯m arranged to have marriage interview someday and then marry anyway, so I¡¯ll refrain from that.¡¹

    After saying that with red face, Alterize exited the inn and headed to the horse carriage.

    After that only Lux and Krulcifer were left behind.

    ¡¸Come to think of it Krulcifer-san. How did you tell about the matter of us two to your family?¡¹

    Lux asked because Alterize¡¯s reaction when the world ¡®lover¡¯ was said caught his attention.

    A few months ago, in order to avoid an undesirable engagement, Krulcifer requested Lux to play the role as her lover.

    The act itself went well and her engagement with Balzeride of the four great nobles was discarded, but at that occasion, Alterize misunderstood that Krulcifer was engaged to Lux.

    In the end, in regard to that matter it was ambiguous until now, but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer was thinking with a serious look for a full few seconds which was rare for her, and then,

    ¡¸There is no use for you to be bothered by such trivial thing. Now, let¡¯s go.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait!? That¡¯s a really important problem you know!? Just what is going on with our relationship!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun want me to say such embarrassing thing from my mouth huh. As long as we understand each other¡¯s feeling, it doesn¡¯t matter what other people call our relationship right?¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you trying to conclude it with nice sounding words like that!? At the very least my question here isn¡¯t going through you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun, do you hate me?¡¹

    Suddenly Krulcifer¡¯s tone fell and she showed a serious face.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Her ice colored pupils that were tinged with gloominess shook in loneliness and moistened.

    Lux who saw that felt slight pain in his chest.

    He hurriedly shook his head on the spot.

    ¡¸N, no such thing at all! There is no way I¡¯ll ever hate Krulcifer-san©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux immediately said that with serious face, Krulcifer chuckled and walked away.

    ¡¸I see, thank you. I also like you Lux-kun. Then let¡¯s ride the horse carriage now that you understand.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s reaching out hand wandered in empty air and stiffened.

    He was completely, played¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Also Lux-kun. A warning for you, you are a bit too soft-hearted. That¡¯s also your good side but, you should at least be careful right after getting tricked by Mel.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s cruel! Krulcifer-san!¡¹

    Lux spontaneously yelled in respond to her teasing smile.

    Alterize who was made to wait under the cold weather was staring at them with reproachful gaze.

    After that the horse carriage ran for a few minutes, then before long it moved out from the bulky townscape made of stone into an area where a lot of houses modeled after church could be seen.

    Most likely it was the residential area where believers with deep faith were living.

    Inside a ground that was conspicuously large even in that area, there was a palatial residence.

    ¡¸In order to defend against cold, it was built with corridor established at the outer side, so it¡¯s not as spacious as the appearance suggest.¡¹

    Krulcifer added such explanation, but Lux thought that the building was huge even after taking that into account.

    It was a three storey residence with overlapping pointing roofs that were slanted diagonally, perhaps in order to let the piling up snow fell.

    The second floor had more window than the first floor, must be because when the winter came the snow would bury them.

    This was the Einfolk house that was a distinguished family of Ymir Theocracy. It was said that it also had deep connection with Sanctuary Knight Order that was the army of the country.

    Even while feeling like he would be swallowed by nervousness, Lux passed through the gate together with Krulcifer.

    ¡¸We have been waiting for your arrival Ojou-sama. The family head is presently waiting.¡¹

    When they entered inside the residence, two maids welcomed them.

    The living room they were taken to had beautiful furniture and furnishings lining up, and flame was blazing brightly inside the hearth.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve returned home, Otou-samafather. Are you in good health?¡¹

    Krulcifer bowed respectfully and said that.

    Krulcifer didn¡¯t give the impression that her relation with her family was going well, so Lux was anxious inside his heart, but for the time being her father was responding calmly.

    ¡¸Aa, my daughter, I¡¯ve put you through some trouble at this chance.¡¹

    A man in his prime with a moustache growing©¤©¤Stiyl Einfolk was the head of the house and also her adopted father.

    His stern and sharp gaze was just as expected from the head of a military family.

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Krulcifer-san¡¯s classmate and the Seven Dragon Paladins of the new kingdom, Lux Arcadia. I will be in your care in this time.¡¹

    After Lux also made a formal greeting, the people of Einfolk family, the other family members who also came to the capital at the present showed their face.

    The one who introduced himself as the eldest son, Zain, if he had to be represented with few words, then he was a typical noble heir.

    His looks was well ordered, but he looked vaguely feeble and clad with an atmosphere that gave the hint of gloominess.

    To say positively, he looked stoic which was becoming for a Sanctuary Knight Order, but obstinacy which was lacking of adaptability could also be felt.

    The third daughter, Yunifa had a good manner and also ladylike image, but her smile was somewhat formal, making one conscious of her mask as a noble daughter.

    The fourth daughter Irma was silent and obedient. She gave the impression as a girl who had led sheltered life.

    It seemed there were still another three people who were of direct family, but the family members who were spending their time in the capital for the Pilgrimage Festival this time were only everyone here.

    Because of Lux¡¯s status as a former prince of the old empire, added with his rough livelihood that spanned for five years, he was used with getting attention, but even so he was quiet nervous.

    Just, the gaze they were watching him with felt more like pure curiosity rather than appraising him.

    ¡¸So you are Lux Arcadia. I have heard of you from our butler Alterize. I heard that you are an excellent Drag-Knight, and you have deep relationship with the daughters of important nobles of the new kingdom even with your status as criminal.¡¹

    When everyone¡¯s self-introduction was finished, the family head Stiyl called out to him.

    Alterize who served as the connecting pipe between Krulcifer and Einfolk house was endorsing the matter of Lux positively to the house.

    But,

    ¡¸However, excuse my rudeness, but I cannot see you as someone who is possessing the quality as high as the report that I received. There is also your status as criminal, and your quality as Drag-Knight too, I heard that you had only just get promoted into Middle Class. About how you were appointed as the Seven Dragon Paladins of the new kingdom too, I suspected that there is more to it behind the scene.¡¹

    He was doubting that Lux¡¯s position was received not from real skill, but because the princess Lizsharte who Lux was close with was making arrangements, so perhaps everything was just some kind of political move.

    Lux didn¡¯t particularly harbor any animosity against Stiyl¡¯s accusation itself.

    After all in the first place, seen from the side Lux¡¯s position was just too peculiar.

    Currently he was a former imperial family member of the old empire that should have the role to be hated, the criminal of the new kingdom.

    At the same time in the new kingdom, he received the royal order of the princess and obtained special status and post.

    There was something behind that strange chain of event©¤©¤it was only natural for anyone to be cautious like that.

    But, Alterize who endorsed Lux as fianc¨¦ candidate immediately raised her voice to object.

    ¡¸My lord, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s impolite Alterize. Right now father is in the middle of talking.¡¹

    The eldest son Zain stopped her like that and Alterize shut her mouth.

    In exchange, Krulcifer beside Lux lifted her face.

    ¡¸Is that so? But Otou-sama, it will be troubling if you cannot believe it just because you didn¡¯t see the process after driving me away out of sight. If Otou-sama has dissatisfaction toward him, then can I ask you to please say it clearly?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Stiyl kept silent against the objection of the girl that was calm to the end.

    In a glance, this was a confrontation of a distinguished noble father and his adopted daughter.

    Only looking to that extent, there wasn¡¯t anything particularly strange from this scene, but Lux became bothered by a certain thing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Excuse me, Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    Lux dropped his tone until the very limit and whispered toward Krulcifer-san beside him.

    ¡¸What is it Lux-kun? Right now I¡¯m in the middle of war, so if possible please postpone it for later.¡¹

    Seeing how she immediately responded back like that with a small voice, it seemed that she still had composure.

    ¡¸About that, from hearing the flow of the talk, could it be they are misunderstanding, that I am still Krulcifer-san¡¯s fianc¨¦e?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer fell silent with serious expression still fixed on her face.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not misunderstanding. Because I made it so they perceived it like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a second!? Krulcifer-san!¡¹

    Lux reflexively yelled when she said that without hesitation. The father Stiyl and the eldest brother Zain slightly glared at Lux who acted like that.

    Lux who noticed the glares hurriedly closed his mouth.

    The two little sisters were watching over the course of events acting like it was unrelated to them.

    Inside the oppressive air, only the crackling sound from the hearth continued to fill the air.

    (¡­¡­Is it as I thought, that Krulcifer-san¡¯s relationship with her family isn¡¯t really good? But)

    ¡®What¡¯s with this atmosphere¡­¡­?¡¯, Lux felt something strangely out of place.

    First, even though they disregarded the adopted daughter who was discovered inside the Ruin, their attitude was slightly too strict. And second©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You have heard about the talk of you accompanying his eminence the pope¡¯s pilgrimage as guard haven¡¯t you? Including you and Zain, there are several names from our Einfolk house who are members of Sanctuary Knight Order who will participate too.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. He too will participate in it as Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    When Krulcifer answered like that, Stiyl nodded and continued.

    ¡¸I see, if that¡¯s the case then the talk will be quick. If he really have that much caliber and skill, then I want to have you raise an achievement to a certain degree as guard in this pilgrimage.¡¹

    ¡¸What does that mean?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s exactly as it sound. Looking from the state of the Ruin in these recent years, in the pilgrimage route that his eminence will follow, Abyss will surely appear. If you can obtain meritorious deeds and raise achievement there as a member of Einfolk house, I will listen to some of your willfulness. It will also become a chance to understand the true strength of him who help you.¡¹

    The letter that called Krulcifer back this time was for the sake of the guard mission for the pilgrimage.

    And then, in addition there was the talk that demanded Krulcifer and also Lux to make some accomplishment.

    It was too much of a businesslike demand for this family reunion after a long time.

    Even so Krulcifer¡¯s calm expression didn¡¯t crumble.

    ¡¸Does that mean, that this is the last job before I¡¯m driven off as nuisance? It can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Lux-kun. I¡¯ve made you accompany me for this long talk. Then, please excuse us for the moment. Guide him to his room, Alterize.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes-!¡¹

    A short pause later, Alterize moved with an anxious look.

    Without pause they exited the living room and headed to the third floor. Lux was shown to the guest room he was assigned to.

    Lux parted with Krulcifer and others for the moment until dinner and he took rest.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    First he put down his luggage inside the room. Then he sighed lightly.

    Looking once more, he thought that it was a nice room.

    Furniture were put insde the space that was moderately spacious. The large bed with feather blanket on it was also pleasant.

    The room had also been cleaned, he didn¡¯t find a single dust.

    But, as expected when he thought back of the exchange just now, he couldn¡¯t really relax.

    ¡¸Raise achievement as guard in the pilgrimage, and obtain meritorious deed in this chance, huh¡­¡­¡¹

    By the time they visited the sanctuary, he could imagine that the reason Krulcifer was called back most likely was also for being the pope¡¯s guard.

    However, inside Lux there was still something that bothered him.

    The reason of the coldness from the Einfolk house¡¯s family members, was that the only reason he wondered.

    Because Krulcifer was an adopted daughter whose origin was from the Ruin.

    And then because as a Drag-Knight, she possessed outstanding talent that stood out from the crowd even among Einfolk house.

    Perhaps those were the reasons.

    However, he felt like those weren¡¯t the only reason.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Or rather, in the end, what¡¯s going on about the matter of the engagement with me!?¡¹

    As soon as the dinner was finished, he had to ask Krulcifer about it. Lux thought so, but Lux had the premonition that she would say this and that and gave him the slip, which caused him to be at his wits¡¯ end.

    *katsun, katsun*

    Footsteps echoed inside a dark corridor.

    After getting down a stone stair, an open space spread out ahead.

    Inside the room that was surrounded by countless bookshelves, a large table and numerous experiment utensils were lined up in fixed order.

    The new kingdom¡¯s Cross Field. This was the laboratory existing underground the library inside the academy¡¯s ground.

    ¡¸Having a meeting in this kind of tasteless room, I¡¯m really looked down here huh. I was having expectation because this is a reunion after several years, but I wonder if Aingram conglomerate is declining?¡¹ (TN: The person here is using ¡®washi¡¯ to refer to herself. ¡®Washi¡¯ is usually used by elderly males. Anyone who read Magika, Futsunushi no Kami also used ¡®washi¡¯)

    It was the room where Lux and Airi once received explanation regarding the horn flute.

    There, Relie Aingram and a girl were standing side by side.

    ¡¸I really wish to give you the proper hospitality, but unfortunately I also really cannot do that. Especially in the recent years, we don¡¯t know where the enemy might be.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Dragon Marauder huh, what a really troublesome bunch. Thanks to them the price of things are fluctuating furiously. My business is also in a bad state.¡¹

    ¡¸That kind of glib talk won¡¯t work with me you know? You must have predicted emergency demands in that kind of field already since a long time ago anyway, right about now you are making a killing right?¡¹

    ¡¸What a terrible woman. Even though I am merely protecting my beloved company.¡¹

    The girl©¤©¤no, she looked young, but she was a blooming female with almost the same age like Reiri, she who responded like that grinned widely with a predatory smile.

    A part of her blond hair that was tinged orange was formed into a loop. It was a characteristic hair style.

    Regardless, it really suited the atmosphere of the girl who possessed both dignity and also pretense without anything feeling out of place.

    She wore stacked up fabric of black and red with golden embroidery, while several small pouches were fastened around her waist.

    It was a custom made attire that stressed beauty while also endowed with the beauty of function.

    A bizarre appearance that looked like the combination of noble daughter¡¯s attire and the work clothes of merchant.

    What was standing out from amidst that appearance was the sword belt of Sword Device carried on her waist.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, today what kind of ulterior motive you have, catching this world¡¯s most beautiful girl? Though at the surface you were talking about something like national defense.¡¹

    The self-proclaimed beauty showed a somewhat crooked grin and looked up at Relie beside her.

    Normally Relie would make a retort at the woman calling herself ¡®girl¡¯ while making frivolous talk, but this time Relie was silent instead.

    The world¡¯s biggest company faction that ruled at the top across dozens of countries, Vanfrick company.

    Relie was silent because she wanted to ask favor to that woman who was the boss of Vanfrick company.

    ¡¸My bad but, I cannot answer your expectation today. Actually this isn¡¯t something that should be said from my mouth but, this is really a talk about the national defense. What¡¯s more©¤©¤this is concerning the world.¡¹

    Relie muttered that and put a sheet of written report on the desk.

    In it was written the report of a man who was a spy of Dragon Marauder, and the result that the higher-ups of the royal capital deciphered.

    Dilwy Froias.

    He was a military officer who searched for the secret medicine of the Ruin that Dragon Marauder possessed©¤©¤the Elixir, and betrayed the new kingdom for it.

    A letter that recorded his exchange with Dragon Marauder was discovered as the result from searching his room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hoo, so those guys¡¯ next target is the theocracy huh. However what a risky season. Even if they noticed the leak of this information, there is possibility that they will still cause trouble.¡¹

    One of their aims in order to accomplish their plan©¤©¤to tear down countries, existed in Ymir Theocracy.

    The exact date and time were unclear, but aiming at the chance when the protection of the country was divided between the holy capital and the pope when Pilgrimage Festival was going on was the natural conclusion.

    But, from the view point of national defense, mobilizing a large army for the sake of allied country was difficult.

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. But I¡¯m holding a certain kind of belief. No matter what their objective is, most likely it has the meaning of causing conflict.¡¹

    The Dragon Marauder, and the influential people supporting them were putting up a will of opposition to rebel against the large countries.

    At the present they should be aiming to lower the national power of country by poking at the Ruins and exposed cities to flame of war.

    ¡¸They don¡¯t question the right and wrong of the outcome. Or rather, they will be able to accomplish a part of their objective¡­¡­so it¡¯s something like that. And then, what are you wishing from me, your old friend?¡¹

    ¡¸I want to borrow your strength for a little while. In exchange, this a force to save the theocracy will be sent from this academy. I already contacted the top, they said that they won¡¯t mind if that¡¯s possible.¡¹

    The female merchant grinned fearlessly in respond to Relie¡¯s dispassionate mutter.

    ¡¸So you¡¯re coming like that. You too are quite reckless huh, getting into a debt with this me. Well, I can mostly predict why you are doing that though. ©¤©¤Is my favorite disciple doing well?¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot deny that, but this isn¡¯t simply for my little sister¡¯s sake. I also have to pay back my debt to him.¡¹

    Relie smoothly muttered that and she spread out the contract she prepared.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia, huh. I heard the rumor, but it seems he is quite the remarkable character isn¡¯t he. I also heard that his looks is easy in the eye for woman. I¡¯m looking forward to the time this eye will be able to catch sight of him.¡¹

    The blooming woman muttered that and she quickly signed the contract in consent.

    It seemed like the woman was licking her lips subtly, but Relie smiled wryly and pretended not to see it.

    She was a beautiful woman who was strong and veteran, but she was someone who was loyal to her own desire.

    She especially didn¡¯t discriminate with younger male with beautiful look. Relie had even heard rumor that this woman employed people of such disposition and put them at her surrounding to serve her.

    In that kind of meaning, she didn¡¯t want Lux to meet this woman when it was likely that he would be her preference.

    (Though as expected, it¡¯s only this matter that it can¡¯t be helped.)

    In any case, someday Lux would surely meet this woman who it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration even if she called as the one ruling over the world from behind the scene.

    With her current status, she was in an extremely close position with Lux.

    Before that happened, she had no other way except making Lux¡¯s relationship with Philuffy into something secure.

    ¡¸Then, please move immediately from tomorrow. I¡¯ll leave the protection of the new kingdom to you, Magialca.¡¹

    The beauty only responded to that with a composed smile.

    The secret plan was already starting to move.

 Volume 7 - CH 2

    *GOON* Such solemn bell sound rang several times since early morning.

    Similar with new kingdom and other countries, a bell tower was built in the middle of city in preparation for Abyss¡¯s attack, but this time a calm timbre could be heard only as a part of ceremony.

    ¡¸Fu, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was very nervous staying for a night in Einfolk house, but he could sleep better than he thought. It must be because of the long travel.

    ¡¸After finishing breakfast, put your attire in order and we will depart to the sanctuary. How is your body¡¯s condition?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m all right. After sleeping for a night, my fatigue is mostly gone.¡¹

    After changing clothes from his sleeping wear, Krulcifer made her appearance.

    Last night it felt like she was relatively worked up, but this morning she had returned to her usual self.

    They had beaten the brief of the program of Pilgrimage Festival that they would accompany as the guard of Pope Nias into their head.

    The total time including today would be a period of three days. The flow of event would be touring to several holy grounds at the holy capital and its surrounding and performed ceremony there.

    The accompaniment would be one bishop and several believers who acted as attendant, and also the elites of Sanctuary Knight Order with total of thirty names.

    In addition was Lux and Krulcifer, and Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut.

    By the way Krulcifer¡¯s step-brother, Zain Einfolk would also serve as guard as a member of Sanctuary Knight Order.

    The two went down to first floor and took breakfast inside the wide living room.

    Piping hot soup cooked together with bread, smoked bacon topped with omelet, salad with grated cheese, and then tea with honey. After having breakfast, they put their attire in order.

    They then rode horse carriage for ten-odd minutes and they arrived once more in front of the sanctuary.

    ¡¸Well then young master and Ojou-sama, also Lux-sama, take care.¡¹

    The butler Alterize saw them off until in front of the sanctuary.

    ¡¸No need for worry. This is only trivial matter.¡¹

    The eldest brother Zain didn¡¯t meet the eyes of Lux and Krulcifer as usual, but he also didn¡¯t particularly say anything bad. They headed toward the government office building inside the ground.

    Until the preparation for the departure was finished, they would stand by inside the guard cabin that had hearth in it.

    The inside of the cabin was fairly wide. A server handed them tea and a quiet time flowed.

    Perhaps the other officials were preparing themselves for the ceremony performance, because someone was picking up a religious book, while someone else was offering prayer toward empty air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    For the moment, the three of them grouped together as people related to Einfolk house, but the eldest brother Zain looked like he was in a bad mood.

    ¡¸It looks like there is a delay. I¡¯ll look at the situation outside for a bit.¡¹

    Suddenly Krulcifer looked outside the window and muttered that.

    The moment she left her seat, the eldest brother Zain opened his mouth.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia, that¡¯s your name right? If I remember correctly, just the other day it seemed that you were appointed as the new kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­, yes.¡¹

    Even while feeling slightly perplexed, Lux replied with a serious expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why did you come here?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head toward those words that were said to him with half-closed eyes.

    ¡¸I heard that it seems you are also the exclusive knight of the new kingdom¡¯s princess . Could it be that you were given the order to lend some favor to your allied country?¡¹

    Perhaps the slightly strong tone was also transmitted to the surrounding, because the other Sanctuary Knight Order and believers lowered their voice and Lux could feel them observing this way.

    ¡¸No, I only wanted to accompany Krulcifer-san with my own personal intent.¡¹

    But, Lux said that honestly and he looked at Zain¡¯s face.

    The other side was slightly bewildered and returned back a dubious gaze at him.

    ¡¸I can¡¯t understand that, purposefully coming so far until another country with only that reason. In that case are you virtuous philanthropist? Or else, did you foresee that our Einfolk house has that much value?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s neither of them.¡¹

    Most people would take Zain¡¯s words as provocation, but Lux answered calmly without delay.

    ¡¸At the very least, I was always helped by her kindness at the new kingdom. That¡¯s why, if I can be of assistance for her, then I too won¡¯t hesitate to do just so. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, so it¡¯s something like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    Lux responded with a smile even toward that somewhat careless respond mixed with sarcasm in it.

    But, even then Zain¡¯s attitude didn¡¯t change.

    ¡¸And, you are a fianc¨¦e candidate? But, I wonder if you can say something like that when you don¡¯t know about that woman¡¯s circumstance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Just now, what©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux reflexively tilted his head toward Zain¡¯s muttering that implicated something,

    ¡¸I think it¡¯s not really something that goes as far as interfering with other country¡¯s circumstance you know, Onii-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The voice that suddenly interjected caused Lux and Zain to freeze.

    When they looked, Krulcifer had returned into the guard cabin without them realizing it.

    ¡¸It looks like we will depart soon. We the guards ought to stand by outside too.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmph¡­¡­¡¹

    Zain showed a shocked expression for a moment, but he immediately scoffed a bit and left the cabin.

    The other Sanctuary Knight Order members also stood up and slowly began to move.

    ¡¸My brother has troubled you just now. I¡¯m sorry.¡¹

    Krulcifer leaked out a small sigh and muttered that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux shook his head while recalling the conversation just now.

    Zain¡¯s somewhat thorny reaction must be related with the matter that he had heard from Krulcifer.

    While she was an adopted child, she showed excessive talent in Einfolk house. Because of that there might be jealousy toward her.

    But, what Lux felt from Zain just now wasn¡¯t only that.

    ¡¸Uwah¡¹

    *pofu-*. Suddenly a fur hat was put on his head. Lux returned to his senses.

    ¡¸It¡¯s heavy outfit for the use of Sanctuary Knight Order to protect from cold. Because I forgot to borrow for Lux-kun¡¯s share.¡¹

    After saying that, Krulcifer who was wearing fur coat above the aforementioned chic dress headed outside.

    When Lux followed behind her and got out of the cabin, Krulcifer who was walking in front of him muttered.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t listen too much to my brother¡¯s story. It¡¯s not like we are quarreling openly, but I don¡¯t know when it will become the trigger for dispute.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­, I get it.¡¹

    Lux thought that it was a bit unfortunate while he replied like that with a wry smile.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, thank you for saying a cold human like me is kind.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The faint smile she suddenly showed to him caused Lux to fall into illusion as though his heart was shot through.

    Krulcifer was always cool and showed a composed smile, but exactly because of that, he thought that her expression smiling happily was really cute.

    That lovely expression that felt like a surprise attack caused Lux to almost forget to breath.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go Lux-kun. His eminence the pope is waiting.¡¹

    This time Krulcifer told him with a casual smile just like usual.

    Lux nodded to that and the two of them hurried to the waiting horse carriage.

    The first day of pilgrimage to go around the decided holy grounds started.

    Having said that, this travel where they were looking around several places around the holy capital became a day trip.

    Fundamentally they were using horse carriage as method of travel, but it seemed that sometimes they would use Drag-Ride for moving.

    The first pilgrimage destination was the holy capital¡¯s southeast.

    The objective was to offer a prayer at a deserted temple in a forest.

    While sitting inside the shaking horse carriage, Lux was listening to Krulcifer¡¯s story regarding the origin of Ymir Theocracy and its doctrine.

    ¡¸Then, in Ymir Theocracy, that god and angel become the object of worship?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s basically something like that.¡¹

    Desert, fierce blizzard©¤©¤or perhaps flood. Territory with that kind of hardship.

    In that kind of rigorous environment, there was a tendency that faith would be firmly rooted because controlling the self and people would be done by borrowing the name of god.

    When he was a child, Lux learned that from the library of the old empire, but it seemed that in Ymir Theocracy, there was a slightly different reason for the religion here.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s not only that. There is a legend, that this land that was once locked inside snow and ice was saved by god and angel.¡¹

    ¡¸Legend¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux muttered that and fell silent. Krulcifer smiled wryly seeing that.

    ¡¸Yes, in this world there is a god that won¡¯t descend no matter what. God will dispatch angel when he bestow words or things to human. The angel would conduct various assistance to human, and saved people who are suffering from disaster. In fact, there is a legend of human talking with that angel, and directly asked, ¡ºWhere is god¡»©¤©¤the human asked.¡¹

    The angel¡¯s answer was like this.

    ¡ºGod is inside all of you.¡»

    ¡ºFrom far away in the past that not one of you remember, you all received the divine protection of god and then you were born.¡»

    God was watching human¡¯s deed, and one day he would dispatch angel to them again, the legend said.

    ¡¸Well, until this point it¡¯s a story that you can find anywhere. But, it¡¯s really rare though for a story where human talk directly with angel. After all normally it would be more, angel keeping distance from human in regard to their divine status.¡¹

    ¡¸That might be so.¡¹

    While talking like that, they arrived at the destination. They got down from the carriage and took their post.

    Pope Nias and the bishop headed to the deepest room and set up the ritual equipments, it seemed that the ceremony¡¯s main part would start from here.

    Suddenly, several Sanctuary Knight Order members came toward where Lux and Krulcifer were at. Perhaps they had finished their formation.

    It seemed that they were elderly knights and acquaintances of Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Oo. So you are accompanying this mission as expected, it has been a long time, daughter of Einfolk house.¡¹

    ¡¸I say, has it been a year? Did you meet any inconvenience living in the new kingdom?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, in the new kingdom I am able to spend productive days both in literary and military arts.¡¹

    Krulcifer greeted them while sending Lux an apologetic gaze.

    When one was a member of distinguished noble family, they would surely have various other acquaintances.

    It seemed that Krulcifer¡¯s reception outside the Einfolk house was good, she was surrounded by several military officers.

    Lux who was a former imperial family guessed that and he distanced himself so not to hinder her©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Good afternoon! Onii-chan!¡¹

    ¡¸Wah!¡¹

    Suddenly a girl slammed on Lux¡¯s waist.

    Lux blinked his eyes in surprise and found Mel GIzalut there.

    She was even more petite than Lisha with a body build that apt to be mistaken as a young child.

    But, this girl who was a Seven Dragon Paladins also had a dangerous atmosphere and a somewhat mature allure.

    ¡¸As I thought Onii-chan also camee. What do you think? About the Pilgrimage Festival of Ymir Theocracy.¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel showed an innocent smile and said that with an upturned gaze.

    Looking from just that, she looked like a cute child, but he couldn¡¯t let his guard down.

    It was only the other day too, he had just gotten duped by her.

    ¡¸I think that it¡¯s boring but endure it okay? Rather than that, that Ojou-sama over theree. She is popular like always isn¡¯t shee.¡¹

    But Mel didn¡¯t really bother with that bewilderment of Lux and she turned her gaze toward Krulcifer.

    She was staring at the girl who was conversing with nobles at slight distance away, and then at another person, Krulcifer¡¯s big brother, Zain Einfolk standing alone by himself.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How ironic isn¡¯t it. That the result of the tournament at that time is still becoming a reason that girl is estranged in Einfolk house.¡¹

    Her lovely expression turned into a fearless look and she muttered that.

    It was her face as a Seven Dragon Paladins that Lux previously saw.

    ¡¸What do you mean by that?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s about military arts tournament. In this Ymir Theocracy, that¡¯s the largest Drag-Ride tournament. It¡¯s something like the new kingdom¡¯s TournamentOfficial Mock Battle that is in the top position I guess.¡¹

    Since Drag-Ride was discovered, mock battle was held in various countries although there was a degree of difference between them.

    Most likely this military arts tournament held that role in Ymir Theocracy.

    ¡¸My house©¤©¤Gizalut house and Einfolk house are famous military family that are the main support of this country. Two years ago, I fought Krulcifer at the final of the military arts tournament.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, what you mean by her being estranged because of that case is©¤©¤¡¹

    Was Krulcifer unable to answer the expectation of Einfolk house and lost at that time?

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    Mel saw through Lux¡¯s question and told him so.

    ¡¸The one who lost was me. Although it was losing by decision just barely. However©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ve made you wait. The ceremony will start soon, you will get scolded if you make pointless chat you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san¡­¡­¡¹

    Without noticing Krulcifer had returned to Lux¡¯s position. Her composed face gazed at Mel.

    In contrast Mel Gizalut looked as though she wasn¡¯t bothered by that, she smiled at Lux beside him.

    ¡¸Before this, I asked you about Krulcifer¡¯s weak point right?¡¹

    The girl let loose the allure of a young female and told Lux that with a bewitching smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll teach you my objective. I want to pay back my defeat at that time during this Pilgrimage Festival. Look forward to it okay, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Mel only said that and left quietly.

    After that Krulcifer sighed in exasperation. She was left alone with Lux.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really not a nice feeling having your past failure got tattled on.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, so it¡¯s as I thought¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Quietly, it will start soon.¡¹

    Lux noticed from Krulcifer¡¯s whisper.

    Pope Nias who was illuminated by the glow of the bonfire was spinning a ritual prayer in front of the believers.

    After that two ceremonies were finished without any incident and the first day of the pilgrimage signaled a safe end.

    After breaking up in front of the sanctuary, Lux and Krulcifer didn¡¯t return directly to Einfolk house, the stopped by at a restaurant in the holy capital for having meal as well as taking rest.

    Quiet and graceful atmosphere was flowing, appropriate for a distinguished high class restaurant even in the holy capital.

    In the spacious dining hall that looked like a dance hall, a lot of waiters were busily walking on the red carpet. On the stage an instrumentalist was playing a harp.

    The steamed fish wrapped in herb and steak garnished with fruit sauce were quiet flavorful, even Lux was enjoying them while eating it.

    ¡¸Tomorrow we will have guard duty too, so we cannot drink alcohol, but in this situation I actually want wine too.¡¹

    Even such whisper sounded appropriate for Krulcifer, but as expected it felt like she was meeker than usual.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san. Can I hear more about the detail of what I was told at the afternoon?¡¹

    When Lux said that with consideration, the girl let out a small sigh ¡®fuu¡¯ and she started talking.

    The military arts tournament that was once held in this country.

    In the final, she defeated Mel Gizalut. How did that fact connected to failure?

    ¡¸I had talked before about my position in Einfolk house and the sequence of events there hadn¡¯t I?¡¹

    It was the happening a few months ago that he wouldn¡¯t forget.

    Inside the Ruin, Garden, he heard about Krulcifer¡¯s past from herself.

    When she was a child, she noticed that she was an adopted child of the Einfolk house.

    In order to close the distance between herself with her family that wasn¡¯t related to her by blood, she continued to work hard in every field.

    But, the result of her showing her excellence like that was that she was estranged from her brother and sisters, and a gulf was created between them.

    ¡¸Even so, I couldn¡¯t give up completely. But at a certain time, a decisive incident happened. That was©¤©¤the military arts tournament of Drag-Knight that was held in this country.¡¹

    Krulcifer muttered that with an expression that was somewhat despondent.

    ¡¸At the military art tournament two years ago, Mel who debuted there was an amateur who had only just learned Drag-Ride control. Even so she overwhelmed the other Drag-Knights. Including our family¡¯s©¤©¤Zain-niisan too.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux was spontaneously speechless from surprise hearing that fact.

    Although female had advantage in the point of their Drag-Ride aptitude value, a girl who had only just learned control with practically no experience defeated Zain who should be someone who was already experienced and advanced until the final.

    In other words Mel was without a doubt blessed with the quality of natural genius.

    That meant that she possessed talent that was towering above the rest in order to become Drag-Knight by nature.

    ¡¸I fought her using EX Wyvern. The me at that time intended to shoulder Einsfolk house on my own accord. Even though no one, not even my family said anything to me about it, I challenged the fight under the impression that I mustn¡¯t lose.¡¹

    The side profile of Krulcifer who was drinking the after-meal tea looked vaguely lonely and self-depreciating.

    ¡¸Like that, the match was¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s just as that girl said, I won thanks to the difference of the Drag-Ride¡¯s spec and experience. At that time, I felt proud inside my heart. A person who won the military arts tournament will be given high position even within the Sanctuary Knight Order. They can even receive the prize of a Divine Drag-Ride. I was thinking happily, that I had protected the family name. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Aa, so that¡¯s it.¡¯

    Even Lux understood the implication of that.

    Zain, the eldest son of Einfolk house, a military family that was a pillar of the country, was defeated by Mel of Gizart house who was still a child.

    Even so if Mel became the overall champion, Zain¡¯s honor would be barely maintained.

    But, that Mel was defeated by Krulcifer who was of the same house with him.

    The up-and-coming Drag-Knight of Gizart house that was defeated by his little sister. Like that it was as though the eldest son was a real weakling that wasn¡¯t no match at all against them.

    It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine the hardship that the eldest brother Zain experienced since that day.

    Most likely even Einfolk house also underestimated Krulcifer¡¯s skill.

    If that wasn¡¯t the case, that kind of tragedy wouldn¡¯t happen.

    ¡¸After that, it was just like I told you. I received Divine Drag-Ride Fafnir as prize, a while after that, following a certain incident, it was decided that I would study abroad at the new kingdom.¡¹

    And then now, she was suddenly called back to be given the role as a guard in the Pilgrimage Festival.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m making you listening to this tedium story even though we finally have a nice dinner©¤©¤. There is still time, so is it okay if I stop by in a shop at our way back?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯ll also keep you company.¡¹

    After that, Lux listened from her about her memory when she was living at the monastery she was attending.

    Perhaps it was just as expected, it seemed that even in the past she was an excellent student, and she was relied a lot by her classmates and juniors.

    It appeared that with the exception of the awkwardness in her home, she spent a sound period as a young lady.

    After that using horse carriage, they went around to several places like tailor or accessory shop before they were stopped by Alterize who was making exasperated face and returned to Einfolk¡¯s home.

    ¡¸My apologies Lux-sama. You were led around by Ojou-sama like that while you are tired.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I was also having fun. After all if it¡¯s not a time like this, I would always get employed to do chores.¡¹

    ¡¸I feel a bit relieved that you would say that.¡¹

    After parting from Krulcifer for the moment, Alterize who accompanied him until the guest room smiled wryly in relieve.

    ¡¸But¡­¡­, Ojou-sama is changed isn¡¯t she?¡¹

    ¡¸Is that right?¡¹

    Lux asked in respond to the brief words that Alterize muttered earnestly.

    ¡¸Yes. Before this, she would formally treat other like stranger, even toward me. She wouldn¡¯t get along with me without reservation like this or anything if it¡¯s in the past.¡¹

    Although her voice sounded a bit exasperated, it also sounded somewhat happy.

    It seemed that inside her heart she was happy with the attitude of Krulcifer who was communicating with her friendlily.

    Lux once more thought that she was a good person as expected.

    ¡¸If there is a chance please come playing to Cross Field too without fail. I will welcome Alterize-san there as much as I can.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. But, please allow me to restrain at the time being. It feels like Ojou-sama will get angry at me if I have her fianc¨¦e to escort me after all.¡¹

    Alterize smiled wryly and muttered such thing.

    ¡¸No, please wait!? I and Krulcifer-san are©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was panicked and he hesitated whether to say the truth or not. It was then the female butler bowed and left.

    In the end he had to do something about the misunderstanding too before they returned home.

    While thinking that, Lux changed into his plain clothes and lied down on the bed.

    Krulcifer¡¯s tie with Mel from the victory she obtained at the military arts tournament, and the gulf between her with the eldest brother Zain and her family that was created from that.

    The Pilgrimage Festival that was said would pass near the Ruin, the protection of Pope Nias, and Einfolk house¡¯s intention of asking Lux and Krulcifer to raise achievement there.

    There was still question remaining inside Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yosh.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and put his feeling in order, then he decided a personal strategy that he would keep secret from Krulcifer.

    After making a bit of stopover, he asked Alterize to intermediate before he knocked on the door of a private room in the third floor.

    Inside the office that was surrounded by bookshelves, the person he wanted to speak with was sitting.

    ¡¸Excuse me Lord Stiyl. Thank you very much for granting this chance to talk with you today.¡¹

    ¡¸The night is already late, finish your business briefly. I¡¯m not young like my daughters.¡¹

    Stiyl told Lux with brusque tone like usual.

    Lux who heard his tone reflexively smiled wryly.

    He bought souvenir just now and presented it to the third daughter Yunifa and the fourth daughter Irma but,

    ¡ºI already received that from other people.¡»

    He recalled how he was curtly refused like that.

    Though right after that, he was given ¡ºBut, thank you¡» with a smile.

    ¡¸So, what do you want to ask? I should have said everything I need to say to you though?¡¹

    ¡¸Why did you purposefully called Krulcifer-san back to this country?¡¹

    Stiyl frowned slightly hearing Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸You feel like criticizing me? In order to raise achievement for Einfolk house, I am making use of that child. But it¡¯s just as you see. It¡¯s just as you know too, right now I¡¯m putting distance from Krulcifer.¡¹

    Stiyl muttered along with a sigh.

    But, Lux¡¯s opinion differed.

    ¡¸Perhaps it¡¯s true that this country has business with Krulcifer-san, but I feel like that¡¯s not all. If you are really rejecting Krulcifer-san, then I think you won¡¯t purposefully make her stay at this house here together with me. And the right now, you are allowing me to talk with you like this too©¤©¤aren¡¯t you actually concerned about her?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s question that was said with calm question caused Stiyl to fall silent slightly. Before long he smiled bitterly.

    ¡¸It seems that you are a man with a considerable power of imagination. Is that all that you want to ask?¡¹

    ¡¸No, there is one more thing. Will you allow me to ask a foolish question?¡¹

    ¡¸What is it¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Why is it that all this time since that meeting, you won¡¯t take off that glove even inside the estate?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s something that you don¡¯t need to know. I¡¯ll take my rest now.¡¹

    With the talk stopped, Lux bowed and returned to his room.

    He didn¡¯t find out the answer of what was in his mind, but it couldn¡¯t be helped today.

    The long day finally ended.

    Deep at night. At the middle of the holy capital where the people were falling asleep, there was human presence.

    The sanctuary that the pope and believers would use for the occasion of audience, ceremony, and legislative assembly.

    But at the same time that place couldn¡¯t possibly be used as residential area.

    It was a consecrated ground that fundamentally even believers couldn¡¯t easily enter without pretext.

    Thus, for influential person it was a safe place to use for a confidential talk.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, is the calculation to start the action soon finished?¡¹

    In the shadow of that chalk white sacred building that was illuminated by faint lighting, there was only a quiet voice that could be heard.

    A single shadow emitted that cold tone that was like the air of this night.

    A person wearing white robe that seemed like it would fuse with the snowy landscape was directing a dull gaze.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry. Our side is also not that stupid to let go of this chance. Everything is flawless©¤©¤don¡¯t you know the nickname of this me as a Drag-Knight?¡¹

    There was no one in front of the white robed figure.

    That figure¡¯s talking partner didn¡¯t exist even inside the wide sanctuary ground.

    There was a person wearing Drag-Ride on a small hill at the far north a few kl away. (TN: Kl is the unit for kilometer here I think.)

    That person was a woman of blooming age, wearing black clothes with its length and sleeves shortened, an outfit style that was like a bandit.

    She made a predatory grin and sent only her voice toward the far away sanctuary.

    ¡¸¡ºThe Battlefield¡¯s Instrumentalist¡», was it? It sounds really strange. As a mercenary, in order to bluff more effectively, isn¡¯t there other name that sound a bit more threatening?¡¹

    When the figure in white robe said that, the female mercenary who was that person¡¯s talking partner scoffed.

    She was a legendary mercenary who once rampaged between three countries, including Ymir Theocracy. At present she was a rebel who could be counted as a most dangerous character.

    One of Dragon Marauder¡¯s three boss©¤©¤Human Dragon division commander, Drakkhen Megistri.

    The victims that suffered from her many layered strategies and ingenious wiles couldn¡¯t be counted.

    ¡¸You will understand sooner or later. More importantly you yourself are the one who need to be careful. Don¡¯t do anything stupid like has-been knight¡­¡­that Dilwy okay? We the Dragon Marauder has no mercy for traitor.¡¹

    The female bandit of blooming age told with calm tone that sounded faintly heartwarming.

    The white robed figure smirked fearlessly at that threatening reminder.

    ¡¸Please rest assured. More importantly, what kind of end Dilwy met? Isn¡¯t Baptism from Elixir a technique to awaken a person to their hidden strength?¡¹

    That question with calm tone was mixed with faint sharpness.

    Drakkhen who heard that smiled wryly while lightly scratching her head.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll let you into the secret for a bit because I trust you. That thing cannot be properly handled see.¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying, that you weren¡¯t tricking me and him?¡¹

    ¡¸What is called Elixir is a really important secret even inside Ruin, it¡¯s something like a powerful drug. If a normal person use it, even if just a bit then it will be accompanied by intense pain that can even make them lose sanity, in fact using more than half will cause death when we tested it. What¡¯s more the amount that can be entered into the body also differ depending on the individuals. And yet if you get reckless and apply it to the whole body all at once, you will get strengthened temporarily, but you won¡¯t be able to escape death as the side effect. Your mind will also get encroached and your wicked heart will get amplified.¡¹

    ¡®Fuu¡¯, Drakkhen leaked out a small sigh and muttered.

    Hearing that, the other silhouette blew out white exhale to the empty air.

    ¡¸In other words, he violated direction and used Elixir too much, and died because of that, is that it?¡¹

    ¡¸No, we didn¡¯t tell him anything see.¡¹

    ¡®Hah¡¯, Drakkhen laughed it off and answered immediately.

    ¡¸I©¤©¤no, the other guys also checked, but Dragon Marauder didn¡¯t even give Dilwy any Elixir. Someone was doing that to that guy of their own accord.¡¹

    ¡¸Rather than spewing out an absurd lie, honestly recognizing your own failure will get you more trust you know?¡¹

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped if you doubt us like that. I can only tell you to believe us. Elixir itself is considerably rare though, the way to obtain it shouldn¡¯t even be known. Well, regarding that matter it was really unexpected.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fine then. It¡¯s dangerous to have idle talk with you longer than this.¡¹

    ¡¸If you make me remember a voice of your acquaintance, I¡¯ll be able to imitate it. If you have a clue about nuisance that feel like they will suspect the plan, setting them up as traitor is also one way you know?¡¹

    ¡¸No need for worry. More importantly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, if your business goes well, then as promised I¡¯ll give you a valuable information. Rather than that, is the rumor true? About the existence of Angel that this country and Einfolk house is hiding.¡¹

    ¡¸That information will depend on your result, Drakkhen. Though I was surprised that even the Seven Dragon Paladins of the new kingdom is coming along too in the Pilgrimage Festival this time.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay for me to demand extra amount of reward isn¡¯t it? It feels like this is going to turn into a troublesome work you know.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll think about it if it goes well. ©¤©¤Well then¡¹

    The white robed figure answered curtly toward Drakkhen¡¯s frivolous talk.

    The robed figure disappeared inside the sanctuary as though to say that the talk was over with that.

    ¡¸A believer doing evil deed¡­¡­. It will be great if you don¡¯t get stabbed in the back, by the god you guys believed in.¡¹

    The female boss that similarly stopped sending her voice to far away talked to herself in irony.

    ¡¸Two of the Seven Dragon Paladins¡­¡­the Subjugator and the Black Hero huh. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got, so called strongest.¡¹

    The color of snow that was starting to fall enveloped the whole holy capital.

 Volume 7 - CH 3

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤The next day.

    The second day of Pilgrimage Festival was as expected, they woke up early and took breakfast, then they headed to the gathering place using horse carriage.

    This time they would do the same ceremony at a cemetery existing in the west side of the holy capital.

    ¡¸The schedule today is also to go to two places. After finishing the ceremony in this cemetery where high ranked believers are sleeping, we are scheduled to head to a monastery near the sanctuary.¡¹

    ¡¸But, is there something in the places today? Somehow, it feel like the atmosphere is different from yesterday.¡¹

    Krulcifer nodded at the blunt question of Lux.

    Different from today, the Sanctuary Knight Order members showed expression that was strongly tense.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because the distance is relatively near to the Ruin HallTunnel. There is no guarantee that Abyss won¡¯t appear anytime. Of course the surrounding of the Ruin is being monitored, but the Hall here is a bit special.¡¹

    According to her, just like the name implied, it was a Ruin with shape like a coal mine that already had everything in it dug to exhaustion.

    Although the entrance at the outskirt of the holy capital was naturally monitored, sometimes Abyss would still appear from place other than there, and recently the frequency of that was increasing exceptionally.

    ¡¸Is, that so.¡¹

    Having been told that, Lux focused his mind.

    Somehow recently, because he was fighting against a lot of Abyss he tended to lose focus, but letting his guard down was taboo.

    After that, they boarded the horse carriage the Sanctuary Knight Order prepared, and an hour later.

    The moment they arrived at the foot of the cemetery hill that was the pilgrimage location, Mel leaped at Lux.

    ¡¸Yahhoo. Onii-chan. You also came today! Mel is really happy you knooow!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, Mel?¡¹

    Regardless of how her pretending to be a child had been exposed, she still acted mischievously like this. Lux smiled wryly at that.

    But, when he was unable to shake her off in the end, Krulcifer who was beside him spoke out.

    ¡¸Mel. You are a member of the Sanctuary Knight Order right? I think it¡¯s better if you act a little quieter.¡¹

    ¡¸Nooot reallyyy. I¡¯m genius after all, and I¡¯m also a kid. It¡¯s fine for me to be somewhat selfish. Even Onii-chan, he is happy that a cute girl is sticking close to him.¡¹

    But, Mel grinned like a little devil and provoked even further.

    ¡¸That¡¯s unfortunate. Lux-kun is a boy who is already used of getting surrounded by cute girls daily you know? Even like that he cannot lay his hand on them even for a little bit, that¡¯s why it¡¯s pointless for you even if you go that far.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, even me got spoken ill of casually!?¡¹

    Lux immediately retorted like that, but unfortunately he was ignored.

    ¡¸Hmmmph. But, I¡¯m cuter, that¡¯s why Onii-chan is happy aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Krulcifer sighed seeing Mel kept pressing aggressively even now, but she was casually sending glances at Lux with a gaze that seemed as though she wanted to say something.

    (So, somehow, she is looking like she really wants to complain to me¡­¡­!)

    In a glance, Krulcifer was taking an attitude of the senior who was unperturbed by Mel¡¯s provocation, but that kind of atmosphere could be sensed from some points in her attitude.

    ¡®Yosh¡¯, Lux resolved himself.

    He would object in Krulcifer¡¯s place so that her mood wouldn¡¯t be harmed here.

    ¡¸I can hardly say that you know? Krulcifer-san is also pretty, but that¡¯s not all there is to her, because I think including her behavior and also her atmosphere, she is a really lovely person.¡¹

    Was it her refinement as a duke¡¯s daughter, or else was it something special that came from herself?

    It was again different from Lisha and others. Her aura that maintained her own style and pride was really beautiful in his opinion.

    Perhaps Krulcifer was pleased with his words, her lips loosened just slightly.

    ¡¸Lux-kun too has become skilled with flattery aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Lux let out a relieved sigh at her reaction, while Mel puffed up her cheeks looking displeased.

    ¡¸Heee. So Onii-chan¡¯s preference is adult person. But even me, after a few years passed I will be the same age like Krulcifer you know? At that time the younger me will be better than her don¡¯t you think? My breasts too will of course become bigger in the future!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The words from Mel who was hugging Lux¡¯s arm shaken up Lux and his cheeks blushed.

    His upper arm felt soft sensation from the chest of the girl that was mostly flat right now and his heart skipped a beat.

    (©¤©¤Wait, just what am I thinking!? Mel is still thirteen you know!?)

    While he was trying to hide his agitation like that, Krulcifer beside him quietly muttered.

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to not put on air with something that you have no guarantee of, you know? After all it might make you feel embarrassed later on.¡¹

    ¡¸Aas expecteed from Krulcifer. The saying from a person with currently embarrassing breast size really has different weight behind it.¡¹

    Mel responded with derisive smile toward Krulcifer¡¯s composed respond.

    Krulcifer¡¯s icy expression *snap* looked like there was a faint crack entering it.

    ¡¸Ah, are you bothered? I¡¯m sorry. I have to apologize if I had said something bad.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this ahead but, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m bothered with breast size or anything.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmph. I think that most man doesn¡¯t feel like that thouugh. Before this I heard it from the people of Sanctuary Knight Order though, they said that bigger breast is better. Onii-chan, which one is your preference?¡¹

    ¡¸E, eerrr¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was troubled that the talk was suddenly directed to him.

    There was no way he could make immediate decision of which was better, so he couldn¡¯t say anything, but for the time being he tried responding.

    ¡¸Eerr, the size is not something I¡¯m concerned about¡­¡­I think.¡¹

    For a moment he felt Krulcifer¡¯s gaze glancing briefly at him from afar, but perhaps that was just his imagination.

    ¡¸Hmmm. Well, fine I guess. I¡¯ll leave it at that.¡¹

    Mel grinned wickedly and leaned her body further toward Lux.

    ¡¸Even so you, you are a man with a strong sense of duty more than I thought aren¡¯t you? It looks like despite your appearance, your core is relatively firm.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, thank you.¡¹

    It didn¡¯t feel bad to be praised by this girl who was terrifyingly intelligent and prodigal relatively to her age.

    There was no doubt that she had strongly pushy personality, but she didn¡¯t seem like a bad child. It was when Lux was thinking that©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Then, won¡¯t you cancel your betrothal with Krulcifer and try to marry me?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t immediately understand what he was told. His mouth was gaping wide.

    But, Mel kept staring at Lux with upturned gaze and continued with a bewitching smile.

    ¡¸Although the manliness of your looks is moderate, but it¡¯s still a nice face. And your strength as Drag-Knight is also considerable, and your humbleness too, I¡¯m quite pleased with it.¡¹

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t make fun of me!? That, even if it¡¯s me, I won¡¯t keep getting tricked that many times.¡¹

    ¡¸I am serious you know? Besides©¤©¤you¡¯ve gone through the trouble to participate in the Pilgrimage Festival like this, so it also save some effort already.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What does that mean?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head in puzzlement. Mel told him the answer straightforwardly.

    ¡¸There is a condition so a pious believer of Ymir Theocracy can marry with a person of other country. That marriage partner has to participate in one of the great festival that is hold in this country. In family like noble with old pedigree, it¡¯s still something that they will carry out for sure.¡¹

    Ymir Theocracy that possessed unique faith.

    He had heard before that believer with high rank even in such country would be imposed with particular obligation.

    (Eh, but¡­¡­. That means©¤©¤)

    ¡¸To dare to seduce him when I¡¯m right here, you really don¡¯t value your own life aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    The moment he thought something like that, Krulcifer cut in along with a sigh.

    ¡¸Although you are a child, but making a ruckus in the middle of ceremony will become a disgrace for the distinguished Gizalut house you know?¡¹

    When Krulcifer rebuked with a tone that was like a big sister once more, Mel responded with a smile that contained no guilt at all.

    ¡¸There is no such thing. Then, see you again, Onii-chan!¡¹

    Perhaps Mel decided that she had made enough provocation already, because she let go of Lux¡¯s arm.

    She waved her hand with a smile, then without pause she rushed toward the ranks of troops that would head to the cemetery.

    When there were only the two of them left there, Krulcifer glared at Lux with reproachful eyes.

    ¡¸It looked like you were really enjoying yourself aren¡¯t you? I wonder, is Lux-kun¡¯s preference a little girl?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Please don¡¯t say strange thing, Krulcifer-san! Certainly she was a peculiar child, but it doesn¡¯t look like she is particularly malicious¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder about that. In the end Lux-kun seems to be particularly kind to cute girl after all.¡¹

    Krulcifer kept her gaze to the front while talking with a tone that was vaguely cold.

    It could also be seen that she was slightly sulking for a girl who was always composed.

    ¡¸Mo, more importantly. About this Pilgrimage Festival¡­¡­¡¹

    And so Lux tried to change the topic. He spoke out about the question that arose from what he heard from Mel just now.

    ¡¸What is it?¡¹

    ¡¸By participating in this event, I can be recognized as Krulcifer-san¡¯s marriage partner even by the country, is that true?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, why are you falling silent!? That¡¯s not like you, Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    When Lux said that in panic, Krulcifer made a serious face and slowly averted her face away from Lux.

    ¡¸That was really careless of me wasn¡¯t it? Now that you mention it, there is actually that kind of custom. Certainly when this Pilgrimage Festival is over, Lux-kun will unexpectedly obtain that qualification.¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow that¡¯s really transparent you know!? Krulcifer-san!¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be surprised like that. Remember that I simply called Lux-kun to come home with me is simply because I was concerned with the true intention of Einfolk house, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m trying to arrange all the engagement requirements while Lux-kun is unaware, I have no such aim at all.¡¹

    ¡¸At least say that while looking at my eyes!?¡¹

    Lux unconsciously retorted with loud voice at Krulcifer¡¯s matter-of-fact talk.

    The surrounding knights glared his way fiercely. Lux blocked his mouth when he noticed, right after that,

    ¡¸©¤©¤All hands, draw your sword!¡¹

    A male voice cut through the white mist. The voice came from the front of the ranks.

    Lux and Krulcifer instantly changed their expression and pulled out their Sword Device from their sword belt.

    ¡¸There is reaction of one Abyss from the front of the cemetery! Five members of Sanctuary Knight Order will head there to intercept it. The remaining members will wear their Drag-Ride and devote themselves to the protection of his eminence the pope!¡¹

    The knight captain raised a loud voice and sent instruction to the troops.

    Naturally, one person among the troops would constantly wear Drake all the time to detect enemy using the Drake¡¯s basic function, the Radar.

    ¡¸Fuh, at any rate if the Abyss is only discovered, that means it¡¯s still far away. Is there any need to be that panicked?¡¹

    The eldest brother, Zain who was walking nearby without them noticing muttered that.

    But, Krulcifer calmly shook her head and denied his words.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s necessity, there is one. A narrow hill path is continuing from this path until the exit to the cemetery. It will be dangerous if we don¡¯t obtain the advantage in terrain, that¡¯s why they made the first move before the enemy notice.¡¹

    ¡¸Nu¡­¡­¡¹

    Zain who had that pointed out fell silent bitterly.

    ¡¸Certainly¡­¡­. If it¡¯s this place, it will be too dangerous to fight.¡¹

    Lux also agreed with Krulcifer¡¯s opinion.

    Naturally, in this kind of single narrow path, they wouldn¡¯t be able to spread out their force, it would be hard to fight even if they summoned Drag-Ride.

    If there was an Abyss at the square of the cemetery, it would be dangerous if they didn¡¯t intercept it before it could arrive at this narrow path.

    ¡¸Rather what concern me is©¤©¤no, perhaps I¡¯m only thinking too much.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean?¡¹

    Zain showed a dubious expression at Krulcifer¡¯s muttering, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¨C

    IiiiiIIIIIIIIIIiIII-!

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The intense strange noise was reverberating in the nearby area of the cemetery.

    It was the tone of the outbreak of battle that they had got used to hearing many times.

    The sound of the horn flute that called Abyss and made them obey.

    Right after that a tension ran through the surrounding, the trees at left and right began to shake, and several Abysses leaped out.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? These guys, they are¡­¡­!¡¹

    Creature type Abyss that was called Haiit.

    It was a huge monkey with height several times of human and it was densely covered in thick hair.

    It would cut apart its prey with three claws that were sharp like long sword, and it possessed physical strength that could smash even castle wall in one strike.

    Even when one was clad in Drag-Ride, they were a formidable enemy that might brought down their enemy by brute force if they let their guard down.

    Furthermore, it was relatively agile despite their hugeness, it would be quite a disadvantage if they faced this Abyss in a terrain without good visibility.

    ¡¸It, it¡¯s pincer attack-!? They are coming simultaneously from left and right-¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Sanctuary Knight Order members yelled with voice that was a mix of terror and surprise.

    Two Drag-Knights who weren¡¯t even perturbed by the approaching threat muttered the Passcode almost at the same time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of strength. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reincarnate. The huge dragon of calamity, taken captive by riches. Become the compensation of desire far and wide, Fafnir.¡¹

    Right after that, phosphorescence gathered in front of Lux and Krulcifer and formed shape.

    The aerodynamically shaped Drag-Rides that appeared quickly covered their body and transformed into armor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­USHAAAAAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Abysses were howling while mowing down *BEKI BEKI-!* trees in their approach.

    It seemed there were multiple Haiit that came in pincer attack, the scream of the other Sanctuary Knight Order members could be heard.

    But,

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯ll leave the vanguard role to you.¡¹

    Shockwave from Howling Howl and the swing of Scale Blade as shield replacement deflected away the many trees thrown their way and smashed them apart.

    Right after that, a huge monkeyHaiit that leaped out from the trees. Without delay Krulcifer sniped it.

    Fafnir¡¯s special armament, Freezing Cannon fired out freezing bullet.

    The blue flash that was fired avoided the countless obstacles that were scattered to everywhere and froze the face of the Haiit.

    If it was a normal beast, the victory would be decided the moment its head was frozen along with its respiratory tract.

    ©¤©¤But, the Abyss before them came attacking by swinging its powerful arm that was like a log even in that state.

    ¡¸What-!?¡¹

    Zain who was looking from nearby shuddered in terror seeing that unexpected counterattack.

    But, the complexion of Lux who was confronting it didn¡¯t change in the slightest. He instantly cut off the arm that was swung at him.

    It was a super high speed slash from Quick Draw, a technique to accelerate just one action to the extreme.

    The Abyss was resisting even now, but Krulcifer¡¯s Freezing Cannon fired several normal bullets on its chest.

    The concentrated attack to the same spot destroyed the core at its chest.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Gi, aA¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Haiit writhed as though trying to tear off its chest with its remaining hand, before it finally ceased to live.

    It fell prostrate on the spot with a thunderous sound before it crumbled into black ash.

    ¡¸Defeating a Haiit that easily, in this situation¡­¡­?¡¹

    The eldest brother Zain who was watching Krulcifer and Lux muttered in daze.

    The two¡¯s great coordination captivated him, but the excellence of their skill was even more so.

    The Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order at the surrounding also recovered their calm and began to start an even match despite some amount of disadvantage.

    ¡¸H, hmph¡­¡­. It looks like the seat of Seven Dragon Paladins aren¡¯t just a mere title.¡¹

    Zain pretended to be tough while being overwhelmed by the strength of the two, but the fighting was still continuing.

    ¡¸Countermeasure against Haiit was also described in the Academy¡¯s textbook isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Krulcifer muttered and looked up to the sky for confirmation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s go by the book here.¡¹

    The huge monkey Abyss couldn¡¯t fly in exchange of their maneuverability.

    Therefore, it was a good plan for those who was wearing flying type Drag-Ride to not crowd up in a cramped place and scattered instead.

    ¡¸Zain-niisan, join up with the force at the front. I will give backup from the sky.¡¹

    Krulcifer told her big brother like that and she quickly drove Fafnir flying.

    She took position in the sky where she was able to get bird¡¯s eye view of the cemetery and the hill path until there. She then readied her Rifle to give backup, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! Watch out-!¡¹

    Right after Lux yelled, light bullet smashed on Fafnir¡¯s back and explosion occurred.

    When the flame blasts that burst consecutively settled down, there was Krulcifer lingering in the air along with seven shields.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What could that be? This is©¤©¤¡¹

    She was unharmed due to Auto Shield, the special armament of automatic protection, but she was frowning at that attack that seemed as though it was plotted.

    At the altitude of one step higher than Fafnir that was flying midair to aim at the Haiit©¤©¤the Abyss called Gargoyle was lurking inside the cloud.

    ¡¸They planned this? No, such thing is©¤©¤¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux also flew his Wyvern and ran his gaze to the surrounding alertly.

    Something was strange.

    Excluding some minor exception, the thing called Abyss wouldn¡¯t coordinate with fellow Abyss of different type.

    Especially when someone was using horn flute to manipulate several type of Abyss simultaneously, their movement should become simple because they were obeying the same command.

    And yet, what was with this splendid coordination?

    The one Haiit that appeared first at the beginning caused the force¡¯s Drake to concentrate their attention to the front.

    At the opening when the attention of the enemy searching was shifted, a pincer attack came from Haiit that were lurking among the trees at left and right.

    No matter how the Sanctuary Knight Order tried to prepare their battle force beforehand, they wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid wracking their brain thinking of how to deal with this terrain.

    If Drag-Knights wearing flying type Drag-Ride escaped to the sky then took position to give covering fire toward the ground, at that moment the Gargoyle above would hit them with light bullet as though it had been waiting for it.

    It was a coordination that was as though the situation at their side, the best action the Drag-Knights would take had been completely seen through.

    If it was someone else other than Fafnir that possessed Auto Shield, they would be struck down, or at the worst case they would lose their life on the spot.

    At the present, the number of the Abyss that could be confirmed by sight was seven in total.

    The user of the horn flute couldn¡¯t be found at the surrounding, so for the time being that was all of their enemy.

    If it was with the force this time that was mostly formed by High Class Drag-Knights, they should be able to fight in superior position, but the ingenious planning of the enemy forced their side to disadvantage right now.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Can I leave the below to you? I will chase after the Abyss in the sky.¡¹

    First nothing could begin if they didn¡¯t grasp the enemy¡¯s battle strength.

    The Sanctuary Knight Order members were becoming agitated against the change in situation that was occurring in succession, their formation was almost crumbling.

    Here they could only open a path of survival somehow using the strength of Lux and Krulcifer.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t the time to save strength.¡¹

    Lux made that decision and quickly put his hand on Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    But, at that instant. Thought of terrific killing intent pierced the surrounding air.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t move. They are my prey.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux saw instantly.

    The young girl who was messing around with him until just now ©¤©¤Mel Gizalut was wearing a large type Drag-Ride that was unbalanced with her body.

    The upper body was red, the lower body was white.

    Right after his gaze was stolen by the armor with unfamiliar coloring, that Divine Drag-Ride started moving.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll show you, the meaning of the nickname Subjugator.¡¹

    Mel lifted a large type HalberdDragon Battle Halberd, then she accelerated using wheel Drivepropulsion device.

    She leaped out in front of the Sanctuary Knight Order members who were in one-sided defensive battle and struck a Haiit with her Halberd.

    ¡¸Gi, GOBUAaAH!?¡¹

    Haiit that had tough body including hard fur that was like wire was blown away with just an attack.

    Furthermore perhaps from the ability of a special armament, its whole body was enveloped with flame instantly.

    But, even Lux knew from the battle just now that it wasn¡¯t an opponent that would be finished just from that.

    ¡¸Mel! Just that much is no good! If you don¡¯t destroy the enemy¡¯s core©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My, that¡¯s troublesome isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Right after that, the Haiit leaped toward Ddraig Gwiber even with its whole body getting scorched.

    But, Mel used the tip of her Halberd©¤©¤the spear part and unleashed a thrust, piercing the core at its chest without difficulty.

    ¡¸O, GU¡­¡­u!¡¹

    It left behind short groan and its huge body that was around three ml crumbled. (TN: Made a mistake with this meter unit, previously I used ¡®mel¡¯, but the correct one is ¡®ml¡¯. It¡¯s the unit for meter in this world)

    After confirming that, Mel quickly drove her Divine Drag-Ride and hunted the other Haiit.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The brilliance of her skill stole the words from Lux.

    She attacked with flame in order to burn off the Haiit¡¯s hard fur, and right after that she pulverized the core with a thrust of her Halberd.

    It was an extremely effective tactic that was carried out by seeing through the Abyss¡¯s trait.

    While Lux was admiring that extraordinary skill, a Dragon Voice from Krulcifer came to him.

    ¡ºI finished off the Gargoyle in the sky. There is only one left now.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤Right¡»

    This wasn¡¯t the time to be entranced by Mel¡¯s movement.

    Mel¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride had Drive in wheel shape meant that her Drag-Ride was land battle type.

    The moment Lux flew toward the sky in order to give Krulcifer¡¯s backup, he saw a Haiit that might be the last assaulted a defenseless nun.

    ¡¸Watch out-!¡¹

    Lux made his Wyvern flew in full speed and intercepted the Haiit.

    He blocked using Scale Blade the tip of the fist that the Haiit raised as counterattack.

    Right after that, that huge fist was smashed up into pieces.

    The counter technique that received the opponent¡¯s attack and returned it into one point, Critical Hit.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­GIAAaAaAH!¡¹

    The Haiit shrieked while plucking off a nearby large tree. It came striking by using that as replacement for weapon.

    It must be its countermeasure because he considered Lux¡¯s technique as danger, but its movement was perfectly predicted.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood.¡¹

    Krulcifer who was midair didn¡¯t overlook it and sniped.

    The Divine Raiment of Fafnir that carried out future prediction of a few seconds ahead completely estimated the movement of the Haiit. Several streak of flash froze the Abyss¡¯s limbs.

    At the end consecutive shots concentrated on the chest gouged the core and the Abyss crumbled from that.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    They somehow escaped from the predicament. Lux let out a relieved sigh.

    The Sanctuary Knight Order members too were an elite lineup as expected, it didn¡¯t seem like the group, including the pope Nias had any serious harm.

    ¡¸Haaa, I¡¯m saved dearimasu.¡¹ (TN: Kinda like ¡®desu¡¯)

    But, Lux felt something out of place from the existence of the sisternun who was nestling close to the side of the similarly relieved Pope Nias who was still a young boy.

    A girl who looked like she was the same age with Nias and Mel.

    Her presence here itself wasn¡¯t unnatural, and she might be with them too in the pilgrimage yesterday.

    But if she was here in the role as helper of the ceremony, wasn¡¯t a single bishop sufficient for that?

    The meaning of intentionally making a powerless girl accompanying this kind of pilgrimage that was accompanied with danger was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Everyone be on your guard! There is still one reaction of Abyss remaining!¡¹

    One of the Sanctuary Knight Order who was wearing Drake yelled.

    When tension ran in the area once more, a winged beast©¤©¤Chimera that was hiding behind fallen snow assaulted toward the position of Pope Nias.

    ¡¸Protect his eminence!¡¹

    As expected the people there weren¡¯t that careless.

    Several Drag-Knights stood in front of Nias and the bishop, but the Chimera suddenly changed direction, bit the clothes of the petite sister, and left while carrying her to the sky.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    It changed objective in a situation where everyone was worrying about the pope¡¯s safety.

    Not to mention the whole Sanctuary Knight Order, even Lux and Krulcifer were also taken by surprise.

    When Lux poured strength into the control stick of his Drag-Ride to chase after the Abyss, something flew up from the ground.

    ¡¸Ddraig Gwiber©¤©¤Wyvern ModeFlight Form¡¹

    Mel grasped her Sword Device and muttered. The mind control operation that was done almost simultaneously with that transformed the shape of the Divine Drag-Ride she was wearing.

    From the land battle type that specialized in ground battle, close quarter combat, and defensive power, into flying type that possessed back wings with high mobility.

    The Drag-Ride that was colored with two colors of white and red had the proportion of that coloring reversed.

    ¡¸Transformation!? Don¡¯t tell me, that Divine Drag-Ride is able to use both trait of flying and land battle?¡¹

    Even while Lux was shocked like that, there was no way he could leave everything to Mel alone.

    Lux and Krulcifer also flew their respective Drag-Ride to chase after the base, it was at that timing a squall suddenly flowed in front of the Chimera, stopping its movement for a moment.

    Right after that, the Halberd of the flying Mel struck its torso from behind into two.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GI, iiIII!¡¹

    The Chimera left behind the reverberation of dull scream of death agony before its body crumbled.

    Mel watched it from start to end in satisfaction while smiling bewitchingly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How disappointing, it looks like there is no more enemy left. But well, it means that the achievement today is my victory.¡¹

    Lux was speechless against her atmosphere that was vaguely tinged with shadow.

    (The squall just now, was that Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment?)

    In any case, what he understood was that the fact that this girl called Mel Gizalut was really a genius Drag-Knight wasn¡¯t an exaggeration.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, rather than that, someone please save meeeeee-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! Krulcifer-san! Will you make it!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s all right.¡¹

    The sister who was liberated due to the death of the Chimera and was starting to free fall was quickly caught by Fafnir that possessed unrivalled mobility.

    Like that they landed at the outskirt of the cemetery, slight distance away from the pope and the group of Sanctuary Knight Order.

    Mel watched that before returning, while Lux chased behind Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! Is that girl all right!?¡¹

    When Lux caught up beside Krulcifer, she was making a dumbfounded face while looking down on the girl in sister clothes who was simply lying down on the new snow.

    ¡¸Nn, uuu¡­¡­. I thought it was the end for me dearimasu.¡¹

    The girl slowly opened her eyes above the snow and twisted her body painfully.

    The hood covering her head slipped down, exposing a beautiful hair and face.

    She was a young girl possessing light green hair.

    There was no sign of worrying wound anywhere on her body, just©¤©¤on her head, drooping ears like puppy were attached there.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, this¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This ears, this child, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­!¡¹

    The body stature of the petite girl, and her appearance with animal ears growing on her head.

    The Gear Leadermanager that was called as Automaton, which they had happened to see several times in various Ruins.

    They reflexively held their breath seeing her features that had the vestiges of Gear Leader.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­? AAAAH!?¡¹

    Perhaps the girl noticed the gaze of Lux and Krulcifer, she sprang up on the spot, then her hands reached out to left and right in panic.

    It seemed she was searching for her falling veil on the snow, but before long she gave up and hid her ears with both her hands.

    ¡¸You, those ears are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wo, woof woof-!¡¹

    She said with upturned gaze while her hands kept hiding her ears.

    Strange silence drifted in the area.

    ¡¸Fu, fufufu¡­¡­, if I attach accessory and character like this to myself, I might be able to deceive them somehow dearimasu. O, Onee-san and Onii-san, thank you very much for saving Ney woof. I¡¯m immensely grateful dearimasu! ¡­¡­Woof!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The looks that Krulcifer was looking at the girl with was gradually changing into a complex look.

    A personality that resembled La Cruche who they found at the Arc some time ago.

    No, somehow she even felt that this one here was even stranger.

    Lux and Krulcifer guessed that for the time being there was no danger, so they dispelled their armor and discussed with each other.

    ¡¸I wonder, if all Automatas basically have regrettable personality?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know about that¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Krulcifer¡¯s muttering. Seeing that, the girl who introduced herself as Ney waved her hands in great panic.

    ¡¸Yo, you¡¯re wrong dearimasu! I am not this thing called Automata that you are saying! ¡­¡­Fuu, I almost got found out just now dearimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t care about it but your inside voice is leaking out completely you know¡­¡­. And, what are you©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer was completely exasperated, but Ney didn¡¯t even realize that and she averted her face.

    ¡¸Fufufu, they are completely tricked dearimasu. Perhaps in contrast to their appearance, they are actually dim witted child dearimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why we can hear you loud and clear. I have the conceit that I am a gentle person but©¤©¤I¡¯ll dismantle you, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Hawa©¤©¤!? I¡¯m sorry dearimasu-!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m joking. More importantly, you don¡¯t have recollection of my face?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Krulcifer calmly told her and lightly patted the girl¡¯s head.

    Instantly, Ney went ¡®hah¡¯ in realization and her eyes opened wide, bluish white light dwelled in her eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You are XferKey¡¯s Supervisor, sama?¡¹

    After blinking her eyes a few times, the girl removed her hands from her head.

    The drooping ears went *piko-* and stood up straight, then she suddenly jumped on the chest of Krulcifer who was still in pilot suit appearance.

    ¡¸Kyah¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer unusually raised a delicate cry. Ney hugged such Krulcifer with her face moved to tears.

    ¡¸I finally can meet you Xfer-sama! With this I too can return to the Ruin dearimasu. I¡¯m glad desuuu¡¹

    ¡¸Calm down a bit, are you really, an Automaton of the Ruin?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I am the Gear Leader of the Ruin Hall, Ney Louches dearimasu. Ah, err¡­¡­. On that subject, this person here is©¤©¤¡¹

    Saying that, she became concerned of Lux¡¯s presence after this late and she directed her gaze toward him coweringly.

    It was a concern whether she would regard Lux as enemy just like La Cruche when her memory returned, but at the present time it didn¡¯t seem like it.

    ¡¸Then, this mean you will listen to what I¡¯m saying right? Ney, can I ask you to keep silent about the fact that I am an Xfer, and that your true identity became known by us?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Lux and Ney tilted their head simultaneously hearing Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    On top of that, it seemed Krulcifer was telling even more various things to Ney with small voice.

    ¡¸I¡¯m relying on you. Let¡¯s talk about the minute detail again later on. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    But, Lux immediately understood what she meant.

    The force of Sanctuary Knight Order that was protecting Pope Nias was searching the area around the cemetery.

    Most likely they were looking for this girl who was disguising herself as a sister.

    ¡¸Are you two okay!? Where is that sister!?¡¹

    The voice of the knight order¡¯s captain came to hearing, so Lux guessed Krulcifer¡¯s intention.

    ¡¸Everyone is safe. The girl is also not injured.¡¹

    Lux answered like that while showing Ney who had put on her veil once more.

    The captain sighed with relieved expression. Then he said his thanks and led away the girl.

    ¡¸It looks like there is a need to ask that child about her story later.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed that due to the great effort of the Sanctuary Knight Order that was centered on Mel, they managed to purge the swarm of Abyss.

    After that the pilgrimage ceremony ended without a hitch, and with that the schedule today was accomplished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, tomorrow we will be in the care of everyone in the knight order once more.¡¹

    The grateful speech from the bishop Orphel concluded the second day and the group broke up in front of the sanctuary.

    Lux¡¯s gaze chased after the figure of Ney who was nonchalantly accompanying Pope Nias, but she entered inside the sanctuary without stopping.

    The sanctuary was thoroughly a place for practical business, there shouldn¡¯t be any place for living there.

    (Is Ney under the management of this country¡¯s top brass?)

    At the very least, there was no doubt that the high ranked priest around the archbishop or bishop knew about Ney¡¯s true identity.

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, his back was suddenly tapped.

    ¡¸Where are you looking at, Onii-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    The sensation of his back suddenly getting tickled caused Lux¡¯s body to jump on the spot with a twitch.

    When he turned around, Mel Gizalut was standing there with a bewitching smile.

    ¡¸Do, do you have business with me?¡¹

    Lux was scared whether she had seen through Ney¡¯s existence, but fortunately it didn¡¯t seem so.

    ¡¸What do you think? About my fighting style with Ddraig Gwiber? It was even more magnificent than Krulcifer right?¡¹

    Mel smiled with a proud tone.

    Regarding Lux¡¯s true identity as Black Hero who was driving the Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut, it seemed she noticed it when he fought Greifer at the arena in the royal capital, but she didn¡¯t show any sign of making allusion to it.

    In the first place, normally someone wouldn¡¯t poke their nose into the affair of their allied country.

    In short, she was simply asking Lux because she knew that he was a strong person at the same level with her.

    ¡¸It was really amazing. I have never seen before someone that can handle Divine Drag-Ride until that far in your age.¡¹

    ¡¸I wish for lovelier compliment here. Something like my age, or being genius, I¡¯m tired of hearing that kind of ordinary words. Ah, I already know that I¡¯m beautiful and lovely, so you don¡¯t need to praise me about that.¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, Mel is a really interesting kid.¡¹

    Her attitude was full of confidence, but mysteriously it didn¡¯t sound like sarcasm.

    Perhaps it was because of the girl¡¯s innocent atmosphere.

    ¡¸However, I think that the way you fight is dangerous.¡¹

    ¡¸Hee, I wonder if you can give me an opinion that I can use as reference.¡¹

    Mel asked back unperturbedly toward Lux¡¯s words.

    She was still very young, but it seemed she wasn¡¯t soft mentally.

    That was why Lux too didn¡¯t force himself to be considerate and he spoke his frank opinion.

    ¡¸Certainly you are strong. Perhaps, you have been memorizing the mode of life of various types of Abyss, and you are also able to master that peculiar Divine Drag-Ride. If it¡¯s only in aspect of strength, then certainly I think among the force just now you might be stronger than anyone¡­¡­but¡¹

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t putting the safety of everyone as first priority©¤©¤is that what you want to say I wonder?¡¹

    Mel made a cynical smile and preempted Lux¡¯s words.

    It was hard to realize because her situational judgment was accurate and her strength was also overwhelming, but Mel was trying to hunt the Abyss inside her range in the shortest and fastest way.

    That act itself was correct as one possible strategy, but at the same time it would make any leeway to be lost.

    And then, she wasn¡¯t taking into account of cooperating with other Drag-Knight.

    It must be an action that came from possessing outstanding combat strength and absolute confidence, but it was risky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see. Well, that can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    But, Mel more or less nodded toward what Lux pointed out and she said that without hesitation.

    ¡¸Because, my heart is something cursed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Lux titled his head at her suggestive mutter.

    ¡¸I am the Subjugator©¤©¤it¡¯s the title given to a person who destroyed Abyss more than anyone in this country. The reason I obtained that tilte, is because when I see Abyss, my nature is that I cannot help but to defeat it before anything else.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what do you©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t hear from Krulcifer? My house©¤©¤Gizalut house that is a great noble of this country was destroyed seven years ago. My family died from Abyss¡¯s attack, leaving only me alone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was shocked by that tragic fact, but at the same time he also felt like something clicked into place.

    Although her house was a military family that was equal to Einfolk house, but why was it only her existence that was famous?

    It was because the lineage of her house had already died except herself.

    ¡¸The day of Pilgrimage Festival just like today seven years ago. The Ruin rampaged©¤©¤and ten-odd Abysses overflowed out all at once. It was difficult for the Drag-Knights of this country that was inexperienced at that time to even deal with it.¡¹

    Mel¡¯s face that was always filled with smile of unyielding spirit was tinged with slight grief.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, since then I¡¯m broken. Even if I have to risk some amount of danger, when I see Abyss I can¡¯t help but feel that I have to defeat them. Even myself cannot stop it, this impulse of mine.¡¹

    ¡¸Mel¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This talk is over. Let¡¯s meet again, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Mel¡¯s tone returned to usual and she left.

    Lux couldn¡¯t say anything more. He saw off her back.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work today. Well then, let¡¯s head to the number one inn in the holy capital.¡¹

    After getting discharged from the guard duty near the sanctuary, Alterize came along with horse carriage as expected, but today she was showing them a different destination.

    ¡¸Eerr, we aren¡¯t going back home?¡¹

    ¡¸Because there is plan to participate in a dinner party that is being hold during the Pilgrimage Festival.¡¹

    ¡¸If you are tired, it¡¯s also fine to return to the mansion of Einfolk, but I think that staying outside at least for today will instead make it feel more easeful you know?¡¹

    Urged like that by Krulcifer, Lux decided to participate in the party too.

    Fundamentally it was a celebration of Ymir Theocracy that would be held solemnly in one¡¯s own residence or at the church, but a part of the nobles would prepare a gorgeous dinner party.

    Believers with position like the pope or bishop wouldn¡¯t participate in this banquet.

    It seemed that it wasn¡¯t something formal that was conforming to the doctrine, but something that a part of the nobles held independently.

    Having said that, compared to the dinner party of other country, there was no doubt that it was something quiet.

    After the horse carriage ran for a while, they arrived at a high class inn that was attached with bath, bar, and cafeteria.

    ¡¸Ojou-sama  has a bit of business, so please relax over here first.¡¹

    Guided by Alterize, Lux opened the door of an individual room.

    The room was clean, with calming interior design and color scheme.

    It wasn¡¯t as luxurious as the royal capital¡¯s high class inn, but it had chic design and consolidated ornaments, bringing out a mysterious calm.

    It seemed that it also had services that were unique to northern country, like putting warmed rock at the bed and so on.

    The interior of the inn itself was something that even Lux was happy about, but,

    ¡¸Err, Alterize-san. This room, for some reason it has two beds in it though¡­¡­¡¹

    After giving the room a brief survey, Lux alluded regarding that.

    ¡¸Yes. There is also a room with one large type bed but, that¡¯s, it¡¯s still, the Pilgrimage Festival is also not over yet. If the two of you cut loose too much©¤©¤¡¹

    Alterize averted her gaze for some reason and her cheeks reddened. Seeing that, Lux was convinced.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, don¡¯t tell me Krulcifer-san will be in this same room!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Honestly speaking, from my view I also think that this is still too early, but this is so, Lux-sama too, won¡¯t become too daring, in the academy or in Einfolk house, that¡¯s why.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t be considerate like that-! Or rather, between I and Krulcifer-san something like betrothal is still no©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, when you finished changing, please head to the dinner party at the second floor. I think Ojou-sama will also change in this room, so please hurry as much as possible.¡¹

    The door was closed shut with a click along with a bow.

    He missed the chance to resolve the misunderstanding again.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, I wonder, what does Krulcifer-san think about the matter of bethrothal?¡¹

    Lux was changing into the prepared dress suit while he suddenly thought of such thing.

    For Krulcifer, at present Einfolk house was pushing troublesome betrothal on her, so she made Lux to assume the role of fianc¨¦e to avoid the troublesome matter. Surely that was it.

    But, as expected, he got the hunch that it would become problem at the future if this misunderstanding was left as it was indefinitely.

    ¡¸I have to do something about it.¡¹

    The moment he relaxed his attention like that, an impulse of wanting to lie down on the bed welled up.

    ¡¸Fuu, I¡¯m tired¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux sat down on the bed. He then stretched up his body before collapsing down.

    Then, in the place of soft feather blanket, *munyun* such soft sensation touched his head.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    The moment Lux tilted his head in confusion, Lux¡¯s body was quickly embraced by a girl¡¯s hands gently and he was restrained.

    Lux was speechless from a great shock. Then a familiar voice of a girl entered his ear.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, caught you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, Phi-chan!? Wa-, why!? How!?¡¹

    The one sleeping on Lux¡¯s bed was his childhood friend, Philuffy.

    The back of Lux¡¯s head was placed on the chest of the girl who was incidentally lying down face up there. His posture was as though it became replacement of pillow for him.

    On top of that, Philuffy circled both her hands around Lux and embraced him *gyuuu-* tightly that he couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡¸The door was left open, so I entered you know?¡¹

    ¡¸A, it¡¯s true. If I¡¯m not careful©¤©¤not that, what I want to ask isn¡¯t that you know!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face turned red from feeling the soft and elastic texture of Philuffy¡¯s breast while he yelled.

    ¡¸Onee-chan, and my master will do something somehow about it for me a bit. So I can finally come here.¡¹

    Philuffy gave him such answer with an indifferent tone.

    Lux didn¡¯t understand the detail with only that, but it seemed that the gist of it was that Philuffy came to Ymir using Relie¡¯s strength.

    ¡¸Master? ¡­¡­Or rather, this posture is bad, so let me go for now okay!?¡¹(TN: Master in the meaning of mentor, teacher)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­, don¡¯t want.¡¹

    Philuffy kept hugging Lux with reproachful eyes, then she faced away with ¡®puih¡¯,

    ¡¸Eeeeh, wai-, why©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux was flustered and he reflexively yelled,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m, angry here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy puffed up her cheeks slightly with her expression and voice still didn¡¯t look or sound like she was angry at all.

    ¡¸Even though, I promised, to go to crepe stall, together with Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux recalled that promise now that she told him.

    Because Lux left the country a day earlier in a hurry, he was unable to keep his promise with Philuffy.

    ¡¸So, sorry Phi-chan! This time there is a circumstance, but next time I¡¯ll make up for it without fail, so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, promise?¡¹

    After staring still at Lux¡¯s panicked face, Philuffy said that to him.

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s why, that, if you can forgive me this time©¤©¤amuh¡¹

    When Lux tried to explain, Philuffy let go of him.

    And then something softly pushed on the lips of Lux who was getting up.

    Looking carefully, it was a cookie that Philuffy often eat.

    ¡¸Then, for you. The proof of making up.¡¹

    Lux was relieved seeing Philuffy showing him a faint smile and he ate the cookie.

    The gentle taste of the faint sweetness was melting inside his mouth.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, after this, I have plan to go to the banquet though¡­¡­¡¹

    Leaving her behind like this would be a bit¡­¡­, should he take her along with him?

    While Lux was thinking of such arrangement, Philuffy slowly stood up.

    ¡¸I¡¯m being invited by the inn¡¯s big wig, so I¡¯ll be all right. Later, Lu-chan.¡¹

    It seemed Philuffy herself also had business.

    They would talk in more detail later and so Lux parted with her for the moment. He then went to the dinner party too.

    ¨C

    After checking his appearance using mirror, Lux exited the guest room and headed to the second floor.

    When he exited into a banquet hall, a spacious fantastical space spread out.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This is, the dinner party of the capital.¡¹

    That place Lux was looking at was so bizarre that such muttering reflexively came out.

    It was a completely different atmosphere than the dazzling party at the royal capital.

    It was quiet and dim, an atmosphere that was like Holy Communion.

    Small silverwork candlestick was put on each table, then after being guided to the seat, wine and bread would be served first.

    The other food would come after the prayer was finished, it seemed that they would be coming along with the lighting getting brighter.

    The lighting only came from unreliable candles, a choir¡¯s solemn voice could be heard from the stage.

    ¡¸For now, I have to wait until Krulcifer-san arrives©¤©¤¡¹

    However, the atmosphere was solemn, and yet he couldn¡¯t calm down for some reason.

    ¡¸Excuse me©¤©¤, could it be you are alone?¡¹

    While Lux was fidgeting, an elegant lady and women of blooming age who seemed to be her companions suddenly called out to him.

    Perhaps they were drunk. Other than strong perfume aroma, they gave off the scent of alcohol.

    It seemed although this was Ymir Theocracy, there was also believers who didn¡¯t fit into the mold.

    ¡¸You are a traveler who came for the Pilgrimage Festival aren¡¯t you? If you like, how about conversing a bit with us?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, thank you very much for your consideration. But I¡¯m, waiting for someone©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux responded like that while acting bewildered at their invitation, the woman came even closer to him.

    ¡¸My? She must be a bad woman to leave alone a boy like you. Then while you¡¯re waiting, we will keep you company here. We will also pour you some alcohol.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, I¡¯m©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Even while flustered, Lux stiffened, unable to think of how to respond skillfully.

    Wondering what to do, Lux fully operated his knowledge he got from his chores, but he didn¡¯t have experience avoiding older female.

    When Lux became even more bewildered and panicked,

    ¡¸©¤©¤I heard that in Pilgrimage Festival, it¡¯s the custom to be quiet until the hymn is over you know?¡¹

    There, a different girl¡¯s voice suddenly came from the side of the women.

    ¡¸Also, it¡¯s still too early to drink alcohol too. And so, I come bringing water.¡¹

    With a quiet gesture, that girl¡¯s hand put a glass of water on the table.

    She was graceful, and yet she gently chided the women with resolute tone.

    Just with that gesture, the flowing atmosphere that was teasing Lux was splendidly severed.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, wha, what¡¯s with you. Thi, this is a kill-joy. Even though we are expressly tying to have a fun conversation here.¡¹

    The women were feeling indignation selfishly and then they left.

    After that, that girl quietly sat down while saying ¡¸Excuse me¡¹.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    That conduct that was just too natural caused Lux to mutter unconsciously.

    He couldn¡¯t see her face well because of the dim room, but that beautiful presence caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat.

    She was wearing a chic dress with stacked up black and purple fabric, and conservative ornament.

    The clothing style was calm, suitable for this holy communion, but the chest area that was slightly opened showed an abundant bulge, which made it felt like it emphasized that seductiveness deliberately instead.

    ¡¸Err, thank you very much for helping me.¡¹

    Lux talked to deceive himself from the loud beating of his heart.

    Then, the girl sitting beside him chuckled inside the darkness and brought her face closer to Lux with a smile.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thanks is not permitted you know? Aiding you is my job after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Ee©¤©¤, eeeeeeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux raised a shocked voice spontaneously seeing the girl¡¯s figure.

    The new kingdom¡¯s Academy¡¯s strongest, the duke¡¯s daughter who was the captain of Syvalles.

    Celistia who was also the aide of Lux who became Seven Dragon Paladins was there in dress appearance.

    ¡¸Wh, why!? Celis-senpai is in this place©¤©¤¡¹

    She was a girl his senior who he associated a lot in the Academy, but he never imagined that he would reunite with her in this country©¤©¤furthermore in the inn of this holy capital.

    ¡¸That¡¯s my line Lux. It¡¯s troubling that you¡¯re going far away arbitrarily.¡¹

    Celis was telling him with a tone that was somewhat unusual for her, as though she was chiding a troublesome little brother.

    She must had been told how his departure schedule was moved ahead and came to this holy capital after asking Yoruka to give the others his message.

    In regard to that, Lux couldn¡¯t argue back at all and felt guilty.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, I¡¯m relieved that you are safe. In the future please discuss it with me first before doing something like this.¡¹

    But, that girl his senior conveyed to him that she wasn¡¯t particularly angry, that she was simply worried about Lux.

    ¡¸Yes. Next time for sure.¡¹

    Lux who noticed that responded to her with a relieved smile.

    Then Celis smiled wryly.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m also similarly helped, because it¡¯s troubling that men has been calling out to me since some time ago. I unconsciously said ¡ºDon¡¯t come near me¡» to all of them by mistake. I was nervous so©¤©¤in that sense¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux comprehended from Celis¡¯s muttering that was mixed with a sigh.

    ¡¸As I thought, senpai is not good with male even outside the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t make fun of me please! ¡­¡­I have been working even harder than before after all.¡¹

    Celis hung her head down in embarrassment. Lux smiled wryly seeing that.

    ¡¸But, if senpai doesn¡¯t get strangely tense, surely you will be able to talk with them normally you know? If you can do that, you will be able to get along better with other men©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Then¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis looked around the men at the surrounding with a distant look, but then her expression looked like she wasn¡¯t really enthusiastic, and then at the end she turned a faint smile at Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, as I thought I¡¯ll refrain for now. Male other than Lux, still feel somewhat scary, so I¡¯ll ask you to teach me about male for a bit more first before trying it.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see.¡¹

    That roundabout talk felt like she was thinking of him as special, which made his heart skipped a beat spontaneously.

    At that timing when such atmosphere was flowing, the chair in front of Lux quietly moved.

    ¡¸It looks like you are enjoying yourself with a beautiful woman aren¡¯t you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Kru, Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    Krulcifer who came late in dress appearance was talking to him with a fixed stare that looked vaguely cold.

    ¡¸It was my bad for spending time to finish various kind of troublesome procedures. I never even imagined that you will do something like calling out to other girl even at this country.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s a misunderstanding Krulcifer-san. Celis-senpai is just, she only came here because she is worried for me©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux made excused while getting flustered, but Krulcifer¡¯s attitude was somewhat dissatisfied.

    ¡¸Glad you could make it Krulcifer. Let¡¯s have the piled up talk later.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t anticipate that it will become like this though.¡¹

    Krulcifer also sat down with a somewhat resigned tone, then the three started their dinner.

    It seemed that they gathered attention from the surrounding as expected, but even so they were able to spend an enjoyable moment.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Even so all of you, no matter how much you all want to meet with Lux-kun, but isn¡¯t this still too much of impatience?¡¹

    After they finished dinner and joined up with Philuffy who had finished her business too.

    They were walking at the corridor while Krulcifer asked that with sarcasm mixed in her tone.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not really true. In the case that Lux is staying in Einfolk house, there is no way all of us will intrude to there.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you mean¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Krulcifer heard Celis¡¯s reply, she made a dubious face.

    Lux too tilted his head while opening the room¡¯s door. It was then a surprising sight leaped into his sight.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Long time no see, Aruji-samamy lord.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!? Yoruka too!?¡¹

    Inside the guest room that had been left empty for around a hour, the princess of new kingdom Lizsharte and the former assassin who now introduced herself as Lux¡¯s servant©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka were there.

    Lisha was sitting on the bed in her usual uniform appearance, while Yoruka was kneeling on the floor wearing foreign attire with high degree of exposure and welcomed Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, I wonder why it turned out like this.¡¹

    Krulcifer unusually covered her face with her hand and let out a deep sigh. She then averted her gaze.

    ¡¸In the end everyone came here!? That, the new kingdom and the Academy are©¤©¤¡¹

    Somehow or another, the elite Drag-Knights of the Academy were assembled here.

    If there was plan for such members to be away from the Academy, they could ask for the royal capital to dispatch reinforcement of Drag-Knights to Cross Field, but Lux wondered if it was okay this time.

    ¡¸No worry. The headmaster has arranged for substitute Drag-Knights after all. That¡¯s why we too could finally arrive here just now.¡¹

    Lisha folded her arms proudly and muttered that.

    ¡¸And so, everyone came to stay here? Even Yoruka©¤©¤¡¹

    After asking Yoruka to give the others message, Lux also instructed her ¡ºI want you to follow the headmaster¡¯s instruction¡» after that.

    It was because he wanted her to cooperate in case there was danger that visited the Academy.

    ¡¸Yes. I was tentatively asked by the headmaster-san about what I wish to do, and so I rushed to Aruji-sama¡¯s side like this. ©¤©¤Am I being a bother?¡¹

    ¡¸No, there is no such thing but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s fortunate. After all serving Aruji-sama is my wish.¡¹

    Saying that, Yoruka bowed reverently.

    Honestly speaking, it was a bit unexpected that Yoruka was here.

    After Lux entrusted only her the matter of conveying his message, he thought she would only abide by his usual order of ¡ºI want you to obey the Academy¡¯s norm¡», and yet she came here by her own will.

    She was a girl who wouldn¡¯t hesitate to say that she was a tool, but at the depth of herself there properly was an emotional aspect.

    Next if she could get along well with everyone little by little then it would be great but©¤©¤.

    While thinking of such thing, Lux turned to face Lisha again.

    ¡¸But, for everyone to purposefully come here©¤©¤could it be¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yeah. We found out that there is a great danger approaching you two and Ymir Theocracy. We came here in order to inform that and help out.¡¹

    Saying that, Lisha spread out on the bed the summarized report©¤©¤the data regarding the abduction plan that would be carried out in Ymir Theocracy.

    And then, six people gathered inside the room for two and a lively strategy meeting began.

    ¨C

    At the same time, the center of holy capital.

    At the snowy landscape where snow was starting to fall very deeply, inside the sanctuary where the lighting was already out, a single woman was standing.

    In the ear of the woman who was clad in white robe, *zazaza-* such coarse sound like the sound of sandstorm could be heard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, what did archbishop-sama said? Because there was enemy attack in the middle of pilgrimage, cancel the Pilgrimage Festival¡­¡­, there was no way he was saying such thing right?¡¹

    The voice of one of the three bosses of Dragon Marauder, the Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen, was reaching the ear of the robed figure at the audience hall inside the sanctuary.

    Drakkhen was wearing Drag-Ride at a place far away from the sanctuary, but the robed figure she was talking too didn¡¯t wear anything like that.

    The two of them weren¡¯t conversing using Dragon Voice. By using the Divine Raiment of the Divine Drag-Ride Asp that Drakkhen possessed, the sound from both sides were conveyed to each other and they could exchange words from afar.

    ¡¸In the first place I¡¯m not going to give any worrying report. Though I told them that the danger in a level that is smaller than what was anticipated has been driven away without any problem.¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku, you speak harshly. I too was planning to do the best to my ability with the combat force that I could use in that place though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Being unwilling to admit defeat is unsightly you know? Is the strength of the so called legendary mercenary is just at that level?¡¹

    Drakkhen returned a bitter smile toward the indifferent tone of the robed figure.

    ¡¸That sounded really painful for my ear©¤©¤is what I want to say but, it seems you don¡¯t know about this thing called war aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you planning to say a clich¨¦d line like you are going to get serious next time?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s not it. You see, if I won at the battle before my eyes, it won¡¯t become victory. In everything first you need information. Trying to obtain victory without even grasping the strength of the opponent is negligent.¡¹

    ¡®Good griefyare yare¡¯ such sighing voice came toward the robed figure.

    ¡¸Well, the actual problem is, there are also many royalty and nobility who are losing sight of not just strategy, but even the original objective of battle. I have seen many times with these eyes, subordinates who were forced into pointless death because of thoughtless battle based on pride and honor.¡¹

    ¡¸And because of that, in the end you started up the mercenary force of Drag-Knights called Dragon Marauder? Are the other bosses also the same?¡¹

    Drakkhen didn¡¯t answer the robed figure¡¯s question for a while.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave that to your own imagination. More importantly, I¡¯ll depend on you so that tomorrow will go as planned okay. It seems that some bunches from new kingdom came, but spare me from even more powerful reinforcement coming to escort this Pilgrimage Festival.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be my job to take care of that. I¡¯ll handle it carefully. Also, what about the remuneration that is my advance payment?¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, I already delivered that thing. Use it as you like. If this work goes well©¤©¤, you will finally be able to obtain the seat of archbishop. I¡¯ll rely on you okay, Orphel.¡¹

    Drakkhen only said that, then a discordant sound that was like sandstorm sound could be heard once more before the sent out voice cut off.

    After a few seconds of silence, Bishop Orphel smiled silently.

    When she opened a bundle, inside she found a small blade, with only its tip shining with seven colors.

    ¡¸I still cannot let my guard down, but it¡¯s just as planned. With this my wish will also be realized. Oh my god©¤©¤¡¹

    Bishop Orphel closed her eyes and muttered to particularly no one.

    And then, sound completely vanished from inside the sanctuary.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. For the time being this plan should be fine.¡¹

    In the high class inn, few hours had passed since Lux reunited with Lisha and others.

    The secret message found in Dilwy¡¯s room that recorded his exchange with Dragon Marauder, the new kingdom deciphered it and found the plan of kidnapping Pope Nias and the archbishop of Ymir Theocracy. They judged that the enemy would aim for the chance at the Pilgrimage Festival and dispatched Lisha and others, the members of Syvalles.

    Furthermore in order to coordinate with Lux and Krulcifer who served as guard for Pope Nias, they were having discussion.

    That was the objective.

    By the time the exchange of information and planning session were broadly finished, the inside of the room was completely transformed into chaos.

    The two beds inside were joined into one with documents scattered out on the sheet. At the nearby table, there were wine, juice, snack, and sweets that they asked the cook to prepare lined up.

    It was a room for too that was spacious and comfortable, but as expected it was too cramped for six people.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to stay in the inn, but didn¡¯t you all reserve other room?¡¹

    ¡¸I, it can¡¯t be helped right!? We suddenly arrived in this time after all©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha argued with a bitter face against Krulcifer¡¯s exasperated voice.

    Fortunately, it seemed by paying a lot of fee with the recommendation from Aingram conglomerate, they received permission for six people to stay inside the two people room. It was a situation that was like training camp.

    It had already passed the time for going to bed. Outside the window was filled with silence.

    ¡¸But well, with this the strategy feels like it will go well in outline huh. Fuaaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha yawned sleepily, while Philuffy was leaning her back on Lux and departed to dreamland.

    While thinking of going to bed, Lux suddenly noticed a problem.

    ¡¸The, then, it will be late at night soon, so I¡¯ll go for a bit to the receptionist and borrow a blanket. I¡¯ll try asking if the sofa outside can be borrowed.¡¹

    As expected, he was unable to say ¡ºsleeping together with everyone in beds for two people¡». So Lux made that suggestion and attempted to get out of the room.

    But, a few words from Krulcifer calmly stopped him.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. It seems you are taking the coldness of this country lightly, but if you do such thing, you will freeze to death the next morning you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, is that so?¡¹

    He didn¡¯t notice because the girls were around him, but certainly the corridor was shudderingly cold.

    Right now that the fire of the hearth had been put off, as expected it felt like sleeping outside was too reckless.

    ¡¸Then, I too will sleep, together with Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s body was swaying in a doze while she softly gripped at Lux¡¯s sleep-wear.

    ¡¸¡­¡­If it¡¯s two people it won¡¯t be cold so, perhaps, it will be fine.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you planning huh, airhead girl!? Spending a night together with just Lux, such thing©¤©¤wait, don¡¯t sleep while sitting!¡¹

    When Lisha was flustered with red cheeks, Philuffy was already letting out a peaceful sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    While Lux became even more bewildered of what to do,

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll serve as Aruji-sama¡¯s guard. Even though I look like this, I possess extensive knowledge, so I have confidence in attending Aruji-sama¡¯s sexual need.¡¹

    ¡¸Why is even the objective get changed that much!?¡¹

    Yoruka clapped her hand while making a bright smile, which caused Lux to spontaneously retort.

    Actually, to be able to be protected by this girl who was sensitive to people¡¯s presence added too with her excellent sword skill should be reassuring, but right now Lux was feeling a danger of another meaning.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Both of you. That act is not permitted.¡¹

    There, the captain of Syvalles, Celis cut in with firm tone.

    ¡¸Even from my point of view, I believe that Lux is a boy who is relatively a gentleman, but it will be troubling if two people spend the night together without sleeping close to each other and a mistake is made.¡¹

    ¡®Relatively¡¯¡­¡­Lux was somewhat bothered by that word, but he was relieved with Celis¡¯s suggestion.

    If this girl who was a disciplined person and their senior took control here, Lux felt like this situation could be settled somehow.

    But¡­¡­,

    ¡¸My? That¡¯s wholly unexpected. However, I cannot help but worry about Aruji-sama¡¯s well-being. The weather is this cold, and there is no guarantee that there won¡¯t be anyone aiming for Aruji-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. And so, tonight I will look after Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eeeh!?¡¹

    Celis threw out her chest proudly while saying that. Lux and Lisha yelled simultaneously.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s me, even in the minute chance that an assassin come I will be able to deal against it with my knowledge of martial arts. Besides, even if I spend a night together with Lux, I happen to have the power of reasoning that will prevent anything untoward from happening between us.¡¹

    Celis asserted decisively with a smile that was overflowing with confidence.

    But, Krulcifer was looking at her with a really conflicted expression.

    ¡¸You are a really troublesome person when you don¡¯t have self-awareness like this. Even though your personality is one that is highly probable to go as far as entrusting your body if Lux-kun is the one who is starting it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-!? Tha, that¡¯s rude Krulcifer!? Upon my word I will never©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis¡¯s face turned bright red and she averted her gaze away from Lux.

    Even Lux would become conscious of ¡ºthat¡» if their eyes met, so his face also similarly grew heated.

    ¡¸Eeei! It doesn¡¯t matter so everyone just move away! Lux is my knight you know!¡¹

    Lisha who was drunk because of the wine became teary eyed, hugged Lux¡¯s arm, and she was growing increasingly out of control.

    What to do.

    At the very least if Lux tried to sleep outside the room, he got a hunch that someone would follow him.

    While he was worrying how to make a decision, the girl beside him let out a small sigh.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Then let¡¯s adopt everyone¡¯s opinion instead.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Everyone else were looking bewildered at Krulcifer¡¯s brief words.

    And then, after they listened to her suggestion, that plan was carried out.

    ¨C

    A hour after everyone started sleeping.

    Inside the room, the systematic sound of the clock¡¯s hand and the tranquil sleeper¡¯s breathing of the girls could be heard.

    While outside the window snow was falling quietly forming a pile. Lux was spending an agonizing night.

    It wasn¡¯t cold, and it also wasn¡¯t that stuffy.

    And yet, Lux was still unable to sleep from tension and excitement.

    On the two beds that were stuck into one, five girls and Lux were lying down.

    What Krulcifer suggested was a terribly stimulating plan, for everyone to sleep with Lux at the same place.

    If they watched each other, Lux wouldn¡¯t commit any mistake, and the girls also wouldn¡¯t do anything strange.

    With this plan Lux wouldn¡¯t freeze outside the room alone, and the probability of an assassin attacking also decreased.

    It was a compromise plan that in a sense was extremely rational and prudent.

    Although, that was if the state of Lux himself was excluded, with how extremely agonizing this situation was for him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The lighting had been turned off save for one small tallow lamp. It was still all right for him until when they started sleeping.

    The girls were lying around Lux with some distance put in between, they were also covered with blanket that hid their sleep-wear from view.

    The sweet scent of girls after taking a bath and the sound of their sigh caused his heart to beat fast, but if it was just that he believed he would be able to endure somehow.

    ©¤©¤But, perhaps because of the fatigue from long journey using Drag-Ride, it happened starting from Lisha who was the first one asleep.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux, ¡­¡­I had been waiting all that time. Because, you didn¡¯t come to the atelierworkshop¡­¡­¡¹

    Even though she was a princess, her sleeping habit was bad. She was tossing and turning while sleeping.

    Or rather, she had the habit of sleeping in the atelier, so perhaps from that she became able to sleep even in strange position. It caused the blanket covering Lisha to get out of place slightly.

    But, her sleeping face was innocent and lovely, from her exposed sleep wear, he could see the swelling of her chest pushing up her underwear and proclaiming its existence, and her pretty white abdomen.

    Lisha¡¯s style had some childishness remaining in it, but the faint sensuality that could be perceived from her petite body somehow brought out immoral excitement from him.

    (Lisha-sama, she is cute as expected¡­¡­)

    She was properly thinking of defensive tactic in the meeting before this must not be just from her view point as Drag-Ride developer, but also from a view point as a commander of Drag-Knight.

    Her personality was straightforward, but she wasn¡¯t a girl who moved just form assumption and impulse.

    She was seriously thinking in order to help Lux and Krulcifer and then carried out the plan to realization. Her existence was really reliable.

    When Lux gently put back the blanket on such Lisha, her hand clutched Lux¡¯s hand tightly.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    The smooth sensation of that small palm caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat.

    Her gesture of clutching his hand while still sleeping was like a little kid for some reason, he was unable to shake off that hand.

    Everyone who was sleeping here more or less promised, to not touch each other while sleeping.

    ¡¸Well, surely she would let go before morning, if it¡¯s just this much©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When Lux muttered that, his other hand that wasn¡¯t clutched by Lisha felt a soft *munyu* sensation.

    ¡¸Lu-chan¡­¡­. You will catch cold, don¡¯t¡­¡­¡¹

    Looking there, Philuffy who entered the posture of sleeping together without him noticing was turning sideways while still sleeping. She entwined Lux¡¯s arm between her breasts.

    The soft sensation of the upper arm, and the girl¡¯s sleeping face that had trace of childishness in it.

    Just those were already enough to tickle his emotion, and yet she hugged *gyuu-* even stronger.

    Lux¡¯s arm was buried into Philuffy¡¯s abundant breasts. His body was tinged with heat all of a sudden.

    ¡¸Wai-, Phi-chan. This is bad¡­¡­!¡¹

    He whispered with small voice so the other girls wouldn¡¯t wake up, but his childhood friend didn¡¯t let go of Lux¡¯s hand while still breathing peacefully.

    That soft sensation was conveyed from across the black camisole that was her sleep-wear.

    When Lux moved his arm in the attempt to do something, the result was he was enjoying the elasticity of Philuffy¡¯s breast even further instead. Blood was rushing to his head more and more.

    While he was troubled like that, a soft sensation was suddenly pressing on his head too.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn, nnu¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, even Celis-senpai-!?¡¹

    When Celis turned over right at that timing, her posture became one where her breasts were pushing on Lux¡¯s head.

    From across the lacey pure white sleep-wear, the elasticity of soft flesh that possessed both springiness and mass that equaled Philuffy was conveyed to him. In addition the scent of opposite sex drifting from the valley melted Lux¡¯s brain.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux, that spot is no good¡­¡­. That¡¯s not, permitted¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps Celis reacted toward his voice, she spoke chidingly, but she was doing exactly the opposite thing.

    (I, I can¡¯t move! In various meaning¡­¡­!)

    With this, his left arm, right hand, and even his head were restrained completely by three girls.

    In a sense it was profit for him, a situation that was pleasant as a man, but in the worst case that this kind of situation was seen by Airi, it felt like she wouldn¡¯t talk to him for a month.

    (Be, besides, doing something like this, with the good excuse that everyone is sleeping©¤©¤no good!)

    When he almost got washed away by the wave of indulgent lust, he somehow endured with his remaining rational senses.

    But, he was unable to move at all, so he looked toward Yoruka.

    It seemed that she was also sleeping, but perhaps she sensed Lux¡¯s presence, just from that the girl opened her eyes in a snap and she turned her face toward Lux on the bed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl¡¯s two eyes that were of different color from each other blinked and caught Lux¡¯s face.

    She accepted Lux¡¯s gaze that was filled with the thought of asking for help with serious face.

    Perhaps she had the disposition of someone who slept lightly from the beginning, it seemed that she grasped the situation just from that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It looks like you are troubled, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Like that, the girl¡¯s bewitching lips moved and a calm smile emerged.

    When Lux nodded, Yoruka slowly lifted up her upper body before she approached Lux.

    This clearheadedness when she had just awakened must be from her natural constitution.

    And in addition of her own martial skill that was towering above other people, certainly, there was nobody else who was more suitable to serve as guard other than her.

    While her reliability was being deeply impressed in Lux¡¯s mind once more, her white slender finger softly touched Lux¡¯s sleep-wear, above his lower body©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait! Why are you trying to take off my underwear!?¡¹

    As soon as Lux¡¯s lower body almost got exposed to open air, he spontaneously raised his voice.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama. Everyone will notice if you speak loudly like that you know?¡¹

    Yoruka made a bewitching smile while her hand glided into the underwear.

    ¡¸Uah¡­¡­!? Wait, a second©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux¡¯s thigh was caressed by the smooth palm, he felt like his skin was getting goosebumps just from that. While he was enduring the strong urge that was welling up inside, Yoruka¡¯s face was approaching the area around Lux¡¯s waist and then she stared at him with upward gaze.

    ¡¸My? Isn¡¯t Aruji-sama wishing to clear up your lust using my body?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks reddened hearing what Yoruka-said so calmly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Do you think, that I¡¯ll say that in this situation?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I¡¯m thinking that surely, Aruji-sama instead want to do it beside everyone while they are sleeping.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s wrong you know!? I don¡¯t have that kind of hobby to enjoy such particular thrill you know!¡¹

    Lux retorted while inside his heart he sighed in relieve.

    Just a little bit more and putting aside his rational sense, it was his body that would lift up the white flag.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, I want to get out from the room for a bit, so can you help me out without waking up everyone?¡¹

    After telling Yoruka that using small voice until the end, she looked around before nodding.

    ¡¸How regrettable. But, by your will.¡¹

    Instantly Yoruka¡¯s hand slipped out from Lux¡¯s underwear and then she smoothly crawled on the sheet.

    With strength control that wasn¡¯t forceful by any means, she moved as though tracing Lux¡¯s body and separated the part where Lux and the girls were touching.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    The girls reacted for a moment with their eyes still closed, but it seemed it wasn¡¯t at the level of them waking up.

    Lux who was able to escape from the restriction for the time being noticed one thing. He then got out of the room for a moment.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be waiting here Aruji-sama. Take care.¡¹

    Yoruka sat with seiza posture on the bed and bowed. (TN: Seiza, kneeling with the tops of the feet flat on the floor, and sitting on the soles)

    Lux averted his eyes because she didn¡¯t even try to hide her figure wearing only pure white underwear, while he wore jacket and got out of the room.

    There was only minimum lighting at this time, so the area was dim.

    Lux headed to in front of the balcony at the third floor. There was a window surface along the wall.

    In that place where there was an unbroken view of the holy capital¡¯s snowy landscape, a girl was standing bathed in moonlight.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I guess praying is something that one have to try to do once in a while. Thanks to that my wish come true.¡¹

    The side face of the girl who looked over her shoulder was beautiful, Lux lost all his words in front of it.

    Inside the magical mood that was filled with only silence, Lux took a deep breath before long.

    ¡¸Are you angry, Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    When Lux asked that somewhat fretfully, Krulcifer casted down her gaze and looked aside,

    ¡¸Not really, I¡¯m not angry or anything.¡¹

    She said that with a curt tone.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s not like there is anything for me to get angry about. I have also anticipated those girls coming here to chase after Lux-kun. This trip of only the two of us that is the only enjoyment in this homecoming where troublesome work is pushed at me is now hindered©¤©¤such thing is completely unrelated. Lux-kun too, you look happy that everyone came for you after all.¡¹

    (¡­¡­Wait, she is totally peevish-!?)

    That attitude of averting her gaze standoffishly while speaking dispassionately was something Krulcifer never showed until now.

    ¡®What to do¡¯, Lux thought in panic.

    ¡¸Just kidding.¡¹

    Suddenly the girl smiled mischievously and she brushed up her hair calmly.

    ¡¸I thought that if I was gone, surely you will come looking for me. More importantly, come over here. There is something I want to show to you.¡¹

    Prompted like that, Lux stood beside Krulcifer.

    That sight spread out at the other side of the glass window that covered a surface of the wall.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    A speechless mutter leaked out from the mouth of Lux who saw that.

    Bluish white radiance from reflected light of snow faintly illuminated the holy capital¡¯s townscape. He could take the whole view with a sweep of the eye from this window.

    It was like a solemn scenery that was depicted by number one painter of the world.

    Lux forgot to even breath for a while taking in that sight.

    ¡¸I think it was a few years after I was adopted? There was time when Einfolk house stayed in this inn after the Pilgrimage Festival was over. It was the last memory, of the time when I still wasn¡¯t that estranged with my family.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The rampage of Ruin one and half a year ago. When I was swallowed by a cave-in, someone pulled at my hand from inside the collapsed rubbles while they were soaked in blood, without reconsidering injuries to themselves.¡¹

    She closed her eyes in reminiscence and muttered with her hands on her chest.

    She was making a self-depreciating smile that vaguely looked lonely.

    ¡¸At the time, Tou-san was also able to use Drag-Ride. I thought it was him who came to save me, but when I woke up he didn¡¯t come to meet me. When I asked him, he only answered ¡ºI don¡¯t know¡».¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san¡­¡­¡¹

    While Lux was unable to speak and stood still, the girl suddenly changed her words.

    ¡¸More importantly, it¡¯s about that child. Before the dining party just now, I was talking with Ney Louches who I called to this inn. I used my authority as this so called Xfer.¡¹

    It seemed that was the reason that Krulcifer was late.

    She taught Lux bit by bit about her conversation with Ney while staying vigilant to the surrounding just in case.

    It seemed that Ney Louches came out from the Ruin slightly a while ago due to some spur of the moment. She temporarily relinquished her authority as the Ruin¡¯s manager and started taking action.

    There she was discovered and picked up by the archbishop. Ney who was an Automata was treated as god¡¯s messenger, the ¡ºangel¡», and she became an existence that was concealed by the church.

    Ney¡¯s existence didn¡¯t come to light was because the faith of the archbishop was deep.

    The archbishop didn¡¯t even let Ney to purposefully approach the Ruin in order to recover her memory.

    But, recently because of the Abyss that went out from Ruin getting stronger, and their frequency of appearance was also increasing, the bishops who knew the truth proposed a plan to use Ney to investigate the Ruin.

    And then by using the pilgrimage this time, they were planning to use Ney to casually investigate.

    ¡¸Then, don¡¯t tell me, Krulcifer-san was called back for the Pilgrimage Festival this time was©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible for it to be a coincidence. Knowing that my origin is from Ruin, they must be intending to test whether I can be used for something while using Ney at the same time. At the very least my Tou-san should also know about this.¡¹

    At present, Ney only told the upper brass of this country that she was the Gear Leader of Hall and nothing else.

    And then, it seemed that Krulcifer also forbid Ney to speak to other about this talk.

    ¡¸Ney Louches¡­¡­what are they planning to do with her?¡¹

    The last destination at the pilgrimage©¤©¤the ceremony of Pilgrimage Festival would end tomorrow at the old sanctuary site.

    ¡¸According to that child, it seem from the underground of the old underground site, we can use teleportation to enter into the Ruin¡¯s archive, the room where information is managed. Of course, that¡¯s only if there is the authority of XferKey¡¯s Supervisor that I have though.¡¹

    Putting aside whether they should tell this country about it honestly or not, by doing that they would be able to investigate about the mystery of Ruin.

    And then, they would also be able to investigate about Krulcifer¡¯s wish too, of how she wanted to know about her true identity.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san, are you okay with that?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s unrelated with Einfolk house. I intend to know everything there, for my own sake.¡¹

    Her tone sounded like she was trying to stifle down something.

    Even while thinking that it was unlike her, Lux couldn¡¯t stop her. He nodded silently.

    ¡¸I understand. I too will help with the Ruin¡¯s investigation as much as possible.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m depending on you, prince.¡¹

    Krulcifer abruptly smiled and caressed Lux¡¯s cheek just like her usual self.

    ¡¸Then, how about we return to the room soon. If we don¡¯t hurry, everyone will come after Lux-kun and gathered here again.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly with a really complex look before they returned to the room.

    Like that, the long day finally came to an end.

 Volume 7 - CH 403

    ¨C

    ¡¸Uu©¤©¤, AAAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Near the cathedral located at the north of the holy capital, inside a room of a lodging house for high ranked monk or Sanctuary Knight Order to sleep.

    At the time of dawn where it was still dark outside, a high-pitched scream resounded.

    ¡¸Haa, haah! Haa¡­¡­! Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel was breathing roughly with heaving shoulders on top of the bed in sitting posture.

    She confirmed the situation around her and embraced the Sword Device leaning on the wall.

    ¡¸¡­¡­How hopeless. Only this dream hasn¡¯t changed since that day seven years ago.¡¹

    She embraced her body that was trembling from the lingering memory of the bad dream with her own two hands to hold it in.

    The terror and despair from losing her whole family due to the rampage of Ruin seven years ago.

    And then the burning rage inside the chest made Mel Gizalut¡¯s body to tremble.

    ¡¸Why, even though today isn¡¯t that day¡­¡­¡¹

    She bit her lower lip hard and let out a voice with a grieving expression.

    ¡¸Even though I won¡¯t lose if today is that day. Otou-samafather and Okaa-samamother too, Onii-samabig brotherand Onee-samabig sister too©¤©¤even my little sister, I won¡¯t let them die if it¡¯s today, and yet!¡¹

    She pulled out the Sword Device from the sheath and muttered while gazing at the beautiful blade of two colors that was glistening.

    Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gwiber, it was a prize that was bestowed to Mel after she was defeated by Krulcifer at the military art tournament due to Bishop Orphel¡¯s proposal to the archbishop.

    Although she lost due to decision, but thinking about the future prospect and strength of her who polished her skill until that far in that short time, it was fitting for her to receive it. It seemed that was the reason, but Mel thought that surely it was just the reason at the surface.

    Wasn¡¯t it actually something like consolation reward for Gizalut house after dying in the line of duty and also because of all their contribution in the past as member of Sanctuary Knight Order that was directly subordinate to the pope? At first she was doubting it like that.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Mel, you have nightmare again?¡¹

    *Knock knock* After that light knocking sound, Bishop Orphel entered inside the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s a usual thing.¡¹

    Seeing Mel wiped her sweat and said that, Orphel walked toward her with uneasy look.

    She sat down beside the bed, then she hurriedly put on a coat above Mel¡¯s white underwear.

    ¡¸Bishop-sama is a worrywart like usual. Shouldn¡¯t you worry about his eminence the pope instead as his aide?¡¹

    Even while talking sarcastically, Mel didn¡¯t reject that good will and smiled.

    Orphel who heard her words also didn¡¯t look offended, she merely spoke with chiding tone.

    ¡¸It¡¯s no good for a girl to let their body get cold you know? You are a strong and smart child, but you are still careless in that kind of area.¡¹

    Saying that, she made Mel¡¯s hand grasped a warm stone that was wrapped with fabric.

    Her body that was starting to get cold was warmed, and her heartbeat was recovering its calm.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The bishop with years of long service in the church©¤©¤Orphel. Mel always thought that she was a mysterious woman.

    In this country, bishop who engaged in politic and ceremony usually wouldn¡¯t get deeply involved with the Sanctuary Knight Order that was military.

    Because both sides shouldered important authority in the country, there was regulation so both sides wouldn¡¯t be too closely connected.

    And yet for some reason, since the incident seven years ago Orphel frequently came to check Mel¡¯s condition.

    Even though she never even heard that Orphel had particular friendship with Gizalut house.

    (Really. Just what is this person thinking I wonder©¤©¤)

    No one was talking about it openly, but the number of fellow who talked badly about the relationship of Mel and Orphel wasn¡¯t few.

    Orphel was aiming for the hidden fortune of Gizalut house, or she was taking advantage of the lonely girl¡¯s weakness, or she was trying to win over the powerful person who became a member of Seven Dragon Paladins, etc, etc. There were many kind of rumor.

    Mel was a clever girl, so she immediately understood that kind of method with ulterior motive.

    But for some reason, she didn¡¯t harbor animosity toward Orphel.

    She didn¡¯t really understand why, but it might be because Orphel never gave her cheap consolation.

    When she had only lost her family, various people called out to Mel in pity.

    ¨C

    ¡ºYou must not lose heart. Because god is always watching over your hard work.¡»

    ¡ºDon¡¯t lose. This too is a trial that is given to you.¡»

    ¡ºLet¡¯s offer a prayer. If you do that then surely the time will come when your heart too will receive salvation.¡»

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤Don¡¯t screw around.

    That was what Mel was thinking even while nodding smilingly at the surface.

    She didn¡¯t know how much her heart was hurt until now by those very cheap consolations.

    The people giving those consolations themselves didn¡¯t have the slightest ill will, so it caused even more anger to well up inside.

    Both her parents were devoured to death by monster before her eyes, her everything was suddenly stolen unreasonably. After such thing, how could she believe in god or anything?

    It was only Orphel who had never said such thing even once to Mel.

    She only asked things like, ¡®is there something troubling you? Are you hungry? Don¡¯t you feel cold? How is your health?¡¯, and so on, after that she would talk about trivial thing with her, and stayed at her side longer than anyone else.

    She visited the lodging house every morning, and looked after Mel when she was tormented by bad dream.

    When Mel was injured or when she was sick, Orphel would nurse her throughout the night.

    That was why, Mel was harboring emotion that was similar to deep affection toward this woman called Orphel.

    She even thought, ¡®If only she is my real mother¡­¡­¡¯.

    (I too am foolish huh. Even this person, it¡¯s highly possible that she is trying to use me, and yet©¤©¤)

    Her obtaining the Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gwibel, her becoming Seven Dragon Paladins too, everything was because of the endorsement of Orphel who volunteered as Mel¡¯s guardian.

    Of course, Mel herself had the conceit that her strength was the best even in Ymir Theocracy, but she could sense some kind of motive from Orphel.

    But, even so, there was a side of herself who felt that the woman¡¯s existence and feeling were pleasant.

    (In the end, I too am still a child even if I¡¯m called the prodigy of Ymir am I.)

    Even while she was laughing at herself inside her heart, she couldn¡¯t do anything at all regarding her feeling.

    When human was weak, they would harbor good will toward their ally.

    She was thinking that she didn¡¯t want to be abandoned by this person, that she wanted to answer her expectation.

    ¡¸Mel, you have talent. Proof it by obtaining achievement in the pilgrimage this time okay? If you do that, everyone will recognize you. You won¡¯t©¤©¤feel lonely anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸You cannot make use of me just by buttering me up you know?¡¹

    Mel chuckled and stood up from the bed.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯ll show you how I raise the greatest achievement as guard this time too, I will win against Krulcifer only for my own sake, that¡¯s all. I won¡¯t pray to both god and angel.¡¹

    ¡¸As expected, you can be charged with lese majeste because of those words.¡¹

    Even while smiling wryly at Mel who was saying such thing while being a believer herself, Orphel didn¡¯t reprimand her.

    ¡¸It will be preparation time soon. I¡¯ll look forward to it, as your guardian.¡¹

    Orphel only said that and exited the room quietly.

    From the grey sky that was visible from the window, light sleet was starting to fall.

    ¨C

    The morning of the last day of the Pilgrimage Festival.

    Lux and Krulcifer first headed to the departure place that was the sanctuary as planned.

    At the same time, Lisha and others also used horse carriage to accompany them to the sanctuary. When they arrived, they made the offer of cooperation in order to stop the kidnapping plan of the Dragon Marauder.

    ¡¸I understand. As an allied country, I gratefully accept the assistance of the elites from New Kingdom Atismata.¡¹

    It seemed Pope Nias was surprised, but after consulting with the bishop, he immediately accepted.

    Although, Lisha and others wouldn¡¯t accompany the pilgrimage of the pope.

    The aim of Dragon Marauder was split into two at present.

    In the description of the secret message that Dilwy left, it was written that the kidnapping target would be the archbishop or the pope, either of them.

    While Pope Nias was carrying out ceremony at the old sanctuary site nearby the Hall, Lisha and others would stand by at the holy capital where the archbishop was staying. It was arranged so that their combat force would be applied as the situation demanded.

    Fifty elites of Sanctuary Knight Order, Lux, Krulcifer, and Mel, they served as the pope¡¯s guard just like before. It seemed that it was decided that line up was fundamentally enough.

    ¡¸I wish to accompany Lux as an aide of a Seven Dragon Paladins but¡­¡­it cannot be helped with our strategy. Please leave this side to us.¡¹

    Celis gave out only a little bit of sign of feeling disappointed, even so she straightened her back and threw out her chest.

    When Lux nodded, Philuffy suddenly peered with unblinking gaze at Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Uwah!? Phi, Phi-chan!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. It¡¯s no good unless you properly sleep at night you know?¡¹

    It seemed that she saw through Lux¡¯s lack of sleep in an instant.

    Well, one of the cause of it was related to Philuffy though©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Also, it¡¯s no good, if you fight while worrying too much you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was surprised when Philuffy told him that indifferently with her usual serious face.

    Even though he didn¡¯t say anything about Krulcifer and the Ruin, and also about Ney Louches.

    She softly caressed Lux¡¯s hair *pon pon*, and then gave him a soft smile.

    ¡¸If Lu-chan¡¯s feeling isn¡¯t mistaken, surely it will be fine.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. Thank you.¡¹

    Even without her knowing the detail of the circumstance, Philuffy¡¯s words mysteriously were able to relieve him.

    When his feeling was turning peaceful like that, Lisha finally came last.

    ¡¸Be careful okay Lux. ¡­¡­Also, don¡¯t flirt too much with Krulcifer.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Come back safely for sure. The safety of his eminence the pope is also important, but you are my knight after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I absolutely won¡¯t do anything that make Lisha-sama sad.¡¹

    When Lux smiled like that, Lisha averted her eyes just slightly while offering her hand slowly.

    After Lux took that hand and squeezed back, he also finished greeting Yoruka lightly.

    The preparation of Pope Nias was also finished, and the elites of Sanctuary Knight Order got into the horse carriage.

    But, the assistant sister who was usually riding together on the pope¡¯s carriage, Ney Louches came in front of Lux and others.

    ¡¸Due to Orphel-sama¡¯s command, today I will accompany Xf¡­¡­, not that, Krulcifer-sama and others dearimasu. Please take care of me. ¡­¡­Fuu, I almost expose the whole secret completely there dearimasu, good grief.¡¹

    After holding up her hand in front of her face with a snap, Ney averted her face and muttered.

    Lux and Krulcifer who saw that looked at each other¡¯s face with wry look.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why your true feeling is leaking all over though¡­¡­, perhaps it¡¯s a blunder to include this child into the plan. No matter how long it has been since she was last serviced just like she said, she is still a bit too much of a piece of junk.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha-, that¡¯s cruel dearimasu! Even though Ney look like this, Ney is a child that can do it if she try dearimasu. Ney also hasn¡¯t said to anyone about that plan©¤©¤muguwah¡¹

    Lux and Krulcifer who went pale hearing her words wasted no time to block her mouth.

    It seemed the surrounding didn¡¯t hear, so they immediately got into the horse carriage before even more mistake could be made.

    They departed to the last pilgrimage location, the old sanctuary site near the entrance of Hall.

    Next, would Dragon Marauder came to kidnap Pope Nias just like the information the new kingdom obtained?

    Or else, would that be a diversion and instead they would attack the holy capital to suppress the cathedral where the archbishop was at?

    And then, would Lux be able to head to the Hall¡¯s archive following Ney¡¯s guidance?

    A day where various thinking was interlacing started.

    ¨C

    Ten-odd minutes later, they arrived at the old sanctuary site without any accident.

    It seemed the ceremony here would take long, Lux and other who found opportunity planned to accomplish their objective.

    Krulcifer would use the supervisor authority she possessed from underground the old sanctuary site, teleported to the archive of Hall, and obtained information of the past.

    Ney Louches was given detailed instruction by Pope Nias©¤©¤or more accurately the upper brasses of the church who were advising him, to investigate the inside of the Ruin together with Krulcifer.

    But, the pope and the bishops didn¡¯t know about Automata¡¯s trait that was obedient toward Xfer. Krulcifer turned the table through that. She would investigate the Hall¡¯s archive along with Lux and aimed to be a step ahead in investigating about her true identity and the objective of the existence that was called as LordCreator.

    While Pope Nias was preparing for the ceremony, the eldest son of Einfolk house, Zain came talking to Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t loiter around too much. Our duty in the end is to guard his eminence the pope, and for you to raise an achievement that doesn¡¯t lose to Mel Gizalut.¡¹

    His tone sounded chiding, but there was no particular malice that could be sensed from ti.

    Therefore Krulcifer too merely returned a simple question to Zain.

    ¡¸I know. More importantly, is Otou-sama participating in today¡¯s pilgrimage?¡¹

    She quietly turned around and stared at the back.

    A man in his prime using a cane©¤©¤the father of Krulcifer, Stiyl Einfolk was for some reason looking this way from afar along with Alterize who was acting as guard.

    His foot was bad because of old wound. Perhaps because he had a body that couldn¡¯t wear Drag-Ride, he was beside the horse carriage that was some distance away.

    The old sanctuary site that was near the Hall had been predicted beforehand that it would be dangerous, and yet for him to intentionally come here was certainly an unnatural act but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I also told him. That the position of Einfolk house doesn¡¯t matter, just today father should restrain from coming. But, he is obstinate like that, he said to me ¡ºThere is a need for me to come¡» and won¡¯t listen.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux ignored Zain¡¯s grumbling and stared at Stiyl who was standing at distance.

    He didn¡¯t understand his true intention, but to him it looked like he was somewhat concerned with Krulcifer¡¯s condition.

    ¡¸Perhaps unexpectedly, it can be that father also come here to watch your achievement?¡¹

    ¡¸No way such thing is true, absolutely.¡¹

    Krulcifer calmly cut down the words from his big brother that was filled with sarcasm.

    ¡¸Even though, he didn¡¯t come to save me at that time¡­¡­¡¹

    She muttered that with a lonely look before slowly entering into the old sanctuary site.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Excuse me.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m going too dearimasu!¡¹

    Lux also excused him with a brief words to Zain, and then he along with Ney followed behind Krulcifer.

    The Sanctuary Knight Order including Mel was already going ahead. If the old sanctuary site had to be described with few words, it was a mysterious place.

    Different from the Ruin, it wasn¡¯t a structure that existed from ancient time, but a great sanctuary of Ymir Theocracy that was build around two hundred years ago.

    Lux heard that the entrance to the Hall was accidentally discovered near this site.

    Deep at the center there was a large altar. Even in its state with the ceiling collapsed and the sky was visible, the vestige of solemn atmosphere could be sensed.

    There was a stair continuing to underground beside the mountain of rubble, because there was the risk of cave-in over there, it was forbidden to enter with a chain.

    That was exactly©¤©¤the entrance toward Hall that was their aim this time.

    ¡¸It seems the Ruin is silent. Scout was dispatched last night and it was investigated, but there wasn¡¯t even a single Abyss from here until the entrance of Hall that was around a kl from here.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, thank you for your effort. I will begin the prayer ceremony now. Olpher, I¡¯ll entrust you with assisting me.¡¹

    After the captain of Sanctuary Knight Order counseled Pope Nias, the bishop Orphel moved to aid with the ceremony.

    Ritual tools for the prayer were lined up. The last ceremony of the Pilgrimage Festival would begin from here.

    But, even after understanding that there was no reaction of Abyss nearby, it was possible that an ambush like yesterday could happen.

    A total of fifty-odd Drag-Knights took position like their plan at the beginning without letting down their guard.

    Lux and Krulcifer, and also Ney were placed to guard the inside of the old sanctuary site following the instruction of Pope Nias and Orphel.

    Just as instructed by the top brass of the church that was conveyed through Pope Nias, Krulcifer whose origin was from Ruin and the Automata Ney were tasked to bring back treasure and information from the Hall.

    However, the moment they descended down the stair, Ney was scared toward the depth of the darkness that was gaping wide open.

    ¡¸Uwaaa. It¡¯s dark! It¡¯s scary! Ney is not good against mouse and bat dearimasu!¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? How pitiful. But, I¡¯ll have you walk ahead so do your best.¡¹

    ¡¸Hiiiii! The supervisor-sama here is inhuman dearimasu! U, understood, I will handle it carefully. ¡­¡­Even so it¡¯s cruel dearimasu, you are a type that will be hated by man, wait, oh nooo!¡¹

    (As always, the voice of her heart is leaking out¡­¡­)

    Lux unconsciously smiled wryly while beside him Krulcifer made a small sigh.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I want to harass you. With the narrowness of this passage, Drag-Ride cannot be deployed, so I thought that you as an Automata will have easier time to detect danger. That¡¯s all. No matter how long you have been separated from the Ruin, you still at least have that function right?¡¹

    ¡¸Uuu, I understand dearimasu. I will do my best somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll depend on you, Ney. I¡¯m holding hope for your real ability. You are a child who can do it when you try aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸Wo, woof-! Ple, please leave it to me!¡¹

    When Krulcifer patted the head of Ney who was nodding tearfully, her eyes sparkled and she recovered her liveliness.

    (She tamed her in this short time¡­¡­!)

    Was it Krulcifer¡¯s wiles that was amazing, or perhaps it was Ney who was simple.

    In any case without even any time for Lux to feel admiration, Ney took the initiative and began walking through the collapsed underground passage.

    Fortunately, perhaps because it was cold and there was no food, there wasn¡¯t any mouse or anything like Ney was worried about.

    Just, rubbles were scattered everywhere, so it was hard to walk combined with the darkness.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not as deep as I thought, if there is sign of fighting, we will also be able to return quickly.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. even if the opponent planned to split their force, we cannot let our guard down. The Drag-Knight who is the mastermind of the kidnapping plan, a division commander of Dragon Marauder, Drakkhen, I heard that she is a clever person who excel in forming strategy.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Besides, I¡¯m also worried about Krulcifer-san¡¯s father and brother.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer didn¡¯t reply to Lux¡¯s muttering.

    Her side face that was illuminated faintly by the lighting of torch was also in her usual cool expression.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, do you dislike me who keep putting distance with my family?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The girl¡¯s sudden words that was also similar like talking to herself caused Lux to raise a bewildered voice.

    Even so Krulcifer kept looking forward and continued walking quietly.

    ¡¸I noticed. You were calling out to my family in place where I wasn¡¯t looking. You were trying to obtain some kind of information, regarding my discord with my family.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sorry. It wasn¡¯t my intention, to hide it though.¡¹

    She must be referring to Lux giving present to Krulcifer¡¯s little sisters, or talked to her father.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to apologize. I¡¯m not angry or anything.¡¹

    Her lips abruptly relaxed and she turned a gentle smile to him.

    ¡¸Rather, I want to say my gratitude instead. I¡¯m happy that you are trying to ascertain in my place, whether I really cannot get along with my family for the second time anymore. But©¤©¤I myself, don¡¯t really understand my own feeling.¡¹

    In the past, Krulcifer found out that she was born from Ruin.

    Since then, a gulf was created between her and her family.

    And then, she was banished from Ymir to the new kingdom.

    In the new kingdom, thinking that if she was able to solve the mystery of the Ruin, wouldn¡¯t she be able to meet her true family, she entrusted her wish to that.

    Krulcifer herself was wavering in her heart even now.

    ¡¸Should I try to meet my family halfway one more time, even after thinking of it for the whole night, the answer didn¡¯t come out.¡¹

    Even if right now she entered the archive of the Hall and obtained some kind of truth, she would still waver.

    That was why, as an important friend of her, Lux said the answer.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I am Krulcifer-san¡¯s ally. No matter what happened, for sure.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Krulcifer chuckled and showed a smile at Lux¡¯s serious expression.

    Right after that, Ney who was going ahead stepped her foot on an open place.

    ¡¸We arrive dearimasu. Xfer-sama, Lux-sama.¡¹

    It was hard to see because of the dimness of the place, but it was a space that was like cone shaped hall.

    Deeper inside, there was a wall that wasn¡¯t made from stone, a metal wall that had weird pattern arranged on it.

    ¡¸From this we can trespass into inside the Hall, toward the archive dearimasu. And then©¤©¤here they come. Twelve Abysses appeared on the surface of old sanctuary site.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux and Krulcifer lifted their face with alert expression.

    This hall that was beside the door that connected to the Ruin had high ceiling. There was space to summon Drag-Ride.

    In addition, if the ceiling was destroyed, it would be accompanied with the danger of collapse but it would be possible to escape.

    ¡¸There is no large type Abyss, but what should we do supervisor-sama? If we go until the viewing room that is nearby the archive, we can even observe the surface from there dearimasu, we can also return using teleport but©¤©¤¡¹

    Should they head out to help right now, or else would they go in a hurry toward the viewing room after finishing their business at the archive.

    The elite force of fifty Drag-Knights made from a lot of High Class and above was a battle force that could oppose twelve Abysses.

    Furthermore, right now Mel of Seven Dragon Paladins and Alterize who was EX Class were also there.

    But, if reinforcement of Abyss or Dragon Marauder came at the middle, there was also the possibility of Krulcifer¡¯s step brother Zain and her step father Stiyl getting exposed to danger.

    ¡¸I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait! I¡¯ll try contacting Alterize-san!¡¹

    Lux quickly pulled out his Sword Device, summoned his Wyvern and equipped it.

    And then he used Dragon Voice to send his voice to Alterize¡¯s EX Wyvern.

    If the enemy was noticed by Drake¡¯s radar, she should also be wearing her Drag-Ride.

    The prediction of Lux who was thinking like that was right on the spot, a connection with her was immediately linked.

    ¡ºLux-sama? Did something happen in the underground? Currently here we are in the middle of battle with appearing Abysses. Their number is twelve, and there are three types, Gargoyle, Chimera, and also Haiit.¡»

    That lineup wasn¡¯t weak, but she and the other Drag-Knights there should be able to oppose that number and types of Abysses.

    Lux asked for some more detail just in case.

    ¡¸Other than that, is there enemy reinforcement?¡¹

    ¡ºThe Drake force of Sanctuary Knight Order is searching for reaction of Abyss and Drag-Rode, but for the time being none can be found in the area. We had also confirmed the sound of this rumored horn flute, but the one sounding it seemed to leave immediately.¡»

    The conversation between Lux and Alterize were also heard by the two girls beside him.

    When Lux told that to Alterize, Alterize gave a push on the back.

    ¡ºOjou-sama, please advance forward. We will hold on at this side.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. Take care of Einfolk house.¡¹

    Krulcifer told Alterize that without going as far as saying ¡®family¡¯.

    From the beginning, the true objective of the Pilgrimage Festival this time was at here.

    The girl who originated from Ruin, Krulcifer, and the Automata that came out from the Ruin, Ney Louches.

    The mission was for the two to combine their strength and solve the mystery of the Ruin.

    When Krulcifer lifted up her hand to the metal wall, words made from light ran through the surface and it was tinged with dazzling radiance.

    ¡º¡­¡­¡¯s existence is confirmed. The unlocking of special code is executed. If there is no problem, teleportation will begin.¡»

    Inorganic strange voice could be heard resounding directly inside the brain.

    It was the same phenomenon that also occurred when they once investigated the altar in the Garden.

    With the authority toward Ruin that Krulcifer possessed, it was possible to infiltrate from a special route.

    ¡¸Then, we are going in dearimasu!¡¹

    Along with Ney¡¯s call, light enveloped the surrounding.

    Right after that, they received sensation as though floating in the darkness, and when they noticed it was as though they were standing in different place.

    A passage made from inorganic silver colored wall was spreading before their eyes.

    The surrounding was tinged with faint light in reaction to their existence.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This place, is inside the Hall¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes dearimasu! After a long time I have returned to the home I missed so muuuch! Waaaai!¡¹

    Perhaps feeling great delight from being able to return to the Ruin, Ney¡¯s dog ears stood up then she jumped *pyon pyon* up and down.

    But Krulcifer plopped her hand on Ney¡¯s head with a quiet expression.

    ¡¸My bad, but right now we have no time. Can you guide us to the archive here, so we can also quickly return to the surface?¡¹

    ¡¸Ro, roger dearimasu!¡¹

    Ney straightened her posture in a snap, then she quickly began to walk through the corridor.

    Each side began to act with various feelings kept concealed inside the chest.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤At the same time. Two hundred members of Sanctuary Knight Order as well as cooperator from new kingdom, Lisha and co who received information of the kidnapping plan, they took their post and performed security with maximum vigilance.

    Anywhere in the holy capital that was the capital city of Ymir was important position, but in this day that was the last day of the Pilgrimage Festival, it was the cathedral at the northern part that was the most heavily guarded.

    The believers in this country had no method of transportation to visit all the pilgrimage spot.

    Most believers would get through with it by staying home or visiting the nearest church. But the nobles whose position as believer wasn¡¯t low had the custom to spend half a day offering prayer in this cathedral to make up not doing pilgrimage.

    Furthermore, right now this place was also the residence of the archbishop.

    The aim of Dragon Marauder¡¯s kidnapping plan was Pope Nias as well as the archbishop. From that point, a method to not gather the important people in the cathedral to avoid needless danger was also considered.

    But, the result of the discussion caused such method to be dismissed because of two reasons.

    The first reason, because the stage of the battle would be the holy capital itself, in the case that the important people were scattered everywhere, it would make it harder instead to protect them.

    The other reason, was so that the Dragon Marauder wouldn¡¯t realize that their kidnapping plan had already become known by this side.

    By all rights, if the noble believers didn¡¯t gather in large number at the cathedral, the enemy would also notice that their plan had been exposed.

    Thus, this time Lisha and co were also placed in hidden position..

    The waiting place for the four was on a stone balcony protruding out from the cathedral¡¯s third floor.

    ¡¸Fuu. At any case this country is really cold¡­¡­, feels like I¡¯ll freeze just by staying outside.¡¹

    Lisha blew out white breath to her hands that were rubbing on each other while her body shivered.

    She was wearing fur coat on her body, but right under it was her pilot suit.

    ¡¸How about warming up inside? If it¡¯s keeping watch, we will do it for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s no good.¡¹

    Celis beside her was being considerate, but Lisha immediately shook her head.

    ¡¸Those Dragon Marauder bunches are aiming at this chance, victim might appear even if we are late just by several seconds. Besides©¤©¤Lux too should be feeling the same coldness about this time.¡¹

    Lisha straightened her back and acted tough. Celis¡¯s expression loosened seeing that.

    ¡¸Consuming stamina before the fight will bring nothing good you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Both of you, here.¡¹

    There, Philuffy who was snacking on cookie at the back presented something with her empty hand.

    It was hot rock wrapped in fabric. Lisha and Celis accepted that and said thanks.

    ¡¸Even so, that ero woman is a willful one like usual.¡¹

    Among the reinforcement force from new kingdom, it was only Yoruka who was at the rooftop of the cathedral instead of staying at the designated position.

    In order to perform defense, Lisha and co were guided to a place where it would be easy to receive instruction from Ymir¡¯s side, but it seemed Yoruka¡¯s decision was different.

    ¡ºMy objective is to annihilate Aruji-sama¡¯s enemy.¡»

    She asserted that, then said how the field of vision here was bad and left from the designated waiting place.

    ¡¸Are you worried? Lisha-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Wro-wrong, I¡¯m not! No matter what happen to that indecent ero woman, that¡¯s not my business! Just, that©¤©¤as the representative of the new kingdom, it¡¯s troubling that she is acting as she please!¡¹

    Lisha responded slightly panicked at Philuffy¡¯s question.

    ¡¸How nice. To have someone to fuss for you©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis was watching that smilingly while muttering. Right after that, a voice roared from behind.

    ¡¸E, enemy attack©¤©¤a messenger came from the Drake¡¯s defensive line! It¡¯s a large swarm of flying Abyss!¡¹

    Lisha and co who heard that tensed their expression and pulled out their Sword Device.

    ¡¸We are going to finish this before Lux arrive. ©¤©¤Let¡¯s go, everyone!¡¹

    They quickly wore the Drag-Ride they summoned and the battle began.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, the old sanctuary site.

    Right after the tone of flute horn resounded, twelve Abysses attacked, but the guards of the pope were fighting in advantage.

    ¡¸GI, iiIIIIIIiIIH¡­¡­!¡¹

    A Haiit was screaming in a shriek, then its burned body was crushed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Looks like they don¡¯t learn anything from the previous defeat eh, this so called division commander of Dragon Marauder.¡¹

    The Sanctuary Knight Order was alert due to the previous attack and the information from new kingdom. They fought bravely, but even among them, Mel¡¯s movement was the best by far.

    Land battle form and flying form.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gwiber that possessed the function of switching two types of form was freely controlled by her. Abysses were defeated one after another.

    She accelerated on snowy wasteland  with the wheels and cut down the enemy with a heavy attack from her Halberd.

    Against Haiit that possessed hard fur, the attack scattered fire and burned the enemy.

    She struck down Gargoyle that was dancing midair in high speed with a squall, and when the enemy¡¯s movement dulled she fired her Cannon.

    The true identity of the squall was Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s armament, or perhaps the power of its Divine Raiment.

    In any case, she was seeing through the Abyss¡¯s trait instantly and got rid of them through the shortest time and shortest distance.

    She was overwhelming the swarm of Abyss with brilliance as though she was in a dance performance.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is lacking. If it¡¯s like this, should I go to guard the holy capital instead?¡¹

    The swift and accurate attack of Mel stole even the eyes of her fellow elites from the Sanctuary Knight Order.

    ¡¸She changed this much just in one and half year¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸What unbelievable girl¡­¡­. And she is still 13 years old?¡¹

    Alterize who drove EX Wyvern and defeated two Abysses muttered in amazement.

    In addition, the eldest brother Zain was cooperating with several Drag-Knights to fight. When they finally finished off an Abyss, there were only around two Abysses remaining.

    ¡¸As expected from our country¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins. The pilgrimage this time is fraught with danger, but as expected Mel is exactly the one worthy of obtaining meritorious deeds.¡¹

    Pope Nias was muttering with admiring expression. Bishop Orphel also showed a smile hearing that.

    ¡¸Those generous words of praise are truly an honor. She too surely will be delighted. ©¤©¤Mel Gizalut, come down!¡¹

    Orphel took a deep breath, then she raised her voice toward the sky.

    Mel who had just shot down the last Gargoyle at that timing quickly landed down before her along with Ddraig Gwibel in Wyvern Mode.

    ¡¸There is no more Abyss in sight. This area should be safe. And so, there is a place I wish for you to head toward right away.¡¹

    ¡¸You like to handle your subordinate roughly aren¡¯t you? Then, is it protecting the archbishop in the capital next?¡¹

    Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Sanctuary Knight Order©¤©¤the Drag-Knights main force was split up with a portion protecting Pope Nias as guard.

    In exchange four Divine Drag-Ride users from the new kingdom were placed to cooperate with the protection of the holy capital, but a communication came that the number of Abyss appearing at the other side was a lot more than here.

    The normal practice was for them to retreat, while having Mel who excelled in exterminating Abyss to go back ahead.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤But, until this point it was the conspiracy of Drakkhen and Orphel.

    ¡¸This country is also really pitiful. For them to put that kind of wicked woman on the seat of bishop.¡¹

    A Drag-Knight of Dragon Marauder was laughing with the corner of his lips raised in a smirk.

    At the vicinity of Hall below, security guards that were fewer than usual were standing.

    This was exactly the real aim that Drakkhen was talking with Orphel.

    If they stepped inside the Ruin Hall that was currently increasing in activity, the Ruin would react and new Abysses would flow out.

    By manipulating those Abysses with horn flute, they could secure a lot of combat force.

    In other words, the kidnapping of the archbishop as well as the pope was diversion in order to split the theocracy¡¯s battle force, creating this opening.

    For the sake of this strategy, Dragon Marauder had joined hand with Bishop Orphel since around a year ago.

    Assassinating the archbishop, took the pope hostage, then obtained fund by exchanging hostage with the Drag-Ride and treasure that the theocracy possessed.

    As compensation, Bishop Orphel would succeed the seat of archbishop, and she would run a puppet government using Pope Nias who was still a child as figurehead.

    ¡º©¤©¤Now then, you also has sent the combat force over there toward the holy capital as planned, we are going to ransack the Ruin with no worry now.¡»

    Drakkhen¡¯s voice was sent to Orphel¡¯s ear.

    If it was toward a designated location, the voice could even be adjusted into a whispering voice that other people couldn¡¯t hear.

    The power to manipulate and made sound freely.

    That was the Divine Raiment of Divine Drag-Ride Asp that Drakkhen had.

    Therefore©¤©¤the sound of horn flute that originally was for manipulating Abyss on the whole at wide range, with this power she was able to send the sound separately, executing multiple tactics.

    A voice came back from Orphel at the old sanctuary ground toward the snickering Drakkhen.

    ¡¸That¡¯s so, isn¡¯t it. But it¡¯s better to be careful you know? Even if it¡¯s you the legendary mercenary©¤©¤, you aren¡¯t a match against my Mel.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­What did you say?¡»

    Right after Drakkhen gave that respond, the air of the cold weather ripped, and violent sound of slicing air roared.

    When the Dragon Marauder squad of five people in the air noticed that, their defeat was already set in stone.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Agah!?¡¹

    Immediately after, a Wyvern was knocked down by Ddraig Gwibel¡¯s Halberd.

    Its back wings were smashed and the Drag-Knight fell toward the ground in a straight line. Red flame blast bloomed on the snow field.

    ¡¸I believe all of you are a bit too careless. Or else, don¡¯t you even know the basic? Drag-Knight using flying type should always be alert toward their above and back you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you bastard-!?¡¹

    The troop of Dragon Marauder reflexively screamed and attacked, but Mel easily repelled that attack using medium sized Blade.

    Just with that the weapon of the man¡¯s Wyvern instantly froze, and even its armored arm became unable to move.

    ¡¸Wha, ah!?¡¹

    The man was shocked with the phenomenon that occurred to his body and he lost his cool. Mel told the man with extreme indifference.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Boring. Human is riddled all over with weak point compared to Abyss.¡¹

    She smashed the shoulder armor with the Halberd in her hand.

    Due to the strong impact toward the Force Core, the Wyvern¡¯s function halted and it fell.

    ¡¸Shit-!¡¹

    ¡¸This brat©¤©¤don¡¯t get carried away¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸As long as we understand the trick of your freezing ability, this fight belong to us!¡¹

    The remaining three men each yelled out and they launched simultaneous attack from three different directions.

    Breath Gun¡¯s barrage, the bombardment of Cannon, mowing attack from Wire Tail.

    But, every single one slipped through the figure of Mel and Ddraig Gwiber that should be hit.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wh, aaat!?¡¹

    A few seconds after they noticed that it was an illusion, Mel who circled to each of their back struck them down one after another before she called out to the last one.

    ¡¸Are you, the division commander Drakkhen? Let me have a little fun, okay!¡¹

    The Halberd of Mel who bared an aggressive smile was barely blocked by a medium sized Blade.

    A crack ran through the blade from that attack and the opponent was blown away greatly backward.

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­!¡¹

    The female mercenary Drag-Knight was losing the color of her face and without pause she flew in the attempt to escape.

    But, a few seconds after she turned her back on the enemy. *Gakun!*, her Drag-Ride slanted and she became unable to put on speed at all.

    ¡¸Wha-, what the hell is this! The Drag-Ride¡¯s control is, not working©¤©¤!¡¹

    A sudden breakdown.

    But, why did it happen this time of all thing!? The female mercenary was flustered.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll tell you something for your souvenir to hell. This is Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment, Dual ShiftNatural Laws of Rivalry.¡¹

    Flame, ice, wind, illusion, furthermore even the output of Drag-Ride was sealed by this mysterious Divine Raiment.

    The female mercenary was struck down without being able to grasp the answer until the very end. She was enveloped in flame blast.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu.¡¹

    Mel who defeated the Dragon Marauder just as Bishop Orphel instructed let out a relieved sigh.

    She was a girl who was widely acknowledged as genius, but with her still immature body, it was impossible to handle Divine Drag-Ride for prolonged time.

    ¡¸Perhaps, my antagonism toward Krulcifer surfaced a bit too much¡­¡­¡¹

    After confirming the safety in the area, she landed down on that spot and dispelled her armor.

    The Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order who were protecting the entrance of Hall immediately rushed the moment they saw Mel¡¯s figure,

    They led her to a cabin at the side.

    The Drag-Knights protecting the Ruin from invasion always had one of them constantly using Drake to watch out the surrounding.

    Even if she would head to reinforce the attacked capital, she should at least took a little rest.

    ¡¸Looks like everything goes well.¡¹

    Mel took a rest inside the small room while smiling proudly.

    With this she was able to get obtain meritorious deeds from that guard duty too, and she should be able to protect Orphel¡¯s safety too.

    ¡¸As expected, something like this is unnecessary for genius like me.¡¹

    Mel took off the holster of short sword attached on her waist. She then muttered that while staring at the blade.

    The tip of the knife that was sheathed inside the cover was emitting slight beam of seven colors.

    It was a blade that was loaded with the secret medicine of Ruin called Elixir.

    By wounding a part of the body using that, the secret medicine would melt into the body, and it would awaken the latent ability that human possessed.

    Before this Orphel handed it over to her and told her to use it in case she fell into danger.

    (Just a bit more. It¡¯s just a bit more and I©¤©¤can overcome the past at that day.)

    Seven years ago, there was an attack due to the Abyss outbreak from the Ruin.

    Due to that, she lost all her family members and fell into despair.

    If it was now when she had become a Seven Dragon Paladins and obtained the strength that could defeat Abyss, she would be able to save the holy capital again.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Orphel¡­¡­I¡¯m, fighting properly.¡¹

    She closed her eyes slowly and muttered with a voice that no one could hear.

    That was Mel¡¯s thought toward Orphel that normally even she herself wasn¡¯t aware of it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤This place is, the archive of Hall?¡¹

    About that time, Lux and others who managed to infiltrate into Hall from the underground of the old sanctuary site finally arrived at their destination.

    Lux spontaneously asked because it was a room that didn¡¯t bear the slightest resemblance with what he thought as archive.

    Smooth silver wall was divided by countless lines, every single one was emitting faint light.

    And then the surrounding bookshelves had countless small boxes placed on them.

    ¡¸This is, are they the ¡ºbook¡» put inside this archive?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes dearimasu. There is a little bit of trick to operate them but©¤©¤, in any case they need to be put into deciphering device so©¤©¤. More importantly dearimasu, is it all right to not go to the control room? I think it will be more convenient somehow with my memory recovered though?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me say the same thing repeatedly. This time just this is enough.¡¹

    Krulcifer ordered Ney to stop suggesting that.

    In exchange, she gave her instruction to tell her the content of the ¡ºbook¡» in the archive.

    ¡¸Ro, roger dearimasu! Eerr, first is©¤©¤¡¹

    Ney read up the variety of the book systematically.

    From there, Krulcifer picked three kind of book that she wanted to get deciphered first.

    ¡ºDrag-Ride¡¯s Fusion Function¡», ¡ºAvalonGreat Sacred Precincts and Sacred Eater¡», and regarding ¡ºXferKey¡¯s Supervisor¡».

    The first was a book that recorded about limited strengthening function hidden in Drag-Ride.

    The second was about the way this world came to be.

    The third was about Krulcifer herself.

    ¡¸Roger dearimasu. Then, I will load as well as translate the ancient language dearimasu!¡¹

    Ney put the ¡ºbook¡» on an object inside the archive, then frame and letter made from light emerged.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer was watching over that sight with a complicated look.

    Was there anyone else like Krulcifer in this world, and what Xfer actually was.

    That information which she didn¡¯t understand until now would become clear after this.

    ¡¸The translation of the three volumes is finished dearimasu. It can be read anytime©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go quickly to this viewing room. I¡¯m worried about the situation at the surface and the holy capital.¡¹

    From what Alterize said, the fighting at old sanctuary site was going well for their side, but they didn¡¯t know what was going on.

    At the present, after obtaining the translated ¡ºbooks¡» they didn¡¯t need to stay here for long.

    ¡¸Roger dearimasu. Then right away©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Ney nodded and right after they finished teleporting to the viewing room©¤©¤*DOoN!* the inside of the Ruin shook fiercely.

    ¡¸This sound¡­¡­!? Don¡¯t tell me, there is abnormality in the Ruin©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux raised a cautious voice and put his hand on the hilt of his Sword Device.

    ¡¸No©¤©¤dearimasu. This pattern, the old sanctuary site at the surface was attacked.¡¹

    Ney who told them that hurriedly sat on the chair and operated the viewing room.

    Image of light emerged on the silver wall surface, projecting the sight of the old sanctuary site at the surface.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤what, happened?¡¹

    There, they saw the figure of Pope Nias and others. They were already surrounded by ten-odd Abysses once more.

    ¡¸They aren¡¯t appearing from the Ruin here. But, if the enemy still has combat force put nearby, then the reason they didn¡¯t move their full force right from the start is©¤©¤?¡¹

    It was when Ney muttered like that, the swarm of Abyss performed strange cooperation and assaulted the force of Sanctuary Knight Order that was surprised and stunned ©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, AAAAAA-¡­¡­.!¡¹

    The stomach of Bishop Orphel who was at the side of Pope Nias, was pierced by a claw.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Orphel! Get a hold of yourself!¡¹

    ¡¸Please escape, your eminence. Their aim, should be, yo¡­¡­¡¹

    Lump of blood leaked out *kopuh* from the mouth while she was talking.

    Her internal organ was scraped off. It was clear that the wound was already fatal.

    The flowing out blood was dying the surrounding snow crimson.

    The force of Sanctuary Knight Order that was joyous of their victory and concerned about the holy capital until just now was struck down straight to hell because of the attack of swarm of Abyss once more.

    The number and variety of the Abysses were mostly the same with the first wave, but the effect of the surprise attack while Sanctuary Knight Order was reorganizing their force was big.

    There was a lot of knights who weren¡¯t wearing their Drag-Ride, the initiative was completely snatched from them.

    Thus, the troops couldn¡¯t avoid falling apart.

    Mel of the Seven Dragon Paladins wasn¡¯t there. The knight captain was protecting Pope Nias somehow, while Alterize was doing the same thing for Stiyl Einfolk and the eldest son Zain.

    ¡¸What a blunder¡­¡­. To be manipulated like this just by an assault that came with time difference!¡¹

    Alterize raised her voice while wielding twin swords using her EX Wyvern.

    But, her swords had no momentum, perhaps because she was protecting her lord.

    The eldest son Zain was also swinging his Wyvern¡¯s Blade while yelling in trepidation.

    ¡¸A, a rampage! The same like that time, it¡¯s the punishment of breaking into the Ruin!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Zain! Don¡¯t speak that!¡¹

    The family Head Stiyl who was watching over the battle situation with grim expression until now spoke those words with sharp voice.

    On the other hand, Alterize who heard about it for the first time made a bewildered expression.

    ¡¸Rampage? Ymir¡¯s, Ruin is©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Please send reinforcement! They got the bishop!¡¹

    The moment Alterize was taken aback and turned around with held breath, the sorrowful voice of a member of Sanctuary Knight Order could be heard.

    Looking there, Bishop Orphel was lying down on the snow while being stained with blood.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯ve done really well you know, Orphel, our former compatriot.¡¹

    *Zazaza-*, right after the discordant sound that was like sand storm came, a voice was sent into Orphel¡¯s ear.

    The voice¡¯s owner was Drakkhen who should have been finished off by Mel some time ago.

    This was a conversation that was carried out between the two who were conspiring with each other throughout this past one year.

    It was a message that was sent by the Divine Raiment of Divine Drag-Ride Asp that Drakkhen possessed.

    ¡¸Who Mel Defeated, was your body double¡­¡­a decoy, was it? Since when you noticed? That I¡¯m trying, to betray you©¤©¤¡¹

    Orphel asked mumblingly, without a single twitch on her body and with vacant eyes.

    Drakkhen who heard her smiled wryly in exasperation.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve got not the slightest duty to explain it you. But, well, if I¡¯ve got to tell you the trick, I knew right from the start, that you betrayed me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll tell you as souvenir for your journey to hell. The trick to deceive someone isn¡¯t to make yourself not seem suspicious as much as possible. It¡¯s to ascertain what your opponent is believing. Is it the words from the people they trust, or is it the teaching of the authority they are clinging on, well there are various things but©¤©¤for all people, it¡¯s hard to doubt the information that they investigated themselves.¡¹

    ¡¸Did you, notice, that I made my subordinates, to observe, you¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸No. I noticed that at another time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    *Zazazaza-*, the unique jarring sound reached Orphel¡¯s ear once more.

    ¡¸This discordant sound you can hear when I sent sound to you using Asp. In a situation where this sound hasn¡¯t come to hearing first, I won¡¯t be able to listen to your voice, and you also won¡¯t be able to listen to my voice©¤©¤. In the first place you having that kind of impression is my trap.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Orphel bit her lips hearing that.

    She got her.

    Asp¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤the ability to send sound to a designated place, or picking up sound from that place.

    The jarring sound like a sandstorm that she would surely hear before that ability was activated was a trap that Drakkhen set up.

    That jarring sound originally wasn¡¯t necessary in the activation of the Divine Raiment. It was a bluff in order to make Orphel suspect that Drakkhen wouldn¡¯t be able to eavesdrop using her Divine Raiment without that jarring sound coming first.

    In other words Orphel¡¯s plan was regularly overheard using that Divine Raiment that was picking up her sound from far away.

    And the result of that was this.

    ¡¸Besides, you want to make her obtain achievement right? That Subjugator girl.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are, you talking about?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m talking about Mel Gizalut. She is©¤©¤actually your daughter right?¡¹

    ¡¸tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Orphel¡¯s breathing was already feeble, but she raised a small groan on that spot.

    ¡¸Ho, w¡­¡­, did you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, I hit the mark? Well, this is just a hunch though. I thought of it while observing you. Why is a bishop who originally wasn¡¯t connected with Gizalut house is supporting an orphan girl until that far¡­¡­well, it¡¯s not that rare of a story though. Even if Gizalut house that is a noted family of knight is acquainted with someone from church and a child resulted, it¡¯s not strange at all. Of course, it¡¯s something one cannot go public with, so Mel was adopted to GIzalut house but©¤©¤¡¹

    Gizalut house itself was completely eradicated, and Mel became alone.

    By all rights she wanted to introduce herself as her mother, but she was unable to do that with her position.

    ¡¸What are, you, planning¡­¡­with that child?¡¹

    ¡¸Rest assured. I¡¯m preparing the greatest big moment for your daughter. The erasure of the traitors who are trying to destroy this country. I¡¯ll have her become the trump card in order for us, Dragon Marauder to obtain the Ruin.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Me¡­¡­l¡¹

    Not even voice could come out from Orphel¡¯s throat anymore.

    At that moment where her consciousness was fading, an armored arm lifted up her body.

    ¡¸Orphel! Get a hold of yourself-!¡¹

    Already unable to move, she mustered her last remaining strength, and she was finally able to open her eyes.

    The one who was there was her daughter who she was unable to tell the truth©¤©¤Mel Gizalut.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤Why.

    Why why why why why why why.

    That word was continuing to go around in circles fruitlessly inside Mel¡¯s head.

    Even though she should have done everything well, even though she should have become strong.

    That time seven years ago, the rampage of Ruin©¤©¤.

    Different from that time when the holy capital and Gizalut house was destroyed, she wasn¡¯t powerless anymore. That should be so, and yet.

    Even though she also shouldn¡¯t have any feeling of like to Orphel.

    Why©¤©¤did her sight was blurred with tears she wondered.

    ¡¸Me, l¡­¡­¡¹

    The lips of the woman who lost her face¡¯s complexion opened, and a voice could be heard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is, something that I have, to tell you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Orphel-!¡¹

    The moment she heard her last words, warm tears spilled out from the girl¡¯s eyes that still had childishness remaining in it.

    ¨C

    At the north of holy capital. A battle began against the army of Abyss that appeared in the battlefield in front of the cathedral.

    The noble believers who came to offer prayer evacuated in panic to inside.

    The outside was surrounded by the defense force and a barrier was laid out to protect the outer wall along.

    At present, the variety of Abyss that could be seen was only Abyss that could fly like Gargoyle, Chimera, and so on.

    Thus, excluding Philuffy and Yoruka, only Drag-Knights handling flying type Wyvern headed out to intercept.

    The enemy was a mix of around three types of Abyss, they numbered around thirty in total.

    What was troublesome was the existence of around three powerful Abysses called Diabolos among them.

    No matter even if it was a user of Divine Drag-Ride, taking on that number simultaneously would be harsh, there the experience and skill of the girls who had continued fighting until now won out.

    ¡¸Divine Gate.¡¹

    Celis wearing Lindwurm entered the range of the Abyss at the sky instantly using the Divine Raiment of instant movement.

    Without delay, she unleashed a thrust of Lightning Lance and easily pierced the core of a Gargoyle.

    That splendid performance caused the noble believers inside the cathedral to leak out cheer and stir.

    It even triggered Lisha who saw that to smile.

    ¡¸She is powerful as usual but©¤©¤I too cannot lose!¡¹

    She pulled out the Sword Device of Tiamat that she was wearing and sent in the thought of mind control operation into it.

    At the same time, the supplemental armament of throwing weapon, Legion appeared in countless number, they were fired simultaneously aiming at Abyss.

    ¡¸GUaaAAH!¡¹

    The Abyss of mixed animals©¤©¤Chimera was hit hard by the countless throwing weapons.

    The moment the enemy showed opening when it tried to dodge, a huge flash from the main cannon Seven Heads struck it into pieces.

    The Drag-Knights of the theocracy who were carrying out covering fire became even more roused up seeing that offense.

    Celis was charging into the swarm of Abyss alone and annihilated Gargoyle one after another.

    By all rights it was a situation where she was surrounded by Abyss, but due to the instant movement ability of Divine Gate, it was as though it posed no problem at all.

    Lisha controlled Legions freely and not just attacking, she even carried out disturbance action to enemy¡¯s rank.

    Thanks to that, the covering fire of the theocracy¡¯s Wyvern user and the Cannon bombardment from the ground force had easier time to connect.

    But, as expected the enemy was also preparing the stance of counterattack.

    One Diabolos that should be at far in the rear of the enemy swarm came flying with speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    ¡¸GURURURURUooOOOOAAAH!¡¹

    The jet black powerful arm that was three times larger than Gargoyle was swung down, assaulting a Drag-Knight of the theocracy wearing Wyvern violently.

    ¡¸UWAAAAH!?¡¹

    A barrier was automatically laid out, but it was broken through forcefully.

    The moment the young Drag-Knight of the Sanctuary Knight Order screamed, Diabolos¡¯s figurew was reeled in at high speed to below.

    ¡¸Pile Anchor.¡¹

    The land battle type Divine Drag-Ride Typhoon that Philuffy was wearing.

    The wire weapon that was fired out from every part of that armor caught Diabolos that stopped moving just for a moment, and pulled it toward the ground in front of the cathedral where she was.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, be careful airhead girl!? That thing can spew fire and also self-detonate! The cathedral will get swallowed!¡¹

    ¡¸There is distance so no problem. Take care, of the other two.¡¹

    Philuffy unleashed a spinning kick at the Diabolos she reeled in and she brought the battle into a one-on-one duel with the enemy still restrained by Pile Anchor.

    Celis who saw that also approached the remaining Diabolos using Divine Gate and succeeded in pining it down.

    ¡¸Wai-, I¡¯m the commander of you guys, so even though I told you not to move carelessly©¤©¤¡¹

    Based on her status, Lisha received the role as the commander. But now she was flustered and already about to regret it.

    ¡ºOi, listen ero woman! You do something about the last Diabolos©¤©¤¡»

    Unable to see the figure of Yoruka, Lisha called out using Dragon Voice, it was at that timing her face¡¯s complexion changed.

    At the same time, a Dragon Voice from unfamiliar Drag-Knight was sent toward her.

    ¡ºYaa, aren¡¯t you all putting a good fight here, everyone from the new kingdom.¡»

    ¡ºYou are©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me¡»

    ¡ºPerhaps I should say, nice to meet you for the first time. I¡¯m the one called one of the three bosses of Dragon Marauder, the Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen.¡»

    Lisha made a dubious face that the mastermind of the case this time suddenly sent out Dragon Voice to her.

    But, without even any time to ponder about the enemy¡¯s intention, Drakkhen told her.

    ¡ºWell, that¡¯s enough for the greeting but, did you notice I wonder? While your attention was pulled to the sky, I sent out new type of Abyss to the place of you guys see.¡»

    ¡ºWhat¡­¡­?¡»

    When Lisha lowered her gaze to the townscape of the holy capital, she saw some black objects were approaching while hiding at the cover of the buildings.

    A lump of liquid©¤©¤it seemed to be slime type Abyss.

    But, it was different from the type that Lisha had seen until now, worthy of the name of ¡ºnew type¡».

    Its size wasn¡¯t something huge, a single one had the volume of about an adult male.

    ¡ºNumber is an ironclad rule in battle, but it¡¯s a maxim that is a bit insufficient to defeat you all who can overturn that. ©¤©¤Then, I¡¯ll teach you all, the tactic to crush that conceit that is drunk on strength and underestimate the enemy.¡»

    ¡¸Hah, you said that you are going to expressly teach me©¤©¤don¡¯t look down on us!¡¹

    Lisha swung her Sword Device and controlled Legion©¤©¤but, the moment it hit the black slime, she felt something out of place.

    ¡¸©¤©¤? This is!?¡¹

    When the Legion that hit the slime returned to her, the black slime that she thought was crushed was clinging on it like glue.

    When she tried to wipe it away using Tiamat¡¯s armored arm, it also got stuck further on that hand.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not melting the armor¡­¡­does it not has offensive power? Then©¤©¤¡¹

    It was fine like this, the movement would become somewhat dull, but it could continue battle without any trouble.

    Lisha thought that and flew away the Legion. In that moment, its movement deviated and fell to the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? No, this slime¡¯s true identity, it¡¯s something that weaken Drag-Ride!¡¹

    The output of Legion itself, and furthermore her control using Sword Device were dulling.

    Most likely the slime didn¡¯t only have stickiness, but also the property to obstruct the command signal from the Drag-Ride¡¯s main body.

    ¡ºHee, aren¡¯t your instinct sharp? Looks like it¡¯s true that your talent as Drag-Ride developer is also first class¡­¡­. That thing¡¯s name is Chaff Slime.¡»

    ¡ºFuh, your luck has run out now that I found out. This new type Abyss won¡¯t come off once you touch them and it will weaken Drag-Ride, but accordingly it also don¡¯t have offensive power. If we dealt with it without touching then©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºSay, your highness of new kingdom. Do you think that I¡¯ll execute that kind of shallow tactic?¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤What do you mean?¡»

    ¡ºFarther north of the cathedral, there is a large hill right? If that snow turn into avalanche, don¡¯t you think it will be disaster?¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤You bastard, don¡¯t tell me!?¡»

    Lisha instantly guessed it and turned around while cutting off the Dragon Voice communication.

    ¡¸Everyone! Evacuate the people from the cathedral! An avalanche is©¤©¤¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Drakkhen¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Asp was the power to freely control sound.

    And then, sound was the vibration of air.

    Right after Drakkhen struck the surface at the top of the hill with maximum oscillation wave©¤©¤, the surface of white surge swallowed the troop formation at the cathedral.

    A part of the cathedral collapsed, and all the Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order who were protecting the area were also buried.

    No©¤©¤, snow was also entering inside the collapsed cathedral.

    With this, a lot of nobles of the theocracy were buried alive.

    For a moment, Lisha¡¯s head was about to become pure white just like the sight before her, but she immediately calmed her breathing and took command.

    ¡º©¤©¤Can anyone hear!? Informing all Drag-Knights who can move! We will rescue the people and the comrades who were swallowed by the snow. Everyone who can move is to search inside the snow in the cathedral! Make use of Drake¡¯s Radar too!¡»

    Right after she announced that, the members of Sanctuary Knight Order who were dumbfounded started moving.

    When they threw their body into the snow in order to rescue the people, the troops noticed something strange.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, wha, what¡¯s this!? A strange Abyss is hiding inside the snow©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Over here too!? Where are they hiding!? It¡¯s clinging on me¡­¡­I can¡¯t defeat it!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is, just now¡¹

    The complexion of Lisha who saw that changed.

    That new type Abyss that Legion touched just now.

    It didn¡¯t have offensive power, but that Chaff Slime that could lower the function of Drag-Ride was buried in large amount inside the snow.

    ¡ºA message!  The Drake standing watch at the outskirt of the capital reported, that about fifty Drag-Knights of Dragon Marauder are heading here©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸So, it¡¯s like that¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha who noticed Drakkhen¡¯s scheme spontaneously gritted her teeth.

    The rescue of the nobles who were buried alive wouldn¡¯t make it in time without using Drag-Knight.

    But, the Chaff Slimes inserted into the snow would encroach into their armor each time they entered the snow, by the time the enemy¡¯s main force arrived, their side¡¯s combat force would be drastically lowered.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s great that you understand my aim, if you want to be able to fight my force satisfactorily, then you can forsake those people, the noble believers gathering there without reservation.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!¡¹

    Drakkhen¡¯s voice sounded mocking.

    But, she also couldn¡¯t keep hesitating to make judgment like this.

    Inside that snow, there were also Krulcifer¡¯s two little sisters.

    ¡ºInforming everyone once more! The Abysses inside the snow has no offensive ability! Mobilize with rescue as your priority! We will intercept the coming Dragon Marauder right after finishing the rescue! Hurry!¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Acknowledged-!¡»

    ¡¸I will help, Lizsharte.¡¹

    ¡¸I also, can do it.¡¹

    Right after Lisha¡¯s announcement, Celis and Philuffy who had defeated Diabolos also headed toward her. There should be one more Diabolos remaining, but©¤©¤]

    ¡¸I have defeated it already a long time ago.¡¹

    When they noticed, Yoruka was standing on the nearby outer wall smilingly. Diabolos¡¯s head fell from the arm of Yato no Kami and rolled on the ground.

    She didn¡¯t have any spirit of cooperation at all like usual, but the height of her battle strength was at abnormal level.

    ¡¸That is to say, with this I have fulfilled my duty to you.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait! If you still have strength to spare then cooperate with us! There are people being buried alive here right now! It¡¯s our job to rescue them!¡¹

    Lisha was actually moving her hands even while talking.

    Her hands dug into thick snow to rescue the people, and then the Chaff Slime mixed inside the snow encroached into her armor.

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t move from the cathedral balcony where she was standing. She shook her head left and right with a smile.

    ¡¸I will decline. If I touch that strange Abyss, I will be unable to move properly. Like that I won¡¯t be able to finish off the enemy of Aruji-sama that will arrive after this.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? You bastard! Are you serious!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lizsharte, it¡¯s meaningless trying to persuade her. Let¡¯s hurry even if it¡¯s just with us.¡¹

    Celis prompted like that, but Lisha didn¡¯t give up and spoke up to Yoruka.

    ¡¸I know that you are that kind of person. However, what will Lux want if he is here, don¡¯t you have the courage to even try thinking that?¡¹

    ¡¸What does that mean?¡¹

    Yoruka tilted her head. Lisha continued while still rescuing people.

    ¡¸I¡¯m saying, are you scared to make decision by yourself? You don¡¯t think about your master¡¯s wish, you only follow your own rule no matter what, don¡¯t you wish to become even better servant for Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤How can you judge that it¡¯s like that?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s obvious. Because I who have that guy as my subordinate is happy. That guy is always trying to answer my feeling. That¡¯s why I also want to respond back to that!¡¹

    Lisha declared powerfully and put even more strength to control Tiamat.

    Chaff Slime was gradually clinging on her strongly and her movement dulled, even so her hand didn¡¯t slow down.

    ¡¸If you say that you are a tool that doesn¡¯t wish for anything, then I¡¯ll teach you! Help us Yoruka! In order to save everyone in this country, share your strength with us!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­, it¡¯s unfortunate but there is no more time for that. ©¤©¤They are coming.¡¹

    ¡¸tsu¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka stared at Lisha with a serious face for a short itme, but suddenly her lips loosened.

    Ahead of where Yoruka¡¯s gaze was turned, the force of Dragon Maruder could be seen marching from the north hill.

    ¨C

    A few minutes after danger was approaching both the old sanctuary site and the holy capital simultaneously.

    By controlling the viewing room by Ney¡¯s hand, Lux and Krulcifer who were wearing their respective Drag-Ride were teleported to the old sanctuary site that was right above the Hall.

    They left the control of Ruin to Ney and headed out using the shortest route to rescue Pope Nias and others, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is, happening?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was usually composed muttered that with trembling lips.

    At the snow field of old sanctuary ground that they had entrusted to Mel and others, the area was filled with broken armor and traces of blood.

    With the time difference, the force of Sanctuary Knight Order had collapsed due to the surprise attack of the ten-odd Abysses that were thrown into this place once more.

    ¡¸Kuh, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps because of the strenuous effort of the knight captain and Alterize, Pope Nias himself was still safe, but the battle situation was obviously unfavorable.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, terrible¡­¡­! Even at the capital, a violent avalanche occurred from the mountain region at the northeast area©¤©¤in addition there is even Abyss¡¯s attack, at this rate we won¡¯t even be able to rescue them!¡¹

    One member of Sanctuary Knight Order wearing Drake yelled that with an exhausted face.

    Even the situation at the holy capital was exceedingly grim.

    If they didn¡¯t clean up the remaining Abyss and hurriedly rushed to the captal, Lisha and others would be in danger.

    Lux who was wearing Wyvern made that judgment and put his hand n his other Sword Device.

    The exhaustion from using Bahamut was intense, but there was no more leeway to hold back.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! Let¡¯s exterminate the remaining Abyss! We have to hurry back to the capital!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I understand©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Krulcifer responded to Lux¡¯s voice. At that timing, it appeared right before her eyes.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Unforgivable.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­¡¹

    The one hovering before the two was a single Drag-Knight.

    It was Mel Gizalut wearing Ddraig Gwiber, but her condition was very strange.

    Her eye glint that was usually filled with innocence or fearless smile was now sinking darkly, emitting a disquieting aura.

    ¡¸Unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable¡­¡­., ©¤©¤unforgivable-!¡¹

    Mel Gizalut¡¯s eye snapped open. She drove her Drag-Ride and swooped down.

    The Halberd attack that was unleashed with explosive momentum assaulted the Fafnir of the dumbfounded Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Against the very unexpected attack of Mel, even Lux tried to stop it but he didn¡¯t make it in time.

    But, when the attack was blocked by Fafnir¡¯s special armament, Auto Shield, Krulcifer called out to Mel in front of her with a bewildered look.

    ¡¸What are you intending? Why so suddenly©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are, still planning to play dumb? ¡­¡­It¡¯s fine, if you are going to feign innocence until the very end¡¹

    Mel floated a venomous smile and whispered.

    She backed away and took distance for a moment, then she swung down her Halberd on Fafnir once more.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­! It can¡¯t be helped then.¡¹

    Krulcifer too, she dodged this time and sniped at Mel using the freezing bullet from Freezing Cannon.

    Although Mel immediately defended using Halberd, her weapon along with her armored arm were frozen.

    Fafnir¡¯s special armament that froze the spot that was hit couldn¡¯t be blocked using normal barrier or weapon.

    The moment the two were relieved that Mel¡¯s attack was stopped for the moment, the armor of Ddraig Gwiber that was frozen dripped down water and the ice was instantly melted.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Krulcifer who saw that was shaken. It was then Mel swung down her Halberd once more.

    Lux immediately blocked it using his Blade as shield, but the blade was frozen instantly.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Having no time to aim for a counter using Critical Hit became a failure for him.

    Lux¡¯s movement was sealed by the same attack and phenomenon like Krulcifer¡¯s special armament.

    (This freezing, is it because of special armament? But©¤©¤how!?)

    If it was an armament with the same freezing ability like Freezing Cannon, the reason how the Halberd¡¯s freezing could be melted would still be unclear.

    Or else, was this the ability of Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment?

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood!¡¹

    Krulcifer who considered Mel as formidable enemy activated the future prediction ability of Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    But, right after the light of Divine Raiment enveloped the Drag-Ride, Mel took a nosedive and escaped toward the snow field¡¯s forest.

    ¡¸Ddraig Gwibel, Wyrm Mode.¡¹

    The moment she landed on the ground, Ddraig Wyvern quickly transformed into land battle form.

    The wings were folded and wheels for sliding popped out from the armored legs.

    At the same time with her landing, she vanished among the trees in high speed without even the slightest time difference.

    ¡¸Not bad¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fafnir¡¯s Wise Blood could predict enemy¡¯s movement, but if the opponent exclusively escaped, the attack option for this side would be remarkably narrowed.

    Even if she tried to snipe, the forest that was covered with snow became wall that rapidly decreased the chance to hit Mel who was moving in high speed.

    Surely Mel¡¯s plan was to aim at the moment the effect of future prediction ran out before attacking once more.

    Thus, Krulcifer called off her Divine Raiment and took a stance to prepare against Mel¡¯s assault but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Something strange, Mel¡¯s killing intent until just now was overflowing fiercely, but would she come attacking her simply with the same move?

    The moment Lux probed at Mel¡¯s movement with a dubious gaze, he suddenly noticed that the air throughout the area was flickering like haze.

    The shoulder part of Ddraig Gwiber that was running through between trees in high speed had pipe like small chimney lengthening from them.

    ¡¸Defense! Krulcifer-san! An attack is coming!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Krulcifer heard Lux¡¯s voice, a shudder ran through her body.

    ¡º¡­¡­Aerial BusterDragon Breath Scorching Heat¡»

    Right after Mel¡¯s muttering sounded out from Dragon Voice, the atmosphere shook and the air itself exploded.

    ¡¸Kuh, aAAAAH©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸UA, AAAaaAAH!¡¹

    Flame and shockwave, those forces that originally would come from one direction now felt like they were coming from all direction.

    Impact and thunderous roar, flash was burning the retina, flame blast rolled up, making it impossible to even breath, and the Drag-Ride was creaking.

    ¡¸That child, doing such thing©¤©¤!¡¹

    Krulcifer desperately rallied her Drag-Ride and somehow managed to hold out in midair.

    As expected, even Auto Shield couldn¡¯t completely defend against wide range bombardment from all direction.

    Mel was pretending to escape by skating on the ground while scattering out flammable fuel that was turned into vapor.

    If it was ignited, the enemy in the midair area would be burned off and made it possible to shot them down.

    What she muttered, Aerial Buster, it must be a special armament for use of intercepting flying enemy.

    Mel had predicted that Krulcifer would stop using Wise Blood if she took distance.

    (Strong! To be able to use Divine Drag-Ride this far at this age, on top of that she is able to form strategy and execute it.)

    Even Lux who was using Bahamut when he was twelve was astonished at Mel Gizalut¡¯s true strength.

    The two were tasting the terror when she was turned into enemy at the bottom of their heart.

    ¡¸To be able to have time to feel surprise, you are really composed aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Ddraig Gwiber and Mel¡¯s figure appeared from the smoke of the flame blast that enshrouded the area.

    Krulcifer reflexively fired Freezing Cannon, but that flash cut through empty air.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is, illusion!?¡¹

    Even though the bullet wasn¡¯t evaded, it slipped through Mel¡¯s armor and body and didn¡¯t hit.

    Mel leaped out before Krulcifer using that opening and her Halberm struck from overhead.

    *GAKII-!*, Auto Shield reacted and seven shields blocked the attack.

    Krulcifer readied her Rifle at that opening, but a vilent squall mowed down.

    ¡¸It¡¯s wind this time!? What in the world©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Troublesome special armament¡­¡­, I¡¯ll make it so you cannot use it anymore.¡¹

    The Drag-Ride of Mel who muttered ruthlessly was emitting mysterious orange light.

    The activation of Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment that they had been witnessing several times since some time ago.

    Lux put up his guard, readied the Scale Blade that was distorted from the flame blast just now, and prepared Critical Hit.

    Krulcifer activated her Divine Raiment the Wise Blood and predicted Mel¡¯s movement.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How astonishing. To still think that such move will still work even at this point of time.¡¹

    Mel spoke with callous and chilly tone.

    Right after that, an abnormality occurred to the Drag-Rides of Lux and Krulcifer who were near Mel while Mel herself wasn¡¯t doing anything.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, this is, what is going on!?¡¹

    ¡¸The Drag-Ride¡¯s output is decreasing!? Why, so suddenly©¤©¤¡¹

    The two desperately controlled their Drag-Ride to rally their posture right away, but the Drag-Ride¡¯s reaction itself was bad.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s performance itself and its control function were being weakened.

    No matter how excellent of a Drag-Knight they were, there would be nothing they could do if their command wasn¡¯t transmitted properly.

    ¡¸Could it be, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, with this, that annoying shield of yours become unusable too. ©¤©¤Bye.¡¹

    With one attack Mel sent flying the Auto Shield that had become slow in reacting, and then she reversed her hand and swung the Halberd horizontally.

    It attacked at Krulcifer and Fafnir who exposed a defenseless opening.

    ©¤©¤But, Lux moved his Wyvern that was dropping in output and became unable to move properly, and he barely stopped the attack.

    ¡¸Stop this Mel! I don¡¯t know what happened but, this isn¡¯t the time to fight between ourselves! Everyone else is©¤©¤, even in the capital the people are being attacked by enemy!¡¹

    Lux understood that Mel was attacking without holding anything back, even so Lux tried to persuade her.

    Certainly Mel was placed in a special environment, but she wasn¡¯t a bad girl by any means.

    And yet, why was she directing hostility to Krulcifer?

    When Lux questioned that once again, Mel turned a gaze that was filled with hatred toward Lux.

    ¡¸You are planning to cover for her even knowing the truth? That woman who come from the bloodline of the Ruin and is the source of calamity©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lux was shaken hearing Mel¡¯s words, his Blade was frozen once more.

    The moment he let go of the weapon to prevent the freezing encroaching into his Drag-Ride, Mel¡¯s Halberd was swung down.

    ¡¸U, aah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Receiving a severe attack through the barrier, Lux was knocked down to the snow field below.

    But, right after that, the frame of Mel¡¯s Ddraig Gwiber was starting to rattle to left and right.

    The control disorder because of the user¡¯s limit©¤©¤the omen of rampage was appearing.

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Mel¡¯s Ddraig Gwiber descended and its armor was dispelled.

    This was the inescapable weak point that was shared between Drag-Knight who was still a child.

    No matter how high their Drag-Ride aptitude and battle sense were, it was impossible to operate Drag-Ride in full power for a long time with a body that was still young and immature.

    Thus, Krulcifer threw a question to Mel who was standing still while breathing roughly.

    ¡¸What do you mean? How, do you know that©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s the last words of Orphel. I heard it just now. Because of your fault, a rampage occurred in the Ruin of this country at the past. She said that she wanted me to defeat you the main culprit and take revenge, even at the cost of my life©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    *Jiri-*, a burning heat shrouded inside Krulcifer¡¯s head.

    Her own memories that she almost forgotten.

    The first one, she was led by a lot of people toward the Ruin, and she could see a lot of Abyss from nearby.

    And then the second time she was led by church¡¯s people, and when she was guided to the underground of the old sanctuary site, an earthquake and collapse occurred.

    She was buried inside rubbles, and when she opened her eyes at the church, her father wasn¡¯t there.

    There should be someone who saved her, but she remembered that until the very end her family didn¡¯t come for her.

    Since then she became estranged from her father, and the gulf with her family deepened©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, the incident seven years ago, and one and a half year ago©¤©¤all of them happened because I was involved with Ruin?¡¹

    ¡¸The church that wanted to control the Ruin by using you concealed your true identity and the truth about the cause of the rampage. You also knew right? ¡­¡­No, even if you actually didn¡¯t know©¤©¤I don¡¯t care.¡¹

    While Mel was staggering because she was at the limit of her stamina.

    Mel pulled out the knife that was tied on her waist, and stabbed the tip of that blade that was shining in seven colors into her own chest.

    ¡¸Mel! That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The treasure of devil transformation that Lux saw in the Ruin of Wanheim Principality.

    Black pattern muddily spread from the stabbed tip, and Mel¡¯s body was tinged with light.

    ¡¸©¤©¤tsu, AAAAaaAaAAAAAAAAaaAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    An anguished soundless yell echoed on the snow field.

    ¡¸Mel! Stop it!¡¹

    When Lux rushed forward while still wearing Wyvern, Mel¡¯s limbs jerked like a doll and she swung her Sword Device horizontally once more.

    There was no more shaking from exhaustion on her body.

    But that eye glint was enveloped with jet black color, and black pattern was oozing from under the pilot suit.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need something like a tomorrow without Orphel in it anymore. The honor of Seven Dragon Paladins, and the achievement of meritorious deeds as a knight too, I don¡¯t need them. The thing that I really wanted, what I had to protect no matter what©¤©¤everything was taken away. They were all gone.¡¹

    Mel¡¯s despairing voice was stringed on while the curse of Elixir was encroaching inside.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll bring ruin. Swearing on the name of Subjugator that eradicate the enemy of human, I¡¯ll destroy everything of yours who stole everything from me without leaving behind a single thing-!¡¹

    Mel bared two eyes that were dyed with rage and lifted her Sword Device to the sky.

    ¡¸A pair of stains opposing each other, be clad in my body and resurrect. O dragon of dispute ruining heaven and eart, Ddraig Gwiber!¡¹

    Along with the passcode, the Divine Drag-Ride of red and white was summoned once more in front of Mel.

    The frame quickly unfolded and transformed into the girl¡¯s armor. Mel directed that eye glint that was like evil spirit toward Lux and Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Devil transformation just like Dilwy¡­¡­!? No, it¡¯s only still a part of her that is changed.¡¹

    Perhaps the amount of Elixir that was filled into the blade was only very slightly, because the transformation didn¡¯t reach her whole body. The eerie black pattern only emerged on a part of her skin.

    Then, there was still a chance to save her.

    ¡¸Mel! That power is dangerous! If you continue using it, your body will©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸So what? Do you two have the strength where you can worry about my body?¡¹

    Mel made a gruesome smile and she silently readied her Halberd.

    The trace of the innocent girl didn¡¯t remain anymore there.

    Utter rage and overflowing boiling hatred.

    Mel whose negative emotion was amplified by Elixir¡¯s side effect glared at the surrounding where Abyss was rampaging.

    ¡¸Unforgivable. Whether it¡¯s you who is the cause of calamity, and also the church that was hiding the reason of my family¡¯s death. I will end everything©¤©¤right here-!¡¹

    The moment Mel yelled, she strongly gripped the control stick of her Drag-Ride.

    Right after that, the wheels on the leg armor rotated with initial response that was incomparable from before and it charged forward in a straight line.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! Be careful-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why? That Ruin¡¯s rampage, was actually, my fault©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer immediately controlled Fafnir and tried to escape to behind Mel, but there was no sharpness in her movement.

    Mel didn¡¯t let go of that moment of hesitation.

    From DrivePropulsion Device that was creeping on the ground with super acceleration, it switched to Wyvern Mode that skated in the sky.

    Against the attack of full power that was backed by the Drag-Ride¡¯s weight and terrific momentum, Auto Shield that was currently had its output lowered didn¡¯t move.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Disappear¡¹

    Mel Gizalut who was transformed into a demon brandished her weapon and leaped.

    In that slight instant with death right before her, something cut in before Krulcifer¡¯s gaze.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Shit-! I expected it but, to be unable to move by this much!¡¹

    Lisha muttered in irritation while galring at the countless Abyss dancing in the sky.

    The Sanctuary Knight Order protecting the holy capital as well as Lisha and co the members from new kingdom were forced into a hard battle that surpassed their expectation.

    They made it in time with the rescue of the believers who were swallowed by the avalanche that Drakkhen caused, but the sticky new type Abyss©¤©¤Chaff Slime was mixed in large amount inside that snow.

    They clung at the armor¡¯s joint parts and propulsion device, lowering each part¡¯s movement and performance drastically.

    This was the result from prioritizing the rescue of the people even knowing that it was Drakkhen¡¯s trap, but she didn¡¯t regret it.

    But, the time to truly pay the compensation for it would be from here on.

    ¡¸GISHAAAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    A Chimera gliding in the air to attack was intercepted by the Lightning Lance of Celis who was wearing Lindwurm.

    The attack from the lance that was tinged with powerful electricity burned the winged beast Abyss©¤©¤but, that attack which originally should be able to pierce the core in a single attack and finished it off ended with only stabbing the enemy¡¯s muscle chest slightly.

    ¡¸GISHAAAAAAAAAA!¡¹

    Naturally, the efficiency of evasion and defense against the counterattack of that Abyss that couldn¡¯t be defeated was also limited.

    Celis immediately used her lance as shield and dodged the claw, but she was unable to neutralize the impact completely and it pierced her armor, running through her body.

    In the case that the offensive aspect was weakened, the stamina of the user was shaved off more than the Drag-Ride¡¯s performance.

    The majority of Drag-Knights of the theocracy who got showered with Chaff Slime had their armor dispelled due to exhaustion and the encroachment, the number of people who could fight was decreasing in accelerated speed.

    Even Celis who was several times more trained than ordinary people was breathing hard, that was why Lisha and Philuffy were already at the state of maintaining their armor with only their willpower.

    It was only Yoruka whose figure couldn¡¯t be found anywhere right after she didn¡¯t comply with Lisha¡¯s demand.

    ¡¸That damned ero woman, just what is she thinking¡­¡­.!?¡¹

    Was she heading alone to old sanctuary site to protect Lux, or was she going to defeat the commander of the enemy, Drakkhen? It was unclear what she was doing, but at present they could expect nothing from her.

    ¡¸Lizsharte. Do you still have spare strength to exert your full power?¡¹

    Celis asked Lisha like that while staring at her with a grave expression before her eyes.

    It seemed that the Abyss was finally completely annihilated, but they were replaced by the Drag-Knights of Dragon Marauder who were gradually tightening the encirclement.

    The enemy¡¯s Wyvern force that numbered more than ten was lining up in the sky above at long distance. They were readying their Cannon and began simultaneous bombardment toward the cathedral.

    ¡¸Shit-! The really are easy to understand bunches!¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously clicked her tongue. Philuffy beside her also nodded and replied.

    ¡¸My Anchor too, cannot reach in that range.¡¹

    The tactic of the Dragon Marauder was thorough.

    They wouldn¡¯t enter the range of the throwing weapon Legion possessed by Lisha¡¯s Tiamat or the wire weapon Pile Anchor that Philuffy¡¯s Typhoon handled no matter what.

    The strength of the Cannon would be dampened if they fired from too far, but it seemed even that had been taken into consideration.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, they also shouldn¡¯t be able to approach carelessly. It¡¯s as though the enemies other than Wyvern cannot be seen at all.¡¹

    Celis glared sharply to the front amidst the Cannon attack that was fired continuously.

    Even if they covered for the nobles gathered inside the cathedral, it would be a losing battle due to the Chaff Slime sticking on them making their energy consumption even more intense.

    Thus, they were aiming the instant Lisha and others became impatient and came forward. Even Lisha and others had guessed enemy¡¯s intention.

    If they flew carelessly, most likely they would receive concentrated fire from Drakes hiding on the ground waiting for chance.

    The Wyrms would also charging forward at the same time launching an attack.

    The current Lisha and co couldn¡¯t breakthrough this encirclement.

    Inside the half-destroyed cathedral, a lot of wounded and scared noble believers were clamoring.

    They had no time for hesitation.

    If the encirclement by enemy force was completed, they would be annihilated by all out bombardment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lizsharte, I¡¯ll leave the command to you. I will go to buy time.¡¹

    Celis suddenly told Lisha that and stepped forward.

    ¡¸Wa, wait! Don¡¯t make rushed decision! Perhaps there is still another way!¡¹

    Even while saying that, she gritted her teeth from being unable to think a valid idea.

    In the end, was it just as Yoruka said, that they should abandon this country¡¯s people and fought?

    She didn¡¯t want to think that her judgment that she made as the princess of the new kingdom doing the best that she could do was mistaken.

    But, she didn¡¯t want to have someone else to shoulder the burden that resulted from her judgment.

    When Lisha was casting her eyes down unable to say anything, Celis silently turned her face to her and showed a smile.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m planning to die, so worrying is not permitted. Also©¤©¤those caustic words you told to Yoruka just now were splendid. They were words worthy of the princess of the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha held her breath, right after that Celis¡¯s Lindwurm soared to the sky.

    ¡¸As expected, it¡¯s heavy.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t just the movement restriction from the liquid Abyss made from mineral matter©¤©¤the Chaff Slime, the additional weight was also weighing her down.

    Celis gave up shaking off the slime with force. She could only finish off the enemy using the minimum movement.

    ¡¸Here she come©¤©¤fire-!¡¹

    Just like they predicted, the force of Wyrms and Drakes at the ground hiding in the cover of building around the cathedral was showering her with concentrated Cannon fire.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Divine Gate.¡¹

    Celis activated the Divine Raiment of Lindwurm in anticipation of that.

    She was able to instantly teleport within the territory of light.

    Chaff Slime was clinging on her, but she was stlll barely able to fly along with it.

    But, when she was evading, the other ground force immediately repeated two, three shots of Cannon.

    ¡¸So I still cannot reach with this¡­¡­¡¹

    Although the encirclement was tightened, there was no enemy within the range that Lindwurm¡¯s attack could reach just by teleporting once.

    There was a need to remake the territory of light to fly until that range using Divine Gate, but as expected the enemy wouldn¡¯t let her by concentrating their aim at her.

    It was a torrent of shockwave that even reached dozens. Even so the girl didn¡¯t waver and flew. The men in the enemy force shuddered witnessing that.

    ¡¸Chih! This woman, is she really the same Drag-Knight like us!? She should be weakened already!¡¹

    Celis suppress the number of bullet hitting her to the minimum, and finally she broke through the storm of concentrated fire.

    And then, the tip of the lance she thrust pierced the armor of Dragon Marauder¡¯s Wyvern in the sky.

    Finally, the first enemy Drag-Knight was destroyed.

    But, the Wyverns at the surrounding who saw that switched their armament into Breath Gun for close range and aimed to stop her movement with barrage of bullets.

    ¡¸It¡¯s imprudent but, how splendid. As expected from the legendary mercenary.¡¹

    She even felt admiration to the thoroughness of the enemy force¡¯s tactic and the height of their proficiency.

    She had polished her strength, but this was a feat that she who was unable to lead other people couldn¡¯t possibly do.

    Because rather than forcing hardship or burden to other people, it was easier for her to take them upon herself.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It¡¯s something I want to attempt to challenge if I come back alive. I want to give proper guidance to my juniors for sure this time, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis smiled. She disturbed the encirclement of Wyverns and carried out suicidal attack until she ran out of strength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll also go soon, please take care of the rest, princess.¡¹

    A few seconds after Celis started charging toward the Dragon Marauder, Philuffy too told Lisha with an indifferent tone.

    ¡¸Even you, what are you thinking airhead girl! What are you going to do running ahead when your Drag-Ride isn¡¯t flying type! There is no enemy in the firing range of your Typhoon©¤©¤you¡¯ll only get surrounded and then shot down!¡¹

    With the ground where it was hard to move because of the avalanche and the movement that dulled due to Chaff Slime, she was just a shooting target.

    Thus Lisha tried to stop her in panic, but Philuffy quietly shook her head.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not that, perhaps. Something is coming.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you saying!?¡¹

    ¡¸Something else than this slime¡­¡­something is strange, it has been gathering since just now.¡¹

    Philuffy turned her gaze forward with a glance.

    Then, another slime with different color than Chaff Slime that had muddy black color©¤©¤a slime with dull ocher color was moving.

    ¡¸Another slime Abyss huh? But, if it¡¯s just that I¡¯ll deal with it right©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t shoot. ¡­¡­My nose can smell it, even from here, oil smell.¡¹

    ¡¸Smell, you say¡­¡­? Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy nodded expressionlessly.

    Different from the Wyvern force, she thought it was strange that the Dragon Marauders on the ground didn¡¯t come rushing, but looking carefully it was the reverse.

    The Wyrm force on the ground that was approaching was slowly loosening the encirclement and began to retreat.

    It was to attract attention to the Drag-Ride, while the slimes that smell like oil were advancing without being noticed.

    It didn¡¯t take much imagination to think about what the new slime could do.

    ¡¸Dragon Marauder¡¯s division commander Drakkhen¡­¡­, how outrageous!¡¹

    Lisha reflexively bit her fingernail. Philuffy silently advanced forward then.

    ¡¸If they are allowed to get near further than this, even the cathedral will be blown away. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m going.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Philuffy.¡¹

    Lisha muttered shortly.

    She understood that in this situation, there was no other way than that.

    ¡¸But, it looks like the oily slime might end with just this. So, take care of the rest.¡¹

    Right after saying that with a serious face, Philuffy drove her Typhoon and charged toward the Wyrm force in front without stopping.

    Instantly, the enemy army backed away in hurry and aimed the cannon muzzle toward the ground.

    There was still some distance until the cathedral, but they intended to explode the slime to avoid getting mixed up into it.

    ¡¸Biting Flare¡¹

    That moment, Philuffy also activated Typhoon¡¯s special armament.

    The energy from the armored arm was accumulated, then she grasped the ground in front of her and exploded it.

    Right after that, the grey colored slime also caught fire, and explosion blast and flash covered the visibility of the whole place.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Philuffy held her ground even now while she was swallowed by intense blast and flame.

    She endured using strengthened endurance and barrier that was the characteristic of the land battle type Divine Drag-Ride Typhoon.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Charge-! Suppress the cathedral using this chance!¡¹

    Right after the explosion settled, the Wyrm and Drake force of Dragon Marauder assaulted.

    Everyone of them were holding close range weapon, they charged forward without stopping with the intention to squash the resistance.

    Celis and Philuffy couldn¡¯t move properly anymore. They were barely escaping while luring the enemy, but they were mostly unable to attack.

    Because the enemy understood that, they too didn¡¯t split too much of their number to pursue the two.

    Behind there was only the cathedral that almost collapsed, the noble believers, and then the Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order who couldn¡¯t even use their Drag-Ride properly.

    Lisha who was in a desperate situation that was driven into corner could hear communication from Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºHow is your well-being, Lisha-san?¡»

    ¡º-¡­¡­!? This ero woman, where have you been until now!? Eee, in the first place, right now isn¡¯t the time©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºIs that so? That¡¯s unfortunate. Even though I finally finished laying out trap around the whole area of cathedral©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºWhat¡­¡­?¡»

    ¡ºIt¡¯s from the pillar in front of the cathedral until the spot 10 ml from there. Can you lure the enemy until there?¡»

    ¡ºYou©¤©¤. No, got it.¡»

    Lisha didn¡¯t understand so far until the specific of what Yoruka was planning.

    But, this girl who was towering above other only in her fighting ability was estimating that there was a chance to bring down the force of Dragon Marauder.

    Right now, there was no other option except betting in that.

    ¡¸GOOO-! It doesn¡¯t matter even if the archbishop is killed! All troops charge!¡¹

    The Dragon Marauders on the ground approached loudly. Lisha resolved herself, then she pulled out Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device and took the standard stance.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sanctuary Knight Orderm pray to the god later! The last defense is starting from here!¡¹

    And then, she called out to the friendly troops at the back who were making expression of despair with their whole body wounded all over.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll wage war on you Drakkhen! With the way of my own style, as the princess of the new kingdom!¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Lux-kun-!?¡¹

    Lux whose armor was smashed by Mel¡¯s attack fell to the snow field below.

    But, before Krulcifer who flew her Fafnir in order to save him, Mel Gizalut was standing in the way.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop acting like you are worried about other people. Even though you aren¡¯t even a human of this world.¡¹

    Mel muttered with bottomless hatred and rage filling her voice.

    The Elixir that Mel used was negligible compared to Dilwy who used it on his whole body, but it strengthened her immature body and caused her to possibly use Divine Drag-Ride for a long time.

    On the other hand, Krulcifer¡¯s mind was wrapped with confusion. She was unable to even control Fafnir satisfactorily.

    ¡¸Why©¤©¤¡¹

    She barely defended against Mel¡¯s attack while muttering with pained expression.

    ¡¸Why, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    She had no leeway to go help Lux who was struck down from covering her.

    The Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order suffered damage from the remaining swarm of Abyss and they were defeated one after another.

    Krulcifer herself had been thinking all this time.

    That even if she originated from the Ruin and she wasn¡¯t recognized by her family, she still had a place to belong.

    But©¤©¤, if it was her who caused the Ruin to rampage and brought calamity to this country©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Why am I©¤©¤¡¹

    Things that everyone else had, the place to belong, family, homeland. Even though she couldn¡¯t be accepted by all of those, even so she would fight in order to obtain them. She should have resolved herself like that, and yet.

    If she was the cause of the calamity, then even protecting her family using her own hand would be beyond her reach.

    If the incident of rampage was the truth then, ©¤©¤there would really be no place for her to belong at anymore.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is no need to feel lost. I¡¯ll give you your end here.¡¹

    Mel muttered with empty gaze.

    And then, from above Krulcifer who took stance trying to rally Fafnir, a large cannon was aimed to below.

    ¡¸Ground BusterEarth Smasher Horn Bullet!¡¹

    *GAUNN!* Along with such thunderous roar, a streamlined warhead that looked like a spire was fired to below.

    The moment Ddraig Gwiber in Wyvern Mode fired its one other special armament, a shudder ran through Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Ojou-sama, please escape! That¡¯s a wide range annihilation weapon for use against ground surface! It will break even bedrock underground, a weapon to change terrain©¤©¤¡¹

    Alterize¡¯s voice came from afar.

    At this rate, everyone would get mixed up into it, along with the old sanctuary site.

    ¡¸Stop it already, Mel!¡¹

    With a tone that sounded like praying, Krulcifer fired the freezing bullet of Freezing Cannon in the attempt to prevent the attack.

    But, Mel muttered right before the frozen warhead hit the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Dual Shift¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Ddraig Gwiber was activated, and the freezing was dissolved instantly.

    The shell that pierced the stone paving of the old sanctuary site and the ground exploded deep underground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The stone building of old sanctuary site and the ground broke into pieces and earth and sand were rolled up like tornado.

    Krulcifer herself was also mixed up into the explosion and she was blown away far to the back.

    ©¤©¤Annihilation.

    The power that was to the degree it also dragged Lux and her families into it turned her sight total darkness.

    When strength left her whole body and even her consciousness became distant, the scenery around her suddenly changed completely.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Krulcifer-sama! Are you safe dearimasu!?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, you are©¤©¤, Ney?¡¹

    Krulcifer was lying on the ground with her armor dispelled. The Automata girl she ordered to stay put was rushing to where she was.

    Tears were gathering in her eyes while she softly lifted up Krulcifer¡¯s body in her arms.

    ¡¸This place©¤©¤the viewing room? Did you, bring me here?¡¹

    ¡¸My deepest apologize for acting impertinently dearimasu. But¡­¡­, I cannot bear to look supervisor-sama getting even more hurt than this dearimasu.¡¹

    Ney casted down her eyes with drooping dog ears.

    Several images of light were floating at the surrounding metal wall, reflecting the scene on the ground.

    There she could see the figure of the Sanctuary Knight Order members in disadvantage from the assault of the remaining Abysses.

    There were also the figure of Alterize, and Zain who fought even while in confusion.

    She couldn¡¯t see Lux¡¯s figure.

    He was directly hit by Mel¡¯s attack from covering her, she remembered until she was injured but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸This is not the time for rest. If I don¡¯t go back, to help©¤©¤¡¹

    She stood up and headed to the pedestal at the center of the viewing room.

    In order to use the teleportation device and returned to over there,

    ¡¸For what©¤©¤you will return dearimasu?¡¹

    But, Ney¡¯s question that sounded sad stopped Krulcifer on her track.

    ¡¸I overstepped with my words dearimasu. But, in this situation there is nothing that can be done dearimasu. I who haven¡¯t gone to the control room is still not connected with the Ruin¡¯s system. I cannot control the Abyss dearimasu. So©¤©¤¡¹

    ¨C

    Ney gazed up to her with the imitation eyes that looked pleadingly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t go anywhere anymore dearimasu. After all, this place is the homeland of XferKey¡¯s Supervisor-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean¡­¡­? Your memory, should not©¤©¤¡¹

    When Ney got out of the Ruin to the outside world, she forgot most of her internal information.

    She should have ordered her so she couldn¡¯t remember unnecessary memory, and also so she couldn¡¯t investigate.

    When Krulcifer recalled and pointed that out, Ney averted her gaze guiltily.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­, when I was asked to decipher that three ¡ºbooks¡» and confirmed them, I remembered completely then. Regarding the way this Ruin came to be, and the existence of all of you©¤©¤¡¹

    The Automata who temporarily disconnected her memory and ability as Gear Leader for the sake of going outside the Ruin.

    If she was able to return to Ruin, even if she didn¡¯t reach until the control room, it wouldn¡¯t be strange even if she had the function to supplement her ability to a certain degree.

    By chance©¤©¤or perhaps she should have associated the idea seeing that the place was called archive, Ney seemed to have recovered a part of her memory.

    ¡¸Then, even my true identity©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, Xfer-sama. You are this place¡¯s©¤©¤, one of the ancient human race who established the Ruin. You are the last survivor existing in this Hall dearimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I am, this Ruin¡¯s last©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer who heard what Ney said lost her words from that fact.

    Right after that, a terrific impact attacked from above the Hall¡¯s viewing room.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing! Mel Gizalut!? Your enemy should be the Abyss!¡¹

    The scream of Pope Nias reverberated through the snow field.

    The special armament of Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Wyvern Mode, Ground Buster, its second shot hit the ground right below. The aftershock from that impact also dragged the Sanctuary Knight Order members into it.

    No death resulted just barely, but the foothold at the surrounding collapsed, and the Drag-Knights were cornered to a disadvantaged position.

    The abandoned building of the old sanctuary site was already collapsing until no trace of its original shape remained.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    But, even when the pope reprimanded like that, Mel¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.

    She was just directing that cold gaze that was completely chilled like ice toward the place where Krulcifer vanished.

    Thanks to the augmentation from Elixir, the lack of her stamina was compensated, but in exchange she became unable to control her emotion.

    The hatred toward Krulcifer and the destructive impulse were completely ruling her body.

    ¡¸Next bullet, loading¡­¡­¡¹

    The attack wasn¡¯t in the shape of energy torrent, it was a warhead of Ground Buster that possessed physical substance. It had to be formed anew every time, so the attack couldn¡¯t be fired consecutively.

    The cannon muzzle was kept directed to the Ruin right below, while Mel was hovering in the air.

    The battle wouldn¡¯t end until she dealt the final blow to Krulcifer.

    Until the outer shell of Ruin collapsed, she would fire no matter how many times. Sensing that, the members of Sanctuary Knight Order were shaking.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll end this. I¡¯ll destroy something like Ruin.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh, at this rate©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Alterize desperately swung her twin swords and finished off the remaining Abyss, but she had no leeway in order to protect the wounded comrades and Pope Nias.

    She was made to stand at the depth of despair without being able to even aid Lux and Krulcifer.

    ¨C

    ¡ºTransmission¡­¡­outer wall, half destroyed. Taking refuge to underground is strongly recommended.¡»

    The impact from the Ground Buster that Mel fired destroyed the Hall¡¯s ceiling©¤©¤the outer crust part, a robotic voice resounded inside the viewing room.

    Ney Louches who was sitting on the control seat adviced with a flustered face.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s hide, Xfer-sama! This place is already in danger! Please escape until the underground control room and activate the defense system. If you do that©¤©¤¡¹

    But, even while grimacing from the aftershock of the impact, Krulcifer couldn¡¯t take action.

    ¡¸What about that rampage incident? That day one and half a year ago, what happened in this Ruin?¡¹

    ¡¸That, was¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This is an order. Answer me.¡¹

    The short words from Krulcifer that weren¡¯t filled with emotion caused Ney to avert her gaze.

    And then, after hesitating for a few seconds, she told the truth.

    ¡¸In the information that I read from the record in the viewing room, Xfer-sama who left from the Ruin returned here again twice, seven years ago and one and half a year ago. It was especially at the second time, due to a blank phenomenon that couldn¡¯t be observed for some reason, everyone other than you died in that place. I chased after Xfer-sama and left my position as the Ruin¡¯s Gear leader to search for you might be related to that too.¡¹

    ¡¸And then, at that time the defense of the Ruin reacted, and a rampage occurred©¤©¤it was, something like that?¡¹

    Ney silently showed affirmation at Krulcifer¡¯s question.

    Krulcifer who heard the answer leaned on the nearby object and put her hand on it.

    She understood the real reason her family was avoiding her.

    It wasn¡¯t just because she displayed her talent and strength.

    It was because they knew, that she was actually the cause that triggered the Ruin¡¯s rampage and brought calamity to the country.

    ¡¸Did I, hurt them¡­¡­? The people of this country, and Mel¡¯s family, everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It wasn¡¯t Xfer-sama¡¯s fault dearimasu! It was because everyone tried to use you and me©¤©¤they tried to use the power of the Ruin dearimasu! That¡¯s why, please forget it already dearimasu!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Forget?¡¹

    Ney clung on Krulcifer¡¯s arm and yelled.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to worry dearimasu. If you can regain the remaining function of the Ruin, surely it will be able to protect Xfer-sama dearimasu. I will be by your side dearmiasu. Even without getting involved with something like the outside world, you won¡¯t have to worry about anything anymore dearimasu!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Keeping away everything at distance and forgot it completely.

    Krulcifer was struck by Ney¡¯s desperate entreaty and lost her words.

    Perhaps it was just as Ney said.

    At the very least there was no more comrade who was the same ancient race like her in this Hall.

    From the start there was also no ground that could make it possible for her to be recognized as family in Einfolk house.

    Her effort to get closer to her family was already meaningless.

    Both her parents, her brothers, and also hersisters, everyone feared her who made the Ruin rampaged.

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is already, no meaning for me to return©¤©¤¡¹

    Even though she thought that, why?

    Why was it, her legs couldn¡¯t move she wondered.

    ¡ºIf you won¡¯t come out, then I¡¯ll drag you out.¡»

    The image of light projected on the wall surface showed Mel muttering at the air above the collapsed old sanctuary site.

    And then she bared a gruesome smile and declared her attack toward Krulcifer.

    ¡ºDisappear, our¡­¡­the world¡¯s enemy.¡»

    ¡¸Run away dearimasu! Xfer-sama©¤©¤!¡¹

    The moment Ney pulled on Krulcifer¡¯s hand, the third shot of Ground Buster was fired to the ground.

    If the underground was exploded more than this, everyone would get dragged into a cave-in due to the land subsidence.

    At that time when the despair from the absolutely desperate situation crossed the back of her mind, a voice could be heard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Linker Burst.¡¹

    At the same time with the muttering of those words, the warhead of Ground Buster veered sideways. It was radically drawn to a point.

    Over there was the figure of Lux. Blood was flowing from his forehead, dying his silver hair red.

    The wound stretching from his shoulder toward his chest , and the blood flowing from his forehead, they must be from receiving the fragments from the broken Wyvern.

    That Lux was standing while wearing jet black Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut.

    ¡¸Lux-sama-!?¡¹

    Alterize who saw that yelled. In that moment Bahamut¡¯s Howling Howl sent flying the drawn warhead.

    Even while being showered with the aftershock of the explosion impact right after that, Lux didn¡¯t move in the slightest.

    ¡¸You are also planning to stand in my way?¡¹

    Mel whose attack toward Ruin was prevented sent a fearless smile at Lux.

    It was a wicked smile with condensed hatred in it.

    But, it was as though Lux didn¡¯t waver even against that. He returned a straightforward gaze toward Mel.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let you hurt Krulcifer-san even more than this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah!¡¹

    Mel let out a laugh at Lux¡¯s words, at the same time she made Ddraig Gwiber swooped down.

    She swung down that large Halberd from overhead and pursued the dodging Lux with pursuing attack.

    ¡¸If you are protecting that woman, then you have resolved yourself right?¡¹

    The attack of the enraged Mel was becoming monotone although it had strength.

    Perhaps because she couldn¡¯t see Krulcifer¡¯s figure, she would try to lure her out by tormenting Lux, or perhaps she was completely driven by emotion and she was losing her thinking ability.

    Either way, for the current Lux who still had damage remaining in his body, it was a fortunate situation.

    ©¤©¤*zaza, zazazaza-¡­¡­!*

    ¡ºPretty complacent aren¡¯t you? Even though at the holy capital your comrades are almost annihilated like this.¡»

    Right after discordant sound that was like sandstorm resounded, Drakkhen¡¯s voice was sent to Lux¡¯s position.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºIf you can hear how about replying at leas? Well, it¡¯s not time for that I guess. After all Mel Gizalut over there is strengthened by Elixir. Even if it¡¯s you, you must be at a loss facing her right?¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤Dragon Marauder¡¯s division commander Drakkhen. Is this conflict your gambit?¡¹

    When Lux responded with a short sentence, a laughter returned.

    ¡ºYou must have heard the rumor right? The ability of the Divine Drag-Ride, Asp that I possess©¤©¤the power to control sound. I made the sound of Orphel and let Mel heard her fake last words to make her attack you guys.¡»

    ¡¸So even that is your aim©¤©¤, how many inhuman things you are intending to pile up?¡¹

    Drakkhen was telling Lux the truth was in order to seal his combat strength.

    She told him that Mel was just an innocent girl who was tricked was her tactic to make Lux harbored hesitation so that he would hesitate to attack.

    She purposefully taught him the situation at the holy capital was also in order to shake him.

    ¡ºSomething like a battle where you don¡¯t rack your ingenuity is like you are just searching for excuse when you lose right from the start. Don¡¯t you think so too? Mister Black Hero.¡»

    But, Lux also noticed Drakkhen¡¯s hidden aim.

    He thought of tactic to deal with that while returning his focus to Mel before him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fine then. Can she keep hiding even when you, her fianc¨¦e is almost killed, ¡­¡­let¡¯s try it out!¡¹

    Mel switched Ddraig Gwiber into Wyrm Mode and came swinging her Halberd consecutively at him.

    Lux was pushed toward the remaining foothold, and right after that, his field of vision was enveloped in thick mist and he became unable to see.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It was a disadvantageous situation for both sides, but it became hard for him to see Mel¡¯s figure and he was unable to see through the preliminary movement of her attack.

    Now it was impossible to use Quick Shot that was the application of Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    And then, in the situation where he could only see a few ml ahead of him, close quarter combat became the main choice whether he wanted it or not.

    Accordingly, Ddraig Gwiber in land battle mode that could accelerate by stepping firmly on the ground was in overwhelming advantage. And seeing that the opponent possessed anti-aircraft weapon, Lux was also unable to escape to the sky.

    He was forced into a one-sided defensive battle before Mel¡¯s attack broke through his barrier.

    The bleeding on his shoulder and head didn¡¯t lessen. Each time Lux blocked the attack using his great sword, the armor he wore was soaked with blood.

    But, even so Lux¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t upset.

    He did the best he could do in that disadvantage, lured away Mel, and held out in that place.

    ¡ºLux-sama! The Abyss extermination over here is finished! I will assist right aw©¤©¤¡»

    Midway, the few remaining Abyss was finally defeated by Alterize wearing her EX Wyvern.

    She communicated that to Lux using Dragon Voice. Lux kept his focus on Mel¡¯s attack while replying to that.

    ¡ºIf it¡¯s me I¡¯m fine. In exchange please tell Lord Stiyl©¤©¤Krulcifer-san¡¯s father this. His voice will reach her too if it¡¯s from above the old sanctuary site!¡»

    Stiyl was taking cold and brusque attitude, but all this time he had been showing concern for her.

    He intentionally made Lux to stay in Einfolk house, and nonchalantly probed his relation with Krulcifer.

    Lux staked a single hope at his deduction that resulted from that.

    In order to save the girl who was important to him once more right now.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Why©¤©¤de, arimasu?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t Krulcifer, but Ney who was whispering in a daze while watching the battle from the viewing room of the Hall.

    ¡¸Why is that person, still fighting to that extent even though there is no chance of winning?¡¹

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s true isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    Why, did she think that she had no ally or anything.

    Had she gave in to despair, thinking that she had no place in this world now.

    ¨C

    ¡ºHowever, I just want you to promise me one thing. That no matter what kind of relationship there was between me and you¡ª¡ª, don¡¯t turn hostile toward me, that our relationship with each other right now won¡¯t change.¡»

    ¡ºNo matter what happens, I will always be Krulcifer-san¡¯s ally. I promise.¡»

    ¨C

    Even though the young man who recognized her made that promise to her before, she completely forgot it.

    Even though she knew, that he wouldn¡¯t break an important promise no matter what.

    ¡º¡­¡­Krulcifer-san, can you hear?¡»

    There, Lux muttered while receiving Mel¡¯s fierce attack on the ground.

    ¡ºWhen I was banished from the imperial court of Arcadia Empire, I was thinking, that perhaps there is no one who will recognize me anymore in this world.¡»

    Whether it was his family that was related to him by blood, or the people who were resenting the imperial family, they were all seeing Lux as hated enemy.

    Lux who once suffered heartache and felt despair toward the whole world was saved by Philuffy.

    ¡ºBut, I noticed. If it¡¯s really something important, if it¡¯s something that you want, then you must not give up no matter how painful it is. That¡¯s why©¤©¤I and Lisha-sama and everyone, will become Krulcifer-san¡¯s strength!¡»

    Lux said that and continued to fight.

    Krulcifer merely watched wordlessly at that with a wry smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­He is really an exasperating person. After all he is always unawarely getting hold of a person¡¯s feeling like that.¡¹

    ¡®But, surely it¡¯s like that.¡¯ Krulcifer thought.

    Even if the unseen past was toying with her, she had a truth in the present.

    That it wasn¡¯t a mistake, for her to fall in love with him.

    ¡¸Ney, please prepare the transfer to the surface. Also, can you apply the ability in this¡ºbook¡» that has been deciphered completely into Fafnir?¡¹

    ¡¸Xfer-sama¡­¡­, this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸No, my name is Krulcifer you know. That¡¯s why, don¡¯t mistake it from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand, dearimasu. Krulcifer-sama.¡¹

    Krulcifer once more lifted Fafnir¡¯s Sword Device before her eyes.

    And then, when she gazed at the battlefield that was still continuing, she came to hear a single voice.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯re wrong! Actually you aren¡¯t to blame for anything! Krulcifer!¡¹

    Stiyl Einfolk faced toward the spot where Krulcifer vanished and raised his voice as though to call out to her.

    His face wasn¡¯t the usual severe and rigid expression, but an expression that was blurred with impatience and pain.

    He responded to Lux¡¯s call and came to this place with his own feet.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What does that mean?¡¹

    Mel reacted to Stiyl¡¯s shout and turned a chilly gaze and voice toward that direction.

    ¡¸Seven years ago, the nobles who sniffed your secret took you to the Ruin, and a rampage occurred! It was my duty so that such thing wouldn¡¯t happen, but I couldn¡¯t stop them! And then one and half a year ago, that time even the high official of the theocracy turned traitor, tricked you, and brought you to the Ruin which caused that incident!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Alterize and Zain, and also the Sanctuary Knight Order members present there who heard that turned speechless and stood still.

    ¡¸There might be some wicked bunches still who are aiming at you might in the theocracy. That¡¯s why, I thought there is nothing I can do but distancing you from the house! I couldn¡¯t protect you from malice, except by doing that!¡¹

    ¡®That¡¯s why¡¯ ©¤©¤Stiyl rolled up the sleeve of his coat and took off the glove that he wore even inside room.

    Underneath it, terrible scar that was running from the right arm¡¯s elbow until the palm was remaining.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡»

    Krulcifer who saw that from the viewing room reflexively held her breath.

    The memory of that time that was remaining hazily in her mind.

    She remembered that someone was desperately saving her, but Stiyl told her that it wasn¡¯t him.

    Since that day, Stiyl was wearing glove even inside house and using cane to walk.

    The fact that Krulcifer herself became the impetus of conflict.

    Because of that, Stiyl didn¡¯t tell Krulcifer in order to hide that he was seriously injured.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s an unsightly story! I became unable to fight anymore! I couldn¡¯t protect your wellbeing, except by hurting your heart! That¡¯s why, my daughter¡­¡­! Don¡¯t be hurt alone just for the sake of a fool like me!¡¹

    Stiyl reach out his deeply scarred hand and raised his voice.

    At that moment, the flying Ddraig Gwiber fired Ground Buster to right below.

    ¨C

    ¡¸All-out firing at southeast! Fire!¡¹

    ©¤©¤At the same time, the holy capital.

    Around the cathedral where the building had collapsed and the country¡¯s important people were left behind.

    Lisha gathered the remaining combat force that was partially destroyed due to the Chaff Slimes and avalanche and took command.

    Celis and Philuffy were each fighting hard with their Divine Drag-Ride and lured away the enemy for them, but it was already impossible for them to fight properly in their state. They were only barely avoiding falling to enemy¡¯s hand.

    And then, the force of Dragon Marauder finally surrounded the cathedral and came in pressure. Lisha gathered the Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order and intercepted the enemy using Cannon attack.

    ¡¸The other side has more number of people who can fight! Hold back the enemy faster than they¡¯re coming and prevent them from approaching!¡¹

    The spot where the cathedral was located was higher than the surrounding.

    Using the difference in angle from that geographical advantage, they drove away the approaching enemy force that consisted of Wyrm and Drake.

    The Drag-Knights of Sanctuary Knight Order once broke down due to Drakkhen¡¯s tactic and lost their fighting spirit, but they somehow formed the formation to fight back due to Lisha¡¯s voice and leadership.

    ¡¸¡­¡­How long they¡¯re going to continue this unsightly vain struggle!¡¹

    The man who was leading Dragon Marauder¡¯s Wyvern force in the air was clicking his tongue while looking at that sight.

    At the sky twelve Legions under Lisha¡¯s control were flying around. They were unable to approach carelessly.

    But, she should be tired already, she wouldn¡¯t be able to control the special armament for long.

    Therefore, they didn¡¯t go attacking forcibly, they were standing by while staying alert to the surrounding.

    At the same time, although Lisha had gathered the surviving force and fought back to prevent the enemy¡¯s Wyrm force from charging forward, the enemy¡¯s momentum was gradually gaining on them.

    Because of the Chaff Slime clinging on Tiamat, her control was dulling and the exhaustion was double than usual.

    ¡¸Not yet, until Lux come back, we still©¤©¤¡¹

    Even so, Lisha¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t yielding.

    However, the limit finally arrived. The moment Legions lost control and fell, the battle situation moved.

    ¨C

    *Zaza-, zazazaza¡­¡­*

    The sound control ability that was the Divine Raiment of Drakkhen¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Asp.

    A voice once more reached toward the position of Lux who was battling Mel using Bahamut, and it happened.

    ¡º©¤©¤How long you are intending not to show your hand? At this rate everyone will die without you giving any instruction whatsoever, is that what you feel like doing?¡»

    Drakkhen provoked with a sticky tone.

    But, Lux didn¡¯t even show any sign of impatience, he replied to her with a calm voice.

    ¡¸Dragon Marauder¡¯s Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen. I¡¯m not that good at bargaining, but there is something that even I know.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­Hoo, what could it be?¡»

    Lux crossed sword with Mel¡¯s Halberd using his great sword while talking dispassionately.

    Inside the heavy fog where his field of vision was blocked, because Mel was constantly approaching him to take the initiative, even though Lux was unable to see her, but by memorizing Mel¡¯s attack pattern he was performing battle where both sides didn¡¯t give any ground to each other.

    ¡¸The more someone is shaken and impatient, the more they speak. And in the middle they will use some kind of plan. Since some time ago you are fearing something all this time.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Drakkhen fell silent just for a moment because Lux hit the bull¡¯s eye.

    The battle this time looked like it was progressing just as Drakkhen planned with the situation completely within her grasp from beginning to end. But, there was just one point that was shadowing the situation as risky factor.

    Ironically, because Yoruka didn¡¯t match the pace of the other members and took independent action, Drakkhen lost sight of her whereabouts.

    She had investigated the information about Yoruka, but even after knowing about her preeminent sword skill and the true shape of her Divine Raiment Spell Code that could steal the control authority of Drag-Ride, her existence was still troublesome in the extreme.

    This, Drakkhen was engaging Lux in conversation since some time ago to search for her whearabouts.

    ¡¸Haven¡¯t you noticed? Her whereabouts is©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­!?¡»

    Suddenly, the sound that Drakkhen was picking from Lux¡¯s surrounding was getting distant.

    Drakkhen hurriedly raised the sensitivity of the sound picking to the maximum to try to make out the sound at the end, in that instant©¤©¤she caught Mel¡¯s voice first.

    ¡¸I should have taught you, that there is no place to escape in the sky though?¡¹

    ¡ºWhat are©¤©¤?¡»

    The moment Drakkhen muttered that, her world suddenly burst out.

    *DOOOOoooOONN!*

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU, GAaAAAAAaaaAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    *Butsun*, her eardrum was torn and her skull was stirred up.

    The thunderous sound that felt like the atmosphere was ruptured painted over everything and pain stabbed into her brain.

    ¡¸U, GUa¡­¡­!¡¹

    It was her remaining right ear¡¯s eardrum that barely picked up her own groan.

    The camouflage function that was being used by special equipment-type Asp was dispelled.

    ¡¸What, just¡­¡­happened!?¡¹

    When Drakkhen who was picking up sound from Lux¡¯s surrounding murmured, an answer came back.

    ¡¸Reload on Fire©¤©¤it compressed the air vibration at my surrounding and then strengthened it until several times over.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? You bastard-!¡¹

    Drakkhen held her breath in surprise hearing those words that were said concisely.

    Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s special armament, Aerial Buster.

    It scattered fuel that was refined and turned into vapor at the air, and then exploded the fuel along with the air. An anti-aircraft weapon.

    Lux¡¯s tactic was making use of that thunderous sound that was so loud it pierced the eardrum.

    Drakkhen¡¯s manipulated sound to transmit information back to herself. Lux used it against herself.

    ¡ºI found her©¤©¤Aruji-sama.¡»

    Instantly, Yoruka¡¯s voice reached Lux through Dragon Voice.

    Drakkhen¡¯s Asp was hiding in the snowy landscape of the holy capital using camouflage function, but because the Asp was picking up the thunderous sound just now, the sound was also transmitted to the surrounding. Her position was pinned down from that.

    ¡¸Ku©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡ºThen, let¡¯s start it anytime now. The tactic of ours.¡»(Yoruka)

    ¨C

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The whole force of Dragon Marauder that was charging toward the collapsed cathedral suddenly stopped moving and their face went pale.

    The barrier of string that was laid out at the surrounding was tinged with the light of Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸Special armament String of Spider©¤©¤and then, Spell Code.¡¹

    The moment Yoruka who was standing on the nearby bell tower overlooking the cathedral muttered that, the light of Divine Raiment that Yato no Kami emitted was transmitted through the string and restricted the movement of the Dragon Marauders.

    The special armament of unseen steel string possessed by Yato no Kami.

    It was laid out literally like spider¡¯s web, and then the preys were simultaneously caught by the Divine Raiment Spell Code.

    Yoruka requested Lisha to intercept the enemies wasn¡¯t just for buying time to lay out the string.

    It was also to thin out the enemy¡¯s consciousness toward the string with their attention diverted by this side¡¯s counterattack.

    Thus©¤©¤.

    ¡¸U, AAAAAH!?¡¹

    ¡¸What the hell is this!? The Drag-Ride¡¯s control, isn¡¯t working!?¡¹

    About half of Dragon Marauder¡¯s Drag-Knights were caught in Spell Code¡¯s effect instantly and they attacked at the remaining half that was able to move.

    Friendly fire.

    While frenzied scream was echoing, the remaining Sanctuary Knight Order also counterattacked and the enemy number was reduced with accelerated speed.

    When Lisha¡¯s face peeked out from the collapsed cathedral to the outside, the number of enemy Drag-Knight who was able to move properly had been reduced to one.

    It was only the division commander of Dragon Marauder who was hiding until now while manipulating the battlefield, the commander Drakkhen.

    ¡¸That damn ero woman, making us getting cold sweat like that.¡¹

    Even while having cold sweat trickling from her forehead, Lisha was looking up at that sight with a fearless grin.

    Because she was continuously using Tiamat for a long time while receiving the encroachment of Chaff Slime, her exhaustion was reaching the limit.

    Far from using Divine Raiment, she was already unable to even use special armament. Maintaining her armor was just something she was barely being able to do.

    But, she mustn¡¯t collapse even with her current condition.

    The noble believers waiting for rescue inside the collapsed cathedral.

    And then the members of Sanctuary Knight Order who were wounded or falling into state unfit for fighting.

    She couldn¡¯t show her unsightly appearance in order to keep up their morale too.

    Also in order to become a worthy princess for Lux who became her knight, she mustn¡¯t ran out of strength until the very end.

    ¡¸To think, he has this kind of hand up his sleeve¡­¡­ ©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Drakkhen was muttering with anguished expression while pressing on her right ear with broken eardrum.

    Right after that, she noticed the vibration of air from  behind her and she barely blocked the sword flash attacking her.

    ¡¸My, you are more capable than I thought. Even though I planned to approach by killing my presence.¡¹

    ¡¸Kirihime, Yoruka¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The extra-large Blade that Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami wielded and the sharp claws stretching out from the armored arm of Drakkhen¡¯s Asp crossed each other with scattered sparks.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, that too is at an end.¡¹

    But, even with that Yoruka¡¯s advantage was unshakeable.

    The Divine Raiment that could control other Drag-Ride just by touching it, Spell Code. As long as she had that, it was meaningless just by blocking her attack.

    ¡¸Damn it-!?¡¹

    When Yoruka tried to snatch the control of the Drag-Ride Drakkhen was wearing, the Divine Raiment¡¯s red pattern emerged out but©¤©¤, for some reason the red letters weren¡¯t transmitted to Asp and they stopped flowing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Not. Don¡¯t look down on me. I have prepared countermeasure©¤©¤against all of you!¡¹

    Her eyes were bared open at the same time with her voice, then she slashed with the claws stretching out from her other armored arm.

    Yoruka quickly backed away and dodged it. She then noticed the secret of the trick Drakkhen used.

    ¡¸You have a very interesting preparation there.¡¹

    The katana-shaped Blade that Yato no Kami possessed, black viscous liquid was clinging on its blade.

    Chaff Slime.

    It didn¡¯t have any physical attack power at all, but it could dull Drag-Ride¡¯s control and lowered the spec. This new type Abyss was controlled using Asp¡¯s sound wave to make it stick only at the armor¡¯s surface.

    The ability of the Divine Raiment Spell Code could only affect Drag-Ride.

    Drakkhen¡¯s tactic took advantage of that blind spot and used an Abyss as shield.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve said it but, the Asp that I¡¯m wearing still has Chaff Slime inside. No matter even if it¡¯s someone skilled like you, you won¡¯t be able to defeat me.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you really think that after just one cheap trick like this?¡¹

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t look perturbed at all, she returned a cold smile and snapped open her eyes.

    Purple iris. The devil eye in her right eye that had Baptism applied into it shined mysteriously. It instantly caught the figure of Drakkhen leaping backward©¤©¤Yoruka jumped.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The special move that read the wavelength of the opponent¡¯s consciousness, aiming to attack at the moment there was a pause in it©¤©¤Instant Strike.

    Drakkhen felt that she was being exposed to verge of death. Even so when she tried to carry out the plan that was the finishing blow, she already acted.

    ¡¸Hell ChoirDemonic Song Holy Chant¡¹

    Right above the collapsed cathedral, Asp jumped on the ceiling where there was fallen snow remaining and both its hands crawled through it.

    The snow collapsed due to the vibration of sound wave, and a lot of snow poured down toward Lisha and others who were below.

    ¡¸Watch, out-¡­¡­! Everyone, retreat inside!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s consciousness was already hazy, but she activated Suppressor with her last strength.

    While the falling mass of snow was held back by gravity control, the Sanctuary Knight Order members evacuated inside.

    ¡¸No good, I already©¤©¤¡¹

    Finally even Lisha who was supported by her spirit reached her limit.The Divine Raiment of Suppressor cut off, and following after that her armor was dispelled. Mass of snow was pouring down from above, and her whole body was completely buried with white.

    (Am I dead? In this kind of place©¤©¤?)

    Her whole sight was swallowed by snow and her consciousness turned distant.

    At the end, Lisha saw a black shadow.

    ¨C

    *PAKIN-!* The warhead that froze instantly fell on the floor of the old sanctuary site.

    Before the Ground Buster that Mel fired impacted, a Drag-Ride prevented that from happening.

    ¡¸Krulcifer¡­¡­!? You©¤©¤¡¹

    The father Stiyl noticed her, but he was astonished by her appearance. The eldest brother Zain was also speechless.

    Lux and Alterize held their breath at the same time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that your true appearance I wonder?¡¹

    Mel who was looking down from above wasn¡¯t perturbed. She showed a belligerent smile.

    Krulcifer looked down quietly toward her and told the answer.

    ¡¸I guess. This is the proof that I am related by blood toward the first clan©¤©¤the ancient race of people who brought the Ruin into this world.¡¹

    In respond Krulcifer answered the question indifferently.

    The obvious answer was right there.

    The shape of Fafnir that was covering her body wasn¡¯t any different from usual in a glance.

    But looking closer, the machine and the body were glued closely to each other even deeper compared to the appearance when she was wearing the armor normally.

    ©¤©¤No, it wasn¡¯t at the level of being glued closely, her arms and legs were assimilated to the machine itself.

    Above Krulcifer¡¯s white skin, red lines that resembled the pattern carved on the surface of Sword Device were flowing like tattoo.

    ¡¸Full Connect. The form that accomplished fusion with Drag-Ride, that can only be used by XferKey¡¯s Supervisor, the caln that was the one who developed Drag-Ride and possessed greatest Drag-Ride aptitude value. With this strength that was sleeping in the archive of Ruin, I¡¯ll drive you away, Mel.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    Lux who was breathing hard gasping for air called out to her uneasily.

    Krulcifer who noticed that smiled calmly toward Lux.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s talk later. You go to save the princess and others. I¡¯m fine already, that¡¯s why©¤©¤I¡¯ll show you, that I can protect my family.¡¹

    Seeing that smile that was filled with deep affection, Lux was convinced.

    She wasn¡¯t losing her sanity or anything like Mel.

    She was standing here once again with the confidence and pride that she had built up, just like her usual self.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¹

    Lux said that and made Bahamut skated in the sky.

    His figure instantly became far away with a speed that was several level above when he was crossing swords with Mel just now.

    After seeing that off, Mel stood up on the broken ceiling of the old sanctuary site and glared at Krulcifer.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let you get away for sure this time, I will without fail©¤©¤crush you.¡¹

    ¡¸I myself©¤©¤will teach you. The thing that I¡¯m actually wishing for, and the thing that you have to obtain.¡¹

    Mel who was sneering with shadowed expression, and Krulcifer who was staring straight to her.

    The two¡¯s Drag-Rides moved simultaneously and the battle began.

    ¨C

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? U, a¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha was buried under the mass of snow, but she noticed the sensation of being carried by something and her consciousness returned.

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸How unfortunate. It¡¯s not actually just as you wishes.¡¹

    When Lisha opened her eyes weakly with vague consciousness, she saw before her Yoruka wearing black pilot suit.

    ¡¸You©¤©¤, ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    A beat later, Lisha grasped the situation.

    Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami that let go of its Blade was rescuing Lisha using its armored arms from the snow.

    ¡¸Wh, y? Did you get Drakkhen?¡¹

    ¡¸If I overlook you getting buried alive, then that might be actually what happened just now.¡¹

    Yoruka formed a smile on her lips with a tone that was unusually cynical.

    Right after Drakkhen shook off the snow on the cathedral using sound wave, Yoruka didn¡¯t continue her attack and came to rescue Lisha.

    The action of the girl who wouldn¡¯t get along with other people at all and swore loyalty to only Lux caused Lisha to reflexively doubt her own eyes.

    ¡¸Kukukuku. This result is unexpected. Well, thank to that my victory is set in stone so I¡¯m saved though.¡¹

    Drakkhen¡¯s laughing voice came from above the cathedral.

    Even Lisha managed to understand the meaning of her confidence.

    ¡¸O, oi ero woman, that Drag-Ride©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, she really is a wary enemy. It looks like the aforementioned slime is also inserted into the snow above this building since who know when.¡¹

    The armor of Yato no Kami was already covered with a lot of Chaff Slime.

    If the armor had been completely covered by this much, no matter how excellent Yoruka was in handling Drag-Ride, she was surely unable to fight like this.

    But, Yoruka too should also understand such thing.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­, for the sake of just me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s simple.¡¹

    Yoruka answered with her usual smile toward the dumbfounded Lisha.

    ¡¸You are one of the special and beneficial existences for Aruji-sama. ©¤©¤I was able to decide that there is no mistaking that. It will be a waste to let you die here, that¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    The reason for Yoruka¡¯s action was for the sake of her master Lux until the end.

    But it wasn¡¯t like before, where she was only protecting Lux¡¯s existence. The feeling of her master Lux©¤©¤for the first time Yoruka took it into consideration and acted.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yoruka, you¡¹

    Lisha noticed that and she was about to say something, it was then,

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤you have an important work to do. It¡¯s not desirable for the candidate bodies that will give birth to Aruji-sama¡¯s heir to be reduced even by one.¡¹

    ¡¸Whaa-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s words that she spoke with a carefree smile caused Lisha¡¯s face to turn red spontaneously.

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t say strange thing so suddenly-! Just what do you think I am©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸My? So you don¡¯t have any inclination for that? Even though it looks like you wish to be married for life with Aruji-sama and think really strongly of him.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s¡­¡­! Tha, that isn¡¯t it, there is various order to everything you see. Spe, specifically, in the next date, if I can progress until holding hand together©¤©¤¡¹

    When Yoruka pointed out to Lisha, her face blushed and she averted her face while entwining her fingers together.

    At the same time, Drakkhen who was watching that situation finally grew impatient and she was descending down.

    ¡¸Looks like you two are really composed there but, you guys don¡¯t have combat force remaining anymore©¤©¤. With this, it¡¯s the end!¡¹

    She lifted up the claws on both her armored arms, then she swung them down while falling.

    Even now in this situation where she couldn¡¯t move because of the Chaff Slime, Yoruka¡¯s smile didn¡¯t crumble.

    ¡¸Yes, the end is also near it seems. ©¤©¤For you that is.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Right before Yoruka¡¯s murmur was over, Drakkhen held his breath in sudden realization.

    A crossing of Drag-Rides happened within an instant along with the roaring sound of slicing wind.

    *GAKII-!* Asp¡¯s sharp claws that were lifted up narrowly blocked that attack.

    Lux wearing the black violent dragon, Bahamut was slashing toward Drakkhen.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ku, you bastard-!? You are saying you¡¯ve finished off that Mel!?¡¹

    Drakkhen groaned with a shocked look, but Lux wasn¡¯t perturbed.

    Without pause Lux finished swinging his sword to the end forcefully, sending Drakkhen flying from midair toward the snow field in the distance.

    ¡¸Lux! So you came©¤©¤. -¡­¡­, your wound!?¡¹

    Lisha showed her joy that her knight came running to here, but her face instantly became clouded.

    The wounds that he got after covering Krulcifer from Mel¡¯s attack resulted in thin cut from his shoulder until his chest, and blood flowing from his head. His silver hair and half his face were dyed red.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry for my lateness. Also, please don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m all right.¡¹

    But, Lux didn¡¯t show a pained expression at the slightest and replied with a bright smile.

    His expression immediately turned serious. A firm fighting spirit could be sensed from it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it. Beat up that fiend to your heart¡¯s content. I¡¯m leaving it to you, my knight.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, as you will.¡¹

    After Lux responded with a gentle tone, Lisha seemed to reach the limit of her exhaustion. Her eyes closed quietly and she fainted.

    Lux turned his face toward Yoruka who was carrying her in the arms of Yato no Kami.

    ¡¸Yoruka. Can I ask you to protect everyone in the cathedral while I¡¯m fighting?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s an easy request, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded while a delighted emotion vaguely showed through from her. She then headed toward the cathedral.

    A lot of Chaff Slime was clinging throughout Yato no Kami, but if it was with her ability, she would surely be able to hold out to some extent.

    ¡¸Also©¤©¤thank you. For saving everyone of the theocracy and Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka was always wearing a smile, but her eyes unusually turned round hearing Lux¡¯s words.

    But, she immediately wore her usual smile and quietly casted down her gaze.

    ¡¸I feel ashamed. Originally this is not something for Aruji-sama to be bothered with, I would have deal with that bandit too while I¡¯m at it. That was my essential duty. But©¤©¤¡¹

    She opened that asymmetrical pair of eyes once more and murmured with a feverish smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯m feeling content right now just from directly receiving your words of praise. ©¤©¤Take care, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Yoruka¡¯s words and turned his gaze toward Drakkhen.

    In respond, Drakkhen used the tone of horn flute to order the Chaff Slime inserted into Asp¡¯s armor, removing them from the Drag-Ride¡¯s frame.

    ¡¸Are you intending to carry some kind of plan again?¡¹

    ¡¸No-pe, this is the opposite. I¡¯m throing away the plan.¡¹

    Drakkhen smiled and shook her head toward Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸The amount of Chaff Slime is already insufficient to cover the whole armor of your Bahamut. Then, it¡¯s not a good plan to keep weighing down my own Drag-Ride. After all it seems your Bahamut has quite the firepower.¡¹

    In other words, it was a plan to concentrate only to her battle against Lux.

    At the same time, it also meant that until now Drakkhen devoted herself wholly to move soldiers and Abyss while she hadn¡¯t shown her individual combat strength.

    ¡¸Fifty Abysses and sixty Drag-Knights that I was leading are now out of combat huh. For me to be cornered until this far in a battle under this condition©¤©¤the bunches from new kingdom also ain¡¯t half bad.¡¹

    Drakkhen muttered fearlessly wearing her Asp. She lifted the sharp claws on her armored arms.

    Even now when she judged that her force was completely annihilated, her expression was composed.

    ¡¸You dragged in a lot of unrelated people, you tricked Mel who didn¡¯t know anything, are you calling that a respectable battle?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t spout out idealistic things here mister hero. What is called war is always like that, even if it looks like there is no blood flowing in your view, there will be someone somewhere who is hurt and lose something. Just like how us in the past were also forced to fight with absurd reason and condition by incompetent noble big shots.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Understood. If that is your style, then I will just capture you, with my position and method as Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    Lux brandished his great sword and stared straight toward Drakkhen.

    In response, the female mercenary grinned fearlessly and readied the hard claws growing from both the armored arms.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s start this anytime now, Black Hero. Dragon Marauder¡¯s Human Dragon division commander, Drakkhen Megistry, and Divine Drag-Ride Asp©¤©¤will take you on-!¡¹

    At the same time with that announcement, Asp¡¯s four legs moved and rushed forward with a leap.

    The armored arm with sharp claws growing was held aloft, and an attack from overhead was unleashed.

    ¨C

    North east of the holy capital©¤©¤old sanctuary site.

    The attacking Abysses were already dead. In the sky above the snow field and abandoned building, two Drag-Knights were battling.

    ¡¸You finally get serious. My suffering won¡¯t settle down with just venting my anger!¡¹

    Mel who switched Ddraig Gwiber into Wyvern Mode sharply skated in the sky and charged.

    She lightly wielded the Halberd that was a heavy weapon and struck. That aggression was like a storm.

    But, Krulcifer wasn¡¯t perturbed. She saw through it and dodged with the smallest movements.

    She wasn¡¯t just simply fast, because the senses of the Drag-Ride were connected with her reflexes nerves, her reaction speed was superhuman.

    Thanks to being linked to her Drag-Ride using Full Connect, she was able to move with far more precision compared to before.

    With her evasion that came from the mobility that was the trait possessed by Fafnir, she glidingly dodged the attack of Mel who came striking with her Halberd coming from all directions. She didn¡¯t miss the instant of opening and took it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Freezing Cannon.¡¹

    The flash that was fired from the rifle-shaped special armament hit, freezing the armor of Ddraig Gwiber. ©¤©¤But, even though Mel was hit from the back, that ice instantly melted.

    ¡¸The ice melt even when it¡¯s frozen from the back©¤©¤as I thought that ability isn¡¯t a type of special armament isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The true nature of Mel Gizalut, the strongest and youngest Drag-Knight in Ymir Theocracy.

    It was doubtlessly her prodigious sense that was able to freely control the Divine Drag-Ride that she possessed, Ddraig Gwiber which had land battle form and flying form.

    She was able to freely control the special mechanism of Divine Drag-Ride that was already difficult to handle even at the best of time, and she created tactics to put it to practical use using her flexible imagination.

    Then, it didn¡¯t matter that the function of her Drag-Ride was drastically increased on the whole, it was still inadequate to defeat Mel.

    The mystery of Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    She would be defeated if she didn¡¯t expose the secret.

    ¡¸You¡¯ve become a bit better. But speed of that level won¡¯t catch up with my strength!¡¹

    Mel bared a wicked smile and her Ddraig Gwiber skated in the sky once more.

    However, at the present where the Fafnir¡¯s mobility was superior, she should still be able to evade somehow©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *GOU-!* Intense squall pushed Mel¡¯s back and she approached with a speed that surpassed Krulcifer¡¯s prediction.

    Fafnir¡¯s Auto Shield quickly activated and narrowly blocked Mel¡¯s Halberd attack, but Mel instantly let go of the Halberd and punched with both of her armored arms.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Although she was taken by surprise, this time her barrier blocked the blow of the armored arms.

    Seeing that right now was a good chance with the opponent¡¯s attack staved off, Krulcifer quickly readied her Freezing Cannon. In that moment, Mel¡¯s flesh and blood arms let go from the armored arms and gripped her Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸You should have used Future Sight beforehand. ©¤©¤It¡¯s impossible though.¡¹

    By causing the Auto Shield to be spread in front of Krulcifer¡¯s eyes, it also stole her field of vision in reverse.

    Mel released a blow using her armored arms in a flash, then she slashed using Sword Device through the gap.

    The tip of the Sword Device pierced the barrier and cut Krulcifer¡¯s upper arm.

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    She grimaced from the pain, and the strength of the hand that was holding the rifle dropped.

    Mel grinned fearlessly and she swooped down to pick up the Halberd she let go.

    ¡¸Even though you are a machine human, but your blood is red isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Mel flew within inches from the snow field before she swooped up and attacked once more.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ojou-sama-!¡¹

    Altterize yelled with two swords in hand but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t interfere, this child¡¯s opponent is me. ©¤©¤You protect Tou-sanfather and others for me.¡¹

    ¡¸You are still planning to put on air like human family?¡¹

    Mel ascended once more and attacked with Halberd in hand.

    Krulcifer reflexively fired her Freezing Cannon, but this time it passed through Mel¡¯s afterimage and didn¡¯t hit.

    Furthermore heavy fog that was rising up before she realized was covering the field of vision in the area.

    ¡¸This is the end Krulcifer. Orphel¡¯s revenge©¤©¤!¡¹

    The Auto Shield activated and blocked the Halberd¡¯s attack©¤©¤but, for some reason the seven shields that moved automatically were repelled and without stopping the attack hit.

    ¡¸Ku, u¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The barrier was scraped off and the impact pierced through the armor and ran through the body. Perhaps because of the Full Connect, she could feel the damage to the armor more strongly.

    But, thanks to the armor and her body being assimilated, she noticed the existence of high temperature on her whole body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand now Mel. The true identity of your Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s, Divine Raiment¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after she barely muttered that, Krulcifer was thrown to the ground, breaking through the ceiling of old sanctuary site that was still remaining.

    ¨C

    The mercenary who was called as The Battlefield¡¯s Instrumentalist, Drakkhen.

    Lux personally experienced, why how she reached the point of being called as legendary after wandering from battlefield to battlefield.

    Her ability as capable commander, her stratagem in intelligence and bargaining.

    And then, the existence of Divine Drag-Ride Asp.

    But, just by facing her, it was conveyed that her battle wasn¡¯t that generous that she could survive with just those.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fired up¡­¡­! It has been a long time you know, since there was a guy who reached until where I am after all my plans were used up!¡¹

    She lifted up the steel claws that stretched out sharply and unleashed a consecutive attack with intense speed.

    Horizontal slash, upper thrust, downswing, slashing lines from every direction were running in the air, dazzling Lux¡¯s eyes.

    (Fast©¤©¤. No, it¡¯s getting faster!)

    It wasn¡¯t anything like an elegant sword technique following standard form. But, that irregular movement that wasn¡¯t trapped within form became the one thing that exactly robbed Lux from an option instead.

    The operation of Quick Shot, the special move that was making use of Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment, Reload on Fire.

    After completely predicting the opponent¡¯s preliminary motion, the time was compressed and a strengthened consecutive slash was unleashed. The move contained strength that could instantly make the opponent unable to fight, but©¤©¤.

    (This attack pattern, it¡¯s also doubling as buying for time?)

    The preliminary motion of the disordered claw attack would be hard to read through in a short time.

    Was she deciding to first seal Lux¡¯s Quick Shot seeing that it would be disadvantageous for him the more time passed because he was already bleeding a lot?

    (Then©¤©¤)

    Lux quickly put his breathing in order, pulled Bahamut¡¯s great sword and took a stance.

    But, Drakkhen who saw that shortened the tips of Asp¡¯s claws a bit while at the same time fire burst out from the back of the four legs. She drew near with explosive momentum.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Even while feeling surprised at the unexpected action, Lux unleashed a hidden technique of Drag-Ride control.

    Quick Draw©¤©¤by doing body control operation and mind control operation in harmony, it would unleash just a single attack in godspeed.

    ©¤©¤But, when it was unleashed, the distance with Asp was too close and the sword couldn¡¯t finish swinging to the end.

    The moment it was blocked, the Drakkhen lunged with her sharp claws and pierced Bahamut¡¯s barrier, stabbing shallowly on Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    Fresh blood spurted out and Lux¡¯s face grimaced slightly.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    The super high speed slash Quick Draw couldn¡¯t be avoided if the target only started dodging after seeing it.

    Thus, Lux got a hunch seeing Drakkhen¡¯s reaction that saw through the sign that he would use his hidden technique.

    That even though this should be their first time crossing swords, but this female mercenary had come here with countermeasure against Lux that was based on enormous preliminary investigation.

    ¡¸Howling Howl!¡¹

    Lux unleashed Howling Howl and pushed Asp back from their close distance against each other.

    And then he changed his hold of the great sword into a backhand grip, and took a stance of drawing it far behind.

    The jet black armor started creaking and shaking.

    It was the stance to unleash a super powerful attack that put Drag-Ride¡¯s rampage to practical use©¤©¤Recoil Burst.

    ¡¸They guy called Black Hero is really scary eh. If you put too much burden to that body, it won¡¯t end up prettily for you right?¡¹

    Drakkhen grinned smugly and the four legs of Asp moved.

    She leaped far backward and took distance. Furthermore she took a stance of thrusting out the sharp claws on both her hands, and from there small Daggers were fired consecutively.

    It wasn¡¯t an attack that was concentrated to one spot, but a buckshot of scattered blades.

    It was a countermeasure against Recoil Burst in order to prevent Lux¡¯s approach.

    But, against Drakkhen¡¯s countermeasure that even looked like she was reflexively taking the optimum action, Lux too also reflexively carried out an action.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Recoil Burst.¡¹

    The accumulated super attack was unleashed in a downswing along with that short murmur.

    The great sword that was swung from outside the range cut apart the snowfield right under without pause.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The ground surface was blown up by the impact as though it was exploded, driving away the rain of blades.

    At the same time at that moment when the field of vision was blocked the bursting up snow and soil, Lux twisted his body and flew.

    The Recoil Burst became protection against the buckshot as well as smoke screen at the same time.

    Drakkhen who was taken by surprise gazed at wonderment. Right after that Bahamut¡¯s slash was unleashed from the blind spot.

    But, Drakkhen leaped at the last moment and evaded it.

    Because it was a Divine Drag-Ride of special equipment type, she could detect the movement of Drag-Ride using Radar.

    If she didn¡¯t have that, the attack just now would decide it.

    But, Lux too also wasn¡¯t finished just with his move getting defended against.

    He stepped into the range of the opponent who was unbalanced and attempted to connect to the next slash, but at that instant this time Drakkhen¡¯s Asp released Howling Howl from its head part.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I won¡¯t let you.¡¹

    The air whirled and Lux was blown away by the howl. The battle situation was back to square one once again.

    Drakkhen had predicted that if she blocked against the slash normally, Lux would be able to connect it into the third hidden technique, End Action.

    *Huff huff*, Lux who was unleashing his full strength despite his wound was breathing hard.

    Drakkhen who saw that also took a slight breather.

    Drakkhen had anticipated Bahamut that Lux possessed, and the technique Quick Shot from the Divine Raiment Reload on Fire.

    Furthermore she also executed countermeasure against the three hidden techniques of Drag-Ride control. But Lux counterattacked after seeing through that.

    Several tactics had crossed in the span of few moments, the surrounding atmosphere was tinged with heat.

    ¡¸The countermeasures that I piled up in preparation against you didn¡¯t end up useless in the end©¤©¤yet, even then they are still slightly insufficient I guess. Looks like it¡¯s not an exaggeration that you destroyed 1200 Drag-Knights of the old empire.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t respond to Drakkhen¡¯s talkativeness.

    He merely took a stance with his great sword quietly and adjusted his breathing by exhaling out white breath.

    ¡¸However the more I fight you the more I don¡¯t get it. Why are you working under a country until that far?¡¹

    ¡¸What does that mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Simple. If you have that much skill and strength, you can get better position. If you desire it, then you will be promised with wealth and authority as much as you want. And yet why©¤©¤, are you swearing loyalty to such country?¡¹

    The collar of criminal that was fixed on Lux¡¯s neck.

    Lux lightly touched that object that was carved with the crest of new kingdom.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤the proof of admonition that I wish myself. I failed to change the old empire, this is my responsibility as an imperial family.¡¹

    ¡¸Haha! That¡¯s a gullible mind you¡¯ve got there. To intend to fight for someone else¡¯s sake when you understand that you¡¯re disposable©¤©¤then!¡¹

    Drakkhen pulled back the armored arm with sharp claw growing from it, and took stance.

    And then, she sharpened her killing intent to the utmost limit and faced Lux in front of her.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll stop from inviting you to be my subordinate. Stay as a foolish child, clinging on sweet dream¡­¡­, I¡¯ll end your fight right now, right here!¡¹

    But at the same time, Lux too also wasn¡¯t stirred at the slightest. He directed a cold gaze toward Drakkhen.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tuning, on.¡¹

    The moment he muttered that, countless images of light that displayed Drag-Ride¡¯s information emerged around Bahamut.

    Drakkhen who saw that kicked on the ground, and leaped.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter even if it¡¯s a reckless ideal. For the sake of my and those girls¡¯ wish, I¡¯m©¤©¤going to win!¡¹

    ¨C

    After going through the ceiling of the old sanctuary site, at the very least Krulcifer should be somewhat seriously damaged.

    But, what appeared from inside the dust smoke was an unharmed Krulcifer.

    Mel definitely felt response when her attack hit.

    The wall off automatic defense, the Auto Shield should have been broken through too but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I finally understand. The true shape of your Divine Raiment©¤©¤, it¡¯s temperature isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel frowned hearing the answer that Krulcifer said indifferently.

    Alterize protected the father Stiyl and the eldest son Zain while she held her breath in sudden realization.

    ¡¸Temperature¡­¡­? That ability capable of ever-changing appearance, came from only one thing?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right.¡¹

    Krulcifer accepted it and continued calmly.

    ¡¸The freezing bullet of my Freezing Cannon was melted, and the ability to freeze the opponent. Creating fog by melting the snow. Causing squall using temperature difference, showing illusion of light using thermal expansion of atmosphere. And then©¤©¤granting high heat to other Drag-Ride, downing the control function.¡¹

    Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s temperature control Divine Raiment.

    Mel applied only that one Divine Raiment to produce countless tactics.

    Added with her style that was leveraging the Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s trait to freely switch between land battle mode and flying mode, she was really worthy for the name of genius Drag-Knight.

    Most likely, even Krulcifer wasn¡¯t a match against her in the sense as pure Drag-Knight.

    If there were a few more years, the girl might surpass her.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Mel. Because of a different reason from two years ago©¤©¤I cannot lose against you.¡¹

    Her own weakness that gave up meeting her family halfway because she was under the impression that she was rejected.

    She was suffering from loneliness as the result of chasing only after her past in the Ruin while hiding her true wish.

    However, Lux and everyone else of the new kingdom were fighting while risking their life for the sake of someone like her.

    No©¤©¤her father Stiyl was also fighting for her sake from several years ago.

    In that case, she couldn¡¯t falsify her own feeling.

    She couldn¡¯t be scared anymore of using this special power as an XferKey¡¯s Supervisor.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s settle this Mel. There is something that I have to convey to you no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah¡¹

    What confronted her was a violent smile that was like a devil.

    But, Krulcifer knew that behind that face that was painted over with hatred, it was hiding sadness that could break the girl down anytime.

    The despair from losing all her family since her childhood.

    Even though she had obtained the strength as first class Drag-Knight, she let even Orphel who was like a parent to her to die.

    She used Elixir to escape from the pain. Mel¡¯s heart was falling into darkness.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸You actually know aren¡¯t you, Mel? That before her death, Bishop Orphel¡­¡­didn¡¯t say anything like telling you to kill me who appear to be the cause of the rampage.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­.!?¡¹

    The expression of Mel who heard that distorted slightly, a crack entered her devil mask.

    ¡¸She was already unable to speak. Drakkhen of Dragon Marauder used that, she talked to you using Orphel¡¯s voice. You were only being led astray by that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wrong. There is no way that¡¯s true! That time, Orphel definitely-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Mel groaned while pressing on her forehead with her flesh and blood hand.

    The face of Orphel lying down with pained expression and soaked with blood flashed in the back of her mind.

    She became desperate and spoke her last words to Mel.

    ¡ºKill Krulcifer. The demon who was the cause that stole everything, your family and the country¡¯s peace¡­¡­take revenge even if it cost you your life©¤©¤¡»

    That was why, Mel was,

    ¡¸¡­¡­UAAaaAaH!?¡¹

    Intense headache and dizziness.

    At that time, Orphel¡¯s voice told her that.

    She certainly heard that, but.

    ¡¸The person called Orphel inside you, is she a woman who would say such thing toward you? She would tell you to kill your enemy even if you have to pay with your life? Is she someone who can mercilessly say that to you, while you were already gasping for breath from the burden of Drag-Ride at that time¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, AAaAH!¡¹

    Mel shrieked in respond to Krulcifer¡¯s question.

    It felt like fire hook was ransacking inside her head, everything became mixed up messily inside.

    ©¤©¤Wrong, wrong wrong wrong!

    I have to kill Krulcifer no matter what.

    I have to take revenge!

    Orphel, she, said that to me, with her cooling hand in my grasp©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak! You who aren¡¯t even a human of this world! Don¡¯t speak of ORPHEEeeeLL!¡¹

    Mel drove Ddraig Gwiber forward while screaming.

    It skated in land battle form before transforming in high speed into flying form.

    From below to above, she unleashed an attack using halberd with a momentum that was like volcano eruption.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Full Connect ¨C On¡¹

    In response, the moment Krulcifer muttered, the seven shields of Auto Shield detached from Fafnir and took position around Mel.

    At the same time their surface formed force field of blue light.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Krulcifer intervented at the Drag-Ride¡¯s command order for the special armament that originally would move automatically, and altered their operation.

    Right after that, Krulcifer pulled the trigger of Freezing Cannon toward the deployed shields.

    The beam of normal bullet that was fired impacted one of the shields floating around Mel. Immediately after that©¤©¤for some reason an impact ran through the left arm of Ddraig Gwiber from behind.

    ¡¸Ricochet bullet¡­¡­!? Using the shield in that way©¤©¤!¡¹

    Mel was surprised seeing the new tactic, even so she began her attack. Krulcifer completely grasped her movement.

    Using the senses and super reaction speed she obtained from Full Connect, she sniped Mel who was charging forward in super accelerated speed.

    Blue flash. First it was freezing bullet to stop her momentum and offensive.

    Weaving through the instantaneous gap while Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment was thawing the frozen part, Krulcifer aimed to bring Mel down using ricochet shooting from seven directions.

    ©¤©¤But, even now when her weapon was instantly frozen, Mel¡¯s momentum didn¡¯t stop.

    ¡¸DON¡¯T UNDERESTIMATE MEE!¡¹

    She used her left armored arm that almost broke as shield to cover the Halberd that her right hand was holding.

    She removed the arm¡¯s armor the moment it froze and without pause she forcefully let out an attack.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The attack that was released at the risk of Mel¡¯s life took Krulcifer by surprise. But, even then Fafnir¡¯s mobility was slightly superior.

    After Krulcifer barely dodged the sure kill attack, squall struck from above to knock her down.

    Her path of escape©¤©¤was predicted.

    The mist enshrouding the area was groundwork to shut down the Divine Raiment of future foresight, Wise Blood beforehand.

    Thus, this result was inevitable inside Mel¡¯s heart.

    As long as Krulcifer¡¯s future foresight was sealed because she was unable to see due to the mist covering the field of vision, she wouldn¡¯t be unable to surpass Mel and Ddraig Gwiber.

    Fafnir¡¯s barrier was pierced through and she aimed at the shoulder©¤©¤toward the Force Core.

    It was an unavoidable perfect timing. With this, Mel¡¯s victory should be set in stone, but,

    ¡¸What©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Fafnir¡¯s left armored arm that wasn¡¯t holding the Rifle barely blocked that Halberd.

    The deadly attack was averted even at the cost of broken one arm.

    ¡¸How!? Because of the mist, your future foresight shouldn¡¯t©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸This is from my own prediction. I thought that if it¡¯s you, you will do at least this much. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Because of the squall that Mel caused, the surrounding mist cleared up.

    ¡¸Wise Blood ¨C AccelWisdom of Fortune and Calamity ¨C Insightful Gaze¡¹

    The future foresight of the Divine Raiment was assembled at the same time with her mutter, and then it was sent into Krulcifer¡¯s head.

    Several hundred prediction calculation was carried out, producing the formula to reach victory.

    Right after that, dozens of reflective shots that were fired following that formula attacked Mel like a storm.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The back wings, every kind of join parts, and at the end, concentrated shooting in one spot that pierced the barrier.

    All of Mel¡¯s option in escape and dodging were predicted, and the vital spots on her whole body were sniped.

    And then the finishing blow finally pierced the Force Core on her shoulder without even an inch of deviation.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wh, y. I can¡¯t win¡­¡­¡¹

    The Force Core that was the core of Drag-Ride was smashed by the light bullet, and the function of Ddraig Gwiber halted.

    The armor that lost the lifting power from its propulsion device lost strength and fell toward the ground head first.

    The moment Mel¡¯s heart yielded, the body reinforcement that was brought about by Elixir©¤©¤the black geometrical pattern emerging on her shoulder until her left chest was vanishing.

    The expression of Mel who recovered human reasoning was already returning into the face of a normal girl.

    In the span of few seconds during her fall from the sky, Mel discerned what the truth was.

    (I¡¯m sorry, Orphel¡­¡­)

    With sad and hollow expression, her thought was running toward the bishop who was her guardian who had just died.

    At that time, when Orphel ordered her to kill Krulcifer even if it would cost her life, the lips of the woman whose throat was crushed were showing different words.

    ¡ºI¡¯m sorry, Mel.¡»

    Those were all, she was speaking only those words with her whole feeling.

    But, the sound of voice that entered her ear was different.

    Amidst the chaos and despair, she hesitated between the words that Orphel¡¯s lips displayed to her, or the voice that her ears heard.

    When it was time she had to decide which words to believe, the negative emotion inside Mel chose to fight against enemy.

    However©¤©¤.

    However, if it was the real Orphel.

    She was a woman who tried to make use of her by encouraging her path as Drag-Knight, but she was concerned about Mel¡¯s well being more than anyone. If it was her, what would she say to her at that time?

    ¡¸Watch out-!¡¹

    Alterize who was wearing EX Wyvern yelled and rushed toward the falling spot Mel was heading.

    But, faster than her, Krulcifer who was chasing after Mel using Fafnir caught Mel whose armor was dispelled inside her arms.

    ¡¸Or, phel¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl¡¯s hand moved powerlessly, stretching toward the corpse of that woman.

    In front of that body that was half-hidden behind rubbles, a bloody sentence written by the woman¡¯s own fingers was left behind on the stone paving.

    ¡ºSave Mel¡»

    The choppy letters consisted of only those words.

    She was worrying for Mel¡¯s safety until the very last moment she stopped breathing.

    That was, the truth of that time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡¹

    Mel apologized to that woman with a haggard expression that could break into tears anytime.

    ¡¸I¡­¡­couldn¡¯t understand at all, about Orphel¡¯s feeling¡­¡­¡¹

    Even though she wanted to tell her all this time that she actually liked her, even though she was imagining what if they became family.

    She kept her at distance because of her stubbornness and pride, and she was unable to pay her back with even a single thing.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Orphel¡­¡­. Okaa, sanMo, ther¡­¡­¡¹

    After whispering only that, Mel ran out of strength and closed her eyes.

    A trickle of tears flowed along her cheek and the girl lost consciousness.

    ¨C

    North of the holy capital.

    In front of the collapsed cathedral, Drakkhen leaped toward Lux.

    Lux¡¯s limit from his exhaustion of stamina and his bleeding was already noticeable.

    But, Drakkhen didn¡¯t let her guard down until the very end.

    She had mustered her ingenuity, applied the combat force she had trained and scraped up together, made use of the terrain advantage, and cornered her enemy.

    But the powerful enemy before her couldn¡¯t be defeated even after all those. Now she would ruin and plunder from him with her own strength.

    For Drakkhen who was used as disposable female mercenary and shunned as someone of low birth, this fight was something that she was able to accept from the bottom of her heart for the first time.

    But, she still wasn¡¯t satisfied.

    She knew that if a mercenary was defeated in a battlefield, there would be no next time. Thus,

    (©¤©¤As expected, at the end I gotta win.)

    For someone who was living in battle, a battle would have value when even victory was included in it.

    While she was giving more than a passing thought to that, she saw the opponent before her gripping Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    ¡¸Tuning, on©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Lux shortly muttered, images of light emerged around his Drag-Ride.

    It was the tuning form that showed various things like numeric and graphics in ancient letters.

    Originally it was a function was for the sake of tuning Drag-Ride¡¯s output, configuration, armaments, and so on, but there was a Drag-Knight who made use of it as combat skill.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Relying on other person¡¯s technique like that, you¡¯ve run out of plan huh, hero!¡¹

    What Lux was going to use was the battle array of Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ vice captain, Singlen.

    If Lux used that technique, then he was bound to use the two techniques that were shown to him at the Class Promotion Exam that was held in Wanheim Principality, the evasion technique©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitudes, and the technique to focus energy into one point, Battle Array ¨C Aeon Fire.

    In that case, she could think of countermeasure.

    Currently Lux was unable to see through Drakkhen¡¯s preliminary motion when she was attacking. In such condition he should be still unable to use the Quick Shot, the consecutive slash that was launched by accelerating time using Reload on Fire.

    The moment she would lunge with random slashes using her sharp claws with the readiness to bring certain death©¤©¤, Lux¡¯s body suddenly swayed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    Right after that mutter, red flash surged from Bahamut¡¯s frame, and a shudder ran through Drakkhen¡¯s body.

    She should have act in the way so her attack couldn¡¯t be seen through but©¤©¤was she read through already!?

    Inside her heart she was sweating coldly like that, but the speed of Lux¡¯s sword was the same like usual.

    It was a sharp slash with minimum movement going through the shortest route, but it wouldn¡¯t be able to break through Asp¡¯s defense with just that.

    Left arm, right leg, and then wrist, her armor received shallow attacks on three spots, but all of them were all right.

    Just in case she leaped backward for the moment and took distance, but as expected she didn¡¯t receive any damage.

    Rather than relieve it felt more like anticlimax, after that anger welled up inside.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Just when I thought you are going to do something at the end, it¡¯s just a stupid bluff!¡¹

    When Drakkhen was going to move into offense, Lux leaped toward her.

    ¡¸How obstinate, I have prepared countermeasure for all of your attack©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When she was going to intercept Lux¡¯s charge, something strange occurred in her Asp.

    The three spots that were cut just now flickered with red light, each of them was moving with unexpected ultra high speed.

    ¡¸U, gu, AaAaaaAAAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *MEGIMEGIMEGII!* The sound of metal armor getting squashed struck Drakkhen¡¯s remaining eardrum.

    Every moving part of Asp¡¯s armor couldn¡¯t catch up with the speed of the three spots that was too fast and self-destructed.

    At the same time, Drakkhen¡¯s body was pulled by the movement of the armor she was wearing. Some part of her bones broke and her muscles were torn.

    ¡¸Wha, what¡­¡­! This is!? What is hapening©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Drakkhen shrieked along with blood splash from her body. She leaped backward to escape, but at that moment, a voice came from above her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Violent Strike. The Divine Raiment of compression strengthening is applied to only a part of the enemy¡¯s armor. It forcefully accelerate the Drag-Ride¡¯s part and destroy it, a technique of tuning.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The secret technique of tuning that he learned from the battle against Singlen, Battle Array.

    Lux combined it with Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment, and created a new combat skill.

    In a flash, Lux pursued the withdrawing Drakkhen.

    And then, he unleashed it toward Asp that was still unable to move because of the damage.

    ¡¸Reload on Fire.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Right after Bahamut¡¯s armor shined crimson, the armor of Asp that Drakkhen was clad with instantly burst apart into pieces.

    The seven high speed consecutive slashes that came from the compression strengthening of time instantly destroyed the remaining armored arm, the joints of the four legs, Force Core, and the Sword Device, cornering the opponent into a powerless state in no time at all.

    It started with taking initiative using Violent Strike to accelerate the enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride, destroying it, and then connecting the move to accelerating oneself and launched Quick Shot.

    The acceleration of oneself using Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment would cause the slowing of the user¡¯s own time at the beginning, because of that the user had to completely predict ahead the opponent¡¯s movement when using it.

    Thus, the combat skill this time transcended the weak point of being unable to execute ¡ºsure kill attack¡» at the first move.

    It was a technique that was newly created, that even Drakkhen who had obtained detailed information about Lux didn¡¯t know about it until just now©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haha¡­¡­, what a man. No matter how many countermeasures I stacked up, it¡¯s still insufficient¡­¡­no, that¡¯s not it. So I finally meet a man that is impossible to be prepared against huh.¡¹

    Even more than his skill, what was truly terrifying from him was the speed of his growth, Drakkhen realized.

    ©¤©¤¡¯But, the battle is still not over yet.¡¯

    Lux wouldn¡¯t kill her in order to capture and obtain information from her.

    She herself was already worn out too, but she wouldn¡¯t give up the match until the very end.

    Lux also reached his limit, and Bahamut¡¯s armor was finally dispelled too.

    The moment he adjusted his breathing with a large exhale ¡®fuu¡¯, Drakkhen¡¯s body that was lying down on the ground sprang up.

    She used one leg to kicked on the ground toward the opponent that was ten ml away.

    Originally her Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t move properly because of the impact from the armor getting smashed, but if it was she herself, she could still move.

    ¡¸Lux!? Watch out©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Drakkhen was going to stab a blade into Lux¡¯s chest with broken right arm©¤©¤,

    ¡¸That¡¯s, not permitted.¡¹

    A dignified voice resounded from somewhere, and the knife attack was blocked by Celis¡¯s rapier.

    At the same time, Philuffy who appeared from behind a building twisted Drakkhen¡¯s arm from behind and sealed her movement.

    When her joint was dislocated *gokiri* after that without pause, Lux became a bit flustered.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai! Also Phi-chan too!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry for being unable to help in the battle Lux. But, we were also pursued, so it couldn¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸Just now, all the people walking around, were finally taken care of.¡¹

    It seemed after the two broke through the encirclement and lured away some enemy, they became unable to use their Drag-Ride. After that it seemed they then faced the Dragon Marauder members who were concealing themselves in the flesh.

    However, for them to be able to overwhelm even infantry in a battle without wearing Drag-Ride, as expected from these two.

    After taking care of the infantries Dragon Marauder, it seemed the two were observing the situation, wondering whether they could somehow support Lux even without Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Chih, this is also unexpected for me. For my subordinates to lose against noble young ladies in hand-to-hand.¡¹

    Drakkhen was rolled over by Philuffy and she smiled in self-depreciation. Celis silently turned her face toward her.

    ¡¸Before this you said to us, that we are overestimating our own strength and looking down on the enemy. Certainly it might be just as you said. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see. So I was also similarly underestimating my enemy huh. The aristocrat daughter Drag-Knight users, and the ruined prince protecting them. So, you all aren¡¯t just bunches of girls resting on your laurels getting drunk with your position and armed might¡­¡­. Even though you girls are noble, until now I¡¯ve never met that kind of noble even once.¡¹

    ¡¸I sympathize with your environment but, your sin won¡¯t be redeemed with that. We will take you back to the new kingdom and interrogate you there.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­So far as a defeat goes, being able to survive even as prisoner is still one of the better way it can go. I hate torture though.¡¹

    The lamenting Drakkhen was tied with rope and she was delivered to the guards.

    When the relief for the people in the cathedral began, Yoruka showed up while carrying the fainted Lisha.

    ¡¸More importantly, is Krulcifer all right? I heard that she was in the middle of battle against Ymir¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Before my Drag-Ride dispelled, I received Dragon Voice from her. It looks like there is no more need for worry.¡¹

    Lux showed a smile at Celis¡¯s words and he answered her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤In that case, there is also no need to force ourselves to go there to join up with her then.¡¹

    In respond to Yoruka¡¯s refreshing mutter, Philuffy slightly turned her serious face.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, we are being tactful, right?¡¹

    ¡®As always, even though she is looking really absentminded like that, Philuffy is sharp huh¡¯, Lux thought with a wry smile.

    Lux slowly turned his face and spoke as though telling Krulcifer who was right now at another place.

    ¡¸Right. I want to let Krulcifer-san, to be with her family without any outsider intruding for a  while, so©¤©¤¡¹

    He prayed that Krulcifer would have a happy time.

    No matter what Krulcifer actually was, Lux was convinced that he would be able to wish her to be happy.

    He wanted that if possible, the number of people who could think like that would also increase inside her family.

    With that wish in mind, he looked up the sky where snow was starting to fall.

 Volume 7 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    The kidnapping plan of Dragon Marauder was prevented, and the Pilgrimage Festival also ended safely. Two days already passed since then.

    The repair of the destroyed cathedral, the treatment of the injured, the reorganization of Sanctuary Knight Order, and so on. There were still a mountain of problems, but the theocracy¡¯s main force survived, so dealing with aftermath could be left to them.

    A part of Dragon Marauder that still had some life in them retreated, the rest was captured and became prisoner.

    For the time being the division commander Drakkhen seemed to be planned to be questioned by new kingdom later.

    Because Lux and others were also very exhausted from the battle this time, he had inn prepared by Einfolk house for him along with Lisha and others.

    Even so Celis acted with fake stoicism, she behaved firmly even while resting, Yoruka didn¡¯t look like she was tired at all, Philuffy was sleeping by leaning on Lux, Lisha who saw that became red faced and jealous, those two days were really lively.

    What was unexpected was during the rest, not just Alterize, even the family of Einfolk house sometimes came visiting.

    Not to mention the father Stiyl, even the moody eldest brother Zain also came. Furthermore the two little sisters were also showing their face under the guise of nursing them.

    They came bringing Ymir¡¯s rare praying tool and book, or the country¡¯s deluxe baked sweets and fruits, they opened their heart to Philuffy who loved sweets, and asked the famous Celis about her valor.

    In contrast, Krulcifer came to look at their condition in the beginning, but after that she didn¡¯t really show her face. When Lux asked, it seemed she was going to visit Mel.

    Mel¡¯s life also wasn¡¯t in danger, but she was weakened due to the side effect of the secret medicine called Elixir, she wouldn¡¯t be able to use Drag-Ride for a while.

    According to the record left behind at the desk of the dead Bishop Orphel and Drakkhen¡¯s testimony, it came to light that Orphel was pretending to collude with Drakkhen while forming a plan in order to capture her instead.

    After that Ney Louches returned to the surface. Krulcifer ordered her to remain as a believer of the theocracy.

    They already received information regarding Ruin from the archive. Krulcifer judged that it would be better for the Automata to not be imprudently stimulated until they understood various things.

    And then, in a sunny morning without snow falling.

    ©¤©¤Finally the time to return home arrived.

    ¨C

    ¡¸It was a short time, but I¡¯ve been really indebted to you.¡¹

    The morning of the day of departure.

    In the living room of the mansion, Lux along with Krulcifer was in front of the head of Einfolk house, Stiyl.

    Lisha and others had departed first using horse carriage, so they weren¡¯t here.

    Lux and Krulcifer would also follow them after saying goodbye. When they came out of the holy capital, they planned to fly using Drag-Ride toward the new kingdom.

    ¡¸It¡¯s me who am much indebted to you Lux-dono. She will put you to trouble, but please take care of my daughter.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please take care of me too from here on.¡¹

    Compared to the day when they first met, today his vaguely obstinate impression had vanished.

    He was a man of few words which was suitable with his quiet and strict impression, but his tone was somewhat gentle and kind.

    ¡¸My? It sounds like greeting for marriage proposal isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Krulcifer chuckled with a teasing smile. Lux became flustered with red face hearing that.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not it-!? I¡¯m just, speaking to be allowed to get along well with Krulcifer-san in the Academy©¤©¤, ¡­¡­wait, speaking of that.¡¹

    In the end, what happened with the case of misunderstanding about her betrothal with Lux?

    Or rather, was it alright to speak about that right now in this place?

    While Lux was troubled like that, the eldest son Zain who was nearby shook in laughter.

    ¡¸Hahaha. That¡¯s an unneeded worry you know, Lux-dono. Our family has already know about the good-for-nothing plan that this foolish little sister perpetrated after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Lux was bewildered like that, the butler Alterize who was standing at the back let out a deep sigh.

    ¡¸The other day, I heard it by chance when Lux-sama was talking with Ojou-sama. The truth is that Ojou-sama isn¡¯t betrothed formally with Lux-sama or anything. That it was Ojou-sama¡¯s lie©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My? It¡¯s upsetting to have everything become turned into my fault. It was merely you who jumped to the wrong conclusion without even giving me any time to give you the accurate detail, isn¡¯t that also the cause of the misunderstanding?¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer smiling without the littlest hint of any guilty feeling, Alterize¡¯s face turned even more displeased.

    ¡¸Someone like you is really¡­¡­. Have you forgotten that last night you were also scolded by Lord Stiyl?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m reflecting of it. It seems that Onii-sama is also really joyful seeing my rare blunder anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, don¡¯t say something that sounds bad in people¡¯s ear. It was just funny, knowing that even you have personality that will play with various little tricks for the sake of a man.¡¹

    The father Stiyl also smiled wryly while watching that conversation.

    (¡­¡­I see, Krulcifer-san, she was able to talk properly with her family.)

    Just from seeing that trifling dialogue, even Lux could vaguely understand that Krulcifer and her family was able to understand each other a bit more than before.

    He was also relieved that the case of engagement was solved, but seeing this was what made him the most happy.

    ¡¸Sayonara Lux-sama. When we next meet, please also bring souvenir from the new kingdom with you by all means.¡¹

    ¡¸I wanted to talk a little bit more. Later again¡­..¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t forget for sure. Then, good bye.¡¹

    Lux also said goodbye to the two little sisters, then he exited the gate of Einfolk house together with Krulcifer.

    The sky was sunny, but there was snow remaining. The surrounding was still chilly.

    Townscape of tall buildings made from stone, and solemn atmosphere flowing peacefully.

    Even though he was only here for a few days, Lux felt somewhat reluctant to leave.

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s go.¡¹

    After Krulcifer told him that and started walking, footsteps suddenly came approaching from behind.

    The moment Lux reacted to that and turned around,

    ¡¸Yahhoo! Oniii-chaaan!¡¹

    A silhouette drew near with rapid footsteps and the small body leaped toward Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    A girl that looked vaguely familiar with wool muffler around her neck brought her face near.

    A girl with trait of beautiful platinum hair©¤©¤one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut.

    ¡¸Mel¡­¡­!? Why are you here!? Is your body alright!?¡¹

    He heard that she was unable to even walk properly due to the side effect of Elixir, but currently Mel looked energetic.

    ¡¸Thank you for worrying about me. As I thought, Onii-chan is really kind.¡¹

    Mel who showed a wide bright smile was in her usual innocent pretense mode.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make merry too much. Your body is still seriously ill you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Come to think of it I guess that¡¯s true.¡¹

    She smoothly deflected the admonition and she looked up to Lux.

    ¡¸Then Onii-chan. It¡¯s fine even if you carry me in your arm if you are worried about me you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux felt a bit relieved seeing Mel¡¯s innocent attitude.

    Her misunderstanding toward Krulcifer should be cleared, but she had just lost Bishop Orphel who was like a parent to her.

    Perhaps Mel noticed Lux¡¯s feeling, her expression abruptly changed.

    ¡¸You are really a strange person. To still worry about me even after I attacked you like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That was, not Mel¡¯s fault.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m relieved that you will say that, but getting indebted to other isn¡¯t something that I like. That¡¯s why©¤©¤someday I will pay back this debt for sure. Perhaps I¡¯ll even pay it quickly when I go to the new kingdom in the future.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. Take care of me from here on, Mel.¡¹

    Lux was relieved hearing her voice.

    Then Krulcifer chuckled to interrupt.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you going to also pay back your debt to me with something I wonder?¡¹

    ¡¸I already did that right? From here on you will be able to fight for my sake after all, that¡¯s the highest honor there is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is this about?¡¹

    Lux was puzzled at the conversation between the two.

    ¡¸I was appointed as an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤for Mel that is.¡¹

    ¡¸EEeEEH!?¡¹

    Krulcifer smoothly said such thing.

    ¡¸Wait, is it okay!? Krulcifer-san normally would be at new kingdom, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why once a month I¡¯ll return back to Ymir, conversely Mel will also come to the new kingdom. It will be somewhat troublesome. But with this I¡¯ll also be able to participate in the duty of Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a stunt that was possible because the new kingdom was allied with the theocracy, but he also wondered if this was okay for Mel.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s meet again at the new kingdom. Also, as I thought, you are really a good man©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    *Chuu*, Mel lightly kissed Lux¡¯s cheek before separating from him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Her cheeks reddened looking somewhat shyly and she waved her hand with a bashful expression.

    And then, she ran away toward the direction of Einfolk house.

    When the soft sensation of luscious lips caused Lux¡¯s face to grow hot, Krulcifer was unusually looking at him with unblinking gaze.

    ¡¸What are you doing getting lovestruck when the other party is a child? Or perhaps, Lux-kun¡¯s interest is for little girl I wonder?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not it!? I, I was just a bit surprised©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing Lux¡¯s panicked manner, Krulcifer went ¡¸Hmmm?¡¹ and smiled with a hinting expression,

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. In any case©¤©¤it felt like this time nothing goes as planned. Even though I thought that we finally could enjoy a trip with just the two of us¡­¡­even the engagement matter was found out, and I was ganged up mercilessly in the family meeting.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly.

    (About that, no matter how I think about it, that¡¯s completely Krulcifer-san¡¯s won fault though©¤©¤)

    Lux smiled wryly without being able to say that.

    ¡­¡­But, he wondered what she was actually really planned to do.

    If Einfolk house wasn¡¯t told that the engagement was a misunderstanding, the matter might really come to pass as it was, and yet©¤©¤.

    Was she thinking, that she would be fine with that?

    When Lux was thinking about that, his chest was growing hot for a bit.

    ¡¸No way, right¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux muttered that and climbed the horse carriage, then Krulcifer sat beside him and smiled coolly.

    ¡¸Say, Lux-kun. I made various blunders in my return home this time©¤©¤but, there is just one result that is really a good thing you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer slowly brought her shoulder near to Lux and she put her hand on his.

    The smooth sensation of her hand and the body temperature that was transmitted through the fur coat caused Lux¡¯s heart to throb hard *dokun* inside his chest.

    ¡¸I was scolded because I lied about the matter of engagement, but I was praised by the whole family for choosing Lux-kun as fianc¨¦e candidate. They told me that I chose a fine man.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, that¡¯s great©¤©¤¡­¡­wait, EEEEEH!?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, it¡¯s clear from the matter this time, if Lux-kun will become my companion, we won¡¯t need to ask for anymore affirmation from Einfolk house you know? That¡¯s why next©¤©¤it depends on only Lux-kun¡¯s feeling.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second!? I¡¯m someone who still has a lot of debt burdening me, I¡¯m a criminal of the old empire©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like this is a talk about binding the engagement right now. But, seeing that reaction, it seems I have a chance isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled in enjoyably and she brought her body to stick even closer to him.

    ¡¸Thank you. I love you©¤©¤Lux-kun.¡¹

    The girl softly kissed the lips of the panicked Lux.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Even so I¡¯m amazed with headmaster. To really let Lisha-sama and others go away©¤©¤¡¹

    Cross Field of the new kingdom.

    Airi was sitting on the sofa of the Academy¡¯s drawing room while making a reproachful gaze.

    A few days after Lisha and co, four Divine Drag-Ride users departed to chase after Lux.

    Airi and the Triad who were spending their time worrying endlessly ended up welcoming a certain visitor following the instruction of Relie who had departed to the royal capital for an urgent business.

    ¡¸Really good grieeef. Even though I also wanted to go tease them. Well, I don¡¯t have the aptitude to be able to fly until Ymir in one day thoughhh¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur muttered that with pouting lips.

    Then, the senior Sharis tapped on her shoulder.

    ¡¸Come now, it can¡¯t be helped. They have important duty, and the princess had also strengthened our Drag-Ride for us. Obtaining the skill to be able to use this skillfully is the priority.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Catching up with the ability of Lux-san and others¡­¡­even if we are unable to go that far, this is for the sake of obtaining the power to be able to become their strength even if just for a little.¡¹

    After Noct concluded in the end like that, *kon kon* a knocking sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Please enter¡¹ After they spoke out, two people entered inside the drawing room.

    A young man with bad expression of the eyes and a part of his blonde hair was standing on end, and a gentle looking young man with androgynous face.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Wanheim Principality, Greifer, and his aide Coral.

    As someone who was a bit acquainted with them, Relie asked them to guide and kept these two company while they were staying here.

    Relie called the two to be helper in Cross Field where the combat force had thinned down.

    ¡¸Good grief, you are a slave driver as usual yeah, not even giving any time to rest after the long trip¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, sorry for this. Even though it seems you all are having difficulty with various things, but you were asked to guide us in the Academy and keeping us company.¡¹

    Greifer who was grumbling peevishly and Coral who was greeting with a wry smile.

    But, inside her heart Airi was relieved that they came here.

    Because from what she heard from the story of her big brother Lux, these two were upright characters.

    The vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit.

    He was the perpetrator who pulled Lux into Seven Dragon Paladins, and gave a hint of his plan to create a world that was unified into a country ruled by Drag-Knight. He was a powerful person with terrifying thought.

    If that man by chance came here, it would cause no end of nervousness for Airi.

    ¡¸We are also indebted to the two of you in the principality, so please don¡¯t mind it. More importantly, can I ask you something?¡¹

    ¡¸What is it? If it¡¯s not something that touch secret matter, you can ask anything©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral smiled gently. Airi asked him with a serious expression.

    ¡¸Can I ask what is going to happen in the world right now? Like the reason Headmaster Relie was suddenly called to the capital in a hurry©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral was taken by surprise hearing what she said. He then smiled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­How sharp. We haven¡¯t heard about the detail. But, I have a hunch that soon after this, something big will happen. We are coming here also for the sake of discussing that I believe.¡¹

    ¡¸What does that mean?¡¹

    Sharis asked with a tilted head. Coral took a deep breath and told her.

    ¡¸Right now, it seems a military council is being held in the royal capital you know? Two Seven Dragon Paladins are being called to the royal capital. One is vice captain Singlen. And then, the other one is¡­¡­¡¹

    When Coral halted his words promptingly, Greifer beside him continued with a mutter.

    ¡¸Yeah, our captain in Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤the representative of the alliance chose by the world.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸U, AaaA¡­¡­¡¹

    Wordless dry scream was squeezed out from the citizens of the royal capital Lordgalia.

    Terror, despair. When people encountered an outrageous happening, they would lose words before screaming.

    The steel giant body that pierced the sky, which had stopped moving for a long time when it tried to attack the castle before.

    The fifth Ruin, Gigas was activated once more and started walking.

    That terrifying weapon which attempted to destroy the royal capital, the new kingdom in the past was reactivated. The citizens were turning stiff, they were rooted in the place.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤The people of the royal capital is scared. This is our turn. Oi, philistine. If it¡¯s your Leviathan, will you be able to take that on somehow?¡¹

    ¡¸If you feel like accompanying the farce, then go out there, you old hag dressing like young girl. That¡¯s some guts you¡¯ve got there, giving instruction to this me when you bought your World Rank with money.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou, is that the jealousy of a man who cannot accept defeat? Since when you became that kind of unsightly man?¡¹

    In a room for guests inside the royal castle, two man and woman from among three people were talking.

    One was a figure wearing blue coat sitting on a chair with loose and arrogant posture.

    The vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    And then the woman arguing with him was wearing red cloak with showy ornaments. She was staring outside from the window.

    She was an old friend of Relie, the head of Vanfrick Company that had the world under its thumb from behind the scene, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    Relie who was also inside the room was called here in order to welcome the two of them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­A, an urgent message-! Th, the Gigas is starting to move in the capital! The immediate formation©¤©¤n, no, the dispatch of interception squad is permitted-!¡¹

    A youth who was still young, a platoon captain in the military of the next generation rushed into the room where the three were at.

    But, Magialca who possessed the greatest authority among the three didn¡¯t even twitch.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I know by looking from the window here. Don¡¯t yell loudly, I hate noisiness.¡¹

    The girl©¤©¤no, she looked young but she was a woman of blooming age, the woman was calmly staring at that sight from the townscape of the royal capital.

    Regardless she didn¡¯t show even the slightest twitch. She made a wry smile that showed her pointed canine tooth.

    But, perhaps the platoon captain who saw that composed act got his nerve touched. The youth pressed on.

    ¡¸Thi, this isn¡¯t a trivial matter! Currently you are temporarily entrusted with the full authority of the military! If we don¡¯t deal with it quickly, it will be too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Well, calm down, young man.¡¹

    ¡¸Who can be calm in this kind of time! Lowly people like a merchant who doesn¡¯t belong to any country, what do you think this danger to our new kingdom©¤©¤!¡¹

    The youth forgot himself from being too angry and his hand moved to grab the woman¡¯s collar, at that moment©¤©¤, the top and bottom of the man was reversed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shut up brat.¡¹

    *DOoN!* There was the sound of a back hitting the stone paving.

    Right after that the man¡¯s gaze saw the ceiling, and he noticed that he was just instantly thrown.

    He saw Magialca crouched and pulled out a knife which was thrust at his neck.

    ¡¸Wha, wha¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    He wondered what just happened. The woman in red cloak looked down on the youth who was knocked down into confusion and grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸Look carefully at Gigas¡¯s movement. There is no sign at all that it will attack. Their aim is the same like this knife. A self-introduction that displayed their might. You¡¯re going to get taken advantage of if you show your fear you know?¡¹

    Magialca whispered indifferently while standing up and putting away the knife.

    While she was a head of a big financial conglomerate, she was also a genius well versed in martial arts.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, and first rank of the World Rank.

    The youth tasted a glimpse of that true strength that served as Philuffy¡¯s master when she was young.

    ¡¸Whether it¡¯s war or business, they have some sort of common point. You lose if the opponent look down on you©¤©¤well, it¡¯s something like that. Take lesson okay, captain-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸U, a¡­¡­¡¹

    The youth slowly stood up, but his legs were still unsteady.

    But, his body was already ruled by fear.

    ¡¸Aa, I don¡¯t oppose in dispatching soldier. We¡¯ve got to show some labor so that the citizens won¡¯t question our performance. But don¡¯t send out too many. And then absolutely don¡¯t start attacking from our side. If you get it then go, ©¤©¤your answer?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes-!¡¹

    Finally the youth squeezed out his voice and left the guest room in panic.

    After that, Magialca turned her gaze outside the window once more and smiled.

    ¡¸Although, it won¡¯t mean anything if we too don¡¯t gather equal combat force. I¡¯m giving out assembling call. We are going to meet their aggression with the whole combat force of world©¤©¤the Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¨C

    Gigas slowly traced back its footsteps when it was invading and retreated.

    While the Wyvern force of the new kingdom¡¯s military was surrounding it from afar, a girl¡¯s voice reverberated through the whole territory of the capital.

    ¡º©¤©¤This is my first appearance. My name is Listelka Rei Arshalia. The owner of this Ruin, and an imperial family member of the old era when the Ruin existed.¡»

    The people of the capital stood still in a daze.

    And then, the girl¡¯s voice was slowly formed so that even the royal castle where the queen and consuls were at could also listen.

    ¡ºI have no intention to fight with everyone. I only wish to return this Gigas that became a nuisance to this city back to its original position. The process will be carried out with meticulous caution, but please be careful so that no one won¡¯t be hurt.¡»

    The gentle and kind voice of the girl could be heard by the surrounding.

    While everyone was paralyzed with surprise, the footstep of Gigas that was like earthquake resounded.

    ¡ºWe the clan of the LordCreator is wishing for dialogue. We wish to tell the turht about what happened in this world at the past, and ask for cooperation. In order to save this world from the approaching fate of ruin©¤©¤¡»

    The girl in a dress finished muttering that inside the control room of Gigas©¤©¤.

    The first princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, Listelka cut off the communication that was broadcasted to outside and let out a small sigh.

    ¡¸How was it Fugil? Did I do it well?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s splendid. Surely the negotiation after this will also progress well. I will accompany your highness too as guard.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s good. Then let¡¯s begin Fugil©¤©¤for the new peacereign of our wish.¡¹

    ¨C

    At the other side, inside the castle of royal capital.

    Magialca¡¯s lips distorted into an arc while staring at the Gigas where those people were at.

    ¡¸So they finally started huh. The lot who were raising havoc inside my turf. ¡­¡­You all were acting sneakily in the shadow for a long time. ©¤©¤I¡¯ll crush you all, you race of fossils.¡¹

    And then, she bared open her eyes with sharp eye glint.

    The campus festival that would begin in the Academy one week later.

    Before that the shadow of a huge storm was approaching.

 Volume 8 - CH 2

    ¨C

    ¡¸Good morning, Relie-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Morning Lux-kun. Did you sleep well last night?¡¹

    The headmaster greeted early in the morning.

    After lightly talking with Lisha and Celis who had arrived, Lux exchanged words with Relie.

    One day since then, the opening of the summit was finally approaching.

    ¡¸I believe that you have finished with the briefing but be careful, as you also know, the representatives of other countries is a group of problematic people you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I will stay on guard. More importantly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, we will also be as vigilant as possible over here. I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡¹

    There was high likelihood that the warmongers, Dragon Marauder that was bearing enmity to countries would come attacking if they knew about the information of this summit.

    Thus, it seems that reinforcement Drag-Knights had been gathered beforehand.

    It seemed that powerful fighter like Philuffy and Yoruka were also assigned to guard the Academy, so Lux wasn¡¯t really worried.

    In that case©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Yeah, what¡¯s left is how we are going to deal with the discussion.¡¹

    Lisha who looked slightly nervous was standing beside Lux.

    The people who would attend the summit were the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides, as well as the four chosen representatives by the leaders of various countries.

    among those four, Lisha would participate in the summit as the representative from the new kingdom.

    ¡¸let¡¯s go like we decided in the briefing. Our first plan will be to get information out of the Lords.¡¹(Celis)

    Or rather, no doubt the other countries would also be doing that.

    The history of the ancient era that had been surrounded in mystery until now through the span of a few hundred years.

    An existence that knew about all of that had descended, so their side had no other option then to observe how they would move.

    Naturally, during the meeting, Lux also had no intention to touch the matter of Fugil whom he had ties with.

    While Lux was calming his breathing, the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aide, furthermore the the representatives of the leaders from various countries showed up one after another.

    There were face of those he knew and also those he is meeting for the first time.

    ¡¸Good morning Lux-kun. Take care of me too today.¡¹

    ¡¸Yahhoo. Are you healthy, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Coral and Mel called out to him.

    After exchanging light pleasantry with the two, Lux also entered the conference room.

    It was a spacious room, but there was no window in order to avoid attack from outside, so the room was dim.

    Because of that. There was lamp present since the summit was held in the the afternoon. Illuminating faintly the faces of the representatives from each country.

    The seating of the conference room was mainly divided into three group, the four representatives of country leaders, the Seven Dragon Paladins, and then the group of the Lords.

    The leader¡¯s representatives were Lizsharte from the new kingdom, princess Milmiette from the Wanheim Principality, and Minister Gunius from the Heiburg Republic.

    Pope Nias from Ymir Theocracy was attending because he was the person with highest authority in essence, furthermore there was the archbishop to substitute for him.

    with the exception of one person, the members of Seven Dragon Paladins and their aide were all present.

    The representative from the new kingdom was Lux Arcadia. His aide was Celistia Ralgris.

    The representative from the Wanheim Principality was Greifer Nest, and his aide Coral Esther.

    The representative from the Ymir Theocracy was Mel Gizalut. With her aide Krulcifer Einfolk.

    The representative from the Heiburg Republic was, Rosa Granhide. Her aide was Calensia Hersmice.

    From the Blackend Kingdom was Singlen Shelbrit and his aide Zweigbergk Gimle.

    From the Marcafal Kingdom was Magialca Zen Vanfrick. Her aide was absent.

    ©¤©¤up until now, Lux has only either known their face or has heard of them from Celis.

    But, the Seventh Dragon Paladins, who was someone he had never even heard a rumor of. finally showed up inside the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wai-, why are you trying to go home after coming this far desu!? Please quickly get inside!¡¹

    The figure of a girl wearing a hat could be seen using all her strength to pull in a brown skinned arm that could be seen from the other side of the opened door.

    While everyone¡¯s gaze was gathered over there, before long that figure came out to the open.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a girl wearing the thin outfit of foreign country. was looking like she was really reluctant to be here. She was sending a cowering gaze to the room.

    She had vibrant dark brown skin and glossy black hair tinted with a green color.

    Just her appearance was already distinctive enough, but the red tattoo engraved on her face highlighted her unique look even further.

    ¡¸U, aa©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl who just noticed that she was gathering attention quickly averted her eyes and fell silent.

    The girl wearing a hat used that chance to drag the girl inside and forcefully sat her down on a chair.

    ¡¸Ah, our apologize for being late desu. We are the representatives of the Turkimes Confederation, the Seven Dragon Paladin, Soffice Septy and me her aide©¤©¤Uruk Septy desu.¡¹

    Although the girl was introduced like that, she didn¡¯t say a single word.

    The Seven Dragon Paladin who appeared last was a girl who seemed to be hard to approach in another different sense compared to all the members until now.

    (But what is this? Even though this should be the first time I met her without a doubt, it feels like she resembles someone©¤©¤)

    When Lux stared fixedly at the girl, Soffice¡¯s stare quickly darted around and she averted her face.

    In the place of the girl who kept her face looking down, the hat wearing girl spoke toward everyone.

    ¡¸Eee, Soffice, she has a fear of strangers, so she can¡¯t really talk with everyone desu. And so, I will convey her thought as an interpreter, best regard everyone desu.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What a very strange bunches but, well it¡¯s fine. Just don¡¯t make excuse later on that you didn¡¯t talk because you are a poor talker.¡¹

    The captain of the Seven Dragon Paladin, Magialca concluded like that and everyone sat down.

    Then she put both her elbows on the table and joined her hands together before she looked around at everyone and raised her voice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Well then, now that everyone is here, how about we consolidate our intentions right away? The fellows called the Lord or something who self-proclaimed that they are the owner of Ruins, how are we going to respond to them©¤©¤ fundamentally those fellows are suspicious.¡¹

    ¡¸Err©¤©¤, pardon me captain-sama.¡¹

    The one who raised their hand was the princess of Wanheim Principality, Milmiette.

    The girl who was innocent with a bright personality was assertive without acting timid even in this place.

    ¡¸What could you mean by that? judging by how they moved the Gigas, I believe that the likelihood is high that they are an imperial family of the past who was managing the Ruins©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Your highness Milmiette, that wasn¡¯t what she meant.¡¹

    The representative of Blackend Kingdom, Singlen showed a fearless smirk toward that question.

    ¡¸the Lords who wished for a dialogue this time claimed that they are the real thing by moving Gigas. Until now, we have only been excavating©¤©¤no, plundering Drag-Rides and treasures from the Ruins. There is a possibility that they will question us to take responsibility for that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­In other words, if we are taking a timid approach. we might be hit with retaliation from them. is that what you are saying?¡¹

    Everyone in that place closed their mouth hearing Coral¡¯s muttering.

    That showed one answer.

    ¡¸Besides that, we also still don¡¯t fully understand the true identity those so called Lords. With extreme logic, it could even be thought that they might be stranger who¡¯ve captured the Ruins several hundred years ago before introducing themselves as the ruler of ancient era. If they cannot prove that they are the ¡ºreal thing¡», then we also don¡¯t need to act humbly toward them.¡¹

    Lux could also understand what Magialca was saying.

    At the briefing session in the royal capital, Lux, Lisha, and Celis were mostly reminded of the same thing.

    The existence and power of Drag-Ride had become something that couldn¡¯t be erased for the current livelihood, and the land they were living on also went without saying.

    Even if the Lords proclaimed the ownership of those things, there was no way their side could easily accept their demand.

    Thus, although this meeting was called a dialogue, but there was no doubt that this was a battle.

    If the talk broke down, it would even be possible that a war against the Lords could occur.

    When everyone tensed their expression once more, a stir could be heard suddenly from outside the room.

    *Kotsu kotsu* The sound of shoes stepping on the floor was approaching, and before long the door was slightly opened.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My apologize to make all of you wait, honored representatives from each country.¡¹

    A transparent voice reverberated and that figure came to view.

    A young girl clad in sparkling pure white dress was bowing with a smile.

    Silver long hair and asymmetrically colored eyes.

    That mystical beauty which was out of this world completely changed the air of the place that was filled with tension.

    Lux and others held strong vigilance toward that face which resembled the imperial family of the old empire.

    ¡¸I am an imperial family member of the ancient era when the Ruins existed©¤©¤a survivor of the Lords. First imperial princess Listelka Rei Arshalia. And then this is my lady attendant, Mishis V Xfer. And last, my knight, Fugil vi Arcadia.¡¹

    Beside the princess who introduced herself as Listelka, two attendants appeared.

    The blue haired maid Mishis who Lux had caught sight of beside Hayes previously.

    And then, the moment Lux saw that man who was wearing an extravagant cloak, his head was wrapped with heat.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? That guy, is Fugil? What©¤©¤I also, recalled seeing him somewhere¡¹

    Even Lisha let out a small groan when seeing Fugil, perhaps in recollection of something unpleasant.

    On the other hand, Lux closed his mouth tightly and repressed his emotion immediately.

    ¡¸First let me express my thanks to everyone from each country for preparing this chance and place for a dialogue in response to my sudden introduction and demand©¤©¤and then as a proof of friendship, I will promise to hand over two hundred Drag-Rides for each country.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Those words that were spoken with friendly tone caused everyone present to blink.

    Even Lux doubted his ear for a moment whether he had heard mistakenly, but right after that the representatives of each country¡¯s leaders, Pope Nias and Princess Milmiette, furthermore even Minister Gunius raised their voice reflexively.

    ¡¸I, is that true, Listelka-dono?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s amazing. But, two hundred Drag-Rides, for each country, it¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Unbelievable! Even after using the Ruin investigation right five, six times in a year, at best there would only be a few dozen Drag-Rides that could be excavated, to hand over that many all at once¡­¡­¡¹

    Even a single general purpose Drag-Ride had a price that was above an average house.

    Drag-Ride that each country gathered little by little from Ruins by paying with time and sacrifice was still that much of a precious weapon.

    The atmosphere inside the room slightly loosened up in reaction to the unimaginable present.

    But, even among them, it was only the multi-millionaire Magialca and Singlen who weren¡¯t perturbed.

    They were smiling without the slightest change in their expression even against that ¡ºadvance payment¡» that could be said as unprecedented.

    ¡¸Of course. This is nothing more than a meager greeting. For those who are able to get into our good grace, we will even bestow them with even rarer treasure or Divine Drag-Ride. Specifically from here on©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t get it, o Lord-sama whatever.¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s voice suddenly cut apart the boiling up atmosphere of the place.

    She showed that crooked and vaguely twisted smile while gazing at Listelka who was in front of her.

    ¡¸My bad to cut off your talk. But, I¡¯m also the head of a company you see, when I heard a story that is too suspicious, I am conditioned to reflexively speak out even against my better judgment. You can continue if you want?¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t misunderstand. I am serious you know?¡¹

    Listelka spoke once more with gentle voice like before, but Magialca snorted.

    ¡¸There is nothing more expensive than something free©¤©¤. I wonder if that saying also existed a few thousand years ago? You would let us slurp up such sweet honey right at the beginning, just what are you planning to make us do for you after that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Lord, Listelka who heard that fell silent while still smiling slightly.

    But, before long she casted down her eyes as though resolving herself and she slowly sighed.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped then. I wished to broach this topic after having a bit more pleasant talk but©¤©¤¡¹

    With that as the preface, the imperial princess lightly took a deep breath.

    And then she surveyed her surrounding, and spoke with a serious expression.

    ¡¸If I have to state the main issue, this world will perish in less than half a year.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    It was unknown who was the one that reflexively said that.

    Perhaps it was one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, or perhaps one of the leaders¡¯ representatives.

    But, in any case the relaxed atmosphere just now was getting upheaval after those words were spoken out calmly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can we hear about the specific?¡¹

    After Magialca prompted without any change in her fearless expression, Listelka nodded shortly.

    ¡¸I believe that everyone is already aware, about the phenomenon of destruction that is called calamity, and the existence of Nocturnal. There exist a system in this world that is the foundation which brought about those things. It is called a ¡ºSacred Eclipse¡», a mechanism that will destroy the world.¡¹ (TN: Before I mistranslated this as Sacred Eater, the correct one is Sacred Eclipse)

    ¡¸Sacred Eclipse, you say?¡¹

    Lisha muttered with a dubious face, but was merely acting.

    Lux and the others, the people in new kingdom¡¯s side had information from the data they brought back from the Ruin Hall shared with them, but they were concealing that they knew about it.

    It was in order to confirm whether the Lords, Listelka was telling the truth or not.

    ¡¸Yes. In the ancient era when we existed, using the resource and technology at that time, we were living extremely prosperously. But, even the long peace would be visited by the end. A dispute with the attempt to monopolize that technology and resource occurred, dragging a lot of people into it and a deadly battle began. In order to bring a close to that great uprising, our ancestor constructed a mechanism to destroy the ringleaders. That is exactly the final annihilation mechanism that is called the Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤the greatest and strongest humanoid-type Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The past history that Listelka spoke of.

    Everyone present was speechless hearing that blood soaked truth.

    But, before long a hand was raised from the seats of the leaders¡¯ representatives as though returning to their senses.

    ¡¸Wa, wait a second Lord-dono!? As expected that¡¯s unbelievable. A mechanism that exists in order to destroy mankind you say? If such thing really did exist, shouldn¡¯t all of us have died already?¡¹

    Nias quietly rocked his chair and raised his voice.

    With a graceful smile, Listelka answered the question from the young pope who still had trace of youth in himself.

    ¡¸Yes. Originally Sacred Eclipse is the final weapon to destroy everything with the exception of the ancient race and the Lords. But, with that alone it will also massacre the virtuous and innocent people. Thus at the phase when the majority of the humans who spearheaded the conflict had been destroyed, the imperial family at the time deactivated the Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    The girl spoke the answer matter-of-factly like that.

    ¡¸The ancient race that brought about the Ruins on this planet, and the clan of Lords that received it. There is a land of paradise that is known and can only be entered by the imperial family and their aides who were chosen people even among them all©¤©¤ ¡ºAvalon¡». Only in that place that contained all wisdom, technology, and treasures of the ancient time, can stopping the Sacred Eclipse and preventing the ruin of the world can be done.¡¹

    *stir*

    The air of the conference room shook slightly from the words that Listelka muttered earnestly with her eyes casted down.

    ¡¸I wish to ask one thing.¡¹

    Taking advantage of that opening, a small figure wearing blue robe, Singlen quietly lifted his face.

    ¡¸Why is that deactivated Sacred Eclipse something get reactivating now?¡¹

    The question that could be said is only natural in a sense, was immediately answered by Listelka.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also unable to grasp the cause clearly, but I believe that most likely the people of this era were doing something that interfered with the Ruins. After all I only received revelation from Avalon, of the fact that the Sacred Eclipse was resurrected.¡¹

    ¡¸Revelation, received?¡¹

    When Lisha frowned, the Lord imperial princess abruptly smiled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because I am the ¡ºShrine Maiden of Oracle¡». Through a rite called Baptism, I obtained the power to receive information from Avalon©¤©¤the holy ground of the Lords.¡¹

    The girl who originally possessed the name of Arcadia was introducing herself as Rei Arshalia pointed out that she had become the shrine maiden that was able to hold correspondence with Avalon.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    While listening to that story, Lux slightly met his gaze with Krulcifer¡¯s to confirm.

    About the existence of the mechanism to destroy the world called Sacred Eclipse.

    About whether it was necessity to head to Avalon in order to stop it.

    Until this point, everything should be the unvarnished truth that matched the information that they brought back from the Hall in Ymir Theocracy.

    ¡¸And, how can we reach that Avalon something?¡¹

    Magialca asked with folded arms. Listelka didn¡¯t answer the question immediately.

    After surveying everyone who was waiting for her words with held breath, she took a deep breath.

    ¡¸Do you know about the jewel that is called Grand Force? The seven crystals that existed in seven Ruins. By setting them in the deepest part of all the Ruins, the path to Avalon will be opened. Stopping Sacred Eclipse that will destroy the world, obtaining the inheritance and technology of Avalon, and guiding this world to true peace. Those are the wishes the Lords.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The presented solution.

    With superb timing as though she was reading people¡¯s heart, the imperial princess opened her mouth once more.

    ¡¸We the survivor of Lord had been sleeping for many years inside the Ruins, but recently we awakened and got perplexed by the change of this world. We don¡¯t know whether this era, the people of this culture would be able to accept us. Due to that anxiety, for a while we were watching over the situation.¡¹

    She was looking at the expression of the representative of each country while appealing with heartrending expression.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤there is no more time. If we don¡¯t borrow everyone¡¯s power and stop the Sacred Eclipse right away, the whole world will perish. It¡¯s deplorable but, about half of the current Ruins are disconnected from our control, we can do nothing except operating some amount of function. In order to save this world together, please lend us your strength.¡¹

    The talk seemed to be over with that, because Listelka kept sitting down with a small bow.

    Right after a slight stir, a small silence was created.

    Before long, at the timing when it seemed that everyone had digested her words, a hand was raised.

    It was Minister Gunius of Heiburg Republic, a middle-aged man with slightly good physique.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s how it is, surely it is indeed sorrowful. I have heard about the existence of crystal that is called Grand Force. If I remember correctly that is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The crystal is hidden and protected inside the body of Ragnarok. All seven of the Ragnarok has to be defeated. At present Poseidon from the Ark and Yggdrasil from the Gigas are defeated, but the remaining five has to be subjugated swiftly no matter what.¡¹

    Listelka nodded and began to talk about the concrete plan in order to liberate all the Ruins.

    But at that moment, the princess of Wanheim Principality, Milmiette tilted her head and raised her hand.

    ¡¸Pardon me. Please wait a second. I understand that it¡¯s necessary for us to defeat Ragnarok and obtain the Grand Force. But, what should we do to enter that far? It can be said for almost all of the Ruins, that each country here is unable to enter the deepest part of the Ruins, barring some special exception©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Indeed it is like that. Even if we go to defeat the Ragnarok, the path won¡¯t open for us.¡¹

    Even Pope Nias also nodded in agreement.

    The matter of Lux and Krulcifer entering inside the Hall hadn¡¯t been told to him.

    When the representatives of other countries also showed agreeing expression, Listelka¡¯s gaze slowly darted around before staring at the face of a certain girl.

    Her gaze was pouring toward Krulcifer who was sitting as the aide of Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸I forgot to say but, we the Lord has cooperator. Our compatriot, the descendants of the ancient race that brought the Ruins into this world©¤©¤the existence that is called as ¡ºXfer¡». Isn¡¯t that right, Krulcifer Einfolk?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Everyone present held their breath once more toward Listelka¡¯s identification.

    Krulcifer herself seemed to be resolved. She didn¡¯t show any agitation and only casted her eyes down.

    ¡¸It¡¯s troubling even if you address me that intimately. I knew about the story that my origin is from Ruin. Even if you call me as compatriot while I have no self-consciousness of it, but unfortunately I have no recognition of any of you.¡¹

    Krulcifer curtly responded like that.

    While it may be true that the ancient race and the clan of Lord had intimate relationship with each other historically, Krulcifer showed that she had no intention to emulate that with her statement just now.

    But, it appeared that Listelka too had anticipated it beforehand, she smiled wryly without looking particularly discouraged.

    ¡¸That¡¯s unfortunate. If possible I wished that you would come to our side right away as our comrade though. Just like Mishis, my attendant beside me.¡¹

    ¡¸Oo, then that blue haired woman is also©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I am a survivor of Ruin¡¯s technician©¤©¤of XferKey¡¯s Supervisor.¡¹

    When Minister Gunius threw a question, the woman who was the only one wearing maid uniform in this conference room, Mishis bowed and answered.

    ¡¸Our XferKey¡¯s Supervisor clan can literally open various door of Ruins and we possess the authority to manage the Ruin¡¯s function. In short it is the authority of the ancient race that created the Ruins themselves.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, by using your power, all the Ruins could be immediately©¤©¤¡¹

    Minister Gunius showed joyful look, but Mishis silently shook her head.

    ¡¸The problem isn¡¯t that simple. Even us Xfer is limited in what we can do. Especially in the case where we interfere with the main system of Ruin, we will temporarily lose our personal supervisory authority toward Ruin. If I use my authority to open an vital door. I will become unable to do the same at other Ruin too until a certain period has passed.¡¹

    ¡¸So, that means?¡¹

    Listelka nodded at the words of Princess Milmiette.

    ¡¸Yes. Without obtaining the cooperation of Krulcifer-san over there, it will be difficult to liberate all the Ruins in the remaining half a year, that¡¯s what this means. By all rights, we wish to search for other survivor of Xfer too but¡­¡­, there were various things which caused a lot of people¡¯s whereabouts to be unknown at the present.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    After the span of a single breath of silence, Magialca made a sticky smile.

    ¡¸The mechanism called Sacred Eclips woke up and now we need to prevent the world destruction. In order to do that you want us to liberate all seven Ruins and reached Avalon. That¡¯s what you are saying right?¡¹

    ¡¸It helps that you understand. Let us all cooperate with each other and save this world from destruction.¡¹

    Listelka lightly clapped her palms together *pon* and gave a broad smile.

    In a glance it looked like the talk was getting through to everyone, but there were several large questions remaining.

    When Lux was hesitating whether he should ask them, the air shook.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, how much longer do we need to go along with this foolish talk?¡¹

    A man with dark gaze fearlessly grinned and chopped up the flow until now.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Blackend Kingdom, the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    The leaders¡¯ representatives of other countries seemed to be flustered because of that way of talking that was just too haughty. The color of their face changed for the worse.

    ¡¸Pardon me. But I am unable to understand the intention of the words you spoke?¡¹

    The moment Listelka responded still with gentleness, this time it was Lux who opened his mouth.

    ¡¸Is there a proof that the world will be really destroyed by that Sacred Eclipse? I think that¡¯s what he meant.¡¹

    The existence of an imperial family of the ¡ºancient era¡» that appeared from Ruin.

    Furthermore there was the big revelation of Xfer and Avalon. Because of that anyone became apt to forget about the basic question.

    The end of the world due to Sacred Eclipse.

    If that premise wasn¡¯t certain, forcefully wrenching open the Ruins would be too dangerous.

    If they summoned a Ragnarok, one country or even the whole world might get ended just from that.

    Actually even Lux and co only won by a hair¡¯s breadth against a Ragnarok before this after doing everything in their power. It wouldn¡¯t be strange even if they got annihilated at that battle.

    The existence of Sacred Eclipse was also recorded in the information that he brought back together with Krulcifer, but he wanted the proof that it was the truth.

    When Lux called that doubt to attention with such intention, the girl sitting beside him also nodded.

    ¡¸I too agree with Lux¡¯s opinion.¡¹

    Celis lifted up her face like that as someone in the position as the aide of the new kingdo¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸Ragnaroks are a dangerous existence. At the previous fight, it was in superior position even when it was facing against a group of Divine Drag-Ride users. Thinking about the damage to the surrounding territory and the sacrifice, speaking about subjugating them that thoughtlessly is©¤©¤¡¹

    That opinion came from Celis herself, not from the briefing Lux and others had beforehand.

    She was the daughter of an influential feudal lord who was one of the four great nobles.

    Exactly because she bore the responsibility as someone standing above others and those words came out from herself.

    But, faster than Listelka could answer, a voice cut in from the side.

    ¡¸Oooh? You¡¯re a greedy woman just like that lewd body of yours. What a wretched fellow.¡¹

    The voice¡¯s owner was the Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic who didn¡¯t say even a single word until now, Rosa Granhide.

    She was a tall girl who outfitted herself with jet black military uniform. Her red hair was like fresh blood swaying.

    The small pupil in her eyes gave the impression of a poisonous snake glared at Celis from the side.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What could you mean by that?¡¹

    ¡¸My bad if you caught my words just now. I was just talking to myself you seeee. Don¡¯t mind me, academy¡¯s strongest-sama.¡¹

    Rosa was provoking even more with a sticky tone that was coiling like snake.

    ¡¸If you have something you want to say, then how about saying it clearly?¡¹

    Surely Celis was also angry, but she pressed her question without letting it show on her face till the end.

    Then Rosa put her hand on her mouth and her shoulders shook with bewitching laughter.

    ¡¸No you seee, I¡¯m embarrassed just from hearing you talked. Just because you don¡¯t want to risk danger for yourself and your own country, the aide of a Seven Dragon Paladins who represented the country of all people could unashamedly say cowardly things like that. There is a limit even in being shameless okaay¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    As expected, even Celis made a forbidding look at that transparent provocation.

    She faced the sneering Rosa and immediately spoke a rebuttal.

    ¡¸I am not driven by cowardice. I am only expressing my opinion as someone who has fought a Ragnarok before. At the present time where it cannot be judged that Sacred Eclipse and Avalon actually exist, releasing a Ragnarok is too dangerous.¡¹

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤there is no guarantee that the awakened Ragnarok will be facing us until it died just like we expect it too.¡¹

    Lux moved to back up Celis with persistent calmness.

    ¡¸If we failed to finish it off and it escape, many town and village at the surrounding would also get involved and get destroyed. And the country with the highest risk of getting such damage is the new kingdom that has three Ruins inside its territory. We cannot fully participate in the strategy without first discovering flawless preparation and countermeasure.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right¡­¡­¡¹

    The leaders¡¯ representatives from each country also hummed in understanding at what Lux said.

    Thinking back it was really just as he said. They showed an attitude of agreeing with Celis¡¯s remark once more.

    Regarding the case of Yggdrasil, it was reported to the new kingdom as well as other foreign countries that it was battled and defeated in the middle of investigating the Ark.

    There were also the case of Philuffy receiving influence from Abyss, and the fact that the intrusion into the Ark was without permission in the first place, so Lux could only speak with indirect expression like that.

    But, Rosa didn¡¯t touch that part, she merely scoffed at Lux¡¯s rebuttal.

    ¡¸Oh? That¡¯s not something that matters in the slightest. right? It¡¯s just ten or twenty villages and towns. If we can save the world with that, it¡¯s a cheap price to pay right?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you insane!? What do you think a country is©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis¡¯s body spontaneously trembled but, she didn¡¯t rush toward the enemy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Heey, Lord-sama. The honorable representatives of this cowardly country are saying that kind of thing. But, can the world  really be saved by doing something like thiiis?¡¹

    Rosa licked her lower lip and showed a fawning smile at Listelka.

    But, the imperial princess didn¡¯t get provoked and smiled gracefully.

    ¡¸I believe that their opinion is only natural. The capture of revitalized Ruins and the subjugation of Ragnarok. It will be a complete lie if I say that there will be no resulting victim from each country. And so, of course our side will also prepare the reward in order to compensate for that burden.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reward you say?¡¹

    Minister Gunius eagerly leaned forward hearing that. In respond Listelka nodded with a smile.

    ¡¸Yes. We wish to give to the country that provide contribution to reach Avalon, the right to make use the technology of ancient era, and gift of gratitude from the empire of us Lords.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Oo!¡¹

    The atmosphere was instantly filled with excitement.

    ¡¸More specifically, for each subjugation of the remaining five Ragnarok, we will bestow additional gift of a hundred general purpose Drag-Rides as well as two Divine Drag-Rides. We will also gift more reward For travelling to the deepest part of the Ruin, with Drag-Ride or treasure. And then, for the country that raises the most contribution in the capturing, we will share half of the land and treasures sleeping inside Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s really good to hear. It will be worth it to make sacrifices for those rewards.¡¹

    The eyes of Minister Gunius from Heiburg Republic were sparkling.

    But, on the other hand Pope Nias, Princess Milmiette, and others of the moderate faction were watching that with a complicated expression.

    That was a difference in reaction that came from discrepancy in point of view.

    For those who wouldn¡¯t blink at making sacrifices of people and soldier, this proposal must be extremely attractive.

    ¡¸Also©¤©¤there are three other important issues that we wish to be solved.¡¹

    Listelka was looking at the reeling atmosphere while opening her mouth once more.

    ¡¸First is the suppression of the force that is called the Dragon Marauder, the thieves who ransacked the Ruins of our empire despite being mere mercenary force of Drag-Knight. Their annihilation has to be done in haste right away.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps it was unexpected for the name of Dragon Marauder to came out here, because several of the leaders¡¯ representatives reacted.

    Their reaction also came because the Lords were aware of the organization¡¯s existence, but mainly it was because the Lords were considering the Dragon Marauder to be a clear threat©¤©¤as an enemy that had to perish.

    ¡¸With all due respect, Listelka-sama. They are employed soldiers©¤©¤mere mercenaries. Their existence is an eyesore but, I wonder if there is a need to go so far as to purposefully aim for their destruction¡­¡­¡¹

    Pope Nias spoke forward like that, but Listelka silently shook her head.

    ¡¸No, at the very least they should know about the matter in regard to Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The representatives opened their eyes wide in surprise. Listelka smiled to them and continued.

    ¡¸The information about Avalon shouldn¡¯t be that easily obtained even from the Ruins but¡­¡­. ©¤©¤Well, let¡¯s put that aside for now. But based from what we heard about their action, we can only assume that this is the case.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux, this is¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis beside him glanced his way in surprise.

    In contrast Lux gave a small nod and showed his agreement.

    The talk they had at the briefing session in the royal capital.

    Lux¡¯s prediction that Dragon Marauder was taking action with an objective in mind was right in the mark.

    ¡¸It will be troubling if people with ill will like them break into Avalon ahead of us. With how they are aiming for the capture of Ruin just like us, they are an opponent that ought to be defeated.¡¹

    In addition, Listelka promised even more bounty if Dragon Marauder¡¯s leaders were defeated, and their very organization itself was crushed.

    ¡¸The second issue is the search for the seventh Ruin, the ¡ºMoon¡». The whereabouts of the existence of the Ruin itself is unknown, so nothing can be started without first discovering it before subjugating the Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸The seventh Ruin, the Moon¡­¡­. If I remember correctly, it should be floating in the sky of Turkimes Confederation previously wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Minister Gunius muttered that and turned his face toward the two representatives of Turkimes Confederation.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Seven Dragon Paladins Soffice was staying quiet, so her aide Uruk answered in her place.

    ¡¸Eeerr, I don¡¯t know where it went and I haven¡¯t heard anything¡­¡­is what Soffice said desu. Also that¡¯s right, don¡¯t stare hard at me like that, it¡¯s embarrassing! Is what Soffi©¤©¤mugah!?¡¹

    The neck of Uruk who was speaking cheerfully was wordlessly grabbed by Soffice¡¯s reaching hand.

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t say unnecessary thing, is what Soffice said desu! In regard to me-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps that innocent dialogue cleared up the poisonous air, because there was no more hounding toward the two after that.

    But the next moment, that relaxed air was blown away.

    ¡¸Then, for the last, about the third issue©¤©¤getting rid of the traitor who existed among these representatives of seven countries.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Instantly, another type of nervousness that was different from until just now was stretched inside the room.

    At the same time, everyone in that place looked at each other¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Suddenly the atmosphere become stormy here. Even though there are a lot of fellows you only met for the first time here, you already came saying that there is traitor among us?¡¹

    While the other representatives were drawing back, Magialca responded with a provocative grin.

    In contrast Listelka¡¯s face was staying graceful and her lips abruptly loosened into a smile.

    ¡¸It seems that there was faulty expression in what I said, my apologies. The point is that what I meant just now also include about the matter from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸From here on, you mean¡­¡­?¡¹

    Listelka casted her eyes down and nodded toward the question of Pope Nias who was making a doubtful face.

    ¡¸It¡¯s already applied to the present but, from here on we will be forming an alliance, so hiding something among each other will be unforgivable. If at the next time any country makes a false report regarding Ruin¡¯s capture, or snatching treasure without permission, and the likes©¤©¤, we will consider that country as ¡ºenemy¡» and attack.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The leaders¡¯ representatives who were having joyful look from getting shown a glimpse of the benefit they could receive suddenly got flustered and uneasiness oozed out from their expression.

    ¡¸This is a matter that concerned the destruction of the world if we fail, so we have to pay meticulous attention. We cannot entrust our trust to a country that disrupt the agreement due to their own desire. Please pardon us for this. In return, regarding the things that everyone took out from the Ruins until now, we won¡¯t ask you to return them.¡¹

    She emphasized the last line with unchanging calm smile.

    ¡¸Ye, yes. That is helpful for us.¡¹

    Minister Gunius nodded in representation of the thinking of each country.

    The remaining leaders¡¯ representatives also quickly kept up an expression of agreement.

    (As expected, huh¡­¡­)

    Ymir Theocracy that kept quiet about the existence of Automata Ney Louches, and the new kingdom that possessed one Grand Force were also like that but©¤©¤most likely the other countries were also hiding information regarding Ruin that only they knew about.

    Thus, Listelka¡¯s casual reminder and pressure caused them to get flustered.

    But, it would be bad if the negotiation ended like this.

    The moment Lux was going to raise his hand with that thinking, Magialca opened her mouth first.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Dealing with traitor right away huh, well, that¡¯s an obvious decision I guess.¡¹

    She put her joined hands behind her head and then rocked her chair playfully like a kid.

    But, her innocent smile warped obscenely and she glared at Listelka.

    ¡¸But, how will you give us proof that you Lords aren¡¯t lying? It can¡¯t be helped if you all are considered as enemy too if you betray us the same©¤©¤if you can assert that then I¡¯ll accept it.¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, I agree with that.¡¹

    Listelka too also replied immediately at Magialca¡¯s rebuttal.

    With this the atmosphere became one that didn¡¯t allow any country to declare that they couldn¡¯t accept this condition.

    The moment they said anything like that, they would be judged that their country was hiding something damning.

    ¡¸I see. Then with our direction decided like that©¤©¤how about we talk about the specific at some other time? The people here are only the representative of the ruler of each country, and we also have to decide the fine detail of the contract. There are still many things to do.¡¹

    ¡¸It seems so. If everyone else is also fine with that, then please go with that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it. The new kingdom too, I will report to her majesty Queen Raffy of this.¡¹

    After Lisha replied, the other leaders¡¯ representatives also agreed one after another.

    The talk of the alliance was concluded for the time being. A relaxed atmosphere was starting to flow inside the room.

    The situation showed the sign of closure for the time being and everyone would breakup, but,

    ¡¸A, everyone of the new kingdom.  I have a request that is just something additional.¡¹

    Suddenly Listelka addressed Lux and others like that.

    Lisha showed a slightly perplexed expression. Then Listelka leaned her face further forward.

    ¡¸In this location, the Academy, there is a place that is called practice ground isn¡¯t it? I also heard that there will be an event called a campus festival from tomorrow here©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Certainly that is so but, what about it?¡¹

    ¡¸Can you add a side attraction that I am thinking into that festival? Let¡¯s see. What do you think about a mock battle©¤©¤a skill demonstration battle between fellow Drag-Knight representatives gathered here?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What did you say?¡¹

    It seemed that it wasn¡¯t just Lisha who was taken by surprise.

    Not to mention Lux and Celis, even the other representatives were also frowning in perplexity.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ridiculous, why do we have to intentionally quarrel between ourselves?¡¹

    Pope Nias of Ymir Theocracy flared up like that, but,

    ¡¸It¡¯s not anything like quarrel¡­¡­, just a side entertainment. Besides from what I heard, all of you were also opening a tournament that was called the All-Dragon Battle in order to obtain the right to investigate Ruins. or something¡¹

    ¡®Nuu¡¯, the leaders¡¯ representatives were at a loss for words. Seeing that, Listelka pushed even further.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤we the owner of Ruins will also endorse the personnel who will be made to capture the Ruins from here on. That¡¯s why we wish to at least know the strength of everyone as a cooperator who will fight together with us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She argued with a friendly smile, but the four leaders¡¯ representatives of each country made a dissatisfied face.

    Even Lux understood the reason of that.

    They didn¡¯t want to show their hand by purposefully making their main force fought each other in this place where the representatives from many countries were gathered.

    Depending on how one thought, they could just hold back in the fight but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, I will grant the right to investigate the first Ruin, BabelTower to the representative of the country who is victorious in this mock battle. The period will be a month. If it¡¯s during that time, then the country of the victor will be allowed to investigate the Ruin as many times as they need.¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait, your highness! What are you saying so suddenly!?¡¹

    When Lisha yelled in panic, the expression of Lux and Celis also changed.

    The first Ruin, Babel, existed right in new kingdom, at the territory that was located in the west.

    It was also the territory that was governed by Celis¡¯s father, one of the four great nobles Dist Ralgris.

    In the case that a foreign country temporarily obtained that right, there was a possibility that the new kingdom would be hit by its aftermath.

    It was already a big problem if a Ruin was poked and Abyss surged out at the surrounding. They would have to protect the people from that. And they wouldn¡¯t get any benefit at all from that investigation.

    Furthermore if even if a Ragnarok appeared then, there was a risk that the territory would be destroyed immediately.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as Princess Lisha said. Babel is a Ruin that is difficult to capture, in the first place©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis attempted to stop the talk in a hurry, but Listelka didn¡¯t withdraw.

    ¡¸We, the owner of Ruins wish to entrust the capture of a Ruin to a country that we can rely on. Is there anything mistaken witth what I said?¡¹

    ¡¸Bu, but that kind of matter, without first discussing it with mother¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Lisha averted her face and muttered, Listelka¡¯s attitude suddenly changed.

    ¡¸My? Are you assuming the position of a country¡¯s princess with such state of affairs? To be unable to make any decision by yourself without asking someone else and obtained a backing first©¤©¤that¡¯s astonishing.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka¡¯s smile was the same like before.

    Whether it was her gentle expression, and also her calm tone.

    But, the glint that was emitted from those asymmetrically colored eyes was oozing emotion that was different from everything until now.

    Like a blade, those callous words stabbed the chest of the girl who was chosen as substitute.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? I©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who bit hard on her lower lip lifted up her face to make objection.

    Lux tried to cut in between them to cover for her, it was then,

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t this interesting. That side entertainment, let me nominate myself to participate in it.¡¹

    ¡¸O, oo! So you will do it, Lady Rosa!¡¹

    Minister Gunius leaked out voice of admiration at the red haired girl¡¯s coming forward.

    Rosa Granhide.

    The female Seven Dragon Paladins who had the nickname of ¡ºWitch of Steel¡» declared that loudly.

    A small stir was spreading through everyone present who saw that.

    The unexpected suggestion from the Lords.

    A mock battle between fellow Drag-Knights who represented their country with the Ruin investigation right for a month at stake.

    All the other countries were showing indecisive attitude, but because Heiburg Republic snapped at the bait, it became hard to stop this flow of event.

    But it would be bad to not stop it because of the risk that ¡ºprize¡» would bring to the new kingdom.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. If there is no one who comes forward to introduce themselves as a contender, we will prioritize you to be the one to investigate the Babel.¡¹

    Lisha paled hearing Listelka¡¯s words.

    When she was about to speak out an objection, a presence suddenly moved beside her.

    ¡¸I understand Rosa. As the aide of new kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, I, Celistia Ralgris will fill the role as your opponent.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Celis-senpai!?¡¹

    Lux raised his voice in surprise at what she said, but Celis sent a straightforward gaze at Rosa.

    She confronted the ¡ºenemy¡» before her as a great noble who represented the new kingdom.

    ¡¸Hee, a member of one of the four great nobles that are famous even in the new kingdom. To be able to have you who are the Academy¡¯s strongest as my opponent, what a honor this iiis.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as you wished. There is also the matter of the injury you gave Sharis.¡¹

    Celis calmly responded toward Rosa who was snickering smugly.

    Seeing the gaze of the two crossed each other, Lux spontaneously held his breath.

    A short time ago, the two of them exchanged attack in front of the Academy.

    A town girl of Cross Field got dragged into it, and Sharis was lightly injured. Even Lux also heard about that incident from Triad.

    Lux who recalled it approached Celis¡¯s side in hurry.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai, please be careful. Most likely she is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I understand that this is a trap. But, there is no other way except to accept now that she has gone this far. I judged that we have to accept their challenge instead.¡¹

    The first Ruin inside the territory of new kingdom©¤©¤Babel. A skill demonstration battle would be held with the right to investigate it for a month as the prize.

    If they didn¡¯t win this fight, there was a possibility that new kingdom might receive a large damage from the Abyss that overflowed out in the process of the investigation.

    If the representatives of other countries also didn¡¯t declare their interest to participate, this situation might be avoidable, but after Rosa showed her will to join the battle, that option was gone.

    And so, Celis raised her hand to nominate herself with resolve of that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It looks like there won¡¯t be any other who will want to participate isn¡¯t it? Then, it will be a match between Heiburg Republic against New Kingdom Atismata©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait! I will also participate. Please let me fight together with her as representative of the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux!?¡¹

    ¡¸My?¡¹

    Celis was surprised hearing Lux¡¯s request, while Rosa¡¯s eyes blinked in surprise.

    Lisha too reflexively sent her gaze to Lux with a dubious expression.

    ¡¸O, oi Lux, why even you¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Forgive me Lisha-sama. But, I have some kind of bad premonition. There is no way I can let Celis-senpai fight by herself.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­, you are©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Celis¡¯s expression shook in a daze, Listelka raised her voice once more.

    ¡¸That¡¯s what he say but, the aide of Heiburg Republic¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Calensia-san, what will you do?¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m, that¡¯s©¤©¤, ¡­¡­yes. I will, participate.¡¹

    The glasses girl standing by behind Rosa showed a flustered state, but a gaze was directed to her from Rosa beside her and she nodded hesitantly.

    Rather than agreeing to fight, it was more like she couldn¡¯t go against Rosa¡¯s intention.

    ¡¸Then,  let¡¯s put the arrangement of the detail for later. Everyone, thank you very much for everything today.¡¹

    Listelka concluded with a smile and the summit closed its curtain.

    The dialogue where tension, shock, and then haggling was entangled intricately met its end temporarily like this.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also busy. For now everyone is to step back. Later I will contact you to talk about the fine detail.¡¹

    After the meeting was over, Magialca told everyone that as the captain and left her seat.

    One by one the leaders¡¯ representatives also left the room. After that the man who was standing in the shadow all this tim. Also went out to the corridor alone.

    Celis and Lisha let out a sigh ¡®fuu¡¯ from the content of the meeting. Lux left them behind and moved his feet.

    ¨C

    The knight who was present as Listelka¡¯s guard©¤©¤Fugil.

    The older brother who was slowly walking calmly passed through in front of the waiting Lux.

    ¡¸Is there nothing that you are going to say to me? ©¤©¤Nii-san.¡¹

    Lux threw a question along with a chilly gaze.

    Fugil who was going to pass through uneventfully stopped walking, then he looked back at Lux behind him.

    His gaze crossed with the gaze of Lux who made the same motion, then he replied with that bold smile.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter younger brother? do you wish to seek advice from me again? Aa, or else you wanted to greet me? It has been a long time huh©¤©¤it¡¯s great that you seem healthy.¡¹

    Fugil grinned with a jest. It caused Lux¡¯s heart to be disarrayed.

    It was an admonishing attitude that was the same as when he taught Lux the way to fight as Drag-Knight or when Lux consulted him about the plan to change the old empire.

    Lux¡¯s old wound from the betrayal of someone who he once trusted received a painful sensation as though it was a wound gouged open.

    ¡¸What are you scheming this time? Five years ago you destroyed the old empire, this time what are you going to do next to the imperial family of the Lord. ©¤©¤Answer me!!¡¹

    Even so, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate anymore.

    He would face his past failure and asked the truth from this man.

    But, it was as though even that resolve was seen through. The man before him sighed in lamentation.

    ¡¸My objective? You are incomprehensible guy as always. A pathetic man. my younger brother. Just what¡¯s with you? Since when you became reduced©¤©¤reduced to such a fool?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s heart froze from the gesture his elder brother showed.

    He was resolved to be replied back with sarcasm, to be laughed down, to be told off maliciously.

    But, Fugil didn¡¯t show any of that. Instead he laughed derisively in complete exasperation.

    His gaze was pitying in thorough disappointment.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You cannot answer me, in other words you have a hidden motive, is that it?¡¹

    It was the best Lux could do to tighten his expression so he could reply back without trembling voice.

    That was how much Lux was swallowed by the atmosphere of Fugil who he confronted as someone who would fight in the same side with him once more.

    At the era of the old empire, when Lux saw Fugil for the first time, he thought that Fugil¡¯s existence was out of place even among the imperial family.

    But the man existing before him right now looked even more different to him.

    It was as though the man was sinking and sinking©¤©¤sinking so completely that he couldn¡¯t even see his figure.

    It was dark like a bottomless abyss, containing an unknown terror.

    ¡¸Did you want it to end like that? For the conclusion of the revolution you started. to end the way it did because of my evil lie? That you were only led astray by the evil that is me. thinking that you were a righteous and honest imperial family member. My cute little brother, if that¡¯s what you want me to tell you then how about I say it.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t©¤©¤screw around.¡¹

    Those sweet words that were as though coiling around him caused Lux to respond with an enraged gaze.

    At the same time his hand unconsciously touched the handle of the Sword Device on his waist.

    But, Fugil¡¯s expression was unchanged from his mocking smile and he slowly walked away from Lux.

    And then, with a kind tone that was filled with a lethal dose of deadly poison, Fugil whispered into his ear.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Isn¡¯t it wonderful. Very splendid my younger brother. That righteousness that is unable to sacrifice even a single relative. unable to discard anything. Your ephemeral ideal that is tried to save even evil, I¡¯ll root for it from the bottom of my heart.¡¹

    With that preface, the whisper continued even further toward the petrified Lux.

    ¡¸You stand up with your own will in order to overcome your sin, and stand on this place as Drag-Knight representative. If it¡¯s you then surely you won¡¯t be mistaken, this time for sure. You won¡¯t be betrayed. You won¡¯t fail. This time for sure©¤©¤you will be able to become a real hero, one that you yourself wished to become.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­u, gu¡¹

    The moment Lux heard those words, intense pain ran through at the back of his eyes.

    His field of vision was dyed with sandstorm, a voice that he had never even heard before was revived at the back of his mind.

    ¨C

    ¡º©¤©¤You cannot even stand on the same stage where I fight.¡»

    ¡ºYou who avert your eyes from the true nature of this world. has no qualification to be a hero.¡»

    ¡ºIf you don¡¯t notice, that the end of the salvation you are seeking itself is connected to despair.¡»

    ¡ºEven if for example you can see your dream becoming reality, and you save the world, at that time¡»

    ¡ºYou who know the whole truth©¤©¤will once more, X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X¡»

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Get a hold of yourself!? Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A familiar voice pulled Lux back to his senses.

    Instead of Fugil, Lisha¡¯s face was before his eyes.

    ¡¸What happened? Did that man do something to you!?¡¹

    Lux who was questioned looked around at his surrounding.

    He was in the long corridor in front of the conference room. Fugil and the Lords had already left from this place.

    ¡¸No©¤©¤. I just, a bit dizzy¡­¡­¡¹

    From what Lisha told him, it seemed that right after Lux exchanged words with Fugil, he got into a daze and stood stock still.

    He couldn¡¯t remember the words from just now.

    But, the pain of the wound in his heart being deeply gouged was remained.

    ¡¸Rather than that, this is troubling huh. That despicable woman called Rosa or something, now it turned into a fight with her.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s words returned Lux¡¯s focus at the matter that was told at the end of the summit.

    With a somewhat apologetic expression, Celis returned to Lux and Lisha¡¯s side.

    ¡¸Forgive me. I willfully nominated myself just now. By all rights, I should work out a plan to avoid that very mock battle itself but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, perhaps that¡¯s so but, at that situation, it would be difficult to overturn the flow from that result no matter what we did.¡¹

    Lisha was also agreeing while whispering that with a slightly troubled look.

    ¡¸But, can you really win? That Witch of Steel whatever, I heard that she is Heiburg¡¯s trump card you know? It seems that fellow¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride is called Gorynych, but that¡¯s all that I heard.¡¹

    The mercilessness that caused the death of five people in the mock battle at her own country, and her strength.

    They understood that Rosa was a dangerous Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. I don¡¯t know the ability of the Divine Drag-Ride she has, but I swear I will do everything within my ability and win. Ra, rather than that, why did Lux nominated yourself?¡¹

    After Celis declared resolutely, she turned a flustered gaze toward Lux.

    ¡¸Forgive me. I was worried for Celis-senpai,  I couldn¡¯t just stay quiet without doing anything myself.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux said that awkwardly, Celis¡¯s cheeks blushed.

    But, she hurriedly shook her head left and right before slowly averting her eyes from Lux.

    ¡¸Tha, that, I will accept only your feeling! I, it will be alright if it¡¯s me! I can properly take responsibility for my own decision!¡¹

    Celis said only that before she left Lux side with rapid footsteps.

    Without any time for Lux to stop her, her back was gone from his view.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with that Celis. Somehow it feels like she isn¡¯t herself lately©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I wonder, if I did something¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¨C

    Slightly behind Lux and Lisha who were tilting their head in puzzlement, two girls were sighing.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with these slow people¡­¡­. It¡¯s us who are watching who get astounded. Don¡¯t they notice anything?¡¹

    The one who was at her wits¡¯ end like that was the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut.

    Due to the recoil from using the secret medicine©¤©¤Elixir at the previous battle, she was unable to wear Drag-Ride for a while.

    Perhaps because of that, she was relatively quiet at the meeting this time.

    ¡¸Can you please not say that? Though I also understand your reaction really well.¡¹

    Krulcifer beside her also made a wry smile looking troubled and denied what Mel said.

    Since the incident at Ymir Theocracy before this, the two of them became able to speak more openly to each other without reservation than before. Their relationship became amiable.

    ¡¸More importantly Krulcifer. What¡¯s going on with you and Onii-chan? You finished confessing properly to him right? You said that you wanted to become his real fianc¨¦e.¡¹

    ¡¸I intended to convey it to Lux-kun in roundabout way, but as you can see Lux-kun is slow like that. It won¡¯t go well unless I make him conscious of it a bit more.¡¹

    ¡¸You said that, but actually you are scared of getting rejected right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    For a moment Krulcifer fell silent when Mel pointed out with a devilish smile.

    But, after slightly pondering in hesitation, she quietly muttered before long.

    ¡¸Actually. I was once going to propose for us to have a formal relationship. It was the day we went back to the new kingdom after that incident that happened at your place.¡¹

    ¡¸What, so you were rejected just as I thought. I wonder if Onii-chan prefer a girl with larger breast?¡¹

    ¡¸Listen to the story until the end. And then, I went to his little sister Airi-chan to tell her about that, but I received an unexpected reply from her. According to her, it¡¯s impossible for the current Lux-kun to become anyone¡¯s lover©¤©¤she said.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    Mel made a dubious face toward Krulcifer who suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸Did that little sister lied so that her Onii-chan wouldn¡¯t get taken away, or something?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s also possible, but the answer is different. He is the survivor of the old empire¡¯s imperial family that imposed misgovernment©¤©¤, he is burdened with large amount of debt and the status of criminal in the new kingdom. In the first place the country won¡¯t even recognize his right to marry in his current situation.¡¹

    ¡¸No way!? But! From what you told me, if I remember right Onii-chan is©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel was shocked and flared up at Krulcifer.

    Mel also knew about the matter of how the old empire was destroyed by Lux himself who was a former prince, and how he was the Black Hero who became the key figure of the new kingdom.

    She wondered if it was all right for the person who fought in order to save the country to be burdened by such shackles.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s a troubling story. But, he himself believed that in such condition he has no qualification to get into relationship with anyone. It seems that he refused all confession that he has gotten several times when he was doing chores in the past.¡¹

    ¡ºThat¡¯s how it is, so one day I will have no choice but to support the unmarried Nii-san. It¡¯s really a troubling matter but©¤©¤it can¡¯t be helped, he is my only family left after all.¡»

    Krulcifer laughed at such answer from Airi, but at that time she thought that this girl might be actually serious in a sense.

    ¡¸Then, that means Lux-oniichan absolutely cannot become happy? Even though he had fought many times, and saved the new kingdom from danger by risking his life©¤©¤¡¹

    When Mel casted her eyes down with a pensive expression, Krulcifer silently shook her head.

    ¡¸No, most likely if it¡¯s the current Lux-kun, he should be able to ask to have that criminal collar removed. In fact, the consuls of the new kingdom once tried to do that to sell favor to him instead.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, why¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was deliberately keeping hold of his position as criminal?

    Krulcifer told the bewildered Mel the answer.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, it depend on his own feeling. Lux-kun is still thinking that it¡¯s only natural for him to be a criminal. He is regretting that he was unable to settle his own ideal that tried to change the old empire.¡¹

    That was why he resolved himself to be involved once more with the country called new kingdom as a Seven Dragon Paladins and fight.

    Fugil Arcadia, the man who betrayed Lux and destroyed the empire¡¯s imperial family and army.

    The mystery of the clan of Lord, the imperial family of Holy Arcadia Empire. Lux was trying to face his past along with those two things, to make sure of the truth of what happened at that day©¤©¤of what he tried to do.

    ¡¸How should I say it, he is too serious¡­¡­but that¡¯s also not it. It¡¯s as though, he is cursed.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps that is so.¡¹

    The reason why Lux didn¡¯t even hesitate to risk his life in earnestly heading toward his ideal.

    How he felt he was ¡ºsaved¡» by getting reduced into the livelihood of doing chores.

    In a glance, it looked as though he was being possessed by something.

    But¡­¡­.

    ¡¸But, if that¡¯s actually the case, then I wish to save him from that curse. If the time comes that Lux himself believe from his heart that it¡¯s fine to take off that criminal collar©¤©¤I intend to convey my feeling to him clearly.¡¹

    She still couldn¡¯t make the last push, the confession to make it all clear.

    Because until Lux settled his own feeling, the other girls also couldn¡¯t take advantage of it.

    But, until they reached that point, she was intending to firmly grasp Lux¡¯s heart using the timeshe has now.

    ¡¸This is really interesting. To think that I would be able to see you acting like this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, now aren¡¯t you are glad that I became the aide for Ymir?¡¹

    Krulcifer responded with a cool smile even toward Mel¡¯s teasing.

    When Pope Nias returned after finishing the discussion with the leaders¡¯ representatives, they began light briefing session as Ymir Theocracy¡¯s representatives.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This is strange. Something is odd. Even though I thought that I was finally able to do what I ought to do just now, why©¤©¤¡¹

    Inside the Academy¡¯s ground that was dyed red by the setting sun.

    Perhaps because it was the day before the campus festival, there were a lot of students putting their preparation in order steadily©¤©¤or rather, they were spending all their time and energy to prepare each of their stall or event until the very last minute.

    among them was Celis whowas staring at that sight from afar by herself.

    ¡º©¤©¤lacking in focus.¡»

    The words of her father Dist were still echoing inside her ears.

    Trusting Lux and merely leaving everything to a boy who was her junior were two completely different matters.

    Even though she was taking the position of an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins in order to protect him, she was lacking in focus.

    That was why she accepted the provocation of Rosa Granhide in the summit just now.

    The battle would be carried out at the end of the campus festival that would be held for a period of two days©¤©¤in the practice ground.

    But©¤©¤, there would be no spectator watching the fight from among the students as well as guest from outside.

    Because there would also be the management of the campus festival, and in the unlikely chance that Dragon Marauder attacked, having spectators would only invite further chaos.

    That matter itself wasn¡¯t a problem.

    In order to save the new kingdom, this method was inevitable, and she thought that she couldn¡¯t allow this to become a burden for Lisha and Lux.

    ¡¸And yet©¤©¤Lux is trying to help me again. Even though I thought that it will be fine if I can fight alone just this one time.¡¹

    But, even so she felt happy for his consideration.

    And then, the moment the summit was over, her face suddenly blushed with heated.

    ¡¸Perhaps, it¡¯s better if I distant myself from Lux for a bit . If not, it feels I will depend on his good will again.¡¹

    Celis muttered that to herself in a place where there was no one.

    But, at that timing, suddenly there was a sound coming from a cover. Celis reflexively turned around.

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸My? You are sharp as usual. It¡¯s different from what I heard.¡¹

    The one who said that while appearing from hiding was Kirihime Yoruka.

    She wasn¡¯t wearing that black foreign outfit with high exposure rate, but the uniform of the Academy.

    She was staring at Celis with a bewitching smile that looked beautiful but would make anyone who saw it to feel vaguely uneasy.

    ¡¸How unusual. For you to appear personally in front of me like this.¡¹

    Yoruka was a girl with incomprehensible way of thinking even from Celis¡¯s point of view, but only her loyalty toward Lux that was certain.

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s a matter that Aruji-sama asked of me. It seems that you are acting somewhat odd, so he asked me to check up on you while I¡¯m in the middle of patrolling.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux was concerned about him.

    Just from hearing that name briefly, a disturbance ran through her once more.

    But, this time she was able to suppress the throbbing of her heart somehow after taking a deep breath.

    ¡¸I¡¯m thankful for Lux¡¯s consideration. But, as you can see I¡¯m all right, so can I ask you to tell him that there is no need for worry?¡¹

    ¡¸Is it©¤©¤really true?¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean by that?¡¹

    Celis threw a genuine question to Yoruka.

    ¡¸Even though I look like this, I am sensitive to people¡¯s emotion. This violet eye©¤©¤the sense that was strengthened by Baptism can accurately read the wavelength of consciousness from the other party¡¯s expression and gesture.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s lips lightly relaxed and she pointed at her own left eye.

    Purple iris shining mysteriously could be seen there.

    ¡¸Are you intending to say that I am lying?¡¹

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s not like I can read your heart after all.¡¹

    Yoruka replied immediately with an artificial pleasant smile that looked bright.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis thought that this girl was tough to face as usual.

    It wasn¡¯t that she hated her, but she didn¡¯t understand how she should talk with her.

    ¡¸By the way Celis-san, most recently it seemed that Krulcifer-san tried to propose Aruji-sama to go out with her©¤©¤do you know about that?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? Wha, what are you saying so suddenly!? You are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Well, I only happened to overhear of it just now, so please don¡¯t pay it any mind. And then how about Celis-san?¡¹

    ¡¸Wh, why are you asking me that!? Regarding the matter of love, i, it¡¯s something that is still unrelated with me.¡¹

    ¡¸That is unfortunate to hear. I hoped that you too would bear Aruji-sama¡¯s child as one of his concubines by all means but©¤©¤. More importantly, you will fight against one of the Seven Dragon Paladins correct? Let¡¯s see, if my memory serves me right, it seems the opponent is called the Witch of Steel or something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Is she a formidable enemy even from the view point of a Drag-Knight of your level?¡¹

    When she lightly opened hostilities with Rosa at the front gate of the Academy, she managed to estimate her ability in general.

    Certainly she was an uncommonly strong person, but Celis thought if it was her current self she would be able to fight her more than equally but©¤©¤.

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t answer that question and only returned a smile filled with deep implication.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. How should I explain it? In case I and you©¤©¤try to kill each other in downtown, which one of us do you believe will win?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    It was only her guess, but it felt like the winner would be Yoruka.

    Celis herself didn¡¯t want to admit so easily that she was inferior against a first year girl, but in the sense of personal combat skill, this girl called Yoruka possessed ability at the same level with Lux.

    ¡¸By the way, the capability between me and you is about equal©¤©¤that¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking. Regardless of that, in a real battle I will be the winner. In other words, that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Their strength was about equal, but in real battle Yoruka would be in advantage.

    Celis pondered the meaning of that and she immediately drew out the answer.

    ¡¸I see. You mean that I am weak against ambush or surprise attack, or perhaps against foul play, is that it? If that¡¯s the case©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Completely wrong. What are you saying?¡¹

    Yoruka once more replied immediately with a smile that contained no ill will, interrupting Celis.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka faced Celis who was making a conflicted face and calmly began to resume their talk.

    ¡¸Things like ambush, surprise attack, or foul play won¡¯t work against you. It¡¯s something more fundamental than such things. For example you, whether it¡¯s against ally or enemy, you will fight in the way to not kill human as much as possible.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis was taken by surprise at what Yoruka pointed out so casually.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t have the resolve to bring death to the enemy when the time come©¤©¤is not what I mean. However even after omitting that, you possess the minimum consideration for other. You are tied by moral.¡¹

    ¡¸But, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s something that is par for the course. Rather, it¡¯s me who is broken. I who don¡¯t have a human heart won¡¯t hesitate in such thing. However in real battle, that slight difference in mentality will become a gap. Such thing can also be said to that Witch of Steel.¡¹

    ¡¸She©¤©¤a member of Seven Dragon Paladins, Rosa Granhide won¡¯t balk to involve the surrounding people, and bring death to enemy or ally. Is that what you are saying?¡¹

    Celis finally understood the reason of Yoruka¡¯s warning.

    Most likely it would be difficult for her to win if she didn¡¯t resolve herself once more.

    ¡¸Perhaps in a sense she might be nastier than me. After all before talking about not balking, no, in the first place, that figure of hers could it be©¤©¤let¡¯s stop. From here it will become only my individual conjecture after all.¡¹

    Unusually Yoruka herself was talking ambiguously.

    Celis put her feeling in order once more and said her thanks to Yoruka.

    ¡¸My thanks for your consideration. I will come into the skill demonstration battle against her with meticulous vigilance.¡¹

    ¡¸I hope so. It¡¯s forbidden in the rule, but if there is danger to Aruji-sama¡¯s safety then I intend to barge in, so please fight bravely with that in mind. Well then©¤©¤¡¹

    Was she coming here to expressly give advice so that Celis wouldn¡¯t be defeated?

    That motive which was just like Yoruka relieved Celis instead.

    After saying only that, Yoruka left like a smoke.

    Celis took a deep breath beside the trees behind the school where there wasn¡¯t anyone and lifted her face.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t allow Lux to be burdened. This time I will win with my own strength without relying on him.¡¹

    That was exactly the mission that should be accomplished by her who was the daughter of one of the four great nobles.

    Celis believed that this was the answer toward the reprimand¡ºLacking in focus©¤©¤¡»  that her father Dist said to her.

    ¡¸If I can do that, surely©¤©¤I will be able to fight together with Lux once more.¡¹

    Celis stared at the setting sun and made an oath.

    After immersing herself in the air of the campus festival like that for a while, a voice came from afar.

    ¡¸Ooooi Celis. Help us out over here! It feels like the festival tomorrow is going to be busy.¡¹

    The three members of Triad who were led by Sharis were calling at her while waving their hand.

    Sharis¡¯s hand was wrapped with bandage, but it didn¡¯t look like she was particularly hindered by it.

    A relieved smile emerged on Celis¡¯s face as though the worrying she did by herself was just a lie.

    (As I thought, the academy is a good thing¡­¡­)

    Celis was thinking that while walking slowly toward the girls.

 Volume 8 - CH 3

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Everyone in Academy, is your preparation finished? You must be tired from the strict training everyday. But©¤©¤this is our springtime that only comes once in our life. Even military cadet need relaxation isn¡¯t that right? Then, let¡¯s have great fun and get fired up together with the people of Cross Field today!¡¹

    ¡®WAAAAaAH!¡¯ Loud cheers rose from the student at the same time when Relie¡¯s greeting ended.

    Countless stalls and numerous events that were held on set up stages.

    Schedules and maps were posted in a big way everywhere.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The ingredient is more insufficient than planned! Don¡¯t worry about permission or what not, just bring it from the dining hall¡¯s warehouse!¡¹

    ¡¸Selling back the admission ticket is forbidden! ¡­¡­Wait, there is forgeries in circulation already you say!?¡¹

    ¡¸This year there is illegal trespasser coming out from underground you know!? Contact the vigilance committee and Triad right away!¡¹

    ¨C

    Like that, the noble young ladies were running around flurriedly and high pitched voices thundered from everywhere.

    Even though there was still one more hour until the public guest came in, a chaotic situation already came into play.

    ¡¸How should I say it, I heard the rumor but¡­¡­, this is amazing.¡¹

    ¡¸I too am a first year student so this is the first time I see it but©¤©¤, as I thought headmaster is strange isn¡¯t she¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was smiling wryly while his little sister Airi was also whispering in blank amazement.

    The two were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the first campus festival they participated in.

    Airi was scheduled to work as librarian at the library, but it seemed that her preparation had finished.

    And so, at the very least for now before the event was started¡­¡­like that, she was together with Lux, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸By the way, what kind of punishment game Nii-san is getting?¡¹

    Airi said a cruel thing after seeing her brother¡¯s figure standing beside her.

    A white cloth was hanging from Lux¡¯s shoulder, there was the words ¡ºOdd Jobs Specialist, will do anything. ¡î1 time 1 ticket¡î¡» written on it.

    ¡¸No, I also don¡¯t really get it though¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment he replied like that with a complex expression, his back was hit *pofuh*.

    ¡¸Morniiing! Lux-chi, are you weeell!? Are you pleased with my plan?¡¹

    The one who came while spreading around an innocent smile was one of the Triad who was his classmate, Tillfur.

    ¡¸Wait, just what¡¯s this!? Even though you were saying that you will choose the event that I¡¯ll participate at for me!?¡¹

    Certainly he heard that yesterday, and yet for some reason this morning he was suddenly entrusted with this bizarre plan.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t like it? Buuut, Lux-chi actually should thank me tearfully for this you know?¡¹

    When Lux questioned her about this matter, TIllfur sent him an impish smile.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Because Lux-chi didn¡¯t choose what event you will participate in at the start, the scramble behind the scene was absurdly fierce just so you know. After all everyone was saying ¡ºHe will come to our place¡» and there was no control at all. It¡¯s also fine to decide it by drawing lottery, but everyone else will be dissatisfied using that way.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The situation was also similar among us first year.¡¹

    Unnoticed Noct had also arrived.

    The two Triad members were wearing arm band that was embroidered with the writing ¡ºCampus Festival Vigilance Committee Management¡».

    It seemed it was a special title for this day.

    ¡¸Thanks to that everyone in the class later wouldn¡¯t stop demanding Airi to influence her Onii-san to participate in their project.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s right. Thanks to that I was tired rejecting all of them. I wasn¡¯t resented by my classmates after that is surely because of my everyday¡¯s good conduct.¡¹

    Airi also added in with sarcasm for some reason.

    At that timing even Sharis arrived and tapped *pon* Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸In addition, Lux-kun is busy recently, that you tend to postpone the individual request from the students. If you don¡¯t disperse their frustration at time like this in this way, their dissatisfaction will explode and you will get assaulted you know?¡¹

    ¡¸A, assaulted¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Fufufu. Oho, you don¡¯t notice? ©¤©¤Something, like this.¡¹

    When Lux was looking perplexed, Sharis pulled Lux¡¯s head and sandwiched it under her arm.

    The elasticity of the moderately big breast hit Lux¡¯s face. Lux¡¯s face spontaneously turned red.

    ¡¸Wha-!? What are you doing Sharis-san!?¡¹

    ¡¸What, this is just a bit of warning from me as vigilance committee member. Please be careful during this campus festival.¡¹

    It seemed that Sharis herself was also embarrassed, she laughed to hide her embarrassment.

    The remaining others who were watching that were sending her an exasperated gaze.

    ¡¸It¡¯s Sharis-san who is assaulting Nii-san though.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. This is an unreliable vigilance committee captain.¡¹

    Getting retorted by two first year students, Sharis cleared her throat *cough* once.

    ¡¸Wai-, how long you are going to hold Lux-chi like that!?¡¹

    Tillfur tore Lux away from her at that opening and they returned back to the topic.

    ¡¸Well, so ¡®cause of that Lux-chi, you go around everywhere in the festival okay? If a girl requests you at the middle bringing ticket, help them out in their stall or event. Ah, but, it will be no good if you stay for too long in one place you know?¡¹

    Like that they taught Lux the content of the work he should do.

    In the end it was the usual odd jobs, but it was more that he was for the exclusive use of the students in the campus festival.

    ¡¸Till~! Come over here a bit! There is incident over thereee!¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of that, a female student¡¯s voice came from the direction of the courtyard.

    ¡¸¡¯Kay, I¡¯m going there nooow. Then Lux-chi, have fun in the festival okay.¡¹

    Tillfur who was called concluded the talk like that toward Lux.

    ¡¸Got it. I¡¯m not really confident but¡­¡­I¡¯ll try to do my best.¡¹

    ¡¸Yup. If you are troubled, call out to us. Or rather, we are going to come checking how you are doing occasionally.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The outsider guest will also enter soon, so we too have to get going soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. By the way, Sharis-san¡¯s injury©¤©¤¡¹

    The short dispute with Rosa Granhide that he heard the rumor about.

    Lux muttered when he saw the arm that was wrapped in bandage, but Sharis smiled refreshingly.

    ¡¸Just this much is nothing for me. More importantly, you take care of Celis in that skill demonstration battle.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. Sharis-san too, be careful.¡¹

    Lux also responded with a smile and at the end he was left alone with only Airi.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll also go. It¡¯s unrelated with Nii-san but, my break time will be at the afternoon.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right, I get it don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    Her tone was curt, but for her to expressly tell him like that must meant ¡ºI want you to come¡» without doubt.

    Lux interpreted the message from his little sister who was like that while deciding that for the time being he would look around at the campus festival after this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Also, that¡¯s, I think that Nii-san will be busy but, please at least have fun even if just for today.¡¹

    Airi averted her face and said that with a small voice. Lux abruptly leaked out a smile at her consideration.

    ¡¸Thank you. Airi too, do your best.¡¹

    Airi left after telling him that. Lux then looked at a map and started walking.

    There were a lot of events from the school building until facilities like practice ground and the like, but he wondered where he should start from.

    ¡¸As I thought perhaps I should begin from Lisha-sama¡¯s place? I¡¯m also worried about the Drag-Ride©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-senpai! Can I ask a request!? Please help at our stall!¡¹

    While he was mumbling to himself, five first year girls immediately called out to him from the courtyard.

    It seemed that what the Triad told him also wasn¡¯t really an exaggerated story.

    It felt like this would become an unexpectedly hard schedule.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, I won¡¯t be able to stay for long but, if all of you are okay with that then¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Certainly, please!¡¹

    The girls nodded at Lux¡¯s reply and they lightly exchanged high five with each other.

    Lux smiled wryly at their high spirits that were really unlike young ladies from noble family and he thought.

    (©¤©¤But, it¡¯s fine if I can make everyone happy I think.)

    Recently he often went to foreign country, so Lux felt happy that he was requested in the Academy.

    (Yosh. It has been a long time, I¡¯ll do my best displaying my odd job skills that has been trained in these five years.)

    Lux put his spirit into it and followed the guidance of his juniors.

    ¨C

    It wasn¡¯t like there wasn¡¯t any stall on the open ground of the Academy, but there was a lot more inside the campus building.

    From first floor until third floor, various decorations were applied at each class. The place was crowded just like a small town.

    There was a room that was extravagantly decorated even among all of them.

    In that room that had red carped spread out and smooth gleaming furniture and implements put inside, Lux was immediately helping out with the stall.

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤, many thanks Ojou-sama. Wha, what would be your order?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Cookie and black tea, I¡¯ll leave the choice to you. After all I have a palate that can eat anything.¡¹

    The one who was staring at Lux with a gaze that was filled with suggestiveness was Magialca of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    The company president who was wearing showy red cloak was relaxing on a sofa enjoyably.

    In addition beside her was the big sister of his very close childhood friend, Relie sitting there.

    ¡¸That appearance look really good on you Lux-kun. What do you think? When you graduate from Academy, won¡¯t you try to formally work in my place as secretary?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, Lux-kun will live together with Phi, so it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, just what in the world this refreshment booth is!?¡¹

    Lux yelled toward the two guests in bewilderment.

    The current Lux wasn¡¯t wearing the attire of a waiter, but a butler outfit with black color as base for some reason.

    After he received the request, he was taken by the girls into a caf¨¦ that was named ¡ºButler Mansion¡».

    Lux heard that it was ¡ºwork for man¡» and jumped to a hasty conclusion that it would surely be a physical labor, but he never imagined that he himself would be working as a caf¨¦ staff.

    Magialca and Relie came as his first customer.

    ¡¸Or rather, dressing as butler in the academy for girls is©¤©¤¡¹

    Even though it was an exception for Lux who was a male to be enrolled, but to think they would attempt this kind of refreshment booth.

    But, Relie jested as though she wasn¡¯t concerned about it at all.

    ¡¸My. Perhaps it¡¯s hard for a boy like Lux-kun to understand, but it¡¯s exactly because this is a girl academy that this kind of thing is unexpectedly demanded you know? Besides, this time there are also special guests participating.¡¹

    At the neighboring space, there were two young men standing disguised in similar butler attire.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Wanheim Principality Greifer, and his aide Coral who were staying here during the campus festival.

    It was shocking that they were helping at this refreshment booth, but unexpectedly the attire suited the two really well.

    Greifer gave bad and rough impression, but that instead became an interesting mismatch, while Coral was the very definition of cute young man, so it also felt like he would be popular.

    ¡¸How nice, the three of them are really nicee¡­¡­if Lux-kun will stay here until the end, we will be able to make a bet of who will be the most popular but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Last year we had Sharis-senpai to dress in male outfit but, real boy is also not bad isn¡¯t it¡­¡­. Or rather, right now it¡¯s heating up the most! Inside me that is!¡¹

    At the back of the refreshment booth, the girls who were the organizer were yelling without hiding their exaltation.

    ¡¸Oi Coral. Why is it me who came for the summit has to dress like this yeah?¡¹

    The one who was making the most fed-up looking face was Greifer as expected.

    He whose personality was originally peevish seemed to be led bit by bit by his aide Coral somehow and got roped into this.

    ¡¸You are free anyway right? Besides Milmiette-sama also told you to cooperate with the festival, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Guh, I¡¯m not gonna forget this¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer who was told off by Coral was serving the customers with extremely reluctant face.

    ¡¸Oi you bunches of Ojou-sama, order quickly! Go home right away after you finished eating.¡¹

    He was acting unbecomingly as a butler, but unexpectedly it was accepted as interesting.

    Lux had noticed it when he went to Wanheim Principality, but Greifer was actually very good at looking out for other people despite his appearance, so perhaps he was unexpectedly suited for a butler role. He couldn¡¯t say that to the person himself though.

    ¡¸Rather than that, thanks for your hard work Lux-kun. Sorry that I couldn¡¯t help you at the conference because of my position then.¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of such things, Coral who was wearing similar butler attire while doing waiter work called out to him with an apologetic look.

    What Coral meant by help at the conference must be referring to the announcement of skill demonstration battle where the prize would be the right to investigate the Ruin©¤©¤Babel at the new kingdom.

    But, the other countries also had their own circumstances. They were staying vigilant against the aim of the Lords and didn¡¯t wish to expose their hand.

    As expected, it would be too harsh to expect Coral who was only an aide in the end to speak up at that time.

    ¡¸No, don¡¯t worry about it. But, is it okay for you two to work here? Coral and Greifer originally should be honored guest though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No. There is no academy festival like this in Wanheim Principality, so I¡¯m happy to be asked to blend in. ¡­¡­I can also see Greifer dressed like that.¡¹

    Coral chuckled mischievously and gazed at his working comrade.

    In contrast Greifer heard that while staring this way with displeased expression.

    ¡¸Oi! You guys don¡¯t have idle talk like that! There is long line until outside waiting!¡¹

    It was a refreshment booth where handsome boys dressed as butler would be serving the young ladies.

    It seemed that rumor was spread and before they noticed many guests came rushing.

    (It feels like the people in the queue are all this academy¡¯s students though©¤©¤)

    Even though everyone was basically lady from good place, from Lux¡¯s view point this was a sight that he couldn¡¯t really understand.

    But, it seemed that it was an established practice that this kind of booth was popular.

    ¡¸Ahaha, we got scolded. Then Lux-kun. Let¡¯s do our best.¡¹

    Coral muttered that with a gentle smile and returned to his work in hurry.

    There were three seats inside the room©¤©¤, Lux returned to the table he was in charge of.

    It seemed that there was also a hidden menu of the butler giving service of feeding the customer cookie from what he was told.

    (Really, just what is with this shop¡­¡­)

    While Lux was serving Magialca with bafflement, her eyes suddenly sparkled bewitchingly. She suddenly leaned on the chest of Lux who was sitting on the sofa beside her.

    ¡¸Hmm. Is alcohol used in this cookie? I¡¯m a bit drunk. Can you nurse me for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, please don¡¯t suddenly hug like this!? Also please don¡¯t stroke my thigh!¡¹

    At the outside she was a petite girl that was about the same like Lisha, but her hand manner and mature gesture gave him the impression of an older woman about the same age with Relie.

    Her trained lithe body stuck close on him. She was hugging him while her finger crawled on his chest.

    The organizers of the booth who saw that approached them in panic.

    ¡®Thank god. I¡¯m saved¡¯©¤©¤Lux thought, but.

    ¡¸Dear guest. There will be additional charge for special option of lap pillow though?¡¹

    ¡¸Why is the hidden menu that I didn¡¯t know is rapidly increasing-!?¡¹

    And then why was everyone competing to earn money despite being a rich person already he wondered.

    The moment Lux yelled reflexively, Headmaster Relie unexpectedly interrupted.

    ¡¸Sorry Magialca. I got scolded by the public moral committee member who passed through just now. ©¤©¤I need to stop you here in my position.¡¹

    ¡¸Public moral committee¡­¡­member?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head, Relie smiled wryly while looking toward the corridor.

    ¡¸My bad but, I¡¯m not allowed to talk due to the person¡¯s wish. That girl©¤©¤she is really awkward.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was pondering for a while ¡¸Who could it be¡­¡­¡¹ hearing Relie¡¯s words that were filled with significance.

    But, he was worked to death with work as waiter and he was unable to reach the answer at that place.

    ¨C

    The thirty minutes work ended in the blink of eye and Lux left the refreshment booth.

    But right after that he was caught by other girls who were lying in wait, and he was brought to a stage that was built in the courtyard.

    He was requested to do the prince role in one of the play there.

    ¡¸Wait a second!? That role sounds really important, how can you entrust it to me who only just came!?¡¹

    Although Lux objected, ¡¸Then, want to try the princess role?¡¹ he yielded against the devilish haggling and acted his role very stiffly.

    ¡¸Oi Lux! When are you going to come at my place!? Like this I cannot do the performance using the Drag-Ride I created!¡¹

    After that, he was called by Lisha who came after being unable to be patient, and he headed to the atelier of Drag-Ride.

    Unexpectedly the exhibition room was popular among males, perhaps because it was a rare chance for the people in the Cross Field to look at Drag-Ride from nearby.

    Furthermore after that they headed to an open space at the courtyard and held a performance.

    When the Drag-Ride that Lisha created in the past, Armed Wyvern, a Drag-Ride that was moved without anyone wearing the armor was showed, the surrounding was greatly stirred, but,

    ¡¸Wait a second, I only need to catch this? Even without specially waiting for me this¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what are you saying!? That¡¯s, if you who know about my accomplishment doesn¡¯t accompany me, I won¡¯t be able to operate it with peace of mind right¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment they came down from the stage, Lisha entangled her fingers shyly while saying that. That gesture of hers left an impression.

    ¡¸Then, can I ask Lux-kun to participate over here too?¡¹

    Next, Krulcifer who was watching that invited him, and he was led away to the practice ground that was modified into a dance hall.

    The surrounding was covered with black curtain, and the place was illuminated by chandelier. Girls wearing dazzling dress were dancing there.

    Of course guest who didn¡¯t prepare anything could also join without changing outfit, but it seemed that Krulcifer refused the invitation of men who came as guest and waited for Lux.

    ¡¸Err Krulcifer-san. Actually, isn¡¯t it better to dance with guest from Cross Field?¡¹

    ¡¸That might be so. But, it looks like there are also a lot of people who want to dance with Lux-kun, so I think it¡¯s better if you practice for a little first.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Krulcifer¡¯s forceful argument while dancing with her.

    It was a dance that was common in new kingdom with simple choreography, but Krulcifer was leading him skillfully, so Lux too could do it easily.

    And then, the girl who was wearing pure white dress like snow flower was breathtakingly beautiful like always.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll accompany you next, so take the lead properly okay, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut was also there. The girl was also participating in the dance.

    It was fun to dance with two beautiful girls alternately, but the jealous gaze from the male guests hurt. He felt just a bit awkward.

    ¡¸Chih! That damn kid, even though he was already enrolling into Academy everyday alone, showing off like that¡­¡­. I was rejected by both of them. Even though I also want to dance with beauty from Ymir hereeee!¡¹

    ¡¸Guy with nice face has it good huh. That cursed Lux©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right, let¡¯s make him bungle a bit yeah? Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t be as far as causing injury.¡¹

    The majority of the outsider guests didn¡¯t pay it any mind, but among them three men with bad personality were having such discussion in the shadow.

    Perhaps because of his habitual odd jobs, Lux¡¯s evaluation in Cross Field was good, but a man¡¯s jealousy and envy were a different story.

    ¡¸Yosh, then let¡¯s do it on the stage. We¡¯re gonna ask other suitable students to dance¡­¡­and then¡¹

    ¡¸Then, please let me act as your partner.¡¹

    There©¤©¤a tall girl with blonde hair wearing beautiful dress appeared in front of them.

    Her face couldn¡¯t be seen because of a white mask covering the area around her eyes, perhaps because it was a part of the outfit. But seeing her voluptuous breasts and tight waist line, the men gulped audibly.

    ¡¸Ye, yeah¡­¡­, ta, take care of us, miss.¡¹

    (What¡¯s this©¤©¤if I can dance with such good woman, then this isn¡¯t too bad.)

    Thinking that, the man¡¯s grudge toward Lux decreased slightly, but his two comrades glared at him, so as expected he would still continue with the plan.

    The strategy was to get on the same stage, then when Lux was dancing right beside him, he would step on his foot and made him stumbled a bit©¤©¤.

    The moment he was going to execute it with an unnatural step, the hand in white glove that he was holding moved suddenly.

    ¡¸Obstruction is not permitted.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!? Ouch ouch ouch-!¡¹

    That moment when his foot moved to reach toward Lux, his hand was twisted in a jerk.

    The man jumped high from the pain and fainted in agony.

    The surrounding saw it as the man mistaking his dance and got his arm twisted.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­, that was dangerous.¡¹

    The masked girl who finished the dance sighed in relieve and got down from the stage.

    Lux too safely finished his dance with Mel even while getting bothered by what happened at the side.

    ¡¸Onii-chan is more skilled than I thought just now. Next time you come to Ymir Theocracy, I won¡¯t mind to be your partner again you know?¡¹

    As always, she appeared mature for her age even though this girl was four years younger than him, but oddly she looked cute even with that. That must be her charm.

    ¡¸Ahaha, take care of me at that time. But, the voice just now©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I also heard something familiar.¡¹

    Krulcifer also agreed with Lux¡¯s mutter and she turned her face.

    The masked girl who was dancing nearby just now jumped in surprise when the talk was suddenly directed at her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­N, no-!? I, I¡¯m not anyone suspicious or anything!¡¹

    ¡¸No one is saying anything like that though¡­¡­¡¹

    The retort that Mel spoke with a serious face caused the masked girl to be even more panicked.

    ¡¸I, I have an urgent business so excuse me!¡¹

    She somehow said only that and left swiftly.

    ¡¸What is, just now¡­¡­?¡¹

    Mel¡¯s expression was slightly baffled. Lux also agreed with awkward look.

    ¡¸Could it be? Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, I think so. I don¡¯t know what she is thinking but©¤©¤she is formidable.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head in puzzlement hearing Krulcifer¡¯s mutter that was filled with significance.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t think it too deeply Lux-kun. Then, how about now we look around at the next event with just the two of us?¡¹

    Krulcifer sweetly whispered into Lux¡¯s ear. His heart spontaneously skipped a beat.

    The moment he was lost whether to accept her invitation or not, a loud voice came from behind.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san! It¡¯s your turn next to be receptionist for the dance hall!¡¹

    The one who bellowed angrily was a third year girl who was also member of Syvalles.

    If Krulcifer monopolized Lux, jealousy would also came from the female camp, something like that.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­it¡¯s unfortunate. Then, let¡¯s meet again later.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ri, right. Krulcifer-san and Mel too, do your best.¡¹

    Lux was relieved inside his heart while waving his hand and parting from the girls.

    After that, he went around the Academy ground for a while by himself.

    He helped with magic trick performance, then he nursed and guided a guest who got anemia, and so on. He performed several requests that came from both students and the citizens.

    At first he was worried what would happen, but perhaps thanks to him having the understanding of geography and environment of the wide Academy ground from his daily odd jobs, he was unexpectedly able to carry out his¡ºodd job specialist¡» role nicely.

    ©¤©¤And then, one hour later.

    ¡¸Fuu, that took a lot of time¡­¡­¡¹

    After receiving sandwich and skewered meat from students who were doing food stand and had lunch, Lux headed to the library to check on Airi.

    He found the figure of his little sister working as librarian at the library©¤©¤the History Exhibition program.

    ¡¸Yes. The material over here is something from the era of old empire. The Drag-Ride was first excavated in the Ruin¡­¡­¡¹

    And so on, she was answering the question from visitor smoothly.

    Airi herself was a royalty of the old empire, and she still also had the collar of criminal on her neck, and yet her dignified behavior was just as expected from her.

    ¡¸Airi-chan. Where is the material for ancient writing again? A guest who also want to look at them is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Enter straight and look at the right bookshelf at the end. Please be careful at where you step. Ah, please don¡¯t bring that candle inside. No fire is permitted inside after all.¡¹

    She was a first year and this was her first campus festival and her first time looking after visitor. In spite of that it seemed that the other students were also relying on her.

    Her social disposition and her ability to navigate the society were skilled, added with her ability to decipher ancient document too, she possessed extremely excellent skill as a civil official.

    (Airi too has become splendid huh¡­¡­)

    When Lux was watching that from afar, Airi suddenly looked his way and she immediately approached him.

    ¡¸Nii-san, why are you looking at me with that stupid grin since just now? Speaking clearly, you look disgusting.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s cruel-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Even though he was coming here to check on her situation wondering if she was troubled by something.

    Also, even though he was only being happy at his little sister¡¯s growth.

    ¡¸Nii-san is standing out no matter where you are, so if you have business please talk to me. I¡¯ll be teased by everyone later if you are like this.¡¹

    While he was thinking like that, Airi¡¯s cheeks puffed up a bit and she muttered with reproachful gaze.

    It seemed she was embarrassed that the other students noticed Lux was watching over her like a parent.

    ¡¸I, It¡¯s not like I was acting sneaky, I didn¡¯t want to become a bother for Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you are just Nii-san, please don¡¯t fuss at me strangely like that. After all, I absolutely won¡¯t think of Nii-san as nuisance¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi muttered the latter half of her sentence with a small voice that Lux couldn¡¯t catch.

    At that time when Lux was worried of Airi¡¯s state, a presence moved from the corridor deeper inside.

    ¡¸Waah!?¡¹

    A small child was running and fell before bumping onto bookshelves.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Watch out-!?¡¹

    When the bookshelves almost fell from the backlash, Lux pushed away the kid with paper-thin difference.

    There, the instant the bookshelves were going to fall©¤©¤, Lux¡¯s body floated gently within someone¡¯s arms.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Right after he blinked in surprise, the old bookshelves fell noisily behind him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine and all to be energetic, but it¡¯s no good if you aren¡¯t careful you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry. Onee-chan.¡¹

    Such voice could be heard suddenly, then right after that,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, it looks like Lux is also save, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡¹

    The girl¡¯s voice only left those words before the voice was getting distant.

    ¡¸Just now, could it be©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸It was dark so I couldn¡¯t see well but, most likely¡­¡­¡¹

    The instantaneous force and leg strength that instantly closed the distance from afar.

    Furthermore the arm strength that could easily lift up Lux¡¯s body was something characteristic of that girl.

    And then, that voice he heard for a moment when she left, he thought that it was Celis¡¯s voice but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But if that¡¯s the case, why did she leave right away?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head in puzzlement, but he didn¡¯t know the answer.

    ¡¸Did you do something, Nii-san?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I don¡¯t have any recollection doing strange thing to her though¡­¡­¡¹

    Of course, the possibility that he made her angry without realizing it wasn¡¯t zero.

    But, it would be unnatural if that was the case, because she had saved him just now.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s ask her about it later. More importantly, right now I have a request for Nii-san to receive.¡¹

    Airi sighed lightly, then she smiled at Lux.

    ¡¸Err, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please tidy this up.¡¹

    ¡¸I know it¡­¡­¡¹

    The child was saved from the falling bookshelves, but the spilled books were piling up like a mountain.

    But, Airi and the other girls had work to guide the visitor, so in the end Lux was suitable to do it.

    ¡¸Now then©¤©¤. ¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    At that time he was going to start the chore, when he abruptly looked around, a blond hair was peeking out from behind a bookshelf.

    The body that was wrapped in uniform was fidgeting fretfully, and something was whispered with a small voice.

    ¡¸Should I help Lux out¡­¡­? But, if I face him right from the front, the me right now will become strange again. As expected, in this situation it will be difficult to help Lux even when there is opportunity©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    As he thought, it was undoubtedly Celis.

    (Or rather, she must be meaning to hide but, the bookshelf is small so she is exposed!)

    Celis herself was slender, even so her body figure was nice even among the girl students.

    Because of her beautiful honey colored long hair and her large breasts that proclaimed her womanliness, Lux could catch glimpses of her figure.

    (¡­¡­What should I do, with this?)

    It was a situation where it was also hard for Lux to purposefully call out to her.

    But, honestly speaking he was bothered.

    Why was Celis avoiding him?

    And then©¤©¤why was she helping him despite avoiding him?

    (At that conference, I spoke out to give help, perhaps I shouldn¡¯t do that¡­¡­?)

    Lux was thinking of such thing while his hands that were tidying up the books stopped. He then looked slightly to the side.

    As though he was going to go away from the bookshelves he was working on.

    ¡¸Fuu, let¡¯s take a bit of rest.¡¹

    After making faked muttering like that, the air behind him suddenly shook.

    Lux used a hand mirror and secretly peeked at his back. There he saw Celis paying attention at Lux¡¯s state while diligently returning the book into the bookshelves.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­, what are you doing, Celis-senpai?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah!?¡¹

    The moment Lux secretly murmured, Celis jumped to the back.

    Her back hit the bookshelves from too much force and several books spilled out.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing! I¡¯m just passing by! Prying is not permitted!¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, please wait a second!? Celis-senpa©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected her escape speed was fast with how trained she was.

    Lux¡¯s voice ended up in vain, her figure vanished from the library in the blink of eye.

    ¡¸I¡¯m avoided just as I thought? But©¤©¤¡¹

    He also didn¡¯t know whether he wasn¡¯t hated or not.

    But there was also the matter of skill demonstration battle tomorrow, he thought that it couldn¡¯t stay like this.

    The way to somehow talk to Celis once©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ah, rather than that the time. If I don¡¯t go around at the next place¡­¡­¡¹

    When he opened the lid of his pocket watch and confirmed the time, Lux increased his pace and finished tidying up the bookshelves.

    He waved his hand to Airi and told her to do her best before leaving to the next place.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    After finishing several more requests like helping with cooking, sorting the queue of refreshment booth, and so on, Lux sat down on a curb at the courtyard.

    It was finally three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the first day of the campus festival too was approaching its climax at last.

    After that he was able to pass the time without any trouble although it was busy, but in the end he was unable to meet Celis.

    But, in exchange he felt a gaze on him.

    It was also a cause that heightened Lux¡¯s uneasiness.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, please come to our place next!¡¹

    He sat down to rest for a bit, a few girls who happened to catch sight of Lux by chance felt that they were lucky and called out to him.

    ¡¸Ah, then¡¹

    He was a bit tired, but surely it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to work a bit more.

    The moment Lux was going to accept their request, a girl calmly cut between them smoothly.

    ¡¸Ah, you are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Phi¡­¡­, chan?¡¹

    The serious faced girl unhesitatingly wedged herself between Lux and the female students.

    She was the childhood friend of Lux with trait of light cherry blossom colored hair that looked soft, and expressionless face that looked absentminded©¤©¤Philuffy Aingram.

    She was wearing chic uniform with black as the base from working at a booth selling high class confections, but her cuteness wasn¡¯t affected even in that slightly plain outfit.

    Rather the largeness of her breast was conspicuously standing out just as much as how few the exposure rate of her attire was.

    ¡¸Next, is certainly my turn, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was puzzled hearing Philuffy suddenly saying that.

    If he remember correctly, there shouldn¡¯t be any promise like that though.

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that right, Lu-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, tha, that¡¯s right, I think¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸There is, isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸E, exactly!¡¹

    Lux spontaneously nodded when he was stared by her fixed gaze *jii-*.

    ¡¸The, then it can¡¯t be helped. Help us out next time okay, Lux-kun.¡¹

    The other girls seemed to give up after he yielded against Philuffy who was acting forceful in contrast to her absentminded appearance.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ve made it. So Lu-chan, come over here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh, wah!?¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s hand gently pulled Lux and he got on his feet.

    Then they headed toward one of the stall inside the school building and entered a separate room that was empty.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh? This place¡¹

    ¡¸Storeroom¡­¡­doubled as, break room. For use of the booths at second floor.¡¹

    Philuffy pulled a chair as soon as she said that, then she lightly tapped her hand *pon pon* on it.

    ¡¸Wait, a bit.¡¹

    After Lux sat there, Philuffy slowly exited the room.

    Perhaps the timing was just right at the busy period for any of the stores, because there was almost no other student inside the room.

    It seemed the remaining girls inside were also tired, they didn¡¯t try to approach him.

    ¡¸Everyone is full of vigor huh.¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly, Philuffy returned.

    A mountain of confection was placed on the tray both her hands were carrying.

    It wasn¡¯t metaphor or anything, it was really a mountain.

    ¡¸Wait, didn¡¯t you have work for me!?¡¹

    Even though he completely thought that it was a request for him as ¡ºodd job specialist¡».

    ¡¸Because, I couldn¡¯t go together with Lu-chan, to the crepe store.¡¹

    ¡¸A, is, is that so.¡¹

    He was busy and had no time for outing, so Philuffy must meant this to be the compensation for that.

    ¡¸This is, the best selling here.¡¹

    Philuffy said that and put various confections on the cloth that was spread on a few tables joined into one.

    Freshly baked apple pie, cherry pie, pancake, and donuts. They were also garnished with a ton of whip cream and fruit jam.

    Even though sweet confections was a high class item even in new kingdom, but for this kind of booth to be able to offer them like this was just as expected from an Academy of noble daughters.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Open your mouth, aaan¡¹

    While he was being overwhelmed by that amazing line up of sweets, Philuffy who was sitting beside him leaned forward a lot and held out a sweet that was stabbed by fork toward him.

    ¡¸Wai-, Phi-chan!? That¡­¡­, I can eat it by myself!¡¹

    Being fed itself was embarrassing, but there was a bigger problem.

    Surely Philuffy herself didn¡¯t realize it, but when she leaned forward from the side toward him, that©¤©¤springy voluptuous chest of hers touched him.

    But, it seemed Philuffy had no awareness of it, she was sticking even closer to him with her usual serious face.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, just do it.¡¹

    ¡¸No but, everyone resting here is also looking at us!¡¹

    There were few students who were currently resting inside the break room, but that didn¡¯t mean there was none at all.

    As expected doing this while attention was focused on them was¡­¡­thinking that, Lux attempted his last resistance.

    ¡¸¡­¡­The crepe store. I wanted to go.¡¹

    But, Lux was beaten by Philuffy¡¯s dispassionate muttering and he opened his mouth with resolve.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Is it delicious?¡¹

    The soft body¡¯s sensation, the scent of her hair, and then her voice that came from very near.

    Somehow he felt sweetness not just from his tongue, but even from his five senses and the air.

    *Chew chew* The pie¡¯s texture was brittle and crumbled inside his mouth, the taste of baked apple and cinnamon¡¯s aroma gently slipped out from his nose.

    Furthermore the faint mild taste of the velvety cream smoothly wrapped Lux¡¯s tongue.

    ¡¸Delicious¡­¡­it¡¯s really sweet, but that¡¯s not all there is to it.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t merely sweet, the tastes were mysteriously possessing sense of unity with each other, causing tension to leave Lux¡¯s body.

    Lux himself didn¡¯t hate sweet thing, but to think that he would feel it to be this delicious©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    Philuffy gave a faint smile that looked happy and next she also held out a crepe.

    It was wrapped in cream and pear syrup. That too was delicious as expected, but its sweetness wasn¡¯t that strong.

    The cream must be a plain one.

    Because of that there was balance with the sweet dough and ingredients.

    ¡¸Because Mr. crepe seller taught me. Now, I can it together with Lu-chan anytime.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux spontaneously turned speechless hearing what Philuffy said.

    She expressly went to the store and asked how to make the flavor, then she even created it while thinking of the preference of the grown up Lux.

    His heart was fiercely touched from her straightforward consideration to him.

    Somehow, it felt nostalgic.

    He could remember Philuffy baking an extraordinarily sweet and large pancake for his sake in the past like it was only yesterday.

    Though at that time more than half of the pancake was eaten by Philuffy.

    ¡¸Thank you, Phi-chan. Here, ¡­¡­for you.¡¹

    Lux too also cut a nearby pancake with a knife, poured a lot of maple syrup on it, and held it out to Philuffy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed she didn¡¯t expect Lux to respond back without any shyness, she was slightly losing her bearing.

    But, before long she opened her small mouth and accepted it.

    ¡¸Nn, delicious.¡¹

    At first it was embarrassing to be seen by the students around, but he was touched by her pure feeling and it felt stupid to be concerned by people¡¯s gaze.

    Lux and Philuffy immersed themselves in the deliciousness of the sweets for a while taking rest.

    ¡¸Even so, that was a good timing for you to come while I was free. Even though Phi-chan should be really busy too©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux drank a second helping of tea while saying that, then,

    ¡¸I also didn¡¯t know. I was thinking to meet Lu-chan later, but then a masked person told me, that it seemed Lu-chan¡¯s work would be finished after a bit longer.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t notice because he was focused, but he didn¡¯t take rest at all except at lunch.

    From what Philuffy said, there was someone somewhere who was paying attention to such Lux.

    There was one person who he thought would do such thing.

    ¡¸That person©¤©¤could she be¡¹

    ¡¸She had big breast, tall, and blonde hair. Though she forbid me to speak, telling me ¡ºIt¡¯s not permitted to tell this to Lux okay¡».¡¹

    ¡¸You are exposing everything you know, Phi-chan!? You aren¡¯t hiding even a single thing you know!?¡¹

    Even though they were inside a break room, Lux instinctively raised his voice and retorted.

    In a sense it was just as expected, but the one who was worrying about Lux¡¯s body seemed to be Celis.

    (As I thought, she is helping me? But©¤©¤)

    When he faced her, she would suddenly cower back and went away somewhere, so he didn¡¯t understand.

    Though it would be fine if he could go somewhere where he would be able to meet Celis directly.

    While he was thinking such thing, the door behind them was suddenly opened loudly.

    When he looked back in panic, there the friends of his childhood friend, all three of the Triad were standing.

    ¡¸Yahoo. Lux-chi, you¡¯re well? Aa, you are playing hooky with Philuffy! This must not do!¡¹

    First Tillfur spoke teasingly and approached Lux.

    Then, the leader Sharis immediately smiled wryly and watched that with folded arms.

    ¡¸Good grief, it¡¯s Tillfur who said that you want to rest because you¡¯re tired patrolling right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Acting like that because you want to play with Lux-san, you aren¡¯t honest.¡¹

    Noct also agreed with what Sharis pointed out. Her eyes were staring reproachfully.

    Tillfur who got stabbed in the back by her comrades immediately blushed and got flustered.

    ¡¸Wai-!? You don¡¯t need to say that in front of the person himself do you!? Even though you two agreed with my suggestion, that¡¯s cowardly you know!?¡¹

    As always the three got along really well. Thinking that, Lux smiled while watching them. There Tllfur cleared her throat *cough* and looked at Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, it will be time for the events to reach stopping point soon you see. Won¡¯t you participate in an event together with us after this? Lux-chi is this Academy¡¯s student too after all. I think playing around sometimes is also good instead of working all the time.¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s pace was thrown out of order by the retorts from Sharis and Noct. She was whispering with her gaze away from him while sending short glances.

    Normally she was someone who get carried easily and acted as mood maker, but surprisingly she was fundamentally serious.

    She was properly being considerate to Lux as one of his friends.

    ¡¸Right. Then, if you are okay with me please let me participate. Ah, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux thought that he would consent readily to her invitation while thinking such thing, but suddenly he became concerned of one thing and hesitated to continue.

    The matter of Celis weighed his mind, he wondered whether he could meet her somehow.

    ¡¸Fuh, you don¡¯t need to worry Lux-kun. Your wish should be fulfilled.¡¹

    Sharis suddenly tapped Lux¡¯s shoulder and smiled proudly.

    When Lux tilted his head and looked up at the girl, Noct approached him quietly and whispered.

    ¡¸Yes. Because Celis-senpai is also arranged to participate in this event. At that time if things goes well you should be able to talk with her.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed the three got an inkling of Celis¡¯s behavior.

    ¡¸Really, my best friend is also a troubling person. Well, it¡¯s really like Celis to be like that though.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you, know something about that?¡¹

    When Lux asked like that, Sharis only casted her eyes down suggestively.

    ¡¸Ascertain that with your own eyes Lux-kun. I get the gist of it but, this kind of thing should be heard from the mouth of the person themselves.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s go Lux-chi. This event this year will surely get heated up!¡¹

    Tillfur took Lux¡¯s hand to avoid the topic and pulled him.

    Lux left the school building together with Philuffy while still not understanding anything.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Everyone from Cross Field! And then everyone of our Academy, are you having fuuuun!? From here our Academy¡¯s special event, the costume competition will begiiinn!¡¹

    A special stage made from wood was set up at the center of the courtyard.

    That place was used for things like drama or concert at noon. There, Lux and others, the well-known members were gathered.

    When the female student who acted as the host raised her voice, cheers rose up and enthusiasm enveloped the place.

    Not just students and Academy personnel, there were also citizens of Cross Field and also guest from other city coming in drove here.

    ¡¸This time, our Academy¡¯s Drag-Knights, the strong and noble beauties of Syvalles will be clad in captivating clothes unlike usual! If your heart is stolen by their figure, please send them a grand applause. Then first©¤©¤I¡¯ll introduce the participants!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, girls¡­¡­wait, it¡¯s only me who is male here though-!?¡¹

    On the stage Lux spontaneously retorted, but everyone casually ignored him.

    ¡¸Fur-ther-more. The participant who obtains everyone¡¯s vote and won will be given a special present. Everyone, please give them your support without fail!¡¹

    ¡¸WAAAAH¡¹

    Loud acclamation enveloped the place once more.

    Lux didn¡¯t really get it but, it seemed the host was skilled in enlivening the event.

    Next the members of Syvalles who were gathered on the stage started introducing themselves in turn.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eerr, I¡¯m first I guess. I¡¯m, the new kingdom¡¯s princess, Lizsharte Atismata. It¡¯s my first time wearing costume like this but¡­¡­, I¡¯ll do my best.¡¹

    First Lisha greeted shyly. Cheering voice welled up from the audiences.

    After Lisha was Krulcifer, then Philuffy.

    And then©¤©¤the last one finally appeared on the stage.

    ¡¸That, I am, the captain of Syvalles, Celistia Ralgris. Pe, personally I think that I cannot fool around like this but¡­¡­¡¹

    She was bewildered while sending a glance at Lux.

    It seemed that she was splendidly caught in the ¡ºpretend¡» that Sharis devised.

    ¡ºWhen I met Celis just now, I whispered a bit of information to her©¤©¤I heard that the champion of the next event will be given the right to forcefully give order to Lux-kun. In order to protect him, how about Celis also participate in it? I said.¡»

    As the result of telling her in roundabout way like that, Celis who was watching Lux from the shadow until now came out to the open like this.

    (Celis-senpai¡­¡­, is she all right?)

    Although, when he tried to meet her gaze, she would immediately avert her gaze.

    The event started while he was fretting about that matter.

    ¡¸Then, we have finished with the self-introduction, now it¡¯s time for changing into the costume. We will distribute the voting paper during this time! One person will only get one paper okaaay! Multiple vote is invalid!¡¹

    When Lux and others went behind the stage, various costumes that appeared to be used in the play at the noon were placed there.

    While the eyes of Lux and others were wandering around at the large amount of costume, Tillfur came to the front.

    ¡¸And soo, we will help out with wearing the costume, so tell us what everyone want. By the way, it will be first come first served for the costume.¡¹

    The Triad and Airi took the role as support for them.

    Naturally, even though Lux was called as chore prince, but as expected he didn¡¯t have experience in wearing costume.

    While he was perplexed of what to do, Airi and Noct came to him together.

    For some reason the two of them were holding a black curtain that was attached on circle frame.

    ¡¸Wait, what¡¯s that!? Why is it only me who©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, this is why Nii-san who recently is only going to foreign country is troubling. Have you forgotten that this is an academy of noble girls?¡¹

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux suddenly noticed the girls holding costume in their hands were staring fixedly at his way from afar.

    It was obvious but, they were bothered by the gaze of Lux who was the only man here.

    ¡¸Yes. ©¤©¤And so, Lux-san, please change inside this blackout curtain. I will help you with it.¡¹

    While Airi was holding up the the curtain with both her hands, Noct who was from the family background of maid told Lux that.

    That offer itself was really helpful, but.

    ¡¸Say, Noct. Because of this curtain, even I don¡¯t know what I am wearing but, this costume, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    After taking off his uniform, Lux felt somewhat uneasy by the shape of the costume that was handed to him.

    How should he say it, if Lux wasn¡¯t misunderstanding, there was a skirt mixed among the costume.

    ¡¸Yes. The hook over here is fixed like this so©¤©¤it¡¯s finished.¡¹

    Airi lowered the curtain along with Noct¡¯s level and calm voice.

    At that moment, the other girls who had finished changing simultaneously opened their eyes wide in astonishment.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Well then, everyone who has costumed up will enter the stage. First is the princess of our kingdom, her highness Lizsharte Atismata!¡¹

    ¡¸OOOOooOH!¡¹

    When Lisha appeared first on the stage, a loud cheer welled up.

    ¡¸Wai-, what the hell with this erotic appearance!? I am the princess of the new kingdom you know!?¡¹

    What Lisha was wearing was the a dancer costume with high exposure rate.

    It was an outfit that only covered her breast, stomach, and a part of her legs. A translucent cloth completed the costume.

    The brightly colored costume that was in the style of southern countries was splendidly drawing out her loveliness that was sensual even with the vague innocence in it.

    ¡¸Ee, but Lisha-sama. It¡¯s not that much different from the pilot suit that you are usually wearing. Besides, it suits her isn¡¯t that right? Everyooone!¡¹

    The host grinned broadly and stirred up the audiences.

    ¡¸Bu, but still. As expected this appearance is a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    It was hidden thanks to the waistcloth that was tightly wrapped around her stomach, but she was worrying whether the mark on her abdomen was visible or not.

    She wasn¡¯t simply embarrassed from the exposure, Lisha was also flustered from worrying about that, it was then,

    ¡¸What a troubling person. But, surely Lux-kun will also think that Lisha-sama looks cute you knoow¡¹

    ¡¸Re, really!?¡¹

    On the stage Lisha asked the girl host.

    Lux who heard that nodded shortly even while looking troubled. Tillfur who came out from behind the stage secretly told Lisha.

    ¡¸Yo, yosh, got it. That©¤©¤I¡¯m not good with dancing so I cannot do it. But I¡¯ll fight in the contest with this! Everyone, give me your vote!¡¹

    Lisha resolved herself and folded her arms. The audiences got even more excited in respond.

    At the same time, the second entry Krulcifer got up from her chair behind the stage.

    ¡¸She is doing better than I expected. ©¤©¤Then, next will be my turn.¡¹

    Saying that, Krulcifer who was wearing a black dress suit came up on the stage.

    The girl who was clad in tailcoat suit transformed into a beauty in male clothing.

    ¡¸Ooh, this too is cool.¡¹

    Her hair was her usual long straight hair, but coupled with her cool smile, it wasn¡¯t something distracting at all.

    This time it was mainly the female student audiences who were holding their breath with rapt attention.

    Lisha who saw that leaked out ¡®kuh¡­¡­¡¯ with a bitter face.

    ¡¸Well then, next person. The daughter of that famous Aingram conglomerate, Philuffy Aingram-saaann¡¹

    Next the third person, Philuffy¡¯s turn arrived.

    Both Lisha and Krulcifer possessed quite the confidence of their appearance, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oo¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When the expressionless Philuffy came up to the stage, the audiences leaked out a carnal sigh.

    It was a risqu¨¦ costume that was composed of thin cloth and string.

    It was complemented with a hair band that imitated animal ears, tights that covered her white thigh, black shoes, and ribbon.

    It was somewhat unfamiliar©¤©¤something with high exposure rate, but coupled with her unique absentminded atmosphere, the appearance looked terribly charming.

    In Lux¡¯s opinion, it might be a style that took after the Automata they happened to see inside the Ruins.

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤, this is the outfit of angel that was drawn in a picture which was excavated from the Ruins and other place. Everyone, please enjoy!¡¹

    After the host explained, the audiences continued to stare while forgetting to even breath.

    It was a low-key reaction compared to the previous two, but surely it was because the audiences forgot themselves due to the lovely atmosphere of the costumed Philuffy.

    ¡¸Muu¡­¡­. This is bad, Krulcifer!¡¹

    ¡¸Seems like it. To think that she will come out attacking with a costume this bold¡­¡­¡¹

    At the side, Lisha and Krulcifer consulted each other in a common front.

    At this rate, Philuffy¡¯s victory would be set in stone.

    While they were thinking of such thing, the host introduced the fourth contestant.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Next, the former prince of the old empire, and the only boy of our Academy, Lux Arcadia-kun. Please¡­¡­wait, eh?¡¹

    When the fourth girl©¤©¤or rather, boy came up to the stage, the venue stirred slightly.

    A boy in maid appearance was standing on the stage with extremely awkward and flustered expression.

    He was wearing a dress with black as its basic color, a clean apron, and white maid headdress.

    The skirt¡¯s length was short because it was the customized version of the uniform that Tillfur was wearing previously.

    And then, what was eye catching above all else was the non-existent wig to hide Lux¡¯s feature.

    ¡¸You all are terrible!? Why is it only me whose costume is half-baked like this¡­¡­¡¹

    The wearer of the costume, Lux was the very picture of a child-faced boy with well-ordered face, so everyone noticed instantly that it was a cross dressing boy.

    But, seeing the girl-faced young boy wearing maid uniform, the audiences were staring at that in a daze.

    At first their reaction was simply of bewilderment, but gradually their reaction was changing.

    ¡¸O, oi Krulcifer. Don¡¯t tell me this is¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­, most likely the Triad estimated that Lux-kun would easily win if he is perfectly dressed with female clothing, so they didn¡¯t give him the wig, but looking carefully©¤©¤¡¹

    At that moment, the hearts of Lisha and Krulcifer, and then the assembled audiences were one in thought.

    ¡®Isn¡¯t this alright in its own way¡¯, they thought.

    It was an imperfect cross-dressing, but in exchange the aspect of the child-faced young boy was highlighted, and there was even the sense of immorality from how the boy was clearly forced to wear the costume.

    Lux who was unaware of such thought in the heart of the masses was suffering heartache. Seeing that, Philuffy took Lux¡¯s hand with slightly blushing cheeks.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu-chan. You are cute.¡¹

    ¡¸Phi-chan!?¡¹

    A lovely girl in the figure of animal spirit, and a young boy who was dressed as maid faced each other.

    It was magical©¤©¤or perhaps perverse, as though the two had slipped out from a fairytale somewhere. The audiences were deeply moved by such scene, the students and citizens gave them applauses.

    ¡¸Both of you matched each other!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s great, missy and lad!¡¹

    ¡¸So, somehow it feels like I¡¯ve seen something forbidden¡­¡­. But for some reason©¤©¤, I cannot take my eyes off them.¡¹

    The students and visitors raised their cheers and gave them praising voice.

    The mood was as though the contender for the overall victory was suddenly reduced to just Philuffy and Lux, but right after that, the sound of footsteps of the last contestant coming up to the stage could be heard.

    ¡¸Well then while everyone is roused up, it¡¯s the last contestant. The big shot of our new kingdom, the strongest Drag-Knight in the Academy, it¡¯s captain Celistia Ralgris!¡¹

    The girl who acted as the host raised her voice and loudly introduced.

    At the same time a girl was slowly climbing up the stair. Everyone spontaneously held their breath.

    After all it was the figure of Celis whose body was only wrapped with water dressswimsuit for summer and a jacket.

    Furthermore, the exposure rate was even more intense than the one Lux saw previously in the training camp. When looked from behind, the surface of her butt could be seen much.

    Furthermore the swimsuit was opened gapingly until her back. Lux¡¯s gaze was strongly pulled into her even though they were standing on the same stage.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Wha, what is the meaning of this©¤©¤!? This is different from what I heard-!? I, I was told that everyone will be wearing water dress so¡­¡­! Even so, that can¡¯t be helped in order to protect Lux isn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    Celis who always possessed a dignified grace was exposing the line of her voluptuous body with bright red face.

    She was a graceful young daughter of a duke, but she was also a straight-laced person who hated man.

    The general public that held such impression toward Celis got excited by the gap and they raised joyful yells.

    ¡¸¡­¡­In the end, men are all just a perverted beast.¡¹

    ¡¸It seems so. The atmosphere before this was instantly blown away without a trace.¡¹

    With a really conflicted face, Krulcifer agreed with the dumbfounded Lisha.

    Lux¡¯s ears hurt hearing what the two said frankly, but even so, Celis was emitting charm that he couldn¡¯t resist from looking even now.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s no good as expected! E, excuse me!¡¹

    Celis who was flustered from the unexpected response from the audiences turned around and got down from the stage.

    After a while, Celis returned on the stage wearing a pilot suit with exposure rate that was somewhat lowered.

    ¡¸The, there is no time to prepare substitute costume so, with this¡­¡­. If it¡¯s this I¡¯ve been wearing it habitually so©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis pulled herself back together while standing with a serious expression.

    This time she was in her usual appearance. It caused the female students who idolized her to watch enraptured.

    The male visitors looked somewhat disappointed, but the pilot suit also had quite a lot of exposure rate, and was alluring how it was clinging tightly on the body.

    Furthermore there was also a gap with the adorableness that she showed just now, so it displayed Celis even more charmingly.

    ¡¸Well then, it¡¯s time for the voting with all the contestants lined up here! Now, all of you, give your vote to the student who you thought as the best among these five!¡¹

    The host raised her voice and the audiences put their vote into the box.

    When Lux came down from the stage in order to change clothes, his gaze accidentally met the gaze of Celis who was wearing pilot suit.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    He thought to ask Celis about the matter of her avoiding him since some time ago, but Lux too was embarrassed that he was still in maid costume, so both of them averted their gaze reflexively.

    ¡¸Good grief, even though I set it up for him to meet Celis after much trouble, these two are really hopeless.¡¹

    The Triads were staring at the two from afar while sighing.

    If Lux lost in this costume tournament, it was unknown what kind of unseemly order he would receive©¤©¤it seemed that they brought Celis here with such threat.

    ¡¸But to think that she would even wear that water dress. Celis-senpai is a bit different as expected when it comes to Lux-chi.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Honestly speaking, the first water dress was a joke with the assumption that she would refuse, but now I felt greatly apologetic.¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct muttered with slight reservation. Airi were staring reproachfully at them from the side.

    ¡¸If Celis-senpai heard it just now, she will scold you all harshly you know¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was faintly listening to such conversation behind him while he finished changing clothes.

    (Celis-senpai went that far so that I won¡¯t receive any strange order¡­¡­)

    If that was the case, then that meant Celis didn¡¯t hate him or anything.

    However, then he became even more puzzled.

    If that was the case all this time, he wondered why she wouldn¡¯t talk directly with him.

    ¡¸The voting result has come! All the participants, please come up to the stage once more!¡¹

    With the host urging, Lux and others, the five contestants returned on the stage.

    Right after that, the bell tower within the Academy ground rang loudly and small confetti fluttered in the air.

    ¡¸Congratulations! The one who obtained the most vote, is Celistia-san of the four great nobles!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Celis¡¯s eyes turned round in astonishment, loud cheers roared in front of the stage.

    Perhaps it should be said as expected, the risqu¨¦ water dress figure at the beginning, and then the dignified pilot suit figure after that.

    The two appearances gathered vote from both male and female.

    Furthermore Lux and Philuffy tied for the second place. He expressed the feeling inside his heart that he didn¡¯t know whether it was alright to honestly be happy about it.

    A trophy and two envelopes were presented to Celis as the prize.

    ¡¸Fufufu, please open one of the envelope. One is the true reward©¤©¤the certificate of the right to give any order you like to anyone in this campus festival. The other one is a punishment game where you will need to approach the opposite sex. You still cannot let your guard down here~¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really get it but, this one©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis was shaken while opening one of the envelopes.

    There, she saw the content that was written on it and she spontaneously blinked.

    ¡¸Whoops, it¡¯s the enveloped of punishment game. The content is©¤©¤kissing someone of the opposite sex! It¡¯s alright to do it anywhere!¡¹

    After the host read up the content loudly, a great commotion spread through the venue.

    The male visitors were cheering, while the female students were making somewhat envious expression while staring at Celis and Lux.

    ¡¸Eerr¡­¡­. By opposite sex, you mean©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. In Celis-senpai¡¯s case it will be toward man©¤©¤that¡¯s what it means. If you like, you can even do it with a boy close to you, right here, right now¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-!? Tha, that¡¯s not permitted!? Doing such thing in front of people©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eee? But, this is the Academy¡¯s main attraction. Please go along with it properly~¡¹

    The host urged like that with a mischievous tone.

    ¡®The Academy¡¯s¡¯©¤©¤, hearing those words, Celis slowly gazed at Lux¡¯s face even while her cheeks were turning red.

    ¡¸Celis, senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    Stared by Celis¡¯s vaguely seductive expression, the beating of Lux¡¯s heart was throbbing intensely.

    Celis was walking toward him and brought her lips closer with a troubled face.

    (Wha, what to do!? No matter what, doing something like this in front of people©¤©¤)

    Even while feeling flustered like that, he thought that it might make do somehow if it was only a little peck on the cheek.

    Lux resolved himself like that and took a deep breath, then he closed his eyes©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s no good as I thought!? I¡¯m©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis whose face was bright red got down from the stage and ran away.

    ¡¸Oh dear, so Lux-kun got dumped. Then, let¡¯s have the punishment game done later! Well then everyone. Thank you very much for comiiing!¡¹

    The host dealt even with the sudden happening flexibly and concluded the event nicely.

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Even while smiling wryly from being made as joke material, Lux was feeling strangely complicated, but behind him and behind the stage, the girls were patting down their chest in relieve.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­, it¡¯s lucky that Celis is so straight-laced. Honestly I was feeling chilly there. E, even I haven¡¯t kissed him©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. But we still cannot let our guard down. After all that person is also unexpectedly powerful.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­. Wait, you did it as you pleased right!? Even though I didn¡¯t even permit it, but several times©¤©¤!¡¹

    At the side of Lisha and Krulcifer who was talking of such things, Lux who got down from the stage was in a daze.

    In the end, he was unable to talk to Celis about why she was avoiding him until now.

    ¡¸I understand that Nii-san is disappointed that you were unable to receive the kiss, so can I ask you to act a bit more firmly?¡¹

    Perhaps unable to bear to look of her big brother who was like that, the little sister Airi retorted like that.

    ¡¸Yo, you misunderstand!? That¡¯s, I¡¯m, concerned with Celis-senpai¡¯s state©¤©¤. I don¡¯t understand, if she is actually avoiding me or not¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux said that without confidence, Sharis of the Triad smiled wryly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, it can¡¯t be helped. There is also no way we can meddle for more than this.

    ¡¸It feels like you had interfered all out with Celis-senpai to make her participate in this event though¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis ignored Lux¡¯s retort and smiled.

    And then Lux left the courtyard stage and returned once more to his odd jobs specialist work. It was at that time©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Excuseee me! Please wait!¡¹

    Coral was running in front of Lux¡¯s eyes. Perhaps he was in the middle of a break, because he wasn¡¯t wearing butler uniform, but the uniform of Vanheim Principality. (TN: I used Wanheim before this, after discussing with Omega I decided to change it into Vanheim)

    ¡¸Coral, what¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Lux-kun?¡¹

    Lux immediately followed behind the running Coral while calling out to him.

    The young boy with androgynous face smiled awkwardly then.

    ¡¸No, it looks like a customer forgot his thing just now. There was a wallet in it, but it looks like the customer has gone until the academy gate©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll also help. I know well about the surrounding area.¡¹

    Lux immediately responded like that and ran side by side with Coral.

    After talking to the gatekeeper and got the permission to get out, they found out the back of the man wearing gray coat, which was the feature of the person Coral told Lux.

    ¡¸It looks like we made it in time. Thank you, from here I¡¯ll be fine by myself.¡¹

    Coral suddenly showed a bright smile before he dashed toward the alley the man turned into.

    But, right after Lux nodded and waved his hand, a sense of discomfort ran through his body.

    (Wait? If I remember right, the other side of the alley over there is©¤©¤)

    Coral who wasn¡¯t a resident of Cross Field wasn¡¯t familiar with the area, but the end of that alley should be a dead end right now because the street was under construction.

    The moment Lux thought that, without delay he pulled out the Sword Device on his waist.

    And then, he thought strongly and summoned Wyvern, equipped it quickly, and flew.

    ¡¸Lux-kun!?¡¹

    When Lux crossed the wall and flew to the other side of the alley, he discovered the figure of Coral¡¯s body being restrained by a dark grey Drag-Ride.

    His bad premonition was right in the mark.

    Coral was lured by the man who seemed to be a bandit using the wallet as the bait, and he was caught.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You!?¡¹

    Conversely the rough man with black mustache wearing EX Drake was surprised by Lux¡¯s appearance. His eyes snapped wide open and he trembled.

    ¡¸Let him go-!¡¹

    Not letting go of that opening, Lux quickly launched an attack using his Blade.

    The enemy¡¯s armored arm was slightly scraped and the restriction on Coral loosened.

    Using that chance, Lux drove his Wyvern and took Coral back, he then flew to the sky and took distance from the enemy.

    If he could be greedy, he wanted to defeat the Drag-Knight right here, but he also couldn¡¯t do that.

    His movement would be restricted if he had to keep protecting Coral who wasn¡¯t wearing his Drag-Ride, and the skill of the enemy who was wearing the strengthened general-purpose Drag-Ride and the possibility of other ambusher were unknown.

    Carelessly pursuing the enemy might expose Lux and Coral to danger instead.

    Thus Lux was watching the situation. There the enemy recovered his calm and showed a mocking grin.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Disappointing. To think that you can take him back. Even though a peace loving idiot drank in benevolence finally got lured out just to give back something like forgotten wallet. ©¤©¤See ya!¡¹

    The man yelled, at the same time, a strange round blade flew out from the shoulder of the EX Drake.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux quickly swung his Blade and deflected it, the figure of the enemy vanished.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After looking around for a few seconds in alert, Lux landed down for the moment and picked an armor fragment.

    The two returned to the Academy and talked to the guards about the circumstance, and then he confirmed that Coral wasn¡¯t injured.

    ¡¸Thank you Lux-kun. Sorry¡­¡­, I troubled you like that.¡¹

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s me who should apologize. If only I noticed the enemy¡¯s intention faster©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux told that to Coral who was hanging his head down apologetically, the androgynous faced young boy stared fixedly at Lux¡¯s face.

    And then, he showed a smile that looked relieved.

    ¡¸As I thought, Lux-kun really is a good person. There is also a person like the one just now but, not everyone is like that isn¡¯t it¡­¡­. As I thought, that¡¯s right. Next time when you are in trouble, I too will come to help you for sure©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Take care of me then, Coral.¡¹

    Lux responded with a smile at Coral¡¯s murmur that had left behind his bewilderment.

    The shadow of unrest of the enemy who slipped into the hustle and bustle of the campus festival and took them by surprise.

    While feeling a tinge of anxiety due to that, they returned inside the Academy.

    ¨C

    After finishing several requests after that, the sun had set in the blink of eye.

    The first half of the campus festival©¤©¤, the festival¡¯s first day came to a close.

    There was also the opening of the summit and the stay of the Seven Dragon Paladins here. Lux even felt a vague premonition of trouble, but today was so peaceful that he could even forget such nervousness while the time was passing.

    In the middle, it seemed there were also five or six cases of the kind of peeping or thieving toward the female students by outsiders who traveled here expressly for that, but it seemed that they were safely prevented before any harm was done.

    This event that also doubled as interaction with the citizens of Cross Field seemed to receive superb popularity but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Late at night when Lux finished helping out with all the work and tidying up, he was wiping his body alone in his own room inside the girl dormitory.

    Normally if his luck was good, he would be able to use the large public bath after the female students of the Academy finished bathing, but only for today everyone was entering the bath late, so he wasn¡¯t blessed by such chance.

    He felt just a bit disappointed that he couldn¡¯t enter the large bath.

    ¡¸I got a bit too used with the luxury here huh.¡¹

    Lux wiped his half-naked body while smiling wryly.

    Through his livelihood of doing chores for five years, it was natural to not be able to enter bath, and yet in his current academy livelihood, he had adapted really well with the life here.

    However, Lux¡¯s worries were the same with that time.

    The atonement of being unable to accomplish the revolution just as he saw fit.

    And then, his other worry.

    About his doubt, that perhaps he actually didn¡¯t understand anything about other people¡¯s feeling.

    At that time, he was unable to detect the sign of Fugil¡¯s betrayal.

    And then even now, it was as though he couldn¡¯t even imagine what was the reason of that betrayal.

    Lux wondered that perhaps it was a defect he had as an imperial family member©¤©¤no, as a human.

    ¡¸As I thought, I¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It seems Aruji-sama is really tired from today. The muscles of your body are stiff.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, yeah. I was having fun in the Academy after so long, that today I got too enthusiastic.¡¹

    The sensation of towel that was just soaked into hot water wiping his back caused Lux to reflexively reply like that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s great. But, having fatigue remaining will be a hindrance for the skill demonstration battle tomorrow. Allow me to unravel Aruji-sama¡¯s stiffness.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you, Yoruka. ©¤©¤Wait, what are you doing in my room!?¡¹

    Lux who noticed an instant later turned around and yelled.

    Strange.

    He certainly didn¡¯t hear any knocking sound, and not to mention any footsteps or even breathing sound, and yet she was suddenly here.

    Kirihime Yoruka was standing there, as though she crawled out from the shadow.

    ¡¸My, I shouldn¡¯t do that, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    But, the girl herself didn¡¯t show any sign of guilty feeling. She was smiling calmly.

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s fine for you to come meet me but, right now is no good you know!? If other people saw this scene inside the girl dormitory, as expected they will completely misunderstand©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux spoke in bewilderment, the girl clad in black clothes in the style of foreign country tilted her head in puzzlement, then right after that she smiled apologetically.

    ¡¸That¡¯s also true. Then allow me to take off my clothes too. Like this no matter how anyone looked at it, there is no way other people would mistake me as anything other than a loyal servant serving Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it!? I¡¯m not worrying about us getting misunderstood in that kind of meaning you know!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively tried to look back, but he noticed that Yoruka was already stark naked and he faced forward in panic.

    Right after that, Yoruka pushed her body to stick close on Lux¡¯s back.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The smooth sensation of velvety skin.

    Furthermore the sweet sensation of breasts being pressed on his back caused Lux¡¯s skin to get goosebumps.

    When his head spontaneously about to get boiled up, Yoruka¡¯s whispering voice entered his ear.

    ¡¸I beg you to be quiet, Aruji-sama. Or else the ¡ºreport¡» I had been painstakingly gathered would be eavesdropped.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux quickly returned to his senses from Yoruka¡¯s words.

    And then, Yoruka wiped Lux¡¯s body while slowly talking to him.

    ¡¸The Blue Tyrant, Lord Singlen. The Steel Witch, Rosa Granhide. And then, the three Lords including Fugil Arcadia. They were observing the festival docilely without leaving the eyes of their guards from new kingdom©¤©¤the people tasked to observe them.¡¹

    Yoruka wasn¡¯t showing her figure at most of the whole first day of the campus festival was because she was fulfilling a request from Lux.

    The performance of The Knight of Foreign Country that was entrusted to her wasn¡¯t restricted by anything except that ¡ºshe had to patrol the venue in that appearance¡». Because of that Lux could ask her to do this task.

    The three factions Lux was on guard against that were in this Academy right now.

    Singlen Shelbrit who was envisioning a new order by the Drag-Knights.

    Rosa Granhide, the Seven Dragon Paladin from Heiburg who showed warlike attitude toward the new kingdom.

    The three Lords who came to negotiate.

    Lux was cautious to the possibility that they might be scheming some kind of disturbance in this campus festival, but it seemed nothing had happened.

    ¡¸Am I¡­¡­, worrying too much?¡¹

    Lux directed calm gaze to the floor and murmured.

    In this situation where the VIP from many countries were gathered and the surveillance was also strengthened, as expected even they didn¡¯t show any disturbing movement.

    But, even among the three factions, he felt bad premonition only from Rosa.

    The instinct that Lux cultivated at his time in the old empire more than five years ago felt it.

    Rosa was emitting a severe malice toward other people.

    She wasn¡¯t merely bold and arrogant, it would be dangerous if he didn¡¯t take countermeasure against her, his instinct told him.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama¡¯s decision isn¡¯t mistaken. I too feel from that woman©¤©¤a definite hostility. After I finish this report, I will return to observe that woman.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s fine.¡¹

    Lux refused Yoruka¡¯s suggestion.

    And then, while keeping his back turned on Yoruka who was soaking the towel with hot water again behind him, he suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸Thank you for today, Yoruka. And then, I¡¯m sorry to ask unreasonable thing like this from you. Tomorrow you can freely enjoy the campus festival until the time for the skill demonstration battle of me and Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no response which was unusual for Yoruka, so Lux looked back slightly. There Yoruka was staring at Lux with an expression that looked unusually puzzled.

    ¡¸Eh? What¡¯s the matter, Yoruka?¡¹

    ¡¸No, Aruji-sama was saying something strange aren¡¯t you? Such thing is unnecessary for me.¡¹

    Yoruka showed her usual bewitching smile while muttering that.

    ¡¸I am Aruji-sama¡¯s tool. It will be my satisfaction if I can be useful for the sake of accomplishing Aruji-sama¡¯s aspiration. Besides, I¡¯m a little troubled. Festival was also held in my nation of Koto, but in the first place I possess no emotion to enjoy it.¡¹

    In the past Yoruka was a member of the royal family of an island nation at the east, and yet she was feared by her father because of her lack of humanity and she was abandoned. She had such experience.

    ¡¸Besides, thinking of the safety of this academy where Aruji-sama is staying, it will be more efficient to make use of me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Perhaps, that¡¯s so.¡¹

    Lux nodded to Yoruka¡¯s suggestion.

    If thinking about the advantage and disadvantage, certainly that would be the best decision to make.

    But,

    ¡¸But©¤©¤even so I want Yoruka to try to normally spend your time in the campus festival. Perhaps this is just my own willful imposition to you but, if it¡¯s just for a bit, I will be able to look around together with you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aruji-sama is saying the same thing like Lizsharte-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama was?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head hearing that unexpected comparison.

    When he asked, during their travel to Ymir Theocracy to chase after Lux, Lisha spoke to Yoruka about various things, and even after that it seemed she kept speaking to Yoruka frequently.

    For a moment Lux thought of it as odd, but after thinking for a bit, he somehow could imagine the reason.

    ¡¸That is surely, because Lisha-sama is also similar like you I think?¡¹

    Lux abruptly smiled and spoke of his own conjecture.

    In the past, Lisha was captured as hostage of the old empire and she was about to be reduced into an assassin.

    She had to act the role where her own feeling was irrelevant, first as the tool of negotiation with her father who intended to perform coup d¡¯etat, then as the symbol of the new kingdom after that.

    Lux didn¡¯t mention about the fine detail, but he told Yoruka that Lisha was once in a similar environment with her.

    Lux indirectly conveyed to her that surely there was a part her that Lisha could sympathize with.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, knowing that Yoruka is treating yourself as ¡ºtool¡» all this time, perhaps Lisha-sama is unable to just tolerate it.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so? ©¤©¤But, unfortunately I cannot understand it.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.[

    Lux smiled wryly seeing Yoruka¡¯s unchanging smile.

    ¡¸But, I will follow what Aruji-sama told me to do. I believe I wish to look around the festival tomorrow. I will also go to Lizsharte-san¡¯s place too for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸I think that Lisha-sama will also surely be happy if you come. If Yoruka¡¯s place in this Academy can increase more like that©¤©¤that will be great.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, Aruji-sama. I sincerely asked you to be careful tomorrow.¡¹

    Right after his confidential talk with Yoruka was finished, *knock knock* the sound of the door getting knocked resounded.

    The voice of Lisha who they just had talked about came from the other side of the door.

    ¡¸Oi Lux. About the skill demonstration battle tomorrow, see, I tuned up your Drag-Ride slightly using the information that your little sister gathered too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, right now it¡¯s no good¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux yelled, but he was an instant late. The door opened.

    Seeing the half-naked Lux and the fully naked Yoruka inside the room, Lisha instantly turned totally unmoving like statue.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing to Lux-!? This ero woman©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lisha who became teary eyed yelled. Hearing that, female students from other room also gathered there.

    After that, it took a lot of time until Lisha calmed down and talked to him.

    ¨C

    Outside the Academy.

    A single man was standing nearby the government office building where the leaders¡¯ representatives were staying at.

    Fugil who came as the guard of Listelka, the imperial family who represented the Lords, he was silently feeling the wind blowing in the garden within the ground.

    At that place where the bustle of the academy from afar could be heard, he was sitting on a small rock while staring up to the sky.

    It was a time of vacuum where the observers and guards from the new kingdom were taking their eyes off him slightly.

    Within that time that was flowing slowly, a single outsider element lost its way to there.

    A silver haired young man with empty smile affixed on his face.

    A few ml ahead of him, a humanoid shape that didn¡¯t exist there a few seconds ago appeared.

    ¡¸Hey, Fugil. Why did you save those dogs and cats? Doing that for the sake of unfamiliar animals, that you would even go as far as catching them yourselves.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a strange thing with humanoid shape.

    ©¤©¤No, it was a silver haired girl with blue eyes, clad in pure white dress. She was asking that question while tilting her head.

    She was a petite girl that gave off impression of purity and charm, with an appearance that no one in this world knew.

    It was only one person who knew this girl¡¯s name, only Fugil.

    ¡¸Arcadia family. The blood descendant of greedy traitors. You who are called like that with despise, why were you trying to save existences that are completely unrelated to you behind everyone¡¯s back?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil didn¡¯t respond to the question.

    He was merely sending a sober gaze toward the girl, as though he was staring at a play that had been repeated hundreds of times.

    ¡¸You fought against your own desire without care of any loss and gain for yourself, you even abandoned yourself to save the weak. You are actually, not a horrible human like everyone is saying. The truth is, you are a kind person who cannot overlook a troubled person. You are a person with the courage who can fight for the sake of someone else. That¡¯s what I believe.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The pretty expression of the girl before his eyes was frequently changing.

    Fugil didn¡¯t show any respond toward that inexplicable existence.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t want to do it. To arbitrarily decide that all of you are bad people and massacre you all. As a princess I didn¡¯t want to give such order, but on the other hand as a person in the position of responsibility, I was hesitating all this time. Thanks to you, I could overcome it without making a mistake. You gave salvation to my heart that feared to sin. You are©¤©¤my hero.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Right after that smile, the girl¡¯s figure instantly transformed.

    It was as though the speed of time was fast-forwarded, the girl¡¯s height grew slightly, and she changed into a grown up.

    ¡¸Fugil. I want to use the power of this Avalon to accomplish a certain thing. I want to create a mechanism called Sacred Eclipse, in order to give salvation to the people. Those without power, those who is suffering from unfair discrimination, those who doesn¡¯t have anyone extending a helping hand to them, I want to save them, even if just by one more person. I want to bring peace. I will be waiting for you to wake up, no matter how long, so©¤©¤¡¹

    The face of the woman who had matured more than before smiled.

    But right after that, a repulsive transformation occurred on that strange shaped body that imitated the girl.

    ¡¸Gobah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The girl¡¯s head split open and fresh blood dyed her face and hair.

    Her pure white dress crumbled into tatters and countless whip marks emerged on her skin.

    Her whole body was hideously burned along with an offensive smell, her nails were torn off, countless holes opened on her soft skin.

    The fingers of her hands and feet fell in pieces on the ground.

    Her eyeballs fell out as though they were gouged out, her teeth were also falling.

    Her tongue vanished as though thye were extracted out, her skin was carbonized.

    Both her arms were decapitated, her shape was changing.

    From human to thing.

    The girl was changing shape into a wreckage of thing that was once a human.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hey, Fugil. It¡¯s thanks to you.¡¹

    That existence that lost its original shape let out a voice that was unchanged in gentleness and elegance.

    ¡¸Thanks to you saving everyone without abandoning them, I am©¤©¤so¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The mouth of the thing that was a girl before warped into the shape of crescent moon.

    And then, from the gouged out eye sockets, liquid that was like tear, like blood was flowing out.

    ¡ºElixir¡»©¤©¤it was the secret medicine of Ruins that guided human to evolution. It was shining sparklingly with seven colors.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Have you forgotten everything again? But unfortunately, Sacred Eclipse, I don¡¯t need that anymore.¡¹

    Fugil who saw that finally showed a slight reaction.

    ¡¸Your salvation is unnecessary for me. You can go, for the sake of the promise you are looking for. For the sake of the future that you yourself are wishing for. I won¡¯t do anything to hinder you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The thing that was called Sacred Eclipse stood still on the spot for a few seconds, then its figure suddenly vanished like smoke.

    That contact with inexplicable phenomenon met its end without anyone else witnessing it.

    A silence descended.

    Within the time that was engraved with only gently blowing wind, Fugil gazed at the empty air and whispered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No matter how many times I start over, no matter how much I go around at any kind of country©¤©¤¡¹

    The man let out a long sigh with an expression that resembled resignation.

    ¡¸Something like ¡ºhero¡» that you longed for cannot be found anywhere, Asalia¡­¡­¡¹

    An empty and warped voice.

    That man continued to murmur with a dry voice filled with mere hopelessness.

    ¡¸A hero¡­¡­. Something like hero©¤©¤cannot be found anywhere in this world.¡¹

    A hatred that was like curse.

    An emotion that vaguely resembled resentment leaked out from between the gritted teeth.

    ¨C

    The second day of campus festival.

    The latter half of the festival that was blessed with consecutive clear weather was also passing by exceedingly peacefully.

    Lux¡¯s odd jobs specialist work was a success as usual, but he received work conservatively in preparation for the skill exhibition battle that would be held in the end of today, furthermore he would only work throughout the morning.

    Today he was mainly enlivening events on stage, and he also performed interesting endeavors like giving coaching to the students in the practice ground and so on.

    Lisha was called on stage as one of the few specialists to explain about Drag-Ride. She showcased her terribly maniac knowledge. Krulcifer was also made to talk about anything as the representative of the new kingdom¡¯s allied country, Ymir Theocracy.

    In the event of martial art coaching, Philuffy and Yoruka took the role as coaching instructor, and a long line of queue was formed in front of the tent.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Heh, that kind of absent minded and big breasted spoiled lady with, how can she win against a man bare-handed. I¡¯ll grope her all over under all the turmoil!¡¹

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku, I¡¯ll absolutely go with that black hair over there. Even though she is just wearing a uniform, she looks strangely lewd and stimulating. Something like sword skill ain¡¯t matter, I¡¯ll push her down and sniff the noble lady smell till I¡¯m satisfied.¡¹

    Two men who had large build with rough atmosphere laughed to each other while baring out their vulgar character.

    The event was already packed out to the degree that numbered tickets were distributed, but seeing how all the lining up customers were male, the character of human could be felt clearly here.

    ¡¸Haha, this year too it¡¯s a big hit. It must be that. Everyone will forget when a year passed. Even though they got severely beaten up every year.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly seeing Tillfur¡¯s innocent smile.

    Before long, the screams of men getting their joint lightly twisted by the girls could be heard.

    ¡¸But this, isn¡¯t it a bit cruel¡­¡­?¡¹

    After all, the instructors were Philuffy and Yoruka.

    Philuffy who possessed physical ability that was strengthened by Abyss and the knowledge of martial art coached in unarmed fighting, while Yoruka coached in sword art using practice sword.

    The men estimated they could win just from looking at the girls¡¯ outward appearance and held strange expectation. Now they became pitiful.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t mind them. After all only men with obscene thought are lining up there. Besides, if they aren¡¯t threatened periodically like this, the peeping and sexual harassment will only go up.¡¹

    Sharis concluded with such an opinion that was becoming for the captain of the Academy¡¯s vigilance committee.

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-san too if you still have interest, then how about trying a rematch with us three? We are training recently, so this time we won¡¯t lose.¡¹

    Lux smiled awkwardly at the invitation Noct was saying with a bland tone.

    After all when he first came to this Academy, he was also chased around by these three due to being suspected as a peeping tom.

    No, it was a fact that at that time he saw the naked body of the girls though.

    ¡¸Even so, it really helps that Yoruka missy helps out. Originally it should be Celis who take charge of being the sword art instructor, but she suddenly said that she want to sit this out.¡¹

    Sharis suddenly changed the topic and explained the circumstance this time.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai was? Why©¤©¤¡¹

    Was it as expected, that the matter of the costume tournament yesterday affected her strongly?

    ¡¸Who knows. Though perhaps it¡¯s disappointing for Lux-chi because you are unable to get a kiss from Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Everyone remember about the punishment game properly, so rest assured.¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you are wrong!? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m worrying about that though, I am just©¤©¤worried about Celis-senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    Because at the evening today, the skill exhibition battle would be held with Heiburg Republic as the opponent.

    No©¤©¤that wasn¡¯t all.

    Celis¡¯s condition had been strange since some time ago and she avoided him.

    Why was she taking such attitude? Lux who was unable to realize the answer also felt frustrated himself.

    (In the end I©¤©¤, cannot even understand other people¡¯s feeling.)

    When he was thinking of such thing, a hand was suddenly plopped on Lux¡¯s head.

    Sharis who was showing the composure of the older one watched over Lux kindly.

    ¡¸Yosh, come with me prince. I know about the right booth for a worrying young boy.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Sharis pulled the hand of Lux whose mouth was gaping open in puzzlement and she started walking away.

    Like that Lux entered into the crowd along with the Triads.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This is sudden but please give us a fortune telling. This boy is today¡¯s customer.¡¹

    After joining a queue for a bit, they stepped inside a classroom booth that had the plank with ¡ºFortune-Telling Mansion¡» written on it.

    Lux had recollection of the girl who was sitting in front of the table with a spherical crystal put on it.

    It was a girl whose mouth was hidden by a fabric, wearing strange outfit of foreign country with high degree of exposure.

    As expected he wouldn¡¯t fail to recognize that figure who had particular trait of dark brown skin and tattoo.

    ¡¸Oh, I feel like I have seen your from somewhere desu. Heh? Who could you be©¤©¤ouch-!?¡¹

    When the hat wearing girl standing beside that girl muttered so, a fist dug onto her back.

    The hat girl straightened her back in panic and began her ¡ºinterpreter¡» work.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s a joke desu!? I don¡¯t forget desu! Hello Lux Arcadia-sama. This is Turkimes Confederation¡¯s representative for Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤the shy and reticent Soffice, and her aide Uruk desu.¡¹

    Lux also returned an awkward greeting to the girl who was talking with a peculiar tone.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The style of the two was basically the same like at the summit before, where the big sister Soffice didn¡¯t talk at all, while her little sister Uruk aided her by speaking in her place.

    ¡¸But, why are you two here? To suddenly participate in the booth of the Academy©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice and Uruk originally should be visitors, but for some reason they were participating in a booth at this campus festival.

    When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement, Sharis taught him the answer.

    ¡¸Originally this should be a place for a certain student to do fortune telling, but the other place is a bit lacking in helper you see. It seemed that student then entrusted this booth to these two who were coincidently there as customers.¡¹

    ¡¸No matter what, that¡¯s just too irresponsible isn¡¯t it¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux whispered half dumbfounded, but in front of him Soffice shook her head left and right.

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong desu, Lux-sama. From the beginning Soffice is good with fortune telling, so she was entrusted with this booth by her own will©¤©¤that¡¯s what she said desu.¡¹

    The little sister Uruk explained proudly. Soffice also nodded up and down in respond.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right desu. Then in this rare chance, as commemoration Soffice will exhibit one of the fortune-telling methods that is her forte, the secret technique ¡ºNude Fortune-Telling¡» desu©¤©¤gehaah!?¡¹

    Soffice who was angry with red cheeks hit Uruk¡¯s head hard.

    With the large spherical crystal that seemed to be the fortune-telling tool.

    ¡¸M, my apologize, don¡¯t fool around too much¡­¡­that¡¯s what Soffice said desu.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I somehow understand that even without getting told¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux retorted like that to Uruk who carry out the role of speaking as proxy, Soffice pulled herself together and started the fortune-telling.

    After Lux sat down in front of her, Soffice prepared unfamiliar card set and then asked several questions.

    Of course, Soffice wasn¡¯t making any voice, so it was her little sister Uruk who was asking.

    Soffice took Lux¡¯s hand, touched it all over, then she stared straight a Lux.

    ¡¸What is you worry desu? Whether it¡¯s battle or romance, asking anything is fine desu.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath, then after thinking slightly, he spoke.

    About his feeling to a certain girl that he couldn¡¯t notice by himself.

    ¡¸That, I might be hated by a certain senpai who is someone important to me, if possible I want to reconcile with her©¤©¤¡¹

    Immediately after that, right behind©¤©¤a faint presence was moving outside the classroom.

    But, Lux who was concentrating on the fortune-teller in front of him didn¡¯t notice that.

    ¡¸I see, then let¡¯s tell your fortune in regard to that. Whether your wish will come true or not©¤©¤¡¹

    After shuffling the card set, Soffice made Lux to choose several of the cards along with an incantation gesture, then she turned the cards over.

    When those cards were lined up, the result immediately came out.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Just what in the world I am doing¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux was receiving fortune-telling, Celis heard his question from outside the classroom.

    It wasn¡¯t a coincidence, even after the second day of the campus festival started, Celis had been watching over Lux all this time from hiding in order to help him out.

    When she met Lux face to face, she would avert her gaze from him completely due to a reason that even she herself didn¡¯t understand.

    Furthermore because of the arrangement where she had to kiss Lux, her inexplicable condition that even resembled a sickness was worsening.

    The beating of her heart was throbbing very violently. She couldn¡¯t come down and strength left her.

    She became unable to regulate herself like before.

    But even after her condition was turning like that, she didn¡¯t want to run away.

    She didn¡¯t want to throw away the mission of supporting and protecting him.

    Thus, she didn¡¯t show herself in front of Lux and intended to act so at least she could become his strength from the shadow, and yet©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Something like this is the first time.¡¹

    Until just slightly a while ago, there would be no problem if she didn¡¯t face Lux from nearby.

    But, today, even when she was observing Lux from hiding, she couldn¡¯t calm down when seeing other girls acting playful with him cheerfully.

    ¡¸Wade-sensei. Just what is happening to me¡­¡­?¡¹

    Her private tutor who gave the young her guidance and built a firm foundation within her.

    Celis muttered the name of the man who was also Lux¡¯s grandfather.

    His instruction manual wasn¡¯t only filled with the writing of the way to train the body, but also the heart, but even after following that, the throbbing of her heart couldn¡¯t be suppressed.

    ¡¸I am here in order to become a reliable strength for him as a senpai. And yet, at this rate©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s expression that looked somewhat like she was having nightmare from a fever instantly switched into a serious look.

    She felt something like a gaze from the forest near the back of the Academy, the outer wall with no sign of human presence.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Her hand touched the handle of her Sword Device, then she put her breathing in order and peeked at the situation.

    A thin man with high stature who seemed to be past middle-aged was observing the students from afar.

    She didn¡¯t have any recollection of such a man from recently, but that back figure felt nostalgic somehow to her.

    But, that man¡¯s conduct was obviously different from normal visitor.

    (¡­¡­I have no time to call others.)

    Celis was staring still at the man to not miss even a moment of his movement.

    But, she wondered why.

    The more she looked, the more she felt caught by a strange sensation that felt nostalgic.

    Suddenly that man turned toward her. At that moment, Celis¡¯s time stopped.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It has been a long time, Celis. You aren¡¯t listening to what I say again¡­¡­no, you are listening too much that you act rashly perhaps.¡¹

    The refined voice that possessed depth, and the hair color that was tinged with grey.

    ¡¸You, how could this¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis went speechless after muttering that. Her eyes were wide open.

    Her former teacher who once gave her guidance, and who died in prison due to his admonition to the old empire that he said because of the words she told him, the grandfather of Lux, Wade Roadvelt was standing there.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I will look for Celis-senpai.¡¹

    Until now he was waiting for Celis to come, but after hearing from Sharis that she was protecting Lux while hiding herself, he couldn¡¯t just sit still.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll root for you Lux-kun. Take care of Celis.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    After replying like that to Sharis of Triad, Lux hurriedly exited the Fortune-Telling Mansion.

    And then, he heard from Tillfur and Noct about the direction that seemed to be where Celis had ran away to and he started running.

    ¡¸Cheeh¡­¡­it feels like a wasted effort. It must be that, right? In the end Celis-senpai is unable to look at Lux¡¯s face because of that kinda reason anyway, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Most likely, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur grumbled after Lux left, with Noct giving her a vague respond.

    ¡¸That way of talking is no good you two. Even though it¡¯s completely obvious for us who are watching from the side, but for the people involved themselves, it¡¯s a really serious problem for them.¡¹

    Sharis concluded like that, but Tillfur only puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸Yes. Tillfur also not in the position to speak about other.¡¹

    ¡¸Haaah!? What are you saying, so suddenly!? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m thinking about Lux-chi that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No one is mentioning Lux-kun though.¡¹

    Sharis retorted like that to the flustered Tillfur while looking at the table.

    The hint from the fortune-telling according to Uruk was a combination of sun and moon.

    It hinted to a close relationship that wouldn¡¯t intersect just by staying as they were.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, Lux who was searching around inside the Academy¡¯s ground finally found Celis¡¯s figure.

    But, her condition seemed strange.

    She was only standing still without any movement while facing the tall man in front of her.

    ¡¸So you were, alive¡­¡­Wade-sensei!? Bu, but, why are you here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? Didn¡¯t you have something that you want to ask me? If it¡¯s the hardworking and studious you, then you will surely be able to learn it right away.¡¹

    The two were making such conversation.

    (Wade¡­¡­? The name of my dead grandfather, why©¤©¤)

    An uncomfortable feeling rose inside Lux hearing that name. It took away his awareness for a few moment.

    But right after that, he noticed the true identity of the killing intent that was aiming at Celis and he reacted.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Watch out-!¡¹

    Lux kicked the ground sharply while calling out at the same time.

    ¡¸Lux!? Why are you here©¤©¤!?¡¹

    On the other hand, Celis who was called out also held her breath in realization.

    There was an EX Drake that was hiding its figure using the camouflage function.

    The aim of that cannon muzzle that was filled with attack readiness already locked on Celis who was standing still in surprise.

    Without even any time to think about the true identity of the Drag-Knight that he had slight recognition of, Lux ran in order to cover for Celis.

    Right after that, the torrent of shockwave that was fired from the Cannon blew away a part of the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Their body floated with a sensation of their body weight vanishing.

    ¡®Damn it!¡¯ His consciousness was getting farther without even any time to regret.

    The last thing he saw was a man other than Wade.

    It was a short statured assassin. His whole face was filled with an ugly smile.

    The low scale destruction that ocured at the outskirt of the Academy.

    Lux and Celis were taken away from that place without anyone noticing.

 Volume 8 - CH 4

    ¨C

    He could hear a dull and heavy striking sound from afar.

    Then the sensation of rope coiling around the body and the cold texture of stone.

    His consciousness was receding for a moment©¤©¤then it was surfacing along with the passing of time.

    ¡¸U, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    The place was dim©¤©¤no, there was almost no light in his field of vision. Lux opened his eyes amidst the darkness.

    He noticed that it was because of the blindfold covering his eyes, but he could barely peek at his surrounding from the slightest opening at the top and bottom of the blindfold.

    The room was illuminated by sunlight that shined in from the skylight that was covered with grid pattern.

    Lux and Celis were imprisoned inside that old room that was made from stone.

    Both of them got their eyes blindfolded with their four limbs tightly bound by rope.

    It wasn¡¯t like he was completely unable to move, but this was quite the predicament.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai, are you alright!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m alright. More importantly, how about you Lux?¡¹

    They first confirmed each other¡¯s safety after recovering their consciousness.

    Perhaps because they were both in an emergency situation, they were able to talk naturally like before this.

    His body felt painful and numb due to the after wave of the Cannon shockwave that showered them, but at worst it only felt like he was just got lightly punched. There was nothing wrong with his bones.

    Celis also told him that she wasn¡¯t injured or bleeding.

    For now, it seemed they were at least safe.

    ¡¸But, where could this be? It doesn¡¯t seem like¡­¡­we are outside the Academy.¡¹

    When they focused their hearing, it was faint©¤©¤really faint, but the bustling sound of the campus festival could be heard from afar.

    Then, Celis whose eyes were still blindfolded thought for a bit and muttered.

    ¡¸It¡¯s only my guess¡­¡­but, I think we might be inside the old underground prison within the Academy¡¯s ground.¡¹

    Celis muttered that with a calm tone despite her perplexity.

    ¡¸If I remember rightly, this Academy was a military installation in the era of old empire, so naturally it should also have a lot of underground prison. Although the majority of it seemed to be demolished when this place was turned into academy.¡¹

    ¡¸So this is a remain of the jail where I was placed when I was first caught here¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux muttered with a conflicted expression.

    The remains of the underground prison that was demolished and its entrance blocked.

    That possibility was high based from the old smell his nose caught.

    But, if that was the case the options of the person who put Lux and Celis in here were limited.

    ¡¸Is the enemy¡­¡­, a staff of the Academy?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know but, there is another possibility. The spy of Heiburg who was once hiding amidst us, Syvalles©¤©¤Saniya. In the note that she left behind, it was written that she also discovered the existence of this jail and its blueprint when she was investigating the location of the crystal called Grand Force.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    An information that was known by Saniya, a spy who was spying on new kingdom.

    If she reported that information to her superior, than it could be imagined how this was the work of Heiburg Republic that knew about the existence of this underground prison.

    If this was thought as their sabotage, which was done at the end of the campus festival, a few hours before the skill exhibition battle started, then the line could be very easily connected.

    ¡¸In order to obtain a win without fighting¡­¡­. Is this the act of Heiburg¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Rosa Granhide?¡¹

    ¡¸She is a possible suspect. We aren¡¯t lethally wounded and our Sword Device aren¡¯t taken away are because doing that could cause this to be traced to her, so we are left alone like this, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Right now it was nothing but a speculation. For now their priority was to escape from here.

    When he looked up to the ceiling from the gap of the blindfold, the distance is quite far.

    They tried to call for help several times, but there wasn¡¯t any sign that it would reach anyone¡¯s ear from this place where there wasn¡¯t any human sign.

    ¡¸But, why did Celis-senpai at that kind of place? Besides, it looked like you were somewhat distracted?¡¹

    When Lux asked the thing that bothered him, he received an unexpected answer.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wade-sensei was there. My teacher who should be died because of some words from me, your grandfather, he was¡­¡­. But, he vanished the moment I reached out my hand. Was that just an illusion that my weak heart showed me?¡¹

    Celis muttered sadly.

    Indeed, Lux also felt like he was seeing a man¡¯s silhouette at that time, but he wasn¡¯t certain.

    That was why he didn¡¯t say anything right now and said only definite thing.

    ¡¸The moment Celis-senpai¡¯s attention was distracted, an EX Drake was aiming at you. Furthermore, I remembered the face of the pilot who seemed to come and go from the Academy yesterday©¤©¤that¡¯s all that I¡¯ve confirmed clearly. More importantly, we¡¯ve got to get out from here now and head to the skill exhibition battle.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re, right. There is no time to feel down.¡¹

    The matter of her seeing the illusion of her teacher Wade.

    And then, the matter of receiving an attack from someone who made use of that opening which caused the two of them to get captured. Celis was disappointed of herself and worried due to those matters, but she pulled herself together.

    Lux let out a sigh of relieve, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸By the way Lux. Are you able to move even slightly?¡¹

    Celis asked with a serious tone.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­, yes. I cannot untie the rope, but if it¡¯s just a bit©¤©¤¡¹

    Inside the cramped prison, there was the figure of Celis with her hands tied behind her right in front of him. Their distance was less than a few cl. (TN: This cl seem to be the equivalent of centimeter here I think)

    Until now Lux didn¡¯t notice because of nervousness, but somehow the way she was tied was strange.

    More specifically, other than her hands were tied behind her and her eyes were blindfolded, her body was also tied.

    For some reason, the rope was tied at below and above those conspicuously pointing out voluptuous breasts.

    Perhaps it was only that way because that was the easiest way to tie her body, but even if it was only a coincidence, Celis¡¯s huge breasts became emphasized due to that into a very risqu¨¦ shape.

    When Lux was peeking at such sight from the slight gap of his blindfold, Celis suddenly leaned her body forward and took a pose that pushed out her breasts toward Lux.

    ¡¸A, about that. The rope around my torso is connected to the rope tying my hands behind, so can I ask you to pull at it a little? If the restrain on my hand can be loosened slightly, perhaps I will be able to pull out my Sword Device¡­¡­¡¹

    If her hand could reach the handle of her Sword Device, she would be able to cut the rope and summon Drag-Ride to escape from the prison.

    Lux understood such intention of Celis, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸E, err, but I too have my hands tied, only my mouth can move¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux said in fluster while reminding Celis casually.

    ¡¸Ye, yes¡­¡­. That¡¯s why I¡¯m, asking you. Tha, that¡­¡­it it¡¯s Lux, I won¡¯t mind so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, unexpectedly a reply of ¡®OK¡¯ came back and Lux¡¯s face turned red.

    Lux would use his mouth to pull at the rope that was tied above and below Celis¡¯s breasts, in other words©¤©¤, there was a possibility his face would touch those jiggling pointing out breasts.

    He got the feeling as though he would do some kind of thing that he absolutely mustn¡¯t done, but was this really okay?

    But, there weren¡¯t many things they could do in this situation where their body couldn¡¯t be moved.

    Lux took a deep breath and he finally resolved himself.

    ¡¸U, understood. E, excuse me©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux raised his spirit, he leaned forward his upper body with his eyes still blindfolded, and his face moved toward the area around the breast of Celis who was similarly tied up.

    The gap at Lux¡¯s blindfold was slight. He couldn¡¯t ascertain his target clearly.

    Furthermore the nearer he got, the more his field of vision was stolen by the largeness of the breasts. He became unable to see anything.

    And so, at the end he resolutely bit at the two ropes that held the breasts from above and below.

    (©¤©¤Yosh!)

    His nose tip and cheek came into contact with a soft sensation, but he boldly bit at the cord and strongly pulled.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux-¡­¡­!? Tha, that place is-!?¡¹

    It seemed Celis was agitated, her body was shaking from discomfort.

    ¡®This is bad¡¯, Lux was flustered.

    The nice smell of a faint perfume aroma and the sweet sensation of the smooth skin.

    He wanted to stay there forever. He wanted to taste it even deeper. Such impulses were welling up inside him.

    Judging that he wouldn¡¯t be able to back off at this rate, Lux aimed to settle this within a short term and he pushed his face daringly.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Snap-* The sound of something snapping came out. Lux¡¯s face was pulled away.

    (I did it. ©¤©¤Looks like the cord on the chest came off.)

    Lux was relieved inside his heart and he took a breath.

    At the same time, perhaps because he was drawing back his head vigorously, the black blindfold covering his eyes slipped even further and the inside of the jail that was still shined by sunlight became clear to see©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, eeeeh!?¡¹

    The moment Lux saw that sight, he opened his mouth in astonishment.

    The rope tying Celis¡¯s chest wasn¡¯t snapped. A warm and smooth fabric made a rustling sound and fell from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    (The, then just now I, what I pulled out from Celis-senpai¡¯s chest was©¤©¤)

    He would understand even without thinking deeply if he looked.

    The rope that was tied on position above and below Celis¡¯s breasts.

    Right in the middle between the ropes©¤©¤, in the valley of the breasts, there was the connecting part of her bra. Lux bit on it and pulled it with his all.

    Perhaps the hook on her back was off when she was brought here. When Lux pulled the bra from the front, it seemed the hook lost and the bra was taken away.

    As the result, the fight just now ended with only the bra torn off from the breasts of the tied Celis.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry Celis-senpai! It shouldn¡¯t be like thi©¤©¤!?¡¹

    His failure and the result that was caused from it caused Lux to start apologizing in panic.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m fine. You cannot see due to the blindfold, so it cannot be helped. Mo, more importantly, if it¡¯s now you won¡¯t make mistake again, so one more time©¤©¤¡¹

    On the other hand, Celis was speaking dignifiedly even while her cheeks were reddening in shame.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was bewildered and hesitating.

    Certainly it was just as Celis said, there was no more worry that he would fail, but Celis¡¯s appearance had become more that lewd enough already.

    Her uniform was opened, exposing her breasts. The voluptuous breast that had already absorbed male¡¯s attention even at normal time was now emphasized from the rope¡¯s tight binding.

    Furthermore because Lux had pulled out her bra, even the tips of the breasts were almost visible.

    The proud and beautiful Celis was being restrained by straw rope, with her blushing face looking down in shame.

    And then the bulges of raw soft breasts that were emphasized by the rope were jiggling tantalizingly before his eyes.

    With this, it would be stranger if his reasoning didn¡¯t melt in front of such sight.

    In addition, he was told to use his mouth once again to pull at the rope.

    In other words after this, his face would be buried between Celis¡¯s breasts that weren¡¯t covered by bra©¤©¤.

    ¡¸He, hesitation is, not permitted¡­¡­you know¡¹

    When Lux was hesitating, Celis muttered that while leaking out a nervous and also seductive breath.

    ¡¸It became like this because of my carelessness, and we have to quickly get out from here. So¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis muttered so with her words at the end turning ambiguous.

    (©¤©¤I wonder why. It feels like Celis-senpai is cuter than usual¡­¡­)

    Perhaps such thought for a senior was impolite, but that was what Lux thought.

    He didn¡¯t understand the reason why he was avoided, but at the very least right now she was trusting him. Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry. Celis-senpai, please endure just for a bit!¡¹

    Lux resolved himself and he leaned his body forward to Celis¡¯s breasts once more.

    Even still, as expected it was beautiful and enchanting.

    Lux endured the jiggling temptation before his eyes while opening his mouth to bite at the rope, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¨C

    ¡¸Lux-kun, Celis-san! Are you two all ri©¤©¤!?¡¹

    *ZAGUN-!* The sound of hard stone being cut apart could be heard, and the underground prison shook.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The bodies of the two stiffened from surprise. At that timing, a Drag-Knight slashed the ceiling above and came down.

    It was a young boy with androgynous appearance and braided hair.

    Perhaps he was working in the booth too today, he was wearing butler outfit under the EX Wyvern. He landed down in front of Lux and Celis.

    ¡¸Coral!? Why are you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I heard from the Triads that they are looking for Lux-kun. Both of you, are you injured?¡¹

    Coral who went down on the floor of the underground prison asked that with a serious gaze.

    But, the next moment after he stared closely at the appearance of Lux and Celis, his cheeks boiled red in a flash.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eeeee, wha-wha-wha-wha-what are you two doing-!? No, no matter what, doing that in this kind of time, while being tied¡­¡­that¡¯s¡¹

    The cute young boy averted his face. Seeing that, Lux and Celis got flustered together.

    ¡¸Yo, you are misunderstanding Sir Coral! This is that, it¡¯s something that can¡¯t be helped in order to escape from here!¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right! It¡¯s not like I and Celis-senpai did anything to feel guilty about©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral stared fixedly at Lux and Celis with doubtful gaze, even so Coral swung his Sword Device and quickly cut the rope.

    Celis wore her bra and fixed her clothes¡¯ disarray, after that she and Lux pulled out their respective Sword Device and checked the blade.

    ¡¸Ho, however it¡¯s strange. It seems that our swords aren¡¯t tampered at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Me too, both of my swords are fine.¡¹

    In the first place, Sword Device that was made from a special metal called Mythrildite boasted hardness that no normal blacksmith tool could process it, even so it was possible to destroy it using Drag-Ride¡¯s strength.

    In that case, was it valid to think that the Sword Devices of the Divine Drag-Rides weren¡¯t destroyed because it would be a waste?

    The enemy bore the risk of attacking Lux and Celis within the Academy¡¯s ground while not going as far as stealing in order to avoid the risk of having the deed traced back to them.

    This meant, it wasn¡¯t the deed of the Dragon Marauder, as expected©¤©¤was it the deed of someone public?

    While Lux was thinking of such things,

    ¡¸There is no injury or pain on you two? If you two can fight then let¡¯s go quickly! It already passed the time of the start of the skill exhibition battle!¡¹

    Coral suddenly spoke in hurry and showed the two of them his pocket watch.

    Loss by default due to abssence©¤©¤. A dark despair flashed in their mind for a moment, but it still wasn¡¯t a certain thing.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go Lux. I can fight.¡¹

    Lux also nodded at Celis¡¯s resolute voice.

    They hurriedly fixed their appearance and rushed toward the practice ground.

    ¨C

    The Drag-Ride practice ground inside the Academy¡¯s site.

    It seemed that at the early half of the campus festival yesterday, this place was used to hold a simple show of Drag-Ride practice where normal visitor could enter, but right now there was no one here except Seven Dragon Paladins, the delegation of Lords, and the leaders¡¯ representatives.

    So to speak, normal visitors and students who weren¡¯t Syvalles were forbidden to visit that place.

    Four Drag-Knights were facing each other on the circular ground that was the stage of the battle.

    The Seven Dragon Paladin of Heiburg Republic, Rosa, and her aide Calensia.

    From the new kingdom was similarly a Seven Dragon Paladin, Lux, and his aide Celistia.

    ¡¸You two are really late aren¡¯t you? Originally I could also criticize that disrespectful attitude and obtain victory by default though, right?¡¹

    First Rosa provoked with slimy attitude and obscenely mocking smile.

    But, Calensia who was following behind Rosa was composed all that time. She quietly pushed up the glasses that was her trait to fix its position.

    ¡¸But by doing that, we won¡¯t be able to fulfill the request of Listelka-sama, an imperial family of the Lords who wish to be shown our strength. In deference to that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll have you two accept a condition that is just slightly advantageous for us okay? This is a two versus two battle. The side that has even one of the pair unable to fight first will become the loss of the pair. And then in case the time limit ran out, it won¡¯t be a draw but a victory of us, the representatives of Heiburg©¤©¤can you two accept that I wondeeer?¡¹

    Those were the special conditions prepared to compensate for Lux and Celis¡¯s lateness.

    If thinking about the possibility that they could also lose by default, it was undoubtedly something to be thankful for if it was only a condition of time limit.

    Though©¤©¤that was only if it wasn¡¯t Rosa herself who set up the trap for Lux and Celis.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤can we start this now? The sun will set before long after all.¡¹

    The imperial princess of the Lords, Listelka prompted the fight to begin. Then the four touched their sword belt together.

    And then, they slowly unsheathed their Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Descent. The dragon of royalty who inherit the blood of ruler. Be clad in a hundred lightning and dance in heaven, Lindwurm.¡¹

    The switch on the handle was pushed and the passcode was chanted, immediately after that©¤©¤particles of light condensed and formed shape.

    Lux used Wyvern following the advance arrangements they had decided beforehand.

    He wished to avoid using Bahamut in front of a lot of people at new kingdom where there was rumor of the Black Hero, but in this situation, and in front of the limited audiences here, using Bahamut was an available option.

    In this battle for the sake of repelling danger from the new kingdom, he also had to resolve himself to use it.

    But, to use the Quick Shot by applying the Divine Raiment of Bahamut, Reload on Fire, there was the necessity to see through the opponent¡¯s attack preliminary movement before activating it.

    In order to use it to the maximum effect, as expected it was better to first devote himself at defense.

    For that he made the judgment to use Wyvern that had low consumption rate and the Scale Blade that Lisha made, and fougt mainly using the counterattack of Critical Hit.

    On the other hand, the representative of Heiburg, Calensia was summoning EX Wyrm.

    And then at the end, Rosa Granhided pulled out her Sword Device that was engraved with ominous pattern.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The soot of wicked artifice, deceive lurking underneath. O repentance dragon of previous existence, Gorynych.¡¹

    The air of the whole venue was strained from the Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s summoning.

    A squall whirled behind Rosa, and an odd Drag-Ride with growing blades appeared there.

    ¡¸So this is the rumored, the Steel Witch¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Beside Lux, Celis raised a slightly astonished voice.

    Lustrous dark grey color, the armor of steel color that was a mix of black and ash color. The dreary color scheme reminded anyone watching of the original color Mythrildite that was the material of Drag-Ride.

    But, there were sharp thorns jutting out from various parts, furthermore the thick armor of land battle type Drag-Ride that was embodiment of sturdiness was displaying its aggressive dignity.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Connect ¨C On¡¹

    Rosa grinned fearlessly and next she quickly equipped the unfolded armor.

    (¡­¡­It¡¯s huge.)

    The Drag-Ride was already huge when it was summoned, but when it was worn by the pilot¡¯s body, its volume increased further.

    The huge Drag-Ride was a size bigger than the normal land battle type Drag-RideWyrm. A single attack that it unleashed might become a fatal wound in the worst case.

    Lux and Celis instantly made that judgment while similarly connecting and wearing their Drag-Ride. They formed the strategy against Rosa inside their head.

    ¡¸The time limit is ten minutes. If one fighter becomes unable to fight, it will become a defeat for the pair. In case the time ran out, it will become the victory of Heiburg Republic. Other than those special conditions, this battle will be held under the common rule of mock battle. Any objection?¡¹

    After Instructor Raigree who acted as the referee informed them that, each of the four fighters nodded.

    Celis and Rosa glared at each other with sparks scattering between them. The signal of the battle start was declared then.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle, Start!¡¹

    ¨C

    At the same time with the signal, the four Drag-Knights quickly moved.

    First Lux¡¯s Wyvern and Celis¡¯s Lindwurm flew backward as though they had arranged it beforehand. The two Drag-Knights of Heiburg drove their Drag-Knight using the wheels to close the distance.

    Lux and Celis¡¯s situational judgment had reached about the same level.

    In the situation where they faced Drag-Knight who used land battle type Drag-Ride, the first thing to do was to make use of flying type¡¯s special characteristic and grasped the air superiority.

    There was also the risk of attacked from below, but because the opponent¡¯s could be restricted to shooting and bombardment, it was obviously advantageous to take position above the opponent.

    That was the ironclad rule for flying type Drag-Ride like Wyvern and the like when fighting Drag-Knight using land battle type.

    The opponent charging ahead at the start of battle to prevent them from moving to the sky was also as expected in a sense.

    Therefore Rosa and Calensia simultaneously aimed and fired at their opponent¡¯s by the book action.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuh!¡¹

    ¡¸Haah!¡¹

    Rosa brandished a sickle shaped weapon with a long handle©¤©¤, a ScytheDragon Horn Curved Blade and attacked Lindwurm, while Calensia aimed at Lux using medium sized Blade.

    Those two took such first move after predicting that Lux and Celis would first took some distance away and flew to the sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But in a moment a strange discomfort flashed through at the back of Rosa and Calensia¡¯s mind.

    Lux and Celis who pretended to escape to the sky stopped flying midway and hovered still at midair.

    They conversely aimed at the first attack of Rosa and Celnsia. The two were already finished preparing a sure kill attack.

    *PAKIiI-!*

    Along with the high-pitched metallic sound, fragments of weapon and armor fluttered in the air.

    The Scale Blade that Lux¡¯s Wyvern wielded smashed the Blade of Calensia¡¯s EX Wyrm, while Celis¡¯s Lindwurm unleashed a thrust using its special armament Lightning Lance, which pierced Gorynych¡¯s barrier and moved toward the shoulder where its Force Core was installed.

    ¡¸This is the end. ©¤©¤Lightning Flash.¡¹

    *BASHIiII-!*

    In a flash, the electric attack surging from the lance¡¯s tip attacked Rosa¡¯s Gorynych.

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s expression distorted. At that moment, the girl beside her was shocked.

    ¡¸This is, a weapon for the sake of destroying weapon!? The first move of flying backward following the established tactic, it was¡­¡­a trap!?¡¹

    At the other side, Calensia was staring at the Blade¡¯s fragment that was smashed by Lux¡¯s Critical Hit and she let out an astonished voice.

    The counter of Critical Hit using Scale Blade wouldn¡¯t work without first seeing through the opponent¡¯s attack.

    But, just now both sides were each taking option that would normally be the best for the situation.

    If it was just a priority movement without any particular scheme it, it would be easy to predict it.

    Lux and Celis chose the option of sure kill offense and defense by predicting the opponent¡¯s action two moves ahead without discussing with each other beforehand, and then they made it success splendidly.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Nii-san is reckless as usual©¤©¤¡¹

    The skill exhibition battle of Heiburg versus new kingdom, where the right to investigate Ruin was being fought.

    Airi was watching the intense beginning while letting out a relieved sigh.

    Airi and the Triads split up to search Lux who was suddenly gone before this. They were also specially permitted to watch the battle, so right now they were sitting on the audience seats that were mostly empty.

    ¡¸Really. To try to settle the fight suddenly like that. Well, certainly, even if they escaped to the sky, it will be a loss when the time¡¯s up, so it can¡¯t be helped though.¡¹

    After Tillfur replied like that, Noct also nodded quietly.

    ¡¸Yes. But, they won the gamble. I don¡¯t know what is the power of Rosa Granhide¡¯s Gorynych, but in any case, she is caught with this.¡¹

    The thrust of electricity by Lightning Lance of Celis¡¯s Lindwurm©¤©¤the Lightning Flash possessed special characteristic to temporarily seal the movement of enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride.

    Calensia only got her Blade destroyed, but Rosa would almost certainly get defeated with one more attack.

    Thus, the battle had been decided with the victory went to the new kingdom in reality.

    ¡¸Aaa. I was worried, but somehow with this©¤©¤¡¹

    When Sharis was about to conclude like that, the nearby Lisha who was also watching like them muttered with a tense expression.

    ¡¸No. That Drag-Ride, something is strange!?¡¹

    At the same time with her sentence, the battle situation that should be clearly in their favor moved.

    ¡¸Be careful Celis! That thing is fake!¡¹

    What could be seen at the same time with Lisha¡¯s yell was the figure of Celis along with the golden armor she equipped©¤©¤Lindwurm getting mowed down altogether by a Scythe.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was a sight that would make one doubted their own eyes. Lux¡¯s focus was taken away for a moment by that happening which surpassed the imagination.

    Right after the offense and defense that should have decided the victory for them just as they predicted©¤©¤, for some reason it was Celis herself who got hit by a sure kill attack.

    The Scythe¡¯s blade that was tinged with shining purple energy was digging into Lindwurm¡¯s torso.

    But, the Lance that was slightly tilted came in between, which exempted Celis from direct hit.

    ¡¸How fuun. To be able to defend against this attack in this timing©¤©¤just what kind of reaction speed that is? Are you really a human I wonder?¡¹

    Rosa who was grinning smugly put even more strength and forcefully swung her Scythe to the end.

    The heavy weight land battle type with its feet firmly planted on the ground, and the light weight flying type that was floating midair.

    The difference in power when the two clashed directly was clearly shown in this situation.

    ¡¸Kuh!? My attack should have landed for sure¡­¡­. Why is a counterattack©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Terrific amount of energy surged from the Scythe¡¯s blade, and it increased in momentum to cut apart Lindwurm¡¯s barrier.

    The armor¡¯s destruction©¤©¤a killing intent that was aiming for more than mere injury caused Lux¡¯s expression to pale.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai!¡¹

    Lux immediately tried to assist by brandishing his Scale Blade toward Rosa.

    ©¤©¤But, Calensia immediately discarded her half destroyed Blade and obstructed him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s vexing to be ignored like that. ©¤©¤That¡¯s your blunder.¡¹

    At the same time the EX Wyrm quickly switched weapon.

    The land battle type Drag-Ride that had its heavyweight class as its selling point was loaded with a lot of armaments. Because of that it possessed a lot of variety.

    Next when she aimed the Breath Gun in her hand toward Lux, territory of light spread in the surrounding.

    ¡¸Divine Gate.¡¹

    Celis brushed away the Scythe slightly and activated Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment, the ability of high speed teleportation.

    Celis instantly appeared right beside Rosa and sharply thrust her lance toward Rosa¡¯s flank.

    *DOGAA-!* That attack oerced the Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier and crushed the shoulder armor.

    At the same time, the Scale Blade that Lux swung in the pretension of helping Celis blocked the muzzle of Calensia¡¯s Breath Gun.

    ¡¸The second attack is also a trap©¤©¤!? How can!?¡¹

    But Calensia who had reflexively pulled the trigger couldn¡¯t stop, causing the Breath Gun to explode.

    The EX Wyrm got hit by the backlash of its second weapon getting destructed and it was pushed back.

    Celis too, although she had received an inexplicable counterattack, but with this she was able to bring down Rosa with certainty©¤©¤that was how it should be. But,

    ¡¸You aren¡¯t half bad. ©¤©¤Just slightly than what I think thouugh.¡¹

    The Drag-Ride of the sarcastically grinning Rosa was completely destroyed along with the pilot¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Lindwurm of Celis who was taken by surprise received a sharp impact on the back and got struck down.

    The Gorynych of Rosa that should be at the front was slashing its Scythe from the back before Celis knew it.

    ¡¸Illusion!? No, I certainly felt feedback©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Sparks were fiercely scattered from Celis¡¯s armor while she was muttering in astonishment.

    It seemed that her back wings, the flight device was done in. She couldn¡¯t fly anymore.

    ¡¸Calen. You aim at this one who is near dead. Weeell, the punishment for you is decided already though by the time you got done in by such brat twice. What¡¯s going to happen if we lose because of your fault©¤©¤. If it¡¯s the clever you, don¡¯t you get it already riight? It won¡¯t be just your parents, even your little sis will be turned into slave you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­uu-¡¹

    The expression Calensia who was glared by Rosa turned pale. Her shoulders were shaking fiercely.

    It seemed the dark side of Heiburg, the inhumanity of Rosa wasn¡¯t just a mere rumor.

    Her poisonous fang wasn¡¯t bared to just the army and citizens it seemed, it even reached her own partner.

    (¡­¡­This is bad! At this rate we won¡¯t win©¤©¤not just that, Celis-senpai is in danger!)

    Lindwurm that already received a serious damage couldn¡¯t fight satisfactorily anymore.

    At the same time, Rosa Granhide¡¯s true strength and also the Divine Raiment of Gorynych were still unknown.

    If he wanted to prevent any injury to the minimum, perhaps it would be better to surrender here.

    However, of all things if they lost here against Heiburg that was hostile to the new kingdom, the Ruin within the new kingdom¡¯s territory would be ransacked for a month and the area around it would receive considerable damage.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh.¡¹

    At that time a chuckle that seemed like it had seen through Lux¡¯s complication came from the audience seats far away.

    It was a distance where something like a muttering voice couldn¡¯t possibly be heard.

    But, Lux felt like he had certainly heard it.

    The face of his elder brother Fugil who was sneering.

    That laughing voice which sounded like it was scorning his choice and the end of that road caused his emotion to erupt.

    ¡¸Some nerve you¡¯ve got there©¤©¤. No, is it a lure perhaps? You don¡¯t have any tome to leisurely look at other way you knoow¡¹

    Rosa who was showing a wicked smile drew near to Lux while brandishing her Scythe.

    At that instant, Lux resolved himself and instantly dispelled his own armor.

    ¡¸Howling Howl! And then ©¤©¤Break Purge.¡¹

    It was a basic skill to shoot out the energy that was gathered in the head part in a surge. But, just that wasn¡¯t enough to contain the charge of Gorynych that was a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    Therefore Lux used one more technique, the Break Purge to shoot out his armor as buckshot to cover the enemy¡¯s field of vision.

    It was a basic operation skill to purge off a part of Drag-Ride¡¯s armament and armor and reduced the burden to oneself.

    But, the barrier¡¯s strength and the mobility were also shaved off at the same time, so it was almost never get used in the middle of combat.

    Lux daringly use it was for the sake of taking the enemy by surprise and stopping her movement.

    And then, at the same time it was also a preparatory step to use the next Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Releasing off the armor completely!? This is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lux!? That Drag-Ride is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Celis leaked out an astonished voice, but Lux didn¡¯t stop.

    The other Sword Device©¤©¤the second one was pulled out from the black sheath and he quickly muttered the Passcode.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, violent dragon devouring the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of black clouds, Bahamut!¡¹

    Right after he yelled, a large type Drag-Ride shining jet black was summoned before his eyes. It covered Lux¡¯s body and turned into armor.

    The people in the audience seats who witnessed that spontaneously leaked out astonished sighs.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Oo¡¹

    ¡¸So that¡¯s, the Divine Drag-Ride of new kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    There was no common student or visitor in this place.

    The people watching the fight were only Syvalles¡¯s members and Relie, also the other members of Seven Dragon Paladins and the four leaders¡¯ representatives.

    Even so, Lux didn¡¯t want to show his own combat strength openly, but there was no more room for hesitating.

    He still wasn¡¯t able to perfectly predict the opponent¡¯s attack preliminary movement, but even so he could only do this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Remaining times, three minutes.¡¹

    The voice of Instructor Raigree who served as the referee resounded at the surrounding.

    Celis who received damage shouldn¡¯t have much time remaining where she could equip her Drag-Ride.

    Lux faced the Gorynych that possessed large dark grey frame and flew Bahamut forward.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s the rumored Bahamut? I have heard of it from Saniya.¡¹

    Right after she muttered so, Rosa snapped her fingers with a clear sound.

    Instantly, with a force that was like a bullet, Calensia who should be taking on Celis as an opponent aimed at Lux with a slash using her second Blade.

    Trickery©¤©¤deception and trap, and overwhelming strength. This was a witch who freely used all of those.

    Her instruction that told Calensia to face Celis was a groundwork to make a sneak attack toward Lux.

    But, the Blade of the EX Wyrm that was aiming at Bahamut¡¯s armored arm instead got severed along with its armored hand. The severed part rotated in the air.

    Quick Draw©¤©¤the super fast attack that was unleashed from aligned operation of body control and mental control dealt the counterattack splendidly.

    ¡¸No way-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Calensia opened both her eyes widely, then right after that Lux quickly struck a return attack at her.

    Slashed from above the barrier, Calensia¡¯s EX Wyrm was blown away.

    ¡¸Hee? You use a strange technique there. It¡¯s not that Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment. Is that perhaps a technique of Drag-Ride operation just like Singlen I wondeer?¡¹

    Rosa threw that comment with deep interest.

    She was thinking to aim at opening the moment Lux attacked her in this timing, but unexpectedly Lux didn¡¯t come attacking.

    ¡¸You are more able than I thought¡­¡­. But you¡¯re really na?ve. Even though this fight will be over if you attack Calen more and make her unable to fight, and yeet¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa pointed out something painful, but Lux didn¡¯t let it show on his expression.

    In case this battle ended in defeat for Heiburg because of Calensia as the cause, she would receive terrible chastisement from Rosa, and her family would receive persecution. It was a fact that such thought crossed Lux¡¯s mind for a moment.

    But, the Steel Witch saw through even that hesitation of Lux. It caused Lux to hold a strong vigilance against her.

    Until now there had been several Drag-Knights who Lux thought as formidable, but this girl¡¯s ¡ºmalice¡» possessed strength of different quality from those opponents.

    Not only she didn¡¯t balk to sacrifice her own comrade, she also had the shrewdness to form strategy that influenced her opponent.

    He understood it keenly, of her inhuman strength.

    ¡¸Feeling concerned about the position of a woman from another country that you will even harm the interest of your own countr©¤©¤I love such person who has their head filled with flower field like that you know?¡¹

    Rosa licked her lips and caressed her breast with her fingertip while grinning mockingly.

    ¡¸Actually my partner Calen©¤©¤, among the nobles she was born from lowly family, but she is a lovely child who overturn status using talent and hard work seee. But, she is an embarrassment for Heiburg, getting pitied by someone of another country like this. That¡¯s why¡­¡­, let¡¯s see. I¡¯ll have this girl¡¯s remaining family to receive punishment too. I¡¯ll present her mother and little sister to be the plaything of the soldiers.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Rosa made a cruel and inhumane declaration.

    The moment Calensia looked dumbfounded from surprise, a sound burst from Rosa¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Break Purge©¤©¤and then, Divine Gate.¡¹

    The moment Celis saw an opening, she released a part of her armor and moved.

    A swift attack in godspeed that the eye couldn¡¯t even follow.

    Celis lightened her burden by purging parts of the armor that were damaged, at the same time she concentrated her energy into one point to launch a lance attack.

    It was a form of suicide attack that Celis was learning by applying basic technique.

    It was a superb sure-kill skill that put the user¡¯s life at risk. Such attack was attacking Rosa¡¯s back.

    At the same time Lux also flew his Bahamut and slashed in order to support Celis.

    If he launched a slash using Quick Draw a t this distance and this timing, even Rosa wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge.

    Those judgment and prediction hit the mark without any miss. Gorynych was pierced from the back, at the same time it was also slashed diagonally from the front©¤©¤.

    The armor along with the flesh body wearing it were bisected into two.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Lux and Celis were dumbfounded seeing that sight. Right at that moment, that flesh body dispersed.

    It wasn¡¯t illusion, but a clone with physical substance.

    Right after Lux noticed that, an intense impact and heat wave were fired from the side of the two who was right near each other as though to strike them hard.

    ¡¸Sin Phantom ¨C Rapid Fire ModeFlash Shadow of Deceit ¨C All-Out Bombardment Form.¡¹

    *DOOOOohN-!*

    The air exploded in succession. The ground was smashed and hot wind whirled.

    The yell of Lisha and others could be heard from afar inside the inferno where it felt like their consciousness was getting farther.

    ¡¸Lux©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Even though I shot at perfect timing©¤©¤it¡¯s only your running away that is fast isn¡¯t iit?¡¹

    After Rosa laughed mockingly, the dust cleared up and a figure came into view.

    It was the figure of Lux¡¯s Bahamut, protecting Celis who only had slightly remaining armor within its arms.

    Lux and also Celis could still fight even though it was only just barely.

    But, in Celis¡¯s condition that almost couldn¡¯t move anymore, there would be a risk of serious injury or even death if they kept fighting.

    ¡¸Lux, don¡¯t worry about me! That¡¯s why©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    Lux shook his head slightly toward Celis¡¯s insistence.

    And then the time passed, and the result of this skill exhibition battle was decided.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The time is up. This match¡­¡­is a draw!¡¹

    Instructor Raigree¡¯s voice came, at the same time the bell sound that informed the end of the battle rang.

    A draw in reality had the same meaning as victory for Heiburg Republic.

    And then the fight that began from this quarrel closed its curtain.

    ¨C

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? What¡¯s with that Drag-Ride¡­¡­! Its shape is completely different from just now©¤©¤¡¹

    The huge figure of Gorynych that appeared from the dust cloud caused Airi to hold her breath on the audience seat.

    Then, Magialca who was sitting beside her smiled with a convinced expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, that Divine Drag-Ride, it appears its form is transformed into Drag-Ride of various shapes depending on its own special armaments.¡¹

    ¡¸To be more accurate, it¡¯s from the combination of its Divine Raiment and special armament thouugh.¡¹

    From the other side of the whirling inferno, Rosa who was clad in Gorynych that was equipped with ten-odd cannon muzzles faced toward Magialca and informed her the answer.

    ¡¸The special armaments Twelve ViceTwelve Iron Cage©¤©¤its ability to operate several unmanned general-purpose Drag-Ride, and Sin Phantom©¤©¤creating mechanical illusion of a fake me that I overlapped on the unmanned Drag-Rides, this combination produced pseudo clones of me.¡¹

    Rosa faced the audience seat and explained her own skill.

    ¡¸Rearranging and transforming armors that are treated as special armaments. At the same time it also produce my own clones©¤©¤this is the power of Divine Raiment that my Gorynych possess, the true shape of Tartaros FramePurgatory Mechanism.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s why you are the Steel Witch. Certainly it¡¯s interesting, but it¡¯s really lavish of you to expose everything here.¡¹

    Singlen who was similarly sitting on the audience seat at the opposite side spoke with a fearless smile.

    But, Rosa looked like she wasn¡¯t perturbed at all. She was only showing a crooked smile.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really caree. After all those Lords know about it anyway. Besides even if the trick of my Divine Raiment is exposed, it¡¯s still not something that anyone can do anything about. More importantly, are you fine with this, tyrant-sama? The Ruin investigation right is taken by me you knoow? If I also conquered even Babel after this, perhaaps even all of you will be below me in the achievement obtained.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The surrounding was stirred in agitation after hearing what Rosa said.

    The haughty and arrogant man called the Blue Tyrant, who was a powerful person that stood out even among the Seven Dragon Paladins. The leaders¡¯ representatives held their breath seeing Rosa provoking such man.

    ¡¸Ro, Rosa-dono!? Please stop with the joke©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected, even a senior statesman of Heiburg, Gunius was also agitated. He tried to remonstrate Rosa in panic.

    But, in comparison Singlen only sent Rosa a dark gaze that was like a bottomless swamp without any change. He stood up with unshakeable smile.

    ¡¸You churl, don¡¯t push your luck.¡¹

    The one who said that wasn¡¯t Singlen himself, but the tall and lean old soldier standing behind him, Zweigbergk.

    Bloodshot eyes peeked out from the helmet¡¯s gap, and his hand was touching his Sword Device.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll gratefully accept your loyalty©¤©¤but, stop it Zwei. As the vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, I have the responsibility to watch over their growth.¡¹

    Singlen stopped him with one hand. Seeing that, Roza¡¯s lips distorted repulsively.

    ¡¸Myy? What a splendid thing to say despite being a coward who wouldn¡¯t come forward to participate in the skill exhibition battle after getting cold feet. An incompetent superior whose style is to exert all his effort in making excuse©¤©¤it¡¯s great how easy it is to understand you.¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please stop with the reckless remarks Lady Rosa! Si, Sir Singlen, please forgive her, it still hasn¡¯t been long since she return to the military©¤©¤¡¹

    Minister Gunius tried to smooth over the situation in great panic, but Singlen wasn¡¯t perturbed in the slightest.

    Perhaps seeing that the situation was going out of control, the captain Magialca cut in.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like what she is saying is wrong so just leave it alone. More importantly, the fight is finally settled. It¡¯s also necessary to treat the injury, so let¡¯s breakup for the moment. I too am tired from the long journey. Can you allow me to rest soon, Relie?¡¹

    ¡®Fuaa¡­¡­¡¯, she cutely yawned. Magialca made a forced yawn like a fawning cat and concluded the happening like that.

    ¡¸Yes, I guess. You were playing wholeheartedly at the campus festival before this though.¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, was that so? Recently I kept forgetting things©¤©¤wait, who are you calling old!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Right after that conversation that wasn¡¯t reading the mood, the leader of the Lords who wished for this skill exhibition battle, Listelka stood up.

    ¡¸Please calm down the two of you. We are compatriots. Let¡¯s refrain from pointless quarrel among ourselves.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t clear whether Rosa consented with those words, but she dispelled her armor and Zweigbergk also sat down.

    And then the Steel Witch withdrew to outside the practice ground with leisurely footsteps.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Lux. Because of my fault©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m glad that Celis-senpai is safe.¡¹

    Celis looked down. In respond Lux replied with a gentle smile, but the fact was that during one month from here, Heiburg would be monopolizing the conquering effort of Babel.

    The damage from Abyss due to the after effect of that investigation as well as the defense that would be needed in case Ragnarok went outside would always exist as threat toward the new kingdom during that time.

    Regarding this case, there was also a possibility that Lux and Celis would be asked to take responsibility in some kind of manner, but it was no use even if they thought about it here.

    When Lux who was thinking that averted his gaze, he saw on Celis¡¯s upper arm a faint bruise remaining there.

    Because Celis was wearing a white coat on her pilot suit until right before the match, Lux didn¡¯t notice it until now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤E, excuse me-!¡¹

    Celis who got that bruise seen ran away in a flustered state from that place. Then the Lords, everyone of Seven Dragon Paladins, and the leaders¡¯ representatives also left the audience seats.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux wished to think that his judgment to protect Celis instead of taking the option to attack at the end wasn¡¯t mistaken.

    It would be too dangerous to make a gamble and attack Rosa in that situation.

    Conversely if he attacked the weak Calensia mercilessly and defeated her, then perhaps they would be able to obtain victory through that.

    Even if because of that Calensia and her family would meet a tragic fate from Rosa, perhaps he shouldn¡¯t go as far as pitying even the military officer of other country.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡ºThat righteousness that is unable to sacrifice even a single relative, unable to discard anything. Your ephemeral ideal that is trying to save even the evil, I¡¯ll root for it from the bottom of my heart.¡»

    That smile of Fugil that was containing pity and disappointment was constricting Lux¡¯s heart tightly.

    In the end, he hadn¡¯t change at all since that time.

    Wasn¡¯t he only clinging on his own ideal while running through the wrong path?

    Even after living for five years doing chores, in the end wasn¡¯t he still unable to understand people¡¯s feeling?

    ¡¸I¡­¡­, I, just what am I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Are you all right, Nii-san!?¡¹

    Airi, along with Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triads were rushing toward Lux.

    ¡¸Yes, sorry to make all of you worry.¡¹

    But Lux was aware that currently he was making a forced smile that didn¡¯t come from his heart.

    That was just like the childhood him in the era of old empire.

    It was a glossing over smile that he showed at that time when he was living by hiding his true feeling.

    The skill exhibition battle silently closed the curtain without the festival visitors and other students getting told about the result.

    After receiving the minimum treatment at the medical office, Lux returned to the campus festival as though nothing had happened. And then the sun sunk down.

    ¨C

    At seven o¡¯clock in the evening©¤©¤after dinner, the night of the middle of autumn.

    At that time when the darkness was starting to deepen, a girl¡¯s silhouette was facing the headmaster office.

    ¡¸Excuse me.¡¹

    The person knocked and informed her presence. Then when she entered, there was Relie sitting down with a smile.

    ¡¸My? Thank you for your hard work today. There will be a holiday used for the tidying up, so it¡¯s still fine not to be that rushed you know?¡¹

    ¡¸You are the same like always, headmaster.¡¹

    Celis smiled wryly at Relie¡¯s jesting tone.

    Thinking back, she who was straight-laced at the root sometimes would also think ¡ºthis person is playing around¡» about Relie. But right now she was thankful with her affable attitude.

    ¡¸I believe headmaster know about my intention. I wish to take responsibility for the result this time by resigning from the position of an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    When Celis said that with a dejected air, Relie let out a breath and smiled bitterly.

    ¡¸The youngsters these days are overly serious aren¡¯t there? Even someone like me is staying unashamedly as headmaster after committing a mistake that great. What you did was for the sake of helping the new kingdom itself, it was something that someone had to do. Besides at times a match is a matter of luck. In fact the two of you obtained a draw©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I got captured by someone because I had my focus distracted by unnecessary thing. If not for that, we wouldn¡¯t be forced to fight under those disadvantageous conditions. As expected, the cause of our defeat was because of my immature heart. That is my conclusion.¡¹

    ¡¸Regarding that suspicious ¡ºenemy¡», that matter too is still being investigated even now. It won¡¯t be too late to make your decision after the result come out.¡¹

    Relie ran her pen smoothly on her paperwork while speaking dispassionately.

    But, Celis took a deep breath, then she presented the letter that had her notice of resignation from being the aide written inside in front of Relie.

    ¡¸I¡¯m grateful for your consideration. But©¤©¤the current me have no more confidence to continue being Lux¡¯s aide.¡¹

    Because when she was at Lux¡¯s side, her heart wouldn¡¯t be able to calm down for some reason.

    She saw the phantom of Wade while she still didn¡¯t understand the cause of it, and then her opening at that moment was taken advantage of.

    She couldn¡¯t continue being Lux¡¯s aide while her condition was still like this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand. Then I will hold on to this letter.¡¹

    ¡¸Please. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    After saying that briefly, Celis turned around and headed toward the courtyard.

    She basked in the night¡¯s wind in order to sort her feeling.

    ¨C

    Around the same time. Inside the Academy¡¯s ground, in front of the fourth Drag-Ride hangar.

    Perhaps it was an attack that could be noticed.

    The Academy was designated as the place for the summit, so a lot of reinforcement from the surrounding area was deployed to Cross Field.

    The whole area round ht Academy was constantly watched by the Drake¡¯s detector, the security for the important people staying in the government office building at first block was also flawless.

    Furthermore, all the members of Seven Dragon Paladins, the Drag-Knights who were positioned at the top of their respective country were assembled.

    The possibility of Cross Field getting attacked in this situation was exceedingly low.

    The likes of bandits or average Abyss would get the table turned on them if they came, even the Dragon Marauder wouldn¡¯t dare to attack.

    The soldiers in that place couldn¡¯t assert that they didn¡¯t have such conceit and that they didn¡¯t let their guard down.

    But, even so the defending soldiers©¤©¤the male Drag-Knights who belonged to the new kingdom military weren¡¯t negligent in carrying out security like they were told.

    If there was something that they could be blamed about, there was only one thing.

    It was how they didn¡¯t consider even at the slightest of the possibility that a threat that surpassed the extent of their assumption would visit.

    In other words, the main troops of Dragon Marauder tonight easily surpassed their na?ve assumption.

    At the sky far above the Academy where the detector of new kingdom military¡¯s Drake couldn¡¯t reach.

    That man was hovering while leading a force of Wyverns.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What irony. The gathering of elites where each one of them is a mighty warrior, turn into a foolish bunch when they are assembled together. Thanks to that the chance of a counterattack also came to us.¡¹

    Tanned swarthy skin peeked out from under the pilot suit.

    The person¡¯s muscular large body and toned appearance would give masculine impression to anyone who saw him.

    One of Dragon Marauder¡¯s three bosses, the Heavenly Dragon division commander Gatouhan was looking down to the Academy at night.

    No, his aim wasn¡¯t the Academy itself.

    The Drag-Ride hangar inside the Academy ground was reflected on those eyes that were heavily filled with strong will.

    The two arms and back of the large type Divine Drag-Ride the man was wearing had countless bizarre ¡ºeggs¡» on them.

    The eggs¡¯ shell was blue and half-transparent. They were two sizes bigger than human¡¯s head.

    The eggs¡¯ inside was strangely wriggling. His subordinates behind him were also carrying eggs to the limit.

    ¡¸Hmm. But, that¡¯s not all right? Of course there is also these guys being careless, but this will be still impossible without the guidance of the ¡ºcollaborator¡». I think that kind of conceit isn¡¯t good you know, Gatouhan?¡¹

    A youth who was still young was holding on the leg of Gatouhan¡¯s Drag-Ride. His cherubic face looked up to Gatouhan and told him that.

    ¡¸You are an uncute guy as usual. ©¤©¤But, I¡¯ll be troubled if you aren¡¯t like that when you are chosen to be the Earth Dragon Division Commander, as a skilled Drag-Knight who equaled me and Drakkhen.¡¹

    It was a praise toward his comrade that was slightly roundabout, but the youth in question was curt.

    ¡¸Stop with the flattery and let¡¯s start. The guards below aren¡¯t just scarecrow, we don¡¯t know when we might get noticed. The moon will be hidden by the cloud soon. We will act at that moment. I¡¯ll be responsible for the diversion.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. We will go as planned©¤©¤let¡¯s go! Vine!¡¹

    The large man Gatouhan gave the signal. At the same time, the ¡ºeggs¡» were dropped from the Wyvern force midair.

    The eggs impacted the rooftop of the Drag-Ride hangar. The shells broke one after another and the inside spilled out.

    ¨C

    ¡¸And done. Well, this should be enough. For now there is no doubt that it can at least move.¡¹

    On the other hand, inside the Drag-Ride atelier where the brief tidying up of the display items had been finished.

    Lisha who was wearing white robe let out a large sigh and stretched her back.

    ¡¸Forgive me for making you work right after the festival, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux said that in appreciation of the trouble that the princess he served went through while brewing the tea that he received from the dining hall.

    After taking a sip of the tea, Lisha tapped Lux¡¯s shoulder with frankness.

    ¡¸Well, it can¡¯t be helped. Those mechanic fellows will also return at this time. At this period of time we will want to avoid you all being unable to use your Drag-Rides because they haven¡¯t been repaired.¡¹

    The fourth Drag-Ride hangar that was inside the Academy ground was closed, and the outside was strictly guarded by soldiers.

    Most of the Divine Drag-Rides of the Seven Dragon Paladins who were assembled this time were put inside that important section where even the students were forbidden to enter.

    Lisha had moved Lux¡¯s Bahamut and Celis¡¯s Lindwurm from the fourth Drag-Ride hangar into an atelier outside to repair them.

    Though the two Divine Drag-Rides were in a state that couldn¡¯t be summoned right away because the system tuning still hadn¡¯t been done to them.

    ¡¸Ho, however I¡¯m feeling somewhat tired. That, at this kind of time, it will help if I can receive a massage¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha stole a glance at Lux while saying that with expectation.

    ¡¸Ah, yes. If LIsha-sama is fine with me©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux reflexively responded like that, Lisha secretly clenched her fist and muttered ¡¸Yosh¡¹.

    (It¡¯s a bit embarrassing but, so, sometimes I have to be at least this bold. Besides©¤©¤I¡¯m also a bit interested of it.)

    Lisha took off her robe leaving only her uniform. She then laid down face first on a nearby sofa. Lux started massaging her mainly on her shoulders, neck, and around her back.

    ¡¸Nn, ku¡­¡­. You¡¯re skilled as expected. That, it feels really good.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. As I thought, Lisha-sama¡¯s muscles are quite stiff.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha responding with a pleased look, Lix too replied happily.

    LIsha had heard that the relationship of man and woman could also be deepened by touching each other¡¯s body. She was satisfied that it seemed it wasn¡¯t mistaken.

    From Lisha¡¯s standpoint, her competitive heart was blazing after she heard how recently Krulcifer was approaching Lux strongly but, ¡®Perhaps this is overdoing it a bit?¡¯ she felt embarrassed after this late.

    Having her body massaged by an opposite sex who was in her mind©¤©¤no, by a man who she was self-aware that she liked him felt unexpectedly pleasant. She was relaxing more than she thought.

    (I, it also feel just slightly indecent though. But, just this much should be fine shouldn¡¯t it? I¡¯m not lying that I¡¯m tired, besides Lux, he is also my knight©¤©¤)

    Inside her heart was pounding fast while thinking of such thing. It was then Lux was also harboring a bewildered feeling.

    Lisha had a small build and slender, but she was a girl who was hiding strong zeal inside.

    As though to substantiate that impression of Lux, the springy skin that he was massaging was warm and pushing back on his fingers with pleasant elasticity.

    Her breasts that were large for her small build were pressed on the sofa. Their existences were asserted through her back.

    Her white thighs were well-fleshed, coupled with the constriction of her waist, a smooth line until her butts was highlighted, her skirt was lifted riskily, it even felt like her underwear would become visible.

    Lisha herself was completely oblivious, but this accidental ignorant state of hers tickled Lux¡¯s emotion.

    (Wait, just what am I thinking at this kind of time¡­¡­!? Even though I have to do something quickly about Celis-senpai©¤©¤)

    Lux was reflecting on his worldly thoughts while shaking himself free from them. Then he continued the massage thoroughly.

    But, when his hand descended until around her waist, Lisha twitched and her body turned stiff.

    ¡¸E, err, should I finish this here? Soon it will be only the waist left©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not really a problem to continue further right? That, it¡¯s just a massage anyway¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha was talking with such pricklish tone. Even Lux understood that she was a bit embarrassed.

    If he massaged her waist, his hand might touch until her butt from there.

    (Calm down me! Even though I¡¯m her exclusive knight, how can I have a dirty thought about Lisha-sama! At this kind of time, think about a different situation and maintain calm©¤©¤)

    Lux was shaken, but he immediately worked his brain to repress himself.

    Then, he suddenly recalled a similar situation. He imagined it to distract himself from this situation.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, I was once in a situation similar like this with Celis-senpai too. At that time it was worse though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸By, by worse you mean©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Previously when I massaged her like this that time, senpai was naked©¤©¤wait, I was mistaken! It¡¯s nothing-!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The moment Lux spontaneously regretted the slip of his tongue, Lisha was instantly petrified.

    And then she lifted up her body in a flash and turned around with dark aura drifting out from her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Just what have you done in a place that I don¡¯t know!? This, damned pervert!¡¹

    Lisha became teary eyed and brandished her Sword Device that was still sheathed inside the scabbard.

    After that Lux needed fifteen minutes to talk about the past and matter soothed down Lisha.

    ¨C

    About that time©¤©¤in front of the Drag-Ride hangar.

    The black colored viscous liquid that was mixing into darkness©¤©¤Chaff Slimes were dropped on the rooftop and began to cover the whole building with its mucus.

    Earth Dragon division commander Vine who jumped down toward the Academy ground active his land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!? Who the hell are you-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Dragon Marauder huh, then©¤©¤gugah!?¡¹

    Vine wordlessly attacked the guard Drag-Knights who were bewildered seeing the sudden intruder.

    Although, he wasn¡¯t launching lethal attack, but lightly hindering the soldiers using Wire Tails.

    ¡¸We came here to receive a certain thing. You will allow us to search it.¡¹

    After telling that with a curt expression, he skated his Drag-Ride on the ground and left from there.

    It would be troubling if he showed his strength too much and the Seven Dragon Paladins got called, so he moved only to attract attention.

    ¡¸The enemy is only one! Cut off the escape path and surround him!¡¹

    The soldiers of new kingdom military yelled that. Satisfied of that fact, Vine ran around in a circle at that area for a while.

    Vine was devoting himself to evasion. Then ten seconds later, the Wyvern force of Dragon Marauder also descended.

    ¡¸Hahahah! As expected from nobles, even their elites are nothing much!¡¹

    The vigorous and energetic men of Dragon Marauder readied their respective weapon and attacked.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Reinforcement!? Then we are going to come at them with our whole army too! All hands, draw your sword!¡¹

    The captain of the guard soldiers raised his voice loudly, then the soldiers who still came running drew out their Sword Device simultaneously.

    But, even after they muttered the Passcode, their Drag-Ride didn¡¯t appear in front of them.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? What¡¯s the meaning of this, why can¡¯t we summon Drag-Ride!?¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Bunch of fools-! Die helplessly like that!¡¹

    The soldiers were shaken. In contrast the Dragon Marauder force fired their Breath Gun.

    At the shadow of the Drag-Ride hangar where the beacon of the battle starting was raised, there was Airi who was present there by chance. She felt a shudder rising through her body.

    ¡¸This black Abyss¡­¡­, it¡¯s the Chaff Slime that Nii-san mentioned¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The new type Abyss that obstructed the Drag-Ride¡¯s control signal, at the same time it would entwine around Drag-Ride and hindered the movement.

    Most likely a large amount of this Abyss was dropped on the rooftop of Drag-Ride hangar and then they covered the surface.

    It didn¡¯t matter even if the powerful Drag-Rides were safe, if they couldn¡¯t be summoned then they wouldn¡¯t serve any purpose.

    The Divine Drag-Rides of Seven Dragon Paladins that were temporarily deployed to here also couldn¡¯t be moved.

    This was bad. Airi who instantly discerned the danger tried to run away, it was then that thing appeared.

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The Drag-Knights of Dragon Marauder and new kingdom military who started fighting each other.

    During that time, a beautiful girl wearing pure white dress was standing.

    Her smooth and silky silver hair that reached until her shoulder and her blue eyes that were like jewel.

    That out of place existence that suddenly appeared out of nowhere didn¡¯t move at the slightest even though it was in a battlefield where light bullets and blades roared. It was only smiling.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Huh!? Who are you!?¡¹

    ¡¸This place is dangerous! Get away right©¤©¤¡¹

    That standing figure that wasn¡¯t running away or even looking scared agitated the men of both sides.

    At that time, the girl¡¯s mouth opened wide, and a terrible shriek surged out.

    ¡¸©¤©¤IIIIIIIIIIiIIiiIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAaAH!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­GUAAH!?¡¹

    The shriek that shook the atmosphere hit hard the eardrums of anyone who heard it.

    (This crying voice, it¡¯s©¤©¤horn flute!?)

    The moment Airi thought of that at the corner of her head, the roar that was resounding for a few seconds stopped.

    But, at the same time the tune of the horn flute remained behind like an echo. It was began to get emitted from the body of that girl.

    It was as though her very body itself was a cicada shaking its body to play the tune. That human shaped devil was continuing to emit the demonic reverberation that called the Abyss.

    ¡¸Wha, what is this girl!? She isn¡¯t human!?¡¹

    ¡¸Eei, doesn¡¯t matter. If she is getting in our way then kill her!¡¹

    The new kingdom military and Dragon Marauder each raised their voice fearfully.

    ¡¸You? What are you©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi reflexively questioned the girl from her hiding.

    The moment the girl in dress grinned fearlessly, Airi suddenly recalled a story that she once heard and she shuddered.

    ¡¸Conflict, killing intent, malice are confirmed. Annihilating the area from here on, bringing salvation.¡¹

    The girl¡¯s eyes were tinged with mysterious glint at the same time with that mutter.

    Furthermore tentacles with sharp end grew from her whole body and they undulated like whip.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Airi was horrified by that repulsive transformation.

    The reverberation that resembled the tone color of horn flute was emitted without any sign of stopping. That sound was gradually increasing in loudness.

    ¡¸It¡¯s calling Abyss? Even though it has the form of human, how©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Watch out-!¡¹

    A tentacle was lashed toward Airi. It was then someone flew from the side and carried her off.

    Airi was surprised by the impact. Right after that, she saw the face of the girl who rescued her.

    ¡¸Celis©¤©¤senpai?¡¹

    ¡¸Please be careful Airi. That thing isn¡¯t normal.¡¹

    Celis informed Airi so with a tense face.

    She withdrew her rapier shaped Sword Device and faced the mystery girl with vigilance©¤©¤but, her expression was instantly clouded.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter Celis? Did you see something bad, my proud disciple?¡¹

    ¡¸Wade, sensei¡­¡­¡¹

    The figure of the unknown existence transformed into the shape of her teacher in the past.

    Right after tentacles grew out once more from its whole body and they scattered everywhere to the surrounding.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Good grief. Just when I thought that you became quiet recently, but your perverted mind hasn¡¯t actually changed at all.¡¹

    Lisha somehow settled down after Lux explained that the incident with Celis was because he got caught into a trap.

    But, in the end the atmosphere wasn¡¯t suitable to continue the massage anymore and the two switched to talking with each other.

    When the talk shifted from the incident into the matter of Celis, Lisha abruptly started the talk.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, you¡¯ve been making a depressed face since some time ago, was it because of Celis?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s thinking froze for a moment because Lisha suddenly hit the bull¡¯s eye.

    After that battle where he and Celis got a draw against Rosa and her aide, he shouldn¡¯t be making a gloomy face, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lux, don¡¯t underestimate me too much okay? Even I have been lying for a long time. When I look at mirror, I can at least understand what kind of smile I made at that time. And also the bitterness that made me have to smile like that even by forcing it.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha, sama¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lisha who was once taken hostage by the old empire got abandoned by her father Count Atismata, she was rescued©¤©¤and placed as the princess of the new kingdom as the daughter of the proud great man.

    Even while thinking that she didn¡¯t have the qualification, she had to act the role for that position no matter what.

    That was why, she couldn¡¯t bear to look at Lux who was forcefully making a smile and she told him that.

    ¡¸Besides it¡¯s not like you. If it¡¯s the usual you, you will go to console Celis even if you have to be forceful right? Personally I don¡¯t mind if you don¡¯t do anything like that but¡­¡­, why are you hesitating only at this time?¡¹

    Lux smiled bitterly at Lisha who said that looking somewhat irritated.

    ¡¸I became unable to understand myself, whether doing that will be the right thing to do or not.¡¹

    And then, he slowly spoke out his feeling.

    ¡¸Since that time five years ago, I caused a lot of people at the old empire¡¯s side to die and became chore prince, I¡¯ve been puzzled all this time. Why did my elder brother Fugil betrayed me, or else, was he tricking me right from the start and only using me?¡¹

    He met Lisha at such time and he was given a new place to belong and purpose.

    He chose the path of being Seven Dragon Paladins in order to fight for the sake of people who believed in him, this time for sure.

    But,

    ¡¸And yet, when I met again with Nii-san¡­¡­with Fugil at the summit, my feeling wavered. Perhaps in the end I¡¯m still the same like in the past. Perhaps in the end I don¡¯t understand a single thing about people¡¯s feeling. When I thought that¡­¡­, I who was unable to help Celis-senpai just now, became unable to understand, how should I talk to her©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux expressed his distress slowly. Lisha observed him for a while silently, and then she suddenly moved her hand.

    *Slap* Her palm lightly patted Lux¡¯s cheek without the slightest strength in it.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    It didn¡¯t feel painful at all, but it felt like he was awakened.

    Lisha¡¯s face didn¡¯t look angry, she also didn¡¯t look sad, and she also didn¡¯t look disdainful.

    She was merely staring at Lux straightforwardly, with the face as a noble princess filled with self-confidence and pride.

    ¡¸It looks like you have forgotten so I¡¯ll tell you this©¤©¤, I¡¯m weak you know?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux felt perplexed getting told that with a tone that was full of confidence.

    ¡¸As a Drag-Knight, those stronger than me are steadily becoming your comrades, new women are also approaching you one after another, I also cannot act skillfully as a princess©¤©¤I¡¯m so weak that my heart broke when my father abandoned me. I intend to endeavor so that I won¡¯t be like that but, honestly, I don¡¯t know whether what I¡¯m doing right now is right or not. But see©¤©¤not doing anything because of that is merely running away.¡¹

    With that as the preface, Lisha looked straight at Lux.

    The same like when they met the first time, she looked at him with crimson eyes that contained strong confidence.

    ¡¸If you will stay by my side, then I can fight without running away. I don¡¯t mind even if you make mistake. Just by you fighting trying to help me, it has saved me like this. Don¡¯t get convinced by yourself that you cannot do anything just because you don¡¯t understand.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The hesitation dwelling inside Lux¡¯s chest was vanishing while he was listening to Lisha¡¯s words.

    This wasn¡¯t the time for him to break in this kind of place.

    There was still thing that he had to do.

    Even if in the end his action couldn¡¯t save Celis, even if his action was mistaken, it was meaningless to hesitate in taking action just because of that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lisha-sama. Can you know the opponent¡¯s Drag-Ride from looking at this armor fragment?¡¹

    Lux put his hand inside his pocket and presented the clue about the attacker that he obtained.

    It was the fragment of Drag-Ride worn by the suspicious man who attacked Coral in the middle of the campus festival.

    Then, after Lisha who was also a Drag-Ride developer took the fragment, she immediately answered.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­, it¡¯s a fragment from the shell part of the probing device installed on EX Drake¡¯s shoulder. When the part is shaved like this, it cannot get easily repaired, so it should be possible to specify the Drag-Ride this came from if you observed closely whether they have damaged part or not.¡¹

    Gorynych that the Steel Witch©¤©¤Rosa Granhide controlled along with its Drag-Ride clones, and then the EX Wyrm her aide Calensia equipped.

    Lux had secretly observed their Drag-Rides while fighting, but their Drag-Rides were spotless at the opening of the skill exhibition battle.

    Thus this fragment couldn¡¯t be proof that the attack to them was because of Rosa, but there was still one other possibility remaining.

    How did the attacker slip through the detection of the Drakes guarding around the Academy and became able attack Celis?

    The attacker visited first as ordinary visitor and observed the movement of the guards.

    And then if it was EX Drake that possessed camouflage function, ¡ºthat¡» could be done.

    (Their objective is to harm the new kingdom with official procedure at the surface. Then©¤©¤their next aim will be)

    When he was thinking that, a conviction was born inside Lux.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai, is in danger¡­¡­¡¹

    But, in preparation for the worst case, he would play a hand just in case.

    The problem was whether it would make it in time or not©¤©¤.

    When Lux was considering that, the door of the atelier opened and Tillfur rushed inside in panic.

    ¡¸Lux-chi! Lisha-sama!? You are here!?¡¹

    Lisha was surprised seeing Tillfur running out of breath while replying back.

    ¡¸Oo, you came at a nice timing. From now, the owner of the Drag-Ride where this fragment came from©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was about to say that proudly, but Tillfur¡¯s yell drowned her words.

    ¡¸Cross Field is in danger! About a hundred Abysses are suddenly gathering from the surrounding! Also no one can summon Drag-Ride other than us who are already wearing it right now!!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux and Lisha¡¯s expressions changed hearing Tillfur¡¯s words.

    Right after that©¤©¤tremendous roaring sound and vibration could be heard from the center of the Academy.

 Volume 8 - CH 5

    ¨C

    She intended to train not just her body, but also her heart.

    She conditioned herself for the sake of being able to maintain her calm constantly and took the best action no matter what the situation was.

    But, when her teacher who taught her that transformed into monster, Celis looked up at that with terrified look and she trembled.

    ¡¸What, is this¡­¡­this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Inside the Academy¡¯s ground.

    Right after the assaulting force of Dragon Marauder and the guard soldiers fought, the illusion of her teacher Wade that appeared once more transformed in appearance.

    It was transforming into the figure of bizarre Abyss with something like flexible tentacle growing out from both his hands.

    The tip that was protruding out for dozens of ml turned sharply pointed like a needle and instantly rushed toward Dragon Marauder¡¯s Earth Dragon division©¤©¤, the users of Wyrm, piercing through the chests of several of them.

    ¡¸Thi, THIS MONSTERRrRRR-!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Di, DIEEeeEEeEEE-!¡¹

    The remaining several Drag-Knights of Dragon Marauder made use of Breath Gun and Cannon to pour concentrated firing on it.

    The tentacle monster was shot and became like a beehive tragically, but right after that, the flesh was regenerated in the blink of eye and it counterattacked.

    *Doguu-!* The tentacles that stretched out once more pierced the barrier of the Wrms and tore off the body.

    Flowers of fresh blood bloomed one after another, shrieks were raised from the surrounding.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi raised a short scream and Celis covered her eyes with her arm.

    While the Dragon Marauders were getting killed one after another, the guards who had worn their Drag-Ride before the hangar was sealed called out toward Celis.

    ¡¸Leave this to us, please escape!¡¹

    ¡¸It should be safe inside the Academy, quickly©¤©¤¡¹

    Even while they were trembling against the unprecedented threat, the soldiers told her that bravely.

    Perhaps Lindwurm¡¯s tuning wasn¡¯t completed yet because she still couldn¡¯t summon it to here.

    In that case the best thing to do was to protect Airi while retreating from this place and made preparation.

    Reaching that conclusion, Celis started running toward the Academy.

    ¡¸You are running away? You were staying quiet about how I died because of the words you told me until only recently weren¡¯t you? Did you think that you could escape while keeping it hidden?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The impure voice tone that was like mud followed from behind Celis.

    When she turned only her head slightly to look back©¤©¤most of the military¡¯s Drag-Knights were already defeated.

    ¡¸How¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Strange.

    No matter how powerful of an Abyss the enemy was, for the Drag-Knights who were prepared for battle to be defeated this easily was just©¤©¤.

    Besides, she had seen somewhere the way of fighting of this enemy.

    The regeneration power to instantly recover the flesh and the overwhelming destructive power using tentacles.

    It was a strength that reminded her of the Ragnarok, Poseidon that they fought in the past.

    At that time when she started running while pulling Airi¡¯s hand, the demon suddenly stood still.

    When the perplexed Celis looked back, a sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Horn flute¡¯s sound©¤©¤. Don¡¯t tell me, this Abyss can even call other Abysses!?¡¹

    Her prediction was correct. Abysses who seemed to be hiding somewhere until now were appearing as though they were foaming out from darkness.

    Their type was the Abyss that was called as sea demon, Kraken.

    The horn flute sound was ringing continuously without stopping from the demon¡¯s body.

    That sound was gradually getting louder as though an endless finale was being played.

    It was as though it was trying to summon even the Ragnarok from other Ruins that were far away.

    ¡¸Is this your weakness? My disciple Celis.¡¹

    ¡¸A demon that take the form of human¡­¡­, this is, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi who witnessed that terrifying sight muttered with a trembling voice.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not, a mere Abyss. It¡¯s a calamity of higher ranking that surpassed Nocturnal. This is what the Lords mentioned©¤©¤¡¹

    The annihilation weapon that would lead the world to destruction©¤©¤the human shaped Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse.

    Several more reinforcement came running at the same time when Airi was shuddering from realizing its true identity, and the hell was restarted once more.

    ¨C

    At that time, there were the figures of Dragon Marauder who intruded toward the back of the campus building inside the Academy¡¯s ground under the cover of the fighting.

    ¡¸Oh, you guys are really late. Thanks to that I got tormented a lot you know?¡¹

    A young woman with both her hands shackled and chained was smiling inside the jail.

    The one in that place inside the Academy¡¯s ground was one of Dragon Marauder¡¯s three bosses who was captured by Lux before this, the Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen. She was receiving questioning here.

    Knowing that, the remaining two division commanders of Dragon Marauder came here to save her.

    ¡¸We already recovered your Asp by making use of this chaos. Let¡¯s get out of her quickly, Drakkhen.¡¹

    The one who told her that was a youth who was wearing top and bottom with short length.

    The Earth Dragon division commander who was leading the force that basically consisted from Wyrm, Vine.

    His features still had innocence remaining in them that was typical for a young boy, but he was clad with the aura of a veteran soldier.

    And then the senior who could be said to be in the prime of his life, the man with trait of big body build and darkish skin, Gatouhan.

    He was the Heaven Dragon division commander who led a force that had Wyvern as its linchpin, and he was also the leader of Dragon Marauder in essence. Continuing after Vine he showed a bold smile.

    ¡¸The Sacred Eclipse showed up here. It was a coincidence that even we didn¡¯t anticipate, but it was right after the Drag-Ride hangar was covered with Chaff Slime.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What did you say?¡¹

    Drakkhen who was showing composure until then reacted after hearing the words Sacred Eclipse. She showed a forbidding look.

    ¡¸We planned to withdraw because it would be troublesome even just taking on the Drag-Knights who could move but©¤©¤, if we make use of this chance, perhaps we can crush even the main force of Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Gatouhan boasted so, Drakkhen unusually showed a baffled expression.

    ¡¸I¡¯m joking. After that Sacred Eclipse appeared here, our life would also be in danger if we stay here. The subordinates we gathered in order to save you already got devoured. Losing even more force than this will negatively affect our plan in the future.¡¹

    ¡¸Then that¡¯s fine. Even like this I¡¯m reflecting of how I let my subordinates die last time. ©¤©¤And, what did our employer say?¡¹

    ¡¸We¡¯re told to accomplish the objective as it is. Obstructing those guys and conquering Ruin. If we can reach Avalon first, at that point we will be able to obtain this very world itself within our hand. Then day when we who are ostracized as ruffians take everything under heaven as ours won¡¯t be that far.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be great if we aren¡¯t get outsmarted though. After all our opponents are like that.¡¹

    Drakkhen who was released from her shackle smiled bitterly in respond to Gatouhan¡¯s self-assured tone.

    ¡¸I know about the risk. The problem is the management of the method. Isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    In respond to the question of the young division commander Vine, Drakkhen too nodded ¡¸You aren¡¯t wrong¡¹ honestly.

    After that she was carried on the armored arm of the Divine Drag-Ride that Gatouhan piloted and they slipped vigilantly into the darkness, flying away to outside the ground.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t get greedy, everyone of Seven Dragon Paladins. If your luck is bad, I won¡¯t even have the chance to counterattack at you guys.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t just a sarcasm, but words that came from Drakkhen¡¯s true feeling.

    Leaving behind the muttering that was filled with slight expectation, they withdraw from the battle line.

    ¨C

    Celis who protected Airi from Sacred Eclipse and escaped was being watched by a man from hiding.

    He was a hunter. Not a swindler or even bandit.

    He told himself that in his heart and waited silently for a chance.

    Thinking back, he had only ever walked through worthless life until now.

    He was blessed with some talent as a Drag-Knight.

    But, he didn¡¯t obtain the strength to go as far as becoming the best, and the royalty and nobility were also prejudiced against him.

    Gerdaf received punishment and thrown into jail from the crime of knowing about his superior¡¯s corruption and yet staying quiet about it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What an unreasonable story.¡¹

    Everyone was calmly committing a crime behind the scene anyway.

    It was only the more powerful people doing thing that was par for the course.

    And yet why©¤©¤he was faulted for staying quiet about it?

    But, he was noticed and bloomed a second time from being prisoner into being a Drag-Knight.

    While he was a criminal, he was a powerful person whose deed was recognized.

    Gerdaf fixed the aim of his ¡¶Circular EdgeFull Moon Dragon Scale¡·, the rare armament that his EX Drake was installed with, then he smirked smugly once more.

    ¡¸Aa©¤©¤¡¹

    Melting pleasure was welling up inside his brain along with his sigh.

    Before his eyes, that Celistia of the four great nobles was fighting.

    In order to save her fellow students, she opposed the enemy without despairing even without wearing Drag-Ride.

    The time Gerdaf felt pleasure was when he degraded such beautifully noble something into the ground.

    In the end, the one who won was those who accomplished evil skillfully©¤©¤.

    He couldn¡¯t resist thrusting out such reality toward human who was walking the correct path.

    This time he received the order to get rid of this girl by making it looked like she committed suicide.

    This was a rare chance, so he would make her get eaten by that strange Abyss, then he would dissect her body until it was beyond recognition.

    His hand pulled the trigger with such dark desire seething inside him.

    The firing nozzles of the rare armament installed on both his Drag-Ride¡¯s shoulders instantly let out a faint light.

    ¡¸¡­¡­.There-!¡¹

    The blades in the shape of ring that was tinged with purple light were fired consecutively in that place.

    Celis didn¡¯t notice. The blades would definitely hit.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Howl!¡¹

    Right after Gerdaf was convinced of that©¤©¤his prediction was betrayed and the eight blades were deflected.

    ¡¸What-!?¡¹

    The man¡¯s eyes opened wide from shock. Right after that, his sight caught the figure of a huge jet black Drag-Ride.

    Lux who was clad in the violent dragon Bahamut stood in his way.

    ¡¸So it¡¯s you who targeted Celis-senpai?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean? I am just a guard soldier of new kingdom. In order to defeat that monster, I¡¯m aiming for a chance to attack©¤©¤¡¹

    Indeed, the man was clad in the army uniform of new kingdom.

    But, Lux was calm to the end and pointed the tip of his sword at him.

    ¡¸The armor fragment that was shaved from my previous fight with you matched with the damage on your EX Drake. If you want to proof your innocence then dispel your armor.¡¹

    When Celis was attacked at that time too, the man stole the uniform of guard soldier and changed into it.

    When he lured out Coral previously, he must be working other dirty tricks too while he was at it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Gerdaf let out a small sigh at what Lux pointed out.

    After a few seconds of silence, his attitude changed drastically.

    ¡¸It¡¯s shocking. Did you tail that woman, predicting that I¡¯ll attack again?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t find Gerdaf by coincidence.

    He requested Noct of the Triad to watch out Celis¡¯s surrounding from afar.

    There was the possibility that after causing Celis to fall into a trap, the enemy would come again to strike her while both her heart and body were weakened.

    ¡¸I can predict the rough idea of something like thinking of a person committing evil in the shadow.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hoo. But this is a bit unexpected. The new kingdom fell into a predicament because of that woman¡¯s fault. To worry that much for the safety of such loser©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is something that you cannot even imagine? You who have never fought even once for the sake of someone else?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s gaze was cool-headed, like when he attempted to carry out revolution in the old empire at the past.

    Gerdaf who was stared by those eyes bit his lips and confronted Lux.

    ¡¸Hmph, the criminal of old empire putting on air like a saint. Fine, then I¡¯ll teach you a lesson! This me who is lowly by nature, will soil your correct path and drive you into despair you cannot recover from!¡¹

    *Dou-* The EX Drake leaped backward and fired Circular Edge once more.

    All directions©¤©¤the wheel blades each drew different trajectories from eight directions and assaulted Lux simultaneously.

    A single swing of sword deflected several of the blades, but the remaining curved blades grazed Bahamut¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸I¡¯m one of the ¡ºServantsSix Punishers¡», Heiburg¡¯s assassination corps, the ¡ºHunting Punishment¡» Gerdaf Veil. I¡¯ll tear you limb from limb and disgrace the pride of that duke daughter!¡¹

    He took distance. At the same time the curved blades were coming back as though they were getting drawn in.

    Lux skated his Bahamut in the air before the armament was fired once more and the battle began.

    ¨C

    At the center of Academy¡¯s ground.

    The main body of Sacred Eclipse that emitted a tune that was like the tone of horn flute and summoned a lot of Abysses.

    Witnessing that, several male Drag-Knights who guarded the Academy concentrated their full strength attack.

    Light bullets gouged flesh and slashes sent limbs flying.

    With that the human shaped Ragnarok who took Wade¡¯s appearance©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse got its four limbs plucked off and turned into countless lump of meat that was unrecognizable from its original form.

    ©¤©¤But, each of those fragments that was scattered all over immediately began to simultaneously regenerate by themselves.

    Celis who saw that got a hunch of what was going on.

    ¡¸Please run! I¡¯ll stay here to©¤©¤!?¡¹

    She started speaking to Airi, but then she noticed the fact that it was impossible.

    She couldn¡¯t use her Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm.

    That moment when Celis faltered in her speaking, the revived countless Wade grew tentacles from their hands and feet and pierced the armor of the soldiers.

    ¡¸UGYAAAaaH!¡¹

    Celis was desperately forming a plan while listening to the scream of the remaining soldiers.

    At that time she suddenly heard a voice from behind.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai, I have message from Lisha-sama. ¡ºI hurriedly finished the repair and maintenance. If it¡¯s now Lindwurm can be summoned©¤©¤¡» she said.¡¹

    Before the fourth hangar was sealed, Lisha took out Lindwurm to her atelier.

    Thus, as long as the repair was finished, the Drag-Ride could be summoned.

    ¡¸Noct!? Why are you¡­¡­?¡¹

    The one who was approaching from behind under camouflage function was Noct in her Drake.

    ¡¸Please save the talk for later. Right now let¡¯s exterminate the enemy.¡¹

    Noct intercepted the Krakens with her Breath Gun while replying calmly.

    The same like Bahamut and Lindwurm that were taken out for post-battle repair and maintenance, the three Triads were able to move because they took out their Drag-Rides from the hangar in order to patrol.

    Due to Lux¡¯s request, Noct was hiding and staying on guard as Celis¡¯s guard from a little while ago. Sharis and Tillfur right now were moving under Lisha¡¯s command.

    ¡¸I will lead Airi until a safe place. Can I ask senpai to buy time until then?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. I will personally deal with this enemy myself.¡¹

    Celis drew out her sword while muttering that at the same time. She glared at the pursuing Sacred Eclipse.

    She instantly equipped Lindwurm¡¯s armor and skated forward with high speed acceleration.

    The lightning attack she unleashed immediately burned one of the clones to ash.

    But, the remaining dozens of Sacred Eclipse talked while still wearing Wade¡¯s appearance.

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­, you are reckless like usual. You said that even you has found someone you can rely on, but it seems that even those words are just you bluffing.¡¹

    It whispered as though it had seen through Celis¡¯s wavering, but she had no time to feel shaken.

    ¡¸After all your existence is just to that degree. You cannot fight more than this. ©¤©¤Rest in peace!¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse that had split until dozens of bodies scattered a dreadful number of tentacles to the surrounding.

    But, Celis used Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment, Divine Gate to dodge. Then she stabbed her huge lance from behind one body.

    ¡¸Even if that¡¯s actually the case, I will fulfill my duty. Just like the real you who admonish the old empire with resolve for the sake of the people!¡¹

    Even if she was only bluffing she had her trained self. She could fight.

    No©¤©¤, she could fight because she believed.

    Celis finished off the dozens of Solar Eclipse¡¯s clones one by one while burning with fighting spirit.

    Then, a transmission came from the Drake of Noct who was retreating with Airi.

    ¡ºCan you hear Celis-senpai? I have evacuated Airi. Sharis and Tillfur also want to go there as reinforcement as soon as the situation change but©¤©¤. Before that, I¡¯ll realize Lux-san¡¯s wish. I will go to where he is and transmit his voice as it is to you through the communication.¡»

    Currently Celis had no leeway to respond.

    That was why she followed what Noct said and received the voice through Dragon Voice as it was.

    ¡ºPlease listen Celis-senpai. The words of him who is fighting to wipe out your dishonor©¤©¤¡»

    ¨C

    One of the Servants, a corps of Heiburg, Gerdaf revealed his true color and pressed hard on Lux.

    The enemy¡¯s scheme to stain Celis¡¯s dignity and drove it onto the ground, and then killing her by making it to look like suicide.

    In order to stop that evil scheme, Lux drove Bahamut flew inside Academy¡¯s ground.

    The Drag-Ride Gerdaf wore was the special equipment type EX Drake.

    The four legged Drag-Ride freely used jump. It would then change trajectory midair and avoided pursuing attack.

    Originally Bahamut¡¯s mobility should be superior, but due to that superb escaping technique, Lux found it difficult to catch him.

    ¡¸How long you¡¯re planning to chase me huh, hero-sama! A lot of Abysses are appearing at the other side right now. Are you feeling like to let those spoiled girls of the Academy died to defeat me!?¡¹

    Gerdaf cackled loudly while taking distance. At the same time he was using Circular Edge to obstruct Lux.

    With the end of the campus festival, the inside of the Academy was dark with few watch fire. Lux too couldn¡¯t display his maximum speed.

    On the other hand, the enemy used his radar to detect the obstacles like the booth and stage that hadn¡¯t been cleared away and grasped the terrain. He was nimbly weaving through the gaps.

    The Drag-Rides of Lisha and others of Syvalles and the Seven Dragon Paladins were sealed because of Chaff Slime¡¯s thin membrane covering the hangar. The majority of them couldn¡¯t move and were ordered to stand by.

    It seemed that it was only the vice captain Singlen who didn¡¯t trust the new kingdom and moved the storage location of his Divine Drag-Ride, but it appeared that he was heading outside the Academy in order to defeat the Abysses that were gathering from outside.

    His aim was the protection of the important people from various countries who were staying in the government office building at the first block, in order to raise his own achievement.

    Singlen who was attempting to stand at the top as Drag-Knight was trying to build up achievements while raising his World Rank and obtain support from the influential people of various countries.

    In order to stop Singlen who was envisioning the establishment of a ruling class by Drag-Knight, perhaps Lux ought to head over there too.

    But,

    ¡¸I won¡¯t be misled anymore. Even if everyone else won¡¯t recognize me, I¡¯ll still fight for the sake of everyone who believe in me!¡¹

    The phantom of Fugil that coiled around him.

    Lux accelerated Bahamut as though to shake it off.

    ¡®Chih¡¯ Gerdaf clicked his tongue and changed his trajectory. He changed route toward the courtyard where there were several Abysses at there.

    He wasn¡¯t cutting off his own path of escape.

    When Lux and the Abysses were connected in a straight line, he erased his figure using EX Drake¡¯s camouflage.

    ¡¸He aim to make me clash with the Abyss©¤©¤, no¡¹

    Lux immediately cut down the two Kraken approaching him from the front.

    But, Gerdaf scattered Circular Edge aiming at the slight opening that was created the moment Lux attacked.

    The circle shaped blades that were tinged with purple light rotated.

    They were fired toward Lux and approached from many directions once more.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was lacking in defense method. Even when he tried to guard using his large sword, he could only deflect around half each time.

    The joint of his armored arm was targeted. Strong impact also ran through Lux¡¯s body.

    The rotating blades clung to the armor for a fixed interval, weakening him with certainty.

    ¡¸Aa©¤©¤this is the best. This sensation of making sport of someone powerful who is far more skilled than me, this is why I cannot stop doing this job.¡¹

    *Slurp* The sound of licking lips and laughing voice could be heard from the darkness.

    But, Lux ignored even the pain in his whole body and flew once more to catch Gerdaf¡¯s figure.

    Lux finally entered the sword range, but Gerdaf fired his Circular Edge once more. The blades didn¡¯t aim at Lux but scattered to left and right.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux was taken by surprise for a moment, but he immediately noticed the enemy¡¯s aim.

    Lux who almost caught up with the enemy changed direction and quickly flew at the direction where the round blades were fired.

    There were the figures of two girls running to evacuate there.

    ¡¸Kyaaah!¡¹

    ¡¸Howling Howl!¡¹

    Lux immediately fired the vortex of shockwave and shifted the orbit of the round blades.

    But, the students received the after wave from the impact the round blades emitted and they were sent flying for several ml from that spot.

    Lux immediately took stance in front of the girls and became shield to cover them.

    But, Gerdaf who predicted that took distance from Lux once more and leaped toward the direction of girl dormitory.

    ¡¸HIYAHAHAHA! How cool. That¡¯s how the prince of justice got to act yeah!¡¹

    Gerdaf¡¯s mocking laugh echoed inside the darkness.

    ¡®Calm down¡¯©¤©¤Lux told himself.

    Gerdaf¡¯s blunt provocation was an opening move.

    Till the end it was a tactic to agitate Lux and exhausted him.

    He had to assist Celis who was battling Divine Eclipse, but he couldn¡¯t leave behind this Gerdaf to go and help her.

    But, that rare armament Circular Edge was troublesome.

    The current Lux didn¡¯t happen to have the technique to slip through that simultaneous attack that was hiding an atrocious performance within.

    The only technique that could possibly do that©¤©¤was incomplete.

    ¡¸Hah, don¡¯t try to keep up your outer appearance. That duke daughter of four great nobles is also the same. I hit her many times at inconspicuous spots, several spots like her arms and legs were even bruised, and yet! She tried to hide her own failure and didn¡¯t told anyone!¡¹

    ¡ºLet¡¯s go, Lux. I can fight.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    But at that moment. Lux recalled the words that Celis muttered calmly and his emotion shook intensely.

    Lux didn¡¯t notice at all when they were fighting together at the skill exhibition battle.

    Celis bluffed saying she was all right because she didn¡¯t want to hold Lux back.

    But, it wasn¡¯t because she didn¡¯t trust Lux or even because she didn¡¯t want to expose her own failure.

    ¡¸What does someone like you understand about her resolve-!¡¹

    Along with his rage, Lux pushed his body forward and flew while making his large sword to roar.

    ¡¸Nuuh!?¡¹

    The slash that was unleashed from that intense acceleration caused Gerdaf to back away in terror.

    He took the tactic to make Lux clash with the Abysses that were called here by Sacred Eclipse, but Lux¡¯s movement surpassed expectation.

    Multiple Krakens reacted to Lux and manipulated their tentacles to assault Lux.

    Lux deflected the attack using Howling Howl, and when a gap was created he forcefully pushed on and cut apart the enemy standing in his way.

    By fighting the same Abysses consecutively, Lux grasped their trait, predicted their movement in less than ten-odd seconds, and made it possible to attack using Reload on Fire.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai was fighting like usual even with her injury. She fought so naturally that no one even noticed, not me, not everyone else. And then, even after the fight ended in a draw and failure, she didn¡¯t make any excuse!¡¹

    That wasn¡¯t because she was fixated with her pride as someone from the four great nobles or even because she feared getting reprimanded.

    The two days period of the campus festival.

    For some reason, Celis was hiding all that time while trying to support Lux.

    It wasn¡¯t because she didn¡¯t want to face him or because she had done something to feel guilty about.

    ¡¸It was so that I won¡¯t get unnecessarily worried. Everything was her fighting for my sake.¡¹

    He wasn¡¯t under the wrong impression or anything, Lux didn¡¯t try to understand Celis¡¯s feeling.

    His life at the imperial court in the era of the old empire.

    He was looked down as a ¡ºman¡» who was positioned the farthest from the imperial throne succession right. There was no one who properly evaluated him then.

    Even after he became hated by the common people and abandoned, where he lost his mother in an accident, it was still like that all along.

    Since the time he parted from his childhood friend Philuffy and betrayed by his eldest brother Fugil who he thought as heartening in his heart, Lux¡¯s heart was broken somewhere.

    At the innermost depths of his heart, he was keeping away other people from himself except of those who had been close to him from the beginning like Airi or Philuffy.

    The legendary Drag-Knight the Black Hero©¤©¤or perhaps, the ruined prince of the old empire.

    Or else perhaps, as the grandson of Wade who was Celis¡¯s teacher.

    There were people who were genuinely feeling worried and concerned for Lux himself, without caring about those backgrounds of his. But Lux was unconsciously walling himself toward those feelings.

    That was why Lux didn¡¯t understand Celis¡¯s feeling.

    ¡¸I am©¤©¤a big idiot. I haven¡¯t changed at all since that time I failed at the revolution. It was just as Nii-san said. I didn¡¯t understand anything, nothing at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­! Just what the hell you are moaning! Do you finally got a screw loose in your head?¡¹

    Gerdaf kept up his guard toward Lux who was hot on his heels and approached him in high speed while taking even more distance.

    He had already made Lux fought in Bahamut enough already, Lux should be exhausted right now.

    If he didn¡¯t finish off his opponent soon, he would be blamed for his failure and got killed by his master.

    Thus, Gerdaf was going to deal the finishing blow. It was at that timing it occurred.

    ©¤©¤*PAAN!*

    That instant when Gerdaf glared, a streak of flash was fired suddenly from the sky above©¤©¤the sniping from a rifle shot through the shoulder of EX Drake he was wearing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤WHAAT-!?¡¹

    The shot that was fired from unexpected direction caused Gerdaf to look up to sky with horrified look.

    It wasn¡¯t the work of the student Drag-Knight who arrived nearby Lux.

    What was floating in the shadow of dark cloud that covered the moon was an unknown Drag-Knight under the cover of darkness.

    Gerdaf reflexively let out electromagnetic wave from his EX Drake and investigated the unidentified Drag-Ride.

    Unit name verdict ¨C Divine Drag Ride ¡¶Zahhak¡·.

    Pilot©¤©¤Analysis uncertain.

    (Who, is that¡­¡­!? This guy, is it a Dragon Marauder newcomer!? No©¤©¤wrong!?)

    The moment of agitation caused a lapse in attentiveness.

    Lux didn¡¯t let go of that slight opening.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Using compression of time, the Drag-Ride¡¯s speed was accelerated by several times over. Consecutive slashes were unleashed in super high speed from that.

    His barrier was cut up without even any time for defense, countless slash lines were carved on his body.

    He immediately fired Circular Edge to protect EX Drake¡¯s armor, but Lux evaded them and ran his slashes on his flesh arms and legs.

    ¡¸GU, GAAaAAAH!?¡¹

    The after wave from the impact that pierced the armor caused Gerdaf to raise an anguished shriek.

    He was still alive, but his four limbs already couldn¡¯t move. He rolled on the grass.

    ¡¸Nugu, uUUuUUU¡­¡­! This is, this is impossible!?¡¹

    Lux pointed his great sword at Gerdaf who was groaning in pain before he turned his gaze toward the sky.

    It seemed that Noct tried to back him up using her Drake, but the attack just now wasn¡¯t her work.

    It might be his other comrades©¤©¤Lux thought, but no one came to mind.

    Above all else, the Drag-Ride that performed the cover fire has vanished completely from that place without any trace behind.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After a moment, Lux stopped thinking.

    He looked down on Gerdaf who was prostrating on the ground and then he slowly changed the direction of his gaze.

    At slight distance away, Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤the human shaped Ragnarok of the beginning and the end, and then Celis who was clad in Lindwurm were fighting.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºYes. I was unable to assist her but, I told Celis-senpai properly. Lux-san¡¯s feeling, toward Celis-senpai©¤©¤¡»

    Unnoticed Lux had arrived at the location of the Sacred Eclipse, the last place where Gerdaf was leading Lux toward in order to crush him.

    Over there were the figures of the last remaining clones of Sacred Eclipse and Celis who were acting a mortal combat against each other.

    ¨C

    It reached Celis¡¯s ear through the Dragon Voice.

    The defect of Lux who was unable to accept someone¡¯s good will honestly.

    That was why, Lux was unable to understand Celis¡¯s worry that was derived from her fondness toward Lux which Celis herself didn¡¯t understand.

    That confession was conveyed to Celis through Noct¡¯s Drake and now she knew Lux¡¯s feeling.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Lux. I avoided you all this time©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis smiled powerlessly, then she also confessed her own mistake.

    ¡¸I am really weak. No, while I said that I trust you, I couldn¡¯t have the courage to entrust even my weakness too to someone else¡­¡­¡¹

    She was the daughter of a great feudal lord who had existed since the old empire era.

    Her true nature was exactly because of her position as the daughter of a duke who was one of the four great nobles.

    At the old empire at that time which had the tendency of male chauvinism, woman was treated as unnecessary.

    Celis¡¯s mother could only give birth to female successor.

    In order to protect her mother from the cold gaze their relatives turned toward her, Celis imposed to herself the duty to become an existence that was stronger than anyone, who wouldn¡¯t shame the name of noble.

    ¡¸Thanks to Lux, I was able to convey my true feeling to everyone in the Academy. I could accept taking off my mask of persisting in my aloofness and refusing male. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis fixed her posture with a somewhat lonely smile.

    ¡¸But, I was unable to go as far as exposing my weakness. As the eldest daughter of one of the four great nobles, I who said that the position as a noble is irrelevant was adhering to it without noticing. That was why, I caused trouble to you all.¡¹

    It was also the same with how she became unable to look at Lux¡¯s face around the time of the campus festival.

    Also with how she was unable to report about the wound on her own body before the skill exhibition battle.

    ¡¸Even so, Celis-senpai, you©¤©¤protected me.¡¹

    Lux quietly objected at Celis¡¯s words that she muttered self-depreciatingly.

    She became embarrassed to look at Lux face to face, she couldn¡¯t show herself to him, she was hesitating.

    Even so she continued to fight without running away or keeping him away at distance.

    ¡¸You were hurt for the sake of me who was unable to notice everyone¡¯s feeling.¡¹

    The imperial family and the people of the old empire era who abandoned and betrayed Lux.

    And then Celis, who tried to protect and watch over Lux from the shadow even while resolving herself to stop being an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    He thought that she was really clumsy, and serious.

    And then, he also thought of her as a proud and strong person.

    She didn¡¯t think about how she wouldn¡¯t be able to do something, she chose an even harder path by her own initiative©¤©¤but, she was fighting without losing against loneliness.

    It was exactly because Celis held such feeling that Lux himself could realize his own defect.

    ¡¸Thank you very much Celis-senpai. Thanks to you©¤©¤I can still fight.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­then, I cannot lose, I too©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis muttered that and took her stance once more.

    At the same time, the cannon muzzle installed on her shoulder fired a compressed light bullet.

    The wide range destructive blast special armament, Starlight Zero.

    The small light bullet that was slowly floating in the air burst open *kaat-* along with a flash.

    A space with a diameter of a few dozen ml was scattered away along with an impact that shook the ground.

    ¡¸GU, OooOOO-¡­¡­!¡¹

    The number of the propagating Sacred Eclipses was decreased by quite a lot, but parts of Sacred Eclipse that was scattered to right nearby gathered in high speed and began to receover.

    The immortal Ragnarok that repeated regeneration from splitting itself.

    Even if it was attacked with unlimited attack with Lux¡¯s hidden technique, End Action, it would regenerate midway from a part of its body that was cut off and resurrected completely.

    But, if it was fired with Starlight Zero with maximum strength that was exploded in even wider range, this time the damage would reach even the students who were evacuating inside the building.

    Then, there was only one method that could be taken.

    It was by examining the trait of the fighting strength they were wearing, the armaments and Divine Raiment of their Drag-Ride and comprehending their own strength.

    Celis immediately derived the plan to deal with the enemy using the thinking of maneuver tactic that she polished together with her physique.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge ¨C On¡¹

    She grasped her Sword Device and lightly sent her thought into it to activate the basic technique that she once learned.

    She purged part of the armor she wore and left behind only a part of it.

    She left her special armaments, the cannon muzzle of Starlight Zero, and the defensive armor that deployed the barrier.

    Furthermore she even purged a part of her back wings that were the vital point of her mobility, transforming her Drag-Ride to a form that was specialized for attack.

    The removal of armor using Break Purge was essentially a basic technique to decrease the burden to oneself, but if it was carried to the extreme it could be transformed into a hidden technique.

    Depending on the situation, the unnecessary armor part could be cut off except the part for accomplishing the objective.

    In this mode where the Drag-Ride¡¯s output was wrung out and focused to one point, it was a double-edged sword that could corner oneself into extreme danger if the user didn¡¯t accurately grasp their own strength and the enemy¡¯s strength.

    But, this technique could be handled if it was by the current Celis.

    She believed that with the addition of Lux¡¯s strength, this method was the best to defeat the enemy.

    ¡¸Noct. There is something I want you to transmit while you continue keeping yourself camouflaged like that.¡¹

    ¡ºYes. What is it? I will give assistance as much as I can.¡»

    To Noct who said that, Celis told her that she wanted her to clear out the people from the surrounding area.

    At that moment, the presence hiding inside the bush moved with a leap.

    ¡¸Omen of annihilation and lamentation confirmed. Granting thou salvation.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    In a moment, Lux and Celis opened their eyes wide at the sight that they didn¡¯t expect.

    Sacred Eclipse that revived and recovered its human shape in the form of a girl stabbed its fingertip into the dying Gerdaf.

    The body of Gerdaf whose whole body was already carved into a state that was impossible to recover from©¤©¤.

    Black pattern spread out from the spot that was stabbed, his four limbs was healing from their wound in the blink of eye.

    Both his eyeballs were tinged with the redness of fresh blood, his upper body was dyed with the blackness of marble pattern.

    ¡¸Ruin¡¯s secret medicine¡­¡­the true identity of Elixir, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Was it the liquid that Sacred Eclipse has!?¡¹

    The moment Lux and Celis returned to their senses, Sacred Eclipse leaped back and took distance from them.

    At the same time Gerdaf who achieved recovery from the devi transformation raised a howl like a beast.

    ¡¸Hihihihi¡­¡­HyaHAHAHAHAA!¡¹

    Gerdaf who became nonhuman distorted his lips in an arc shape and laughed monstrously.

    ¡¸This is lucky, if Sacred Eclipse crush you all for me, then I can fulfill the mission from my master. With this the new kingdom can also be shredded into pieces. Aa, I can see it, the despair of those left behind when you two dieeed¡¹

    The devil transformation by Elixir invaded human¡¯s mind and amplified their malice.

    In other words, this must be the true essence of the man called Gerdaf.

    Due to his hard life where he was toyed by misfortune, he came to curse people¡¯s happiness and existed with the creed of making other fall.

    The evildoer Drag-Knight who supported the master of Heiburg who held immorality as righteousness.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t allow anyone becoming happy from doing the right thing. This me won¡¯t recognize such thing, Black Hero. You show off hypocrite, be betrayed by your own benevolence and get exposed at human¡¯s malice, then despair©¤©¤and die!¡¹

    The pair of eyes that were crimson like fresh blood snapped open, then Gerdaf started to move.

    When the moonlight shined down from the gap between clouds that covered the moon, the incarnation of malice drove his EX Drake and leaped with terrific momentum.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Captain Magialca! It¡¯s an emergency situation! The many Abysses that appeared around Cross Field©¤©¤they have marched until this neighborhood!¡¹

    At the first block a bit distance away from the Academy, inside the government office building where the government officials were staying, the second floor.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins who was staying there, Magialca was still wearing her housedress.

    Or rather, it was mostly just underwear©¤©¤she was sitting cross-legged in such appearance calmly.

    ¡¸I have heard. But, with the hangar sealed even us cannot take any action, so there is nothing to do but staying at standby. I have given instruction to the lot who are equipping their Drag-Ride by coincidence. At the Academy, the trio called the Triad are at work in removing the Chaff Slime. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Saying that, Magialca stared outside the window with a clear gaze.

    Over there was the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit who was intercepting the Abysses that were already moving toward the Academy¡¯s gate.

    His figure could be seen at the distant even from this building¡¯s window.

    ¡¸Bu, but it¡¯s a herd that large. Sir Singlen alone is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Leave him alone, that guy right now is fighting for the sake of ¡ºachievements¡» that he loves. When he is like that we don¡¯t need to worry. After all, if it¡¯s only in the aspect of pure strength as Drag-Knight, that sleazebag is more outstanding than anyone.¡¹

    Magialca was muttering while glaring once more at outside the window.

    Ahead of her sharp gaze was Singlen wearing a huge blue Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Divine Drag-Ride Leviathan. Its ability is an extremely simple water control, but it¡¯s extremely difficult to find any weakness even after knowing the true shape of its ability.¡¹

    The messenger soldier gulped after hearing Magialca¡¯s words. He then also looked at outside the window.

    Right after that, several Abysses from the swarm that was attacking Singlen were carved apart by spouting up blades of water torrent and they were instantly turned into countless chunk of flesh.

    ¨C

    Ahead of the gaze of Magialca, Singlen who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Leviathan was slashing apart the Abysses that were coming at him one after another.

    He created countless water blades from the ground and destroyed the enemy¡¯s core in one attack.

    He also defended against counterattack using water shield and displayed an overwhelming battle.

    ¡¸How extremely boring. Against this Sacred Eclipse of beginning, it¡¯s still not worth it for me to get serious it seems. By the way you©¤©¤who permit you to peek at my technique?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Singlen who was facing the swarm of Abyss in front of him suddenly turned around and glared at a spot above the sky that existed between clouds.

    At the same time, a water bullet was fired from Leviathan¡¯s surrounding with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    *DOUNN!* It was just a simple water lump, but it made a thunderous sound like an explosion and caused drizzle to rain down.

    The Drag-Knight targeted by that bullet barely defended against it before immediately turning around and retreated.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not one of the Seven Dragon Paladins. The Lord fellows huh? Was that an attendant who acted by the imperial princess¡¯s order? No, or perhaps©¤©¤well, doesn¡¯t matter. Your scheme won¡¯t work on me.¡¹

    Singlen who smiled suggestively gripped his Sword Device silently.

    He faced the closing in large swarm once more and resumed fighting.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I¡¯ll keep you company Celis. You who seek my salvation.¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse that was standing before Celis¡¯s eyes transformed into an enormous tentacle monster that looked like Poseidon©¤©¤the form of Ragnarok, while talking with Wade¡¯s voice.

    She couldn¡¯t defeat it by herself©¤©¤right now, Sacred Eclipse transformed once more into an opponent that was her weak point, the wall that once defeated her.

    Furthermore this Ragnarok possessed both regenerative power and offensive power that were superior than the Poseidon that Lux once defated.

    The tentacles attack with clawed tips that were like steel.

    They possessed power that could easily pierced Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier, furthermore if she was forced into defense she would be killed.

    She flew in the air and ran around to that the tentacles couldn¡¯t lock on her©¤©¤but, this time the enemy predicted her trajectory and readied its attack ahead of her direction.

    The blue tentacles pierced empty air like bullet and burst out shockwave.

    Those impacts pierced the surrounding trees, smashing the water tank that was above girl dormitory and scattered water around.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Divine Gate.¡¹

    Thus, Celis dodged using the Divine Raiment of instant movement.

    She reset the disadvantageous situation where her escape path was blocked.

    ¡¸Buying time until your comrades come as reinforcement huh? That¡¯s naive©¤©¤my disciple.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The giant sea monster muttered and sneered with Wade¡¯s voice.

    Celis faced a hard fight because she had purged a part of her armor and shaved off her defensive power.

    But, if it was with the stamina that Celis had trained for many years, she could still endure using her technique and Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How many times you are planning to repeat the same mistake. You try to save someone and challenge a battle that is out of your league, and in the end you get hurt. Sooner or later that body of yours will surely perish. See?¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤the Ragnarok that was creating Wade¡¯s voice suddenly stretched its tentacles toward a bush between the trees.

    What the tentacles caught and pulled out from there one a female student of the Academy.

    ¡¸NOOOO, HELP MEE-!?¡¹

    Celis reacted to the girl¡¯s scream and her body reflexively moved.

    Almost at the same time, Noct who was hiding herself with camouflage yelled through the Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºPlease wait Celis! That girl is a fake!¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    If it could transform its outside appearance to mimic human, then it was also possible to partially disguise the tip of its tentacle.

    Celis noticed Sacred Eclipse¡¯s trap, but countless tentacles grew out from the ground in that opening where her judgment lapsed for a moment.

    The attack of sharp tips pierced the thin barrier and grazed Celis¡¯s side.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Celis-senpai-!?¡¹

    At the open space within the Academy¡¯s ground slight distance away, Lux saw Celis receiving Sacred Eclipse¡¯s counterattack and he yelled.

    Taking advantage of that opening, Gerdaf who was clad in EX Drake violently assaulted Lux.

    He leaped and fired Circular Edge at the same time.

    After that a beat later, he was falling while slashing down his Blade from overhead.

    It was a flowing chain of attacks that was making use of the rare armaments strong point.

    As expected Lux couldn¡¯t dodge all the projectiles that were flying from many directions simultaneously. Bahamut was sent flying backward from the impact.

    (That special armament©¤©¤, it can even homing and luring the opponent!)

    Lux should have evaded the round blades that were in the trajectory that his sword couldn¡¯t block, even so several of the blades still hit him directly.

    There was no way he could fly and escaped to the sky.

    If Lux didn¡¯t lure Gerdaf who went through devil transformation, he would surely change his target to Celis who was fighting Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤or to the female dormitory that wasn¡¯t so far from here.

    His opponent Gerdaf also understood that. From some time ago he was attacking based on that understanding.

    And then, Gerdaf became unconcerned with the burden to his body due to the effect of the devil transformation. He was making acrobatic movement that originally he couldn¡¯t do due to the burden on his body; He was leaping using wall and trees as foothold while firing multiple layers of attack at Lux.

    (I cannot keep this up for long. At this rate©¤©¤)

    The enemy¡¯s combat strength surpassed the imagination.

    Gerdaf erased his presence within the night¡¯s darkness. Lux was completely unable to see through Gerdaf¡¯s attack preliminary movement.

    But, he was already starting to grasp the timing when Gerdaf¡¯s attack started.

    If he calmly predicted it, Lux could settle this with a counter at the next chance.

    When Lux was focusing intently to look for that chance, the mocking voice of Gerdaf who was slipping into the darkness could be heard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I really cannot stomach it, that ugly mug that is believing in the future. Even though I have set up the stage to make that duke daughter-sama fall in disgrace after much trouble¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    Lux silently took his stance.

    He deliberately responded to the conversation in order to grasp Gerdaf¡¯s location accurately from the direction of his voice.

    ¡¸Kukuku, I pretended to be an ordinary visitor who watched the fight by accident and secretly spread a rumor. Because that woman got too impatient to raise achievement, the new kingdom fell into a predicament now. Even if you guys actually overcome this battle, that woman will still meet wretched experience. After all humans who don¡¯t have anything are sensitive to the weakness of the strong yeah.¡¹

    Gerdaf¡¯s provoked to enrage Lux and threw his control out of order.

    Even so Lux kept glaring forward with a cold gaze without a single change in his expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Even then, it doesn¡¯t change what I should do. I¡¯m not scared anymore of getting avoided by her!¡¹

    ¡¸Hah!? Of course you are! As expected from the cold hearted prince yeah! You don¡¯t care a whit about your comrade or anything aren¡¯t ya! Then, try to dodge this too-!¡¹

    Gerdaf let out a laughter of contempt and his presence moved at the same time.

    At the same time, the rare armaments burst out once more from the bushes at the darkness some distance away.

    Circular Edge©¤©¤the eight blades that were fired toward Lux in arching trajectory were sent out with even more atrocious speed that surpassed the previous times.

    At the same time Gerdaf skated as though to chase those blades and approached Lux in a straight line with his Blade readied.

    His true aim wasn¡¯t Lux¡¯s agitation, it was to make Lux stopped moving from the talk.

    From within the eight blades, the enemy would surely directed two of them to the direction of the girl dormitory.

    He fired the blades one after another with the anticipation that Lux would deflect those two blades.

    At the timing when Lux somehow deflected the round blades, Gerdaf would aim at that opening with his Blade attack.

    After a short pause, calculating the time of just around a second after firing the pursuing attack, Gerdaf leaped.

    The shockwave of Howling Howl couldn¡¯t blow away Circular Edge that was guided with rotation.

    Thus, Gerdaf was convinced that he had surpassed Lux¡¯s foresight and obtained victory at hand.

    ¡¸Die hero! Die while gritting your teeth in frustration of yourself who cannot protect anything!¡¹

    But at that moment, the scenery of the surrounding that was centered on Lux distorted.

    From that space that was created like a spreading sphere, the colors other than black and white were fading.

    ¡¸After receiving my teaching, you has mastered Drag-Ride within unprecedented short time. It¡¯s not just because of your innate talent. Your wish of wanting to protect someone important to you. That¡¯s exactly what draw out your strength and guide you to that power. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    Five years ago. The advice that Fugil told him was replayed at the back of Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡ºIf there is something that you think as important from the bottom of your heart at your side, your strength will surpass the limit in respond to that©¤©¤making you strong.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    And then, Lux raised a howl like a dragon.

    It was the gesture for the sake of removing his body restriction and liberated his strength.

    The advice that was bequeathed to him from Fugil at the past was given to him once more from Celis, releasing his shackle.

    That was a power that he definitely learned once, but was lost with Fugil¡¯s betrayal.

    Reload on Fire©¤©¤time was decelerated due to the Divine Raiment of compression and strengthening.

    The time of Bahamut¡¯s surrounding was compressed and rapidly decelerated until a fragment of the original speed. The eight round blades stopped in place, as thought they were stopped along with time.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Gerdaf¡¯s pair of eyes that were dyed crimson due to the devil transformation snapped open from shock.

    The activation of Divine Raiment in wide range and with high power output.

    Gerdaf had obtained information that he used to form his prediction about the compression strengthening.

    But this power output far surpassed his prediction. It even made him hallucinate as though space itself was standing still for a moment.

    ¡¸WHAT THE HEeLL-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Immediately after, the round blades that were fired toward the girl dormitory at the back were deflected by the great sword that Lux swung in similarly decelerated speed, all of them got their direction shifted.

    ©¤©¤But, that should be impossible.

    It might be probable if Lux went through devil transformation like himself, but he had confirmed that Lux had no strength to realize Bahamut¡¯s high power output while still handling the Drag-Ride with more than average skill, and yet.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­, even so! It will work if it¡¯s with this attack!¡¹

    He had gone through devil transformation, and he controlled his Drag-Ride while ignoring the burden to the body that normal human wouldn¡¯t be able to endure©¤©¤the EX Drake was dashing in super speed.

    But, at that timing when Gerdaf was going to unleash the attack with all his might, something shot through his chest easily.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha, guah!?¡¹

    The time when Reload on Fire was activated just now.

    Lux conversely threw a dagger aiming at Gerdaf.

    That blade was thrown while Lux¡¯s surrounding©¤©¤the time was still super decelerated. Its speed was then super accelerated until more than ten times and attacked Gerdaf.

    Gerdaf¡¯s balance crumbled, but he himself couldn¡¯t oppose the inertia and kept charging toward Lux.

    The one who got trapped was himself.

    Gerdaf shuddered in terror after knowing that fact, and right after that, the Quick Shot of Lux who was waiting for him splendidly ran Gerdaf through.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, GUAAaAaAAAAH!?¡¹

    The EX Drake¡¯s multi-layered armor was smashed apart. The upper body that went through devil transformation was cleaved. Fresh blood spurted out.

    It was settled instantly.

    Lux¡¯s breathing quickened after he was released from the extreme state.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Not yet©¤©¤¡¹

    The enemy in front of him was defeated, but it wasn¡¯t over yet.

    The mankind¡¯s enemy. The mechanism to annihilate the world©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse.

    He had to move once more for Celis¡¯s sake.

    If it was now, he understood the thought of Celis who trusted and hung her hope on him.

    That was why Lux endured the fatigue that even now could make him faint and looked at her who was fighting on the ground right nearby.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The way you attack, it¡¯s so that my clones©¤©¤won¡¯t increase in number? And then why are you continuing to struggle pointlessly even after understanding that you are unable to finish me off?¡¹

    The human shaped Ragnarok that repeated inexhaustible regeneration and splitting©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse.

    That thing that took Wade¡¯s appearance once more smoothly stretched out tentacles from its body and attacked Celis without stopping.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Divine Gate¡¹

    Celis who removed a part of her armor using Break Purge was flying by squeezing out her few remaining stamina.

    She freely used her Divine Raiment of instant movement to take the Solar Eclipses by surprise and defeated the clones one after another but©¤©¤she couldn¡¯t completely defeat the enemy no matter what.

    *Splat splat*, she only scattered the clones¡¯ body fluids on the stone paving.

    Even the main body would split and regenerate. It was a formidable enemy that surpassed Poseidon. The current Celis didn¡¯t have the mean to defeat it.

    ¡¸Why did you yourself remove Starlight Zero that can defeat me? Was it because you don¡¯t have the resolve to get your comrades mixed up in it? Making such judgment, it¡¯s also the role of noble who is standing above the people. ©¤©¤Isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse snapped its wicked eyes wide open, then it unleashed its tentacles like whip.

    The attack struck Lindwurm¡¯s remaining armor and blew away Celis¡¯s body.

    Because the armor and barrier became thin due to the Break Purge, the impact would be transmitted even just from a grazing attack, making her flesh and bone to creak.

    Coupled with the blows she received before the skill exhibition battle, her movement was getting duller and duller.

    Fatigue and injury were gradually robbing her movement.

    Even so Celis was still emitting that aloof air from her body.

    ¡¸Are you waiting for reinforcement, my disciple? Are you thinking that it¡¯s fine to become sacrifice if it¡¯s for the sake of your comrade©¤©¤? How stout-hearted. Are you trying to walk the same path like me who became the cornerstone to stop that old empire?¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse was sneering boldly like that with a tone turned completely into that of her teacher Wade.

    But, even while Celis was gasping for breath, she leaked out a faint smile.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. For allowing me to meet with Wade-sensei one more time.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse didn¡¯t give back any reply.

    But, its expression was simply stiffening, as though it was bewildered by the words of gratitude.

    ¡¸But, in the end you are a fake. It¡¯s like you are taking such shape in the attempt of learning about human. Both of our study is still insufficient isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    With her lightened equipment, Celis moved up to the sky©¤©¤escaping out of the tentacles range. Then she took a stance with her lance.

    She moved higher than the girl dormitory rooftop, surpassing the height of the bell tower.

    And then, she flew to right below like a streak of falling star.

    ¡¸What are you saying my disciple? Calling me study insufficient. Even an attack that is accelerated from that position won¡¯t defeat me. It¡¯s pointless even if reinforcement arrive. From here one©¤©¤I will achieve even further evolution.¡¹

    ¡¸The techniques I¡¯m using are mostly learned from sensei. But, you cannot defeat me. The reason is¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis paused her words slightly and smiled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤because the one who taught me to believe in other, is the boy I love.¡¹

    Celis took a stance with her lance, and accelerated toward the ground where the swarm of Sacred Eclipse was standing.

    She poured all her energy into her lance and the propulsion device the back wings, transforming her very body itself into lightning arrow.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was a lightning that vertically split apart the night sky.

    The vortex of power clad in terrifying destruction and electric heat attacked toward the main body of Sacred Eclipse.

    The enemy of human who possessed power that surpassed human knowledge©¤©¤Abyss.

    This Ragnarok stood at one of those summits. But its reaction, was surpassed by Drag-Knight¡¯s skill.

    The tentacles that were launched to intercept were easily burned off, the core of Sacred Eclipse was pierced.

    ¡¸You failed, my disciple! The real me is countless! No matter how you struggle, with your strength it¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    At that moment, Sacred Eclipse noticed how the space between it and Celis was losing color.

    The Divine Raiment that Lux¡¯s Bahamut possessed, Reload on Fire was exerting the compression strengthening on it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is, your aim?¡¹

    At that time when Sacred Eclipse murmured with a baffled expression, Celis in front of it roared.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAaaAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    She focused the Drag-Ride¡¯s strength using Break Purge and unleashed a lightning attack with maximum power output that surpassed the limit.

    The girl in her solitude killed her weakness and continued to discipline and polish herself until now.

    Lux moved in concert with her full strength that she obtained from untiring hard work.

    Celis moved without any deciding any advance arrangement with Lux, but Lux pointed the tip of his Sword Device forward as though his movement was in resonance with her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    The lightning that was fired from the lance concentrated into one point was amplified by more than ten times due to Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Thunderous sound reverberated and the atmosphere burst, flash was completely blanketing the surrounding.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But it¡¯s pointless-! By the time you defeat a single body of mine©¤©¤¡¹

    By the time the body was reduced to the ash along with the core, Sacred Eclipse let go of its own consciousness and sent signal to the clones at its surrounding.

    As long as its clones survived, it would turn them into its main body as replacement, it would be able to revive no matter how many times©¤©¤was how it supposed to be, but, it was unable to do that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The large amount of clone bodies at the surrounding were showered with lightning attack and burned black.

    Celis repeatedly attacked the clones of Sacred Eclipse that possessed Poseidon¡¯s trait wasn¡¯t just for the sake of reducing their number.

    So to speak, it was a diversion to make her original plan worked.

    The clones were destroyed many times and their body fluid was scattered around in large amount.

    The Lightning Flash in maximum output was transmitted through the liquid that was scattered at the surrounding in order to burn down the whole herd in one go.

    The attack¡¯s might that was insufficient even with her spending all her strength was increased until more than ten times by Divine Raiment Reload on Fire.

    She had learned tactics for every situation, and with that she implemented the best plan right on the spot.

    Celis¡¯s thinking ability that had been thoroughly tempered©¤©¤her Maneuver Tactic.

    If it was Lux, he would surely predict her aim, and on top of that©¤©¤he would surely use Reload on Fire for her. She was able to believe so.

    And then, this cooperation was accomplished by him answering her expectation.

    It was an attack that came from their bond, an attack that would be impossible if they weren¡¯t equal in strength and possessed equal knowledge in tactics.

    ¡¸That¡¯s splen, did. Human¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse that was pierced by Celis¡¯s spear was carbonized and crumbled into pieces.

    The threat of world destruction©¤©¤, the source of the discordant sound that continued to summon Abysses left behind few words and dissolved into the air, vanishing completely.

    ¡¸Haa, haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    The backlash and fatigue from unleashing an attack of the greatest level caused Celis¡¯s body to stagger.

    Her armor was dispelled and her body tottered. Lux clad in Bahamut softly caught her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you for your hard work, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    The gentle and kind smile of the young man.

    Seeing the presence of the man who was supporting herself, Celis felt relieved from her heart.

    Her heart was throbbing hard even now, but she didn¡¯t avert her face anymore, she also didn¡¯t run away.

    Therefore,

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Lux. I lied to you©¤©¤¡¹

    She talked to speak her feeling, to properly say what she couldn¡¯t say until now.

    ¡¸I said that I trust you, I told you that I want to rely on you, but I didn¡¯t have the necessary courage. I couldn¡¯t entrust to you, my weakness that I didn¡¯t want to recognize.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis confessed with a lonely look.

    But, Lux didn¡¯t feel that the regret she harbored was a sin or anything.

    Anyone needed courage to speak of their weakness.

    It was all the more when it was an unknown feeling that bewildered them and they themselves couldn¡¯t understand.

    Even so Celis didn¡¯t run away. She compromised and tried to protect Lux.

    ¡¸The one who is weak©¤©¤is me. I said that I want to know everyone¡¯s feeling, all this time I believed that I was fighting for that sake, but I didn¡¯t know anything. At the bottom of my heart, I¡¯m scared to accept the feeling of other.¡¹

    The day of coup d¡¯etat five years ago.

    A wall was created in Lux¡¯s heart due to the betrayal of the elder brother who he trusted the most. Celis destroyed that wall.

    But, there was something he understood clearly thanks to Celis.

    At the very least, the advice that Fugil once gave him was correct.

    That Fugil didn¡¯t plan to betray Lux and make him fall right from the very beginning.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, thank you very much Celis-senpai. For freeing my heart, for staying at my side©¤©¤¡¹

    He conferred words filled with gratitude and deep affection to this girl who was important to him.

    The cheeks of Celis who was still being held up reddened and she got flustered.

    ¡¸Su, such thing¡­¡­I¡¯m troubled that you are saying it to me face to face like this! N, no, I¡¯m not troubled I permit it. Bu, but, right now it¡¯s embarrassing©¤©¤¡¹

    She covered her face with her hands.

    Even though usually she was a strong and dignified senior, but seeing her like this, Lux got a thought that might be disrespectful toward Celis.

    He thought that Celis was terribly cute at this kind of time.

    At that time when he was thinking of such thing, there was suddenly a sound from behind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤DI, EEEeEE-!¡¹

    Gerdaf who was crouching in a dying state drove his worn out EX Drake and brandished up his Blade from behind Lux and Celis.

    But,

    ¡¸That¡¯s meaningless. Your Drag-Ride cannot move anymore.¡¹

    Lux calmly said that over his shoulder. At the same time, the armored arm of the EX Drake broke and fell.

    Because the user Gerdaf went through devil transformation, the Drag-Ride itself wasn¡¯t dispelled, but it was already in a state where fighting or escaping were impossible.

    Lux had learned from the fight with Dilwy, that to subdue a demonized person who possessed vitality and toughness that surpassed Abyss, destroying their Drag-Ride was effective.

    If they interrogated Gerdaf after this and proofed that the incident this time was because of Heiburg¡¯s intrigue, the result of the skill exhibition battle could be overturned.

    ¡¸Damn, you, bastards¡­¡­¡¹

    The effect of Elixir was also gradually vanishing.

    The jet black pattern that was dyeing Gerdaf¡¯s upper body was receding, his body was returning into flesh body that was soaked with blood and sweat.

    When he was trying to struggle even with that wholly injured body, his complexion suddenly changed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah! Acknowledged! As expected from my master!¡¹

    The expression that was gasping from pain drastically changed into a wicked smile. Gerdaf leaped up.

    It would be impossible for him to escape with the EX Drake that was almost seventy percent destroyed, but even so Lux was going to chase after him. It was at that time, a chill ran through his back.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    His hand that was going to move Bahamut to fly to the sky stopped moving just barely.

    It was because the movement of Gerdaf who seemed to receive instruction through Dragon Voice was slightly unnatural.

    (Why is his leaping trajectory to above? If he is going to escape, normally he should leap backward©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Lux! Watch out!¡¹

    Celis who was being held by the armored arm yelled, at the same time Lux leaped right to the side from his spot.

    A second later, the space before his eyes was painted out with extremely large flash.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Gerdaf who leaped at slight distance away was directly showered by the cannon attack.

    The overwhelming impact and torrent of flash swallowed him, and like that he exploded along with his Drag-Ride©¤©¤annihilated into nothing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux quickly turned toward the direction where the cannon attack came from and took his stance.

    Inside the night scenery that was illuminated by the moon, outside the Academy¡¯s ground©¤©¤above a slightly elevated open space, a bizarre Drag-Ride was standing.

    From the long distance it looked like the size of a speck, but compared to the surrounding building, it could be seen that the armor and the Cannon armament were unusually huge.

    Most likely the Cannon possessed equal or superior destructive power than the special armament Seven Heads possessed by Lisha¡¯s Tiamat.

    The face of the pilot was of course couldn¡¯t be seen.

    That person was merely standing with the moon¡¯s radiance behind them.

    ¡¸Is that, Rosa Granhide¡­¡­?¡¹

    That Drag-Knight made Gerdaf leaped up for luring Lux to get in the air, so they could get rid of the two of them altogether.

    That was the only thing that came to mind, but there was something strange.

    That Drag-Ride had a completely different armor shape compared to the Gorynych that Lux and Celis fought before.

    This wasn¡¯t at the level of special armaments combined into one, the Drag-Ride¡¯s very size itself was different. He could perceive that even from this distance.

    Tartaros Frame©¤©¤the Divine Raiment to remodel one¡¯s own Drag-Ride and making it taking new form right on the spot.

    Perhaps, this was a power that wasn¡¯t revealed at all at the skill exhibition battle some time ago©¤©¤.

    ¡¸What in the world, is that©¤©¤¡¹

    When Noct who was using Drake¡¯s camouflage to perform monitoring of the battle situation and information transmission showed up, her voice was quivering in wonder.

    Celis was relieved that Noct was safe, at the same time she immediately gave instruction.

    ¡¸Noct, can you investigate the Drag-Ride that launched the cannon attack just now?¡¹

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s outside the range of my detector. Besides©¤©¤it already escaped.¡¹

    It was just as Noct said, the Drag-Knight who was like a demon just now had immediately left the open space and vanished from the sight of Lux and others.

    ¡¸Is that so. ©¤©¤Yes. We here are also safe. Lux-san and Celis-san has succeeded in safely repelling the Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    The other Triad members who were working in removing the Chaff Slime that was covering the hangar seemed to be contacting Noct. Noct raised her face.

    ¡¸Thank you for the hard work. The Abysses that were advancing to Cross Field has also been annihilated. For the time being we can feel relieved with this.¡¹

    It seemed Singlen lured the majority of Abysses that were attacking Cross Field, during that time the hangar that was sealed by Dragon Marauder¡¯s scheme was liberated, then the surviving Abysses were moped up immediately.

    A loud sound came from behind as though to support Noct¡¯s words.

    ¡¸Oooi Lux! Are you safe©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lisha who was flying in Tiamat at the forefront called out, while the figures of Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triad could be seen behind her.

    The moment Celis saw their figures, she coughed once before jumping down from Lux¡¯s arm in hurry.

    ¡¸That, entrusting my weakness to you and displaying it to everyone are different matter altogether.¡¹

    Her cheeks slightly reddened and she made a firm expression.

    Even though currently she should be so tired that she would want to flop down, she tried to show a splendid appearance as the captain of Syvalles.

    As expected, it seemed she had no intention to speak out complaint so easily.

    It was really like her to pretend to be tough like this, at the same time he thought that such her was adorable.

    ¡¸Then, please tell me secretly when senpai want to collapse. At that time I will support you no matter when©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll permit that. Perhaps I will presume upon your kindness sometimes, but please keep it a secret from everyone, Lux.¡¹

    Like that Celis returned a smile to Lux, and he also nodded back.

    Trying to depend on a partner wasn¡¯t pampering oneself, it meant being able to accept one¡¯s own weakness.

    The day of revolution five years ago.

    That time when Fugil betrayed him, he lost an answer. Celis taught back that answer to him.

    Lux thought that she was reliable, and she was someone that was worthy of respect.

    At the same time, his bond with this senior who was similar with him at some respect now was something that he cherished from his heart.

    ¡¸Yes. From here on, please take care of me too so that I won¡¯t make a mistake.¡¹

    Lux showed a smile and told her his honest feeling like that.

    ¨C

    And then the battle this evening©¤©¤the contact with Sacred Eclipse that would ruin this world came to an end for the moment with this.

 Volume 9 - CH 1

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is everyone here? Does everyone have tea and snack at hands too? Have you all finished taking a bath and homework properly? ¡­¡­Is that so. Then, let¡¯s begin the tea party tonight.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes-!¡¹

    At night of a certain day.

    In the dining hall of girl dormitory at Cross Field¡¯s Academy.

    Inside the place where several lamps are being faintly lit, small cheers are spreading when the girl who acted as the coordinator said that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The night tea party that is held once a month between students of the same year is a custom event where most of the students are participating.

    Tonight it¡¯s the first year students¡¯ turn, it seems that this place is reserved for us.

    It¡¯s a tranquil time where sweet snacks and gentle night wind soothe the heart.

    This meeting¡¯s main objectives are for information exchange, relaxation from the daily Drag-Ride training, and most importantly©¤©¤to deepen the friendship between fellow students.

    In that space where the girls¡¯ friendly conversation are fluttering around and the tea cups are making small sound, I, Airi Arcadia am reading book at the corner.

    ¡¸What is Airi reading since some time ago there?¡¹

    A black haired girl who is addressing me from the side is my classmate, she is my friend, and also my roommate©¤©¤Noct Leaflet.

    She is also one of the Triad, a famous trio of the Academy.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a book that a biologist wrote. If I don¡¯t also read anything other than Ruin¡¯s ancient documents and academic book, my knowledge will be one-sided.¡¹

    I responded curtly with my eyes still fixed on the book.

    Half of that reply is the truth, while the other half is a lie.

    ¡¸Yes. I can understand that thinking itself, but aren¡¯t you tired instead by reading such difficult book?¡¹

    Although Noct is blandly retorting like that, she is also staying at my side with her usual quiet bearing.

    This girl who is from a family lineage of servant while also possessing noble status act modestly toward everyone. She is worrying about me moderately.

    The existence of such friend is a meager salvation for the current me.

    Honestly speaking©¤©¤it¡¯s because I¡¯ve become poor with dealing with this time.

    It¡¯s weird to say this myself but, I am a sociable person in the Academy.

    ©¤©¤No, to speak in a more accurate term, I was behaving myself as a sociable person.

    I also wouldn¡¯t do anything that doesn¡¯t match the situation, like intentionally reading a difficult book alone in a tea party where everyone is gathering once a month.

    That was until my Nii-san got admitted into this academy of noble girls that is.

    ¡¸Hey hey, Airi-chan. Is your big brother all right? I heard that he defeated a strong Abyss that somehow appeared inside the Academy the other day though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san is only lightly injured and tired. He is mostly completely recovered already.¡¹

    I respond to my classmate¡¯s question with a calm smile.

    The existence of human shaped Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse and the incident of the other day aren¡¯t informed to the majority of the students.

    It seems that in order to avoid mayhem, the incident is blamed as the work of the Dragon Marauder¡¯s attack and Abyss¡¯s act.

    ¡¸I see, I¡¯m glaad¡­¡­. Then, I wonder if I can ask him to accept a request from me this time?¡¹

    ¡­¡­Aa, here it come.

    This is the reason why I stop acting sociable in the Academy.

    I am a survivor of Old Empire Arcadia, an empire that imposed tyrannical rule and tendency of male chauvinism for a few hundred years in the past.

    After the empire was destroyed by coup d¡¯etat, myself was acquitted by the amnesty of her majesty the queen of the new kingdom even while I am given the status of criminal.

    Because of that complicated circumstance, I was spending my days in the Academy without sparing any effort in acting social so I can be accepted by everyone, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Right right. I heard that the girl who requested Lux-senpai before this to coach her in piloting Drag-Ride passed her Class promotion exam©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ee, I don¡¯t wanna making that kind of request outside of the Academy¡¯s practice class. It¡¯s a rare chance, so I will want to make a request like shopping outside or something.¡¹

    (As I thought, it turn into this kind of topic in the end¡­¡­)

    I control myself so I don¡¯t make a sigh while smiling awkwardly at the girls around me.

    Since Nii-san came to the Academy, various incidents occurred in succession.

    The admission into the Academy after the duel against Lisha-sama, the princess of the new kingdom.

    The ¡ºlover¡» incident from the request that was made by Krulcifer-san, an overseas student from Ymir Theocracy.

    The official acceptance to join Syvalles after Nii-san was recognized by Celis-senpai, a third year student, the strongest in the Academy, and someone from the four great nobles.

    And then the accomplishments of saving the Academy from various threats during that time.

    Even though Nii-san also has special circumstance that gotten him called as the chore prince in addition of his position as an imperial family of the old empire, the more time pass, the situation isn¡¯t calming down, far from that Nii-san is instead becoming a person with endless problem in various senses.

    And so, now that it has come to this, taking the stance of talking cheerfully by my own initiative or listening to the talk of the girls is the same as meaningless.

    If I am thought to be participating in the conversation, oh dear, I will be rained down with concentrated fire of questions regarding Nii-san, like ¡¸What is your big brother¡¯s hobby?¡¹ or ¡¸What kind of girl is his type?¡¹.

    That¡¯s why I¡¯m pretending to be absorbed into reading a difficult book and suppress the damage to minimum.

    (¡­¡­Well, if I can accept reality, it¡¯s comfortable in its own way though.)

    Noct who is staying by my side is a silent person in the first place, so if I can be together with her, it won¡¯t be standing out even if I stay quiet.

    Like that, a bustling time is passing by along with the usual tea party.

    Even so, when I heard Nii-san is getting lionized in this kind of event, my feeling will grow quite complicated.

    It should be a good thing that Nii-san is recognized and depended on by everyone in the Academy.

    And yet©¤©¤why is it, this itchy feeling.

    (It¡¯s like Nii-san belongs to everyone©¤©¤does it feel like that?)

    I drop my gaze to the book¡¯s page to suppress down such fretfulness.

    The book¡¯s content is the academic regarding living thing, their ecology, and their instinct.

    A study is written that there are a lot of animal¡¯s children with adorable appearance so that it¡¯s easier to raise them and raise their survival rate.

    And then, there is opinion that the working of an animal that is just born gets emotionally attached to their parent is also for such reason.

    Because they are a living thing that is still weak and immature, they will instinctually fawn on other, depend on them, and get emotionally attached to them so that they will be protected.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Say say©¤©¤Airi-chan, do you have anyone?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes?¡¹

    When the classmate in front of me suddenly asked me, I replied back with a stupid look.

    ¡¸The theme of the talk just now seems to be ¡ºstory of first love¡», Airi.¡¹

    Noct followed up from the side for me who got completely disconnected from the flow of the talk.

    But, this is troubling.

    ¡¸First love is it¡­¡­. Eerr©¤©¤unfortunately, right now I still have never experienced it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeehh¡­¡­¡¹

    The girls who have already told their story raised their voice in dissatisfaction hearing my answer.

    ¡¸Geez, if you¡¯re like that then isn¡¯t it the same like Noct? Is there no one around you that you are curious about? Like©¤©¤a person who is similar like Airi-chan¡¯s big brother or something.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Suddenly my back stiffen with a twitch as though my nape just get caressed.

    My face reflexively got heated up and I looked down slightly.

    (¡­¡­Wh, why am I making this kind of reaction?)

    I glanced around, but it seems that everyone doesn¡¯t notice my agitation, so I¡¯m a bit relieved.

    ¡¸Oi oi, don¡¯t drag Airi-chan into forbidden love. And then, how is it? There should be one or two people you are curious©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The, there is none. That¡­¡­I¡¯m still busy with my study, and there is also my position to consider.¡¹

    I put up a mask of calm and somehow deny it one more time.

    ¡®Tsk©¤¡¯, I dodged the question of my dissatisfied classmates and escaped somehow.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Then, we will have Airi-san to talk about something at the next tea party, the next person©¤©¤¡¹

    (Fuu, ¡­¡­I¡¯m saved.)

    I let out a relieved sigh that the danger has passed while leaning my ear to the talk of the next girl.

    Her first love was the man who was her private tutor.

    Different from her strict parents, that man was gentle to her and reliable, so it seemed she fell in love, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But, in the end it was just my misunderstanding. At the past I thought he was an amazing person who can do anything but¡­¡­thinking carefully, I noticed that he was kind to me only because he was hired by my parents.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    However, in the end it was a misunderstanding because the man was passionately instructing herself who was his young student. ©¤©¤It seem the result was only that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s lonely. But, that kind of thing often happen isn¡¯t it? That anyone will think like that to a person who have done them a favor.¡¹

    ¡¸Eee¡­¡­? Drag-Ride instructor is also quite my type normally though. Remember, the one who sometimes came from the capital©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That instructor is three times older than you, you know¡­¡­? He got beard, and he also has wife and children¡­¡­¡¹

    Like that, the first love story develops into silly funny story.

    Normally I will also smile and join the talk, but for some reason only for today I am chasing after the letters of the book with a serious face.

    ¡ºLiving thing that is still young will get attached with nearby living thing that is giving them protection. That is one kind of defensive instinct.¡»

    The conclusion of the academic book that I¡¯ve been reading since some time ago was printed like that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    I close the book I was reading with a snap and slowly stand up from my seat.

    Then beside me Noct tilted her head slightly and look at me.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, Airi?¡¹

    ¡¸I recalled that I have a bit of business, so please excuse me early for today. Everyone, please enjoy yourself.¡¹

    I told them like that with a smile and leave the dining hall.

    I am quickly walking through the corridor while being aware that I am making a glum face.

    ¡¸Sheesh, just what¡¯s with me.¡¹

    I cannot understand at all.

    Not toward the story of the girls, but toward my own emotion that suddenly turned displeased.

    What the girl before this was saying was an ordinary and trivial story.

    My emotion is only getting the wrong idea, it¡¯s a failure in my part.

    Even though it would be fine if I just listened with a smile, for some reason I became unable to stay there very much, and like this I exited the dining hall.

    ¡¸At this kind of time, there is nothing better than venting out the anger.¡¹

    It¡¯s also annoying to just return to my room like this, so I go to the medical office to look at Nii-san¡¯s face.

    Nii-san who had just fought Sacred Eclipse the other day is staying there in order to rest peacefully.

    ¡¸Nii-san©¤©¤are you awake?¡¹

    *Knock knock*, I lightly knocked and asked.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Airi? Yes, I¡¯m awake. Come in.¡¹

    I¡¯m relieved that a calm voice replied back and opened the door.

    The smell of medicine that is peculiar for the medical room and flower faintly tickle the nose.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, visiting this late? Did something happen?¡¹

    Fortunately there is also no girl visiting, Nii-san is alone by himself.

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing so please lie down.¡¹

    I mildly stopped Nii-san who is trying to lift up his body.

    Seeing Nii-san asking about me considerately right after we met caused my pace to go completely out of order.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s nothing. I come to check whether Nii-san is acting reckless again or not. After all compared to Nii-san¡¯s injury and exhaustion, most things doesn¡¯t amount to much.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    After I let out an exasperated sigh, Nii-san who seems to remember something to feel guilty about from that smiled wryly.

    ¡¸Naturally, even after Nii-san¡¯s body is healed, you must not receive chore request for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? E, err, that©¤©¤right.¡¹

    ¡¸Please say that while looking at my eyes. Have Nii-san accepted such request already? You have haven¡¯t you?¡¹

    When I¡¯m asking reproachfully, Nii-san make a flustered face while making excuse.

    ¡¸No, that, it¡¯s only a verbal promise¡­¡­and my body is already fine.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Astonishing. It¡¯s always like this.

    Even though Nii-san went through difficult experience like every time, as expected Nii-san is strange somewhere.

    ¡¸Surely Nii-san doesn¡¯t think anything about it if it¡¯s for the sake of someone else but, making promise without even thinking about your own body look even more irresponsible instead you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­¡¹

    Nii-san stiffened still with an expression as though he is poked where it hurt.

    A faint superiority complex tickles my heart pleasantly.

    ¡¸Besides, was the one who made the request a girl first year who usually never really made request? Nii-san is really pampering to younger girl aren¡¯t you? It¡¯s filthy.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, that¡¯s because it was a really small request. Doing it for rehabilitation is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What kind of request it is?¡¹

    I readily pressed the question to Nii-san who is lying down.

    When I heard the detail, it seems that it¡¯s a request for accompaniment when going shopping outside.

    ¡¸For now, rejected. The time for the outing is also ambiguous, and depending on the weight of the baggage Nii-san will be made to carry, it can become a burden for your body that has only recovered, I will go apologize to that girl and ask her to withdraw the request.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m fine so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Who was it that told me to not worry and yet still got close to death every time?¡¹

    When I make a sweet smile, Nii-san fall silent.

    ¡¸Err, sorry Airi¡­¡­. My bad but, if you can apologize for me to that girl©¤©¤¡¹

    Nii-san tell me the detail of the of the girl who made the request.

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯ll do that. ©¤©¤With this, it¡¯s my 107th win from 107 fight. I wonder, when will the day come where Nii-san defeats me?¡¹

    My chest feels refreshed.

    (As I thought, my heart calm down when talking with Nii-san.)

    I leave the medical room with a different smile from the one when I came.

    While going back to the girl dormitory from the school building through a passage, it seem that the tea party is over right at that time. Girl students are flowing from the dining hall to the girl dormitory.

    I find the girl who Nii-san promised to go shopping with and talk to her about the matter just now.

    ¡¸And because of that, can you please wait a bit more about the request? If Nii-san¡¯s condition turn better, I will come to inform you.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. It¡¯s unfortunate, but it can¡¯t be helped. Airi-san too, you must be worried for you big brother©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The girl smiled bitterly and gave up, but it feels like my chest got suddenly pierced. My face reflexively turned serious.

    While the chatting girls were walking through the passage, I am standing still there in a daze.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    These girls don¡¯t know in detail of the Sacred Eclipse matter.

    They also don¡¯t know how Nii-san got injured and exhausted for the sake of saving the Academy with Celis-senpai this time too.

    The same with the matter of how until now Nii-san had also exposed himself to danger several times in the place that these girls didn¡¯t know.

    Those are matters that are included in the information that is prohibited to be revealed, so I cannot convey it to everyone.

    That¡¯s why, I also understand about their misunderstanding.

    Perhaps they are thinking that I¡¯m worried about Nii-san more than necessary and trying to monopolize him.

    ¡ºbut it can¡¯t be helped. Airi-san too, you must be worried for you big brother©¤©¤¡»

    (¡­¡­No, I¡¯m over thinking it.)

    It wasn¡¯t like they were saying that to me sarcastically.

    I¡¯m trying to monopolize Nii-san for my own sake, what I¡¯m doing shouldn¡¯t mean like that.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter Airi? Has you finished the business you mentioned before this?¡¹

    Suddenly Noct who was walking toward me come to a stop and look at my face.

    Somehow, I¡¯m feeling excessively gloomy.

    I become unable to act the role of noble lady in my image like usual.

    Even myself don¡¯t really understand what this itchy feeling is.

    ¡¸Say©¤©¤, I know this is unreasonable but I have a request, Noct.¡¹

    But, I¡¯m talking driven by the strong impulse welling up inside me.

    ¡¸Can you, teach me the way to use Drag-Ride?¡¹

    With such voice that is filled with just a little stubbornness and resolve.

    ¨C

    ¡¸We are going to practice Drag-Ride here?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is no other place more optimum for training than the practice ground, but it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    The next day at the early morning.

    At the time when even the sun hadn¡¯t fully rise, I and Noct are at the back of the practice ground. We arrived at an empty space that is surrounded by trees.

    Originally, a test run of Drag-Ride should be carried out in practice ground that is exclusively used for training.

    But only this time the objective is so no one else won¡¯t find us, so we are holding the training at an empty lot inside the Academy¡¯s ground.

    I received permission from the headmaster, Relie-san and I have already borrowed a Sword Device and general-purpose Drag-Ride Wyvern.

    ¡¸We have finished the Drag-Ride¡¯s authentication just now, so this time please change into the pilot suit, Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    I nod to Noct¡¯s instruction and put my hand into the sleeve of the pilot suit©¤©¤the clothes that is exclusively used when using Drag-Ride.

    Finally the time has come for me to use Drag-Ride for real.

    (¡­¡­For some reason, my heart is pounding fast.)

    When I enrolled into the Academy, I was also tested for Drag-Ride¡¯s ¡ºauthentication¡» and ¡ºcontract¡».

    The people around me don¡¯t really aware of it, but my Drag-Ride aptitude count is at top level even among my year, because of that I¡¯m holding a bit of expectation.

    Of course, I who until now was doing nothing but learning through classroom lecture will experience difficulty to become able to use Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, what¡¯s with this appearance!? This is really embarrassing though¡­¡­¡¹

    I who finished wearing pilot suit reflexively cover my chest and abdomen with my hands while muttering that.

    Although I am more or less also a civil official candidate, but I have been staying for long in the Academy, so I should be used ti look at the figure of other students wearing this but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Yes. I have been wondering whether Airi can immediately get used to it. After all it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    Noct told me with her usual bland expression.

    I am also not wearing underwear, the shape and peculiar fabric are also clinging tightly on my body, so when I¡¯m actually wearing it for real, my face turned red.

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing, that you can be so nonchalant wearing something like this every time¡­¡­¡¹

    After all, with this the body line of the wearer is completely exposed, so it make me feel really bothered by other¡¯s gaze.

    And then it also cause me to be a bit conscious of Noct¡¯s figure who is also wearing the same outfit before me.

    (¡­¡­As I thought, I¡¯m©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Airi, there is no need for you to mind about my breasts. I have heard that Airi¡¯s breasts in its own way are strongly demanded by male of specific interest.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need such follow up-!¡¹

    When I yelled that with my face turning warm, Noct deflect ¡¸My apologies. But, Airi looks good in that¡¹ with her usual composure.

    ¡¸Then, can you equip the Drag-Ride right away?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    I pulled myself together and took a deep breath.

    With a voice that is shaking with nervousness, I pull out my Sword Device following Noct¡¯s instruction.

    Bizarre silver line is running on the surface of the Drag-Ride¡¯s controller.

    I push the button on the grip and send the thought of summoning.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest, the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.¡¹

    Right after I muttered the Passcode, particles of light gather in high speed and the flight type general purpose Drag-Ride©¤©¤Wyvern is summoned.

    ¡¸Connect ¨C On¡¹

    When I further perform the connection operation, the Drag-Ride quickly unfold into countless armor and instantly cover my whole body.

    The sensation of thick and heavy metallic armor causes me to hold my breath spontaneously.

    Until this point it¡¯s going just as I imagined but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Wha, what is this, it¡¯s really¡­¡­heavy¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When I try to move my body, I notice that I almost cannot move.

    It¡¯s stiff©¤©¤heavy.

    It feels like my body is buried within a lump of steel.

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s something like that. It will become like that if the Drag-Ride¡¯s movement doesn¡¯t move in tandem with the user¡¯s flesh body, so it will be quite tiring just from wearing it while you are still not used to it.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­?¡¹

    The driving force of Drag-Ride come from a special jewel called Force Core.

    That was why I completely thought that there will be no weight burden to the user but©¤©¤I was na?ve.

    ¡¸Then first, I wish to teach you the basic of movements. Airi, are you prepared?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ye, yes!¡¹

    I nod at Noct¡¯s question and challenge the basic of the basic of basic movements.

    And then, a time that is completely unfitting for me begin.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­haa¡­¡­-!¡¹

    ©¤©¤A few minutes later.

    Pathetically, I am unable to do even the basic movements properly. The armor was dispelled and I¡¯m sitting down under a tree.

    ¡¸I finally remember¡­¡­. Why I wished to enroll as civil official candidate of a military officer cadet©¤©¤¡¹

    In the test half a year ago when my enrollment was processed, certainly my aptitude count for Drag-Ride was outstandingly high.

    But, my score in the essential piloting skill, reflexes, stamina, and the like were remarkably low. So I gave up that path from early stage.

    ¡¸Yes. Certainly Airi¡¯s Drag-Ride aptitude count is high, but Drag-Ride cannot be handled with just that. Even if you have the disposition to hold your breath for long underwater, that doesn¡¯t mean you will be able to swim well. This is the same.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, I understand clearly.¡¹

    I comprehend it while breathing hard with heaving shoulders.

    My hope that perhaps, I too can also fight as a Drag-Knight is crushed.

    Even so©¤©¤.

    ¡¸However, I will show you that I can at least master the basic control. At the very least when I¡¯m isolated, I will be able to evacuate to a safe place by my own strength©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, you should stop with that, Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why is that?¡¹

    I ask back when Noct instantly disagreed.

    What is there is Noct¡¯s calm expression that isn¡¯t particularly different from usual.

    ¡¸Airi is clever, so you should have understood already. Just how dangerous it is to use Drag-Ride with half-baked skill.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    I cannot reply right away at what Noct pointed out matter-of-factly.

    I know.

    I know, but I was pretending to not know.

    The pertinent knowledge and skill are indispensable for controlling Drag-Ride, using it in the wrong way will invite great danger instead.

    And it might not affect me alone, but it can even harm someone else.

    But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Can you teach me just a bit more?¡¹

    I endure it with an effort and ask that.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please. Just a bit more, it¡¯s fine even if it¡¯s just several hour. If it seems that I¡¯m still cannot do the basic properly even then, I will give up, that¡¯s why¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    This time, I¡¯m borrowing the Drag-Ride in the end is for the sake of tuning it. That is how I¡¯m telling the Academy.

    If it¡¯s exposed to the Academy that I am using the Drag-Ride without permission, not just me, even Noct might receive punishment too.

    I know that I¡¯m asking for something unreasonable.

    That¡¯s why, I intend to give up if I¡¯m denied further than this.

    ¡¸Yes. I understand.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    While I¡¯m silently casting down my gaze, the Drake Noct is wearing is approaching my Wyvern. A cord is stretched from the shoulder mechanism and connected to my Drag-Ride.

    Right after that, a character string made of light is surfacing on my Wyvern¡¯s head.

    ¡¸Use your Sword Device to allow adjustment by my Drake. I will put a limitation so that the Wyvern won¡¯t react to command outside of basic movement.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please.¡¹

    It seems Noct is putting in minimal lock so that I won¡¯t commit a large mistake.

    With this, it seems the great danger of rampage due to control failure is gone.

    ¡¸As long as you practice in this empty lot, I believe the probability of getting found out is low if it¡¯s only for two or three days. I will also patrol around secretly.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Noct.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t mind it. In any case, Airi is Lux-san¡¯s little sister as expected.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Noct who is always silent and bland is unusually making a faint smile while speaking.

    ¡¸You are unexpectedly forceful and reckless when it¡¯s for the sake of someone else. That side of you two is really similar.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct dispel her Drake while saying just that. Then she leave.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yosh.¡¹

    I resolve myself, then I restart my Drag-Ride training with a bit of rest in between.

    And then©¤©¤time pass for a while.

    (Even so it¡¯s the worst.)

    Annoyingly, the more I do it the more I notice the nonexistent of my talent.

    Perhaps because of the height of my aptitude in mind control operation, I¡¯m relying on that, but my in the end my body cannot catch up and the body control operation doesn¡¯t work.

    The switches that are installed at the inside of the armored arms and legs will adjust the power output and angle when they are operated in precise order and timing that match the action, and yet operating them require quite the strength, and doing it with precise movement is far more difficult.

    If the armor¡¯s movement and the flesh body¡¯s motion don¡¯t mesh with each other in high precision, it will only become mere burden on the body.

    My stamina that is already little even at the best of times is getting taken away entirely in the blink of eye.

    Certainly if enemy find this kind of sluggish Drag-Knight, I will become nothing but target.

    After all someone holding a weapon also means that they will be targeted as threat.

    ¡¸Kuh, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    The pilot suit feel unpleasant with all the sweat soaking it.

    Even so I¡¯m simply continuing the basic movements Noct taught me.

    I who was sickly as a child and lived in the imperial court of the old empire where there was nothing but enemy around was completely reliant to Nii-san, my only family who I can trust.

    Right now I have grew up, accumulate knowledge as civil official candidate, and I also can decipher Ruin¡¯s ancient document, I also can receive work from the Academy.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¨C

    ¡ºbut it can¡¯t be helped. Airi-san too, you must be worried for you big brother©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºLiving thing that is still young will get attached with nearby living thing that is giving them protection. That is one kind of defensive instinct.¡»

    ¨C

    That sentence which I heard from my classmate and the description from the book that I was reading at that time were overlapping inside my head.

    ¡­¡­Perhaps, I haven¡¯t changed.

    Perhaps I was depending on Nii-san since the past in order to protect my sickly self.

    Perhaps even now I am using my position as little sister, trying to monopolize Nii-san simply just because I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to me.

    The love and feeling as family inside my heart, they are all just misunderstanding©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, not true¡­¡­!¡¹

    That¡¯s vexing, unforgivable©¤©¤that¡¯s why, I¡¯m doing something like this, thinking that if only I have the strength to protect myself even just for a bit¡­¡­

    ¡¸Am I thinking, that I don¡¯t want to be treated as a child¡­¡­¡¹

    I¡¯m making a self-depreciating smile while moving the Drag-Ride further.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­? Cold-!?¡¹

    The sensation of water drop falling on my nape caused me to look up to the sky spontaneously.

    The cloudy sky visible in circular shape from this space that is surrounded by trees is starting to rain drop by drop.

    *Achoo*.

    A small sneeze leaked out.

    The autumn rain is freezing cold.

    A heavier rain will come soon.

    There is no place where I can properly avoid the rain nearby this empty plot.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    I stop taking break in between so that my body won¡¯t cool down and continue the training of basic movements.

    Walking, low altitude flying, then swinging Blade.

    As expected, it¡¯s not going well.

    Because a degree of alignment with flesh body¡¯s movement is necessary, it will be no good unless I also learn the best motion for swinging sword.

    It¡¯s also no good if I don¡¯t have basic stamina to some degree.

    I finally understand the meaning why the class of military officer cadet also include training like sword art, archery, and running.

    I also comprehend the reason why Syvalles¡¯s captain, Celis-senpai is that strong.

    As for me©¤©¤it¡¯s impossible.

    The weight of fatigue is coiling around my whole body, my muscles are even starting to feel pain.

    ¡¸Nii-san, I¡­¡­¡¹

    Even so, while I¡¯m continuing to simply swinging the sword stupidly, the limit comes too quickly.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Flash-* The head part of the Drag-Ride I¡¯m wearing shine, and the armor vanish from my whole body.

    It¡¯s enforced cancellation when the user¡¯s stamina reaches the limit.

    Strength leaves my body along with an intense dizziness, the ground slant and my consciousness is receding.

    ¡¸U, a¡­¡­¡¹

    Unable to even support my tottering body, I sink down on the ground.

    The rain that is getting harder gradually is mercilessly wetting my body.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s, cold.¡¹

    The sensation of my body is dulling and getting weaker.

    Just like those days, when I was doing nothing but lying on bed in the imperial court.

    I hate my body constitution.

    But, perhaps it¡¯s actually like this.

    In the end, I¡¯m, just taking advantage of Nii-san, depending on him©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤There you are, Airi.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The voice that suddenly come make me lift up my face.

    A man with gentle impression, with silver hair and grey eyes like me.

    It¡¯s no one else but my Nii-san who is in front of me when I notice.

    I am dumbfounded for a while seeing that sight which should be impossible.

    Seeing me unable to reply well, Nii-san scratches his head with a troubled look.

    ¡¸I heard from Noct that Airi is here. That©¤©¤sorry I¡¯m always making you worry. But, I¡¯m fine. That¡¯s why, next time I won¡¯t make Airi worried for sure.¡¹

    Nii-san make an apologetic smile to reassure me.

    Nii-san often made that kind of face at me when it was a painful time at the imperial court.

    ©¤©¤Aa, as I thought.

    Nii-san is the best person in the world who can make me feel relieved from the bottom of my heart.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m not forcing myself or anything. I¡¯m all right.¡¹

    But the current me reply brusquely like that.

    ¡¸I only wanted to obtain information of Drag-Ride. Writing record and investigation and information gathering are works that I can do.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    Nii-san smiles wryly and lend a hand to me who are still sitting on the ground, unable to stand.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    I who take that hand and try to stand up totter on my feet. Seeing that, Nii-san turn his back on me and crouch down.

    ¡¸Wai-¡­¡­, what are you doing!? I¡¯m not©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected, doing that is embarrassing.

    Getting piggyback from Nii-san at this age, such thing¡­¡­

    ¡¸It¡¯s quite far from here until the dormitory, the strong is also getting stronger. Let¡¯s go home quickly.¡¹

    Nii-san reject my opposition with an expression that doesn¡¯t care at all.

    In the first place this is something that started from my selfishness, with that being the case, I folded after feeling conflicted for a few seconds.

    ¡¸It will be fine, no one is looking, so it¡¯s not embarrassing.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not the problem¡­¡­¡¹

    I¡¯m still dressed in pilot suit.

    I¡¯m soaked wet with rain and sweat, my skin is also exposed a lot¡­¡­various things are problematic.

    I¡¯m carried on Nii-san¡¯s back while feeling my face reddening from embarrassment.

    Somehow, Nii-san¡¯s back that I¡¯m feeling for the first time after a few years feels really wide©¤©¤but, it¡¯s warm like in the past.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll hurry a bit, so hold on tight okay?¡¹

    Nii-san is going through between the trees with the speed of fast walking.

    ¡¸Somehow, this feel nostalgic.¡¹

    Nii-san is talking to me while my consciousness feels sleepy, between reality and dream.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry that I made you worry, Nii-san.¡¹

    I loosen my heart that was acting brave and muttered that honestly.

    A kind voice come back toward such me.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not forcing myself or anything.¡¹

    Nii-san¡¯s voice was gentle and warm.

    ¡¸Because Airi is there, because my only family is staying there for me, that¡¯s why I can do my best.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I know.¡¹

    ©¤©¤After all I¡¯m the same.

    I studied a lot in the Academy, accompanying the people in high position, everything is for the sake of Nii-san.

    For Nii-san, my only family.

    I cannot say that out loud, instead I quietly put more strength into the arms holding on Nii-san¡¯s shoulders.

    ¨C

    And then, my challenge that is really unlike me©¤©¤the Drag-Ride training quietly closed its curtain without anyone knowing except Noct and Nii-san.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­You can go back already, Nii-san. Or rather, how long you are planning to stay in this room?¡¹

    More than ten minutes later, inside the Academy¡¯s school building.

    I¡¯m sitting on the bed inside medical office and said that with an exasperated face.

    After returning to my room at girl dormitory, I was helped by Noct to change from the pilot suit into plain clothes, wiped my body, warmed myself.

    After that, I might catch a cold, so I received examination from the female doctor, and just in case I was told to stay here for a night but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m a bit worried. The doctor has gone home already too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    I let out a sigh and drink the beverage prepared by Noct for me, hot water with honey and ginger added in it.

    The taste is a bit particular, but it¡¯s delicious and warm.

    It seems to be a secret formula of Leaflet house that is from lineage of servant.

    When I recovered my usual composure, I direct an exasperated fixed gaze at Nii-san.

    ¡¸Nii-san who was ordered to rest until only a little while ago, why is it necessary for you to stay close to me when I¡¯m only at risk of getting cold for now? I¡¯m fine so please just go back.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yo, you¡¯re right. Just this much won¡¯t be a problem for Airi anymore isn¡¯t it? Then, if there is something, call me right away okay?¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. I will call. I will rely on Nii-san. Now are you satisfied?¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right. Then rest well, Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Good night, Nii-san.¡¹

    We exchanged only those words before Nii-san quietly get out of the medical room.

    ¡®Fuu¡¯ I let out a small sigh and lie down on the bed, staring up to the ceiling.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s a little lonely when Nii-san actually left.¡¹

    Honestly speaking, I¡¯m so exhausted I cannot even lift up my body already. My muscles here and there are painful.

    ¡¸But surely it¡¯s fine like this.¡¹

    I muttered that with a smile and closed my eyes.

    Even though it¡¯s different from the past, right now there is a way to depend for the present.

    I¡¯m not just fawning on Nii-san like when I was a child.

    I will do what I can do to the best of my ability, and only ask for Nii-san¡¯s help in things that I cannot do.

    ¡¸That is, the proper relationship that should be between the grown up me and Nii-san. Surely¡­¡­¡¹

    My consciousness is suddenly falling into darkness.

    It will be nice if I can see a dream of me and Nii-san when we were little. I¡¯m sleeping while thinking a bit like that.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fua¡­¡­¡¹

    The next morning, when I wake up, I rub my sleepy eyes while crawling out from the bed.

    The dazzling sunlight is shining in from the curtain¡¯s gap, telling me of the autumn morning.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? My body feels very painful here and there. I wish Noct can lend me her shoulder.¡¹

    The result is terrible as expected.

    Perhaps I¡¯m lucky that at least my bone and muscle aren¡¯t damaged.

    In order to return to my shared room in the girl dormitory, I¡¯m slowly getting up for the time being.

    Then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh!?¡¹

    At the other side of the cloth that is partitioning the bed from the room.

    Inside the room where even the doctor shouldn¡¯t have come yet, there is the figure of a person.

    ¡¸Zzz, zzz¡­¡­¡¹

    It¡¯s Nii-san.

    He is still in his uniform like yesterday, sleeping right nearby in sitting position with a single thick blanket wrapped around his body.

    While I am stiffened in a daze, Nii-san seems to detect my presence and slowly open his eyes.

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­. ¡­¡­Ah, good morning, Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not good morning. What are you doing there, are you stupid?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwa, that¡¯s cruel-!? N, no, I plan to go back once when it¡¯s dawn but©¤©¤I got careless¡¹

    Nii-san is making excuse like that while being strangely abashed.

    As expected, it seemed Nii-san was worried about me and stayed inside the room for the whole night.

    Just like how he waited on me the whole night when I was tormented by fever at my childhood.

    ¡­¡­In the end, it¡¯s like this.

    Both me and Nii-san hasn¡¯t changed in the slightest in this aspect.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa. It will be troubling if Nii-san collapsed because you are looking after me, so can I ask Nii-san to call Noct here for me? If it¡¯s this time already, surely she has awoken now I believe.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ri, right. Got it! Wait for a bit!¡¹

    Perhaps Nii-san is relieved seeing my healthy state, he smiled wryly even while walking away in a hurry.

    I saw off that familiar back with a faint smile.

    ¡¸Surely, it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    I put my hand on my chest and mutter that with a peaceful feeling.

    It¡¯s not the imprinting from when I was sickly, it¡¯s also not instinct as living thing, much less of it being misunderstanding or whim of puberty.

    I understand that this feeling of mine isn¡¯t anything like those.

    ¡¸There is no way it will change now after this long. After all my feeling toward Nii-san is the same all this time since the past.¡¹

    I open the curtain and window and breathed in the tranquil air of the morning.

    The warm sunlight and the perfectly clear autumn sky.

    ¨C

    A day of Academy of Cross Field will begin today too.

 Volume 9 - CH 2

    ¨C

    The morning of me, Lizsharte Atismata is usually late.

    It¡¯s not like I¡¯m indulging in indolence by misusing my authority as princess.

    My night is late so my morning is also late. The situation is simply like that, it¡¯s an extremely natural affair.

    I¡¯ll force myself to wake up if I have class, but if it¡¯s rest day or holiday where there will be no class, it¡¯s my custom to sleep until afternoon.

    ¡¸Fuaaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Inside the Academy¡¯s ground that is located at the first block of Fort City Cross Field.

    I¡¯m rubbing my eyes while yawning inside the Drag-Ride atelier there.

    There is the smell of metal and oil. Countless disassembled parts and blueprints are scattered about. This is my workplace.

    It seems that I fell asleep while still wearing my personal white gown that I am wearing above my uniform.

    Lux doesn¡¯t come to wake me up because I told him that I won¡¯t be in the atelier today, and yet¡­

    ¡¸Uu, my throat hurts¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected, I shouldn¡¯t work until dawn.

    But, well, once I got passionate about what I¡¯m doing, it¡¯s hard to stop midway.

    It doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s artisan or blacksmith, if they are someone with fixation, surely they will understand my feeling.

    But©¤©¤, today my condition is a bit terrible.

    ¡¸¡­¡­As expected, it will be bad if I caught a cold like this.¡¹

    It¡¯s troublesome but it can¡¯t be helped.

    I dragged my languid body and head toward the nearby medical office of the Academy.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ua, as expected this period of time is chilly¡­¡­¡¹

    Outdoor at late autumn is cold on the skin, my shoulders are trembling.

    Even though today is a holiday, several female students can be seen watering the flower bed at the courtyard.

    ¡¸Good afternoon, Lisha-sama. Today is also cold isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, good morning. I want to ask something, is our school¡¯s doctor coming?¡¹

    ¡¸The doctor¡­¡­is it? Err, I greeted her when we passed each other before this, so I think she might be here though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see, that helps. Thank you.¡¹

    After exchanging greeting with a junior which has subtly time difference from each other, I head toward the medical office in the school building.

    When I¡¯m standing in front of a mirror hanging on the wall midway, I saw my face.

    Crimson eyes and honey blond hair that is tied into side tail.

    And then, the petite body in uniform appearance.

    This is me, the princess of this new kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata¡¯s appearance.

    My face that is looking somewhat sleepy is a bit concerning but¡­¡­right now it can¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸Is the doctor here? My throat is a bit painful so I want medicine.¡¹

    I knock on the door lightly and enter into the medical room.

    The chalk white room that neatly tidied has the smell of flower and characteristic medicine.

    ¡¸My, isn¡¯t this the princess. It¡¯s rare that you are visiting here isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The exclusive female doctor of the Academy welcomes me with a smile.

    She is still young for a doctor, and it seems among the students they are saying that she is quite the beauty.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­. The, then doctor, excuse me-!¡¹

    The student who was already inside rushed through beside me in a bit of panic out of the room.

    Her behavior caught my attention a bit but, I put it out of my mind.

    I sit down on the chair in front of the doctor and have her check my throat just in case.

    ¡¸Even though the campus festival has been over just now, but there are already injured person. Everyone has it hard.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not injury. I¡¯m only giving her a bit of counsel. The care of the student¡¯s heart is included in my work. ©¤©¤Now, open your mouth?¡¹

    The doctor made a smile that is filled with implication and take a look inside my mouth.

    It seems there isn¡¯t any particular problem with it. The examination is over with me receiving a bit of medicine.

    ¡¸I think your throat is still fine. Just©¤©¤it¡¯s not really good to stay up late you know? Your body¡¯s immunity system will also deteriorate doing that, you have a beautiful skin and hair there, it will be a waste to worsen them.¡¹

    ¡¸Right now I¡¯m at the final scene of my development. Combined with the ancient documents regarding Drag-Ride that has been newly deciphered, it will become possible to do something that no one has ever seen before. If that become reality, surely that guy will also be happy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You said that guy, could you refer to Lux-kun there?¡¹

    ¡¸Hawah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The female doctor slipped out a chuckle seeing that she hit the bull¡¯s eye, agitating me.

    Lux Arcadia.

    He was once a prince of the old empire that imposed a despotic rule. Together with the establishment of the new kingdom, he was given the status of criminal that is burdened with the obligation as the chores prince. His nickname is the Weakest Undefeated.

    I who was enchanted by his strength and will enrolled him into the Academy, where he was taken in as the only male student here.

    ¡¸Pardon me. I heard the story a little. He too accepted your request and became your personal knight©¤©¤how nice being young.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, if the examination is over, I¡¯ll go back now.¡¹

    I who become embarrassed get up to escape, but,

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s a waste. Even though you are putting in effort to obtain him after much trouble, you are mistaking your method©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean?¡¹

    My foot comes to a stop still hearing her words. I turn around.

    There, the doctor is looking at me with smile that is full of implication.

    ¡¸About what I¡¯m counseling that girl who was here just now you see, it¡¯s about her discord with a friend at the same grade. It seemed that because she was immersing herself into the necessary study too much, their relationship became estranged.¡¹

    ¡¸After all everything needs to be done in moderation.¡¹

    When I reply carelessly like that, the doctor urged me to sit down by quietly pointing at a chair beside her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After I¡¯m sitting down while tilting my head, she begin to continue her talk.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. Certainly that girl made a mistake with her moderation. But, the relationship between man and woman is even more complicated you know? Event the instructor of you all, Raigree Balheart too, she immersed herself too much in her Drag-Knight duty that she missed her chance of marriage©¤©¤she has the past of her lover running away from her.¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, was that so¡­¡­?¡¹

    This is the first time I hear this but, I¡¯m also a bit surprised that this doctor know about it.

    Speaking of Instructor Raigree, even though she is a woman, but she is an accomplished Drag-Knight even since the era of old empire, even now she is an object of envy for the students.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s unfortunate, but she had no luck with man huh.¡¹

    ¡¸You appointed him©¤©¤Lux-kun as your personal knight, and I think that it¡¯s a really good thing. But, right now it looks like you are feeling content with that contract and putting your effort into a wrong direction.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­.Fuh¡¹

    I showed a wry smile at the gentle warning of the doctor and lift up my face.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t hate that, trying to threaten me who even though I look this but I¡¯m still a princess, what¡¯s more it¡¯s just for killing time. ©¤©¤But, right now I¡¯m busy. My Drag-Ride research is also for Lux¡¯s sake, and it will also be necessary for me to prepare for the battle in the future. I¡¯m going back now.¡¹

    ¡¸Now, don¡¯t say that. Can you please listen a bit more? Giving advice to student is like an occupational disease for me. Of course, I don¡¯t intend to force you or anything though©¤©¤how about it?\

    The doctor isn¡¯t even perturbed by my objection and continues with a mature way of talking.

    It¡¯s not a problem to ignore her but, I¡¯m also a bit curious to just turn her down like this.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s hear it, just in case. Although it¡¯s of a different type, but I too am someone afflicted with occupational disease after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. Then, I¡¯ll speak frankly. You are doing a really great blunder. If you are thinking to make him yours as a woman, then this mistake of yours can even be called as fatal.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Those words that are like a surprise attack flustered me.

    My face that is reflected on the mirror at the wall is becoming bright red.

    ¡¸You have an important position and a really rare talent even in this new kingdom. You are fighting as a member of this Academy¡¯s Syvalles and as a princess, you are also developing Drag-Ride, and soon you will also begin your public duty as a princess. What¡¯s more, you are performing them with your all. You are thinking that doing those will also be for his sake©¤©¤but you see¡¹

    The doctor paused her words for the moment and brings her face closer to me.

    ¡¸I think that your effort is wonderful but©¤©¤in the end, human is animal, especially the creature called ¡ºman¡».¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you want to say?¡¹

    ¡¸It will be difficult to make him yours with your method, that¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡¹

    The doctor asserted that and smiled wryly.

    ¡¸Man won¡¯t be charmed at woman even if you show them a noble objective or pursuing the ideal. Rather than those kinds of things, they will come to like woman by following a more instinctual emotion. That¡¯s why at this rate you will fail. Especially in your situation, there are a lot of formidable rivals around you correct?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®There is no such thing.¡¯ I cannot say that.

    Several things come to mind hearing her words.

    Krulcifer whose push is excessively strong recently, Lux¡¯s childhood friend Philuffy who is clingy on him, Syvalles¡¯s captain Celis who use the campus festival as excuse to give Lux an indecent kiss.

    And then recently even that ero woman is sticking close to Lux.

    ¡¸It¡¯s wonderful that you are putting so much effort. But©¤©¤your thinking that it will link to him recognizing you as ¡ºwoman¡» is mistaken. Like that, to him you won¡¯t be nothing more but ¡ºhis lord as a knight¡» or ¡ºan able mechanic¡».¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The doctor¡¯s words are tearing apart my chest.

    Certainly, it¡¯s great that I made Lux as my personal knight, but it¡¯s not like my relationship with him at personal level is deepened because of that¡­¡­, perhaps it¡¯s true.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, I get it. Bu, but©¤©¤what should I do then?¡¹

    Until now I¡¯m spending a life that is mostly unrelated with man, so I don¡¯t really understand the way to make a boy the same age like Lux happy.

    And so when I ask bluntly, the doctor gives me the answer.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see, to make a boy in your heart fall for you, first it¡¯s important to confirm your weapon.¡¹

    ¡¸My, weapon¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Just like how everything has strength and weakness, first you need to be aware of your strong point, and then attacking using that. It¡¯s a solid method. ©¤©¤And so, first can you take off that gown for me?¡¹

    The doctor is giving such instruction along with a smile.

    Somehow this woman¡¯s mood is suddenly getting better, so I¡¯m feeling somewhat uneasy, but there is no turning back after this far.

    After I took off my white work gown, I¡¯m getting stared from the top of my head until the tip of my toes with a gaze that is like licking all over my body.

    After a while, it seems that the check of the ¡ºweapon¡» in my possession is finished.

    ¡¸First I¡¯ll point out your weakness. To start with, that outfit is no good. Your bed hair is still remaining, and the smell of metal and oil drifting from you after tinkering with Drag-Ride for the whole night is also a minus.¡¹

    ¡¸Guah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    My heart is mercilessly gouged out and I spontaneously groaned.

    The, the things that I¡¯m feeling complicated about¡­¡­.

    Those things can¡¯t be helped isn¡¯t it? If I¡¯m picky about those, I won¡¯t be able to research or doing maintenance¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Before meeting with him, you should take a bath and wash off the smell. Then use a bit of perfume too. Also©¤©¤you have a special status of being a princess, so wearing things like lovely clothes is also important.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see¡­¡­¡¹

    I almost don¡¯t have any other clothes than uniform. It¡¯s hard to say that.

    After all, something like a timing to dress up won¡¯t come to me except when I¡¯m back in the palace at the capital.

    At that time I will just wear the dress that the maids prepared for me.

    ¡¸¡­¡­And, have you finished already with the talk that will depress me?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, then next I¡¯ll give a follow up.¡¹

    The doctor smiles wryly seeing my resentful gaze to her, then she continues her talk.

    ¡¸First your beautiful hair and eye color are really leaving an impression. Your slender and petite body is really feminine and lovely. Your breasts too are big for your built, if you make use of it well, boy won¡¯t be able to hold themselves back.¡¹

    ¡¸U, ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Although she is of the same sex, but it¡¯s still embarrassing no matter what to get my face and body commented like that.

    When I¡¯m getting aware of the heat in my face, the grin of doctor who sees that is getting deeper.

    ¡¸That embarrassed expression is also really good. It¡¯s your strong point to be able to react naturally like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­The, then, it will be fine as long as I just watch my appearance in front of Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤that¡¯s still the half of it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The doctor brought her face closer with a suggestive smile.

    ¡¸To establish a lead from your rivals, it¡¯s essential to fulfill the more instinctual desire of the boy further. I will specially instruct you in the specific method to do that now.¡¹

    ¡¸Ma, man¡¯s instinctual desire¡­¡­you said?¡¹

    The bewitching expression of the female doctor that I¡¯m seeing for the first time caused me to gulp.

    A concrete plan to make man your prisoner.

    I listen attentively to that method and promise to execute it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Eerrrr. A boy¡¯s favorite food¡­¡­is it?¡¹

    Ten-odd minutes later. I headed from the school building to the girl dormitory and visited the room where the Academy¡¯s famous trio©¤©¤the Triad are gathering.

    The silent first year student, Noct.

    The boisterous second year student, Tillfur.

    And then, the leader, the third year student Sharis. The members who composed the trio are the people who I first talked with.

    ©¤©¤After that, I was taught ¡ºthe way to fulfill the instinctual desire of man¡» from the doctor and decided to give it a try, in order to grasp Lux¡¯s heart.

    ¨C

    ¡ºBoy¡¯s instinctual desire©¤©¤that is appetite for food. Boys at that age are always hungry. How is it, do you think that you will be able to do it?¡»

    ¡ºO, of course! Even like this recently I¡¯m also practicing cooking bit by bit. I¡¯ve become more or less able to cook©¤©¤¡»

    I nodded strongly at the doctor¡¯s words and showed a smile.

    But, the doctor smiled wryly with a bit of troubled looks while continuing her talk.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s really great. But, it¡¯s still not enough. Isn¡¯t there any other child who is more skilled than you in cooking?¡»

    ¡ºUu¡­¡­¡»

    Certainly that¡¯s true.

    Although I¡¯m secretly practicing somewhat, based from what I saw from the cooking at Ries Island, there is no way I¡¯m a match against Krulcifer who was able to cook using the available stock at hand on the spot.

    Or rather, I feel like I still cannot win even against Lux who has been doing odd jobs for long time.

    ¡ºThere is one important point in that. That boy¡¯s©¤©¤favorite food, it¡¯s fine if you only practice that one. If you become able to cook at least his favorite food better than anyone, you will be able to overcome the wall of skill and experience.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­I see! Then I¡¯ll do that!¡»

    After the strategy is decided, what¡¯s left is only to carry it out.

    I who received the doctor¡¯s education quickly think to practice Lux¡¯s favorite food©¤©¤and notice suddenly.

    ¡­¡­Wait a second?

    Thinking back, what is Lux¡¯s favorite food?

    I who was aware of the fundamental lack of information first begin to investigate in order to learn it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Let¡¯s seeee. As expected if it¡¯s a boy, they will like meat more than vegetable won¡¯t they?¡¹

    After a short pause, Tillfur answered my question like that.

    The answer is somewhat lacking but, my question is also ambiguous so it can¡¯t be helped.

    It will be troubling if my tactic get seen through, so there is also no way I can say Lux¡¯s name.

    ¡¸Hmm, meat dish¡­¡­huh. How about you two?¡¹

    I¡¯m taking memo with a small paper and a quill while trying to ask Sharis and Noct too.

    ¡¸Unfortunately few of my relatives are male, so I don¡¯t happen to have an answer I¡¯m confident with.¡¹

    Sharis smiled wryly like that awkwardly, while Noct nodded with her usual calm expression.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m also the same¡­¡­but, if I¡¯m forced to say my personal impression, I assumed that there is no food that he particularly like or hate.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, it seems that the food he hate is few, huh¡­¡­. Hm?¡¹

    While I¡¯m taking memo, I tilted my head at Noct¡¯s way of talking that is a bit strange.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait a second, what¡¯s with your line. Do you know what I¡¯m trying to do?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? Lisha-sama, aren¡¯t you wishing to make something for Lux-chi to eat?¡¹

    ¡¸Uah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s sentence that she said with a serious face caused me to spontaneously feel flustered.

    ¡¸Ho, how did you know that!? I still haven¡¯t ask until that detailed!?¡¹

    Sharis suddenly smiled at the question I spontaneously said.

    ¡¸Princess Lisha. This might be an uncalled advice but, in this world, there are things that even though you don¡¯t notice it yourself but is obvious from a glance when seen from the outside.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not that exaggerated though. She is completely transparent already¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. In the first place, even including the staffs there aren¡¯t that many male in this Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Well, doesn¡¯t matter.

    If it¡¯s only these three who realize it, it shouldn¡¯t be that much of a problem.

    In the end it seems that the three doesn¡¯t know about Lux¡¯s preference, so I begin my next investigation.

    Perhaps it will be faster if I ask Lux directly, but I want to keep that as the last resort.

    I want to practice while keeping it a secret as much as possible, and it will be also troubling if those around me notice.

    After all I have to take the lead no matter what in the end.

    ¡¸At the welcoming party that Princess Lisha opened at the beginning, it seemed that he was enjoying eating every food though. How about trying to observe him at that kind of time?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? I see, there is also that way!¡¹

    I who get a flash of inspiration from Sharis¡¯s words decide my next strategy.

    ¡¸That helps a lot, you three! Then, please don¡¯t mention anything about this to other!¡¹

    I told the Triad that before waiting for a chance.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work today, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Y, yeah¡­¡­, it¡¯s good you came. Then, let¡¯s eat.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s lonely that everyone isn¡¯t here today but, let¡¯s eat.¡¹

    At the lunch time the next day, by coincidence I obtain the chance of eating lunch together with Lux, just the two of us.

    Normally Krulcifer, the childhood friend the airhead girl, so various other women will sit together with Lux, so it¡¯s fortunate that this situation immediately arrives on my lap.

    We are sitting on the curb at the courtyard, eating the foods from the dining hall that are placed on a wooden tray.

    Sandwich with olive oil and pepper, salty soup with chicken bones and vegetables, fresh baked bread, chicken grilled with herb, and a fourth of orange. And then tea, those are the menu for today.

    The menu isn¡¯t that extravagant, but there is no doubt that this meal is quite balanced.

    I don¡¯t really know what kind of food Lux had at the era of old empire, but at the very least he looks like he is really enjoying this lunch.

    It doesn¡¯t seem like there is anything he doesn¡¯t really like, but conversely it¡¯s also difficult to understand what he likes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? Lisha-sama, is there something on my face?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, no, it¡¯s nothing.¡¹

    I almost got misunderstood because I stared too much.

    However, there is no way I can overlook Lux eating, so I keep stealing glances at him.

    Even so, the cooking here is delicious.

    I don¡¯t have the confidence of making something this delicious, but if I narrowed my training to focus only at Lux¡¯s favorite food, will I be able to manage somehow?

    When I am staring hard at the side dish on the tray and Lux¡¯s mouth while thinking such thing, Lux suddenly directed his fork that got chicken meat stabbed on it toward me.

    ¡¸Please. Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You must be hungry aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m still recovering from my injury, so I cannot eat that much.¡¹

    Seeing my perplexed face from suddenly getting addressed, Lux abruptly smiled and said such thing.

    ¡¸Yo, you¡¯re wrong! It¡¯s not like I¡¯m looking at your meal because I want some©¤©¤it¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay to not act so reserved. Please eat.¡¹

    Overwhelmed by Lux who is showing a carefree smile, in the end I accepted the meat.

    (Ho, how could this be¡­¡­! Now it looks like I¡¯m a glutton woman!)

    I helplessly eat the roasted chicken even while feeling shocked.

    The taste is nice, but most likely this isn¡¯t Lux¡¯s favorite food because he offered it to me like this.

    ¡¸Is it delicious, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    However, when I¡¯m looking at Lux who looked somehow happy, I can even think that perhaps this isn¡¯t so bad.

    ¡¸If possible, I want, you to continue feeding me like this though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Realizing the words that I unintentionally spoke, my face spontaneously turns red.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing at all! The, then, I have work so bye!¡¹

    I quickly gulped the meat and leave from that place hurriedly.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu, I failed¡­¡­. But, just what in the world Lux¡¯s favorite food is?¡¹

    The class is over already, it¡¯s after school.

    I¡¯m walking inside the school building once more while thinking that all this time.

    Thinking that Lux might buy snack somewhere because I stole half of his chicken, I was watching Lux, but that guy was just continuing his chore works indifferently.

    ¡¸No other way. This is an emergency measure but, I¡¯ve got no choice other than searching for someone who seems like they know more¡­¡­¡¹

    Thinking that, I searched around inside the school building, before finally I found that person¡¯s figure.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Princess, what¡¯s your business?¡¹

    When I stand beside her chair, a female student look at me with an absentminded expression.

    A daughter of a great financial conglomerate and the headmaster¡¯s little sister, Philuffy Aingram, the airheaded girl.

    ¡¸There is something that I want to ask frankly, do you know Lux¡¯s favorite food?¡¹

    She is more or less Lux¡¯s childhood friend. If it¡¯s this girl, surely she knows one or two his favorite foods, no doubt about it.

    I didn¡¯t really want to ask because it might cause my strategy to get exposed, but well, this girl looks like she is slow on the uptake in that kinda thing, so it will surely be all right. Maybe.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, like hotcake or the like, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? That¡¯s unexpected¡­¡­¡¹

    I who obtained answer right away feign calmness while taking memo hurriedly.

    It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t feel that the answer is unexpected for a man, but perhaps it¡¯s unexpectedly might be so.

    ¡¸Also, things like donut, or cookie, or pie or cake too©¤©¤if I remember right.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait a second!? Come to think of it, before this you tried to make Lux eat a stupidly huge pile of hotcakes right!? Isn¡¯t that just your favorite food!?¡¹

    I become suspicious of where this is going on and stop taking memo while asking.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s so. But when I made them, Lu-chan will also be happy and eat them. So it¡¯s not wrong, I think.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    I sigh inside my heart and crush the memo I had just written in my grip.

    I got the hunch that this one is a miss.

    Surely they weren¡¯t something that Lux hate, but it¡¯s dangerous to just accept this airheaded girl¡¯s statement at face value.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yosh. Now that it has come to this, I¡¯ll ask the most likely winner!¡¹

    I resolved myself, left behing the airheaded girl who is tilting her head, and headed toward a certain place.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Nii-san¡¯s favorite food? I also don¡¯t know though?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way that¡¯s true! Never mind that just tell me!¡¹

    When I reflexively yelled, the students at the surrounding turned their gaze to glance here. The girl in front of me turns an exasperated fixed stare at me.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. This is a library, so can I please ask you to be a bit quieter?¡¹

    ¡¸I, I got it. More importantly what¡¯s the meaning of this? No matter what you should know about it, you¡¯re his little sister after all.¡¹

    Yes. I searched for Lux¡¯s little sister, the civil official prospect student©¤©¤Airi Arcadia, and came until the library inside the Academy¡¯s ground.

    As expected, if it¡¯s his little sister than she definitely know something like his favorite food. That was what I thought, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s true. It¡¯s no use even if I lie or anything. It feels like Nii-san kept saying delicious for most food in general since the past. But, rather than awfully luxurious food, I think Nii-san will like homely normal food better perhaps?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is, that so?¡¹

    I¡¯m troubled by the bland reply of the little sister.

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s why, Lisha-sama doesn¡¯t need to ask anyone further about this.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? I, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m asking around at everyone you know!?¡¹

    I who got my motive found out by the little sister ran away as though escaping.

    However, what to do?

    If even the little sister doesn¡¯t know, doesn¡¯t that mean Lux doesn¡¯t really have anything he like or hate?

    If that¡¯s the case, as expected those who already has prior experience in cooking like Krulcifer will be in a completely advantageous position©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Is it as I thought, that this is hopeless for me¡­¡­¡¹

    After that too I asked around at several more people indirectly, but I didn¡¯t get any good information.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yosh¡¹

    At the evening that day.

    The time slot that has gone past the bath time where most of the students are sleeping.

    I¡¯m walking inside the quiet girl dormitory while following behind Lux¡¯s figure.

    This method isn¡¯t really smart, but now that it has come to this, I can only ask Lux directly.

    The truth is I want to practice cooking while keeping it a secret from Lux, but I have nowhere to go already.

    And so, today I stop my daily Drag-Ride development and observed Lux¡¯s action.

    ¡¸However, that guy is really doing any kind of request huh¡­¡­. Even though the campus festival had just ended.¡¹

    According to Lux, for the present his body fatigue¡¯s is recovered, so he wants to do various works while he can.

    The requests from the female students ranged from something proper like consultation of what armaments to choose for their Drag-Ride or skill coaching, until a tea party under the name of life consultation.

    Furthermore there were also things like consultation of picking clothes which obviously troubled Lux who is a male.

    Things like carrying teaching materials from the Academy, helping with cleaning, paperwork sorting.

    In addition he was also made to help with many works from dormitory side like picking up trash, managing material, and so on.

    ¡¸Fuu, the requests for today are mostly finished now¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who came out from the public bath muttered that with a relieved face.

    As expected from someone who has continued doing life of chores for five years, his work ethic is admirable.

    (I¡¯ve got to go easy a bit on him when I make a request too¡­¡­)

    I¡¯m thinking such thinking at the corner of my mind while resolving myself to talk to Lux, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Now then, I should start soon I guess.¡¹

    Lux is starting to walk with a fast pace. I stopped the voice that almost comes out from my mouth.

    Strange.

    Even though he had just said that he has finished working, from his walking pace Lux is obviously not heading toward his personal room in the dormitory that has been newly assigned to him.

    For a moment I was wondering if he is heading to the room of other woman, but unexpectedly his destination is the dining hall that is connected to the dormitory.

    The time for dinner has finished a long time ago, the Academy¡¯s exclusive cooks has all left.

    But, when I saw Lux opening the lock and entered inside the kitchen, it seems he has properly asked for permission.

    (However, what is he going to do? Even though Lux has taken dinner already, and the requests for today should be finished©¤©¤)

    I too sneakily enter the dining hall so I don¡¯t get noticed and hide behind cover.

    When I¡¯m peeking at the situation with my heart pounding hard, Lux is lining up ingredients and taking a small pot into his hand.

    He finely cut meat and onion, fry ingredients like mushroom with olive oil, add in some slight leftover soup, then he boil the pot further.

    A nice scent is gradually drifting around. Even I gulp from smelling it.

    Some time has passed since dinner. Normally I won¡¯t be that interested with more meal, but the aroma of spices is stimulating my appetite.

    ¡¸It has been long time since I made it but, does it turn out well I wonder?¡¹

    Lux moved the content of the small pot onto a plate and begin eating.

    He brought the spoon several times into his mouth to savor it slowly, and before long his expression burst into relieve.

    ¡¸Yep. As I thought, my skill has decreased compared to when I was doing chores but©¤©¤I think it will be all right if I practice a bit more.¡¹

    After nodding in acceptance of something like that, Lux washed the pot and begins to tidy up the place.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    Before Lux is returning this way, I quickly exited the dining hall.

    And then, I mutter with conviction.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Finally, I did it.¡¹

    I found it.

    Lux was cooking alone late at night secretly from everyone and then eating it.

    It¡¯s an action that is really unlike Lux, but exactly because of that there is no doubt about it.

    That dish is exactly Lux¡¯s favorite food for sure.

    It also fit with what his little sister said, ¡ºa normal cooking that isn¡¯t extravagant¡».

    I withdraw for today with the memo of Lux¡¯s action and cooking procedure that I took as my prize.

    And then, I consult my acquaintance about the cooking¡¯s name and the way to make it, and reproduce the menu.

    It seems that it¡¯s a traditional stew cooking that has existed since the era of the old empire, so the cooking method isn¡¯t that difficult.

    It will be standing out if the likes of me is practicing cooking with too much exaggeration, but at minimum I want to do better than Lux¡¯s own cooking.

    (As I thought, here©¤©¤I can only ask the master in the field.)

    At holiday, I found an elderly cook who is taking out the trash and tried asking him resolutely.

    ¡¸The trick to make brown stew you say? Ha-ha-ha. This work is really worth doing it huh, to be addressed directly by the princess like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Enough, just teach me! I don¡¯t have much time¡­¡­after all I¡¯m not good at cooking even at the best of times.¡¹

    I pressed the cook who is laughing in amusement and convey my intention to practice cooking.

    After I remind him to not tell anyone about this matter, I persuade the cook, and during several days, I¡¯m learning how to cook brown stew that originated from the old empire era.

    Making the soup from zero is something difficult for amateur, so I took some from the cooking at the daytime beforehand.

    Lux was doing various things at night, so I made it every day by making time in early morning.

    Although at the start there were a lot of hardships, my practice succeeded until the point where I can make one that is quite delicious.

    ¡¸Oo, princess, your skill has improved. Now you can help out even at our dining hall without trouble. There is nothing that I need to teach you anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t my skill nothing great at all!? Are you making fun of me!?¡¹

    When I spontaneously retort like that at the dining call hook who is teaching me for a short while these days, the elderly man scratched his head with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Oi oi, that¡¯s a misunderstanding. To improve the taste more than this will need more familiarity with the cooking in general and improving the skill in fine detail more. The Drag-Ride that princess and everyone else are riding is also like that right? Perhaps this too is a big matter for princess, but I¡¯ll get fired from my job by the guys above if I caused princess to even make light of this occupation.¡¹

    The elderly cook stroked his beard while saying that in wry smile.

    Even I understood and accepted it after hearing that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. I guess. I¡¯m indebted to you, thanks.¡¹

    I accepted the cook¡¯s explanation and said my thanks before leaving.

    Recently I was concentrating single-mindedly at cooking practice but, I also got a lot of things that I should od.

    Here I should ask Lux to have a taste once without hesitating.

    ¡¸Yosh!¡¹

    I fire up myself and prepare.

    And then today, I¡¯ll make my challenge.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Lux. That©¤©¤tonight, there is something that I want to talk with you for a bit, do you have time?¡¹

    The curfew has passed, the dinner and bath time has also passed©¤©¤the night.

    I went to where Lux is cleaning the dormitory¡¯s public bath and said that to him.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine with that. There is still a few requests left, so it will be a bit late but©¤©¤will it be in Drag-Ride¡¯s atelier again?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no. Tha, that¡¯s©¤©¤I¡¯m all right with the late time. I¡¯m also doing my own work for a bit. But, I want us meeting in your room¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My room¡­¡­, is it? I understand. Then, I will go back right away after I finished up.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­. Don¡¯t forget it.¡¹

    Lux looked puzzled for a moment, but he immediately pulled himself together and smiled. Seeing that, I feel uneasy wondering if he already knows.

    I¡¯m not good with lying at this kind of time if I say so myself, but it can¡¯t be helped.

    I resolved myself and finished up my work in the atelier. I already locked the place earlier than the appointment time and headed toward the dining hall.

    I have taken permission so I open the door¡¯s lock and head inside the kitchen.

    I have asked for soup leftover at afternoon, so what¡¯s left is only to make it like usual.

    But©¤©¤at that time, I can see faint light from inside.

    I tilt my head in puzzlement at this unexpected situation. There, a single silhouette is standing.

    ¡¸Eh? Lisha, sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux©¤©¤¡­¡­wait, why are you here!? I haven¡¯t called you here!¡¹

    Yes. Lux who should be coming after I finished cooking is in the dining hall earlier than me for some reason.

    What is the meaning of this¡­¡­?

    ¡¸E, err, why is Lisha-sama in the kitchen too? I was sure that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We, well fine. Anyway let¡¯s talk later.¡¹

    After exchanging conversation that is strangely not meshing with each other, I enter the kitchen as planned and begin to cook stew following the procedure.

    Lux too is starting to prepare some kind of food at the side. A few minutes later, he put it on plate and brings it to the table.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Err, this is¡­¡­the same thing, isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Seems so.¡¹

    Lux is making a really complicated expression. I too am responding with a perplexed face.

    On the table are two plates of stew lining up, the contents¡¯ appearances have almost exactly the same coloring.

    ¡­¡­What¡¯s this?

    Strange. How did it become like this¡­¡­?

    Don¡¯t tell me, even Lux himself was practicing to make his own favorite food, such thing©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oi, just what¡¯s the meaning of this? Why are you making the same thing like me here!?¡¹

    ¡¸E, err, that©¤©¤it looks like Lisha-sama is overworking recently which make you hungry, and I was told that this dish is good for late night meal though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wa, wait a second! Just why in the world you are thinking like that!?¡¹

    Seeing Lux making an awkward smile, I reflexively asked back.

    ¡¸Err, everyone of the Triad told me, that Lisha-sama is interested with cooking©¤©¤I was thinking to make something for you, but it has been a long time so I practiced for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you an airhead-!?¡¹

    My goodness.

    For him to simply think that I¡¯m getting hungry just from the story that I¡¯m harboring interest toward cooking¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Wait? That means, in the end this isn¡¯t your favorite food?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I believe that the taste properly turn out deliciously, so please don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it!? What I want to ask isn¡¯t that©¤©¤¡¹

    Haa¡­¡­.

    Like that, strength left my body and I hung my head down. Seeing that Lux look my way and mutter with a serious face.

    ¡¸Could it be, Lisha-sama made that for me?¡¹

    Stared by surprised eyes, I nodded a bit.

    ¡¸¡­¡­We, well, you too seem to start doing chores again, I thought that perhaps you will get hungry after your works.¡¹

    Actually©¤©¤I want to become able to make Lux¡¯s favorite food though.

    I cannot say the truth from embarrassment and say a really doubtful lie.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. I¡¯m happy that Lisha-sama is concerned about me. Recently I¡¯m busy with other chores, that even though I¡¯m Lisha-sama¡¯s knight, I became slightly negligent in that role.¡¹

    However, when he turn such straightforward smile toward me, my chest suddenly become warm inside and I reflexively averted my eyes.

    ¡¸Err, we already made this, so won¡¯t Lisha-sama eat together with me before it get cold?¡¹

    While my body is shaking from the tantalized feeling, Lux said that to me with a troubled looking smile.

    Reluctantly, I exchange my cooking with his and eat the stew.

    The meat that dissolves into the soup, the flavor of the vegetable, and the aroma of spices that invite the appetite gives the dish a deep taste.

    I believe I have been training quite a lot, but as expected, Lux¡¯s stew feel like it¡¯s slightly above mine in regard to his experience.

    But, why is it I wonder.

    Even though the dish that I cooked should be inferior to what Lux cooked himself, Lux is eating it with a smile.

    Is it simply his consideration for me? Or else©¤©¤.

    Does my feeling, reaches him?

    (Well, it¡¯s fine I guess. Something like this once in a while is also not bad¡­¡­)

    My strategy failed, but just from seeing Lux eating my cooking happily, I can only stare at that with a blank mind as though I¡¯m drunk.

    ¡¸Still, I¡¯ll say this to correct you, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m regularly feeling hungry, so I don¡¯t need any late-night snack.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? I, is that so?¡¹

    Lux slightly showed a disappointed face at me who snapped a pointing finger at him, but this is a strategy.

    If Lux is holding expectation to me for practice and Drag-Ride training too, then there is no way I can make light of that.

    At the current time when Sacred Eclipse and danger to new kingdom are approaching, I have to give my all for the sake of fighting.

    Even so©¤©¤as expected I want to find a bit of free time, practice, and raise my skill in cooking to surpass Lux.

    Because I want to be connected with Lux not just through battle and Drag-Ride, and not just with relationship as knight and princess.

    ¡¸Just you wait in anticipation, Lux.¡¹

    I talked with a tone that is filled with a bit of implication and declared that proudly.

    Lux accepted it with a troubled smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t really understand but, I¡¯m looking forward to it. Also, the meal today is delicious, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Ua¡­..-, that¡­¡­right.¡¹

    When I¡¯m told such thing right from the front, I averted my face aside with a face that became heated and flashed red and muttered.

    To feel happy from the bottom of my heart even though it¡¯s just flattery, I¡¯m really simple.

    ¨C

    But, seeing how I can feel completely satisfied with just those words and smile, perhaps the path for me to improve my skill is long.

 Volume 9 - CH 3

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Err, is around here all right I wonder?¡¹

    Inside the ground of Academy at fort city Cross Field, night.

    It was past curfew, in that time where originally people should be asleep, Lux was coming alone behind the school building where there was no sign of people.

    It seemed the Lisha was working until late at night like usual, the atelier of Drag-Ride that could be seen at afar had small lighting leaking out from there.

    Lux was waiting in that place following the instruction written in the request application.

    Lux was busy because of the sudden turn since the campus festival, but because soon he would leave the Academy because of his duty, he wished to do the chores that the student requested him.

    ¡¸But, as I thought this is strange huh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was shivering from the chilly air of night at beginning of autumn while tilting his head and talked to himself.

    One of the written requests that was handed to Lux the other day had this kind of content written in it.

    ¨C

    ¡¾Working area¡¿ Secret

    ¡¾Client¡¿ Secret

    ¡¾Work description¡¿ For the time being, please come to behind the school building when it¡¯s bedtime. I will talk about the work there.

    Please, absolutely come without fail. If you run then I¡¯ll barge into your room.

    ¨C

    Through his life of doing chores for five years, Lux had also received several outrageous requests.

    A request from doctor to drink a medicine that was in the middle of development.

    A work from the weak-minded father who requested Lux to scold his son whose age was twice that of Lux.

    Requests like capturing fierce beastpet that escaped and so on, it still caused him to feel headache when he recalled them.

    He firmly rejected A request from an artist that wanted him to get naked as model.

    But, as expected, he couldn¡¯t really remember something like a request with the client¡¯s name and the job description obscured.

    At the very least, this had never happened even once since he came to this Academy and started to specialize in receiving request.

    (I thought that this might be a prank or some kind of mistake though©¤©¤)

    With the inadequate explanation in the written request, originally it should be fine even if he ignored this, but,

    ¨C

    ¡ºPlease, absolutely come without fail. If you run then I¡¯ll barge into your room.¡»

    ¨C

    This part was strangely scary, so in the end Lux came here.

    The possibility was low, but this might be a trap, so he was acting vigilant at minimum.

    While he was standing quietly like that, before long the air behind him shook, *rustle* a small sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Tha, thank you for waiting. You come here means that you accepted the request, right¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, good evening.¡¹

    When a girl in uniform appeared, Lux greeted with a smile.

    The face of the girl whose hair hung down until her eyes looked a bit familiar.

    Because her class was different from Lux, there really wasn¡¯t any point of contact between them, but she was a female student of the same year with him who was a civil official candidate.

    Her name if he remember right was©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Err, I am, called¡­¡­Nina. There is something that I, earnestly, wish to consult with you about a request¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed that the girl had a shy character, she was taking off her gaze from Lux and muttered with halting tone.

    Perhaps it was also because of her shyness that her request had nothing written on it.

    (I¡¯m glad. It looks like it¡¯s a normal request unlike what I thought¡­¡­)

    Lux was relieved. He made a soft smile to reassure the girl and spoke.

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s fine but this place is cold, so how about talking inside the dormitory? Also, if possible please write just what kind of request it is inside the request form beforehand©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s no  good-!¡¹

    The moment Lux asked, the girl¡¯s expression changed and her voice roughened.

    ¡¸Thi, this is a secret request! Please don¡¯t mention it to anyone! The reason I¡¯m calling you to this empty place is also because of that-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸E, err¡­¡­?¡¹

    While Lux was bewildered, the girl walked toward him as though to pressure him.

    Flame of cornered emotion was smoldering from the gap of her front hair. The glint of her eyes looked vaguely dark.

    The girl talked with a terribly tense aura overflowing from her like a person who hadn¡¯t drunk water for several days in the desert.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I want you to teach me Krulcifer-san¡¯s weak point. That©¤©¤is my request!¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s mouth gaped open for a few seconds hearing that.

    And then, the most bizarre odd job that Lux had ever received in the Academy began.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Co, come to think of it, does Krulcifer-san has something that you are not good at?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s the matter, so suddenly? Lux-kun is asking something unusual that is unlike you isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, just a bit, for some reason, that¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    After school©¤©¤at night after Lux finished his chores for the day, he was inside the library in the Academy.

    He was there to receive supplementary lessons of class work from Krulcifer that was being done periodically.

    Lux who enrolled into the Academy still wasn¡¯t able to completely follow the lesson¡¯s content.

    He had no problem with reading and writing, and fundamental knowledge thanks to the education he received at his childhood when he was living in the imperial court, but as expected at present he was falling behind in regard to curriculum other than technology and knowledge that was related with Drag-Ride.

    Of course, he received consideration from the Academy because he only enrolled from midway and he got treated appropriately, and in these few months he had mostly caught up, but sometimes he would be given study lesson like this by Krulcifer who boasted top grade in the Academy because he had no reason to refuse her good will.

    He was also busy from his usual chores, so he also done his study in this time.

    They would study in the dining hall, parlor, library, and so on. It would depend on the time and situation.

    Lux tried to ask Krulcifer while he was receiving her supplementary lessons, but she easily avoided the question.

    ¡¸For example, is there a subject that even Krulcifer is not good with©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸There is none. Although there is difference from my preference, but I don¡¯t think there is any subject where my grade drop because I¡¯m not good with it.¡¹

    ¡¸It is, isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    That prospect was cut down with a single stroke.

    That was already obvious by the point of time she was able to teach her classmate Lux about all the subjects.

    At the very least she had no weakness in regard of studying.

    ¡¸Or perhaps©¤©¤is there something in Lux-kun¡¯s mind about me? It¡¯s fine to tell me anything anytime if there is something that bothers you.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, no, that¡¯s not¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was startled when Krulcifer responded with a smile that was filled with deep meaning and probed back to him.

    Due to the case of the campus festival and Sacred Eclipse the other day, a change also occurred in Lux¡¯s heart and he became somewhat conscious of the girls.

    Thanks to that, his heart was beating even harder than before toward Krulcifer¡¯s inviting gesture.

    He became unable to concentrate due to the good will that she directed toward him.

    Originally, this should be a fun time even if it was somewhat embarrassing for him.

    In spite of that, cold sweat was trickling on Lux¡¯s back.

    ¡¸So, sorry. I¡¯ll concentrate properly so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux apologized in panic while pouring his attention at the book and paper in front of his eyes.

    (Right now this is the limit of my effort¡­¡­)

    His appeal toward Krulcifer was over already.

    It would be great if ¡ºthat girl¡» could be convinced somehow with this but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He felt a sharp gaze like prickling needle from behind.

    It wasn¡¯t just his imagination.

    Since some time ago, he could see Nina¡¯s face from the reflection of the library window in front of him, where she was peeking his way from her cover behind a bookshelf.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux pretended not to notice that and he solved the question before his eyes.

    (Really, just how did it become like this¡­¡­?)

    He desperately concentrated in studying while recalling the happening just a day ago.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san¡¯s, weak point¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Inside the Academy¡¯s ground, behind the school building late at night.

    In that place without any sign of other people, the second year girl student whose eyes were hidden by her front bang©¤©¤Nina said such thing to him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. I don¡¯t care whether it¡¯s something that she hate no matter what or something that she is especially not good at. No matter what I wish you to teach me something that she will be troubled if it¡¯s known, a secret about her shortcoming.¡¹

    Her voice was cornered and tense.

    And then, an unusual tenacity could be felt from the fierce glint her eyes were emitting.

    ¡¸Eerrr¡­¡­are you, saying that seriously?¡¹

    ¡¸What? Is it no good?

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not that it¡¯s no good¡­¡­. In the first place, why are you asking something like that?¡¹

    Krulcifer was an overseas student from Ymir Theocracy, but her pedigree was good and her grade was also great.

    It was to the degree that she was standing out from the crowd even in this Academy.

    That was why, no matter how good she was at dealing with things, it wasn¡¯t strange even if someone was jealous of her.

    But, from how scared the girl before him looked like, somehow or other it didn¡¯t look like she was doing this because of resentment.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤it¡¯s, e, errr, this is. I, it¡¯s something that is extremely hard to say but¡­¡­the, the poem that I composed¡­¡­something like that got seen. A, anyway, because my secret got exposed to her, I won¡¯t be able to feel relieved if I don¡¯t know some secret of hers too!¡¹

    The girl pointed up her finger with a snap looking terribly flustered.

    (When I wondered what is this about, it¡¯s something like that¡­¡­)

    Probably Krulcifer herself didn¡¯t pay that much attention about it.

    ¡¸But, at the very least I don¡¯t know about any weakness of Krulcifer-san, I can¡¯t even imagine it.¡¹

    Lux answered honestly like that.

    Nina glared at Lux with a gaze as though she couldn¡¯t accept it.

    ¡¸Then, please investigate it. I will also tried to look for it, but I didn¡¯t find anything at all¡­¡­. If it¡¯s you who had even temporarily became lover with her, then perhaps you will notice something.¡¹

    Even though she told him that, honestly this was troubling.

    (About that lover thing, in the first place it was a request to fake that¡­¡­)

    When doing chores, the thing that mustn¡¯t be done the most was a work that stepped into the territory of ¡ºsomeone else other than that client¡» through that request.

    It would be terrible if by doing his job seriously he was inviting unnecessary trouble instead.

    Even if it didn¡¯t become like that, he couldn¡¯t do anything that would trouble his important friend Krulcifer.

    That was why, he determined himself and refused.

    ¡¸My bad, but I cannot accept that kind of request that will trouble other person like that. I will pretend to never hear this story, so if you can abandon this pursuit from here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, it can¡¯t be helped, I will continue to investigate it by myself. I swear I will find it no matter what method I have to use. Even if I have to use a way that will be somewhat rough©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The words of the girl who was clad in dark and muddy aura made Lux shuddered.

    ¡¸I, isn¡¯t that a bit bad, or I wish you will stop¡­¡­¡¹

    He didn¡¯t know if Krulcifer really had a weakness.

    But, he felt a bit uneasy to leave this cornered girl to act recklessly like this.

    (This is bad, if I just leave her alone, and some kind of problem happen©¤©¤)

    The fretful Lux immediately thought of a method to follow up.

    ¡¸H, hmmm¡­¡­. That, you see. Can I ask you to promise me one thing?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is it?¡¹

    The girl directed her eyes that were shaded by dark shadow toward Lux and let out a cold voice.

    ¡¸If I accept that request, you yourself won¡¯t do anything strange toward Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you going to¡­¡­, accept the request?¡¹

    ¡¸If I can, add some conditions to it, then I will.¡¹

    Lux asked with a nervous look.

    This query itself was half a gamble, but there was no other way.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood. Then, please do.¡¹

    After staring unblinking at Lux, the girl sighed and nodded before long.

    After that, they talked just for a bit, then Lux parted from the girl and returned to his room.

    ¨C

    In the end, Lux exchanged several conditions with the girl while accepting the request.

    The condition from Nina was for him to find Krulcifer¡¯s weak point within several days.

    The condition from Lux was that Nina herself wouldn¡¯t attempt anything toward Krulcifer during that time.

    And then, at the time Lux accomplished the request, she wouldn¡¯t make any request like this anymore, and she also wouldn¡¯t do anything rash toward Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. For the time being it¡¯s going well, is it?¡¹

    Lux was falling on the bed in his room and muttered with his gaze casted down.

    His bargaining with the girl was far more tiring than the usual chores, but he managed to arrange an agreement with her.

    Of course, he couldn¡¯t search for a weakness that Krulcifer herself seriously didn¡¯t want anyone to know, so he was thinking to look for some unserious weak point that he could pretend to be something that would satisfy the girl.

    Next if he could get the girl to accept it after hearing the weakness, then this request would be over.

    ¡¸A weak point of Krulcifer that can convince that girl¡­¡­¡¹

    Although he said that, but in reality he had no prospect.

    But, at this time Lux was thinking that there was no need to think hard about it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He was gradually pressed by the heavy weight that was his sleepiness and he accepted the sensation of his body sinking onto the bed.

    Like that Lux¡¯s consciousness became distant in the blink of eye.

    ¨C

    The next day was class work like usual.

    Lux woke up early at the morning, headed to the washroom, washed his face and changed into his uniform.

    The chores at early morning were divided into several pattern types.

    The work today was the cleaning up of the Academy ground.

    He would clean up the surrounding of atelier, so he went to the kitchen to ask for tea which he would bring when going to wake up Lisha too while he was at it.

    After making small talk with the waking up Lisha, Lux finished the cleanup of the surrounding and headed to the dining hall to take breakfast©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    He noticed the existence of a girl in the corner of the dining hall©¤©¤Nina, and he recalled.

    ¡ºPlease find Krulcifer-san¡¯s weak point quickly¡»

    Such insistence was emitted as aura that oozed out from her whole body.

    Lux was startled inside his heart while heading to where Krulcifer was at inside the dining hall.

    She had started eating breakfast already, but her hands stopped when her eyes met Lux¡¯s, and she smiled to him with an expression that was filled with deep affection.

    ¡¸Good morning. You are early today too.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san too. E, err, speaking of that, don¡¯t you feel hard, waking up early in the morning?¡¹

    Pressured by the client girl¡¯s urging, Lux quickly attempted his probing.

    Feeling weak at the morning.

    If he could Nina to recognize even something at that level as weakness then it would be fine, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not a problem. When I was at Ymir Theocracy, I had to wake up even earlier and pray, so it has become a habit to wake up early since my childhood. This academy feels relaxing instead for me.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, i, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    His first attempt failed.

    (Well, I somehow know that from seeing how she is coming among the first people here at breakfast time, but©¤©¤)

    Lux¡¯s eyes darted toward the corner of the dining hall once more.

    As expected, the girl called Nina was looking at Lux with a dissatisfied expression.

    ¡¸Co, come to think of it, Krulcifer-san you, is there any food that you cannot eat? The food in this dining hall is always delicious, but at Ymir Theocracy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I have nothing I like or hate. Naturally I have some degree of preference, but I have no experience meeting a cooking that I cannot eat no matter what, I also have never experienced feeling disgusted from seeing the food¡¯s appearance or aroma.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see¡­¡­that¡¯s amazing, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    He failed again.

    It seemed there was no more weak point that he could probe in this meal time.

    With breakfast tray in hands, Lux sat in front of Krulcifer once more and he also took his meal.

    Regarding the skill in cooking too, rather than Lux who had experience doing odd jobs at bar or restaurant, Krulcifer was the one more skilled. It was already proved at the training camp in summer.

    Her elegant table manner that didn¡¯t make a sound while eating also looked perfect from Lux¡¯s point of view.

    By no meant she came here the first thing after waking up, her uniform and hair weren¡¯t disheveled at all.

    (Or rather, at that time I lost against that girl¡¯s momentum and promised her without any consideration but¡­¡­. Could it be, searching for Krulcifer-san¡¯s weak point is actually a terribly difficult thi©¤©¤)

    Noticing that fact, Lux felt astonished inside his heart, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was sitting at his opposite suddenly lifted up her waist and leaned forward. Her face was coming closer to him.

    Her looks were beautiful, like a fairy in fantasy.

    Seeing it coming right in front of his gaze, he felt startled reflexively.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a bit dirty there, look.¡¹

    Quietly, the napkin in Krulcifer¡¯s hand gently wiped Lux¡¯s mouth.

    The remains of red tomato sauce that was used in the breakfast was attached there.

    ¡¸Ah, that¡­¡­, thank you.¡¹

    Lux spontaneously turned red faced from embarrassment. Krulcifer smiled with her usual cool expression.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to think, but it¡¯s better to relax at least when in the middle of eating. I understand that Lux-kun is busy, but sometimes you will blunder at such thing you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, yes. I¡¯ll be careful.¡¹

    Lux replied while feeling abashed.

    (Wait, far from finding weakness. It¡¯s me who got followed up by Krulcifer-san!?)

    In addition, he even almost got seen through about what he was thinking.

    (Perhaps this is really bad¡­¡­)

    The instinct of Lux who had accomplished many requests until now told him the sign of a protracted battle.

    Or perhaps, this request might end up to be one of the rare requests that were impossible to accomplish©¤©¤but.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    From behind, the girl whose eyes were hidden by her front hair©¤©¤the girl client Nina was gazing at him.

    (Can I really do this? Soemthing like finding Krulcifer-san¡¯s weak point within a few days©¤©¤)

    Lux hung his head down while slipping out a small sigh.

    He was feeling the premonition of a long battle.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Say, can I ask you to find her weakness quickly¡­¡­?¡¹

    The third day after he accepted the request, lunch break.

    Lux shook off the invitation of the girls who invited him to take lunch together and came to behind the school building where there wasn¡¯t any sign of people.

    The one who called Lux here with the same letter without any sender¡¯s name was the aforementioned Nina.

    Her business was just as he expected, about the matter of ¡ºKrulcifer¡¯s weak point¡» search that she requested.

    At first, Lux intended to find something that Krulcifer wasn¡¯t good at which wouldn¡¯t bring any trouble even if it became known, and used that to tell the girl and convince her.

    But, when he actually tried it, he noticed that this request was quiet an impossible problem.

    Class work, hand-to-hand combat, Drag-Ride, things related to strength, then her conduct and personal grooming as noble, things related to private life, Krulcifer didn¡¯t show any opening at all in those things.

    It didn¡¯t even seem like there was any food or animal that she was weak against.

    ¡¸Sorry. It¡¯s harder to find it than I thought. If you can wait just for a bit more©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tomorrow. Because I won¡¯t be in the Academy then.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    Lux was surprised hearing the topic suddenly changed.

    ¡¸The students who are civil official candidate will have social field trip class in the second block, so tomorrow I won¡¯t be in the Academy.¡¹

    The girl continued with a faintly dark tone while anger and uneasiness spread out from her.

    ¡¸If we don¡¯t hurry, the content of the poem might get spread. Please find it before I return. If you cannot, I can only make direct attempt at Krulcifer next.¡¹

    ¡¸A, attempt you say, what are you planning to do?¡¹

    ¡¸I have no obligation to tell you who isn¡¯t accomplishing your task¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, I got it. I¡¯ll find it out somehow, so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux soothed the girl who was clad with dark atmosphere while saying that and somehow got her to accept it.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. I guess I¡¯ll meet Krulcifer-san once more.¡¹

    After bidding farewell from the girl client, Lux whispered that with a weary face, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸My, does Lux-kun have business with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwaaah¡­¡­!? Wait, Kru, Krulcifer-san-!?¡¹

    Lux jumped on the spot when a voice suddenly addressed him from behind.

    Right now it was after school, so he never expected that there would be anyone behind him from the corridor.

    ¡¸It¡¯s upsetting that Lux-kun is so shocked like that. What¡¯s more, you were sighing like that even though you are going to meet me©¤©¤Lux-kun is horrible.¡¹

    Krulcifer teased him with a jesting smile.

    ¡¸Ah, so, sorry. Err, but I don¡¯t feel reluctant or anything to meet Krulcifer-san, there is a bit of situation©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux tried to explain in panic, Krulcifer chuckled,

    ¡¸You are feeling awkward to search for my weak point©¤©¤is that it?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer guessed Lux¡¯s worry right on the mark.

    ¡¸Wa, wait a second. In the first place I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay if Lux-kun keep the request¡¯s detail a secret. I only accidentally heard when the girl just now was accosting you willfully. If it¡¯s like that then it¡¯s not a problem right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He was completely seen through.

    Surely Krulcifer guessed that something happened from Lux¡¯s action these several days and secretly followed him behind.

    It was bad that it got exposed, but he also felt relieved somewhere inside.

    ¡¸It looks like it¡¯s a request from a civil official candidate girl from the neighboring class isn¡¯t it? But well, seeing that I have an idea what is this about, it¡¯s difficult for me to act as complete victim here.¡¹

    ¡¸In the end, just what happened?¡¹

    ¡¸That girl dropped her poems collection before. I only mistook it as some kind of documents and gave it a brief look. I promised not to tell anyone, but it looks like she cannot be convinced with that.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry¡­¡­. It¡¯s, that girl looked really menacing, so rather than rejecting her request, I thought that I could do something somehow if I got in between©¤©¤¡¹

    After Lux explained the circumstance, Krulcifer sent Lux an exasperated fixed stare.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, please reflect on yourself slightly. There is no way that you who don¡¯t really understand woman¡¯s heart can possible do something like mediating the conflict between girls skillfully, right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s cruel-!?¡¹

    It was right on the mark, so her words stabbed his heart deeply.

    ¡¸Surely this is mostly because Lux-kun is being unable to overlook a problem that is right before your eyes, just like usual. But doing this isn¡¯t good. At the very least, a problem that occurred from that girl¡¯s own emotion isn¡¯t something you should undertake as an official request.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Perhaps it was just as Krulcifer said.

    He thought of intermediating between the female student called Nina who made request to him and also Krulcifer so that she wouldn¡¯t be harmed, but the result became complicated instead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry, Krulcifer-san. This is my bad.¡¹

    Lux hung his head down while muttering that. Krulcifer softly caressed Lux¡¯s hair seeing him like that.

    ¡¸It seems you are reflecting already, so how about we discuss how to solve this trouble? Also, it¡¯s belayed but I should say my thanks to you. Thank you for feeling concerned about me. ©¤©¤I¡¯m really happy.¡¹

    Her gentle voice and warm gaze caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat.

    Krulcifer usually showed a cool-looking smile, but when she showed him this kind of smile that was filled with deep affection, he felt that she was unbearably lovely.

    (Wait, what am I thinking!? Right now we¡¯ve got to discuss properly about this request¡­¡­)

    Lux suppressed the loud beating of his heart and straightened his back.

    ¡¸E, err, then what should we do? At this rate it looks like it¡¯s impossible to search for Krulcifer-san¡¯s weak point, when that girl came back tomorrow, should I try telling her directly?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. What to do about this I wonder? Certainly, it doesn¡¯t seem like I have a weak point that I will feel troubled if it get exposed but still in the level that can be told to other people.¡¹

    Krulcifer put her hand on her chin and made a thinking gesture.

    There was no way they could tell the girl about the secret of Krulcifer¡¯s origin that was from Ruin, but it seemed nothing come to mind other than that.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see©¤©¤. Then, perhaps it will be interesting to test it.¡¹

    But, suddenly she began to stare seriously on the face of Lux who was beside her©¤©¤at the end she let a chuckle slipped out and smiled.

    ¡¸Come to think of it that girl, she said that tomorrow she will go outside for social study. Then, can I ask you to help me for the whole day tomorrow, to search for my weak point©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Lux stared in puzzlement. Krulcifer returned a smile filled with implication toward him.

    And then the next day, the search for Krulcifer¡¯s weak point started, just as the original request demanded.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤Inside the parlor when it was lunch break, a quiet sound could be heard.

    Originally the room was for the use of guest and it was prohibited to use it, but in order to avoid the gaze of the other girls, Lux used the remaining time after finishing a cleaning request to spend time together with Krulcifer there.

    ¡¸Yes, with this it¡¯s check. Do you have any move left?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m beaten¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Haa¡¯, Lux hung his head down in surrender.

    ¡¸Fuu, it¡¯s unfortunate. This time we don¡¯t find my weakness.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux responded with a wry smile at Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    In order to search for her weak point, for the time being they began to think about various situations©¤©¤which even included things like game and liking.

    ¡ºI intend to look at myself objectively, but perhaps there are things that I actually don¡¯t notice.¡»

    Because of that, fundamentally this strategy was Krulcifer doing absolutely anything that came to her mind while Lux took the role of being her opponent.

    An objective point of view and an opponent for comparison were needed.

    By doing that, a new weak point might surfaced, but to be defeated until this much, Lux¡¯s heart was in the verge of breaking.

    ¡¸Even like this, I¡¯ve played this game more or less from accompanying people through my chores, but¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux tidied up the chess board and pieces while sighing.

    It was as though Lux wasn¡¯t a match at all against her in games like chess or darts.

    Krulcifer had no opening even at games.

    ¡¸But, if Krulcifer-san has no weak point even in game, then perhaps it¡¯s no good already¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My, have you given up already? It¡¯s fine to change your view point when you are cornered. For example©¤©¤there is also something like weak point in body.¡¹

    ¡¸Wea, weak point in body¡­¡­wait, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤?¡¹

    Hearing what she said, Lux observed Krulcifer.

    Her beautifully well-ordered features, her body line that while slender was drawing a feminine curve.

    The uniform that really looked good on her, and the breasts that were pushing up just slightly©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux-kun. Where are you looking at me right now? I absolutely won¡¯t get angry so can you tell me honestly?¡¹

    She was absolutely lying.

    The proof was how it was only Krulcifer¡¯s eyes that weren¡¯t smiling.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m not©¤©¤!? Or rather, I still haven¡¯t think anything yet you know?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, just try to say it. You were looking on my chest anyway right?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no well¡­¡­that¡¹

    ¡¸I see. Thank you for speaking honestly. By the way it¡¯s a completely unrelated talk but, I¡¯ll give three times more homework than usual in the lessons I¡¯ll be giving Lux-kun tonight.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you said that you won¡¯t get angry-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I said that I won¡¯t get angry, however I didn¡¯t say that I won¡¯t retaliate at Lux-kun that is completely unrelated with it.¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that unfair!?¡¹

    When Lux yelled with teary eyes, Krulcifer brushed up her hair coolly.

    ¡¸I guess. Then, I¡¯ll forgive you Lux-kun if you teach me a weakness of yours in exchange.¡¹

    She brought her face closer and smiled, looking like she was enjoying it somewhat.

    Honestly, it was really embarrassing to speak about his weakness from his own mouth but, it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸I, I get it. Then that, a weakness that I¡¯m aware of is©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux determined himself and took a deep breath before opening his mouth. Then Krulcifer¡¯s index finger gently touched Lux¡¯s lips.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to stop there. I was just joking.¡¹

    He was stopped along with a mischievous smile from her.

    ¡¸More importantly, you shouldn¡¯t talk about your own weakness to other people that easily. You are too honest about your weakness to those you aren¡¯t on guard against. I¡¯m worried, so be careful. From here on, we don¡¯t know what kind of dangerous duty you will challenge.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He was completely dancing on the palm of her hands.

    Besides©¤©¤she noticed.

    This clever and discerning girl seemed to have vaguely guessed about that matter too from Lux¡¯s condition these few days.

    ¡¸Wait, it doesn¡¯t matter about my weakness! In the end Krulcifer-san¡¯s weakness©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. Based from what I know there is none, but as I thought searching weak point of the body will be a nice point of view. Like being weak to tickles, or having stiff body, there are also things like that right?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Unexpectedly that might be a blindspot.

    If Krulcifer was abnormally weak against tickling, for a perfect girl like her, certainly that might be an interesting ¡ºweak point¡».

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤want to try it?¡¹

    Krulcifer softly brushed up her hair and presented her ear to him.

    Krulcifer¡¯s ear that normally was hidden behind her long hair.

    Lux noticed a bit late about the meaning of her gesture that was exposing her ear.

    ¡¸E, eeh!? Co, could it be I¡¯ll be the one touching it!?¡¹

    ¡¸What are you getting surprised about? It¡¯s meaningless even if I touch it myself right? ¡­¡­Aa, could it be, that Lux-kun want to try touching another place more?¡¹

    Suddenly Krulcifer made a mischievous smile.

    (Another place, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤)

    The moment Lux¡®s heart skipped a beat,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry that I make you having hope.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t!? Just what kind of person do you think I am!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is Lux-kun we are talking about, so surely you are thinking about things like wanting to touch my breasts that are only slightly modest, or putting your hand between my thighs, right?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m telling you I still haven¡¯t thought anything yet!? I was just surprised!¡¹

    ¡¸But, right now the sun is still high in the sky, and here is inside the school building, so let¡¯s stop it? And©¤©¤you won¡¯t give it a try?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux quietly reached out his hand beside Krulcifer¡¯s provocative face.

    And then, he slowly touched that nicely shaped earlobe.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Instantly, Krulcifer let a faintly surprised and muffled voice slipped out.

    (I never really have the chance to touch a girl¡¯s ear even at my childhood, but©¤©¤)

    The surface was lustrous and squishy, giving a pleasant elasticity, pushing back on Lux¡¯s finger.

    The terribly flaky spot within Krulcifer who possessed flawless ability somehow made his heart beat fast.

    ¡¸A, are you all right, Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ye, yes, I¡¯m fine. I, I don¡¯t mind even if you do it stronger.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux did as Krulcifer pointed out and put a bit more strength into his fingertips.

    Within the soft texture, there was firm hardness that was like a core.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­, a, aah¡­¡­. A, as expected, it¡¯s really ticklish isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    (So, somehow, it feels like it will be bad to continue this-¡­¡­!)

    The sigh of the girl that had vague sweetness mixed in it attacked Lux with strange impulse.

    ¡¸Le, let¡¯s stop here! That©¤©¤, it doesn¡¯t look like this is a weak point that is that easy to understand!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That, might be so. It¡¯s unfortunate. That we cannot find it again.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    That was dangerous.

    Lux who almost got his reasoning melted with just a bit more let out a relieved sigh inside his heart while he patted his chest.

    ¨C

    Even after that they continued to search for weak point, but they didn¡¯t find anything even until the sun finally went down.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­, in the end we cannot anything that seem like the right one.¡¹

    After dinner.

    Lux and Krulcifer were discussing on the table of the library just before the time for light out.

    This time they were testing for weak point of girls that Lux knew©¤©¤, for example things like dark place or high place, but none of them appeared that they could be called as Krulcifer¡¯s weak point.

    Finally Lux too was completely exhausted and thought that they had exhausted all options, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come to think of it, it¡¯s strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer suddenly tilted her head with her eyes still fixed on a book¡¯s page.

    ¡¸Why is that girl getting so scared like that? Certainly getting poems of her own making seen by other people might be embarrassing, but it¡¯s curious that she is getting that fixated just because other person saw them.¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t she just that kind of type¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while recalling the girl client.

    ¡¸Eh? Wait©¤©¤?¡¹

    At first she didn¡¯t say anything, but when he pressed her for the second time, that girl©¤©¤if he remembered correctly the girl said ¡ºIf we don¡¯t hurry, the content of the poem might get spread¡».

    When Lux told Krulcifer about it,

    ¡¸It might be nothing, but that¡¯s a bit curious. Come to think of it©¤©¤the content of the girl¡¯s poems was regarding romance. If I remember correctly, there were lines like the guidance of white lily, or the sublime tone something, or devoting the feeling¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, I get the feeling that it will be better to not recall it in that much detail though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, so it was something like that.¡¹

    When Lux tried to stop Krulcifer in hurry, she let out a light sigh.

    ¡¸Did you understand something!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, somehow but, I believe that I¡¯m not mistaken. Lux-kun, you don¡¯t need to do anymore work for this request. I will talk to her by myself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer only said that and stood up from her seat, then she left the library.

    After that there was only Lux left to stand alone there with his mouth gaping open.

    ¨C

    And then the next morning.

    Lux was filled with trepidation inside his heart wondering how the girl client Nina would make her move, but that day a sheet of request form came to Lux unexpectedly.

    ¡¾Work description¡¿ I¡¯m withdrawing my request, thank you very much.

    The content consisted of only that sentence.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And then, in the end what happened?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing really complicated. I only talked directly with her and solved the misunderstanding.¡¹

    Krulcifer said smoothly, but he wondered if the girl client who looked that cornered would be so easily persuaded like that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Are you unable to believe me that much?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, it¡¯s not that I cannot trust Krulcifer-san, that¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The love poem that the girl wrote was for a senior in this Academy. The content was suggestive, so the girl thought that it would be bad if by any chance the person the poem was directed at noticed it, that was why she panicked.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? Wa, wait a second Krulcifer-san. You said it was for a senior in this Academy©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    There should be no male student other than Lux here.

    When Lux almost said it reflexively, Krulcifer brushed up her hair coolly.

    ¡¸Basically, in a girl academy where males are forbidden to enter, occasionally a girl who harbored that kind of feeling will appear. Especially here where there are a lot of gallant girls.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    It was an unexpected story, but it felt like it would be better to not get deeply involved with it so Lux stopped pursuing further.

    ¡¸I told her that I noticed the content of her poems that I picked up. And then, I promised her that I wouldn¡¯t talk about her poem to other people, that¡¯s all. As long as her anxiety of ¡ºperhaps I got found out¡», ¡ºshe might be telling others even now¡» is just removed, then she won¡¯t try to do anything anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸So, she was persuaded like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, in exchange I also told her one of my secrets as compensation. ©¤©¤It¡¯s a secret about love just like hers.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux raised his voice in respond to Krulcifer¡¯s words that she said with a smile of implication.

    ¡¸Co, could it be, even Krulcifer-san, is also harboring feeling toward that senior©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haah¡¹

    Krulcifer came to a stop and sighed in respond to Lux¡¯s question. She directed an exasperated fixed stare toward him.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, let¡¯s start our usual supplementary lesson soon. Today it will be triple than normal.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux cowered in fright at Krulcifer¡¯s sudden declaration.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Even so, I¡¯m finally aware of my own weak point.¡¹

    Krulcifer quietly muttered beside Lux who was preparing ink and pen in resignation.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head, the flawless girl smiled and said.

    ¡¸It¡¯s how I don¡¯t want to show any weakness at all toward someone who I¡¯m wishing that he will look at myself.¡¹

 Volume 9 - CH 4

    ¨C

    During Lux¡¯s seventeen years of life, the place he woke up at had changed many times.

    At his childhood it was at the imperial court in the capital.

    At the period of his chores livelihood, it would be wherever he was working at the time.

    Since around half a year ago, it was at the Academy of Cross Field.

    And then right now©¤©¤he woke up inside an unfamiliar mansion.

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux rubbed his sleepy eyes while slowly lifting up his upper body.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­? This place©¤©¤?¡¹

    He was sleeping on an extravagant bed with canopy attached.

    There wasn¡¯t a single stain on the white ceiling, the wooden furniture that was emitting smooth coffee colored luster was lined up inside the spacious room systematically.

    The lamp that was decorated with glasswork and the soft and fluffy texture of the comforterfeather filled blanket felt very luxurious. Just a glance was enough to tell that it took a lot of money for everything in this room.

    From the light shining in through the curtain¡¯s gap, most likely the time was early morning.

    But, even though it was a place that he was seeing for the first time, there was a vaguely nostalgic scent.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, really, just where is here!?¡¹

    Lux was looking dazed, but right after that he instantly yelled a beat later.

    The clothes he was wearing consisted of only thin sleep-wear.

    He remembered as far as yesterday where he was made to accompany the headmaster, Relie to drink alcohol, but he had no memory of after that at all.

    ¡¸Just, what happened to me¡­¡­?¡¹

    A strong anxiety was welling up inside him from this baffling situation.

    When he searched nearby, even his Sword Devices of Wyvern and Bahamut weren¡¯t there.

    Could it be, when he was going back from the headmaster office to his room, he was kidnapped by bandit?

    If this was the work of Dragon Marauder than this was bad.

    Nervousness ran through Lux¡¯s expression.

    If Lux was kidnapped, then perhaps danger was also approaching everyone in the Academy.

    ¡¸I have to grasp the situation as soon as possible and escape from here©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and he was going to stand up, his hand went down to push on the bed, at that moment©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    *Munyu*

    ¡¸E, h¡­¡­?¡¹

    A sensation that was different from before caused Lux to tilt his head.

    The sensation was a little bit different from the soft comforter and bed sheet.

    Inside the softness where his fingers were sinking into, lustrous elasticity and warmth could be felt.

    Lux who was still a bit addled from sleepiness moved his fingers following his instinct, massaging that pleasant texture©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Nn. Kuu¡­¡­. Lu¡­¡­chan.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, uwaaaah!?¡¹

    The muffled voice came out from under the comforter. Lux instantly leaped up.

    His movement flipped up the comforter where the face of a girl who was letting out sleeper breathing happily showed up from under.

    ¡¸Wh, why is Philuffy here!? Or rather, just now was as I thought©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face was reddening from the sensation of breast that was still remaining on his hand while confirming that.

    The girl who was his childhood friend with soft looking hair that was faintly pink colored.

    Her innocent looks that still had a vestige of immaturity in it, combined with her heavy breasts that proclaimed their existence vividly let out a sex appeal that vaguely felt immoral.

    Furthermore the smooth curve of skin peeking out from the underwear coupled with her scent that was like sweet milk caused Lux¡¯s heart to jump immediately and it began to pound hard inside his chest.

    ¡¸Be, besides, why is she in her underwear¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t look straight at that appearance that was too provocative and he immediately averted his gaze.

    He was more or less also similarly wearing sleep-wear, but different from Lux, Philuffy¡¯s appearance was completely just in her underwear.

    Thin strings was caught on her shoulders that connected to a pure white bustier.

    Every part was so thin they looked transparent. Black ribbon was mixed as decoration that brought about elegance, making her seductive limbs that were already fascinating even under normal circumstance to be even more charming.

    In addition there was no skirt part, so she was totally exposed until her panty at her lower body.

    The black negligee that he once saw when they were sharing the same room previously gave a slightly adult allure, but this one was also amazing in a different sense.

    With her wearing only underwear with adorable ornament, it instead brought about an unbalanced indecent feeling.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Zzz, zzz*. Philuffy¡¯s voluptuous breasts were quietly moving up and down in conjunction with her quiet breathing. Seeing that Lux¡¯s throat suddenly felt dry and a ticklish impulse was welling up inside him.

    Although, with the unknown situation they were placed at, there was also no way he could keep averting his eyes like this and let her sleep.

    ¡¸Tha, that, Phi-chan. Come on, wake up©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux gently reached out his hand to her shoulder and lightly shook his childhood friend¡¯s body.

    He was averting his gaze so that he didn¡¯t directly see her underwear figure, but honestly it felt like he would lose control.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn. Eh? ¡­¡­Lu, chan?¡¹

    While he was shaking her repeatedly through his reasoning that almost ruptured, Philuffy finally opened her eyes faintly.

    Because she had just woken up, her eyes looked sleepier than usual. She rubbed her eyes and Lux was reflected onto those eyes.

    ¡¸He, hey Phi-chan. Even I don¡¯t understand what kind of situation we are in right now©¤©¤. That¡¯s why, this is, it¡¯s not like I did anything strange¡­¡­¡¹

    The present situation where they were sleeping on the same bed, while on the other hand it was only Philuffy who was in underwear appearance caused Lux to be flustered, thinking hard about how to explain it, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Zzz¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Just wait a second!? Don¡¯t sleep again in this situation okay!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously retorted seeing Philuffy closing her eyes once more.

    She was defenseless, being in her own pace too much as always. It seemed that she wasn¡¯t concerned even if she was on the same bed with Lux.

    He was happy that she was trusting him, but right now it wasn¡¯t time for that.

    For now he had to wake her up somehow and asked her what was going on¡­¡­!

    ¡¸Phi-chan, wake up!? There is still something I want to ask©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux shook her body earnestly once more, she finally got up slowly while rubbing her eye.

    ¡¸Fuaaa¡­¡­. ¡­¡­Lu-chan, why are you here?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s me who want to ask that-!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously retorted with a loud voice. Then *knock knock*, a knocking sound suddenly came from behind.

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming in, you two©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, wait-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The room¡¯s door opened without even any time for Lux to reply.

    The one who showed her appearance wearing a personal clothes with stylish coloring was the headmaster of the Academy, a woman of blooming age who was also Philuffy¡¯s big sister, Relie Aingram.

    ¡¸Wait, Relie-san!? Why are you here¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s words that he was going to say stopped in the middle.

    It was because he suspected something after seeing Relie¡¯s expression that was showing smile that was like a little devil.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me this is, everything is Relie-san¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My my? I wonder what you are talking about. Lux-kun has properly agreed with me last night to come here. I said it right? Itold you ¡ºI¡¯m going to go to the next block for a bit of work, so won¡¯t Lux-kun accompany me too for studying?¡».¡¹

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    The special mission that the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca gave him, ¡ºthe search for traitor¡».

    When he infiltrated Heiburg Republic to carry out his investigation, he would disguise himself as a merchant who specialized in importation. Because of that, this time he would learn how to act befitting his role by accompanying Relie in her work©¤©¤, but.

    (Why am I even sleeping together with Phi-chan?)

    Even though yesterday Lux should be drinking juice while accompanying Relie in drinking alcohol last night.

    Thinking back now, was alcohol slipped into his drink that time?

    This kind of ¡ºprank¡» was an everyday thing for Relie, but it was really something unthinkable to be done by a headmaster.

    ¡¸More importantly, will the Academy be alright?¡¹

    Today and tomorrow the class would be suspended because of national holiday, but wouldn¡¯t everyone become worried if he was gone from the dormitory suddenly?

    ¡¸This place is a villa of Aingram house located in the first block of Cross Field. I have left behind note about our outing so there won¡¯t be any problem but©¤©¤there was a bit of trouble.¡¹

    Relie brushed her front hair as though to say ¡®good griefyare yare¡¯ while showing a wry smile.

    ¡¸That girl whose admission procedure is being processed©¤©¤. That girl called Yoruka was sharp sighted, she showed up in front of us who were carrying the sleeping Lux-kun you see. I was misunderstood that I was going to kidnap Lux-kun, it took some time to persuade her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, it¡¯s a fact that I was kidnapped isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Lux first retort at that part with a conflicted face, then he thought of something.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤it¡¯s amazing that she allowed Relie-san to take me away.¡¹

    Based from Yoruka¡¯s personality, he thought that at the very least she would come along here even if she had to force it, and yet¡­

    ¡¸Yes, she was worried about your well being and wouldn¡¯t fold at all. So I also thought of various ideas.¡¹

    Relie said that while looking at Philuffy who was still in a daze with a smile.

    ¡¸When I told her that in order to create an heir, Lux and Phi will need time to be alone with just the two of them, she cheerfully consented.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t persuade her with outrageous reason as you please like that-!?¡¹

    ¡¸My? Is there any problem with that?¡¹

    When Relie replied with a serious face, Lux hung his head down.

    ¡¸What kind of excuse I should make to her when I return to the Academy¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸That was why I properly prepared a situation like this where such thing can naturally happen easily don¡¯t you see? Aa, it¡¯s regrettable, even though if I knocked the door a bit later, there might be no need to make any excuse.¡¹

    Relie wriggled her body, seemingly immersing herself into some kind of delusion by herself.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps he should say just as expected, it appeared Relie was the mastermind who made him slept with Philuffy.

    ¡¸Relie-sama. It will be time for breakfast soon.¡¹

    The door was knocked once more and this time a clear voice of a young woman came in.

    Most likely she was one of the servants of Aingram house.

    ¡¸Yes yes, we will go there right away. Then Lux-kun, the clothes are put inside the closet, so wake up Phi properly and come down together okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Wa, wait a second please!? That, at the very least even if just Philuffy¡¯s appearance©¤©¤¡¹

    Although Lux yelled reflexively, Relie went out of the room as though she didn¡¯t hear anything.

    After that there was only Lux and Philuffy who was still in a daze sleepily who were left behind.

    ¡¸Nn, eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    It seemed that Philuffy¡¯s consciousness was finally awakened, she looked at Lux¡¯s face in wonder and tilted her head.

    ¡¸Ah, e, eerr, that¡¯s, Philuffy. This is, there is a bit of circumstance©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, wrong.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    Philuffy suddenly put her index finger on Lux¡¯s lips and brought her face close to him seriously. Her cheeks were puffed up slightly.

    ¡¸When calling me, it¡¯s Phi-chan. Right?¡¹

    Rather than the situation of her sleeping together with Lux with her appearance was only wearing underwear on bed, she didn¡¯t pay that any mind and said that instead with a pure expression.

    Being approached until near proximity like this also brought that childishly cute face and big breasts until right before Lux¡¯s eyes. His cheeks spontaneously reddened.

    ¡¸Ah, so, sorry. That¡¯s, go, good morning. Phi-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s usual expressionless look slightly loosened from hearing Lux¡¯s words and her lips slackened.

    ¡¸Yep. Morning, Lu-chan.¡¹

    In the end, it appeared Philuffy was at her own pace as usual.

    Lux averted his gaze in panic and turned his back on her while changing his clothes so he wouldn¡¯t look at Philuffy¡¯s underwear appearance as much as possible. Then they went down to the mansion¡¯s first floor.

    ¨C

    ¡¸About that, today I¡¯m thinking to go around visiting several trade partners that are close to our company in work.¡¹

    At breakfast table.

    Relie suddenly said such thing inside the spacious living room where the lined up furniture was emitting beautiful luster.

    On the vertically long table, dishes that seemed to be cooked by exclusive cook were lined up until the table was cramped.

    Freshly baked pan with herb kneaded into it, sunny-side-up fried eggs accompanied with fatty bacon, salad with oil and lemon juice as its dressing, potage of potato, orange and raspberry jam.

    And then there was even dessert that was cooked with pear syrup.

    Lux thought that the breakfast that could be eaten in the Academy¡¯s dining hall was also quiet substantial, but this breakfast was even more extravagant.

    From the point of view of Lux who had gone through a period of life of chores, this menu really wasn¡¯t something to be eaten as breakfast.

    Perhaps here he should say that, as expected from the daily life of Aingram conglomerate.

    ¡¸Today we have to get out of the villa soon, so the menu this morning is a moderate one.¡¹

    Lux was dumbfounded at what Relie told him smoothly while eating the breakfast.

    By the way here©¤©¤this villa with size that might be five times the normal house seemed to be the house Relie used when she was staying in Cross Field.

    Every single one of the dishes that were created by Aingram¡¯s exclusive cook was amazingly delicious.

    ¡¸In the end, what are we going to do this time?¡¹

    ¡¸You will become attendant of my work. The Academy is procuring various things from a large shop at the third block, so we mainly will come there and have business discussion with the trade partner. At the end of our schedule, there will be a dining together with some big-wigs.¡¹

    Relie took out a notebook from her pocket and read it up smoothly.

    A woman who seemed to be a secretary was standing some distance away from the table, but it seemed Relie was the type who didn¡¯t leave everything to other people and grasped the situation by herself.

    ¡¸This is also just the right timing to make Phi learn the work as my secretary and bodyguard. I will teach Lux-kun about merchant while also evaluating Phi¡¯s work.¡¹

    Here the reason why even Philuffy was accompanying them was finally made clear.

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux responded while sending his gaze toward Philuffy who was eating breakfast silently. Her expressionless face gave a brief nod.

    (Work as Relie-san¡¯s secretary, and bodyguard¡­¡­)

    Relie had the position as the heiress of a large conglomerate that was controlling several companies, she had a lot of enemy everywhere.

    Philuffy was first class as a Drag-Ride, and she was also learning martial art, so she also excelled in self-defense technique.

    Based from her ability, it could be said that no one was more suitable than her for the bodyguard role, but she had a bit of problem for secretary work.

    Would she really be all right¡­¡­?

    Lux glanced to the side at Philuffy who was looking as though she got no motivation at all while finishing a lot of breakfast.

    ¨C

    It seemed there were seven places where business discussion with trade partner would be held even just for today.

    After they finished eating, they immediately dressed up themselves for the outing.

    Lux returned to the guest room at the second floor and prepared by stuffing things like water bottle and general goods the servants prepared for him into a small backpack.

    Relie had prepared a dress suit exclusive for Lux with his measurement that was unknown when it was taken, so he borrowed a different room that differed from Philuffy and changed clothes there.

    ¡¸Somehow, it has been a long time since I¡¯m wearing this kind of clothes even when it¡¯s a holiday¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was looking at the mirror while feeling anxious whether he had dressed himself correctly or not, then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you there?¡¹

    The door knob was turned *click* and Philuffy suddenly entered inside.

    ¡¸Uwah!? Phi, Phi-chan!? What are you doing!?¡¹

    ¡¸I just want to ask a bit, though?¡¹

    She tilted her head slightly with her usual absentminded expressionless face.

    ¡¸Wait, not that, I¡¯m still in the middle of changing here!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, don¡¯t mind you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Be mindful there! I won¡¯t take long so wait a bit!¡¹

    He was relieved that at least even Philuffy herself also wasn¡¯t in the middle of changing, but like this it was meaningless for him to ask for a different room to change.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Overwhelmed by the presence of the girl who was making her displeasure known wordlessly, Lux quickly changed into his dress suit and finally he turned to face Philuffy again.

    ¡¸And then, what do you want to©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The face of Lux who was talking suddenly stiffened still.

    The hands of Philuffy who had already changed into an outfit with similar coloring like Lux¡¯s were each holding underwear of different color.

    At one hand was purple, while the other hand had black with slightly thin fabric.

    Until now he had seen the underwear of female students through several incidents, but what Phillufy was holding were underwear with mature atmosphere that couldn¡¯t be categorized the same like them.

    Instantly Lux imagined how Philuffy would look wearing them but,

    ¡¸Which one do you think will be fine for Nee-chan¡¯s change of clothes?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not something to ask me isn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously retorted with rough voice.

    It appeared that Philuffy was also scrutinizing Relie¡¯s baggage on top of accompanying her.

    Of course, such things were usually prepared by servants, but in case of there was no staff of Aingram house nearby or they were in a long travel that took several days, as attendant Philuffy would need to procure them on-site or ordering them and making arrangement.

    With such meaning also included, it seemed that Philuffy was thinking by herself about the preparation for the sake of her big sister Relie whom she would be assisting, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, this bag. It¡¯s only filled with nothing but snacks though?¡¹

    When Lux asked her to show him the content of the bag she prepared, the capacity was occupied by foods like cookie, donut glazed with honey, cheese tart, or whole orange.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­. Onee-chan too, perhaps she will get hungry in the middle of work.¡¹

    ¡¸What was that pause just now!?¡¹

    Lux retorted, but Philuffy was silent without a single change in her expression.

    Philuffy was absolutely planning to eat them by herselves.

    Lux was sighing with that prediction while recalling his own experiences in doing chores.

    He had experienced being someone¡¯s attendant or carrying luggage in army march, so he used those experiences as reference.

    ¡¸Err, what to bring will be different each time depending on where you are going, but I think fundamentally it¡¯s better to prepare necessities with excellent functionality and small articles.¡¹

    Overcoat to protect against cold, wallet, pocket watch, notebook and pen, household medicine, and so on, Lux chose the essentials and stuffed them into the bag together with Philuffy.

    After five minutes, the packing for a day trip of someone who was working as Relie¡¯s attendant was completed.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, amazing.¡¹

    Philuffy made a small applause *clap clap* and praised him with her usual serious expression.

    But, it also looked like Philuffy¡¯s expression was vaguely dissatisfied.

    To be more accurate, his childhood friend¡¯s gaze was fixed on the bag of sweets.

    ¡¸Eerr, I think that it¡¯s quite full already but, want to try putting in the sweets too?¡¹

    ¡¸Un.¡¹

    When Lux asked her, Philuffy nodded as though she had been waiting for it.

    But, naturally not everything could go in. Half was the most that could be brought.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Unfortunate.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered with the slightest hint of dejection hinted within her usual expressionless face.

    Lux smiled wryly seeing that.

    She hadn¡¯t changed since childhood in regard to her love for sweets.

    Lux searched for another bag, stuffed the remaining sweets into it, and then put it in inside his own bag.

    ¡¸I will carry the remaining half for you, so tell me if you run out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing Lux¡¯s words, Philuffy¡¯s eyes sparkled with her serious face staying unchanged.

    And then, the next moment©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    *Gyuu*. With a motion that was slow but going through the shortest route, she embraced Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lu-chan. I love you.¡¹

    Philuffy whispered with a faint happy smile.

    The warmth of the body that was clinging tightly, and the softness of the voluptuous breasts that were pressed on him caused blood to rush to Lux¡¯s head.

    ¡¸Wai-, wait, let go Phi-chan! My packing is¡­¡­that¡¯s, I still haven¡¯t finished it.¡¹

    Lux hurriedly try to make her let go of him, but it didn¡¯t really go smoothly.

    While he was doing such thing, a knocking sound could be heard once more.

    ¡¸Philuffy-ojousamayoung lady, Lux-sama. It will be soon time to depart, have you finished preparing?¡¹

    The voice of Relie¡¯s secretary who was also there at breakfast came from the other side of the door.

    ¡¸Err that¡¯s©¤©¤there is no problem!?¡¹

    The panicked Lux immediately yelled with the implication that he didn¡¯t want her to open the door, but he blundered.

    ¡®We will come down soon so please wait.¡¯ He should have said that.

    ¡¸Is that so, then there is something that I wish to hand over first©¤©¤!? Please excuse me!¡¹

    The female secretary who opened the door and entered inside spontaneously turned red in surprise.

    And then, she closed the door hard and rushed down stair right away.

    ¡¸No, wait!? You are misunderstanding!?¡¹

    Lux yelled in panic, but it was already too late.

    After that, by the suggestion of Relie who was being considerate for some reason, the departure time was delayed for ten minutes.

    ¨C

    After they left the villa that was actually a mansion, they finally departed to the third block of Cross Field.

    They traveled mainly by using horse-drawn coach, but they were going through paved path, so the shaking wasn¡¯t that bad.

    Inside the coach, other than Lux, Philuffy, and Relie, there were only the female secretary and the coachman who was driving the coach. Ten-odd minutes after their departure, Philuffy who was sitting beside Lux had quickly started dozing off sleepily.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, you mustn¡¯t sleep. If you don¡¯t guard Relie-san properly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Un. I, know.¡¹

    Philuffy let out a sleepy voice even now and looked up with an absentminded face.

    It seemed that Relie would be accompanied by at least two guards when she went out, but today Lux and Philuffy had to serve as their replacement.

    Naturally, although they were outside Academy, they had their Sword Devices on their sword belt.

    Lux was resolved to also fight when push came to shove.

    ¡¸Even so, isn¡¯t Relie-san anxious?¡¹

    ¡¸My, I wonder what do you mean? Even though I look like this, in the business world I am known as a capable young lady you know?¡¹

    Relie made a teasing smile at Lux¡¯s question.

    But, what Lux was concerned about wasn¡¯t that.

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not it. About the security, I wonder if it will be enough with just us©¤©¤¡¹

    No matter who strong Philuffy was and how excellent her skill as Drag-Knight, they didn¡¯t know what would happen if they were actually attacked.

    Lux too almost had no experience doing chores of guarding important person, so he said that for caution¡¯s sake.

    ¡¸Geez Lux-kun, you worrywart. You are Phi¡¯s escort, so it will be fine if you relax more and accompany her you know?¡¹

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, if it¡¯s about Philuffy then you don¡¯t need to worry. Even though she look like this, she is sensitive to other people¡¯s killing intent and hostility.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, she is already sleeping though¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Zzz¡­¡­¡¹

    When he noticed, Philuffy who was doing her best to resist the sleepiness until just now finally lowered her eyelids and began to quietly let out sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    Or rather, her posture had crumbled somewhat and she was leaning until Lux beside her. How should he say it, there was something soft pressing on him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­As expected from Phi. She isn¡¯t flinching back even at her first duty. As I thought she really has talent as guard.¡¹

    ¡¸How pampering you are to your little sister!? Or rather, wake up Phi-chan! I told you it¡¯s no good to sleep in this kind of time©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux felt his strength drained seeing Relie who was like always while lightly shaking Philuffy beside him.

    ¡¸Nn, it¡¯s fine. ¡­¡­I¡¯m properly, awake.¡¹

    ¡¸At least say that with your eyes opened!? Even the miss secretary is watching anxiously since some time ago you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸You are really exaggerating, Lux-kun. Rash people who would do something stupid like aiming at the coach of Aingram conglomerate won¡¯t appear that often. That¡¯s why it will be fine.¡¹

    ¡¸You are already denying the necessity of the guard duty itself though!?¡¹

    In the end, wasn¡¯t Relie just assigning Philuffy as her aide only for the sake of her mental healing?

    The time inside the coach was passing while such doubt passed Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¨C

    But, in the end Lux¡¯s anxiety only ended up as absurd fear, after that they safely arrived to their destination, in front of a branch store at third block.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Amazing.¡¹

    Lux who entered inside the building spontaneously raised his voice seeing that sight.

    It was a branch shop of Welled Company that was under the umbrella of Aingram conglomerate.

    The building made from wood and brick looked conspicuous. It was bigger than he imagined.

    A straight paved route was stretching from the closed gate that was a defense point against Abyss. The shop¡¯s huge delivery entrance was connected on the route¡¯s extension.

    It was as though the building was the symbol of greed to quickly buy up the many articles that were brought from Ruin or the outside.

    Inside the shop that had high class feeling in some respect, there was no wild hustle and bustle like in the market, but the eyes of the men and women of all ages who were exchanging business discussion at their respective table shared the same fierce light in their eyes.

    Lux too had got involved several times with this world through his life of chores, and it seemed the characteristic aura that merchants possessed was the same anywhere.

    Relie too, right after she lightly greeted the branch manager of the company who should be her associate, her expression immediately turned serious and they exchanged stories like the scrutiny of commodity, transactions talk, present market price, and so on.

    Beside Relie who was having discussion with a smile that showed no opening, the female secretary who accompanied her was also taking memo with a serious face©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, eh?¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t see Philuffy¡¯s figure and thought of it as strange. Then he noticed the poking on his shoulder from the side.

    Philuffy was standing beside him with her usual expressionless face.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Let¡¯s look around together at various merchandise.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy was nibbling on a honey glazed donut while saying that.

    This shop had three floors, and each floor was amazingly wide.

    Certainly it was a place where they could look around without trouble but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s bad right!? We are coming here¡­¡­more or less as guard or for studying, that¡¯s our position here!¡¹

    ¡¸Onee-chan told me it¡¯s fine to study by observing around here.¡¹

    ¡¸We aren¡¯t counted even as helper!?¡¹

    ¡¸Also, tell me if there is anything you want to buy? I received money from Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸We were even given pocket money-!?¡¹

    What happened with being apprentice for being secretary and guard¡­¡­?

    And then, was it fine for him to not study for later?

    He had known about Relie¡¯s lackadaisical attitude since the past, but as expected this still made him felt exhausted.

    Even so the public safety of Cross Field was good, furthermore a heavy security was laid out at the surrounding of this shop.

    The possibility of problem occurring here was remarkably low.

    Besides Lux¡¯s mission in the end would be only to pretend in appearance, he wouldn¡¯t be able to go as far as learning how to do business discussion for real anyway.

    Then©¤©¤perhaps familiarizing himself with the company atmosphere of this place was also a valid method.

    ¡¸I get it, Phi-chan. Then, how about we look around for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸Un. Let¡¯s go, together.¡¹

    Lux observed around inside the shop together with Philuffy who made a faint smile.

    A floor of the three storey shop was fairly wide, it was divided into several section.

    It seemed the shop only dealt with few kind of perishable food, but things like bottled seafood or jerky were preserved foods that were liked anywhere.

    Because those kinds of foods were also handy for Lux at the period of his life of chores, he was looking at them with nostalgic feeling. The shop assistant immediately prepared a chair for him, asking if he wanted to taste a sample.

    ¡¸Ah, don¡¯t mind me. We are only looking around so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸This is, tasty you know?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, you already eat one!?¡¹

    Lux who tried to act reserved made his retort, but Philuffy was chewing the jerky silently.

    ¡¸Now now, feel free. Please sample the food freely. The result of this year is great as you can see.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Urged by the shop assistant¡¯s smile, Lux also sampled the jerky.

    Compared to in the past, with the jerky that was only hard and salty that he chewed at his life of chores, this one had a special taste with nice aroma too.

    ¡¸This, gives the aroma of oak.¡¹

    Philuffy who gulped her jerky and nodded muttered that with a small voice.

    Then, the shop assistant reacted in delight.

    ¡¸Oo, as expected from the little sister of Relie-sama. You have an expert eye there to be able to notice that. Now now, how about the dried grape here too?¡¹

    ¡¸I like, sweet things.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­. We also want to look around at other thing, so let¡¯s stop with this for now©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s eyes shined in excitement, but for Lux it would be awkward to stay here longer.

    Because there was a saying among the merchants, there was nothing more dangerous than something free.

    After that, they looked around even more at various things like coffee and tea, sword for self-protection, fur and clothes, and so on, but it appeared that being a daughter from Aingram conglomerate would cause one¡¯s name to be widely known, because Philuffy was welcomed no matter where they went.

    At first Lux felt awkward at that treatment, but after a while he was getting used to it.

    And then, even for Lux too who had been doing various odd jobs for five years, he was having fun after so long looking at various utensils and merchandises that he recognized.

    (Somehow, it¡¯s nostalgic doing something like this¡­¡­)

    He wondered how long ago it was.

    He suddenly recalled something. At time when Lux¡¯s mother was still in good health, there was an offer if he was interested going to see the main office of Aingram company together with Philuffy.

    Right after that, Lux¡¯s grandfather Wade remonstrated the emperor that was carrying out a despotic administration, then Lux¡¯s family was banished from the imperial court. Because of that, in the end he was unable to accept the offer©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ah, this one, perhaps it looks quite good©¤©¤¡¹

    While Lux was thinking such thing, he muttered his impression about the knife in front of his eyes.

    Perhaps it was made from a good steel that was heated and hammered well, the sharp edge part and the balance of the blade¡¯s thickness were nice. And then, the shortness was suited for his chores too.

    But, at that moment, a young man merchant beside him suddenly approached beside Lux and Philuffy.

    ¡¸Oo. Do you like that one? That is a knife I procured from neighboring country, a skilled blacksmith made it. But©¤©¤, I have something better this way.¡¹

    The gentle looking man with wide physique seemed to be a merchant who came from foreign country and not someone from the Welled Company.

    The moment the merchant looked at Philuffy¡¯s face, he took out a scabbard attached with leather belt that was applied with splendorous ornament from the bag he was carrying and showed it.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­it¡¯s a bit of antique, but this is a short blade that was forged by a famous smith at Wam province ten years ago. Its sharpness and solidness are guaranteed.¡¹

    ¡¸Is©¤©¤that so?¡¹

    Lux took that short sword and gazed at it.

    He remembered hearing such rumor several times when he was doing chores at blacksmith workshop, but this kind of showy ornament wasn¡¯t really Lux¡¯s preference, and it looked expensive.

    ¡¸How about it? This leather belt is without a doubt the real thing. If it¡¯s now I¡¯ll give you discount©¤©¤¡¹

    What to do?

    Most likely the price would be outside of Lux¡¯s reach, but perhaps it would be better to at least show it to Relie?

    ¡¸Perhaps that¡¯s¡­¡­a fake.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    The moment Lux and the merchant tilted their head open mouthed, Philuffy held the short sword over her eyes and stared at it. She then muttered that.

    ¡¸I saw something like this before, this one¡¯s smell isn¡¯t really old, also, it looks like the iron¡¯s quality is bad, so it¡¯s also smelly there, that¡¯s how I know.¡¹

    Philuffy turned her gaze toward the merchant with her usual expressionless face and bland tone.

    ¡¸N, no, such thing, you will understand from looking at that sword belt©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The leather is genuine. But the inside is different©¤©¤is, what I think.¡¹

    ¡¸Ueh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It appeared to be bull¡¯s eye. The merchant who came from the side suddenly showed uneasiness and acted flustered.

    His gaze constantly darted around to the surrounding, confirming whether attention was gathered on him.

    From that action it was clear whether what Philuffy said was the truth or not.

    (¡­¡­Shocking©¤©¤)

    This traveling merchant surely saw Philuffy who was looking absentminded by herself and tried to sell her a fake, but he met an unexpected counterattack like this.

    If it got exposed that he was trying to sell a fake intentionally and got caught here, it would be the same as having his future as a merchant severed.

    ¡¸Thi, this is truly an inexcusable thing that I have done! Du, due to some mistake it got mixed up with a different merchandise it seems©¤©¤, I, I beg you to please keep this a secret!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was staring fixedly at the face of the earnestly apologizing merchant with an expression without emotion.

    For someone who didn¡¯t know her, this silence from Philuffy might felt scary instead.

    ¡¸The knife before, I want it. The first one.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? Eeeh!? Of course. If it¡¯s right now I will give it for cheap!¡¹

    The merchant made an awkward business smile and brought out the knife without any decoration before this.

    ¡¸Make it free.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It appeared that the knife was of a good quality, because the merchant said ¡¸No, as expected that¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹ with twitching face.

    ¡¸Is free okay?¡¹

    In the end, the merchant was overwhelmed by her pressure and folded.

    While Lux was staring at that event from beginning to end in mute amazement, Philuffy accepted the knife wrapped in cloth before she presented it toward Lux.

    ¡¸Here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head at this sudden act.

    ¡¸For Lu-chan. It¡¯s thanks, for helping me, at the morning.¡¹

    Philuffy pressed the bundle on him with a serious face.

    ¡¸No need to hold back, it¡¯s free after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, thank you¡­¡­¡¹

    When Philuffy who was obstinate despite her appearance was like this, he could do nothing except shutting up and accepting it.

    Lux said his thanks with a wry smile and suddenly a footstep came from nearby.

    ¡¸How¡¯s that, Phi too is unexpectedly pretty good right?¡¹

    It appeared that the business discussion was over. Relie approached along with the female secretary.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s food ingredients than Phi can sort out which one is good or bad by smell, even though she look like this but she is reliable you know?¡¹

    Reiri puffed up her chest proudly before she then added ¡¸But, she is still not there in grasping the market price and regarding knowledge though¡¹.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The sharpness of her sense of smell might be the influence of the Abyss seed Ratatoskr that was dwelling inside her body, but in the first place Philuffy seemed to look absentminded, so she excelled in in seeing through something¡¯s true essence.

    All things considered, Philuffy who obtained the knife for free might unexpectedly be a big shot.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you see me in better light now?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. That was amazing, Phi-chan.¡¹

    When Lux showed a smile, Philuffy too made a faint smile.

    The atmosphere of ordinary days where he played together with Philuffy.

    Lux and Philuffy shared the nostalgic and gentle atmosphere together.

    ¨C

    In the end even after that there was no trouble that happened. They went around at various places and at night©¤©¤they safely returned to the villa at the first block.

    After receiving an aromatic tea in the living room and took a breather, Lux went outside to enjoy the cool air.

    When he went out to the balcony from the window at second floor, the cool air caressed his hair.

    ¡¸Even so, it was unexpected.¡¹

    Lux was thinking of Philuffy who looked as though she hadn¡¯t changed since the past, and yet she showed a little bit of growth even as Relie¡¯s secretary and guard.

    He got the feeling of relieve that today went well and an emotion that felt like a bit of loneliness.

    ¡¸But, everyone is changing huh. I too©¤©¤¡¹

    When he was talking to himself like that, a footstep suddenly came from behind and Philuffy arrived at his side.

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work today, Phi-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Un.¡¹

    Her words were few as usual, but a vague hint of happiness was included within her tone.

    ¡¸Thank you, for accompanying us today.¡¹

    Philuffy sat beside him at the balcony while quietly said that to him.

    ¡¸No. It was a really enjoyable work. At first I didn¡¯t know just what would happen but©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was smiling wryly while recalling the case of the packing and the food sampling like that,

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Puih*

    Philuffy puffed up her cheeks slightly and averted her face from Lux.

    ¡¸Wai, wait a second¡­¡­? Did I, said anything strange!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It wasn¡¯t, work.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux looked puzzled for a moment, but immediately after, he noticed what Philuffy tried to say.

    Come to think of it, certainly regarding the matter this time, he had never heard anyone calling it work for even a single time.

    He was only forcefully invited by her big sister Relie to accompany them for reference.

    And then Philuffy was spending time with Lux without paying any mind about work or duty at all.

    ¡¸I, didn¡¯t make any work request to Lu-chan, you know?¡¹

    Philuffy told him while inside her expressionless face, a vague hint of dissatisfaction oozed through.

    ¡¸Because, I only wanted Lu-chan, to accompany me together.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s pure eyes were staring fixedly at Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸You¡¯re, right. Sorry, Phi-chan.¡¹

    Lux too let out a breath and smiled in respond to Philuffy¡¯s words.

    For Lux who had the shackle of criminal status and life of chores ingrained deeply into himself, it was something natural.

    The feeling of himself growing and changing little by little.

    But Philuffy was treating Lux not as a criminal of the old empire or even as the chore prince, but merely as her important childhood friend.

    (Could it be©¤©¤)

    Perhaps, Philuffy remembered about the promise at their childhood, of the offer to Lux to look around together at Aingram¡¯s shop.

    For the current Lux, her feeling that was unchanged like that felt really pleasant for him.

    ¡¸Thank you for inviting me this time. It was fun.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    Philuffy let out a faint sigh of relieve, then she quietly brought her pure expression close to Lux.

    ¡¸I, won¡¯t make request or anything at Lu-chan. If there is anything I want, I¡¯ll always say it, and invite Lu-chan©¤©¤¡¹

    Her tone sounded absentminded following her own pace like usual.

    However, that tone felt somehow talkative for Philuffy. She continued like that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why Lu-chan too, you must not act reserved with me, okay?¡¹

    And then, she showed her usual faint smile that no one other than Lux would notice.

    ¡®Aah.

    So it¡¯s something like that.¡¯ Lux realized her feeling.

    Since the past she was calling those who were close to her with nickname was also because she didn¡¯t want to act reserved with each other.

    Her being a daughter of Aingram conglomerate, or Lux¡¯s position as prince or criminal, those were irrelevant. Her act was filled with such feeling.

    ¡¸Yes. Best regards from here on too, Phi-chan.¡¹

    That was why, Lux responded to her feeling with a smile©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Then, today too, let¡¯s sleep together?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Eh!?¡¹

    ¡¸I said, I won¡¯t make request or anything, right?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second!? Thi, this isn¡¯t that kind of problem©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The sudden suggestion that was said with a serious face caused Lux to turn bright red and panicked.

    ¡¸My? Phi is lonely you know? Since Lux-kun moved to another room in the dormitory©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Why is even Relie-san coming here!?¡¹

    In the end, it would become like this when he spent time with these two.

    ¡¸Before, I presented Lu-chan, with a knife you know?¡¹

    Philuffy threatened with just a bit dissatisfied tone while her face remained serious.

    ¡¸Even though normally it doesn¡¯t seem like you are interested with trade, don¡¯t get calculating just in this kind of time-!?¡¹

    ¨C

    In the end Lux lost against the pressure and that day he slept with Philuffy on the same bed with canopy attached, but naturally Lux couldn¡¯t sleep from the excitement and he spent a difficult night.

 Volume 9 - CH 5

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fua, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    The Academy in Cross Field.

    Lux was making a big yawn at a corner of that wide ground.

    The time he woke up today was at five a.m., an hour earlier than usual.

    At his hands were a long bamboo broom and several large buckets that got several sheets of dust clothes hanging on them.

    His outfit wasn¡¯t his usual uniform, but a work clothes with burnt brown color.

    The weather was clear, but perhaps because the autumn was almost over, the air felt chilly on the skin.

    Lux¡¯s body shivered slightly from the blowing wind and then he lightly stretched his body.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oops. I mustn¡¯t be half asleep, let¡¯s work properly.¡¹

    He lightly slapped his cheeks with his hands and put spirit into himself to make himself awake.

    He was at a facility with round shape like an annual tree ring, where each circle was gradually getting higher the nearer they were to the outside.

    Lux was standing on the empty audience stand of the practice ground.

    The cleaning of Drag-Ride¡¯s practice ground was one of the large-scale requests that the Academy sometime made to him.

    Because this facility possessed spaciousness in the top category even inside the whole Academy¡¯s ground, it took time and effort to clean it.

    Of course it was impossible to do it alone, so the area he was cleaning in the end was only a part of it, but Lux gave it his all by his own initiative and woke up early and did the chore diligently.

    The basic of this job was to sweep and clean using bamboo broom, and lightly wiped the part that was especially dirty with damp cloth.

    He would use soap at persistent dirty spot, but this time there wasn¡¯t so many spots like that.

    Lux was really focused since he started working and performed the work, then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    How much time had passed?

    Lux finally noticed that when he finished cleaning about half of the area that was assigned to him.

    At the center of the practice ground, on the ground that was surrounded by circular wall, a girl wearing pilot suit was standing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Celis-senpai? This early in the morning.¡¹

    Lux muttered that, at the same time his eyes were stolen by the movement of the girl that was visible from the audience stand.

    She had her rapier shaped Sword Device unsheathed, and she kicked on the ground almost at the same time.

    She leaped through a distance of more than ten meter in one breath, at the same time she released several sharp thrusts forward.

    Following that, she gathered light particles in high speed after drawing her sword and summoned©¤©¤the form of Drag-Ride.

    She instantly equipped a golden armor and unleashed an attack with her special armament, a huge lance, completing the sequence of forms.

    From drawing out her sword until equipping Drag-Ride©¤©¤while even attacking during that time, all of those actions were done quickly in three seconds, which caused a sudden gust to whirl at the surrounding.

    ¡¸As expected, she is amazing¡­¡­¡¹

    Even from the view point of Lux who possessed expert skill as Drag-Knight, the skillfulness of her technique caused him to unconsciously watch in fascination.

    It was a feat that was only allowed for her who had polished her training of martial art and sword art until the extreme, making her able to perform several thousands of forms.

    Celistia Ralgris.

    She was the eldest daughter of a great feudal lord of the new kingdom©¤©¤the Ralgris house, and the girl who served as the captain of the raid squad Syvalles.

    Even more than her famed strength as the Academy¡¯s strongest, her dignity and beauty that were armed with her grace and strictness would attract anyone toward her.

    Furthermore the personality that was brought about from the self-confidence and focus she was clad with©¤©¤her characteristic aloof aura gave her a worthy charisma for a member of the four great nobles.

    ¡¸She is practicing Drag-Ride again from this early morning¡­¡­¡¹

    Even though it still hadn¡¯t been that long since the campus festival and the deadly battle against the Sacred Eclipse, the strictness and the time spent for her training were increasing further.

    Celis was able to do that exactly because she possessed stamina that would make male military officer to lose face and a powerful will.

    (I need to be careful not to become nuisance for Celis-senpai¡­¡­)

    Lux cleaned up the place as quietly as possible while staring at her practice with a side glance.

    She practiced skating midair and basic movements before moving to practice swinging with her weapon.

    And then, she coordinated action from activating Divine Raiment until various kind of movements in a coordinated movements that linked from one motion to the next motion, displaying a complicated tactics.

    After that thirty more minutes passed. It appeared that she was concentrating on her training very much, she didn¡¯t notice Lux¡¯s existence until the very end and finished up her training.

    Celis stopped moving to rest her body and dispelled her armor.

    She sent a brief glance at the surrounding ring before she started walking toward the waiting room¡¯s direction.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s chore also coincidentally finished at that time, so he thought to at least greeted her, but she had left ahead of him.

    He chased her back figure in hurry and saw her entering the waiting room that was a bit of distance away from the practice ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, this is bad!!?¡¹

    Lux stopped his legs in front of the door and let out a sigh of relief.

    He had already blundered several times in this Academy. There was no way he could do anymore act like peeping again.

    He should wait until Celis finished changing and got out, or perhaps he should knock the door and called out.

    Lux thought that and he leaned back on a tree nearby the shed, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Unfortunately, it was a failure again this time.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice that suddenly came from the other side of the waiting room¡¯s wall caused Lux to tilt his head.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, that¡¯s right. I was asked by two of my juniors from the second year for a coaching. I was cheerful from being relied on after so long, so the day before yesterday, I asked them to accompany me in my morning training but©¤©¤¡¹

    It was indeed Celis¡¯s talking voice.

    The people who were training at early morning was mostly limited to only Syvalles¡¯s members if he remembered right, but today he didn¡¯t saw ¡ºanyone else¡» other than Celis.

    (Just who is she talking with©¤©¤?)

    It was when Lux felt dubious like that,

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, the two ran away in the middle. It¡¯s strange, I had already relatively lightened the practice content though. Perhaps it is just as I expected, I am really hated¡­¡­it¡¯s depressing.¡¹

    ¡¸Er, Celis-senpai¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lux called out from the window of the waiting room, *bam* a sound came from inside and Celis quickly got out from the waiting room.

    She had changed completely from her pilot suit into her uniform, so there was no problem, but shock was carved on her face.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux-!? Why are you here!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s cheeks reddened while looking unusually flustered.

    When Lux quickly looked around at the surrounding, he saw a small bird that was on the window flew away.

    ¡¸Aah, please wait! I still haven¡¯t finished©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­.Wait, was senpai talking with that bird just now!?¡¹

    As expected, there was no one except Celis inside the waiting room it seemed.

    Different from herself in the past, it seemed she had resolved herself to speak more frankly about her worry to the people around her, but was she now back to taking her problem upon herself alone?

    Lux retorted at this unexpected side from this girl who was normally dignified, in respond,

    ¡¸Yo, you are wrong. Just now it was¡­¡­, a, a doll. I was only talking to a doll that was decorating the room. It wasn¡¯t like I was unable to speak frankly about my worry to anyone and immersed myself in self-hatred, I didn¡¯t do such thing by any means so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, there is almost no difference whether it¡¯s a doll or a little bird though!? In a sense that feels excessively lonely you know!?¡¹

    It felt like her trying to lie was making it even more awful instead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, it doesn¡¯t matter so please just treat it like you haven¡¯t seen anything! Prying further is not permitted!¡¹

    The yell from the red faced Celis made Lux nodded.

    After they took deep breath until both of them calmed down, Lux explained why he was here.

    When he was cleaning up the practice ground, he happened to see Celis and chased after her to give his greeting. After he told her that, Celis showed a complicated looking smile.

    ¡¸Is that so. I too am still immature, to be unable to detect your presence from the audience stand like that.¡¹

    She muttered that sounding slightly self-torturing.

    Regarding that, it was also slightly unexpected for Lux.

    Even if she was relaxing her attention because she was inside the safe Academy¡¯s ground, but for someone at Celis¡¯s level, she should have noticed Lux¡¯s presence.

    ¡¸Could it be©¤©¤, Celis-senpai has something weighing your mind?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Twitch*, Celis was shaken greatly hearing Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not something really©¤©¤. No, I should talk about this to Lux. Before this, I caused trouble for you because I stayed quiet. And, I also trust you.¡¹

    Celis said such thing with her cheeks faintly blushing.

    The memory of the punishment game that was carried out after the campus festival the other day.

    The sensation of that passionate kiss was resurrected, causing Lux¡¯s body to ache heatedly.

    ¡¸E, err©¤©¤, yes!¡¹

    Lux himself also found it hard to look properly at Celis¡¯s face from the embarrassment.

    After Lux raised his voice to divert his mind from such hard pounding of his heart, Celis slowly began to talk.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I have the feeling as though my juniors are avoiding me. Even though I felt that I had become able to be more frank than before with everyone around me after much trouble, and yet now I wonder if it is no good as expected¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis hung her head down with a vaguely heavy dark aura enveloping her.

    (Aa¡­¡­, so it¡¯s the usual thing.)

    Lux saw that and smiled wryly.

    As the result of Celis¡¯s seriousness and strong sense of responsibility getting mixed with her slightly clumsy side, sometimes she would be dejected like this.

    ¡¸Even though some juniors who I wasn¡¯t really acquainted with unusually relied on me, I was unable to coach them properly. I wonder if there is anything inadequate within me? I don¡¯t understand. It¡¯s sad. Now I ended up training by myself again¡­¡­. It¡¯s lonely¡­¡­ah, i, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m feeling lonely or anything you know!? I am the captain of Syvalles after all, I¡¯m completely all right.¡¹

    ¡¸No, senpai doesn¡¯t need to hide it anymore! It¡¯s making me unable to stay here further hearing that! More importantly©¤©¤the reason why those junior girls stopped training together with Celis-senpai¡­¡­what could it be?¡¹

    Those girls came by their own initiative to volunteer receiving training from Celis, so it was a bit strange that they would immediately stopped by themselves like that.

    Surely Celis was worrying because she was unable to understand the reason, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Perhaps that was because, the training menu was harsh. I think that¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    Lux suddenly interrupted like that with a conviction from his instinct.

    He had also thought this when they were training together at the summer training camp but, even the members of Syvalles threw in the towel from Celis¡¯s training amount. Based on that, there was no way that the average students could keep up with Celis.

    Surely the junior girls understood that and backed out of the training.

    Lux was quiet confident of that conjecture inside his mind, but,

    ¡¸Tha, that shouldn¡¯t be true! I too was considerate at those girls who were accompanying my training for the first time, so I halved the training amount.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeerrr¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux made a complicated expression in respond to Celis¡¯s yell and he was at loss of how to respond.

    Most likely, those juniors were unable to endure even after that.

    The stamina of Celis who had imposed to herself training that could even be called as severe since her childhood was far surpassing the stamina of the average people.

    ¡¸As I thought, I believe there was a problem in how I act and behave. I wonder why my personality became like this. Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Celis getting dejected again, Lux thought.

    With how Celis herself was losing confidence, it felt like the effect would be minor even if he persuaded her.

    If Lux¡¯s conjecture was correct, those junior girls didn¡¯t hate Celis, it was only that the training was too harsh©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I guess. Then, how about if we do this?¡¹

    There Lux proposed a certain suggestion.

    ¡¸I will accompany Celis-senpai doing your training menu for a while. If there is something that I noticed, I¡¯ll speak out my opinion. By doing that, won¡¯t Celis-senpai yourself notice just what did you do wrong this time?¡¹

    In other words, Lux would act the role of training partner for ¡ºCelis¡¯s junior coaching¡».

    By using that as reference, he would make Celis herself to judge the reason of why she was avoided by her juniors.

    Celis was listening to that in a daze for a while, but before long her eyes shined fiercely and she took Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸That¡¯s an excellent plan! It will be a really excellent chance in order for me to learn where I¡¯m inadequate at.¡¹

    Lux responded with a smile, but actually there was drawback to this suggestion.

    (In the first place, there should be no way Celis-senpai has made any strange error¡­¡­)

    The problem was how Celis herself couldn¡¯t notice how the excessiveness of the training was exactly the problem.

    Even if Lux pointed it out, she wouldn¡¯t be able to comprehend it fully, so it would be better if he conveyed it to her by making her feeling it for real throughout the process.

    From his experience of training together normally with her, there was no problem with Celis¡¯s guidance and attitude, there was no way she was behaving in a way that would make her got hated.

    If Lux who possessed stamina could keep up with Celis¡¯s training until the end, he would be able to proof that.

    ¡¸Then, can I please ask you of this right away starting from tomorrow for several days period?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It will be fine if trim on my time doing chores for a bit.¡¹

    Lux answered right away. Celis showed a relieved sigh with a smile hearing that.

    ¡¸I understand. But, Lux is a boy, so you will be fine if your training amount is the same like mine right?¡¹

    ¡¸Euh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment she said that, a strange voice slipped out from Lux¡¯s throat.

    Celis¡¯s stamina wasn¡¯t ordinary, so if Lux attempted to perform the same training menu like her, he would get crushed.

    ¡¸As expected, a boy with stamina is heartening. That¡¯s right, this is a good chance so I will increase the training a bit more than usual to match Lux©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The usual is all right-! Thi, this time it¡¯s for the sake of confirming Celis-senpai¡¯s method in the end, that is my objective©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux said in panic. Celis pondered for a bit and,

    ¡¸You¡¯re¡­¡­right. I almost lost sight of our original purpose. The priority is to search the cause why those girls are avoiding me. Training with Lux©¤©¤I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was feeling relieved while promising to hear more about the menu later, then she parted from Celis for the moment.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine with this, right¡­¡­?¡¹

    He would convey to Celis who was feeling down in her heart, that there was no problem with her personality and attitude that would make her got avoided, and made her to recover her self-confidence.

    In order to do that, Lux made that suggestion, but he wondered, would he too ended up like those aforementioned juniors and became unable to keep up with Celis?

    However, in front of Celis who was looking so delighted like that, he couldn¡¯t withdraw his words.

    ¡¸Just in case, I should think up a countermeasure¡­¡­¡¹

    For caution¡¯s sake, after that he managed the requests in general from the headmaster, dorm mother, and the students for a while, then he headed to where his classmate Tillfur was at.

    He asked her to cancel or postpone as much as possible the most recent requests that felt like it would take a bit more effort.

    ¡¸What¡¯s left, is only to do it¡­¡­huh.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and resolved himself.

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ll manage somehow, right¡­¡­?¡¹

    Or rather, he prayed that he would really be able to manage somehow.

    Lux talked to himself with that tone that was filled with wishful thinking.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I, I was na?ve¡­¡­!¡¹

    The morning the next day, inside the classroom where the class lesson was going on.

    Lux was listening to the teacher¡¯s lecture like usual while desperately holding himself back from falling prostrated on his table.

    (Sleepy¡­¡­, no, I¡¯m too tired I cannot sleep¡­¡­)

    To think, that the training of Celis that he witnessed at yesterday morning was actually already starting from an hour before that. It was unexpected.

    They started from early morning with running through the Academy¡¯s ground and muscle strength training.

    After that they carried out training of performing forms of sword art and martial art at the practice ground, then they moved to Drag-Ride training.

    Using Drag-Ride consecutively would cause burden, so every fifteen minutes they would take a break for five minutes in the form of calisthenics, they carried out three set of that.

    They tidied up at seven o¡¯clock. They wiped their sweat and changed into their uniform and headed to the dining hall.

    There, finally the morning training menu was over.

    He had no strength remaining for doing morning chores.

    ¡¸Lux-chi, you okay? Somehow you look a bit, like your soul is leaving your body though¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Barely¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur called out to him worriedly when it was lunch break.

    If he could say his true feeling, he was nearly at his limit.

    Even more than the pure amount of the training, the density of the training itself was very much so.

    After Lux responded like that with a dry smile, the door of the classroom was knocked before it got opened right away.

    ¡¸Lux, have you eaten lunch? I wish to start a light training in five more minutes©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, we will also train at afternoon!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively yelled with his honest tone.

    ¡¸It will be fine. It¡¯s only a simple training of mind control operation, so we will finish before the afternoon class. There is no need to worry.¡¹

    Celis smiled brightly and said that without any malice.

    ¡¸No, what I¡¯m bothered with isn¡¯t the time©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, I will be waiting at the indoor practice ground, I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis said only that with a proud face before turning on her heel and left.

    If he was told that she would be waiting, then he had to go.

    Lux lifted up his body with a stagger and then exited the classroom.

    Honestly food couldn¡¯t even go through his throat, but he guessed he would manage somehow¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You have to eat properly¡­¡­, you know?¡¹

    Lux received a donut from Philuffy beside him while participating somehow in the lunch break training too.

    After that, the training also continued after school as though it was only natural, and it continued until the sun had completely set.

    ¨C

    ¡¸So Lux, have you noticed anything? A problem in my attitude and behavior©¤©¤¡¹

    Early morning two days later.

    They finished a two hours training and then took break in the waiting room. There Celis asked Lux like that with a voice that was tinged with nervousness.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Currently I don¡¯t see any particular problem, but¡¹

    To speak frankly, yesterday morning fatigue suddenly came down on him and it was the fact that he wished to stop, but he was able to continue somehow.

    ¡¸Is there something, that is not good with me? It will be helpful if you can tell me clearly.¡¹

    Lus recalled the scenes of him training together with Celis in these two days.

    If he had to say what bothered him, excluding the harshness of the independent training©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. I had this feeling when training before wearing the Drag-Ride, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ye, yes. Please say what I¡¯ve done poorly without any reservation!¡¹

    ¡¸Err, when senpai is baring the chest part of your pilot suit when it got hot, it will help if you do it in a way that won¡¯t enter my sight. Honestly, that¡¯s, it was a bit awkward¡­¡­.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s about that-!? It¡¯s different from the answer that I was expecting!¡¹

    After Lux pointed out looking embarrassed, Celis also turned red and got stupefied.

    ¡¸I, I rarely trained together with the opposite sex, so I didn¡¯t notice but©¤©¤, as, as I thought, was Lux bothered?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s a question that is really hard to answer for me but, that¡¯s, well¡­¡­just a bit.¡¹

    Lux spoke ambiguously like that, but speaking frankly, it had gone far past being bothered.

    Celis who was a top class beauty even in this Academy was defenselessly baring that voluptuous and pointed breasts, that was why he would gulp looking at that whether he wanted it or not.

    Besides, because of the incident before, Lux became strangely conscious of Celis who broke through his heart¡¯s wall.

    ¡¸I, I understand. Is there©¤©¤anything else?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr, after that, it¡¯s, when I forgot my water flask, Celis-senpai shared your drink with me, I was very happy.¡¹

    Lux recalled the training yesterday while saying that. Celis puffed out her chest confidently hearing that.

    ¡¸Doing that much is only natural. After all it will affect the body if you force yourself in the middle of training without water.¡¹

    At that time too Celis was also saying ¡¸There is no need to be reserved, please drink water properly¡¹, and she half forcefully made Lux drank the water inside her flask that was mixed with honey and lemon.

    ¡¸Just, at that time, I was embarrassed because we were putting our lips on the same flask though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Celis heard Lux¡¯s words, she froze still.

    ¡¸Yo, you don¡¯t need to notice even such things! Tha, that¡¯s, I too noticed that later on and it got stuck on my mind¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis¡¯s face reddened while she confessed incoherently. Seeing that, Lux too became even more embarrassed.

    A gentle atmosphere that was causing heart to beat fast was flowing between the two.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so, then in the end, Lux haven¡¯t discovered my flaw yet.¡¹

    A few minutes later.

    Celis muttered with a tone that was vaguely relieved, and perhaps also somewhat vexed.

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. Celis-senpai is amazing and strong after all. Surely even this worry will also be solved somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸I am, amazing¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis looked a bit surprised at Lux¡¯s words.

    ¡¸Yes. In the past I too did nothing but training with Drag-Ride alone, but it was difficult to continue doing so in a place where no one was watching. I think that Celis-senpai who keep doing it as though it¡¯s only natural is really strong and amazing.¡¹

    Those words came from Lux¡¯s true feeling.

    But, Celis made a somewhat brittle smile and gazed at empty air with a lonely expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Such thing, is not true.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps what I¡¯m doing is certainly requiring effort. But, the more important thing is to be able to become someone else¡¯s strength.¡¹

    Celis displayed a brittle face seen from the side and continued.

    ¡¸Even when Wade-sensei¡­¡­, Lux¡¯s grandfather taught me, that was the only thing I¡¯m not good at. Simply defeating the enemy before my eyes, simply fighting in place of someone else¡­¡­. If there is something like that it¡¯s easy to understand but, understanding someone and giving them strength is difficult.¡¹

    ¡¸Celis, senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Keep it a secret from everyone else about how I¡¯m whining like this okay? Even like this I¡¯m the captain of Syvalles after all. Now, let¡¯s continue this after school. Because this afternoon we are requested to exterminate the Abyss that appeared near Cross Field©¤©¤¡¹

    An Abyss appeared near Cross Field that should be quite far away from the Ruin.

    Could this be also an influence from Sacred Eclipse that would end the world in half year more?

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Lux tried to stand up while thinking that, Lux¡¯s legs staggered.

    ¡¸E, h¡­¡­?¡¹

    The sky was shaking, and the ground was approaching from the side.

    ¡¸Lux!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice seemed far away.

    ¡®I¡¯m fine¡¯, the words that he should whisper didn¡¯t come out from his throat, his consciousness was suddenly getting distant.

    ¨C

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux opened his eyes, a familiar ceiling entered his sight.

    It wasn¡¯t the medical room that he often visited, he was laid down on the bed of his dormitory room.

    The hands of the clock were showing that it had only passed through noon.

    He recalled Celis lending him her shoulder until they returned to the dormitory, but after that it seemed a few hours had passed.

    ¡¸How are you feeling, Lux?¡¹

    The anxious expression of Celis who was looking down on him from the side made Lux to smile right away.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry for making senpai worry. It looks like my sleep was a bit lacking.¡¹

    Lux slowly lifted up his upper body and ascertained his body¡¯s condition.

    There wasn¡¯t anywhere that was particularly in bad condition, according to what Celis heard from the school doctor, it seemed that this was because of light anemia and overworking.

    Nonetheless, it seemed he had recovered, so Lux was going to return to the classroom for his class.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t notice until it become like this.¡¹

    Celis suddenly spoke those words.

    ¡¸Lux wasn¡¯t sleeping much because of the chores wasn¡¯t it? My consideration was lacking.¡¹

    She quietly looked down and said that.

    (No, I think the cause is surely the training¡¯s intensity though¡­¡­)

    In any case, he didn¡¯t say it because it would be as though he was blaming her.

    ¡¸I will nurse you, so please rest peacefully. If there is anything you want, you can say it whatever it is without reservation.¡¹

    Celis pulled herself together and straightened her back while saying that.

    Celis¡¯s own worry hadn¡¯t been resolved, but if she was telling him gallantly like that, then he felt like he could rest easy.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. I¡¯m happy with just that consideration.¡¹

    Lux answered like that and stared at Celis who was sitting down beside the bed.

    Then, Celis too was looking down at Lux who was lying down on the bed again with a gentle expression.

    ¡¸Then, can I have an idle talk with you just for a bit? I was reflecting on myself why Lux fainted©¤©¤and there was something that I faintly recalled.¡¹

    The way she was speaking was unusual for Celis, but Lux nodded.

    ¡®Thank you very much.¡¯ After beginning with that, she started talking quietly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a story about my mother. Even now my mother is living in Ralgris house in good health, but five years ago©¤©¤until the old empire was changed into the new kingdom, she wasn¡¯t really able to come out in the open.¡¹

    According to Celis, her mother¡¯s body was weak, and giving birth to Celis alone was the best she could do.

    Her inability to give birth to a son for Ralgris house that was a noted family of knight caused the surrounding relatives to treat her badly.

    Within the culture and tendency of male chauvinism that the old empire carried out at the time©¤©¤no, for a long time, several times more effort was necessary for Celis to be recognized as heir.

    In other words, Celis¡¯s training and education that could even be called as excessive, everything was so that she could become a knight. She wholeheartedly didn¡¯t want her mother to feel bitter.

    ¡¸But, it couldn¡¯t go well. I caused trouble for Wade-sensei, and after that I immersed myself in even more training, searching for righteousness©¤©¤it would be great if there was other way to help mother, but the best I could do was only accomplishing my own desire. Perhaps I was unable to see anything.¡¹

    Celis muttered with self-mockery.

    Seeing that, Lux immediately lifted his body.

    ¡¸I think, that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s eyes opened wide at Lux¡¯s words that he said out seriously.

    ¡¸In the past, my mother died when I was a child, but if she is alive like Celis-senpai¡¯s mother, I would surely try to protect her no matter what©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux paused for a moment, then he stared at Celis once more.

    ¡¸I think Celis-senpai isn¡¯t mistaken or anything. But, now that you have become the strongest Drag-Knight in the Academy, I think it will be fine if Celis-senpai think about yourself more. At the very least that is what I think.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A small silence filled inside the room.

    Before long Celis sighed with a smile and slowly took a deep breath.

    ¡¸Lux is a really mysterious boy. It¡¯s the first time someone said that to me, that someone is looking at me like that. As I thought, I, to you©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis slowly approached in front of Lux who was in sitting position and she brought her face closer.

    That beautiful face which was blushing feverishly somewhat came right in front of Lux. The distance was shortened until it felt like their lips would touch.

    Lux¡¯s heard jumped strongly in his chest©¤©¤it was then he hallucinated that the window¡¯s glass seemed to shake.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Right after that, a shrill metallic sound that felt like splitting the head could be heard inside the room.

    The sound resounded from the bell towers throughout the Cross Field ringing simultaneously.

    It was the sound of bell that was warning the attack of Abyss.

    When the two noticed that, tension ran through them.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please rest here. I will go looking at the situation.¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait Celis-senpai! I too©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux tried to get up from the bed, Celis was already rushed outside the room.

    ¨C

    ¡¸There is no horn flute sound, so this doesn¡¯t seem to be someone¡¯s scheme but©¤©¤, something is strange.¡¹

    As a member of Syvalles, Celis who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm hurriedly moved toward the second block where the Abyss appeared.

    The enemy was bird shaped Abyss that appeared from the Ruin Garden©¤©¤Gryph.

    It was a monster with atypical appearance of lower body of lion and upper body of eagle with large wings growing from its body.

    Its torso had bright brown color. Only the area around its head that was emitting a sharp predatory eye glint that was covered with white feathers.

    ¡¸Different from before, now Abyss is also appearing at other place than Ruin¡¯s surrounding. If this is also Sacred Eclipse¡¯s influence, then this is a dangerous omen.¡¹

    Originally this was an enemy where several Syvalles members were needed to face just one of it, but because right now was an unforeseen situation, Celis prioritized quickness in dealing with it.

    ¡¸GUAAaAAAAH!¡¹

    That monster that seemed to be embodying fierceness was expressing its rage and hostility perhaps because it was being chased by the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom.

    ¡¸As I thought it¡¯s more comfortable to be alone like this. I can finish this without dragging anyone into it.¡¹

    Celis calmly warded off the Abyss¡¯s threat and took a stance with her special armament Lightning Lance.

    And then, she calmly looked forward and waited for the time of clashing.

    It was silent for a few seconds.

    The back wings of the Abyss twitched, and sharp feathers that were like knife were fired.

    ¡¸©¤¡¹

    When Celis burned down the countless feathers attacking her from the front with Lightning Lance, the Gryph moved.

    Its legs that were several times larger compared to the average lion were attacking Celis with a sharp trajectory, then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Divine Gate.¡¹

    A domain of light was instantly spread after Celis¡¯s quiet murmur.

    It was the instant teleportation within a fixed distance by Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Celis dodged the attacking front legs of the Gryph and moved behind it. Then she pierced its back with her lance.

    ¡¸GU, AaaAAAAAA-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The dazzling lightning that surged right after that instantly scorched the large body.

    The Abyss that got its core pierced and burned exploded and dispersed.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis who ascertained that let out a relieved sigh and relaxed her stance.

    At that moment, the sound of air getting torn roared from behind her.

    ¡¸GUSHAAAAAH!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    There was one other Gryph hiding behind the cover of a high bell tower where it could look down on Cross Field.

    It growled and leaped at Celis¡¯s back.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Watch out-!¡¹

    Lux who was flying in Wyvern hurriedly cut into the Abyss¡¯s orbit, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lightning Flash.¡¹

    Celis rotated and thrust her lance. The lightning fired from the lance¡¯s tip burned the second Gryph and stopped its movement.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was astonished by the reaction of Celis who should be completely taken by surprise and he hesitated slightly.

    But, at that time his eyes met Celis¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please finish it, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    Lux moved to attack almost at the same time while replying.

    He ran his blade at the shoulder of the bird beast that was enveloped in fierce blaze and broke the core through the shortest route.

    ¡¸GUGYaaAaAAAH!¡¹

    The second Gryph screamed and vanished. The danger had left from the second block.

    In the end, it appeared that Celis had also predicted the existence of the second Gryph, or perhaps even taken by surprise she would be able to immediately deal with it, in any case there wasn¡¯t any need for Lux to help her.

    As was to be expected from someone who was called as the Academy¡¯s strongest.

    ¡¸It looks like we are able to safely defeat them.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    They descended on a park from the air nearby the bell tower and dispelled their armor.

    It was fine and all to save the town from the threat of Abyss, but Lux was somehow feeling troubled of what to say and he was at a loss for words.

    ¡¸Say¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤¡¹

    After a few seconds like that, both of them simultaneously started to speak, it was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ooooi. Wait, both of you.¡¹

    From the sky, Sharis of Triad was coming wearing Wyvern, while Noct and Tillfur came from the main street wearing Drake and Wyrm respectively.

    ¡¸So you three also came here?¡¹

    ¡¸Naturally. We too are members of Syvalles you know? The princess and missy Philuffy are in the middle of Drag-Ride maintenance so they couldn¡¯t come though. Well, even so it¡¯s just as expected, from the beginning there wasn¡¯t any chance of us getting a turn here©¤©¤¡¹

    Sharis said with a wry smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I said it already. Celis-senpai is totally enough against enemy of this level.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Carelessness is prohibited. No matter how strong Celis-senpai is, there is no guarantee that there won¡¯t be any ambush. Besides©¤©¤making only the captain to take the initiative and exterminate the enemy will make us lose our position.¡¹

    Noct denied Tillfur¡¯s grief before she dispelled her Drake¡¯s armor.

    She was looking at the Radar on her shoulder was surely because she was confirming that there was no Abyss reaction nearby.

    ¡¸The mission is over. Let¡¯s go back home without wearing Drag-Ride in order to save our stamina.¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll search for a coach, so Tillfur, you go look for sweets stall.¡¹

    ¡¸Roooger. Then, both of you just rest after doing all the work.¡¹

    Noct¡¯s suggestion was accepted by Sharis, and Tillfur finished up the talk.

    The three temporarily left from that place. The tense situation was completely changed and it suddenly became a relaxed mood.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Even though Celis-senpai told me to rest, I came here instead.¡¹

    Lux was smiling wryly while scratching his head. Celis suddenly smiled and,

    ¡¸No, you helped me.¡¹

    Unexpectedly, she spoke her gratitude with earnest tone to him.

    ¡¸I noticed that second Abyss, but thanks to you I was able to obtain some leeway. If the Triad also came, I think we would be able to determine the Abyss¡¯s position and number and defeat them more safely.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lux, there is one thing that I want to ask. Why were you and also those three were rushing here even though you all believed that I would be all right? As I thought, were you all worried about me? Even now after I had discarded my reservation with you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Surely that¡¯s because Celis-senpai is popular as expected, isn¡¯t that¡¯s why?¡¹

    Celis was astounded by Lux¡¯s words that he said jokingly.

    ¡¸There is meaning in fighting at your side, that¡¯s why comrades who wished to follow senpai gathered to you. Senpai isn¡¯t alone. I too am one of those who wish to be at Celis-senpai¡¯s side after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis was staring at Lux who said that with a bright smile with a dazed expression.

    ¡¸Lux, is really unfair.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though originally it should be me who is being relied on as the senior, it is me who is relying on you. I¡¯m acting spoiled to you. But, I want to accept it completely because it feels really pleasant.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s cheeks abruptly loosened while she was looking embarrassed and vexed.

    And then she slowly grasped Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸I was avoiding from making effort to talk with other so we can understand each other wasn¡¯t I? You, Sharis, and everyone else know about that personality of mine, even so you all stepped up to meet me halfway. I¡¯m thinking that this time, I will be the one who approach those girls who are avoiding me, so that I will be able to understand them more. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    She cut off her words temporarily and stared at Lux with a straightforward expression.

    ¡¸When I bumped into another wall, will you listen and give me advice again? Though perhaps this will make me into an unreliable senior for asking help to a boy my junior so many times like this.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Celis-senpai can do so anytime. I too will rely on senpai after all.¡¹

    When Lux responded with a soft smile, Celis¡¯s eyes turned round in surprise and she averted her gaze shyly.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll command you to return to your usual schedule tomorrow. There is no need to accompany me in my training. Thank you very much, Lux.¡¹

    It was a somewhat warm and awkward atmosphere.

    He was happy that his relationship with Celis deepened once more.

    ¡¸I too want to become someone who is able to guide everyone. I will understand those girls¡¯ feeling while giving early morning training©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s why I¡¯m saying, as long as that training with too high of a hurdle is just taken off the table, everyone will get close with senpai right away¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s retort that he said out while sweating spontaneously didn¡¯t seem to reach Celis whose eyes were sparkling.

    Just as he thought, this seriousness and clumsiness had to be left alone somewhere.

    ¡¸Bu, but, that¡¯s, is it also fine if I ask Lux to accompany my training sometimes? How should I say it, training together with Lux is really fun so¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis muttered that with flushed cheeks a bit fretfully. Lux nodded.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. If Celis-senpai is fine with me, then I¡¯ll gladly accept.¡¹

    Lux showed a smile from the bottom of his heart and asserted that.

    ¡¸Understood. Then, I¡¯ll especially prepare a training menu with my all for Lux¡¯s sake next time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, eeeeh!?¡¹

    He wanted to refuse it very much, but in front of Celis¡¯s bright smile, Lux couldn¡¯t find it within himself to say it.

    (As I thought, I too am quite a showoff huh¡­¡­)

    Perhaps the day Celis could guide her new juniors was still far off in the future.

 Volume 9 - CH 6

    ¨C

    Since enrolling into Cross Field¡¯s Academy, things were going well for Lux.

    Of course, there were only daughters of nobles around him, so problem would occur with him being the only male.

    Because of his past as a prince of the old empire©¤©¤and furthermore because of his role as a chore boy, sometimes there would be strange request coming to him from the female students, and sometimes he would also get dragged into various turmoil.

    Even so if Lux¡¯s unique status was taken into consideration, it could be said that he had managed to blend into the Academy enough.

    That was thanks to the girls around him.

    Krulcifer who taught him the lesson, or Philuffy who was treating him the same like in the past.

    Everyone of the Triad who acted amiably with him, or his little sister Airi who was controlling his reputation at the Academy, and so on. He was supported by many comrades and obtained a place to belong.

    But, recently that was one thing that made Lux worry.

    It wasn¡¯t about his current life in the Academy that was going well, it was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia. Do you have time? There is something that I have to tell you.¡¹

    It¡¯s weekday at Academy©¤©¤the short break after the morning class was over.

    Instructor Raigree who exited the classroom beckoned at him, calling Lux out to the corridor where there wasn¡¯t anyone else.

    Even Lux who had got thoroughly involved with many great incidents would be a bit nervous if he was called by a teacher.

    (What could it be? I think I didn¡¯t do anything bad recently though©¤©¤)

    Raigree was a self-reliant woman, so Lux never received even a single request from her.

    If this was something like a warning or instruction to him, he believed she would act more brazenly but©¤©¤.

    While Lux was cautious like that, a sentence about something that normally he put out of his mind came to him. In a sense it could be said that it was just as expected.

    ¡¸Perhaps this is something that I originally should say to you. But, about that first year student, the girl who had just enrolled here, what¡¯s the deal with her?¡¹

    ¡¸Aaa¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Lux heard that, his face turned really complicated.

    Even without listening to the detail, he understood everything just from that single sentence.

    ¡¸This is about That girl from nation of Koto who introduced herself as your servant. That assassin of the old empire, Kirihime Yoruka.¡¹

    In the past she confronted Lux who didn¡¯t wish for the revival of the old empire and both of them crossed swords.

    But, at the end of that, the understood each other¡¯s feeling and reconciled. Yoruka then swore allegiance to Lux.

    After that with Lux¡¯s intermediation©¤©¤more accurately Lisha¡¯s intermediation that Lux requested, she was enrolled into the Academy under the pretext that the new kingdom would manage her.

    Since then Yoruka should be spending peaceful days in the Academy as a first year student. But,

    ¡¸I have told you before, Lux. That girl, she isn¡¯t blending into the Academy at all.¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s like that¡­¡­¡¹

    Raigree¡¯s expression was displeased. Lux also responded with a complicated expression.

    Yoruka¡¯s personality was like a fluttering wind that cannot be grasped, her way of thinking and action were also really particular.

    Furthermore because her skill as Drag-Knight was also outstanding, Lux could easily imagine how she would be completely out of place even in the class.

    But, his little sister Airi and Noct of Triad were also Yoruka¡¯s classmate, so Lux thought that they would follow up on her just barely, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Could it be, Yoruka is feeling troubled because she cannot get used to the Academy?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Do you think so?¡¹

    The smiling face of the serious Instructor Raigree was scary.

    ¡¸Eerr, is everyone around her troubled just as I thought?¡¹

    When Lux asked back awkwardly, Instructor Raigree took out a memo from her pocket.

    ¡®Ah, I get a bad feeling.¡¯

    ¡¸In the middle of class, she said things like guarding you and sneaked away as she pleased. She isn¡¯t talking at all with her classmates. At training, she ignored the menu and did self-practice willfully. At mock battle, she used her partner as decoy to defeat her opponent. She won¡¯t listen to the instructor. She ignores the regulation for sleeping and waking up time. She won¡¯t reflect even when she is scolded. In her clothes she is carrying hidden weapons that she won¡¯t part with. She took off her clothes as she pleased¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, I get it! It¡¯s enough already!¡¹

    By the way, it seemed that list still had half remaining.

    Until now Airi who was in the same class settled down the troubles, but as expected it seemed that Yoruka¡¯s actions couldn¡¯t be overlooked anymore.

    Thus, it seemed that the talk came to Lux like this as he was the one leading her.

    ¡¸But, I have to be the one warning her? Certainly she was calling me her master but, this is more or less a matter in the Academy, so someone like the headmaster Relie-san or even one of the teachers©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Do you believe, that girl will properly listen to anyone other than you?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­¡¹

    He was taking into consideration his position inside the Academy, but he retracted his statement when he saw Raigree¡¯s twitching face.

    ¡¸It was Princess Lisha who proposed the enrollment of Yoruka, but it was you who asked her to do that right? Take responsibility to look after that girl as her master. This is my first request to you.¡¹

    ¡¸I, understand.¡¹

    Lux could only nod at the completely sound argument.

    After the battle, he wanted to give a new place to belong for Yoruka who returned back to him.

    Even though he had decided to look after her, and yet he was unable to guide her properly. That was his blunder.

    Before the problem was getting bigger than this in the Academy, he had to guide Yoruka to act properly no matter what.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yosh.¡¹

    After he had decided that, he immediately took action.

    Although, for Lux whose class and grade were different from Yoruka, there were still a lot of things that he didn¡¯t know.

    Thus, first he had to gather accurate information.

    Lux who bid farewell to Raigree returned to his classroom and sat down.

    (Perhaps I should cancel my chores today as much as possible¡­¡­)

    He was thinking of such thing while concentrating on the rest of his class.

    ¨C

    ¡¸And so, because of that Nii-san is finally coming to me after this late?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, yes. Well¡­¡­¡¹

    An awkward atmosphere was filling the cramped room to the brim.

    He was in a room inside the girl dormitory after school.

    It was the shared room of Airi and Noct.

    It was a request from Raigree to guide Yoruka so she became accustomed to life in Academy, but first it was necessary to know about the situation of her class in first year.

    Thinking so, Lux thought to hear about the story from Airi who was Yoruka¡¯s classmate, but the situation appeared to be more pressing than Lux thought.

    ¡¸I¡¯m very happy. To think that Nii-san will act considerately to someone like me even if just for a bit. I thought that surely Nii-san was foisting the matter of Yoruka-san completely to me while Nii-san isn¡¯t planning to do anything at all.¡¹

    Airi was showing him a gentle smile, but her smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes.

    In other words, his little sister was proclaiming that she had been fussing about Yoruka quite much since her enrollment into the Academy by Lux¡¯s hope.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s stop with that much, Airi.. After all it¡¯s not like Lux-san was doing it maliciously.¡¹

    Noct was sending a timely help to Lux who was receiving a gentle intimidation from Airi.

    But, even with her best friend soothing her down, Airi still puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸Noct is spoiling Nii-san too much. It¡¯s because Nii-san has never thought about consequences since the past that he should be properly warned to make him reflect. After all if Nii-san isn¡¯t acting responsibly, it will make me terribly worried.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Perhaps that¡¯s also true. I was also troubled by Yoruka-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I thought you are helping me-!?¡¹

    Lux was crestfallen seeing Noct quickly changed side.

    But, at the same time Noct who saw that was quietly bringing her face closer beside Lux.

    ¡¸Forgive me Lux-san. I unconsciously made fun of you. Airi isn¡¯t as angry as she look, so please don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Is¡­¡­, that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Right now she is saying suchthing, but it was Airi¡¯s choice to not tell Lux-san about the problem. ¡ºI don¡¯t want to put needless worry at Nii-san right now, so I will do something about the internal situation of the Academy¡», she said. She even came to me to consult about Yoruka-san¡¯s matter.¡¹

    Noct whispered so. Within her usual composed expression, her lips looked just slightly loosened.

    Airi who heard her instantly turned red and raised her voice in fluster.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you saying Noct!? I, I was just©¤©¤¡¹

    At the end her words turned ambiguous without denying it.

    Recently Lux got a lot of work.

    In addition of the normal class and practice, there was also his chores in the Academy and his activity as Syvalles member, not just that, as the country¡¯s representative©¤©¤as a Seven Dragon Paladin, he was extremely busy.

    Amidst that, since some time ago it seemed Airi was acting for Lux¡¯s sake in order to erase the friction between Yoruka and her surroundings.

    In the end it was always like that.

    Since Airi grew up, she would make fun of Lux or chiding him for his rash action, but in actuality she was always worrying about him.

    ¡¸Thank you Airi. And Noct too.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. As Airi¡¯s close friend, I¡¯m happy if Lux-san will understand.¡¹

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Lux¡¯s smile, Airi made a troubled expression and stared reproachfully.

    After groaning for a while like that, before long she let out a long sigh.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, I understand. Now about Yoruka-san, how much has Nii-san heard?¡¹

    Finally the concrete talk began.

    Yoruka¡¯s problem that was talked by AIri who was spending time with her daily in the same class was mostly the same like what he heard from Instructor Raigree.

    Fundamentally Yoruka wasn¡¯t going against the Academy¡¯s education policy, but here and there she would make a decision that violated the rule.

    And then, she didn¡¯t show any sign of reflecting even if she was rebuked for doing that.

    In addition she wouldn¡¯t match her pace with her classmates and didn¡¯t try to get close to them.

    Even if there was student who talked to her trying to become her friend, it seemed Yoruka would turn them down with a smile saying ¡ºI don¡¯t really understand something like that¡».

    Yoruka herself had the past of being a princess of the nation of Koto, but the people around her took distance from her because she was a strange existence that couldn¡¯t understand human¡¯s emotion.

    Her ability as Drag-Knight was standing out, but as a human she couldn¡¯t do the ¡ºnormal¡» thing.

    ¡¸We too are pondering hard of what we should do. Though when I am speaking with her, she will more or less listen to me because I am Nii-san¡¯s little sister.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It doesn¡¯t seem like that she simply doesn¡¯t want to listen to what she is told. The point is that she doesn¡¯t know the way of living for the position of military cadet and how to interact with people.¡¹

    Yoruka was out of place in the Academy wasn¡¯t simply because her individual character.

    She didn¡¯t understand the way to live inside the society called school.

    The way to interact with classmate, the way to act inside the order called school.

    It was necessary for Lux who was her master to make her learned the normal thing as a person.

    ¡¸Then, in the end I have to be the one to tell her?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Perhaps it would be better for Lux-san to spend as much time together with Yoruka-san in the Academy while teaching her that. Airi will sulk if Lux-san get too intimate with her, so I ask you to please act with that in mind.¡¹

    ¡¸Noct keeps saying strange thing since some time ago, please stop it!¡¹

    Noct muttered that coolly, which was responded by Airi¡¯s yell with a red face.

    Lux observed their exchange warmly while thinking of a plan.

    For the time being he promised Airi and Noct that he would report the progress to them every day and left the room.

    He would teach Yoruka the importance of rule in the Academy and how to interact with students and teachers.

    Lux was thinking of how to do that while doing his chores.

    ¡¸But, not just class, even my year is different from Yoruka, how should I make a point of contact with her¡­¡­?¡¹

    Even if he asked her to accompany him with his chores after school, she would be alone with only Lux, so there wasn¡¯t really any meaning in doing that.

    If possible it would be better if he got the chance to teach Yoruka through class lesson or living together.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My, isn¡¯t this Lux-kun. You are making that kind of long face, has something happened again?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­, good afternoon headmaster.¡¹

    While he was sweeping at the backdoor of the school building, a familiar face of a woman passed through.

    She was the big sister of his childhood friend Philuffy, a woman of blooming age who was serving as headmaster here, Relie Aingram.

    She who was his acquaintance since the past smiled friendlily ¡®fufu¡¯ at him.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be like that, calling me headmaster at this place, it¡¯s fine if you call me Relie-san familiarly you know?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, normally isn¡¯t it the reverse?¡¹

    Even though they were inside the Academy¡¯s ground, she was like this.

    Lux was smiling wryly at her informal attitude that was unthinkable for someone responsible for an academy of military cadets.

    He also took the opportunity to try consulting her a little about the matter of Yoruka that was worrying him since some time ago.

    ¡¸I see, certainly that method is interesting. In everything, one has to experience it first before being able to understand it.¡¹

    Unexpectedly, Relie was giving her endorsement to the plan of spending time together with Yoruka in the same environment.

    ¡¸But, as expected it¡¯s impossible. Our year is different in the first place, like that trying to have a school life with the same point of view©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s possible.¡¹

    The moment Lux scratched his head with a wry smile, such reply came to him.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it, even if it¡¯s Relie-san, as expected that is¡­¡­. ©¤©¤Wait, eeeeh!?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s try it. If it¡¯s also the request from none other than Lux, there is no way I can refuse it.¡¹

    Relie nodded powerfully along with a smile that was filled with confidence.

    Thus due to a trivial thought and a terrifying coincidence, this uproar begin.

    ¨C

    An atmosphere of surprise and commotion was filling the classroom at the morning.

    Inside the classroom of the Academy¡¯s first year, the girls were making a stir in bewilderment.

    Even Airi and Noct were stiffened with a conflicted expression.

    ¡¸E, err¡­¡­. Then for one week from now on, Lux-kun from the second year is going to be entrusted into this class. Everyone, su, surely you all are confused of various things but, please get along well with each other.¡¹

    No matter how anyone looked at it, the one who was the most bewildered was the female teacher in charge of the class.

    Only a day after he consulted Relie.

    A special schedule where Lux would receive class lesson for one week in the same first year class with Yoruka was realized very easily.

    He was told that at the surface that this was for the first year to interact with male student in the prospect of turning the Academy into mixed school at the future.

    This was an experiment for the first year students to experience that.

    (No matter what, this is still too forcing it I think¡­¡­)

    In order for Yoruka who couldn¡¯t adapt in the Academy to know about ¡ºnormal school life¡», Lux too would really spend a week as first year together with her.

    Naturally Lux would fall behind schedule with his own class and practice during that time. Regarding that, it was scheduled to cover that with the supplementary lessons after school next week.

    It seemed that Celis, Krulcifer, and Philuffy would help him there. Krulcifer with the general class lesson, Celis with Drag-Ride practice, and Philuffy in the practical skill of hand-to-hand combat.

    ¡ºEei, I want to help out Lux in something too-!¡»

    It seemed that Lisha yelled like that when she knew it, but that was another story.

    And because of that, this attempt that could even be called as mad was hurriedly started, but speaking of Yoruka, the person in question herself©¤©¤,

    ¡¸I¡¯m happy that we are able to be together. If it¡¯s like this I can save the time to rush to Aruji-sama¡¯s side when I sense danger.¡¹

    She was obviously the one who was the most unperturbed with this happening.

    Far from feeling perturbed, she moved her desk to stick with Lux¡¯s desk beside her and softly nestled her body on him.

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    The warmth of skin and the softness of breast could be felt from above the uniform.

    At the same time the feminine scent tickling his nose cavity made Lux perplexed.

    Her upward gaze emitted a bewitching sensuality. Her body twisted as though inviting him.

    Even though she wasn¡¯t wearing that black outfit with high exposure rate, her behavior was enough to make a man¡¯s reasoning melted into puddle.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you doing Yoruka-san!? This is classroom! Nii-san too, please don¡¯t get lovestruckdere dere like that!¡¹

    Airi hurriedly leaned her body forward from the seat at opposite side and pulled at Lux¡¯s arm.

    ¡¸My? Are you jealous, Airi-san? It¡¯s all right. I won¡¯t take Aruji-sama away from you.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying at all!? Please understand the time and place!¡¹

    Airi who normally should be acting like a sheltered young lady in the Academy was losing her self-control.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Say, Noct. Could it be that it was always like this in this class?¡¹

    Lux looked behind him with a complicated expression. At the seat right behind him, the Triad member nodded briskly.

    ¡¸Yes. ¡­¡­Is what I want to say, but, No. It¡¯s more boisterous like this now that Lux-san has come.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He thought that Yoruka would be quieter if he was taking class at the same place with her, but it seemed it brought the opposite effect instead.

    Yoruka¡¯s abnormality was getting even more standing out because she was conscious of Lux¡¯s existence.

    The sudden happening of the only boy in the Academy coming to the first year class.

    Right after the talk came out that Lux was coming here, the first year students turned a curious gaze at him and cheered joyfully, but in this situation where Yoruka was in confrontation against Airi, they were bewildered and watched quietly.

    ¡¸Nii-san too, please scold her. You came here for that aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Prompted by his little sister whose tone had roughened when he noticed, Lux nodded.

    ¡¸Yo, Yoruka, get away a bit from me. The class will begin soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Her expression flashed into a pure smile and she obediently followed his words.

    As expected it appeared that she was absolutely obedient to Lux¡¯s command.

    When the scene settled down and the atmosphere relaxed, small voices could be heard from here and there.

    ¡¸Hey, just now that girl, she called Lux-senpai with Aruji-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be, no it¡¯s certainly that kind of relationship between the two of them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He wondered what was with this atmosphere.

    Even though he came in order to make Yoruka fit into the class, the commotion became bigger instead.

    (Or rather, if I remember right, everyone doesn¡¯t know about Yoruka¡¯s circumstance in detail¡­¡­)

    The detail about Yoruka¡¯s special circumstance was known only by small part of people. The headmaster Relie, the members of Syvalles, as well as the teachers.

    The majority of the female students only heard that Yoruka was ¡ºa surviving servant that had been serving Lux since the time of the old empire¡».

    Furthermore with what had happened just now, the students became even more curious about the relationship of the two.

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, the teacher cleared her throat.

    ¡¸The, then, we are starting our lesson. Open the text book©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oh, no.¡¹

    The matter of him receiving lesson in the first year students class was decided hurriedly, so he didn¡¯t have the teaching materials for it.

    When he thought of asking Airi to share her book with him, a text book already existed right in front of him.

    ¡¸Here Aruji-sama. I will offer you mine.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, thank you Yoruka©¤©¤wait, what are you doing giving it wholly to me!? What about yours!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unnecessary for me to accomplish my duty, so it¡¯s something fortunate that it can be of help for Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Lux was troubled when she told him that with a cheerful smile.

    ¡¸Err, that¡¯s¡­¡­. I¡¯m happy with Yoruka¡¯s feeling©¤©¤but¡¹

    ¡¸Here Nii-san. I¡¯ll show you mine.¡¹

    The moment Lux was hesitating of what to say, Airi brought her desk closer to him.

    Thanks to that he was able to return Yoruka¡¯s text book and safely¡­¡­well, he couldn¡¯t go as far to claim that, but even so the class resumed.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was patting his chest in relief inside his heart, but beside him Airi was glaring at him reproachfully.

    *Tap tap* Her finger was pointing at the corner of her notebook. A small message was written there for Lux.

    ¡ºIt will be scolding later for Nii-san¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haah¡¹

    Lux hung his head down after reading that strong line with dripping ink while passing through the first class.

    ¨C

    He was worried what going to happen with his sudden change of classroom, but unexpectedly after that time was passing peacefully.

    A somewhat restless atmosphere was flowing right after Lux arrived, but after seeing the confrontation between Yoruka and Airi, almost no student appeared to call out to Lux.

    The students were observing the quarrel of the two while nonchalantly prompting at him. The atmosphere was reserved like that.

    ¡¸Lux-senpai had participated in the tournament at the capital right? Please give me guidance at the practice.¡¹

    ¡¸Is the impression in the second year¡¯s class different from here?¡¹

    ¡¸Which one is Lux-senpai¡¯s type, a younger or older girl?¡¹

    There were juniors who were talking to him here and there, but Yoruak didn¡¯t join into that conversation.

    Rather, she was taking a step back and watching Lux from afar.

    At the same time, Airi too was putting up her guard while stealing glances from the side.

    Like this it was scary and the classmates were found it hard to make their move.

    At time like this Lux was troubled at what he should do.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, what is Lux-senpai¡¯s hobby?¡¹

    Then, a student suddenly asked such question to him. There Lux went into offense.

    ¡¸Err, I was doing nothing but chores so I don¡¯t have anything like hobby but, what about you Yoruka?¡¹

    He abruptly addressed Yoruka who was some distance away.

    It was his attempt to add Yoruka into the circle of conversation and familiarized her with her classmates, but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t really have anything like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I see¡­¡­¡¹

    She flashed a bright smile and answered instantly.

    Noct who saw that sighed quietly while Airi held her head.

    However he wondered why.

    Somehow, he felt a different impression that was different from usual from Yoruka¡¯s answer.

    ¡¸More importantly, you there, can I ask you to shift slightly more to the right? You block the window and I cannot prepare against attack from outside.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. So, sorry.¡¹

    After Yoruka pointed out with a gentle tone, the girl who was standing near the window moved away from there.

    It seemed that she was observing from some distance away was to be vigilant toward outside so that Lux wouldn¡¯t get aimed by assassin.

    ¡¸Say Yoruka¡­¡­here is inside the Academy, so you don¡¯t need to be that worried.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s also true. But, although it¡¯s not zero but there is still a chance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Bu, but you see, right now is break time, talking with other friends©¤©¤¡¹

    Please tell her more strongly.

    The gaze from Airi with expression that seemed to be telling him that was painful.

    Even so the current Lux was helpless to do anything throughout the morning class.

    ¨C

    During the two days after that, Lux¡¯s endeavor didn¡¯t go well.

    When he was taking lunch together with the first year students, ¡¸This is a good chance so allow me to test the food for poison¡¹ Yoruka said that and lightly ate Lux¡¯s meal before presenting it to him, after that, even when Lux was leaving his seat when it was time to change clothes into the pilot suit, she would try to change together with him saying that it was for his protection, and on top of all that, at the time when Lux¡¯s finger got cut by paper edge, she would put his finger into her mouth to disinfect it.

    With such loyalty that made even Lux himself got red faced displayed in the open, the first year students who were watching from the side were getting heated up toward that stimulating exchange.

    As the result©¤©¤Yoruka wasn¡¯t developing to open her heart to her classmate or even trying to protect the rule, rather it was as though she was charging fiercely through the path of deterioration.

    ¡­¡­Strange.

    Even though this was a plan for teaching Yoruka to be social, and yet her action was growing even worse by Lux coming to her side.

    ¡¸Nii-san is na?ve. Please warn her more severely.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m asking Lux-san too before all the blood vessels in Airi¡¯s body burst.¡¹

    The lunch break at the third day, Airi and Noct finally told him that.

    But, he wondered why.

    Lux wasn¡¯t really feeling like to do that.

    ¡¸Um, certainly you two might be right but¡­¡­¡¹

    Making use of his position as her master and restricted her action by commanding her.

    Perhaps that was the shortest path.

    However for some reason Lux was hesitating to do that.

    *GOoOON* The sound of bell resounded inside the school building, telling the end of the lunch break.

    The next class was Drag-Ride practice.

    Airi who was a civil official candidate would have a different class. Because of that they would part here temporarily.

    ¡¸Then Nii-san. Please be very, very careful to not do anything strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Let¡¯s go, Noct.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Airi¡¯s reminder and stood up from his seat.

    He hurried to the practice ground so that he wouldn¡¯t be late for class.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Today, I have a little request for Yoruka.¡¹

    ¡¸My, what could it be? Aruji-sama doesn¡¯t need to be that reserved. If it¡¯s the command of no one else by Aruji-sama, I will obey it right away.¡¹

    Afternoon©¤©¤in the middle of the practice ground.

    It that place where the students who had changed into their pilot suit gathered, Lux instructed Yoruka in a certain matter.

    ¡¸Can you not get too close to me in the middle of practice? That¡¯s, as expected the visibility in this place is great, so there is no need to be that worried about my security.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That, might be true.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded once with a serious face and showed a thinking gesture for a bit.

    ¡¸But, I believe that we shouldn¡¯t let our guard down, just in case. There is also various kinds of Abyss, the modus operandi of the enemy is also becoming ingenious.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But for today, won¡¯t Yoruka teach your technique to everyone else? Of course, it¡¯s okay if you only teach them what they can possibly do. I want you to pay attention not just at me, but to everyone else too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux finally told her that clearly.

    He wasn¡¯t leaving her to her own independence, but urging her to cooperate with everyone else.

    Yoruka was hesitating for a few seconds, but before long she nodded quietly.

    ¡¸I understand. I¡¯m not confident, but if it¡¯s Aruji-sama¡¯s command, then I¡¯ll do it with pleasure.¡¹

    Lux felt slightly guilty seeing her figure responding to him with a smile.

    He wondered if in the end Yoruka would be able to do it.

    In the first place at the practice for the first year, Noct reported to him that Yoruka wasn¡¯t able to even carry out a proper mock battle in a battle between pair.

    It wasn¡¯t simply because Yoruka was unable to match the pace of her partner.

    Compared to a first year military cadet, Yoruka¡¯s skill was too outstanding, she didn¡¯t mesh well with her partner, and she also finished off her opponent instantly.

    Of course, Divine Drag-Ride basically wasn¡¯t used in practice, in exchange Yoruka was using a general purpose Drag-Ride Drake, but even so the difference in skill was still that wide.

    (Even so, there is no other way but making her to give it a try.)

    Just in case, Lux was observing Yoruka at the corner of his gaze so that he could follow up on her anytime while beginning his own practice too.

    Confirmation of the basic motion, the fundamental of the basic motion.

    Confirmation of weapon use, the combination of weapon and basic motion.

    It was a class that was focused on practicing the basic that was aimed for first year student, so Lux was mainly giving advice to the other students.

    He was teaching them courteously while frequently paying attention to Yoruka.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Because of that, consecutive attack in midair can be done like this.¡¹

    ¡¸E, even if you said that it can be done¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. In the first place, attacking once normally is the best that we can do.¡¹

    It seemed that Yoruka was trying to do her best in her own way, but it didn¡¯t look like it was going well.

    (However, it looks like she is doing her best just like I told her.)

    Lux thought that it was a move in the right direction.

    To begin with it was important to start first.

    (Later, perhaps I should discuss it with Yoruka about what to do so she can give better advice.)

    Lux was doing mock battle in pairs against the girls while thinking such thing. It was then his gaze suddenly met with Yoruka who was wearing Drake at some distance away from him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Right after that©¤©¤the gaze of Yoruka who was also doing mock battle at some distance away was moving slightly to the side.

    It happened in the situation when each of them was doing their own respective mock battle in a form that was like real battle.

    It was a special situation inside the spacious practice ground, where four mock battles were carried out simultaneously.

    The battle area of each was divided by lines, they were all taking enough distance from each other, but rarely a trouble like stray shot would occur.

    This time a Wyvern that was training at the neighboring area got flipped by Cannon¡¯s impact and caused a situation where it was flying horizontally toward Lux who was some distance away.

    ¡¸Lux-senpai-!?¡¹

    The yell of female students could be heard from the audience seat.

    If it was an energy light bullet, the barrier would block it, it couldn¡¯t block the Drag-Ride¡¯s frame itself.

    But, if it was the defensive ability of Lux who had the nickname Weakest Undefeated at the capital¡¯s tournament, he would be able to react properly even at this unexpected situation.

    (It¡¯s fine. I can dodge©¤©¤no)

    How to safely catch the first year girl who got sent flying?

    During less than two seconds, Lux had the composure to think that far©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Yoruka, don¡¯t!? That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    A motion that was suddenly occurring at the corner of his eyes caused Lux to spontaneously yell.

    Perhaps seeing that the Drag-Ride that was sent flying was going to collide with Lux, Yoruka who was fighting at the neighboring area drove her Drake and flew in between.

    ¡¸KYAAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux thought to stop her, but he didn¡¯t make it in time.

    The Blade that Yoruka swung repelled away the Drag-Ride of the girl who was flying toward Lux midway, and it struck the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡®Oh no.¡¯ Lux felt regret, but it was already too late.

    ¡¸The student there! What are you doing!? Slashing at student who was sent flying by inertia is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I was only protecting Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka answered like that to the male instructor who noticed only just now with an expression that wasn¡¯t regretful at all.

    Lux and Noct hurriedly explained the situation, but most of the students there didn¡¯t understand the situation correctly.

    A student who only might collided with Lux was purposefully struck down.

    The majority of the students surely interpreted it like that.

    ¡¸To think, that it would become like this¡­¡­¡¹

    After that, Yoruka¡¯s action was criticized by the instructors as a dangerous act, and she was made to write a written apology.

    The third day passed amidst the incident that made Lux let out a long sigh.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Do I really have to say it just as expected?¡¹

    A night had passed after the aforementioned incident, it was the fourth day.

    It seemed that Yoruka was scolded harshly by the teachers, but it seemed Yoruka didn¡¯t put up with it like usual.

    He understood that her personality was like that since the beginning, but as expected, it couldn¡¯t stay like this.

    ¡ºNii-san. Please stop stalling and scold her already. Tell her not to act excessively for Nii-san¡¯s sake and think of the surrounding, scold her harshly. If she won¡¯t follow it, then please punish her. If even after that she won¡¯t listen to what she was told, at that time©¤©¤¡»

    She should be made to leave the Academy while she still hadn¡¯t caused any bigger problem.

    That would be the best path for the Academy and Yoruka. Airi who knew about the incident told him that.

    Certainly Lux also understood about the necessity of that, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸A punishment huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Honestly, it was troubling.

    Even though he wasn¡¯t good at scolding other people, now he had to do something like punishing other people.

    When he was entrusted with taking care of a selfish child in one of his chores, he gave a verbal warning, but as expected he never raised his hand toward the child.

    ¡¸Furthermore, Yoruka is a girl one year younger than me¡­¡­¡¹

    It was difficult to give a punishment that wasn¡¯t just a mere violence, he didn¡¯t have any good idea for that.

    Even so, not doing anything would be just escaping from responsibility.

    If he only wished to grant Yoruka a place to belong in the new kingdom while not having the motivation to get actually involved in her problem, it would be extremely irresponsible of him as her master.

    Even so, for some reason Lux didn¡¯t feel any motivation to punish Yoruka strongly.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­, I¡¯m no good like this. If I don¡¯t properly chastise Yoruka©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was muttering that while working in the corridor after school,

    ¡¸My, what does Aruji-sama mean by that?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwaaaaah!? ©¤©¤Wait, Yoruka!? Since when you were there!?¡¹

    Lux jumped in surprise when a voice addressed him suddenly from behind.

    When he turned around, behind him a girl in black outfit was standing with a gentle smile on her face.

    ¡¸Yes. Just now, I heard the story from Airi-san. I was told that Aruji-sama is looking for me.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath even while feeling surprised, then he directed a serious gaze at the girl in front of him.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­that¡¯s, I have something to talk with you. I cannot speak it here, so when my chores are over, if possible at a place where there are no other people©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Then, I will sesarch for a place that we might be able to borrow.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right, please.¡¹

    Like that, Lux parted with her for the moment and then he let out a sigh.

    If possible he wanted to only use words, if that didn¡¯t work then he would use other way.

    He would punish her and correct her mistake properly as her master.

    ¡¸I have to manage somehow no matter what©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux resolved himself in a corner of his mind while continuing his chores.

    ¨C

    And then, at night.

    He had finished taking dinner and bath. It was when the time was moving into the period for sleeping in the girl dormitory.

    Lux had received a message from Yoruka that was told to him through Noct. He headed to the underground prison inside the Academy¡¯s ground following the message.

    Underground prison©¤©¤.

    When Lux came to this Academy for the first time, he was misunderstood as a peeping tom and was put inside there.

    He was told that it seemed that place was what Yoruka chose by herself.

    The place was dark and cold. It wasn¡¯t suited for talking. He wondered if there was a reason why she was choosing such place purposefully.

    Lux was thinking of such thing while going down the stair to the underground.

    When he opened the wooden door, he saw the iron bars at the other side and the silhouette of Yoruka inside it.

    The moonlight was faintly shining in from the upper window, but the room was gloomy and he couldn¡¯t see well.

    Just, it felt like Yoruka¡¯s expression was different from usual.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Her voice was gentle, filled with deep affection.

    Her peculiar trait, her asymmetrically colored eyes were shining inside the darkness.

    ¡¸Yoruka¡­¡­do you understand what is it I¡¯m going to talk about?¡¹

    Lux said that with a serious tone so that he didn¡¯t look like he was angry.

    Then Yoruka¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor, and she murmured somewhat seductively.

    ¡¸Yes, I know. It¡¯s about how I went against Aruji-sama¡¯s command isn¡¯t it? I had heard from Airi-san. That Aruji-sama is going to punish me.¡¹

    She went against Lux¡¯s instruction in the practice ground and went near him.

    She tried to protect Lux who was approached by danger with excessive force and did a dangerous act against other girls.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not that angry, but even so I have to scold you. If you won¡¯t listen about how you should act in the Academy even after I told you, then at that time©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux hesitated at the end of his sentence.

    Yoruka spoke the answer at that opening.

    ¡¸I will be punished©¤©¤is that it? It¡¯s fine, I have resolved myself.¡¹

    Right after Yoruka replied so, the lightning inside the prison was lit up.

    At that moment when the darkness was cleared slightly, Lux¡¯s head froze.

    ¡¸Yes. But I©¤©¤¡­¡­wait, EEEEEEEEEEEEH!?¡¹

    A surprised scream echoed inside the prison.

    Yoruka¡¯s appearance was mostly naked.

    In contrast with her glossy black hair, her white skin was bewitchingly standing out.

    Below she was only wearing a piece of panty and a ribbon that was tying her hair.

    From the leather choker under her chin, a small dark grey chain was hanging down, both her hands were handcuffed.

    Her moderately big breasts were sandwiched by her own arms, emphasizing the bulges.

    It was as though she was a beautiful salve girl imprisoned inside a jail waiting to receive humiliation.

    Such abnormal scene was unfolding before Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸Wha, wha-wha-wha-wha-wha-what are you doing Yoruka!? Just what in the world this©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux immediately backed away and yelled with a red face.

    ¡¸I heard that Aruji-sama would bestow me a punishment, so I prepared various things. ©¤©¤Now, please be compassionate.¡¹

    Yoruka said that while handing him a whip. No matter how he looked, her expression wasn¡¯t that of someone who would be punished.

    Her cheeks were flushed, ¡®haa haa¡¯ sweet breath that was deliriously feverish were slipping out from her mouth.

    She was anticipating, intoxicated, and excited with what would happen after this.

    She was demanding punishment from her master with such bewitching expression.

    ¡¸No, not that, isn¡¯t this strange in various senses!? What¡¯s with this whip!? Why are there this many candles!? Other than that, there is also something that looks like a stand for crucifixion!?¡¹

    There was also a wooden horse behind her that he didn¡¯t know what it would get used for, but the part that was for sitting was shaped like triangle.

    By the way, it seemed Yoruka discovered these tools from a sealed storage room.

    Originally this Academy was also a military facility of the old empire, so perhaps they were used for interrogation in the past.

    But, as expected it was unforeseen that such things would show up here.

    ¡¸Now, Aruji-sama. Please punish me. Disgrace me, hit me with that whip, drip candle on me, please discipline me.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Yoruka twirled around and put both her handcuffed hands on the cold stone wall.

    And then she slowly pushed out his butt that was only covered by a single piece of panty toward him.

    At the same time she looked back at him with a flushed smile. Lux stiffened with his hand still holding the whip.

    ¡®Wha, wha-wha-wha-wha-what to do?

    Although it is Yoruka herself who wished for this, is it really fine for me to give this kind of punishment?

    No wait, in the first place will this become punishment for Yoruka?

    Or rather, if it got exposed that I¡¯m doing something like this in the Academy, I think this is exactly the thing that would make someone get expulsed.¡¯

    But, the sweet temptation for Yoruka who was pleading for punishment by herself caused Lux¡¯s heart to beat painfully. His head was getting hazily blank.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Wai-, I remember that I have a business! You tidy up this place properly later-!¡¹

    Lux somehow managed to say just that and rushed up through the stair and retreated outside the building.

    He was gasping for breath while his shoulders dropped in dejection.

    ¡¸Perhaps, this is a little bit beyond me¡­¡­¡¹

    It was also hard to imagine that Yoruka would change because she got punished, but he never imagined that she would go that far.

    Or rather, it even felt like that Yoruka herself was wishing for that.

    He believed that she wasn¡¯t causing the incident this time because she wanted to get punished but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haa, what should I do¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux looked up at the moon from the courtyard and let out a sigh.

    At this rate, sooner or later Yoruka might be forced to leave the Academy.

    Perhaps ordering her to not have anything to do him at all anymore within the Academy was also one choice.

    ¡¸However, I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work today, Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Noct?¡¹

    Right after Lux muttered to himself, the girl who was his junior appeared from behind him.

    Noct who was also cooperating with him in the matter this time continued her words with her usual calm expression.

    ¡¸Yes. I had something I was a bit concerned with and did investigation in the Drag-Ride hangar. From how Lux-san looked, it seems that the punishment for Yoruka didn¡¯t go well.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s pathetic, but as expected such punishment was©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux recalled the lascivious scene just now and his cheeks reddened.

    But, with a calm expression Noct continued with her bland and quiet words.

    ¡¸Are you two unable to understand each other? Or else, Lux-san felt as though you are unable to grasp her true feeling at all and cannot understand her?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux fell silent when Noct hit the bull¡¯s eye.

    Certainly that was what he was worrying about.

    ¡¸Perhaps that is so. She isn¡¯t suited with school life. If thinking about the interest of both parties, perhaps it would be better if she drop out of the Academy. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct suddenly changed her tone and stared straight at Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸I have obtained just one material to know about her true feeling. It shouldn¡¯t be too late to make the decision even after discussing about it with her.¡¹

    Noct said that and presented something to Lux. It was a written report about a weapon¡¯s repair that she obtained from a mechanic in the Drag-Ride hangar.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux saw it and held his breath spontaneously.

    The truth of the commotion this time was written there.

    ¨C

    The next day.

    The fifth day where Lux was spending time together with Yoruka and others in the first year classroom©¤©¤the last day. Then after school.

    Yoruka was quieter than usual when in the classroom. In order to talk with her, Lux borrowed a parlor of the school building.

    *Knock knock* When Lux heard the knocking sound, he invited her inside.

    His heart was beating fast from wondering if she would come with an amazing appearance again, but she was wearing her usual black clothes.

    ¡¸Good evening, Yoruka.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work today, Aruji-sama. What business do you have with me today?¡¹

    Her appearance stood out under the lamp¡¯s light.

    Her asymmetrically colored eyes, her black hair, her smooth white skin.

    The air of the young man¡¯s servant who possessed a bewitching beauty was different from usual.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, there is something that I want to ask¡­¡­it¡¯s about the incident the day before yesterday.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I understand. I will accept any kind of punishment willingly. Even if it¡¯s expulsion from this Academy©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka responded immediately with a smile that didn¡¯t regret anything.

    But, Lux¡¯s words were different.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t notice, what happened at that time.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yoruka tilted her head with an astonished expression that she rarely showed.

    ¡¸You hit away the Wyvern flying toward me with the intention to avoid incident right? Because you understood that I was planning to catch that girl¡¯s Drag-Ride, you went to help to avoid the worst case from happening.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸There was a report from the mechanic in the Drag-Ride hangar. The base of the Blade that the girl who got blown away was holding had a crack on it that was hard to see. Perhaps it was fractured because it received a strong impact. If I caught her at that time, the blade might break from the impact. It was possible the fragment could stab me. That was why, you tried to prevent that right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Certainly Yoruka was worrying about Lux¡¯s safety, but when he gave her a command, she would entrust it to him to a certain degree.

    As expected, there was a reason why at that time she reacted overly.

    Even Lux didn¡¯t notice it until Noct told him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s not something that Aruji-sama has to apologize for. It¡¯s the fact that I broke your order.¡¹

    Yoruka made a troubled smile and muttered that.

    ¡¸Rather than that, why didn¡¯t Aruji-sama tell me to keep away from you during these few days, just like your younger sister advised? I¡¯m wondering about that.¡¹

    ¡®So she asked¡¯, Lux smiled wryly inside his heart.

    It was quite dangerous to keep a secret from this girl who was able to erase her presence.

    ¡¸If Aruji-sama told me stop guarding me, don¡¯t fuss about me, just ignore me©¤©¤if Aruji-sama only told me anything like that, I would do so as you commanded. And yet, Aruji-sama didn¡¯t say anything. Why is that?¡¹

    ¡¸Because, if I do that, surely it would be harsh for Yoruka.¡¹

    Yoruka asked Lux while tilting her head. In respond to that, Lux smiled with a lonely look.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the only thing that Yoruka  feel you want to do so much. Telling you to not do it is the same like denying you something that you think you can do. That¡¯s why, I cannot just one-sidedly tell Yoruka to stop when it¡¯s something that you do because you like it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    This girl decided that herself was a toll and served Lux who was her master.

    He gave her his opinion and order in regard to her method and the detail.

    But, giving an order to her to stop doing that act itself, that was the only thing that he didn¡¯t want to do no matter what.

    Continuously being an even better tool due to their contract as master and servant.

    That was the only connection possessed by Yoruka who was said that she ¡ºdidn¡¯t possess human heart¡». Lux didn¡¯t give that order because he knew that.

    ¡¸But still, if something like this time happen, tell me properly. Surely you were covering for me so that it won¡¯t become my miss, but I won¡¯t understand something like a weapon is in the verge of breaking if you don¡¯t tell me. That¡¯s why, can you just promise me to do that from here on?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. I swear, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka formed a faint smile on her lips, and then she reverently kneeled and bowed to him.

    With that, the case this time was concluded.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    The moment Lux thought that, there was a presence outside the door that made a voice.

    The presence entered inside the parlor. It was the two girls who were deeply involved with the case this time.

    ¡¸Airi!? Also Noct too, why are you two©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because it¡¯s Nii-san who is really soft on girl that we are talking about here, so there is no way we can entrust this to you isn¡¯t that right? That¡¯s why, we only came to check on the situation for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Though I think you can just say it honestly that you are worried about the two of them.¡¹

    ¡¸Please just stay quiet Noct-!?¡¹

    Airi was flustered to hide her embarrassment, then she turned back toward Yoruka and,

    ¡¸Well, at the very least I understand that you are really taking action for Nii-san¡¯s sake. So just for this time, I¡¯ll specially forgive you. Also©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi coughed once and then continued.

    ¡¸Just this once, I¡¯ll become your friend only for form¡¯s sake. Because if I don¡¯t do that, it doesn¡¯t look like you will be able to go through the school life properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I also feel the same. I too am not good in social relations but, best regards.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it alright, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m also requesting you, please become these two¡¯s friend.¡¹

    After Lux smiled, Yoruka quietly stared at the face of the two girls.

    ¡¸Please take care of me. I don¡¯t understand anything about what I should do but©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s words were like usual.

    Even so, it might be a step forward just from having her recognizing other as friend like this.

    ¡¸That¡¯s great.¡¹

    Lux let out a sigh of relief, but right after that, Yoruka suddenly turned her gaze toward him.

    She quietly drew close to him and her finger stroked his chest. Then she smiled bewitchingly at him.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s a bit unfortunate. Even though this time I was holding expectation that Aruji-sama will personally punish me.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Tha, that¡¯s, this time there was that after all¡­¡­, as expected next time©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san want to do it if there is a chance? That kind of indecent punishment, to Yoruka-san?¡¹

    The moment Lux spoke ambiguously, Airi whispered smilingly with shadow covering her eyes.

    ¡¸Wait, why do you know about that!? Even though it was only me who went there!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We helped out with the tidying up. I thought that it wasn¡¯t Lux-san¡¯s hobby but©¤©¤the nature of man is something deep.¡¹

    ¡¸You are wrong-!? I only wanted to say ¡ºnext time let¡¯s choose a different way of punishment¡», that¡¯s all!¡¹

    ¡¸My? Does Aruji-sama think up of a way to better disgrace me than that? Then, right away©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why!? I¡¯m telling you that¡¯s not iiiiit!?¡¹

    For some reason, even Yoruka joined up Airi and Noct at teasing him.

    The first interaction that was fitting for fellow friends was created between the girls.

 Volume 9 - CH 7

    ¨C

    ¡¸Please wake up, master©¤©¤¡¹

    There was the sensation of his body being shaken.

    The indifferent voice of a girl and her breathing were gently tickling Lux¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s quite hard to wake you up. I heard from Airi that Lux-san is someone who has no problem waking up early though.¡¹

    (Eh¡­¡­?)

    Lux was harboring a small doubt inside his warm drowsiness.

    From what his sleepy eyes briefly glanced, he didn¡¯t know who this girl was.

    But, the girl¡¯s tone had a trait that was familiar to him.

    ¡¸Perhaps it¡¯s my method to wake him up that is bad? Then, I¡¯ll try imitating Airi. Onii-chan, please wake up.¡¹

    It was a quiet voice that sounded calm and had no intonation.

    Lux had recollection of this peculiar way of talking in roundabout way that was somewhat different from his little sister Airi who acted like a respectable young lady.

    When he slowly opened his heavy eyelids, he could see that girl¡¯s face.

    Lux felt relieved and his tension slackened, but at that moment an intense out of place feeling assaulted him.

    ¡¸Something is different. Please wake up, Lux-san©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, Noct! What are you doing here-!?¡¹

    Lux leaped up in a flash from his bed and questioned the girl in front of him.

    His consciousness instantly woke up.

    The girl who was his junior in this Academy©¤©¤his little sister¡¯s best friend, and a member of the famous trio in the Academy©¤©¤the Triad, was standing there as though it was only natural.

    The girl with black hair and deep green eyes slightly opened her eyes wide, but her usual composure immediately returned and she quietly took a step back.

    ¡¸Yes. Good morning, master.¡¹

    Noct softly closed her eyes and bowed toward Lux.

    ¡¸Ah, that, good morni©¤©¤¡­¡­not that! Just what are you doing here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Just as Lux-san see, I only came to wake you up though?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not what I meant. More importantly your appearance©¤©¤?¡¹

    Yes,

    He didn¡¯t notice that the girl before him was Noct for a moment was caused by her outfit.

    She was wearing a maid headdress and a cotton dress with black basic tone.

    The maid appearance with pure white apron that gave a sense of cleanliness really suited her.

    Even though her figure was enveloped with graceful elegance, her sex appeal could also be vaguely felt, causing his heart to spontaneously skip a beat.

    However Lux stared fixedly at her, wondering just why she was dressing like that.

    ¡¸No. Unfortunately, I cannot answer the wish of the perverted master who wants the skirt¡¯s length to be shortened.¡¹

    ¡¸you¡¯re wrong!? What kind of person Noct is setting me up inside your mind!? Tha, that¡¯s not it, why are you dressing like that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Before explaining, first I recommend master to wash your face. The breakfast will still be some time ahead. Sharis and Tillfur are already waiting outside.¡¹

    Noct obstinately didn¡¯t answer Lux¡¯s question and she prompted him indifferently.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux opened his room¡¯s curtain while still wearing his sleepwear, he could see Tillfur below wearing casual clothing in front of the dormitory¡¯s door.

    When she noticed Lux, she looked up at him with her bright smile and,

    ¡¸Lux-chi, morniiing!¡¹

    She waved her hand at him cheerfully.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux responded to her with an awkward smile and he recalled the plan for today. He turned around.

    ¡¸Noct, you see.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. What is it, master.¡¹

    ¡¸I completely don¡¯t understand why Noct is dressing like that.¡¹

    Incidentally, it was also a puzzle why she was calling him master instead of the usual ¡¸Lux-san¡¹.

    ¡¸Yes. Could it be, master wish to help you changing clothes?¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot change clothes in front of a girl who is my junior, that¡¯s why get out for now please!?¡¹

    After Lux yelled with flushed cheeks, Noct listened to his order with a slightly disappointed face.

    Lux let out a long sigh at the morning that gave him the premonition of a flurried day.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then in the end, today the requests from everyone else were gone?¡¹

    Ten-odd minutes later after the uproar of his waking up.

    Lux who changed into his uniform and went outside was being shaken inside the small coach.

    As expected, the members of Triad were riding together with him.

    The oldest one and the leader, the third year student, Sharis.

    The bright mood maker, the second year student, Tillfur.

    And then, the calm and quiet best friend of his little sister, Noct. These three people.

    ¡¸Sorry to spring this to you out of nowhere. Perhaps you are taken aback because the chores requests are suddenly disappearing, but we too wanted to surprise you.¡¹

    Sharis who was sitting beside Lux chuckled at his question.

    Today was a rest day for him after so long.

    In the Academy that was nurturing Drag-Knights, the daily schedule could caused fatigue to pile up easier than expected.

    Thus, in the case the students used Drag-Ride consecutively over and over, sometimes a rest period that was called as rest day would be especially prepared for the students.

    At present, Lux was receiving various requests from the students and staffs in the Academy, but normally he couldn¡¯t fulfill all of them because of the great number.

    Thus today Lux promised to go get the piling up requests from Tillfur who was managing the requests from the students, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Yes. The works that are the portion for today had been done beforehand altogether by us Triad. Of course, we avoided the requests that can only be done by Lux-san and collected it for you to be done later.¡¹

    It seemed that they had planned and carried it out from before this.

    ¡¸I have talked a bit with Tillfur, but it appear that you are working a bit too much everyday. You planned to work even at this rare rest day right? That¡¯s why today as your close friends, we formed a plan so that Lux-kun can properly rest©¤©¤that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, I¡¯m really happy hearing that. But, everyone, your appearance©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux nodded in understanding at Sharis¡¯s words while asking.

    Lux was in his uniform like usual, but the appearance of the Triad who were accompanying him was all over the place for some reason.

    Sharis was wearing a dashing butler uniform that he wasn¡¯t used to seeing.

    Tillfur was wearing a cute casual clothes with high exposure rate for autumn.

    Noct was in chic and straight maid appearance the same like before.

    ¡¸This is for the amusement after we arrive at my villa.¡¹

    ¡¸Ha, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis¡¯s smile was filled with implication. Lux could only respond with an expression that was completely at loss for words.

    She was fundamentally someone with leadership capacity and good with looking after other people, but she was strangely a festival lover and tended to act theatrically, or something like that.

    She formed the team called Triad and purposefully volunteered to act as the Academy¡¯s vigilance committee. There were also good times like when Lux was enrolled into the Academy at first, together with Lisha she planned the welcome party for him.

    ¡¸But, why are we going as far as going out?¡¹

    A simple question suddenly surfaced in his mind.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s for me to rest, then isn¡¯t it fine even if do it in the Academy©¤©¤?¡¹

    Sharis smiled proudly when he asked her that.

    ¡¸Fufuh. It looks like we know about Lux-kun better than you know yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi. Even if it¡¯s a rest day you won¡¯t have anything to do after all, and when a request from someone came to you, you will surely accept it. Not just the dorm mother, the other girls will also come to you with requests for sure.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Master need to learn the option called ¡ºI refuse¡» for a bit more, and then please actually apply it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis smiled wryly, while Tillfur and Noct turned a fixed stare at him and muttered that.

    (I, I cannot deny it¡­¡­)

    Honestly, he was aware of that himself.

    It appeared, these girls who were being considerate of Lux seeing how many requests coming at him were in the right.

    The coach the four were riding was running along with gentle rocking.

    Amidst the calm early morning air where people had only just gotten waking up, Lux was being shook by the coach¡¯s rocking while feeling a subtle guilt as though he was skipping off work.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤We have been waiting for your arrival. Thank you for your work, Sharis-ojousama.¡¹

    The residence district of Cross Field¡¯s second block.

    In front of the pure white big mansion that had garden and pond in it, the guards and maids were welcoming their arrival.

    ¡¸This is the house used by my family members like my father or relatives when they come to Cross Field. But today it¡¯s completely reserved for you and us.¡¹

    Lux reconfirmed once more, that the girls in the Academy were fundamentally noble young ladies as expected.

    Especially Sharis, even among the Triad, she was the daughter of the vice commander of the new kingdom¡¯s military, so perhaps this was only natural.

    ¡¸Sorry for the trouble. Leave the rest to us. We only need one guard for the outside.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please take care.¡¹

    The maids and guards bowed in respond to Sharis¡¯s thanks, then they left.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    The servants of the house where they were going to spend their time at after this were going home early for some reason.

    Lux tilted his head wondering what was the meaning of this. Then Sharis who was wearing butler uniform walked ahead and opened the door for him.

    ¡¸Now, welcome. Lux-dono, please take a rest peacefully for today here.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Sharis¡¯s excessively theatrical gesture.

    ¡¸Could it be, everyone is dressed like that because¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. For this whole day, we will take care of Lux-san as your servants.¡¹

    ¡¸Waaa, how envious. To be able to be accompanied by three girls who are this cuteee. ¡­¡­Something like that, that¡¯s why, Lux-chi too don¡¯t hold back at all okay?¡¹

    Noct who nodded indifferently and Tillfur who gave him a thumb up cheerfully.

    ¡¸We are finally inviting you for a break after much trouble. Doing it normally won¡¯t be interesting right? You are a former prince after all. I thought that this kind of idea won¡¯t be bad occasionally.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Because of that, Sharis-senpai dressed as butler like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Well yeah. There was that servant of missy Krulcifer, Alterize wasn¡¯t it? I also want to try dressing like her at aleast once. Does it suit me?¡¹

    ¡¸Then, Noct is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸In the first place my background is from the family of servants that are serving Sharis¡¯s family©¤©¤the Baltshift house. This is my primary appearance outside the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Why is it only Tillfur who is wearing casual clothes?¡¹

    It was only his girl classmate who was wearing casual clothing that consisted of black innerwear that was covered with sleeveless tunic

    Her short pants had two stylish belts coiling around, and her wrists were adorned with slender rings.

    It was an appearance that was fitting for the lively Tillfur, but her healthy shoulders and thighs that were boldly exposed felt defenseless somehow. It made his heart beat really fast.

    ¡¸It won¡¯t be fun even if there are two people dressed as maid see. And so, my role is as the young lady who is Lux-chi¡¯s playmate, how¡¯s that?¡¹

    Seeing Tillfur winking at him in delight, Lux was convinced.

    ¡¸In the end, everyone is simply doing whatever you want isn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    After gathering breath for a moment, he retorted with his all.

    ¡¸Fuu, it can¡¯t be helped that we got found out.¡¹

    Sharis shrugged and responded with a cheerful laugh.

    Really, this trio was really interesting and troubling.

    However, somehow he was also feeling a bit amused.

    This kind of ¡ºplaying¡» with friends of the same generation was something he had never done until now after all.

    Until now, Lux had no friend who would do something like this for him.

    ¡¸But, our feeling that wish to entertain you is the real thing. That¡¯s why, right, we will give you the command right to make one request to each of us. Just say any demand that you like.¡¹

    ¡¸Command right, ¡­¡­is it?¡¹

    ¡¸By the way, it¡¯s a right that is only for today. You have to use it up properly okay?¡¹

    These girls who were his friends would accept Lux¡¯s personal command.

    Honestly speaking, it was an act that Lux found it the most difficult to do, but now that it had come to this, going along with it was only proper.

    While Lux was thinking of what he should request, Sharis who was standing beside him suddenly smiled mischievously and whispered into Lux¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, please be moderate with perverted wish okay? After all we too are still innocent virgin. It doesn¡¯t feel like we will be able to respond to your expectation well.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying right in the morning!? Ma, making that kind of request, I¡¯m not even think©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux went red until his ears instantly and yelled.

    ¡¸You heard that both of you! It seems Lux-kun is still pure at heart you know? Let¡¯s entertain him without any worry!¡¹

    Sharis showed a congenial smile and said that toward Tillfur and Noct.

    ¡¸Wait, just what are you ascertaining from me!/¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, I¡¯m glaad. There is also that Yoruka girl after all, so recently I¡¯m feeling a bit uneasy you knooow¡¹

    For some reason Tillfur was patting down her chest looking relieved from the bottom of her heart.

    ¡¸Yes. I think I can also make a good report to Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you taking memo like that!? Stop it!¡¹

    Lux spontaneously yelled seeing Noct writing smoothly using feather pen on the paper in her hand.

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s quickly prepare breakfast. Lux-kun, after choosing coffee or tea, just relax easily there.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t behave like a servant as though you only just remember about it!¡¹

    Lux was escorted inside the villa with such lively mood.

    ¨C

    After the four finished their breakfast, they enjoyed a light after meal rest.

    Lux proposed to help out with tidying up like washing plates and so on, but Noct who was in charge of the housework denied him gently.

    ¡¸Master, please rest at ease.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s fine to call me Lux just like usual¡­¡­or rather, is there a meaning in this role distribution?¡¹

    Somehow, it would feel more relaxing for Lux if they interacted with him like usual, so he spontaneously said that.

    ¡¸There is. Lux-kun was chosen as princess Lizsharte¡¯s knight. It doesn¡¯t matter even if you are a former imperial family of the old empire or a criminal©¤©¤when you obtained that title, in the future there is a high possibility that you too will have subordinates. It will be fine if you think of this as rehearsal for that.¡¹

    Sharis in her butler uniform was replying like that from right behind the sofa where Lux was sitting.

    Her words themselves might be indeed correct.

    But¡­¡­, somehow it also felt like it was only the surface reason.

    ¡¸Thaat¡¯s how it is, it¡¯s fine to use us without reservation for killing time you know? Even though I look like this, in regards to playing I¡¯m more able than any other.¡¹

    Tillfur puffed up her chest proudly. Lux smiled wryly seeing that.

    In the end, it seemed like this was a really loose master and servant relationship.

    ¡¸I guess, thank you. But, right now I have no request yet I think.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi, normally what are you doing in your holiday? Like when you were still a prince, or before you came to our Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmmm¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hesitated to answer Tillfur¡¯s question.

    Honestly speaking, he couldn¡¯t really remember.

    When he was still living at imperial court, he only had the memory of playing with Philuffy, after that he stretched himself thin with Drag-Ride practice or studying.

    In his life of chores after the coup d¡¯etat, he had no memory other than sleeping because of his fatigue in his holiday.

    Speaking of holiday for Lux, his impression about it was instead the time of working in service business.

    ¡¸Then, how about you spend your time today for your hobby?¡¹

    Sharis gave an advice while Lux was crossing his arms and pondering.

    But, Lux could only smile stiffly.

    ¡¸I, cannot remember. If I¡¯m forced to say, then searching for odd job¡¯s tool or something©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uwah, so you used even your free time for your chores.¡¹

    Tillfur showed a twitching expression at Lux¡¯s answer.

    ¡¸Yes. It seems that Lux-san is ill. The chores nature has been completely instilled into your very bone.¡¹

    ¡¸Cruel-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Pardon my rudeness master. My true feeling unconsciously slipped out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®What¡¯s going on with the thing about these three entertaining me¡­¡­?¡¯

    While Lux was hurt by Noct¡¯s words, Sharis suddenly talked from behind Lux.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. What is called hobby is something that you discover. Was there anything that attract your personal interest while you were playing or working in the past?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerrr¡­¡­¡¹

    Even if she told him that, he couldn¡¯t remember anything.

    ¡¸Uwaa¡­¡­. Sometimes Lux-chi will give off feeling like that but©¤©¤, could it be you have never thought about your own enjoyment at all?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no such thing©¤©¤but¡¹

    Even though he tried to deny it in panic, he was shocked of himself who couldn¡¯t deny it somewhere inside.

    ¡¸Master. The cleaning up is finished.¡¹

    While they were talking like that, the maidNoct who finished the clean up came to his side.

    In the end they couldn¡¯t decide what to do. The three sat together on the sofa.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux was falling silent with a troubled look, the Triad began discussing in whispers.

    Before long it appeared they reached a conclusion. Sharis clapped Lux¡¯s shoulder lightly.

    ¡¸Yosh, the schedule today is decided.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s stimulate the feeling of enjoying spare time that Lux-kun has completely forgotten. ©¤©¤And so, we will have you accompany us in our hobby today. Is that fine?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes!¡¹

    Lux spontaneously nodded at Shari¡¯s confident invitation.

    After that the four immediately arranged their appearance and departed to the center of second block¡¯s center.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then first, will you accompany me with my hobby?¡¹

    The place they were heading with Sharis¡¯s recommendation was a corner where there were a lot of shops lining up even in the commercial district.

    There was a shop there that although small, it was standing with a high class feeling. When they entered, a mysterious smell was drifting their way.

    Colorful glass jars were lined up on the shelves. Even just the containers looked fairly pricey.

    ¡¸This shop, could it be©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, have Lux-kun came to a similar shop like this before?¡¹

    Sharis who said that took one of the small jar and opened the lid.

    She lightly soaked a paper strip inside it and then presented it to him. Lux immediately understood what it was.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is this, perfume?¡¹

    ¡¸Perfume, then there is also pomade. I like the rose aroma, but it¡¯s quiet expensive, and if you aren¡¯t careful with the amount, it will only smell gaudy, so there is also a trick in using it.¡¹

    ¡¸Syvalles¡¯s training will make you sweat a lot, so this kind of thing is really useful you knoow?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I and Tillfur also have Sharis to choose different perfume and pomade for each of us.¡¹

    ¡¸Hee¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux though it unexpected inside his heart.

    He knew that Sharis liked rose, and because of that she preferred perfume and pomade of that fragrance, but he didn¡¯t know that Tillfur and Noct also received theirs from her.

    ¡¸Well, we aren¡¯t using it as frequently as Sharis thouugh. But we will when we want to dress up occasionally.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    He felt a bit embarrassed that he had never noticed until now.

    Perhaps the other girls who somehow smell good were also actually fussing about it in the back.

    (It¡¯s really hard for girl huh.)

    Lux was in admiration, at the same time he became curious with the perfume of the girls and approached near them. There Tillfur took distance from him in panic.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, don¡¯t sniff our scent nonchalantly like that!? Lo, look, we are taking care of it so it will be all right! But there is still the slightest chance of something going wrong isn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    ¡¸So, sorry-¡­¡­!¡¹

    What kind of slightest chance could it be?

    Lux thought questioningly inside his heart, but surely it was rude to approach and sniff a girl.

    ¡¸Master too still have things to learn.¡¹

    When Lux apologized in fluster, Noct muttered that while presenting to him two small jars.

    Tillfur used orange perfume and pomade.

    And it seemed Noct was using lavender aroma, she allowed him to sniff each of the jar¡¯s scent.

    The perfumes perfectly suited the image of the lively and cheerful Tillfur, and the calm and composed Noct.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Now then, I want to present a perfume to Lux-kun too. Try sniffing various aroma and test which one you like. If you use it well, your stock as man will increase further you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. I¡¯ll give it a try.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression broke into a relieved smile at Sharis¡¯s consideration.

    He had done various things through his chores, but he hadn¡¯t experienced something like this, so it felt fresh.

    ¡¸Actually I also want you to try cosmetic too. If it is matched with the cross-dressing you did before, I think it will surely become useful for disguise but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I absolutely don¡¯t want to do that!¡¹

    Lux who got his previous trauma revived instantly refused with all his might.

    In the end he chose a lemongrass perfume and then they headed to the next shop.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Yahoo! I have contacted beforehand but, do you got free time?¡¹

    Next they visited a shop of ornament that Tillfur¡¯s relative was managing.

    The inside of the shop gave an antique feeling, various accessories were lining up everywhere.

    ¡¸My? You are bringing your friends again.¡¹

    A female shopkeeper with elegant atmosphere welcomed Lux and co with a smile.

    It seemed that Tillfur¡¯s family had an artisan background, they had their main store in the capital which seemed to be really famous.

    ¡¸At Lilmit main store, they are making goods that are dedicated for the kingdom, like noble¡¯s family crest, the arm band of the new kingdom¡¯s military, collar badge, and so on. A part of those items manufacturing has been requested to us since the era of the old empire.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The three of us getting acquainted with each other mainly began from that connection too.¡¹

    Sharis was born in a famous family of knight, while Noct was from the family of servants that served Sharis¡¯s house.

    And then, Tillfur was the daughter of craftsman who came and went to receive work order from the military.

    They were each brought by their parents to work since they were childhood and encountered each other, and because their residences were close to each other at the time, they became close.

    They were childhood friends from ten years ago, and even now they were really close to each other.

    Even though their ages were different from each other©¤©¤, and then even though strictly speaking the relationship between Sharis and Noct was that of a master and servant, they called each other without honorific. It seemed that they interacted with each other while forgetting their background when it was only the three of them was from their childhood promise that was still alive until now.

    ¡¸Is, that so.¡¹

    Lux was feeling surprised by the unexpected truth and he looked around inside the shop once more.

    The daughter of a famous craftsman who had a shop of long standing in the royal capital.

    When he imagined that, his impression of Tillfur changed slightly.

    ¡¸Theen, Tillfur¡¯s hobby is to by accessory?¡¹

    Tillfur made a mischievous smile at Lux¡¯s frank question, as though she had been waiting for it. Then she waved her finger while going ¡®tsk, tsk¡¯.

    ¡¸How na?ve, Lux-chi. Something like that is for only beginner. Today we came here to design our own accessory.¡¹

    She lined up chairs in front of the counter, then she prepared a desk, papers, ink, and feather pens.

    It seemed she had made appointment so the shop would make the accessory based on their own designed shape or picture.

    ¡¸As an apprentice, sometimes I was also told to do design work. How¡¯s that? Surprised?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. You¡¯re amazing, Tillfur.¡¹

    When Lux praised her honestly, Sharis and Noct muttered with a small voice.

    ¡¸Though most of what she created will be adjusted again by the shopkeeper here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Also, the accessory from her design doesn¡¯t really sold well.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Even though I¡¯m doing my best in making appeal-!?¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Tillfur¡¯s boast that easily crumbled while he also tried to draw his own design.

    The rabbit picture that he casually drew ended up poorly. Tillfur laughed at it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, next I will introduce my hobby to master.¡¹

    For the last, Lux accompanied Noct in her hobby at the bookstore that was near the center of the second block.

    Because book was expensive and previous, there was also shop with membership system that not only sold book but also lending them out.

    The store was smaller than the library in the Academy, but countless bookshelves were lined up and the space was filled with peculiar scent.

    Reading originally should be really matching with Noct¡¯s image but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But, I wonder why. I don¡¯t really remember Noct reading book in the Academy though?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I almost never read in front of other people after all.¡¹

    She easily answered like that.

    ¡¸Normally I will prioritize my work as servant. After all nonchalantly obtaining various knowledge for the sake of the master I¡¯m serving is my duty.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Certainly, Noct might be a daughter of family of servant.

    But, at the very least right now she was still military cadet. Her work ethic in spite of that was surprising.

    Perhaps, her usual silent appearance was also from there©¤©¤.

    ¡¸By the way, my personality is like this simply by birth.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Is my face that easy to understand¡­¡­?¡¯

    After reading Lux¡¯s heart with her usual fixed stare, Noct silently walked forward.

    ¡¸Master too, if there is book that you are interested at, please tell me by all means.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right¡­¡­¡¹

    (She is still going to continue calling me that¡­¡­?)

    Even while feeling slightly overwhelmed, Lux stared at the spine of the books lining up inside the shelves. He took some of them into his hand and gave them a look.

    At the past, he was reading tactic manual, philosophy book, and Drag-Ride book in the imperial court¡¯s archive, but©¤©¤.

    Almost everything was for the sake of obtaining necessary knowledge for the revolution. He had almost never reading book simply because of pure curiosity.

    ¡¸By the way, what kind of book Noct is reading right now?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Recently I¡¯m reading mainly books about decorative plant and kitchen garden. Because I¡¯m also raising up flower in the Academy.¡¹

    When Lux tried asking to obtain a clue for what book to choose, such reply immediately came back to him.

    He thought that it didn¡¯t sound so bad, but as expected he didn¡¯t get any other idea.

    ¡¸Oi, the boy there. What kind of thing you are interested at?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    While he was walking around in front of the bookshelves, the middle-aged man behind the counter called out to him.

    The shopkeeper gave a stern impression with his large built that was unusual for a bookstore. He leaned his body forward and beckoned at Lux.

    ¡¸Even so, boy, you cannot be made light of eh.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­?¡¹

    The shopkeeper brought his face close to the ear of the bewildered Lux and grinned widely.

    ¡¸That missy wearing maid uniform. She often came since some time ago, but this is the first time she brought a man with her. You are quite something huh?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, Noct is only my junior in school. We aren¡¯t like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Gah-ha-ha. Don¡¯t be so shy! Even I got several women serving me when I was young!¡¹

    *Bam bam* The shopkeeper slapped Lux¡¯s back painfully.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was nonplussed by this shopkeeper¡¯s mood, but the Triad were looking for book at slight distance away, so they weren¡¯t paying attention to here.

    ¡¸Yosh! What kind of book that you want? You can tell uncle anything!¡¹

    ¡¸Err, is there any book that is popular for a boy my age?¡¹

    When the troubled Lux told the shopkeeper his original objective, the shopkeeper grinned after thinking for a while and took out a book from behind the counter.

    ¡¸Yosh! It has to be this. Surely this is gonna be useful when you got closer with those girls. Also , it can be used somehow when you are alone by yourself. This book is enlightening.¡¹

    Was this a book about how to get closer to someone, or perhaps about friendship?

    ¡¸The, then please lend me that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Here you go, don¡¯t let your teachers find it no matter what!¡¹

    The shopkeeper spoke incomprehensible thing while giving the book to Lux.

    ¡¸Eh? The price©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aah¡­¡­I already got the money from that girl just now. This book¡¯s cost is within that range. Don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux turned his gaze at Noct who was some distance away.

    When the girl in maid appearance noticed him, she gave him a small nod.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you very much.¡¹

    Lux said his gratitude to the shopkeeper and joined up with the Triad.

    They then entered a nearby caf¨¦ for a short break and this time Lux said his thanks to Noct once more.

    ¡¸Thank you Noct. For giving me this present of book.¡¹

    ¡¸I only did the natural thing for a servant. More importantly Lux-san, what kind of book that you bought?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep yep. I¡¯m also interested.¡¹

    Noct showed a faint smile. The Tillfur also spiritedly joined the talk.

    ¡¸Here. Take a look.¡¹

    Lux presented the book the shopkeeper chose for him and Noct opened the page.

    But, right after that, for some reason the junior girl¡¯s expression stiffened.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Ten-odd seconds later, Noct¡¯s cheeks were vaguely reddening and he turned a reproachful gaze at him along with a mysterious silence.

    ¡¸Excuse me, Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸What? I was told that it¡¯s a book that will be really useful for me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸This novel, it has a story about the love affair of a master and a maid written in it though?¡¹

    ¡¸Buhah!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively spurted out the tea he was drinking.

    ¡¸Eh, let me see©¤©¤wait, this book, there ain¡¯t nothing in it except erotic scene!?¡¹

    Tillfur who snatched the book from the side yelled with blushing cheeks.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Wait a second!? This is some kind of mistake. I¡¯m not©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who was about to make excuse went ¡®hah¡¯ in realization.

    ¡ºSurely this is gonna be useful when you got closer with those girls.¡»

    He recalled the shopkeeper¡¯s words and cold sweat trickled through his back.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤this is what he meant!?¡¹

    At that moment, Noct who was sitting in front of him while staring at him reproachfully was glaring at Lux with an upward gaze.

    ¡¸So I was made to buy this kind of lewd book as my hospitality for Lux-san. Does Lux-san overlap the image of the maid in this story with me?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a misunderstanding so stop with that way of talking okay!? Or rather, don¡¯t tell this to Airi no matter what!¡¹

    ¡¸But, it can¡¯t be helped if this is master¡¯s wish. I¡¯m returning this book. Please, enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s fine you know!? I don¡¯t need it! This is only a mistake anyway!¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-san really doesn¡¯t need this book? The content written inside seem to be really amazing though?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I will tell Airi later that Lux-san is hesitating.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you that¡¯s not it-!? I really don¡¯t need it!¡¹

    Lux shook his head in panic. Near him, Sharis and Tillfur were staring at him with a grin.

    ¡¸Fufufu. Somehow it feels strange to know the fetish of a boy I¡¯m acquainted with.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi also has that kind of side eeeh.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s why this is just a mistake©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then I will keep hold to this book. I will look for a chance and send it back to that perverted shopkeeper. In exchange I will choose the suitable book for Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, ye, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t an atmosphere where he could say that he felt just slightly disappointed of that.

    After the four had tea for a bit, they left the caf¨¦.

    They would shop in the market before returning to Sharis¡¯s villa.

    ¡¸Do you have a request for the dinner master? If it¡¯s something that needs no prior preparation then I can mostly make it but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, food that everyone likes is fine.¡¹

    When Lux answered like that to Noct¡¯s question, the Triad made a long sigh.

    ¡¸You are just like always. It helps that you are considerate, but it¡¯s fine to be a bit more selfish you know? After all we too have know each other quite well.¡¹

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was going to respond to Sharis¡¯s words, at that time,

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Oi! You over there-!¡¹

    ¨C

    At the main street that was heading toward the market in the second district, a man came yelling angrily.

    He was wearing an old and dirty coat with unshaven grim face.

    Strong scent of alcohol could be smelt mixing with sour body odor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Me?¡¹

    Lux was slightly perplexed while pointing at himself. Then the man got even closer with unsteady gait.

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t that obvious you criminal! Because you lost against the like of the new kingdom, I got fired from my job! The value of man got decreased in this damn country! ¡­¡­Hics!¡¹

    The man¡¯s face was bright red until his neck. His gait was unsteady.

    ¡¸Did something happen?¡¹

    Even so, Lux replied calmly.

    He had often met this kind of drunk since he was doing chores, so he was used with handling them.

    He wanted to conclude this peacefully in the way that didn¡¯t bother the Triad.

    ¡¸I was only doing exactly the same thing like before! Even though I finally climbed up until the position of the aide of miner union leader, just because of that minor thiiing©¤©¤. If it¡¯s at the empire in the past, this kinda thing ain¡¯t gonna happen to me¡­¡­dammit-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    If the unclear rambling of the drunkard was summarized, it seemed that the man¡¯s drinking habit was bad and he constantly acted and spoke violently at the women in his workplace. He was criticized about that by the work inspector and just the other day he was dismissed from his position.

    The current new kingdom was changing from the strong trend of male chauvinism.

    The drunkard thought that was the cause of his failure. Then at that timing he accidentally caught sight of Lux who was a former imperial family. His rage exploded from that.

    ¡®Fuu.¡¯ Lux took a deep breath, then he spoke with a calm voice.

    ¡¸I understand that you hate me, but nothing good will come from it even if you do that you know?¡¹

    However, it appeared the man took offense needlessly at Lux¡¯s calm attitude. He raised up his empty bottle and attacked suddenly instead.

    ¡¸Shuut up you criminal! Because of you bastard I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    That attack which was like a surprise attack made Lux held his breath.

    But, the moment he reacted in order to protect Sharis and others, the three girls burst into action and leaped in front of Lux.

    ¡¸Buhah!?¡¹

    Tillfur threw the wheat flour bundle they bought for dinner to the man¡¯s face, then when the man faltered, Noct swept the man¡¯s leg with her boot.

    At the end Sharis sharply thrust her sheathed Sword Device in front of the face of the man who fell on her butt.

    ¡¸Yo, you bitches, what aare©¤©¤¡¹

    The flowing combination movement caused the repelled man to get bewildered, unable to understand what had happened.

    ¡¸Stay quiet if you don¡¯t want to get injured. We are going to call the guard now so be patient. Also, laying your hand on him right now isn¡¯t a good move you know? After all this me, the daughter of the military¡¯s vice commander is accompanying him.¡¹

    ¡¸Guh, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    The more a person wielded their authority, the weaker they were against someone with stronger authority.

    The man groaned in frustration and didn¡¯t resist further.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was surprising.

    Even though Lux thought that he was better than the girls in hand-to-hand combat and tried to protect them, it was instead him who got protected.

    ¡¸Perhaps we have overstepped ourselves impertinently?¡¹

    After the drunkard was taken away by the arriving guards, Sharis suddenly said that to him.

    ¡¸No, I was saved©¤©¤, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. After all we are also really used to this kinda thing. We have caught many peeping tom, molester, or kidnapper that came to the Academy after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, master also seems familiar with this. You didn¡¯t look shaken at all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I guess.¡¹

    Lux smiled awkwardly in respond to Noct¡¯s words.

    ¡¸Recently I haven¡¯t really met anyone like that©¤©¤but five years ago, when I had only just started doing chores here and there, something like this happened frequently.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸There was also people who investigated my location and aimed at me, so I kept moving to various places, and I also couldn¡¯t make friend the same age with me at all©¤©¤wait, sorry. Somehow it became a gloomy story.¡¹

    When Lux hurriedly smiled wryly, Sharis lightly clapped Lux¡¯s shoulder.

    And then, they started walking through the path toward the market again.

    ¡¸Sorry for today, we are making merry foolishly like usual. We thought to entertain you a bit more seriously but, the three of us are this kind of people after all.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. When I¡¯m looking at you three, I¡¯m also having fun.¡¹

    Sharis went ¡®fuh¡¯ seeing Lux¡¯s smiling face and she smiled.

    ¡¸I see. That¡¯s great. By the way, you still haven¡¯t use your command right to us though? Won¡¯t you make your decision soon?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux noticed that he had completely forgotten about what he had been told before they went out until now.

    The three were sending him fixed gaze that was filled with expectation. After worrying and thinking for a while©¤©¤Lux said.

    ¡¸Err, then©¤©¤, from here on¡­¡­will you three keep getting along with me as my friends?¡¹

    Lux said that even while thinking that it was a bit embarrassing.

    That was Lux¡¯s genuine feeling.

    Lux intended to wish for the relationship that he who was a former imperial family and a criminal was looking for, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸No good.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Sharis who suddenly put up a smile answered Lux immediately.

    ¡¸Me too, I think that kind of wish is just out of question.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I agree with that point.¡¹

    (To, to think that I¡¯ll receive rejection when the mood is like this-¡­¡­!)

    Lux was dumbfounded inside his heart. He reflexively hung down his head, but then,

    ¡¸Fufu, you are cute like always. Don¡¯t look that shocked.¡¹

    Sharis wrapped her hand on Lux¡¯s shoulder with a mischievous tone.

    The sensation of soft breast touched his shoulder. At the same time, the faint scent of rose perfume caused his heart to skip a beat.

    Sharis lightly poked at the cheek of the bewildered Lux and she smiled.

    ¡¸We and you are already a very close friends right? And then, it¡¯s already decided that we are going to get along well with you from here on too. That¡¯s why©¤©¤there is already no need to accept that kind of command right from the start.¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct also showed their smile in respond to Sharis¡¯s words.

    Just from seeing that, it was conveyed to Lux that these three had the same feeling.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you, very much.¡¹

    Lux smiled in relieves and told them so.

    For a long time, he didn¡¯t wish for that for the sake of his objective.

    Even so©¤©¤somewhere in his heart he was wishing for that relationship all this time.

    He was really happy that they were saying that to him.

    ¡¸Then, how about we try to form a team of not just us three, but with the four of us? However, it will be weird if one of us is the only one with different appearance©¤©¤I won¡¯t mind if you cross dress only when in the time of activity you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Please stop already with that kind of talk-!¡¹

    Lux whose old wound was gouged out yelled in fluster.

    As expected, having a lot of friends that were only girls might bring a different kind of hardship with it too. Lux smiled wryly.

 Volume 9 - CH 8

    ¨C

    Lux felt a prickling pain inside his head, his field of vision was covered by sandstorm.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What¡¯s this? My body, is heavy¡­¡­¡¹

    He felt uneasy that he might catch a cold, but when he pressed his hand on his head, the pain immediately receded.

    Last night he became awake at midnight due to a strange earthquake.

    Perhaps it affected him a bit.

    ¡¸Now then-¡­¡­there, I wonder if  the preparation is fine like this?¡¹

    The fortress city Cross Field, in the morning of a holiday.

    Lux was wiping the sweat on his head inside his room at the girl dormitory where currently he was spending his time alone.

    Luggage was crowding inside the room for two people.

    He was packing food, valuables, change of clothes, and so on for the portion of several days, but it was already a lot just from that.

    More than half of his luggage was merchandises that Relie prepared for him to be used for his camouflage.

    The contents were mainly precious metals and expensive Drag-Ride related items.

    The background setting was that he would be bringing them to Heiburg Republic¡¯s capital for business discussion.

    Of course, his true objective was different.

    He would go there for infiltration where he would investigate a certain incident that was being done by the initiative of Heiburg Republic¡¯s higher-ups.

    ¡¸However, I wonder if I will be able to do this alone? Something like this©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux sat down on his bed and muttered earnestly.

    He slowly took a deep breath and closed his eyes and recalled the happening about a week ago.

    ¨C

    The underground labyrinth inside Academy¡¯s ground.

    In that space that was like an atelier with countless utensil lined up and bookshelves that were filled with books recording important secrets, Lux was given an unexpected mission by the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca.

    ¨C

    ¡ºTherefore, the Seven Dragon Paladin of New Kingdom Atismata, Lux Arcadia. I will bequeath you with a special mission from the captain. Find the traitor that exist among our world alliance©¤©¤and erase them! I already have a prospect where they might appear.¡»

    ¨C

    The ancient race of Ruin, the Lords showed their appearance around two weeks ago. The imperial princess of the Lords, Listelka suggested a skill exhibition battle. As the result, the Ruin inside new kingdom¡¯s territory, Babel fell into Heiburg¡¯s hand.

    In order to carry out Ruin investigation for the span a month, an expeditionary force from Heiburg was starting the procedure to be stationed in a port city inside new kingdom¡¯s territory.

    It was the port city inside the territory that was governed by Celis¡¯s father Dist, one of the four great nobles. The name of the port city was©¤©¤Triport.

    That city that was the nearest to Babel would likely get dragged into the whirlpool of disturbance.

    The treasures that would be obtained by conquering Ruin would be stolen, and through the process of that, Abyss would appeared and brought harm to the surrounding, which would be burdened to the new kingdom.

    Furthermore if by chance the greatest class of Abyss, the Ragnarok slipped away from the Babel, there was even the possibility that several cities and villages would be erased from the map.

    Because of that, mixed force of Drag-Knights would be dispatched from the new kingdom to the Triport, even several Academy¡¯s students who were Divine Drag-Ride users would be recruited toward that city by turns.

    There was a possibility that Lux would also get chosen for that, but thinking that he should refrain from using Bahamut inside the new kingdom¡¯s territory, he was told by Relie to concentrate toward a different mission.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s unfortunate that I cannot serve as Lux¡¯s aide, but I will accomplish my own duty. Please be careful while you are away.¡»

    Celis said that to him and then departed to Triport early.

    And then on the other hand, Lux was preparing for his departure toward the capital of Heiburg Republic, Exestal, in order to accomplish the mission Magialca gave him.

    Why was Magialca convinced that the ¡ºtraitor¡» of the world alliance would show up there?

    From Lux¡¯s viewpoint, he was half in doubt about Magialca¡¯s reasoning, but for the time being he would disguise himself as merchant and infiltrated there.

    Thus, he gathered the merchandises Relie arranged for him and put his outfit in order.

    It was the eleventh month©¤©¤the autumn was coming to an end. During these remaining ten days, Lux had finished going to class while spending time with the girls.

    He had felt it once more, how pleasant his everyday with the girls.

    Exactly because of that©¤©¤Lux was able to renew his determination that he wouldn¡¯t let this world came to an end in half more years.

    In a few more days Lux would depart from this Cross Field.

    Before that he went out from the girl dormitory while pondering if there was something that he hadn¡¯t done.

    ¡¸I have also done as much chores as possible in the Academy that I wasn¡¯t able to do until now. I think it will be fine for now but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux strolled at the courtyard while muttering.

    For today he accepted almost no chores in order to prepare. His schedule was empty since the afternoon.

    ¡¸Should I invite Airi and walk around in the city?¡¹

    While he was thinking of such thing, he suddenly ran into female students of the Academy.

    ¡¸Ah, Lux-san. How do you do?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, are you doing chores again today? Even though it¡¯s a holiday, you must have it hard.¡¹

    Two girls at the same grade with him called out to him amiably.

    When Lux asked them if there was anything unusual, the two of them pondered for a while.

    ¡¸Eerrr, let¡¯s see. Come to think of it¡­¡­, there was a girl who was sneakily loitering around the Academy since some time ago. You can call that strange perhaps.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    The humanoid Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse that had only just gotten defeated should have revived yet.

    Thus it shouldn¡¯t be a big problem, but he got a bit curious about it.

    ¡¸Thank you. Then, I¡¯ll go take a look for a bit.¡¹

    Lux parted from the two students and went out of the Academy gate and looked around the area.

    He was vigilant against the possibility of fellow like Gerdaf who attacked Lux and others in the campus festival, but it seemed it was only his needless anxiety.

    Yoruka would periodically stand on guard at the Academy, but he also didn¡¯t want to burden it all on just her, so this was a good chance.

    ¡¸Right now there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Nyaaah¡¹

    When Lux was feeling relieved at the peace before him, a cat suddenly crossed in front of Lux.

    The cat looked somewhat familiar. Its mouth was holding a small bag.

    ¡®Eh?¡¯, Lux thought while feeling slightly taken aback. Then at that moment, sound of footsteps came from behind.

    ¡¸Wai-!? WAIIIITTT-!? SOMEONE, PLEASE CATCH THAT CAAATT-!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux turned his face toward the voice in surprise.

    Over there, a girl wearing clean and neat lacy dress was desperately chasing the cat.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me this©¤©¤, again!?¡¹

    Correct.

    It was that cat, the cat who became the impetus of Lux getting enrolled into the Academy.

    It seemed that thieving cat had learned the habit of stealing people¡¯s thing.

    But, only this time there was no way he would let it escape easily.

    ¡¸Yosh! I¡¯ll absolutely catch it this time!¡¹

    Lux instantly determined himself.

    This opponent beat him at the first game of tag, but he was different from that time.

    If it was the current him©¤©¤he could overtake it.

    ¡¸Funyaaaah!¡¹

    It was uncertain if the cat considered Lux as its longtime enemy, but the thieving cat too meowed shrilly with fighting spirit, then it accelerated.

    But, even so Lux wasn¡¯t left behind.

    The agile and skilled escape of the wild animal was cornered by Lux¡¯s experience.

    (As I thought. It¡¯s the same cat with before©¤©¤, its escape habit is the same.)

    Lux¡¯s observation and foresight had been polished through Drag-Ride¡¯s mock battle.

    It could also be applied to cat¡¯s movement. Lux erased its escape options one by one.

    It might not be possible if it was that time when he came for the first time to the Academy, but the current Lux was thoroughly familiar with the structure of the Academy¡¯s ground.

    Where was the place that a cat could easily escape to?

    Or else, where was the place where it would be easy to corner the cat later?

    Lux himself was also running in full speed while tightening those options, guided the cat, and cornered it.

    ¡¸Yosh! After getting this far©¤©¤, wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lux thought that he had cornered the cat until the corner of the fence, the cat kicked on the wall and jumped high.

    Lux was taken by surprise.

    It wasn¡¯t just Lux, even the cat had improved in skill.

    A beat later Lux also jumped and reached out his hand, but he couldn¡¯t catch it.

    ¡¸Wait! IBoku too¡­¡­! No, Iwatashi too am also here!¡¹

    The voice of the girl who was also chasing after the cat while wearing skirt immediately came from behind.

    Lux who detected her presence used his finger to pull the string of the bag fluttering in the air and he succeeded somehow in breaking the cat¡¯s balance.

    ¡¸Funyaaa!?¡¹

    The cat lost his balance midair and fell, but Lux too also failed in taking the bag.

    Lux fell on the ground on his back with his face facing up. In the end he was unable to catch the cat, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ei-!¡¹

    The girl wearing frilly one piece who came chasing the cat splendidly caught the bag.

    Lux who used all his might to stop the cat¡¯s movement, and the girl who aimed at the bag.

    The teamwork of the two meshed perfectly with each other and made the strategy a success magnificently.

    ¡¸I did it! I got it back, thank you Lux-kun!¡¹

    The girl raised her hand with a wide smile.

    Lux kept lying down on the ground while he was going to reply back with a smile, but then he suddenly held his breath in surprise and turned stiff.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh, just now? My name©¤©¤¡­¡­wait, uwah!?¡¹

    When Lux was going to lift up his body in surprise, he noticed that situation.

    The smiling girl who took back the back.

    Lux had tumbled down between the legs of the girl who was standing above him.

    For the girl who was wearing pure white dress to be right above him meant that his gaze was inevitably absorbed to inside her skirt©¤©¤, sky blue color that was like clear weather of the autumn was projected there.

    ¡¸Wait, KYAAAaAAAH!?¡¹

    The girl instantly turned red until her neck and she screamed with all her might.

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second-!? If you yell that loudly©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux immediately got up on his feet, took the girl¡¯s hand, and pulled her into the nearby cover.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you doing!? Co, could it be©¤©¤, you are planning to do pe, pe-pe-perverted thing to meboku!?¡¹

    ¡¸Not that!? This place is still a military facility after a fashion, so you will get scolded if you are found out!¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl finally noticed. She allowed herself to be dragged by Lux and obediently hid at the shadow of a bush.

    After that, Triad members arrived to that place that was slightly distanced from the courtyard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hmm, I thought that I heard a girl¡¯s scream from here, but it appears that it was just my imagination.¡¹

    ¡¸Sharis is highly strung eeh. Though the campus festival has also just ended, so I get it if you feel anxious.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Perhaps it was only Lux-san accidentally encountering someone changing clothes again.¡¹

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct were muttering such thing alternately.

    They then looked around for a bit at the surrounding, then they left.

    ¡¸Fuu, we¡¯re saved¡­¡­¡¹

    If it was Lux, he believed that he would be forgiven even if he was found out, but he didn¡¯t want the girls of Triad who volunteered to act as vigilance committee to bend the rule for him too much.

    The moment he patted his chest in relieve, he suddenly noticed the presence behind him.

    When he turned around, the girl whose expression was stiff from enduring the embarrassment still had her hand grasped by Lux.

    ¡¸No, this isn¡¯t how it looks like!? I was looking at your underwear before this was a misunderstanding©¤©¤not that, it was just an accident! I didn¡¯t have any intention at all to peek¡­¡­, wait, eh?¡¹

    While making excuse, a strange sensation rose inside Lux¡¯s body that was holding hand with the girl.

    A faint prickling pain was born behind his eyes. He saw sandstorm before his eyes.

    The sound of blood circulation echoed in his eardrums.

    After that happening that took place in less than a few seconds, the form of the girl before him overlapped with a certain image.

    ¡¸You, could you be, ¡­¡­Coral?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The girl was flustered hearing the word that slipped out from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    Lux himself thought that no way such thing could be true.

    The young man who was the aide of Greifer, the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality. A young man with gentle personality who was quite friendly with Lux.

    After the summit two weeks ago was over, Coral should have returned back to Vanheim Principality together with Greifer and others.

    Furthermore, the person in front of Lux right now was wearing clothes and hairstyle of girl.

    Vibrant long light green hair that was spreading out and pure white dress.

    That appearance made Lux felt a strong d¨¦j¨¤ vu for some reason.

    Although Coral originally had androgynous appearance, he should have never seen this girl¡¯s appearance for even once.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after that, a sharp pain ran inside Lux¡¯s head and he fell on his knee.

    His hand pressed on his forehead and he stayed still. After that the pain immediately receded.

    ¡¸A, are you all right Lux-kun¡­¡­? If you are feeling unwell, then we should go to the medical office©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl called out to Lux uneasily, but Lux stood up and shook his head.

    ¡¸No. I¡¯m all right already so don¡¯t worry. More importantly, as I thought you are Coral right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? N, no Iboku¡­¡­not that, Iwatashi am not that person¡­¡­you know?¡¹

    The girl averted her eyes without any confidence for some reason.

    (It¡¯s too suspicious¡­¡­. But©¤©¤)

    In reality, there was also no definite truth that this girl was Coral.

    She had the same hair and eye color with Coral, so he believed the possibility was high, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Just now you mentioned medical office didn¡¯t you? How did you know that this place has something like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­, n, no. A military facility this size must have that much at least. Re, remember, just now you said that this place is a military facility.¡¹

    The girl made an awkward friendly smile, but as expected she was subtly suspicious.

    ¡¸The, then, seeing that I am an outsider here, I¡¯ll quickly leave. Thank you for helping me taking back this bag.¡¹

    The girl said that and slowly tried to back away from Lux.

    Lux who saw that raised his voice in hurry.

    ¡¸Wait! The gate before this has a patrolling soldier. It¡¯s better to get out from the backdoor. The number of student strolling around is also increasing at this time, perhaps it¡¯s better to hurry©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? Understood, I will be careful. Farewell!¡¹

    The girl smiled and waved her hand, then she half ran toward the backdoor.

    She was moving in a straight line through the shortest route toward the backdoor that was still far away from this spot that was at the verge of the courtyard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, after a few seconds, the girl stopped still. She turned around with a wry smile.

    ¡¸E, errr¡­¡­right, yes. Whe, where is the backdoor again!? I forgot to ask that-!¡¹

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    She finally got captured at the second trap Lux laid out.

    In the first place, only the student of the Academy knew about the backdoor.

    And yet she©¤©¤no, he instantly guessed the location instantly.

    In other words, he knew about the backdoor¡¯s location.

    Most likely, it was Airi who told him that while he was staying in the Cross Field.

    It seemed that he noticed that late, but the proof was already left behind.

    ¡¸Say¡­¡­as I thought, you noticed already, about meboku?¡¹

    Coral grasped the cuff of his dress while averting his gaze shyly.

    From his hairstyle and outfit, he wasn¡¯t an androgynous young man anymore, he only looked like a cute girl that was Lux¡¯s age.

    ¡¸Well, it wasn¡¯t like I was 100% sure. By the way, why are you still in this Cross Field? Also, that appearance too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahahahaha¡­¡­. This is, there is a bit of circumstance©¤©¤more importantly Lux-kun. What do you think about myboku appearance right now?¡¹

    ¡¸Even if you ask me that©¤©¤, you look like a normal cute girl though.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    Coral¡¯s eyes turned round like saucer hearing Lux¡¯s words. Right after that his cheeks puffed red.

    Seeing that reaction bewildered even Lux who said that.

    ¡¸N, no, I don¡¯t mean like that. I mean that it really suits you, o, or that your disguise looks really natural.¡¹

    Lux was worried because he called Coral ¡ºcute¡» even though he was pretty much a male, but it seemed Coral didn¡¯t really mind it.

    ¡¸Fo, for the time being I¡¯m currently a boy you know!? ©¤©¤Not that! Things like my hair color or eye color, they properly look like the usual me right?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. But, your chest©¤©¤¡¹

    There was only one place that was baffling for Lux.

    The two bulges that could be clearly seen from above the dress were things that couldn¡¯t be seen from Coral previously.

    ¡¸Eh, this!? Thi, this is, that©¤©¤the, they are padding. It¡¯s for disguise, just in case.¡¹

    Coral smiled wryly in panic and explained it like that.

    Lux was a bit curious about his chest, but he also hesitated to stare fixedly at there, so he didn¡¯t ask further than that.

    ¡¸And, why are you looking like that? What¡¯s more you are loitering around the Academy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸E, eerr, you see, it will be long if I talk about it but, that¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Coral hesitating looking slightly bewildered, Lux let out a sigh.

    Surely it was a matter that was hard to be said openly in this place.

    Lux who guessed that made a suggestion.

    ¡¸Then, how about we talk outside the Academy? I think I can show you around if it¡¯s inside the Cross Field.¡¹

    ¡¸Ri, right. Please, by all means¡­¡­¡¹

    And then, Lux headed outside the Academy together with Coral who was still blushing.

    ¨C

    ¡¸And, just what happened? Can you tell now that we are here?¡¹

    Lux brought Coral who was wearing a neat and clean dress to walk leisurely on the main street.

    They were at the center of the first block that was shaped like a cross.

    Perhaps because today was a holiday, the central plaza was bustling. They sat on a bench and finally Coral told his story.

    ¡¸Err, you see. It¡¯s hard to say it with a loud voice but, this is a mission from Vanheim Principality. Because of that I disguised myself like this. It¡¯s embarrassing though.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so. But©¤©¤just what kind of mission it is?¡¹

    Lux looked at Coral¡¯s figure when she was going to talk.

    His hair wasn¡¯t braided like usual. His long hair was smoothly spreading out.

    His glossy lips were slightly opened, letting out a soprano voice.

    ¡¸Vine Hachettes. One of the three bosses of Dragon Marauder, the Earth Dragon division commander who is leading the Wyrm force. He is still 16 years old, but his strength is among the best.¡¹

    ¡¸Dragon Marauder!? Don¡¯t tell me, they are still near the Academy even now©¤©¤¡¹

    The mercenary force that was hostile to the royalty and aristocrats of many countries and raised havoc in Ruins.

    Furthermore they were the archenemy of the world alliance that currently was aiming for Avalon.

    And according to the story that he heard later on, they also seemed to attack the Academy the other day too©¤©¤.

    ¡¸No. Right now they aren¡¯t showing big movement. No, there is only suspicion that his figure was seen here. It seemed that one of the royal knights who were brought here from Vanheim Principality witnessed his appearance. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because of that Coral dressed as a girl and remained alone in this city?¡¹

    Coral nodded while staying alert to the surrounding.

    This town market was bustling right now.

    Coral moved his gaze around to search for the enemy¡¯s figure among the citizens.

    ¡¸But, why is it Coral who remained here? Even if for example a division commander of the Dragon Marauder is really hiding in this city©¤©¤¡¹

    There was no need for Coral to do this mission solo.

    Even if danger would visit, it would happen inside the territory of the new kingdom, not in Vanheim.

    He could just warn the military and had them taken over this case.

    ¡¸No. Don¡¯t tell anyone else this but¡­¡­, that division commander had a debt. He is, a distant relative of Vanhaim Principality¡¯s royalt©¤©¤what¡¯s more he is from the same line as me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The face of Lux who heard that turned slightly tense.

    The young man Vine who was a former royalty wasn¡¯t known by the public, but it was still a fact that he was a relative of Princess Milmiette who Coral served.

    Thus, the country had the motive to deal with this secretly if possible.

    ¡¸That¡¯s the circumstance, so don¡¯t mind me Lux-kun. I can at least protect myself. Well, I also think that originally this matter should be told to the new kingdom¡¯s side, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral smiled wryly. In respond Lux pondered for a bit.

    If this was a secret mission from Vanheim Principality, then there was no way he could tell about this matter to the Academy and the new kingdom.

    In other words©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, let me to help out a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Coral opened his mouth wide at Lux¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡¸It must be difficult to be alone in an unfamiliar city right? Besides if it become a battle against Dragon Marauder, Coral will also be in danger.¡¹

    ¡¸Bu, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Perhaps because it was a special mission, Coral¡¯s expression was a bit bewildered.

    ¡¸You are searching around the Academy because the enemy might be around here isn¡¯t it? I don¡¯t want to let everyone in this city to meet danger.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. You¡¯re right but¡­¡­I¡¹

    Coral¡¯s response was evasive.

    Perhaps Lux¡¯s suggestion was unexpected for Coral. He was bewildered by Lux¡¯s words but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right. I won¡¯t stay with you all the time. Let¡¯s decide a time to walk around the city. It will be standing out if a girl who isn¡¯t even a military cadet is loitering around this area you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so!? I was standing out that much?¡¹

    Coral spoke with a surprised expression, but actually the reality was a bit different from that.

    A beautiful girl at that age that gave a noble impression loitering around the Academy by herself was problematic.

    Although, it was a bit hard to tell Coral who was an androgynous young man just how feminine he looked.

    (I also have experience going through something like this huh¡­¡­)

    Thanks to the experience of the Triad making him cross dressed as girl, Lux could sympathize with Coral.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I got it. Then Lux-kun, can I ask you to teach me a bit about this city?¡¹

    It appeared that Lux¡¯s good will was conveyed. Coral determined himself and agreed.

    And then, the mission with Coral started from this day.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The witness report from Milmiette-sama¡¯s royal guard said that it was around here¡­¡­¡¹

    The extensive outer wall that surrounded Academy¡¯s ground.

    Lux was cautioned by Coral while they were making a round around the surrounding.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to not get to close to the Academy. That¡¯s, if we are seen by the students, we won¡¯t know what they will say about us.¡¹

    ¡¸About Coral? It will be fine, as expected if it¡¯s a party of two like us then it won¡¯t look unnatural. Even if the students saw us, I will cover it up properly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s not about me, it¡¯s about Lux-kun. Won¡¯t it get bad if you are walking alone with me when I¡¯m dressed as girl like this?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? Why?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux responded like that seriously, Coral unusually stared fixedly at him, then he sighed deeply.

    ¡¸Now I understand a little bit about Airi-chan¡¯s hardships. Lux-kun sometimes is really full of opening.¡¹

    Coral¡¯s sarcasm that was quite transparent caused Lux to make a conflicted expression.

    He wanted to object slightly, but he also happened to be relatively aware of what Coral meant, so he couldn¡¯t say it.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t know what is the objective of Dragon Marauder¡¯s division commander Vine. If it¡¯s before the campus festival, then the possibility is high that he came for preliminary inspection in the preparation to rescue Drakkhen, But now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is he planning something like kidnapping the Academy¡¯s student or staff?¡¹

    ¡¸No way¡­¡­is something that I can really say. But, no matter how excellent of a Drag-Knight he is and that he is a division commander, attacking the Academy with you all in it isn¡¯t a good plan.¡¹

    Including Lux, the Academy usually had elites gathered within.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, and then Yoruka.

    It was unthinkable that someone would attack alone knowing that there were six Divine Drag-Ride users as opposition.

    ¡¸Besides, these few days I couldn¡¯t confirm Vine¡¯s appearance.¡¹

    ¡¸Is your presence here exposed?¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder? But, I want to stay here for just a bit more to investigate.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Their talk paused for the moment and a bit of quiet descended.

    Coral observed Lux¡¯s state while smiling apologetically.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, Lux-kun too doesn¡¯t need to try too hard. This mission is like half from my own judgment.¡¹

    Certainly, it might be just as he said.

    Because he was feeling discretion toward Lux¡­¡­or rather, because this was related to the secret of Vanheim Principality, Lux accompanying Coral might also not be a good thing.

    So far as it went, just teaching Coral about the path where he could observe the Academy¡¯s surrounding without standing out should be enough.

    ¡¸Got it. Then, if there is something, come talk to me anytime.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Then©¤©¤, ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Coral was about to respond to Lux¡¯s words. It was at that moment, *growl*, a small sound could be heard from nearby.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It didn¡¯t come from Lux.

    The growling sound of stomach could be heard from in front of him. Coral¡¯s cheeks turned red once more.

    ¡¸Thi, this isn¡¯t what you think Lux-kun!? That¡¯s, it¡¯s not like I skipped eating in order to save the living expenses. I was only completely absorbed in work that I forgot to eat©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed because this was an unexpected mission, Coral didn¡¯t prepare that much money for the travelling expenses.

    It was an unusual miss for Coral who was a reliable person. Lux¡¯s mouth broke into a smile unconsciously.

    ¡¸Is that so? Then Coral is quite a gluttony isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun you, bully¡­¡­¡¹

    When Coral acted shyly while directing a reproachful gaze at him, his cute girl appearance caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat.

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­sorry. Good timing, I¡¯m also feeling hungry right now, let¡¯s go eat something.¡¹

    Lux said that and invited Coral.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­, I wish to be treated in exchange of what you said just now.¡¹

    It seemed that Coral was hungry as expected, he came with Lux even while looking embarrassed.

    A bar in the alley was also doubling as a restaurant in the afternoon.

    There they feasted on chicken and mushroom simmered in cream, freshly baked bread, and smoked salmon.

    Lux ordered for the food to be shared half with Coral, but the restaurant owner who was still young kindly gave them extra pickles and bacon eggs.

    The extra was given also because Lux had worked odd jobs there in the past.

    ¡¸Hahaha, when I heard that you are going to enroll in the academy of those young ladies, I wondered just what will happen to you. But to think that you are going to bring a girl this cute here. Lux too has grown up huh.¡¹

    ¡¸No, he¡­¡­she is just a friend©¤©¤¡¹

    The stylishly bearded owner served the dishes while making reminiscent talk about the period when Lux was doing chores.

    A few years ago, when this restaurant had just been opened, the owner was helped when Lux worked here for two weeks.

    They exchanged talk and finished their meal before exiting the restaurant.

    When Lux took Coral¡¯s bag that was put on the chair and handed it to him, he noticed something.

    ¡¸Tha, thanks for the meal. It was very delicious. Then, see you©¤©¤¡¹

    When Coral tried to say that in a hurry, Lux suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad. Then how about we go to the next shop? If you are going to stay here for a while, you will need various other things right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, wai-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸That bag was lightly, it doesn¡¯t look like there is anything for your everyday life inside it. You will catch cold if you don¡¯t prepare properly.¡¹

    Lux brought Coral to go to a tailor and made him choose a cheap underclothes and sleepwear.

    After that they shopped for miscellaneous goods like towel, handkerchief, water bottle in the market and Lux handed them to Coral.

    Even so, the places they shopped at were places where Lux once did odd jobs, so they got acquaintance discount.

    And then for the last, Lux brought Coral to a clean and safe inn that was relatively cheap. By that time it had already turned night.

    ¡¸Sorry, somehow I ended up taking you around to various places.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­. Thanks to you I¡¯m saved from the trouble.¡¹

    After making small talk with Coral, Lux was going to exit the room.

    ¡¸Then, take care. If there is anything, I¡¯ll go meet you if you go to in front of the Academy so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux said that with reservation while walking out of the room.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Say, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Lux came to a stop hearind that voice and turned around.

    Then, Coral stared at Lux with an expression that was somewhat frustrated.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, as I thought, can I ask you to accompany me in my mission from a while starting from tomorrow? I still don¡¯t know much about the terrain and situation outside the Academy¡­¡­that¡¯s if it won¡¯t be a bother to you.¡¹

    His voice was vaguely mixed with unease.

    Lux nodded pleasantly at this young man who was his close acquaintance.

    ¡¸Yes, gladly. Then tomorrow, I¡¯ll meet you after I finished my chores after school.¡¹

    ¡¸Please. Then, take care.¡¹

    After exchanging words smilingly, the door was closed.

    Lux was satisfied that he could be of help to Coral while heading back.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Why did I say something like that¡­¡­?¡¹

    Inside the inn¡¯s room at night.

    Coral who was left alone inside the room muttered such thing in a small voice.

    He had taken off his woman dress. Now he was looking up to the ceiling while only in his white underwear.

    He shouldn¡¯t ask for help from Lux.

    This secret mission from Vanhaim Principality shouldn¡¯t be shared with Lux who was from the new kingdom, in the first place©¤©¤Coral also had another objective.

    And yet why, at that time he called out at Lux to stop?

    If he could borrow Lux¡¯s help who knew well about Cross Field¡¯s situation, he would be able to accomplish his objectives more safely, and Coral would also be able to accomplish the other mission that he received at the same time while acting together with Lux.

    Certainly in that sense it wasn¡¯t strange for Coral to do what he did. But,

    ¡¸Even though I only want to do something somehow about the Dragon Marauder, and I didn¡¯t intend to follow even that other order too, and yet¡­¡­¡¹

    In the end, did he himself also didn¡¯t trust Lux?

    No, wrong.

    ¡¸Does it because I want to know more about Lux-kun?¡¹

    He put his hand on his chest to ascertain his own feeling.

    On his chest, there were two soft bulges that he said were padding.

    It was a mysterious sensation.

    Even though the current him was a male, no.

    Even though everyone should have been made to recognize him as a male.

    ¡¸Is there an abnormality occurring in Avalon¡¯s mechanism too due to Sacred Eclipse¡¯s appearance? If my secret is exposed to Lux-kun right now©¤©¤¡¹

    What would happen?

    Perhaps an unavoidable catastrophe would be waiting.

    And yet, why did he call out to him by his own initiative?

    ¡¸Is it because I don¡¯t want to become a bad person¡­¡­? Or else©¤©¤¡¹

    The answer wouldn¡¯t come out even if he talked to himself.

    The night of the young man called Coral was passing in only silence.

    ¨C

    After school the next day, Lux and Coral¡¯s strategy began.

    Lux who lightly finished the chores after school linked up at the inn with Coral in the appointed time.

    Following the eyewitness testimony of Vanheim¡¯s royal guard, first they asked around at the residences around the Academy.

    From the street stalls, the shops in the main street, and furthermore even the coachmen of the coming and going horse coaches.

    Even here Lux¡¯s well known personage was useful and they were able to obtain the general information.

    It seemed Vine would appear after sunset, and then he would loiter around the Academy from distance doing baffling movement every day.

    But, he didn¡¯t show any other suspicious movement than that.

    Two days had passed since they started gathering information, but they couldn¡¯t even catch sight of Vine¡¯s shadow.

    ¡¸Even though he has been staying in Cross Field all this time, but there isn¡¯t any sign of him causing anything¡­¡­. That too feels even more unnatural.¡¹

    The two snacked on the food they bought at a stall while resting at the central plaza.

    Lux had skewered meats with savory sauce.

    Coral had a cherry pie.

    The food felt excessively delicious because of their empty stomach from walking around.

    ¡¸Sorry, I wasn¡¯t really much help when we looked around.¡¹

    Lux was wiping the sauce that got stuck on his mouth while saying that. Coral shook his head hurriedly hearing that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. That¡¯s, if it¡¯s just me alone, I wouldn¡¯t be able to do much of anything until now, besides©¤©¤thanks to Lux-kun, I¡¯m having fun recently.¡¹

    ¡¸Having fun?¡¹

    Coral was a bit bashful at Lux¡¯s reply.

    ¡¸Yes. It might be imprudent of me to say this but, I¡¯m having fun. After all, I practically didn¡¯t have experience walking around the city with a boy like this.¡¹

    ¡¸How about when you were at Vanheim?¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately, not really. Greifer isn¡¯t good with accompanying other, and in the first place, I had been living in a confined world until I became Milmiette-sama¡¯s aide. In a situation where I couldn¡¯t even really meet my elder sister and little sister, I was merely practicing Drag-Ride in order to carry out the mission of my family.¡¹

    ¡¸Family, mission¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun, do you understand what kind of person are you? From where you came from, and what is it that you should really do©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was pondering in respond to what Coral suddenly told him.

    The current him was one of the military cadets, and a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    He failed in trying to change this country, even so now he chose to get involved with the country¡¯s matter as a Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸I still don¡¯t know. Both my elder sister and little sister has decided their answer and acted based on that. I know that I also have to make my decision like them. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Coral looked down in his girl¡¯s appearance

    Then Lux abruptly smiled and put his hand on Coral¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Feeling lost like that, isn¡¯t it fine?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I was also the same. Since I was a child, despite being an imperial family member, I was troubled by the way the old empire was©¤©¤I didn¡¯t understand what I should  do the whole time. I stifled my feeling then.¡¹

    Lux smiled with a vaguely pained expression and continued.

    ¡¸But, I accepted it righty now. This is my destiny. I can feel relieved just by being able to stay together with Lisha-sama and everyone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is, that so. I¡¯m jealous.¡¹

    Coral¡¯s cheeks loosened hearing Lux¡¯s words that were filled with conviction.

    And then, he nibbled at the cherry pie on her hand and muttered in a small voice.

    ¡¸Comrade and friend who would understand myself and listen to my worry¡­¡­. If I can be together with such people©¤©¤would I be able to find my answer?¡¹

    Seen from the side, Coral¡¯s face seemed to look lonely, and also envious somewhere inside.

    Lux who saw that unconsciously asked him.

    ¡¸Say¡­¡­. I wonder, can we become friend?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s sudden words made Coral to blink repeatedly.

    From Lux¡¯s point of view, with his cheeks that were dyed red with his girl¡¯s appearance, he looked nothing but completely a girl to him.

    ¡¸I was unable to make any male friend until now. The other day it felt like that I would be able to make one, but it was no good. That¡¯s why, it¡¯s, it¡¯s fun this time, walking around the city with a boy the same age like me for the first time. It might be me being needlessly meddling but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. I also think that Lux-kun is a really amazing boy¡­¡­©¤©¤friend, I mean.¡¹

    Lux also stiffened in surprise at Coral¡¯s words.

    When he kept stopped moving like that for a while, the air became really awkward.

    A strange silent atmosphere visited them.

    Even so, both of their expression and gesture conveyed their agreement.

    ¡¸The, then do you want to make¡­¡­a contract, that we are friend from now on?¡¹

    ¡¸Contract¡­¡­?¡¹

    The words of Coral who broke the silence caused Lux to tilt his head.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. If we are friend, let¡¯s try what we can? I¡¯ll give Lux-kun my pastry, so give me a bite of yours?¡¹

    ¡¸O, okay¡­¡­¡¹

    Prompted by his words, Lux presented his skewered meats to Coral, while Coral presented his cherry pie.

    And then they each took a bite from each other¡¯s food, chewed, and gulped it down. After that they shyly looked at each other.

    ¡¸So, something like this, is what friend do right? It¡¯s my first time though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, I guess. Somehow it feels, really embarrassing¡­¡­¡¹

    He wondered why.

    Their exchange just now might be something that often happened between fellow close friends.

    But, with Coral dressed as girl, Lux felt a strange feeling.

    (Wait, just what am I thinking!? Coral is a boy you know!?)

    From his appearance it didn¡¯t look like it at all, but he should be a boy.

    And yet, his heart was pounding heart as it pleased.

    And then, Coral was also showing him a lovely feminine expression.

    At that time when the place was wrapped in a perverse atmosphere, something was reflected at the corner of Lux¡¯s field of vision.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression turned serious. He took Coral¡¯s hand and pushed him down on top of the bench.

    That sudden action caused the young man before him to raise a shocked voice.

    ¡¸Wah¡­¡­!? Lu, Lux-kun!? Thi, this kind of thing is still too earl©¤©¤, not that, we are both male¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Quiet! He is here as we thought. We aren¡¯t seen yet. Let¡¯s follow him from now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Don¡¯t tell me, it¡¯s Vine!?¡¹

    Lux nodded at Coral¡¯s question that he spoke in a low voice.

    Ahead of his gaze, there was a young man with small build wearing a black cloak.

    While his face still had a trace of a child in it, his calm presence contained refinement in it somewhere. His appearance matched the information he heard from Coral.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Let¡¯s follow him carefully. I¡¯m in disguise, so I¡¯ll get closer as much as possible. Lux-kun, can you watch out at the back and the surrounding for me?¡¹

    ¡¸Got it.¡¹

    The reason of Coral¡¯s vigilance must be because of the happening in the campus festival previously.

    At that time Gerdaf, a member of the ¡ºServantsSix Punishers¡», Heiburg Republic¡¯s assassination corps, led Coral into a trap and attempted to kidnap him.

    The two now also considered the possibility that Vine himself was a bait that was scattered to lure Lux and Coral.

    Lux left the job of shadowing Vine in front of him to Coral while being alert to the back and the surrounding.

    Vine was taking a route that was circling the Academy¡¯s surrounding, just like the information that they gathered from asking around. At the end he entered into a back alley.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. That place is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸If I remember right, there should be a dilapidated house there but¡­¡­, don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    ¡¸Is he, preparing Abyss¡¯s eggs again¡­¡­?¡¹

    That possibility existed.

    After they found out the place where he was making his preparation like this, perhaps it was better to pull back for the moment.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s get back for now and tell everyone. It will be more certain if we call reinforcement.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-kun, you do that. But I cannot let him get away here. I¡¯ll catch him right away while he is in sight.¡¹

    ¡¸Coral-!?¡¹

    The moment Lux was taken aback, the young man in girl appearance rushed inside the dilapidated house.

    There was Vine inside still wearing his cloak while sitting on the bed inside the deserted house.

    At the same time Coral quickly pulled out his Sword Device and pointed the tip before Vine¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t move! I¡¯ll stab you if you make even the slightest suspicious movement! Get down on the floor quietly!¡¹

    Because there was no space to summon Drag-Ride inside the small closed space, using Sword Device as sword in close quarter combat was better.

    Especially at this distance, the sword could slash without giving an opening to summon Drag-Ride. The battle had been decided.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, even so Vine didn¡¯t look surprised. Far from that, he didn¡¯t even make a single twitch.

    He only said a word. He directed a blackened dark gaze toward Coral and raised a mad yell.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GI, SHAAAAH!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Coral reacted toward that bizarre action. He quickly kicked on the floor.

    He mercilessly launched a thrust in straight line through the shortest route, piercing the enemy¡¯s throat©¤©¤.

    But, Dragon Marauder¡¯s division commander Vine caught the blade that had pierced its body as though nothing had happened.

    At the same time he also pulled out his own Sword Device and slashed the blade toward Coral in return with all his strength.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!? Damn it!? These guys, they has grasped Ruin¡¯s power until this©¤©¤¡¹

    The Sword Device¡¯s blade whooshed through air and slashed in an arc.

    But, before that attack could land, Vine¡¯s arm along with the sword danced in the air.

    ¡¸Lux-kun¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Sword Device¡¯s slash that Lux swung cut off Vine¡¯s arm and prevented that attack.

    But, even after his arm was taken away, Vine didn¡¯t falter.

    Far from that, he reached out his remaining arm and carelessly constricted Lux¡¯s neck.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­!? As I thought, this guy isn¡¯t human.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t touch him-!¡¹

    Right after that, Coral¡¯s yell struck Lux¡¯s ear.

    An unfamiliar dark colored blade grew out from the right chest that was at the opposite side of the heart.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­a¡¹

    Instantly, the eyes of Vine who didn¡¯t show any pained reaction until now rolled up and blue froth was spewed out from his mouth.

    He was instantly enveloped in light as though his whole body was blazing up, then the body crumbled down and decayed into ash.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤what in the world!?¡¹

    After the liberated Lux muttered that, Coral sighed in relieve beside him.

    ¡¸This thing is a ¡ºShadow¡». A humanoid Abyss that has a function to mimic human. Most likely it¡¯s a new type that still hasn¡¯t been discovered in many countries. I never thought I will meet one here¡­¡­¡¹

    After that, Lux listened to Coral¡¯s explanation and grasped the circumstances of this situation.

    Shadow was a special type of Abyss. It was fundamentally a disposable Abyss that didn¡¯t have its own ego.

    When it was given an order by a horn flute, it wouldn¡¯t forget that order and loyally continued to carry out the order until it died.

    In exchange of possessing a mimicry ability with high precision, its strength wasn¡¯t that different from a human.

    Originally it was a pseudo bait that would turn into someone¡¯s comrade and then lured them away.

    When Vine came to this area, he left behind this Shadow as bait to let him escape. And it seemed Coral and others got caught by it.

    ¡¸Is, that so.¡¹

    ¡¸For now let¡¯s get out of here. Vine should be going to a different place already if he left this thing here. Perhaps he is even at the new kingdom¡¯s port city, Triport already.¡¹

    Following Coral¡¯s words, Lux exited the house together with him.

    Outside where the weather was late autumn, the sun had already completely set.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Then, thank you for everything until now. You really helped me a lot, and it was fun.¡¹

    Coral was going to depart from the new kingdom right at that very day. He had taken off his girl disguise while telling Lux his parting words.

    Lux faced the young man under the setting sun where darkness was starting to approach.

    ¡¸Your welcome. Also, I¡¯m thankful to you too, for becoming my friend.¡¹

    Lux also spoke calmly. Coral showed a frustrated smile at him in respond.

    ¡¸About that you see. I, have something that I need to apologize to Lux-kun¡­¡­. My actual mission that made me remained here was©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not just about the Earth Dragon division commander Vine, but it was also about observing the new kingdom, including me, isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤¡¹

    When Lux predicted what he was going to say and said that, Coral opened his eyes wide in surprise and he held his breath.

    That proofed that Lux¡¯s prediction was correct.

    ¡¸Since when, did you notice?¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Coral who asked him with a meek face.

    ¡¸I thought that it was a bit strange since the beginning, but midway I think that perhaps it¡¯s like that. Even though Vine was only looking at the Academy¡¯s surrounding from afar, when Coral met me at first, you were peeking until inside the Academy right? Even though you should be able to enter normally in your male appearance if you have business here as the aide of a Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    In other words, that must be an order from Vanheim Principality.

    It didn¡¯t seem like it was a command from Princess Milmiette, but most likely Coral received that kind of order.

    He was to investigate Vine while he should also be vigilant against the new kingdom too while he was at it. It was that kind of situation.

    In fact, the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca came to contact Lux and gave him a special mission.

    Due to the Lords, a competitive relationships between the country was created in regard to Ruin investigation. Now each country was being alert against each other that perhaps other would steal a march on them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sorry that I stayed quiet about it. But, when I said that I want to become your friend©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I know. Even I, just because I¡¯m a friend, there is still things that I cannot say to Lisha-sama and everyone else. So don¡¯t worry about it. Even you Coral also saved me just now right?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux, kun¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral hung his head down in response to Lux¡¯s words.

    And then, he shook his body several times as though he was hesitating, then he suddenly made a smile.

    ¡¸Even though I thought I had paid the debt of that time, now I get indebted to you again.¡¹

    Coral smiled wryly and quietly approached Lux.

    And then, he whispered with a serious voice into Lux¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Since some time ago, there is an existence called ¡ºKing of Vie¡» lurking in Heiburg. That person seized the military without showing up at the open until now. It was also that person who instigated the remnants of the old empire and colluded with Hayes. If that person isn¡¯t defeated quickly, the new kingdom will be placed in disadvantage. No, perhaps in even less than one month from now, the new kingdom will be destroyed by him.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is an information that I cannot say to anyone that I obtained from a certain source. I also want you to convey this information to your comrades. There is no time. There is also the matter of Sacred Eclipse, but if you are going to run after them, then this is all the more important.¡¹

    The King of Vice who was committing evil in Heiburg Republic.

    An existence that was hiding until now while secretly maneuvering to destroy the new kingdom. Hearing about it, the face one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Rosa Granhide came into Lux¡¯s mind.

    If that girl intended to crush the new kingdom in this chance, then Lux had to be the most cautios against her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll keep that in mind. Thank you for your warning.¡¹

    ¡¸No need to thank me. More importantly, be careful, if you don¡¯t stay alive, I©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral who was about to say that came to his senses suddenly and shook his head slightly, then he corrected himself.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s nothing. Really thank you for this time. See you again.¡¹

    He said only that and waved his hand while leaving.

    Lux chased after his figure until he was gone from his view, then Lux let out a sigh.

    ¡¸Did he also notice about my circumstance¡­¡­.. Or else, was it just a coincidence?¡¹

    Incidentally, tomorrow Lux would depart to Heiburg Republic. It would be a journey for his extremely secret mission that Magialca assigned to him to identify the traitor¡¯s existence.

    He had finished all his preparation for that. Did Coral suspected him of that?

    ¡¸A danger to the new kingdom, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    The Sacred Eclipse that was said that it would destroy the world.

    Before that, there was an enemy that he had to fight.

    Due to the reward that could be obtained from Avalon and the implication that a traitor existed, a form of competition was created among the countries that heightened the tension.

    Was it just like Singlen said, that the Lords were aiming for this?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t understand¡­¡­¡¹

    The answer wouldn¡¯t come even if he thought about it.

    For today, he could only feel relieved that he managed to make a friend from other country who was worthy of trust and went to sleep early in preparation of tomorrow.

 Volume 9 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    The chirping of small bird could be heard. The sunlight was shining in faintly from the curtain¡¯s gap.

    Last night he thought that it was cold when he slept, but right now his body was warm for some reason.

    It seemed that he slept well because of that.

    ¡¸Fuaa, I¡¯ve got a nice sleep¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment Lux opened his eyelids slightly, white skin entered his eyes.

    Two round and large bulges.

    He was wrapped in a gentle sweet aroma that was like milk, making him felt like he was melting pleasantly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s warm, and pleasant¡­¡­. I want to be like this a bit more©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    But, the moment Lux noticed what it was, his consciousness was awakened and he leaped from his bed.

    ¡¸Wait, Phi-chan!? What are you doing here!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn. Morning, Lu-chan. Fuaaaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy stretched her body slightly with her eyes still closed and she yawned cutely.

    Perhaps because it was autumn, she wasn¡¯t lightly dressed as expected. She was wearing a cute pajama with warm color, even so the curve of her soft body could be perceived.

    Her pure sleeping face that still had vestige of childishness in it, added with her sensual breasts and balanced thigh that were exposed really suggestively stimulated insistently the emotion of Lux who had just woke up.

    ¡¸Ah, yes. Good morning. ¡­¡­Not that!? You mustn¡¯t make this kind of mistake, Phi-chan. This is my room, what¡¯s more sleeping together is no good as expected©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We aren¡¯t, sleeping together you know?¡¹

    Philuffy answered with her usual slow tone.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux stared in puzzlement. Seeing him like that, Philuffy continued with an absentminded expression and tone.

    ¡¸I came to wake up Lu-chan. I was only told by Onee-chan to do that, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸You weren¡¯t doing that at all you know!? Why are you sleeping beside me even though you came to wake me up!? What¡¯s more you are still in your pajama!¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You just wouldn¡¯t wake up, so I also got sleepy. Fuaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy let out a small yawn with her eyes still closed.

    Like always, Philuffy kept going at her own pace no matter what.

    Her gesture itself was really cute, but Lux was flustered.

    Philuffy¡¯s charm from her pajama that shifted and gave a peek of her breasts¡¯ valley and her white skin also one reason for him being flustered, but when he saw the time at the clock, he recalled a certain business.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right Phi-chan! Today I have to leave this Academy already at the afternoon. If I don¡¯t hurry©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right, I know. Yesterday, I heard it from master and Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Philuffy said while rubbing her eyes. Her words made Lux looked taken aback.

    Why?

    The matter this time, the investigation of Heiburg Republic in the end was a special mission from the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca. A small part of other students would also be told later, but fundamentally there should be no one who would accompany him.

    And yet, why did Philuffy heard about his mission then?

    ¡¸©¤©¤My, it¡¯s already so heated here since the morning. I wonder if I¡¯m interrupting something?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait¡­¡­!? Relie-san!?¡¹

    While Lux was standing in a daze, the room¡¯s door suddenly opened and a woman of blooming age appeared.

    It was Philuffy¡¯s elder sister, the headmaster Relie.

    ¡¸The preparation has been finished, Lux-kub. From here on you are going to disguise yourself as a young master of Derite Company under Magialca¡¯s umbrella and infiltrate Heiburg¡¯s capital city.¡¹

    Infiltrating, gathering information, and locating the proof of the traitor.

    Those were Lux¡¯s objectives, he heard that it would be an individual mission but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But see, as expected it¡¯s worrying to send Lux alone. Besides, Lizsharte-sama and Celis-san has their own important mission¡­¡­. That¡¯s why, I gave Magialca a recommendation. It was about whether it¡¯s alright or not for me to prepare a helper for Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? The, then don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    He got a bad premonition.

    The answer that was already transparent surfaced inside Lux¡¯s mind.

    But, the words that were let out from Relie¡¯s smiling face far surpassed his imagination.

    ¡¸Yes. I want to lend Phi as Lux-kun¡¯s guard during your trip. Of course, in order to make it so it doesn¡¯t look unnatural that she is accompanying you, you two will be in a setting of a spouses who had just married.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be dangerous!? Even though you understand how dangerous it will be in Heiburg¡¯s capital©¤©¤wait, spouses!?¡¹

    Lux only noticed late the meaning of that word.

    It wouldn¡¯t be just the two of them investigating together, Relie meant that the two of them would each play their own part as husband and wife of a mercantile house.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s how it is. Best regards, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded with a small smile at Relie¡¯s words.

    Right after that, Lux who comprehended the fact yelled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤EEEEEEeeeEEH!?¡¹

    Five and a half months more until the time limit of world¡¯s destruction by Sacred Eclipse that was estimated.

    The honeymoon before the marriage of Lux and his childhood friend was starting.

 Volume 10 - CH Afterword

    ¨C

    Good afternoon.

    This is Akatasuki Senri who for the first time experienced a half page afterword due to the page circumstance. There is not much space so this time I want to write this afterword by cramming in the words (Greeting & apology).

    The anime had also ended and I can take a pause now. At this time personally I feel like I want to ssumberge in loneliness, but the reality doesn¡¯t let up for even a bit, giving me a schedule where I feel like I¡¯m dying as usual.

    The reaction of the readers who increased from the anime, the voice that enjoyed the drama CD, and the little anticipation for things like the event after anime, I¡¯m thinking to keep doing my best.

    And the new series of such me will be published next month. The tile is,

    ¡ºThe S-class noble sons is going, to the contracted rulers life in another world¡» (temp).

    Just as you can see it¡¯s another world story, but it will make me happy if you readers will read it along with Bahamut.

 Volume 10 - CH 1

    ¨C

    The horse coach was shaking with clattering sound.

    The rhythmical sound played by the horse¡¯s hooves and the sound of the wheels rolling on the stone pavement.

    A voice suddenly came from the front when the people inside the coach were entrusting their body to that peaceful tune.

    ¡¸Master! Master Rudy! We are going to arrive soon. How are you feeling?¡¹

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­master who©¤©¤!? ¡­¡­Ah, yeah! It was pleasant.¡¹

    Because he was sleepy, Lux was puzzled for a moment about what the person was talking about, but he quickly came back to his senses in surprise and replied back in agreement.

    When he straightened his back and stared outside the canopy, the scenery of a tall townscape made from stone that made him felt the gravity of the city¡¯s history came into view.

    The capital of Heiburg Republic, the castle town Hidehelm.

    Lux arrived at this city after a trip of three days from the new kingdom.

    ¡¸Are you alright with the inn here, Master Rudy?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I already made reservation. Even so, the city is prospering isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Rudy Eintoss.

    A young master who was the heir of a prosperous mercantile house and had just gotten married with his fianc¨¦e a few weeks ago.

    That was the fake name and setting that were created to help Lux infiltrating Heiburg this time.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca zen Vanfrick gave him the special mission to search for the traitor of the world alliance. Lux came here to investigate a certain transaction.

    Because headmaster Relie and Magialca were friend with each other, this fake setting was also prepared by the guidance of those two but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸But it¡¯s better to be careful yeah, young master. In a glance this is a simple and vigorous city, but behind the scene it is swarmed with fishy bunches. Well, it depends on the place though.¡¹

    The coachman who said that while smoking out from his pipe honestly also gave out an atmosphere that was suspicious enough.

    The man who was wearing a worn-out tailcoat talked to Lux with a hinting smile.

    ¡¸If you want to drink delicious alcohol, there is a bar in that street there. If you want woman, there is a brothel with quality selections at the neighboring©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, it¡¯s okay to not tell me that you know-!?¡¹

    Lux became flustered immediately when he heard the word brothel.

    ¡¸Oops, that¡¯s rude of me, I forgot the lady there. If you have a wife that beautiful, there is no need to buy a woman eeh.¡¹

    ¡®Ha-ha-ha¡¯ The coachman laughed and stopped his coach.

    During that time Lux was shaking the shoulder of the girl sleeping beside him to wake her up.

    ¡¸We arrived Phi-chan. Wake up now.¡¹

    ¡¸Munya munya. Lu-chan, eating all of my sweets is¡­¡­no good.¡¹

    Those voluptuous bulges of her breasts that were shaking together with her shoulder caused Lux¡¯s gaze to be attracted there unconsciously.

    Lux¡¯s childhood friend, Philuffy Aingram¡¯s figure was there to accompany him in his infiltration and investigation.

    Her faintly pink hair was tied with a single ribbon. She was wearing a dress with the chest part opened.

    According to Relie¡¯s story, in the setting they became ¡ºnewly wed husband and wife from a prosperous mercantile house¡» but©¤©¤.

    (Is this setting really necessary¡­¡­?)

    Lux made a complicated expression while muttering that inside his heart.

    In the first place Lux was opposed to Philuffy accompanying him in a mission this dangerous, but,

    ¡ºIt¡¯s fine. Because, I¡¯ll protect Lu-chan.¡»

    ¡ºAa, how wonderful Phi! That¡¯s the spirit! Just leave the troublesome things for later to me!¡»

    Based on such really simple conversation, Philuffy¡¯s accompaniment was decided.

    Philuffy was studying martial art, in addition she also had the power of Abyss so she was ideal for protection duty but©¤©¤Lux was still uneasy.

    But in reality, it was also a fact that there was no one else who was suitable for it.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, and Celis were famous existences whose name were known even in other country, while Yoruka, even though she excelled in stealth, she wasn¡¯t suited in acting following a fake setting while infiltrating.

    In the end, Lux whose silver hair was dyed black and Philuffy were appointed to this mission.

    ¡¸Haha, sorry to make you wait young master. You two really look like a newlywed but, to think that you will also brought merchandise here, as expected of the young master, how shrewd.¡¹

    After Lux got out of the coach and unloaded his baggage, a servant of the inn came to welcome him.

    The inside of the inn was also refined to look fitting for a high class inn. The building was built properly.

    It seemed that Relie reserved a hotel that could be trusted even inside the Heiburg¡¯s capital city but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸As I thought, it become like this¡­¡­¡¹

    There was only a single double bed inside the room they were showed to.

    The make-up of the room was completely for the use of husband and wife.

    (Don¡¯t tell me, we are¡­¡­going to sleep together?)

    Lux entered the room with his heart pounding fast. Philuffy also followed him together.

    Until this point they had safely managed to infiltrate until this place that would be their base.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, are you tired? It seems that after this today there will be a party in the nearby social meeting place though?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m only just a bit sleepy. Fua¡¹

    ¡¸At least say that with your eyes open¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux sighed at his childhood friend¡¯s attitude that was still at her own pace even inside the enemy territory while he also feeling relieved at the same time.

    Even though they were infiltrating into the enemy territory for a secret information gathering, they were also burdened with the disguise of doing honeymoon trip.

    Philuffy¡¯s warm and snug atmosphere helped him from his nervousness that made him stiff and awkward.

    By the way, to make their disguise absolutely sure, they didn¡¯t use Drag-Ride at all throughout the journey from the new kingdom until Heiburg.

    After getting sent by Drag-Knights who had occupation carrier, the two of them changed into riding horse coach to come until here. Because it was a long trip, Philuffy who was easy to fall asleep became like this.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll go there alone, so Phi-chan just wait here. I¡¯ll also eat at that meeting place.¡¹

    ¡¸Eat¡­¡­, what will come out there?¡¹

    Instantly, the girl¡¯s eyes snapped open and Lux¡¯s image was reflected on her golden colored pupils.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, it will be a buffet party with foods that used ingredients from various countries, and it¡¯s all you can eat.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll also go. I have to act properly, as Lu-chan¡¯s bodyguard.]

    Within her absentminded atmosphere, sparkling anticipation could be peeked. Philuffy clenched her fist.

    Lux unconsciously smiled wryly and said.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. In the middle of the party, that¡¯s¡­¡­your role will be as my wife, that¡¯s why¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face was feeling hot even though he was just reminding her of only the setting of their disguise this time.

    ¡¸Yes. Take care of me, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy responded with a faint smile. Seeing her expression, Lux¡¯s heart jumped strongly.

    (Calm down me, it¡¯s not like Phi-chan is actually my wife for real¡­¡­)

    Although, as expected he felt conscious of it no matter what.

    Although it would be just a disguise, they would actually act like that, so Lux imagined the scene of Philuffy acting as his spouse.

    His relationship with Philuffy went past being a good friend, they were a bit like family with each other, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ei¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    The sensation of his cheek suddenly getting touched surprised Lux.

    Philuffy¡¯s fingertip was pocking on his cheek still with her serious face.

    ¡¸Lu-chan is, a bit nervous.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s no good, if you aren¡¯t a bit more like usual, you know?¡¹

    Lux stiffened with a speechless smile hearing what Philuffy pointed out.

    If he looked back, when they were children there were times when Philuffy asked him to play this kind of make believe.

    ¡¸Thank you Phi-chan. Then, let¡¯s go together.¡¹

    ¡¸Right.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded slightly and slowly presented her hand to him.

    Lux took her hand and then they got into the coach waiting outside once more.

    The baggage they were carrying was filled with valuable parts and some merchandises.

    Attending the party this time would also become the preparatory steps for the infiltration mission.

    While they were advancing through the stone paving street inside the shaking coach again, a strange sight entered their eyes.

    Besides the lining up buildings that looked spectacular in a glance, there was a back alley that was interposed by thick stone walls. Desolate slum area was spreading there.

    (Heiburg Republic¡­¡­)

    When Lux saw that sight, he recalled the old empire in the past.

    The mission of Lux and Philuffy this time©¤©¤discovering the traitor that was lurking within the world alliance.

    Lux quietly thought back to the reason why he was ordered by Magialca to carry out this mission.

    ¨C

    Inside the underground library where countless bookshelves were lined up.

    In that hidden room that existed within the Academy¡¯s ground, Lux couldn¡¯t believe what he was told.

    ¡¸What do you mean that there is a traitor within the world alliance?¡¹

    Lux asked back with bewilderment at the girl©¤©¤no, her appearance was young, but she was a woman with personality of quite many years accumulated.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca zen Vanfrick.

    What the female leader of the world¡¯s biggest conglomerate told him was actually a simple answer.

    The erasure of the traitor was one of the demands that Listelka, the imperial princess of the Lords mentioned at the world summit.

    Her first demand was the annihilation of the hostile organization, Dragon Marauder.

    Second, the investigation and discovery of the seventh Ruin, Moon.

    Third, the suppression of traitor that was assumed to be hiding within the alliance.

    All of those demands were presented by the lords as issue for the sake of conquering all the Ruins within half a year, but honestly speaking something felt out of place.

    ¡¸Well, we cannot assert that there is no traitor among us. In the first place if it¡¯s something like keeping silent about the information related to Ruin that has to be reported, every country isn¡¯t completely innocent of that isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux too could do nothing but staying quiet at the question that was filled with repulsive jest.

    Just like how Ymir Theocracy stayed quiet about the matter of Automaton Ney Louches, the new kingdom also stayed silent about possessing one of the Grand Forces since some time ago.

    By the way, the Dark Marketer Hayes who attacked the new kingdom to destroy the country.

    Her existence that possessed the same traits like the ancient Lords©¤©¤the person of Holy Arcadia Empire, after that Listelka was also questioned about her.

    ¡ºYes, my little sister was awoke a few years earlier than me from our sleep. I¡¯m not sure why she rushed to do such act, but my little sister has redeemed her sin with her loss of life. Perhaps she was feeling anger and unease©¤©¤that she has to take back what has been plundered from the Ruins during our sleep. Regarding our inability to stop my little sister¡¯s act that was the result of a misunderstanding, I will apologize as the representative of our side.¡»

    She easily reciprocated like that.

    If she said that the tragedy occurred because the people of the old empire laid their hand and robbed on the Ruins that were managed by the Lords, then their side was also unable to press further.

    Although in regard to Hayes, there was also sign that she had already awakened since the time of human experiment in the era of the old empire but©¤©¤there was no proof or anything left about that.

    ¡¸Of course, the possibility that those fossils mentioned punishing the traitor only as deterrence to the countries from here on also cannot be discounted. But from the way they talked, I felt that they had a more definite idea about the traitor¡¯s existence.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Lux reflexively asked back, Magialca crossed her arms and grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t get the idea? It¡¯s the existence of the rebels called Dragon Marauder.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? Dragon Marauder, is it?¡¹

    The warmonger mercenary organization that was employed by influential people who held enmity against the countries that were monopolizing the Ruins.

    A group that was similarly plotting to conquer the Ruins should be an opponent that was unrelated to the traitor amidst the world alliance but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me there is a traitor that is connected to them amidst us?¡¹

    When Lux spoke that cautiously, Magialca casted her eyes down and nodded.

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s how it is. In the first place there are several suspicious points about the Dragon Marauder¡¯s existences itself.¡¹

    Magialca continued the talk while sighing.

    ¡¸It seems those guys are using Drag-Rides and weapons that were illegally excavated from Ruins, but the big countries too aren¡¯t that stupid. No one can steal from the Ruins that easily. In that case, isn¡¯t it normal to think that at first there was a country somewhere that illegally diverted Drag-Rides to them?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, you are saying that there is a traitor in Heiburg Republic means©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux muttered with a nervous look. Magialca opened her eyes in admiration.

    ¡¸As expected from my favorite hero. You¡¯ve got prospect.¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s finger tried to stroke Lux¡¯s chest with a natural movement, but because Lux quietly backed away, her finger cut through the air in vain.

    ¡¸Cough. The Black Marketer Hayes who raised havoc in the market since some years ago. That woman was doubtlessly involved in the founding of Dragon Marauder.¡¹

    ¡¸How, can you reach that conclusion?¡¹

    ¡¸The ledger. Even like this I¡¯m a head of a company. A few years ago, when I did a business of selling Drag-Ride with high price, for some reason there was a business rival who I couldn¡¯t match at all. That was really irritating. Several get rich quick schemes that wouldn¡¯t come that often slipped away from me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr, then Hayes sold Drag-Rides that she brought out from Ruins to Heiburg, and then from there Heiburg diverted them into Dragon Marauder, is that right?¡¹

    When Lux cut off Magialca¡¯s resentful complain with his question, she immediately nodded.

    ¡¸The possibility is there. Using the Drag-Ride production facility that is rumored to exist within the Ruin GIgas, that woman conspired with Heiburg¡¯s army commander. She raised her fame in less than a few years by doing that and climbed to the top to become a country¡¯s strategist. It was quite a possible reason wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Say, could it be captain is holding a grudge about that that time?¡¹

    When Lux spontaneously asked after hearing Magialca¡¯s tone that was overflowing with cynicism,

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true at all. I only thought that there is no way a newcomer who can do business better than me without doing any petty trick and fraud can exist. Something like feeling vexed because my own plan got crushed is something that never crossed my mind at the slightest.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­. But, even if Heiburg¡¯s military division was really connected with Dragon Marauder©¤©¤now it¡¯s already too late.¡¹

    Hayes had vanished, and nowadays Dragon Marauder¡¯s prominence was standing out.

    Lux thought that there would be no more merit of doing business negotiation with them.

    ¡¸No¡­¡­that negotiation will surely happen before long. Business relationship isn¡¯t something that can be cut off that easily until you find the substitute. With the increase of danger level of the Ruin at present, those Dragon Marauders are losing a lot of their force. They got no other place to depend on other than Heiburg.¡¹

    The rampage of Dilwy that happened in Vanheim Principality.

    The failure of Pope Nias¡¯s kidnapping plan in Ymir Theocracy.

    And then the rescue operation of division commander Drakkhen that happened in the new kingdom just the other day.

    It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to consider that Dragon Marauder had lost quite a number of soldier and Drag-Ride from those battles.

    Their remaining decent Drag-Knights were less than 200, thus they would want to reinforce their battle force, surely.

    ¡¸But, Heiburg¡¯s military shouldn¡¯t have any reason to respond to them right?¡¹

    Even if Heiburg was connected with Dragon Marauder, in this situation after the Lord¡¯s imperial family had given a warning, they shouldn¡¯t be able to make contact carelessly.

    When Lux expressed his opinion, the mature girl chuckled and stared at him.

    ¡¸Then while sudden, here is a question. In case you want to carry out a hidden transaction, what kind of method you are going to use?¡¹

    ¡¸Hidden, transaction is it¡­¡­?¡¹

    Even if he was asked that, he had no recollection of doing business discussion in his time of doing chores.

    But at the time that was predating it, if it was from the time when Lux was elaborating the plan to destroy the old empire©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I would do it behind the scene of some kind of big event, or else¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Mixed it inside that big event itself. Something like that right? And then, soon Heiburg will be holding a fair that is called as underground market.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux reflexively slipped out his voice seeing Magialca¡¯s hinting smile.

    ¡¸Now you see. Those Lord bunches will go around looking at the various unconquered Ruins while putting the world alliance under surveillance. On the other hand because Heiburg had finished conquering GIgas, the surveillance on them is thin. Don¡¯t you think that the next underground market is just the ideal chance?¡¹

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. If you can just pin down the transaction place, I¡¯ll be right behind you then. Go carefully okay, mister hero.¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s wicked smile looked like she had a hidden motive.

    When Lux was going to turn his back on her and left, she recalled something and said to him.

    ¡¸Aa, wait a second my sweetheart. This is a message from Relie about a different matter but, recently do you have something that you want? She will prepare anything you want as the reward of this mission you know?¡¹

    ©¤©¤Suddenly she said such thing that was unrelated with the main topic.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Thank you for waiting, Rudy Eintoss-sama, Phianel-sama. This is the banquet venue of our Viablue Company.¡¹

    After a while, the coach finally arrived at a western-style mansion that was the venue of the social meeting place.

    Naturally, Lux and Philuffy¡¯s names were fake name.

    It seemed that the mansion was originally used for a meeting place, but right now it was decorated magnificently.

    The red carpet had a softness where it felt like the tip of one¡¯s feet would sink into it, while the chandelier was designed luxuriously.

    Extravagant dishes were lining up above the tablecloth, while even the plates and glasses were quality goods.

    Furthermore the people walking around inside were also clad with extraordinary atmosphere.

    There was an old man with white beard was gazing at the participants with sharp glint, then a fat middle-aged man who looked good natured was coming with two beautiful women as his company.

    Lux thought it was great that he was brought by Relie and Philuffy to learn about company previously.

    If he acted restlessly in this kind of place, he wouldn¡¯t be in any state to gather information.

    ¡¸Oh, this is unusual. You seem to be still young, where do you come from?¡¹

    While Lux was thinking about such thing, a lean man wearing a dress suit suddenly talked to him.

    For the time being Lux put into practice a line that he had prepared beforehand.

    He told the man that he was a son from a mercantile house in the neighboring country, and that the two of them attended this party while also having their honeymoon at the same time.

    ¡¸Hou, how hardworking. More importantly, how about it? Are you interested in giving that beautiful wife an ornament as present©¤©¤¡¹

    Like that the man searched for a chance to open a negotiation, but Lux refused him mildly.

    On the other hand, Philuffy was silently continuing to eat the dishes on the table. Till the end she was on her own pace.

    ¡¸Hohou. You are quite the eater, how about it? After this let¡¯s have a drink©¤©¤¡¹

    And so on, the men were incessantly trying to invite her. Seeing from that, it appeared that Philuffy¡¯s charm was displayed as expected.

    Philuffy with her hair in a tied up hairstyle while wearing a dress with chic color gave an impression that was slightly more adult than usual.

    Her big breasts that were peeking out from her exposed chest part and her girly looks that still had the vague trace of childishness, they tickled the emotion of the men greatly.

    Because she was his childhood friend since they were little, usually it was hard for Lux to be conscious of it, but Philuffy was really lovely.

    (But, it will be bad if Phi-chan get tricked, if I don¡¯t pay attention somehow©¤©¤)

    When Lux was observing Philuffy¡¯s action attentively like that,

    ¡¸Even so, to come purposefully at this kind of time, are you going to participate in that event too young master?¡¹

    Another male merchant talked to Lux with deep interest.

    Lux immediately held his breath hearing the merchant said ¡ºthat event¡» suggestively.

    The underground market that would be held behind the scene of Heiburg¡¯s company party.

    Lux heard from Magialca and Relie that there commodities that were almost illegal would be traded.

    However, to participate in the underground market itself wasn¡¯t that hard.

    Because ticket sellers who were selling the participation ticket were coming and going a lot at this kind of party.

    However, if someone without connection tried to buy ticket, he heard that they would get ripped off by quiet much.

    ¡¸Could it be, it¡¯s that©¤©¤? Is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Luckily for you I still have some left, I got only two tickets coincidentally.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly inside his heart at the seller attitude showing off how few his remaining stocks was left.

    But, it wasn¡¯t like Lux himself was proficient at bargaining in business, so he went right to the point.

    ¡¸How much will it take for me to obtain it?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see, how about this much?¡¹

    The man immediately took out ink and feather pen and wrote the sum.

    If it was the Lux when he was still at his chores period, the sum would make his eyes jumped out from their sockets, but now he had the war funds he received from Relie.

    In the first place this time he came here for intelligence gathering so there was no meaning in being stingy.

    When Lux who thought that reached toward his wallet, the man¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    ¡¸Well, don¡¯t be so hurried to conclude this. By the way, the money that you brought here, do you have old gold coin among them?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤that¡¯s right, why?¡¹

    Most of the things that Lux brought here as merchandises were things that could easily be exchanged into funds.

    These old coins were antique gold coin that Relie prepared for him, they were things with high rarity value.

    It seemed that things from the latter period of Raize era had high price even among those kinds of things.

    ¡¸Can you show me one of them? If they are the real thing then I¡¯ll exchange the tickets with several of the coins.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. Please take a look.¡¹

    Lux made an immediate decision and put the bag that was filled with the gold coins on the table.

    ¡¸Then excuse me¡­¡­¡¹

    The man opened the bag and took out one coin from there©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Hmm? This isn¡¯t coin from that era¡¯s latter period. It seems this is the gold coin from the early days of Raize history.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux asked back in bewilderment.

    He found it hard to believe that Relie would make a mistake of putting fake in what she gave him, but even when he asked a specialist appraiser who was in the venue, it seemed that what the man said was true.

    (It didn¡¯t like he was doing any trick, could this be Relie-san¡¯s mistake?)

    Lux didn¡¯t understand the subtle difference in the antique coins, so he could only make that judgment.

    ¡¸It seems that you recognize what I¡¯m saying. Then, I think I will be able to part with my tickets in exchange of everything inside this bag©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan, wait.¡¹

    At that time when the transaction was going to get finalized, Philuffy came out from inside the crowd and approached Lux¡¯s side with one hand holding a huge meat with bone attached.

    ¡¸Wait, Phi-chan!? What are you doing?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t give the bag¡­¡­okay? Because Onee-chan said it, those are antique gold coins. Mogu moguchew chew¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, however this carved date and the coloring are without a doubt the early days¡¯©¤©¤¡¹

    The appraiser old man was saying that, but Philuffy brought her face closer and sniffed the smell.

    And then, she spoke with her usual expressionless face.

    ¡¸It¡¯s only that gold coin that smell different. I think that perhaps, the other coins were the ones from Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? Ju, just what are you saying¡­¡­¡¹

    The man smiled bitterly at what Philuffy pointed out, but Lux didn¡¯t overlook his agitation.

    Philuffy pointed out that there was only one fake, in other words¡­¡­

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry appraiser-san. Can I ask you to take a look at the rest of the golden coins too?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Oh©¤©¤, certainly this one is genuine.¡¹

    Saying that, Lux showed another gold coin to the appraiser. Then the appraiser informed him that it was the real thing.

    Now that it had come to this, it was the ticket seller who first came to open negotiation with him who was suspicious.

    When Lux turned a suspecting gaze at the man, he started to make excuse in a hurry.

    ¡¸I see, it seemed that there was just one different gold coin that got mixed up. In that case©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Inside your clothes, I smell the same scent like the golden coin before, ¡­¡­though?¡¹

    ¡¸Uguh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The man¡¯s expression changed when Philuffy pointed out. He reflexively tried to turn around, but his hand was quickly caught and twisted.

    Right after that, even more antique coins and jewelries of different types were falling out from his sleeve.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤could it be¡¹

    When the appraiser checked them, anyone of them was valuable item, but the price was low or of inferior quality.

    In other words this ticket seller looked for a chance to mix in fake to lower the value and bought it at lower price.

    Most likely he saw Lux¡¯s behavior and saw through that Lux was an amateur as a merchant and came to trick him. But Philuffy¡¯s nose was outside his calculation.

    ¡¸This ticket, is real?¡¹

    Philuffy lightly twisted the man¡¯s arm and asked quietly.

    ¡¸U, undoubtedly! If I faked the ticket to enter the underground market, I¡¯ll get killed!¡¹

    Lux nodded after hearing the man¡¯s urgent voice and looked at Philuffy.

    Philuffy let go of the man¡¯s hand and quietly held out her hand.

    ¡¸Ah, yes. The, the ticket is it? The, then just as I said I will give it up for five Raize gold coins©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I want, tickets for two.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Make it three coins for two people.¡¹

    Philuffy told the bewildered man indifferently.

    Although the man was reluctant, because there was the case just now, in the end he was overwhelmed by Philuffy.

    ¡¸I get the ticket, Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­, thank you.¡¹

    Philuffy showed a small smile, where Lux responded with a wry smile.

    Previously when he went with Relie to a company for observation, Philuffy also saw through fake merchandise and she was also firm at the negotiation after that.

    (Perhaps Philuffy is really suited for doing business as expected¡­¡­)

    Her intention was hard to read with her absentminded expressionless face, and with her doing everything at her own pace, it also meant that she wouldn¡¯t be carried by the other party¡¯s flow.

    And then, there was also the strength of her will that wouldn¡¯t yield once she had decided something.

    How should he say it, while he was feeling surprised, at the same time he also felt a bit lonely.

    Because they had been childhood friend since the past, but he thought that it would be his role to be reliable like that.

    At any rate, with this they had broke through the first wall.

    The opening of the underground market would be one week later according to the ticket.

    Until then they would stay in this capital city Hidehelm and continued to gather intelligence.

    ¡¸Yes. I also brought the share, for Lu-chan¡¯s meal.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. Thank you©¤©¤wait, I cannot eat this much you know-!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively yelled when he looked at the amount of dish Philuffy put on the plate.

    Grilled chicken with herb, mash potato, fish saut¨¦, assortment of fruits, and so on. She was carrying a great amount of food.

    ¡¸Because Onee-chan told me, a wife has to prepare her husband¡¯s meal.¡¹

    ¡¸The essential way of doing it is careless though!?¡¹

    ¡¸As husband and wife, we have to act natural, Onee-chan said to me.¡¹

    ¡¸This is conspicuous instead!? In various meanings since some time ago!?¡¹

    When Lux tried to return the dishes, he was told by the banquet¡¯s cook to please eat it with a smiling face.

    It seemed that he was really pleased by the way Philuffy ate.

    ¡¸Here Lu-chan. Open your mouth, aahn¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you acting like always only in that kind of thing!?¡¹

    Although, seeing how they had to keep the appearance of doing honeymoon, strangely rejecting her act was also unnatural.

    (Somehow, now I¡¯m wondering if it¡¯s really okay to infiltrate together with Philuffy¡­¡­)

    In the first place, didn¡¯t they pretend to be spouses so they wouldn¡¯t be standing out?

    Lux was thinking such question in his head while passing time through the party with Philuffy.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. We managed it somehow for the time being, I think?¡¹

    At their return home from the western-style mansion that was the banquet venue.

    Lux and Philuffy were slowly walking through the town.

    Although it wasn¡¯t snowing, because it was early winter the night felt cold to the skin, and the win was penetrating into the body even through the coat.

    They didn¡¯t get back straight to the inn with coach in order to learn Heiburg¡¯s geography.

    And Lux and Philuffy had another reason to do this, a hidden objective.

    Even so©¤©¤it was strange.

    Even though this should be the first time Lux and Philuffy visited Heiburg, for some reason a nostalgic air could be felt from the scenery.

    He felt that him walking while holding hand with Philuffy also somehow took a part in the nostalgic feeling.

    ¡¸Somehow, this feels nostalgic. Walking in town like this with Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re, right. The last time was at Airi¡¯s birthday I think.¡¹

    A memory was replayed at the back of Lux¡¯s mind at the same time when he whispered that.

    It was when he was a child, when he was playing with Philuffy at the imperial capital.

    Normally they didn¡¯t really go out to the city much, but sometimes they would went out behind their parents¡¯ back.

    When they went to buy stuffed toy for Airi¡¯s present, Lux wore a hat low over his eyes so he wouldn¡¯t get found out as a prince. They went around at shops together then.

    Thinking back now, it was one of his few happy childhood memories.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, I still haven¡¯t thank you right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux suddenly remembered and asked. Philuffy tilted her head wordlessly.

    ¡¸Remember, you helped me choosing present for Airi¡¯s birthday. At that time I said that next time I¡¯ll also buy present for Phi-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Right, perhaps.¡¹

    But, in the end his childhood promise couldn¡¯t be accomplished.

    Before the birthday of Philuffy that year could come, the environment around Lux changed drastically.

    His lost his mother in an accident. He was separated from Philuffy because of her family¡¯s circumstance, and that was that.

    And then since they were reunited in the Academy until now, various things happened.

    He recalled that Philuffy¡¯s birthday wasn¡¯t far away.

    In only ten more days, her birthday would come when this mission was over.

    ¡¸Say, Phi-chan, is there anything you want?¡¹

    Those words suddenly spilled out from Lux¡¯s mouth

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s eyes turned round for a moment, then her expression returned to her usual absentminded look and she fell silent.

    When Lux peered on her face thinking if she didn¡¯t hear him, it seemed she was thinking. She gave him her answer.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s from Lu-chan, than anything is fine.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. Right, got it.¡¹

    Lux thought that her answer was really like Philuffy.

    She basically loved food like sweets and the like, but it was hard to understand what she wanted other than that.

    This girl didn¡¯t wish for much and always stayed by his side.

    Exactly because it was right now where the world might end in half more year, he wanted to properly convey his feeling to her through giving her present.

    His feeling of gratitude for giving him the impetus to get back on his feet©¤©¤.

    While he was walking with such thought in mind, Philuffy suddenly closed her distance with him quietly.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What¡¯s the matter Phi-chan!?¡¹

    She clung on him closely from the side. Her soft sensation and body warmth were transmitted across the smooth fabric of her dress.

    ¡¸Because Lu-chan, you look freezing.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no. I¡¯m fine, it¡¯s just this much! Mo, more importantly I¡¯m wearing coat.¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you¡¯re cold. Even though, I¡¯m your wife right now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Philuffy pouted a bit at Lux¡¯s bashfulness.

    In the end this honeymoon should be nothing more than a camouflage, but when Philuffy mentioned being a ¡ºwife¡» once more, his heart skipped a beat whether he wished it or not.

    He wondered if he was actually wedded with Philuffy for real, would it be something like this.

    At that time when Lux¡¯s heart was pounding hard, a presence suddenly appeared behind.

    ¡¸Oops, the two going lovey dovey over there. It¡¯s not safe to stay this late at night you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ri-ght ri-ght. Just because you two are in a honeymoon, aren¡¯t you two being a bit too carried away? If you two don¡¯t be careful on the street at night©¤©¤wait, ouch ouch ouch-! Give up, give up-! Heeellllpp-!¡¹

    Three people called out from behind.

    When one of them tried to grab Lux¡¯s shoulder, Philuffy instantly took that hand and twisted it.

    ¡¸Yes. That was why I said to stop with the joke. Really, what a troubling person.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­it¡¯s been a while, everyone.¡¹

    Lux let his guard down hearing the girls¡¯ familiar voices and smiled wryly.

    The Triads who he knew well from the new kingdom¡¯s Academy were lined up in front of him.

    Sharis, Tillfur, Noct, the three of them were arranged to contact Lux at this mission periodically to transfer information to the new kingdom.

    ¡¸It¡¯s great that you seem to be in a good health, Lux-kun. You still haven¡¯t crossed the line with missy Philuffy right?¡¹

    ¡¸Just what are you worrying about so suddenly!?¡¹

    Lux was immediately flustered by what the leader Sharis pointed out.

    ¡¸Yes. It looks like I will be able to bring a good report for Airi too. Although Lux-san is really unreliable in woman relationship, so I believe in you.¡¹

    ¡¸Make it clear whether you are praising or speaking ill of me-!?¡¹

    Lux yelled even more after receiving Noct¡¯s calm verbal abuse.

    ¡¸Fuuu¡­¡­. Because it¡¯s kinda uacceptable. Even though the atmosphere in the new kingdom is tense, and yet it¡¯s only Lux-chi who is going to have a fun honeymoon. Isn¡¯t there any role that I also can do? Like pretending to be mistress or something?¡¹

    ¡¸Look here¡­¡­. We are pretty much coming here for an extremely secret mission though.¡¹

    Lux retorted with a wry smile at the grumbling of Tillfur who was freed from Philuffy¡¯s arm lock.

    These three were like always, but thanks to them he also felt like his tension was loosened.

    ¡¸Now then, we shouldn¡¯t talking while standing like this, let¡¯s go back to the inn and talk. After all our position today isn¡¯t as a student. I¡¯ve picked up some alcohol and snack too.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, you are absolutely having fun aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Lux muttered with a really complicated expression. Sharis showed a cheerful smile.

    After that, they returned to the inn with everyone and took a light break while exchanging information with each other.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤how is it going in the new kingdom?¡¹

    Sharis straightened her back in respond to the question that Lux asked with a low voice.

    The flippant atmosphere until just now vanished and she showed a quiet expression.

    ¡¸We are forced into considerable hardships there. Military force from Heiburg Republic is already occupying the west territory of the new kingdom©¤©¤the port city Triport near Babel. It seems their supply train was already arranged, and they began entering Babel from the other day.¡¹

    In the middle of the campus festival©¤©¤because of the skill exhibition battle that was held under the presence of the Lords, Heiburg Republic was granted with the right to conquer Babel inside the new kingdom¡¯s territory for a month.

    The port city Triport where their troops that were formed mainly around Drag-Knights was enveloped in grave atmosphere as though the city was suppressed and turned into a garrison.

    One of the four great nobles who was entrusted with the western territory, Dist Ralgris was also focusing on security with all his might, but it appeared the citizens of Triport were spending days without sleeping due to the threat of Abyss that might arrived anytime.

    ¡¸What about Lisha-sama and everyone else?¡¹

    Lux asked while eating sandwich with cheese and meat in between.

    Philuffy was also silently snacking on a deep-fried bread despite the amount that she had eaten in the party before this.

    ¡¸The princess and others are essential battle force there. She is taking turn with Celis in the port city to take command of the new kingdom¡¯s military there. Though truthfully we also want missy Krulcifer and missy Yoruka to be all present there.¡¹

    ¡¸Weell, if those four are all present at the same time, as expected the other side will be on guard.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Our infiltration to here is also being suspected.¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct added some more to Sharis¡¯s answer.

    If all the users of Divine Drag-Ride were mostly going out, as expected the other side would be on guard wondering what the two who weren¡¯t there were doing.

    The new kingdom was receiving backup from Vanheim Principality and Ymir Theocracy sometimes, but as expected it seemed guarding Triport was an exhausting work.

    After all, they didn¡¯t know when the Abysses inside the Babel that Heiburg military failed to defeat would go out and went to the nearby Triport.

    It seemed that Celis¡¯s sense of responsibility and Lisha¡¯s show of courage didn¡¯t let them complain, but the chance was that they wouldn¡¯t be able to hold out if this situation continued for a month.

    It seemed they had Krulcifer and Yoruka to harden the defense of the Academy.

    It was planned for them to alternate with Lisha and Celis in guarding Triport every few days.

    Regarding that, there shouldn¡¯t be any problem right now but,

    ¡¸And, what about her?¡¹

    Lux nervously touched the topic about the information that he wanted to know the most.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic, Rosa Granhide.

    She was a Drag-Knight that possessed an alias of the Steel Witch, and gave an impression like an unsheathed sharp blade.

    He had severe personality with bared hostility, and it was rumored that he murdered five military cadets in mock battle at Heiburg.

    Even though she possessed overwhelming strength as Drag-Knight, because of her severe disposition, she had a shady history where her existence itself was hidden from other countries.

    Lux had no time to investigate in detail about her, so he told Airi and Triad before he left the country that he wanted them to gather information but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸About that, we don¡¯t find anything even when we investigated her. In the first place we have conflict with Heiburg since the era of old empire and they broke off relation with us, obtaining information about their Drag-Knight is especially hard.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Airi also seemed to be frustrated.¡¹

    The result was contrary to his expectation, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    Lux thought that and sighed, but then Sharis proudly puffed up her chest.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That was what we were going to say, but we have prepared a souvenir for you at least. Currently, there is no sign Lady Rosa is going to move away from the new kingdom. Regarding the soldiers¡¯ commanding, it seems that it¡¯s being done by a female general who is her aide.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Even if someone flew using Drag-Ride in full speed, it would take about a day and a half from Triport to this Hidehelm.

    If he knew that Rosa wasn¡¯t here, it would be somewhat easier to investigate.

    Although the possibility was high that she was connected with this backroom deal, so he couldn¡¯t feel completely relieved.

    ¡¸Like that we finished with the report, should we stay here too tonight? Lux-chi too, you are uneasy staying with just the two of you here right?¡¹

    ¡¸No. I judge that we should go back immediately. There is no time for playing.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate but it can¡¯t be helped. It looks like you have found out about the date of the underground market, so we will show up again around that day.¡¹

    Noct rejected Tillfur¡¯s joke while Sharis concluded the talk.

    This time the role of the Triad was as pipe to convey the information of new kingdom to Lux.

    In case Heiburg military conquered Babel and reached until the floor where the Ragnarok existed, Lord Dist said that Lux¡¯s cooperation for the defense there would be indispensable.

    The Triad were cracking jokes, but they must be quiet nervous too.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­. See you again, everyone.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, missy Philuffy too, just because this is a honeymoon don¡¯t cut loose too much.¡¹

    The Triad left the inn with those teasing words as parting gift.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux sighed, he noticed that Philuffy beside him had vanished without him realizing it.

    It seemed she was eating sweets without saying anything during the strategy meeting but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you¡¯re tired¡­¡­. You have to, sleep soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!?¡¹

    Philuffy suddenly embraced him from behind with gentle strength.

    The voluptuous body texture that he felt across her nightwear caused Lux¡¯s head to boil up spontaneously .

    ¡¸Wha-, what are you doing Phi-chan? Wait, are you drunk!?¡¹

    He wondered if she drank the alcohol that Sharis and co brought, but it seemed she was simply sleepy.

    She was hugging Lux firmly with drowsy eyes.

    The faint scent of perfume that was mixed with the wafting sweet smell of a girl was making Lux¡¯s emotion to seethe.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m all right! Phi-chan, you go sleep first©¤©¤¡¹

    He somehow refused her invitation and tried to escape but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m Lu-chan¡¯s wife, so I have to take care of you, that was what Onee-chan said.¡¹

    ¡¸No this is just acting I told you!? It¡¯s fine to not go this far when there is no one around!¡¹

    The moment Lux reflexively yelled, he was pushed down on the bed.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The texture of Philuffy¡¯s flushed body.

    Lux almost raised his voice reflexively, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Zzz¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s eyes closed completely and a quiet sleeper¡¯s breathing slipped out from her mouth.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa¡¹

    Lux patted down his chest in relieve while pulling off Philuffy¡¯s body from him.

    It wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t feel slightly reluctant to part from her, but he decided that it was just his imagination.

    Before they went to the social meeting place, they had lightly wiped their body, so he guessed that it would be fine not to wake her up tonight.

    ¡¸Even so, as expected we cannot sleep together¡­¡­¡¹

    The bed was double-sized, but it was troubling that there was only one.

    Rather than a matter of space, it was Lux who had no confidence that he would be able to maintain his reasoning.

    ¡¸Really, just what is Relie-san thinking¡­¡­¡¹

    He also felt like that she wasn¡¯t thinking anything.

    No, in a sense her aim was terribly easy to understand.

    After all Relie¡¯s wish was for Lux to be wedded with Philuffy.

    ¡¸But, the me right now, has no leeway to think about such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    It was a bit cold because it was early winter, but he had no choice than to sleep on the sofa.

    Lux took a piece of blanket and smiled at Philuffy¡¯s sleeping face.

    ¡¸Rest well, Phi-chan.¡¹

    He turned off the lamp¡¯s light and closed his eyes inside the darkness.

    He felt intense uneasy feeling in this situation where he was infiltrating enemy territory and regarding the dispute around the first Ruin Babel.

    He was a bit anxious whether he could fall asleep, but Lux¡¯s consciousness was sinking naturally perhaps because of the cold.

    ¨C

    That night, Lux was watching a dream of the past.

    It was a nostalgic past that tended to be a bitter memory.

    The scene from seven years ago of the suffering from the old empire¡¯s tyrannical rule and the discrimination from male chauvinism.

    He was banished from the imperial court and lost him mother in an accident.

    And then©¤©¤Lux stood up in order to change the empire, this was his action after that.

    He obtained knowledge by searching and reading the book written by the predecessors in the library, at the same time he polished his skill with Drag-Ride.

    It wasn¡¯t enough no matter how much time he had.

    He focused on his study and training from morning until evening that he even forgot to sleep.

    He was able to sharpen his fang until so far in that short time©¤©¤and then to even arrive until the point where the empire was dismantled, was largely thanks to Fugil¡¯s assistance, but in one part it was also due to the strength of Lux¡¯s will.

    BUt©¤©¤,

    ¡ºHahaa, I get it. You are scared right? Of the reality that what you once believed as right and accomplished might be a mistake.¡»

    The sentence that the Blue Tyrant, Shinglen Shelbrit once told to him caused a twinge of pain in Lux¡¯s chest.

    (¡­¡­Wrong. I¡¯m not hesitating anymore. In order to protect the people who I want to protect, I don¡¯t feel any doubt.)

    He had no problem in becoming Seven Dragon Paladins in order to save his little sisterAirifrom danger.

    He should have sworn to himself that he wouldn¡¯t be scared anymore of the failure that destroyed the old empire in the past.

    (However, why?)

    He had to find the proof of the backroom dealing of Rosa Granhide, the King of Vices who caused the new kingdom to be in danger, and defeated her.

    Even though this act should be the right one, for some reason Lux was feeling contradiction inside himself.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to protect everyone without defeating the enemy that put the new kingdom in danger.

    However, even so Lux¡¯s wish was¡­

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux opened his eyes above the sofa due to a disturbing sound.

    He couldn¡¯t feel light from the other side of the curtain. The air was cold. It was still late at night.

    He immediately went alert and got up. His hand reached toward his Sword Device.

    (Enemy? No, wrong©¤©¤the aim isn¡¯t us¡­¡­)

    Lux held his breath and observed the surrounding¡¯s situation. As he thought, there was voice.

    Furthermore it was a loud voice of an angry man that could be heard from far away.

    It sounded like someone was condemning another person because of a foot getting caught on something or colliding with someone.

    Perhaps because it was midnight, the sound was echoing.

    Sometimes weak scream of a girl reached even until this inn¡¯s room.

    ¡¸Nn, munya¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy hadn¡¯t noticed the sounds, she was still sleeping perhaps because she was tired.

    Lux quietly exited the room and got down to the first floor. He called out to the inn¡¯s owner who was still awake.

    ¡¸Oh, what¡¯s the mother young master? The door will be closed soon. How about you postpone your outing for tomorrow?¡¹

    ¡¸No, rather than that just what was that scream©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux asked with a tense expression, but the inn¡¯s owner, a middle aged man only lightly joined his hands together and said ¡¸Aa¡¹.

    ¡¸Surely that must be annoying, but there is no need to worry. It should stop soon¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, shouldn¡¯t we help? Perhaps there is a girl who is being attacked you know? Shouldn¡¯t we call the guards or©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was irritated by the man¡¯s calm while insisting on that.

    But, the reply of the inn¡¯s owner was unexpected.

    ¡¸Young master, is this your first time coming to this city?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The man leaked out a sigh at Lux¡¯s bewildered reaction.

    ¡¸I understand your feeling but please stop. The man who was yelling angrily like that is the guard. Furthermore that man is a noble and a squad leader class. I¡¯m familiar with his voice.¡¹

    The man spoke dispassionately while scratching his head with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Here is the capital so it¡¯s excessively awful. If anyone tries to do anything suspicious even for just a little bit, the guards will soon hear about it. If they aren¡¯t satisfied with money or body, then it would be prison for the suspect.¡¹

    Those words of resignation rapidly cooled down Lux¡¯s heated head.

    Right after that, he immediately reached an answer.

    ¡¸In other words, it¡¯s that kind of thing? We cannot oppose Heiburg¡¯s military officer who is drunk and picking on girl right now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t a problem about which is right and which is wrong. If we speak out carelessly, it will be us who get crushed. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. Excuse me.¡¹

    Lux acted as though he was backing down sensibly and returned to his room.

    He heard that in this Heiburg the segregation of status was distinct but, so this was what it meant.

    The noble military officers and their dependents whose influence were strengthened, the ordinary citizens, and then©¤©¤the poor people.

    Heiburg that got its territory threatened by the old empire Arcadia and exposed to the danger of Ragnarok then concentrated to the route of expanding their military might.

    The distortion of authority that it brought about stole the position of the leaders that the mass selected and put up the military in an overwhelming predominance.

    Without armed might, they would lose strength in every respect whether in war, defense, and Ruin investigation.

    The place Heiburg ended up on that route was the tyranny of the soldiers.

    It was a system of government by influential people who resembled the old empire.

    Lux who once experienced the front and the back of that era was immediately able to comprehend the situation.

    (If I want to accomplish my mission safely, I shouldn¡¯t risk danger now in this place. But©¤©¤)

    When he noticed, his hand had reached out toward the merchandise bag.

    He took a black cloak with hood attached to hide the face.

    He quickly changed into one of the clothing that he brought for disguise among the merchandises.

    Furthermore he only carried the Sword Device of his Wyvern and leaped outside from the window.

    He leaped on the fence from the second floor, and from there he landed safely on the street.

    Different from before, there was no sign of people in the city at midnight.

    Amidst the cold wind that felt cutting into the body, Lux started running toward the direction of the voice.

    After sprinting for around 200 ml on the stone paving, he discovered a girl who was being harassed by a guard inside a complicated back alley.

    ¡¸Noo-!? Please let me go-!¡¹

    ¡¸This annoying brat. That guy is a traitor of the country. Don¡¯t think this will be over with only you accompanying us for a night yeah.¡¹

    Inside the darkness, the outline of that scene was gradually getting clearer.

    The moment the drunk man pulled the girl¡¯s arm further, Lux hit his shoulder with his sheathed Sword Device.

    ¡¸Guouh!?¡¹

    ¡¸Over here!¡¹

    Lux pulled at the hand of the girl when the man pitched forward and collapsed and started running.

    After getting out of the back alley and ran for a while, they finally arrived until in front of a main street.

    He didn¡¯t hear any footstep from behind. It seemed they managed to escape safely.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Excuse me©¤©¤who, are you?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you injured? Please take care. Then, excuse me.¡¹

    It was great and all that he moved to help the girl, but it would be scary later if he stood out more than this.

    He tried to left behind the gasping girl and left before she memorized his face.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­. Ple, please wait a second!¡¹

    ¡¸No, I don¡¯t need any tha©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m thankful for the save. But where is this place? We had been running quite far, so I don¡¯t understand the path back.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was spontaneously bewildered when the girl asked him that.

    Although it was midnight, there was some amount of moonlight and the lamps in the city remaining.

    ¡¸Bu, but you are a citizen of the capital right? I have just arrived in this city©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who was about to say that noticed the secret of the girl.

    He didn¡¯t notice until now because he was absorbed in escaping, but looking closer, the girl kept casting down her eyes quietly.

    ¡¸Forgive me. Just as you can see, my eyes cannot see. If I have a cane than I can more or less find my own way, but I left it at that place before©¤©¤¡¹

    (Kuh¡­¡­!? No good!?)

    Lux finally noticed the troublesome situation he was put in.

    That soldier he hit was dead drunk, so there was possibility that he fainted right away after the hit, but he couldn¡¯t just return there brazenly while pulling the girl¡¯s hand.

    And then, although here was the main street, there was no way he could leave this blind girl behind without cane in this late at night.

    With how the girl got into trouble with a guard, he also couldn¡¯t use the method of handing her to another guard.

    Furthermore because Lux rushed out in a hurry, he didn¡¯t bring the map of the capital with him.

    Lux was someone with relatively good sense of direction, but it would be difficult to search for this girl¡¯s house in this dark night.

    ¡¸Do you have any acquaintance who you can trust? Someone who you feel like you can rely on other than this city¡¯s guard©¤©¤¡¹

    There Lux tried to search for a method to at least return this girl back safely, but,

    ¡¸None¡­¡­, I think.¡¹

    The girl made a self-depreciating expression and hung her head down.

    ¡¸I am a shamed human in this city¡­¡­. That¡¯s why, I can only go at midnight even for strolling like this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean¡­¡­?¡¹

    After asking that, Lux regretted it thinking that he shouldn¡¯t inquire excessively.

    But, the words that were dragged out from the girl by that casual question induced Lux¡¯s fate to an unexpected direction.

    ¡¸Because in the past, I was a military cadet Drag-Knight. At the very least, if Rosa or Calensia are staying by my side©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Lux heard those two names, agitation and shudder ran through Lux¡¯s back.

    The gentle-looking blind girl tilted her head and waited for Lux¡¯s response.

    (This girl, is a former military cadet of Heiburg¡­¡­!? What¡¯s more, she has connection with Seven Dragon Paladins Rosa and her aide Calensia©¤©¤)

    In Lux¡¯s mission this time, he wasn¡¯t directly involved with those two.

    Because his current objective was to infiltrate into Hieburg¡¯s underground market and searched for the proof of their backroom deal with Dragon Marauder.

    Therefore he also had a choice to not listen to this girl¡¯s story, but Lux felt a strange fate in this encounter.

    ¡¸Say, do you have any clue about your home address, like the terrain around it or the name of the street?¡¹

    ¡¸It might take some time but¡­¡­, I think I can manage somehow. In the past I could see, so if I rely on my memory from that time©¤©¤¡¹

    If that was the case then there was some prospect in sending the girl home.

    After all if she was a former military cadet then it was possible that she was familiar with the map.

    ¡¸Ah, I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m being a bother am I? Even though you has only came to this city recently, and you have also saved me just now.¡¹

    The girl suddenly returned to her senses and told Lux that in panic. Lux took the hand of the girl.

    ¡¸No, please let me send you home. Also, it might take a bit of time but, can you allow me to listen to your story?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. My name is Stefa Hersmice. I¡¯m a former military cadet, and right now I¡¯m an apprentice nurse.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m Lu©¤©¤not. Rudy Eintoss, a traveling merchant. Nice to meet you.¡¹

    He told her that and started walking through the quiet city at night.

    A blind girl without cane and a young man who had only came into the capital for the first time.

    As expected, their pace was slow while they also had to be careful of the guards¡¯ eyes.

    Lux talked with the girl using the excess time.

    ¡¸Is that so, you came to this city for a honeymoon©¤©¤. Certainly, this is a place that is prospering in various things in the business aspect.¡¹

    The reason her tone sounded a bit cynical might be because she was aware of the defense industry as a former military cadet.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m together with my childhood friend Phi, ¡­¡­anel you see. There will be a lot of party in the New Year¡¯s eve too, so it will also double as socializing from here on.¡¹

    Of course that was the pretext of his fabricated social position.

    ¡¸Even though from your voice you sounded young, but you are hardworking aren¡¯t you? That¡¯s admirable.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not that amazing. More importantly, just now you mentioned the name of Rosa.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you know about her? She is already the Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic. It will be great if she is in good health but ©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, about her¡­¡­Lady Rosa, can I ask how is she being treated in Heiburg?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing Lux¡¯s question, the girl slightly looked down and fell quiet.

    Even just from that, he could somehow guess the circumstance.

    ¡¸Ah, you don¡¯t need to force yourself to answer if you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I think from the view point of other country, it must looks like that she is a really bad existence. She is an EX Class Drag-Knight, but she is a haughty and arrogant dangerous person. I heard such rumor. But¡­¡­I cannot believe that.¡¹

    ¡¸You cannot believe, the rumor about Lady Rosa?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. She was born from a noted military family, and her personality was certainly aggressive. However©¤©¤if I have to say, it felt like it was just her turning her cowardice into hostility. Even when an accident happened in the mock battle against her, she was really upset.¡¹

    ¡¸Your eyes, it was because of an accident in the practice ground?¡¹

    The blind girl who introduced herself as Stefa nodded.

    How should he say it, this was unexpected.

    Thinking of Rosa¡¯s current figure which was so arrogant and haughty like that, he couldn¡¯t even imagine the Rosa that this girl talked about.

    When he heard even more of her story, Calensia and Stefa were normal citizens from the street, but they had promise with their Drag-Ride aptitude and became military cadet. There they became close with Rosa.

    But, Stefa¡¯s eyes got injured and she was expulsed from the academy. Since then she didn¡¯t really follow about what happened in the military academy.

    During that time, the bad rumors about Rosa were starting to flow one after another before she knew it, and now Rosa had became an existence that was feared by the people of the capital.

    At the same time, the controlling power of the military was increasing in momentum from that time, and Heiburg was rapidly becoming a country that was hard to live in.

    ¡¸Regarding the reason why Lady Rosa changed completely, do you have any idea about it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t know. But, right after I was expulsed, it seemed that several military cadets died from accident in mock battle though.¡¹

    It seemed that around that time, the military¡¯s top management died and the organization structure changed, with various other events happening.

    Lux was able to imagine that it must be around the time that Hayes¡¯s involvement with Heiburg was turning active.

    He also heard from Stefa that Calensia tried to investigate Hayes regarding the trend at that time.

    ¡¸My cousin Calensia didn¡¯t show any sign of changing but, I haven¡¯t met her for a long time. I believed that Calensia would stop Rosa even if she actually did anything bad, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was listening to her words while recalling the skill exhibition battle that was held in the campus festival a month ago.

    ¨C

    ¡ºCalen. You aim at this one who is near dead. Weeell, the punishment for you is decided already though by the time you got done in by such brat twice. What¡¯s going to happen if we lose because of your fault©¤©¤. If it¡¯s the clever you, don¡¯t you get it already riight? It won¡¯t be just your parents, even your little sis will be turned into slave you know?¡»

    ¨C

    At that time, the relationship between the two had already become one sided.

    Rosa was threatening, oppressing, and toying with Calensia.

    If Stefa believed in the relationship of the two, then there was no way he could tell her about that.

    If he acted carelessly, then even this girl might get harmed by Rosa¡¯s whim.

    ¡¸If I can meet with Calensia, then perhaps I will be able to understand something¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was unable to answer the girl¡¯s earnest wish.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­is your house around here? The bread shop and general shop©¤©¤and the stone statue are nearby.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I mostly understand the area if we are here. Really, thank you very much.¡¹

    While they were talking like that, they finally arrived nearby the girl¡¯s house.

    She had no cane, so just in case Lux sent her off until in front of her house. Then when Lux was going to return to the inn©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Err, Rudy-san, you are going to stay in this city for a while aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Stefa hesitantly talked toward Lux who was turning around.

    ¡¸That¡¯s the plan but, is there something?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m guessing, that perhaps, you are intending to participate in the underground market that will happen soon?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was immediately on his guard when the girl guessed exactly right.

    The underground market itself was a legal market, but there was also illicit trade that handled illegal merchandise being done under its cover.

    Lux disguised his identity to infiltrate there with the objective of catching such trade in the act.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m not©¤©¤¡¹

    This girl had an unexpected connection with Rosa and he asked her about her story against his better judgment, but it wouldn¡¯t be good to be involved further with this girl.

    But, if it was the military that was managing the underground market, there was no doubt that this girl also understood the situation.

    And then, if he could meet the cousin of this girl, the aide of Seven Dragon Paladins, Calensia, at that time the puzzle pieces that he had on hand would be connected right away.

    He would be able to approach the core of Heiburg that was increasing its strength by its connection with Dragon Marauder.

    ¡¸Please! If you see Calensia in the underground market, please tell her about me! I will do anything to repay you, so please let me meet with her!¡¹

    While Lux was hesitating, Stefa spoke her heartfelt wish.

    And then Lux too made his conclusion in the end of his hesitation.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, it became something unthinkable.¡¹

    More than ten minutes later.

    Lux somehow returned to the inn where he was staying.

    In the end, Lux accepted Stefa¡¯s request.

    Although, since Calensia became seriously injured due to an incident, it seemed that she didn¡¯t try to meet Stefa anymore.

    Stefa wished Lux to find out the cause, and if possible make it so that the two could meet.

    That was the wish of the blind girl Stefa.

    At the skill exhibition, Calensia Hersmice looked like a serious military officer and she received unfortunate treatment from Rosa.

    At the very least, she should be someone that was easier to approach than Rosa.

    According to the report from Triad, it appeared that Rosa wouldn¡¯t come back within these few days, so perhaps it would be easier to negotiate with Calensia right now.

    In any case, he would need to be very careful but©¤©¤, either way it was already impossible for him today.

    ¡¸I¡¯m back.¡¹

    The front door of the inn was closed, so Lux entered inside from the window that he used to get out.

    When he looked at the bed after muttering with a small voice, he didn¡¯t see Philuffy¡¯s figure there.

    (©¤©¤!? Don¡¯t tell me, she was silently kidnapped!?)

    Cold sweat was trickling on Lux¡¯s head.

    She immediately grasped his Sword Device tightly and turned on the lamp alertly, it was at that moment©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ei¡¹

    *Grap* Someone suddenly hugged him tightly from behind.

    He thought that his heart would leap out for a moment there, but he immediately noticed the person¡¯s identity.

    ¡¸Err, Phi¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Where, did you go?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, are you all right!? While I¡¯m gone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He tried to turned around, but he couldn¡¯t move because of the firm hold.

    She was silent like usual, but right now her silence was scary.

    ¡¸Err, I¡¯ll tell you the circumstance but, can you let go of me for now¡­¡­¡¹

    It was problematic that he couldn¡¯t move but, other than that there was also her large breasts that were crushed on his back which caused his face to turn red.

    ¡¸No, Lu-chan is in the middle of punishment after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? What do you mean punishm©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Onee-chan taught me. A wife, must not forgive his husband¡¯s night amusements.¡¹

    ¡¸You are mistaken a lot you know!? No, perhaps it¡¯s correct in a sense but this time that¡¯s not what happened! In the first place it¡¯s fine to not keep the act in the place where no one is looking!?¡¹

    ¡¸I am, angry.¡¹

    After releasing Lux for the moment, Philuffy said that with a bland expression and dreamy tone that didn¡¯t look angry for the slightest.

    ¡¸Because Lu-chan acted recklessly by yourself again. Because, you left me behind.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hung his head down before the girl¡¯s pure eyes and words.

    He hesitated to wake her up because of the sudden happening, but this time Philuffy was coming with Lux here by her own will.

    She was accompanying him in this dangerous mission because she was determined to protect Lux.

    For him to venture into danger without telling her, it was no wonder she was angry.

    ¡¸Sorry, Phi-chan¡­¡­. I wasn¡¯t thinking at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Nn.¡¹

    When Lux apologized honestly, Philuffy quietly nodded.

    She looked like she had no initiative, but she was actually really obstinate. But when she understood that Lux was apologizing from his heart, she wouldn¡¯t be angry for longer than that.

    (I¡¯m also saved by this side of Phi-chan huh.)

    Somehow it felt nostalgic. Lux was immersing himself in that feeling while taking off his coat and lightly wiped his body.

    After confirming that the outfit he wore was all right and his body also wasn¡¯t injured or anything, he faced Philuffy once more.

    ¡¸I will tell you about the detail tomorrow. Now this time it¡¯s for real, good night Phi-chan.¡¹

    ¡ºYes, Lu-chan.¡»

    She replied back to him smilingly©¤©¤was how Lux thought she would respond, but Philuffy wordlessly lied down on the bed, then her hand tapped on the space beside her *pon pon*.

    ¡¸Err, Phi-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Sleep over here. If not, Lu-chan is going to sneak out as you please again.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? A, as expected that is bad you know!? Lo, look, our room is separated already even in the Academy.¡¹

    Lux noticed her intention and his face blushed from getting flustered.

    It wasn¡¯t that he hated to sleep together with Philuffy by all means, but he was taking account of the physiological phenomenon of himself who was a young man of that age, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, right now we are in a honeymoon so there is no problem. That was what Onee-chan said.¡¹

    ¡¸That person, why is she still mixing personal situation even in an important mission that is related with the country-!?¡¹

    In practice, the other Divine Drag-Ride users had their own position to consider, so only this time it was Philuffy who was suitable for this mission. He understood that.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You aren¡¯t introspecting, about just now.

    Philuffy turned her face away *puih* while keeping the blanket bared open.

    He took back what he had just thought©¤©¤as expected she was still angry.

    From his experience, it was better to not oppose Philuffy further when she was like this.

    In the end, Lux lied down beside Philuffy while asking that at the very least she wouldn¡¯t cling to close on him.

    When the lamp was turned off and he closed his eyes, Philuffy quietly grasped Lux¡¯s hand.

    The warmth and softness of that hand caused Lux¡¯s heart to skip a beat.

    ¡¸Night, Lu-chan.¡¹

    She only whispered that and closed her eyes, then she immediately began to let out sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    (Is this her way of telling me to not go off by myself anymore?)

    Such will was conveyed to him through the girl¡¯s hand that was connected to him.

    (But©¤©¤this also feels a bit, relieving perhaps.)

    His heart was pounding slightly hard, at the same time his feeling was getting somewhat eased.

    Yesterday, she had to tell Philuffy everything properly.

    His acceptance of Stefa¡¯s wish and the answer that he chose.

    The accumulated fatigue stole the thought from Lux¡¯s head.

    Lux was feeling the end of the first day of infiltration while feeling concern of the well-being of Lisha and others.

 Volume 10 - CH 2

    ¨C

    The smell of salty sea breeze and quiet sound of waves were filling inside the room.

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­fua¡¹

    Lisha was waking up while yawning. There a beautiful scenery was unfolding.

    Blue sea and a harbor made from stone entered the eyes from the window of the small and clean bedroom.

    The signboard of Triport, a port city in the western territory of new kingdom could be seen from there.

    Because it was a city of commerce, it wasn¡¯t a city where one could enjoy swimming in the sea, but it was quite interesting in its own way that the sea and ships were nearby.

    It was also fun thinking of Drag-Ride for crossing sea or diving into it, and there was romance in ship crossing sea.

    For Lisha whose hobby was to fiddle with Drag-Ride, this too was a scenery that invited her interest considerably, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Something like patrolling is boring. Hearing the lecture of Instructor Raigree in the Academy is still better.¡¹

    She changed into her pilot suit even while complaining and put on a robe above it.

    She opened the door and exited the government building, then she walked toward the opposite side of the port.

    At the east of the city, there was a base that was surrounded by stone rampart, the soldiers greeted her while she was heading there.

    ¡¸Good morning, your highness princess Lizsharte!¡¹

    ¡¸Morning. No need to greet so stiffly like that. It just makes me tired.¡¹

    Lisha brightly exchanged light talk while advancing deeper into the base briskly.

    At present, there were two forces that were present in this place that was a defensive base from the first Ruin©¤©¤Babel.

    The first one was the force of Drag-Knight possessed by Dist Ralgris, the feudal lord of the western territory.

    The other one was the main force of Heiburg military that obtained the investigation right of Ruin for a month.

    A female general of the blooming age called Gutefelica took command of the army and progressed the conquering of Babel every day.

    Inside the Babel that was composed from thirteen floors in total, there was no conquer method other than climbing up from the first floor.

    Although the Ruin was discovered in quite the early stage at the new kingdom, the conquering itself was stopping until the second floor.

    The first floor was abnormally spacious. Because almost all Drag-Rides had been carried out from the warehouses that existed in dozens of place there, and the appearance rate of Abyss was also increasing from the second floor, the risk of conquering further didn¡¯t match the possible gain.

    ¡¸Good morning Lizsharte. Did you sleep well yesterday?¡¹

    When Lisha climbed to the lighthouse where the Babel could be observed, a girl with the same outfit like her was standing by on the highest floor.

    The daughter of one of the four great nobles and the third year student who was the strongest in the Academy©¤©¤Celistia Ralgris.

    Lisha greeted back while sitting down beside her.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve got a good room prepared for me, but the sleeping comfort is the worst. I cannot sleep from feeling uneasy about the Heiburg bunches in this city.¡¹

    ¡¸I can sympathize. Its not just the fear against the threat of Abyss, the air is also tense from the uneasiness Heiburg¡¯s soldiers are bringing. We won¡¯t last for a month like this.¡¹

    ¡¸In fact, they also cannot spend that much time I conquering the Ruin.¡¹

    If the prediction from the Lord¡¯s imperial princess Listelka was correct, it would be about five more months until the danger of world destruction by Sacred Eclipse.

    Considering that there were still five Ruins that hadn¡¯t been liberated, they didn¡¯t even have the leeway to spend one month per Ruin.

    Thus the world alliance leaders proposed that they should split their battle force into two and assaulted two Ruins simultaneously, but in reality they were indecisive.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Ymir Theocracy, Mel still hadn¡¯t recovered completely. And above all else, since then Dragon Marauder was completely in hiding.

    If they got attacked from the back by Dragon Marauder after they gave their all in conquering the Ruins©¤©¤thinking that caused the countries to become unable to make drastic move.

    When also considering the possibility that they wouldn¡¯t be able to oppose Ragnarok¡¯s appearance and their country got destroyed, it was natural to consider to first take the wait-and-see approach at other country¡¯s attempt.

    In a sense it could be called as the natural conclusion when thinking that they would be unable to concentrate their force in case all five Ragnarok got away simultaneously, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸This is troubling. When thinking about dealing with the Abysses that appear from Babel, we cannot leave from this place.¡¹

    It was already five days since Heiburg started conquering Babel.

    Although at least there was an agreement that their exploration would be from dawn until sunset, there were countless transfer devices set up inside Babel to get outside the Ruin.

    It was nice that there were a lot of escape routes, but even Abyss would get invited by that and went outside.

    Those escaping enemies would fly to Triport, so Lisha and Celis were posted here to defense against those.

    ¡¸Around ten Abysses came to Triport for the whole day yesterday. If there isn¡¯t at least one Divine Drag-Ride user here, the battle line won¡¯t hold with just father¡¯s force.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lisha nodded and gazed at the townscape from the lighthouse.

    Her gaze caught the sight of Rosa Granhide, the supreme commander of Heiburg¡¯s force this time.

    ¡¸It looks like that woman is really here huh. Though I don¡¯t know why she is walking around the city like that.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s certainly strange. At the first day she only went to greet the city mayor, then she only looked around the city, leaving the conquer of Babel to her subordinate©¤©¤¡¹

    Even if Heiburg planned to preserve their battle force until the shortest route inside Babel was confirmed, it was suspicious that Rosa¡¯s aide, Calensia didn¡¯t show up.

    Because, in any case if they couldn¡¯t arrive until the floor where the Ragnarok was at, sending out powerful Drag-Knight in the early stage would make the conquering progress faster.

    ¡¸Either way, this time we cannot enter the Ruin. In a few more days, Krulcifer and that ero woman will come to relieve us from the defense role. Until then we can only accomplish our duty.¡¹

    ¡¸Come to think of it, recently it seems like you have a good relationship with Yoruka. I am still unable to interact well with her, so I¡¯m envious.¡¹

    Celis suddenly said such thing.

    It was about the former assassin girl who possessed an alias as Empire¡¯s Assassin Dagger, a problem child who couldn¡¯t blend in into the Academy at all.

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks blushed and she got flustered when Celis pointed that out.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not true at all-!? I¡¯m meddling with that woman because she cannot just be left alone, it¡¯s not what you think©¤©¤or rather, what about you yourself!? Even though it was you who got taught to do that absurd thing in the campus festival¡¯s punishment game!¡¹

    This time it was Celis¡¯s turn to become red faced from Lisha¡¯s objection.

    She waved her hands around while making excuse about that time in panic.

    ¡¸Tha, that was just me getting tricked by her! That¡¯s, if I knew that kissing is fine with just touching the lips lightly, such thing wouldn¡¯t©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Well fine¡­¡­. More importantly, I¡¯m also worried about Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. The high level Drag-Knights of Heiburg are all coming to conquer Babel, but it¡¯s still somewhat worrying that he is infiltrating enemy territory.¡¹

    In case there was really backroom deal happening there, the situation might even developed into battle there.

    Even Celis and Lisha knew that the division commanders of the Dragon Marauder were powerful enemies from their confrontation against Drakkhen.

    ¡¸There is that but, that damned headmaster. She tried to make Lux and that airhead girl to get hitched with each other using all kind of reason©¤©¤and of all things, it became a honeymoon!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s face reddened with a dissatisfied expression.

    This time in order to avoid confusion, all members of Syvalles received explanation before Lux departed, but it was still fresh in her memory how everyone except Philuffy and Yoruka were bewildered.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. After all there is no doubt that she is the one qualified for the mission this time based on the circumstance.¡¹

    ¡¸But still©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lisha said that stubbornly,

    ¡¸You promise not to say that. Haa¡­¡­even so, I also wanted to accompany him in a role as his guard or subordinate. If it¡¯s me who am Syvalles¡¯s captain, then there won¡¯t be any violation of the norm even if I¡¯m together with Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha was staring suspiciously from the side at Celis¡¯s face that looked somewhat sorrowful.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­. N, no, personally I¡¯m not feeling envious toward Philuffy, till the end it¡¯s only because of my duty as an aide©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Honestly I¡¯m still doubtful about your statement just now but, well fine. After all surely it¡¯s a good thing that you can reveal your true self like that.¡¹

    Thinking back, Celis being ¡ºman-hater¡» and also her personality that was stricter than necessary weren¡¯t the real Celis.

    With Lux¡¯s influence that undid her obstinate feeling, Celis was gradually getting able to show her true self even to people like Lisha and others who were close to her like this.

    ¡¸It¡¯s mysterious. Even though we are separated, thanks to him we can be connected like this.¡¹

    Seeing Celis¡¯s relieved smile, Lisha also nodded in satisfaction.

    At that moment, they could hear the bell sound that informed the attack of Abyss.

    The signal of the bell came five times. The sign meant that five Abysses appeared from Babel and they were heading here.

    ¡¸Then, how about we test this so called power of unity right away?¡¹

    Lisha smiled boastfully and stood up. Celis stood beside her and unsheathed her Sword Device.

    Even though they were burdened with the heavy responsibility of defending against large quantity of Abysses that were just a stone throw away from them, it was as though the willpower inside their eyes wasn¡¯t affected at all.

    ¡¸Come back quickly okay, my knight!¡¹

    Lisha wore her Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat while pouring her wish into it.

    In this conquering, the number of Abyss that got outside from Babel just for today reached until thirty.

    The long battle that threatened the new kingdom was starting even today.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, at Helmhide, the capital of Heiburg Republic.

    Lux and Philuffy who had obtained the tickets to enter the underground market were planning to wait quietly until the market was opened a week later.

    But, Lux who got involved with a girl called Stefa Hersmice, a former military cadet, accepted the unexpected request from her.

    The request was©¤©¤she wished to meet her older cousin, the girl who was the aide of Heiburg¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Calensia Hersmice who she hadn¡¯t met for three years.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. We are leaving soon?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I want to try looking for her before the underground market is opened as expected.¡¹

    Lux was holding a beautiful hair clip inside his hand.

    It was something that Stefa entrusted to him just a few hours ago.

    ¨C

    After waking up, Lux and Philuffy had breakfast and headed toward Stefa¡¯s house first.

    It was a plain house that was located in a corner of a residential district for middle class citizens.

    She was living alone with her father. Because her father who was a carpenter headed to his workplace early in the morning, there was no one but her in the house when it was before noon.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to make you wait. Rudy-san and¡­¡­, his wife Phianel-san is it? I¡¯m grateful that the two of you will listen to my request.¡¹

    Of course Lux¡¯s didn¡¯t make a firm promise about his cooperation with her to make her able to meet with Calensia, it would be only something that he did in the side until the underground market was opened, even so the girl said her thanks happily.

    ¡¸And, about the story¡¯s continuation©¤©¤do you have any idea about Calensia-san¡¯s tendency?¡¹

    To reunite her with her cousin who she hadn¡¯t met for three years, they had to have some knowledge about her location before they could do anything.

    Then Stefa frowned uneasily, and her voice¡¯s tone lowered by a notch.

    ¡¸Err, while the two of you are coming here, you weren¡¯t seen by the guards right?¡¹

    Lux guessed what was in her mind from her vigilant state.

    It was likely that she was going to talk about a matter that was related to military secret.

    ¡¸We were careful just to be in the safe side but, please don¡¯t force yourself. Right now we cannot guarantee your safety.¡¹

    Even Lux couldn¡¯t carry that much responsibility.

    Thus he said that trying to stop her, but the girl before him shook her head.

    ¡¸No, please let me say it. I cannot just make a wish while staying alone by myself in safey©¤©¤¡¹

    After hesitating slightly, Stefa opened her mouth determinedly.

    ¡¸Even though I was just a military cadet Drag-Knight, at that time I was placed in a special class. On that occasion, I was entrusted with being guard in the underground market several times as preparation for the future. Calensia was certainly with me at that time.¡¹

    Stefa finally began to talk about the military¡¯s secret information.

    There were a lot of illegal things circulated within the underground market.

    Rare Drag-Ride parts and weapons, they were sold and purchased with a lot of tax applied to them.

    In other words, the military wasn¡¯t just guarding the underground market, there was no doubt that they were taking part actively in it.

    ¡¸If Calensia is still doing the same duty, there are several places that she will stop by. If you can meet her, I want you to tell her the circumstance and show her this.¡¹

    Stefa said that and took off the hair clip that she was wearing, which she presented toward Lux.

    It was a beautiful accessory with blue gems scattered on it.

    ¡¸This is, a present from her to me for my birthday. Please. Will you ask Calnesia for me? About what is going on in this country, and what happened to Rosa?¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. I will do as much as I can.¡¹

    Lux told Stefa that and parted from her. Then he started to move together with Philuffy.

    And then now©¤©¤Lux and Philuffy marched toward a pleasure quarter that was at the outskirt of the city with precious metal for business discussion at hand.

    There wasn¡¯t only bar there, but also places like brothel, gambling den, every kind of places that were smeared heavily with desires©¤©¤in a glance it was a suspicious area that looked lawless.

    ¡¸There was also this kind of place in the old empire though.¡¹

    In reality this was the first time Lux went to this kind of place. He felt a bit bewildered.

    ¡¸As I thought, wouldn¡¯t it be better if I investigate this place alo©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m, Lu-chan¡¯s bodyguard, you know?¡¹

    Lux unconsciously muttered that because he was uneasy to drag Philuffy into here, but after she told him that he could only respect her choice.

    Because thanks to the body strengthening from the Abyss¡¯s influence and the martial art that Magialca taught her, she possessed combat potential that could easily defeat a large man. In this situation it would be something indispensable.

    However, the innocent look and the air of wealth the two of them had appeared to mark them as tasty prey for the lot here. They didn¡¯t know how many times they were called out before they could arrive at their destination.

    Like that, they arrived at the bar that was their target.

    When they entered inside the bar that looked really dubious with pink colored lighting illuminating the place, the female bar owner suddenly approached them.

    ¡¸My, boy. Is this your first time in this street? If you are with your woman then go back home quickly. You must not make your cute wife cry.¡¹

    The black haired woman with beautiful light makeup suddenly scolded Lux.

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not it©¤©¤, you are the guide correct?¡¹

    Lux presented to her a letter.

    Then the woman¡¯s eyes blinked and she quickly followed the written letters with her gaze.

    ¡¸We are looking for Calensia-san, have you happened to see her around here?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Come for a bit inside, it will be bad to stand here.¡¹

    The female owner pulled Lux¡¯s hand and led Lux and Philuffy inside the bar¡¯s parlor.

    A questionable alcohol was brought out for the drink, but he couldn¡¯t get himself to reach his hand to it.

    This female bar owner seemed to be a friend of Stefa¡¯s deceased mother.

    Perhaps because of that she knew well about Stefa who had come at this area as military cadet.

    ¡¸I see, you became acquainted with Stefa and she asked you to inquire about Calensia©¤©¤but, just stop it you two. I don¡¯t know what your relationship with that girl is, but it¡¯s too dangerous for you to do this because of good will. By this time, it¡¯s already too risky to say out their name loudly. Not just Rosa¡¯s name, even Calensia¡¯s name is the same.¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    The woman sighed deeply against Lux¡¯s question that he asked with a doubtful expression.

    ¡¸I cannot say it out loud, but it¡¯s true that the goods of the military and Ruin that will be sold in the underground market were safeguarded in the warehouse nearby. However that was only until a short while ago. Right now Heiburg¡¯s military has became even more dreadful.¡¹

    ¡¸Is it because of the existence of the Dark Marketer Hayes and the King of Vices?¡¹

    The public order of Heiburg had worsened far more than before and the controlling power of the military was strengthened to a large degree.

    Those who were defiant and spoke out were executed, and every place was placed under the control of the military.

    The treatment for prisoner from other country that was captured and couldn¡¯t be brought to the open and kidnapped citizen was also like that.

    It seemed woman was made to work as prostitute, and man was treated like slave to work in physical labor.

    The country was taking initiative in working evil deed, where the inconvenient things were camouflaged from other countries as the work of the rowdy people here.

    At present, this was that kind of place.

    ¡¸Such, thing©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡®Is impossible¡¯©¤©¤Lux was about to say that, but he couldn¡¯t deny it.

    Five years ago, what Arcadia Empire did was nearly the same like here.

    Lux himself who was trying to change the empire had witnessed such thing whether he liked it or not.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, our guys here are also really fearful. ©¤©¤After all military people are in the experiment site deeper in this place. Right now is especially not good. Those guys, they are even starting something terrifying.¡¹

    ¡¸Experiment¡­¡­, is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah.¡¹

    The woman nodded with a voice that sounded like she was repressing something.

    ¡¸Furthermore these few days, that Calensia who you are looking for is also coming and going there. I don¡¯t know the reason. Surely she is ordered by Rosa but, either way©¤©¤there is no way what she is told to do is something decent.¡¹

    By the way, the female bar owner wasn¡¯t acquainted with Calensia until a few years ago. After that, she noticed that Calensia was Stefa¡¯s relative and talked to her a few times, but it seemed that Calensia herself told the woman to not tell Stefa about herself.

    ¡®Fuu¡¯, the woman let out a long sigh and gulped the alcohol.

    ¡¸Now you understand? Whether you two are somewhat bad merchants or good people who listened to Stefa¡¯s request©¤©¤you must not get involved with the darkness of this Heiburg. If you get it then go home, while you two are still safe.¡¹

    That seemed to be the conclusion of this woman who was living in this dangerous place.

    Certainly, it might be just as she said.

    If Lux was just a mere young traveling merchant, there was no way he should poke his nose at this kind of dangerous matter.

    He had already obtained the ticket for the underground market, so perhaps it would be more sound to bet for the chance there.

    But, even after understanding that, Lux was still harboring a frustrated feeling.

    Because in that skill exhibition battle, Calensia might had suffered some kind of irrationality due to being blamed of her failure where she got outsmarted by Lux.

    ¡¸Then, please allow us to wait for Calensia-san for a while here. Please notify us if she is passing nearby.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you sane? Even if by some chance you can meet Calensia, it¡¯s not something that you will be able to do anything about.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps that is so. But, I should be able to convey Stefa¡¯s feeling to her. I should be able to fulfill the promise by doing that. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    That was half truth and half lie.

    The lie was at the part where Lux was a young master of a mercantile house who came here for honeymoon.

    If it was with Lux and Philuffy¡¯s skill, there was a way to help Calensia here.

    Lux made that request with such thinking but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It¡¯s troubling. I cannot take any responsibility you know?¡¹

    When the troubled looking woman stared at Philuffy who was staying quiet with a dreamy expression,

    ¡¸No problem. I¡¯ll leave it, to Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Is it fine?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m, strong.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps the woman folded before Philuffy¡¯s strong will, she responded to the persuasion even while feeling exasperated.

    ¡¸I get it. I¡¯ll tell you two if I find Calensia, so you can stay inside this bar until then. If you two are walking around this area looking like that, it will be really conspicuous.¡¹

    Certainly Lux was also aware of that.

    If they couldn¡¯t meet with Calensia here, it would be troublesome if Lux¡¯s identity was exposed in the worst chance.

    And so, Lux and Philuffy judged that they should hide themselves in this bar for a while.

    But©¤©¤the moment they sighed in relieve, they received an unexpected suggestion from the female bar owner.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll have you two work for a bit. This room is also used for work after all, surely you two will feel bad to stay here for free.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, please wait a second!? Both of us are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine, I won¡¯t let you two accompany strange guest so don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    It was now the turn of Lux who should have determined himself to get flustered.

    And then, a few minutes later©¤©¤.

    Inside the bar that was illuminated by suspicious light, Lux and Philuffy each changed clothes and worked awkwardly.

    Philuffy was wearing clothes with white and black as the base colors. She was receiving and welcoming customer silently.

    It was a simple outfit with the area around her shoulders was abruptly exposed, but coupled with her natural appearance and the impressive presence of her breasts, she was emitting a charm that would entrance anyone if they were a man.

    If the little sister lover Relie saw her now, she would be happy, but in this place Lux was worried.

    (This can¡¯t be helped in order to secure that person¡¯s cooperation, but if something happen, I have to protect Phi-chan©¤©¤)

    Lux was fretting inside his heart, even so Philuffy herself wasn¡¯t perturbed.

    Her appearance wearing a hair band that resembled rabbit ears caused the male customers to continuously called out to her to accompany them drinking, but Philuffy indifferently avoided the advance of the drunkards.

    She expressionlessly warded off *pechi* the hands reaching out to touch her and also smoothly ignored the obscene words.

    ¡¸That girl, perhaps she unexpectedly has talent. Though it¡¯s a bit of problem how she is staring at the customer¡¯s food cravingly like that©¤©¤¡¹

    And so on, the female bar owner was also giving Philuffy high praise.

    On the other hand, Lux who changed into waiter appearance was also receiving a lot of designation from the female customers and he was greatly busy.

    ¡¸But, you are also doing fine. You look pretty used with this. It¡¯s to the degree that I cannot imagine you as a young master of a mercantile house you know? Won¡¯t you consider living here?¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    It was the result of his experience living the lives of chores for five years, but honestly it didn¡¯t really make him happy knowing that.

    (What¡¯s this, it feels like this kind of work is the same no matter where you are.)

    Lux smiled wryly while putting in order the work before him. Like that time passed quickly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thanks for your hard work, it¡¯s fine if you two rest for a while.¡¹

    Two hours later. They took a break in the parlor by the bar owner¡¯s consideration.

    They started this work to fill the time while waiting for Calensia, but the two of them got used to it more than expected.

    ¡¸Next it will be great if we luckily can meet with Calensia-san though©¤©¤¡¹

    After Lux who was leaning tiredly on the sofa muttered that, Philuffy who was also sitting beside him turned her gaze to him.

    ¡¸If Lu-chan could meet her, what are you planning to do?¡¹

    ¡¸I want at least to hear the story from her. Also, if possible©¤©¤I want to help her too. Of course, I have to prioritize the new kingdom, so it will depend on the situation.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Philuffy didn¡¯t agree or disagree with him.

    She gulped down the water-like thing the bar owner prepared for them and then looked around inside the room.

    ¡¸But, this place, it¡¯s similar somehow isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸I, guess.¡¹

    Lux guessed what Philuffy meant by her question and nodded.

    A stifling atmosphere that resembled the old empire in the past was ruling over the very city itself.

    If, five years ago Lux didn¡¯t plan the coup d¡¯etat, would he and Philuffy be able to live normally?

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Hye, Phi-chan. About what I did.¡¹

    Lux also took a glass into his hand while he suddenly thought.

    If he wasn¡¯t betrayed by Fugil in that day of revolution, would the imperial family and military officers of the old empire survived?

    Or perhaps it would be just as Fugil pointed out, Lux would be betrayed by the imperial family and then killed, and everything would be treated as something that never happened?

    He couldn¡¯t deny that him trying to save the enemy too as much as possible was a na?ve ideal.

    But, Lux was casted away when he was a child in the era of Arcadia Empire.

    When he was banished from the imperial court and the coach his mother was riding on met an accident, the oppressed people condemned Lux.

    Actually his fate was the result of his grandfather trying to save the people, but they directed the brunt of their anger to him just because he was an imperial family member, and he couldn¡¯t resist them.

    He had no authority at all as the youngest brother of the imperial family and couldn¡¯t make any move.

    He thought that it couldn¡¯t be helped even if he was condemned about that matter.

    Even so, as much as possible Lux didn¡¯t want to consider anyone as evil and judged them as guilty just because they were at the enemy¡¯s side.

    ¡¸Buhah!? Wait, isn¡¯t this alcohol!? Just what is that person giving us!?¡¹

    When he drank the content of the glass while getting absorbed into a deep feeling, the inside of his throat flared hotly.

    He was surprised for a moment, but thinking back carefully, right now Lux and Philuffy were disguising themselves as adult.

    He became uneasy and looked at his side. There he saw Philuffy¡¯s face that had already looked drowsy and intoxicated.

    Her cheeks were slightly tinged with redness, and her breathing was getting somewhat rough.

    Somehow, when he saw such Philuffy when it was only the two of them alone inside a room, coupled with the exposure rate of her outfit, it caused Lux¡¯s heart to beat fast.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, all right.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    For a moment, Lux thought she meant that she wasn¡¯t drunk, but she took Lux¡¯s hand for some reason and she pulled him toward her chest.

    Lux¡¯s face became heated from getting embraced by Philuffy from the front.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Phi-chan! What are you doing!?¡¹

    ¡¸Because, I¡¯ll be together with Lu-chan forever.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s the setting of our disguise, right now we come to this bar for©¤©¤¡¹

    She was completely drunk.

    (This is bad! At this rate, this will be a hindrance for the mission right now.)

    Thinking that, he tried to separate from Philuffy somehow, but he couldn¡¯t resist the soft elasticity and sweet scent that displayed their definite presence.

    It was bad that Lux had also drank the alcohol just now.

    If it stayed like this, Lux¡¯s rationality would be melted away.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, isn¡¯t mistaken. I was happy, to be saved.¡¹

    When he was thinking that, she gently whispered into his ear.

    The voice that was warm like sunny spot shook Lux¡¯s heart slightly.

    ¡¸Munya munya. Zzz¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, please don¡¯t sleep while still hugging me!? The bar owner will return soon©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who returned to his senses squirmed within Philuffy¡¯s embrace in panic, it was at that timing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    *Gashan!* The sound of glass breaking could be heard and a tense atmosphere flowed in.

    Lux immediately separated from Philuffy and peeked at the state inside the bar from within the parlor.

    ¡¸There are only discourteous bunches here as usual. I told you to remember my face right? After all, I was promoted into ServantsSix Punishers who worked directly for Rosa-sama, you get iitt.¡¹

    It was a man with unkempt and bristled up black hair, sitting down heavily on the sofa.

    He was thin with only skin and bones, with purple shade formed under his eyes, even so his eyes had abnormally fierce glint.

    ¡¸You two, keep hiding like that. A troublesome guy has come. He is one of the Servants, the unit that is directly under Rosa¡¯s control. His name is the ¡ºCutting Punishment¡» Brandish.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The bar owner visited them once and said that, which caused Lux to hold his breath.

    According to the information from Triad, Rosa and the Servants should be still occupied by Babel¡¯s conquering, but could it be one of them stayed behind to manage the underground market?

    The emaciated man who was called Brandish emptied his glass in one gulp and glared intensely at the bar¡¯s staffs.

    His disdaining gaze was appraising everyone while looking down on them at the same time.

    His expression, rather than looking unpleasant, it was more like his own conceit was surfacing on his face.

    ¡¸And, which one is it? The rumored cute newcomer. I heard it while walking on the street just now yeah? Bring her out.¡¹

    Tension ran through the bar with the man¡¯s sentence.

    It appeared that anyone who caught the eye of this man wouldn¡¯t meet with a decent fate.

    ¡¸You have sharp ears. But, if it¡¯s that girl she already went home for today. She is only helping out here specially for this day. That¡¯s why©¤©¤muguh!?¡¹

    The moment the bar owner acted to soothe down the man, Brandish¡¯s hand reached out and grasped her throat.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make a mistake madam. I¡¯ll get her out immediately©¤©¤that¡¯s what you should say right? Don¡¯t you dare to look down on Rosa-sama. Especially at this time, anyone who is probing at the warehouse ahead from here, they must be assassin from other country or those Resistance bunches.¡¹

    The action of Lux and Philuffy was seen through.

    This man was obviously coming here to investigate the two of them.

    Most likely there were also several spies who were mixed up with the people in this area.

    It wasn¡¯t something unexpected, but this turned out to be something bad before they could participate in the crucial underground market.

    ¡¸Munya¡­¡­. Lu-chan.¡¹

    As expected Philuffy felt the omen of danger this time, she woke up while still drunk.

    ¡¸Wait Phi-chan. You mustn¡¯t come outside! If that guy and his subordinates remembered our face, it will be bad.¡¹

    But, Lux held her back with his hand and waited for a chance calmly.

    Perhaps they could manage somehow if they fought while hiding their face, or perhaps if he only used Wyvern that was difficult to be investigated.

    The enemy was one of the Servants, but if he took him by surprise then somehow©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Can¡¯t you be a bit calmer? Doing this kind of method won¡¯t be anything good for Heiburg Republic¡­¡­¡¹

    Then, while Lux was thinking so, a voice came from beside the man.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    From the gap of the door, he could see a girl with young appearance whose body was wrapped in military uniform.

    Her hairstyle that exposed her forehead and intellectual glasses left an impression. She was an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins, Calensia.

    It appeared that this situation was unexpected for her. She ran her gaze through the bar with a somewhat long face.

    Lux had never imagined that he would find her here along with the enemy.

    This was a predicament where Lux and Philuffy¡¯s true identity might get found out by the enemy before the underground market opened.

    But, at the same time it was also a chance of the life¡¯s time.

    ¡¸Aaa!? You think you can say anything to me when your position is just as Rosa-sama¡¯s lowly servant-! Should I take away this bar¡¯s people as traitors?¡¹

    But, Brandish was enraged by Calensia¡¯s warning and thrust away her shoulder.

    The moment everyone¡¯s attention was diverted by that, Lux kicked on the floor and rushed out quickly.

    Victory went to the one who made the first move. He didn¡¯t summon his Drag-Ride and slashed directly with unsheathed Sword Device.

    Other than Calensia, there was only one other man who seemed to be from military who followed Brandish.

    If he could just take Brandish who was the leader as hostage, that would be the end.

    Lux predicted that and went to suppress the emaciated man, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuhaa!¡¹

    When he almost reached, the man with alias of Cutting Punishment reacted and pushed the man beside him toward Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux immediately pulled back his sword, collided on the man that was pushed on him and he fell on his back.

    (This is bad, at this rate©¤©¤!)

    At that instant when Lux was at a lost about how he should move, Brandish pulled out his Sword Device, twirled his wrist, and thrust the tip below.

    (Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?)

    Feeling of disbelief crossed Lux¡¯s mind and he twisted his body.

    Right after that, the Sword Device¡¯s blade was stabbed toward Lux along with Brandish¡¯s follower lying on top of him.

    Lux barely dodged, but the blade stabbed through the subordinate¡¯s torso and went further through the wooden floor.

    ¡¸UGYAAAAH!¡¹

    The subordinate¡¯s shriek resounded and the bar¡¯s staffs and customers gulped.

    The man who was the direct subordinate of Rosa casually stabbed his own subordinate to death.

    ¡¸This is why a former prisoner is useless as underling, he cannot even hold down the enemy. Calensia! You deal with this guy. I¡¯ll search for the other hiding woman this guy brought! Get it!?¡¹

    While Lux was fixing his posture, Brandish smoothly pulled out his Sword Device that stabbed on his subordinate.

    Like that he then ran toward the parlor where Philuffy was at.

    ¡¸Wait-!¡¹

    ¡¸Got you©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Lux reflexively tried to chase after the man, the emaciated man swiftly turned around and slashed.

    Lux barely blocked it with his Sword Device, but the skin of his chest was cut and blood oozed out.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you quite calm? Even though I thought you got caught by the lie. Kehahahaha!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression tensed by Brandish¡¯s provocation.

    There was no way he could let a dangerous man like this went free.

    He was in a disadvantageous situation, but he had to defeat him no matter what.

    ¡¸You want to cross sword with this me, interesting! Calen! You help out too!¡¹

    He gave instruction to Calensia who was flustered beside him, but the girl shook her head.

    ¡¸Stop with the joke. You think that it won¡¯t become a problem when you are rampaging like this?¡¹

    ¡¸You are the one who know best that it won¡¯t be any problem right? Someone like you whose whole family is taken hostage by Rosa-sama huuh?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh!¡¹

    Calensia¡¯s groan made Lux guessed her situation.

    As he thought, she was only being used.

    The one he should defeat in this place was only Brandish alone.

    But, contrary to Lux¡¯s expectation, Calensia quickly leaped out in front of Lux.

    She let out her Sword Device from its sheath as though to say that she would be his opponent now.

    ¡¸If I let you fight, you will kill the two of them. Don¡¯t interfere.¡¹

    ¡¸Hoou. Nice dedication you got there. Then, I¡¯ll be so kind to concede the achievement to the aide-sama here.¡¹

    Brandish made a thin smile and unexpectedly he went outside obediently.

    Calensia who confronted Lux one-on-one slowly lowered down her Sword Device, showing her intention to call off the fight.

    ¡¸You, what are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lux asked, Calensia lowered her tone by two notches and whispered.

    ¡¸For now it¡¯s that kind of thing. I don¡¯t know who you are, but leave from this place quickly. I¡¯ll somehow let the other girl who seems to be here too to also escape, that¡¯s why¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you obeying Lady Rosa?¡¹

    ¡¸Ple, please don¡¯t say anything unnecessary! More importantly, if you don¡¯t hurry and escape from here¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Aah, that¡¯s right, it¡¯s too late already yeah.¡¹

    *Gachiin!* The unique sound of metal clashing came from outside.

    The sound that signed of Drag-Ride moving©¤©¤preparing to fire its Cannon let Lux who was inside the bar to instantly guess what was going on.

    Calensia also came to a realization in surprise and quickly got down on the floor.

    ¡¸Everyone get down! A bombing is coming-!¡¹

    Right after Lux yelled in warning, an impact that whipped out his five senses pierced the bar.

    He was struck by the thunderous roar that made his eardrums felt like they were going to burst. Shockwave exploded and covered everyone¡¯s scream.

    Inside the flow of time where his consciousness was getting farther, Lux was worried about Philuffy¡¯s safety.

    (©¤©¤He is insane! To blow away the whole bar like that!)

    That man was easily backing down not because he was listening to Calensia.

    He backed away to make Calensia as bait while he bombed the whole bar.

    He knew that the military of Heiburg Republic was rotten, but this far surpassed his imagination.

    The military¡¯s Drag-Knight who possessed absolute authority carried out inhuman act mercilessly to make example.

    This man intentionally accomplished evil deed in order to display violence and terror.

    ¡¸Kukukukukuku, I held back so you are alive right? Though it will be more painful to stay alive. I¡¯ll let your body taste a lot of the price of covering up for outsiders©¤©¤gugah!?¡¹

    At that moment when the man was grinning thinly while feeling elated of his success, a Blade that thrust out from beside a wreckage pierced the armor of the EX Wyrm he was wearing.

    It didn¡¯t result in considerable damage, but Brandish leaped back and glared at Lux in surprise.

    ¡¸What the hell are you bastard¡­¡­. Since when you summoned your Drag-Ride?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need to answer you!¡¹

    The fact was, it wasn¡¯t anything special.

    After all, it wasn¡¯t like Lux was hiding while summoning his Drag-Ride.

    It was the Drag-Ride summoning without chanting as well as high-speed connection that were Celis¡¯s forte.

    Thanks to him accompanying her in her training, it was useful to escape this predicament.

    He could only believe that Philuffy had heard his voice and she had gotten down.

    Either way, there was no other option for him than defeating this man now.

    ¡¸You think you can win? The likes of you who is merely using general purpose Drag-Rideee!¡¹

    Brandish lowered his Cannon, in exchange he lifted up a long great sword.

    It had a strange shape with miniscule blades attached along the edge like a saw. Most likely it was a type of a rare armament.

    Originally Lux should be vigilant and observed the situation. But,

    (I cannot spend much time. I¡¯ll decide this with one attack!)

    Lux gathered strength by exhaling, then he skated in a straight line using his Wyvern.

    If he had the Scale Blade that was made by Lisha, he could destroy the opponent¡¯s weapon.

    In order to make Critical Hit that was a type of counterattack a success, it was necessary for him to see through the preliminary motion of the opponent¡¯s attack, Brandish¡¯s sudden slash was simple and met Lux¡¯s attack.

    ¡¸You think you can block this©¤©¤you idiot!¡¹

    Brandish grinned widely. In that moment, Lux¡¯s Blade that was covered with barrier was repelled hard to the back.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    Looking closer©¤©¤the rare weapon the enemy held was tinged with intensely undulating light.

    The miniscule blades running along the edge in high speed.

    Lux¡¯s Blade was repelled by that powerful movement energy and his Critical Hit¡¯s timing was disturbed.

    ¡¸Hyahahaa! You are lucky that my ©¤©¤¡¶Chain SawVibration Blade¡· didn¡¯t break your weapon. But this is the end! I¡¯ll hack you into pieces you damn braatttt!¡¹

    With the returning slash, he attacked once more at Lux whose balance was broken.

    ©¤©¤But, even with his balance crumbling from getting his attack repelled, Lux moved for counterattack.

    ¡¸Howling Roar!¡¹

    The energy that was concentrated on the armor¡¯s head was unleashed in spiral shape from one point.

    At the same time, Lux readied his own blade before his eyes. The blade struck while being pushed from behind by the shockwave.

    ¡¸Gu, ooh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Simultaneously, the enemy¡¯s Chain Saw also cut apart the Wyvern¡¯s barrier and smashed the shoulder armor.

    Despite the attack¡¯s might had been decreased considerably, its terrific power was transmitted until Lux¡¯s body and sharp pain spread through his whole body.

    ¡¸U, AAAH!?¡¹

    An impact where his tendon, his bone, his muscle, and even his blood were carved ran through his body.

    After Lux was sent flying back, his Wyvern¡¯s armor was dispelled.

    (¡­¡­I underestimated him! To think this weapon is this powerful!)

    The Blade that was specialized for cutting by vibrating its blade in super high speed, the Chain Saw.

    It appeared the alias Cutting Punishment the enemy had wasn¡¯t just a decoration.

    Most likely if he mistook his timing slightly, Lux would be bisected into two.

    ¡¸U, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    His lung hemorrhaged. The pain of being struck down from high altitude and his whole body hitting the ground caused numbness that made him unable to get up.

    (Stand! At this rate it won¡¯t be just me, even Phi-chan and everyone else would©¤©¤!)

    Lux gritted his teeth and tried to wring out his remaining strength, but his body wouldn¡¯t listen to what he said.

    *Garari* The sound of the rubbles of the destroyed bar being moved out of the way could be heard.

    The moment Lux was gasping in despair©¤©¤, Philuffy was standing in front of him.

    ¡¸You okay, Lu-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Phi, chan¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed she dodged the Cannon¡¯s bombing properly. His childhood friend didn¡¯t look injured.

    On the contrary she gently helped Lux stood up and she patted Lux¡¯s body all over.

    Just from that intense pain ran through Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Your bones aren¡¯t broken, your internal organs are also safe. But, looks like your muscle is injured, that¡¯s why, don¡¯t move.¡¹

    ¡¸Ra, ther than that, the, enemy¡­¡­!? What about Brandish!?¡¹

    Lux tried to drag his unmoving body to stand up, but Philuffy¡¯s hand gently stopped him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. It seems, he already fainted.¡¹

    Just as Philuffy said, Lux could barely see the figure of a man with his armor dispelled falling prostrated on the ground.

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s good¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Fuu¡¯, Lux sighed and relaxed his body.

    He won by a hair¡¯s breadth.

    Thinking that he couldn¡¯t allow for more victims to appear, he moved to decide the battle quickly while still not knowing the enemy¡¯s scope of power. It was a blunder that was unlike Lux.

    If the opponent also didn¡¯t underestimate Lux because he didn¡¯t know his true identity, it was unknown how the battle would end.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll carry you, to a doctor¡¯s place.¡¹

    Philuffy lightly carried up Lux and when she was going to walk away like that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Please wait! You two, just who in the world you are!?¡¹

    The voice of Calensia who was laying down inside the rubbles stopped the two of them.

    ¡¸I¡¯m grateful that you stopped Brandish¡¯s rampage. But, there is no way I can allow the two of you to escape like©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Here, it appeared that she recalled Lux¡¯s face. Her eyes could be seen snapping wide open behind her glasses.

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­no, you two, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux immediately took out Stefa¡¯s hair clip from his breast pocket and held it out. The girl stared at that in bewilderment.

    In order to remind the girl who stiffened as though she couldn¡¯t immediately recall the hair clip, Lux told her the meaning of it.

    ¡¸Do you remember this hair clip? It¡¯s something entrusted to me from your cousin, Stefa.¡¹

    ¡¸Stefa¡­¡­was? That girl, why¡­¡­¡¹

    After whispering in a daze, Calensia tightened her expression in resolve.

    ¡¸I understand. I¡¯ll listen to what you have to say. I¡¯ll deal with what happened here secretly, so can you tell me the place where we can meet?¡¹

    Lux nodded, then he designated a certain tea house in Heiburg that he remembered from the other day and they arranged the time when they would meet.

    In order to convey Stefa¡¯s feeling and heard the circumstance regarding the odd problem of Heiburg.

    After they parted from each other for the moment in that place, Calensia ran to put the commotion in order, while Lux was being led away by Philuffy and escaped from there.

    It was tense when they escaped while hiding in the back alley where there was no sign of people, but an unexpected supporter came.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is surprising. You two weren¡¯t at the inn, so I was searching.¡¹

    Midway, they encountered Noct who came for information exchange, and she hid them using Drake¡¯s camouflage ability.

    Noct checked that there was no Abyss or other Drag-Ride around, then she brought the two of them until a safe area.

    After receiving first-aid treatment from a doctor©¤©¤they immediately went to meet Calensia.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Please forgive my rudeness before this, Lux-san. My thanks for stopping a violence that was perpetrated by a person of our Heiburg Republic.¡¹

    Calensia who arrived at the tea house that was slightly far away first bowed her head quietly and apologized.

    It appeared that the tea house was originally designed to be a quiet place, there was no other customer inside.

    It seemed that Brandish of Cutting Punishment was arrested due to violation of military regulation. He would be imprisoned until the return of the general.

    In any case he got his arms and legs broken, so he couldn¡¯t move anyway.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry about it. After all right now we are also people who are infiltrating and hiding in Heiburg. More importantly, can you remember about her? Your cousin©¤©¤¡¹

    Calensia affirmed about that point without hesitation.

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s about Stefa isn¡¯t it¡­¡­. Thinking back now, it has been a few years since I met her the last time. No, I¡¯m scared to meet her. If she know about the change of her friend Rosa, how would she react¡­¡­. When I imagined that, I became unable to meet her.¡¹

    ¡¸What is happening in Heiburg right now? What is Lady Rosa trying to do?¡¹

    Calensia looked down, her intelligent expression was clouded.

    And then the tone of her voice lowered a notch more and she directed a gaze that looked pleading at Lux.

    ¡¸You two Drag-Knights of new kingdom©¤©¤furthermore it¡¯s Lux-san who is a member of Seven Dragon Paladins, are coming here while hiding your identity, so you surely already have an idea. It¡¯s about the transaction in the underground market, right?¡¹

    Lux confirmed it wordlessly.

    Then Calensia let out a sigh of resignation and then she took in a deep breath.

    ¡¸Then, I will talk. Just what in the world is happening right now inside this Heiburg Republic©¤©¤¡¹

    Like that, the girl began to tell a long story.

    ¨C

    More than ten years ago.

    The military of Heiburg Republic received damage from a skirmish against Arcadia Empire, and the backlash from that was strengthened.

    Especially since the arm dealer Hayes began to get involved with Heiburg military, the momentum of military expansion was accelerated.

    Right now the entry into the Ruin Gigas was forbidden, but at that time the production facility inside it was operated in full capacity. A large amount of Drag-Rides were manufactured within a few years.

    The existence of Drag-Ride was greatly related with the national power, including in the section of industry and commerce. Drag-Ride was something indispensible.

    Because the production of that essential Drag-Ride was controlled by Hayes and the military, the meaning of a republic system already became gone.

    The military expansion didn¡¯t slow down any, and in less than a few years a military regime was established.

    ¡¸What do you think happened after that? Of course, Heiburg sheltered the rebel army of Old Empire Arcadia and Hayes attempted to destroy your country. The reason for that was©¤©¤¡¹

    Calensia suddenly cut off her words and asked Lux like that.

    The Ruin of this country, Gigas was completely controlled.

    A few months ago, they thought that perhaps Hayes was harboring some kind of fixation toward Lux and Airi, the imperial family of the old empire, but now they could also read her other motive.

    ¡¸Could she be©¤©¤trying to put all the other Ruins under her control too?¡¹

    Perhaps it was an accident or perhaps there was some other thing at work, the new kingdom that possessed the largest territory had three Ruins existing in it.

    If the new kingdom was conquered and ruled, it would be easy to conquer the other remaining three Ruins too.

    The point was, although her path was different, there was a possibility that third imperial princessHayes was also aiming to reach Avalon.

    ¡¸At this present time this is nothing more than a mere guess, but after she obtained new kingdom in her hand, what did she intend to do I wonder?¡¹

    Here Calensia muttered as though she was talking to herself.

    Hayes who climbed up to the position as Heiburg¡¯s strategist in a short time planned to conquer the Ruins of other countries too after that.

    But, different from new kingdom where she had a connection of fate with, she was unable to easily make a move to the Ruins of other countries too.

    If she forcefully invaded the other countries, all the remaining countries would unite and oppose her.

    If that happened, putting aside whether she would be able to prevail or not, it would surely become troublesome.

    ¡¸Then, don¡¯t tell me, the true identity of Dragon Marauder is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I believe that they are groundwork prepared by the strategist Hayes and the male military commander of that time conspiring with each other.¡¹

    If Heiburg was unable to move its military in the open, they would make use of mercenary Drag-Knights and invaded the Ruins of other countries.

    Lux already had a hunch that the backer of the mercenary group that was so skilled like that wouldn¡¯t be anyone small. He could accept that there was such manipulation behind the Dragon Marauder.

    ¡¸Then, even now Heiburg is controlling and manipulating that Dragon Marauder?¡¹

    ¡¸No. In my opinion, that¡¯s not the case.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s question that stepped into the heart of the matter was responded by Calensia with a shake of her head.

    ¡¸Since Hayes died in battle, the Dragon Marauder put some distance from Heiburg, because they thought that after the plan to take over the new kingdom was crushed, and the movement of Gigas was also stopped, at that rate Heiburg Republic would only get weaker.¡¹

    Dragon Marauder that had already gathered considerable battle force considered that their business with Heiburg had been settled and so they abandoned Heiburg, then they aimed to reach Avalon by their own hand.

    There was no profit to be made even if they stayed on board a sinking ship made from mud. That was how it was.

    Hayes who became strategist and conspired with the male military commander vanished.

    The rebel army of the old empire was also destroyed, and the mercenary Dragon Marauder was also breaking away.

    Like that, the populace would try to rise in opposition seeing the government was weakening.

    There, a new powerful person©¤©¤Rosa Granhide who was affiliated with the military was selected from among many people.

    Although she had overwhelming power as Drag-Knight, she had a problematic personality.

    However there was no other existence who could become a new pillar to recover Heiburg that was in the process of weakening.

    And then, for some reason the commanding officer of the military abruptly died from sickness after that and got buried.

    In the first place the man was reigning as a foolish ruler, so there was nobody who lamented his death, but then Rosa was snugly placed as the replacement of that person.

    A new rule of military regiment by an up-and-coming powerful person.

    But just when such rule was going to start, the Lords swooped down and proposed to hold a talk with all the countries.

    It seemed that was how it was if the chronology until the present situation was talked concisely.

    ¡¸Then, you are saying that there won¡¯t be a transaction with Dragon Marauder anymore in the shadow of the underground market this time?¡¹

    If that was the case, the Lux¡¯s mission would lose its meaning.

    If he didn¡¯t catch the enemy¡¯s transaction in the act, he would be unable to proof who was the traitor. In other words the conquering of Babel in the new kingdom also couldn¡¯t be stopped.

    If that was the case, what Lux could do was only to return to Triport in new kingdom¡¯s west territory and defeated the Abysses appearing around Babel but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸No©¤©¤there will be one last transaction. At the day the next underground market is opened, there will be one more negotiation with the Dragon Marauder.¡¹

    Calensia said that with a nervous look.

    That was to say, it was a clear proof of her betrayal as the aide of Heiburg¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸Behind the scene of the underground market, Dragon Marauder will offer treasure of Ruin to Heiburg, in exchange they will receive Drag-Ride and dozens of troops. That is the arrangement. All of the troops will be former slaves, they won¡¯t be traced even if they move to other country. That should be the last transaction of this time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was only one chance to catch the enemy¡¯s transaction in the act.

    However if he could grasp this chance, not only he could save the new kingdom, he would also be able to grasp some clue about Dragon Marauder.

    The combat force that could participate in the mission this time was Lux and Philuffy, and if they were lucky the Triad would also be present to participate at that time.

    Because Rosa and her Servants were conquering Babel in Triport, there was no doubt that their side would be in advantage if the situation continued like that.

    ¡¸If you two can just attend the banquet in the underground market, at that day I will take you two to the crime scene. As the exchange material, Heiburg will receive the secret medicine©¤©¤Elixir that currently is only handled by Dragon Marauder. If at that time you can catch them in the act and arrest them under the name of Seven Dragon Paladins, that will be splendid.¡¹

    At this kind of time, the post of Seven Dragon Paladins that was affiliated with world alliance would work in their advantage.

    Originally it should be difficult to interfere with other country, but now it was possible using the pretext of exterminating Dragon Marauder.

    ¡¸However, is it alright? Calensia-san will©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux wasn¡¯t relieved by that plan. He asked Calensia once more.

    ¡¸Yes. Hearing that Stefa is worrying about me, helps me to resolve myself. My family is taken hostage by Lady Rosa and I had no other choice than to obey her. But©¤©¤if Lux-san will cooperate with me, I might be able to destroy her stronghold. I don¡¯t want to see her rampaging in my homeland even more than this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I understand. Then, please help us at that day five days from now. I too am planning to act as carefully as possible, but if something happen please don¡¯t hesitate to consult me.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you¡­¡­very much. Lux-san.¡¹

    Calensia nodded with a powerless smile and she stood up.

    She told Lux that she had no face to meet Stefa, so she wanted him to stay quiet about her to Stefa.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go back too, Phi-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy who was observing the talk progression without saying a single word lent her shoulder to Lux and helped him stood.

    Lux and Philuffy would stand by inside the inn until five days later when the underground market was opened.

 Volume 10 - CH 3

    ¨C

    Although Calensia had settled the situation in order for them, the commotion in the pleasure quarter was too much.

    Because of that, Lux thought to quietly spend the five days in the inn, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­, ouch ouch ouch!¡¹

    Lux was persevering against his injury since the beginning, but pain ran through his body when he tried to move his body.

    It was great that he brought down Brandish of Cutting Punishment, one of the Servants in the bar the other day, but because of that the backlash of working his body too hard visited him.

    The terrifying aspect of the rare armament Chain Saw wasn¡¯t its cutting power, it was how it inflicted shockwave on the opponent due to its vibration and left behind severe damage to the flesh body even from above the armor.

    Because the armor of his Wyvern was destroyed, Lux fully tasted the effect of the enemy¡¯s weapon due to his negligence.

    He endured it stoically when talking with Calensia, but he couldn¡¯t move for even a step after returning to the inn.

    According to the doctor, his muscles were wounded and he was told to rest quietly for a week.

    There©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then I, will look after Lu-chan, okay?¡¹

    Philuffy wore the apron she brought and declared that she would nurse Lux.

    She always had atmosphere of doing thing at her own pace, but now she somehow looked in high spirits.

    ¡¸Here. Open your mouth, aahn¡¹

    First she brought the meal that the inn prepared to Lux, scooped up the food using a spoon, and held it out toward Lux.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m fine Phi-chan. You don¡¯t need to go that far, I¡¯ll be fine after sleeping for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. This time, you did a really dangerous thing.¡¹

    Philuffy stared fixedly with a serious face and brought her face close to Lux who was smiling wryly.

    She was a girl of few words, but she knew how to pressure someone in her own way.

    ¡¸Sorry, that¡¯s¡­¡­. I made you worry.¡¹

    ¡¸I will nurse you for a while. Lu-chan, just sleep.¡¹

    She said that, then first she fed Lux.

    It might be imprudent to think so, but this might be the first time he saw Philuffy this active.

    She nursed Lux constantly like a devoted wife.

    The inn gave their customer three meals a day. When he went to toilet, Philuffy escorted him in moving there, and she also lent him a hand when walking or waking up.

    On top of all that, when Lux wanted to read while lying down, she procured things like the rough sketches of the city and so on for him.

    She was definitely helpful, but Lux smiled wryly wondering if perhaps she was overdoing it slightly.

    But, it seemed that Philuffy personally wouldn¡¯t concede the role of taking care of Lux. Lux obediently let her did what she wanted.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go buying things for a bit. Lu-chan, you need to sleep properly, you know?¡¹

    When his childhood friend left those words behind and went away, Lux was relieved.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a bit embarrassing but, it¡¯s nostalgic somehow¡­¡­¡¹

    Fundamentally as a child, Lux was often nursing after Airi.

    That was why he really had no recollection of someone looking after him, but there was just that one time Philuffy looked after him when he collapsed from fever.

    At that time, Philuffy thought that Lux would recover if he ate sweets, it was funny©¤©¤.

    *Knock knock* After he heard the sound of knocking, the door was opened.

    Then, Philuffy who was shopping returned and began to wear her apron quickly.

    ¡¸Wait, Phi-chan, what are you buying so much like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Tools for nursing Lu-chan. I¡¯ll take off your clothes, so stay still.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? Wai-!? What are you©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux showed a perplexed expression, but Philuffy paid it no mind.

    Honestly, although the other party was a childhood friend who he trusted from the bottom of his heart, as expected it was still embarrassing to have a girl the same age with him to see him naked.

    But, Philuffy was stripping off Lux until his underwear in her own pace indifferently.

    Without pause she made Lux lied down with his face facing the bed, then her finger traced his back slowly.

    At that moment, Philuffy¡¯s large breasts touched his back, which caused blood to rush into Lux¡¯s head immediately.

    It seemed that Philuffy herself wasn¡¯t conscious of it, but the softness and elasticity of her voluptuous breasts could be felt enough even from across the apron.

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you doing Phi-chan!? Wait, ouch ouch ouch ouch-!¡¹

    ¡¸Here and here, I think?¡¹

    Her finger pressured on several spots, checking the place where Lux¡¯s muscles and joints were hurt.

    She was massaging him to right the distorted muscle while sticking compresses that were coated with medicinal herb, then she fixed them in place tightly using bandage.

    The first-aid treatment was finished in just a few minutes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s finished, Lu-chan. What¡¯s left is to rest properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, thank you, Phi-chan.¡¹

    It seemed she rectified the distorted muscles in his body and somehow his body felt comfortable.

    Lux said his thanks while being wrapped in a surprise that left him unable to say anything.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s amazing that you know this kind of healing method. Somehow, it¡¯s unexpected©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Master taught me when she was training me in martial arts.¡¹

    The one she called as master was the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca.

    In order to control her physical ability that was strengthened due to the seed of Abyss that was planted inside her body, he was told that Philuffy was going through a lot of hardships.

    From Lux¡¯s standpoint, there was also the fact that he was unable to safe her from Hayes¡¯s human experiment, which caused him to feel complicated.

    ¡¸Is Lu-chan, bothered about the matter of Abyss?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When he was looking at the chair beside him while lying down on the bed, Philuffy seemed to guess what was inside Lux¡¯s heart and muttered that.

    But, till the end Philuffy talked with a gentle tone while showing him a faint smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯m feeling, glad about it. Both me and also Lu-chan, are able to stay alive, besides©¤©¤right now, I can protect Lu-chan with this power.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Because since the past, I always wanted to become like that all the time. In the past, since I said farewell to Lu-chan, I wanted to become able, to fight too.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    He felt like his chest was struck. He was at a loss for words for a while.

    In a glance Philuffy gave a flighty impression, but she was a girl with a really strong core in her heart.

    So much so, that sometimes he would be completely enraptured by her.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, say¡­¡­¡¹

    Suddenly, Lux reflexively let his voice slipped out from his mouth.

    At that time when he was going to tell her his words of gratitude, he could hear a quiet sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    ¡¸Zzz¡­¡­. Lu-chan, you must, rest properly.¡¹

    Philuffy was starting to sleep soundly while sitting on the chair with winter sunlight shining down on her.

    Lux smiled wryly while watching her sleeping face from the side. He decided to also rest.

    ¡¸Thank you, Phi-chan.¡¹

    He grasped her hand that was always warm and gentle, then he also fell into dream world.

    It appeared that he had fatigue amassed mentally from nervousness, because after that he was falling into a deep sleep.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤After that, a few hours later.

    The two of them passed their time napping comfortably, but there wasn¡¯t any particular problem and it became night.

    Philuffy brought dinner and she fed him once more, and then they were drinking tea while resting after the meal.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Is your body all right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. Thanks to Phi-chan, I¡¯m feeling a lot better.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    After slowly drinking tea while relaxing, Philuffy was reading some kind of book. It seemed that it was a catalogue of the underground market that she received along with the tickets the other day.

    Inside the catalogue most of the content consisted of weapon or precious metal, but the types of merchandises with scarcity value like rare animal were also mentioned there.

    Philuffy was reading it curiously.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, is there anything that you want? Anything other than food.¡¹

    ¡¸Animal like cat or dog, I want to try keeping them, perhaps.¡¹

    It seemed that she was keeping several pets in her home of Aingram, but right now it was forbidden to keep a pet in the girl dormitory, so she surely wanted to frolic with animal after so long.

    When they played together after Lux was banished from the imperial court, he recalled how they once played with a wild dog inside a forest.

    ¡¸Eerr, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something that I can get for you right away so, is there anything else that you want?¡¹

    ¡¸Then, thing that can, make ice cream.¡¹

    ¡¸What is that?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head after hearing the words that he had never heard before.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a machine, to make sweets. It¡¯s sweet and cold. Onee-chan said, that she ate it at foreign country.¡¹

    It seemed to be a tool that somehow mixed milk, egg yolk, sugar, and so on, then ice was jammed around them and they were mixed with each other to make the ice cream thing. The sweets lover Philuffy seemed to show her interest in it.

    ¡¸Then, in the future, other than becoming Relie-san¡¯s bodyguard, perhaps you can also open confectionery shop.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I want to.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s cheeks loosened happily hearing Lux¡¯s suggestion.

    Surely she was imagining the future image of herself being surrounded by a lot of sweets.

    Though somehow, he also got the hunch that she was going to eat all of the sweets by herself©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, when this battle is over, what will you do?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    He was asked back and he pondered.

    Right now he was Lisha¡¯s exclusive knight, and a member of Seven Dragon Paladins who represented the new kingdom, but if for example they reached Avalon just like the Lords said, then perhaps there would be no more large battle happening.

    The reason was if they could reach Avalon, all the Ruin would be put under control, and in that case they wouldn¡¯t need to fight Abyss anymore.

    Of course, there was also the conflict between fellow humans, so there was no way that battle would be gone completely, but at the very least, when everything was taken care of five months later, then perhaps there would be no more large battle.

    At that time, perhaps it would also be fine for Lux to think that for the moment what he ought to do had reached a point where he could pause.

    From the beginning, he was fighting in order to change the old empire as an imperial family member.

    In order to create a country where unreasonable rule and discrimination was gone, and people could obtain happiness as though it was the norm.

    If he was able to realize that ideal, he thought that he ought to pull back after that.

    If the Abyss was gone, then surely there wouldn¡¯t even be any need for him to serve Lisha.

    ¡¸I still haven¡¯t decide, but I wonder, if perhaps there is something that even I can do?¡¹

    ¡¸Onee-chan, is looking for bodyguard. If Lu-chan becomes Onee-chan¡¯s secretary, all of us can live together.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, that also sounds fun.¡¹

    Lux would become Relie¡¯s bodyguard and secretary instead of Philuffy, while she would manage a confectionary shop.

    Lux thought that such future might also be fun.

    And above all else, he was happy with the feeling of Relie and Philuffy who were always treating him the same even with his status as a criminal.

    ¡¸Then, should we take a bath?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Phi-chan, you enter first, I¡¯m fine right now.¡¹

    Honestly speaking, although his fatigue had more or less vanished, his body was still unable to move satisfactorily.

    This was a high class in with a large public bath attached at its side, but the bathing time was divided with man and woman entering alternately.

    If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, the female should be the one who got the first turn today, so Lux urged Philuffy to go first, but Philuffy shook her head quietly.

    ¡¸Lu-chan will also enter with me. If not, it will be difficult.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux who heard that was bewildered.

    He didn¡¯t dare to think about it, but for her to try to do that even at an inn of foreign country was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second. As expected that¡¯s impossible right!? Besides, the bath in this inn isn¡¯t mixed bath¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. I received permission from the inn¡¯s staff, so we can reserve to enter alone at the end.¡¹

    Philuffy declared so. Within her dreamy expression, there was light flashing inside her eyes.

    ¡¸No but, is such thing really permitted?¡¹

    As expected it was unthinkable that a mixed bathing of man and woman could be so easily allowed.

    ¡¸When I said, that we are in honeymoon, they gave permission.¡¹

    ¡¸You are using our fake setting too well-! They are absolutely misunderstanding!?¡¹

    ¡¸Also, because I hand them a bit of money.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be like Relie-san only in that kind of aspect you know-!?¡¹

    Even his desperate retorts were in vain. Philuffy was unconcernedly preparing for entering the bath.

    At this kind of time, there was nothing he could do when he couldn¡¯t move his body properly.

    No©¤©¤surely this was simply Philuffy thinking to help Lux who was unable to move his body freely.

    ¡¸At the very least wrap towel around our bodyyyyy¡­¡­!¡¹

    While Lux¡¯s scream was resounding, Philuffy helped him entering the bath where Lux needed incredible fortitude.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Really our deepest apologies. We have been a bother when Lux-san and Philuffy-san were actually enjoying yourselves.¡¹

    ¡¸Uachaa¡­¡­. I wonder if this can be counted as crossing the line already? Even if this is a honeymoon, still-¡¹

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Lux-kun too is a young boy. Rather perhaps he should be praised to endure until this long in this situation©¤©¤then, what is your impression?¡¹

    ¡¸Please stop joking around already-!?¡¹

    The Triad©¤©¤Noct, Tillfur, and Sharis who were lining up inside the room were making fun of Lux in turns. Lux became bright red and objected.

    After they had just gotten out of the bath and returned to their room, when Philuffy was helping Lux with changing clothes, the three arrived and it became a situation where the misunderstanding wasn¡¯t stopping.

    ¡¸Well, let¡¯s stop teasing Lux-kun with this much. More importantly, it¡¯s great that you are safe even after such incident happened.¡¹

    After Sharis smiled while saying that, Lux reported what happened the other day to the three once more.

    How he accidentally met Stefa Hersmice, then he contacted Calensia because of her request, and then he received promise that she would guide them in the underground market.

    ¡¸Then, Dragon Marauder was really connected with Heiburg? Nice job there Lux-chi. With this the new kingdom can be saved!¡¹

    ¡¸No. Your voice is too loud Tillfur. It seems it¡¯s hard for voice to go through the wall here, but you are too careless.¡¹

    When Tillfur raised her voice happily, Noct reminded her calmly.

    On the other hand, Sharis was nodding ¡®yep yep¡¯ in satisfaction.

    ¡¸That aide Calensia who was together with Rosa huh. If what she said is correct, a backroom deal with Dragon Marauder will definitely take place in that underground market.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. For now I think it will be fine if we can catch them in the act. Calensia-san said that Drag-Knights from the Resistance who are slipping in among Heiburg military will also give their assistance.¡¹

    ¡¸There if we can expose Lady Rosa¡¯s crime and take away her position as Seven Dragon Paladins, she will lose her authority, is that right?¡¹

    Lux nodded at Sharis¡¯s question and,

    ¡¸It¡¯s not certain, but the conquering of Babel should be halted temporarily after that. Using that chance, perhaps we can open discussion with Heiburg so we might form a united front.¡¹

    When Lux said that with a serious expression, Tillfur tilted her head with a puzzled look.

    ¡¸Eh? What do you mean, reconciling with Heiburg? Isn¡¯t if fine if we just report them to the world alliance like that? They are the traitor after all.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Looking at the actual problem, I judge that for now we should overlook it. The Lords said that they would attack at the time the traitor is discovered, so depending on their judgment standard, there is a risk that Babel and Triport near it will become battlefield.¡¹

    ¡¸Either way Heiburg¡¯s connection with Dragon Marauder will be severed with this right? Then it will be better instead if we grasp that weakness to make a deal so Heiburg will cooperate with the new kingdom. It¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. If Lady Rosa lose her standing and Calensia-san step forward, I think such path is possible.¡¹

    ¡¸Uwa, somehow it¡¯s amazing. It feels really political¡­¡­¡¹

    TIllfur made a bitter face at the talk of Sharis and Lux, then,

    ¡¸Yes. Unfortunately this is a political talk. After all we too are knights.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmmph. And, what should we do then, Lux-chi?¡¹

    ¡¸Honestly, the underground market must be guarded really strictly, so all of you won¡¯t be able to approach easily. Until the matter is settled, I want Noct¡¯s Drake to probe the surrounding and wait watchfully so no hindrance will interfere.¡¹

    Sharis nodded shortly at Lux¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind doing that but, a division commander of the Dragon Marauder might come right? Will you fine with only missy Philuffy?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s all right. If their battle strength is following my estimate, then we will manage somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmph. Even though we too have powered up quite much, you cannot rely on us?¡¹

    Tillfur puffed up her cheeks with a tone that was lightly joking but,

    ¡¸You shouldn¡¯t trouble Lux-kun, Tillfur. Now, we will leave for now. You two have a good rest until the day of the decisive battle.¡¹

    By the way, the Triad entered this country using counterfeit credentials that Magialca prepared, so it would be dangerous if they acted too showy.

    But, the true reason why Lux refused their participation in battle was actually due to a different factor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it, okay? Not letting everyone fighting together with us?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. This time, there is something that is bothering me a bit.¡¹

    Philuffy finally opened her mouth to question Lux. Lux nodded with a worried expression.

    The incident at the pleasure quarter where they got dragged into the other day.

    The method of Heiburg military that was led by Rosa was just too merciless.

    If the Triad got involved into this in that kind of shape, surely he would regret it.

    That was why, he didn¡¯t want to involve them as much as possible.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s sleep soon, Phi-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Night, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Lux called at Philuffy, turned off the room¡¯s light, and inside the room was filled with silence.

    With this, the preparation for the day of the operation was in place.

    At the underground market, together with Calensia as well as the Resistance, they would catch Heiburg in the act of making a deal with Dragon Marauder.

    From the report Rosa was also still at Triport, so this should be doable.

    But, he wondered why.

    Something that was like a different unease was tormenting Lux.

    ¨C

    And then, Lux spent a few days in the inn for recuperating, and then finally he infiltrated into Heiburg¡¯s underground market.

    The place where the market took place was beside the military facility practice ground, underground the guild of great company Elminant.

    Lux who was wearing a dress suit and Philuffy who was wearing a dress entered inside while holding hand.

    Bringing in Sword Device was allowed, but in exchange the sheath was locked with a metal cover.

    The thing would take time and effort to be taken off without using the key, but with the information from Relie and Magialca, they had thought of countermeasure for this.

    Just as the name underground market implied, a market place made from stone was spreading to the surrounding in circle shape.

    Rare animal, rare food ingredient, artwork, precious metal, Drag-Ride part©¤©¤furthermore even suspicious drug were lined up along with their prize.

    ¡¸This drug, what is it?¡¹

    When Philuffy muttered while tilting her head, a middle aged merchant in charge of the stand grinned.

    ¡¸Oo, you have good eyes there young miss. This is a stimulant. How about it, young master? It will make you energetic yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸It will make Lu-chan energetic? Then this one©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, stop it Phi-chan! That thing might be different from what you are thinking!¡¹

    After Lux stopped her in panic, next Philuffy looked with deep interest at dried food made from rare fish, tried to sample an old wine, then he stopped her because it would obstruct their mission after this. They were spending a peaceful time.

    This event was given a suspicious name like underground market, and in actually fact it was indeed fishy, but it still felt just barely legal.

    The atmosphere was also more upright than Lux thought, but his tension wouldn¡¯t relax.

    Lux was putting up his guard observing if there was any gaze that was doubting the two of them while grasping the terrain by pretending to look around the market.

    According to the story of Calensia who passed them by before this, Dragon Marauder wouldn¡¯t appear here for the transaction.

    They would show up at the facility beside this building, in Heiburg¡¯s underground Drag-Ride hangar.

    Of course, there was a path here that connected to the hangar, so there wouldn¡¯t be any problem.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    While Lux was in a daze, Calensia showed up in the underground market and beckoned at them with her hand.

    ¡¸Over here Lux-san. The transaction with Dragon Marauder is going on. The path to the hangar is©¤©¤¡¹

    Urged by Calensia, Lux and Philuffy followed behind her and they passed through several tough steel doors.

    Led into a path where human sign was rapidly vanishing, they arrived at a place that was tinged with strange enthusiasm in the air.

    There was a huge metal cage in hemisphere shape, while Abyss and Drag-Knight were fighting inside it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s it, beat it up!¡¹

    ¡¸What are you doing, don¡¯t just run away!¡¹

    Angry yells were flying around. Influential looking nobles were yelling with fervor.

    ¡¸This is, what in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s an extermination of captured Abyss as well as training for Drag-Knight. Of course, in reality it was just a mortal combat for betting. It¡¯s a show for a part of nobles with bad hobby.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, is such thing©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Lux asked with a dubious face, Calensia smiled powerlessly.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. Perhaps it¡¯s a tool to threaten other people, or perhaps it is to heighten the people¡¯s competitiveness by displaying strength, but either way right now it seems that a medicine experiment is being carried out. It¡¯s for the sake of learning how to use the mysterious secret medicine called Elixir that was refined from Ruin©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The reality that was too inhuman caused Lux to frown while following her from behind.

    Before long they were let into a scraggy room made from stone. There Calensia stopped walking.

    ¡¸This way. If you two hide behind here, soon division commander Vine from Dragon Marauder should show up. If you take him by surprise while wearing Drag-Ride, you should be able to subdue him simply.¡¹

    Saying that, Calensia took out a key from her breast pocket.

    It was the key for taking off the cover that was locking their Sword Device in order to enter this underground market.

    Calensia had told Lux beforehand that she would unlock the cover for them©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­, why?¡¹

    For some reason the key couldn¡¯t enter the keyhole.

    Calensia tilted her head and began to get impatient.

    ¡¸Fo, forgive me. It looks like I mistook the key. I will quickly go take the right key, so please hide around here for now.¡¹

    ¡¸No, Calensia-san, I want you to wait. There is other strange thing.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Calensia was backing away from Lux who was showing a perplexed expression.

    ¡¸There is no exit in this place where we are hiding. Besides this is too strange. Before we came here, we were watching out the situation around us at the underground market, but©¤©¤¡¹

    So to speak, Lux was on guard against assassin that was mixed in among the crowd.

    ¡¸Even though we had caused that much commotion in the pleasure quarter, we didn¡¯t hear any rumor about it. The security of the soldiers was also lax. Everything is going too well. The situation is unnatural for a military that is normally being managed by Lady Rosa with her way that is like that.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Calensia lowered her eyebrows at what Lux pointed out and she averted her gaze.

    ¡¸Since then, we didn¡¯t meet Stefa just as you say. Could it be, at that point you have been threatened? That she would be killed if you don¡¯t lead us into a trap©¤©¤¡¹

    Silence. After the quietness, Calensia¡¯s expression clouded.

    Her shoulders were shaking fiercely and she directed an anxious gaze at Lux.

    ¡¸So you, saw through it¡­¡­you aren¡¯t, going to kill me?¡¹

    Lux shook his head seeing the self-depreciating smile Calensia made.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not planning to blame you. However, we also cannot get trapped and die here no matter what. Can you understand that?¡¹

    Calensia¡¯s shoulders dropped.

    She hung her head down powerlessly, as though she was resigned of something.

    And then, she confessed the truth piece by piece.

    ¡¸Soon, one of the Servants will come here, in order to collect a large amount of Elixir that was used until now for the experiment in that arena. You two, please get away from here right away. If not©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, I will remain here. If not Calensia-san will also meet a tragic experience. On top of that, I swear I¡¯ll defeat the King of Vices in this Heiburg.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I cannot agree with that talk you seee. The transaction is over alreadyy.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after Lux muttered that, a cloudy voice of a girl came from behind.

    Almost at the same time, the sword belt of Bahamut that Lux wore on his waist was plucked off by something.

    When he turned around in panic, an unexpected sight flew into his eyes.

    ¡¸How-!? Why are you here©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A red haired girl wearing a wicked smile on her face.

    Rosa Granhide wearing Heiburg¡¯s military uniform and iron blue Drag-Ride was standing in front of them.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s hand was toying with a black Sword Device that had just been stolen from Lux.

    ¡¸Myy? That¡¯s my line. Why are you in this kind of place I wonder, Lux Arcadia. But well, let me answer your question. I was here right from the beginning. Since that time I departed to Triport leading my subordinates to conquer Babel.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way that¡¯s¡­¡­true. There shouldn¡¯t be any sign of you leaving from new kingdom since a few days ago! And yet©¤©¤¡¹

    When he was about to say that, Lux realized in surprise and he held his breath.

    Come to think of it, the report from the Triad itself was strange.

    Rosa was showing her face since the first day, but she was only walking around in the front line base without even participating in conquering Babel. There was also no sign of her commanding.

    ¡¸You put a body double there since the beginning in order to attend this transaction©¤©¤so it was like that.¡¹

    Rosa chuckled hearing Lux¡®s mutter.

    ¡¸You noticed too late theree. I held a bit of expectation at the wiles of the Black Hero who destroyed Old Empire Arcadia by himself, but it looks like you aren¡¯t even at my level at all.¡¹

    Rosa licked her lower lips and grinned fearlessly.

    But, there was something that surprised Lux more than her appearance here.

    ¡¸Why? Gorynych should be a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride. The camouflage function when you appeared just now should be Drake¡¯s ability. Just how in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Myy? You forgot already? The Divine Raiment of my Gorynych, Tartaros Frame can rearrange and modify its own armor. It will need some time but, it can switch to any of the three types you know? Now, the service from me is only until here. I¡¯ll have you surrender to mee.¡¹

    Rosa pointed the muzzle of her Breath Gun to Lux while looking triumphant.

    Lux, Philuffy, and Calensia weren¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride.

    Furthermore their remaining Sword Devices had the sheaths locked.

    There was no chance of victory left for them.

    ¡¸You won¡¯t, kill us?¡¹

    ¡¸Only third rate will kill you heree. This is a rare chance where I can obtain the highest quality of hostage into my hand. If I captured you and that ojou-sama, you two will be really useful in extorting the new kingdom. Aa, now that you mention it, there are also the three small fries loitering around you two. I¡¯ll have them killed as example. After they are thoroughly raped and used as guinea pig, I¡¯ll send their corpses back to the new kingdom as warning.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tsu!?¡¹

    Seeing Rosa¡¯s wicked smile that hinted about the Triad, blood rushed into Lux¡¯s head.

    But, in reality he could do nothing at this stage.

    ¡¸Calen, the punishment for you will be after that. Even though I¡¯ve been so kind to let that cousin of yours alive©¤©¤. Your disciplining is still lacking it seems.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Calensia¡¯s face turned pale and her shoulders were shaking. In that timing, Rosa¡¯s gaze was taken off from Lux and Philuffy for a moment.

    It was a very little opening of her heart due to her conviction of her victory.

    Lux didn¡¯t let that timing get away and unsheathed his remaining Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Rosa reacted and quickly pulled the trigger of her Breath Gun.

    While the countless light bullets were fired through the air, Lux was already equipping his Wyvern.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    Lux defended against the barrage with his barrier, at the same time he unleashed shockwave from his head armor.

    He held back Rosa, at the same time he carried Philuffy and Calensia with both arms and took distance backward.

    ¡¸How, the Sword Device¡¯s sheath should be locked©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Calensia who saw that raised her voice with an amazed look.

    How did Lux unsheathed his Sword Device even though Calensia hadn¡¯t opened the lock just now?

    Using the physical strength of Abyss that Philuffy possessed and metal fitting that she used as hairclip, she quickly undid the lock for Lux when Rosa showed an opening.

    That was the plan that Lux and Philuffy prepared beforehand.

    The moment Rosa was slightly pushed back by Howling Roar, Lux skated in the air in order to attack her.

    ¡¸Hah! You¡¯re better than I thought. But it¡¯s unfortunatee. You cannot make use of Wyvern¡¯s mobility inside this cramped underground passage!¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Ligth instantly surged from Rosa¡¯s armor and bullets were fired like explosion.

    It was the application of basic technique, Break Purge that released off the armor while shooting a part of them like buckshot.

    In order to defend against the barrage attack from the fired armor parts, Lux opened his Wyvern¡¯s barrier in full and endured.

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­This is-!?¡¹

    The moment the storm stopped, before his eyes the figure of Gorynych had completely changed compared to before.

    From the form of Drake with Radar attached on its shoulder and four legs, into the form of land battle type that was covered with thick armor.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Normal Mode.¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Gorynych that modified its own armor by combining its special armament, the unmanned armors Twelve Vice.

    What Rosa selected was most likely the basic model of land battle type.

    Blades were growing from various parts of the armor with a sickle shaped weapon, Scythe in one hand. That form resembled an ominous god of death.

    It was standing in the way of the returning path that connected to the underground market, completely blocking the escape route.

    ¡¸Can I ask you to keep it moderate even if you struggle in vaiin? No matter what, it¡¯s just too insulting if you are trying to take me on with that kind of torn up piece of junk.¡¹

    Rosa who was convinced of her own superiority was boasting triumphantly seeing her opponent¡¯s appearance.

    Because Lux¡¯s Wyvern got its shoulder destroyed at the battle five days ago against Brandish of the Servants, one of its arms couldn¡¯t function properly.

    And then, Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device was still stolen by Rosa.

    At this rate the result of the fight was clear.

    Calensia showed a sorrowful expression. At that moment, Lux¡¯s voice roared.

    ¡¸Calensia-san! Escape to the corner of the passage! I¡¯ll lure the Drag-Ride to the front!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Calensia reacted to his voice and moved toward the corner of the passage. In that moment, Rosa¡¯s Gorynych was entangled by countless wires.

    Those wires came from Pile Anchor, the special armament that was fired from every part of Divine Drag-Ride Typhon that Philuffy was wearing.

    Philuffy who had went around behind Rosa unnoticed summoned her Drag-Ride and launched her attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hmph. You just kept staying quiet so I thought you aren¡¯t going to do anything, but sneaking around in the shadow like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Get away, from Lu-chan.¡¹

    The instant Philuffy muttered that, the wires coiling around Gorynych was pulled toward Typhon in high speed.

    Typhon that Philuffy was wearing immediately ran through the passage and dragged Rosa to outside the hangar©¤©¤into the military practice ground.

    The outside had been covered with dusk, cold rain was starting to pour down.

    At present, the majority of the Drag-Knights of Heiburg were absent because they went to conquer Babel. The practice ground was empty.

    Lux also followed Philuffy and Rosa and went outside. There he didn¡¯t see any sign of other ambusher.

    Like this, this time it was them who was in an advantageous position. Lux was convinced of that.

    He exchanged glance with Calensia, where she nodded to him briefly in resolve.

    ¡¸Lux-san, Philuffy-san! Please take care of Lady Rosa! I¡¯ll block the path toward the practice ground and stop the military¡¯s reinforcement.¡¹

    ¡¸Please. I¡¯ll defeat Rosa here with her!¡¹

    Rosa herself had confessed about her backroom dealing with the Dragon Marauder.

    The evil design of the King of Vices that weakened the new kingdom while conquering Babel at the same time.

    (If we can defeat her©¤©¤Rosa with this, then everything will end.)

    The unreasonable reign of the military that was running rampant in this Heiburg too, and also the unhappiness of the people which was caused from it©¤©¤everything would end.

    Perhaps in order to learn tactic in situation that was like real battle, this practice ground had obstacles like trees and bushes growing.

    The situation seemed to be even for both sides.

    Next it would be a match to take back the Sword Device of Bahamut that Rosa took away.

    If he had to say, their side was in advantage.

    And yet for some reason there was an unknown anxiety residing inside Lux¡¯s chest.

    Even he himself didn¡¯t understand what made him hesitate.

    (©¤©¤Right now isn¡¯t the time to think about unnecessary thing! If we don¡¯t win this battle, it will be over for us!)

    Lux took a deep breath and switched his feeling.

    And then he skated after Philuffy inside the forest of the practice ground that was covered with jet black darkness.

    ¡ºPhi-chan! Are you okay!? What happened with Rosa?¡»

    He sent his voice through Dragon Voice to Philuffy so Rosa wouldn¡¯t be able to guess their intention.

    ¡ºShe is, still bound by wires. If it¡¯s in this place it¡¯s fine even if we fight, I¡¯ll release the wire and attack.¡»

    ¡º-¡­¡­!? Watch out!¡»

    ¡¸You two looks really leisurely while being inside the garden of someone¡¯s housee. But it¡¯s really unfortunate thouugh©¤©¤it¡¯s you two who get caught in trap.¡¹

    The moment they heard the sarcastic laugh of Rosa, Philuffy moved.

    Every part of Rosa¡¯s armor that was bound by Pile Anchor was pulled closer when the wires were rolled back. At the same time Philuffy pulled back her right hand and took a punching stance.

    On the other hand Rosa who was making a faint grin readied her big sickle shaped weapon©¤©¤the Scythe and lifted it up.

    (Rosa¡¯s balance is broken because she is getting pulled. If they strike at the same time, it will be Philuffy¡¯s win!)

    Lux drove his Wyvern toward the fight while making that judgment. Right at that instant.

    ¡¸I was wondering how skilled you are after especially coming here to spy©¤©¤but it looks like I was underestimated huh.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Every joint parts of Gorynych that Rosa wore were instantly disassembled midair. The restrain of Pile Anchor that wrapped everywhere was disconnected.

    At the same time Gorynych was enveloped with ominous purple light that immediately connected to the disassembled armor parts©¤©¤and reconstructed them back.

    ¡¸Such, method¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Due to the transformation ability of her Divine Raiment ¡¶Tartaros Frame¡·, she temporarily disassembled her Normal Mode, and then after removing the restrain, she immediately reconstructed her armor back to Normal Mode.

    She erased her disadvantage in less than a few moments and prepared the stance of counterattack.

    But, the inertia from the motion of Philuffy pulling Rosa toward herself was in effect.

    The result, Typhon¡¯s fist that thrust out as counter hit empty air, on the other hand the blade of Rosa¡¯s Scythe moved toward the torso while Typhon¡¯s fist crossed beside her.

    ¡¸Split into two.¡¹

    The gathered energy was focused on the edge of the Scythe.

    It pierced the barrier of Typhon that boasted solid defensive power, but Philuffy¡¯s left arm barely came in between and blocked the attack.

    But©¤©¤, even so a terrific impact hit her whole body.

    When the edge of the Scythe was slashed to the end without pause, it left crack on her armor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Philuffy who was falling backward let out a faint anguish into her expressionless face.

    ¡¸Phi-chan-!?¡¹

    Lux skated with his half-broken Wyvern to try to help her, but before his eyes six unmanned Drag-Rides stood in his way.

    Twelve Vice©¤©¤the Drag-Rides that were the special armaments of Gorynych consisted of two flying type Drag-Rides, two land battle type Drag-Rides, and two special equipment type Drag-Rides.

    They attacked Lux with movement of different system as though they were coordinating with each other.

    It seemed because of their unmanned trait, their movement was simple and easy to predict.

    But, in his current situation where he couldn¡¯t use Bahamut, he was unable to simply break through them.

    (I can only reduce their number with Critical Hit using Scale Blade!)

    Even though he thought that, in this situation where his Wyvern¡¯s one arm was broken, it was difficult to match the timing for counter when the unmanned Drag-Rides attacked simultaneously.

    ¡¸Noow then, first©¤©¤it¡¯s one down. I wonder how will you feel when you see your comrade get killed right in front of you?¡¹

    In that opening Rosa drove her Gorynych and swung down the tip of her Scythe toward Philuff¡¯s torso.

    But, the moment it was going to hit, her usual absentminded voice could be heard.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Right after that, an unmanned dark grey Drag-Ride that Rosa controlled was pulled in front of Typhon and became shield.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What!?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s eyes opened wide in bewilderment seeing her Scythe¡¯s attack was blocked by her own Twelve Vice that she controlled.

    Right after Philuffy fell, she fired her Pile Anchor and instantly pulled one of the Twelve Vise toward herself.

    The moment the Scythe¡¯s tip pierced the armor, Philuffy shifted the unmanned armor shielding her aside and sealed the movement of the Scythe.

    At the same time, while still in the falling posture, she moved Typhon¡¯s armored leg and kicked up at Rosa¡¯s Gorynych.

    ¡¸Kuuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    If it was an average Drag-Knight who used a technique like that, they would lose their balance and tumbled down. Because of that it was an unusable kicking technique.

    But for Philuffy who possessed tough flesh body and had mastered the martial art that was taught by Magialca, and exactly because she was using Typhon, this special battle style that was unique to her became possible.

    Rosa¡¯s Gorynych that was kicked up to the air for more than ten meters was entangled by several Pile Anchors that were fired from both shoulders and the back armor.

    Wires were rolling around the whole Drag-Ride, preventing Rosa to escape by disassembling her armor using Twelve Vice.

    At the same time the Pile Anchor that was fired from the right hand armor stretched to right beside her, capturing the second unmanned Drag-Ride and reeled it in toward her hand.

    Typhon¡¯s right hand caught it, and then that hand was wrapped with light as though it was burning. Energy was converging into that hand.

    Right after that, Gorynych that was floating midair was reeled in one go, at the same time the special armament that was installed into Typhon¡¯s right hand was activated.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Biting Flare.¡¹

    When the energy from the right hand was transferred, the caught unmanned Drag-Ride exploded.

    Rosa got hit by the fragments and shockwave of the exploded armor and she was sent flying to far away backward.

    Philuffy didn¡¯t directly explode Rosa¡¯s Gorynych was because Rosa was still keeping Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device and also in consideration of Rosa¡¯s life itself.

    Even so enough damage should have been inflicted after Rosa¡¯s barrier was pierced and her armor smashed like that. Here a strange situation occurred.

    ¡¸SHE DID ITTTT!¡¹

    ¡¸NOW, BRING ROSA DOWWWWN-!¡¹

    ¡¸REVENGE! KILL HER AND STOP THE TYRANNY!¡¹

    Ten-odd Drag-Rides entered inside the military¡¯s practice ground.

    Most likely, they were the members of Resistance that Calensia mentioned, the movement that was opposing Heiburg¡¯s military regime.

    At the timing when Philuffy stopped moving from the recoil of her attack, the general purpose Drag-Rides of the Resistance pursued Rosa who was blown away into the forest.

    ¡¸Please wait! Killing her now is still too©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was facing the unmanned Drag-Rides of Twelve Vise while trying to stop them, but they didn¡¯t show any sign of stopping.

    ¡¸What are you saying! This woman, the current military of Heiburg, how much do you think they have done to us!? It can only be now! We¡¯ll kill this King of Vises and win back our peace!¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, kill her! Bring her down!¡¹

    ¡¸Clear away Heiburg¡¯s darkness!¡¹

    More than ten Drag-Rides charged into the forest as one.

    At the same time, the unmanned Drag-Rides of Twelve Vise that were attacking Lux headed toward Rosa¡¯s position all at once.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the meaning of this? Are they going to protect Lady Rosa?¡¹

    No, that wasn¡¯t what he should be afraid of.

    Even after getting hit by Biting Flare, she was still moving her special armaments without problem.

    In other words©¤©¤the invitation toward that forest was a trap.

    ¡¸Be careful, Lu-chan. That person, is strong. I somehow got back only your Sword Device but©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy who stood beside Lux told him while sighing slightly.

    Even while Rosa was receiving the attack of Biting Flare, she simultaneously disassembled and modified her armor, dispersing the impact to the limit.

    As expected from a powerful person who was appointed as one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, her skill wasn¡¯t normal.

    Even while feeling astonishment, Lux quickly severed the lock on his other Sword Device using his Wyvern¡¯s Blade.

    And then, he dispelled the Wyvern armor in order to switch into Bahamut.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Wait©¤©¤if Lady Rosa is safe, then hiding inside that forest¡¹

    A trap that showed a pretension of rallying herself over.

    That time when Lux noticed Rosa¡¯s aim, a dark murmur resounded inside the night¡¯s darkness.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Rapid Fire Mode¡¹

    Right after that, a part of the forest was blown away by explosion.

    Gorynych transformed into a huge fortress of armaments. The Resistance members who entered her firing range were completely hauled up.

    ¡¸Gu, GYAAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The men of the Resistance were covered in fire with their armor smashed. They rolled around on the ground while writhing in agony.

    While Lux who was taken by surprise was bewildered, Gorynych modified its form even further.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Sky Force ModeSky Fortress Form¡¹

    Four Wyverns were combined on both shoulders into huge gun batteries there. Rosa moved outside the practice ground with that form.

    ¡¸You are running away, Rosa Granhide!?¡¹

    When Lux yelled in surprise at the unexpected movement of the enemy, Rosa replied back with Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºI¡¯ll leave the battle against you for later. If the citizens are going against the military, I¡¯ll burn the city as lesson. It looks like there is also still Resistance remaining outside. I have to do my job noow.¡»

    ¡ºDon¡¯t mess around! You want to harm even more unrelated people than this!?¡»

    ¡ºAhaa. I wonder what are you sayiiing. ©¤©¤Everything is because of your fault right? Even though you aren¡¯t even someone from this country, you are poking your nose as you please here.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤©¤©¤¡»

    Cold sweat trickled along Lux¡¯s back after hearing that shuddering whisper of the devil.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s because a hypocrite like you are provoking me, that the situation become like this right? This is because you are trying to defeat me with a half-baked resolve.¡»

    Rosa was chuckling while getting out to outside the rampart.

    Right after that, screams could be heard. It seemed that there was Resistance force outside that was trying to get in.

    At this rate, his few allies in Heiburg would be exterminated thoroughly.

    ¡¸Shit-!? Why! Why is something like this©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux drew out the Sword Device of Bahamut with shaking hand and summoned the huge dragon before him.

    He quickly equipped the armor and glared at the other side of the rampart where Rosa vanished into.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, be careful, Rosa might be luring you into trap¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy calmly pointed out despite the slight hitch on her voice from the tension.

    Lux had also noticed that in his heart.

    Rosa had an intention for going out of the practice ground that was surrounded by rampart.

    She wasn¡¯t just planning to exterminate the Resistance, she was also planning to make the situation advantageous for her.

    (No, her aim isn¡¯t just that. No matter what happen, we cannot let Rosa get away here!)

    Lux saw through Rosa¡¯s intention and he shuddered.

    Their current position at the surface was wrongdoers who trespassed illegally into the country as well as breaking into military facility without permission.

    Although the majority of Heiburg military was at the new kingdom in order to conquer Babel, as expected there would Drag-Knights remaining to guard the capital. If they reported this to the world alliance, it would be Lux who became considered as traitor.

    He had no proof of Heiburg¡¯s transaction with Dragon Marauder, on top of that now he was forced to chase after Rosa even understanding that it was her trap.

    If he let her got away here, it would be his loss.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, we are going!¡¹

    They had no leeway to look after the injured Resistance members.

    Lux crossed over the rampart and flew in pursuit of Rosa.

    Then, the smell of burning and smoke pierced his nose from the direction of the city¡¯s center.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Different from the Resistance members who were injured at the practice ground, the Resistance members here were killed.

    Not a single one survived. There was even a girl who got half of her body blown away and expired.

    ¡¸Shit-!¡¹

    ¡ºYou aren¡¯t a big deal aren¡¯t youu, hero-sama. Can¡¯t you protect even a single innocent citizen I wondeer?¡»

    A provocation was sent through Dragon Voice from Rosa who was far away, heading to the south of the city.

    It appeared that she had advanced until very far. Her figure couldn¡¯t be seen at far away.

    Lux¡¯s body was getting heated, but he couldn¡¯t let himself to get driven by rage here.

    He didn¡¯t know what kind of trap Rosa was setting up, that was why he had to pursue her carefully.

    But©¤©¤even so Lux¡¯s heart was greatly stirred up.

    He wondered if he had made some kind of mistake, whether there was anything he could do before it became like this.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, found her.¡¹

    The voice of Philuffy who was skating on the street caused Lux to come back to his senses and he directed his gaze there.

    The central national plaza of capital Hidehelm.

    There was residential district around it. Rosa was standing on a spacious round stage that was surrounded with eight huge metal statues.

    Gorynych that had returned to Normal Mode was already readying a complete battle preparation.

    Inside its armored arm, there was a girl who seemed to be a citizen within its grip.

    ¡¸Why are you doing something like this!? Are you planning to lay your hand on the people of your own country even more than this!?¡¹

    Lux yelled in anger©¤©¤but, in respond Rosa sneered.

    ¡¸I¡¯m only punishing the traitors that are disturbing the country. Do you have any problem with iiit?¡¹

    ¡¸Just release the girl!¡¹

    ¡¸Thiis is why a kid who won¡¯t listen is troubling. Even after accompanying me carelessly until this far, you still haven¡¯t understand your own position©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa made a shuddering smile where malice and joy mixed into one.

    ¡¸I¡¯m the one giving order here, and isn¡¯t it you who should throw away your weapon? If you get it then come on. Quickly obey me. Or else©¤©¤give up on this girl. That¡¯s what you¡¯ll do riiight? After all you will treasure yourself more.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Presences are gathering from the surrounding. Drag-Ride noise. A lot of them.¡¹

    ¡¸Oops, I forgot to say though. Naturally I¡¯m gathering soldiers from the surrounding using Dragon Voice. There are still Drag-Knights that will also come if gathered from this city. Won¡¯t you wait until you get completely surrounded?¡¹

    Rosa was taking position in the central national plaza was in order to make Lux and Philuffy to consider the surrounding houses so they would hesitate to attack with full power.

    In addition this location also possessed the space where Rosa would be able to use her own strength as she pleased with a lot of covers available for her.

    And the clincher was her scheme of massing the reinforcement that she called to her.

    ¡¸So even the Black Hero is only this much? I wonder why people are all so eager to act hypocritical. Nothing is more important than yourself, other people doesn¡¯t matter at aall. Even though human¡¯s true nature is evil, everyone is living while hiding that. Even though in the end you are nothing more than birds of a feather with me, like how you are abandoning this girl©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Shut up! I, I¡¯m just¡­¡­¡¹

    Even while shaking from anger, Lux was gradually approaching Rosa bit by bit.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You ran out of time. Then I¡¯ll execute this girl, sayonara.¡¹

    Rosa swung her scythe and slashed it down toward the girl.

    Instnatly, Lux¡¯s Bahamut that was awaiting for opportunity until now flashed red and attacked with explosive speed.

    ¡¸Reload on Fire!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    He predicted Rosa¡¯s movement and unleashed the Divine Raiment of compression and strengthening.

    Usually he used it when the enemy was within the range in order to cut the opponent down instantly using Quick Shot. Now Lux purposefully activated it early in order to save the hostage.

    At the same time he brandished his great sword and aimed at the armored arm of Rosa that was swinging up the Scythe.

    The great sword where Lux focused all his energy at splendidly slashed Gorynych¡¯s arm.

    ¡¸Philuffy!¡¹

    He took the hostage while entrusting her to Philuffy at the same time.

    In a flash, Lux cut Gorynych¡¯s torso with a returning slash.

    ¡¸Ku, Aah!?¡¹

    The barrier was torn and the armor smashed.

    The fragments were scattered into the wind and rain, floating in the air in pieces.

    Lux¡¯s Blade splendidly dug into the armor and it was bisected together with Rosa¡¯s scream.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    But, Lux felt a strange feedback from the slash and a shudder ran through him.

    Even though he slashed without the intend to kill, why©¤©¤was the enemy destroyed so badly like this?

    Right after his focus was absorbed into that puzzle for a moment, Rosa was already moving.

    *Zakuri* The strange sound of flesh getting cut could be heard.

    From the back of Philuffy who was watching for chance far behind Lux in order to back him up, there was Rosa slashing with her Scythe.

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤.

    The time was flowing slowly. Fresh blood was spurting high to the air from the back of his childhood friend.

    The world stopped as though all color was erased from his sight.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu, chan¡¹

    Typhon¡¯s armor was dispelled from Philuffy who had her back deeply slashed. She crumbled down.

    ¡¸Philu, ffy¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux turned around and muttered in a daze.

    For Philuffy who originally should be able to take a lot of punishment to collapse like that, it appeared that she was pierced from a spot at her back that wasn¡¯t covered with armor. It was a lethal wound without a doubt.

    Heiburg¡¯s remaining battle force was already gathering at the surrounding.

    The figure of the girl who was taken hostage by Rosa vanished. She was gone completely.

    ¡¸Seee? The evil side is stronger right? Sin Phantom©¤©¤the special armament that I have can produce illusion including my own body double. Have you forgotten it after so long I wonder?¡¹

    By putting the illusion of Rosa riding on the unmanned Twelve Vice, she could produce body double.

    No, the tactic of creating clone of Rosa that couldn¡¯t be seen through until it was destroyed.

    Certainly he once got tricked by that at the skill exhibition battle previously.

    And yet, there was a reason why Lux and Philuffy got so easily deceived.

    Seeing the illusive hostage that was also made by Sin Phantom having blade pointed at it, it showed Lux a situation where he had to save the hostage in a hurry, lowering his guard.

    And then, the Drag-Knights that were hiding within this rain and darkness while surrounding this plaza.

    Philuffy was standing on guard against them in order to protect Lux from long range sniping. Rosa took her by surprise with her attention diverted like that.

    It wasn¡¯t that they were careless.

    It was Rosa¡¯s cunning trick that laid out multiple traps on top of each other ingeniously.

    The result of the tactics that allowed every kind of evil surpassed Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Surrender noow. I will let you all to stay alive for now. With this, the new kingdom will be driven to the wall as traitor within the alliance. I¡¯ll release the Ragnarok from the Babel and direct it toward the bunches that gathered there.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, you¡­¡­¡¹

    Expression vanished from the dumbfounded Lux.

    His emotion was rapidly cooling down as though assimilating into the cold rain.

    ¡¸Why are you©¤©¤doing something like this? Why are you hurting innocent people? How can something like this is necessary©¤©¤?¡¹

    Rosa loudly laughed in ridicule seeing his standing figure that was filled with hollowness.

    ¡¸What a troubling child. After coming to spy at someone else¡¯s country, now you are complaining when you failed? It become like this because you are trying to save other country¡¯s people with a half-baked feeling. In the end, this is the most that the power of good can achieve.¡¹

    There was throbbing pain inside his head.

    The figure of Philuffy lying down on the stone paving of the plaza overlapped with the scene of that time.

    With the scene in the underground laboratory of Ries Island, ©¤©¤what was done to that girl there.

    (¡­¡­Was I, mistaken?)

    His consciousness was in chaos.

    When Philuffy was killed and he lost his self.

    There the same scene was definitely replayed once more.

    (It¡¯s the same like that time? What am I thinking¡­¡­? What am I saying? no, right now isn¡¯t the time©¤©¤)

    Rosa spoke even more words as though to take advantage of Lux¡¯s dazed state.

    ¡¸Seee, you aren¡¯t thinking of saving this country or anything. ¡®I won¡¯t abandon anyone even if they are enemy¡¯. That¡¯s only you wanting to protect yourself so you can think you are a good person. Like that, you won¡¯t be able to win against me who carried evil to the extreme. Now, let¡¯s close down the curtain now. I¡¯ll take care of the other three girls too after this. Aah, riiight©¤©¤it¡¯s also fine even if I turn that Abyss monster over there as guinea pig riight? In order to use the Elixir that I obtained effectively¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Guinea pig.

    The instant Lux heard those words, the restrain inside himself came off.

    A part of memory that he didn¡¯t remember was flowing in. He grasped Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device tightly once more.

    ¡¸Stop it already! Rosa!¡¹

    The silence was suddenly torn apart. A voice resounded through the central national plaza.

    Looking there, a single girl slipped through the gap of the gathered Drag-Knights and approached.

    Stefa Hersmice.

    The blind girl who was a former military cadet who asked for Lux¡¯s help.

    Her existence who knew about Rosa and Calensia in the past was¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Ste, fa¡­¡­? Wh, y¡¹

    The complexion of Rosa who held faith in absolute evil and committed tyranny changed slightly.

    At that moment, the Drag-Knights of Heiburg military hurriedly caught Stefa¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸Remove the citizen! It¡¯s fine even if you are a little rough!¡¹

    ¡¸Rosa! Please! You can hear me right!? Please, no more, something like this¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa stiffened at the desperate pleading of the girl.

    But, she immediately wore back her former wicked expression and quickly lifted her hand and gave instruction.

    ¡¸Remove her from here. Don¡¯t let the citizen get in the way. Also, collect that new kingdom girl too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I won¡¯t let you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Rosa reacted at the dark voice that slipped out from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    Almost at the same time, countless windows of light floated around Bahamut.

    ¡¸Singlen¡¯s tuning application©¤©¤the Battle Array is it? Hoow foolish. You are still going to struggle in vain this late in the game? ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    She was about to sneer, but in the middle Rosa frowned in confusion.

    The windows of light were gathering speed in repeatedly appearing and then immediately closing and vanishing.

    Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device was emitting intense light as though resonating with it, and finally it happened.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤, don¡¯t tell me!¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t, hand over Philuffy to you all.¡¹

    Particles of light were gathering in high speed around Lux, forming a new supplemental armor.

    ¡¸Over Limit ¨C On¡¹

    Each frame split, back wings, both arms, both legs, head part, and then even the great sword were covered with solid plate and transfigured.

    The variable frame turned pointed sharply, enlarged, and shifted into a fiendish shape.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux skated in the air toward the Drag-Knights©¤©¤the soldiers of Heiburg surrounding the area that numbered around fifty.

    Transforming into an arrow that pierced through the air, he attacked in order to exterminate the enemies before him.

    ¨C

    ¡¸What is the meaning of this!? What is happening¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Sharis was murmuring in amazement at the air above the central national plaza where the deathly battle was unfolding, above the bell tower where one could look over the city.

    The Triad who were devoting themselves into the role as messenger this time had intended to arrive in time to join the battle outside, but midway the noticed Heiburg¡¯s soldiers waiting in ambush and took roundabout way. Because of that they were late to link up with Lux and Philuffy.

    After that, when they arrived in the military¡¯s practice ground, they heard sounds from afar and followed the source, but©¤©¤.

    ¡ºYes. This is impossible to understand. Lady Rosa who should be in new kingdom at Triport is here right now for some reason. She seems to be battling Lux-san.¡»

    Noct who was hiding behind a building¡¯s cover were talking to the other members using Dragon Voice. Sharis immediately nodded in respond.

    ¡ºYeah, it¡¯s hard to believe but this is the reality. What¡¯s more, missy Philuffy seems to be hideously injured. We have to rescue her when there is an opening©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºRather, Lux-chi is also in trouble there! That¡¯s, could it be Over Limit¡­¡­¡»

    Tillfur who was also similarly hiding behind a building¡¯s cover was pointing out with anxious voice.

    The hidden form where Drag-Ride¡¯s limiter devices were all cancelled so the Drag-Ride could display its maximum output while ignoring the burden to the pilot¡¯s body.

    After using that, Lux also wouldn¡¯t be able to fight for long, but something was strange.

    It was a form that was used when defeating Yggdrasil, but it should be limited only to that one time.

    Since then, Lux also said himself that he couldn¡¯t remember the procedure to release it.

    Rosa¡¯s presence, Philuffy¡¯s wound, and then Lux¡¯s complete change.

    The situation was unexpected in every aspect, but they had to do something about it.

    ¡ºWe are waiting for chance¡­¡­. We cannot move yet.¡»

    Letting out a white breath, Sharis was giving instruction as leader even while her hands were shaking from nervousness.

    ¡ºFailure won¡¯t be permitted in this situation. I¡¯ll assign a role to each of you, don¡¯t move into action until I give the signal!¡»

    ¡ºYes. Acknowledged.¡»

    ¡ºSharis too, be careful!¡»

    Noct and Tillfur also nodded and waited for an opening where they could cut in.

    Even when Lux was using Over Limit, the battle situation was one when he was surrounded by a total of fifty enemy Drag-Knights and Rosa. He was in an overwhelming disadvantage.

    Even if it was Lux, he would be able to break through this easily.

    At the next moment, that prediction of the Triad©¤©¤was overturned.

 Volume 10 - CH 4

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ki, kill! One hostage is enough! Attack him with the intent to ki©¤©¤guah!?¡¹

    An officer of Heiburg military who was managing the gathered force let out his voice. But right at that instant, a great sword cut up his shoulder.

    The Force Core there that was the vital part of Drag-Ride was smashed. The commander immediately fell on the ground.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The commander other than Rosa was finished off at the very beginning. The remaining troop became agitated.

    Lux didn¡¯t miss that opening and swung his great sword, instantly cutting down two Drag-Knighs who were around Philuffy.

    Their shoulder armor was smashed up and the Blade in their hand danced in the air.

    ¡¸Fi, fire-! Stop him on his track using a barrage of Breath Gun!¡¹

    ¡¸No wait!? That guy¡¯s surrounding©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Around Lux who was driving Bahamut, the weapons of the defeated enemies©¤©¤multiple Daggers and Blades were floating.

    The moment Heiburg troops were perplexed, those weapons were fired to all direction with speed like bullet.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Linker Burst¡¹

    The special armament that was loaded inside Bahamut.

    Normally it was a weak ability that could only do things like forming force field to change the trajectory of things or pulling closer things toward the user¡¯s hand, but the Over Limit strengthened the ability until a level that boasted strength which could throw objects with high speed.

    Heiburg troops that became the side that was suppressed with a barrage instead broke their formation. Lux charged using that opening.

    ¡¸Hmmph. Over Limit eeeh¡­¡­. It seems that it¡¯s quite something but©¤©¤I wondeer, how long you will be able to keep up that output?¡¹

    On the other hand, while the extermination of her subordinates number was gathering speed, Rosa was forming the tactic for after this.

    Rosa had also obtained about the information of Over Limit itself.

    It was a double-edged sword that realized the multiplication of Drag-Ride¡¯s output by several times by taking off the limiter that was usually restricting the output of the Drag-Ride to avoid burden to the user.

    In that case, it was convenient if Lux was spending strength to defeat her subordinates.

    That full power wouldn¡¯t continue for long.

    The normal option to take here was to wait until the opponent ran out of breath and his Drag-Ride got dispelled from that, but she had to implement the best plan for that to happen.

    ¡º©¤©¤Informing all troops. Bring down Lux Arcadia. Don¡¯t be scared, the guy¡¯s strength won¡¯t last long.¡»

    Rosa gave her subordinates instruction once more through Dragon Voice. At the same time, she herself also deployed bait.

    She used the Twelve Vice that manipulated unmanned Drag-Rides together with illusion ability of Sin Phantom, producing unmanned drones that acted as her body doubles.

    She made her doubles to assault the back of Lux who was crushing his enemies using overwhelming firepower©¤©¤but, at that instant the drone was cut apart into pieces.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Quick Shot©¤©¤more than ten consecutive slashes using the application of time acceleration from Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s four limbs, back wings, head part, and then even its Force Core, the drone was destroyed to the limit until it was impossible to regenerate using its own strength.

    ¡¸So its weak point is seen through already eeh¡­¡­¡¹

    Expression vanished for the first time from the face of Rosa who saw that. Faint anxiety and graveness tinged her voice.

    Gorynych¡¯s Divine Raiment, Tartaros Frame, it was an ability to disassemble Drag-Ride and rearranged them.

    In other words, even if a Drag-Ride was destroyed, this Divine Raiment possessed the feature to reconstruct it to a certain degree.

    But, if even the Force Core that functioned to power up the Drag-Ride was also destroyed, the Drag-Ride wouldn¡¯t be able to receive order and it became impossible to reconstruct and repair it in the middle of battle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤However, I wonder how long that strength can continue?¡¹

    But, even though she was standing at disadvantage, Rosa was composed.

    In the state of Over Limit, a Drag-Ride¡¯s function would be reinforced drastically in all respects, but the backlash from that was also great.

    Although the compression strengthening of Reload on Fire was also ascended until more than ten times, if Lux used it consecutively his limit would arrive soon.

    No, if he used his Divine Raiment two more times, he would surely self-destruct immediately.

    That prediction was correct, but mistaken.

    ¡¸Ru, RUUUuUUUUNN! THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN WIN AGAINST A MONSTER LIKE THIS!¡¹

    ¡¸WE ARE GOING TO GET KILLED, RETREAT! RETREAT!¡¹

    The battle force of fifty Drag-Rides was reduced to half in less than ten-odd seconds. Even Rosa¡¯s double was carved apart into pieces.

    The remaining Drag-Knight troops who witnessed that result began to run away like baby spiders scattering away.

    For a moment Rosa was dumbfounded, not comprehending what had happened.

    But, she immediately showed a wicked expression and scolded her subordinates.

    ¡¸Looks like my education is insufficient eeh. Running away in front of the enemy is a sin heavier than capital crime you know? If it¡¯s now I¡¯ll still be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Who cares! We are going to get killed before that!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible already, even you aren¡¯t a match for him see!? I¡¯ll escape until outside the country!¡¹

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Even so her subordinates didn¡¯t stop and continued to escape. Seeing that, Rosa was shaking in agitation.

    Seeing the good chance, the Triad landed down on the central plaza and Sharis called out in panic.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! Sorry we are late! We will take care of missy Philuffy and missy Stefa. You go defeat Lady Rosa! I¡¯ll go take a look at missy Calensia¡¯s situation, after that we will reinforce you!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please leave this side to us.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi, be careful!¡¹

    Next Noct and TIllfur quickly rushed in. Noct lifted up Philuffy while Tillfur carried Stefa. They then retreated from that place.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please.¡¹

    Lux shortly replied, at the same time he skated Bahamut in the air and slashed at Rosa.

    Quick Draw©¤©¤the attack cut off the shoulder of the arm that was holding the Scythe and instantly destroyed the Force Core there.

    If it was with the super output of Over Limit, even though it was a slash that was specialized for speed, it still could cut through the thick barrier and armor.

    But, the figure of the pilot Rosa vanished at the same time when she was cut like it was only natural.

    It was an unmanned drone created by Sin Phantom that worked as Rosa¡¯s body double but©¤©¤the remaining drones were eight.

    Lux was reducing the number with certainty and cornering his opponent.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Those useless, dimwitted subordinates. It seems that the fear I gave those bunches were too lukewarm.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re mistaken, Lady Rosa.¡¹

    Lux was destroying even more of Rosa¡¯s double that was attacking him while correcting her.

    His voice was cold and monotone.

    Pierced by that eye glint that consisted from only hostility that was condensed and sharpened to the extreme, Rosa¡¯s voice shook slightly.

    ¡¸I wondeer, what do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s because you are ruling over them with only fear. Human can be made to obey easily if one use fear©¤©¤but at the same time, if just one prerequisite is collapsing, the strength of that authority will also crumble.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤That scene of destruction with your full power, you are saying you did that intentionally?¡¹

    In exchange of an answer, Lux smashed another drone that was rode by Rosa¡¯s double once more.

    Just now, Lux displayed an overwhelming difference in firepower without showing any opening that could be taken advantage of.

    Even though there was still the troops¡¯ ruler, Rosa was still waiting in reserve, why did Lux unleashed his full power when he was merely facing subordinates and body doubles?

    He intentionally made the great strength from Over Limit to be in full display before their eyes and unnerved the enemies¡¯ fighting spirit.

    Even though if all of them bought time then they might be able to make Lux¡¯s stamina ran out, by showing them the difference in power that was too great, the subordinates were cornered to escape.

    ¡¸Yeah. And then it¡¯s over©¤©¤I won¡¯t forgive you anymore.¡¹

    When Lux continued to cut down the sixth drones, he declared coldly.

    But, Rosa who should be cornered even further grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸Is that soo? Then it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll also stop trying to capture you alive.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The veil of rain and wind that was hitting the body inside the darkness.

    When it weakened for a moment, he could see Rosa¡¯s figure that was wrapped inside a giant armor.

    Over there, existed a strange shape that was completely different from until just now.

    ¡¸So you made your comrades into bait and formed that.¡¹

    A giant dragon walking on two legs, with a size that might be ten times larger than normal Drag-Ride.

    That form used the real Gorynych as the base where its whole armor was strengthened.

    Not to mention the chest part, the two legs, two arms, the propulsion device, all them of were increasing in thickness due to the combination.

    Gorynych¡¯s special armament©¤©¤the unmanned drones of the Twelve Vice should have been destroyed until a state where it was impossible to regenerate, that was why no matter how Gorynych¡¯s main frame combined with the Twelve Vice, this size didn¡¯t match the calculation.

    In other words©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Thaat¡¯s right. My Tartaros Frame can disassemble even the armor of general purpose Drag-Ride and reconstruct it into my own armor. Those useless subordinates, at the very least they should become nourishment for me, don¡¯t you think sooo?¡¹

    Rosa who recovered her composure grinned and looked down on Lux.

    She summoned her subordinates here wasn¡¯t just for attacking from all direction and to exhaust Lux.

    It was for her trump card where in the end she would incorporate the leftover armors and strengthened herself like this.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Devil Machia ModeCombined God Form. I¡¯ll fight and let you die a noble death fitting for a hero. Of course, after you die©¤©¤, you will be treated as traitor thoough!¡¹

    Immediately after that, several wheels that came out from Gorynych¡¯s armored legs rotated with terrific power©¤©¤and accelerated.

    That giant armor that had increased in volume by more than ten times kicked out to the front and charged with an explosive speed.

    ¡¸U©¤©¤OOOOOOH!¡¹

    Lux swung Bahamut¡¯s Chaos Brand with full power in the stance of facing it head on.

    He slashed with a counter to cut Gorynych¡¯s fist that was like a huge rock, but when his sword hit, a shockwave with terrible impact pushed him at the same time and Lux was blown backward.

    ¡¸Gu, ah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸How fooliiish. Only idiot will put on air like a hero.¡¹

    On the other hand, Rosa wasn¡¯t shaken at all. She attacked further with all out bombing using the Cannons that were installed on her whole armor.

    Lux dodged the storm of countless flashes that were flying around while taking distance in order to rally himself.

    The power output of Gorynych that had entered Devil Machia Mode was almost equal with Over Limit.

    But, Lux was one-sidedly pushed back was the influence of the weight difference that was more than ten times over.

    Especially because Gorynych was a land battle type, when they hit each other directly while stopping in place, the difference in stability between both sides was remarkable.

    But, even after understanding that he was at disadvantage, there was no way Lux could relax his offense here.

    Lux changed his trajectory once more and skated in the air©¤©¤he swung down his great sword while putting his weight on it.

    But, it was deflected without difficulty by the thick armor and multiple barriers.

    Even though they were both using Drag-Ride with high power output, there was a clear difference in their reserve energy. Lux realized Rosa¡¯s trick.

    ¡¸This too©¤©¤is within your calculation since the start?¡¹

    Rosa wasn¡¯t as exhausted as Lux surely because in the middle she received support from her subordinates¡¯ Drakes.

    The special equipment type Drake could transfer one¡¯s own energy to the other party.

    In other words, right after the reinforcement came, Rosa received strength of several people portion from them.

    On the other hand, Lux¡¯s body that had been worked too hard until now was nearing its limit.

    Surely he would run out of strength and his armor dispelled in less than two minutes because he couldn¡¯t endure the burden.

    If that happened, everything would be over.

    Whether it was the new kingdom after Babel was conquered, and also Philuffy who was lethally wounded, and also the Triad who came here.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate buut©¤©¤it seems this is as far as you go. As I thought good cannot triumph against evil. No matter how much you try to stand against me with the correct path, this is your limit. You don¡¯t have both the sense and ability to dirty your hand with evil. You are just spouting the nonsense of the loser and the weawk.¡¹

    Rosa continued as though making a proclamation within the strong rain hitting their body.

    On the other hand Lux wielded his great sword and earnestly searched for the clue to breakthrough this situation.

    But, no matter from which direction he attacked, he couldn¡¯t break that tough barrier and armor.

    ¡¸At that time it was also raining like this I thiink. When I killed father©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Rosa murmured as though talking to herself. It was unclear whether she did that because she intended to act composed, or that her emotion was highly strung.

    ¡¸With the death of the Dark Marketeer Hayes, the military commander also lost his standing. It was the long-awaited chance for Granhide family to take over the military, so I too had to work hard, riiight¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You, killed him?¡¹

    Lux asked with a stifled voice.

    Rosa¡¯s mouths loosened in ecstasy and talked in nostalgia.

    ¡¸It was fuun. When that man who swaggered as a great noble and tried to discipline me was shedding blood in unsightly state and then stopped breathing©¤©¤. Of course, the crime was treated as the work of a thief who sneaked inside. With that I was convinced. In the end no one can notice the truth. Even if they stay alive, the likes of sheep will only get preyed on. Those who can skillfully use evil is the strongest.¡¹

    Rosa also moved into offense, as though she was drunk into her own creed.

    The huge arm that pulverized the stone paving with one attack was striking toward Bahamut.

    ¡¸Kuh!?¡¹

    Lux neutralized the punch with a counter, but a fierce impact exploded in reaction.

    ¡¸With this strength I will start by stealing Babel and the new kingdom. I¡¯ll also subdue the Seven Dragon Paladins. After arriving at Avalon, I will stand on even further height with the power there. Not just the current tiny Heiburg, I will put everything in this world under my rule!¡¹

    All the Cannon muzzles protruding out from Gorynych¡¯s whole frame were tinged with light and they fired consecutively.

    Lux barely dodged by using his Blade as shield. He glared at Rosa.

    ¡¸Like that, you intend to rile over someone with fear again? In order to do that, you intend to hurt those who stand in your way!? The same like that era of the empire that I lived at©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa only laughed even against Lux¡¯s objection that was filled with intimidation.

    ¡¸Sayonaraa, you sore loser who pretend to be a hero. Nothing can be changed with your belief. You cannot protect anything. Accept your defeat and die.¡¹

    Rosa grinned with a belittling look.

    The moment Lux saw that, the inner part of Lux¡¯s eyes was tinged with heat as though it got burned.

    ¨C

    ¡ºNo matter how much resolve you tried have, you believe that ¡¸country¡¹ and ¡¸people¡¹ are something precious. That was why you could speak of a pipe dream like keeping these bunches alive and making a place of dialogue.¡»

    ¨C

    Those were the words of Lux¡¯s elder brother©¤©¤Fugil who massacred the imperial family and the nobility, betraying Lux who was trying to save even the people of the old empire as many as possible and made a place to talk with each other.

    Those words were replayed at the back of his mind, which turned into a violent emotion that burned his heart.

    That¡¯s right©¤©¤there is no other choice but to do it.

    (She is the same like his majesty the emperor and Hayes©¤©¤an evil beyond salvation that has to be killed. I can only kill her here!)

    Lux resolved his will, at the same time he deduced the best plan with his remaining stamina.

    Even after he was using Over Limit, this Rosa was a formidable enemy.

    But, no matter how strong of an existence it was, he was learning the way to break the opposition.

    When the armor of Bahamut that was already starting to creak was distorting even more conspicuously, he moved.

    ¡¸A rampage©¤©¤, is it? That¡¯s finee. I¡¯ll scatter apart that flower petals faster than you can ruin yourself disgracefully!¡¹

    Rosa flashed a wicked smile and pulled back the fist of the Devil Machia Mode. She unleashed an attack that was like a battering ram.

    Matching his timing with that, Lux also unleashed the power he stored.

    ¡¸Recoil Burst-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    Body control operation and mind control operation, the command to suppress and the command to unleash.

    By executing two kinds of simultaneous control operation that ran counter to each other, it suppressed the starting point of the attack and gathered strength until the limit.

    One of Lux¡¯s hidden techniques that produced destructive power more than ten time the normal directly hit Gorynych¡¯s Devil Machia Mode.

    With the fist of the enemy that came into contact as the starting point, the might of his attack was transmitted in chain toward the armored arm¡¯s wrist, elbow, and then shoulder. That armor that bundled more than ten Drag-Rides together cracked and burst open.

    ¡¸Impossible, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s both eyes snapped open in shock and she trembled.

    The table was turned in one move.

    If there was someone who watched this battle, they would imagine the scene that would unfold next, but immediately after that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Juust joking.¡¹

    The Steel Witch grinned as though everything went as she planned.

    The Devil Machia Mode that should be pulverized into pieces with one attack.

    But, the chain of destruction didn¡¯t reach until the very armor of Gorynych¡¯s main frame. It was still unharmed.

    And then, the armor part that should be broken just now was getting reconstructed once more.

    ¡¸You intentionally disassembled the armor ahead to disperse the impact©¤©¤is that what you did?¡¹

    ¡¸You can feel proud. This Devil Machia Mode is tuned to destruct its outer shell automatically when it received a fatal impact to a certain degree. If the attack¡¯s power is dispersed to the many armors covering it, the force that Gorynych¡¯s main body receive will drop sharply.¡¹

    It was an attack of full power from Lux¡¯s Over Limit and his hidden technique of Drag-Ride control.

    Rosa even dealt against a special move that she should have seen for the first time and cornered Lux.

    Rosa treated evil as right and she was convinced of that as the proof of ability, but she had also investigated thoroughly his strength as Drag-Knight.

    Therefore, in the exchange of tactic just now, she should be the one who came out ahead slightly©¤©¤but.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? What is this? My body©¤©¤cannot move!?¡¹

    ¡¸Reload on Fire©¤©¤the moment you disassembled your own armor, I put the compression strengthening of time on Gorynych.¡¹

    Reload on fire compressed the phenomenon of five seconds ahead which caused the strength to decrease sharply until a fragment of the original, and then that strength was unleashed in the next five seconds.

    The Divine Raiment that was strengthened by Over Limit caused the amplitude of the strengthening to be increased until more than ten times, causing the strength to swell up abnormally.

    Rosa was also being vigilant against that, but she didn¡¯t think that the Divine Raiment would be applied to hers rather to Lux himself.

    The time of Gorynych¡¯s whole body including Rosa was decelerated. The disassembled armor didn¡¯t return back to normal.

    Lux didn¡¯t overlook that opening when the armor was disconnected and slashed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action¡¹

    After applying full power Reload on Fire at Rosa and her movement stopped, Lux¡¯s Blade struck from above her barrier. A hundred of consecutive attacks without a single moment of pause that came from the application of stacking up two kind of control operation repeatedly were driving into Gorynych¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸Hahh! No matter how many times you piled up such light slashes, you won¡¯t be able to break my Divine Drag-Ride!¡¹

    Currently no matter how many times Gorynych was hit by Lux¡¯s attacks, its barrier wasn¡¯t reduced.

    But, Rosa didn¡¯t notice that she was already checkmated.

    ¡¸It¡¯s over already for you, Lady Rosa.¡¹

    Lux indifferently told the fearlessly grinning Rosa.

    One of three hidden techniques, End Action was finished in just four seconds. Lux hovered in the air while breathing hard.

    ¡¸Your Drag-Ride isn¡¯t receiving damage I because of Reload on Fire¡¯s effect that sharply decreased the flow of time.¡¹

    In other words, the impact of a hundred consecutive attacks until now that was concentrated onto just a single point, all of that attack power would flood in all at once.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Rosa noticed that fact and her expression distorted in despair. The effect of Reload on Fire arrived at the five seconds of the later half.

    ¡¸©¤©¤N, OoOoOOOOOoOOOOoOOOOOO-!¡¹

    A shriek.

    Rosa was sent flying along with Gorynych backward. She vanished from Lux¡¯s sight in a speed that human eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    At the same time, the parts of more than ten Drag-Rides that were severed from Tartaros Frame¡¯s control were all scattered around on her trajectory.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­, guh¡­¡­aaa!¡¹

    Bahamut in Over Limit state was dispelled. Lux was standing still for a while on that spot.

    The muscle joints of his whole body immediately felt pained. He was feeling fever as though his whole body was burned.

    The cold rain robbed his very little remaining stamina. A temptation to just faint like this assaulted him.

    ¡¸Not, yet¡­¡­!¡¹

    But, Lux pulled out the Sword Device of Wyvern and used it to stab his thigh. He awakened his consciousness with pain.

    Rosa¡¯s combat potential should have been neutralized already with an almost certainty, but she mustn¡¯t be allowed to get away from here.

    He more or less calculated the direction where he sent Rosa flying. He aimed at the first place©¤©¤the military practice ground beside the underground market.

    He mustn¡¯t collapse yet until he caught up and restrained her.

    ¡¸U, guh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux coughed heavily. When his hand pressed on his mouth, blood got stuck on his palm. It made him felt an intense exhaustion.

    It was a paper thin victory.

    The multiple layers of piled up evil tactics that made use of every method effectively.

    And it didn¡¯t stop there, she had also accumulated diligent training that surpassed the common sense as Drag-Knight.

    It was just as rumored and similar like the other Seven Dragon Paladins, Rosa boasted a true strength that was worthy for the name of Steel Witch and wicked cunning that made it possible for her to grasp Heiburg within her palm.

    If Lux didn¡¯t use Over Limit within his muddy memory, he would be the one defeated without a doubt.

    (How did I, become able to use Over Limit again? No, actually, from where did I know about the method to release Over Limit?)

    If he knew the method, then why? Why did he become unable to remember it?

    Lux harbored even more doubt, but he shook his head and erase the feeling.

    ¡¸Right now isn¡¯t the time¡­¡­! If I don¡¯t, defeat, Lady Rosa¡­¡­cough-!¡¹

    He took deep breath many times, but his breathing wouldn¡¯t calm down.

    Also, he couldn¡¯t even summon Wyvern right now.

    ¡¸If I don¡¯t defeat Rosa, if she get away from here, everything©¤©¤. Philuffy, Stefa-san, the people of this country too, everyone will©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was about to fall on that spot, an arm of a Drag-Ride firmly caught him.

    Lux was taken aback and held his breath. In front of him, there was a familiar girl.

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­?¡¹

    Under the heavy rain, a girl with peculiar braided hairstyle was riding a Drag-Ride.

    But, he had seen that androgynous looks before.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A pain ran behind Lux¡¯s eyes sharply, his field of vision was obstructed by a sandstorm.

    The obstruction vanished instantly. When his consciousness became clear, Lux realized who was the boy before him.

    The one who supported the collapsing Lux while wearing EX Wyvern was Coral.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m late, Lux-kun. I was in communication with everyone of the Triad through Dragon Voice, they are all safe. Philuffy-san too, it looks like she is heavily injured, but her life isn¡¯t in danger I was told.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, great¡­¡­¡¹

    His breathing was weak and frail, even so Lux made a relieved smile.

    ¡¸I received special mission from Vanheim Principality and came here to chase after Vine of Dragon Marauder in the underground market, but he got away. I caught them in the act, so I could send evidence to the world alliance. But right now your condition is the concern. We should also retreat for the moment.¡¹

    ¡¸Not, yet. If we don¡¯t finish off Lady Rosas, this country will©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to not force yourself. You cannot use Drag-Ride anymore. If I let you die here, I won¡¯t have any face to meet your comrades.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine, that¡¯s why we have to pursue Lady Rosa here©¤©¤. If it¡¯s just Wyvern, I¡¯ll be able to use it after resting for a bit more.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I get it.¡¹

    Coral sighed. Even so he obeyed Lux¡¯s instruction.

    He lifted Lux with his EX Wyvern. Then he faced the enemy¡¯s stronghold that was already crumbling.

    He flew toward the military practice ground where Rosa Granhide appeared to get blown away to.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Gefuh, gopuh¡­¡­. Ue¡¹

    On the other hand, Rosa who got the flow of her time sharply decreased by Reload on Fire and then struck by concentrated slashes from End Action onto one spot during that time, she crashed into the practice ground just as Lux predicted. She vomited out a lot of blood and writhed on the ground.

    Fortunately because the direction she was sent flying at was a forest, the trees became cushion and she avoided the fate of instant death, but not just the armor of her Divine Drag-Ride, even her limbs and ribcage were broken. She was on the verge of death.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why, how? This, shouldn¡¯t happen¡­¡­. For me who carry out evil to the extreme to be defeated, such, thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa twisted her body with gasping breath while her blood soaked body was trembling.

    The rainy night reminded Rosa of her past.

    In the night of that rainy day, the military man who was torturing her died.

    The King of Vices killed him.

    Everything should be over with that.

    At that time she should have stood©¤©¤in the side of the ruler.

    And yet, how did she lose? No,

    ¡¸It¡¯s still, noot over yet¡­¡­. If I can escape from here, it¡¯ll be, my wiiin¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa murmured to encourage herself and stood up.

    She touched the Sword Device of a general purpose Drag-Ride that she covertly carried and started walking toward a military facility with staggering steps.

    But, something had already broken.

    Her expression, was becoming an expression that she had never shown until now. Even now it looked like she would break out crying.

    ¨C

    ¡¸It¡¯s around here I think? It looks like Rosa¡¯s Gorynych was dispelled here.¡¹

    Lux and Coral pursued Rosa and returned inside the practice ground in Heiburg military¡¯s ground. They were looking at the broken trees of the forest while following behind the footprints.

    ¡¸Thank you Coral. If it¡¯s from here, I can go alone.¡¹

    Even though he was wounded all over his body, it seemed Lux¡¯s breathing was calming down. He unsheathed the Sword Device of Wyvern once more and equipped Drag-Ride on his body.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t force yourself Lux-kun! If you like, you can also entrust the matter of Lady Rosa to me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s no good. If I don¡¯t settle it with her with my own hand¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux stepped inside the darkness with an expression that was afflicted with fever.

    It was hard to understand because of the rain and the armor fragments of Gorynych that were scattered around, but some trace of blood could be seen.

    Rosa too was also at a dying state without doubt.

    But, she might have enough stamina remaining to escape.

    If Noct came to here, she would be able to check the reaction of living thing around with her Drake¡¯s probing device but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Be careful Lux-kun! ©¤©¤There is someone nearby!¡¹

    When Coral informed him with a stifled voice, Lux stopped his feet and be on his guard.

    But, it seemed it wasn¡¯t Rosa, but half of Heiburg soldiers who escaped from the battle before this.

    It appeared they were also at their limit already too. They weren¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride.

    When they noticed Lux and Coral, they threw away their swords and prostrated.

    ¡¸Ple, please spare us! We too had no other choice but to obey Lady Rosa. We are putting down our Sword Device like this so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I get it. Coral, please take care of them. I¡¯m still searching for her so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine but, will you be alright by yourself? I just confirmed from the Dragon Voice, everyone of the Triad will come soon you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I still, can go on.¡¹

    Lux slowly flew forward, following the bloody footprints until behind a large rock.

    ¡¸Throw away your weapon and surrender. If you do that I won¡¯t take away your life here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps Rosa wasn¡¯t behind the rock, no reply came.

    Lux readied his Scale Blade. It was at that moment he felt a presence behind him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤AAAAH!¡¹

    A hoarse voice burst. At the same time, Rosa clad in Drake struck with her Blade.

    But, that trick wouldn¡¯t work for the second time.

    Although Lux was exhausted, as expected he had predicted the ambush.

    ¡¸As I thought, you are going to do something like this.¡¹

    Lux performed a counter of Critical Hit using the Scale Blade. The Blade of the Drake was smashed.

    Rosa who saw that backed away while her body was trembling fiercely.

    Perhaps her arm and leg were respectively broken, her body was tilting to the side.

    From how she was covering the area around her stomach, it hinted that her ribs were also broken.

    ¡¸Why, why doesn¡¯t it work¡­¡­! Even though it shouldn¡¯t be like this¡­¡­just whyyy!¡¹

    Her eyes were moist with tears of despair, even so she threw a Dagger toward Lux.

    When Lux calmly used his Blade as a shield, Rosa used that chance to vanish her figure.

    It was the basic ability of special equipment type Drake, the camouflage ability.

    However, in her dying state, she wasn¡¯t able to use it properly.

    Lux slashed at a spot where the air was distorted, breaking the waist part of the armor.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! NOOoOOOO-!¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s armor was dispelled at the same time with her reappearance. She broke into a run deeper toward the forest with her flesh body.

    ¡¸This is your lose, Rosa. Surrender obediently and accept the judgment of the law. Atone for your sins until now.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, why why why why¡­¡­. Even though evil is absolute, even though I shouldn¡¯t have lost, even though I was told that I would win, why©¤©¤!¡¹

    Rosa hugged her shoulders with an expression of heartbreak while shivering. Even so she didn¡¯t let go of her Sword Device.

    In the middle of running her foot got caught in quagmire and she stumbled. Her whole body was soppy with blood and mud while at the end she fell on her butt and looked up to Lux¡¯s Wyvern.

    She was at an open spot that was surrounded by trees. There Rosa was finally unable to move anymore.

    ¡¸Please, help meee¡­¡­. Forgive meee¡­¡­! I, don¡¯t want to dieee¡­¡­! I don¡¯t want what¡¯s mine to get taken away by someone else anymoree¡­¡­!¡¹

    Rosa leaked out tears down her cheeks that were soaked with blood while pleading.

    Even that might be trap.

    Lux couldn¡¯t let his guard down until the end.

    ¡¸Are you planning to trick someone again by acting like that? Or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    Was she planning to buy time? When Lux was about to say that, footsteps could be heard approaching from the surrounding.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    For a moment Lux was anxious thinking if enemy reinforcement was coming, but it seemed he was mistaken.

    Common soldiers whose armors had been dispelled already were heading here while leading Coral.

    ¡¸They had thrown away their weapon and surrendered just now. Lady Rosa, I want you too to be restrained quietly.¡¹

    Coral tried to persuade Rosa with a calm tone, but in contrast when Rosa noticed him, she called out to her subordinates.

    ¡¸Qu, quickly save me here! If you guys defeat them©¤©¤! If you let me get away then a reward©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Shut up you bitch-!¡¹

    ¡¸KYAAAAH!?¡¹

    Rosa immediately shrieked. Her face was snapped backward.

    One of the soldier threw a rock that hit her forehead.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right! Be quiet you trash! You villain!¡¹

    ¡¸We are getting treated like this! Everything is your fault!¡¹

    ¡¸How dare you threatened us all until now! How dare you, how dare you©¤©¤¡¹

    Heiburg soldiers who numbered more than twenty started hurling abuse at Rosa with that as the trigger.

    They threw rocks, stepped on her broken limbs, ripped her remaining pilot suit, punched her face.

    It seemed they were keeping a lot of grudge, or perhaps they were doing this only to protect their own position.

    Even though the girl was crying and screaming, the soldier¡¯s collective behavior didn¡¯t stop and increased in intensity instead.

    ¡¸NOOOOO-¡­¡­! PLEASE FORGIVE MEEEE-! I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY I¡¯M SORRY! STOP IT ALREADYYYY! SAVE MEEEE-!¡¹

    The girl who had already lost her strength and became powerless was showered with insult and violence by the men.

    That wretched sight that was just too painful to look at caused Lux to grimace unconsciously.

    ©¤©¤It was her just deserts.

    This was the payment for how she ruled this country harshly with strength and fear and carried out immoral actions.

    Lux had no duty to stop them.

    Besides even though she was weak right now, if she recovered her strength, she would undoubtedly stand up again as follower of atrocity.

    At that time, he wouldn¡¯t know if he would be able to outwit Rosa again.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But even so, Lux reached out his hand reflexively trying to stop the beating. It was at that timing he heard Calensia¡¯s voice through Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºI beg you Lux-san©¤©¤please kill her with your hand.¡»

    Calensia¡¯s voice was tinged with urgency.

    ¡ºEh¡­¡­?¡»

    Lux was bewildered by her words and he stiffened.

    ¡ºMy family is also taken hostage by her. Everyone is suffering by her tyranny. I beg you. Please save us.¡»

    ¡ºHowever, such thing¡­¡­I¡»

    Even so Lux was showing hesitation, but Calensia whispered.

    ¡ºPlease Lux-san. Right now I still cannot go there. If she is imprisoned, surely she will escape and take revenge. I know that what I¡¯m asking is unreasonable. But, please. I¡¯m begging you, in order to save this country.¡»

    Lux was listening to Calensia¡¯s pleading while gripping his Wyvern¡¯s Blade tightly.

    ¨C

    ¡ºAs a king, you tried to save not only the people of this country, but even the rotten imperial family and nobles too. That¡¯s why, you couldn¡¯t see through me, the evil that was going to steal from you and got outwitted.¡»

    ¨C

    The words of Fugil that he said to Lux when the old empire was destroyed was replayed once more inside Lux¡¯s head.

    (That¡¯s right. There is no way©¤©¤I can do the same mistake like that time again.)

    The imperial family that was treated as the symbol of evil and also their retainers, if possible Lux also wanted to save them. He tried to save them.

    However he was betrayed by his eldest brother Fugil and failed. Fugil thrust his own naivety before him.

    Even now he couldn¡¯t see the answer, what was the most right. However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Please, kill this woman!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible for the people of our country! Anyone here will hesitate from fear of the Servants¡¯ revenge! Please kill her in our place!¡¹

    ¡¸If only this woman is killed, the King of Vices will also disappear! Peace will return into this country!¡¹

    Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill kill, kill.

    The boos of the soldiers that sounded like a chorus strengthened. Lux¡¯s world distorted and crumbled.

    Having those gazes that were filled with expectation directed at him, Lux stood before Rosa with Blade in hand.

    ¡¸Lux-kun¡­¡­you must not hurt this girl more than this! There are still things that we have to ask her!¡¹

    Coral who standing beside him stopped him like that, but Lux quietly lifted up the Blade.

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s no good. After using Over Limit, I won¡¯t be able to move anymore once I run out of strength. If Lady Rosa escape during that time, I won¡¯t be able to protect everyone.¡¹

    That¡¯s right.

    This wasn¡¯t just about Lux.

    Philuffy and also the Triad who were here too, then everyone in the new kingdom too would get exposed to danger.

    ¡¸Someone has to do this. I have to do this. There is no, other choice. If this girl won¡¯t stop no matter what, then, there is no choice©¤©¤but this.¡¹

    Lux erased his feeling and stared at Rosa coldly.

    And then he quietly lifted up his Blade, brandishing it toward the girl whose pupils were opened in fear.

    ¡¸Please¡­¡­save me! Don¡¯t kill meee! It shouldn¡¯t be like thiiiss¡­¡­. I had no choice, but to do this¡­¡­! I¡¯ll do anything! I¡¯m begging you, that¡¯s why¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, I too have no choice but doing this. In order to stop you, this can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    Lux told her with a blunt tone.

    But, right after that Lux¡¯s heart throbbed violently, he was caught in the sensation as though his blood flow was flowing in reverse.

    In the era of the old empire, in the same rainy day like this, the figure of himself yelling for help in front of the coach that fell down the cliff was overlapping with the figure of Rosa right now.

    Even though he was asking for help to save his heavily injured mother, what came back were only jeers and thrown stones.

    Lux and his family who were the farthest from the throne succession right weren¡¯t involved with the despotic administration of the old empire.

    And then Lux and his family were banished from the imperial court at that time too was because his grandfather tried to remonstrate the emperor in order to save the people, but©¤©¤, the people didn¡¯t know anything about such circumstance.

    They were only directing all the resentment they had piled up until then to Lux and his family who were weak imperial family members who were abandoned by the emperor.

    ¡¸U, gu¡­¡­aa-!¡¹

    Nausea and dizziness assaulted Lux simultaneously. He felt like he was going crazy.

    But, the voices of Heiburg¡¯s soldiers who were oppressed until now wouldn¡¯t stop ringing.

    And then, Calensia too was also sending a heartfelt plea¡ºKill her¡» through the Dragon Voice.

    While Coral was watching over Lux with an uneasy look, Lux was going to swing down the Blade unthinkingly, it was then©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸You, must not, Lu-chan¡­¡­¡¹

    ¨C

    A warm hand softly touched the leg of Lux who was wearing pilot suit.

    A dear and gentle voice caressed his ear. Lux instantly came back to his senses.

    ¡®Kill, kill¡¯, inside that hellish world where the chorus of Heiburg soldiers who were wishing for Rosa¡¯s death penalty, only Philuffy tried to stop Lux by embracing him.

    ¡¸Phi, chan¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy who was slashed by Rosa and should be grievously injured was rushing to Lux¡¯s side once again under the heavy rain with her body still wrapped in bandage.

    ¡¸Wait for us missy Philuffy! Running with that injury is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The members of Triad starting with Sharis were coming from behind wearing their respective Drag-Rides.

    The abnormal atmosphere until now was dispersed with that. Only the quiet sound of rain was hitting the eardrum.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s my body I¡¯m all right. That¡¯s why, Lu-chan, you mustn¡¯t kill.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s voice that was absentminded and at her own pace like usual.

    Just from hearing that, tension left Lux¡¯s body.

    His boiling killing intent and rage toward Rosa vanished, only the scene of this place entered his eyes.

    And then Lux told the Triad.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please take care of her, Lady Rosa¡¯s apprehending. Also, about everyone¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Midway, the armor covering his body was dispelled and strength left Lux¡¯s body.

    He had already passed his limit a long time ago.

    After this, surely he wouldn¡¯t be able to move by his own strength for a while.

    ¡¸Lux-kun-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-san!¡¹

    Lux listened to the anxious voices of the Triad while getting gently embraced within someone¡¯s arms.

    It was a gentle and warm sensation that felt somewhat nostalgic.

    Lux was feeling the warmth of his childhood friend Philuffy on his back while losing consciousness.

    ¨C

    ¡¸U, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux lost consciousness. He got a fever due to the extreme exhaustion from the Over Limit¡¯s backlash.

    A day passed since then. It was the time when his consciousness finally returned.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You are okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m getting better bit by bit¡­¡­I think I can go back to the new kingdom tomorrow¡­¡­¡¹

    Although he tried to act strong, his body was still heavy and couldn¡¯t move.

    Lux was tasting a delusion as though his whole body was deeply buried within clay.

    It felt like his body became one with the bed. He couldn¡¯t move as though his body was plastered onto the bed.

    The underground market was closed after that commotion. Rosa who was captured was arranged to be handed over to Calensia and the Resistance to be judged.

    Heiburg military¡¯s main force was still conquering the first Ruin Babel at Triport in the new kingdom.

    In order to make the military retreat, it was necessary to thrust this case before Heiburg military and made them recognize the crime.

    Therefore, right now they were searching for the record of Rosa¡¯s transaction with Dragon Marauder behind the scene and carrying out the procedure to appeal to the world alliance.

    ¡ºMy apologies Lux-san. I want you to wait for a bit more about the matter of Rosa until Heiburg¡¯s complication is settled.¡»

    The afternoon of the next day, Calensia showed herself at the inn where Lux, Philuffy, and then the Triad were staying. She said that looking like it was very hard for her to say.

    If they appealed with this fact to the world alliance before Rosa¡¯s sin was formally judged, the Lords who wished for the annihilation of the traitor would interfere and the chance for Heiburg to clean up itself would be lost.

    At present because the majority of the military members staying in the capital were also those who were threatened by Rosa, they had rebelled and joined the Resistance¡¯s side.

    In order to treat the many injured people, reorganized the organization, and ambushed Rosa¡¯s subordinates the Servants, Calensia wished for more time.

    At that time, Lux feared Rosa¡¯s counterattack and thought that there was no choice but to kill her, but right now she was completely restrained and there was no risk of that.

    And then©¤©¤Lux who sympathized with Calensia¡¯s intention decided to return to the new kingdom for the moment.

    From what he heard from the Triad, the capture of Babel by Heiburg military was progressing well. They had reached until the tenth floor just the other day.

    Including the highest floor, there were three floors remaining.

    The pace of the capture was really high, but it wasn¡¯t because Heiburg military¡¯s ability to investigate the Ruin was exceptionally excellent.

    It seemed that the moment powerful Abyss came out, they would use horn flute to let the Abyss get outside the Ruin through the nearby transfer device.

    Thus, the extermination of Abyss was in reality being mostly done by the force of new kingdom staying there. That was to say Lisha, Celis, Krulcifer, Yoruka, and the subordinates of Lord Dist.

    Because the new kingdom couldn¡¯t accompany the investigation, there was no proof Heiburg was using horn flute, but from the high frequency of Abyss¡¯s appearance outside, there was almost no doubt about it. Lisha and others were glowering at Heiburg military.

    The gate that existed in the middle of the Ruin, at sixth floor seemed to be opened by Krulcifer because of Heiburg¡¯s request.

    It was annoying to cooperate with them despite the possibility of the harm it would bring to the new kingdom, but in the first place the world would perish if the Ruin wasn¡¯t liberated, so she couldn¡¯t refuse.

    After hearing that story, Lux said to the Triad that he wanted them to go back to the new kingdom to convey the situation here, but they refused.

    They chose to constantly stand on guard around Lux while he was sleeping in the inn.

    ¡¸If we take our eyes off from Lux-chi here, you are going to cross the goal line at once with Philuffy. If that happen, we won¡¯t have any face to meet everyone else.¡¹

    ¡¸Hahaha, well, she is hiding her embarrassment like this but, I¡¯m also worried about you. Just because it¡¯s a difficult situation in the new kingdom, there is no way we can leave you alone here while you are seriously injured with only the injured missy Philuffy to take care of you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I judged that we should carry out the best action depending on the situation.¡¹

    Tillfur, Sharis, and Noct each said that and stayed here for him.

    Philuffy¡¯s injury also wasn¡¯t shallow, but the Abyss¡¯s strength seemed to quicken her recovery. She was completely healed within a few days.

    After that she diligently nursed Lux.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. I made lunch. Open your mouth, aahn¡¹

    Philuffy made a vegetable soup that was different from the inn¡¯s meal and brought it to Lux.

    Philuffy usually would made nothing but sweets, but it seemed she was teached by the inn¡¯s owner to make the soup.

    After also eating a soft bread that was soaked into the soup, his feeling calmed down just for a bit.

    When the meal was over, Philuffy wiped Lux¡¯s body for him using hot water and towel.

    But, Lux who was sitting up on the bed was still making a cloudy expression.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­¡¹

    Suddenly such words spilled out from Lux whose eyes were hollow.

    Lux was unable to move all this time wasn¡¯t just because of his physical exhaustion.

    Since that day when he cornered Rosa and almost killed her, Lux¡¯s heart stayed cold as though he was dead.

    ¡¸I wonder, why was I unable to finish off Rosa¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy didn¡¯t answer Lux¡¯s question.

    After stopping her hand¡¯s movement slightly, she wiped Lux¡¯s body again while slowly changing his bandage with slow hand movement.

    ¡¸There was no other choice than that. If I killed her, everyone in Heiburg would be saved, and yet¡­¡­. Even though I understand that she won¡¯t reform or anything, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    And yet, he was unable to finish her off.

    He was unable to answer the expectation of his surrounding.

    ¡ºI think from the view point of other country, it must looks like that she is a really bad existence. But¡­¡­I cannot believe that.¡»

    The words of Stefa who told him that she was worried about Rosa.

    Even those words were blown away from his mind when Philuffy was slashed from behind.

    But the moment he cornered Rosa until the very end, Lux¡¯s heart was shaken.

    Even if that begging for her life was just her acting to trick him.

    Even if it was her getting her just desserts when the surrounding directed their hatred at her.

    The Rosa at that moment overlapped with the image of himself when he was a child.

    Just like when Lux was pleading tearfully, asking for help for his mother who met an accident and was in the verge of death.

    ¡¸I couldn¡¯t kill her¡­¡­. In the end, perhaps I am just like what Fugil-niisan said. I don¡¯t have the resolve to destroy evil for the sake of performing justice. I¡¯m, unable to do anything, I cannot go anywhere. Something like achieving my ideal, from the start that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºSomeone who wasn¡¯t loved by anyone will try to be loved by anyone.¡»

    Perhaps he was just how Fugil expressed him like that, he was only fighting simply so that someone would recognize him, and that he had no true resolve.

    (Then©¤©¤I cannot continue anymore as Seven Dragon Paladins like this.)

    Lux was about to speak out that feeling into words, it was then.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    A faint sweet scent enveloped Lux suddenly.

    Philuffy was hugging Lux from behind while he was sitting up in order to have bandage wrapped on his body.

    Lux had his voice stolen from him just from that action.

    The sound of the clock¡¯s hand was carving into the stopped time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re wrong, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy whispered into his ears gently, with a soft tone as though to persuade a child.

    A tranquil smile was tugged on the lips of the girl who was reflected on the mirror inside the room.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, isn¡¯t mistaken at all. That¡¯s why, don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Those words soaked into his chest, pushing out the emotion that he was suppressing.

    Tears slowly overflowed from his eyes, as though they were squeezed out.

    ¡¸But, I©¤©¤!¡¹

    Was unable to grant everyone¡¯s wish.

    He was unable to cut Heiburg¡¯s darkness called Rosa with this hand.

    He was unable to persist in his justice even if he had to dirty his hand.

    Just like five years ago, when he was abandoned by Fugil when he tried to save even the members of the old empire and failed.

    ¡¸You see Lu-chan, what you want is not to beat someone who is the bad guy you know?¡¹

    Philuffy tightly hugged the shoulders of Lux that were trembling from the stirring in his chest and she told him her thought.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you are just unable to overlook it, when there is someone troubled in front of you. That¡¯s why©¤©¤it¡¯s fine like this. Abandoning someone else who can be saved, for the sake of someone, it¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t do that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uu, ku¡¹

    Instantly, strength left Lux¡¯s body. Drops of tears were spilling down from his eyes.

    At that time, everyone told him to kill.

    The soldiers of Heiburg who feared retaliation, and also Calensia, they wanted Lux to finish off Rosa.

    But at that time, the fight was settled and Rosa was in a state that was unable to fight.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, don¡¯t force yourself. Don¡¯t hurt yourself. It will be fine, because I will protect Lu-chan, no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Her warmth enveloped the worn and beaten up Lux.

    And then, Philuffy kept embracing him tightly until the beating of his heart calmed down.

    ©¤©¤It¡¯s nostalgic.

    That painful day when he was worn out and beaten up, helpless to do anything.

    This hug was just like the one she gave Lux that time, when he was standing still in front of the grave of his mother.

 Volume 10 - CH 5

    ¨C

    ¡¸Then Rudi¡­¡­no, Lux-san will depart from this country already then?¡¹

    The morning of the next day.

    Lux who somehow managed to get up borrowed Philuffy¡¯s shoulder and came to the place of the blind girl, Stefa Hersmice.

    Saved by Philuffy¡¯s consideration, the necessity of pretending to do honeymoon was also gone, so Lux had stopped dying his hair since the battle against Rosa.

    The same like before, they entered a deserted tea house without any sign of customer and talked about the particulars of the event this time.

    Lux told Stefa that he was a member of Seven Dragon Paladins who came to Heiburg for an investigation, and he also told her everything about what happened in the underground market and the showdown against Rosa.

    Originally Lux also invited Calensia to come along with him and Philuffy that she should meet with Stefa, but Calensia apologetically smiled and refused.

    ¡ºI was unable to do anything even while knowing about Rosa¡¯s wrongdoing. My family got taken hostage and the best I could do was to protect myself©¤©¤. There was no choice left but to kill Rosa. Someone like me have no qualification to meet Stefa.¡»

    Calensia told Lux that included within those hostages was none other than Stefa herself. She asked Lux to tell Stefa a message from her.

    And then she said that she would prepare a countermeasure against Rosa¡¯s main subordinates the Servants who were currently staying in the new kingdom, put Rosa into isolation, and also gathered proof of her wrongdoings until now.

    Or rather, Calensia would also fly to the new kingdom around the same time with Lux¡¯s return there, so at that time she would bring with her the records about the transaction with the Dragon Marauders for him too.

    Rosa herself was terribly wounded. It was judged that she wouldn¡¯t be able to ride Drag-Ride for three months.

    Although it couldn¡¯t be said that it was completely settled, with this the case this time could be closed and headed toward the conclusion.

    By the way, Tillfur and Noct returned to the new kingdom ahead. They would report about this matter to Lisha, Relie, and Lord Dist.

    ¡ºAh, speaking about that, if there is something that you want, I¡¯ll tell it to the headmaster you know? Lux-chi too cannot be underestimated eeh.¡»

    Tillfur said that when she was about to depart. Most likely it was about the reward that Magialca mentioned before he departed to Heiburg.

    It must be also Relie¡¯s instruction for them to choose a present for his little sister¡¯s birthday in the place of Lux who was worked to death by this mission.

    He was also aware about the matter of present for Philuffy¡¯s birthday in the corner of his head, but in the end he didn¡¯t find anything like that in Heiburg¡¯s party and the underground market.

    And so, Lux consulted Tillfur who was from a family background of famous craftsman and told her about the image of what he wanted.

    ¡ºHmmph. Is this for present to give to someone? I also ree-ally want a present.¡»

    She teased him with wide grin like that, but it felt like she would send his letter obediently.

    A few days later after sending off the two.

    The time for Lux to also go back to the new kingdom finally arrived.

    ¡¸I¡¯m still unable to believe about the matter of Rosa. That¡¯s why, as soon as I obtain the permission, I want to go meet her.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I cannot be of use to you. Even though I should also ask various things about Lady Rosa myself.¡¹

    Lux who collapsed because of Over Limit¡¯s backlash was unable to meet with Rosa since then.

    He only heard from Calensia that she was confined in an underground dprison.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m thinking to go meet her with my own legs. Certainly, Rosa pushed me aside at that night, even so, there was still the vestige of her past self remaining.¡¹

    That was the reason why Rosa didn¡¯t kill Stefa and kept her away.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll ask Calensia to allow me to meet Rosa one more time. I want to be brave and try to talk to her. Really, thank you very much.¡¹

    The blind girl who was using cane smiled slightly and bowed her head to Lux.

    Lux too was also helped by her information and guidance.

    He said his thanks for those and parted from her.

    When he went outside first, an unexpected person was waiting for him in front of the bar.

    ¡¸Thanks for your hard work Lux-kun. I¡¯ll also go back first to Vanheim Principality after this. Surely even that Greifer is worried right now.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. We were saved that Coral came here.¡¹

    ¡¸No. More importantly I¡¯m glad. That you didn¡¯t kill Rosa at that time. Thanks to that, I can have a bit of confidence with my own thinking.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, no. It¡¯s about my own circumstance. Rather than that©¤©¤now¡¹

    Coral suddenly brought his lips closer to Lux¡¯s ear and quietly whispered.

    ¡¸Be careful Lux-kun. I investigated in my own way about the chain of events this time, but there was something strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Something, strange¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux asked back to Coral with a doubtful expression.

    ¡¸Yes. This time, I investigated the King of Vices independently because of the special mission from Vanheim Principality. And then using the opening when Lady Rosa got defeated, I tried searching inside the military command room but©¤©¤, there was trace of document that everything was Rosa¡¯s deed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­And, what about it?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head, unable to understand what Coral meant.

    Rosa was making a deal with Dragon Marauder through the underground market and the military¡¯s stock was just as he expected.

    To be able to obtain the proof of that, wasn¡¯t that something to be happy about without reserve?

    ¡¸And yet, when I looked at the crucial places like her office or the commander¡¯s room, I couldn¡¯t find the key of the vault where the things for the transaction were gathered. I also didn¡¯t find the place of the treasures and Elixir from Ruin that she should have procured from the transaction. I couldn¡¯t even find anything that is like cipher.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, in other words¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t understand the meaning of what Coral wanted to say.

    ¡¸I cannot say anything concrete. But something is strange. Even though there is proof remaining, the crucial Ruin¡¯s treasures are mostly undiscovered. I could only find two rare parts of Drag-Ride and a single horn flute. The number doesn¡¯t match up at all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After hearing Coral¡¯s story, certainly something felt strange.

    Were the treasures handed over already to the Servants?

    No, even that felt out of place somehow.

    But, Lux was unable to express it into words and they parted like that.

    ¡¸Sayonara Lux-kun. Let¡¯s meet again, don¡¯t die okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Coral yourself, be careful.¡¹

    Coral only said that and turned around, then he flew his EX Wyvern and went up high to the sky.

    Lux waved his hand and sent off the back of his friend, then he fell into his thought.

    Even though the proof of the transaction remained, the route to the treasures was unknown.

    Did Rosa herself hide the treasures somewhere on the off chance that she got defeated?

    Either way, he could do nothing but waiting for Calensia¡¯s report.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go too, Phi-chan. If we don¡¯t hurry back, something serious might happen in the new kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡¹

    Philuffy nodded shortly and headed to a deserted back alley.

    There Sharis of the Triad was waiting in advance as promised.

    ¡¸Even princess Lisha and others are waiting eagerly for your return. Now, both of you, please change into your pilot suit.¡¹

    Sharis was staying alone here was to carry Lux and Phillufy using Wyvern¡¯s flight, in order to avoid the troublesome procedure of crossing border.

    Lux was unable to use Wyvern because of his exhaustion, and Philuffy using her Typhon to run on the ground would be too conspicuous.

    Tillfur and Noct already left Heiburg. They were going to catch up with them before long.

    ¡¸Sharis-san, you don¡¯t need to force yourself. It¡¯s really far from here until the port city Triport.¡¹

    This time, the Triad who came to assist them were also really helpful.

    Lux said that with the intention to be considerate to Sharis, but Sharis¡¯s face was lacking composure.

    ¡¸No, unfortunately there is no room here for presuming on your kindness. We held back from telling Lux-kun so you wouldn¡¯t feel worried while resting, but the current situation in Triport is already getting dangerous.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­. That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Sharis nodded shortly and directed a serious gaze at him.

    ¡¸Yeah, the stationed troops of Heiburg Republic had arrived at the eleventh floor the other day. If we are unlucky, the Ragnarok might be liberated within these few days.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux held his breath. Even Philuffy opened her eyes slightly wider.

    If the thirteenth floor was assumed to be the highest floor, then there was only one floor left that was separating Heiburg military from it.

    If Heiburg military¡¯s plan was progressing just like Rosa mentioned, then there was high chance that they would direct the Ragnarok to Triport deliberately.

    ¡¸Please Sharis-san. Bring us as quick©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I intend to do so, leave it to me.¡¹

    The leader of Triad nodded in respond to the nervous voice of Lux.

    Right after that, the Wyvern carrying the two flew high to the sky and rushed in full speed.

    ¨C

    Several screams and sound of destructions were resounding intermittently above.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Haa¡­¡­-!¡¹

    An underground prison that was enclosed with stone walls around.

    A girl was being hung down with chain inside.

    She was only barely clothed with worn out rag. Her expression was completely haggard.

    ¡¸Why, why¡­¡­. Why¡¹

    She kept her hollow gaze directed toward a corner of the prison and continued to murmur with hoarse voice that sounded delirious.

    When Rosa was defeated by Lux, a single leg and arm of hers were broken. She was only given simple treatment before getting restrained like this.

    Even though she had persisted on the path of evil, she was defeated.

    Rosa¡¯s faith was smashed. She was spared from death after begging for her life.

    Surely she was already abandoned.

    In that case, everything was over already.

    The things that she had sacrificed to come this far, and then the thing that she tried to protect until now too.

    ¡¸Why. If in the end something like this will still happen to me then¡­¡­, everything that I did until now was©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa groaned with a grieving expression.

    Then, in a timing that was as though in concert with her voice, the underground prison¡¯s door was slowly opened.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? A, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing the face of the woman who appeared, Rosa¡¯s body was shaking fiercely.

    The woman was soaked with blood.

    And then, the smile that was distorted in joy, giving a hint of the slaughter that had ended above just now.

    Guessing the tragedy that would happen to her after this, Rosa¡¯s expression was dyed with despair.

    ¡¸How do you do Rosa? I¡¯m bringing good news for you. I want you to cooperate with me one more time. By doing that, you will be able to come back once more to your position.¡¹

    Saying that, the woman in front of her presented her plan.

    A few minutes later, Rosa¡¯s figure vanished from the prison.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This place, is port city Triport¡­¡­?¡¹

    They had Sharis flying in full speed until they arrived in the new kingdom. After entering the new kingdom¡¯s territory, they ran on land until here using Philuffy¡¯s Typhon.

    By the way, midway Sharis used up all of her strength and fell exhausted, so she rested while right now only Lux and Philuffy arrived ahead in the port city.

    The time was already dusk. The red evening sun was sinking into the horizon, illuminating the port city beautifully.

    It was a port city with history that was governed by Celis¡¯s father, the feudal lord of new kingdom¡¯s west territory.

    Even though there was Babel located relatively nearby, it should be a lively and bustling port city due to the protection of the troops commanded by Dist, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Somehow, it¡¯s quiet. Also, the smell is strange too.¡¹

    Philuffy was unusually making a dubious face. She was staring at the silent townscape.

    They also couldn¡¯t see merchant ship from the port, and there was almost no sign of people.

    A desolate atmosphere was drifting off, as though the city had been abandoned.

    ¡¸There is also Onee-chan¡¯s company here, so©¤©¤I¡¯ll go take a look for a bit, okay?¡¹

    After staring at that sight absentmindedly for a while, Philuffy suddenly said while looking at a large building far away.

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s all right already after coming this far, go ahead.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    He wasn¡¯t just being considerate of Philuffy, Lux himself also had something he wanted to investigate before the sun set.

    Thus Lux was going to head to a place where he would be able to get a clear view of the port, then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oh, you there, are you a Drag-Knight who came from the new kingdom? You are really young though.¡¹

    Suddenly when Lux turned around, a bald and thin old man addressed him.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m still a military cadet. Rather than that, did something happen to this Triport?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unbelievable. Heiburg¡¯s force has only come here for around two weeks, but those guys are devouring this city completely.¡¹

    The old man lamented Lux¡¯s question while speaking about the current situation.

    In order to conquer Babel, this port city was made into a base. Since then, Abysses were attacking frequently.

    Even recently when the Ruins were invigorated, Abyss would appear with the frequency of five, six times per month, but right now more than ten would appear in a day.

    Nothing serious happened due to the conspicuous effort of Lisha and others who assisted the new kingdom, but citizens who got scared and escaped to the neighboring city appeared without end. Heiburg troops were increasingly acting as they pleased.

    ¡¸What¡¯s more, a rumor from somewhere is circulating, saying that a specially large Abyss called Ragnarok will appear soon. The population of this Triport is reduced until less than a third. Even they are unable to walk around outside at daytime in fear of Abyss. At night they have to give reception to Heiburg soldiers who finished working. It¡¯s only natural that everyone hates it with this situation.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? What are the soldiers of the new kingdom doing?¡¹

    Lux asked in hurry, but the old man sighed and shook his head.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, during these two weeks the number of people who can fight are decreased by a lot. Thanks to that large swarm of Abyss, most of the Drag-Knights were injured.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so¡­¡­¡¹

    No matter how active Lisha and others were in their effort, they weren¡¯t able to stop all the Abysses that appeared. And their Drag-Ride operational time was also limited.

    During that time the forces of Lord Dist also fought and used up their strength.

    If this was the case, he needed to report about Rosa¡¯s matter even for a second faster.

    How her sin was exposed in Heiburg, and Babel¡¯s conquering had to be stopped.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, who is the current commander of the force that is dispatched here?¡¹

    ¡¸Hm¡­¡­? No, I¡¯m just a mere sailor. I don¡¯t know the detail about Heiburg military. It seems the commander is taking command in the frontline base nearby Babel, but more importantly, that collar, could it be you are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. I¡¯m Lux Arcadia. A prince of the former old empire¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled with a troubled look while pointing at his own collar.

    At his period of doing chores, he hadn¡¯t staying for long at Triport, so his face wasn¡¯t well known here.

    But, the silver hair and eyes that were characteristic of the imperial family.

    And then the collar of criminal was the symbol of that, but because of the madder red color of the evening sun, it seemed the old man didn¡¯t notice until now.

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­. You are©¤©¤then, excuse me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    The bald old man showed agitation while trying to leave from that place.

    Even though Lux was feeling something out of place, he could only tilt his head in puzzlement.

    ¡¸Is it as I thought, that everyone is in the front line fortress near Babel?¡¹

    Although from the story that the Triad told him, he heard that even the soldiers of Heiburg stopped the Ruin conquering at sunset.

    In other words, no Abyss would appear from now until tomorrow.

    Lux judged that his option at present was to reunite with Philuffy here, and then linked up with Lisha and others who returned from the frontline.

    ¡¸Today will come to an end soon huh©¤©¤¡¹

    Looking closer, the evening sun had set completely. The curtain of night was starting to descend.

    When Lux focused on meeting with Philuffy, a strange presence suddenly came from behind.

    ¡¸Hoo, so this is that famous Black Hero? Aren¡¯t you still a cute boy?¡¹

    The one who appeared was a woman of blooming age wearing black military uniform.

    Similar like Rosa, she was enveloped with arrogant hostility that overwhelmed other people. That bearing of hers resembled the imperial family and nobles of the old empire.

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What, I¡¯m just checking. It will be troublesome if you make excuse of being another person.¡¹

    While Lux was bewildered, the woman walked closer with a fearless smile. Her military boots were making clicking sound on the ground.

    ¡¸My name is Gutefelica, the general of Heiburg Republic. Traitor Lux Arcadia. I will capture you now and present you to the world alliance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    The moment she told him that, Lux¡¯s expression showed bewilderment.

    ¡¸Oops, don¡¯t move. My subordinates are already behind you. You won¡¯t be able to dodge a barrage from Breath Gun with that injured body.¡¹

    The moment Gutefelica introduced herself, the space behind her distorted and Drag-Ride appeared from the empty spot.

    It was two Heiburg soldiers wearing general purpose Drag-Ride who appeared.

    Using the function of special equipment type, they were hiding using camouflage.

    ¡¸What are you planning? Pointing weapon at someone in the middle of city like this¡¹

    As expected even Lux had to raise both his hands with a doubtful face.

    But, in contrast Gutefelica didn¡¯t change her bewitching smile and brought her face closer to Lux.

    ¡¸Well well, aren¡¯t you a kid with worse perceptiveness than I thought? Are you listening? I¡¯ll give you a hint. It was the old man just now who told us about your location. He is a citizen of this port city. The notice that those who informed your location will be given money reward has been spread in this city since a long time ago.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Lux saw the wicked smile of Gutefelica, a shudder ran through his back.

    Now Lux realized the fatal carelessness he had committed.

    The sense of liberation from the nervousness when he was staying in Heiburg and his exhausted body was dimming his thought.

    ¡¸Hoo, you are making a clueless face. Then I¡¯ll point out your wretchedness once more right now. You illegally infiltrated Heiburg to attempt an assassination at Lady Rosa in order to stop Heiburg military from conquering Babel. You damn traitor©¤©¤the rebel against world alliance!¡¹

    Gutenfelica smugly threw a ridiculing and mocking gaze at Lux.

    The moment Lux sensed that, his hand almost reached out toward his Sword Device, but he stopped.

    ¡¸Good kid. Nothing good will come from you making ruckus here. I¡¯ll be affectionate to you if you are obedient. It will be as my pet though¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My, you¡¯re wrong. That conclusion is a misunderstanding.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A girl¡¯s voice suddenly came from somewhere.

    The moment everyone there was taken aback, something unusual happened.

    ¡¸Gu, AAAH!¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what. The Drag-Ride¡¯s control is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What are you all doing-!?¡¹

    Heiburg troops who were riding Drake suddenly raised their Blade against Gutefelica.

    Even so as expected from a general, she reacted even against the surprise attack and barely dodged.

    At the same time she pulled out her Sword Device quickly. At that timing, Lux¡¯s body floated to the air.

    ¡¸Chih! You think you can get away! Surround the town and search him! Don¡¯t let him escape from this city-!¡¹

    But, while she was obstructed by two Drakes, Lux was safely rescued from that place.

    What took away Lux and carried him was the work of a Drag-Ride that was similarly in camouflage.

    It was one of the students from the Academy who he knew well in the side of the new kingdom.

    ¡¸Yoruka!? Why are you here©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Aruji-sama is asking a strange thing. I am always by Aruji-sama¡¯s side.¡¹

    Lux realized that he was rescued by Yoruka who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami.

    She was also requested by the new kingdom and came to guard this Triport.

    ¡¸What is this situation? Philuffy, is she safe!?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need to worry. She is also being sheltered by the headmaster. But, although she herself has no charge against her, in this situation right now it will be better if she don¡¯t show herself.¡¹

    It seemed that the treatment as criminal didn¡¯t reach as far as Philuffy.

    But, although he comprehended the current situation, there were several inexplicable things.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Now, I believe around here will be fine.¡¹

    Suddenly Yoruka stopped Yato no Kami¡¯s leap and put down Lux on the ground.

    There they seemed t be in a neighborhood for the wealthy within Triport. Relatively big residences were lining up.

    Surely there were a lot of traders here who did business in the port.

    ¡¸It seems the general just now is still pursuing, so I will lure her suitably before giving her the slip. If Aruji-sama goes straight this street, you will arrive at our hideout.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you. But, don¡¯t be reckless. I still don¡¯t comprehend this situation.¡¹

    ¡¸As you will it, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka kicked on the air once more and left along with a bewitching smile.

    After seeing her off, Lux started walking through the street of the residential district.

    Perhaps because the sun had set completely, there was few passerby. Under the evening darkness, Lux was feeling a strange gaze on him.

    After parting from Yoruka, he could clearly hear the sound of footstep following him.

    (Is it a new pursuer from Heiburg military? Or else©¤©¤)

    Lux once more felt for real that there was prize money for his head.

    Right now limited to this place, even the citizens of Triport would tattle about Lux¡¯s location.

    He had to somehow give the slip to his pursuer, but right now it was hard to even escape for Lux.

    When he was thinking that, a girl who was walking from slightly far away quickly took Lux¡¯s hand and broke into a run.

    ¡¸This way. Our hideout is underground slightly far from here.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san!? Why©¤©¤¡¹

    The echo of that familiar voice made Lux murmured with nostalgic feeling.

    After she took off the hat hiding her face, she brushed up her long blue hair which exposed the side of her beautiful face.

    The overseas student who was Lux¡¯s classmate and was extremely intimate with him was there.

    ¡¸You noticed a bit late, but I¡¯ll forgive you. It looks like Lux-kun too has gone through various troubles.¡¹

    She displayed her usual cool smile while telling him that.

    Lux sighed in relieve, then he heard the faint sound of Drag-Ride moving from behind.

    ¡¸Wait! What are you doing monopolizing the achievement by yourself!? I¡¯m also here you know!?¡¹

    Almost at the same time, he saw a blond hair tied into a side tail swaying beside him.

    Lisha wearing Drake was on his side unnoticed.

    ¡¸I wonder what are you talking about? It was you who decided to focus fully on using camouflage and probing device because it will be conspicuous to wear Drag-Ride in the open.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s true but¡­¡­, right now it¡¯s fine. There is no sign of anyone in pursuit or the reaction of other Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, good grief. Then, let¡¯s proceed straight to the safe house like this.¡¹

    Prompted by Krulcifer who sighed in exasperation, they knocked on the back door of a church.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s me. I bring him with me.¡¹

    After Krulcifer shortly said that, the church¡¯s door was opened.

    Then, a young nun wearing a veil appeared and slowly beckoned to come in.

    It seemed there was also citizen who was cooperating with Lux.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. You saved us.¡¹

    When Lux¡¯s expression relaxed in relieve and he said his gratitude, the nun quickly turned around and looked up at Lux with a reproachful gaze.

    ¡¸Your welcome. It prove to be worthwhile for me to be waiting. It is difficult to follow up Nii-san who is bringing trouble right as soon as you came back.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, Airi!? Why are you dressed like that©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Does it looks good on me? Because Nii-san did bad thing and I almost got captured, I have no choice but to hide like this. After all they were trying to capture me who is your little sister to be used as bait to lure out Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi¡¯s smile that was plainly filled with thorn caused Lux to stiffen in mute amazement.

    ¡¸How about you let him off with that much? The case this time should be something unpleasant for him too.¡¹

    When Krulcifer calmly persuaded her so, Airi climbed down a stair inside a small room and started walking inside an underground passage.

    ¡¸This way. Everyone is waiting already.¡¹

    ¡¸This place, just where©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux muttered while looking around the long dark passage. Airi immediately replied to him while keeping her gaze to the front.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a hidden passage for use of a rich person.¡¹

    After telling him that frankly, Krulcifer added some more explanation for him.

    Originally it was an underground waterway for manufacturing work, but it was also constructed as emergency hideout as well as an escape route. It seemed that it was further connected to the church and other escape route.

    It was a hidden passage because of the consideration of the city¡¯s nearness to the Ruin Babel.

    There was nothing underground, but it could connect to the inside of each residence.

    Even the new kingdom military didn¡¯t know about the information of this passage.

    After walking for a while inside the dark passage with a lantern in hand, they opened the lock of a door that connected to a side path.

    From there they climbed up a stair to directly above, and came out into a basement that was like a wine cellar.

    ¡¸This seems to be a villa that also doubled as a warehouse of Aingram conglomerate. It¡¯s not known publicly, so you can relax here.¡¹

    Following Krulcifer¡¯s guidance, Lux entered inside the residence.

    They headed to the living room of the mansion where all the windows were covered with curtain and they finally could relax.

    ¡¸And so, we were able to collect Lux safely. Originally I planned to open a celebration wine for the success of the secret investigation but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha faltered mid-sentence.

    ¡¸Just what is happening in this city? About the reward money for me being a traitor©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not just this city, it¡¯s the whole country Nii-san. Right now Nii-san is in the position where even the new kingdom prepared money reward for your head. Even I originally should be captured by the new kingdom military as bait to lure out Nii-san.¡¹

    When he listened to the detailed story, it seemed that before the Triad could report about Rosa¡¯s backroom dealing, a report that Lux was a traitor who tried to assassinate Rosa came.

    And then the female general Gutefelica who was leading the Heiburg troops began to oppress the people of the new kingdom since half a day ago.

    First the Drag-Knights including Lisha and others had their action restricted to only around the port. They were forbidden to approach toward Babel.

    Furthermore, Heiburg military was searching since the morning without regard of the citizen or new kingdom military. They even broke into the houses.

    Because of that rough intervention, the heart of the citizens suffered damage and they were seething with tense anger.

    ¡¸Even so, just what in the world happened¡­¡­?¡¹

    The story sounded simple, but there were several incomprehensible parts.

    Seeing at the chronological order, the next day after that evening where Lux fought Rosa and cornered her, a messenger from Heiburg with the message that Lux was a traitor had already departed to here.

    ¡¸However, how did the other side exposed my infiltration? There should be no proof or any©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is a proof. I was also astonished at first though¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha hung down her head with a sigh.

    Like that, Lux touched the sword belt on his waist.

    Originally there were two Sword Devices hanging from there. Now one of the sheaths was empty©¤©¤.

    The Sword Device of his Wyvern was lost amidst the confusion of that battle.

    Without the corresponding Sword Device, the Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t be moved. Because of that, even now his Wyvern was unable to be moved from the warehouse of Aingram conglomerate located in Heiburg capital Hidehelm©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, the Sword Device that those Heiburg lots handed in was certainly something with your name Lux, engraved on it. The name of the possessor of general purpose Drag-Ride is recorded in the new kingdom, so there is no mistake.¡¹

    Lisha informed with a bitter face.

    Lux¡¯s name was engraved on his Sword Device since the beginning, added with that, if he was told to try to summon his Drag-Ride to proof that it wasn¡¯t his, then he would have no way to make excuse.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, until the enemy that set the trap for Nii-san is defeated, Nii-san need to hide like this here. If Nii-san is discovered, Nii-san will be apprehended right away and new kingdom¡¯s position will become bad.¡¹

    At present, Lux was suspected as an assassin, and the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom were distanced from Babel.

    They couldn¡¯t even enter the front line base that was for defense and were forced to intercept the arriving Abyss from the rampart that was adjacent to this Triport. They were forestalled.

    ¡¸By the way, Celis-senpai is©¤©¤?¡¹

    He saw Yoruka just now, and the Triad weren¡¯t here because of their role as information messenger. It concerned Lux that he still hadn¡¯t seen Celis¡¯s figure.

    ¡¸My? It¡¯s good news seeing you still care about Celis-senpai. It doesn¡¯t look like you have been united with that childhood friend of yours in the honeymoon.¡¹

    Krulcifer reacted to Lux¡¯s muttering and whispered so with a smile.

    ¡¸Se, see, it¡¯s just as I thought. I, I believed in Lux all this time¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying while making a face that looks relieved from the bottom of your heart like that¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha crossed her arms and puffed out her chest. Beside her, Airi who had changed into uniform retorted.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Don¡¯t make fun of me. I and Phi-chan only pretended to be husband and wife in order to infiltrate, such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was saying that while he reflexively recalled the days of his travel the he spent with Philuffy.

    The memory of riding together the shaking coach and the bashful memory of getting treated like husband and wife.

    And then, how Philuffy saved Lux when he was suffering from the course of defeating Rosa, and how she was nursing him wholeheartedly.

    How she was supporting him with kindness that was unchanging since the past.

    His chest was naturally getting heated while recalling that.

    (Wait, just what am I thinking¡­¡­!? Even Phi-chan, it¡¯s not like she©¤©¤)

    He was charmed by her even while denying his own thought.

    No, in the past his thought was filled with nothing but changing the old empire, but perhaps, since that time he had actually felt about Philuffy©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Yes yes. I understand you all are trying to break the tension, but let¡¯s stop here. After all Celis-senpai too had just come back.¡¹

    Lux was suddenly returned to his senses from Airi¡¯s voice.

    When he looked there, he found Celis who had just climbed the stair of the underground room and stood inside the living room.

    ¡¸Lux©¤©¤!? You are safe!¡¹

    The moment he was about to greet her, Celis suddenly hugged him tightly.

    The trained firm slender body, and the soft sensation that was characteristic of a girl.

    It seemed she had fought just before this, the scent of her sweat was tickling Lux¡¯s emotion.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, what are you doing Celis!? Hugging Lux out of nowhere like that©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who saw that turned red and flared up. Hearing that Celis was also taken aback and got away from Lux.

    ¡¸Pa, pardon me! That¡¯s, it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been worried about Lux all this time. I also heard how he was wanted with money reward as a criminal, and there was also his deathly battle with Lady Rosa¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ahaha, I¡¯m fine. Though I¡¯m a bit tired, but as senpai can see I¡¯m lively like this.¡¹

    Lux quickly smiled and answered like that.

    His dear and reliable comrades from the Academy.

    He only went to Heiburg for about a week, but even Lux himself felt lonely there.

    He had already blended completely into the ordinary days he spent with these girls.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m reflecting. To be overcome with emotion and hugged like that without thinking about Lux himself, I have done something unbecoming for the captain of Syvalles.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s cheeks reddened while she hung her head down. Lux smiled wryly.

    And then, he slowly took her hand.

    ¡¸Thank you very much Celis-senpai. For protecting the new kingdom while I wasn¡¯t here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­¡¹

    When he told her his feeling of gratitude with a straightforward gaze, Celis¡¯s cheeks blushed slightly.

    He had heard about Celis¡¯s strenuous effort from Triad.

    In the battle this time, she stayed in this Triport longer than anyone and defeated Abyss continuously.

    Her stamina and skill that she had trained by disciplining herself strictly everyday.

    And then, the strong heart that allowed her to accomplish that was something that Lux respected.

    When an indescribable pleasant atmosphere was flowing between Lux and Celis©¤©¤,

    ¡¸My? You were really worried about her weren¡¯t you? Although, the one who was waiting for your return here isn¡¯t just Celis-senpai you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. Thank you, Krulcifer-san. And also Lisha-sama too.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right! We too were doing various things while waiting for you!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes yes. Please leave that kind of thing for later, How astonishing all of you are, to be able to compete for Nii-san so harmoniously in an emergency situation like this.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    The three girls faltered from Airi¡¯s retort that was said with a completely exasperated tone.

    ¡¸Although, your body won¡¯t hold if you don¡¯t rest, so let¡¯s take a meal and bath. I¡¯ll say this though, Nii-san. Please enter the bath alone tonight okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? What¡¯s with that way of talking as though I am usually entering bath together with someone!?¡¹

    When Lux was flustered, Airi sent him a reproachful gaze.

    ¡¸Nii-san got helped by Philuffy-san anyway right? The backlash from Over Limit should make Nii-san unable to move your body properly after all.¡¹

    (Even my physical condition got completely seen through-¡­¡­!)

    It seemed that Noct properly reported even that kind of information too.

    ¡¸Wha, wha-wha-wha-what is the meaning of that Lux-!? Don¡¯t tell me, you and that airheaded girl, together in the bath©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a misunderstanding! She only helped me wiping my body.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so. Then, I can feel relieved.¡¹

    For some reason Celis let out a relieved sigh hearing that and patted down her chest, but Krulcifer was smiling with a suspecting gaze at him.

    ¡¸As expected from Lux-kun¡¯s wife. She is even more ahead than me who is your fianc¨¦e candidate.¡¹

    ¡¸Why is Krulcifer-san¡¯s gaze to me is cold for some reason!?¡¹

    ¡¸And so, the bath has been heated up, so please say it if Nii-san need help. If so I will help out Nii-san as your little sister.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. Please¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled awkwardly while getting guided toward a separate room in the mansion. And then he entered the bath.

    He was uneasy wondering if whether someone like Yoruka would barge in, but fortunately nothing happened and he was able to finish his bath safely.

    After that, while everyone was alternately taking a bath, the Triad who were leading Philuffy and Yoruka with them were also coming into the mansion from the underground.

    It seemed, Celis¡¯s father who was protecting this city, Lord Dist and headmaster Relie had talked to them. Everyone was eating dinner together in the living room while having a meeting.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m thinking to carry out a strategy meeting to chance our original plan from here on. Everyone, it¡¯s okay to eat at the same time, but please listen carefully.¡¹

    Everyone nodded at Airi¡¯s words and they began to eat quietly.

    On the table that was brightly illuminated with lamp, various dishes that had been prepared before they knew it were lined up until there was almost no space left.

    Meats of beef, pork, poultry, and lamb that were roasted with pepper and rock salt.

    Consomme soup that was filled with a lot of vegetables.

    And then bread and cheese, pickles and the like were also provided plenty.

    They weren¡¯t really in the mood to make a ruckus, so the girls were eating quietly.

    During that time, Airi was speaking about the summary of the chronological events until now.

    The Sword Device of Lux¡¯s Wyvern was stolen unnoticed and fell into Heiburg¡¯s hand. It was then used as proof for sticking a criminal charge to Lux.

    The captured Rosa made use of some kind of method and escaped from Heiburg¡¯s prison.

    And then, before long there was a risk of Ragnarok¡¯s appearance when the deepest level of Abyss was reached and conquered.

    ¡¸It will be Heiburg soldiers who fight with the Ragnarok, but if they run away, the nearby town will be attacked. For them, it will be great if they can defeat it successfully, but if it become dangerous, they can run away and leave it to the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸Could we also abandon this city and take some distance?¡¹

    Yoruka who was listening to the talk made a frank remark, but Lisha immediately lifted up her face.

    ¡¸There is no way we can do that you ero woman! If we leave from here, what will happen to this city!?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Besides, it¡¯s unfortunate but if we escape then the Ragnarok will come attacking everywhere inside the new kingdom¡¯s territory. Even if we retreat temporarily, at the end we will have to fight it all the same.

    ¡¸Yes. Also, I cannot let the name of my father, one of the four great nobles who are governing this west territory to be besmirched further.¡¹

    ¡¸Munya¡­¡­. I¡¯ll, work hard too.¡¹

    After Lisha, Krulcifer, and then Celis spoke their determination. Philuffy also nodded in agreement.

    On the other hand, the Triad was standing still with a conflicted expression.

    ¡¸Honestly though, I¡¯m scared. The strength of someone like me won¡¯t be any use against Ragnarok.¡¹

    Tillfur smiled bitterly with an embarrassed look.

    ¡¸I understand your feeling. After all at the battle against Yggdrasil, even everyone with their Divine Drag-Ride still wasn¡¯t a match even after fighting as group.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We too aren¡¯t slacking off in our training, but as expected I judged that the burden is too hard if speaking about defeating Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and others couldn¡¯t deny those words.

    In fact, even Bahamut with Over Limit only won barely in a hair¡¯s breadth.

    If the Ragnarok lurking within Babel appeared this time, it would be difficult to fight it properly using general purpose Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸My, it¡¯s fine if you three escape right away you know? Either way, it will be us who are going to face this so-called Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, Yoruka. Saying it like that is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously opened his mouth hearing Yoruka telling the Triad insensitively like that with a carefree smile.

    But, Sharis smiled with a sigh ¡®fuh¡¯ and faced Yoruka.

    ¡¸I¡¯m thankful that you said that, but there is also no way we can do that. Especially when this time Lux-kun and missy Philuffy are also tired. Even our insignificant strength can be of some use if we focus on working behind the scene.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ll try doing my best somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We will simply accept Yoruka-san¡¯s consideration thankfully.¡¹

    Tillfur clenched her fist, while Noct concluded it like that.

    Yoruka making practical conclusion like that was the usual thing, but hearing Noct saying ¡ºYoruka¡¯s consideration¡», Lux felt happy inside his heart.

    ¡®Just leave the dangerous thing to me¡¯©¤©¤Certainly what Yoruka said could also be interpreted like that.

    Airi and Noct said that they would become Yoruka¡¯s friend even if for form¡¯s sake only, but Lux slightly felt it how they were really meeting each other halfway.

    ¡¸Then, we will carry out the mission from tomorrow! Lux and little sister, don¡¯t leave this hideout for a while.¡¹

    And then, after everyone said their piece, the dialogue was concluded.

    They could see the direction for their action tomorrow.

    First they would search for the Servants or perhaps Rosa. It might be them who stole Lux¡¯s Sword Device in Heiburg and brought it here.

    The role for that information gather would be the responsibility of Yoruka and the Triad whose faces weren¡¯t really known within the enemy camp.

    Lisha and others, the main force of the new kingdom would be standing by before the front line base east of Triport like usual¡­¡­that was how it would be.

    And then tonight, because the time had become late, everyone would stay here.

    ¡¸Err, I will be in the same room with Airi?¡¹

    They went up to the second floor and got shown into a bedroom with two beds lined up.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped right? Nii-san right now isn¡¯t in completely good health. Or perhaps, Nii-san want to sleep with other girl?¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you misunderstand!? I didn¡¯t say anything like that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder about that? Nii-san surely has enjoyed the honeymoon life with Philuffy-san a lot, so maybe Nii-san feels it lacking to be with me your little sister?¡¹

    ¡¸Look here, I was doing that for the mission more or less though¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll believe it for now. Rest well, Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi ignored Lux¡¯s objection and turned off the light.

    Silence was filling inside the room, but as expected Lux was unable to sleep.

    ¡¸Is Nii-san still thinking some kind of needless matter?¡¹

    It seemed Airi sensed Lux¡¯s atmosphere that was like that. She called out to him from beside.

    Within the bedroom that was covered with azure color, Lux slowly formed his words.

    ¡¸I¡¯m wondering, if I failed once more just as I thought¡­¡­. Just like in the past, when I tried to do something about the old empire¡¯s tyranny and the chauvinism somehow.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After investigating Heiburg, he was convinced that it was the same like that time, that evil structure couldn¡¯t possibly be overturned as long as the ringleader wasn¡¯t defeated.

    And then, Lux was cornered in his battle against Rosa.

    He tried to make it so that the knights, authorities, and the imperial family members of the old empire survived as many as possible, but due to Fugil who was also one of the performers like him in that revolution, Lux¡¯s effort was denied along with his betrayal.

    ¡¸However, even I, it¡¯s not like I was dreaming that everyone could be saved. And then even if I sent them to prison, I think that they would still get sentenced to death as the result.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I thought that I¡¯ve made my resolve. I also believed that I know how the path to protect this new kingdom won¡¯t be that indulgent.¡¹

    ¡¸But, Nii-san couldn¡¯t do it right? Making yourself to kill Lady Rosa.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t look at Airi¡¯s face. He kept looking up at the ceiling and muttered.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, when I was about to get swept up by the voices of the surrounding, she stopped me.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san isn¡¯t feeling, that she was in the way?¡¹

    Airi unexpectedly cut into the matter sharply, but there was no malice within her voice.

    It looked like she was simply asking in the attempt to ascertain Lux¡¯s feeling.

    ¡¸I was thinking that I won¡¯t be able to save everyone if I don¡¯t kill Rosa. But, cutting off her head at that time when she was already unable to move is something that I couldn¡¯t do. Besides, it felt like something is out of place. I felt resistance about killing her unrelated with the matter of good and evil and her sin.¡¹

    ¡¸Is there still some unresolved puzzle left? In regard to her©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux quietly casted down his eyes and nodded powerlessly.

    (Wait©¤©¤why didn¡¯t she, go to meet her until the very end?)

    Thinking carefully, there were several inexplicable things in that battle.

    And then, he didn¡¯t understand that uncomfortable feeling because he was only paying attention to Rosa.

    ¡¸However, Nii-san is calm even after going through that aren¡¯t you? Haa, it¡¯s vexing but perhaps it was the correct choice that Philuffy-san accompanied Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? You too Airi, don¡¯t make fun of me like the others.¡¹

    ¡¸Why is it I¡¯m unable to use Drag-Ride¡­¡­. Even I©¤©¤¡¹

    When Airi was about to say something, at that time.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤*DOooOONN!*

    ¨C

    An intense explosive sound resounded outside.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The two immediately brushed aside their blanket and got up right away.

    Their body stiffened from nervousness wondering if their location had been found out, but in that moment, sound of bell and people¡¯s angry yell could be heard from outside.

    ¡¸Abyss! Abysses appeared from Babel-!¡¹

    ¡¸Everyone run away, we are going to get attacked too-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? No way, don¡¯t tell me!¡¹

    Lux immediately approached the window and he was about to open the curtain, but Airi who was also standing up grasped Lux¡¯s hand with a nervous expression and shook her head slightly.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll wake up the Triad and have them take a look at the situation. Nii-san, please don¡¯t show your face outside. No matter what you mustn¡¯t do that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Why¡¯©¤©¤He was about to ask, but Lux guessed Airi¡¯s thinking.

    In any case, Lux right now couldn¡¯t get involved.

    Right now Lux couldn¡¯t move Bahamut fully, and above all else he was a wanted person. If he went outside, Heiburg military would notice.

    Airi who was living in the position as criminal since the past had strong wariness in that aspect.

    Thinking back now, it was also unnatural how the people¡¯s voices were calling out without any mention of Heiburg.

    By any chance, could it be a lure with the expectation that it would make Lux opened the curtain or even rushing outside?

    ¡¸If this is a trap, then the opponent is really outrageous. Heiburg¡¯s King of Vices is©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi muttered with sweat trickling down from her forehead slowly.

    Could it be that before they could determine Rosa¡¯s location, the other party had already made their move this quick?

    The two went down to the first floor in hurry. There, the familiar members were already changing into their pilot suit.

    ¡¸It looks like the opponent is also really in a hurry. To think that they will make their move this quickly.¡¹

    First Krulcifer muttered that while brushing up her hair.

    Responding to that, Lisha lifted up her face with an unusually tense expression.

    ¡¸But, if the Abyss attack is a trap, if we can confirm that it¡¯s their lie, even without us going outside©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, most likely we won¡¯t be able to do that. They have the horn flute, if we fall behind it will be too late.¡¹

    Celis kept her hand supporting her chin and muttered with a bitter expression.

    Seeing everyone hesitating to speak in bafflement, Airi came to a sudden realization in surprise and she spoke.

    ¡¸They have thoroughly let Abysses get away outside from the tower until now, exposing the city to danger while advancing their investigation at the same time. Are they going to hesitate after this far?¡¹

    ¡¸I can also hear the sound of horn flute, so I think, that¡¯s not wrong.¡¹

    Hearing what Airi pointed out, Philuffy pressed her ear and muttered that. Krulcifer also nodded in agreement.

    ¡¸It seems they are also desperate. They are intending to concentrate their full force to search for Lux-kun who is in this city right now.¡¹

    ¡¸If we are keep hiding like this, the town will be destroyed by the Abysses from the horn flute¡¯s command. But, if we go out to intercept, it will be easier for them to search for Lux and little sister, is that it?¡¹

    After Lisha muttered as though she was asking herself, everyone wordlessly nodded.

    And then, if the Ragnarok was released in this confusion, the situation where all of them were separated from each other would be taken advantage of and they might get annihilated.

    The situation was already overwhelmingly disadvantageous for them.

    ¡¸But, there is also an opening that we can take advantage of. There is someone playing the horn flute to control the Abysses and making them attack here, that means©¤©¤¡¹

    Receiving Airi¡¯s pleading gaze, Lux nodded.

    ¡¸Everyone, please. I want you all to cooperate and quickly intercept the Abysses that are advancing here due right now due to the horn flute. We have to protect the people of Triport and the force of Lord Dist. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸At the same time, we will locate the person who is using the horn flute to manipulate the Abysses. That¡¯s the plan right? If we catch them red-handed, then we can make an excuse to capture them.¡¹

    Krulcifer continued like that. Celis also nodded.

    ¡¸An operation in a scale this large surely has a chain of command. If we can ascertain it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like we have no other choice. Right now is the chance while the enemy is attacking.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, Nii-san©¤©¤please decide the strategy.¡¹

    Prompted by Airi, Lux quickly made his decision.

    And then, a few minutes later.

    Lisha and everyone else moved in counterattack.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fufufufu! This is exhilarating! The old empire that once oppressed Heiburg utterly. To be able to trample these guys like this©¤©¤life is full of surprise.¡¹

    A woman wearing EX Wyvern was looking down on the blazing townscape while laughing.

    She was enjoying that wartime fire through her white mask while playing flute above a viewing platform.

    That was the tone of horn flute to manipulate abyss that was excavated from Ruin.

    ¡¸Noow then. Let¡¯s suppress the firepower a bit more while tormenting them slowly. There is also the next mission after this, doing this moderately©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Numerous Abysses that the masked woman were manipulating using the flute were shot by blue flash one after another that froze them.

    Right after the Abysses like Gargoyles and Chimeras had their movement stopped, a pursuing attack smashed them into pieces.

    ¡¸Freezing bullet and sniping¡­¡­, the user of these is©¤©¤¡¹

    *Bishi-!*, at that moment, a streak of light was fired and hit the Drag-Ride the woman wore.

    The Blade she was holding froze. The moment her eyes snapped open in surprise, a girl was flying before her eyes.

    ¡¸You look like you are having fun, can you allow me to join too?¡¹

    Krulcifer wearing Fafnir readied her Freezing Cannon and thrust its muzzle toward the enemy.

    ¡¸You came faster than I thought. A lowly keytool of Ruin that was chased away from Ymir Theocracy like you dare to©¤©¤. Are you trying to have the new kingdom to keep you as their pet by acting loyal to them?¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder where is Lady Rosa? My bad, but I have no free time to play with a small fry like you.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah¡¹

    Krulcifer ignored the provocation and told the woman so. The woman bared a wicked grin under her mask.

    ¡¸Fine. My name is Zecta Bergios of the Sky Punishment, one of the Servants. I¡¯ll give a special lesson to this spoiled Ojou-sama who is only used at the mock battle game.¡¹

    Above the viewing platform with the view of the port city, Krulcifer¡¯s fight began.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ple, please. The Abysses are attacking! Help©¤©¤gafuh!?¡¹

    One guard who was running from the flying Abyss pursuing him was atrociously blown away by a bomb blast.

    ¡¸For a guard to be the first one to escape, how foolish. Just because you don¡¯t have a Drag-Ride©¤©¤¡¹

    A wharf located at the west of Triport.

    In that place that became remarkably quiet because in these few days there was no more ship coming, a completely black man was standing wearing EX Wyrm.

    The land battle type Wyrm was hiding a potential of being able to be loaded with a large amount of armaments, but that man¡¯s armament was only one. Thick chain that was like rope with thorny iron ball attached on its end.

    The Smashing Punishment Goldia.

    That was the name of this masked man who possessed muscular body.

    ¡¸A worthless town. And then©¤©¤a worthless country. What meaning a soldier that possess no strength at all could have?¡¹

    A muffled voice was raised under the mask as though he was questioning himself.

    Next he readied his iron ball once more and threw it toward the soldier who was still barely alive.

    The iron ball flew with powerful speed that even the eyes couldn¡¯t follow, however its trajectory changed and it sank into the ground of the wharf.

    ¡¸Nuu¡­¡­¡¹

    When he noticed, even the Drag-Ride that Goldia himself was wearing already got heavy.

    A gravity field that was tinged with purple light was restraining him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing how you can boast like that when you are only facing weaponless people. It¡¯s you who is the most worthless! If you surrender right away then I¡¯ll let you off with only getting half-killed!¡¹

    Lisha who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat was proclaiming from the sky.

    The targeting of Tiamat¡¯s special armament, the giant cannon Seven Heads had already capture Goldia.

    ¡¸For the princess of the new kingdom to personally come out, that¡¯s some fortitude. Allow me to test your caliber.¡¹

    The large man¡¯s mouth distorted into an arc shape at the appearance of a powerful enemy.

    Right after that, the he started to move as though dragging his body even with the gravity field sealing his body movement.

    ¨C

    In front of the government building at the center of the port city.

    In front of that place where the commanding officers of the force, including Lord Dist were gathered, the third Servants appeared.

    The elite Drag-Knights, Servants who were the direct subordinate of the King of Vices wouldn¡¯t expose their bare face at new kingdom.

    A tall man whose face was covered with white mask was calling even more Abyss using a horn flute.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Are you the Drag-Knight of a perished country that we heard from Dragon Marauder, Kirihime, something?¡¹

    ¡¸My? So you know my name? Even though I¡¯m planning to conceal myself.¡¹

    Saying that, Yoruka dispelled the camouflage of Yato no Kami and showed herself before the man.

    On the other hand, one of the Servants, the Flame Punishment Viji was also wearing the same type of Drag-Ride, the special equipment type, EX Drake.

    If it was the same type that also possessed probing device, it could also see through the opponent who had the camouflage function activated.

    ¡¸If you stop the sound of that flute and tell me the location of Rosa Granhide, I won¡¯t mind to at least let you keep your life you know?¡¹

    Yoruka thrust out her katana-type Blade and declared so, but Viji wasn¡¯t moved.

    ¡¸The like of a dog who changed master from the old empire to the new kingdom like you, it¡¯s astonishing that you can still bark like that.¡¹

    Viji sneered even more and blew his flute©¤©¤but, the next moment. The flute was split into two along with the mechanical right arm that was holding it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Even though Yoruka should be still outside the range, and yet she approached instantly and slashed. That technique caused Viji to blink in amazement.

    Viji moved his EX Drake¡¯s four legs in a hurry and leaped backward. Yoruka¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.

    ¡¸Unfortunately I have no emotion. There is no need for that kind of pointless talk. But©¤©¤if you still have the leeway to speak once more, then I don¡¯t mind of if you continue you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!¡¹

    Viji who instantly sensed danger activated the knapsack mechanism on his back that was a rare armament.

    Right after that, when Yoruka leaped to pursue him, the surrounding buildings were enveloped in flame.

    ¨C

    ¡¸You guys are quite something. To be able to rush to where we are in a straight line like this.¡¹

    And then, at the front line base at the east where it was the nearest to Babel.

    On the parapet in front of it, a woman with bared face was standing.

    The woman general who was commanding Heiburg Republic military that was staying here loosened her cheeks at the entrance of a worthy opponent.

    ¡¸Pushing into this city is troublesome, but as expected something like conquering Ruin is suffocating. It¡¯s far more interesting to fight facing human opponent. Don¡¯t you think so, Celistia?¡¹

    Celis who was wearing Lindwurm was glaring silently at her opponent above the parapet.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I find it hard to agree with your opinion. After all when fighting human opponent, there are many more things that needs to be considered.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou? Then how about you go save the citizens who are being attacked by Abysses? There are no one who needs to be saved in an empty place like this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­How long you are intending to vent your resentment to the new kingdom? Do you want to repay back the debt that you received from the era of the old empire by that much? To even go as far as carrying out this kind of plan.¡¹

    Gutefelica was playing dumb, but Celis didn¡¯t follow along with her act.

    She sent her an aloof gaze that overwhelmed other people and asked quietly.

    That this situation was the plan of the King of Vices to destroy the new kingdom.

    Celis was talking with the assumption that Gutefelica was also approving this plan of causing a sham Abyss attack to lure out Lux who was currently a wanted man.

    ¡¸How strange. I thought that if it is you, you will be able to understand my feeling.¡¹

    Gutefelica¡¯s shoulders were shaking while chuckling ¡®ku ku¡¯, she glared at Celis with a haughty expression.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you sick of it? Days of simply protecting the populace from Abyss, I¡¯m extremely bored of it. It was even more so since that strategist, one of the Lords, Hayes came.¡¹

    She looked up to the sky with a faraway look, and then she slowly put her hand on the handle of her Sword Device.

    ¡¸When that girl put Gigas under her control, we also had no more need to fight against Abyss. There was also no chance to wield the power that I trained for several years in order to pay back the debt to the old empire. Is there other story crueler than this?¡¹

    ¡¸If it¡¯s for the sake of satisfying that desire, something like peace is undesirable©¤©¤you won¡¯t even mind to hurt anyone, is that what you think?¡¹

    ¡¸I heard about the rumor of you even in Heiburg you know? You are piling up Drag-Ride training more than anyone right? Aren¡¯t you bored? To be unable to even wield the skill that you had trained©¤©¤!¡¹

    She quickly pulled out her Sword Device while talking and equipped an EX Wyvern with chantless high-speed summoning.

    Her palm was tinged with crackling light. She grasped a bizarre long sword.

    Most likely it was a type of rare armament that was similar with Lightning Lance that Celis had.

    ¡¸Is that so, then I have nothing to say. Someone like you who is drunk in power without knowing the horror of battle©¤©¤is not a match of me or him.¡¹

    ¡¸Want to try? This time the limitation of mock battle won¡¯t get in the way!¡¹

    Gutefelica¡¯s eyes snapped wide open, at the same time her EX Wyvern rushed.

    In order to meet Gutefelica who was leaping forward with explosive momentum, Celis quickly pulled back her lance.

    ¨C

    Countless sounds of explosion rang out, at the same time there were flashes blinking in the night sky like fireworks.

    Flames were rising up here and there due to Abyss¡¯s attack. Amidst that, Lux was hiding inside the hideout mansion along with Airi.

    ¡¸You mustn¡¯t, Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I understand©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi grasped the hand of Lux whose expression turned grave every time he heard the sounds and flashes and she warned him.

    The positions of Servants who seemed to be manipulating the Abysses with horn flute had been determined due to the wide range search by Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami.

    But, even with the girls, their side was still lacking in combat strength.

    Philuffy and the Triad should be intercepting the Abysses that were sent to this Triport, even so as expected Lux couldn¡¯t stop feeling uneasy.

    ¡¸Be patient for a bit more. With Nii-san¡¯s stamina right now, you can only use Bahamut for a few minutes. Please only use it to protect yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, the enemy¡¯s number is more than expected. At this rate, this city will receive enormous damage.¡¹

    Of course there was a risk of getting discovered and captured by Heiburg soldiers, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    Relie and Lord Dist who were in this city might also suffer damage from this.

    Lux let out a deep sigh and tightly grasped the handle of his Sword Device, it was then a voice came from outside the mansion.

    ¡¸Someone! Please help-! Lux-san¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    His name©¤©¤no, that familiar voice caused Lux to react.

    When he quickly opened the curtain and looked below the window, there was the figure of Calensia there. Blood was flowing from her shoulder and she was breathing hard.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤*IiIIIII-!*

    ¨C

    The moment Lux got taken aback and held his breath, the horn flute reverberated once more. A winged Abyss©¤©¤Gargoyle was targeting Calensia.

    ¡¸This is bad! If I don¡¯t get out©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux shook off Airi¡¯s hand that was stopping him and pulled out the Sword Device of Bahamut. At that moment, a voice came from right nearby.

    ¡¸Yes. Please leave it to me.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s best friend, one of the Triad, Noct said those words.

    Most likely, because she was able to act without standing out using her Drake, she was hiding around here.

    But, although the enemy was only a single Gargoyle, as expected Abbyss was powerful.

    Putting aside other members of Syvalles who possessed Divine Drag-Ride, this should be a great burden for Noct who was a user of general purpose Drag-Ride.

    Thinking that, Lux went down to the first floor and opened the door to assist.

    Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸GIYAaAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    He saw the sight of the metallic winged monster fell to the ground with its four limbs severed. It exploded and scattered everywhere.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no more reaction of Abyss at the surrounding. She is also the only human presence in the area. What to do now, Lux-san?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤. Just now, you did that alone Noct?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Under this situation, we cannot spare so many members to guard Lux-san, so depending on the type and number of the Abyss, it¡¯s assumed that I will assist in battle rather than flight.¡¹

    She spoke that out with a bland tone and calm expression like usual.

    It was shocking.

    While Lux wasn¡¯t looking, the Triad were also doing training. He had heart that, but for the result to be the capability to defeat a single Gargoyle easily like this.

    ¡¸But, it seems that Lux-san, the essential person himself didn¡¯t believe in me. Even though I told you to leave it to me, this is extremely disappointing. Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct spoke in monotone purposefully. Lux got panicked in respond to that.

    ¡¸So, sorry. But, it was amazing. How did you defeat it?¡¹

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s trade secret. More importantly©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct¡¯s gaze turned aside, there he saw the figure of Calensia whose shoulder was injured.

    ¡¸Calensia-san. That wound, what happened¡­¡­?¡¹

    The girl lost strength and collapsed on her knees after hearing Lux¡¯s question. The glasses girl hung her head down.

    And then, she bit her lip in frustration and started talking with pleading eyes.

    ¡¸Just as you can see, I got counterattacked by Rosa Granhide. There was a hidden escape path in the jail she was imprisoned at©¤©¤. Most likely after she was rescued by her subordinate, she departed to the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Then, what happened tonight is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. If Lady Rosa rally came here, it¡¯s likely that she is giving command to the Servants. But, this injury of yours¡­¡­?¡¹

    Airi¡¯s muttering was added on by Noct, and she asked.

    Then, Calensia embraced her own shoulder and her body trembled fiercely.

    ¡¸It was Rosa. She is planning to take advantage of this commotion to summon it. The Ragnarok existing in Babel©¤©¤Metatron.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me!? They said that they haven¡¯t reached twelfth floor©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who heard Calensia¡¯s story immediately made an alert expression.

    But, he noticed that his thinking was overly optimistic and he rethought.

    If Heiburg military whose string was pulled by Rosa behind the scene was conquering Babel in order to deal a great blow to the new kingdom since the beginning, they would easily lie.

    Metatron seemed to be an angel type Ragnarok whose existence was described in the ancient document that was obtained from a box inside Babel. No more information than that could be obtained, but it would be dangerous to face it without their full force.

    At present, in order to stop the Servants who were in possession of horn flute, their side¡¯s force was dispersed.

    Rosa was planning to liberate the Ragnarok in order to make use of this opening.

    ¡¸A part of Heiburg military is advancing until the room where the Ragnarok appear to be at. I¡¯m begging you Lux-san¡­¡­, before Rosa leave from the front line base and summon the Ragnarok, please©¤©¤¡¹

    Calensia was pleading with ¡®haa haa¡¯ rough breathing.

    Her fingertip was pointing©¤©¤at the frontline base that was illuminated by watch fire. Around there, a red haired girl wearing military uniform could be seen walking as though she was dragging her body.

    There was already no reason to refuse.

    At this rate, the new kingdom, starting from this Triport would get exposed to danger.

    ¡¸Noct, you go to the city¡¯s center. Report this to everyone!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, but, right now Lux-san is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right! Nii-san too should go together with us. With that body, you won¡¯t be able to fight properly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m also exhausted, but Rosa¡¯s wounds are also not something that will heal right away. Even the current me have enough strength left to stop her at least.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Lux¡¯s eyes that were filled with strong will, Airi sighed.

    ¡¸Please be very careful. I will ask the Triad to be reinforcement immediately. Also©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. I won¡¯t force myself more than this.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. According to my probing device, there is no sign of Abyss or Drag-Ride from here until the frontline base. Be careful.¡¹

    Noct used Drake¡¯s leap to fly toward the center of the city.

    On the other hand, Lux asked Calensia to guide him to Rosa¡¯s position.

    ¡¸Over here. My Sword Device was taken away, so I cannot send you there but¡­¡­¡¹

    Saying that, Calensia looked at Lux¡¯s waist apologetically.

    At present even Lux also had the Sword Device of his Wyvern stolen, so he couldn¡¯t use it.

    It would be just one flight away if he used Bahamut, but he couldn¡¯t use it casually if thinking about the battle that might happen.

    According to Airi¡¯s diagnosis, right now even without Over Limit, Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to last three minutes if he operated his Drag-Ride.

    Thus, he advanced along with Calensia using their own feet.

    At that time, Lux suddenly opened his mouth and talked.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Calensia-san. Did you meet Stefa since then? She wished to meet with you and Rosa all this time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. I don¡¯t have any face to meet with her, because all this time I was unable to oppose Rosa and only did exactly as she told me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸However, we have to stop her for sure this time. Before she release the Ragnarok and destroy the new kingdom we©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Lux was seriously listening to Calensia¡¯s words.

    However, he whispered with an expression that looked like he was concealing something.

    ¡¸Then, as I thought it¡¯s you. The one who arranged this battle.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Calensia came to a stop with a bewildered expression.

    ¡¸What are you saying? Right now I¡¯m not accepting Rosa¡¯s order anymore! Until now I had no choice but to obey her because of the hostages she kept but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it Calensia. The one who gave the order is the opposite. Thanks to not killing Rosa at that time, thanks to Philuffy who stopped me, I finally realized the truth.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you¡­¡­mean, Nii-san?¡¹

    Lux covered the perplexed Airi behind him and pulled out his Sword Device to point it toward Calensia.

    A light rain that began to fall drop by drop was gradually increasing in strength.

    An even deeper shadow fell on the port city at night due to that, erasing even the expression of the girl before him.

    ¡¸Thinking back, everything was strange. Why did your cousin Stefa Hersmice is alive? What¡¯s with her crushed eyes? And then, why did you refuse to meet with Stefa? All this time, I thought she was Rosa¡¯s hostage to threaten you. But, it¡¯s the reverse. You killed the real Calensia and replaced her. At the time when you all were still military cadets, while no one realized the exact truth©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It was also you who stole my Wyvern¡¯s Sword Device. It could easily be done at the moment I lost my consciousness. And then, it should be possible for you to give order to your subordinate right after that to pin the crime on me. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahahahaha¡¹

    *Shudder*.

    Within her body that melted into darkness, it was only her eyes that were tinged with light.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t say something strange Lux-san. You saw how I was tormented by her all those times right? Besides, didn¡¯t everyone fear Rosa? The people of Heiburg, the soldiers, everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, it was your order to Rosa. You ordered her to do that all this time by threatening the safety her family and also her friend Stefa so that she can only live by doing evil. It¡¯s you who brainwashed Rosa and framed her to be evil, becoming your substitute, the King of Vices of Heiburg. That is your true identity.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Then, Nii-san got turned into a wanted man even though Lady Rosa was captured, and her escape from inside the prison, all of those were this person¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Thinking like that, everything became consistent.

    How Rosa Granhide intercepted Lux in the underground market with perfect preparation.

    How the items obtained from the backroom deal with Dragon Marauder got taken away from the warehouse.

    Calensia came into contact with Lux and asked him to save her from Rosa was in order to spy on how he would move.

    And then, the moment Rosa who thought that herself couldn¡¯t lose got defeated, this girl attempted to make him killed Rosa to destroy the evidence while also framing him as an assassin.

    ¡¸Hmph. I thought that I will be able to easily trick a mere hero-sama who is drunk on exterminating villain but©¤©¤¡¹

    Calensia smoothly took off her galsses and showed her true nature.

    Poisonous eyes that were heavily dyed with cruelty and ruthless hostility.

    It was a foreign look that was completely the same like Rosa Granhide who was forced to act evil.

    ¡¸Hey, Lux-kun. You see, the true villain won¡¯t do anything like fighting at the open. Dirtying one¡¯s own hand is a dangerous path, so they will make someone else to do it. But that©¤©¤by no means is wrong or anything you know? Any adult do it without exception. The one who don¡¯t is just stupid. The one who is made to do it is just an idiot, in other words I¡¯m not bad. Because I¡¯m not bad or anything. No one in Heiburg think that I¡¯m bad. I¡¯m a pitiful girl without any sin who is tormented by the evil Rosa. Isn¡¯t that right, Lux-kun? If only you stay quiet, I¡¯ll keep being clean. In the future forever©¤©¤see.¡¹

    Calensia told him with a coaxing voice and a gruesome smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Why did she carry out this kind of evil? Lux couldn¡¯t imagine it.

    The desire of successful life by climbing up to the top of the world alliance and reached the Avalaon.

    Of course this girl also had such desire, but Lux noticed something even more repulsive from her.

    She would obtain what she wanted, and casted away what she hated. She was also wishing for a distorted pleasure of being treated by her surrounding like a proper person©¤©¤no, even more than that, like a virtuous person even while amusing herself with her desire to oppress and torment other people.

    She wanted to torment and hurt people without dirtying her own hand while she herself kept staying in the position where it was only herself who was consoled and praised.

    That was a ¡ºblackness¡» that was even darker than the old empire¡¯s imperial family and nobles who were carrying out tyranny with the full knowledge of the animosity from the people.

    Lux wordlessly pointed the tip of his Sword Device.

    ¡¸Noow then, should we begin Lux-kun? In order to cover up your crime of killing Rosa, you moved to crush Heiburg along with your comrades. I¡¯ll have you along with the new kingdom take responsibility of that crime that turned the world alliance into your enemy.¡¹

    The lump of evil that was like mud without bottom.

    Calensia who was showing a distorted smile took out a short sword that she was hiding inside her bag.

    The moment Lux guessed what was that, he slashed her right arm.

    Originally, in this situation it would be faster to aim at her flesh body and subdued her.

    But, Calensia wasn¡¯t perturbed even when blood was flowing from her arm. She buried that blade shining with seven colors into her chest.

    ¡¸Elixir!? Did you get it from the transaction with Dragon Marauder!?¡¹

    It was already too late when he noticed.

    Slowly, the light of seven colors was melting into Calensia¡¯s body, black pattern spread, dyeing her body.

    She was transforming into devil, an existence that transcended human body. At the same time that thing flew.

    ¡¸Ushaaah!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san-!?¡¹

    While Airi¡¯s scared voice resounded, Lux barely blocked the enemy¡¯s first attack.

    The knife of Elixir that had finished its role after injecting its medicine collided with Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device. It broke into pieces.

    ¡¸Ku©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The fragment of the blade cut below his right eye. Lux frowned from the pain.

    Calensia unsheathed her Sword Device, and she took a thrusting stance aiming at the chest of the faltering Lux.

    ¡¸Sayonara, evildoer-san.¡¹

    At that time when Calensia opened her eyes that were dyed crimson and laughed, her body was punched and blown aside.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The moment everyone there held their breath, a chain crossed in front of Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!?¡¹

    When Lux raised his voice and turned around, he found the answer there.

    Philuffy who was wearing Divine Drag-Ride Typhon sent her Phile Anchor flying and blocked Calensia¡¯s violent attack.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, go to Rosa. Everyone should catch up soon too so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸But¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Lux said in hesitation, the anchor¡¯s tip dug into Calensia¡¯s body and pulled her closer with intense speed.

    Using Typhon¡¯s forte, its hand-to-hand combat ability, Philuffy¡¯s fist was going to shot out after pulling the enemy closer, but at that moment the restriction was unfastened.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaa¡¹

    Calensia used her Sword Device to cut her own uniform that was bitten by the anchor¡¯s tip and escaped, at the same time she twirled midair and recovered her balance.

    Using the opening when Philuffy blinked in surprise, Calensia pushed the grip of her Sword Device.

    ¡¸Come, Alklha!¡¹

    Right after that, intense light particles whirled and an armor with luster that was like rust appeared.

    It had a hardy huge body to the degree it buried the user¡¯s body into the armor, and huge double-jointed armored arms.

    The Divine Drag-Ride that was like a fortress itself was wrapping around Calensia.

    Four arms were growing from its torso and both shoulders. One of it was equipped with a huge cannon that was almost the same size with Lisha¡¯s Seven Heads.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤this shape, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Divine Drag-Ride Alklha©¤©¤aren¡¯t you lucky? To be able to make memory before dying.¡¹

    One of the Servants, the Hunting Punishment Gerdaf who Lux fought at the end of the campus festival. He was destroyed by a Drag-Ride with the same form like this.

    In other words, the Divine Raiment of Rosa¡¯s Gorynych that could change shape was also nothing more than a cover so Calensia¡¯s true identity couldn¡¯t be exposed.

    ¡¸This Drag-Ride is really powerful, but its flaw is its drastic energy consumption you seee. However it¡¯s fine©¤©¤due to the Baptism, right now I¡¯m receiving Elixir¡¯s protection¡­¡­Dark FallBlack Wing Ruin-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!?¡¹

    Lux also tried to join the fight at first, but the moment he readied Bahamut, something strange happened.

    *Butsun* All light vanished from the surrounding, everything was closed into darkness.

    ¡¸This is!? Just what is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t that all the light remaining in the city was erased.

    The figure of Airi at his side, the sensation of the Sword Device he was holding©¤©¤and even the coldness of the rain couldn¡¯t be felt.

    Lux¡¯s five senses themselves were erased.

    (Then, is this Alklha¡¯s Divine Raiment!?)

    It created a barrier with a radius of several dozen ml with itself as the center, which sealed the five senses of the living thing inside it.

    A true darkness that severed the world and cognizance.

    Lux noticed just how completely terrifying this ability was.

    No matter how many countermeasures he prepared, he wouldn¡¯t be able to move if he couldn¡¯t stay cognizant.

    By the point of time he got hit with this ability at the first move, it would be a checkmate if he wasn¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride.

    At that moment when the despair of not being able to do anything crossed Lux¡¯s mind, the darkness was removed along with Philuffy¡¯s voice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Missing Faith¡¹

    The darkness dispersed along with a surge of nothingness. The night recovered its appearance.

    Right after the flash of thunderbolt that illuminated the surrounding, the anchors that were fired from every part of Typhon wrapped around Alklha and sealed its movement.

    ¡¸Hee, that¡¯s a great response there. Well, you have no other method to defend against this anyway.¡¹

    Calensia wasn¡¯t really perturbed. It seemed she had also finished investigating Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    In contrast, Philuffy was facing the enemy in front of her with an unusually grave expression.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, go ahead. I¡¯ll manage somehow here.¡¹

    ¡¸But©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux felt uneasy seeing the shining golden Abyss eyes Philuffy displayed.

    Philuffy couldn¡¯t activate Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment without turning her body into Abyss.

    She was training to obtain resistance by making Airi blew horn flute, but if she forced herself to fight, it would become burden to her body and her heart might be taken over by Abyss.

    ¡¸We can only, leave this to her.¡¹

    Airi lightly pulled on Lux¡¯s sleeve with a bitter expression.

    ¡¸If Alklha¡¯s Divine Raiment is an ability to erase the opponent¡¯s five senses, then it¡¯s only Philuffy-san who can oppose her with her ability to negate Divine Raiment. We should leave this to her and chase after Lady Rosa.¡¹

    Rosa was most likely trying to open Babel¡¯s door in order to fulfill Calensia¡¯s order for her.

    If they didn¡¯t stop that, the Ragnarok of Babel, Metatron would appear and Lux and others might get annihilated due to a pincer attack.

    At the very least, Rosa who was heading to Babel right now shouldn¡¯t have any spare strength left to fight properly.

    Then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Phi-chan! I will stop her right away and come back to help! That¡¯s why©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­, see you, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Her eyes were colored pitch black with golden light residing in them, even so Philuffy was smiling with her usual tone.

    And then, she faced Calensia and Alklha who was standing in her way and she swung up Typhon¡¯s fist.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    After receiving the last command from Heiburg¡¯s King of Vices©¤©¤Calensia, Rosa Granhide dragged her body and aimed toward Babel.

    Because the position where the Ragnarok existed had been discovered, a crack was made beforehand on the external wall of that position.

    If that crack was aimed with a long range sniping and the wall was destroyed, the Ragnarok would awaken and get outside.

    After that Rosa just needed to leave from this place.

    With that, all of her works would be finished.

    If it was Calensia who saved her from the torture of the man in the military, this time she would also save her again.

    Her body felt so much hurt that she wanted to faint right away already, but there was no way she could stop.

    ¡¸Rosa! Wait!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When she heard Lux¡¯s voice from behind, the red haired girl tensed herself in panic.

    She had done terrible thing to him.

    That was why, she would be killed for sure if she was caught this time.

    Unless she escaped©¤©¤.

    Unless she escaped and obeyed the King of Vices, unless she perpetrated evil and subdued other people.

    It was as though something stirred her up and she mustered her last strength, but then a Drag-Ride stood on her way.

    ¡¸Ah©¤©¤¡¹

    When she looked above her, she saw a familiar man wearing a Wyrm.

    One of the Servants, the Cutting Punishment Brandish. That man lifted up his Blade and took a stance to cut her down.

    ¡¸Why are, you here¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t notice? That might be so huuh. Do you think you can destroy even a part of that Babel¡¯s outer wall with your strength right now?¡¹

    The emaciated man looked down on Rosa with vaguely empty eyes and calmly told her.

    ¡¸We will be troubled even if you stay alive longer than this. Your last role after you cannot fight properly anymore is©¤©¤to become bait here and die. That is the order of our master.¡¹

    ¡¸You, lie¡­¡­right? Because, I still©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Rosa had already noticed, that the King of Vices had abandoned her, and also that this conclusion was inevitable.

    Rosa who despaired toward everything closed her eyes, but.

    At that time someone crossed before her eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GYAAAAH!¡¹

    Brandish¡¯s hoarse scream resounded. The emaciated man fell prostrated on the ground.

    When she noticed, in front of her a young man with androgynous look and distinctive braided hair©¤©¤Coral who was wearing EX Wyvern was standing.

    ¡¸You, are¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸It looks like I made it in time, I¡¯m glad. Just now, when I went to Lux-kun, he said that he want me to save you.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, those people are©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    She had trapped Lux and his comrades, and hurted them. And now he asked someone to save her? Rosa murmured with an uncomprehending expression.

    ¡¸Who knows, even I don¡¯t really get it, which is stronger, evil or justice. But¡¹

    Pausing like that, Coral took Rosa¡¯s hand and continued with a gentle smile.

    ¡¸Lux-kun trying to persist with his own justice is surely also not an easy path. If it¡¯s you who had to do evil against your wish, don¡¯t you understand his feeling?¡¹

    ¡¸I, am©¤©¤¡¹

    With that sentence, Rosa¡¯s mask crumbled down into pieces.

    What could be seen there, was the unpainted face of a weak girl who had falsified everything until now, in order to protect herself and her friend.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! You were giving me hard time for a mere small fry, this damn meatball.¡¹

    Lisha who was battling on the wharf west of Triport was looking down on the man who lost consciousness in front of her.

    One of the Servants, Goldia who was driving EX Wyrm was a formidable enemy.

    Originally, Tiamat that specialized in long range attack should have overwhelming advantage, but in order to not give the opponent a chance to play the flute, Lisha had to constantly take initiative to attack.

    And then, although right now there were almost no people around, but Lisha acted considerately that she must not involved the houses and ships into the destruction. That was the cause of her hard fight.

    Especially the opponent¡¯s skill in manipulating his huge iron ball was amazing. It caused Lisha to meet unfavorable situation several times.

    But, in the end the strength that Lisha had accumulated until now came out on top.

    Her new technique that was the result from her developing her unique talent that was Drag-Ride development became the deciding factor and she splendidly wrested away victory.

    ¡¸However, as expected this is tiring. I poured my effort into development until now, but I have to increase my stamina from here on too, if not©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha dispelled her armor while mumbling to herself. She returned the two Sword Devices she used back into their sheath.

    There were three sword belts wrapped around her waist, and one more on her back. It was an appearance that was normally impossible.

    ¡¸Hmm. So that¡¯s your new trump card, that¡¯s quite something isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Wait, what are you coming here for Krulcifer! Go search for other enemy right away!¡¹

    Seeing Fafnir showed up above the wharf, Lisha reflexively raised her voice.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a really terrible remark. My opponent was so dangerous that I had to use my full power©¤©¤the Full Connect, that¡¯s why I was worried about you and came here as reinforcement.¡¹

    ¡¸No need. Don¡¯t think that it¡¯s only you who has increased your skill.¡¹

    Lisha acted strong and crossed her arms in respond to Krulcifer¡¯s words that sounded mischievous.

    ¡¸My, then you will depart from here right away without rest then? It looks like they have defeated most of the Abysses though. And I¡¯m also worried about Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Lisha equipped her Tiamat once more and headed to the east together with Krulcifer. There, they found two Servants that had already been defeated, and the figures of Yoruka and Celis hunting down the remaining Abysses that were summoned to the city center.

    ¡¸Those two, are they monster¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha murmured with a dumbfounded tone, but Krulcifer shook her head silently.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. There is no doubt that their fundamental strength is out of bound. But©¤©¤the enemy should be considerably atrocious too.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lisha focused her gaze really carefully, she could see traces of fierce battle on the two even from afar.

    Break Purge, a technique to take off a part of the armor to create a spec that was focused to break through a single point by sacrificing the Drag-Ride¡¯s multifunction. A technique that was a double-edged sword.

    For Celis to use that technique, the situation must be that serious to corner her like that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Hm? What, Yoruka is also somewhat strange. The whole frame of Yato no Kami, it look somewhat distorted©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing that you can understand that much even from this distance¡­¡­. Although I¡¯ve seen your mania attitude every time, but it¡¯s still amazing to behold.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! That¡¯s, there is proper reason for this. It¡¯s because recently I have often gave maintenance to that ero woman¡¯s Drag-Ride too.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so?¡¹

    Krulcifer unusually showed a shocked face and asked.

    ¡¸Yeah, because since she left from Hayes¡¯s place, there was no proper mechanic to take a look at her Drag-Ride. That girl¡¯s Drag-Ride is a special made after all, so it¡¯s hard to repair©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Good grief someone like you, it¡¯s really a waste, in various things©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s none of your business-!?¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer staring still at her while holding her head, Lisha spontaneously snapped at her.

    But, seeing the citizens who were being chased by Abyss, they quickly matched their rhythm with each other.

    ¡¸There-! Follow me Krulcifer!¡¹

    Lisha held back two Chimeras that were chasing after a man who looked like a merchant, then Fafnir¡¯s freezing bullet sealed their movement in that chance.

    But, here faster than Lisha could do follow up attack, a Drag-Ride¡¯s silhouette rushed vertically.

    ¡¸You are late, Lizsharte.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, with this©¤©¤it¡¯s the last.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s Lindwurm pierced through the core of one Chimera with its lance, while the Blade that Yoruka wielded bisected the other one.

    Lisha whose eyes were stolen by their striking movements pouted her lips sharply.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t snatch other people¡¯s prey as you please! Besides, it was me who repaired your Drag-Ride!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m grateful about that, that¡¯s why, I offered my help just now.¡¹

    Seeing Yoruka who was smiling carefreely, Lisha became at a loss for words.

    ¡¸More importantly, let¡¯s go quickly. I¡¯m worried about Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. Philuffy returned to guard him, but there is still the matter of Ragnarok too.¡¹

    Celis said that and glared toward Babel, it was at that timing her eyes snapped open in surprise.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    After her, Lisha looked at the faraway residential area and turned speechless.

    Right now the townscape had few lighting, but in that area, there was a black curtain in half-spherical shape covering it.

    It was unclear whether it was Ragnarok or the ability of the enemy¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride, but in any case Lux was in danger©¤©¤.

    Thinking that, everyone gathered their strength to dash there. But then a voice came suddenly from behind.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku-ku, I¡¯m filled with awe. To think that you all really have strength that surpassed us.¡¹

    It was Gutefelica who had been confirmed as one of the Servants.

    Her unruly hair that twisted frizzily like flame was hanging down while she laughed.

    But, even seen from the side, her body was already at its limit.

    The EX Wyvern she was wearing also had its armor and armaments broken already. Seeing her figure with blood spewing out from her mouth, she was clearly unable to fight no matter how anyone looked.

    ¡¸It¡¯s splendid, really something. Strangely my wish came true. The strength that I obtained in order to crush you people of new kingdom didn¡¯t reach as expected. And then©¤©¤, I also protected my honor as soldier.¡¹

    While she continued to mutter with an empty expression, a part of her words caused Lisha to frown.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What did you say?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m saying that you all got caught into my master¡¯s plan¡­¡­! Ragnarok is the same like other Abyss, when it saw other living thing©¤©¤it will become active and move. If only the curtain of my master¡¯s Alklha is lifted up and she showed her figure, it has been arranged so that it can fight anytime¡­¡­! Now, come! The protector of throne nesting in Babel!¡¹

    Instantly, the wall of Babel¡¯s upper floor that existed far away at the other side of the city was broken down along with a thunderous sound.

    At the same time, Gutefelica flew above. And then her body was smashed by a streak of light.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ku, they destroyed the wall around the top floor of Babel and exposed the outside world to the inside!?¡¹

    Lisha who instinctually guessed the situation spontaneously yelled after seeing the remains of the broken EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸And then, she flew until the height where Ragnarok¡¯s eyes can reach, and turned herself into a bait¡­¡­is that what happened?¡¹

    ¡¸Just what could she be thinking, the so called master of that woman.¡¹

    Cold sweat was emerging on Krulcifer¡¯s forehead, and color was also leaving Celis¡¯s face.

    ¡¸There is no time for small talk©¤©¤it¡¯s coming.¡¹

    But, Yoruka¡¯s voice that was the same like usual made everyone recovered their calm.

    At that moment, Lisha strongly breathed out and lifted up her Sword Device for encouragement.

    ¡¸Everyone, don¡¯t let the nemey approach Lux and the airhead girl! We are going to finish off that wannabe angel with the four of us!¡¹

    The remaining three nodded at Lisha¡¯s instruction, at the same time, a gigantic spherical body with more than thirty wings growing was approaching Triport.

    The red eyes that were packed full on its surface opened, catching sight of the four who were taking position above the frontline base.

    They began battle against Metatron while feeling nervousness that they had never experienced before.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Were we too late!? That Abyss with wings, is Metatron©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux discovered Rosa while heading toward Babel and asked Coral to protect her, but, the Ragnarok was easily liberated. Was there other enemy hiding in ambush somewhere else?

    But, when he was going to pursue the Ragnarok for the time being, the Triad who had just returned called out to him.

    ¡¸Wait Lux-kun. You are already exhausted, it¡¯s an order from Lord Dist, that you must not use Bahamut until the very last minute.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The remaining Servants were already defeated by Lisha-sama and others. Leave the Ragnarok to the four of them©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We are going to reinforce Philuffy!¡¹

    Saying that, Tillfur approached, but she immediately hesitated and the Wyrm she was wearing stopped moving.

    ¡¸Wait, this, what is going on©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Sweat was flowing down from her forehead with twitching expression on her face.

    Calensia had turned into devil using Elixir. She controlled Alklha using a bottomless life force.

    Her four huge arms were attacking Philuffy one after another. The stone paving, stone wall, houses behind Philuffy, they were all destroyed with one hit.

    But, even in front of that fierce and brutal attacks, Philuffy didn¡¯t loosen Pile Anchors restriction around the enemy.

    It should be disadvantage for her facing Alklha which was a giant land battle type Drag-Ride because she would get pulled toward the enemy, but,

    ¡¸Alklha¡¯s Divine Raiment can steal the five senses of all living thing within the area a few dozen ml from it. In order to respond right after the enemy use it, she has to constantly stay in contact with the enemy¡¯s body like that despite the danger.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, isn¡¯t Philuffy actually in even more danger!? But©¤©¤¡¹

    They couldn¡¯t get near.

    It wasn¡¯t just because the Triad¡¯s strength simply couldn¡¯t reach, because of the situation where both sides were mutually doing offense and defense in super close range, they couldn¡¯t interfere.

    If they got close half-bakedly, they would become hindrance or perhaps got dragged into it.

    With that prospect, the Triad couldn¡¯t approach near.

    ¡¸Yes. We too have become stronger more or less, but as expected the two of them are in different level. Then©¤©¤I judged that we shouldn¡¯t put on air needlessly and do what we can do with our all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guess so. Looks like it¡¯s still not yet the time to show off our new technique.¡¹

    Tillfur nodded looking somewhat fretful. Noct¡¯s Drake stretched out a cord toward her Wyrm and connected.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, you die behind me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, Lux himself couldn¡¯t stay quiet.

    A hundred ml from him, Calensia and Philuffy were displaying a gruesome mortal combat.

    ¡¸You are working really hard. But©¤©¤, I wonder what you will do against this? Sol ToothSun Eater!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Philuffy continued to endure even with four arms raining down fists consecutively from very close range. In respond Calensia fired countless shells from the backpack loaded on Alklha¡¯s back.

    ¡¸That¡¯s light bullet!? Or else, what are they doing above©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Tillfur looked up to the sky with a dubious face, right after that, Alklha¡¯s armor shined mysteriously.

    The Divine Raiment that stole cognizance from other people©¤©¤for some reason it wasn¡¯t unleashed toward Philuffy, but toward the cloudy sky.

    ¡¸Firing to wrong direction¡­¡­, what is she planning!?¡¹

    Sharis muttered in bewilderment. Immediately after, Lux noticed Calensia¡¯s aim.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, be careful! The shells just now are falling!¡¹

    Right after that, from inside the curtain of black barrier that was hiding everything within it, missiles with various trajectories were falling toward Philuffy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy immediately entered a defensive stance by fully deploying Typhon¡¯s barrier, but she couldn¡¯t fully defend against everything.

    Her balance crumbled from the rain of shells showering her. The next moment, Alklha¡¯s giant arms came striking,

    ¡¸U, ku¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was blown away. She closed one of her eyes and endured the impact that penetrated through her whole body.

    But, even so she didn¡¯t falter and skated forward, but this time she was fully hit by a blow from Alklha that came from the side.

    ¡¸Why!? It¡¯s different from before, now it¡¯s only the enemy¡¯s attack that is landing!?¡¹

    Tillfur who was baffled took the stance of charging ahead with her armament, a hammer in hand.

    Then, Airi spoke her own hypothesis with a subdued tone.

    ¡¸I think, perhaps, things that enter the curtain of darkness that Divine Drag-Ride Alklha deployed won¡¯t be able to get perceived by other people. She is deploying that curtain behind and to the left and right is in order to hide her own attack.¡¹

    ¡¸So that means©¤©¤it will be unknown where the attack is going to come from until just before it hit you?¡¹

    ¡¸We cannot just watch like this. I¡¯ll also help, Philuffy!¡¹

    Aiming at the timing where a distance was opened between Calensia and Philuffy, Tillfur rushed her Wyrm toward Calensia.

    But,

    ¡¸This monster too won¡¯t be able to rest in peace huh, even though she had been working hard to cover for you weaklings, but you actually come rushing by yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The moment Alklha¡¯s Divine Raiment, the Dark Fall entangled around Tillfur, she lost control and tumbled down.

    Without stopping she moved toward the nearby wall and crashed.

    ¡¸No, way¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸So it¡¯s impossible as expected.¡¹

    Even though Lux was sweating nervously, he accepted the situation calmly.

    Drag-Ride realized a tremendous mobility due to the power of its Force Core and various parts of the frame, but the moment Alklha¡¯s Dark Fall entered, even the cognizance to perform that control was taken away.

    Not only the opponent became unable to see their self and the enemy, even the sensation of holding the control stick for the body control manipulation was erased, that was why they became unable to even understand what they were doing themselves and couldn¡¯t fight.

    In other words, other than Philuffy¡¯s Typhon that possessed the Divine Raiment to erase other Divine Raiment, they couldn¡¯t fight properly other than using long range attack.

    However, even that Missing Faith that was the last ray of hope would become burden to the body, so it couldn¡¯t be used that often.

    Alklha¡¯s preliminary movement when attacking was erased from view, its cannon shells and blow couldn¡¯t be dodged, the armor of Typhon was gradually breaking and torn off.

    In less than a minute, the battle situation was turning for the worse in the blink of eye.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s breathing was gradually getting harder, the sweat trickling from her was sticking on her front hair.

    She was starting to show the omen of her limit approaching, just like what she showed at the campus selection battle.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, run away! I¡¯ll fight her with Bahamut next!¡¹

    When Lux spontaneously yelled, Philuffy stopped him with Typhon¡¯s hand gesture.

    ¡¸I¡¯m all right. I, can still go on.¡¹

    She told him that with gasping breath and continued to endure Alklha¡¯s fists.

    ¡¸How foolish. And then, how pitiful. You are resisting like this even though you have no chance of victory. Are you trying to become a sacrificial pawn of the new kingdom?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who heard Calensia¡¯s mocking strongly clenched his fist.

    But, even so Philuffy wasn¡¯t shaken.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, you are drunk with heroism because you have met that kind of experience? You can feel at ease without despairing if you are at least useful for someone else©¤©¤, but you see. That is a weakness.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What they call goodness, is last place to escape for living thing who cannot make other recognize their existence and unable to seize position for themselves. They are living thing lower than livestock, trying to obtain favor only by following what other told them to do and pile up good deed. There is no way someone like that can win against me©¤©¤this ¡ºevil¡» me, the one who is truly powerful, that¡¯s including the Black Hero over there!¡¹

    Alklha¡¯s offensive was increasing in momentum even more, but Philuffy was avoiding direct hit with her body handling while gradually closing the distance.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤wrong. At the very least, Lu-chan is different.¡¹

    Her eyes were dyed black. Her figure was turning into something that gave off the scent of Abyss in part.

    Even so she was rebutting indifferently with the usual expression and tone of Philuffy.

    ¡¸You are just averting your eyes from inconvenient thing. I know, that saving without hurting someone, is far more painful than simply saving by hurting other people, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    *Dokun*, Lux who was listening to those words felt a warm feeling filling his chest.

    This childhood friend who was kind through thick and thin was looking at the worried, anguished, and hesitating Lux, even more than he himself.

    Just like when he first met Philuffy, when she noticed how he was covering for her and accepting the blame himself.

    ¡¸Lu-chan was trying to save Rosa and the people of Heiburg, even if he has to get hurt in their place. I, like such kind Lu-chan. That¡¯s why, I won¡¯t let him get hurt for more than this. I swear I¡¯ll©¤©¤protect Lu-chan¡¹

    ¡¸Empty prattle! This monster pretending to be a saiiint!¡¹

    The will of Philuffy that wouldn¡¯t waver and break no matter what.

    Calensia was enraged by those words and she finally took a stance with an arm©¤©¤the one that was holding the enormous cannon called Luna ToothMoon Eater to thrust it forward.

    She was planning to decide the battle using the armament of one hit sure kill that evaporated Gerdaf¡¯s EX Wyvern completely.

    No matter how solid Typhon¡¯s armor was, it wouldn¡¯t be able to endure that main cannon.

    Lux¡¯s hand instantly reached at his Sword Device. In that instant, the whole area was covered by black curtain.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Due to Alklha¡¯s Divine Raiment, Dark Fall that manifested once more, all cognizance was erased.

    But, this time the black curtain was dispelled without waiting for the cancellation by Philuffy¡¯s Missing Faith©¤©¤the sensation of net wrapping around him, Airi, and the Triad altogether bewildered Lux.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤iron net!?¡¹

    ¡¸But, why is it aiming at us rather than Philuffy-san©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸This is bad, in this situation, we cannot get away immediately!¡¹

    While AIri was perplexed, Sharis who was wearing Wyvern said that.

    Right after that, Calensia and Alklha that had switched position from before was aiming their huge cannon toward Philuffy.

    No, Philuffy was standing at the front, while Lux and others who were entangled inside a net were behind her. Calensia had made this situation and started charging energy into Luna tooth.

    ¡¸If you can escape by abandoning the comrades behind, you, just try it. A monster like you hiding in human skin, I¡¯ll tear off that mask right here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Calensia made a cold smile that was like a demon and provoked Philuffy.

    But, this was an obvious trap.

    The cannon attack from that Luna tooth couldn¡¯t be defended with the current half-broken Typhon.

    By making Philuffy and Lux stood on a straight line, she was planning to deal with them with one attack.

    In respond, Philuffy didn¡¯t move and deployed her barrier dozens of ml ahead of Lux and others.

    She was intending to accept the attack right from the front to protect Lux and others until the end.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, run away! Defeat Calensia before she can©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux reflexively yelled while holding Airi¡¯s shoulder.

    But, Philuffy kept glaring forward withot turning around and she told©¤©¤only a sentence.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, because¡­¡­I won¡¯t let her hurt anyone else anymore.¡¹

    It was her dreamy tone that was the same like usual.

    However, Lux held his breath toward her resolve that was filled with a powerful will.

    ¡¸Is that so, then I¡¯ll send you all off to go to heaven happily©¤©¤sayonara.¡¹

    Calensia who was baring a wicked smile like a demon fired the energy of Luna tooth.

    Thick beam of light completely covered the surrounding.

    The torrent of intense high heat and impact was fired in wave motion.

    ¨C

    Above an empty residential area, four Divine Drag-Rides were dancing.

    A Ragnarok of spherical shape with countless eyeballs and pairs of wings.

    Considering the immortal Poseidon and Yggdrasil that could resurrect and grew by obtaining resistance, it wasn¡¯t difficult to imagine that this Metatron must be hiding some kind of special ability too.

    In contrast, although the four of them had gotten stronger, right now each of them was exhausted.

    Therefore, if they were trying to defeat it here, they had not many option and time left.

    Lisha who was taking command of this battle first faced the other three and gave instruction using Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºWe¡¯ll surround it from four directions and attack, the moment the enemy advance to the plaza, I¡¯ll bring it down to the ground!¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤Roger¡»

    ¡ºAcknowledged.¡»

    ¡ºUnderstood.¡»

    Krulcifer, Celis, and even Yoruka responded to her voice.

    In order to protect the exhausted Lux, it was necessary to exterminate the Ragnarok in this place.

    And then, even without expressly giving a detailed explanation, everyone there understood the best action to take.

    First everyone readied their weapon and surrounded it from four directions, holding it back.

    But, Metatron didn¡¯t show any reaction in respond and advanced forward toward Lisha.

    ¡¸Here I go monster eyeball! Prostrate under god¡¯s name! Suppressor!¡¹

    The moment Metatron¡¯s giant body came right above the plaza, Lisha activated Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤, the gravity control.

    Gravity burden was applied on the Ragnarok¡¯s whole body. The plan was to strike down that body and pasted it on the ground, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤iiIIIIIiI¡¹

    Just when it let out a faint cry, right after that the gravity field covering Metatron was erased. Right after that©¤©¤Lisha and others who were surrounding it from four direction were covered with light that struck them down to the ground all at once.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!? Don¡¯t tell me!?¡¹

    ¡¸Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment!? Then©¤©¤!¡¹

    Even while receiving burden from gravity, Celis fired out lightning attack from the tip of her lance.

    The lightning¡¯s tip from the Lightning Flash was erased as expected before it could reach Metatron. The attack recoiled back to everyone.

    ¡¸U, aaah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The power of lightning attack that was transmitted to the whole body caused the four to scream.

    ¡¸As expected it¡¯s like that, this Ragnarok absorbed our attack and reflect it back¡­¡­!¡¹

    Krulcifer gritted her teeth and glared at Metatron above.

    But, Celis shook her head slightly and denied that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not just simple reflection. At the very least the strength is magnified by several fold! If we aren¡¯t careful, we will get wiped out!¡¹

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤, I also need to test it.¡¹

    The moment the gravity field and the lightning attack¡¯s discharge cut off, Yoruka drove her Yato no Kami and danced to the air.

    The back of her Drag-Ride¡¯s four legs released wind and heat. It was the special armament KarafumiVacuum Step to kick on the air. By using it to leap up, even though her Drag-Ride was a special equipment type, she was able to approach Metatron in the sky.

    But©¤©¤when the giant eyeballs covering its surface fully were opened, a flash of high heat surged.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yoruka-!?¡¹

    Lisha deployed her defensive barrier while yelling.

    But, before Yoruka got hit by the enemy¡¯s attack, she finished an action using her katana-type Blade.

    The slash with super speed that was only for one action by using Quick Draw.

    The slash ran on the surface of Metatron and carved a line on it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That girl, what is in her mind? To purposefully wait until the enemy move like that¡­¡­!¡¹

    In order to aim for a counter, she intentionally let herself got hit to attack at the risk of her life.

    But, even that line from the slash vanished and then it unleashed shockwaves consecutively to the surrounding.

    ¡¸Even physical attack, is reflected¡­¡­.!?¡¹

    The attack Yoruka unleashed was scattered back with several times the power. Countless cracks ran through the houses and stone paving.

    Although Yoruka dodged the enemy¡¯s heat ray and reflected attack to the minimum, as expected even Yoruka¡¯s armor got damaged.

    ¡¸This Ragnarok, it¡¯s really beyond our mean isn¡¯t it©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s composed smile still hadn¡¯t crumbled, but beside her Lisha was gritting her teeth.

    Even with four Divine Drag-Ride users gathered here, they had nothing that could be done this quickly.

    Whether it was physical attack, or shockwave, or lightning attack©¤©¤if every kind of attack was magnified and reflected back, then they had no way to fight back at all.

    Furthermore because Metatron itself was slowly moving like a balloon, they also couldn¡¯t use its own strength to hurt it.

    ¡¸It will be better if I don¡¯t fire my Freezing Cannon. We will get wiped out if we get smashed while freezing.

    For Krulcifer to only be able to make that kind of frivolous talk even after using Fafnir¡¯s future prediction, it gave them a hint just how despairing the situation was.

    Because in other words, with their battle strength right now, no matter how they struggle there was no future where their attack would go through that could be predicted.

    ¡¸©¤©¤IIiI, IiIIIIIiIIIIIII¡¹

    After Metatron cried with a strange voice, it started to advance toward the residential area where Lux and others were at.

    At that moment, the injured Yoruka kicked on empty air once more and leaped.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, the three of them held their breath seeing that.

    This time Yoruka unleashed multiple slashes consecutively, but as expected they were reflected the same.

    ¡¸What are you doing ero woman! It¡¯s pointless even if we attack this thing! We are only going to get hit back!¡¹

    ¡¸My? We won¡¯t know that unless we try it.¡¹

    An absolute difference in battle potential.

    Yato no Kami¡¯s Divine Raiment, the Spell Code wouldn¡¯t work at Metatron that wasn¡¯t a Drag-Ride.

    Even so Yoruka repeated various attacks as though she had no fear and hesitation at all.

    ¡ºYou©¤©¤, don¡¯t tell me¡»

    ¡ºAah, it¡¯s fine if everyone get away from here. This is only something that I¡¯m doing willfully.¡»

    Yoruka calmly answered at the question Lisha sent through Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºThere is no way I can let this enemy go to where Aruji-sama at while we still don¡¯t understand its weakness. Even if this body will break at the end of this, if I don¡¯t even search around for some kind of impetus to be able to damage it, there won¡¯t be any meaning for a tool like me to exist.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­-!?¡»

    Lisha reflexively held her breath hearing Yoruka saying those words as though it was only natural.

    Realizing the conviction of this girl called Yoruka, her expression changed.

    ¡ºIt will be pointless even if you stop me as commander, I¡¯m©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak selfishly you damn idiot-!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Yoruka tilted her head, twelve Legions pierced Metatron¡¯s eyeballs.

    But, as expected the attack was amplified and reflected back, blowing away the approaching Lisha.

    ¡¸What are you intending to do? This experiment can be done by me alone.¡¹

    ¡¸Annoying, shut up! No matter what you are trying to do it¡¯s just selfish! Do you think that your strength won¡¯t be necessary for Lux¡¯s sake from here on!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s caustic words that sounded like an angry roar caused Yoruka¡¯s eyes to open wide.

    As though to continue after Lisha, Krulcifer sniped using normal bullet, while Celis used Divine Gate and unleashed a simultaneous attack at two spots. Those attacks were similarly reflected and they received damage.

    ¡¸As expected this enemy isn¡¯t simple, but©¤©¤with our attack hitting it, its attention is directed to us. It will aim at us as long as we don¡¯t escape.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, we also approve your gamble. If you are searching for weakness, it should be done with everyone using various methods.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed that it was too unexpected for Yoruka. She was dazed for a while hearing their words, but hearing Lisha¡¯s supporting words, her smile returned.

    ¡¸That¡¯s how it is. We cannot let this thing go to Lux¡¯s position while we still haven¡¯t find the method to oppose it. That¡¯s why, you too cooperate and fight with us. This isn¡¯t something for you to shoulder alone!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s breathing was rough from her approaching limit, even so seeing how she kept acting strong, Yoruka smiled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. Lizsharte-san.¡¹

    Lisha was bewildered how the smile Yoruka was wearing was different from until just now while rushing toward the Ragnarok once more.

    The opposition resumed by the girls¡¯ unity.

    ¨C

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    After the storm of an instant where they couldn¡¯t even breathe passed through, they opened their eyes©¤©¤, and over there was.

    ¡¸Ho, how-!? How can you endure through the bombing by Luna Tooth just now-!? No©¤©¤¡¹

    The devil was shocked seeing Typhon that was smoking black from its whole body.

    Philuffy wasn¡¯t simply enduring through the attack.

    The reason the half broken Typhon was able to hold back that fierce bombing was before their eyes in a clear shape.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Is that, what Saniya and others used¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Is something like this, possible?¡¹

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct were staring in amazement at that figure.

    The root of Abyss growing from Philuffy¡¯s back entangled on Typhon¡¯s armor, transforming that appearance.

    The new form of Typhon with the dark red pulsing root entangling it.

    It was a sight that even Lux had remembrance of from his battle with Saniya.

    Using a part of Yggdrasil¡¯s special characteristic that could invade and fuse with even inorganic matter, not just one¡¯s body, even the Drag-Ride one was wearing would transform.

    ¡¸B-blood Typhon¡­¡­is it? But, that form is©¤©¤¡¹

    Originally, maintaining her sanity while displaying Yggdrasil¡¯s power that was putting burden on her should be an act that was next to impossible.

    He had to assist her as soon as possible, that was what Lux thinking. But the moment he slipped out of the net, Philuffy was moving.

    ¡¸Wha-, what the hell-!? That figure©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Surely, I still cannot go to heaven or anywhere yet.¡¹

    Philuffy had unleashed Yggdrasil¡¯s power, even so she asserted with her usual calm tone.

    At the same time the countless Pile Anchors she fired entwined around Alklha and pulled.

    The giant armor that should be two sizes bigger that Typhon was gradually getting dragged closer, and before long it floated in the air and got pulled.

    Perhaps due to the strengthening ability of Yggdrasil, even the anchors¡¯ strength was increasing. The pulling was accelerating with a speed that even the eyes couldn¡¯t follow.

    ¡¸Why! Why will you go that far until turning into something like that even after receiving human¡¯s malice with that body©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Because Lu-chan said, that he want even me like this to stay at his side.¡¹

    The Alklha that was approaching before her eyes along with a shriek was kicked up by B-blood Typhon to right above.

    Due to the sudden strike to high above after getting moved in high speed horizontally, the crumbling pieces of that armor fluttered in the sky.

    ¡¸¡­¡­THAT¡¯S, IMPOSSIBLEeEEEE-!¡¹

    Blood vomit scattered from that mouth. Those crimson eyes were opened wide until the limit and she yelled.

    She who was charmed by the path of evil and persisted in it©¤©¤as though opposing her fate.

    But, even after getting kicked flying to far above, the binding of the anchors was still holding strong.

    Typhon¡¯s both arms grabbed those wires, and then as though swinging down a sword from right above the head to straight below, the restrained Alklha was thrown to an empty ground.

    ¡¸GAGAaAAAH!¡¹

    Receiving the throw that was utilizing centrifugal force while being restrained, that armor which looked like an evil fortress was smashed apart into pieces.

    Because of the devil transformation from the Elixir¡¯s effect, Calensia avoided instant death, although her movement was completely stopped with all the broken bones in her body.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!?¡¹

    Lux who slipped through the iron net rushed forward, at the same time Airi blew the horn flute she was carrying in hiding.

    The command that she made toward Abyss was inaction.

    Right after she made that command, Yggdrasil¡¯s root pulled back and even Typhon was dispelled.

    ¡¸We had tested it before once due to Philuffy-san¡¯s request. Though even using the horn flute¡¯s support, the burden on the body is too much©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, I¡¯m glad¡­¡­¡¹

    The darkness in Philuffy¡¯s eyes was vanishing, her face was returning to her usual look.

    But, it appeared she had already used up even the strength to stand up. She was about to crumble down when Lux caught her in his arms.

    ¡¸Why, did you do something so reckless¡­¡­! If something happened©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, you know?¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s voice was frail, even so she showed him a smile.

    ¡¸Because, I still want to stay at Lu-chan¡¯s side, so, I won¡¯t disappear©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The feeling of Philuffy who said that to him struck Lux¡¯s chest and he embraced her tightly.

    Then, the devil who was lying down nearby laughed ¡®ku-ku¡¯ with trembling throat.

    Her flesh didn¡¯t start regenerating.

    Her heart that had its reasoning melted by Elixir surpassed the limit of her own life force and perished.

    He didn¡¯t know whether she was tricked by Dragon Marauder or if she personally committed a blunder, but that body was burning out like ash, she was starting to crumble from her feet.

    ¡¸Ha, hahahaha, kukukukuku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Yet even so, the King of Vices was sneering seeing the two of them.

    ¡¸You fools are doing pointless struggles¡­¡­. Even if you defeat me, your wish won¡¯t come true. Evil is growing more severe under the shadow of goodness that you idiots are risking your life to do. Even if you expect some kind of reward, even if you expect to be praised, you will be able to obtain that only for a moment©¤©¤¡¹

    Her eyes were already looking hollow and dull, the King of Vices continued while facing the sky, as though to look up at god.

    ¡¸If someone doesn¡¯t continue to stand at the side that rule¡­¡­one day it will be their fate to have everything taken away. I¡¯m not wrong, until the end, I didn¡¯t let myself, become anyone¡¯s prey¡­¡­anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    With that muttering at the end, her whole body became ash and decayed.

    Airi who was standing beside him suddenly stared at the corpse with sad eyes.

    ¡¸Perhaps, this person too was used by someone in the past.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    As a part of the imperial family of the old empire, and then as someone who was banished from the imperial court, it wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t understand the feeling of the King of Vices.

    Someone who was wounded in the world of betrayal and scheme where it was eat or be eaten would try to stand at the side of the strong so that they wouldn¡¯t be used anymore.

    There was no more way for them to know about what happened at this girl¡¯s past, but they felt a slight sympathy.

    And then, they thought that her words also had truth in it.

    It might be just as she said.

    ¡ºSomeone who wasn¡¯t loved by anyone, will try to be loved by anyone.¡»

    Calensia¡¯s last words became a stimulation that resurrected Fugil¡¯s words in the back of his mind.

    Even Lux thought that it might be true for a time.

    And then that©¤©¤was rejected by the King of Vices just now.

    If Lux was fighting because he wanted to be recognized by the people, the perhaps someday he would get used and caused him to fall©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Nii-san! That¡¯s©¤©¤!\

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi raised a nervous voice and pointed to the sky.

    Over there was a golden spherical body with diameter that reached more than ten mel©¤©¤.

    The surface possessed a great number of eyes, pure white wings were growing from its body in many pairs. A monster of angel.

    The Ragnarok of first Ruin Babel©¤©¤Metatron was looking down at below.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon that devour the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of black cloud, Bahamut!¡¹

    ¨C

    Lux immediately lifted up his Sword Device and equipped the jet black Drag-Ride.

    At the same time, as though to say that she had been waiting for it, Noct stretched out a cord from her Drake and connected it to Bahamut.

    ¡¸Please wait for around ten seconds. I will transfer the internal energy I have gathered up from Sharis and Tillfur¡¯s Drag-Rides into Lux-san¡¯s Bahamut. Originally Lux-san will only be able to fight for three minutes, but with this you should be able to move for around five minutes.¡¹

    It seemed that the Triad who were fighting defensively one-sidedly since before this were working hard so that they could increase Bahamut¡¯s activation time even if only for a bit more.

    Right after Lux glared at the dark cloud preparing to intercept the enemy, a Dragon Voice from Lisha could be heard.

    ¡º©¤©¤Be careful Lux! No attack will work on this guy! Whether it¡¯s physical attack or any kind of energy attack, everything will get absorbed and reflected back!¡»

    Along with that desperate yelling voice, Lisha and others, the four members of Syvalles appeared together.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, Yoruka.

    Although they somehow still maintained the materialization of their Divine Drag-Ride, everyone was wounded all over with ragged armor.

    It could be seen that they had no spare strength to fight properly.

    ¡¸These four people together still cannot win, such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur looked up at the sky with a despairing expression, while Sharis and Noct also held their breath.

    But, Lux calmly glared at the calamity class demon.

    And then first he quickly faced the girls and gave the very best instruction he could.

    ¡¸Please take Philuffy and Airi to retreat. I will take over here.¡¹

    He entrusted the girls to the Triad and skated Bahamut toward the sky.

    After he climbed up to a height where he could take an unbroken view of Triport, Metatron¡¯s countless eyes captured Lux¡¯s figure.

    ¡¸Please be careful Lux! The enemy will fire laser beam from its eyes!¡¹

    *Giin!* Just as Celis said, its eyes shined and fired heat ray energy.

    Lux used his great sword as shield and blocked it. When the attack was over he unleashed his gathered energy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Howl-!¡¹

    It was a perfect timing that aimed at the moment the enemy¡¯s attack ended©¤©¤but, Metatron¡¯s whole body shined faintly. The vortex of shockwave vanished and immediately after it was reflected toward Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ku!?¡¹

    Even while enduring the power of the attack he released himself, Lux was observing the enemy¡¯s state calmly.

    Among the countless eyes covering that enormous body, he saw that there was only one eye that was crushed.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, how is that©¤©¤!? Why is only one of its eyes is wounded¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t know. When everyone attacked it frantically, my sniping pierced it through. ©¤©¤There should be some kind of secret about it!¡¹

    Hearing Krulcifer¡¯s voice made Lux reached at a certain hypothesis instinctually.

    It was an imagination that he could think of exactly because he had accumulated several thousand battle experience from mock battles until he was called with the nickname the Weakest Undefeated.

    Perhaps his idea was mistaken.

    He might failed, got wounded, and then lost.

    But even so©¤©¤this hint came from none other than the girls who tried to leave behind a light of hope for Lux that they stayed behind even in their worn out state.

    And then, Lux¡¯s belief that was denied by Calensia was taken back by Philuffy for him.

    I wasn¡¯t fighting until now in order to be loved by someone.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I fight, because of my admiration.¡¹

    Philuffy who was in a position that possessed no power whatsoever, saved him who was in hell after losing his mother.

    He thought that he couldn¡¯t do anything for the country because he was the youngest child of the imperial family, however Philuffy was different.

    She saved him simply with her kindness and feeling. He admired her nobleness and beauty.

    That was why©¤©¤no matter what anyone said, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate anymore.

    Lux¡¯s true essence as a Drag-Knight.

    His power of concentration that had been polished until the extreme was moving him to the very best action.

    That attack was developed not by logical thought, it was as though his body was naturally guiding him.

    (A timing where the attack work exist, if my hypothesis is correct, if I¡¯m to aim at that moment©¤©¤it can only be, this!)

    ¡¸Howling Howl¡­¡­!¡¹

    Energy was concentrated at the inside of the armor and a vortex of shockwave was fired once more.

    ¡¸That¡¯s no good Lux! Like that it will be reflected again!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong, Lizsharte-san. Aruji-sama¡¯s aim, is likely©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Lisha yelled, Yoruka corrected her with a bewitching smile.

    Yoruka who possessed natural talents for battle seemed to notice it.

    The absolutely invincible Ragnarok who absorbed every kind of enemy attack and returned it back to the enemy exactly as it was.

    If there was a situation where an attack could work on it, that was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAAAAAAAAAaAAH!¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath, and activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment with his whole soul.

    The timing of an instant where failure wouldn¡¯t be permitted had been ascertained with the first Howling Howl attack.

    The activation of Divine Raiment with high output and wide range.

    Lux¡¯s new technique that was brought about by his bond with Celis, the barrier of Reload on Fire was deployed.

    The barrier covered a side of Metatron that was floating in front of him. It absorbed Lux¡¯s Howling Howl and then shifted to reflect it back, but its movement was decelerated and stopped.

    In other words, attack would work on it was only in this instant that was even less than a second.

    Using Bahamut¡¯s Reload on Fire, the speed of the attack reflection was decelerated. At that timing, the great sword Lux thrust out pierced Metatron.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤GIIIIIIIIiiiIIIIiiiIIIII!¡¹

    While the Ragnarok was raising a shriek that sounded like a scream, Lux operated his back wings propulsion device in full power and charged through inside its body in a straight line.

    Even with the barrier and pilot suit protecting his body, heat that felt scorching to his whole body was enveloping him. Even so he didn¡¯t stop.

    Just by thinking of Philuffy, and then his comrades from the Academy, his last strength welled up.

    (Thank you©¤©¤everyone.)

    And then, there was a sensation of breaking through a membrane with hard resistance. Right after that, Lux pierced through to outside the spherical body.

    There was a definite response of piercing the core.

    Lux turned around and readjusted Bahamut¡¯s posture. Almost at the same time©¤©¤that enormous body exploded and burning fragments danced in the air.

    It was like countless falling stars were illuminating the night sky of despair. They were silently burning to ash.

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤.

    From inside the blown up Ragnarok, a crystal©¤©¤the Grand Force fell out. Lisha caught it.

    Everyone of Syvalles landed down on the ground. Even after they dispelled their armor and gathered, they immersed themselves in the aftertaste of the battle for a while.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s over huh, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thanks to everyone.¡¹

    When Lisha held out the crystal with a relieved smile, Airi and Triad who were hiding to protect themselves rushed toward Lux in a hurry.

    ¡¸Are you okay, Nii-san!?¡¹

    Lux caught Airi who was jumping at him into his embrace, then a smile naturally formed on his lips.

    ¡¸Yes. Thanks to the Triad sharing their energy with me, I can stay awake like this.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s great. Then, let¡¯s treat this as Lux-kun owing us a favor.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, you are saying that in this kind of situation-!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously yelled at Sharis¡¯s mischievous talk.

    He was sighing in relieve that they seemed to have more spare energy than he thought, but next Tillfur also put her arm around his shoulder.

    ¡¸Thaat¡¯s riight. After all even though we also wanted to unveil our new weapon, yet we generously conceded the best spot to Lux-chi!¡¹

    ¡¸No. I judged that we merely mistook the timing to use it. Besides, there is still one issue that we haven¡¯t solve©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you saying Noct, I told you that¡¯s still a secret©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct retorted at Tillfur who was proudly boasting. A lively laugh was spreading to everyone.

    ¡¸You girls are just like always©¤©¤but, with this my failure has been settled.¡¹

    The campus festival around half a month ago.

    Even this incident that began from a connection with Rosa was finally closing its curtain.

    Rosa Granhide who was able to escape from Calensia¡¯s control was being guarded by Coral.

    Lux was reported to the alliance as an assassin sneaking into Heiburg, but surely she would give proof of his innocence.

    ¡¸Even so it¡¯s a bit unfortunate. We too believed that we have grown stronger considerably but©¤©¤, in the end we completely relied on Lux-kun again.¡¹

    Krulcifer coolly brushed up her hair and muttered that jokingly.

    In respond Lux shook his head and told his current feeling honestly.

    ¡¸No, you are wrong Krulcifer-san. This time I¡¯m able to defeat the Ragnarok is thanks to everyone lending me strength, also, Philuffy was¡­¡­¡¹

    She stopped him when he was caught in the evil design of Heiburg¡¯s King of Vices and he almost took the wrong path.

    She gave the answer to Lux¡¯s doubt that was budding from this time and five years ago when the old empire was destroyed.

    Next time even if he confronted Fugil again, he wouldn¡¯t be in doubt anymore.

    He would only fight holding the belief that was taught to him by her who was closer to him more than anyone.

    ¡¸It¡¯s Phi-chan, right?¡¹

    Philuffy was objecting while leaning unsteadily on Lux, her expressionless face seemed to be a bit dissatisfied.

    ¡¸A, at this kind of time it should be fine right!? That¡¯s, the atmosphere feel serious like this©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks flashed red and he objected, but Philuffy was discontent and faced aside with ¡®puih¡¯,

    ¡¸Lu-chan, is cold. Even though, I helped you a lot during the honeymoon.¡¹

    The moment she muttered that casually, everyone around was provoked.

    ¡¸Wha wha wha what did you say-!? Even though I heard it was only an act just for form¡¯s sake, don¡¯t tell me you©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸It seems it¡¯s necessary to hear the detail. To act like that while disregarding me the fianc¨¦e¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a misunderstanding Lisha-sama! Or rather, Krulcifer-san too, that¡¯s wrong right!? How did it become a formal betrothal like that!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux!? Yo, you have joined together with her!? N, no, i, if it was Lux himself who was wishing for that, then it¡¯s not like I can say anything about it but©¤©¤uu¡¹

    Celis who said such thing was hanging her head down with a depressing aura strangely enveloping her.

    When he reflexively looked at Yoruka looking for help, she burst into a smile and stared at Lux.

    ¡¸It was worth it to endure myself from chasing after Aruji-sama to serve as your guard. It will be great if a successor is safely made©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you pouring oil on fire at the very end-!?¡¹

    Everyone who was lid on fire by Yoruka¡¯s saying questioned Lux all at once.

    ¡¸Haa, really. Everyone is troubling person just like usual.¡¹

    Soon the coldness of winter would be intensifying.

    Airi was looking up deeply at the freezing night sky while letting out a white sigh.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, around the same time.

    The royal capital of the new kingdom, Lordgalia. Inside the royal palace there, a strange ship with streamlined shape was mooring.

    That thing that was staying at the courtyard was a prehistorical legacy that was called Sky Palace.

    It was called an airship that could float in the air and swam through the sky, it was recognized by the world alliance as the dwelling of the Lords as well as a vehicle that could travel around.

    Because the Lords needed to be involved with the conquering of the remaining Ruins, they were preparing this in order to fly around to the Ruins in every country.

    Inside it, in the space inside the ship that was made from smooth metal, the silhouettes of four people were standing.

    One of them was the first imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, Listelka.

    In addition, was his imperial knight, Fugil.

    Then the maid Mishis V Xfer.

    And then©¤©¤, even the second imperial princess, Aeril Vi Arcadia was there.

    The tops of the Lords faction who were the ruler of the old era were all there, talking to each other about the present abnormal situation.

    ¡¸My deepest apologies, my princess. Like this, I was unable to predict their movement early. Please punish me as you see fit.¡¹

    Fugil who was wearing an extravagant red cloak first said that to his master and waited her judgment.

    But, in contrast Listelka shook her head slightly and brushed up her beautiful silver hair.

    ¡¸No, the case this time is my blunder. In the Their battle with Metatron should be a few days from now in the plan, and we also dealt with the Dragon Marauder that appeared nearby. Though thanks to that, it become a little troublesome.¡¹

    Saying that, the girl let out a lamenting sigh looking as though she was troubled from the bottom of her heart.

    Originally, the liberation of Ruins was an important groundwork for arriving at Avalon.

    But regardless of the accomplishment of conquering one of the Ruins, the situation was being guided to a different direction from their plan.

    ¡¸Because of him, the trick of the Ruin might be suspected. If it¡¯s not by us, the clan of the Lords, Grand Force cannot be placed at the deepest part of the Ruin. But, how does that Singlen know about that? Even though there should be no more human alive who know about that in this era.¡¹

    Beside Listelka who was tilting her head in confusion, the second imperial princess called Aeril was observing Fugil¡¯s behavior.

    She was trying to ascertain some kind of reaction from him, but it was as though he wasn¡¯t showing suspicious behavior at all.

    (Am I just over thinking it? However¡­¡­, I¡¯m feeling some kind of apprehension in my chest.)

    In front of the conflicted Aeril, her elder sister suddenly turned her face.

    ¡¸It¡¯s also unfortunate that Aeril didn¡¯t make it in time. In the end, you were unable to obtain any clue about Dragon Marauder from the King of Vices correct?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. But, I noticed something strange. Sir Singlen was lurking in a place where he can help defeating that Metatron, but he intentionally let Lux Arcadia took the credit. That means the possibility that he understand our situation is high.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, in any case this is troubling. I want to do this as amicably as possible, but if by any chance he installed more than two Grand Forces, then we will have to make him disappear.¡¹

    The usual gentle atmosphere vanished from Listelka. She was showing an expression of bottomless darkness.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s observe their movement with even more prudence. We don¡¯t want to stand out, but in the next Ragnarok subjugation, we also have to participate and manage the situation.¡¹

    Listelka nodded at the words of the maid called Mishis.

    Beside her, the second imperial princess Aeril was seized by a baffling thought.

    (Why did Singlen hand over the achievement to him¡­¡­? Even though he should have failed in winning over Lux Arcadia, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?)

    An uneasy imagination was born inside her chest.

    The art of manipulating people wasn¡¯t limited to just using a strong authority.

    By giving a helping hand to one¡¯s own enemy, one could guide their movement.

    Something was moving behind the scene.

    She was feeling such uneasiness in her chest while looking down silently.

 Volume 10 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    The destruction of the world by Sacred Eclipse that was prophesied to happen five months later.

    Before that, the series of dangers that were approaching new kingdom finally came to an end.

    The captured Servants had horn flute in their possession and they confessed about their part in attacking Triport.

    Furthermore, with the testimony of Rosa Granhide regarding the King of Vices, the world alliance judged that the case this time came from the internal strife of Heiburg.

    An official that was selected by the alliance entered Heiburg for investigation and the situation calmed down while aiming for normalization.

    In the international conference that gathered the representatives of every country, it was decided that it would be bad if the matter was aggravated under this situation where every country had to cooperate with each other. It seemed that it was decided that Rosa¡¯s action would be monitored and restricted, but she would return to her seat as one of the Seven Dragon Paladins like before.

    In the first place, she was someone who was threatened by Calensia and forced to act evil.

    It seemed that it was the truth that a backroom dealing with Dragon Marauder was really taking place, but Heiburg had already severed ties with them and no proper clue could be obtained.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You have worked hard at this occasion, my lover. Did you have fun in the trip with my favorite pupil? Hm?¡¹

    The woman who possessed both the appearance of a young girl and mature atmosphere.

    Magialca who ordered the infiltration mission this time was whispering to him with her lips crooked obscenely.

    Inside the hidden room underground the Academy¡¯s library.

    Countless bookshelves were lined up like a labyrinth. Inside the room made from stone that was surrounded by fireplaces, work tables, and experiment utensils, she was listening to Lux¡¯s report.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t be present when Babel¡¯s Ragnarok appeared. If that Heiburg lot didn¡¯t lie about the date when they would arrive at the deepest part, I would come as reinforcement but©¤©¤. When you are an owner of a large company, there will be various circumstances.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not really bothered by that though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? No no, don¡¯t be so reserved, let me console your tired body. Now, if it¡¯s now there won¡¯t be anyone looking at this place you know?¡¹

    Magialca who liked man that was child faced with feminine features was sending Lux a bewitching smile while licking her lips.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Phi-chan is waiting for me outside the door though?¡¹

    When Lux tried to evade her invitation with a really conflicted expression,

    ¡¸Oh my, that will make me even more excited though! ¡­¡­Don¡¯t make that face. I was just joking a bit, chih!¡¹

    She was clicking her tongue without even trying to hide it while averting her gaze.

    After Lux was sighing in exasperation, she pulled herself together and straightened her posture.

    After all, prosecuting Heiburg as traitor had lost its meaning.

    Dealing with this matter secretly without letting it get leaked to the Lords would be less problematic.

    ¡¸Even so, I heard that you had placed Grand Force inside Babel but, did anything strange occur?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, from what I could see, there was nothing particularly strange©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Her messing around attitude until now changed completely. Magialca was staring at Lux seriously.

    But, at this time Lux was lying.

    After everything was over, what Lux saw with Grand Force in hand was©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    Lux was heading toward the highest floor of Babel where the outer wall was destroyed because he saw someone¡¯s silhouette.

    The man that was called in the bottomless atmosphere of a powerful warrior that equaled with his eldest brother Fugil.

    The representative of Blackend Kingdom, the vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit.

    His dark and deep black eyes that was like a swamp without bottom, and his haughty bearing, they were worthy for the alias of Blue Tyrant.

    But, in the series of incident that surrounded Babel this time, he shouldn¡¯t be involved at all.

    ¡¸What is your intention? Why are you here?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, how unfriendly my compatriot. I¡¯m the vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins where you are also a member. Even though I have hastened here when the new kingdom is in danger.¡¹

    ¡¸Enough with the pretension! I¡¯m asking what is your true objective!?¡¹

    What Singlen was wearing, was a Divine Drag-Ride with a form that would remind anyone of an enormous sea dragon©¤©¤Leviathan.

    But, right now Lux was also on guard while wearing Bahamut.

    He had no spare strength to fight properly, but he must not get pressured even then.

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Singlen grinned scornfully at the defiant Lux and pierced Lux with a provocative gaze.

    Lux had an idea of what that could mean.

    Rosa was ordered by the King of Vices to destroy the partitioning wall of the room a floor below©¤©¤the place where Metatron was staying. She was commanded to liberate the Ragnarok.

    Even though Rosa was stopped from doing that, for some reason Ragnarok was still liberated.

    ¡¸Was that, your work? You used Heiburg¡¯s scheme, to make the new kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oo, scary scary. Don¡¯t give me such unjust suspicion, hero-sama. It¡¯s only that I have my own objectives, several of them.¡¹

    His throat quivered slightly, and the face under the hood made a crooked grin.

    ¡¸Even so, I underrated you. Originally, I wanted to save you all from your predicament and make you owe me, but of all thing, the Ragnarok was defeated with just you all. Although, you all must be unable to move properly for a while after that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    He was seen through.

    The accumulation of fatigue inside Lisha and others who were exposed to constant battle against Abysses for these two weeks, wouldn¡¯t recover that easily.

    Starting from Philuffy¡¯s Typhon, the Divine Drag-Rides of everyone were terribly damaged until now.

    ¡¸Oops, don¡¯t glare at me with that kind of eyes. I gave you some help you know? Whether it was making the conquering of this Babel faster than planned, and also guiding you to here©¤©¤¡¹

    Single who said that suddenly turned his back on him and started walking deep into the room.

    Although it was the summit of the Babel, the space was quiet wide, so from his position he couldn¡¯t see everything.

    Inside where the light of the Ruin was illuminating the place, there was something unexpected lying on the floor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? This is!¡¹

    That was the remains of a girl with its four limbs and neck severed into pieces.

    Lux immediately glared at Singlen, but the person in question jerked his chin to point at it as though it wasn¡¯t anything special.

    ¡¸What a cowardly man when you are just simply facing a corpse. Look carefully, that thing isn¡¯t human.¡¹

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤the Automata of Babel!?¡¹

    The Gear Leader that was managing the Ruin.

    The automatic machine that swore obedience to the command of the blood relative that was Xfer and to the Lord.

    As though to be proof of that, a something like the sensation of ant was growing in that head that had stopped working completely.

    (But why!? Why is she destroyed until this far?)

    In contrast with Lux that was standing still half dumbfounded, Singlen was continuing to walk.

    ¡¸Your face is saying that you don¡¯t understand anything huh? Let me give you a warning from my kind heart. Next time if you happen to see this thing, destroy all of them. These guys will resurrect after some time passed, but like this they cannot be aware of us for a while¡­¡­these guys are insurance for the Lords. If we don¡¯t beat them to punch and destroy them, sooner or later something that cannot be undone would happen.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying? What are you doing, Sir Singlen!?¡¹

    The perplexed Lux yelled, but Singlen didn¡¯t answer that question and simply returned a fearless smile.

    ¡¸More importantly, quickly put the Grand Force. With that the conquer of this Babel will be completed. After all one of the switches to pass to Babel will be inserted with that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux was hesitating from his vigilance, Single dispelled his armor.

    It was a display of intention that he wouldn¡¯t do anything like stabbing him in the back. With that, Lux inserted the crystal into a hollow at the deepest part of the room.

    ¡¸Aah, that¡¯s right©¤©¤give the command ¡ºlock¡» while holding out the crystal in your hand. With that, this Babel will become unable to receive other interference. This city will also stop getting exposed to the danger of Abyss anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    For an instant Lux got suspicious whether he was getting deceived, but after worrying about it, he tried thinking ¡ºlock¡» in his mind.

    ¡­¡­*Goun!* Along with such vibration, the Babel was shining faintly and the presence of Abysses was pulling back.

    With this, following after the Arc and Gigas, the capture of the third Ruin was completed.

    There were four remaining, including the Moon which whereabouts was unknown. They had to defeat four more Ragnarok.

    ¡¸Now then, perhaps you have noticed it vaguely but©¤©¤, there is only three Ragnarok remaing.¡¹

    Singlen casually declared that to Lux who was breathing out in relieve after finishing the task.

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Aah, there is no need to play dumb. There are only the two of us here. But, if this fact leak out from somewhere, the new kingdom will be pushed into a predicament.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Farewell chore prince. One day I¡¯ll have you cooperate with a certain matter. Don¡¯t worry, you will have no choice to listen to me whether you like it or not then, as long as you are aiming to become something like hero for this country that is.¡¹

    Singlen sent him a grin with eyes of bottomless darkness and pulled out a different Sword Device. He equipped a Wyvern and left.

    The Grand Force that Saniya was searching in the Academy at the past.

    Now that it was mentioned, Lux wondered how the new kingdom obtained it.

    If Singlen knew about it©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Are you listening, Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh. Ah, yes!¡¹

    Lux who was immersed in his thought returned to his senses from Magialca¡¯s voice.

    ¡¸In any case, you have worked hard this time. Here, the thing I promised.¡¹

    When he noticed, in front of him Magialca was holding out something that was wrapped with a red cloth to him.

    While he was staying in Heiburg, he was asked about the reward he wanted through the Triad.

    He was told that he would be given anything he liked from among the merchandises that Magialca handled. And this was what Lux wished for.

    ¡¸Just as you asked, the design is the same like the thing from Academy. I had it made with the highest quality. ¡­¡­But, you too are actually a man without greed. Are you satisfied with something like this?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you very much.¡¹

    Lux confirmed the item that he received and he smiled in satisfaction.

    The content was the replacement of sword belt that was broken at the same time when the lock on his Sword Device was destroyed at the battle against Rosa.

    Lux wrapped that thing that was made from brand new and smooth leather around his waist, while he wrapped the remaining sword belt inside the cloth.

    ¡¸Fuh. You are still motivated to fight huh. The world is in this state, but your body won¡¯t hold if you don¡¯t rest for a bit. And so, how about it? If you like you can rest for a while in my villa with just the two of us©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca displayed a bewitching smile and traced her fingertip slowly on Lux¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you doing!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face turned bright red and he jumped back. Right at that moment, the door behind him opened and Philuffy showed her face.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, is troubled. I¡¯ll stop master.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Phi-chan!?¡¹

    Philuffy who had recovered somewhat was taking stance quietly in front of the door.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hohou, you are raising your fist against your teacher? I¡¯m not going to be merciful even while you are weak right now.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, we¡¯ll run. Bye bye, master.¡¹

    The moment Magialca responded fearlessly, Philuffy carried Lux beside her like a bag and quickly ran outside.

    ¡¸Well, this time I¡¯ll concede it to my cute student.¡¹

    Magialca was grinning fearlessly while seeing off Lux and Philuffy.

    Lux and Philuffy escaped from the underground room while feeling the gaze of the dissatisfied woman on their back.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Wai-, let me down Phi-chan! It¡¯s fine already!¡¹

    When they returned until the courtyard, Lux asked that in panic.

    After Philuffy let him down, Philuffy looked at the sky under the gentle sunlight.

    Because it was early in the morning at a rest day, the presence of people in the Academy was still few.

    Lux was breathing in the tranquil and clear air while facing Philuffy once more.

    ¡¸Thank you for this time. ©¤©¤And also, many thanks. Thanks to Phi-chan coming together with me, I was saved.¡¹

    Since five years ago, after the revolution in the old empire failed, Lux was harboring pain in his chest.

    When Heiburg¡¯s King of Vices carried out her scheme, he was saved thanks to Philuffy.

    And then, she protected Lux by even going as far as using power that surpassed her limit.

    At first he was also worried about what would happen in that honeymoon trip, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸It was really fun. Somehow, it was like we were returning again to that time when we played together.¡¹

    It might be an imprudent thought, but that was his honest feeling.

    There was also tough times, but through the trip with this girl who was his most trusted friend, Lux¡¯s thought was renewed.

    He admired Philuffy¡¯s act. Him choosing the path of ¡ºtrying to save someone¡» wasn¡¯t something false.

    But at the same time, he was strongly wishing to spend peaceful days like this once more.

    ¡¸I also, had fun.¡¹

    Within her usual expressionless face, there was a faint emotion of happiness oozing out. Philuffy smiled.

    Her words themselves were few, but the happy tone that this absentminded girl showed caused Lux¡¯s chest to pound hard.

    Lux ascertained the loneliness that this time was over and he faced her.

    ¡¸After resting for a bit, it feels like the business of Seven Dragon Paladins will get busy again, so I don¡¯t know if I will be able to stay in the Academy that often but©¤©¤¡¹

    Although she was a member of Syvalles, in the end she was nothing more than a student of the Academy.

    Perhaps there wouldn¡¯t be that many chance for her to accompany him in the dangerous mission that was related to Ruins from here on.

    For Lux he would be able to have a peace of mind like that, but at the same time he also felt loneliness.

    ¡¸When this battle is over, I will be able to be together with Phi-chan again. That¡¯s why, until then©¤©¤¡¹

    That was why, he prayed that he would be able to spend a peaceful time with her once more. He was going to tell her that.

    But, Philuffy looked still at Lux¡¯s face with sleepy eyes, then she shook her head.

    ¡¸I, asked Onee-chan to let me take absent for a bit from her work.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸The plan is for me to go back to the work of secretary trainee again when the trip with Lu-chan this time is over, but©¤©¤, I told Onee-chan, that I¡¯ll be Lu-chan¡¯s bodyguard for a while.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s future after graduation.

    The talk was that she would accumulate training to be secretary as well as bodyguard for Relie who had the responsibility as headmaster and as the leader of a conglomerate, but.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m worried about Lu-chan. That¡¯s why, I want to be at your side protecting you, through the battle from here on too.¡¹

    She sent such straightforward eyes toward Lux and took his hand.

    In a glance, this childhood friend looked like she had no initiative from herself, but actually she was thinking of various things for him.

    And then she also possessed a strong will that once she decided something, she wouldn¡¯t yield and persist in it.

    ¡¸Promise me. Even if the fight start again, stay together with me. Because, I want to be at Lu-chan¡¯s side forever from here on too.¡¹

    That was why, Lux couldn¡¯t win.

    There was no way he could refuse the proposal from this childhood friend who was kind and strong to the utmost.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You see. Happy©¤©¤birthday.¡¹

    Lux was looking slightly embarrassed while holding out the thing he was hiding.

    Philuffy who saw that opened her eyes wide in surprise and blinked for a while.

    ¡¸This is, sword belt?¡¹

    He pretty much considered her personality and put a small embroidery of flower on it, but it was without a doubt a sword belt to sheath Sword Device.

    It was for sheathing Typhon because its sword belt was also similarly destroyed like Lux¡¯s©¤©¤.

    There were also many things that he wanted to give as present to her.

    Whether it was the sweets that she loved.

    Or perhaps expensive accessory.

    However this present was from his current feeling.

    ¡¸You see, actually, I opposed the trip this time. I said that I don¡¯t want Phi-chan to get involved with a dangerous fight. That I only want you to be safe. But©¤©¤¡¹

    He realized that it was mistaken.

    He was conceited that if it was him right now who had become strong, then he would be able to shoulder anything by himself alone.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t be able to accomplish my wish with only my strength alone. Perhaps someday I¡¯m going to make a mistake again. That¡¯s why, because of that¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hesitated slightly and squeezed out his true feeling.

    ¡¸I want you to fight together with me. I want to borrow Phi-chan¡¯s strength again from here on.¡¹

    This new sword belt for Philuffy was filled with such wish.

    The childhood friend stiffened just for a bit hearing Lux¡¯s request to her that he wanted her to fight at his side.

    After that, a warm sensation suddenly wrapped Lux¡¯s body.

    Philuffy¡¯s both arms firmly and strongly embraced Lux.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Wha, what are you doing Phi-chan!? The present isn¡¯t me©¤©¤, it¡¯s this sword belt I¡¯m telling you!?¡¹

    The soft sensation of her whole body and the beating of her heart caused Lux to spontaneously feel shaken and his body jerked.

    But, Philuffy¡¯s atmosphere was telling him that she wouldn¡¯t let go no matter what. Her lips slackened just slightly.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­I know. But, I¡¯m happy.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸Because, Lu-chan listen to my wish, so I¡¯m happy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    She wanted to protect Lux.

    She wanted to fight at Lux¡¯s side, in order to support him.

    The feeling of this girl who was giving him a push on his back so that he could fight just as he wished, made his chest felt hot.

    No matter what would happen in this remaining five months, he would be able without hesitation©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I promise. Because I¡¯m still borrowing Phi-chan¡¯s strength.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded and held out her pinky in front of him. Lux also held out his pinky while hiding his embarrassed feeling.

    The exchange that was unchanged at all since their childhood.

    However, even though it was the same something was different.

    Lux smiled to her while immersing himself in this feeling where they thought of each other and wished to be together.

    ¡¸Thank you, Phi-chan.¡¹

    The two were basking in a warm atmosphere at the courtyard where the sun was shining.

    While the days until the world destruction came were shortening, Lux obtained something definite within his hand.

    ¨C

    While Lux and Philuffy were exchanging promise at the courtyard, a girl in black clothes was walking silently on a stone paving.

    ¡¸There is no problem with the testing of that function.¡¹

    The fourth Drag-Ride hangar inside the Academy ground.

    She sneaked in at the time when even the Academy¡¯s mechanics hadn¡¯t come and stared at her own Drag-Ride Yato no Kami.

    In addition of the three hidden techniques of Drag-Ride control that Lux developed, she also possessed a special move called Instant Strike, but©¤©¤, she felt that it was still not enough with just that and she practiced a new strength against the Servants.

    The result was superb. Finally she found a prospect of victory.

    ¡¸As I thought, that man shouldn¡¯t be left alive, for Aruji-sama¡¯s sake too.¡¹

    Yoruka wondered to herself like that with a natural tone as though she was talking about weather.

    Yoruka overheard the conversation that was exchanged between Lux and Singlen at the top floor of Babel and she was convinced.

    She didn¡¯t understand about Singlen¡¯s motive itself.

    But, she felt that he was scheming to make use of Lux in some kind of shape before discarding him.

    Yoruka who was able to feel a person¡¯s presence to an oversensitive degree was convinced of that from coming into contact with Singlen several times.

    It was just like that time, when her little brother was betrayed and killed by his chief vassals.

    ¡¸Thinking back, in this academy¡­¡­I did nothing but things that doesn¡¯t suit me.¡¹

    As the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade, she was missing human emotion by birth, in exchange she only possessed talent for battle.

    Lux set his eyes toward such her and treated her like a human, just like her little brother in the past.

    Airi and Noct also became her friend, and even Lisha would call out to her one way or another.

    However©¤©¤exactly because of that.

    The more she lived in this Academy, the more she understood that she was an existence that shouldn¡¯t be here.

    She understood that she was an unnecessary existence here.

    The trust and feeling toward human that in the past her little brother directed toward her in the nation of Koto.

    Since the beginning she was made to recognize whether she wanted it or not, that she had nothing to give in return of those girls feeling.

    ¡¸As I thought, for me, this side suit my nature more.¡¹

    When the repair of Yato no Kami¡¯s damage was finished this time, that would be most likely her last turn.

    That man called Singlen wasn¡¯t a normal human.

    It would be next to impossible to assassinate him even with Yoruka using all her strength, so she didn¡¯t make any move toward him, but if it was now it was possible.

    If she didn¡¯t put her own life into the equation, then there was a thirty percent success rate for her to bring that man down.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a good enough percentage. If the greatest obstacle for Aruji-sama can be defeated with just that©¤©¤¡¹

    The next time that man tried to trap Lux and showed an opening, she would move to assassinate Singlen.

    Keeping that determination in her heart, she left from that place like a shadow without raising any sound.

 Volume 11 - Prologue

    ¨C

    At her childhood, Yoruka happened to overhear that the content of dream was something that one didn¡¯t remember.

    Even so, she believed that she was the type who remembered her dream.

    She also knew that she didn¡¯t see the dream of her deceased little brother at all.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nice to meet you. How do you feel waking up, oh captured princess?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Blink*, Yoruka was awakened with those words.

    A few months ago©¤©¤at the underground of a ruined building in a solitary island without any name near Ries Island, there was such strange space there.

    It was a cubicle that was called a Podcocoon.

    The container where she was put in that looked like a large coffin made from metal.

    A thick forest could be seen from the room¡¯s window. Yoruka recalled that she was being confined in this uninhabited place that was like a penal colony.

    She surrendered to Arcadia Empire and exchanged master and servant contract with the old empire.

    And then, the strange three-dimensional image that was projected before her.

    A girl clad in dangerous atmosphere, possessing asymmetrically colored eyes and silver hair.

    ¡¸My name is Hayes. Your savior who awakened you from those guys.¡¹

    The girl said that she had connection with Arcadia Empire that had already been destroyed, but she wasn¡¯t directly involved with them.

    After the girl revealed her identity like that, she explained to her simply the way to use the facility.

    This island was under the management of a noble called Dobar, and in a few days he would show his face to give order to Yoruka.

    After that, one of Yoruka¡¯s eyes was strengthened with a surgical procedure that was accompanied with agony called Baptism, and she continued training in that facility.

    After she slept here due to the old empire¡¯s hand, she understood that several years had passed while her memory and body were preserved as they were.

    And then©¤©¤about how the bloodline of Arcadia Empire that she should serve still hadn¡¯t gone extinct.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave for a while after this. ©¤©¤But, before that there is one thing I want to ask.¡¹

    The girl in the three dimensional image who introduced herself as Hayes asked her with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸Why didn¡¯t you let go of that thing even while sleeping? Did you want to kill someone? Or perhaps you were scared of being defenseless?¡¹

    She was sleeping naked, but it was only the Sword Device of Yato no Kami that she didn¡¯t let go from her hand even while sleeping.

    She couldn¡¯t think of any particular reason about why she did that.

    But, she understood instinctually.

    She was branded with the mark as failure as the princess of the nation of Koto and as a human, but it was only her talent in battle that was recognized and granted her strength.

    This was the only thing she could lean on, what herself who didn¡¯t possess anything could feel attachment to.

    ¡¸It¡¯s neither.¡¹

    That was why, Yoruka told her true feeling toward that girl in the three dimensional image.

    Most likely, this was her only love that no one would be able to understand.

    That this was the only thing that she could feel pleased about when she held no interest toward human and unable to feel concern for them.

    Till the end she didn¡¯t understand why her little brother tried to save her who was abandoned as something inhuman.

    Was it pity due to the blood they shared as siblings?

    Or perhaps, was it because of her value as combat force?

    Either was fine.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, this is something necessary for me, so I can be me.¡¹

    Yoruka smiled without hesitation. The girl in three dimensional image grinned widely and erased the image.

    After that Yoruka trained alone waiting for her turn until the man called Dobar appeared in the island.

    And then, when she displayed her strength to Dobar who finally arrived, he secretly formed a plan and brought her to Ries Island without informing Hayes.

    After that she encountered Airi in the Ark and reached this point of time.

    When her little brother who approached her with human heart and hope died, Yoruka¡¯s emotion was completely unmoved.

    Even when she knew that the old empire was destroyed, it didn¡¯t change.

    Lux was treating her as human, and he was also acting considerate to her with her Academy life.

    But, while she was happy of her master¡¯s feeling, she also felt how she didn¡¯t have anything to repay him.

    She who wasn¡¯t a human had nothing of equivalent value that she could give as repayment for their feeling.

    ¡¸This time for sure, I will accomplish my duty as tool without fail.¡¹

    ©¤©¤And then, the time was right now.

    Within the Academy¡¯s ground, at the practice ground in midnight.

    Yoruka who was wearing Yato no Kami talked to herself while looking up at the moon.

    Unprecedented danger and fate were still approaching Lux.

    She who was unable to save her little brother and the old empire from ruin would finally be able to accomplish her long-cherished desire.

    She would kill the enemy as Lux¡¯s sword. If her body broke protecting him, then her mission would end.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I won¡¯t commit a failure for the second time, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    A gentle smile was surfacing on the lips of the girl who was hiding such resolve in her heart.

 Volume 11 - CH 1

    ¨C

    ¡¸And because of that, although this is a special exception for only this time, he will be the second male transfer student. It will be for two weeks from here on. Everyone, get along with him.¡¹

    Instructor Raigree¡¯s solemn voice resounded calmly.

    *Murmur murmur*, a bewildered and surprised stir that had never happened before was filling the classroom in the morning.

    The infiltration and investigation in Heiburg that was covered up as honeymoon with Philuffy.

    Furthermore the conquering of the first Ruin Babel in the port city Triport located at the western territory of the new kingdom. After those events had the curtain closed, Lux returned to his life in Academy after so long.

    Also due to the damage from the battle in Heiburg where he used Over Limit, he was told by the doctor to take a rest without wearing Drag-Ride for a while.

    His girl classmates were getting excited due to the surprising happening that would make anyone opened their eyes wide in shock.

    ¡¸Eerr, because of that I will be in the care of everyone for a while. I am Coral Esther, the aide of Vanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins. Best regard.¡¹

    A young man with beautiful features possessing characteristic light green hair that was braided and androgynous look.

    When he smiled, shouts of joy ¡®KYAAAAH!* thundered inside the classroom.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Heey, his atmosphere is different from Lux-kun, but he is also nice isn¡¯t he?¡¹

    ¡¸He was the person from Vanheim Principality who became butler in the campus festival right? He is a very dreamy person.¡¹

    ¡¸Should I aim at him I wonder? The competition for our prince is already intensified too much, I cannot make any move anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m firmly in Lux-kun faction though. Besides, he will be here for only two weeks. He also won¡¯t be able to stay for that event©¤©¤¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤You all are noisy. It¡¯s fine even if you all don¡¯t treat him specially while we are in the Academy, but don¡¯t be lacking in manner.¡¹

    Raigree immediately chided everyone and calmed down the situation, but the atmosphere of the classroom was still excited.

    It was an event where a boy from an allied country transferred in temporarily to experience enrolling in the academy.

    And then, if that young man was also someone with beautiful features that were neck to neck with Lux, then it couldn¡¯t be helped that everyone got excited like this.

    Lux was also surprised by this situation. He was staring at it while smiling wryly.

    For Lux who was the only boy in the Academy until now, he also felt somewhat complicated, but as expected the members of Syvalles inside the class were calm.

    Lisha was folding her arm looking as though it was only a trivial happening, and Krulcifer was also smiling with composure. Philuffy was falling in a doze sleepily, while Tillfur looked like she was having fun.

    ¡¸Then, I want to assign a new seat, but if you have hope for where©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes.¡¹

    Prompted by the instructor, Coral looked over the classroom.

    Then, his gaze met Lux¡¯s right away.

    Because recently Coral was helping with the defense of new kingdom and the like, he should have been acquainted quite much with the members of Syvalles too, but as expected it seemed he was inclined to Lux who was of the same gender.

    ¡¸Hmm. You will be enrolled here for around two weeks only anyway. Perhaps it will be easier like that. Lux Arcadia, will you look after him?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, if he is alright with me then with pleasure.¡¹

    Of course Lux also had no reason to refuse.

    After he readily accepted, Coral sat on the seat prepared beside Lux and he gave Lux a natural smile.

    ¡¸Thank you. I¡¯m happy that I can be in the same class with Lux-kun.¡¹

    In the end it should be a normal greeting between fellow male, but when Coral with his face that looked like girl was saying that to him, for some reason his heart skipped a beat.

    The girl classmates who saw that was incomprehensibly getting heated up for some reason.

    ¡¸Ooohh? Geez Lux-chi, don¡¯t tell me you are okay with a boy too?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, what are you saying Tillfur!?¡¹

    When Lux was flustered by Tillfur¡¯s teasing, Raigree sighed while starting the lesson.

    ¡¸Ahaha. I don¡¯t really understand but, please go easy on me.¡¹

    Even while smiling wryly, Coral matched the mood of Lux and others.

    Krulcifer was staring at such sight with her usual composed gaze, while Lisha was staring with a slightly dissatisfied expression.

    Lux returned back a smile at Coral, then he straightened his back and nodded.

    The students of the Academy thought that the student transfer this time was a mere cultural exchange event.

    But the members of Syvalles knew that there were deep meaning and situation behind it.

    ¨C

    The other day, a world summit was held once more.

    A war council was opened in the royal capital of the new kingdom under the form of the leaders and Seven Dragon Paladins from all the countries being separated from each other and talked among their respective group.

    Lux participated in spite of his exhaustion and injury. Three people from the Lords joined and had a dialogue with the representatives.

    ¡¸The capture of Babel this time, it¡¯s truly a great step. With this we have taken one more step forward on the path toward Avalon.¡¹

    The Ragnarok of Babel©¤©¤Metatron was destroyed in Triport, and the Grand Force was successfully put in the deepest part of the Ruin.

    And then at the next week, the full force of the other Seven Dragon Paladins were focused in the conquering, and under the presence of the Lords, they splendidly completed the capture of the Dungeon, the Ruin within the territory of Vanheim Principality. Such report had been sent.

    The participants in that event were Blackend Kingdom that was led by Singlen, Vanheim Principality that was led by Greifer, and Turkimes Confederation that was led by Soffice, those three countries.

    Because that achievement was done by the cooperation of the three countries, the accomplishment was shared between the three of them.

    It seemed at that side they were also forced into a very hard fight against the Ragnarok as their opponent and they received considerable damage, but they took care of it safely.

    With this©¤©¤, four of the seven Ruins had been conquered and there were only three remaining.

    The Garden, the Hall, and then the Moon which whereabouts was still unknown.

    In regard to the world destruction that would be brought forth by the Sacred Eclipse in three more months, it could be thought that the matter although it couldn¡¯t be called as ideal, but it was still progressing favorably©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Unfortunately, I believe everyone won¡¯t be able to act in this one month ahead. Therefore, in reality we almost have no extension of time to reach until Avalon.¡¹

    The Lord©¤©¤.

    The survivor of the imperial family of the ancient era, the first imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, Listelka Rei Ashalia.

    Her silver hair and grey eyes, and then her body that was clad with pure white dress made her looked like an ephemeral girl. When she spoke those words with a tense expression, a faint agitation was running around the fourteen Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just what I want if you are giving us a break, but in the end will we make it in time like that? There ain¡¯t any guarantee that we will conquer the remaining Ruins smoothly yeah?¡¹

    The one who said that was a young man who had characteristic bristled blond hair and gave the impression of being peeved.

    Greifer of Vanheim Principality unusually spoke out his opinion.

    Lux was basically feeling the same doubt, but Krulcifer who was attending as the aide from Ymir Theocracy was quietly speaking the heart of the matter.

    ¡¸Even if we want to open the Ruin and summon the Ragnarok, we don¡¯t have enough ¡ºkey¡» correct?¡¹

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤.

    With that sentence several people in that place suddenly realized it. LIstelka spoke the reason once more.

    ¡¸To say it simply, that¡¯s right. After an XferKey¡¯s Supervisor unlocked an important facility, they will lose their interference ability toward the Ruins for a while. They will recover after about a month, that¡¯s why everyone will be forced to standby for a month from here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The other day Krulcifer used her authority as Xfer in Babel, while the maid Mishis from the side of the Lord did the same in Dungeon.

    Thus, at present it was impossible to open the door that connected to the deepest part of Ruin.

    They were forced to a standstill even in the situation where they had no extension of time remaining.

    ¡¸Is it impossible to destroy the door or wall and forcefully open the closed path?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s aide, Celis asked her question frankly.

    She pointed out that even if the important facility of Ruin was locked with a solid wall, if they used the ability of Drag-Ride¡¯s Divine Raiment in full power, there was a possibility they could breakthrough.

    But, Listelka shook her head quietly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not possible. ¡­¡­Or rather, I wish to tell this to everyone once again, I want the destruction of facility that cannot be entered and device that cannot be used without Xfer¡¯s authority to stop.¡¹

    The reason was because in the first place the wall or door was created from alloy that was hard to destroy even with the power of Drag-Ride.

    When the Ruin recognized that it was being exposed against strong attack, for a few months the pedestal at the deepest part of the Ruin would become unable to accept Grand Force.

    Naturally if that happened the path to Avalon would also be closed.

    Thus, in this chance a strict order was given that conquering Ruin by destroying place where Xfer¡¯s authority was required would be considered as something prohibited that could even be called as treason.

    ¡¸Theen, are you telling us to fold our hand and just watch for a month from now? It¡¯s fine for me because I can take it easy thouugh.¡¹

    When the talk was almost concluded like that, the Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic, Rosa Granhide interrupted.

    She was injured in the middle of conquering Ruin. Her broken arm was suspended with cloth and she was walking using cane, even so she didn¡¯t show any sign of frailty at the slightest and wrapped herself with overwhelmingly overbearing atmosphere.

    By the way©¤©¤Rosa wasn¡¯t reported as traitor.

    After the case in Babel, Lux consulted the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca, and it was decided that the matter of Rosa¡¯s betrayal wouldn¡¯t be prosecuted and she would be made to continue as Seven Dragon Paladins.

    It was because Rosa Granhide was only used as scapegoat by the true King of Vices©¤©¤Calensia who threatened and brainwashed Rosa, making her misdeed and infamy as cover for herself.

    ¡ºOf course, I will have to talk about it to the leaders of each country though. Honestly, it will be regrettable to lose one of the Seven Dragon Paladins here, it will be troublesome too if those Lord fellows take revenge and cause chaos. I¡¯ll deal with this secretly. You can leave the rest to me.¡» Magialca said that to Lux and he abided by her words.

    Magialca¡¯s aide was dispatched to Heiburg, and the situation there was moving to the direction of the dissolution of the military regime without the King of Vices.

    Honestly, it also felt like an intervention of other country¡¯s domestic affair, but in this situation where the world destruction was imminent in three more months, he had no motivation to object.

    Of course, it would be a different story if Lux opposed that, but he forgave Rosa.

    It was a secret matter in the end, so Rosa kept her acting of behaving arrogantly the same like before.

    ¡¸Of course, we have no leeway of wasting time like this. During this one month where we will be unable to conquer Ruins, I wish for everyone to rest and preserve your battle strength, and also to complete the remaining three tasks.¡¹

    The three tasks.

    At present, the existence of traitor like the third task hinted was uncertain, so there was no prospect about it.

    If he was forced to say, then the King of Vices of Heiburg might be applicable for it, but that matter including Rosa¡¯s case was taken care of secretly, so by appearance it was the same as being unable to find the traitor.

    ¡¸During the one month ahead, please stop conquering the Ruins. In exchange, I promise that the country that accomplished these three tasks will receive reward like Drag-Ride and the like, and also the blessing of Avalon.¡¹

    When Listelka showed the bait once more, several of the Seven Dragon Paladins held their breath.

    The promised land that would be opened after the seven Ruins were liberated, Avalon.

    The promise of offering resource, treasure, and furthermore technology from the ancient era.

    Among those that were useful in conquering the Ruins and accomplished the tasks, the one with most accomplishment would be rewarded with those, and recently the evaluation was taking shape with point rationing system.

    At the present situation, new kingdom and Heiburg Republic that cooperated in the surface to conquer Babel were awarded with ten points for conquering a Ruin. Those points were split between the two countries with 3:2 ratio.

    Vanheim Principality, Blackend Kingdom, and Turkimes Confederation that were similarly cooperating to conquer the Dungeon were also given with evaluation point.

    New kingdom ¨C 6 point, Heiburg Republic ¨C 4 point, Vanheim Republic ¨C four point, Blackend Kingdom ¨C 3 point, Turkimes Confederation ¨C 3 point.

    That was the end result from the Lord¡¯s evaluation.

    ¡¸By the way, bringing down one of the Dragon Marauder¡¯s three division commanders will be rewarded with five points. And I will present ten points as reward for the country that discovered the Moon or the traitor.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Listelka who talked with a gentle smile, the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides fell silent.

    This talk was also told to the leaders of each country, so it could be imagined that they would most likely give the instruction to pursue for the blessing of Avalon later.

    Originally, they would want to avoid the structure of each country competing for point, but thinking about the future after the world was protected from ruin, as expected as the leaders they wouldn¡¯t be able to shut their eyes in regard to this.

    The conquering of Ruins this time was carried out peacefully in the shape of two or more countries cooperating with each other, but it was unknown what would happen from here.

    There might be dispute between countries because they were impatient for achievement, and if it went poorly there was even possibility that some country would get framed as traitor.

    Thus, one month from here would be a preparation period.

    Everyone accepted it as a postponement in order to settle everything in the remaining two months, but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸And then©¤©¤there is one more suggestion from me, what do you all think about doing aide exchange in this chance?¡¹

    The sentence that Listelka announced in the end caused a small stir to result inside the room.

    At the conclusion, that odd proposal was approved in the meeting, and a few days later the countries executed it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hmm. So Coral-kun will be here for a while?¡¹

    ¡¸Hey hey, what kind of work an aide have to do?¡¹

    ¡¸If there is anything troubling you, don¡¯t be reserved and just ask!¡¹

    At lunch break after the morning class was over.

    As expected, Coral was surrounded by female students and he was barraged by questions.

    ¡¸Good grief, even though a danger is approaching the world, our girls are still like usual.¡¹

    Lisha was watching that from afar while gathering Lux, krulcifer, Philuffy, and Tillfur and began to talk with them casually.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. There is no way for them as well as the people to know what is currently happening after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yep yep. Or rather, Lisha-sama is also too relaxed y¡¯know? This matter is quite the top secret right?¡¹

    Krulcifer and Tillfur retorted with their usual atmosphere toward Lisha who was folding her arms in dissatisfaction.

    Perhaps Philuffy was still feeling exhausted from the previous deathly battle, she was only blinking her eyes sleepily.

    In order to avoid chaos and riot, the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse was only told to a part of the upper echelon, including the members of Syvalles.

    And so, this current spectacle should pose no problem, but Coral¡¯s existence was concerning.

    ¡¸The standby period for a month. In order to confirm each other¡¯s combat potential and strengthening cooperating using this chance, the aides of Seven Dragon Paladins will be exchanged every two week for inspection©¤©¤. That was the excuse of that so called imperial princess huh.¡¹

    Correct.

    Coral was coming to the Academy as transfer student wasn¡¯t a coincidence.

    Due to the ¡ºintermingling and inspection¡» suggestion by imperial princess Listelka, Coral came here as an envoy from Vanheim Principality. Tomorrow, Celis and Krulcifer were also scheduled to depart from the new kingdom at the early morning.

    ¡¸Well, that man looks harmless, so there is no need to be that wary though.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Such negligence is forbidden. Lux-kun, if it¡¯s you, you already understand the true meaning of that proposal correct?¡¹

    Krulcifer immediately denied Lisha¡¯s muttering and she whispered that.

    Lux nodded slightly and replied back.

    ¡¸I understand. I believe so©¤©¤but¡¹

    The true objective of exchanging aide between countries.

    Rather than for strengthening cooperation between fellow countries, it could be imagined that the aim was for the countries to ¡ºmonitor¡» each other.

    If the aide of other country was accompanying the Seven Dragon Paladins of a country, then that aide would inevitably become able to observe the tendency of that country.

    In short, the imperial princess Listelka herself was cautious of some country stealing a march to stand on top.

    Furthermore, in case a country was found out to be hiding something related to Ruin, it was possible they would be designated as traitor using that as proof.

    The aim of the Lord was till the end to use this chance to crush those uncertain factors.

    In the end the Listelka¡¯s proposal couldn¡¯t be rejected and the leaders made the decision to carry it out in their meeting.

    ¡¸Well, but it¡¯s fine right? We have nothing to hide anyway©¤©¤¡­¡­ah¡¹

    Tillfur was about to speak casually, but she saw Philuffy and her mouth closed reflexively.

    The situation of Philuffy who had the seed of Ragnarok residing in her body was something that they didn¡¯t want other country to know.

    ¡¸In any case, it will be better to be careful in this one month. You are kind to anyone, but being careless is forbidden. I and Celis-senpai will also be sent to other country after this.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Right. Be careful there, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Lux-kun. Can you show me a bit where is the restroom? That¡¯s, I don¡¯t know where is the one for boy©¤©¤¡¹

    At that timing, Coral raised his hand from his seat at the distance.

    Lux who saw that immediately walked toward Coral.

    ¡¸Right. If you are alright with me, I will also show you around the campus later©¤©¤?¡¹

    Coral let out a relieved sigh at Lux¡¯s suggestion and he smiled while grasping Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸Thank you, that will be really helpful¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected, Coral must be tired from getting surrounded by female students during the break.

    Lux who guessed that arranged so they could be alone. Coral also understood Lux¡¯s consideration to him and he said his gratitude, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I wonder, does he really understand what I¡¯m telling him just now¡­¡­.¡¹

    ¡¸To me, it looks like he isn¡¯t on his guard or anything while facing an aide from other country¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer was watching that with a conflicted gaze, while Lisha was also exasperated.

    ¡¸I wanted to eat lunch, with Lu-chan.¡¹

    On the other hand, Philuffy who finally opened her eyes was stuffing her cheeks with donut silently.

    ¡¸Our Academy is really peaceful somehow isn¡¯t iitt¡¹

    Tillfur concluded the talk like that and shrugged her shoulders.

    Even with the tense atmosphere from the special situation that was Coral¡¯s transfer, the peaceful ordinary days were still going to start.

    ¨C

    ¡¸You saved me. After all there was almost no chance to interact with girl at the military academy in Vanheim you see.¡¹

    And then the time passed until after school©¤©¤.

    Lux was guiding Coral around the Academy¡¯s ground.

    He started from the school building and practice ground, then to the atelier of Drag-Ride, the dining hall, the library, and the Drag-Ride hangar.

    Like that he introduced the facilities in general.

    If that was all then there would be no problem, but,

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hey hey, those two, aren¡¯t they getting along better than expected?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. I heard that they often met because of their work, it seems he is one of Lux-kun¡¯s few male friends.¡¹

    ¡¸I thought there would be jealousy but, could it be that this pairing might be possible?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye©¤s, the spectators please watch from distanc©¤e¡¹

    The female students from first year until third year who were watching Lux and Coral from distance were getting led away by Tillfur cheerfully.

    The curious onlookers were too many, so he heard from Airi that the Triad were managing them each hour.

    ¡¸Ahahaha¡­¡­. This Academy is amazing in various things. Should I call it unique©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I think no one will blame you even if you call it strange there.¡¹

    Lux also returned a wry smile to Coral who was making a troubled face.

    In time like practical training and the like, Lux would only watch without wearing Drag-Ride because his exhaustion was great, but just by doing warm-up exercises with Coral, for some reason the female students would become noisy with shrill voice.

    It seemed that a part of the female students would find out perversion from the relationship between two handsome young men in spite of the reality.

    A single boy in a girl school.

    He thought that the ordinary day until now had gradually calmed down, but contrary to expectations, the Academy was becoming noisy in a different meaning.

    And then in addition to that, a giddy air was also flowing through the whole Academy.

    ¡¸Even so, somehow they are very energetic. Will there be a festival or something soon?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­I see, now that you mention it, it won¡¯t be long before that.¡¹

    Lux also suddenly remembered something from Coral¡¯s words.

    Fundamentally it was forbidden to decorate the girl dormitory, but from not long ago, there were several rooms that were decorated with a circle constructed from the branches of holly olive.

    It was decoration that prayed for repelling evil and happiness.

    At this time, Lux would receive several odd jobs requests to make them.

    Recalling that, Lux¡¯s cheeks loosened unconsciously.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the holy night festival. The preparation to welcome the end of the year of the new kingdom will begin soon.¡¹

    ¨C

    At the same time.

    The girls were also forming their strategy while observing that from afar.

    Night©¤©¤, in the empty dining hall after dinner was over.

    At that place that was specially reserved for an extraordinary meeting, the main members of Syvalles were gathering.

    The captain Celis, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy were naturally there.

    Even the members of Triad, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct, then Airi and also Yoruka were present along with tea and dessert.

    ¡¸Gununununu¡­¡­. What¡¯s with that! Even though Lux finally came back from that fake honeymoon, it became hard for us to approach because of that!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. The pretext of that person accompanying him as the aide from Vanheim Principality exist, that is quite the miscalculation on our part.¡¹

    ¡¸Both of you, please hide your true feeling a little. Please remember that in the end this is a strategy meeting.¡¹

    When Airi retorted like that with exasperation,

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right! The topic of this meeting should be about doing information exchange between us before I and Krulcifer depart tomorrow.¡¹

    The serious Celis put the situation in order while looking impatient like that. The place calmed down.

    ¡¸Yes. Putting that aside, it will be the holy night festival soon. It¡¯s an event where female will give present to the male who has helped the most throughout the year©¤©¤and after that it soon will also be the nativity festival, where the male will present the return gift for that at the third month next year.¡¹

    Continuing after Noct who was murmuring matter-of-factly, Sharis and Tillfur were also smiling mischievously.

    ¡¸I completely thought that we are gathered here for that matter, but I wonder if I¡¯m mistaken?¡¹

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t that right, it feels like it will be really troublesome if we don¡¯t have discussion about it beforehand after all.¡¹

    ¡¸My? What could this be about?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone present fell silent at Yoruka¡¯s question, as though they had something in their mind.

    After that, Krulcifer observed the expression of everyone around while starting to talk with determination.

    ¡¸It looks like there won¡¯t be even a month until the holy night festival that is a big event in this country but, in this period where the world might end soon, there is no one who is thinking anything strange isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha, what do you mean by strange thing? That¡¯s, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m planning of anything else other than giving present though©¤©¤¡¹

    After Celis whispered that with a somewhat fretful look, everyone there silently turned a dubious gaze toward her.

    ¡¸I want to confirm beforehand but, that aforementioned holy night festival, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s a day for confessing love to someone isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s only a day for giving present.¡¹

    ¡¸O, obviously! After all, it¡¯s a tradition that has continued from ancient time, even before the era of the old empire. That¡¯s, perhaps there is that kind of custom in part of it though.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes! That¡¯s, even if someone give a present as a symbol of gratitude to other person, there shouldn¡¯t be any other intention than that put inside it¡­¡­perhaps.¡¹

    After Lisha spoke in panic, Celis also added further explanation after her.

    Philuffy was looking absentmindedly, but before long she tapped her hand *pon*.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. A present for Lu-chan, I have to think about it©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Instantly everyone¡¯s body jerked in reaction.

    It showed how they were sharing the same reason of uneasiness.

    ¡¸A present for Aruji-sama? I cannot think of anything that would be fitting for that, so at the very least I¡¯ll offer this body direct©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I¡¯m telling you that¡¯s completely no good¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer who raised her voice unusually, Airi guessed something.

    ¡¸The world destruction is imminent, that¡¯s why let¡¯s not steal a march on each other. That¡¯s what this is about isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Stea, stealing a march!? I, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks reddened and she oddly averted her gaze.

    But, the Triad who also guessed Airi¡¯s point each added their own opinion.

    ¡¸Certainly it might be better that way. Of course, we don¡¯t know when we will die, so at least I want to convey my feeling©¤©¤there is also such feeling though.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, to do anything that will cause the mind unstable until the matter of Avalon is taken care of will be putting the cart before the horse.¡¹

    ¡¸Everyone¡¯s feeling need to be in the same page here. It will be terrible for Lux-chi too if he get confession from a lot of people all at once.¡¹

    Sharis talked with a deep feeling, the Noct and Tillfur continued after her.

    Seeing how everyone other than Philuffy and Yoruka went ¡®hah¡¯ in realization, they must have noticed Airi¡¯s intention.

    In short, let¡¯s not tell their feeling to Lux until the matter came to an end, it was such discussion for everyone to restrain themselves.

    The reason Krulcifer suggested that was because she was also an aide for Ymir Theocracy. She was surely being caution if by any chance she was unable to be present here because of her duty.

    Lisha and Celis who noticed that also consented with a tacit understanding.

    So to speak, the holy night festival would be a skirmish to gauge their distance with Lux.

    When this battle was concluded and the world became peaceful, the nativity festival would came right after that.

    Until that day, they mustn¡¯t advance their relationship with Lux further than the present.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, everyone is really hopeless, but I understand everyone¡¯s feeling. About Philuffy-san and Yoruka-san, I will talk with them again later. And so, I will manage the schedule of Nii-san at that day, so can everyone please report to me about your present so that there won¡¯t be any overlap?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh well, I guess, it will be helpful if you, his little sister will manage this.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I get it. I pretty much have decided already what present to give Lux after all.¡¹

    ¡¸A, acknowledged. That¡¯s, I will think about the general idea until tomorrow.¡¹

    ¡¸What should I give Lu-chan, I wonder.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t get it about that matter, so I¡¯ll concede it to you.¡¹

    After Krulcifer, Lisha, Celis, and Philuffy muttered one after another, Yoruka concluded the talk with a carefree smile.

    Like that Airi put the girls¡¯ wishes in order and then they breakup form that place.

    ¡¸Good grief, just why do I have to do something like this.¡¹

    Airi parted from the Triad while murmuring sulkily.

    There was the matter of the other day about Philuffy, so she told her beforehand so that nothing strange would happen because of the instigation of her elder sister, the headmaster Relie.

    Airi was able to predict that it would become like this in the near future, but when the time actually came she felt conflicted.

    On the other hand, she also talked about this matter to Yoruka, but she didn¡¯t look interested and ignored her.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s not necessary. Something like a present for Aruji-sama, what kind of thing that will make him happy, it¡¯s something that I don¡¯t think I will be able to do anyway©¤©¤¡»

    Yoruka who didn¡¯t understand human¡¯s feeling.

    Airi was also convinced by her words, but she also felt something strangely unnatural from her words.

    If it was the Yoruka from before, she felt like Yoruka would at least think of a present for form¡¯s sake even if it might not make Lux happy.

    She thought that after fighting together with the other girls in the previous battle, Yoruka had become able to understand the others to a certain degree, but¡­

    ¡¸It will be fine if she isn¡¯t thinking of anything bad though¡­¡­¡¹

    Noticing that she was thinking in consideration like that toward Yoruka, she smiled wryly seeing how without noticing she was starting to think of her as friend.

    Captured by his past and duty, Lux was unable to notice good will from other people. But even that shackle that was like a curse was gradually getting unbound from his interaction with the girls.

    In three more months, even this great battle would be concluded and Lux would be able to take a break from this battle where he was immersing himself in.

    In other words, for the girls that time would also be the time to settle victory or defeat.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The holy night festival huh. It¡¯s nice that there will be a fun event in the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸It was a festival for only nobles at the era of the old empire though. Since the country became the new kingdom now, her majesty queen Rafi turned it into something that is unrelated with one¡¯s status.¡¹

    ¡¸The queen of this country is a good person isn¡¯t she¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who had just finished dinner was sorting the books inside the library after the closing time due to the request from the librarian.

    His body still hadn¡¯t recovered fully, so his chores were also only light work for rehabilitation, but Coral proposed to help.

    At first he planned to refuse, but thinking that it was also not a good idea to gather attention from the female students even more than this, he accepted.

    ¡¸Her highness princess Milmiette of Vanheim Principality also doesn¡¯t lose right?¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. It will be great though©¤©¤if I can also act like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux felt something strangely out of place from Coral¡¯s words and he tilted his head.

    He should be the princess¡¯s close associate and a distant relative, but did something weigh her down about it?

    ¡¸In any case, please take care of me for these two weeks. Though it my tedious that it¡¯s someone like me who came here.¡¹

    Coral who put the last book smiled while saying that. Lux immediately shook his head.

    ¡¸I might have said it before but, I like everyone in the Academy, however I didn¡¯t have even a single male friend. I¡¯m happy that Coral came.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, that¡­¡­thank you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Coral suddenly looked bashful with reddened cheeks.

    It was an unusual reaction from him who usually smiled naturally. For some reason even Lux almost got throbbing heart.

    (Wait, what am I thinking! Even though I am indisputably a man©¤©¤)

    Just because the other party had androgynous look and slender body, as expected feeling like this would be inexcusable for him.

    Though thinking back, when Coral¡¯s skin got seen by Lux at Vanheim Principality, it felt like at that time he was also acting embarrassed by more than necessary©¤©¤.

    (No, something like this feels strange because I¡¯m overly conscious of it. We are fellow male, I need to interact with him boldly©¤©¤)

    When Lux determined himself like that, a knocking sound came from outside the library.

    ¡¸Lux-chi, thanks for your work. The bath is already empty right now y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. Thanks Tillfur. I¡¯ll go there right away so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux replied to the other side of the door and he slowly stood up.

    After all the female students finished entering the large public bath, Lux¡¯s turn to enter finally came.

    Exactly because he had decided that he mustn¡¯t get strangely conscious of Coral, Lux intentionally declared.

    ¡¸The, then Coral. Let¡¯s enter together.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh!? Tha, that¡¯s©¤©¤a bit¡­¡­. No, I get it!¡¹

    Coral¡¯s eyes opened wide for a moment in agitation, but then he averted his eyes and nodded.

    (Wait, why is even Coral acting embarrassed like this¡­¡­?)

    Lux was feeling the vaguely awkward atmosphere while heading to the large public bath.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Say Lux-kun. Right now, I¡¯m looking properly like a boy right?¡¹

    While changing in the changing room, Coral asked him like that for some reason. Lux didn¡¯t know how he should react.

    ¡¸O, of course, but, what¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s nothing, though.¡¹

    Even while saying that, he averted his eyes from Lux for some reason while taking off his clothes in a way that attempted to hide his body. Because of that he looked strangely bewitching.

    However it was odd.

    Even though Coral looked undoubtedly like a man, Lux wondered why he looked erotic to him.

    He was feeling strangely nervous with his heart pounding hard, but the moment he stepped inside the bathroom, that dubious atmosphere vanished.

    ¡¸Uwaa¡­¡­¡¹

    The pillars that were made from marble.

    The large public bath that was illuminated by faint orange light felt pleasant no matter how many times he visited it.

    Although Coral was also a relative of the princess, it seemed he had never seen a bath this large, because his face burst into a happy smile.

    ¡¸Somehow, it¡¯s amazing. I¡¯m envious that you can enter this kind of bath.¡¹

    There was almost no custom to take a bath in the academy of Vanheim Principality and the bathtub there was also cramped, so it seemed that it was quite the hardship for Coral to bath there.

    When he soaked inside the bathtub after lightly washing his body, Coral stretched out his limbs delightfully.

    ¡¸Nn. It¡¯s calming. So much so that I want to become a student here.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, I¡¯ll welcome it if Coral come here.¡¹

    Lux finally returned to his usual rhythm and he felt relieved in his heart.

    His gaze casually moved toward Coral¡¯s chest, but as expected he couldn¡¯t see anything feminine there at the slightest.

    (At that time it felt like he even had proper breasts there though©¤©¤)

    When Coral dressed as girl in his pursuit of Dragon Marauder, at that time it wasn¡¯t just his body, if he remembered right even the color of his hair©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I heard just now but, in the holy night festival, it seems a boy can receive present from girl isn¡¯t it? It feels like Lux-kun will receive a lot of present©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, about that, it seems that Airi will manage it for me. She said that it appears the number of present that will come will be more than expected, but I think she is too exaggerating.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Really Lux-kun, even though it will soon be one year that you are staying here, but you still don¡¯t understand girl¡¯s feeling.¡¹

    Hearing Coral telling him with an exasperated tone mixed somewhere in his voice caused him to feel like his heart was stabbed deeply.

    ¡¸I think I¡¯m in agreement with Airi-chan. After all when I was protecting this place with Greifer while Lux-kun was absent, I saw how popular you are.¡¹

    ¡¸As expected, it must be because they are considering me as a rare sight here, I think that¡¯s all there is to it. After all I¡¯m the only boy here. Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun. That kind of modesty is called as simple blockheadedness you know?¡¹

    Coral got out of the bathtub with a splash and he gathered his light green hair with a towel.

    And then he puffed out his cheeks slightly and pointed out.

    ¡¸They won¡¯t pay attention to you for nearly a year just because you are a rare sight. You are an imperial family member of the old empire, and the only boy in the Academy, but everyone is able to receive you properly. I think that¡¯s something really amazing, something that you should feel proud about.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is, that so.¡¹

    If that was the case then he felt happy.

    After all he was from the imperial family of the old empire that was once oppressing the people.

    From his position as ¡ºenemy¡» that was widely imposing the tendency of male chauvinism, into a position where everyone was able to recognize and accept him.

    He was finally able to obtain the thing that he had been wishing for all this time.

    ¡¸By the way, Lux-kun, do you have anyone who you like?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered from getting asked that with a tone that sounded teasing, but also sounded somewhat serious.

    ¡¸Wh, why so suddenly?¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it fine? We are fellow male here, I also wanted to try doing this kind of talk. Greifer is obviously devoted to Milmiette-sama after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Even if you ask me that so suddenly, that¡¯s©¤©¤I don¡¯t really know.¡¹

    ¡¸Really? Even though you are getting along so well with those girls.¡¹

    Coral questioned with blushing face from soaking into hot water.

    ¡¸Certainly everyone is really friendly with me, but that is because various circumstances. Could it be¡­¡­there is such doubt remaining in me.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmm. That also means, that you have become properly conscious of them.¡¹

    Coral stayed submerged in the bathtub and smiled with a somewhat innocent expression.

    ¡¸Bu, but it isn¡¯t like I said it clearly. Besides, I¡¯m a criminal, there are things that I have to do mo matter what©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Certainly, that might be true.¡¹

    After holding his breath slightly, Coral muttered with a meek expression.

    ¡¸A criminal isn¡¯t burdened with just debt, they don¡¯t even have the freedom to marry. But, you are recognized by her majesty queen Raffi and Lizsharte-sama. You have also become the princess¡¯s personal knight, and you have saved the country from danger several times. If only you wish for it, isn¡¯t it possible to have that collar removed?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. Perhaps, it¡¯s just as Coral said.¡¹

    After similarly taking a bit of time to think, Lux also smiled with a lonely look and told his answer.

    ¡¸But, I still cannot do that. The matter that I tried to accomplish in the past but was unable to. Until I obtain an answer about it that can convince myself, I¡¹

    It was about the revolution in the old empire that ended as tragedy due to Fugil¡¯s betrayal.

    Did Lux overlook something, or did the words that his elder brother told him correct?

    Perhaps there was no way to confirm the answer.

    Even so©¤©¤Lux resolved himself to become deeply involved with the new kingdom once more as a member of Seven Dragon Paladins and fought together with Lisha and everyone.

    With the method that was the same like that time, where he would try to save even the enemy as much as possible.

    However, right now he had a lot of comrades who were fighting together with him.

    ¡¸Perhaps something like an answer in regard to incident or mistake that happened in the past doesn¡¯t exist. Even so©¤©¤if I can finish this battle, then perhaps I will be able to feel convinced in my heart. That¡¯s what I think.¡¹

    There was no way Lux could talk about the particular of the Black Hero to Coral who was from Vanheim Principality.

    That was why, he let out a large sigh and smiled after hearing Lux earnestly expressing his feeling to him just now.

    ¡¸I see. It will be great¡­¡­if you can find your answer.¡¹

    Coral didn¡¯t say that casually, he spoke earnestly while putting his hand on his chest.

    It was the smile of someone who understood Lux and sympathized with him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That means, Aruji-sama¡¯s relationship with those girls will also progress at the nativity festival three months later? After relinquishing that criminal collar too?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I don¡¯t how it will become but, if possible I©¤©¤wait!? Why is Yoruka here!?¡¹

    The moment Lux responded to the voice that came from inside the steam, he noticed the girl¡¯s presence.

    There he saw the figure of the girl exposing her bewitching white skin.

    ¡¸Huh, eeeeeh!? Wh wh wy, why!?¡¹

    Coral spontaneously also leaped back, creating a large splash on the bathtub.

    The large public bath at night where there should be only two young men alone, was instantly enveloped with an odd heat.

    ¡¸My, please don¡¯t pay me any mind. I¡¯m only coming here to guard Aruji-sama while also washing his back. Besides©¤©¤I¡¯m also borrowing the so called water dress from my friend.¡¹

    Yoruka said that while making a carefree smile on her face. Indeed, she was wearing purple water dress and small dark blue waistcloth.

    Although, the exposure rate was slightly greater than her usual clothing or pilot suit as expected. Lux¡¯s gaze was naturally absorbed toward her body.

    ¡¸Not that, what I want to say is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun, don¡¯t tell me you are always doing something like this¡­¡­?¡¹

    Coral who was submerged until his shoulder inside the milky white hot water was unusually expressing dissatisfaction.

    He was sending him a reproachful gaze with red cheeks from the heat of the hot water.

    ¡¸Yo, you are wrong! That¡¯s, usually even Yoruka won¡¯t come until this place©¤©¤! Yoruka too, you promised not to do anything strange in the Academy right!?¡¹

    Lux was justifying himself to Coral who was unusually making a grave expression while chiding Yoruka who was circling her hands around his neck.

    But, the girl didn¡¯t look guilty as usual and spoke out a shocking thing.

    ¡¸Protecting the safety of Aruji-sama is my natural duty as a servant. Especially when there is an unknown fellow staying by your side, that¡¯s all the more true©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux was taken aback by the words and gaze of Yoruka that were filled with significance.

    Her blue and purple eyes, the asymmetrically colored eyes were obviously looking at Coral.

    ¡¸Those words, do you mean to say that I¡¯m going to do something to Lux-kun?¡¹

    ¡¸Forgive me for my slowness. My name is Kirihime Yoruka. The loyal servant and tool of Aruji-sama©¤©¤that is all there is to my existence.¡¹

    Yoruka didn¡¯t answer Coral¡¯s question and introduced herself to him.

    She was telling to the young man in front of her that she had no intention at all to get along with him.

    ¡¸I, I know. This is the first time I¡¯m talking properly with you but, you are just like the rumor aren¡¯t you? More importantly, I don¡¯t know if I should be the one to say this but, it¡¯s not good you know, something like this.¡¹

    Coral averted his face as though he recalled the situation they were in and calmly offered his candid advice.

    ¡®I don¡¯t know if I should be the one to say this¡¯, Lux was curious about those words, but he didn¡¯t understand what Coral meant by that.

    After all there should be no problem for him to enter with Coral, unlike Yoruka. Did he refer to his standing as a transfer student from foreign country?

    While Lux was tilting his head in puzzlement of that,

    ¡¸Is that so? But, you are in no position that allow you to say such thing I believe.¡¹

    ¡¸No I, based on the general common sense©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Actually, I am doubtful.¡¹

    While the steam was covering each other¡¯s body, Yoruka interrupted like that with a carefree smile.

    ¡¸You have been getting involved too much with Aruji-sama since some time ago. And then you appear conveniently too many times around Aruji-sama. It is as though you are monitoring Aruji-sama¡¯s situation©¤©¤¡¹

    When Yoruka said that, Lux was taken aback with sudden awareness in his heart.

    Coral himself was receiving such mission from Vanheim Principality, but indeed the number of times he came into contact with Lux was a lot.

    And then the aide exchange this time that was due to the proposal of the Lord, this event in itself was implicitly about fellow Seven Dragon Paladins, and also fellow countries checking each other in place.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s coincidence. Besides I have no intention at all to trick and betray him.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, there is no problem even if I am by Aruji-sama¡¯s side. I am Aruji-sama¡¯s tool, so there is no reason for me to do anything unnecessary without his order.¡¹

    Coral calmly objected, but Yoruka too kept smiling without yielding.

    (What¡¯s with this situation¡­¡­)

    The elusive Yoruka who stuck with her unique sense of value in all time, and the calm Coral who was sensible and social.

    The two of them were mostly the polar opposite of each other in personality, but for them to become involved and confronted each other like this¡­

    Furthermore, it was in the bath.

    ¡¸Besides from my point of view, I don¡¯t wish for the like of you who are a man to stay by Aruji-sama¡¯s side. Time and chance are not something infinite. With you taking Aruji-sama¡¯s time mean that is also how much the other girls will lose the chance to produce successor with Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you saying Yoruka!?¡¹

    Lux raised his voice in panic also because the image of Syvalles members immediately came to mind when he heard her mentioned ¡®the other girls¡¯.

    But, Coral didn¡¯t even show any sign of caring about it and puffed out his cheeks slightly.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really want to say this but, I think you are being bothersome to Lux-kun you know?¡¹

    ¡¸My, that is not true. Isn¡¯t that right, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, the talk moved toward me!?¡¹

    While Lux was dumbfounded, the talk was suddenly thrown at him from the two and he became flustered.

    This was troubling.

    Coral was in the right based from what they were saying, but Yoruka herself was thinking about Lux¡¯s wellbeing in her own way, so he was also reluctant to bluntly rebuke her.

    Because she was also not mistaken in a sense with what she was saying.

    ¡¸Excuse me, Nii-san. Did you happen to see Yoruka-san? After she suddenly talked about water dress just now, she suddenly went outsi©¤©¤! Eh¡­¡­the door?¡¹

    The moment Lux was stiffened, Airi appeared and she seemed to think it odd that the door to the large public bath was opened. She peeked inside while tilting her head in confusion.

    And then she saw Lux, Yoruka, and Coral, and she stiffened.

    ¡¸Thi, this is, Airi! There is a deep circumstance about this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please come to my room after Nii-san finished bathing. I have something important to talk about with Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi smiled with shadow covering her eyes. She told him that with a wide smiling face.

    ¡¸O, okay¡­¡­¡¹

    The door was slowly closed. After that, the place was ruled by a heavy silence.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, sorry, about various things somewhat.¡¹

    ¡¸She will understand if she is reasoned with. Then Aruji-sama, if you like I can directly explain to your younger sister©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It might be useless if it¡¯s not me who talk to her. That¡¯s, can I get out now?¡¹

    Lux replied to Coral and Yoruka each while getting out of the bathtub.

    The month of rest period that suddenly happened and Coral¡¯s transfer.

    The ordinary days that should be peaceful was opening its curtain with a disturbance.

    ¨C

    ¡¸It looks like I came at a good time. After all I was able to interrupt the scolding toward Lux-kun like this.¡¹

    Inside the dining hall late at night where there was nobody else.

    Krulcifer wearing glasses was sitting at the opposite side of the table.

    A textbook and several pieces of paper were spread on the table.

    And then, there were cups that were filled with tea.

    It was a study meeting with Krulcifer after so long.

    About the case of bathing with Yoruka, he was saved by Krulcifer when Airi was about to start her scolding.

    ¡¸You really saved me, Krulcifer-san. But this is really troubling, certainly Yoruka¡¯s act was also problematic, but to think she would get into confrontation with Coral¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a really interesting story. I wonder if Lux-kun isn¡¯t really swayed by us is because you are more interested to boy rather than girl?¡¹

    ¡¸Please stop it Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    When Lux became flustered, Krulcifer chuckled.

    It was troubling that she would be teasing him sometimes like this, even so his time with her was precious.

    When Lux became Seven Dragon Paladins and he was absent from the Academy, or when he was in recuperation from injury or fatigue, Krulcifer would summarize the gist of the lesson he missed and taught it to him in an easy to understand way.

    He was extremely helped by her giving him a follow up in the aspect of schoolwork that he neglected.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, Krulcifer-san will depart at early morning tomorrow right? To Ymir Theocracy.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s lonely to part with Lux-kun, but it can¡¯t be helped. After all I¡¯m worried about my family and Ruin¡¯s matter, and also about Mel and Ney Louches.¡¹

    The aide exchange that would be implemented for two weeks originally should be done with a country the aide wasn¡¯t connected with, but Krulcifer would go back to Ymir Theocracy as exception. She would also be accompanied with guard.

    This was because Krulicfer was an Xfer. This exception for her was to avoid the Dragon Marauder kidnapping or attacking her.

    ¡¸Be careful Krulcifer-san. There won¡¯t be any action to conquer Ruin for a while but, it¡¯s exactly because it¡¯s this kind of time you need to be vigilant.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, Lux-kun too. ©¤©¤That¡¯s what I want to say here but, it looks like you still cannot have it easy and relax. After all it also looked like something fun happened after the world summit the other day.¡¹

    Krulcifer spoke with a voice that was filled with implication and smiled mischievously.

    Lux who saw that recalled the end of the summit the other day.

    Almost all the Seven Dragon Paladins and their aides breakup and left the room. And then the girl with characteristic red hair and black military uniform©¤©¤Rosa Granhide was staying behind inside the room.

    Her evil deed and crime were mostly fabrication of the King of Vices, Calensia, where she was made to shoulder Calensia¡¯s infamy. Right now she continued to be a member of Seven Dragon Paladins under the surveillance of the captain Magialca.

    But, to the end it was a story behind the scene.

    So that the domestic strife of Heiburg wouldn¡¯t get exposed, she was attending the meeting with her usual dangerous attitude even with the absence of Calensia, but,

    ¡º©¤©¤Thank you very much, Lux-sama. For saving this me¡­¡­I was, happy. That¡¯s, if you ever need something, please let me repay you no matter what.¡»

    She said that to him shyly with her injured arm still suspended by a cloth and her gaze averted from him.

    Hearing her words, feeling of gratitude toward Philuffy for stopping him that time welled up once more inside Lux.

    He almost made a choice that couldn¡¯t be undone at that time.

    ¡ºYou don¡¯t need to thank me or anything. Best regards from now on too, Rosa.¡»

    He replied like that with a smile, then he shook her hand before parting from her.

    This was the only result that he could feel relieved about from the case in Heiburg Republic where there was a lot of appalling incidents, but then Celis looked at him with a troubled gaze.

    ¡ºI, I have also heard about her circumstance but, Lux was a bit too flirtyderedere just now. That¡¯s, if you like big breasts then¡­¡­i, i-i-i-i-i-i-it¡¯s nothing-!¡»

    Her face became red and she ran away in the middle of talking.

    When he told about that happening after the summit to Krulcifer, she frowned slightly.

    ¡¸Certainly that is troublesome. Not just Rosa, but also Celis-senpai©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Rather than that, what about Krulcifer-san? Did anything strange in the summit©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I also didn¡¯t encounter anything exceptionally strange there. I only talked a bit with Mel¡­¡­. Aa, conversely I don¡¯t really get those girls. Those duo from Turkimes Confederaton, Soffice and Uruk if I¡¯m not mistaken?¡¹

    The Seven Dragon Paladins with characteristic dark brown skin and red tattoo, and her aide.

    The elder sister Soffice was taciturn and wouldn¡¯t say anything. She would show agreement or refusal using her expression or head movement, then Uruk would interpret it and spoke for her in the meeting.

    Their act that was comical sometimes didn¡¯t match the oppressive atmosphere of the meeting.

    ¡¸But, this time too I didn¡¯t notice anything strange from them though?¡¹

    Based from what he saw in the meeting, Lux couldn¡¯t see any suspicious movement and he said that to Krulcifer, but,

    ¡¸I guess©¤©¤but, it was funny when that girl¡¯s little sister responded to my call.¡¹

    Lux also saw that scene.

    Right after the summit.

    In front of everyone who was starting to leave the room, Krulcifer called out ¡¸Hey¡¹ to Lux. At that instant, Uruk who was facing the other way suddenly turned around toward Krulcifer.

    ¡ºYes, what is it desu?¡»

    They were separated by a distance of several ml, so Lux and Krulcifer were puzzled, but Soffice hurriedly grabbed Uruk¡¯s neck and pulled her away.

    ¡ºI¡¯m sorry desu! Soffice said ¡®Don¡¯t be so absentminded!¡¯ just now desu! To me!¡»

    The figure of Uruk getting dragged away with teary eyes was inviting laughter until the end.

    ¡¸Well, I think that was just a mistake, but I think it will be better to feel the tension for these three months from now. The enemy can aim at us easier exactly at this time where we relax our attention because we won¡¯t need to conquer Ruin for a while. After all I and also Celis-senpai will be absent from here too.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I won¡¯t let my guard down but, Lisha-sama and others are here too so I think it will be fine.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That is worrying instead, based on my personal circumstance that is.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Because Krulcifer spoke with a small voice only at the last part, Lux asked back.

    Then *knock knock*, the door of the dining room was knocked and Celis¡¯s voice came.

    ¡¸Both of you, do you have a bit of time? I have something to talk with Lux so©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed the night was still long.

    ¡¸Time pass quickly when we are having fun. Then, please don¡¯t get carried away no matter what while I¡¯m not here. Just in case, I intend to put some countermeasure in motion in my own way though.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer left after giving him a reminder that he really didn¡¯t understand.

    After that©¤©¤Celis who was worried about Lux¡¯s body gave him a massage that she learned from Philuffy. He enjoyed the massage while passing a peaceful time with her too.

    ¨C

    When Lux returned to his room, Coral who became his temporary roommate was waiting for him.

    Because there was no empty room in the girl dormitory, it was inevitable for him to stay in Lux¡¯s room. When the dorm mother asked Lux about it, he consented readily.

    At the bunk beds that were prepared, Lux slept at the bottom while Coral took the top.

    Different from the agitated atmosphere when Yoruka was present before, right now it was calm.

    ¡¸I talked a bit with Airi-chan and others for a bit. I also asked about her©¤©¤about Yoruka-san.¡¹

    It seemed Airi apologized about Yoruka¡¯s intrusion into the bath while making a follow up about her eccentricity.

    ¡¸Sorry for the various troubles.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while talking toward the upper bed.

    Looking back, this might be the first time he was sleeping in the same room with a boy of the same age.

    Somehow a mysterious feeling of excitement was produced in Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸No. I myself was a bit discomposed there. How should I say it, the live here is too fresh in various aspects©¤©¤I¡¯m having fun.¡¹

    The voice of Coral¡¯s reply sounded somewhat distant.

    It gave Lux the impression that until now he was placed in an environment with stiff atmosphere because he was a distant relative of the princess.

    ¡¸I think that her method is too forceful but, I¡¯m a bit jealous.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux who recalled Yoruka¡¯s conduct made a dubious voice. Coral replied with a wry smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. At the very least she knows what herself is. She is living to serve you without any hesitation. I believe that is a good thing. And of course, for Lux-kun too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it different for you, Coral?¡¹

    ¡¸Actually, I have no memory of the past©¤©¤when I woke up on bed three years ago, I lost all my past memory.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The unexpected confession made Lux speechless.

    ¡¸Since then, I supplemented my memory as much as possible with the letter that my parents left for me as the base. My remaining family is an elder sister and a younger sister. And then, there is also a mission that was written on the letter. That¡¯s all. Though, I have to be satisfied just by being able to live safely like this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t reply at Coral¡¯s murmur that sounded somewhat fleeting.

    Lux himself hadn¡¯t gone through an easy upbringing by any means until now, even so right now he had foundation that allowed him to fight.

    What he should accomplished as an imperial family member of the old empire.

    And even though he had hesitation about that way of living, he didn¡¯t lose sight of his path.

    ¡¸I understand what I should do and what I have to do no matter what. But I have no foundation that can make me believe that it is the right thing to do. It might be spoiled of me but, if I¡¯m able to find it©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You will find it, surely.¡¹

    While Coral was continuing to mutter, Lux cut him off with those words.

    He didn¡¯t think before speaking, his voice came out naturally.

    ¡¸Even though you cannot remember your past memory, you can just make memory from here on. I think it will be fine if you decide based on what you see from here on. Greifer too is also a better person than what he looked like, besides©¤©¤I¡¯m also here for you as a friend.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re right. Thank you.¡¹

    Coral replied with a lovely voice that was somewhat filled with shyness.

    Lux wondered why. Even though they were fellow male, he felt itchy and tickled just from that reaction.

    ¡¸The, then good night. Best regard for tomorrow too!¡¹

    To cover up that incomprehensible emotion, Lux suddenly turned off the lamp.

    Silence came along with the darkness and before long a quiet sleeper¡¯s breathing leaked out from his mouth.

    Recently the coldness of winter was getting worse, but it felt like the room felt considerably warmer with just the addition of one more person inside.

    But, at that time Lux still hadn¡¯t noticed.

    About the sound that was approaching from outside the door and what that faint presence would bring about.

    About how this day that he believed would continue peacefully for a while, was the calm before the storm.

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s like that. I have to manage somehow while those girls are absent©¤©¤¡¹

    How Coral was muttering those words toward the matter of Yoruka.

 Volume 11 - CH 2

    ¨C

    ¡¸Is everyone here? How is your preparation? Theen, from now, the match to obtain the right to guard Lux-chi wiiill begin!¡¹

    ¡®WAAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¯

    The wave of thunderous cheers was spreading amidst the female studentsonlookers.

    At the center of the courtyard, Lux was sitting on a bench with a troubled face. Tillfur who was acting as presenter was in front of him.

    And then before them, were Coral and Yoruka who were standing while facing each other.

    Due to the aide exchange mission, Krulcifer and Celis departed from the Academy early in the morning.

    He thought that the situation would progress without any particular problem other than that, but it seemed that the girls somehow prepared unthinkable explosives.

    First when Lux woke up early in the morning, Yoruka was on guard inside his room.

    Furthermore©¤©¤she was only in her underwear covered with a single blanket.

    As expected it seemed Yoruka was taking this action because she couldn¡¯t trust Coral. But it went without saying that when Coral woke up and saw that, he stiffened once more.

    Tillfur arrived at that timing, that was why the situation turned into a complete mess.

    Coral who was exasperated as expected made a certain suggestion to Lux.

    ¡ºJust in case, Krulcifer-san asked me a favor. She asked me to properly take care of Lux-kun. Like this, I won¡¯t have any face to meet her.¡»

    It seemed this was what Krulcifer meant by¡ºput some countermeasure in motion¡».

    On the other hand, it seemed that Yoruka was also give an instruction from Celis¡ºPlease protect Lux¡», and she declared that as Lux¡¯s servant, she wouldn¡¯t abandon this duty.

    Thus the two wouldn¡¯t see eye to eye with each other at all. Like that, the story reached until Relie¡¯s ear, but surely that was a mistake.

    ¡ºI guess, then©¤©¤isn¡¯t it fine if it¡¯s decided by the two competing with each other? It¡¯s just right that Lux-kun who is in the middle of recuperation can give judgment at least©¤©¤¡»

    The Triad received such appointment, and after school they implemented it like this.

    ¡¸I will protect Lux-kun so there won¡¯t be any problem. If I win this match, you will act while thinking about the proper time and distance of doing thing, is that fine?¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. And if you lose then as promised, please stay away from Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Coral and Yoruka were confronting each other in front of Lux. They confirmed the reward for this match.

    Right after seeing that, Airi let out a small sigh.

    ¡¸Sorry Airi, to make you go along with something like this.¡¹

    Strictly speaking, the management of the match was left to the Triad, but with her connection to Noct, Airi was entrusted with the judging and also progressing this match.

    ¡¸If Nii-san think so, please act a bit more firmly. Really, since the past Nii-san is full of opening in this kind of matter.¡¹

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux became depressed from the retort of Airi who was sitting beside him.

    Although, limited to this time, this wasn¡¯t something that was caused by Lux¡¯s indecisive attitude.

    This could be said as something that was caused accidentally by the request from Krulcifer and Celis.

    ¡¸Then, how about we start now the match with the right to guard Lux-kun for two weeks at stake? The two of you, are you prepared?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m ready anytime.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind.¡¹

    The two competitors nodded at the voice of the leader of Triad, Sharis.

    This time Lux and Airi acted as the judge of the match. And then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Yes. Then, first we will use this way to decide the subject of the match this time.¡¹

    Next Noct led in the princess of the new kingdom, Lizsharte.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hey, wait a second! What¡¯s with this match!? I didn¡¯t hear anything about this!¡¹

    But, Lisha yelled right after she appeared and put a stop to it.

    ¡¸Lisha-samaa, please read the mood for a bit here. At this kind of time you see, you should follow along the atmosphere properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Rather, no matter who won here, Lux will still get taken away completely won¡¯t it!? Even though that Krulcifer and Celis are finally gone. During that time I thought¡­¡­I¡¯ll be able to do various thing together with Lux, and yet!¡¹

    It seemed Lisha had some kind of scheme going on, that she ran her mouth in anguish like that. In respond, the two contenders spoke to her.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry. I will only stay by Aruji-sama¡¯s side, it will be your freedom to spend time with Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Me too, I will only stay near Lux doing my task, so I won¡¯t be a hindrance.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying that¡¯s no good!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha held her head and crouched down in respond to Yoruka and Coral who responded gently.

    Lux tilted her head seeing Lisha acting like that. Beside him, Airi let out a long sigh.

    ¡¸Everyone is really hopeless. Lisha-sama, please decide the subject of the match quickly.¡¹

    ¡¸I get it! Aah, geez, then as I thought©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Err, please stop with subject like Drag-Ride minor trivia or the like. No one will be able to answer that.¡¹(Tillfur)

    ¡¸O, obviously I won¡¯t. If you think that I¡¯m thinking of nothing but Drag-Ride around the clock, then you are making a great mistake!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The surrounding showed conflicted expressions at Lisha who was raising her voice in objection while folding her arms.

    It seemed Lisha immediately got an idea after that, she raised her face energetically.

    ¡¸Yosh, then I¡¯ll say it! The subject of the match from me is©¤©¤disguise showdown!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head with a puzzled look. Lisha puffed out her chest and declared.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not ¡®yes?¡¯. A guard has to be by the side of their charge no matter what is the situation. Being able to match their charge and appear natural, that is an important factor don¡¯t you think?¡¹

    Those were the words of Lisha as the princess of the new kingdom.

    The princess who decided and appointed Lux as her personal knight.

    It was a conception that surfaced exactly because she was someone in a position where a guard was essential whether in public setting or in private.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a thought that is more proper than expected coming from Lisha-sama. Then, Coral-san and Yoruka-san, please change into an appearance that is suitable to be at Nii-san¡¯s side in holiday.¡¹

    After thinking for a bit, Airi gave the instruction in her managing role.

    The female students including the Triad ran about gathering costume. Then the two began to change clothes inside the tents for one person that were prepared.

    ¡¸Is the preparation for both of you okay? Then, the first match, the disguise showdown©¤©¤here we go!¡¹

    At the same time with Tillfur¡¯s declaration, the appearance of the two who had changed clothes was exposed.

    On one hand, was Coral who was wearing a lovely pure white dress.

    On the other hand, Yoruka was wearing a dress like a high class lady. Although the dress had black base color, it was decorated with white laces and ribbons.

    Their charming appearance made the girls went ¡®Kyaaah!¡¯ in delighted uproar.

    Yoruka was showing a natural smile, but Coral was acting bewildered with faint embarrassment.

    ¡¸Wait, why am I made to dress like a normal girl!?¡¹

    Even though his cheeks were red from shame, there was no out of place feeling from him at all, perhaps because of his usual braided hair.

    Rather his appearance suited his atmosphere, and his slender legs that stretched out from the dress caused eyes to reflexively watch them in fascination.

    ¡¸Hrm. It looks like a new outstanding talent has appeared. Like this there is no choice, one day we will have to make Lux-kun dress as a girl together with him as a set©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yep yep. With this the enjoyment will expand widely.¡¹

    As expected, it seemed it was the Triad who recommended that appearance due to their bad scheming.

    ¡¸Err, why did you two make Coral wear female clothing?¡¹

    When Lux retorted with a conflicted face, Sharis made a smile full of confidence.

    ¡¸A guard also function as intimidation to prevent the threat, but such thing cannot really be expected from Sir Coral with his delicate features correct? Then we should purposefully dress him as a weak girl instead to feign an opening, where in fact he is a boy Drag-Knight. Like that he will be able to carry out his duty as guard.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, is that really, true?¡¹

    Lux showed a really complicated face, but the honest Coral accepted the reason as it was.

    Lux who noticed the wordless gaze from Airi somehow guessed her meaning and raised his voice.

    ¡¸I, it suits you Coral. That¡¯s, you look cute.¡¹

    ¡¸I-, is that so¡­¡­!? Then, it¡¯s a bit embarrassing but, I guess it¡¯s fine?¡¹

    Lux followed up the perplexed Coral and somehow calmed down the situation.

    On the other hand Yoruka also walked forward lightly and bowed toward Lux.

    ¡¸How about my appearance, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Yoruka too is also showing a novel appearance but, that¡¯s©¤©¤I think it¡¯s lovely.¡¹

    This too wasn¡¯t just flattery but Lux¡¯s honest feeling.

    Her asymmetrically colored eyes of blue and purple color, her skin that was like white porcelain, and her glossy black hair.

    And then the bewitching atmosphere that she brought out herself was suited with that mysterious black dress.

    For a man, her charm was something hard to resist that would make them want to reach out their hand even if they knew it was dangerous.

    ¡¸And so, which one has the appearance that is worthy to be Lux-chi¡¯s guard?¡¹

    Tillfur in her host role faced the judges Lux and Airi and prompted their evaluation.

    Lux considered carefully, then he gave his answer in front of everyone.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, my choice is Coral¡­¡­I think? Certainly his appearance make it hard to notice that he is a guard, and he doesn¡¯t look conspicuous©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Really? This appearance, it suit me that much¡­¡­?¡¹

    Coral muttered. Even though his cheeks were dyed red from shame, but somehow he didn¡¯t look like that dissatisfied about it.

    That gesture was cuter than expected. Lux controlled himself when he felt like he was going to feel strange.

    In respond with his opinion, the spectators including Lisha were spontaneously wrapped with the air of acceptance, but,

    ¡¸Then, I think I will endorse for Yoruka-san.¡¹

    Right after that, Airi put her voice for Yoruka instead.

    ¡¸Ooh~. Has friendship budded inside even Airi-chan? Or perhaps, is it jealousy toward Lux-chi?¡¹

    ¡¸Both are wrong!¡¹

    Airi first objected to Tillfur¡¯s teasing, then,

    ¡¸Nii-san is only looking at the surface. There is decisive difference between Yoruka-san and Coral-san. That is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow, Yoruka¡¯s center of gravity is strange. She might, be carrying weapon.¡¹

    Philuffy who was silently watching while nibbling on a rusk until now muttered with a small voice.

    Lisha who heard that was taken aback with sudden realization and she held her breath.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, inside that outfit a Sword Device is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, exactly.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded and from inside her skirt, she took out the Sword Device of Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami.

    It seemed that fluffy black long skirt also served as camouflage.

    In a sense, it was a choice that was really like Yoruka.

    ¡¸In order to protect Aruji-sama, a Sword Device is the minimum equipment that cannot be let go. One cannot just focus simply on appearance.¡¹

    ¡¸Muu¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral puffed out his cheeks slightly and felt moderately vexed.

    But, Lux¡¯s judgment couldn¡¯t be overturned at this late, so it became a draw. But here the originator of the match Lisha threw her vote to Yoruka, so the first point went to her.

    That victory that was unexpected even for Lux caused the surrounding spectators to be stirred.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Unexpectedly. that girl isn¡¯t half bad. Normally she feel hard to approach, but she is interesting.¡¹

    ¡¸Eee, for me Coral-kun is definitely better though. I can tolerate it if it¡¯s him who is at Lux-kun¡¯s side, it can work out somehow with various things like that.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­.¡­¡­..¡¹

    And so on. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but it felt like there was also suspicious opinion mixed in, however he decided not to think about it deeply.

    ¡¸Theeen, let¡¯s go to the second match! We are changing the venue for the neeext!¡¹

    ¡¸Everyone, please line up. We have asked permission from the headmaster.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The preparation for the next venue is already in order.¡¹

    Next the Triad members, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct raised their voice and they moved to the next battlefield.

    ¡¸Wait a second, everyone, aren¡¯t they all too prepared¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I think that everyone might be having fun playing with Nii-san. After all Nii-san was absent for a while from the Academy.¡¹

    Lux could only smiled wryly at Airi¡¯s teasing smile that was filled with implication.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤And so, the second match. Noow Philuffy, please decide the subject!¡¹

    The moved the venue to the indoor practice ground.

    Just as the name implied, it was a facility for practicing hand-to-hand combat without using Drag-Ride. The place was spacious with wooden floor and red carpet spread out.

    Philuffy who was entrusted with deciding the match¡¯s subject suggested©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Err, sweets making match¡­¡­is it? Lu-chan, like sweets after all.¡¹

    When Philuffy muttered that with an absentminded expression and tone, Lisha hurriedly retorted.

    ¡¸Wait, that¡¯s wrong you airhead girl! You said that it was art for self-defense wasn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    ¡¸Did I, say that?¡¹

    Philuffy tilted her head hearing Lisha¡¯s retort.

    After silently chewing on donut for a while, *pon* she tapped her hand.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, right. In order to protect Lu-chan, strength is necessary.¡¹

    Philuffy claimed so after she somehow recalled her own words. In short, the objective of the match was to gauge the ability as guard from their skill in unarmed combat.

    ¡¸Aaand so, Lux-chi will be the opponent of the two.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeh!? Me!?¡¹

    In front of Yoruka and Coral who were wearing uniform, Lux became anxious from what Tillfur told him.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. There is no way we can make those two fight directly.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, well, that¡¯s true but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It will be their win if when Lux-kun grab at them, they can push you down instead. There is no need for detailed rule as long as they don¡¯t use weapon and they don¡¯t injure you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Then this time please begin from Yoruka-san. I will time it.¡¹

    *Kaaan*. The small bell sound hurried on Lux and he started moving.

    (I don¡¯t really know how strong Yoruka is when she isn¡¯t using sword, but for now I have to be careful to not injure her©¤©¤)

    For the time being Lux paid attention to that while closing his distance with Yoruka.

    However in a sense it was just as expected, Yoruka had no opening.

    Because Yoruka¡¯s devilish eye could sense the fluctuation of Lux¡¯s consciousness, he might get defeated the instant he attacked carelessly.

    (Then©¤©¤)

    The moment Lux switched into defensive posture, Yoruka¡¯s figure vanished from in front of Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Suddenly something soft was pushed on Lux¡¯s chest.

    There was a sweet fragrance that was vaguely mixed with the smell of blood.

    At the same time the heartbeat and warmth of the chest was directly transmitted to him. His head became pure white from agitation.

    When he noticed, he was looking up to the ceiling from the ground with someone pushing him down.

    The girl¡¯s bewitching smile was in a kissing distance.

    ¡¸Kyaaah!¡¹

    Shrill voices rose once more from the female students observing the match. Heat was enveloping the inside of the practice ground.

    ¡¸Wait, what are you doing there-! Get away from Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸Pardon me.¡¹

    After Lisha who came rushing in a hurry tore them off from each other, Lux grabbed the hand that Airi offered to him and he stood up.

    ¡¸Nii-san is completely defeated. As expected from Nii-san who is weak against girl.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He had no words to return to Airi¡¯s remark.

    Furthermore Yoruka had casually displayed her special move.

    When Lux thought that it would be hard for him to attack and switched to a defensive stance, he was embraced at that moment.

    Lux was agitated with his body pressed like that, and his foot was tripped the moment he became defenseless.

    The smoothness of that sequence of motions caused everyone to hold their breath spontaneously.

    ¡¸Amazing, athlete Yoruka easily caught Lux-chi. He perceived his nature of being weak against girl and then used an advanced technique on him! The time used until the opponent is subdued is less than five seconds. Has the match been decided with thiiis!?¡¹

    Tillfur yelled at the side in high tension.

    Coral was simply gazing at Yoruka¡¯s fight in a daze.

    ¡¸That¡¯s amazing. I¡¯m seeing you in better light, Yoruka-san.¡¹

    ¡¸My? With only just this much?¡¹

    Coral suddenly returned to his senses and murmured, to which Yoruka replied back with a bewitching smile.

    That provocation was told still with a carefree smile, however Coral also retorted back calmly.

    ¡¸Yes. I think it¡¯s amazing enough. But, I won¡¯t lose.¡¹

    Seeing the refreshing smile of a pretty boy, the female students of the Academy shouted in joy.

    ¡¸Theeen, next let¡¯s watch Coral versus Lux-chi! Get into positiooon¡¹

    Following Tillfur¡¯s announcement, Lux and Coral took distance from each other.

    The surrounding was starting to put a moneyless bet about who would win. Everyone was acting like that, so Lux wondered whether this was alright¡­¡­.

    While Lux was harboring a tinge of unease about the future of the Academy,

    ¡¸Hey, does Lux-kun know about mirage?¡¹

    ¡¸Mirage?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head at the talk that Coral suddenly directed to him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the phenomenon of light refraction that occur due to heated air, Nii-san. In short it¡¯s an illusion that the sense of sight and brain show you. It¡¯s hard to see it in the new kingdom but©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi who possessed extensive knowledge added an explanation from behind.

    But, he wondered what about it.

    ¡¸Now then, let¡¯s leave the pointless talk at that. Let¡¯s start right away.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Match begin.¡¹

    Noct continued after Sharis and *kaan*, a small bell sound rang out.

    Right after that, the left eye of Coral who was a few ml ahead of him was tinged with green light for a moment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered, even so he didn¡¯t let his guard down because of what happened with Yoruka just now too.

    But, he felt the sensation of something touching his back, at the same time Coral¡¯s figure vanished.

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸Okay. I caught you.¡¹

    A voice whispered into his ear, at the same time he felt the sensation of a body that felt softer than he thought.

    When he noticed he was in a state of being embraced from behind and Lux collapsed facing up.

    ¡¸Ooooh, this is also a fast oneee! Lux-chi is hugged in the blink of eye and got brought doooowwn!¡¹

    Tillfur raised a delighted voice. The surrounding female students raised shouts of joy.

    ¡¸Hrm. He averted Lux¡¯s focus by throwing a handkerchief, and then he instantly took Lux¡¯s back©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered by the words of Lisha who was observing from afar.

    Indeed, there was a pure white handkerchief falling on the carpet of the practice ground.

    But, in the first place Lux didn¡¯t see the moment it was thrown.

    ¡¸Err, Lux-kun. Are you alright?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ah, yes, I¡¯m fine. Rather than that Coral, your body is softer than I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­?¡¹

    For some reason Coral¡¯s cheeks reddened. It made Lux felt strange too.

    He didn¡¯t really understand what happened, but it seemed that it was only Lux who was bewildered about what happened.

    ¡¸The time is also five seconds. Is it a draw with this, Philuffy?¡¹

    Because Lux and Airi¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t needed this time, Tillfur called like that to Philuffy who suggested this match.

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s Coral¡¯s win.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered indifferently with a serious look.

    ¡¸Eeh!? But, the time is the same©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because he properly, covered Lu-chan¡¯s body.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? I see, so that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously nodded at Philuffy¡¯s answer and Airi also held her breath in sudden realization.

    A beat later, Lux also noticed that.

    Of course, Yoruka also controlled her strength with the minimum force, but Coral made Lux collapsed while putting himself below him, softening the impact to the limit.

    He was more considerate of Lux¡¯s body that still hadn¡¯t recovered completely.

    ¡¸It seems, there is difference even when it¡¯s the same five seconds.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Not just the skill, the act of consideration can also be evaluated.¡¹

    ¡¸Nooo objection, the second round goes to Coraaall!¡¹

    Hearing the judgment of the Triad, the students who were supporting Coral broke into cheers.

    When Coral lightly waved his hand in respond to them, Yoruka also smiled bewitchingly to him.

    ¡¸Not bad. Besides the movement just now©¤©¤you aren¡¯t a normal person aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder about that? Now, the match is from here on.¡¹

    The atmosphere felt relatively like it was the climax, but in fact it was simple skirmish.

    But, even after that they accomplished another two matches. A Lux searching game from the Triad and a quiz game from Relie. The result was two wins and two losses for each.

    The stage of the last decisive match finally came into a genuine battle.

    Because it was winter, the sun set early.

    The two would finally carry out a mock battle at the practice ground in the dusk.

    ¡¸And so, this is the last match. As expected, Lux-chi¡¯s guard has to be a strong Drag-Knight.¡¹

    Tillfur who was wearing her Wyrm as one of the people in charge of the barrier used the Drag-Ride¡¯s sound magnifying function and announced loudly.

    Yoruka and Coral wearing their pilot suit were already facing each other on the circle shaped field.

    ¡¸The people of this Academy really has a lot of free time aren¡¯t they?¡¹

    ¡¸We are more or less still in a situation where we cannot relax our guard yet though.¡¹

    Agreeing with Airi who was sighing in exasperation, Lux also scratched his chin lightly.

    The standby period where they had to wait before resuming to conquer Ruins was in the end something unrelated to the students who weren¡¯t in the know about the world destruction, but as expected, it seemed the students also sensed how the air of tension was gone from the whole.

    Finally it became a mock battle using Drag-Ride, but naturally the competitors wouldn¡¯t use powerful weapon because the nature of the match as a side show.

    According to Relie who permitted this, this match also had the official stance of showing from nearby, the battle between Coral who was a skilled EX Class Drag-Knight even in Vanheim Principality, against Yoruka who possessed top class skill even in new kingdom, but©¤©¤.

    (This is absolutely Relie-san just liking event like this huh¡­¡­0

    While Lux was observing that with a conflicted face, the two quickly wore their Drag-Ride.

    Of course because this was a mock battle for entertainment, Yoruka didn¡¯t wear her Divine Drag-Ride but a general purpose Drag-Ride Drake, while Coral was also wearing normal Wyvern, not her EX Wyvern.

    For their armaments, they both possessed Breath Gun, Blade, Dagger, Wire Tail, and Cannon.

    Because Wyvern was considered superior in basic ability due to its flying ability, Coral should be in advantage.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Will you give me any advice?¡¹

    Coral who was wearing Wyvern asked that to him, but Lux was troubled about how to answer.

    Because honestly speaking, he felt that at this point of time it would be Yoruka¡¯s victory.

    It wasn¡¯t that he was underestimating Coral¡¯s strength, but Yoruka¡¯s strength in facing Drag-Knight was extraordinary.

    Even if she couldn¡¯t use Yato no Kami this time, with her ability to use the three hidden techniques of Drag-Ride control just like Lux, and her secret technique that made use of the gap between consciousness©¤©¤Instant Strike, Yoruka¡¯s overwhelming superiority was unshakeable.

    Besides, he also couldn¡¯t think of any way for Coral to deal with that.

    ¡¸Eeerrr, just don¡¯t be reckless. Because Yoruka is strong.¡¹

    ¡¸You really have faith on her. I¡¯m envious¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral smiled with an expression without sarcasm, however he calmly gripped the control stick in his hand.

    ¡¸But, even I have worked quite hard. That¡¯s why, I think I¡¯ll have you see me in better light with this fight.¡¹

    And then Coral declared like that conservatively which was just like him and he stepped forward.

    ¡¸Theeen, the last match. Battle ¨CStart-!¡¹

    While Lux and others were watching from the spectator seats, the battle finally started.

    ¡¸The match this time will use point system. Well, it will be troubling if anyone get injured.¡¹

    Airi who was sitting beside Lux added an explanation.

    It was one of the rules that was also used in tournament. It was a method of deciding the victor by earning point mainly from landing clean hit on the opponent rather than making the opponent unable to act.

    In the end it would be fine if they could just land a hit, so the damage to the Drag-Ride and the injury to the Drag-Knight could be suppressed. It made it easier whether for beginner or for expert.

    By the way, when it was the flying type Wyvern that fought, they would be unreachable if they continued to escape to the sky, so their flight was limited to a certain altitude until ten second in maximum.

    At the same time with the start of the battle, if Coral went by the book, he should drive his Wyvern to take distance and observed the situation but©¤©¤, he suddenly assaulted forward in full speed.

    ¡ºUwa! It¡¯s a boldness that doesn¡¯t match his face!¡»

    Tillfur who was deploying barrier raised astonished voice from her megaphone, but Sharis added calmly.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not a bad decision. In the close distance right after the battle opening, Wyvern can still be chased if Drake advanced forward with its Step. In other words©¤©¤¡¹(TN: Just a reminder, Step is when Drake leaped using booster from its legs.)

    ¡¸Yes. If he predicted that Yoruka-san would guess that he would take distance and then chase after him, then charging forward in reverse instead might be passable.¡¹

    In a direct clash, then Wyvern with its mobility that could take the overhead position of the enemy was at advantage.

    Thus there would be no problem even if he challenged Yoruka from the front, that was Coral¡¯s judgment but©¤©¤, Yoruka¡¯s figure vanished from before him.

    From the view point of Lux and others at the spectator seats, Yoruka¡¯s position was at the right of Coral who was rushing ahead©¤©¤Yoruka was in the blind spot that was hidden by Coral¡¯s armored arm when the right handed Coral lifted up his Blade.

    ¡¸Side Step!? She predicted even this situation!?¡¹

    While Airi raised her voice in surprise, Lux groaned.

    Yoruka didn¡¯t simply predict Coral¡¯s first move, on the contrary she even escaped to a position where she could launch a sure kill attack.

    Furthermore©¤©¤she even freely used the camouflage function of Drake that was the special equipment type.

    When a Drake switched into offense, the effectiveness of their camouflage function should drop remarkably, but at that time Yoruka¡¯s slash was already hitting.

    Therefore there was no problem.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Coral noticed Yoruka¡¯s tactic a beat later and he turned right.

    At that instant, the slash in super speed that came from the Drake was already seizing his wrist.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Quick Draw.¡¹

    Right after the slash landed, Yoruka who had appeared smiled fearlessly.

    Coral dropped his Blade from the impact that hit the right wrist of his Wyvern.

    ¡ºDue to the success making the opponent dropping his weapon, Yoruka, two point get! Nooow then, with this the score is 2 to 0, in the end will Coral©¤©¤!¡»

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s wrong.¡¹

    But, even after dropping the Blade from his right hand, Coral still showed composure.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, the score is a tie of 2 to 2.¡¹

    In respond Yoruka made her Drake did a Step and took distance far away backward.

    The Blade her armored arm was holding had vanished.

    ¡¸What is the meaning of this? Why does Yoruka-san¡¯s Blade disappear©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it Airi. Coral took it away!¡¹

    Lux faced Airi whose eyes snapped wide open spontaneously and he added explanation.

    At the same time Lisha who was watching at his side also talked in astonishment.

    ¡¸He predicted Yoruka¡¯s tactic!? No, he got outwitted, but he immediately reacted.¡¹

    A Wire Tail was grasped without anyone noticing in the left hand of Coral¡¯s Wyvern.

    With that, Lux solved the puzzle.

    ¡¸You are a sly fox despite your appearance aren¡¯t you? To think that you gave the impression that the Blade is your main weapon while actually you are a whip user using Wire Tail.¡¹

    ¡¸About being a bad person, aren¡¯t we the same in that regard? I also thought that was it for me just now.¡¹

    Coral and Yoruka who faced each other in the distance exchanged banter with each other.

    From their conversation, it could be confirmed that right after Coral¡¯s right armored arm was struck, he wrapped his Wire Tail around the Drake¡¯s Blade and snatched it away.

    At first he only readied his Blade, but the moment he skated forward at the opening of the battle, his left hand grabbed the Wire Tail.

    In short, Coral contrived a plan to block Yoruka¡¯s first attack using his Blade, then at the same time he would use that as feint to entangle Yoruka¡¯s Blade with his Wire Tail.

    Although that plan failed due to Yoruka¡¯s surprise attack, he reflexively covered it up by swinging his whip.

    To be able to unleash an attack that precise at the spur of the moment like that simply meant that he learned to fight using whip as his main weapon.

    Lux briefly explained like that, but Airi tilted her head.

    ¡¸But, isn¡¯t that unusual? I too have seen several hundred mock battles of Drag-Ride until now but, if I have to say, Wire Tail is a supplemental weapon. I have never seen a Drag-Knight who fight using it as their main weapon though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I also have never seen anyone like that. Or rather, to the end Wire Tail is used only as sub weapon in military academy. In the first place Wire Tail also cannot conduct energy through it.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s what they said. Is there a secret to it?¡¹(Yoruka)

    After taking enough distance, Yoruka was gradually closing the distance.

    Her hands that had lost the Blade were holding two Daggers.

    With the rule this time, a weapon that fell on the ground would be considered as ¡ºdestroyed item¡», and they couldn¡¯t be picked again.

    Yoruka was a pure swordsman, so she intended to use her remaining several Daggers.

    ¡¸In the first place a whip isn¡¯t a suitable weapon to face Abyss with, it¡¯s disadvantageous using it when facing against many. In addition its ability to wound and kill is also low. It won¡¯t be effective against Drag-Knight that is using armor and barrier.¡¹(Yoruka)

    In addition, there was also a risk of hitting comrade by using whip.

    Even if for example Coral was a master of using Wire Tail, he should be in an overwhelming disadvantage against Yoruka who was a master of Blade.

    ¡¸That might be so. But my surprise attack succeeded like this as you can see. And you yourself, with just those Daggers that cannot even be filled with energy, you won¡¯t be able to pierce my barrier. I think the match is already decided don¡¯t you agree?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s mild provocation was also returned calmly by Coral.

    The Wire Tail might not be useful anymore now, but at present Coral who had snatched Yoruka¡¯s Blade had the advantage.

    Yoruka also still had Cannon, but it wouldn¡¯t be able to easily hit Wyvern with its high mobility.

    Lux was analyzing it like that at the corner of his head, and right after that, the Drake charged with explosive acceleration.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The Dagger was thrown, and then a high speed Step that was chasing after it.

    Wind was ejected from the back of the four feet, accelerating the Drake. It closed in instantly.

    On the other hand, Coral reacted calmly. He quickly brushed off the Dagger with his Wire Tail, but another Dagger that was hiding on the shadow of the first one was approaching.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Coral who was taken by surprise deployed his barrier and blocked the second Dagger.

    Furthermore using his free right hand, he slashed at the Drake using his Blade toward the right shoulder©¤©¤but, Yoruka clapped her two armored hands and caught the Blade in between.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Coral was shocked, even so he launched Howling Howl toward the torso of the Drake that was wide open.

    Yoruka was blown backward, even so she snatched back the Blade from the Wyvern¡¯s armored arm.

    ¡¸This is called sword catching. With this the table is turned isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The students at the spectator seats gulped seeing the unimaginable offense and defense.

    With this the situation was even.

    No, even if the two¡¯s weapon skill was equal, but from the trait of the weapon, Yoruka had obtained a big lead once more.

    ¡ºWith the Howling Howl hitting, two point for Coral! And with the recapture of her weapon, two point in addition for Yoruka! The fight is really closeee¡»

    The point was 4 to 4, but in reality the match was reaching its climax.

    Coral used his free hand to take out his Breath Gun in preparation of the next exchange.

    ©¤©¤But, the moment he already took his stance, his shoulder where the Force Core was hidden was slashed.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Coral¡¯s eyes were opened wide in shock.

    Seen from the side, it looked like Yoruka was simply approaching and then slashing normally, but the reality was different.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤Instant Strike.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s special move that aimed to attack the moment the concentration of the opponent¡¯s consciousness cut off.

    In addition she skillfully avoided the barrier and landed her hit.

    The direct attack to the shoulder where the Force Core was located would cause the decrease in the Drag-Ride¡¯s performance, at the same time it was also the defeat condition in a match that was using point system.

    ¡ºDue to the hit at the Force Core, the winner is Yoruka©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s a draw.¡¹

    Yoruka faced Tillfur who was declaring the winner and showed a smile.

    The Sword Device of the Drake she was wearing that was located in the sword belt at her waist was entangled with whip like before.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha and Airi noticed that and raised their voice.

    Getting one¡¯s Sword Device taken away was also a losing condition in point system match.

    Even in real battle, it would directly lead to defeat if the Sword Device that was the control stick for mind control operation was taken away.

    ¡ºI, it¡¯s a draw! Due to both sides fulfilling the winning condition simultaneously, this final match become a draw!¡»

    After Sharis proclaimed to the whole surrounding using her Drag-Ride¡¯s megaphone, cheers rose from the venue.

    Voices that praised Yoruka¡¯s bottomless strength.

    And then, the compliments for Coral, the handsome youth who was temporarily transferring into the Academy and proved his strength that wasn¡¯t inferior to Yoruka were also flying around.

    ¡¸That¡¯s amazing Yoruka-san. Please enter Syvalles too no matter what!¡¹

    ¡¸Coral-kun, that was wonderful©¤©¤, please train us too!¡¹

    And so on, applauses and cheers were raining down while the two dispelled their armor and faced each other.

    ¡¸As expected, your skill with Drag-Ride is amazing. You got me.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m also surprised. To think you are hiding such skill©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Yoruka slashed, Coral¡¯s whip slipped through her Drake¡¯s barrier and entangled around the handle of her Sword Device. That technique also surprised Lux.

    ¡¸No. As I thought you are better than me. This time the condition is better for the weapon I¡¯m using, I also took you by surprise. And even with that I still cannot win.¡¹

    Coral told that with a reserved attitude. Yoruka smiled in response and,

    ¡¸However, I¡¯m glad, how you showed your seriousness for the sake of Aruji-sama. If it¡¯s like that, then I can trust you a little.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral was taken aback. It was there the Triad who acted as referee rushed in.

    The leader Sharis wedged in between the two and told the verdict.

    ¡¸Both of you were magnificent. With the draw this time, it¡¯s decided that during this two weeks until Sir Coral return back, you two will guard Lux-kun alternately, is it fine like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I look forward to work with you.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    Coral and Yoruka each nodded and it felt like the case was closed with that.

    But, Lisha rushed out from the spectator seat in panic.

    ¡¸HEY, WAIT A SECOOOoNDD! Don¡¯t decide it as you pleased between just you two! If you two monopolize Lux alternately like that, what about me huh!¡¹

    ¡¸Err, Lisha-sama. It¡¯s not like Coral and Yoruka will stay beside me the whole time. I will go to meet Lisha-sama myself then.¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan¡¯s guard, is my role.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, it¡¯s fine even without Philuffy doing that. It¡¯s, while I¡¯m in the Academy it should be all right for the time being.

    Next Philuffy also said that expressionlessly. After Lux dealt with that too, it seemed that the talk was settled somehow.

    ¡¸After everything is said and done, Nii-san is na?ve as always.¡¹

    The place calmed down even with the poisonous words Airi spewed with reproachful gaze toward him.

    Although the female students were looking at Coral and Yoruka enviously, they were satisfied with the result of the event and they breakup from there.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Just what have I done. I got into Krulcifer¡¯s cajolery against my better judgment. Yoruka, and everyone in the Academy, are they alright I wonder¡­¡­?¡¹

    Inside a hotel room that was sparse in furniture but looked neat, Celis was muttering while showering lightly with hot water.

    Celis was travelling toward the land of far east from the new kingdom.

    What she was recalling was the happening in the Academy as expected.

    Inside her heart, she was envying Krulcifer who only returned to her home country as special exception due to the danger to Ymir Theocracy in this aide exchange.

    Furthermore she got carried away by Krulcifer¡¯s cajolery and did something that was inappropriate for the captain of Syvalles.

    ¡ºCelis-senpai, I wish to consult with you for a bit, is it fine?¡»

    A few days before they departed to other country, Krulcifer brought to her a certain talk with a meaningful expression.

    She was asking Celis if she could request something from Yoruka while the two of them were leaving due to the aide exchange.

    Celis was naturally tilting her head in puzzlement. But Krulcifer continued the talk with a cool expression.

    ¡ºI¡¯m asking Coral-kun to take care of Lux-kun. I told him, how I¡¯m troubled because Lux-kun often gets into trouble with the girls in the Academy, and so I asked him who is a boy to follow up after Lux-kun.¡»

    ¡ºCertainly Lux often caused that kind of problem but, is that something which need to be focused on like that?¡»

    Celis replied like that. In respond, Krulcifer shrugged her shoulders slightly.

    ¡ºI don¡¯t really like to speak bluntly like this but, at this rate Lux-kun will get taken away you know?¡»

    Krulcifer showed an unusually anxious expression while making this kind of supposition.

    In the sham honeymoon trip with Philuffy, Lux deepened his bond considerably with her.

    It was to the degree that Lux even presented her with a new sword belt and told her that he wanted her to stay by his side when previously he wanted to distant her from fighting if possible.

    If she and Celis went away from the Academy at this timing, headmaster Relie surely wouldn¡¯t overlook this big chance and schemed to hitch those two together.

    If that happened, by the time the two of them returned back, there was even the possibility that the two would get hitched already.

    ¡ºIn the worst case, Lux-kun might be released from his criminal collar and the matter will be over before the case of Sacred Eclipse is taken care of. Because of that, a deterrence is necessary while we aren¡¯t there.¡»

    ¡ºThat¡¯s©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºIt¡¯s a simple matter. It will be fine if two people other than that childhood friend quarreled over Lux-kun. If Lux-kun¡¯s surrounding is constantly turbulent, it will become a countermeasure for the time being. Besides, the truth is that there is danger around Lux-kun for real right now correct? I believe that making a request to that follower girl isn¡¯t a mistake.¡»

    Celis even felt admiration toward Krulcifer who even shrewdly prepared a reason for Celis, but in short this also meant that the situation was that serious that Krulcifer couldn¡¯t even bother to keep up appearance.

    Krulcifer told Coral that Yoruka was dangerous so she wanted him to watch her.

    And if Celis told Yoruka that Coral was dangerous so she wanted her to watch him, one of the two would inevitably stay at Lux¡¯s side constantly.

    (That girl is troubling. Besides, I who also got convinced might be disqualified as one of the four great nobles.)

    Celis was recalling such thing around that time when the match between Yoruka and Coral was settled for the moment.

    Celis who departed from the new kingdom from early in the morning had also arrived at the vicinity of Marcafal Kingdom.

    Even when she was flying using Drag-Ride, it took two days. Because of that tonight she stayed in the inn of a small country Remdalt that was located in a mountain district. Tomorrow she would arrive at her destination.

    She was basically travelling with the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca. She was rest assured with her strength, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸As expected, I cannot let my guard down against this person©¤©¤¡­¡­aren¡¯t you thinking anything like that, miss Academy¡¯s strongest?¡¹

    Perhaps she didn¡¯t want to waste even the slightest time, because after arriving here Magialca showed her face to the company at this land, negotiated about things like the mining of ore using Drag-Ride, then she showed her face at Celis¡¯s room and said that.

    The inn¡¯s room was spacious and tidy, but they didn¡¯t stay in the same room.

    She was sitting on the bed where Celis would sleep, wearing negligee with showy pattern.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be that still, how about you also drink some alcohol? Let¡¯s talk without reserve as fellow woman, hm?¡¹

    ¡¸I refuse. If someone who will get drunk easily like me drink alcohol, it will become a hindrance for my duty.¡¹

    Magialca thrust a glass filled with win toward her, but Celis refused it curtly.

    Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    She was a girl wearing outfit that possessed functional beauty and flashiness that was like a merchant, or perhaps like an alchemist. The style of her hair that was tied up to form loops was her distinctive trait.

    Looking from just her appearance, she looked smaller and younger than Celis, but she was leading the world¡¯s biggest company and possessed enormous influence in every country. This woman was also someone mysterious.

    ¡¸Hrm, how boring. It¡¯s great to be diligent, but if you are too serious you will find yourself having the rug pulled from under your feet. Even if this aide exchange is for sounding out each country¡¯s intention, but you won¡¯t last for two weeks if you are baring your hostility like that right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    What Magialca said was correct, but there was also no way she could easily relax here.

    Because although Celis tried to sound out the intention of Marcafal Kingdom and Magialca, but there was also the possibility of them pulling out information about new kingdom from her instead.

    ¡¸Then, is it alright if I ask several question?¡¹

    ¡¸Oo, you can ask me anything. However that¡¯s only if you will a whole glass of this for each question.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not permitted. If you say that then I¡¯ll sleep already.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, you are an Ojou-sama who cannot be joked with just as the rumor say. And, what do you want to ask? I will answer question positively other than my age and my weight.¡¹

    ¡¸Who are you really? Why did you accept the position like being the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins when you have amassed a massive wealth in one generation?¡¹

    ¡¸Aa, wait wait. You are going to ask three questions at once? From here on ahead, you might have to pay various things yourself for the answer you know?¡¹

    After Magialca said that somewhat hurriedly, Celis began to think for a while.

    If the number of question was limited, then what should she ask the most?

    ¡¸Even so, your questions are really frank and sharp. If you pressed me that straightforwardly, even I will be perplexed of how to answer.¡¹

    Magialca smiled with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Well, there is no doubt that I¡¯m in the opposite spectrum of you who harden yourself with discipline and act like a splendid noble.¡¹

    After telling that boastfully, Magialca started to toy with her orange hair that was tied into loop.

    ¡¸Even though I look like this, I¡¯m an orphan. My parents who failed in business abandoned the child me. After that, through many twists and turns, my relative, an uncle who was a martial artist adopted me and taught me the art. This weird way of speaking was also inherited from him.¡¹ (TN: Magialca¡¯s way of speaking sounded like from old generation in the raw)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Fortunately I had talent. I absorbed and learned his technique in the blink of eye. And then when I became competent enough and reached a certain age, my aspiration toward commerce couldn¡¯t be stopped.¡¹

    ¡¸Were you burdened with your parents¡¯ debt?¡¹

    ¡¸No.¡¹

    Magialca silently shook her head.

    ¡¸I cannot say that I had no resentment at all about how I was abandoned. As expected I also had lingering attachment. Besides if my parents are still alive in the world of commerce, perhaps I will be able to meet them again in that stage. I also put such hope in my work.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, could it be that hairstyle is©¤©¤¡¹

    It suited her, but it was a strange hairstyle that vaguely looked childish.

    Perhaps her hairstyle and also her looks that looked like a young girl despite her age might be because she was instinctually preserving her youthful appearance in order to make it easier for her parents to find her.

    Such unrealistic imagination crossed Celis¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸There was no need for that anymore though.¡¹

    But, Magialca smiled bitterly as though to deny that imagination.

    ¡¸Then, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as you guess. My parents already died. I was told that they were tricked by their business rival and made to obtain fake treasure. It seemed they abandoned me as child in order to distance me from their debt. Well, later I would locate the culprit and purged them. Of course, it was by the way of our side.¡¹

    Magialca grinned and formed a circle with her thumb and index finger.

    From that gesture, Celis could imagine that she meant she crushed them in the same stage of ¡ºcommerce¡».

    ¡¸After that, well, most of it is just like what you can hear from the rumor. Drag-Ride was discovered, and this world was developed rapidly. Fortunately I was able to get involved with Ruin investigation of several countries. I switched my business to the new weapon before others could in the right timing, and amassed vast fortune. I became the representative of Marcafal Kingdom is because I lent that country quite the sum of money.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­. However I don¡¯t understand. You have obtained fortune and fame, and you have also cleared your parents¡¯ regret. And yet why, you sought even the position of Seven Dragon Paladins?¡¹

    It seemed Celis wondered about Magialca¡¯s past and she asked with a quiet expression.

    In respond the woman with young girl appearance answered with a smile that was filled with implication.

    ¡¸Hou. Do you think I¡¯m greedy? But you see, that¡¯s the way it is for a merchant you know? And when I take the challenge of being the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, look. Just as you can see in the present situation, there is a chance I will even be able to obtain treasure from the so called Avalon, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean. Even without you intentionally braving danger, you will be able to live safely just from doing business? That¡¯s what I¡¯m wondering about.¡¹

    After Celis interrupted with such argument, Magialca smiled mysteriously.

    ¡¸What, it¡¯s not something that complicated. This is just my disposition. Always earning, profiting, and increasing my fortune, that is my purpose in life. Such human also exist in this world. Rather, I believe it¡¯s someone like you, someone who is fighting as a righteous noble for the sake of the country and the people, who is more uncommon in this world you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­So, it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸In any case, I¡¯m fighting for the sake of my own desire. I¡¯m making a move on your sweetheart is also a part of that.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, are you saying that you are intending to use Lux?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s eyes blinked from getting taken aback by those words that were like a surprise attack.

    ¡¸Or rather, what do you mean by sweetheart!? I, it¡¯s not like, I¡¯m©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No one mentioned the name of Lux or anyone else just now though.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh.¡­..!?¡¹

    Celis was at a loss for words in front of Magialca¡¯s obscene smile.

    ¡¸Although, don¡¯t fret. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m intending to take away and devour that boy. If it¡¯s in sexual meaning then I will, but in the first place that fellow is a more competent man than his appearance suggested. Certainly he also has a side that is too softhearted but©¤©¤even if it¡¯s a hypocritical virtuousness, but someone who can persist with it is a hero.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, what could you mean by that?¡¹

    Magialca tilted her wine glass sharply into her mouth, then she showed a flushed face from drunkenness.

    ¡¸If you don¡¯t notice then it will be more convenient if I don¡¯t say it but, today I¡¯m feeling good so I¡¯ll answer. Lux Arcadia. In a sense, that fellow is already lifting up the evaluation for himself in this Ruin conquering. And that is with a different method from me the captain and that snobby vice captain.¡¹

    Lux was surpassing the captain Magialca and the Blue Tyrant Singlen in one aspect.

    That was what Magialca said in a roundabout way.

    ¡¸Lux, did?¡¹

    Celis who heard that was bewildered and tilted her head.

    However thinking carefully, some things also came to her mind.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s you then you must know really well. Your Academy, how is it going there right now?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Here Celis finally noticed the meaning of Magialca¡¯s insinuation.

    ¡¸Have you noticed? Someone who is originally a criminal of the old empire that committed all kind of atrocities. Someone like that barged into a girl academy, and yet before anyone knows it, that fellow has become an indispensable existence not in just that academy©¤©¤but also in the new kingdom. Miraculously that princess of the new kingdom was able to detect that talent huh.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s true talent and achievement when his achievement as Drag-Knight was hidden.

    No©¤©¤his qualities a king that couldn¡¯t be exhibited until now.

    It was a strength that he used to reach an understanding, first with Lisha, and then with Celis who opposed him at first and the other students, making them into his ally one after another.

    ¡¸Lux¡¯s way of doing thing that won¡¯t hurt other as much as possible and interact with them without discrimination takes monumental effort to carry out, and it¡¯s a reckless method that hurt himself too. But if his method work and he can reach an understanding with the other party, then his ally will increase. He has already obtained considerable trust from Greifer of Vanheim Principality, Mel of Ymir Theocracy, and Rosa of Heiburg Republic. Of course it¡¯s not like they become his collaborator officially, but this is still something that can be called as a substantial accomplishment.¡¹

    Magialca hummed as though to show a great admiration.

    In a glance she looked like someone with fickle personality, but as expected her observing eye couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    ¡¸In other words, Lux is essentially in the process of becoming the core of Seven Dragon Paladins, is that what you are saying?¡¹

    Singlen who attempted to make other powerful people obey using achievements and strength.

    Magialca who reigned at the top using money and authority.

    Looking at the whole, their way might be more skillful, but in the current situation, Lux was in the process of changing the situation where he could conduct himself advantageously at the very least.

    And that was by Lux¡¯s own achievement that he obtained through his battles until now.

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s something like that. That kind of hero who comes out from fairy tale often charms a lot of people. Well, people like me and that snob are an exception though. We won¡¯t be charmed with ordinary method.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis was perplexed seeing Magialca erased her smile until now and showed a forbidding look.

    ¡¸By snob, do you mean Sir Singlen? Is he going to try something with Lux ©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows. I don¡¯t know about that guy¡¯s scheme.¡¹

    Magialca played the fool, however she made a wicked smile that vaguely showed her inner feeling.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, I understand about that guy¡¯s aim in general. That¡¯s including his final goal.¡¹

    ¡¸What in the world it could©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis tensed nervously. In respond Magialca suddenly let out a sigh and lied down on the bed with relaxed posture.

    ¡¸Is that your last question? If you want to ask about that then you can ask me again at the last day of this two weeks period. And then during that time, can you also answer the question of this me?¡¹

    Magialca smiled as though to say she wasn¡¯t giving Celis a choice.

    She was answering her question generously until now was a lead up in order to pull out information from Celis.

    (As expected¡­¡­I cannot be careless with this person.)

    Even so, with how worried she was about Lux, she surely couldn¡¯t help but ask the question.

    ¡¸More importantly, can I request you to have a bout with me for a bit with Drag-Ride and hand-to-hand combat? It will be fine even if it is after we arrive in Malcafar Kingdom. I wish to be allowed to use this chance to take lesson from the true strength of you who are Philuffy¡¯s master and also the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸Hohou. Looks like you have grown a bit after getting rubbed by Lux huh.¡¹

    Magialca who heard that opened her eyes wide in surprise for the first itme.

    ¡¸Wha-!? I, I haven¡¯t really been rubbed or anything! That¡¯s because of some accidents, such thing happened inevitably several times but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No one is asking anything like that¡­¡­¡¹

    The captain retorted while unusually making fixed stare.

    However, Magialca could read Celis¡¯s aim from making a pretext to challenge her. If things went well for her, she was going to ask her about the talk just now as the reward for her victory.

    (As expected from this diligent and famous girl. She is growing from being at Lux¡¯s side.)

    That day ended peacefully while she was feeling wonder of Lux¡¯s influence once more.

    ©¤©¤But, at this time the two of them actually made a miscalculation.

    They made light of Singlen, thinking that no matter what kind of plan he had for Lux, he wouldn¡¯t cause anything during this period of aide exchange.

    That assumption itself was a great mistake on their part.

 Volume 11 - CH 3

    ¨C

    It was a tranquil day with sunlight filtering through trees.

    Amidst the sleepy atmosphere at early afternoon.

    An old soldier with tall and lean body frowned hearing he sound of sword fight from afar.

    Fortress city Cross Field, first block.

    At a small practice ground that was set up near the government office building made of stone, the thirty members of White Ridge knight order led by Singlen were doing Drag-Ride training.

    Singlen came here with the pretext of doing regular inspection.

    After the number of Ruins that hadn¡¯t been conquered became three, any of Seven Dragon Paladins had the duty to watch the situation so they could give as much backup as possible to any faction.

    It was called a duty, but in actuality it was something like a check so that no side would try to steal a march.

    ¡¸I have grown old to doze off like this.¡¹

    The old soldier, Zweigbergk smiled wryly while heading to outside the building.

    He was walking through the corridor that was illuminated with faint light while recalling the happening of the past.

    It was a happening of more than twenty years ago.

    A memory at his home country, Blackend Kingdom©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Sword Saint Zweigbergk. I want you to accept the position of being the private tutor of Earl Shelbrit house starting from the following month.¡¹

    Inside the rustic castle made of stone, within a room that had red tapestry hanging down.

    Zweigbergk who was serving as the captain of the royal guard was suddenly told about his dismissal in the audience hall one day.

    ¡¸Does that mean I have served my purpose? I have no memory of offending the ministers in politic to that degree though.¡¹

    *Murmur*, the sentence of Zweigbergk that he muttered with a fearless smile caused the lined up officials to stir.

    Although he was the knight captain under the direct control of the kingdom, his remark was still too disrespectful for a mere knight.

    It displayed his relationship with the kings, at the same time it also showed that this retirement was something that he didn¡¯t consent with.

    In fact it was exactly like that.

    Since Zweigbergk was appointed as the captain of this country¡¯s knight order, his accomplishments were endless, like subduing insurrections altogether and so on.

    Indeed his age had reached the middle of his forty, but it was a suitable age if it was in his capacity as commander©¤©¤no, even in plain swordsmanship and stamina he hadn¡¯t showed any sign of declining, he was a matchless general who couldn¡¯t be matched by anyone.

    And yet despite that, he was ordered to retire. Zweigbergk happened to have an idea about the reason.

    (This looks like the misgivings of the influential people. There is no way the will be happy knowing that someone like a general that is staying for nearly thirty years in the castle is nearby¡­¡­huh.)

    Although there would be small skirmish with other country occasionally, the situation was generally peaceful because their distance from the old empire was quite far.

    At present when the public order also wasn¡¯t bad, the existence of a powerful knight would be unmanageable for the statesmen by that much.

    For the young king who had just taken over the throne, the presence of this veteran knight would make him unable to maintain his dignity.

    ¡¸But, it will be regrettable if your skill is left to rust, can I ask you to lend your strength in order to nurture the next generation?¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­. Private tutor for Earl Shelbrit¡¯s house is it, certainly they are a prestigious family but©¤©¤¡¹

    Zweigbergk scornfully laughed in his heart.

    House of Shelbrit was a noted family that descended from the royal family and had produced knights for many generations. From that description it sounded nice, but if his memory served him right, that family¡¯s behavior wasn¡¯t decent.

    The earl that was a feudal lord collected tax pointlessly and did wild merrymaking, surrounding himself with a lot of mistress.

    He was ridiculed by his surrounding from misusing his authority. It was a house of a stereotypical debauched feudal lord.

    However, although Zweibergk had rough and bold personality by nature, he couldn¡¯t turn his back on the imperial command of the king.

    When he went to the earl¡¯s territory reluctantly the next month, it was a terrible place that surpassed his imagination.

    The public order was the worst because the feudal lord lived extravagantly and didn¡¯t do his work.

    He held banquet in his ridiculously large stately mansion almost everyday. His several estates that were located in distance were being managed by his sons, but even those had fallen into depravity as a matter of course.

    They were only busying themselves with alcohol, woman, and then hunting.

    The heirs who were still very young were picking on and beating the servants and maids.

    (Calling this a garbage dump won¡¯t be enough.)

    If it was like this then naturally Zweigbergk also couldn¡¯t be properly motivated.

    A few days after staying there, while he was cutting corners in giving lesson and swordsmanship instruction, he suddenly happened to encounter a certain sigh inside the ground of the earl¡¯s mansion.

    ¡¸Whoops, watch out, the tutor old man is here!¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go! Oi, ooold man! We were only playing just now! Don¡¯t you go tattle on anyone!¡¹

    Several children who were making vulgar expression were running away from the courtyard.

    It seemed they were bullying fellow son of the earl.

    Furthermore it was siblings, an elder sister and younger brother who were the children of a mistress who had died from sickness.

    (If I remember right their names are©¤©¤)

    The elder sister¡¯s name was Marche, the little brother¡¯s name was Singlen.

    He thought those were their name, but he wasn¡¯t particularly motivate to remember their name.

    ¡¸Can you stand? I¡¯ll lend you a hand. I¡¯ll warn those two later.¡¹

    The boy looked like he was around ten years old. Zweigbergk offered his hand to the young boy, but his words were a lie.

    They weren¡¯t children who would listen even if he warned them anyway, so he wouldn¡¯t bother to do something pointless.

    He only said that on the surface simply because of his obligation, but the boy smiled.

    ¡¸Thank you for your consideration. But©¤©¤your assistance is unnecessary.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The boy called Singlen was a timid existence who wouldn¡¯t resist even when several of his older brothers hit him.

    That first impression was overwritten with a strange out of place feeling the moment he saw the boy¡¯s smile.

    Something was strange.

    Although he was thinking so at the corner of his mind, at that time he couldn¡¯t give words to it and left from there.

    When he went to bed that day, Zweigbergk suddenly noticed.

    That behind the boy, there was his sickly elder sister looking uneasy.

    And then, while the boy himself was covered all over with bruise, his face, his stomach, his essential vital spots could be said to be completely uninjured.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, he intentionally let them hit him?¡¹

    In order to defend himself and cover his elder sister from the attack of his elder brothers of different mother, he purposefully acted insolent and took the role of being punching bag.

    Furthermore his own body wasn¡¯t significantly injured, he handled the attack with only his dynamic vision.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Interesting. Just when I thought that I¡¯ll spend my remaining years in boredom as private tutor.¡¹

    Zweigbergk found something to look forward to for the first time as this house¡¯s private tutor. After that he gave a every kind of special education of Singlen outside of public¡¯s eye.

    He was different from the other heirs. He studied diligently and grew strong in the blink of eye, even so he didn¡¯t strike back at his incompetent elder brothers.

    Of course Zweigbergk wasn¡¯t dissatisfied, he also didn¡¯t instigate him by saying things like ¡ºWhy don¡¯t you fight back even though you can win¡».

    It wasn¡¯t because he was devoted to his professional duties, but because he had seen through Singlen¡¯s true nature that was like a hawk hiding its talon.

    He understood that even if he won temporarily against his elder brothers¡¯ violence, sooner or later he would meet a counterattack that was entangled with authority.

    He pretended to be powerless until he could establish his own strength.

    One day he would surely take over this depraved earl house with pure strength and wit.

    (How many years will it be until he rise up I wonder?)

    Such prediction and imagination of Zweigbergk was betrayed in less than a few months later.

    It wasn¡¯t like that boy was particularly waiting for the day to turn the table.

    While Singlen was away, his elder sister was hit and lost her eyesight. In less than three weeks after that©¤©¤the serfs within the territory revolted, and the earl¡¯s house was enveloped in flame.

    The step brothers who hit the elder sister were all killed without exception, while Singlen and his sister escaped outside.

    Zweigbergk noticed that belatedly.

    Singlen¡¯s ploy that raised the revolt and guided them through the hole in the mansion¡¯s security.

    From the beginning, he was able to destroy the family anytime.

    He simply didn¡¯t bother to do it until now, whether it was simply because of his whim, or because of his composure©¤©¤.

    A few days later he reunited with the siblings, and when he pointed that out, Singlen smiled without any guilt.

    ¡¸And, do you intend to throw me into prison, Zwei-sensei?¡¹

    The boy looked up at his teacher with an insolent smile till the end. In respond, Zweigbergk shook his head.

    In exchange he bowed his head and spoke.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I wish to be allowed to witness your path of supremacy.¡¹

    He said.

    He swore his loyalty not to a prodigy who appeared every one hundred year, but to an inhuman monster with unknown depth.

    Like that the relationship of the two continued until now.

    It didn¡¯t change even after that terrifying incident that occurred in Blackend Kingdom.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Zweigbergk came back to himself, he saw Singlen having light practice against the knight order member in the practice ground.

    The practice ground was a small space with ring shape that was surrounded by solid rampart.

    There, a knight order member wearing Wyvern was swinging his sword in full strength, sometimes he would pull his gun¡¯s trigger, but Singlen who was piloting a Drake wasn¡¯t even grazed.

    If that was all, then it wouldn¡¯t be something particularly surprising but,

    ¡¸Vice captain-dono. That¡¯s, what is he doing? How can Sir Singlen dodge with his eyes closed?¡¹

    When he noticed, a rookie member was standing beside him. He was muttering with a dumbfounded tone.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the lord¡¯s secret technique, Battle Array ¨C Moon Reflection. By touching the opponent¡¯s Drag-Ride using Wire Tail, he can predict the enemy¡¯s next movement through the mechanical sound of the Drag-Ride.¡¹

    The internal driving force of Drag-Ride would move the frame before causing the next movement.

    But, predicting that with only sound and vibration could be called as a superhuman special move.

    Since Ruin was discovered more than ten years ago, Zweigbergk had also acquired skill that wouldn¡¯t put shame on the title Sword Saint, but Singlen¡¯s talent was on different dimension.

    Zweigbergk answered indifferently while walking toward his lord who had finished training.

    ¡¸Just as my lord expected, Queen Raffi is heading to Cross Field. I believe that she is likely intending to have a secret talk. There is no progress with the search of Dragon Marauder and the Moon.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    ¡¸What should we do? Lux Arcadia is taking action that is deviating from my lord¡¯s prediction. If it stays like this, even the possibility to exceed Magialca¡¯s position will be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku, isn¡¯t that something joyous instead? If that man surpassed my expectation, then we can even just have him become hero as it is. The hero who save this world.¡¹

    In contrast his lord, Singlen Shelrbit was grinning fearlessly.

    More than ten years after that, there were various incidents and his elder sister too had gone from this world.

    The man who constantly hid his fang tore off the chain binding him and transformed into the Blue Tyrant.

    He didn¡¯t try to hide his true strength and changed his method to dominate over other people by display of strength.

    (©¤©¤Even so, there is just one thing that is still the same.)

    Those who touched the scale of the dragon called Singlen, would meet ruin with certainty. (TN: In Japan there is a saying of touching the scale of a dragon, which means offending someone so badly.)

    ¡¸By your will. Then I will proceed as planned.¡¹

    Zweigbergk shivered in the bottom of his heart toward this terrifying existence.

    But, for some reason, he also felt similar fear toward that man called Lux too.

    ¨C

    In the end, the match between Yoruka and Coral ended in a draw. They guarded him alternately depending on the situation, but unexpectedly this situation started to function well.

    Lux thought that the aide exchange program itself possessed an aspect of sounding out the other country¡¯s intention, but it would be hard for Coral to do that because he had to be by Lux¡¯s side as his guard, and above all else the female students who didn¡¯t know anything about the situation would constantly hound Coral and follow him around.

    Lux thought that it would be somewhat calmer when he was with a fellow male, but contrary to his expectation, they gathered even more attention instead.

    ¡¸How should I say it, Lux-kun has it hard aren¡¯t you? If it¡¯s like this, it might be better if I also dressed as girl.¡¹

    Even Coral who usually showed good appearance on the outside now looked dead tired. Seeing him like that, Lux smiled wryly while realizing once more that his situation was abnormal.

    It was scary to get used to it like this¡­¡­.

    While thinking such thing in the corner of his mind, he was doing chore of cleaning falling leaves at the courtyard after school.

    The falling leaves of the late autumn were piling up everywhere, but soon the leaves would also become few.

    While he was doing the work silently with Coral¡¯s help, a voice suddenly called from behind.

    ¡¸Oooi, Lux. Over here, here! Leave the work to that transfer student and come inside.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, Lisha-sama?¡¹

    Without him noticing, Lisha was in front of the atelier¡¯s door.

    When the sudden call caused Lux to wonder, Lisha folded her arms while facing aside with puffed up cheeks.

    ¡¸What do you mean what¡¯s the matter? Even though Krulcifer and Celis are finally gone, don¡¯t get too occupied with your chores. You are my knight after all. There is a confidential talk. Come here right away.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, that atelier is the place where Drag-Ride development is taking place isn¡¯t it? Is it okay if I have a look too?¡¹

    ¡¸Rejected. It¡¯s an important secret, so outsider isn¡¯t allowed to enter.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha¡¯s curt attitude, Lux smiled awkwardly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, is it no good even if just for a bit? I think Coral can be trusted.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! There is also another talk! Plainly speaking, it¡¯s a talk about official business!¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lisha spoke impatiently like that after seeing Lux¡¯s attitude, Coral stiffened with a complicated smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I¡¯ll finish the cleaning of the leaves so, don¡¯t mind me.¡¹

    Lux noticed Coral¡¯s consideration and he entered inside the atelier. There, he smelled the familiar scent of metal and oil.

    Everything was the same until that point, but during the time when he didn¡¯t visit here for a while, there was a certain change inside.

    ¡¸This is, the three types of general purpose Drag-Ride? But, they don¡¯t look like the Triad¡¯s Drag-Rides.¡¹

    Lux suddenly saw three Drag-Rides at the depth of the atelier and he tilted his head.

    The flying type Wyvern, the land battle type Wyrm, the special equipment type Drake. Those three types, but each of them had subtly different shape from normal.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really sharp of you to notice my new technology. Well, in the end they can only be used for my Tiamat, but they are powerful for sure.¡¹

    If it was just simple reinforcement, there was already the ¡ºEX¡» type that was the reinforced model of general purpose Drag-Ride.

    However, this three Drag-Rides here were disassembled from normal Drag-Rides, and then they were recombined into different shape. They gave the image that they couldn¡¯t function by themselves.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Fufu, are you curious? But it¡¯s still a secret. I will use it when the time come and make you astonished then.¡¹

    (She looks like she really want me to ask¡­¡­)

    Seeing Lisha who was folding her arms while puffing out her chest, Lux smiled wryly in his heart.

    But, right now his sense of duty as Lisha¡¯s personal knight won over his curiosity.

    ¡¸And, what is this official business about? I heard that in the end of the year, there will be a banquet where the four great nobles are gathered though©¤©¤¡¹

    Regarding that, Lux would attend as long as there was no emergency business.

    But the talk this time seemed like it wouldn¡¯t be about that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤you see. A bit more after this, Haha-uemother will come to do inspection in the Academy. At that time, you will be together with me to greet her.¡¹

    ¡¸Her majesty queen Raffy will?¡¹

    Lux was surprised in his heart hearing Lisha¡¯s words.

    Although the distance from the royal capital until here wasn¡¯t too far, but it was quite a distance.

    For her to come directly in this kind of season with strange timing, there was a possibility that it was about an important talk that couldn¡¯t be conveyed through letter or messenger.

    ¡¸I was told that Haha-ue absolutely want you to be present too in the talk. It will be great if it isn¡¯t a bad news but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was usually filled with energy, but when it was time for official business as princess, she would sometime show her unconfident appearance.

    Lux knew that the cause was the event of her past.

    That was why Lux smiled like usual to reassure Lisha.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry. I believe Lisha-sama has done really well. About the case of Babel this time too, you protected Triport while I was absent.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? Really?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks blushed red and she looked up at Lux happily.

    As always it was lovely how her expression could quickly change so drastically.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s true. Lisha-sama is a princess that I¡¯m proud to serve.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­. The, then, the reward for last time©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered at her sudden words.

    But, for some reason Lisha was fidgeting while her gaze was wandering around shyly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I noticed when last time you went on a trip with that airhead girl. Simply waiting without being able to go to meet up is really lonely. That¡¯s why, I have to start by my own initiative.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha, sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Co, come on quickly!? I heard from somewhere that a man mustn¡¯t make woman wait.¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr¡­¡­, I, I get it.¡¹

    Lux was carried away by the flow without understanding what was demanded from him and walked toward her.

    Seeing Lisha who was acting different from usual, Lux¡¯s heart was pounding hard while he caressed Lisha¡¯s soft head.

    In addition of her adorableness and loveliness that was like small animal, the prettiness of her red eyes looking up at him caused him to unconsciously stare in fascination.

    ¡¸Thi, this isn¡¯t what I mean but, well, it¡¯s fine I guess. I also like this enough¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed that what he did was different from what Lisha had in mind, but it seemed she was satisfied somehow.

    (As I thought, Lisha-sama is cute.)

    She was really close to him since their first meeting so he tended to forget but, now he reconfirmed once more that similar like his other close friends, she was also a really charming girl.

    Thanks to Celis breaking his sense of values that would be unduly distant somewhat toward other, the way he looked at Lisha as an object of respect also had changed slightly now.

    Until now Lisha was prioritizing to tune and repair Lux¡¯s Drag-Ride than her own too might be the flip side of her genuine fondness toward him.

    (Such thing, it¡¯s just my overly convenient thinking I think.)

    Lux smiled wryly and immediately erased that thinking.

    He must not get any strange thinking toward the girls who were close to him.

    He was still a criminal from the imperial family of the old empire in the middle of a mission.

    At the very least, he couldn¡¯t lose focus until he saved the new kingdom from the Sacred Eclipse as Seven Dragon Paladins three months later.

    (But©¤©¤, if that¡¯s over)

    Recently, there was a self of him that was thinking of such thing in a corner of his heart.

    Seeing Lisha who allowed her head to be caressed looking like she was enjoying it even despite the embarrassment that she seemed to feel, Lux continued doing what he did in a daze. It was then,

    ¡¸Lisha-sama and Lux-chiii! Her majesty has arrived here! Leave behind the Drag-Ride and come to the headmaster office ASAAAP!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who returned to his senses from Tillfur¡¯s voice exchanged glances with Lisha in surprise.

    After staring at each other with serious face for a few seconds, they smiled wryly with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Good grief, even though we are finally in a good place. As I thought it¡¯s really hard being a princess.¡¹

    ¡¸I will help you, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    After Lux said that soothingly, he quickly presented his hand.

    Lisha took his hand a bit shyly, then the two of them started walking toward the headmaster office.

    ¨C

    While heading toward the headmaster office, there were already a lot of guards in front of the room.

    It seemed that Relie temporarily excused herself, and inside there were only the queen and her assistant.

    When they entered after receiving permission, the nostalgic face of the queen was there along with her aide, the prime minister Nulph.

    ¡¸Looks like you are in good health, Lisha. I have heard about your effort even from the royal capital.¡¹

    Perhaps because this time she came here with the pretext of inspecting the Academy, Queen Raffi was wearing a dress that wasn¡¯t too showy. She first faced Lisha and smiled at her.

    As always, she was a woman with manner that wasn¡¯t typical of a queen in a good meaning.

    She didn¡¯t have the dominating aura that overwhelmed other people, but she possessed gentleness and intellectual grace.

    In respond, Lux and Lisha first kneeled toward her, then Lisha gave her greeting formally.

    ¡¸It¡¯s my delight to hear that your majesty. To be able to bask in the glory of your royal visit at this chance©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need of the stiff greeting. This place is not the audience hall after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, long time no see, Haha-ue.¡¹

    After Lisha spoke really tensely, Lux also lifted up his face next.

    ¡¸It has been a long time your majesty. It¡¯s great that you are in good health.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, you too have a very good look now on your face. Compared to five years ago when we first parted, now you look far more lively.¡¹

    Hearing those words, Lux slightly recalled five years ago.

    Lux who was captured as a survivor of the imperial family was given amnesty and released. He was given permission to travel around the new kingdom as the chores prince while chasing after Fugil with the status as criminal just as Lux wished.

    It was the arrangement of Raffy who was the wife of Count Atismata, because she knew the circumstance.

    Lux could spend his time in tranquility and peace like now was also because of the existence of Raffi who took over the country as queen.

    While recalling of such thing, Raffi started to talk about the present situation.

    First was about the conspicuous service of Lux and Lisha that had saved the new kingdom several times.

    The state of affairs of the new kingdom including Ruin. The situation regarding the Lords including other countries. The tentative settlement regarding the case of Heiburg.

    All those situations were working out somehow right now, and in the present when the Ruin investigation was halted, there was no big problem occurring.

    ¡¸This too is all thanks to you, Lux. I¡¯m really grateful that you are giving your all for the sake of the new kingdom.¡¹

    After she concisely finished that talk, Raffi said her thanks once more.

    ¡¸I¡¯m honored, your majesty.¡¹

    In respond Lux also answered respectfully. For some reason Lisha beside him also puffed up her chest proudly as though it was her who was thanked.

    ©¤©¤But, here words that could be said as predictable in a sense came to him.

    ¡¸Incidentally Lux, I wish to ask you one thing, how much do you know about the secret of the old empire?¡¹

    She was asking that with a relaxed attitude without any particular change in her manner.

    That more than anything was what caused Lux and Lisha to harbor nervousness.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I had told all the fact that I know that day when the revolution ended. Until now I had also reported the information related to the old empire that I obtained after that without omitting anything.¡¹

    Not just the matter about Hayes, even the matter of the Lords when they appeared led by Fugil, Lux reported all important information related to the old empire without hiding anything.

    It was only the information about the name of Holy Arcadia Empire that came out from the ancient document of Ruin that Airi deciphered that wasn¡¯t reported right away, but then it became a common knowledge among the leaders of each country and the senior statesmen of the new kingdom after the world summit.

    While Lux was waiting for a reply timidly, Raffi smiled wryly and loosened her expression.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry. I am not doubting you all. It¡¯s just, there is one thing from the past that is a puzzle no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸That is©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux asked that question, prime minister Nulph who was waiting opened the lock of the jewel box he was holding.

    Inside the box that was securely safeguarded, a transparent crystal about as big as human¡¯s head, a Grand Force was placed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Her majesty wish to ask once more, whether you know anything about this.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph asked with a tone that was rigid and tense, but calm to the end.

    Seeing him along with Lisha turned stiff while holding their breath, Queen Raffi continued the talk.

    ¡¸A giant crystal was discovered in the treasure warehouse when the old empire was destroyed. At the time we didn¡¯t know what this thing is, but there was only a note left behind that this is something important in regard to Ruin.¡¹

    After that, thinking about the investigation of this crystal, it was decided for the Academy in Cross Field to manage it due to its close proximity to Ruin and also because it had combat force nearby.

    ©¤©¤But, after that due to Saniya who was a spy of the illegal arms dealer Hayes investigating about it, the new kingdom held suspicion about the crystal. Then along with the arrival of the Lord, the mystery of the crystal¡¯s existence became clear.

    It was a key to open the path toward that land where the legacy of the ancient era was sleeping©¤©¤Avalon. An important item that was hidden within the body of the seven Ragnarok.

    ¡¸According to my and Nulph¡¯s thinking, we are guessing that perhaps this is coming from the sixth Ruin, Garden that is nearby this Cross Field.¡¹

    After taking into account the present situation, that was the only natural conclusion.

    Seeing that it was sleeping inside the treasure warehouse of the old empire, nine out of ten this Grand Force could be hypothesized to be something that came from within new kingdom¡¯s territory.

    And then, right now after the Grand Forces of Babel and Ark had been discovered from each Ragnarok there and installed at those Ruins¡¯ deepest part, by the process of elimination there was high possibility that this was the Grand Force for the Garden.

    ¡¸Honestly speaking, at that time we couldn¡¯t even imagine that this crystal is a treasure that influence the fate of the world. Besides, thinking about the danger of thief like Dragon Marauder aiming for it, I believe that the decision to not give this information even to other country is not a mistake.¡¹

    Queen Raffi continued matter-of-factly looking vaguely at a loss.

    Lux was also in agreement regarding that.

    ¡¸But, the situation changed too drastically in these few months.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph added.

    The descendant of ancient people, the Lord declared that act of betrayal like hiding information regarding Ruin investigation would be crushed thoroughly. It had become a situation where they couldn¡¯t tell at this late hour that they were in possession of something really important like Grand Force from the very beginning.

    ¡¸In other words, we already cannot just reveal this honestly©¤©¤¡¹

    Nulph nodded at Lisha¡¯s straightforward question.

    ¡¸The traitor that the Lord mentioned also hasn¡¯t been discovered, and the Dragon Marauder is also going strong. In this situation where every country is maintaining the equilibrium, if we show that kind of opening, we might be accused of betrayal. After all every country has already invest a lot of fund and soldier for conquering Ruin.¡¹

    The liberation of Avalon was nearing©¤©¤if the ancient technology and treasure were made clear, the possibility that other country would take advantage of this flaw of the new kingdom couldn¡¯t be denied.

    ¡¸Then, what should we¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lisha was about to say that, Queen Raffi silently turned her gaze toward the window that took a whole side of the wall.

    ¡¸We thought of countermeasure. We will talk about this from now. Can I rely on you two for this?¡¹

    Like that Queen Raffy presented a top secret mission to escape from this responsibility and made it acceptable for the new kingdom to possess the Grand Force.

    Naturally Lux and Lisha couldn¡¯t refuse. The plan would be carried out under their leadership in ten more days.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Before noon, right after the briefing session was finally over.

    Lux was walking on the corridor of the Academy after school while leaking out a sigh. Beside him Coral¡¯s eyes opened wide in puzzlement.

    Within the two weeks schedule, Yoruka would be in charge of guarding Lux whether in the morning or the afternoon each day. Today¡¯s morning was Coral¡¯s turn, so he met Lux as soon as the talk was over.

    When Lux hurriedly put his hand on his mouth, Coral made a teasing smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s no good you know, Lux-kun. If you sigh, happiness will escape from there. That was what Greifer said.¡¹

    ¡¸Greifer was?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head because it didn¡¯t match his image of that peevish young man.

    ¡¸Yep. I was the one who taught him though, persistently at that.¡¹

    Lux also smiled wryly hearing Coral¡¯s next line.

    (That was dangerous. I almost mentioned about the matter just now.)

    The top secret mission that was requested by Queen Raffy naturally must not be told to Coral who was an outsider©¤©¤no, not just him, but even to all other people in the Academy.

    Because Lux¡¯s fatigue due to Over Limit¡¯s backlash was strong, originally he wanted to take it easy, but in reality the matter that he had to think about had become big.

    After that Lisha and Raffy had a talk between parent and child privately, so Lux got out of the room early, but©¤©¤this mission was quite difficult.

    ¡¸Excuse me. We have something to talk for a bit with both of you. Can you two accompany¡­¡­, not that, receive request from us?¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, some female students suddenly called out to them.

    Lux knew their face, they were in the same year like him. But he wasn¡¯t really close to them.

    Lux somehow sensed that it would be troublesome from the curiosity and expectation that were reflected in their eyes, but if they said that it was a request, he had no choice but to listen.

    Lux showed a complicated smile while he was going to reply to the girls, but then Coral quickly walked to the front.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Lux-kun now is doing a different request. But if you girls don¡¯t mind if it¡¯s with me, then I¡¯ll do the chore in his place, is it alright with you all?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, is, is it okay!? We are also interested with Coral-kun, then©¤©¤perhaps it¡¯s alright?¡¹

    The girl in the front who seemed to be the leader asked her surrounding. She received agreement from them and settled the talk.

    Lux stiffened with the sudden development, Coral whispered into his ear with a small voice.

    ¡¸And so, I will also do Lux-kun¡¯s chore. I know how your personality is, but it¡¯s no good to listen to everything you know? Resting is also a work.¡¹

    ¡¸Coral¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral winked with the air of knowing everything and he was led away by the girls.

    Lux felt gratitude to Coral¡¯s heartfelt consideration, then suddenly he felt a presence behind him.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to have made you wait, Aruji-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    Come to think of it, it was Yoruka¡¯s turn to guide him for today¡¯s afternoon.

    When he turned around toward her, something shocking entered his eyes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, Yoruka!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s me, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    She gave a pleasant and carefree smile just like usual, but Lux was dumbfounded and stiffened.

    It was shocking.

    She wasn¡¯t wearing that showy and mysterious black outfit, and not the Academy¡¯s uniform too.

    On her hair wasn¡¯t the usual red ribbon but a white Alice band. She was wearing a frilly dress with black base color.

    Her hand was holding a large musical instrument case. Lux somehow guessed that the content was Sword Device, but someone who met her for the first time surely wouldn¡¯t guess it.

    Her figure that was unified with wholly elegant design was exactly like the figure of a noble young lady.

    That appearance which he had never even dreamed about caused Lux to become speechless.

    ¡¸Err, what¡¯s going on? That appearance¡­¡­¡¹

    After a full few seconds later, he asked her once more.

    ¡¸Headmaster Relie prepared this for me. She said that it will be better for me to have some civilian clothes©¤©¤it doesn¡¯t suit me?¡¹

    ¡¸No, it looks really good on you©¤©¤, wait, it was Relie-san?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head due to the really curious connection.

    Then, she told him how it was Philuffy¡¯s request through Relie toward Yoruka.

    ¡¸She want me to protect Aruji-sama in her place while she is in the middle of recuperation.¡¹

    ¡¸Phi-chan is¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression relaxed at Philuffy¡¯s usual consideration while feeling convinced.

    ¡¸I also received message from the headmaster. It will become noisy somehow if it¡¯s in the Academy, so I should bring Aruji-sama to outside©¤©¤¡¹

    Next, it seemed that Relie also told her that she could be relieved because if it was Yoruka, then there wouldn¡¯t be any development between the two of them.

    Just what was she saying¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Right. Then this is a rare chance, so I think I¡¯ll accept the kind offer.¡¹

    Lux nodded smilingly like that, then right after that, Yoruka stiffened before the gate for some reason.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s wrong?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head, the girl looked down and spoke with unusual hesitation.

    ¡¸This is troubling. This is my first time going outside properly, so I don¡¯t know where to take Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, eeeeh!? You have never walked around Cross Field yet!?¡¹

    Even though it was already a few months since she came to the Academy.

    ¡¸Of course, I have grasped the geography in general, but I don¡¯t know any place to entertain Aruji-sama. Speaking from the view point of security, I believe the best plan is to stay quiet in an inn but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s shoulders dropped in crestfallenly while he faced Yoruka once more.

    ¡¸Could it be Yoruka, you have never played around properly?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Now that Aruji-sama mentioned it, that¡¯s the case.¡¹

    The girl muttered while tilting her head.

    This was a serious illness.

    ©¤©¤Or rather, perhaps the trouble lied on Lux himself because he didn¡¯t really give follow up to Yoruka in regard of her daily life.

    Lux who concluded that decided to use this chance to bring her to look around the city.

    ¡¸Then, this is a rare chance, so how about we go somewhere? If it¡¯s just a bit, then I also know some places where we can have fun.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka touched her lips with her index finger in a thinking posture, looking like she was somewhat in wonder.

    Lux thought that she would surely refuse, but before long she showed a bright carefree smile and nodded.

    ¡¸Then, please take care of me, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Right.¡¹

    Her smile with her appearance of a lovely young lady caused Lux¡¯s heart to jump inside for a moment.

    (As I thought, it¡¯s also the case in her normal outfit but, Yoruka is really a beauty huh¡­¡­)

    Usually it was hard to notice because of that peculiar getup and her mysterious atmosphere but, when she dressed up like this he thought of that once more.

    Lux gently pulled her hand and started walking while harboring mysterious feeling of exaltation and anxiety.

    ¨C

    First they had a light meal from food cart. After that they visited a barn that was managed by an acquaintance.

    Because Lux had done chore of taking care of horse before, he was able to get an agreement from the barn fairly easily.

    ¡¸Ou, so you are walking around while bringing different girl again huh. Even so, the girl this time is also amazingly pretty¡­¡­.¡¹

    Firsts Lux was made fun of like that by a youth who he hadn¡¯t met for a long time while trying to show horse to Yoruka.

    Just in case, Lux made Yoruka promise to not kill the horse even if it rampaged, then he tried to make her feed the horse and petted it.

    ¡¸It is calmer that expected. Besides©¤©¤it¡¯s warm.¡¹

    Of course it would be hard for an amateur to ride a horse, so they didn¡¯t do that, but Yoruka somehow gazed at the horse with a satisfied look.

    Next they headed to a small lake at the outskirt of the city.

    In front of a cabin, there was an old man who was also Lux¡¯s acquaintance from doing chores. They borrowed fishing rods from him and went fishing.

    ¡¸Fishing is one of the few pastimes that I did with my little brother so¡­¡­the presence of fish is easy to sense.¡¹

    Perhaps it should be expected from someone who originated from an island country in the east.

    The fish could also be brought home as souvenir, but they presented their catch to the old man and left that place, then next they headed to a tailor shop.

    It was the first request from Yoruka, but because Yoruka had almost no casual clothes of her own, they headed to a high class tailor shop.

    Of course Lux was thinking of having her tried some clothes, and if there was anything that she liked, he would have the tailor made it for her.

    Even though he looked like this, he had some money at hand from his earning through Syvalles.

    He couldn¡¯t waste money, but there would be no problem if it was just one clothes for present.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama, what kind of clothes that you like? I have no preference of my own.¡¹

    Yoruka asked him that when they entered the tailor shop.

    At first he thought of making her chose what she liked, but he had no clue of what would be good, so thinking of clothes with different impression from usual, he suggested to her about choosing something that gave neat and clean impression.

    ¡¸I have finished changing Aruji-sama. Please take a look.¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see©¤©¤wait, eeeeeeh!?¡¹

    Yoruka beckoned to Lux and he entered the changing room. Right at that moment Lux¡¯s head became pure white.

    Naked©¤©¤no, the girl in underwear appearance with an atmosphere that was different from usual was exposing her skin before Lux.

    Her glossy long hair that was held by an Alice band, and the pure white lacy underwear and garter belt that were decorated with black ribbon looked dazzling in his eyes.

    Not only his gaze was stolen by that sight unconsciously, she was emitting a seductive sex appeal that made him unable to tear off his gaze from there.

    ¡¸Wait, what are you doing Yoruka!? Wear clothes properly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My? I¡¯m already wearing it. I asked the shop assistant for something that is as neat and clean as possible to answer Aruji-sama¡¯s taste you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t intend to mean about underwear you know!? Just choose the clothing to wear on top of them!¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s cheeks were dyed red in a blush. Lux faced her and yelled with a similarly red face.

    ¡¸To choose only clothes with neat and clean style¡­¡­that means, Aruji-sama¡¯s preference is for me to not wear underwear then. If that¡¯s the case from now I¡¯ll do so even in the Academy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it!? Since when this become forcing me to do such embarrassment play!?¡¹

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. I will follow the shop assistant¡¯s recommendation here.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. With that©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux averted his gaze in a fluster and left from there.

    He thought that her atmosphere was different from usual, but in the end it was the usual Yoruka.

    Lux let out a really conflicted sigh while waiting for the shopping to end.

    ¨C

    The sun set faster when it was winter.

    At the time of dusk when the sun was almost sinking at the west, Lux and Yoruka were taking a break in the central plaza.

    They were buying fatty meat skewer from a food cart and ate it there while the people walking down the road were calling out to Lux one after another.

    ¡¸Ou, ain¡¯t this Lux. Help me out next time again.¡¹

    ¡¸Oi you. Lux is already the princess¡¯s knight. Good grief.¡¹

    Middle aged husband and wife conversed like that, then a slightly older youth manning a stall too,

    ¡¸You are taking another different beautiful girl again huh, introduce me to one at least.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun too has become distant huuh¡­¡­¡¹

    There were also city girls looking up to the sky with a faraway looks while saying such thing.

    In the end, it became noisy even when he was going outside the Academy. Lux smiled wryly at that while responding to them, but there was just one thing that was decisively different from the past.

    ¡¸You are trusted by everyone, Aruji-sama. It¡¯s not just your character©¤©¤even your skill in Drag-Ride. That aspect is the difference of Aruji-sama with my little brother.¡¹

    Yoruka who was sitting down beside him suddenly smiled while saying that to him.

    What was different from before, it was what Lux obtained from the Academy.

    During his five years of doing chores, although he won over the trust from the people, they only thought of him as the Weakest Undefeated, a Drag-Knight that wouldn¡¯t attack at all in his match. But now he was renowned for having protecting Syvalles and the Academy, and furthermore even Cross Field itself from the attack of Abyss, Ragnarok, and so on.

    Right now Lux had become an existence that people acknowledged in admiration as a Drag-Knight who protected the new kingdom, as well as someone who was chosen as Lisha¡¯s personal knight.

    ¡¸I can be like this is thanks to everyone. Of course, it¡¯s also thanks to Yoruka.¡¹

    However, Lux was thinking like that not from being modest.

    He was able to wield his strength exactly because of the girls¡¯ consideration and cooperation to him.

    ¡¸I©¤©¤am?¡¹

    It seemed that Yoruka herself had no awareness of that. She tilted her head in puzzlement.

    ¡¸The other day, when defeating Ragnarok Metatron too, I heard that you stood up to face it many times even when it was an  untouchable opponent due to the attack reflection. Thanks to that I was able to find the clue for defeating it and won.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s something that I ought to feel embarrassed about. Originally I have to remove the enemy approaching Aruji-sama instead of troubling you to take care of it.¡¹

    ¡¸Even so©¤©¤I¡¯m grateful to Yoruka. Thank you.¡¹

    He said that and took Yoruka¡¯s hand.

    The cool and smooth skin texture felt pleasant. A mysterious bittersweet feeling overflowed in Lux¡¯s chest.

    On the other hand Yoruka¡¯s serious face stared still without blinking at that hand.

    ¡¸So, sorry. That¡¯s, for holding your hand for too long©¤©¤ah¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux said that and his hand was going to let go, Yoruka took his hand instead without letting go.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama¡¯s hand, is warm.¡¹

    Different from usual, she murmured with a faintly uplifted tone.

    But, she immediately let go of his hand and smiled while looking at the setting sun.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤there is no time to enjoy that. My value lies solely in becoming a blade to destroy those who are aiming at Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, when Yoruka¡¯s little brother died©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux almost said that, but he then closed his mouth hurriedly.

    While Yoruka was branded as a failure of a princess in the nation of Koto, she was granted with the position as the royal guard of her little brother, the candidate to become the next king.

    But, her little brother was betrayed by his chief vassals and he was offered as a sacrifice.

    The girl who was said to be disqualified as human tried to discover the meaning of her life by clinging on the position of tool as her little brother¡¯s servant but©¤©¤, Yoruka was made to realize that she had no qualification or anything for that, and so as expected she wasn¡¯t human or anything.

    ¡¸Yes, I failed at that time. I was only thinking of myself. The fellows who tried to conveniently use my little brother who succeeded the throne while still young. Even though I vaguely felt apprehension of their existences and thought to get rid of them©¤©¤¡¹

    Her tone was bland as though she was chatting casually about everyday matter.

    However, Yoruka smiled while emitting a vaguely bottomless aura.

    Instantly a bad premonition was born inside Lux. When he noticed, he asked her.

    ¡¸Could it be, your little brother, stopped you from doing¡­¡­?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t Like Lux had any inkling of what Yoruka was planning to do.

    Lux was only thinking, that if by any chance Yoruka was going to try to do the same thing, then he himself would surely stop her too.

    Yoruka didn¡¯t answer. She simply kept her mouth closed while her smile was deepening.

    People were vanishing from the central plaza. At that time when the moon was hanging completely in the sky, Yoruka stood up.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go back, Aruji-sama. It won¡¯t be good for the body to stay in this cold air.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. I, guess¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka who said that had already returned to her usual self.

    But, different from where they had just set out, she didn¡¯t try to link her had with his hand beside him anymore.

    Lux softly called out to Yoruka instead of taking her hand from his own initiative.

    ¡¸Say Yoruka. Since you came to the new kingdom and entered that Academy, did anything change? Did you find anything important to you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nothing has changed. Aruji-sama¡¯s younger sister and Noct-san, then everyone in Syvalles has treated me well but, I¡¯m still the same as ever.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    Lux murmured looking somewhat sad while he noticed that Yoruka sometimes was caressing her musical instrument case.

    ¡¸That Sword Device is something really important for you isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Even in the middle of the date she would keep holding it close to herself, the Sword Device of Yato no Kami.

    He thought that in a sense it was an attachment that was just like her. Lux leaked out a wry smile unconsciously.

    ¡¸In the end this is the only thing that I can understand. If it¡¯s a useful tool, then it¡¯s only reasonable for anyone to want to put it at their side and treasure it.  Someone like me who is not a human can only understand something at that level.¡¹

    That was why Yoruka was earnestly trying to continue becoming Lux¡¯s ¡ºuseful tool¡».

    Surely it was something like that.

    But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Is it, really like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux suddenly muttered the question emerging in his heart while they were on the path back to Academy.

    ¡¸The reason why Yoruka is continuing to be fixated to sword, and also in being a servant. It ight be simply because you don¡¯t understand anything about human. It could be that Yoruka yourself simply doesn¡¯t notice it too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s an interesting interpretation Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s eyes opened wide in astonishment for a moment, then her eyes narrowed bewitchingly.

    ¡¸But, someone like me cannot answer everyone¡¯s expectation. After all I¡¯m just a mere thing in the end.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Her smile was bright as usual.

    For such smile to look lonely no matter what to Lux might be just his imagination.

    Even since this day, there was nothing particularly different in Yoruka¡¯s state even while she was striving in her guard duty that she did alternately with Coral.

    And then perhaps thanks to the two, or perhaps it was just a coincidence.

    The period of rest was passing peacefully without any report of even a single Abyss showing up, not to mention any enemy like the Dragon Marauder.

    Like that ten days later, the outing to the Garden was finally carried out.

    ¨C

    At afternoon that day, in front of the fourth Drag-Ride hangar inside the Academy¡¯s ground where the Drag-Rides were stored.

    The elites of Syvalles were gathering in order to exterminate Abyss that appeared from Ruin.

    Starting from the commanding officer Lisha, there were also Lux and Yoruka, then the members of Triad, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct.

    Airi would also accompany them as a record keeper.

    Philuffy as well as the remaining members of Syvalles would remain behind to protect the Academy.

    Yoruka still hadn¡¯t been formally accepted into Syvalles, so this time she wouldn¡¯t accompany the investigation.

    ¡¸The mission today is only a light scouting, so there is no need to worry.¡¹

    After Lux told Yoruka that, she unexpectedly backed away obediently.

    ¡¸Yes, if a danger is approaching Aruji-sama, then I will rush to your side in a flash no matter what.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Yoruka who answered him brightly, then he turned back toward Lisha and others.

    ¡¸This time¡¯s mission, you understand right, Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I intend to pay meticulous attention to the situation.¡¹

    The top secret mission this time that was appointed to them from her majesty queen Raffi.

    At the surface this outing had the pretext of exterminating Abyss that appeared around the Garden.

    But, in actuality they had the aim of hiding the unidentified Grand Force that they were troubled about how to deal with inside the Garden.

    The scheme was for the new kingdom to pretend that they had no such thing from the beginning while hiding it inside the Garden, then next time when they went to conquer the Garden, they would pick it up again.

    So to speak it would be a put-up job, but Prime Minister Nulph also said that was the best way.

    (Certainly, there is no other option for the new kingdom than to avoid the suspicion as traitor from other country while leaving behind the clue for the Ruin¡¯s conquering but©¤©¤)

    Lux felt slightly reluctant to keep quiet about this matter even to Airi, the Triad, and also Yoruka.

    ¡¸Then we are going! The destination is the surface of sixth Ruin, the Garden. We will only strike the Abyss that appear at the surrounding!¡¹

    In actuality after removing thte Abyss, they would bury the treasure box in the ground inside the Ruin, but Lisha declared the start of the mission without informing the other of that. Then suddenly a voice came from behind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Well well, so there is also a knight order that really look unreliable like this.¡¹

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Almost everyone there was startled by the appearance of the person behind Lisha.

    A person with small stature about the same like Lux.

    Distinctive looking eye patch and a black eye with bottomless darkness were peering out from under the hood of the deep blue cloak he was wearing.

    The vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit suddenly appeared in front of the hangar.

    ¡¸Wha-! What are you coming here for! Leave!¡¹

    Lisha shuddered in fear and took distance from Singlen in panic.

    While she was moving, lux quickly came in between them as though to block Singlen¡¯s path.

    ¡¸What is your business Sir Singlen? Will you refrain from hindering our operation?¡¹

    ¡¸Ha-ha-ha. You are talking big there, chore prince. Although, I cannot admire this. Right now is a waiting period that all countries have agreed on. An action that might stimulate the Ruin is forbidden by the agreement. I don¡¯t want to believe it but, you aren¡¯t planning to break it right?¡¹

    His voice didn¡¯t sound merciless as though to corner Lux, but a voice that sounded joking.

    However, Lux knew that he couldn¡¯t let his guard down against this man exactly when he was like that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­We caught a report that the division commanders of Dragon Marauder who we were pursuing entered the territory of new kingdom. Of course we still haven¡¯t caught sight of them in Cross Field, but this is them. There must be a large possibility of them getting into contact with the remaining Ruins.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was showing a dubious expression, Prime Minister Nulph who came from behind whispered into his ear.

    ¡¸At present, the new kingdom hasn¡¯t heard anything about that kind of activity of Dragon Marauder. Most likely this is just a made-up story of Sir Singlen, but we also have no proof to deny it.¡¹

    Hearing his bitter tone, Lux easily guessed the circumstance.

    The government was unable to stop the forcefulness of this man who suddenly appeared.

    That time with Balzeride in the past was also troublesome but, for this man to be here would be extremely bad in regard to the top secret mission that was commanded to Lux and Lisha.

    If they didn¡¯t make some kind of excuse to distance this man, not only they would fail their mission, he might see through the existence of Grand Force and obtained the proof that the new kingdom was trying to hide it instead.

    If that happened, the new kingdom would bear the risk of getting designated as traitor by the Lords, and in the worst case©¤©¤the new kingdom might become attack target of every country.

    In other words, they must not let Singlen to accompany them no matter what.

    ¡¸There is no need for you to be bothered with this. We will be enough for this mission!¡¹

    It seemed that Lisha also had reached the same conclusion like Lux and she raised her voice like that.

    But, Singlen made a smile that was filled with implication and cut down that excuse.

    ¡¸I have talked with the upper brass of new kingdom. You all have no authority to refuse me from coming along in this.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me repeat myself! I¡¯m telling you we don¡¯t need you coming along!¡¹

    Lisha tried to refuse bluntly once more.

    Lux took a breath to continue after Lisha, but Prime Minister Nulph shook his head.

    ¡¸You are misunderstanding your highness Lizsharte. Sir Singlen has volunteered to defend the first fortress in front of the Ruin.¡¹

    ¡¸Fortress¡¯s defense¡­¡­?¡¹

    Airi was surprised while muttering once more to comprehend the words.

    ¡¸In other words, to prepare for the off chance that Abysses are surging out from the Ruin, Sir Singlen will prepare a defense in that fortress to block the enemy¡¯s advance to Cross Field, is that it?¡¹

    Singlen calmly nodded at Sharis¡¯s question.

    And then he showed a wide mocking grin that looked like a crescent moon shaped maw.

    ¡¸The Drag-Knights of my White Ridge knight order are already taking position in the first fortress near the Ruin. Of course I also have no intention of moving from there. That¡¯s why I had no intention of accompanying your group or anything but©¤©¤kukukuku, I was awfully hated here huh.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Lisha groaned without hiding her anger.

    Perhaps from the start he had guessed what Lux and others would do in the Ruin and he provoked them misleadingly like that.

    In any case, the distance from the Garden to the first fortress was only a short few km.

    Considering that it was a distance that could be closed in ten minutes when necessary, they couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    ¡¸And so, I will head to the fortress first. I¡¯ll pray that you fight to the best of your ability, chore prince.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Singlen only said that and got on the shoulder of his subordinate¡¯s Wyvern. Then they flew away and left.

    Only conflicted and bitter atmosphere was left behind in the area.

    ¡¸That man is like usual, a genius of harassment.¡¹

    Lisha grumbled right after Singlen left without even trying to hide her dissatisfaction.

    But, Lux was asking the detail from Prime Minister Nulph with a nervous look even now.

    ¡¸Forgive me. Sir Singlen proposed his cooperation with the matter this time was early in the morning today. We opposed him, but we were also unable to bluntly reject him.¡¹

    There were only three Ruins remaining.

    If the new kingdom approached the remaining Ruin regardless of the waiting period where conquering Ruin was forbidden, it wasn¡¯t strange for the new kingdom to get suspected of trying to get a head start.

    But, rather than something like that, there was something else Lux feared more.

    (Don¡¯t tell me, he suspected?)

    A big backpack was attached on the back of his Wyvern.

    The treasure box that was holding the aforementioned Grand Force was put inside it.

    ¡¸Lux, what should we do? About the extermination this time©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux hesitated seeing the anxious Lisha.

    After worrying for a few seconds, he made his decision.

    ¡¸Sorry Yoruka. Can I ask you to do me a favor this time?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Without reacting to Airi who was tilting her head, Yoruka nodded.

    ¡¸It¡¯s no problem Aruji-sama. It will be fine if I secretly monitor them to confirm that no one will be coming from behind right?¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    Sharis lightly hit her palm after a bit of pause.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s Yato no Kami¡¯s radar, their movement can be detected even from afar eh.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I will be responsible for the detection role in Lux-san¡¯s group, so please rest assured.¡¹

    Yoruka immediately saw through Lux¡¯s thinking and responded like that. Then next the Triad understood Lux¡¯s intention and responded after her.

    Yoruka would serve as the rear guard while monitoring whether Singlen would make any suspicious movement at the fortress in the back. Like that Lux¡¯s group would be able to concentrate at the swarm of Abyss in the front.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go! Everyone, are you prepared!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes!¡¹

    Following Lisha¡¯s order, Lux and others took off with their respective Drag-Ride.

    They were feeling tense with the departure after so long while heading to the Garden.

    ¡¸Lux, how is your body¡¯s condition? It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t force yourself like that airhead girl you know?¡¹

    Beside him Lisha called out to him while flying at low altitude.

    Her anxiety just now had vanished and it could be seen that she was full of confidence and spirit like usual.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. Also, as I thought Lisha-sama is really energetic.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, well yeah.¡¹

    Lisha kept gripping the control stick of Tiamat and responded with a self-assured smile.

    ¡¸The Abyss extermination or the top secret mission doesn¡¯t matter, because it¡¯s a sortie together with you after so long. Besides©¤©¤at our talk before this, Haha-ue praised me. My decision of making Lux my personal knight isn¡¯t mistaken, she said.¡¹

    ¡¸Her majesty Raffy was¡­¡­?¡¹

    Those words made Lux felt slightly saved too.

    Raffi rose to the throne as queen with the death of Count Atismata, but she must also put a lot of trust to Lux.

    The peace that was finally obtained after the old empire was destroyed.

    This time for sure he had to answer that expectation and responsibility as a Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸Saaay, we are also here though?¡¹

    Tillfur who was wearing Wyrn that was skating on the ground raised her voice with a tone and smile that looked jealous.

    Then Sharis who was also flying slightly behind also continued after her.

    ¡¸My goodness, approaching Lux-kun even at this kind of time, it seems that princess has piled up a lot of resentment from getting overwhelmed by the other girls.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? Yo, you are wrong, that¡¯s not it!? I¡¯m just, speaking the fact©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But I judged that Lisha-sama is still weak against pressure. Like this she won¡¯t be able to stand a chance against the others.¡¹

    Seeing the flustered Lisha, Noct also retorted with a bland tone while leaping above ground.

    ¡¸Yo, you guys are noisy! Don¡¯t act worried as you pleased about me! E, even like this I at least planned to invite Lux at the end of the year!¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama, please concentrate on the mission. You are the captain here.¡¹

    Airi who was sighing while being carried by Noct. Lisha couldn¡¯t say anything back ¡¸Mugugu¡­¡­¡¹ and she went ahead with bright red face.

    Because Yoruka was using camouflage while following them from far behind, she was unable to participate in the talk.

    (This atmosphere is relaxing somehow.)

    Because at Heiburg Lux was forced to be tense the whole time, this kind of usual conversation of the girls relaxed him.

    But, the mission Lux and Lisha were carrying out wasn¡¯t easy.

    He took a deep breath and fired up himself again. Then the expected scenery was approaching.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s, the Garden right now.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s voice that was tinged with graveness made everyone held their breath.

    Lux hadn¡¯t approached the Ruin since it was revitalized, but certainly its presence was different from before.

    They could see Abysses that they had exterminated before. Two Golem, and then seven or eight Chimera and Haiit.

    If it was before, the burden would be slightly harsh to face the enemy with only five Syvalles members.

    The best plan would be to cooperate too with Yoruka at the back and lured the Abyss one by one to defeat them.

    ¡¸Looks dangerous©¤©¤but, it¡¯s not for me to decide whether to spend time with a safe plan or not here.¡¹

    But, Lisha wasn¡¯t even perturbed by the powerful lineup of the Abyss side and called out to everyone.

    ¡¸Can you do this Triad? This is a chance to show off your cool side to Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸Eeeh!?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered at what Lisha said. Right after he made that reaction, the Triad readied their weapon.

    Noct handed Airi who was on her shoulder to Lux.

    ¡¸Roger. We will start the battle now. Lux-kun, take Airi-chan away and continue staying on guard at the back.¡¹

    The leader Sharis asserted that. Almost at the same time, the Triad started to move.

    The swarm of Abyss that noticed them approaching the Garden reacted and quickly started attacking.

    The Triad held back the enemy movement with a barrage of Breath Gun, broke their balance with Howling Roar, and used their weapon to destroy them.

    It was the very picture of a basic tactic, but the three displayed a superb combination and steadily weakened the enemy.

    The enemy was also a group of powerful Abysses, but the Triad weren¡¯t outdone at all.

    ¡¸We are going too. Don¡¯t get left behind! Seven Heads!¡¹

    Very thick beam was fired from the special armament of Tiamat, shooting through the core of a Golem, destroying it.

    At the same time Legions sprang at the flying around Gargoyles and Chimeras, while Suppressor was stopping the enemies¡¯ movement. The Triad would then attack those enemies with their Cannon.

    However, even with that much advantage that they had amassed, the Ruin and Abyss were formidable enemy as expected.

    ¡¸Please be careful Noct! Reinforcement!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Noct¡¯s Drake reacted to Airi¡¯s voice and it was blown backward from receiving impact.

    At the same time Lisha and Lux, then Sharis and Tillfur were also attacked by unseen attack.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤an invisible Abyss?¡¹

    Noct confirmed the radar of her Drake and muttered with a dubious face.

    The battle front was going up from them gradually suppressing the swarm of Abyss, but then countless Abysses were summoned from behind.

    In other words, a large Abyss encirclement was imposed at the exterior of Garden around Lux and others.

    ¡¸Phantom huh¡­¡­. this is also a new type Abyss that was reported only recently.¡¹

    Originally the concept of coordination didn¡¯t exist among Abyss, but it seemed this was an Abyss that was specialized in ambush.

    ¡¸More than ten Phantoms were surrounding us from behind. It doesn¡¯t look like there is other reinforcement.¡¹

    The battle potential of the Phantom didn¡¯t seem to be much, but the pincer attack was more disadvantageous than expected.

    ¡¸But it¡¯s simple to overcome. After all it will be fine once we breakthrough this encirclement.¡¹

    When Sharis was saying that with a self-assured smile, Lux raised his hand without hesitation.

    ¡¸I will go, to lure away the enemy.¡¹

    Compared to the mission to lure a hundred Abysses that he carried out behind the scene of All-Dragon Battle previously, this would be remarkably easier.

    Thinking so Lux tried to take the dangerous role, but Sharis and others smiled.

    ¡¸Nn, but right now isn¡¯t the encirclement at Garden¡¯s side thin? It might be better for Lux-chi and Lisha-sama to breakthrough over there ahead y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It will be strenuous to defeat the whole swarm of weak Abysses that are hard to see. Besides I believe there is also no time.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I guess, what you guys said are true.¡¹

    Lisha also nodded after hesitating about the Triad¡¯s suggestion.

    Lux had heard that while he was away, the Triad were working diligently at several Abyss exterminations, but it appeared that all the Triad had also grown considerably.

    Different from before, they were calmly grasping the situation without getting agitated even when Abysses suddenly appeared.

    What they showed in Triport wasn¡¯t merely battle strength against Abyss.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll break through the opposite side©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux immediately turned around. At that moment, Tillfur charged toward the remaining Abyss swarm.

    ¡¸Roger! Just leave it to me if it¡¯s charging aheaaaad!¡¹

    She lifted up her Hammer and rushed the remaining Haiit swarm on the ground.

    ¡¸Watch out Tillfur! You are surrounded by enemy!¡¹

    Seeing Tillfur¡¯s movement, three Haiit descended on her simultaneously.

    No matter how much she had improved, she wouldn¡¯t be able to take them on simply with the limit of her Drag-Ride¡¯s spec.

    When Lux made that judgment, a voice came to him from Airi.

    ¡¸Please leave it to her Nii-san. These girls understand the battle situation better compared to the currently worn out Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    The moment Lux paused midair, Sharis and Noct also rushed to the middle of the enemy formation.

    Several Chimeras and Haiit stood on their way, at that moment, the three¡¯s Drag-Ride burst with a flash.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge-!¡¹

    They purged their own armor, while shooting it out like buckshot at the same time. It was a skill that combined offense and defense.

    At the same time the three pulled out one more Sword Device and finished summoning their Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸This is, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Light particles converged and took shape into new dragon.

    The girls¡¯ bodies were wrapped with three kinds of Drag-Ride at the blink of eye. Those armors were a size larger than general purpose Drag-Ride and also thicker.

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct were each clad with EX Wyvern, EX Wyrm, and EX Drake respectively.

    The strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride that originally could only be used by EX Class Drag-Knight.

    It wasn¡¯t equipped with Divine Raiment, but the spec of the Drag-Ride itself wasn¡¯t inferior. The girls skillfully controlled it and attacked.

    They broke through the formation of the Abyss that faltered due to the shockwave of Break Purge and opened a path to the Garden.

    ¡¸Everyone, amazing¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux spontaneously spoke in astonishment witnessing the girls fighting against a lot of Abysses without backing down.

    Then, Lisha who was hovering beside him folded her arms proudly and puffed up her chest.

    ¡¸Fuh, the time they can handle it is still short though. That¡¯s why they are also still using normal Sword Device. Also, I applied special tuning to each Drag-Ride to lighten the burden on those three until the limit.¡¹

    After telling that full of confidence, Lisha smiled at Lux looking self-assured.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not just you who get stronger. After all while you were going away from this country several times, we were also training those three by turns.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Right after the battle in Vanheim Principality, Sharis and others, the triad wanted to become stronger.

    But, it was also difficult to actually realize that in this short time.

    Most likely Lisha¡¯s strength that supported them in the aspect of Drag-Ride also played a large role.

    The girls were also growing stronger so to not push all the responsibility of fighting to Lux alone.

    When Lux felt moved from knowing that and he almost forgot himself, a voice came from Sharis.

    ¡¸Now Lux-kun! Princess! The encirclement is broken! Leave this place to us and finished your objective!¡¹

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s still dangerous! The enemies are too many, and the invisible Abyss Phantom is also©¤©¤¡¹

    He wasn¡¯t doubting their strength, but the Abyss couldn¡¯t be underestimated even then.

    When Lux looked flustered and hesitating, a voice suddenly came from behind.

    ¡¸There is no need to worry, Aruji-sama. Those unseen Abysses are already dealt with.¡¹

    ¡¸Wwha-!?¡¹

    Hearing that, Lisha beside him opened her mouth in surprise.

    Yoruka who was standing by far behind until now seemed to have cleaned up the more than ten Phantoms that were discovered before anyone realized it.

    Certainly if it was the special equipment type Yato no Kami, it would be able to overcome the invisible Abyss easily using its radar, but as expected she was just too overwhelming even then.

    ¡¸Holy cow. Our great effort paled in comparison like this.¡¹

    After Sharis muttered jokingly, Sharis also looked at that with a bitter face.

    ¡¸We, well it doesn¡¯t matter. Our secret weapon isn¡¯t just this anyway! Next time we will shock Lux-chi for sure!¡¹

    ¡¸No. Tillfur, that¡¯s not the point. More importantly Lux-san, it¡¯s unnecessary to worry about us.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Thank you everyone. I will express my gratitude properly when we get back.¡¹

    Lux showed a relieved smile due to Yoruka¡¯s support, then he along with Lisha headed for the surface of Garden along with Lisha while carrying Airi.

    ¡¸Yoruka too be careful.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. I won¡¯t let that Blue Tyrant come near Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, don¡¯t do anything reckless. Then, later.¡¹

    Lux smiled with a troubled look and parted from Yoruka.

    ¡¸It¡¯s coming Lux. The Garden¡¯s transfer will start soon!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes! Lisha-sama!¡¹

    The moment Lux tensed his expression and replied, the Garden¡¯s opening and shutting took place.

    Opening and shutting©¤©¤, the Garden would emit light that transferred the surrounding living thing and inorganic thing to inside it every fixed period. Lux and others put themselves inside it.

    ¡¸Everyone©¤©¤stay safe.¡¹

    Leaving behind that sentence, Lux, together with Lisha and Airi vanished into the Garden.

    The Triad who splendidly accomplished the duty of opening the path exchanged glances in satisfaction.

    ¡¸Haa, they are gone. As I thought doesn¡¯t seem there is a chance huuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur who was wearing EX Wyrm dropped her shoulders slightly and grumbled.

    ¡¸You looks really lonely but, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t understand your feeling. After all it has been quite a while since we fight together with him. It¡¯s regrettable to miss the chance of getting along with him here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Or rather, recently the level is getting too high in various things isn¡¯t it? Not in just strength, but on the whole.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, even we should have thing we can do. Even if we cannot catch up with the girls who use Divine Drag-Ride, but as a comrade we can still be of use.¡¹

    Noct concluded calmly and Sharis also nodded.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯re right. Then, if this goes well, how about we try giving him present at the holy night festival too?¡¹

    The end of the year event.

    It was about the custom of handing present to a male that had been of help throughout the year.

    A romantic nuance was also mixed in part of it, but even the Triad was also thinking of that.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Sharis you, even though you always said that you aren¡¯t interested-¡¹

    ¡¸Hahahaha, it¡¯s just as friend, that¡¯s all. Well, if there is a chance then even I©¤©¤I cannot say that I don¡¯t have such thinking at all though.¡¹

    Sharis laughed somewhat bashfully as though to cover it up. Seeing her like that, Noct also retorted.

    ¡¸Yes. If it¡¯s just giving present, then it¡¯s everyone¡¯s freedom. I will also do my best.¡¹

    ¡ºI believe that having a lot of mistress and heir is a good thing.¡»

    Seeing the three exchanging comments about Lux, Yoruka sent her voice through the Dragon Voice which caused the three to return to their senses and sighed.

    ¡¸Aaagain, Yoruka-chi is always like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is this thing called mood for everything.¡¹

    ¡¸In any case, enough talking here. Let¡¯s finish our job. In order to catch up to the girls who fought for the sake of the new kingdom and him until now too.¡¹

    Sharis concluded the talk with a dignified voice, at the same time the remaining several Abysses were approaching.

    The three nodded to each other and resumed the battle.

 Volume 11 - CH 4

    ¨C

    A few days before Lux and others headed toward the Garden.

    ¡¸This place©¤©¤just what¡¹

    Some distance away from the showy and bustling castle town, there was a dark grey town that had lost its color.

    The abandoned capital that was a cultural heritage even within Marcafal Kingdom©¤©¤and at the same time an area that was designated as forbidden to enter, Gelsera.

    Celis who accompanied the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca as her aide spontaneously forgot to breathe after seeing that magnificent view.

    The tall townscape that had elaborate carving and design applied on it looked completely dull with its dark grey color. It was filled with the atmosphere as though time had stopped.

    ¡¸Amazing view isn¡¯t it? The ups and downs of life, the microcosm of the world human is living in is noted within only this single land as a history.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    What Celis learned until now as world history in the end was nothing more than a part of the destroyed city that was left behind as only anecdote.

    And yet, she could sense some kind of bizarre atmosphere from the sight spreading before her eyes.

    ¡¸There is some kind of presence. A presence of something that isn¡¯t human©¤©¤trace of Abyss is¡¹

    ¡¸Hou? As expected from a member of the prestigious four great nobles who is praised as the new kingdom¡¯s strongest. Even though we are still in a distance where even the Drake¡¯s radar cannot reach, you have a keen eye there.¡¹

    Magialca made an obscene fearless smile and commended her.

    But, Celis of course didn¡¯t let her guard down.

    Far from that she even harbored wariness toward Magialca and she backed away while her hand touched the handle of her sword.

    ¡¸Since when Abyss is living here? Does the other countries know about this?¡¹

    When Celis asked that with a voice that was laced with tension, Magialca grinned cynically and looked up at Celis.

    ¡¸I want to ask you instead, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s unnatural? Marcafal is facing the sea and its territory is also vast, its natural resources are abundant and it¡¯s also a neutral country. But, although Abyss appears here, it¡¯s not a place where Ruin¡¯s treasure can be obtained, no one has any interest to this country. In these more than ten years after seven Ruins had been confirmed, there is no foreigner who visit here because they like the place.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Celis fell silent, Magialca looked down on the abandoned capital from a slightly elevated cliff.

    Her cloak was flapping from cold gust while she brushed up her front hair.

    When Celis asked, she was told that there was an oral tradition that told this place as a holy land that one mustn¡¯t get near to since the ancient time.

    If someone carelessly laid their hand on it, demise would come along with calamity just like this abandoned capital.

    In fact that tradition had been kept for several hundred years, but since Ruins were discovered in various places, a lot of outsiders from other countries came here.

    ¡¸Abyss came out from here, but not even a single treasure or Drag-Ride can be found. And yet, although the Abyss here is few in number, but they are mighty without equal. Of course without cooperation from other countries, this country won¡¯t even be able to defend against the disaster to the surrounding that rarely happen, but no country exist that will poke their nose into such troublesome thing. There, this country called to me.¡¹

    Fortunately, Marcafal Kingdom was rich with natural resources.

    Magialca who was buying up a lot of Drag-Ride at that time negotiated with Marcafal Kingdom that was scared of this abandoned capital and intruder, and she was granted with an extraordinary position.

    Magialca hired Drag-Knights from many countries and she defended this country, while she was also mainly cooperating for the betterment of the public order of Malcafar where Ruin didn¡¯t exist.

    In exchange she was allowed to mediate for every kind of matter in regard to commerce. She piled up enormous wealth and achieved a sweeping conquest of the market.

    ¡¸However, why are you telling me such story? Don¡¯t tell me, the danger in this abandoned capital is also increasing in accordance with the revitalization of Ruins at the recent yeasr©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Celis who was talking until that point felt a chilling shudder running through her spine.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. There are also bunches who said that I didn¡¯t do much work despite being the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins. The fact is exactly as you see. What kind of place this location is, even that arms dealer Hayes had also showed her face in this abandoned capital for a time.¡¹

    ¡¸Then could it be, this abandoned capital is actually©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, the place where all ancient technology and legacy are sleeping, Avalon. There is no doubt that this is the entrance to go there. At the surface I pretended to concede my authority to that snob©¤©¤Singlen, while I¡¯m advancing my investigation of this area. When those Lords bunch also pretended to not know anything, they cannot complain anything about me coming and going in this place as I pleased. Underground that decayed castle standing tall at the distance, is most likely where everything exist.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing, is¡­¡­¡¹

    Beside Celis who was muttering dumbfounded, Magialca shrugged her shoulders further.

    ¡¸Those so called Lords, they are staying quiet even while they know about this matter. It¡¯s necessary to prepare without delay so they won¡¯t get a head start on us. And the so called true enemy of us too, they got impatient and finally allowed me to grab them by their tail.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? Just now, what did you say?¡¹

    Celis was unable to grasp the meaning right away and asked back.

    Magialca continued it with an indifferent tone.

    ¡¸What those Lords bunch mentioned, about finding the so called traitor. The Dragon Marauder that broke off from Heiburg, who were contracting and moving them? Why the Moon left from the sky of Turkimes Confederation? How did the Dragon Marauder bunch obtained Ruin¡¯s treasures like Elixir©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡º ©¤©¤Leave, you foolish people.¡»

    *WIIIIIIIII-!*

    Right after Magialca was going to tell the truth, a discordant sound that felt like it was scratching and tearing inside the brain could be heard. Several Abysses flew out toward them.

    Two headed giant dog, Orthros.

    A powerful specimen that was treated as gatekeeper at Ark appeared.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah! So they won¡¯t let us get away easily huh. And so miss aide, we will be doing a bit of work now. This battle concerning the Ruin will be intensifying from here on.¡¹

    Magialca laughed obstinately while finally pulling out the Sword Device on her waist.

    She quickly pushed the trigger on the handle while muttering the passcode at the same time.

    ¨C

    The time returned back once more, in the new kingdom©¤©¤.

    Lux, Lisha, and Airi were taken inside the Ruin. Outside the Garden, Triad and Yoruka were taking care of defense. At the side,

    At the back side of the giant cube shaped Garden, a single girl was standing.

    The girl with glossy black hair was wearing a white mask.

    She was holding her breath and concealing her presence while observing the situation.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That man, his pieces are more complete than expected. However, in the end his stamina is worn out due to the consecutive battle. He is not in a state that can oppose us.¡¹

    There was no one beside the girl to receive her words.

    Till the end she was just talking to herself. She was speaking out the situation to confirm it herself.

    Due to the largeness of what she would do after this, she would need a lot more resolve.

    In order to endure the weight, in order to accomplish it, the girl purposefully put it into words.

    ¡¸If the situation is like this it will definitely succeed. If by any chance the unlikely event happens, I will take care of it. The time is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Can you not move, the person over there.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Coral Esther warned from behind the masked girl.

    Wearing EX Wyvern, he pointed the muzzle of his Breath Gun on the girl¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Why, are you here?¡¹

    The masked girl asked with a muffled voice without turning back.

    In respond Coral also kept unmoving and talked to that back with a dispassionate tone.

    ¡¸The Dragon Marauder is a warmonger organization that is composed from three division commanders. They already cut their connection from the King of Vices, but after losing connection with both Hayes and Calensia, they should have another main contractor. I don¡¯t know what are you all planning but, there should be the existence of an employer.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The masked girl didn¡¯t even stir.

    In exchange Coral continued his investigation.

    ¡¸Even I didn¡¯t expect that you will appear. Just, when I came to observe the situation in order to protect Lux-kun, an unexpected fish is baited like this. Is it you who provided the Dragon Marauder with the horn flute and Elixir?¡¹

    ¡¸Liar.¡¹

    Suddenly an innocent laugh that was like a child came back from under the mask.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lies lies lies lies, aaaall lies. While you are planning to interrogate me so proudly, so you are overlooking the essential thing.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The masked girl snickered with bottomlessly bright voice.

    ¡¸You are keeping watch of that descendant of traitor. Certainly he is someone the Lord might be paying attention to, but even then what you are doing is too excessive. I don¡¯t know if this action is something you are doing arbitrarily or if there is some kind of secret but©¤©¤either way, from my point of view you cannot be trusted.¡¹

    Even while the girl was raising both her hands in a display of non resistance, she spoke threateningly with a calm tone.

    ¡¸How do you know that!? You©¤©¤who are you!?¡¹

    Coral¡¯s voice turned rough. Right after that, the masked girl spoke coldly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not only you who is laying trap. Showing one¡¯s figure intentionally as bait for the sake of the objective, is also a trap under the name of diversion.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Coral! Behind you!¡¹

    Suddenly Lux¡¯s tense voice came from behind.

    (Damn it! An ambush!?)

    Thinking that, Coral immediately turned around, but behind him there was only wasteland, the horizon, and the very clear blue sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Born out from the flame, the taboo god. Devour hatred and truth and transcend, Vritra.¡¹

    Instantly, from behind Coral who turned around, the passcode to summon Divine Drag-Ride could be heard.

    The voice of Lux that came from behind was fake.

    Coral turned around in panic while he tried to pull the trigger of his Breath Gun in order to shot the masked girl, but his armored arm was stabbed from behind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    This time Coral didn¡¯t force himself and glided to the side to escape.

    Why was an attack came from behind even though he was turning around to face the masked girl again?

    That question was cleared when he saw the two Drag-Rides before him.

    The Divine Drag-Ride with dull yellow color the masked girl was wearing, Vritra.

    The Drag-Ride that was standing on its side, was a Drake type Divine Drag-Ride with the trait of steel sharp claws growing from its four legs and two arms, the Asp.

    One of the three division commanders of Dragon Marauder, Drakkhen Megistry.

    The girl who dressed like a bandit with her leather breastplate and waistcloth was someone who Colra also remembered.

    After all he was chasing after Dragon Marauder until now.

    ¡¸The Divine Raiment of Asp that freely manipulated sound©¤©¤Hell Choir. Using that to mimic Lux-kun¡¯s voice, when I noticed that it was a trap and became flustered, Asp that was hiding with camouflage ability attacked©¤©¤what elaborate plan just to kill me with certainty.¡¹

    First Drakkhen made Coral to look back where she was hiding, then by making him turn around once more when the masked girl chanted the passcode, his concentration was taken away and his back became defenseless.

    But, perhaps Coral suddenly noticed something out of place, he shifted his body just by a hair¡¯s breadth and avoided from getting shot in his vital spot.

    The unnaturalness of no one being there when he heard Lux¡¯s voice made him suspected that there were multiple enemies using Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸Even sneak attack will become unnatural instead when it¡¯s overdone. As expected, it¡¯s look like I¡¯m not suited for fighting.¡¹

    The girl in Vritra sighed in disappointment. Then Drakkhen calmly walked forward.

    ¡¸Just leave this to me as this is my job. You have something to do right?¡¹

    ¡¸You have loose tongue. I¡¯ll decrease the pay if you say anything unnecessary.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s harsh. Then©¤©¤the pointless talk is over now!¡¹

    Drakkhen flew toward Coral at the same time with her words.

    Using the steel claws growing from Asp¡¯s both hands, sharp thrusts were unleashed consecutively.

    At the same time strange noises were reverberating once more, right after that©¤©¤the masked girl vanished.

    ¡¸You¡¯re planning to summon Abyss by making the horn flute sound? But, why are you fighting here?¡¹

    ¡¸Hm? Ku-ku-ku, I¡¯m a mercenary after all. As long as there is money, I won¡¯t be picky about time and place!¡¹

    Drakkhen evaded Coral¡¯s question and continued to rush forward.

    But, even with one of his EX Wyvern¡¯s arm destroyed, Coral skillfully handled his Blade and avoided direct hit.

    Seeing Drakkhen¡¯s attitude, Coral reached a certain fact instinctually.

    (She is able to produce horn flute¡¯s sound using Divine Raiment Hell Choir and draw in Abyss toward her. Why then she would intentionally fight outside the Garden?)

    Of course, the other division commanders, Vine and Gatouhan surely also had horn flute, but for Drakkhen who was able to freely handle sound, fighting inside Ruin should be far more effective for her.

    For her to not do that suggested two possibilities.

    One, the Abysses that in a glance seemed to have been exterminated already around this Garden were actually hiding.

    The other possibility, was that Drakkhen considered it to be more effective for her to be outside rather than inside the Ruin.

    That was to say©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You are quite skilled. Besides you also have a good head on your shoulder. Should I say, as expected from an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    Drakkhen took distance for the time being and grinned fearlessly while releasing her stance.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤you aren¡¯t the type to survive for long in battlefield. You have too much confidence in your own strength. Try looking up.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    This time, Coral didn¡¯t stop looking at Drakkhen so he wouldn¡¯t get his attention diverted. He was only directing his alertness toward above.

    The moment his body trembled from getting hit by killing intent from fiendish Abyss, Drakkhen¡¯s Asp fired Daggers consecutively from its claw tips.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Coral immediately unleashed Howling Roar and strengthened his barrier at the same time.

    The trajectories of the countless blades were shifted and he avoided direct hit.

    But, the medium sized Abyss©¤©¤Diablos that attacked from the sky couldn¡¯t be blocked at all because of that.

    (¡­¡­Damn it, she got me!)

    Coral shut his eyes tightly and resolved himself, it was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s not like you eh, for the honor student-sama to get flustered and make a miss like that.¡¹

    A familiar voice came from above along with the sound of slicing wind.

    Right after that, the multiple Abysses that were charging at Coral were carved into countless meat chunks and fell on the ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What!?¡¹

    This time it was Drakkhen who scowled due to the unexpected situation.

    The one who landed down in front of Coral as though to stand in the way was the Divine Drag-Ride with wild thorny armor, Cuelebre, and the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality, Greifer.

    His expression was peevish like usual looking unmotivated, however there was no opening at all in his stance.

    ¡¸Greifer! Why are you here!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ve got nothing to do now that the Dungeon is already conquered for the moment. I got ordered by our princess-sama to go check the situation here.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah! That¡¯s an absurd joke. No one¡¯s going to decrease the protection of their own country just for that. It must be that Magialca or Singlen¡¯s instigation right? Did they predict that we are going to aim at this Garden after we made our getaway from the pursuer of you the alliance?¡¹

    The aide exchange was a proposal from Listelka of the Lord, but there was no rule that the Seven Dragon Paladins of each country couldn¡¯t move away from where they were.

    Magialca caused attention to be directed toward Avalon with her movement, while she gathered the remaining battle force to near the Garden.

    When Drakkhen said that with a loathsome face, Greifer jerked his chin.

    ¡¸Well, there is the duty of confidentiality so I cannot say anything about the detail, but thinking with common sense, there are only two Ruins with known location that haven¡¯t been conquered, it¡¯s only obvious to guard them right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s certainly reasonable. But, it¡¯s also troubling if you underestimate our strength. I see, the Greedy Wolf Greifer who is famous in Vanheim seem to be quite powerful but, it¡¯s overwhelmingly advantageous for me in this situation.¡¹

    ¡¸Oi Coral, chase after the masked strange fellow just now. I¡¯ll deal with this bandit.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Got it! I¡¯ll leave it to you!¡¹

    Coral nodded obediently and he flown his EX Wyvern toward the Garden.

    Instantly, several Diablos swarmed around Greifer.

    Similar like before, the Abysses were coming down not from the Garden¡¯s surrounding but from high in the sky.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate for you, Seven Dragon Paladins-sama. A battle is not against only what you can see in front of you. Even you won¡¯t be able to do anything against this many.¡¹

    ¡¸So what? You are going to let me off the hook if I beg my life or something?¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately a stray dog like you have no value as hostage. I¡¯ll finish you quickly©¤©¤¡¹

    Drakkhen was making a threat that was the same like a death sentence, but Greifer wasn¡¯t perturbed.

    ¡¸That¡¯s saved me the trouble. I hate troublesome thing like pulling my punch. If you ain¡¯t planning to capture me alive, then that¡¯s just make it easier for me.¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it with the acting brave. The man who is categorized as the weakest among the Seven Dragon Paladins is©¤©¤¡¹

    Drakkhen sent Greifer a ridiculing gaze while ordering all the Diablos to attack simultaneously at the same time.

    All of them were deflected by the light membrane covering Cuelebre and the Tail Blade was quickly swung in a counterattack.

    Just with that, several Diablos that were within the range got their head lobbed off and their core destroyed.

    In front of Drakkhen who take distance to the back in surprise, Cuelebre glided sharply and slipped into her bosom.

    ¡¸Photon Dive©¤©¤is that Cuelebre¡¯s Divine Raiment that covered itself with light of invincibility?¡¹

    Once that was activated, any kind of attack couldn¡¯t possibly defeat Greifer.

    But, the activation time of the invincibility didn¡¯t even reach ten second, and it was impossible to reactivate right away after the time limit ran out.

    In other words, if she made the Abysses to attack continuously with different timing, it would be easy to make the attack passed through.

    ¡¸How na?ve. I have prepared countermeasure for someone at your level since a long time ago.¡¹

    In order to fix her balance, Drakkhen called more Abyss using her Hell Choir to imitate the horn flute.

    Greifer and others hadn¡¯t discovered it but, other than the Garden, there was a liberated facility where Abyss gathered that was hidden.

    But, the moment Drakkhen leaped backward and took distance, she noticed that her surrounding was covered with heavy fog.

    ¡¸Mist CypherHideout¡¯s True Name©¤©¤then I¡¯ll give you one more thing to learn. This is the power of special armament that Cuelebre has.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! When I wondered what you are going to do, it¡¯s just a really cheap trick in the end!¡¹

    Making mist to obstruct the vision.

    Certainly it would be troublesome in a normal battle, but Drakkhen¡¯s Asp was a special equipment type Drag-Ride.

    Similar like general purpose Drag-Ride Drake, her Asp was equipped with radar function, because of that it was meaningless to seal her field of vision. Thinking that she investigated using her radar, but she didn¡¯t detect anything.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t tell me!? This is a mist for obstructing electromagnetic wave¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t a mere heavy fog, but a special mist of metallic fragments that jammed even radar.

    Right after she noticed that, the Tail Blade with its many joints drew a spiral trajectory and aimed at Drakkhen¡¯s neck.

    ¡¸Guauh!?¡¹

    Even though the Tail Blade was already hard to dodge even in the best of times due to its flexibility that was like a whip, Drakkhen was late to defend when it struck from inside the thick mist.

    She strengthened her barrier and barely avoided lethal wound, but her body from her shoulder until her chest was shallowly ripped up.

    But right after that, Abysses attacked Greifer inside the thick mist one after another.

    During that time Drakkhen withdrew to a safe distance, but the moment the mist cleared up, the Abysses were already annihilated.

    ¡¸My invincibility is dispelled, but if you make the Abysses charged into the Mist Cypher, as expected it was easy to defeat them yeah? Did you really prepare countermeasure for me properly?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Drakkhen was breathing hard due to her injury while realizing her own naivety.

    Greifer preferred to challenge a battle recklessly. Even so how was he able to survive through every kind of battlefield until now? It wasn¡¯t just because of simple coincidence.

    Even while he was constantly throwing himself into a battle against powerful people and difficult situation, she was avoiding lethal injury while tenaciously surviving and sharpening his senses.

    And then, he was healing his injury until the next battle while finding countermeasure.

    Therefore he was called with the nickname Greedy Wolf.

    ¡¸Seems like I misread this guy. In this situation I want to withdraw for the moment but, I also cannot do that yet. Until my comrades obtain it and return©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s face frowned slightly and he turned his gaze toward the closed Garden.

    The action of Lux and his group of entering inside under the pretext of investigation was predicted somewhere along the road.

    ¡¸You are picking sound with your Asp¡¯s Divine Raiment and grasp the situation inside, is it? But, if you are planning to shaken me, then it¡¯s meaningless yeah?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s what I thought. A lone wolf doesn¡¯t have anything like feeling of fellowship after all.¡¹

    Drakkhen made a fearless smile and took a stance for attacking.

    ¡¸Exactly as you said but©¤©¤it¡¯s slightly different yeah?¡¹

    In respond Greifer also readied his Tail Blade and he held his breath and skated forward once more.

    ¡¸That na?ve prince-sama, he ain¡¯t as weak as his looks suggested.¡¹

    Greifer muttered jokingly and laughed.

    ¨C

    At the same time©¤©¤inside the Garden.

    Inside the small room of the small world that was illuminated by fake sun, with forest and lake, Lux stepped inside it once more.

    The arm of Lux¡¯s Wyvern was carrying Airi. Beside him Lisha was flying wearing Tiamat.

    If they went straight like this, they would arrive at the altar that he visited together with Krulcifer in the past, but right now that he wouldn¡¯t be able to enter there even if he wanted it, and there was also no need for that.

    After all in the end he only needed to leave behind the treasure box that was keeping the Grand Force in a place where it would be easy to dig out again.

    ¡¸How about under this rock, Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I also think there won¡¯t be any problem there.¡¹

    In that place that resembled a real forest, there was a large rock the size of several houses put together, it looked like it would take time to destroy it using the ability of general purpose Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Then here I go. Suppressor!¡¹

    Lisha activated Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment, the gravity manipulation and floated the large rock midair.

    Lux took distance from the rock¡¯s spot and opened a large hole on the ground under it using Cannon.

    There was no problem until then, but when he dug up the soil using Drag-Ride¡¯s hand, a strange white stone caught his eye and he dug it out.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this©¤©¤!? Human bone!?¡¹

    Lux was taken aback and he held his breath. Lisha and Airi were also surprised and peered in.

    Human bones, furthermore they looked like they belonged to a child or a girl from the small size.

    A gruesome incident could be imagined from the trace of the broken skull.

    He unconsciously stared with intense concentration to it, but right after that, sharp sound of slicing wind caressed his back.

    Airi reacted at the sign of violent attack that was fired from the direction of the forest.

    ¡¸Is it Abyss? Then©¤©¤!¡¹

    Without delay, she was going to blow the horn flute she was carrying just in case, but at that instant several Daggers flew out between the forest¡¯s trees.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    When Lux stood up in front of Airi and blocked them, something flew out like a squall from the opposite direction where the Daggers came from, and took away the content of the treasure box.

    The big crystal around the size of a human head, the Grand Force itself was taken away.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The happening that was too sudden caused everyone including Lux to stiffen.

    What plundered the Grand Force was a large man with dark brown skin wearing flying type Divine Drag-Ride.

    He didn¡¯t say even a single word and flew away to the distance.

    ¡¸Who is that guy!? Why did he take away the box!? No©¤©¤¡¹

    There was no time to think right now.

    They had to reach Avalon in order to stop the Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤which couldn¡¯t be done with the Grand Force stolen when it was necessary to conquer Ruin. But there was something even worse than that, which was if this fact became known by other.

    If the fact that the new kingdom was hiding a treasure that was related with Ruin¡¯s conquering was reported to the world alliance, they might be falsely accused as traitor.

    ¡¸Lux! I¡¯ll chase after that guy! You hold back the guy who threw the Daggers just now!¡¹

    Even within the situation that drastically changed right away, Lisha make a snap judgment as calm as possible.

    The Daggers were thrown from the right side, which was a diversion action from an enemy. From the left side another person with flying type Drag-Ride ran off with the treasure box.

    Because Lux wasn¡¯t in his best condition, the time he could use Bahamut was extremely short. He wasn¡¯t suited to chase after the fleeing Drag-Ride and fought.

    Originally he wouldn¡¯t want to fight in this situation and exposed Airi to danger, but it was a point of compromise that he only barely could accept.

    ¡¸Please be careful! The enemy is likely a division commander of Dragon Marauder!¡¹

    Lux somehow told Lisha that before she vanished inside the forest chasing after the enemy.

    Right after that, the enemy who threw the Dagger before this slowly showed himself.

    ¡¸Not only you avoided getting damaged in that instant, you even found out. That¡¯s a great discernment.¡¹

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤Vine Hachettes?¡¹

    ¡¸Vine¡­¡­. One of the Dragon Marauder¡¯s three division commanders¡­¡­the Earth Dragon division commander?¡¹

    Airi looked doubtful was because the person before them was younger than expected. He was a youth with slender face.

    He looked far removed from the general image of a Drag-Ride mercenary, but his calm attitude made him seemed like an experienced powerful person.

    He was wearing land battle type Divine Drag-Ride with deep green color, but there was no information at all about its Divine Raiment or special armament.

    With Lux in his current condition, it would be a herculean task to face him while protecting Airi.

    When Lux glared at the opponent nervously, Vine¡¯s armor suddenly shined radiantly.

    ¡¸Curse FaderMiasma of Petrification¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Violet air was blown out to the surrounding.

    Lux immediately leaped back from that spot, but his armor from his wrist ahead that was touched by the violet smoke stiffened, and each joint became unable to move as though they were glued.

    It was air of instantaneous binding with adhesive property.

    It also caused the energy from the Force Core to be unable to get transmitted to the touched part too.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is!? Is it that Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s¡­¡­, Divine Raiment that bind object!?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, you¡¯re right. The name of this Divine Drag-Ride is Basilisk, but this ability itself isn¡¯t that amazing. The effect will cut off before long if the target isn¡¯t bathed in this miasma continuously after all. There is no way I can fight with you in this situation. ©¤©¤Sayonara.¡¹

    Right after that, Vine turned on his heel and skated away from the courtyard in full speed.

    Why did he let go of the perfect chance to defeat Lux? And then why didn¡¯t he chase after Lisha? Those puzzles were solved a few second later.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤*UUUUUUUN-!*

    ¨C

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤Ruin¡¯s outer wall is rumbling!? Even though we only came inside just now!¡¹

    Airi looked around to left and right with a surprised expression.

    The Garden had a mechanism that would take in the object outside from the vicinity of its outer wall while transferring things from inside to outside in reverse every fixed period.

    But, Airi that possessed a pocket watch informed him that this was something different.

    ¡¸Why is the Ruin activating even though time hasn¡¯t passed that much, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The possibility that came to mind, was an existence of Xfer.

    Just like how the Ruin once detected danger toward Krulcifer and took her inside it, there was the possibility that the Ruin could be freely closed and opened by Xfer¡¯s existence and strength of will.

    ¡¸However how? Both Krulcifer-san and Mishis-san shouldn¡¯t be here.¡¹

    Lux tried to move to outside even while feeling anxious like that. It was then, the one other uncomfortable feeling that he felt from some time ago there showed its true identity.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t move, you traitor of world alliance. Lux Arcadia. I caught you red handed, handing over a Grand Force to Dragon Marauder. I¡¯ll have you wait for my lord to decide what to be done with you after this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are, Sir Singlen¡¯s©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Airi opened her eyes wide in shock while her voice was trembling in fright.

    The aide of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Zweigbergk Gimle.

    An old soldier with tall and lean figure, wearing steel mask that was covering his face.

    He was wearing an armor called suit armor that accomplished the same function like pilot suit, along with an unfamiliar Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸I once heard from Magialca-san, most likely that Divine Drag-Ride is Tarasque¡­¡­, there is no other information other than that is a land battle type.¡¹

    Lux was listening to Airi¡¯s information while pondering in order to grasp the reason why this man suddenly appeared here.

    Lux ignored his words of catching them red-handed while making conversation to buy time.

    ¡¸Why are you here? Shouldn¡¯t you taking post together with Sir Singlen at this time inside the first fortress?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. But I happened to catch sight of Dragon Marauder¡¯s members and gave chase. There I happened to see what was taking place here. You all handed over a treasure box filled with Grand Force to them by pretending to have it stolen away. By the way©¤©¤my subordinate who is a Drake user is recording the image of what happened just now. Acting innocent is just a pointless waste of time.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so that¡¯s the reason Vine didn¡¯t attack me just now and retreated ¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was reaching understanding seeing Zweigbergk talking with him with a bland tone as though threatening him.

    In other words, since the beginning the Dragon Marauder and Singlen had each prepared two traps that differed from each other for Lux and others who entered the Garden.

    The Dragon Marauder, through an unknown method had somehow obtained information that Lux and others would try to hide Grand Force, and so they prepared in advance here to steal it.

    On the other hand, Singlen who knew about the existence of Grand Force predicted the hidden plan behind this Abyss extermination mission. He must have ordered his aide Zweigbergk to catch Lux and others in the act of burying the Grand Force.

    But, an unexpected situation occurred.

    Each side¡¯s objective clashed with each other.

    Vine, a division commander of Dragon Marauder feared that it would become a battle against Singlen¡¯s aide Zweigbergk, he threw away the good chance to kill Lux and escaped.

    That was the sequence of events just now.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t joke around! We aren¡¯t betraying©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi suddenly objected with her voice unusually loud.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless even if you feign innocence. We have proof. But, we aren¡¯t demon. If you swear an oath to serve under my lord¡¯s command, we won¡¯t let the matter just now drop and hold back from publishing the image.¡¹

    ¡¸From the start that is your intention©¤©¤!¡¹

    Airi groaned with shaking body.

    Even so it was impossible to oppose them if they had taken irrefutable proof, that was what she thought but,

    ¡¸I want to ask one thing, it¡¯s a lie that you saw Dragon Marauder and pursued them until here right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡¹

    Zweigbergk kept silent under his mask toward Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸In the first place no one can enter this Garden for investigation without making request to the new kingdom. Sneaking inside here without permission is a violation of the agreement.¡¹

    ¡¸Nonsense.¡¹

    Zweigbergk coldly cut off that objection.

    ¡¸Do you think you can cover up your fault with that kind of excuse? It¡¯s clear as day whose offense is heavier here.¡¹

    ¡¸You cannot be so sure of that.¡¹

    Till the end Lux firmly declared without shrinking back.

    ¡¸That time there was no other Drag-Ride other than us around the Garden. In other words, you had sneaked inside the Garden beforehand while waiting for our arrival. And then, you didn¡¯t give chase when there was Dragon Marauder member right in front of you©¤©¤that means¡¹

    Conversely the possibility of Singlen faction having connection with Dragon Marauder instead could be pointed out.

    ¡¸Kukukuku. Your tongue is slicker than your appearance suggest. But it¡¯s pointless. You are nothing more than a puppet dancing above my lord¡¯s palm. I have no need to chase after those guys. After all this Garden is already surrounded by our White Ridge knight order.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The complexion of Lux and Airi who heard that changed.

    That was the true reason why Singlen was leading his army to the first fortress that was near the Garden.

    By threatening Lux with this case while easily letting the Dragon Marauder got away with Grand Force, there was the possibility that it would be them instead who got accused as having connection with Dragon Marauder.

    In order to prevent that counterattack, Singlen had already launched his countermeasure.

    (But, what is this©¤©¤this strong uncomfortable feeling¡­¡­!?)

    Even if Singlen had spy within the new kingdom, there was no way he should be able to obtain information this specific.

    But, from his talk with him at Babel, Singlen talked as though he knew the fact that the new kingdom was hiding a Grand Force in their possession.

    Then, there was a high possibility that Singlen had noticed their plan since the new kingdom requested to do Abyss extermination mission around the Garden a few days ago.

    Just with that Singlen seen through the plan of Queen Raffi to bury the Grand Force secretly.

    That was to say©¤©¤.

    Yoruka who was on guard against Singlen, might be vaguely sensing that too.

    If Yoruka noticed Singlen¡¯s scheme this time, she would©¤©¤.

    ¡ºVi, vice captain Zweigbergk! Please respond!¡»

    At that time, a Dragon Voice from Zweigbergk¡¯s subordinate contacted his Tarasque.

    The old knight let out a sigh while answering it in front of Lux and Airi.

    ¡¸What is it? You should be forming formation to intercept Abyss at the outer perimeter. Why did you enter this Garden?¡¹

    ¡ºSir! I approached the Garden in order to avoid getting mixed up within the chaos and got transferred in suddenly©¤©¤no, more importantly it¡¯s an emergency state! The Drag-Knights of our army who were stationed around the first fortress suddenly began to attack each other!¡»

    ¡¸What!?¡¹

    ¡ºI escaped from that conflict in panic and approached the direction of Garden, it was then I got sucked inside here! It had become impossible to form encirclement. At this rate the strategy will©¤©¤¡»

    The voice of the male member of White Ridge knight order that made his report impatiently was cut off there.

    Zweigbergk stood still in surprise that their plan had collapsed. In front of him, Lux and Airi who felt the uncommon threat looked at each other¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Attacking each other¡­¡­? Nii-san, could that be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Most likely, surely¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux also nodded without concealing his discomposure toward Airi¡¯s muttering.

    The possibility that this was the work of the Divine Raiment of Kirihime Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami©¤©¤Spell Code, was extremely high.

    Yes©¤©¤if Singlen kept a watchful eye on the movement of new kingdom and he didn¡¯t miss this chance©¤©¤, that girl was also the same.

    If Kirihime Yoruka also didn¡¯t fail to notice Singlen¡¯s movement¡­¡­.

    ¡¸This is bad Nii-san! If Yoruka-san noticed this situation¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I know. We also have to go outside!¡¹

    There was a chance that Yoruka would move to directly crush Singlen who was trying to trap Lux.

    But, the two were stopped by a single gaze from Zweigbergk.

    ¡¸Do you think I will let you go, you brat?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh! This is not the time for us to fight like this!¡¹

    Lux fired a Howling Roar and started the battle.

    Dragon Marauder, Singlen, ©¤©¤and then the new kingdom.

    A battle where the motives of three factions were entangled was started.

    ¨C

    Around that time©¤©¤the first fortress that existed near the Garden.

    Right now inside that stone fortress where the White Ridge knight order that was led by Singlen was stationed, a hellish commotion was happening.

    The elites of the knight order started moving in order to encircle the Garden under the pretext of exterminating Abyss, in order to not let Lux and others got away. But then they started to attack each other one after another.

    ¡¸What are you doing! Stop! Don¡¯t!¡¹

    The majority of White Ridge knight order consisted of powerful High Class Drag-Knight, but due to the turmoil that occurred suddenly, they were unable to execute the original strategy and they were knocked down to chaos.

    ¡¸Shit! Is this the work of the rumored The Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade!? But why!? Even though Drake¡¯s radar has been watching all direction since the start, guaaaah!¡¹

    One of the knights yelled that, but his fellow knight order member struck him and he stopped moving.

    The veteran soldiers that numbered fifty in total was completely in disarray.

    ¨C

    ¡¸We are under attack by intruder, Sir Singlen! At this rate the operation to subdue Lux Arcadia cannot be carried out!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    Singlen was sitting alone inside a room that was illuminated by tallow lamp©¤©¤the throne room at the center of the fortress that was used for the commander.

    His body deeply leaned on the armrest. In a glance his posture looked slovenly, while a deep smile was carved on his expression.

    ¡¸How could this happen!? We should have performed maximum alertness to the surrounding! For that woman to outwit us is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It seems that our action was predicted. We fell into that girl¡¯s trick. It seemed she had came beforehand through an entrance toward the underground passage.¡¹

    When a female Drag-Knight wearing glasses who stood beside Singlen acting as his aide yelled, Singlen slowly straightened his posture and answered.

    ¡¸Just like how we hid troops in ambush inside the Garden in order to trap that chore prince, the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade was also aiming at our neck since the start. I don¡¯t know whether this is her arbitrary decision or that prince¡¯s instigation, but she isn¡¯t half bad.¡¹

    Singlen grinned ironically while touching the handle of the Sword Device on his waist.

    There, a curved blade was hanging.

    ¡¸Pl, please wait! There is no way we can trouble our lord with something like this! We will immediately send out messenger to the Drakes to find and obliterate the intruder with full force©¤©¤¡¹

    The female aide yelled that with rage and pride filling her voice, but Singlen shook his head slightly.

    ¡¸Stop it. None among you will be a match against that girl anyway. It will only be a pointless waste of precious pieces©¤©¤no, instead it will only increase my number of enemy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!/¡¹

    The female was taken aback and gulped, then right after that she conveyed her lord¡¯s words to the whole troops.

    A few minutes later, the Drag-Knights of White Ridge knight order retreated.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤So you remain here alone.¡¹

    Yoruka fully deployed the searching range of her Yato no Kami¡¯s radar and searched her target¡¯s position.

    There was no more other soldier wearing Drag-Ride inside the fortress. There was only one life sign inside.

    There was no doubt now that it was the sign of the Blue Tyrant©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit who Yoruka wished to bring down.

    There was no doubt that he noticed her existence who caused this situation, and before she could steal his whole army using Spell Code, he made his subordinates retreated.

    ¡¸With this©¤©¤my role is also over.¡¹

    Her existence was accepted into the Academy, but she wasn¡¯t a formal member of Syvalles.

    Even if her life fell in this battle, no harmful effect would reach Lux.

    Since a long time ago, Yoruka had already got an inkling regarding Singlen¡¯s wicked obsession toward Lux, although she didn¡¯t know the reason for that.

    While she noticed, she felt Singlen¡¯s bottomless strength and she didn¡¯t carelessly approach him.

    She would die if she failed.

    While it was just what she desired in a sense, but she didn¡¯t go through with it because she had no definite chance of victory.

    ¡¸This is the same©¤©¤with that time.¡¹

    When she was living as a royal guard in the nation of Koto, Yoruka vaguely noticed the evil design of the chief vassals toward her little brother, but she turned a blind eye to it and didn¡¯t kill them.

    There was no way she would repeat the same mistake.

    This was the remaining meaning of life for her who wasn¡¯t a human.

    There was no way she would allow her master Lux to be taken away once more.

    ¡¸He chose an interesting stage, that Blue Tyrant.¡¹

    Yoruka arrived at the fortress¡¯s throne room, but Singlen wasn¡¯t there.

    Judging from the radar, his location was underground©¤©¤, Singlen was inside the Drag-Ride hangar.

    The Drag-Ride manipulation by Yato no Kami¡¯s Spell Code in the end could only display its effect toward the Drag-Ride that the user was wearing.

    In an area where there was a lot of obstacles and other weapons that could be used, Singlen surely thought of it as advantageous for him.

    Yoruka kept that in mind while grasping the terrain, then she immediately formed a plan.

    Yoruka entered into the underground hangar with maximum vigilance.

    Drag-Ride that was in the middle of assembly or repair, new Drag-Ride that had just gotten excavated from Ruin or Drag-Ride parts.

    It was an extensive hall made from stone with smell of oil and metal drifting in the air.

    In that stage where countless Drag-Rides were stored underground, it gave the impression like a catacomb of Drag-Ride.

    In this place where sunlight didn¡¯t enter, only several torches were illuminating the surrounding silently.

    ¡¸This is unexpected. I completely estimated that you will aim for a long range battle in a place with no obstacle as countermeasure against me though?¡¹

    Yoruka first let out just her voice and searched for Singlen¡¯s reaction.

    The enemy was only wearing general purpose Drag-Ride Drake.

    He wasn¡¯t wearing Divine Drag-Ride Leviathan not because of self-confidence, but in order to detect Yoruka¡¯s approach using the Drake¡¯s radar.

    Finally Yoruka could see Singlen¡¯s face that was illuminated by flame, ahead at the spacious central passage.

    ¡¸If I do that then you will go aiming at my subordinates right? That¡¯s why I did the opposite and caught you in a trap like this. If I can turn the table on you when you try to assassinate me and capture you, that softhearted hero-sama will have no choice but to obey me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You must be thinking that you came here by your own will, but you¡¯re wrong. I¡¯m waiting here. For the chance to steal that chore prince¡¯s ¡ºcomrade¡», which is hi tender spot.¡¹

    ¡¸You are miscalculating there. I am Aruji-sama¡¯s loyal tool©¤©¤I¡¯m not his ¡ºcomrade¡» or anything like that.¡¹

    Yoruka continued the conversation without hesitation while searching for an opening in Singlen using her devilish eye that was shining purple.

    ¡¸It¡¯s you who miscalculate, Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade. That¡¯s the reason why you are defective merchandise. You don¡¯t even understand your©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Singlen was continuing his words, the air suddenly wavered.

    Yoruka released the energy that was concentrated in the armored legs of Yato no Kami and assaulted with explosive momentum.

    Singlen was standing between walls where Drag-Rides were placed on them. Yoruka aimed toward him, and unleashed a flash of sword draw strike that went toward his neck.

    Drake had a lot of function as special type equipment, but in exchange its basic spec and output were weak.

    The instantaneous attack that overtook sound should be able to tear apart the barrier defense and inflicted lethal damage.

    But, in front of that attack that looked as though it was taking the enemy by complete surprise, light wall blocked it without delay.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude.¡¹

    Tuning©¤©¤, using the system of Drag-Ride, the activation timing and surface direction of barrier that were originally activated and set automatically could be adjusted personally. It was such battle technique.

    From right to left©¤©¤or from above to below. By instantaneously forming force field that was facing a certain direction just before the impact hit, it became possible to deflect the attack using the barrier itself with this special move.

    Yoruka¡¯s sword draw that literally was a sure kill attack was parried. She pitched forward and passed beside the enemy, exposing an opening toward Singlen who was turning around behind her©¤©¤was how it should be, but right after that the wrist of Singlen¡¯s armored wrist broke, and the Blade that hand was holding flew to the air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Singlen tilted his head in bewilderment, at that moment Yoruka caught a Blade that was twirling in the air.

    With that the Blue Tyrant finally grasped the situation.

    The first slashing attack was a fake that stopped with Yoruka merely throwing her Blade just before it hit.

    The moment that Blade was deflected by Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude, her free left hand used the Dagger it was holding to stab his Drake¡¯s armored arm.

    Due to her posture she was unable to directly attack Singlen, but by destroying Singlen¡¯s method to counterattack beforehand, she made a perfect opening at this timing.

    ¡¸Trying to probe my hand with that kind of half-baked Drag-Ride is a miscalculation isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Yoruka who firmly caught her Blade in midair propped her hand on the handle and pointed the blade, then took a stance of skewering Singlen who was right below.

    She aimed to put the weight of Yato no Kami on the Blade and instantly killed the opponent, but Singlen spoke with composure.

    ¡¸So what? You failure. ©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude.¡¹

    Yes.

    Because Yoruka let go of her Blade temporarily, there was a lag until she unleashed her next sure kill attack.

    Therefore, that attack was avoided once more due to the deflection of Battle Array ¨C Vicissitude that was activated once more©¤©¤wasn¡¯t what happened.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What?¡¹

    Battle Array ¨C Vicisstitude©¤©¤no, the barrier itself wasn¡¯t generated from the Drake.

    Looking closer, a purple pattern that looked like letter was covering the armor¡¯s surface.

    Spell Code©¤©¤the Divine Raiment that could control other people¡¯s Drag-Ride after Yato no Kami touched it directly.

    This time Yoruka only touched the enemy with Dagger for a moment, even so a single moment of opening by dispelling the enemy¡¯s barrier could be made from it.

    And then, in a battle between masters, that instant became fatal.

    (©¤©¤This is the end. If it¡¯s like this, I can still return to remove Aruji-sama¡¯s enemy. But)

    Perhaps because Yoruka felt relieved with the success of her surprise attack, her feeling slackened inside.

    That time, she suddenly felt it was a good thing that she would be able to return to Lux¡¯s side.

    She also felt that even if she returned, there wouldn¡¯t be anything more that she who wasn¡¯t a human could do for his sake. That feeling shook her.

    Just like that time when she couldn¡¯t answer the feeling of her little brother who treated a tool like her as human, she couldn¡¯t even shed tear for him©¤©¤.

    That moment which was even less than a blink was stretched.

    Along with the end of that, the Blade impacted the defenseless Drake. At that time the armor burst into pieces.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Royal Domain.¡¹

    It was a basic technique that took off the Drag-Ride the user wore, while at the same time firing that armor like buckshot.

    It was a surprise attack that also put a risk on the user themselves, but Singlen¡¯s Battle Array applied tuning to it and strengthened it.

    ¡¸Battle Array ¨C Royal Domain¡­¡­it¡¯s not a mere Break Purge isn¡¯t it? By firing a buckshot to the enemy directly while taking off the armor at the same time, the enemy¡¯s balance is broken while the user neutralize the impact and escape backward at the same time. But, why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Your finishing is poor. Your master©¤©¤that kind chore prince is also the same. The world cannot be saved with that. Don¡¯t you think so?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    If it was the usual Yoruka, she would hide inside the Drag-Ride hangar and ignored Singlen¡¯s question, then she would leap at the position of his presence and cut him.

    The usual Yoruka should do that without hesitation, but the baffling phenomenon that happened in front of her just now dulled her action.

    The chance that should kill the enemy with certainty was avoided.

    She wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Singlen while she was unable to understand the cause of that.

    Like that, when she tried to recall her memory of just now, she noticed that at that moment, Singlen was fighting with his hand kept holding his Drake¡¯s Sword Device.

    ¡¸Aah, there is that thing called the order of precedence of command isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    With that Yoruka comprehended it.

    In other words, Singlen overwrote the order of¡ºdispel the barrier¡» that came from Spell Code, with a powerful order that had strong priority.

    Furthermore Singlen held his Sword Device in his own hand, protecting his other control stick from the Spell Code¡¯s effect.

    Therefore he was able to perform evasive action just barely.

    ¡¸As expected from a Seven Dragon Paladins. But, the same method won¡¯t©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Origin ocean, whirl powerfully to the critical point. Illuminate the heaven and bring down the judgment of divine will, Leviathan.¡¹

    When Yoruka glared forward, dazzling light surged inside the hangar.

    A Divine Drag-Ride was summoned at the other side of the wall where Drag-Rides were placed.

    The large frame that was covered with armor of hardy blue scales came from land battle type, but the armor that looked like tail and the dorsal fins which substituted the back wings stretching from its back made it looked like mystical and fierce sea dragon.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s your star performer, the Leviathan. You won¡¯t be able to escape like before again you know?¡¹

    Yoruka wasn¡¯t perturbed at all seeing that majestic appearance and told that with matter-of-fact tone.

    But, Singlen was making a scornful grin that could be seen from the gap of the wall that had Drag-Rides lined up on it.

    ¡¸Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade. Won¡¯t you serve this me? You are quite the useful tool. It¡¯s a bit of waste to break you here.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s an absurd joke. Or perhaps, you are simply intending to buy time?¡¹

    Yoruka replied like that while closing her distance with Singlen. At the same time she was searching for an opening.

    She was measuring the timing for the special move of attacking by taking advantage the gap of consciousness©¤©¤Instant Strike.

    ¡¸All of you should be able to understand©¤©¤. This world is infested by not good things. The fools who doesn¡¯t deserve salvation are reigning on the top and getting warped. Someone has to make it right. And then your current master cannot do that. No, far from that he is half-baked person who will only get betrayed and fall to ruin.¡¹

    Singlen calmly gazed to Yoruka while talking with a faintly pitying tone.

    ¡¸That guy has no strength to chase after his own dream. That¡¯s why submit to me. If it¡¯s me, I¡¯ll be able to use you more correctly. In exchange, I¡¯ll at least spare the life of that chore prince.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She submitted under the banner of the old empire in exchange of them sparing the life of her little brother.

    Singlen¡¯s invitation was similar with the contract that she once accepted, however Yoruka shook her head.

    ¡¸That condition is unacceptable. Aruji-sama©¤©¤isn¡¯t someone who will be defeated by the like of you.¡¹

    The moment she finished talking, yoruka leaped once more and drew near.

    Her aim was one of the three hidden techniques of Drag-Ride control©¤©¤End Action.

    She planned to decide the battle in one go by striking down the opponent with infinite consecutive attack that came from giving command to the Drag-Ride using two type of control operation, but that attack was stopped by blade of water pillar that surged from the ground.

    ¡¸This is, Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Freely controlling water that it touched.

    It was an extremely simple property and ability, but because of that it was difficult to beat.

    Even Yato no Kami that could obtain overwhelming advantage if it could touch the opponent¡¯s frame itself was unable to display its true worth due to the water¡¯s obstruction.

    ¡¸Yeah, it¡¯s called LeaningRoyal Authority. Just as you can see, it¡¯s a Divine Raiment to control water, but it also has a bit troublesome aspect. In a place that is not a watery area, I first have to gather water to control using the internal mechanism special armament, BallastWater Tank.¡¹

    It was required for a location like fortress and the like to secure water well due to their nature where a lot of people would stay there for a long period.

    Thus even this location that was surrounded with wasteland was a place where water could be easily gathered.

    Just as Singlen said, waves of water were starting to whirl around Leviathan.

    It was a Divine Raiment that combined defense and offense into one, where those waters themselves could become shield or spear. It began to show its characteristic.

    ¡¸The nonsense just now was really buying time wasn¡¯t it? Your act is really sneaky.¡¹

    ¡¸Hoo. You are quite strong headed. Few can live after challenging this me you know?¡¹

    Singlen showed a sneer, then right after that he quickly swung his Sword Device.

    Immediately after, water blades surged like opening flower petal, the surrounding wall and stone pillars, then the Drag-Rides that were fixed in place were bisected.

    With that, the traps that Yoruka laid out were completely destroyed.

    Yoruka also similarly saw a chance and laid out her string shaped special armament, the Kumo no ItoSpider¡¯s Thread at the surrounding.

    Originally it was a barrier of thin size that human couldn¡¯t see, but it was completely severed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You are someone with less patience than I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸Disrespectful fellow. You think that kind of thing will work against me? I¡¯ll make you pay the compensation for that.¡¹

    *GO-*, the air of the hangar shook once more.

    Right after the surrounding obstacles were destroyed, Leviathan skated and attacked toward Yoruka.

    In respond Yoruka escaped to the air using special armament KarafumiVacuum Step that made it possible to leap midair.

    She kicked on unseen air and tried to take position near the ceiling, but before she could©¤©¤Singlen drew near with terrific speed and unleashed his power.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Aeon Fire.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The tip of the great sword that had energy focused into one point on it using tuning sharply fell toward her shoulder.

    (Blocking it is©¤©¤impossible isn¡¯t it)

    Spell Code could exert its effect even when it only touched through the weapon.

    However if she blocked the super strength of Battle Array ¨C Aeon Fire, her Drag-Ride would be bisected along with her Blade and barrier.

    Thus Yoruka made light and wind gushed out from the back of her four armored legs to dodge by jumping aside.

    But, right after that, Singlen who got his sure kill attack avoided grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸Do you think you can even escape?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Instantly, three water torrents undulated from around Leviathan and surged with spiraling trajectory.

    Without delay Yoruka used her Blade as shield, but even when she used her barrier she could only stop two, the last attack pierced her barrier and dealt an impact that felt piercing into her body.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­u!¡¹

    Her breath was caught in her throat and her body¡¯s freedom became restricted even if only for a bit.

    To take advantage of that opening, Singlen quickly closed the distance.

    He used water current as foothold like surfing, and manifested agile mobility even midair despite the Drag-Ride being a land type battle.

    Not just offense and defense, that Divine Raiment was also freely working in movement aspect.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me repeat myself. To save that chore prince, there is nothing you can do except by offering yourself. Are you planning to make me waste even more time than this?¡¹

    Singlen who arrived in front of Yato no Kami quickly held his hand toward its Force Core.

    Right after that, countless light windows that manifested for the use of tuning opened, and dazzling beam of light flickered.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Battle Array ¨C Purple Lightning.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­! What is this!? Yato no Kami¡¯s movement is©¤©¤!¡¹

    Although Yoruka immediately try to move for counterattack, the Drag-Ride she wore didn¡¯t react.

    All the command system was temporarily dispelled, exposing a completely defenseless figure.

    (Could it be, he is using tuning to interfere toward other Drag-Ride?)

    ¡¸Interfering with tuning that connected the Sword Device with Drag-Ride, the Drag-Ride¡¯s movement will stop for less than a second in order to check that command system.¡¹

    Singlen spoke as though to verify the answer and he lifted up his great sword.

    ¡¸Therefore, if I get close, I will be able to cancel the opponent¡¯s command to move their Drag-Ride even if it¡¯s just for an instant.¡¹

    A large swing from right above was unleashed using that opening. In that instant, Yoruka barely moved her Blade and blocked it.

    A single action performed in godspeed from perfectly aligned control operation, Quick Draw.

    But, that too was nothing more than a temporary solution.

    Yoruka was forced to back away while being unable to see any thread for counterattack.

    ¡¸What happened with your bluster at the beginning? In any case if you die that chore prince will submit under me, so how about you stop with this trivial bluff?¡¹

    ¡¸What is your objective? Why are you trying that much©¤©¤to move Aruji-sama for your own convenience like that?¡¹

    In respond Yoruka barely avoided the water torrent of Leviathan while throwing a question.

    The broken wall and stone pillars were washed away by the water torrent. That sight looked exactly like a disaster from heavy floods.

    ¡¸I¡¯m only doing what your master cannot possibly do. I had a bit of hope on that guy but, it¡¯s impossible for him. Even if he can become a hero, he cannot become a king. Against those guys©¤©¤against those guys he will be helpless. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you saying that if it¡¯s you, you will be able to do it?¡¹

    Yoruka hid in the shadow of the stone pillars or the stored Drag-Rides. The water torrent undulated after her.

    Yoruka escaped into a place that couldn¡¯t be entered by Leviathan¡¯s huge frame while exchanging attack, but the number of obstacles she could escape toward was decreasing more and more.

    She was finally cornered in front of a huge stone wall.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I can. No, this me have to do it no matter what. There is no way I can entrust this world to those unenlightened fools wallowing in the darkest ignorance. Then, at the very least they should be of use as my pieces.¡¹

    ¡¸In other words, a secret for reaching Avalon is hidden with Aruji-sama, is that it? It seems you are talking while putting on air of importance but, in short it¡¯s something like that correct?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Yoruka suddenly said that with a smile, Singlen fell silent with hollow expression.

    ¡¸You made Aruji-sama installed the Grand Force in Babel too, it was a part of that plan correct? It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t look like I will be able to make you run your mouth anymore©¤©¤let¡¯s stop our talk here.¡¹

    ¡¸Does your mind get disturbed? There is no more place for you to hide. In this situation where a lot of water is surrounding you, you are planning to contend against my Leviathan?¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤I don¡¯t have such intention at the slightest.¡¹

    Yoruka burst into a bright carefree smile and spoke that.

    In respond Singlen glared at his opponent with a cold gaze.

    ¡¸I have obtained the information that I wished to ask from you to a certain degree, so I intend to settle this any time now. The terrain also has been arranged just as I wished©¤©¤. With this I am able to use my Divine Raiment to my heart¡¯s content.¡¹

    ¡¸Just when I wondered what you are going to say, it¡¯s just nonsense. In front of my Leaning that can attack with water, you are unable to even touch me. You are going to act tough at this point of time?¡¹

    ¡¸Then allow me to do this©¤©¤Over Limit ¨C On¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after Yoruka murmured, Spell Code emerged on Yato no Kami¡¯s own armor.

    It covered the whole frame without stopping. At the same time the dark colored armor groaned and changed shape. Almost at the same time,

    Abysses¡¯ howl thundered from outside the first fortress.

    ¨C

    Around the same time.

    Inside the Garden, near the wall.

    At the vicinity of the entrance where there was a plain that had plants growing luxuriantly and huge metal wall, a one-on-one duel was unfolding fiercely.

    Lux was forced into an unprecedented hard battle against Singlen¡¯s aide Zweigbergk who stood in his way, not allowing Lux to pass to where his lord was.

    Because Lux himself was exhausted from doing Over Limit previously, he was unable to use his full strength.

    Even so it would become worse gradually for him if it became a protracted battle, so he turned into offense even if it was reckless, but Zweigbergk skillfully aimed at Lux and he couldn¡¯t narrow in on him.

    Zweigbergk purposefully continued the battle in super close range, making Lux unable to memorize his movement in the whole and sealed Lux¡¯s foresight.

    ¡¸Shit-!¡¹

    Of course, Lux used his three hidden techniques and Critical Hit to make opening and attempted to pull away from Zweigbergk like that, but it didn¡¯t go well.

    (Unbelievable, it¡¯s like his movement is completely different from all my opponent until now.)

    As expected from a veteran knight who was rich in experience, his precision in handling Drag-Knight as though it was his own arms and legs was outstandingly skillful. Whether it was the way he took distance or his conduct so that his next action couldn¡¯t be predicted, Lux felt it with his skin that he was an opponent that he couldn¡¯t let his guard down against for even an instant.

    Furthermore, the opponent¡¯s attack was completely merciless, as though he didn¡¯t mind even if Lux got injured beyond recovery.

    On the contrary, because Zweigbergk caught them red-handed about the matter of Grand Force, he couldn¡¯t injure his opponent seriously here.

    That became a clear difference in strength at a battle of this level.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuku, it¡¯s just as my lord said. It seems that you cannot hold a resolve to kill me even at this situation. Foolish man.¡¹

    Zweigbergk seemed to guess the thought of such Lux and threw ridiculing words.

    ¡¸There is no meaning in such resolve! It¡¯s unthinkable that a proper patch can be opened by cutting down everything inconvenient for oneself!¡¹

    Lux yelled and swung his Scale Blade, but it didn¡¯t work against Zweigbergk.

    Almost at the same time at the next moment, enormous rumble of the ground and sound of destruction resounded from the other side of the thick metal wall.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? This sound, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux was taken aback and opened his eyes wide, at the same time Zweigbergk was also stopping his hand in bewilderment.

    Fundamentally the interior of Garden should be a special space that was isolated from the outside world.

    Accordingly, sound and impact originally shouldn¡¯t reach inside from outside.

    Yes, as long as nothing drastic happened©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Sir Zweigbergk. A large-scale battle is happening outside! It might be the work of Dragon Marauder! We shouldn¡¯t waste strength here! If we don¡¯t get outside while uninjured¡­¡­!¡¹

    Zweigbergk¡¯s countenance changed for a moment hearing Lux¡¯s pleading.

    But, his expression soon returned calm under the mask and he asserted coldly.

    ¡¸You are quite quick witted, Lux Aracadia. To attempt to take advantage of the commotion outside like that, indeed it¡¯s just as my lord said, you seem to have qualification as a ¡ºhero¡».¡¹

    In other words, he had no intention to differ from Singlen¡¯s order by saying that.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t run or hide! More importantly are you alright with this? If something unusual happen that even caused sound to be audible from outside the Garden, even the Drake that was recording that image might get done in. If that happen then it¡¯s over!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®A troublesome man as expected.¡¯ Zweigbergk renewed his recognition of Lux once more.

    Even this incident that happened at this timing, it made him felt like there was some kind of fate at work.

    Exactly because of that a collar had to be put on this man here.

    (My lord is fighting for the sake of doing what has to be done.)

    In order to realize that, he would complete the order to obtain Lux here.

    Zweigbergk hardened his resolve as such and skated his Tarasque.

    ©¤©¤But, the ground sunk in at that moment and Zweigbergk was pinned to the ground along with a purple gravity field.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­you!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!¡¹

    Lisha who was chasing the Dragon Marauder lost sight of the enemy, so she returned. She reported her return to Lux before using Dragon Voice.

    But if she immediately moved to assist Lux, Zweigbergk would surely react immediately.

    Thus she was hiding her presence until now while looking for a chance, and she finally succeeded in capturing Zweigbergk like this.

    Because Lisha didn¡¯t use other special armament and continued to pour her full strength, as expected even Zweigbergk was unable to move from there.

    ¡¸Now Lux! Attack! I won¡¯t be able to pin down this guy for long!¡¹

    ¡¸No, please stay like that, Lisha-sama. If we are at the entrance of this Garden, we will be transferred outside either way.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak like it¡¯s easy, it¡¯s hard to maintain this gravity field here!¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice in hurry, in respond Lux spoke with a wry smile.

    ¡¸Please. It will be for one more minute so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, I get it. That¡¯s, in exchange accompany me for a bit when this is over.¡¹

    When Lisha averted her eyes shyly, Airi walked out from behind a rock¡¯s cover.

    ¡¸Geez, please don¡¯t frolic around even at this kind of time. Just because everyone is traveling abroad and there is a chance to talk with Nii-san©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what are you saying this cheeky little sister! More importantly, it¡¯s the happening outside and that ero woman©¤©¤¡¹

    Certainly, right now he was worried about Yoruka.

    If she noticed that Singlen laid a trap in order to make Lux into his piece, she might go to aim directly at him.

    ¡¸Fuh, you all are na?ve like usual. You will regret it if you don¡¯t finish me off here you know?¡¹

    Zweigbergk threatened like that even with the gravity field pouring on him and made him unable to move.

    However Lux couldn¡¯t bring himself to fight him at this place anymore.

    The Over Limit that he used when fighting Rosa previously as well as the battle against Ragnarok©¤©¤Metatron after that overworked his body too much. His limit was near even just from the fight before this.

    It wasn¡¯t that Lux wasn¡¯t using Bahamut, he was unable to use it.

    But regardless of that fact, he didn¡¯t feel like crushing Zweigbergk here.

    Because he didn¡¯t try to take Airi hostage when she was defenseless and hiding behind the rock.

    This person wasn¡¯t a good person, and if it was a military duty then he would surely be merciless.

    Even so limited to this time, it didn¡¯t become a reason why Lux must not be merciful.

    *Pou-*¡­¡­during that time, the internal wall of Garden was shining faintly.

    Soon the transfer to outside would begin.

    ¡¸Nii-san. You understand right? No matter what¡¯s going on outside, with Nii-san¡¯s condition right now, you already©¤©¤¡¹

    Cannot fight anymore.

    Especially if he used Bahamut, the activation time would be extremely short. Not to mention Singlen, even Zweigbergk would be beyond him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine Airi, I won¡¯t be reckless.¡¹

    Airi only turned a doubting gaze in respond to Lux¡¯s smile that looked like he was acting tough.

    (Be safe, everyone©¤©¤)

    That time when he returned back with Yoruka after the date.

    He recalled that her face looked vaguely worried.

    She said that she was unable to answer everyone¡¯s expectation with a seemingly lonely expression.

    Previously, she also risked her life and faced Ragnarok Metatron when it couldn¡¯t be harmed.

    If she noticed that Singlen laid a trap to screw Lux over, she might challenged him to a fight with the resolve to die too this time.

    (Be safe, Yoruka¡­¡­)

    The moment he wished that, the bodies of Lux and others were wrapped with faint light. The sensation of gravity vanished.

    After they put their body into the space of darkness for a few seconds©¤©¤, the sky opened along with a dazzling sunlight.

    ¡¸We are out! Can you go, Lux©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lisha yelled at the same time with their exit outside the Garden.

    But, the moment she saw the spreading wasteland and blue sky in her vision, she became speechless.

    ¡¸Just what happened, this©¤©¤¡­¡­!¡¹

    Airi murmured from the shoulder of Lux¡¯s Wyvern. Lux couldn¡¯t reply back.

    To say it in few words, it was a manifestation of hell.

    In the first place, the surrounding of Garden wasn¡¯t a beautiful area because of the periodical appearance of Abyss.

    But, what existed there right now was the greatly gouged and smashed ground, and dozens of Abysses that covered the sky.

    The White Ridge knight order under Singlen¡¯s command was wholly put into disadvantage.

    ¡¸Why? How are we getting surrounded by this many Abyss? There wasn¡¯t this many Abyss piled up inside the Garden, and we had investigated the vicinity with radar too!¡¹

    Zweigberk raised his voice in disbelieving tone.

    Lisha who heard that from nearby smiled even while sweating.

    ¡¸It seems, this isn¡¯t the time for stupid quarrel huh. Lux©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha took a deep breath and turned her gaze to the first fortress that was a slight distance away.

    It seemed she guessed something seeing that Yoruka wasn¡¯t here.

    ¡¸You owe me one with this. Later, set aside some time properly for me okay? Come hell or high water, I¡¯ll hold out in this place. You go and drag that idiot ero woman back.¡¹

    ¡¸Please. I will return right away so©¤©¤¡¹

    Even while Lux resolved himself like that, he became worried for Airi and turned his gaze to her.

    Then, the Triad who were hiding in the cover of Garden showed up together.

    ¡¸Yes. Please leave Airi and this place to us.¡¹

    ¡¸Maaan, it saved us even if it¡¯s only Lisha-sama who will stay here! With just us, it was the best we can do to escape while fighting.¡¹

    ¡¸Both of you, you are safe!?¡¹

    It seemed Airi was anxious, because she unusually raised her voice loudly with the appearance of Noct and Tillfur.

    Sharis gently caressed her head and then she turned toward Lux once more.

    ¡¸Leave this place to us. You head to the fortress and go help Yoruka. We will stay safe here somehow. We already send out reinforcement request to Cross Field and new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yeah, it¡¯s impossible to hold out with this many opponents. We will gather those who can move and retreat!¡¹

    Lux who heard Lisha¡¯s decision quickly pulled out his other Sword Device.

    And then, he put strength into his stomach and let out his voice as though to clear away the fatigue coiling around his body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon who devour the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the black cloud and sky, Bahamut!¡¹

    Light particles converged and formed the huge jet black dragon.

    Those parts quickly split and changed into armor that covered Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Nii-san! Please don¡¯t be reckless! It¡¯s a promise!¡¹

    Lux flew his Bahamut with Airi¡¯s words behind him.

    He mowed down several flying type Abysses in his way while hurrying toward the first fortress where Yoruka was.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡¹

    Although he was wearing Bahamut, he managed to defeat several Abysses excessively easily.

    A very slight strange uncomfortable feeling caused discomfort in Lux¡¯s chest.

    But, at this time Lux had no leeway to split his focus to that doubt.

    Why this many Abyss suddenly appeared?

    And then, the reason why the White Ridge knight order was pushed back so much like this, was most likely¡­

    There was unseen something nearby this Garden.

    (However, right now isn¡¯t the time for that! If I don¡¯t go to save Yoruka©¤©¤!)

    Lux exhaled while raising his spirit, aiming toward inside the fortress.

    In order to not let Yoruka tasted the same anguish like before.

    In order to convey his own feeling to her, he went in full speed.

 Volume 11 - CH 5

    ¨C

    The howl of the Abyss and the rumble of the ground resembled an ominous alarm.

    The gigantic fortress shook vertically as though it was going to crumble. The vibration reverberated in the underground¡¯s second Drag-Ride hangar.

    But, the attention of the two who confronted each other there wasn¡¯t diverted at all.

    They were simply concentrating their whole attention at the existence of the opponent they ought to defeat who was standing in their way.

    ¡¸Over Limit? That¡¯s strange, how can you use it when it¡¯s supposed to be a hidden code?¡¹

    More than ten ml ahead of Singlen who was smiling dubiously, Yato no Kami was standing with its shape transformation already finished.

    Above the armor with peculiar form that resembled the armor of the nation of Koto, several more blades were sticking out.

    Furthermore its distinctive four legs stretched to the back and front, taking shape as though its lower body was a horse.

    From the special equipment type that excelled in various functions, it transformed into a shape that was more specialized for battle.

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤that¡¯s true. This Over Limit is the true form that is liberated by my Divine Raiment, Spell Code. This is achieved not by going through the normal procedure.¡¹

    Normally, this form transformation was executed by undoing and exposing the hidden code to release the limiter.

    However Yoruka used the forced control ability from her own Spell Code to reach until deep into the system and implemented the Over Limit.

    Of course, Yoruka had tested this method many times since some time ago, and she also carried out its execution in real battle.

    Against an opponent that handled special battle technique called SenjinBattle Array and used Leviathan with its Divine Raiment that combined offense and defense as one, even Yoruka and Yato no Kami would be at disadvantage. (TN: From now on I¡¯ll mention Singlen¡¯s technique name with Japanese words. Usually other character¡¯s skill or Drag-Ride weapon will have English name from the author, but Singlen¡¯s technique doesn¡¯t have anything like that. So I¡¯ll use Japanese name for them.)

    This was a trump card for the sake of surpassing and killing the Blue Tyrant.

    ¡¸I see, whether it¡¯s those useless three hidden techniques or this Over Limit, till the end you are going to imitate that chore prince. It¡¯s pitiful, both you whose incompetence only allow you to be used by a man of that degree, and also your future.¡¹

    Singlen glared at Yoruka with an arrogant attitude that looked down on other people till the end.

    In respond Yoruka didn¡¯t seem like she was angered at the slightest. Only her purple eyes shined mysteriously.

    ¡¸The secret medicine that Dragon Marauder used, Elixir. It seems to bring a supernatural strength temporarily for the user but©¤©¤in order for the effect to become entrenched, it looks like that an operation called Baptism is necessary.¡¹

    ¡¸Hoo, what about it? Are you mocking yourself because even after obtaining such power, you are still unable to do anything against me until now?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s exasperated words was responded by Yoruka with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸The most I could do was making the effect to be entrenched into a mere three percent of my whole body, but thanks to that this eye become able to see something really good. Not only it can perceive the wavelength of the opponent¡¯s consciousness, I can also understand the subtlety of their heart somehow. That¡¯s including how you actually are really cautious about the matter of Aruji-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    Even when Yoruka pointed that out, Singlen¡¯s complexion didn¡¯t change at all.

    He only kept putting on his bold smile and turned an eye that was filled with bottomless darkness toward Yoruka.

    ¡¸Ha-ha-ha. That¡¯s a great joke. Is this okay for you failure? The time you can fight is decreasing even now in that state right?¡¹

    ¡¸And then one more thing, you aren¡¯t a human aren¡¯t you? You give the same smell like me. You are harboring some kind of fatal defect, the smell of a broken thing is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡­¡­*GO-!*

    The moment Yoruka said those words, water torrent was fired from Leviathan in violent speed.

    Several streak of water that was unleashed like gigantic spears were evaded by the four legs of Yato no Kami.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­!¡¹

    Different from the previous four legs for the sake of moving to many directions, the current armored legs that was in the form suitable for charging passed through the undulating water streams while succeeding in drawing near to Singlen.

    Yoruka entered into the range, at the same time she raised up her katana shaped Blade and swung it down to Singlen¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Hmph¡¹

    But, Singlen scoffed. Right at that moment vortex of water stream surrounded Leviathan.

    It wasn¡¯t a mere water, but a pile of mass that was dispatched by powerful force field.

    If the water was dropped from high place, it would become hard like rock. Or if super pressure was applied to it, it would become water shield that could divide even steel. Singlen defended using that©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s na?ve.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The solid shield of water stream was cut apart and even a part of his barrier was pierced through.

    Singlen who had his double layered defense pierced blew away Yoruka using Howling Roar and took some distance.

    ¡¸So, you achieved the movement of like the unity of rider and horse. That¡¯s your combat strength from that Over Limit.¡¹

    A knight on a horse displayed his strength by managing to put the horse¡¯s power and mass behind his own weapon.

    Normal Drag-Ride was only moving by the user¡¯s control, but Yoruka was fighting with different usage method.

    The back of the four legs unleashed an explosive propulsive force and kicked on the ground, that power was connected from the lower body to the upper body armor which was transmitted into the unleashed slash.

    Thus she manifested a destructive power that surpassed the simple strengthening of Over Limit.

    ¡¸As you know, it will be the end if you are touched directly, so please be careful.¡¹

    Yoruka who showed a devilish smile attacked further with her purple eyes shining.

    She avoided the attacks that Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment unleashed one after another and her blade finally reached.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    *BIKII-!*, a line of scratch was carved on Leviathan¡¯s thick armor.

    Yoruka delivered a surprise attack after making Singlen conscious of Spell Code. Without stopping she twirled around and her next hidden technique burst.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action.¡¹

    The consecutive attacks that were unleashed without even a single breath of gap in between due to the alternate use of mind control operation and body control operation, realizing an infinite consecutive attack.

    Singlen put up a double layered guard of water stream and barrier, but Yoruka didn¡¯t pay that any mind and forcefully broke the defense from above.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    After dozens of consecutive slash, that defensive state was finally broken and multiple slashes struck. Singlen was pushed into a hollow on the wall that looked like coffin which was there for putting a Drag-Ride in place.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­©¤©¤Howling Roar.¡¹

    Even with herself running of breath after a hundred consecutive attacks from End Action, Yoruka dealt another attack without break.

    Countless rubbles further fell from above Leviathan that was buried into the smashed wall, burying it.

    But, even after dealing that many attack, it couldn¡¯t be said that Singlen was cornered.

    That was because Leviathan was always covered by a membrane of water from its Divine Raiment Leaning, preventing lethal damage.

    (Then©¤©¤. I have to let out a power that cannot be blocked by shield of water.)

    Like that, Yoruka took distance in order to gather strength for sure-kill attack. At that moment, her devilish eye that received Baptism read a disquieting wavelength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A line of death that pierced the left part of Yoruka¡¯s body.

    She began to leap to the right reflexively, but she didn¡¯t make it.

    *KINN!*, when the high pitched sound of slicing wind that felt piercing to eardrum could be heard, the attack was already over.

    ¡¸Wh, at? This is©¤©¤¡¹

    *Pakiri*, with that sound, the armor of Mythrildite was lopped off as though it had been severed by sharp blade.

    The water slash Singlen unleashed accomplished that from a distance of 50 ml at minimum.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin GoukaTrue Battle Array Aeon Fire©¤©¤Mizuchi.¡¹(TN: Mizuchi = mythical dragon-like beast)

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Yato no Kami¡¯s left armored arm and one front leg were severed, but the rests was safe.

    But, that power easily cut apart the barrier that although wasn¡¯t deployed in maximum strength, but it was in a strengthened state from Over Limit.

    Singlen¡¯s battle technique that made practical use of tuning©¤©¤focusing energy into one point, Senjin ¨C GoukaBattle Array ¨C Aeon Fire was thoroughly a technique of direct attack using weapon.

    But, the attack just now was a blade slash from pure water stream.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin¡­¡­? Is that a technique that put even one¡¯s own Divine Raiment under the control of tuning?¡¹

    Used in conjunction with the Divine Raiment of Leviathan that manipulated water, the energy of Drag-Ride and the energy of Divine Raiment were combined to form a slash that was concentrated to a point.

    The water blade that was generated from that cut apart a firing range of dozens of ml with overwhelming power.

    Because Yoruka was taking quite far distance, she escaped from direct hit to her flesh body, but seeing how her barrier and armor were useless, it showed that the power of the attack was something that was impossible to defend no matter how much she struggled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, enough already¡­¡­¡¹

    The piled up rubbles were smashed gravelly and Singlen stood up.

    He directed that jet black empty eye with unseen bottom toward Yoruka along with a pitying smile.

    ¡¸It has been a long time since I faced an opponent with some fight in them. I went along with you thinking that it might be a nice warm up before the battle against that man but©¤©¤this is no good huh. It¡¯s too dangerous to play around with you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like I¡¯m being belittled. Even though I too still haven¡¯t showed my full strength too.¡¹

    ¡¸In that case don¡¯t be stingy and show it to me right away. Otherwise©¤©¤you are going to die here.¡¹

    Singlen grinned, at the same time rain poured down from the ceiling due to Leaning.

    It wasn¡¯t a heavy rain that was endowed with force like bullet, but a normal rain.

    (It¡¯s not an attack from above? Then why©¤©¤rain is pouring down?)

    When Yoruka was about to ponder about that fact, Leviathan charged forward.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin MidzukiTrue Battle Array Moon Reflection©¤©¤AmikiriWeb Cut¡¹

    A water blade was fired at the same time with the slash of Singlen¡¯s huge Blade. Yoruka dodged while backing away.

    In order to not get hit directly again by Shin Senjin Gouka just now, Yoruka laid a trap and observed for a chance to counterattack in order to not overlook the activation of the technique.

    ©¤©¤But, before Yoruka¡¯s aim could produce result, the inside of the underground hangar became even darker.

    The number of the remaining torch was decreased because of the water hitting them.

    At the same time, because of the thick fog that was covering the surrounding, the field of vision became overwhelmingly worse.

    ¡¸You are using too much water. In a situation where sight is not working©¤©¤Yato no Kami that can use camouflage has the advantage.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Then try it. That¡¯s if you can.¡¹

    Yoruka grasped Singlen¡¯s position with her radar and slashed at Leviathan¡¯s side.

    A surprise attack using the darkness and mist.

    But, her slash cut through empty air utterly. She slashed once more at her opponent¡¯s blind spot.

    However the result was the same. She was dodged, or parried with sword. The result was only the armor of Yato no Kami getting even more broken.

    (How, can this be? Even though I should have concealed my presence the best I can©¤©¤)

    Why Singlen who shouldn¡¯t have radar was able to completely predict her movement? When Yoruka came to a standstill because she didn¡¯t understand the reason of that, a thrust of water stream shot out Yoruka.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    She was sent flying to a wall that was dozen of ml away, but Yoruka didn¡¯t stop moving and escaped.

    On the other hand Singlen didn¡¯t move at the slightest from his position while he was closing his eyes quietly.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible but, your so called seriousness is not about using the same trap the second time right?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­.!?¡¹

    Singlen drew out his Sword Device and activated his Divine Raiment.

    At the same time countless blade of water pillar that rose up from the whole hangar destroyed Yoruka¡¯s trump card.

    ¡¸How, did you know?¡¹

    Yoruka stiffened with a dumbfounded expression.

    The thick mist cleared up at that moment and Singlen showed his grinning face.

    Kumo no Ito©¤©¤it was a special armament that laid out unseen steel string at the surrounding, a trap that was laid around in order to be conductor for Spell Code. All of them were instantly cut apart.

    Even though Singlen was inside dim darkness with thick mist filling the room, he cornered Yoruka accurately.

    The rain had been pouring down all the time since before, but the rain itself didn¡¯t have any offensive power.

    (Then©¤©¤for what the rain is pouring? This rain¡­¡­)

    This place is an underground Drag-Ride hangar, so it was impossible for rain to happen here.

    In other words, Leviathan was undoubtedly causing this rain.

    When Yoruka wracked her brain regarding that fact, she noticed the true shape of Shin Senjin Midzuki.

    ¡¸Is it predicting and©¤©¤grasping the situation from the Drag-Ride mechanical sound?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s Shin Senjin Midzuki that predicted the opponent¡¯s next action from the mechanical sound of Drag-Ride.

    Normally it was performed by using Wire Tail that was directly touching the opponent¡¯s Drag-Ride, but when it was combined with Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment into Shin Senjin Midzuki, it became a radar that detected the movement and presence at the surrounding from the sound that was reflected by the pouring rain.

    Thus this rain spied out Yoruka¡¯s location and action, at the same time it also saw through the Kumo no Ito that was secretly laid out.

    ¡¸Nice prediction. But this is over. In the end©¤©¤you are unable to even accomplish your earnest desire as a heartless tool. You chose the wrong hand to wield you.¡¹

    Singlen laughed. Right after that, *clatter clatter* Yato no Kami¡¯s frame was starting to creak.

    She was close to run out of steam due to the energy consumption of Over Limit.

    She also couldn¡¯t think of an idea to overcome Senjin.

    Her prediction before the battle, that she had thirty percent chance to defeat Singlen if she risked her life was off.

    Yoruka herself was called as inhuman devil, but this man was also a monster.

    Even while she was feeling the premonition of defeat, she was thinking of a method to at least take him together with her.

    Because she who wasn¡¯t a human could only do something like this.

    Because Yoruka herself who was unable to answer Lux¡¯s wish as human could only accomplish her mission as tool like this.

    Because she had no heart, no matter how much Lux treated her as human, she wouldn¡¯t be able to meet his expectation, that was why©¤©¤.

    However, if it was the way to connect with other as tool, then even she who wasn¡¯t a human was able to understand it.

    Useful thing had a value to be placed in someone¡¯s side.

    That was the only relationship with other people that Yoruka could comprehend.

    ¡ºThat Sword Device is something really important for you isn¡¯t it?¡»

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤that¡¯s right.¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly let slipped a smile at the sensation of Sword Device that she had grasped when she noticed.

    A tool for the sake of accomplishing her objective.

    If that was the case©¤©¤there was no way it would be let go till the very end.

    ¡¸If you have that much power, then why are you trying to make use of Aruji-sama?¡¹

    Yoruka asked with a calm and composed attitude even while listening to the scream of her own body.

    In respond Singlen turned a dark eye toward Yoruka with disinterested look.

    ¡¸I¡¯m only moving the necessary piece for my objective. It¡¯s something that you who became a tool through your own wish will never understand no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, it¡¯s unnecessary to feel hesitation to get rid of you. With this I now have no duty to keep you alive for the sake of Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    The moment Singlen showed a dubious face, the remaining three legs of Yato no Kami moved and closed in from the front without any sound.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Instant Strike¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s attack that read the gap when the consciousness cut off and was launched within the instantaneous timing.

    Because it took advantage of the unconsciousness, originally it should be a special move that was impossible to defend, even so she preserved the technique until now in order to not let Singlen prepared countermeasure.

    Leviathan¡¯s movement should stop for an instant with a slash that struck the shoulder where the Force Core was stored.

    She would cut the armor with a returning slash, activated Spell Code, and put the Drag-Ride under control.

    That was the strategy that Yoruka pictured but©¤©¤when she slashed the wet shoulder armor, a strange out of place sensation traveled through Yoruka¡¯s body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Shin Senjin OudoTrue Battle Array Royal Domain©¤©¤ TsuchigumoEarth Spider¡¹

    Water membrane was covering his armor.

    Leviathan¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t just wet, a water barrier to disperse impact was constantly laid out on it.

    It didn¡¯t matter even if she attacked during Singlen¡¯s unconsciousness, because the defensive membrane had been put up since the very beginning.

    It slightly lessened the force of Yoruka¡¯s sword, making it unable to stop Leviathan¡¯s movement.

    After dealing a focused sure-kill attack, this time it was Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami that was exposing a fatal opening.

    ¡¸Leave your master to me. Thanks for all the hard work.¡¹

    Singlen swung down his great sword with a grin that was convinced of his victory.

    At that moment, the tip of a blade pierced Singlen¡¯s left chest.

    ¡¸Wh, at¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You are too careless. You are within my range you know?¡¹

    Yoruka with her shining purple iris smiled bewitchingly and put more strength.

    Right after that, even Yato no Kami that she wore also raised up its Blade overhead, and then it unleashed an attack that made the frame creaked.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Recoil Burst!¡¹

    Right after her words, the super powerful attack struck from zero distance.

    The Blade pierced the air, blew away the remaining water wall, and made the Force Core on the shoulder to be exposed along with Leviathan¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸Gu, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    A hoarse groan was wrung out from Singlen¡¯s throat and he was blown away by the impact.

    The hangar¡¯s wreckages and rubbles got dragged by his flight and then he collided on the wall that was a few dozen ml away.

    The white of Singlen¡¯s eye was showing with a Sword Device staying stabbed in his chest, and he expired.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haah! Haah!¡¹

    Yoruka was running out of breath, at the same time the Over Limit was dispelled.

    The thick mist that was filling the underground hangar and also the pouring rain were vanishing when she noticed.

    At the same time a drip of blood was trickling from the corner of Yoruka¡¯s lips.

    Because of Over Limit, the burden on Yoruka¡¯s body was beyond measure. And like that she unleashed Recoil Burst from super close distance.

    She received the aftershock from the powerful impact that smashed apart the enemy¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride from nearby. Yoruka herself was also wobbling on her feet, but,

    ¡¸This fight, is settled now.¡¹

    She killed Singlen who was laying many traps in order to make use of Lux as disposable piece.

    After removing this obstacle that might be the greatest of them all, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration even if it was said that she had fulfilled the contract that she exchanged with the emperor of the old empire.

    But, it was fortunate that her life was still remaining.

    In order to win in this battle that revolved around Avalon, she still had to fight for Lux¡¯s sake.

    That man called Fugil was the first imperial prince of the old empire, but she heard that he actually was a man of unknown identity.

    It might also be necessary someday to question even that man who was serving as the general of the Lord.

    Because even if the right of inheritance of the past belonged to Fugil, Yoruka had already decided that she would serve only Lux.

    ¡¸How strange. For someone who is not a human like me, to think of such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected she couldn¡¯t hide her exhaustion from showing on her face. Like that she unintentionally slipped out a self-depreciating chuckle.

    Before she knew it, she had decided to serve under someone regardless of her own code.

    Even though she let herself be employed as royal guard under a contract for her little brother who picked up herself who was unable to have any kind of desire and attachment, right now©¤©¤.

    *PAKIi-!*

    A sound that was like the snap of a dry wood caused Yoruka to return to her senses right away.

    When she turned her gaze, Singlen who was blown away until the wall of the hangar was lifting up his body from inside the rubbles.

    He pulled out the Sword Device of Yato no Kami that stabbed into his heart, then he carelessly tossed it away.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a shame, Assassin Blade. I¡¯ll retract my previous statement. You are really something. If I am a human©¤©¤I would definitely die from that.¡¹

    Singlen lifted up the corner of his lips into a smirk and grasped the Sword Device of Leviathan.

    At the same time, he summoned a new additional armament. The broken armor pieces were reconstructed along with a force field, forming up an armor that was covering his body once more.

    ¡¸How!? The destroyed Drag-Ride is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸SlytLithograph of Counterfeit¡­¡­the other special armament of Leviathan. As long as the Sword Device still at least remain, the armor can be regenerated just once. Although after using this, it will become unusable for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka was breathing hard with heaving shoulders. She was sweating while merely watching that.

    She who had no emotion felt no fear.

    But, a hopeless situation was blocking her way.

    Something even more terrifying than the resurrection of Divine Drag-Ride Leviathan.

    That was the jet black eye socket behind the taken off eye patch covering Singlen¡¯s left eye. Black pattern was covering his left body side from there.

    That appearance was the same like the Devil that used Elixir©¤©¤but, he wasn¡¯t using Elixir itself.

    In other words, this was Singlen¡¯s power from Eilxir taking hold into his body through Baptism.

    A certain quality was necessary just to make Elixir becoming entrenched into the body, and the Baptism would torment the target with immense anguish and side effect.

    After such procedure that was like a curse was applied to someone, their strength would be raised in exchange of their lifespan.

    ¡¸How shocking. Forget about being the same like me, you are a monster that far surpassed that©¤©¤. Your young look and height, those are because the effect of Baptism which was applied on half your body stopping your growth isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Ku-ku¡ªku, what a really rude woman. But you did well. In respect to that determination, I¡¯ll let you depart from this world painlessly.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Instantly, Yoruka picked up the tossed away Sword Device of Yato no Kami using Kumo no Ito and tried to leap backward.

    Right after that, faster than Yoruka who should be jumping back in full speed, Singlen leaped forward with his Blade raised overhead.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin KamuiTrue Battle Array God¡¯s Might©¤©¤AkuroRoad of Evil¡¹

    Using Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment, it increased one¡¯s own propulsive force using water stream and doubled the force of the charge.

    Its foundation was the release of basic braking mechanism using tuning.

    In order to avoid burden to the user, the range of the frame¡¯s mobility and action was reduced by the mobility restriction.

    Releasing all those restrictions and putting additional armor on the Drag-Ride was Over Limit, but Singlen here executed a falsely similar act even though the result was a level below Over Limit.

    If that was all, then Over Limit was obviously stronger, but,

    (This is, he is controlling his own armor like puppet using water stream to give himself a push, increasing the strength even more¡­¡­!)

    By combining Shin Senjin and Divine Raiment Leaning, it produced water stream that was used to give a boost to Leviathan¡¯s movement and doubled its strength.

    The impact and after-effect from doing that should put abnormal damage and burden to the user, but because Singlen was strengthened with Baptism, he was able to endure it.

    Yoruka barely endured against the offense of Shin Senjin Kamui that possessed sure kill destructive power in each attack.

    ©¤©¤But, her armor was mercilessly and emotionlessly destroyed, and she was beaten like a bug whose wing was plucked off.

    ¡¸Ka, hah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Her Blade was destroyed, and with it the joint of her right arm snapped.

    Water bullet that shot through her barrier broke her ribs. She vomited blood.

    Blood was trickling from the left eye that she continued to overwork, making her unable to see.

    The fingers that were gripping the control stick were crushed by impact.

    The joint of her right ankle was washed away by water stream and twisted to wrong direction.

    Broken armor piece stabbed her side, causing blood to spurt out.

    But, she had no leeway to even writhe from the intense pain that burned her nerves.

    Strength was leaving her whole body along with her senses. Cold water washed away her blood and her body temperature.

    One portion of her limbs broke, blood was flowing from her closed left eye, and her whole body was soaked with blood due to all the cuts. Like that half of Yoruka¡¯s body sunk under the water along with Yato no Kami¡¯s wreckage, a smile on her lips.

    (¡­¡­I blundered, completely)

    She had no more weapon remaining.

    Even so a smile was tugged on her lips.

    She barely kept her grip on her Sword Device with three fingers that weren¡¯t broken, and she gazed at Singlen with her remaining eye.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Farewell strong warrior. Pray that you will be reborn as human in the next world and die.¡¹

    Singlen lifted up his Blade from a distance to perform the last rite for Yoruka.

    Yoruka thought while feeling the final moment of her life.

    She had done what she could.

    This time she could die as tool for sure, fulfilling her earnest desire.

    Even though she should be satisfied with just that, she felt a guilty feeling somewhere within herself.

    If she died protecting the nation of Koto, what would her little brother who was left behind thought.

    And then, Lux©¤©¤what would he think.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin Gouka©¤©¤Mizuchi.¡¹

    A water blade was fired along with Singlen¡¯s voice that told her demise.

    *KIN-!*, a high pitched sound that cut through the air.

    Just an instant before she could heard that sound, a gust of wind landed down in front of her.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­!¡¹

    But she only barely understood, that the dull groaning sound leaking out from a mouth didn¡¯t come from her.

    Lux entered the underground hangar a few seconds before. He found Yoruka who was on the verge of death and his body moved at once.

    He instantly understood that she was dying, and also that she was in a state that was impossible to ddoge or block Singlen¡¯s attack.

    If he covered for her using himself as shield, he might be taken down.

    Without even any time to deeply calculated such thing, when he noticed he was standing in front of her.

    ©¤©¤But, he was too optimistic.

    The special move of Singlen who had unleashed the power of Baptism, Shin Senjin Gouka©¤©¤Mizuchi.

    The water blade that was fired from the Blade severed through his barrier that was deployed in full power, the shockwave of Howling Roar he fired, and the armor he wore, tearing apart Lux¡¯s chest vertically.

    His heart stopped from the bleeding and impact.

    In other word it was instant death.

    ¡¸Aruji, sama¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yoruka called out to Lux¡¯s back, but there was no reply.

    There wasn¡¯t even the sound of breathing coming from him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Insolent man. Messing up the plan of this me like this, so his caliber is only half-baked like this after all.¡¹

    Along with an exasperated sigh, Singlen with his body that was wholly turned black displayed an eye with shining crimson iris.

    ¡¸His path is closed without being able to become either a hero or a ruler. That means that this is your limit.¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s murmur wouldn¡¯t reach Lux¡¯s ear anymore.

    That fact struck Yoruka who was left behind alone.

    ¡¸Why, is this¡­¡­?¡¹

    The armor of Bahamut was dispelled and Lux collapsed backward. His body lied above Yoruka who was similarly lying down face up.

    Both his eyes were shut quietly, his pulse had stopped completely.

    ¡¸Why did you risked your life, for the sake of the likes of me? Even though I cannot repay you with anything, even though someone inhuman like me, can only be useful by obtaining battle result©¤©¤¡¹

    She understood that there wouldn¡¯t be an answer to her question.

    Even so Yoruka continued to form words piece by piece.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aruji-sama, was completely mistaken.¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly let out a smile of resignation. She raised her upper body and leaned her back on a rubble, then she stared at the face of her dead master.

    ¡¸Even though, you should just abandon someone useless like me right away. Even though I cannot, repay your favor with anything©¤©¤¡¹

    The same like that time with her little brother, she was unable to spill even a trickle of tear.

    In exchange, the tear of blood that flowed from her abused left eye trickled down her cheek and fell on Lux¡¯s chest.

    She only embraced the corpse of her master along with a sweet despair enveloping her whole body, and raised a soundless wail.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¨C

    About the same time©¤©¤outside at the vicinity of the first fortress.

    Around the Garden.

    Between the wasteland and the blue sky where a lot of Abyss were spreading out, a fierce fighting that no one knew when it would end was unfolding.

    ¡¸Shit! The number is too many! I¡¯ll take care of this place! First we will secure escape path!¡¹

    The commander Lisha raised her voice and gave instruction to the Triad.

    The White Ridge knight order that was attracting the Abyss swarm was rallying themselves with the assistance of Zweigbergk, but in the first place they wouldn¡¯t be able to retreat if they couldn¡¯t break through the encirclement.

    It seemed that Greifer and Coral were each facing Drag-Knight of Dragon Marauder. They had no leeway to assist them.

    ¡¸SHAAAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t, GET IN MY WAAAYYYYY©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lisha raised a yell that sounded like a howl and bombarded a Gargoyle.

    Even if they secured an escape path, there was no way they could start retreating until Lux returned back with Yoruka.

    If they left the two alone smack dab in the middle of Abyss swarm, it was obvious what would be the result of that in the end.

    ¡¸Good grief, in battle, everything won¡¯t go as expected huh!¡¹

    Because the new battle style that Lisha mastered would exhaust her completely in short time, she was unable to use it here.

    A battle without Lux, Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka, was very difficult.

    Lisha once more realized just how much help their existence was.

    ¡¸But ©¤©¤I cannot lose.¡¹

    Even while feeling despair from the Abysses that continued to appear from empty air one after another, she was unable to endure when she thought of the other girls.

    She wasn¡¯t a princess who could only get protected.

    She would also lead everyone in battle, with strength and skill as Drag-Knight.

    Because that was her dignity as princess who Lux served, her objective.

    ¡¸When this battle is over safely, I¡¯ll tell him properly! That¡¯s why, no matter how many powerful enemy there is around me, there is no way I¡¯ll get defeated hereeeee©¤©¤!¡¹

    She suppressed the enemy movement with Suppressor¡¯s gravity field and then sniped them with Seven Heads.

    While Lisha was continuously holding back the enemy desperately by repeating that attack many times, the Triad were also fighting behind her.

    ¡¸Airi, please be careful. I¡¯m searching the enemy with radar, but it will be troublesome if unseen Abyss is targeting us.¡¹

    Airi nodded briefly at Noct¡¯s words and hid herself behind the cover of a rock.

    The intensity of the battle far surpassed the imagination, even so Noct was splitting her focus to protect Airi rather than securing escape path.

    ¡¸Good grief©¤©¤someone persistent is hated you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, exactly. Lacking in consideration and restrain is also the same!¡¹

    Tillfur and Sharis each attempted to break through with Hammer and Breath Gun in their respective hands, but thing didn¡¯t really go well.

    In a situation where a large swarm was surrounding from four directions, the energy consumption was too intense even if they fought the Abyss equally.

    Airi was watching that deadly battle from behind a rock while feeling the suspense inside her heart.

    (The Triad, they are already near their limit in using the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride.)

    When Noct and others were training to use the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride, it was none other than Airi who was measuring their usage time limit.

    Airi knew how in order to become the strength of Lux©¤©¤and also the Academy, they acted like usual in surface, while behind the scene they were also continuing to work hard desperately.

    Airi also knew how currently, those girls were gradually exceeding the limit of their stamina.

    Even if they kept at it with willpower, it wouldn¡¯t continue for long. Their armor would be dispelled soon.

    The Abyss¡¯s encirclement could be broken through with a bit more.

    But, even though it would be just one more push, they were lacking a bit of firepower.

    ¡¸Noct! You don¡¯t need to worry about me! Please go assist those two!¡¹

    ¡¸No. I cannot approve of that. I will be breaking my promise with Lux-san if Airi is exposed to danger.¡¹

    Noct was replying with a calm voice while battling an Abyss slightly to the front. But,

    ¡¸We will be annihilated either way if we are unable to escape like this! If I¡¯m only becoming a burden, I have the resolve to die!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Noct who heard that yell showed a slightly pained look.

    After worrying for a few moment, Noct took a deep breath and turned the back of her EX Drake toward Airi.

    ¡¸Please forgive me Airi. I made you speak that much. That¡¯s because of our powerlessness.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the same for me. This is because I was unreasonable and asked to come along.¡¹

    When Airi smiled softly, Noct also slipped out a chuckle.

    ¡¸Yes. You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s get scolded together later.¡¹

    Noct murmured that while simultaneously using EX Drake¡¯s Step. She began giving covering fire using her Cannon.

    ¡ºBoth of you please lure away the enemy! I will fire my remaining fire power.¡»

    ¡¸Okkaayy!¡¹

    ¡¸Take care of it, Noct!¡¹

    Tillfur and Sharis who were battling Abyss with close range weapon in hand guessed Noct¡¯s intention with just that sentence.

    No matter how much training they accumulated, the three¡¯s Drag-Ride aptitude value, stamina, and technique wouldn¡¯t be a match with the members who could handle Divine Drag-Ride.

    Then, in order to win battle using a strong point that was unique to only the three of them, they strengthened their coordination along with their personal training.

    ¡¸GISHAAAAH!¡¹

    A swarm of flying type hissed while attacking. The two moved in the trajectory with shape of ¡®8¡¯ and gathered them in one spot.

    The moment around ten Abysses were gathered at their crossing point, Sharis and Tillfur raised their voice simultaneously.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    The vortex of shockwave that was filled with the power of strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride pressured the swarm from left and right and stopped their movement.

    Right after that, Noct launched a following attack from her Cannon without even a moment longer.

    ¡¸GU, GYAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    The atmosphere was enveloped with flame blast and the Abysses were smashed apart along with the impact.

    Even so as expected several Abysses survived from the attack.

    The remaining Abysses were showered with swings from Hammer and Blade.

    ¡¸Magnificent, everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    With this an escape path was opened, and it became possible to retreat temporarily with Lisha and others and reorganized themselves.

    After that it would be only Lux and Yoruka who were inside the first fortress that they had to worry about.

    The Triad unintentionally relaxed their tension after throwing all their strength. In that moment, Airi felt unease on her body.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Her weight vanished and she felt like she was pulled to the air.

    That moment when she floated high to the air, Airi was kidnapped by a Drag-Ride that flew with fierce speed from behind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi-!?¡¹

    With a shocked expression Noct used Step and pursued, but she didn¡¯t reach.

    ¡¸Wait!¡¹

    Sharis flew to chase after the unfamiliar saffron colored Drag-Ride, but at that moment her EX Wyvern was hit by an invisible power that threw her to the ground.

    ¡¸Uah!/¡¹

    Sharis turned a somersault with a short scream. Looking down at the three who were left behind, the masked girl left wordlessly.

    ¡¸Be careful Sharis! It looks like she is using some kind of strange Divine Raiment!¡¹

    Tillfur also skated forward in the attempt of pursuit, but the figure of the kidnapper Drag-Knight vanished altogether with Airi.

    At the opposite side of Lisha who was fighting hard a hundred ml behind, the three were left behind there while standing dumbfounded.

    ¨C

    Walls, floor, and even the ceiling were completely destroyed©¤©¤inside the underground Drag-Ride hangar of the first fortress.

    Just like the remaining torch that was faintly illuminating the darkness, Lux¡¯s life was also vanishing out.

    His consciousness that sunk into darkness could faintly hear the scream of the girl who was unable to find any word.

    The sensation of blood dripping from the girl¡¯s left eye.

    His body felt the warmth of the skin embracing him.

    This was an inevitability that would visit him someday when he continued to risk his life recklessly and dangerously. He was finally brought down.

    Rather, his luck was too good that he was safe until now.

    (Airi¡­¡­sorry. Even though I told you that I won¡¯t let you be alone©¤©¤)

    He felt pained for lying to his only little sister, for being unable to stay at the side of Lisha and others till the end.

    However separated from that, he didn¡¯t feel the slightest regret for trying to save Yoruka until the very end.

    There were many things in his mind at this verge of death.

    But, right after that something hot permeated into Lux¡¯s chest.

    And then suddenly the scene that he saw wasn¡¯t his memory with the girls, but a bizarre scene.

    ¨C

    ¨C

    X   X   X   X   X   X

    ¨C

    *Zazazaza-*, an image of memory that was covered with static like sandstorm was flowing into Lux.

    It wasn¡¯t the phenomenon of recalling the past when dying, it felt like he was shown the memory of someone else.

    He could see from overhead view, a strange space that was surrounded by silver wall surface.

    It was inside a facility that vaguely resembled the interior of Ruin.

    At the center of that room that was surrounded by several unknown objects, an unfamiliar girl was standing.

    The girl in dress was folding her arms with her back turned on him. She was talking as though speaking to someone.

    ¡¸Your whole family including you, has a certain instinct imprinted into their genetic. A competitive factor was planted by the predecessor scientist in order for your family to grow into even more excellent existence. That factor is considered to bring out the aspect of overtaking and betraying other people from your family, and because of that all of you were persecuted. Even everyone of Xfer said that they will only have anything to do with us, the imperial family of Lord.¡¹

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­.

    Lux had no memory of this.

    There was no girl with similar face like this girl among the imperial family of the old empire.

    She was different from the first imperial princess Listelka and third imperial princess Hayes, but she certainly had distinctive silver hair like Arcadia family.

    Even when Lux tried to throw a question, he was unable to make any words inside the image.

    The girl wearing dress and flower crown quietly continued to talk as though doing it in Lux¡¯s place.

    ¡¸Even so Fugil, you proved to me that it¡¯s a mistake. I will wait for you to wake up from having Baptism applied to your whole body. In order to change this world that is covered with dispute, this time for sure. I will complete the transforming Drag-Ride in this Avalon before you wake up.¡¹

    Looking closer, he could see that the girl was talking to a small black box.

    Perhaps, that was a machine that was recording the girl¡¯s words.

    And then.

    For some reason the girl turned toward a wall and peered into a cylindrical water tank beside it.

    Lux¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t see clearly, but inside a slender body of a girl was floating.

    ¡¸Sacred Eclipse is also near completion. I swear I will build something wonderful without fail before you are awake. In order to grant both our wish, to save someone else©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl next went down a stair toward underground and opened the door of a room that was locked securely.

    Inside, there was the figure of a young man that was entered inside a transparent huge metal box. He was undergoing a surgery by machine with his eyes closed all along.

    (That¡¯s©¤©¤Fugil, niisan!?)

    When he saw until that point, a question emerged inside Lux.

    The question was, from which age this scene came from?

    (Did he come and enter the Ruin secretly since the era of old empire?)

    No, Lux rethought, there was no way that was true.

    Listelka Rei Arshalia who was a survivor from a few hundred years ago said that Sacred Eclipse existed since the past as a calamity that destroyed the world.

    ¨C

    ¡ºI¡¯ll tell you one thing for the end, my foolish little brother. Since the beginning, I am not an imperial prince or anything of this empire.¡»

    ¨C

    At the last day of the coup d¡¯etat, his elder brother who betrayed him and murdered the emperor said that.

    If his words were correct, then Fugil¡¯s true identity©¤©¤just what¡­¡­.

    The girl lovingly caressed the metal coffin where Fugil was sleeping, then she slowly turned around.

    The moment the face of the girl became clear to Lux after turning around, a terrifying chill ran through him.

    (What, the. This girl¡­¡­!)

    The face of that girl, he had recollection of it even though only faintly.

    No, just now, a memory that should be forgotten was resurrected in his mind.

    At the past seven years ago, when Lux went to Ries Island for a rescue there©¤©¤.

    This girl, appeared there.

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    His voice slipped out, even though he couldn¡¯t feel his body at all until now, a headache assaulted him.

    His memory was muddy.

    At that time, Philuffy should be died because she was unable to adapt to the seed of Ragnarok. The reason she was ressurected©¤©¤was because of Sacred Eclipse.

    That thing appeared before him along with light, and then to Philuffy who had stopped breathing©¤©¤.

    Lux recalled a part of his memory and his breathing stopped from feeling taken aback.

    Before Lux¡¯s eyes, he could see once more the chalk white room that was surrounded by inorganic wall.

    The girl was standing there. She was peering into the cylindrical water tank while talking somewhat caringly.

    ¡¸The Sacred Eclipse that I and you created, will be drawn toward the heart of strong person, and grant salvation for only once. If their feeling is a pure wish, in order to grant it©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse will grant strength, this Elixir¡¹

    When the silver haired girl that he had never even seen before smiled, Lux¡¯s consciousness was cut off with a snap from the scene he was watching.

    Right after that, intense pain ran through the blackout, and his dim vision suddenly opened.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Aruji, sama¡­¡­?¡¹

    When he opened his eyes, he could see the worn out Yoruka peering on Lux¡¯s face.

    At the side, the silver haired girl that he had just seen inside the dream©¤©¤no, something humanoid which really resembled that girl was standing there.

    It was looking down on Lux while sporting a gentle smile that looked angelic.

    The drop that was shining in seven colors spilling from its fingertip was trickling down to the wound on Lux¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸This is, Sacred Eclipse? Is it¡­¡­? No, rather than that my©¤©¤?¡¹

    Here Lux finally noticed how he should have died already.

    The deep fissure that was carved on his chest had vanished when he became aware of it.

    ¡¸What happened? This is©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka also noticed Sacred Eclipse and murmured with an astonished expression, but Lux didn¡¯t understand anything.

    At that time, Singlen who was standing arrogantly at some distance away suddenly let out his voice.

    ¡¸Ha¡ªha-ha. This is interesting! I see, so it¡¯s a jackpot at this first and last time! This miniscule chance of the surface side of Sacred Eclipse performing revival, just like with me at that time!¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s crimson eye socket shined while his body under the armor suit was dyed black and he yelled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux and Yoruka became alert against that laughing voice that sounded like he was possessed, but Singlen only pressed on his face and continued to laugh.

    ¡¸I was misjudging this guy. It was my eyes that were cloudy. What is necessary so one can be called hero isn¡¯t physical strength or even ingenuity. It¡¯s the heaven¡¯s decree at the critical moment when it counts! You accomplished the last miracle without intending it©¤©¤or perhaps it¡¯s because of that foolish choice of trying to save everyone. In that case even without me using you, you will surely deliver your fang at the throat of that guy!¡¹

    Singlen spread his arms toward the sky and laughed loudly without suppressing down his mad excitement.

    Right after that, the black pattern of devil transformation receded from his body. He returned to his usual form that was no different from human.

    Lux and Yoruka were taken aback, even so their hand moved toward their Sword Device, it was then.

    ©¤©¤*DOooOOON!*

    A howl that sounded like rumbling ground thundered from above, the whole hangar shook fiercely.

    ¡¸I see©¤©¤now I have no more need to tame you to kill that guy. It¡¯s pointless even if I stay here. I¡¯ll lose my remaining pieces if I don¡¯t quickly assist them. I¡¯ve broken that nasty lethal weapon too. I don¡¯t have anything to do here anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, you¡¯re going to run away after going this far?¡¹

    Singlen said that and turned around, but Lux called out to his back.

    But, Singlen only turned around his head and returned back his usual dark eye glint.

    ¡¸What did you plan to make me do!? Who do you want to kill!?¡¹

    Hearing the question that the agitated Lux spat out, Singlen¡¯s mouth warped into an arc.

    ¡¸There is no time to have that talk here. Until you recover your memory©¤©¤look forward to it in anticipation. In exchange I¡¯ll teach you something good. That Sacred Eclipse which revived you, it will inverse to ¡ºreverse side¡» soon. Defeat it now that you are resurrected.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux was shocked and looked at the Sacred Eclipse, then the shape of the beautiful silver haired girl transformed.

    It looked injured as though its whole body was carved, its skin was carbonized as though flame had burned it, and its eyeballs rotted and fell.

    And then, its mouth formed a wide grin that was like crescent moon.

    At the same time it unleashed a bottomless malicious killing intent toward mankind.

    The last and greatest Ragnarok©¤©¤the one that would guide the world to destruction was slowly starting to change.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be waiting, chore prince©¤©¤no, Black Hero. You will understand the maning of my words someday. Including how this world won¡¯t change at all unless I accomplish what I have to do.¡¹

    Singlen only said that and rode the wave that Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment created. He withdrew from the underground Drag-Ride hangar.

    Yoruka who was crouching in a dying state and Lux whose wound was healed were left behind.

    And then, there was also the Sacred Eclipse that was carrying out an ominous transformation slowly.

    Yoruka was watching that with only her blue right eye while her body wasn¡¯t stirring at the slightest.

    With that, even Lux understood that she already didn¡¯t have even a scrap of strength to resist.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why, Aruji-sama came for the likes of me?¡¹

    She didn¡¯t try to look at Lux.

    Yoruka merely muttering with a low voice as though she was talking to herself.

    ¡¸Why did you secretly try to defeat Singlen? Surely someone at your level should have understand what will happen to you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux picked up his Sword Device that fell on the ground and silently sent his thought.

    Perhaps thanks to the Elixir that was poured on him, not just his wound, even his stamina was recovered.

    He summoned Bahamut once more. He might be able to fight against this Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Perhaps, I¡¯m the same like that. Knowing that Yoruka is braving through danger in order to protect me, I was unable to leave you alone.¡¹

    When Lux showed such powerless smile, Yoruka quietly shook her head.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama©¤©¤really doesn¡¯t has eyes for evaluating people.¡¹

    Yoruka formed a resigned smile and objected like that to Lux.

    ¡¸Putting your hand into fire in order to pick up a tool like me¡­¡­, there is a limit even in making a stupid plan. Just for the sake of this kind of broken doll, that doesn¡¯t have any emotion or anything¡¹

    Yoruka sighed with a serious face seemingly exasperated.

    Lux couldn¡¯t read her emotion.

    Even so©¤©¤what he should say as her master was decided.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. I remembered about the time when Philuffy came back to life. At that time, Sacred Eclipse granted my wish.¡¹

    That scene that flowed into him along with Elixir©¤©¤the action of that girl who looked the same with Sacred Eclipse, he still didn¡¯t understand what was the meaning of that.

    However, there was just one thing that he was convinced about.

    Just like how his wish once saved Philuffy, Sacred Eclipse also responded to Yoruka¡¯s hidden wish and saved Lux.

    ¡¸Thanks to Yoruka¡¯s wish, I was saved. That¡¯s why, something like you being a tool without emotion, isn¡¯t true.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s smile looked persuasive.

    Even so Yoruka¡¯s eyes wouldn¡¯t meet Lux.

    She kept crouching beside Lux with a fleeting expression while listening to that.

    Her broken fingers kept tightly grasping her Sword Device.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    She replied like that with a voice that was filled with emptiness.

    ¡¸I am not a faithful tool or anything. I cannot even control a single emotion of mine. I¡¯m just a poor excuse of human. Just like what my father told me once, I am a failure that is not human.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered indifferently without even self-torturing feeling mixed within her voice.

    Even so Lux called to her.

    ¡¸After the fight against Gigas, I was happy that Yoruka came for me. The old empire was destroyed completely without me being able to save anyone, but with that it felt like I was able to save it just for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s face didn¡¯t change even after hearing those words.

    But, her shoulder shook just slightly.

    ¡¸Yoruka. I¡¯m not asking you who are a tool to become human. However, I don¡¯t want to use and throw away the human you like a disposable tool. Just like how you didn¡¯t let go of your katana, I need you, in order for me to keep being myself©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I am, Aruji-sama¡¯s¡­¡­katana?¡¹

    Yoruka was half dumbfounded hearing those words. She stared at the Sword Device of Yato no Kami.

    In order for her to become her little brother¡¯s servant, in order for her to persist in her contract, she didn¡¯t let go of this katana until the very end.

    Even though she was unable to understand human¡¯s emotion, if it was a feeling about needing something then she could understand it.

    In order for Lux to carry out his own belief, he saved Yoruka when she was his opponent, like that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Besides, calling yourself a failure isn¡¯t right. Human, all of them are imperfect creature. Anyone no matter who will make mistake and hesitate. Even me, Lisha-sama, and also everyone else. That¡¯s why©¤©¤it¡¯s fine for you to stay beside me.¡¹

    Saying that, Lux held out his hand toward Yoruka.

    Yoruka hesitated for a moment, then she put her hand on that hand.

    ¡¸©¤©¤As you wish, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    The time between the two stopped for a few moments.

    He could feel the warmth of Yoruka¡¯s blood as though it was showing her feeling for the first time.

    *DOoOON!*

    But, right after that the underground Drag-Ride hangar shook intensely.

    Because of the fierce battle that happened here, the first fortress itself was starting to crumble.

    The Sacred Eclipse that was already losing its human shape was also a concern, but first they should escape from here.

    ¡¸Yoruka! We are getting out!¡¹

    Lux summoned Bahamut once more and quickly put it on as armor.

    (©¤©¤I can do this.)

    Although the scar on his chest was remaining slightly, he could move perfectly.

    It was slightly baffling why Lux didn¡¯t go through devil transformation like other people after getting Elixir poured on him, but there was no time to ponder it.

    He carried Yoruka in his arms and escaped while avoiding the avalanche of rubbles.

    Lisha and others said that they temporarily retreated to link up with the new kingdom army at the second fortress but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-kun! Be careful!¡¹

    The moment Lux escaped to the sky near the Garden, Coral¡¯s voice came to him.

    The Gargoyle and Chimera that attacked from left and right were killed instantly by Lisha and Greifer respectively.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama and Coral!? And even Greifer!? Why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s troublesome, but this is also a duty of allied country yeah. More importantly¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer suddenly gazed at the front of Garden with sharp eyes.

    Over there was the figure of a girl in dress whose eyes were covered with shadow©¤©¤the main body of Sacred Eclipse. A swarm of more than a hundred Abyss was swirling around it.

    ¡¸It¡¯s that thing! As expected that thing is calling Abyss here! No matter how many we defeat, the Abyss keep appearing one after another. If we don¡¯t destroy that Sacred Eclipse at least, even if we return to Cross Field like this©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha was glaring at the sky with her crimson eyes while breathing hard.

    It seemed that Singlen¡¯s right hand man, Zweigberk was already leading the White Ridge knight order of Blackend Kingdom to retreat.

    In exchange it seemed the Drag-Knights of new kingdom military were coming as reinforcement, but they might get annihilated right away if they came to this battle situation.

    ¡¸But it¡¯s strange yeah? Where did those damned Dragon Marauder lot vanished into? Drakkhen also run away, the mysterious masked girl who Coral saw is also gone.¡¹

    Greifer grumbled with an annoyed tone.

    Right behind him, there were the figures of Triad whose armors were dispelled because they had already surpassed their limit.

    ¡¸Yes. My deepest apology. I detected their presence broadly until the middle, but their sign cut off somehow in the sky. Also Lux-san, even Airi got kidnapped©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    That report caused Lux¡¯s complexion to change and he stopped breathing.

    Seeing Noct¡¯s figure that was gasping for air, it must be something that was outside her power.

    Coral who was similarly anxious called to Lux who couldn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Lux-kun. If only I didn¡¯t let that masked Drag-Knight get away©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right now that doesn¡¯t matter!¡¹

    Lisha lifted up her sword resolutely in respond to the dejected Coral.

    ¡¸There isn¡¯t any time to feel frustrated about enemy¡¯s trap that we didn¡¯t notice! No matter what is the Dragon Marauder¡¯s objective, if they kidnapped the little sister, then they should contact us later for negotiating hostage!¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice to rouse up everyone there.

    If Lux and others were swallowed by fear and despair here, the battle line would break.

    If that happened, they wouldn¡¯t be able to save Airi either way.

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux recovered his calm hearing her voice and said his thanks briefly. He then stared forward.

    Certainly, if the enemy planned to kill Airi, they could easily do so.

    For them to kidnap her meant that they had intention to make use of her for something.

    ¡¸Even so, how are we going to fight this time? This situation is completely jumbled up I don¡¯t get what the hell is going on.¡¹

    Greifer spoke casually while glaring at the Garden and the first fortress.

    Certainly this time the motives of various forces were all mixed up.

    Lux took a deep breath and quickly sorted out the situation in his mind.

    Queen Raffi of the new kingdom requested Lux and Lisha to bury Grand Force inside the Garden so they wouldn¡¯t be suspected of secretly keeping it.

    But, Singlen who saw through that made his White Ridge knight order to hide inside the Garden beforehand, laying a trap to catch Lux red handed.

    Singlen¡¯s aim of grasping Lux¡¯s weakness to add him under his command ended in vain, but Dragon Marauder that was similarly hiding inside the Ruin snatched away Grand Force and then they called a lot of Abyss.

    The three division commanders of Dragon Marauder were all present, and then the Drag-Knight who were employing and cooperating with them©¤©¤the masked girl also appeared and battled Coral.

    Outside the Garden, Yoruka who was convinced of Singlen¡¯s scheme resolved herself to assassinate him and infiltrated the first fortress, but she failed.

    When Lux came to save Yoruka, Sacred Eclipse appeared and then they escaped. But then a swarm of Abyss in the number that was incomparable from before appeared around the Sacred Eclipse.

    After that, Zweigbergk led away White Ridge knight order and retreated. In this situation, Lux and others similarly had to escape from here.

    But, if they didn¡¯t defeat Sacred Eclipse that showed up once more, they also couldn¡¯t go back to Cross Field like this.

    Lisha turned around while breathing roughly from exhaustion and raised her voice.

    ¡¸Either way, we have to defeat that monster at any cost. Can you fight, Lux!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    In a situation where once again more than a hundred strong Abysses swarmed between the wasteland and blue sky, Lux nodded.

    Right after that, the girl in dress standing far ahead©¤©¤the Sacred Eclipse formed a wide grin on its mouth and came attacking with its flesh body.

    Triad who had become unable to operate their Drag-Ride anymore went into standby at the rear.

    The enemy presence was near, but they were applying first aid treatment to the wounded Yoruka during this time.

    The remaining combat force, Lux, Lisha, Greifer, and Coral engaged the Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Hah! You look like a spoiled young lady, but you¡¯re quite the tomboy huh.¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse flew toward them as though running on the air. In respond Greifer wearing Cuelebre intercepted it and unleashed a slash in spiraling trajectory with his Tail Blade.

    Using the blade of many joints, it was a powerful attack with a trajectory that was difficult to read.

    Sacred Eclipse held its hand for defense, but the blade slipped through and suddenly split its head from the top into two.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux and Lisha opened their eyes widely seeing that brilliant performance.

    But, beside them Coral gasped in surprise.

    ¡¸Greifer! Don¡¯t let your guard down!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, Greifer is really terrible.¡¹

    The Sacred Eclipse healed its wound while simultaneously changing its shape instantly. It created the shape of a different girl.

    A girl wearing a dress with ornament that looked like piled up flower petals, with a golden tiara put on her brownish blond hair.

    It was a girl that Lux once saw when he took Class promotion exam in Vanheim Principality, Greifer¡¯s master, princess Milmiette. Sacred Eclipse transformed into her appearance.

    Even if someone understood in their mind that it was a fake, but if their important someone was right in front of their eyes, they would instinctively refuse to attack.

    It might be a lag of an instant that was less than a second, but the moment Greifer¡¯s hand stopped, countless fleshy colored branches stabbed out from the whole body of Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Photon Dive!¡¹

    The ability of invincibility of Cuelebre¡¯s Divine Raiment barely activated in time, repelling those countless branches.

    ¡¸Wait Greifer! The enemy is right in the middle of those Abysses!¡¹

    Behind the Sacred Eclipse that was sent flying, the gathered Abysses that numbered nearly a hundred were standing by.

    If Greifer threw himself into there, he would be safe for a few seconds, but after that there was a high possibility that he would be showered with concentrated fire.

    But, Greifer didn¡¯t backdown even knowing the danger.

    ¡¸Certainly that¡¯s true. But, if this monster is aiming for that then it¡¯s a really poor move yeah. Doesn¡¯t it know that reckless challenge is my hobby?¡¹

    In order to destroy the core of Sacred Eclipse here, Greifer closed in further and swung his Blade.

    He cut apart the branches that were hard like steel and let out consecutive attacks in order to stab his blade into that heart.

    ¡¸You are really cruel aren¡¯t you Greifer? Have you forgotten your gratitude to me?¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse tried to shaken Greifer once more with Milmiette¡¯s appearance, but this time Greifer didn¡¯t falter.

    He replied shortly while dealing an attack of his Blade at the same time.

    ¡¸Sorry, but the princess already know that I¡¯m a rude guy. Too bad.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He cut off its two arms and then he was going to deal the finishing strike, but at that moment several hundred branches stretched out in high speed from the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s back.

    They instantly stabbed into the Abysses that were hovering in the sky, and immediately after the stabbed Abysses dried up and crumbled.

    ¡¸Get away Greifer! Sacred Eclipse is absorbing the Abysses¡¯ life force!¡¹

    Almost at the same time with Coral¡¯s scream, a portion of the branches attacked Greifer.

    Because the invincibility of Photon Dive had just ended at that timing, Greifer shielded himself with his Blade, but the branches twisted and struck his side.

    ¡¸Gu, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fortunately because Coral was nearby, he deftly caught him.

    But, Greifer¡¯s barrier was pierced through and his armor smashed. He vomited out blood.

    ¡¸That bastard¡­¡­! Copying the movement of my Tail Blade©¤©¤¡¹

    Glancing at Greifer who was gritting his teeth, Lisha started at the Sacred Eclipse with a dubious expression.

    ¡¸This is weird Lux, isn¡¯t that Sacred Eclipse similar? With the Ragnarok that we fought previously©¤©¤with Yggdrasil?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I also think so.¡¹

    Lux shuddered inside his heart.

    Sacred Eclipse that they fought previously in the campus festival had the ability of tentacle and unlimited regeneration.

    That was to say, it resembled the ability of the first Ragnarok that Lux and others fought©¤©¤Poseidon.

    From here it became a rough guess but, perhaps Sacred Eclipse was tracing the ability of Ragnarok that they had defeated until now.

    ¡¸Then, those Abysses that are only flying around Sacred Eclipse, could they be the meal for it?¡¹

    ¡¸If it¡¯s a Ragnarok in the same type like Yggdrasil, the possibility is high. If I remember right, its trait should be strengthening and evolution. Each time it is defeated, it will acquire resistance and restore itself. In order to secure the energy for that, there is a possibility that it will not give any order to the Abysses around purposefully.¡¹

    Tillfur and Sharis were making such conjecture on the back while catching their breath.

    The same like the Yggdrasil that Hayes once manipulated, it was made to eat several hundred Abysses beforehand and secured energy source for its evolution.

    ¡¸Yes. How it dealt with Greifer-san¡¯s sword too, if it is inheriting Yggdrasil¡¯s trait, it will be strengthened if we deal half-baked attack to it here.¡¹

    Furthermore this time they had fewer battle force than that time.

    And then, the three division commanders of Dragon Marauder were also hiding somewhere, and their employer was also lurking around.

    ¡¸Then, there is no other choice but to shower it with simultaneous attack. Even if we retreat from here while fighting, there is no way we can lead that thing back with us.¡¹

    It seemed everyone felt the same, everyone there consented at the same time.

    Lux too, although he had his stamina and injury recovered, but he couldn¡¯t use Over Limit.

    Previously, he used counterattack of Critical Hit to reflect back the attack power of Yggdrasil after it was strengthened to the limit, defeating it. But it was unclear whether the same method would work this time.

    The method of making the opponent¡¯s strength evolving until the very limit also carried the risk of total annihilation for their side if they made the slightest mistake©¤©¤it even might become the trigger of world destruction by creating an enemy that no one could defeat.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yosh, then this time let¡¯s go with the safe plan. What¡¯s important is to defeat the surrounding Abysses first to make that Sacred Eclipse dieting, it will be fine like that.¡¹

    If they destroyed the energy source of Sacred Eclipse, it wouldn¡¯t be able to evolve.

    In other words, the strategy was to crush the swarm of several hundred Abysses at the surrounding, and then they would deal the finishing blow at Sacred Eclipse for the last.

    ¡¸Even so, that damned vice-captain-sama. Even though he acted self-importantly, he is gone at the crucial time.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s useless to even mind about that Greifer. More importantly, it looks like you don¡¯t have broken bone but, can you still move?¡¹

    Coral stepped forward to take the role of attracting the enemy. Greifer scratched his head with disagreeable expression at Coral¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Honor student-sama is rough in working someone else as usual. Even though there are nothing but some defenseless bunches gasping for breath behind, there is no way I can slack off ain¡¯t it¡¹

    He spoke coarsely, but as expected he was good at taking care someone else.

    ¡¸Nicely said! Then, we are starting the strategy! Both of you, follow my command!¡¹

    Lisha spoke encouragingly and gave simple instruction through Dragon Voice.

    While the decisive battle was going to start under an overwhelmingly disadvantage situation, at the side©¤©¤Yoruka who was receiving first-aid treatment from Noct and others lifted up her upper body.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you doing Yoruka-chi!? It¡¯s dangerous for you to move, your wound will open again.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. As expected I also cannot overlook this as a friend. Please think about the feeling of your master Lux-san.¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct who were dressed in pilot suit tried to stop Yoruka in panic, but Yoruka didn¡¯t listen to them.

    But, the reason why she was moving was different from before.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. I won¡¯t do something so reckless that will bring me death. More importantly Noct-san, can I ask you to repair my Yato no Kami? It¡¯s greatly damaged but, its Force Core is safe so©¤©¤¡¹

    Although she had her usual bewitching smile on her face, however her eyes informed them of the strong will inside her.

    ¡¸I have no intention to rush into that swarm. I only want©¤©¤one more chance to activate my Divine Raiment and special armament. In order to become Aruji-sama¡¯s strength, in a different way from before.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s atmosphere was somewhat different from before, causing the three to hold their breath.

    The Triad also had no more spare strength to even protect themselves, but seeing Yoruka¡¯s eyes, Sharis resolved herself.

    ¡¸Tillfur, we¡¯re going to put on the strengthened type Drag-Ride once more. We will transfer all our remaining strength to Noct¡¯s EX Drake. Let¡¯s repair Yato no Kami as much as possible with that.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a second!? If we do that, we won¡¯t even have any strength left to walk away from here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Either way we won¡¯t be able to assist Lux-kun and others anyway, so it¡¯s pointless to keep any spare strength like that! Thinking about the matter of Airi getting kidnapped, it should be something trivial for us to at least be reckless here.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Although there were many extenuating circumstances, it was a fact that Airi was taken away right under their nose.

    Thinking how Lux was standing in the front line and fought in their place even then, then certainly there was no way they could just stay still here.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright, even if you three doesn¡¯t force yourself.¡¹

    Yoruka who was wrapped in bandage gasped with feeble breathing.

    ¡¸This is only my selfishness. I am only unable to bear it, to keep laying down like this without being able to be of any use as Aruji-sama¡¯s servant.¡¹

    That was Yoruka¡¯s true feeling.

    Lux was considering herself not as tool, but as a person who was irreplaceable for the sake of accomplishing his ideal.

    Then, there was no way she could just stay still like this like a meaningless tool.

    In order to realize Lux¡¯s ideal, as the sword of the Black Hero who brought salvation, she had to fight until the very end.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What, if it¡¯s like that, then it¡¯s the same for us.¡¹

    Tillfur suddenly showed a smile and put on her EX Wyrm once more.

    She approached beside Noct who was similarly putting on her EX Drake and linked a cord to it and started transferring her remaining energy.

    ¡¸Yeah. Even us hate it to be in a battle where we are only getting protected by him even though we introduced ourselves as Syvalles, that¡¯s why we trained really hard.¡¹

    Sharis also stood up wobblingly while connecting the cord of his EX Wyvern with her best effort.

    Noct who received the slight remaining energy from the two began to repair Yato no Kami while gasping for breath.

    She performed temporary repairs that was focused on the Force Core, fixing only a bit of armor and the firing muzzle for the special armament.

    Yoruka¡¯s aim for making her choice to wish which part to repair.

    She wouldn¡¯t simply dedicate her strength to Lux, for the first time she was trying to cooperate with him.

    She was relying on everyone¡¯s strength, and on top of that she noticed that she would be doing something reckless.

    ¡¸If that¡¯s the case, then we are the same.¡¹

    Noct¡¯s face was completely haggard, even so she made a faint smile.

    Yoruka stayed still on that spot, looking fixedly on Lux¡¯s back in order to squeeze out her last remaining strength.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, around that time Airi wasn¡¯t between the wasteland and the blue sky, she was inside a room that also wasn¡¯t within the Garden.

    It was a strange space with smooth metallic walls that were tinged with faint light, and unfamiliar structures assembled together on top of each other.

    That place which closely resembled the internal structure of Ruin was clearly the enemy base.

    The air of the place was thick with tension that made her hesitated to even breath. There Airi was standing still without even trembling.

    There were several times when she thought she was going to die.

    When she was a sickly child, she was living side by side with death everyday. Even when her grandfather roused the anger of the old empire, also the time her mother died from accident, and also after the coup d¡¯etat, she was made to stand in the crossroad of life and death every time.

    And then, even after Lux came to the Academy she experienced it several more times.

    In this short time that didn¡¯t even reach a year, they fought against powerful enemies many times.

    She was kidnapped by enemy in Vanheim Principality and became hostage.

    Since then, she was covertly carrying short sword and poison without telling anyone©¤©¤not even best friend Noct, so that she could perform suicide anytime.

    Although only at the lowest position, she was still a former imperial princess, that was why she was resolved about that much.

    What Airi feared the most wasn¡¯t her death, it was that her life would be used as negotiation chip against Lux.

    Of course Airi didn¡¯t want to intentionally suicide and lost her chance for escape, but it would be a failure if she was late in making decision.

    Thus, in order to ascertain the path her destiny was heading, she was observing the tendency of her surrounding tensely.

    It was a room where a wall surface was reflecting the scenery of the Garden¡¯s surrounding, including the battle of Lux and others.

    The masked girl who kidnapped Airi, and a petite girl wearing robe who was obeying that girl were also there.

    And then, the three division commanders of Dragon Marauder, the enemy of the world were also standing there.

    ¡¸©¤©¤We finished our work. With this we will have you pay us our reward at the dawn of your rule over Avalon.¡¹

    First a muscular man with darkish skin handed over the large treasure box he was carrying.

    The masked girl glanced inside it to confirm the content, then she turned her gaze toward Airi who was standing a bit far away.

    ¡¸I will keep my promise, but don¡¯t speak needlessly that other will hear. Haven¡¯t you worked in mercenary business for a long time, Gatouhan?¡¹

    The masked girl chided the dark skinned man with a voice that was as emotionless as her appearance.

    The large man sighed ¡®fuh¡¯ with a wry smile while bowing courteously.

    ¡¸Excuse my rudeness. Even like this I was previously the head of a ¡ºsavage tribe¡». My loose lips is a bad habit from birth.¡¹

    ¡¸You immediately spoke needlessly right after getting told that. How astonishing.¡¹

    ¡¸Gatouhan put on air like a big shot, but he is unexpectedly stupid. Contractor-sama too, please let him off.¡¹

    Drakkhen with her female bandit appearance standing beside Gatouhan folded her arms sarcastically, while the youth Vine spoke bluntly.

    But, the masked girl was curt.

    ¡¸It looks like you are lacking in tension. Even though we still have to remove that Sacred Eclipse too.¡¹

    She only muttered that before giving a signal with her gesture, making the three division commanders to leave to another room.

    When the metallic door opened and closed automatically, the little girl in robe who was at the corner of the room until now approached Airi slowly.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Don¡¯t come near me!¡¹

    Airi alertly backed away and grasped the handle of the short blade in her pocket.

    She also took out a bag that was filled with poison.

    ¡¸Stop resisting pointlessly. Do you want to die without seeing your brother¡¯s face again?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to die rather than getting used by you all! If I¡¯m going to become Nii-san¡¯s burden here than©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi raised her voice and steadied her short blade, then she pointed it to her throat.

    She had resolved to be killed by other people several times before, but she had hesitation to do it herself.

    The voice of reason which told her that she should stab herself right away was fighting the voice of instinct that told her she mustn¡¯t die.

    She recalled the face of Lux who waited upon the sickly her and tear almost oozed out. She reflexively endured it.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t want to die but, you won¡¯t become hostage¡­¡­is it? It can¡¯t be helped, let¡¯s stop that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Airi was taken aback and her eyes blinked hearing the words of the masked girl that were said emotionlessly without any inflection.

    When Airi was staring at the enemy before her while doubting her ears, the girl silently took off her mask.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤make a contract with us. There is one thing that I want you to do. If you do that for us, I will let you go safely. I also won¡¯t take you hostage.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Airi saw the exposed face, she became speechless.

    That was the face of a girl she remembered seeing just once before at the campus festival.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Damn, it all-!¡¹

    On the other hand, the fierce fighting against Sacred Eclipse that was unfolding far below the kidnapped Airi, a terrifying situation presented itself.

    ¡¸What, in the world¡­¡­! This thing, it¡¯s getting in different world of troublesome compared to Yggdrasil!¡¹

    Lisha shouted loudly while throwing her Legions to attack the Abysses.

    But, the attack that before this should deal some damage even if it couldn¡¯t defeat the enemy was easily dodged by Gargoyles and Chimeras.

    It wasn¡¯t that her precision in controlling Tiamat was worsening, but the enemy reaction speed that was exceeding her accuracy.

    ¡¸These guys, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤. No, as I thought¡­¡­they are growing!¡¹

    Coral was also muttering in frustration while the middle sized Blade he swung was dodged.

    Even when his attack landed, his Blade would be deflected by the enemy¡¯s skin and cracks were starting to enter the blade.

    ¡¸Ahahahahahahahahahaha¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse was cackling eerily while stretching its branches to the surrounding Abysses.

    At first they thought that Sacred Eclipse was only absorbing energy from Abyss, but when Lux and others aimed to the surrounding Abysses, it immediately began to stab its branches toward the remaining dozens of Abysses.

    With that, the body of the Abysses swelled or their shape would change. They were starting to evolve.

    They might get defeated before they could defeat the surrounding Abysses that were its energy source.

    ¡¸Lux! Don¡¯t use your Divine Raiment! We will do something about this right now!¡¹

    The swarm of Abysses was transformed into powerful enemy that even Bahamut would struggle against. When Lisha yelled so in front of such enemy, Lux obeyed her words and suppressed his strength.

    Lux was also starting to suspect the omen of the enemy¡¯s terrifying tactic.

    (This is bad. It¡¯s the same like the previous Sacred Eclipse, this thing is Yggdrasil¡¯s evolved variant.)

    It wasn¡¯t merely using Abyss as food for its own evolution, it could even grant the resistance and evolution it obtained to the surrounding Abysses to strengthen them.

    Like that, even the surrounding Abysses were transformed into powerful enemy that couldn¡¯t be defeated without getting reckless, then the technique and ability to defeat those Abysses would be absorbed back to Sacred Eclipse.

    While they were defeating the hangers-on, an Evolved Sacred Eclipse that was beyond their mean would be born.

    (What to do©¤©¤? Everyone who are fighting in my place won¡¯t hold out for long.)

    With how he was unable to use Over Limit, it was impossible to defeat the enemy with Critical Hit after strengthening it.

    Then©¤©¤the technique that applied Reload on Fire which Lux had newly invented©¤©¤Violent Strike, there was no other way than that.

    Violent Strike, the technique to make enemy¡¯s movement and ability rampaged by activating Reload on Fire on the enemy and stopping their movement.

    It was another matter if it was against Drag-Knight, but he thought it would be ineffective against powerful creature like Ragnarok, but©¤©¤.

    (Chance of victory, exist¡­¡­!)

    Lux felt a conviction after observing the surrounding Abysses that were strengthened by Sacred Eclipse.

    It was hard to see because they were strengthened a lot, but the Abysses that had their evolution spurred by Sacred Eclipse was starting crumble from the tip of their limbs.

    A lot of energy was necessary to evolve them in short time, putting a burden to their flesh.

    Putting aside Sacred Eclipse itself that was a Ragnarok, normal Abyss wouldn¡¯t hold out for long. Their body was ruined from being unable to endure the strengthening.

    If the speed of that abnormal evolution and regeneration jumped up by several times, even Sacred Eclipse would inevitably use up its energy, or it would start to break down due to the excessive evolution.

    At that moment, the core of its breaking body could be destroyed using Quick Shot.

    Lux¡¯s plan was created on the fly, however he was made to realize that the plan was really far away from getting accomplished.

    ¡¸U, aah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Coral who got the back wings of his EX Wyvern smashed by a Diablos was sent flying to the ground.

    Greifer took on the Abyss in Coral¡¯s place, but he had no choice other than betting his full strength facing a top tier Abyss that was strengthened.

    On the other hand Lisha was also approached by a strengthened Orthros and she was forced to eliminate it using Suppressor¡¯s gravity force and Seven Heads in conjuction.

    ¡¸Now-! I¡¯ll deal a blow on you in front of Lux!¡¹

    Right after that, Lisha flew to the front of Sacred Eclipse that was trying to crawl its branch on the defeated Abyss and she activated Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment once more.

    Energy was focused at the center of Seven Heads¡¯ firing muzzle.

    She intended to fire the sure kill gravity force bullet that she showed at the decisive battle with Hayes.

    But©¤©¤at that instant, Sacred Eclipse suddenly changed appearance.

    ¡¸Is it alright Lisha? Clinging like that on the like of the empire¡¯s prince? Refusing to suicide and changed side to the empire, your dead little sister won¡¯t be able to rest in piece.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse would read the heart of the opponent it fought and traced the appearance of the human that could be said as the opponent¡¯s weakness.

    The one who showed up in front of Lisha was a man in his prime with similar blonde hair and crimson eyes.

    Her father who died in battle at the revolution, the great man Count Atismata.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shu, uT UPPPPPPPP-!?¡¹

    Instantly, Lisha yelled as though to force down all the emotions boiling up inside her body.

    Lisha had also heard about the transformation trait of Sacred Eclipse from Celis and Lux who had fought it. But even with that knowledge she was unable to endure it, which was a troublesome point of this enemy.

    The enemy would change its appearance into an existence that was important to them©¤©¤no, it was even further than that, it changed into an existence that became their weakness.

    Even though they understood that it was just a fake appearance, their humanity, senses, and instinct would reject that logic.

    It was a weakness that existed due to them being proper human.

    To perfectly conquer that weakness, they had to stop being human.

    Lisha forcefully break through it, even so that instant of delay brought about a lethal opening.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!¡¹

    The moment purple light bullet©¤©¤gravity force bullet was fired from the muzzle and impacted, Sacred Eclipse stretched its branches and counterattacked.

    Several branches flew toward Lisha and smashed Tiamat¡¯s armor, at the same time several branches that were stretched backward absorbed life force from the surrounding Abysses.

    ¡¸OGU-, GUOEEEEEEEUEEEUE-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after that, the crackling gravity bullet swallowed Sacred Eclipse, breaking its limbs and it started to crumble.

    (It¡¯s not perfectly settled! But, the chance is only now©¤©¤!)

    Lux resolved himself like that and grasped Bahamut¡¯s control stick in order to execute Violent Strike.

    He headed toward the Sacred Eclipse and flew with full speed. The moment he was going to slash the blade of his great sword with the fastest speed, a girl¡¯s voice reached his ear.

    ¡ºDon¡¯t¡­¡­Aruji-sama¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux faltered for a moment toward the voice of Yoruka that came to him through Dragon Voice.

    The moment his dash was delayed, Lisha readied her large cannon to fire additional attack from Seven Heads.

    And then Greifer used Photon Dive and slashed from behind, but both were sent flying simultaneously.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Both of them yelled uneasily together.

    In front of them, Sacred Eclipse with its half broken body regenerated its body with a repulsive smile and transformed into the appearance of the girl in dress once more.

    ¡¸This bastard already adapted to the Divine Raiment of us two in this short time!?¡¹

    The weakness of Greifer¡¯s Photon Dive was the moment he touched the enemy from his initiative, the light of his invincibility would cut off only at the part that came into contact with the enemy.

    In other words, if an unmoving enemy directly released attack like shockwave from their body in the instant of that contact, it was possible to counterattack even with the invincibility active.

    Regarding Lisha¡¯s Suppressor, it was simply obtaining pure resistance to gravity.

    The speed of evolution and adaptability that exceeded the imagination caused everyone there to shudder.

    (This is bad¡­¡­! If the sure kill by Reload on Fire missed even once, there won¡¯t be any more chance for me to stop Sacred Eclipse!)

    But, if he wasn¡¯t stopped by Yoruka¡¯s voice just now, he would be intercepted without doubt.

    Sacred Eclipse was completely alert against Lux too while facing Lisha, Coral, and Greifer.

    Just like how Lux tried to read the enemy¡¯s attack preliminary movement using his discernment and experience, the Sacred Eclipse was also learning even Lux¡¯s observing eye.

    (What to do!? Lisha-sama and Coral, even Greifer cannot fight properly anymore. There is also no time, at this rate©¤©¤)

    When Lux made a distressed expression like that, a voice came to him once more from Yoruka who was lurking at the rear.

    ¡ºAruji-sama, will you listen to my plan? There is a chance to defeat that Sacred Eclipse.¡»

    When Lux twisted his body slightly to look behind, he saw Yoruka there on her knee, wearing Yato no Kami that only had a part of its shoulder repaired.

    ¡ºYou must not Yoruka! Stop acting reckless already! If you fight more than this, you will©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºPlease let her do this, Lux-san.¡»

    Beside Yoruka, Noct sent him her voice immediately to calm him down.

    Even though her tone was calm just like how she usually was, there was a strong will filling her voice.

    While Lux was bewildered by that, Sharis and Tillfur also sent him their voice.

    ¡ºI¡¯m also asking you this Lux-kun. She isn¡¯t planning to disregard your feeling. Surely she is trying to do the opposite.¡»

    ¡ºYoruka-chi is considering your will¡­¡­or something? Perhaps, it¡¯s something like that I think. That¡¯s why, listen to her. Because we who are the most useless here also entrust our feeling to her!¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s feeling that was different from before.

    She wasn¡¯t just thinking about Lux¡¯s sake and fought, she was also trying to consider his will.

    Not in order to become sacrifice.

    It was a method that Yoruka herself could do using her all, and then©¤©¤.

    ¡ºPlease allow me to use Aruji-sama¡¯s body just for a moment. I swear that I will send Aruji-sama until that instant before Aruji-sama attack using Reload on Fire.¡»

    ¡¸Yoruka©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux guessed her intention from her words and her appearance that was intentionally wearing Yato no Kami.

    He also guessed at the same time why Yoruka also took off the bandage covering her left eye.

    Right after that, in front of him the eyes of Sacred Eclipse shined and it devoured several more Abysses. At that moment it flew toward Lux.

    ¡¸Run away Lux! That thing is learning to predict the enemy just like you!¡¹

    Lisha wearing Tiamat yelled while being soaked with blood. Lux moved at the same time.

    At this rate they wouldn¡¯t be able to win.

    He readied his great sword to intercept the enemy even while understand that. At that timing, letters that looked like spell faintly shined on the armor of Bahamut.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Instant Strike¡¹

    ¨C

    He felt like he could hear the voice of Yoruka who was far in the rear even without Dragon Voice.

    Sacred Eclipse mimicked Lux¡¯s foresight and took a stance to intercept him based on his preliminary motion, but it was completely taken by surprise and received an attack from his Blade.

    It was a special move that was only allowed for Yoruka who read the wavelength of consciousness using her devilish eye and made use of that opening.

    It wasn¡¯t just the Sacred Eclipse that was taken by surprise, Lisha who was watching from the side was also the same.

    ¡¸Lux¡¯s Instant Strike!? No, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸A string is, stretching from behind¡­¡­?¡¹

    Just as what Coral muttered, a steel string was connected to Bahamut¡¯s back wing.

    In other words, due to Yato no Kami¡¯s Spell Code, Yoruka controlled Bahamut like a puppet and unleashed that single strike.

    She overlapped her technique on Lux¡¯s body and Drag-Ride.

    It was a combination technique that was impossible to perform with her trusting other person and entrusting her heart to him.

    If it was the Yoruka from before, she wouldn¡¯t be able to even think up this attack that surpassed the ability of Ragnarok.

    ¡¸Now©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    Right after that, Lux who was released from the binding of Spell Code activated Reload on Fire.

    He didn¡¯t compress and strengthen his own time, but decelerated the speed of his opponent. After doing that, in the time that was stretched by several times over he would unleash the special move©¤©¤Violent Strike.

    He would deal countless slashes from above the core of the enemy that was in the state of nearly a complete pause.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gu, OOO, OOOoUU¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Due to the deceleration of time, even the shriek that Sacred Eclipse let out echoed dully.

    And then©¤©¤five seconds later, the countless slash lines that were carved on its chest were tinged with light, which shifted into destructive power that assaulted to one spot.

    Sacred Eclipse was blown away with super speed to the ground below while sparks scattered intensely from near the core in its heart where the impact collided.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But, an unexpected miscalculation for Lux occurred here.

    Based on the feedback from the core destruction of Metatron that was also a Ragnarok he fought just the other day, the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s core should be destroyed from the attack just now.

    And yet this time the destruction stopped at only the core surface.

    (Is it growing, even its resistance is rising higher than the Sacred Eclipse I defeated with Celis-senpai previously!?)

    A Ragnarok that would revive after a period of time even after its core was broken and became even stronger specimen©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse.

    Lux felt its terror once more while he pursued the Sacred Eclipse that was sent flying to deal the finishing blow.

    It shouldn¡¯t be able to move yet due to the damage right after it got showered with consecutive attacks.

    It was barely surviving, but if it was now he could defeat it.

    Thinking that, he was going to deal even more attack to it, but then Sacred Eclipse transformed to a different appearance.

    Smooth blonde hair that was tied into sidetail and crimson eyes.

    It was the appearance of the princess of new kingdom who Lux served, Lizsharte.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please Lux! Stop it! Don¡¯t kill me again!¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When he saw that, some kind of shuddering chill ran through Lux¡¯s body.

    At the same time his body stiffened still from terror.

    (¡­¡­What does, it mean? Again?)

    He completely understood that Sacred Eclipse transformed into an existence that was the opponent¡¯s weak point, and Lux intended to swing his sword with resolve of that.

    Whether it would be his mother who died from accident, or his father the emperor, or his little sister Airi, or his comrade from Academy©¤©¤, he intended to force down any agitation that might well up inside him, and yet now his hand stopped completely.

    Why was that?

    It wasn¡¯t a coincidence.

    Right now he simply wasn¡¯t aware of it, but seeing this figure of Lisha, he felt like he knew something.

    Lux knew about this something that Sacred Eclipse was saying to him.

    (Is it because of my lost memory, no¡­¡­that¡¯s not it! The me right now is imagining it? What is this, this sensation©¤©¤)

    It was no good, he couldn¡¯t swing his sword.

    The moment he thought that, the real Lisha raised her voice.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Do it! Lux! Don¡¯t get led astray by that kind of fake! I am the real thing!¡¹

    Bahamut¡¯s armor automatically moved almost at the same time with Lisha¡¯s yell.

    Spell Code.

    The special armament steel string, Kumo no Ito connected to Bahamut, and Yoruka gave the command in Lux¡¯s place.

    ©¤©¤But, Sacred Eclipse reacted to that and instantly transformed its appearance.

    A black haired boy who resembled Lux with a little trace of innocence remaining in him.

    (Could it be, this boy is©¤©¤Yoruka¡¯s)

    Lux guessed that he might be Yoruka¡¯s little brother from his face that resembled Lux and also had a trace of Yoruka¡¯s features.

    But, Lux and Yoruka didn¡¯t hesitate.

    Right after that, he slipped through the branches that stabbed in counterattack and landed a blow with all his might.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, oOOOOOOOOOOOOH!¡¹

    The cracks on the core flickered with a flash and broke apart into pieces.

    The greatest Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse that showed its figure for the second time finally fell.

    ¡¸Ku, kukukukuku¡­¡­¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse was bisected in that young boy appearance. It vanished along with a faint smile.

    Lux was breathing hard while looking down quietly on it.

    ¡¸Thank you Yoruka, for giving me a push on the back©¤©¤¡¹

    He slowly turned around before long. Until now his movement was manipulated by the Kumo no Ito.

    The figure of the unfamiliar young boy in the end was a figure that Sacred Eclipse showed because it suspected even that.

    ¡¸Also sorry. For making you attacking the appearance of your little brother©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no proble,¡¹

    Yoruka dispelled the armor fragment of Yato no Kami and she powerlessly fell down.

    Noct and Tillfur supported her from left and right while making powerless smile.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have human heart, so I¡¯m all right.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤No. You¡¯re wrong.¡¹

    Lux who heard that quietly shook his head and smiled.

    ¡¸I think that surely, Yoruka killed your heart for my sake. At the very least, I believe that you aren¡¯t a human without heart. That¡¯s why©¤©¤I¡¯m sorry. Thank you.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s eyes opened wide in astonishment for a moment hearing Lux¡¯s words.

    And then, she averted her eyes slightly as though in embarrassment and smiled.

    ¡¸Perhaps that is so. If those are the words of none other than Aruji-sama, I will believe it.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Surely that is so©¤©¤¡¹

    This time Yoruka seemed to exhaust all her strength for real. Her eyes closed slowly and tension left her body.

    Noct who was holding her checked her pulse, but it seemed she only fainted.

    The girl who was treated by her surrounding as not human and she continued to affirm it until now.

    Lux was happy from his heart that she was entrusting her feeling to him for the first time.

    It felt like her feeling that was sealed by the word contract had softened slightly.

    ¡¸Oi! What are you two doing flirting like that! There are still enemies remaining here!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. Even though it should be still my turn to guard Lux-kun.¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, Lisha got angry and Coral spoke jealously.

    ¡¸Eh, wait!? That¡¯s not my intention©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux stared intensely to the front just as he was told even while getting flustered.

    The countless Abysses had been liberated from Sacred Eclipse¡¯s control. First they had to escape from here but©¤©¤.

    That moment when he was about to take his stance, a familiar voice reached him from behind.

    ¡¸Lux! Are you safe!?¡¹

    Golden Drag-Knight appeared from the blue sky.

    The captain of Syvalles who Lux felt respect and affection to, Celistia was there.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai!? Why are you here©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not just her Lux-kun. It looks like it¡¯s not a mistake for me to rush here because of this bad feeling in my chest.¡¹

    The one who said that and appeared from the opposite direction was Krulcifer wearing Fafnir.

    ¡¸I am, also here you know?¡¹

    In addition the one who appeared skating on the wasteland was Philuffy who should be resting because of her body condition.

    Most likely she was notified of this predicament and she came here ignoring Relie¡¯s order to rest.

    ¡¸Protect Lizsharte-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸Form formation and charge! Don¡¯t let those things touch our country¡¯s princess!¡¹

    ¡¸You guys, you all also came?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t just the familiar girls, the Drag-Knights of new kingdom military also rushed here from Cross Field for them.

    Their number was more than fifty.

    Although the number of the surviving Abysses were about double than that, if Celis and others were here, Lux estimated that they would be able to fight for the time being.

    What was left was to search the Dragon Marauder who seemed to make all these Abysses appearing and took Airi back somehow©¤©¤.

    (Please stay safe¡­¡­Airi)

    Lux was already wounded all over, even so he glared strongly to the sky. Right after that©¤©¤a strange sound thundered at the surrounding.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤III-iiIIIIII-!

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh, this sound, again¡¹

    First Greifer who sensed the sound of horn flute complained. The whole troops readied themselves.

    But, instead of attacking, the Abyss swarm turned around and flew high to the sky. They were wrapped by faint light before long and their figures vanished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤They are retreating!? No, the movement just now¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That was, transfer¡­¡­!¡¹

    Coral wearing his half broken EX Wyvern muttered with a dubious expression.

    Next Celis landed beside Lux and whispered with an urgent look.

    ¡¸Please be careful Lux. I and Lady Magialca found something in the abandoned capital of Marcafal Kingdom. The existence of Avalon that is protected by Abyss©¤©¤. And also, the trace of where the seventh Ruin, Moon was heading to.¡¹

    ¡¸Avalon, is at Marcafal Kingdom!? No more importantly, the Moon was moving you say©¤©¤?¡¹

    Celis who went to Marcafal Kingdom due to the aide exchange could return back here should be only if there was a really important matter.

    ¡¸As for me, the circumstance is different but it¡¯s something similar.¡¹

    Before Lux could ponder about it, Krulcifer also muttered beside him.

    ¡¸While Mel is unable to move due to her recuperation, someone secretly infiltrated into the Hall. I heard that from Ney Louches. Who was able to enter and what did they bring out? I followed their trace and arrived to this direction.¡¹

    ¡¸They, brought out something?¡¹

    Lux felt a bad premonition hearing her words.

    He couldn¡¯t imagine that the Dragon Marauder would expressly steal treasure from inside the Hall.

    If there was a situation that even the Gear Leader, Ney Louches couldn¡¯t prevent from happening©¤©¤.

    At that moment when Lux was trying to reach the heart of the matter, blue pillar of light suddenly descended from the spot near where the Abysses suddenly vanished.

    The girl floating inside that light pillar was abruptly thrown out to the sky powerlessly from there.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi!?¡¹

    Lux yelled and flew his Bahamut in full speed.

    He caught her body that almost freefall and she powerlessly smiled.

    ¡¸Good grief. You are too slow, Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you all right Airi!? You are injured!? Just what happened©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux forgot himself and rattled on in panic. Airi gently put her finger on his lips and quietly put her arms around his shoulders.

    ¡¸There is no need to worry about me. I changed the subject a bit when talking, found an opening and escaped, that¡¯s all. After all I am far more skilled with getting by in the world compared to Nii-san who keeps doing reckless thing.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I guess, you¡¯re right.¡¹

    He let go his hand from the control stick and embraced his little sister tightly with his own hands.

    He was about to make request to the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom military to bring her away from here to a safe place along with Yoruka and others who were injured, it was then the scenery above the sky warped.

    ©¤©¤WIIIIIIIIIII!

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after a presence that felt prickling to the skin like a burn, a giant sphere appeared in the blue sky.

    Even though it should be far away, high in the sky, but it was so gigantic that the full figure of its outline couldn¡¯t be grasped.

    A huge moon that was several sizes larger even compared to the royal castle of the new kingdom.

    The spherical castle that was clad in dazzling phosphorescence was floating there majestically.

    ¡¸Silver, moon¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha was gazing in wonderment at that presence which was overwhelming anyone who saw it while slipping out a mutter.

    Celis and Krulcifer, Philuffy and Yoruka.

    Greifer and Coral, and not just them, everyone of the new kingdom military who was witnessing that sight were similarly overwhelmed by that sight which was beyond imagination.

    Seventh Ruin©¤©¤Moon.

    The last Ruin that was completely untraceable until now even with all the countries using all their might.

    Right now it suddenly appeared in front of them.

    ¡¸I see, so that¡¯s the reason a lot of Abysses showed up here before Sacred Eclipse even appeared.¡¹

    Lux consented with what Greifer pointed out.

    Since the start that Ruin was already there. They were only unable to see it.

    Seventh Ruin©¤©¤Moon.

    That Ruin which possessed a great amount of Abysses was letting them out while hiding right in front of them.

    With that fact, the other puzzle inevitably also fell into place.

    It was highly possible that the Dragon Marauder members who appeared from somewhere and vanished suddenly also came and went from there.

    When everyone there realized that and looked up to the sky once more,

    ¨C

    ¡º©¤©¤Informing all of you dear ladies and gentlemen¡»

    ¨C

    A girl¡¯s voice suddenly resounded loudly in the area, at the same time a huge three dimensional image was projected above the wasteland.

    The masked girl wearing robe that they happened to see before this.

    Lux and others saw that in contrast to her words, there weren¡¯t any friendly sign from her.

    ¡ºMy name is, Soffice Xfer. A descendant of the clan that you all called as the Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux sensed Krulcifer who was listening to that beside him stiffened.

    There was another comrade of her other than Mishis who was joining hand with the Lords.

    And then, it was actually the Seven Dragon Paladins of Turkimes Confederation©¤©¤Soffice.

    The girl in the three dimensional image took off her mask.

    Brown skin and black hair, a face with a scarlet tattoo on it. Without a doubt it was her.

    At the same time, her little sister who introduced herself as Uruk was also standing beside her. She took off her hood and showed her face.

    Ears that looked like fox¡¯s ears were growing out from her forehead.

    ¡¸Automaton©¤©¤, as expected she is¡­¡­!¡¹

    Yes, the strange occurrence that they talked about before Krulcifer departed to Ymir Theocracy.

    Uruk reacted to Krulcifer¡¯s voice was because she was an Automaton. She possessed a trait where she had to obey an Xfer.

    ¡¸This is a warning. All troops, as well as the Seven Dragon Paladins are to gather in the new kingdom and stand by. Conquering Ruin more than this is forbidden. Don¡¯t come nearby to Ruin. I will bestow punishment if this warning is violated.¡¹

    Soffice informed with an assertive tone that broke no argument.

    That was to say, she was saying that she was the traitor within the world alliance.

    ¡¸Punishment? What are you planning to reveal yourself suddenly like this!? It¡¯s you who are surrounded here!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lisha reflexively declared that, the Moon¡¯s surface shined faintly.

    Right after that, a terrific rumbling reverberated, and the Garden vibrated in response.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I thought you will say that. I will show proof.¡¹

    After saying that with a bland voice, a gigantic Abyss appeared.

    One right under the moon, and one more from beside the Garden.

    Their appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly because they were covered by shadow, but the intense killing intent and the mass of their body made the whole army surrounding them to tremble in fear.

    ¡¸O, oi wait¡­¡­. What the hell is that¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I have never seen that kind of huge Abyss until©¤©¤no!¡¹

    The Drag-Knights of new kingdom military who were still young shivered when they saw that.

    Even they who had no experience of battling Abyss frequently understood.

    Those things that were gathered together by several for the first time, were the Abysses of greatest and strongest class that were called as Ragnarok.

    ¡¸Surrender©¤©¤is not what I intend to say. However I won¡¯t allow any opposition, including from the Lords. I will have all of you to stay still obediently until we reach Avalon.¡¹

    *Silence*¡­¡­, the threat that Soffice made caused everyone to be unable to move.

    ©¤©¤But, more than ten seconds later, one of the soldiers raised his voice.

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t screw around!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, you think we will let a dictator like you to rule this world!¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it! Everyone!¡¹

    Lisha immediately lifted her hand to stop her subordinates, but right after that a thick beam of light was fired to right below the Moon, blowing away the spirit of everyone.

    Thunderous sound and shockwave that impacted the ground at far distance blew away even sound and voice, gouging the ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fortunately the location was an empty place without anyone there.

    In exchange, a part of the wasteland that was extending flatly had a bottomless crevice spreading there.

    ¡¸I liberated the Moon¡¯s ability and put it under my control. Its ability isn¡¯t just bombardment. It also can control the remaining three Abysses and give them simple instruction.¡¹

    The two gigantic Ragnarok that gathered right under the Moon proved Soffice¡¯s words.

    ¡¸If you all don¡¯t do anything unnecessary, all the countries starting from the new kingdom won¡¯t be swallowed by the flame of war. If you understand, don¡¯t lay your hand on the Ruins and Avalon anymore from here on.¡¹

    Soffice only told that and the hologram vanished. The two Ragnarok were absorbed inside the Moon.

    And then the Moon which possessed overwhelming destructive power and controlling power vanished like smoke.

    ¡¸What is going on? No, what will happen to us©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha spoke while looking up to the sky in a daze. There was no one who could answer her.

    Lux could only gently hold the hand of his master to give her encouragement.

 Volume 12 - Prologue

    ¨C

    A female Drag-Knight wearing pilot suit was staring at a chalk white space.

    Glamorous brown skin and black hair, and then crimson tattoo that was engraved on her cheek. The girl¡¯s name was Soffice Xfer.

    She was the Seven Dragon Paladins of Turkimes Confederation, at the same time she was an existence that was called as Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer.

    And then just the other day, using the function of the Ruin Moon, she made a war declaration toward the world.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    She dodged the countless bombardment, weapons, and Divine Raiments approaching her and shifted into counterattack.

    After she finished defeating a great number of Drag-Knights, Lux wearing a jet black huge dragon Bahamut appeared in the end.

    He employed a varied offense and quickly took countermeasure against Vritra that Soffice was wearing.

    It seemed that Lux with Bahamut was specialized for offense, but contrary to expectation he was greatly persevering in his defense too, not giving Soffice the chance to execute a winning move.

    ¡¸Persistent man, will get hated.¡¹

    ¡¸Sheesh Soffice, even though you have never even go out with a boy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Animal ear just shut up, focus on operating the device.¡¹

    It was a spherical space that was surrounded with chalk white wall©¤©¤a battle space.

    An Automaton was looking down of Soffice from the viewing room that was separated from the space by glass to overlook from above.

    This battle was an image battle that made use of the simulator that was a facility within the Moon.

    The enemy¡¯s movement was produced as virtual image based on the information that the Gear Leader Re Plica recorded.

    The opponent wasn¡¯t limited to Lux.

    All the battle of Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ members had been recorded, with the exception of Magialca. Even the main force of new kingdom like Lisha and others had their data recorded too.

    What they understood from that was that their strength really couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    If it was an opponent she couldn¡¯t match, she would exercise her ingenuity and escaped.

    Winning without fighting was Soffice¡¯s ideal, but as expected the Seven Dragon Paladins wouldn¡¯t be that na?ve.

    ¡¸Haa, haah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Soffice activated Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment and like that she shot down Lux¡¯s Bahamut.

    With this, she had managed to defeat most of the opponent that could possibly stand on her way as enemy.

    ¡¸That¡¯s amazing desu, Soffice. With this your preparation is perfect desu!¡¹

    Re Plica turned off the simulator and came down from the viewing room and went to Soffice¡¯s side.

    The fox ears growing from her head which was the special trait of Automaton were happily twitching©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Unfortunately, a simulation will only be a simulation in the end. Especially the survivor of that family of traitor, Lux is very troublesome. The strength to create new tactic in the middle of fight cannot be measured in here.¡¹

    Soffice replied bluntly while dispelling her armor with an expression that contained no carelessness.

    She put on a robe and like that she exited the room along with Re Plica and headed to the corridor.

    ¡¸The situation is advantageous for us, but we will get surrounded if the enemy outwit us even once. If that happen than even me won¡¯t be able to escape¡­¡­. I especially don¡¯t want to face Singlen.¡¹

    ¡¸You are absurd as usual desu. More importantly, is this really alright? Turning the world into enemy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Re Plica looked down anxiously. In respond Soffice fell silent.

    ¡¸It¡¯s scary. My body is still shivering.¡¹

    Soffice was talking with an emotionless tone without any inflection, however she spoke out her true feeling.

    Yes, it was scary.

    But she couldn¡¯t take it back anymore.

    She used the function of the seventh Ruin, the Moon to control the remaining two Ragnarok and threatened all the countries including the new kingdom.

    She told them to not interfere from now on until she installed all the Grand Forces into the Ruins and reached Avalon.

    She understood that she was causing a great chaos.

    Even so©¤©¤Soffice was convinced that this was the best method for the world¡¯s sake.

    She couldn¡¯t hand over Avalon to that family of traitor or to anyone else.

    Soffice was fighting in order to fulfill the will of Uruk Xfer, her little sister who was betrayed and killed in the past because she was wishing for peace.

    Two months were remaining until the world ended due to Sacred Eclipse.

    Surely the world alliance and also the imperial family of the Lord would oppose her with great desperation.

    To the degree that there was a possibility that just Ragnarok and Moon¡¯s attack wouldn¡¯t be enough to hold them in check.

    No, if it was the remaining opponents, they would surely launch their countermeasure at the opening that Soffice exposed from here on.

    She didn¡¯t want to borrow the Dragon Marauder¡¯s strength anymore, but she wouldn¡¯t be able to win if she didn¡¯t make use of them well.

    ¡¸Uruk¡­¡­. What you left undone isn¡¯t something easy.¡¹

    The expressionless Soffice put on a faint self-depreciating smile.

    The entrance to Avalon would appear soon in the abandoned capital Guernica at Marcafal Kingdom. (TN: At vol 11 the name of the capital was Gelsera, but in here it¡¯s changed like this. Don¡¯t know why myself.)

    Even the enemy surely understood, that the greatest opening would show up when the gate was opened after seven Grand Forces were installed.

    The seventh Ruin, Moon.

    Under the sky that was nearest to the heavens.

    The girl renewed her determination while overlooking the capital of the new kingdom.

 Volume 12 - CH Afterword

    ¨C

    Hello.

    This is Akatsuki who are worrying whether I should buy massaging machine or not these few years.

    ¨C

    The time went like a flash until one year after the anime¡¯s broadcast, but there were a lot of workload regarding various things in reality, and one day when I noticed both my arms were numb.

    Well, after some time passed it will surely get better. That was what I thought and I left it alone, but one week, two week, a month¡­¡­there is no sign of it getting better at all.

    Although I tried getting examination in the nearby clinic, it was impossible to specify the cause, and when even the tongue inside my mouth started getting numb, I started to question whether it might be some kind of bad disease.

    ¨C

    Speaking of the conclusion, my body is safe.

    The cause is still not known, but I think it might be like a super bad version of shoulder stiffness.

    Fatigue was piling up from my back until my shoulders, it became burden to my nerve and came until my two arms¡­¡­I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s really like that or not, but I believe that there is no doubt that was one of the factors.

    ¨C

    Even if we can force ourselves, the collateral for that will surely come to the body, so now I¡¯m also somewhat worried to Lux-kun and others who are doing nothing but acting recklessly in the story.

    Although the Seven Dragon Paladins arc is also approaching climax, the path ahead is still quite long.

    Next volume will finally be the arc of Coral of the Lord side, or so I think.

    ¨C

    Then moving to thanks.

    Kasuga Ayumu-sama who is in charge of the illustrations this time too.

    Greifer and Mel were colorized for the first time. While Mel¡¯s cuteness goes without saying, Greifer¡¯s coolness is also impressive.

    I have hunch that in the next volume, all members of Seven Dragon Paladins will be able to play active role.

    ¨C

    Well then, I pray that we will be able to meet again at such volume 13.

    ¨C

 Volume 12 - CH 1

    ¨C

    Only a few days ago, a letter from Queen Raffi was delivered, telling that the Moon was making round above the sky of new kingdom in constant cycle.

    The other day, a survivor of Key¡¯s Supervisor made a war proclamation against the world.

    And then at the same time, the Drag-Knight who was also a Seven Dragon Paladins of Turkimes Confederation, Soffice Xfer also hired the mercenary Dragon Marauder.

    The seventh Ruin, the Moon. Among its facilities, there was an installation of horn flute sound which had the power to give simple order to even Ragnarok. The Lord, Listelka Rei Arshalia informed that in the summit.

    She had also informed them of the trait of the remaining two Ragnarok.

    One of it was named Iblis.

    A demon type Abyss©¤©¤its form was like a Diablos that was further enlarged and strengthened, but it was possessing strength that was incomparable to a mere Diablos.

    Its terrifying ability was mind pollution.

    It would greatly open the wound in the heart and erupted the despair inside.

    The sound wave that Iblis emitted as well as its eye glint itself seemed to have powerful hypnotic effect. The side that got hit by it would kill their own comrade while thinking that they were in the right.

    Just the ability of manipulating something unseen like heart was already something unmanageable.

    And then, this effect couldn¡¯t be blocked by Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier.

    The only weakness of it was that as long as they could take distance from the pollution, the effect would dull and a means of survival could be seen in long range battle, but it was nearly impossible to defeat that powerful Abyss with only sniping and bombardment.

    And then, the other Ragnarok¡¯s name was Deus ex Machina.

    That Ragnarok looked like a giant mechanical contraption. It possessed the ability of space control.

    It was a power that could teleport itself, as well as enemy, ally, and object.

    It was similar with the Divine Raiment of Celis¡¯s Lindwurm, but its range and effectiveness was in different dimension.

    Furthermore its outer shell was covered with Mithrildyte like Drag-Ride, multiple layers of it, so normal attack wouldn¡¯t work against it.

    Furthermore its physical attack using pure blow was in a class of instant death, because of that it was an extremely dangerous opponent.

    In any case, even one of them was a threat in the level that could destroy a city in one night, and even a country in several days.

    Starting from the new kingdom, all the countries were taken hostage by Soffice. The world alliance who was prevented from counterattacking was spending all their time holding war council every day to plan countermeasure, but they couldn¡¯t find any good idea.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins as well as the military of each country were forced to take no action. For a while they would spend their time guarding their own country and rested.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The first snow will come down soon.¡¹

    The tranquil air that was cold and dry.

    Airi muttered that and looked up to the sky in the courtyard of the Academy.

    The sun was shining at the zenith of the sky without a single cloud.

    Airi who had a white scarf wrapped around her neck was taking lunch together with her big brother Lux on a bench.

    ¡¸The time to sortie might come anytime, I¡¯ve got to be careful to not catch a cold.¡¹

    Lux who was eating hotdog beside her replied to Airi calmly like that.

    ¡¸Well, please rest well for now. It will be troubling if Nii-san die again.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could only smile wryly toward his little sister¡¯s sarcastic words and reproachful gaze.

    Just the other day, he acted recklessly to save Yoruka and almost died. Because of that he was thoroughly scolded. It was nostalgic.

    A few days later after that.

    He was called for war council with Seven Dragon Paladins as well as with the new kingdom frequently. Lux was lacking sleep from making round trip between Cross Field and the royal capital so often.

    Regardless of that, they were unable to find an effective mean against the aforementioned traitor©¤©¤Soffice Xfer.

    For the time being Lux was also liberated from the war council and he was forced to wait for orders in this stalemate situation.

    With how the Moon was hidden with camouflage function, they couldn¡¯t catch up no matter what.

    Because even if the world alliance put effort to search for it, the safety of each country from Soffice¡¯s threat couldn¡¯t be guaranteed.

    Their side wouldn¡¯t be able to move without some amount of prospect of winning, as well as the resolve to sacrifice country and people.

    It was unclear whether this was the cause or not, but the capture of other Ruins were also stopped, so there was almost no battle occurring.

    At most it was only clearing up the Abyss that came out from Ruin and caused harm sometimes.

    The ancient race, the Lords who were the owner of Ruins previously presented three tasks  to be solved. With the case of the other day, all three had been achieved.

    The seven huge crystals that were hidden inside the body of Ragnarok©¤©¤Grand Forces.

    In order to stop the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse that would happen in two more months, it was necessary to reach Avalon, the legendary land where the legacy of the ancient era was sleeping.

    With Soffice¡¯s appearance, the remaining tasks had also become something clear.

    When the information of Ruins and Ragnarok that the Lord Listelka possessed was compared with the present situation, it became like below.

    ¨C

    The first Ruin ¨C Babel©¤©¤Ragnarok Metatron was destroyed, liberation complete.

    The second Ruin ¨C Dungeon©¤©¤Ragnarok Fenrir was destroyed, liberation complete.

    The third Ruin ¨C Ark©¤©¤Ragnarok Poseidon was destroyed, liberation complete.

    The fourth Ruin ¨C Hall©¤©¤Ragnarok Deus ex Machina was living, not liberated.

    The fifth Ruin ¨C Gigas©¤©¤Ragnarok Yggdrasil was destroyed, liberation complete.

    The sixth Ruin ¨C Garden©¤©¤Ragnarok Iblis was living, not liberated.

    The second Ruin ¨C Moon©¤©¤Ragnarok Phoenxi already died, Ruin liberation complete.

    ¨C

    And then Avalon©¤©¤as long as the command to stop function from Avalon wasn¡¯t given to Sacred Eclipse, it was possible for it to revive no matter how many times, right now it was waiting to revive.

    The remaining Ragnarok including Sacred Eclipse was three at maximum, but if it was only to obtain Grand Force it was enough to destroy two.

    If each Grand Force was installed on Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall and the new kingdom¡¯s Garden, it would be fine with that and this battle would also end.

    ¨C

    ¡¸On the other hand, the three tasks that the Lord presented©¤©¤the discovery of the seventh Ruin, Moon, the annihilation of Dragon Marauder, and the discovery of traitor, all of them will be resolved if that Soffice Xfer and others are defeated, but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s not something easy. Even the representatives of each country know that although they won¡¯t say it out loud.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s words that sounded like talking to herself was responded by Lux with a complicated expression.

    It wasn¡¯t because the countries¡¯ representatives weren¡¯t able to think of any method to counterattack.

    Although they were able to think some ideas, it was just that they were difficult to execute.

    ¡¸If we ignore the threat and launch counterattack, it will be either Ymir Theocracy or the new kingdom that get attacked.¡¹

    Airi who guessed that also leaked out a sigh that was laced with resignation.

    Because the remaining Ruins that hadn¡¯t been liberated were the new kingdom¡¯s Garden and Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall, it was normal to think that the Moon was hiding near one of them.

    In case the world alliance ran out of patience and launched counterattack, the attack of Moon would be first pointed to one of the two©¤©¤such possibility was high.

    If they kept obeying Soffice like this, she would monopolize Avalon.

    In other words, sooner or later, the time where they had to counterattack with the resolve of sacrifice would come.

    ¡¸In the worst case©¤©¤the Lords will bring together all the countries excluding the new kingdom and Ymir and launch a counterattack. In that case, the new kingdom will¡­¡­¡¹

    There was a risk that they would receiving the whole attack of Moon¡¯s main cannon, Abyss army, and two Ragnarok.

    After a war council in a certain day, Lux got pointed out by Singlen of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¨C

    ¡ºIf you swear loyalty to me, then I won¡¯t be reluctant to settle this anytime. You staying quiet like this while watching the new kingdom¡¯s downfall will make the name of hero cry right?¡»

    ¨C

    In short, if the situation stayed like this the world alliance would in time counterattacked while resigning themselves about the sacrifice.

    At that time it would be the new kingdom that become the very first target of harm.

    The remaining Ruins that hadn¡¯t been liberated were only in the new kingdom and Ymir, so considering the convenience to install the Grand Force, there was a high chance the Moon would be hiding inside one of those countries.

    Naturally, in the world alliance summit, the two countries opposed launching any assault toward the Moon.

    But, the Lords who were the center of the battle for the sake of liberating Avalon wouldn¡¯t back down from taking forceful stance.

    Thus©¤©¤if the situation reached an impasse and they were driven to the wall, the new kingdom and Ymir might got discarded from the alliance.

    They were already nearing the brink of falling out.

    Of course Lux refused Singlen¡¯s invitation.

    Or rather, Singlen had already seen through that Luxwould refuse and he retracted the invitation back as he pleased.

    As always that man couldn¡¯t be dealt with normal means.

    Similar with his elder brother Fugil, Singlen¡¯s secret was also still covered in darkness.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hey, if you are free then help out with decorating here.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m busy right now so I can¡¯t. After all this time we are the one making the sweets for all the students.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s better for the appearance to be modest. It¡¯s holy night festival after all©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸How about we ask the headmaster? Surely she will think of something good.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. This year there is also someone for the prince role¡­¡­¡¹

    ¨C

    Around Lux and Airi who were confirming the situation with each other using small voice, female students were decorating the courtyard busily with enjoyment.

    ¡¸¡­¡­How should I say it, even in this kind of time everyone in the Academy is like always huh.¡¹

    Airi let out a wry smile along with a deep sigh, but in contrast with her tone, her expression wasn¡¯t hard.

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it fine? Everyone doesn¡¯t know after all.¡¹

    Lux nodded with a smile.

    The danger of world destruction by Sacred Eclipse and the predicament the new kingdom was in were only known by some in order to avoid mayhem.

    Not just the common people, even most of the military cadet in the Academy weren¡¯t told, that was why the female students were absorbed with the preparation of holy night festival that was an event at the end of the year.

    But, in any case they couldn¡¯t act right now even if they wanted. It would be pointless even if they were too tense.

    Rather, this might be their last chance to relax their body and mind.

    Lux was still training to the degree that would keep his body from dulling, but Airi stopped him from doing more than that.

    ¡¸Well then Nii-san, just because you are in stand by, please don¡¯t let your mind wander too much by all means. Of course it¡¯s not just about battle, but even other things too©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I know¡­¡­wait, what do you mean other things?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. Please try asking your own heart.¡¹

    Airi ended the talk brusquely and left.

    When Lux tilted his head in puzzlement, the female students who were staring at the two from afar surrounded him.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Won¡¯t you spend time with us in the holy night festival seven days from now?¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? Recently you are busy with work and cannot take a break right?¡¹

    ¡¸Occasionally you should deepen your bond with your school friends too, not just with everyone from Syvalles.¡¹

    Perhaps they had been waiting until now, several female students regardless of their grade surrounded him.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­. But the Seven Dragon Paladins might need to act anytime, taking that much time is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t say that. The requests that are made to Lux-san are also piling up quite many.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He felt a bit pained when the matter of him recently being unable to accomplish the chores in the Academy was mentioned.

    (As I thought, it might be unfair for me to keep only doing the work for Lisha-sama and others, and Syvalles¡­¡­)

    Thinking that, Lux was going to reply to the girls surrounding him, it was then©¤©¤,

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s enough-!¡¹

    A trio with armband of ¡ºHoly night festival management committee¡» on their arm, Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct cut in between Lux and the female students.

    ¡¸Oh no! It¡¯s the Triad!?¡¹

    ¡¸Run away, if it¡¯s now we will still make it©¤©¤¡¹

    The students spoke such things in panic, but their escape path was blocked by TIllfur and Noct.

    ¡¸No. I have memorized everyone¡¯s face, so running away will make your offense heavier.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeep yeep, the offense of stealing a march is heavy y¡¯knoow?¡¹

    ¡¸He©¤©¤Lux-kun is already in the middle of exhausting work, he is also shortening his break time to do the requests in the Academy. We should have told that to you all too. If you bother him even more than this, you will become unable to participate in the holy night festival.¡¹

    At the end when Sharis declared that, several students lowered their head in great hurry.

    ¡¸So, so so so so sorry-! It¡¯s just our sudden impulse-!¡¹

    ¡¸Please. I¡¯m begging you at least not that©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine if you understand. Now, please firmly remind everyone else too. That¡¯s the atonement that you all can do.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yeeees-!¡¹

    The girls only said that before leaving with loud footsteps.

    Only the Triad and Lux were left behind around the bench in the courtyard.

    ¡¸As expected everyone become boisterous when it¡¯s the end of the year. The number of people violating the rule is also increasing.¡¹

    ¡¸No, what rule¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected Lux felt that it was an exaggeration, but it was amazing how he was unable to completely deny it.

    ¡¸It was still better when Coral was here though. But the period of aide exchange is over already, now everyone is starving for boy.¡¹(Tillfur)

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really get it but, thank you for saving me, everyone.¡¹

    For now Lux said his thanks for getting saved from his predicament, but Noct shook her head slightly in front of him.

    ¡¸No. We were forbidden to speak, but actually this is Airi¡¯s instruction so that Lux-san won¡¯t be too burdened. Even though she looks like that, she is taking various things into consideration.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps it was just as expected, it seemed that Airi was worried about him in proportion of his recklessness.

    Especially the last time, although it couldn¡¯t be helped, he was completely too reckless. He had to make it up to her somehow.

    ¡¸But, was it okay to chase them away like that?¡¹

    ¡¸By okay you mean? Hohou. So Lux-kun actually wants to spend a night with those girls too. That means we have been acting impertinently.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi is also a boy after aall~¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I think I¡¯ll report to Airi that this is just her being too meddlesome.[

    ¡¸Wai-, you are wrong! Stop it!¡¹

    Sharis and Tillfur teased him with black smile, while Noct gave the final blow with a bland emotionless tone. It caused Lux to be flustered.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean. It¡¯s, if you three cracked down on everyone too much, your relationship with the surrounding will©¤©¤¡¹

    Hearing Lux¡¯s words, the Triad stared at him blankly with opened mouth for a moment, then they showed a somewhat creeped out expression.

    After that, Sharis smiled mischievously and poked on Lux¡¯s forehead.

    ¡¸What an exasperating junior. Even though you are shouldering that much by yourself, you are still worrying about us. It looks like a really drastic measure will be needed to treat this huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It seems that it¡¯s just as Airi instructed, it will be necessary to carry out that strategy.¡¹

    ¡¸Resolve yourself okay, Lux-chi. Don¡¯t think that you will be able to go through this one week from now leisurely.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Seeing the bewildered Lux, the three smiled mysteriously.

    It seemed that a disturbance would visit him before the holy night festival that might be the last chance for repose.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Now then¡­¡­. First, I should go looking how Yoruka is doing.¡¹

    Lux who received a memo from the Triad read the names of the members written there. He would look around for them.

    It seemed that the members whose name was written there couldn¡¯t call out to Lux until the holy night festival.

    Why did they do such thing?

    Lux was thinking about that, but this was the decision of the girls after they talked with each other.

    Perhaps it was so that they wouldn¡¯t hinder Lux¡¯s rest?

    Or perhaps they had another motive?

    The list of names that was written on the memo was the names of members who were intimate with him.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Yoruka, Airi, ¡­¡­Headmaster Relie.

    Under the management of the Triad, they wanted him to go met with those girls just once before the holy night festival.

    The accumulated chores for today were only simple helping out request from the students, so he finished several of them quickly while heading to Yoruka¡¯s location first.

    There was a small hospital ward called the aid room inside the Academy¡¯s ground.

    With how daily the Drag-Ride practice and battle with Abyss were, it was inevitable that injury would happen. Sometime there would even those who got seriously injured that they were sent home temporarily.

    But, very rarely there would also be those with special circumstance who couldn¡¯t go home.

    The aid room was for the sake of giving a place to live temporarily for such seriously injured people. Lux went there bringing flower and fruit.

    It went without saying that he went there to visit Yoruka who was seriously injured from the fight the other day. When Lux was going to open the door, he suddenly came to a stop.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Wait. Could it be, this flow©¤©¤¡¹

    Yes.

    Since he came to this Academy, he had met several flows of event where he made a blunder toward the female students.

    He mustn¡¯t casually entered a room with a girl inside.

    Especially Yoruka, she was dressed with high exposure rate even at normal time, now that she was injured and had bandage wrapped around her body©¤©¤there was a high possibility that she was totally naked wearing only bandage.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, just what am I thinking!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s heart was pounding hard from imagining that in his heart while carefully surmising the situation inside.

    This was Yoruka, he couldn¡¯t be assured with just knocking and her saying it was okay.

    After all she would surely invite Lux inside without reservation even if her skin was currently exposed, so he had to tell her beforehand to wear clothes properly.

    ¡¸Somehow, it feels embarrassing to meet Yoruka¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks was faintly blushing and he recalled their parting last time.

    ¨C

    ¡ºPerhaps, I am completely in love with Aruji-sama.¡»

    ¨C

    Her face that was talking with feverish breathing, her body glued on him, and then kissing him.

    Perhaps that was the first time anyone was able to see her human side, which was directed only to Lux. And because of that Lux himself now also saw her as human even more than before.

    Even though recently his feeling toward the other girls was also becoming stronger, getting such thing done to him in addition was completely unbearable.

    (Calm down, right now isn¡¯t the time for that. As a Seven Dragon Paladins, as Lisha-sama¡¯s knight, I have to concentrate in saving the new kingdom.)

    Lux took deep breath several times and calmed his heartbeat, then he knocked the door.

    ¡¸Yoruka? I came to visit©¤©¤are you awake?¡¹

    He called out, but there was no reply.

    Wondering if she was sleeping, he sharpened his hearing, but he couldn¡¯t hear anything like sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    He tried calling out several times but there was no reaction, so he opened the door slightly and peeked inside, but there was no one there.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    He thought that she was surely in complete bed rest because of her injury, could she be going to toilet?

    When he thought that, he saw the figure of a half-naked girl swinging Sword Device outside the window inside the room.

    ¡¸Aah, I see, she is practicing sword©¤©¤wait, what are you doing Yoruka!?¡¹

    Lux entered inside the room in panic, opened the veranda¡¯s window and got outside.

    Unbelievably, even though she had one arm broken, she was doing swinging practice.

    Or rather, wasn¡¯t she cold in this winter? Or perhaps she was warmed from moving her body? She had almost no clothes on her body.

    She only had bandage that was wrapping her chest and waist, making him felt some kind of indecent immorality from that appearance.

    When Lux rushed toward Yoruka, the black haired girl turned toward him smilingly.

    ¡¸My, do you have a business with me Aruji-sama? Even though I will come to you if you call me to be of assistance.¡¹

    Yoruka whose left eye was covered with an eye pad burst into a pure smile and turned toward him.

    In front of that highly exposed body, Lux was troubled of where to look.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s not it-! I won¡¯t think to make you do anything when you are injured like this.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it. The current me cannot be useful for Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka suddenly showed a lonely expression, so Lux¡¯s thought came to a halt.

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not what I mean¡­¡­. That¡¯s, even Yoruka right now, can become my strength©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸In other words, Aruji-sama visit me in order to make use of my body then. If that¡¯s the case I can be useful even if all I do is only laying down.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The words of the bewitchingly smiling Yoruka caused Lux to stiffen with a complicated expression.

    Or rather, he thought that she had become a little more human, but as expected Yoruka was Yoruka.

    She was missing two, or three screws in various place.

    ¡¸E, enough with that, you¡­¡­. Anyway let¡¯s return inside the room for now. The outside is cold, if you force yourself with your body in that state, your recovery will be slow.¡¹

    Lux lent Yoruka his shoulder while trying not to look at her body as much as possible and led her back to her bed.

    During that time, because her body that was exposing a lot of skin was glued closely on him, he felt the warmth and the softness of her breast and his heart was beating fast.

    Fortunately, the splints that were placed on the broken places didn¡¯t shift and it didn¡¯t look like they would need doctor¡¯s help.

    Lux who was relieved looked at Yoruka¡¯s body once more.

    As expected, it was a terrible injury just from looking.

    She was barely avoiding lethal injury, but not just broken bones and cuts, several spots were also bandaged because of bruises from physical blows.

    ¡¸You have to rest properly until you recover okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I will bear it in it mind.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded unexpectedly obediently with her usual smile.

    Most likely, she wasn¡¯t forcing herself intentionally.

    For her who was standing out in only fighting talent, she had nothing else to do.

    But, it was still too early for her to even go through rehabilitation.

    Thinking about Yoruka, perhaps he should think about something for her to do to kill time while resting.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, do you have interest in things like book? You will be able to kill time like that without moving your body.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m good at cutting old book.¡¹

    Yoruka responded to Lux¡¯s question with a bright smile.

    ¡­¡­Let¡¯s stop that.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, then how about chatting with friend or©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Aruji-sama¡¯s little sister brought several people to visit, but for some reason everyone ran away after a while. It was only Noct-san and little sister-san who was barely conversing with me.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    As expected because of her way of thinking that was peculiar©¤©¤or outrageous to speak badly, normal students couldn¡¯t keep up with Yoruka¡¯s flow.

    Or rather, it was hard even for Airi and Noct who had excellent skill in human interaction, so it could be easily guessed what would happen.

    Nevertheless, if he left Yoruka without being able to make any kind of suggestion like this, she might do something absurd while he wasn¡¯t aware.

    At their previous date, it seemed she was able to do fishing skillfully, but it didn¡¯t look like she held much interest to it that she would take it as hobby.

    After thinking what he should do, Lux suddenly remembered a certain thing.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, how about fashion? If I remember right, Airi has a catalogue of clothes.¡¹

    It was a hobby that was befitting girl of her age, and she would also be able to bring it up as topic to talk with girl around her age.

    In addition if there was Airi and Noct¡¯s cooperation, it was possible to do without her moving body too much.

    ¡¸Fashion, is it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. What do you think? If you look at the catalogue and order something, you can ask Airi or Noct for help in wearing them. Yoruka¡¯s usual black outfit is also pretty. I¡¯m interested seeing Yoruka wearing various clothes.¡¹

    Lux formed a plan to push her in that direction to make her stopped from being reckless.

    ¡¸I¡­¡­guess. If Aruji-sama wish for it, that too isn¡¯t bad. If I come up with various look, then the options for the night service will also increase©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, let¡¯s go with that. That¡¯s why, you must not act reckless anymore until your wounds are healed.¡¹

    Lux was unable to hear what she said in the end well, but Yoruka was unusually accepting, so Lux pushed for it.

    After the matter of her recuperation finished there, Yoruka unusually began a talk from her end.

    ¡¸On that subject, is there any problem with Aruji-sama¡¯s body?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t understand what Yoruka was suddenly saying and he tilted his head.

    ¡¸It¡¯s about the case of my incompetence. In order to save me, Aruji-sama was fatally wounded, and then revived from the brink of death due to the existence of Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That¡¯s right.

    Lux who received the slash of Shin SenjinTrue Battle Array from Singlen and Leciathan was dying and received help from Sacred Eclipse.

    Sacred Eclipse that was originally said it would lead the world to destruction.

    His memory was vague, but Sacred Eclipse once appeared to save someone.

    A member of the imperial family of ancient era called the Lord, Listelka Rei Arshalia only recognized it as danger that would destroy the world, but could it be that there was more to it?

    It concerned Lux, but that wasn¡¯t what Yoruka was concerned about.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama©¤©¤have you ever received Baptism like me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The secret medicine of ancient era, Elixir. By taking it in, the body would be strengthened due to astonishing vitalization effect and the user would ¡ºevolve¡» into an existence called NocturnePhantasmal Devil.

    The user¡¯s physical ability, senses, and even regenerative ability would become equal with AbyssPhantasmal Divine Beast, and they would display inhuman strength.

    But©¤©¤that strength was only forcefully drawn out from the body, it wouldn¡¯t last long.

    Not only that, when someone forced themselves too much while transformed into Nocturne, when they returned to normal they would use up their life force due to the backlash and died.

    At that time, Lux only got his wound healed without any change occurring in his body.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have any memory of receiving Baptism, but if I actually received it in the past, the devil transformation won¡¯t occur?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know that much. Baptism is a surgery to blend Elixir to a part of the body, but the process is accompanied by terrible pain. Even I who only got Baptism applied into a single eye was told by Hayes that normally only twenty percent would survive the procedure.¡¹

    ¡¸For now, I don¡¯t feel anything out of place in my body but©¤©¤¡¹

    Rather, his body¡¯s condition was great.

    Because he was continuously going through fierce battles since he became a member of Seven Dragon Paladins, fatigue was piling up inside him, but thanks to Elixir it felt like everything was recovered.

    If, there was some kind of strange secret in Lux¡¯s body©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­¡¹

    *Bzz* Lux¡¯s sight was covered with static like sandstorm and the sight of the aid room was erased.

    Again.

    Recently scenes of something that shouldn¡¯t exist in his memory would emerge at the back of his mind.

    If there was anything that felt out of place in his body, there was just that.

    ¡¸Aruji, sama?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn. No, it¡¯s nothing.¡¹

    Lux noticed Yoruka¡¯s voice calling him and he returned to his senses.

    In any case, he didn¡¯t understand anything fully about it in the current situation.

    ¡¸Then, do your best in the matter of fashion without forcing yourself okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I will consult with Noct-san and others so that I will be able to answer Aruji-sama¡¯s expectation.¡¹

    Lux left the aid room after receiving a favorable reply.

    For the time being it seemed he was able to handle his discussion with Yoruka well, so he sighed in relieve.

    He avoided staying for long and returned to his room temporarily. Next he would follow the memo and visited the girls who were his dear companions.

    ¡¸With this©¤©¤I have a rough idea of what present to give Aruji-sama.¡¹

    After Lux left, Yoruka made such mutter that was filled with implication and stared outside the window.

    Lux didn¡¯t notice three girls were standing watch from the garden ahead of her gaze.

    ¨C

    After parting from Yoruka, Lux finished two Academy chores in the afternoon©¤©¤and the evening arrived.

    The sun set faster due to the winter. Lux moved his legs toward the Academy¡¯s practice ground in order to meet Celis.

    He imagined that she was training in the practice ground like usual, but he only found the Triad in their pilot suit there looking completely exhausted.

    ¡¸Glad you could make it, Lux-chin. You are latee¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate, but the girl you set your sight on had returned to the girl dormitory.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. If it¡¯s Celis-senpai, she already bathed and returned to the girl dormitory.¡¹

    Tillfur, Sharis, and Noct returned an answer in turn before Lux asked.

    He understood that they guessed he was coming to visit Celis seeing how he came to the practice ground in this time.

    But,

    ¡¸Thank you. But, putting that aside©¤©¤everyone, what are you doing?¡¹

    The three were breathing hard while lying on the ground tiredly.

    Their fatigued state that was unthinkable from normal Drag-Ride training shocked Lux, but the three showed a smile of acting strong telling him he didn¡¯t need to be concerned.

    ¡¸It¡¯s great and all that the princess strengthened our Drag-Ride for us, but from there it¡¯s difficult to skillfully use EX-type Drag-Ride. Even with Celis¡¯s guidance, we aren¡¯t able to overcome this difficulty in a brief space of time.¡¹

    Sharis smiled while lying down on the ground with gasping breath all along.

    The Triad finally succeeded in wearing the reinforced type general purpose Drag-Ride also because of Lisha¡¯s tuning that matched the Drag-Ride to the three¡¯s body, but as expected it was difficult for them to use it well.

    And so, they trained with Celis till exhaustion.

    It was understandable.

    Not just in piloting Drag-Ride, Celis was also first class in fundamental stamina and mental concentration. And then she was even receiving severe special education in fencing and martial art since her childhood.

    It was to the degree that even the current Lux couldn¡¯t keep up with her training.

    ¡¸Now, we don¡¯t want our unsightly figure to be watched all the time. Go to where she is. Surely she is in her room already.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. But, is everyone alright? It will be cold if you three keep staying here like that©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux sent them a worrying gaze, but Sharis shook her head powerlessly.

    ¡¸We will accept just your feeling. There is no way we whose role is to manage the pact of those girls can do any transgression.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­.?¡¹

    ¡¸Aaa! Geez Sharis, that is a secret agreement you knoow!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Anyway we are alright, so go to Celis-senpai¡¯s place.¡¹

    Tillfur lost her composure hearing Shari¡¯s mysterious sentence.

    Noct put that aside and told him that blandly while still laying down.

    ¡¸I, I get it. Everyone, don¡¯t force yourself too much.¡¹

    Lux said that while tilting his head in puzzlement, then he headed to the girl dormitory.

    He headed to the floor of the third years, but he was nervous because there were a lot of female seniors around there.

    He knocked the room of Celis where she should be alone right now, but there was no reply.

    Lux wondered whether she was away, but there was a presence inside.

    When he twisted the door knob and opened it, Celis was standing inside in her uniform.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, in the end I couldn¡¯t deny it. I also wish to obtain the chance to give him present. As the captain, being infatuated in this period of time is something that I oughtn¡¯t to do, I understand that but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai?¡¹

    Was she doing monologue like usual when she had no one to talk to?

    It looked like there was no cat, bird, or even flower in front of her, but he also couldn¡¯t see anyone else.

    When Lux called out while feeling such anxiety, Celis turned around in panic.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Lu, Lux!? Since where you are there? It¡¯s not permitted entering the room quietly like that!¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry. There was no reply even when I knocked so©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux apologized while smiling wryly. In respond Celis¡¯s cheeks reddened.

    Perhaps he should say as expected, she was usually awe-inspiring, but this side of her was lovely.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, is senpai worried about something? I will listen if senpai is alright with me though?¡¹

    Yes.

    He came here in order to check on Celis.

    For some reason the girls wouldn¡¯t call out to Lux until the day of the holy night festival, so he was going to call out to them one by one and check on them instead.

    ¡¸N-, no! Rather than worry, this is a part of my self-tempering so¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux thought that her figure which immediately acted strong was lovable.

    ¡¸Is that so, -wait, looking closer isn¡¯t there a mirror on the wall!? Is Celis-senpai finally starting to talk to yourself now!?¡¹

    ¡¸Sa, saying it like that is not permitted-! That make it sound like even a doll won¡¯t listen to me talking!¡¹

    Could it be she was finally starting to talk to her other self because she had no partner to open her heart to about her worry?, Lux thought, but it seemed that wasn¡¯t it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, this is just a rehearsal. In order to convey my own opinion when the time come©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be, it¡¯s about the aide work?¡¹

    Celis was serving as the aide of Lux who was a member of Seven Dragon Paladins that were the representatives of each country in the world alliance.

    During this time for a while there would be no direct battle and a lot of war council instead. As long as the standoff with Soffice Xfer was continuing, there would be a lot of chance of conference still.

    And then, the new kingdom that had one of the remaining Ruins that hadn¡¯t been liberated within its territory would surely be put in predicament.

    At that time what matter wouldn¡¯t be just fighting strength, but also the skill in making speech at meeting. She must be trying to become Lux¡¯s strength in such time too.

    Although, he also felt like the content of her speech just now seemed different from that.

    ¡¸That too. My forte is in individual fight, but from strategic point of view, I still cannot be called as satisfactory, so although I don¡¯t think that the disadvantageous situation of the new kingdom can be overturned, but if I learn about the history and force of each country, even I might be able to be of slight assistance for Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s the matter Lux? Did I say anything stra©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No. I¡¯m just thinking, that Celis-senpai is amazing as expected.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression loosened into a smile while he formed those words.

    Even though it was already splendid even with her just playing active role enough as the strongest Drag-Ride of the Academy, and as an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins, she was thinking further than that and polished herself.

    Such continuous thick effort wasn¡¯t something that anyone could do.

    ¡¸But, please don¡¯t force yourself too much. It might not be suitable to say this in this time of emergency but, Celis-senpai too has become able to consult with your surrounding little by little.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­, that¡¯s, Lux is unfair. Even if I am told that by you who is forcing yourself harder than anyone else, there is no persuasiveness in it.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I too have no such awareness though¡­¡­¡¹

    While saying that, he rethought himself that certainly it might be so if it was in the meaning of forcing oneself.

    As expected, both of them might be similar.

    ¡¸Then, this is a rare chance, how about we take a breather after this? It¡¯s a good timing that I have just finished with my chores for today.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so!? Then I have a place that I wish to see©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis unusually made a suggestion, which Lux accepted.

    With thick outfit to keep out the cold and tea pot in hand, they headed to the rooftop of the girl dormitory.

    Under the cold weather, the two stood side by side on the rooftop space.

    ¡¸This place©¤©¤I found it in the past. When my worry piled up without me being able to tell anyone, I often pondered alone here.¡¹

    It seemed that there was no cloud today, they were able to look up at the night sky that was sprinkled with stardust.

    The ultramarine sky with transparent atmosphere was a scene that somehow made the heart to be fired up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s, beautiful.¡¹

    It was a flowery word that was really trite, but Lux couldn¡¯t think of any other word.

    It wasn¡¯t just beautiful, it felt like this sky and starlight cleared the heart and made one¡¯s own existence to stand out in the dark©¤©¤such thought was coming and going.

    That they were just a tiny existence after all.

    That even with that understanding, the light of their life was burning like the stars.

    Celis was letting out a white sigh beside him while looking up to the sky with a quiet smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­, you don¡¯t need to worry. I¡¯m also changing little by little.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s about the training. Recently the Triad said that they want to become strong and accompany my training. From there it¡¯s transmitted to the other members of Syvalles too. They will be tired and finish up in the middle, but right now I¡¯m already able to open my heart to everyone more than the past. I am able to convey my true self.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lux is visiting me like this because you are worried about that isn¡¯t it? Though it¡¯s a bit pathetic that a junior is worrying about my interaction with other people.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, I feel happy that you come to meet me right now. For me who was fighting alone all this time, I never thought that having someone who will let me to rely on them will be this pleasant.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He watched from the side the face of Celis who was watching the star while sipping the tea they brought.

    The dignified face of the girl that was illuminated by faint light looked really beautiful.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Then, cold wind blew at that timing that caused Lux to shiver.

    Celis who saw that immediately took her own muffler, got closer to his side and wrapped it around his neck.

    ¡¸Ce, Celis-senpai!?¡¹

    ¡¸Thi, this is-¡­¡­I have no ulterior motive! It will be me failure as yo, your aide, if you catch a cold in the middle of the standby-¡¹

    Even though her tone was disordered and her cheeks reddened, she leaned closely at Lux¡¯s side with a resolute tone.

    And so, Lux couldn¡¯t think of any other option than to accept her words.

    (No wait, her chest is inadvertently touching¡­¡­)

    Celis¡¯s breasts that were bulging out greatly inside her uniform were touching him with her this close.

    The soft elasticity that was distinctive even through the thick clothes was making Lux¡¯s heart to beat fast. Celis who didn¡¯t notice that smiled.

    ¡¸As I thought¡­¡­, it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s sudden muttering caused Lux to tilt his head.

    Then this lovable older aide continued her words with gentle smile.

    ¡¸The me in the past continued to work hard due to my sense of duty. In order to make up for my failure toward my teacher Wade-sensei©¤©¤your grandfather, I tried to act righteously so I won¡¯t make a mistake¡­¡­¡¹

    That was the Celis before meeting Lux and opening her heart.

    She performed steady effort as the eldest daughter of one of the four great nobles, and as a Drag-Knight from her strong sense of duty that was too strong and her past trauma.

    ¡¸My hard work at that time was difficult but comfortable. Because when I am absorbed with training, when I¡¯m acting righteously following the norm, I¡¯ll be able to forget my own sin.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Strictly speaking, Celis¡¯s sin didn¡¯t exist since the start.

    There was no one who could find fault in the matter of Lux¡¯s grandfather speaking about the old empire¡¯s wrongdoing.

    Lux meeting unhappiness as the result was something that couldn¡¯t even be imagined, and the event that resulted from that was nothing more than a mere coincidence.

    ¡¸Yes. But now, I¡¯m not looking for such comfort from doing training. Because I was able to find a reason to advance forward that is more important than that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Saying that, Celis kept leaning closely beside Lux while sending him a gaze that was overflowing with gentleness and warm passion.

    ¡¸It¡¯s thanks to you, Lux. When I am working hard because I want to be a senpai that you can respect, to be an aide that you can rely on, I realized that it¡¯s an objective that is worth doing. That¡¯s why, I can open my heart with everyone else too, including the Triad. I¡¯m grateful, really©¤©¤I¡¯m glad, being able to meet you in this Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice sounded comfortable, and her smiling face looked happy.

    The moment he saw it from this close, *throb*, the pulse of Lux¡¯s heart jumped and his blood flow quickened.

    He was happy.

    He had no place to belong in the old empire, he desperately worked hard to be recognized, and lived until now as the chore prince. Such him was being told those words right now.

    His chest was filled with emotion to the brim. He couldn¡¯t speak any word.

    Even though he came because he was concerned with Celis, it was him instead who was getting encouraged.

    He felt grateful at such existence of Celis, at the same time warmth was filling his heart.

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­it¡¯s me who is really thankful. Please support me for these two months until the matter of Sacred Eclipse is settled.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­not permitted.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux completely thought that she would immediately nod in agreement, so he was spontaneously flustered with this reply.

    But, he noticed her true intention after seeing her side face that looked sulky and he hurriedly corrected himself.

    ¡¸Err, please take care of me from here on too all the way.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes, I permit it. Please allow me to act as your senpai.¡¹

    Seeing her abruptly smiling caused Lux to watch in fascination.

    His distance with Celis became close and a feeling that was like an impulse welled up inside him.

    But then, Celis cut off her word momentarily and she silently stood up from that spot.

    She formed a smile that looked frustrated and a bit regretful, then she continued.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s meet again later Lux. I, if I continue like this, it¡¯s, that will be betrayal to everyone else.¡¹

    ¡¸Betrayal, what do you mean©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that is a secret! E, even I have something that I cannot tell Lux. If it¡¯s a promise with those girls, who are harboring the same feeling¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux tilted his head at Celis¡¯s flustered tone.

    Could it be, this was related with the so called ¡ºpact¡» that the Triad mentioned?

    ¡¸I give you that muffler as the present to you for the holy night festival. Then, excuse me.¡¹

    After exchanging only those words, the two returned from the rooftop to the girl dormitory and parted from each other.

    Lux took a deep breath alone and looked up to the night sky from the window in the corridor.

    Thanks to Celis, the wall inside Lux himself was broken.

    Because of that, he was able to understand that the good will of the girls was surpassing mere friendship and respect.

    He merely didn¡¯t say it because he couldn¡¯t relax his focus in this time where the world was in the brink of danger.

    However©¤©¤if this battle was over.

    If they were able to overcome the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸I have to, give my answer huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux returned to his room after muttering that alone.

    The stars were continuing to shine above the dormitory even with its light off.

 Volume 12 - CH 2

    ¨C

    And then the next morning.

    After waking up Lux washed his face and headed to the dining hall. There Headmaster Relie was waiting.

    He was told that she wanted to stop doing Academy chores for a while and focused in helping with the holy night festival.

    By the way it seemed that the Academy put much effort into the festival, from outfits to be used as costume, until things like material transport and construction using Drag-Ride where the citizens would file a complaint if they found out about it.

    In the end was this Academy really alright?

    Lux who was anxious about the defense aspect of the Academy asked Relie whether there was anything that he should do, but what came back to him along with a smile was the next sentence.

    ¡ºIf it¡¯s about insuring the evacuation route of the citizens as well as the strengthening of the monitoring in the area around the rampart, we have already cooperated with the mayor since a long time ago. You see, this kind of things will be too late already if you need to suddenly worry about it.¡»

    That might be a sound argument.

    Since the danger of Ruins was increasing, the defense in Cross Field was also increased starting from a few months ago. In the first place any hasty effort would bound to fail against that Moon and two Ragnarok.

    It would also be troubling if the current war situation was known and the people panicked, so this was the best they could do right now.

    By the way, soon the members of Seven Dragon Paladins would be sent to the Academy from each country in turn one by one.

    The remaining Ruins hadn¡¯t been liberated, so reinforcement would be sent every few days to the new kingdom and Ymir Theocracy that had large chance to be targeted. In the case of the new kingdom, the place that was used as the base was Cross Field.

    ¡¸Oops, more importantly, I have to check the condition of everyone else©¤©¤¡¹

    After parting with Relie, Lux recalled his own task.

    Just when he thought there was something out of place, right now because of the so called mysterious ¡ºpact¡», Lisha and others wouldn¡¯t call out to him until the holy night festival except when it was an emergency.

    (Usually it was always noisy, so this feels lonely as expected.)

    There were times when it was troubling that he was surrounded by too many people, but Lux reconfirmed once more that it was fun even then.

    Because Krulcifer was also an aide in Ymir Theocracy that was similarly in danger like the new kingdom, she would only return to the Academy from the afternoon today.

    Then the available choices were to check on Lisha, Philuffy, or Airi.

    For now he was thinking to visit on Lisha who was highly likely to be at the Drag-Ride¡¯s atelier, it was at that timing©¤©¤the female students at the courtyard called out to him.

    ¡¸Heey, Lux-kun. Can you do something about that?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. She is your fellow Seven Dragon Paladins right?¡¹

    ¡¸Err©¤©¤, ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who saw that way became speechless seeing the bench over there.

    A person with unique look that was like a mix of merchant and alchemist outfit.

    That person was a petite girl with distinctive orange hair that was styled into circle shape and mature smile.

    The owner of the great conglomerate that managed the biggest company in the world, and a Drag-Knight who was the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca Zen Vanfrick was there.

    Different from the vice captain Singlen, she wasn¡¯t hostile against Lux, but she was a difficult girl in a different sense.

    ¡¸Wait, what are you doing here Captain Magialca?¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, you are an impolite guy despite being a former prince aren¡¯t you? Even though I showed myself in the Academy with great trouble, how about you pour me drink?¡¹

    She was coming on him, which was as expected in a sense.

    Or rather, looking closer she was drinking alcohol from the afternoon and got drunk.

    Guessing from the rich fragrance overflowing from the glass, she must be drinking really expensive and old wine.

    ¡¸You are asking me what I am doing? What an abrupt greeting. The treatment of Rosa Granhide who you beat up black and blue was finished, so I came here to give the permission for treating your woman, and yet this is what I got.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head toward Magialca¡¯s statement that was quite incomprehensible.

    Then, Magialca whose cheeks reddened from her drunken state brought her body closer toward Lux slowly.

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you doing!?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn. You are free anyway, so I¡¯m thinking to test your body. If you don¡¯t like it then try to slip away from me.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    In fact, even when drunk she locked his arm precisely and he was unable to move.

    There was also the fact that she was Philuffy¡¯s master and an expert of martial art. He wasn¡¯t her match unarmed.

    In addition Magialca empty hand was intentionally caressing Lux¡¯s chest and stomach. His skin shuddered with itchy sensation.

    ¡¸My, even Lux-san cannot win©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What should we do!? Should we call the Triad!?¡¹

    ¡¸Aa! What a thing! But, if we leave from here, we might overlook various things©¤©¤¡¹

    On the other hand, the female students who called him here were saying such thing from afar.

    ¡¸Wait, everyone from before are hiding while watching this way!¡¹

    When Lux was in despair at the female students who turned into curious onlookers, a single girl suddenly approached this way from the opposite direction with brisk pace.

    ¡¸Eh? Phi-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Long time.¡¹

    His childhood friend greeted him with happy emotion faintly oozing out even within her expressionless face.

    Her soft pink hair, and her voluptuous chests that were obvious to see even from above the uniform.

    Her face that vaguely had trace of childishness remaining in it. She stood up in front of Lux and Magialca.

    But, due to the battles when they infiltrated inside Heiburg Republic and near the Babel previously.

    Her body was burdened too much due to the deadly battle against the King of Vices Calensia Hersmice, so she should be recuperating for a while, but.

    ¡¸No wait, Phi-chan. There is also your body to consider, but is it okay for you to come toward me?¡¹

    It seemed that the girls right now were deciding to not come into contact with Lux from their own end because of the so called pact, with the exception when it was a battle or special situation, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. Saving Lu-chan is my job.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was saying that she was volunteering to guard Lux.

    In other words this situation seemed to be a special expeption to save Lux from Magialca.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this, good grief, even though I¡¯m thinking that I can enjoy a good man after so long. Can¡¯t be helped, I will yield this time to my disciple and go drinking outside.¡¹

    Magialca said that and stood up from the bench and let go of Lux.

    But, when she was going to separate from him, she quickly whispered with a small voice into his ear.

    ¡¸Leave your schedule open for the night, it feels like there will be a chance to call for you.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Those words surely were said not as individual but as the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Magialca showed him a grin that was filled with implication before she left.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. You alright?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yep. I¡¯m fine.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, come over here. I want you to help out, with the outfit for the costume party.¡¹

    Like that, he responded to Philuffy¡¯s invitation and went to look at how the preparation of the holy night festival was going.

    Somehow it felt like he was completely called out by Philuffy but©¤©¤was this fine?

    ¨C

    ¡¸Captain Sharis, is that acceptable?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, just barely. It¡¯s a fact that she saved Lux-kun from a predicament, that need to be taken into consideration. Either way Lux-kun also hadn¡¯t gone to meet her anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Then I¡¯ll count that as a visit from Lux-san.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was feeling exasperated at the Triad who were whispering secretly behind cover while heading toward the school building¡¯s special area.

    There, the headmaster Relie welcomed him with a smile and let him entered inside the parlor.

    There was sweet smell drifting from the kitchen at the side where sweets seemed to be baked.

    Amidst that, he talked casually with Relie about the trend of the situation in Cross Field.

    ¡¸Even like this I am entrusted with this Academy. I¡¯m continuously having meeting with the mayor and officials of the capital you know? There is no doubt that the upper echelons of the new kingdom are really nervous.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, as I thought©¤©¤no wait, what¡¯s with that appearance!?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, this is the rehearsal for the costume tournament. I am also participating. In any case, don¡¯t you think it really suit me?¡¹

    Relie was putting on a witch hat and completely black costume on the sofa.

    The chest area had deep cut applied, giving her bewitching charm that was really like a witch.

    Beside her was Philuffy wearing rabbit ears hair band while snacking sweets.

    There was a ribbon on her chest while black cloth was clinging tightly on her body like pilot suit. Her back and legs were boldly exposed.

    It was suggestive, but at the same time the outfit also emphasized cuteness which really suited her.

    Coupled with the presence of her big breasts which was her trait, Lux was troubled of where to look.

    ¡¸No wait, even the headmaster, just what are you thinking!? As expected that appearance is a problem isn©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸My? You are not only interested to the little sister, but even to the big sister too? Geez Lux-kun, you are a no good kid aren¡¯t you. Eh eh.¡¹

    Relie poked on Lux¡¯s back with a smile that was completely getting carried away.

    While the troubled Lux stiffened, the rabbit eared Philuffy poured him herb tea from the side.

    ¡¸Onee-chan. It looks like she get a bit of stress piled up, so endure it.¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that right¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly surrounded by the sisters of Aingram conglomerate.

    Sweets with fresh cream that had fruits mixed in, cookie with herb kneaded in, the hap of Philuffy¡¯s special pancake, and so on.Lux was eating the trial sweets that would be distributed in the holy night festival while spending peaceful time with Philuffy and Relie.

    Lux was treated as guest and sat down on the sofa of the parlor. Then he suddenly saw the back of Philuffy who was brewing replacement tea.

    ¡¸My, Lux-kun. Where are you looking at? Well, Phi is too cute so it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸Relie-san. Are you drunk already¡­¡­? Tha, that¡¯s not it, I¡¯m just thinking that Philuffy¡¯s body is beautiful©¤©¤. There is not even any trace of wound or after effect.¡¹

    Certainly Philuffy¡¯s tight and white back was charming, but that wasn¡¯t what Lux was feeling concerned about.

    In the deadly battle in Heiburg Republic, Philuffy said that the remaining power of Yggdrasil¡¯s seed in her body was released.

    She reinforced her body using a part of Yggdrasil that possessed the power of ¡ºreinforcement¡».

    She even used a drastic move that applied it even to the Divine Drag-Ride Typhon she was wearing.

    Lux thought that she would be unable to return to battle for a while due to its aftereffect, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right©¤©¤. We didn¡¯t tell Lux-kun but, Philuffy was treated a little while ago.¡¹

    ¡¸Treated¡­¡­? You say?¡¹

    Was a treatment to heal the backlash from Abyss transformation existed in this world?

    ¡¸Do you remember about Ries Island? Kirihime Yoruka was imprisoned in the nearby solitary island. The hibernation pod she was sleeping in and the facility were something created from Ruin. What¡¯s more©¤©¤with those ancient technology it¡¯s possible to sleep without aging and even applying the surgery called Baptism.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Since she sided with us, using her testimony, I estimated the location and brought what I discovered back to the Academy. Of course this time I asked for permission from the new kingdom. And then after comparing and deciphering them with the material that Krulcifer-san brought, we activated the medical treatment system.¡¹

    ¡¸Since when, such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Just now, Magialca mentioned about Rosa¡¯s treatment, was it about this?

    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t a good plan to let the combat force of Seven Dragon Paladins to sleep with the threat of the remaining two Ragnarok.

    The system was used on Philuffy and Rosa, then it seemed Yoruka¡¯s turn would be next, but it appeared that the reuse of the hibernation pod took time, so it was in the middle of waiting.

    If it went well, Yoruka would also get healed in a few more weeks and then she would be able to fight again.

    ¡¸Phi¡¯s body that was transplanted with Abyss could be healed to some degree using that. But, in the end it¡¯s only the burden in the surface. But if, a healing device that is far more excellent than that pod is lying inside Avalon then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then it might be possible to perfectly heal even Philuffy¡¯s body!?¡¹

    Lux bit at Relie¡¯s words with a loud voice.

    Because if Yggdrasil¡¯s seed that was taking root in the heart could be removed, that would be like something from a dream.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know, But perhaps, it¡¯s impossible to cure this completely. After all a part of Phi¡¯s body already share the same function. But, perhaps it will be possible to remove the majority of bad influence of Abyss body part and the interference to the mind.  She might be able to return to a body that is almost no different from human in reality without getting influenced by horn flute anymore©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m back.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy who arrived bringing another helping of tea put a tray with cups on it on the table.

    After that, she sat beside Lux and looked up at her big sister with a dissatisfied expression.

    ¡¸I hate, Onee-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Philuffy told that with her usual bland tone and absentminded expression.

    Relie who saw that went pale and made excuse.

    ¡¸Yo, you misunderstand Phi, this is, you see, I was only talking about possibility©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You promised, to not tell that to Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Err, Phi?¡¹

    *Puih*, Philuffy looked aside still with her blank face. Seeing that, Relie was sweating from her forehead and fell silent.

    ¡¸Tha, that, then Onee-chan has work to do, so let¡¯s break up for now¡­¡­¡¹

    Like that she was showing an expression of despair while leaving the room.

    Because Philuffy was stubborn despite her appearance, she must have guessed that anything she did would be pointless when it had become like this.

    (Or rather, is it okay for the headmaster to leave the headmaster office¡­¡­?)

    Lux couldn¡¯t help but felt pity seeing that figure leaving with sunken shoulders while still wearing witch costume.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I brought, more tea.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right¡­¡­thank you.¡¹

    When Lux returned to his senses, Philuffy was giving him another helping of tea.

    But, a few seconds later, Lux asked the thing that bothered him.

    ¡¸That, can I ask what made you angry to Relie-san just now?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy was staying silent beside Lux in her rabbit costume with its high exposure rate.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like, I¡¯m feeling it¡¯s painful or anything, you know?¡¹

    His childhood friend answered like usual with her own pace, expressionless face, and pure golden pupils.

    ¡¸Abyss is mixed inside my body, but I¡¯m all right. I don¡¯t want Lu-chan to meet even more danger than this. I¡¯ll be many times happier, from being able to stay together.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    This time it was Lux¡¯s turn to be speechless from Philuffy¡¯s words.

    ¡®I see.¡¯ He thought, he noticed the meaning of her exchange with Relie just now a bit late.

    Relie didn¡¯t say it directly but, she wanted Lux to pursue the possibility that Philuffy would be able to return to normal using the ancient technology of Avalon.

    If he obtained great achievement as Seven Dragon Paladins, the reward from the Lords would also increase.

    The benefit of that ancient technology and legacy could be obtained through the new kingdom, but if he could also become the central figure in the effort to reach Avalon, the right to be able to obtain reward would increase.

    Relie didn¡¯t speak it clearly, but she was convinced that if she talked about it, then Lux would do his best to make it happen.

    But©¤©¤Philuffy didn¡¯t want Lux to do reckless thing in order to save her.

    Previously, he tried to save Yoruka and almost lost his life.

    She must be telling Relie to not tell Lux about this matter so that he wouldn¡¯t brave danger.

    That was why, Philuffy was angry at Relie who was telling Lux about that while she was away from her seat.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He understood Philuffy¡¯s feeling.

    He also understood the feeling of her who was always staying close to him and supporting him.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, make up with Relie-san later okay?¡¹

    Lux smiled quietly while saying that.

    ¡¸Because, I¡¯m happy being told that there might be a way that can heal Phi-chan¡¯s body.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­This is wh, I don¡¯t want Lu-chan to know.¡¹

    Philuffy puffed up the cheeks of her expressionless face looking somewhat displeased.

    ¡¸But, Phi-chan don¡¯t need to be bothered about it. Because, I¡¯m happy that it¡¯s still possible for Phi-chan¡¯s body to get better. I can think that it¡¯s great I became Seven Dragon Paladins just from thinking that.¡¹

    When Lux made a smile saying that, beside him Philuffy softly pulled Lux¡¯s body closer.

    She embraced Lux with a very natural but gentle movement.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, hasn¡¯t changed.¡¹

    A voice that was fluffy like sweets tickled Lux¡¯s ear.

    The sensation of breasts that were sweetly pressed on him caused his heart to beat fast.

    But even that emotion was painted over his feeling toward her that was filling his heart to the brim.

    ¡¸Then, I will also fight again. This time for sure, so Lu-chan won¡¯t be too reckless.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Let¡¯s do our best together, Phi-chan.¡¹

    Even if it would be dangerous, he wanted her at his side. Lux¡¯s feeling when he gave her the sword belt of Sword Device didn¡¯t change even now.

    They treated each other as the foremost, and for the sake of the other they would even force themselves. From the beginning they didn¡¯t even think that they were forcing themselves.

    They were fellow similar people in that aspect.

    Lux¡¯s heart was healed just by being at her side like this just like when they were children.

    It was mysterious that he didn¡¯t notice until now©¤©¤no, actually he had noticed since the past.

    That he was harboring an emotion that was more than simply being childhood friend or friend toward her.

    The existence who saved him from solitude, the girl who became his first friend.

    Him being a criminal of the old empire, and the feeling of indebtedness of being unable to save her caused him to keep down that feeling all this time, that was all.

    (If I don¡¯t decide before the battle against Sacred Eclipse is finished¡­¡­)

    If Philuffy¡¯s body could be healed by the technology of Avalon.

    If that feeling of indebtedness disappeared from Lux¡¯s heart.

    At that time©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, Phi-chan. Let¡¯s meet again at the holy night festival.¡¹

    After spending nostalgic time for a while, Lux parted from Philuffy and exited the headmaster room.

    After telling Relie who was unsteadily wandering outside the room that Philuffy wasn¡¯t angry anymore, she returned inside while dancing boisterously.

    ¡¸Even so, hibernation pod in the island where Yoruka was sleeping huh¡­¡­. Based on the situation perhaps at first it was brought out from the Ark.¡¹

    It was Relie¡¯s achievement of bringing that Ruin¡¯s facility until the Academy, but a certain person should be involved with it to uplift it until a level where it was possible to be used.

    Next he would head to where Krulcifer was at the afternoon in order to say his thanks about it.

    The place was at the underground room of the Drag-Ride hangar.

    He went to that place that was originally forbidden to enter.

    ¨C

    When he opened the door using the key he received from Headmaster Relie, a beautiful woman who was like a fairy turned around.

    ¡¸What a shame. Even though Lux-kun finally visited me, we have to talk while standing in a place without elegance like this.¡¹

    The one who said that with a smile while brushing up her blue hair was the daughter of a count from Ymir Theocracy, Krulcifer.

    Right beside her was a metal box that was making working sound *gogon¡­¡­*©¤©¤the hibernation pod was shining.

    From Lux¡¯s point of view, it was a huge coffin that was put diagonally.

    The lid part was made from transparent glass so people outside could grasp the healing progress that was being done inside.

    When Lux was injected with Elixir from Sacred Eclipse, he felt like there was something similar like this within the scene he witnessed.

    ¡¸Thank you Krulcifer-san. For making it possible to use this.¡¹

    ¡¸Half of it is thanks to your little sister you know? She helped a lot with the deciphering of the method to use the simple parts, though the rough deciphering was done in the Hall.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Lux nodded in comprehension.

    Krulcifer¡¯s homeland, Ymir Theocracy.

    Inside the fourth Ruin, Hall that existed there was an archive. She searched for the manual of how to use hibernation pod there and translated it.

    Krulcifer was a Key¡¯s Supervisor, and she was able to perform that feat by ordering the Ruin¡¯s Gear Leader, Ney Louches, but at the surface it was made to look like Airi was the one who deciphered the manual.

    The matter of hibernation pod¡¯s discovery and its usability was also reported to the world alliance, Seven Dragon Paladins, and also the Lords, but the detail of the process was concealed.

    Due to the tense situation with Soffice who was managing the seventh Ruin, Moon, if it was exposed that Krulcifer was secretly contacting Ney, then they wouldn¡¯t know what kind of trouble it would bring.

    And then now that Philuffy¡¯s treatment was over, Heiburg¡¯s representative, Rosa Granhide was entering the pod for the sake of the coming battle but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Can I ask you to not stare so hard to her nakedness? I have known already that Lux-kun is a boy without integrity though.¡¹

    ¡¸Yo, you¡¯re wrong, I¡¯m not! That¡¯s, I wasn¡¯t looking because of such thought©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux averted his eyes in panic after Krulcifer¡¯s mischievous whisper.

    ¡¸Is that really true? Somehow it looks like the way you look at us recently has also changed after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t deny that.

    Or rather, one reason of that was also because of the strong approach of the girls so he wanted to object, but it felt like he would be teased even more if he did that so he stopped.

    There was no way Lux could win against Krulcifer in the exchange between man and woman.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s leave the control of this place and go outside.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that alright?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, they also came here for that, and this is a visit from you that is rare to come by, so it will be a waste to end it with only a talk inside this kind of underground.¡¹

    ¡¸They?¡¹

    ¡¸Your vigilance is insufficient there. Because it¡¯s you Lux-kun, I thought you have noticed already but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux recalled something and turned around, at that moment sound came from outside the room.

    (As I thought, it¡¯s the Triad¡­¡­)

    Even while feeling half astonished, Lux thought that they would surely monitored this place while he and Krulcifer were away.

    After they got out of the underground of the hangar following Krulcifer¡¯s recommendation, they set out to the city by making use of the after school time.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Somehow, it feels like it has been really long since the last time we are walking in the city slowly like this.¡¹

    Lux along with Krulcifer watched the townscape wearing coat above their uniform.

    The fortress city with cross shape, Cross Field.

    The first block was located in the center of it.

    Even though he had walked here several times at his chore livelihood period, now it felt like it was different somewhere.

    Was it because there were only two months left until the estimated world destruction?

    Or perhaps, it was because for a while he was going around foreign countries and fought continuously?

    The townscape that should be familiar to him felt really nostalgic.

    ¡¸The new kingdom is warm even though it¡¯s also winter. It helps that we don¡¯t need to wear thick clothes.¡¹

    Krulcifer wrapped a scarf around her neck while talking with earnest tone.

    Because she was coming and going from new kingdom to Ymir Theocracy every week, she clearly understood the difference in weather between the two countries.

    As expected, even with Fafnir that possessed top class mobility, it took time to come and go between countries even if it was less than a day.

    Even Krulcifer who possessed overwhelmingly high Drag-Ride aptitude couldn¡¯t hold out if she didn¡¯t take rest.

    But even with that much trouble, Krulcifer said that she was glad she became Mel¡¯s aide in Ymir Theocracy.

    ¡¸As expected, Krulcifer-san understand the difference well isn¡¯t it? Like the air of Ymir Theocracy or something.¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. Until now I have never thought of such thing, but since I became closer with those people©¤©¤being able to open my heart to my family, and becoming friend with Mel, with my butler Alterize, and also with the Automaton Ney Louches, I understood really well.¡¹

    She paused her words for a moment, and turned a smile that seemed warm toward Lux.

    ¡¸I understood that Ymir Theocracy, the house of Einfolk, they are my birthplace. I can feel that every time I fought, crossed the point between life and death, and returned alive. If I kept living under the impression that I am shunned by my family, surely©¤©¤I won¡¯t be able to feel like this.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad. It¡¯s great that Krulcifer-san can say that now.¡¹

    Lux showed a relieved smile at her words.

    Then, Krulcifer smiled bewitchingly and brought her cheek closer to him.

    ¡¸Why are you talking like it is someone else¡¯s matter like that? All of this is also thanks to your cooperation right? You know, every time I return home Alterize is always noisy. She kept asking©¤©¤¡ºActually how much you have progressed with him¡».¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s because Krulcifer-san deceived everyone right!?¡¹

    Lux retorted in panic at Krulcifer¡¯s whisper that sounded like she was really enjoying it.

    However, now after some time had passed since then, he understood the meaning of her words.

    He understood that those weren¡¯t words that were simply a cover up for the search of fianc¨¦e.

    He understood that it was the wish of none other than Krulcifer herself.

    ¡¸I guess you¡¯re right. Hoewver for the time being there won¡¯t be any progress in that front until two more months©¤©¤until Sacred Eclipse is defeated. It¡¯s unfortunate, but after all it was me who first brought up about the pact to those girls.¡¹

    ¡¸The Triad also mentioned it but, what is that pact about?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s a secret. There are things that I cannot say even to you my benefactor. I made a promise with everyone else.¡¹

    How should he say it, he thought that Krulcifer was like always.

    She was always teasing and leading Lux by the nose in different form than the airheaded Philuffy.

    But, mysteriously this ticklish rapport of his with her felt pleasant.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, right now I¡¯m still going easy on you. But when the time come, I¡¯ll get serious on you again.¡¹

    ¡¸That feels scary somehow, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    Lux was trickling cold sweat at Krulcifer¡¯s smile that was filled with implication somewhere.

    While he was walking on the street with a conflicted expression, a female shopkeeper with wide girth suddenly called out to him.

    ¡¸Oh, isn¡¯t this Lux? What are you doing? You neglected guarding the princess and going on a date instead, even you cannot be underestimated eh.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­, long time no see, missus.¡¹

    It was an auntie of a restaurant that also helped with the stocking up in the period of holy night festival.

    Since Lux entered the Academy after chasing the cat that stole a pouch, he hadn¡¯t met her again but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸What are you saying? I have no plan to make you do any more chores. You protecting Cross Field and the new kingdom as a Drag-Knight of Syvalles is far more important. More importantly, are you hungry? You are finally here so have something to eat.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, let me accept your kind offer for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Oo! This is a nostalgic face! You are doing fine?¡¹

    When Lux entered inside the restaurant, a youngster of a farmer family who was sitting on a chair leaped on his feet.

    Next his coworker from a bar, then the son of blacksmith who happened to pass through also called out to him one after another.

    But, in contrast to Lux¡¯s expectation, they didn¡¯t ask him request to do chores and only gave him words of thanks for his periodical great efforts.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. I wonder if Lux-kun can let me experience your other birthplace too? I¡¯ll be happy if I can hear about the story from your chore livelihood period. I¡¯m interested in story like how Lux-kun wooed girls in bar or the like.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled with her eyes glinting sharply.

    It seemed she was trying to acquire more material to tease Lux with.

    ¡¸That, please go easy on me¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while together with Krulcifer he was exchanging talk with the nostalgic people he knew from the period when he was doing chores.

    The days of the past when he spent his time doing chores and got recognized by the citizens.

    The words of Krulcifer who said that it was his other birthplace remained in his ears.

    ¨C

    After spending peaceful time after so long, Lux parted with Krulcifer and headed to the government office building at the first block.

    Following the list that was given to him by Triad, he would visit Lisha next.

    He didn¡¯t hear it directly from Lisha, but he heard that she was practicing here for her greeting at the new year parade that would be held in the new kingdom. It made him unable to sit still after knowing that.

    Furthermore this time it seemed there would be an attempt to decorate the government office building with Drag-Rides for the holy night festival.

    Lisha was checking the display items for the sake of the final tuning.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama! Thank you for your hard work!¡¹

    Lisha was doing work on a high place by standing on a foothold that was constructed from wood material. Lux called out to her from right below.

    Then, Lisha who was concentrating got taken aback and she turned toward him in hurry.

    She was the princess of new kingdom with her red eyes that were like jewel and her blonde hair that was tied with side tail style as her distinctive trait.

    Her body build was small, but she was a girl who was containing blazing enthusiasm inside like a sun.

    Right now she was wearing her white coat that she was often wearing when developing Drag-Ride while performing tuning with Sword Device in one hand.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux-!? Why are you here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I prepared dinner, so how about taking a breather? I also brought Lisha-sama¡¯s favorite apple pie.¡¹

    The basket that he asked the restaurant to prepare was filled with warm rock so the dishes wouldn¡¯t be cold.

    But, it was still better to eat it while not much time had passed.

    Thinking that, Lux called out to her loudly, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second! No wait, as expected my current appearance is©¤©¤uwah!?¡¹

    She looked flustered about something while touching her own coat and face, after that she took a misstep and staggered from her foothold.

    Lux who saw that quickly put down the basket and kicked on the floor in a dash.

    Lisha was falling from the height of three or four ml. He splendidly caught her with both hands.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? O, oi Lux! Are you okay!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯m fine. Lisha-sama yourself©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I, idiot! It¡¯s dangerous if you suddenly call out right!? Besides you recklessly caught me like this, if you are injured©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry about my voice. But, it¡¯s only natural for me to save Lisha-sama. Even like this, I am Lisha-sama¡¯s knight after all.¡¹

    When Lux smiled at Lisha while still holding her in his arms, the cheeks of the new kingdom¡¯s princess flushed red and she averted her face shyly.

    ¡¸Good grief¡­¡­that¡¯s why this is no good. If you come showing your face suddenly, I can¡¯t help but getting shaken from happiness.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    She muttered that with a low voice, so he was unable to hear the last part clearly.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing-! More importantly the meal. If I don¡¯t wash my hand©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I also brought a towel to wipe your hands with, here.¡¹

    He put down Lisha and picked up the basket, then they sat on a bench that was a slight distance away from the workplace and they ate dinner together.

    Vegetable soup with stock from meat and bone.

    Sandwich with bacon and egg in between, apple pie as desert, and so on. After consuming those, they took rest.

    During that time, Lux stared at the Drag-Rides in display that Lisha was decorating and tuning.

    ¡¸Is this, Lisha-sama¡¯s work for the holy night festival?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, Haha-ue said that it will be a good symbol to convey my work to the people. She asked me whether I would be able to decorate the government office building with a Drag-Ride that I tuned.¡¹

    Lisha didn¡¯t only make conspicuous service as Drag-Knight, but she was also known to produce result with Drag-Ride development.

    Normally it couldn¡¯t be shown to the public to maintain secrecy, but this time  new type Drag-Rides would be put in display as special occasion.

    ¡¸Well, it can¡¯t be helped. After all there is really nothing else that is princess like from me. Although, it also won¡¯t look very good if it¡¯s just a simple decoration, so I also applied the blueprint of ancient document obtained until now and lined up things with unique shape.¡¹

    Lisha folded her arms looking proud.

    In front of Lux, three types of general purpose Drag-Ride, flying type Wyvern, land battle type Wyrm, and special equipment type Drake were lined up.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­? But this, their shape is different from normal?¡¹

    ¡¸As expected from my knight. You have good eyes.¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice in excitement at what Lux pointed out and bit at the topic.

    ¡¸They are normal Drag-Rides that I remodeled into special type. Something like this is also development, to be constantly progressing.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, as expected it will be bad to display the combined Drag-Rides here.¡¹

    When Lux enrolled at first, Lisha was already developing the Chimeratech Wyvern that was the combination of flying type and land battle type.

    Compared to that, the modification of these general purpose Drag-Rides wasn¡¯t really striking out. No, rather©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Or rather, will they move properly? Somehow rather than a single Drag-Ride, each of them looks like they are disassembled in various places©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸They will. Besides, those three Drag-Rides are only model in the end. My ¡ºnew type¡» that can be used in real battle is already placed in the underground of Drag-Ride hangar.¡¹

    Guessing from her confident smile, most likely she had finished something absurd that surpassed that Chimeratech Wyvern.

    These display items seemed to only lined up the middle result of the progress until she reached that development.

    ¡¸Well but, the truth is I¡¯m quite reluctant¡­¡­. Displaying my work like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Why?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head, Lisha looked up at the Drag-Rides with a despondent look.

    ¡¸After this the new kingdom will also raise tax. Recruitment for soldier is also inevitable with the recent consecutive battles, there is also the matter of compensation for borrowing soldiers from the four great nobles. The increased amount of military spending cannot be avoided.¡¹

    ¡¸So this display is for the sake of convincing the people for that?¡¹

    ¡¸It wasn¡¯t Haha-ue©¤©¤her majesty queen Raffi who said it. Though I don¡¯t know if it was the suggestion of Prime Minister Nulph or the man called Zagha of the four great nobles. The result of my research too, in the end it will be used for government promotion.¡¹

    The Drag-Rides of princess Lisha were lined up in display at the holy night festival that was originally a solemn event.

    The tax would be increased for the expansion of military spending, which would raise dissatisfaction and doubt from the people. For Lisha who had the thought of protecting the people of the kingdom at the forefront of her mind, this was a proposal for the sake of clearing up that negativity.

    It might be correct to call this as making use of the holy night festival for the sake of that.

    It might be inappropriate for Lux to say it, but this was something that often happened when moving the country.

    In fact the world was being in danger right now, so it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸That is not a strange thing. In fact Lisha-sama is making result both in research and also in battle.¡¹

    ¡¸I guess¡­¡­. It¡¯s just as you say. However, well, with this kind of work behind the scene as princess, a simple and stupid girl like me is thinking like this. Is this, not a betrayal toward the people?¡¹

    Lisha looked at the Drag-Rides and murmured.

    ¡¸If Lisha-sama is thinking until that far, then Lisha-sama is a splendid princess already.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s completely different with the old kingdom at my past. Besides, if that¡¯s what Lisha-sama is thinking, it will be fine if you just don¡¯t act like that.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s gave such advice to the wavering princess.

    ¡¸I, is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸It will be fine if Lisha-sama convey to everyone as much as possible what you are thinking about the present situation of the national politics. If you do that, surely her majesty and also everyone of Cross Field will understand.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. You¡¯re right.¡¹

    After hesitating slightly, hesitation cleared up from Lisha¡¯s expression.

    ¡¸Yosh! If that¡¯s decided, I¡¯m giving it extra effort. My bad but I¡¯ll have you help out too!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s my pleasure.¡¹

    Lux helped Lisha who had recovered her spirit and the tuning of the new type Drag-Rides for the display was finished.

    In the first place, it was just choosing things and than putting them on display, so it didn¡¯t take much time.

    Even though Lisha was in the middle of standby and this was ¡ºa work as princess¡», but seeing that she was one of the few Drag-Ride researchers who existed, the new kingdom didn¡¯t want to waste too much of her time with this.

    After finishing the work, a coach came to pick them up, so they got on it and returned to the Academy.

    Midway, Lux and Lisha were shook inside the coach while watching the night scenery of Cross Field that was decorated for the holy night festival.

    The people of this country didn¡¯t know about the danger of Sacred Eclipse.

    But, the information that the Ruins were getting active and the threat of Abyss was heightening was circulated, and yet for the atmosphere to be this peaceful was solely thanks to the new kingdom.

    The new kingdom military, Lisha, and many other people were protecting the country and secured safety, thanks to that the people could go through the holy night festival safely like this.

    Just that was enough for Lux to feel happy.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a beautiful sight isn¡¯t it, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. But©¤©¤I¡¯m a bit dissatisfied here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The cheeks of Lisha who until now looked like she was in good mood were slightly puffed up and she leaked out her complaint.

    ¡¸Why did you come visiting me in this kind of time huh? It¡¯s the truth that you helped me out but, that, if you come while I¡¯m doing nothing, I will be able to keep you company after dressing myself properly, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it unsightly when I¡¯m drenched with sweat and oil like this¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha averted her face shyly and caressed her own hair looking troubled.

    ¡®I see. Lux thought. He understood the reason why Lisha was panicked when he called her out at first and she lost her footing.

    From Lisha¡¯s point of view, she wished to meet Lux in beautiful appearance at the time when there was no work related to Drag-Ride.

    But, that was something completely irrelevant to Lux.

    He wasn¡¯t bothered by the smell of oil and metal that were used for tuning Drag-Ride.

    Even so Lisha was bothered with her own appearance that was like this while Lux was with her. That figure of her who was like that was lovable.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuah¡¹

    Lux reflexively reached out his hand and patted Lisha¡¯s soft blonde hair.

    Then, Lisha¡¯s eyes snapped open in surprise and she looked up at Lux with a dazed expression.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama isn¡¯t unsightly at all. The figure of Lisha-sama who is working hard as the princess of new kingdom, is really lovely, and cool.¡¹

    That was Lux¡¯s unvarnished true feeling.

    Just how many noble and royalty out there who were only showing their good side in the public?

    Just how many people like that who he had seen when he was staying at the internal of the old empire as a child?

    There was nothing nobler that being able to work hard, getting dirty and injured for the sake of someone else when there was nobody else watching.

    That was the ideal royalty that Lux wished to exist when his heart was pained by the old empire¡¯s despotic rule.

    And such ideal could be seen in the current figure of Lisha.

    ¡¸Eh? Lisha-sama¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux became concerned when she didn¡¯t reply. Looking closer, Lisha¡¯s mouth was staying open with flushed cheeks looking dazed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, not true.¡¹

    After looking dumbfounded for a few seconds, Lisha came back to herself suddenly and gasped, then she continued her words.

    ¡¸Even if, if you aren¡¯t by my side, I won¡¯t be able to have the courage to face the people of this country and everyone in the Academy as the new kingdom¡¯s princess. Even the Drag-Ride research, it was nothing more than an excuse for me to escape from the duty in front of me.¡¹

    Lisha spoke that to the finish and lifted up her face. She stared still on Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸I became able to face myself as a princess¡­¡­was thanks to you. Because Lux, you supported me.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha, sama¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Say, Lux. Even when this fight is over, will you©¤©¤¡­¡­no, it¡¯s nothing.¡¹

    Lisha suddenly was going to say something with low voice and a vaguely lonely look, but she faltered.

    After Lux stared at that with a serious face for a few moments, he nodded strongly and took the hand of this lovable small princess.

    ¡¸I will accompany you till the end. Please rest assured, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see¡­¡­wait, don¡¯t get too close. That¡¯s, because of the work, I¡¯m smelly right now right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? It¡¯s all right, there is also a bit of sweaty scent but, it¡¯s a nice smell so©¤©¤wait¡¹

    His tongue slipped.

    It was already too late when he noticed that. Lisha¡¯s face went red like a boiled octopus and she raised her voice angrily.

    ¡¸You¡¯re noisy shut up! A guy like you is just©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m really sorry-!¡¹

    After receiving Lisha¡¯s eruption for a while, the laughter of two people resounded inside the coach.

    The lighting of the city shining inside the night scenery was sparkling like jewels.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Lisha-sama is working really hard.¡¹

    After that, Lux who returned to the girl dormitory changed into his room clothes and relaxed.

    While he was going around various countries as Seven Dragon Paladins, during her exhausting work, Lisha wasn;t just developing Drag-Ride, she was also making proactive effort as rpincess.

    She had no conspicuous achievement at the surface, but whether it was the strengthening of Triad¡¯s Drag-Rides, or the repairing of Syvalles members¡¯ Divine Drag-Rides, she was undoubtedly doing great efforts behind the scene.

    ¡¸I too shouldn¡¯t only pay attention to the outside, but I have to become Lisha-sama¡¯s strength as a knight too¡­¡­¡¹

    He thought that he was really able to serve an ideal master.

    At the same time, he also noticed the fact that he was attracted in some level to her earnest figure.

    ¡ºSay, Lux. Even when this fight is over, will you©¤©¤¡­¡­no, it¡¯s nothing.¡»

    ¡¸There is no way¡­¡­right?¡¹

    He felt like that heartfelt sentence of Lisha was also filled with another emotion.

    That she wished him to be at her side supporting her forever from here on too.

    But, if that wasn¡¯t just Lux¡¯s misunderstanding, then after they escaped this predicament and liberated Avalon, Lux would©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right now isn¡¯t the time for that.¡¹

    He lightly tensed his face in front of the mirror and fired up himself once more.

    Although right now the situation was like a short break, he mustn¡¯t let his mind wander too much.

    He didn¡¯t know when this state of tension would be dissolved and they entered into a long deadly battle.

    He had finished visiting the girls.

    Yoruka who was heavily injured wouldn¡¯t be able to move for a while, but Celis, Philuffy, Krulcifer, and also Lisha.

    The girls who would become the cornerstone of the battle, their feeling were connected with him.

    After that, there was only one thing that worried him in a senses but©¤©¤.

    When Lux was absorbed into his thought like that, *knock knock* sound came from his door.

    ¡¸¡¯Sup Lux-chi, how¡¯s it going? The bath is empty y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you Tillfur.¡¹

    It was Tillfur of Triad who brought that notification with a friendly voice.

    Lux replied to her while showing her face from the room.

    ¡¸So, have you talked with everyone?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I have also met with Lisha-sama, then there is only one person left I think.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, then great timing. I also have to tell Noct then.¡¹

    Tillfur made a suspicious smile that seemed to have hidden meaning.

    When Lux made a puzzled face, Tillfur who read his expression answered him.

    ¡¸You seee, Noct consulted with me for a bit just now. Since the previous battle, Airi-chan seems strange y¡¯know. Like her heart is far away even though her body is here, looks like she got a lot in her mind.¡¹

    ¡¸Did, something happen?¡¹

    The traitor Key¡¯s Supervisor, Soffice Xfer kidnapped Airi previously. After that Airi returned safely but, she only said ¡ºNothing happened¡» when she was asked about the time she was taken away.

    (Come to think of it, she was also worried when she found the list of Holy Arcadia Empire.)

    Just as her external appearance suggested, Airi was a girl with calm and smart head, but she was exceptionally worrywart when it was regarding her only family Lux.

    (No, that¡¯s surely my fault I think¡­¡­)

    From Lux¡¯s point of view, him being greatly busy doing chores was something normal, him getting dragged into something troublesome and met danger was also something that couldn¡¯t be helped for him in that situation.

    But, from Airi¡¯s point of view, it only looked like that Lux was always being reckless that he almost died.

    In reality it was exactly like that, there was no room for argument.

    (But, just a bit more. Soon it will be over.)

    In order to stop the world¡¯s destruction, he couldn¡¯t declare with certainty that he wouldn¡¯t be reckless anymore.

    But, of course Lux didn¡¯t plan to die and leave behind Airi by herself.

    But, he had to have a heartfelt talk with her one more time for now.

    Lux was thinking such thing while opening the door to the large public bath and entered.

    When he went toward the washing place to shower with hot water and cleaned his body, he heard sound from beside the large marble pillar inside.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Strange.

    Based on what he heard from the Triad, this time should be fully reserved for him, and yet¡­

    (Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤intruder?)

    Lux immediately moved silently and held his breath.

    Normally it would be impossible, but if by chance there was assassin aiming for Lux¡¯s life, then it was different story.

    There was enough possibility that Dragon Marauder or the like would aim at him who was the Seven Dragon Paladins of new kingdom.

    In a sense Lux would always be together with someone else, but this bathing time was the short period where he would be alone and defenseless.

    In fact, he was leaving behind his Sword Device along with his clothes, so he would have no way to defend himself if he was targeted at this situation.

    It would be a different story if it was Yoruka who could even use a single razor as weapon but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa. It¡¯s already this late.¡¹

    At that time, he could hear a sigh from the opposite side of the pillar as though to back up Lux¡¯s conjecture.

    Lux who caught that voice got taken aback and peeked at the situation of the other side.

    (As I thought, there is someone! One person)

    If he was going to fight in this situation, he could only take the first move quickly.

    He had no other choice but to restrain the opponent¡¯s movement while they were searching for Lux.

    (Yosh©¤©¤)

    After taking several deep breath, Lux resolved himself.

    With a towel in one hand to bind the hands of the enemy, he gradually approached the other side of the pillar.

    Inside the steam that was like thick mist, that silhouette turned around to his way. In that instant, Lux moved.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t move-!¡¹

    Lux intentionally raised his voice threateningly in order to take the enemy by surprise.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Because he closed the distance and grabbed the opponent¡¯s arm, the true identity of the intruder became clear.

    Glossy silver hair fluttered and clear gray eyes snapped wide open in shock.

    That figure which looked like he was looking at a mirror for a moment©¤©¤exposed beautifully white skin color.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s thought crashed to a halt while his hand kept holding the girl¡¯s slender arm.

    That person was no one else than Lux¡¯s little sister, Airi.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Less than ten second after she raised a shrill scream, sounds of multiple footsteps from several girls came running.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong Airi-chan!? What happened!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­N, no, I¡¯m sorry for making commotion. I slipped and almost fell, that¡¯s all. I¡¯m fine now, I¡¯m not injured or anything.¡¹

    Saying that, Airi sent away her classmates who entered into the public bath.

    Lux was hiding inside the milky white hot water right nearby.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine already, Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Puhah!¡¹

    When Lux put out his head from inside the hot water, Airi averted her blushing face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please don¡¯t look this way. The next time you look, I will call people here for real.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. Sorry¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no way for Lux to object after he had in fact looked.

    Well, when Airi was still sickly, they often entered bath together, but as expected their figure now was different from the past.

    Regarding the degree of her chest¡¯s bulge, it didn¡¯t look like that place had grown much but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I will drown Nii-san if you think of anything improper.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing at all¡­¡­¡¹

    How did she read Lux¡¯s heart even though she was turning her back on him?

    Perhaps it should be said, as expected from a blood relative.

    However, due to Airi¡¯s compassion, he somehow avoided the sentence of getting thrust out before the dorm mother.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This must be Noct¡¯s doing. My translation work got dragged on for a bit, so I entered the bath alone this late.¡¹

    ¡¸I completely thought that an assassin or someone is sneaking inside¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸There won¡¯t be anything like that. Just what does Nii-san think your position is?¡¹

    When Lux told his excuse, Airi let out an exasperated sigh.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what do you mean¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux asked while they were keeping their back turned on each other.

    Then, an answer that was completely unexpected came back.

    ¡¸Recently, Nii-san¡¯s bathing time is monitored by the radar of Noct¡¯s Drake. After all it will be troubling if Nii-san is targeted while entering the bath alone and defenselessly with this fixed schedule.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s what is going on?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it was my personal request, but the headmaster has given permission. Besides Nii-san is too careless most of the time. Even though it¡¯s possible that spy like Saniya-senpai is sneaking into this Academy, what are you going to do without preparing any countermeasure for that?¡¹

    ¡¸Well¡­¡­you¡¯re, right.¡¹

    It seemed that Noct undertook the monitoring role in order to be alert of the enemy movement without stimulating the students by making the watch-keeping not too exaggerated but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait a second! Isn¡¯t that strange? Noct is noticing right now that I and Airi is together here right?¡¹

    It was Noct who didn¡¯t stop Airi who was late from taking a bath to enter here, and it was also her fellow Triad Tillfur who recommended Lux to enter the bath under such situation.

    Even if for example there was a misunderstanding that occurred between them, if Noct searched with her Drake, she should have noticed this situation right now©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I¡¯m angry. I have to reprimand Noct severely later©¤©¤¡¹

    Behind him Airi was puffing up her cheeks, which he could easily imagine even without looking back.

    In other words, this was surely the Triad¡¯s scheme.

    Surely they meant Lux to ask the feeling of Airi who was worrying but wouldn¡¯t speak about it.

    (Their method is absurd as always though¡­¡­)

    Lux was exasperated inside his heart even while he tried to live up to their expectations.

    After all Lux also wanted to ask Airi.

    ¡¸Speaking about it, how is your condition recently Airi? I wasn¡¯t really here these few days because I was attending new kingdom¡¯s war council after all.¡¹

    ¡¸There is nothing particularly srange. I¡¯m desperate to clean up after the incident that Nii-san caused as usual.¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    The conversation stopped completely after Lux laughed awkwardly.

    Only the sound of water mixing and white steam rising marked the passing of time.

    Although she was his little sister who had been together with him since they were little, it felt a bit embarrassing to enter bath together.

    But at the same time, Lux also felt an odd sense of nostalgia.

    Airi was sickly when she was little. She was a honest kid who was really clingy and spoiled toward Lux.

    The older she got, she became a mature child with clever mouth, but he believed that in the bottom of her heart she hadn¡¯t changed even now.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I really think it¡¯s my bad that I keep making Airi worried and fussed about my needs. When this battle is over, I will make it up to you for sure.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san is always treating me as a child like that, please stop it.¡¹

    When Lux tried to put her in good mood, she immediately replied with sharp words.

    Surely she was making her usual reproachful gaze right now.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m wishing Nii-san to do anything more for me than right now.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see, that makes me feel a bit lonely though©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux smiled wryly while feeling a bit shaken up, Airi immediately denied it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it. That¡¯s not what I mean, What Nii-san has done for me is already more than enough. Originally we who were in the position of imperial family are existence that the people of new kingdom would ostracize. In order to improve our position, I conducted myself sociably and worked hard in deciphering Ruin¡¯s ancient document. But©¤©¤Nii-san formed communication with everyone, you clashed with them, reached understanding with each other, and got recognized by everyone.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, a coincidence. It¡¯s not just me, everyone is also good people who treated me well, and it¡¯s also thanks to Airi who is staying in the Academy©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux scratched his head and spoke with an embarrassed tone.

    But, Airi continued her words with a quiet voice that sounded detached just like before.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why©¤©¤it¡¯s the opposite. I¡¯m not asking for anything from Nii-san, it¡¯s painful that I cannot do anything. I who don¡¯t have the stamina and technique to wear Drag-Ride cannot be of any help even in this situation where the new kingdom is cornered on the wall. Even though I want to fight if that means I will be able to fight Nii-san with my own strength¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­¡¹

    She had changed, but actually not.

    All this time since that time until now, Airi was a little sister who was thinking anxiously for Lux¡¯s wellbeing.

    Lux¡¯s heart was struck by the pure feeling of his only remaining family.

    Just that feeling of hers was enough.

    For what he was fighting? As long as that was clear, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡¸I also said this before but, I can fight because Airi is waiting for me. When you were kidnapped to the Moon before this too, my heart was gripped by terror. That¡¯s why, it¡¯s fine for you to stay like this. Because you can be my strength like this even more than fighting together with me.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­Nii-san is always talking sweetly to girl like that. Just what are you going to do about the future? The management of the female students giving present to Nii-san in the holy night festival, if I don¡¯t take care of it, it will become a disaster you know?¡¹

    When Airi who submerged herself inside the bathtub until her shoulder turned around, she said that to him with an exasperated gaze.

    Since when it became like that he wondered.

    The event that Relie said she would hold felt somewhat scary now¡­¡­.

    ¡¸A, and that¡¯s why, because I¡¯m an unreliable big brother like this, please take care of this incompetent me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What a hopeless Nii-san. You won¡¯t be able to do anything without me here.¡¹

    When Lux pleaded with a wry smile, Airi also smiled and jokingly made an air of importance.

    The siblings enjoyed a nostalgic family time.

    ¨C

    Because it would take time to change clothes, Lux got out of the bath first.

    It was only for a few minutes, but Airi who was left alone engrossed herself in her thought.

    In the end©¤©¤she was unable to say her true trouble to her big brother.

    She couldn¡¯t let Lux did anything dangerous more than this.

    In the previous battle, after she was kidnapped to the seventh Ruin Moon, she was approached with a certain dealing from the Seven Dragon Paladins traitor Soffice.

    ¨C

    ¡ºThere is a way to end this battle bloodlessly. Even though you might not be aware of it, but you are holding the key for that. The next time we call on you, I want you to comply with us.¡»

    After the battle the other day, the black haired girl with red tattoo on her face told Airi that.

    Thinking how she asked the Dragon Marauder to steal the Grand Force that the new kingdom entrusted to Lisha, she should be an enemy without a doubt.

    ¡ºIt might be a betrayal for the new kingdom for you. But©¤©¤thinking about the world, this should be the best thing to do.¡»

    The Key¡¯s Supervisor Soffice, and the Moon¡¯s Automata Re Plica who introduced herself as Soffice¡¯s little sister Uruk Septy were showing a thinking to save the world in their own way.

    ¨C

    ¡ºIf you betray us later, I will activate the Moon¡¯s function©¤©¤the Lunatic CallBell of the Crazy Moon, gathering all the Abyss and Ragnarok and destroy the new kingdom. Your big brother will naturally die. If you are fine with that, then you can refuse this deal.¡»

    ¨C

    They didn¡¯t trust the world alliance and also the Lords. They planned to liberate Avalon by themselves.

    At present, they threatened all the countries with the weapons of the seventh Ruin Moon and the remaining Ragnarok, but amidst that Airi was holding the key for their plan.

    From here on it was just Airi¡¯s personal conjecture, but most likely installing Grand Force and liberating the Ruins could only be done by the Arcadia family.

    In other words, she was told to give the last push for them to be able to obtain Avalon.

    They said that they wouldn¡¯t do anything bad to her as long as she kept her promise to cooperate with them.

    If she betrayed them, they would order Ragnarok using the Moon¡¯s function to destroy the new kingdom.

    But naturally, in case they had evil purpose in their scheme to rule over the world, it would be Airi¡¯s push that became the cause of the end of everything.

    Even so©¤©¤when Airi almost committed suicide, they let her go her without doing anything to her.

    ¨C

    ¡ºIf possible I don¡¯t want to kill a little sister. In the past inside that Garden, my important little sister©¤©¤Uruk was tricked and torn limb from limb. I don¡¯t want to do the same thing like those traitors.¡»

    ¨C

    Of course, she also couldn¡¯t deny the possibility that Soffice words were just made up story.

    After all in negotiation it often happened that the talk progressed smoothly not just by pushing, but also by pulling back sometimes.

    Prompting cooperation by showing compassion and understanding to the cornered Airi.

    There was more than enough possibility of that.

    Even after taking that into consideration©¤©¤Airi decided to comply with their deal.

    She didn¡¯t think that it was right.

    If her action was found out, she might be given death penalty in the new kingdom.

    For the time being, she had to skillfully probe for their objective before Avalon was liberated.

    ¡¸My battle, is from here on.¡¹

    Although she couldn¡¯t divulge it to anyone, but the other day a letter from them arrived to her. Inside it was written that the promised time would soon arrive.

    Airi exited the large public bath and changed into her uniform, then she signaled Noct who was wearing Drake at a blind spot of the school building.

    After Noct stopped using her radar and joined up with Airi, Airi complained about how the Triad brought Lux inside the bath, and then in the end she said that she recalled she had a business to do so she wanted to be alone for a while.

    She said that she had business in a hidden room where students were forbidden to enter.

    ¡¸Yes. I will wait in our room, so Airi, please be careful to not catch cold.¡¹

    The Academy¡¯s surrounding was protected by security Drag-Knights so there was no problem.

    Magialca of Seven Dragon Paladins was also staying in the Academy as reinforcement, but she had confirmed that she had drinking bout with Relie and she had drunk herself dead drunk.

    With this, there wouldn¡¯t be any hindrance.

    She had swiped the entrance key at noon when Syvalles members were coming and going.

    Airi headed toward the fourth Drag-Ride hangar that should be empty already.

 Volume 12 - CH 3

    ¨C

    The fourth Drag-Ride hangar existing in Academy.

    There were important facilities for Drag-Ride and archive at the underground room, but there was nothing on its high rooftop.

    There was only excessively spacious rectangle space spreading, surrounded by low wall.

    Airi was standing on that place where it was forbidden to enter, exposing her body to the cold night wind.

    It was a high place inside the Academy where the moon could be clearly seen.

    That was the place where she was arranged to meet Soffice Xfer for the deal of cooperation.

    Just as promised, there was no one around the hangar.

    She didn¡¯t tell anyone about this matter.

    ¡¸Even though I¡¯ve just entered the bath, now I¡¯m feeling chilly again like this.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, we¡¯re going to finish the talk quickly. I¡¯m also cold.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When Airi grumbled like that because there was no one around, a voice suddenly came from behind. Airi¡¯s breath was caught in her throat from shock.

    When she turned around, a brown skinned girl©¤©¤Soffice Septy, now Soffice Xfer was standing wearing pilot suit with high exposure rate and Divine Drag-Ride Vritra.

    ¡¸Since when¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I haven¡¯t waited that long. However, we both don¡¯t have much time from here.¡¹

    She must meant that there was high risk they would be discovered if they stayed here for too long.

    However, there was no impatience in Soffice¡¯s expression. She was simply continuing to talk with bland tone without inflection.

    ¡¸Was it Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment that caused your figure to be unseen until now?¡¹

    The saffron colored Divine Drag-Ride, with gradation that was like blazing flame on its armor.

    Airi asked while staring at its strange curving form, but Soffice was curt.

    ¡¸I cannot answer that. After all I¡¯m a secretive woman.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It felt like that answer itself was a positive confirmation to her question, but Airi didn¡¯t retort.

    Airi was scared of her when they first met because of the tense situation, but unexpectedly she might be an interesting girl.

    ¡¸There is one thing to confirm. You will enter the Garden with me after this, install the Grand Force, liberating the Ruin. I estimate we will return in just a few hours, is that okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, please wait! The remaining two crystals should be still inside the Ragnarok, what will you do about that?¡¹

    Airi intentionally asked in the middle of her conversation with Soffice to draw out as much information as possible.

    She was surprised that Soffice planned to liberate the Garden so suddenly, but if Garden¡¯s Ragnarok had been defeated©¤©¤or if perhaps there was a simple method to defeat it, there would be nothing better than to know that fact.

    Because that might become an opening for Lux and others to take advantage of.

    ¡¸That is¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Soffice was going to reply with her expressionless face, her blank eyes opened wide.

    Right after that, Soffice and Vritra leaped to the side with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A moment later, it was Airi¡¯s turn next to be shocked.

    The wall surrounding the hangar¡¯s rooftop in four direction was low, so Soffice would fall if she moved like that©¤©¤just when she thought that, Soffice and Vritra hovered still in the air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Negotiation breakdown. It¡¯s unfortunate, but my wish doesn¡¯t come true.¡¹

    Soffice wearing Vritra muttered while hovering still as though stepping on empty air.

    Wire Tail was wrapping around her body. She was restrained by another Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Why are you here, upstart conglomerate captain?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Airi who heard Soffice¡¯s muttering followed her gaze and saw that.

    Without her noticing, an orange haired girl wearing Divine Drag-Ride of vivid cherry blossom color was standing on the rooftop in confrontation with Soffice.

    Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    The head of Vanfrick Company that had the world under its thumb, the multi-millionaire girl who served as the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ©¤©¤No, she was a woman of undetermined age with only her appearance looking young, but she was standing wearing a fearless smile.

    Her body was wearing tight and smallish pilot suit with her usual coat above it.

    Even for Airi, this was her first time seeing Magialca¡¯s battle readiness.

    However Airi was bewildered not only because Magialca suddenly appeared on the rooftop where there were only her and Soffice.

    (That Divine Drag-Ride, what in the world©¤©¤!?)

    The shape of the Drag-Ride Magialca was wearing, it was just too different with everything Airi had seen until now.

    First, it was so big that it occupied a fifth of the space of the spacious Drag-Ride hangar¡¯s rooftop.

    Furthermore this Drag-Ride had no legs.

    Huge multiplex armor that only consisted of upper body wasn¡¯t directly wrapping Magialca¡¯s body.

    It was only showing its figure like a guardian god standing behind her.

    The huge armor that covered around Magialca in semicircle shape gave the impression like a Drake, but the seven masts protruding from that frame were endowed with terrific mass and sense of intimidation.

    It was as though an army in one.

    The Drag-Ride that should be just one unit was boasting a majestic appearance that gave the impression of a group of Drag-Knights forming a formation of heavy armored troop.

    ¡¸It was a pain to hide this figure you know? After all, once this armor is deployed, this thing won¡¯t be able to move. And so it seems I¡¯m late for the introduction huh©¤©¤traitor.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Searching the Moon¡¯s database. So that is the special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride, Jormungand.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I was unable to show my fight until now despite being the captain. But, even like this I¡¯m someone with strong sense of responsibility. I came in order to clean up after my subordinate. If you surrender than the sentence for your crime will be light, how about it?¡¹

    Magialca jerked her chin with a challenging smile.

    ¡¸Crime? I¡¯m not betraying anyone. Since the start, I¡¯m only fighting for my own sake.¡¹

    Soffice who was restrained by Jormungand with thick and long Wire Tail replied like that with a chilly tone.

    ¡¸I see, then this is breakdown of negotiation. The crime of rejecting my deal is heavy you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca put on a wicked smile, then stinging air of tension drafted to the surrounding.

    But, at that time when the fierce battle after this was assumed would happen, Magialca¡¯s gaze suddenly turned toward Airi.

    ¡¸Sorry that I¡¯m late, Lux¡¯s little sister. Erasing the presence of this Divine Drag-Ride and deploying it is a bit hard you see.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­bu, but how? Magialca-san should be sleeping in the headmaster¡¯s place©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That is the disguise of my aide. The male who is my butler called Lolotte, he is still a young boy (child) but his skill is good, and he also look good in female clothing.¡¹

    Airi was somewhat creeped by the jesting Magialca while questioning her further.

    ¡¸No, more importantly, how did you notice about me and her©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Who do you think I am? By the point of time you was kidnapped once by the Moon¡¯s fellows, it was only natural to investigate if there is something. From the particulars until now, I thought that perhaps they might use you to liberate the Ruin, and it seems that I¡¯m right on the spot.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi gulped hearing Magialca¡¯s deduction. At that moment, Soffice¡¯s Vritra that was hovering midair suddenly moved silently.

    Three Daggers that were casually taken out were thrown toward Magialca. Then Vritra flew following behind those Daggers.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Vun!* Along with that sound of cutting through air, Vritra flew with the wire restraining it.

    ©¤©¤Fast.

    Airi didn¡¯t even have time to let out her voice when the Daggers were approaching before Magialca.

    Jormungand¡¯s huge arm swung in a flash and deflected them, then the second armored arm pulled back and clenched its steel fist.

    It seemed like an installation type of Divine Drag-Ride that took root on the ground while only possessing upper body, but its seven arms were equipped with all sorts of weapons, so it could be seen how it possessed diverse method of attack.

    Airi was going to think, as expected from Philuffy¡¯s master, but it seemed that the Drag-Ride didn¡¯t have function like Pile Anchor to reel in the enemy closer.

    But, when Magialca who was clad in huge armor made a stance, Jormungand that was standing tall behind her also synchronized its movement as though tracing her stance.

    The arm drew an arc, from the stance of defense it moved in order to launch intercepting fist.

    The straight thrust that was unleashed from there with the whole body¡¯s power directly hit Vritra.

    ¡¸©¤©¤MahapuranaAuthority of Wind¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, right after the terrific impact pierced the air, Magialca¡¯s expression turned forbidding.

    The armor fist that was like a giant rock came to a stop before Soffice.

    ¡¸Is that Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment? It¡¯s not a barrier that caused my fist to stop reaching further. My fist shouldn¡¯t be that soft.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no ground for negotiation with you. My bad, but die here.¡¹

    Soffice didn¡¯t answer Magialca¡¯s question.

    But as though in exchange for that, she aimed a medium sized Cannon at her.

    ¡¸Do you think you can smash my Jormundgand¡¯s barrier with that kind of peashooter? Once this Drag-Ride is installed in place, it won¡¯t be able to be moved easily, but in exchange it boasted overwhelming power for offense and defense.¡¹

    The weapons of the seven arms that were placed on its back rumbled and they were tinged with faint light inside the darkness.

    There were two arms that were barehanded, one arm that from its wrist became rapid-fire gun type, one sword type arm, one cannon type arm, one box that was packed full with Daggers, and last one long cylindrical thing that became Wire Tail which was wrapping around Vritra.

    Each of the huge seven armored arms became weapon that was exemplary of Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸I©¤©¤don¡¯t have free time to hold worthless talk with you.¡¹

    Soffice didn¡¯t even show any sign of fear against those and whispered that. In that moment, Airi was taken aback with surprise.

    The Daggers that Soffice threw before this and which Magialca should have deflected were flipping over, and then they flew toward Magialca like bullets from behind her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Magialca immediately reacted. She swung six arms and struck them down.

    Instantly, Soffice fired her medium sized Cannon, sniping at Magialca who was protected by armored wall.

    ©¤©¤Thunderous sound, and flash burst.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    When the smoke from the explosion cleared up, Airi was being held on her waist by Vritra¡¯s arm.

    Vritra was bound by Wire Tail. It should be unable to move properly.

    And yet, Airi floated in the air and getting pulled toward Soffice. She was caught.

    ¡¸As expected, it seems its defense is hard because of its huge size. But, the match is decided already.¡¹

    Soffice who was showing a blank expression moved Vritra¡¯s armored arm put a knife on Airi¡¯s neck.

    Magialca was unperturbed by the attack on her, but Airi was taken hostage.

    ¡¸I see. As expected, Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment is control of trajectory that manipulates movement isn¡¯t it? Evading my fist, and pulling Airi toward you from distance. It has a power to freely move the thing you designated as target. But, it doesn¡¯t look like it is able to do it for several things at once.¡¹

    Magialca smiled while tapping her head *kon kon* with her index finger.

    But, Soffice ignored the opponent¡¯s conjecture and stated her demand.

    ¡¸Is there any meaning from you noticing that? Undo the Wire Tail holding my Vritra, if not©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, you cannot use it to more than one target at the same time. The reason why you didn¡¯t undo that binding also lies in there. If you use your Divine Raiment to undo the Wire Tail, you won¡¯t be able to stop my attack with the trajectory control. ¡­¡­In other words it¡¯s just as I thought, my Jormungand¡¯s fire power is able to break through your barrier without difficulty.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s countenance didn¡¯t change at the slightest hearing that.

    But, seeing how she didn¡¯t immediately try to move hinted that Magialca¡¯s guess was correct.

    ¡¸You cannot escape without undoing the Wire Tail, but if you use your Divine Raiment for that, you won¡¯t be able to block my attack. Thus you take that girl hostage, creating a shield so I cannot attack. Isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸You are intentionally explaining like that to buy time.¡¹

    Soffice responded with a cold smile at Magialca¡¯s provocative smile.

    ¡¸The Drag-Knights of the Academy will soon rush here because of the Cannon¡¯s explosion just now¡­¡­my bad, but©¤©¤I won¡¯t let you.¡¹

    The next moment, Vritra¡¯s armor was tinged with light and the Wire Tail tying it up was loosening by itself.

    The trajectory control of Divine Raiment Mahapurana was undoing the binding.

    In order to erase the opening from her doing that, Soffice moved the arm that was holding Airi and put her in front.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Used as the enemy¡¯s shield, Airi¡¯s body stiffened with nervousness.

    For Vritra that was a flying type Divine Drag-Ride, it would be able to escape to the sky if only the wire was taken off.

    Jormungand was an unprecedented installation type gigantic Drag-Ride, so it wouldn¡¯t be able to pursue if Vritra flew away.

    It was unthinkable that Magialca would attack without hesitation. Airi was at a loss of how she should act.

    But©¤©¤that unthinkable became reality.

    ¡¸I see, you are quite quick-witted. But©¤©¤that¡¯s na?ve.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    When Soffice made a bewildered expression, Jormungand¡¯s gigantic head was gathering energy.

    *Crackle crackle* Light of energy was forming vortex and t was fired as a dragon¡¯s roar.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    ¡¸Li, es¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Regardless of Airi being used as shield, a vortex of shockwave that was several times more powerful than normal Howling Roar was approaching near.

    It might be a different matter if Airi was wearing Drag-Ride, but with her flesh body, this attack was something that would definitely injure her beyond help.

    (©¤©¤!? Nii-san!)

    The moment Airi closed her eyes tightly and prayed, her body was pulled back.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Airi opened her eyes in bewilderment, Soffice who should be using Airi as shield was pulling her behind Vritra©¤©¤hiding her behind a barrier.

    But, the shockwave couldn¡¯t be fully defended by the barrier and Vritra was blown away from the hangar¡¯s rooftop.

    Airi¡¯s body was losing the sensation of gravity.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Of course you will do that. After all if this little sister die, you won¡¯t be able to liberate the Garden. You won¡¯t be able to fulfill the objective that you want to accomplish so much you will even brave through danger for it. After knowing that©¤©¤using her as shield won¡¯t even become bluff.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Airi was shuddering inside her heart hearing Magialca talking as though she had seen through everything right from the beginning.

    The vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen possessed overwhelming power as Drag-Knight, but this Magialca read the opponent¡¯s tactic.

    She saw through the enemy instantly and then she took advantage of the opening without any hesitation.

    She wasn¡¯t just reading the opponent¡¯s ability and breathing as fighter.

    Her power of bargaining and discernment as a merchant.

    In that sense, she was undoubtedly in possession of ability that was worthy as captain.

    Magialca grinned in a way that showed wickedness from the bottom of her heart and she moved both her arms. Jormungand traced that motion and took a stance for pursuing attack.

    The giant dragon on her back tensed its arm creakingly in combination with its user¡¯s movement, and threw a crushing blow toward Soffice.

    The enormous armored arm that was like the mast of a sailing ship launched a vertical down strike with its weight riding behind it.

    Right after the launching of that attack which would definitely deal a great damage if it hit directly, Soffice¡¯s eyes shined in respond.

    ¡¸©¤©¤VajraAdamantine Mallet¡¹

    Right after that, a pillar of light was falling down through the cloudy sky.

    A brilliant lightning strike cut through the jet black darkness vertically and directly hit Jormungand.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ku!¡¹

    Even Magialca couldn¡¯t fully block it with her barrier and she grimaced.

    (Just now, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤)

    Airi who saw that immediately judged the situation.

    She concluded that most likely it was Vritra¡¯s special armament or something, aiming at Magialca from the sky.

    But, that was all that Airi could confirm.

    Airi who was separated from Vritra and got blown away from the edge of the rooftop was freefalling from the height of more than 10 ml. A fate of unavoidable death was imposed on her.

    ©¤©¤Despair.

    Airi was imagining a fruit that fell on the ground and went splat while hugging her own body, at that moment her body floated gently in the air. She could hear the voice she was wishing for.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi-!¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san-!?¡¹

    Her eyes snapped open at the familiar voice of her big brother, immediately after that the body of the falling Airi was carried off by a huge black dragon.

    Without pause it flew horizontally and landed on the ground. Airi was put down on the nearby grassy ground.

    ¡¸Why, Nii-san is here©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s talk later. Right now we have to do something about that Soffice©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t relax his focus and stared intensely at the battle situation where two dragons were striking at each other.

    Lux was able to come with great timing was because of the Dragon Voice communication from Magialca.

    Lux reacted at the sound above the Drag-Ride hangar and put on Bahamut, then right after that a voice suddenly came to him from Magialca.

    ¡ºYour little sister will soon fall from the hangar¡¯s rooftop. Pick her up if you don¡¯t want to lose her¡» She said.

    The special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride Jormungand had great range of Dragon Voice.

    Thus, she was able to tell Lux the strategy from a range where Soffice hadn¡¯t noticed him yet.

    The strategy went as planned until there, but right after Lux was able to help Airi safely, a single hesitation sprouted inside Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-u¡¹

    The armor of Vritra that was struck down from the hangar was already dispelled.

    Soffice already lost consciousness from Jormungand¡¯s full power strike and shockwave from above.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux, move away from there. I¡¯ll finish her off.¡¹

    Magialca in her pilot suit leaped down from above the hangar.

    The installation type Jormundgand was already called off, but her hand was holding a short sword type Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please wait!¡¹

    But, Lux also called off his armor and stood on Magialca¡¯s way.

    ¡¸What? Are you intending to cover for the bandit who threatened your little sister¡¯s life?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t back down even after Magialca said that.

    ¡¸We cannot kill her here. You should know the reason why better than me.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean by that my sweetheart? Right now, the one who is using three Ragnarok, including Sacred Eclipse as threat and make the world as enemy is that girl there you know? There is no doubt about whether she should live or die.¡¹

    ¡¸No, there is. After all among the traitors, there is the Automaton Gear Leader, Re Plica who is still staying behind in the Moon even now. If something happen to Soffice©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸She might be desperate and self-destruct you mean? Well, certainly it¡¯s as you say.¡¹

    Magialca sheathed back her Sword Device as though she had understood that right from the start.

    And then, she entered the hangar and brought back a rope. She tied Soffice with that.

    ¡¸Then for now it¡¯s torture. I¡¯ll make this girl to talk out everything she knows. I¡¯ll also negotiate with the Automata of the Moon to make an opening.¡¹

    ¡¸About that©¤©¤, for now can I ask you to put it on halt?¡¹

    ¡¸Why? You, don¡¯t tell me she is your type?¡¹

    Lux responded with seriousness to the end even against Magialca¡¯s teasing tone.

    ¡¸From my view, she doesn¡¯t look like a simply bad person. You should have seen it yourself. She tried to save Airi without even thinking about herself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi held her breath in surprise hearing what Lux pointed out.

    She had an idea about what he was saying.

    First, Soffice covered her from the powerful shockwave of Jormundgand¡¯s Howling Roar.

    And then, the second was when she was falling.

    After hitting Magialca with a counter from Vajra that seemed to be Vritra¡¯s special armament, she tried to save Airi using the Divine Raiment of trajectory control.

    That was why for a moment Airi¡¯s body floated in the air.

    The battle itself ended in Magialca¡¯s victory, but if Soffice forsook Airi right from the start, the result might be different.

    At the very least, it might be possible for her to escape.

    ¡¸That sounds painful for my ear, I didn¡¯t desert your little sister or anything you know? For these traitors to liberate the Ruins, they need the bloodline of Arcadia¡¯s family which is you guys. That was exactly why your little sister was kidnapped the other day.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­So you noticed? No©¤©¤so there is no mistake about that?¡¹

    There was a high possibility that only the family member of Arcadia could insert the giant crystal Grand Force into the Ruin.

    Airi had never heard anyone saying that clearly or seeing it written in document.

    It was nothing more than Airi¡¯s conjecture from everything that happened until now.

    And so Airi asked that question once more, to which Magialca nodded.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I have confirmed it, but there is almost no doubt about it. It appears those Lord bunch intentionally keep it quiet though. Am I wrong, little sister?¡¹

    Saying that Magialca folded her arms proudly.

    Airi who had that pointed out could only nod in affirmation.

    ¡¸Well, if we torture this girl we will be able to obtain proof about that. Now, hand her over.¡¹

    ¡¸I think, it¡¯s still too early to make that judgment.¡¹

    But, Lux rejected Magialca¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡¸She won¡¯t be able to fight for a while with her injury. She shouldn¡¯t be able to do anything if we just take away her Sword Device.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s an irrelevant statement for someone intelligent like you. So what? Certainly it might be dangerous to kill her right away. But, there is every reason why we have to torture her to make her spit out information as long as she doesn¡¯t die from it, right?¡¹

    Just as Magialca said, there were a lot of things they wanted to ask Soffice.

    But, Lux was reluctant to torture her for that before casting her away in the end.

    ¡¸However I©¤©¤don¡¯t want to do something like hurting her when she is powerless. First we should talk to each other, and then if possible we should try to persuade her. That¡¯s what I think.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa¡¹

    ¡®Good griefyare yare¡¯, like that Magialca shrugged her shoulders and sighed.

    Her sigh that was dyed white from the cold melted into the darkness and vanished.

    ¡¸You are just like always. It should be fine to not show that much mercy to an enemy.¡¹

    ¡¸Even if she is trying to use Airi in order to liberate the Ruins, she shouldn¡¯t be trying to save her to the point of risking her life for it. Please let me persuade her. Perhaps I might be able to do that if we talk to each other.¡¹

    After Lux requested once more, silent visited for a while.

    Then, perhaps hearing the commotion of the battle just now, the guards of the Academy were arriving in front of the hangar.

    ¡¸There is nothing serious. The enemy has already left. You all return to your post and keep the lookout.¡¹

    Magialca said that and sent away the guards, after that she turned toward Lux once more.

    ¡¸As the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, I can also turn down your request, but it looks like I¡¯ll get hated if I do that.¡¹

    Magialca formed a somewhat obscenely wicked smile.

    ¡¸Whether we are going to torture her or not, as long as this girl is kept in the Academy, it will be accompanied with the traitors attacking. Then using her instead as hostage against the lot in the Moon and negotiating is also one way.¡¹

    ¡¸Then¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯ll entrust her to you. She is a dangerous existence whether alive or dead, but let¡¯s try pulling out anything usable from her as much as possible. But the time limit is one week, at the next morning after the end of that holy night festival. If you cannot persuade her until then, I will use her to threat the Moon. And also, if you cannot obtain any important information until then, I¡¯ll have you take responsibility too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, understand.¡¹

    Even this was Magialca giving her compromise until the limit.

    After Lux nodded, Magialca talked about arranging for a prison in the hangar¡¯s underground and went to Relie¡¯s place.

    After it was only Lux and Airi left, Airi finally spoke.

    ¡¸Is it okay, Nii-san? It might be strange coming from me but, she is dangerous. If she escape, or we allow the enemy to rescue her, the Academy and the new kingdom will©¤©¤¡¹

    Be the first one to get aimed, and that time they would be done in for sure.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, however either way we have to question her, there is no other way. Though I¡¯m making Airi worried again like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Good grief, Nii-san is still doing it even knowing that much. Nii-san¡¯s liking for girl is really beyond help.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, don¡¯t interpret this strangely like that. I¡¯m just©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I know. There is no way I won¡¯t understand Nii-san¡¯s thinking.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡®Fuu¡¯, Airi slipped out a small sigh and looked up to the jet black night sky.

    ¡¸Being made as the bad guy just because of the difference is standpoint, we are also the same like that. The feeling of wanting to at least listen to the other side¡¯s story, I can understand that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That¡¯s right.

    Right now they could be accepted by the new kingdom like it was nothing, but in the past Lux was also in the enemy side from the viewpoint of the people.

    ¡¸Besides, I also had my life overlooked twice by her. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m thinking to talk to her about that too. At that time, after I was kidnapped to the Moon, did something happen©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux heard about the story from Airi during the time they were waiting until the preparation for the underground prison was finished.

    How Soffice was together with Dragon Marauder in the Moon.

    How Soffice was trying to use Airi as key to liberate the Ruins.

    How it seemed her she lost her little sister in the past inside the Garden.

    How she was calling Lux and others, those of Arcadia lineage as a family of traitors.

    And then, how she was thinking that her reaching Avalon would be for the sake of the world.

    In any case, it would be difficult to draw out information and persuaded her within one week.

    But, if they didn¡¯t do that, what would be waiting after that would be killing each other.

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to meet you Lux-sama, Airi-sama. I am called Lolotte, Magialca¡¯s secretary and bodyguard.¡¹

    Right after Lux finished hearing Airi¡¯s story, a young boy with small built wearing butler uniform appeared and greeted them.

    He was a young boy with thick and short brown hair, baby face, and gentle demeanor.

    It seemed that he wasn¡¯t appointed as aide because he didn¡¯t really have aptitude for Drag-Ride, but it appeared he was acting as Magialca¡¯s close associate.

    After Airi was kidnapped to the Moon the other day, Magialca ordered him to monitor the Academy, and in order to trick the vigilant Soffice, he disguised himself as Magialca this time and stayed at Relie¡¯s place.

    After exchanging a bit of greeting, Magialca and Relie arrived.

    ¡¸I got permission from Relie and finished the preparation. There is not enough hand for the transport. You two need to help out too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    Following Magialca¡¯s instruction, the five of them entered the underground of the Drag-Ride¡¯s hangar and sneaked into the hidden room inside.

    Because the hangar itself was a place for storing Drag-Ride, guard Drag-Knigts were also guarding the place, so the enemy wouldn¡¯t be able to approach easily.

    It was decided that it would be more relieving to hide Soffice here rather than in the Academy.

    ¡¸Then, I will come for the negotiation after the holy night festival. If there is anything you can do, then do it before then.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m grateful for your consideration.¡¹

    After confining Soffice in the underground, Lux parted with Magialca.

    Soffice who was sleeping and unmoving had shackles put on her. Lux and Airi would watch her in turn.

    ¡¸Then, good night for today. Airi too, good work today.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, is Nii-san planning to sleep here!?¡¹

    He asked the headmaster to lend him a sofa and blanket, so today Lux decided to sleep in front of the stone prison where Soffice was confined.

    ¡¸Because I have responsibility more or less. If by any chance we let her escape, that will be the end for us.¡¹

    Well, fireplace was also prepared in the room where Soffice was at, but speaking frankly, it was cold outside the room.

    However, he also couldn¡¯t lit up fire in the passage in front of the prison, so Lux could only endure it.

    The underground of the Drag-Ride¡¯s hangar was basically forbidden for students to enter, but even inside it there was a door that was further locked strictly.

    There were four prisons behind that door that was used in the era of old empire. Lux put an old sofa at the passage that was connecting to those prison and he would be sleeping there.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­, I understand. Please don¡¯t die no matter what. Right now is the middle of winter you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be careful. Then, good night Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Rest well, Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi talked with an exasperated tone at the end and she left.

    The prison¡¯s door was closed, but there was a gap was opened for monitoring prisoner. He could confirm Soffice¡¯s figure from there.

    It seemed she only fainted without anything endangering her life.

    Both her legs and arms were fastened with chain, and Airi had checked her body for anything she might be carrying, so there was no worry about hidden weapon.

    But, Lux wondered whether she would really get persuaded by him during the time limit.

    Family of traitors©¤©¤why did she call Lux and Airi like that?

    (Six more days until the holy night festival¡­¡­)

    The state of complete stalemate due to the threat of Soffice Xfer and Dragon Marauder suddenly changed.

    Now that there were only less than two months until the time limit of world destruction by Sacred Eclipse, Lux was feeling a new premonition of trouble.

 Volume 12 - CH 4

    ¨C

    Memory flickered like a flash.

    The sevent Ruin, Moon.

    It was an enormous castle floating in the sky, looking down on the world.

    Ten-odd years before, Soffice Xfer awakened from her sleep there.

    ¡¸Ni, nice to meet you desu! XferKey¡¯s Supervisor-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Who, are you?¡¹

    ¡¸I am called, Re Plica desu! Haaa, I¡¯m glad! You woke up properly.¡¹

    When Soffice woke up inside a strange capsule, the girl who appeared in front of her was wearing a dress that fitted tightly on her body, with mechanical ears that looked like fox growing on her head.

    The girl wasn¡¯t human, but the Gear Leader of this Ruin©¤©¤she introduced herself as Automata Re Plica.

    At that time Soffice was already seven years old, but she didn¡¯t remember anything.

    Whether it was her past, or the reason why she was here.

    Rather than saying that she forgot, it felt like she couldn¡¯t recall anything.

    ¡¸My head, hurt¡­¡­¡¹

    When she thought, static like sandstorm appeared in her vision.

    Light flickered.

    She didn¡¯t even understand what she should do inside the strange mechanical fortress.

    In contrast with that thought, Soffice was adapting to life in Moon.

    What she knew was that she was a member of ancient race called Xfer, the protector of Ruin.

    She was the descendant of the people who built this Ruin.

    ¡¸Why, did you wake me up?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s because there is movement in the surrounding area desu. Doing cold sleep in pod will stop aging, but you have a duty as an Xfer desu. Also, originally you have to find a person to be your pair and give birth to the next generation desu.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In short, the reason why she was awakened seemed to be because there was a movement of other party that was interfering to the Ruin, and also so that she gave birth to children of next generation while she was at it.

    Soffice had to get off from this strange Ruin, or even if she didn¡¯t get off she could use the base material of children that was preserved in cold storage to give birth to the next generation.

    She was told that she had such duty.

    ¡¸Troublesome, rejected.¡¹

    But, Soffice didn¡¯t want to do it.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Why desu-!? It¡¯s unexpected that Xfer-sama suddenly abandons your duty desu-. Don¡¯t you think how your ancestor will feel!?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really know about my ancestor. And it looks like there is no information about that remaining too.¡¹

    Soffice who was making an expression of ennui replied curtly like that.

    ¡¸I also have no memory and family except my little sister. That¡¯s why I¡¯m thinking to live with the two of us harmoniously.¡¹

    Soffice noticed the existence of her little sister at one point and woke her up. She wished for a life with the three of them.

    Soffice, her little sister Uruk, then the Gear Leader Re Plica.

    Regarding the matter of leaving behind offspring, Soffice thought that it was something irrelevant.

    Even so, because there was nothing to do, she listened to Re Plica¡¯s request and learned how to handle Drag-Ride.

    Uruk herself also had talent as Drag-Ride, but because she was unsuited for it, Soffice endeavored with her training in the place of her little sister.

    Time passed like that, and Soffice became sixteen, while Uruk was fourteen. At that time, a turning point arrived.

    ¡¸Hey, Onee-chan. I want to see the world on the ground!¡¹

    That sentence was the start of things.

    The fate that the girls unknowingly knitted, and the chance meeting with a hidden fate.

    Miraculously, it was the same beginning with the start of the tragedy that occurred several millenniums ago.

    The beginning of that wish was going to happen again this time.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­.

    ¨C

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Cold.

    The coldness of the air that felt cutting on the skin caused Soffice to shiver and wake up.

    She immediately tried to hug herself, then she noticed the sensation of metal that obstructed the movement of her wrist.

    ¡¸I, what is¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s personality normally was hard to get perturbed, but as expected now her eyes snapped open in bewilderment.

    Her two arms were pulled up above her head it the posture of ¡®hurrahbanzai¡¯, while her two legs were also connected with chain where each was fixed to the corner of the room.

    It seemed the Sword Device on her waist was taken away along with the sword belt because they weren¡¯t there.

    She was completely©¤©¤taken captive by the enemy.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­¡¹

    But, the match hadn¡¯t been decided yet.

    Her prospect was exceedingly thin, but she had to resist even then.

    For the sake of her little sister who died wishing for peace, and this world.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who was waking up on the worn out sofa sobered up from the coldness of the early morning.

    When he opened the pocket watch he had, the time was just about before sunrise.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The door of the underground room wasn¡¯t opened, but he became concerned about Soffice¡¯s condition and peeked inside.

    There wasn¡¯t any suspicious sign.

    In the first room among the four prison rooms, there was a brown skinned girl who had her four limbs chained.

    ¡¸The chains shouldn¡¯t be that tight but, it looks quite painful huh.¡¹

    Lux himself, due to his status as an imperial family member of the old empire, he had experience of entering prison several times. He also could imagine the distress of being chained.

    The fire in the fireplace had died, so he threw new firewood into the prison¡¯s fireplace and caused fire.

    (There should be a hut for server outside the hangar, so let¡¯s brew tea and brought it here.)

    After observing Soffice inside the room, Lux went out of the underground room for a moment.

    When he went back carrying cup of tea on a tray, the chained girl raised a groan.

    ¡¸U, u¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Are you awake?¡¹

    ¡¸This, place¡­¡­. Where©¤©¤¡¹

    When the girl raised her voice with slightly opened eyes, Lux smiled to her.

    His objective was to lessen Soffice¡¯s cautiousness, but of course she didn¡¯t let her guard down.

    ¡¸Good morning. Err, Soffice-san¡­¡­can I call you that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silence with a serious look was returned to him in place of reply.

    For Lux, it was the most troubling reaction.

    ¡¸Err, do you remember last night? You tried to protect Airi and got defeated by Captain Magialca though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silence again.

    ¡¸Err©¤©¤, I brought water and tea here, are you thirsty?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The silence didn¡¯t change, but her gaze glanced briefly at above her head©¤©¤toward the shackle restricting her.

    ¡¸No, as expected I still cannot release that. I think it¡¯s harsh but, it doesn¡¯t hurt right?¡¹

    ¡¸Cold, I¡¯m freezing to death.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸This is just me talking to myself. I have nothing to say to the family of traitors.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice averted her face aside while saying that with a serious look.

    (Somehow, she is a particular girl huh¡­¡­)

    Philuffy and Noct were similarly taciturn, but compared to his childhood friend who went with her own pace and the calm and composed servant girl, Soffice was different somewhere.

    ¡¸I get it. Here, drink slowly.¡¹

    It seemed she was desiring the tea, so Lux brought the cup of tea to her mouth. Perhaps her throat was dry because she sipped it in one go.

    ¡¸-Tsuu¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, don¡¯t be so hurried, if you drink that fast©¤©¤¡¹

    Because Soffice struggled from the heat of the tea, the tea splashed on her clothes.

    Lux thought that as expected she couldn¡¯t drink well from the chained posture and she might get burned, so he used one hand to take off the chain that was shackling up her arms above. It was at that moment©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, my win.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s emotionless eyes shined. Right after that, the chain of the shackle that bound Soffice¡¯s arm was entangled around Lux¡¯s wrist.

    Without pause she pulled him and tightened the chain around his neck tightly.

    She was drinking too fast and spilled the tea was her acting.

    ¡¸Ku, uh¡­¡­¡¹

    Without delay Lux thrust up his arm and prevented his neck from getting completely choked, but the situation was bad.

    Soffice seemed to be desperate too. She gritted her teeth and put strength into both her arms.

    ¡¸Take off the manacles using your free hand. If you do that then I¡¯ll at least spare your life.¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot¡­¡­do that.¡¹

    ¡¸You will die if you are obstinate. You should recognize your defeat right away.¡¹

    ¡¸If you escape from here, there won¡¯t be anymore chance to talk¡­¡­I don¡¯t want, both of us trying to kill each other.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying at this late©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Soffice¡¯s breathing was slightly thrown out of order, he swept up her foot.

    ¡¸Ua¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment strength left her arm due to the impact, Lux took off the constriction and pushed her on the wall.

    Miraculously thanks to the tough making of his criminal collar, his neck wasn¡¯t completely constricted by the chain.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­, I blundered.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­I somehow managed.¡¹

    After that, Lux somehow sealed Soffice¡¯s resistance while hanging up her hands with chain again.

    He was resolved of her counterattacking, but it was more troublesome than he imagined.

    Lux too had accepted various kind of chores until now, but as expected he had no experience of doing anything that was nearly close to being jailer.

    While Lux was at a loss of what to ask about her story before persuading her, Soffice was watching the pondering Lux and for some reason her face went pale.

    ¡¸This is bad. This flow, he will surely call his comrades to beat me up and lynch me¡­¡­!¡¹

    *Shiver shiver*, her body was shaking along with her pilot suit that had a lot of exposure and she was starting to get scared.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t do anything like that. Or rather, right now it¡¯s only me alone who is standing guard here©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux noticed the slip of his tongue when saying that.

    If he gave her such information, then the possibility of her trying to escape again would become higher.

    ¡¸Ju, just one man, is keeping watch of me?¡¹

    But, perhaps Soffice sniffed out a different nuance from Lux¡¯s words,

    ¡¸Oh no. This is surely, a flow where I will receive lewd torture from this young man¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t! How can you reach that kind of conclusion!?¡¹

    Lux denied it in great panic, but Soffice was completely getting cold feet.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, wait. Perhaps, yes, my seductive technique might be effective to him instead.¡¹

    ¡¸If you are going to trick me then try speaking in smaller voice!¡¹

    ¡¸The young man over there, if you take off the chain, I will do something really amazing for you¡­¡­perhaps?¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s more it¡¯s impossible by the time you can only mention the method so lackadaisically like that! There is no way I¡¯ll be tempted even if you tell me that right after what just happened!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¯, after Lux retorted so loudly, Soffice hung her head down in a slump.

    Until now he had met her several times in the meeting of Seven Dragon Paladins, but she had never talked at all, so he didn¡¯t understand her personality.

    Of course, it was also possible that even now she was acting.

    (As I thought, she is a particular girl huh¡­¡­)

    He really couldn¡¯t see her as the girl who turned the world alliance into her enemy and led the world by the nose.

    But, Lux was starting to think that there was ground for negotiation compared to before.

    He mustn¡¯t let his guard down, but there was also no way he could take too much time.

    Rather, there was only one week until the time limit.

    If Lux couldn¡¯t persuade Soffice until then, Magialca would use her as hostage and began negotiation with Re Plica by taking into account the possibility of battle.

    Before that happened, he had to converse with her as much as possible.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    While Lux was thinking of such things, Soffice suddenly turned pale.

    Lux thought whether she was imagining herself meeting bad experience again, but her atmosphere was somewhat different from before.

    If he had to sum it up in few words, she seemed to be completely at her wits¡¯ end.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Take off, the chain, now. I won¡¯t escape anywhere so, quick!¡¹

    Her expression was serious like always, but sweat was starting to trickle from her forehead.

    From her urgent voice, it looked like something was happening with her but©¤©¤.

    (But, it¡¯s possible this might be another trap¡­¡­)

    As expected there was no way Lux would get tricked the same way multiple times.

    He was also standing watch over Soffice alternately with Airi, so she might come here soon.

    He guessed it would be better for him to consult her at that time.

    ¡¸Please, there is no time! Or rather, not just releasing me, I¡¯ll be troubled if you don¡¯t teach me the location!¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Seeing Soffice breathing roughly ¡®haa haa¡¯, Lux finally realized her intention.

    From some time ago, she was rubbing her thighs together.

    Thinking back, since she fainted last night, she wasn¡¯t going anywhere from this spot.

    Besides©¤©¤although the fireplace had fire burning until the middle, the underground room in the middle of winter was still cold.

    Her suit also had a lot of skin exposure, naturally that kind of physical phenomenon would inevitably happen.

    ¡¸Wa-, wait a bit! I will think of a way right now.¡¹

    However, what should he do in this situation?

    He felt that in general there would be a chamber pot at the corner of the room, or a hole for doing that business, or perhaps someone could accompany the prisoner to go to toilet, but,

    (If I¡¯m constantly watching her, isn¡¯t that also bad in its own way!?)

    On the other hand, if he brought back a chamber pot here, it would be a bit dangerous to free both her hands. And it that case Lux would have to be the one lowering her pilot suit and taking of her underwear©¤©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I was bad! Quickly, please! I won¡¯t escape!¡¹

    ¡¸Ca, calm down! I will let you go! But, wait a bit! I¡¯m thinking of various way to do it so©¤©¤ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The motion of Soffice who was trembling all over with pale face, abruptly stopped.

    Looking closer, there was tear gathering at the corner of her eyes. Her face was bright red and she was stiff.

    *Splash splash* Sound of water was echoing inside the dimly lit jail.

    He was at a loss of what to say. He was reluctant to witness directly a girl of marriageable age doing that.

    ¡¸Err, that, what do I say¡­¡­sorry.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Die. Someone like you, just die-!¡¹

    Soffice discarded the mask of composure she was wearing until now and glared at him with resentful teary eyes.

    (Err, this is bad. What do I do? Even though I should be asking her story and make her open her heart somehow, somehow the worst development is¡­¡­-!)

    While Lux was also baffled and losing his head in shock, footstep approached from outside the jail.

    ¡¸Nii-san. How is Soffice-san doing? For the time being I¡¯m bringing tea for when she is awake but©¤©¤ah¡­¡­¡¹

    *Clang*, Airi dropped the metallic tray she brought.

    Fortunately the cup didn¡¯t break, but after the place was filled with quiet silence, an awkward atmosphere flowed.

    ¡¸Yo, you are wrong Airi!? This is, that, should I call it a bit of misunderstanding, it wasn¡¯t like I did anything©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Please get out from here Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi said that with a wide smile and dark shadow covering her eyes.

    Her not saying a single word of anger was terrifying instead.

    Lux went out of the jail dejectedly and left everything to Airi.

    Well, it was only Soffice¡¯s lower body that got wet, so he only handed her the key for her legs¡¯ chain and asked her to take care of it.

    ¡¸Haa, I¡¯ve done it now¡­¡­¡¹

    The accident that happened coincidentally because he wasn¡¯t used with the jailer role was an act of god.

    Of course he had no bad intention, but he regretted that the worst result happened at the very beginning.

    Lux returned to the girl dormitory for the moment, leaving the rest to Airi¡¯s follow-up.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Good grief¡­¡­Nii-san is really troubling.¡¹

    Airi went out first to gather preparation for the cleaning, then she performed the work while sighing.

    Soffice was wearing pilot suit under her outfit that possessed high exposure rate, so Airi took off the trouser and the pilot suit under it.

    She wiped her body with towel that was soaked with hot water, put on the underwear she brought as replacement, and then she began to clean up the jail.

    ¡¸There is ventilation here, so I think the smell won¡¯t remain, but just in case I borrowed perfume from Sharis-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, didn¡¯t you call your comrade?¡¹

    When Airi was taking a rest from mopping the floor, Soffice who was quiet until then suddenly spoke.

    ¡¸The perverted young man¡­¡­your big brother should have told you how I choked him. And yet why are you working her alone? It¡¯s dangerous.¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying that? Even though you only met terrible experience because of other feeling wary of you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After Airi said that sounding a bit exasperated, Soffice fell silent.

    ¡¸There isn¡¯t any particular meaning. It¡¯s just, I don¡¯t want this to become even more troublesome than this. Even though Nii-san has ability to take action, he is really careless in various things.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice who had her body wiped and her underwear changed returned to her calm expression like before.

    But, she was staring fixedly at Airi¡¯s behavior and tone.

    A strange silence flowed.

    It wasn¡¯t a sense of tension like a cold war, both sides were observing each other to see how the other would act.

    ¡¸Can I, ask question for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot be locked here indefinitely.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you saying that your subordinates, the Dragon Marauder will come to rescue you? I think that¡¯s impossible. Previously due to the Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen getting taken away from under the Academy¡¯s confinement, the surrounding¡¯s security has been increased by a lot©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸They aren¡¯t my subordinates. I only temporarily hired those guys recently, I don¡¯t know them well.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so?¡¹

    Airi replied with a bit of surprise.

    On the other hand Soffice thought her tongue had just slipped, but her tone returned curt once more.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t mind telling you if you let me get out from here. You still have a leeway to make the good choice. But at this rate you won¡¯t be able to choose it.¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸Doesn¡¯t matter, let me out. There is not much time.¡¹

    ¡¸By time, do you mean the time limit until the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi asked back, but Soffice didn¡¯t answer.

    Right after that, the sound of bell inside the Academy that notified the waking up time could be heard faintly.

    ¡¸I will come again. There are guards outside, so you must not do anything reckless.¡¹

    Strictly speaking, there was no jailer to watch over Soffice specifically, but Airi intentionally said that.

    After Airi left that place, cold and silent atmosphere filled the jail.

    ¡¸Although she is enemy, but I¡¯m reluctant to attack a little sister. The big brother seem to be careless, so I¡¯ll aim at that.¡¹

    Soffice talked to herself with a small voice that no one could hear.

    ¡¸But, there is no time¡­¡­. If I¡¯m not there, the Dragon Marauder bunch, they will make use of Re Plica and make her act. If that happen, it¡¯ll be bad.¡¹

    But, right after Soffice made that resolve of insurrection, she was taken aback from noticing something.

    ¡¸Toilet, the next time I want to go, what to do¡­¡­¡¹

    ¨C

    On the sky of new kingdom¡¯s western territory, the seventh Ruin Moon was awaiting.

    On the sky where no one was noticing it due to the optic camouflage applied on it, a great turmoil was occurring.

    ¡¸Aah geez, what to do desu!? If Soffice is captured, then everything is futile desu! Even though I had warned her so much to be careful when she went to collect Airi©¤©¤¡¹

    A small girl abandoned the control of Moon and made a ruckus.

    The Automata girl which was the Gear Leader.

    Re Plica with mechanical fox ears growing from her head was there.

    ¡¸What? Even though she said that we will guard her when going to liberate the Garden, could it be she is tearing up the contract?¡¹

    There, a woman wearing black clothes and light armor like a bandit©¤©¤the Dragon Marauder¡¯s Human Dragon division commander Drakkhen Megistri showed up and spoke.

    ¡¸Shut up desu. I want you to not forget who is the one offering hideout to all of you who have no more place to go desu.¡¹

    ¡¸Certainly you¡¯re right. Our subordinates are also decreased considerably in number from the recent fighting. It will be just one or two more time that we will be able to exchange blow with those guys properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, quickly go and recover your employer desu! You know the place already desu.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s impossible you know, Automata-san.¡¹

    Drakkhen shook her head with a somewhat exasperated smile.

    ¡¸Previously my comrade rescued me when I was locked up in the Academy¡¯s jail. But this time the situation is different. There are only two Ruins remaining that hasn¡¯t been liberated, so the enemy force is concentrated there. Whether it¡¯s that Academy or the royal capital, there is always one or two Seven Dragon Paladins staying there. Even we won¡¯t be able to just march there.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯ve got a lot of excuse before doing anything even though you are just a mercenary desu. Someone like that is called incompetent desu!¡¹

    Re Plica who was anxious because of the absent of her master Soffice scowled and hurled abuse.

    Then, at that timing a knocking sound *kon kon* came from outside the control room.

    The door was left open, so it was only a signal to inform the visitor¡¯s arrival.

    The one who entered from there was a man with tanned skin and masculine face.

    It was the Dragon Marauder¡¯s Heaven Dragon division commander who led the Wyvern force, the young man named Gatouhan.

    He was formerly a mercenary Drag-Knight who was employed by Turkimes Confederation. He was a survivor of indigenous people who got persecuted and chased away from their living place.

    He was at the latter half of his twenty, approaching the age where his experience and stamina were taking balance.

    ¡¸Is it okay for me to join the conversation too? That guy Vine is away so I¡¯m bored.¡¹

    ¡¸Oh, isn¡¯t this the right moment for you to come helping me? Do you have any ulterior motive?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t need a woman with bad habit like you. More importantly employer-dono, I want you to correct your statement there a bit.¡¹

    Gatouhan avoided Drakkhen¡¯s talk and spoke to Re Plica.

    ¡¸If you want me to correct me treating you as incompetent, then come after making result desu. Specifically speaking, after taking back Soffice©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s about that matter though, won¡¯t you stop trying to save her already?¡¹

    ¡¸Ha¡­¡­?¡¹

    Re Plica¡¯s eyes opened wide at Gatouhan¡¯s question and she went stiff.

    ¡¸What are you saying desu!? Has even your brain turned stupid desu!? What are you planning to do, abandoning your employer like that desu!?¡¹

    ¡¸Calm down now. I only mean that it¡¯s impossible to do it right away.¡¹

    Gatouhan smiled bitterly while telling that to sooth down Re Plica.

    ¡¸Honestly speaking, our situation is nearly checkmate by the time your master failed to secure an Arcadia. That failure itself was due to the trap of Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ captain, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Your master is being captive also turn it into a trap that can make even us getting rounded up all at once if we go to save her. If more time pass, the other side will surely come to negotiate using her as hostage. It will be better to move at that time.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you going to do if Soffice is killed before that huh!? Everything will be over then desu!¡¹

    ¡¸If she become captive, then at the very least that won¡¯t happen. Those guys are also not that stupid.¡¹

    ¡¸Then you guys are unnecessary so you all are fired desu. It¡¯s a really short relationship isn¡¯t it desu.¡¹

    Re Plica was impatient with Dragon Marauder that didn¡¯t change their stance of wait-and-see till the end and said that. Hearing that, the leader Gatouhan silently smiled.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be so hurried like that. I didn¡¯t say that we won¡¯t go to save her right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. Even though we look like this, we are famous for completing the duty that was requested of us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you want desu?¡¹

    Re Plica was vigilant toward Drakkhen¡¯s bright tone and scowled.

    Then Gatouhan also pressed the Automata girl with a calm smile.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m telling you to increase the reward. I only want you to cooperate in order to save your master.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸For the advance payment, apply Baptism to us. That¡¯s possible if it¡¯s now after we have been administered with minute amount of Elixir several times right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­From where did you guys learn that knowledge desu?¡¹

    Re Plica strengthened her wariness hearing Gatouhan¡¯s proposal and said.

    ¡¸We are merely wishing to always pick the choice with higher possibility even if just for a little.¡¹

    Even the Earth Dragon division commander Vain had come and listened to the talk from unknown point of time.

    He was a young man with a face that still had a trace of childishness in it, but his bearing that had no opening gave him the air as a mercenary.

    ¡¸The world alliance and Seven Dragon Paladins are strong. Especially the users of Divine Drag-Ride in that Academy©¤©¤the lot called Syvalles aren¡¯t your average Drag-Knights. Even if we invest all our remaining force including the Abysses, we won¡¯t be able to contend with them easily.

    The young man began with that while straightening his back once more and stared at Re Plica.

    ¡¸You too, if you are the tool of your Xfer master then you should do that, choosing the option that raise the possibility to save her even by ten percent. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Re Plica couldn¡¯t reply at Vain¡¯s question.

    It was completely sound argument.

    As an Automata, she had to take back her master Soffice no matter what method she had to use.

    When she was awakened, she thought that she should act by obeying that kind of manual.

    But, Soffice didn¡¯t demand her to act as subordinate.

    ¡ºLiving here forever give nothing but free time, so become my talking partner.¡»

    Toward Re Plica who was the existence who woke her up, Soffice was looking for an equal relationship from her along with her little sister.

    However, could she believe in these mercenaries who lived all this time only by reward from other people in the end?

    In any case, there were not much choices and time remaining to save Soffice.

    She could be sure of that if nothing else.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t, be helped desu. However, it¡¯s better if you all don¡¯t think that you can do anything with Avalon without Soffice desu. Also, I won¡¯t care even if you die because the Baptism failed desu.¡¹

    ¡¸Agreed, our master of this time. Then, I ask you to grant Baptism to us using the function of this Moon.¡¹

    Gatouhan calmly nodded without even showing any delight.

    That calmness was even more eerie for Re Plica.

    It was as though even this flow of event might be a part of their prearranged plan©¤©¤she thought.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, six days later already after the battle of Soffice and Magialca.

    While Lux and Airi were fretting with persuading Soffice, the Academy was enveloped in lively commotion.

    Because the holy night festival was close, the students were starting to prepare present for the opposite sex.

    At the holy night itself, it was the custom to prepare a small banquet, snacks, and then wine for prayer, but the previous day a costume festival merrymaking was permitted.

    Recently the students were especially making effort in the preparation after school was over.

    Lux was given permission to be exempt from doing chores outside the Academy, but he was frequently made to help with the works other than that.

    Of course Tillfur of the Triad checked the vast amount of chore request for Lux until only a tenth of them was left, even so the number was still many.

    ¡¸Wait right there©¤©¤! Hogging Lux-chi longer than that will be in violation of the prohibition list! Please make formal request for something like that okay?¡¹

    ¡¸No waaay, even though I thought I finally can go out with him to buy plate.¡¹

    Lux was detained by third year female students and he was told that they wanted him to choose the plate that would be used for the holy night festival, but the time for that was dragging on.

    At that kind of time, the Triad often gave follow-up for Lux who was weak against pressure.

    ¡¸No. Please keep it within 5 minutes when monopolizing Lux-san without going through request. Because in addition of Seven Dragon Paladins duty, he also has to do the arranged chore requests.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, you all are measuring the time every time¡­¡­¡¹

    As expected even Lux was shocked by the Triad¡¯s thoroughness.

    Honestly speaking, perhaps because recently he was often absent from the Academy, he got called by the female students here and there even more than before, so he was helped by the Triad¡¯s assistance.

    However the content of his chores was also a bit different from before.

    The reason Lux was popular in the past was because he was the only male student in the Academy and the curiosity toward him as a former imperial family member.

    But, after he distinguished himself through his battles as Syvalles member, this time it was his strength as Drag-Knight that was paid attention to, and now it was his story as Seven Dragon Paladins that was sought.

    Although, because the common students didn¡¯t know about the danger of world destruction by Sacred Eclipse, it looked like to them that Lux was making achievement as Drag-Knight internationally too.

    When it came to that, other than friendly gazes, there was also a kind of envious gaze mixed in them.

    Thinking of his past, this was something to be thankful about, but he was also feeling troubled by the giddy atmosphere of the girls.

    The Triad was managing at that kind of aspect where Lux was poor at.

    ¡¸Well, originally if it¡¯s just them calling out and talking to you, we won¡¯t scold them just for such minor matter.¡¹

    Sharis nodded with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Eerr, then isn¡¯t it fine?¡¹

    ¡¸We cannot do that. Or rather, recently because many formal requests won¡¯t get through to you, underhanded trick like ¡ºfirst calling out to you and then dragging you away¡» is turning into a fad.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    He didn¡¯t dare to believe it but, to think that this situation of chore work request would develop until such thing.

    ¡¸Lux-chin cannot go against us after everything we have done for you y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We will ask Lux-san later to personally come and show your gratitude as reward for us.¡¹

    Even his admiration only lasted for a brief time. Lux smiled wryly at the Triad who casually included their own request.

    ¡¸Cough. The present for you is also flooding despite the limited number of reservation. We are going to deliver to you later the presents from everyone in Syvalles. Rather, the headmaster is already planning an event©¤©¤oops, this is still a secret.¡¹

    ¡¸I can only have bad premonition about that¡­¡­¡¹

    Even though there was also still the matter of Soffice under this kind of situation, just what was the headmaster was thinking he wondered.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s exactly because it¡¯s this kind of time that you have to treasure the ordinary day. You don¡¯t have anything else you can do anyway.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The smiling face of the headmaster floated in his mind.

    ¡¸¡­¡­However, I cannot see Airi anywhere. She temporarily excused herself saying she has a bit of business, so I completely thought that he went to Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah.¡­.!¡¹

    Lux recalled a certain thing from Noct¡¯s question.

    Lux and Airi were watching over Soffice in turn.

    It had already passed the time for change of shift somewhat.

    ¡¸Sorry. I also recalled a chore I need to do, see you all later!¡¹

    ¡¸Ah©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux left those words and rushed through the Academy in full speed.

    The Triad who saw that were standing still openmouthed for a while.

    ¡¸What the? It¡¯s rare that Lux-chi is that hurried. ©¤©¤Rather, it¡¯s unnatural?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, could it be, I¡¯m only supposing here okay¡¹

    ¡¸That, is it related with that pact?¡¹

    Noct continued after Sharis¡¯s serious muttering.

    ¡¸Perhaps. It could be, that pact might have become meaningless.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re saying, in other words©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is a chance Lux-chi and a member of Syvalles is secretly having a tryst!?¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s uneasy question was answered by Sharis with a nervous look too.

    The pact of the girls.

    Syvalles members starting from Lisha, and also Yoruka, they established a pact that decided they wouldn¡¯t develop their relationship with Lux into a romantic relationship until they settled the matter of Sacred Eclipse and overcame the danger of world destruction.

    Airi and the Triad were also aware of the pact and it was only Lux who didn¡¯t know anything about it. The girls were secretly talking to each other about it and made the decision from a certain day.

    Recently, some of them were seriously injured, and some of them would frequently come and go from Cross Field to other country in this period of time. They wouldn¡¯t be able to concentrate if they thought that the others might steal a march on them.

    Krulcifer suggested that they should refrain from approaching Lux by their own initiative until the battle ended. Everyone agreed to it.

    And then strangely it was Airi and the Triad who got the role to manage the pact.

    Airi became the center of it was simply because of her position as Lux¡¯s blood-related sister.

    ¡¸But, there is one exception to this rule.¡¹

    Sharis murmured as though she recalled something.

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-san isn¡¯t forbidden to contact the girls by his own initiative.¡¹

    ¡¸In other words, if Lux-chi himself already has a girl who he likes and approaches her©¤©¤¡¹

    There would be no method to obstruct that based on the rule.

    In short, a romantic relationship would be settled without waiting for the conclusion with the Sacred Eclipse.

    The remaining members would surely receive shock, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

    ¡¸Then, we the vigilance committee has the duty to investigate the truth. Am I right?¡¹

    ¡¸Nooo objection! Or rather, it¡¯s not serious right¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Let¡¯s follow behind Lux-san.¡¹

    Sharis¡¯s eyes sparkled, then Tillfur and Noct also continued after her.

    A different danger was approaching from a place that Lux wasn¡¯t aware of.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Sorry Airi! I was late!¡¹

    ¡¸Now look here¡­¡­. It was Nii-san who talked about persuading Soffice-san you know?¡¹

    Lux who entered inside the underground room of the Drag-Ride hangar got glared reproachfully by Airi who waiting outside the prison.

    ¡¸Soffice, did she say anything?¡¹

    ¡¸She only badmouthed Nii-san about how Nii-san forced her to pee while Nii-san is watching.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you that¡¯s a misunderstanding!¡¹

    No, in a sense that might be the truth, but as expected Lux was troubled if she said it as though he wanted it to happen.

    ¡¸I¡¯m joking. More importantly, Nii-san isn¡¯t followed by anyone right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. As expected I¡¯m paying attention of that.¡¹

    The matter of Soffice being confined at the underground of this Academy was an extremely secret matter that even the queen wasn¡¯t aware.

    If this fact became known, Soffice¡¯s personage would have to be handed over to the world alliance as suspect and also hostage.

    If they were in direct confrontation with Soffice¡¯s side, than that might be the correct choice.

    But, most likely the path of hearing the fact from them and persuading them would be close by doing that.

    In any case, they had to conduct themselves carefully from here on.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll take over the watch-keeping.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is no problem with her physical condition. Other than that, let¡¯s be alert against the Academy¡¯s surrounding. I¡¯ll have Lisha-sama and others to strengthen their alertness indirectly.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I¡¯ll leave it to you Airi.¡¹

    They only exchanged those words and Lux entered inside the prison.

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming in Soffice.¡¹

    Lux called out just in case and he stepped inside the large room where the prisons were lined up.

    When he went to the front of the prison where Soffice was chained, her eyes were half-opened while staring blankly at empty air. She wasn¡¯t breathing.

    ¡¸What happened Soffice, hang in there!¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s body was limp with her arms and legs dangling languidly. Lux tried to check her pulse.

    Then, the girl¡¯s eyes suddenly snapped open and she hurriedly drew back.

    ¡¸Pervert¡­¡­. Why are you trying to touch the body of a girl who lost consciousness? Normally one should first take off the chain.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? Hu, huh¡­¡­?¡¹

    He completely thought that she died, but seeing her reacting immediately like that caused Lux to feel bewildered.

    What was going on?

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah, damn it. Slump¡¹

    At the side while Lux was being shaken, Soffice abruptly went languid once more as though her soul had left her body.

    ¡¸Err, could it be, you are pretending to die?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was no reply.

    But, when he tried to check her pulse again, Soffice leaped in a flash and glared at Lux with a gaze that was filled with ennui.

    ¡¸You will fool around with someone when you think they are sleeping, this fiend.¡¹

    ¡¸So you are awake as expected. Haa, that surprised me.¡¹

    Lux amended so that there was no misunderstanding, but he faltered against the doubting gaze that Soffice sent him with her serious look.

    Well, perhaps this was already better just from how she would talk with him now.

    At the first two, three days, she wouldn¡¯t even say anything to him because of that aforementioned case.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You want to look, that much?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    But, after a silence for full ten seconds, Soffice suddenly said that to him.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s just for a bit, it¡¯s okay you know? My, important place.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-!? Just, what are you saying!?¡¹

    In front of the bewildered Lux who couldn¡¯t comprehend what happened, Soffice slowly wriggled her body.

    In the first place her pilot suit exposed a lot of her skin, so when she wriggled her body, her waist and her side, and then her breasts entered his gaze.

    ¡¸Please. The chain hurts. It¡¯s leaving marks.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡¹

    Certainly, that might be something painful for a girl of her age.

    Lux who was thinking that moved his hand to take the key for the shackle, but then,

    ¡¸Wait a second. Thinking carefully, aren¡¯t you trying to trick me again to get out?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Not true.¡¹

    ¡¸At least talk while looking at my eyes!?¡¹

    She averted her gaze still with a serious look, so it was really easy to understand.

    As expected, it didn¡¯t look like Lux was suited with this work.

    However, he also couldn¡¯t spend so much time to talk with her.

    There were only two days left until the time limit that he promised Magialca.

    At this rate, she would be used as hostage to negotiate with the Moon and it would turn into battle.

    ¡¸As I thought, rather than the little sister, the older brother seems like a simpleton.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, can you stop saying that when I¡¯m right in front of you¡­¡­?¡¹

    No matter how correct that was, it was depressing as expected when he was told that right to his face.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll go with a threat. There is not much time left. I told the other of time limit before I went out.¡¹

    ¡¸Time limit?¡¹

    ¡¸I also told Re Plica of what to do when me who is the boss doesn¡¯t return to the Moon. If I don¡¯t return for one week after I left, then who knows what the Moon will do.¡¹

    ¡¸What, did you say?¡¹

    The complexion of Lux who heard that changed.

    In other words, she must mean that the Ragnarok would be given order by the Moon to attack all the countries.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I want you to release me right away. If you do that, I promise I won¡¯t attack the new kingdom.¡¹

    Right after she told Lux that, the sound of bell that informed the time could be heard.

    For the time being, Lux left from there.

    He didn¡¯t even notice how Soffice had found an old wire in the corner of the jail that she used bit by bit on her arm¡¯s shackle.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The negotiation with her, is still impossible¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux exited the underground prison of the Drag-Ride hangar and muttered to himself.

    He had also heard from Airi, although Soffice¡¯s attitude had softened somewhat, she would become completely obstinate when it came to the crux of the matter.

    Perhaps that was only natural.

    She was trying to obtain Avalon that she went as far as turning the whole world into her enemy, so her resolve mustn¡¯t be something half-baked.

    (However, why? It feels like she herself is hesitating.)

    He had no concrete basis about that, but that was what Lux¡¯s instinct told him.

    Even though she actually wanted to talk frankly, but she put on a mask of logic and suppressed her feeling.

    Lux was feeling such impression from her.

    However, Lux didn¡¯t know what to do so she would open up.

    He didn¡¯t understand what should he do to break her resolve.

    If he was going to have discussion, he wanted to talk not with Dragon Marauder, but with Re Plica who was remaining in the Moon, but that was impossible to do.

    He thought that at the very least Soffice might listen to Krulcifer who was also an Xfer, but Krulcifer almost didn¡¯t have memory about her childhood, so he also thought that it might be not really effective doing that.

    While he was thinking of those things, he felt his back got tapped.

    ¡¸Lux-chiii, what are you doing at this kind of place?¡¹

    ¡¸Uwah!? Wait, Tillfur? Wh, why are you here?¡¹

    ¡¸Ohooh, you look flustered about something theree. Are you meeting with a girl perhaps?¡¹

    ¡¸U¡­¡­, no err©¤©¤I just have a chore here.¡¹

    Lux was startled in his heart hearing Tillfur hitting the bull¡¯s eye.

    He immediately made a smile to gloss over it, but he was looked at with even more dubious gaze.

    ¡¸Nnn, my bad hunch is right on the mark I think. But, we confirmed already that Lisha-sama and others aren¡¯t here at all. Don¡¯t tell me, Lux-chi¡¯s lover candidate is a third force!?¡¹

    ¡¸What are you talking about-!? Or rather, Tillfur yourself, what are you doing here!?¡¹

    Lux retorted to her female classmate who was starting to think seriously for some reason. Then the girl grinned as though recalling something.

    ¡¸Riight riight, tomorrow is the event day so I¡¯m thinking to tell you that. The holy night festival¡¯s game!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s what Relie-san©¤©¤¡¹

    His bad premonition was right on the mark.

    ¡¸Yep! Its name iis, Lux-chi present war! Waaai, clap clap clap©¤¡¹

    Lux stiffened with his face half twitching. Tillfur was really in high spirits in front of him.

    If he didn¡¯t persuade Soffice during tomorrow, then the next morning Magialca would come but¡­¡­.

    No rather, perhaps it was Lux who bad because he couldn¡¯t do anything within these few days.

    It seemed that the event was held because the present for Lux was too many and not all of them could be handed to him, but he wondered just what were they going to do?

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, what do I need to do specifically in that event?¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, it¡¯s a secret right now. Well, just focus fully on that the whole day tomorrow okay? I don¡¯t know whose request you are accepting but, we have the preferential right here.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­ye, yes.¡¹

    Now that he was told that, certainly he had previous engagement with Tillfur and others.

    Besides there was also no way he could talk about the matter of Soffice, so Lux could only nod.

    ¡¸Theen, do your best tomorrow! Everyone is looking forward to it sooo much after all.¡¹

    Tillfur parted from him while waving her hand smilingly. Lux let out a deep sigh.

    (This isn¡¯t the time to do that kind of thing though.)

    Although it was only for half a day, but it was regrettable that so much time to persuade Soffice would get taken away. During that time he would have to ask Airi to watch over Soffice, so he was troubled.

    But, currently he had no plan to solve it, so either way he felt like he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything.

    By the way, one Seven Dragon Paladins member was dispatched to the royal capital and the Academy each for security, but Magialca departed to Marcafal Kingdom last night.

    ¡¸I wish someone who can be trusted to a degree will come.¡¹

    Or rather, as long as it wasn¡¯t Singlen, anyone would be fine.

    He would feel reluctant in various senses having that man watching the present event for Lux.

    Perhaps he had recovered enough composure to be able to think of such trivial thing.

    In any case, the situation would move in a big way after tomorrow.

    He was also concerned about Lisha and others, but Lux had finished visiting all of them.

    ¡¸It will be great if nothing happen though©¤©¤¡¹

    He went to the hangar one more time to look at Soffice for the last time before he returned to his own room.

    And then, the day of the holy night festival event finally arrived.

    ¨C

    A few days ago©¤©¤the center of new kingdom, the royal capital Lordgalia.

    Inside a meeting room within the towering royal castle, a silent debate was continuing.

    ¡¸Soon there won¡¯t be any choice but to resolve ourselves and counterattack. There is no time remaining for us.¡¹

    ¡¸But, we should have expressed our opinion that we cannot go with that kind of forced plan.¡¹

    Queen Raffi of New Kingdom Atismata responded to the representatives of various countries with firm attitude.

    Soffice sealed the Ruin liberation of all the countries by threatening using Moon¡¯s weapon and Ragnarok. This was a meeting to decide the countermeasure against that. An endless argument was unfurling there.

    The high officials who were representatives of various countries were clamoring inside the meeting room.

    With the possibility of their own country getting exposed to danger, there was no way all the leaders could continue to stay in the new kingdom. These officials came here as substitute.

    At the first few days, everyone was trembling in fear from Soffice¡¯s war proclamation and they had indecisive attitude, but after that the wind¡¯s direction changed completely. The voices that were wishing to counterattack were getting louder.

    Looking at the convenience to install the Grand Forces that were taken out from the two Ragnarok into the Ruins, it could be calculated that there was high possibility that the Moon was located nearby New Kingdom Atismata and Ymir Theocracy where the two Ruins that hadn¡¯t been liberated were located. So the representatives of the remaining five countries dared to say that they should be resolved of the sacrifice and attack.

    On the contrary the new kingdom that had the greatest possibility to receive harm had to avoid that no matter what. Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph were desperately continuing to oppose that.

    But, in reality they also understood the reason why all the other countries were urging like that.

    At this rate, Dragon Marauder might take control of Avalon.

    If that happened, they would be put under their rule and the countries would lose the meaning of their existence.

    There was still extension of two months so they were able to delay, but sooner or later it would be inevitable that they all had to head to battle.

    Then, all the countries would want to annihilate the enemy no matter what at the timing where the possibility that their own country wouldn¡¯t be damaged was the highest.

    Thinking that, the representatives tried to carry out the brute force strategy by using just reasoning as shield.

    If Raffi and Nulph were in the opposite position, they would surely do the same thing.

    Thus they were tired of the meeting that was only going in circles without finding any point of compromise no matter how long passed.

    ¡¸Your majesty princess Listelka, do you have any excellent plan for this matter?¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph who was troubled of where to escape addressed Listelka, the representative of the Lord who happened to be present.

    Then, the pure white imperial princess who possessed inhuman beauty quietly opened her closed eyes.

    Her left and right eyes had different colors of grey and scarlet.

    With those eyes she looked around quietly at the representatives of the various countries, and then she formed her words.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. I don¡¯t wish to say this to the new kingdom that inherit the bloodline of my Divine Arcadia Empire but©¤©¤as expected I believe we should resolve ourselves for the damage go to take back the Moon.¡¹

    ¡¸Ooh¡­¡­!¡¹

    At that moment, the high officials excluding the representative of Ymir Theocracy raised excited cheers.

    ¡¸As expected from the imperial family of the ancient era, what a magnificent determination!¡¹

    ¡¸There is no other way than that. It¡¯s unfortunate.¡¹

    ¡¸To not shirk back even if her lineage¡¯s descendant country might get harmed, how heroic.¡¹

    And so on, many mouths were starting to get carried away speaking out irresponsible words.

    The royalty of the Lord, Listelka herself was saying that although Old Empire Arcadia was applicable to be her distant descendant, they weren¡¯t directly related to her.

    Even so Nulph was holding hope that she would stick up for the new kingdom from feeling sympathy, but his expectation ended in vain.

    Far from that, the Lords who were the key for conquering Avalon was acting affirmative for the counterattack plan.

    This flow was already unstoppable sooner or later.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can I ask everyone, to wait for a little bit more? Even if we are going to attack the Moon, it¡¯s necessary to gather our force for the sake of defending the country. Please©¤©¤¡¹

    When Raffi requested so with a bitter expression, the high official of Ymir Theocracy also bowed his head next.

    With them conducting themselves like that, it also became hard for the other countries to demand even more than that.

    If they acted unreasonably, then the next time it was their country that fell into danger, it might become their turn to get abandoned.

    ¡¸Then after the preparation, we will move into offense. The day of the counterattack will be five days later. The next day after this country¡¯s holy night festival will be fine.¡¹

    The war council was concluded with Listelka¡¯s direction.

    The meeting was temporarily disbanded and the high officials of all the countries left from the meeting room. But even after that, Raffi kept sitting down with her head hanging down.

    ¡¸Your majesty. Please don¡¯t be disheartened.¡¹

    The counterattack getting recognized was a choice that couldn¡¯t be helped.

    If that situation kept as it was, in the worst case the world alliance would crumble and the remaining five countries would side with the Lord.

    If the Lord lost their patience and abandoned new kingdom, the other countries would surely follow them.

    Above all else, right now the new kingdom¡¯s influence toward the other countries wasn¡¯t that strong compared to the time of Old Empire Arcadia.

    If they were betrayed, then an even more wretched end would wait for them.

    ¡¸This can¡¯t be helped isn¡¯t it? The new kingdom too had caused trouble for them in the past after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Nulph didn¡¯t respond to the queen¡¯s murmur that was filled with resignation.

    Half of the countries that were gathered here received invasion of various sizes and shapes in the era of old empire, and they held quite the resentment due to that.

    Even if the new kingdom received great damage, they wouldn¡¯t worry about it.

    ¡¸Because the counterattack toward Moon has been decided, let¡¯s gather the four great nobles. It¡¯s a gamble to reinstate Warg Kreutzer, but at present there are also a lot of nobles who will become ally through his mediation.¡¹

    Warg Kreutzer was one of the four great nobles who had done illegality behind the scene along with his son Balzeride and lost his standing, but he still had strong influence in his territory.

    Especially with the work of his second son Sieg Kreutzer, the western territory where they were located was showing a strong sign of rebellion.

    In this situation where the new kingdom was put into disadvantage, even a single more Drag-Knight was desirable in order to protect the nobles of the royal capital.

    If that was the case, then the capital inevitably had no other choice but to borrow their strength.

    For the new kingdom that had once judged Lord Warg as a person in the wrong, this was a mortifying decision but©¤©¤there was no other way to break the deadlock of this situation.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave it to you Nulph. Because you are the one who is more knowledgeable in that area¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Please leave it to me¡­¡­. Oi, escort her majesty to her bedroom.¡¹

    Nulph who exited the room called a servant for Raffi who was unsteady on her feet from exhaustion.

    After entrusting the queen to the servant, Nulph gathered the necessary document and headed to visit the consuls.

    He was walking inside the darkness through the corridor that was faintly illuminated by tallow lamp.

    His face that was reflected on the window was different from just now. Indifferent and dark eyes could be seen.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That woman is more useless than I thought. Even managing this country using Count Atismata¡¯s influence has reached the limit with this predicament. If I borrow the power of the four great nobles even more than this, the balance of power will collapse.¡¹

    That expression was the face of prime minister that was facing the reality ruthlessly.

    ¡¸In any case, I have to prepare. Connection with the four great nobles is indispensable in this new kingdom. There is a lot camp of I can jump ship to.¡¹

    A voice so small that couldn¡¯t be heard by anyone echoed inside Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s head.

    Like that, he resumed walking once more into the darkness of the corridor that couldn¡¯t be seen where it was leading to.

 Volume 12 - CH 5

    ¨C

    Memory flickered.

    In the seventh Ruin Moon, Soffice Xfer woke up from the hibernation pod and encountered the Automata Re Plica.

    There was no other comrade remaining, and she lived in the Ruin.

    They passed peaceful days together with her little sister Uruk.

    And then©¤©¤one day Uruk said that she wanted to try seeing the outside world.

    ¡ºI want friend from the outside world.¡»

    The innocent little sister said that hopefully.

    She wanted to grant the wish of her little sister.

    Thinking that she also wanted to do that, Soffice and co went outside.

    Just like the Xfer in the past who also did so, they wished to interact with the humans who they were still unfamiliar with.

    They descended to the Old Empire Arcadia more than ten-odd years ago.

    When they descended to that large country where three Ruins were remaining within its territory, Soffice¡¯s skin was white, and her hair was also blue.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I won¡¯t, forgive.¡¹

    The brightness of flame blazing in the fireplace showered her face. The awakened Soffice renewed her determination.

    The wound on her shoulder that was torn up at that time had almost vanished completely, but the pain was seared into her memory even now.

    The accident where they headed to the Garden together with the imperial family of Arcadia Empire.

    At that time, if Re Plica didn¡¯t save her, she would have died.

    Her little sister Uruk wouldn¡¯t come back anymore.

    Just because they tried to have faith at the people of this era, just because they got involved with the family of traitors, Soffice lost something irreplaceable forever.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I©¤©¤won¡¯t trust anyone anymore.¡¹

    A part of broken chain fell into a gap within the prison must be because this place hadn¡¯t been used for a long time.

    In order to prevent blood congestion from getting restrained for a long period, Airi would take off her chain one at a time. Using that timing, she luckily obtained a fragment in the shape of wire.

    She somehow brought it until her hand and then she tampered with her shackle¡¯s keyhole for nearly half a day.

    She had to reach Avalon and protect the world from destruction by Sacred Eclipse.

    However, she wondered why?

    Even though that girl didn¡¯t resemble at all with Soffice¡¯s little sister who was innocent and pure, for some reason when Soffice looked at her, she recalled her little sister Uruk.

    When Soffice peed, Airi didn¡¯t call for other people and cleaned it up herself was so that Soffice wouldn¡¯t hold even worse impression toward Lux.

    ¡¸Even though, this isn¡¯t the time to bask in sentimentality.¡¹

    *Click*, finally the unlocking using wire went well and next her right hand also got free.

    Next she also finished unlocking the chain on her legs and she was completely freed. But as expected because her Sword Device was hidden away, she was unarmed.

    ¡¸It¡¯s necessary, to look for chance.¡¹

    Soffice thought with her usual serious look that was dyed with nihility.

    At that time outside the jail, a conversation with small voice could be heard.

    ¡¸As expected there is nobody here. It seems there is no possibility of Lux-chi secretly having tryst with someone.¡¹

    From the voice of the girl who sounded relieved somehow, Soffice judged that they weren¡¯t looking for her.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m glad that you two can feel relieved. Because you two were unexpectedly restless.¡¹

    ¡¸You said that Noct, but when you heard that Lux-kun might have a partner, weren¡¯t you yourself really bothered?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice felt like he had heard their voice somewhere, but she couldn¡¯t remember where.

    ¡¸Enough with that, let¡¯s get out of here. Even we are forbidden to enter this place.¡¹

    The voice that was only slightly oozing with discomfort was speaking indifferently.

    ¡¸Right¡¯o. Today is the holy night festival event, it¡¯s gonna be busy.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you all right Tillfur? You were doing preparation until late at night yesterday.¡¹

    ¡¸Oof course. I also finished my costume preparation. Complete with the makeup tool and the outfit. I already collected it beforehand at girl dormitory¡¯s hall.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, the situation is like this right now, but we¡¯ve got to have fun when we can. Then, let¡¯s go.¡¹

    It seemed they finished talking. The footsteps were going farther.

    It appeared there was an exit some distance away from this prison.

    Most likely there was a locked door or a hidden passage.

    But, from the look of it, it seemed that other than Lux and a few others, the matter of Soffice¡¯s capture wasn¡¯t known widely.

    Besides, according to the preliminary investigation of Dragon Marauder, she also knew that the majority of this Academy¡¯s students didn¡¯t know about her war declaration toward the world alliance too.

    If she could just deceive those students¡¯ eyes, it was possible for her to sneak around.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right, makeup.¡¹

    Because it was still early in the morning, there should be few people around.

    Even if she escaped, the possibility that her Sword Device was hidden inside this Drag-Ride hangar was little.

    ¡¸First I¡¯ll disguise myself, and then take back Vritra. Snatching Airi will be after that.¡¹

    Soffice took a deep breath and brushed away the unlocked chains.

    When she exited the prison cell, she discovered the entrance of a hidden passage by groping the wall around, and then she ran outside.

    ¨C

    It was a morning where the chirp of small birds could be heard.

    ¡¸Fuaa¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux woke up with a small yawn.

    Last night he helped out with the decoration for the night before holy night festival, so he was a bit sleepy.

    As expected from mid winter, it was cold, but he sobered up after doing light calisthenics inside the room.

    He went to check on Soffice before sleeping, but her attitude was brusque as usual.

    He only heard a sentence ¡ºIt looks like, you are really loved by your little sister¡» from her but©¤©¤.

    (Only one day remaining.)

    If the time limit passed, Magialca would start negotiation  with the Automata as well as Dragon Marauder who were remaining in the Moon using Soffice as hostage.

    He had to somehow persuade Soffice before that happened.

    ¡¸Before that, I have to focus on the Academy this afternoon.¡¹

    The costume party that would be held in the Academy the day before the holy night festival.

    Lux was selected as the main lead of that event that Relie assembled.

    The original holy night festival was a custom that existed as festival since before the time of old empire. The adults would dress in ceremonial dress, but the children would copy animal appearance by wearing costume and handed over present to the opposite sex. That was the gist of it.

    And then, it was the etiquette for male to show their gratitude for the present later.

    ¡¸Somehow, it feels nostalgic.¡¹

    In his period of chore livelihood, Lux had never received any present, so it had been a while for him to experience this event.

    He was thinking such thing while finishing changing into his uniform, then his door was knocked.

    ¡¸Mooorning! Lux-chi, you awaake!?¡¹

    An energetic voice that was distinctive of Tillfur.

    As expected, she came early in the morning.

    Because in the event today where Lux became the main lead, the Triad would be escorting him.

    ¡¸Morning, Tillfur¡­¡­wait, eeeh!?¡¹

    The moment he opened his room¡¯s door, Lux¡¯s mind came to a halt from bewilderment seeing the sight.

    Black one piece clothes and tights that clung tightly on the body with high exposure rate.

    Also, the ribbon on the neck and hair band that imitated rabbit ears.

    The Triad¡¯s appearance was really similar with Philuffy who he saw the other day. They were standing in front of his room.

    ¡¸Err. That appearance, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Just as you guessed. The three of us is wearing costume of rabbit.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯cha think? Does it look goood?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The fault of this costume is the chill due to the season, but we will wear jacket when going outside.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, even if you ask me how is it©¤©¤it looks really good on you three.¡¹

    To be honest, he was troubled where to look. Though Lux couldn¡¯t say it.

    Normally he often got his sight stolen by the gorgeous atmosphere of Lisha and others, but the Triad was also really charming when they were dressed like this.

    ¡¸Haa, I¡¯m glaaad! Dressing like this really need a looot of courage isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. From the aspect of fabric amount, it¡¯s not so different from pilot suit, but it¡¯s mysterious how different it is.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, as expected even me is feeling a bit embarrassed. Then let¡¯s go Lux-kun, I¡¯m also looking forward to your turn you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­, then please take care of me.¡¹

    Prompted by Sharis and others who were a bit embarrassed, Lux headed toward the dining hall.

    After taking light breakfast of soup and bread, Lux changed into a black suit and headed to the courtyard.

    Even though it wasn¡¯t a formal party, for some reason he was made to dress like this. He was wondering why, but the reason soon became clear.

    ¡¸My, Goshujin-samamaster / his lordship has arrived!¡¹

    ¡¸As expected from a former prince.¡¹

    ¡¸You are looking really good there.¡¹

    The female students made a fuss and Lux felt a bit ticklish hearing htat.

    Lux went up on a small stage that was specially set up in the middle of the courtyard, then the headmaster Relie stood beside him and gave a greeting first.

    ¡¸All students. You all have worked hard with the strict training despite the time being the end of the year. Today, a costume party is opened for the holy night festival, which will also serve as a meager reward for you all. Let¡¯s enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content!¡¹

    The students applaused at Relie¡¯s short speech.

    It seemed that the secret of her popularity was the shortness and neatness of her talk.

    ¡¸Then, other than wearing costume and eating snack, I¡¯ll also have Lux-kun to do a special chore for the sake of everyone. It¡¯s named©¤©¤Familiar Selection Convention!¡¹

    ¡®Waaa-¡®, hearing the event name that Relie mentioned, the girls raised their cheers.

    The girls were already wearing costume, from mere hair band with ear decoration attached, until those who went as far as attaching tail or wing. There were a lot of variety.

    The system was for Lux to draw a lottery that had animal name written in it, then choosing work as familiar for the girls who were dressed the same like the lottery, and then the girls could hand him their present.

    The content of the event was for those girls to spend time together with Lux inside a room that was similarly decorated and received order from him.

    The types of animal were ten in total, so it would be quiet worth it to choose.

    (Even so, to think they will get this kind of idea, really.)

    He didn¡¯t know whether this was Relie idea or not, but he was impressed with the freedom of the idea.

    ¡¸And so, first let¡¯s have him draw the first lot.¡¹

    Lux who was prompted pulled out a lottery from the box casually.

    ¡¸Eerr©¤©¤first there is cat written here.¡¹

    ¡¸My, you pulled out the biggest bomb there. There are many who dressed like that. Then, you have to be affectionate with them in the Academy¡¯s parlor room©¤©¤¡¹

    With Relie¡¯s words, a lot of students were rushing, but the Triad somehow held them back.

    While Lux¡¯s long day was going to start, at the side a girl snugly wearing white robe and hood, with a scribble that looked like face drawn on her mask was staring at that sight.

    ¡¸My, you are wearing a curious costume there.¡¹

    When the female student beside that robed girl called out cheerfully, she looked a bit flustered.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­yes, a ghost costume. I think.¡¹

    Her tone was bland without any inflection, but the female student¡¯s expression burst into a smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s interesting. Aah, even so it¡¯s unfortunate that you are getting excluded like that. Even though there is finally a chance to spend a short time with Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that ruined prince, that popular?¡¹

    ¡¸That nickname sounds nostalgic. I think there is no one who is calling Lux-san like that anymore. Right now he is this Academy¡¯s pride after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Is that so? By the way, where is the storage room for Sword Device again?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes? The management of Sword Device should be entrusted to each student themselves though©¤©¤, you are¡¹

    ¡¸Nothing. I only forgot a bit.¡¹

    The white robe said that a bit hurriedly and then quickly left.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard her voice before.¡¹

    The female student who was left behind was tilting her head in confusion, but then she was called by her classmate and joined the banquet.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu. That was dangerous.¡¹

    Soffice who quickly left from that place let out a relieved sigh under her mask.

    Although it was great and all that she managed to escape from the underground room of the Drag-Ride hangar, she was unable to escape without Vritra¡¯s Sword Device, so she was searching for it.

    She was also considering to steal general purpose Drag-Ride in the hangar, but as expected even with the merrymaking of this festival, the inspection there was strict, so she gave it up.

    Or rather, as expected she got the hunch that her Divine Drag-Ride, Vritra wasn¡¯t in the hangar.

    When she tried thinking from Lux¡¯s point of view, it was dangerous to put Soffice¡¯s Sword Device in the same building where its owner was being confined.

    There, she sneaked into the girl dormitory next, but she luckily discovered costumes in the hall and borrowed one of them.

    There were also makeup tools, but she didn¡¯t think she would be able to use them well, so she dressed as ghost in the end.

    ¡¸But, what should I do from here?¡¹

    It seemed the reality was that she had to move while assuming that her Sword Device was inside the school building or the girl dormitory.

    And then in that case, it was preferable to first try looking at the room of Lux or Airi who were confining Soffice.

    In the worst case, she had to threaten Lux or Airi in order to take back Vritra¡¯s Sword Device, but that was the last resort.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I won¡¯t hesitate, this time for sure.¡¹

    Soffice pilfered a knife for cutting cake from a table in the courtyard and then she roamed inside the girl dormitory.

    The moment she resolved herself like that, she discovered a figure of a person who she had seen somewhere before.

    ¡¸Good grief, why is my appearance a bat!? I¡¯m still a princess even like this!¡¹

    ¡¸Now now, Lisha-sama. For today all the students are leading actress, and the type of outfit is also limited. Also, that¡¯s a vampire, not a bat.¡¹

    The person with her blonde hair tied in a side tail that was swaying and prancing was a petite girl wearing black outfit.

    In front of her was a girl in bunny outfit with distinctive brown ponytail. She was the owner of voice that Soffice heard before this in the underground prison.

    Soffice had faint recollection of seeing the two girls from somewhere.

    ¡¸Can you two spare a bit of time? I want to ask where is the room of Lux Arcadia, or his little sister Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Hm¡­¡­what¡¯s with you? What¡¯s your business with Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi right now is being surrounded by cat girls y¡¯knoow. Sharis and Noct are managing that place, while I¡¯m taking a break©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­I see, unfortunate.¡¹

    Soffice concluded that the young man named Lux was quite popular.

    Soffice wasn¡¯t asking about the person himself, she just wanted to know where was his room, but there was a risk that she might get found out if she asked too bluntly, so she didn¡¯t pursue for further answer.

    ¡¸More importantly, do you two know something about that man? Like, anything particular about him.¡¹

    And so, Soffice changed the question.

    She thought that if she was lucky, she might understand the place he often visited, and from there she would be able to reach the storage place of her Sword Device.

    ¡¸Who knows, even though the battle is just around the corner, because of this pact whatever I cannot call out to him now. And yet, he is coming and going inside the Drag-Ride hangar for some reason.¡¹

    ¡¸But, he came to check on Lisha-sama right?¡¹

    ¡¸Well yeah.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks loosened hearing what Tillfur pointed out.

    ¡¸That guy praised a princess like me whose only ability is to fiddle with Drag-Ride and fight, saying that I¡¯m amazing, helping with my work.¡¹

    And then, she continued her words with her arms still folded, an earnest emotion vaguely coloring her tone.

    ¡¸Even though he usually also has idiotic side in him, but it feels like I¡¯m losing when he is doing that kind of thing to me.¡¹

    ¡¸It feels like Lisha-sama is always losing though. Buut, I understand that feeling reaally well.¡¹

    ¡¸There¡¯s no way©¤©¤that¡¯s true.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The sudden words of the girl in ghost costume shocked Lisha and Tillfur.

    But, Soffice didn¡¯t stop there and spoke the continuance.

    ¡¸The Arcadia family of that old empire, they will only think of themselves. They are that type of creature. All of you are only tricked. He is working to be considered as hero merely because he needs to do that in order to escape from the threat of Abyss.¡¹

    Lisha blinked in puzzlement for a moment, then she sighed.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a nostalgic criticism. I thought this kind of fellow is no more, looks like I¡¯m wrong.¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow, she is like Lisha-sama when Lux-chi first came to the Academy eeh.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that is only at the very beginning though¡­¡­¡¹

    But, even so the two weren¡¯t swayed.

    They just talked to Soffice about Lux as he was, betraying her imagination.

    How he was a softhearted person who found it difficult to refuse someone else¡¯s request.

    But, he would put his life on the line with conviction in order to save everyone.

    ¡¸Well, I agree that guy is more perverted than I thought. He was also like that when he peeked at me bathing the first time we met, and he also got a lot of further crimes©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I also agree with that. That young man is a deviant.¡¹

    Soffice who heard Lisha¡¯s story immediately responded in agreement.

    Then, it was Tillfur who tilted her head in confusion.

    ¡¸Eeeeh? Did you also get something done to you by Lux-chin? Or rather, which grade you are from? Feels like you are a freshman though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­This isn¡¯t the time for this. I¡¯ll go ahead.¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she turned around in panic. Then she advanced through the corridor of girl dormitory with a small run.

    In order to put distance for now from Lisha and Tillfur, she headed to the Academy¡¯s school building this time.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu, that was dangerous.¡¹

    Soffice was walking in the courtyard while continuing to search inside the Academy ground.

    She had come here before at the campus festival, so she remembered the outline of the place in general, but she couldn¡¯t recall the detail.

    Above the table that was set up for the standing buffet party, several baked sweets were placed. Soffice who hadn¡¯t eaten very much reflexively reached out her hand.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn, tasty.¡¹

    The taste was delicious for something that students created.

    Or perhaps she was just feeling nostalgic because she hadn¡¯t eaten sweet thing for a long time.

    Inside the moon, thanks to synthesized meal, she was able to obtain balanced nutrition, but in general she was unable to eat meal that could be called as proper food.

    It was to the degree that the meal Airi brought her inside the prison tasted delicious.

    ¡¸Aaah, wait there. You are eating too much!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? That¡¯s, this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Soffice who was stuffing herself under her mask became flustered, but it seemed she was misunderstanding.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not, eating too much¡­¡­you know?¡¹

    The girl who was slightly behind her was eating a heap of piled up sweets.

    Donuts, apple pie, crepe, cookie, cake, and so on, a girl with soft and fluffy pink hair was continuing to stuff her mouth silently with various sweets.

    If she remembered right, this girl should be also someone close to Lux and a user of Divine Drag-Ride.

    Her appearance was lascivious with the rabbit ear hair band and black outfit that was clinging tightly on her skin she was wearing, but it looked cute when coupled with her innocently childish expression.

    ¡¸Geez Philuffy, don¡¯t just eat, help out here too! Right now there is a talk that an intruder is inside the Academy. It could be that a molester is coming again©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s body stiffened with a twitch hearing the voice that talked to Philuffy.

    ¡¸On that topic, the girl over there, you are wearing a mask but, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­you aren¡¯t a man who came from outside right?¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder?¡¹

    *JIii*, Philuffy¡¯s sleepy looking eyes were directed on Soffice¡¯s mask.

    When Soffice tried to divert attention from her while slipping away from the side, she stepped on the fabric of her robe that was dangling until under her feet.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s body that almost stumbled was lightly supported by a single arm.

    And then, her mask was slowly shifted up, and eyes with golden pupil were absentmindedly peering on Soffice¡¯s face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A brief silence.

    Wondering whether this was a fatal damage to her disguise, Soffice resolved herself inside her heart. Even so Philuffy returned her mask back to its original position as though nothing happened and faced the other female students.

    ¡¸This girl, isn¡¯t a molester.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Thanks.¡¹

    The girls who seemed to be searching for the intruder left with that.

    Soffice was openmouthed in amazement under her mask, but then Philuffy¡¯s gaze turned toward the sweets that she was carrying.

    ¡¸The baked apple, look tasty.¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be, you want to eat?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Nod*, the pink haired girl©¤©¤nodded wordlessly to Soffice.

    When Soffice handed it to her, Philuffy split it into half and gave it back.

    ¡¸Thank you, ghost-san.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re welcome, rabbit-san.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She wondered what was with this situation.

    Far from getting captured, was she overlooking her here?

    Why wasn¡¯t this girl getting suspicious of her?

    ¡¸I want to ask for a bit. Do you know Lux Arcadia¡¯s place?¡¹

    ¡¸Over there but, right now, I cannot go meet Lu-chan from me end.¡¹

    The girl was indifferently answering so while eating the baked apple.

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Lu-chan, is liked by everyone in the Academy after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Because, now he has a lot of proper friends.¡¹

    ¡¸Friends¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. I am Lu-chan¡¯s first friend.¡¹

    Soffice could perceive just a little bit of soft smile from the expressionless face of Philuffy who muttered that.

    ¡ºI want friend from the outside world.¡»

    The face of her little sister©¤©¤Uruk who said that emerged inside Soffice¡¯s mind.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haah, haah! Is Relie-sa¡­¡­headmaster here!?¡¹

    ¡¸My? What¡¯s the matter Airi-chan? Has Lux-kun and Phi got on together I wonder?¡¹

    When Airi rushed inside the headmaster office, Relie who was doing her paperwork in her outfit as witch was there.

    There were so many things she could make retort at that statement just now, but right now wasn¡¯t the time for that.

    ¡¸Soffice Xfer¡¯s Sword Device was entrusted to Relie-san right!? She had vanished from the prison underground the Drag-Ride hangar!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even Relie understood the situation from the urgent voice of Airi. Her expression immediately turned serious.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, so she escaped. When did you notice it?¡¹

    ¡¸Just now! Today I was busy with the party¡¯s preparation, and when I finally went there©¤©¤. Nii-san is in danger! If we don¡¯t quickly call and hide him¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Calm down a little Airi-chan. Is there any trace of intruder from outside? Like the prison being damaged or something.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no, there is no trace like that. I think that most likely Soffice herself took off the chain.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. First, I will try asking the guards around the Academy whether they had seen anyone suspicious, and then can you gather the Triad for now?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, please be serious! If we let her escape, the new kingdom¡¯s future will be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is that, but it¡¯s useless even if we are panicking. You and Lux-kun should have been resolved with the girl escaping like this too when you two took her under your responsibility.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Relie¡¯s calm attitude.

    It wasn¡¯t because she wasn¡¯t serious. Airi noticed that it was her acting mature in her own way and she fell silent.

    Certainly, it was just as Relie said.

    Even Lux and Airi had acknowledged that there was high possibility of the girl escaping.

    ¡¸It¡¯s strange to say this, but the time while there is an event in progress is also accompanied by danger, so the security in the area should be carried out tightly. Drakes with radar are constantly being alert to the surrounding, so even if it is the Dragon Marauder, they won¡¯t be able to easily approach.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, she is still inside the Academy©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, the rest is just as you predicted I believe. She won¡¯t be able to summon her Vritra without the Sword Device. In other words, she will be trying to ask someone who know the location in order to find it, so it will be Airi-chan who is the likeliest to get targeted.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡­¡­see. But, what should I do?¡¹

    ¡¸Either way, the Sword Device is hidden underground the library, so it won¡¯t be found out for now. That¡¯s why, I recommend Airi-chan to hide here, but if we want to capture Soffice, then there is also another way.¡¹

    *Knock knock*.

    At that time the door of the headmaster office was knocked.

    ¡¸Come in. Just in time. If it¡¯s him who is from an allied country, there won¡¯t be any problem, so let¡¯s request him.¡¹

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤Coral-san!?¡¹

    ¡¸Good afternoon Airi-chan. I¡¯ll be in your care again.¡¹

    AIri¡¯s eyes snapped open in surprise.

    The one who was there dressed in butterfly figure was a beautiful girl©¤©¤or rather, an androgynous young man.

    His light green hair wasn¡¯t braided and instead tied up into twintails that drew a curve.

    The positioning of his skirt that was doubtfully risqu¨¦ didn¡¯t look out of place on him at all and looked lovely.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, what¡¯s with that appearance!?¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry. I¡¯ll be happier if you don¡¯t question that too deeply¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral muttered with a conflicted gaze that was looking distant.

    When Airi listened briefly about why he was here, Coral came to the new kingdom as Magialca¡¯s substitute, but because he came at the timing when the costume party was in progress, it seemed he was toyed around by the Triad.

    Relie¡¯s thinking was to talk about the situation this time to Coral who was the aide of the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality that was allied to them, and asked him to be Airi¡¯s guard.

    Originally, the matter of Soffice¡¯s capture was a top secret even within the new kingdom, but they couldn¡¯t pay attention to outward appearance in this emergency situation.

    Airi hesitated a bit before nodding, then she asked for his cooperation.

    ¡¸But, in a sense this is convenient. It looks like Coral-chan¡¯s face is known to Soffice, so if you are dressed like usual you will get found out immediately©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Err, headmaster¡­¡­. Even though I look like this I am a man though¡­¡­?¡¹

    After Coral retorted with his face somewhat twitching, they immediately moved into action.

    The Triad would be on guard at Lux¡¯s surrounding, while Airi and Coral would search for Soffice without getting near Lux as much as possible.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to involve you Coral-san into this kind of trouble.¡¹

    Airi said that while walking on a corridor. Coral shook his head slightly in respond.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. Besides, it was you all who first captured Soffice Xfer, so it¡¯s not something that I could personally say anything about.¡¹

    Coral said that and smiled with the appearance of female butterfly fairy.

    From Airi¡¯s view, he wasn¡¯t an androgynous male anymore. He looked completely like a female.

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤I¡¯m also curious about the matter of Soffice Xfer.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Certainly she is an existence with a lot of mystery but¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi reflexively replied.

    The face of Coral that she saw from the side while walking looked the most serious she had seen until now.

    ¡¸XferKey¡¯s Supervisor¡­¡­the successor of will of the ancient race. And yet regardless of that, the girl showed no sign of being connected with the Lord at all. I want to know about her circumstance. Just what happened in her past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸And also, there is no more time for this world. Depending on the situation, we will have to deal with her just as ordered. Even if that is unrelated with my original intention©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Coral, san?¡¹

    Airi tilted her head in puzzlement. Seeing that Coral¡¯s expression let go of his tension.

    ¡¸Sorry. I¡¯m getting lost in thought. I¡¯ll walk a bit away from you, so Airi-chan, can you pretend to search for Lux-kun just like now?¡¹

    His aim was to intentionally made Airi to be alone and defenseless, and when Soffice targeted her, he would subdue her then.

    Airi who understood the strategy nodded and separated from Coral.

    Coral followed behind her while putting his hand on the second Sword Device hanging on his waist.

    ¡¸In the worst case that Dragon Marauder also came, just EX Wyvern won¡¯t be enough. I won¡¯t have any choice but to show my Divine Drag-Ride too¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral¡¯s monologue was vaguely mixed with tension.

    It gave a hint that this mission for him wasn¡¯t just cooperation to allied country.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. I©¤©¤¡¹

    That murmur which had uneasy sigh mixed in it wasn¡¯t heard by anyone. He blended among the bustling female students waling in the corridor and vanished.

    ¨C

    Around the same time.

    The seventh Ruin, Moon that was floating in the sky.

    Inside a room where there wasn¡¯t any light at all despite the time being midday, voices were exchanged inside the darkness.

    The people there were three notorious mercenaries©¤©¤the division commanders of Dragon Marauder.

    The strengthening surgery of Baptism was over and they had just accomplished the contract with their new employer.

    No, for the three, they had nothing like true master since the start.

    They completely understood that one day they would be dismissed as long as they were mercenary.

    However that person was an existence that called be called as the great beginning even among the employers of Dragon Marauder.

    ¡¸¡­¡­However, this is astonishing. For me who had seen the great change of many countries in these several years, I won¡¯t be surprised anymore by most things, but this is¡­¡¹

    The tall man with tanned skin, the Sky Dragon division commander Gatouhan muttered.

    Beside him, the woman who dressed like bandit, Drakkhen was observing the surrounding and leaked out a sigh.

    ¡¸It was really surprising. Well, from what I saw, that girl¡¯s lifespan doesn¡¯t look like it will be that long eh. In that state, it¡¯s more like being unable to die even when killed I guess.¡¹

    ¡¸Is this fine? If we abort our contract with Soffice Xfer and get on board with her, then even our pride as mercenary will be gone with this won¡¯t it?¡¹

    The Earth Dragon division commander, the boy who was still young, Vine pointed that out calmly.

    But, the other two commanders only snorted.

    ¡¸Betrayal¡­¡­huh, you are really young eh, Vine. We ended up turning into bandits originally was because of a large country¡¯s high-handedness. Is this hardship story too difficult for a young master I wonder?¡¹

    For Drakkhen who was usually aloof, her voice was painted with sarcasm.

    Vain had also been told since the past about her history of misfortune.

    She possessed a rarely-seen talent as Drag-Knight, yet she was shunned by the incompetent commander of her country and got used as sacrificial pawn along with her subordinates.

    At the end she was captured and almost got tortured, but before that happened she was picked up by the previously mentioned employer.

    ¡¸I know about your story. Besides, even I had also met quite an experience myself. After all even though I look like this, I¡¯m a former royalty who almost got assassinated.¡¹

    Vein also replied without any change in his tone.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have any other place to live at. Even though we managed to escape from our original place, we cannot forgive them. There was no proper path provided to us since the start. Nowhere at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. And then, there is also no one else who is giving us help¡­¡­right? Those guys only need us as disposable troops. Just like my clan that got massacred as savage tribe despite being the one who had been living in that land since the past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The three fell silent and shared their past to each other.

    Their place to belong was stolen from them due to the convenience of the people in authority. While they were Drag-Knights with first class talent, they were existences that couldn¡¯t live a proper life.

    That was the essence of Dragon Marauder, the fate of the three division commanders.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why. We will move to the ruling side. Those guys who treated us as trash and used as convenient pawn, I¡¯ll give them the scare of their life. I¡¯ll beat the fact that this world isn¡¯t theirs into them!¡¹

    The yell that was filled with a flood of emotions kept the other two silent.

    Right after silence filled the place, Gatouhan gazed at his remaining two comrades once more.

    ¡¸But, I won¡¯t ask for you two to go along with my revenge too. I¡¯ll leave it to you what you will do when we get cornered. I¡¯ll say this first, if you want to run away then tell me. I don¡¯t want to drag even you two into the power of my Divine Drag-Ride.¡¹

    After he said that with a severe tone, the bandit styled woman standing at the side sighed in exasperation.

    ¡¸This man, what the hell you are saying at this late.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, it¡¯s too late already.¡¹

    ¡¸Even I more or less has a sense of responsibility as someone who is starting up something.¡¹

    Gatouhan smiled wryly at the words of Drakkhen and Vine.

    ¡¸If you are saying that you are taking responsibility, then keep us company until the end of hell. Fight till the end without throwing us away or running away.¡¹

    ¡¸I also feel the same Gatouhan. Even an existence like me who wasn¡¯t wished by anyone wants to perish together with my comrades at the end. When that time come, add me into your strength without reservation.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then let¡¯s go, gather all our remaining force. From here on, we¡¯re going to fight against the world.¡¹

    *Click*, at that moment, light shined inside the room.

    When they stood up, it could be seen that their face had tattoo with strange pattern.

    It was the sign of the secret art called Baptism that familiarized the body with Elixir, just like what was done to Yoruka in the past.

    ¡ºThe remaining amount of the energy isn¡¯t reassuring. I¡¯ll be controlling the Moon, so I¡¯m not gonna join the battle this time, you mongrels.¡»

    A voice came toward the three from the ceiling that was made from silver planks.

    Their first employer.

    And then, an existence that could move the Moon even now when the Xfer and Automata were gone.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t intend to bother client-dono¡¯s hand. In exchange we want you to keep your promise. At the dawn when you obtain Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºI get it. Either way I don¡¯t have time, you guys split the treasure among yourself.¡»

    Light ran on the vast wall surface inside of the Moon at the same time with the person¡¯s voice. Geometrical pattern emerged.

    Dull and heavy sound of moving mechanism resounded, and the Ruin began to advance.

    ¡º©¤©¤I won¡¯t be satisfied unless I crush that false prince and that new kingdom bunch with my own hand. As long as I can accomplish that, I don¡¯t give a damn to what happen to this world.¡»

    The three shivered slightly at the low voice that was filled with hatred.

    Drakkhen muttered with a bit of fear in her.

    ¡¸Seeing from the side, an avenger is really troublesome eh.¡¹

    The Moon was flying above the new kingdom.

    In order to strike despair toward the battlefield that hadn¡¯t come into view yet.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, this Academy is too lively as usual desu. It feels like I¡¯ll become a lost child desu. Geez¡­¡­¡¹

    While Soffice was disguising herself as ghost to search her Sword Device inside the Academy, one more intruder was walking inside the Academy at the side.

    The Automata with fox ears growing on her head, Re Plica.

    Drakes with radar were on guard against the surrounding, but thinking that the security wouldn¡¯t be that suspicious against visitor, Re Plica succeeded in infiltrating from the front gate by disguising herself as a little sister of a student.

    She wasn¡¯t carrying Sword Device or horn flute, so she didn¡¯t get find out by Drake, but there was high possibility that she would get exposed if she stayed for long.

    The treatment of Baptism toward Dragon Marauder had ended safely.

    It might become a battle after this in order to recover Soffice, but in that case her master would become hostage and be put in danger.

    Thus, Re Plica came alone here a step ahead to search for Soffice.

    ¡¸That Soffice, she is really a handful desu¡­¡­¡¹

    For Re Plica who was an Automata, her master¡¯s order was essentially absolute.

    After she got ordered to stay in the Moon, she had the duty to obey that.

    But, right now she wasn¡¯t doing that.

    Due to her, her base personally was gradually tampered with, and she was programmed to have a mental structure of even closer relationship with Soffice.

    That was why for her, rather than such promise, she wanted to save Soffice¡¯s life.

    It wasn¡¯t just because she was the Ruin¡¯s Gear Leader, it was also her own wish.

    ¡¸There might be an intruder, is it¡­¡­. This is only a maybe, but could it be¡­¡¹

    While walking on a corridor, such voice suddenly entered her ear.

    A girl with blue hair was looking down outside the window. She was the aide of Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Krulcifer.

    ¡®This is bad¡¯, thinking that, Re Plica immediately hid her ears and attempted to pass through beside her.

    Krulcifer should have no acquaintance with her appearance like this, but in the slightest chance that she was addressed©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Say, you over there.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. What is it desu? Ah©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Re Plica noticed her carelessness and pressed her hands on her mouth.

    With her nature as a Ruin¡¯s Gear Leader, she would obey an Xfer unconditionally.

    ¡¸I heard that there is an intruder and thought that could it be, but it looks like you are the real thing if you are unable to go against my words.¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s©¤©¤even so I cannot betray Soffice desu! Because she is also an Xfer!¡¹

    Even when she acted rebelliously with a firm tone, she relaxed when her head got patted.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m intending to obstruct your work. Recently Lux-kun often come and go from the hangar¡¯s underground, so I was anxious whether he is meeting with someone there, but©¤©¤with this I somehow understand the reason.¡¹

    Yes.

    Just because there was a pact among Lisha and others, didn¡¯t mean that they stopped paying attention to Lux.

    They thought in their own way and probed if it was possible.

    ¡¸If, it¡¯s just as I imagined, and Soffice Xfer is here, I wish to cooperate. I might be able to understand a little of the feeling of her who is alone in this world.¡¹

    ¡¸Will you, become Soffice¡¯s friend desu? For her©¤©¤¡¹

    Re Plica recalled the wish that Soffice¡¯s little sister, Uruk had and muttered.

    ¡¸That will depend on your master, but I intend to handle it to the best of my ability. In exchange can you tell me? Why does she hate Arcadia family and call them traitor©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    When Re Plica was about to say something with a hoarse voice, the sound of footsteps running quickly on the corridor could be heard.

    ¡¸Wait, you won¡¯t be able to escape again!¡¹

    A figure wearing white robe and mask, and a girl wearing fairy costume chasing after it.

    That pursuit which in a glance looked like a scene of a play possessed bloodcurdling seriousness.

    ¡¸That¡¯s Sir Coral of Vanheim Principality?¡¹

    ¡¸The ghost just now is Soffice desu! If I don¡¯t chase her©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, let¡¯s hurry.¡¹

    Krulcifer nodded and started running inside the Academy together with Re Plica.

    Their destination was the back of the Academy, connecting to the direction of the practice ground.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­. How careless of me, to be caught with simple method like that.¡¹

    Soffice who was running to outside the school building felt that she was being cornered.

    Coral intentionally didn¡¯t close the distance all at once. He was chasing after her while maintaining a fixed distance that wasn¡¯t too near or too far.

    Indoor it was too cramped to summon Drag-Ride, and even if he summoned one he wouldn¡¯t be able to move it satisfactorily.

    Thus, he was trying to chase her toward the direction of the practice ground. Soffice could see that.

    Most likely he was also being careful in case Dragon Marauder was also sneaking in.

    There was no hesitation and opening in Coral Esther¡¯s movement.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, it wasn¡¯t that I got caught in enemy¡¯s trap. It was inevitable from the start.¡¹

    In order to escape with her own strength, Soffice had to find Vritra¡¯s Sword Device.

    If Airi was walking alone, then she would have no choice but to capture her and questioned the location from her.

    Coral splendidly aimed at that.

    ¡¸Is this, the end?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s arms and legs were starting to tremble.

    Even though she should have been resolved to get killed when she declared war to the world, she was overran by fear now when she was facing death in the face.

    ¡¸©¤©¤In the end, I was unable to hear even a single bad rumor about that young man.¡¹

    Unexpectedly, but escaping and hiding in the Academy, she was able to interact with the girls in the Academy who were close to Airi and Lux, but from them she only heard that those siblings were good people.

    ¡¸©¤©¤However, I won¡¯t repeat the same mistake.¡¹

    Even the people of the old empire, at first they were valuing her and Uruk highly.

    They were courteously treating them as Xfer, the indispensable existence for dealing with Ruin.

    But in the past, within the Garden, they tried to rule over the world as dictator.

    Uruk was killed when she tried to stop it.

    It was trivial.

    According to the past history, they should be able to get along well with the descendants of the Lord, but Soffice and Uruk couldn¡¯t become friend with them.

    The imperial family of the old empire literally only thought of them as key for opening the treasure warehouse of Ruin.

    ¡¸As the last remaining Xfer, I must not get betrayed anymore.¡¹

    At the route from the Academy that was heading to the practice ground, she headed toward the nearby waiting room.

    It was locked, so she circled to the back. But there, a death god for Soffice had been waiting.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That appearance, it suited you more than I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, then that¡¯s good. After all it means that the surrounding¡¯s perception isn¡¯t mistaken.¡¹

    Coral Esther who was already wearing EX Wyvern was looking down on Soffice with a cool gaze.

    Soffice was running out of breath from sprinting all the way here. A Sword Device¡¯s tip was pointed to her when she sat down on the ground.

    ¡¸Please, I want you to change your mind. It¡¯s too dangerous to let you live in this situation.¡¹

    ¡¸You can kill me. Even though you intentionally pursued me alone, with that intention. Liar.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral couldn¡¯t reply back at what Soffice pointed out.

    In other words, it showed that it was just as Soffice said.

    ¡¸Liar, huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral who heard her words shut up for a moment with a gloomy expression.

    However the next moment any expression vanished from his face and he lifted up his Blade.

    The moment Soffice closed her eyes tightly, a running sound came.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t! Coral!¡¹

    *Claang!* Sharp metallic sound echoed, but there was no pain in Soffice¡¯s body.

    When she opened her eyes fearfully, there Lux with Wyvern covering only half his body was blocking the Blade¡¯s attack.

    ¡¸Lux, kun¡­¡­?¡¹

    The eyes of Coral who was seeing that opened wide in surprise.

    On the other hand, Lux who was still wearing a suit was breathing hard.

    A high speed Drag-Ride summoning by discarding the chanting.

    Lux who noticed the commotion and rushed here midway stopped the attack just barely©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m glad, I made it in time.¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    Soffice murmured in a daze. Lux turned toward her and muttered.

    ¡¸I heard from Krulcifer-san. The Moon¡¯s Automata came here to search for you. Even though there is a risk of her getting captured in the middle, she said that she doesn¡¯t want to respond to negotiation with you still being hostage.¡¹

    While talking, Re Plica along with Krulcifer showed up from behind.

    There wasn¡¯t any change in her breathing, but she was standing still with a desperate expression.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry desu, Soffice¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸These people are surely, not bad people desu. I cannot tell you to trust again, not after you lost your little sister desu. But©¤©¤¡¹

    While looking down, even so Re Plica squeezed out her voice.

    ¡¸I want you to at least have a talk with them with your true opinion desu. Because, that should be what both you and your little sister Uruk wished for all this time desu¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice fell silent for a while at Re Plica¡¯s pleading.

    But, when she saw that not even one of the members of Syvalles who gathered here after noticing the commotion was trying to reach for their weapon, she sighed quietly and threw away the cake knife she was secretly carrying.

    At the same time, she took off the white robe she was wearing back to her usual ethnic tribe appearance.

    ¡¸Understood, I surrender. However, I have no intention to cooperate with you all. I only stop the threat using Moon.¡¹

    After hearing that, Lux used a rope for decoration to restrain Soffice¡¯s arms.

    It seemed that everyone around also stopped being tense and relieved sigh could be heard.

    ¡¸To think that the Moon incident would be settled in the middle of this holy night festival party.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It was the correct action to not lose focus.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama and also Sharis-senpai, you two aren¡¯t persuasive at all with that appearance y¡¯know?¡¹

    Tillfur made fun of the words of the serious two who were dressed as bat and dog. The place¡¯s atmosphere was softened.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate. If only I received healing from the ¡ºhibernation pod¡», I would be able to be a bit more useful.¡¹

    ¡¸If you acted, it feels like the matter will be settled quickly in the opposite meaning, so it¡¯s scary though¡­¡­. Either way, it was great that she wasn¡¯t harmed.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Especially missy Krulcifer, you did great noticing the Automata girl.¡¹

    The talk of Yoruka who gave a hint of dangerous atmosphere with a smile was followed by Krulcifer and Sharis next.

    Krulcifer¡¯s respond to this matter was calm and swift as usual, but it also looked like she was glad inside her heart that she was able to save her brethren.

    ¡¸Should we, keep watch by turn? Lu-chan seems busy after all.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be helpful if Philuffy-san can do that for us. After all it¡¯s possible Dragon Marauder or other enemy might come attacking.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Then Lux-san, please return to the party. We will properly set up a place for you to talk with her again.¡¹

    After Philuffy made suggestion with an absentminded tone, Airi agreed with it and Noct concluded the talk.

    The elites of Syvalles each had strong personality and status, but they were reliably managed with Lux at the center.

    After that, Lux allowed himself to presume on everyone¡¯s kindness and returned to the party. During that time Airi explained the course of events until now to Lisha and others.

    The matter of Soffice asking Airi to cooperate in order to liberate the Ruin of Garden.

    Then how Magialca attempted to obstruct that and laid out a trap. She battled Soffice and brought her down.

    The matter of hiding Soffice underground the Drag-Ride hangar and their attempt to have a dialogue with her.

    And then now, the escape attempt was foiled, and the duo of the Moon who declared war to the world©¤©¤Key¡¯s Supervisor Soffice and Automata Re Plica were together here came to light.

    After that, Soffice and Re Plica were brought back to the prison underground the hangar, and they would be made to wait until the costume party was over but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Before this, it was intentional wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Soffice muttered with small volume at Coral who was helping with taking her to the underground prison.

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t intend to kill me. Even without Lux coming, you would stop just before it hit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s not really true. Even though I planned to stop, but I didn¡¯t know whether I would really able to stop or not. At the very least, if Lux-kun didn¡¯t come, the worst case might occurred.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, why did you play that farce?¡¹

    If he didn¡¯t intend to kill Soffice from the start, then there wasn¡¯t any need to slash at her with Blade.

    Coral put his hand on his chin in respond to that question of Soffice and thought for a while before speaking.

    ¡¸I also don¡¯t really understand. But surely, I¡¯m the same like you.¡¹

    ¡¸The same, like me?¡¹

    ¡¸I wanted to see what will Lux-kun do. Perhaps¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral only said that and left quietly from there.

    After that, the holy night festival party progressed peacefully without any big trouble.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Today we are able to make really good memories. Then all the students, let¡¯s begin cleaning up.¡¹

    The time of dusk that was slightly faster in the midwinter.

    After Relie gave her speech from the stage in the courtyard, wave of cheers was spreading out.

    Deeply religious students would head to the monastery at Cross Field after this to offer prayer before quietly passing the night in the girl dormitory. That was the custom.

    Lux also received a lot of present from the female students, but he stored them in the warehouse.

    He also received presents from Lisha and others, along with their respective feeling, but due to the urgency of the matter of Soffice, he planned to open them at another time.

    ¡¸Nii-san. Cleaning up the Academy is also important, but please helps out with here.¡¹

    After helping out with several physical works, he was called by Airi.

    Lux parted with the female students and changed into his uniform, then he headed toward the basement of the Drag-Ride hangar.

    The party had ended safely, but in a sense the fight of the two would enter the main part from here.

    Soffice and Re Plica.

    The duo of the Ruin who proclaimed war to the world. They had to persuade them after this.

    ¡¸Even so, are you serious Nii-san?¡¹

    Airi was uneasy while preparing for the talk.

    Before coming here, she stopped by at the library within Academy¡¯s ground and took something.

    Airi was scared to use it for the negotiation material.

    ¡¸Yes. It can¡¯t be helped¡­¡­. But, I think she isn¡¯t a bad person. In order to make her understand, I also have to resolve myself. If she wouldn¡¯t respond with this, at that time©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux said that, he tightly grasped the sheath of his Wyvern¡¯s Sword Device.

    He would have to hold back Soffice, a powerful person who was a member of Seven Dragon Paladins by himself.

    Hangar basement©¤©¤when they entered the prison through the hidden passage, Soffice was standing there with a rope fastened on her.

    She was waiting for Lux and Airi along with Re Plica who was in the same state like her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to have made you wait. Then, will you talk? About what the two of you know©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­If you give back my Vritra, then I won¡¯t mind talking.¡¹

    Seeing Soffice talking brusquely, Lux smiled wryly.

    ¡¸In this situation, my life is being held in your hand. Like this it¡¯s impossible to talk as equal, am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying that desu, Soffice¡­¡­? Even though you were the one who first threatened using Moon¡­¡­, ouch!?¡¹

    While still being tied with rope, Soffice stepped on the foot of the Automata who was retorting from the side.

    Soffice took a deep breath, then she faced Lux and Airi with her usual indifferent serious look.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this first, I have no intention to cooperate and hand over the Ruin to you. I just won¡¯t attack the new kingdom, is that fine with you?¡¹

    No change in emotion could be sensed from there, but it was enough with just her responding to his talk like this.

    ¡¸Of course. For now, I want to hear your story. Did something happen in the past between you and the old empire?¡¹

    ¡¸No, in the first place, are you two living in the same time period with us?¡¹

    Airi matched Lux and added further question.

    Soffice fell silent for a while seemingly in hesitation, then before long she began to form her words.

    ¡¸Conversely, there is one thing that we want to ask you first. You two, the descendants of the empire family really don¡¯t know anything? About what the old empire did ten years ago too. And also about the matter of family of traitors.¡¹

    ¡¸We too wish you will quickly teach us about why you are calling us the family of traitors though. Even though we have no recollection of betraying anything, being called like that continuously is also vexing.¡¹

    Airi said that with a bit of dissatisfaction, then Lux continued after her.

    ¡¸When we were children, we were distanced from the center of government, so we weren¡¯t that knowledgeable about the old empire¡¯s wrongdoing. Especially about the matter with you that seemed to be done in secret, it¡¯s not even remaining in record.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Soffice. I think these people aren¡¯t lying desu. They don¡¯t even have any need to do that.¡¹

    When Soffice who kept looking at Lux¡¯s eyes was keeping silent, Re Plica beside her prompted her.

    ¡¸Understood¡¹ saying that as the beginning, Soffice began to talk bit by bit.

    About her first half of life since she was awakened in the Moon as an Xfer.

    ¡¸I woke up inside a hibernation pod in the Moon and passed several years inside the Ruin. The way to use Drag-Ride, how to control Abyss, how to use the Moon¡¯s function, I learned those from the Automata Re Plica. It seemed that I was awakened because my state of preservation was getting worse, but other than that it was also for carrying out my most important mission.¡¹

    ¡¸The mission of Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer©¤©¤the one who manage the Ruin. Essentially what kind of mission it is?¡¹

    Airi asked in the place of Krulcifer who wasn¡¯t here.

    Soffice closed her eyes as though recalling it keenly, then she continued her words.

    ¡¸The Lords, are those who were entrusted with the Ruins. The Key¡¯s Supervisor, is the ancient race that brought about the Ruins. Those people who created the Ruins themselves were the clan of XferKey¡¯s Supervisor of the far ancient era. The clan called Xfer isn¡¯t blessed with many offspring and they were few in number, but they possessed extraordinary talent and knowledge. In addition of that, they also further received special education growing up.¡¹

    ¡¸But, Soffice didn¡¯t receive that education desu. That¡¯s why despite being an Xfer, she is a bit disappointing like this©¤©¤ouch ouch ouch-! Wait, stop stepping on my foot from the side with that serious look desu!¡¹

    With unchanging serious look, Soffice stepped on Re Plica¡¯s foot with all her might from the side. Lux and Airi smiled wryly.

    Their figures interacting with each other despite one being an Automata that should be loaded with pseudo personality seemed like the exchange between real sisters.

    ¡¸Our talk diverted. However, our clan of Xfer, in contrast with that development of technological strength, our number was decreasing and we were getting cornered. Our clan was persecuted and even our own country treated us hostilely.¡¹

    ¡¸Did they, do something bad? Why did they meet that kind of experience©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi asked with a dubious expression. Soffice answered indifferently without even a twitch in her expression.

    ¡¸They didn¡¯t do anything. They only improved their technology and earned money from that. And yet the surrounding nations ganged up and cornered the Xfer. That is what is written in the record.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux imagined that event.

    The reason why those girls who were only developing technology got shunned©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Could it be, their surrounding was jealous of them?¡¹

    *Nod*, Soffice simply nodded wordlessly.

    ¡¸In short, those people envied their technological strength desu. Both common people and the people in charge attempted to take away their fortune and technology desu. In order to escape from that, Xfer clan moved from place to place. They continued a long, long travel that felt beyond counting, and then finally©¤©¤the clan encountered people who recognized them desu.¡¹

    ¡¸Was that the Holy Arcadia Empire¡­¡­the clan of the Lords?¡¹

    Airi muttered seriously. Silence filled inside the prison.

    After everyone there once more mutually recognized the history of the two clans that had been together since the ancient time, Soffice resumed the story.

    ¡¸Arcadia Empire was a really small and weak island country, but as the result of its royalty welcoming the Xfer and supporting them, their might was increasing. They mined meteorite from the nearby sea, took out the raw ore of Mithrildite and Force Core, and began to process it. In this world, that kind of huge meteorite wreckages existed in several places.¡¹

    Lux thought that perhaps, the Ruins were places to process those huge meteorites.

    ¡¸Time flowed further from there. Before they knew it, Arcadia Empire was convinced that they possessed armed might that was unrivaled. They expanded toward the world searching for even better land. At that point of time, several existing Ruins were used as moving fortress.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸They secured positing at the center of the vast continent, pushed their way through undeveloped lands using Drag-Ride and cultivated those places. With that©¤©¤the end.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux reflexively raised his voice at the sudden end of the story.

    Airi was also agitated. She leaned forward with eagerness.

    ¡¸The end you said©¤©¤why did the Holy Arcadia Empire get destroyed? Even though they were monopolizing the technology of Ruins¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I also don¡¯t know the detail. It might be a top secret matter even between the Lords and the Key¡¯s Supervisor. But, the available record only goes that far. Just, it seems that after that some kind of large revolution occurred. At that time, Arcadia Empire clearly segregated the class of the nobles and the citizens. Discrimination occurred. And then what happened to those citizens©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Was our ancestor, was it¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice nodded at Lux¡¯s muttering.

    At the same time Lux couldn¡¯t help but felt like he had heard something bad.

    The segregation that Arcadia Empire put between the nobles and the citizens, some people then unified the citizens and caused uprising. Those people were called as the ¡ºfamily of traitors¡».

    ¡¸Nii-san¡­¡­. Could it be, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s thought also concluded the same like Airi¡¯s uneasiness.

    He didn¡¯t know the detail except from what he heard from Soffice¡¯s story, but that Hayes who was at Heiburg Republic was having some kind of fixation toward Lux.

    And then, from how she was calling him as a false prince, there was a high possibility that she had extraordinary relationship with the ancestor of Lux and Airi.

    There was a possibility that a revolution occurred with Arcadia Empire due to the people¡¯s uprising.

    ¡¸During that time, we the survivor of Xfer went to sleep for a long time before waking up.¡¹

    While Lux and Airi were imagining about their origin, Soffice was slowly continuing her story.

    ¡¸Ten years ago, I encountered with the imperial family of Old Empire Arcadia that was also the relatives of you two. My little sister was looking for friend. Most likely, the mission of Xfer that had been reduced to few remaining number is to protect the Ruins, and to increase our number again. For that reason, my little sister wished for interaction with other people. She wished for people who will understand and accept us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who was treated coldly even while being an imperial family member understood well that feeling.

    The lonely environment where one couldn¡¯t obtain other people¡¯s understanding despite being in a special position.

    He was happy right now being surrounded by everyone in the Academy, but that was exactly why that period where he was starving for such thing felt even stronger.

    ¡¸However, there a fatal breakdown in relationship occurred wasn¡¯t it? The bones of a girl at that Garden, could that be¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi recalled the happening of the other day while muttering.

    When they headed to the Ruin Garden to hide the Grand Force by the new kingdom¡¯s order, they found human bones with broken skeleton buried under the ground.

    ¡¸Those guys of Old Empire Arcadia, they used us to unlock the seal of the Ruin and planned to make the world their own. My little sister who noticed that rejected it©¤©¤she got killed and I was also injured seriously. I slept inside the hibernation pod in order to hide myself while applying the remodeling called Baptism to my body, changing the color of my skin and hair. After that, I was merely acting in accordance with my mission. I won¡¯t hand over Avalon to the villains that will destroy this world. The family of traitors too, none of them can be trusted. Believing that¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed the story was over with that. Silence visited inside the prison.

    Soffice woke up inside the Moon as a survivor of the Xfer.

    She tried to search for comrade who would recognize them due to her little sister¡¯s wish.

    She met the old empire¡¯s betrayal and lost her little sister. Now she tried to protect Avalon by herself.

    ¡¸Nii-san. What are you going to do? With the two of them here, most likely there is nobody who can move the Ruin.¡¹

    Lux silently nodded at Airi¡¯s words.

    ¡¸Perhaps so. I don¡¯t know what will happen if the Lords interfered, but I think that also won¡¯t happen. If they can easily discover Moon, then they should have done so since a long time ago.¡¹

    ¡¸If you¡¯re going to kill me then do as you like. I too did everything with the resolve to die. Either way it¡¯s impossible that the world alliance will pardon me.¡¹

    Soffice talked indifferently with an expressionless look, however Lux shook his head slightly.

    ¡¸Can I, ask you to promise one thing? After this I¡¯ll go to consult Captain Magialca after the holy night festival is over. If with that I¡¯m able to guarantee your life, will you cooperate then?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s eyes that were tinged with emptiness snapped open in surprise.

    ¡¸You will help desu!?¡¹

    Re Plica who had even more abundant emotion than human raised her voice. Seeing that Airi was flustered.

    ¡¸Wait a second Nii-san! Please don¡¯t say anything absurd. Even if it¡¯s Nii-san that¡¯s impossible. That kind of promise without due consideration©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s obviously impossible. If you are going to lie, then you should make up something more believable.¡¹

    Soffice was similarly acting negative, but Lux asserted without any hesitation.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why I also cannot say anything certain. However, that¡¯s the only option that has possibility. Either way it¡¯s most important that the Ruin move with the power of you two. There is also the matter of Ragnarok. With that, it might also be possible to curry favor with the world alliance and write off the crime of the war declaration.¡¹

    ¡¸What does Nii-san, mean?¡¹

    Airi tilted her head in puzzlement. Lux took a deep breath and answered.

    ¡¸In order to take out the remaining Grand Forces, we have to defeat two Ragnarok no matter what. However, originally the damage to do that will be impossible to predict.¡¹

    It felt like normal Drag-Knights would be completely useless against them, and even if users of Divine Drag-Ride were gathered, if they made even the slightest mistake than there was a risk of total annihilation.

    ¡¸But, if you two are able to annihilate Ragnarok, it will be possible to eliminate almost the whole burden for all the countries.¡¹

    ¡¸Giving an order to the two Ragnarok to defeat each other¡­¡­that¡¯s what Nii-san mean. Certainly, if that can be done, then the world alliance might be convinced too. And then, if the Abysses in the abandoned capital of Marcafal Kingdom can also be eliminated without problem like that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We will be able to reach Avalon in the remaining two months time. What do you think?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    Soffice was silently listening to Lux¡¯s suggestion for a while, but before long she opened her mouth with a murmur.

    ¡¸Didn¡¯t you listen to what I first said? I have no intention to trust anyone else anymore. As a survivor of Xfer, I must not fail. Even so, if you at least would spare my life, I would talk about the facts that I know. I have fulfilled that with this.¡¹

    She gazed at Lux with an indifferent gaze that showed no emotion.

    If Soffice was executed like this, in the end Avalon would fall into someone else¡¯s hand. She should know that, even so it seemed that she was unable to cooperate even then.

    After a moment of pause, Lux silently took a breath.

    ¡¸I got it. But, before the holy night festival is over, I¡¯ll come again to persuade you. Before that I¡¯ll get an agreement from Lady Magialca.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No matter how many times you come, it will be the same.¡¹

    ¡¸Even so, I won¡¯t give up.¡¹

    Lux smiled at Soffice who was somewhat perplexed.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what should I do to make you trust me, but I¡¯ll try to do what I can do. After all, that¡¯s the only thing I can do.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Why©¤©¤are you struggling that much desu? Shouldn¡¯t you ignore the like of us already and quickly go to search for the Ruin desu?¡¹

    In the place of the silent Soffice, Re Plica asked Lux.

    In respond, the little sister who knew her big brother really well also answered in his place.

    ¡¸That¡¯s because Nii-san is like this. He is really a difficult person. He is always giving me troubles.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, Airi!?¡¹

    ¡¸But, if he isn¡¯t like this, he wouldn¡¯t try to change the old empire or anything. Whether it was polishing his skill with Drag-Ride, or advising the emperor at that time, and even destroying the old empire©¤©¤. Even if it was a path that was nearly impossible, Nii-san didn¡¯t give up in creating a place for us to belong.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who received Soffice¡¯s gaze thought for a while before telling her.

    ¡¸Fugil of the Lords told me. I who was ostracized by both the imperial family and the people merely tried to become loved by anyone. He said that I have no caliber as king with resolve to abandon or kill anyone.¡¹

    Philuffy taught him the answer of that.

    His admiration toward the act of the girl who saved him from isolation even without any authority or strength.

    Lux believed that was to be his benchmark in saving the country.

    ¡¸What my elder brother said might not be wrong. Perhaps the truth is that I merely wanted to escape from the environment where everyone hates me. Even so right now there are a lot of comrades who I can trust around me. That¡¯s why, I can keep fighting from now on too. Even if it might be mistaken, I can continue to reach out my hand toward someone else.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for not harming anyone in the Academy and Airi. I¡¯ll come again later to persuade you.¡¹

    ¡¸Excuse us.¡¹

    Lux finished speaking with that and left. Airi also followed after him.

    And then, silence visited the underground prison at the end of the hidden passage.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Soffice, what will we do from now desu?¡¹

    One supervisor, and one Automata.

    Re Plica asked her master inside the prison underground the hangar where there were only the two of them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What about?¡¹

    Soffice didn¡¯t move at the slightest with both her arms in shackle.

    There was no emotion at all in her expression. It even looked like she was wearing mask.

    ¡¸Those people, aren¡¯t bad people desu.¡¹

    ¡¸I heard that before.¡¹

    ¡¸The people of Syvalles, all of them are good natured people.¡¹

    ¡¸I know. I met several people while here, I talked to them.¡¹

    Soffice replied indifferently.

    Even so there was no emotion mixed at all in her voice.

    ¡¸How about trying to trust one more time desu? Soffice was always alone all this time desu! You were betrayed by the imperial family of old empire, lost your little sister, even so in order to fulfill your mission as Key¡¯s Supervisor, you stifled down just about all your emotion desu.¡¹

    ¡¸My mission is already over. I¡¯ve done everything that I can. After this, the only opposition that I can do, is to not hand over Avalon to the enemy so easily.¡¹

    ¡¸You lie desu! Even though the truth is©¤©¤you want comrade more than anyone! You are only running away because you are scared to get hurt desu!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uruk, my little sister died for the sake of Key¡¯s Supervisor¡¯s mission. She persisted on her wish for peace and died. If I got tricked here because I want comrade, she would have died for nothing.¡¹

    ¡¸Soffice¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸This is fine, Re Plica. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m cursing my fate. Just©¤©¤, those siblings are really interesting. They were like us in the past, it¡¯s nostalgic.¡¹

    The always expressionless Soffice showed a faint emotion.

    Re Plica was about to say something in respond to that, but in that moment a sound resounded inside the prison.

    *GAN GAN GAN GAN-!*

    High pitched bell sound was ringing repeatedly with terrific speed.

    Even Soffice who was ignorant of the new kingdom¡¯s regulation immediately noticed the meaning of that bell sound.

    ¡¸Abyss attack? This late at night?¡¹

    ¡¸No, the way they ring the bell isn¡¯t normal desu. Don¡¯t tell me, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Re Plica muttered that nervously, a magnified voice due to Drake¡¯s function could be heard.

    ¡ºEmergency! Students are to gather toward the hangar right away! It¡¯s emergency situation! The silhouette of Moon and a large swarm of Abyss appeared inside the Academy ground! Uguh, a¡­¡­!¡»

    The voice was cut off at the middle. The scream of a man who seemed to be a guard Drag-Knight drowned it over.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The content of those words that were hard to believe made Soffice and Re Plica exchanged gaze.

    ¡¸What, does this mean? Did you, move the Moon?¡¹

    ¡¸I moved it a bit but, I didn¡¯t let out any Abyss desu! Or rather, how did the Moon come until the Academy even though the Key¡¯s Supervisor and the Gear Leader me aren¡¯t there desu!?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know¡­¡­. Even if Krulcifer discovered Moon¡¯s location, she shouldn¡¯t know how to operate it. If there is anyone who know that much¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s also possible this is just a diversion you know desu? Like the Dragon Marauder releasing faulty information to save us©¤©¤¡¹

    At that time when they were starting to discuss various possibilities, there was sound coming from outside the prison.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s also an interesting method but, unfortunately this time it¡¯s different.¡¹

    The door was opened with creaking sound along with a joking smile.

    ¡¸We came to save you incompetent supervisor-sama. My bad but, our contract with you ends here. From here on we will obey the instruction of our first employer.¡¹(Drakkhen)

    There, three Dragon Marauders were standing while carrying Airi who lost consciousness.

    In addition even further behind them, a girl wearing black robe and clad with ominous aura was standing.

    The curtain of a frenzied stage was raised at the end of the tranquil holy night festival.

 Volume 12 - CH 6

    ¨C

    ¡¸What is this, just what in the world is going on!?¡¹

    ¡¸Calm down! Students who can fight, draw your sword! First get out of the building and wear your Drag-Ride!¡¹

    Tillfur was raising a loud voice in bewilderment. Beside her, Sharis was also anxious while also raising her voice.

    The Academy¡¯s girl dormitory, late at night.

    In front of the girls who were enjoying the passing night of holy night festival, hell manifested suddenly.

    Various Abysses suddenly appeared inside the girl dormitory and they began to destroy the inside of the building fiercely.

    It was an abnormality that visited without any advance notice.

    Bearing Soffice¡¯s case in mind, Sharis and others were on guard against surprise attack from Dragon Marauder, but as expected they couldn¡¯t completely hide their anxiety.

    ¡¸Where is Noct!? Have her grasp the situation around here with Drake¡¯s radar and request Syvalles to sortie! At this rate we are going to get annihilated!¡¹

    Sharis swallowed the scream of terror that was threatening to squeeze out from her throat and gave an order with a firmness that befitted her leader sstatus.

    But, the situation was worsening by the seconds.

    Finally the Abysses bit a hole into a room of a sleeping female student and swallowed a girl inside.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Stop! Let go of her!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible Sharis! We won¡¯t be able to do anything without Drag-Ride!¡¹

    Sharis pulled out her Sword Device and she was going to slash, but Tillfur clung on her and stopped her.

    Sharis bit her lower lips hard until it bleed. Then she went out to the entrance of atrium from the girl dormitory¡¯s corridor and drew out her Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest that is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, EX Wyvern!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the dragon that symbolize immortality. Turn into a chain of earth fang, EX Wyrm!¡¹

    Both of them wore the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride that they were barely able to use due to Lisha¡¯s tuning.

    The energy consumption was intense and it was disadvantageous for protracted battle, but in order to overturn the current hopeless situation, they wanted as much power as possible even if just for a little more.

    ¡¸Noct! Where are you!? Is AIir-chan safe!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Y.e.s. She is safe. I secured her.¡¹

    Sharis and Tillfur were relieved hearing the familiar voice and turned around.

    But, the moment they saw that sight, they froze.

    ¡¸No,ct?¡¹

    ¡¸Airi, chan¡­¡­?¡¹

    It was Noct there.

    But, the girl¡¯s features were obviously different from the usual her.

    There was no trace at all of her expression that was taciturn but intelligent. Her face was tinged with emptiness while her pupils were shaking like pendulum.

    She wasn¡¯t wearing Drake, but black tentacles were growing from her back as though an Abyss was being a parasite in her.

    And then, the girl who was wearing uniform was carefully holding something in her arms. It was the head©¤©¤of the girl who should be her roommate and her best friend.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? Where is Lux-san? Let¡¯s gather everyone quickly. If they become like this then©¤©¤nobody else will be killed.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Cold sweat oozed out from the whole body of Sharis and Tillfur along with a shriek.

    Some kind of Abyss acted as parasite in Noct and broke her heart.

    Lux¡¯s little sister Airi was killed.

    She was beyond help already.

    They didn¡¯t have any face to look at them anymore.

    She would have to deal with her important childhood friend who had stayed by her side as servant until now with her own hand.

    Ruled by that despair and resentment, Sharis swung up her Drag-Ride¡¯s Blade following her impulse.

    ¡¸What are you doing Sharis? Please return to your senses.¡¹

    ¡¸Stop! Stop it! I don¡¯t want! Something like this©¤©¤!¡¹

    Sharis swung down her EX Wyvern¡¯s Blade as though to reject the reality.

    However it didn¡¯t cut down Noct¡¯s neck. Something deflected it from the side.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop it both of you! That is a fake!¡¹

    A faint green light entered their sight along with a sharp voice.

    ¡º¡­¡­Perception, change.¡»

    Right after that, the field of vision of Sharis and Tillfur warped flabbily and the surrounding returned into the corridor of girl dormitory that was still pristine.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s going on!?¡¹

    The sight until now that was like a nightmare changed and returned into the proper world.

    Even the room that looked like it was broken into now actually only had its wall dented a little.

    And then, Noct who was in front of them didn¡¯t look odd anywhere except that she had her Sword Device drawn out while taking a stance.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­happened?¡¹

    Noct also muttered with a dumbfounded tone.

    When they noticed and looked closer, although the warning sound of the bell tower could be heard, the girl dormitory was exactly like normal.

    ¡¸You all had illusion showed to you. Your mind was eroded by a special sound wave.¡¹

    Beside the Triad who were facing each other, there was Coral with his Sword Device unsheathed when they noticed.

    He was wearing the military uniform of Vanheim Principality with his hair braided like usual. His expression was tense.

    His appearance was familiar just like before, but one of his eyes looked faintly shining in yellow green color.

    ¡¸Mind erosion with sound¡­¡­? Then, the scene just now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. it was the work of the great demon called Iblis, the Ragnarok that existed in the Garden. It¡¯s heading here from the direction of the practice ground. Surely it¡¯s planning to crush this Academy in this chance©¤©¤no, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­¡¹

    Coral¡¯s words halted in the middle and he fell into thought.

    ¡¸Then, all the students who are affected by this sound wave are dangerous? If we don¡¯t head to intercept the Ragnarok, we will get affected by illusion again later?¡¹

    Coral nodded with a serious gaze at Sharis¡¯s question.

    ¡¸For now plug your ears. If you don¡¯t try to get out from here then fatal damage can be prevented. I will call Lux-kun and the others to exterminate the Ragnarok, so you three, please save the Academy¡¯s students and staffs. Perhaps because a lot of the students are sleeping, there is still no victim, but if the number of people waking up is increasing from the sound of battle after this, then friendly fire will be increasing.¡¹

    ¡¸N, NOOoOOOO-¡­¡­! Abyss, Abyss is inside the dormitory©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A shrill scream rose from inside the corridor and a girl wearing pajama could be seen swinging around her Sword Device.

    The Triad immediately put their guard up, but the girl suddenly flopped down in the middle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Good grief. Even though I heard that the holy night is a time to be quiet.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, Yoruka!?¡¹

    Tillfur raised a surprised voice. A girl in only her underwear appeared from the other side of the corridor.

    She was in a state where many of her body parts were bandaged due to injury while one arm and one leg were fixed in place with splint, but she knocked down the girls attacking her with the cane supporting her body.

    ¡¸It seems that thanks to the Baptism that was applied into my left eye, I am able to resist the illusion. Aa, there is no need to worry about the girl. I only made her faint.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even though Yoruka herself was seriously injured and couldn¡¯t wear Drag-Ride, she subdued the girl who was rampaging due to the illusion in a flash.

    The height of that skill and the precision of her attack caused the Triad to be in admiration once more.

    ¡¸Then, it will be fine if the four of us make all the students here to sleep correct?¡¹

    When Yoruka talked to Coral who was similarly watching in astonishment, the young man nodded after hesitating for a bit.

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤everyone, I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¹

    After saying only that, Coral sheathed his sword and ran outside.

    At the same time, the leader of Triad, Sharis gave the order.

    ¡¸Noct! Call out to the main force of Syvalles with your Drake! As soon as you detect the presence of Lux and others, we will leave the Ragnarok to them and return to suppress the inside of Academy! Let¡¯s go!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Let¡¯s hurry.¡¹

    ¡¸Rooogerr¡¹

    ¡¸My my, me too isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    When the three and Yoruka nodded, the mission started at the same time.

    Noct worn her Drake in order to convey the fact they obtained from Coral.

    She confirmed the situation around the girl dormitory using radar while calling out to Syvalles members using Dragon Voice, then quickly there was one reaction.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ah, AAaAH, AH, DIEEEEEEEE ABYSSS©¤©¤! Geuh!?¡¹

    *Pashi-!*, dazzling flash of lightning burst in the courtyard at night. A guard Drag-Knight wearing Drag-Ride fell silent.

    Celis was easily neutralizing several people while frowning from hearing Noct¡¯s report through Dragon Voice.

    ¡¸So it was like that, this sound that feels like splitting the head and the illusion are¡­¡­¡¹

    The guards rampaging from the voice of Ragnarok Iblis began to strike each other, so Celis wearing Lindwurm suppressed them using the Lance of lightning strike.

    Of course Celis was also under the influence of the mind attack, but thanks to her habitual mental training, she somehow maintained her sanity.

    ¡ºOnce you finished there, please head to the practice ground right away. Thinking from the movement of the Drag-Rides©¤©¤Iblis is there.¡»

    ¡¸Understood. I also cannot hold on that long. As soon as everyone gathered©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for that, Celistia.¡¹

    The instant Celis responded to Noct, a presence arrived beside her.

    It was Lisha wearing Tiamat, her blonde side tail fluttering in the wind.

    In addition beside her was Krulcifer wearing Fafnir and also Philuffy wearing Typhon on the ground.

    A few seconds later, Lux wearing Bahamut and Coral wearing EX Wyvern also arrived.

    Excluding Yoruka who was unable to participate due to her injury from the previous battle, the main force of the Academy was gathered here right now.

    ¡¸It seems that Airi along with Soffice were taken away by the enemy while we are receiving Ragnarok¡¯s mental pollution. We won¡¯t be able to do anything without defeating Iblis first, but like this we won¡¯t be able to approach it.¡¹

    Lux was on tenterhooks because his little sister was taken away once more, but if he lost his calm here it would be just what the enemy wanted.

    Thus he suppressed his emotion and turned his gaze to reality.

    ¡¸Right. If we approach closer than this, then it¡¯s likely even with our ears plugged we won¡¯t be able to resist. This Iblis, it will also launch mental pollution through sight too right? We will be obliterated altogether without some kind of countermeasure.¡¹

    Krulcifer also agreed with Lux.

    Although it was only by a hair¡¯s breadth, Syvalles had defeated several Ragnarok until now, but as expected they wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid a bitter fight even with their full strength.

    Just facing a single Ragnarok was always accompanied with the risk of total annihilation.

    ¡¸But, there is no time. If the enemy¡¯s mental pollution with its voice is progressing to some degree, it should be heading our way then. No, even if that¡¯s not the case, we have to defeat the enemy while it¡¯s in the practice ground right now!¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, it will be no good if it get away to Cross Field! A lot of citizens will get mixed up!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. We have, to stop it here.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s statement met agreement from Lisha and Philuffy.

    But, while they were unable to find an effective method, Coral suddenly took out four knives from somewhere.

    ¡¸Everyone, take this.¡¹

    Coral threw the knives that were put inside holder to Lux and others. Then following Coral instruction they unsheathed the knives.

    Then©¤©¤a blade with its edge shining in seven colors appeared.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤Elixir!?¡¹

    The secret medicine of Ruin that liberated the hidden ability of human and turned them into Nocturnal.

    But, the compensation for that would be a backlash to the body if the power was overused. It was a double-edged sword.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­do you have this?¡¹

    Krulcifer asked with a suspicious face. Coral thought for a bit in respond and then answered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I confiscated them when I captured an underling of Dragon Marauder in Vanheim Principality. I was holding on them just in case, but now there is no other choice than to use them. The amount of Elixir in them is few, so your body¡¯s color won¡¯t change, but if it¡¯s just for around ten-odd minutes, you will obtain resistance against mental pollution©¤©¤supposedly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even if for example no change would happen at the surface of their body, they would still be reluctant to use it.

    Lux and co were all hesitating, but hearing the roar of Ragnarok once more, they resolved themselves.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It doesn¡¯t look like there is time to hesitate. If we don¡¯t defeat that thing, everything will be over.¡¹

    ¡¸Yosh, we¡¯re going to do this!¡¹

    Krulcifer sighed, while Lisha also resolved herself and agreed.

    Everyone except Coral stabbed the tip of the knife on their skin. Then the liquid of seven colors permeated inside and intense heat enveloped their body.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go everyone! The target is the Ragnarok in the practice ground, this so called Iblis! Fight from mid-range at the very least so you won¡¯t get done in by the mental pollution! I and Krulcifer will take care of firepower!¡¹

    Lisha took a deep breath and took command with a loud voice.

    Krulcifer¡¯s Fafnir had the sniper rifle Freezing Cannon, while Lisha¡¯s Tiamat possessed a main cannon with super firepower Seven Heads as special armament.

    Because they would receive more influence of mental pollution the closer they were to the enemy, it was the best to entrust the attacking role to those two.

    At the same time when Lisha told that, everyone drove their Drag-Ride and started to move simultaneously©¤©¤but, the moment they headed to the practice ground and Iblis¡¯s figure came to view, a swarm of Abyss sprang out in front of them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Lisha and others who completely thought that there was only a single Ragnarok were taken aback and came to a stop.

    Not letting go of that opening, a single Drag-Ride leaped out from inside the darkness and approached before their eyes.

    Clad in Divine Drag-Ride Asp that possessed four legs and claws, it was Dragon Marauder¡¯s division commander Drakkhen Megistri.

    ¡¸This woman-!? Where did she appear from!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s eyes snapped open in surprise while she barely deployed a reinforced barrier and blocked the steel claw attack.

    Beside her Krulcifer quickly intercepted using her sniper rifle, but Drakkhen leaped backward and escaped.

    When Lisha and others who lost sight of her figure were perplexed, Drakkhen had instantly moved at far behind the practice ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No. That¡¯s a misunderstanding you know, new kingdom¡¯s Academy raid force, ladies of Syvalles.¡¹

    When the members of Syvalles were going to chase after her, a thick male voice came.

    ¡¸We didn¡¯t appear here. We were waiting, for you all to come here.¡¹

    Thanks to the torches that were prepared here and there in the practice ground, they could see the figure of three Drag-Knights at the deepest area within the swarm of Abyss.

    ¡¸You three, if I¡¯m not mistaken©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry for the late introduction princess of new kingdom. My name is Dragon Marauder¡¯s Heaven Dragon division commander, Gatouhan Barres.¡¹

    A large man with tanned skin, muscular body build, and masculine impression first introduced himself like that.

    ¡¸Similarly, Earth Dragon division commander, Vine Hachettes.¡¹

    ¡¸Similarly, Human Dragon division commander, Drakkhen Megistri. I¡¯m indebted to you guys from that time.¡¹

    Furthermore, the young boy who looked conspicuously young among the three, and the woman of blooming age dressed like bandit also introduced themselves.

    The group of Drag-Knights who had repeatedly held skirmish in regard to Ruins until now.

    These three who were the main force of Dragon Marauder finally appeared altogether.

    ¡¸Just when I thought that the bunches who were sneaking around until now are finally coming out, they have guards of Ragnarok and Abysses. As expected huh, don¡¯t you even have courage to fight properly?¡¹

    Lisha glared at the three and provoked them. Drakkhen responded with a wry smile.

    ¡¸Royal family member don¡¯t know about mercenary work huh. For us, result is what matter. What¡¯s more when it come to a scramble for Grand Force that is related to Avalon, fighting in honest way is foolish right?¡¹

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤you all are strong. The speed of your growth is also not common. I believe that this much supplemental battle force is the minimum requirement to fight you all you know?¡¹

    After the boy called Vine said that indifferently, Celis readied her Lance and gazed at the opponents.

    ¡¸Praise from outsides is unnecessary. After defeating you all and the Ragnarok, I will listen to your story from inside the prison.¡¹

    ¡¸Dealing with us while taking out Grand Force from inside the Ragnarok while you are at it. Spreading Iblis¡¯s mental pollution to the whole Academy so that we cannot escape, forcing us to participate in this battle¡­¡­is it correct to consider that as your plan?¡¹

    In addition Krulcifer also stated that while overlooking the area from the sky.

    ¡¸Nice conjecture. Incidentally we are planning to catch you alive. After all Key¡¯s Supervisor is a tool that might be still necessary.¡¹

    Gatouhan grinned fearlessly. Lisha snapped and yelled.

    ¡¸Enough with the tedious talk, we¡¯ve got no time here. We aren¡¯t going to hold back!¡¹

    The tension was slowly rising. At that moment when the opening of hostilities would start, Philuffy who was staying quiet until now muttered quietly.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, is gone. How?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡®Now that she mentioned it¡¯, thinking that, everyone looked around searchingly.

    When they noticed, the figure of Lux and Bahamut who should be acting together with them had vanished completely.

    ¡¸How mysterious. Perhaps it might be related somehow with how I suddenly appeared at the beginning isn¡¯t iiit?¡¹

    Drakkhen¡¯s grin that was making fun of them caused everyone to be on their guard, but right after that Coral quietly spoke.

    ¡¸There is one thing that I want to ask to you three. The one who kidnapped Soffice and Lux-san©¤©¤your current master, who is it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you mean? They came here in order to save Dragon Marauder¡¯s employer, Soffice Xfer isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Krulcifer was puzzled. In respond Coral shook his head slightly.

    ¡¸No, I also stood watch over Soffice and Re Plica, but they vanished from the prison after Iblis moved. The Moon¡¯s function can give instruction to Ragnarok©¤©¤such feat should be impossible with Dragon Marauder¡¯s authority. In other words¡­¡­the enemy mastermind who moved that function is somewhere.¡¹

    ¡¸A mastermind existence who can move Ruin¡­¡­you say?¡¹

    Lisha showed a dubious expression, but right after that the Wyvern division commander Gatouhan drew out his Sword Device.

    The back wings of the Divine Drag-Ride with poisonous purplish red color were tinged with light and he instantly took a fighting stance.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The talk ends here. Become the sacrifice for a brand new kingdom that we will obtain!¡¹

    The trigger of the battle was pulled.

    Great amount of Abysses, three division commander of Dragon Marauders, and then a Ragnarok Iblis at the back. The curtain of a deathly battle against those lineups was opened.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This place¡­¡­where in the world©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux woke up from his interrupted consciousness.

    Even though he should be in the Academy¡¯s practice ground just a moment before, he wondered just what had happened.

    A spherical space that was surrounded with silver colored metallic wall.

    The space was as spacious as the Academy¡¯s practice ground. There was no one there except Lux with his Bahamut.

    But, there was a gigantic mechanical pillar in the middle of the room.

    At first Lux thought it was the main pillar of this room, but something was different.

    The pillar changed shape with complicated and mysterious gears¡¯ movement. It grew limbs and took a stance like a fortress.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Don¡¯t tell me, this thing!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right you damn idiot. Deus Ex Machina©¤©¤I called it here using the Moon¡¯s instruction. It¡¯s the Ragnarok that protect Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall!¡¹

    The mysterious voice echoed inside the space.

    When Lux searched for the voice¡¯s origin with his gaze, he found a small glass window from viewing at a room above.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi!?¡¹

    Lux glided with Bahamut and looked inside the neighboring room that could be seen through the glass. He unconsciously raised his voice.

    Airi in her uniform was unconscious while being tied at the corner of the room.

    Furthermore beside her there was also Soffice who was in a worn-out state.

    Her usual expressionless face that was like mask had crumbled. She was sweating while looking uneasy.

    Someone wearing robe with hood that was hanging low over her eyes was standing before the two girls. That person abruptly snapped her fingers.

    Then the wall of the room where Lux was at was projecting image with window frame of light.

    The window frame was showing the students running riot inside the girl dormitory in the night of holy night festival, and the predicament of Lisha along with others who were surrounded by a great amount of Abysses.

    ¡¸This is, the happening in the Academy!? What is going on!? Why am I©¤©¤why is Soffice beaten up like that?¡¹

    ¡¸That is, because she is not needed anymore desu.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Inside the room at the other side of the glass, the Automata Re Plica was muttering with eyes that had lost their light.

    And then, she grabbed Soffice¡¯s neck with both her hands and lifted her up on the air.

    ¡¸This place is inside the Moon that is floating above the Academy desu. Following mywatashimaster¡¯s command, it moved for the sake of getting rid of the Arcadia siblings.¡¹

    The abundant emotional expressions from Re Plica until now were vanishing.

    She only coldly carried out her order and completely changed into a pure machine.

    Soffice who guessed that bit her lips in frustration while her usual blank expression crumbled.

    ¡¸How¡­¡­. Why did the Dragon Marauder betray me!? We should have a contract!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s obviously because you became unnecessary desu, fool.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Re Plica who was manipulated by someone told that with her mouth splitting open into crescent shape.

    ¡¸Just like how you didn¡¯t seriously believe in them, just how you had no intention to hand over Avalon to them, the three Dragon Marauders also weren¡¯t trusting you. If there is another person who can move the Moon, then the rest doesn¡¯t matter for them, do you understand desu?¡¹

    ¡¸Uh, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Soffice endured the pain from having her throat constricted and she barely shook off Re Plica¡¯s arms.

    After she coughed *geho geho*, tears oozed out from the pain.

    ¡¸You can feel happy desu. Your name will remain in history as the villain who declared war to the world. This new kingdom will perish¡­¡­you can be useful as a pawn of this meorein obtaining this world!¡¹

    Re Plica¡¯s voice was mixed with a strange nuance of male way of speaking.

    It sounded to Lux as though she was speaking as proxy for someone who wasn¡¯t here.

    ¡¸I, won¡¯t¡­¡­let you. What I wished for, isn¡¯t such conclusion©¤©¤uah!¡¹

    ¡¸Soffice!?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s face was kicked by the Automata. Lux raised his voice seeing that.

    When he drove his Bahamut to help her right away, the gigantic steel pillar suddenly moved and thrust its huge arm that was like a lump of iron.

    In contrast with its slow and dull appearance, the fist attack launched with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    Different from the fifth Ruin Gigas, its size was only a fragment of it, but in exchange its speed was incomparably fast.

    The attack that was launched like a battering ram instantly smashed Bahamut¡¯s solid barrier.

    The moment Lux barely parried it by using his great sword as shield, the pillar suddenly circled behind Lux and swung down its huge arm like an iron hammer

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? ©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    Lux activated his Divine Raiment not on himself, but on the Ragnarok, Deus ex Machina that was attacking him.

    The Divine Raiment was deployed in wide range, enveloping the gigantic mechanical body.

    It was a battle technique called Violent Strike that compressed the next five seconds, dealing continuous strikes during that compressed time, and then in the remaining five seconds the amassed slashes would be liberated all at once, increasing the destructive power.

    Lux swung his great swords and concentrated ten slashes into one point, but the impact was deflected and the enemy didn¡¯t even twitch.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    When Lux was taken aback, the counterattacking iron arm punched through the air and mowed him down.

    The barrier of Bahamut was easily smashed and Lux crashed on the far away metallic wall behind.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­! What, hardness¡­¡­!¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t that Lux¡¯s attack didn¡¯t work.

    The surface of Deus ex Machina¡¯s body had thin lines carved on it like countless scratches.

    It showed that the answer was the enemy¡¯s hardness was merely in different dimension.

    The hidden technique that boasted the greatest offensive power even among all his skills©¤©¤Recoil Burst, surely damage wouldn¡¯t be inflicted without using it.

    (Everyone isn¡¯t here. I have no choice but to do it alone¡­¡­!)

    All the Ragnarok he had faced until now were all similarly mighty without equal, but at those times his reliable Syvalles comrades shaved the enemy¡¯s strength for him.

    But this time he had no such support.

    Could he win alone against this unprecedented monster by himself?

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku¡­¡­. So you still have some leeway there. Is it okay that you are resting your attack like that?¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux took distance while forming strategy, but the mocking laugh of Re Plica who was speaking as proxy for someone else came from above.

    ¡¸If you hesitate and stop attacking, Deus ex Machina will assist with the battle below y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The countless light frames floating on the surrounding wall©¤©¤inside the image that was showing the sight on the ground below, he could see the figure of Lisha and others under attack.

    It seemed, Deus ex Machina was using its instant teleportation ability to back up the battle of Dragon Marauder.

    Even though there was also Iblis below there, the battle would be unmanageable if one other Ragnarok was helping out.

    He had no time to run away.

    Ho could only continue attacking in order to not let the Ragnarok before him to assist with the battle below.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s right. Come.¡¹

    Lux let out a heated sigh and glided toward the Ragnarok.

    He put his strength into the fingertips holding the control stick and threw his body into a reckless fight for the sake of diverting the enemy¡¯s attention.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Shit, what is going on from some time ago!? The enemies¡¯ positions are changing constantly!?¡¹

    Below the Moon where Lux was fighting inside.

    A deathly battle against Dragon Marauders was continuing in the Academy¡¯s practice ground.

    Perhaps it was difficult for Iblis to activate its ability to only specific targets, because it wasn¡¯t really attacking with its mental pollution.

    But, its attack using its six arms that was unleashed when it was approached was sharp and heavy.

    In addition the scorching heat breath attack it blew out couldn¡¯t be blocked with Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier, so it was extremely dangerous.

    Thus, Celis who possessed outstanding skill even among these members would close in and served as the Ragnarok¡¯s opponent mainly by using her Lance¡¯s lightning attack from mid-range.

    ¡¸This is a terrible miscalculation©¤©¤no, we were careless. The enemies are also deeply knowledgeable about us.¡¹

    In order to decrease the effect of mental pollution, Lisha and Krulcifer sniped at Iblis from long range.

    ©¤©¤But, the swarm of Abyss that crowded the practice ground became shield and they couldn¡¯t aim. Because both Lisha and Krulcifer were constantly targeted by multiple Abysses, it was next to impossible to support Celis who was unfolding a high speed midair battle.

    On the ground, Vine and Philuffy, the fellow users of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride were fighting.

    It seemed that Philuffy was a cut above Vine in skill, but the Abysses on the ground were mostly focusing on Philuffy alone, because of that she was currently being pushed back.

    ¡¸Strange. Something is odd. The Abysses here are too powerful, there are even some that I have never seen before©¤©¤uah!?¡¹

    Coral was also undertaking the role of facing Abysses using his EX Wyvern, but he was gradually receiving attack from all directions.

    The Abysses in the air were of familiar types like Gargoyle, Chimera, Diablos, and so on, but their appearance was different from before.

    For some reason there was also Gargoyle that was transparent like Phantom. In this situation where there was no Drag-Knight using Drake type that had radar, they would fall behind in dealing with such enemy no matter what.

    ¡¸It¡¯s strange as expected! Strange Abysses that I¡¯ve never seen before until now are among mixing in!¡¹

    Lisha was also using Legion and hit back the Abysses, but while she was defeating her opponent, she was bewildered when she discovered things like slime floating in the air.

    Due to the appearance of things like chaff slime that would restrict Drag-Ride¡¯s movement, the strength of her special armament was damped.

    ¡¸Calling them strange©¤©¤that¡¯s a bit rude. Fusing them like that was really hard you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Lisha showed an opening from feeling shocked. At that instant, Gatouhan¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride closed in and slashed.

    ¡¸Watch out-!¡¹

    Coral immediately cut in and blocked it, but that Blade vanished.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hmph¡¹

    Gatouhan didn¡¯t overlook the opening of the shaken Coral and swung down his Blade.

    Lisha who saw that immediately threw her Dagger and dealt an impact from the side, diverting the slash¡¯s trajectory.

    But, right when the dagger hit Gatouhan¡¯s armor, the Dagger was absorbed into the armor as though it was melting.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? What the hell with this guy¡¯s Drag-Ride!? It¡¯s taking in the very weapon of me and Coral¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸So you noticed. Well, it¡¯s a trick that will get exposed sooner or later anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸So that¡¯s, the power of the Divine Drag-Ride you¡¯re wearing¡­¡­!¡¹

    Coral who took distance pointed that out. Gatouhan responded with a bold smile.

    ¡¸My Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s name is Hydra. Its Divine Raiment¡¯s name is Re-AliveSacred Eclipse Toxin, the power to ¡ºfuse¡» fellow things that are in contact with this armor and weapon.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuse©¤©¤then, these unfamiliar Abysses too, don¡¯t tell me!?¡¹

    They weren¡¯t just new types that were refined with Ruin¡¯s power, but combined creatures that were made by Gatouhan¡¯s Hydra in large quantity.

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible to fuse living thing and inorganic matter though, but it can take away your weapon and break them down©¤©¤haah!¡¹

    Hydra brandished its Blade right overhead, and then unleashed a sword flash along with a breath.

    At that moment, fragments of broken Blade and Dagger were fired at the same time. The buckshot of metal fragments made Lisha and Coral to falter.

    The weapons that were fused and absorbed just now were shot out as metal fragments.

    ¡¸U, guh¡­¡­Legion-!?¡¹

    Unable to endure, Lisha intercepted with Tiamat¡¯s special armament©¤©¤the projectile weapon Legion.

    ¡¸Hahahaha! Do you feel like giving me strength?¡¹

    *Pakii!* The weapon was taken in by Hydra¡¯s Divine Armament as soon as it came into contact.

    But at that moment, Gatouhan was struck down instantly from midair to the ground of the practice ground.

    ¡¸Nuuh!?¡¹

    Purple gravity field©¤©¤Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment Suppressor.

    ¡¸Just now was only bait you idiot! The sin of stealing two of my important weapons¡­¡­I¡¯ll make you pay for them in full! Seven Heads!¡¹

    Lisha aimed at Gatouhan right below and fired the thick beam of her main cannon.

    The torrent of dazzling energy was going to swallow Gatouhan along with Hydra, it was then his figure vanished instantly from the ground.

    ¡¸Chih©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me!?¡¹

    ¡¸Behind you! Be careful!¡¹

    Krulcifer yelled, at the same time she sniped using her Freezing Cannon toward Gatouhan who was teleported behind Lisha.

    The freezing bullet splendidly hit Gatouhan¡¯s Hydra using the future prediction that was Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment, but the frozen part was immediately fused and changed into ice that covered the armor¡¯s skin.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So even coagulation of water fluid is treated as inorganic matter. That¡¯s troublesome.¡¹

    ¡¸Hahaha, it¡¯s you girls who cannot be underestimate. It would be dangerous without our employer¡¯s backup there.¡¹

    Gatouhan took a distance for the moment. Then his figure suddenly vanished at the same time with his bold smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Right after Lisha lost sight of Gatouhan¡¯s figure, Hydra with its Blade readied was falling from above as though it was stabbing its fang.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­! It¡¯s strange since just now! Strange teleportation is happening in timing that is disadvantageous for us. Someone is teleporting these guys!¡¹

    ¡¸Instant teleportation¡­¡­Deus ex machine! The other Ragnarok is helping them from the Moon above! Most likely, Lux-kun and Soffice are also there©¤©¤uah!?¡¹

    Phantom©¤©¤invisible Abyss attacked Coral midair and staggered him.

    For a moment, Lisha thought it strange that Coral could guess the situation right away, but she had no leeway to think deeper about it.

    Right at the beginning the battle situation looked even, but the advantage was gradually leaning toward the enemy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Haah!¡¹

    *BASHIiIiI!*, Lindwurm that Celis piloted thrust her Lance with the momentum of her flight behind it.

    The great demon with huge six arms©¤©¤Ragnarok Iblis could only be held back by the Academy¡¯s strongest Celis right now.

    If she looked at Iblis¡¯s eye, she would receive mental pollution from its flickering eye glint, so she could only measure its movement from the motion of its limbs and wings©¤©¤or from the wind pressure after it moved.

    The opponent was a monster that was too much to be faced alone even when fighting normally. Against such enemy, Celis raised her fervor and displayed a battle where she didn¡¯t take even a step back, but even that was rapidly approaching the limit.

    Each time Celis received the bizarre sound wave that Iblis would emit sometimes, her brain would be stirred up, threatening the heart of Celis who had amassed tenacious disciplining.

    ©¤©¤Terror, anxiety, hatred, rage, grief.

    The mental disturbance that was induced by the sound wave caused the listener to imagine various negative emotions and gave birth to disorder in mind.

    The strengthened resistance from Elixir was also in the process of running out.

    There weren¡¯t many chances remaining for her.

    She had no choice but staking all her strength in the remaining offense and defense that she could only execute several more times and brought the enemy down!

    ¡ºLizsharte, is it possible for you to back me up?¡»

    ¡ºI can anytime! Right now Krulcifer is facing the big man. The airheaded girl is facing the boy while Coral is taking on the female bandit.¡»

    Of course, they were doing so while also defeating the Abysses that were being manipulated by horn flute sound that was played by the Divine Raiment of Drakkhen¡¯s Asp, but they were finally reducing the number of Abysses until dozens of them.

    They perseveringly whittled the hindrances one by one while holding back the three Dragon Marauders.

    In order to crush Ragnarok Iblis, they preserved the stamina of Lisha who possessed the greatest firepower in long range while the other members shouldered the burden.

    ¡¸What terrifying bunch, to persevere in a situation that is this disadvantageous. Vine! Can you back me up here?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible. Unfortunately, even the petrification of my Basilisk is defeated by Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment. It doesn¡¯t look like I¡¯ll be able to hold out that long.¡¹

    Vine who wielded a Blade to fight was avoiding lethal damage also due to the reinforcement from the Abysses, but due to the irregular attack from Philuffy that was weaving fist and kick together, his armor was starting to be broken in some places.

    ¡¸If you¡¯re going to surrender then do it quickly. We¡¯ve no leeway, to go easy after all.¡¹

    In order to use Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment, Philuffy activated her Abyssfication and amassed fatigue. She closed the distance with Vine and declared so.

    Each fight was approaching the conclusion. It gave the premonition that the end of this battle was near.

    Celis who saw her comrades¡¯ exhaustion resolved herself to settle the battle here.

    Divine Gate would be effective in offense and defense, but here she suppressed her strength and didn¡¯t use it as much as possible.

    ¡¸The enemies¡¯ instant teleportation isn¡¯t happening since some time ago. Surely Lux is holding back the Ragnarok that is in the Moon. Then©¤©¤!¡¹

    Celis faced the great demon Ragnarok Iblis and closed in.

    The Ragnarok spewed out hell fire and consecutive attacks from its six arms. Celis fired her own armor like a buckshot in a counter.

    ¡¸Break Purge!¡¹

    The technique functioned as smoke screen as well as creating an opening. It threw away one¡¯s own defense and transformed the Drag-Ride into a shape that was specialized for offense.

    The thrust of Lightning Lance that was unleashed from the minimum frame motion was sucked deeply into Iblis¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, UaaaaAASU!¡¹

    Iblis that only emitted sound of roar until now raised a pained scream for the first time.

    Using that opening, Krulcifer who shook off the pursuit of the Abysses sniped the mouth of the demon that was opened and froze it for the sake of their counterattack.

    ¡¸Now! Philuffy!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s Typhon kicked away Vine¡¯s Basilisk. At the same time Pile Anchors fired from every part of her armor, entangling Iblis with wires and restraining it.

    In addition she skated on the practice ground¡¯s ground and swung around Iblis who had its chest stabbed.

    Even if Deus ex Machina that was inside the Moon above tried to use teleportation, it would be obstructed in advance by constantly moving the enemy. That was the aim.

    If the target was moved irregularly, the enemy would also become unable to narrow down the coordinate for teleportation.

    The plan was for Lisha to fire the finisher in that timing with certainty.

    ¡¸©¤©¤UU¡­¡­UaaAaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSU!¡¹

    It seemed Iblis intended to resist. A shriek of terrifying mental pollution thundered while Iblis was starting to struggle.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­! Airheaded girl! Don¡¯t you dare let go of the enemy!¡¹

    Lisha endured that pain while calling out to Philuffy.

    So that other Dragon Marauders wouldn¡¯t be a hindrance, she activated the Divine Raiment of future prediction Wise Blood while pinning them in place with her sniping.

    And then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ei¡¹

    With a bland voice, Philuffy reeled in Iblis close and kicked it up to the sky with Typhon¡¯s armored leg.

    The wire binding was disconnected and Iblis floated in the air with its back facing the night sky. Right after that, Tiamat¡¯s main cannon fired.

    ¡¸This is the end Ragnarok! Seven Heads!¡¹

    An extremely thick pillar of light.

    The flash of impact and high heat punched through the atmosphere and attacked with wave motion.

    The defending six arms, the chest, and in addition the lower jaw with fangs growing from there were smashed altogether. The core inside its body, the Grand Force was exposed.

    ¡¸Va, Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Iblis raised a pained scream with its chest and lower jaw blown away.

    Its remaining huge body was turning to ash from receiving the after wave of the cannon shot¡¯s might.

    With this everyone in the Academy would stop getting affected by mental pollution for the time being.

    It was great they could defeat the enemy¡¯s main battle strength in this timing where the effect of Elixir had run out.

    Of course there was still one Ragnarok remaining so they still couldn¡¯t let their guard down, but they were released from the extreme nervousness and a slight relaxedness was born.

    Even so they didn¡¯t avert their gaze from the remaining members of Dragon Marauder and kept up their guard but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s only you three remaining you know? This will be the last time I permit you all to surrender.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s really awesome. Defeating that Iblis without the Black Hero here©¤©¤¡¹

    In respond to Celis¡¯s gaze and announcement, Drakkhen clapped and sent them words of praise.

    Her armor had been damaged, but despite that she was showing a composed smile for some reason.

    ¡¸Even though you girls have that much strength, but you all are na?ve. We mercenaries aren¡¯t like that. We won¡¯t have mercy even if it¡¯s an opponent who is in the verge of defeat.¡¹

    ¡¸Can I take it to mean that any consideration is unnecessary for all of you?¡¹

    Celis pressured once more. Drakkhen smiled wryly to that.

    ¡¸Yeah, that ain¡¯t necessary. We are the victor after all.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Lisha who was far in the back frowned hearing that. At that instant, the voice of Philuffy who was standing on the ground could be heard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Be careful! There is strange smell from the surrounding!¡¹

    Philuffy raised an urgent voice that was unusual for her who usually was following her own pace.

    Right after that, the figures of Dragon Marauder who were gasping tiredly from the battle until now vanished one after another.

    First Gatouhan and Vine vanished, leaving Drakkhen alone at the end.

    ¡¸Teleportation!? You are planning to escape to the Moon?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait! The situation is strange! Certainly there are presences from the surrounding.¡¹

    Krulcifer said that and activated the Divine Raiment of future prediction.

    At that moment, she was speechless from the sight of a few seconds in the future that was reflected in her eyes.

    ¡¸For what reason we chose this spacious practice ground as battlefield instead of near the Academy where we can get the students involved. Can you understand why? The power will decrease if there are obstacles, and in the first place they cannot be led there well with how slow they are. The oil type slime Abysses that can explode, that are fused with Phantom so they can become transparent I mean.¡¹

    Right after Drakkhen told that with a wicked smile, intense spark leaked out from the dying Iblis.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll also say this, Iblis was purposefully weakened a bit so it could be killed instead. It¡¯s so that it can ignite the fire for us you see. Well then everyone of new kingdom. Adieu.¡¹

    Right after she finished saying that, Drakkhen¡¯s figure vanished from there.

    The teleportation by the other Ragnarok that was remaining in the Moon.

    Lisha yelled when she understood the meaning of the three¡¯s disappearance.

    ¡¸Everyone! Run away from here! Go to the Academy right©¤©¤¡¹

    *Bachii-!*

    Iblis that was floating in the air spewed out fire from its inside, blowing out fire from its bursting and scattering.

    Right after that, the great amount of Oil Slime that was crawling between the audience seats so they wouldn¡¯t get noticed caught fire. The practice ground was swallowed by intense light and hell fire.

    ¨C

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    The tied Airi woke up due to the explosion sound from the ground below that reached even until the Moon.

    Within her dazed consciousness, the silver colored metallic wall came into her view.

    On a part of that wall surface, countless rectangle windows of light were floating.

    There, the scene below the moon©¤©¤the practice ground that Airi was familiar with was projected. It was currently being blown awawy with a destructive blast.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Everyone!? What is©¤©¤¡¹

    When she raised a voice of incomprehension, she noticed the presences inside the room.

    Airi held her breath in surprise. There the three division commanders of Dragon Marauder wearing their Divine Drag-Ride were standing.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. I¡¯m tired, really.¡¹

    ¡¸We are also nearly at our limit¡­¡­. Those girls, as expected they cannot be faced with normal means.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. But with this, the preparation is finally in place.¡¹

    A part of their armor was broken, but their flesh body was mostly unharmed.

    Furthermore beside them there were the figures of Re Plica whose eyes were blank and office who was prostrating on the floor.

    ¡¸I before this, was kidnapped in the Academy¡­¡­. ©¤©¤Soffice-san, please hang in there!¡¹

    Airi who fainted just a little while ago was unable to grasp the situation accurately.

    But from this tense atmosphere, the control of Re Plica as Automata was stolen by someone.

    And then the Dragon Marauder bared their fang toward their employer Soffice. Those were the only things she could imagine.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why, did you betray me?¡¹

    Soffice slowly stood up and asked with a murmur while keeping her head down. Drakkhen turned an exasperated gaze toward her in respond.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Mercenary business isn¡¯t philanthropic work. The most important thing is to stick on the side that looks like the winning side. We are different from a servant that is serving noble. There ain¡¯t any meaning in being dutiful. You cannot comprehend the common sense for this kind thing huh.¡¹

    ¡¸At the very least, I should have given you all your reward as stipulated by the contract. You betrayed me even then?¡¹

    Shadow covered her eyes, even so Soffice formed her words imploringly.

    It was the last remaining thread of hope for her.

    As though to desperately reel in the chance for turning the table no matter how thin and unreliable the thread was.

    But,

    ¡¸Unfortunately, we had gone back to our past employer. Besides you had opened the door to the deepest part of the Garden already right? You are left alive because your authority as Key¡¯s Supervisor is useful but, our business with you is mostly finished now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice lost her words at the blunt rejection of Vine.

    The control of Re Plica who was like her little sister was stolen, and she was also betrayed by the mercenaries who she hired through negotiation©¤©¤all her hopes were completely severed.

    ¡¸Sorry, Uruk. I¡¯m unable, to accomplish the mission¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice spoke her repentance toward her dead little sister.

    ©¤©¤What awaited trust was betrayal and murder.

    That was why she tried to fight alone until now, and yet she couldn¡¯t do even that.

    She also wasn¡¯t able to grant the wish of Uruk who said that she wanted friend, and she wasn¡¯t even able to accomplish her mission as a Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    Besides, what was the most painful above all else was how Re Plica got taken away.

    Even though till the very end, only her should be the one©¤©¤who would stay as her ally until her death.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pitiful but, this is also what they call fate. If you are going to hold grudge, then resent yourself for lacking the caliber to obtain comrade who is worthy of trust.¡¹

    After Drakkhen who calmed her breathing said that over her shoulder, beside her Vine looked down on the spherical shape at the side from the small window in the room.

    Inside the battle space that was for use of virtual battle, Lux and Deus ex Machina were unfolding an intense battle.

    ¡¸Even so, that Lux Arcadia is a really terrifying man. He is able to contend against that Ragnarok until this far with just that Bahamut.¡¹

    Lux was breathing hard with his front hair trickling sweats.

    He had cut wound from the fragments of the enemy body that he smashed, but other than that his armor was mostly unharmed. But he couldn¡¯t hide the color of exhaustion in his face.

    If his movement stopped for even a moment, Lux himself would be teleported by the enemy¡¯s ability, so he continued to move without resting. This was the result.

    And then above all else, Lux had no deciding move.

    He was lacking firepower to destroy the Ragnarok which possessed hardness that was several times more than Myhtrildite.

    When he struck a hundred consecutive slashes with End Action, the countless overlapping shell of Deus ex Machina dispersed the impact.

    ¡¸With that huge mechanical god as opponent, an attack without concentrated power behind it won¡¯t work properly.¡¹

    Gatouh added an explanation after the calm impression of Drakkhen.

    Having said that, if Lux launched an attack with extraordinary power like Recoil Burst, such attack that was using large swing and moved in a straight line would be completely dodged with teleportation.

    Thus, his stamina was reduced without being able to deal decisive damage.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux was fighting a Ragnarok by himself inside a battle space that could be looked down from this room.

    Airi who heard that desperately struggled with her body that was tied by rope.

    Luckily or unluckily, the restrain wasn¡¯t that strong, perhaps because they thought she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape from here anyway.

    She took out the knife that she was covertly carrying within her pocket and secretly began to cut the rope.

    There was almost nothing that she could do right now.

    Even so, there was no way she could just stay quiet watching the predicament of her big brother and everyone else.

    ¡¸Enough with the pointless talk you mongrels. The explosion below has settled down. Recover Iblis¡¯s Grand Force and finish off those trashes there.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, with this our association with those bunches will be over.¡¹

    Right after Drakkhen replied to Re Plica¡¯s words, the three division commanders were enveloped by light. A teleportation by Deus ex Machina occurred.

    After the three vanished, the controlled Re Plica slowly walked toward Soffice with a knife in hand.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve no more business with you. Now you¡¯re only a disposable key©¤©¤so I¡¯ll cut the tendons of your limbs.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The looking Soffice down didn¡¯t even twitch, let alone resisting.

    The Automata brandished the knife emotionlessly and then swung it down toward the girl.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Fresh blood danced in the air along with the sound of torn flesh.

    But, Soffice was embraced along with an impact that suddenly came from the side and she was pushed down on the floor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi! What, are you doing?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s emotionless eyes that were blank as though she had died already opened wide, and light returned into them.

    Seeing that, Airi endured the pain from her slashed back and smiled stout-heartedly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s my line. Why aren¡¯t you resisting? Why aren¡¯t you running away? Are you going to be done in silently without fighting?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It, doesn¡¯t matter, anymore. It¡¯s impossible for me. I cannot, do anything¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Are you going to give up just because you got betrayed twice? Even though you tried to save the world by going as far as making the world your enemy. Aren¡¯t you succeeding the dying wish of your little sister!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Stop with the pointless struggle. The entrance of this room is already locked. There is no escape.¡¹

    Re Plica seemed to use her function as Gear Leader to lock the room and declared so while approaching.

    Airi stood up, pulled on Soffice¡¯s arm, and desperately hit on the door.

    ¡¸You can be desperate because your comrades are still alive. I have nothing anymore. Whether it¡¯s Uruk, or Dragon Marauder that I hired©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s wrong.¡¹

    Airi took a stance with the knife she brought and faced Re Plica who was closing the distance bit by bit.

    Airi who was a civil official cadet didn¡¯t even learn basic self-defense satisfactorily, even so she stood to protect the unarmed Soffice.

    ¡¸My big brother, it was a short time that wasn¡¯t even a week but, I believe that you also understood. He was always getting dragged into troubleunnecessary incident, just a softhearted and simple fool. He is really a hopeless brother. But, even such big brother who is beyond help, has a really good side in him. Just one, something that even I recognized.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Once he decide on something, he will surely carry it out no matter what.¡¹

    Saying that, Airi brought her face closer to the window inside the small room.

    She exchange glance with Lux who looked up her way for an instant, and she twirled her finger quietly.

    It was as though she gave some kind of signal to Lux.

    ¡¸Around Nii-san in the past, there wasn¡¯t anybody who would become our ally. Even so, Nii-san fought no matter how many years. In order to make a country that we can like and stay at, in order to find comrades, he didn¡¯t give up. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll also fight. After all I am©¤©¤Nii-san¡¯s little sister.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice lost her words hearing the words of Airi who resolved herself.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let Re Plica-san kill you. Because, I don¡¯t want to let your friend, be forced to do something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸My, friend¡­¡­?¡¹

    Hearing that, Soffice stared at the Automata before her.

    The figure that completely lost her heart and got controlled by someone.

    The memory of family who had stayed with her until now longer than anyone.

    ¡¸I¡­¡­¡¹

    Beside the wavering Soffice, Airi told Re Plica who had came before her©¤©¤more accurately, to the someone who gave her order and talked through her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, should be unable to kill me. You brought me here to use me as hostage toward Nii-san at the critical moment right? Then, you won¡¯t be able to lay your hand on her with me covering her like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­hahahahaha!¡¹

    Re Plica¡¯s mouth twisted into an arc and she laughed loudly.

    ¡¸You talk like you know who is manipulating this doll huh, former princess-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸I know who are you. Even I haven¡¯t keep observing people for so many years just for show. Because I was treated like nuisance in the old empire and given criminal status in the new kingdom, I need to carefully watch everyone¡¯s expression in order to live until now. I have become skilled only in that kind of unpleasant aspect.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. But you know, you miscalculate. I¡¯ve got no more need for hostage or anything for your big brother! It¡¯s over for that guy already! No matter what kind of technique he use, something like a method to win against that Ragnarok©¤©¤¡¹

    *Pakii-!*

    Right after Re Plica boasted her victory, the window beside her was pierced through.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    What was thrown into the room through there was a Sword Device sheathed inside a white scabbard.

    While fighting Deus ex Machina, Lux looked for a chance and threw it.

    Airi broke into a run and picked that up.

    She slightly pulled out the sword from the sheath before returning it right away.

    ¡¸Just when I thought what you are going to do, are you planning to fight with general purpose Drag-Ride at this late? Just try it. It¡¯s pointless though.¡¹

    ¡¸U, kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, Re Plica ran toward Airi and grabbed her neck. She hung her up midair.

    Airi dropped the sheath and it slid on the small room¡¯s floor. It stopped near Soffice¡¯s foot.

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s¡­¡­impossible.¡¹

    The hopeless situation didn¡¯t change.

    No matter how hard Lux tried, no matter how much courage Airi summoned, in the end it became like this.

    Lux had that kind of fate, which Soffice didn¡¯t have.

    And then, even that possibility would soon come to an end.

    But©¤©¤, seeing the Automata who was constricting Airi¡¯s neck with an expression that was warped in delight, a twinge of pain was created inside Soffice.

    ¡ºThese people are surely, not bad people desu.¡»

    ¡ºThe people of Syvalles, all of them are good natured people.¡»

    ¡ºYou lie desu! Even though the truth is©¤©¤you want comrade more than anyone! You are only running away because you are scared to get hurt desu!¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The pain in her chest that she should have forgotten flared up hotly.

    She was unable to protect her betrayed little sister.

    However, Uruk, she put her life in the line and resisted.

    In order to not let bad people used the power of Avalon to rule over people and hurt them.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s why I¡¯ll also fight. After all I am, Nii-san¡¯s little sister.¡»

    ¡¸I©¤©¤¡¹

    As though being pushed on her back, Soffice pulled out the Sword Device from the white sheath.

    Soffice would be unable to summon Lux¡¯s Wyvern, even so she would be able to fight with the sword. When she made that determination, she noticed.

    ¡¸This is!? This Sword Device©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­U, a!?¡¹

    Re Plica lifted up Airi with one hand. Her other hand was holding a knife.

    ¡¸I can how him his little sister¡¯s corpse. That guy¡¯s suffering will be a sight to see for sure. Hahahahaha!¡¹

    Re Plica pressed Airi on the window intentionally so that Lux who was fighting in another room could see.

    Right after that, the blade the Automata lifted up was swung down toward Airi¡¯s chest.

    ¨C

    ¡¸U, ku¡­¡­. Everyone, how are-, you¡­¡­?¡¹

    Under the seventh Ruin, Moon©¤©¤the Academy¡¯s practice ground.

    The simultaneous explosions of Oil Slimes that approached stealthily due to Drakkhen¡¯s tactic caused the practice ground and even the audience seats to become tattered.

    Lisha who woke up confirmed that her limbs were still attached. She looked around at the surrounding where the flame blast had settled down.

    It seemed because Lisha was the farthest from the explosion, her injury was relatively light.

    Three girls were lying down at the audience seats that had already crumbled without leaving any trace of their original shape.

    She could see Celis, Philuffy, and then Coral through the smoke.

    With Coral, blood was flowing from his whole body. His four limbs also broke and his breath was faint.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can you, tell Lux-kun for me? Tell him I¡¯m sorry, that I cannot meet him anymore with this appearance.¡¹

    Coral muttered with faltering voice. When his gaze met Lisha, Coral¡¯s reached out hand fell powerlessly.

    Then light vanished from his eyes and he stopped moving altogether.

    ¡¸Damn, it¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lisha cursed at her comrade¡¯s death, at the same time she felt a strange sense of discomfort.

    If it was Philuffy and Celis, then it felt like they would be able to avoid lethal wound even in that situation but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Both of them, had too much burden piled up. Both of them are the type to pretend to be okay no matter their actual condition after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, you are safe!?¡¹

    A voice that was oozing exhaustion came from the other side of a huge mound of rubble.

    After Lisha collapsed the rubbles with Tiamat¡¯s gravity control, she became speechless seeing the figure of Krulcifer who was standing there.

    Fafnir¡¯s armor was already dispelled. Blood was flowing from her forehead and limbs.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai held back the Ragnarok¡­¡­Iblis by herself, so she received its powerful mental pollution the most than anyone here, her defense was also wewak because she purged a part of her armor. That was why at the moment of that explosion, she was unable to use her Divine Raiment of instant teleportation right away.¡¹

    *Cough-*, Krulcifer vomited blood from the backlash of forcing herself to talk.

    It seemed rubble fragments tore her pilot suit and hit her body. Her internal organ was injured.

    The defense membrane of the barrier should be transmitted to the pilot suit too, but the explosion¡¯s impact surpassed even that defensive power.

    ¡¸Philuffy too, something similar also happened to her. She resisted both the sound of horn flute Drakkhen manipulated and Iblis¡¯s mental pollution while fighting Vine and the Abysses without losing against them. She endured and forced herself too much©¤©¤, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Stop! Don¡¯t talk anymore!¡¹

    Lisha yelled in panic seeing Krulcifer vomiting out blood again.

    But, Krulcifer shook her head slightly in rejection with her face losing color.

    ¡¸No, there is still something that you have to hear. We are at our limit already. And then those Dragon Marauders should be tired too, but they still have spare strength left. If we don¡¯t decide what to do from here©¤©¤we will be annihilated.¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer telling her that with feeble breath, Lisha noticed something.

    She who should be in long range just like her was totally ruined like this. It was strange.

    Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment could do future prediction, and its special armament Auto Shield should be able to protect her automatically. And yet why did she receive this much injury?

    Considering how Tiamat¡¯s armor was unexpectedly undamaged, she reached a conclusion that she didn¡¯t dare to believe.

    ¡¸You, did you protect me!? Why!? Why did you do such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Actually, I also didn¡¯t have any leeway to save you though¡­¡­. In my future prediction, I saw that you will be unlucky and got directly hit with rubbles, receiving lethal wound from that©¤©¤cough-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after Krulcifer showed a cool smile to bluff, she collapsed on the spot.

    When Lisha caught her with Tiamat¡¯s armored arm, strength left Krulcifer¡¯s body.

    ¡¸You idiot! Did you need to do that until you almost died yourself!? There isn¡¯t any reason for you to protect me!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That might, be so. But, I don¡¯t feel bad doing it. Surely the  person who I loved, also won¡¯t want to see you die¡­¡­that was the hunch I got.¡¹

    With that Krulcifer closed her eyes and lost consciousness.

    Krulcifer who saw the future prediction stood in front of Lisha and poured all her strength into defense so that she wouldn¡¯t be fatally injured.

    ¡¸Even though you usually always made fun of me, damn Krulcifer¡­¡­¡¹

    It was also like this when they fought Celis together in the Academy.

    She was her classmate with whom she always quarreled with in regard to Lux, and sometimes she would speak to her frankly without consideration, but she would lend her strength when it was crucial.

    ¡¸But, I won¡¯t let your decision ended as a mistake.¡¹

    In the situation just now where the defeat of Celis and Philuffy became certain, it would be hard for Krulcifer whose main method of battle was long range sniping to take on the three Dragon Marauders by herself.

    Then, Lisha could only produce result to respond to the Krulcifer¡¯s act of using all her strength to protect her.

    Even so, Lisha only had one dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸There is no need to decide what to do from here. Defeat those guys, also please take care of Lux¡­¡­it would be fine if you just say that to me. After everything that they did to you guys©¤©¤I¡¯m not someone who will just stay quiet and unable to do anything about it.¡¹

    ¡¸Heee, I want to see you try that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    When Lisha turned around toward the voice that suddenly came from behind, three Drag-Knights were standing at the destroyed practice ground before she knew it.

    The core of Dragon Marauder, the three division commanders Gatouhan, Vine, and Drakkhen.

    It was only for a few minutes but they seemed to have taken rest. They were gazing at Lisha with leisurely eyes that were convinced of victory.

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia who is fighting the other Ragnarok in Moon©¤©¤Deus ex Machina is already defeated. If you surrender right away then I¡¯ll at least spare your life. I return your words before this right back at you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The boy called Vine calmly said that. In respond Lisha filled her gaze with rebellious spirit and glared fiercely.

    Drakkhen seemed to feel her intention and shrugged her shoulders in exasperation.

    ¡¸You all had fought that hard in such disadvantageous situation. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t understand your feeling, but the action that a princess should take is to give priority to the safety of your comrades right?¡¹

    Lisha thought toward that question.

    Although she still had spare strength remaining, the battle situation was overwhelmingly disadvantageous.

    She mustn¡¯t make a mistake with her choice here.

    When she thought like that, she noticed a certain fact that she couldn¡¯t see until now.

    At the same time, there was also a Dragon Voice from the Academy that reached her just now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You are wrong there, lowly bandits.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Gatouhan who acted as leader among the three glared at Lisha with questioning eyes.

    ¡¸If I¡¯m thinking of my comrade¡¯s life as the priority, then that is even more reason why I must not surrender to people like you. At the battle just now, although you guys are also strengthened by the Baptism whatever, you guys also didn¡¯t get away unscathed.¡¹

    Even without looking closer, she could see that the three Divine Drag-Ride the Dragon Marauders were wearing were quite damaged.

    There wasn¡¯t any heavy damage, but at the very least they weren¡¯t so unharmed that they could use their full power.

    ¡¸Besides, you guys don¡¯t understand me. If you want to threaten me to surrender, it will be useless unless you bring Lux himself to here. There is no way that guy will lose that easily. In other words©¤©¤it¡¯s the opposite. You guys are trying to take us hostage because you want to do something somehow about Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hee, I thought that the princess of the new kingdom has personality that is like a wild boar, but looks like you can use your brain a little. But, is it okay? Those girls cannot be left alone with treatment like that for long, or perhaps©¤©¤you think you can win against us three by yourself?¡¹

    ¡¸Us three also have no leeway. It¡¯s three against one but, we will finish you off without holding back.¡¹

    After Drakkhen, Basilisk that Vine was wearing took a stance with its medium-sized Blade.

    At that moment, three Drag-Ride silhouettes could be seen heading this way from behind Lisha.

    ¡¸Enemy reinforcement huh!¡¹

    Gatouhan pointed out while clicking his tongue, but Drakkhen snorted.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, they are just small fires. They aren¡¯t Divine Drag-Ride user.¡¹

    The people who rushed here as reinforcement were the Triad who suppressed the students infighting as well as the guard Drag-Knights due to the mental pollution.

    But, after accomplishing that, the girls were exhausted and they were also nearly their limit.

    Thus Sharis and others weren¡¯t wearing the strengthened type Drag-Ride, but the general purpose Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Princess! Is everyone safe!? What about Ragnarok©¤©¤and Lux-kun!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux is in the middle of fighting the other Ragnarok inside the Moon above. The Ragnarok on the surface here is already defeated. You guys take Krulcifer and others and return to the Academy! Treating them is the priority!¡¹

    ¡¸Ueh, how did these three get done in©¤©¤!? Rather, the Dragon Marauders are still here ain¡¯t it!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Three versus one will be impossible. We will also join©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Noct! Do you bring what I asked you!?¡¹

    ¡¸is it this sword belt? Certainly it was inside Lisha-sama¡¯s room but¡­¡­¡¹

    That custom made sword belt had three Sword Devices fastened together on it.

    Two swords on the waist, and one on the back.

    But, every one of those Sword Devices was for general purpose Drag-Ride.

    They couldn¡¯t be used together, and they could only exhibit an output that was far away from Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat.

    It was completely unthinkable that it was a trump card that could break through this situation. But,

    ¡¸Leave the rest to me. I¡¯ll show the result of me immersing myself in Drag-Ride research until now.¡¹

    Lisha quickly equipped the sword belt while calmly glaring at the Dragon Marauders.

    The Dragon Marauders were on guard that the Triad would join in, but they were gradually closing the distance toward the side of rubbles where Iblis¡¯s Grand Force was buried.

    ¡¸Listen well. Protect those three no matter what! This is the royal command of the princess! Get it!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Got it. We will save them no matter what, princess.¡¹

    Sharis nodded in respond to Lisha¡¯s tone that was filled with determination.

    The Triad moved simultaneously in order to rescue the three who collapsed on the rubbles.

    ¡¸Hah! You think we will let you?¡¹

    Drakkhen yelled, at the same time the other two Dragon Marauders also moved.

    Drakkehn leaped with her Asp toward Noct who was going to rescue Krulcifer. She brandished the steel claw on her armored arm from above.

    But, at that instant, Lisha¡¯s Legion flew in an arc and aimed toward Asp¡¯s flank.

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­!¡¹

    While Drakkhen deflected the Legion, Noct¡¯s Drake held Krulcifer in its arms.

    Without pause she erased her figure with camouflage function and escaped in full speed.

    On the other hand, Vine brandished his medium sized Blade and aimed at Philuffy. But his armored leg sunk into the ground.

    ¡¸So this is Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤gravity control. With this I also cannot use my Divine Raiment huh.¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Basilisk that was worn by Earth Dragon division commander Vine was Curse Fader that would paralyze the material it touched.

    But, it couldn¡¯t block the gravity force field.

    Tillfur¡¯s Wyrm picked up Philuffy at that opening before she accelerated the wheels of her armored legs in full speed, skating away.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, so you properly pick the right method for the right opponent huh? Looks like you¡¯ve got some brain there huh?¡¹

    Lisha didn¡¯t send Legion toward Gatouhan so that her weapon wouldn¡¯t absorbed by Hydra¡¯s fusion ability.

    ¡¸However, how are you planning to block my action?¡¹

    Conversely speaking, Lisha didn¡¯t have any weapon that was suited toward Hydra.

    Gatouhan who saw through that assaulted toward the collapsed Celis with large sized Blade in hand.

    But, at that time, an unexpected situation occurred.

    Lisha who should be holding back the other two at afar instantly stood in front of Celis©¤©¤right before Gatouhan¡¯s way.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? What!?¡¹

    ¡¸Eat this©¤©¤Howling Roar-!¡¹

    Gatouhan¡¯s eyes snapped open in agitation. Lisha released a Howling Roar with all her strength toward him.

    Compressed shockwave surge sent Gatouhan flying along with Hydra.

    The moment he crashed onto a mountain of rubbles that were dozens of ml away, Lisha aimed Tiamat¡¯s huge cannon and gathered energy.

    ¡¸Gatouhan! Get away!¡¹

    ¡¸Seven Heads-!¡¹

    Gatouhan could hear the voice of Earth Dragon division commander Vine, but it wasn¡¯t in time.

    The impact from his back crashing on rubbles caused the back wings that were the flying device to become slow. He was aimed at that timing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Gu, OOOOH!?¡¹

    The flash with extreme power that was focused into one point.

    The huge pillar of light that was fired became the roar of a raging dragon, smashing and piercing everything in the way.

    When the wave of blast that shook the air was settled, Hydra was half destroyed, with the arm blown away along with the right shoulder that was covered with armor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, guhgo, AAaaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Gatouha screamed in agony with a pained expression.

    Sharis who was carrying Celis flew away and retreated to the direction of the Academy, but the remaining two Dragon Marauders didn¡¯t pursue.

    Their ability to think was stolen for a while by the reality occurring before their eyes.

    Not just because the leader of Dragon Marauder was injured, but because of the distinct transformation.

    ¡¸What¡¯s¡­¡­that, that Drag-Ride¡¯s shape!?¡¹(Drakkhen)

    Drakkehn muttered. Vine was also dumbfounded after her.

    There, the shape of Tiamat that Lisha wore was completely changed from before.

    Above the thick shoulder armor, another gallant back wings that was a size larger were covering it.

    The conspicuously large flying device and the body balance that was compensation for it.

    A sublime form that realized high speed mobility made Lisha¡¯s movement just now possible.

    ¡¸Above Tiamat¡¯s armor, one more¡­¡­Wyvern is covering it further?¡¹

    ¡¸Do you want explanation? Then ascertain it with your body! The power of ¡¶Wyvern Wing¡· that I created!¡¹

    When Lisha touched the Sword Device of Wyvern on her waist, the huge armor of back wings shined and Tiamat accelerated like a bullet.

    Vine Hachettes who was picked as the next attack target immediately closed his mouth and put up his guard.

    ¡¸You targeted me because of your confidence that you win against me in mobility huh. But¡­¡­, it won¡¯t work against my Basilisk!¡¹

    Vine backed away in full speed to run away from Lisha while he sharply swung his medium sized Blade.

    Even while being pressured by that overwhelming mobility, he skillfully controlled his armored legs that had sliding wheels attached to wave left and right, getting out from the targeting of Lisha¡¯s cannon muzzle.

    And then©¤©¤, after he fired several of his weapons to hold back his opponent, he suddenly went forward to take her by surprise.

    ¡¸Right here! Curse Fader!¡¹

    Basilisk¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤the force field of instantaneous binding that petrified the enemy¡¯s movement was showering Tiamat.

    Tiamat backed away in a flash so it didn¡¯t get hit in full, but Tiamat¡¯s red armored arm along with the weapon the arm was holding turned stiff.

    ¡¸Good job Vine! With this©¤©¤, that princess-sama cannot use her two special armaments.¡¹

    On the other hand, Drakkhen who was watching the battle development while conducting minimal treatment to stop the bleeding of Gatouhan whose arm was blown away yelled in exultation.

    But, at that instant she saw something that made her shudder.

    The huge armor that was covering Tiamat¡¯s back wings was called off and Lisha sheathed Wyvern¡¯s Sword Device.

    In addition she quickly unsheathed the Sword Device of Wyrm this time.

    ¡¸What are you planning to do? Did you give up and cancel©¤©¤wha-!?¡¹

    Drakkhen noticed Lisha¡¯s trick.

    The reason why Lisha was carrying three other Sword Device other than Tiamat¡¯s.

    ¡¸Over UnitTranscendental Armor ¨C On!¡¹

    ¡¸She is, equipping another Drag-Ride on top of her Divine Drag-Ride¡­¡­!¡¹

    Drakkhen raised a voice of wonder, at the same time a Drag-Ride¡¯s high speed summoning©¤©¤a connection was started.

    Converged light particles summoned a remodeled Wyrm in midair, and it transformed into armor that combined with a part of Tiamat.

    In exchange of cancelling the back wing¡¯s strengthening, this time new two armored arms were added into the shoulders.

    ¡¸This is, what in the world¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Vine who was witnessing that was dumbfounded. During that time, the two new arms that weren¡¯t receiving Basilisk¡¯s binding moved.

    ¡¸¡¶Wyrm Claw¡·! Try to receive this Dragon Marauder!¡¹

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­Curse Fader-!¡¹

    Even the calm and collected Vine was anxious toward the completely unexpected development.

    He immediately attempted to reactivate his Divine Raiment, but Lisha instead aimed at that moment.

    The brunt of Wyrm Claw was aimed at the shoulder of land battle type Drag-Ride Basiliks that Vine wore©¤©¤the place where Force Core that could also be called the power source of Drag-Ride existed.

    If an impact was dealt there, the Drag-Ride output would be temporarily lowered and the Divine Raiment would be weakened due to that.

    Of course Vine was also aware of that, but because he had never included the calculation of fighting Lisha in close range until now, he mistook the timing.

    ¡¸Impossible¡­¡­!? A drill!?¡¹

    The tip of the Wyrm Claw¡¯s right arm that Lisha sharply thrust out©¤©¤had a rare part which was a Drill rotating in high speed. It flicked away the medium sized Blade that Vine used as shield.

    The spiraling spear easily pierced through the barrier and penetrated into Basilisk¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­AAAAAAAH!?¡¹

    The Drill didn¡¯t directly hit his flesh, but that intense rotating impact was transmitted from the armor frame into his flesh body. The boy¡¯s body screamed as though his inside was grilled.

    Naturally Basilisk¡¯s second Divine Raiment misfired. Its armor was half smashed and torn off©¤©¤and fell silent completely.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What, a thing.¡¹

    Drakkhen who saw that felt a trickle of cold sweat flowed down her nape.

    Lisha surpassed Gatouhan in mobility when he who owned a flying type Divine Drag-Ride, and she got the better of Vine in close quarter combat when he owned a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    Although the two of them had been injured to a certain degree, they were still beaten up by Lisha just now in the field they specialized at.

    Over Unit.

    General purpose Drag-Rides were disassembled and then each was remodeled as strengthening parts.

    Wyvern Wing strengthened Tiamat¡¯s back wings, increased the mobility and Howling Roar¡¯s power by large margin. Wyrm Claw added up two additional arms, in addition the tips of the arms were installed with Drill and high frequency Blade respectively.

    In addition, the supplemented front armor was also showing reinforced barrier.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤¡¹

    In order to save Vine, Drakkhen fired Asp¡¯s claw tips and checked Lisha in place.

    The explosion before this extinguished almost all the torches in the practice ground, but in exchange the remaining flames from the explosion were illuminating the surrounding here and there.

    As though to melt into the shadow where there was no light, Drakkhen used the camouflage function of her special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride and vanished but©¤©¤.

    *Kashan, kashan!*

    Inside the darkness, she could hear the sound of Tiamat¡¯s Over Unit changing shape further.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? What is she doing¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Drakkhen shivered while using Asp¡¯s Radar to find Lisha¡¯s position.

    When she leaped from the darkness using her four legs and attacked, she obtained a strange feedback.

    What was stabbed by the claw she swung down, was a mere rubble.

    There was nothing in Lisha¡¯s position that was searched by Asp inside the darkness.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸You got drowned in your scheme huh, Instrumentalist of Battlefield?¡¹

    Drakkhen swung Asp¡¯s claw while turning around, but it was easily blocked by the armored arm of Tiamat.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s shape was different again from before.

    The armored arms of Wyrm Claw had been dispelled. The armor on Tiamat¡¯s shoulders, back, and head were reinforced, with a horn that was like an antenna attached.

    ¡¸Over Unit©¤©¤¡¶Drake Horn¡·. This equipment doesn¡¯t only have Drake¡¯s special ability, it¡¯s also supplemented with jamming function to bewilder the opponent¡¯s radar.¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, AAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    She was too late in noticing.

    The last one remaining, Drakkhen would use the darkness to camouflage herself and aimed for a surprise attack. Lisha had seen through that.

    Due to the trait of Over Unit that strengthened the ability of Drake, Drakkhen became the one who was ambushed instead. Even while noticing that, she desperately attempted to counter.

    If it was hand-to-hand combat in close range, she who had her last trump card would win.

    Using the sound of horn flute from Asp¡¯s Divine Raiment Hell Choir, she made a Chaff Slime to be attached on her own Drag-Ride.

    She planned to directly rub the new type Abyss that could dull Drag-Ride¡¯s movement and lowered the output, but the striking claw slashed empty air.

    In that opening Lisha escaped from Drakkhen¡¯s range and activated her Divine Raiment¡¯s gravity field.

    ¡¸Suppressor!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Uguh!? AGAAAAaaAAaAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    The gravity field that was nearly heavier by twice compared to before covered Asp. Its armor creaked and became squashed.

    The pressure that felt like tearing apart her whole body caused Drakkhen to twist in agony and she let a loud shriek.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Drake Horn doesn¡¯t only have special ability. It also increase the maximum output of Tiamat itself by a large margin. I almost killed you there huh¡­¡­. I still need to have you guys, spat out what you know later. About this so called original employer that is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Since, when¡­¡­you became this strong? For a mere Drag-Ride modification, to be this applicable for battle©¤©¤¡¹

    Drakkhen lied spread-eagled on rubbles while still wearing Asp that had become ragged.

    The Moon was shining brightly on the cold and clear sky.

    ¡¸Haaa, haaa¡­¡­how¡¯s that? You see now, my strength¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha who dispelled Over Unit and returned to the shape of normal Tiamat was breathing hard.

    Lisha¡¯s technique and tactic that she newly learned completely overwhelmed Dragon Marauder, but as expected this function¡¯s burden to the body was great.

    She didn¡¯t just develop Drag-Ride, she also trained her stamina and mental strength, even so fighting for a few minutes using it in full power was her limit.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, what I want to say but, half of it isn¡¯t my achievement. It¡¯s thanks to Lux©¤©¤and my comrades.¡¹

    Lisha slowly formed her words to sort her breathing.

    ¡¸My stamina is able to handle Over Unit thanks to Celis training me. Because Krulcifer brought back materials from Ruin, and Airi deciphered them for me that I was able to do the remodeling. Because Philuffy and Yoruka accompanied me in the test run, I was able to learn even the close range combat that I was not good at. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha suddenly paused her words and looked up to the Moon in the sky.

    ¡¸I was able to work hard because Lux was there for me. Because he became my knight, I was able to continue working hard to become a princess who is worthy for him. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m able to defeat you guys©¤©¤is thanks to those guys.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Drakkhen kept her four limbs spread out powerlessly while hearing Lisha¡¯s words.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s Lux he won¡¯t lose. Even if his opponent is a Ragnarok, that guy won¡¯t lose. Surely he will Soffice too. After all he is the personal knight of the new kingdom¡¯s princess who I recognized!¡¹

    When Lisha puffed up her chest proudly, Drakkhen¡¯s lips abruptly slackened.

    In the practice ground where the music of battlefield had stopped, the heat that was like embers was swaying.

    ¨C

    Inside the Seventh Ruin Moon.

    A girl was walking alone in a cold corridor that was illuminated by bluish white lamps.

    Below, a deathly battle in progress against Ragnarok was unfolding in the virtual battle field that was separated from this location by countless walls.

    A silver haired girl was walking by talking advantage of that distraction.

    The partition wall toward the deepest part that normally would be solidly closed was opened.

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s opened¡­¡­¡¹

    This must be because the Key Supervisor Soffice used her ancient authority to unlock the area and then left it alone as it was.

    And then right now the Gear Leader Re Plica was also being controlled by the mastermind who once hired the Dragon Marauder at the beginning.

    She was also worried about Lux and other girls who were fighting Ragnarok, but right now she had no leeway to focus to them.

    This was a chance that she finally grasped after infiltration for a long time.

    Thus right now she was moving in order to investigate the Ruin¡¯s secret because she had slipped away from the mark on her due to her death.

    ¡¸If there is a clue, it will be here but©¤©¤¡¹

    The silver haired girl murmured and the Moon¡¯s facility©¤©¤the door of the ¡ºStudy¡» was opened.

    She weaved through the gap of the cluttered bookcases and touched a locked box that seemed to store important document.

    Normally, the lock inside a Ruin could be opened by the authority of Key¡¯s Supervisor, but there was no trace of this box being opened that could be seen.

    The lock of ancient race was undid, but there was one other lock that needed password that couldn¡¯t be opened.

    It numbered very few but, this kind of box existed inside the Ruins.

    In order to heighten the secrecy, this kind of box needed Key¡¯s Supervisor and Lord©¤©¤the knowledge of the two sides to open.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl inputted the number and unlocked it.

    And then, she put her hand on the history book inside and flipped the pages. She muttered keenly.

    ¡¸I finally, found it©¤©¤¡¹

    The path to reach the truth of the locked past.

    The reason of the very existence of this Ruin and the secret of Avalon.

    Why did Sacred Eclipse exist?

    Why did the Ruins were abandoned and the ruler of the past became gone?

    ¡¸I¡­¡­have to know the truth.¡¹

    What was she, and what she had to fight for.

    After the girl woke up, she grasped the situation in general through the data and history she could obtain.

    But, just from that there were still a lot of existing puzzles that she couldn¡¯t comprehend.

    She had a mission to deal with a lot of people from here on, exactly because of that she wouldn¡¯t be able to accept it without knowing the truth.

    Thinking that, by her own judgment the girl was moving in order to know the hidden truth.

    The girl possessed gentle moral value that was different from her big sister and little sister. But, after coming here with expectation, she harbored regret for the first time.

    ¡¸Elixir, White Hero¡­¡­, Sacred Eclipse. Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­! How can such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Her well-ordered face warped into grief and she shuddered.

    The content of that book where the true identity of Avalon was written.

    The reason why the thing that was the greatest even among the ancient technologies and legacies was sealed.

    It wasn¡¯t anything like a wisdom that would bring wealth for the people.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the opposite©¤©¤! What we are searching isn¡¯t anything like a legacy to save the world!¡¹

    She held her finger on her eye that changed color due to Baptism and raised a groaning voice in anguish.

    She put her hand on her chest to hold down her breathing that became rough from agitation and squeezed.

    ¡¸If the people of the world right now know this, everything will end. We©¤©¤no, everyone won¡¯t be able to stop it anymore¡­¡­!¡¹

    The ideal coexistence that she personally discovered was fiction.

    The girl yelled when that fact was thrust on her.

    There was no room for choice.

    There was already no more path except to lock the matter away so no one would know it.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, Iboku©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl squeezed her hand tightly on her chest as though to harden her determination.

    The yellow-green pupil in her right eye shined, and she pressed her lips on each other hard.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤*GIINN!*

    A high pitched metallic sound resounded inside the small room.

    Inside the room where one could look down to the spherical space where Lux was fighting against Ragnarok, Soffice who received a Sword Device pulled out the blade.

    What was hidden inside the sheath of Wyvern that Lux had, was the Sword Device of Soffice¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Vritra.

    ¡¸What the¡­¡­?¡¹

    The mysterious person who controlled Re Plica let out her doubt with blank voice.

    In the next instant, Soffice quickly recited the passcode.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Born from the flame, is the abhorred god. Devour the hatred and reason and transcend, Vritra!¡¹

    Particles of light whirled in high speed in front of the girl along with the passcode, forming a turmeric colored armor that possessed slender form.

    Re Plica¡¯s body that was reflexively swinging her knife floated in the air and then she got crucified on the wall behind.

    Furthermore Vritra threw Dagger and Wire Tail consecutively and entangled Re Plica¡¯s body, automatically binding her.

    Trajectory control©¤©¤Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment to freely control an object¡¯s movement subdued Re Plica in the blink of eye.

    ¡¸¡­¡­How!? Why was that Sword Device there!? You shouldn¡¯t have any time to bring it here!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, you are wrong.¡¹

    Airi who was freed from the choking coughed *keho-keho* while adding more words.

    ¡¸From the beginning, Nii-san was carrying it by pretending it was his own Sword Device. He planned to return it to Soffice-san at the very end©¤©¤to persuade her.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, did you intend to return this? Even though I might run away©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice turned toward Airi wearing her Vritra and asked.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, because it¡¯s Nii-san. Because he believes that you aren¡¯t a bad person. He is doing his all in order to have you trust him.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸If you escape, Nii-san will jist challenge you to a fight to persuade you again. That¡¯s the kind of hopeless person Nii-san is.¡¹

    Airi muttered, seeing the figure of Lux outside the broken small window, who was continuing to fight desperately even now.

    Soffice too also chased after Airi¡¯s gaze and looked down toward Lux with a blank face.

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Lux was unable to use Over Limit because he forgot the passcode for some reason, but right now he attempted any trick he could do many times and struggled to overcome Deus ex Machina.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re going to cling on the family of traitors? You who was tricked by the imperial family of the old empire that killed your little sister!¡¹

    Re Plica yelled while being tied by Wire Tail and crucified by Dagger.

    But, Soffice activated the Divine raiment of Vritra. The Wire Tail moved by itself and plugged Re Plica¡¯s mouth.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t keep talking as you please using that face and voice. I won¡¯t run away anymore. Even if I get betrayed again, it¡¯s fine¡­¡­I won¡¯t give up believing, in someone who want to believe.¡¹

    ¡¸Soffice-san¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you¡­¡­young man¡¯s little sister. Thanks to you, I can take back my wish.¡¹

    A faint smile surfaced inside Soffice¡¯s nihilistic expression.

    Right after that, Soffice held her Sword Device once more and lifted it high above while strongly sending her thought.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Full Connect ¨C On.¡¹

    Right after she muttered, the armor of Vritra that was wrapping her body shined intensely.

    A part of it covered her limbs, changed into minuscule mechanical particles that assimilated with her flesh.

    Her body surface became similar like the surface of Sword Device, geometrical pattern made from silver line ran on the surface like tattoo.

    The clan of the beginning that created the Ruins and produced Drag-Ride.

    This was a form that was possible only for the Xfer who possessed the greatest aptitude value.

    Soffice who was half transformed into machine lifted up her hand, and the glass before her was smashed apart due to Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    She took a stance with a middle sized war hammer in her hand and leaped outside.

    ¡¸Soffice!? That form©¤©¤no, is Airi safe!?¡¹

    ¡¸The little sister is safe. Leave the rest for later. Prepare your full power attack for the Ragnarok. My Vritra¡¯s firepower is lacking.¡¹

    ¡¸But, Deus ex Machina has teleportation! Even if I continue to move, the enemy will teleport and evade©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine just attack. If it¡¯s the enemy¡¯s teleportation, I won¡¯t let it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you, believe in me?¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly hearing Soffice¡¯s voice that sounded somewhat sulky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Got it. I¡¯ll leave it to you, Soffice.¡¹

    After a short exchange, Lux touched Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    Drag-Ride¡¯s mind control operation and body control operation.

    By giving contradictory orders of holding back and releasing at the same time, strength was gathered like a drawn bow.

    The variable frame of Mythrildite creaked, and the armor began to tremble as though it was going to distort.

    It was one of Drag-Ride control¡¯s three hidden techniques, Recoil Burst.

    But, against Deus ex Machina that could teleport itself and other, until now it would always escape and the attack couldn¡¯t hit.

    Even so Lux©¤©¤believed in Soffice who said ¡¸I¡¯ll do something¡¹.

    He squeezed out his little remaining stamina, and at the timing when he was going to prepare, the Ragnarok moved.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    It held up its huge steel arm like a destruction hammer, and then released a thrust that even eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    Lux who was transitioning to the act of gathering strength was bewildered by the Ragnarok that began to boldly move forward and he couldn¡¯t switch to attack.

    ¡¸Perhaps it is guessing our attack, it¡¯s coming to stop us without using its ability.¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not all. Be careful Nii-san! The enemy¡¯s body is shining.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The space in front of Lux distorted flexibly at the same time with Airi¡¯s voice.

    Lux immediately leaped backward and escaped from the danger, but a broken glass fragment from just now that was at that spot was annihilated into powder.

    ¡¸It¡¯s compressing the space to squash the target. Anyone in its range will be killed instantly no matter what kind of defensive power they have.¡¹

    ¡¸No way¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Ragnarok was attacking consecutively with its huge arms while also using special ability of compression in offense. Lux was forced into one-sided defense.

    Lux continued to escape round and round inside the spherical space, with Deus ex Machina chasing him.

    It was only for dozens of seconds, but that pattern was continuing. Soffice who was measuring the timing from a bit of distance away became anxious.

    ¡¸This is bad. Ragnarok is starting to predict his movement. At this rate©¤©¤he will be caught.¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait, Soffice-san.¡¹

    Soffice said that and she was going to fly in assistance, but Airi stopped her with a calm voice.

    ¡¸Please believe in Nii-san¡¯s strength. That face isn¡¯t the expression when Nii-san is being cornered.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean?¡¹

    Airi who was gazing at the movement of Lux and Ragnarok from above muttered.

    ¡¸Nii-san¡¯s most excellent point is his strength to see through his opponent¡¯s movement and predict their action. Then his quickness in forming plan and his courage to execute it. Nii-san isn¡¯t just running away while doing useless thing repeatedly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san will surely turn to counterattack soon. At that time, please carry out your plan without fail. The trump card for the sake of defeating Ragnarok©¤©¤¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ku, kukukukuku¡­¡­hahahahahah!¡¹

    Around the same time, right below the Moon.

    On the mountain of rubbles of the practice ground where the Dragon Marauder was seemingly defeated, a man stood up while laughing loudly.

    The large man who was the Wyvern division commander, the leader of Dragon Marauder, Gatouhan.

    But, his Divine Drag-Ride Hydra was half destroyed, and he also lost his right hand starting from his right shoulder. He was all but dead.

    Lisha who saw that hid her exhaustion and warned the man.

    ¡¸Stop it, you¡¯ll really die if you force yourself with that body. Just stay there quietly.¡¹

    What Lisha said was a fact.

    Lisha too had her stamina exhausted from doing Over Unit repeatedly and she didn¡¯t have any strength left to use it again.

    As expected she wasn¡¯t so worse off that she would be done in by the current Dragon Marauder, but she was undoubtedly wounded all over.

    ¡¸A knight you can trust? Becoming a master who is worthy of that¡­¡­? Kuhahaha! Now you said it. The way you are talking sounds like it¡¯s only you guys who are walking the correct path.¡¹

    ¡¸Does it sound like that?¡¹

    ¡¸You all bastard nobles, using your authority to persecute us. Those people are unforgivable. Such path like that©¤©¤isn¡¯t available for us right from the start¡­¡­!¡¹

    *Pakii*, there was a high-pitched sound like ceramic breaking, and Hydra¡¯s shoulder began to shine.

    His Divine Raiment should be unable to even activate properly anymore, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s your grudge then I¡¯ll listen to it later! If you move more than that¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Lisha aimed her Cannon¡¯s muzzle toward Gatouhan, the other two division commanders Vine and Drakkhen moved.

    Lisha put up her guard thinking that they would attack her for sure, but they only took position beside Gatouhan.

    ¡¸You guys don¡¯t mind right, Vine, Drakkhen?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I too don¡¯t want to become prisoner like this and survive on shamelessly.¡¹

    ¡¸We¡¯ll leave it to you. We¡¯ve got to show them too, our pride as mercenary¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You bastards, what are you planning-!¡¹

    Lisha immediately raised her voice to stop them, but at the same time Hydra¡¯s armor began to shine ominously.

    That flash blinded her eyes. When the light vanished before long, a shadow of beast emerged from inside the jet black darkness.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What the!?¡¹

    The repulsive figure that appeared before her eyes caused Lisha¡¯s shoulders to tremble.

    That wasn¡¯t a person, or an Abyss, or even a Drag-Ride.

    It was a form of ominous armor that distorted unsightly.

    A different arm grew from the armor¡¯s arm, claws and fangs poked out from it back. An irregular shape.

    It was a form of a poisonous monster, while at the same time it was baring the fang of overwhelming killing intent.

    What appeared before Lisha¡¯s eyes was Gatouhan who was clad in three-headed Drag-Ride. Even the part of his body that was lost was shut and healed.

    In exchange the other two division commanders Vine and Drakkhen vanished.

    It wasn¡¯t just the Drag-Rides they wore, but even their flesh body inside the armors.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You, fused them!? The body of you three, and even the three Divine Drag-Rides!?¡¹

    The fusion ability of Hydra¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Re-Alive.

    It was applied to his own comrades, combining their half-destroyed Divine Drag-Rides, and even stopped the bleeding of Gatouhan¡¯s own body.

    He devoured the very existence of his comrades who accompanied him until now and sacrificed them©¤©¤.

    ¡¸What the hell are you doing! Those guys are¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha shivered toward that strategy that sacrificed even themselves while glaring at the enemy before her.

    In contrast the tan-skinned large man lifted his Blade along with an inhuman grin of abyss.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go¡­¡­! To blow away those who hinder us, the royalty and nobles who proclaimed the path of righteousness! Burn into your eyes, the power of the dragon who is taking revenge to the world!¡¹

    The outrageous armor of darkness color shined. Hydra that was the fusion of three Drag-Rides flew.

    While being pressured by that killing intent, Lisha fired her Cannon to intercept.

    ¨C

    Above Lisha and Dragon Marauder.

    Inside the virtual Battle Space that existed inside the seventh Ruin Moon.

    After obtaining Soffice¡¯s cooperation, Lux was forced into disadvantage facing Deus ex Machina.

    Soffice who was watching that sight from above along with Airi in the neighboring observation room tried to assist, but Airi stopped her believing that it was Lux¡¯s plan.

    ¡¸Got it.¡¹

    Seeing Airi¡¯s serious gaze, Soffice nodded.

    ¡¸If the worrywart you believe until that much, then surely it¡¯s not wrong.¡¹

    Replying like that, Soffice lifted her Sword Device once more and sent her thought.

    The instant kill attack that was impossible to defend against, the space compression that Deus ex Machina unleashed.

    The moment Lux leaped backward and escaped from that, the Ragnarok stretched out its huge arms in pursuing attack.

    The offensive of Ragnarok was gradually quickening and Bahamut¡¯s armor started to get grazed.

    And then finally Deus ex Machina caught up to Lux¡¯s movement.

    ¡¸Nii-san©¤©¤!¡¹

    Airi clenched both her hands tightly and prayed.

    The surrounding space of Lux warped and he was going to get crushed. In that instant, crimson flash surged out from Bahamut.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    In a radius of several ml with Lux as the center©¤©¤which was the place that had just become the target of the space compression, the Divine Raiment of compression and strengthening was applied.

    The time of space compression that was unleashed by Deus ex Machina was lengthened. In that timing, the fist that the Ragnarok shot out thrust in.

    ¡¸©¤©¤iOOoooOOON¡¹

    The moment it caught Lux with a blow and it became convinced of victory, Lux was sent flying from that place by the impact. In exchange Ragnarok moved forward.

    At that moment, the space compression that was decelerated by Reload on Fire operated with several times more speed. Ragnarok¡¯s main body that was in that space was squashed like cotton candy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­GI, iOooOoOOOOONN!¡¹

    It raised a high pitched shriek that sounded similar like creaking metallic sound. Deus ex Machina came to a stop.

    Because the space in front of it was compressed along and it got hit by its own ability, even the hardy shell that was comprised from dozens of layered Mythrildite couldn¡¯t do anything.

    ¡¸Making it got hit by its own attack¡­¡­. So that¡¯s his aim.¡¹

    Soffice who understood Lux¡¯s strategy watched in fascination and muttered.

    He was an absurd young man just like the rumor said.

    Understanding that he would be unable to destroy the Ragnarok alone in this situation, he skillfully led it into a tactic that made it self-destructed.

    The ability to discover that possibility in short time and the guts to carry it out.

    The discernment to grab the perfect timing.

    ¡¸Airi. Right now I understand your feeling that put your trust on your big brother. Mahapurana!¡¹

    At the same time, Soffice who was staying still until now to gather strength activated Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Trajectory control©¤©¤with the power that governed over material¡¯s movement, the half-destroyed body of Deus ex Machina was pulled away from Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­GI, OooOO-!?¡¹

    The Ragnarok was sent flying in high speed inside the spherical space and crashed strongly on the wall behind.

    It fell face up from the impact. At that moment, it was accelerated once more to the front without any time to land first.

    ¡¸So, it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Airi who was watching from the broken window of the observation room muttered. At that time Lux was already finished preparing.

    ¡¸Recoil Burst-!¡¹

    Lux charged with Bahamut and released the gathered strength toward Deus ex Machina that was sent flying in high speed.

    The flash of great sword that was produced from the accumulation of strength until the utmost limits penetrated the half destroyed shell and smashed the core.

    Distorted shriek and metal fragments scattered inside the Battle Space, and before long silence returned.

    ¨C

    At the same time when the Cannon¡¯s blast burst out, the Hydra of Gatouhan that had absorbed his two comrades leaped toward Lisha.

    The jet black practice ground that had been gouged and frayed until it looked like ruins.

    Illuminated by the few remaining fire there, a Drag-Ride with repulsive and distorted form accelerated.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    Now that she couldn¡¯t use Over Unit because her stamina was at the limit, Lisha fired a shockwave to open distance between Tiamat and the opponent.

    But, Gatouhan seemed to have predicted that. He twisted his body and dodged. He made use of his spiraling momentum and dispatched Wire Tail.

    ¡¸U, guh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Tiamat¡¯s armor that received it creaked. The piercing impact caused Lisha to lose her breath.

    Originally Wire Tail would be used to entangle the opponent rather than as weapon, but for some reason it possessed astounding striking power here.

    When she looked closer, the whip was fused with countless rubbles and turned into a striking weapon that looked like a flail.

    ¡¸Fusing weapon and rubbles into one to make an improvised striking weapon¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha got hit further with a mowing down strike from the whip and her balance crumbled. She concentrated her mind in order to activate Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­uh!?¡¹

    But, in that instant a discordant sound that stirred up her brain rang out, disturbing her concentration.

    It was a discordant sound that harmed human body, coming from the Divine Raiment of Asp that Drakkhen wore.

    The ability to manipulate sound was also absorbed as it was by Hydra.

    ¡¸We won¡¯t lose to you bastard. Someone like you who is allowed to do what is right, who is allowed to attain righteousness, there is no way we will lose against you!¡¹

    Furthermore, the Divine Raiment Curse Fader of Basilisk that was also absorbed was sealing Tiamat¡¯s armored arm.

    No, Tiamat¡¯s armored leg was also glued to the broken audience seat below. Even its movement was sealed.

    Consecutive attack of whips showered down from above like a heavy rain. Even when Lisha deployed Tiamat¡¯s barrier in full, she was struck mercilessly from above.

    Her concentration was disturbed by discordant sound, and she was unable to use Divine Raiment.

    She also had no leftover stamina to use Over Unit. There was also no comrade who could still move.

    Within that hopeless situation, even so Lisha didn¡¯t yield.

    ¡¸You bastard royalty and nobles stole it! Until now you all always stole from us the path where we can be righteous! You saw us as nuisance and drop us down to become criminal, you used every kind of privilege to exploit us! That rule, it won¡¯t change as long as we don¡¯t take away this world! We will be able to obtain it! The power of Avalon that can make all of you prostrate before us!¡¹

    Gatouhan should be similarly wounded all over like Lisha, but even while blood was spurting out from all over his body, his momentum wasn¡¯t weakening.

    He was showering her with attacks that were like surging wave as though he was burning his remaining life as fuel.

    A suicide attack that wouldn¡¯t be reluctant to throw away one¡¯s own life.

    Lisha who was nearing her limit was pushed back by the spirit that was prepared for one¡¯s own death.

    ©¤©¤But, the sparks that fluttered up from the remaining fire in the practice ground.

    The red radiance floating in the darkness was firing up Lisha¡¯s heart.

    ¡º¡­¡­If you did, then kill me right here as well.¡»

    Lisha¡¯s childhood past.

    The sight of the castle of old empire that was felled and enveloped in flame was resurrected inside Lisha.

    ¡ºIf the empire is going to fall, then I don¡¯t have any other place where I belong to©¤©¤¡»

    As a daughter of a noble, she was taken hostage toward her father who was trying to achieve revolution. She was then abandoned by her father and resolved herself to defect to the old empire.

    In order to survive, and because she was abandoned by the person who she loved the most.

    Even so in the end her fate was still that of complete ruin.

    It wasn¡¯t an easy path by any mean.

    She didn¡¯t even know when it would be the end for her.

    Even when she became the princess of new kingdom as the memento of the great man that was her father, it was agonizing for her all the time.

    At that time, the side of Lux¡¯s face emerged inside Lisha.

    Lisha whose own father wouldn¡¯t save her, was saved by that young man even at the risk of his life, that figure of his©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t, SCREW WITH MEeEEE-!¡¹

    Lisha pulled out her Sword Device and controlled Tiamat inside the discordant noise.

    What she activated was the remaining ten projectile weapons, Legion.

    She fired them to the ground below her and smashed the audience seat that was glued to her by the enemy¡¯s Divine Raiment, tearing off the binding.

    In addition she fired her Cannon from zero distance to Hydra, and she took distance from the enemy using the impact backlash.

    Lisha herself received large damage from the backlash in that range, but she didn¡¯t hesitate.

    As expected the enemy also defended, but just for a moment the enemy was bewildered with shock.

    *KiiN*, the fanning shockwave that burst right before her caused her eardrum to be torn painfully.

    But at the same time the discordant sound that bound Lisha until now was cut off.

    ¡¸What are you doing? You feel like blowing yourself©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m also resolved! Though you won¡¯t get it! Suppressor!¡¹

    ¡¸What-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Divine Raiment was activated from Seven Heads¡¯ muzzle along with Lisha¡¯s loud roar.

    The unexpected happening caused Gatouhan to hesitate in making decision. It sealed his fate.

    Purple gravity sphere that was hyper compressed was fired.

    The moment it impacted Gatouhan, it pulled in the curved armor of Hydra and fixed it in place.

    *Baki-baki* It mdae dry sound and Hydra¡¯s frame creaked, warped, and broke.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­nu, OOOOOOooOOOAAAAAAAAH!?¡¹

    Hydra burst and scattered along with Gatouhan¡¯s scream.

    Right after that, Lisha who arrived at her limit also got her armor automatically dispelled.

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­good grief, that was uncool¡­¡­¡¹

    An extreme exhaustion that felt like burning her nerves took away strength from Lisha¡¯s limbs.

    When she collapsed on top of rubbles like that, she could hear the voice of someone dear.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lisha-sama! Hang in there!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn, u¡¹

    Hearing the young man¡¯s voice who shook her slightly and seeing the gray colored eyes peering on her face woke up Lisha.

    Was it only a few minutes since the battle just now?

    Lux wearing Bahamut held Lisha in his arms.

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­you¡¯re, safe.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha patting her chest in relieve, Lux also showed a relieved smile.

    ¡¸The Ragnarok in the Moon is defeated. We also obtained the Grand Force.¡¹

    It seemed the original employer of Dragon Marauder had escaped a step ahead, but for now there was no worry that Avalon would be seized away.

    And then, Soffice was standing behind him.

    Her face was blank just like usual, but she was staring at Lisha without hostility in her gaze.

    ¡¸I see, so that girl is saved too huh¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I was saved, by you too.¡¹

    Soffice nodded honestly. Airi also showed her face from beside Soffice.

    ¡¸Noct and others are guarding our surrounding. Krulcifer and others, also everyone in the Academy are currently safe.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama has fought well. Even though originally I have to protect you no matter what¡­¡­I¡¯m disqualified as Lisha-sama¡¯s knight.¡¹

    Lux hung his head down apologetically, but Lisha shook her head slightly with her weakened body and smiled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are saying nonsense. Haven¡¯t you protected me? You properly fought together with me.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It seems her head got hit in the fight. She should be carried to the medical room right away.¡¹

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­Soffice-san. I think that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    Airi retorted at Soffice who was muttering somewhat in bewilderment.

    At the side, Gatouhan who lied down as though he died raised a groan.

    ¡¸Is this, fate¡­¡­. We who was unable to choose the respectable path by birth, are we fated to be no match against you all even after throwing away everything¡­¡­¡¹

    Tension ran through Lux and others for a moment, but they immediately comprehended that there was no need to be on guard.

    Vine and Drakkhen who were fused with Hydra¡¯s Divine Raiment had already been separated back as corpse.

    The remaining Gatouhan also had his flesh starting to crumble. It was clear that death was approaching him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Something like a respectable path, do you think it can be traveled on when you don¡¯t even try to walk on it.¡¹

    Lisha spoke with her feeble breath.

    Lisha herself was extremely fatigued. Her voice was faint.

    But, she declared to Gatouhan with a strong voice that didn¡¯t shame the mettle of a princess.

    ¡¸What, did you say¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Why were you all unable? You had respectable path stolen from you by power and got reduced into bandit. Even so you obtained comrades who you could rely on your own way, and you obtained strength. Why didn¡¯t you try to return to the respectable path then? You all were simply running away. You surrendered yourself to anger and revenge, and picked the same path like those bunches you hated©¤©¤by your own choice, that¡¯s all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You guys are scared that what you have would be stolen again. Even if you try to walk the respectable path, someone else somewhere will consider you all as nuisance again. They will steal from you. That¡¯s why this time you will be the one in the ruling side. That¡¯s everything you all can think about. You all only tried to repeat the same thing just like the bunch who stole the respectable path from you!¡¹

    ¡¸Shut, your mouth! A mere decoration princess! You bastard who simply got placed into the seat of princess by accident after the old empire was destroyed¡­¡­. You bastard who got the respectable path laid out before you without any suffering or hesitation!¡¹

    ¡¸There is no such thing!¡¹

    Airi responded to Gatouhan¡¯s angry yell.

    ¡¸The path Lisha-sama walked wasn¡¯t such easy path! She was caught by the old empire as hostage, she was considered as dead, and turned traitor. But©¤©¤she worked hard as the daughter of Count Atismata, as the new kingdom¡¯s princess! No matter how painful she felt, she didn¡¯t do anything like averting her eyes from anything inconvenient like you all!¡¹

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s eyes snapped open in surprise, while Lisha silently breathed in.

    Within Lux¡¯s embrace, she looked down on the leader of Dragon Marauder with eyes that were filled with pity somewhere.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m the same like you. All I had was stolen and stolen, that I got convinced that there is no other way. That¡¯s why I also cannot say anything self-importantly.¡¹

    Lisha put her hand on her chest and continued with a docile face.

    ¡¸But, that¡¯s right. Even if for example I meet the same experience like you guys, if Lux will stay beside me, then I think I¡¯ll be able to stay in the right path. If it¡¯s this man who keeps looking ahead even when he is cursed as evil imperial family of the old empire or called as chore prince, I believe that¡¯s what I would do. That¡¯s, the difference between me and you all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Gatouhan lost his words after Lisha spoke.

    He only kept staring at Lisha¡¯s straightforward eyes for a while his flesh was crumbling.

    ¡¸©¤©¤So that¡¯s why, you didn¡¯t waver. You actually fought with stronger determination than our tenacity¡­¡­. No wonder we lose.¡¹

    ¡®Fuh¡¯, a dry smile emerged on his lips, but even that crumbled down.

    He wasn¡¯t resigned, it was a strange feeling of satisfaction from defeat, and loneliness that were emerging from inside.

    ¡¸Vine, Drakkhen, sorry. If only this me was a bit more decent. If only I have, a proper caliber as leader¡­¡­¡¹

    He reached out his hand toward the remain of his comrades that had crumbled into ash, but it didn¡¯t reach.

    ¡¸Even so©¤©¤even if it was a mistaken path, the two of them must be thankful to you who gave them a place to belong.¡¹

    Soffice who was watching until now raised her voice toward such Gatouhan.

    ¡¸I who was alone and unable to reach understanding with anyone, know it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You who were betrayed by us shouldn¡¯t have any worthless sympathy to us. Stupid.¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. It was a short association but, sayonara.¡¹

    At the same time when Soffice told that, Gatouhan¡¯s presence vanished and he became a corpse.

    Lisha was seeing off that death while strength left her body completely.

    ¡¸However, it¡¯s a bit unfortunate. I couldn¡¯t show off my active role to you. Even though if you watched, then you will surely get a better opinion of me©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha let out a long sigh while showing a wry smile.

    In respond Lux replied back with an earnest smile.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t get even better opinion of Lisha-sama than this. Lisha-sama is really a lovely princess.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Lux smiled widely, the face of Lisha-sama who was being held in princess carry by Bahamut¡¯s armored arms was dyed bright red.

    After looking completely flustered, she stared still into Lux¡¯s eyes and,

    ¡¸I, I see! The, then, you can give me something like a bit of reward or©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lisha-sama. Do you remember about the pact?¡¹

    In respond to Lisha whose eyes was brightening, Airi whispered with a lowly voice into her ear.

    Until the battle regarding Avalon was over, any approach from the girls toward Lux was forbidden.

    ¡¸Guaah! Tha, that¡¯s right! Even though the atmosphere is finally nice! Why is the timing is bad only when it¡¯s my turn!¡¹

    ¡¸This young man is a teasing type? As expected he might be a bad guy.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, if I take my eyes off him, he will woo a new girl right away. Nii-san is really a bad man.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, why are you two in agreement like that!?¡¹

    Lux retorted while walking toward the Academy with Lisha in his arms.

    The promised date with Magialca was going to arrive right about now.

 Volume 12 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    That night after the matter of Dragon Marauder was concluded.

    The talk with Soffice was settled due to Magialca who came to check on the situation.

    At the same time the danger that was approaching the new kingdom also came to an end. Queen Raffi was also liberated from the heavy responsibility temporarily.

    Magialca listened to the story from Lux and Airi and accepted Soffice¡¯s surrender.

    Because Soffice¡¯s relationship with Dragon Marauder was only being their employer temporarily, she refined a plan to make Soffice getting accepted by the countries.

    In short, for the sake of capturing the Dragon Marauder, Soffice intentionally acted hostilely to the world alliance under Magialca¡¯s order. That would be how they explained it.

    Of course, the alliance wouldn¡¯t accept it with just that after all the confusion they were thrown into.

    But in addition of the annihilation of Dragon Marauder, the remaining two Grand Forces were also obtained. Exactly because they obtained such ideal results that it became a material that could possibly persuade the countries.

    Right after Lux and Soffice defeated Deus ex Machina, the employer of Dragon Marauder seemed to escape right away, leaving the Moon completely deserted.

    There was also Re Plica who returned to her senses, but it seemed the detail of the events was erased from her memory and she couldn¡¯t recall them.

    After that, Soffice entrusted the management of Moon to her and it was decided that Soffice would be left under the Academy¡¯s watch for a while.

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­.

    In the end, the mastermind who moved the Moon at that time was still shrouded in mystery.

    Even so, from the chain of events until now Lux had a suspect of the true identity of this person who was moving behind the scene.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Deep at night, Lux was looking up to the ceiling of his own room in the girl dormitory alone and sighed.

    He was also worried about the matter of Coral.

    From the story of Lisha and others, after participating in the battle against Dragon Marauder, it seemed Coral got injured by explosion and died. But when they searched after that, for some reason they couldn¡¯t find his corpse.

    Was he really dead, or else©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In any case, now that they had all the Grand Forces collected, arriving to Avalon was the priority right now.

    The abandoned capital at Marcafal Kingdom, Gelsera. (TN: Now it¡¯s back to Gelsera again, so I guess the previous one was the author¡¯s mistake)

    Magialca already built a base near that old castle. It seemed she was arranging logistics from all the countries of the world alliance starting from Drag-Ride hangar and food.

    A swarm of powerful Abyss was clamoring around Avalon, and even more complex traps were set up inside the old fortress. That was the report they received from the scouting force.

    The capture of Avalon by Drag-Knights dispatched from various countries and the Seven Dragon Paladins was finally going to start from next week.

    Lux was thinking of such thing while starting to take off his clothes.

    He was unable to enter the large public bath today due to time¡¯s circumstance, so he would only wipe his body using towel that was soaked into hot water.

    It was a bit unsatisfactory in this season where the winter was at its peak, but he couldn¡¯t ask for luxury.

    After wiping his face with hot towel, he continued with his neck, chest, shoulder, back©¤©¤and then, the moment he untied his belt and pulled down his trouser©¤©¤*knock knock*. A knocking sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Err, is someone inside?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes. Right now I¡¯m in the middle of changing, so can you wait for a bit?¡¹

    Lux hurriedly replied at Soffice¡¯s voice that he could hear from behind the door.

    Lux was recalling about the barging events that repeatedly happened in this room while feeling relieved that this time an incident was somehow averted.

    But, in contrast with that expectation of Lux, Soffice spoke out an unexpected sentence.

    ¡¸I see. If it¡¯s just the young man inside, that makes it much easier.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯ll be thankful if you©¤©¤huh¡­¡­eeh!?¡¹

    The door of the room opened at that moment and Soffice wearing her usual pilot suit leaped inside.

    Lux reflexively tried to hide his body, but his towel was taken away.

    ¡¸Wai-!? What are you doing Soffice!? I told you I¡¯m in the middle of changing©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸I know. I¡¯m in your debt young man, but that is that, this is revenge. Because you had seen my embarrassing moment, I¡¯ll have you young man to show me yours too.¡¹

    ¡¸That was an act of god! This will be bad in various meaning if someone see us!¡¹

    Lux said that while hiding his body in panic, but Soffice attempted to tear off his clothes from him.

    ¡¸Show it to me properly, it will only be balanced with that.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face was reddening while he desperately prevented Soffice¡¯s hand from taking away his underwear.

    After a desperate offense and defense that spanned several times was unfolding, the two of them were sitting down when they realized it.

    ¡¸A, also, that¡¯s, in order to deepen relationship as friend, naked association is necessary¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That is for fellow male you know!? Where did you hear that kind of knowledge from!?¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? I, didn¡¯t have proper friend so I didn¡¯t understand¡­¡­. Err, is it fine, me becoming the friend of you young man?¡¹

    For some reason Soffice averted her gaze with her cheeks dyed red. Lux sighed in respond to that while nodding.

    ¡¸There is no doubt about that. I really think of Soffice as friend.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you, young man.¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s blank face was cold like mask.

    Even so the slightly bashful atmosphere caused Lux¡¯s cheek to loosen.

    ¡¸The, then, I¡¯ll consider the case of you seeing that as you owing me.¡¹

    It seemed she had given up seeing Lux¡¯s lower body. Soffice muttered so and stood up quickly.

    In that moment, Lux got taken aback from noticing something. He spontaneously averted his eyes and shut his mouth.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? Is there something?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that, it¡¯s a bit hard to tell Soffice right now¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? It¡¯s fine so don¡¯t be reserved, if you think of me as friend then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Err, that©¤©¤slipped off.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡¹

    Soffice tilted her head in puzzlement, but a few second later she noticed.

    The cloth on her chest that was clinging to her brown skin shifted from the previous quarrel, and the feminine undulation of her chest became exposed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤N-, NOOOoOOOOOOO-!?¡¹

    Soffice raised a high-pitched shriek and ran away in full speed.

    After that she declared ¡¸Relationship break off¡¹. A total of one hour was needed to run around the girl dormitory until ¡¸Reconciliation¡¹ was reached.

    Also it went without saying that during that time, everyone of Syvalles including the Triad became aware of it and a trouble occurred from that.

    At the end everyone gathered in the dining hall and opened a welcoming party for Soffice.

    The night of holy night festival with the lively girls was advancing.

    ¨C

    A few days later after that.

    After a war council at the royal capital, Lux was called as Seven Dragon Paladins for the sake of conquering the entrance of Avalon that existed in Marcafal Kingdom©¤©¤the abandoned capital Guernica. (TN: Now it¡¯s back to Guernica again, what the hell.)

    At the fortress base located before the old castle which seemed to be where Avalon was at, the Drag-Knights group of world alliance was already in battle.

    The abandoned buildings were prepared using Drag-Ride so they became usable, and it seemed that it was arranged so it was possible for them to fight continuously for a month here, but the old castle had become a den of Abyss. Even with the chosen Drag-Knights from every country gathered here, they couldn¡¯t even approach to its surrounding. That was the situation.

    With the help of Soffice who was an Xfer, the door to the deepest part of Garden was unlocked. Furthermore after that Krulcifer unlocked the door to the deepest part of Hall. And then it was concluded with Magialca using her authority to liberate those Ruins in turn by placing the Grand Forces there.

    And then Lux who departed from the Academy arrived to Marcafal Kingdom as one of the advance troops along with other Seven Dragon Paladins as well as the Lord.

    ¡¸Yo, long time no see, prince-sama.¡¹

    The base town that was the nearest toward the abandoned capital©¤©¤the fort city Forto. When Lux arrived there, Greifer who was in front of the fortress called out to him.

    Dull blond hair, sanpaku eyes, and sulky attitude. Those were his trait, but in reality he was a good person.

    He was the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality, but the other day his aide Coral died in battle.

    It seemed the fight against the Abysses protecting Avalon had entered a lull, there was no sign of enemy in the surrounding.

    After talking to the fortress guard and confirmed that, the two of them began to walk through a stone corridor.

    ¡¸Sorry about Coral. That, I was unable to save him.¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you apologizing? Dying is included in the job of us soldier. You did the best you could right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right¡­¡­but¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, somehow I still cannot believe it. Ain¡¯t no way that guy will croak just from explosion, that¡¯s what I feel.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In fact Lux also couldn¡¯t believe it.

    And also about Coral¡¯s dying words that Lux heard from Lisha, where he apologized to him, Lux didn¡¯t understand what he meant.

    Somehow everything felt in limbo and his guts couldn¡¯t accept it.

    ¡¸One more thing, I¡¯ve got a basis why I think that guy ain¡¯t dead. By the way this gonna be a bit of awful story but, if it¡¯s you prince-sama then I¡¯m fine talking about it, you wanna hear it?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered at Greifer¡¯s voice that vaguely gave a hint of dangerous atmosphere.

    ¡¸You better not listen to this if you wanna to believe in that guy. It ain¡¯t a story that will make you feel good to know.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean? No©¤©¤let me hear it!¡¹

    When Lux flared up with a serious face, Greifer let out a long sigh and began to talk.

    ¡¸You know about her highness princes Milmiette right? Coral was among us as our princess¡¯s distant relative but, that guy¡¯s name vanished from that family tree.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh!?¡¹

    Lux was resolving himself to not get agitated no matter what he was told, but as expected he was perplexed in incomprehension.

    ¡¸The guy called Coral Esther ain¡¯t exist from the start among the royalty of Vanheim Principality. Surely his name also didn¡¯t exist in the family tree from the beginning. But for some reason we didn¡¯t have any doubt about that guy¡¯s status all this time. For nearly a year©¤©¤nobody noticed it at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Such, thing, no matter how©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It ain¡¯t possible, right? Currently we also thought so yeah. But, I want to ask you prince-sama seeing that you were close with that guy. Was that guy male? Or female?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Lux was asked that, his vision was covered with static like sandstorm.

    Coral¡¯s figure in his mind flickered.

    His figure that he thought was completely a male figure certainly looked like a girl on one occasion.

    Even the color of her hair and eyes were different, he wondered why it looked like that to him?

    The true identity of Coral Esther.

    How did he become able to notice her his true identity so suddenly?

    The last Ragnarok Sacred Eclipse.

    The secret medicine of evolution, Elixir and Baptis.

    A memory that he knew nothing about, and the transformed figure of Coral.

    (Why at this time I©¤©¤)

    Where did his perception become mistaken?

    Perception, perception¡­¡­?

    ¡¸By the way can I ask a question too? The guy who contracted the Dragon Marauder the last©¤©¤the mastermind who made them betrayed that tanned girl, it seems you got an idea about it, is that true?¡¹

    It seemed Greifer heard about that from Soffice.

    He was a caring person in spite of his outward appearance, so Lux introduced Soffice to him before this gathering. This seemed to be the result from that.

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­it¡¯s still nothing more than my personal speculation though.¡¹

    Although, Lux couldn¡¯t be the only one keeping secret after he heard a confidential information from Greifer already.

    And so, he said it.

    The conjecture that he didn¡¯t want to be correct.

    A person other than the Lords who shouldn¡¯t be in that place, and who was able to control the Moon. If speaking about such person©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s¡­¡­Hayes vi Arcadia. She should have died, but it¡¯s likely that she is alive.¡¹

    That way of talking which was conveyed through Re Plica, it was the very tone of Hayes.

    And then, in case his reasoning was correct, it hinted at a single fact.

    The Lords who right now became the central existence of conquering Avalon.

    He didn¡¯t know when Hayes was resurrected, but she contacted Dragon Marauder once more and controlled them by using Avalon as bait. If that was the case©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Oi, then don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer seemed to reach the same conclusion. His expression turned forbidding. Lux nodded.

    ¡¸Yes. I have to tell this to Captain Magialca. if she, Hayes is alive, then from the beginning this battle©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux suddenly looked forward. The moment he saw the stone paved corridor, a single girl©¤©¤no, a girl was standing there.

    A girl with braided hair weawring pilot suit for female.

    Her face features that looked somewhat androgynous but well-ordered was familiar to Lux and Greifer.

    ¡¸Co¡­¡­ral!? No, you©¤©¤¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s eyes opened wide and he stiffened while raising his voice.

    But, the figure of he who should have died was colored differently from before.

    The same silver hair and grey pupils like Lux and Airi.

    But only her right eye was dyed with faint light green color.

    It was the proof of Baptism that the Lord Listelka and Hayes also received.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m sorry, both of you.¡¹

    Coral withdrew her Sword Device with an expression that looked somewhat sad.

    Without pause her sword flashed toward Lux and Greifer, hitting the back of their head.

    Fortunately it seemed she was hitting them with the back of her single-edged sword so they weren¡¯t slashed, but the impact made them collapse.

    It seemed she hit the precise spot, strength left their body and the consciousness was getting far.

    Lux looked up at her face while still not understanding what was going on.

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is, no more time. All of you are more able than we imagined. If you reach Avalon and learn this world¡¯s secret, the truth, the countries will surely cause bloody war. I¡¯m sorry, for deceiving you two all this time. Also©¤©¤thank you for calling someone like me a friend.¡¹

    ¡¸Co¡­¡­ral, you, bastard¡­¡­!¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s groan came from the side.

    Coral who heard that looked down on the two of them with her differently colored eyes without a single twitch in her expression.

    ¡¸My name is Aeril vi Arcadia, the second imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire. The power of Baptism that was applied to me is to use a part of Avalon¡¯s system that can convert other people¡¯s perception.¡¹

    ¡¸Perception, conversion?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I¡¯m deceiving you two, now I have no more leeway to use this power. Now if I don¡¯t use it to trick the eyes of Seven Dragon Paladins, I wouldn¡¯t be able to make it in time.¡¹

    In other words, Coral¡¯s figure was like this since the beginning.

    Whether it was the color of her hair and eyes, or the bulge of her chest, everyone was only made to hallucinate that they weren¡¯t there.

    ¡¸However, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let Nee-san kill all of you. When this battle is all over and we obtain Avalon, at that time let¡¯s one more time©¤©¤¡­¡­such thing, is just too selfish isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Coral muttered with a smile that looked somewhat pained.

    Lux¡¯s consciousness was falling.

    At the end Coral¡¯s¡­¡­no, her voice remained in his ear.

    ¡¸¡­¡­But I, saw a possibility inside you. That¡¯s why, I intend to try opposing this fate in my own way. Not just as a Lord. I intend to show my own answer.¡¹

    Her footstep was getting farther.

    Someone was carrying Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux-kun. I really like you, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Not to mention replying, he was unable to even think about those words.

    Lux¡¯s five senses were enveloped in darkness and before long his consciousness was sinking.

    ¨C

    A chalk white ship with streamline shape was hovering in the sky of the new kingdom.

    It was the residence of the Lords as well as an airborne mobile fortress©¤©¤the prehistory legacy called Heaven Palace.

    At the beginning it was a part of Avalon, a vehicle that was exclusively for the use of royalty. It flew in full speed and the other day it entered into Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall.

    It arrived to the deepest part that had been unlocked by Krulcifer beforehand and the Grand Force was placed there. And then now it was heading toward the Garden below.

    ¡¸This is the third including the Dungeon. Looks like I¡¯m number one. With this I finally fulfilled my duty as the shrine maiden of oracle.¡¹

    Wearing pure white dress, the silver haired and grey eyed first imperial princess, Listelka Rei Arshalia said that while patting down her chest in relieve.

    Beside her, the blue haired main Mishis was silently standing.

    ¡¸But, I believe that the body of her highness Hayes might not last long. If we make her participate in the battle ahead, her lifespan that was lengthened by Baptism will become short.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­!¡¹

    When Mishis said that and turned her gaze to the side, a robed girl standing there formed a wide grin on her lips.

    Two mismatched eyes with gray color and blue color.

    The one who once maneuvered secretly by selling weapons from Ruins as the Dark Marketer, Hayes Vi Arcadia.

    After almost dead from her battle against Lux, her body became unable to move, but she recovered her consciousness around two weeks ago and her brainwave was detected.

    What Hayes wished was to participate in battle even if only temporarily and died rather than surviving in this condition.

    Revenge to Lux and others who made her felt such bitter experience and accomplishing her dearest wish as a Lord.

    Hayes received Baptism of body strengthening into her whole body. Several tattoos with black geometrical pattern were running through half her body.

    It wasn¡¯t injection of Elixir to transform into Nocturnal, but a Baptism simply so she could move her body properly.

    Naturally, because she was forcefully moving her body that originally couldn¡¯t even walk, she wouldn¡¯t hold long.

    After around ten more days, Hayes would run out of life force and fell asleep for eternity.

    But, Hayes¡¯s awakening was a godsend for them.

    Making use of Hayes¡¯s connection with Dragon Marauder in the past, they succeeded in circumventing Soffice Xfer.

    ¡¸You talk impudently after making this me to clean up the misconduct of your fellow Xfer. Aren¡¯t you ashamed to receive the middle name of Holy Arcadia Empire after all that huh?¡¹

    ¡¸Hayes, stop bothering Mishis. If we look further back, it was your bad because you didn¡¯t wait for us to wake up correct? This is because you didn¡¯t listen to what Fugil said.¡¹

    When Listelka chided her, Hayes pouted in annoyance.

    ¡¸Fugiiil? Aneue-samaelder sister is also really hopeless, getting so attached to a traitorous asshole like that. Did he make you completely putty in his hand with his technique while I was sleeping?¡¹

    Hayes thought of Fugil as ¡ºfishy¡» and didn¡¯t trust him from before. She snorted scornfully at her elder sister¡¯s trust toward him.

    But, hearing Hayes¡¯s line, Listelka who was usually showing a gentle bearing of a princess was wrapped in killing intent.

    ¡¸You have become so high and mighty now. My foolish little sister who had Baptism just in her right eye and only obtained the power to rule over Gear Leader from that, dare to insult me, the shrine maiden of oracle, and him the hero.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Receiving Listelka¡¯s gaze that felt like a sword point, Hayes twitched and turned speechless.

    *Chih*, when Hayes clicked her tongue and exited the room, the tense atmosphere loosened slightly.

    ¡¸Now then, it seem that Aeril is subduing Seven Dragon Paladins just as planned, so let¡¯s go to Garden soon. If I can arrive to Avalon with this, I will finally be able to correctly rule over this world. Now Mishis, please call my knight here.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    The maid Mishis bowed to her master. She then walked through the corridor with silver wall and headed to another room.

    *Clack clack*, the footstep sound resounded with regular rhythm, giving Mishis time to think.

    She couldn¡¯t say it just now, but Mishis was also growing unable to trust Fugil.

    Even though he who was from the family of traitor saved the imperial princesses of Holy Arcadia Empire, even though he had been truly loyal until now, she was cautious toward something of him. Though it seemed the second imperial princess Aeril was also the same like her.

    What she felt wasn¡¯t something like simple malice or ambition.

    Something, yes, it was like his eyes were looking at them as though watching fish in aquarium. For some reason she was having vague fears from those eyes.

    ¡¸Fugil. Listelka-sama will disembark from the ship. Please come as guard.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yeah, got it. I will do as her highness command.¡¹

    Inside the room, Fugil was toying with a golden balance scales.

    A cross silverwork was placed on the scale, as though he was testing something.

    ¨C

    A few hours after that, a proclamation that hit the world into chaos was declared toward the people.

    Before the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse, the signal fire of a battle that would shook the underlying principle of each nation was going to be fired right about now.

 Volume 13 - CH 1

    ¨C

    The cold and scraggy sensation of stone floor.

    Both his hands that were shackled and hung up with wooden handcuffs were feeling slight pain.

    Lux faintly opened his eyes after feeling the faint light of tallow lamp.

    ¡¸This place¡­¡­, where, it is?¡¹

    The atmosphere was different from the fortress in the abandoned capital Guernica. It felt somewhat nostalgic with the smell of mold.

    Right after the revolution, Lux along with Airi were locked into prison as the survivors of the imperial family.

    After that the last time was when he was also once put inside the prison of Academy if he remembered correctly.

    But, at that time even though he was captured as a peeper in the large public bath, the atmosphere felt vaguely gentle.

    In contrast right now a cold hostility was stinging his skin.

    While Lux was thinking of such thing, there was the presence of something moving in front of his eyes.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you composed there, sleeping soundly even as a prisoner.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux groaned when cold water was poured on his head.

    Since when©¤©¤or perhaps she was already there from the beginning?

    A silver haired girl wearing pilot suit and a robe above it.

    He remembered seeing those mismatched eyes of grey and blue color before.

    ¡¸Hayes¡­¡­, so you¡¯re alive.¡¹

    The third imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, and the arm dealer who did secret maneuver in many countries and scattered the sparks of war.

    She was a longtime enemy who in the past led Heiburg and the remnant of old empire in her scheme to destroy the new kingdom.

    Lux thought she died in the decisive battle at the royal capital Lordgalia but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That tattoo on your face, a Baptism huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Most likely she was revived by using the surgery to familiarize her body with the secret medicine, Elixir that strengthened human body.

    She was emitting even more villainous temperament than before. She brought her smile closer to Lux who was chained in front of her.

    ¡¸I have come back here from hell, prince-sama. My life won¡¯t last long after getting forcefully revived using Baptism. During that time I¡¯ll make you taste a lot of living hell where you are going to beg for death!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m not gonna feel satisfied with just making you son of a bitch and the new kingdom into scrapped trash. I¡¯m gonna trampling the comrades who are pining for you into dust. I¡¯ll leave you half-alive for that.¡¹

    ¡¸You who was revived negotiated with Dragon Marauder and made them betrayed Soffice, was that it?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like you don¡¯t understand your position here eeeh!¡¹

    With a snap, Hayes took out a whip and struck Lux¡¯s skin.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Because he wasn¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride, his pilot suit that wasn¡¯t strengthened by anything was torn and blood oozed out.

    Lux was unable to prevent himself from leaking out a pained groan from the intense pain.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make noise yet. We¡¯ve got a lot of time y¡¯know, first I¡¯ve got to practice. Gotta start for real after making you learn what pain is.¡¹

    ¡¸What, are you planning¡­¡­?¡¹

    Hayes was bringing a strange collar in front of Lux who was breathing roughly from pain.

    The collar was about the same size with the criminal collar Lux was wearing, but it looked excessively ominous.

    A metallic collar with dark red color like blood rust.

    Right after it was fixed on his neck with a stabbing discomfort, Lux¡¯s shackle was taken off.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux felt suspicion that he was released from the binding so suddenly.

    Even though his body¡¯s motion was dull from getting restrained for too long, he would be able to subdue Hayes now.

    ¡¸I took it off so don¡¯t move at all prince-sama. I¡¯m going to whip you now. Just be quiet there, you rebel!¡¹

    Hayes raised the corner of her lips and moved her whip once more.

    Lux reflexively twisted his body. At that instant electric heat and impact ran through his body.

    ¡¸Guh, AAAaAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    An intense pain that felt like his nerves were getting burned ran through him. His consciousness was getting farther.

    Hayes¡¯s whip was swung down right after that, but Lux didn¡¯t feel pain.

    After rolling around on the stone floor for a full ten-odd seconds, he was finally able to resume breathing.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. How¡¯s that, the taste of this special collar©¤©¤the ¡ºWedge¡» huuh? But, don¡¯t think that you can enjoy it no matter how many times okay? If you go against our order while wearing that collar, it will increase its power until you died after disobeying just three times yeah.¡¹

    ¡ºU, a. Haa, haa¡­¡­¡»

    Lux kept lying down on the prison¡¯s stone floor while being unable to even raise his voice properly.

    But, he understood her words.

    Most likely this collar was designed to sense the will of Hayes and others the Lord and poured electric shock into the wearer.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be troubled if you die as you please so I¡¯ll say it one more time. Electricity will flow if you go against our order. Even if you try to get other people to take off that collar for you, electricity is going to flow. Even if you are just harboring rebellious thought against us, electricity is going to flow. Even if you get away from this old castle, the electricity is going to flow. That¡¯s all. If you get it then stand up right away, though it will be a different story if you want to get shocked once more.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Seeing Hayes¡¯s wicked look, the complexion of Lux who was numb from the intense pain changed.

    If Hayes¡¯s words just now was the truth, including the information that they were in the old castle at the abandoned capital Guernica, he would be electrified if he went against her order even if it was an order that was impossible to be carried out.

    If he was electrified now, he might die from the shock.

    He had to manage somehow to prevent that.

    ¡¸The order ¡ºright away¡» is vague, but at the latest it has to be within five seconds I guess? Although you are just former prince-sama, you at least know that much aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ku, AAAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux wrung out all his strength toward Hayes¡¯s mocking question.

    He punched his numb leg and recovered his senses from that pain.

    When he stood up barely within five seconds, Hayes who saw that clapped.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. Good good, so you can do it huh, prince-sama. But, the main event will be from here yeah. Several more trials are necessary for you to become fully qualified as our slave.¡¹

    ¡¸Trials, you say¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Damn straight, you¡¯ve got to punish with your own hand, that insensitive person over there who turned a blind eye since some time ago.¡¹

    ¡¸Oi Lord-sama, don¡¯t tell me that you mean me by insensitive person?¡¹

    A casual and sulky voice resounded inside the prison.

    Lux didn¡¯t notice because Hayes was right in front of him right after he woke up, but right beside him, the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality was chained.

    Lux looked around in panic, but he didn¡¯t find the figures of the remaining members in this prison.

    Were they imprisoned separately in another place, or else©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this just in case, it¡¯s not like I was turning a blind eye yeah. I just cannot get myself to get along with your bad taste.¡¹

    Even though he should have seen the disastrous scene of Lux just now, his attitude was insolent as usual.

    But, Hayes who saw that wasn¡¯t angry. Rather she gazed at Greifer¡¯s face with expression that seemed to have fun.

    ¡¸Bad taste eh. Don¡¯t tell me that you think I¡¯m going to whip you bastard just like this?¡¹

    ¡¸How about trying it. I¡¯m tough so it will be worth doing it yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, kukukuku¡­¡­. You hear that Lux, you whip him.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Hayes suddenly reversed her hold on her whip and presented the handle to Lux.

    Lux who saw that was bewildered while guessing Hayes¡¯s malicious intention.

    ¡¸What is your, intention?¡¹

    When Lux asked back with a bitter expression, Hayes¡¯s mouth warped into a wide grin.

    ¡¸Oi oi, aren¡¯t you listening prince-samaaa? I¡¯m telling you to whip that guy. Even if you are just a dimwitted fake prince, there ain¡¯t no way you cannot do something that simple right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Hah, are you trying to break unity by making fellow comrades fighting each other? It¡¯s unfortunate, but we Seven Dragon Paladins are just mish-mash gathering yeah? Aren¡¯t you mistaking your method huh?¡¹

    Lux fell silent at Hayes¡¯s command, but Greifer didn¡¯t show any agitation at all and muttered with an exasperated tone.

    His attitude seemed to say come at me anytime, but Lux didn¡¯t move.

    ¡¸Oi, what the hell are you doing? Just hit me already. A whip that is swung by that thin arm of yours will be just like a mosquito¡¯s bite.¡¹

    Greifer prompted with a tone that sounded mocking.

    However, Lux noticed.

    That was Greifer acting considerate on his own way.

    He was deliberately provoking Lux to lighten Lux¡¯s guilt.

    Being whipped and the electricity from the collar©¤©¤the Wedge, it was obvious that the electricity was stronger.

    Furthermore, the electricity that Lux would receive for the second time would be stronger than the previous one.

    Thinking carefully, whipping Greifer just as he was told would be better for the condition of the Seven Dragon Paladins in the whole. Lux understood that.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Do it quickly! Hit that guy who hasn¡¯t done anything bad by your own will! Do it shitty prince! Torture that guy for the sake of your own shitty self!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux inhaled and lifted up the whip.

    Greifer didn¡¯t show any sign of fear, even so he couldn¡¯t strike.

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, GUaAAaAaAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Instantly, sparks scattered in front of Lux¡¯s eyes. Flashes illuminated the inside of the prison.

    ¡¸This, fucking idiot-!¡¹

    Greifer smacked his lips seeing Lux who collapsed from the intense electricity that was generated from the Wedge.

    In the end he couldn¡¯t do it.

    Even though he understood that the pain of whipping would be lighter than his own, Lux was unable to lay his hand on his comrade.

    (So, it¡¯s the second electric shock with this, I¡¯ll die with the third time¡­¡­)

    Inside his receding consciousness, Lux saw the smile of the demon who was looking down on him.

    ¡¸Kukukukuku. You ain¡¯t thinking, that you are going to get excused or anything riight? It will be troubling if the bait died from training. I¡¯ll still make you torture the others later. So it will be easier to bait the hangers-on of you bastard!¡¹

    (So that¡¯s it, Hayes¡¯s objective is¡­¡­!)

    Using Lux to annihilate Lisha and others of Syvalles.

    Lux was kept alive in order to trap the girls.

    Until then this kind of torture would surely continue.

    His nerves were paralyzed by the second electric shock and his limbs lost all feeling.

    Like that his consciousness slipped down into the dark abyss.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Nn, ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux opened his eyes along with a stinging pain.

    It seemed he was let asleep after losing consciousness. An old and dull wooden ceiling entered his eyes.

    ¡¸Ih! U¡­¡­!¡¹

    The moment he gasped in nervousness, an intense pain stopped his breathing.

    However, he didn¡¯t even have leeway to groan slowly.

    If Hayes was in front of him and gave him order once more, he would have to move no matter what.

    But, if he was ordered to do the same thing next, would he be able to do it?

    An act of one-sidedly torturing someone innocent who couldn¡¯t resist©¤©¤.

    When he tried to lift his body along with such fear, a hand that reached out quickly from the side stopped him.

    ¡¸You must not! Don¡¯t move©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who was laid down on a sofa felt tense toward the presence that was looking down on him from right beside him.

    He put up his guard thinking that an enemy was undoubtedly beside him, but when he focused his eyes, he could see a familiar side face.

    ¡¸You are, Coral¡­¡­?¡¹

    An androgynous face, no©¤©¤right now he already understood that it was really a feminine face, which was undoubtedly the face of a girl his age.

    Her braided beautiful silver hair and her mismatched eyes of gray and green color were the proof of the ancient era¡¯s imperial family, the Lord.

    The second imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire, Aeril Vi Arcadia.

    Just the other day, she showed her figure in place of Coral who was thought to be died in battle. She was the culprit who made Lux and Grafer fainted.

    ¡¸So you are still calling me with that name. Me who betrayed you and caused you to experience something like this©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl was looking down on Lux with eyes that looked lonely and also pained somewhere.

    But, even though she was also a Lord, he couldn¡¯t feel any hostility like Hayes from her.

    She was simply smearing medicine on his scalded skin with gentle hand movement.

    This place wasn¡¯t the prison where Lux was at previously, but it seemed to be an office that was also inside the old castle.

    He was laid down on a dusty sofa that was surrounded with old furniture.

    There was no other people other than Lux and Aeril who were mutually wearing pilot suit. A peaceful atmosphere was flowing.

    ¡¸Was it also you, who changed my pilot suit?¡¹

    His pilot suit that became tattered because of Hayes¡¯s whipping had been changed with brand new one without him noticing.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right©¤©¤ah, sorry! It was because I couldn¡¯t smear the medicine well unless I did that! It wasn¡¯t like I did anything improper, but, that¡­¡­I only saw it slightly.¡¹

    Aeril cheeks reddened slightly and her eyes swam around. Lux smiled wryly seeing that.

    Even though her appearance had changed and her identity as the Lord¡¯s second imperial princess had come to light, she was talking to Lux with the same atmosphere like before.

    ¡¸More importantly, I¡¯m really sorry. Even though I¡¯m also here, I couldn¡¯t stop my little sister¡¯s©¤©¤Hayes¡¯s violence.¡¹

    The girl lowered her head deeply with a pained look.

    Lux guessed that the event before this was something that happened while Aeril didn¡¯t know.

    ¡¸Coral¡­¡­no, Aeril. What are you©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸I, was entrusted with this kind of mission since the beginning. Using the ability of Ruin with the power of this Baptism, I falsified my appearance©¤©¤. From the start my objective was to control the battle situation to be convenient for the Lords.¡¹

    Aeril started talking with low voice like that.

    ¡¸Because I knew that Lux-kun is a Seven Dragon Paladins, and also the central figure of the new kingdom, I stayed at your side and observed your action even more than before. However, when all the Ruins were liberated, I became unable to keep staying as Coral anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The camouflage function of perception manipulation by using a part of Ruin¡¯s power that was possible through Baptism.

    By fully using that power that led human¡¯s perception astray and hallucinated them, she succeeded to become an aide of a Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Did she used up her power as the compensation of that?

    Or perhaps there was no more need for her to deceive others?

    ¡¸I am, the cowardly enemy who did the sneak attack against all of you. I think it¡¯s only natural that you are holding a grudge toward me. But, I myself have no intention to hurt all of you. Hayes is hating you Lux-kun because you are from the family of traitor, but even that is actually a mistake.¡¹

    ¡¸A mistake¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Because that is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Oh ho, so you are taking away your little sister¡¯s toy and having fun here, Onee-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The door at the back was opened violently and Hayes who was clad in a robe stepped inside.

    Lux immediately put up his guard, but Aeril stood up in Hayes¡¯s way with a firm expression.

    ¡¸It¡¯s my jurisdiction here. I won¡¯t let you lay your hand on him until I finished giving that talk.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah!¡¹

    Hayes snorted in annoyance looking at Aeril.

    ¡¸Did you feel sympathy after pretending to be their ally? Looks like my family is really weak against man eeh. Or is this the character of the kind Onee-sama personally?¡¹

    Hayes spat out with haughty attitude toward Aeril who was the second imperial princess.

    At first Lux thought whether Hayes¡¯s attitude was just because of her grudge, but he could feel that her temperament was even wilder than before also looked like it wasn¡¯t simply because of her hatred toward Lux.

    Most likely it was the influence of the Baptism that was applied in order to revive her.

    The injection of Elixir also influenced the user¡¯s mind and magnified their negative emotion.

    Thus, Hayes¡¯s atrocious and severe personality were also amplified.

    Aeril replied calmly to the end toward such Hayes.

    ¡¸It¡¯s neither of that. The Seven Dragon Paladins and him are excellent ace in the hole to be used in the negotiation after this. Even the slightest chance of losing them due to torture that is just for your whim is intolerable.¡¹

    ¡¸Kukukukuku, then, carry out Listelka-neesama¡¯s instruction right away. My body¡¯s ache won¡¯t settle down, so I¡¯m gonna show up in the battlefield for now.¡¹

    (Battlefield¡­¡­?)

    Lux who listened to Hayes¡¯s speech though of a small question inside his heart.

    This place was the old castle in the abandoned capital Guernica. It was slightly curious to call the capturing of Avalon that was said to exist underground here as ¡ºbattlefield¡».

    Taking into account Aeril¡¯s sentence ¡¸Capturing Seven Dragon Paladins¡¹ that she said just now, most likely the elite force of the world alliance was still remaining in the fortress.

    Was their talk meant that Hayes would go out to suppress that force?

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. But Hayes, do you understand about your own situation? With that body, you will only be able to fight once or twice with full strength. Do you plan to die before capturing Avalon?¡¹

    ¡¸No need to worry. I¡¯ll only lightly instigate the Abyss. The preparation of Nidhogg is also still midway after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Divine Drag-Ride Hayes used, Nidhogg.

    The Divine Drag-Ride that he once destroyed together with Lisha. Hayes deliberately told the information that it was repaired must be for threat.

    After looking down at Lux with mocking gaze, Hayes left the room.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    The tension that was like storm had passed and Aeril sighed deeply.

    She was certainly friendly, but it seemed her stance as Lord didn¡¯t change.

    But he wondered why.

    Was Lux¡¯s feeling that still wanted to believe in her was just him escaping reality?

    ¡¸My bad but, that¡¯s how it is. It¡¯s necessary for us Lord to capture Avalon earlier than anyone. For that I was given instruction to capture and make use of you all. That¡¯s why Lux-kun, I¡¯ll also have you work still.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you planning, to make me do?¡¹

    Lux asked with a calm tone. Aeril told him.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go to release the chain of Greifer and Sir Singlen. I want you go out from here and enter the room at the right, then bring the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins here. All of you got the Wedge fitted from the start, so don¡¯t think to escape, because the electricity will happen even if you just try to take it off.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux silently nodded and followed Aeril¡¯s instruction.

    He was feeling somewhat doubtful why the release of the female members was left to him, but he immediately understood that it must be Aeril¡¯s meager consideration.

    Even among the Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux was close with all the members. So the meaning of Aeril leaving Lux to bring them here must be to give them some relief.

    ¡¸Eerr, is it this room?¡¹

    Lux followed Aeril¡¯s direction and moved to the room at the right©¤©¤a place that seemed to be the parlor room of the old castle and put his hand on the doorknob.

    He was curious about the large box that was in front of the room, but it would be unbearable if he got electrified if he carelessly investigated it, so he ignored it.

    He took a deep breath, and stepped inside along with slight tension.

    ¡¸Is everyone here? This is Lux, excuse me©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? KYAAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    An old parlor room with sunlight shining in from the window.

    The moment Lux entered inside, an unexpected sight made him stood still.

    Lux was worried whether the girls received torture from Hayes, but it ended as simply his needless anxiety.

    Everyone got the dark red collar, the Wedge fitted on their neck, but it was obvious with a glance that they weren¡¯t harmed at all.

    The reason was©¤©¤because no one was wearing any clothes.

    Strictly speaking, they were wearing a single cloth that covered their body¡¯s lower part, but there was nothing else other than that.

    ¡¸Hohou. So you will peep even at this kind of situation. Aren¡¯t you a great man, mine sweetheart.¡¹

    A girl with her arms folded without trying to hide her nakedness at all was boldly smirking at him.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    It seemed she was actually a woman of blooming age, but her appearance and her petite stature made her looked like an immature girl.

    Her underwear was a light yellow fabric that was tied with string. From under her folded arms, her smallish breasts that were vividly shaking from her breathing could be seen.

    ¡¸Wai-, just what are you thinking, Onii-chan!?¡¹

    The one who was puffing her cheeks angrily in anxiety was the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut.

    She had beautiful wavy platinum hair.

    And then her well-ordered young face was dyed with shame. She was bringing about a somewhat immoral charm.

    Her underwear was a lacey panty that was the same pure white color like her skin. The small stitched ribbon on it was lovely.

    Because she had opened her heart to Lux since the incident in Ymir Theocracy, she had favorable impression toward Lux, but as expected she was showing a troubled face from the embarrassment.

    Even though her breasts were so small that they could be hidden with her slender arms, her figure covering her body was strangely lovely.

    ¡¸I¡¯m seen again. As expected this young man is a hardcore pervert¡­¡­!¡¹

    The one who was showing a gaze that was a mix of shame and resentment from her expressionless face was Soffice Xfer, someone who was still fresh in memory from crossing swords against each other just the other day.

    She was hugging both her shoulders by crossing her arms with only a single underwear of black fabric covering her.

    She was turning her back to him to hide her skin from him, but her brown skinned back looked captivating.

    And then©¤©¤the last was a girl with distinctive crimson hair, Rosa Granhide.

    She was brainwashed by Calensia, the King of Vices who were controlling Heiburg from the shadow and was made to play the villain role, but it seemed right now she had returned slightly to her original self. She was hiding her voluptuous breasts with her palms.

    Her red underwear that looked blazing was also leaving an impression, but the valley of her white voluptuous breasts were attracting Lux¡¯s gaze even more.

    ¡¸Lux-sama¡­¡­!? Tha, that, if you wish for my body©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, what are you doing Rosa!? It¡¯s fine if you hide them without showing me! I didn¡¯t come here wishing for that!¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s eyes opened wide for a moment in some kind of misunderstanding, then her hand was timidly moving away from the breasts she were hiding.

    The other girls who were seeing that were startled and they all raised their voice shrilly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This person, isn¡¯t her character changing when she is in front of Onii-chan?¡¹

    ¡¸You really cannot be underestimated. To think that your relationship with Rosa became like this without me noticing.¡¹

    Mel was raising a bewildered voice while beside her Magialca continued after her cheerfully.

    Soffice muttered a fatal line with a gaze that looked somewhat creeped out.

    ¡¸This young man wasn¡¯t satisfied with just disgracing the captured me in the Academy¡­¡­. This flow, he will play a perverted prank to me once more©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, Onii-chan!? What did you do to Soffice!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-sama, ple, please be affectionate to©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What. So you two already had fun previously? Then I¡¯ll join in too.¡¹

    While Mel was flustered, Rosa was misunderstanding further and sending Lux a feverish gaze, and Magialca was tracing Lux¡¯s chest with her finger provocatively.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! REALLY JUST WHAT IS GOING OOOOOOON!¡¹

    The situation that was just too absurd caused Lux to yell. The door behind him opened at that time and Aeril entered.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    With a snap Aeril¡¯s mild expression stiffened into a twitching smile.

    For a while, Aeril stared alternately at the half naked girls behind Lux, then before long she let out a small sigh.

    ¡¸Hmmmm. I seeee¡¹

    She made a cold smile that was unusual for her and then without pause she left.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait! Don¡¯t leave while understanding to a mistaken direction like that please!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to take your time you know? That¡¯s, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ll pry into it excessively.¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you strangely angry!? It¡¯s me who want to ask what is with this situation though!¡¹

    Aeril was turning a gaze that contained danger inside it somewhere toward him. In respond Lux quickly chased and caught up to her.

    Originally it would be better to be left alone without the eyes of the Lord watching, but it would be unbearable to be left alone like this.

    ¡¸Now now, both of you, listen to what I have to say.¡¹

    There, Magialca moved to the front of Lux and Aeril in that timing.

    Even though she was half-naked with the aforementioned Wedge put on her neck, she was standing and acting boldly.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. I stayed quiet because it was fun teasing you two, but it will also be a waste to let go of this chance so I¡¯ll lend you a favor. Most likely this is the scheme of that dirty-mouthed arm dealer.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Hayes? That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was making a dubious face, while Aeril asked back.

    Then Magialca pointed at outside the door.

    ¡¸There is a container around there correct? When that arm dealer put on these collars, she tore off our clothes. Well, it was under the pretense of taking away hidden weapon and so on, but even after that she didn¡¯t return our clothes. Thinking about that, surely you get the gist of the idea now.¡¹

    ¡¸That girl, just what in the world¡­¡­?¡¹

    Aeril looked perplexed, but even Lux didn¡¯t get any idea what this was about.

    Then, Magialca let out a sigh that was mixed with exasperation and shrugged her shoulders.

    It was inconsequential but, she wasn¡¯t embarrassed at all even though she was in front of Lux, so it felt like various things would become visible.

    ¡¸That arm dealer is really resentful to Lux right? I understand when looking at your wound under your suit. In that case in order to give your even more suffering, there is a possibility that she intended to make use of us.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that, related with the nakedness?¡¹

    Aeril tilted her head with a serious face. In respond Magialca snickered.

    ¡¸You are more innocent than expected if you still don¡¯t understand after I speak this far. What is a method to corner Lux and us the female members of Seven Dragon Paladins mentally? I have an idea what kind of vulgar event that might make that low-life happy.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤that¡¯s¡¹

    It seemed Aeril hit upon something after a few seconds. Her noble face flashed bright red.

    Was it shame, or rage?

    Or perhaps both those emotions were fighting each other from Lux¡¯s point of view.

    An instant later Lux also noticed.

    This was the same like when Hayes tired to make Lux whipped Greifer before this.

    Surely this time she would try to make Lux violated the girls of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸What, a thing¡¹

    He trembled once more at Hayes¡¯s bottomless malice that was rampaging due to the Baptism.

    Magialca gave the same explanation to the other members. The girls were comprehending the situation while speaking unanimously.

    ¡¸We get it already! So Onii-chan get out right away!¡¹

    The completely correct statement that Mel spoke gave Lux no choice but running away.

    Thus this commotion that occurred right in the middle of the enemy camp closed the curtain.

    And then, everyone changed into their respective outfit that Aeril brought to them, then a few minutes later©¤©¤the Seven Dragon Paladins received a new trial.

    ¨C

    The central corridor in the old castle of abandoned capital Guernica.

    Lux and others, the Seven Dragon Paladins who reunited with Aeril¡¯s guidance were walking toward the audience hall.

    No, it would be more accurate to say that she was taking them there.

    All the members of Seven Dragon Paladins had their neck fitted with the Wedge. It was effectively impossible for them to disobey order, escape, or act defiant.

    Of course everyone was unarmed. They didn¡¯t have anything in hand.

    It seemed their Sword Devices were hidden somewhere in this old castle. She didn¡¯t tell them the location.

    They were walking in the corridor of the old castle that was turned into abandoned building following Aeril¡¯s lead.

    ¡¸You look more energetic than expected there. As expected you are tough after crossing through so many line of death huh.¡¹

    Lux quietly smiled wryly at Greifer¡¯s casual talk.

    His tone was blunt, but he was worrying about Lux in his own way.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t overdo it, Onii-chan.¡¹

    Even Mel who heard about the torture patted his back quietly with her small hand.

    Even the members of Seven Dragon Paladins who at first were hostile or putting distance from him now had amiable relation with him in some respects.

    It was unfortunate that they were captured like this, but this point was the only salvation for Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    On the other hand, he still didn¡¯t understand what was in Singlen¡¯s mind.

    He was silently standing there with his expression still filled with his usual bottomless fearlessness.

    His attitude was haughty as always.

    Lux¡¯s face was slightly reflected on his eyes that were emitting overwhelming pressure that wouldn¡¯t submit to anyone.

    ¡¸Looks like you refused the enemy¡¯s order and got electrified huh. Your big foolishness hasn¡¯t changed at all.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m aware of that.¡¹

    Just as he thought, this man wasn¡¯t an ally.

    However, for some reason he was obsessed with Lux and of all things he was secretly maneuvering to win him over.

    He also still didn¡¯t understand the reason.

    ¡¸However, I don¡¯t think that I did the wrong thing. Even if it will only end with fewer harm to the Seven Dragon Paladins on the whole, if I whipped my comrade at that time just as I was told, it will leave burden in my own heart.¡¹

    Rather than a serious injury, injuring someone innocent by someone¡¯s order would dull his skill more due to the great regret that he would feel.

    He was unable to do anything else than that.

    ¡¸You are a fool as expected. Why are you choosing this kind of path while feeling aware yourself that you cannot do anything but that?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    But, Singlen cut down Lux¡¯s determination with a derisive smile.

    There was no way they could talk too loudly, so they kept their voice small, but he couldn¡¯t help but ask back.

    ¡¸You ask me what do I mean? It¡¯s a big problem if you don¡¯t realize it. If you are begging for peace, then don¡¯t go to the battlefield, you can just offer prayer at the church. If you love the people, then don¡¯t aim to be consul or anything, you can just manage an orphanage.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Knight that wish for peace, politician that love the people. You are stepping into that path seeking something that is essentially impossible to exist. In a glance you and that guy look like complete opposite, but you two are completely similar, that pure foolishness.¡¹

    ¡¸Who do you mean by that guy? You mean Fugil?¡¹

    Lux got his attention to that part from the content of Singlen¡¯s talk and snapped at it.

    ¡¸Enough with the pointless talk there. The electricity will flow if you talk more than that.¡¹

    But, Aeril quietly told them that when they arrived at the audience hall.

    The rubbles of broken castle wall were scattered everywhere inside the audience hall, with carpet and tapestries that were ravaged by time.

    Inside that sight that gave the impression of grand history and the ups and downs of life, they were waiting.

    The first imperial princess of the Lord, clad in pure white dress, Listelka Rei Arshalia.

    Standing beside her, the Key¡¯s Supervisor maid, Mishis V Xfer.

    Standing by at the right, was a man with similar silver hair like Lux. The general of the Lord and the imperial princess¡¯s knight, Fugil Arcadia.

    (Fugil¡­¡­, just what are you thinking?)

    Lux understood that it was pointless even if he got conscious of Fugil in this situation, even so he couldn¡¯t help but got conscious.

    In the old empire, at first he was an elder brother who was watching over Lux¡¯s growth.

    Next he acted as a compatriot with the same intention.

    At the end he was an existence that accomplished the bloody revolution and betrayed Lux.

    And then now, he was taking place as the aide of the imperial family of the ancient era, the Holy Arcadia Empire.

    Previously he was acting in concert with Hayes. But even while doing that, he gave Lux advice to save Philuffy in Ries Island.

    He still couldn¡¯t see Fugil¡¯s objective.

    Whether from his words that he heard in the past, or from his whimsical act.

    Everything he did seemed to be something he did seriously, but he also felt the hint like he was playing around.

    ¡¸Welcome, the Drag-Knights that are the pride of each country of the world alliance, everyone of Seven Dragon Paladins. We have met many times in the summit, so I¡¯ll omit the minute explanation. That is including Aeril over there too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone held their tongue at Listelka¡¯s preface.

    She was acting courteous at the surface, but the moment the path to capture Avalon was opened, she was the ringleader who bared her fang toward the world alliance and threatened them.

    Furthermore the Sword Device of everyone was taken away and electric shock collar, the Wedge was fastened on them, so there was no way they would let their guard down.

    It would be fine if she just threw them all into prison. But for her to call all of them like this, they had nothing but bad premonition.

    Even in Aeril was in the enemy side, but Lux could trust her to a certain degree, and yet this first imperial princess was a different matter.

    After observing the attitude of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Listelka smiled gracefully while starting to talk leisurely.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t think bad of me. After all it had been determined from the start that it will become like this. Although all of you are mongrel who sprang out later on, but I¡¯ll show respect to your strength. Thanks to you all, the capture of Ruins is finished without any damage for us.¡¹

    ¡¸If she is saying that seriously then she is one unbelievable woman yeah. Someone like my princess-sama is just a cute little thing compared to her.¡¹

    Greifer muttered with a small voice. Lux who heard that was feeling a chill in his heart.

    ¡¸But, unfortunately I have no choice but to do this. It¡¯s important to reach Avalon, but first I have to erase the sovereigns of the world. For us the Lord to reign on the summit of the world just like before, at the start we have to correct that mistaken ruling system so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was speechless toward that line that was muttered very naturally.

    That was the same scene like Lux had seen in the past at the old empire.

    A conceit that oneself was undoubtedly the legitimate ruler, where other humans weren¡¯t even considered as their equal from the very start.

    This girl¡¯s warped sense of values wasn¡¯t comparable with the old empire.

    ¡¸But, there are still several Drag-Knights with real ability remaining. I thought to have you all serve as hostages until all of them are annihilated but©¤©¤¡¹

    (¡­¡­As I thought. This girl cannot be allowed to monopolize Avalon.)

    Lux bit his lip slightly and hardened his determination once more to not submit to these people. It was at that time unexpected words were said.

    ¡¸But, my knight Fugil gave me advice and I noticed a certain thing. Although all of you are of lowborn, but you all are still expert with talent. It will be a bit of waste to cut down all of you. After all right now the number of our servants is lacking.¡¹

    ¡¸I see. I get it now Lord.¡¹

    Magialca who heard those words grinned boldly.

    Before Lux could read her true intention, Listelka in front of him told the anwer.

    ¡¸Those who are quick in the uptake must have understand already. In other words I want you all to swear your allegiance to us and enter our service. Of course we will grant you various privileges and reward depending on the result you produced.¡¹

    Listelka showed a carefree smile and she pressed her hands on each other.

    The members of Seven Dragon Paladins fell silent hearing those words, but before long someone opened their mouth.

    ¡¸That joke ain¡¯t funny at all oi, ruler of the world-sama. You are telling us to betray the world alliance and face the remaining guys there?¡¹

    ¡¸My, it might also become something like that. After all, those who continue to oppose us will become obstacle.¡¹

    Listelka answered Greifer¡¯s exasperated voice without any timidity.

    Lux was in admiration that he would still crack jokes in this situation, but that must be how the man called Greifer was.

    ¡¸More importantly you there, aren¡¯t your forgetfulness really serious? Don¡¯t you even remember what you have said yourself?¡¹

    Furthermore the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins Mel Gizalut also continued next.

    ¡¸What was it that you said in the world summit I wonder? You promised that if we raised achievement in capturing Ruins, you will prioritize us in the sharing of the technologies and legacies of ancient era didn¡¯t you? You broke that promise one-sidedly and then you tried to negotiation once more like this, aren¡¯t you looking down on other people too much?¡¹

    Even though she should have heard about the electric shock¡¯s strength from Lux, but that courage was just as expected from her.

    Although she was still a little girl, she was still someone who was appointed as a member of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    But, it seemed Listelka had also already taken such reaction into her consideration. Her expression didn¡¯t waver.

    She continued her words patronizingly with that elegant gesture and smile.

    ¡¸It made my ears burn to hear that, but this time is different from before. The reason is because I won¡¯t make any such promise like that which I don¡¯t even intend to keep. What I will grant to you all is only a little bit of privilege to live freely. I won¡¯t grant anymore than that.¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t even have any motivation to talk decently from the start eeh.¡¹

    Rosa Granhide responded with her usual acting tough. The place¡¯s tension was increasing further.

    The will of the Lord Listelka was clear.

    They, the Lord would monopolize the knowledge and technology of the Ruins without yielding even a single thing.

    On top of that, she was trying to negotiate with only some freedom and privilege as the compensation.

    ¡¸It¡¯s amazing that there are still people who will follow you guys like that.¡¹

    Even Soffice whose standing with the Lord originally should be deep was showing an attitude of rejecting to cooperate.

    Amidst that, a single man suddenly came forward.

    A lean man clad in deep blue robe©¤©¤the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    ¡¸Then, allow me to offer you my service, your highness.¡¹

    He showed an obedient attitude with his haughty and arrogant attitude staying unbroken.

    Because Singlen had the Wedge fitted on his neck, he should be unable to make any opposition at all, but the maid Mishis moved to stand in his way as though on guard.

    ¡¸It¡¯s enough with that announcement. The next time you try to come closer without permission, I will grant you punishment.¡¹

    ¡¸Excuse my rudeness then.¡¹

    Singlen backed down with a courteous smile.

    Lux was surprised at that, but next he heard Magialca¡¯s voice that made him doubted his ears further.

    ¡¸Can I also nominate myself? It will be regrettable if I die like this leaving behind my lovers.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    As expected, the remaining members were shaken seeing the captain as well the vice captain nominating themselves at the forefront.

    Even Lux spontaneously made a doubting expression.

    ¡¸Wait, what are you two thinking? You two are seriously going to listen to these bunch?¡¹

    ¡¸I ain¡¯t surprised at all with captain-san cause she is relatively utilitarianism, but I¡¯m shocked out of my wits that even the vice captain-sama is that obedient yeah.¡¹

    Mel and Greifer were immediately complaining, but the two only grinned without replying back.

    ¡¸Is that so? I understand.¡¹

    Listelka was looking alternately at the face of the two, and then she straightened her back.

    ¡¸I will give up adding only you two into my service.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Magialca and Singlen frowned hearing the words of Listelka that were tinged with harshness.

    ¡¸What does that mean? Was the invitation just now only your highness¡¯s jest?¡¹

    Even so Magialca didn¡¯t show any agitation in her expression and questioned Listelka. Listelka smiled with composure.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m serious when I said that I wish to appoint all of you to important post. But, people who can change side without any hesitation at all cannot be trusted. Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    While saying that, Listelka suddenly turned her gaze toward the gap of the broken wall. The battle between Abysses and the alliance troops were unfolding outside.

    The swarm of fiendish Abysses surrounding the old castle.

    The elite force of the alliance was peeling off that swarm bit by bit and continued to crush the Abyss that was lured out one by one.

    It must be the Lord¡¯s miscalculation that even when the main force the Seven Dragon Paladins were all captured, the army would still maintain their supply line and continued to fight orderly.

    At first Listelka predicted that the alliance army would collapse by themselves.

    But right now she was fearing the possibility that the capture of Avalon would be interrupted like this.

    ¡¸The remaining force of the alliance army. The people who are commanding them are the aides of you two. So you see, because of that I harbor distrust whether the two of you have ulterior motive.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing that exchange, Lux and the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins were holding their breath.

    Certainly, while the pure fighting strength of these two was also extraordinary, the impression that they left from their skill in scheming and bargaining didn¡¯t lose to that.

    If these two showed act of betrayal right away like just now, then anyone would instinctually get bad premonition.

    ¡¸And so, it will be execution for the two of you. Your value as hostage is also high, but it feels like it will be more dangerous to leave the two of you alive. Well then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait Ane-ue, I¡¯m objecting to that.¡¹

    There a voice was suddenly raised.

    Aeril who was guiding Lux and co until here came forward in front of Listelka.

    ¡¸What is it Aeril? There is no time so keep it short.¡¹

    ¡¸There won¡¯t be anyone else who will enter under our banner if we treat them as disposable piece. Aren¡¯t we following the idea of General Fugil here?¡¹

    (Fugil¡¯s idea and¡­¡­piece?)

    Lux surmised the situation of the Lord after hearing Aeril words.

    Because they were lacking manpower to capture Avalon and defending, they wanted to make use of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Fugil advised so and the situation became like this. Lux predicted that the circumstance might be like that.

    Listelka who heard what Aeril pointed out put the back of her hand on her mouth and looked down with troubled expression.

    ¡¸That is also true. Then Aeril, please be the one to choose.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that fine?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. It is you who had watched them longer than anyone as an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins, you should understand their strength and character so©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing Listelka nodding generously, Aeril turned around toward Lux and others behind her.

    She lightly looked around at everyone with her braided silver hair swaying behind her.

    (Don¡¯t tell me, could it be©¤©¤)

    It seemed that his hunch was right, her gaze stopped still on Lux.

    ¡¸I will endorse him. The new kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux Arcadia.¡¹ (TN: A trivia, Aeril is still using ¡®boku¡¯ to refer to herself even now)

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Stir*, soundless commotion leaked out from the surrounding.

    Especially the Key¡¯s Supervisor Soffice was blinking in surprise.

    She who knew about the history of the Lords was shocked that Aeril chose Lux who was ridiculed as a family of traitor.

    ¡¸I object to that. Certainly he might be a honest person but, he has unknown part and ability to grow remarkably.¡¹

    The maid Mishis who was standing by at Listelka¡¯s side interrupted. Listelka lightly raised his hand and stopped her.

    ¡¸Well, let¡¯s first ask her reason. Why do you decide on him, Aeril?¡¹

    ¡¸My decision is based on his strong and weak point.¡¹

    ¡¸And that is?¡¹

    ¡¸His strong point is his radical growth in short time and also his sharp mind. He also boasted the greatest number of Ragnarok defeated. And even in battle against Drag-Knight he boasted high winning percentage.¡¹

    ¡¸But, as useful and strong he is, it also show how dangerous it will be when he turned traitor. That risk is almost zero with the Wedge on his neck but©¤©¤¡¹

    While nodding to Aeril¡¯s words, Listelka also showed her doubt.

    But, the second imperial princess continued right away.

    ¡¸His weak point is useful for that. When he was ordered by Hayes to torture other Seven Dragon Paladins, he was unable to do it even knowing about the electric shock punishment from the Wedge.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, that means¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸His loyalty can be guaranteed if we use the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins and his comrades as collateral. For the rest I will take responsibility for his management.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Listelka nodded after hearing Aeril¡¯s proposal and she closed her eyes for a while.

    Before long she seemed to finish sorting her thought and her small lips formed the answer.

    ¡¸Then it¡¯s fine. You have accomplished a mission that made you worthy of trust. In deference to that achievement, I will listen to your wish.¡¹

    ¡¸My thanks, Ane-ue.¡¹

    Aeril bowed respectfully then she led away the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins to the courtyard of the old castle.

    Lux was led by Aeril alone into another room.

    It was decided unexpectedly easily for Lux to be absorbed into the enemy camp, but he deliberately didn¡¯t object because he had his own thinking.

    That Coral¡­¡­Aeril was intentionally appointing him also factored in, but there was also how Magialca and Singlen who tried to switch side at the beginning didn¡¯t speak any objection at all at that time.

    Of course, it was also possible that they didn¡¯t say anything unnecessary because of the Wedge on their neck.

    However Lux predicted that they had different aim.

    Those two were the core of Seven Dragon Paladins, and they were also skilled in bargaining. In any case even the Lord should find it difficult to control them.

    And so, could it be they were deliberately nominating themselves to make it easier for Lux to get chosen?

    And then, he got the feeling that Aeril also nominated Lux with her own thought even while knowing the ulterior motive of those two.

    It wasn¡¯t really something he really had a basis to be confident about, but for some reason he got such feeling.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll have Lux-kun spend time together with me for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, is it okay to use this room?¡¹

    The room Lux was ushered into was especially spacious. The inside was also put in order tidily.

    He wondered if this room might be a room for royalty before.

    There was a huge bed with canopy and red carpet with beautiful embroidery.

    If the Lord intended to use this old castle as base from the beginning, then that maid Mishis might be the one to clean and arrange the preparation.

    Aeril sat down on that bed and gestured with her hand to beckon Lux closer.

    When he sat down beside her just as he was told, their talk began.

    ¡¸Fundamentally Lux-kun will be under my supervision. That is the condition that Listelka-neesan gave, and above all else there is no way we can let you act freely.¡¹

    Aeril was only speaking matter-of-factly without showing any hostility or good will.

    He couldn¡¯t read her thinking from that, but at the very least she gave a hint that she would persist with her standpoint as a Lord.

    ¡¸How cautious. Even though you just said before that my loyalty can be guaranteed.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s obviously just a surface stance. Certainly Lux-kun is careless in various aspects, and you also have a side that is full of opening. But©¤©¤you are hiding a bottomless possibility which surpassed that.¡¹

    Lux was at a loss of how to respond to her tone that was vaguely filled with conviction.

    But, as expected even after her outside appearance had completely changed into a girl and one of the Lord, somewhere inside her was a strong trace of his amiable friend Coral.

    ¡¸But, I never even dream that you will peek at girls¡¯ naked body even at this kind of place©¤©¤as expected even I couldn¡¯t anticipate that.¡¹

    Suddenly Aeril turned a gaze that contained hidden meaning toward him.

    Somehow he also could feel a nuance of dissatisfaction from her gaze.

    ¡¸That was an accidental incident and it wasn¡¯t my fault! Or rather, the previous times too also weren¡¯t something that I did intentionally!¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder. Even at Vanheim Principality you were staring intently on my back.¡¹

    ¡¸That was because you were disguising yourself as a body right!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha. That¡¯s true.¡¹

    Aeril showed an innocent smile at Lux¡¯s retort.

    Frankly speaking, even at those times when she was disguised as boy, she gave off strange sex appeal, but since her appearance completely became a girl, he could feel her loveliness even more than before.

    Whether it was her braided silver hair that looked like it had stardust sprinkled on it, or the swelling of her chests that gave feminine impression.

    And also the whiteness of her skin that could be seen from the gap of the pilot suit, and her soft scent.

    Just from being near her caused his emotion to well up along with the throbbing of his heart.

    But, right now in their position they were fellow enemy.

    Lux took a deep breath, braced himself, and asked.

    ¡¸And, what are all of you Lords going to make me do from here on?¡¹

    Luckily or unluckily, he obtained a bit of freedom under Aeril, but it didn¡¯t change the situation that he was still in predicament.

    First he had to grasp the objective of these girls who were controlling Lux©¤©¤as well as Fugil¡¯s objective.

    ¡¸Right. Surely you want to ask that first. After this we the Lords will capture the surface level floor of Avalon that is located underground the old castle. We have to step into there and open the gate, and then open the path to the deep level floor. I want Lux-kun to lend your strength for that.¡¹

    (¡­¡­¡­¡­?)

    Lux was hesitating for a while at Aeril¡¯s proposal.

    It wasn¡¯t that he was showing rejection to that demand itself.

    He was feeling a strange uncomfortable feeling.

    First he would move to the direction of solving those questions one by one.

    ¡¸Wait a second. You all haven¡¯t put this Avalon under your control already?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s annoying to have various information extracted like that but, it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll tell you.¡¹

    Aeril was showing a slightly troubled expression while replying like that with a smile.

    It seemed that Lux¡¯s intention was exposed, but she would tell him properly.

    ¡¸This is a bit of miscalculation, or should I say beyond our expectations. Avalon is also the same like other Ruins, there is several stages of lock so it won¡¯t be easy to be able to reach the control room. Originally it will take time to breakthrough using the Lord and Key¡¯s Supervisor¡¯s authority in conjunction.¡¹

    It was an information that was already known to the Lords.

    They were planning to steadily carry out that unlocking work that would take time so the world alliance wouldn¡¯t notice.

    ¡¸But, that plan crumbled is what you say?¡¹

    ¡¸Putting it bluntly, yes.¡¹

    Aeril leaked out a small sigh ¡®fuu¡¯ and hung her head down.

    ¡¸After all the Ruins were captured, Listelka-neesan intended to advance the capture of Avalon secretly by ourselves.¡¹

    In order to enter Avalon, first the seven Ruins had to be in the liberated state.

    But, the world alliance didn¡¯t know the location of Avalon, so the Lords intended to capture Avalon leisurely using the remaining days without notifying them.

    Of course at the surface they would say that they couldn¡¯t find Avalon and was currently searching.

    ¡¸But, that Seven Dragon Paladins captain, Magialca Zen Vanfrick surpassed our imagination. Because she leaned close to Marcafal Kingdom from the start and with the sharpness of her nose, she determined the location of Avalon. She left the capture of Ruins to you guys while steadily advancing the preparation for capturing Avalon at the side, and finally an elite force took position before our eyes.¡¹

    When that happened, it was the side of the Lord that got anxious.

    They planned to make the world alliance captured Ruins while they would get a jump ahead and conquered Avalon, but instead they got outwitted.

    At that rate, Avalon would be taken away from them if they weren¡¯t careful.

    The first imperial princess Listelka who realized that they didn¡¯t even have much time left played her trump card.

    That was, the poisonous needle that she sent inside the Seven Dragon Paladins and world alliance©¤©¤a spy called Coral. She bid her spy to act and aimed to hold back the enemy.

    Lux¡¯s doubt was cleared after hearing the circumstance of Aeril and others.

    Why they had to capture the Seven Dragon Paladins even though the capture of Avalon was still remaining?

    At the same time he also realized the reason why they were trying to use him as their pawn at this late hour.

    ¡¸Then, that twelve days countdown that you all announced to the world, the declaration of purging the royalties and nobles are a diversion just as I thought.¡¹

    In order to avoid the countries from concentrating their force to Avalon, and then in order to buy time until they finished their capture of Avalon, the Lord executed a strategy to make the leaders fell into chaos.

    ¡¸No, there is also that but, Nee-san is most likely serious. She is trying to accomplish her mission as a survivor of the Lord.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could do nothing but sighing seeing Aeril¡¯s anxious face.

    If Listelka¡¯s aim was really to rearrange the ruling class, then different from Soffice, there would be no room for negotiation.

    And then, right now Lux had to help out with that.

    ¡¸As I thought, I¡¯m disinclined to do it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, you know.¡¹

    The electric collar©¤©¤the Wedge gave him no right to refuse, so Lux was at a loss of what he should do.

    There were three options remaining for him.

    First was to keep the Seven Dragon Paladins alive and listened to what he was told while looking for a chance to counterattack.

    Second was to go against the order and committed suicide, where he could only pray that Lisha and others would be able to stop Listelka.

    Or else, to really obey the Lord for real.

    Only the last option was impossible.

    Thus Lux was weighing the two remaining options on the scale of his heart, it was then the girl before him brought her face closer to him.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Aeril lowered her eyebrows, averted her eyes that were tinged with grief, and muttered.

    ¡¸I know that it¡¯s just my selfishness to apologize at this kind of situation but, sorry, about everything until now, and also for what will happen from here on©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Even so if it¡¯s possible, if you will listen to me then I want you to help me. I want you to cooperate with the capture of Avalon not for me as the second imperial princess of the Lord, but for me as a person that you know. If you will do that for me, I will protect the safety of the Seven Dragon Paladins and your comrades in the Academy with all my strength.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean by that? Aren¡¯t you obeying Listelka¡¯s will as a Lord?¡¹

    Lux asked back like that in respond to Aeril¡¯s emotional pleading.

    ¡¸I¡¯m a member of the Lord. The second imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire. I have no intention to run away from that fate and mission. However, even I myself have my own will. I have a path that I should choose as an imperial family.¡¹

    Aeril told her own wish as though to persuade herself.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, even though you were an imperial family member of the old empire, you didn¡¯t follow custom and found your own answer. I believe that is the duty as someone who stands above others. At the very least that is what I believe.¡¹

    ¡®That¡¯s why¡¯, the girl lightly put her hand on her chest and continued.

    ¡¸I want you to cooperate with me. I want you to enable me to take Avalon. I want you to leave Avalon to this me, not my elder sister Listelka. With you, I have the feeling that I will be able to do that. I think I will be able to give a different answer than my elder sister. For a long time I didn¡¯t know that answer all along. But, right now©¤©¤I feel like I know it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That was a proposal that was terrifying in a sense.

    After all depending on how he interpreted it, he could also take it as Aeril was trying to act behind the back of the first imperial princess to stand on the summit herself.

    Thinking from his position as a Seven Dragon Paladins, he shouldn¡¯t trust Aeril¡¯s words blindly.

    In the first place at the point when she launched sneak attack to them, it was dangerous to trust her. And even if for example Lux cooperated with her, there was no guarantee that Aeril would be able to monopolize the system of Avalon.

    What¡¯s more, it was largely possible that this story itself was a lie.

    It might be a trick to make Lux gave serious effort in conquering Avalon.

    (However©¤©¤I wonder why. I want to believe her.)

    Even though he had been betrayed by Fugil before, Lux¡¯s true feeling was wishing for that.

    But, a mistake here wouldn¡¯t be tolerated.

    Depending on his choice, not just him, even the destruction of other countries would be determined.

    Aeril seemed to sense that conflict which Lux felt. She silently stood up.

    ¡¸My bad but, right now I don¡¯t even have time to let you think carefully. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    And then, she began to strip off the pilot suit she was wearing.

    ¡¸Wai-¡­¡­!? What are you doing Aeril!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously leaped up from the bed and covered his eyes with his hands.

    Her naked body without a single string covering it was exposed under the bed¡¯s canopy.

    The vivid swelling of her chest that gave the impression of growth period.

    The beautiful line of her thighs that although long and slender also possessed sensuality.

    And then her gaze that was enduring shame while begging for something.

    ¡¸Right now, what I can give you, is only something like this¡­¡­that¡¯s why¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that, what do you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I want you, to test my resolve. The Wedge¡¯s electric shock won¡¯t activate if I don¡¯t recognize it as attack from you. That¡¯s why, I want Lux-kun to do as you please. It¡¯s fine even if you want to hurt me just like what Hayes did, and even if you want to do other thing, that you like©¤©¤it¡¯s fine.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸No matter what you do to me, I won¡¯t perceive it as attack. I want you to test it, because I can proof it like that. Because I¡¯m, wishing for that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux understood with that sentence.

    The reason why Coral©¤©¤no, Aeril was asking Lux to wound her.

    She was wishing for punishment.

    She betrayed, trick, and schemed against a young man who wanted to be her friend.

    She was feeling pain in her heart that she had to do that because of her birth and for the sake of her mission.

    But, the impulse that was born inside Lux was something of a different kind from that.

    A young man the same age with Lux, his look was androgynous but he had lovely face and Lux felt that his personality was favorable. That young man was transformed into a beautiful girl.

    Such girl was exposing her skin to him like this and she was wanting pain from Lux.

    Her averted face didn¡¯t look unconcerned at all, but a face that was enduring shame and terror.

    His chest became so hot from that sight to the degree that he was doubting the reality, and the inside of his head was filled with fog.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸If you don¡¯t dress up quickly, you will catch cold you know?¡¹

    Lux suppressed that various impulses and put the bed¡¯s blanket on her.

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible for me. Even if you are wishing for it from the bottom of your heart, I¡¯ll surely regret it if I hurt or disgrace you. That¡¯s why, I can¡¯t.¡¹

    Lux told so with a gentle smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    Aeril smiled with an expression that looked relieved and somewhat lonely.

    ¡¸Lux-kun is a strange boy just as I thought. Even though I¡¯m someone who betrayed you and caused you to meet that kind of experience before this. Far from satisfying your grudge, you even hurt yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸Airi also often scolded me. She said that I¡¯m too softhearted.¡¹

    ¡¸But I, like that side of you. Though it¡¯s unfortunate, just a little, that you won¡¯t do anything even after I¡¯m going this far¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Aeril muttered with a small voice toward Lux¡¯s wry smile.

    When Lux asked back in respond, the girl immediately came back to herself and got flustered.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s nothing at all-! I, i-i-i-it¡¯s not like I¡¯m thinking of anything strange! The, then, about this talk©¤©¤¡¹

    The matter of asking for Lux¡¯s help not for Listelka and also Hayes, but for Aeril herself to reach Avalon as quick as possible.

    ¡¸Right. I¡¯ll cooperate, Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Honestly speaking, I don¡¯t know what Aeril is going to do or whether it will be an answer that I can accept. But, I can believe that you are seriously trying to do something. And also right now, I can only bet on that.¡¹

    In the end it was something like that.

    If he was imprisoned with the Wedge attached to his neck like this, or if he committed suicide due to his refusal of becoming hostage, most likely there would be no change about this current defeated situation.

    Then, Lux chose the path of going along with Aeril¡¯s request while along the way he would discover an opening to use.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Hearing Lux¡¯s answer, Aeril smiled in relief while hugging her own chest.

    ¡¸My bad but, it¡¯s not like I fully believed in you yet. However©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I understand. Even so, I¡¯m happy.¡¹

    Aeril told him with a smile that looked like she would break crying anytime.

    Like that she was overcome with emotion and hugged Lux tightly.

    ¡¸Wai-, Aeril!? Your blanket is slipping!?¡¹

    In other words, seeing that the girl was naked, the swelling of her chest that was unimaginable when she was a man was directly pressing on him.

    ¡¸Wawah! So, sorry-!? Geez, just what am I¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Do, don¡¯t be too flustered! The electric shock from the Wedge will©¤©¤!¡¹

    In the end the Wedge didn¡¯t activate, but Lux was scared to death.

    ¡¸That was dangerous. I was told that the third electric shock will kill for sure after all.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, your collar had been removed once so it¡¯s all right. Once the Wedge is removed and then put on again, the number of electric shock will be reset too.¡¹

    Aeril who wore her pilot suit again said that with a bit of panic.

    Perhaps because she was naked just now, or perhaps because of the hug, her cheeks were red in shame. Like that she held her right hand toward him.

    ¡¸Then, Lux-kun. Best regard from here on.¡¹

    Lux grasped back the hand that Aeril timidly held toward him.

    Thus, the transient contract was formed.

 Volume 13 - CH 2

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­haa¡­¡­. We finally arrived, at the battlefield where Lux is waiting!¡¹

    The sun was shining at the zenith, it was a noon with clear weather.

    Lisha who was wearing Tiamat with her blonde hair that was tied into side tail fluttering in the wind, and others with her were overlooking the battle situation in the ruins from the sky.

    On one side was the old castle with austere structure that was hiding Avalon underground.

    A few kl away from there at the opposite side, world alliance¡¯s force was gathered. The fortress that was their base and conning tower were standing high.

    Less than two days since they departed from the new kingdom.

    Lisha and Krulcifer caught up to Philuffy and Celis, then the four of them arrived at the abandoned capital Guernica in Marcafal Kingdom to take back the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    As expected because this place was far from the new kingdom, they took rest several times midway while taking turns wearing their Drag-Ride and traveled through the shortest distance.

    Since the Seven Dragon Paladins were all captured, they heard that the momentum of Avalon¡¯s capture was decreased, but Lisha thought it was already amazing that the alliance army hadn¡¯t collapsed.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s get down to the fortress quickly. But©¤©¤we mustn¡¯t be impatient. We too cannot move satisfactorily with our exhaustion right now after all.¡¹

    Beside Lisha, Celistia who was driving Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm urged them ahead.

    She wasn¡¯t wrong.

    Even she who possessed extraordinary stamina among Drag-Knight had poured too much strength in this super-express marching.

    First they had to show their face to the present commander managing the fortress and then took rest.

    Thinking that, they sent communication through Dragon Voice, then a reply immediately came from inside the fortress.

    ¡ºWho is this? Please state your affiliation and objective.¡»

    The voice that came through a Drake¡¯s Dragon Voice belonged to a young boy.

    In respond Lisha took a deep breath and introduced herself.

    ¡ºThis is the group of the princess of New Kingdom Atismata, Lizsharte. At this chance I came to be of assistance to your army in order to save my knight who is one of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux Arcadia, and also as a member of world alliance. I ask you to open the gate.¡»

    After Lisha informed with respectful tone, a reply came in almost no time at all.

    ¡ºWelcome visitors from afar. I welcome your arrival.¡»

    And then a few minutes after that, a silhouette appeared on the rooftop carrying a flag.

    Receiving the permission to land, Lisha and Celis who were carrying Krulcifer and Philuffy respectively landed down.

    The one who came to welcome Lisha and co was a black haired boy with small built.

    ¡¸I am the aide of Seven Dragon Paladins captain, Lolotte Cadius. At this time I am entrusted with the overall command due to the capture of my master Magialca, that¡¯s why I¡¯m leading the remaining troops like this. Pleased to make your acquaintance.¡¹

    ¡¸How is the situation? How is the condition of Lux and others!?¡¹

    They had heard that the Seven Dragon Paladins were captured, but several days had passed since they received the information until arriving here.

    Because of that Lisha was anxious. Lolotte smiled gently to calm her down.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. There is no doubt that we are at disadvantage, but at the very least right now the battle is even to both side. We have not much leeway to progress leisurely, but we have some room to form strategy calmly.¡¹

    ¡¸I, I see.¡¹

    Lisha sighed in relieve seeing the boy¡¯s calm response.

    Magialca¡¯s aide never showed up at the meeting of world alliance, but it seemed he had nerves of steel in contrast to his cherubic and young appearance.

    Lisha staggered right after she dispelled her armor. Seeing that he first guided everyone to the guest room.

    The constructed fortress was just as expected from Magialca who was a global multi-millionaire.

    It should be a hastily made fortress that reused an abandoned military base, but in a short time it had been reconstructed with a make-up that even somewhat gave the impression of extravagance.

    The enemy headquarter, the old fortress was just a few kl ahead from the fortress, the defense line that was formed by White Ridge Knight Order under the leadership of Singlen¡¯s aide, Zweigbergk seemed to be functioning properly.

    More than ten Drakes were constantly monitoring the surrounding, and alarm would ring in emergency.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, first please wash your sweat and take rest with ease. When your highness and your group are rested, I¡¯m thinking it will be great if you will allow me to explain about the situation and discuss it after dinner.¡¹

    ¡¸My thanks for your consideration, Lolotte-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine to just call me Lolotte. After all I¡¯m formerly an orphan who is Magialca¡¯s butler right now.¡¹

    Lolotte smiled wryly, but putting aside his ability as Drag-Knight, his skill as commander was really something.

    For the time being they followed his recommendation and split up to the double rooms they were guided to and put down their luggage.

    After Lisha entered the guest room with Krulcifer, she spontaneously sat down on the bed.

    She somehow endured with her spirit, but she was feeling exhaustion that made it hard to even stand.

    ¡¸The situation is calmer than expected. Of course I mean it in a good way.¡¹

    Krulcifer took off her pilot suit that was soaked in sweat and wiped her body while brushing up her blue hair.

    Now that all the Seven Dragon Paladins were captured, they had assumed that the worst situation with more pressing time limit was going on.

    But in reality, the situation might be unexpected for the Lords too.

    Most likely, they should be convinced of victory by the time they seized the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    At the very least they were estimating that this base would collapse, because that was what Lisha and others were thinking too.

    But, small mercy, that underestimation brought about this stalemate.

    On the contrary it could be seen that Magialca and Singlen had even foreseen the hopeless situation where they were captured and had advised their confidante beforehand.

    Those two didn¡¯t seem really proactive in the capture of the Ruins, but it seemed they were fixing their aim at the crucial Avalon and thoroughly prepared.

    ¡¸But, we mustn¡¯t let our guards down as expected©¤©¤or rather, this situation is nothing more than a slight mitigation of the hopelessness.¡¹

    Krulcifer who finished changing into the Academy uniform she brought sighed once more.

    ¡¸Yeah, that threat of the Lords, the twelve days countdown is also starting to show effect at each country. Perhaps those who submit to their pressure and refuse cooperating with country might appear.¡¹

    Lisha grinded her teeth in vexation and recalled the report in the new kingdom.

    The incident where an abyss that imitated the Lord, Listelka¡¯s appearance©¤©¤a Shadow was commanding to present the head of Queen Raffi as well as other royalties and nobles.

    If they became sacrifice, the Lord said that they wouldn¡¯t lay their hand on the people.

    It was a demand that was just too tyrannical and unreasonable, but the low-ranked nobles and the people might submit to that pressure and started saying to sacrifice the queen.

    They understood that it was the Lord¡¯s aim for that to happen and made them uneasy, but it was troublesome because it couldn¡¯t be disregarded completely.

    ¡¸When thinking about that, as expected I cannot be in the mood of resting at ease.¡¹

    ¡¸Even so©¤©¤we have to rest. That is more or less the duty of me the princess of new kingdom.¡¹

    Lisha took a deep breath and laid down while looking up to the ceiling.

    This severe tension and anxiety.

    Even so in order to reach to the next hope, she closed her eyes in the attempt to recover her body.

    ¨C

    A few hours later after that.

    Lisha and others were called by the commander representative of the expeditionary force, Lolotte, and they showed up at dinner.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just a crude meal, but please pardon us because this is a battlefield.¡¹

    Said Lolotte humbly, but the meal was actually extravagant enough.

    It also showed the significance of Magialca¡¯s skill in stocking up a lot of food beforehand and how calm was the present situation of the battle.

    Warm soup, desalinated meat and bread, cheese and wine. While taking those menu as meal, Lisha and others listened to the detail of the battle situation.

    The number of Abyss protecting the area around the old castle was still a lot, even so they had been decreased until less than half.

    Avalon was similar like other Ruins too. It was divided by floors, and it seemed that a control room existed in the latter half part that was called as the centre.

    In order to prevent anyone else from reaching there, the Lords sealed the Seven Dragon Paladins, and in order to slow down the reinforcement¡¯s arrival, they spread out the news of purging the royalties and nobles.

    Lisha and others had heard until that point to a certain degree, there was no mistake in their prediction.

    ¡¸In the first place, how did the Seven Dragon Paladins get captured? I believe it was impossible for people with their strength to be defeated obediently though?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s blunt question was answered by Lolotte with a slightly troubled look.

    ¡¸This is something that isn¡¯t confirmed, but those Lords, it seems they are able to use a part of Ruin¡¯s function due to the surgery called Baptism.¡¹

    The first imperial princess Listelka, as the shrine maiden of oracle, she could obtain information from Avalon and performed simple control.

    The third imperial princess Hayes possessed the right of control of the Gear Leader in each Ruin.

    And then©¤©¤the second imperial princess Aeril who was posing as an existence called Coral who was an aide of Vanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, was predicted to be able to perform manipulation of perception.

    ¡¸In the first place Magialca was suspecting Sir Coral. And so, she ordered us her servants to secretly observe his movement. That was how we realized her true identity along with her betrayal.¡¹

    ¡¸To think, that guy was someone of the enemy¡¯s side¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha muttered in disbelief.

    She and others had received help from Aeril many times. A complicated emotion colored her face.

    ¡¸I believe that sheAeril also noticed our observation over her. I believed that was why she couldn¡¯t make any action that was too conspicuous, but it seemed that she finally used her trump card.¡¹

    ¡¸Is Lu-chan and others, safe?¡¹

    Philuffy who took dinner with portion for five people just as offered suddenly interrupted the flow of the conversation and asked.

    In respond Lolotte pondered for a while and before long he silently lifted his face.

    ¡¸Honestly speaking, right now we don¡¯t know anything. Because although we manage to maintain the frontline, embarrassingly that is the best that we can do.¡¹

    By all rights he wanted to rescue the Seven Dragon Paladins and capture the Avalon underground the old castle.

    But, because a lot more Abyss and trap were lurking in the old castle, they were lacking in combat force to assault until that far in the present time.

    If they rashly attacked repeatedly and got exhausted, then got counterattacked and their base taken away, then their defeat would be set in stone.

    Thus, their situation right now was one where it was full of hardships to even gather information of the enemy camp.

    ¡¸However, if I¡¯m allowed to speak my personal opinion, I believe that the possibility is high that Lux-san is alive at the very least. After all for the Lord he will be useful as hostage against the remaining threat of you all, Syvalles of the new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Lisha muttered while looking down, then she immediately opened her crimson eyes.

    ¡¸So in short it¡¯s like this. At this point of time, it will depend on our activity. You too were also waiting for our arrival.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s just as your highness say.¡¹

    Lolotte nodded with his eyebrows lowered apologetically.

    ¡¸Unfortunately my aptitude for Drag-Ride is low, and the best I can do is wearing a general purpose type Drake. With Sir Zweigberk alone as a Divine Drag-Ride user, the best we can do is only to defend the fortress.¡¹

    ¡¸Seven days remaining until the end of the countdown that the Lords decided. Before that we will infiltrate into the old castle, gather information, and take back the Seven Dragon Paladins. Is it fine to consider that as what we should do?¡¹

    When Krulcifer concluded like that, Lolotte quietly bowed in consent.

    ¡¸We will give support as much as possible with this base as the center. If you have any need, whether it¡¯s personnel or material, then please tell me whatever it is. Please lend us the strength of you all.¡¹

    ¡¸Leave it to us! We will rescue Lux©¤©¤the Seven Dragon Paladins for sure!¡¹

    Lisha yelled to fire up herself and others as the princess of the new kingdom.

    The other three girls also nodded in agreement to that.

    ¡¸Yes, we will achieve that without fail. It¡¯s for the sake of none other but ourselves.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. If we cannot save him here, we won¡¯t have any face to look at everyone in the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸I want to, meet Lu-chan quickly.¡¹

    Krulcifer, Celis, and Philuffy each spoke their resolve and then they broke up from dinner.

    The seven days in abandoned capital Guernica that would decide the fate of the world.

    The long night that informed the beginning of that was deepening quietly like the calm before the storm.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Was it fine, Listelka-sama?¡¹

    Around that time when Lisha and others were showing their motivation to capture Avalon and took back the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Inside a bedroom in the old castle that existed a few kl ahead, Listelka was stripping off her clothes.

    ¡¸What is it, Mishis? It¡¯s an unclear question coming from the wise you. I won¡¯t be angry even if you stop acting so reserved you know? Though it will be a different matter if it¡¯s an insult against Fugil.¡¹

    Listelka said that with a teasing smile. Her cheeks were faintly dyed red.

    Soft white skin that looked like even the circulating blood underneath would become visible.

    Long silver hair swaying softly.

    And then her purity that was the same like the pure white underwear she was wearing.

    The bedroom where Listelka and Mishis were inside was different from the bedroom of Lux and Aeril.

    The surrounding and inside of the old castle were crowded with a lot of traps and brutal Abysses, but several safe zone existed. The Abysses wouldn¡¯t get near those zones.

    Listelka was able to perceive those zones was due to the power she obtained from Baptism©¤©¤the ability to govern a part of Avalon¡¯s system.

    They had gathered food and clothing from each Ruin into that safe zone beforehand to construct a temporary base.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Inside that room, Mishis was hesitating with her master¡¯s words before she finally formed her words in the end.

    ¡¸It might be slightly related. It¡¯s about the permission to entrust him to her highness Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸Aah, you mean that Lux Arcadia.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    The maid Mishis immediately nodded at the voice of imperial princess Listelka.

    ¡¸Although he has the Wedge put on him, isn¡¯t it a bit dangerous to use him as pawn? That is what I think.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps so.¡¹

    The girl smiled as though playing the fool.

    After finishing changing into her sleepwear, she sat down on the bed that had a canopy attached.

    ¡¸I can comprehend how he can become a central figure even among the Seven Dragon Paladins with his potential that cannot be measured. He is far from being a match against Fugil, but he seems quite competent. Though his appearance look like an unreliable boy.¡¹

    ¡¸In that case©¤©¤why did your highness make that decision?¡¹

    Mishis¡¯s question was extremely calm. Listelka lightly stretched herself.

    ¡®Fua¡­¡­¡¯, she lightly put her hand over her lips and yawned. It was a lovely gesture befitting her age.

    ¡¸Well, there is also how I chose Fugil, but it is just as I said before, it¡¯s like my present to Aeril. Unlike Hayes, that delinquent girl, she was faking herself for a few months alone and accomplished her mission for us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, I also understand Aeril¡¯s feeling a little. We too are grown women of that age. It is in our instinct to search for the person who will become our pair. Even the imperial princess of the beginning who once reigned in the past©¤©¤Arshalia was also said to welcome a young man who was called as the White Hero to be her close aide. Originally it was a love of different social status¡­¡­there is also an aspect to it that seem similar to my feeling toward Fugil.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, your highness.¡¹

    ¡¸You still cannot be convinced with only this answer?¡¹

    Listelka let out a sigh ¡®fuu¡¯ and let herself fell on the bed to lie spread-eagled.

    Mishis approached Listelka¡¯s side and put a blanket over her. And then next Mishis calmly formed her words.

    ¡¸I have a tinge of anxiety remaining. Surely in this capture of Avalon, we will have to pay a considerable effort even for us the Lord. Although we possess enough combat force, it¡¯s also a fact that it will be better to spare some strength in reserve. In that case, I am aware that using him©¤©¤Lux Arcadia as pawn is an excellent plan.¡¹

    ¡¸You are worried for the slightest chance of his collar getting taken off aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    When Listelka pointed that out, Mishis nodded briskly with a serious face.

    The collar of Wedge would generate electricity if the wearer went against order, harbored rebellious thought, tried to take it off, or if the collar simply got hit by strong impact. But Mishis was apprehensive to a certain situation.

    The content of her apprehension would also become doubt and insult toward the imperial princesses in a sense.

    It was something that made her hesitate to say easily.

    ¡¸Is it the possibility of Aeril betraying us and steal a march on us to control Avalon with him?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A sentence was spoken from those lovely lips that cut into the heart of the matter.

    The content of those words caused even Mishis whose face was like an iron mask to become speechless spontaneously.

    It was bull¡¯s eye.

    Aeril had been working as spy away from the Lord for too long of time.

    She was blending into the heart of the world alliance so much so that she wasn¡¯t doubted by almost anyone.

    The possibility of someone compassionate like her giving help to them wasn¡¯t zero.

    ¡¸There is no need to worry Mishis. It¡¯s impossible for Aeril to betray us. After all that child is also the same like me and Hayes. She remember the tragedy of the past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Just what kind of experience we went through because of that family of traitor¡­¡­when thinking about it, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s foolish to distrust her?¡¹

    Listelka let out grief to show on her face seen from the side. Mishis couldn¡¯t say anything to that.

    The absolute rule that conquered over the world, the imperial family of Holy Arcadia Empire.

    Due to the rebellion of the family of traitor, the atrocity of the counterattack was running rampant to the extreme.

    In the far away past, Listelka and others escaped the disaster by sleeping inside the hibernation pod for the use of the imperial family, but the hell they acutely went through to reach that point was still fresh in their memory.

    She also remembered how a few hundred years later, that pod was discovered by a descendant of the family of traitor and once more she almost got killed, but Fugil saved her in the nick of time.

    She could remember them all as though they happened only yesterday.

    ¡¸Either way, in this world there is no place where we belong anymore. There is only this Ruin, only the pride in the form of the legacy of ruler that our ancestors left behind for us.¡¹

    The imperial princess muttered earnestly, her hand touching her chest.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I swear I will obtain Avalon no matter what I have to do. That should be the correct action.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸At present, the Wedges are set up so only us the three imperial princesses can take them off, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    Mishis nodded silently.

    The Wedges were a part of Avalon. Once it was put on, it was set up so the third electric shock would give instant death as long as the collar wasn¡¯t taken off.

    Aeril took off Lux¡¯s collar once in order to reset the electric shock count that had reached two due to Hayes.

    Listelka and Mishis also knew about it through hearing it from Aeril herself.

    ¡¸But regarding Lux Arcadia, the Wedge is already set so even if it is Aeril herself who try to take it off, an electric shock that will grant instant death will suddenly flow. Even the person who try to take it off will die from the aftershock of the electricity. That¡¯s why©¤©¤there won¡¯t be any problem at all.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Mishis spontaneously felt a chill in her spine seeing that pure smile.

    In a glance she was an elegant girl, but she was hiding enough cruelty as a ruler.

    Listelka didn¡¯t even tell Aeril how she had changed the setting.

    Even in the worst case that she attempted to take off the collar of Lux and the others Seven Dragon Paladins, Aeril herself would also die instantly. She would be executed right on the spot.

    ¡¸Besides, I have already thought up the countermeasure that I don¡¯t tell to even my little sisters. The plan of a ruler is arranged in such way that one will win no matter how the situation become. That is the basic. If the capture of Avalon advance by the pawn called Lux Arcadia, then one other secret plan that can destroy the world will be carried out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She didn¡¯t have mercy even toward her own flesh and blood relative by not granting them important information.

    And then, she was letting Aeril act while laying out even more trap.

    Mishis felt a chill from fear that came from the bottom of her heart.

    In that case, Mishis V Xfer who was serving this person could only pray.

    That one of her masters, Aeril wouldn¡¯t think to quarrel with this terrifying ruler.

    That Aeril wouldn¡¯t do anything like searching for a path that she should walk herself and chose it.

    ¨C

    The remaining twelve days countdown that Listelka declared to the world.

    It was a threat that the Lord would massacre the people if the delegation of all countries didn¡¯t present their head in the abandoned capital.

    The morning of the sixth day, the halfway of the countdown was visiting the old castle in the abandoned capital Guernica.

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    The sunlight shining in from the gap of the ragged curtain woke Lux up.

    The bedroom had a single bed with canopy attached.

    Aeril slept there while Lux was sleeping on the sofa beside it.

    He was wearing a sleep-wear with thin fabric that he was given last night.

    When he confirmed the time using his pocket watch©¤©¤it was six in the morning.

    From the point of view of Lux who usually woke up at five for doing chores and morning training, he had overslept.

    Even so there was no doubt that it was morning, but as expected it was strange.

    Outside the curtain©¤©¤at the ruined castle town that could be seen from the old castle, there were Abysses strutting around on the ground and the sky.

    He was inside the enemy¡¯s castle, he was in a position of changing side to the enemy camp, he was also in a situation where he exchanged secret agreement to allow Aeril to control Avalon.

    Lux thought that he wouldn¡¯t be able to get even a wink of sleep from nervousness, but when he noticed he had fallen asleep.

    Perhaps he was surprisingly tired.

    Or perhaps in his heart he was trusting Aeril.

    ¡¸Even if that¡¯s the case, I cannot be so relaxed¡­¡­¡¹

    The other collar that was put on his neck©¤©¤the binding called Wedge, with its existence death was constantly beside him.

    There was also the other Seven Dragon Paladins who were still captured.

    And also the existences of Listelka, Hayes, and Fugil.

    And then the arrival of Lisha and others, the Syvalles that most likely wouldn¡¯t be long, and the capture of Avalon©¤©¤.

    The situation changed every second. If even a single gear went out of place, destruction would wait right away.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu¡¹

    Although, it would be no use even if he brooded too much right now.

    Whether it was the chore works that Lux done or large-scale plan like the revolution in the old empire, his action to reach until the finish point was the same.

    He could only accomplish it by accumulating steady progress before his eyes and cleared them.

    Thus, first Lux tried to search for Aeril in order to know his objective for now.

    (Somehow, even in this kind of situation I¡¯m still staying together with a girl huh¡­¡­)

    Well, even in the Academy he was staying in the same room with Philuffy at the beginning. It also felt like it was too late already to worry about that now, but it couldn¡¯t be helped that he was conscious of it because he was a man in puberty.

    He timidly peeked at the bed, but Aeril wasn¡¯t there.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Strange.

    Aeril staying together with Lux should be for the sake of their ¡ºagreement¡» and also for her to monitor Lux, and yet she went away somewhere.

    (Don¡¯t tell me, was our plan got found out by Listelka? Or perhaps Hayes is trying to circumvent us?)

    There was also a possibility that the alliance army launched a surprise attack in the early morning and Aeril joined the battle.

    If the Lords met difficulty in dealing with that, it might be a chance for Lux to find an opening for escape and joined up with the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Although, if he tried to take off the Wedges of the other Seven Dragon Paladins, both would get shocked with electricity together so it was impossible.

    (The development might change faster than expected. As expected this should be too early for Lisha-sama and others to come already but©¤©¤)

    Lux changed into his pilot suit while reaching his hand to the door to leave this bedroom.

    There would be no turning back if he went outside as he pleased.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Should he keep his promise with Aeril, or should he risk danger to search for a path of escape?

    At that time when Lux¡¯s thoughts were weighed in his heart and he hesitated, the doorknob in front of him turned and the door opened.

    At that instant where he expected a shocking situation, a sight that was just too unexpected entered Lux¡¯s sight.

    ¡¸Ah, good morning Lux-kun. Were you okay yesterday? Like your collar©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Apron figure.

    Aeril who was wearing pure white apron above her pilot suit was carrying a tray with a serious face.

    There was fresh baked bread above the tray. It was accompanied with vegetable sticks, then sunny-side-up fried eggs that were roasted together with bacon, soup, and glasses of water.

    No matter how he looked Aeril seemed to have just prepared breakfast. Lux could only stiffen with his eyes wide open.

    ¡¸Eh? What¡¯s the matter Lux-kun? You don¡¯t need breakfast?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I can eat anytime but©¤©¤. That appearance¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahaha¡­¡­. This kind of appearance while wearing pilot suit, does it look a bit strange just as I thought? I suddenly thought to cook this morning so©¤©¤¡¹

    Perhaps Aeril only noticed the unnaturalness of her appearance after this late, she grinned with her cheeks slightly reddening.

    Somehow, thanks to the pilot suit that had small surface area covered with fabric, her appearance emitted mysterious sex appeal. Lux paid attention to not stare too hard toward her.

    For the time being they moved to the table in the bedroom and took breakfast before the dishes became cold.

    ¡¸Could it be that Aeril was the one who cooked this?¡¹

    Lux asked while eating breakfast.

    ¡¸That, i, is it not delicious just as I thought? Perhaps it will be better if I just obediently leave the cooking to Mishis¡­¡­. So it¡¯s a failure¡­¡­¡¹

    Her figure averting her gaze without confidence while casting down her gaze in embarrassment looked somewhat cute.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s really delicious. Somehow the taste loosen my tension, it¡¯s making me feel relieved.¡¹

    The dining hall in the Academy was also luxurious with delicious food, but this breakfast was just right for Lux.

    ¡¸I see, I¡¯m really glad. I also practiced to cook by myself in the military academy of Vanheim. Ah, I asked Mishis to bake the bread though.¡¹

    Aeril smiled while exhaling in relieve.

    Her smiling face was really like a homely girl. Lux¡¯s heart throbbed hard seeing it.

    ¡¸But, why did you intentionally cook this yourself? You weren¡¯t here when I woke up, so I thought to go looking for you.¡¹

    Lux casually asked to cover up that he was thinking of escaping. Aeril tilted her head slightly and thought.

    After lightly nibbling on the bread and swallowed, she finally answered him.

    ¡¸Ahaha, I wonder why. But perhaps, it was because I wanted to do it. Even I wanted to try once something like cooking for a friend. Surely©¤©¤¡¹

    She looked vaguely nostalgic.

    Aeril muttered with a distant gaze that seemed like she was harboring a longing.

    She lived as an imperial family of the ancient era, then after that she lived while faking her own identity.

    But, Aeril¡¯s smile when she was doing Academy activity together with Lux and others might be her true feeling.

    ¡¸Aeril, you wanted to try living normally?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. I was envious at everyone in your Academy, at Lisha-san and others.¡¹

    Aeril replied with a lonely smile. Seeing that Lux was dazed.

    He thought whether this breakfast that she prepared by herself was also the expression of that feeling?

    While thinking of such thing, Lux and Aeril quickly finished their breakfast.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Then, Lux-kun you prepare for the sortie while I go to check of the Seven Dragon Paladins for the moment. After that I and Lux-kun will go to capture the surface level floor of Avalon with just us two. First I want to clear up the swarm of Abyss underground this old castle.¡¹

    Finally they would start with capturing Avalon for real.

    It seemed the first imperial princess Listelka was able to use a part of Avalon¡¯s function using her ability to interfere with Ruins that she obtained through Baptism, but there was a limit to that.

    Naturally she didn¡¯t want to split her force just to clear up Abysses.

    (Should I feel happy about this?)

    With this he would be lending a hand to the Lords, but he was relieved that he wouldn¡¯t need to attack the fortress where the alliance army was based and fought his ally.

    ¡¸I get it but¡­¡­, is it okay, that Aeril will take your eyes off me?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Actually, I want to give the order¡ºdon¡¯t get out from this room¡» through the Wedge, but it will be troubling in the low chance that an accident occur here, so I¡¯ll hold back from that. More importantly, I¡¯m worried whether Hayes is meddling with the Seven Dragon Paladins or not.¡¹

    Certainly it might be just as she said.

    It would be better if he could ask Aeril to check on them.

    ¡¸Got it. I¡¯ll prepare while waiting.¡¹

    ¡¸Be careful okay, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Aeril left only those words behind and exited the bedroom.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, she is giving me time to change?¡¹

    Lux was saying that to himself while finishing changing his clothes. A few minutes later, Aeril returned while carrying a sword belt. She handed Lux his Sword Device.

    General purpose Drag-Ride, Wyvern and Divine Drag-Ride, Bahamut.

    And then Aeril herself was also bringing two Sword Devices in her sword belt.

    ¡¸Your preparation is finished then. Also, I prepared various things like a bit of food, pocket watch, map, lamp, and towel. Here.¡¹

    Aeril also handed a pouch that was filled with those things to Lux with a somewhat cheerful look.

    ¡¸Thank you Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What¡¯s the matter Lux-kun?¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise at the thanks that came from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    ¡¸It¡¯s about Hayes. Thanks for your consideration so that me and also the Seven Dragon Paladins doesn¡¯t get attacked by her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, you are really a strange person. In this situation you are threatened by me and even got forced to do act of treachery, do you understand that?¡¹

    ¡¸That might be so.¡¹

    Lux put on a smile and slowly pulled out his Sword Device from the sheath.

    When he summoned Wyvern using the passcode, Aeril also followed his movement in response.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest that is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, EX Wyvern!¡¹

    A large Drag-Ride with streamlined shape that was a size larger than Lux¡¯s Wyvern was summoned, and it transformed into an armor that covered her body.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go. First is going to underground the old castle©¤©¤to open the route until Avalon. Is that okay?¡¹

    Lux nodded briefly, then the door was opened and the two flew away.

    They passed through corridor and descended down the stair, then they opened the door of the reception hall. There they faced the Abysses that appeared.

 Volume 13 - CH 3

    ¨C

    Three days before Lux and Aeril started conquering Avalon, in the Academy.

    While the main force of Syvalles sallied out in addition of the provocation of the Lord using Shadows gaining strength the Academy was filled with sorrowful silence.

    ¡¸I have braced myself, but I didn¡¯t think that it will be this much.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, perhaps this is natural.¡¹

    Inside the Academy ground, in an underground room of the fourth Drag-Ride hangar.

    Airi and Noct were making preparation of traveling there.

    ¡¸After all Nii-san, Lisha-sama, and others are all leaving. The Triad is working hard to consolidate the remaining students but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Both Sharis and TIllfur are doing their best. However, Airi©¤©¤are you really going to the abandoned capital too?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Airi immediately replied with a nod at Noct¡¯s calm question.

    The abandoned capital of Marcafal Kingdom, Guernica.

    Airi would also head to the old castle that was keeping Avalon underground it.

    Airi normally accompanied Lisha and others to carry out Syvalles¡¯s information gathering role, but as expected this time she was stopped from going by the headmaster Relie.

    It was only natural. It would be too dangerous where even the Triad wouldn¡¯t have any leeway to protect Airi.

    Far from being any help, there was high likelihood that she would serve as Lux¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel.

    No matter how worried she was about Lux, it would be pointless if she definitely would become a hindrance.

    But, other than her feeling, Airi had another different belief of her own. She decided to accompany the Triad and headed to rescue Lux.

    ¡¸Soffice wanted my existence©¤©¤the bloodline of Arcadia to liberate the Ruin. Similarly like that, there is possibility that my blood will be useful in the capture of Avalon. Now that Nii-san¡­¡­the Seven Dragon Paladins has fallen into the enemy¡¯s hand, with me heading toward there for the capture of Avalon, the calculation of the Lord might be derailed. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    She conveyed her words exactly like she had just told Relie a bit before this to Noct beside her.

    In order to show her own resolve toward the girl who was earnestly worrying about her who was her best friend.

    ¡¸If the Lord realize my existence is nearby Avalon, they will surely perceive me as hindrance. In other words, I can serve as bait.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The usual calm expression of Noct who heard that crumbled and showed her shock.

    There was no positive proof of that, but it might be effective.

    Perhaps it might diverted the enemy¡¯s attention and became a key to make an opening to capture Avalon and took back Lux. But,

    ¡¸Can you agree with my thinking, Noct?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. Even without that, the place we will be going to is already worthy to be regarded as extremely dangerous. It¡¯s different from everything until now, the enemy is the Lord and high class Abysses. There won¡¯t be any leeway there to protect other.¡¹

    Noct told that fact and looked down.

    That gesture looked like she was ashamed of her lack of strength, that she couldn¡¯t promise to protect Airi.

    ¡¸I received permission from Relie-san. She said that she cannot allow me if thinking of Onii-san¡¯s sake, but even the headmaster has a weak point.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi showed a vaguely mischievous smile and continued.

    ¡¸There is no way Relie-san can stop my proposal. She herself risked her life for the sake of her little sister©¤©¤for Philuffy-san, that she would even betray the new kingdom to try to save her. There is no way someone who understands the importance of family by that much won¡¯t be able to understand my feeling.

    ¡¸But, Airi¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t stop me. After all my inability to fight as Drag-Knight is incomparable with the powerlessness that Noct is feeling.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct who heard that lost her words.

    Strictly speaking, Noct who was a member of Syvalles and Airi who was a civil official had different role.

    That was why, Noct could also point out that in the first place it was strange for Airi to think about such thing.

    But, for Airi, the point was whether she could become strength for her big brother or not right now.

    Because she had been saved by Lux until now and received a place to belong from him that she couldn¡¯t forgive herself for being unable to do anything.

    Noct could understand her feeling as her best friend.

    ¡¸I¡¯m, disqualified as a servant. I have to consider the will of other person while I¡¯m someone serving Baltshift house.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I give you nothing but trouble. But, I¡¯m thankful.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Noct responded to Airi¡¯s wry smile with a rare smile of her own.

    ¡¸I have also become really used to Airi¡¯s selfishness. But, there is no one else who can keep with you other than me. That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll accompany you just like usual, with my life on the line.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Noct.¡¹

    Airi gently took Noct¡¯s hand and expressed her thanks filled with a flood of emotions.

    She was greatly worried of Airi¡¯s safety, and on top of that she accepted her from her heart.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Good grief, has you two finished talking?¡¹

    ¡¸We also finished preparing y¡¯knoow!¡¹

    At that time the remaining Triad, Sharis and Tillfur arrived in the underground room with small footsteps.

    It seemed they were right outside the door, but they read the atmosphere and waited quietly.

    ¡¸Will the headmaster be alright? If all of us go away©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It seems the big shot of the four great nobles are helping out with various things. The new kingdom also has their hand full, but this place is also quite the important location after all.¡¹

    Because this place also doubled as defense point against the Ruin, Garden, as expected it seemed there was a need to make the security heavier than usual.

    In exchange of Balzeride, the person who would be the next head of Kreutzer house called Dig Kreutzer seemed to take command of the guards. (TN: Don¡¯t know if this is really different person from Sieg Kreutzer that was mentioned in vol 12 or the author changed the name)

    ¡¸I feel uneasy toward that house somehow though. But it can¡¯t be helped because this is an emergency situation.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, even my father who is the military¡¯s deputy commander has his hand full to protect the royal capital right now. Also©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur folded her hands behind her head while sighing.

    Sharis nodded in agreement to her statement, and then she lifted her face.

    Right after that, *uiiin* a particular mechanical sound could be heard from the adjacent room.

    The Ruin¡¯s device that was brought here from the solitary island where Yoruka was sleeping©¤©¤the hibernation pod that could also be used for healing was making sound there.

    ¡¸According to the description in the ancient document that missy Airi deciphered, it should be finished around this time if I remember it right.¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go meet her. We need to©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for that.¡¹

    Airi said that, but before she could exited the room, the door of this room opened first.

    The one who appeared was a girl with beautiful black hair and limbs that were supple like a beast©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka.

    ¡¸Because my consciousness had returned slightly before the treatment was finished.¡¹

    After treating Philuffy and Rosa Granhide, the hibernation pod that was finally empty had nearly ran out of energy, so the time necessary for healing got longer.

    In order to quickly heal the wound that made Yoruka unable to fight from her deadly battle against Singlen, Yoruka was entered into the pod after the previous battle.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s rush to Aruji-sama¡¯s side right away. If there is high possibility we can save him only by us risking our life, then it¡¯s something cheap.¡¹

    Yoruka declared that along with a carefree smile.

    Airi and the Triad looked at each other¡¯s face, then they let out an exasperated sigh.

    In front of this Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade, it felt like their resolve just now seemed stupid.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. If missy Yoruka is with us then it will be like an army of thousand is accompanying us. Depending on your condition, perhaps you won¡¯t be able to go with us or need to take a rest for several days though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for that. Where could my Sword Device be?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s right here. More importantly please wear clothes. We who are looking are the one that is embarrassed¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi sighed while handing over the Sword Device of Yato no Kami.

    But, she was unable to look straight at Yoruka¡¯s nakedness and she averted her eyes with blushing cheeks.

    ¡¸Well, what should I say, what a nice body eeeh¡­¡­. Your skin is also pretty, like this perhaps Lux-chi won¡¯t stand a chance ain¡¯t he? Aaa¡­¡­!¡¹

    After Tillfur muttered somewhat despondently, Sharis also nodded with a conflicted expression.

    ¡¸Yeah, this is a bit troubling. Not just her skill as Drag-Knight, I cannot imagine winning at all even in that aspect©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It will be fine Sharis. I believe you will put up a good fight if it is just breast, that is my opinion who have been watching you for many years.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? Wait, don¡¯t compare my naked body with her as you please!¡¹

    Sharis slightly showed an expression of expectation, but she then got flustered.

    Yoruka who was watching the exchange of the three changed into the pilot suit handed to her while speaking with a serious face.

    ¡¸There is no problem. There would be nothing better than having as many concubines as possible for Aruji-sama. In my eyes, the three of you are qualified enough to be candidate.¡¹

    ¡¸Wwha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s©¤©¤is, that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Do you mean, even me?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s explosive statement that was dropped suddenly shocked Tillfur, flustered Sharis, and at the end Noct was bashful even with her face staying calm.

    At that time when a really complicated silence was filling the place, a voice resounded inside the underground room.

    ¡¸Wai-, everyone, please stop joking around! What are you all thinking when the situation is like this!?¡¹

    Airi rebuked. The Triad smiled wryly while apologizing while Yoruka was tilting her head without any comprehension at all why she was scolded.

    The conversation that smashed apart the tension until now caused Airi¡¯s shoulders to drop in exhaustion.

    She was exasperated with them from the bottom of her heart.

    But, at the same time she also felt happy somehow.

    For being able to be together with trusted comrades like this.

    To be able to talk like normal, and laughed with each other before the battle.

    (It¡¯s really, happiness. Something like this)

    Exactly because she was in the same position of criminal like Lux, that she strongly thought that.

    And then, she could stay with not just the Triad, but also with Yoruka was thanks to Lux.

    Yoruka seemed to wonder about Airi who was silent like that and she suddenly peered into her face.

    ¡¸Are you all right Airi-san? Among royalties, marriage between blood relatives isn¡¯t that unusual so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What kind of consideration is that!?¡¹

    Airi responded with bright red face at Yoruka¡¯s whisper.

    Surely Lux also felt like this toward her usually.

    ¡¸Ahahaha. Then, seeing our mood has also loosened up, let¡¯s go already. We are taking back him©¤©¤our important comrade.¡¹

    The Triad¡¯s leader Sharis concluded the talk and then everyone outfitted themselves.

    Because their stamina would be consumed considerably through the travel, they would ask other members of Syvalles to transport them until the border and then entered into Marcafal Kingdom.

    It had been two days since Lisha and others departed before Airi and others left the new kingdom.

    ¨C

    On the other hand, at Marcafal Kingdom, the abandoned capital Guernica at present.

    The entrance of the old castle¡¯s first floor.

    Lux and Aeril eliminated the swarm of Abysses taking position in the reception hall and searched for the route to the stair that continued to the underground.

    In a glance it seemed to be an old castle that was only big, but the complicated structure made it really troublesome.

    The two of them had already crushed more than ten Abysses by cooperating with each other, but they still couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    They didn¡¯t get caught by trap thanks to the information that Aeril had, but it seemed they would come out into unconfirmed area ahead from here.

    ¡¸Fuu, should we rest for a bit? If I remember right, there should be a safe zone around here.¡¹

    Three days after Airi and others departed from the Academy, Lux and Aeril were capturing Avalon just as instructed.

    If they could break through the surface level floor and opened the gate to the deepest part, they would be able to infiltrate into the deep level floor where the important positions were lined up.

    It seemed the gate was hidden inside a complicated underground maze, so first they had to search for it.

    It seemed Hayes was attacking the fortress of world alliance like usual, while Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte and Singlen¡¯s aide Zweigbergk with White Ridge Knight Order under his command were facing her.

    Hayes was taking command of the Abysses in order to stop their advance, while in the meantime Aeril and Lux were opening the path to Avalon.

    The first imperial princess Listelka was monitoring both sides from the airborne ship called Heaven Palace while giving order.

    The guard of Listelka herself was Fugil.

    The one taking care of Listelka¡¯s daily necessities and conveyed information to Hayes and Aeril was the maid Mishis.

    All members of Seven Dragon Paladins were moved into the chapel inside the old castle¡¯s ground.

    Other than Lux, they all were treated simply as hostage. It seemed the remnant of Dragon Marauder that had lost their leaders was ordered to watch over them.

    ¡¸About now the situation should be like that. The faction of us, Lord is currently©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril said that while lightly picking up the sandwich she brought here.

    A few hours had already passed since they were starting to take rest inside a small room that was a safe zone where Abyss wouldn¡¯t attack them.

    Because sometime Aeril was also using horn flute, they weren¡¯t particularly troubled in battle, but because there was also Abyss that didn¡¯t possess hearing sense and the like, they couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    ¡¸Can I ask a question? About Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please. I¡¯ll answer if it¡¯s something within the tolerable scope.¡¹

    A question suddenly crossed Lux¡¯s mind.

    After receiving Aeril¡¯s permission, he spoke it out.

    ¡¸Why is even the original owner of Ruins, the Lord is also attacked by Abyss like this? The matter of Ruins are also like that, isn¡¯t this strange?¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, you think so.¡¹

    Aeril who heard that answered with a troubled smile.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s only the defense function to repel intruder from outside being active, at the very least we shouldn¡¯t be attacked like this.¡¹

    Aeril sat down on a chair inside the dilapidated room while looking up to the ceiling with a sigh.

    ¡¸I think that most likely, it was like that from the very beginning. Surely the Abyss at first was made and then used in order to annihilate our opponent. But one day, someone overwrote their directive. At the end they became something that would attack anyone without discrimination.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, could it be the fault of my ancestor?¡¹

    The family of Arcadia Empire that once was nothing more than a weak and small country.

    They then ruled over the world, but when they had no more enemy, domination and disparity were born among themselves.

    The commoner who was suffering from the tyranny, oppression, and unjust exploitation rebelled against the privileged class, the Lord, and caused revolution.

    The ancestors of Lux and Airi who caused that were called as the ¡ºfamily of traitor¡».

    From all the information until now, that was the conjecture Lux made about the beginning of Arcadia Empire that was destroyed five years ago.

    That was why Hayes hated Lux who was a descendant of the family of traitor.

    ¡¸Perhaps. Hayes is especially under that impression, but personally I cannot say anything for sure. Because, even if for example they reached Avalon and rewrote the system, then shouldn¡¯t they set it so that only their bloodline would be safe?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux also agreed with Aeril¡¯s thinking.

    However, if that was the case then there was a strange mystery remaining.

    There was an existence who transformed the nature of Abyss at the beginning and changed them into measure to prevent intrusion into Ruins.

    Who could that be?

    With what kind of objective they did that? It was unknown.

    ¡¸But, I have a bit of suspicion. Perhaps, that defense system of the Ruins is©¤©¤¡¹

    At that time when Aeril was talking with a serious face, a sound suddenly came into their hearing.

    ¨C

    *UiI©¤©¤oooOOOOO.*

    ¨C

    It was a reverberation of dark evil omen that was containing killing intent.

    It was a strange noise that was clearly different from the sound of Abyss at the area.

    ¡¸This presence©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me, the Sacred Eclipse is revived!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Seeing Aeril¡¯s tense expression, Lux also spontaneously held his breath.

    Sacred Eclipse was the greatest and strongest Ragnarok that could resurrect many times.

    It had been defeated several times, but each time it was resurrected with new strength endowed into it.

    If it reappeared here©¤©¤in the Avalon, there was a high chance they would encounter it.

    But, when they stopped making noise and focused their ears, this time they could hear different sound.

    A systematic sound of machine©¤©¤the driving sound of Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It seemed that the remaining force of Dragon Marauder that lost their leaders had joined under Listelka¡¯s banner, but it was impossible for them to come until here without order. In other words,

    ¡¸Lux-kun! Run!¡¹

    The room¡¯s door was smashed faster than Lux could stand ready in respond to Aeril¡¯s voice and the ¡ºanswer¡» appeared.

    A violet wire chain with pointy tip that was like a stake.

    It was the special armament of Philuffy¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Typhon, Pile Anchor.

    They unsheathed their Sword Device reflexively, but they didn¡¯t make it in time.

    Lux¡¯s body was entwined by that wire and he was pulled in the blink of eye.

    Outside the room, Philuffy wearing Typhon was there as expected.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Got you.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s splendid, Philuffy.¡¹

    The voice of the girl who always looked absentminded and followed her own pace.

    Furthermore the dignified voice that came from her side caused Lux¡¯s eyes to open wide.

    The one who was together with Philuffy was Celistia wearing Lindwurm.

    The two suddenly showed a gentle smile, perhaps because they felt relaxed with this reunion.

    ¡¸Philuffy! Celis-senpai! How are you two©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively raised his voice and asked.

    ¡¸Because, Lu-chan¡¯s smell was there.¡¹

    His childhood friend said that as though it was only natural.

    ¡¸Lisha and Krulcifer are luring away Hayes¡¯s army for us. Thanks to that an opening to infiltrate into here was created.¡¹

    Celis spoke of the sequence of events until now with orderly chronology.

    The arrival of Lisha and others should be the day before yesterday at the earliest, but it seemed they greatly changed the battle situation in this short time.

    At the very least they managed to slip through the defense line of the old castle¡¯s surrounding and went to a hot pursuit until this corridor in one go. Their ability that allowed such thing wasn¡¯t just for show.

    Or perhaps, the girls¡¯ strong will to take back Lux no matter what was what allowed them to do that.

    In any case, from the result it could be said that Listelka¡¯s wariness that considered Lisha and others who were still at large to be her greatest obstacle was correct.

    Listelka¡¯s miscalculation was just one.

    The girls who should be just disposable pieces that she made use to capture numerous Ruins until now had slipped through many deathly situation together with Lux©¤©¤their strength had grown surpassing her imagination.

    ¡¸Philuffy! You take Lux and retreat. I will hold back the pursuer.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait both of you! If I leave this place©¤©¤¡¹

    The restriction of the Wedge would shock him with electricity if he got too far away from this old castle, and above all else©¤©¤the situation was bad right now.

    He was in the middle of complying with his contract to Aeril of helping her to obtain Avalon.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My bad but, I¡¯ll have you two return him back you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s clear voice cut through the cold air flowing in the corridor and reached Lux and co.

    The moment they went on guard reflexively, a flash tore up the air and attacked toward Philuffy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I won¡¯t let you.¡¹

    Philuffy deployed her barrier in full power and blocked the flash that was drawing a straight line toward her.

    But, the power that was focused into one point like a needle pierced the barrier. The tip of the beam twined around the right elbow of Typhon¡¯s armored arm.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What, are you doing?¡¹

    Philuffy was slightly in confusion while her expression was staying blank.

    The answer immediately became clear.

    That beam of light twining around the elbow slid straight to the side, and Typhon¡¯s armored arm moved to the outside.

    Right after Typhon¡¯s posture of carrying Lux was broken, the twining beam of light came off and snatched away Lux with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s movement that was excessively skilled like a superhuman feat stunned the two who witnessed it for the first time as expected.

    Even Lux himself honestly didn¡¯t understand what happened.

    He completely thought that it was a type of light beam, but it seemed that it was a whip that was conducting energy.

    It was a weapon that was similar with Wire Tail, but its power, accuracy, and range were in different dimension.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s the true Divine Drag-Ride that you have. Coral©¤©¤no, Holy Arcadia Empire¡¯s second imperial princess, Aeril Vi Arcadia.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously looked behind him after hearing Celis¡¯s statement.

    There was a figure there that wasn¡¯t wearing EX Wyvern anymore, but an armor with sharp and sublime form.

    It was colored with two colors of black and light green. The top of its shoulders that was modeled after serpent head indicated its offensive attribute.

    The whip special armament that the right hand was holding was tinged with faint yellow-green light. It was dangling to rest on the corridor¡¯s floor.

    ¡¸Evil dragon Zahhak. That is the name of the Divine Drag-Ride I¡¯m riding.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis who saw that showed vigilant expression in her face.

    In a battle between fellow Divine Drag-Ride, the one who understood the ability of the opponent¡¯s Divine Raiment would have big advantage.

    After all no matter how strong someone was, they would be weak against an unknown technique.

    But, Celis hesitation lasted less than a second.

    ¡¸Divine Gate¡¹

    Lindwurm¡¯s armor shined and a territory of light with the radius several dozen ml appeared with Celis at the center.

    With Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment, it could move instantly within that area of light.

    It was a powerful ability without equal that could rule over distance completely in a battle.

    Thus, it would be really advantageous in defense and offense just by having it activated.

    Furthermore it also widened the array of Celis¡¯s tactics like Double Attack where she would throw Dagger or the like and then used Divine Gate to approach the enemy in the right timing and executed a simultaneous attack.

    ¡¸Then, show it to me. Your strength and resolve©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis readied her Dagger to execute exactly that technique.

    Beside her, Philuffy was looking for an opening to take Lux back. Aeril moved right in that instant.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My bad but, right now I cannot return him back to you two.¡¹

    Aeril declared with a serious face that was slightly colored with emptiness, and then she blew the horn flute she was covertly carrying.

    Abyss wouldn¡¯t enter into the safe zone, but they could still come into this corridor.

    Because there were still Abysses remaining inside the old castle, it was an effective tactic.

    ¡¸Divine Gate!¡¹

    Celis who saw that moved to prevent the use of the horn flute.

    She threw her Dagger while activating the instant movement Divine Raiment at the same time and flew through space.

    At the same time she moved to Aeril¡¯s back and stabbed her huge lance©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s beautiful jade eyes opened wide in surprise.

    A huge wall appeared before her eyes when she noticed and her full power thrust was blocked.

    ¡¸Is this, Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment!? Creating material©¤©¤no, it¡¯s teleportation!?¡¹

    That voice of Celis could be heard through the stone wall that existed behind Lux.

    In addition the Abysses©¤©¤several Gargoyles and Chimeras passed through ventilation and attacked Philuffy consecutively.

    ¡¸My head¡­¡­hurt¡¹

    No matter how much resistance training she accumulated against horn flute, the Abyss residing in Philuffy¡¯s body would still react.

    ¡¸Phi-chan! Wait, right now I©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who saw that moved his hand toward the handle of his sword device to perform high-speed summoning for Bahamut, but Aeril stopped him from assisting.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry but, you cannot help her. We have different objective.¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s tone seemed ruthless.

    However Lux sensed her intention under that mask.

    ¡¸That Wedge will discharge electricity if you go against order, but I don¡¯t want to do that. If you don¡¯t want them to get hurt then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    The objective of Lux and Aeril right now in the end was to open the route toward Avalon.

    First they had to descend to the surface level floor and opened the portalteleport device that directly connected to the old castle.

    Celis and Philuffy were surrounded by Abysses, but if it was those two then they should be able to escape from this predicament.

    On the contrary, if Aeril gave order to Lux, he would be forced to fight the two of them, so he could only think it as fortunate that he could avoid that.

    (Phi-chan, Celis-senpai. Please be safe©¤©¤)

    Lux prayed inside his heart while followed behind Aeril who flew using Zahhak.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s head to the surface level floor like this and search for the portal that is connected with the old castle. Opening the gate to the deep level floor at the deepest part will be after that.¡¹

    The corridor at the first floor of the old castle that appeared like dead-end.

    A lever appeared when the wall was strongly pushed and Aeril pulled it.

    When the wall in front of her shifted to the side, a new huge metallic door appeared at the other side too.

    ¡¸This is, I have seen it several times in other Ruins©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The authority of Key¡¯s Supervisor is needed, but Mishis already opened this one a long time ago. Everyone can enter here if they know the place.¡¹

    However, because Abysses would be redeployed immediately, it was hard to pass through here.

    Therefore they were clearing up the path to here until now.

    ¡¸Even so, Zahhak¡¯s user is actually Aeril¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun, you know about it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. When fighting Rosa¡¯s subordinate in the campus festival, you secretly helped us right? So you had watched over me all that time since then, right?¡¹

    ¡¸I guess¡­¡­¡¹

    The face of Aeril who replied so was still tense.

    But, different from just now when she fought against Celis and Philuffy, he could faintly feel an irritated hesitation from her.

    ¡¸By the way, Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment is Brain HackWicked Wisdom of Double Head. It has an ability that can interfere with the mind of the surrounding human, and erase specific memory and perception.¡¹

    She explained her Divine Raiment that she had no time to explain until now.

    In other words, before this Celis thought that a wall suddenly appeared because her memory that it had existed from the start behind Aeril had been erased.

    It didn¡¯t have pure destructive power, but it was a Divine Raiment that seemed like it would have various application.

    For the time being they entered into a room that seemed to be a safe zone and took a breather.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s continue after resting for a bit. It¡¯s fortunate that this entrance didn¡¯t get exposed to those girls. At this rate the path to Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s not permitted.¡¹

    An aloof presence and clear voice suddenly came from above.

    Celis and Lindwurm appeared together with the territory of light that spread before their eyes.

    ¡¸Space teleportation using Divine Gate¡­¡­!? But, how did this place get©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s me, you know?¡¹

    Aeril took a stance with her whip type special armament Breath WhipDragon Edge Light Whip. Immediately after that a thunderous sound struck from above like a lightning.

    The thick ceiling that was made from stone burst and scattered. The dust whirled at the same time with the impact.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤Typhon¡¯s Biting Flare!?¡¹

    Typhon¡¯s special armament that sent energy directly to the object and living thing it grasped which made them explode.

    The ceiling was destroyed by that and Philuffy descended from upper floor.

    ¡¸I even used my Divine Raiment to give them the slip, but they artfully let me guided them here huh. I got tricked.¡¹

    Aeril quickly took distance along with Lux. A bead of sweat trickled down from her forehead.

    Celis who was isolated used instant teleportation with Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment and linked up with Philuffy.

    They quickly annihilated the Abysses, then they pinpointed the location of Lux and Aeril with Philuffy¡¯s superhuman hearing.

    Right after Celis descended using Divine Gate, Philuffy also followed©¤©¤that was how it went.

    Thanks to that the location of the hidden door became completely exposed.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. It¡¯s the fact that we completely fell into your trick. It was just, we desperately gave pursuit even then.¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t, hand over Lu-chan.¡¹

    The entrance to the underground labyrinth was completely open.

    The two groups faced each other once more in front of the Avalon.

    ¡¸It seems you are putting Lux under your control using that strange collar. Please wait. I will destroy it immediately.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­My bad but, I cannot let you do that. I too have something that I must do no matter what.¡¹

    Against Celis who was emitting an extraordinary pressure, Aeril also responded with unyielding will.

    Celis had grasped Lux¡¯s situation and awaited for a chance to attack, while Philuffy also similarly closed the distance little by little.

    Right now Lux was in a position where he had to obey Aeril due to the wedge and the contract he formed with her, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy to stop the serious Celis and Philuffy.

    Normally they were reassuring ally, but he once more realized how terrifying they were as enemy.

    (Besides©¤©¤it will be bad either way if we conflicted here.)

    Lux¡¯s Wedge would discharge deathly electricity just from receiving strong impact. And because it stuck tightly on his neck, it also couldn¡¯t be removed using Divine Gate.

    Therefore no matter how he struggled here, he was unable to return to world alliance¡¯s camp.

    And yet Celis and Philuffy too surely wouldn¡¯t back down after coming this far.

    (If we clash here, Aeril won¡¯t be able to fulfill her objective, Celis-senpai and Phi-chan will also get exhausted. No©¤©¤in the worst case, it¡¯s possible that someone will even get seriously injured or die.)

    Lux who thought that in a few moment immediately called out to the girls.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai! Phi-chan! I¡¯m fine, so withdraw from here! My collar cannot be removed anyway, and I also cannot leave from the old castle! At this rate I¡¯ll be forced to fight you two!¡¹

    The expression of Celis and Philuffy who heard that shook slightly.

    But, Lux misjudged their determination.

    ¡¸Understood. Then, it¡¯s decided. We will defeat the owner who control it.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Until then Lu-chan just stay quietly.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It was the worst reaction, but it was understandable.

    The two didn¡¯t know about the deal that Aeril proposed to Lux, but even though those were Lux¡¯s words, there was no way they would follow such suggestion.

    Naturally they would try to defeat Aeril who was controlling the Wedge.

    ¡º©¤©¤It seems you are in trouble, my beloved little sister, Aeril.¡»

    Suddenly a graceful voice came from somewhere, and the four people in that place held their breath.

    ¡¸Listelka-neesama!? How are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡ºIt¡¯s from the old castle to the Heaven Palace in the sky. After all I¡¯m the shrine maiden of oracle who can interfere with Avalon¡¯s system. If there is Ruin¡¯s monitoring system inside the room, I can grasp your movement to a certain degree. Though I only stayed quiet until now.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The true intention of Listelka calling out was unknown, but it was a terrifying fact.

    If he talked about Aeril¡¯s plan to convince Celis and Philuffy, everything would be over for them.

    Most likely Aeril didn¡¯t say anything to Celis and Philuffy because she was cautious of that.

    ¡¸And©¤©¤, what should I do now?¡¹

    When Aeril asked to guess at Listelka¡¯s true intention, her elder sister immediately gave instruction back.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s simple. Ignore them and advance forward. I trust you Aeril. Because of that, I want you to carry out your work properly.¡»

    ¡¸But, these two aren¡¯t that easy of an opponent that we can just pass through©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºIt¡¯s fine. You can rest assured. I sent her just now, our protector for a thousand year©¤©¤the empire¡¯s strongest Drag-Knight.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Aeril heard that voice resounding loudly, a shudder ran through her face.

    She quickly swung her special armament, Breath Whip and the whip of light ran freely to every direction.

    Celis and Philuffy put themselves on guard against that. Using that opening, Aeril pulled Lux¡¯s hand and descended to the underground.

    Toward outside the room where Listelka¡¯s monitoring didn¡¯t reach©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you doing Aeril!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is bad! We have to shake them off and make them give up on you! No©¤©¤let¡¯s search the portal that connects to the old castle and lead them there! If not, they won¡¯t be able to escape anymore for sure!¡¹

    The expression of Aeril who was talking fast was filled with more urgency than anything until now.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s also unexpected for me. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s only Nee-san¡¯s whim or it¡¯s a trap in order to kill Celis-san and others, but this is bad. It¡¯s bad that she is coming here!¡¹

    ¡¸Escaping is not permitted! I¡¯ll have you return Lux back!¡¹

    Celis¡¯s presence came from behind, flying after Aeril.

    Although the passage was quiet wide, it was impossible to fly in full speed inside this complicated maze, even so Celis used Divine Gate a lot while passing through wall to pursue after Lux and Aeril.

    ¡¸Lux-kun too quickly look for it! Most likely the portal to the old castle is being camouflaged as some kind of structure!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it!¡¹

    Lux was overwhelmed by that urgent sign and nodded.

    He quickly defeated the Abysses standing in their way while paying attention to the pursuit of Celis and Philuffy.

    Because he was wearing Wyvern right now, he was uneasy about his firepower, even so he was able to fight quite much.

    Aeril swung her whip to make an opening in the Abyss¡¯s guard while Lux finished them off in a flash.

    Like that they were advancing deeper, before they suddenly ran into a strange hall.

    ¡¸This place, what is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was a large space with high ceiling that was illuminated with bluish white light.

    There were countless transparent capsules along the wall that were jostled along with strange vibration.

    ¡¸This is one of Abyss¡¯s plant. It¡¯s continually producing Abysses that are protecting the old castle¡¯s surrounding and Avalon. Although, there are several of something like this and this is only one of them©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux came to an understanding from Aeril¡¯s explanation.

    Now that she mentioned it he remembered seeing a similar facility in the Ark.

    This place wasn¡¯t large scale like there, in exchange there was a wide space where there was nothing.

    ¡¸This room isn¡¯t our destination, but perhaps there is a portal to return to the old castle here. Let¡¯s investigate it just in case. There might be Abyss lurking, so be careful©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right.¡¹

    Lux nodded briskly and searched around the place that was dimly lit.

    He slowly stepped firmly with Drag-Ride¡¯s legs on the strange space where countless capsules were standing like pillars.

    Perhaps Celis and Philuffy also bumped into Abysses, because there wasn¡¯t any sign of them catching up soon.

    For the time being the situation turned calm, so Lux asked about the matter from before.

    ¡ºAeril. About just now, is it okay for me to ask?¡»

    Lux didn¡¯t stop moving to investigate while asking a question through the Dragon Voice.

    It was a large room, so to avoid Listelka from intercepting the communication, Lux used Dragon Voice to ask even though Aeril was right nearby.

    Then Aeril quickly replied through Dragon Voice too.

    ¡ºI was also careless. I didn¡¯t meet with Listelka-neesan that often but, come to think of it I once heard about something. She once said that it¡¯s possible for her to use the Ruin¡¯s function just for a bit in a room of this surface level floor. And that got carried out to the old castle and she said she is trying to make use of it¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºWhat is©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºIt¡¯s the manufacturing machine, for Divine Drag-Ride.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Hearing that caused Lux to spontaneously lost his words.

    ¡ºOriginally the same Divine Drag-Ride cannot be created in great number, because it has been determined like that by Avalon. But©¤©¤it¡¯s a different matter if a Divine Drag-Ride got completely destroyed. Although it will take a lot of time and labor, but even lost Divine Drag-Ride can be recreated.¡»

    ¡ºAnd, how is that related with the communication just now?¡»

    ¡ºThe greatest fighting strength of us Lord is completely resurrected. Mishis almost never move because she is shouldering the mission of being Listelka-neesama¡¯s guard constantly. And then, it¡¯s also because she is a trump card. However right now the requirements where it¡¯s fine to use her are in place. The restoration of the Divine Drag-Ride for her was finished.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was tilting his head in puzzlement hearing her voice from the Dragon Voice while continuing to search inside the Abyss¡¯s plant slightly far away.

    Even during that time he was searching for the portal to return to the old castle, but his movement suddenly stopped.

    ¡¸Come to think of it¡­¡­what¡¯s going on? Why is it not even a single Abyss is attacking us even though we are inside the Abyss¡¯s plant?¡¹

    It was the strange out of place feeling that Lux had kept feeling since they entered this room.

    Even if the Abyss created here would head outside, it was strange that there wasn¡¯t even one Abyss inside a space this large.

    Did Listelka interfered into the system of Avalon and cleared the Abyss beforehand for them, or else.

    When Lux was thinking that, a sudden strange smell made him frown.

    At a corner deep inside that wasn¡¯t clearly visible until now©¤©¤, a bluish white light was drowned out by blackish sea of blood there.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    That sight that Lux noticed after some delay caused him to turn speechless.

    They died.

    More than ten©¤©¤no, at the very least dozens of Abyss of many varieties were rotting there in pieces.

    One Abyss got its head split open, one other had its core pierced, one got bisected.

    The spurt of blood splashed the surrounding capsules and blocked the light.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    And then, what surprised Lux the most wasn¡¯t that a single girl accomplished that alone, but how he didn¡¯t notice that she was there.

    She was erasing her presence, slipped into darkness, and waited for the time when the enemy approached.

    If Lux was actually the girl¡¯s target, then his head would have fly already right now.

    ¡¸Mishis V Xfer¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who noticed her existence reflexively raised his voice.

    The silent maid who guarded the Lord with will of steel.

    Her hair was blue like Krulcifer. Right now she was wearing pilot suit instead of maid uniform.

    Blood of Abyss was scattered at the surrounding, but not a single speck of blood could be seen on her and the Drag-Ride she was wearing.

    ¡¸Also, that Drag-Ride©¤©¤¡¹

    The thick armor of ultramarine color she was wearing.

    Lux gazed at wonderment at that familiar form.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Azi Dahaka. It was once destroyed by you, but with the liberation of all the Ruins, it finally could be recreated.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hayes who was acting as arms dealer lent a Divine Drag-Ride to Balzeride. It seemed that Drag-Ride was originally Mishis¡¯s.

    Since then, Mishis who was the Lord¡¯s trump card had never acted. So the reason was because she was waiting until Azi Dahaka could be recreated to full power.

    But, for the girl to take action like this¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Both of you, please move away. The enemy is coming.¡¹

    Mishis muttered that. The side of her face had several geometrical patterns surfacing with faint radiance.

    Full Connect.

    The special mode that was only usable for Key¡¯s Supervisor like Krulcifer or Soffice, with their Drag-Ride aptitude that was of the highest class. But it should also put a lot of burden to the body, and yet Mishis used it right from the start.

    She slowly took a stance with her Halberd and glared quietly to the plant¡¯s entrance.

    Right after that, several anchors flew out with twisting path from that darkness.

    ¡¸Typhon¡¯s Pile Anchor©¤©¤so the vanguard is Philuffy Aingram.¡¹

    Mishis wasn¡¯t agitated even against surprise attack from long range.

    She dodged the tip of the wire chain that approached like a bullet and then charged forward with her Halberd raised.

    ¡¸So the wire¡¯s aim isn¡¯t me, but the structure behind?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Mishis spoke dispassionately. Just as she predicted, the Pile Anchor dug into the capsule behind Mishis and then it got pulled back in high speed.

    Mishis who was in between had her back exposed to the surprise attack of a capsule that was pulled from behind but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸One is attacking from the front and back, then that means the other one will attack in different timing©¤©¤or will it be from above, right, or left?¡¹

    Celis who appeared exactly at that timing above Mishis using Divine Gate frowned in vigilance.

    Even though this was the first time Mishis watched the cooperation of Celis and Philuffy, she instantly saw through their tactic.

    ¡¸How are you going to defend after knowing that?¡¹

    But, even so Celis didn¡¯t hesitate and lunged to diagonally below with Lightning Lance from the air.

    From Mishis¡¯s view point, it was a thrust to below from the air in front of her.

    Several Pile Anchors were fired from the front to behind her, and from there an object was pulled to attack her back.

    So to speak, it was a pincer attack from front and back.

    Furthermore several wires were passing right beside Mishis¡¯s armor. They became obstacles that prevented her to move to left, right, up, or down.

    It was a splendid tactic that synchronized the Divine Raiment of the two.

    When the sure kill pincer attack that astonished even Lux was going to land, at that time©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, you two made a mistake.¡¹

    Mishis muttered. The right armored arm that was holding her weapon was swung with all her strength. First her Halberd stabbed the capsule approaching her from behind.

    At the same time, Celis¡¯s Lance thrust from the front was blocked by Azi Dahaka¡¯s full power barrier.

    It was just for a moment, but the lance down thrust that was unleashed from midair was stopped. In that interval the Halberd that got a capsule skewered on it was swung down vertically from behind.

    In other words, the skewered capsule was struck down to the lance at the front and the thrust was repelled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Within that moment that lasted less than an instant, a precise offense and defense that was like superhuman feat was exchanged.

    ¡¸She blocked that cooperation attack in that situation©¤©¤¡¹

    Even Lux thought that it was a coordination attack that seemed impossible to dodge without using Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Mishis cut her way through with the shortest and best action without even a twitch of her eyebrow.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! Those two are in danger¡­¡­!¡¹

    But, Aeril beside him gritted her teeth with a voice tone that was lowered extremely low.

    Lux was perplexed in incomprehension of what she meant, but when his gaze returned to the battle of Celis and Philuffy, that question was immediately cleared.

    At the same time Zahhak gripped its Breath Whip and stretched the whip¡¯s tip to outside the door.

    ¡¸Then, it¡¯s over with this. ©¤©¤AvestaThousand Sorcery¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh!?¡¹

    Right after Mishis repelled Celis¡¯s Lance with her Halberd, Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor shined dazzlingly and its Divine Raiment was activated.

    Azi Dahaka¡¯s Divine Raiment, Avesta was an atrocious ability that would absorb the energy of other Drag-Ride, furthermore it would also stole their Divine Raiment.

    Celis wasn¡¯t present in the fight against Balzeride, she had heard the story from Lux and others.

    Thus, when average Drag-Knight would immediately retreat to avoid having their Drag-Ride stolen, Celis instead chose the opposite option.

    The moment her Lance was parried by the Halberd from above to below, she quickly rotated her Lance once with that momentum©¤©¤and took a stance once more. This time she didn¡¯t stab her Lance directly, but fired electricity from that tip.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤Lighting Flash!¡¹

    The electric attack of Lightning Lance could be fired until medium distance.

    Furthermore the electric attack was impossible to block even by barrier, on top of that against Mishis who was in Full Connect with her Drag-Ride, the damage would be amplified instead.

    While it was just right after their sure kill coordination got blocked, Celis immediately executed the best option in a flash. It was possible thanks to Celis¡¯s extremely polished tactical thinking©¤©¤¡ºManeuver Tactic Book¡». (TN: Embarrassingly, I forgot the name that I used for it last time this was mentioned, if anyone can remind me what it was? Tehe)

    On the other hand, Philuffy whose attack was avoided was also taking the stance of further attack.

    Typhon skated like a bullet. It approached Mishis in a stance where its right arm was pulled back.

    Its left hand was focusing energy of Biting Burst with the intention to blow up the enemy right when the hand grasped.

    It was a certain death checkmate once more by the two.

    Right after the lightning of Lightning Flash reached, Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor rocked back.

    ¡¸¡­¡­They did it!¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤wrong!¡¹

    Lux reflexively raised his voice, but beside him Aeril¡¯s lips trembled.

    Lux was perplexed in incomprehension. But then that sight entered his eyes.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤what happened!?¡¹

    ¡¸The attack, from the front¡­¡­?¡¹

    The armor part that was directly hit by lightning hit Lindwurm directly like buckshot. Next Tyhpon¡¯s sight was also blinded.

    In addition shockwave of lapis lazuli color also surged from there which hit Celis and Philuffy respectively.

    Although it didn¡¯t give considerable damage, their movement was definitely halted from attacking further.

    In a glance, it was similar with Break Purge where a part of the armor was taken off voluntarily, but something was different.

    ¡¸It¡¯s Azi Dahaka¡¯s special armament¡­¡­ReflectorCrawling Out Impurity. When the armor received attack, it will automatically fired shockwave and armor shell in counterattack to the enemy and the surrounding. The movement of the two is sealed by that¡­¡­!¡¹

    There were two cannons mounted on both its shoulders, the Devil¡¯s GlowJaw of Double-Head, and after it there was one more special armament.

    It seemed Balzeride didn¡¯t use it because he was inexperienced, but due to that special armament, it automatically counterattacked and stopped the attack of the two.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You made the best judgment, splendid. But you two has unknowingly violated the greatest prohibition. It¡¯s hopeless for Drag-Knight to fight me.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? This is, this Divine Raiment©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Strength, is leaving, ku¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis and Philuffy weren¡¯t even touched by Mishis¡¯s Azi Dahaka.

    They were wary of having their Divine Raiment stolen and took distance of several ml away.

    But regardless of that, their Drag-Ride¡¯s energy was stolen with terrifying speed.

    Also before the two could put up countermeasure, Mishis moved.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Azi Dahaka swung its Halberd with the fastest driving force, striking the head of Celis¡¯s Lindwurm.

    Celis barely defended using her Lance, but at that moment, the light territory of Divine Gate that was deployed at the area was erased.

    ¡¸Great reaction speed. But, it¡¯s tragic. In front I who possess the nickname of Anti Drag-Knight©¤©¤Divine Gate.¡¹

    Right after Mishis stole the Divine Raiment from Celis¡¯s Lindwurm, she activated it without delay and Azi Dahaka moved instantly.

    The appearance location was right behind Philuffy. At that instant when Mishis used her Halberd to mow down, Philuffy¡¯s back spinning kick exploded into action.

    Philuffy¡¯s instinct could even predict the appearance location of Celis¡¯s Divine Gate when they fought in the mock battle at the past. Her counterattack hit.

    Mishis was blown away until the wall of the plant while she stared at her own hand with a serious face.

    ¡¸I feel nothing but admiration. A human that isn¡¯t even a Lord or a Key¡¯s Supervisor is able to heighten one¡¯s strength this far©¤©¤it¡¯s unfortunate that I have to kill the two of you even then.¡¹

    Even though she received a kicking counterattack, she blocked it firmly with her left hand.

    No, it wasn¡¯t just a guard.

    It wasn¡¯t defending, but stealing.

    The Divine Raiment of Philuffy¡¯s Typhon©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Missing Faith¡¹

    Lux held his breath with a taken aback look. At that time, jet black wave was unleashed from Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor.

    It was a Divine Raiment of neutralization that was mighty without equal, neutralizing the Divine Raiment of everyone other than oneself, while at the same time downing the output of the Drag-Rides in the surrounding.

    The first effect didn¡¯t work because the Divine Raiment of the two had been stolen, but because they got hit by that while in the middle of energy absorption from Avesta, their movement was almost completely sealed.

    No matter how much exceptional combat strength Celis and Philuffy boasted, they were powerless if the Drag-Ride itself didn¡¯t work.

    Thus, the two were completely shut out by the ability of Drag-Ride killer that the current Mishis possessed.

    ¡¸Then, adieu.¡¹

    She bowed appropriately for a maid, and right after that the armored arm that was holding the Halberd was swung.

    The Halberd was accurately striking toward the shoulder where the Force Core that was the moving power of Drag-Ride was located.

    ¡¸Ku, aah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lu¡­¡­chan¡¹

    With that the Drag-Rides of the two were suspended and their armor was dispelled.

    Celis and Philuffy who used up their strength staggered and fell prostrated on the plant¡¯s cold floor.

    The two powerful fighters who were equal even against Seven Dragon Paladins were defeated in the blink of eye.

    This is, the Lords¡¯ strongest fighting force¡­¡­!]

    Lux who witnessed that could only gasp in amazement.

    The strength of Mishis who was wearing Azi Dahaka might be equal against Yoruka©¤©¤no, against Singlen in full power.

    (Rather than that, this is bad¡­¡­)

    Right now while Lux was pretending to be in the position of siding with the Lords, there was no way he could save Celis and Philuffy.

    But, if he challenged Mishis here, Celis and Philuffy would be killed.

    He had to somehow stop only that from happening no matter what.

    Even if his secret agreement with Aeril would come into nothing and he had t die by the electric shock of the Wedge.

    Even if like that the two of them couldn¡¯t be saved in the end©¤©¤he absolutely couldn¡¯t overlook this without doing anything.

    The instant Lux resolved himself like that, he strongly grasped Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    Even if Aeril stopped him once more, he was resolved to shake her off with all his might©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Wait! Mishis!¡¹

    Just before Lux moved, Aeril raised her voice.

    Mishis stopped her arm in respond to her master¡¯s voice, and turned her emotionless face this way.

    ¡¸What could it be, your highness Aeril? They are the last threat standing in my lord¡¯s way. We also have enough hostages, I judge that we should deal with them here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºYes©¤©¤that¡¯s right. I only recognized Lux to be your servant. No matter how tolerant you are toward other people, I won¡¯t allow you to act too far.¡»

    When Mishis looked up to the plant¡¯s ceiling, Listelka¡¯s voice immediately descended.

    As expected she was linked with Avalon¡¯s system and monitored this place even now.

    Most likely Listelka considered this reaction of Aeril when she sent Mishis here.

    She wasn¡¯t thinking so far that Aeril would abandon her own mission and joined hand with Lux and others, but at the very least she suspected that Aeril might be merciful to Lux¡¯s comrades.

    Listelka was manufacturing this situation to measure Aeril¡¯s true intention, how she would act as Lord right now.

    But, Aeril silently shook her head and rejected Listelka¡¯s words.

    ¡¸Of course I understand that. What I¡¯m going to say is another matter. If it¡¯s Listelka-neesama, then surely you have noticed it already.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­? This reaction, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡»

    The moment Listelka murmured so, the whole room of Abyss¡¯s plant shook intensely.

    Lux was taken aback and held his breath, at that time the center of the floor broke apart and flame overflowed out.

    Several fire arrows that flew from there grazed Aeril¡¯s side and blood spurted out.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-, ku!?¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril!?¡¹

    Lux immediately called out to her while glaring at the appearing enemy.

    A petite girl wearing a tidy dress©¤©¤no, it was a pitch black presence that contained bottomless evil omen.

    As long as Avalon wasn¡¯t stopped, the last Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse would resurrect no matter how many times. Now it appeared in this place.

    Regarding this, even the Lord was unable to control it at the current stage.

    This was one of the reasons why Listelka was mostly staying in the airborne ship©¤©¤Heaven Palace without descending to the old castle.

    (But, this situation is excessively bad!)

    It was nice that Mishis¡¯s attention was diverted, but Sacred Eclipse would attack them without discrimination, but he also couldn¡¯t leave from this place while leaving behind the collapsed Celis and Philuffy.

    ¡¸Mishis! Buy us time while we are escaping! We will search for the portal to return to the old castle right now!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­©¤©¤Understood.¡¹

    When Aeril said that, Mishis readied her Halberd and confronted Sacred Eclipse.

    On the other hand Lux was going to move to rescue Celis and Philuffy, but Aeril stopped him from the side.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, don¡¯t do anything!¡¹

    He thought that she was telling him to abandon them, but right after that, the sound of slicing wind came from the plant¡¯s door.

    Two Drag-Knights appeared from there, LIzsharte and Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!? Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    The moment he saw the two of them wearing Tiamat and Fafnir respectively, Lux raised his voice spontaneously.

    ¡¸What kind of situation this is!?¡¹

    Lisha who entered the room frowned when she saw the inside of the plant that was turned into chaos.

    On the other hand, Krulcifer calmly looked at the situation.

    The choker of Wedge on Lux¡¯s neck. How he was standing beside Aeril. The trace of battle by Celis and Philuffy.

    And then, the figure of Mishis who was wearing Azi Dahaka, the Divine Drag-Ride that she once fought by fate.

    In addition the figure of Sacred Eclipse that Mishis was confronting too©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It seems, it¡¯s a situation that is not so simple. But, I can imagine it more or less.¡¹

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter! We¡¯ve got to collect those two quickly and take Lux back©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please listen to me calmly. Most likely we are unable to rescue Lux-kun right now. The best action for us to take is to take Celis-senpai and Philuffy and retreat from here. Get out from this surface level floor and escape from the old castle.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be stupid! If we let go of this chance, Lux will¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lisha was about to talk emotionally, but she faltered seeing Krulcifer¡¯s serious gaze.

    For her, she also wanted to save Lux more than anyone just like Lisha.

    But, the girl who was always calm and collected had cold sweat flowing from her forehead while biting her lips. Lisha guessed the severity of situation from seeing Krulcifer¡¯s tense state.

    That this situation was containing danger that surpassed their imagination.

    Not to mention making a miss, even just making slightly worse choice would checkmate them into the ¡ºworst case¡».

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it. Looks like I let the blood rose into my head slightly. Lux will need to wait for a bit more.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it will only for a bit. We will take him without fail.¡¹

    After responding shortly like that, the two exploded into action.

    Krulcifer picked up Celis, while Lisha carried Philuffy. Without pause the two of them escaped in full speed.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t pay attention to them! We have to achieve our own objective!¡¹

    Lux nodded shortly and followed Aeril¡¯s instruction.

    (Lisha-sama, Krulcifer-san¡­¡­. Philuffy, Celis-senpai©¤©¤)

    The girl came here by risking their life to save him. But right now he parted from them with flood of emotions within him.

    The Sacred Eclipse that was letting out shuddering scream, and Mishis¡¯s Azi Dahaka that was facing it.

    With the reverberation of their intense battle sound behind, Lux and Aeril headed even deeper to the surface floor level.

    The presences of his dear classmates held him back, even so he acted to fight against reality.

 Volume 13 - CH 4

    ¨C

    *Gogon¡­¡­gogon¡­¡­*. Such strange vibration sound was resounding intermittently.

    In the sky far above the old castle.

    In the control room of the airborne ship that was called Heaven Palace, the Lord¡¯s first imperial princess, Listelka was sitting on the chair with her eyes closed.

    The crown on her head was connected with countless cords, forming a system for linking her consciousness with Avalon.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuu. So those girls cannot be finished off.¡¹

    Listelka sighed before getting down from her personal chair.

    A blatant disappointment was unusually surfacing on her expression.

    Through Baptism, she obtained the ability to be connected with the mechanism of Avalon, but the time of her being able to connect and interfere with the system wasn¡¯t long.

    The burden was far larger compared to wearing Drag-Knight.

    Thus, attacking hostile or observing Aeril weren¡¯t something that she could do anytime easily.

    That was how painful the failure of dealing with Lisha and others even after she had played her greatest card©¤©¤Mishis.

    ¡¸They have strong luck to escape trouble.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, though it¡¯s just as expected from people who had accomplished the capture of the Ruins until now.¡¹

    Listelka nodded briefly to Fugil who was standing by beside her.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s have Mishis go back for the time being after the Sacred Eclipse is defeated. I have faith in Fugil¡¯s skill, but the great task will continue after a short rest, so I wish to increase the guard as much as possible.¡¹

    ¡¸As you wish, my lord.¡¹

    ¡¸Geez, you are stiff like usual. Even though I¡¯m always telling you it¡¯s fine to call my name without honorific.¡¹

    Listelka sulked along with a jesting gesture.

    If there was a third person watching from the side, they would clearly see that there was an emotion there that surpassed a mere relationship of a master and a servant.

    Listelka was still not convinced whether Aeril would betray her or not.

    But©¤©¤at the same time Aeril also didn¡¯t know about her elder sister¡¯s terrifying scheme.

    The true reason why Lux and Aeril were ordered to capture Avalon.

    That they were imposed with the role to open the door of hell.

    ¡¸Also, there is a messenger from the remnant of Dragon Marauder. It looks like there is movement from the leaders of the countries. They will soon arrives here.¡¹

    ¡¸That is the best news. It looks like the second group of Shadows is effective.¡¹

    The war declaration that Listelka sent to all the countries.

    The enemy side thought that it was a diversion to avert their focus from capturing Avalon and ignored it, but it actually caused them to be unable to ssee through the second plan that Listelka executed.

    At first the Shadows only mimicked Listelka¡¯s appearance and only endlessly preached about the failure of the current rulers, but after that, they transformed into drama type.

    In new kingdom, the realization of the plan was in the shape of some Shadows turning into commoners who criticized Queen Raffi who wasn¡¯t going to the abandoned capital, and then some other Shadows transformed into soldiers who killed those Shadow commoners under the pretext of subjugation.

    Because that drama was performed without questioning day or night, the people of each country misunderstood and agitation and terror ran among them.

    From the beginning, Listelka¡¯s scheme had two stages.

    Thus, the world alliance finally couldn¡¯t stay quiet and they were forced to go for negotiation.

    In order to invest all their force leaving behind only their guard, to quickly kill the Lord.

    But©¤©¤the leaders of each country starting from Queen Raffi didn¡¯t know.

    That such thing was exactly the worst trap that Listelka prepared.

    She was already laying her hand on the forbidden box sleeping at the deepest part of Avalon¡¯s surface level floor.

    The preparation in order to rule the world was steadily put in order.

    ¨C

    On the other hand around that time©¤©¤, in the chapel inside the old castle.

    The members of Seven Dragon Paladins other than Lux who also got the Wedge put on their neck, the six of them were confined together there.

    Thanks to Aeril¡¯s management, their environment was improved somewhat, but it was still hard to say that the environment was really good.

    Although they were all in one room, they were fellow foreigner, so normally they weren¡¯t really that involved with each other, but because they got too much free time, they amused themselves by chatting.

    ¡¸But, the more I think about it, the more I don¡¯t get it. Is there still any reason for them to keep us alive? Isn¡¯t it better to kill us quickly without using us as hostage or whatever?¡¹

    ¡¸You are sharp like usual despite being only a little brat yeah. Normally will a prisoner talk about something like that huh?¡¹

    Greifer spat out with exasperation in respond to Mel who was murmuring calmly.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t treat me like a kid just because you are a bit older than me. I am formally appointed into the seat of Ymir Theocracy¡¯s representative. You yourself, even though normally you always act slovenly without any motivation.¡¹

    ¡¸Quarrel isn¡¯t good. The enemy will take advantage of it if we are doing something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t wanna hear that from you!¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t want to hear that from you-!¡¹

    Soffice spoke to the two of them with a blank face, but in respond Greifer and Mel retorted simultaneously.

    And then further beside them, the red haired Rosa leaked out an exasperated sigh.

    ¡¸So you guys felt composed enough to amuse yourself with nonsense talk noow? But certainly it¡¯s strange isn¡¯t iit. Even if we more or less have value as hostage, it¡¯s too dangerous to leave us alive like this.¡¹

    Rosa muttered with a fearless gaze. In respond Magialca who was sitting at the back of the room grinned widely.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. Perhaps I¡¯ll teach you all as the captain.¡¹

    She stretched her small and lean body with a jerk, and then she performed light calisthenics with her arms and feet still shackled while speaking.

    ¡¸The first reason is to use us as trump card toward the remaining world alliance¡¯s force. The people taking command of the expeditionary force in the abandoned capital Guernica are most likely my aide Lolotte, and then Signlen¡¯s aide Zweigbergk. Well, they aren¡¯t that serious of a threat so the Lord doesn¡¯t use us actively to threaten them, but when the critical moment come, we can be used as hostage against those two. In that sense there is some value of letting us live.¡¹

    ¡¸That talk make it sounds like all of us here got no worth at all eh.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a sad thing but, it¡¯s exactly as you said.¡¹

    Greifer let out a voice that exchanged joke, which Magialca responded with a jest.

    ¡¸Even though you all are Drag-Knights who are called as the trump card of your respective country, as expected they won¡¯t exchange the head of their kings for you, correct?¡¹

    ¡¸What a harsh story of the world. Though I think it¡¯s only natural.¡¹

    Mel let out a sigh of exasperation. Beside her Rosa sent a glance at Magialca.

    ¡¸And, what is the real truth theen? It will be easier if you just say it straight without prolonging it though?¡¹

    ¡¸You there, you are really impudent in that mode huh. Well fine, it¡¯s a simple story. Those guys are lacking combat force. If possible they want us to serve under them.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Everyone who heard Magialca¡¯s words showed bewilderment.

    ¡¸You mean they are trying to spend time persuading us? After destroying our country that is.¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot say that the possibility is zero. But, my prediction is different.¡¹

    Magialca bared an obscene grin as though she was scheming something bad and then she talked about it.

    ¡¸This is only my speculation but, most likely in the deepest part of Avalon©¤©¤if they reached until the central, won¡¯t it even become possible to completely brainwash us?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Everyone once more held their breath and their complexion changed.

    It was only Singlen who didn¡¯t say even a single word and merely smiled.

    ¡¸Wait a second! Brainwash you say, no way it can be that easily©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It won¡¯t be that simple you say? Can we say that after our perception got completely changed by the ability of that second imperial princess called Aeril, when in the end we got tricked and imprisoned like this?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca cut off Mel¡¯s objection and spoke cynically.

    Beside her Soffice nodded with brazenness.

    ¡¸That possibility might be high. The Lords surely has no intention to trust us.¡¹

    ¡¸But, if that¡¯s the case that means we also have option don¡¯t you think?¡¹

    Magialca added with a tone that was containing implication. Rosa tilted her head with doubtful face hearing that.

    ¡¸What do you meaan?¡¹

    ¡¸You want to say that it will be fine if we all suicide together right? This damn fiend.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    Singlen who was staying quiet until now suddenly spoke. The words that he spat out caused everyone other than Magialca to have forbidding look.

    ¡¸Is that really surprising? It¡¯s the obvious thing. Even if we stay here, sooner or later we will be used or remade into tool. Then severing our own life and erase our value as hostage is the logical judgment.¡¹

    The Wedge would discharge electricity if they tried to remove it, but if they did it by themselves three times, the power would be automatically increased until lethal level, so it would be easy to suicide.

    ¡¸Hohou. Then you can do it first. Now do it! Show them the example as the vice captain!¡¹

    Magialca supported that suggestion with her all, but Singlen scoffed.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, there is no way I will follow your wish. Either way if it become like that then it¡¯s the same like getting murdered. If it will result in death either way, then it is human to bet in the possibility of hope, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸When it¡¯s you who talk about hope, it sounds really fishy yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer turned a fixed stare at Singlen¡¯s calm proposition.

    ¡¸In other words, it all depend on Onii-chan isn¡¯t it? Whether we can break through this situation or not will be©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel reached the answer after listening to that exchange.

    In the end they could only bet on Lux who was chosen by Aeril and who was the only one among them to obtain half a freedom.

    Right now they could only sit quietly here believing on that.

    ¡¸In the end there ain¡¯t anyone who decide to suicide huh.¡¹

    Greifer who saw everyone¡¯s state muttered that with a wry smile.

    In other words everyone here was hanging their hope on Lux.

    That he would overturn this situation and saved the world as the central figure of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­-!¡¹

    On the other hand around that time©¤©¤underground the old castle in the abandoned capital Guernica.

    A few minutes after Celis and Philuffy were defeated by Mishis, the Sacred Eclipse appeared, and then parting with Lisha and Krulcifer who came in pursuit.

    Lux and Aeril who left behind the Abyss¡¯s plant in the surface level floor continued their search in order to discover the portal to return to the old castle.

    But, there was also no way they could take a breather in the passage where Abysses were prowling in swarms. Since then they fought countless Abysses while wandering underground that was like a maze.

    The more Lux looked at the interior of Avalon, the more he thought that it was a mysterious structure.

    In a glance, it had atmosphere that was like an ancient underground passage, but on the other side of that crumbling wall he could see silver colored wall surface that was glowing faintly.

    Furthermore inside several small rooms and spaces that they found midway, they saw spaces that were modeled after a great variety of shapes he had seen existing inside other Ruins until now.

    Forest, river, or even desert.

    If not for his current position and situation, he would stop unconsciously and stare at the sight.

    ¡¸Aeril, are you okay? That wound, we have to treat it first somewhere©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, just this much is okay. More importantly, we finally got away from the monitoring. Let¡¯s advance as much as we can for now.¡¹

    Aeril acted strong even though her breathing was rough. She hurried ahead wearing Zahhak.

    But, midway she finally fell on her knee and her armor was dispelled.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t force yourself! Let¡¯s rest for a bit, if there is a room nearby somewhere©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Sor, ry¡­¡­¡¹

    After Aeril said that with a gasping breath, Lux held her and he started searching for a small room.

    But, Aeril shook her head and stopped him.

    ¡¸Because, I don¡¯t want to get found out¡­¡­. Perhaps right now, the possibility is high that we aren¡¯t being eavesdropped anymore©¤©¤if my conversation with you, is known by Nee-san it will be bad.¡¹

    ¡¸I get it. Wait just for a bit more!¡¹

    Lux laid down Aeril¡¯s body on the passage¡¯s floor, then he scooped up water from the nearby room©¤©¤a place with a terrain that was modeled like a valley.

    ¡¸Nn, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux hurriedly returned to the corridor, Aeril¡¯s eyes were closed while she was letting out feverish breath.

    Was she fainted because her string of tension snapped from the extreme fatigue?

    Lux reached out his hand to her pilot suit to treat her side that was cut.

    He was reluctant to strip the clothes of a sleeping girl, but with the situation as it was he had no other choice.

    ¡¸Sorry, Aeril.¡¹

    He only stripped off the upper part of the pilot suit that was the only thing covering her, then he laid her down face up on a towel that he spread on the floor.

    The radiant naked body even in the darkness caused Lux¡¯s eyes to be glued on it.

    He saw her back completely when he was staying in the same room with her in Vanheim Principality, but this time he felt like her sensuality was increasing even more than that time.

    Perhaps it was because the girl¡¯s magic that was faking her own existence had been dispelled.

    Or perhaps it was because Lux was starting to get conscious of Aeril¡¯s own existence itself?

    ¡¸Nn, Lux¡­¡­kun¡¹

    Aeril whose eyes were still closed was moving her right hand around with pained gasp.

    ¡¸It¡¯s all right, Aeril.¡¹

    Lux naturally took that hand and calmed her breathing. She then continued to sleep.

    ¨C

    It wasn¡¯t a dream, but a recollection.

    She was recalling in reality, the past of more than several hundred years ago where even the memory itself was fading faintly.

    The second imperial princess, Aeril Vi Arcadia was there from the start as an imperial princess.

    Her first memory was only that.

    The Holy Arcadia Empire that was established as this world¡¯s legitimate ruler.

    She received kind treatment as an existence who was above the cloud©¤©¤no, in the territory of god.

    She was treated like that as though it was only obvious by her parents who were the country¡¯s sovereign, her relatives, and then also by her educators and servants.

    She started harboring doubt when she was around seven years old.

    It was when she was reading a book and got interested to the word ¡ºfriend¡».

    Aeril who was a tomboy in the past secretly sneaked out of the castle and when out. There she encountered a young boy around the castle.

    A young boy with similar silver hair and grey eyes like her.

    She said that her parents were working near the castle, so she came here to see.

    ¡¸What, so you are a girl. I thought you are a man?¡¹

    ¡¸Geez, that¡¯s rude.¡¹

    Aeril who had androgynous atmosphere since that time hid her standing and talked with that boy several times.

    Each time they deepened their relationship, played, and spent time together.

    But, the boy wasn¡¯t a royalty or noble but a person of lower class.

    The Lord©¤©¤Arcadia clan joined hand with Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer and conquered over the world with a certain technology, ruling over the world.

    But, even then a disparity was created within their own clan and it was spreading.

    A certain researcher created a secret medicine called Elixir.

    In addition was Baptism to apply Elixir to the flesh body and strengthened it.

    That power was too amazing, but at the same time it split the current human race into two.

    The production amount of Elixir was few, but it was possible to obtain powerful strength if the body could adapt to it through Baptism.

    Even more outstanding existence could be created artificially.

    They could monopolize since birth not just fortune, but even talent.

    The blood relative who received that blessing was human of upper class©¤©¤, all other than them were human of lower class. Like that the Lord was split into two.

    Many months and years passed, the upper class that was becoming arrogant changed the structure to gather even more Elixir for themselves.

    That was exactly the cause of the collapse.

    It was the moment when the existence of the family of traitor appeared inside the Holy Arcadia Empire that ruled the world.

    And then©¤©¤Aeril¡¯s fate was also moving from there.

    The revolution occurred eight years after that.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Tsuu-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Aeril felt pain and opened her eyes.

    When she looked, she was laying down on a simple bed that seemed to be carried out from a safe zone without her knowing.

    Lux was sitting on a chair beside her.

    A bandage was wrapped on the wound on her side and she was laid on the bed upside down.

    ¡¸Ah, you wake up. It looks like your bleeding stopped, but it will be better to not move for a while you know? There is also the burn injury©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril powerlessly nodded hearing Lux telling her that.

    ¡¸It seemed you had a nightmare but, did your wound feel painful?¡¹

    ¡¸My old wound, just for a bit. It was eight years ago already©¤©¤no, it was a matter of several hundred years ago though¡­¡­¡¹

    But, there was no other old wound on Aeril¡¯s body that was standing out.

    Lux wondered if perhaps she was referring to an old wound in her heart rather than her body.

    ¡¸Did, something happen?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril hesitated toward Lux¡¯s question, and before long she formed her words with a small voice.

    ¡¸Hey, why did Lux-kun treat my wound?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux asked back in bewilderment at that sudden question.

    ¡¸Your Wedge won¡¯t shock you just because you don¡¯t help me. It should be fine even if you just left me alone. No, I even exposed your comrades to danger, so why©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril asked like that with an expression that looked gloomy.

    ¡¸Is it because you will be troubled that you won¡¯t be able to move if I die? Or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Err, I don¡¯t really understand myself.¡¹

    Lux who heard her words showed a troubled smile and stared on Aeril.

    In respond Aeril¡¯s eyes turned round in puzzlement.

    ¡¸But perhaps, it was because I thought that maybe Aeril helped us. Before this you predicted that Sacred Eclipse¡¯s position was near us. That was why, perhaps you spread Zahhak¡¯s whip around and searched for the Sacred Eclipse, and then lured it there, in order to change that situation.¡¹

    If he thought like that, then the reason why Aeril got hit by Sacred Eclipse¡¯s attack at the beginning would also get explained.

    Furthermore thanks to that, it also became natural to ask for help from Mishis.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril fell silent at what Lux pointed out.

    In other words, what he said was correct.

    She was trying to save Celis and Philuffy even though they were enemy.

    She paid meticulous attention so that Listelka and Mishis wouldn¡¯t suspect her and helped them out even though she had to brave danger.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, just Lux-kun¡¯s wild idea right? You didn¡¯t actually see me doing such thing, and there is no proof at all. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸I guess.¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s words sounded sulking, but Lux replied while playing the fool.

    ¡¸But, that¡¯s fine. Because©¤©¤I believe like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing such Lux, Aeril suddenly raised a depressed voice.

    ¡¸Why is Lux-kun like that? Do you believe in people that much?¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril?¡¹

    ¡¸I, I cannot do that. Whether it¡¯s believing in someone, or throwing away my own position. Isn¡¯t imperial family, something like that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hesitated to say something toward Aeril¡¯s words that were filled with indecision.

    ¡¸How was, Lux-kun able to destroy the old empire? Even if the revolution succeeded, there is no way everyone will praise Lux-kun. No, far from that, you might even get resented unjustly and killed by the people, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s because, I met a person who saved someone like me.¡¹

    Lux quickly answered Aeril¡¯s question like that.

    When he was a child, Lux¡¯s grandfather admonished the emperor. Lux and his family received unjustified resentment due to that and they were banished from the imperial court.

    When his mother who became seriously injured due to a coach accident was abandoned by the common people, Lux cursed the whole world. At that time, Philuffy came to meet him.

    Lux who got back on his feet because someone was there to be his ally aimed to create a country where Airi and Philuffy and others could live peacefully. He tried to change the country with every means available.

    ¡¸That was why I was thinking about what I could do as an imperial family. When I was a child, I was a puppet who only obeyed what my father¡­¡­the emperor said. But, I became unable to endure that. Nothing will change if I don¡¯t start taking action from myself, I won¡¯t be able to obtain what I want. Because I thought that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see. As I thought, Lux-kun is strong.¡¹

    Aeril who listened to Lux¡¯s words sent him a bright smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. It¡¯s thanks to everyone.¡¹

    ¡¸No. That¡¯s it.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You being able to become friend with various people like that, is something amazing.¡¹

    After Aeril told him that, Lux pondered for a moment before returning a smile.

    ¡¸Then that¡¯s great. I can also become friend with Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril was spontaneously dumbfounded by the words that came from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    She reflexively covered her face with her hand to hide her blushing cheeks and averted her face away.

    ¡¸Geez, really just what are you thinking, making that kind of surprise attack¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What¡¯s wrong, Aeril?¡¹

    ¡¸No, nothing! More importantly, let¡¯s go soon. We still haven¡¯t accomplish our objective.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Ah, but, that¡¯s. Before that, if you don¡¯t wear your pilot suit properly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸U, WAAAAAH!? Don¡¯t look over here-! Lux-kun you pervert!¡¹

    Because she lifted up her body quickly, Aeril¡¯s upper body became exposed and Lux reflexively averted his gaze.

    Strictly speaking he already got a clear view, but he didn¡¯t say it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Say? I want to ask instead though, why is Aeril trying to save us?¡¹

    A few minutes after they resumed their search, Lux was driving Wyvern and Aeril was driving EX Wyvern while investigating the underground maze of the surface level floor.

    When Lux asked in the middle of that, Aeril hesitated to say.

    ¡¸What? Are you trying to varnish over the matter just now, when you were staring hard at me naked?¡¹

    ¡¸I wasn¡¯t staring hard or anything like that I¡¯m telling you-!? I was only taking off the suit to treat your wound!¡¹

    Aeril retorted with a reproachful glare while looking slightly embarrassed. Lux panicked hearing that.

    She dodged his question so he thought that she didn¡¯t want to say the reason at all, but after a while Aeril answered.

    ¡¸It might be just for deceiving you, so it will be useless even if you ask me that.¡¹

    ¡¸Even so that¡¯s fine for me.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril yielded against Lux¡¯s obstinacy and she formed her words.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the same like you. It¡¯s because I noticed my own sin. Our sin that we had averted our eyes from all this time©¤©¤in the first place, all of you family of traitor revolting against us also sort of justified.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Even so, once I thought that it couldn¡¯t be helped. Human is living by sacrificing something, although there is large and small difference between each people. But©¤©¤tricking and stealing even from your own comrades who are your fellow human is simply evil, and thinking that such thing is only natural is a hubris.¡¹

    Aeril made a mournful expression and smiled quietly when saying that.

    ¡¸I cannot speak about that sin, Lux-kun. If you know about it, you will surely scorn me. The truth of the past that I learned, and this fate©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux spontaneously lost his words when looking from the side at her face that was hiding resolve behind it, it was at that timing,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Perhaps it¡¯s here? This place is most likely the spot that I was told by Nee-san.¡¹

    There was a huge door in front of the two of them.

    This was the deepest part of Avalon¡¯s surface level floor, the control room for opening the door toward the deep level floor.

    If the blood of the Lord©¤©¤right now it was the blood of Aeril©¤©¤was offered here, the path to the next area could be opened.

    ¡¸But, what is this? This terrifying air that is causing my hair to stand on end©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux nodded in agreement at the words of Aeril who entered inside the control room.

    The space that was covered with metallic wall was really similar with Abyss¡¯s plant just now.

    However, there was almost no capsule here, but even so the space was too huge.

    And then above all else, a disquieting presence was drifting in the air.

    Even though there was nothing that could be seen at the front, their body rang the alarm warning them without stopping.

    Even so Aeril slowly advanced in order to accomplish her objective.

    First in a different room that could be reached through a long and narrow passage from the large control room©¤©¤there was a portal there. She activated it because it would provide a direct route to the old castle.

    With this, it became possible to return to the old castle.

    After securing the escape route, Aeril walked toward the installation at the center of the control room once more and then she lifted up her hand while still wearing her Drag-Ride.

    Then, a mechanical tone that Lux had heard several times before in Ruins was emitted.

    ¡ºLord¡¯s authentication is confirmed. By offering a certain amount of that blood, this system will be reactivated. During a total of few minutes of authentication and reboot, the Lord¡¯s mind control operation is required.¡»

    ¡¸Excellent. It looks like it will take a bit of time for the processing, but with this the path to the deep level floor will be opened. After that©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    At that time Aeril suddenly stopped talking because something interrupted her.

    Instantly Lux thought that she hurriedly closed her mouth because Listelka¡¯s monitoring was in effect.

    But, that wasn¡¯t it.

    The differently colored beautiful eyes of the second imperial princess Aeril was capturing a different sight.

    ¡¸You damned Lord¡¯s second imperial princess! Get away from Lux-!¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-sama-!?¡¹

    A chance encounter with Lisha wearing Tiamat was a natural happening in a sense.

    They were separated from each other since the encounter with Sacred Eclipse, but both sides were mutually searching this area.

    Although it was a vast and complicated underground passages that were like a maze, it was highly possible that they would encounter each other.

    ¡¸There was an unfamiliar light so I suspected it was a trap, but it looks like even the princess¡¯s instinct will be on the spot sometimes.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean sometimes!? You make it sound like I¡¯m always thinking carelessly! Putting that aside, I¡¯m taking revenge for the two here!¡¹

    Saying that, he sent a glance at Celis and Philuffy who were standing on the back.

    It seemed they couldn¡¯t wear their Drag-Ride, but they were all right to the degree they could stand and walk.

    But, Lux¡¯s relieve at the safety of the two only lasted a moment. He noticed something bad.

    It would be troubling if right now Aeril was hindered when her plan was about to progress smoothly.

    In the worst caste, he would be forced to fight against Lisha and others by Listelka¡¯s command again.

    (Then rather, I can only persuade them and buy time!)

    When Lux resolved himself so and strongly gripped his Wyvern¡¯s Blade, Krulcifer quickly walked to the front.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do it, no matter what kind of circumstance you are in right now.¡¹

    Krulcifer who wasn¡¯t wearing her armor brushed up her blue long hair and pulled out the Sword Device of Fafnir.

    Her usual cool smile wasn¡¯t there. She was capturing Lux with a gaze that was concealing a resolve within.

    ¡¸This is bad. Lux-kun! I want you to buy me time until the unlocking is over.¡¹

    Aeril muttered while a tube and a needle had already stretched out from the device that stabbed her arm and she began to offer her blood.

    After coming this far, there was no way let anyone to hinder Aeril¡¯s determination anymore.

    ¡¸Sorry. Lisha-sama, Krulcifer-san. I¡¯m begging you please withdraw.¡¹

    In order to display his own resolve, Lux also dispelled the armor of Wyvern he was wearing and lifted up his other Sword Device to the sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reincarnate. The giant dragon of calamity taken captive by riches. Become the compensation for desire far and wide, Fafnir.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon devouring the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut.¡¹

    Light particles whirled before the two of them and Drag-Rides were summoned.

    They connected at the same time and wore their armor. They silently confronted each other with their weapon at ready.

    ¡¸Oi Krulcifer. Why are you trying to go at it alone!? Are you trying to steal my showtime?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. There is a pact so no one can steal a march, but it¡¯s possible to make an appeal through battle. I¡¯ll take him back here while at the same time shooting his heart to become mine too.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-! Don¡¯t screw around! I¡¯ll also©¤©¤¡­¡­-¡¹

    Lisha flared at Krulcifer who was muttering mischievously.

    But, Lisha noticed the genuine seriousness on her expression and stopped her reaching out hand.

    ¡¸Most likely Aeril also has a circumstance that she cannot talk about. But, we too cannot possibly let go of this rare golden opportunity to rescue him. If Lux-kun who is collared cannot be rescued without defeating him, then I can only do that. Seeing as I am the only one who can move properly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Getting told that, Lux noticed that the Tiamat Lisha was wearing was showing the symptom of rampage.

    The battle of the other day. She acted recklessly in the intense battle against Dragon Marauder, and after that she went on a harsh march to rush here. Because of that Lisha¡¯s stamina was near the limit.

    Celis and Philuffy were also the same after the previous battle where their energy was stolen by Mishis.

    It was only Krulcifer who could battle Lux in this situation.

    Thus, she decided to make a desperate effort here.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t reply and stared at the faces of Lisha and others with slightly distressed expression.

    He didn¡¯t want to clash with his fellow comrades©¤©¤the people who he put his trust on in this kind of shape.

    But, most likely there was no way for him to comply with his dealing with Aeril while also persuading the girls.

    There was also the possibility that this control room was monitored by Listelka, so he also couldn¡¯t talk about the circumstance.

    If he sent transmission through the Dragon Voice, it might get exposed from the surprised reaction of Lisha and others.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to make that kind of sorrowful face. I swear I¡¯ll save you without fail.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled fearlessly as though what they were going to do was another sham battle in the Academy.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril who was still wearing her Drag-Ride could be heard gulping from far behind.

    To clear the identity confirmation and opened the gate to the deep level floor, Aeril wouldn¡¯t be able to move for a few minutes while her blood was taken.

    They couldn¡¯t escape anymore.

    Thus©¤©¤he could only fight.

    ¡¸Here I go, Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    In order to receive her feeling, lux also responded with a serious gaze.

    She readied her sniper rifle, Freezing Cannon and wind was released from Fafnir¡¯s back wings.

    In respond Lux also lifted his great sword and put his strength to it in concert.

    ©¤©¤*Kiin!*

    A streak of blue flash ran through empty air, aiming straight toward Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s first attack was nothing more than a shot of freezing bullet from the Freezing Cannon.

    But, he couldn¡¯t see her preliminary motion at all. Lux became slightly flustered.

    Her target was Bahamut¡¯s right armored arm, the joint between the shoulder and arm.

    Normally a shooting was executed through three actions, taking stance, aiming, and pulling the trigger, but her motion was too fast.

    (No, wrong. She has become even faster than before!)

    Lux barely blocked the shot with his great sword as shield. But, the flat of the blade was frozen and it became a state that he couldn¡¯t move the sword properly.

    If it was simply fast then he would be able to respond in any way.

    But, there was almost no preliminary motion even from the Drag-Ride in the attack just now.

    The way she moved in the shortest and smallest motion so that the opponent wouldn¡¯t be able to predict when the attack would come was undoubtedly something that she had practiced tens of thousands of time.

    ¡¸I can do this much even without using Full Connect. Have you gotten a slightly better opinion of me now?¡¹

    ¡¸I have never done something like underestimating Krulcifer-san, not even once.¡¹

    Lux made a troubled looking smile while gliding fast toward Krulcifer.

    He accelerated with explosive speed and swung his sword toward her shoulder.

    He made a flash using one of his hidden techniques, Quick Draw. He aimed to hit Fafnir¡¯s Force Core through the shoulder¡¯s armor and made her unable to fight with one hit.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a lie there. If you know my feeling, then you shouldn¡¯t be surprised with just this much.¡¹

    Krulcifer chuckled with a teasing smile, however she moved her Fafnir without hesitation.

    She made use of Fanir¡¯s greatest trait that was its mobility and dodged Lux¡¯s sword, then she aimed at Aeril who was standing in front of the installation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Lux quickly readied himself to attack because he couldn¡¯t allow that at all cost.

    But, Krulcifer twirled around and readied her rifle without dodging his attack.

    (©¤©¤Damn it!)

    Lux noticed late that she was baiting him.

    The Auto Shield automatically blocked Lux¡¯s great sword, and in that opening Krulcifer turned her gun muzzle toward him.

    This time she fired a precision shooting using normal bullet, but at the same time a barrier that appeared in front of Lux¡¯s eyes deflected it.

    The technique to operate the defensive barrier that he learned by imitating Singlen©¤©¤Senjin ¨C Ruten.

    Lux didn¡¯t overlook the opening when Krulcifer¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise and he turned his body to launch a flash of horizontal slash.

    But, it seemed she had anticipated that too, because the moment her bullet was deflected, she flew forward and barely dodged the pursuing attack.

    ¨C

    Lisha who was watching that from the rear felt something out of place and she murmured unconsciously.

    ¡¸Is the two of them, serious¡­¡­? But, why is she not using Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment? If she is worried about Lux¡¯s, then that¡¯s all the more reason¡­¡­¡¹

    If Krulcifer used Wise Blood¡¯s future prediction, she should be able to build quite the advantage, and yet.

    ¡¸I feel like, I understand somehow, her feeling.¡¹

    Celis who was even further behind muttered that, then Philuffy also responded with a wordless nod.

    ¡¸Perhaps¡­¡­surely, yes.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lisha tilted her head, the battle situation moved once more. Offense and defense in godspeed where there wasn¡¯t even any time to breath was resumed.

    ¨C

    Krulcifer was flying in circle around Aeril in high speed while aiming at Lux with normal bullet.

    She was taking an orbit that was drawing a circle with Lux at the center, making him unable to get a bead on her while on the contrary she was sniping at him one-sidedly.

    Lux was desperately deflecting the precise sniping, even so he wasn¡¯t leaving from Aeril¡¯s side.

    He was pouring all his strength simply for the objective of protecting her.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Normally even sniping while moving was something with high degree of difficulty, and yet Krulcifer was aiming accurately while moving in a high speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    If he tried to deflect the bullet by strengthening his barrier, she would shot at the same place consecutively and pierced through.

    If he deflected using his great sword, she would aim at his armored wrist to remove the obstacle that became shield.

    (Strong¡­¡­! But, why is it? Even though it¡¯s an offense that is this sharp, it¡¯s not scary.)

    This was an outstanding tactic and technique even compared to everything Lux had experience against until now.

    But regardless of that, Lux himself didn¡¯t feel any fear.

    Lux swung his great sword without understanding just what the reason could be.

    He swung a full power slash toward Fafnir¡¯s armored shoulder, at the same time he finally activated his Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Bahamut that performed compression and strengthening was deployed to the front in wide range.

    The very space where Krulcifer was existing was compressed and strengthened, and the speed of time there was sharply decreased.

    The flow of time was slowed until it was like the enemy was completely standing still, then during that time sword slashes would be dealt, and at the same time when the compression was dissolved, all the attacks would take effect with several times the speed. That was Lux¡¯s Violent Strike.

    This was the conquering method to breakthrough Fafnir¡¯s seven automatic shields.

    But, this time he naturally didn¡¯t aim at Krulcifer.

    Lux fixed his sight to the wrists and shoulders of Fafnir¡¯s armored arms. When he took a stance, *pishi-* a strange sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Above! Lux-kun! Something is falling!¡¹

    Lux was taken aback from Aeril¡¯s voice and he noticed the rubble falling from above him.

    That was the spot where Krulcifer sniped with her normal bullet before this.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, this was done by using future prediction!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I couldn¡¯t let you be the only one to use Divine Raiment you know?¡¹

    When Lux dodged the falling rubble, the compression strengthening was dispelled and Krulcifer moved.

    She put her gun¡¯s muzzle on Bahamut¡¯s shoulder and quickly pulled the trigger of the Freezing Cannon.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux reflexively held his breath seeing her obtaining a timing that was impossible to avoid.

    It was zero-distance shooting where the muzzle was glued on his shoulder armor.

    At that time when Krulcifer was convinced of her victory, her bullet was slightly averted.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Krulcifer noticed the abnormality an instant later and her eyes opened wide.

    Lux didn¡¯t let go of that chance and unleashed a slash, but Auto Shield blocked him.

    When he struck his sword even then, he was sent flying by the recoil and Lux escaped the danger.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really something. Just what kind of mind you have there? When I was hindered by the dropping rubble, the next moment you moved that rubble to collide on me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san yourself is amazing. I thought that was it for me.¡¹

    The two who took distance praised each other¡¯s amazing technique smilingly.

    Right after Lux deflected the rubble, Lux activated Bahamut¡¯s built-in special armament, Linker Burst and sent it flying toward Fafnir¡¯s armor.

    Thus Krulcifer¡¯s hand was thrown out of kilter by the impact and the sure kill attack missed.

    ¡¸Besides, Krulcifer-san intentionally didn¡¯t use Wise Blood in the beginning in order to avoid pointless exhaustion, and to use it only when there is a definite chance©¤©¤¡¹

    Future prediction was a useful Divine Raiment in offense and defense, but the future that could be read was limited to a certain degree. Thus it was the ironclad rule to activate it just a bit before a pinch or a chance to make advantage.

    If the user also grew stronger in normal offense and defense and in tactic, then the Wise Blood also would be even more effective when used.

    Krulcifer put that into practice proved that she had accomplished it.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hah, even though I thought that I finally caught up and even overtook her, but she won¡¯t let me win that easily huh.¡¹

    Lisha who noticed that smiled bitterly. Celis also nodded.

    ¡¸Yes, everyone has become strong. But, I also won¡¯t lose.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll also, do my best.¡¹

    At the end Philuffy also renewed her determination. It was then Krulcifer muttered slowly.

    ¡¸Unfortunately, that¡¯s only half of it. I intentionally preserved Wise Blood was because I wished to show you my strength and©¤©¤one more reason. It¡¯s in order to comprehend the true reason you fight.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Her unexpected words caused Lux to tilt his head warily.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t look like you are forcefully made to swear loyalty to that girl just because of that collar. You are seriously trying to protect her. Your concern and feeling to her are conveyed to me.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was unable to tell the truth with words. In respond to that, Krulcifer challenged Lux to a battle with all her strength in order to probe the facts.

    Now Lux noticed that she deliberately did what she did in order to surmise Lux¡¯s will.

    ¡¸You haven¡¯t changed at all. Even in such severe situation, you are paying the utmost attention so that we also won¡¯t get fatally harmed. That¡¯s really na?ve but, it¡¯s the usual you who I loves.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Hearing that, Lux¡¯s cheeks flashed red.

    The tense atmosphere of the fight instantly loosened and Lux slowly undid his fighting stance.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t explain the reason, he was believing in Aeril and protected her.

    He thought that he had conveyed to Krulcifer and others that there was something for the sake of not letting the world got destructed in his action.

    But,

    ¡¸However, you don¡¯t think that it will end with that aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s smile suddenly changed into something cold and she drew out Fafnir¡¯s Sword Device once more.

    Mind control operation in the state of wearing armor.

    Lux knew about the secret skill that she would unleash after this.

    The special mode that could only be used by the race of people with the highest Drag-Ride aptitude value©¤©¤the Key¡¯s Supervisor, the Full Connect.

    Miniscule machines would assimilate with a part of the user¡¯s flesh body, exceptionally increasing the preciseness of Drag-Ride manipulation in that state.

    She planned to activate it and challenged Lux to a duel.

    ¡¸Wai-, wait a second Krulcifer-san. If you understand my feeling, then more than this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Until the end that is only the talk in the surface. I know your feeling, but I won¡¯t give up taking you back. That¡¯s why from here on, knowing Lux-kun¡¯s position and thinking, even so I will still snatch you back without fail.¡¹

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer¡¯s proud smile, Lux too also realized her feeling.

    Even if Lux was putting his trust on Aeril, the possibility that he would be betrayed wasn¡¯t zero.

    Thus, her will to fight wouldn¡¯t bend here. She planned to express that much resolve©¤©¤no, that much emotion toward him.

    If she was unable to get a head start due to the act, she would convey her feeling and show her will through fighting.

    Receiving such feeling of Krulcifer right from the front, Lux felt that he was a happy person.

    She, all of them were needing Lux and treasured him until that much.

    ¡¸Then, I too have to convey it. That we should trust in Aeril.¡¹

    Lux also took a deep breath and took a stance with his great sword toward Krulcifer.

    At that time when they were going to resume the fight to share their feeling and expressed their wish to each other, Aeril was staring at the device¡¯s display with a pale expression.

    ¨C

    Around that time, near the old castle.

    Slightly at the front of the fortress for capturing Avalon, several hundred Drag-Knights were in battle formation.

    They were waiting for the signal of battle along with enough fighting spirit.

    ¡ºInforming the Lord, the imperial princess of Holy Arcadia Empire. We the representatives of world alliance have come in front of you all just as you wished. I wish to propose a negotiation for peace. If you release the Seven Dragon Paladins, we will consider it as your side¡¯s will to negotiate!¡»

    The one announcing that through the Dragon Voice of the Drake beside him was the prime minister of new kingdom, Nulph.

    The leaders of each country were waiting in the fortress. Nulph was entrusted with the right of command as representative.

    Reinforcement Drag-Knights with number that reached several hundred also came along with the sovereigns of the seven countries.

    Queen Raffi of the new kingdom came, guarded by four Drag-Knights using strengthened general type Drag-Ride. These four were chosen from the best among the force borrowed from the four great nobles.

    The sovereigns of other countries also gathered skilled Drag-Knights to guard them. The figure of Alterize, the butler of Einfolk house from Ymir Theocracy was also there.

    In other words, they really had gathered all their remaining battle force and came here with the resolve©¤©¤to conquer the old castle even without the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Of course, on the surface the force was to back up the peaceful negotiation to happen, but it was nothing more than a mask.

    If there was a chance, they would get a jump on the Lords and exterminated them.

    The Lord¡¯s castle that was floating in front of the old castle©¤©¤the Heaven Palace gave no reply.

    ¡ºWe will only wait for five more minutes. In case there is no reply, we will attack without mercy toward your castle that is floating in the air!¡»

    Prime Minister Nulph who sensed that used the Drag-Ride¡¯s voice amplifier function once more and announced the declaration of war.

    Due to the provocation of the Abysses called Shadow which mimicked human appearance, all the countries felt apprehensive of the people¡¯s insurrection. They finally had no choice but to take action.

    If they didn¡¯t show an action that was easy to understand like exterminating the Lords, the people might misunderstand that the Shadow¡¯s information was correct.

    And then, with the hard fighting of White Ridge knight order that was led by the aide of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Zweigbergk, and with the assistance of Lisha and others, the Abysses around the old castle were finally cleaned up.

    There was no option of letting go of this good chance.

    Thus, Prime Minister Nulph proclaimed the time limit of waiting for five minutes.

    Everyone gulped nervously while looking up to the airborne ship in the air.

    The majority of the Abysses that were the enemy army had already been taken away and they had advanced until in front of the old castle.

    The Drag-Knights¡¯ cannon muzzles glared at the Heaven Palace that was the Lord¡¯s castle. They were holding their breath waiting for the time of battle.

    It was a tense silence.

    When the hand of the clock passed three minutes, Prime Minister Nulph glared to the sky.

    He took in a deep breath to give out the signal of all-out attack. It was at that timing.

    ¡ºGood grief, at last.¡»

    It was a voice that Prime Minister Nulph had also heard many times in war council©¤©¤the reply from the first imperial princess Listelka could be heard in magnified state from the Heaven Palace.

    That was a sigh of exasperation and disappointment.

    ¡ºHonestly, I¡¯ve been tired of waiting. Because, from the beginning this is what I wanted. I have been waiting all along for this time. I¡¯ve been waiting continuously since I woke up several years ago¡­¡­no, since sleeping several hundred years ago, to bring down the hammer on the foolish mass.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Murmur*, the alliance army¡¯s Drag-Knights taking position in front of the old castle were shaken. Prime Minister Nulph frowned further.

    ¡¸If you are trying to buy time foolishly, you will only shorten your remaining life, your highness imperial princess. Two minutes remaining.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph declared that while opening the lid of his pocket watch with one hand.

    Next he opened his mouth once more to fill the gap.

    ¡¸We have finished grasping with Drake¡¯s radar that there is no Abyss around you all as well as your lack of allied Drag-Knight. If you are bluffing it has been seen through. Know that instead of negotiation to draw out advantage, this is only worsening our impression to you.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph threatened with a tone that was gradually strengthening.

    In contrast with that, Listelka replied with a tone that was gentle to the end.

    ¡ºNegotiation? What do you mean? I apologize but I refuse it. There is nothing that I can give in return to the presentation of merely the life of all of you.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Listelka¡¯s sentence that came from the Heaven Palace caused Nulph¡¯s face to cramp and he closed his mouth.

    Right now the Lord should have no way to take on nearly a thousand Drag-Knights in total.

    All the division commanders of Dragon Marauder had also died in battle, and the remnant was only around a few dozen Drag-Knights.

    Even those remnants were managing the Shadows that were doing incitement at various places. The only action they could take was only monitoring at best.

    And yet, this confidence of the Lord was puzzling.

    The enemy was seeing this combat force of the alliance troops as completely nonexistent.

    ¡ºI called all of you the powers that be along with quite the number of Drag-Knights here in order to massacre all of you, leaving none alive. The job of all of you from now is to die quickly. I have no intention to let even one person escape from here for the sake of my ruling of the world from here on.¡»

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­, one more minute!¡¹

    Listelka declared war indifferently.

    Prime Minister Nulph grinded his teeth due after receiving a reply that was far more terrifying than a mere threat.

    Even the elite Drag-Knights who also heard the voice emitted anger from their body and their grip on their Drag-Ride¡¯s control stick strengthened.

    Their fighting spirit boiled up like a heat haze. It was then Listelka¡¯s voice came.

    ¡ºThen, this is a bit of advance notice from me too. The countdown of twelve days was a mean to gather all of you to this execution ground, so I will annul it right now. In exchange I will read out loud the remainder of your life.¡»

    It was the same gentle voice like when she first showed up before Nulph and others.

    And then Listelka declared with a graceful manner.

    ¡ºFifteen minutes. Even so perhaps that is my overestimation. The time needed to clean up small fries like all of you might be even shorter.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤All troops, prepare for battle! We will move to subjugate the Lords from here on!¡¹

    Nulph who ran out of patience finally gave the signal of battle start.

    ¡¸The target is the Heaven Palace floating in front of the old castle! Wyvern force, fly to the sky and approach for bombardment with Cannon. Wyrm force is to aim from the ground with the support of Drake! Don¡¯t let even one get away!¡¹

    ¡ºAll of you aren¡¯t listening about my words since just now isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s better to look at your surrounding first before looking to the Heaven Palace you know?¡»

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Listelka¡¯s words that she said along with a sigh caused Nulph to make a dubious face.

    ¡ºMagialca Zen Vanfrick is really something. If she set up the base too far from the old castle then it would be difficult to attack, but putting the base too close would mean falling into trap. But, for the likes of you, you all can be easily surrounded if I can have you comes forward.¡»

    ¡¸I¡¯m tired of hearing your nonsense! Prepare yourself!¡¹

    Right after that, one of the hot-blooded soldiers turned the Cannon of his Wyrm toward the Heaven Palace.

    The distance was far so the Cannon¡¯s power would decline, even so if the armor received strengthening support from special equipment type Drake, then enough output could be produced.

    When that soldier was charging energy for the starting shot before the all-out bombardment, the soldier beside him suddenly raised a bewildered voice.

    ¡¸O, oi-!? What¡¯s with your armor!? Something is sticking on it?¡¹

    ¡¸Hm¡­¡­? Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Hearing what the soldier pointed out, the Wyrm user who was readying his Cannon became speechless.

    From above the armor, there was strange bluish white tentacles clinging.

    But, the soldier who pointed that out©¤©¤furthermore more than ten soldiers at the surrounding were also in the same situation.

    ¡¸This is bad! Abysses are appearing from underground! Everyone, strengthen your barrier!¡¹

    A Drag-Knight squad leader wearing EX Wyvern quickly cut apart the tentacles coiling around his body.

    His feeling of relieve after escaping the predicament only lasted briefly.

    The tentacles that regenerated with speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow coiled around the squad leader¡¯s body once more.

    ¡¸Wha, what is this regeneration ability¡­¡­!? It¡¯s not a normal Abyss! Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤gueah!¡¹

    Without even any time to feel shock, the tied up Drag-Knight had his armor pressured and his torso broke.

    Without pause his internal organs spewed out from his mouth and he expired.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­no such thing, such thing isn¡¯t©¤©¤. There is no way this thing is the Ark¡¯s Ragnarok, Poseidon!¡¹

    Nulph who had received the report in the past knew that figure and groaned.

    Countless tentacles growing out from underground one after another.

    The faces of new kingdom troops who were facing those showed terror and unrest.

    Of course, they had resolved themselves already when accompanying their sovereigns to the decisive battlefield.

    Whether they would face the Lords¡¯ Drag-Knight, or a great swarm of Abyss, or Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤.

    But, when those things appeared together with the rumble in the ground, their resolve was blown away.

    ¡¸Pri, Prime Minister Nulph! Re, reaction of Abysses is©¤©¤¡¹

    At that time, a Drake user of the alliance army let out a shaking voice.

    ¡¸From the underground!? Until now there wasn¡¯t any reaction but, how many appeared!?¡¹

    ¡¸Se, seven! There are only reactions of seven Abysses©¤©¤n, no, this huge size, how¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *DON-!*, at that moment the ground exploded along with a thunderous sound.

    The road and soil of the abandoned city burst open and swirls of dust rose.

    Their sight was covered for only more than ten seconds along with confusion. In that time several dozen screams overlapped.

    ¡¸What!? Our position is changing by itself! In front of us enemy is©¤©¤ageh!?¡¹

    Huge steel arm that was even thicker then the mast of a large ship.

    It shot out with speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow and smashed a Wyvern user of Ymir Theocracy.

    While its physical strength went without saying, there was also how that Wyvern user who should be on the ground within a formation was suddenly thrown to the sky where there was nothing.

    ¡¸That is©¤©¤Deus ex Machina!? It should be in Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Ruin, Lux-dono should have defeated it the other day, why!?¡¹

    The elite force of Ymir Theocracy.

    The butler of Einfolk house who came as its squad leader, Alterize yelled spontaneously.

    The Drag-Knights of Ymir Theocracy were smashed one after another. Flesh bits and metal fragments were mixed and scattered.

    But, the screams didn¡¯t stop there.

    ¡¸What is this huge spherical Abyss! Our attack doesn¡¯t work! Everything is reflected back©¤©¤¡¹

    A spherical shaped Ragnarok with growing wings, Metatron¡¯s attack reflection.

    Before Marcafal Kingdom¡¯s elite force could form countermeasure against that, they got hit fully by the reflected all-out bombardment and got routed.

    Furthermore at the right wing©¤©¤the Drag-Knights of Vanheim Principality received the attack of wolf Ragnarok that breathed out absolute zero air©¤©¤Fenrir and more than ten of them froze to death.

    Next a great demon Ragnarok, Iblis¡¯s mental pollution caused Blackend Kingdom troops to fall into chaos.

    The formation of Turkimes Confederation also collapsed when they were pierced by the branches of Yggdrasil that possessed tough life force and ability to increase resistance due to its strengthening ability.

    And then, the army of Heiburg Republic was also scattered everywhere when they were shot through by several thousand feathers clad in flame like fire arrows. The attack came from the Ragnarok of undying bird, Phoenix, whose true shape wasn¡¯t even revealed.

    ¡¸This is, impossible! How can such thing©¤©¤!¡¹

    They assumed that they would fight Sacred Eclipse and a large army of Abysses, but the simultaneous attack by seven Ragnarok was unexpected.

    Every single one of them rivaled several hundred of Abyss, and they were equipped with atrocious special ability like an evil god.

    Such terrifying enemies were surrounding their force and launched attack from all directions.

    Even their trump card©¤©¤the remaining first class soldiers weren¡¯t a match against this ambush and they fell apart.

    An elite force of nearly a thousand Drag-Knights that were the combination force of seven countries. Twenty percent of it fell in a few minutes since the beginning of the fight.

    For capable soldier, this was a situation where they had to retreat without delay, but they were surrounded so they couldn¡¯t do that.

    If they tried to break through forcefully and exposed their back, they wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid total annihilation.

    Thus©¤©¤there was nothing they could do.

    It was a picture of hell.

    Within the chaos, Prime Minister Nulph could do nothing except raising his voice.

    ¡¸How!? Why!? Why are the seven Ragnarok that should have been defeated already are here!?¡¹

    ¡ºIt¡¯s because they are resurrected, by this me, the shrine maiden of oracle.¡»

    As though she had been waiting for that, Listelka immediately answered from the Heaven Palace.

    ¡ºMy little sister, the spy who was sent to Vanheim Principality with the name Coral©¤©¤Aeril Vi Arcadia has operated the function of Avalon just now. That is to say, she had pushed the last switch to revive the seven Ragnarok and liberate them.¡»

    *Flash*, a giant framework of light surfaced from under the Heaven Palace and the side face of Aeril and Lux were projected there.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guh, uu!¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph who saw that couldn¡¯t even curse back.

    Everything was within Listelka¡¯s scheme.

    He finally understood that they were made to dance within her palm.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­haa, haah¡­¡­!¡¹

    On the other hand around that time©¤©¤underground the old castle, in a great hall at the deepest part of Avalon¡¯s surface level floor.

    In front of the device for opening the door to the deep level floor, the pale faced Aeril was breathing roughly.

    The sound of battle on the surface didn¡¯t reach until this Avalon.

    In exchange, the scene in front of the old castle was reflected on a surface of the silver wall with terrible clarity. It proved that the switch that Aeril pushed was something that couldn¡¯t be taken back by any means.

    Those Drag-Knights of ability were the trump card of all the countries, but they were helpless before the combined attack from seven Ragnarok. Their lives were stolen one after another.

    People who lost their armament, the injured people, people with their fear induced and ran away.

    People who showed weakness were heartlessly crushed and their voice vanished.

    Seeing such hellish picture that was soaked with blood, Lux and Krulcifer who were displaying offense and defense in full power until now stood still where they couldn¡¯t even make any voice.

    ¡ºThis is your achievement, Aeril. You have successfully accomplish your true mission as a Lord. With this, I¡¯ll also give the greatest consideration even to your personal wish.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aeril, this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux could only murmur dumbfounded at the unimaginable happening.

    The device that Aeril offered her blood into and activated wasn¡¯t to open the door to the deep level floor, but to release the revived Ragnarok.

    At first Lux wondered whether he was betrayed, but seeing the sweat trickling from Aeril¡¯s forehead, most likely that wasn¡¯t it.

    From here it was only Lux¡¯s assumption but, this was Listelka¡¯s trap.

    (If she had calculated everything until this far, what a schemer¡­¡­!)

    Listelka had predicted Aeril¡¯s insubordination.

    No, more accurately it was a bit different.

    She also took into account the possibility of Aeril having rebellious thought and she rolled the dice so that she would definitely win no matter what came out.

    Because the Lords lacked man power, she wished to make use of Lux to capture Avalon, but in the worst case that Aeril sympathized with world alliance and stole a march, it would be troubling.

    At the same time Listelka herself also had a task.

    It was the purge of the royalties and nobles and the majority of Drag-Knights of all the countries, which would link to ruling the world from now on.

    When the path to Avalon was opened and it became possible for her to interfere into that system further, at that moment she prioritized the revival of the greatest combat force, the seven Ragnarok, then she tricked Aeril and made her activated the release function.

    What was truly terrifying wasn¡¯t just how she guided the main force and influential people of all the countries into trap, but the way she used Aeril and Lux.

    With this, there was no way Lux could trust Aeril anymore.

    The reason was, no matter the process of how it happened, the result was a trap after all.

    She used Lux and killed the elite force of world alliance.

    And then even now there was a possibility that she would try to drag Lisha and others into even more scheme.

    ¡¸Shit©¤©¤, is this their objective from the start!? Second imperial princess!¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t understand the detailed reason but, it looks like we cannot just entrust him to you like this.¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice, while Krulcifer calmly blamed Aeril.

    Now Aeril had no more option of stealing a march on the Lords.

    She was currently perceived by the world alliance as their greatest enemy who pushed the switch to revive Ragnarok. Lisha and others also felt the same.

    In other words, Listelka had stolen Aeril¡¯s path of escape where it would also be impossible for her to reconcile with Lux and others.

    That was Listelka¡¯s one more scheme.

    (©¤©¤No, I don¡¯t know the real truth.)

    The feeling that Aeril conveyed, the resolve that she showed to Lux, there was a possibility that all of them were fake.

    No, thinking about how she had tricked everyone from the start, it might be natural to think that this time was also the same, that she tricked Lux and made use of him.

    The reality of the matter was that the combat force of world alliance was taken away one after another, and there was an unavoidable destruction right before their eyes.

    Then perhaps he shouldn¡¯t try to help Aeril anymore even if he had to turn his back on the order and got killed by the Wedge.

    (But, I¡­¡­)

    To Lux, Aeril¡¯s figure who was shaking in despair beside him right now didn¡¯t seem like an acting.

    Even so, there was no way he could mistake his choice.

    (What should I do? What should©¤©¤)

    Under the extreme situation, Aeril¡¯s expression suddenly changed.

    Zahhak¡¯s armored arm quickly gripped the Breath Whip and a twisting line tore apart the room¡¯s space.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    *Pashi-!* an impact ran along with a flash, the ceiling and floor were smashed.

    While countless rubbles crumbled down, Aeril made a dry smile.

    ¡¸Fuu, I thought that I¡¯ll be able to trick you all for a bit more but, as expected that¡¯s not possible now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aeril?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s back shivered hearing that chilly tone.

    Aeril turned a gaze that was tinged with chilling dark shadow and started talking calmly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sorry Lux-kun. But you are the one in the wrong, because you believe me when I am one of the Lord, someone who originally should be your enemy. ©¤©¤Well, in exchange it made you easy to handle though, that was why I chose you from among the prisoners. My eyes aren¡¯t wrong.¡¹

    A wicked smile that he had never seen before from her.

    The girl laughed mockingly along with a disdaining gaze.

    ¡¸But, you are a failure as a hero you know? I was able to reach here thanks to you. Thanks to you buying me time, I could activate the revived Ragnarok. Getting tricked this easily©¤©¤it¡¯s your fault that everyone died.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux trembled when she brought up the heart of the matter.

    That was right.

    In the end it became something like this because he only thought of wanting to trust Aeril.

    Right after that, Lisha who was enraged by those words raised an angry voice.

    ¡¸You bastard¡­¡­! Even though you are binding Lux with that Wedge and tricked him¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤My bad but, can you step aside from there Lux-kun? If you cannot do it because of the collar, then I will stop your movement for sure this time.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer prepared their respective special armament and put their breathing in order.

    The two were serious.

    Even though they had been seeing Aeril as enemy until now, they also vaguely held expectation from her, but now such feeling had vanished.

    Or rather, with how the main force of world alliance was currently getting destroyed by seven Ragnarok, they couldn¡¯t waste even a second more.

    No matter what Aeril¡¯s true feeling was, they would defeat her here.

    If Lux stood in their way, they would overcome him.

    Such will could be sensed from them.

    ¡¸Unfortunately I cannot do that. I¡¯m not so free I can keep all of you company. That¡¯s why Lux, I¡¯ll leave them to you. Protect me. Block their attack and prevent them from chasing me!¡¹

    Right after that, Aeril made Zahhak flew with a fearless smile and headed toward a passage that connected to another room from the control room.

    She planned to return to the old castle by heading ahead to the portal for returning back that they found before this.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless even if you all try to destroy that collar! If an impact hit it, in less than a second electricity will flow and burn the body. It will produce a power that can deal instant death in respond to any act that try to destroy that collar! Now, fight between each other! I¡¯ll show you all the hope of the world getting eradicated!¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, second princess!¡¹

    Lisha flew her Tiamat to chase after Aeril, and Krulcifer followed behind her.

    After hesitating for less than an instant, Lux also reflexively chased after them and exited the control room.

    ¡¸What should I do! I, what should I©¤©¤!¡¹

    It wouldn¡¯t even be few minutes until the destruction of the world alliance.

    If that was over, the seven Ragnarok would crush the defense base that was commanded by Lolotte and massacred Queen Raffi and others, the representatives of all the countries.

    Hesitating for more than this wouldn¡¯t be allowed.

    He had to decide right now.

    But, in any case it was impossible.

    Aeril was heading to the portal to return to the old castle that they discovered ahead of this passage before this, to escape from Lisha and Krulcifer.

    If he could at least take off this collar, this Wedge from his neck©¤©¤.

    (©¤©¤No, wait.)

    At that instant, a doubt surfaced inside Lux.

    The flow of event right now where they were chasing after Aeril through the straight passage that they confirmed before this.

    (Why did she deliberately escape in the direction of the portal that was known only to me and her?)

    ¡ºLux! Use your Divine Raiment! Fully open Bahamut¡¯s function, strengthen your offensive power and bring them down!¡»

    He could hear Aeril¡¯s scolding through the Dragon Voice.

    With that one sentence, a belief was born inside Lux.

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s how it is!¡¹

    What Aeril was trying to do, what the truth was.

    And then also, what he had to choose no matter what right now.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t think that we can be stopped just by escaping into a passage! Legion!¡¹

    Lisha consecutively fired Tiamat¡¯s special armament, the arrowhead shaped projectile weapons, aiming at the back of the fleeing Aeril.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment she dodged that by taking twisting trajectory, Krulcifer¡¯s Fafnir sniped with freezing bullet.

    That shot that was backed by the use of Divine Raiment of future prediction splendidly froze Zahhak¡¯s back wings and shaved its mobility.

    Zahhak lost its driving force and tumbled down. It swung the Breath Whip, but it was blocked by the automatic defense of Auto Shield.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Do it, Lux! Use Reload on Fire and defeat them!¡¹

    ¡¸You think I¡¯ll let you, Lord! Your ambition ends here!¡¹

    Lisha readied her Cannon, in addition Krulcifer took the stance of consecutive shots.

    If the Cannon was fired after the armor was frozen, the barrier wouldn¡¯t work well and the armor would be easily smashed apart.

    Krulcifer who foresaw that fired the freezing bullets, next Lisha pulled the Cannon¡¯s trigger. At that time a single silhouette appeared above the attack trajectory.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun-!?¡¹

    Lux stood in front of Aeril wearing Bahamut.

    The attack of the two directly hit from above his barrier.

    ¡¸Uh, aah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The armor creaked and Lux groaned from the impact that reached his body.

    Even so he became a shield and received all the attack that was aimed at Aeril.

    ¡¸Shit! If only that Wedge isn¡¯t there©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not it. At the very least he isn¡¯t protecting her because of the Wedge.¡¹

    Beside Lisha who was grinding her teeth, Krulcifer pointed out calmly.

    It was because she noticed that behind Lux, the cold smile that was on Aeril¡¯s face until now had vanished.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why¡¹

    A crack entered her mask and it broke into pieces.

    Seeing Lux covering for her and received the attack, causing blood to flow from his shoulder and forehead, Aeril raised a trembling voice.

    ¡¸Why, are you still saving me!? Why didn¡¯t you use your Divine Raiment!?¡¹

    What Lux saw there, was Coral¡¯s expression.

    It was exactly the expression of his friend who told him she believed in him.

    ¡¸You were telling that for me right? All that time since just now. If I use Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment, this Wedge can be taken off, you were telling me that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer gasped in surprise at Lux¡¯s statement.

    ¡¸The Wedge¡¯s electricity will activate in less than a second when an impact hit it. However©¤©¤among the Seven Dragon Paladins, it¡¯s only me who can overcome that as long as I wear Bahamut. If I apply tuning like Singlen¡¯s Senjin, and use Reload on Fire that is concentrated to one point to the collar¡¯s electricity¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤What!? In other words what does that mean?¡¹

    Lisha was bewildered, beside her Krulcifer brushed up her hair coolly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So it¡¯s something like that. Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment originally can apply compression strengthening to every kind of phenomenon. In other words, if Reload on Fire is activated to the energy output and it¡¯s used to the Wedge that Lux is wearing©¤©¤¡¹

    In the first five seconds, the power of electric attack that Wedge emitted can be damped until less than ten percent.

    So to speak, when the Wedge received impact and generated electric attack, if it was removed within five seconds, the collar could be removed without the wearer receiving fatal damage.

    Aeril had been giving Lux that hint continuously.

    ¡¸Impossible! If she is an ally, then why didn¡¯t she take off Lux¡¯s Wedge from the start!?¡¹

    ¡¸There is a circumstance that doesn¡¯t allow her to do so¡­¡­seeing it like that is only valid I believe. Most likely she wanted to capture Avalon together with Lux until a certain floor, right? That was why she intentionally didn¡¯t take off the Wedge. But that opening was used by Listelka and it became this kind of development, am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril looked down without saying anything.

    That was the answer.

    With Listelka¡¯s scheme that made her released the seven Ragnarok, Aeril considered it as already impossible to have Lux and others believed in her, so she made it to look like she was a villain.

    She made everyone to think that she was tricking Lux from the start to make them tried to kill her.

    She intended to guide them until the portal to return to the old castle and then died.

    ¡¸Why did you attack me? Why!? Why are you still, trying to trust someone like me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because©¤©¤I wanted to believe. The same like Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The face of Aeril who saw Lux¡¯s smile distorted into grief.

    ¡¸If you really planned to trick us, there wouldn¡¯t be any need to keep acting until the Ragnarok were received. It would be the victory of the Lords if you only activate the Wedge, killing me and then escaped. However, Aeril was leaving behind a prospect of victory for us. You intentionally guided them until this portal, and even taught me the method to remove the Wedge for the sake of the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    If Lux discovered the way to remove the Wedge using Bahamut, he would also be able to use the portal to return to the old castle and saved the Seven Dragon Paladins too.

    Lisha and Krulcifer, and then Celis and Philuffy who were standing behind them had their breath taken away from listening the conversation of the two.

    They finally noticed that she wasn¡¯t an enemy.

    ¡ºAeril. You aren¡¯t forgetting your duty are you?¡»

    A voice came inside the small room, tearing apart the small silence.

    Listelka¡¯s interference ability to Avalon.

    Because they had moved until the room where the portal was located, she was able to send her voice there.

    ¡ºThere is no more need to trick them. Please return. The place you belong to is right here.¡»

    That was a kind of threat.

    With the image that was broadcasted toward the world alliance before this, Aeril was considered as enemy by them.

    If she didn¡¯t return to Listelka right now, there would be no place for her to return home to. She wouldn¡¯t have any ally anywhere.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril responded to her elder sister¡¯s words with an expression of nihility.

    ¡¸Perhaps in the first place, we the Lords have no proper place to belong to. Perhaps it¡¯s a fate of being unable to live without ruling over someone else. The world before we slept was like that.¡¹

    ¡ºYes, exactly as you said. That¡¯s why we will monopolize Avalon. We will reign as the ruler of this new world.¡»

    Listelka¡¯s voice was tinged with joy. However Aeril powerlessly shook her head.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, that¡¯s a wrong impression. Our true nature is ruler, an existence that is worshipped and feared. Or perhaps we can only become an existence that is shunned. But, it¡¯s only him who believed in me who was completely tricked by Nee-san¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s gaze suddenly turned toward Lux. Receiving that gaze, a small voice leaked out from Lux¡¯s mouth.

    Lux who guessed Aeril¡¯s wish applied compression strengthening to his Wedge using Reload on Fire.

    At that instant, Zahhak¡¯s Breath Whip instantly severed the Wedge.

    ¡º©¤©¤Ah!¡»

    ¡¸This is my answer, Nee-san. Even if I¡¯m to be executed by the world alliance, I won¡¯t regret anymore. I will obtain Avalon myself by my own will!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha who saw that muttered unconsciously. Krulcifer also let out a sigh.

    In addition Celis and Philuffy who appeared from behind them were also nodding after guessing the situation.

    That Aeril was siding with them.

    That she would fight along with them in order to save the world.

    ¡º©¤©¤That¡¯s unfortunate, Aeril.¡»

    Listelka¡¯s words came back along with a long sigh.

    ¡ºI even harbored respect to your devotion, but I didn¡¯t think that you are this foolish.¡»

    There was no modulation and heat within that voice.

    It was a tone so cold that would give anyone chills.

    ¡ºI won¡¯t tell you not to be affectionate to pets, but it¡¯s a disgrace to the imperial family to do something like throwing away family for the sake of livestock. You can learn your place together with them.¡»

    *Pshu*, the voice transmission was severed completely with that.

    But, Lux and Aeril had no hesitation anymore even after receiving that war declaration.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s quickly withdraw Lux. We have to return to the old castle using that portal and liberate the Seven Dragon Paladins. There is no other way to save the world from those seven Ragnarok than that.¡¹

    Everyone nodded in agreement with the voice of Celis that was still had the trace of pronounced fatigue.

    ¡¸Yeah, we somehow steeled ourselves to come until this far, but we are also nearly at our limit¡­¡­¡¹

    Everyone was fatigued from the decisive battle against the Dragon Marauder. Still not much time had passed since they were injured.

    Lisha and others were able to move until this far in so short of time and displayed fierce fighting was caused by their mental strength with Lux¡¯s life on danger.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pathetic but, we can only entrust the world¡¯s fate to them¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s words indicated everything.

    The alliance army was already starting to retreat to the fortress.

    But, the kings of various countries and their aides were gathered inside the fortress that was located in less than a few kl from there.

    After murdering the retreating force along with the kings, the Ragnarok would surely march to every part of the world.

    If that happened then it would be the end already.

    This world would fall into Listelka¡¯s hand before reaching Avalon.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go, Lux-kun!¡¹

    ¡¸Right.¡¹

    Lux nodded to Aeril¡¯s words, then they all entered the portal.

    The circle drawn on the floor shined and light enveloped them.

    From here on it was a match against time.

    Hayes was taking command at the frontline in front of the old castle, so they had to save the Seven Dragon Paladins before Listelka and Hayes returned.

    And then©¤©¤the remaining seven Ragnarok.

    Would they be able to hold back those overwhelming threats once more with the remaining force?

    ¡¸-¡­¡­¡¹

    Wrapped in light, the sensation of weight vanished.

    When they noticed, their location had turned into the back entrance of the old castle.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yosh!¡¹

    If he remembered correctly, the Seven Dragon Paladins were imprisoned in the chapel within the old castle¡¯s ground.

    At that instant when Lux was going to head there in full speed, he felt a freezing killing intent behind him.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤GAuUUUUN-!

    ¨C

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    Lux, Aeril, and also Lisha and others all lost their voice.

    The thunderous sound striking from the sky.

    The remains of the shockwave struck their eardrums and shook their brain.

    It was over within an instant.

    The huge chapel where the Seven Dragon Paladins except Lux were imprisoned was smashed apart with just a single stroke.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, impossible¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡º©¤©¤Naturally this is how it would turn out. If you betray us, then the Seven Dragon Paladins are useless object. Not dealing with them without even any chance to brainwash them is dangerous.¡»

    This time Listelka¡¯s voice descended from Heaven Palace that was floating above them.

    Beside Aeril who was standing still looking dumbfounded, Lux felt a strange out of place feeling.

    ¡¸This strike is Hayes¡¯s Nidhogg¡­¡­!? No©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was about to speak, but he erased that thought because there wasn¡¯t any possibility of that.

    Divine Drag-Ride Nidhogg¡¯s Astral Line was indeed a Divine raiment of cutting through wide range.

    But, because it also cut through the space, the destruction would draw a single beautiful line.

    This time it was different from that.

    There was no doubt that it was a powerful attack in all respects, but the impact dispersed like a crack, breaking the whole chapel.

    Besides, Hayes should be observing the Ragnarok¡¯s situation slightly at the frontline.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    At that time, something was reflected in the corner of Lux¡¯s vision.

    The shadow of a Drag-Knight wearing huge armor.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­¡¹

    A jet black Drag-Ride that he felt like he had seen it from somewhere.

    Lux kept looking to the sky with that afterimage burned into his eyes.

    ¨C

    When the silver door was opened, the silver haired girl wearing a crown lifted her face.

    ¡¸I have returned, Listelka-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work Mishis. It seems that you have also defeated the revived Sacred Eclipse safely. Good work.¡¹

    In order to return to the Heaven Palace that was floating above the old castle, Mishis didn¡¯t use the land battle type Azi Dahaka, but switched to a strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride Ex Wyvern and went back.

    She was obstructed from erasing her target, the remaining combat force of new kingdom because of the Sacred Eclipse that Aeril lured.

    ¡¸It is my delight to serve. But, I failed to finish those Syvalles lot. They are more skilled than I imagined.¡¹

    Mishis reported with her expression that was like an iron mask without a single twitch of her eyebrow.

    But, Listelka shook her pure white hair in a good mood and smiled tolerantly.

    ¡¸My my, there is no need to respect the enemy¡¯s honor here. Something like enemy that can match you, the strongest Key¡¯s Supervisor who was lauded as Anti Drag-Knight doesn¡¯t exist from the start in this world.¡¹

    ¡¸No, the greatest cause of my victory was because those two hid their injury and fought while suppressing their fatigue. Even if I used Azi Dahaka in perfect condition, the next battle won¡¯t go so simply like this time.¡¹

    Mishis admonished herself with calmness to the end.

    The result ended with overwhelming victory for Mishis, but the real strength of Celis and Phluffy were also immeasurable.

    The maid estimated that if the battle was brought into a decisive battle of brief duration, there was a possibility that they could instead prepare a countermeasure.

    ¡¸How careful. But, it¡¯s really reliable for my attendant. After all my excellent and reassuring little sister has left just now©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka smiled looking somewhat lonely.

    Mishis was already told the information that Aeril was rebelling.

    ¡¸Does your highness really have no intend to bring back the second imperial princess?¡¹

    ¡¸I really want to do that if we have the leeway for it though.¡¹

    Listelka sighed with a troubled expression.

    If someone who didn¡¯t know anything about her saw it, then it would look like the figure of an older sister who was actually worried about her little sister even though she had been betrayed.

    But, the maid who had served her for a long time knew that there was a completely different emotion within her words.

    ¡¸I wish we can capture her alive and put her into custody. Like that I will be able to put her into brain death. At the very least I will be able to retrieve her ovum and make use of her as flesh puppet. If not she won¡¯t be useful for the Lord from here on. There are also other preserved genes remaining, but there is almost no gene of Arcadia Empire¡¯s pure lineage.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    That attitude which only thought even her true blood relative as nothing more than a tool to revive the empire.

    Mishis even felt fright seeing the face of Listelka who was speaking that calmly.

    (However, perhaps that is only natural¡­¡­)

    The clan that reigned at the top of this world for a long time.

    They hated the act of ¡ºbetrayal¡» that became the cause of their destruction more than anything.

    Similarly, Mishis also didn¡¯t harbor any doubt toward her master¡¯s decision.

    As the Lord¡¯s servantpartner, she had flawless education applied to her to devote her everything for her master which was the only one protecting the Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer.

    She was a maid of steel that suppressed her own emotion.

    Even if Aeril was one of the Lord, if it was Listelka¡¯s order then she would take care of her.

    ¡¸However, the attack just now, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, it was my doing, Mishis.¡¹

    The maid noticed a presence from behind her and turned around.

    There a man with silver hair and grey eyes was standing.

    Although he gave a vaguely rough impression to those who looked to him, he was a youth that let out an aristocratic atmosphere. Fugil Arcadia was standing there.

    He had already dispelled the Drag-Ride he was wearing, but it was him who destroyed the chapel just now by Listelka¡¯s instruction.

    On Listelka¡¯s head, the electronic terminal with golden geometrical pattern on it, the ¡ºCrown¡» was placed.

    It was a support tool to connect even deeper to Avalon¡¯s system, and it was also the controller of this Heaven Palace.

    She grasped the battle situation of various places, and also observed Aeril¡¯s exploration of Avalon from here, but as expected it seemed the burden to her mind and body was considerable because she was taking it off.

    ¡¸You have destroyed the chapel where the Seven Dragon Paladins were placed, just as I wished. I appreciate your efforts, Fugil.¡¹

    Listelka thanked not with a face as imperial princess, but spoke with an intimate tone that vaguely like a maiden.

    In contrast Fugil only kept showing a composed smile and lightly nodded in respond.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t want to have you who are my knight to sortie, but this time there was no time after all. But©¤©¤isn¡¯t your condition superb just now?¡¹

    Listelka gave a praise that was filled with anticipation.

    But, Fugil only showed a slight smile without change and quietly denied it.

    ¡¸Certainly, the function of the special armament worked quite well. But I believe it¡¯s still difficult to call it as flawless. There was no definite feedback from that attack.¡¹

    ¡¸My? Fugil is really too modest. If that chapel is destroyed by one attack, then I believe it¡¯s powerful enough though©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka put her hands together and talked in delight, but Fugil made a cynical smile.

    ¡¸It was easier to manage those lot by quarantining them. Such thought was a mistake©¤©¤no, should I call it a slight slackness. This isn¡¯t Lux¡¯s strategy. But there is someone among my little brother¡¯s subordinate who can execute such plan.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What are you saying, Fugil?¡¹

    Listelka tilted her head and asked, but Fugil was silent. He only responded with a smile.

    ¡¸More importantly, I believe it¡¯s necessary to deal with Lux Arcadia and others who returned to the back of the old castle. The world alliance has already retreated, but in any case when they escaped back to their base, they won¡¯t be able to escape from the fortress where the kings of all the countries gathered. They will surely be crushed by the seven Ragnarok.¡¹

    Saying that Mishis glanced at Fugil.

    Rather than her who was exhausted from the battle against Sacred Eclipse or calling back Hayes who was watching over the battle in the frontline, she was thinking that perhaps they should send this man to subjugate Lux and his group.

    But, the maid¡¯s plan didn¡¯t reach her master Listelka.

    ¡¸Fugil has his duty to guard me, so I cannot send him. There is still some remnant of Dragon Marauder in the old castle correct? Let¡¯s have them intercept that group. Let¡¯s also control the remaining Abysses with horn flute.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Listelka who possessed strong suspicion of others put absolute trust to Fugil was nothing more because he once saved her life.

    More than several hundred years ago©¤©¤.

    Listelka and others, the imperial family who met the rebellion of the family of traitor tried to hide in the Ruin Ark along with few attendants and slept there.

    But, along with the flow of time, the descendants of the enemy, the royalties of Arcadia Empire sniffed out that location. They invaded and were about to kill everyone, it was then Fugil saved them. That was the reason of her trust.

    Furthermore after that, Fugil destroyed his own empire, and now©¤©¤with his cooperation, the Ruins were captured and they were able to come this far.

    Mishis who woke up after that had been told many times about that sequence of events from the girl who was her master.

    Thus, Listelka saw Fugil as a hero, at the same time she was directing her good will toward him that was the same like love.

    Mishis had no intention to voice an objection to her master¡¯s feeling.

    However in Mishis¡¯s point of view, Fugil wasn¡¯t looking at them.

    No©¤©¤perhaps.

    Right after the maid was absorbed in such thought, the Heaven Palace moved and slowly flew in the sky.

    When she looked, Listelka was wearing the Crown controller once more and sat down on the throne.

    ¡¸Either way, it will be fine to leave Lux and others to be dealt later now. Let¡¯s head to their fortress with this Heaven Palace. The representatives of all countries seem to be all present there, so let¡¯s enjoy their moment of death.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood.¡¹

    Mishis nodded. Then frame of light was projected on the metallic wall before her.

    The image reflected there was right below the floating Heaven Palace©¤©¤the trace of rampage of the revived seven Abysses that was left behind.

    The ruins of buildings that were turned grey without any color.

    The structures remaining in the castle town of abandoned capital Guernica were tragically smashed apart. The Drag-Knights¡¯ blood was dying the area as though the old wound of the city was gouged open.

    More than half of the elite force couldn¡¯t escape and almost all of them ended up dead, on the other hand all the Ragnarok had not a single scratch.

    ¡¸I thought they would be lacking in strength because they had just been revived, but looks like it was just my needless anxiety.¡¹

    ¡¸I believe the situation of the battle also have large influence to it. Most likely they were completely helpless in a situation where they were ambushed by seven Ragnarok and surrounded from all side.¡¹

    Even if the enemies were the chose elites, soldiers without Divine Drag-Ride fundamentally fought with group tactic in battle formation.

    When their formation crumbled from the unexpected surprise attack and their force was scattered, annihilation was inevitable.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, it¡¯s strange that only half of them died. Even though I thought that they wouldn¡¯t even try to escape.¡¹

    It seemed Listelka couldn¡¯t be convinced even by that overwhelming result. She tilted her head in bewilderment.

    Then through her Crown, a Dragon Voice from her little sister Hayes came.

    ¡ºHow is your mood, Onee-sama?¡»

    ¡¸The number of the dead is lacking there, Hayes. Even though the Ragnarok aren¡¯t wounded, how did they manage to escape?¡¹

    ¡ºThat¡¯s the problem. That woman who we were on guard the most showed up.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤That woman?¡¹

    Listelka directed the sight of Heaven Palace from looking at directly below to turn to the front.

    There, a sight of just a single Drag-Knight facing all seven Ragnarok could be seen.

    Armor of deep darkness color and four legs©¤©¤Yato no Kami. Wearing it was Kirihime Yoruka.

    ¡¸I see. So the person we have been waiting for has come.¡¹

    But, regardless of the appearance of a powerful enemy, Listelka showed a shadowed gaze and smiled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The Ragnarok absolutely won¡¯t be brought down with just her alone. With this the last possibility of the enemy turning the table will also be crushed.¡¹

    Even though Yoruka was facing seven Ragnarok simultaneously, her movement wasn¡¯t offensive at the least.

    She maintained a distance that wasn¡¯t too close or too far, luring the enemy¡¯s focus into herself and dodged the attacks. And then©¤©¤she was gradually retreating toward the fortress.

    Even Ragnarok fundamentally possessed the same nature like Abyss.

    In other words bestial instinct©¤©¤their principle was to prioritize aiming at someone who was nearby or attacking them.

    There Yoruka attracted the attention of the Ragnarok, saving the remaining force of around five hundred Drag-Knights and secured their escape route.

    Listelka¡¯s scheme to gather the up the enemy force and annihilated them in one go was mostly obstructed by the appearance of Yoruka.

    Even so the Lord¡¯s imperial princess acted with composure.

    ¡¸This is the best development I could ask for. After all with the Seven Dragon Paladins and the world alliance army crushed, for me she is the biggest remaining threat. Sending Hayes and you to get rid of her will also be fine, but it¡¯s great that we can confirm her existence clearly here.¡¹

    ¡®But¡¯©¤©¤Listelka paused her words for a moment, then she tilted her head and a question emerged in her mind.

    ¡¸This is a bit strange. She is someone who swore loyalty to that Lux Arcadia. I thought that she would completely ignored the like of the alliance army and dash straight to his master¡¯s predicament though.¡¹

    Even though she was monitoring the front of the old castle from the Heaven Palace and placed Hayes there as defense in order to stop her.

    ¡¸Indeed.¡¹

    Mishis also nodded at her master¡¯s murmur. Then a communication through Dragon Voice from Hayes who was observing the battle situation below came.

    ¡ºOi Onee-sama. If it¡¯s answer, I got it yeah. Try looking to the front a bit more.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­?¡¹

    Prompted by Hayes, Listelka turned the sight of Heaven Palace to the front through the Crown she was wearing.

    Slightly ahead than the present location.

    There was the figure of a silver haired girl in front of the fortress, gazing at the advancing Ragnarok with nervous look.

    ¡¸Airi Arcadia. Why is she there? Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡ºYeah, they had seen it through most likely. That to go to the deepest part of Avalon, the blood of Arcadia is needed for the confirmation. The confirmation will go through even with that girl if she comes to here. But, it was fine and all coming here to save her lord, but that woman was surprised at the unexpected Ragnarok¡¯s appearance, and she switched to buy time to protect her other master the little sister.¡»

    ¡¸That girl is also an imperial family of Arcadia Empire that she is serving. What¡¯s more that girl is necessary for the confirmation to control Avalon, so she is forced to protect her©¤©¤so that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    Listelka chuckled in understanding.

    If all the pieces the enemy was holding became clear, there wasn¡¯t anything more to fear.

    They would crush the enemy¡¯s focal point here, and at the end they would get rid of Aeril along with Lux and his group.

    With that it would be over.

    She would make her return to the world once more with this hand.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤let¡¯s teach her. The opposition of a bug, no matter how hard is something meaningless.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­As expected this is really reckless. But perhaps the enemies are also lacking sleep, because they seem weaker than before but©¤©¤even so I who had only recovered from my injury cannot match them.¡¹

    Below where Listelka was directing her smile from the airborne ship©¤©¤the Heaven Palace.

    In the battlefield site where seven Ragnarok were displaying their tyranny, Yoruka alone was continuing to make a good showing.

    She weaved through the waves of powerful and wide-ranged attack, dealt a single slash when there was an opening and then took distance.

    By repeating that she somehow lured the Ragnarok and let the friendly troops to escape, even so her stamina had been stolen to a terrifying degree just from fighting for three minutes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤SHAaAAAAH!¡¹

    The Ragnarok that was firing feathers of flame arrow like a heavy rain©¤©¤Phoenix¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t a mere flame.

    The fat that was contained within those feathers would stick to the thing the feathers hit and became fuel, planting flame that wouldn¡¯t vanish even after more than ten minutes.

    A part of Yoruka¡¯s armor that was hit with the flame was flung off with Break Purge.

    At the same time her surrounding was blanketed with hellfire, leaving her no place to secure foothold.

    Drag-Knights who lost consciousness breathed in the white smoke that was rolling up in great amount and turned dead.

    The bodies of the soldiers whose Drag-Ride was dispelled were cremated by Phoenix¡¯s flame.

    The ice wolf Fenrir that was approaching as reinforcement forced Yoruka to dodge in a large way because of its absolute zero breath.

    Even for Yoruka, continuously evading the claw and fang that were additionally attacking in high speed was a herculean task.

    Furthermore Poseidon that possessed unlimited regeneration, Yggdrasil who reacted to the situation and continuously strengthened itself, Metatron that reflected attack back, Deus ex Machina that grasped the space in control, Iblis that polluted the mind.

    Although she was fighting while retreating, Yato no Kami¡¯s barrier was already pierced and even a part of her armor was smashed.

    She was able to create an opening to lure the enemies toward her and allowed the allied troops to retreat, the opponent wasn¡¯t so soft that her side would be able to manage somehow with just that.

    The elite force who showed their back to the enemies were killed one after another by the approaching Ragnarok.

    Even if she wanted to use Over Limit through her Spell Code, Yoruka¡¯s current physical state didn¡¯t allow it.

    The battle situation was still hopeless without any change.

    Even so she gave her best and barely slowed the enemy¡¯s invasion.

    She was risking her life just for that.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­haa. Even so, it¡¯s surprising. Although this is for the sake of saving Aruji-sama, but to think I¡¯m able to do this kind of act.¡¹

    Even though she was cornered into an overwhelming disadvantage, the glint of Yoruka¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t turn dim.

    A few kl behind her, Airi was there watching the fight while holding her breath.

    The fortress base. She was standing slightly in front of it while exposing her body to the cold biting wind and prayed.

    ¡¸This place is dangerous Airi-san! Can¡¯t you evacuate inside the fortress?¡¹

    A boy dressed as butler, Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte called out to her, but Airi didn¡¯t move.

    In exchange she kept turning her back to him while giving back her answer with a calm tone.

    ¡¸Thank you very much for your worry. But, there is meaning in me doing something like this. No, I¡¯m doing this in the belief that it will raise the possibility of saving Nii-san even if only slightly. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    Lolotte guessed her meaning with those words.

    Airi¡¯s act of deliberately exposing her figure in front of the fortress had a definite objective.

    ¡¸I understand your feeling. But the seven Ragnarok are already closing in. With how we are sheltering the sovereigns of seven countries, we are also unable to retreat from here.¡¹

    In other words if they didn¡¯t escape right away©¤©¤no, even if they escaped they would be overtaken and then met a massacre.

    But, even after being told about that hopeless situation, Airi kept gazing straight to the front.

    Even Yoruka couldn¡¯t buy time satisfactorily against seven Ragnarok as her opponent.

    Furthermore, the Drag-Knights of the alliance army who were saved by her and barely escaped alive could be seen flying here with desperate look.

    ¡¸Sa, save meeee! I¡¯ll get killed!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the end! It¡¯s already overrrrr!¡¹

    ¡¸Re, retreat! Run away from here! Quickly©¤©¤¡¹

    People who tossed away all their weapons and wore broken armor.

    People who were bleeding from all over their body and wandered around while screaming.

    And then people whose heart was broken by terror and sobbed tearfully.

    Everyone similarly spoke about the despair.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuh! It¡¯s already, at this rate¡­¡­!¡¹

    Among those people, a woman of blooming age wearing EX Wyvern, the butler of Einfolk house Alterize groaned with rough breathing.

    ¡¸At the very least, we have to protect his grace the pope, so he can escape from here©¤©¤!¡¹

    When Airi who was standing in front of the fortress heard that, voices suddenly came from above.

    ¡¸Oi oi. The elite force for the decisive battle is saying that? Even if you guys escape until the end of this world, those guys will keep coming anyway yeah?¡¹

    First a male voice with a tone that sounded careless said that briefly.

    ¡¸Even the butler of Einfolk house has become disappointing. To lament like that just from this much.¡¹

    Next, it was a jesting voice of a girl that sounded very young.

    ¡¸So those are Ragnarok eeeh. Looks like it will be really worth it to defeat them.¡¹

    A tone of a woman that gave the impression of belligerent fearlessness.

    ¡¸That is, the same scene like when I made my threat before. But, the truth is I didn¡¯t wish for something like this at all.¡¹

    A girl¡¯s voice that had no modulation, however a strong will resided in it.

    ¡¸Finally my words can be proved as correct. It¡¯s only powerful Drag-Knight who is worthy to rule over the world.¡¹

    Words that were filled with confidence along with haughty scorn could be heard.

    ¡¸You all understand right, each of you need to kill one you know? I will protect the center. The rest spread out just like the instruction from before!¡¹

    A voice that sounded young, but with a way of talking that sounded mature.

    The moment Lolotte heard that voice, he looked forward.

    Above the watch tower at the front of the fortress©¤©¤seven male and females could be seen.

    When Airi noticed and looked up to the tower too, there was the back figure of her dear big brother there.

    ¡¸Sorry to make you wait, Airi. And Yoruka too.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nii-san-!?¡¹

    Airi who was slightly at the back part of the fortress¡¯s front noticed their existences.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins who should have fallen into the enemy¡¯s hand and imprisoned were all present above the watch tower in front of her.

    The representative of Vanheim Principality, Greifer Nest.

    The representative of Ymir Theocracy, Mel Gizalut.

    The representative of Heiburg Republic, Rosa Granhide.

    The representative of Turkimes Confederation, Soffice Xfer.

    The representative of Blackedn Kingdom, Singlen Shelbrit.

    The representative of Marcafal Kingdom, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    And then, the representative of New Kingdom Atismata, Lux Arcadia.

    They faced the approaching seven Ragnarok and drew out their Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Roar thunderously and become a legend. O protector of fairy, the banner of great enemy, Cuelebre.¡¹

    First Greifer pushed the trigger on the handle and went as the vanguard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Two opposite of depravity competing with each other, be worn on the body and resurrect. O dragon of strife bringing ruination to heaven and earth, Ddraig Gwiber.¡¹

    Furthermore Mel pulled out her two swords Sword Device and continued after Greifer.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Soot of intrigue that is the wickedness, sink, lurk, deceive, and strike. O dragon of previous life without repentance, Gorynych.¡¹

    Rosa summoned a huge dragon of dark grey color with a bold smile,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Born from the flame, is the taboo god. Devour hatred and reason then transcend, Vritra.¡¹

    The yellow dragon that appeared in front of Sofice unfolded into countless parts.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The origin of all thing, the ocean, whirl powerfully to the critical pressure. Hand down the judgment of divine will that illuminate the heaven, Leviathan.¡¹

    Singlen connected with a blue huge dragon and it turned into an armor that covered his body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤O world snake that is liberated from fate. Challenge the holy war and take revenge to the gods, Jormungandr.¡¹

    Magialca deployed her gigantic Drag-Ride and took position on the watch tower.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, the violent dragon that devour the flesh and blood of gods. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut.¡¹

    For the last, Lux readied his great sword along with the jet black huge dragon.

    Right here right now, it was the second coming of the last stronghold that protected the world.

    ¨C

    ¡¸U, OOOooOOO¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Every single one of them equipped their Divine Drag-Ride with absolute confidence and readied their weapon.

    The alliance troops who witnessed that spontaneously erupted with voice of wonder.

    ¡¸However, what is happening? Why are they there©¤©¤no, how did they escape!?¡¹

    The butler Lolotte was shocked in front of the fortress while asking Airi beside him.

    Until now, Lolotte couldn¡¯t make contact with his master Magialca.

    He wondered what happened to Lux and others who should be fallen into the Lord¡¯s hand and got locked in the old castle.

    ¡¸Our comrades managed their task successfully. Just as they promised at first when we arrived here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It was extremely difficult but, we somehow accomplished it.¡¹

    There, starting from Noct who was wearing EX Drake, the Triad who were similarly wearing strengthened type Drag-Ride showed their face.

    ¡¸Maaan©¤©¤, it was scary. But it must be that. It¡¯s the victory for Sharis¡¯s strategy. Her instinct was unusually right on the money.¡¹

    ¡¸First let¡¯s relax that we accomplished the mission. Airi-chan too, you really did your best.¡¹

    Sharis was nodding at Tillfur¡¯s words while gently caressing Airi¡¯s silver hair.

    Half a day after Yoruka and co arrived at this base, they formed a strategy when they were going to head out to rescue Lux right away.

    When Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami that was a special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride investigated using its radar through a vast range, it detected within the old castle¡¯s ground©¤©¤the reaction of six living things inside the chapel, as well as more than ten Drag-Knights and several Abysses around the chapel.

    And then, the radar also confirmed the reaction of Divine Drag-Rides of Lisha and Krulcifer who followed after Celis and Philuffy.

    Seeing how the reaction of Lux couldn¡¯t be found inside the old castle, and how Lisha and Krulcifer entered underground, the possibility was high that Lux and Aeril were there.

    With how Lisha and others were already chasing after Lux and stormed into Avalon, the possibility was low that they would be able to make it in time even if they followed.

    ¡®In that case¡¯©¤©¤Airi¡¯s proposal was to save the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins and they decided it as their strategy.

    Even if Lux managed to become free alone, with Seven Dragon Paladins still imprisoned and stayed as hostage, their side wouldn¡¯t be able to fight with full power after that.

    Yoruka also complied with that persuasion of Airi and she tried to enter into the old castle that was inadequately defended.

    But, midway a single problem surfaced.

    The seven Ragnarok that appeared and surrounded the alliance army, and the Heaven Palace floating in the sky.

    And then, the existence of Hayes who was monitoring the situation.

    If they were standing by without chasing after Lux, there was a high possibility that they would come to finish off Yoruka and others.

    But, in reverse if Yoruka who the enemy was the wariest against showed her figure, they estimated that the enemy would be unable to notice other thing.

    ¨C

    ¡¸My bad but missy Yoruka, can I ask you to attract the attention of Hayes and the others for us? While you are at it I also want you to help the alliance army to retreat. We will take a detour around the enemy¡¯s monitoring and infiltrate into the p;d castle¡¯s chapel in full speed.¡¹

    Thus Sharis proposed that they and Yoruka took separate action.

    ¡¸Can you three accomplish that? There are more than ten Dragon Marauder remnant and several Abyss in the old castle, and if an ambush appeared©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka asked with a smile. In respond Sharis looked down with a slight hesitation.

    But, she immediately lifted her face resolutely.

    ¡¸If we can manage somehow©¤©¤no, we will manage it no matter what! Even if we have to pay with our life, we will recover the Seven Dragon Paladins no matter what. If we cannot say at least that much, there won¡¯t be any meaning of us coming here!¡¹

    She clenched her shaking fist and the blue haired girl said that. Tillfur and Noct also nodded with serious face.

    Airi also took a deep breath and gave a push on their back.

    ¡¸I also have the same opinion. The seven Ragnarok are revived and surrounded the alliance army. If we don¡¯t at least buy time, the alliance army will also be annihilated. Even if we manage to save the Seven Dragon Paladins and fight back, it will be the end if we don¡¯t hold out until then.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. But, seeing me not going to save Aruji-sama, the enemy will hold doubt that a different force is moving won¡¯t they?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    What Yoruka pointed out caused the Triad to hold their tongue.

    Certainly, the enemy also knew about Yoruka¡¯s character.

    If she didn¡¯t go straight to save Lux, next they would strengthen their security on the defenseless Seven Dragon Paladins, or perhaps they would even discard and kill them.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, I will become bait.¡¹

    Then, Airi raised her hand quietly.

    Noct beside her opened her eyes wide in surprise, but Airi ignored it and expressed her thinking.

    ¡¸The blood of Arcadia is indispensable for the capture and monopolizing of Avalon. Then, if I expose my figure in the fortress, it will be taken as the reason Yoruka-san is stopping the advance of the Ragnarok. With that the Lords¡¯ attention will be fixed on us.¡¹

    Excluding Lisha and others the four Divine Drag-Ride users, they would deliberately expose all the existences that were threat for the enemy.

    With that, the Triad for the first time would be able to move with no mark from the enemy putting up their guard against them.

    This was also a plan that was possible exactly because it was right now where they had lost almost all of their personnel and had no leeway to assign any of their members for other task.

    ¡¸But Airi, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct raised an uneasy voice. In respond Airi made a smile to tell her not to worry.

    ¡¸You cannot stop me here Noct. Everyone will be braving absurdly great danger in the old castle. If I don¡¯t do this, then I won¡¯t understand for what I come here.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. We will take back the Seven Dragon Paladins without fail. Please buy us time until then.¡¹

    Sharis clenched her fist with a serious gaze. Everyone there nodded in agreement.

    And then, they immediately executed the plan right after that.

    Yoruka attracted the attention of the seven Ragnarok, securing the path of retreat for the alliance army while slowing the enemy¡¯s invasion at the same time. Using that opening Sharis and others infiltrated the chapel and rescued the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Furthermore using radar, they also succeeded in taking back Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯ Sword Devices that were hidden inside the old castle.

    Perhaps the fortune had also become their ally, because their operation splendidly worked out.

    Right after rescuing the Seven Dragon Paladins, the chapel was destroyed, but when they went around the back, they met up with Lux and Aeril.

    Using Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment, everyone¡¯s Wedge was removed and they returned full speed to the fortress.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤And then, now.

    ¡¸Good grief, as expected I¡¯m also at my limit. The best I can do is to observe the surrounding using radar coverage just in case so the worst case won¡¯t happen.¡¹

    Yoruka who returned until in front of the fortress muttered that with gasping breath.

    Although she had no conspicuous wound, some parts of her armor were cracked. It indicated the intensity of the fierce battle she went through.

    She was doing it calmly but, although it was only buying time, facing against seven Ragnarok should be putting a terrifying burden on her.

    After all their might was to the degree that the elite alliance army was reduced by half in just ten minutes, so conversely there was no doubt that it was a feat that could only be done by her.

    When Airi reconfirmed this greatly unfavorable situation once more, Sharis beside her also nodded.

    ¡¸This is as far as we go. ©¤©¤We leave the rest to you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Haaa, I¡¯m knackered now, we also used the new equipment a looot¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But, it was worth it for us to fray our nerves like that.¡¹]

    The Triad who had switched into normal general purpose Drag-Ride watched the battle situation together with Airi in front of the fortress.

    The watch tower that was only 300 ml ahead from there was truly the last line of defense.

    The fight that would decide the fate of the world was started.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hah, do they think they can defeat that huh? Although they had only just woken up and not in their best condition, those things are Ragnarok yeah? There ain¡¯t no way a mish-mash gathering of you bastards can hope to match them!¡¹

    The one stepping forward in front of the old castle wearing Drake was a silver haired Lord©¤©¤Hayes.

    Niddhogg had been tuned, but if she used that and fought using her full strength, she would die from exhaustion after only twice.

    Thus, she was using general purpose Drag-Ride Drake that put little burden on her until now and observed the battle situation.

    No instruction came from Listeka in the Heaven Palace.

    Mishis was exhausted from destroying the Sacred Eclipse, and Fugil was serving as Listelka¡¯s guard.

    And then Listelka also had no spare strength from interfering with Avalon¡¯s system.

    Therefore right now it was only the seven Ragnarok that were the cornerstone of the Lord faction¡¯s battle force.

    First the swift runner ice wolf Fenrir circled around toward the fortress and breathed out its freezing breath.

    ¡¸U, AAAAH!?¡¹

    ¡¸Ku©¤©¤!¡¹

    A part of the alliance army©¤©¤the elite Drag-Knights were late in escaping.

    Alterize who was leading it groaned in distress.

    But, a land battle type Drag-Ride stood before her eyes and instantly melted the freezing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Isn¡¯t this pathetic? If you are also someone who originated from Ymir Theocracy, then a coldness of this level should be nothing right?¡¹

    ¡¸Mel Gizalut!¡¹

    After Alterize spontaneously yelled so, Mel brushed up her platinum colored hair and smiled.

    She directed that mischievous gaze toward the ice wolf and readied the Halberd of Ddraig Gwiber.

    ¡¸But well, you have run out of luck to encounter me here. My second name is the Subjugator©¤©¤I cannot let Abyss live.¡¹

    ¡¸GU, RURURURURURURURURUu¡­..!¡¹

    The huge ice wolf raised a ferocious roar and leaped.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gwiber that Mel was wearing possessed Divine Raiment of Dual Shift that manipulated heat.

    Therefore, her affinity toward Fenrir that was breathing out absolute zero breath was excellent.

    Furthermore Ddraig Gwiber possessed transformation function to change from land battle type to flying type.

    Changing battle style freely depending on the battle situation was where Mel showed her true worth with her genius sense.

    ¡¸URURU¡­¡­GURYaAAAAH!¡¹

    Fenrir also seemed to sense that simple freezing attack wouldn¡¯t work against Mel, it used its huge fangs and claws to attack.

    In respond Mel saw that ground battle was disadvantageous and switched her Ddraigh Gwiber to Wyvern Mode.

    She glided away with explosive speed and launched a counterattack toward Fenrir¡¯s back.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤At the neighboring spot that was 300 ml from there.

    There were many remaining ruined buildings with alleys that crisscrossed complicated like a maze.

    The Ragnarok of unlimited regeneration which possessed innumerable tentacles©¤©¤Poseidon, and Rosa Granhide were locked in battle.

    Rosa drove her dark grey land battle type Divine Drag-Ride Gorynych. She was backing away while exchanging attack with the enemy.

    The countless tentacles growing out from underground would attack consecutively once they captured their target and they would become unmanageable.

    Thus, Rosa was weaving her way through the alleys while swinging her Scythe and escaped from the pursuing attacks.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s really unfortunate huuuh, Rosa. You won¡¯t be able to defeat this guy with the mere strength of a bastard like you y¡¯know?¡»

    A jerr came from Hayes who was watching from far away while wearing a Drake.

    But, Rosa kept grinning fearlessly without getting agitated.

    Hayes who was once temporarily placed in the post of Heiburg¡¯s strategist knew about Rosa¡¯s existence.

    She knew her as a subordinate of the King of Vices©¤©¤Calensia who made a deal with her, furthermore she heard from Calensia about Rosa¡¯s true nature that was just a coward who was threatened to act as strong person.

    ¡ºCan¡¯t you stop acting like that even after your owner died? Even if you were just forced to act a lie as inhuman character, your sin of assisting with evil deeds ain¡¯t gonna disappear. That weak and flimsy heart is impossible to change!¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºIf you betray that womanizer ruined prince and change side to here once more, I¡¯ll at least spare your life y¡¯know?¡»

    Hayes who was limited in the number of times she could fight schemed to shake Rosa with mental attack so that she would make a mistake in her fight.

    Perhaps Hayes¡¯s scheme was going well©¤©¤or perhaps it was Poseidon¡¯s strength that was superior, because Rosa was cornered into a dead-end, and countless tentacles finally captured her.

    ¡ºHYAHAHAHAH! Looks like you don¡¯t even have anything to say back huh! After all without anyone making use of you©¤©¤without anyone brainwashing you, you cannot even control yourself. You can¡¯t even fight properly!¡»

    Hayes¡¯s insults were continuously hurled at Rosa.

    But, in respond Rosa formed a disappointed smile and only muttered with her eyes looking down.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What a pitiful woman eeh. Aren¡¯t you yourself unable to do anything if you don¡¯t borrow the name and history of the Lord? Are you planning to be like that until you die I wondeeer?¡¹

    ¡ºWhat¡­¡­!?¡»

    Hayes¡¯s voice roughened hearing those words.

    ¡¸Really what an embarrassment. After getting into the opposite side and looking, for the first time I understand the wretchedness of myself at that time. Averting your eye from reality by simply doing as you are told by someone else, running away into the strength of dream, that appearance is really similar.¡¹

    Rosa formed her words dispassionately as though mocking herself.

    ¡ºAre you bastard planning to confuse yourself with me?¡»

    ¡¸As expected no way I¡¯ll do that. I don¡¯t plan to deny my foolishness in the past but, it¡¯s still better than an idiot who cannot get cured even in death seee. The reason why you are trying to torment every people in this world, everything is just you venting your anger riight?¡¹

    ¡ºYou bastaard©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸I heard from that girl Soffice. The imperial family the Lord©¤©¤all of you met treason several hundred years ago, and then you all got knocked off from being the ruler of the world. Your pride that is the foundation of your self was stolen, and so you can¡¯t help but hating the people of the world right now, right?¡¹

    The constriction of Poseidon¡¯s tentacles was tightening with grinding sound, and cracks ran through the armor Rosa was wearing.

    It was an absolutely desperate predicament where death was thrust before her eyes.

    Even so the girl grinned fearlessly.

    ¡¸Spare me from being the comrade of you guys for the second time. No matter how much you guys bluff or show off your strength, it¡¯s simply that you guys can only express yourself by doing that. There is not a single person who will want to work under such childish people you know?¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­Then, you can die like that! Become Poseidon¡¯s feed and perish!¡»

    ¡¸My baaad but, spare me from that too.¡¹

    Rosa answered right away. In that instant, the tentacles crushed the armor.

    But, right after that the figure of Rosa herself who was wearing the Drag-Ride vanished, and that armor exploded from inside.

    ¡º©¤©¤!?¡»

    Witnessing that, Hayes noticed.

    The Rosa who was captured by tentacles until now was an unmanned Drag-Ride that was Gorynych¡¯s special armament, Twelve Vice.

    Furthermore it was combined with the special armament Sin Phantom that produced illusion, and it became a decoy that was camouflaged as Rosa herself.

    ¡¸VAaAaAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    The countless tentacles that captured the decoy were showered by the armor fragments that were tinged with high heat. Poseidon shrieked.

    At the same time, the real Rosa appeared from the shadow of a ruined building.

    She swung down her large sized Scythe and buried the blade into the stone paving.

    ¡¸UUaAA-!?¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, so the main body is theree? The regeneration speed is faster the closer the body part is to the main body. To keep hiding underground like this©¤©¤it¡¯s like it¡¯s a similar fellow with me eeeh.¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s smile looked mixed with irony somewhere.

    But, she didn¡¯t relax her attacking hand.

    ¡¸Hayes. It¡¯s just as you say you knoow, disguise is my specialty. But that isn¡¯t for the sake of laying the blame of my crime to this personality or running away anymore.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Rosa touched her Sword Device and further summoned the remaining ten Twelve Vice.

    She disassembled them, linked and combined them, and her figure changed in the blink of eye.

    Gorynych¡¯s Divine Raiment, Tartaros Frame. Its real ability was displayed her.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Rapid Fire Mode.¡¹

    The muzzles of countless weapons like Cannon or Breath Gun were taken into its front surface, forming an atypical appearance.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s figure was completely changed into a fortress that was specialized for attack.

    ¡¸It¡¯s to continue carrying the burden for me to keep being me you knoow? Even if it was a part that was created from Calensia¡¯s threat, there is no doubt that it is a part of me seee. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    Heiburg¡¯s King of Vices.

    The ruler who brainwashed her and created this mask. Now she would use this mask not for that person¡¯s sake, but for herself.

    She traced the personality of Rosa Granhide, an overbearing and dangerous powerful person.

    ¡¸Now I¡¯ll defeat this thing, for my sake and for Lux-sama.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸That¡¯s, no way©¤©¤¡­¡­why, such thing like this is¡¹

    Seven Dragon Paladins, versus seven Ragnarok.

    The silver airborne ship floating in the sky above©¤©¤Heaven Palace. The Lord Listelka Rei Arshalia was overlooking such scene while muttering so.

    She scattered Abysses named Shadow to mimic human appearance and agitated the masses, cornering the sovereigns of the countries.

    She also made them to bring out the enemy¡¯s remaining battle potential, the elite force of all the countries and led them into trap.

    Furthermore she took the Seven Dragon Paladins hostage, and planned to brainwash them later to make them into her subordinates.

    She used Lux along with Aeril and arranged to make them conquer Avalon.

    That scheme splendidly worked and everything went well. Yes©¤©¤until the middle.

    ¡¸Why is a mere seven people can face that many Ragnarok? Such thing, was impossible even in our era.¡¹

    She wasn¡¯t exactly showing agitation, but a doubt was definitely created inside herself.

    Even if they were user of Divine Drag-Ride, in the first place Ragnarok wasn¡¯t an existence that could be defeated alone.

    In reality, even though it was a surprise attack but it was the fact that the alliance¡¯s elite Drag-Knights were easily crushed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The maid Mishis who was standing at the side had an idea about the cause of that.

    She had only comprehended it through her battle against Celis and Philuffy just now.

    ¡¸We were making light of them, that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    Fugil who was standing by in the same room told that with an admonishing smile.

    ¡¸No matter how powerful the Ragnarok are, their ability had been completely exposed through the Ruins¡¯ capture until now. Furthermore with their weakened state after having just waking up©¤©¤no¡¹

    Fugil paused for a moment and faced Listelka.

    ¡¸Their true strength is simply superior. It¡¯s different from the age where you lived. Although the process is different, they have raised their strength in their own way.¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril¡­¡­if only that girl didn¡¯t betray us, the result should be different.¡¹

    The ancient era. Listelka who reigned as an absolute ruler seemed to not want to recognize it. She muttered bitterly.

    But, Fugil spoke indifferently with an unchanging smile.

    ¡¸No, you have predicted even her action. The second imperial princess who intended to rebel fell into your trap, and she was perceived as enemy by the world alliance. She already had no other path than to live for the sake of the Lord. The reason, why her fate was overturned©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux Arcadia. Him winning over her highness Aeril to his side is the cause. Is it okay to think like that?¡¹

    Mishis said those words, but Fugil silently shook his head.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it. That foolish little brother didn¡¯t know anything like the true identity of her highness princess Aeril. He also didn¡¯t try to win him over or anything. In other words©¤©¤he has the qualities of hero. That guy has the qualities, that can make even someone from the enemy faction to want to become his ally.¡¹

    ¡¸He¡­¡­ro¡­¡­?¡¹

    Listelka muttered while staring at the scene below which was projected on the metallic wall.

    She was dumbfounded and lost her words for a while, then after she shook her head, she silently smiled.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t recognize it. A hero for me is only Fugil. There is no way I can lose against the like of that family of traitor. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    Sitting on the throne, Listelka wore the Crown©¤©¤the transmission device that was connected to terminal and countless wires.

    Even if she tried to interfere with Avalon¡¯s system again, she was unable to call a battle strength that surpassed Ragnarok. And she couldn¡¯t control only Sacred Eclipse.

    In that case©¤©¤.

    ¡ºHayes, please buy time! You can only fight two more times, that¡¯s your limit. I will grant you the chance to use one of that here. I too will soon get serious.¡»

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Listelka-sama, you don¡¯t mean©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Mishis who heard that changed her facial expression.

    The trump card of Avalon that was possible to be used right now.

    She had knowledge of that.

    ¡¸Please stop! If that is used, Sacred Eclipse that was defeated just now might be stimulated. No©¤©¤other than that, there is also the possibility of the controlled Ragnarok losing their distinction. They might even attack us!¡¹

    ¡¸Is there, any problem with that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Listelka made a pure smile. Mishis turned speechless seeing that.

    ¡¸It¡¯s something cheap to pay. We will be able to obtain victory simply by braving a little danger. Compared to that time when we couldn¡¯t do anything at all even while being toyed with, this is truly a magnificent hope.¡¹

    Her red pupil that received Baptism was shining fiercely as though it was blazing.

    What she was doing should also put considerable burden on herself, but she intended to decide the battle right away here.

    Mishis immediately turned toward Fugil and threw a pleading gaze at him.

    She held hope for him to hold Listelka back in her place, but the man gave a push on his lord¡¯s back with a composed smile.

    ¡¸Just as expected from the pedigree of the empire. My foolish little brother posses a great defect. It¡¯s his softness that makes him unable to hand down judgment even while knowing that it is the right thing to do. You possess the resolve to bring down the hammer of judgment, for the sake of your righteousness.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Let me prove it before you. The excellence of my caliber compared to other©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Listelka responded to Fugil¡¯s voice, the body of Listelka who was wearing the Crown that was the terminal faintly shined.

    The next moment, Avalon that was sleeping below the ground rumbled, and a single command was released.

    ¨C

    ¡¸GUOH! OGOGOGOOOH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What happened? This is©¤©¤?¡¹

    Right after Listelka activated Avalon¡¯s system, the greater demon Ragnarok©¤©¤Iblis that Soffice was fighting suddenly changed.

    The Divine Drag-Ride that Soffice was wearing©¤©¤Vritra possessed the power of Mahapurana that controlled trajectory. With that she dodged the enemy¡¯s ability, the light and sound wave of mental pollution, but she was surprised by the change in the enemy.

    The muscles along with the wings on the great demon¡¯s shoulders until its back bulged, then its jaw opened wide as though it was going to come off.

    The eyeballs were enlarged as though it was going to pop out from the eye sockets. Those eyes captured Soffice¡¯s movement quickly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤VAaaaaAASU!¡¹

    ¡¸Lies¡­¡­. The sound just now, don¡¯t tell me, it¡¯s Lunatic Call!?¡¹

    Soffice was taken aback and gulped. At that instant, a whirlwind was approaching like a surge.

    She blocked that powerful arm¡¯s horizontal swept with her barrier, but it couldn¡¯t be blocked fully.

    ¡¸Guh, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    The armor of the left arm that immediately blocked couldn¡¯t fully absorb the impact. The armor frame¡¯s distorted and creaked.

    Soffice took distance using the inertia of her getting blown away, but she didn¡¯t even have any time to fix her balance.

    She barely parried the battering attack that pursued her with speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow using her Hammer weapon.

    She spontaneously wanted to dodge using trajectory control of Mahapurana, but she couldn¡¯t do that.

    Iblis didn¡¯t switch its method of attack, it only changed all its attack into a single sure-kill attack.

    In other words, Iblis¡¯s specialty, the sound wave and light ray of mental pollution were also still activated alternately.

    ¡¸Of all thing, to use Lunatic Call at this phase©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice who previously used this function as threat from the Ruin Moon understood.

    ¡¸The final code that is sent through Ruin¡­¡­. It order the Abysses and Ragnarok at the surrounding to circulate all the energy contained within their core through their whole body, entering a rampage state. Although they will die eventually, they will obtain tremendous power for dozens of minutes©¤©¤auh!¡¹

    There wasn¡¯t even any time to ruminate about her past knowledge.

    Due to this strengthening she was unable to obtain advantage from using her Divine Raiment, on top of that the difference in performance couldn¡¯t be buried.

    She should be barely able to fight a Ragnarok alone if it was in a weakened state, but now her opponent was already became stronger even compared to a normal Ragnarok.

    ¡º©¤©¤Hoo, so this high spirited manner of these guys came from that kind of trick? ¡»

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Soffice put up her guard against the sudden Dragon Voice, but she immediately noticed that the voice came from the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca.

    She was fighting above the watch tower in front of the fortress, a few hundred ml behind Soffice.

    There, terrible hell fire was whirling.

    Magialca was facing against the Ragnarok Phoenix.

    From the Moon¡¯s database, Soffice knew that Phoenix was an extremely bothersome existence that could fire inexhaustible supply of flame arrow in the form of feathers that were filled with special oil, where the flame couldn¡¯t be extinguished for a long time.

    In contrast Magialca was wearing special type Divine Drag-Ride, Jormungandr.

    It had a huge body that gave the impression as though it was a single fortress. It possessed a flaw that it couldn¡¯t move from the spot it was placed on once it was deployed.

    In exchange, it possessed extraordinary offensive power and defensive power even among Divine Drag-Ride, and then it also possessed seven armored arms that possessed diverse type of armaments. It was a Drag-Ride with limited use, but it possessed a really powerful performance.

    However.

    ¡ºI wish to go as reinforcement but, right now I also have my hands full. Ask other people to help you.¡»

    Soffice immediately said that because she judged that Magialca was obviously in disadvantage.

    Jormungandr that was deployed above the watch tower possessed excellent flying ability. From the point of view of Phoenix that could attack one-sidedly from the sky, Magialca was a good target.

    But, not all the flame could be blocked and the rooftop of the watch tower was getting burned.

    Jormungandr also counterattacked with its armored arms that were loaded with Cannon and Breath Gun, but no matter how abnormally high the weapons¡¯ power was, the enemy was a flying type Ragnarok.

    The barrage of bullets gave it almost no damage, Cannon attack was dodged, and lethal damage couldn¡¯t be inflicted to it.

    Before long the watch tower itself was covered with flame. The moment Magialca dispelled her armor to escape, Phoenix swoop down and reaped her neck in one attack.

    Such prediction was instantly drawn in the back of Soffice¡¯s mind.

    But, even so the voice that replied back to her was tinged with composure.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s ten years too early for a brat like you to worry about me. Rather than that be careful. That fellow finally move.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The moment Soffice raised her face, a single silhouette entered her sight.

    There, a Drag-Ride with strange shape that was covered with dark red branches and roots gave off a fierce roar and attacked toward the fortress.

    ¨C

    ¡¸HYAHAHAHAHAHAAH! My turn finally come yeah! It¡¯s time for revenge against you bastards-!¡¹

    Hayes raised a shrill voice that was filled with joy and drove her Divine Drag-Ride Niddhogg forward.

    The instruction that Listelka gave her.

    While Seven Dragon Paladins were locked in battle with the seven Ragnarok, she would use that chance to attack the fortress behind them to exterminate the sovereigns of all the countries. Hayes flew in a straight line through the sky in order to accomplish that order.

    The restoration of her flesh body using Baptism for the second time also gave powerful influence to Hayes¡¯s fierce mentality. Her aggressive aspect became bared.

    Thus she was taking the shortest route.

    She drove her Divine Drag-Ride of evil dragon in order to massacre the enemies without even a shred of hesitation or mercy.

    The armament with shape of blade stretching out from both end of the handle©¤©¤Two-Bladed Sword.

    The uniquely shaped weapon rotated along with light of Divine Raiment, and slashing line of light stretched out from the tip.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Astral Line!¡¹

    The sword strike that ignored defense and severed the target along with space itself.

    The moment the blade of certain death was unleashed along with an angry yell, that sword strike shifted slightly.

    ¡¸UAAAaAAH!?¡¹

    Several Drag-Knights who retreated into the fortress screamed from the after-effect of the destruction.

    But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸What are you doing huuh, Aneue-sama? Is even your hand went mad alreadyyy, our enemies should be right below us y¡¯know?¡¹

    Hayes glared to the front in irritation.

    The answer of what shifted the attack just now existed over there.

    A Drag-Knight clad in Divine Drag-Ride Zahhak. A girl who possessed hair and eyes with the same color like her©¤©¤the second imperial princess Aeril.

    The whip shaped special armament in her hand coiled around Nidhogg¡¯s armored arm and pulled, shifting the attack away.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Hah, so in the end you were seduced by that fake prince into that sorry state huh. You cannot fulfill the duty as Lord and then ended up betraying both sides, just what the hell you are doing? Just die rather than living that disgracefully.¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. It might be just as you say.¡¹

    Aeril wasn¡¯t even shaken by Hayes¡¯s provocation and smiled with a lonely look.

    ¡¸I who betrayed the world alliance and tricked other people until now by manipulating their perception don¡¯t think that they will be able to recognize me. Even if I saved them in this situation, surely they still won¡¯t be able to accept me. I have©¤©¤turned anything and everything in the world into enemy.¡¹

    ¡¸And, you are going to fight me because you got desperate? That¡¯s a way of living that ain¡¯t worthy for a member of the Lord huh!¡¹

    Hayes drove her Niddhogg along with a sneer.

    She didn¡¯t sever the Breath Whip that was coiled around her right arm and deliberately rushed forward like that.

    She twirled her Two-Bladed Sword directly horizontal and activated Astral Line.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Originally, once the weapon called whip was entangled to something, it would be difficult to untied it once more with hand movement.

    But, Aeril made use of the special armament¡¯s ability where it could be controlled until the tip using mind control operation. She barely untied the whip¡¯s binding and dodged.

    ¡¸Then, there ain¡¯t any need to go easy huh. Just now a notice came from Listelka-nee-sama y¡¯know. Get rid of the traitor she said!¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s eyes snapped wide open and she lunged with a thrust of her weapon.

    The deathly battle between fellow sisters began.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Coral¡­¡­, what the hell you are trying to do in that kind of place? Don¡¯t tell me, you ain¡¯t trying to betray us again right?¡¹

    Hayes who assaulted from the sky was stopped by Aeril.

    Below that©¤©¤the Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality, Greifer was battling the Ragnarok Metatron.

    The huge spherically shaped Ragnarok that possessed absolute defensive ability of attack reflection.

    Greifer dodged the heat rays that were fired from its countless eyes while being forced into one-sided defensive battle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Iii, IiIIIIIIiII!¡¹

    Originally he should be able to fight against it equally using the compatibility of Cuelebre¡¯s Divine Raiment, the absolute invincible state©¤©¤Photon Dive, but right now due to the Lunatic Call that Listelka activated, the Ragnarok entered a state of rampage and its destructive power was drastically increased.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Chih! Even though it¡¯s already tiresome with just this thing, this is out of my league yeah!¡¹

    The Seven Dragon Paladins who were rescued by the Triad had their Wedge released by Aeril along with Lux, but because there was no time, they separated with almost no explanation.

    Thus Greifer still didn¡¯t understand Aeril¡¯s true motivation.

    Lux said ¡ºShe isn¡¯t an enemy¡» about Aeril, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Chih!¡¹

    Greifer clicked his tongue while charging toward Metatron.

    He covered himself with Photon Dive while ignoring the enemy¡¯s attack reflection and dealt consecutive attacks on it. That was his strategy.

    But, he couldn¡¯t break through the defense of the strengthened Ragnarok and he was repelled when the invincibility state ran out of time.

    He was lacking in destructive power of one hit certain kill to destroy the hard and also meaty Ragnarok.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s not it. It seems the two Lords above are starting to fight among themselves. As I thought my estimate was correct.¡¹

    ¡¸What? What do you mean?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s voice that came from slight distance away caused Greifer to send a glance there and replied back.

    Because of his ability of invincibility using the Divine Raiment Photon Dive, he somehow had the leeway to talk while he was focusing in defense.

    On the other hand, Singlen was battling against a rampaging Ragnarok©¤©¤Deus ex Machina with him at advantage, but as expected, because the enemy possessed the ability to teleport object through space, it looked like he was unable to deal the finishing blow.

    ¡¸I mean that ruined prince, he succeeded in cajoling the second imperial princess. I was unable to win over that man, but in the end this is the ideal flow. After all I planned to have that guy to act as ¡ºhero¡» anyway.¡¹

    Singlen who was clad with deep blue Drag-Ride©¤©¤Leviathan grinned fearlessly while sending slashing attack using water current.

    ¡¸You mean©¤©¤for making government system by Drag-Knight that you told us in the past? That¡¯s being too much of a poor loser ain¡¯t it? It¡¯s strange even if you say that in this kind of time.¡¹

    Because Metatron was temporarily taking distance at that timing, Greifer pointed that out.

    In the past Singlen talked about managing the scramble for technologies and legacies from Ruins by replacing the government of each country with new ruling structure by Drag-Knight.

    In the end everyone there didn¡¯t understand whether Singlen was really serious or not.

    But, there was no doubt that Singlen saw through that Lux would play an important role in the fight ahead and he persistently tried to make Lux enter under his command.

    (¡­¡­But, in the end vice captain-sama¡¯s true objective is still unclear.)

    Greifer faced Metatron once more with a dubious face.

    There was no more leeway to have his attention diverted by Singlen.

    He barely defended against the heat rays that were fired consecutively from the eyeballs and aimed for a ray of hope to recover from this hopeless situation.

    ¡¸You will understand soon. Why did I set him up as hero, and what will happen at the end of it. Well, that¡¯s only if you can survive until then though.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! That¡¯s one awful encouragement there. Then©¤©¤just watch me.¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s Cuelebre that didn¡¯t possess focused attack power to break through one point only had one method to defeat that Ragnarok. It would be a dangerous bet that could also be taken as suicidal resolve, but there was no prospect of victory other than that.

    ¡¸Reckless challenge is my principle yeah, vice captain-sama. Don¡¯t expect me to die with just a pinch of this level.¡¹

    Coral was at his side as the aide of Vanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Right now he put aside even his emotion toward her©¤©¤the second imperial princess Aeril of the Lord.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really simple. Just who is gonna die while letting you bastards did as you please to us huh. That¡¯s why, don¡¯t you dare die, Coral.¡¹

    Greifer spoke over his shoulder with a careless tone and then he faced the Ragnarok once more.

    He leaped once more into the storm of heat rays.

    ¨C

    ¡¸GU, ooOOOOOoooOOOOO-!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuh¡­¡­! Haa, haa¡­¡­-¡¹

    Lux was breathing hard against the attack of branches and roots that were coming one after another.

    The Ragnarok that Lux faced was the gigantic Ragnarok Yggdrasil.

    Its special ability was©¤©¤adaptation strengthening.

    It would obtain resistance against the enemy¡¯s attack, furthermore it would grow and evolve to surpass the enemy¡¯s strength.

    It was an opponent that he had fought and defeated before, but as expected it was extremely troublesome.

    It wasn¡¯t like before when Hayes fed the Yggdrasil with several hundred Abysses, but the Lunatic Call by Listelka made it entered a rampage state and it cornered Lux into a situation that he couldn¡¯t deal with.

    Quick Draw, Recoil Burst, End Action.

    He had already used the three hidden techniques, but he couldn¡¯t obtain a breakthrough.

    There was also the option of using the hidden technique that made use of tuning©¤©¤Singlen¡¯s Senjin, but using that might make the enemy took advantage of it instead within this battlefield where so many branches were flying around everywhere.

    Above all else, the fatigue from the continuous serial battles until now took away the thinking ability from Lux¡¯s mind.

    But, he couldn¡¯t throw in the towel just from this much.

    Aeril had thrown away her place to belong as a Lord, furthermore she also knew that there was a high possibility that she wouldn¡¯t be able to be accepted within the world alliance anymore. But even then she cooperated with Lux and others.

    In addition for the sake of everyone from Syvalles too, who gave their all in order to save him, he must not lose here no matter what.

    With the revival of Yggdrasil, a bad influence might occur within Philuffy once more.

    And above all else, inside the fortress behind him there were the retreating soldiers and Airi.

    And then, suddenly at the corner of Lux¡¯s sight©¤©¤he caught sight of a ship floating in the clear azure sky.

    The silver airborne ship that was called as Heaven Palace, the castle of the Lords.

    (Are you over there, Fugil?)

    Aeril said that as a Lord, she would fight for the sake of her own belief.

    What about Lux?

    Defeating the revived Ragnarok here, captured Avalon, and stopped Sacred Eclipse.

    Certainly the world might be saved with that, but was Lux¡¯s wish only that?

    He became involved with the new kingdom once more as a Seven Dragon Paladins, and he joined the side that protected the new order.

    He obtained comrades and backer who he could trust, and got stronger.

    Was he satisfied with his current self? No©¤©¤wrong.

    ¨C

    ¡ºIt¡¯s meaningless you know, Lux. Someone who has no resolve to exercise evil by their own will, someone who cannot sacrifice anyone, no matter how much such person grow stronger it won¡¯t have any meaning at all. You are the weakest.¡»

    ¨C

    The cold gaze of the elder brother looking down on the collapsed Lux in front of the throne of the old empire¡¯s castle that was submerged in a sea of blood.

    The sight of that day where all the people in the side of the old empire were massacred were seared into his mind even now.

    The Lords who tried to rule the world.

    However Aeril tried to save Lux and other by risking her life.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤, I¡¯m not mistaken!¡¹

    No matter what kind of danger he who had to braved through, he wanted to save Aeril who once was in the enemy side.

    When he resolved himself like that and looked up above, Lux sent a Dragon Voice to her about a certain strategy at the same time.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Is that it Aneue-sama!? Don¡¯t make us even more disappointed than this yeaah!¡¹

    At above while Lux was being cornered by Yggdrasil.

    A deathly battle of Hayes who was wearing Niddhogg versus Aeril with her Zahhak was continuing.

    Niddhogg¡¯s Divine Raiment, Astral Line that was emitted from the special armament Two-Bladed Sword was an ability that cut apart in wide range along with space itself.

    The cut section that was created by the Divine Raiment became blocked along with space, becoming a boundary that was impossible to be interfered with.

    It became a wall that blocked the opponent¡¯s attack, at the same time it reduced the opponent¡¯s space to move and became a way to corner them.

    Furthermore, in order to prevent Hayes from attacking the Seven Dragon Paladins, Aeril couldn¡¯t undo the Breath Whip that she had entangled around her opponent¡¯s armored arm once more.

    One of her weapons was sealed and she was forced into disadvantage.

    Even though Aeril was desperately wielding a Blade with her free left hand, all her attacks were blocked due to dark red branches growing from Hayes¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤, you are planting Yggdrasil¡¯s seed into your armor? You won¡¯t last long if you fight in that state you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸If you are going to make a threat than make it something more effective. Or else is that you begging to be overlooked Aneue-sama? You are really unsightly huh! It will be just my satisfaction if I die for the sake of the Lord!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uah!¡¹

    From the armor that was transformed into B-blood Nidhogg due to Yggdrasil¡¯s parasite, a branch spear thrust out.

    The Blade of Aeril that received direct attack of it was broken and furthermore the branch coiled around her and constricted.

    ¡¸You yourself, do you have any leeway to split your strength with unnecessary things huh? Seems like you are using your Divine Raiment since some time ago to cover up that sham prince but, that¡¯s na?ve! Where is that bastard, where are you hiding him!?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh, AAAAAAA¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Aeril raised an anguished scream. At the same time, below at the ruin where Hayes was looking down at, Lux¡¯s figure appeared.

    In order to protect Lux who was fighting below, Aeril used Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment, the Brain Hack to erase Lux¡¯s very existence from Hayes¡¯s memory.

    And then, just now the effect was dispelled.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. That¡¯s a good look you have there? Are you at your limit alreadyy? A woman who got led astray by that worthless fake prince really is a pathetic thing huuh.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In respond Aril only kept grimacing in pain and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Aeril¡¯s surrounding was already surrounded by cut sections in space that were created by Hayes¡¯s Astral Line. She was in a situation where she couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡¸You ran out of look when you fell in love with that kind of trash. But Aneue-sama is saying that she will hand down a lenient punishment y¡¯know. Listen to this.¡¹

    Hayes laughed and pointed the tip of her sword to Aeril who was captured by Yggdrasil¡¯s branches and got bound hand and foot.

    Then, Listelka¡¯s voice that was broadcasted from the heaven palace showered down on the area where Hayes and Aeril were at.

    ¡ºAeril¡­¡­. You are already satisfied right? I understand your feeling. The bunch inside that fortress is a different matter but, I won¡¯t rule over them one-sidedly. That¡¯s why won¡¯t you stop your defiance already and return to our side?¡»

    It was a graceful and yet warm voice.

    Listelka whispered sweet words that were oozing with kindness into her little sister¡¯s ear.

    ¡ºYou came into contact with the people of this world and then understood their feeling. If that¡¯s the case, then I want to respect your stance as much as possible. Or perhaps, are you unable to believe me, your blood-related elder sister?¡»

    Listelka¡¯s timely help that was trying to win over Aeril at this point.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins were forced into disadvantage and Aeril herself also had no place to belong remaining for her.

    ¡ºWhat use is there in continuing to fight when no one will recognize you for it? There is still a path remaining for you as Lord. If you return to our side now, then I will be generous and promise to specially save Lux Arcadia alone.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Next Listelka showed the greatest concession she could make.

    Hayes reflexively showed a displeased voice and a bit of silence was born.

    ¡¸A path as a Lord©¤©¤is it?¡¹

    Aeril let out a voice that was mixed with a sigh while her body was still constricted along with her armor.

    She gave off an atmosphere that was vaguely resigned and stared at the Heaven Palace floating in the sky.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    Lux who was in the middle of battle was listening to that exchange, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    He thought that Listelka¡¯s invitation was a trap, but he had no way to prove that.

    Just a few seconds©¤©¤.

    After an indecision that was equal to a few minutes within Lux¡¯s bodily sensation, Aeril lifted her face and opened her mouth.

    An absolutely desperate situation where her limbs were restrained and there was no place to escape.

    On such a situation, a pardon where only her and Lux would be saved was offered, but Aeril silently shook her head.

    ¡¸You¡¯re wrong, Nee-san, Hayes. In the first place such path is mistaken.¡¹

    Aeril was staring at empty air with an expression that looked lonely and pained.

    ¡¸Why did us Lord declined? Why were we betrayed and sealed by the family of traitor? You two should understand why. That was because we tried to rule the world using Key¡¯s Supervisor¡¯s technological strength and the Ruins¡¯ power. Because we forcefully oppressed all the people.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah! Just when I thought what you are going to say, what is so bad about that? A family with power and excellence controlling the other with that is only natural!¡¹

    In front of her Hayes bared a wicked look and yelled enthusiastically.

    But, Aeril¡¯s empty smile didn¡¯t crumble.

    ¡¸Yes, everything thought that it¡¯s only natural. Because we are superior, because we are the chosen clan, anything we do to other people is fine. That arrogance ruined us. I understand. That day, before we slept for a few hundred years, I averted my eyes while noticing that.¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­This is really troubling, Aeril. For you to lose the nobility of your soul while making friends with those lowly bunch©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸Nee-san and Hayes yourself doesn¡¯t understand anything. The Lord and the Ruins are already unnecessary in this era. That¡¯s why I¡¯ll destroy Avalon along with Sacred Eclipse, and seal all the Ruins. That is my wish.¡¹

    ¡ºDo you think you can accomplish that? I won¡¯t allow you to say that you do not know how greedy of a creature human is you know?¡»

    Listelka sighed in exasperation.

    But, Aeril smiled widely and looked at Lux.

    ¡¸Of course I know. But I am not mistaken at all. We can understand each other with the people of this world. No©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril took a deep breath and glared straight to the Heaven Palace.

    ¡¸No matter what kind of hardships we have to shoulder, we have to do that. That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll fight!¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Aeril declared her intention resolutely.

    Listelka who saw that could be heard gasping.

    ¡ºIs that so, I too still have some way to go.¡»

    It was a gentle voice that for a moment made it sounded like she was recognizing Aeril¡¯s opinion.

    However right after that, the place was filled with dark voice that was filled with deathly dose of lethal poison.

    ¡ºAs the leader of the Lord, pardoning a failed existence like you is©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like that¡¯s how it is yeah, Onee-sama. I won¡¯t be able to hold on until the unveiling of Avalon but, die here! Farewell!¡¹

    Hayes raised her fervor and held up Niddhogg¡¯s Two-Bladed Sword.

    Zahhak¡¯s Breath Whip that was entangled around its armored arm was already severed. Aeril¡¯s movement was sealed from four directions by walls of cut section in space.

    Aeril was in absolute danger, however she smiled with refinement.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ve been waiting you know, Hayes, for those words and attack.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    The slash of Astral Line that possessed absolute offensive power.

    Aeril should be unable to make any movement with the partition of severed space surrounding her, but she penetrated one cut section and slipped out.

    Right after that©¤©¤the slash that Hayes unleashed split an empty ground into two.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Impossible-!? How did you pass the wall of severed space!?¡¹

    The cut section of space that was created by Astral Line would automatically vanish starting from the oldest cut when the number of the cut exceeded a certain number, but it should be impossible to break through them with any other way.

    It would be different if Divine Raiment neutralization effect like Philuffy¡¯s Typhon was used, but there wasn¡¯t any sign of anything like that occurring.

    ¡¸You were careless, Hayes. I dispelled Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment wasn¡¯t because I had no more strength to spare to cover for Lux-kun. It was because I changed what memory I stole from you. I used Brain Hack to make you forget that you had used Astral Line and one of the cut sections surrounding me had vanished©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!¡¹

    Hayes who was told the answer also noticed.

    The space at the four directions from Aeril was vertically and horizontally cut into a situation where it seemed like she was locked, but that was an illusion.

    In reality Aeril wasn¡¯t passing through a cut section.

    The memory of the vanished cut section was erased from Hayes¡¯s eyes and she didn¡¯t notice the hole.

    ¡¸It was Lux-kun who taught me this plan. While he is in the middle of battle with Yggdrasil where he cannot relax even for an instant, he still gave me guidance in order to save me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! So what! In the first place you bastard have no more weapon remaining! You¡¯ve got no way to win against the B-blood Nidhogg of this great mee!¡¹

    Along with her angry scream, Hayes¡¯s head armor part shined and a powerful shockwave whirled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    At that time when she was about to unleash a shockwave with maximum output, the branches of Yggdrasil that were strengthening Hayes¡¯s armor slackened and simultaneously came untied.

    ¡¸WHaa-!?¡¹

    Although the main frame of Niddhogg itself didn¡¯t collapse, its strengthened power was drastically weakened.

    Aeril who saw that swung her half destroyed Breath Whip and entangled it around Hayes and restrained her.

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t notice? After I made you forgot about the cut section in space using Brain Hack, next I erased different thing from your memory. That is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸GU, GYAAAAAAaaaAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Hayes whose attention was attracted turned her bloodshot eyes to below, where she caught the sight of Yggdrasil that was split almost in half while letting out a weird shriek.

    ¡¸Lux-kun lured it there. When you whose memory of Yggdrasil was stolen let out your slash, it was guided to a position where it was easy to get hit.¡¹

    ¡¸Impossible-! E, even such thing¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Currently Lux had no strength to defeat the revived Yggdrasil that entered rampage state.

    But, it didn¡¯t matter that it was a living thing that could strengthen itself infinitely, it would be helpless against a slash that cut its core along with the space.

    Therefore©¤©¤Lux formed a plan from the Divine Raiment of Aeril¡¯s Zahhak and their position, and turned the predicament into a good chance.

    ¡¸And then Hayes. Even the me right now have no strength to deal a finishing blow to you. That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll ask him to do it for me. After all just now I have also lend him my strength to exterminate Yggdrasil.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Right. Leave it to me, Aeril.¡¹

    In front of Yggdrasil whose core was destroyed and raised a shriek of death agony, Lux put his breathing in order and took his stance.

    Aeril¡¯s Zahhak swooped down with her Breath Whip was still restraining Hayes, pulling her.

    The moment Hayes came before Lux¡¯s eyes with a momentum as though she was going to crash on the ground, Lux activated his Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    In a timing where Hayes in her Drag-Ride and Yggdrasil were side by side, Lux¡¯s Divine Raiment activated in the radius of ten-odd meter around him.

    Due to the compression strengthening of time, the time was lengthened without end.

    Amidst that time, slashes that were like heavy rain struck toward the two.

    ¨C

    Mel who possessed the nickname of Subjugator were in deathly combat against the giant ice wolf Ragnarok Fenrir.

    While the fight of Lux and Aeril was reaching the climax, this side was also about to reach the conclusion.

    ¡¸UooOOOoOOOON¡­¡­!¡¹

    The ice wolf Fenrir that was turned brutal due to the Lunatic Call was changing form by cladding its whole body with armor of ice using its overwhelming freezing ability.

    Mel was unable to dodge all of Fenrir¡¯s high speed consecutive attacks using ice blade. The Ddraig Gwiber she was wearing had countless scratches on it.

    ¡¸How troublesome. The enemy can create armor and weapon infinitely. If the current me continue to melt all of the enemy¡¯s ice, my stamina won¡¯t hold.¡¹

    The temperature at the surrounding became below the freezing point and even the air she exhaled froze.

    If Mel¡¯s Drag-Ride wasn¡¯t Ddraig Gwiber that controlled temperature, she might had been killed since a long time ago.

    (Besides, this variable mode that can change into Wyvern Mode is also fortunate.)

    If she fought in the mode of land battle type, most likely her foothold would be frozen and she would be unable to move properly.

    Thinking how she was able to avoid the worst case, even Mel had some advantage.

    ¡¸UGARURURURURUAH!¡¹

    She also had her hand full to defend against the attack of front leg and fang that Fenril unleashed from his state that was covered with ice armor.

    The strengthening to its offense and defense was extremely troublesome. It couldn¡¯t be broken through with the attack of Mel¡¯s Halberd.

    Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s special armament, the creation bullet©¤©¤Grand Buster boasted the greatest offensive power, even so it could only gouge the ice wolf¡¯s flesh with one attack at best.

    The Grand Buster originally possessed explosive might that could change even the terrain, but it couldn¡¯t be fired consecutively, and on top of that it was also completely defended against by the enemy¡¯s ice armor.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really troublesome. Far more than when I fought it before©¤©¤but¡¹

    After taking a breath, Mel made a fearless smile.

    ¡¸Compared to the troublesomeness of that Krulcifer, this is nothing at all. It cannot form a tactic that is too advanced. You are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸URURU¡­¡­UGAAAaAAAH!?¡¹

    The ice wolf reacted to Mel¡¯s words that sounded like she was making fool of it and leaped in enragement.

    But, the moment it crouched its body deeply to leap, the ground crumbled and Fenrir¡¯s body sunk into the ground.

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t notice? If the water underground is solidified beforehand to make ice, and then it is vaporized, a space will be created©¤©¤it was a hard work to make a pitfall that is big enough for you though.¡¹

    Mel exposed the trick while using Dual Shift¡¯s temperature manipulation to make an ice lid above the hole where Fenrir fell.

    Fenrir itself possessed terrific freezing ability, but conversely it couldn¡¯t melt ice.

    But, even so with the overwhelming physical ability that Ragnarok possessed, Fenrir tried to smash through the ice forcefully.

    ¡¸URURUHGUAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    *Crack crack* The ice lid was cracked and in the blink of eye its head peeked out.

    But, at that time Mel was already finished with the firing preparation of Ground Buster from above the hole where Fenrir was trapped.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll give you a special lesson. You already lose you know? When I saw a chance, I would bury frozen bullet of Ground Buster into that pitfall. There are ten of them inside. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    If she fired even one Ground Buster and detonated it, the impact would induce all the other frozen bullets to explode. A power that was ten times the original would strike in one go.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU, UooOoOOOaAAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after Mel fired the last bullet, flame blast and shockwave smashed apart the ruins along with the terrain with the pitfall at the center.

    The ice armor Fenrir was wearing was easily broken, and its thick fur and flesh were pierced through.

    ¡¸A, GA, A¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even with its cracked core was exposed, Fenrir still tried to crawl up, but its flesh was already ruined.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really something. To be able to stand up even after receiving that much attack.¡¹

    Mel was also breathing hard, even so she spoke with a confident gaze.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤can you accept it I wonder? Human who fight while thinking is the strongest, legendary monster-san.¡¹

    The girl who surpassed even the strengthened Ragnarok in this short time muttered.

    She felt it keenly how she became stronger by a level more as the youngest Drag-Knight while thinking that this time for sure she wanted to try to win against even Krulcifer.

    She took out her Cannon and aimed it below with that flood of emotion filling herself.

    ¨C

    At the neighboring position that was three hundred ml further from there.

    The battle between Vanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins, Greifer versus the gigantic spherically shaped Ragnarok Metatron would also be concluded.

    ¡¸What a persistent guy, this shitty eyeball.¡¹

    Ragnarok Metatron¡¯s attack method was only laser beam from its eyes.

    And then other than that peculiar attack reflection ability, it could only move sluggishly using its wings.

    But, with how simple it was, he couldn¡¯t find the method to subdue it.

    Greifer had already known how Lux used Reload on Fire to prolong the timing when it reflected attack that was even less than an instant, and destroyed it in that opening.

    But, in order to do that, one had to produce a strength that could reach until it core in one attack during that blank instant when it reflected attack back.

    Tail Blade moved with its blade having partition that was shaped like snake stomach. It was a special armament that could expanded and contracted, and drew a trajectory that was like a whip, but the weakness of its ever changing trajectory was its low power.

    It was completely impossible for it to cut apart the flesh of Ragnarok whose even life force was strengthened and then destroyed the core.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll fucking do it. I¡¯m gonna push through this impossibly hard challenge!¡¹

    Greifer grinned in disgruntlement while parrying Metatron¡¯s laser.

    If he used the Divine Raiment of invincibility, Photon Dive, dodging would be easy, but he limited his use of it so that the enemy wouldn¡¯t get used to it.

    Because of that, several dozen lasers pierced his barrier, and the solid armor of Cuelebre was being shaved and melted.

    Greifer¡¯s own body also received the after wave of the laser and he was injured with throbbing scalds here and there.

    It was a lonely fight with him alone.

    The grey buildings of abandoned capital Guernica made Greifer recalled the town where he was born and raised.

    While he was born as a son of a military officer, his father was dishonored and his family fell into ruin.

    He was wandering around the back alley since his childhood and spent days of living like a stray dog.

    It was also as though he had no aptitude as Drag-Knight. His path to become a military officer of the next generation was also closed.

    Even so he resisted, didn¡¯t give up, and tackled his training with foolish straightforwardness.

    He accidentally snatched an old Drag-Ride from a bandit, and he continued to ride it until he vomited blood.

    One night, a strange girl appeared in front of him, and since then he became able to use the Drag-Ride well.

    His effort caught the eyes of Princess Milmiette and she picked him up, and he regained the path as knight once more.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is damn irritating. This attitude of those Lord bunches thinking that we ain¡¯t gonna win if they throw something like this at us.¡¹

    Greifer was unconcerned whether he was belittled or despised.

    But, he couldn¡¯t endure being made light of.

    Challenging one¡¯s own harsh fate, surviving even if one had to get hurt and struggle was the instinct of living thing.

    Thus Greifer was called as the Covetous Wolf who challenged and overcame every kind of impossibility, and his surrounding held him in awe and fear.

    The only thing that bothered him who was uncaring about the past matter was Lux¡¯s existence.

    He was a son of the old empire¡¯s emperor who became the cause of Greifer¡¯s father losing his standing, but such bond from that fateful connection between them had completely vanished.

    It was because the impression Lux gave was the farthest from the imperial family of the old empire, and above all else it was because Greifer noticed that it wasn¡¯t just himself who was resisting adversity that was called as impossible.

    ¡¸Then, I also cannot lose huh.¡¹

    His eyes glinted fiercely and Greifer glared at Metatron.

    He was in a situation where he was surrounded by buildings in four directions and he had no place to escape. Metatron descended from above and its huge eye opened to shower down laser on him.

    ¡¸Planning to corner me? Actually, you know! It¡¯s the reverse!¡¹

    Greifer lifted the corner of his lips and grinned, then rushed above.

    He spun his body into spiral and stabbed up his Tail Blade.

    At the same time, he dodged the laser attack of the enemy while thrusting his blade that was tinged with energy toward that eyeball.

    ¡¸©¤©¤iiIIIIiI¡¹

    Metatron absorbed the power of that attack and reflected it back by several times more.

    However in that instant, Greifer also activated Cuelebre¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting for that yeah©¤©¤Photon Dive!¡¹

    The Divine Raiment turned the user invincible and repelled every kind of attack, but the direction the attack was repelled toward was different from usual.

    The light membrane of defense blew upward to right above©¤©¤, so to say, the power of Greifer¡¯s attack that had been strengthened by several times was pushed back as it was to Metatron.

    Therefore, it pierced at the instan it was defenseless while doing its attack reflection.

    The precise flash that was like passing through the eye of a needle reached the core, and Metatron raised a shrill scream.

    Liquid that was like blood spurted out from the wound opening, and its body began to crumble into pieces.

    ¡¸Focusing to one point, and then one attack huh. I¡¯ve indeed learned the lesson yeah.¡¹

    The most terrifying strong point of Greifer was how he struggled through any kind of deathly situation and returned alive.

    And then how he became stronger every time he stood back on the battlefield again.

    He would survive even if he was defeated, and then he would get back up again even stronger than before.

    When he was made to taste defeat by Krulcifer, he also grasped the technique of precise shooting from that time, and in this occasion he splendidly displayed his use of it to defeat his opponent.

    ¨C

    Furthermore, at the watch tower in front of the fortress where Magialca was fighting.

    A few hundred ml in front of it, two battles were progressing side by side.

    At the right side was Heiburg Republic¡¯s Rosa Granhide.

    Holding out at the left was Turkimes Confederation¡¯s Soffice Xfer.

    It was less than a few minutes, but against the strengthened and rampaging Ragnarok as the opponent, they were performing a deathly battle where they couldn¡¯t lose focus for even an instant.

    Although Soffice defended against the brainwashing through sound wave and light from Iblis using her Divine Raiment of trajectory control, she was unable in pure exchange of blow using strength. Soffice was caught in a disadvantageous one-sided defensive battle.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This is really an irony. A Key¡¯s Supervisor who originally has the position to manage Ragnarok now meet this kind of experience©¤©¤ua!¡¹

    Soffice was grumbling expressionlessly even while breathing hard. In front of her Iblis was approaching and struck with its powerful arm.

    She barely offset the attack¡¯s power by leaping behind, even so the frame of Vritra that she was wearing got warped from the impact.

    ¡¸If you have the leeway to grumble than use it to fight. This side is also unmanageable you knoow¡¹

    On the other hand Rosa too was having difficulty with Poseidon after its rampage despite being in advantage at the beginning of the fight.

    Poseidon increased its tentacles even more using its life force of infinite regeneration, dragging on the fight endlessly.

    Even if it was hit with concentrated bombardment like before, it would regenerate even while getting hit.

    There was only one way remaining to defeat it for Rosa, but he was lacking the piece to make it reality.

    No matter how much she used the unmanned Drag-Rides Twelve Vice as decoy and confused Poseidon, the countless tentacles would constrict them all simultaneously.

    ¡¸I wondeer if my estimation was a bit too optimistic¡­¡­¡¹

    The unmanned Drag-Rides were entangled and crushed by tentacles one after another. She was getting cornered step by step.

    ¡¸It has been a long time eeh, since I taste this feeling.¡¹

    Rosa was sweating while smiling in this situation of absolute desperation.

    ¡ºDon¡¯t show any weakness, especially when you find yourself in a predicament.¡»

    Calensia, the King of Vice who ruled over her taught Rosa like that.

    If one believed that they were unrivalled and put on a mask of a powerful person, they wouldn¡¯t be scared of anything.

    Accepting the rule of someone as absolute and filling one¡¯s empty shell with it was truly comfortable.

    It was also©¤©¤truly terrifying.

    Not having a thinking of their own, but simply acting the villain role that was prepared for them.

    For Rosa who had experience unhappiness until now, it was a salvation, but at the same time all the sin was placed on her and she was treated as a tail that could be severed anytime.

    (But that person, broke my shell for me.)

    Lux didn¡¯t try to rule or control her, he simply let her alive.

    He was trying to look at her other than the mask of villain that she was donning.

    In that case right now her duty was to repay her debt to him. When she thought like that and tried to raise her spirit, a voice came from behind.

    ¡¸I heard about your story from Magialca. It looks like you are the same like me, you were also saved by Lux. That means, we are in fact friends©¤©¤perhaps?¡¹

    Standing behind with her back facing Rosa was Soffice Xfer wearing Divine Drag-Ride Vritra.

    She was facing Ragnarok Iblis while approaching until a distance of a few dozen ml apart from Rosa.

    ¡¸You are really leisurely if you still can invite me for a chat aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll put it into consideration so can we postpone it for later I wondeer.¡¹

    Rosa replied like that with a tight tone.

    Soffice was fundamentally expressionless so it was unknown what she was thinking, but Rosa thought that she was a really strange woman.

    ¡¸We will be defeated at this rate. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s unsightly if we lose here?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa tried to turn away Soffice with her usual thorny attitude, but she was taken aback and gasped hearing Soffice¡¯s serious voice.

    ¡¸We too are fellow people who were done in by Lux, we should look back and©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    In the middle of conversation, Soffice was enveloped in the hell fire that Iblis blew out and she leaped back.

    Her armor¡¯s endurance and her body¡¯s exhaustion already didn¡¯t allow her any time to talk leisurely.

    Rosa didn¡¯t have any wish to believe in other person, but right now the situation didn¡¯t allow that.

    After all she was at least able to understand that feeling of losing to Lux¡¯s persuasion and returned back to Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸And, what are you planning? I also have no time over here you knoow.¡¹

    ¡¸I know the power of your Divine Drag-Ride. If your firepower is lacking, it will be fine if we just increase it until the limit. I already gathered the materials for that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa looked around her surrounding in respond to Soffice¡¯s words.

    The surrounding was full with certain things that should be scattered about, buried with the rubbles of smashed buildings and stone paving.

    In a glance, those were just things that were nothing but trash, but for Rosa it was different.

    Until now she overlooked them because the tentacles of Poseidon were cornering her, but certainly the requirements for victory had been gathered under her.

    No, most likely Soffice was fighting while readying the preliminary arrangements.

    ¡¸I will buy you the time until then. That¡¯s why, I ask you to hurry.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah, okaaay. We too have to show off our good side here after aaall.¡¹

    Seeing that, Rosa¡¯s lips slackened and she nodded naturally.

    Then Soffice drew out her Sword Device from its sheath and lifted it up while raising her voice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Full Connect ¨C On.¡¹

    Vritra that she was wearing flashed intensely and vibrated.

    The armor was disassembled and miniscule machines combined with her flesh body, assimilating into it.

    Silver lines were drawn on Soffice¡¯s brown skin, and her eyes were shining.

    ¡¸VAaAaaA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after that, Poseidon¡¯s tentacles crawled out from the ground along with a roar that shook the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Mahapurana!¡¹

    But, Soffice activated Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment at the same time in that instant.

    The tentacles¡¯ movement was manipulated by the trajectory control, and they were made to entangle the body of great demon Iblis that was nearby.

    ¡¸VAaaaaAASUH!¡¹

    Iblis whose movement was sealed and constricted stopped moving and struggled.

    Originally she used her trajectory control to block the sound wave and light ray of mental pollution. Because of that she had to move to dodge other attacks, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸As I thought¡­¡­just as predicted. Even Iblis¡¯s mental pollution will weaken while it is being attacked. Next is©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice was relieved like that was only for a brief moment. The tentacles of Poseidon that were restricting Iblis were torn apart by Iblis¡¯s strength.

    ¡¸Perhaps, that was being too optimistic¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice sweated from her forehead and tried to retreat, it was then the torn apart tentacles were instantly connected to become like before.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The regeneration ability that surpassed the imagination caused Soffice¡¯s eyes to widen. At that time Iblis roared.

    The mysterious sound wave of mental pollution. In order to prevent it from influencing Rosa, she used trajectory control to divert that oscillation, but in exchange Soffice was entangled by Poseidon¡¯s tentacles and then she received Iblis¡¯s ferocious blow from above.

    ¡¸Ga, hah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The barrier in maximum output was pierced and fist that was unleashed from a powerful arm was rained down from across the tentacles.

    Because she was assimilated into Vritra using Full Connect, the impact was transmitted from the armor until it reached her bones.

    The strength was too fierce, her consciousness was getting farther every time she received an impact.

    (This is bad¡­¡­at this rate I¡¯ll die. I won¡¯t hold for even ten more seconds.)

    Her armor was squashed, and Soffice¡¯s expression distorted in pain.

    But, at that time a giant shadow suddenly grasped Iblis¡¯s whole body from behind.

    ¡¸VAaaASU!?¡¹

    The demon that boasted a body size that surpassed several houses combined was put in an eagle grip by an extremely gigantic armored arm.

    The whirling dust was cleared and a figure appeared. It was Rosa Granhide who was clad in Gorynych that had transformed into a super gigantic size.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame ¨C Devil Machia Mode. Good work buying timeee.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice was gasping and was unable to even nod back.

    But, that figure that came from gathering more than a hundred Drag-Ride and combined them into one using the shape change of Tartaros Frame, boasted enough majesty to make Soffice felt relieved.

    ¡¸Va!? AaAA¡­¡­?¡¹

    The two Ragnarok that witnessed a figure that surpassed even their large body stiffened for a moment in agitation.

    In contrast, Rosa grinned fearlessly and constricted Iblis tightly with her armored arm, breaking both its arms.

    ¡¸Are you two wondering? It¡¯s really simple you knoow. This girl was just gathering the parts when she had the chance. Several hundred Drag-Rides of world alliance that got crushed by you monsters©¤©¤she gathered about half of those wreckages, that¡¯s why it¡¯s amaziing.¡¹

    ¡¸Gu, goh¡­¡­GAaAAaAAA-!¡¹

    Rosa moved the armored arm and then crushed Iblish within its grip.

    Even a Ragnarok in rampage state was helpless when it was caught by a giant Drag-Ride that was made from the combination of more than a hundred Drag-Rides.

    Its core was pressured and broke, and then the body disintegrated like an old rag.

    That body quickly crumbled into ash.

    ¡¸aAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even so, the remaining Ragnarok, Poseidon sent its tentacle to entangle the armored leg of Gorynych.

    It aimed at the joint part of the combined armor to constrict it but©¤©¤the squid shaped body of Poseidon that was hiding underground rose to the surface, and that torso was exposed in front of Rosa.

    ¡¸AaaA!?¡¹

    ¡¸A comrade is something good isn¡¯t iit? I can also understand the strength of Lux-sama who is able to make so many comrades.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Rather than something like that, shoot quickly. I¡¯m also at my limit.¡¹

    Soffice squeezed out her last strength and with Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment, the trajectory control she dragged out the enemy.

    Right after that torso where the core was sleeping got exposed, Gorynych in Devil Machia Mode unleashed all its gunports.

    ¡¸U, AaAAAAAaAaaaAaaaAAAaAaAa©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was a concentrated bombardment from dozens of Cannons that were integrated into the armor¡¯s chest.

    Poseidon raised a shriek of death agony and its core was burned down.

    Right after accomplishing that, the armor Rosa was wearing was dispelled, and her body was sweating like waterfall.

    She was breathing hard with heaving shoulders, and she stood still for a while with opened mouth.

    It was as though she couldn¡¯t make any movement, but it was lucky that she didn¡¯t collapse and her Drag-Ride dispelled.

    Creating a combination of more than a hundred Drag-Rides and then controlling it was just that exhausting.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Somehow, we win.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I owe you one theree.¡¹

    In the past Soffice challenged a lonely battle as a Key¡¯s Supervisor, while Rosa was simply Calensia¡¯s puppet.

    The two who didn¡¯t understand about cooperating with someone else could combine their strength in this critical moment was thanks to their common circumstance of having been saved once by Lux.

    ¡¸You, I don¡¯t understand what you are thinking from your outside look but, you are unexpectedly capable huuh.¡¹

    ¡¸You too, somehow your character is different but, you are quite strong.¡¹

    At that time when Rosa and Soffice were looking at each other¡¯s face, an earth termor could be heard from nearby.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? That¡¯s, Singlen and Deus ex Machina¡¹

    Just as Soffice said, a mechanical large body was dancing in their sight.

    Singlen was a preeminently powerful person with his blue Divine Drag-Ride Leviathan and his battle technique that put Drag-Ride tuning into practical use©¤©¤SenjinBattle Array, but even he was at disadvantage against Ragnarok as his opponent.

    Besides, the enemy Ragnarok was equipped with absolute offense and evasion ability due to its grasp of space, and its high defensive ability with its body that was created from thick Mythrildite.

    Furthermore, Deus ex Machina now was even stronger than when Lux and Soffice fought it due to its rampage state.

    Even Singlen couldn¡¯t avoid a hard fight against it.

    At present Singlen was only dodging the enemy¡¯s attack and didn¡¯t move to attack at all.

    ¡¸Even that kind of haughty and fiendish man is still our vice captain, it will be bad if we don¡¯t help him.¡¹

    ¡¸I guesss¡­¡­, at least if I can just breath easily©¤©¤¡¹

    The instant Soffice and Rosa muttered that, abnormality occurred in Deus ex Machina that was unleashing consecutive attacks until now.

    ¡¸¡­¡­GI, iOoOooo!¡¹

    There was a dull sound of metal getting squashed. Along with it Deus ex Machina¡¯s movement became terribly sluggish.

    Looking very carefully, there was an absurd amount of vapor rising up from that large metallic body.

    ¡¸That¡¯s what in the world©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡ºChih, how boring. Both of you, there is no need to worry about that sleazebag. You two retreat behind me right away.¡»

    The moment Soffice was tilting her head in puzzlement, a Dragon Voice transmission came from Captain Magialca.

    It seemed that she was astill in the middle of battle against Phoenix too, but it looked like she had quite the leeway.

    ¡¸GUGI¡­¡­iOoOoooOOONN!¡¹

    The two got taken aback and gasped. At that moment, even more intense creaking could be heard from Deus ex Machina.

    That body burst open from inside in no time at all, then it crashed on the ground half-destroyed.

    ¡¸Just, what in the world¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡ºIt¡¯s simple, that guy¡¯s Leviathan has a Divine Raiment to manipulate water©¤©¤it can also change the water¡¯s state freely. Most likely that guy slip in a lot of water inside the enemy¡¯s body, and then he vaporized them all in one go.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    When water was vaporized, the mass would bloat until more than a thousand times.

    Using that, Singlen put an absurd steam pressure from inside Deus ex Machina and pulverized it in one go.

    Water manipulation seemed like a simple ability in a glance, even so its practical use couldn¡¯t be measured.

    Singlen had even thoroughly trained tactics using his Divine raiment until the territory of one hit certain kill.

    ¡¸Soo, his weapon isn¡¯t just his Senjin that use tuning. What a troublesome man¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s fine while he is an ally perhaps¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are you acting befuddled like that for, you brats, retreat right away. I¡¯m not going to save you two even if you got dragged into that battle you know?¡¹

    Singlen turned around and scolded with a haughty tone that was looking down on others as usual.

    But, even after getting ordered like that, Rosa and Soffice was bewildered.

    ¡¸If there is spare strength, we should help that nouveau riche captain. Even like that, she is more or less our leader.¡¹

    ¡¸Guess soo¡­¡­. Besides not all the other Ragnarok have died completely.¡¹

    Just as Rosa pointed out, the other remaining Ragnarok also hadn¡¯t died.

    Even though their core had been damaged and they were in the verge of death, they were crawling on the ground toward the fortress using their tenacity.

    And then, they were also reluctant to retreat by themselves while leaving behind Magialca who was in the middle of battle against the still unharmed Phoenix.

    ¡º©¤©¤I can hear you two you know, you youngsters.¡»

    A Dragon Voice from Magialca that was vaguely filled with anger flew toward the three, including Singlen.

    ¡ºNo need for worry. Leave behind the remaining Ragnarok and retreat to behind the watch tower. I can¡¯t display my full strength with all of you there.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­Seems like that¡¯s it. It¡¯s better to not force ourselves and let her take care of it yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸For me it¡¯s unsatisfying to be unable to deal the finishing blow thoroughly though.¡¹

    Greifer and Mel who arrived at that timing prompted them like that, so Soffice and Rosa began to retreat.

    They were acting strong, but in any case their stamina too was already at the limit.

    After they circled to behind the watch tower, they linked up with Lux and Aeril who were also ordered by Magialca to return.

    ¡¸Greifer¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ll put aside my settlement with you bastard for later. Right now it¡¯s defeating those monsters first.¡¹

    It seemed something was in Aeril¡¯s mind about her betrayal, she was talking hesitatingly, but in contrast Greifer bluntly told her to do it later.

    From his attitude, perhaps Greifer had already noticed about Aeril¡¯s true feeling since when she became his aide as Coral using perception manipulation.

    ¡¸Even so they are really obstinate aren¡¯t they? Even though they have been given that much damage, not a single one of them has died completely yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux made a dubious face after hearing Mel muttering beside him.

    Six Ragnarok excluding Phoenix were already dying. It was only a matter of time until they crumbled into dust, even so something was strange.

    Why were all the Ragnarok gathered into a spot even though they weren¡¯t even fighting©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Captain Magialca! Be careful! The Ragnarok¡¯s movement is strange somehow!¡¹

    Lux spoke a warning right away, but Magialca who was fighting on top of the watch tower in front of them raised her voice in annoyance.

    ¡¸Eei, noisy, you are breaking my concentration. Who cares about the dying Ragnarok. This grilled chicken is annoying.¡¹

    Even after receiving innumerable amounts of Phoenix¡¯s feathers, Magialca still had strength to spare.

    But, Lux was feeling a mysterious anxiety.

    In order to assist somehow using Bahamut, he tried to calm his breathing. It was then, Phoenix suddenly retreated and took distance.

    All the other Ragnarok was lining up vertically as though forming a queue. Phoenxi shook its wings of flame at the lead and came to a stop there.

    At the same time, a girl¡¯s voice could be heard from the Heaven palace that had descended until nearby.

    ¡ºI¡¯m beaten. Everyone of the world alliance, as well as Captain Magialca Zen Vanfrick of Seven Dragon Paladins. I Listelka, the representative of the Lord here declared my defeat, and my surrender.¡»

    Lux¡¯s surrounding became noisy.

    And then, there was a sign that a commotion occurred even inside the fortress.

    ¡ºI understand that this is a selfish talk after betraying all of you one-sidedly and inflicted so much harm, but I have no other recourse than to do this after our trump card is beaten in this situation. I will surrender Avalon¡¯s legacies and my head, so I ask if you all will at least spare the lives of my little sisters?¡»

    The mournful request of Listelka caused the soldiers who were observing the situation in front of the fortress to be bewildered.

    They were surely thinking that first they had to ask for the decision from the countries¡¯ leaders who were evacuating underground.

    ¡¸Fumu©¤©¤that¡¯s a laudable attitude. Then in order to save the face of the alliance, there is a necessity to ponder whether to accept that proposal from your side. Lower your altitude slight without showing any strange movement.¡¹

    ¡º©¤©¤Yes. I¡¯m thankful for your generous mercy.¡»

    In a glance, Listelka¡¯s attitude looked honest.

    However behind it, the girl inside the Heaven Palace that was floating in the air was making a mocking smile.

    ¡¸¡­¡­She is just a mere merchant after all. As a military officer, she is just too dimwitted.¡¹

    The remaining Ragnarok that were in the verge of death, but if she gave the command to self-explode in their death, it would produce a terrifying destructive power.

    With the self-explosion of the unharmed Phoenix, the remaining six others would be dragged into it and the power of the explosion would rise.

    If that happened, not just the watch tower, even the fortress behind it would be annihilated instantly.

    Whether it was the representatives of all the countries, the Seven Dragon Paladins, and also Aeril©¤©¤.

    The match hadn¡¯t been decided yet.

    The chance to turn the table was still in her hand.

    Thinking that, Listelka was going to give the self-explosion command to the Ragnarok. It was then, Magialca¡¯s voice came.

    ¡¸Nn? Aah, you can stop around there you know? It¡¯s enough distance for firing. ©¤©¤Die. Hell TempestScorched Earth Calamity.¡¹

    Right after that, the gigantic installation type armor that Magialca piloted©¤©¤Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr¡¯s whole body shined.

    A huge magic circle emerged before her eye. A force field whirled like a storm which became a torrent of energy that was liberated at the next moment.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤DOooooooOOOGUoOOHN!]

    ¨C

    A roaring sound that felt like it would break the eardrum was emitted. The after wave assaulted Lux and others which made them felt as though they were punched.

    The roar of that overwhelming destructive power blew away not just Phoenix that was remaining at the front, but also the other six dying Ragnarok©¤©¤and also even the old castle that was far behind them, annihilating them all.

    ¡¸No, way¡­¡­, such thing¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The voice of Listelka muttered dumbfounded. It expressed agitation for the first time.

    Heaven Palace took evasive action just before that, but it was seriously damaged just by the after wave, and broken transmissions sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Kukukuku¡­¡­. Trying to trick me for the second time, it¡¯s still ten years too early for you little girl.¡¹

    Magialca who was sporting a wicked smile readied the seven armored arms of Jormungandr and loudly spoke.

    Lux and others didn¡¯t understand what happened at all. Beside them, Singlen made an arrogant smile.

    ¡¸Jormungandr¡¯s Divine Raiment, Hell Tempest converted a part of the damage it received into its own energy and stock it. That energy can be used to enhance all sorts of attack ability. That woman took position on the watch tower was to expose herself to become enemy target.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux who became aware of that Divine Raiment for the first time noticed Magialca¡¯s scheme and became speechless.

    She had calculated it from the beginning.

    Even though she possessed installation type Divine Drag-Ride that couldn¡¯t move from its spot, she intentionally took position above the watch tower where she could be targeted easily.

    While Lux and others were fighting, she was continuing to get hit with flame all that time, everything was to stock up energy with Jormungandr¡¯s Divine Raiment to be used to consign the Ragnarok into oblivion with one attack.

    ¡¸And then, because the enemy is the Lord, she also saw through the possibility that this ability is known by them. She deliberately pretend to accept Listelka¡¯s negotiation before firing¡­¡­was it like that?¡¹

    Magialca herself answered back at the question from Soffice who couldn¡¯t hide her shaken feeling.

    ¡¸That sound¡¯s bad to be heard by other people. I was only seeing through the enemy¡¯s strategy. After all just like how Iblis exploded previously, it looked like she was gathering all the dying Ragnarok to blow us up. Thanks to her gathering them all in one spot, it saved the effort.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux too thought that Magialca¡¯s prediction was correct.

    In any case, the Heaven Palace was seriously damaged, and he thought whether the battle against the Lord was settled with this.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Mishis wearing Divine Drag-Ride Azi Dahaka could be seen leaping down from the burning Heaven Palace, and then she skated on the ground that had become burnt field.

    Without stopping she started escaping in order to hide in the rubbles of the old castle.

    ¡¸Planning to escape and hide huh? Well, that¡¯s understandable. As expected in this situation©¤©¤¡¹

    Greifer sighed ¡®fuu¡¯ and let those words slipped out. Right after that, angry yells rose from the fortress behind.

    ¡¸Running away after this doing this much, don¡¯t screw around! Don¡¯t let them escape!¡¹

    The Drag-Knights of world alliance who were retreating into the fortress behind.

    They fell into Listelka¡¯s trap and suffered damage, but there were dozens of Wyvern users who were relatively unharmed chasing after the Lord altogether.

    It was unknown whether it was the command of the countries¡¯ representatives, or their personal decision, but it was undoubtedly am unforeseen action.

    ¡¸Stop! Right now the priority is to reorganize our force! Either way there is no meaning in pursuing them!¡¹

    Magialca who was still wearing her armor gave such instruction, but several Drag-Knights didn¡¯t stop from anger and excitement.

    They were gathered here as the elite force, but they fell into trap and a lot of their comrades were killed.

    Surely for them there was no option to let go of the chance for revenge that suddenly descended before their eyes.

    ¡¸They aren¡¯t listening to order only at this kind of time. Even though they just got saved from getting that severely harmed.¡¹

    At the side, Mel let out a sigh, while Greifer muttered with his hand supporting his chin.

    ¡¸However, in reality the enemy is also in dire strait ain¡¯t it? If they are pursued in this situation©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux also agreed with the two¡¯s opinion.

    It was dangerous to carelessly step inside the enemy¡¯s camp, but Mishis was also carrying Listelka. Both her hands were occupied. If they could catch up to the enemy and surrounded them, then perhaps¡­

    The moment Lux thought that, Aeril raised her voice beside him.

    ¡¸This is bad! If we don¡¯t pull them back quickly©¤©¤! That guy is coming!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That guy?¡¹

    At that time when Lux asked back, *thump* his heart pounded.

    His blood flow roared inside, his eardrum shook, and his consciousness was wrapped in darkness.

    Instantly©¤©¤Lux saw it along with a hallucination as thought the time stopped.

    A jet black large dragon standing in the way of seven Wyvern users.

    With a loose movement that was waiting for the enemy, the figure of Fugil Arcadia took a stance to intercept them.

    His spine froze.

    The special move that he used a lot in that day of revolution, and he also polished up in the tournament after that.

    (Quick¡­¡­Shot)

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Right after Fugil muttered, the sword he readied danced to every direction.

    The seven Drag-Rides leaping from all directions simultaneously, their armors and weapons were instantly cut apart and crumbled.

    A trampling down act from the consecutive slashes that were unleashed from the compression strengthening of time.

    But, what was decisively different from Lux was the location where that sword tip slid through.

    Fugil¡¯s sword didn¡¯t ran to vital spots of Drag-Rides like Force Core, armored wrist, or Sword Device, but to the riders¡¯ heart, neck, side, and thigh, deeply carving lethal wound for them.

    In just an instant, seven elite Drag-Knights met violent death. Without moving Fugil kept hovering in the air, blocking the path forward.

    It was a stance to prevent pursuit toward Mishis who was escaping while carrying Listelka, but it also could be seen as though he was displaying his own majestic appearance.

    ¡¸Why©¤©¤¡¹

    But, words slipped out from Lux¡¯s mouth earlier than he could grasp that situation.

    ¡¸How does Fugil, has Bahamut in his possession!?¡¹

    He didn¡¯t understand.

    Divine Drag-Ride wasn¡¯t like general purpose Drag-Rides that were created in many number, only one Divine Drag-Ride should be able to exist for each of them.

    Niddhog and Azi Dahaka were also recreated, but it was possible only after the old one was completely destroyed.

    Even though Lux possessed the current Bahamut, why©¤©¤.

    ¡¸We must not approach him carelessly¡­¡­. The Uroboros that man possessed is¡­¡­!¡¹

    When Lux was thinking like that, Aeril squeezed out a trembling voice.

    For some reason it felt like he had that Drag-Ride¡¯s name even though this should be his first time hearing it.

    ¡¸InfinityCircle of Transmigration¡­¡­one of the special armaments that Uroboros has, can take the form of every Divine Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸What did you say¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Greifer raised a stiff voice, furthermore the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins also made a grave look.

    If Aeril¡¯s words were the truth, there would be no ability that was more terrifying than that.

    An ability that originally should be impossible even for Divine Raiment was possessed by a special armament©¤©¤was that the thing that was called Uroboros?

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­a¡¹

    But, something that wasn¡¯t a simple threat was making the alarm inside Lux¡¯s head to ring out loudly.

    Static that was like sandstorm appeared inside his brain, and he could hear a sound along with pain.

    ¨C

    ¡ºThen, three more days. Just as you instructed, I¡¯ll come here again. Decide your answer clearly before that. Will you cooperate using Wyvern together with my Bahamut? Or else©¤©¤¡»

    ¨C

    (Then don¡¯t tell me, the one who destroyed all the Drag-Knights of the empire was¡­¡­no wrong! There is no way that¡¯s true! I definitely, carried that out with my own will! The one who did that, should also be me!)

    He also had the memory of cutting down the Drag-Knights of the old empire remaining in his head. It wasn¡¯t an illusion or dream by all means.

    Lux shook his head and shook himself free from the distorted vision.

    In that time Mishis leaped to the back and vanished behind the shadow of the old castle¡¯s rubble.

    ¡¸Infinity, Zero OneCircle of Life and Death, EndlessEternal Recurrence¡­¡­, within the two special armaments and one Divine Raiment, the knowledge that I obtained is only that. I too don¡¯t know that man¡¯s true identity. However, if we are to fight him, it will be dangerous unless all of us clash against him¡­¡­!¡¹

    Aeril was a skilled Drag-Knight with skill that was equal with Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Regardless of that, she showed so strong wariness like this. Fugil¡¯s true strength could be surmised from that.

    ¡¸Uroboros¡­¡­so that¡¯s the Divine Drag-Ride of that silent guy©¤©¤but, he was formerly the first imperial prince of the destroyed old empire right? I don¡¯t think he is that terrifying of an opponent though.¡¹ (TN: In the raw, the word that Greifer use to say silent guy was to imply of farting without a sound)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He didn¡¯t understand.

    In Lux¡¯s memory, Fugil definitely gave him advice about Drag-Ride, but he had never seen Fugil himself riding a Drag-Ride even once©¤©¤that should be how it was.

    (Not even once? Is that really true? That day, in that day of revolution, what did I©¤©¤)

    The uncomfortable feeling of something unknown caressed his back. Lux pressed his hand on his forehead.

    What was this memory fragments that he was seeing starting from a certain day?

    Was it an illusion that Lux was seeing because of extreme trauma, or else©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu¡¹

    Fugil left behind a smile and vanished. Right after that, the atmosphere in front of the fortress relaxed, and sighs leaked out from the soldiers.

    ¡¸Either way we are also retreating now. The deep level floor of Avalon is still remaining right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. If my information is correct, there is no doubt about that. No©¤©¤moreover if the gate to the deep level floor is opened, no one should be able to enter inside before a whole three days passed.¡¹

    Aeril who was questioned by Aeril muttered hesitantly.

    ¡¸You said that, but you ain¡¯t scheming to trick us again right?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, I¡¯ll ask for scout to be dispatched to confirm the situation. After all I completely cannot ask you all to believe in my words.¡¹

    Aeril immediately replied to Greifer¡¯s words of suspicion.

    Because it was a fact that she had deceived them once and even launched surprise attack out of nowhere, she was resolved to be doubted like that.

    But, Lux was convinced that Aeril was saying the truth.

    Scout would be sent, and if it was the fact that the gate to the deep level floor of Avalon wasn¡¯t opened, they would have to wait for three days.

    During that time they had to make their preparation as much as possible.

    After all it would only be a simple competition and scramble after that.

    Would they be able to stop the destruction of this world by Sacred Eclipse and controlled Avalon?

    Or perhaps would Avalon be stolen by Listelka and others the Lord?

    The time for the answer of that was approaching near.

 Volume 13 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    After the Lords retreated, the battle ceased for the moment.

    Half a day after that. The situation was in high alert, White Ridge knight order of Blackend Kingdom was always keeping guard without pause.

    The old castle was destroyed and there was nothing in the destroyed site, there was only the faint light of magic circle reaching up like a pillar.

    After Lux escaped from the underground together with Aeril, it seemed the preparation to open the gate was progressing steadily.

    Listelka and her group lost their base and took flight, it wasn¡¯t that far from underground the destroyed old castle, proving that Aeril¡¯s information was correct.

    On the other hand, because of the strenuous effort of Lux and others, the Seven Dragon Paladins that splendidly crushed the revived seven Ragnarok, the fortress that Magialca created as their base was still barely safe.

    But, there wouldn¡¯t be the next time.

    They had gathered all the remaining war potential in this place. The next time they clashed, the conclusion would be reached.

    Lisha and others who pushed down their fatigue and rushed here had also reached their limit since a long time ago. Because of that they along with Lux were ordered to rest.

    It should be hard to recover their stamina in three days, even so the world alliance surely would have to rely on them.

    The remaining enemy was the Lord¡¯s leader, the first imperial princess Listelka, her maid Mishis, Fugil, and then Hayes, only those four.

    After them was only the existence of Sacred Eclipse as an uncertain factor.

    After having discussion with Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph, and having a light talk with the members of Syvalles, Lux headed to the fortress¡¯s underground following Magialca¡¯s instruction.

    There was the figure of Aeril there, inside a prison that was heavily locked.

    ¡¸I brought dinner here, Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s both hands were shackled, and her feet were also linked with a chain.

    She was wearing her pilot suit, but the sword belt of her Sword Device was taken from her.

    It was a simple prison with only a single bed and a tallow lamp.

    She was treated like a prisoner or hostage, even so Aeril was smiling.

    ¡¸This is strange, our position now is reversed from just a little while ago isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry. I had asked Captain Magialca so you can at least be let out from the prison though.¡¹

    Aeril smiled wryly. In respond Lux bowed his head with a serious face.

    But, the girl before his eyes didn¡¯t even look like she took offense by her situation. She put her arms that were shackled on the bed and prompted Lux to sit down.

    ¡¸No. I thought it would be understandable even if I¡¯m killed, so even this is already more than enough. I¡¯m thankful to Lux-kun, Captain Magialca, as well as the kings of each country.¡¹

    In fact, it was just as Aeril said.

    In the recognition of the world alliance, to begin with Aeril came to this battlefield to trick the Seven Dragon Paladins and captured them.

    Concerning the result, a lot of casualties came out from Listelka¡¯s scheme, but it was unthinkable that it could be used as an excuse to pardon Aeril.

    But, Magialka listened to the circumstance from Lux, and she would talk to the world alliance with the direction of persuading them in regard to the matter of Aeril.

    The biggest reason she would do that was because of the high possibility that Aeril herself would have the most important role in the capture of the remaining Avalon.

    Thus if Aeril contributed to the capture of Avalon and made an accomplishment, it might be possible that in the end she would be given amnesty and allowed to live.

    She was on a thin ice©¤©¤no, it might be simply a front, but there was no other method to save her than that.

    In that case Lux too should focus all his strength in that direction.

    Although, heavy restriction and monitoring were necessary, so she was locked in a prison like this.

    Lux was chosen to watch over here as the person closest to her.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s start eating. Although I cannot unlock your shackle because I was told that it¡¯s not allowed.¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be, you will feed me then?¡¹

    Aeril asked mischievously along with a smile that looked happy.

    Lux was taken aback that she was teasing him in this situation. Lured by that, Lux also smiled.

    But actually Aeril¡¯s consideration must be included in that because she didn¡¯t want to make Lux felt bad.

    When Lux scooped up the stew with a spoon and brought it to her mouth, Aeril¡¯s cheeks loosened up in enjoyment.

    ¡¸Mm, delicious. This might be my first time being feed like this.¡¹

    When Lux once more saw such face of Aeril from the side, he thought that she was a really lovely girl.

    Because of her mission as a Lord, Lux first became acquainted with her as a male friend, and she saved him and others many times in battle from the shadow.

    If their position and meeting weren¡¯t like this, he wondered how it would become for them around this time.

    He was suddenly thinking of such thing.

    ¡¸You know, in three more days when we departed it will be fine if you also put a collar on me.¡¹

    When the girl in front of him said that jokingly, Lux took a deep breath and peered into her eyes.

    The branching of enemy or ally by the mischief of fate.

    Even so, she was aiming for peace not because of her mission, but because she was thinking about the future of this very world itself.

    That was why,

    ¡¸Aeril won¡¯t betray us anymore right? You will be our ally right? Then, it¡¯ll be fine if you swear that and shake hand for it. That will be the collar that I put on you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Got it. I swear.¡¹

    Aeril was flabbergasted by Lux¡¯s words, but before long she smiled softly and took Lux¡¯s hand.

    The skin texture of her hand was smooth, and it felt pleasant just from holding it.

    The destiny between the Lord and the family of traitor for a long time.

    He felt happy that even such thing could be surmounted with a single feeling.

    When Lux was keenly basking in sentimentality, Aeril suddenly brought her face close.

    ¡¸Then, it will be night soon, so can I ask you to change my clothes for me? That¡¯s, it¡¯s embarrassing but¡­¡­it¡¯s fine you know? If it¡¯s Lux-kun then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸EEEEEEEEEEEEH!?¡¹

    If he had to help Aeril to take off her pilot suit right now and made her changed into sleepwear, that meant it would be necessary to make her got naked.

    He borrowed the key for her shackles before coming here, so there would be no problem in that front, but it was necessary to ask someone else for help.

    (Airi¡­¡­it feels like I will get scolded if I ask her for help. Or rather, in the first place is it fine for me to do this!?)

    Seeing the captivating face of Aeril who was averting her gaze with blushing cheeks, he unconsciously gulped. In that moment©¤©¤footsteps were approaching from behind.

    ¡¸Wait a second! Just what are you doing you prisoneeerrrr! There is no way it¡¯s fine to go that far! Get away from Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸We really have to be constantly on our guard with you aren¡¯t we? You are also feigning an open attitude in a sense, so it¡¯s troublesome.¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer spoke doggedly,

    ¡¸Lu-chan. I¡¯m also sleepy, so help me change.¡¹

    ¡¸Why does it become like that!? Such act is not permitted in this base! It¡¯s imprudent!¡¹

    Philuffy who was yawning sleepily, and Celis who retorted with bright red face.

    ¡¸As for me, I welcome it. Rather if I¡¯m also allowed to help©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yoruka-san please get out! You are just making this place even more chaotic! Nii-san too! What happened with the pact!?¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr. I have heard about that pact but, I¡¯m an outsider so it¡¯s irrelevant for me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril stated that with a refreshing smile. Everyone else who was present there was completely dumbfounded.

    The Triad who came rushing the last from behind sighed in amazement.

    ¡¸How should I say it, she is really bold.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I even feel admiration instead.¡¹

    ¡¸Theeen, Lisha-sama. Do you recognize that she isn¡¯t included in the pact?¡¹

    When Tillfur stirred Lisha up like that, she took a really deep breath, and then raised her voice without hesitation.

    ¡¸As the princess of the new kingdom, I won¡¯t tolerate anyone stealing a march like that! Aeril! I¡¯ll have you to enter it too! Into our pact that is!¡¹

    ¡¸Suddenly it feels like the status of the new kingdom¡¯s royalty is going down though¡­¡­?¡¹

    Ignoring Krulcifer¡¯s retort, Tillfur also got greatly heated up.

    ¡¸Now you are talking! Yooosh, Aeril¡­¡­chan? Write your name here and seal it with your blood!¡¹

    The cold underground prison in the fortress instantly turned heated up and noisy.

 Volume 14 - Prologue

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤A certain day five years ago.

    Lux Arcadia who was still twelve years old opened his eyes from sleeping on the desk.

    He finished exercising enough in strategy procedure and repeated it many times inside his head.

    Before he realized it he was exhausted and fell asleep.

    His condition wasn¡¯t so good, but he couldn¡¯t complain at this climax phase.

    Lux had resolved himself in order to destroy the old empire, but he was a nervous wreck until the time the plan was carried out.

    ¡¸Finally, this day has arrived¡­¡­¡¹

    A small mansion at the outskirt of the castle town.

    It had become the base for refining the strategy for the revolution and for preparatory meeting.

    A total of three weeks had passed since several great nobles starting from Count Atismata incited uprising and skirmishes with Arcadia Empire¡¯s army began.

    The empire was losing patience that the rebellion couldn¡¯t really be suppressed, and finally they mobilized the main force of Drag-Knights that were scattered to various places abroad.

    It was in order to intercept the rumored assault to the imperial capital by Count Atismata.

    Of course Lux was also participating in assistance to the revolution while hiding his true identity.

    Even in the empire, Drag-Knight who was making top notch activity in things like capturing Ruin and the like was very few.

    At present, just by wearing Drag-Knight it would become a proof overwhelming battle strength, that was why truly powerful people who even polished their skill didn¡¯t even reach twenty percent.

    Thus, Lux believed that he could breakthrough after he acquired strength from Fugil¡¯s lesson in Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He traced inside his head once more, the plan of the assault to the capital that he polished together with his elder brother.

    The essential point of this strategy lied in making ¡ºCount Atismata¡¯s revolution¡» a success.

    The count was already raising many military gains together with the other great nobles who were harboring will of rebellion toward the empire.

    Later they would finally invaded toward the castle, then Lux and Fugil would take advantage of that opening and invaded inside the castle through a secret passage and suppressed the inside.

    They would capture the imperial family, then they would concede the control of the place to the force of Count Atismata that would arrive later. That would be the flow of events.

    With that the remaining force of the empire wouldn¡¯t be able to move and the battle would be decided.

    ¡¸¡­..It will be soon. Airi, just a little more and this country will©¤©¤¡¹

    The case of his little sister who should be sent out to a place of a remote region¡¯s noble became delayed due to the intensifying battle against the revolution army.

    Lux muttered with a blank expression, in addition he also turned his thought toward his childhood friend.

    Philuffy who was taken away for the sake of human experiment was safely surviving.

    He thought of her as dead after he went to save her the other day was just his misunderstanding.

    If she couldn¡¯t be saved, just what would happen to Lux?

    The equilibrium of his mind would crumble from excessive despair and resentment, and after that he might head to massacre the imperial family of the old empire.

    But, the girl returned back without anything happening to her as though such fact didn¡¯t happen.

    As though the original course of destiny was corrected to the direction that Lux was wishing for.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Course correction? Just what am  I thinking? Isn¡¯t that impossible, such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    He smiled wryly and talked to himself.

    Surely it was Lux¡¯s misunderstanding because of his shock that Philuffy was kidnapped for human experiment.

    That¡¯s right. If not, then that sight was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? U¡­¡­!¡¹

    Suddenly there was a prickling pain in his brain, his sight was covered with static that was like sandstorm.

    Since that day, something that felt out of place was born inside Lux.

    His perception©¤©¤was feeling strange distortion toward this world.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤My younger brother. Lux, are you there? Soon it will be our turn.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s voice that came along with knocking sound caused Lux to be taken aback and he lifted his face.

    He didn¡¯t notice because he was in a daze, but when he saw the clock, it was already dusk.

    In the capital, the battle against the revolution army that was led by Count Atismata was already starting.

    After this Lux and Fugil would take advantage of the darkness to launch surprise attack, removed the Drag-Knights protecting the castle, and guided Count Atistmata into the castle.

    With that, it would be over.

    This long period of tyrannical rule, the history of Arcadia Empire, everything would end.

    ¡¸Yes. I will be there right away.¡¹

    He had piled up training for the sake of this.

    Now that he was able to perfectly used Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut, he would be able to execute this plan without a doubt.

    The only drawback was the Drag-Ride¡¯s operation time. It wasn¡¯t like he would face all the Drag-Knights of the empire that numbered more than a thousand, even so if he was asked whether he would be able to bring down that much Drag-Knights in less than ten minutes with certainty, than the answer was no.

    It seemed that Fugil was preparing a secret plan for the sake of compensating for that.

    ¡¸Looks like there is no problem with your body. Then I will grant you the plan that I told you since long ago.¡¹

    From behind Fugil who was entering the room, a girl wearing beautiful dress entered.

    She had silver hair and grey eyes just like Lux and others of the imperial family. However Lux had no recollection of the girl¡¯s face at all.

    From the head of the beautiful girl who looked like a doll with her lack of vigor, two small horns were growing.

    ¡¸That girl, who is©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered seeing the strange looking girl who he met for the first time.

    But, for some reason he felt like he had seen her before.

    Lux had met with a girl whose appearance was really similar with this girl somewhere, he©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Arshalia Rei Arcadia. Now this Automaton will perform Baptism to your body. It¡¯s to prolong the time you can fight while wearing Bahamut and so you can use Over Limit.¡¹

    ¡¸Baptism¡­¡­? No, more importantly you said Arcadia¡­¡­!?¡¹

    At that instant, a distortion suddenly appeared inside Lux¡¯s mind.

    The inside of his head became hazy, and he became unable to recall anything.

    The sight that Lux was looking at was distorted, and he collapsed with a thud.

    And then, Lux opened his eyes.

 Volume 14 - CH Afterword

    ¨C

    Thank you for every time. This is Akatsuki.

    The previous afterword was only half a page, so I cut the content and packed it full, but I completely forgot that content and it was a pain to search for a material (sweat).

    Recently the passing of the day and month feel fast, the time went by in a flash just from me doing work.

    On the contrary the flow of time in the story is becoming slow, but this time I wrote too much battle scene and got really tired (lol).

    ¨C

    The backlash from that, it feels like the next volume will have a lot of love comedy factor when returning to the new kingdom.

    There are a lot of heroines, so I think it will become something outrageous.

    And then, it will become spoiler if I talk too much but, in this volume 14 the Seven Dragon Paladins arc has reached the finale.

    Or rather, it¡¯s mostly finished at this point of time.

    I think the mystery of the situation here can be cleared at the next volume, so I want to work hard so I can properly write something good.

    I wasn¡¯t really interested in VR type game, but I want to do ¡ºWhat Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?¡» so it feels like I would buy it.

    It feels like it would be easy to do if there aren¡¯t many accesories to it but, hmmm¡­¡­.

    ¨C

    And so now it¡¯s the thanks corner.

    Kasuga Ayumu-sama who is in charge of illustration.

    Thank you very much for the illustrations of various scenes this time too in the middle of your busy time.

    My editor M-sama.

    My apology that the usual manuscript became really much. I want to finish the next volume with moderate number of page.

    ¨C

    And then all of you readers who has kept this series company for this year too, my thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart.

    Best regard for the new development from the next volume too.

    ¨C

    A certain day at November 2017   Akatsuki Senri

 Volume 14 - CH 1

    ¨C

    ¡¸U, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was feeling the texture of something warm and soft.

    It wasn¡¯t just that, somehow there was also a gentle scent that made him relaxed.

    It felt like he was going to be pulled away from the sleepiness where he wanted to keep sleeping forever, but the pink hair that suddenly crossed in front of his eyes made him return to his senses in surprise.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Phi-chan!? Why are you here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Kuu¡­¡­. Lu-chan. Munya munya¡­¡­¡¹

    Looking closer, inside the guest room that was illuminated by sunlight, it seemed he was dozing off on the sofa.

    Philuffy arrived at that time and then snuggled close to Lux in her Academy uniform and fell asleep.

    ¡¸I see, here is inside the fortress.¡¹

    Marcafal Kingdom¡¯s abandoned capital Guernica.

    It was the world alliance¡¯s base for the decisive battle that was set up near the old castle.

    The captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca put some work on the building, and she also arranged for substantial amount of materials.

    The great amount of wounded soldiers who suffered damage from the battle the other day were transported to the capital of Marcafal Kingdom.

    There would be only three days until the next battle, so they wouldn¡¯t have the leeway to be saddled with people unable to fight in the fortress.

    The remaining Drag-Knights were Seven Dragon Paladins and Lisha and others, the members of Syvalles.

    Along with two hundred remaining force of world alliance, and the White Ridge knight order that Singlen was leading.

    According to the talk of Holy Arcadia Empire¡¯s second imperial princess Aeril, if two and a half day more passed, the path toward the latter half of Avalon, the deep level floor that connected to the center would be opened.

    There would only be little time until then, but Lux and others would use that time for rest.

    For the sake of the coming battle, they had to lessen their fatigue as much as possible.

    Because of that, after eating lunch today, he took a nap in his room.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Look, wake up. Or rather, why are you here?¡¹

    ¡¸Munya munya, fua¡­¡­¡¹

    She responded with a tone that was following her own pace as usual while she slowly opened her eyelids.

    Those eyes that looked even sleepier than usual were reflecting the wry smile of Lux.

    How should he say it, even though it hadn¡¯t even been ten days since they parted in the Academy, Philuffy¡¯s existence felt really nostalgic.

    ©¤©¤Was it because of that? That he saw that kind of dream just now.

    ¡¸But, just what was it? That dream¡­¡­¡¹

    Rather than a simple dream, it gave him a strange feeling as though he was tracing back a memory, it was odd.

    He had no memory of hearing Fugil saying that kind of words, and he had also never seen an Automaton named Arshalia.

    No, if those strange horns growing on her head were removed, she looked exactly the same like Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Does that mean that the situation is finally getting to me I wonder.¡¹

    He would finally have to oppose Fugil wearing Drag-Knight, and raced against the Lord to conquer Avalon.

    The intense anxiety toward the coming all-out confrontation might be the cause of the nightmare that Lux was seeing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu-chan. Wake up quickly, master was calling.¡¹While thinking of such thing, Philuffy said that to him while rubbing her eyes.

    ¡¸Yes?¡¹

    Saying that, Lux shook his head that was befuddled from just waking up and he tried to surmise the meaning of his childhood friend¡¯s words.

    The ¡ºmaster¡» that Philuffy mentioned referred to Magialca Zen Vanfrick, the multi-millionare who was her instructor in martial arts.

    She was also the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, and current in this place her duty in that post was her main.

    ¡¸I was told to call for Lu-chan, so I tried waking you up.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Just now Phi-chan, you were napping together with me! You didn¡¯t look trying waking me up at all you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu-chan. You looked like you didn¡¯t want to be wakened up, so I waited a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you even taking consideration to the want of the sleeping me!? Not that, if there is a business then I need to hurry!¡¹

    He was wearing his uniform even while napping, so there was no need to change.

    Lux lightly put his appearance in order using mirror, and then he headed toward Magialca¡¯s room together with Philuffy in panic.

    When he entered inside the office, Magialca was relaxing on an extravagant sofa inside.

    ¡¸Hohou. You, recently you¡¯ve made really great contribution with good vibes, but you¡¯ve really become a big-shot now huh, to make me, your captain to wait so long like this.¡¹

    The bottle of wine that was placed on the table was already half empty. It could be guessed that she was taking a drink to kill time.

    Seeing that, Lux was relieved in a sense.

    Because he understood that for her to drink alcohol from afternoon meant that this wouldn¡¯t be a talk about important command or the like.

    ¡¸Does captain want a companion for drinking alcohol? Just because Relie-san isn¡¯t here, such thing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You think I¡¯ll do that!? It was because you didn¡¯t come that I¡¯ve got too much time on my hand. My unworthy disciple too, she looks completely half asleep there.¡¹

    Even her master¡¯s sarcasm was completely eluded by Philuffy with her absentminded state.

    At this kind of time, Philuffy¡¯s ability in ignoring things was enviable in a sense.

    ¡¸And, can you tell me the reason of the call?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. You are resting for three days including today correct? However this is the diligent you we are talking about here. I think you will try to do some work on your own accord anyway. So I called you here to give you a chore for killing time.¡¹

    It seemed that it was a request for doing a chore after so long.

    He felt like it would be fine even if he didn¡¯t do anything like that in the fortress just before the final decisive battle, but doing this might be just the diversion he needed to calm himself.

    ¡¸The instructions are written on this paper. Return here when you are finished okay? Work is only over for the first time after you finished your report.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine but, Philuffy will also come along with me?¡¹

    The description ¡ºAct together with your childhood friend!¡» was written at the top. When it caught Lux¡¯s curiosity somewhat©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Naturally. After all I¡¯m also someone who is thinking about my disciple. I¡¯m thinking to use this work as excuse for making you two spend time together. Kukuku, if I report it later to Relie, she will surely make consideration for my convenience in our business dealing with each other.¡¹

    ¡¸Please hide your true feeling a little bit¡­¡­¡¹

    Although, it felt like this scheme would show extraordinary result for the headmasterRelie who was really doing on her little sister Philuffy.

    (That person really doesn¡¯t hesitate to mix self-interest with her work after all. She is a good person though¡­¡­)

    Lux leaked out a sigh of exasperation while following the instructions.

    ¨C

    Until two and half a day later when the gate of Avalon¡¯s deep level floor was opened, it seemed the soldiers in the area were nervous, but unexpectedly it wasn¡¯t like that inside the fortress.

    Perhaps the recoil from the battle that was too fierce made everyone¡¯s feeling to be temporarily paralyzed.

    It was a fact that the body wouldn¡¯t hold if someone was persevering too much despite their fatigue, so in any case rest was necessary.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Somehow, today you are strange you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    While doing the chore that Magialca instructed him to do, like receiving or delivering material and so on, Philuffy who was walking beside him said such thing.

    With a bag filled with snacks in one hand, she peered fixedly into Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸Somehow, you are acting absentminded since some time ago.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux felt conflicted that Philuffy pointed out such thing to him, but certainly it might be just as she said.

    The reason was most likely the content of the dream he saw before this.

    Keeping it inside by himself wouldn¡¯t bring anything, so he tried talking about it to Philuffy.

    After all she had seen through Lux¡¯s anxiety anyway.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And so, I saw a strange dream about five years ago. I think perhaps that dream was because I am too nervous due to the possibility that soon I might be battling Fugil-niisan finally.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I also saw one you know, a dream of different past.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh!?¡¹

    The words that Philuffy said with a serious face caused Lux¡¯s hand that was pushing a delivery cart to unconsciously stop.

    ¡¸A dream where I died and discarded underground the monastery of Ries Island. At that time, Lu-chan also came. I was still on the verge of death, but Lu-chan received shock seeing me not moving and flew out. The memory stop there.¡¹

    The incident five years ago, when Philuffy was kidnapped for human experiment.

    His memory regarding the matter of Ries Island was cut off hazily for some reason.

    ¡¸After that¡­¡­I don¡¯t know. When I noticed, I had gone back to Nee-chan¡¯s side.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­The, then, it must be only your feeling. Phi-chan is safe like this right now after all.¡¹

    Seeing the collapsed Philuffy, Lux misunderstood that she had died and his mind fell into chaos from the excessive shock.

    At the very least, Lux was thinking like that until now but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸However, I remembered a bit. Lu-chan¡¯s Onii-san who I saw near the fortress yesterday. At that time that person also came inside the monastery¡¯s basement. That¡¯s what I feel.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait a second!? What do you mean!?¡¹

    Five years ago, Fugil came to Ries Island. This was the first time Lux heard that.

    But, Philuffy didn¡¯t change her expression, she was only staring straight ahead.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t understand. I also remembered it only just now. Perhaps, there is some kind of connection, with Avalon being nearby.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The unfamiliar memory that sometimes flashed on the back of Lux¡¯s mind until now.

    He completely thought that it was hallucination that Lux¡¯s own heart showed him, but it was strangely concerning that even Philuffy was having similar experience.

    Five years ago, just what in the world happened at the day of the incident in Ries Island and the day of the revolution©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s meaningless even if you only think about that matter. Looks like the current you has remembered huh.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The moment they turned on the corner of the corridor inside the fortress, a figure appeared that caused Lux to hold his breath.

    A man wearing eye patch and coat with deep ultramarine color.

    He emitted an overwhelming aura that was mismatched with his small and thin body. The Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    He was the captain of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s White Ridge knight order, and the vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    His jet black eye that was like a bottomless abyss was capturing Lux¡¯s face.

    ¡¸What is your business? You are going to give an invitation even at this kind of time? I should have told you that I won¡¯t submit to you.¡¹

    ¡¸I should have told you that I have no more intention of that. ©¤©¤Then why am I accosting you like this right now? Let me ask back, am I not allowed to address you? Even like this I am still your superior.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Like always, his attitude was haughty and arrogant, looking down on other people.

    But he strangely had a clever mouth that could skillfully convince other people.

    He was someone that was hard to deal with in a different meaning from Magialca. This man¡¯s action couldn¡¯t be predicted.

    When Lux was perplexed of how to reply, Philuffy beside him suddenly stepped forward.

    ¡¸Donut, I¡¯ll give you one if you want. Proof of acquaintance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Philuffy took out a donut from her portable snack bag and casually presented it to Singlen.

    It seemed Philuffy mistook the gaze that was directed to her as a wish for snack.

    However, even if this was Philuffy who was always at her own pace, this was too reckless.

    It would be a different matter if it was with the other Seven Dragon Paladins, but the opponent now was that Singlen.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, don¡¯t do that. Making that kind of conversation with him is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸A daughter of Aingram Conglomerate huh, I¡¯ll accept it thankfully.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh!?¡¹

    This time it was Lux¡¯s turn to be shocked.

    That Singlen received donut from Philuffy, and then he began to eat of all things.

    (What is going on? What is this guy thinking? Just what kind of secret is inside that donut©¤©¤?)

    ¡¸What are you staring at? Is it that strange for me to eat snack?¡¹

    ¡­¡­Extremely.

    Lux couldn¡¯t say that.

    Even so this was surreal.

    Whether it was Singlen who even though he was smiling, it didn¡¯t reach his eye and he didn¡¯t look like he was enjoying eating the snack at all.

    Or Philuffy who wasn¡¯t bothered about anything and continued to eat her snack on her own pace.

    In a sense, it was a sight that possessed different abnormality than the dream that he saw befor this.

    ¡¸Hou, the outside is hard. It¡¯s a texture that I like.¡¹

    At that time Singlen suddenly showed a mysterious smile and began to evaluate the donut¡¯s taste.

    ¡¸I see, so it was fried. Even though the situation is tense like this, you really have a guts to cook snack in a fortress at a battlefield.¡¹

    Singlen gave an evaluation that was unclear whether it was sarcasm or praise.

    (What is his intention? Hidden behind this conversation©¤©¤)

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I have a hidden motive here. I¡¯m merely giving praise to that girl¡¯s skill and courage though?¡¹

    (He is even reading my heart so casually¡­¡­!)

    Singlen finished eating the donut silently, and then he wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

    Right after that, Lux started to talk with him from being unable to endure the silence.

    ¡¸And, what is your business here? What do you want to make me do?¡¹

    ¡¸Hm? Aah, about that huh.¡¹

    Singlen spoke as though he suddenly remembered something and his cheeks loosened.

    ¡¸I¡¯m thinking to give you warning as insurance. Although Avalon will fall into my hand no matter what happen, but I don¡¯t know what is going to occur from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸Warning¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head from lacking understanding of what Singlen meant, Singlen started talking with a smile that was filled with implication.

    ¡¸I know your future. What I want to say is to resolve yourself about how you will move at that time.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you trying to misled me with words again?¡¹

    Lux was immediately on guard, but Singlen¡¯s fearless smile didn¡¯t crumble.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t jump at every little thing, chore boy. How about acting composed like that woman beside you?¡¹

    Even though Singlen said that, but he couldn¡¯t let his guard down against him so he was wary like this¡­¡­.

    ¡¸What, this won¡¯t be a bad talk for you too. ©¤©¤It will be soon. In just a bit more you will also end up knowing the truth. But the truth is a troublesome thing. It¡¯s something you better off not knowing. There are many truths that cannot be changed and will only make you suffer if you know them.¡¹

    ¡¸I am currently have work to do, so can you be quicker about it?¡¹

    Lux casually tried to cut off the talk, but Singlen¡¯s attitude didn¡¯t change.

    ¡¸There was a phenomenon that was called as calamity. It also happened a few years ago in our Blackend Kingdom and a lot of people became sacrifice. A commissioned officer at our place obtained Elixir and ran wild, causing insurrection within the country.¡¹

    ¡¸What, are you saying¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸You see, originally I didn¡¯t have any interest in something like the authority of royalty and noble. Right now I had come back into the seat of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s general, but from the beginning this kind of position is inconsequential. I also didn¡¯t want to get involved with those bunches since the start.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The man turned a gaze that was filled with emptiness toward empty air as though he was reminiscing.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s stupid, Lux Arcadia? Why were you unable to persuade the imperial family of the old empire in the past but relied on a method like revolution to change the country instead? Was it because those bunches wouldn¡¯t listen? Was it because your position was weak?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t know. But, at that time there was no other method than that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it chore boy. You should have noticed already. After all the nature of living thing is they can only live by their own convenience. Therefore the act of appealing to something like human conscience itself is mistaken. Because of that naivety, I lost my only blood-related family.¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s smile didn¡¯t change even while he was talking about the death of his relative.

    ¡¸Well, that couldn¡¯t be helped. It was the survival of the fittest thing. You will be stolen from if you are weak. That is the constant of the world. I don¡¯t plan to speak differently. But©¤©¤¡¹

    At that time Singlen¡¯s jet black eye was tinged with muddy black killing intent.

    ¡¸Those bunches who I overlooked without even getting into quarrel with them, they just kept getting carried away to the utmost. I had no choice but to act. Just like you.¡¹

    If Lux¡¯s memory served him right, right after Drag-Ride was discovered, he immediately quelled the civil war and ascended to the position of general.

    After that because of his merciless way of fighting, he was chased away from the seat of general, but was the reason he performed meritorious deed at first was to protect the family that he mentioned just now?

    But ironically, it later led to the fate of him losing his elder sister.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t say it out loud, but he thought that he was similar.

    With his past self who was banished from the palace, lost his place to belong, with his grandfather and his mother died, and even his little sister and childhood friend were taken away from him.

    And also how he acted to try to change that.

    But, after losing his important person, Singlen didn¡¯t balk at ruling with power.

    ¡¸And then©¤©¤I encountered that Fugil ten years ago, and obtained Leviathan and Senjin.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? What do you mean!?¡¹

    Lux who was listening to the story until now reflexively flared up with his expression changing.

    Why was Fugil at Blackend Kingdom and involved with Singlen?

    He granted Drag-Ride and technology, bringing about power to change the country.

    Lux and Singlen overlapped each other looking at that flow of various events.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t know anything about that man who you believe as your elder brother. But I realized it. About that man¡¯s scheme and goal.¡¹

    ¡®Kukuku¡¯, Singlen lifted the corner of his lips and smirked.

    ¡¸You are trying to follow the same path like me in the past. You were directed by that man to become like that. But I instead have gone off the rail from that path. That was why I wanted you as replacement. In order to pull your existence that is changed into the singularity of destiny under me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t understand, your meaning. It was my own will who chose the revolution. Fugil had no reason to make me do that. If he wanted, he could do it himself instead of making me do it, and above all else my elder brother betrayed me!¡¹

    Lux objected with his voice unconsciously turning rough.

    But Singlen only responded with a haughty grin.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me say it repeatedly. You will understand even if you don¡¯t want it if you reach the center of Avalon. Just do your best to stay quiet until then. So that you can become useful for this me that is.¡¹

    Singlen only said that and he turned around to leave.

    Lux felt like he had heard some kind of important talk, at the same time he also didn¡¯t understand at all the meaning of Singlen¡¯s words.

    Lux immersed himself in his thought with the feeling as though he had been led around by a fox.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, let¡¯s go. We have to do, master¡¯s instructions.¡¹

    When his childhood friend called out to him, Lux¡¯ tension suddenly left.

    At this kind of time, Philuffy who was always at her own pace unwaveringly was reliable.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, what do you think? About Sir Singlen¡¯s words just now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn, I didn¡¯t get it at all, what he was saying.¡¹

    Lux felt fatigue hearing her too honest words.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s fine. Because, I¡¯ll protect Lu-chan.¡¹

    Saying that, she continued with a faint smile.

    Perhaps this was why Philuffy was strong, Lux thought suddenly.

    Her mind wouldn¡¯t get caught by needless things or things that were pointless no matter how hard one thought about it, even so she wouldn¡¯t lose sight of what was important.

    ¡¸But, I wonder why. Somehow that person, look lonely somewhere inside.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux hesitated of what he should say in respond to Philuff¡¯s impression.

    But, in the end he couldn¡¯t find the words and he started walking inside the fortress to carry out his instructions.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­this is the last.¡¹

    Lux who went around everywhere and finished the chore of carrying materials was enjoying the snack that Philuffy shared with him and took a break in the corridor.

    He gazed at the destroyed old castle that was far away from the window, but it was extremely quiet right now.

    There wasn¡¯t any sign that the situation would move for a while more.

    He still didn¡¯t understand what kind of thing the door that connected to Avalon¡¯s deep floor level.

    ¡¸Fua¡­¡­¡¹

    When he looked toward the voice, Philuffy was leaning on the wall and began to let out sleeper¡¯s breathing.

    As expected, her fatigue was great because of the reckless acts that she had done continuously until now.

    Lux sent off his childhood friend until the guest room inside the castle. After that a girl who was breathing hard *huff huff* appeared before Lux.

    ¡¸Oi Lux! I was looking for you! Good grief, sneaking away from your room, where did you go?¡¹

    The girl with her blonde hair tied into swaying side tail was the princess of the new kingdom, Lizsharte.

    As expected, because she forced herself to march until this abandoned capital Guernica and then joined the battle, it seemed today she was sleeping since the morning©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Haha-ue would change location Marcafal¡¯s royal capital soon! We are going to give her our words of farewell now!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤! Understood. Let¡¯s go.¡¹

    Most likely while Lux was undertaking the chore request, Lisha came to his room to call him.

    The queen of the new kingdom, Raffi would withdraw from the fortress. The representatives from the other seven countries would also do the same.

    What Lisha mentioned about changing location©¤©¤in this situation, it meant that they would withdraw to a safer place than here.

    The problem in reality was that the sovereigns of each country came until this far because of the threat that the Lord Listelka made. Now that the Seven Dragon Paladins had been recovered, there was no reason for them to stay in this dangerous area.

    The queen didn¡¯t return until the new kingdom was because if the decisive battle in three more days was concluded and Avalon was obtained, a negotiation between the countries would be waiting.

    Actually, it seemed Celis¡¯s father, one of the four great nobles, Dist Ralgris also came here as the queen¡¯s guard commander during her stay here.

    But, first Lux headed toward the reception room inside the fortress together with Lisha who was his master.

    Originally it should be a dreary and rustic room, but because of Magialca¡¯s remodeling, it was remade to have pointlessly magnificent interior decoration.

    After they announced themselves and entered inside, they saw Queen Raffi wearing a dress sitting on a sofa, with Prime Minister Nulph standing right beside her.

    ¡¸Your majesty. Please forgive my lateness in giving the greeting.¡¹

    First Lux fell on one knee and bowed, then Lisha followed after him.

    But, Raffi showed a largehearted smile and immediately urged them to raise their head.

    ¡¸There is no eyes of other people here. Such formal greeting is unnecessary. Both of you, you have admirably fought hard until this far.¡¹

    Her smile was bright as usual, but her expression looked slightly tired.

    ©¤©¤It¡¯s understandable. Lux thought.

    The danger of world¡¯s destruction due to the appearance of Sacred Eclipse. The agitation of the people due to the trap of the Lord Listelka.

    And then there was also the battle in this abandoned capital. Just how much her nerves had been frayed in this short time.

    ¡¸It¡¯s really pathetic for me to retreat in this period of time when the deep level floor of Avalon is finally going to be opened, but us staying here right now will only become a liability. Please, I ask you to protect my daughter Lisha.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I swear, even if it cost me this life.¡¹

    Lux immediately replied affirmatively to Raffi¡¯s words.

    After finishing the simple talk about what was waiting ahead, Raffi suddenly looked outside the window.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, it¡¯s still only five years since the day of the revolution. You who were a young boy at that time now has become a splendid young man but, how about me I wonder?¡¹

    ¡¸I beg your pardon but, I believe that your majesty has splendidly bring the new kingdom together.¡¹

    Lux expressed that without any hesitation. However Raffi¡¯s face was clouded.

    ¡¸Is that so? If I can speak about my true feeling, I am feeling a bit tired.¡¹

    ¡¸Haha-ue?¡¹

    Now the bowing Lisha also reflexively let out her voice. Perhaps she was surprised by Raffi¡¯s fainthearted attitude.

    ¡¸Although I came from a family of noble house with long history, I was just a daughter of a count. Unlike my elder brother who was the territory lord and called a great man, I¡¯m out of my depth to rule the country. Even so, if it is for the sake of this country then I will give it my all but©¤©¤¡¹

    Queen Raffi hung her head down with a powerless smile and continued.

    ¡¸Without borrowing the power of the four great nobles, I cannot even properly move the military or consolidate the government. Even the consuls who are called as the old empire faction also tightened their pressure on me with the incident this time. It was only my incompetence that got talked widely among the people.¡¹

    ¡¸Your majesty, there is no such thing. They are just using the emergency this time as an excuse to steal the authority. There is no need to fret over this.¡¹

    When Prime Minister Nulph gently chided her, Queen Raffi nodded weakly.

    ¡¸I know¡­¡­. Forgive me you two, for making the heroes who will depart to the decisive battle to save the world after this to listen to my timid words.¡¹

    ¡¸No, I intend to give my all so that I will be able to receive the favor from your majesty.¡¹

    When Lux replied with a serious gaze, Raffi finally smiled.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux. I will pray for your victory.¡¹

    When Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph exited the room, Lux and Lisha continued to see them off.

    And then after the parted at the back gate of the fortress, Lux slipped out a small sigh.

    ¡¸Her majesty is also being troubled.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, when this battle is over, I also have to become Haha-ue¡¯s strength as the princess. A, at that time of course, I¡¯ll have you who are my knight to help out too you know? This is just a talk about official business till the end, so this shouldn¡¯t be violating the pact.¡¹

    Lisha talked to Lux with a somewhat irritated expression.

    There was a pact that none of the girls would steal a head start in regard of Lux until this battle was over, but the other day Krulcifer was making appeal to Lux in the middle of battle.

    Therefore, Lisha herself also harbored a feeling of rivalry.

    She thought that if only she could continue to talk about the matter from here on too with Lux smoothly like this but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Of course. Ah, but come to think of it, what happened with my Bahamut?¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­! Wait a bit, the maintenance of our Drag-Rides still remained¡­¡­. Shit, just why. Why this kind of troublesome things happened only at my time-!¡¹

    There were also several skilled mechanics in this fortress that who Magialca hired.

    But, they also had to repair the Drag-Rides of Seven Dragon Paladins. They wouldn¡¯t make it in time at all to fix up everyone¡¯s Drag-Ride in just three days.

    Thus, Lisha too was recruited in order to give maintenance to the Drag-Ride of Syvalles as a mechanic.

    Lux consoled the anguished Lisha, then he sent her off until the Drag-Ride hangar.

    After that he returned to the guest room and rested his body for a while. The sun would set soon at that time.

    ¡¸Oops, I have to look at Aeril¡¯s condition soon.¡¹

    The restrain on Aeril was loosened bit by bit, but Lux¡¯s accompaniment was necessary when she moved around.

    After this he had the role to lead her out of the dungeon to take dinner in the reception hall.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Ah, good evening, Lux-kun.¡¹

    When Lux descended to the underground prison, Aeril called out to him smilingly.

    Today she was wearing plain clothes of white blouse and black skirt. It was only her right arm that was chained. She was reading a book dexterously even with that restrain.

    At first she was restrained strictly for security, but the restriction was changed gradually to a simple one.

    When Lux took off the chain with the key he brought, Aeril smiled cheerfully at him.

    ¡¸You took it off without hesitation. But, perhaps you are being too careless. I am tentatively a dangerous character after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t it a good thing? After all it means that you are being trusted this time for sure.¡¹

    When Lux smiled while saying that, Aeril kept sitting on the bed and she nodded with her eyes looking down.

    ¡¸Right. But it¡¯s a bit unfortunate. Even though I thought that I can be fed by Lux-kun for a bit more.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s feeling went past through exasperation into a wry smile at Aeril¡¯s mischievous teasing.

    The other day, in the middle of the clash against the Lords, she was betrayed and then betraying her remaining family. A lot happened but, it seemed Aeril was relatively unburdened by it.

    ¡¸Is there nothing wrong? Like an injury, or your body¡¯s condition worsening?¡¹

    ¡¸Nope. Rather I feel good. With this I finally don¡¯t need to lie to myself and also to everyone else after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s voice that sounded relieved from the bottom of her heart caused Lux to lose his words.

    Thinking back, her heart must be really burdened even when she was spending time as ¡ºCoral¡» of Vanheim Principality.

    She covered up her gender, her background, and even her race with fake perception. She continued a life as spy.

    Even so, she was wavering whether to ally herself with the Lord or with Lux and co.

    ¡¸More importantly, are you really fine with it? Of siding with us?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    Aeril drank the water inside her glass, and then she responded after hesitating slightly.

    ¡¸Listelka-neesama too is actually a pitiful person. Because Nee-san was born as an imperial princess right when the Lord¡¯s ruling power was at the strongest, the ¡ºeducation¡» that was given to her couldn¡¯t be compared with me and Hayes.¡¹

    ©¤©¤Education.

    It wasn¡¯t just a training to obtain the disposition as the successor of the world ruler and of how to be a good emperor, it also meant that severe ideology of elitism was also planted inside her.

    Furthermore, right after she inherited the position of an imperial princess, she learned that the rebellion by the family of traitor was intensifying.

    From Listelka¡¯s position, she could only think of it as herself receiving irrational attack.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I¡¯m feeling just a bit complicated. But, to stay like that will only be a repeat of the same thing. Ruling over other like that, the anger and resentment of the people will accumulate and rebellion will occur, then again©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I understand.¡¹

    A negative cycle that continued forever.

    In order to sever it, Aeril turned her back on her blood related sisters and the mission of Lord.

    She sided with the world alliance with the resolve to sacrifice even herself. Lux was grateful for it.

    ¡¸Aeril. If it¡¯s possible, I¡¯ll try to capture Hayes and also Listelka alive.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux tapped the shoulder of the girl who looked somewhat lonely. Aeril opened her eyes wide in surprise.

    ¡¸Perhaps, if we win, then the world alliance will execute them. But, they might be able to survive by some chance. If that isn¡¯t possible than at least, I want to let you talk to them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s eyes turned widely round for with dumbfounded look for a while at Lux¡¯s words.

    But, a few seconds later her lips suddenly loosened and her shoulders shook from holding laughter.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, you are a strange person just as I thought. Even though normally there is no way such thing is possible, when it¡¯s you who say it, somehow it feels like I can believe in it.¡¹

    Aeril who was saying such thing had no spite at all in her expression and tone.

    ¡¸Thank you Lux-kun. Somehow, I feel a bit at ease.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, how about we go to eat dinner now? We will be scolded again if we are too late.¡¹

    Aeril responded with a smile at Lux¡¯s invitation.

    She then took his hand and then headed from the dungeon toward the reception hall.

    ¨C

    Including today, there was a rest of three days before the path to Avalon¡¯s deep level floor was opened.

    However till the end Lux thought that they would pass the time silently until then.

    The destroyed old castle was less than a few kl ahead of them, and although a lot of injured soldiers were transported away, they were still in a state of high alert.

    But, the moment Lux and Aeril entered the reception hall of the fortress, they stiffened with a blank look.

    ¡¸Lux-kun¡­¡­. Perhaps I¡¯m too tired. I can see some kind of hallucination though?¡¹

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯m also the same.¡¹

    Aeril muttered in bewilderment. In respond Lux also replied back with a really conflicted expression.

    The fortress that should be in solemn atmosphere despite the extravagant interior design had changed appearance into a dazzling and splendorous space.

    Red carpet that had soft embroidery. The chandelier that was illuminating the hall was an antique, but because of that a high class feeling could be sensed.

    In addition, an aroma that was created from fruit was kindled to give nice fragrance to the air.

    ¡¸This place should be the fortress¡¯s reception hall right?¡¹

    When Aeril rubbed her eyes, a young male waiter appeared there.

    It was the butler young man who was Magialca¡¯s aide, Lolotte.

    ¡¸Welcome. Today, I have prepared a meager banquet due to the idea of my master Magialca. Please forget the battle and enjoy the night.¡¹

    He bowed his head with a voice that sounded somewhat sorry.

    It seemed he had the awareness that the atmosphere of this place was inappropriate in this situation.

    (¡­¡­Even so, somehow it feels like I can understand the reason, why Relie-san and Captain Magialca get along well with each other.)

    It wasn¡¯t simply because their assets rivaled each other or that their age was close, but their hobby was also somewhat similar in some respects.

    After receiving wine glass from Lolotte, Lux was guided to a nearby round table.

    On top of the pure white table cloth, a tallow lamp was lit, and the swaying flame gave a somewhat fantastic atmosphere.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Good grief, it¡¯s really astonishing yeah. People with money and authority really lack common sense.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, good evening Greifer.¡¹

    Faster than Lux could, Aeril who was familiar with the young man standing there called out to him.

    Greifer of Vanheim Principality was nibbling on beef jerky with a sulky expression.

    Everyone of new kingdom still hadn¡¯t come, but almost all the members of Seven Dragon Paladins were there.

    ¡¸Good evening Onii-chan. Is your condition already fine?¡¹

    When Lux turned around because he felt something pulling on his sleeve, Mel was standing there while holding a wine glass.

    As expected he thought it would be bad for her to drink alcohol at that age, but it seemed it was just grape juice.

    She was wearing a chic outfit like usual, but as expected from a lady of a distinguished family, somehow she seemed overflowing with elegance.

    ¡¸I seem to have an aura? That¡¯s only natural. When I become a bit more adult, I will become even more charming for sure. At that time Onii-chan, come to play at Ymir too.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I¡¯ll surely go.¡¹

    Lux nodded like that to the lovely girl who was full of confidence like usual.

    Her way of speaking that made it seemed like it was only natural to survive and win this battle felt dependable instead.

    ¡¸Ee, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming this evening.¡¹

    While they were chatting light that, Magialca began her speech on a stage deep inside the hall.

    Her appearance was her usual unique outfit, but her cheeks were visibly red from drunkenness. It seemed she was already sloshed.

    ¡¸The extermination of the revived seven Ragnarok as well as the capture of Avalon¡¯s surface level floor are truly great achievement. You can rest your body enough during these three days. It¡¯s only a little bit more until the time of the conclusion.¡¹

    Magialca only said that and returned to her table once more. She was heading to Lolotte¡¯s side.

    I the end it seemed she had no intention to say what this banguet was for, but they also felt like the somehow understood.

    ¡¸Something like the pre celebration of victory?¡¹

    Soffice was chewing a dry squid with a serious face while appearing behind Lux.

    Because her aide and younger sister existence, the Automata Re Plica wasn¡¯t here, she seemed to have spare time by herself.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, a last dinner thing?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t say such unlucky thing youu. Even if you cannot read atmosphere at all, that¡¯s still too much.¡¹

    Furthermore Rosa in her military uniform arrived from beside Soffice.

    Perhaps it was just as expected. Even the Seven Dragon Paladins were gathering with Lux at the center.

    Singlen was wearing his coat as usual even in this kind of place. He looked out of place.

    He was sporting a fearless grin as usual while reclining arrogantly at the corner.

    (Eh¡­¡­? Singlen¡¯s aide isn¡¯t here?)

    The veteran soldier called Zweigbergk should be at his side constantly. Was he taking command of White Ridge knight order right now?

    Lux diverted his focus on that slight doubt, but the answer didn¡¯t come out.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, perhaps this banquet is also Lady Magialca¡¯s gambit.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux expressed a question when Aeril suddenly whispered those words.

    However, Aeril shook her head saying ¡ºIt¡¯s nothing¡». He then returned his attention to the party once more.

    Magialca was certainly the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, but at the same time she was also the boss of the company who led the world by the nose.

    Was she scheming something to aim at the legacies and technologies of Avalon?

    Even if that was what she was actually doing, he wanted to believe that it was only for the sake of profit and she wouldn¡¯t do anything bad, but¡­¡­.

    ¡¸¡¯Suuup, Lux-chi! Maaan, it¡¯s feel good to have the whole place reserved isn¡¯t it!¡¹

    When Lux was thinking about such thing, Tillfur leaped at him from behind.

    Looking at her somewhat feverish expression and gaze, it seemed she was also drunk.

    ¡¸Good gracious, when she become defiant so much like this, it goes past being imprudent and straight into feeling refreshed. Seeing how many of the elites of the new kingdom also became victim, as the daughter of the vice commander I have to act with solemnity though.¡¹

    Next Sharis also appeared. Perhaps because of her standing as the leader of the Triad, she didn¡¯t drink alcohol and stayed sober.

    ¡¸Yes. But, it will be meaningless to act solemn if you won¡¯t be able to fight when it matters. In any case switching thought and taking a break are necessary. There is no injured soldier here, and the Seven Dragon Paladins too has just gone through time as captive.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, I think there won¡¯t be any problem if you just push the responsibility to Captain Magialca when it come to it.¡¹

    Airi whose cheeks were somewhat red said such thing with glassy eyes.

    It was a statement that was slightly unlike Airi, but perhaps her reasoning was melting because of the alcohol.

    When Lux approached her worriedly, she jumped him as though to entrust her back on him.

    ¡¸Wai-, Airi. Could it be you are drinking too much?¡¹

    Airi sent an upward gaze at Lux and continue to talk casually.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, Nii-san have a problem with that? This is the fault of Nii-san who continued to make me worry though. That¡¯s why it¡¯s fine if Nii-san also feel worried for a bit about me.¡¹

    ¡¸A, haha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux spontaneously smiled wryly seeing Airi¡¯s sullen look.

    Airi who originally was a civil official candidate had come running until this kind of battlefield, so surely her feeling of worry wasn¡¯t just at the normal level anymore.

    Thinking about that, Lux felt apologetic, but this would be the last time.

    The fight against the Lord would be concluded, and the Sacred Eclipse stopped.

    With that, surely there wouldn¡¯t be anything more that troubled his little sister.

    ¡¸I was hesitating whether I should say it but¡­¡­recently I was investigating about Fugil-niisan little by little. Most of the documents of old empire aren¡¯t remaining, even so I thought that I would be able to find something.¡¹

    Airi suddenly whispered that with a drunk face.

    Lux was taken aback by the subject. Airi continued her words with a small voice.

    ¡¸I also tried investigating the family tree and also documents like the record of proceedings but, there was nothing particularly odd in them. There is no such thing remaining in the records, to the degree that it¡¯s unnatural. But, there is only one point that bothered me.¡¹

    ¡¸And that is©¤©¤¡¹

    With a glance, Airi¡¯s gaze turned toward Singlen¡¯s direction.

    She confirmed that he is tilting his wine glass into his mouth without paying attention their way, and then she resumed her talk.

    ¡¸It was only by chance but, when I was trying to look at the family tree of the past five hundred years ago, I found Fugil-niisan¡¯s name recorded several times. A second son, the emperor¡¯s nephew, or an uncle, his standing is varied but, he showed his figure many times in the history of Arcadia Empire.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? What does, that mean?¡¹

    When Lux asked back with a dubious face, Airi also closed her eyes and tilted her head.

    ¡¸Nii-san is making a completely uncomprehending face there. Well, I myself doesn¡¯t thing that in itself is particularly strange. After all it often happen among the royalty for someone to succeed the name of an ancestor.¡¹

    Certainly it was just as Airi said.

    Besides, it was unthinkable that Fugil was taking part in the entirety of this matter.

    It was something impossible without eternal life span. Besides, the standing and post of these people with the name of Fugil were relatively low for being involved in Arcadia Empire.

    But, Airi wouldn¡¯t intentionally bring this up if she really thought that this was just coincidence.

    Airi herself had mostly never interacted with Fugil, but she knew about his involvement with Lux.

    Thus, she seemed to be harboring great wariness regarding the decisive battle against Fugil that would most likely happen the next time.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Be careful okay, Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Also©¤©¤well, I guess it will be better to talk about this too. Thinking about this and that before the battle too, surely it cannot be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Suddenly Airi¡¯s tone was mixed with a sigh. She puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

    Perhaps because of her being unusually drunk, different from her usual graceful appearance, her childish emotion was standing out.

    ¡¸When this battle is over and we return to the new kingdom, Nii-san will meet a terrible experience. Just what are you going to do about those five. It¡¯s really troubling.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Airi, more than that will be a violation of the pact, let¡¯s stop there.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fineee. I have Noct, so Nii-san please, enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content.¡¹

    Airi¡¯s hand was pulled by Noct and she headed to a sofa together with the Triad.

    Somehow it also looked like she was drowning her cares in drink but, was she dissatisfied about something?

    ¡¸Fuuu¡­¡­. A break! The work won¡¯t end! Oi Lux! Keep me company, it was really lonely!¡¹

    When Lux was tilting his head, Lisha appeared wearing her white robe. It seemed she had been doing Drag-Ride maintenance work until now.

    From further behind her, Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka, the familiar faces also showed up.

    ¡¸I see. So that¡¯s it¡­¡­everyone will surely say it huh. What¡¯s more it will be very soon.¡¹

    Aeril muttered with a deeply meaningful expression, but Lux was perplexed because he didn¡¯t get what she meant at all.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine for Lux-kun to not know anything. After all it will be a really great surprise for later.¡¹

    Aeril said that and cheerfully pulled Lux¡¯s hand. Lisha sprang up in panic seeing that.

    ¡¸Oi you over there! Don¡¯t hold hand with Lux as you please! You are also included in the pact!¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha. Sorry sorry.¡¹

    After Aeril awkwardly separated from Lux, Krulcifer smoothly sent her a cold gaze.

    ¡¸We cannot let our guard down around you as usual. It¡¯s even nastier because you are dressing up your act as natural.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s right. Although it¡¯s this kind of special banquet, we ought to be solemn. It¡¯s impolite toward the pioneers who lost their life or wounded in this battle.¡¹

    Celis also looked fatigued, but her complexion was better than before due to the full day of rest.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. I fetched you meal. Let¡¯s eat.¡¹

    Philuffy who was piling up a mountain of food on her plate like usual was on her own pace as ever.

    ¡¸Then, we too shouldn¡¯t make too much ruckus.¡¹

    Lux said that with a smile, and the night deepened while also exchanging pleasant chats with the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    After that, he escorted the drunk Airi until the guest room. For some reason Krulcifer and Soffice also came along with him.

    ¡¸It was really fun. The banquet was a nice diversion.¡¹

    ¡¸The dishes, were delicious. Kepuh¡¹

    Soffice spoke with earnest tone while walking in the stone corridor that had shining lamps on the wall.

    Surely it wasn¡¯t just his feeling that there was a hint of enjoyment within her expressionless look.

    ¡¸By the way, it looked like both of you didn¡¯t drink alcohol but, putting aside Soffice, why didn¡¯t Krulcifer-san drink?¡¹

    ¡¸My? Geez Lux-kun, I wonder what are you planning after making me drunk?¡¹

    Krulcifer who heard that smiled bewitchingly and teased Lux.

    After Lux smiled wryly and dodged that, then he faced her once more.

    ¡¸Then could it be, the two of you have some kind of errand after this?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s a bit of mission. It¡¯s from Captain Magialca.¡¹

    ¡¸The Heaven Palace that fell nearby, we¡¯ll investigate it now.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤By Heaven Palace you mean, that airborne ship the Lords were boarding right?¡¹

    In the battle just yesterday, that ship was shot down by Magialca¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr and it fell on the ground with serious damage.

    After that it seemed the Drag-Knights of the alliance army were made to guard it, but there wasn¡¯t any sign of the Lord approaching it.

    Because it fell nearby this fortress, the enemy too wouldn¡¯t intentionally come to recover it.

    ¡¸It was postponed because our stamina recovery couldn¡¯t be predicted. And then, if it is the both of us who are Key¡¯s Supervisor, then perhaps useful information can be gathered from that Heaven Palace.¡¹

    ¡¸In that case I will also come. It doesn¡¯t change the fact that it¡¯s dangerous.¡¹

    When Lux reflexively stated that, Krulcifer smiled and put her index finger on Lux¡¯s lips.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll just accept your feeling gratefully. Our Divine Drag-Ride has excellent defense, and we also have spare strength. It¡¯s more important for you to rest. After all you will surely be the one to act the most recklessly at the final battle.¡¹

    ¡¸We also won¡¯t do anything excessive so it¡¯s all right. I¡¯m happy that you kept me company in the party, Lux.¡¹

    Lux waved his hand to the smiling Soffice, then he parted from the two of them.

    The tension might be removed because of the banquet, but as expected Lux was worried about what was waiting ahead.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haaah, haaah! Gefuh, gofuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    The sound of chilly wind *hyuu hyuu* was blowing wildly.

    A broken breathing sound was mixed in it.

    While Lux and others were spending the night in the fortress, the Lords were warming themselves in a hidden room located at the underground of the destroyed old castle.

    There were only simple bed and furniture lined up inside the room. The place didn¡¯t look tended at all.

    There were only a single living room at the center and three single bedrooms.

    There was no problem with escaping difficulty from the falling Heaven Palace, but it was only Hayes who was different.

    Regardless of her body that was already dying, she got Baptism applied on her for the sake of participating in the last battle. Her condition was due to the feedback of operating Nidhogg in full strength.

    Her life force was worn down, and even tonight it looked like the light of her life would be snuffed anytime.

    ¡¸My apology, Listelka-sama. The third imperial princess is already¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so?¡¹

    Mishis who was nursing Hayes let out a pained voice. Listelka too let out a long sigh.

    They did all the treatment they could, but Hayes whose very life force itself was running out was already nearly impossible to be saved.

    There was no other choice for her but to see off the death of her little sister.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate Hayes. I wish to let you see the moment I ascend to the throne but, it seem that wish also won¡¯t come true. This might not be a consolation at all but, I will surely obtain Avalon, so please have a peace of mind.¡¹

    ¡¸Hyuu, haa¡­¡­gohah!¡¹

    Hayes was already unable to walk or even let out a voice.

    The Baptism of life prolonging was showing effect half-bakedly. The result was that she was only pointlessly suffering.

    ¡¸Mishis. Please accompany me for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Listelka left behind Hayes inside the small room and moved to the living room.

    Beside Fugil who was standing near the wall at the side quietly she whispered into the maid¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped now that it have come to this. Please make Hayes to be in peace. She is a troubling child with rough temperament but, she is a little sister who share my blood.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Understood.¡¹

    It was already impossible for Hayes to survive for even three days.

    Thus Listelka determined herself, but that voice reached Hayes.

    ¡¸Gu, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    She couldn¡¯t even raise her voice properly.

    Regardless of such condition, Hayes started crawling out from her bed for dear life.

    After she put her hand on the gap of the room¡¯s window, she rushed out to the passage that connected to the outside world.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Gofuh! Gua, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    The cold night air was taking away the remains of Hayes¡¯s fading life.

    Just what was her life?

    Hayes suddenly thought that inside her hazy consciousness.

    Hayes who was born several hundred years ago as the third imperial princess witnessed the massive killing of the imperial family members by the family of traitor.

    The first imperial princess Listelka was the shrine maiden of oracle who received Avalon¡¯s revelation.

    The second imperial princess Aeril had the role to convey and execute that revelation.

    Originally she had no role at all.

    ©¤©¤In that case, she would become the blade that judged the rebels. That was what she decided when she woke up once more.

    As one of the Lords who ruled the world, she would protect her pride.

    ¡¸Gohoh¡­¡­ugu, a¡­¡­¡¹

    Velvet of the rebel army and Balzeride of the four great nobles, furthermore the people who she had a dealing with as illegal arms dealer, the phantom of those people were standing in line beside Hayes who was crawling on the ground. They were looking down on her.

    It was finally her turn to have her death be watched by them.

    (Why, am I escaping from here? Where am I trying to go¡­¡­? Even though I have nothing remaining, why¡­¡­)

    In the end, she was unable to carry out her revenge.

    She was unable to make the people of this world realize the existence and power of the Lord.

    At this rate, she would die and rot like a small fry without even taking sight of Avalon.

    ¡¸Gu, oo¡­¡­!¡¹

    She twisted her body to lie face up, looking up at the dark and cold night sky.

    There, a familiar man was standing.

    A man with luxurious coat flapping in the wind. Fugil Arcadia.

    While he was a member of Arcadia Empire that destroyed and drove away the Lord, he saved Listelka and others who were sleeping in hibernation pods of the Ark, and led them until this far.

    Beside him a girl with beautiful appearance©¤©¤no, Sacred Eclipse was standing.

    ¡¸You, are, what in the¡­¡­¡¹

    Thinking back, it was only this man who stayed incomprehensible until the end.

    It wasn¡¯t just his existence itself that was strange, even his objective was a mystery.

    He said that he would serve Hayes and co, and in fact he was acting exactly as he said, but it was as though he wasn¡¯t trusting them. At the very least Hayes felt like that.

    That was the reason why Hayes loathed Fugil, but why did he appear now when she was dying like this?

    ¡¸Even Elixir won¡¯t be able to stop your body¡¯s destruction anymore. You will run out of strength within a few more minutes, become ash and vanish from this world. But you have good luck. Your empty life. You who don¡¯t know of a way to express yourself other than by venting your hatred. It seems she is extending a hand toward the resentment of such you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, bas, tard, who, are you¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤A hero.¡¹

    Looking at Fugil¡¯s bottomless smile, Hayes felt a repulsive shudder despite her dying body.

    ¡¸Therefore Hayes, I will ascertain your fate with my own eye. If that wish is something true, if you are chosen by Sacred Eclipse, then I will obey her and fulfill your wish.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The girl in dress, Sacred Eclipse who possessed the silver hair of Arcadia family grabbed the hand of Hayes who collapsed and vomited blood.

    Right after that, Sacred Eclipse¡¯s body melted like light and overlapped with Hayes who was about to become ash.

    Before long the silhouette of the two became one along with a strange sound, and then they left.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil, you are here?¡¹

    Three minutes later, the maid Mishis who climbed up the hidden stair and came out called out to Fugil who was leaning on a ruined rampart.

    ¡¸Yeah, there was a bit of sound, so I came to check the situation just in case. There was nothing though.¡¹

    ¡¸Did Hayes-sama came here? It seems she sneaked out from her room, but she didn¡¯t have long, so she might have become ash already though.¡¹

    ¡¸No, unfortunately I haven¡¯t seen her.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so. More importantly, Listelka-sama is calling. About that plan©¤©¤by catching an enemy and applying Baptism to them, that person might be controlled by the Sacred Eclipse then.¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. I¡¯ll depart right away.¡¹

    The dark cloud left and Fugil looked up to the starry sky. His expression was bright.

    ¨C

    That night, Lux couldn¡¯t sleep because he was feeling uneasy. He was staring at the ceiling of the guest room.

    Krulcifer and Soffice who investigated Heaven Palace returned safely, but it seemed they didn¡¯t obtain any useful information.

    However, there was a strange trace of destruction in the airborne ship. There was a possibility that a part of the information terminal was taken away.

    (Just what does that mean¡­¡­)

    Of course there was a possibility that when Listelka and others escaped, they thoroughly destroyed the information.

    But, a bad premonition that couldn¡¯t be expressed with words wouldn¡¯t leave Lux.

    ¡¸It¡¯s useless even if I worry about it. Let¡¯s sleep.¡¹

    The moment he whispered that and relaxed his body, *kii* a faint sound could be heard.

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    Lux was curious and opened his eyes. There was a warm sensation inside his blanket.

    ¡¸Oo, that¡¯s a really fast reaction you have there. Now then you, you are holding hope of me coming to your sleeping quarters huh?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Captain Magialca!?¡¹

    A petite girl wearing black camisole was already under Lux¡¯s blanket when he noticed.

    The moment Lux noticed that fact and tried to scream, his mouth was quickly blocked by a hand.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make a ruckus, the people around will wake up.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what!? What in the world are you planning!?¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, you are a boring man as usual. But, a guard this hard might be more exciting in a sense.¡¹

    She said with a really delighted smile on her face.

    ¡¸Err¡­¡­, can you tell me your business quickly?¡¹

    Lux sighed in exasperation at Magialca who was showing a bewitching smile.

    Her age was around the same like Relie, but her appearance was like a young girl so it made his heart pounded hard.

    Furthermore he also held a nervousness toward this woman because he simply couldn¡¯t let his guard down against her.

    Even though the door should be locked, she still entered without almost any sound. She wasn¡¯t an ordinary person.

    ¡¸Just now was a test. It was to see whether you have enough attentiveness or not. And then, what I will say from here is an extremely secret matter. You should listen with carefully.¡¹

    Magialca then whispered into Lux¡¯s ear with her body covering his. Lux gulped hearing what she whispered.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Are you, serious?¡¹

    When Lux asked back about the content of her terrifying instruction, she answered with a broad obscene grin.

 Volume 14 - CH 2

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. This is depressing.¡¹

    The next day, Lux woke up early and did light physical exercise and checked his body condition.

    Today he didn¡¯t do his daily Drag-Ride training to remove his fatigue.

    With this it became the second day. It would be one more day before the deep level floor of Avalon appeared.

    If the deep level floor¡¯s gate appeared, the competition against the Lord would begin from there.

    Therefore he was scheduled to participate in the war council for the sake of capturing the deep floor level that Magialca would open at the evening.

    Until then he wouldn¡¯t be able to calm down even if he just stayed still, so he strolled inside the fortress.

    He suddenly felt a presence from the practice ground at the north entrance of the fortress and Lux¡¯s feet naturally headed there.

    Even though it was the land of a foreign country that was far away from the new kingdom, for some reason he felt a presence that even felt nostalgic.

    In the middle of tranquil winter morning, with the Sword Device of Lindwurm in one hand, Celis was practicing her thrust form in her pilot suit.

    The soil ground and bricks at the surrounding.

    And then a merely vast space where there were only large tree target and large mirror.

    There Celis was practicing her thrust silently.

    She was concentrating so much that the air felt tense, at the same time sublimity could even be felt from that perfectly serene figure.

    She took her stance, fixed her aim, imagined the control of Drag-Ride, and thrust.

    When she finished around a hundred of that sequence of action in front of Lux, Celis finally noticed him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Great work, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸Good morning Lux. If you have business with me, you could just call me right away without reservation you know?¡¹

    Celis faced Lux and smiled wryly while brushing up her front hair.

    She must have been training even before Lux found her. Her healthily tight skin flushed pink, and she was faintly sweating on her whole body.

    ¡¸No, actually I thought it¡¯s better to stop training and rest but, I carelessly forgot to call out.¡¹

    Lux also smiled with a troubled look and handed her the towel he brought.

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to wipe the sweat. This is winter after all, you will catch a cold.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. Ah, but©¤©¤I have to take off my suit to wipe myself¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Ah! Tha, that¡¯s, it¡¯s fine. I will face behind!¡¹

    Celis¡¯s cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Lux quickly turned his back on her.

    ¡¸U, understood. Looking here is not permitted okay?¡¹

    When there was a faint sound of rustling clothes, Lux closed his eyes just in case.

    By the way Lux didn¡¯t stop her training because she wasn¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride, so the burden should be little, and because he became fascinated watching the way she polished her heart.

    ¡¸This training is something like a daily routine after all. Even without using Drag-Ride, I can train my heart by simply polishing my sword skill. It was something taught to me by your grandfather.¡¹

    ¡¸Was it trained, Celis-senpai¡¯ss heart?¡¹

    Lux threw the appropriate response while inside his heart was pounding hard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. Is what I want to say but, I should stop pretending to be tough in front of you.¡¹

    Celis sheathed her Sword Device on her sword belt. The moment she stopped the practice, her body was slightly trembling.

    ¡¸I am pathetic as the Academy¡¯s strongest and Syvalles¡¯s captain. In the battle the other day, I was completely helpless in front of that Drag-Knight called Mishis. No, it is not that I¡¯m fearing her. It¡¯s scary that I who came to follow you until her as your aide am unable to do anything and accomplish my duty. Surely©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was slightly perplexed seeing Celis¡¯s bitter smile that was unusually fainthearted.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true.¡¹

    He started to say, but Lux noticed something.

    Could it be, it was already like this for her all this time since the past?

    Perhaps the reason why Celis hammered in training into herself to an excessive degree wasn¡¯t just because she couldn¡¯t keep up with her surrounding, but her sense of responsibility as someone from the four great nobles also drove her to do so.

    That was why, she was trembling like this right now.

    It wasn¡¯t fear toward powerful enemies. She was suffering from the heavy pressure burdening her.

    ¡¸My mother, can only give birth to me alone. In the old empire at that time, it was only ¡ºmale¡» that has value, the tendency was to consider a wife that is unable to give birth to a son as worthless. That was why I wanted to obtain strength that surpassed male as someone who succeed the name of a famous knight family.¡¹

    She didn¡¯t want to make her mother who was unable to give birth to a son to feel ashamed.

    Due to her kindness since her childhood, Celis thoroughly trained herself and she worked her way up to become the strongest Drag-Knight in the Academy.

    In addition with the incident where she lost her master who was also Lux¡¯s grandfather, it caused her to focus more and more toward a perfect righteousness, but she broke away from that curse by her encounter with Lux.

    ¡¸Even after you appeared and helped me regain back my heart, I have been thinking all this time¡­¡­. Am I a foolish person who is drunk with cornering myself, to escape to something that I decided I should accomplish? Can a sword of someone like me be able to protect everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    She suffered a complete defeat against Mishis who was similarly devoting an absolute loyalty toward the Lord.

    It shook even the conviction that Celis had piled up until now.

    That was why she was training to polish her heart here.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Lux. I made you listen to this foolish complain since the morning in the middle of break. I¡¯m disqualified as a senior.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing isn¡¯t true. Even I, actually©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When Lux immediately raised his voice and opened his eyes, a dazzling sight was reflected in his eyes.

    There was a mirror that was hung on the wall for checking one¡¯s form. The figure of Celis with the pilot suit on her upper body taken off while she was wiping her body with towel could be seen.

    The risqu¨¦ part was barely out of sight, but the bulge of the voluptuous breasts couldn¡¯t be hidden. Each time Celis wiped her sweat with the towel, they would shake. His eyes spontaneously widened.

    Because Celis herself was averting her eyes from Lux behind her, she didn¡¯t notice that her half naked body was reflected on the mirror.

    ¡¸Actually, what is it?¡¹

    ¡¸N-, no! That¡¯, it¡¯s scary¡­¡­. What if because of my mistaken decision, everyone will get dragged into it. What if I cannot become of help to other©¤©¤but¡¹

    Lux¡¯s heart was pounding hard inside while he continued to avert his gaze from Celis¡¯s naked body that was reflected in the mirror.

    ¡¸Because everyone is with me, right now the scariness become half. If my reason of fighting is also to protect everyone of the new kingdom, then the answer that I sought and wished for might also lead to the same place. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m thankful. That Celis-senpai believes in me, and that you became my aide.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai¡¯s aid is necessary for me. Surely Celis-senpai¡¯s mother is also happy for your feeling to her. I think she won¡¯t say it to Celis-senpai because she surely doesn¡¯t want to become a burden to her child but©¤©¤at the very least, that¡¯s what I believe.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai isn¡¯t mistaken at all. That feeling of trying to become strong for someone else¡¯s sake, that¡¯s, it¡¯s really beautiful and cool.¡¹

    Even he himself became embarrassed saying those words, but he was able to declare it in front of her pure heart.

    ¡¸Lux, thank you very much. I too, toward you who is straightforwardly kind to anyone even if it is dangerous©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux unconsciously became curious at Celis¡¯s tone that suddenly changed and lifted up his face. His eyes met Celis¡¯s eyes through the mirror in front of him right at that timing.

    The towel she was holding fell and fluttered down, and the girl¡¯s half-naked body entered his sight.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-! This is, I wasn¡¯t intentionally staying quiet about this okay!? I was only unable to get the timing to say it-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­KYAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    An instant later, Celis whose face was bright red until her ears raised a shrill scream inside the fortress.

    The guards who came running right after that were in wonder, while Magialca who arrived last showed an exasperated smile while saying ¡¸Again huh¡¹.

    ¨C

    A few hours after parting from Celis.

    Lux was walking inside a corridor with a conflicted look.

    Celis¡¯s tension seemed to be cleared already nicely, but a complicated atmosphere was left between the two of them.

    It was the truth that there was no chance to say about the mirror, but it was Lux¡¯s bad for looking, so he had to apologize to her when this battle was over.

    Lux sighed ¡®fuu¡¯ lightly, then a small footsteps came to his side.

    ¡¸Good afternoon Lux-kun. Is your body¡¯s condition all right?¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes. Today I¡¯m really in a good condition.¡¹

    Aeril had been released from the dungeon thanks to Magialca. Lux also returned a greeting meeting her like this.

    But Lux tilted his head when she peered into his face wonderingly.

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that right? It looked like this morning you also had done something really enjoyable after all. By the way what happened with the pact again?¡¹

    ¡¸A, ahahaha¡­¡­. I don¡¯t really know much about this pact after all.¡¹

    Lux responded with a dry smile at Aeril¡¯s suggestive smile.

    It seemed she knew about that case with Celis this morning. Perhaps she heard it from Magialca.

    This was Aeril, so surely she wouldn¡¯t speak about it to Lisha and others, but having a secret of his taken hold like this was scary in a different meaning.

    While thinking of such thing during his walk, the door of the war council room that was at the end of the passage came into view.

    When he opened that door, a man was sitting right at the front.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? How about giving a greeting at least? Or perhaps even you also have a vanity as former royalty in you?¡¹

    The figure in coat sitting deeply on a chair with his legs folded was the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit.

    It was unexpected that he was the first one to come. It caused Lux to be spontaneously surprised, but the reason why Lux fell silent wasn¡¯t just that.

    ¡¸Please excuse our impoliteness Sir Singlen. But, I think wearing a hood even inside a room is even more impolite you know?¡¹

    Aeril turned aside Singlen¡¯s bold provocation with cheerful smile.

    ¡¸Hou, the speed of your change in attitude is admirable. Are you thinking that you have been forgiven just because your shackles were taken off?¡¹

    But, the opponent also was a man who wouldn¡¯t keep quiet just from that much.

    He attacked further with a tone that was mixed with sarcasm.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t even have any defense in regard to that point, but I intend to proof myself by responding to everyone¡¯s kindness toward me.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, only the thickness of your face¡¯s skin is really something. Still, I don¡¯t know about that blockhead companion of your over there, but don¡¯t think that a lip service of someone of your level will work against me.¡¹

    When Singlen grinned scornfully while saying that, Lux objected in Aeril¡¯s place.

    ¡¸Please watch your words Sir Singlen. I want you to take back your insult toward her.¡¹

    ¡¸Insult you said? Now this is strange, even though she had tricked us once already, but even now she is still hiding something. How is she planning to make excuse about that?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s sharp gaze stabbed toward Aeril.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­?¡¹

    What was this about hiding something?

    When Aeril looked slightly shaken toward that, the door of the war council room was opened hard.

    ¡¸You already got into argument in broad daylight huh, Blue Tyrant. You are a nagging man as usual.¡¹

    The one who entered inside the room was Magialca and her aide Lolotte.

    Moreover even the remaining members of Seven Dragon Paladins also arrived.

    ¡¸I¡¯m only probing some to kill time. I think it¡¯s only natural to be wary toward this stubborn traitor though?¡¹

    ¡¸Aaa, enough with that. The war council is starting so you just shut up.¡¹

    After Magialca said that in irritation, Lisha and others, the members of Syvalles also gathered.

    Inside the war council room where more than ten people in total had gathered, Magialca first raised her voice.

    ¡¸Ladies and gentlemen. Looks like you all have taken the minimum rest. I know it¡¯s severe but this the last battle to save the world. I¡¯ll have all of you fights hard without exception. You all have resolved yourself haven¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸There ain¡¯t no need to ask that at this point right? The resolve of the bunch who held banquet in this kind of dangerous place is obvious.¡¹

    Greifer said that with a negligent tone. Everyone also nodded wordlessly at that.

    One month remaining until the predicted world destruction. If they didn¡¯t reach the central of Avalon ahead of Listelka and stopped Sacred Eclipse, they wouldn¡¯t have any future.

    Lux also returned a confirming gaze as though it was only natural. Magialca nodded in satisfaction.

    ¡¸Nice reply. Then, we will hold the strategy meeting to take away Avalon from now. Aeril, I¡¯ll leave the explanation regarding that to you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    First Aeril who was called by name stood up and she lightly looked around.

    After her eyes met Lux at the end, she took a deep breath and formed her words.

    ¡¸After this, Avalon¡¯s deep level floor will appear nearby the site of the old castle in this abandoned capital Guernica. But, even me who is an imperial family of the Lord doesn¡¯t know its true shape.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean? Isn¡¯t that strangee?¡¹

    The Seven Dragon Paladins who represented Heiburg Republic, Rosa turned a dubious face at Aeril¡¯s words.

    Furthermore Celis who was sitting also tilted her head and spoke a question.

    ¡¸It¡¯s also baffling for me. Weren¡¯t all of you Lords living in Avalon?¡¹

    ¡¸For us, Avalon is treated like a sacred place. Even though my elder sister Listelka can receive revelation of oracle, fundamentally she won¡¯t enter inside. In the first place the imperial capital and the Ruins served the role as our living place already.¡¹

    ¡¸But, you are an imperial family member right? Then you should have entered some holy ground like a temple once or twice.¡¹

    When the youngest person there, Mel pointed that out frankly, Aeril shook her head.

    ¡¸In the first place it was forbidden to enter Avalon. Even an imperial princess couldn¡¯t enter it so easily. It was only my elder sister Listelka who has experience of entering, but the way to enter inside should be already different from the past.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean by that yeah?¡¹

    Greifer immediately retorted. Aeril formed her words after hesitating slightly.

    ¡¸To open the path toward the central of deep level floor©¤©¤so to speak the control room, there are several requirements. In order to clear those, a blood relative of us Arcadia Empire is necessary.¡¹

    ¡¸You mean the three names here huh.¡¹

    When Magialca said that as though to remember something, everyone there looked around.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. In our camp, there is me, Lux-kun, and Airi-san. These three people are the one with the authority that can interfere with the mechanism at central. To fulfill the requirements, we have to follow the instructions of Avalon¡¯s Gear Leader©¤©¤Arshalia.¡¹

    ¡¸There is also an Automaton in Avalon?¡¹

    Aeril nodded at Lux¡¯s question.

    Then, Lisha leaked out a sigh in tired exasperation.

    ¡¸So we will have to let an Automata guide us again? Will that girl appear nearby that old castle?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Perhaps the Gear Leader herself will become the key of the central.¡¹

    Everyone¡¯s gaze gathered the additional comment of Soffice who was a Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    ¡¸I also pretty much has read the books in the seventh Ruin Moon. We will have to find that Gear Leader, follow her instructions and make the preparation. If we do that then the control room will come into view. ©¤©¤But, there is one more strange information that I don¡¯t know about. The foundation of Avalon, the Ruin¡¯s Zero, an existence that is called as transformation Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸Transformation, Drag-Ride¡­¡­?¡¹

    ©¤©¤Lux wondered why. He strangely felt that he had heard those words before.

    But, he couldn¡¯t recall.

    The more he thought about it, his memory was vanishing like mist.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Are you sleepy?¡¹

    ¡¸No. I¡¯m fine, Phi-chan.¡¹

    Lux returned to his senses when Philuffy who was sitting beside him talked to him. Aeril continued her story.

    In the end first they had to discover Avalon¡¯s Gear Leader, then one person among Lux, Aeril, or Airi would have to perform the protocol into the mechanism as instructed. That was the requirement.

    ¡¸Looks like we won¡¯t understand the requirements until that Automata come out. Then in order to raise the chance of us encountering her, we should split into team.¡¹

    There was no one who raised objection at Magialca¡¯s proposal. Like that they formed four teams.

    ¨C

    First team was Lolotte, Zweigbergk, White Ridge knight order, the Triad.

    The second team was Aeril, Greifer, Mel, Soffice, Rosa, Magialca.

    The third team was Airi, Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Yoruka.

    The fourth team was Lux, Singlen.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The objective of the first team is to defend this fortress. The weakness is the few number of Divine Drag-Ride user in this team, but surely the enemy also won¡¯t have any leeway to attack here. Therefore we are going to leave the minimum battle force here.¡¹

    After that, Magialca began to explain about the role of each team in order.

    She deliberately omitted a part, but the three people with Arcadia bloodline were separated from each other in order to clear the requirement of getting instruction from the Gear Leader.

    The Key¡¯s Supervisor might also be able to at least talk with Automata, so Krulcifer and Soffice were also in separate team.

    ¡¸Next the second team and the third team, well, these two teams are the main for conquering Avalon. It will be easier if the teammates has trusting relationship with each other, so I split the members like that.¡¹

    ¡¸I wish to accompany Aruji-sama though?¡¹

    Yoruka smiled brightly and casually insisted that.

    She was a girl who wouldn¡¯t read the atmosphere like usual, but this time even Lisha joined her.

    ¡¸Well, this ero woman is extreme but¡­¡­, why is it only the fourth team that has only two people in it? I think the combat force should be divided equally here.¡¹

    Lux was also in agreement regarding that, but Magialca responded with a wry smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a good question princess. But I won¡¯t accept any selfishness here. Those two are different from the second and third team, their role isn¡¯t just to search for the deep level floor, they are also charged with an important role.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Celis made a dubious face, the answer came.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, I¡¯ll have the fourth team to move with the priority of exterminating the enemy. Well, in case they encountered Listelka¡¯s force, they¡¯ll have to attack proactively.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Silent tension ran through everyone who gathered inside the war council room.

    Right after that, Aeri was the first one to react by raising her hand.

    ¡¸That¡¯s dangerous! You should have known that in the enemy¡¯s camp, the maid Mishis and most likely Fugil Arcadia too are powerful enemies. Having only two people to face them is¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer quickly continued after Airi¡¯s tense voice.

    ¡¸She is right. It¡¯s certainly dangerous. Both Sir Singlen and Lux-kun are strong but, the remaining enemies should be substantially powerful too. At the very least one Divine Drag-Ride user from each team should be moved to their team.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, your objection is reasonable.¡¹

    But, Magialca responded with an exasperated shrug toward their advice.

    ¡¸However have you two forgotten? Only in this situation we won¡¯t be able to prioritize safety anymore. After all if the enemy obtains Avalon, it will be our defeat by that time. Since that the case we can only make a gamble.¡¹

    ¡¸Is there anything that we can obtain by making the fourth team clash against the enemies?¡¹

    Lisha flared up. Magialca looked down and nodded in respond.

    ¡¸Our advantage is our number which is far greater than the enemy. There is no option not to make use of our edge toward the enemy. While the attack of the fourth team will have effect in holding them back, the enemy too won¡¯t be able to ignore them seeing that someone with Arcadia bloodline is attacking them, so they will be held back for certain. During that time, the second and third teams will split to search and our probability in reaching the central will rise.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The Lord, Listelka who only have two close aides remaining won¡¯t easily let them get too far from her correct? Then this strategy should be the most effective.¡¹

    Certainly, Listelka only had Mishis and Fugil to guard her right now, so surely she wouldn¡¯t send them away.

    Hayes who was defeated by Aeril the other day shouldn¡¯t have any more spare strength, essentially Mishis and Fugil were the only combat force of the other side.

    Furthermore facing the Anti Drag-Knight Mishis who possessed Azi Dahaka, there was the possibility that having her surrounded would only caused her opponents to be defeated altogether.

    In that case it would be preferable to just leave her to a small number of elites, Lux and Singlen alone.

    It was a battle formation that managed the risk and didn¡¯t let go of the chance of victory.

    In that case they had to accept this team division.

    ¡¸It will be fine Airi. This will be the last time I make you worried.¡¹

    ¡¸There is also that but¡­¡­. No, I understand.¡¹

    When Lux showed his acceptance, Airi swallowed back the opinion that she was about to say.

    What she held back from saying was most likely about Singlen.

    There was no doubt that he was powerful, but he possessed an ambition that counterbalanced his strength. Until now he had approached Lux many times to make use of him.

    Furthermore, from his battle with Yoruka, it was discovered that there was a sign of Singlen receiving Baptism in the past. Half his body was adapted to Elixir.

    She couldn¡¯t speak out that behind the scene circumstance, but because of that too she was really wary of Singlen in a team alone with Lux.

    But, Lux had already heard from Magialca that it would become like this.

    He had already resolved himself too.

    ¡¸Then, I will move on to the main subject of the strategy. You all better listen attentively.¡¹

    First Magialca gave instruction to everyone about their action¡¯s objective, the members also questioned her about that.

    The meeting went for several hours. The members of each team also talked among themselves, but Signlen didn¡¯t say a single word.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux would dislike it if Singlen was giving order high-handedly, but when this man was staying quiet with that fearless grin on his face, it was scary because it felt like something not decent would happen.

    ¡¸Sir Singlen, how are you planning to carry out this mission?¡¹

    Lux briefly addressed Singlen who was sitting at the corner but,

    ¡¸Are you that stupid? Looks like you still haven¡¯t come out from the mindset of being hired chore boy huh, hero-dono.¡¹

    He responded with familiar tyrannical sarcasm like that.

    ¡¸What kind of plan you asked? It¡¯s meaningless to just think in this situation. There are too much aspects that we shouldn¡¯t know about, it will be pointless if we just create a strategy. If we drown ourselves in supposition, we won¡¯t be able to respond flexibly instead you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Our mission is to subjugate the first imperial princess Listelka. We just need to focus in accomplishing that by using every method available depending on the situation. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    His tone was arrogant like usual, but what he was saying was right on the mark.

    But, Lux wondered why he felt strangeness from the points of his words.

    Singlen didn¡¯t say ¡ºdon¡¯t know¡», but ¡ºshouldn¡¯t know about¡».

    The way he talk it was like even the things that Lux and others didn¡¯t know about were known by him.

    But, Lux too couldn¡¯t carelessly probe deeper here.

    Because he had received a secret order from Captain Magialca in regard to Singlen.

    Last night, Magialca who sneaked inside Lux¡¯s room unnoticed told him©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸What do you mean? Telling me to watch Sir Singlen like that.¡¹

    Inside the guest room that was assigned to Lux. Magialca who slipped into his bed grinned widely in her black underwear appearance.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak loudly. If other people come inside, I will cover up this as you being in the middle of love affair with me you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She sounded joking, but her lowered voice volume told him that she was serious.

    In other words this was really an important topic that he couldn¡¯t say to other people.

    ¡¸You have heard that the two came back empty handed after investigating the Heaven Palace right? It seems that the information terminals of those guys were destroyed, and not even a single one remained. Then, do you have an idea of who did that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca brought her face closer until a distance where they almost kissed. Lux pondered for a bit and answered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Was it Singlen¡¯s aide, Sir Zweigbergk?¡¹

    ¡¸So you noticed as expected, the reason why his aide wasn¡¯t present in that banquet.¡¹

    Zweigbergk was Singlen¡¯s aide and his loyal servant.

    Even if he was focusing on his duty to protect the fortress, it was unnatural that he didn¡¯t show his face even once in the banquet.

    Therefore, there was a possibility that he was investigating Heaven Palace during that time when everyone wasn¡¯t paying attention.

    But, what was Singlen who wasn¡¯t even a Key¡¯s Supervisor trying to hide by destroying the remaining information terminals?

    In the first place, there was a high possibility that he and his men couldn¡¯t even confirm what kind of record might be remaining in the terminals, and yet¡­

    ¡¸You are curious whether there was something that he obtained when he was doing his own investigation right? But, I predict that he has a completely different objective. He doesn¡¯t want us to obtain information of Avalon even more than this. Even if the likelihood is really unlikely.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Destruction of evidence, is it something like that? For what?¡¹

    Lux asked back nervously. Magialca¡¯s smile deepened in response.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But you have heard from before about that guy¡¯s personal ambition right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The words that he heard along with Mel and Greifer too when they first met Singlen together.

    The establishment of a new country that unified the world by the Drag-Knights.

    Singlen boasted about creating an independent organization that was completely different from the existing power of royalties and nobles, and led the world to peace.

    Until now Lux thought that it was realistically impossible, but it was a different matter if there was Avalon.

    From the battles until now, it could be easily imagined that Avalon was hiding that much power, including armed might and unknown technologies to achieve such thing.

    ¡¸That guy is a strange existence, it seems he also received Baptism in half of his body, and it seemed he also got acquainted with that Fugil since ten years ago. There are a lot of things he is hiding from us.¡¹

    What was terrifying was the existence of Magialca who had investigated until that far.

    It seemed this person who was the owner of the large company that was active all over the world and also an expert of martial art had gathered as much information as possible until now.

    On top of that she was on guard against Singlen and gave a secret command to Lux.

    ¡¸And, what are you planning to make me do?¡¹

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. Being sharp is a virtue but, it will be better if you can hide your emotion from your expression a little more. You will be seen through by that guy like that you know?¡¹

    ¡¸By saying that, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m telling you to watch that guy in Avalon. If Singlen try to hog Avalon for himself and cause something, you stop him. In the worst case, kill him.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca gave the command with a smile that was tinged with shadow.

    While Lux was dumbfounded, Magialca quietly went out of the room.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Will I really be able to stop him? That man©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was spending his time on the bed of his room at the last day of rest while recalling all that had happened until now.

    Tonight, or perhaps at the early morning tomorrow, the deep level floor of Avalon would appear and the capture would begin.

    Even though the decisive battle with Fugil was already a heavy burden in his mind, now he was even imposed with the dangerous mission of obstructing Singlen¡¯s ambition too.

    It was unclear whether Singlen was really scheming to monopolize Avalon, but certainly he also couldn¡¯t be left alone.

    Even if Singlen monopolized Avalon, if the bloodline of Arcadia was needed for that, he would be trying to use Lux for that.

    He would used that instead to investigate Singlen¡¯s true intention, and depending on his answer Lux would stop him as commanded.

    It would be extremely dangerous to probe that man, but it was something that had to be done.

    Singlen in full power was so strong that even Yoruka using Over Limit wasn¡¯t his match, but it was better than exposing Airi to danger.

    Besides, if Avalon could be captured by the alliance army, then after ordering Sacred Eclipse to stop, Magialca said that she would first give Lux the right to use it.

    At that time as reward for Lux, it seemed she would give priority for the treatment to remove the influence of the Abyss remaining inside Philuffy¡¯s body.

    ¡ºAre you thinking it¡¯s a foul play that I¡¯m using my disciple¡¯s life©¤©¤or rather your childhood friend as negotiation material? But, most likely you are the only suitable person to probe Singlen¡¯s true intention and also to stop him. Won¡¯t you accept this mission even knowing the danger?¡»

    He had no choice but to do it after getting told like that.

    Lux who was immersed in his though on the bed suddenly felt discomposed in his chest.

    His brain was stirred up along with intense ringing in the ear. His heartbeat was quickening.

    ¡¸U, gu¡­¡­¡¹

    Like that his consciousness was sucked into the abyss of darkness.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤x-kun, Lux-kun. Wake up!¡¹

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    An androgynous and soft voice made Lux woke up with a slight groan.

    It seemed he had fallen asleep without noticing. He was being shaken by Aeril on his bed.

    ¡¸Aeril? This place©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s Lux-kun¡¯s room. There was no reply so I was worried. As I thought, are you tired? It looked like you were having nightmare.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps, so.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly without confidence.

    When he confirmed the time at his pocket watch beside the pillow, it was six in the morning.

    Originally it was a time when Lux would have woken up a long time ago, but he was embarrassed about waking up late because of nightmare so he didn¡¯t say it.

    By the way Aeril came here was because she was let out from the prison by Magialca and given instruction to wake up Lux.

    ¡¸More importantly Lux-kun, are you alright? Do you have strange headache or something?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean?¡¹

    Lux asked back to Aeril who looked anxious. The girl with braided hair let out a relieved sigh.

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing. More importantly, there is something that I want to confirm. Will you come with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Okay¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril went out of the room first and Lux changed into his pilot suit, then she guided him not to the war council room but to the upper stair.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tsu, this is¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The members of Seven Dragon Paladins and also Lisha and others had changed into their pilot suit and gathered here, but Lux was overwhelmed by the surrounding sight before he could call out to them.

    At the other side of the fortress©¤©¤near the site of the destroyed old castle, a vast city was appearing.

    Chalk white buildings made from marble, abundant greeneries and trees, and then, a towering castle deeper inside.

    The place that was a ruin until yesterday was changing into something completely different.

    This old fortress that was safely remaining was changing into an existence that stood out from the surrounding instead.

    ¡¸As I thought, Lux-kun is also seeing the same thing.¡¹

    ¡¸What is happening? Where were we moved to? No, could it be¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing the figures of people that were visible at the distance, Lux became speechless.

    The people coming and going on the street, they all had silver hair and grey eyes.

    The unique features of Arcadia clan.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me this place is, Arcadia Empire!?¡¹

    The moment he yelled that, a voice could be heard inside his head.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s exactly as you said, o descendants of my bloodline.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t Aeril who answered.

    Someone suddenly appeared at the center of the fortress¡¯s rooftop where everyone was gathered.

    It was a beautiful girl wearing silver dress who seemed familiar.

    It was the appearance of the strongest and greatest Ragnarok that was called Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Please get away Lux! It¡¯s dangerous!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait! She isn¡¯t Sacred Eclipse. She is the Automata we are looking for.¡¹

    Cleis immediately wore Lindwurm and guarded Lux, but Aeril stopped her in panic.

    While everyone was bewildered, Philuffy suddenly reached out her hand to the mysterious girl.

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you doing airheaded girl. Don¡¯t touch her carelessly!¡¹

    ¡¸It feels strange because there is no presence but, she cannot even be touched. Looks like it¡¯s transparent.¡¹

    Lisha immediately warned, but Philuffy kept her absentminded expression and didn¡¯t move away.

    Just as she said, the hand Philuffy reached out passed through the body of the mysterious girl, proving the uncertainty of that existence.

    ¡¸Illusion? No, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸O descendants who obtained qualification. You all did well to struggle through the Ruins and return to this land. My name is Arshalia. The duplicate of the creatorLord who created the mechanism of Avalon along with the Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer.¡¹

    Amidst the confusion, the illusion girl who was like a ghost was speaking with indifferent tone.

    She possessed exactly the same appearance like the Sacred Eclipse, but different from the Ragnarok, no repulsive malice could be felt from this girl.

    In exchange she possessed the robotic sign that was peculiar to Automata and the distinctive mechanical horns on her head.

    ¡¸This place is without a doubt the deep level floor of Avalon. The surrounding scenery is the reproduction of the land and view where we the clan of Lord was living at, it¡¯s a projection. This is only shown by interfering with your perception. They have no substance.¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying all of this is illusion? Avalon¡¯s ancient technology is really something isn¡¯t iiit¡¹

    Rosa was grinning boldly even with her surprise. Greifer also expressed his opinion with an exasperated look.

    ¡¸Really, this is terrifying thing yeah. No matter how I look, it ain¡¯t a power that human can manage.¡¹

    ¡¸So Arshalia whatever. Seeing that the deep floor level is manifested here, is it fine to believe that we have already arrived at the central?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Arshalia didn¡¯t answer Magialca¡¯s question, she didn¡¯t even give her a glance.

    Rather than ignoring or rejecting, it looked like she didn¡¯t even hear Magialca¡¯s voice from the beginning.

    Airi tilted her head while muttering timidly.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? Are you unable to converse with us?¡¹

    ¡¸If you have a question then I will hear it, my descendant.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    At that moment, the Automata Arshalia that seemed to be a three-dimensional projection turned toward Airi suddenly.

    Everyone who saw that similarly guessed the reason.

    ¡¸It won¡¯t react at all if the other party isn¡¯t Arcadia family?¡¹

    What Soffice pointed out was most likely correct.

    After all the three-dimensional projection that was called Arshalia didn¡¯t even react at all toward the question of her who was a Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    ¡¸Then Arshalia, I will ask a question. What should I do to reach you who is connected to the center of deep level floor and obtain Avalon?¡¹

    Aeril immediately talked to the projection. Arshalia turned toward her and began to talk.

    ¡¸Originally, only the qualified person who arrived at this place first can obtain Avalon. But, at this occasion there are a total of six qualified people. Thus, I¡¯m thinking to measure their character and decide from that.¡¹

    ¡¸Measuring character?¡¹

    Mel muttered with a dubious expression, but the Automata Arshalia only continued her words indifferently.

    ¡¸In order to obtain Avalon, considerable preparation is necessary from the qualified people. Please confirm this history recording of Arcadia Empire and prepare the worthy caliber. I will recognize the person who accomplish it first as my master.¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot grasp the gist no matter what. What does she mean by preparation, what do we have to do?¡¹

    Lux also had the same question with Celis and he asked it.

    Right after that, the surrounding scenery changed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is!?¡¹

    The people were vanishing from the castle town of Arcadia Empire that was bustling and flourishing until now.

    A silence that was vaguely eerie was enveloping the surrounding.

    ¡¸Please wander around the castle town and withstand three trials till the finish. I who govern the central will be waiting at the end. Well then, I pray that you can reunite with the main body of the Gear Leader.¡¹

    Arshalia only said that in the end and the projection vanished.

    There was only silence remaining in the area.

    ¡¸Is it something like pilgrimage travel before the ceremony? So we are made to do incomprehensible thing even after coming this far. I got no interest to study history though.¡¹

    Greifer let out an unmotivated voice and concluded the situation.

    Putting it simply, the people of Arcadia clan who possessed qualification in this place were imposed with three trials.

    By following the history of Arcadia that was recorded in Avalon while completing the trials, it seemed Lux and others would obtain the qualification to reach the central.

    Just as Greifer said, they first had to search for those trials.

    ¡¸I understand now but©¤©¤this is bad isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Beside Lux who was digesting the information, Krulcifer raised a vigilant voice.

    ¡¸Originally we who have the number to split into three teams should be in advantage. But, if Listelka know the route and method to pass these trials, we will lose this competition if we don¡¯t go right ahead to obstruct them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s worry was spot on.

    If it was Listelka who was able to interfere with a part of Avalon¡¯s system, that possibility couldn¡¯t be denied.

    ¡¸Fumu. What do you think about that? The Lord here?¡¹

    Magialca was calm even then and she asked Aeril with a smile.

    Aeril hesitated slightly, then she spoke the answer.

    ¡¸As far as I know, even Nee-san shouldn¡¯t have that much interference ability, but there is also a high chance that she was lying even to me. I believe it will be surer to obstruct them.¡¹

    ¡¸Then it¡¯s decided. We will split into three teams and searched around, received the trial, and obtained the qualification. But, as soon as anyone discovers Listelka, contact the fourth team to have them attack. It will be ideal if you can subdue or kill them, but in the worst case it will be fine if you can just hold them back.¡¹

    The fourth team©¤©¤that was to say the pair of Singlen and Lux.

    It was something that had been planned from the beginning, but it didn¡¯t change the fact that they had to face the most dangerous duty.

    In addition of the Anti Drag-Knight Mishis, a direct confrontation with Fugil who was concealing immeasurable strength and mystery was also waiting.

    ¡¸Nii-san, do you notice? The Automata just now, she said that there are six people with qualification in this place©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux nodded at Airi.

    The descendants of Arcadia family who were here.

    People with qualification who had experience installing the Grand Force inside the Ruins originally should be five people only.

    Lux, Airi, Aeril, Hayes, Listelka.

    There was the mysterious sixth person, but among everyone here there was only Fugil who could possibly fit the criteria.

    But, looking back Fugil should have never installed a Grand Force in a Ruin.

    At the very least, there was no such thing in his memory until now.

    Then who was the sixth person?

    Airi was pointing out that contradiction and puzzle.

    It was something that wouldn¡¯t be solved no matter how much one thought about it, but it showed that they should be really on guard against Fugil.

    ¡¸Please be careful Nii-san. Be safe¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯ll return back for sure, Airi.¡¹

    Airi most likely wanted to hold back her brother from leaving, but she looked down with a pained look.

    There Lisha and others also gathered and they spoke to him one after another.

    ¡¸I was working on your Drag-Ride¡¯s maintenance even during the rest period! That¡¯s why, you absolutely mustn¡¯t lose!¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s continue our study when we return. Lately we were really busy with work outside the Academy.¡¹

    First Lisha and Krulcifer each grasped Lux¡¯s hand and gave encouragement.

    Each of his comrades who would be unable to be at his side after this was giving him warm words.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Sorry, I cannot be together with you.¡¹

    His childhood friend Philuffy only spoke briefly.

    Even so her hand that was grasping his hand tightly and her eyes were filled with strong wish for Lux to be safe.

    ¡¸If Aruji-sama call for me, I will hasten to join your side anytime.¡¹

    Yoruka too said that seriously but, surely he wouldn¡¯t seek help from her.

    After all her fatigue and wound from when she was confronting seven Ragnarok simultaneously were still not healed yet.

    And then, at last Lux faced the captain of Syvalles, Celis.

    ¡¸Lux. I don¡¯t know what kind of connection you have with Fugil at the past. But, I will pray. That you will be able to obtain the answer that you desire until now through this battle.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    Lux nodded with a flood of emotion filling him. Then he parted from his the girls who were his schoolmates.

    And then everyone pulled out their Sword Device and summoned their respective Drag-Ride, wearing them.

    Their finished their preparation by also bringing small quantity of food and medicine.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go, everyone. We will tackle our last mission from here on. The captain of each team is me, Lizsharte, and then Singlen. Each of you, accomplish your duty©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca spoke with an expression that was full of confidence, at that instant©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤IiiiiiiIIIII!

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The strange shrill noise of horn flute resounded in the area and everyone was on guard.

    Right after that, countless Abysses appeared in the castle town of Arcadia Empire that fell silent.

    Abyss with appearance that was modeled after angel which they had never seen before raised fierce roars and charged.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is!?¡¹

    ¡¸Is this also one of the trials? ©¤©¤No, this is Listelka¡¯s work. She is simply summoning the Abysses produced from the underground of Avalon¡¯s surface level floor.¡¹

    While everyone was having their breath taken away, Magialca quickly assessed the situation and spoke out her thought.

    When Lux took a stance with his great sword to meet the enemy, Singlen who was near him called out to him.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t get along with their invitation, chore boy. That is just what the Lords expected. Are you planning to slow me down already this early?¡¹

    Singlen chided Lux with a high-handed attitude, but it was just as he said.

    Whether this was the work of Listelka or they were simply enemies that appeared in deep level floor, if they spent too much time here it would lead to their defeat.

    Therefore escaping was the correct decision.

    Everyone, don¡¯t fight the enemy and shake them off. It seems these things are unique even among the Abysses. Those who bring horn flute, wait until their order run out of time and take control of them instead!]

    Everyone nodded at the instruction from the captain Magialca and began to act.

    The three teams dispersed from that place and they finally started the investigation of the deep level floor.

 Volume 14 - CH 3

    ¡¸So, where are you planning to first search at?¡¹

    The townscape of the Arcadian imperial capital that was created by illusion. Lux was flying over the area that seemed to be the center while talking to Singlen who was flying ahead of him.

    They had escaped from the angel type Abyss for the time being, but their destination after that was unclear.

    The Automata told them to complete the trials, but even the method to do it was unknown.

    At the same time, Lux asked Singlen to probe him lightly too.

    Because there was a possibility that this man knew something regarding the capture of Avalon even though this should be the first experience for everyone.

    ¡¸Do you feel like dirtying my ear with foolish jokes? Or else, do you have a belief that if it¡¯s me then I can answer that?¡¹

    In response Singlen was curt.

    Not just that, he even gave a warning at Lux¡¯s probing.

    As expected, traveling alone with this man was nerve-wracking.

    But, in reality, perhaps they had no leeway to do this kind of exchange between each other.

    Because the objective of the fourth team that was made from the pair of Lux and Singlen was mainly to obstruct Listelka¡¯s group.

    After they advanced ahead silently for a while, they came to see a single huge building.

    It was a round arena that was connected with streets that had a lot of traffic. In front of the building that must be used for mock battles between fellow Drag-Knights, a faint girl¡¯s silhouette appeared.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Thinking that it was Listelka or Sacred Eclipse, Lux immediately took a stance with his great sword.

    But, when they carefully approached, Lux noticed that it was the figure of a girl that he had seen from somewhere.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, Arshalia!? Is that the real body?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t a figure that existed as a projection like just now, the Automata girl was clad in a tight outfit that clung to her body.

    Strangely, her presence was thin in a different sense than before.

    ¡¸I have been waiting, you who possesses a qualification. I am a terminal that was refined with the nanomachine from the main body, here for the sake of assigning a trial.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Arshalia reacted to Lux and she formed her words dispassionately without emotion.

    Unlike the Automata previously, it seemed this one had a material body, but just like El Fajura that once controlled the Ruin Gigas, it seemed it was possible for Arshalia to make a clone body using nanomachines.

    ¡¸However, why is it? Why does this girl¡¯s appearance look exactly like Sacred Eclipse?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered. The clone terminal girl continued her explanation in response.

    ¡¸I will assign your fist trial along with the history of the Arcadia Empire and how the Ruins came to be. If you have finished your preparations, please dispel your Drag-Ride and touch me with your own hand.¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    When Lux was hesitating, Singlen rebuked him with an exasperated voice.

    ¡¸What have you come here for, chore boy? Our priority is to obstruct Listelka, but here we don¡¯t have any option not to get closer to Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-¡¹

    Certainly, the closer Lux got to the center, the more the enemy would be unable to ignore Lux too.

    If he was able to quickly finish the three trials, there would be nothing better than that.

    Lux was cautious of what would happen, but he steeled himself and dispelled Bahamut. Then he reached his hand towards the girl before him.

    Instantly, his field of vision was drowned by a flash, and when he noticed, he was in the middle of a crowd.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This place©¤©¤?¡¹

    When he looked around, there was a person who was crucified at a gallows.

    Men and women with hair and eyes of the same color as Lux.

    Was this the scene when an execution was carried out in the Arcadia Empire?

    While he was thinking so, Arshalia stood right beside him.

    ¡¸This place, is the trial of the beginning. Trace the history of the Arcadia Empire and be worthy of the holy precincts. The imperial family and nobility of the Lords made use of the special Abyss called Angel since a certain time, and executed criminals as an example.¡¹

    The voice of the Automata that was muttering indifferently made Lux gasp in surprise.

    He had an idea about the scene that would happen after this in front of him.

    When Lux was a child, he saw a scene in the Old Empire. The execution of a rebel©¤©¤

    ¡¸Wait a second, don¡¯t tell me!?¡¹

    ¡¸KISHAaAAAaH¡­¡­!¡¹

    At that timing, several Abyss appeared from the sky.

    Just as explained before, they had the figure of a monster that possessed angel wings.

    Even though they should be just three dimensional projections, they had a terrifying degree of realism.

    ¡¸Stop it-!¡¹

    Lux immediately pulled out his Sword Device and raised his voice.

    But, the Angles passed through Lux and swarmed the gallows, and greedily devoured the person there alive.

    At the same time, the Abyss were also biting Lux who was trying to stop that.

    His limbs were torn off, his torso torn up, and his entrails dragged out.

    Scream was echoing along with blood splashes, and before long the voice vanished.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­! AaaAAAAAH!¡¹

    A scream was wrung out from his throat and it echoed inside the illusion.

    His whole body felt burning, intense pain and terror that felt like his nerves were torn apart attacked him.

    And then, it would not end no matter how long.

    Before he realized, his conscience was lost by the pain that span for several days in his bodily sensation.

    ¨C

    And then, Lux returned to his senses with a gasp.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Haa, haa¡­¡­I, returned? This place©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was gasping for breath. He looked around while wiping his sweat.

    The appalling scene that lasted until just now couldn¡¯t be found anywhere. He had returned to the scenery of the arena that was simply empty.

    He took out his pocket watch and opened it, but not even five minutes had passed in reality.

    ¡¸The first trial is over with this. Thank you for your hard work.¡¹

    The Automata¡¯s clone, Arshalia¡¯s voice came from beside him.

    From her words, it seemed the trial was over.

    ¡¸Kukuku, what are you being shaken up for? This is just a mere illusion you know? It¡¯s only something that happened for real here in the past being reproduced©¤©¤it¡¯s something that you can find anywhere.¡¹

    Right nearby, Singlen was laughing with shaking shoulders.

    ¡¸A rebellion towards the tyranny of the royalty. It¡¯s then suppressed by strength. It was a familiar happening that also happened often in your Arcadia Empire right?¡¹

    ¡¸But, what meaning was there in that scene!? What kind of meaning did this trial have by showing me that kind of thing!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is, the ceremony of inheritance.¡¹

    The clone of Arshalia that possessed a material body answered Lux¡¯s question quietly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s for you to understand the mechanism called Avalon. And then it¡¯s also a trial for the sake of measuring the strength of your heart. Your wavelength is slightly out of order, but there is no problem. It appears you possess the strength of mind for the sake of owning the great strength of Avalon. With this you are able to move to the second stage of the trial.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ku!¡¹

    So the brutal scene and pain of the past was to impose a burden on the mind as a preparation for the second trial?

    Hearing that, Lux gritted his teeth. In contrast Singlen was asking with a fearless grin.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter? Is it humiliating? To have your caliber as king getting tested like this?¡¹

    ¡¸Just what meaning is there in this kind of thing!?¡¹

    Lux was sweating heavily from his forehead while spontaneously yelling to the sky.

    He knew only too well that there was a harsh reality in this world.

    But, why was it intentionally shown to him under the guise of a trial?

    He recalled the Old Empire in the past©¤©¤his grandfather was executed, while his mother and Airi also met misfortune.

    ¡¸Hahaha. You will understand it soon. Even this kind of distasteful image is hiding something behind it. This is education. This slaughter is related to the core of Avalon¡¯s mechanism. ©¤©¤You still haven¡¯t noticed yet? Those Abyss that look like angels¡­¡­no, in the first place what was the reason why the Abyss were created?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you, mean?¡¹

    Lux returned a suspicious gaze at Singlen¡¯s mocking laugh.

    But, the man ignored it as usual with his high-handed attitude.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not so free that I have the time to teach you from the beginning. Besides, the enemy is already approaching.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤IiiIIIH!

    ¨C

    The discordant sound of horn flute cut through the air.

    At the same time several angel type Abyss rushed in.

    ¡¸This is, the continuance of the past recording? ©¤©¤No, wrong!¡¹

    Atrocious hostility and gruff breathing.

    The whirlwind that was caused by the enemy¡¯s roars and wings was undoubtedly real.

    ¡¸My role is over with this. May luck be with you.¡¹

    The clone of Arshalia muttered that while her figure vanished at the same time.

    Several angel type Abyss and an ultramarine colored Drag-Ride skating on the passage appeared in her place.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Azi Dahaka and, the maid wearing a pilot suit who was driving it.

    ¡¸So you have finished the trial¡­¡­. But, I will begin the battle right away. Removing the enemy.¡¹

    ¡¸Mishis V Xfer¡­¡­! Why are you here!?¡¹

    Lux immediately readied his Sword Device and took a fighting stance.

    Beside him Singlen sniggered.

    ¡¸You are asking why? You are stupid at every single thing huh. Even though we are planning to hold back Listelka and assassinate her, why do you think that the enemy won¡¯t do anything from their own end?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux gasped inside his heart at what Singlen pointed out.

    Listelka too most likely feared getting ambushed the most.

    In that case it wouldn¡¯t be strange for her to take Lux and others by surprise when they were defenseless in the middle of their trial.

    Against Mishis who possessed the nickname of Anti Drag-Knight, all the Drag-Knights would be at a disadvantage.

    The worst thing was, the Abyss approaching from the sky took away the option of escaping by flying.

    (So she called them here using the flute beforehand for that¡­¡­!)

    It seemed he was completely being targeted while he jumped to the bait before his eyes.

    Lux sent his gaze towards Singlen to look for an agreement to fight.

    (Now that it has come to this, we can only defeat her here.)

    Lux tried to convey that resolve, but Singlen scoffed at Lux¡¯s intention.

    ¡¸This must be the instigation of that upstart middle-aged woman. That damn fox¡­¡­so she intended like that since the start.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lux tilted his head at Singlen¡¯s suggestive sentence, a streak of blue light struck the ground. The passage where Mishis was skating was instantly frozen.

    When Azi Dahaka leaped to avoid that, countless arrowheads attacked her.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The freezing bullet came from the sniper rifle Freezing Cannon of Fafnir.

    The countless arrowheads were Tiamat¡¯s projectile weapon, Legion.

    As though to support Lux¡¯s prediction, Lisha and Krulcifer were hovering right nearby in the sky.

    ¡¸I see, so Lux is a bait to lure me out alone. ©¤©¤But, it looks like all of you aren¡¯t learning.¡¹

    First Azi Dahaka was lured to jump by freezing the ground, then the additional attack by Legion came when it was unable to change trajectory midair.

    In a glance it seemed to be an attack that was the most suitable against Mishis who was controlling a land battle type Drag-Ride, but she readied her halberd to repel the projectile weapons.

    ¡¸This is bad! The energy from the Special Armament will be absorbed and their strength will get stolen!¡¹

    Lux gulped and he immediately raised his voice.

    Azi Dahaka¡¯s Divine Raiment Avesta would steal energy from other Drag-Rides and their Special Armaments just from getting near them. And by touching them physically, even the opponent¡¯s Divine Raiment could be obtained.

    Furthermore it also had the trait as a land battle type Drag-Ride. It boasted an extremely tough defense.

    Thus, a light attack wouldn¡¯t deal any damage and it would become disadvantagous later instead.

    ¡¸Will it really become like that? Everyone who was looking down on us until now had all met painful experiences without exception you know?¡¹

    Lisha grinned fearlessly. Instantly, the Legions that were aiming at Mishis in midair from up, down, left, and right turned around and took distance.

    In other words, it was a feint to lure Mishis to use Avesta for absorbing energy. Even so Mishis wasn¡¯t perturbed by that and caught Lux and the others in her sight.

    If there was no obstruction, then she would follow the plan and aim to bring down Lux who was defenseless without wearing armor.

    Furthermore her movement went through the shortest and fastest route.

    She was in a stance to attack without even giving any time for Lux to summon his Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    But, when she approached until a distance of ten-odd ml from Lux, Mishis¡¯s complexion suddenly changed.

    She suddenly swung her halberd right to the side where there was nothing. A high pitched metallic sound of impact rang out.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My, so it¡¯s a failure. Even though I have erased my presence completely.¡¹

    A single Drag-Ride appeared from the empty air as though it was emerging out from the space.

    Yoruka clad in Yato no Kami was lurking nearby using camouflage function, and slashed at Mishis right from the side.

    Mishis barely blocked the surprise attack, but there was no agitation in her steely expression.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like I¡¯m being belittled if you were thinking that I could be defeated just by that much.¡¹

    ¡¸Get away from the maid, ero woman! It will be the end if your Divine Raiment got stolen!¡¹

    Instantly, the radius of ten-odd meter with Mishis at the center became filled with light that surged from Azi Dahaka.

    The hijacking of Divine Raiment by Avesta was avoided by Yoruka with a Stepleap, but Mishis who landed down immediately changed Azi Dahaka¡¯s direction and skated, chasing after Yoruka with her halberd at the ready.

    The output of the wheels that acted as the driving force of the armored legs was faster than Yoruka¡¯s backward leap in the air.

    Mishis launched her attack in a flash with no question asked. In that instant, Yoruka flew even further away.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Mishis who hit empty air regardless of her perfect timing frowned slightly.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t, let you.¡¹

    When Lux noticed that Philuffy who was standing by far behind had reeled back Yato no Kami using Typhon¡¯s wire, lightning of extreme swiftness prevented Azi Dahaka from attacking further.

    Lindwurm gliding in the air was pouring down lightning attack from its Lance©¤©¤Lightning Flash to down below.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That is not permitted. As Lux¡¯s aide, I won¡¯t let you lay your hands on him.¡¹

    Mishis barely avoided the Lightning Flash by abruptly braking her skating. Mishis¡¯s movement was finally stopped.

    It had only been a few seconds since Lux confirmed Mishis¡¯s appearance until this point.

    Countless offense and tactics were mixed in this little time.

    ¡¸So, all five are here? It seems this is a plan to bring me down from the start.¡¹

    However, Mishis¡¯s tone didn¡¯t change even when she grasped the situation.

    On the other hand, Lux was blinking in bewilderment.

    ¡¸What happened!? Why is everyone here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸So you didn¡¯t notice, chore boy? This feels like something that upstart rich captain would think up. That third imperial princess called Hayes has become useless at the battle the other day. It¡¯s not just us who are making a gamble in this battle. They are also the same.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see!¡¹

    Listelka considered it disadvantageous for her side seeing the number of the qualified people receiving the trial, so she also made a gamble.

    The Lords knew more about the information of the deep level floor compared to Lux and the others.

    She would hate to be discovered by Lux and the others and had her trials obstructed, so even if she had to risk danger by decreasing the number of her guards, she contrived to send Mishis or Fugil to clash against the enemy.

    Magialca who foresaw that secretly gave detailed instructions to Celis and the others to observe over Lux from afar.

    Holding back Listelka was the role of Lux and Singlen.

    Holding back Listelka¡¯s guard who stood in his way to prevent that was the role of Lisha and co.

    ¡¸We entrusted the task of guarding Airi to the Triad. What, Noct is always using radar to check on the area and avoid battle so it won¡¯t be a danger. No worries Lux!¡¹

    Lux grasped the situation with the sentence from Lisha.

    It seemed Airi was separated from the third team to lead the Triad, while Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, and Yoruka appeared here to intercept Mishis.

    ¡¸Try to think. Even that upstart auntie wants to obtain Avalon. With this she left the battle to the other two teams, while she will win the competition by making use of the second imperial princess. Isn¡¯t that a plan that will come from the thinking of a selfish dictator?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It irked him to be hearing that from Singlen who was always acting highhandedly, but the point he made was reasonable seeing from Magialca¡¯s instructions.

    But for Lux, that was the best thing that he could ask for.

    Rather than having Avalon falling into Singlen¡¯s hands, it was still better to have Magialca take it.

    ¡¸But, against that Mishis, even with the five of them©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I guess. It¡¯s a gamble with long odds.¡¹

    Krulcifer also responded affirmatively toward Lux¡¯s anxiousness.

    ¡¸The strongest protector who is a Key¡¯s Supervisor and has the nickname of Anti Drag-Knight. We understand that even her strength that we saw the other day still wasn¡¯t her full strength.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s also hard to say that we are in proper condition after the fatigue and injury accumulated from the consecutive battles. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We¡¯ve no intention, to lose the second time. We won¡¯t let her, reach Lu-chan.¡¹

    Yoruka smoothly spoke, and then Philuffy continued with a strong tone.

    At the end, Celis who was clad with aloof resolve turned a straightforward gaze towards Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux, please leave her to us, who you have saved until now and grew stronger. As the captain of Syvalles, I will stop her here without fail!¡¹

    ¡¸Celis, senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    With those words, Lux¡¯s hesitation was severed.

    Just like how Lux himself became stronger thanks to them, they also became stronger for Lux¡¯s sake.

    Leaving this to them would mean answering their feelings.

    ¡¸So now you feel like abandoning your comrades and going ahead? This might be a parting of a lifetime you know?¡¹

    Singlen showed a mocking smile, but Lux was already unperturbed.

    ¡¸I will stop Listelka without fail, also so that won¡¯t happen. That is also your wish correct?¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­then we are going. It¡¯s a waste of time to keep making fun of you like this.¡¹

    Singlen chuckled in response and he silently took off with his Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Everyone©¤©¤stay safe.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We will return without fail to your side.¡¹

    After exchanging such words with Celis, Lux summoned Bahamut and wore it.

    After he took off and left this arena, he searched at a different place for the sake of finding Listelka and the Automata that would give him the second trial.

    His destination for the time being was the central plaza of this castle town.

    Because he had a hunch that Arshalia¡¯s clone was likely to be at the imperial capital¡¯s important facility.

    ¡¸Good prediction. You better head to the next place quickly. Recover back the fragment of your lost memory. If you do that, then you will surely remember the principle of this world when you are reunited with that guy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t react even to the meaningful muttering of Singlen.

    He would stop Listelka no matter what happened.

    He swore to put forth every effort for that right now.

    Mishis who saw Lux¡¯s escape turned around herself along with the Drag-Ride she wore.

    Lisha and the others, the five of them took position around Mishis who was showing signs of escaping.

    Above Mishis, the angel type Abyss that were called to gather just now were circling around as though to protect her.

    ¡¸Oi maid, don¡¯t think that you can chase after Lux. We¡¯ve also finished preparing countermeasures for your Azi Dahaka.¡¹

    Lisha turned a confident gaze to Mishis and told her so.

    The opponent was the summit of Drag-Knights who easily defeated even the coordination of Celis and Philuffy in the battle the other day, but her fighting spirit didn¡¯t decline at the slightest even in front of such enemy.

    ¡¸I¡¯m reluctant to injure one of the few remaining brethren of mine but©¤©¤I¡¯ll defeat you here.¡¹

    Krulcifer readied her sniper rifle with a conflicted emotion leaking out from her.

    Philuffy and Celis also took a deep breath and confronted the enemy.

    She was an opponent that dealt a complete defeat even against the two of them together the other day, but there was no hesitation in their faces.

    They showed no fear or even enthusiasm. They simply sharpened their awe-inspiring fighting spirit.

    ¡¸There is no more need for words isn¡¯t it? Then let us begin.¡¹

    Yoruka took a stance with her katana shaped Blade and smiled, but Mishis shook her head silently.

    ¡¸It¡¯s regrettable.¡¹

    She looked down slightly and looked somewhat disappointed.

    However there wasn¡¯t the slightest pity surfacing on her face.

    The face of the maid was like steel, showing that she would accomplish her task calmly.

    ¡¸People like you who are able to handle Drag-Rides to such degree numbered very few even when looking back at history. That¡¯s the only thing regrettable from this, that I¡¯ll have to get rid of such people without even leaving any of them alive.¡¹

    ¡¸We have no intention of backing down even if you threaten us at this point. Just like you.¡¹

    Krulcifer pointed her rifle¡¯s muzzle in response to Mishis¡¯s lamentation and replied resolutely.

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s unfortunate. All of you surely won¡¯t submit. Exactly because you all are people with such resolve, that I will pay my respect. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    The maid only said that before she quietly put the horn flute hanging from her neck to her mouth.

    That gesture which had the purpose to give a new order to the Abyss before the previous order ran out of time caused everyone to raise their guard tensely.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s begin. There is no more time remaining. I will make sure of your doom before reporting to my lord.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t spew out bullshit as you please. We don¡¯t happen to have any resolve to recognize defeat or whatever! We only have the determination to defeat you even if it¡¯s at the cost of our lives!¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice. At the same time the horn flute was blown.

    The Angles dancing above Mishis started moving and the battle began.

    At that time when Mishis and Syvalles began fighting in Arcadia Empire¡¯s arena.

    The second team that was formed by Aeril and five of the Seven Dragon Paladins were sensing the signs of fierce battle from slightly far away.

    ¡¸It looks like the first battle has begun. It will be great if we can also locate the position of Listelka herself but©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca who was clad with a strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride EX Drake was leaping forward while smoothly murmuring so.

    Aeril who was flying right beside her immediately focused on those words.

    ¡¸Do you mean that this situation is also within your calculation, Captain Magialca?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you dissatisfied, your highness? But this cannot be helped. There is no better plan than this.¡¹

    Magialca wasn¡¯t wearing her Divine Drag-Ride because of Jormungandr¡¯s weak point that it couldn¡¯t move once it was deployed on a spot.

    Thus, she was wearing a Drag-Ride of the same type, EX Drake, right now and proceeded with the investigation while being vigilant against the surroundings with her radar.

    As a result it ended with only a single person not wearing a Divine Drag-Ride at the moment and Magialca could save her stamina, moving the situation in an advantageous direction.

    As to be expected from a merchant who built a vast fortune in only one generation, she was shrewd as usual.

    Even if in the case that Aeril arrived at Avalon earlier than anyone, she didn¡¯t know what would be demanded from her, but now wasn¡¯t the time to suspect Magialca¡¯s ulterior motive.

    If they couldn¡¯t control Avalon before Sacred Eclipse that had been defeated many times before it revived once more, they would be defeated for sure this time.

    ¡¸More importantly I¡¯m worried about Airi-chan and the others. After all they are investigating with just the four of them.¡¹

    Because the main force of Syvalles, Lisha and the others, the five of them were intercepting Mishis, a team with only Airi, who couldn¡¯t use a Drag-Ride, and the Triad was formed.

    If the Triad used the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Rides they were carrying, it would be barely possible to intercept or retreat from the Abyss but, if in the worst case they ended up fighting Sacred Eclipse or Fugil, that would be the end.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a gamble. But, that too is the wish of that lass. She wants to be of help to her big brother after all.¡¹

    ¡¸So you are making use of their bond as siblings? So a captain this absurd actually exists.¡¹

    Mel who was flying right nearby looked dissatisfied because she had the experience of her family getting killed by the Abyss.

    ¡¸Now you are saying a strange thing there, Ymir¡¯s lass. It¡¯s fine for you because you are resolved, but you are unable to accept other people¡¯s resolve?¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s mouth distorted into a repulsive grin and replied sarcastically.

    Certainly, everyone was here knowing the danger, and it was misplaced to deny their determination.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a sound argument, but when it¡¯s you saying that I can¡¯t be easily convinced yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸Agreed. But, there is not even time to feel hesitation right now.¡¹

    After Greifer muttered carelessly, Soffice also continued after him.

    ¡¸I can see it noow. Is that our next destination I wondeer?¡¹

    Just as Rosa said, the church of the Arcadia Empire came into view at the front.

    At the same time Aeril let out a sigh that was laced with nervousness.

    She glared to the front while feeling anxiety in regards to the trial and fear towards the approaching footsteps of Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, Airi-chan. Please be safe©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril quietly clasped her hands together while praying.

    But, at this time she still had no way of knowing.

    That Airi and the Triad who were left behind, were being approached by a different danger than imagined.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. I saw, a strange dream. I feel a bit unwell.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you alright Airi? If you are unwell, then returning until the fortress is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m all right, Noct. After what I¡¯ve said before, it would be unsightly to return back after this far.¡¹

    On the other side, in the middle of a congested street of the Arcadia Empire, Airi and the Triad were having a rest.

    They came into contact with Arshalia¡¯s clone in the middle of investigation, and now Airi had just finished the first trial.

    They were bringing things like portable food and emergency first aid kit, but they didn¡¯t really prepare that much.

    Sharis and Noct were on guard against the surroundings, while Tillfur wasn¡¯t wearing her armor. She was looking after Airi who was lying down.

    ¡¸There isn¡¯t the angel type Abyss around, but it¡¯s possible there is also enemies like Phantom that can erase their presence. Noct, is there no reaction in the radar?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is no problem. The limit is a radius of 300 ml, so it cannot really be relied on though.¡¹

    The EX Drake that Noct was wearing also had its special equipment strengthened.

    But, because they were still inexperienced, it was impossible for them to wear the strengthened type Drag-Rides continuously for long, so they made use of a strategy to take rest in turns to compensate for that.

    ¡¸By the way Airi-chan. Can I ask you what kind of dream you saw?¡¹

    ¡¸No. Why are you deliberately poking your nose needlessly into that?¡¹

    Tillfur showed a smile to calm Airi down, but Noct immediately prevented her to ask further.

    In front of Tillfur who looked dissatisfied, Airi silently took a deep breath.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine already. It was nothing much. It was a dream of the past, about the day of the revolution in the Old Empire era.¡¹

    Airi whose complexion had become better smiled wryly while starting to talk.

    Five years ago. The previous day before the Arcadia Empire was destroyed, the empire army kidnapped Airi who couldn¡¯t move because she was sick. It was an impossible scene.

    The one who commanded that was her father the emperor.

    A blade was pointed at Airi in the audience hall as a hostage towards Lux who was attempting to carry out a revolution.

    ¡¸It¡¯s strange. It¡¯s impossible. Even though I should have only been sleeping on a bed at that time, even though the battle and everything else should have been over already when I woke up, why is©¤©¤that kind of dream shown to me now?¡¹

    Even though she had never seen that kind of dream even once, it was strange.

    ¡¸I think that is surely Airi-chan¡¯s current feeling. You don¡¯t want to become a burden to Lux-chi.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, that objective has been reached already. After all, currently we are helping him by being out like this.¡¹

    Tillfur said that while clenching her fist before her eyes, while Sharis also directed a grin towards the sky.

    ¡¸If that¡¯s the case, then that¡¯s great.¡¹

    They had formed a plan for when they were taking action with only the four of them.

    They wouldn¡¯t act reckless no matter what. They would escape from any Abyss and hostiles without exception.

    Listelka should be prioritizing to capture Avalon, then she shouldn¡¯t chase after them too far.

    The rest was a problem of range.

    Just like how a wild herbivore wouldn¡¯t approach carnivores until a certain distance, the most important thing was to not overlook the enemy¡¯s approach.

    But, while they were in the middle of such relaxation at present, Noct suddenly gasped.

    ¡¸Tillfur! Connect with your EX Wyrm! There is a reaction of a Drag-Ride approaching!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Airi who was lying sprawled leaped up and Sharis who was hovering midair swooped down.

    ¡¸One land battle type Divine Drag-Ride. But, this reaction©¤©¤¡¹

    Noct who was confirming further at the radar projection showed a dubious expression.

    While Airi and others were standing still in bewilderment, the answer had came near in the blink of an eye.

    Land battle type Divine Drag-Ride with thick and gnarled armor, Tarasque.

    The one wearing it wasn¡¯t someone on the enemy¡¯s side.

    It was a man past middle-age with a tall and lean body, his eyes hidden by a helmet, Zweigbergk Gimle.

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤the aide of Sir Singlen?¡¹

    When Sharis muttered in bewilderment, Noct continued.

    Tarasque stopped skating in a spot several ml away in front of Airi and the Triad. It was watching the situation in the area quietly.

    ¡¸Sir Zweigbergk. You should be protecting the defense base. Did something happen?¡¹

    The first team that was protecting the fortress fundamentally wouldn¡¯t leave from their position.

    And yet, for this person to show up here, did something unexpected happen there?

    Airi and the Triad all had such thought in their minds.

    ¡¸Also, how did you find our location here?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like there is no one else here. Are Lux Arcadia and the New Kingdom¡¯s raid squad, Syvalles in the middle of taking separate action?¡¹

    The old knight Zweigbergk didn¡¯t answer the question of Airi and co.

    A faint sound of breathing could be heard from under the iron mask that concealed his expression.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right but, why are you here?¡¹

    When Sharis asked once more, Zweigbergk drew out his Drag-Ride¡¯s Blade.

    The medium sized double-edged thick Blade was a basic weapon that could fulfill both offensive and defensive role. Other than hacking down the opponent, it could also be used as a shield.

    If a knight with abundant experience used it, there was no doubt that it would display extremely excellent utility.

    ¡¸So the little sister has already finished the first trail, then there is worth in securing her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Just now, what did you say?¡¹

    When Sharis frowned and asked, Zweigbergk stabbed his Blade into the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, I¡¯ll give you an answer. It seems you all are thinking that you managed to escape well from the enemy, but that is nothing more than an accidental luck. How am I able to find you all even without having a special equipment type Drag-Ride, it¡¯s the same way like how an animal tracks their prey.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The tone that came from under the helmet hadn¡¯t changed from before.

    But, Noct sensed some king odd dangerous sign and she took hold of Airi¡¯s waist.

    ¡¸There is no sign of the Abyss, there is few buildings around that blocked the sight. A place with several escape paths available. And then trace of moving that deviates from the center to the edge, if there is that much information, then it¡¯s not difficult to grasp the movement of a squad.¡¹

    ¡¸Tillfur, are you ready for the teamwork? Noct, take care of Airi-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Looks like we were also too careless.¡¹

    ¡¸Why am I giving an explanation kindly like this©¤©¤that¡¯s because it will be troubling if that little sister dies. I have grasped that there is nobody in the area who will save you all. If you hand over Airi Arcadia obediently, then I promise I won¡¯t lay my hand on the other three.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Airi and the others had faintly felt the sign of hostility, but they held their breath when Zweigbergk said it openly.

    The White Ridge knight order that had acted as a member of the world alliance until now.

    It was unthinkable that its vice captain, Singlen¡¯s right hand man would turn traitor in this way.

    No, even from a long time ago Singlen had many times attempted to win over Lux with his schemes.

    Rather it was Airi and the Triad who were too naive to let Zweigbergk this close to them.

    Perhaps this was the result of being too focused on the trials before them and this situation where there were many other threats.

    If this man moved by Singlen¡¯s orders, then it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to imagine that he would take away Airi as a hostage against Lux.

    ¡¸Can I ask one question, Sir Zweigbergk?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I have no intention to have pointless dialogue but, in respect to your courage, I¡¯ll allow one question.¡¹

    Zweigbergk responded like that to Sharis¡¯s question.

    The Triad didn¡¯t let their guard down even in the middle of such conversation.

    ¡¸Why are you doing something like this? There should be no allowance for us to have a falling out between ourselves like this right now! Isn¡¯t the first priority to stop the world destruction by Sacred Eclipse?¡¹

    What Sharis spoke was the words in order to avoid fighting.

    It was unknown whether it would work. Rather, the possibility was slim.

    Therefore Tillfur and Noct at the rear stayed quiet nervously.

    ¡¸In order to pressure the Lords, even making missy Airi to receive the trials. A civil official who originally shouldn¡¯t be standing in the battlefield is risking her life for the world¡¯s sake! I¡¯m asking what do you think about it as a knight with honor!?¡¹

    Sharis who was the daughter of the vice commander of the New Kingdom¡¯s military attempted to appeal to the opponent¡¯s pride.

    She did that while considering Zweigbergk as a veteran soldier with long military service, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Hahahaha, kukukuku¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi and the Triad frowned seeing Zweigbergk laughing with shaking shoulders.

    After laughing for a few seconds, he casually lifted up the medium sized Blade that was stabbed in the ground.

    ¡¸No, my apologies. I had no intention of laughing but, it seems all of you had lived in a world that is too peaceful until now. Nostalgia was spontaneously welling up inside me.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you saying, that you have thrown away something like pride since a long time ago?¡¹

    In response Sharis was also sweating from her forehead while taking stance by holding her Blade in front of her.

    From what she saw, there was no weapon like Cannon or Breath Gun among Tarasque¡¯s armaments.

    The possibility of getting hit by an attack should she escaped to the air should be reduced drastically, but if the enemy¡¯s target was Airi, she couldn¡¯t fight in a passive way.

    (©¤©¤No, rather than that can someone like me do this? Stopping a user of a Divine Drag-Ride, a powerful soldier on the level of being an aide of the Seven Dragon Paladins¡­¡­)

    She had confidence as a member of the raid squad Syvalles who had received training from her talented comrades.

    In addition, thanks to Lisha¡¯s tuning that was specialized for the Triad, they were able to equip even better Drag-Knights, even so the opponent was powerful.

    In the worst case, the best plan in this situation would be for her to take away Airi to escape to the sky, while leaving behind Tillfur and Noct to hold back the opponent.

    But, putting aside Noct who could use the camouflage function of the special equipment type Drag-Ride, Tillfur who could only move on the ground with her land battle type would definitely get caught and killed.

    She had made her resolve but, she couldn¡¯t pick that option.

    Sharis was unable to abandon her important childhood friend who she had shared joys and sorrows together with since their childhood.

    ¡¸Risking one¡¯s life for the world¡¯s sake¡­¡­is it? As I thought, all of you don¡¯t know anything. Whether it¡¯s the true shape of Avalon, or what will happen from here on, or why we are being made to fight.¡¹

    Zweigbergk spoke with a vaguely pitying tone. Sharis issued her instructions through Dragon Voice.

    She judged that there was no ground for negotiation anymore.

    She focused, and she awaited for the moment the enemy¡¯s speech paused©¤©¤for the chance to take the initiative.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s happier to not know. There will only be suffering for people without power to know the reality. I will say it one more time, if you wish to be unharmed then hand over that girl. I have no leeway to go easy.¡¹

    ¡¸That is our line Sir Zweigbergk. It will be a disgrace as the Blue Tyrant¡¯s right hand man to be defeated by inexperienced girls right?¡¹

    When Sharis provoked even while trembling, Zweigbergk snickered.

    It seemed he interpreted it as a mere bluff, there was no problem with him underestimating them.

    ¡¸I will consider it as all of you having resolved yourself. ©¤©¤Then, here I come!¡¹

    ¡¸Tillfur, Noct! Go!¡¹

    The instant the old soldier emitted his killing intent, Sharis raised her voice.

    The two who had been told about the plan a few seconds ago exploded into action by running backward.

    Tillfur carried Airi and moved to the left, Noct to the right, and Sharis flew to the sky.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hou¡¹

    The action that the Triad chose was to escape.

    After saying provocations like that and giving a hint of fighting, they actually chose to escape without hesitation. Zweigbergk sighed in admiration seeing that.

    ¡¸You all have made the best judgment. Just as expected from people who are present in this decisive battle. I even wish to make my subordinates learn from this. However©¤©¤¡¹

    Even so the old soldier didn¡¯t look perturbed at all. He quickly grasped his Drag-Ride¡¯s control stick.

    First he set his target to Tillfur¡¯s EX Wyrm that was skating away carrying Airi and he accelerated.

    ¡¸From the start it has been the loss of you all by the time I had approached until this near!¡¹

    The wheels of Tarasque¡¯s armored legs rotated in high speed, and it dashed forward with a thunderous sound.

    Even though EX Wyrm¡¯s output was already inferior when compared to a Divine Drag-Ride, right now Tillfur was also carrying Airi.

    Thus the distance was closed in the blink of an eye due to the difference in body balance.

    The townscape of the Arcadia Empire was being projected at the surroundings, but the buildings didn¡¯t exist for real.

    Zweigbergk was convinced that he would catch up in a few seconds. He quickly brandished his medium sized Blade.

    ¡¸You can depart to the next world first. I will soon send your comrades to accompany you.¡¹

    Zweigbergk had approached until a few ml behind Tillfur. She turned only her neck to look behind.

    ¡¸My bad but, I still have the work of managing Lux-chi¡¯s request applications y¡¯know. There is no way I¡¯ll die here.¡¹

    She leaped while cracking a joke and leaped over the rubble before her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu¡¹

    But, Zweigbergk wasn¡¯t lured to leap after her. Without pause he slipped beside the obstacles and took the stance to stab his Blade above.

    The instant the EX Wyrm¡¯s leap reached the peak, Tillfur threw up Airi.

    ¡¸So he won¡¯t get baited as expected.¡¹

    Airi who was murmuring with a nervous expression was caught by Sharis midair and she flew away.

    If the one escaping changed direction, then the pursuer would reflexively want to leap in pursuit, but an opening would be created because it would be impossible to change direction midair.

    If Zweigbergk leaped, the Triad would snipe him at that moment, but because he didn¡¯t, they took a different strategy for this situation.

    ¡¸Handing over the target from above to below and then dispersing huh¡­¡­. It¡¯s a good plan, but reckless in front of this me.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after that, Zweigbergk who grasped the situation suddenly put the brake on his armored legs¡¯ wheels and changed direction.

    He took out a Dagger and held it aloof to throw towards the back of Sharis who was flying away.

    At the same time his armor was enveloped in dark miasma.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Oops, I won¡¯t let you do that. Attacking a girl from the back like that!¡¹

    Tillfur who was on guard toward the activation of the Divine Raiment changed direction and charged towards Tarasque.

    Because the Hammer that she had was a striking weapon, it could deal impact damage even against thick armor.

    At that time when she swung her weapon with the momentum of her rush behind it, a girl¡¯s yell came from an empty space.

    ¡¸No. Tillfur! His aim is you!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Just as pointed out by Noct who was hiding with her camouflage, Tarasque turned around as though he had been waiting and took a stance to intercept Tillfur.

    Tillfur immediately leaped to the side, but mysterious sticky liquid was thrown from Tarasque¡¯s right arm.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    A bullet that looked like mud, created from Tarasque¡¯s armor. It was most likely a Special Armament.

    In response Tillfur launched a vortex of shockwave to her front and dodged it.

    Because it would be ill-adivsed to avoid thrown liquid only by leaping aside, she immediately defended using Howling Roar.

    But, the darkish purple dirty mud stuck slightly on her armor.

    The moment Tillfur¡¯s attention was caught by that, a single thrust from Zweigbergks¡¯s Blade moved like an arrow and hit the EX Wyrm.

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­ah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Zweigbergk¡¯s thrust was done with energy focused on the tip.

    It easily broke through the EX Wyrm¡¯s barrier and pierced the armor¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Tillfur!¡¹

    Sharis who was flying in the air yelled, and Noct who was hiding in the shadow of a building gasped.

    ¡¸That was, Sir Singlen¡¯s Senjin! So you, his aide also learned it!?¡¹

    Looking closer, there were countless windows of light floating around Zweigbergk unnoticed.

    The hidden technique that Singlen used which applied the Drag-Ride¡¯s tuning as a battle technique©¤©¤Senjin.

    The attack of Senjin ¨C Gouka, which focused the energy that was supplied to other parts into a single point on the weapon, granted it overwhelming destructive power.

    In addition was Zweigbergk¡¯s refined sword handling as though he was smoothly moving his own limbs.

    If he operated those two together, the current Triad wouldn¡¯t have any way to defend.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m¡­¡­alive!¡¹

    But, Tillfur skated backward to escape the impact while responding to the voices of the two.

    It was a complete coincidence, but because the enemy¡¯s sword tip grazed the handle of Tillfur¡¯s Hammer, she barely avoided a direct hit.

    If not for that, then even the armor would be pierced and she would have died instantly.

    But, Zweigbergk wasn¡¯t agitated at all by the unexpected happening and he gave chase.

    The moment he brandished his Blade in order to deal the finishing blow, *Kinn!* such sound tore through the air.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Zweigbergk who was going to enter the preparation for Senjin once more put on the brakes suddenly.

    Right after that, slashing lines following trajectory in the shape of a crescent moon crossed the space before his eyes over and over again. They chopped up the stone paving on the ground.

    ¡¸Rare armament©¤©¤ long range weapon that sends energy flying from the edge of the Blade huh?¡¹

    Zweigbergk stopped his pursuit of Tillfur and looked above in admiration.

    Over there was Sharis who was holding up a Blade that had just drawn a beautiful arc.

    ¡¸Correct answer. My Blade can send out a slash. With this I can cut you up without getting closer.

    The Shot Blade that Sharis was holding was the rare armament that was once used by a member of Dragon Marauder, Dilwy Froias.

    After he was defeated by Lux and died, the Academy collected that rare armament.

    At the dawn of the Triad¡¯s success in using the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Rides, they received new things from Lisha.

    And then, through the training with Celis and the others, they finally learned how to use them.

    Even when the Seven Dragon Paladins were captured and the Triad infiltrated the chapel to rescue them, they succeeded also because of this power.

    ¡¸I see. But, it seems there is a reason why you are purposefully showing off that strength. Most likely the real attack will come from the EX Drake user who is hiding right now.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Even while focusing on Sharis, he didn¡¯t neglect to be alert towards the other two at all.

    But, there was no way they could stop even after their attack had been predicted.

    No matter how veteran of a soldier he was, it should be impossible for him to deal with a weapon he had never seen before.

    Therefore, even the opponent¡¯s words that sounded like he knew about their plan might be just to make them hesitate.

    Noct who was hiding with camouflage finished considering until that far in an instant.

    In the first place, Airi had no intention to withdraw while leaving one of them behind to hold back the enemy.

    They didn¡¯t have as much talent and strength as Lisha and the others, but they had decided to do everything they could here to the death.

    (We have no intention of running away. We have come until this far after all.)

    Noct was weighing the timing to attack. A past event was resurrected at the back of her mind.

    It was the memory of her childhood, when she was first brought to meet the girlSharis who would become her master.

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to meet you Sharis-sama. I am the second daughter of the Leaflet house, Noct. I will be serving you formally five years later, but please don¡¯t hesitate to tell me to do any work as you wish.¡¹

    The house of Leaflet, the family of servants that had been serving under high class nobles for generations.

    Noct received education for that since she was very young. She showed her face in the residence of the house of Baltshift for the first time when she turned five years old.

    Noct¡¯s personality was calm and obedient by nature. She quickly accepted her duty as a maid and answered the expectations of her parents who were educating her passionately.

    Because of that she had an atmosphere that made her seem like a competent enough maid since her childhood.

    On the other hand, Sharis was a blue haired girl who was two years older.

    The girl who brought about a dignified aura that was somewhat like a young boy looked at Noct with a troubled smile.

    ¡¸You are amazing, your manner is far better than me.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m really honored to hear that. That means I haven¡¯t acted rudely towards Ojou-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis let out a deep sigh seeing Noct who replied with a serious look.

    Noct didn¡¯t notice that the girl was exasperated towards her who was acting mature and respectful.

    ¡¸You are going to listen to whatever I say right?¡¹

    ¡¸If it¡¯s anything that I can do.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, don¡¯t call me Ojou-sama, call me Sharis. Even though this house is already strict everyday, if even a girl younger than me is acting that courteously to me, I won¡¯t be able to breathe here.¡¹

    Sharis said that with a bright smile.

    After that, Noct¡¯s hand was pulled by her and she was led to Tillfur who came to play.

    And then, they exchanged promises that when it was just the three of them, they would act as friends without reservation to each other.

    The three had different personalities and standings from each other, but they mysteriously got along well with each other, and their friendship continued from their childhood until now.

    With Noct¡¯s personality, she would obediently devote herself to her master no matter what kind of person they were, but in that case she surely wouldn¡¯t grow to feel like this.

    Perhaps, her first friend was these two girls.

    (Properly speaking, I have to risk my life to let my master Sharis to escape no matter what. Even if my master refuses it, it¡¯s only natural to push her away from this place.)

    And then now, Noct was holding her breath while recalling their discussion before participating in this decisive battle.

    ¡ºWe don¡¯t know what will happen from now, but if there is an unavoidable danger coming, won¡¯t you two make a promise with me that us three will die together?¡»

    The discussion of only the three of them that they didn¡¯t even tell to Airi.

    That promise was Sharis¡¯s consideration towards Noct.

    When the situation turned into one where they had exhausted every available means and they were forced to use someone as a decoy, surely Noct would choose the path of becoming a sacrifice to let Sharis get away.

    But, the girl who was their leader said that she didn¡¯t want that.

    She was aware that it was a mistaken conduct as a knight who was standing on the battleground.

    For the sake of one¡¯s objective, sometimes they had to push through and advance with heartlessness like sacrificing even their comrades.

    That was the way of the military officer occupation. As the daughter of a vice commander, she should know that very well.

    ¡ºThe three of us have trained our teamwork all this time. Whether it¡¯s fighting or escaping, the probability of success will rise only when there are the three of us. That¡¯s why, even if we have to let Airi-chan get away alone, we three should always be together.¡»

    Tillfur smiled wryly and Noct was exasperated in response to those words of Sharis that were filled with conviction.

    ¡ºHaa¡­¡­. Geez Sharis, you really are only good at making excuses aren¡¯t you¡­¡­. How are you going to become a commander candidate in the future like that?¡»

    Tillfur shrugged her shoulders while going ¡®good griefyare yare¡¯. Even so her face didn¡¯t look that dissatisfied.

    Noct who was similarly surmising Sharis¡¯s intention silently looked down and smiled.

    Not even one of them wished to do anything like abandoning the other.

    It would be another matter if it was something accidental, but they didn¡¯t want to make that choice by themselves.

    If Sharis was actually polishing the teamwork of the three of them with such intention until now, then there would be no act of mixing up official business with personal affairs that was more absurd than this.

    She hadn¡¯t changed since Noct first met her.

    She was like an awe-inspiring big sister who possessed leadership, but she had a playful heart even with her seriousness. She was a girl that was easy to like.

    But, because such person was treating a mere servant like her as a friend, Noct was able to obtain experience that was hard to come by.

    ¡ºYes. I understand.¡»

    It wasn¡¯t for fulfilling a order, but it was a wish to respond to the other¡¯s feelings.

    Because, although Noct didn¡¯t really have a wish of her own, she was able to fight for the sake of the friend she loved.

    (As a servant from the house of Leaflet, as a member of Syvalles, what¡¯s more in order to save my friend¡¯s life, I will risk my life. Then©¤©¤)

    She had no fear even if the opponent was far above them.

    Towards Zweigbergk who threatened with words to make them hesitate, she unleashed the rare armament that she kept as an ace up her sleeve.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Circular Edge!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Noct who was hiding diagonally behind Zweigbergk dispelled her EX Drake¡¯s camouflage, and in a flash she deployed her throwing weapon.

    The rare armament that was possessed by Heiburg¡¯s top brass called Gerdaf in the past.

    The new kingdom military collected it, and it was transferred to Noct through Lisha. She had finally become skilled enough to use it well.

    The eight blades combined with EX Drake¡¯s radar locked on the enemy. They drew an arc through the air and assaulted Tarasque.

    The rotating circular blades were shining dazzlingly due to the energy enveloping them.

    The blades by themselves had no strength for a sure kill, but it should be terrifyingly difficult to dodge them all.

    ¡¸Nuu¡­¡­!¡¹

    A parry by instantaneous deployment of barrier©¤©¤Senjin ¨C RutenBattle Array ¨C Vicissitudes. There was a high possibility that Zweigbergk had learned it, but it should be impossible to use that to deal against simultaneous attacks from many directions.

    Just as Noct expected, Zweigbergk swung his Blade and deflected half of the circular blades.

    ¡¸So it¡¯s working.¡¹

    The remaining four Circular Edges stuck on Tarasque¡¯s armor and they shaved the surface with grinding sounds.

    Once Circular Edge impacted the target, they had the trait of sticking to the surface and continued to attack without pause.

    If the armor was thin then it would be severed right away, and even if the armor boasted solid defensive power, it could serve the role of dulling the enemy¡¯s motion using the continuous impact from the blade¡¯s rotation.

    ¡¸Now you can¡¯t move! Then taste my sword one more time!¡¹

    From the air, Sharis unleashed a rain of slashes using her Shot Blade along with a speech that was like an advance notice.

    Shockwave slashes that rained down right and left.

    The moment Zweigbergk blocked them by using his barrier like an umbrella, a loud sound of moving motor rang out from the side.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­?¡¹

    The old soldier looked behind with a dubious face, but Tillfur¡¯s EX Wyrm was far away.

    But, that distance that even reached more than a hundred ml was turned into nothing in the next moment.

    ¡¸Here I go! Catapult ArtsDragon Kicking Run-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤*GOO-!*

    ¨C

    An explosive sound that pierced the eardrum.

    With a momentum that felt like it would even overtake the sound it produced, Tillfur accelerated from a long distance.

    The EX Wyrm pierced the air and charged forward like a bullet. Without stopping it struck with a horizontal sweep of the Hammer.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Guh, OOOOGOH¡­¡­!¡¹

    *BAGIiII0!* Tarasque¡¯s thick armor was smashed apart at the same time when it hit.

    Receiving the full power blow that was unleashed from EX Wyrm¡¯s super acceleration, the heavyweight class Tarasque was sent flying to far away behind.

    Without stopping he slipped through the projection of the imperial capital¡¯s scenery and vanished from the sight of the three.

    ¡¸Haa! Haa¡­¡­! Haaaa¡­¡­!¡¹

    The stone paving that Tillfur had passed had the wheel track from the EX Wyrm¡¯s super acceleration engraved on it.

    This was one of the sure kill combination attacks by the Triad, a technique that was effective even against top class members of Syvalles like Lisha and the others.

    ¡¸Hooray¡­¡­! We did it! The attack landed!¡¹

    A few seconds later, Tillfur swung up her Hammer with many feelings flooding her.

    This was the moment all the effort they accumulated bore fruit.

    First the other two would attract the enemy¡¯s attention, then Noct who was in hiding would stop the enemy in their tracks using Circular Edge.

    On top of that Sharis who was above would rain down slashes using Shot Blade to seal the enemy¡¯s hand by making them deploy a barrier.

    When the enemy¡¯s mobility and ability to react were taken away, Tillfur who had taken enough distance would accelerate suddenly from a far distance and hit with her Hammer¡¯s powerful blow.

    The Catapult Arts that Tillfur received from Lisha was an internal type rare armament. It realized super acceleration with a takeoff run.

    The attack¡¯s power would be explosively increased in comparison with the takeoff distance, but the burden to the user and the degree of difficulty in using it would also increase accordingly.

    Personally rushing ahead with super high speed while inflicting an attack in such state was extremely difficult. It wouldn¡¯t possibly succeed without having faith that the other two were holding the enemy in place.

    Therefore, this one attack was concealing a destructive power that could only be accomplished by the Triad.

    As long as the first attack from Noct using Circular Edge could land, it would be difficult to dodge this cooperation attack.

    Therefore, for an opponent who only saw it for the first time without knowing anything about it beforehand, it should display a tremendous effect but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Calm down Tillfur! Don¡¯t let your guard down!¡¹

    Sharis was relieved that their teamwork succeeded from start to finish and her lips slackened, but she immediately came to herself and chided herself and the others instead.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, missy Yoruka taught us about the concept of being prepared for a counterstroke.¡¹

    This place was the deep floor level of Avalon.

    It was a dangerous area where it wouldn¡¯t be strange no matter what happened.

    Although the threat before their eyes had been removed, they must not let their guard down till the very end.

    ¡¸Is Airi-chan who is away from us safe!? Noct¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. There is no reaction of the Abyss or other living things around Airi.¡¹

    Noct immediately replied while collecting the scattered Circular Edges.

    The three gathered close to each other, then they followed the direction where Zweigbergk was blown away to.

    (Don¡¯t be rash¡­¡­. The attack definitely hit successfully but, we still don¡¯t know whether he has been defeated or not.)

    Sharis took a deep breath and filled her whole body with tension once more.

    The opponent was a user of a Divine Drag-Ride and also a powerful warrior. His armor was also the tough defense of a land battle type.

    They managed to take him by surprise well, but it was too hasty to write him off as defeated here.

    ¡¸Noct, there is still no reaction of the enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride getting dispelled right? Let¡¯s strip off his armor after this and restrain him.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Understood.¡¹

    At the same time when Noct answered, they gradually caught up to Zweigbergk¡¯s figure.

    But, when they had advanced for 300 ml ahead, they turned speechless.

    Far from dying or fainting, Zweigbergk was standing still wearing his Tarasque.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? No way-!¡¹

    ¡¸How!? It¡¯s impossible!¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct couldn¡¯t hide their shaken feelings and opened their mouth.

    In front of a rubble where the projection of a house had vanished, Zweigbergk was taking his stance with composure.

    His thick armor was half-destroyed, but he himself was mostly unharmed.

    But, the iron helmet that was snugly covering his face was slightly broken on the eye¡¯s area. A sharp eye glint that was like a vulture could be peeked.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, Break Purge!? The moment Tillfur¡¯s Hammer landed, you broke your own armor and dispersed the impact©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a keen insight, Drag-Knight of Syvalles. That was splendid teamwork. It¡¯s regrettable. Such strength in that young age, if you all continue to train, then the future as powerful people will be opened for you.¡¹

    When Zweigbergk showed a smile that was mixed with resignation, Sharis and the others put themselves on guard.

    ¡¸I accept your praise gratefully, but your worry is unnecessary¡­¡­¡¹

    Their sure kill co-op attack came to naught, even so the damage shouldn¡¯t be light.

    The thick armor of Tarasque was also half-destroyed, it had no more overwhelming defensive power.

    Then even Sharis¡¯s Shot Blade and Noct¡¯s Circular Edge could deal a lethal injury.

    Then©¤©¤

    Taking advantage of that slight opening when Sharis switched her thought, Tarasque showed its back towards them and took off.

    ¡¸Planning to run!? ©¤©¤No! You want to take Airi-chan away!?¡¹

    In the first place the enemy¡¯s objective was securing Airi.

    She could become a hostage against Lux, and she could also become a trump card to obtain Avalon.

    She was hiding in the nearby building so she wouldn¡¯t get found out, but it would be the end in the slightest chance she was kidnapped.

    ¡ºWe are going with teamwork B! Tillfur, Noct. You two ready!?¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Roger-¡»

    ¡ºYes. We have finished preparing.¡»

    They communicated with Dragon Voice even in this close range so that the enemy wouldn¡¯t realize their tactic.

    Right now it was like the opposite of the start, they would begin a co-op attack that started from Tillfur charging forward to chase the enemy. But at that instant, an impossible occurrence happened.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    When Tillfur caught up to Tarasque and she brandished her Hammer, the surrounding exploded right after that.

    ©¤©¤*DOGUN-!*

    A flame blast that covered the area swallowed Tillfur¡¯s EX Wyrm. Right after that her armor was broken.

    ¡¸Tillfur! ¡­¡­What is this¡­¡­! What happened!?¡¹

    Sharis immediately raised her voice and flew forward in order to rescue her childhood friend.

    ¡¸Noct, look for the enemy¡¯s position using radar! I¡¯ll go to protect Tillfur©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The face of Sharis who was quickly giving instruction turned pale.

    Sticky air was coiling around the EX Wyvern¡¯s armor.

    No, not just the air, even the ground was heavily smeared with sticky substance.

    The trap Tillfur fell into.

    She was late in noticing the thing that Tarasque laid out when escaping.

    ¡¸Sharis! That substsance is also obstructing the radar! Don¡¯t get near©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    The eyes of Sharis who was turning around toward the voice caught the sight of Zweigbergk who should have disappeared suddenly, striking his medium sized Blade toward Noct.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Truly, unfortunate.¡¹

    ¡¸Uh, AAAAA¡­¡­-!¡¹

    The strike wasn¡¯t a sweeping slash, but a vertical slash as though to bisect the target. The EX Drake¡¯s armor was smashed apart after receiving it from behind.

    The shoulder where Circular Edge was installed was slashed through. In a single strike, Noct¡¯s fighting ability was taken away.

    At the same time, the smokescreen coiling around Sharis¡¯s armor exploded.

    ¡¸U, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Sharis who kept flying even after receiving the flame blast and shockwave barely avoided a direct attack.

    But, blood quickly left Sharis¡¯s face when she saw Tillfur and Noct who collapsed with their armor already dispelled.

    She understood that just now, their chance of victory had been completely crushed.

    ¡¸What, happened¡­¡­!? What did you scatter while escaping!?¡¹

    ¡¸To express my respect to you three, I will tell you. The Divine Raiment of my Tarasque is Back FireReverse Scorching Heat, an ability to spread out combustible smokescreen while moving, and explode it to seal every kind of pursuing attack from the enemy.

    ¡¸So it¡¯s, something like that¡­¡­!¡¹

    It also obstructed EX Drake¡¯s radar, it even sealed the movement to pursue while allowing to counterattack at the same time. So to speak it was a Divine Raiment of counterattack type.

    It seemed the power of the explosion was unexpectedly low, but Sharis and the others who didn¡¯t know about that Divine Raiment were completely outsmarted.

    ¡¸Deserting under enemy attack is a disgrace, but a retreat with purpose isn¡¯t. You too can exert yourself to death for the sake of protecting Airi Arcadia. That is your last duty.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even without him telling her that, Sharis also understood it.

    Now that it had become impossible to form teamwork with the three of them, there was no chance of victory for them in challenging Zweigbergk here.

    It wasn¡¯t just the difference in performance between their Drag-Rides, their skill as Drag-Knights also had a wide difference.

    If she used the fact that the enemy couldn¡¯t fly in the sky against him, and focused completely in evasion and escaping, then there was still a way.

    However, Tillfur and Noct would be left behind like that and they would definitely be finished off.

    After all there was no reason to leave them alive.

    ¡¸What are you hesitating for? After polishing your skill as a Drag-Knight until that far, but you are unable to even resolve yourself to die for your duty?¡¹

    Zweigbergk brandished his Blade as though to follow her bad imagination.

    The moment Sharis saw that, she exploded into action and flew.

    ¡¸©¤©¤STOOoOOOPP!¡¹

    ¡¸You picked a foolish option. Was I wrong in my evaluation of you?¡¹

    *Vun-!*With strange sound, countless light frames floated around Tarasque.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Senjin ¨C Ruten¡¹

    The moment Sharis¡¯s Blade was going to hit, a barrier¡¯s force field was quickly deployed in front of Tarasque, parrying Sharis¡¯s Blade.

    When she staggered from having her momentum diverted, the enemy¡¯s Blade sharply struck her shoulder.

    The Force Core of the EX Wyvern was impacted, and the armor was immediately dispelled.

    ¡¸Kuh, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Sharis collapsed on the street of the imperial capital. Zweigbergk looked down on her with a cool gaze.

    ¡¸Was it just children¡¯s make-believe game in the end? The two who followed a half-baked person like you are also incompetent.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Shut up! What do you know!? No matter how strong he is, he is just a human who calmly deceived other people for the sake of his own benefit! A man who is serving that kind of foolish coward! Don¡¯t you speak as though you are a proper knight!¡¹

    That was an objection that came out from Sharis¡¯s conviction.

    Her inability to prioritize the objective in response to the state of the battle.

    She was aware of the naivety and immaturity of her inability to abandon her comrades.

    But, she couldn¡¯t forgive humiliation towards her two childhood friends who sympathized with the feelings of such Sharis.

    Those words that she spat out from such emotion caused Zweigbergk¡¯s eyes to snap wide open.

    ¡¸A childish little girl like you, dare to insult my lord?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Sharis¡¯s expression paled from receiving that poisonous killing intent.

    Though imperfect, she was participating in battle as a member of Syvalles, she intended to hold a resolve that befitted this situation.

    ©¤©¤*Bakii!*

    ¡¸Gu©¤©¤! ¡­¡­AAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Tarasque¡¯s armored leg carelessly stepped on Sharis¡¯s right arm.

    Just with that, her arm easily snapped.

    Sharis screamed from the intense pain and she became unable to make any movement.

    Even the thought of aiming for a surprise attack using her Sword Device had vanished from her mind.

    Tillfur and Noct who saw that moved their hand to pull their Sword Devices, but their right arms were also kicked that they broke.

    ¡¸It-, HURTTSSS¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Tears spilled out from Tillfur¡¯s eyes, and Noct¡¯s usual expressionless face also distorted in anguish.

    They thought they weren¡¯t killed with one attack was to smoke out Airi who was in hiding, but it seemed they were mistaken.

    ¡¸Incompetents like you bastards who are only fixated on righteousness are the second most irritating thing for me in this world. You are all drunk with your sense of justice and heroic acts, and increase the needless sacrifices for the sake of fulfilling your own satisfaction. If that¡¯s all then I¡¯ll simply regard it as children¡¯s joke, but insulting my lord was a poor move.¡¹

    This enraged man was going to make the three of them suffer as much as possible before killing them.

    In front of the overwhelming killing intent that came from the strong, the three were shaking.

    Even if they met torture to death, there was already no way to avoid it, but at this rate it would be bad if they continued to scream.

    Especially if Noct continued to receive violence, Airi who was in hiding might give herself up.

    Sharis who thought that tightly grasped the handle of her Sword Device with her remaining left arm.

    (Perhaps¡­¡­I was really unable to make my resolve. Just as this man said, I might be just a spoiled little girl. But, even so©¤©¤)

    Tillfur and Noct. When she turned her gaze towards her two childhood friends, there was light residing in each of their eyes that were dyed in despair.

    To raise the chance of Airi to survive, there was no other way but to end their own lives.

    They had to do it while it was still possible for them.

    ¡¸Both of you, sorry. I am a useless leader¡­¡­¡¹

    A scratchy voice leaked out from Sharis¡¯s lips.

    Then, her two best friends who were gasping in intense pain looked like they were smiling only for a moment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please stop! If you are looking for me then I¡¯m here! I will cooperate with you, that¡¯s why!¡¹

    The instant the Triad resolved themselves to commit suicide, from a slight distance away©¤©¤from the shadow of rubble that were covered with the projection of a building, Airi raised her voice.

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s a beautiful self-sacrifice mentality but, you are too late. I¡¯ll kill these three. After that I¡¯ll have you act as a hostage.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, bastard¡¹

    Sharis was convinced seeing Zweigbergk¡¯s cold eye glint.

    He planned to kill the three of them here and trample even Airi¡¯s resolve in handing over herself.

    It was a predicament of absolute despair. ©¤©¤At that time, a footstep suddenly resounded at that main street.

    Behind Zweigbergk, a small silhouette was standing without even giving off a presence.

 Volume 14 - CH 4

    ¨C

    Lux who was rescued from Mishis¡¯s assault by Syvalles members was continuing the investigation of the deep level floor along with Singlen.

    Their first objective was to find Listelka and hold her back, but it appeared the enemy was also being really careful, because currently they couldn¡¯t even find any trace of her.

    While doing that, they arrived at a tower with impressive ornament on it.

    Inside where stone statues that were modeled after angel were lined up, an Automata was standing.

    A tight outfit that looked like pilot suit was clinging on her body. Horns were growing out from her head.

    There was no doubt that this was a clone of Gear Leader Arshalia just like before.

    ¡¸I have been waiting, you who possess a qualification. The second trial will put far bigger burden than before on you. If you are finished with your preparation, please touch me.¡¹

    She told him that with a tone that was the same like the Arshalia from before.

    The second trial in order to reach the central of Avalon.

    If this process was finished, it seemed the main body of Arshalia would appear but¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Will we able to reach the central earlier than Listelka? Would it be better for us to search for her without doing the trial here?¡¹

    Lus advised like that, but Singlen scoffed.

    ¡¸I see, then you better take me to where they are quickly. I¡¯ll hold them back without fail then.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Right now Fugil is guarding Listelka by himself. In that case they must be on their guard against wide range radar. They should be avoiding battle as much as possible until Mishis return. As for the reason, you have experienced it yourself haven¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Because she will be completely defenseless while receiving this ¡ºtrial¡»?¡¹

    Singlen responded with a fearless grin at Lux¡¯s question.

    It seemed he answered correctly.

    No matter how powerful Fugil was, it would be difficult for him to cover for his master who would only be able to stand still against multiple enemy.

    Thus, Singlen predicted that they would thoroughly avoid encounter with Lux and the others until the time they finished the three trials.

    ¡¸Besides, if you finished the second trial, they also won¡¯t be able to leave you alone anymore. Rather than getting overtaken after coming this far, they will surely come to finish you off mercilessly instead.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Understood. Then, please take care me.¡¹

    Lux resolved himself and dispelled his Drag-Ride. He then headed toward Arshalia.

    He took a deep breath, and reached out his hand toward her.

    ¡¸Then, you will enter the second trial now. I will begin to strengthen you with Baptism. During that time, you will face with the wound of your heart that is engraved in your memory.¡¹

    But, the next sentence Arshalia spoke caused Lux to gasp.

    ¡¸Baptism? Just now what did©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Lux asked back spontaneously, Arshalia¡¯s fingertip shined in seven colors.

    ¡¸Guh, AAAAAH!?¡¹

    Elixir was poured in from her palm. At the same time a strange thought was flowing into him.

    His mind was invaded at the same time with the intense pain. The surrounding¡¯s scenery was dissolving faintly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Now. Trace your footsteps along with your memory. I¡¯ll watch over you writhing in agony.¡¹

    Seen off by Singlen¡¯s haughty grin, Lux¡¯s consciousness instantly flew away.

    And then he saw a strange scene once more.

    ¨C

    The day of revolution five years ago©¤©¤.

    The last decisive battle that happened in Arcadia¡¯s imperial capital.

    Lux who defeated a great number of Drag-Knights and finally rushed into the castle was confronting his father the emperor in front of the throne.

    First, Lux felt an intense out of place feeling seeing the beginning of the memory.

    If he remembered correctly, when Lux headed to the throne room, the emperor should be already died, sinking into the sea of blood along with his close associates and imperial guards.

    There Fugil sneered at Lux who had wounds all over his body, and rebuked him that he was the weakest.

    But, here in this memory, the emperor, his close associates, and the imperial guards were unharmed.

    Even though they were giving off intense animosity, both sides had no visible wound on them.

    Even Lux himself who was wearing Bahamut didn¡¯t have a single scratch on him.

    (Am I seeing a dream? Because I wished that reality would be like this, I¡¯m wishing to redo it once more?)

    Lux smiled bitterly at himself, thinking that it was really not manly even if he said so himself.

    Beside such thought, the scene in front of him was progressing on its own accord.

    ¡¸You fool. Do you think that your revolution will come true? I will praise you for growing skilled as Drag-Knight, but you erred in how to use it. To bare your fang on my empire like this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please surrender Chichi-uefather. And then please receive the judgment from Count Atismata and the people. I will accompany you as your son.¡¹

    Lux responded to the emperor¡¯s scornful gaze with an aloof serious face.

    He had already resolved himself.

    If there was obstacle to the revolution, he was resolved to smash it no matter what he had to do.

    ¡¸Hahahaha. Looks like you haven¡¯t noticed anything. You are inferior. You have some talent as Drag-Knight, but after all you are just the failure youngest son among the imperial family.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What?¡¹

    ¡¸How do you think my Arcadia Empire came to obtain this much prosperity? Why couldn¡¯t our rule be overturned? The cause of your defeat is your misreading of that power!¡¹

    When the emperor snapped his finger with a scornful laugh, a single Drag-Knight showed up from behind a pillar.

    Lux had decided that he wouldn¡¯t be shaken no matter what happened, but his face lost color instantly.

    Over there was Airi who should be staying in home because of sickness.

    His little sister who was unconscious while her body was restrained by armored arm.

    ¡¸Airi-!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t move. If you move even for a little, then my failure of a daughter©¤©¤your little sister will lose her life.¡¹

    Just as the emperor said, the imperial guard Drag-Knight was putting his Blade on Airi¡¯s neck.

    Just from that, the Lux inside his dream became unable to move as though his limbs were chained.

    (¡­¡­Why? How!?)

    Lux in reality was even more bewildered at that sight.

    He hadn¡¯t met Airi since two days before the day of revolution and he should have entrusted her to a maid to take care of her.

    If it wasn¡¯t know that Lux was the mastermind behind the revolution, then it should be impossible to kidnap Airi beforehand.

    Lux had also continued to be careful since the resistance was starting a month ago. He shouldn¡¯t be suspected at all, and yet¡­

    ¡¸Besides, a good news has also arrived. Atismata who was rebelling against me has been killed just now. He fought bravely, but that X X was bad. A seam appeared from there, and at the end it led toward you.¡¹

    What was this?

    Even though he should be inside a dream, he could only understand a part of it.

    This wasn¡¯t a convenient dream that Lux wished for. Was this a nightmare?

    But in any case, in this world the battle¡¯s outcome had been decided while Lux was unaware.

    The imperial guard Drag-Knights who were gathered here weren¡¯t a big deal, but it was over if Airi was taken hostage.

    Even if he sacrificed his little sister and saved the country, there would be nothing remaining for Lux after that.

    Should he sacrifice himself and Airi for the sake of Philuffy who would remain behind?

    ©¤©¤No, Lux was unable to do anything like letting Airi die here without doing anything.

    ¡¸Dispel your armor and surrender. Or else I¡¯ll sever the head of your little sister right now right here! Kneel, you stupid son!¡¹

    The raging words of the emperor flew. Lux¡¯s hand reached out toward the Sword Device of Bahamut.

    At that instant, a voice descended on the audience hall.

    ¡¸Ku-ku-ku. What an incomprehensible thing. For Count Atismata¡¯s X X to accidentally be linked to man that is the old empire¡¯s close aide©¤©¤, perhaps this is your wicked luck as the emperor.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤You!¡¹

    ¡¸Fugil, niisan¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Fugil who was similarly wearing Bahamut like Lux was looking down on all of them from near the tall ceiling.

    Perhaps he had activated Reload on Fire, because Fugil was flying forward with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow. He cut down the imperial guard Drag-Knight who was taking Airi hostage without any sound.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    Agitation ran through the chief vassals at the surrounding who saw that.

    Several imperial guards immediately readied their Blade and rushed toward Fugil, but the table was turned on them instantly.

    ¡¸Im, possible¡­¡­!¡¹

    The emperor¡¯s voice trembled and his face convulsed with terror. He yelled after seeing what happened.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why!? Why are you baring your fang toward us!? You who saved our ancestor and was called as the hero of our bloodline!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A strong thought of doubt was born inside the consciousness of Lux who heard that.

    ¡¸Fugil saved the ancestor of Arcadia Empire? Wasn¡¯t Fugil the eldest son of the emperor?¡¹

    No, in the first place what did it mean that Fugil had saved the ancestor of the old empire?

    ¡¸Hou. How do you know about that? I don¡¯t remember ever speaking about that to you though.¡¹

    ¡¸I perused the old document of the past. In the record that is only told to Arcadia¡¯s imperial family, your name and existence were written there. We who was once called as the family of traitor and received persecution for many years, Fugil, it was you who led us to the victory of the revolution©¤©¤¡¹

    (©¤©¤!? What does that mean!?)

    Even more strange chill ran through Lux when he heard the emperor¡¯s words.

    (In the first place, at the past of this situation, Fugil saved our ancestor, the family of traitor?)

    Then, the one who destroyed Holy Arcadia Empire was also©¤©¤.

    Lux was watching that scene as an existence that was only his consciousness. Naturally he couldn¡¯t speak any words here.

    On the other hand Fugil didn¡¯t make a single twitch on his expression. He replied with a derisive smile.

    ¡¸As I thought, in everything there will always be unforeseen incident accompanying. Making use of that X X and killing Count Atismata caused me to misread the distortion of fate. Now I have to make a bit of correction©¤©¤come out, my transformation Drag-Ride, Ouroboros.¡¹

    Fugil lifted his Sword Device high. At the same time, intense quake ran through inside the castle.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux in the scene didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but for the time being he had to carry Airi to a safe place.

    Lux held Airi in his hands, flew outside the castle, and searched for a safe place.

    The moment the Lux inside the dream flew out of the audience hall.

    He saw the surviving Drag-Ride force that was gathering near the castle to assault Fugil all at once.

    ¡¸Kill that guy! Don¡¯t let him get away from this castle alive-!¡¹

    The angry yell of the emperor that resounded in the dark night.

    But, Lux certainly saw it.

    The impressive castle of Arcadia Empire that boasted long years of glory.

    A silhouette of Divine Drag-Ride that he had never seen before, it possessed gigantic frame that surpassed such castle.

    The remaining few hundred Drag-Knights who gathered in the area started an all-out bombardment.

    Like that even the castle was swallowed by the flame of war and it was gone from the sight.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Uh, GUAaaAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux woke up from receiving a pain as though his chest was stabbed open.

    Deep level floor©¤©¤the Automata who held the role as guide, Arshalia¡¯s clone was watching over him in front of him. In addition Singlen was standing beside her.

    He should be at Lux¡¯s side because he was tentatively a guard, but it looked as though he wasn¡¯t protecting Lux at all.

    ¡¸What a noisy man. Just when I thought that you were sleeping so carelessly until now, this time you are screaming so loudly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    What a man.

    Far from worrying about Lux who was in pain from receiving Baptism, the first thing that came out of his mouth was sarcasm.

    He wished to grumble at such attitude, but it would be pointless to have argument with this man so he refrained.

    In exchange Arshalia¡¯s clone gave him words of encouragement.

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work. The Baptism toward you has been safely completed. With this the preparation to obtain the right of management of central is finished. After all to make use of Avalon¡¯s function, it will be a burden that no ordinary person can endure.¡¹

    ¡¸Preparation? Just now it was that preparation?¡¹

    His flesh and mind were strengthened with Baptism, creating a state that could handle the central.

    That meant, everyone else would also receive this in the second trial.

    Putting aside Aeril who had resistance in receiving Baptism from the beginning, he was worried about Airi.

    She wasn¡¯t sickly anymore like the past, but he wondered if she would be able to endure this pain.

    ¡¸U, gu¡­¡­! Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    He put off worrying about other people for later.

    Right now Lux was extremely weak. Far from wearing Drag-Ride, he couldn¡¯t even stand up properly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s better for weakling to not move for a while you know? The Baptism here tampers with a lot of nerves of the whole body. Most likely the other candidates are also in the same condition.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­How do you know that!?¡¹

    Lux reacted with alarm to the end of Singlen¡¯s sentence that he spoke out really naturally.

    Even Aeril who was a Lord didn¡¯t know about the process of this trial.

    ¡¸You are really a selfish man huh. I have told you repeatedly that if you want to know then submit under me. Are you fit to become a chore boy with that kind of bad memory?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t diver the story! We are participating in this battle as part of world alliance, who is under who isn¡¯t related! Not telling the other about information regarding the capture of Avalon is a violation of the pact!¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku, and then you are also foolish like usual huh.¡¹

    Lux brought his face closer with wheezing breath, but the Blue Tyrant was kept acting curt.

    ¡¸At present, there is no existence in history that has ever reached this Avalon. No¡­¡­perhaps I should say that it was arranged for the world to perceive it like that. If that¡¯s the case, my words are just a lie you know? How can you prove that what I¡¯m saying is correct?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    It was just as he said.

    There was no way Singlen could know about this matter.

    It should be nothing more than his usual nonsense, or he was talking about his deduction while making it seemed like he knew what was going on.

    And yet, why did he think that his words were the truth?

    ¡¸How about I kindly teach you? That¡¯s because you know it. At the bottom of your heart, you understand that my words are the truth.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Such, thing¡¹

    ¡¸I was trying to make you obey me was because of that. You are someone who tilt the balance, someone chose in the singular point of destiny and remain there. In the upheaval of history, the transition of ruling system, there will always be a central personage in it. The caliber of that person replaces the distortion and tendency of the era, pushing through everything. Therefore©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Singlen continued his words, scream came from the surrounding.

    When Lux peeked out from the window of the tower, he could see the figures of the populace running around at the surrounding.

    ¡¸This is, illusion? No, is this a scene that happened in Arcadia Empire?¡¹

    ¡¸Indeed.¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s clone immediately answered Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸In the period of maturity of Arcadia Empire, a secret medicine called Elixir was crated, and then a surgery to adapt it to the body©¤©¤the technology of Baptism was established. If the usage and dose is mistaken, it will result in death or serious after-effect. But if it succeed, then the subject will obtain ability that far surpass ordinary people.¡¹

    Come to think of it, Aeril also talked about such thing.

    Elixir was granted only to royalty and nobility, producing superior people from birth©¤©¤the bloodline of ruler.

    ¡¸An extremely limited number of people, and then the great number of lower classes people who propped them up. Even among Arcadia Empire that ruled the world, the social standing was divided into two. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­Uh, GYAAAAAH!?¡»

    ¡ºStop, STOP ITTTTT¡­¡­-!?¡»

    The scream that came from the reproduced scene caused Lux to react and leaned forward.

    Looking closer, several Abysses attacked people who were carrying weapon and devoured them.

    ¡¸This scene is also a projection of past recording, not a real thing? Then don¡¯t tell me, the Abyss©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s like that. The imperial family created Abyss as a method to oppose rebel, criminal, and external enemy. Furthermore they also crated Ragnarok as guard to protect the Ruins.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Splat splat* That gruesome scene where the populaces were eaten caused Lux to avert his gaze reflexively.

    And then, the Abysses were flying away to somewhere.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-?The Abysses are heading somewhere else? Are they returning to the Ruins?¡¹

    When the playback was over, Lux thought that the projection was cut off, but unexpectedly there was still a continuation.

    When he immediately looked toward Arshalia, she responded with a nod.

    ¡¸They are going back. To the Abyss creation plant inside this Avalon. They spring forth from Ruins, then return back to the inside. That¡¯s the mechanism.¡¹

    The projection of Automata answered so. Lux obtained a conviction form that.

    The Abyss would return after accomplishing their objective©¤©¤that was all they did.

    But, something bothered Lux inside.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s strange? Certainly Abyss is necessary from the point of view of protecting the Ruins. But, this place is Arcadia Empire¡¯s capital. No matter how completely the Abysses are under control, but where is the need of using them instead of Drag-Knights?¡¹

    It was just as Singlen said.

    Most likely the management of the Drag-Rides was mostly done by royalty and nobility too with few exceptions.

    In other words, even though they could use Drag-Ride to carry out the purge, why were they deliberately using Abyss?

    Was it for making a brutal example, or to save time and labor, or else©¤©¤.

    The projection was progressing even while Lux wasn¡¯t moving.

    To the underground graveyard that existed behind the imperial castle©¤©¤the catacomb.

    ¡¸The record projection is still not over? How much longer it will continue?¡¹

    ¡¸The playback of record projection is over for the moment. The place is imperial capital¡¯s catacomb. The place that projected that scenery become the place of the last trial.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sir Singlen. My physical condition has recovered. Let¡¯s head there next.¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku, what, chore boy. Are you trying to chase after Arcadia Empire¡¯s history while abandoning out mission?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no time to talk nonsense with you. No, if Arshalia¡¯s main body is at the last trial, Listelka should also definitely go there.¡¹

    If they could enter into the central from there, it would become an ambush if they waited for Fugil there.

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ll consider that as correct. Let¡¯s go chore boy.¡¹

    Singlen drove Leviathan and glided toward the back of imperial castle.

    Lux also took a deep breath and after he calmed down his feeling, he wore Wyvern in order to preserve his stamina and followed behind.

    The effect to his body due to Baptism wasn¡¯t much.

    On the contrary, the Drag-Ride he was clad with felt like it was adapting to his body more than before.

    Lux was thinking while chasing after Singlen¡¯s back.

    In the end, was Lisha and others who were facing Mishis safe?

    How far Aeril had progressed with the trials?

    And then©¤©¤Airi and the Triad.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Lux suppressed his wavering emotion with his will and flew.

    At the same time, he was feeling a mysterious uneasiness in his chest because of the scene of five years ago that was projected as illusion.

    ¨C

    A few minutes before Lux received the Baptism that was the second trial.

    The deadly battle between Lisha and others who were confronting Mishis in the central arena was continuing.

    The Key¡¯s Supervisor Mishis was a powerful warrior who owned the nickname of Anti Drag-Knight.

    Due to Azi Dahaka¡¯s Divine Raiment Avesta, there was a risk of immediate annihilation if each of their ability and energy were stolen.

    Thus, Lisha as well as Krulcifer whose main method of attack was far long range accomplished the role as vanguard.

    In respond Mishis didn¡¯t move at the slightest with her halberd at the ready. She was silently watching the surrounding.

    Not even a shred of uneasiness or carelessness could be seen from her while confronting five Divine Drag-Ride users.

    The scenery of Arcadia Empire that was projected in the abandoned capital.

    The moment real angel type Abysses flew at its sky, Lisha unsheathed her Sword Device.

    ¡¸Eat this-! Legion!¡¹

    Tiamat¡¯s special armament, the ten projectile weapons in the shape of arrowhead attacked Mishis with roaring sound.

    At the same time Krulcifer glided along with Fafnir and fired her Freezing Cannon to hold the opponent in check.

    Several offenses and defenses had been carried out since the five started battling Mishis.

    However, it was hard to say that the present situation was advantageous for them.

    ¡¸She isn¡¯t losing patience at all huh. This woman is really like a machine.¡¹

    What Lisha and others were aiming at was the moment Mishis focused her full strength to defeat one of them.

    The situation when she left the side of her master Listelka was used to turn the table against her. The five were luring her to be impatient to finish the battle so that she would attack single-mindedly.

    But, Mishis¡¯s face that was like a steel mask didn¡¯t waver at all.

    She was focusing her eyes that were like crystal and calmly watched the movement of everyone.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Splendid. I cannot find even the smallest opening after observing this long.¡¹

    Mishis talked to herself with a small voice that no one else could catch.

    Key¡¯s Supervisor developed Ruins and Drag-Rides. They also set up the Drag-Ride¡¯s suitability to match their bloodline.

    So to speak, they were a clan who thoroughly knew and inherited all the Drag-Rides.

    Even among them, Mishis was raised up as the Lord¡¯s close aide. She was given education since she was a child.

    In addition of Baptism to strengthen her aptitude with Drag-Ride, nanomachine was also injected directly into her.

    She endured various conditioning and battle training until the end.

    She also grasped the mechanism and ability of every kind of Drag-Ride.

    At first there were several hundred of her fellow elite clansmen who received such treatment. Midway people were dropping out one by one. Mishis held out with her strength of will and polished her talent.

    ¡¸My power is something that I received wholly from inheritance. Exactly because the Lord accepted our clan, that we were able to prosper. That¡¯s why losing will be unforgivable.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s similar. You and me.¡¹

    Celis who was hovering midair seemed to hear Mishis¡¯s monologue from some point. She addressed her.

    ¡¸You heard that? Though I don¡¯t need sympathy from the defeated.¡¹

    ¡¸You shouldered your own destiny, comply to it, and aimed for perfection without feeling reluctant to make every effort. You are an existence that is far more superior than even me at the time I was trying to do the same.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless even if you are trying to invite carelessness from me you know? My heart won¡¯t waver. After all I received a Baptism that allow me to do so.¡¹

    Mishis was controlling herself with training of stabilizing her mind as well as her thinking ability.

    She was here as an incarnation of Key¡¯s Supervisor, a machine that would continue to produce the best answer at the fastest time.

    ¡¸Besides, it¡¯s upsetting to be considered the same like all of you, mere human who consider stolen power as your own and misunderstand that you have become strong like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Don¡¯t act self-importantly you cold blooded maid! You already took the wrong path because of that arrogance and then got forced to sleep for centuries because of that!¡¹

    Lisha who was also doing Drag-Ride development cut into the conversation of the two.

    The moment Tiamat fired Legion once more to hold the enemy in check, Mishis moved.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Azi Dahaka lowered its center of gravity while keeping its tight hold on its halberd and skated.

    It was an astonishing motion, but it was as though the preliminary motion couldn¡¯t be seen at all.

    Not just the dashing speed of the takeoff using the armored legs¡¯ wheels, the movement itself was also extremely smooth.

    It was an impossible feat that couldn¡¯t be done without adjusting the energy distribution to the precision of several percent and having perfect control to the Drag-Ride¡¯s body balance.

    But, even with such complicated procedure she had the composure to attack Lisha.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let you! I have finished grasping your range!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, looks like you all have worked out quite countermeasure in this short time. But, in the end it¡¯s only a hasty preparation.¡¹

    Mishis muttered in a small voice, at the same time her pupils expanded.

    Lisha leaped to the air behind and fired Legion once more. At that moment, Mishis twirled on the spot.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The other four who was surrounding from four directions opened their eyes wide seeing the impossible movement.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That, could it be¡¹

    The one who first noticed was Philuffy whose main method of piloting was tricky movement like kicking or throwing the opponent.

    If she had to say it herself, Philuffy wasn¡¯t making particularly strange movement.

    What she did was nothing more than applying the martial art she learned from Magialca into Drag-Ride piloting and took the practical action.

    Mishis too wasn¡¯t deliberately showing original movement to take her opponent by surprise. She was implementing one of the choices that she had practiced repeatedly for several thousand times.

    One of the Legion that Lisha fired was hit back by the halberd.

    ¡¸What-!?¡¹

    ¡¸That kind of movement is possible!?¡¹

    Even Krulcifer who specialized in precise movement yelled without being unable to hide her agitation.

    They would be able to predict if she dodged while repelling the Legion or blocked it and absorbed the energy, but the Legion that was hit back by the halberd flew straight to Lisha with double the speed.

    The instant Lisha reflexively strengthened her barrier and defended, Azi Dahaka leaped toward Lisha.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    However, Lisha was also a first class Drag-Knight.

    She took the fastest evasive action even while defending against the unexpected counter shot.

    In order to avoid having her energy and Divine Raiment stolen by Avesta, she could only get out from the working range of the Divine Raiment.

    But, Mishis neutralized the momentum of the surge of shockwave she received while swinging the Wire Tail her right hand was holding.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t tell me-?¡¹

    The halberd that was swung at first was thrown toward Yoruka who was going to backup Lisha. It was a trap to make Lisha misread the measurement.

    The moment the Wire Tail entangled around Tiamat¡¯s armored arm, Mishis activated her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Avesta¡¹

    ¡¸Ku!? OOOOOO-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha activated her Divine Raiment along with an anguished howl. An instant before Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment was stolen.

    With that power, all of Azi Dahaka¡¯s gravity was stolen and the enemy floated to the air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? You aren¡¯t putting burden on me. But taking away the gravity to make me float©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Mishis showed a slight bafflement, attack was launched from her left, right, and behind.

    The tip of wire that was fired from Typhon, and Krulcifer¡¯s sniping.

    And then the lightning attack that was fired from Celis¡¯s Lance.

    In order to purposefully make use of the defenseless state, Lisha used her remaining power not for gravity increase, but to make Mishis floated still in the air.

    ¡¸I see, good decision. That¡¯s including all of you who immediately react to her idea. ©¤©¤But¡¹

    Three layered barriers that were deployed around Azi Dahaka drastically dampened each attack.

    After stiffening slightly, she blocked the sword of Yoruka who was lying in wait below using the handle of her whip, at the same time she picked the halberd she threw away and quickly retreated.

    ¡¸I received slight damage but, first I¡¯ll crush one.¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    Tiamat that got its energy completely sucked within a few seconds was dispelled. Lisha stood stock still on that spot. She became unable to take tangible action until she became able to use Drag-Ride once more.

    But, Mishis was still paying the greatest wariness toward her surrounding.

    Surely she wouldn¡¯t commit the foolishness of easily aiming at the defenseless Lisha.

    ¡¸My goodness¡­¡­. So the nickname of Anti Drag-Knight isn¡¯t just an exaggeration.¡¹

    Krulcifer let out a horrified astonished sigh along with cold sweat.

    Exactly because she had the experience of facing Balzeride who wore the same Drag-Ride in the past that she understood really well Mishis¡¯s strength as Drag-Knight.

    Celis and Philuffy had grasped the attack range of the Halberd she was wielding from the battle the other day.

    They were maintaining a distance where  they wouldn¡¯t receive attack, but regardless of that, she saw through their countermeasure and switched to Wire Tail that possessed long range.

    There wasn¡¯t a single special thing that was out of human realm that made up her strength.

    She simply knew the abilities and memorized the traits of all Drag-Rides, and thoroughly performed enormous amount of training to face all those.

    ¡¸If I can speak frankly, I¡¯m relieved I can remove the troublesome opponent.¡¹

    ¡¸So from the start your first target is the princess.¡¹

    But, even though she had learned the knowledge about all Drag-Ride, it would be difficult for her to respond against a Drag-Ride that had been drastically modified.

    Therefore, MIshis designated Lisha as the biggest threat among the five and focused all her strength to remove her first.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­don¡¯t underestimate me you damn expressionless cold-blooded maid! It¡¯s a great mistake if you think that I¡¯m done just from this much!¡¹

    Lisha yelled while walking backward with her Sword Device at the ready. Perhaps she wished to say that she could give command even though she couldn¡¯t fight anymore.

    Certainly it would be really helpful to have someone who had the full picture of the battlefield and could give advice.

    Even though she would shoulder a great risk by staying here, it would only increase their chance of victory by miniscule amount, but it was a small mercy that the Divine Raiment that was stolen was only Tiamat¡¯s gravity control.

    Fafnir¡¯s future prediction, Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment neutralization, Lindwurm¡¯s instant teleportation, Yato no Kami¡¯s enforced control.

    Gravity manipulation was also powerful but, their chance of victory would be even more non-existent if it was the other Divine Raiment that got stolen.

    ¡¸I respect that spirit, but it¡¯s unfortunate. The battle situation cannot be overturned anymore by the time I obtained Suppressor.¡¹

    The remaining four people held their breath toward Mishis¡¯s cold gaze.

    Krulcifer immediately sent her voice toward Yoruka using Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºCan you read her consciousness¡¯s wavelength? Now that it has become like this, we can only rely on your sword technique though.¡»

    As expected, there was nobody who could surpass Mishis in regard to piloting Drag-Ride.

    But, the special move that Kirihime Yoruka used©¤©¤Instant Strike was a blade of certain kill that read the wavelength of consciousness and took advantage of the gap of the subconscious.

    Because it was unrelated with Drag-Ride spec and piloting skill, it should be effective even against Mishis.

    ¡ºOf course I can read it. But©¤©¤I don¡¯t think hitting her once with Instant Strike will result in anything. A slash that simply land won¡¯t be able to pierce that three layered barrier and inflict lethal damage.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤©¤©¤¡»

    Krulcifer was at a loss hearing Yoruka¡¯s reply.

    To breakthrough Azi Dahaka¡¯s abnormal defensive power, there was a need to unleash an attack of full power from close range.

    Just like when Balzeride was defeated in the past, there was no other way except to aim at her using one of the three hidden techniques, Recoil Burst.

    ¡¸You are really composed to look the other way and talk.¡¹

    The instant Krulcifer returned her focus to Mishis, Azi Dahaka skated even faster than before with a movement that once more didn¡¯t show any preliminary motion beforehand.

    Krulcifer who was targeted flew to the back to escape, but Mishis stuck close to her.

    ¡¸Attack, Krulcifer! She will keep chasing even if you run away! ©¤©¤But, why is she even faster than before!? You mean you are holding back when it was with me!?¡¹

    The Divine Drag-Ride of land battle type had heavy weight due to its solid armor and weapons.

    But, just by using Suppressor to erase the Drag-Ride¡¯s weight didn¡¯t mean that its speed would simply get faster.

    Rather the wheels of the armored legs would float and the speed would drop instead.

    With the nature of land battle type Drag-Ride to move by running on the ground, lowering the friction might even take away its mobility.

    But, the way Mishis used Suppressor was different.

    She had mastered the method to put the Divine Raiment to practical use combined with the trait of land battle type Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸She is keeping the gravity normal only at the part of the armored legs that touched the ground while lightening only the upper body to accelerate!?¡¹

    Celis muttered dumbfounded, but Krulcifer escaped outside the range of Divine Gate, so she couldn¡¯t back her up immediately.

    ¡¸Krulcifer! Fire and drive back the enemy! If the enemy has become lighter©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I know!¡¹

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s yell, Krulcifer activated Wise Blood.

    She predicted Mishis¡¯s attack using the prediction of the future few seconds ahead.

    For the time being she confirmed that she would be able to obtain distance from the opponent using her sniping and then she carried it out.

    ¡¸Then, prepare yourself.¡¹

    The halberd that Mishis held back until it was completely behind was then let go into a flash of vertical slash.

    The sure-kill attack that was tinged with strong energy was blocked by Fafnir¡¯s Auto Shield.

    It was an automatic defense of seven shields, but if Mishis used Avesta, this special armament wouldn¡¯t last long. Krulcifer had already known that from the battle against Balzeride.

    Therefore, she didn¡¯t let go of that instant.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Freezing Cannon!¡¹

    *Bam-!* Krulcifer pulled the trigger of her sniper rifle at a position that almost touched Azi Dahaka¡¯s shoulder.

    It was an attack of extreme speed with delicateness.

    The freezing bullet that was fired from the muzzle stole the movement of the armored shoulder along with the impact.

    Because she only stressed on making the attack hit, she was unable to drive the enemy into being unable to act, but she succeeded in offense and defense at the same time.

    The heavy weight land battle type Drag-Ride Azi Dahaka was blown backward by that attack.

    Because Mishis was making the weight of her Drag-Ride light using Divine Raiment Suppressor that she stole, it became easy for it to be influenced by outside force too.

    That was what Lisha pointed out just now.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a splendid skill. I even feel proud as a fellow clansman.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Surely it¡¯s troubling for both of us to value just this much that highly.¡¹

    Krulcifer responded with a bluffing smile while letting out cold sweat.

    The special armament Auto Shied got the energy sucked out from it and they were dispelled. She now became defenseless.

    If after this Fafnir¡¯s frame got touched, her Divine Raiment would be plundered.

    But, she won the gamble in the exchange just now.

    Philuffy and Celis alredy took position at where Mishis was falling to. They were aiming at the moment she landed.

    At that instant when Krulcifer grasped the situation and her tension relaxed slightly.

    She could hear the yell from Lisha who was standing still on the ground.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be slow Krulcifer! The enemy¡¯s aim is still you!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The cannon muzzles stretching out from Azi Dahaka¡¯s shoulders©¤©¤Devil¡¯s Glow shined and fired a torrent of impact energy.

    Because her automatic defense Auto Shield was taken away, Krulcifer immediately tried to take the option of dodging but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? What¡¯s this!? The propulsion control, is changed©¤©¤?¡¹

    An out of place feeling arose from the center of gravity of Fafnir¡¯s frame.

    It was as though it became impossible to calculate the trajectory for flying.

    The instant Krulcifer reacted to that in bewilderment, she was swallowed by the bombardment.

    Receiving that terrific impact, she was struck down to the ground right away.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­, aah¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer!?¡¹

    The fallen Fafnir was attacked even more by Suppressor and it was crucified on the ground. The armor was raising high pitched metallic sound and creaked.

    Krulcifer endured the intense pain where it felt like her whole body was breaking while she comprehended Mishis¡¯s technique.

    She used the Divine Raiment of gravity control that she stole from Tiamat and tampered with Fafnir¡¯s gravity of each part of the armor haphazardly.

    When Krulcifer was shaken by the crumbling body balance of her flying type Drag-Ride, she was hit by the bombardment from the enemy¡¯s shoulders. At the same time when the attack hit, next gravity pressure that was several times than normal was applied on her and Fafnir was knocked down toward the ground.

    If what Mishis had done was put into words, that was all there was to it.

    However, even Krulcifer never imagined that she was going to attack and manipulating gravity that skillfully at the same time, while facing four Divine Drag-Ride users simultaneously.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuh!? AAAAH!¡¹

    Furthermore the multiplied gravity broke through the armor¡¯s endurance.

    The effect of Suppressor cut off at the last moment, but Fafnir¡¯s armor was also dispelled.

    Mishis changed her falling trajectory with the recoil from Devil¡¯s Glow shot. Celis and Philuffy attacked, but everything was avoided within a hair¡¯s breadth and she retreated.

    With this, only three people remaining who could fight in this place.

    It became only Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka.

    ¡¸Krulcifer! Hang in there!¡¹

    Lisha who somehow recovered her body¡¯s freedom lifted Krulcifer in her arms while breathing roughly.

    Her bones weren¡¯t broken, but several places on her body were hit by pressure.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine¡­¡­. Is what I want to say but, as expected this is heavier injury than yours. It¡¯s not so severe that my bones broke, but if I got bruises all over, I won¡¯t be able to show myself to Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer acted tough, but her breathing was so weak it felt like it would stop anytime.

    ¡¸You idiot! What do you think we are forming a pact for! Even if that happen, I¡¯ll at least give you time! Though it will be me who make Lux mine in the end!¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you won¡¯t yield at the slightest, but you are really principled aren¡¯t you¡­¡­. I don¡¯t hate that side of yours.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled wryly, then her eyes closed and she lost consciousness.

    Lisha¡¯s gaze returned to the battlefield while she was still holding her classmate in her hands.

    ¡¸©¤©¤With this there are only three people left. You all are getting more and more cornered.¡¹

    Mishis who recovered her balance declared without a single change in her expression.

    But, even after losing two people, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka¡¯s expressions didn¡¯t show any uneasiness.

    ¡¸In my country, it was said that only in predicament people can really show their strength. Besides, in reality even you was unable to be unharmed from the exchange just now wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Mishis responded to Yoruka¡¯s bewitching smile with silence.

    Azi Dahaka¡¯s left shoulder was frozen. Although the joint wasn¡¯t solidified, the barrier generation device was partly sealed.

    It was a small injury on a little spot.

    However, she also knew that it might become a lethal wound in a battle between the equally powerful.

    Since the time Mishis became aware of her surrounding, she was undefeated in battle versus Drag-Knight.

    That was why in contrast of her threat that sounded like she was convinced of her victory, she understood that this was a situation where she couldn¡¯t let her guard down.

    The only thing that could be called Azi Dahaka¡¯s weak point wasn¡¯t how it had no flying ability, once the armor had been destroyed physically, even if it absorbed energy it wouldn¡¯t be able to repair it by its own strength.

    On the other hand, it was the only path of survival for Lisha and others.

    Krulcifer went for that and she succeeded in not letting her Divine Raiment stolen in her defeat.

    ¡¸She has done her part enough. The rest will be our turn to meet the expectation.¡¹

    Celis readied her Lance along with Lindwurm while she looked straight at Mishis.

    Even after two of them had been defeated, they didn¡¯t show the color of despair on their face.

    The extremely deathly battle resumed.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    *Drip, drip*, fresh blood was trickling on the stone paving of the castle town.

    Even though Airi exposed herself in order to save her friends, Zweigbergk ignored it and he was about to kill the Triad. It was at that time.

    A girl who suddenly appeared knocked down the situation into even more chaos.

    ¡¸You, bastard¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The one who was bleeding wasn¡¯t Airi or even the Triad, but Zweigbergk who was going to swing down his Blade just now.

    A flesh hand that thrust like a spear gouged his chest from behind together with Tarasque¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is, going on? This is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t, know. But, something like this¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You are, Hayes Vi Arcadia¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct, the three of them muttered while still lying on the ground.

    Each of them had a broken arm. They were feeling pain that made them unable to move while their attention was taken away by that bizarre sight.

    ¡¸Guh, you, are¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong, you senile old gopher. Did you forget my face? Senility is really terrifying eh.¡¹

    The girl who was wearing pure white robe on top of a pilot suit was without a doubt Hayes.

    But, her body should be unable to do any activity except by using Baptism of strengthening applied on her. And even the remaining light of her life should be on the verge of running out.

    The strangest thing was that the girl right now wasn¡¯t even wearing Drag-Ride.

    She pierced the armor of Divine Drag-Ride Tarasque with her bare hand.

    ¡¸How¡­¡­! How are you here-!? ¡­¡­How can you do something like this-!?¡¹

    The stabbing arm slipped out when the old soldier pitched forward. He turned around while slashing with his Blade.

    But, Hayes easily blocked even that with her bare hand and crushed the blade that she caught in her grip.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Kukukukuku. I see, so it¡¯s like that huh. Looks like your master didn¡¯t tell you at all about the essential things. What a pitiful man.¡¹

    ¡¸Answer me!? What the hell are you!?¡¹

    Even though the blade was broken, Zweigbergk continued to pour his strength to push his Blade.

    And yet, Hayes who should be just a petite girl didn¡¯t even give an inch.

    That smile that was filled with composure suddenly warped into an evil look.

    ¡¸You¡¯re telling me to answer!? A lowlife small fry who is nothing more than an errand boy of the Blue Tyrant is¡­¡­! Know your place!¡¹

    Her free left fist exploded into motion and pierced Tarasque¡¯s shoulder.

    The barrier was drilled through and the armor smashed. Even the Force Core was gouged out. The armor was dispelled and Zweigbergk was blown away.

    ¡¸Goh, gahah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Zweigbergk¡¯s torso was torn off just with that and he was reduced to a lump of meat miserably.

    A track of fresh blood was remaining above the stone paving where the castle town of the empire was projected.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So this is the power of Sacred Eclipse¡¯s main body, ha-ha-ha! Magnificent. The god has chosen this me! I am the true successor of the empire! It¡¯ not that fake princeLux or even my big sisters! It¡¯s this me!¡¹

    The eyes of Hayes who was talking loudly were shining glaringly with seven colors.

    From a glance, Hayes looked calmer mentally than before, but her look was filled with inhuman zeal.

    It was as though she was an incarnation of Abyss©¤©¤no, a god.

    ¡¸Now then, I finished the confirmation. The current me don¡¯t even need Drag-Ride. Insects like you all are already don¡¯t matter but, it doesn¡¯t seem bad to crush you all here as harassment to that fake prince.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Airi slightly staggered when those eyes with mysterious rainbow color were turned toward her.

    They were able to escape from Zweigbergk¡¯s threat, but now a threat that was far more terrifying than that appeared.

    Besides, the situation at the surrounding was strange.

    The old castle site where the scenery of Arcadia Empire was projected showed angel type Abysses flying around and devouring the people at the area.

    When they finished eating, they headed toward the direction of the castle.

    Airi too had finished the first trial from the Automata, but what was happening right now?

    Suddenly Hayes¡¯s eyes flashed and she stared at one Abyss that was flying in the area.

    ¡¸Hahaha. So it¡¯s like that, I don¡¯t even need to be bothered myself. It¡¯s a waste of time. You all can just wait to be eaten there. This abandoned capital will soon turn into hell. However, well, if Ane-ue knew about this, then she is really a villain yeah. No, it¡¯s the right act. It¡¯s a worthy mission for the descendant of the Lord.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi wanted to ask just what she was saying, but right now they mustn¡¯t agitated Hayes.

    After all their fate would be decided by which way the dice of god¡¯s whim would roll to.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m not gonna hand it over to you, Aneue-sama. Of course not to the traitor Aeril too. I¡¯ll be the one to guide this world. I¡¯ll make you bitches to watch hell too yeah, until then just shiver in fear there.¡¹

    Hayes left behind an evil smile and left from there.

    No, she shined with light and then her existence vanished.

    After that nothing remained behind.

    It was only Zweigbergk¡¯s corpse that showed that the happening until now was reality.

    ¡¸Just now, space teleportation¡­¡­? One of the Ragnarok, Deus ex Machina¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi who had seen that Ragnarok¡¯s battle against Lux noticed that baffling common point.

    No matter how much Hayes¡¯s body was strengthened with Elixir, was it also possible to make her learn a powerful supernatural ability that was like Divine Raiment?

    No, the ability of the girls of the Lord was nothing more than body strengthening and making use of a part of the Ruins¡¯ power through Baptism.

    In other words that was©¤©¤something else that was different from Nocturnal and Ragnarok©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s stop¡­¡­. It¡¯s useless to keep thinking about it. More importantly, everyone, thank you very much. I¡¯m glad, you are all safe.¡¹

    Airi let out a deep sigh and spoke with teary eyes.

    ¡¸Haha¡­¡­, our state really isn¡¯t cool as knights protecting a princess though.¡¹

    ¡¸We gotta be thankful, that we are simply able to survive.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We at least can show our face to Lux-san, that we are able to protect Airi safely.¡¹

    The expression of Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct relaxed even with the color of pain dyeing their face.

    If they could be greedy, they wanted to go to tell the others about what just happened, but they understood that they had no spare strength for it.

    Right now they could only hide for a while and prayed for Lux¡¯s safety.

    Lisha and others would defeat Mishis, Lux and Singlen would stop Listelka, and Magialca and others would reach the central of Avalon in that opening.

    They were still wishing for the success of those, but two abnormalities were occurring.

    Singlen who ordered Zweigbergk to aim for Airi in this pressing situation, and Hayes who was transformed into an atypical existence. It also wouldn¡¯t be strange if Sacred Eclipse appeared anytime©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, Hayes just now was©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong, Airi?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll go to take the first-aid kit from the luggage that we left at the other side.¡¹

    Airi pushed down the unknown uneasiness and ran.

    At that time, the figure of Lolotte wearing Drake appeared at a distant view. Perhaps he was looking for Zweigberk.

    The battle of the girls met an end for the moment.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤The same tactic again? It¡¯s a bit of disappointment.¡¹

    Arcadia Empire©¤©¤imperial capital¡¯s central arena.

    In the fighting stage where a scenery that boasted splendor was projected, the fierce battle of Mishis versus Syvalles was continuing.

    Lisha lent her shoulder to Krulcifer who lost consciousness and glared at the battlefield with a grim face.

    200 ml from her location, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka were repeatedly surrounding Mishis who was piloting Azi Dahaka and held her in check.

    Each one of them coordinated with each other to deploy three kinds of attack.

    The flying type Lindwurm maintained the distance from the sky while attacking with Lightning Flash from the Lance.

    Because even Azi Dahaka couldn¡¯t defend against lightning attack, it was forced to dodge.

    The land battle type Typhon grasped the rubbles on the surrounding ground and threw it.

    Otherwise it would pierced a huge rubble with the tip of Pile Anchor and pulled it out, and threw it like an improvised flail.

    Yoruka made use of Yato no Kami¡¯s leaping ability to kicked on the air and slashed at Mishis.

    They launched different attacks from three directions and three altitudes while looking for opening, but Mishis wasn¡¯t perturbed at all. She continued to deal with the attacks.

    ¡¸What, a woman¡­¡­. That damn cold blooded maid!¡¹

    Even if their attacks were mainly from long or medium range, she didn¡¯t show the slightest weakness even though there was also her shoulder armor that was destroyed by Krulcifer.

    Even though she was constantly making use of Full Connect, there wasn¡¯t any sign that her stamina was exhausted.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is no end to this. At this rate we will keep Aruji-sama waiting. That mustn¡¯t happen.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered with a smile, then she stopped holding Mishis in check from mid-range and approached Mishis.

    Lisha who saw that immediately raised her voice.

    ¡¸What are you doing ero woman! Don¡¯t enter her Divine Raiment¡¯s range!¡¹

    ¡¸Do you think it won¡¯t reach you? ©¤©¤Suppressor!¡¹

    The instant Yato no Kami entered just for a single step into Mishis¡¯s range that they had avoided until now, severe gravity burden assaulted Yato no Kami.

    The four armored legs creaked, and the stone paving that was used as foothold was smashed and sunk down.

    What Mishis aimed for wasn¡¯t to steal Divine Raiment, but to prevent attack using Suppressor.

    She turned into offense right after Celis and Philuffy¡¯s attack ended, in the timing where no obstruction could come.

    ¡¸It will be my victory if I can just take that Divine Raiment.¡¹

    Yoruka immediately met Mishis with her katana shaped Blade, but her movement was dull due to the gravity burden.

    Mishis dodged the slash in a hair¡¯s breadth while dealing an attack with her halberd to the armor.

    The barrier was broken through and the darkness colored armor was smashed form the torso.

    But, the tip of the sword that Yato no Kami thrust out at the same time stabbed into the right armored foot of Azi Dahaka.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier was deployed with the focus to the front.

    Thus the tips of the limbs had thin defense even for Azi Dahaka.

    And then,

    ¡¸Why can¡¯t I plunder the Divine Raiment? Spell Code¡¯s command is, going toward me©¤©¤¡¹

    Mishis frowned while confirming Yoruka¡¯s plan.

    ¡¸Yes, I had given an order beforehand. From the Kumo no Ito crawling underfoot, a command to cancel the use Divine Raiment©¤©¤¡¹

    With just a contact of several seconds, the plundering of Divine Raiment by Avesta would show effect faster than Spell Code.

    But, at the time when Mishis walked closer at Yoruka¡¯s opening, the special armament steel wire that was already laid out on the ground activated the Spell Code.

    The command was focused in making the Divine Raiment unusable rather than controlling the enemy¡¯s movement.

    And then, in exchange of getting her armor destroyed, Yoruka damaged the armored leg of Azi Dahaka.

    ¡¸You were aiming for weakening me from the beginning?¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot fight satisfactorily at all with this body anyway.¡¹

    Yoruka smoothly confirmed the answer while showing an unusually cheerful smile.

    The wound from her defeat against Singlen hadn¡¯t full recovered. Then she was doing a forced march to come to Marcafal Kingdom, in addition at the battle where she took on seven Ragnarok, the current Yoruka couldn¡¯t even display half of her true strength.

    Then before her stamina was chipped off in this stalemate, she sacrificed herself and entrusted the rest to her comrades.

    ¡¸So you turned yourself into a sacrificial pawn? The Drag-Knight who was even called as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade is actually a really cowardly person.¡¹

    Mishis took a distance for the moment and lightly performed a check on her movement.

    The barrier generation device on the left shoulder and the right armored leg were damaged.

    It was impossible to move with full power, but she could still exhibit 70% of power.

    ¡¸Perhaps that¡¯s true.¡¹

    Yoruka whose armor was dispelled retreated unexpectedly easily.

    Without paused she walked toward Lisha¡¯s position and turned around toward Mishis.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s not a bad feeling, to be able to remove Aruji-sama¡¯s enemy even without being able to wield my own strength.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s one of my hand or leg, but do you think that the remaining girls can defeat me just from this little damage?¡¹

    When Mishis sent a calm gaze to Celis and Philuffy, Yoruka¡¯s lips loosened with a chuckle.

    ¡¸You are, the same like me in the past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    The line that Yoruka suddenly spoke caused Mishis to frown slightly.

    ¡¸You blindly believe in your mission, and polished up your skill like a single sacred sword along with an absolute self-confidence. Your steely determination surely won¡¯t yield no matter what stand in your way. But, you will lose against a feeling that is even stronger than that.¡¹

    ¡¸Just when I¡¯m wondering what you are going to say, it¡¯s only nonsense. If you yield only because of such insignificant thing, then it¡¯s only a proof of your immaturity.¡¹

    Mishis adjusted her stance, she changed the grip on her halberd and took a forward-bent posture.

    Lisha who saw that sensed a danger and quickly raised her voice.

    ¡¸Celis! Philuffy! Be careful! She is going into offense!¡¹

    Because the danger of Yoruka¡¯s Spell Code had gone, and then because there were only two remaining enemies, Mishis changed her fighting style.

    She changed her grip on the halberd from a short hold to make it easier to move the halberd with long handle flexibly, into a hold for large swing that could exhibit greater might.

    She finally moved to attack from her own initiative. Her stance was one to bring down the opponent.

    The next moment after Lisha sensed that, Azi Dahaka accelerated with a speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    Celis who fired lightning attack from the tip of her Lance flew back, but even though Mishis was hit by it, her halberd still struck in a sweeping blow.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-, u!¡¹

    Celis¡¯s armored arm immediately blocked it, but the blow could be felt through it into her chest. Celis¡¯s face distorted in pain.

    It was a power in the degree that instantly broke through the barrier.

    But, Mishis¡¯s Azi Dahaka also exposed a fatal opening for the first time.

    ¡¸Now airheaded girl! Bring down the maid!¡¹

    Lisha who saw that raised her voice even while shuddering.

    Drag-Ride that was hit by Celis¡¯s Lightning Flash would temporarily have its movement paralyzed and its power output would also decrease.

    Furthermore because Mishis had some of her body parts fused with the Drag-Ride using Full Connect, she would receive even more damage.

    If she was in the middle of the attack¡¯s effect, she wouldn¡¯t be able to activate Avesta.

    Thus it was a chance of the lifetime.

    Philuffy didn¡¯t overlook that and fired Pile Anchor, winding it around Azi Dahaka.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll kick, so be careful.¡¹

    Philuffy entangled the wire on the armor¡¯s four limbs and sealed the halberd¡¯s movement, at the same time she entered the stance for a spinning kick.

    She would roll the wire and dragged Azi Dahaka closer. When the kick blew away the opponent, Celis would also cooperate and dealt an attack to bring the enemy down.

    ¡¸Ei¡¹

    Instantly, Pile Anchor pulled Azi Dahaka closer with tremendous speed and Philuffy unleashed the spinning kick with all her strength in a counter.

    At that instant, Mishis who should be limp due to the lightning attack turned a cold eye glint toward Philuffy.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless no matter what you do! You won¡¯t make it in time until your Divine Raiment reactivate!¡¹

    Lisha who saw that gave a push to Philuffy with her words.

    To activate Divine Raiment, the concentration and Drag-Ride energy needed to do that were a lot more than doing other action.

    Even if for example Azi Dahaka¡¯s Divine Raiment would just barely make it in time, Philuffy¡¯s attack couldn¡¯t be defended anymore.

    When the full power kick from Typhon landed, Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor burst open.

    The three layer of tough barriers were broken through, and the front part of the armor was smashed apart.

    But, Philuffy herself was also blown backward at the same time as though she was affected by the recoil.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Lisha certainly saw it at that moment.

    The sight of the lapis lazuli colored shockwave that was emitted from Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor directly hitting Philuffy¡¯ armor.

    It wasn¡¯t Howling Roar.

    Mishis shouldn¡¯t even have time to fire that.

    ¡¸Most likely, it¡¯s the so called Reflector that we heard from them.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered without a single change in her expression. Lisha gasped and guessed the situation.

    The special armament of Azi Dahaka that they heard from Celis at the battle the other day.

    The internal device that unleashed shockwave as counter to the surrounding right after the attack landed.

    Because it was a type that activated automatically like Fafnir¡¯s Auto Shield, it was possible to activate it even in the instant where Mishis only barely recovered from the electric attack.

    ¡¸But, how can it has that much power when it¡¯s only an automatic counterattack!? Even Typhon is a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride! Its defensive strength is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right. But wasn¡¯t the opponent completely limp just now? It was in order to not use energy for other thing and focused only at the special armament.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? She predicted it? The exchange just now¡¹

    Lisha comprehended an instant after Yoruka pointed out.

    Originally the power of Reflector was quite strong, but in the end it was only to the degree to stop further attack from the enemy.

    But, if she discarded all other action from the beginning and focused the energy only into it, then it would be a different story.

    ¡¸When I and Krulcifer-san also attacked before this, the counterattack wasn¡¯t so strong, but that too was a preparatory steps for this.¡¹

    ¡¸Run away! Airheaded girl©¤©¤!¡¹

    LIsha who grasped the situation reflexively raised her voice.

    But, Philuffy too was unable to escape immediately.

    Because she was entangling Pile Anchor to Azi Dahaka¡¯s limbs, even though they were both blown away from each other, the chain stopped them midway.

    Right after the wire went taut and their motion halted to a standstill, Philuffy took off the wire in order to avoid Avesta. Azi Dahaka took that instantaneous opening and charged.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy who was unbalanced reacted by letting out a punch to meet her attack even then.

    But, she was a step short.

    The straight punch that was unleashed was dodged by Mishis who ducked low and her halberd hit Typhon¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aa, u¡¹

    There was a sound of metal crumpling.

    Typhon¡¯s armor was dispelled by the impact and Philuffy was sent flying to the back.

    ¡¸Philuffy!¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously yelled, but Philuffy put her own hand on the ground and then with a twirl she landed on her feet.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m fine. Typhon cannot be moved for a while but, I¡¯m alright.¡¹

    The attack didn¡¯t hit the person herself. In the end it seemed she was only sent flying by the inertia.

    In addition there was also the physical ability and agility of the person herself, so she avoided serious injury.

    Lisha who confirmed Philuffy¡¯s safety stroked her chest in relief.

    However, because the Force Core in the shoulder was hit strongly, Typhon¡¯s armor was automatically dispelled and she fell on one knee.

    And then, something even more terrifying that Philuffy¡¯s inability to keep fighting happened.

    ¡¸This is bad. Typhon was touched by Azi Dahaka for a full second.¡¹

    Yoruka smoothly muttered a dangerous matter with a composed tone.

    Until now they had concentrated all their nerves to at least prevent the plundering of their Divine Raiment, but with this even Typhon¡¯s Missing Faith was taken away after Tiamat¡¯s Suppressor.

    Only Celis alone was remaining, but she too couldn¡¯t be said to be in a perfect condition.

    Although each of her armaments was still going strong, she just got hit by Mishis¡¯s halberd before this.

    ¡¸Can she win? Against that coldblooded maid who has stole two Divine Raiment, at this rate©¤©¤¡¹

    At that time when Lisha¡¯s expression distorted in anguish, her shoulder was lightly tapped.

    Krulcifer who was laid down behind lifted her body and stood up even though she was sweating from her forehead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Let¡¯s believe in her.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer!? Never mind that, just sleep! With that body you cannot use©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I know. I won¡¯t move and I also won¡¯t force myself. I just want to watch with my own eye.¡¹

    Either way, the match would be decided by the next exchange.

    If Celis couldn¡¯t defeat Mishis, at that moment that would be the end of their fate.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. It will be a loss to miss watching this.¡¹

    Yoruka nodded in agreement. She continued her words with her usual smile.

    ¡¸Our victory from everything that we have accumulated until now©¤©¤¡¹

    Her gaze was quietly directed toward Celis who was readying her Lance.

    ¡¸Have you resolved yourself? You have lost even the one in ten thousand chances of victory right now.¡¹

    Mishis asserted with a cool expression and brandished her halberd.

    Azi Dahaka was greatly damaged from her fight against Philuffy, but her procurement of Missing Faith, the Divine Raiment neutralization ability was greater still.

    In addition Celis¡¯s Lindwurm wasn¡¯t undamaged.

    When the aspect of each side¡¯s stamina was also included, it appeared that Mishis was still the one with far greater advantage.

    But, there was no hesitation in the face of Celis who was the last one remaining.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m finally able to see the chance of victory. Thanks to everyone risking their life to build it, I¡¯m able to discover it.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so you are misunderstanding. Thinking that you can possibly win against this me just because Azi Dahaka¡¯s spec is somewhat weakened©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after Mishis laughed down Celis like that, Azi Dahaka skated forward once more.

    Celis dodged with an arching trajectory while intercepting using Lightning Flash, even so a twisting sweeping attack of the halberd smashed apart a part of Celis¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸The energy from your Drag-Ride is taken away again by Avesta. With this I¡¯m also above you in stamina.¡¹

    Celis was silent against that.

    She only adjusted her breathing quietly and gaze at Mishis.

    ¡¸It looks like you have no intention to recognize your defeat. I will give praise to that mental strength at least.¡¹

    Mishis was going to close the distance once more, it was then Celis activated Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Divine Gate.

    A territory of light with a radius of several dozen ml with Celis at the center was created. Instant teleportation was performed within that territory.

    That power that could build up overwhelming advantage in offense and defense was erased by the black surge that was emitted from Azi Dahaka.

    ¡¸Missing Faith¡­¡­the Divine Raiment she stole from Typhon was instantly activated!?¡¹

    That Divine Raiment gave a large burden even to the original user Philuffy. It consumed stamina and mental strength drastically.

    It was something so difficult to use that Philuffy was barely able to use it by borrowing the strength of Abyss, but using Full Connect, it wasn¡¯t difficult for Mishis with all the energy she had plundered in this fight.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Haaah!¡¹

    Celis seemed to have predicted even the negation of her Divine Raiment. She reacted even then and threw the Dagger she took out.

    Mishis deflected it with her halberd. Celis used the opening and unleashed a thrust in a flash©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸Lindwurm¡¯s output is also falling with the surge just now you know? Do you think you will be able to surpass me with speed?¡¹

    *GAKIIN!*, the lance was swept aside by the halberd. Celis along with Lindwurm staggered.

    But, she immediately recovered her balance and escaped from pursuing attack.

    ¡¸You are still holding out like this means that you are wishing to be tortured to death aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Mishis approached even more and struck with consecutive attacks of her halberd.

    After thrusting up, she doubled the weight of her weapon with Suppressor and swung down. She twisted her body to dodge and then rotated to perform a sweeping blow.

    Lindwurm¡¯s barrier was easily pierced and its armor was crumbling down in the blink of eye.

    Even so no despair could be seen in Celis¡¯s expression.

    She made it so the part that came into contact with the enemy was few. She made use of the spear¡¯s length and exchanged spear fight from mid-range.

    She skillfully manipulated the huge Lance and targeted Azi Dahaka¡¯s shoulder. At that moment, a territory of light was deployed to the surrounding.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, it was finally stolen!? Even Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment!¡¹

    Lisha who saw that shuddered and yelled.

    Celis seemed to have predicted it and immediately flew behind.

    Toward the mountain of rubbles of the destroyed old castle.

    If there was a wall behind her, there would be no attack came from behind using instant teleportation. It became a countermeasure against Divine Gate after a fashion.

    ©¤©¤But, that instant. Super gravity from Suppressor attacked the area where Celis was running to.

    *BAKIKIKIKII-!* The foothold rubbles that projected the castle town was smashed and Lindwurm¡¯s armored leg sank down.

    ¡¸Checkmate. O powerful warrior of this era, this is farewell.¡¹

    Mishis who was convinced of victory unleashed a full power thrust with her halberd. Celis muttered at that instant.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The energy that was focused in the head part of Drag-Ride became a vortex of shockwave that was liberated out.

    Even though her movement was sealed by gravity, even though she couldn¡¯t use Divine Raiment, if it was just the basic function of Drag-Ride, it could be activated without any hindrance.

    Although Mishis who was taken by surprise had her momentum reduced, she was still forcing her way through using her barrier as shield.

    Mishis forcefully screwed in the thrust from all her strength, at the same time the counter from Celis¡¯s Lance also stabbed Azi Dahaka¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸She¡¯s defeated!? No, is it a draw!?¡¹

    Lisha yelled, at the sasme time Celis¡¯s Lance emitted lightning.

    ¡¸Double layered little trick at this point of time, that¡¯s quite something.¡¹

    Mishis pulled away her halberd with a wry smile, dispelled the gravity force, and took her distance.

    The flash from the lightning attack that Lightning Lance fired.

    Just before their attack crossed each other, the flash blinded Mishis¡¯s eyes and Celis barely dodged the opponent¡¯s thrust.

    Celis cut her way through the absolutely deathly predicament with only two tactics.

    ¡¸But, is there any meaning in resisting like this? The energy of your Drag-Ride is stolen by Avesta each time we performed an exchange. Now that it is one-on-one, you won¡¯t win without landing a sure kill attack on me.¡¹

    ¡¸It seems so. ©¤©¤Then, perhaps I¡¯ll land one.¡¹

    And then, Celis removed a part of her armor that was ruined.

    ¡¸Break Purge©¤©¤. Leaving behind only the minimum propulsion frame and armor, Celis¡¯s suicide attack huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha who knew that style was letting out cold sweat seeing Celis¡¯s form.

    Break Purge that was originally a basic technique was sublimed by Celis until it became an original technique that was only hers.

    The armor was lightened by discarding everything except to the utmost limits. The places where energy was distributed were also reduced, increasing the attack power.

    As the compensation for the increase in power and speed, the defensive power was greatly reduced.

    If she fully received an attack by Divine Drag-Ride in that state, she wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid instant death.

    If it was Mishis who thoroughly knew about Drag-Ride¡¯s trait and function, surely it would be possible for her to deal even Celis¡¯s suicide attack style.

    She closed the distance gradually with an expression of mask that was the same like until now.

    The abilities of Divine Raiment that she stole using Avesta already reached saturated state.

    Even if she was going to absorb energy from Lindwurm until it was dried up, with how thin its armor had became, she would have to get closer to absorb the energy.

    It would be the final exchange that would be done in the range of sure-kill.

    Mishis who saw that the end wa near silently asked.

    It wasn¡¯t a diversion to make an opening, or a mental attack to shaken up the enemy. Words naturally welled up from inside herself that was covered behind the mask.

    ¡¸It¡¯s splendid. Battle skill and physical strength that are polished until that far, and then your mental strength. They are worthy of praise. But, you are not a match against me. After all I am a Key¡¯s Supervisor who is shouldering the mission of serving the lord from a thousand years ago. I am the only imperial guard of the imperial princess.¡¹

    She spoke out her belief was also to strengthen herself by applying self-suggestion.

    Azi Dahaka was also damaged here and there, but it still could move enough as she wished.

    ©¤©¤She could defeat the opponent. She would defeat the opponent.

    Mishis gazed at her opponent with eyes that were filled with a will of steel.

    The Drag-Knight Girl who she should respect, for being the first person who fought her until this far.

    ¡¸In the end, is it really just as you say?¡¹

    Celis spoke her words straightforwardly, then she threw three Daggers midair and immediately flew forward.

    Because she had removed part of her armor, she manifested an acceleration that was double than before.

    She unleashed a downward thrust from midair, with her momentum behind it.

    ¡¸Just what are you planning©¤©¤? Divine gate!¡¹

    In respond Mishis activated the stolen Lindwurm¡¯s Divine Raiment and instantly circled behind Celis.

    She let out a swing with all her strength to the defenseless back. In that instant, Daggers were falling before her eyes.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­! You predicted that I will circle behind you!?¡¹

    Mishis whose attention was taken by the Daggers for only slightly stopped moving her hand.

    Celiss turned around at that opening and her Lance danced.

    Once, twice, thrice.

    The shoulder that lost the barrier generation device due to Krulcifer¡¯s sniping, the armored leg that was damaged by Yoruka¡¯s katana, the joints of the armored arms, and each weak spots were stabbed consecutively.

    Mishis was flustered by the unleashed fierce attack that was like a heavy rain, even so Mishis didn¡¯t fall behind.

    Full Connect partly integrated her body with Drag-Ride, she could control her Drag-Ride with the same sensation like it was her own body.

    She accomplished a unity of man and machine and also had a complete grasp of Lindwurm¡¯s movement. She had no blind spot.

    ¡¸Looks like you have toyed with various strategy, but in close-quarter combat, winning against this me©¤©¤¡¹

    A shock ran through the expression of Mishis who handled all the thrusts and backed away.

    Right after that, the armor that covered the four limbs of Azi Dahaka crumbled down in pieces.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Did the attacks, hit? How©¤©¤. I certainly have, dodged, them¡­¡­¡¹

    The tip of Celis¡¯s Lance that lunged out in godspeed slipped through Mishis¡¯s defense and shaved out Mishis¡¯s armor with certainty.

    Through that Azi Dahaka¡¯s solid armor was also weakened.

    ¡¸What is going on¡­¡­? How is Celis¡¯s attack starting to hit?¡¹

    Lisha who was looking from the side was also similarly bewildered.

    In the place of Philuffy and Krulcifer who were also looking dumbfounded toward that sight, Yoruka silently took up the role of explaining.

    ¡¸It¡¯s simple. She is only reading the breathing of the opponent. Just like how Aruji-sama saw through the opponent¡¯s preliminary motion when attacking©¤©¤, she too is hammering in her lance while seeing through the opponent¡¯s defense.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ©¤©¤Breath.

    That was the conduct of the flesh body that would surely appear on the surface in the middle of offense and defense that were carried out in full strength.

    Celis foresighted the timing and strength of breathing that Mishis performed, from there she predicted the opponent¡¯s movement in general and reacted to it.

    Mishis who heard that muttered with disbelieving look.

    ¡¸Impossible. I have finished training day after day to master control so that my breathing won¡¯t be read and the like. For me who am able to obtain the data of all Drag-Ride to fall behind you is just©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, you are wrong. Even Drag-Ride is something that human control. No matter what habit and personality will be mixed in it. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis gazed straightforwardly to Mishis with an aloof gaze and declared.

    Yes.

    For Drag-Ride user at Mishis¡¯s level, they surely would have finished revising their movement so it would be extremely hard to predict their movement and habit from their piloting.

    But, in the end it was something that only within Mishis¡¯s own comprehension.

    The body that became markedly fatigued through consecutive battle against formidable enemy wouldn¡¯t move like normal no matter what.

    Until now she had never faced a Drag-Knight stronger than her, no, far from that there wasn¡¯t even any Drag-Knight who could match her.

    Therefore Celis won against her in the strength of predicting the enemy in a battle against Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸You are an Anti Drag-Knight, but even though you can perfectly predict Drag-Ride¡¯s movement, you are unable to learn as far as the person¡¯s habit. In your Full Connect state, the more you align your flesh body with the Drag-Ride©¤©¤, the more it become easier for me to predict your movement.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fusing a part of the body with Drag-Ride brought many advantage, at the same time it was also a double-edged sword.

    The endlessly swift and precise control©¤©¤and then the sharing of senses caused the body¡¯s information to be conveyed through the Drag-Ride even more.

    Mishis thought that her habit was hidden even then.

    She didn¡¯t notice until now, until she encountered an equally powerful person.

    ¡¸Such thing¡­¡­is impossible. For me, to be defeated, by Drag-Knight©¤©¤!¡¹

    Mishis activated Avesta as though to deny Celis¡¯s words.

    Next she wouldn¡¯t use it to steal ability, but she would pour her everything to plunder only the opponent¡¯s energy.

    She would steal all of Lindwurm¡¯s energy. Even if she was losing in the exchange of close-quarter combat, she would dispel the Drag-Ride armor itself.

    ¡¸Celis!¡¹

    Lisha who saw Azi Dahaka charging forward fiercely raised an agitated voice.

    In respond Celis deeply readied her Lance.

    An instant before she and Mishis clashed, a scene of her with Lux was resurrected at the back of her mind.

    The memory of her who was training alone everyday because she was too strong and the young man who would accompany her sometimes in such training.

    ¡¸Mishis V Xfer. Your strength on the whole is far above mine.¡¹

    Within an instant, various memories rushed inside Celis¡¯s chest.

    The Anti Drag-Knight who devoted her everything to her mission and pedigree, polishing her skill until she could boast as the strongest.

    If they fought fairly©¤©¤no, even if the five of them challenged her with perfect condition, originally they still wouldn¡¯t have any chance of victory.

    But, there was the existence of the sixth person with Celis and others.

    ©¤©¤No. That existence was far more bigger, greater.

    She met with Lux, and fought him.

    She became able to interact with everyone in the Academy little by little, she learned and accepted a lot of things.

    She was freed from her chain, the righteousness and self-sacrifice that she was obsessed with, and she was made to grow.

    Exactly because of that, the current Celis could see Mishis¡¯s weak point.

    (Lux. I¡¯m really glad I could meet you. I¡¯m grateful. That¡¯s why, let¡¯s meet again. At that time surely, my feeling will©¤©¤)

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Mishis¡¯s halberd that was mowing down in order to sever the torso with a flash came after she drew back the shoulders and elbows of her armored arms until the farthest limit of Azi Dahaka¡¯s mobility.

    At the same time she activated Avesta to the maximum output.

    If the attack hit, it would destroy the target while stealing the energy of the Drag-Ride thoroughly at the same time.

    Celis who flew forward as though to respond to that didn¡¯t take evasive action.

    But, in that instant. Mishis saw something unexpected and her eyes snapped wide open.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Partial, deployment?¡¹

    Tuning©¤©¤.

    Using the Sword Device to intervene into Drag-Ride¡¯s system.

    But, what Celis was using wasn¡¯t a special technique like Singlen¡¯s Senjin.

    Everything other than her Lance, back wings, and shoulder armor was dispelled, transforming the shape into even further suicide attack form.

    If the remaining energy of Lindwurm was few, then she would concentrate it even more focused part and increased the strength.

    The body of Celis that accelerated until the limit turned into an arrow of light that pierced through Mishis.

    ¡¸Mishis. Because you are a natural Drag-Knight, you are unable to become used to a battle against human. ©¤©¤The same like me in the past. I who was too scared to get involved with someone else.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The exchange with Celis that was even less than an instant.

    During that instant, Mishis was caught into an illusion of hearing words that she should be unable to hear.

    When she noticed, the armored arm of Azi Dahaka that was swinging the halberd broke, and the Lance deeply pierced into her armor.

    ¡¸Ah©¤©¤¡¹

    High voltage electricity pierced Mishis¡¯s body, burning her nerves through the part of the Drag-Ride that was fused with her body.

    At the same time Celis who got hit by the halberd also received the aftermath of the impact and she was blown away.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Celis!¡¹

    Lisha pushed through her fatigue and dashed.

    Celis received the enemy¡¯s attack in the form where her armor was removed to the utmost limit.

    Even her pilot suit was half destroyed by the impact. It wasn¡¯t likely that she was alive.

    Krulcifer thought so and she looked down with a grieving expression, but Philuffy and Yoruka were calm.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. She is alive.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, though it looks like her dominant arm is broken, so I don¡¯t think she can fight for now.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Krulcifer looked forward following the two¡¯s voice, there was the figure of Celis who was held up in Lisha¡¯s arms, smiling even while wheezing in pain.

    ¡¸How? Even though she received such an attack from that close.¡¹

    ¡¸My? That¡¯s a line that is unlike you. Well, it also can¡¯t be helped if a master of long range sniping is estranged from the advantage of close range weapon.¡¹

    Krulcifer tilted her head in puzzlement hearing Yoruka¡¯s words, but her doubt was cleared after a few seconds.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, at the end she was rushing forward herself was for such thing?¡¹

    An attack would display its maximum strength not when it was just getting unleashed, but when it arrived at the target.

    The joints of the armored arm that propagated the momentum of the flying, the tip of the halberd that hit the target were exactly where the destructive force was gathered.

    If the distance was closed far before the attack arrived, at the time when the attack was unleashed, then attack power of Mishis¡¯s Azi Dahaka would also be halved.

    The counter technique Critical Hit that Lux used with Scale Blade.

    It was applied into Celis¡¯s spear technique.

    It was a terrifying method where she accelerated herself even further to defeat the enemy.

    ¡¸The halberd¡¯s blade only touched Lindwurm¡¯s back wing, the handle part simply bashed the shoulder. She received damage from the impact, but it wasn¡¯t deathly.¡¹

    After Yoruka said that, Krulcifer leaked out a relieved sigh.

    And then at the spot where Mishis was blown away to, she was collapsing face up with her armor dispelled.

    Because she was in Full Connect state, the electric shock from the spear burned her flesh body.

    Even if she had stamina remaining, her muscles were surely paralyzed and she couldn¡¯t move satisfactorily for a while.

    She was moving a trembling hand toward her chest, but it was already impossible for her to fight.

    ¡¸Even so, you are being really open with us aren¡¯t you? Are you that worried about Celis-senpai I wonder?¡¹

    When Krulcifer made fun of Yoruka who was unusually looking relieved,

    ¡¸Of course. After all she is superior as a womb to conceive Aruji-sama¡¯s heir. It will affect my dignity if she is lost here.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Just when she thought whether Yoruka had feeling of fellowship budding inside her, it was the usual Yoruka. Krulcifer was exasperated.

    Although, it was great that they could win in this battle.

    Crushing Mishis who was the enemy¡¯s greatest fighting strength surely made the faction of world alliance greatly closer to victory.

    The remaining concern was only Listelka and Fugil, and then Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go, we need to treat the injury properly.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Also let¡¯s also treat Mishis and bind her. She too will become prisoner©¤©¤¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer nodded at Philuffy¡¯s words and looked forward. Right after that.

    She could see Mishis moving her trembling hand and brought a horn flute to her mouth.

    Yoruka immediately started running, but she was too late.

    ©¤©¤*iiiIII-*, the sound of horn flute resounded in the area. One of the angel type Abyss grasped Mishis and took her away.

    Looking at how her four limbs were dangling down limply, it seemed that was the best that she could do.

    The Abyss that was hiding behind the arena wasn¡¯t moving until now was for the sake of escaping when an unexpected situation happened by any chance.

    ¡¸©¤©¤She got away. We too are in a state that cannot wear Drag-Ride, so there was also the possibility of her telling the Abyss to attack though.¡¹

    ¡¸Among us, there are several people who seem like they can fight against Abyss even without Drag-Ride after all. I think that was a wise decision that she made there.¡¹

    It was regrettable that Mishis escaped, but surely Mishis wouldn¡¯t be able to fight properly for a while. And it was useless even if they were feeling regret in this situation.

    Right now they could only share happiness that all of them were able to survive safely.

    ¡¸Looks like Celis fainted, but she is safe. Let¡¯s take a bit of break. Also, it will depend on Yoruka but, when Yato no Kami recover to a usable degree, can you search the surrounding for us? I want to join up with Lux¡¯s little sister and the Triad soon and entrust Celis to them.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine. Honestly speaking I want to fall asleep like this but, we still haven¡¯t obtain Avalon yet.¡¹

    The five comrade in arms flopped down in a circle and looked up to the sky.

    They basked themselves in the victory that was grasped by their effort together while thinking and praying for the safety of a young man.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! Mishis¡¯s return is late. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible but, could it be she is defeated?¡¹

    On the other side, the south section of Arcadia imperial capital.

    In front of the castle gate of the castle town that was projected at the abandoned capital, Listelka was breathing roughly.

    She was the first imperial princess of the Lord, and also the shrine maiden of oracle. She knew beforehand about the trials for the sake of obtaining Avalon.

    By touching the clones of Automata Arshalia that appeared in a total of seven places, one would receive three trials.

    The first trial put a burden on the person¡¯s mind, a ceremony to display the person¡¯s power of resistance.

    By enduring through it, the person could obtain the effect of preventing the mental disorder when Elixir was administered into them.

    The second trial was a direct administering of Elixir into the person.

    By strengthening both mind and flesh, the person would obtain the ability to control the mechanism in central.

    At present Listelka had also finished the second trial safely and she was taking rest like this.

    She deliberately headed to the castle gate where there was no sign of people in order to avoid contact with enemy.

    She was able to predict that if the other group realized the pattern of where the clones of Arshalia were located, they would search the important locations.

    Thus, Listelka who understood the terrain took advantage of that and went here along with Fugil.

    ¡¸She is a legendary heroic figure even among the Key¡¯s Supervisor. No one would be here match no matter who.¡¹

    Fugil responded to Listelka with unchanging thin smile.

    The pure white imperial princess let out a long sigh, then she leaned the back of her head on Fugil¡¯s chest.

    ¡¸Do you feel disdain to me? That I am a cowardly imperial princess. I am the shrine maiden of oracle, the current imperial princess of Arcadia Empire, in spite of that I¡¯m doing various underhanded things.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Until this point Listelka did her best that she even threw away her shame.

    In order to conquer the Ruins, she asked for the cooperation of the world alliance while betraying htem, she used the life of the third daughter Hayes as disposable piece, and she also put the second daughter Aeril into a trap.

    She introduced herself as an absolute ruler while building her advantage using schemes where she didn¡¯t care of the means she chose.

    Despite that, she was forced back at the previous battle and even now she was only barely holding out.

    Even sending Mishis as an assassin while Fugil was guarding her was because she was fearing the strength of the world alliance in her heart.

    She was still holding advantage in the aspect of information, but that too was only at the level that could be easily overturned by luck or coincidence.

    Exactly because she understood that, she was leaning on Fugil to rely on him.

    ¡¸Fugil. Am I managing this skillfully? As a descendant of the Holy Arcadia Empire, as someone who shoulder everyone¡¯s hope, am I accomplishing my mission well?¡¹

    The girl slowly closed her eyes and reconfirmed her own feeling.

    What surfaced at the back of her mind was the past memory that was resurrected in the second trial just now.

    And then now, she was thinking back upon the tragedy as though tracing the negative history of the empire.

    Before Listelka and others went into sleep, the rebels, the family of traitor obtained Drag-Rides for some reason and caused uprising everywhere. Their momentum was rapidly increasing.

    They attacked all the mansions of the wealthy people living in the imperial capital, and finally the royalty and nobility were massacred. Such sight was burned into the eyes of her young self.

    Even though the Lord had developed Drag-Ride and Elixir along with the Key¡¯s Supervisor©¤©¤monopolized them and carried out a perfect ruling, yet how?

    Listelka separated her face from Fugil¡¯s chest and muttered while staring at the surrounding.

    ¡¸How, could that kind of insurrection occur? According to a theory, at that time, it seemed there was a mysterious agitator who was allied with the family of traitor.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The White Hero. It seemed that following the legend of the far away past, that person at that time was called like that. To call the person who ruined us who was living in peace as a messiah or the like, what a selfish story. Really©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka only said that and took a deep breath.

    And then, she embraced herself and trembled.

    Her other memory was from a thousand year at minimum after that.

    The case when she was awoken from the high performance hibernation pod she was sleeping in.

    Listelka who was sleeping in the Ark was accidentally discovered by the investigation team of the old empire. Her brethrens and servants who also had just woken up were slaughtered.

    When she was in despair that the family of traitor from a thousand year ago was descending on them even at this era, Fugil saved Listelka.

    He killed all the troops of Arcadia Empire that was in that place.

    After getting saved, Listelka who was heavily wounded was put into sleep once more along with medical treatment. Aeril and Hayes who were relatively safe each spent their time along with Mishis to investigate the outer world.

    In the end, Hayes who was holding grudge to the rulers and Arcadia Empire that were infesting this world started violating Listelka¡¯s command. She ran ahead and rampaged with her secret maneuvers behind the scene.

    After that, Listelka woke up once more and they arrived at the present.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It seems I will be able to move soon. We have to head to the last trial.¡¹

    Listelka lifted up her face and said that with a smile.

    The last, the third trial was©¤©¤to face one¡¯s own ability.

    There was a record that when they next time exchanged a contract with the main body of the Automata, Sacred Eclipse would appear.

    When the person could make it obey, the path to obtain Avalon would be opened.

    Inside her heart Listelka felt a question of why Sacred Eclipse that would destroy the world was also having this kind of role.

    Was its ability to read human¡¯s heart and changed appearance into other person using its mimicry was for this from the beginning? No, or perhaps©¤©¤.

    It was pointless to keep thinking about it.

    It was fine if she clarified the remaining puzzle when she arrived at the center of Avalon.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll be relying on you Fugil. If Sacred Eclipse attack, please take care of it. I¡¯ll manage somehow with the trial other than that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Everything will be as your highness will it.¡¹

    ¡¸Geez, please stop acting so stiff at least in this kind of time. It¡¯s finally just the two of us alone after all¡­¡­. Though I feel bad for Mishis who is working hard.¡¹

    Although Listelka puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction, her tone was gentle.

    ¡¸It will be fine. No matter what kind of trial is waiting, I will surely overcome them if you are with me.¡¹

    Listelka whispered the words of trust and she entangled her fingers with the hand of her imperial guard knight.

    The last battle was approaching near.

    ¨C

    Around that time, in the royal castle of Marcafal Kingdom.

    Inside a stone corridor that was cold and dark, two men were standing while talking.

    One of them was a young man who gave intellectual impression from his appearance©¤©¤the aide of Queen Raffi of new kingdom, Prime Minister Nulph.

    Across from him was a man in his prime of life with finely chiseled features, Dist Ralgris.

    He was one of the great feudal lords that were called as the four great nobles since the era of the old empire. His imposing bearing was oozing out the dignity of someone with long military experience.

    In fact, it was this man with abundant experience who was coordinating the expeditionary force of new kingdom this time, but at the surface Prime Minister Nulph was the one who was taking command.

    ¡¸I have given you troubles at that time. My thanks for yielding the full authority of the alliance army to me. I¡¯m sorry that I was giving unreasonable command.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s no problem. It was a natural demand thinking from your position.¡¹

    When Prime Minister Nulph bowed his head, Dist shook his head with his stern expression.

    ¡¸It will affect the honor of new kingdom¡¯s existing regime if I who am a representative of the four great nobles take command. It is only a natural consideration toward her majesty the queen.¡¹

    The relationship of the new kingdom and the four great nobles was well-known even in other countries.

    After the old empire crumbled, the great feudal lords, the four great nobles¡¯ authority turned stronger.

    If Dist was the one who took command instead of Queen Raffi, it was the same like openly showing the lack of her unifying force as a queen.

    Therefore, Queen Raffi maintained her dignity in the form of her aide Prime Minister Nulph accepting the right of command.

    ¡¸Is her majesty¡¯s condition all right, Prime Minister Nulph?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, the medicine I gave her majesty has a strong calming effect. Her majesty is tired from the consecutive meetings, so currently I¡¯m asking her majesty to rest in her room.¡¹

    The royal capital of Marcafal Kingdom.

    The sovereigns of each country who evacuated safely until the royal castle received cordial welcome and took rest.

    The elite force of the alliance had been devastated, the main force that the countries wrung out was mostly collapsed.

    It was a state where they could only leave the capture of Avalon wholly to the Seven Dragon Paladins, even so there was still a mountain of work to do.

    Realistically©¤©¤or perhaps it should be called as having no integrity, even in this situation where it concerned the fate of the world, a ruler had to constantly think about the matter after it too.

    Meetings with the assumption that the world was saved and Avalon was obtained were being held continuously even now at present.

    ¡¸The sharing of Avalon¡¯s technologies in case it is obtained, the establishment of alliance relationship for several years from now©¤©¤it¡¯s only appropriate. The damage was this great. We had lost many Drag-Knights that we had painstakingly raised and also a lot of Drag-Rides. Now the situation is becoming one where great anxiety is remaining, for example the threat of external enemy like the Dragon Marauder, or the national defense against Abyss that appear from the Ruins.¡¹

    Nulph also nodded toward Dist¡¯s opinion.

    ¡¸Besides, due to the series of news that were broadcasted by the Shadows dispatched by Listelka, dissatisfaction is heightening within a part of the new kingdom. The faction from the old era is saying that the current Queen Raffi cannot deal with the danger.¡¹

    ¡¸What a self-serving bunch. Even though they were expressing that much dissatisfaction toward the ruling system of the old empire.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re correct. But the populace is a selfish bunch, while politician is a greedy being. This time, from the result the new kingdom has lost much battle force and borrowed the strength of the four great nobles. On top of that the failure of the queen is being broadcasted within the country.¡¹

    When Nulph said that with a slightly pained expression, Dist stared at empty air and said briefly.

    ¡¸But, this time it cannot be helped. No matter who is the king, there will be a limit no matter how hard they work.¡¹

    ¡¸That is the reality. However those who received loss will seek someone to take responsibility. If for example the world destruction is stopped but we don¡¯t obtain enough recompense from Avalon, while a lot of troops and the people¡¯s asset are lost©¤©¤¡¹

    The result would be Raffi¡¯s position as queen would be degraded by the detractors within the country.

    At the very least the consuls who belonged to old empire faction would take advantage of this chance to make a comeback.

    If that happened, in not too long a new seed of war might be born within the new kingdom.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s still only five years since the destruction of the old empire. Inviting that kind of civil war isn¡¯t a profitable plan. We have to arrange something that can convince the populace as well as the consuls, in order to heal the wound this time too.¡¹

    ¡¸So that is what you want to consult with me, prime minister-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I told my subordinates to clear out the people from here. Our talk won¡¯t be overheard by anyone here.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph lowered his tone by a degree and his expression tensed.

    He was going to start a discussion that would be bad if it was overheard.

    Dist Ralgris also guessed Nulph¡¯s intention.

    Thus he kept quiet and waited for the continuation of the words.

    ¡¸Lord Dist. I want to ask you to put in a good word for me to the four great nobles. While the influence of the great man Count Atismata still exist, I want you to nominate me as the new king.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Dist kept silent hearing the words of the young prime minister.

    The ulterior motives of the statesmen were squirming behind the scene of the battle where the fate of the world was at stake.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Does the second trial finished with this? How are you feeling, your highness?¡¹(Magialca)

    ¡¸I¡¯m feeling a little bad but, I¡¯m fine. I think I will be able to move after resting for a few minutes.¡¹

    On the other hand, the second team of alliance army.

    The team of six people that was centered around the Lord Aeril, then Greifer, Mel, Soffice, Rosa, and Magialca was smoothly finishing the second trial©¤©¤the Baptism.

    With this, finally there was only the third trial remaining.

    ¡¸For the situation to go so smoothly until this far gives me a bad premonition instead. ©¤©¤It feels like something will happen.¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you are the youngest, don¡¯t fan up anxiety like that yeah. You¡¯re a twisted brat like usual.¡¹

    Mel was staring at the sky anxiously. Beside her, Greifer showed a sullen face.

    Right now the two of them weren¡¯t wearing Divine Drag-Ride.

    Their strategy was to constantly have two people preserving hteir stamina while no enemy was confirmed.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this first but, I wasn¡¯t saying that without any basis at all you know? After all it can be imagined if you are following the scene of the castle town from before this.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you meaan?¡¹

    Rosa kept a smile on her face and tilted her head questioningly at Mel¡¯s muttering.

    ¡¸This projected scene, if it¡¯s the history of Arcadia Empire, then why is it showed to us¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril answered that by talking to herself.

    ¡¸More importantly, there. It¡¯s Lux¡¯s team. It looks like they are heading behind the castle just now.¡¹

    Soffice muttered. She was gazing at the castle far away.

    It was hard to see the other side of the building, but angel type Abysses were circling around and descended to the inside.

    ¡¸Do you have some idea about that, Lord? Do you have memory stopping by in that place?¡¹(Magialca)

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is an imperial tomb there. I don¡¯t remember going there a lot. I don¡¯t think there is anything there but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But, the Automata is at important locations right? That means, it¡¯s possible you can find the third trial there ain¡¯t it?¡¹

    When Aeril was looking troubled, Greifer spoke his opinion casually.

    ¡¸Right. It¡¯s just as you say but, for now there is no need to go there. Let¡¯s approach just barely and then wait.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you mean?¡¹

    Mel tilted her head at Magialca¡¯s instruction.

    ¡¸You will get it soon. We have to ascertain that guy¡¯s movement¡­¡­besides©¤©¤, it¡¯s not just you who is playing with plan you know, you snob.¡¹

    After Magialca muttered suggestively, they approached toward the imperial tomb. There the radar of Magialca¡¯s EX Drake showed a reaction.

    ¡¸You can come out you Lords. It¡¯s pointless to hide after this far right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    With that sentence, tension ran among the Seven Dragon Paladins including Aeril.

    After a slight delay, Listelka showed her figure from the shadow of the castle wall.

    ¡¸When I have been preparing numerous strategies, unexpectedly none is going well. I wish to obtain the power of Avalon quickly, so that this kind of thing won¡¯t happen.¡¹

    ¡¸I also wish the same. We didn¡¯t plan to fight but©¤©¤well, we have prepared beforehand to do so.¡¹

    When Magialca gazed at behind the castle, Arshalia appeared once more at the entrance of the imperial tomb that was colored with vibrant green.

    Right after that, the figure of Lux and Singlen that could be seen from afar disappeared.

    ¡¸After all it looks like for the third trial, the revival of Sacred Eclipse will be necessary. It will still take time until it appears as scheduled right? That was why you deliberately yielded the path to the control room that is connected to the central to Lux¡¯s group instead.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. Well you are right. I too was going to attack at the last moment just like you but, Sacred Eclipse that is just revived won¡¯t come here. It also doesn¡¯t look like there will be extension of time to wait until Mishis return. Therefore©¤©¤let¡¯s settle this ahead of time.¡¹

    Right after Listelka muttered keenly, Fugil wearing Bahamut moved to stand in front of her.

    ¡¸Nee-san¡­¡­¡¹

    At that time when Aeril and also other Seven Dragon Paladins took their stance and confronted the opponent tensely, the surrounding space distorted, and a girl appeared between them.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? Who are you?¡¹

    When Magialca reacted promptly and asked, the girl who was wearing a robe that was dyed with blood spurt lifted her face.

    ¡¸Hayes¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Aeril and Listelka were bewildered at the familiar face, the girl silently took off her hood and grinned.

    ¨C

    ¡¸This place, just where©¤©¤?¡¹

    When Lux gasped in surprise, the unfamiliar space spread out.

    A large room with silver smooth wall.

    Inside, several mechanical pillars that resembled the interior of Ruins were laid out over and over again.

    At the center of the room, the Automata Arshalia was standing. Beside her there was also Singlen clad in Leviathan.

    Until now, everything was only projection of the past buildings laid out on the abandoned capital Guernica.

    However right now there was a sense of reality.

    This place wasn¡¯t fake, they were inside a real building.

    ¡¸There is no Listelka or Fugil here. Don¡¯t tell me, we are the one who reached to the central first?¡¹

    In the first place, it would be sufficient if any of the three teams gained control of the central. Their objective might be in the process of completion like this.

    But, even though they had overtaken Fugil¡¯s group, an anxiousness was rapidly bloating up inside Lux.

    ¡¸Great work accomplishing the previous two trials, Lux Arcadia-sama. Now I will give the explanation about the true ability of Avalon and about Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    The Automata was starting to talk with a gentle and bright tone.

    This time it wasn¡¯t a clone that was made from nanomachine, it seemed it was the real Gear Leader.

    Lux who saw that silently dispelled Wyvern¡¯s armor and switched to Bahamut.

    ¡¸Hou? What are you planning wearing armor before the trial?¡¹

    ¡¸Because I don¡¯t know what will happen.¡¹

    Lux responded avoidantly to the high-handed words of Singlen.

    Arshalia¡¯s words were continuing even then.

    ¡¸Why were trials given repeatedly until this point? That is because the person who obtains Avalon will obtain the power to overturn and rule this world. Therefore, the number of people who know about the true nature of Avalon has to be very few. Well then from here, I will prepare the last trial.¡¹

    ©¤©¤*VVRN!*

    Right after her voice, the surrounding mechanical pillars were squirming and pulling back.

    The moment a spacious space was created, Lux turned around while slashing at the same time.

    ©¤©¤*GIIN!*

    High-pitched sound of clashing swords resounded. Sparks scattered fiercely before his eyes.

    Lux¡¯s great sword and Singlen¡¯s Blade crossed each other. They were trembling while the equilibrium of strength was maintained.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What are you doing chore boy? Are you planning to betray us and the world alliance after this far?¡¹

    Singlen asked with a haughty grin.

    Lux sharply narrowed his eyes and glared back at the enemy before him.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t play stupid. How dare you harmed Airi and the Triad.¡¹

    Lux poured even more strength and pushed back the Blade.

    Singlen shifted his blade and parried it, then he leaped back and took distance.

    The Dragon Voice that came from Lolotte just now included image recording and information report.

    Singlen instructed Zweigbergk to capture Airi as hostage.

    And also how in order to protect Airi, the Triad were seriously injured.

    Therefore before Lux would perform the last trial, he took the first move to start the fight.

    ¡¸You are an impulsive man like usual. I didn¡¯t particularly attempt to kidnap your little sister, those girls only met painful experience because they were resisting.¡¹

    ¡¸Enough with the nonsense!¡¹

    The control room of the central area where countless devices were squirming.

    Inside the space where gears were moving and pipes were running to everywhere, Lux flew along with Bahamut.

    With an immeasurably powerful enemy like Singlen as the enemy, he had no definite prospect of victory.

    Even so, he couldn¡¯t complain about such thing.

    It was great that they had reached until the central, but if he didn¡¯t stop this man here, then everything would be controlled by him.

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­. People who originally should join hand together are tricking each other and laying trap. It¡¯s exactly like repeating back the history. Not a single thing has changed since my time.¡¹

    Singlen unleashed the tuning toward Lux who was charging at him.

    The countless frames of light filled with character string and graphic floated around Leviathan, beautifully illuminating the deep blue armor.

    Singlen¡¯s secret technique that made use of Drag-Ride¡¯s system©¤©¤Senjin.

    Singlen showed the stance of using that, but Lux unhesitatingly brandished his Blade.

    ¡¸Is your sight blinded by rage? ©¤©¤Senjin ¨C Ruten.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s slash that was aimed toward the shoulder was deflected by the parry of an instantly deployed barrier.

    The moment the slash would hit, a force field was formed to deflect it from right to left.

    The barrier was deployed by matching the flow of Lux¡¯s slash without even an inch of deviation, so that the attack was stopped and averted.

    But, Lux¡¯s slash only slightly scratched the barrier and hit the armor of Leviathan.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s parry was done with perfect timing.

    However, the result was different from the previous fight when they used Wyvern and Drake.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? There is no need to go easy on me!¡¹

    Lux was provoking unusually vigorously at the enemy before him.

    In contrast Singlen was blinking in wonder, but he soon put up his usual fearless smile.

    ¡¸Ha-ha-ha. I see, so it¡¯s like that. It¡¯s a shallow thinking but looks like you have been wracking your brain huh. It seems you have been looking forward to a rematch with me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was silent toward Singlen¡¯s loud laughter.

    Although it was only slightly, but the Senjin of that Singlen was broken through and the attack hit.

    Lux pretended to be calm so that the trick wouldn¡¯t be understood.

    But, his plan was already seen through with a glance.

    ¡¸You used Bahamut¡¯s special armament Linker Pulse huh. You made me to be wary of your three hidden techniques and Divine Raiment, while launching surprise attack using your built-in special armament.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It was bull¡¯s eye.

    Singlen¡¯s Senjin ¨C Ruten freely used parry by instantly deploying barrier, a technique that performed evasion and throwing the enemy off balance, but if he made a blunder with the technique, it would also expose weak point and opening that was just as large.

    In matter of speed, Lux¡¯s hidden technique, Quick Draw would be effective. But Singlen would surely match the timing perfectly even against that.

    Then, using the built-in Linker Pulse that the enemy usually wasn¡¯t conscious against, Lux moved his Drag-Ride to slightly shift the timing of his slash. If it went well the attack would hit, that was his calculation.

    He deliberately provoked Singlen was to make him had misapprehension that the attack hit simply because of the difference in skill so that he could keep hiding the trick, but Singlen easily saw through it.

    (Dear god. As I thought, this man isn¡¯t normal in regard to Drag-Ride battle¡­¡­!)

    The trick of bypassing the defense was exposed, but Lux was still maintaining the advantage.

    After all even if the trick was exposed, it didn¡¯t mean that Singlen would be able to block all his attacks.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Senjin ¨C Gouka¡¹

    The moment Lux split his focus to his pondering, Leviathan charged with a fierce speed and approached from the front.

    Its Blade was swung down with a sharp trajectory. Bahamut reflexively blocked it with its great sword.

    But, the energy that was concentrated to one point exhibited a destructive power that couldn¡¯t be fully neutralized. Crack entered the special armament.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­aah!¡¹

    Lux barely pulled back his blade and parried the enemy¡¯s slash.

    ¡¸I see, so you also used Linker Pulse in defense to shift the point of contact. You are looking down on me, thinking that such petty trick will work against this me.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why!? Why are you all acting like this!?¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    When Lux noticed, he was yelling that.

    It wasn¡¯t a tactic or a restraint to make Singlen stopped attacking further.

    Because Lux recognized this man¡¯s strength and talent more than anyone, Lux¡¯s own heart yelled so.

    ¡¸It was the same five years ago. After forming a plan to make the country peaceful, Fugil turned traitor at the moment it was realized. Aren¡¯t we fighting for the sake of saving this world!?¡¹

    Fugil too, he gave various knowledge to Lux for the sake of the revolution, helping him to learn to pilot Drag-Ride.

    Singlen too, although his position was different as the representative of his country, he should be standing here as one of the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    And yet why, they were doing something like this?

    Lux couldn¡¯t comprehend their egoistic action.

    ¡¸You already possess enough strength and status! Just what are you wishing for even more than that!?¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­hahahaha!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s choked out an angry yell, however Singlen responded with an inappropriate laughter.

    ¡¸What is funny?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a great way to pour cold water on a fight. Who can hold back from laughing after hearing that? Weren¡¯t you a prince even if just as a lowly one? Someone who had been involved with the pivot of the country, can really ask what more anyone could wish for?¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean?¡¹

    Singlen twirled his Blade and stabbed it into the ground.

    He then continued to talk as though to say that it was the signal of the battle¡¯s pause.

    ¡¸Very well. Originally I had no intention of talking this far with a fool, but in deference only to your talent in fighting, I¡¯ll especially teach you. After all it¡¯s also not something that you are wholly unrelated with.¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t let his guard down while lending his ear to Singlen¡¯s words.

    ¡¸The country I originated from, Blackend Kingdom was once dyed with corruption. It was already like that far before Ruins appeared in various places of the world and Drag-Ride was brought out. At that time I was still a brat, but I could change such situation anytime. After all I had the ability and also quite the pedigree from birth. Just like you in the past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But I didn¡¯t do anything. I had no interest for it. I was unable to find something worthy that could motivate this me to bother to change. Frankly speaking, it was just a trite reason. I was disgusted by the world. Whether it was toward the imbecile people in authority who were pleased with their monopoly of power, and also toward the lazy and incompetent foolish mass who wouldn¡¯t stand and oppose such bunch.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that you unjustified resentment and excuse talking after getting banished from your position as general after that?¡¹

    ¡¸Do you think so? At that time I was banished. On purpose that is.¡¹

    Singlen laughed down what Lux pointed out.

    Singlen suppressed the rebellion within the country, exterminated Abyss, and managed the military, but he was expelled from the position of general because of his style that was too atrocious.

    The king who feared Singlen¡¯s strength deliberately gave him bad treatment to distant him from authority. Singlen harbored dissatisfaction toward that. That was the rumor that Lux heard.

    ¡¸At that time, it was easy even if I want to mow down the royalties and then take the reign. But you see, I didn¡¯t even want to touch that kind of power struggle. It was trivial and worthless thing. I thought they can just do as they please by themselves.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Do you want to hear about how I secretly arranged so that Blackend Kingdom¡¯s army was destroyed once?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    That was one of the rumors out there.

    The wearing down of Blackend Kingdom¡¯s war potential by Nocturnal¡¯s appearance and calamity.

    The king lost his knight order and called Singlen back at that time. There was a rumor, could it be that even such happening was nothing more than this man¡¯s scheme?

    This man was saying that it was the truth.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a simple story. There is no end to human¡¯s greed and foolishness.  Nothing is uglier in this world than animal with only shallow cunningness. After I retired, I was staying quiet without even getting involved with the Ruin. But, the hangers-on of the royal family who feared my strength even then, they tried to kill me in their desire for achievement.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸The kingdom¡¯s soldiers who were dressed as bandit descended on the village at the remote region where I retired to. My blind big sister was killed when she refused to become hostage. That was after she got wretchedly tortured.¡¹

    A smile was tugged on the face of Singlen who was talking indifferently.

    From that expression, delight from talking about human¡¯s brutality could even be peeked.

    ¡¸Such thing, there is no way¡­¡­¡¹

    ©¤©¤¡¯Impossible.¡¯ Lux couldn¡¯t assert that.

    No, for Lux who had seen the other side of the old empire, he could vividly imagine such scene.

    People who considered themselves as someone with special position and looked down on others possessed cruelty to a terrifying degree.

    It was as though they didn¡¯t feel pain at all in their heart no matter what kind of inhumane act they performed.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t feel sad even at my sister¡¯s death. In the first place I didn¡¯t have anything like affection toward family. But, they pushed their luck too far. They didn¡¯t even notice that I deliberately overlook them and grew impudent without end. No matter how insignificant, it was still my possession that those guys laid their hand on and trampled with muddy shoes.¡¹

    SInglen¡¯s jet black eye that wasn¡¯t covered by eye patch gleamed fiercely and he laughed.

    ¡¸I noticed my own blunder. In this world, low-lives that surpassed even my imagination are existing as though it¡¯s only natural. If trash isn¡¯t incinerated, it will scatter stench and harmful bug around that will fly even until before my eyes.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux lost his mother and then he focused on reforming the old empire.

    If he was to lose Airi or Philuffy through that?

    Revenge©¤©¤though surely Singlen had no such thought motivating him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s intolerable. The ugliness of human¡¯s existence, the bottomless malice, they made me who was originally unconcerned to be unable to stay as spectator. In order to clean up harmful bug like them, this me has to swing the hatchet personally. That¡¯s all there is to it. At that time I met that Fugil and obtained even more power, and then©¤©¤¡¹

    Singlen loudly recited at the top of his voice and pulled out the stabbed Blade.

    ¡¸Therefore, Lux Arcadia who is asking for cooperation. We the supreme Drag-Knights exist for the sake of ruling as the pivot of the new world.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You are also unhappy with the way your country is the same like me right? Remaking the world into one where there will be no irrationality by the fool¡­¡­. That can be realized if we obtain Avalon here.¡¹

    Most likely this was Singlen¡¯s last invitation.

    Even so, Lux was unable to nod.

    ¡¸I cannot say that your thinking is completely wrong.¡¹

    No©¤©¤even Lux himself felt some parts that he could sympathize with in Singlen¡¯s story.

    Even if someone gave an advice through the legitimate channel, the old empire would ignore it and even betrayed them.

    What was important to him was taken away, he was hurt, and even now the scar was still remaining.

    Lux looked back at the fate surrounding him until now and he suddenly thought.

    Would it be better if he possessed a heartless resolve like this man from the start?

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, I cannot think that a world created like that is correct. You who had something taken away from you only became unable to see it!¡¹

    He pursued his own path without hesitation.

    If that was one kind of justice, then searching for a method of solving problem that everyone wished for was also one kind of righteousness.

    ¡¸Just like how an unreasonable fate was forced on you by them and you rebelled, if you do that then a new distortion would be created all over again.¡¹

    ¡¸So that won¡¯t happen, a power that cannot be overturned for eternity is necessary. That¡¯s the true power hidden in this Avalon.¡¹

    Singlen quietly glared authoritatively. Lux took a deep breath.

    ¡¸It will be overturned, Singlen. After all it¡¯s just as you said, history will repeat itself. Even the Lord who created this Avalon, weren¡¯t they torn down from their position?¡¹

    ¡¸Then I will crushingly defeat any such thing no matter how many times. The unenlightened rebels who will disturb my controldomination, I will exterminate them with my own hand thoroughly leaving not a single one, as many times as necessary.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Water gathered around Singlen when Lux noticed, and the air was drying.

    Leviathan¡¯s special armament, Ballast.

    The conversation between Lux and Singlen until now was used for buying time.

    But, perhaps because there was no source of water inside this room, the amount of water gathered was still few.

    If it was like that, then the water couldn¡¯t be used freely for offense and defense.

    The water would increase as time passed until it become unmanageable for Lux.

    The strongest style that combined the control of water using Divine Raiment and battle technique of tuning.

    The technique called Shin Senjin that defeated Yoruka would be used.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. I will make a little bit of compromise. If I make you unable to move here and bring your little sister here, you too will surely change your tune.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The instant Lux heard that, Lux exploded into motion and flew forward. He brandished his great sword and slashed at Singlen.

    But, Singlen too skillfully manipulated his large sized Blade and blocked it.

    ¡¸What are you doing attacking without any planning like that? Do you think that it would be an even fight if you attack before I could use my Divine Raiment?¡¹

    Singlen showed a high-handed grin while parrying Lux¡¯s consecutive attacks with only sword handling.

    Perhaps because Singlen was thinking that if he used Senjin, the contact point would be shifted by Linker Pulse, he didn¡¯t use tuning.

    In that case, it would be the turn for Lux¡¯s three hidden techniques and Divine Raiment, but as expected the opponent was also on guard against those.

    (©¤©¤There is no time. If he gathered enough water for both offense and defense, my defeat will be set in stone!)

    The control room that was covered with metallic wall.

    Singlen displayed that he was preparing using Ballast, inviting Lux to attack while he focused on defense.

    If a few more minutes passed, the flow of victory would greatly tilt toward Singlen.

    Lux who was originally powerful in defense while waiting for a chance to launch his Quick Shot, was forced to perform reckless offense by Singlen¡¯s tactic.

    This very moment when that tactic was established was a great chance.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter chore boy? Your options are vanishing with every second that passed you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Then, try receiving this!¡¹

    Lux launched a feint of downward swing, while he touched Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device and unleashed his hidden technique.

    The conforming of body control operation and mind control operation©¤©¤the slash of Quick Draw flashed.

    Because the preliminary motion of touching the Sword Device was necessary, that slash was predicted.

    But, Bahamut let go of the handle of the great sword its armored arm was holding, in exchange the Dagger that was drawn out was thrown like an arrow.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Dagger throwing through Quick Draw.

    It was an attack that should take the enemy by surprise, but because its power was low, the Dagger was deflected by the barrier and armor.

    The opponent flinched from the negligible scratch that was carved, but that was all.

    ¡¸Are you intending to outwit me by relying on cheap trick? What meaning is there in such act?¡¹

    Singlen turned a gaze that was mixed with exasperation. Lux winced.

    Certainly, the effect was small even when he took the opponent by surprise using an attack that only had speed behind it.

    If he could use Over Limit at least then it would become a more even match, but there was no use even if he lamented such thing.

    (There is no choice but to do this with what weapon I have at hand!)

    Singlen¡¯s defense was extremely solid.

    The armor and barrier of Leviathan itself too when it was a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    And also the defense method using Senjin that he mastered.

    But, exactly because the enemy was in overwhelming advantage that there was also an opening.

    Lux lifted his last Dagger as though to show it and then threw it to Singlen.

    ¡¸Have you stopped playing around? The sin of making me spend my time in something worthless is heavy you know?¡¹

    ¡¸I have no interest in amusing myself in battle! ©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    Instantly, Lux took distance and activated Reload on Fire.

    The first five seconds©¤©¤the user¡¯s own time would be decelerated, then at the next five seconds the time would be accelerated by several times over. That was Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Because it would cause the user to expose a defenseless state at the beginning, it couldn¡¯t be used well without first perfectly seeing through the enemy¡¯s preliminary motion when attacking.

    Lux hadn¡¯t perfectly grasped Singlen¡¯s movement.

    Even so, he judged that it would be safe if it was in the current chance.

    ¡¸What a piddling man. So your vain struggle until now is just laying groundwork.¡¹

    In Drag-Ride battle, it was unexpectedly difficult to shift from defense to offense.

    Of course, Drag-Knight in Lux or Singlen¡¯s level it was something easy, but there was problem of consciousness.

    It would be easy if the awareness of counterattacking after defending form attack was instilled into the mind, but the initial movement would be dull when attacking from the stance of sticking exclusively to defense.

    The reason was, because the will to attack itself hadn¡¯t been put in order.

    No matter how fast one¡¯s reflex was and how expert one¡¯s skill was, to switch one¡¯s mindset from defense to offense and then realizing it into action would need a few seconds at minimum.

    Outwitting the enemy and activating Reload on Fire first was originally an impossible strategy, but if it succeeded he would be able to grasp victory in the latter five seconds.

    But, right after Lux¡¯s surprise attack that should have taken the opponent completely by surprise, Singlen exploded into action and broke into a run.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It didn¡¯t even take one second for Singlen¡¯s consciousness to react from its petrified state.

    The wheels of the armored legs rotated in high speed and he reached the maximum speed in the blink of eye.

    He brandished his Blade. It would take one more second for the slash with the momentum of the rush behind it to reach Lux.

    The distance of 20 ml between them vanished in a moment and Singlen assaulted with the fastest rush.

    (No way, impossible!?)

    There was no way Singlen had predicted the Reload on Fire that Lux suddenly activated.

    And yet, he had immediately read Lux¡¯s intention and went itno offense.

    It was a terrifying mental ability to make instantaneous decision and executed it.

    Even though Lux had continuously made that much preparation to paralyze his thought, and yet¡­

    ¡¸How many times of compression strengthening that is? After you receive my slash, how fast you are going to fly away? I have to hold back so to not kill you after all.¡¹

    The moment the slash hit, Singlen spoke with a mocking smile. When one got hit by powerful attack at the period of the first five seconds of Reload on Fire, the target would be soaked by several times the damage at the next five seconds.

    There was even a possibility that the armor of Bahamut that was losing control would be smashed to pieces.

    Therefore Singlen raised a voice of consideration, but Leviathan¡¯s Blade was easily deflected by Lux¡¯s great sword.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The tip that was clad in energy was tilted diagonally and the moment the two swords crossed it was parried.

    Singlen whose attack was blocked and lost balance turned around with a shocked expression.

    No matter how much of a master Lux was in seeing through his enemy¡¯s movement, he should be unable to parry the attack just now when his movement was reduced until a mere fragments.

    Furthermore, Lux¡¯s sword wasn¡¯t readied beforehand on the trajectory of Singlen¡¯s attack, it obviously moved to defend. That was to say©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t accelerate time using Reload on Fire from the start, you were just luring me!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux had no leeway to answer that question.

    The Reload on Fire that he activated hastily was the first trap to make the opponent thought he was trying to make a surprise attack.

    The true trap that was hidden by it splendidly caught Singlen.

    If he lost this chance of a lifetime, victory wouldn¡¯t come for the second time.

    A returning slash flashed horizontally in full strength.

    However, in front of the attack that should have caught the enemy in the unguarded moment, a barrier was instantly deployed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Senjin ¨C Ruten¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Due to the instant activation of barrier force field just before the attack hit using the application of tuning, the opponent¡¯s attack was parried by the advanced battle technique.

    Singlen¡¯s reserve strength that allowed him to react even when he was caught within the second trap.

    Furthermore, even the size of the barrier was greatly widened in order to suppress the deviation of the contact point by Linker Pulse to the minimum.

    ¡¸Just as I thought. I knew©¤©¤that you would come like that!¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Right after that, Singlen who was wearing Leviathan went off balance and his body floated up.

    The full power attack that aimed at the defenseless torso mercilessly landed on the enemy.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Gu, a!¡¹

    The sword was mostly not coated with energy, it was an attack that only prioritized hitting the enemy.

    Even so the attack had weight and speed behind it. It transmitted enough power into the opponent.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Haa¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Lux who was displaying absurd power of concentration saw off Singlen who was blown away until the wall behind while gasping for breath.

    Looking back now that it had ended, it was an exchange that lasted only for an instant.

    Several deep tactics were exchanged within that moment.

    It barely made it in time.

    What Lux compressed and strengthened using Reload on Fire was the force field of Linker Pulse. The weak power that could only somewhat change an object¡¯s trajectory was boosted up until several times and then activated.

    That was the third trap that Lux laid out.

    The first trap was giving the hint of time deceleration by the activation of Reload on Fire previously, inviting Singlen to attack. The second trap was when Lux moved normally when the enemy thought that his movement speed was reduced.

    And then when Linker Pulse was strengthened by several times, he disturbed the opponent¡¯s stance and slashed.

    The edge of the blade that was covered up with tactics splendidly cut through the solid bastion of the Blue Tyrant.

    ¡¸Singlen! This is you loss! I¡¯ll receive the last trial and wait for Aeril! You just wait there quietly!¡¹

    Lux raised his voice to hold Singlen in check while keeping his alert stance.

    Even Singlen would surely become unable to fight after getting direct hit of a great sword in his defenseless moment.

    Leviathan¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t that damaged, but the Blade that directly hit to his body even through the armor was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But, recalling the story that he heard from Yoruka, Lux drove his Bahamut forward.

    Singlen had Baptism performed on half his body. Even if he died, he would be resurrected once.

    Before that effect could be displayed, he had to completely destroy Leviathan.

    But, the water stream that was like a waterfall standing in his way caused Lux to feel a strange discomfort and hair-rising sensation.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­damn it!?¡¹

    ¡¸Fu, kukukuku¡­¡­that was close, really close. So it finally made it in time.¡¹

    Looking closer, Singlen¡¯s surrounding was filled with enough amount of water.

    The water content in the air was gathered thoroughly from the ventilation and the amount continued to increase until this much.

    But, Singlen pressed his hand on his side and blood leaked out from his mouth.

    Most likely several of his ribs were broken, and his internal organs were also injured.

    If he was injured that much, then he would be able to keep the advantage even if Singlen now had finished his preparation.

    ¡ºInforming the two people here. Because access to central hasn¡¯t been carried out pass a certain time, the two of you will be removed forcefully from here in five more minutes.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The Automata, Arshalia who was watching the battle of Lux and Singlen suddenly said such thing.

    Lux thought that once he entered Avalon, receiving the third trial was a definite matter, but it seemed there was a time restriction.

    In that case, this wasn¡¯t the time to fight among themselves.

    Even though they finally got a step ahead of Listelka¡¯s group and arrived at the central first, at this rate they would helplessly got chased outside.

    They should stop the futile fight right away and got outside.

    Lux thought like that, but when he was about to speak peacefully,

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­ That¡¯s how it is, chore boy.¡¹

    Singlen who heard that declared with his single eye gleaming fiercely.

    ¡¸That useless doll said, finish it within five minutes. It seems that is its wish.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Singlen¡¯s arrogant smile that daunted other people, Lux guessed it.

    He wouldn¡¯t listen to persuasion.

    The reason was, because Singlen was taking action based on his own unshakable belief.

    Then Lux too had no other choice but clashed his own answer and took the victory.

    He would bring down Singlen within five minutes, then accepted Arshalia¡¯s trial and connected to the central.

    He would stop the Sacred Eclipse, grasped the situation, and then, if it was possible he wanted to heal Philuffy right away.

    He wouldn¡¯t think like that time any©¤©¤.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    At that time when Lux suddenly thought of his childhood friend, he felt a strange discomfort and hair-rising sensation.

    The scene of five years ago instantly surface at the back of his mind. His consciousness was swallowed.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Oi, just what the hell is going on with this situation huh?¡¹

    While Listelka and Fugil were in a standoff against Seven Dragon Paladins led by Magialca, Hayes suddenly appeared. Her existence caused everyone to lose their words.

    It was because Hayes who was already dying being revived like this, furthermore her eyes were dyed jet black, and eerie aura and miasma were overflowing from her body.

    And yet, the girl herself was calm as though that gruff personality of her had vanished somewhere.

    ¡¸Hayes, just now, what did you say©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I said, leave from this place, are you deaf Onee-sama? I¡¯ll be compassionate seeing that you are my former blood relative, but I¡¯m not so kind I¡¯ll repeat myself for the third time yeah.¡¹

    Her wicked personality was hidden from view, but her poisonous tongue was still the same.

    Listelka who saw that frowned in bafflement, but she immediately formed a graceful smile.

    ¡¸Hayes. I¡¯m surprised that you are alive, but I¡¯m really happy. Aerl has already betrayed me. It was really painful.¡¹

    She spoke admonishingly with her usual elegant bearing.

    Aeril who was insinuated stayed quiet, silently watching the event progression.

    ¡¸But, with your body you won¡¯t hold out for long. Please hide in a safe place for the remainder of this battle, and see with your own eyes how I obtain Avalon.¡¹

    Listelka¡¯s tone was mixed with concern for Hayes who was already beyond hope.

    But, Hayes curtly whistled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Above!¡¹

    Magialca wearing EX Drake raised her voice. Angel type Abysses descended from the sky.

    Greifer and Mel immediately moved to intercept, but several among them descended to where Hayes was, and the moment they touched her, they became faint light and vanished.

    It was as though they melted and directly fused inside Hayes.

    ¡¸What¡¯s that¡­¡­!? What¡¯s going ooon¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Was those Abysses illusion? ©¤©¤No. It¡¯s simply that there is an existence in front of us that can control and absorb Abyss.¡¹

    Rosa frowned slightly, while Soffice muttered in bafflement.

    At the end the Lord girl recapped that phenomenon into one piece.

    ¡¸Are you, Sacred Eclipse?¡¹

    Aeril glared forward. Hayes tilted her head toward those words and smiled.

    ¡¸As expected from the Onee-sama who was sneakily moving behind the scene, you¡¯re a sharp one. But that¡¯s not completely right. You aren¡¯t my big sister or anything anymore. After all I have completely transcended the body of human.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Sacred Eclipse? She isn¡¯t the real Hayes, but only a counterfeit?¡¹

    When Listelka made a questioning gaze, Hayes laughed loudly and answered instantly.

    ¡¸I¡¯m the real thing. Rather than that you guys are really easygoing huh. Even though that fake prince is already in front of the central of Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? As I thought, Lux-kun and Singlen is¡¹

    ¡¸Fugil, is Avalon all right?¡¹

    Aeril and Listelka each spoke anxiously, but Hayes who saw that let slipped a sigh.

    ¡¸You two are wondering whether he would connect to central first? It¡¯s impossible you know, you all ignoramus. After all, it¡¯s only me who hold the qualification for that. With me who am fused with Sacred Eclipse staying here, there is no way he can be given the trial right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    In front of everyone who spontaneously turned speechless, several more Angels descended and Hayes absorbed them.

    Then from her fingertips, seven colored liquid©¤©¤Elixir was slightly dripping.

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­Angel condense the life energy of human that Abysses gathered up and brought it to this me. You guys also noticed right? Just why was Abyss created.¡¹

    The refined secret medicine Elixir from Hayes who was fused with Sacred Eclipse.

    A shudder ran through the expression of Aeril who saw that.

    ¡¸Then don¡¯t tell me, Abyss ate people, in order to refine Elixir©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s raw material gathering. The Lords in the past, in order to sublimate themselves to become even more superior existence using the secret medicine called Elixir, they gathered the life of the lower classes in the name of political purge.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The words that Hayes spat out casually caused both camps to become speechless.

    Magialca was the only one who spoke out with only a frown on her face.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really an extreme elitism there. Normal people of authority will extort manual labor and riches from the populace, but the ancestor of the Lord actually began to steal even the life of their people huh. In addition, the life of just animal wasn¡¯t enough it seems.¡¹

    ¡¸As expected from the multi-millionaire-sama, you really get it. Human rather than animal, close relative rather than people of different race©¤©¤Elixir will have higher effect if the raw material comes from organism that is closer to the user. Arcadia clan that became the Lord thrived, then they were split into a part that was the chosen class, and the masses that supported them. They used the Elixir that was exploited from the lowborn to strengthen their body in the attempt to obtain eternal life and indestructible strength.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What family of traitor! WE treated Lux-kun and others like betrayer, even though the cause of everything was our fault, because of the Lord¡¯s arrogance!¡¹

    Aeril who knew the truth couldn¡¯t endure it and raised her voice.

    But, even after recognizing the truth, Hayes only laughed that down.

    ¡¸Arrogance? This is why Onee-sama is off. Wasn¡¯t it really great, people who was born with outstanding intellect became the statesman, while the rabbles obeyed and offered all they had. What¡¯s wrong with that? The whole clan was saved and stood at the top of the world because of us the imperial family.¡¹

    ¡¸It resulted in our current situation in the end isn¡¯t it!? We must not repeat the same mistake again. For that too, the battle has to be ended here©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril objected while also gripping tightly the special armament whip that Zahhak possessed.

    Hayes didn¡¯t back down and responded to that with a composed smile.

    ¡¸You want to have a go, against this me who has transformed into Sacred Eclipse itself? That¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll play with you. It¡¯ll be good to kill time until that fake prince get out of the central.¡¹

    Hayes threw away her robe and yelled.

    Half of that body that was clad with only pilot suit was already dyed jet black.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hayes!? You are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Come at me Onee-sama. You too are tired of sneakily plotting behind the scene right? You shoul have a taste of the terror of battlefield occasionally. Together with that bunch there!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Hayes roared. The air shook fiercely.

    Lisha and others who were observing the situation from the cover of a building heard that and showed themselves.

    ¡¸So we were found huh¡­¡­. Well, we didn¡¯t intend to profit from other people¡¯s fight anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha-san!? Also everyone too!¡¹

    Aeril gasped and raised her voice in surprise.

    The second team that was formed with Syvalles members as the core.

    The remaining members after Airi and the Triad separated from them came rushing here.

    Although because Celis was injured, she wasn¡¯t here.

    ¡¸Where is that captain-sama I wondeer? I don¡¯t think she is the type who will easily die in battle though.¡¹

    Rosa who had connection with Celis asked. Lisha immediately told her the answer.

    ¡¸No worry. She is only resting. She was just getting too spirited in order to defeat that cold blooded maid.¡¹

    ¡¸Mishis was? Impossible, there is no way she can be defeated by the like of Drag-Knights in this era©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka reflexively slipped out a snicker.

    ¡¸Most likely you all were just running away from facing her in battle, leaving behind that aide of Lux called Celis to die.¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤it was your maid who retreated. It was a narrow victory, but it doesn¡¯t change the fact that it was our win. Your servant wasn¡¯t so soft that she would let us escape easily.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Additionally, Yoruka also wasn¡¯t there.

    Because she too was completely exhausted from the intense battle the other day, she was unable to display even half her true strength in the battle against Mishis.

    And so, in order to protect Airi and the Triad who were isolated, she brought the fainted Celis with her and retreated.

    After that, several angel type Abysses were heading toward their direction, but if it was Yoruka, surely she would be able to overcome them while protecting the five.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy were also nearly at their limit, but there was no way they could relax at this stage.

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­. Well, it¡¯s fine. It will be punishment for her when she return.¡¹

    Listelka muttered along with a sigh, then her red eye that received Baptism silently shined.

    When she used the power to intervene with Avalon¡¯s system, her figure vanished.

    ¡¸Where are you planning to go!? You are going to run when the central is right in front of you, first princess!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I will hide. After all Fugil won¡¯t be able to fight freely wjhile protecting me.¡¹

    Listelka didn¡¯t respond to Lisha¡¯s provocation and spoke casually.

    ¡¸Hayes, I will ascertain your battle with my own eyes. And then, the last contract by Sacred Eclipse that lost its ego will come to me. During that time, the battle at the central will surely be settled too.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun¡­¡­. Stay safe.¡¹

    With Listelka¡¯s words, Aeril reconfirmed the situation at the central part.

    If the connection with central wasn¡¯t performed, the people inside the room would be teleported outside in ten minutes.

    If it was now when Hayes was fused with Sacred Eclipse, there was no worry of getting connected to the central.

    This bizarre situation occurred from several irregularities piling up on each other, but the answer was simple.

    After defeating Sacred Eclipse that is possessing that Hayes and tearing it off from her, we will enter into the control room with Aeril. That will be our objective.] (Magialca)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil kept a calm smile on his face while flying backward to take distance from Hayes.

    It seemed he had no intention to attack proactively.

    ¡¸Then, you three from Syvalles, which one who you will fight? We don¡¯t mind to face either one you know?¡¹

    ¡¸You have no intention to split at least half our force for them? We are still mostly uninjured here.¡¹

    The youngest Mel muttered in exasperation, but Magialca deepened her wicked smile and responded.

    ¡¸It¡¯ll be too careless to split up evenly. If one of them is defeated earlier, that side will be able to give backup after that.¡¹

    ¡¸Either way is fine! Let¡¯s do this right away!¡¹

    Lisha yelled while pursuing to the place where Listelka vanished.

    Then, Fugil quickly intercepted her with Bahamut.

    All ten Legions that were fired from Tiamat were easily deflected by Fugil with his great sword.

    The sword that was held in front of him was almost unmoving, deflecting the attack with the minimum movement.

    ¡¸Chih, his expression didn¡¯t even change at all. Then©¤©¤how about this!¡¹

    Lisha directed the aim of her main cannon Seven Heads to the area slightly above Fugil¡¯s head and sent her Legion out once more.

    Four projectiles came simultaneously from left and right in a pincer attack.

    The moment Fugil deflected those with his Blade, two additional Legion flying low on the ground thrust up toward him.

    It was a coordination attack of Legion that she also used when fighting Lux for the first time, an attempt to push up the enemy into the firing trajectory of the cannon.

    However, the attack that should have captured the target with certainty was diverted to just barely miss Fugil.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Trajectory diversion using Linker Pulse!? That guy, he is masterfully using Bahamut just like Lux?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you said that either one is fine just now, you aimed at Fugil without hesitation. Is there a meaning in it I wonder?¡¹

    Krulcifer backed up Lisha using Freezing Cannon while cracking jokes nearby.

    Even the shot that was fired almost at the same time with the aiming was blocked by throwing Dagger at it this time.

    ¡¸Because he is, using Bahamut like Lu-chan?¡¹

    Philuffy too drove her Typhon and circled behind Fugil.

    In order to prevent the counter Quick Shot from Reload on Fire, she fired Pile Anchor to entangle the opponent¡¯s weapon.

    ¡¸There¡¯s that too!¡¹

    Lisha replied while holding Fugil in check using Legion once more.

    Bahamut that was piloted with the same skill level or even more than Lux was certainly troublesome, but to look at it from another way, Lisha and others were already very familiar with its use.

    If it was the engineer Lisha who was always maintaining Drag-Ride for Lux¡¯s sake then it was even truer.

    ¡¸But, I had met with this guy once in the past! I also have a lot of things I want to ask! As the princess of the new kingdom! And then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸As Lux-kun¡¯s comrade, right?¡¹

    The members of Syvalles basically didn¡¯t know what kind of relationship Lux and Fugil had.

    However, at the time when the revolution was going to succeed, he betrayed Lux.

    They only heard how Fugil slaughtered the imperial family as well as the people who were complicit with the old empire.

    They also knew how it ate at Lux¡¯s heart all this time when he was trying to accomplish the revolution without shedding blood as much as possible.

    There was a wall between Lux and the girls even after they became close was most likely there was a thorn called Fugil in his heart.

    In other words, Lisha had an objective of ferreting information and capability of the existence that was the arch-enemy of Lux through this fight.

    ¡¸If this problem is resolved, then our path of love will also be cleared, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Buh!?¡¹

    The words that Krulcifer smoothly muttered caused Lisha to spontaneously make a spit take.

    ¡¸You are really¡­¡­. I thought you won¡¯t crack joke at this kind of pressing situation but©¤©¤¡¹

    Certainly Lisha was also thinking the same thing, but she didn¡¯t say it out loud because she thought it was imprudent.

    If they defeated Fugil and Lux¡¯s regret was erased, Lux too wouldn¡¯t be at a loss of his own path.

    He would also take off the collar of criminal, and he surely would be able to associate with others with the premise of marriage.

    But, Krulcifer piloted her Drag-Ride with a serious expression even though she was still keeping her smile.

    ¡¸My, for me it¡¯s a serious problem. It¡¯s something worthy for me to stake my life for. Rather than something like for the sake of the world, this matter is far more motivating right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Lisha was astonished and her mouth stayed open wide for a moment.

    But, her mouth soon warped into a grin and she nodded with her eyes shining confidently.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You¡¯re right. That¡¯s also true.¡¹

    A sense of mission as a princess.

    It was something selfish compared to things like Lisha¡¯s own sense of justice, but certainly strength was welling up even more inside herself from it.

    ¡¸Because of you, I¡¯ve got to wait for a long while until now! I¡¯ll vent this frustration to you, Aniue-donobrother in law!¡¹

    Lisha yelled. At the same time Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment activated.

    Fugil who until now was mostly floating still in the air flew to the side seeing that.

    ¡¸Finally you moved! There!¡¹

    Krulcifer who activated the future prediction of Fafnir fixed her aim in a flash.

    The normal bullet that was the condensation of energy like an arrow.

    The aim was the hip area of Fugil who was wearing armor, the Sword Device that was within the sheath.

    According to Aeril¡¯s information, the outside appearance and function were exactly like Bahamut, but originally it was a part of the Divine Drag-Ride called Uroboros, a special armament with the name of ¡¶Infinity¡·.

    It could transform to all Divine Drag-Ride.

    Looking just from that, it was a weapon with terrifying function, but if they fought in the way that matched each form then there would be a mean of survival for them.

    And then, the Sword Device at the waist was behind a barrier and it was hard to aim at, but with Krulcifer¡¯s precise sniping that could even pass through the eye of needle and her future prediction, it was possible to hit it.

    *Pashi-!*

    Just like in the future prediction, Krulcifer¡¯s shot sent the Sword Device flying.

    The Sword Device that was also the control stick for mind control operation was taken away. If it was destroyed or frozen, the control of Drag-Ride would be reduced by half after that.

    ¡¸Philuffy! Your turn!¡¹

    Krulcifer deliberately called out was to divert Fugil¡¯s focus to that way.

    Krulcifer herself also didn¡¯t pause and fired her freezing bullet toward the sword dancing in the air.

    But, the trajectory of the Sword Device suddenly changed. It was pulled back toward Fugil.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Fugil quickly picked up the Sword Device with his empty hand, next he swept away Pile Anchor with his great sword.

    ¡¸You can only read the future that far? Stop with the pointless attack. It has no meaning in a fight with me.¡¹

    Fugil spoke shortly with a composed expression.

    ¡¸He pulled back the thrown Sword Device with Linker Pulse!? Did he predict our action already!?¡¹

    Lisha who saw that muttered in irritation. Krulcifer also continued after her.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not all. If he had predicted it, then he should be able to counterattack easily too. Is he wary toward Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment and plan to focus on defense while waiting for us to get exhausted?¡¹

    Fugil was also simply dodging Philuffy¡¯s attack with the minimal movement. It was as though there was killing intent from his movement.

    No, they couldn¡¯t even feel hostility from him.

    ¡ºI think that¡¯s not it¡­¡­, you know¡»

    The reticent Philuffy talked to Lisha and Krulcifer using Dragon Voice with Fugil between them.

    ¡ºWhat do you mean?¡»

    Krulcifer asked back with a questioning face.

    ¡ºI believe he isn¡¯t thinking to defeat us. Rather, he is paying attention to not harm us.¡»

    ¡¸That¡¯s absurd! What does that guy gain from doing that!?¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously yelled with her voice and denied that hypothesis.

    But, Philuffy continued her words indifferently with composure to the end.

    ¡ºEven though he deflected my Pile Anchors with his sword, they aren¡¯t damaged. Perhaps, Lisha-sama¡¯s too is also like that.¡»

    ¡¸What!?¡¹

    Lisha immediately used mind control operation to bring one of the Legion floating around her before her eyes.

    Certainly, the weapon wasn¡¯t damaged.

    If a weapon was deflected by a powerful person in Fugil¡¯s class with Blade that was clad in energy, not to mention some damage, it wouldn¡¯t be strange even if it got destroyed©¤©¤.

    Not just that, could it be he even had the leeway to be considerate so the Drag-Ride of Lisha and co wouldn¡¯t be worn out?

    ¡¸Is he provoking us? That there is that much different in strength between us¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸I cannot say that there is no possibility of that. But, if that¡¯s the case shouldn¡¯t he speak out to agitate us?¡¹

    Beside Lisha who was gritting her teeth in frustration, Krulcifer calmly pointed out.

    However, Fugil¡¯s defense was really troublesome.

    They didn¡¯t know what his true motive was, but their heart would break first if they were showed this much different in strength.

    They were aware that he was a brilliant Drag-Knight, but the depth of his strength was far more bottomless than they imagined.

    ¡¸Then, we¡¯ve no choice but to go at full strength!¡¹

    With the opponent not attacking and going easy on them, they would harbor bewilderment to the fight itself.

    Before their fighting spirit weakened, they had to roll up the opposition. That was Lisha¡¯s judgment.

    They were at disadvantage in stamina but there was no other way.

    Using the three Sword Devices she carried, she would equip even more Drag-Ride above the Drag-Ride she had worn, the Over Unit form, and with that she would decide the match in one go.

    ¡¸Right. That¡¯s better rather than getting exhausted bit by bit from keep fighting like this.¡¹

    At the same time, Krulcifer also resolved herself and sorted her breathing along with her fighting spirit.

    Fusing a part of the body with Drag-Ride, Full Connect.

    The two who resolved themselves to use their trump card put their hand on their respective Sword Device. At that time, the figure of Fugil floating in the air vanished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Naturally, Lisha and Krulcifer hadn¡¯t let their guard down for even a moment.

    They didn¡¯t let their eyes move from Fugil. Not just his Drag-Ride, they even paid attention to the subtle movement of his limbs.

    And yet, his figure vanished suddenly like this. It was impossible.

    But, when they noticed, Lisha and Krulcifer already had their Sword Device knocked off from their hand.

    ¡¸Wh, at¡­..?¡¹

    ¡¸Just now, how©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer turned around midair toward the voice that came from behind.

    There, Fugil still wearing Bahamut was smiling.

    ¡¸Just as you noticed, I have no intention to fight with you all. For now you can settle the battle with Sacred Eclipse and fulfill your own wish.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer each flew low skimming above the ground and picked their Sword Device before sheathing it back into their sheath.

    ¡¸What did you do to us!? Was that Uroboros¡¯s ability!?¡¹

    Even though she was shaken, Lisha asked with enough fighting spirit in her voice.

    But, that question was eluded by Fugil with his usual attitude.

    ¡¸There is no meaning for you to hound me here. Right now your priority should be to tear off Hayes¡¯s personality from Sacred Eclipse and subdue it. That will also be for the sake of that foolish little brother. Am I wrong?¡¹

    An admonishing tone.

    However Krulcifer glared at Fugil and objected.

    ¡¸You are stronger than us, but are you unable to fight in long period? I wonder if that is why you are trying to befuddle us like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Stronger you say? From the start I have no intention to compete with you all in anything. What you all should do isn¡¯t this. Are you planning to get fixated in an existence that is not dangerous and nip victory in the bud by yourself?¡¹

    ¡¸Just answer one question! Why did you give me Tiamat five years ago!?¡¹

    Lisha who stayed quiet suddenly asked as though to stir herself up into action.

    She thought that he might completely dodge the question by pretending to forget or the like, but an answer unexpectedly came.

    ¡¸Because that was exactly my duty.¡¹

    A smile that made a chill ran through the back of anyone who saw it.

    Dark shadow covered Fugil¡¯s eyes and he talked.

    ¡¸You were in the side of the old empire that ought to be destroyed. But, in reality you were just a victim. You were forcefully made to shoulder a negative fate, even your resolve to live while being covered in mud ended up in vain, even your path was going to be severed. That was why I granted you strength.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you saying? You want to say that you helped me because of a whim?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me repeat myself. There is no meaning for you all to fight me. Go stop that girl quickly. And then you better show me the answer. Who will be chosen by Sacred Eclipse, that choice of the world©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lisha readied her weapon in bewilderment, a strange sound rang out behind.

    The countless angels scattered in this Arcadia Empire were swarming toward Hayes, and a flash surged.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    Lisha and others were sent flying from receiving a tremendous shockwave that shook the atmosphere.

    Looking there, behind the five Seven Dragon Paladins who were in confrontation, a weapon with strange form appeared.

    It didn¡¯t have normal bipedal shape. It had three front legs and two front legs like an animal.

    The giant body that was like several houses combined together appeared in front of Hayes.

    ¡¸What¡¯s that©¤©¤. Divine Drag-Ride?¡¹

    Right after Krulcifer knitted her eyebrow, the magic circle on the weapon¡¯s stomach shined and the Seven Dragon Paladins beside it vanished.

    It happened in a flash, leaving behind Aeril who reacted by leaping back.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    The complexion of Lisha and others who saw that changed and they lost their presence of mind.

    At the same time Hayes twirled and faced this way. She then sneered.

    ¡¸Kukuku, don¡¯t be that shocked. This guy is a bit special Divine Drag-Ride you see. It¡¯s activated by its own autonomy, in exchange it procured energy from outside. Those Seven Dragon Paladins now become its fuel, inside this guy¡¯s stomach that is.¡¹

    *Jaki-*, Hayes gloated while her hands held the two Sword Devices hanging on her waist.

    It seemed that in exchange of not wearing the Drag-Ride on one¡¯s own body, the activation signal was given by mind control operation.

    ¡¸Be careful! That is Fernyiges! The autonomous type Divine Drag-Ride that guard Avalon! Most likely Hayes right now has the qualification to obtain the central!¡¹

    Aeril who just barely escaped the danger approached Lisha and others in panic and called out to them.

    Greifer, Mel, Rosa, Soffice, and Magialca were captured by the Divine Drag-Ride due to Fernyiges¡¯s surprise attack and they were turned into its fuel.

    ¡¸If you got hit by the light that came out from that Drag-Ride¡¯s stomach, you will be carried inside and your consciousness taken away. And then your stamina and mental strength would be used as fuel to move Fernyiges. The people inside will be weakened until they die©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What did you say!?¡¹

    When Lisha asked back in bewilderment, Aeril sighed quietly.

    ¡¸I was also careless. When I read the book that was hidden in the Moon, there was a mention of it, but to think that Hayes can move it¡­¡­¡¹

    While talking, a question was coming and going inside Aeril¡¯s chest.

    In the first place, what in the world was that?

    Hayes himself should be dying already, was she just getting absorbed by Ragnarok Sacred Eclipse that would destroy the world?

    Or else©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­. Five more minutes until that fake prince is driven out from that control room. Until then I¡¯ll prepare his welcome party. By lining up your heads in front of him!¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh!¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s jet black eyes snapped open and she unleashed killing intent along with a roar.

    She planned to fight without even wearing Drag-Ride with the Sword Devices she was holding along with Fernyiges.

    ¡¸This is bad, this situation©¤©¤¡¹

    Now that Seven Dragon Paladins were restrained, the remaining fighting force was only Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy.

    Even these three were wounded all over from the intense battle until now.

    ¡¸Besides, right now Lux-kun is fighting Sir Singlen right?¡¹

    Krulcifer let out an uneasy mutter. Lisha also nodded in agreement.

    Lux boasted unequaled winning percentage in battle between fellow Drag-Knights, but that Singlen was a cut above all the opponents until now.

    He was even killed once before although it was from protecting Yoruka.

    ¡¸So he is dueling that guy in the control room¡­¡­. Five more minutes. Will he be alright?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It will be fine, you know.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Philuffy who was quiet until now murmured. Lisha and Krulcifer both raised their voice.

    Looking there, Philuffy took out a horn flute from her pocket and brought it onto her mouth.

    ¡¸You¡­¡­, don¡¯t tell me, you are going to do that? Turning into Abyss with that body is©¤©¤¡¹

    Because the revived Ragnarok, Yggdrasil had died, it became possible for Philuffy too to transform by Abyssification.

    The forbidden technique of growing the root of Yggdrasil from inside her body to crawl on her armor, turning it into B-blood Typhon.

    Not just her physical ability, even her Drag-Ride aptitude and stamina would be increased, but the burden to the body couldn¡¯t be measured.

    ¡¸Stop acting recklessly! That power isn¡¯t something to be used repeatedly!¡¹

    ¡¸She is right¡­¡­. If you are injured, that¡¯s what will ruin Lux-kun for sure.¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer tried to stop her together, but Philuffy shook her head with her usual blank look.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. Because, I remember.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Five years ago, when I was mostly died in Ries Island. And then, Sacred Eclipse was summoned. I remembered everything. Surely after this, the same thing like that time will occur.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying? The time when you died you said?¡¹

    Philuffy glanced at the bewildered Lisha and pulled out the Sword Device of Typhon.

    She was expressionless and looking dazed like usual, but straightforward and strong light was residing inside her eyes.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t die. Because I came until this far to help Lu-chan.¡¹

    The sound of horn flute was produced from Philuffy¡¯s mouth.

    Right after that, Philuffy¡¯s eyes were dyed jet black and her pupils were tinged with golden light.

    Seeing her resolve, Lisha and also Krulcifer held their breath.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, won¡¯t die leaving us behind. At the very least, he had never fought even once with such intention. That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll also do the same.¡¹

    That¡¯s right.

    Lux understood that there was nobody but him who could sstop Singlen and accepted that role.

    But, he didn¡¯t think to sacrifice himself or anything.

    Till the end he was resolved to risk his life, in order to return to the side of everyone.

    Then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re right. Surely it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Krulcifer who saw that also pulled out her Sword Device in answer.

    Connecting and assimilating a part of the Drag-Ride with the flesh body, Full Connect.

    She decided to make a bet using the sure kill form that could only be used by Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    ¡¸Yeah. Then we¡¯re going to do this. Just like Celis and Yoruka, I too will wring out all my remaining strength!¡¹

    Lisha too also put her hand on Wyvern¡¯s Sword Device while still wearing Tiamat.

    Beside Krulcifer who was executing Full Connect, she began her original technique Over Unit.

    Part of general purpose Drag-Ride was equipped above the Drag-Ride that was already worn, increasing a part of the ability of the Drag-Ride drastically.

    First Lisha equipped the flying type Wyvern Wing, hyper strengthening her mobility.

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­. Are you bitches ready to be taught of your own powerlessness? I¡¯m going to start now yeah?¡¹

    Hayes who was fused with Sacred Eclipse was also glaring with jet black eyes that were shining fierily.

    Her whole body was dyed jet black, perhaps because of Elixir¡¯s influence. The human shaped monster flew up wearing atrocious smile.

    ¨C

    (This place, where is©¤©¤?)

    Inside a hazy consciousness that looked misty, Lux saw the continuation of the day of revolution in Arcadia Empire that he saw previously in dream.

    He could see the scenery of Arcadia Empire clearly.

    Sparks were whirling around the castle. Countless Drag-Knights were crossing swords with Bahamut in the night sky.

    Even when dozen of Drag-Rides attacked simultaneously, using Quick Shot from Reload on Fire¡¯s time acceleration, they were struck down by the other side.

    Lux was watching that overwhelming way of fighting from the ground.

    He was wearing the same Bahamut while holding the fainted Airi in his arms. He was heading toward a monastery looking for shelter.

    (©¤©¤That¡¯s right. The day the revolution ended, I saw Fugil-niisan¡¯s way of fighting¡­¡­. That was why I participated in the tournament for training to use Bahamut even better than before.)

    Because he thought that he wouldn¡¯t be able to win against that man without doing that.

    No, if he wasn¡¯t able to even come up to the fighting stage©¤©¤.

    But, a contradiction occurred when his thought reached that point.

    (What am I saying!? This kind of scene isn¡¯t reality. It¡¯s the continuation of the dream I saw!)

    The injection of Elixir through Baptism.

    Because he received the trial in order to reach the central, Lux¡¯s consciousness was cloudy.

    Because intense burden suddenly burdened his mind and body, his heart¡¯s old wound ached and he saw this kind of illusion.

    But, after the Lux inside the dream entrusted Airi to a nun of the monastery and immediately returned to the castle, he finally talked.

    ¡¸Fugil-niisan! Just what is going on!?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like you have left behind your little sister huh? Then you can continue fighting. Count Atismata has also died. Like that some deviation is generated in the history but, it¡¯s possible enough to revise it. You can ascend to the throne as the next king.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux stared dumbfounded at the burning castle.

    Behind Fugil who was wearing Bahamut, there was a silhouette of a Drag-Ride so huge it looked towering to the sky.

    Silver Drag-Ride that stood out inside the darkness of night.

    Divine mechanical circle was rotating on its back, illuminating the surrounding with bewitching light.

    ¡¸I am the next king you say? What in the world are you saying!? No, more importantly that Drag-Ride©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸This is the scales that correct the inclination of the world. Small inclination will be born between two equilibriums, and before long one side will rule and plunder everything of the other side. It¡¯s the tragedy of human karma that cannot be escaped from for eternity. It¡¯s the mission of hero to manage and correct that. It¡¯s the path that you discovered, wished, and chose. You too are walking along the same footprints that I once reached in the past of more than a thousand years ago.¡¹

    ¡¸A thousand years¡­..? What are you saying!? What happened with our revolution!?¡¹

    Lux was driven by an unknown uneasiness and he yelled.

    But, Fugil kept showing his aloof smile and talked admonishingly.

    ¡¸It failed. Our plan was leaked out from Count Atismata¡¯s X X. The pitiful X X who received cold treatment since his childhood was led astray by a man¡¯s cajolery and sold information to the old empire before Count Atismata¡¯s revolution could succeed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Such, thing¡¹

    With that, the name of Lux who was the true mastermind of the revolution was also leaked out.

    In order to bring all the traitors to light, Lux was intentionally let to act free since half a month ago.

    And then, Count Atismata who was the pivot of the revolution was also killed just now, and that information was spreading inside the capital.

    The revolution failed.

    The objective to correct this stagnating and dirty country and create a place where Airi and Philuffy could live peacefully had fallen apart in this place just now.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry, my wise younger brother. This history of failure can be overwritten. No one cannot rewind back the time that has passed, but human can forget everything and start over.¡¹

    Fugil boasted that with a smile that was filled with bottomless confidence.

    ¡¸There is no other than you who has the caliber to manage the world. In exchange walk the path of king. That is your duty as an imperial prince.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s impossible!? There is no way I can do that! All the conditions that we arranged until now are in order for Count Atismata to ascend to the throne!¡¹

    Victory was also indispensable for revolution, but above all else it was the process that would be questioned.

    Especially when it came to breaking down a gigantic and old system like the old empire, there was a need to establish the legend of Count Atismata.

    He who was a renowned great feudal lord and belonged to the common sense faction since the beginning raised a rebellion against the old empire and obtained victory. It was important just how much persuasiveness could be inserted into that sequence of events.

    Only by doing that this system and the tendency of the era could be shaken from its root for the first time.

    ¡¸If I claimed that I who am distanced from the imperial family was moving behind the scene and caused the revolution, just who in the world is going to believe that!? Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    The populace, the country wouldn¡¯t accept it.

    Like that it would be meaningless.

    ¡¸Then my wise younger brother. You can just slaughter all the remaining imperial family.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Proclaim that you conspired with Count Atismata to achieve this revolution, and behead your blood relatives of the old empire. I had finished all the groundwork. After that what¡¯s left will be to use resonance with Avalon, and imprint the fact that you achieved the revolution as the Black Hero.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What, are you saying?¡¹

    ¡¸Display the execution of the remaining imperial family to the populace. Show your resolve and your will to carry that out. With that you will be accepted by the populace as the new emperor. You can only save this country by doing that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Such, such thing. It¡¯s impossible!¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s possible. After all this me is helping you. Because since the distant past, I have fixed the inclination of the world many times.¡¹

    Fugil quietly unsheathed his Sword Device and lifted it toward the sky.

    ¡¸The scales is already starting to move. The world that all of you wish for, and the wish of the sealed Lords, are starting to appear through Sacred Eclipse. Arshalia is starting to react toward the voices wishing for salvation.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you saying? Who in the world are you?¡¹

    Hearing the words of Fugil that sounded as though he was talking to himself, a doubt was created within Lux.

    At this point, Lux too was starting to understand.

    The history of Arcadia Empire, the knowledge regarding Drag-Ride, the overwhelming strength that Fugil was hiding, Divine Drag-Ride that he had never even seen.

    This man who he idolized all this time since the past as big brother wasn¡¯t just a heretic of Arcadia Empire, so to speak he was an outsider element of this world.

    Or perhaps, rather©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m a hero, my wise younger brother. The hero of the beginning who went toward the noble path you wished for, and finally reached the furthest end of that road. My mission has been decided since the start. I will continue to save.¡¹

    There was only gentle smile floating on his expression.

    An expression of deep affection that let the guard down toward a trusted person.

    But©¤©¤it was terrifying.

    The true identity of this man.

    And then toward the mysteriousness of what Fugil was trying to achieve, Lux©¤©¤simply brandished Bahamut¡¯s great sword.

    Right after that, his memory cut off along with an intense pain.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Over Limit ¨C On!¡¹

    When Lux¡¯s consciousness returned to the now, his body moved and his voice came out at the same time.

    Inside Avalon, the duel against Singlen in the control room.

    SInglen who obtained enough water from the ventilation using Ballast used his Divine Raiment and clad himself in water torrent.

    Lux too used the instant when the opponent shifted into offense and pulled out his Sword Device, activating Over Limit.

    All the limiters that were set to avoid burden to the user and damage to the Drag-Ride itself were turned off, and the whole performance of the Drag-Ride was increased in that state after the release code was entered.

    This power that he forgot each time he used it was something that Fugil once taught him.

    ¡¸Hoo, have you recovered your memory? Or is this just a temporary thing?¡¹

    Despite the secret measure that Lux activated, no agitation could be seen from Singlen.

    Without even using the power of Baptism that was applied to half his body, he activated the tuning and gazed at Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. I still cannot remember fully.¡¹

    Lux equipped Bahamut which had its shape changed while responding to the conversation also to buy time for the transformation to finish.

    At the same time, he sent his thought toward the memory of the past that he lost.

    One day before the day he went to Ries Island in order to save Philuffy who was kidnapped for human experiment. Lux was taught by Fugil the release procedure of Over Limit.

    But, his memory of what happened that day was erased, and the release procedure was also lost along with his memory.

    And then, at the day the revolution was carried out, once again©¤©¤.

    ¡¸However, I understand. At that time, I tried to stop Fugil with everything I had. Sir Singlen, a rule like yours is also something I don¡¯t wish for!¡¹

    Bahamut¡¯s armor was shifting to a form with more offensive sharp edge. Lux held up the jet black Chaos Brand in front of him with both hands.

    In respond Singlen also smiled and quietly held the Blade that was clad with water.

    ¡¸You won¡¯t be able to surpass me. No matter how much you are able to sacrifice yourself, in the end you are just a half-baked person who don¡¯t even have the resolve to dirty your hand. Your righteousness and noble path will be used by someone else before you get discarded and lose everything. That¡¯s your limit. I won¡¯t commit the same foolishness for the second time.¡¹

    Conforming to SInglen who concentrated his hostility, Leviathan¡¯s armor was enveloped in faint light.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll subdue the incompetents and fools infesting this world, and take away the seat of god. You don¡¯t need to worry, I¡¯ll accept you into the world that I¡¯ll create after this.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that your revenge because your ideal was used by someone else and something of yours was taken away?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s objection.

    Singlen who heard that stopped smiling, and muddy black shadow surfaced in his eye.

    Right after that©¤©¤along with a gush of killing intent that was like the tip of a sword, a water torrent that was transformed into blade was swung.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin Gouka©¤©¤Mizuchi¡¹

    *Kiin*, the reverberation of such sound of slicing wind shook Lux¡¯s eardrum.

    The water torrent that was approaching in the speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow was a blade of certain death that would tear off even a thick armor like paper.

    Lux who saw that it would be unblockable even by the barrier that was in Over Limit state diverted the slash using his Chaos Brand as shield along with his barrier.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    Lux dodged using the trait of Chaos Brand that could even sever energy while further applying compression strengthening into his special armament.

    Lux parried the water blade while hyper accelerating to the front. He charged in a stance of shifting to counter offense.

    The attack that he would unleash in the next five seconds would have its might increased by more than ten times.

    A mere sword attack would produce explosive destructive power that surpassed Recoil Burst.

    That was to say, his victory would be set in stone if he could just land a hit.

    Naturally Singlen also grasped that and he should shift into a stance to dodge or counterattack.

    (However, because of the Over Limit, the built-in armament Linker Core is also strengthened. Even if he tries to use Senjin ¨C Ruten, I¡¯ll put his timing out of order and land the attack!)

    But, right after Lux flew convinced in victory, he felt something was out of place.

    Singlen¡¯s form was getting blurry.

    The thick mist that was filling inside the control room blocked even the sight a few ml ahead, erasing the appearance of the enemy.

    ¡¸So he had taken measure¡­¡­¡¹

    If Singlen¡¯s figure couldn¡¯t be seen, it would be pointless no matter how much attack power he had.

    But, if the opponent too didn¡¯t have radar like special equipment type Drake, it should be impossible for him to detect Lux.

    Was his plan to escape for five seconds until the strengthening of Reload on Fire that Lux activated ended?

    In that case, he wouldn¡¯t let go of that opening. He could only land his own sure kill attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What are you looking for? Is it fine, going without defense like that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    He could hear Singlen¡¯s voice, at the same time the rain that was stsarting to fall hit Lux¡¯s cheek.

    That coldness caused Lux who was hovering in air to shudder.

    ¡¸This is? This rain, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    He thought that Singlen would escape from him until five more seconds when his compression strengthening ran out.

    Now that a thick mist was filling inside the control room, moving carelessly would cause collision with obstacle.

    But, he had heard from Yoruka.

    Singlen had a technique that allowed him to fight equally against Yato no Kami that was using radar in darkness.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin Mizuki©¤©¤AmikiriNet Slicing¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s faint muttering could be heard from inside the thick mist.

    Originally it was a technique to entangle Wire Tail around the enemy¡¯s Drag-Ride, and then reading the Drag-Ride¡¯s preliminary movement through the vibration, predicting the opponent¡¯s movement, but when it was used in combination with Leviathan¡¯s Divine Raiment LeaningRoyal Authority,  Singlen could probe into the opponent¡¯s location and situation by listening to the reflected sound of the rain fall.

    That was to say, inside the thick mist that was generated by his Leaning, he could develop a battle where he obtained one-sided advantage.

    The current Lux©¤©¤had no way to evade that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A faint killing intent came from behind.

    Lux reflexively turned around while horizontally slashing Bahamut¡¯s great sword.

    He predicted that because using Senjin that came from tuning and Divine Raiment at the same time required absurd concentration, Singlen wouldn¡¯t be able to use another Senjin at the same time, but the rain already stopped at that time and the mist cleared up.

    ¡¸Shin Senjin Ruten©¤©¤UngaiOutside Cloud¡¹

    He was na?ve.

    The instant Singlen detected Lux¡¯s position and grasped the situation, he switched to another Senjin and focused his full strength to offense and defense against him.

    The generated wall of water current that replaced the barrier deflected his sword, and Singlen lunged with a thrust of full strength.

    ¡¸Not, yet¡­¡­! Linker Pulse!¡¹

    The force field from the special armament that was immediately activated without delay moved Bahamut itself, allowing it to barely dodge lethal wound.

    But, even so the barrier and the armor near the chest part were shaved, and the after-wave of the impact cracked his ribs.

    ¡¸Guh, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Do you think that even such rubbish force field can stop my sword if it¡¯s strengthened by Over Limit? That¡¯s really insolent, chore boy. Thinking that the same method will work twice when the opponent is this me©¤©¤that hubris deserves a ten thousand deaths.¡¹

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The defense feature of flesh when receiving damage which was producing intense pain limited Lux¡¯s own movement.

    With this, Lux was getting checkmated.

    He would be defenseless for a few second from now.

    For all that Singlen would finish him off in that opening.

    ¡¸Farewell hero. Turn into a cornerstone to cut open my supreme rule from hereon, Shin Senjin Gouka©¤©¤Mizuchi.¡¹

    (Lisha-sama, everyone. I©¤©¤)

    The blade of death enveloped in water torrent glittered. It approached him with a roar.

    Inside his consciousness that was prolonged to the utmost limit, he sent his thought toward the girls who were his companions.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go. You new kingdom¡¯s bugs. And you too traitorous Onee-sama!¡¹

    The autonomous type Fernyiges that protected Avalon, and Hayes who were fused with Sacred Eclipse moved at the same time.

    The remaining fighting force at their side was Aeril, Lisha, Krulcifer, and Philuffy, four people in total.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins were taken in by Fernyiges¡¯s Divine Raiment. If it wasn¡¯t destroyed quickly to rescue them, it would become disadvantageous for their side.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s face them with two each! I and airheaded girl will take the mechanical monster. Aeril and Krulcifer, aim for Hayes!¡¹

    Lisha immediately took the role as commander and gave instruction to everyone.

    The Ragnarok that moved following Hayes¡¯s will and the comrades who were captured by the Divine Drag-Ride.

    There was no doubt that both were troublesome, but she judged that this pairing was the most optimum in this situation.

    The Divine Raiment of Zahhak that Aeril equipped, Brain Hack wouldn¡¯t work to Fernyiges that was just a Drag-Ride, and the Diivne Raiment of Philuffy¡¯s Typhon conversely only had effect against Drag-Ride.

    Therefore, Lisha chose the opponent that their respective ability would be effective against.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GUoOooOOOOOOOONN!¡¹

    The five legged Fernyiges rushed fiercely from a forward-bent posture and lunged with its sharp claws.

    Philuffy averted half her body behind and dodged, then she dealt a counter with a thrust of Typhon¡¯s fist.

    The enemy was also very fast, but the strengthened state of B-blood Typhon and her battle sense won the exchange.

    ¡¸Good going airheaded girl! Finish it like that!¡¹

    In addition Lisha used high speed movement through Wyvern Wing and took the above position of Fernyiges, measuring the timing to unleash the finishing blow.

    Due to Typhon¡¯s attack that pierced the barrier, the chest part of Fernyiges was smashed. Moreover Philuffy took a step forward and unleashed a spinning kick.

    ©¤©¤At the same time, countless Pile Anchors were already entangled on that armor.

    After making a tricky evasion, she unleashed a blow using her superb body balance, and when the enemy flinched, she used the opening to entangle the wire and restrained the enemy. Philuffy who pulled in the enemy and dealt her deadly blows consecutively was terrifyingly precise and powerful.

    Against Mishis she was unable to finish the battle successfully, but in this situation she was superior as expected.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Biting Flare¡¹

    The concentrated energy in Typhon¡¯s special armament growled to explode the captured enemy.

    Lisha who was overlooking from above with her cannon at ready thought that she might not get a turn. It was then Philuffy¡¯s movement stopped still.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤GUoOOOOONN!¡¹

    Right after that, the powerful front kick that Fernyiges unleashed sent Typhon flying backward.

    Philuffy barely guarded with both armored arms, but she was unable to offset the whole impact and she vomited blood.

    ¡¸You idiot! What are you doing!? Don¡¯t stop your attack!¡¹

    Lisha aimed the muzzle of Seven Heads below and targeted Fernyiges.

    But, the instant she pulled the trigger, a shudder ran through Lisha.

    On the head of Fernyiges, Mel and Greifer who seemed unconscious appeared while still in binding.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The enemy took in the targeted Drag-Knights not just for its own fuel, it seemed it could also bring them outside freely as shield.

    Even when Lisha tried to stop the bombardment in panic, her finger¡¯s movement couldn¡¯t stop.

    The beam was fired toward Fernyiges. It barely missed and cut through air.

    Philuffy had reeled in the entangling Pile Anchors and moved Fernyiges.

    ¡¸So, it¡¯s like that¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha stroked her chest in relieve while understanding the circumstance just now.

    Philuffy let go of the victory because Fernyiges used their comrade as shield.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What a cowardly guy. Is it really unmanned?¡¹

    Lisha bit her lower lip while her body was shaking with righteous indignation.

    Even if the enemy¡¯s movement was sealed by Suppressor, it would still be able to move around the hostage that was absorbed by its Divine Raiment.

    They not only needed to be careful of its inside, even attack toward its important spot was sealed. Like this there was no chance of victory.

    While Lisha and Philuffy were hesitating, Krulcifer and Aeril who saw that were carrying out intense battle at the side.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really an inhuman act. I wonder if even the Drag-Ride is imitating its owner?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was activating Full Connect deployed Auto Shield to surround Hayes.

    Originally it was Fafnir¡¯s special armament that automatically protected itself, but by scattering the seven shields around the enemy, it became possible for reflecting shot using ricochet.

    The tactic that evolved the armament¡¯s original user, and the activation of Wise Blood that realized even more precise and smoother action.

    She sniped to choke the life out of Hayes who was absorbed by Sacred Eclipse, but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤What¡¯s going on!? Wise Blood ¨C Accel doesn¡¯t work.¡¹

    It was the ability that went further than future prediction, deriving the future path that reached to victory from the present situation, but that power wasn¡¯t working. Krulcifer was bewildered by that fact.

    Even if it was an ability to derived the future that was just as the user wished, but if the battle situation was far from ideal, then it was reasonable that such future couldn¡¯t be seen.

    Therefore, it showed just how overwhelmingly dangerous the current situation was. But before Krulcifer could realize that, Hayes¡¯s attack pierced through.

    ¡¸Ih¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hayes who traveled a long distance crossed over space and teleported instantly. The Sword Device of Fernyiges in her hand struck Fafnir.

    The Auto Shield that was originally would automatically defend was diverted for offense, exposing a defenseless opening that Hayes took advantage of.

    ¡¸You blundered you bitch, you were naively seeing me as just a mere human huh? Did you forget? Right now I¡¯m Sacred Eclipse yeah-!?¡¹

    That was o.

    Her appearance was nothing more than a flesh and blood human girl, but her inside was the greatest and strongest human type Ragnarok. The attack that was unleashed from that physical strength easily broke Fafnir¡¯s armor and transmitted overwhelming impact to Krulcifer.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    Aeril activated Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment in order to protect Krulcifer.

    Using the ability of Brain Hack to erase only a designated information from the memory of the living thing around, Krulcifer¡¯s existence was vanished from Hayes¡¯s memory©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸The moment you joined their side, you are planning to sell favor to this bunch huh, Aneue-sama? It¡¯s shameless bastard like you that touch my nerve the most.¡¹

    Hayes widely opened her jet black eyes and glared at Aeril with a demonic killing intent.

    Zahhak swung Breath Whip and restrained Hayes¡¯s whole body, but the branch that stretched out from the whip¡¯s gap attacked Aeril.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Because Krulcifer got hit by space teleportation just now, she split her attention to be on guard against that. That decision turned out to be a bad one.

    The root of Yggdrasil¡¯s branch grew to outside Hayes¡¯s body and pierced through Zahhak¡¯s barrier with a speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    It was barely stopped by the armor, but the impact couldn¡¯t be blocked.

    Aeril vomited blood. Her armor was dispelled and she began to freefall.

    ¡¸Hyahahahah! This feels good! Trash like you bastard introducing yourself as Lord is unforgivable! ©¤©¤Die¡¹

    Along with a brutal gaze, a branch stretched out from Hayes¡¯s body to attack further.

    But, her body that was floating in air felt impact on the back and her whole body froze instantly.

    Krulcifer who recovered her balance carried out consecutive shots using her Freezing Cannon.

    ¡¸Getting carried away when the situation become just slightly advantageous for you is your bad habit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guess so. I¡¯ll warn you as your big sister. You should fix that habit of yours!¡¹

    Furthermore the Breath Whip of Zahhak that had temporarily loosened entwined around the frozen Hayes once more.

    And then, energy was transmitted through the whip and the whip was pulled forcefully.

    *Zan-!*

    Along the friction that the whip caused, Hayes¡¯s limbs were severed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sorry, Hayes. ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The moment Aeril averted her face from that gruesome end, her body was frozen along with Zahhak.

    The lips on Hayes who only had her head left warped into a wicked grin.

    ¡¸Stop it with the worthless acting, you hypocrite.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril saw it at that moment.

    Hayes¡¯s body that became in pieces instantly regenerated and reconnected to each other.

    That was the regeneration ability of Poseidon. Furthermore using Fenrir¡¯s ability, this time it was Aeril herself whose movement was sealed.

    And then Yggdrasil¡¯s branch that grew out once more from Hayes¡¯s body was poised to pierce that body. It was then Krulcifer stood in the way.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­wait!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Irritating. A mere lowly insect of the theocracy like you dare!¡¹

    Instantly, more than dozens of branches grew out from Hayes¡¯s back and attacked Krulcifer.

    Although some of the branches were blocked by Auto Shield that had returned to her, she couldn¡¯t dodge the remaining branches and her armor was smashed.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    Because Full Connect assimilated a part of the body with nanomachine, the impact to the armor was strongly felt.

    With that her body that was completely spent from the intense battle against Mishis crumbled down.

    ¡¸Trying to fight me in that kind of ragged state, you are underestimating me. You two can watch leisurely from there how that fake prince will writhe in agony. Hyahahaha¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril whose whole body was frozen except her head already couldn¡¯t move at all.

    But, the two who were greatly injured noticed a certain thing.

    Sacred Eclipse that absorbed Hayes¡¯s will had already inherited the ability of six Ragnarok.

    Most likely if Sacred Eclipse was destroyed one more time, when it was revived once more it would unify the power of seven Ragnarok and transformed into the final form of devil god that would destroy the world.

    There was no way they could leave alone Hayes who was in this state, but the two were already at their limit.

    At the very least, if they could just stop Hayes¡¯s movement.

    When they turned their gaze toward Lisha and Philuffy to entrust that last hope©¤©¤.

    ¡¸HAaaAaaAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha closed in at Fernyiges with a roar that nearly sounded like a scream.

    There was no more time or strength remaining.

    She had changed the Over Unit into Wyrm Claw and went into the last gamble.

    The strengthening part that grew out from Tiamat¡¯s shoulders was a supplemental armament that boasted overwhelming firepower in close range combat.

    The drill that was rotating in high speed easily pierced and destroyed Fernyiges¡¯s barrier, but the enemy escaped at the last moment.

    ¡¸Chih! This kind of thing, normally it would have been defeated a long time ago already¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha and Philuffy exceeded it in pure fighting strength, but it was problematic that the captured Seven Dragon Paladins were turned into hostage.

    The moment they went to decide the match, the hostages would be surely thrust before their eyes and the enemy would escape.

    If they didn¡¯t seal the Divine Raiment of the enemy that used their comrades as shield, there would be no prospect of victory.

    Therefore, they were thinking that their only option was to use Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Missing Faith to neutralize the enemy¡¯s Divine Raiment and destroyed Fernyiges at that moment.

    However, the enemy¡¯s getaway was too fast.

    Therefore Lisha went ahead to bind the enemy with Suppressor¡¯s gravity, but to think at that moment the two who were tasked to hold back Hayes were defeated.

    (The plan went amiss! That Hayes©¤©¤no, Sacred Eclipse is actually that strong¡­¡­!)

    ¡¸Hoo, that¡¯s really something to endure that well against Fernyiges. That guy is the guard dog from hell that protects Avalon. Don¡¯t think that it can be defeated easily okay? Well©¤©¤it will be irritating if the bunches inside it are saved here. I¡¯ll join in too.¡¹

    Judging that Krulcifer and Aeril were already put in ice and unable to fight, Hayes grinned smugly and headed toward Lisha and Philuffy¡¯s position.

    The plan should be to crush each opponent as fast as possible, but it became an inconceivable miscalculation.

    Lisha and Philuffy were already passing the limit of their stamina too.

    Most likely there were only one or two minutes left until their Divine Drag-Ride reached the operation limit.

    The next offense and defense would undoubtedly decide their fate.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t struggle you trashes, after all you bastard inferior race has no way to win against us Lord. Besides you are thinking that the bunch inside Fernyiges can be saved if you destroy it, but if you mistake where to hit they will die from the impact you know?¡¹

    ¡¸You are making a threat? We¡¯ve got no time making inane chatter with you!¡¹

    ¡¸Then just try it. You¡¯re gonna be able to see something interesting like that.¡¹

    Seeing Hayes¡¯s wicked grin, Lisha judged that she was most likely telling the truth.

    In front of Hayes who was looking triumphant while holding her Sword Device, Lisha planned the last gamble.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The deep level floor of Avalon, the control room.

    While the Gear Leader, the Automata Arshalia was watching, Lux and Singlen¡¯s death match was continuing before the third trial that would connect to the central.

    Pain was the body¡¯s defensive function that suppressed the damage to the flesh and communicated the abnormality in body function.

    Especially large damage to the nerve, it would completely bind the whole body¡¯s movement.

    While the instinct realized that such thing was exactly what would lead to their demise, that function couldn¡¯t be stopped.

    Even though all limiters were released using Over Limit, the user Lux couldn¡¯t be like that.

    His body should be unable to move in this moment due to the impact and intense pain from Singlen¡¯s blow to him.

    No matter how much he had trained his body, how much he had polished his natural talent, from the view point of the opponent this was a definite chance of victory with no room for doubt.

    ¡¸¡­¡­©¤©¤©¤What did you do?¡¹

    Therefore, Lux¡¯s deadly blow landed without fail toward this opponent who was at the nearest from being perfect.

    The shoulder of Singlen¡¯s Leviathan was broken, and his Force Core was exposed.

    At the same time the all of the Drag-Ride¡¯s functions went down, and even Singlen¡¯s flesh body was cut up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gu, ga!¡¹

    After a moment that didn¡¯t even reach a second, Singlen¡¯s body was blown backward.

    He crashed on the metallic wall far away, and then like that his movement stopped while being stuck on the wall.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who saw that lifted his body and grasped the situation.

    It was an extreme situation where even his consciousness almost flew away, but it seemed he made it in time just barely.

    ¡¸I, see¡­¡­. Ku, kuku, I wasn¡¯t wrong just as I thought. You, are, terrifying¡­¡­. With the resolve to sacrifice your own life©¤©¤¡¹

    The voice of Singlen that came from dozens of ml ahead sounded very far for the current Lux.

    The sound of his blood flow *gou gou* and his nerve being burned struck his eardrum.

    If the secret of the trick was to be disclosed, Lux crushed Singlen using one of the three hidden techniques he invented, Quick Draw.

    However because of the damage that Lux received just before that, his body was paralyzed and unable to move for a few seconds.

    Even if he was able to move, his broken bones and deep laceration should restrict the range of his action drastically.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire. So to speak the moment my attack hit you, you reduce your own pain into less than a tenth¡­¡­so, it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Singlen vomited blood while still putting on his smile.

    That was the correct answer.

    Reload on Fire©¤©¤.

    It was the Divine Raiment of compression effect that caused rapid decrease at the first five seconds, and explosive increase at the next five seconds, and it worked for every kind of phenomenon and energy. The user would shoulder risk at first when activating it.

    Consequently originally its biggest weakness was its lack of speedy effect, but Lux¡¯s clever scheme reversed that.

    The intense pain that was a chain binding him was neutralized by Reload on Fire, and he landed a counterattack using Quick Draw on Singlen who was convinced of his victory.

    Senjin Gouka was a technique that used tuning to concentrated Drag-Ride¡¯s energy to the maximum into one point.

    So to speak, while attacking with that, even the barrier couldn¡¯t be deployed properly and the defensive power weakened remarkably.

    Furthermore with Over Limit, Lux struck with output and mobility that were originally suppressed in consideration of the burden to the Drag-Ride and flesh body.

    With that, the slash that originally would be relatively light was boosted up until it became a lethal sword stroke.

    The Linker Pulse that he used previously so to speak was a bait to lure Singlen.

    The plan that gambled his life bore fruit and crushed this terrifyingly powerful person.

    ¡¸Kukuku¡­¡­but, do you understand, chore prince? This path that you choose. Your destiny that will visit you in a few more seconds©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He knew.

    In order to stop Singlen, Lux ignored the intense pain running in his body and landed a strike without even thinking of the burden on him.

    It would become intense pain and impact more than ten times the original three seconds later that would surely burn Lux¡¯s body and heart.

    The possibility was high that his mind would broke and then he fainted, or he would die from the shock.

    The burden to the body that he overworked also wouldn¡¯t be light.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I can endure it.¡¹

    Even now when his heart was ruled by the anxiety of hopeless death, Lux showed a calm smile.

    ¡¸After all I received and endured the second trial just as you wished, for the sake of this kind of situation.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s one eye opened wide in shock for the first time here hearing Lux¡¯s words.

    Avalon¡¯s trial in order to connect to the central.

    Strengthening of the mind through application of mental burden, and body strengthening through administering of Elixir.

    Of course, Lux had no way of knowing the detail of the trial, so it wasn¡¯t like he had planned everything, but even coincidentally, if it could become a factor to lead into the situation of this moment©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The time limit of five minutes has passed. The condition of connecting with central isn¡¯t accomplished, so one minute later, the people here will be teleported outside. Reactivation until the next qualified person can enter will need five minutes.¡¹

    ¨C

    Automata Arshalia¡¯s robotic voice indifferently resounded inside the control room.

    For the time being, the risk of Singlen making use of Arcadia blood by having Lux connecting to the central was gone, but the problem was from here on.

    Fugil and Listelka should be still waiting outside, and most importantly there was also the existence of Sacred Eclipse.

    And then, Lux would definitely lose consciousness after this from Reload on Fire¡¯s backlash.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU! AAaaaAAaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    A scream that was unthinkable to have come from him thundered inside the room. Intense pain burned his whole body.

    In the middle of that sensation of only five seconds that felt like eternity, Lux kept his hold to his hazy consciousness even then.

    But, that was all.

    He couldn¡¯t move even a single finger anymore.

    His body was paralyzed, and even his breathing felt like it would stop.

    ¡¸Kukuku, what are you planning to do in that state? I and Leviathan can revive one more time using Baptism and SlytLithograph of Counterfeit. It will be the end if you are killed outside by me you know? What you gained here is nothing more than a short postponement.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, enough. After this Aeril, Captain Magialca, and others will stop your scheme and Fugil too. There are also Lisha-sama and others. Even if their opponent is Sacred Eclipse, they won¡¯t be defeated that easily.¡¹

    ¡¸You will use up all your strength and rely on someone else¡¯s strength? Is a hero like you satisfied with that?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I will rely on other.¡¹

    Lux immediately replied at Singlen¡¯s sarcasm with a quiet smile.

    ¡¸Our comrades, all of them have really¡­¡­become strong. I can believe on them without doubt, Sir Singlen. Unlike the strong you who are unable to seriously believe in anyone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Knowing one¡¯s own limit and able to entrust one¡¯s wish on comrades who could be trusted was also strength.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to do something reckless like this time if he was unable to believe on Lisha and others.

    When Lux noticed that for the first time, he comprehended Singlen¡¯s true nature.

    He thought that this man before his eyes could only recognize other people by ruling over them and acted like a tyrant.

    Surely this man©¤©¤was too much of a prodigy even in Blackend Kingdom.

    Whether it was in quick wits, in strength, and also in foresight, he was too outstanding in all of them.

    From his birth, this man was a genius who touched every kind of height.

    That was why he scoffed at the defect and foolishness of other people. He put distance from them and displayed disgust.

    After all human was originally weak living thing no matter who.

    He said that he was trying to make Lux his subordinate to make use of him as disposable piece.

    That might also be the truth.

    But, if he was sniffing the same scent like himself from Lux©¤©¤.

    Then perhaps he might be wishing for a comrade who could keep up with him.

    Perhaps he wished to obtain someone powerful who was his equal who he could recognize.

    For some reason, right now he got such feeling.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thirty seconds remaining until we are send out from here. As a prize from defeating me once, I¡¯ll teach you the truth. What will happen from now on, when you are trying to follow the same path like me in the past.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­The, truth?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head hearing Singlen¡¯s words that he spoke out along with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸It¡¯s something you will understand soon but, even if you know the truth after this, surely you won¡¯t remember it after you get rewound. But, you have received Elixir three times with that body. Now you have resistance toward modification. Then, if you can just grasp the impetus you will be able to recall the time©¤©¤just like this me.¡¹

    ¡¸What, do you mean¡­¡­?¡¹

    The moment Lux showed his doubt, Singlen started talking.

    After a conversation of around twenty seconds, Lux fainted before he was teleported outside.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Farewell chore boy. Ruin yourself in pipe dream that won¡¯t come true by all means, along with your spoiled kid¡¯s ideal that is soaked in sugar. I¡¯ll crush this fictive world and teach the foolish masses the reality. This is a temporary farewell until you remember the despair.¡¹

    Inside the consciousness that was covered by deep darkness, the voice of that arrogant tyrant was remaining in his ears.

    ¨C

    ¡¸The connection with the central isn¡¯t carried out. In one more minute the qualified people inside will be ejected outside.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Near the entrance to the graveyard that was located at the back of the imperial capital¡¯s castle.

    The robotic voice of Arshalia could be heard there. Lisha and Philuffy held their breath.

    Because Sacred Eclipse that was necessary for the last trial fused with Hayes and went on rampage, it should be impossible to connect with the central, but with this the survival of Lux and SInglen were confirmed.

    ¡¸So Lux is also safe¡­¡­. Then, there is no way we can lose here!¡¹

    Lisha dispelled the Wyrm Claw of Over Unit.

    She drew out her other Sword Device and summoned Drake Horn from it and then connected with it.

    With the addition of the support function of the special equipment type, the Drag-Ride¡¯s maximum output was also drastically strengthened.

    Because it was components, the ability of special equipment type general purpose Drag-Ride to give support strengthening could be applied to her own Drag-Ride too.

    (As compensation, it put even more burden to my body. But, I¡¯ll bet on this choice!)

    Lisha readied her Sword Device toward Fernyiges that was attacking Philuffy.

    And then she called out to her comrade who was continuously fighting while turning herself into Abyss.

    ¡ºOi airheaded girl, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you! Lux too!¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Yes. Leave it to me.¡»

    Philuffy responded to Lisha¡¯s voice that came through Dragon Voice.

    The number of words they exchanged was few, but Philuffy had guessed it.

    Including the reason why even though both of them should be similarly near their limit, why did Lisha deliberately said such thing.

    Fernyiges launched a kick with its three front legs, but Philuffy blocked it with her armored arms. At that moment, those front legs were blown away.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GUooOOOOON!?¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Hayes who saw that from distance also frowned in puzzlement.

    ¡¸Like always, that woman use strange technique!¡¹

    Lisha herself didn¡¯t fully understand what happened, but she knew about that technique from her mock battle against Philuffy.

    It was her unique Drag-Ride operation.

    The foundation of martial art that she inherited from Magialca made use of body weight transfer, release of strength, and also the opponent¡¯s strength.

    Similar like Lux¡¯s Critical Hit, the moment the opponent¡¯s attack hit, by suppressing the point where strength was generated, the strength of the opponent¡¯s attack was returned as it was.

    This girl with talent subjugated the influence of Abyss and obtained that strength in order to stay at Lux¡¯s side.

    Next Philuffy entwined Pile Anchor around Fernyiges. In that instant Lisha activated her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤High Suppressor!¡¹

    Fernyiges¡¯s armor creaked due to Divine Raiment of gravity burden that was strengthened by more than two times.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GI, GUOoooOOOON!¡¹

    Fernyiges¡¯s armor reflexively shined and it tried to push out the five Seven Dragon Paladins that were absorbed inside to use them as shield.

    ©¤©¤But, Typhon¡¯s Missing Faith that was unleashed at the same time negated it a step ahead.

    ¡¸GI, GAGYAaaaAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fernyiges was smashed up, leaving behind the reverberation of destruction that sounded like a scream of death agony.

    But, at that instant the armor¡¯s upper part was detached. Only the head and shoulders, and then the back wings escaped.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It detached!? Even though Seven Dragon Paladins are below!¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, certainly those guys are in the lower body part. But, If Fernyiges¡¯s main body isn¡¯t destroyed, the people inside won¡¯t return to consciousness!¡¹

    The triumphant voice caused Lisha to gasp.

    Hayes who was on the ground lifted up her hand and unleashed light. In that instant Lisha¡¯s body was sent flying back.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Purge!¡¹

    It was obvious that Hayes would aim at Lisha when she was full of opening in order to defeat Fernyiges.

    Consequently, Lisha who was already nearly her limit beforehand had prepared to escape from her armor.

    A moment later, Lisha¡¯s released armor was smashed up along with a distortion in space.

    It was destruction by the space grasping of Deus ex Machina that Sacred Eclipse inherited.

    Lisha was barely able to let Tiamat¡¯s Force Core to escape from that, so although it would take time, the Drag-Ride would be able to be fixed.

    There was no doubt that it was a hard blow for her, but there was no substitute for life.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave the rest to you¡­¡­airheaded girl, I didn¡¯t want to let you to risk your body or anything though¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha pulled out her remaining Sword Device and summoned Wyvern Wing right under herself to use as cushion.

    Even so she was unable to neutralize the falling impact completely and she raised a small groan.

    ¡¸It¡¯s finally, the limit huh¡­¡­. I have faith you know, Lux. Faith on you, and also on the formidable members of the ¡ºpact¡» too.¡¹

    Lisha left behind a weak smile and strength left her body.

    The battle against Dragon Marauder the other day, and the intense battle against Mishis.

    And then the reuse of Over Unit in addition.

    She concealed her exhaustion and fought to the end under the burden that her small body couldn¡¯t endure, and she finally ran out of strength.

    Even so, she didn¡¯t have the slightest anxiety and regret.

    Lisha who was once abandoned by her father who was a great man and given the heavy responsibility of being a princess was able to fight with reliable comrades in a way that she could accept.

    Surely Hayes had never experienced something like that even once.

    Inside her cut off consciousness, Lisha was harboring a slight pity.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤So she got away, well it doesn¡¯t matter. It won¡¯t be long until that fake prince got chased out from the control room. The Seven Dragon Paladins too, they won¡¯t be able to move for a few minutes after getting freed from Fernyiges. Next if you bitch just die, I¡¯ll be able to obtain Avalon leisurely.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was only Philuffy alone in Hayes¡¯s view.

    Listelka was hiding. Fugil was standing by to protect her.

    Listelka who didn¡¯t want to lose Fugil was surely aiming to make both sides exhausted themselves before taking advantage of that.

    If Philuffy was defeated and Hayes was finished off when she was dying, it would also be possible to reset Sacred Eclipse.

    But, Hayes had no intention to allow that.

    If she defeated Philuffy and entered the control room, she would be able to steal a march on Listelka and connected to the central.

    And then, right now Philuffy was already wounded all over.

    She barely maintained the shape of B-blood Typhon using Yggdrasil¡¯s root that gave strengthening until the armor, but even that wouldn¡¯t last long.

    The limit would arrive for her in less than a minute.

    ¡¸Kuhahaha! This is really funny. And it¡¯s also really pitiful woman. You won¡¯t be able to stop this me even if you turn into that kind of monster. You who are just a victim of my human experience, it doesn¡¯t matter even if you lay that life on the line!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hayes provoked Philuffy to invite her attack, but Philuffy didn¡¯t even twitch while her blank face kept looking dazed.

    She simply moved the wheels of her armored feet gradually and began to accelerate from afar.

    In order to gamble everything in the next instant of exchange.

    ¡¸Are you okay doing that, monster? The more you use that strength, the more your life is shaved. More accurately speaking, the seed of Yggdrasil will rapidly encroach inside you and you won¡¯t even be able to return to human form you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸If that happen that fake prince might break for real this time yeah. No, unexpectedly he might not want to even look at you anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s, pitiful.¡¹

    Words spilled out in small voice from Philuffy¡¯s lips.

    Hayes judged that it was an opening in her heart and she readied her Sword Device while provoking even more.

    ¡¸Haha, so you think that you¡¯re pitiful eh? But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that you bitch is a monster. After all©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s you, you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    But, Philuffy¡¯s indifferent voice caused Hayes to be the one who lost her words this time.

    At the same time, darkness was spreading inside her heart.

    Exactly because it was Philuffy¡¯s blunt words that weren¡¯t filled with emotion that Hayes¡¯s heart was greatly shaken, and the memory of the past was resurrected at the back of her mind.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Hayes-sama, so you are at this kind of place?¡¹

    ¡¸What. You found me here really late ain¡¯t you? I¡¯m just a disposable piece after all.¡¹

    At the courtyard of Arcadia Empire before its destruction.

    Mishis who acted as maid who took care after the imperial princess¡¯s need was standing beside Hayes who was hiding at the shade of a tree.

    Hayes who was lying down on the green lawn had one of her eyes covered with eye patch.

    A few days ago, she just got the surgery of Baptism using Elixir performed to her in exchange of overwhelming pain.

    ¡¸Your highness is jesting. ©¤©¤Now, it¡¯s time for study. Let¡¯s learn refinement and knowledge that are suitable for an imperial princess. In addition it¡¯s also necessary to learn the technique to obtain the right of control of Automata using the Baptism that your highness received the other day.¡¹

    ¡¸Just what meaning there is in my existence? I¡¯ll take up the responsibility if my two Onee-sama die, as the substitute of those two that is.¡¹

    The third imperial princess sniggered negligently. The iron maid calmly spoke in respond.

    ¡¸The three of you are shouldering the great cause of leading the world as the summit of the Lord.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s wrong ain¡¯t it? I¡¯m just living as those Onee-sama¡¯s gopher. The manager of the garden that exploit the lowly masses so the imperial family and the nobility can have it easy in the peace. And I¡¯m an underling among that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Human, no matter who has their own role. Escaping from that fate will only get them forced into another different discomfort. In other words freedom is nothing more than discovering oneself inside the lack of freedom. Meaning of one¡¯s existence is also the same. To always facing down will only cause nothing but dark shadow being reflected in your eyes.¡¹

    ¡¸Is Key¡¯s Supervisor made to learn even the way to lecture? What an exaggerated maid huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Even like this I am the top member among my people, so I will be disqualified if I¡¯m unable to help your highness get back on your feet.¡¹

    Hayes who heard Mishis¡¯s words made an ironical smile.

    ¡¸Then, it might be better if I intentionally make you fail, leaving a stain on your achievement.¡¹

    ¡¸Please do as you will. Now, let¡¯s start studying.¡¹

    Hayes noticed that Mishis¡¯s smile was an artificial one.

    She was a splendid person who possessed both talent and strength, but in the end she only obeyed Hayes because of her duty.

    Lord©¤©¤the clan that ruled at the top of the world, what meaning was there in such existence?

    Hayes herself was just an existence to secure the empire, furthermore she was just a decoration with authority that was far below her elder sisters.

    She had nothing to obtain or taken away from her.

    Such sense of value of Hayes was broken apart in a few days.

    By allowing the rebellion by the family of traitor, the majority of the imperial family and nobility ended up dead, and as an imperial family member their anger was targeted on her.

    Because she was a symbol of Arcadia Empire, she was also turned into a target of hatred.

    ¡ºHow dare you did that to my daughter! To my family!¡»

    ¡ºI¡¯ll carve the resentment of my family to you bastard!¡»

    The captured Hayes received violence with no question asked. It happened after Listelka and Aeril escaped first by Mishis¡¯s arrangement, and then unluckily Hayes was discovered.

    Fortunately, she was rescued before she received lethal injury and then she fell asleep in the Ark, but the terror of that time stuck on her.

    ¡ºI am the third.¡»

    She was nothing more than a substitute for her elder sisters, a spare.

    She could only persist in shadow without obtaining glory, and turned into target by those vulgar low-born.

    ¡ºI refuse that¡­¡­. If that¡¯s what they want then I¡¯ll just do that! I¡¯ll replace my sisters and show them all! I have the caliber of king that should rule over this world! I¡¯ll teach them all in the new world!¡»

    Hayes who woke up several years ago yelled that and started moving in the free world in order to test her own capability.

    While blazing with the flame of revenge toward Lux who was a descendant of the family of traitor.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤I am, the chosen existence by Sacred Eclipse! I¡¯ve surpassed my sisters and the family of traitor! But a mere bitch like you! A failed guinea pig monster dare to pity me!¡¹

    Hayes assaulted toward Philuffy along with a jet black killing intent.

    In respond Typhon also accelerated and drew back its right arm and concentrated the energy there.

    The aim was a one hit kill using Biting Flare.

    The moment Hayes paid attention to that, countless Pile Anchors were fired from the armor¡¯s surface.

    First she judged that it was an attempt to hold the opponent¡¯s movement in check and if possible restrained the opponent.

    Of course it was already known that Hayes was able to use Sacred Eclipse¡¯s ability©¤©¤the space teleportation.

    In other words, it was a feint to make her performed her trump card first.

    ¡¸Idiot! Eat this!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Hayes who saw that first unleashed fire arrows like bullets in radiating shape.

    Because the attached flame used Phoenix¡¯s ability so it wouldn¡¯t vanish, the target would be forced to dodge.

    It seemed Philuffy had foresighted that, she made the tip of a Pile Anchor pierced a lump of rubble and reeled it in, using it as shield against the fire arrows.

    Furthermore she directly struck with a huge rubble that her armored hand grasped.

    This time it was Hayes¡¯s turn to be forced into defense.

    (Calm down©¤©¤I who obtained the power of Sacred Eclipse should be overwhelmingly stronger. I¡¯ve inherited all ability except Metatron¡¯s.)

    Hayes followed the voice she could hear inside her head and formed a strategy.

    At the end she wanted to stab Philuffy¡¯s heart with Fernyiges¡¯s Sword Device, but the opponent had sharp instinct.

    She might get targeted instead the moment she teleported to the space behind her.

    Then,

    ¡¸Drop dead you monster! With the same power of Yggdrasil like you!¡¹

    The branches growing out from Hayes¡¯s whole body were fired like countless spears.

    They easily pierced Typhon¡¯s strengthened barrier and also pierced the hands and legs of Philuffy that weren¡¯t covered by pilot suit.

    Though from the start, she couldn¡¯t help but thinning the protection for her limbs in order to protect her torso and head.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Even Philuffy who was always expressionless frowned from the intense pain from her pierced limbs.

    But, she noticed something graver than that.

    ¡¸Kukuku, you noticed? It¡¯s over already for you. Now you can¡¯t move at all! Get torn apart into pieces just like that!¡¹

    The branches stabbing her limbs also entwined around her nerves, sealing even the movement of her fingertips.

    Consequently controlling the Drag-Ride using the control stick became impossible.

    ¡¸I¡¯m looking forward what kind of face that fake prince will make when he come out from the control room! I¡¯ll teach him the greatness of this me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You won¡¯t. I won¡¯t, let you.¡¹

    But, Philuffy whose expression turned blank like usual murmured with a small voice.

    ¡¸Because, I also remembered. That day Lu-chan came to save me in Ries Island. What happened there.¡¹

    The memory remaining inside Philuffy was awakened in this deep level floor of Avalon.

    How in order to save Philuffy, Lux went to Ries Island without even considering the danger.

    And then, how he was wailing while holding herself who had stopped breathing too.

    ¡¸I wanted to say, I¡¯m fine. I wanted to smile to him like usual. But©¤©¤at that time, I couldn¡¯t do that.¡¹

    Philuffy who was usually taciturn muttered her own feeling like that.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t die. Because I want to be together with Lu-chan. Because Lu-chan told me, he want me together with him forever.¡¹

    *Gashi-*, the armored arm of B-blood Typhon grabbed Hayes¡¯s body.

    She should be unable to move her body with her nerves pierced, but Philuffy stretched out branches from her back and made it touched her Sword Device.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The instant Hayes gasped, the wire that Philuffy fired into the wall at the front before this was wound in high speed.

    She kept restraining Hayes with her armored arm while she herself rushed madly ahead using Typhon¡¯s skating toward the castle wall that the tip of Pile Anchor drove into.

    She was winding back the nailed wire to make herself head forward, in addition of the acceleration using the wheels of the armored feet.

    Typhon punched through air along with terrifying mass behind it toward the giant rampart at the front.

    Toward the intersection of power that was carried out with maximum output. She was rushing forward to thrust out Hayes¡¯ body that she was grasping.

    ¡¸Impossible-! How can you move this precisely in a state where your limbs cannot move!?¡¹

    What shocked Hayes wasn¡¯t the technique of mind control operation using Sword Device, it was how Philuffy was making use of Yggdrasil¡¯s power while perfectly maintaining her sanity.

    Through administering of Elixir three times, Hayes¡¯s mind was turned strange and rampaged.

    In contrast even though Philuffy had her body smeared with the power of Abyss, unlike when she was once taken over by Yggdrasil, there was no wavering at all in her.

    Surely it was also because the man body of the Ragnarok had died.

    Because the brainwashing power had weakened, she could manage the power of Abyss skillfully.

    Even so, it was hard to believe.

    The strength of this girl called Philuffy.

    She changed the strength of her feeling to Lux into power, in order to accomplish what she ought to accomplish.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s, pitiful.¡»

    Hayes¡¯s ears could hear Philuffy¡¯s words before this once more.

    The meaning of those words was about Hayes who was unable to believe and rely on anyone else from her heart.

    No matter how cruel the fate that trampled this girl, she was unyielding.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t, screw with me-¡­¡­! I©¤©¤¡¹

    Typhon that skated with maximum speed thrust out its right arm toward the castle wall.

    The full strength destructive power that was backed by heavy weight of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride was focused without any other place to escape to.

    ¡­¡­*DOGAA-AAAA!*

    The thick and high rampart of the old castle was smashed up into the shape of spider web along with a dull impact sound.

    The instant strength loosened from Hayes¡¯s body, Typhon¡¯s special armament activated.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Biting Flare¡¹

    The energy that was sent inside the body burst open Hayes¡¯s body.

    ¡¸GU, aaaAaAAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Shockwave and heat blast pierced her whole body and reached until the solid core, destroying it.

    The agony that she didn¡¯t feel until now came back and scream was thrown up from inside her throat.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Right after that, Philuffy¡¯s armor was dispelled and she fell on her knee on the broken road.

    It was an attack where she literally squeezed out everything she had.

    But, even after receiving lethal wound, Hayes who was fused with Sacred Eclipse still hadn¡¯t died.

    ¡¸You, insects¡­¡­. I¡¯ll, kill you! There is no, way, I¡¯ll get defeated by the like of you¡­¡­!¡¹

    Because her core was damaged, Poseidon¡¯s super regeneration ability didn¡¯t function properly, but she lifted up Fernyiges¡¯s Sword Device and pointed the tip to Philuffy to skewer her.

    But, looking closer the blade of the Sword Device had been smashed into pieces from its root.

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­! So this is your true target from the start!¡¹

    Hayes clicked her tongue and comprehended Philuffy¡¯s aim.

    The Sword Device of Fernyiges was pulverized by the after wave of Biting Flare that boasted overwhelming destructive power.

    Thus the autonomous Divine Drag-Ride was also desummoned and vanished from this place.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins who were absorbed inside were also ejected and they were recovering their consciousness.

    And then unnoticed a pillar of light rose from nearby and the Automata Arshalia showed her figure.

    ¡ºThe two people inside the control room ran out of time and were teleported slightly away from here. I¡¯m waiting for the next qualified person who had finished until the second trial.¡»

    ¡¸Fu, kukuku¡­¡­! Kuhahahaha¡­¡­!¡¹

    Voice of joy welled up from the half crumbling body of Hayes.

    In this situation, she was blessed with the chance to obtain the central ahead of others.

    There was a few more minutes until the Seven Dragon Paladins could move. Aeril, Lisha, Krulcifer, and also Philuffy couldn¡¯t move anymore.

    Listelka too was still hiding along with Fugil.

    She was defeated in the duel against Philuffy, even so she was still alive now.

    And then, there was nobody else but her who could take away Avalon in this situation.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s my win! I¡¯ll connect with the central and become this world¡¯s king. I¡¯ll make anyone and everyone submit-!¡¹

    Hayes laughed loudly in place of a victory song.

    She approached a step, then one more step toward Arshalia, then suddenly someone¡¯s presence appeared behind her.

    The one who appeared with small footstep sound was the first imperial princess Listelka Rei Arshalia.

    And then Fugil wearing Bahamut was standing at her side.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s your business at this point huh, Aneue-sama? If it¡¯s congratulation that it¡¯s still too early yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work, Hayes. You have done well to rout the bandits swarming to Avalon. I will make sure to make your accomplishment be known by the Lord¡¯s posterity.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Listelka¡¯s attitude and smile was graceful like usual.

    However, cold shadow surfaced on Hayes¡¯s expression

    ¡¸Thanks for your hard work, you saaay? A weakling bug who got cold feet and hid in the shadow till the end, is acting high and mighty only when it¡¯s convenient like this, that just ain¡¯t acceptable right? Chichi-uefather and others who conceded the throne to you must be crying right now.¡¹

    An expression that was filled with blunt displeasure and hostility.

    Her tattered bodies were crumbling while regenerating. The roots of Yggdrasil were crawling around her.

    But, even after seeing that rebelling will in Hayes¡¯s eyes, Listelka¡¯s gentle attitude didn¡¯t crumble.

    ¡¸Hayes. Thank you very much for everything until now. Your naughtiness since a thousand years ago has been bothersome, but you can be proud that you can become a cornerstone for the Lord like this. That¡¯s why, please move away from there. If I don¡¯t hurry, the Seven Dragon Paladins will wake up and it will become troublesome again.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, I¡¯ll also give a warning yeah, o honorable Aneue-sama.¡¹

    Hayes¡¯s aura changed at Listelka¡¯s reaction that didn¡¯t mesh at all.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll kill you if you get one step closer. You can just watch my path of supremacy quietly. It¡¯s me who won the victory. Even the current me can kill you two easily.¡¹

    Hayes gave that threat and touched the forehead of the Automata Arshalia.

    But, the main body of Automata didn¡¯t show any reaction.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why!? Why isn¡¯t it reacting!? The voice of Sacred Eclipse that I can hear is certainly©¤©¤¡¹

    When she woke up, there was a voice telling her that it was possible for her to connect with the central.

    If that was a voice that came because she fused with Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤a revelation from Avalon, then there should be no mistake, and yet¡­

    The unexpected happening caused Hayes to frown.

    Then Listelka laughed with a lonely voice.

    ¡¸Hayes. It¡¯s impossible for you. Because, the current you is Sacred Eclipse itself. The last condition to connect with the central, is for your ego to vanish, and the Sacred Eclipse will fuse with the proper qualified person.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No-! I can hear a voice from inside me! The will of Avalon, it was talking to me after I fused with Sacred Eclipse!¡¹

    Hayes was flustered and yelled. Listelka let out a sigh seeing that.

    She brushed her front hair with her hand, and her red magic eye that received Baptism shined.

    ¡¸Hayes. I am the shrine maiden of oracle. The first imperial princess who is the summit of the Lord. I have the power to intervene with Avalon. That was why, when you were resurrected, I performed a bit of trick. So that your brain is connected to Avalon¡¯s©¤©¤perception manipulation device, and accept my voice as suggestion in your mind.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha, a!¡¹

    Despair and shock ran through the face of Hayes who heard that.

    Brainwashing was already inserted into her mind when she was resurrected after her first defeat against Lux.

    She accepted Listelka¡¯s voice as revelation from Avalon and she was manipulated in order to hinder Lux and co.

    Controlling Sacred Eclipse itself was impossible even for Listelka, but when Sacred Eclipse absorbed Hayes, she was able to use Hayes¡¯s will and moved Sacred Eclipse to a certain degree.

    Listelka made use of the situation that came to be by accident and performed a trick.

    ¡¸It was a godsend that you was absorbed by Sacred Eclipse. Thanks to that their attention was drawn to you. Now please vanish quickly. You already©¤©¤have no more use.¡¹

    There was no change at all in Listelka.

    She thrust the farewell before her little sister like it was only natural, with the same gaze and voice and gesture just like in the past.

    Unnoticed, Hayes¡¯s own hand smashed the damaged core.

    From the start Listelka¡¯s intention was for her to vanish after removing all the hindrances.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t, screw, with me¡­¡­. THIS DEMOOOooNNNN-!¡¹

    Hayes yelled with tears of blood flowing from her eyes, with her right arm still stabbed into her core.

    She lifted up her remaining other hand and wrung out her last strength to grow out Yggdrasil¡¯s branch.

    She roared to skewer the surrounding with countless branches.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Butm instantly, due to the Quick Shot of Fugil who stood in her way, all the branches were severed.

    ¡¸Damn, it¡­¡­¡¹

    The remnant of Hayes¡¯s consciousness fell into shadow, and a fragment of that core was taken into Listelka.

    The third imperial princess whose body was burned in hatred returned like that to the death she originally belonged to.

    ¨C

    ¡¸It¡¯s finally over. With this, everything is©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka who was teleported to the control room with Fugil faced the main body of Automata Arshalia.

    Perhaps her tension until now was cut off, or perhaps he interfered with Avalon too much with her magic eye that she was exhausted, Listelka staggered and she was about to fall, but Fugil immediately supported her.

    She moved Sacred Eclipse through the mind of Hayes who accidentally got fused with it, and her strategy to take advantage of the world alliance¡¯s opening succeeded.

    That was something that couldn¡¯t be done without knowing the special property of Sacred Eclipse while having resolve to sacrifice her family.

    However Listelka wasn¡¯t feeling the slightest regret.

    Rather relieve was spreading inside her chest.

    ¡¸This is the critical moment. Please keep your composure.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, let¡¯s call Mishis too after I connect to the central. Surely she has arrive at nearby.¡¹

    ¡ºThen, the third trial will begin from now. Have you finished your preparation?¡»

    ¡¸Please begin. I have been waiting eagerly for this time since the day I woke up.¡¹

    ¡¸Then¡¹

    Arshalia stepped forward, at the same time countless cords were connected to Listelka and the connection began.

    Nanomachine poured into her blood and she was tuned into the mechanism of Avalon.

    In addition with the core of Sacred Eclipse that she took inside herself just now blending into her flesh, she perfectly grasped the function and became able to use it.

    After just ten minutes, the cords connected to Listelka were taken off.

    She safely finished the third trial.

    ¡¸How are you feeling, my master?¡¹

    When Fugil called out to her, Listelka smiled with a haggard voice.

    A burden was put on her while the connection was going on, but the excitement which surpassed it filled her to the brim.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s amazing Fugil! To think, that Sacred Eclipse is this magnificent. That it is able to perform something so amazing!¡¹

    Even the knowledge to control Avalon was also sent directly into Listelka¡¯s brain.

    The obtained information was applied in the form of physical experience through the brain. She was able to control Avalon freely.

    It granted Listelka with an unprecedented feeling of omnipotent.

    She also learned for the first time the same information like what Aeril discovered in the Moon¡¯s archive.

    ¡¸I see, my decision was correct. The person who obtained Avalon can rule this world. I¡¯m able to comprehend the meaning and essence of that. There is no more problem. After resting for a bit here, first I will revive the ¡ºKey of the Surface¡»©¤©¤the strongest battle strength Sacred Eclipse, and make use of that strength.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, what will your majesty do first with that?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, I¡¯ll purify this world. For several hundred years the Holy Arcadia Empire was forgotten from the world. This world is dirtied too much by unnecessary people. Well, I don¡¯t mind leaving behind a part of the masses but, it¡¯s necessary to erase the whole ruling class.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Fugil kept smiling and casted his eyes down after hearing Listelka¡¯s words.

    Listeka seemed to interpret it as acceptance and she slowly walked toward the center of the control room and twirled like a little girl.

    Then Fugil took out a lump of metal from his breast pocket and put it on the nearby table.

    Listelka tilted her head seeing that tool which looked like a toy.

    ¡¸What could that be?¡¹

    ¡¸It is a scale. A tool to compare weight and measure the balance.¡¹

    Although Fugil answered, there was nothing put on that scale.

    He had a habit of seeing scale sometimes like this.

    But, Listelka had no interest in such thing.

    Rather than that now that she had obtained a complete victory, there was something that she wished to ask Fugil.

    ¡¸Fugil, can I ask you one thing? Why did you save us imperial princesses at that time?¡¹

    The Ark where Listelka and others, the imperial family of the Lord and their close aides were hiding and sleeping inside pods.

    A force of Arcadia Empire that got wind of that hiding place attacked, and when she was about to get killed, Fugil slaughtered the empire troops instead.

    ¡¸Thanks to you, I am able to get back on my foot from that situation of absolute despair until this far. We Lord are able to arrive until the path of restoration. There were also a lot of people who became sacrifice, but if you and Mishis gives me your help, the paradise of the Lord can be rebuild without a doubt.¡¹

    ¡¸The reason I saved you. That is©¤©¤because that is exactly the mission of a hero.¡¹

    Fugil declared with a tone and expression that contained no doubt.

    ¡¸You at that time was an existence that had to be saved by the world. I simply obeyed that will.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Geez, that¡¯s not an interesting reason isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m happy that you believed me as an existence that is worthy to be saved, but that, even if there was a bit more reason to that©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka puffed up her cheeks that were blushing red and her mouth pouted slightly.

    But, before long she stared at a device with a serious expression to pull herself together.

    ¡¸Mishis is approaching near. Let¡¯s contact her using Dragon Voice. I will also create a teleportation entrance for her to enter here.¡¹

    Listelka became able to freely allow teleportation to inside due to her connection to the central. She quickly contacted Mishis.

    ¡¸Even so it¡¯s unexpected. To think that Mishis can suffer this much injury, as expected it¡¯s dangerous to allow the remaining Drag-Knights to live. I¡¯ll stop trying to put them under my command and swiftly eliminate them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it really all right for you?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, if the army of the world is destroyed altogether across the board, there won¡¯t be anyone who resist anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸By doing that, you will turn the majority of this world into enemy though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind.¡¹

    Listelka smiled at Fugil with an expression that contained no doubt.

    ¡¸It¡¯s possible if I have the power of this Avalon and Sacred Eclipse. Beside that, Fugil. As long as you stay by my side, it¡¯s not a concern even if the world become enemy. Let¡¯s begin soon. The first step to correct this world©¤©¤¡¹

    Listelka headed toward the main body of Arshalia and stretched her hand toward her.

    ¡¸Is that so.¡¹

    With the voice of Fugil behind her, she closed her eyes in order to control Avalon. At that time, she heard a voice.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s unfortunate. You erred in your choice.¡¹

    ¨C

    Listelka felt an impact and out of place feeling in her left chest. Her eyes opened wide.

    The blade of a Sword Device was growing out from her heart.

    ©¤©¤No, she was stabbed from behind.

    Even after witnessing that fact with her eyes, she was unable to understand the situation.

    After all she knew better than anyone that there was nothing that was a threat to her in this control room.

    Thus, she finally noticed when looking at the silver wall surface that was polished like mirror.

    How the Automata before her had half her face dyed red by Listelka¡¯s blood spurt.

    And then, how Fugil behind her was stabbing a sword into her chest.

    ¡¸Fu, gil¡­¡­? What, are you, doing¡­¡­?¡¹

    Listelka forgot even the intense pain that made her unable to even breath and asked.

    It was impossible.

    He was Fugil, who betrayed even the old empire he belonged with in order to save Listelka.

    Until now he would listen to her consultation cordially beside her, led her, and gave all his effort for the restoration of the Lord. For that Fugil, to kill her was just©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the scale. You are tilting the fate for your own sake too much. You don¡¯t have the caliber of king to rule over this world. If you understood that, then you would still have a future.¡¹

    ¡¸Co, ugh¡­¡­¡¹

    Her breath slipped out in the place of a reply. Listelka collapsed while vomiting blood fiercely.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­is this? I¡­¡­if, you just stay by my side, then anything©¤©¤¡­¡­u¡¹

    The fingertip of Listelka who was gradually losing strength stretched toward Fugil¡¯s ankle.

    Her red eye was looking up while trickling out tears, but Fugil didn¡¯t even glance at it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It was only your resolve that was splendid. You risked your life for a great cause even if you had to cut down your own family or that other people would hate you. Everything was for the sake of the Lord¡¯s restoration but, you deviated too much. You were captured by the greatness of the strength you obtained, and became the enemy of a lot of the weak. That is something you mustn¡¯t do.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil turned his back toward Listelka who expired on the sea of blood and stretched his hand toward the Automata Arshalia.

    ¡¸So you are a qualified person who has finished the third trial. Will you connect to the central once more?¡¹

    ¡¸I guess, I¡¯ll rely on you once more now. This time a slightly large scale revision is necessary. Besides now that Hayes¡¯s consciousness has vanished and Listelka who connected with central has died too, Sacred Eclipse will find a new host candidate. An existence of fate¡¯s singularity who wish for salvation more than anyone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. Beginning preparation.¡¹

    ¡¸I have to remove external enemy that is approaching here. But, can I leave the clean up to you Arshalia? Looks like the number of corpse will increase by one more after this.¡¹

    After Fugil spoke so indifferently, Mishis appeared in a tattered Azi Dahaka.

    The iron maid who was always calm and collected showed eyes that were dyed with rage and hatred.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why? Why did you kill Listelka-sama-!? My lord who was dearly yearning for you so much like that!¡¹

    Mishis yelled while stabbing a short blade of seven colors into her own arm.

    She was trying to cover for her lost stamina using Elixir injection.

    But, Fugil was still curt even after hearing the angry yell of the strongest Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    He simply summoned Uroboros¡¯s special armament Infinity and deployed it into Bahamut that he then wore casually.

    With a bland face, he responded to Mishis who was directing killing intent that was like a raging fire toward him.

    ¡¸You are asking me why? You should have known why though. I am the hero, it is none other than I who was recognized by her as this world¡¯s messiah.¡¹

    ¡¸So you have planned this from the start? You saved Listelka-sama to make use of her bloodline, in order to obtain this Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    Mishis whose body surface was dyed jet black moved at the same time with her yell.

    She skated in high speed with the wheels of Azi Dahaka and swung down her halberd with a speed like bullet.

    (It¡¯s already too late to intercept with Reload on Fire! This attack cannot be dodged!)

    Inside the control room that was a bit cramped for fighting, the true worth of Avesta that could steal energy and Divine Raiment could be displayed freely.

    The halberd that lunged with the conviction of victory caught Fugil¡¯s Drag-Ride, at the same time she yelled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Avesta¡­¡­tsu!?¡¹

    The moment she activated Azi Dahaka¡¯s Divine Raiment using mind control operation, Mishis was captured by a strange sensation.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    There was no feedback of her halberd landing. No, it vanished.

    Fugils¡¯ figure suddenly disappeared.

    ¡¸Farewell, Key¡¯s Supervisor.¡¹

    Fugil lightly swung his great sword behind her. Just with that, the armor of Azi Dahaka that Mishis wore was smashed into pieces.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Zero One©¤©¤the special armament that Urobors has, it can erase the existence of the designated target from this world¡¯s space and rematerialize it again.¡¹

    0 and 1. It was a power that could freely erase and call back the designated existence like an off and on switch.

    Due to the other special armament that Uroboros had, the existence of Fugil wearing Bahamut was erased from the world, and when his existence was materialized once more, he slashed the defenseless Mishis.

    Fugil¡¯s voice announced the present situation along with a cold gaze.

    The destruction of Azi Dahaka that happened on Mishis¡¯s body, and her next fate.

    ¡¸There is a limit even in making a wrong guess. Your fault is that blindness of yours, Mishis. You entrust your will to someone else and put forth your whole effort into it, and you are unable to step out from that even for a step. It¡¯s too presumptuous for a mere existence who wishes for her own death to follow after her master to even lay a hand on this me.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s voice that was filled with disdain struck the eardrum of Mishis who was crumbling on the floor.

    Right after that, Mishis¡¯s limbs and head were separated from her torso. Her life closed its curtain.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, I¡¯ll at least acknowledge your strength as Drag-Knight. After all you even made me use the second special armament of Uroboros.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s hand was holding a Sword Device that was different from Bahamut.

    The power of Uroboros that showed its figure had already activated.

    Mishis didn¡¯t notice that true shape.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fugil. The preparation is finished. It will take some time until Sacred Eclipse is revived, but the target designation is finished. Ten minutes remaining until the activation of the revision device.¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s voice echoed inside the control room that became empty.

    ¡¸Then teleport me outside. I¡¯ll take care of the hindrances. I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please be careful.¡¹

    After exchanging only those words, Fugil¡¯s whole body was wrapped by bluish white light.

    His figure vanished along with the light in no time at all, and he was teleported to the ruins above.

 Volume 14 - Epilogue

    *Gogon, gogon¡­¡­*, the sound of something moving echoed in the ruins of the old castle intermittently.

    The mountains of rubble that piled up high and the grey colored townscape.

    The remaining fire from the long deathly battle that surrounded Avalon was smoldering in the area.

    ¡¸U, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux woke up, the armor of Bahamut was dispelled.

    The backlash from Over Limit and the intense pain made him unable to exert his strength, but he was barely able to open his eyes.

    The scene that was the projection of the Arcadia Empire in the past had vanished.

    What remained was the pillar of light that showed the position of the center and Fugil Arcadia who was standing in front of it.

    ¡¸What, happened¡­¡­? Lisha-sama, Singlen©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux muttered with wheezing breath, but far from standing, he was unable to even crawl.

    A single girl was standing in front of such Lux.

    The captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, and the owner of a big company, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    Her expression was daring as usual. She was looking down quietly on Lux.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry my sweetheart. All of your comrades are safe. Well, they are in a state of only barely keeping their lives though. Right now they are being brought to the fortress through my subordinates¡¯ instructions. You did well stopping Singlen. That guy©¤©¤it seems he is hiding himself somewhere. Well, most likely he is fixing his own body and Drag-Ride, using the power of Baptism and his special armament.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so¡­¡­. That¡¯s great. Everyone, is, safe¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux let out a relieved sigh, Magialca made a wide mysterious grin.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry about the rest and leave it to me. My stamina is still remaining for one more battle. I¡¯ll kill that funny clown and make Avalon into my own.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Clown?¡¹

    Right after Lux showed a doubtful look, he noticed what was ahead of Magialca¡¯s gaze.

    Under the feet of Fugil who was standing still beside the pillar of light, Mishis whose head was severed and her life expired, and Listelka whose torso was stabbed were lying down.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what happened but, well, from the looks of it, there is no doubt he betrayed his master.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was speechless. He was looking at that with a dumbfounded expression, but Fugil who wasn¡¯t wearing a Drag-Ride didn¡¯t move at all.

    The five Seven Dragon Paladins who were liberated from inside Fernyiges and Aeril who escaped from the ice were slowly surrounding Fugil.

    ¡¸You look really composed there. Is it okay? We¡¯ve got no spare strength to go easy y¡¯know?¡¹

    Greifer who was wearing Cuelebre glared at Fugil suspiciously.

    ¡¸If you are planning to surrender then you better say it from your end. I¡¯m reluctant to kill a human after all.¡¹

    In addition the youngest, Mel Gizalut, announced with a firm tone.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t feel sympathy because that is a fitting end for traitors buut, it doesn¡¯t change that you are also an enemy.¡¹

    Rosa wearing Gorynych acted confidently. She closed the distance while saying that.

    ¡¸There is no more time. Before Avalon that you are trying to activate is moving, we will decide this battle.¡¹

    Soffice spoke expressionlessly with tension filling her tone,

    ¡¸I¡¯m someone who turned my back on my elder sister and little sister and parted ways with them. I also understand that I have no qualification to say something like this. But, you are the only one who I won¡¯t forgive!¡¹

    Aeril who was wearing Zahhak put her strength into the hand holding the control stick.

    They had turned their swords to each other due to the difference in conviction, even so there was no doubt that someone who betrayed and killed her sisters who she shared blood relation with was her enemy.

    In the end, Magialca threw a question to Fugil as though to consolidate everyone¡¯s will.

    ¡¸Then, how about we start soon? It¡¯s six against one but we won¡¯t give any mercy. Have you resolved yourself?¡¹

    She deployed the Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr and took command. Fugil slightly lifted his face and responded to her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Knock it off. All of you know too much.¡¹

    Fugil announced along with a snigger and a tone that didn¡¯t even sound interested.

    ¡¸In around ten more minutes, the reorganization of the world by Avalon will begin. The function will work without problem as long as you all won¡¯t become hindrances. You can then make your choice once more inside that new fate and history.¡¹

    ¡¸Shut up Fugil. I already talked with everyone here! I don¡¯t know what you can possibly wish for but, I won¡¯t let everything go as you wish anymore!¡¹

    Zahhak quickly moved its armored arm and attacked using Breath Whip.

    But, Fugil drew out his Sword Device from his waist and the whip was instantly erased.

    It wasn¡¯t destroyed, its very existence was instantly gone.

    But, when Fugil swung his Sword Device once more, the Breath Whip that should have vanished appeared.

    It was stolen in order to block Aeril¡¯s whip and then it was returned.

    ¡¸What the hell is this¡­¡­!? The whip suddenly vanished and appeared¡­¡­!¡¹(Greifer)

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. Most likely it¡¯s Ouroboros¡¯s special armament that is called Zero One. But how? Even though Ourouboros¡¯s main frame is still not visible, the Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s special armament can be used?¡¹

    While Aeril was warily muttering, Magialca sent instructions to everyone using Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºIn any case, we¡¯ve got to start by solving the puzzle. I¡¯ll decide the strategy. Let¡¯s go¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤Roger¡»

    Greifer, Mel, Rosa, Soffice, and then Aeril responded. During that time,

    Fugil gripped the handle of his Sword Device and summoned Bahamut in front of him.

    Lux who was seeing that sight from slightly far away was carried in the arms of Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte and they started to retreat.

    While his consciousness was sinking into darkness, a past memory surfaced at the back of Lux¡¯s mind once more and words slipped out naturally from his mouth.

    ¡¸Everyone, be careful¡­¡­. That guy, is, dangerous¡­¡­!¡¹

    The day of the Revolution five days ago.

    The high pitched sound of sword fighting resounded in the sky above the Arcadia Empire¡¯s castle.

    When Fugil who finished off the imperial guards in the audience hall went to annihilate the remaining imperial family, Lux returned and stopped him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why? Why are you hindering me my wise younger brother? I am trying to save you and your little sister you know?¡¹

    ¡¸No! That¡¯s not it! I am asking your objective! Why are you destroying this country? Even though it was you who saved this country several hundred years ago!¡¹

    Lux who was wearing Bahamut asked with a yell.

    In response, Fugil formed a composed smile and talked to his little brother from a different mother.

    ¡¸To think that you will speak such words, my wise younger brother. These people have to be dealt with here. These bunches who were persecuted for many years now became the ones who have grown too impudent, they don¡¯t have even a shred of conscience anymore. That¡¯s why everything has to be redone from the beginning. I have to make you accomplish that role next. I am carrying out my mission in accordance with the will of Sacred Eclipse that was created in order to save the world, since more than a thousand years ago that you all have completely forgotten.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s doubt was changed into conviction with that sentence.

    Fugil wasn¡¯t Lux¡¯s brother or anything.

    And then, he wasn¡¯t even someone from the Old Empire.

    ¡¸Sacred Eclipse that was a device to save the world was mixed with poison due to the hands of foolish humans. It is a broken device that had lost half of its true essence, but I will correct this world along with Sacred Eclipse. I continue to wait for the king of salvation who will lead this world correctly. I continue to save for that sake.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you planning to do!? What are you planning to make me do after saving me!?¡¹

    Lux swung his great sword and pushed Fugil back.

    The man danced in the dark night sky while smiling calmly.

    ¡¸I will grant you your wish, my wise younger brother. The thing that the powerless and weak you wished, that you yearned for. The one who destroys the chain of negativity that humans established and brings salvation. You have earned the qualifications to walk the path of a hero, just like me.¡¹

    *Gogon!*, the sound came from behind Fugil.

    The moonlight that peeked out from between the clouds illuminated the castle that was enveloped in flame.

    What existed behind Fugil, was a chalk white giant dragon looking down on the castle.

    ¡¸Something like my mission has been decided already, my wise younger brother. Since the far away past, the reason for my existence has been determined. Just like how the you who was powerless just a slight while ago once wished to become that.¡¹

    Fugil looked down on Lux with the moonlight and a giant dragon that pierced the sky serving as his background.

    His eyes that had the same grey color like Lux were dyed by darkness and reflected emptiness.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤A hero, resisting against fate and wishing for salvation. An ally of the weak.¡¹

    ¨C

    It wasn¡¯t self-derision or even ridicule.

    The man¡¯s smile that was filled with ruin like an abyss surfaced inside the dark night.

 Volume 15 - Prologue

    ¨C

    A rumble of the ground that was sounded like groans was reverberating in the sky above the old castle.

    The abandoned capital Guernica in the Marcafal Kingdom.

    The burned down rampart and the heaps of broken rubble.

    In that place where white smoke was rising up from the remains of the flames of war, two factions were confronting each other.

    Many warriors shed their blood on this land in the dispute for the right to obtain the legacy of the Lords, Avalon.

    And then now, the last remaining forces were going to clash.

    On one side was the Seven Dragon Paladins who were affiliated with the world alliance, led by Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    The orange haired girl who was clad with the Divine Drag-Ride Jormundgandr was directing a bold gaze towards the enemy even in this appalling battlefield.

    She was showing a unique battle stance through the particular shape of her Drag-Ride that possessed seven arms while speaking out.

    ¡¸Avalon will activate in ten more minutes and then the reorganization of the world or something will begin, that was what you said right, Fugil©¤©¤self-proclaimed hero?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil who was wearing Bahamut 200 ml ahead of Magialca didn¡¯t say anything.

    There was no change to his composed smile. His grey pupils were staring at the surroundings.

    The two corpses lying under his feet were the Lord Listelka, who should be the legitimate successor of Avalon, and the Key¡¯s Supervisor Mishis.

    The man who should be the one to woke them up from their sleep inside the hibernation pod on the Ark and guided them until this far, betrayed and killed his master at this final stage.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Everyone, be, careful¡¹

    Lux who was lying down far at the rear recovered his consciousness and stared at that scene distantly.

    He squeezed out a hoarse voice and spoke out to the comrades who would challenge the decisive battle from here on.

    But, his voice naturally didn¡¯t reach.

    Even so, he exerted his strength to reach out his hand and stand up.

    Lux who once fought Fugil and witnessed a glimpse of his true strength understood, why Fugil preferred to use Bahamut.

    How this man was standing in an unreachable height as a Drag-Knight.

    And also how merciless he was in eliminating those who obstructed his mission.

    ¨C

    ¡º©¤©¤A hero opposes fate and wishes for salvation. A hero is the ally of the weak.¡»

    ¨C

    Five years ago. The man who was Lux¡¯s big brother, Fugil said those words to him.

    Lux understood the true meaning of those words.

    No©¤©¤just now, he scooped out the meaning from the depths of his completely forgotten memory.

    However, he already had no spare strength to convey that.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I have also investigated about you for a bit since some time ago, but in the end my information network didn¡¯t get anything. I have the interest but no time. I¡¯ll listen to your story while all of us are toying with you.¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s eyes silently narrowed and her lips curved wickedly.

    Aeril and the Seven Dragon Paladins shrunk their encirclement in response to her words.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Here I come-!¡¹

    The sullen looking blonde young man wearing the Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre, Greifer Nest, flew forward with a yell.

    He brandished his special armament, the jointed sword Tail Blade and swung it with an arcing trajectory.

    At the same time he activated his Divine Raiment Photon Dive. In his invincible state, he advanced without fear of the Quick Shot that could come from Fugil¡¯s Bahamut.

    But, Fugil didn¡¯t activate Bahamut¡¯s Reload on Fire and deflected Greifer¡¯s attack with his greatsword.

    Fugil parried the tip of the Tail Blade while he himself was moving to Greifer¡¯s left side.

    He changed the way he held his special armament Chaos Brand and slashed at Cuelebre¡¯s back wings.

    But, that slash was easily deflected and Fugil along with Bahamut got sent flying backward.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Hah! That¡¯s pointless! As long as Photon Dive is activated, any attack to me is pointless from the start!¡¹

    Cuelebre, that was enveloped in phosphorescence, diffused the impact to the surroundings so it wouldn¡¯t receive any attack.

    Also, Greifer had a spare time of several more seconds until that Divine Raiment stopped working.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Reload on Fire¡¹

    But, the instant Greifer was going to pursue, Fugil¡¯s Bahamut was enveloped with crimson light.

    Right after Greifer saw that, a shudder that made his hair stand on ends went through his body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Greifer immediately changed the trajectory of his flying and took a distance of several dozen ml.

    Mel Gizalut who saw that raised an exasperated voice.

    ¡¸Why are you getting cold feet like that. Your Divine Raiment can still continue right? Or perhaps you are unable to have faith in our support?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s astonishing to see such actions from a man whose principle is to make reckless challenges, you knoow.¡¹

    Rosa further made fun of Greifer. Soffice was going to continue after her, but then she shut her mouth.

    She noticed that Greifer was trickling a lot of sweat even though he hadn¡¯t received any actual attack.

    ¡¸Was there something? Greifer?¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows, I don¡¯t get it at all. It was just my instinct, no©¤©¤I finally got it after thinking for a bit. Why I took distance from that guy.¡¹

    After several seconds, Greifer verbalized the feeling of unease that welled up from inside himself.

    ¡¸It was precisely five seconds before. The timing when that guy activated Reload on Fire matched the remaining time when the effect of my Photon Dive would run out.¡¹

    The compression strengthening of Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment drastically decreased the energy and phenomenon in the first five seconds, and then doubled them in the next five seconds.

    For example in the case that it was time that was accelerated, the user would be able to move with double the speed in the next five seconds.

    ¡¸Greifer¡¯s Photon Dive that gives him invincibility would be turned off just at the right timing when Fugil will become able to move at high speed. You got alerted by that perfect timing and stopped from pursuing too deep, is that right?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer consented to Aeril¡¯s question without hesitation.

    The remaining Seven Dragon Paladins understood the situation from the two¡¯s conversation and held their breath.

    Fugil pretended to be unbalanced to lure Greifer so he would be able to finish him off.

    Photon Dive¡¯s activation period should be different for each individual, but Fugil saw through it perfectly and formed a scheme to unleash Quick Shot from Reload on Fire. They strengthened their vigilance once more after realizing that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer nodded in agreement to what Aeril pointed out, but actually he was half mistaken.

    If it was Greifer who was called as the Covetous Wolf with his belligerent and rash personality, he would surely keep charging when catching a glimpse of just that much danger.

    What made the alarm bell in his brain ring out wasn¡¯t his logic but his own instinct.

    The expression of Fugil at that time.

    He was putting on a faint smile that wasn¡¯t filled with any emotion, but sheer killing intent was conveyed through it.

    And that killing intent wasn¡¯t a hostility toward humans, but a presence that was like an act of snapping a twig.

    Greifer¡¯s talent that excelled in passing through the point between life and death just barely and surviving enabled him to narrowly escape a deathly trap.

    ¡¸As expected from someone who had received Sacred Eclipse¡¯s salvation. But, don¡¯t think that you will be able to keep getting away from death like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Just what are you saying huh, you bastard. If you are going to sleep-talk then do it in a jail or in hell.¡¹

    Fugil who was floating at some distance away suddenly spoke out.

    Greifer responded to the conversation while being completely on guard in order to wait until the effect of the activated Reload on Fire ran out.

    ¡¸I¡¯m saying that you are able to use Drag-Rides like that because of the Elixir that Sacred Eclipse administered to you. Perhaps you don¡¯t remember but, that¡¯s the truth.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    A forbidding look emerged on Aeril¡¯s expression after hearing that.

    She once heard the story from a drunk Greifer when she was falsifying her identity and appearance as Coral.

    Greifer didn¡¯t have aptitude for Drag-Rides and he couldn¡¯t operate them, but he forced himself and continued to train until he almost died. At that time he encountered a mysterious girl and he became able to use Drag-Rides.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you are saying it was Sacred Eclipse¡¯s deed? For what¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s salvation.¡¹

    Fugil instantly answered Aeril¡¯s question.

    His expression was gentle and peaceful.

    The shadow of the abyss that enveloped the look in his eyes froze the backs of everyone present chillingly.

    ¡¸She wished to save. The pitiful people who were abandoned by everyone, the pure people who were captured by a cruel fate. The people who staked everything on goodness with determination. The people who fought with the wish to save their important someone, the people who sought help. She prayed and wished, that she wanted to reach out her hand to them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Arshalia Rei Arcadia. She had mixed parentage from the Arcadia family and the Xfer©¤©¤if she has to be described using cheap words, then she was a genius researcher. She who obtained the imperial throne saved me who was considered as the imperial family¡¯s enemy at that time, and made me her guard. In order to bring the insurrection inside the empire to a close and guide it to peace. And then, in order to bring about the true salvation to the world after that, she planned the use of Avalon. It was an event of the past that was more than a thousand years ago.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you saying I wondeer? If you are buying time with an irrelevant story of the past, can you do it later?¡¹

    Rosa scoffed even while feeling bewildered.

    She skated with Gorynych in order to launch an attack once more now that Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment had gone over the time limit.

    But, Fugil didn¡¯t even twitch regardless of the approach from behind.

    ¡¸You mean, that Arshalia. The person who became the model of Avalon¡¯s Automaton, and Sacred Eclipse¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil responded to Aeril¡¯s statement with a derisive laughter.

    At the same time, Gorynych¡¯s Cannon that entered the bombardment range spouted fire along with a thunderous roar.

    ©¤©¤*DOoNN!*

    An explosive sound that struck the eardrums.

    The torrent of undulating energy closed in to Bahamut¡¯s back wings in a straight line.

    Fugil held Chaos Brand on his back while still facing to the front and took a defensive stance.

    Soffice who was instantly approaching right from beside Fugil quickly activated Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Mahapurana!¡¹

    The target wasn¡¯t Fugil himself, but the energy of the cannon that Gorynych fired.

    Furthermore it wasn¡¯t to make it move to avoid the defending Chaos Brand, the beam of light had its trajectory manipulated to disperse like a shower.

    The attack power of the attack decreased, but in exchange the dodging difficulty jumped up.

    The plan was to first make Fugil unbalanced for the time being, and in that timing Aeril, Mel, and Magialca would deal additional attacks©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuh¡¹

    Fugil smiled faintly. At that instant, his figure vanished.

    Everyone lost sight of their attack target and put up their guard to the surroundings. At that time Magialca¡¯s angry yell came.

    ¡¸Everyone fall back! I¡¯ll cover everyone¡¯s back!¡¹

    The seven huge arms of the Divine Drag-Ride Jormundgandr stretched out simultaneously and covered the back of Greifer and the others who were in the surroundings. The remaining two mechanical arms were placed behind Magialca herself and in front of her.

    ¡¸Ouroboros¡¯s special armament, Zero One¡­¡­. It¡¯s a power to vanish the target within its range and then freely manifest it back like before, but if my prediction is correct, that¡¯s not all there is to it.¡¹

    Cold sweat was trickling from Magialca¡¯s forehead while she murmured.

    It was the ability¡¯s strong point that it could also send Fugil himself to a space that they couldn¡¯t interfere with, but that in itself wasn¡¯t that much of a threat.

    The problem was the aftermath of that.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, even in that condition that guy himself can©¤©¤!¡¹

    The instant Aeril murmured that, Bahamut materialized in front of her while shining red.

    At the same time Jormundgandr¡¯s armored arm and Zahhak that Aeril wore reacted.

    The special armament Breath Whip that was swung with a speed that was like a flash, and the giant fist that moved through the shortest route with the fastest speed.

    But, both of them couldn¡¯t catch up with the accelerated Bahamut.

    Fugil who rematerialized nearby using Zero One charged towards Aeril with a slash.

    (I won¡¯t make it¡­¡­! He got me!)

    The moment Aeril resolved herself like that in her heart, Greifer and Cuelebre forcefully cut in and became a shield.

    After the attack was blocked by Photon Dive¡¯s invincibility, Fugil glided backwards and took distance.

    He escaped from danger faster than the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins could counterattack.

    Aeril who was rescued from getting brought down in a flash breathed out in relief and Magialca also relaxed her expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu. That was a violation of order but you did well, Greifer. It¡¯s amazing that you are able to predict how that guy would aim at Aeril in this timing.¡¹

    ¡¸You saved me there. Thank you Greifer.¡¹

    Aeril also continued like that after Magialca. Greifer responded with his usual sullen expression.

    ¡¸What, it was just my instinct telling me, that if that guy might actually be able to still move even in the state when his figure vanished from this world, he might use that to erase the opening from Bahamut¡¯s Reload on Fire.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The weakened state from Reload on Fire¡¯s compression strengthening.

    If Fugil used Ouroboros¡¯s Zero One to escape into a space where it was impossible to interfere with him during the first five seconds where he was defenseless, it would become a terrifying combination.

    He would be able to accomplish strengthen his acceleration or destructive power by several times over without risk to trample the opponent one-sidedly.

    ¡¸I thought he would surely come out at exactly five seconds later. The same just like that time with me. This is the payback for before, yeah?¡¹

    The period of five seconds where the weakened state of the compression strengthening was in effect.

    Just like how Fugil predicted the timing when the Photon Dive would run out before this, this time it was Greifer who predicted Fugil¡¯s thinking.

    ¡¸And why did you think it would be me who get targeted first?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Not really, it was only because you were nearby. Just a coincidence.¡¹

    ¡¸You are the same like usual aren¡¯t you.¡¹

    Aeril smiled wryly while sending her gaze to the enemy in the front once more.

    However, it would be troublesome from here on.

    Although this time she was able to luckily escape danger because of Greifer¡¯s quick wit, there was no guarantee that the next time would also go well.

    Perhaps there was no other way to defend against such attack other than activating invincibility like Greifer¡¯s Photon Dive ahead of time.

    Everyone there comprehended the situation and strengthened their vigilance once more. It was then,

    ¡¸I see. As expected you are really strong huh, hero-dono.¡¹

    Magialca held Fugil in check with words along with a fearless grin.

    ¡¸You complement the weak point Bahamut has with Ouroboros¡¯s special armament. I can understand why it¡¯s your favorite despite you being able to operate all Drag-Rides.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil stayed silent in response.

    He kept putting on an unchanging dignified smile while hovering still in the air.

    ¡¸But, it doesn¡¯t look like your secret stops there. You are using two special armaments through that Sword Device on your waist. Even though Ouroboros¡¯s main body isn¡¯t here, is such feat possible?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, certainly it¡¯s as you say.¡¹

    Soffice too seemed to have something in her mind as a Key¡¯s Supervisor. She said short words emotionlessly.

    Next Aeril also nodded in agreement.

    ¡¸Certainly¡­¡­. If he is able to use not only Bahamut that is created from Infinity, but even the other special armament freely then©¤©¤¡¹

    A doubt was created thinking from the Drag-Ride¡¯s fundamental principle.

    When the Drag-Ride wasn¡¯t materialized, its function couldn¡¯t be used fully.

    ¡¸Buut, the main body of that Ouroboros something isn¡¯t anwyere. Is it really big or really small, or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What if, we actually can see it already?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s words interrupted Rosa¡¯s muttering. Everyone there gasped in surprise hearing that.

    Right after that, Magialca let out a faint smile and spoke out her conclusion of the true identity of the out of place feeling they felt.

    ¡¸It seems even I was being led around by the nose. We could see it already from some time ago. The transforming Drag-Ride Ouroboros that you have, is actually the true shape of Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Greifer raised his voice spontaneously hearing that statement, but Fugil¡¯s smile stayed unchanging.

    But, Aeril who heard that felt convinced in her heart.

    Even the mechanism of Infinity that enabled the user to use every kind of Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s Divine Raiment could be understood if Ouroboros was Avalon itself.

    ¡¸And then, Ouroboros is most likely endowed with the functions of flying type, land battle type, and also special equipment type too, right? If that thing was made to record all the battles until now and manage that information, then even doing something like calculating the maximum continuation time of Greifer¡¯s Divine Raiment would be a piece of cake.¡¹

    ¡¸In essence, the enemy is able to receive support from Avalon?¡¹

    Soffice added with an expressionless look, but the content of her sentence was something terrifying.

    The shape of Ouroboros itself couldn¡¯t be seen until now, but a fragment of it had already appeared.

    They had to directly fight the bottomless ability of Avalon.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s just say, that you are half correct.¡¹

    After a short pause, Fugil responded as though giving the opponent a reward.

    ¡¸Avalon is half the body of the Zero Ruin, Ouroboros. The same like when using Over Limit, it¡¯s nothing more than a strengthening part. But, what can you do after knowing that?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s really shameless of you to say that after hiding that fact until now. It seems you are the only one who fully controls that function and has acted completely as you pleased throughout history huh?¡¹

    Magialca declared with a confident smile as though she was convinced of something.

    Then, Fugil who was floating still in the air silently relaxed his stance and lowered the tip of his Chaos Brand.

    ¡¸Acting as I pleased is it? It¡¯s strange to be told that by you who, has subdued many others using money and authority.¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s with that wording, are you jealous of me who rose up in the world using legitimate means?¡¹

    Fugil scoffed at Magialca who was making a mocking smile.

    ¡¸You see, I don¡¯t want to kill you all, Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The expressions of the Seven Dragon Paladins, including Aeril showed slight nervousness and doubt.

    That was an advice to surrender that was spoken out really naturally.

    ¡¸To speak honestly, all of you are really something. You all are not merely talented, you have also struggled through the many trials that visited you throughout your life.¡¹

    Greifer Nest was raised in the slums after his family¡¯s house fell into ruin.

    He had no talent as a Drag-Knight, and yet, regardless of that he overturned that destiny with desperate effort and force of will.

    Mel Gizalut suffered misfortune when her whole family was taken away by the Abyss when she was very young. Even so she stood up after that and climbed to the top as the youngest Drag-Knight.

    Even Rosa, Soffice, and also Aeril had opposed their cruel and hapless fate without giving up to persist in their own conviction.

    ¡¸All of you have the qualifications. The qualifications to lead the many immature people as their model, as a legend. The qualifications to make a new choice in the world after this, or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    Those words were indifferently formed from a gentle smile.

    There was no light in the eyes of such Fugil.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, as the vessel to be the next king. The existence that I¡¯m longing for might appear. I¡¯m holding hope for that. That¡¯s why don¡¯t struggle anymore. You don¡¯t really need the information of this Avalon. Make a new choice in the world where you have forgotten everything.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s seriousness could be glimpsed from his unhesitating tone.

    He told them to withdraw without doing anything. That he wouldn¡¯t do anything bad to them if they did so. But,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Forgetting everything, huh. I don¡¯t know what you were doing but, I have heard about your true identity in general from Aeril. You are telling us to walk a life of dancing on the palm of your hand. Are you telling us to also ignore Sacred Eclipse without knowing what you are going to make it do? What do you all think, my compatriots!? Will you obey that guy!?¡¹

    Magialca deliberately made a loud voice and asked her comrades around her.

    She didn¡¯t use Dragon Voice because she meant to start a fire under them, but answers that surpassed her imagination came back.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t speak out such jokes. My misfortune and also my happiness, they are all something that I obtained myself. Please don¡¯t make it as though all of that was your doing with that know-it-all face, hero-san.¡¹

    The girl who was clad with the transformable Drag-Ride, Ddraig Gwiber, Mel Gizalut took the support from her comrades into consideration and prepared for the activation of her Dual Shift.

    The Divine Raiment that could freely manipulate temperature could easily pull off refraction of air to make the enemy miscalculate distance, cause gust, inflicting damage or worsening a Drag-Ride¡¯s control using heat and low temperature, or even changing the terrain.

    Her talent enabled her to choose the optimum strategy depending on the situation and launch a great variety of attacks.

    She concentrated on looking for a chance to attack Fugil with the techniques that she had polished until now.

    ¡¸I have had enough already of only doing as I am told by someone else. Althouugh, I¡¯ll welcome it if it¡¯s an order from Lux-sama.¡¹

    The red haired Rosa Granhide who was clad in the Divine Drag-Ride Gorynych approached from behind and awaited for an opening.

    Her specialty was misdirection, using the ability of Tartaros Frame to rearrange her Drag-Ride and even transforming the shape to make counterfeits.

    And then Rosa herself also specialized in fighting deceitfully to trick the enemy.

    ¡¸Buut, I have no more intention to falsify my own true feelings.¡¹

    The path of running away in order to avert her eyes from weakness had been severed.

    In order to repay the debt to Lux who saved her, she had no hesitation or fear.

    ¡¸I too©¤©¤won¡¯t recognize it. Entrusting something to someone means trusting that person. Lux gave his trust to me. He reached out his hand to me even though it hurt him. Not like you.¡¹

    The brown skinned Key¡¯s Supervisor Soffice muttered so. And then, beside her Aeril also tightly gripped her special armament Breath Whip.

    ¡¸I am a Lord. I¡¯ll seek about how this world should be in a manner that I thought up myself.¡¹

    Aeril who lost her sisters yelled while wearing Zahhak.

    Beside her Greifer also made his usual sullen expression.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have any great causes like this bunch. But there is just one thing that I get. Don¡¯t look down on humans too much okay, hero-sama?¡¹

    Everyone thrust away the words of gentle persuasion and took fighting stances.

    Right after that, Magialca snapped her fingers with a fearless smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s how it is. ©¤©¤You¡¯re prepared aren¡¯t you, hero-dono!¡¹

    Those words acted as the trigger and the world¡¯s strongest Drag-Knights moved simultaneously.

    The battle in order to stop Sacred Eclipse and save the world from destruction.

    Their full strength that was filled with their pride and determination was liberated through the Drag-Rides and the curtain of battle was opened.

    The man who was standing in front of Avalon¡¯s control room©¤©¤in front of the light that was rising up from the central flapped the wings of the jet black Drag-Ride he wore, and swung up the tip of his great sword.

    ¡¸Everyone©¤©¤I want you to lend me your ears for a bit while fighting.¡¹

    Aeril nervously conveyed her words that were amplified by Dragon Voice to everyone.

    ¡¸I will tell you what I know, about the true function that is hidden in Avalon.¡¹

 Volume 15 - CH Afterword

    ¨C

    Long time no see.

    This is Akatsuki Senri who is recently getting caught in using ginger medicated baths (bathing powder).

    ¨C

    This work, too, finally arrived at the grand stage of the fifteenth volume.

    If my memory serves me right, I think I started in the year 2013, so it will be more than five years already from now since I started writing this series.

    That I am able to continue until this far is solely thanks to everyone.

    Thank you very much.

    ¨C

    The letters in the light novel are easy to write, but drawing everything with pictures in the manga is really difficult.

    Thank you very much for doing a thorough job of it for a long time.

    I¡¯m borrowing this place to say my thanks to Watanabe-sama who composes the manga, and Tadauchi-sama who draws the pictures.

    ¨C

    The original version is also approaching the climax, so I will also work hard here.

    ¨C

    This volume is the continuation of the battle in the previous volume 14, it¡¯s the end of the Seven Dragon Paladins arc, and it¡¯s also the volume that is the beginning of the New Kingdom arc.

    The first volumes 1-5 were like the Academy arc.

    The ¡ºestimate¡» is that the new kingdom arc will generally be the same in length.

    ¨C

    Thinking really really carefully, the retrieving of the flags from around volume 1-5 are finally starting, but it¡¯s really amazing that it can reach until here if I do say so myself. This is solely thanks to everyone (second time).

    ¨C

    Well then it¡¯s the corner for thanks.

    Kasuga Ayumu-sama who is in charge of illustrations. Thank you very much this time for the amazing illustrations in the midst of your busy time.

    My editor M-sama. Thank you very much for your usual corrections with the manuscript. Please take care of me from here on too.

    ¨C

    Well then, I pray that we will be able to meet again in the next volume.

    ¨C

    A certain day in April 2018   Akatsuki Senri

 Volume 15 - CH 1

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san. Please wake up. I¡¯m coming in.¡¹

    ¡¸Uu, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    There was a light knocking sound and the familiar soft voice of his little sister.

    After Lux made an ambiguous reply, the door was opened and a presence approached him.

    ¡¸Good grief, how long are you planning to sleep just because you don¡¯t have to do any chores for a while? Today is the day of the periodic medical examination, so please prepare yourself properly.¡¹

    ¡¸N, nn¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi opened the curtain and the window. The sunlight shined through and the tranquil morning air flowed into the room.

    He was in a room that was made from smooth wood.

    The interior design gave out a high class atmosphere.

    This place was the Royal Officer Academy of Cross Field in the New Kingdom.

    Lux was sleeping in his nostalgic room at the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    Lux cleared up his hazy consciousness and lifted up his languid body on the bed.

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­? What day is today again?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s January tenth. Please wash your face quickly. The breakfast in the dining hall will be over soon.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, you¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lux kept sitting on the bed and took a deep breath.

    Although he still wasn¡¯t in his best condition, there wasn¡¯t any major discomfort or after-effects in his body.

    It was a good luck that could be called a miracle that his condition was this good after struggling through such fierce battles.

    ¡¸Are you alright, Nii-san? Should I feed you instead?¡¹

    Lux ignored Airi¡¯s teasing with a wry smile and then the siblings headed to the dining hall together.

    The breakfast that was made by the capable cook of the Academy was delicious like usual.

    ¨C

    The battle that happened in the abandoned capital Guernica in the Marcafal Kingdom©¤©¤the final decisive battle that decided the fate of the world.

    Two weeks had passed since then.

    The representatives of the countries, the Seven Dragon Paladins, Syvalles of the New Kingdom, and then the Drag-Knights of the world alliance.

    All of them made frantic efforts in order to obstruct Listelka and the others, the Lords, from ruling over the world after their betrayal, and to prevent the humanoid Ragnarok Sacred Eclipse from destroying the world.

    Many of the elite Drag-Knights from each country became sacrifices, but the only silver lining was that not a single one of the girls was lost in that battle.

    And then, Singlen¡¯s ambition to secretly monopolize Avalon was also crushed, and they were able to obtain Avalon.

    That victory was the greatest good news.

    After Lux lost consciousness, the Seven Dragon Paladins including Magialca reached the control room and Aeril connected with the central.

    She safely completed the third trial that was given by the Automata Arshalia and grasped the hidden function of Avalon.

    First Aeril suspended the resurrection of the humanoid Ragnarok Sacred Eclipse. She ran out of strength doing that and so they temporarily withdrew.

    For the countries who lost many Drag-Knights in this great war, they had no reason to leave the legacy and technology of the ancient era alone, but everything would come to nothing if they excessively forced Aeril who could control Avalon and broke her down.

    The surveillance of Aeril who became the manager of Avalon was carried out in turns by the countries. For the time being her safety was guaranteed, and then©¤©¤

    It was the New Kingdom who was first in turn in being entrusted with her.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Thank you for the meal. Then, Airi. I¡¯ll go visit the Triad too after this.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please do that, Nii-san.¡¹

    By the way, the reason Airi was accompanying him was in order to avoid a situation where Lux was surrounded by the female students now that he was showing his face in the Academy after so long.

    The existence of Sacred Eclipse and the danger of world destruction itself were also informed to the Academy due to Listelka¡¯s incitement, but all the students were also told that Lux and the others headed to the Marcafal Kingdom in order to stop that, and that they had splendidly accomplished it.

    The students had a lot of things they wanted to ask Lux who they couldn¡¯t meet until now because he was in recuperation. Surely he wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid getting showered with questions.

    Originally the Academy¡¯s famous group, the Triad, should be the ones with the role to stop that, but the three were also in recuperation because of serious injuries and fatigue.

    The pod for medical treatment in the Academy seemed to have finally run out of energy. It became completely impossible to use after performing the minimum treatment to each of the three.

    Furthermore the main force of Syvalles other than Yoruka©¤©¤Lisha and the others were returning to their respective homes.

    Around half of their injuries like broken bones and the like had been recovered, but they were given rest to take away their fatigue too.

    After parting from Airi at the stairs of the girl¡¯s dormitory, Lux took a light rest after meal in his room before heading to the classroom in the school building.

    The first class after New Years for Lux who had been staying in bed all this time until now began.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, it has also been a long time since I met with everyone in the class.¡¹

    Even though it felt uncomfortable when he first came here because he was the only boy, right now he felt happy from his heart that he could talk with the girls in his class.

    ¡¸Long time no see, Lux-kun! I heard you saved the world? Thank you!¡¹

    ¡¸Sheesh¡­¡­. I wanted to make various chore requests while you weren¡¯t here you know? Teach me when your body recovered okay? I¡¯m making the reservation.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, stealing a march just because Tillfur is absent is unacceptable. Even us too©¤©¤¡¹

    As expected, the girl classmates surrounded him before the homeroom began, but they soon scattered after Instructor Raigree who arrived yelled at them.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t cut loose this early after New Years. I¡¯ll give extra homework to anyone who isn¡¯t in their seat right now.¡¹

    The beautiful young instructor.

    Raigree¡¯s dignified look and atmosphere were also something nostalgic for Lux.

    She sent a brief glance at Lux to observe his condition. After confirming it, she resumed her talk.

    ¡¸At the battle this time, countries all over the world©¤©¤including the New Kingdom, lost many Drag-Knights. Although the threat from the Ruins is gone for the time being, all of you have to become fully qualified as an officer as quickly as possible, and become the foundation that will support the new kingdom in the future.¡¹

    Raigree¡¯s tone was serious.

    Of course, the cultivation of military officers were also carried out in various places other than in this Academy, but the total number was just too few compared to the amount of personnel that was sought.

    The Four Great Nobles who lent their soldiers for the expedition to the Marcafal Kingdom also lost considerable number of soldiers, but it was also an alarming problem for the royal capital.

    If the New Kingdom was attacked by the Abyss or bandits like Dragon Marauder in this situation, they would be helpless.

    ¡¸This Academy too is still in the middle of developing. The future of the New Kingdom rests on your shoulders. If you all got it then I¡¯ll introduce an admitted student before the class begins.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The expressions of everyone in the class tensed before the atmosphere changed into bewilderment.

    Who would enroll here at this timing?

    While everyone was most likely thinking so, a single girl entered the classroom.

    ¡¸Nice to meet you. I am an imperial princess of the Lords, Aeril Vi Arcadia. I will only stay here for a month, but please treat me well.¡¹

    The one who entered the classroom and bowed in front of the blackboard was a lovely girl with an androgynous look.

    The silver hair that was just like Lux was braided and trailed down until her waist. Her asymmetrically colored eyes produced mysticity that seemed to transcend humanity.

    She had showed up in the Academy several times under the guise of Coral, the aide of Vanheim Principality¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladin, but this was her first time coming here as a Lord.

    (No, more importantly Aeril is enrolling here!? And she is wearing a skirt!)

    She was a full-fledged girl by nature, so there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with that, but it was a bit of a shock for Lux.

    ¡¸Err, she is Aeril-san who is a Lord, that means she is that person who we heard about?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. The person they said became our ally©¤©¤more importantly, she resembles Lux-kun so much. Like her hair color¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow, it also feels like she resembles Coral-kun but¡­¡­she is so cool. No. She is pretty.¡¹

    Amidst those mutterings, the girl called Aeril winked as though she was enjoying Lux¡¯s discomposure.

    ¡¸That¡¯s how it is, that¡¯s why, once again my best regards, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Aeril walked as though she was cutting through the commotion that was created inside the class and sat down near Lux.

    The students started to become noisy once more at the arrival of the unfamiliar beauty who was a Lord, but they were quietened by a glare from Raigree and the class began.

    Of course, the Academy had been informed that Aeril had been cooperative with the alliance army, even so, she was someone who the students had an abundance of topics to talk about.

    After that it went without saying that each time there was a short break between classes, the classmates would form a crowd and showered her along with Lux with questions.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤At the rooftop of the school building, during the lunch break.

    Lux along with Aeril made an excuse that there was a summon for the Academy¡¯s raid squad Syvalles and escaped to there from the female students.

    ¡¸Just what is going on? Enrolling into the Academy with that appearance©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Queen Raffi and Headmaster Relie listened to my wish. It would be harder to protect me instead when I¡¯m getting targeted if I¡¯m at a place like the capital.¡¹

    Although she was in the middle of recuperation, Aeril was still a key figure who was able to control Avalon right now.

    It was unknown when hostile forces who wanted her ability would target her.

    It seemed that it was decided that it was safer to place her in the Academy where the users of Divine Drag-Rides gathered rather than the area of the Royal Capital where a lot of its Drag-Knights were lost during the great war.

    There was also a talk of entrusting her to the Four Great Nobles¡¯ Dist Ralgris, but if there was his daughter Celistia, as expected he would support Aeril¡¯s enrollment into the Academy.

    ¡¸But it¡¯s unexpected. Contrary to my expectations, everyone accepted Aeril naturally©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed there was an explanation to the masses that Aeril was an ally in regards to the matter of the Lords, but Lux thought that others would poke a bit more in regards to how she was using perception manipulation to disguise herself as an existence called Coral.

    ¡¸About that, you know, it¡¯s just as Lux-kun realized.¡¹

    She smiled mischievously.

    One of her eyes that was colored like a jade was the proof of the Baptism she received.

    She possessed the power to manipulate perception using the Ruin¡¯s functions.

    Using that, regardless of the lack of notification regarding the relation of Aeril and Coral, the students of the Academy were accepting that fact.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯m using perception manipulation only for that. I have no intention of doing anything further than that. I have to make an effort to live as Aeril, besides©¤©¤I¡¯m already sick and tired of pretending to be various things that I am not.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Lux nodded in response to her expression that looked unbound. And then Aeril twirled on the spot.

    The fringe of her short skirt was blown by the wind on the rooftop and it fluttered riskily. Lux¡¯s gaze darted around from it.

    The white thighs that peeked out from below the skirt that was held down with both hands looked bewitching. Her face that was faintly reddening looked adorable.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Did you see?¡¹

    ¡¸E, err¡­¡­just for a bit.¡¹

    The lacey panty with refreshing light blue color suited the androgynous Aeril. Though, as expected Lux couldn¡¯t declare so.

    She slightly puffed out her cheeks that was blushing with embarrassment, and then she suggestively spoke out¡¸Well, I guess it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s Lux-kun¡¹.

    ¡¸Looks like I¡¯m still not used to being a¡ºgirl¡» in the end. It feels windy at my lower body, and the girls in the class also told me that I still have a cool atmosphere©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡­¡­ you look cute like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    When Lux unconsciously said that, Aeril¡¯s eyes opened wide and her body staggered.

    Her face reddened even more than when her panty was seen. She averted her gaze awkwardly.

    ¡¸That girl uniform, matches you really well. Congratulations on your enrollment.¡¹

    Lux could say that naturally because it wasn¡¯t flattery but something that came from his heart.

    No, with the end of the battle this time, a change also happened within Lux himself.

    His feelings towards the girls became even stronger than before.

    It wasn¡¯t just a deep affection simply as a friend, but he was starting to harbor feelings towards them as members of the opposite sex.

    ¡¸Thank you¡­¡­. Aah geez, this is really regrettable.¡¹

    Aeril replied while acting bashful, but then she turned around with a troubled look.

    ¡¸Regrettable?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head in response, a small sigh was returned to him.

    ¡¸There is still a bit more until the ¡ºpact¡» ends. If that¡¯s not the case, I¡¯ll be able to say it clearly at once, and yet©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux felt his heart jump inside his chest seeing Aeril¡¯s pained expression from the side.

    But, the girl didn¡¯t answer back and she looked up to the perfectly clear blue sky before speaking to him.

    ¡¸I guess it¡¯s about time soon. Let¡¯s go eat lunch.¡¹

    She directed to him a friendly smile as a friend just like when she was acting as Coral.

    Lux left the rooftop with Aeril even while feeling bewildered at the strange emotion in his heart.

    ¨C

    When the school was over, he temporarily parted from Aeril in front of the girl¡¯s dormitory.

    He wanted to be together with her a bit more, but Lux had his own business to do.

    His chore jobs had also piled up like a mountain, but there was a place that he had to head towards no matter what before that.

    First he headed to a florist inside Cross Field. After that he purchased fresh fruits in the market.

    In the end he returned to the Academy©¤©¤and he went to visit a room in the girl¡¯s dormitory. It was Airi¡¯s room.

    ¡¸This is Lux, can I come in?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please. Feel free to enter.¡¹

    Lux felt relieved inside his heart hearing that indifferent tone without any inflection.

    In this room there was the roommate and best friend of his little sisterAiri, Noct.

    In the deadly battle two weeks ago, even the Triad participated in the final decisive battle and he heard how they got seriously injured.

    Fortunately their injuries seemed to be something they could recover from, even so, they were the people who he wanted to meet first where he also wanted to say his thanks to them for risking themselves in order to protect Airi.

    ¡¸Then, excuse me©¤©¤wait, uwah¡¹

    As soon as he opened the door, he saw the figure of three girls and got bewildered.

    He completely thought that there was only Noct inside, but contrary to his expectations, all the Triad were there.

    ¡¸Long time no see, Lux-san. It¡¯s great that you are healthy. Fua¡­¡­¡¹

    He discovered Noct looking unusually sleepy. Perhaps she had been sleeping until just now even though it was evening already.

    She was wearing a light green pajama, while one of her hands was hugging a pillow that looked like a cushion.

    Somehow, her appearance looked somewhat fancy.

    ¡¸Forgive me for my unsightly appearance. I was only finally allowed to move from the medical room to here.¡¹

    It seemed Noct who came from a family of servants was embarrassed with her appearance from just waking up.

    It was cute how her cheeks were slightly red while her face stayed expressionless.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to feel bothered about that. Noct looking slovenly like this makes me feel like I¡¯m able to look at something precious.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi, your wording sounds indecent somehow. Didja suddenly get awakened to the younger girl faction?¡¹

    On the other side, Tillfur, who was lightly dressed with clothing that had a black color base was speaking out to him from the chair beside the bed.

    Different from Noct whose broken bone was healed to a degree by the hibernation pod, there was a splint remaining on Tillfur¡¯s one hand.

    But, her consciousness was clear. It seemed there was a difference in fatigue and damage between each of them.

    Lux smiled wryly at Tillfur¡¯s teasing while noticing that his feelings towards them had actually grown.

    It was also like that towards Aeril before this, but perhaps after the battles had reached an end, somewhere in his heart there was a part that lightened with comfort.

    ¡¸Oh dear, to think Tillfur can speak like that in spite of you being the one who hurriedly dressed up after hearing that Lux-kun will visit here. Even though you were still sleeping with bedraggled hair only in your underwear just now.¡¹

    ¡¸Aaah, Sharis! Even though I told you not to say that in front of Lux-chi! Geez, I won¡¯t lend you a hand anymore no matter how troubled you are!¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s face reddened while she acted flustered and got angry at Sharis who was coming down from the upper bed.

    The eldest and the leader of the Triad had her right arm bandaged with a splint and suspended down from her neck. Even so she welcomed him with her usual friendly smile.

    ¡¸Sharis-san too, long time no see. That, the state of your injury©¤©¤¡¹

    It seemed the state of her broken bone was the worst among the three. It seemed that without the treatment of the hibernation pod, her arm wouldn¡¯t be able to completely go back to normal.

    But, the girl with the elder sister disposition didn¡¯t show even a hint of that hardship on the surface and smiled teasingly.

    ¡¸Yeah, it will be fine now. It will take a bit more time until it heals completely, but it looks like there won¡¯t be any after-effects remaining. It can only be called as good luck now that I think back to the battles we were struggling through.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, I¡¯m glad.¡¹

    Lux felt relieved from his heart and his expression also relaxed.

    ¡¸But, please don¡¯t act too recklessly. Although it couldn¡¯t be helped because the strategy demanded it, but if you are injured because of me or Airi©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t know about the strategy where Airi and the Triad participated in the mission at Avalon¡¯s deep level floor.

    Of course it was natural because he wasn¡¯t told anything about it, but he thought his heart would stop when he heard about it in the middle.

    ¡¸Yes. Though it doesn¡¯t sound persuasive at all when the one saying it is Lux-san who almost dies every time.¡¹

    Noct muttered that with an unblinking stare. Tillfur too approached and touched his body mischievously.

    ¡¸Yeep yeep. Lux-chi yourself, are you alright? How about I give you a massage?¡¹

    ¡¸Hmm. Having a junior worrying about me isn¡¯t a bad feeling. Then, I wonder if I can ask you to help me when changing clothes or taking a bath until my arm recovers?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. If it¡¯s something that I can do then©¤©¤wait, eeeh!?¡¹

    When Sharis entwined her arm with Lux¡¯s arm and brought her cheek closer to his face, the sensation of her moderately big breast was conveyed to him.

    At the same time the scent of her favorite rose perfume tickled his nose and made his head go into a daze.

    A few seconds later, he barely shook himself free from the temptation that made him want to keep receiving it forever. Lux shook and untangled her arm while his face was turning red.

    ¡¸Oho, it doesn¡¯t look like you are completely opposed to it. From your reaction, we too aren¡¯t someone you can disregard as woman huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-! Please don¡¯t make fun of me. Even I, more or less is, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸We get it. We also understand how reliable of a boy you are. And also how you challenged that Sir Singlen to battle and took revenge for us.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He didn¡¯t expect that he would get thanked instead even though he was the one who came here to visit them, who were injured when protecting Airi.

    No, surely she was saying that so that Lux wouldn¡¯t be even more concerned than this about their injuries.

    Lux¡¯s chest grew hot once more, knowing the feeling of Sharis and the others who associated with him as fellow students and as friends.

    He felt really glad, that he could protect everyone.

    ¡¸By the way, just now was a personal gratitude from me. If you feel that it¡¯s still not enough, should I make Tillfur and Noct do it too?¡¹

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s enough already. Then, let¡¯s meet again in Syvalles when everyone is in good health. I¡¯ll also come to visit again.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi. You aren¡¯t forgetting that the requests are also piling up like a mountain, aren¡¯tcha?¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, please go easy on me¡­¡­¡¹

    He had distanced himself from the Academy¡¯s chores for a while, but he wondered how many had piled up right now.

    It was scary to ask, so he dodged the matter with a wry smile and exited the room.

    A few minutes later after that, the three people inside the room conversed with a small voice.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. My heart was throbbing so hard, really unlike me. Though it seemed he himself also noticed, that the wall in his heart towards us has vanished.¡¹

    After the danger of world destruction by Sacred Eclipse had settled down, Lux¡¯s intimacy towards the girls were growing.

    That was to say, that the moment to answer their feelings was approaching near.

    ¡¸Yes. But from that reaction, it looks like Lux-san hasn¡¯t picked anyone inside his heart.¡¹

    Noct expressed her impression with her usual bland tone.

    ¡¸This is just really complicated. Haah, the girls around him are just too formidable ain¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    On the other hand Tillfur let out a dissatisfied sigh and laid down face up on the bed.

    The Triad¡¯s feelings towards Lux.

    They too couldn¡¯t deny that it was in the process of leaving the territory of simply being friends.

    That was exactly why they along with Airi took on the role of managing and monitoring the girls¡¯ ¡ºpact¡».

    ¡¸Oh dear, I can tell it¡¯s going to be hard going forward with our state like this. After all, our job will reach the finale a few days from now.¡¹

    Noct also nodded at that statement from Sharis.

    ¡¸Yes. Let us prepare for that time, towards the parade of the New Kingdom and the end of the ¡ºpact¡».¡¹

    The time that should come was approaching.

    The time that they understood all this time would arrive in the near future.

    The three keenly felt that arrival and nodded at each other.

    ¨C

    After Lux finished visiting the Triad, he finished some light chores from the Academy.

    Although, the contents of the jobs were relatively light, and if he was pushed to say, he noticed that he was given the work as an excuse to evade the pursuit from the female students.

    And then©¤©¤at night.

    After having dinner in the dining hall, the bathing time arrived.

    Lux entered the large public bath after the girls finished bathing. The large space was reserved for him alone. His heart danced with the feeling of liberation after so long.

    Naturally there wasn¡¯t any proper bathing facility in the fortress in the Marcafal Kingdom. There the most he could do was draw hot water to wipe his body with using a towel.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Somehow, it feels a bit floaty¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux talked to himself like that inside the bathtub that was filled to the brim with milky white hot water.

    It wasn¡¯t about the atmosphere of the Academy that was liberated from nervousness, but about Lux himself.

    Thinking back, he had continued to keep running determinately since the day he decided to overthrow the Old Empire.

    The planning of the Revolution, the chore jobs he did while chasing after Fugil, the training using the tournaments, the enrollment into the Academy.

    In order to change the country as a prince of Arcadia.

    After that he continued to fight in order to accomplish the mission that he carried.

    Strictly speaking there was still various tasks remaining for him, like his professional duties as Lisha¡¯s knight, attending the distribution of Avalon¡¯s legacy and technology as a Seven Dragon Paladin, and so on, but there was no doubt that he had reached a juncture where he could stop.

    ¡¸What should I do from here on¡­¡­?¡¹

    In a few more days, it had been decided that the New Years parade that had been delayed until now due to the various circumstances of the great war would be held for three days. Soon he would depart to the royal capital along with the female students of the Academy.

    Lux had also heard that on the last day of the parade, he would be honorably awarded with commendations for his heavy contributions as a member of the world alliance, as a member of Syvalles, and as the exclusive knight of Lisha.

    He was feeling complicated that he would receive commendations with his status as a criminal, but on the other hand, it was also a situation that he should welcome when thinking about Airi who was in the same position as him.

    Even after that he would make contributions to the New Kingdom as Lisha¡¯s knight, and then.

    He would heal Philuffy¡¯s body, raise achievements in order to have Airi¡¯s criminal collar removed, protect Aeril.

    ¡¸After that©¤©¤I¡¯m¡¹

    He felt like there were still other things remaining that he should do.

    But for some reason he couldn¡¯t recall it. His thought was turning dim and vanishing just by trying to think about it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I want, to meet everyone.¡¹

    Not just the Triad and Airi, he wanted to meet Lisha and the others who fought together with him.

    He felt like he would be able to recall what he should accomplish by being together with them.

    Lux listened to the echo of his muttering inside the bathroom while experiencing the sense of freedom and a tinge of loneliness.

    ¨C

    Around the time Lux was submerging himself in deep emotion in the New Kingdom, the war of the girls was starting behind the scenes.

    It was different from a war that made use of Drag-Rides, but it was beyond a doubt a war.

    It was a battle that gambled their destiny, which was even more severe than the battle at Avalon in a sense.

    A strategy meeting for that was being carried out even in a border region of the Ymir Theocracy.

    On a highway near the national border.

    Three girls and a woman who were staying in an inn there were conversing noisily until late at night.

    ¡¸So the preparations for the dress I¡¯ll be wearing at the capital¡¯s parade is also perfect. I never thought that the house of Einvolk would prepare it for me though.¡¹

    Krulcifer who was trying on a deep blue dress was chuckling beside the fireplace.

    The parental heart of her step father, Stiyl Einvolk was terribly amusing somehow.

    Krulcifer who temporarily returned back to her country for recuperation and information exchange spent two weeks at her home in the Ymir Theocracy.

    It was lonely to be separated for that long from Lux, but it was also just right because in any case it was necessary to heal her injury.

    Her body that was weakened and her injuries from the battle the other day like abrasions and bruises luckily recovered completely without leaving behind any marks.

    It was a situation that she had no complaint about for her reunion with Lux at the parade in the Royal Capital.

    ¡¸What do you all think from your point of view? Do I have any prospect of victory if it is with my current self?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, yes, you are really perfect, my lady. ©¤©¤Other than the breasts.¡¹

    It was a room for four people with luxurious design.

    A petite girl let out a mutter that was mixed with a sigh on one of the four beds.

    The Seven Dragon Paladin of the Ymir Theocracy, Mel Gizalut was wearing a simple but lovely camisole. She was sending an exasperated gaze at Krulcifer.

    The decisive battle of the girls that fought over Lux.

    Mel was taking a slightly fed up attitude at the enthusiasm that Krulcifer directed towards it.

    ¡¸Is that so, I don¡¯t want to be told anything about breasts from you but, thank you. And what about you Soffice, what do you think?¡¹

    Next, Krulcifer moved her gaze towards the girl who was doing a puzzle on another bed, the brown skinned Soffice Xfer.

    The three took rest and acted together for around two weeks based on their common point as fellow citizens of the Ymir Theocracy and as fellow Key¡¯s Supervisors.

    Soffice who was addressed didn¡¯t respond for a while, before she finally muttered expressionlessly with a small voice.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This country, is too cold. I want to go to the capital quickly.¡¹

    ¡¸No one is asking you that. Or rather, naturally you will feel like that if you are dressed like that in this country.¡¹

    Krulcifer let out a sigh and retorted.

    Soffice, whose appearance was usually nearly half-naked, was despondent as expected towards the coldness of the Ymir Theocracy in January.

    ¡¸In the end I also cannot meet Ney Louches, I¡¯ve got quite a lot of free time.¡¹

    They also casually went to check on the Ruin Hall¡¯s situation, but for some reason they couldn¡¯t meet the familiar Automata there.

    Soffice who was unable to meet with the Automata of the Moon who was like her little sister, Re Plica, was spending her time during her recuperation mostly alone.

    Her body was only covered very little around her chest and waist with underwear. She took position on the bed that was nearest to the fireplace and wouldn¡¯t move at all from there.

    After looking at Krulcifer¡¯s appearance once more, she folded her arms and made a thinking posture before declaring.

    ¡¸Even though Lux looks like that, he is an owner of a radical fetish, so the current Krulcifer won¡¯t be able to win, perhaps.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Getting chained in a prison and then peeing was your own circumstance right¡­¡­? Can you please not describe Lux-kun as an owner of a peculiar fetish as you please?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? How do you know that information!? Did Lux expose it to you!? I¡¯ll beat him up when we go to the capital!¡¹

    Soffice cheeks reddened from shame even while her expression was staying blank, and she was clenching her fist tightly.

    Mel was staring at that with an astonished gaze before turning back towards Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Putting aside this peeing paladin, in reality you won¡¯t know your chance just from your appearance. You have approached Onii-chan before not just once or twice right?¡¹

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t wet my pants! It was only because Lux didn¡¯t let me go to toilet even when I requested him!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. I¡¯m not feeling inferior towards the other girls but, I also don¡¯t have an actual feeling that I have a great lead from them. Of course, I have self-confidence, but I cannot say that I¡¯m ahead with certainty.¡¹

    Krulcifer consented to Mel¡¯s comment while ignoring Soffice¡¯s protest.

    ¡¸It¡¯s troubling that it¡¯s not a certain thing. After all, all the relatives of the house of Einvolk have been told that Ojou-sama will marry with Lux-sama.¡¹

    The one who opened the door and entered while saying that was the butler Alterize.

    This time she was acting as a bodyguard for Krulcifer and the others. She was even in charge of giving them various support, including arranging for their lodging at the capital¡¯s parade.

    Honestly speaking, the house of Einvolk also burdened her with the role to marry Lux with Krulcifer for sure this time.

    ¡¸Lux-sama, too, has reached a juncture where he can pause with his job after that battle right? In that case I thought that perhaps the way he looks at Ojou-sama will also change when the two of you reunite again.¡¹

    ¡¸If my rivals were on normal levels, I too won¡¯t feel uneasy like this though.¡¹

    For Krulcifer, she didn¡¯t feel like she would lose with her looks, pedigree, and the relationship that she had built with Lux, but the girls who were her rivals were really formidable.

    Putting aside Yoruka who was already brimming with the intention to settle as a concubine, there was Lux¡¯s childhood friend Philuffy who possessed childish looks and a voluptuous body that would tickle a male¡¯s instincts. Above all else she had the advantage of the bond from her past with Lux.

    The captain of Syvalles, Celistia, had a noble and dignified appearance, but in contrast to that she had an innocent side where it was easy for other people to misunderstand her and she was unable to relate well with them. That gap could easily shoot down the heart of Lux who liked to be helpful.

    Until now her approach towards Lux didn¡¯t have any momentum because of her being a late bloomer, but recently she was directing a strong fondness towards Lux where he too responded to it quite favorably.

    Her position as the eldest daughter of one of the Four Great Nobles and as fellow citizens of the New Kingdom also made it easier to give a push to such a relationship.

    As for the Lord, Aeril, speaking frankly she was an irregular existence. It was as though she couldn¡¯t be predicted.

    She and Lux were both fellow Arcadians. With her position as the manager of Avalon, they would act together from here on too, which was a troublesome point. She couldn¡¯t be underestimated with how skillfully she was leading Lux around.

    If she didn¡¯t take Aeril seriously because she was a newcomer who came late, Lux would surely get taken away.

    And then, the last was the princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte. The existence who Krulcifer was on guard the most against. The girl who might be the one with the slimmest chance to be joined in marriage with Lux in reality.

    She was also the one who dragged Lux into the Academy, and the one with the influential position as the princess of the New Kingdom with deep ties to the Old Empire.

    The problem was that Lisha herself was completely mistaking how to use that authority and how she was expressing her fondness towards Lux, but if it was only in the point regarding the worth in giving support to someone, Krulcifer thought that Lisha¡¯s charm in that aspect surpassed the rest by far.

    She thought that also because of how everyone in the Academy was harboring affection for her despite her status as the New Kingdom¡¯s princess which was hard to approach.

    Krulcifer also wasn¡¯t an exception to that.

    If she had to mention who was the girl who she could be the most frank and open with at the Academy, the answer would be Lisha. She had been helped by her and also helped her back many times.

    She deliberately didn¡¯t speak it out but, she recognized her strength and effort, and she was also harboring good will towards her as a friend.

    (But, exactly because of that©¤©¤)

    She couldn¡¯t lose.

    Several more days. From the first day of the parade in the capital where everyone would gather, the ¡ºpact¡» would reach the end and it would become possible to confess to Lux.

    It would be important to take the initiative, but the process to reach until that phase was also equally important.

    After all the possibility that she feared the most, was that Lux would be harboring equal fondness to everyone.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t matter what you are going to do but just win okay. Otherwise I¡¯ll take Onii-chan for myself.¡¹

    Krulcifer returned to herself after hearing Mel¡¯s suggestive teasing.

    ¡¸Sorry, but it won¡¯t become like that.¡¹

    Even though she was thinking various things, she was convinced with that single sentence.

    She had not the slightest intention of giving up. She swore she would make Lux hers without fail.

    In order to do that she would simply do everything she could. She steeled her determination once more and formed her strategy.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤On the other hand, around the same time.

    Each of the other girls¡¯ feelings were also similarly growing stronger with the approaching time to confess to Lux.

    Celis was resting while also training in the territory of her family. Philuffy was together with Relie in the mansion of the Aingram family. Yoruka was quietly acting as Lux¡¯s guard. Each of them were making their own preparations.

    And then, the day before the parade finally arrived.

    The New Years party that was slightly delayed than the previous years.

    Lux boarded a coach that was bound for the capital in order to participate in the festival that was held within the peace they had won.

 Volume 15 - CH 2

    ¨C

    ¡¸How nostalgic. This atmosphere too, the last time it felt like this was during the National Foundation Day I think?¡¹

    The horse carriage had passed through the impressive castle gate. Lux got out from the carriage and stepped inside the castle town.

    Airi beside him made a faint smile at the nostalgic air that they felt after a long time.

    The Royal Capital of the New Kingdom, Lordgalia.

    The castle town that was crammed with old fashioned but gorgeous buildings was bustling with colorful decorations. The main street was overflowing with vitality before the parade.

    ¡¸The Abyss won¡¯t come anymore right? The peace has come right? Yahoo!¡¹

    ¡¸Festival, what foods are there out there?¡¹

    They passed a pair of young siblings on their way to the inn. Lux¡¯s gaze turned towards the big brother and little sister who were talking energetically.

    Because of the information manipulation that Listelka carried out by scattering the Abyss called Shadow everywhere, the masses¡¯ nerves had also been worn down.

    That anxiety had also vanished after they safely stopped the activity of Sacred Eclipse.

    Lux stared at the childish siblings smilingly while feeling relieved inside his heart.

    It would be great if after this the people¡¯s evaluation towards Queen Raffi was safely recover with this parade.

    (I¡¯m worried for her majesty.)

    When he met her the other day in the fortress of the Marcafal Kingdom, she showed a fainthearted appearance due to her accumulating anxiety.

    The throne of the King was also targeted by the senior consuls and she was losing confidence in uniting the New Kingdom, but that would be a troubling development for Lux too.

    The despotic administration that went on for a long time where the tendency of male chauvinism was excessively strong.

    The great man Count Atismata opposed the long history of the Old Empire head-on.

    It was exactly because his little sister Queen Raffi succeeded him for the throne of the New Kingdom that the country was able to correct the antiquated bias.

    And then, she also saved Lux and Airi who were in a situation where it wouldn¡¯t be strange for them to get executed.

    In order to repay that debt and also to become Lisha¡¯s strength, there were still things remaining that he should do.

    (I¡¯m really stupid, thinking conveniently, that I might lose sight of my objective after the world was saved from danger.)

    The moment Lux made a self-depreciating smile, Airi quietly pulled at the sleeve of Lux¡¯s uniform.

    ¡¸Nii-san. Please don¡¯t act absentminded. You will get crashed into from behind like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, sorry. I¡¯ll be careful©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux was moving to avoid the tall horse carriages that were coming and going through the road, a large cargo slipped off and fell.

    One wooden log was slipping off nearby Airi.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Watch out-!¡¹

    Lux reflexively stood in the way to protect Airi. The students around them held their breath.

    But, the slipping off log didn¡¯t hit Lux or Airi but stopped still in that place.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Are you alright, Lu-chan?¡¹

    A dreamy voice that followed one¡¯s own pace.

    The reverberation that felt somewhat nostalgic and also pleasant made Lux spontaneously open his closed eyes.

    Over there was the figure of a girl that was lightly supporting a single log with one hand to protect Lux and Airi.

    The pink haired girl wearing the Academy¡¯s uniform and a sword belt was Lux¡¯s childhood friend, Philuffy Aingram.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!?¡¹

    ¡¸Heave, ho¡¹

    The horse cart¡¯s coach got down in great panic about what happened, but Philuffy threw the log with one hand and returned it to its original position.

    After that the headmaster Relie Aingram also came and together the two of them joined the line that was heading to the inn.

    ¡¸You saved me there, thank you.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m Lu-chan¡¯s bodyguard, after all.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks unconsciously relaxed seeing the faint smile on her face.

    She was a girl with a gentle and docile appearance, but she had been trained in martial arts by Magialca and possessed the power of an Abyss. It seemed that she was in good health.

    At the battle the other day, she intentionally made the Ragnarok factor in her body rampage. Lux was worried whether it would have a bad influence on her body, but it seemed that for the time being she was alright to the degree that she could come to the parade.

    Although, now that they had obtained Avalon, he wished that he would be able to make her receive treatment for the Abyss part in her body as soon as possible at the next chance but©¤©¤

    ¡¸My my, this is a bit of a failure. Even though I planned to make Lux-kun reunite with Phi at the party venue. But, this way is also not bad.¡¹

    ¡¸Headmaster¡­¡­. Please stop ignoring your original objective and talk about the capture method for Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸I have prepared a dress exclusive for Phi for the sake of this day you know? I was holding hope that Lux-kun would lose his self-control when he is reunited with my little sister at the banquet but©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi was muttering with an exasperated face, but Relie who had entered a state of wild delusion wouldn¡¯t stop.

    (Relie-san too is just like always huh¡­¡­)

    Lux smiled wryly, however he felt happy that he was able to reunite with Philuffy who was in good health.

    It seemed he would be able to join up with several members of Syvalles even before the party.

    When they entered the inn they were reserving together with the bewildered students, there was another encounter with an unexpected person.

    ¡¸My bad to intrude while you are still tired from the journey, but I wonder if you can lend me a bit of your time, princess¡¯s knight-dono.¡¹

    A great feudal lord of the New Kingdom©¤©¤a person of the house of Ralgris that was one of the Four Great Nobles.

    The one who was there wasn¡¯t Celis who he was familiar with, but her father.

    A man in the prime of his life with finely chiseled features, Dist Ralgris.

    Lux had seen his face several times since his childhood, but he had no experience of talking personally with him.

    He followed him nervously where he was guided into a nearby underground bar that didn¡¯t have any sign of other customers.

    Several men who seemed to be guards also came along, but even they were waiting outside the bar. The two of them were completely alone.

    Philuffy who claimed to be Lux¡¯s bodyguard also tried to come along, but as expected, he read the mood and asked her to stay in the inn.

    There was no doubt that Dist was waiting for him in the inn because he had something important to talk about with him.

    ¡¸Pardon me. I¡¯m interrupting your break time and brought you to this kind of gloomy place.¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t mind it. More importantly©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux glanced towards the wooden counter that was giving off a dark brown luster.

    Perhaps this place was completely reserved for the two of them, because he couldn¡¯t even find the figure of the bar owner at the counter.

    Dist prepared a glass of water instead of alcohol and put it in front of Lux.

    ¡¸This is the first time I can have a talk like this with you. Thank you for taking care of my daughter all this time.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to be told so, Lord Dist. But it¡¯s me who has been greatly indebted to Celis-senpai all this time.¡¹

    ¡¸No need to act humble like that, hero-dono.¡¹

    Even though Lux was told that, Dist¡¯s rigid aura and tone made him nervous.

    After exchanging a light greeting, they soon broached the main topic.

    ¡¸What happened just now was dangerous wasn¡¯t it? It looked like a simple accident but, thinking of the worst case, please be careful while you are in the capital. Right now you are already the center of discussion everywhere.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you mean by that?¡¹

    Dist drank some wine that was mixed with water.

    When Lux tilted his head, Dist¡¯s lips loosened for the first time looking really amused.

    ¡¸So you aren¡¯t aware of it. No, it¡¯s only natural if you were devoting yourself to recuperation for two weeks after that intense battle.¡¹

    Lux pondered after hearing that comment, and before long he produced an answer from his own thought.

    ¡¸Is there some kind of new movement within the New Kingdom?¡¹

    ¡¸Indeed. When the situation is lapsing into chaos, there will be forces at work to calm down the situation. Now that the situation has calmed down, the people who are trying to cause waves are making their move.¡¹

    It seemed his answer was correct.

    While he was in the middle of recuperation, at most he would hear uncertain rumors within the academy, but from it he heard that there were several consuls introducing themselves in the attempt to run the current government in place of Queen Raffi.

    Of course, the majority of the masses gave negative reactions to that.

    After being liberated from the long reign of the Old Empire for five years, they didn¡¯t want to get tossed around by power struggles inside the country.

    ¡¸But, the Lord Listelka used the Abyss called Shadow to lure out the representatives of each country. In the New Kingdom, the Shadows¡¯ strategy was to hold her majesty the Queen in contempt. In addition, because the New Kingdom got seriously damaged in the great war, voices from various places that were asking her majesty to take responsibility are getting louder. That is a fact.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Then, what is the relation of that with me becoming the center of discussion?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s talk about the possibility of you becoming a powerful weapon for the influential people of the New Kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux held his breath at Dist¡¯s statement that he said really naturally.

    ¡¸This one year was full of upheaval. The assault of the Ragnarok, then there was also the appearance of the Lords, the rulers of the past that moved the very Ruins itself and threatened the country. There were also victims from that. The hearts of the people are ruled by anxiety, her majesty who is inexperienced with war as the sovereign of the country got looked down on, and the consuls who belong to the Old Empire faction raised their hands in an attempt to stand on the front stage themselves.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But, even that has calmed down to a certain degree right now. It¡¯s because you, the New Kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladin and Princess Lizsharte¡¯s knight brought victory to the New Kingdom.¡¹

    Dist turned towards Lux after lightly gulping down his wine.

    ¡¸You are someone who can influence even the Seven Dragon Paladins of other countries, and also the central character in Syvalles, the group that can possibly even become the main force of the New Kingdom in this period. If the leading actor of the military gains this time is the direct subordinate of Princess Lizsharte, then the people and also the consuls will have to recognize the result as her majesty¡¯s achievement too. But if it¡¯s looked from another perspective©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The present map of political power in the New Kingdom will be overwritten depending on the position that I display from here on¡­¡­is that what you mean?¡¹

    Dist confirmed towards Lux¡¯s serious expression.

    ¡¸Just as you also know, we lost many Drag-Knights in that battle. Even in regards to the nurturing of  Drag-Knight¡¯s, if someone can secure the ¡ºhero¡» who has also obtained support from the Royal Officer Academy, then their prospect in the government will also become clear with no obstruction. Can you imagine just how many nobles the headmaster had to refuse from visiting you during the two weeks you were recuperating?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux comprehended the situation that was surrounding his position and fell silent.

    He saved the world from the danger of destruction as a Seven Dragon Paladin.

    Lux himself didn¡¯t have the slightest desire for authority.

    In the first place he didn¡¯t even have the leeway to think about such thing.

    But, now that the world had been saved without problem like this, the flow where people wanted to use Lux as a weapon in political strife seemed to be growing even stronger than before.

    The cornerstone of the next war potential.

    If the existence that was considered as a hero in the New Kingdom entered under the banner of someone, the political map would be greatly changed.

    ¡¸Even so, if you are still like before then there won¡¯t be any problem. You have obligation towards her majesty the Queen and the Princess, I also heard that your relationship with them is favorable. You still have the collar of a criminal put on you, but no one can find any fault even if it is taken off from you. Therefore, I¡¯ll ask you this.¡¹

    Dist¡¯s expression suddenly tensed.

    He fired off words like a bullet with a strong tone that questioned Lux¡¯s resolve.

    ¡¸Do you really think that her majesty the Queen right now has the caliber that is worthy to bring the New Kingdom together? Do you think that you can entrust the future from here on to her? If I tell you that I¡¯m backing someone else©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Tension ran through the underground bar.

    A great feudal lord who was a chosen even throughout the New Kingdom. There was no way Lux who in the past tried to cause a revolution against the Old Empire wouldn¡¯t be able to understand what kind of meaning there was inside the question of Dist who was the head of one of the Four Great Nobles.

    The rewriting of the political map by making use of Lux¡¯s existence.

    He was being invited in order to realize the matter that was explained to him just now.

    ¡¸I heard from my daughter that she is close with you. This will depend on you but, I won¡¯t mind to present my daughter to you as proof of our alliance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The confined and soundless space was filled with oppressive silence.

    At the end of his pondering for a short while, Lux opened his mouth.

    This talk was concluded a few minutes later and Lux was let go from the bar.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I¡¯m back, Airi. ©¤©¤Wait, uwah!?¡¹

    In the reserved inn where several dozens of the Academy¡¯s students were staying.

    When Lux opened the door of the hotel room that was assigned to him, an unexpected scene flew into his sight.

    Sitting on the sofa inside were Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct, the familiar members of the Triad. The one who was on the bed looking small and quiet was Airi.

    And then even further in front of them, there was the figure of a black haired girl kneeling before him.

    ¡¸I have been waiting, Aruji-sama. It is truly joyous to see you in good health.¡¹

    The one who was looking up to him with a feverish gaze was Kirihime Yoruka.

    He was told by Airi that she was going to the Royal Capital for a while, so this was also his reunion with her after two weeks.

    She wasn¡¯t wearing her uniform but the black outfit of the nation of Koto.

    Although Lux was surprised by the sudden happening, he was happy to be able to reunite with a comrade who had gone through deathly battles together with him and responded to her with a smile.

    ¡¸It has been a long time Yoruka. Are you well? I wonder how many days it has been since the last time we met.¡¹

    When Lux relaxed his expression and talked to her, Yoruka showed a carefree smile and words were formed from her well-shaped lips.

    ¡¸Oh my, Aruji-sama is such a joker. Since I woke up, most of the time I was always nearby Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes?¡¹

    Lux froze after hearing the words that she muttered naturally.

    No, there was no way that could be true.

    At the very least he had no memory of seeing Yoruka for two weeks since he returned to the new kingdom and began recuperating.

    ¡¸Then, it¡¯s me and Noct who won the bet with this. The payment will be after returning to Cross Field, so please pay with sweets and tea then.¡¹

    When Airi told that smilingly, Tillfur sent a desperate gaze to Lux.

    ¡¸Lux-chi, you noticed didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m begging you please say sooo!¡¹

    ¡¸Err, just what is it about¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux asked back with an astonished expression, Airi smiled with a triumphant expression.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just everyone overestimating Nii-san too much. After all Nii-san usually is so shockingly full of openings. It¡¯s na?ve that they don¡¯t understand about that.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I was betting on Lux-san not noticing, but I¡¯m surprised instead in a different sense. It¡¯s unexpected that Yoruka-san didn¡¯t make any moves towards Lux-san at all in these two weeks.¡¹

    Noct was expressing her impression matter-of-factly with her face staying expressionless in contrast to her tone.

    Besides her Sharis was scratching her head with a face that looked shocked.

    ¡¸Unfortunately I too was bothered by that. To think that missy Yoruka would grow such common sense.¡¹

    ¡¸Err, can someone tell me what is going on already©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux timidly asked to the girls who were getting convinced by themselves, Airi nonchalantly told him.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like it¡¯s something important. We were betting whether in the end Nii-san would notice Yoruka-san guarding you or not while Nii-san was sleeping for two weeks. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eeh!?¡¹

    When Lux opened his mouth with a dumbfounded look, Noct gave him an explanation in order.

    Yoruka who recovered early from the previous battle personally offered to stay at Lux¡¯s side constantly.

    But, Airi pointed out that if she did that Lux would become nervous instead and he might be unable to rest. Also, taking the possibility of Lux getting targeted by external enemies at this timing into account, the suggestion of ¡ºguarding in a way that even Lux himself wouldn¡¯t notice¡» was proposed.

    The Triad who heard about that story from Airi made a suggestion playfully to kill time.

    They were secretly betting whether Lux would notice Yoruka or not in these two weeks.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, is that so.¡¹

    Lux felt exhausted at the fact that he finally realized.

    Certainly Yoruka¡¯s stealth ability was also something amazing, but Lux was reflecting in his heart for being unable to notice her in that long period.

    Because, in the worst case that the opponent wasn¡¯t Yoruka, but a spy or a bandit like Dragon Marauder, it wouldn¡¯t be strange even if he had got his life taken away like that.

    ¡¸But, it has been a long time since I went through trouble like that. Protecting Aruji-sama while hiding was©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Was there any suspicious signs or something?¡¹

    Airi gasped at Yoruka¡¯s implicative muttering and questioned her.

    Lux also became curious and strained his ear, and then an unexpected answer came back.

    ¡¸Yes. Seeing Aruji-sama unable to move his body satisfactorily, it made me want to help. It was really difficult to suppress my own desire. It was also the same at the times when Aruji-sama changed clothes in the bathroom or having a meal. Especially when Aruji-sama just woke up and it looked like his body was in pain©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s cheeks blushed and she showed an intoxicated expression. Everyone fell silent in response.

    A few seconds later, Sharis sighed with an astonished expression.

    ¡¸Looks like the existence of the ¡ºpact¡» was really helpful. Because of that Lux-kun¡¯s virginity just barely got away from danger.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It seems this is a gamble that is more dangerous than expected.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-chi! You didn¡¯t get anything strange done to you right!? You are really okay right!?¡¹

    ¡¸Somehow I¡¯m feeling really uneasy now¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Please rest assured, Aruji-sama. Every day I checked the inside of your clothing to see whether there would be anything slipped into them.¡¹

    Yoruka showed a bright and wide smile. Seeing that, an awkward silence filled the room.

    ¡¸Yoruka-san. Can you teach me later secretly just what did you do specifically?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? I¡¯m begging you, stop that! You don¡¯t need to say anything more than that so don¡¯t say it-!¡¹

    Lux screamed in order to drown out Airi¡¯s request.

    He passed the time of reunion with the girls along with disturbance that was more stimulating than usual.

    ¨C

    The night of the day they arrived in the capital came. Tomorrow would be the parade.

    After Lux passed a peaceful time chatting with the girls, for some reason he couldn¡¯t fall asleep so he went to the rooftop of the inn to feel the night wind.

    ¡¸Yoruka, can you hear me? Can I ask you to take care of Airi?¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. I¡¯ll also watch out the surrounding with Yato no Kami¡¯s radar.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at the reply that came from inside the darkness as though it was only natural.

    He lightly waved his hand before climbing up the stair and opened the door.

    ¡¸Somehow, this feels nostalgic.¡¹

    The night scenery of the capital spread out.

    Lux immersed himself in a deep feeling while watching the proof of the city¡¯s prosperity in the form of the lights in the town that looked like stars.

    It had only been five years since the day of the Revolution.

    The buildings themselves hadn¡¯t changed that much, and yet the scenery looked different from before.

    Perhaps it was because Lux was getting involved with this country once more as a knight of the New Kingdom, or perhaps because his criminal self had made a lot of comrades.

    Or perhaps©¤©¤

    ¨C

    ¡ºIs it because you noticed that you will lose them once more? Chore boy, it¡¯s about time to wake up from your dream.¡»

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The mysterious voice that suddenly came into hearing made Lux focus his eyes.

    He could see a silhouette near the edge of the inn¡¯s rooftop.

    A man wearing a deep blue robe was standing with the azure moonlight behind him.

    The vice captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit.

    Lux heard that after Singlen fought him at Avalon, he survived and returned to the Blackend Kingdom.

    (But, why is this man in this place? If I remember right, that time he¡­¡­)

    The string of memory he was pulling on snapped off.

    When he focused his eyes, that figure vanished and in exchange a single Drag-Ride was landing down on the rooftop.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with that face? This is a reunion after so long you know? You are my knight©¤©¤¡­¡­after all.¡¹

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤¡¹

    The girl dispelled the armor along with a sulky look that looked somewhat vexed.

    The blonde hair in sidetail fluttered in the wind.

    Her gaze contained a heat like a flame that was hidden within her petite body.

    Lux¡¯s expression naturally burst into a smile seeing the uniformed figure that was wearing a white coat.

    ¡¸Lisha, sama?¡¹

    ¡¸Here I am Lux. That, you know, I really wanted to meet you¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha averting her face in embarrassment, Lux jogged towards her.

    Lux seemed to think of something and he was going to spread out his hands reflexively, but he then kneeled on the spot hurriedly.

    (Wait, just what am I doing. Just now, it was as though I was going to¡­¡­)

    Just now, did he almost try to hug Lisha spontaneously?

    Lux was exasperated with himself for almost behaving like that unconsciously.

    But Lisha who was also forming a smile when seeing that changed her expression into dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸Just what¡¯s with you¡­¡­. Even though, it¡¯s okay even if you continued with that just now.¡¹

    ¡¸N, no-, more importantly it¡¯s great that Lisha-sama looks well. Is your body¡¯s condition alright already?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, I couldn¡¯t move satisfactorily during the first ten days though. Since I became able to use Over Unit, I can understand just how reckless you have been until now. No wonder your little sister is a worrywart like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Lisha¡¯s implicit chiding of his excessive recklessness.

    But, even that had come to an end with the previous battle.

    ¡¸And I¡¯m thinking to have you take a break for a while from your chores, and not because of that reason. My official duty is going to increase a lot from now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That means¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸At the last day of the parade, I¡¯ll take off your collar. That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    With the moonlight behind her, Lisha clenched both her hands and told him with a determined expression.

    While the cool night air soaked into his skin, it felt like the time of the world had completely stopped.

    Lux¡¯s right hand unconsciously reached towards his neck.

    What his fingertip touched was the black criminal collar.

    Since the failure at that day of revolution, Lux continued to shoulder this shackle by his own wish.

    He was thinking that he wouldn¡¯t take it off until he found the answer of how he should live as a prince of the Old Empire.

    But,

    ¡¸I have seen your way of life and your fight since you entered the Academy. No©¤©¤it¡¯s not just me. Even the people of this country should be aware of it too. There is already no one who will say that it¡¯s a mistake for you to take off the collar.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸As a princess of the New Kingdom, doing this also has another meaning of me putting up a good appearance to the people. And it¡¯s also something that my mother also agreed with.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Queen Raffi was?¡¹

    Lux recalled Dist¡¯s words after hearing the words that Lisha said while averting her gaze.

    ¡ºTroublesome old timer nobles are crawling around trying to win you over with every kind of favorable treatment. Her majesty wants to take off your collar to forestall them. Perhaps you have at least heard the rumor about it.¡»

    He could understand if it was a plan that was cooked up by Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph.

    In the long battle this time, various sacrifices were made and a lot of burden was also levied on the people.

    In order to appease the people¡¯s dissatisfaction and stabilize the shaky foundation of the New Kingdom, the New Years parade would be combined with the triumphant return of Lux and the others as a political advertisement.

    It was a decision to obtain popularity by displaying that the hero who saved the world, Lux, owed everything to Queen Raffi and Lisha.

    Lisha¡¯s expression that was slightly sullen must be because she disliked political bargaining.

    ¡¸But, I¡¯ll be in agreement if it¡¯s not in this kind of form. It¡¯s not right for you to continue feeling guilt forever just because you were an imperial family member of the Old Empire. I want you to stay by my side not because of anything like you are being collared, but because it¡¯s your own will.¡¹

    Lisha took a deep breath and raised up a voice that was filled with emotion.

    He could directly feel that she was pushing down her fear and summoned her courage from her pained and conflicted expression.

    Those words didn¡¯t come from a princess who was talking about politics, but from a girl who knew Lux intimately.

    It was the look of a friend who in this nearly one year had accepted Lux¡¯s existence.

    Lux¡¯s heart trembled from hearing her wish.

    The girl who was his master taught him the answer towards what he had accomplished until now.

    At that time, the memory of the affair during the afternoon was revived in his mind.

    The conversation that he exchanged with Celis¡¯s father, one of the Four Great Nobles, Dist Ralgris, half a day ago©¤©¤

    ¨C

    ¡¸Do you really think that her majesty the queen right now has the caliber that is worthy to bring the New Kingdom together? Do you think that you can entrust the future from here on to her? If I tell you that I¡¯m backing someone else©¤©¤¡¹

    ¨C

    Dist said that with a stern tone inside the reserved underground bar.

    A political strife by making use of Lux¡¯s status as a hero.

    Queen Raffi had lost the trust from people because of the great war this time. At present the senior consuls were aiming for the throne.

    This was an invitation for Lux to side with them instead of the queen who was losing her unifying force.

    Someone who was supported by one of the Four Great Nobles, Dist, was attempting to announce himself as the new king using Lux as a weapon.

    ¡¸I heard from my daughter that she is close with you. This will depend on you but, I won¡¯t mind to present my daughter to you as proof of our alliance.¡¹

    Celis who raised achievements as an aide of the Seven Dragon Paladins also received high evaluation as an existence that supported Lux.

    The two of them deepening their relationship and getting married was the natural flow even if looking at it objectively. Like that, the person who Dist was supporting could gather influence and support in a form that didn¡¯t feel out of place at all.

    Lux could understand the meaning of that.

    If Lux accepted Dist¡¯s words at face value, he could also understand that Dist too was grieving the future of the New Kingdom in his own way and tried to do something about it.

    However©¤©¤

    ¡¸My apologies but, please allow me to treat this talk as though it never happened.¡¹

    Lux told that and directed a calm smile at Dist.

    In response, the man in the prime of his life didn¡¯t show any particular change in his attitude and,

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    He only replied shortly like that.

    ¡¸I wonder if my words aren¡¯t trustworthy enough for you. Or perhaps, are you bewildered because this story is too sudden?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not either of them.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Dist¡¯s question and faced him.

    ¡¸I have faith in her majesty the Queen. I will support her majesty from now on together with Lisha-sama. It¡¯s still only five years since the collapse of the Old Empire. I believe this is a period of time where everyone has to cooperate with each other no matter what in order to change the old traditions and tendencies.¡¹

    ¡¸I see.¡¹

    Dist showed a quiet smile and peered into Lux¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸But, it might not be that easy just so you know. The heart of the populace isn¡¯t a simple thing. Sometimes it doesn¡¯t matter which side is the right one, the consciousness that wishes for a change can be born depending on the situation.¡¹

    His tone contained no stammering.

    He added more words on top of that as though to question Lux¡¯s resolve.

    ¡¸Looking back at the results of the great war just now, the important negotiation to obtain the legacies and technologies of Avalon will begin in the future. Is it alright to leave it to her majesty at this rate? What are you going to do if she fails? How are you going to persuade the fellows clamoring that the result is unsatisfactory?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no other way than to observe the opinion in the congress and convince them with the result that her majesty the Queen achieved. It¡¯s the mission of Lisha-sama and I to think of what can be done about it and then doing our best.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Of course, the cooperation of many people will be indispensable. Whether it¡¯s the Four Great Nobles or the consuls of the Old Empire faction, we all have to rack our brains together from here on and combine our strength to overcome any difficulty. I believe that your daughter©¤©¤Celis-senpai too would give her cooperation.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou.¡¹

    Dist narrowed his eyes at Lux¡¯s unhesitating claim.

    ¡¸If the current me am going to become a tool to unite the populace¡¯s sentiment, I want to be used for the sake of seeking everyone¡¯s cooperation. I believe that will be for the good of this country.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, Celis-senpai©¤©¤your daughter, I believe she will dislike something like this. After all she is someone who is too kind and serious. That¡¯s why, I will treat this talk as though it never happened.¡¹

    Lux said everything that should be said.

    The bar was filled with silence and the time was slowly flowing.

    After more than ten seconds passed, Dist emptied the contents of his glass with a gulp.

    ¡¸It seems, that I might be misjudging you.¡¹

    The stern aura that was enveloping Dist slackened slightly and he directed a gentle smile that possessed refinement towards Lux.

    When Lux observed Dist¡¯s expression with a dubious look, his voice that replied back had an easy tone.

    ¡¸A mere decoration that will only get toyed by the people in power and do anything he is told despite his impressive strength as a Drag-Knight. I didn¡¯t think that such man will be able to fascinate so many powerful warriors, even so it seems I made light of you too much. Now I¡¯m relieved.¡¹

    ¡¸Were you, testing me?¡¹

    A test by mimicking an influential person giving an invitation to win over Lux, like just now. Lux wondered if it was something like that.

    But, Dist shook his head a bit and denied that.

    ¡¸Half of it was my true feelings. If you don¡¯t have loyalty towards her majesty, and then, if you can be easily made to dance due to my words, then I will also have to consider that kind of path. After all I was also asked for cooperation by someone who is lamenting the future of the New Kingdom.¡¹

    So to speak, in that case he would seriously sketch the future map where that person would replace the current ruling power as the new sovereign.

    Lux deliberately didn¡¯t ask who that ¡ºlamenting person¡» could be.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸But, it doesn¡¯t look like that. Your caliber is not one that can be taken advantage of by that lot. In that case it¡¯s better for you to have your criminal collar removed by the princess on the last day of the parade. If you will make an oath to become the New Kingdom¡¯s sword, then that collar will be nothing more than a shackle.¡¹

    ¡¸Then¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸If there is something that I can do for the sake of the New Kingdom that is led by Queen Raffi, then I will give my cooperation. It¡¯s just as you say, my daughter too will surely wish for that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    After Lux nodded strongly, Dist presented his right hand.

    When he grasped that hand, the man told him in satisfaction.

    ¡¸Take care of this country¡¯s future, oh the princess¡¯s knight.¡¹

    ¡¸I will be relying on your encouragement, Lord Dist.¡¹

    Lux understood his feeling and exchanged a courteous greeting.

    Right after that, the lips of the rigid man suddenly loosened.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay even if you don¡¯t be such a stickler for manners in a private place like this. Depending on the situation from here on, the relationship of you and I might become one that is not a total stranger from each other.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head in incomprehension of those words¡¯ meaning, Dist filled his empty glass with wine that wasn¡¯t mixed with water this time.

    ¡¸In these two weeks while my daughter came back to recuperate at home, I threatened her. I told her that a lot of marriage proposals are coming. ©¤©¤No, the marriage proposals themselves in fact exist, and she is also at the marriageable age as a noble¡¯s daughter. And, what do you actually think? What is your impression of my daughter from your point of view?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, that¡­¡­!? ©¤©¤Err¡¹

    Lux noticed that for some reason the direction of the talk had completely changed and he got bewildered.

    It was mysterious. The stern atmosphere of Dist itself hadn¡¯t changed, but it felt like the inside had thoroughly changed.

    To express it simply, it was like he changed from being one of the great nobles into a mere father©¤©¤

    ¡¸It¡¯s strange to say it myself but, if her aspect of being overly serious is excluded, then I believe her looks and talent aren¡¯t bad. You should be more knowledgeable about that than me, aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Strange.

    He got the feeling that the pressure from Dist was increasing even more than before instead¡­¡­.

    He even got the feeling that he wouldn¡¯t be able to return back safe and sound if he chose the wrong words here.

    ¡¸I am an awkward man. No matter what I can only take a strict method when raising up the daughter of one of the Four Great Nobles. When I pretended to be a strict father on the surface, I ended up seriously treating her distantly. In addition when she was in the phase of hating men, even I could not approach her carelessly.¡¹

    (¡­¡­This person, he is really Celis-senpai¡¯s father. There is no doubt about it!)

    To think that both father and daughter were alike in having a personality that was easy to get into misunderstandings.

    And then, as expected, even Lux could only be dumbfounded seeing how the father was actually also someone who easily felt lonely.

    Lord Dist nonchalantly included boasting about his daughter in his talk, but could it be that actually even the father was misunderstanding Celis-senpai with the man-hater thing?

    ¡¸My daughter cooking when she was a child was devastating, but based from what she told me, even her cooking skills are improving recently. I think that it¡¯s not a bad thing but©¤©¤¡¹

    No that was a lie.

    No, perhaps in reality it was true that her cooking was improving, but Lux thought that it was still at a dangerous level.

    It¡¯s dangerous to swallow your daughter¡¯s story whole like that you know?

    (Or rather, the image of Lord Dist inside me is in danger¡­¡­!)

    What¡¯s with this, it feels like no one would believe him no matter who he told.

    ¡¸Lord Dist. It will be time for us to head to the royal castle soon.¡¹

    It seemed like the interrogation of Lux would still continue for some time, but a servant¡¯s voice came from outside the bar and Dist rose from his seat.

    ¡¸Sorry to take your time like this. Let¡¯s continue this talk again someday.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re going to continue it!?¡¹

    Lux almost yelled those words reflexively, but he somehow succeeded in holding it back.

    ¡¸Also, now that the path you are aiming for has become clear, then I guess it will be better to also tell you this beforehand. It¡¯s about a noble called Waybra Hemt.¡¹

    ¡¸Waybra¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tried tracing his memory until the period of the Old Empire regarding that name, but he didn¡¯t remember hearing that name before.

    ¡¸Perhaps even you have heard his name before but, the old-timer nobles who were supporting the Old Empire and still doing so even now are creating a faction of consuls called the ¡ºOld Empire faction¡». They are a bunch who are criticizing the new kingdom¡¯s government and scheme to remove the queen if there is a chance. Recently that man joined their group.¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head in confusion, Dist told him the answer with his next words.

    ¡¸If that¡¯s all then originally it won¡¯t be a big problem, but for some reason the Old Empire faction was starting to become active radically after that. In the first place, Waybra is a man who was a distant relative of the imperial family. There is a possibility that he brought an advantageous information to the Old Empire faction.¡¹

    Dist talked rapidly perhaps because he had no time while he was standing up and wearing his coat.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also watching out for him, he is an existence that might cause something in the middle of the parade. It has been two weeks since all of you succeeded in conquering Avalon. The Old Empire faction is starting to move behind the scenes. It seems they are forming a Drag-Knight force along with the second son of the house of Kreutzer, Sieg Kreutzer. The worst case might happen, so be careful.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Couldn¡¯t he talk about such an important case first?

    Honestly speaking that was what Lux thought, but in reality Dist¡¯s side themselves might not know anything more than that.

    But, even in the case that the Old Empire faction hounded Queen Raffi tenaciously to take responsibility, now that the Sacred Eclipse had been stopped and peace had come, it would be difficult to shake the foundation of her political power.

    Much less something like the seizure of authority, such thing would be exceedingly impossible, if the other side did that then they would have no future.

    (In any case, it will be better if I worry about not only Lisha-sama, but Airi too.)

    Lux was putting up his guard once more in regards to the schemes swirling inside the New Kingdom and parted from Dist.

    ¨C

    ¡¸But, I¡¯ll be in agreement if it¡¯s not in this kind of form. It¡¯s not right for you to continue feeling guilt forever just because you were an imperial family member of the Old Empire. I want you to stay by my side not because of anything like you are being collared, but because it¡¯s your own will.¡¹

    And then©¤©¤now, on the rooftop of the inn the day before the New Year parade.

    Lux¡¯s mind returned to this night when he was reunited with Lisha.

    He had saved the world from the threat of Sacred Eclipse and accomplished military exploits that were appropriate to write off his crime of being an imperial family member of the Old Empire.

    Lux who currently become a heroic existence of the New Kingdom would have his position that was serving Queen Raffi and Lisha displayed in order to heighten their unifying force towards the populace©¤©¤. No, Lisha said that she wanted to take off Lux¡¯s collar unrelated to such political strategy.

    She told him she wanted Lux whose crime was pardoned to serve her as her knight by his own will.

    (Then, just like how I answered Lord Dist, I©¤©¤)

    This wasn¡¯t something to hesitate about.

    After all, this girl who was always looking forward and fought even while feeling distressed of her own circumstances had allowed him to discover the ideal royalty that Lux once strongly desired.

    ¡¸I understand Lisha-sama. If you will also include Airi in it, then I will happily accept the amnesty.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s eyes brightened at Lux¡¯s answer and she responded to that with a wide smile.

    ¡¸Yeah! I¡¯ll be relying on you from here on too, Lux!¡¹

    The two of them looked and smiled at each other¡¯s face.

    They were caught within an illusion of a warm atmosphere filling the inn¡¯s rooftop where they could see the city¡¯s lightings.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, wait a second, what time is it!? Shit¡­¡­it¡¯s still not midnight yet.¡¹

    Lisha gasped and recalled something. She then took out a pocket watch from her coat and confirmed the time.

    When Lux tilted his head, she let out a somewhat lonely sigh.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­, there is still four more hours until the pact ends. E, even though it will be great if I can say it while the atmosphere finally became good like this¡­¡­¡¹

    The pact was the agreement in regards to Lux that was participated by many girls, from Krulcifer until even Aeril.

    Lux himself didn¡¯t know as far as the specifics of it, even so Lisha¡¯s nervous determination was conveyed to him from her expression.

    ¡¸But, it can¡¯t be helped I guess. As a princess there is no way I can violate something that has been decided with everyone. Besides, I have to return to the castle now.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s meet again at the parade tomorrow. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡¹

    ¡¸No, wait a bit, that¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux tried to console Lisha who was looking conflicted, she was going to say something.

    After looking troubled for a bit, she continued nervously looking like she found it hard to talk.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, I¡¯m feeling a bit uneasy for the banquet. I didn¡¯t have time to practice for the dance you see. You are my knight, so naturally you have the duty to dance, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux guessed what she wanted to say seeing her mumbling figure.

    Right after that, he presented a helping hand in front of this adorable princess without hesitation.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also in the same boat. After all I had been sleeping in recuperation all this time. Can I ask Lisha-sama to accompany this inexperienced me for a bit of dancing practice?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­ah¡¹

    A faint redness tinged Lisha¡¯s cheeks when she saw Lux¡¯s smile.

    She timidly took his hand and relieve along with happiness emerged on her face.

    ¡¸Thank you, Lux.¡¹

    Lux and Lisha began to dance while in their uniform.

    They were stepping on the rooftops¡¯s floor with inexperienced and clumsy steps.

    Lux slowly took the lead with consideration.

    The dazzling moonlight and the lighting of the vast townscape made the two¡¯s special relationship to come to the front.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It would be great if time stopped like this. I¡¯m, happy.¡¹

    Lux saw Lisha¡¯s relieved smile.

    It was the same like that time Lisha was happily nibbling on apple pie when it still hadn¡¯t been long since they met each other, it was her natural smiling face. Lux¡¯s chest thumped strongly when he saw that adorable gesture.

    (Could it be, this feeling is©¤©¤)

    He noticed himself that was strongly attracted to Lisha before he noticed it.

    Whether it was her sublime passion that was like a blazing fire.

    Or her pride as a princess, he thought of those as magnificent.

    But, sometimes she would suddenly show her genuine self like this. Lux¡¯s eyes were stolen for a while.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤See you later Lux. Tonight was fun.¡¹

    It was only around five minutes, but they were able to spend a fulfilling time.

    Lisha summoned her Drag-Ride and flew away. After parting from her, Lux returned from the rooftop to his room.

    Lux laid down his body on the bed, but strangely his eyes were wide awake.

    Recently he was feeling really unusual.

    Lux was harboring even stronger feelings than before towards the girls in the Academy.

    It wasn¡¯t just a feeling of affection, he was aware that he was harboring a clear feeling of like towards them.

    (Geez, just what am I thinking of at this kind of time¡­¡­)

    When he was about to think that it was imprudent of him, he noticed that it actually wasn¡¯t something that strange because of his talk with Lord Dist this afternoon.

    Now that the battle surrounding Avalon had been settled and the criminal collar would be taken off from him, there was nothing that was tying Lux down.

    There wouldn¡¯t be any problem even if he responded to the girls¡¯ feelings towards him.

    As expected even Lux was starting to notice it vaguely.

    No, until now he was unconsciously not thinking about it because of his particular personal history.

    His status as a criminal who wouldn¡¯t be allowed to marry.

    The environment inside the imperial family that treated him as unnecessary created a wall in his relationships with other people.

    But, after the battle had reached an end, he noticed that he was coming to like the girls.

    (Wait, what kind of convenient thing I¡¯m thinking. Even though in the first place I don¡¯t even know if everyone likes me as a man or not¡­¡­)

    When he closed his eyes, the figures of the comrades who were especially close to him, Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, Yoruka, Aeril, and the Triad came to the forefront of his mind.

    The beating of his heart fastened, but he hurriedly shook his head on the bed.

    ¡¸This is awkward. The matters I¡¯m thinking about are becoming a lot when my free time is increasing©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux muttered a remark that showed his familiarity with doing chores while taking a deep breath to sort his feeling.

    Then, his conversation with Dist in the afternoon was revived inside his head.

    ¡¸A noble of the Old Empire faction, Waybra Hemt huh¡­¡­¡¹

    Just when the Sacred Eclipse had been stopped and the world was saved from danger, he caught a glimpse of the disturbing elements in the New Kingdom.

    Although, when he thought back at all the powerful enemies until now, there was no doubt that this was an incomparably small concern in comparison.

    Even if, for example, they secretly possessed a hidden force of Drag-Knights, surely the quality and quantity would be far behind Dragon Marauder, and not to even mention the Lords.

    Because, if they had that much power, there was no way they would stay quiet during the previous great war.

    Naturally, Lux also had no intention to let his guard down, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    (But, why is it. Why am I feeling this worried about a man who I have never even heard of before?)

    Strictly speaking, he was concerned not towards that man himself, but at the phenomenon.

    He was being caught in a misapprehension as though he had an idea from some time ago about that existence that might shake the foundation of the New Kingdom.

    ¡¸As I thought, it looks like I¡¯m still tired.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s mutter was mixed with a sigh and he slowly closed his eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    The voice of someone could be heard inside the darkness.

    The whispering voice of a man that sounded ridiculing.

    The existence that shouldn¡¯t even have any shadow or shape slipped into Lux¡¯s consciousness.

    But, the current Lux didn¡¯t notice that.

    Like that his consciousness was falling as though getting sucked into the abyss of darkness.

 Volume 15 - CH 3

    ¨C

    The sounds of fireworks could be heard from early in the morning at the Royal Capital¡¯s castle town.

    On the first day of the parade that celebrated the New Year, the royal family showed their faces from a horse carriage along with the soldiers¡¯ march.

    Naturally Lux also escorted Lisha. At the schedule they would act together throughout the morning.

    By the way, Airi was also with them for some reason.

    ¡¸Look over here, Dragon Paladin-sama©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸This too is thanks to knight-dono! Thank you!¡¹

    Confetti danced in the air and red tapestries were hanging from the buildings. Amidst that, Lux was showing a smile to the people from inside the carriage and responded with a hand wave.

    When the females cheered, Airi beside him whispered with a smile.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with your slovenly expression there, Nii-san? It looks like you are having a lot of fun even though this is official business.¡¹

    Perhaps she was jealous at the rare cheering from the females. It was scary how there were shadows covering the area around her eyes.

    ¡¸Wait, I¡¯m not looking slovenly or anything! Besides in reality there is no way I can make a grim face in this kind of event. Also, Airi yourself is really popular out there.¡¹

    In fact the cheers from the men of the city towards Airi who was wearing a dress were also loud.

    Even if his bias as a big brother was docked, there was no denying that Airi was a lovely girl. Her graceful demeanor that was befitting an imperial princess was also popular.

    Even so, for the two of them who were originally criminals of the Old Empire that carried out misgovernment to the extremes, to be received this well by the people showed that right now the tide of society was accepting them.

    ¡¸I¡¯m already popular with a part of the populace since the past. After all, unlike the clumsy Nii-san, I¡¯m really good at acting friendly.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux lost his words seeing Airi who was smiling teasingly.

    While he was feeling the ominousness of his little sister¡¯s political ability that likely would grow worse in the future, the carriage approached the main street and they caught sight of the Academy¡¯s students lining up while waving their hands.

    The cheers became remarkably louder, and then the sound of a Drag-Ride¡¯s driving force came from the surroundings.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? This sound!¡¹

    Lux and Airi reflexively put up their guard, but they noticed that it was only their needless anxiety seeing the smile of Lisha who was looking back from the seat in front of them.

    When he looked closer, it was the Triad who were wearing Drag-Knights out there. Sharis was scattering flower petals from the sky using her Wyvern.

    ¡¸Thanks for your effort today, Lux-kun. And also princess Lisha.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank youu! The three of you!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Congratulations, Airi.¡¹

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct called out to them not because of their professional duty but as a friend from the Academy.

    The expressions that Lux and Airi were making before looked somewhat business-like, but the display of the girls brought back a natural smile to their faces.

    ¡¸The New Kingdom will also be peaceful with you guys here!¡¹

    ¡¸Keep up the hard work from here on too! Princess-sama and knight-dono!¡¹

    People with various appearances, young and old, man and woman.

    Cheers where it was irrelevant whether it came from a noble or a commoner were reverberating loudly through the main street of the Royal Capital Lordgalia.

    The marching of the horse carriage continued for a while and the cheers that came from everywhere didn¡¯t stop coming.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Haaa, I¡¯m tireeed¡­¡­¡¹

    After finishing the greeting to the people from the horse carriage that took a total of four hours and returning back to the inn, Lux took off his coat and threw his body on the bed.

    Inside the room, there were Airi who was also accompanying him in the marching parade and Philuffy who was riding the carriage behind them as a guard. In addition even the Triad came to play.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really slovenly, Nii-san. It¡¯s really astonishing that the hero who saved the world is acting like this.¡¹

    Airi was also showing a slightly worn-out expression, and yet her back was still firmly straight while she was sitting on the sofa together with Noct.

    ¡¸As expected even Lux-kun looks beaten up. Though the mental fatigue seems to be more serious.¡¹

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t that riight. It¡¯s rare to see Lux-chi that tired after doing his usual chores.¡¹

    After Sharis concluded straightforwardly, Tillfur also poked fun at Lux in amusement.

    ¡¸Yes. It can¡¯t be helped. After all, this kind of diplomatic exchange is Airi¡¯s field in the first place.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a daily trouble for me to settle down the various commotions that Nii-san causes at the Academy you know?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s my loss, so let me stay like this for a while¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was drained of strength and raised a white flag toward Airi¡¯s proud smile.

    But in reality, there was a reason that it was Lux who got his nerves worn down like this.

    A part of it was also because he was doing this parade that he wasn¡¯t used to, but in the end he didn¡¯t see any glimpse of the man called Waybra who was staying in his mind during the parade.

    In the first place a heavy security was laid out during the parade, so it could only be said as natural.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also tired. I was holding back, the sleepiness.¡¹

    ¡¸I think that Philuffy-san was sleeping during the parade though. Just because nobody can see you inside the carriage at the rear¡­¡­.¡¹

    Airi spontaneously sent a retort at the muttering of the sleepy looking Philuffy.

    Well, she might be sleeping for half of the event, but even Philuffy was doing a splendid job guarding Lux and Airi.

    Today was over with this, but tomorrow there would be a parade at the castle waiting for them.

    There he would be able to reunite with Krulcifer, Celis, Aeril, and the Seven Dragon Paladins who arrived as guests of honor.

    Although each of them was wounded from the intense battle the other day, everyone safely survived.

    It had been two weeks since they last saw each other, so he was looking forward to meeting them again.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Everyone is safe you say? You are a heartless man huh, chore boy.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The ridiculing voice that Lux suddenly heard made him turn around to behind him.

    But, there was no one there.

    There were only the familiar girls inside the room that he shared with Airi.

    ¡¸Eh? What¡¯s the matter, Lux-chi?¡¹

    Tillfur asked with a pose where she was placing both her hands behind her head.

    ¡¸No. It¡¯s, nothing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh, it seems that Lux-kun is still tired. We should give him a massage here at least. After that please tell us who made you feel good the most.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, what are you planning to start!?¡¹

    Even the discomfort just now was blown away by Sharis¡¯s invitation.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, lie down on your face and wear a blindfold. Now, let¡¯s decide the turn with rock-paper-scissors! The number one will get Lux-kun returning the favor with his massage.¡¹

    ¡¸Noo objection!¡¹

    ¡¸Say, do I have any say in this?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The honor of the Leaflet name is at stake, so I cannot lose.¡¹

    ¡¸I also, want to give Lu-chan a massage.¡¹

    For some reason even Noct and Philuffy got motivated. Airi sighed in exasperation.

    In the middle of the massages, it was really difficult for him to feign calmness when the girls¡¯ breasts touched his back.

    ¨C

    ©¤©¤An hour after that.

    A party only for the students who came to the capital began in the large bar that Relie reserved for them.

    They praised the victory and the peace that they had wrested back and shared the happiness that everyone returned alive safely.

    Everyone spent time until late at night while drinking, singing, and conversing a lot.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go, to feel the night wind for a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who was plenty drunk because he got poured alcohol by many girls got out of the bar.

    Perhaps because it was in the middle of the parade¡¯s period, even though the time was January where the weather was chilly, it felt like the town was brimming with feverish enthusiasm.

    There was also no sign of people at the royal capital¡¯s central square perhaps because it was late at night.

    It was a place for relaxation that was surrounded by a lawn with short grass and trees that were dropping down their leaves.

    The flame of the street lights had also vanished, but the moonlight was faintly illuminating the area.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nothing has happened yet. Yoruka too, it would be better if you participated in the party.¡¹

    ¡¸That consideration is enough for me, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    When Lux mumbled that to himself, Yoruka appeared out of nowhere beside him.

    Yoruka had been constantly hiding starting from the parade until the party after that. She was watching out alertly at the surroundings of Lux and Airi.

    The opposing noble called Waybra who was colluding with the Old Empire faction.

    Lux wouldn¡¯t make Yoruka do something like that if he hadn¡¯t heard about the story of that person.

    Of course, the person herself also offered to do such thing by her own initiative, but Lux was regretful that he was unable to make her participate in the party just now.

    ¡¸Doing this is more comfortable for me. Besides, Airi-san and the others were inviting me while Aruji-sama was resting.¡¹

    It seemed that Airi and the Triad were frequently paying attention to Yoruka.

    Lux patted down his chest in relieve and said his gratitude to Yoruka once more.

    ¡¸I¡¯m really thankful. I¡¯ll compensate it to you for sure when this parade is over. No. If it doesn¡¯t look like there will be any problem, then even now you can join the party©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Then, please allow me to be together alone with Aruji-sama later. I also have something that I wish to tell Aruji-sama after all©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s eyes suddenly brightened bewitchingly. Lux was shaken by her response.

    The devilish blue and purple eyes.

    Her gaze that was tinged with feverish desire made Lux¡¯s heart skip a beat.

    After her battle against Singlen, Yoruka who didn¡¯t possess emotions was harboring a certain special feeling, which she directed only towards her master, Lux.

    She said that she might be in love with Lux.

    She told him that she wanted him to teach her the way to love to ascertain that feeling.

    That flow of events was halted because of the incidents that were happening one after another. And Lux himself was also very busy with the battles before him at that time, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Yoruka¡­¡­¡¹

    Now Lux had accomplished his own mission and objective, and the shackle of criminal status would vanish.

    An urge towards her was welling up inside him.

    The girl who was feared as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade was beautiful as expected when he looked at her once more.

    The long and smooth black hair, the asymmetrically colored eyes.

    The seductive soft skin that peeked out from the gap of the exotic looking foreign outfit was radiant like fresh snow.

    But, it wasn¡¯t just the beauty of her outward appearance.

    The way of her heart©¤©¤its pureness that was like a single katana attracted Lux.

    The instant his hand was going to reach out as though he was being pulled, Yoruka smiled with a lonely look.

    ¡¸A coincidence¡­¡­. No, it¡¯s fate. If time deviated only for a bit, even I would have a chance where I might become human, and yet¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yoruka¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Surely, that¡¯s also just an excuse. ¡­¡­The presence of someone is approaching this way. Aruji-sama, please take some rest without worry. No matter who comes, I won¡¯t kill them right away.¡¹

    Yoruka only said that and left from that place soundlessly.

    She said some dangerous words but, had an enemy appeared?

    However, seeing how Yoruka didn¡¯t look that alarmed, most likely it wasn¡¯t a clear threat that was approaching here.

    Even so there was also the existence of the man called Waybra, perhaps it would be dangerous to cool off alone at this kind of place.

    ¡¸Perhaps it will be better if I go back to the bar early. ©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The instant he muttered that, a sound suddenly came from the bush behind. Lux closed his mouth with his hand in panic.

    Lux watched out at his surroundings and killed his presence, then he hid behind the shadow of a tree nearby.

    (It¡¯s not just sound. It¡¯s a human voice. What¡¯s more, it¡¯s a woman¡¯s voice©¤©¤)

    Lux walked carefully so as to not make any sound and progressed towards the direction of the voice.

    Then, he saw a lone girl standing under a tree at the center of the square.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s right. I wanted to speak to you.¡¹

    Lux gasped the instant he saw the girl.

    Under the moonlight, the girl was facing a large tree and repeatedly spoke something to herself.

    The honey colored blond hair, the bulging out voluptuous breasts and tight waist.

    The feminine beauty that had balanced proportions looked radiant inside the darkness of the night.

    Celistia Ralgris.

    She was his senior in Syvalles, and also Lux¡¯s aide in the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    She was an older girl with striking dignity while also emitting loveliness at the same time.

    Lux¡¯s heart danced at the nostalgic reunion with the existence who he felt respect and affection towards.

    He was feeling a sweet throbbing in his heart was surely because he was harboring a remarkably high fondness towards her just like with the other girls.

    Lux was about to walk towards her right away, but he hesitated when he guessed that Celis was talking to herself.

    (Wait, to talk to herself even at this kind of time, senpai hasn¡¯t changed at all¡­¡­)

    Because she didn¡¯t have anyone who she could consult or complain to, she had the habit of talking to an object or an animal sometimes. It seemed that habit still hadn¡¯t been fixed.

    Though he thought that recently the number of her talking partners had increased, like Sharis or the members of Syvalles.

    She had a personality that made it easy for others to misunderstand her. She was even thought by the surroundings to be a man-hater, but fortunately she was opening her heart towards Lux.

    (But, if she is worried about something, I should see if I can give advice©¤©¤)

    Thinking that Lux approached her. It was at that timing that he could hear her monologue clearly.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux. I love you.¡¹

    ¨C

    Lux was taken by surprise and his feet©¤©¤no, even his thoughts became blank and halted completely.

    The instant he was doubting that he might have misheard that or perhaps he was dreaming, Celis continued her words further.

    ¡¸Not as my junior in the Academy, or even as a Drag-Knight. I love you as a man.¡¹

    Celis continued with a sweet and easeful smile while her left hand was placed on her large breast.

    Celis hadn¡¯t noticed Lux¡¯s existence.

    However, Lux finally guessed that Celis wasn¡¯t choosing a large tree simply to make her complaints.

    (This is, don¡¯t tell me¡­¡­. Celis-senpai, towards me is©¤©¤?)

    Celis took a deep breath, held her breath, and exhaled out white breath in the winter air several times.

    But, her expression didn¡¯t look like she was feeling the coldness at all.

    Flames of passion was emerging out on her face as though she was delirious with fever.

    ¡¸¡­¡­As I thought, I cannot get used to it. I think that as the older one I am the one who ought to say it but, I¡¯m really nervous. When I¡¯m thinking what if I get rejected, it feels like my heart is tightened hard.¡¹

    Celis slipped out those words along with a wry smile after a pause for a while.

    Lux spontaneously turned speechless seeing from the side that beautiful face which was trembling with a heartrending look.

    ¡¸This is scarier than before any fight. But©¤©¤I have to summon my courage. After all even I, finally found something that makes me want to speak selfishly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis moved away from that place when her training with the large tree finished.

    It seemed that by coincidence the inn she was staying at was close to the lodging place of Lux and the others.

    Lux unintentionally heard her confession because he slipped out from the party on a whim.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    A deep sigh slipped out from the lungs.

    The breathed out sigh was terribly hot.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai¡­¡­. I©¤©¤¡¹

    There were several times when he was conscious of her as a woman.

    But, until now Lux was a criminal who wasn¡¯t even allowed to marry. With his situation where he was chasing after Fugil, that feeling didn¡¯t grow so far until it took shape.

    In addition, Lux himself would naturally create a wall towards an environment where he was considered as special or towards the love from other people.

    But, the battle at Avalon was over now and his criminal collar would be taken off at the last day of the parade.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux asked to himself once more about his feelings towards the girls.

    After standing still at that place for a while, he returned to the bar.

    The night of the parade¡¯s first day was getting late.

    He made merry with everyone from the Academy. His consciousness was melting into a tranquility that was like a dream.

    Even amidst that, Celis¡¯s words wouldn¡¯t leave from his head.

    ¨C

    Inside the darkness of night, two men were inside an abandoned building in the Royal Capital.

    One of them was wearing a dark blue tailcoat suit. He was a man with handsome features.

    The other man was a young blonde haired man with a somewhat shadowed expression.

    He was wearing a plain cloak while his eyes glinted sharply.

    This place was a part of the residential area that was crushed underfoot by the Fifth Ruin, Gigas in the past.

    The collapsed houses were gradually rebuilt from the surroundings, but an untouched block turned half into a slum. This building was abandoned because it was hard to lived in even in such an area.

    ¡¸Won¡¯t we get misunderstood by talking in this kind of place? I don¡¯t want to get unjustly suspected by the supporters of the New Kingdom you know?¡¹

    The man wearing a tailcoat suit smiled wryly under the hat that he was wearing over his eyes.

    The man¡¯s name was Waybra Hemt.

    A distant relative of the Old Empire¡¯s imperial family©¤©¤strictly speaking this man was an adopted child of a kin.

    He looked like he was in the middle of his thirties, he was tall with a well featured face, but he was enveloped in a dangerous atmosphere that would make other people feel anxious.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry, no one will approach this kind of garbage dump. And the security guards are also lacking in number when the parade is going on like this.¡¹

    ¡¸The scar of the great war is really deep. Her majesty the Queen got into a large debt not only towards the Four Great Nobles, but even towards all the feudal lords. Of course you too©¤©¤aren¡¯t satisfied with just that, correct, next family head-dono?¡¹

    ¡¸Fu©¤©¤¡¹

    The blonde haired man slipped out a smile at the question of the man in a tailcoat suit.

    His name wasn¡¯t mentioned, but the young man¡¯s name was Sieg Kreutzer.

    He came from one of the Four Great Nobles who were great feudal lords of the New Kingdom, but after the eldest son Balzerite lost his standing, the house of Kreutzer tasted misfortune for a long time.

    The second son and the next successor of the house was this man.

    ¡¸Our house also mobilized all our strength and distinguished ourselves in this war. But, it¡¯s still far away until the debt from my foolish brother is cleared. We won¡¯t be able to face our great ancestors if it ends like this. You are also the same right?¡¹

    There was no doubt that the house¡¯s position was restored somewhat due to their cooperation in the decisive battle against the Lords.

    But, in the end that was all.

    With the house¡¯s position that was looked down at as traitors, the result this time was nothing more than a bit of change for the better.

    The ambition of the house of Kreutzer that was chosen as the next term¡¯s general of the New Kingdom.

    Their longstanding desire to obtain the technologies and legacies of Avalon and stand at the top in the end closed it¡¯s curtain as an ephemeral dream.

    The house of Kreutzer¡¯s standing to interfere with the distribution of Avalon¡¯s legacies was also endlessly little.

    Among the Four Great Nobles, it was the house of Ralgris which was the one with the greatest distinguished service, so the house of Kreutzer also couldn¡¯t expect any rewards in the future.

    With their inability to obtain the money tree in the form of the right to use the Ruins, it could be expected that it would be a really long road to restore their house in the future.

    But, that was before this man called Waybra Hemt showed his figure before the house of Kreutzer.

    Sieg thought that this man was like a vulture©¤©¤no, a poisonous snake.

    He lurked in the darkness and polished his poisonous fangs while pretending to be harmless.

    Having said that, it wasn¡¯t like this man possessed the ability as a Drag-Knight or the horn flute to control the Abyss.

    What the man possessed in his grasp, was a secret.

    He was covertly hiding a fiercely poisonous fang that could shake the structure of the New Kingdom.

    Although, until now it wasn¡¯t useful because of the difficult problems like Sacred Eclipse or the Lords.

    It possessed meaning because it was right now when peace had come after the world scale threat went away like this.

    ¡¸And, are you able to prepare the private army to pretend as the rebel army?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, only around thirty Drag-Knights, and their skills are also not much to talk about. They will be helpless even against one of the main force of Syvalles where that Lux belongs to.¡¹

    In reality, even in the middle of the parade¡¯s progression, Sieg¡¯s subordinates were dressing as security guards and observed the event.

    But, they were unable to detect Yoruka¡¯s presence at all using radar, so they didn¡¯t do anything suspicious.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s fine like that. It will be worth it to steal them the stronger they are.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so your preparation is perfect. As expected.¡¹

    Waybra lightly bowed, but Sieg¡¯s expression was unwavering.

    ¡¸Keep the flattery for later. If you want to curry favor from me, you can do it after the strategy succeeds. Now show me that aforementioned trump card you have.¡¹

    ¡¸But of course. Then, just as promised I will send the duplicate recording to your EX Drake. Please prepare.¡¹

    Waybra pulled out the Sword Device of a special equipment type general purpose Drag-Ride Drake in his sword belt and summoned it.

    In response Sieg Kreutzer also wore the strengthened type EX Drake and used its function. The transfer of the recording started.

    ©¤©¤Five years ago.

    It was a certain scene that happened at the other side of the incident where the Old Empire collapsed due to the revolution.

    It wasn¡¯t a scene that happened at the side of the Old Empire, but a truth that occurred at the side of the great man Count Atismata.

    The recording was projected at the vacant land of the abandoned building before their eyes and it began playing.

    Sieg finished confirming the seven recordings that Waybra recorded.

    He had heard about it beforehand, but there was no mistake about it.

    If this fact became known by the world©¤©¤the foundation of the New Kingdom would crumble.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu, hahahaha! Great! As expected politics has to be like this! This is exactly the field where I can display my true calling! With this the house of Kreutzer can take back our glory! No, trivial things like my foolish brother¡¯s stigma can be erased and I¡¯ll be able to take this country!¡¹

    Sieg formed a malicious smile that was filled with conviction and his thin body shook with the joy that was welling up inside him.

    Just now the execution of the plan that he was scheming was decided.

    ¡¸So what do you think, new family head-dono? How will the scheme to take down the New Kingdom go?¡¹

    Waybra threw a question at his satisfied employer.

    ¡¸It¡¯s possible to handle anything. I already obtained the support from the Old Empire faction that wishes to take back the political power from the Queen. In the unlikeliest chance that the negotiation breaks down, I will obtain this country with a legitimate means.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s carry it out in the middle of the parade. I will also accompany you, poor though my ability may be.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll rely on you, my sword friend, my right hand man who cuts open the way for my path of conquest.¡¹

    Thus, a new spark of conflict was born in a corner of the Royal Capital.

    No, wrong.

    The embers of karma that existed from the day of the revolution five years ago©¤©¤and even longer before that had blazed up with a momentum that would swallow the New Kingdom.

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­Target, found nanodesu.¡¹

    A girl covered with white robe that hid even the eyes was looking down on them from a tall abandoned building.

    The lifeless robotic eyes and the growing mechanical rabbit ears which were proof of the girl¡¯s inhuman state were observing the men¡¯s actions while staying hidden.

    The men would signal a new beginning, the same as history repeating like the wheel of death and rebirth. On the other hand, they didn¡¯t notice the ambush that was lying in wait.

    If a crack entering the system was also an inevitability of the era, the example of such thing getting destroyed inside the darkness also existed in a number of ways.

    Just like how the Old Empire maintained its glory like that in the past.

 Volume 15 - CH 4

    ¨C

    The morning of the third day that was the last day of the parade finally arrived.

    ¡¸Good morning Nii-san. What¡¯s with that face right from the morning? Today is your big moment, so please look sharper.¡¹

    Ten seconds after Lux woke up in a room of the inn, he got hit by Airi¡¯s nitpicking.

    But, it was reasonable.

    On the second day yesterday, because Lux was one of the leading actors at the banquet in the castle, and then because he had an important position even in the New Kingdom, he was surrounded by the nobles and influential people from countries all over the world. He was made to drink and paid attention to them.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go wash my face for a bit. The alcohol is still remaining in my system but, I¡¯ll let it all out before the commendation ceremony.¡¹

    Lux headed to the washing place with heavy footsteps.

    Yesterday he was at a bustling party from noon until late at night.

    He talked with the representatives from various countries including the Seven Dragon Paladins, and then got reunited with Krulcifer, Celis, and Aeril after so long. He talked a lot with them and shared happiness with each other.

    Perhaps thanks to Philuffy, who was came along as the bodyguard of Lux and Lisha, and Yoruka, who was in charge of the security outside, no accident happened at all even at the party where a lot of important people were gathered. Today©¤©¤the third day of the parade safely arrived.

    On the last day of the New Year parade, her majesty the Queen would give an admonitory speech towards the populace from the terrace that was jutting out from the castle. And today there would be an even more important announcement.

    The members of Syvalles would be given commendation in front of the masses and at the end Lux and Airi would be freed from their collars.

    After that a celebration would be held in the castle and the next morning they would ride horse carriages back to Cross Field.

    With that it would be the end.

    The battle to save the world from the unprecedented threat of Sacred Eclipse would close its curtains and from here on Lux would head to the place of negotiation to divide the assets of Avalon as Lisha¡¯s knight.

    But, at the same time he had to produce an answer for one other problem before this time period was over.

    At any rate when this parade ended, the girls would surely convey their feelings to him.

    Until now, Lux was thinking that he had no qualification to be chosen by the girls.

    Even if he was harboring strong feelings towards them, it wouldn¡¯t take shape in reality, however©¤©¤

    ¡¸Perhaps, I have been running away all this time.¡¹

    In his childhood, as the youngest brother who was far away from possessing any authority, he was placed in a reality where he was made light of even amidst the imperial family.

    He had a past where he became the target of hatred from the populace after he was banished from the imperial court due to his grandfather¡¯s case.

    He became accepted by the populace through his chores livelihood for five years and everyone in the Academy treated him well. Even so, he was scared at the bottom of his heart.

    If in the future his position changed and the way everyone looked at him also changed, surely he wouldn¡¯t be able to endure it for sure this time, so he avoided from facing them seriously.

    However©¤©¤

    ¡¸I¡¯ll go to the capital¡¯s arena. I¡¯m going to come back before noon.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san?¡¹

    It would be troubling if his presence caused a commotion, so he hid his face under a hood and asked Relie to arrange a horse carriage.

    He was advised to bring Philuffy as a guard, but he wanted to be alone so he refused it.

    Yoruka was¡­¡­ he made her to guard Airi just in case, and he kept it like that.

    Naturally, in the middle of the period of the New Years parade, there was no one who was riding their Drag-Rides other than the security.

    Originally it was not permitted to even use a Drag-Ride at the arena, but he said that he wanted to test his Drag-Ride and received permission.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest that is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern.¡¹

    Lux wore the Wyvern that had been repaired and ascertained its usability.

    He performed the basic control in the place of warm-up exercise and gradually progressed to the practical operations.

    While he was controlling the Drag-Ride with a concentration that was free from any obstructive thoughts, his heart was growing serene like the blue sky.

    At the same time, he also obtained the answer for the feeling that was born inside him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you, everyone.¡¹

    The resolved Lux sweated and got back to the inn.

    It was chilly under the winter sky, but it felt as though his body was tense instead.

    ¨C

    And then, sunset arrived on the parade¡¯s last day.

    At the streets of the Royal Capital, in front of the terrace that was jutting out from the castle, a lot of people were gathering.

    Along with the heat that was created from the countless torches in iron baskets, the people¡¯s expectations were swirling before the commendation ceremony for the military exploits that would be carried out after this.

    First, Prime Minister Nulph who was accompanying Queen Raffi surveyed the populace and raised his voice with a fervent speech.

    ¡¸Then, just as planned, the commendation ceremony for the people who rendered distinguished military service in the last battle will begin. Various trials had been imposed on the New Kingdom from last year until this year! Because of the Abyss¡¯s attack, the rebel army¡¯s threat, the appearance of the Lords, and furthermore the battle revolving around Avalon caused many Drag-Knights to be lost. It also put the people through a lot of hardships.¡¹

    He closed his eyes looking like he was thinking back deeply before continuing his talk after an interval of time.

    ¡¸However, we were victorious! Their armed might defeated the aggressors from the ancient era, the Lords, suppressed the center of the Ruins Avalon, and sealed the Sacred Eclipse. After this we will negotiate with all the other countries, to ascertain our spirit of cooperation while making use of the Ruin¡¯s power for the sake of peace and prosperity!¡¹

    ©¤©¤OOOOOOOH!

    Noisy cheers were created like a ripple before receding.

    Inside, Lux was feeling somewhat bothered that the Lords were treated like aggressors, but when considering the New Kingdom¡¯s dignity, there was no other choice than treating them as the bad guys.

    He was worried about Aeril, but her safety was guaranteed, so from now on Lux could only pay attention to her situation.

    ¡¸Participating in the last decisive battle and becoming the people who rendered the greatest distinguished service was the raid force of the Academy, who will bear the future of our New Kingdom. It¡¯s our wish to extol the bravery and strength of Syvalles and give them commendations on this occasion. Come forward!¡¹

    Obeying Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s voice, the Syvalles members including Lux lined up on the castle¡¯s terrace.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Airi, the Triad.

    The government wanted to emphasize their status as students, so everyone was wearing the Academy uniform.

    Yoruka had also been invited several times to participate, but she completely refused because it would make it harder for her to act covertly if she went out in the open.

    The plan was to at least give her the reward money directly.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Thank you for protecting our country!¡¹

    ¡¸The future of the New Kingdom will be secure from here on too! We¡¯ll rely on you guys!¡¹

    ¡¸We cannot call you criminals or chore prince anymore huh, hero who saved the world!¡¹

    ¨C

    While cheers of compliments boiled up from the populace, a single voice that could be heard in the middle caused Lisha to smile.

    She turned her head a bit to meet Lux¡¯s gaze and they both nodded slightly to each other.

    ¡¸Then, I too have news for all of the people here.¡¹

    Next Queen Raffi walked forward at the timing when the waves of cheers were calming down.

    She cleared her throat and exposed her graceful smile to the eyes of the public.

    ¡¸This time due to my inexperience, a lot of burden was forced on all of you. The damage that the New Kingdom received was also great. Various issues are also remaining in order for this country to stand up again. If I can speak my mind honestly, this is a situation where I don¡¯t even have the self-confidence as this country¡¯s sovereign.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The expression of the people that was filled to the brim with joy was tinged with anxiety after hearing Queen Raffi¡¯s uncertain words.

    Lux who was reunited with her once more at this place also felt the same.

    She was also showing a pessimistic figure to Lux and Lisha at the fortress in the abandoned capital Guernica.

    Lux was feeling bewildered that she was making such a remark even at the event of the New Years parade.

    Lux was going to say something, but beside him Lisha tapped his back.

    She didn¡¯t say anything, but her self-assured smile was telling him ¡¸Don¡¯t worry¡¹.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, at this chance, I received help from so many people. The heads of the Four Great Nobles who possess their own order of Drag-Knights, Prime Minister Nulph and the consuls, the representatives of other countries, all of the citizens of this country. I can say without a doubt that this victory would be beyond our reach without the support of all those people.¡¹

    Raffi raised her face and showed a gentle smile while saying that.

    ¡¸The long history of the Old Empire was changed into this new monarchy. This foolish me was going to give up halfway through. I couldn¡¯t even succeed the will of my elder brother who fought to change the old tradition.¡¹

    ¡®But¡¯©¤©¤Queen Raffi said that word as a preface and walked to the front.

    Toward the side of Lux and Lisha who were waiting for her next words with a tense look.

    ¡¸The resolve of these two illuminated my path. They who should still be young and inexperienced didn¡¯t lose heart towards the heavy weight of responsibility and cut open the way to the future. Their attitude and achievements who put their all to advance forward in the present is something that all the people of this country, including me, ought to learn from. That¡¯s what I believe.¡¹

    Queen Raffi¡¯s speech made all the gathered people lose their words.

    They imagined the content of her next words and stared fixedly at her while holding their breath in expectation.

    ¡¸I swear that I will accomplish my duty as queen from here on too. At the same time I also wish to bestow to them the reward of amnesty. The criminal collar of the Old Empire¡¯s imperial family, Lux Arcadia and Airi Arcadia. I want to take it off in this place.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    The terrace of the castle was enveloped with even deeper silence than before.

    But, the sound of clapping hands resounded from somewhere among the crowd. It naturally rippled through the whole crowd and applause that split the eardrums thundered loudly.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Looks like their answer is clear. Congratulations, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer who came to his side first placed her hand on Lux¡¯s shoulder and smiled at him.

    Celis and Philuffy who saw that also slowly walked to his side.

    ¡¸Congratulations, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸Congrats, Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you, everyone.¡¹

    When Lux replied back with a smile, the Triad also immediately gathered around him.

    After Tillfur and Sharis also said their congratulations to him, Airi puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸Excuse me, I too will also have my collar taken off you know¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Congratulations Airi. Also Lux-san too.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s only Noct who is saying that to me.¡¹

    Airi hugged Noct tightly. Seeing that everyone hurriedly turned towards Airi.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright everyone, it doesn¡¯t really matter. Congratulations Nii-san.¡¹

    The sulking Airi loosened her expression and gazed at Lux with an upturned stare.

    Lux felt gratitude to his little sister who in these five years had been concerned about his standing all this time and gently caressed her head.

    ¡¸Well, though honestly speaking, I¡¯m feeling conflicted now. ©¤©¤Haa, with this it¡¯s finally time huh.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What¡¯s wrong, Airi?¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t understand the emotion of Airi who was puffing up her cheeks with some dissatisfaction and he tilted his head.

    Then, Noct whispered into Lux¡¯s ear.

    ¡¸Yes. The heart of a maiden is complicated. I will follow up with Airi, so don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t really understand but, please.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while saying that to Noct, then Lisha came towards him with an exasperated look.

    ¡¸You all, do that kind of thing after returning to the Academy! Where do you think you are right now!?¡¹

    Lisha who was behaving as a princess until now couldn¡¯t endure the casual conversation of the others and exploded.

    Krulcifer made fun of her further because of that before Lux together with everyone of Syvalles bowed towards the gathered people.

    The cheers that rang out for long without stopping were enveloping the terrace of the castle.

    And then, the last night of the parade was growing late.

    ¨C

    After the commendation ceremony, a banquet was held inside the castle where only important people and people related to Syvalles were invited.

    The main participants were Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph, and then Relie and the Four Great Nobles along with their aides.

    Curiously, the vice commander of the military, Sharis¡¯s father was also present.

    It was only the house of Kreutzer who seemed to leave the party early, perhaps because of the incident in the past, but after that the party continued peacefully without any problem.

    ¡¸Then you know, everyone in the Academy said it. What will happen to the piling up chore requests for Lux-kun!? They said. Lux-chi isn¡¯t a criminal anymore after all, so I told them to just give up graciously. Geez.¡¹

    In a corner of that party.

    Tillfur who was completely drunk was holding up Lux with a red face.

    She was circling her arm on Lux¡¯s shoulder while pouring wine into Lux¡¯s glass until the content was going to spill out.

    The atmosphere of everyone last night was tense, but today after only one hour since the opening of the party, Tillfur was already in this state. Perhaps it was because today there were many close comrades here.

    Similarly even Lux was feeling more comfortable with this kind of atmosphere, but the Triad who unexpectedly had bad drunken behavior was honestly troubling for him.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll accept the requests that came until now until I graduate from the Academy. Now I have the leeway for that much after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Now now, just how much do you like doing chores? We are happy with your feelings, but if you are being too kind, you will get taken advantage of you know?¡¹

    This time the drunk Sharis also hugged him from the chair at the opposite side.

    Her usual rose scent was blown away by the smell of alcohol, but the texture of her breasts that were relatively big made him felt half troubled and half happy.

    But, he returned to his senses from the reproachful gaze of Airi who was also similarly drunk.

    ¡¸I think the two of them are a bit persistent, but please forgive them. They are feeling lonely. Because it feels like Lux-san is getting further away.¡¹

    Noct whispered that with a small voice, but Lux didn¡¯t understand what she meant.

    ¡¸Getting further¡­¡­I only had my criminal collar taken off, but we will still be together in Syvalles from now on too. Surely nothing will change.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi who saw Lux¡¯s smile let out a loud sigh.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as I said right, Noct? Nii-san doesn¡¯t notice anything at all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I never thought that it will be this serious. A drastic measure will be necessary like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Eerr, what are you talking about?¡¹

    When Lux tilted his head with a troubled look, Noct unusually hung down her head.

    Then from behind, Aeril showed her face suddenly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s their last struggle you know, Lux-kun. The pact has ended, so at the very least they want to have time while they still can, that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, Aeril!? Geez, don¡¯t bring up the heart of the matter so suddenly like thaat!¡¹

    ¡¸A punishment is needed for that kind of child. Then we will show you the sexual harassment combo of the Triad! Noct too, come!¡¹

    ¡¸No. The two of you are too drunk¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis and Tillfur hurriedly stood up and leaped at Aeril.

    It also felt like there was no one who was giving them any warning, so their drunken act was getting worse and worse.

    Noct ignored the command of Sharis who should be her lord and sat down beside Lux in exchange.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll also make my last struggle. I¡¯m thinking to drink Lux-san down just like this, how about it?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m permitting it Noct. Now Nii-san, before the criminal collar is taken off, please pit out all of your indecent crimes until now in the Academy.¡¹

    Noct was taciturn and calm like usual, but she was showing a somewhat mischievous smile, and Airi whose expression looked completely drunk.

    They exchanged consecutive offenses of pouring sake with excellent calculation, and Airi who was picking up quarrel with him drank herself unconscious first. After Noct brought her towards her room, Lux secretly sneaked out from the party and headed towards the castle¡¯s terrace.

    At that place where it was only a few hours ago that Syvalles received the commendations, the tapestry, red carpet, candlestick and all the other decorations had been removed. There was also not a single citizen remaining behind.

    Regardless of that, a strange feeling of exaltation welled up just by standing there.

    It had been five years since that day of revolution, and one year since he came to the Academy.

    There were many encounters and battles that Lux himself had never imagined.

    Lux who had settled the matter with Fugil was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Today is really like a dream. Even though I can still feel the heat of that battle in my body©¤©¤¡¹

    A single girl was standing there. Celistia turned around and smiled.

    Right after the party began, he told Celis beforehand that if there was a chance he wanted to talk with her.

    ¡¸Yes. I also feel like I¡¯m dreaming. To think that this kind of day would arrive©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Once more, congratulations. For everyone¡¯s safe return, and also for the freedom of you siblings after the achievements of you two were recognized.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much. I could come this far because of everyone¡¯s help. I can also finally see the path that I have been chasing after all this time since the day of the revolution©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You found, your answer?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Celis¡¯s question.

    Then, the beautiful girl who was usually dignified and resolute was entangling her fingers in front of her chest looking flustered, or perhaps fretful.

    ¡¸The, then, that¡¯s¡­¡­can I say just one thing? There is just one thing that I have to tell you no matter what today. Not as your senior in the Academy or even as a Seven Dragon Paladin¡¯s aide, but as me personally©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Before that, can I say something to senpai first?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? Yes¡­¡­ feel free.¡¹

    Under the night sky that was inlaid with stardust.

    Celis was caught off guard and looked bewildered. Lux stared straight towards her and took a deep breath.

    The cold air of winter filled his lungs before the air was enveloped with flaring up heat inside him and exhaled out.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤I love you, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¨C

    Lux¡¯s voice echoed on the stage of the terrace that was bathed in moonlight.

    There wasn¡¯t any other sound. Inside the perfectly clear air, the flow of time was forgotten.

    Most likely, if he didn¡¯t listen to her feelings on the first day of the parade, he wouldn¡¯t be able to realize his love towards Celis.

    But, the fate of this time was allied with her and guided the event to this result.

    ¡¸I finally noticed after the battle reached an end. I wish to fight at your side from here on too. I want you to be at my side. Can you give me your answer? It¡¯s fine even after listening to what Celis-senpai wanted to say just©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tha, that is, unfair.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s eyes opened wide while her body stiffened completely. After some time passed, Celis¡¯s hands covered her mouth and she averted her gaze.

    Her expression had an intoxicated look that he had never seen until now, as though she was inside a dream.

    ¡¸Even though I was thinking that I have to take the lead as the senior, I¡¯m the one who got told that. I won¡¯t be able to stand up again if you tell me it¡¯s a joke now.¡¹

    ¡¸Then I¡¯ll say it one more time. I love you. Will you, become betrothed to me?¡¹

    Lux too looked slightly embarrassed while walking towards her and telling her so.

    He intended to feign calmness as much as possible but, even just doing that was the best that he could do.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s face was dyed bright red until her ears and steam was overflowing from her face.

    When Lux had walked until where Celis was standing still as though she was turning into a statue, her body quickly moved.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux raised his voice in surprise.

    When he noticed, his body was pulled closer by her arms and he was strongly embraced.

    Because Celis¡¯s body was tall, and then because Lux¡¯s body was pitching forward, his face ended up buried into her voluptuous breasts.

    The sensation that was simultaneously soft and tight made him intoxicated with their scent that was like flowers.

    Lux also circled his hands to her back and they shared their flushed body¡¯s heat.

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s, can you not look up? Right now it¡¯s a bit, hard to look at your face.¡¹

    ¡¸I want to see but, I¡¯ll endure. Also, if you hug too strongly, my breath©¤©¤¡¹

    Frankly speaking, it was the breasts that were suffocating him, but he didn¡¯t say until that far.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That is, not permitted. If you told me something like that, I won¡¯t be able to let go of you that easily.¡¹

    Celis whose cheeks were blushing kept averting her face while pouting her lips.

    Because of her loveliness and the happiness he felt, Lux went along with her intimacy that couldn¡¯t let go of him. And then the two¡¯s bodies finally separated reluctantly.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t even need to ask about my answer. To think that I will be able to hear those words from you, I¡¯ve never even imagined it.¡¹

    Celis¡¯s expression that looked like she was inside a dream looked excessively erotic.

    It was to the degree that he was unable to suppress the feeling of wanting her at this place.

    ¡¸Then, Celis-senpai is okay with it?¡¹

    ¡¸Obviously. Right now, I¡¯m really happy. So much so that I¡¯m thinking it will be better if this night will never end forever.¡¹

    Celis matched her height with Lux, and then she held his hand with their fingers entangled together.

    Unlike the passionate hug just now, there was a peaceful feeling of contentment in the two¡¯s expressions.

    ¡¸But, please stop calling me senpai. It will help if you call my name without being conscious of that kind of hierarchical relationship.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? Then©¤©¤eerr, Celis?¡¹

    The instant Lux called her name awkwardly, *twitch-*, Celis¡¯s body jumped.

    She waved around her hands with an extremely flustered expression that he had never seen until now.

    ¡¸Wai-, as I thought that way of calling isn¡¯t permitted. N, no, I don¡¯t have problem at all with you calling me like that but, if you call me like that in the Academy, I don¡¯t know what will happen.¡¹

    Seeing Celis acting suspiciously which she had never done before, it made Lux to slip out a chuckle unconsciously.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s postpone it until Celis-senpai¡¯s graduation.¡¹

    When Lux said that teasingly, Celis showed an embarrassed and sulky face.

    ¡¸Geez, you are being mean Lux. But that¡¯s©¤©¤when it¡¯s only the two of us, I¡¯ll permit you to call me like just now. I want you to call me like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I¡¯ll do that, Celis.¡¹

    Lux said that and embraced her gently once more.

    Celis hugged back and put strength into her arms. They shared that feeling with each other.

    The two who were filled with the feeling of exaltation felt like they became one with the other. Before long their lips quietly pressed on the other.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Then, the next time we meet will be at the Academy. Tha, that, it¡¯s not permitted to cut loose so much in the Academy. It will go against the norm inside the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸I know that. I understand Celis-senpai¡¯s personality at least.¡¹

    She was a girl with a sense of responsibility that was overly serious, that was why he knew that she wasn¡¯t wishing to act like lovers before public eyes.

    If he could speak out his true feelings, he also felt that it was a bit of a shame, but Lux wasn¡¯t someone who couldn¡¯t control himself.

    ©¤©¤That was how it was supposed to be, but.

    ¡¸Bu, but, I¡¯ll permit it if it¡¯s in private. Also, if it¡¯s at times like when we are going out with just the two of us on holiday, I¡¯ll meet Lux¡¯s wish©¤©¤no, it¡¯s nothing! Please forget it!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis gasped and returned to her senses in the middle. She waved her hands in panic as though crossing them.

    If he was told that kind of provocative thing, the current Lux would become unable to endure in various senses.

    Lux promised that when things calmed down, he would go to the house of Ralgris to report about the betrothal before they returned to the party venue.

    A long party in the castle was continuing until late at night.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Nn, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    Late at night when people had completely fallen asleep, Lux felt some kind of presence and opened his eyes.

    When he looked around the banquet hall, everyone who participated in the party at the castle had drank themselves dead drunk.

    *Tick, tack¡­¡­*, the systematic sound of the clock¡¯s hand could be heard clearly.

    Other than that there was only the painful silence that was enveloping the inside of the castle.

    Celis who had mutually exchanged and affirmed feelings with him just now was sleeping face down on the table.

    Airi, Lisha and the other members of Syvalles, and also the representatives from other countries were all similarly sleeping like a log.

    It would be impolite to say this, but unexpectedly even that Yoruka was sleeping soundly.

    Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph, then the Four Great Nobles had retired early, so they weren¡¯t here but©¤©¤

    (What is this, this strange sensation)

    This scene itself wasn¡¯t something that strange.

    The long battle had ended along with the parade of conclusion.

    Everyone was liberated from the feeling of tension that was pressuring them. It wasn¡¯t out of place at all for them to run out of strength and fell asleep at the end here.

    If pushed to say, it was Lux who was the strange one.

    His eyes were abnormally clear, his sleepiness was blown away by tension.

    It was as though Lux¡¯s own body was sounding the alarm bell to notify his unaware mind of a danger.

    (No way, right¡­¡­)

    He tried to mutter an exasperated self-depreciating comment, but for some reason he couldn¡¯t make any voice.

    He naturally confirmed the faces of the sleeping people and noticed something out of place.

    (Aeril isn¡¯t here? Where did she go¡­¡­?)

    There was no obligation to continue staying in this place, so it wouldn¡¯t be strange if she left because of some reason.

    But, some kind of strange anxiety in his heart caused Lux to slip out of the banquet hall and walk inside the castle.

    (Where am I going? What am I going to do?)

    He had no idea where Aeril could have gone.

    If she left from this place by her own will, it would be impossible to even find her.

    And yet©¤©¤

    (This sensation, from somewhere¡­¡­. Even five years ago, I¡­¡­)

    There was no sound inside the castle other than the sound of the clock ticking.

    He didn¡¯t find anything suspicious.

    ¡¸Haa, just what am I doing¡­¡­¡¹

    After going around inside the vast castle once and while going up to the second floor, Lux noticed his own eccentric behavior and let out a wry smile while he stopped walking.

    The victory in the great war and the liberation from the status of a criminal.

    Furthermore he proposed to Celis which she accepted. Perhaps all of those made him strangely driven by anxiety instead and he became strange.

    To be unable to honestly feel happy like this, it was astonishing even if he said so himself.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    A chilly breeze suddenly blew through him. Lux¡¯s body shivered.

    He should return quickly to the banquet hall of the party and warm his body with the fire at the hearth.

    After that he would look at everyone¡¯s sleeping face and wait quietly for dawn to come while also serving as a lookout.

    Thinking that, he turned on his heels and walked through the corridor inside the castle once more, but then a faint prickling pain stabbed his head.

    Then abnormality was conveyed to Lux not through his eyes or ears, but through his nose.

    He couldn¡¯t say that he was used to smell this, but with his position he had experienced this smell several times.

    The smelly iron¡¯s©¤©¤smell of blood was rising up from the courtyard¡¯s atrium.

    Lux immediately looked down from the second floor¡¯s courtyard to the courtyard at the first floor. There, a collapsed person and an angel type Abyss that was looking down on the person stood out in the darkness.

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh!?¡¹

    ¨C

    Lux immediately pressed his mouth and swallowed back the scream that almost flew out from his mouth.

    A great amount of blood was flowing from the collapsed person©¤©¤that person was dead.

    There wasn¡¯t anyone in the courtyard when he was strolling just now.

    And yet, this scene suddenly appeared. That fact shocked him

    He rubbed his eyes thinking if it was an illusion, but far from vanishing, he could see even more different existences.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Target¡¯s elimination complete activating alteration of history¡¯s divergence point starting erasure of reality at present time.¡¹

    It was a monotonous voice that was said rapidly without punctuation.

    A peculiar outfit that looked really similar to a pilot suit.

    The one who was clad in a suit that was tightly fitting on the body was a petite girl with cold expression.

    But, a trait that was even more striking than those was growing on the girl¡¯s head.

    The mechanical bird feathers that were growing out from around the ears.

    Lux¡¯s memory was remembering the existence that possessed such trait which displayed their inhuman nature.

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤El Fajura!?¡¹

    The Gear Leader who once controlled the Ruin Gigas and attacked the New Kingdom along with Hayes.

    After it was destroyed by Yoruka and stopped functioning, its whereabouts became unknown but©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­. Encountering hostile existence, asking permission to eliminate¡­¡­denied roger.¡¹

    The Automaton who noticed the voice looked up at Lux from the courtyard.

    She tilted her head diagonally and glanced at Lux, then she showed a slight smile and muttered something.

    There was no mistake.

    ¡¸Why!? Why are you here!? No, more importantly that man is©¤©¤¡¹

    A man around thirty years old wearing a tailcoat suit under his mantel.

    Right beside him, Lux could see the Sword Device of a Drake falling out from its sword belt.

    Lux¡¯s heart leaped strongly inside his chest despite not knowing the man¡¯s face.

    (Who is this man? I¡¯ve never seen him before but, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Starting fate¡¯s course correction, the manager orders to ignore object that is not a target and continue, consenting.¡¹

    El Fajura¡¯s robotic and monotonous voice struck Lux¡¯s eardrums.

    Right after that, seven colored light shined at the castle¡¯s courtyard and Lux¡¯s field of vision was faintly melting.

    (What in the world is this¡­¡­. Am I dreaming!?)

    Just before Lux¡¯s lost consciousness, a man wearing an ultramarine robe that was called an armor suit showed his face.

    Singlen Shelbrit.

    Lux burned the figure of that man who was called the Blue Tyrant into his eyes and he lost consciousness.

 Volume 15 - CH 5

    ¨C

    The sound of fireworks could be heard from early in the morning at the Royal Capital¡¯s castle town.

    On the first day of the parade that celebrated the New Year, the royal family showed their faces from a horse carriage along with the soldiers¡¯ march.

    Naturally Lux also escorted Lisha. It was decided that they would act together throughout the morning.

    ¡¸Haaa, I¡¯m tireeed¡­¡­¡¹

    After finishing the greeting to the people from the horse carriage that took a total of four hours and returning to the inn, Lux took off his coat and threw his body on the bed.

    Inside the room, there was Airi who had also accompanied him during the marching parade, and Philuffy, who was riding behind them as a guard. In addition, even the Triad came to play.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really slovenly, Nii-san. It¡¯s really astonishing that the hero who saved the world is acting like this.¡¹

    Airi was also showing a slightly worn-out expression, and yet her back was still firmly straight while she was sitting on the sofa together with Noct.

    ¡¸As expected, even Lux-kun looks beaten up. Though the mental fatigue seems to be more serious.¡¹

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t that riight. It¡¯s rare to see Lux-chi that tired after doing his usual chores.¡¹

    After Sharis concluded straightforwardly, Tillfur also poked fun at Lux in amusement.

    ¡¸Yes. It can¡¯t be helped. After all, this kind of diplomatic exchange is Airi¡¯s field in the first place.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s a daily trouble for me to settle down the various commotions that Nii-san causes in the Academy you know?¡¹

    After spending a relaxing time with the Triad, Airi, and Philuffy, a party with only the students of the Academy began in a large bar that Relie reserved exclusively for them.

    There they extolled the victory where they wrested back the peace and shared their happiness with each other that everyone managed to return safe and sound.

    Lux was surrounded by the girls due to the matter of the chore requests for him that were piling up and their wish to talk with him about his heroic tale at Avalon, but each time that happened the Triad and Airi skillfully managed the crowd. He was thankful to them for that.

    ¡¸Come to think of it, I was worried during the parade. It looked like Yoruka-san was searching the surroundings frequently with Yato no Kami though©¤©¤¡¹

    When dusk arrived, several people headed back to their rooms in the inn and the number of students surrounding Lux finally began to decrease.

    Then, Noct who was secretly approaching him whispered into his ear with a serious expression.

    ¡¸Yes. It looked like she discovered some Drag-Knights who were acting suspicious. She wishes to talk with Lux-san regarding that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. I¡¯ll go to the toilet for a bit and then talk to her after that.¡¹

    This was a course of events that didn¡¯t happen previously. Now that he thought about it, he felt like Yoruka was also telling him that there was something nearby.

    No, if he remembered correctly it was a discussion that took place after this.

    According to Yoruka, there was the presence of someone approaching, so she left to check it out©¤©¤

    ¨C

    (¡­¡­¡­¡­? The presence of someone approaching? After this? Just what am I thinking?)

    ¨C

    Was his mind in chaos after he was liberated from the tension of the New Years parade that finally arrived?

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine but, please don¡¯t let Yoruka-san do anything to Lux-san in the toilet¡­¡­.. We are in the Royal Capital after all!¡¹

    ¡¸No way, it¡¯s impossible that anything like that would happen¡¹, was something that Lux couldn¡¯t declare. He smiled wryly at that. Lux relieved himself in the toilet and washed his hands, then he headed out of the bar.

    After walking for a bit, he arrived at an empty back alley. There he called Yoruka¡¯s name.

    ¡¸Yoruka, you there?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course. I am always at Aruji-sama¡¯s side.¡¹

    The familiar eastern country¡¯s black outfit smoothly appeared from the shadows. Yoruka then bowed reverently.

    As soon as the beautiful girl who was called the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade appeared in front of Lux, her face burst into a bright smile instantly.

    ¡¸Yoruka too, it would be better if you participated in the party. You are a real help for guarding our surroundings like this but, at least©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That consideration is enough for me, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    The noble of the Old Empire faction called Waybra who raised the banner of revolt towards the New Kingdom.

    If Celis¡¯s father, Dist, didn¡¯t tell him about the existence of such a suspicious man, it wouldn¡¯t even be necessary to be this vigilant.

    But fortunately that threat had already passed.

    (¡­¡­? The threat of Waybra has passed? Why am I thinking like that? Even though both Yoruka and me haven¡¯t even seen that man¡¯s appearance©¤©¤)

    Lux was concentrating his awareness towards the girl before him even while thinking of such question.

    First he gave words of thanks to Yoruka who had been guarding him and the others all this time from the shadows.

    ¡¸I¡¯m really thankful. I¡¯ll compensate it to you for sure when this parade is over. No. If it doesn¡¯t look like there will be any problem, then even now you can join the party©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡­¡­*snap-!*

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    There was the snapping sound of someone stepping on a branch.

    It was a faint sound that was mixed among the sounds of people coming and going from a distance, but Lux and Yoruka reacted immediately.

    They stayed hiding under the building¡¯s shadow while their hands were on the handles of their Sword Devices. They held their breath while searching for the nearby presence.

    ¡¸Yoruka? Just now, could it be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s obviously not the presence of an ally. But©¤©¤it¡¯s strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Strange?¡¹

    Yoruka tilted her head while muttering with a serious face. Lux¡¯s face turned perplexed in response.

    Then, without even replying back Yoruka started to walk as though she was weaving her way through the back alley.

    She could only do that because it was impossible to summon Yato no Kami at the complicated and narrow path.

    Lux who was concerned also followed behind her.

    Then, she told him the answer with a small voice that was like an insect¡¯s chirp.

    ¡¸The person noticed our alertness and withdrew©¤©¤it doesn¡¯t look like that¡¯s the case. The person here came to observe Aruji-sama before getting called by someone and returned. It¡¯s something like that I think.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean?¡¹

    It felt like the mystery was deepening further, but it seemed even Yoruka didn¡¯t know the full details of what transpired here.

    While Lux was pondering, she passed through the alley with a smooth motion.

    And then, when she arrived at another alley with a dead-end, Yoruka stood still alone at that place.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No one, is there?¡¹

    ¡¸It seems so.¡¹

    Yoruka was staring at the empty alley while not making the slightest movement.

    Seeing how her right hand kept hanging over her Sword Device, surely she was thinking that this situation was unnatural.

    Her purple eye that received Baptism was tinged with glaring light. It was obvious that she was focusing all her concentration.

    Furthermore she drew out her Sword Device and summoned Yato no Kami and used the radar of a special equipment type to start searching the surroundings.

    ¡¸Yoruka!?¡¹

    ¡¸Aruji-sama, please stay behind me.¡¹

    For the time being Lux took cover just as Yoruka instructed, but after more than ten seconds©¤©¤it seemed Yoruka didn¡¯t find anything in the end. She gave up and dispelled her armor.

    ¡¸I searched every nook and cranny from the sky until the underground, but I am unable to find the actual enemy. My deepest apologies. Please grant me any punishment that Aruji-sama deems fit.¡¹

    ¡¸No, there is no need for that. Just, can you tell me what happened?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s expression seemed somewhat disappointed when she heard that there would be no punishment from Lux. Lux smiled wryly at that while asking her once more.

    Then, perhaps Yoruka herself didn¡¯t have a full grasp of what happened, because she was reporting to him with an unusually perplexed expression.

    ¡¸Speaking from the result, it was just my imagination. The man who seemed to be a spy probing into us suddenly cut out of contact here. Even Yato no Kami¡¯s radar didn¡¯t catch anything.¡¹

    ¡¸That is, certainly strange.¡¹

    Lux too believed that there was no way it was just their misunderstanding from the sound that they picked up just now.

    It was also unthinkable that Yoruka, who excelled in her detection ability, would make such an elementary blunder.

    In fact, someone was actually showing movement to spy on Lux and the others, but after that the person suddenly vanished.

    When he put it into words like that it became even more confusing, but in reality that seemed to be what actually happened.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh? How did you know that the person just now was a man? If I remember right we didn¡¯t catch sight of his appearance©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That much can be known from the pace of his steps and the loudness of the sound when stepping on the stone road. If I have to say further, I can also somehow grasp which direction he would try to run.¡¹

    As expected from an assassin with an innate disposition of reading the opponent¡¯s breathing.

    Lux was feeling astonishment at her prodigious talent once more while asking where the man was heading.

    Then Yoruka sheathed her Sword Device and instantly answered with a graceful expression.

    ¡¸Most likely towards the castle. Though there is still a lot of distance from here to there.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Someone who came from the castle was trying to probe Lux.

    Was he an underling of an influential person who was trying to put Lux under their banner just like Celis¡¯s father Dist said?

    The possibility of that wasn¡¯t zero, but if that were the case then it was curious as to the reason why that person would turn back at the middle.

    Was it a mere coincidence, or did something unexpected happen?

    But, surely the answer wouldn¡¯t come out just from making assumptions like this when it was a situation where even Yoruka couldn¡¯t trace the footprints of the spy.

    He could only keep this incomprehensible event in mind while going through the parade carefully.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I will watch the surroundings just in case. Aruji-sama, please return to the party.¡¹

    Yoruka prompted him like that with a carefree smile.

    If it was the usual Lux, he might presume upon Yoruka¡¯s goodwill and follow her words.

    However, right now, for some reason, he felt that her tone sounded somewhat lonely.

    ¡¸Say, Yoruka. Do you want to look around the parade with me for a bit? It¡¯s not bright at this time, so I think I won¡¯t stand out that much.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that alright?¡¹

    After a bit of pause, Yoruka¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment.

    Lux spontaneously slipped out a smile at her novel behavior that was like a normal girl.

    ¡¸Is that no good? I just want to try going around together with Yoruka.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, please allow me to accompany you. After all, if I¡¯m at Aruji-sama¡¯s side, I feel like I¡¯ll be able to enjoy it.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s chest thumped hard seeing the graceful smile she showed him.

    Usually Yoruka would be excessive with her skinship towards him in various ways, but exactly because of that, when she showed him her natural smile like this all of a sudden, she looked terribly lovely to him.

    Whether it was her beautifully radiant black hair, and her glossy pink lips.

    Her white nape and breast that peeked out from her provocative black outfit were also so bewitching that he would unconsciously gulp.

    ¡¸Yoruka, is there anything that you want to eat? I¡¯ll treat you if you don¡¯t have any money.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be good if Aruji-sama will allow me to choose only from the food that you will partake of.¡¹

    She replied like that, so without any other choice Lux bought meat skewers and baked sweets that looked good at the food stalls.

    Then, Yoruka lifted up her face like a chick that was pleading to be fed. She thrust out her well-shaped lips.

    ¡¸Please, allow me to test if there is any poison. Can I receive just a bite?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, ah¡­¡­. Right.¡¹

    Her pair of eyes was silently looking down. Her usual bewitching allure was lowered down considerably, but in exchange now she looked like a pure innocent young girl with a lovely appearance that made him watch her in fascination.

    It became a strange course of events somehow, but this action was really like Yoruka.

    He never thought that her asking for only a part of his food would have this kind of meaning.

    (More importantly, could it be that this situation¡­¡­)

    From Yoruka¡¯s point of view, this was an act that wasn¡¯t that strange. But Lux noticed that seen from the side, this was completely like a conversation between fellow lovers. He got embarrassed from that.

    ©¤©¤But, he couldn¡¯t go back from here.

    (Wait, thinking carefully, isn¡¯t it difficult to feed someone with meat skewer!? It will be troubling if the skewer stabs, but©¤©¤)

    After worrying for a few seconds, Lux used his thumb and index finger to take off a piece of meat and brought it directly to Yoruka¡¯s mouth.

    When his fingertips felt the elasticity of her soft lips, a bittersweet ache welled up inside him.

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t look bothered at all and put the meat inside her mouth and began to chew.

    It seemed she didn¡¯t sense any poison because before long she swallowed the meat with a gulp.

    ¡¸So, how is it©¤©¤uwa¡¹

    ¡¸There is no poison in it. More importantly Aruji-sama, your finger will be burned if you grab the food with youe bare hands.¡¹

    Yoruka brought her lips closer to Lux¡¯s finger that was smeared with meat juice as though to cool it down using her saliva.

    Like that she entangled her tongue around his finger and sucked until the second joint. Before long she slowly pulled her face back.

    The soft sensation of the lips that were holding his finger.

    The stickiness of saliva that was warmly enveloping his finger.

    And then the smooth tongue stimulated his sense of touch, paralyzing his brain with strange pleasure.

    The mere act of simply making her to taste for poison made him feel like his soul was going to slip out of his body.

    ¡¸Then Aruji-sama. Can you allow me to test the baked sweets too? Or perhaps, just to make sure, I should ascertain the meat skewer once more©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸E-, err¡­¡­. Then one more ti©¤©¤not that! As I thought, please try only the cheese cake!¡¹

    Lux rallied his reasoning that was almost melting and somehow endured through the temptation.

    ¡¸Is that so? That¡¯s unfortunate.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered while looking somewhat disappointed. This time Lux presented her with a cheese cake.

    Her lips nibbled at the tip of the yellow cake that had the shape of a triangle.

    After chewing once more she swallowed, and then she replied to Lux while making a small nod.

    ¡¸There is no problem. Please eat up without any worry.¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s face flashed a bright smile. Lux nodded while feeling excited.

    He noticed when eating the cake that it was an indirect kiss, but he ate it without getting too bothered about it.

    ¡¸Yep, it¡¯s tasty. Thank you Yoruka.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need to be considerate of me. I¡¯m grateful to Aruji-sama for just spending your time with me like this.¡¹

    Yoruka smiled at Lux with her cheeks reddening looking somewhat intoxicated.

    Her rare human gesture looked pretty under the Royal Capital¡¯s lighting.

    ¡¸That¡¯s because I was lonely that I was unable to meet Yoruka until now. I know it was in order to protect me but, in that two weeks, it should have been alright if you showed yourself to me at least once©¤©¤¡¹

    He knew that Airi and the Triad were making a bet whether Lux would notice or not, but it should be fine even if she wasn¡¯t that stiff.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux said so while thinking that, Yoruka paused for a bit and before long she resolved herself and replied back.

    ¡¸Actually about that case, I wished for it to be like that myself. Though it became exposed that they were keeping the secret for me.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux spontaneously stopped walking at Yoruka¡¯s unexpected confession.

    It was just the right timing when the flow of people at the surrounding was cut off. Countless street lights could be seen from above the overpass.

    Lux¡¯s eyes were stolen by Yoruka¡¯s side profile amidst that fantastical scenery.

    Her face had a somewhat lonely looking smile that he remembered seeing before in the middle of these three days of the parade.

    ¡¸If I was alone with only Aruji-sama at that time, I wouldn¡¯t be able to suppress my feelings. That was why, I held back by only protecting Aruji-sama from a distance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The confession from the girl who claimed that she was just a tool.

    Lux was completely dumbfounded at her asymmetrically colored eyes¡¯ gaze that was tinged with faint sorrow.

    After her battle against Singlen, Yoruka who didn¡¯t possess emotions was harboring a certain special emotion, which she directed only towards her master, Lux.

    She said that she might be in love with Lux.

    She said that to him.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s a mistake for me who doesn¡¯t know the way for a human to love, to dream of being able to receive Aruji-sama¡¯s affection. And yet, for me to feel this much enjoyment just from getting invited by Aruji-sama like this©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Was it, sympathy?

    When he was looking at Yoruka, an emotion that was different from the impulse just now was making Lux¡¯s body feel hot.

    (No, wrong. I am, towards Yoruka¡­¡­)

    All this time he was thinking that she was a human.

    Certainly she possessed outstanding talent and a special working of the heart, but because of that she was feared and avoided by her surroundings.

    ¨C

    ¡º¡­¡­I¡¯m astonished. Something like that©¤©¤to choose the path of destroying one¡¯s own country by one¡¯s own hands in order to save it. This is my terrible misunderstanding. Aruji-sama, from the start you are fighting all this time for the sake of the Arcadia Empire, aren¡¯t you? In order to make it come true, the ideal country that you dreamed of©¤©¤¡»

    ¨C

    It was just like those words Yoruka said once in the past.

    Lux was considered as an enemy by the populace, even so as a prince of the Arcadia Empire, he tried all possible means in order to accomplish his mission.

    Yoruka was accepting that she was a defective good. Even so she was trying to repay her little brother¡¯s feelings.

    Lux wanted to save Yoruka not because he wanted recompense for his past where he was unable to save the imperial family of the Old Empire or anything like that, but because it was something that he personally wanted to do.

    Her purity that was simply earnest, which no one was able to notice with just a glance.

    Right now, Lux noticed that all this time he had been charmed by the beauty of that purity.

    ¡¸I¡¯m disqualified as a servant.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t matter even if you are disqualified.¡¹

    The self-depreciating statement that Yoruka spoke out was cut off by Lux¡¯s reply.

    Those words didn¡¯t come from him thinking in response. When he noticed, his mouth already said that, as though those words directly came from his spinal cord.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Aruji, sama?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s face was reflected on Yoruka¡¯s eyes.

    A smile was reflected there. A smile so gentle that it shocked even Lux.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think that you are disqualified or anything, and even if that¡¯s actually the case, I want Yoruka to stay at my side as a human. No matter what anyone says, no matter in what kind of form it will be, it¡¯s fine if you are by my side.¡¹

    Staking everything on one¡¯s own feelings and persisting in carrying that out through thick and thin.

    The way Lux¡¯s heart worked was similar with Yoruka¡¯s.

    However, his feelings towards her wasn¡¯t anything like sympathy.

    He was in love with the beauty of this girl who was even purer than himself.

    That was why©¤©¤he wished that she would stay by his side.

    Because Lux thought that he himself would be able to become strong with her at his side.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama, you said something similar to my little brother again©¤©¤¡¹

    With a soft footstep, Yoruka walked towards him with a movement that didn¡¯t make any sound.

    Without even any time to react, Lux¡¯s lips were stolen in a flash.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    The kiss from the younger girl was sweet. The gentle scent from her hair tickled his nose.

    He was drunk in a pleasantness that didn¡¯t come from just a single spot of his body. It was as though even their hearts were connected.

    They stayed still like that for more than ten seconds, where the hearts of the two were connected to each other.

    When Yoruka¡¯s lips finally let go, her cheeks were dyed red and she was staring at him with a gaze that was melting in passion.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t mind whether I¡¯ll only be second or third, as long as I can stay by the side of my beloved Aruji-sama. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka paused for a moment, then she let out a chuckle and turned her back towards him.

    ¡¸It will be great if Aruji-sama can find your first, or even your second and more. If possible we can test it here©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Hey, wait a second-!? This place is right in the middle of the capital you know!?¡¹

    Yoruka was saying that while she was going to flip up her white skirt. Lux returned to his senses seeing that and stopped her.

    ¡¸My, we cannot? Holding back isn¡¯t good for the body, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    This time it was Lux who turned red at the whisper of Yoruka who was seeing through him.

    Lux hurriedly pinched his own cheek so he wouldn¡¯t be washed away by his instinct that was starting to want this lovely servant.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s no good doing that in this kind of place! That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. Then Aruji-sama, please call me when it¡¯s a good time. I¡¯ll be waiting anytime.¡¹

    Lux lost his words hearing the reply that she said with her usual carefree smile.

    If his criminal collar was taken off after the parade and Yoruka became his girlfriend, it was plain to see that it would be disaster if he didn¡¯t control himself in various things, but©¤©¤

    (Honestly, I¡¯m not really confident that I¡¯ll be able to endure¡­¡­!)

    Even while he was worrying with a complicated feeling, Lux gently held Yoruka¡¯s hand and they returned together towards the bar.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Amidst their way back through the festival that was filled with happiness and excitement, Lux felt a prickling pain in his chest.

    He had betrayed someone while not noticing it.

    Even though Lux didn¡¯t even understand what it was about, he was caught by such misapprehension.

    It was strange.

    Even though Yoruka should be the first girl who he wanted to be lovers with©¤©¤

    ¡¸Aruji-sama, is something the matter?¡¹

    Yoruka seemed to guess the inside of Lux¡¯s heart from his atmosphere. She was peering into his face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s nothing. Now, let¡¯s go back.¡¹

    Lux shook his head slightly and looked forward with a wry smile.

    When he returned to the party together with Yoruka, the Triad and Airi made fun of him.

    Like that, the long night was growing late full of liveliness.

    ¨C

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­.

    In the end, where did the person who tried to approach Lux and Yoruka vanish to?

    He wondered who sent that spy who came from the castle.

    Sometimes he would be thinking about that, but he couldn¡¯t find the answer until the very end.

    The first day of the parade finally reached the end.

    ¨C

    The second day of the New Years parade, at noon.

    The band of the New Kingdom was welcoming the visitors¡¯ coaches at the castle gate.

    The invitees were the state guests from seven countries.

    The victory banquet of the sworn friends who cooperated with each other as the world alliance and saved the world would be held from noon.

    Of course, they weren¡¯t called here just for the celebration.

    It would also be a meeting to confirm that the existence of Aeril who became the center of Avalon was neutral. And it would also be a place to casually compare and adjust the direction of their plan from here on.

    But, that would be the job of Queen Raffi and Prime Minister Nulph.

    Lux was a Seven Dragon Paladin to the end, as a key figure who was contributing to the victory, many people requested to meet him.

    In other words, Lux had to respectfully greet and thank the noble guests just like how he always was.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It has been a long time, your highness, Princess Milmiette.¡¹

    The representative of the Vanheim Principality, the princess Milmiette who was wearing a light green dress greeted Lux with a smile.

    He once had met her at the Drag-Knight¡¯s Class promotion exam, so they knew each other¡¯s faces.

    ¡¸Long time no see, Lux-dono. I was really in your debt for looking after the negligent and careless Greifer at that time.¡¹

    Her graceful smile that was like a flower looked more like a town girl rather than a noble, but that amiable atmosphere felt more comfortable for Lux instead.

    ¡¸No, there wasn¡¯t anything like that. He is certainly always behaving sulkily, but in reality he is really serious and really takes good care of others©¤©¤perhaps he is just shy, don¡¯t you think so?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­..That¡¯s what he said, Greifer. Isn¡¯t that great? It looks like you won¡¯t need to get scolded by me later.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, EEEEEH!?¡¹

    Right after Milmiette smiled, a blond haired young man who had a displeased expression appeared from inside the same coach.

    Lux spoke honestly because he couldn¡¯t see Greifer¡¯s figure, and yet it was a trap that was set against him.

    ¡¸Looks like we gotta talk for a bit with just the two of us huh, New Kingdom¡¯s knight-sama. I¡¯m also relieved that you look really energetic yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸No, err, that¡­¡­¡¹

    After showing an angry smile at the pale and bewildered Lux, Greifer headed into the castle first.

    Milmiette who saw that bowed her head smilingly in front of Lux.

    ¡¸Forgive him. Even though he looks like that, he isn¡¯t actually angry, so if possible please keep him company at the banquet too. He is going to be alone acting cold there anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    That scene easily surfaced in Lux¡¯s imagination and he smiled wryly.

    He thought that he might have done something that he shouldn¡¯t do, but it seemed that it was just Milmiette¡¯s consideration in her own way.

    After seeing off the coach going through the castle gate, he heard the footsteps of a girl who had already came down from the next coach.

    ¡¸In the end he is just a child. What a troubling man, to be needing the princess to follow up for him like that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ah.¡¹

    It was a tone that sounded noble and also confident.

    The high pitched voice that still had a trace of childishness in it made Lux turn around.

    There he found a girl with platinum hair wearing a chic black dress along with a cape above it.

    The representative of the Ymir Theocracy. The youngest Seven Dragon Paladin, Mel Gizalut was standing before him. She was looking up at Lux who wasn¡¯t that tall.

    ¡¸It has been a while, Onii-chan. It¡¯s great that you look healthy.¡¹

    ¡¸Thanks to you. Mel, too, is also looking alright. I¡¯m relieved.¡¹

    Lux also replied back with a smile at the adorable girl¡¯s consideration.

    She was a young girl with her thirteen years old age, but she possessed outstanding sense as a Drag-Knight. She used her small body to the very limit and fought through powerful enemies even at Avalon.

    Her relationship with Krulcifer became on good terms through the incident at the Ymir Theocracy, and Krulcifer became her aide. Right now it was clear that the two of them had a good relationship as friends.

    ¡¸Calling him Onii-chan like that, I wonder which one of us is the childish one¡­¡­. Though I was a bit lost whether to make a retort or not.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, Krulcifer-san©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux turned around to the girl who got down from the coach next. But his breath got caught in his throat with a gasp.

    A girl with a deep blue dress and blue hair that had a flower decoration attached on.

    The figure of his classmate that was beautiful like a fairy caused Lux to reflexively watch her in fascination.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter Lux-kun? Could it be that you forgot my face at this reunion after so long?¡¹

    The girl¡¯s hand slowly caressed the chest of the stiffened Lux.

    When his chest was traced by her hand through the dress suit, an incomprehensible sensation ran through his back and his body shivered.

    After watching Lux¡¯s state in enjoyment, Krulcifer closed the distance between them.

    Her dress that was opened at the chest area entered his line of sight. His gaze was completely guided towards there.

    ¡¸I think that my injury has healed, but I wonder if there was any mark left behind. I¡¯m worried, so can you check it for me?¡¹

    ¡¸Err, that©¤©¤I think it¡¯s fine. Your skin looks beautiful.¡¹

    Lux averted his gaze in panic and said that. Krulcifer made a mischievous looking flirtatious gaze and whispered.

    ¡¸Is that so? Thank you. Lux-kun is gentlemanly towards a girl, but you are relatively thorough when staring. I can feel relieved if Lux-kun who is like that is telling me so. After all you are paying me so much attention like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, Krulcifer-san!?¡¹

    When Lux objected with reddened cheeks, she chuckled in delight.

    ¡¸I¡¯m joking. I¡¯m so happy to be able to meet Lux-kun after so long that it unconsciously made me want to tease you. Forgive me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux too could only nod with a troubled look after she said it like that.

    After so long©¤©¤or rather, with Krulcifer¡¯s wiles that was getting increasingly polished, Lux could do nothing except getting toyed.

    It was also the sad nature of man for him to also feel comfort from such thing.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t look like there is anything to worry about if you can do this much in front of the castle gate. Good grief, just who is the child here.¡¹

    ¡¸Oi, both of you! How long you are planning to make me wait!? Everyone is just a child like this! How unbecoming!¡¹

    The pope of Ymir Theocracy who was still young, Nias got tired of waiting and his face popped out from the coach.

    It seemed that because Mel and Krulcifer ran ahead, he missed his chance to make his greeting.

    Lux hurriedly faced him and apologized for his impoliteness, then they were waiting inside the castle until the next noble visitor arrived.

    Lux and the others went around to greet the sovereigns and their staffs while amusing themselves with reminiscent talk with their comrades in arms.

    ¨C

    A peaceful time passed from noon until the evening. The night arrived before long.

    In the middle, the members of Syvalles, Lisha and the others, also gathered, furthermore the entire Seven Dragon Paladins including Magialca and Singlen also participated.

    It seemed the state guests who were the members of the world alliance held a meeting in the middle, but it ended without any particular problem.

    After that a party was held inside the castle, and they enjoyed luxurious cooking with relish.

    ¡¸Lux, spend a bit of time with me. Re Plica isn¡¯t here so I¡¯m quite free.¡¹

    Soffice was greedily devouring the dishes in her own pace while coming to his side.

    At his opposite side, the drunk Rosa also came closer.

    ¡¸Lux-samaa. If you also have some kind of order for me, please allow me to attend to you during my stay here no matter what¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-m that¡¯s, your breast is touching. Don¡¯t entwine your arms that much¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You are happy even while saying that right? Trying to sexually harass a Seven Dragon Paladin in a public setting like this, are you planning to develop an international problem?¡¹

    Magialca who was watching that from in front of him teased him with an indecent grin.

    Greifer was staring at that with an exasperated face, while beside him Aeril was laughing.

    Mel, who couldn¡¯t drink alcohol because of her age, seemed to be in a difficulty because a large pile of food was heaped up in front of her by Philuffy¡¯s kindness.

    Thinking back now, it was really a miracle that everyone could come back without any serious injuries.

    Even though they also fought that man after defeating the Lord faction.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Come to think of it¡¯, when he was recalling that, he caught sight of Singlen¡¯s figure at the corner of the party.

    Perhaps because he lost his confidant Zweigbergk, he was placing a beautiful woman wearing glasses who seemed to be the third in rank within the White Ridge knight order as a replacement. He was drinking wine silently.

    Singlen got into a duel with Lux because of their difference in objectives, but he wondered if he should be happy that Singlen safely survived.

    He was a bit anxious wondering if Singlen was doing various kinds of intrigue behind the scenes of the negotiations regarding the legacies and technologies of Avalon in the future.

    ¡¸Kukuku, that guy also looks lonely huh. Yosh, this is the captain¡¯s order. Pour him wine if his glass becomes empty. It will be for the celebration of his exaggerated ambition falling apart.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s lips curved and she instigated Lux.

    Her relationship with Singlen wasn¡¯t good in the first place, but really, what a bad personality.

    In fact, Lux had obstructed and ended Singlen¡¯s objective, so it would be provocative if Lux went to pour him wine.

    But, this was that Singlen who always acted haughty and arrogant that they were talking about, so perhaps he would only scoff at him.

    Perhaps it would be fine if he talked with him briefly at least to thank him for all his help until now.

    Thinking that, Lux waited for the right timing before heading towards Singlen with a wine bottle in his hand.

    When Lux approached until a certain distance, Singlen narrowed his single eye and looked up.

    ¡¸That¡¯s an admirable spirit to do chores even at a party. Not giving me even a single greeting until now, you have been acting importantly huh, hero-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸You only arrived to this party just now. It shouldn¡¯t be that long already¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux replied with an exasperated face, however Singlen laughed him down without any change in his attitude.

    ¡¸I¡¯m talking about the previous party, you fool. It¡¯s laughable that you didn¡¯t even notice my existence until you got told by that upstart female fox.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤?¡¹

    He wondered what Singlen meant by ¡®previous party¡¯.

    If he remembered correctly, the last party that he attended together with Singlen should be the one in the fortress at the abandoned capital Guernica.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, I guess it¡¯s only natural. You are accepting this future that you are wishing yourself. You won¡¯t be able to easily escape just because of a little out of place feeling, with you under the influence of XXXXX¡¯s Divine Raiment.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ha?¡¹

    Lux was unable to hear only a part of Singlen¡¯s talk.

    It wasn¡¯t a problem with his tone or volume, his brain wasn¡¯t registering the words even though he could hear it.

    Lux was captured by such incomprehensible feeling.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s you who had received Baptism several times, sooner, or rather, you will surely reach it. Even so, it will be a different matter whether you will be able to face it or not. The seven Ruins¡­¡­before all the ArtifactsTransforming Weapons completely resonate with each other, you first have to escape from this cage.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t understand what Singlen was talking about.

    But, for some reason his words caught his attention. He couldn¡¯t just ignore it.

    (Eerr©¤©¤what should I do again?)

    In the middle of the party, Lux suddenly noticed the weight in his hand.

    A red wine bottle. He came here to pour wine for Singlen.

    ¡¸Quickly pour it, chore boy. That¡¯s your job.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, I understand.¡¹

    Lux let out a sigh while pouring the wine just as he was told.

    But, the poured wine slipped through the glass Singlen was holding and trickled down directly onto the floor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤! Wha, what are you doing-!?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The spectacled beauty who was sitting nearby yelled in surprise.

    When Lux tilted his head without understanding just what was going on, Singlen¡¯s figure had vanished without him noticing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t that Singlen had gone somewhere, it was as though he wasn¡¯t there from the beginning. There was only the floor there.

    ¡¸My goodness, looks like you are really drunk huh, hero-dono. Should Relie and I nurse you? Hmm?¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. It¡¯s no good, if you drink too much.¡¹

    When Magialca stood up looking like she was going to make trouble, Philuffy stopped her.

    Lux was staring still at the floor where the wine spilled out while the master-student confrontation was happening at the side.

    (What, is this. Something¡­¡­is strange.)

    ¡¸Lux. There is only good wine provided here! I¡¯ll have you compensate for the wine that you made the floor drink. If you don¡¯t want that, then come pour wine for me too!¡¹

    ¡¸Can I also ask you to do that, Lux-kun? If I don¡¯t request you before your collar gets formally taken off©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who was looking drunk called out to Lux. Krulcifer also continued after her.

    However, the wedge of doubt that was driven into Lux¡¯s chest wouldn¡¯t come off.

    ¡¸Where did Sir Singlen go?¡¹

    When Lux addressed the woman from the White Ridge knight order, she pushed the bridge of her glasses up with one hand while looking up at Lux¡¯s face with suspicion.

    ¡¸Even if you ask me that, in the first place master isn¡¯t coming to this party though.¡¹

    ¡¸What did you say¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Just like I said, master has a trifling matter to take care of so he isn¡¯t participating.¡¹

    ¡¸Kukuku, that guy. He is running away because he is scared of me needling him.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it! I won¡¯t forgive any insult to leader!¡¹

    When Magialca made fun of Singlen with a mean smile, the spectacled woman objected back.

    The spark of argument burst out. At the side, Lux was feeling confusion as though his head was punched.

    ©¤©¤Contradiction.

    Why was Magialca accepting the explanation from the woman just now?

    Even though Lux was pouring sake for Singlen because of her instruction in the first place¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Captain Magialca, what you said just now©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux raised his face quickly and called Magialca¡¯s name, Magialca¡¯s figure also vanished from the party.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Where is Captain Magialca!?¡¹

    She should be in a quarrel with the woman from the White Ridge Knight Order just several seconds ago, but now he couldn¡¯t catch sight of her shadow.

    When Lux talked to Philuffy beside him in panic, she lightly tilted her childish face and stated with surety.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s master, she went somewhere just now. She said something like picking up the young men of the capital.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy didn¡¯t seem to understand the meaning of the words that she said. Lux directed a conflicted gaze towards her, however he was convinced.

    ¡¸I see. Both of them aren¡¯t here in the first place aren¡¯t they? Because those two©¤©¤at that time¡¹

    ©¤©¤A pool of blood.

    The redness of the spilled wine that was spreading on the floor became a seed that made him recall a certain happening.

    The figure of someone lying down on the ground with blood flowing was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    A high fever ran through Lux¡¯s body vertically and he got dizzy.

    Celis quickly supported him when he was unconsciously staggering.

    ¡¸Are you alright Lux!? If you are feeling bad, I¡¯ll carry you to the doctor©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m alright, Celis-senpai. I¡¯m not used to drink too much, so if I can vomit it a bit¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll accompany you, Lux-kun. Don¡¯t force yourself.¡¹

    Aeril who came from somewhere lent Lux her shoulder.

    He left the party following her suggestion.

    ¨C

    ¡¸How are you feeling now, Lux-kun?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m feeling comfortable now. It might be fine even if I don¡¯t vomit¡­¡­¡¹

    In the corridor on the second floor of the castle. Lux was feeling the wind at a place where he could see the atrium courtyard while smiling powerlessly.

    For some reason his sight was attracted towards a spot in the courtyard, but he couldn¡¯t find anything strange there.

    There was something there at the previous tomorrow on the last day of the parade though.

    The mechanical puppet with the appearance of a girl and a man in a tailcoat suit who was murdered by it.

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was assaulted by a strong dizziness and he staggered.

    Then Aeril nestled close to him and kindly caressed his back.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t force yourself. I¡¯m right at your side.¡¹

    Lux felt relieve from the sweet scent of her body and her pleasant skin¡¯s warmth.

    Aeril who was wearing a light green dress was ephemerally beautiful. The smooth sensation of her white glove felt pleasant.

    The night wind cooled down the heat in his body. The clouds above moved and the moon¡¯s face came into view.

    He also saw the waning moon in the parade inside his dream, but its shape was different from before.

    (Why? Why is the moon¡¯s shape different from before? No, why am I noticing such things?)

    Lux lost his words towards the mysterious feeling of uneasiness.

    When Lux was looking up towards the moon, Aeril in front of him suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s too late to ask this but, what do you think? My figure in a dress.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤You look beautiful, very much so. I cannot see you as a boy anymore now.¡¹

    His awareness was pulled back by her voice. He stared hard at her charming figure.

    She was wearing a small tiara on her head and a dress that had thin fabric above it.

    And then the white gloves and tights on her arms and legs were enhancing the androgynous charm of Aeril¡¯s slender and well-proportioned body.

    ¡¸Thank you. I¡¯m satisfied today just from being able to hear Lux say that.¡¹

    Aeril was walking from the second floor corridor that was facing the courtyard towards the terrace that was jutting to outside.

    Lux also naturally followed her. She then twirled around with a graceful smile.

    In the dark night, the sky was inlaid with stars, while countless lights could be seen on the ground.

    Aeril who was standing out in the darkness looked so ephemerally beautiful that it made him speechless.

    At the same time, the emotion welling up inside him constricted his chest.

    When Lux noticed, he spoke out words of apology.

    ¡¸More importantly, sorry©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Lux bent his waist and lowered his head, Aeril¡¯s eyes opened wide.

    ¡¸About Hayes and Listelka. I talked big, but in the end I couldn¡¯t save them. I was unable to even give Aeril any time to talk with them for the last time.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s eyes blinked in response to Lux¡¯s apology.

    Before long it seemed she comprehended what Lux meant. She lowered her gaze and turned her back on him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-kun. You see, I¡¯m thankful to you. Very much so, that no matter how many times I thank you it won¡¯t be enough. Because you were there, I was able to believe in the people of this era. I was able to head towards the path that I believe in.¡¹

    When Lux raised his head, Aeril was turning only her head to look at him. Her braided silver hair was fluttering in the dark night.

    She was directing a sorrowful but peaceful smile towards Lux and continued her words whisperingly.

    She originally had the standing as an imperial family of the ancient era©¤©¤the Lords. Even so she thought of the world and saved Lux and the others.

    ¡¸But, even my elder sister and little sister had their own positions. They harmed the people of this world and attempted to one-sidedly rule with force. I think that cannot be allowed. However, we were taught to live like that. They could only see the world like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It was only Lux-kun who was thinking about the matter of Hayes and Listelka-neesama. It¡¯s a selfish story even if I say so myself, but I think they were saved just by your intention even after having that much terrible things done to you. That there was a possibility that they could mutually understand the people of this era too¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril¡­¡­¡¹

    Her kind smile and words soaked his wounded heart.

    And then, the body warmth of the girl who was silently walking towards him lied on top of Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I love you, Lux-kun.¡¹

    *Chu-*, her small lips were pressed tightly above Lux¡¯s lips.

    The time was stopping inside the night scenery for a few seconds of bewildered shock.

    ¡¸I love your kind side. I love how you are unable to overlook when there is someone troubled in front of you and fight for them without feeling scared of getting hurt. I also love how you are doing your best without even complaining at all, and how clumsy you are at various things. And your slightly indecent side too, if it¡¯s Lux-kun©¤©¤I¡¯ll permit it.¡¹

    *Squeeze* Aeril put more strength into her arms that were entwined around his neck while expressing her feeling in rapid succession.

    His heart was trembling by her pure and earnest feeling.

    Lux¡¯s arms were reflexively going to embrace her©¤©¤however, he was unable to.

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Geez, this is because my push is weak at the crucial timing. Even though it will be fine even if you lose to your desires for a bit more.¡¹

    Aeril smiled wryly while complaining with slight sulkiness.

    Lux was receiving a sensation as though his chest was clamped hard when looking at her expression while trying to confess.

    That he already had a love relationship with Yoruka.

    And then, how he was feeling guilt even towards that fact itself.

    It was like there was one more girl if he remembered correctly, a girl who he had told of his love©¤©¤

    ¡¸That¡¯s, Aeril. I¡¯m¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay, Lux-kun. I know. I wanted to say it even while knowing that. It¡¯s regrettable. If only I could meet you©¤©¤just a bit faster¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril hugged her own arm while smiling with self-depreciation.

    ¡¸No. Even that is just an excuse. Those girls have been inside your heart from far before. Even if you aren¡¯t aware of it, Lux-kun, you loved all of them. As the opposite sex.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know whether what I¡¯ll be telling you after this is really something correct. But, I want Lux-kun to know it. Perhaps if it¡¯s you who saved us, then surely you will find some kind of answer¡­¡­. I have such a hunch. Sayonara, Lux-kun. It was really fun until now.¡¹

    Aeril showed her best smile and waved her hand.

    Right after that, the moment he blinked, her figure disappeared.

    The same like Singlen just now, it was as though she wasn¡¯t there since the beginning.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? ©¤©¤What, is this sound and light?¡¹

    Mysteriously he didn¡¯t feel it was strange that Aeril disappeared right before his eyes.

    In exchange his attention was completely taken away by another strange sight that suddenly manifested.

    Flames were blazing up at a corner of the downtown. It was visible from the castle¡¯s terrace.

    The bright red flickering flame and the rising white smoke.

    The faintly audible sounds of sword fighting and the sounds of Drag-Rides moving.

    ¡¸Why are the Drag-Knights out!? No, since when were they fighting!?¡¹

    Lux headed to the edge of the terrace and his body leaned out from the handrail while he was focusing his gaze.

    It was hard to make it out from afar, but there was no doubt that there was a battle between Drag-Knights there.

    A force of several dozen Drag-Knights seemed to be surrounding a single Drag-Knight, but in defiance to the difference in numbers, the lone Drag-Knight was the one with the superiority.

    The Drag-Rides opposing the lone Drag-Knight were being shot down one-sidedly. Their number was being reduced at an accelerated speed.

    (Who is fighting who? No, more importantly©¤©¤why is no one noticing this!?)

    Even though such a fierce battle was unfolding this nearby, not to mention his comrades inside the castle, even the guards weren¡¯t reacting.

    Far from that, even the drunken people enjoying the parade who were walking near the battle weren¡¯t even paying attention to the battle.

    That fact, that strangeness fiercely fanned up Lux¡¯s sense of danger.

    (Is this an illusion that I¡¯m seeing!? This is, this scene©¤©¤!)

    But, even while Lux was doubting his own perception, his body was reacting.

    He pulled out his Sword Device and summoned the Wyvern that he equipped on his body.

    First he flew towards the destination by taking a detour in order to observe the situation.

    When the distance was gradually decreasing, Lux¡¯s head was hit by even more shock.

    ¨C

    ¡¸You bastard©¤©¤who are you-!? Were you sent by the queen!? Why are you¡­¡­gubaah!¡¹

    The question from a Drag-Knight was drowned out by his own scream of death agony.

    The one who accomplished that was a girl clad in a crimson Divine Drag-Ride with four legs. It seemed to be a special type equipment that was similar to a Drake, but it was a unit that he saw for the first time.

    Drooping mechanical dog ears were growing out from the pilot¡¯s head.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because all of you are hindrances dearimasu. My apologies, but it will really help if you die here dearimasu.¡¹

    The Automata girl with no light in her eyes was the Gear Leader who was managing the Ruin Hall©¤©¤Ney Louches.

    After the great war at Avalon, for some reason, even Krulcifer was unable to meet her in the Ymir Theocracy. And yet here she was massacring mysterious Drag-Knights.

    That incomprehensible scene caused Lux to doubt his eyes while he was holding his breath.

    It was obvious that the right to command her was stolen by someone just like when an Automata was under Hayes¡¯s control and she was made to do this.

    (Who is controlling the Automata? For what!?)

    With an effort Lux endured his feeling that wanted to immediately stop this and continued to observe.

    The Automata wasn¡¯t killing the Drag-Knights of the New Kingdom¡¯s military. The uniform was different.

    In that case, could they be the private army of some noble?

    The nobles were summoned for the previous great war and they dispatched their subordinate Drag-Knights in order to obtain deeds of arms, but the majority of their forces should have gotten caught in Listelka¡¯s trap and destroyed by the revived seven Ragnarok.

    Lux presumed that this was a force that was instead formed to cause trouble in the middle of the parade.

    ¡¸You damn puppet! Why are you attacking us-!? What happened to Waybra!?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    One of the man yelled with a desperate look.

    Lux recognized the face of the Drag-Knight who was taking command at the rear.

    No©¤©¤it wasn¡¯t recognition. The face of the man looked similar to someone else he knew.

    The man who he fought in the past, the eldest son of one of the Four Great Nobles, Balzeride Kreutzer.

    The looks of this man was like Balzeride who was a few years younger with longer hair.

    (Sieg Kreutzer!? No, more importantly, he said Waybra just now©¤©¤)

    The noble who Dist told him about the other day, Waybra.

    The man was a distant relative of the Old Empire¡¯s imperial family. He showed himself in the government faction called the Old Empire faction that was opposing the New Kingdom¡¯s administration.

    And then he also heard from Dist that the second son of the house of Kreutzer, Sieg Kreutzer also obtained some kind of connection with that man and he was forming a Drag-Knight force.

    Dist told him that he might try to do something bad in the middle of the parade.

    Even so, the force the man gathered was only on the level of a speck compared to the scale of the Imperial Capital Recapture Plan that Hayes executed in the past.

    No matter how worn down the battle force of the new kingdom had become, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything with just that much force.

    (©¤©¤!?)

    Right after Lux thought that, he noticed a strange out of place feeling.

    The wreckages of the Drag-Knights¡¯ mixed force that consisted of several dozen Drag-Rides.

    For some reason a lot of them were made up from Drake¡¯s armor.

    The special equipment type Drake had variegated abilities that Wyvern and Wyrm didn¡¯t have, but it could exhibit its effectiveness enough with just one or two of it in a squadron.

    With Drake, the stability of the squadron would increase remarkably, but the effectiveness wouldn¡¯t change by much even if there was a lot of it in one group.

    (©¤©¤Why? Is it to keep watch of their surroundings? No, five or six people should be enough just for that, and if it¡¯s for spying using Drake¡¯s camouflage function, there is no need to assemble them in one place like this.)

    He didn¡¯t understand.

    The parts in order to derive the correct answer were fundamentally lacking within Lux¡¯s mind.

    Was there anything else other than the information that Dist told him©¤©¤

    ¡¸You are really noisy dearimasu. You are unnecessary in the correct history. I will dispose of you.¡¹

    Instantly, the red Divine Drag-Ride Ney Louches was wearing spouted out flame that was illuminating the surrounding area brightly.

    The tip of the sharp sword that was thrust out next pierced the EX Drake of Sieg Kreutzer, burning it from the inside.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gu, GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH¡­¡­! Yo, you bastard-! You killed Waybra didn¡¯t you!? Was it Lux Arcadia¡¯s instruction!? Or else©¤©¤gafuh!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s night so please be quiet, dearimasu. No one can hear it though.¡¹

    Ney Louches cut off Sieg¡¯s yell with a cold gaze.

    Though imperfect he was still a user of EX Drake, but he was easily consigned to oblivion. That deed caused Lux to forget to breath.

    (No©¤©¤more importantly, why?)

    Lux was shocked by the terrifying strength of the Automata while his thought was chasing after another puzzle.

    (Why did Waybra who was a noble in the era of the Old Empire approach the Old Empire faction at this time? There must be something that he got his hands on. Information that might shake the foundation of the New Kingdom©¤©¤)

    And then, the words that Sieg spoke out before his death.

    His misunderstanding that Ney Louches who attacked his group was sent by Lux or another person.

    The fact that it was hinting at was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Are you noticing me, Lux Arcadia?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Ney Louches was directing her gaze towards the shadow of the building where Lux was hiding.

    There was no change at all in her adorable appearance with the dog ears growing from her head, but her expression was far different from the time when she was getting attached to Krulcifer at the Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall.

    (I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s with this situation. However, I¡¯ll have to fight if she is coming here©¤©¤)

    Lux tightly grasped his Wyvern¡¯s Blade and prepared to meet the opponent¡¯s attack.

    But, after watching the situation wordlessly for a while, Ney Louches faced away.

    ¡¸Roger dearimasu. You won¡¯t become an elimination target. Because you won¡¯t become a hindrance for the history revision anyway, and above all else, it seems you will be an essential personnel in the New Kingdom from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Ney Louches turned around abruptly and took off her gaze from Lux.

    She followed the force of Sieg Kreutzer that was starting to scatter and escape. She readied her Cannon and began shooting.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Stop it-! I¡¯ll erase the recording! I won¡¯t get involved with this case anymore! I¡¯m begging you so spare me-!¡¹

    The person who was begging for his life with a voice that was inviting pity got his neck reaped mercilessly.

    Next the people who got pursued from behind were screaming and running about trying to escape.

    ¡¸Yo, you damn idiot! There is still other Drakes that are in possession of the recording! If you kill us, that recording will get published©¤©¤gefuh!¡¹

    One soldier that was trying to bargain further got his mouth sealed with a flash of a sword.

    (¡­¡­Recording? This force©¤©¤Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer, are they in possession of some kind of secret?)

    Were they recording some kind of event using the special equipment type Drake to use it as a negotiation material?

    Then, on the last day of the previous parade, the corpse of the man in a tailcoat suit that Lux saw at the castle¡¯s courtyard was©¤©¤

    (The one who was killed by the Automata El Fajura at that time was, Waybra! And then the second time around, this time it was Sieg Kreutzer who got killed!? By a Gear Leader who is controlled by someone¡­¡­)

    But, why?

    Why were the Automata controlled?

    Lux who was wracking his brain to solve the questions was perplexed.

    Excluding Aeril, the awakened Lords were completely annihilated, that was why there should be no one who was able to do that.

    There was no way Aeril who was in control of Avalon would do something like this.

    Even the citizens who were witnessing this noisy battle weren¡¯t noticing the disturbance.

    ¨C

    ¡¸I©¤©¤know about it.¡¹

    ¨C

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Suddenly Aeril¡¯s voice entered his ear.

    When Lux immediately turned around, Aeril who disappeared some time ago was standing there.

    She was wearing the Academy¡¯s uniform that Lux praised as looking really good on her before. She was staring at Lux with a pained expression.

    Her braided radiant silver hair was swaying because of the night wind.

    ¡¸I knew the secret of the Zero Ruin that was sealed in the archive of the seventh Ruin Moon. But, it was just as Sir Singlen pointed out, I was hiding it. If this secret was known by someone else, surely another war will occur again. People trying to misuse it will surely appear. No©¤©¤it won¡¯t end with just that much. That was why, I couldn¡¯t tell anyone the true function of Avalon.¡¹

    Aeril who suddenly appeared was forming her words in a whisper.

    Lux was already not bothered by the uncertainty of her existence.

    Lux simply wanted to know her next words and he focused his hearing towards her.

    ¡¸That is exactly, the Zero Ruin©¤©¤ArtifactTransforming Drag-Ride Ouroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment, EndlessEternal Recurrence. Avalon is half the body of Ouroboros, it¡¯s also a dummy to hide the true shape of Ouroboros. A mighty power that far surpassed the perception manipulation I used to falsify my true identity is encroaching into the perception of humans within a range that covers the whole world, using each Ruin as its transmission amplification device.¡¹

    Lux felt with certainty, that these weren¡¯t words that were being said right now.

    These were words that Aeril were telling him at that time.

    ¡¸Ouroboros can rewind people¡¯s memories©¤©¤to change history. No matter how much destruction has happened, or how many millions of people were killed, it can realize a do over using perception manipulation that will adjust the events to fit the situation to a certain degree. The seven Ruins©¤©¤Artifacts¡¯ other side is as devices to brainwash the people to revise the history while at the same time destroy things that are unnecessary for history, and creating the necessary things.¡¹

    (So¡­¡­that¡¯s why. So, it¡¯s like that.)

    Lux could understand the reason why Aeril couldn¡¯t tell anyone that fact even though she knew it.

    If it became known that Avalon had that much power, if it became known that it would be possible to rule over other people as they pleased, anyone would take action in order to steal it no matter what kind of method they had to use.

    After all, the person who used that first would become the absolute victor.

    If other people¡¯s perception was thrown out of kilter and history was revised, other people wouldn¡¯t even notice that they were being exploited.

    That person would literally obtain the world in their hand.

    Therefore, by the point of time that truth became known, something like peace between countries would be impossible.

    The remaining sovereigns and influential people would pour everything they had into battle and rushed towards a bloody war.

    Aeril, Lux, Airi, those who had the bloodline of Arcadia would inevitably get targeted.

    ¡¸But people who received Baptism, the greater the extent of Baptism they received, the more they would be able to resist the perception manipulation to a certain degree. That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you. It¡¯s fine even if you decide to not fight. It¡¯s fine even if you decide to follow someone else. You who accepted me who was your enemy as your comrade©¤©¤you who are feeling concerned even towards Listelka-neesama and Hayes, if it¡¯s you, I will believe in your justice, your decision.¡¹

    After saying that, Aeril¡¯s expression loosened into a smile that was wafting off loneliness.

    She showed Lux the best smile she could make along with a voice that was filled with deep affection.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sayonara, Lux-kun. I¡¯m happy that I could meet you. It will be nice, if I can meet you again, within your consciousness at least.¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril¡­¡­?¡¹

    Her figure was faintly melting into the night¡¯s lighting.

    Before long her figure would vanish completely. Just before that happened, Lux came back to himself with a gasp.

    ¡¸The elimination of deletion target©¤©¤is finished dearimasu. Next is to wait for Endless¡¯s reactivation dearimasu, Arshalia-dono.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    The battle was ending while Lux was listening to Aeril¡¯s words.

    The wreckages of the smashed Drag-Rides and the scorched corpses of the users were scattered all over the main street.

    The crimson Divine Drag-Ride that Ney Louches was piloting killed everyone with certainty©¤©¤, no, around four or five people seemed to manage to escape using Drake¡¯s camouflage.

    (Are they¡­¡­being allowed to escape intentionally? It seems Ney Louches is moving by Arshalia¡¯s order.)

    The Gear Leader of Avalon, Arshalia.

    If the other Gear Leaders were moving by her direction, as expected the person who obtained Avalon was the one who was ordering this action.

    ¡¸More importantly, it¡¯s puzzling why I¡¯m being ordered to let them get away dearimasu. If it¡¯s me, I¡¯ll be able to kill them easily you know?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s in order to arrive at the real thing, nanodesu.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A Drag-Ride with armor that was shining like a jewel was floating behind Lux without him noticing it.

    It was the first time Lux was seeing that Divine Drag-Ride, but the rider was familiar to him.

    Clothes that was tightly fitting to the body and looked similar to a pilot suit. Mechanical ears that looked like rabbit ears growing from the head.

    The Automata they once discovered in the Ark and accompanied them before her authority was usurped by Hayes and she became their enemy©¤©¤La Cruche.

    ¡¸Sure thing, what do you mean by that dearimasu?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please wait a second nanodesu. The transmission from Captain Arshalia is interrupted. No, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m saying the instruction from captain as though it¡¯s my own words nanodesu©¤©¤¡¹

    The behavior of the easily carried away Automata who suddenly got flustered and starting to shift the responsibility felt slightly nostalgic©¤©¤

    However at the same time Lux was feeling dread at the content of their conversation.

    Ney Louches who was looking exasperated suddenly hit her hand with a plop and looked up at her comrade who was floating midair.

    ¡¸A contact came to me dearimasu. It seems that it¡¯s the idea of the new master. It¡¯s in order to smoke out all the hostiles during this parade dearimasu. With that the history will be correctly revised dearimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸Right right, that¡¯s it nanodesu! I know that right from the start you know, nanodesu.¡¹

    ¡¸In the end you completely forgot it didn¡¯t you dearimasu¡­¡­. Good grief, this piece of junk©¤©¤. I wonder why you didn¡¯t have the intellect strengthening remodeling done to you.¡¹

    ¡¸You are acting haughty for a mere little sister nanodesu! Looks like it¡¯s necessary to teach you your place.¡¹

    La Cruche flared up at Ney Louches who was nonchalantly making fun of her.

    Lux was listening to that harmonious exchange, at the same time the puzzle pieces were settling down in Lux¡¯s head.

    (History¡¯s revision¡­¡­? Someone is wishing for this situation and trying to manipulate history?)

    Lux had an idea about someone who would do that.

    (That¡¯s right. I, at that time©¤©¤!)

    Suddenly rainbow colored light overflowed from the two Automata before his eyes.

    For some reason, the deathly battle at the abandoned capital Guernica more than two weeks ago was surfacing at the back of Lux¡¯s mind that was getting further away.

 Volume 15 - Epilogue

    ¨C

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san, please wake up. It¡¯s morning already.¡¹

    A graceful voice tickled his ears.

    A small hand shook his body slowly. Lux opened his eyes.

    This place was the Royal Capital¡¯s castle town©¤©¤one of the rooms that they reserved.

    He was staying here with everyone from the Academy in order to participate in the New Years Parade.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Suddenly a strange uneasiness welled up inside Lux. He looked around the room he was in.

    Inside the tidy room that was cleaned really well, there were furniture that weren¡¯t gaudy but also weren¡¯t dreary.

    There was nothing strange at all.

    Was the strange scene he was seeing until just now an illusion©¤©¤a dream that he was seeing?

    ¡¸Even so it¡¯s really unusual. Nii-san who always wakes up early didn¡¯t wake up even from the sound of the fireworks. Are you still tired?¡¹

    Airi stood on her tiptoe and peered into the face of Lux who was going to change his clothes.

    The words his adorable little sister spoke got caught within Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸The sound of fireworks, you say?¡¹

    Lux asked back in bewilderment.

    Come to think of it, there were fireworks resounding in the early morning of the parade¡¯s first day.

    The same like the previous time, and also the time before that.

    (Resounding¡­¡­was it?)

    No, he remembered that previously there was such sound, but today he felt like there wasn¡¯t anything like that.

    At the very least Lux didn¡¯t hear any sound or anything.

    (Previously¡­¡­? Today is¡­¡­? What am I thinking?)

    Even though today should be his first time welcoming the morning of the three days of the parade, he had a conviction that he heard this sound previously. That strange out-of-place feeling made him dizzy.

    He washed his face and changed clothes, then had breakfast in the dining hall at the inn¡¯s first floor.

    The inn was reserved, and it wasn¡¯t like all the students of the Academy came, but as expected, the place was cramped because there was a lot of them.

    Amidst that, the Triad who were eating together with him let out their dissatisfaction.

    ¡¸The breakfast is too few¡­¡­. Even though I¡¯m the type who eats a lot in the morning©¤¡¹

    Tillfur was peering into the soup¡¯s bowl with a sorrowful voice.

    Sharis who was watching that from the side smiled wryly and chided her as the eldest.

    ¡¸That¡¯s bad manners Tillfur. With this I¡¯m worried not just for the parade¡¯s security, but also for the commendation awards on the last day.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. The inn¡¯s staff were also apologizing. They are rushing around to gather ingredients that are running out earlier than expected, so it seems that it will be solved at night.¡¹

    ¡¸At night, it will be the party already then ain¡¯t it? I want to eat in the morning y¡¯knoow!¡¹

    Noct acted calm and composed like usual while Tillfur was booing childishly.

    The Triad¡¯s conversation was somewhat charming to watch, but it strangely caught Lux¡¯s attention.

    ¡¸But, certainly the amount is too few. The menu is the same but, it¡¯s only half of previously.¡¹

    Lux looked at the amount of breakfast lined up on the table and tilted his head.

    Airi who heard that was poking at Lux¡¯s shoulder with a gaze as though she was looking at something strange.

    ¡¸Nii-san, you speak as though you have come here once before to eat. Are you still half-asleep? Geez.¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t last, if I don¡¯t eat snacks too¡­¡­ Lu-chan, you want to eat sweets later too?¡¹

    Philuffy was expressionless and at her own pace like usual, but as expected it seemed that her empty stomach was winning, she was giving off a sad looking atmosphere.

    ¡¸It¡¯s okay to give me if you have leftovers. I¡¯m not that hungry after all, Phi-chan, eat it for yourself.¡¹

    Lux sent her a smile and presented his bacon and eggs to her, but Philuffy endured even while wavering.

    ¡¸More importantly, did you hear it Phi-chan? The sounds of fireworks this morning.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. I also didn¡¯t hear it, at all.¡¹

    When he took the opportunity to bring it up, he unexpectedly received such reply.

    ©¤©¤Strange.

    Due to the effect of the Abyss¡¯s seed that was planted inside Philuffy, her physical ability and five senses far surpassed the average person. In other words, her hearing too.

    (Is she still that tired just as expected?)

    By the way he also tried asking the Triad and the other members of Syvalles, but it seemed they heard the firework sound clearly.

    ¡¸Geez, even Philuffy-san is still half-asleep. Please don¡¯t fall asleep in the middle of the parade okay?¡¹

    Airi sighed with an uneasy stare.

    Lux smiled wryly in awkwardness while eating his breakfast.

    The peaceful time was passing by twice as fast than usual.

    ¨C

    On the first day of the parade that celebrated the new year, the royal family was going around the castle town together with the marching of the soldiers.

    Naturally Lux also accompanied Lisha. They were acting together throughout the morning.

    After that, they safely finished the greeting to the people using horse carriage for a total of four hours. He returned to the inn and took rest inside the room together with his girl classmates.

    There would be a party in the castle on the second day, tomorrow.

    There he would be able to reunite with Krulcifer, Celis, Aeril, and the Seven Dragon Paladins who came as state guests.

    Everyone safely survived despite being present on that battlefield.

    It had been two weeks since he last saw them, he was looking forward to the reunion.

    But, the business for today was over with this.

    A party would begin with everyone in the Academy at the large bar that Relie reserved for them.

    He went to the toilet before departing there and when he was going to return to his room, he heard a voice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Everyone is safe? You too are a heartless man huh, chore boy.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux turned to look behind him towards that boldly mocking voice.

    He was at the second floor¡¯s open corridor where the evening¡¯s red sunlight was shining in.

    A man wearing a black coat was standing there as though he had crawled out from the darkness.

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤¡¹

    The vice captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, the Blue Tyrant Singlen Shelbrit.

    Two weeks ago, this man tried to monopolize Avalon at the abandoned capital Guernica and he dueled with him in order to stop his ambition, and then©¤©¤

    ¡¸Why are you here¡­¡­is that what you are going to ask? You are foolish like usual huh, chore boy. Is that all you are going to ask me?¡¹

    Singlen walked towards Lux with a sarcastic smile directed to him.

    His body was small and thin contrary to that arrogant and haughty attitude, but he emitted a heavy pressure that made anyone hesitate to contact him carelessly.

    ¡¸You still haven¡¯t noticed? Although you have received Baptism, the will to resist is necessary. As long as you are accepting this peaceful world, the curse of perception won¡¯t be dispelled.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He didn¡¯t understand the meaning of the words Singlen was saying.

    Despite that, he didn¡¯t feel like discontinuing the talk like usual.

    (That¡¯s right. I heard the story from this man. After dueling Singlen in the control room of Avalon, the words I heard from him©¤©¤)

    ¨C

    ¡º¡­¡­Thirty seconds remaining until we are sent out from here. As a prize for defeating me once, I¡¯ll teach you the truth. What will happen from now on, when you are trying to follow the same path like me in the past.¡»

    ¨C

    That¡¯s right. Singlen certainly said that.

    However©¤©¤ he was unable to remember the essential conversation.

    Just by thinking about it, his mind was getting hazy.

    ¡¸Do you want to run away, into the dream that you wished for? But, if you don¡¯t notice it will end here you know? You will only walk the same fate like me without understanding at all what is happening.¡¹

    ¡¸The same fate, like you?¡¹

    ¡¸You should have seen it. The incident happening behind the scenes of this parade. And then, you should know it. Just like how you were once asked to become the key to bring about the equilibrium. How you were roused to become one of the pawns to push up the great man Count Atismata.¡¹

    He got a headache when he was trying to dig up his memory.

    ¡¸What are, you saying? You are¡­¡­©¤©¤!?¡¹

    He suddenly felt a strange presence.

    No, Lux smelled an offensive smell and he grimaced.

    ¡¸What are you doing alone Lux-chi? You were really late, are you feeling bad©¤©¤¡¹

    The voice of Tillfur who came from behind caused Lux to be taken aback.

    At that instant, Singlen¡¯s figure in front of him suddenly vanished.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m only a bit tired. I¡¯ll go to feel the wind for a bit.¡¹

    Lux left those words and got out of the inn.

    His back was pushed by a strange out-of-place feeling and he started running through the streets in the evening.

    He followed the same path like last night towards the direction the strange smell was coming through the wind.

    ¡¸Oo! Isn¡¯t this the hero-dono! You are going to fall if you are so hurried like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you getting summoned by the princess? Don¡¯t go so fast like that okay?¡¹

    A middle-aged man with an unshaven face and bulky physique. A headstrong housewife in her thirties.

    The people of the castle town who he passed by on the main street were calling out to Lux smilingly when they saw him.

    He weaved through the back alley and went through the road in a straight line, and then©¤©¤he found the corpses of many soldiers.

    A great amount of bloodstains, and rubble that were piled up high.

    The wreckages of broken Drag-Rides and corpses that were buried crudely.

    The arm that was sticking out graphically from under the ground. It didn¡¯t even catch the attention of the passing people.

    As though there was nothing there from the start.

    As though there was nothing existing there.

    ¡¸Sieg Kreutzer¡­¡­¡¹

    That¡¯s right.

    Yesterday this man was killed by the Automatas here.

    ¡¸Why!? How am I©¤©¤no, everyone in this country is repeating the same parade? This should be something that happened yesterday. And yet¡­¡­why did everyone hear the sounds of fireworks!?¡¹

    The man called Waybra was killed inside the castle on the last day of the first parade of the time before the last time.

    And then, yesterday the little brother of Balzerite, Sieg Kreutzer was also killed.

    Why©¤©¤they were the only ones who were killed by the Automatas?

    And then, why did no one notice?

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me keep repeating the same things, chore boy. Are you still going to bother me even when it¡¯s this late in the game?¡¹

    Singlen was standing inside the darkness of the evening when he turned around.

    Within the hustle and bustle of the passing by people, there was a cat that ran through Singlen¡¯s body.

    As though there was nothing there since the beginning.

    ¡¸You should have known if it¡¯s you, someone who followed the same path like me and had gone through Baptism three times. Just what this is. Who is the one that is trying to do something?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Rewind, redo.

    That¡¯s right. Five years ago, when he thought that Philufy who was kidnapped for human experimentation died, Lux who became desperate abandoned the whole plan of the revolution©¤©¤when he was going to head to strike down the Emperor, the world was rewound.

    And then, at the second time Airi was taken hostage due to the information from the betrayer and they were almost killed by the Emperor.

    That was why, that time the world was rewound again.

    The same like right now in order to make the world follow the history where the Old Empire was destroyed and the new equilibrium was made©¤©¤

    ¡¸It¡¯s not simple for the power of the weak to overturn the system. To beat the stronghold of the strong and maintain the equilibrium, the era has to be changed. The central personage for that©¤©¤what that guy called as the candidate to be the core of history numbered more than one. That guy found me at the Blackend Kingdom in the past, while in this country he selected that great man Count Atismata whoever and you.¡¹

    ©¤©¤Revolution.

    The existence who became the core that changed the trend of the one-sided strength of the strong.

    Lux who possessed the will and resolve for that was made to grow, and when he was about to go off the rail, he was corrected.

    In order to guide the Old Empire five years ago to the fate of destruction.

    ¡¸Have you realized? Have you remembered? Then now you can suffer a lot. Go rot and fall and break in the miniature garden of the fictitious world that you said.¡¹

    Singlen left those words behind and his figure melted into the dusk and vanished.

    And then Lux remembered everything. He ran towards the castle of the New Kingdom that was towering high in the distance.

    ¨C

    The cheers of the people were carried by the wind towards the New Kingdom¡¯s castle.

    Inside the audience hall of the castle that was from the reconstructed Old Empire¡¯s castle, Queen Raffi was sitting with her eyes closed.

    Beside her, there was no figure of her aide Prime Minister Nulph.

    In exchange there was another figure.

    ¡¸It seems that currently the people of the other countries aren¡¯t scheming anything. It will depend on the conference regarding Avalon from here on, but perhaps it will end without any meddling from them.¡¹

    The face of Queen Raffi who was saying that was showing a relieved smile.

    ¡¸What¡¯s left is©¤©¤only to eradicate the source of that recording. This parade is already rewound twice. Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer have been eliminated. Now that the true identity of the person who made a deal with him is known, the future will be in our hands without problem in the next rewind.¡¹

    Right beside Queen Raffi, a man wearing a magnificent cloak was standing.

    He was an existence that possessed an intimidating air that pressured other people and an eye glint like a beast.

    ¡¸The future where you safely rule the New Kingdom as it is. You who are standing on the side of the weak are chosen by Sacred Eclipse. You have the qualifications to become the core of this country, and to further guide this world to balance.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m grateful to you. Waybra was my lover in the past. I told him the plan of my brother in order to protect him and let him escape. For that fact to get recorded by a Drake©¤©¤. If that fact became known by the populace, I won¡¯t be able to live anymore in this world.¡¹

    The queen muttered with a transient smile.

    She was directing a grateful feeling towards the hero called Fugil who saved her.

    ¡¸Then, should we carry out the next Baptism? Two weeks have passed since then, you are steadily adapting to it. Surely it will become possible for you to even fuse with Sacred Eclipse if some more time passes.¡¹

    ¡¸Please¡­¡­. If peace can be brought to this country with that©¤©¤I will even become evil. It¡¯s for the sake of women like me, who were persecuted until now by the men, by the people of the Old Empire.¡¹

    Her eyes wavered with uneasiness, but there wasn¡¯t any hesitation there anymore.

    She reached out her hand towards the Automata beside her with determination to personally walk on the path of sin in her heart.

    ¡¸There is only one more thing left. If I can confirm Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s true intentions, then all will be well for the time being. It will be great if he isn¡¯t trying to threaten me but©¤©¤¡¹

    Those were the words of someone who was resolved.

    A weak person who turned the world into an enemy and fell into a difficult situation where they were forced to walk the path of fabricated righteousness due to their birth.

    Such person was led by the hero and embarked on a new path.

    ¨C

    ¡¸Fugil¡­¡­. You¡­¡­! Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux who sensed the presence let out a bewildered voice and looked up at the towering castle of justice.

    The man who was standing on the terrace that was jutting out from the castle displayed a smile that was like a curse and spoke to his little brother below.

    ¡¸Did you recover your memory? Then you can choose. Will you turn her into an enemy in order to save the people? You who are the knight of that princess, try to destroy and save this country once more, hero.¡¹

    The jet black smile shook up Lux¡¯s heart.

    On the castle¡¯s parapet, Sacred Eclipse that was covered with an ominous miasma was standing and looking down on the hustle and bustle of the parade.

 Volume 16 - Prologue

    (I, didn¡¯t receive help from anyone¡­¡­)

    ¨C

    (No one©¤©¤came searching for me¡­¡­)

    ¨C

    (Those two, betrayed me¡­¡­)

    ¨C

    Within the morning glow of the sun that hadn¡¯t fully risen, the medium sized Blade of polished Mythrildyte cut through the air.

    The dilapidated underground room of the abandoned building was the ideal hideout in this capital city, it was possible to train there even while in the middle of an infiltration mission.

    Although, it didn¡¯t mean that the radar of a special equipment type Drake wouldn¡¯t detect this activity, so they couldn¡¯t completely let their guard down.

    But, they basically concentrated and carried out their daily routine.

    ¡¸Fu, haa-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Their hand instantly touched the Sword Device on their waist, and right after that they pulled the trigger of the Drag-Ride¡¯s right armored arm and executed body control operation and mind control operation simultaneously.

    The perfect harmonization of two types of control operation.

    Precision and concentration where not even an instant of deviation was allowed were indispensable.

    A speed that the eye couldn¡¯t even follow, that wasn¡¯t the case here.

    For their current self, they were able to produce a speed on a level that could only be confirmed after the slash had happened roughly about one in ten times.

    Even so it was a drastic improvement.

    Until half a year ago their success rate was only once in a hundred times.

    One year ago it wasn¡¯t even a surety that they were able to do it once in a thousand times.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! Fuu¡­¡­!¡¹

    The inside of their pilot suit became sticky with sweat after finishing their five hundredth¡¯s practice swinging.

    Exhaustion flooded their body the instant they stopped and they staggered. They leaned on the dirty wall of the dilapidated building.

    They felt dizziness like anemia and their consciousness felt distant.

    ¡¸Fu, fufufufufufu¡­¡­¡¹

    It was still far from being complete.

    They knew that the difficulty would further rise sharply in real battle.

    But, they were definitely getting near.

    That pleasant realization filled the body of that person.

    ¡¸©¤©¤To be able to do this one hundred times out of one hundred, the Black Hero is really terrifying.¡¹

    They brushed up their front hair that was sticking on their face due to their sweat while muttering with a voice that was filled with respect and longing.

    ¡¸Most likely that person is far older than me, he©¤©¤or perhaps she, still feels very far out of my reach.¡¹

    The legendary Drag-Knight that they had never seen.

    They felt like they were touching a portion of that person by learning his technique and felt exaltation from it.

    They took off their pilot suit, wrung out a wet towel, and wiped their sweat inside the underground space.

    Bit by bit.

    (It¡¯s bit by bit but, I too am getting close to becoming the same monster©¤©¤surely.)

    That felt extremely enjoyable, and delightful.

    For this person who spent half their life in despair, there was no greater purpose in life than this.

    That didn¡¯t change even in this world changing situation.

    Above all else, there was the prospect that at last they might be able to finally meet with the legendary Black Hero©¤©¤ the existence that they idolized who they didn¡¯t even know whether that person was a man or woman.

    (I¡¯ll be able to meet, that person who saved me.)

    Just from thinking that, an exaltation that was incomparable from when they felt the result of their training was making this person¡¯s chest throb hard.

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡¹

    At that timing, sound suddenly came from outside the building and this person took a vigilant stance.

    ¡¸Alma-sama. Are you there?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What do you want? Say the code first.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes! Pardon my rudeness!¡¹

    Alma wore their pilot suit while the young man who came to contact them muttered the decided code.

    The code was the password that was used by fellow members of a certain company.

    ¡ºKilzrake Family¡»

    It was a group that controlled a gigantic market next after Magialca Zen Vanfrick¡¯s firm that boasted the greatest influence in the Marcafal Kingdom. It introduced itself as a company at the surface, but it was practically something like a mafia.

    Armed might that included Drag-Knights, human trafficking, drugs, prostitution, etc, it¡¯s a group that handled illegal commodities and services on a large scale.

    Its name wasn¡¯t really known in the New Kingdom, but in the neighboring country it was treated with caution as a threat.

    It was managed by a boss whose identity was unknown. This girl named Alma was a subordinate who was a trusted confidant of that boss.

    She was called with the codename Alma Kilzrake. She was an elite Drag-Knight.

    She had skill that allowed her to pilot an EX Drake at her age that was only 14. Her characteristic was her fierce fighting style that was greedily pursuing victory, but her birth and true identity wasn¡¯t known by anyone except by the boss.

    Wearing a hat with wide brim, her well-ordered features and her blonde hair that was tied into a short ponytail gave her a look like a boy who still had the traces of youthfulness.

    The arriving messenger informed that Alma.

    ¡¸Actually, there is a message from boss©¤©¤. He asked you to contact him at last. That silver haired chore prince, no, he is called as the hero of the New Kingdom now as the one with great contributions to the victory in Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so the time to move him finally came.¡¹

    Alma who heard that made a fearless smile on her lips.

    (Iwatashi¡­¡­no, Iore know that this world is false.)

    In her childhood, she received Baptism from an unknown person.

    And then, the existence that was her ¡ºboss¡» told her the fact that these three days of parade had been repeated three times.

    She knew about the existence of the queen who schemed to bury the sin of her past by tricking the people and about the princess who didn¡¯t know anything.

    How she was completely forgotten and abandoned by the two.

    (Finally, the time to accomplish my revenge has come!)

    Alma possessed a certain deep fate that was related to the present New Kingdom.

    ¡¸Fu, fufufufu¡­¡­¡¹

    After the messenger left, a laugh leaked out from the corners of her lips.

    Thus that person started to move.

    As a ghost seeking to settle her unfortunate fate.

 Volume 16 - CH 1

    ¡¸I told you, how about I listen to your talk again? Lux, did you hear?¡¹

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤¡¹

    Seven years ago. Inside the grounds of the Arcadia Empire¡¯s castle.

    ¨C

    Beside the fountain in the castle¡¯s courtyard that was decorated with brightly colored plants, a man was calling out to Lux.

    At that time Lux was facing a predicament.

    Lux¡¯s grandfather was blamed because of his remonstration to the emperor. He was thrown into jail and then executed. After that Lux¡¯s mother died from a horse cart accident. Lux who fell into despair was saved by Philuffy.

    After that, Lux attempted to change the old empire using a proper method.

    He polished his skill as a Drag-Knight, an occupation that was becoming the core of this era. Even though he didn¡¯t have any authority as an imperial prince, he planned to obtain another accomplishment so that he would be recognized.

    He would become recognized by the emperor, increase the number of his allies and obtain the right to speak, and then gradually change the despotic administration and the trend of chauvinism from the inside.

    He swore to create a country where his important little sister and childhood friend could live in peace.

    ©¤©¤But, in reality, even getting the permission to use a Drag-Ride was very hard for Lux.

    Others didn¡¯t want Lux who was the youngest son that was very far from inheriting the throne to be holding a weapon or anything.

    He was told like that by the people of the castle. He was unable to even touch a Sword Device until Fugil obtained permission for him.

    Even after that another hell was starting for him.

    Although his aptitude in using a Drag-Ride was high, his body was still childish and immature. Everyday he whipped his immature body to the limit and worked hard until he lost consciousness every time.

    That desperate effort was coupled with Lux¡¯s prodigious talent. He obtained strength as a Drag-Ride and produced achievements in Abyss extermination, but he wasn¡¯t recognized at all.

    He was made to realize his naivety that the opinion on him would change by doing such things.

    Even after obtaining strength through a probability that was nearly a miracle, people whose thoughts of him was the same like before©¤©¤no, who thought even worse of him, appeared inside the castle and they tried to remove him.

    Someone who agreed with Lux¡¯s ideal of helping the people didn¡¯t exist at all in this castle.

    ¨C

    With only a single exception, this eldest brother of his.

    ¡¸Why is Nii-san listening to my opinion?¡¹

    Lux asked back while his expression was staying calm.

    The eldest son of the Arcadia Empire¡¯s emperor, Fugil.

    The former Drag-Knight who was said to have withdrawn from battle due to a wound that he got from a war.

    He made appearance in public due to his status as a member of the imperial family, but he was taciturn and almost didn¡¯t get involved with other people. An eccentric man.

    While he possessed a position that could make use of overwhelming authority, he didn¡¯t indulge himself in debauchery and also maintained distance from politics.

    The first impression from Lux who was the youngest brother from a different mother was like that.

    Lux was puzzled why he caught Fugil¡¯s eyes and why he was helping him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This garden is old. Its appearance look well tended, but it¡¯s a mess due to repeated unnecessary transplantation.¡¹

    Fugil turned his gaze towards the garden and spoke words that doubled as his reply to Lux.

    ¡¸If the soil is bad, the plant will also get sick. The world of man is the same. Therefore to tend to a country too, there is no other way than severing all the roots that had grown too long and entangled with each other, and then change the plants and also the soil. That period is approaching near.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That was an invitation.

    It was an offer to Lux to change this world©¤©¤ this country from its foundation together.

    For Lux whose proposals and advice were completely rejected by the all the people inside the castle, this was the only remaining hope for him.

    His little sisterAiri and childhood friendPhiluffy.

    A hand of salvation was reaching out to him in order to protect his remaining beloved people.

    He once got the chance to practice piloting a Drag-Ride and obtained strength by piling up an absurd amount of effort.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can you, please, wait for a little bit more?¡¹

    Lux gave a vague reply while knowing his eldest brother¡¯s intentions.

    He understood.

    In order to change everything from its foundation, the plants needed to be uprooted from the ground.

    There would be no chance for the rulers and the people conspiring with them to return.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. But, there is a time limit to everything. Time that has passed won¡¯t return back for the second time. Just like how you lost your grandfather and mother.¡¹

    ¡¸Please let me think for three more days. I want to think carefully one more time, about the way to persuade father and the others©¤©¤¡¹

    Inside his heart, Lux had decided how he would choose.

    Even so, he needed time.

    The time to resolve himself to take away something from someone else.

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine, I will wait as long as you like.¡¹

    In respond the man who saved Lux out from the depths of despair responded with a gentle smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting all this time. For a person who can be called hero©¤©¤the appearance of the person in possession of that will, that is exactly¡¹

    ¡¸Fugil, niisan¡­¡­¡¹

    Three days later, Lux started to move.

    And then, the plan of revolution started.

    ¡¸Is, that¡­¡­! Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤?¡¹

    New Kingdom Atismata, the capital Roadgalia.

    Near the castle gate that was enveloped by the hustle and bustle of the parade¡¯s first day, Lux looked up the parapet that surrounded the castle.

    The one standing while clad with an ominous miasma, was the person shaped Ragnarok with the outside appearance of a girl clad in a pure white dress©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse.

    On the jutting out terrace, a tall and lean man with glint in his eye like a beast©¤©¤Fugil Arcadia was standing.

    ©¤©¤Inconsistency.

    After the mortal combat at the abandoned capital Guernica in the Marcafal Kingdom, Aeril succeeded in taking control of Avalon.

    And then she connected to the system and turned off the activation of Sacred Eclipse.

    The remaining Lords and Fugil were defeated by the Seven Dragon Paladins and died.

    The reality should be like that.

    But, Lux¡¯s consciousness told him that wasn¡¯t the case.

    The two threats existing before his eyes weren¡¯t a dream or an illusion, they were the real thing.

    The memory of Lux and the others had been falsified by Avalon and Fugil©¤©¤

    At the very least, Magialca, Singlen, and Aeril weren¡¯t in this royal capital.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins were defeated in the battle against Fugil and the reorganization of the world was carried out.

    Two weeks passed after that and the three days of parade in this royal capital was repeated.

    Strictly speaking, time itself wasn¡¯t being repeated.

    The memory of these three days©¤©¤the consciousness of all the people existing in this country were getting rewound to the first day of the parade after every three days.

    A manipulation of consciousness on a world scale.

    The people were being led astray by being made unable to notice only the inconsistency and specific phenomenon.

    That was the truth that Lux realized.

    The Divine Raiment of ArtifactTransforming Drag-Ride Ouroboros, Endless. That was the true identity of what created this world revision.

    (Then, the Sacred Eclipse hasn¡¯t stopped? If the countdown to the world¡¯s destruction is continuing, how many days are remaining!?)

    Lux shuddered. When he looked up to the castle, he met the gaze of Fugil who was standing on the terrace.

    Fugil¡¯s gaze was sharp as though it pierced through the opponent.

    In response, Lux too also hardened his spirit so as to not lose against that.

    Within the tension that was just a hair away from exploding, that balance suddenly crumbled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu¡¹

    Fugil turned around without showing any particular action and walked away into the castle.

    (¡­¡­-!? He doesn¡¯t realize that I noticed what is going on? No, is he ignoring me¡­¡­? But, the Sacred Eclipse is still©¤©¤)

    Lux¡¯s expression changed into bewilderment. Then he talked to the guard that was stationed near the castle gate.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Is something the matter, Lux-dono?¡¹

    ¡¸The parade has just ended and her majesty the queen is in the middle of resting. We are told to not let anyone pass inside anymore for today, is it an urgent business?¡¹

    The Sacred Eclipse that was standing on the parapet suddenly vanished when he looked away.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even if he tried to pursue, there was no trace remaining behind.

    And then, it seemed it was only Lux alone who noticed its existence in this place.

    ©¤©¤¡¯The consciousness of everyone, of all the people who are in this country right now is being captured by the deception that the world is in peace.¡¯

    The fictive world created by the resonance of Avalon and Ouroboros.

    Lux felt horrified by that reality once more and he became pale.

    ¡¸No¡­¡­. It¡¯s, nothing.¡¹

    Currently it looked like Sacred Eclipse wasn¡¯t rampaging yet.

    In that case there was still some leeway.

    Rather than challenging it into battle at this place and provoking it, Lux judged that he ought to judge the situation first.

    Either way, Sacred Eclipse would revive endlessly without connecting to Avalon¡¯s system and turning it off.

    Thinking so, Lux turned back towards the path he came from and returned back to the inn where everyone of the Academy was staying.

    Lux¡¯s work for this first day of parade was already over.

    His remaining schedule was only to rest in the inn until evening and then make merry with everyone of the Academy in the bar, but©¤©¤

    (Wait? More importantly, what does this mean!?)

    The clash of the Seven Dragon Paladins and Fugil.

    In the battle that happened more than two weeks ago, Fugil made an allusion regarding the raison d¡¯etre of Sacred Eclipse.

    Its objective was the salvation of the weak.

    Furthermore it would lend its strength to the core of the resistance movement that could possibly change the one-sided government system.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Uneasiness spread inside Lux¡¯s chest like dirty mud.

    With Sacred Eclipse in the castle, did that mean that its possession target was in there?

    In any case, the nobles colluding with the Old Empire faction that was trying to overturn the New Kingdom, Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer were deliberately murdered.

    The mastermind of this repeating parade and the objective was©¤©¤

    First, he had to determine those.

    Currently, if it was impossible to learn that truth other than Lux, he had to ask for the cooperation of Lisha and the others and solve it©¤©¤

    (¡­¡­However, who is doing this? Just who in the world is Fugil and Sacred Eclipse cooperating with? Just what kind of information did Waybra and Sieg know that it got them killed?)

    ¨C

    ¡ºDo you really think that her majesty the queen right now has the caliber that is worthy to bring the New Kingdom together? Do you think that she can be entrusted with the future from here on? If I say that I¡¯m endorsing someone else©¤©¤¡»

    ¨C

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Suddenly the words that he heard from Celis¡¯s father, Dist, right before the loop of this period of parade began flashed at the back of his mind.

    Dist conveyed those words to Lux in order to strengthen the foundation of the New Kingdom that was shaken by the incidents that happened in succession. The senior consuls who supported the thinking of the Old Empire©¤©¤the Old Empire faction wasn¡¯t the only faction that existed out there.

    Dist who was one of the Four Great Nobles certainly said something like that, about endorsing someone else to replace the queen as the new king.

    At the conversation that time, the talk finished with Dist concluding that he would keep supporting the queen as usual, but in the end the identity of the ¡ºsomeone who would replace the queen¡» was still buried in the dark.

    Thinking of the miniscule chance of the information getting leaked or their relationship from thereon, Lux intentionally didn¡¯t ask Dist about it at that time, but he could roughly imagine the answer.

    Prime Minister Nulph was originally in the Atismata faction.

    There was no other candidate other than him who was supporting Queen Raffi as her close aide.

    If he moved in order to kill Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer who attempted to shake the structure of the New Kingdom using some kind of information©¤©¤

    (No¡­¡­ it¡¯s still too hasty to decide that it¡¯s Prime Minister Nulph.)

    In any case, if he was going to solve this incident, there was a need to know everything.

    What was the secret grasped by the core personage of the Old Empire faction that could shake the foundation of the New Kingdom?

    Who was it who feared that secret coming to light and instructed the Automatas to carry out the assassination in order to seal the truth?

    The person who conducted that act, if for example it was the person from the New Kingdom faction just like he imagined, in that case Lux would have to throw himself into a battle of no return.

    It wouldn¡¯t affect Lux alone, it might bring harm to his little sister Airi and his comrades in the Academy too.

    This was a completely different situation compared to before when it would be fine to just defeat the enemy.

    ¡¸What in the world is this, it¡¯s like©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux felt that he was at his wits¡¯ end and he unconsciously leaked out a sigh.

    The incident whirling under the surface.

    Tension that even made it hard for him to breathe caused him to remember the time five years ago in the era of the Old Empire.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This is, like the era of the Old Empire?¡¹

    The wild delusion that surfaced at the back of his mind made him leak out a bitter smile.

    ©¤©¤¡¯Impossible.¡¯

    The country had changed from that time.

    The time when he had to be mindful of the expression of the aristocrats, of the time when he had to stifle his heart and be mindful of other people¡¯s mood was over.

    A world unlike that should have been created.

    That was¡­¡­how it should be.

    If not, the sacrifice of the imperial family and their retainers five years ago would be©¤©¤

    ¡¸©¤©¤You should look to the front properly when you are walking you know? If not, you will stumble even when it¡¯s at a place where there is nothing.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    *Tap*, Lux returned to his senses when someone lightly poked his shoulder.

    Looking there, there was the nostalgic figure of a girl in the middle of the main street that was jumbled with a lot of people.

    ¡¸Long time no see, Lux-kun. Are you well?¡¹

    The one who directed an expression filled with affection to him was Krulcifer in her uniform.

    At the first and second loop of the parade, he was reunited with her along with Mel and Pope Nias of the Ymir Theocracy in the castle. He never thought that he would meet her here.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san!? Why©¤©¤?¡¹

    Thus Lux was shocked and asked her, but Krulcifer smiled wryly and placed her hand on his lips.

    She chuckled and turned her gaze towards a food stand at the main street.

    ¡¸I was asked to babysit those girls. They said that they are curious of the food of the stalls and won¡¯t listen.¡¹

    Lux followed her gaze and found Soffice who was stuffing her cheeks with skewered meat and Mel who was holding a cheese cake wrapped in paper.

    It seemed that the two of them were enjoying the parade first before the formal visitation.

    But, perhaps they clearly heard Lux and Krulcifer¡¯s exchange even within the noisy street. Mel walked towards them quickly with an exasperated expression.

    ¡¸Can you please not talk as you please? It was you who forcefully asked for outing permission because you said that you want to watch Onii-chan¡¯s hour of triumph right!?¡¹

    ¡¸Is there something like that? My memory is a bit blurry.¡¹

    When Krulcifer played dumb like that, Soffice too immediately flared up at her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not that much of a glutton. Correct that in front of Lux.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks unconsciously loosened up seeing Soffice¡¯s figure that was lacking in persuasiveness due to her holding skewered meat in one hand while saying that.

    The Seven Dragon Paladin of the Ymir Theocracy who had a petite stature and platinum colored hair, Mel Gizalut.

    The representative of the Turkimes Confederation who had dark brown skin and black hair, while wearing the characteristic outfit of a foreign country©¤©¤Seven Dragon Paladin Soffice Xfer.

    The two of them existed here even in this situation where Lux had recovered his normal consciousness.

    In other words, at the very least the two of them were alive.

    ¡¸Both of you, I¡¯m glad! You two are safe!¡¹

    The instant he saw them, intense happiness welled up inside his chest and he reflexively took the hand of the two of them and hugged them.

    Unlike Aeril, Singlen and Magialca who he saw in the middle of the parade as illusions created by Avalon¡¯s perception manipulation, these two had definite presence which made him feel relieved.

    ¡¸Wai-, Onii-chan. People are looking you know? I¡¯m happy though.¡¹

    ¡¸This lad is bold, unlike his appearance.¡¹

    When Lux held the waists of the two girl with both hands and hugged them, Mel and Soffice who didn¡¯t know the situation were surprised while their faces reddened.

    (As I thought, it looks like Mel and Soffice are still under the effect of the perception manipulation¡­¡­)

    What did it take for someone to notice?

    Lux was also curious about that, but suddenly he noticed a mute dangerous presence rising up behind him.

    He gasped and turned around. When he saw Krulcifer there, she turned her gaze aside for some reason and looked down with a complicated expression.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. The Lux-kun that I know is already nowhere to find. He shouldn¡¯t be a person who can calmly embrace a girl who isn¡¯t even his lover even if it¡¯s a reunion with a friend that he hasn¡¯t met for a long time.¡¹

    Krulcifer unusually made an expression of displeasure. She was sending a cold gaze to Lux.

    Lux let go of the two in panic and swung around his hands as though crossing them in front of him with a flustered look.

    ¡¸Kru, Krulcifer-san, you are misunderstanding!? That¡¯s, it¡¯s, there isn¡¯t any particular deep meaning in that hug, it¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t notice the lad¡¯s hidden feeling¡­¡­. To think that his positivity level to me is far higher than Krulcifer, this is honestly troubling. It¡¯s okay if it¡¯s only as far as a kiss.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, defeat isn¡¯t something to feel shame about. After all it¡¯s simply that the enemy is too strong.¡¹

    Soffice showed a bewildered gesture while her expression was staying blank. Mel intentionally made fun of Krulcifer.

    Lux got flustered even more by the dialogue of the two who were related with the Ymir Theocracy and the Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    ¡¸It looks like I was mistaken. Lux-kun was making a very grave face, that was why I carelessly called out to you but, it seems you actually have a lot of leeway.¡¹

    Krulcifer turned around while sighing deeply. She was turning her back on Lux.

    Without pause she was heading into the congestion of the parade.

    ¡¸Wai-, it¡¯s a complete misunderstanding Krulcifer-san! Or rather, both of you please stop adding fuel to the fire!?¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. It can¡¯t be helped. How about we go off by ourselves? We made that kind of promise anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s boring but, that¡¯s the promise. Let¡¯s meet again tomorrow, Lux.¡¹

    Mel and Soffice seemed to guess the situation and let him go for now.

    Lux chased after Krulcifer in panic and after giving an explanation desperately, they went to take a break at the central park.

    ¡¸Here. Krulcifer-san! I bought a snack for you!¡¹

    After soothing down his female classmate somehow, Lux bought crepe at a stall and handed it to her.

    But, although Krulcifer accepted it, her gaze was chilly.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. I¡¯m different from the princess and your childhood friend. It will be a big mistake if you think you can deceive me with something like a crepe.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s shoulders dropped in dejection and he stood stock still.

    Then, Krulcifer finally let out a long sigh ¡®fuu¡¯ and her expression returned to normal.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. I was shocked when I saw your brooding expression at the start, but it seems it¡¯s the usual Lux-kun. I¡¯m relieved.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She said that with her usual cool attitude and tone while showing a small smile.

    It seemed she wanted to say that the exchange before this was her tricking Lux in order to observe his actual state, but©¤©¤

    (It feels like she was seriously getting absurdly angry. It wasn¡¯t an act¡­¡­!)

    Lux had the self-awareness that he was ignorant of a woman¡¯s heart, but as expected he was able to at least understand that really well.

    ¡¸And, what happened? I¡¯ll be happy if it¡¯s something that you can also tell me.¡¹

    ¡¸That is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was conflicted when Krulcifer peered into his eyes.

    He wondered whether it was fine to tell her about the terrifying truth that he noticed.

    Most likely other than Lux, there was no one who remembered about what happened in Avalon at that time.

    He also didn¡¯t know whether she would be able to remember even if he dared to tell her.

    However, Lux himself was also unable to fully grasp what was going on.

    In the abandoned capital of Guernica in the Marcafal Kingdom, the Seven Dragon Paladins were defeated by Fugil in the battle for Avalon and the ¡ºworld¡¯s revision¡» thing was carried out.

    After that, more than two weeks passed in reality and a parade was held in the royal capital.

    Someone who controlled Avalon, or perhaps Fugil who allied himself with that person rewound this three day parade at the very least two times already, and made the parade restart from the first day.

    The reset only rewound the memory of the people back to the parade¡¯s first day, while the time was properly passing in reality.

    Also, the inconsistency that resulted in that occasion wasn¡¯t noticed by anyone because of the perception manipulation.

    And then each time the loop happened, people who seemed to belong to the hostile force that was opposing the New Kingdom were removed without anyone knowing.

    On the last day of the first loop, the man called Waybra who belonged to the Old Empire faction and held the secret of the New Kingdom was killed.

    In the second loop, one of the Four Great Nobles, Sieg Kreutzer who colluded with Waybra was similarly murdered.

    In other words it could be inferred that the user of Avalon was someone on the side of the New Kingdom.

    And then, there was a possibility that someone was being possessed by the human type Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse.

    Sacred Eclipse was the greatest and strongest Ragnarok that was said to would destroy the world. Even if it was defeated, with the passing of time it would revive. To stop it could only be done by controlling Avalon.

    (©¤©¤Looking back after I put the situation in order like this, it¡¯s full of things that I don¡¯t know.)

    He only knew one thing, that Fugil was lending his hand to this situation.

    He only grasped that he didn¡¯t know how long this loop would continue.

    If he didn¡¯t expose the true identity of the person managing the loop, it was possible that someone else would become sacrificed again.

    It seemed to be able to smash through the binding of the perception manipulation, it could only be done by someone who was receiving Baptism or Elixir, or someone who felt strong discomfort at the fictive world.

    ¨C

    Thus, it was doubtful whether Krulcifer would be able to understand if he told her about the situation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It looks like, you cannot say it.¡¹

    Krulcifer made a small smile seeing Lux who was falling silent.

    In the end, Lux was unable to say it.

    If he carelessly asked for assistance while still not understanding anything, she who was originally an exchange student from a foreign country would get dragged into the trouble of the New Kingdom and got hurt.

    Just like how Airi got involved in the revolution five years ago.

    ¡¸Sorry. Right now I¡¯m still confused. What should I do, how should I say it. But, I¡¯m©¤©¤¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t express it well in words.

    Krulcifer had made peace with the Einfolk family and grasped happiness. He didn¡¯t know whether he should tell her.

    He thought that he shouldn¡¯t involve her, at least until the true identity of the enemy became clear.

    ¡¸Is that so? In that case, from now I will look out for you.¡¹

    Then Krulcifer brushed up her beautiful blue long hair and quietly brought her face closer to Lux.

    Lux¡¯s chest beat fast toward that mature and mischievous smile.

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸If for example Lux-kun is in my position, you won¡¯t be able to leave me alone when I¡¯m making that kind of face. Even if there is nothing that can be done, you¡¯ll still try to become my strength. I have no doubt of that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was unable to reply immediately hearing that.

    Even though he was trying to put some distance from her so as to not involve her, his escape path was immediately taken away.

    Krulcifer didn¡¯t know anything about the revised world.

    Even so, she said that she would become Lux¡¯s strength.

    Then, there wasn¡¯t any need anymore to hesitate taking the hand that was offered to him.

    ¡¸Thank you¡­¡­. I still cannot say anything clear, but there is something that I want to investigate, regarding the truth that is happening behind the scenes of this parade.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go to a quiet place with just the two of us. If there is a need to hide your action, it¡¯s best to spend an ordinary day naturally.¡¹

    Krulcifer said that in delight and pulled on Lux¡¯s hand while her other hand was holding her crepe.

    Lux also accepted that proposal that was really like her and headed to a certain district.

    ©¤©¤Three hours later.

    He walked around the city that was in a festive mood due to the parade along with Krulcifer, then they rested under a tree¡¯s shadow in the central park under the name of taking a break.

    Incidentally, the place was under the big tree where he heard Celis¡¯s confession in the first loop.

    ¡¸Fuu, I¡¯m more tired than expected, doing this investigation while pretending as lovers.¡¹

    ¡¸This is the first time I heard about that setting though¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly at Krulcifer¡¯s very forceful attitude and sat down beside her.

    They tried clothes in a dressmaker shop and each of them purchased casual clothes for themselves.

    They bought clothes for spring which was a bit too early at this period of time.

    Then they participated as a pair in a quiz tournament that was held in the downtown. It was fun when they obtained second place.

    However, what bothered Lux more than that was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Come to think of it, the last path that we took, it was the path that I walked together with Krulcifer-san in the past wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, it¡¯s great that you noticed. That was the course of my first date with Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer chuckled and said that with a smile.

    When he heard her delighted voice, somehow he too also felt ticklish.

    Honestly speaking, he almost forgot their front of doing investigation.

    He was nervous when he went out alone with her for the first time, but right now his heart was beating fast while at the same time he was feeling a mysterious feeling of relief.

    Normally Krulcifer was thought as cool and flawless by the students around her, but she was unexpectedly playful. She also had a childish aspect that liked to joke and find fault.

    No, Lux thought that was her natural state instead.

    She was used to wearing a mask since her childhood and feigned to be someone flawless. But her showing him her affable attitude like this was surely the proof of how much she was letting down her guard towards him.

    He was immersed in his time with her so much that he almost completely forgot about the pressing situation he was placed in right now.

    ¡¸After this Lux-kun will return to the inn and participate in the Academy¡¯s banquet right? We should confirm the result before that. Alterize.¡¹

    Krulcifer suddenly dropped her voice¡¯s tone and turned her gaze behind the large tree she was leaning on.

    Then, a female with an intellectual look wearing a black butler outfit slowly showed herself in front of Lux and Krulcifer.

    A Drag-Knight of the Ymir Theocracy who served as a butler to the Einfolk family, Alterize McClair.

    Normally she was assigned the role of ascertaining the romantic relationship of Lux and Krulcifer, but this time alone she seemed slightly different.

    Since around three hours ago she was carrying out the request to observe the surrounding of Lux and Krulcifer who at the surface were innocently having fun in the parade.

    She was asked to watch the surroundings, whether there was anyone who was watching Lux and Krulcifer¡¯s action.

    ¡¸There wasn¡¯t anyone that looked suspicious in the surroundings, so I found myself hoping to get called to report briefly. It was a bit unfortunate that I was unable to confirm the progress between Ojou-sama and Lux-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸No that¡¯s¡­¡­. Forget about that, Alterize-san, did you find anything?¡¹

    When Lux asked with a complicated expression, Alterize straightened her back.

    The tone of her voice dropped by a level and she formed her words quietly.

    ¡¸Speaking from the conclusion, it¡¯s just as Lux-sama predicted. I believe that it was the military officer of the New Kingdom who was observing you and Ojou-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He half expected that, but that report still made Lux look grave.

    Perhaps previously he was also being observed during the parade?

    He thought that because he noticed the pattern that the people in this looping parade fundamentally were trying to trace back the same action every time.

    In the first and second loops, Yoruka detected a suspicious figure approaching Lux¡¯s position.

    That figure only approached toward Lux, and after that they headed toward the castle. In the end he didn¡¯t find the figure¡¯s true identity, but with this it was confirmed.

    However, he didn¡¯t understand why the person immediately left even though they were watching him.

    Lux thought that most likely the person sending the watcher didn¡¯t know Lux¡¯s circumstance well.

    If they knew about Yoruka, they would be on guard against her excellent senses and they wouldn¡¯t approach too near.

    (Were they ordered that in the case it¡¯s confirmed that Yoruka was at my side, they were to quickly abort the investigation and return?)

    It wasn¡¯t outside the realm of his conjecture. Surely it was generally like that.

    That conjecture was completely right on the mark. Conversely Alterize who was someone from the Ymir Theocracy could move under the radar.

    ¡¸Yes, perhaps¡­¡­. It was a face that I once saw when I headed to the abandoned capital of Guernica for the decisive battle against the Lords. I believe it was the aide of Prime Minister Nulph.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux frowned hearing Alterize¡¯s words that were laced with tension.

    In a sense it was an answer that was just as he expected.

    But, it was a fact that he didn¡¯t wish to be right.

    If Prime Minister Nulph obtained Fugil¡¯s cooperation and he was removing the New Kingdom¡¯s enemies, then it was an alarming situation.

    (However, what¡¯s this? Despite this, something bothers me. The person who came in the first loop, and the one in the second loop, are they really the same person?)

    A strange discomfort grew inside Lux.

    But, he didn¡¯t happen to have enough information that allowed him to express it in words well.

    ¡¸Prime Minister Nulph? I wonder what is his intention?¡¹

    ¡¸As expected, to investigate until that far is¡­¡­. But, if I¡¯m allowed to say my personal opinion, I cannot see any movement to harm Lux-sama or obtaining some kind of information from him. It was a really passive monitoring.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    On the surface Lux was spending time with Krulcifer for three hours enjoying the parade. And yet their watcher didn¡¯t particularly try anything.

    What that fact showed was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Rather than spying, perhaps they are just observing? Maybe they wanted to insure Lux-kun¡¯s safety, or else©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps, they are trying to ascertain that I didn¡¯t notice anything and acting like usual.¡¹

    Lux himself who was muttering that thought that it was unexpected, but if that was the case then he could understand.

    A passive monitoring could only result from that kind of situation.

    Lux himself made that conjecture from his experience observing several imperial family members using a Drag-Ride five years ago at the time of the revolution.

    ¡¸I see, that might be likely. Then, is Prime Minister Nulph observing whether you are doing anything strange?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I think so. Perhaps he is doing this so that I won¡¯t get attacked by anyone. Thank you very much, Alterize-san.¡¹

    Lux relaxed his tenseness and said his thanks to Alterize.

    With that he informed her that this case was closed with this at the surface.

    ¡¸It¡¯s great if there are no problems. Then, please have fun in the parade together with Ojou-sama without any worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Then Ojou-sama. Do your best to make Lux-sama fall for you completely just as planned. Pardon me.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you for your hard work. I will return back this favor.¡¹

    Alterize left immediately while Lux¡¯s eyes opened wide in surprise.

    Lux and Krulcifer were left alone under the large tree in the park at evening.

    When Alterize¡¯s back was gone from view, Lux suddenly asked a question.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san. Come to think of it, what did you say to Alterize-san when asking her for this favor?¡¹

    When Lux asked for Alterize¡¯s cooperation, he did it through Krulcifer. But he didn¡¯t ask so far about the detail.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t say anything significant. I only said to her that it feels like my relationship with Lux-kun is going to advance soon, that¡¯s why I want her to leave aside her work from the Ymir Theocracy for now and help out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Another misunderstanding was created.

    ¡¸Say, Krulcifer-san. About our relationship, how is the Einfolk family interpreting it right now? About the matter of engagement, the misunderstanding has been cleared up completely right?¡¹

    ¡¸My, do you mean that Lux-kun doesn¡¯t like to get engaged with me?¡¹

    When Lux asked in panic, Krulcifer played dumb mischievously.

    The innocent expression that was showed by the usually cool Krulcifer caused Lux to blush and he averted his gaze away.

    ¡¸I, it¡¯s not that kind of problem. That¡¯s, in the first place I¡¯m a criminal and unable to marry so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. But, that collar, I think it will be taken off soon anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux faltered towards that sentence that Krulcifer stated with a serious look.

    Certainly his collar would be taken off on the last day, Lisha also said that to him.

    But, Lux was unable to hide his surprise that Krulcifer who shouldn¡¯t know about that yet this time was guessing it right.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t believe that I said anything that shocking though? I think that it¡¯s only natural. You who are a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins and raised a great achievement at the battle this time cannot possibly be treated as a criminal forever. For normal statesmen, this should be something that everyone is thinking about.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Perhaps, that¡¯s so.¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t say that he had never even imagined it until Lisha told him at the first parade.

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s how it is. That¡¯s why I want to think about it beforehand. If your collar is taken off and you can get engaged, what will you do? I wonder, do you have someone in your heart already?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡®I see.¡¯

    Lux comprehended in his heart.

    The reason why Krulcifer who didn¡¯t come into contact with him last time was being this proactive.

    Perhaps, she was nearby when he exchanged his oath of love with Celis and Yoruka.

    If she was waiting for the time when his criminal collar was taken off and awaited for a chance at the previous time and the time before that©¤©¤

    (Such thing, there is no way¡­¡­)

    ¡¸Then, let me at least make a booking right away. When your criminal collar is taken off, if you can come to meet me first¡­¡­¡¹

    He understood clearly now that he had heard the girls¡¯ confession.

    With what kind of feeling Krulcifer was interacting with him since long ago all this time.

    How she was waiting for the wall in Lux¡¯s heart to crumble and the time when his criminal collar was taken off©¤©¤

    (Krulcifer-san¡­¡­)

    At that instant when he confirmed anew his feelings towards this girl who was intimate with him,

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    He noticed a certain existence and his heart leaped inside his chest.

    At the building far at the other side of the park.

    He found an Automata girl within the shadow of a house created by the evening sun.

    On the head of that figure who was wearing a gown above her pilot suit, there was something like an ant¡¯s feeler made from machine growing from her head.

    If he remembered correctly, she should be the Automata that Singlen destroyed into pieces at the first Ruin, Babel.

    That existence who he didn¡¯t even know the name of was watching from afar©¤©¤

    (¡­¡­She is looking, not at me? Is her observation target, Krulcifer-san?)

    ¡¸Lux-kun, what¡¯s wrong?¡¹

    Krulcifer was worried at Lux who kept silent and looked behind her.

    ¡¸There is no one though? Was there something?¡¹

    ¡¸No¡­¡­. It¡¯s nothing.¡¹

    However, Krulcifer was only tilting her head. She didn¡¯t show any sign of noticing the Automata that Lux caught in his sight.

    As expected, she was affected by Avalon¡¯s perception manipulation and was unable to grasp the existence of the Automata.

    He didn¡¯t understand what was the objective of the mastermind, but as expected it seemed they intended to do something once more without anyone noticing.

    Lux mustn¡¯t allow the opponent to notice that Lux had seen through this loop.

    Thus, he couldn¡¯t say anything here.

    With how Krulcifer was unable to see through this false reality, it would be useless even if Lux told her about the truth that he learned.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s meet again at the dinner party for the Seven Dragon Paladins tomorrow. Until the last day, I¡¯ll think about what I¡¯m going to do after my collar is taken off so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. See you again tomorrow, Lux-kun.¡¹

    While Krulcifer noticed Lux was acting somewhat strange, she didn¡¯t even try to detain him and finished their talk.

    Like that Lux turned around to make it looked like they parted at this place.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Just don¡¯t forget one thing. No matter what happens, we©¤©¤I will be your ally.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer¡¯s smile with the sun behind her, Lux also replied back with a warm smile.

    He still didn¡¯t understand anything.

    He also didn¡¯t know what he should tell others.

    In such a lonely situation, it felt like he could see a ray of hope.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

 Volume 16 - CH 2

    The evening of the parade¡¯s first day.

    Lux was walking alone through the streets of the Royal Capital that was dyed red.

    In his schedule, after this a party should be held in bar along with the students of the Academy.

    In the first loop, Lux slipped out from the banquet and then he heard Celis¡¯s confession in the public park. He then confessed to her in order to respond to her feelings.

    In the second loop he looked around the night stalls alone with Yoruka, where he heard her feelings and they became lovers.

    But, in the third loop this time, he was unable to choose either of them.

    He had no leeway to respond to their feelings until he determined the truth behind this looping three day period.

    (At present, it doesn¡¯t look like I¡¯m being monitored by the Automata¡­¡­. Was their target Krulcifer-san from the start? For what?)

    He was also puzzled about that point, but for the time being he could only make use of the fact that the mark on him was taken off.

    In the case that Prime Minister Nulph was behind the loop using Avalon, there was no other way than to obtain proof during this parade and interrogate him.

    At the same time, he also had to ascertain what was the aim of Fugil and the Automata Arshalia.

    Of course, he had to do it without getting noticed.

    Considering that Lux himself was one of the main cast of this parade, it was extremely difficult to realize it into practice.

    But, he had no choice but to do that.

    At the very least, he couldn¡¯t overlook the reality of someone getting killed while nobody was noticing.

    It would be great if there was also a comrade who understood the situation like Lux but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Yahhoo. Lux-chi, you are really latee. The party is going to start soon y¡¯know?¡¹

    Looking there, Tillfur who was in front of the inn¡¯s entrance found Lux and waved her hand at him.

    Sharis and Noct of the Triad were also standing beside her.

    ¡¸You are also really full of energy huh, going out like this right after that parade. Or perhaps, are you getting close with some girl again out there?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. I met with Krulcifer-san when leaving out for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux replied like that casually, Tillfur and Sharis became speechless.

    Or rather, their expression also stiffened seriously at the same time.

    ¡¸Eh? You two, what¡¯s wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-san, please don¡¯t worry about it. We were resolved but, we were still shocked once more when it¡¯s actually really the case. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    Noct placed her hand on Lux¡¯s shoulder with a light tap and then sent him her usual unblinking stare.

    ¡¸Now then, I also have to report to Airi. How Lux-san has finally decided his lover©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, you are wrong there!? I only met Krulcifer-san by accident and then talked with her, that¡¯s all!¡¹

    Lux finally noticed that they were misunderstanding him and said his denial in panic.

    ¡¸Is that really true I wondeer. Even though Lux-chi was tired at the afternoon parade, but you went on a date without even going back to the inn first, isn¡¯t that suspiciouus?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s because it has been a long time since we met. I¡¯m saying the truth.¡¹

    Lux shook off Tillfur¡¯s suspecting gaze and returned to his room inside the inn for the moment.

    He reunited with Airi and Yoruka who was guarding her and they exchanged a light talk.

    ¡¸Welcome back. It¡¯s great that you are safe and sound, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, so Nii-san left me alone in the inn to go to a date. It¡¯s often said that a hero has great fondness for woman, although in Nii-san¡¯ cases your fondness is too excessive.¡¹

    Yoruka greeted him with her usual bright smile, but the first thing that came out from Airi¡¯s mouth was caustic words.

    The first thing Lux did was confirming that nothing strange had happened, then he was about to head to the bar along with everyone, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? Phi-chan, what¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    Lux noticed Philuffy who was remaining in the room until the last while staring outside the window with a dazed look and he called out to her.

    Because she was taciturn and expressionless, looking from everyone else¡¯s view she would look the same like usual, but as her childhood friend Lux thought that her condition seemed a bit strange.

    It wasn¡¯t anything like feeling under the weather, but it felt like she was bothered about something©¤©¤

    ¡¸Perhaps, I¡¯m feeling a bit tired. When I was walking around outside just now, I saw an illusion.¡¹

    ¡¸Illusion, don¡¯t tell me you saw sweets or something?¡¹

    Lux joked with a light tone, but Philuffy replied with a serious look.

    ¡¸Automata. The one we met at the Ark, La Cruche.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh!?¡¹

    ©¤©¤*Thump*

    Lux¡¯s heart leaped greatly and a shudder ran through him.

    His mind instantly became blank and he stood stock still for a few seconds.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, what¡¯s wrong?¡¹

    Come to think of it, this morning Philuffy said that she couldn¡¯t hear the firework sounds.

    The sound of fireworks that signaled the opening of the parade.

    Even though the power of Avalon¡¯s perception manipulation looped the memory of this three day period, used up materials didn¡¯t return back to before along with the loop.

    It was only the people¡¯s memory that was rewound to several days back. They simply didn¡¯t notice any inconsistency from it.

    In case they were receiving the binding of the perception manipulation, they would be convinced that the sound of fireworks that didn¡¯t exist was resounding in the sky.

    Even the battle that occurred at the side of the parade wasn¡¯t perceived by the passersby.

    Looking at it from another perspective, noticing that there was no fireworks and also being able to see the Automata meant©¤©¤

    (I see, the Baptism¡­¡­!)

    In the past, Philuffy was chosen by Hayes as a guinea pig for human experimentation. There a seed of a Ragnarok was planted into her.

    When she entered a state of apparent death because of the shock, Lux fell under the impression that Philuffy had died. He abandoned the revolution plan to go take revenge.

    But, in reality right after that Sacred Eclipse poured life force into Philuffy by injecting Elixir into her. Thanks to that she was resurrected a few days later.

    Five years ago Fugil and Ouroboros rewound Lux¡¯s memory of that time. His memory was falsified, but the fact remained that Philuffy received Baptism at that time.

    By receiving Baptism, one¡¯s resistance towards Avalon¡¯s perception manipulation increased. That was what Singlen told him.

    Furthermore the seed of Yggdrasil that was planted inside her heart must be influencing her too.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. It wasn¡¯t, an illusion.¡¹

    Philuffy muttered after seeing Lux standing stock still like that.

    ¡¸Phi-chan, about this parade, how far do you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s vague question made Philuffy ponder for a bit.

    Before long she mumbled falteringly as though to confirm her own memory.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But, something is happening¡­¡­that¡¯s all I know. Also how in that battle, we lost.¡¹

    Philuffy whispered that and stared outside the window with a faraway look.

    It also looked like she was remembering the incident where she was kidnapped and Lux was wailing beside her body.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Is your body alright? Do you feel bad anywhere©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was worried for her health because she was receiving the effect of Baptism, but Philuffy shook her head slightly and smiled.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. That¡¯s why don¡¯t worry. Talk to me, what is going on.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸After all, I am Lu-chan¡¯s bodyguard.¡¹

    Lux lost his words at her consideration to him.

    Her words showed her understanding of how Lux knew the reality behind this abnormal situation and how he was planning to act.

    Lux hesitated to involve her in this, but Philuffy had seen through even that hesitation of his.

    ¡¸Geez, what are you doing there Nii-san? Please come out of the inn quickly.¡¹

    Lux replied to Airi¡¯s voice that came from behind the door that he would come right away, then he briefly made a promise with Philuffy to meet later.

    After that, he participated in the dinner party of the parade¡¯s first day along with the Academy¡¯s students.

    ¡¸My, Philuffy? What¡¯s the matter?¡¹

    Several hours after the party started in the bar that they reserved, Relie saw Philuffy who was starting to doze off and she raised her voice.

    As expected, Lux had gotten the hang of it after already going through the same party two times before.

    Lux skillfully handled the Triad and other female students who were trying to make him drink. He did everything he could to avoid drinking while making the others drunk instead.

    Lux was responding to their request for a while, it was then he suddenly turned his gaze at the corner of the party. There Philuffy¡¯s body was swaying back and forth looking like she was drunk.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t, feel good. Want to puke.¡¹

    When Philuffy powerlessly gasped that, Relie quickly stood from her chair and came running.

    ¡¸You okay Phi!? Someone, call a doctor! Quick!¡¹

    ¡¸No, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that serious¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was exasperated at the headmaster who suddenly acted energetically even though she herself was severely drunk until now.

    She was extremely doting on her little sister as usual.

    But in reality, Philuffy wasn¡¯t drunk.

    Philuffy herself was a type of person who was reasonably strong in drinking. And this time she was also only pretending to drink.

    In short it was an act that Lux asked her to do in order to slip out from this party, so it was also within his expectation that Relie would react like this here.

    ¡¸Relie-san. I¡¯ll look after her so please wait here. I¡¯ll also wait on her for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so? If Lux-kun will look after Phi then it¡¯s conveni©¤©¤no, please take care of her!¡¹

    Relie was already letting her true intentions leak out unabashedly. Lux responded with a complicated smile, then he lent his shoulder to Philuffy and they headed outside the reserved bar.

    There was no students complaining about that, including Airi and the Triad.

    They understood that Relie too would be quiet if Lux was leading Philuffy away.

    Lux had also roughly kept everyone company already, so there was no problem even if the main cast of the party was gone.

    He asked Yoruka to keep watch at the surroundings of the bar.

    In other words, currently his plan was progressing swimmingly without a hitch.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. I¡¯ll keep you company okay?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right. Thanks.¡¹

    Just in case, Lux kept lending his shoulder to Philuffy until there was no sign of other people around while moving©¤©¤but, while walking her voluptuous breast was naturally touching Lux¡¯s body. Lux¡¯s heart was beating hard inside.

    After going to the washroom, they headed towards the main street under the pretense of clearing away the drunkenness.

    In the afternoon, the atmosphere was bustling with enthusiasm so he didn¡¯t notice, but at night the cold air of January seeped into the skin.

    The three day period of this looping parade.

    Within the loneliness of being unable to share his memory with everyone else, he was feeling indescribable warmth simply from Philuffy being on his side.

    She was like that to Lux since the past.

    She was one of his few close friends who knew him since his childhood. He was harboring an emotion of affection for her that was similar to that of family, and yet, it was also different from his feeling towards his little sister Airi.

    For Lux at the period of the Old Empire where he was isolated, she was like a sunny spot, the only place where he could feel at ease.

    While walking through the main street where the night stalls were closing shop and passersby were getting sparse, Lux suddenly returned to his senses and questioned Philuffy in a hurry.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Since when you noticed about this parade?¡¹

    ¡¸Just a bit ago¡­¡­. I didn¡¯t remember at the second time. Same like Lu-chan.¡¹

    It seemed that Philuffy too didn¡¯t notice the loop in the first loop where Waybra was killed or the second loop where Sieg Kreutzer was murdered.

    But, she felt something was out of place seeing Lux who acted strange sometimes. It seemed she was released from the binding of the perception manipulation with that as the impetus.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, what will you do?¡¹

    ¡¸Hm. I have to investigate who and what will they do on the third day of this parade¡­¡­¡¹

    Who was using Avalon and what was their objective for killing other people by generating this loop?

    After knowing their objective, he had to stop them no matter what.

    ¡¸Do you remember about Prime Minister Nulph during the parade? Did he do anything suspicious at the second and third parade? Like is there any strange event or©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy shook her head a bit towards Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸I saw his face at the party, but there was nothing strange.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, we have to investigate from the people around him huh.¡¹

    There was no doubt that someone related to the New Kingdom was the cause that was making this loop.

    His first suspect was Prime Minister Nulph and the people close to him.

    He was mostly staying in the castle, so they would have to sneak into the castle and search for him in order to directly question him.

    They would be able to meet him at the second day and the last day¡¯s banquet, but there were several things that had to be investigated before that.

    The possibility was high that it was Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s subordinate who was watching him, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to expect any result even if he sneaked into the castle in this situation.

    (Wait? In the first place why is this kind of loop occurring? Why is it necessary to repeat it more than once?)

    Lux was heading towards the castle with Philuffy while he suddenly got caught in doubt.

    Five years ago, in order to guide the future to the Old Empire¡¯s destruction, Fugil eliminated the factors that were hindering the revolution.

    This loop, was it being done in order to determine the rebellious elements including Waybra that could shake the New Kingdom?

    (But, in the revolution five years ago when Fugil used Ouroboros, it was a really pressing situation.)

    The first time, Lux fell into despair because of Philuffy¡¯s apparent death and he almost abandoned the mission.

    The second time was when Airi was taken hostage.

    Both loops were carried out in order to avoid fatal risks that could turn the revolution into a failure by rewinding everyone¡¯s memories.

    In that case this time, the secret recording that Waybra and Sieg possessed was a piece of information that might overturn the New Kingdom©¤©¤there was no doubt that most likely it was a cause that was worthy of world revision.

    Their subordinates should have been murdered by the Automatas at the second loop, but there should be several people who survived.

    No¡­¡­in this case perhaps it should be said that they were let go.

    The possibility was high that the mastermind who caused this world revision was using this third loop to smoke out the force that was hostile towards the New Kingdom other than Waybra and Sieg.

    (Wait? The murdered Waybra and Sieg, how is their situation right now in this loop?)

    Lux went to ask someone in order to ascertain that first.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unexpected for you to visit this late at night. I will refuse such visitor if it¡¯s not you. What happened?¡¹

    The place Lux visited was a room in the capital¡¯s government building.

    It was the room where Celis¡¯s father, Dist, who was one of the Four Great Nobles, was staying at. Lux intended to keep his visit here a secret.

    He was the one who told Lux about Waybra, Sieg Kreutzer, and also the Old Empire faction just the day before the three day loop started. Currently he was the only clue Lux had to search their whereabouts.

    ¡¸It doesn¡¯t look like this is about my daughter, in that case is this a talk of politics? There will be rumors if you are here for too long. Let¡¯s keep this short.¡¹

    Dist told Lux like that while sitting on the sofa inside the reception room.

    He guessed that it wasn¡¯t about Celis from seeing Philuffy who came together with Lux.

    He didn¡¯t think that Lux would talk about his relationship with his daughter while his childhood friend was accompanying him.

    Lux sat down on the opposite side with a long table placed between them. Then he asked with a low voice.

    ¡¸Regarding the case that Lord Dist told about the other day, do you know about what Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer were doing during the parade today?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Dist frowned sternly and he fell silent hearing Lux¡¯s blunt question.

    It was only natural. Because it was a strange question.

    He was unable to measure the meaning and intention of Lux¡¯s question.

    This man in the prime of his life was showing such reaction and expression.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t something to talk about at this kind of place. The reason why we talked in an underground bar yesterday, I believe if it¡¯s you then you will understand it but©¤©¤¡¹

    The great noble Dist and Lux who was currently a hero of the New Kingdom were talking about the Old Empire faction that was scheming to steal the power from the queen.

    Dist alluded about the danger of doing such thing in this government building of the Royal Capital, but Philuffy silently raised her face and muttered.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. Currently, there is no one in the surrounding. From the smell and sound, I know.¡¹

    Similar to Yoruka who was reading the presence of other people, Philuffy also had her physical ability enhanced due to the Ragnarok implanted in her. The sharpness of her five senses couldn¡¯t be compared with an average person.

    After explaining that to Dist and guaranteeing the security, Lux asked his question once more.

    ¡¸I apologize for the rudeness. But, this is important. Can you please give me the answer?¡¹

    When Lux bowed his head while still sitting Dist sighed slightly and nodded.

    He called for a servant and asked her to bring them tea, then he cleared out the people from the surroundings once more.

    ¡¸Raise your face. It looks like there is a pressing situation. I will cooperate with you depending on the reason why you ask.¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much.¡¹

    Lux lowered his head once more and then he slowly raised his face.

    And then, he asked once more regarding the movement of Waybra and Sieg.

    Dist himself only knew that Waybra was trying to approach the Old Empire faction, but he didn¡¯t know about what he was doing during the parade.

    Regarding Sieg Kreutzer, he was doing the same like Dist. He was acting as security of the parade along with his private soldiers. Right now he was resting in another government building.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed from Dist¡¯s point of view that Sieg Kreutzer hadn¡¯t died and was still accomplishing his role in the parade¡¯s security.

    But, in reality, Sieg should have been killed already, so at present the building he was staying at should be empty.

    ¡¸Then, can you please teach me the location of the building where he is staying?¡¹

    However, Sieg had several surviving subordinates.

    Lux didn¡¯t know whether they were private soldiers that were formally registered or hired mercenaries, but they should be contacting Sieg at the loop this time too.

    It was highly probable that at the second loop the Automatas were letting several of Sieg¡¯s subordinates to escape so that at the loop this time they could investigate them.

    Lux was aiming to follow after them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Are you intending to negotiate with the Old Empire faction? Your current status is really complicated. It¡¯s better to not get near them carelessly.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand.¡¹

    Dist¡¯s warning was reasonable, but Lux didn¡¯t back down.

    ¡¸I have no intention of getting involved with them unprepared. But, there is something that I have to ascertain no matter what. A danger is approaching this country, no©¤©¤this world.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    Dist muttered that. Then he sighed while turning toward the table and took out a map. He pointed at a spot in it.

    Lux said his thanks before he moved to exit the building. But he was stopped before opening the door.

    ¡¸Is it alright if you don¡¯t ask about the other matter? About the man who was asking for my cooperation©¤©¤¡¹

    That was the talk that Lux heard the day before the parade started.

    There was someone trying to replace Queen Raffi as the ruler of the New Kingdom.

    Dist said that man was asking for his help, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. If it¡¯s about that person then I already know.¡¹

    Lux intentionally didn¡¯t say it out loud, but he knew that it was Prime Minister Nulph.

    But, if it was him who worked together with Fugil using the power of Avalon to create this loop, then he couldn¡¯t mention that name even more.

    According to Philuffy, it didn¡¯t seem like there was the presence of Automata around them even now, but he didn¡¯t want to drag Celis¡¯s father into even more danger than this.

    In Lux¡¯s memory, Prime Minister Nulph was a noble of the former anti Old Empire faction. He was a direct subordinate of Count Atismata.

    He made use of his skill when establishing the government of the New Kingdom and he had made a great contribution as Queen Raffi¡¯s aide until now.

    There was no doubt that he was the only person who was worthy for Dist to recommend as the next king candidate.

    Therefore, the possibility was extremely high that he was trying to stop the scheme of Waybra and Sieg. Lux was also on alert about that possibility.

    Lux said his thanks to Dist and left the government building along with Philuffy.

    And then they put on the hood of their overcoat to shadow their faces and headed towards the other government building while avoiding people¡¯s gazes.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. Is there any strange presence?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a bit, my eyes will get used to it soon.¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s excellent eyesight seemed to be effective even in the night¡¯s darkness.

    Currently, it didn¡¯t seem there was anything strange in the building where Sieg was staying but©¤©¤

    ¡¸How will we enter¡­¡­. There are guards¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed the guards around the government building wasn¡¯t Sieg¡¯s private soldiers but the guards of the New Kingdom.

    In other words they couldn¡¯t normally ask to enter inside.

    ¡¸Want to try getting close? The wall, it looks climbable.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    Philuffy said that with a serious face while he was wondering what to do.

    The building¡¯s wall was made from brick with rough and uneven surface, but it was too reckless for a human to climb there.

    As expected Lux thought he misheard her, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Master made me do it for training, so just this much is easy. I¡¯m going.¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-, Phi-chan!?¡¹

    Without even any time to stop her, Philuffy approached the building, jumped over the fence and entered into the grounds.

    A minute later. She slightly waved her hand from the edge of the rooftop to show that it was okay.

    (No, it¡¯s impossible for me to scale a wall without using a Drag-Ride¡­¡­)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux conveyed that using hand gesture, it seemed that his meaning was conveyed and Philuffy drew back into the building for a moment.

    After that when she showed herself on the rooftop once more, she lowered down a rope that she seemed to find somewhere. Lux used that to climb.

    There weren¡¯t any guards on the rooftop, but there was a stair that continued into inside the building.

    ¡¸We can enter from here?¡¹

    ¡¸Seems so. There isn¡¯t any presence, sound, or anything from the building though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Was it just as he expected, that Sieg¡¯s subordinates were already annihilated?

    The space of the building was comparable to more than ten houses. It was really spacious.

    It must be reserved to house Sieg¡¯s force, but©¤©¤

    Lux walked down the stairs while thinking that and explored the building that was made from stone.

    But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is no one? But with how there are guards around the building, it should look like Sieg¡¯s force is staying here.¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. There is, rain¡¯s smell.¡¹

    Philuffy looked up to the sky and whispered that the moment they came out into an open corridor that faced the courtyard.

    Rain©¤©¤

    If he remembered right, there was no rain during the first and second parade.

    Just as he thought. The loop was only a reset of people¡¯s perception, while time was moving normally without a doubt.

    If the rain this time erased any trace like the smell and the like, there might be no problem even if they acted in a bigger scale.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Let¡¯ search the rear entrance. If the Drag-Ride that is recording the secret information that Waybra had is going to come, it might come from there.¡¹

    ¡¸It might be, from the courtyard you know? If it¡¯s a Drake, it can use camouflage.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see!¡¹

    The private soldier possessing the video recording were using special equipment type Drake, so it didn¡¯t need to come from the rear entrance.

    In short it would be fine as long as there was a space that a Drag-Ride could use to sneak in, so the route¡¯s possibility was the rooftop, rear entrance, and the courtyard.

    ¡¸Perhaps, it might be better to split.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Phi-chan, please take care of the rear entrance. I¡¯ll try searching the courtyard. ©¤©¤Be careful.¡¹

    Philuffy nodded shortly, then they split up. Lux started walking inside the building.

    While he headed towards the courtyard in a straight line, he sensed a presence and stopped moving.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tsu!?¡¹

    He almost leaked out his voice, but he closed his mouth with his own right hand.

    In the courtyard, there was a girl facing a Drake that had dispelled its camouflage.

    A black haired girl wearing the New Kingdom¡¯s military uniform©¤©¤Sania Remist.

    (How!? Why is she here?)

    Hayes¡¯s three direct subordinates in Heiburg©¤©¤Cerberus.

    She was the leader of that and she once infiltrated into the New Kingdom¡¯s Academy as a spy.

    After trying to steal the Grand Force, in the attack against the New Kingdom©¤©¤the Imperial Capital Recapture Plan, she fought Celis and lost. Then she should still be imprisoned.

    Even when the New Kingdom tried to use her as material for negotiation with the Heiburg Republic, they made the excuse that what Cerberus did was done under Hayes¡¯s arbitrary decision and abandoned her. This girl who already didn¡¯t even have any place to belong was©¤©¤

    ¡¸Lord Sieg. How is it? The recording¡¯s confirmation©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Hm? Ah, never mind. More importantly, so you are my last subordinate?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes! For some reason I was the only one who arrived at the meeting point. There should be a lot more but they are nowhere to©¤©¤¡¹

    The member of the private soldiers wearing a Drake called Sania as Lord Sieg.

    (Why? Why is he calling her Sieg?)

    Lux was puzzled for a few seconds before he noticed.

    This world was already a fictive world. Everyone other than Lux and Philuffy were captured by the perception created by the mastermind.

    In actuality, Lux was also hallucinating the existence of Magialka, Singlen and Aeril before.

    That private soldier too, in other words©¤©¤he was under the influence of the perception manipulation that made him under the impression that Sania was the real Sieg.

    (But, what¡¯s the point of doing this? Is Sania herself also made to think that she is Sieg? Or perhaps she is ordered by someone to do this©¤©¤)

    The event was moving even while Lux was pondering that.

    ¡¸I see, so you didn¡¯t meet anyone else. Then you are the last huh. The number also matches what the guys before you said. I¡¯ll take the recording you have. Come.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes-!¡¹

    The man dispelled the Drake armor he wore and followed behind Sania.

    They walked on the wide corridor. Lux also followed them while hiding his presence.

    And then when they opened the door to the office that was at the deepest part of the building, a strange sight entered his eyes.

    ¡¸Lord Sieg? Is there anything that you wish to talk about?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A sea of blood spread behind the door.

    The corpses of several people that already had their head reaped dyed the gorgeous red carpet of the office dark.

    Amidst the thick smell of death, the soldier who entered into the room didn¡¯t make any change in expression.

    Even for Lux who was watching from the side, it was a terrifyingly bizarre sight.

    ¡¸There is nothing to talk about. Thank you for your work until now.¡¹

    Sieg Kreutzer¡­¡­not, Sania who pretended to be him casually lifted the Drake¡¯s Sword Device that she received from the man.

    It was swung down sharply. Right after that the man¡¯s head fell on the carpet.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸You see, I am a trap.¡¹

    Sania looked down to the head of the man falling on the floor and muttered to no one in particular.

    On the day of the parade, Sieg¡¯s subordinates came here bringing the Drake that was stored with the image recording.

    Perhaps Sania became Sieg¡¯s replacement using perception manipulation and remained here waiting for the private soldier to eliminate every single one of them.

    (I¡¯m too late? But, who is Sania conspiring with? Who in the world is the mastermind©¤©¤)

    Someone who could bring out Sania who was imprisoned because of serious crimes was limited in the New Kingdom.

    It was impossible even for the consuls if they only had an ordinary position.

    It had to be the prison director, or perhaps someone even more above©¤©¤

    ¡¸However, to think that you came. Lux Arcadia. You haven¡¯t changed it seems, thrusting yourself into danger like always.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was shocked that a voice suddenly came from behind.

    Lux instantly leaped towards the corridor and rolled on the ground. Right after that a Sword Device that the man swung cut empty air.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are, Ignid!?¡¹

    A red haired man with distinctive trait of bristling front hair.

    He was a member of Cerberus just like Sania. He should be similarly imprisoned.

    ¡¸Hee, how kind of you to remember me. Or perhaps, this is what they call the knight¡¯s obligation?¡¹

    ¡¸For you to be able to perceive our true identity, it seems that right now Endless¡¯s binding isn¡¯t working on you.¡¹

    Sania who was inside the office turned his way and muttered, then she tossed away the Sword Device in her hand to the floor.

    And then she pulled out a new Sword Device from her sheath and pointed it towards Lux.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    There was no room to move freely even if he summoned a Drag-Ride into this cramped place.

    Inevitably a sword fight as well as hand to hand combat would be more effective here.

    Lux had also accumulated training, but he was only at the level of above average among the officer cadets. Compared to his skill as a Drag-Knight, his strength in hand-to-hand combat was decisively inferior.

    He couldn¡¯t possibly match these two who had accumulated training as spies from the Heiburg Republic.

    (But, I cannot escape from here! I have to somehow capture these two without killing them©¤©¤)

    Lux also pulled out his Sword Device in response and took his stance.

    Just now Sania called herself a trap.

    That trap was double layered.

    Most likely in this third loop Sania acted as Sieg Kreutzer¡¯s replacement in order to take away the image recording from his subordinates.

    And then Ignid was following in hiding in order to search for people who escaped from the perception curse like Lux.

    (The enemy mastermind also predicted the existence like us who noticed the world revision and tried to investigate!?)

    That possibility was definitely high.

    If Lux was in the enemy¡¯s position, there was no way he could allow someone who noticed this loop and the fake reality to live.

    ¡¸Why are you two here!? How did you escape from the prison!?¡¹

    Lux made his words into weapons to hold back the enemy as well as attempting to extract information from them.

    But, what came was only wordless sword thrusts from Sania and Ignid.

    The attack went through the shortest route with the fastest speed. The Sword Devices¡¯s tips approached Lux¡¯s sides.

    Sania charged in Lux¡¯s gap of consciousness that resulted from his attempt to converse.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    He barely dodged by twisting his body, but Ignid pressed on by slashing at him.

    ©¤©¤¡¯Fast!¡¯

    He barely deflected the tip, but pain pierced his upper arm.

    It was an abnormal physical strength that couldn¡¯t be explained just by being good in hand-to-hand combat.

    ¡¸This strength, what in the world¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤You have a good instinct huh, hero-san?¡¹

    Ignid¡¯s eyes were tinged with mysterious light. Geometrically patterned tattoo surfaced on his cheek.

    And then he tossed away his Sword Device and tacked Lux into the office.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was pushed down face up on the floor in the middle of the room. He couldn¡¯t move as though he was crucified.

    Physically Ignid was somewhat higher than Lux. He held Lux down and he couldn¡¯t even twitch.

    Sania quickly took away the Sword Device from Lux¡¯s hand.

    With that the match here was decided.

    Looking closer, a similar tattoo was surfacing on Sania¡¯s cheek too. It looked similar to Soffice¡¯s tattoo but©¤©¤it felt different somehow.

    ¡¸We are forbidden to kill you. ©¤©¤You narrowly escaped death.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean? My coming here was already predicted by your master? ¡¹

    ¡¸No way.¡¹

    Sania shrugged and reeled a rope to bind Lux.

    ¡¸We receive an order to get rid of anyone who came here and noticed the truth. You are saved because it will be troubling if you are killed here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sania and Ignid.

    Their words were abstract, but it supported Lux¡¯s inference until now.

    If someone high in the New Kingdom took them out from the prison, as expected it matched with the mastermind¡¯s expectation.

    The imperial princess of the Lords, Listelka once attempted to win over Lux and the others, the Seven Dragon Paladins by means of brainwashing.

    In other words, the shrine maiden of oracle Listelka knew.

    If she was able to obtain Avalon, she would be able to obtain subordinates that wouldn¡¯t be able to betray her.

    And then, the abnormal power that Sania and Ignid displayed.

    Most likely these two had constraints so they absolutely couldn¡¯t turn traitor applied to them and now they were controlled by Avalon or the Automata.

    ¡¸Dear god, so you two are controlled by the mastermind ¡­¡­!¡¹

    It pained Lux¡¯s heart even though they were formerly enemies who tried to destroy the New Kingdom.

    But, Sania who noticed Lux¡¯s thinking shook in amusement.

    ¡¸Hahahahahaha¡­¡­.! It¡¯s not so bad that an enemy like you needs to pity us. In the first place everyone else other than the one standing at the top are nothing more than someone else¡¯s pitiful puppets. Everyone is nothing more than wretched existences to be conveniently controlled, used, dancing to the string. Even you are like that, you will only get used as a pawn called the hero of the New Kingdom from here on.¡¹

    She was talking with humane expression and tone, not as an inhuman creature.

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t this wonderful. We fell into misfortune because of the effort of you all. But it¡¯s not anyone¡¯s fault. It was our fault because we lost. No matter how hard I work, I was unable to escape from the fetters of all of you selfish nobles.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sania and Ignid at the beginning were orphans because of war damage in the Heiburg Republic. They were picked up by the military, endured through a harsh training and became elite Drag-Knights.

    But, in the end they failed in the Imperial Capital Recapture Plan and arrived at the fate of getting discarded.

    ¡¸Even so, this is better than spending our whole life in that prison. I¡¯m thankful to that person. I am able to properly use this life, my pride as a Drag-Knight from that hellish training in the battlefield. I am able to win against you in this place!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Such thing! You are wrong!¡¹

    Could such thing really be called victory?

    Lux couldn¡¯t possibly agree no matter what.

    ¡¸You resigned yourself to a fate that you didn¡¯t choose by your own will, but forced on you by someone else. Even so, can you call that living with pride? You are only made to think that by Ouroboros¡¯s curse!¡¹

    That feeling welled up in his chest. It became words that he squeezed out from his mouth.

    ¡¸Walking in a path where you can believe in yourself even when the world doesn¡¯t go as you expect it. Isn¡¯t that what it means to live!? Sania!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You don¡¯t understand. A blessed person like you can¡¯t understand.¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t Sania but Ignid who replied to Lux¡¯s yell.

    His tone wasn¡¯t feverish like Nocturnal that was driven by Elixir©¤©¤he sounded resigned with a tone that was similar with his natural tone.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t notice your own abnormality. About your own ability that is able to continue to win. Of the effort needed to train until that level. That¡¯s why it¡¯s impossible for us to be saved. Understanding or the like is impossible, no matter what©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for any sympathy. After a while, you too will become a ¡ºterminal¡» just like us. Not as a disposable part like us, but as the ¡ºhero of the New Kingdom¡», the supreme tool©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guh!¡¹

    Right after Sania said that, Ignid pressed harder on Lux¡¯s neck to take away his consciousness.

    The blood flow to this head was severed. At the moment his consciousness was getting farther, the air of the room suddenly shook.

    .

    ¡¸Lu-chan, isn¡¯t strange, at all.¡¹

    It was a calm and monotone voice.

    Lux gasped in surprise at the usual slow tone that was just like her.

    Sania Remist quickly brandished the Sword Device she stole from Lux and burst into motion.

    The direction of her jump was toward the room¡¯s entrance.

    Just as Lux guessed, Philuffy stepped into the room.

    She twisted her body and dodged the Sword Device¡¯s thrust, then she instantly took Sania¡¯s arm and twisted.

    *Crack!*

    ¡¸Guh, AAaAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Sania whose right elbow was destroyed showed an anguished expression and groaned.

    Seeing that Ignid reached toward his own Sword Device. By that time Typhon¡¯s short sword stabbed into the back of his hand.

    ¡¸Uguah!?¡¹

    Typhon¡¯s Sword Device that Philuffy carried didn¡¯t suit for locking sword or the like because it was a short sword type, but it was useful as a throwing weapon or close range combat.

    It was an action unique to Philuffy who excelled in close quarter combat using the martial arts Magialca taught her.

    ¡¸Ei¡¹

    The instant Ignid faltered, Philuffy¡¯s front kick whooshed through.

    She made use of the recoil from the kick to leap and her hand chop fell onto the head of Sania whose arm was broken.

    The two were suppressed in the blink of an eye with only two attacks.

    ¡¸God, dammit¡­¡­. This, monster¡­¡­!¡¹

    Sania who lied down on the floor glared at the two with an angry look.

    Lux¡¯s head instantly turned blank hearing that parting remark.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan, don¡¯t.¡¹

    Stopped by Philuffy¡¯s voice, Lux came back to himself with a gasp.

    His fist was strongly clenched above Sania¡¯s head as though it was going to be swung down.

    The reason was surely©¤©¤no, it was clear even without thinking it.

    His body reacted to those words that ridiculed Philuffy.

    ¡¸We have to ask who gave them the order. It¡¯s no good, if you make them faint.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re¡­¡­right.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath to calm down.

    He nodded while receiving the Sword Device of Bahamut that Philuffy took back from Sania.

    The two who seemed to be controlled by someone didn¡¯t appear that they would easily confess in this situation, even so there was no doubt that they were important clues that were connected to the mastermind.

    ¡¸More importantly is Phi-chan yourself alright? Was there anyone lying in wait at the rear entrance for example©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux cooled his head that got heated up while tying up Sania with a rope.

    An unexpected reply came from the mouth of Philuffy who was tying Ignid with a comfortable movement.

    ¡¸Yes. Someone was there. It was dark and they were wearing a hood though. They had a small build.¡¹

    ¡¸What!?¡¹

    An unknown person was observing this place.

    In that case they might have grasped this situation and called their comrade here.

    The figure of Sieg Kreutzer who was murdered in the previous loop flashed in Lux¡¯s mind and he shuddered.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright. That person observed for a bit, but their smell wasn¡¯t that of an Automata. It looks like we still haven¡¯t been noticed. That¡¯s why I think it¡¯s fine to not hurry and escape.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s feeling went past admiration and into amazement seeing Philuffy who was unperturbed even in this situation.

    He wondered what he had to do to be able to be that calm.

    In a sense, she might be someone who possessed the caliber of a king even more than someone like Lux.

    His expression abruptly loosened when such funny thought crossed his mind.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad that Phi-chan came together with me.¡¹

    Actually he didn¡¯t want to drag her into this dangerous situation, but if Philuffy wasn¡¯t here, he would have gotten captured by Sania just now and everything would have been over.

    It was different from the past when he carried out the revolution by himself.

    Lux once more felt relieved at the existence of a comrade that he could rely on©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­You are going to regret it you know? Not killing us right away.¡¹

    Sania whose hands were tied with rope on her back looked up at Lux with a fearless expression.

    ¡¸You are planning to not speak the identity of the mastermind no matter what?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤That¡¯s not what I mean, the time limit is approaching. The time limit for existences like me that is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    The instant when their vigilance to the surroundings relaxed with the opponents restrained.

    Sania¡¯s face changed in that opening that wasn¡¯t worthy to be even called carelessness.

    ¡¸O, gu¡­¡­! ©¤©¤Gi, AAAAAGAAAAAaAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    The geometrically patterned tattoo imprinted on Sania¡¯s face shined crimson and her flesh began to transform.

    Her body slowly crumbled. It was being turned inside out from the inside.

    Slime that looked like a lump of meat with the color and smell of entrails was summoned from the bodies of the two.

    ¡¸Someone got caught in the net huh¡­¡­. Our turn will be soon nanodesu.¡¹

    Around the time the incident was occurring at the government building where Sieg Kreutzer was staying.

    A girl was standing on the viewing platform that could look down on the capital¡¯s townscape from the height.

    The Automata wearing a blue gown with a hood hiding her rabbit ears was the Gear Leader of the Ark, La Krusche.

    Beside her, another girl clad in a Divine Drag-Ride landed down.

    She was also an Automata that was secretly maneuvering following her master¡¯s command©¤©¤ Ney Louches of the Hall.

    In her expression there was a trace remaining from the time when she was getting along with Krulcifer at the Ymir Theocracy.

    ¡¸Do you need assistance? I¡¯m free so I¡¯m alright with helping dearimasu. Fufufu, this robot is really stupid after all, so I might be able to snatch the achievement from her dearimasuu.¡¹

    ¡¸Before treating other people as idiots, you should hide your true feelings nanodesu. Your assistance is unneeded so please stay at your station. I¡¯ll be the one to report to master.¡¹

    ¡¸Cheh, dearimasu. Even so it¡¯s convenient isn¡¯t it, that ¡ºParasite¡» of yours. It¡¯s like a demon.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Other than the common abilities that the Automatas shared as Gear Leaders who were controlling the Ruins, they were also equipped with unique personal abilities that made use of nanomachines.

    The power of nanomachines that La Krusche possessed, Parasite, was able to give instructions to other living things by directly injecting a certain amount of it into the target¡¯s body.

    She was able to send orders to the parasite type Abyss that was administered into a human¡¯s body to devour the host¡¯s life and grow.

    If the host harbored defiant intentions, it was even possible to make the Abyss hatch right at that instant.

    In other words, Sania and Ignid right now were puppets controlled by La Krusche.

    ¡¸But, this too is for the sake of saving people isn¡¯t it dearimasu? That¡¯s what the current master said.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes, that¡¯s right nanodesu. This too is for the sake of peace. It should be so.¡¹

    The same scene crossed the minds of the two who were conversing.

    .

    In a chalk white ward that was filled with the smell of medicine.

    There were seven sisters who belonged to the clan of the Key¡¯s SupervisorXfer. They had lost their parents.

    These seven girls who were afflicted with an incurable disease had lost their prospect of survival. They were remodeled by a scientist girl called Arshalia who developed the technology of Avalon. Each of them was entrusted with the duty of managing a Ruin.

    They obtained eternal life, in exchange they lost their life as humans.

    Even so they were grateful for obtaining life where their own personality remained behind.

    The meaning of living was to achieve something.

    Currently that dying wish was planted deep in their roots even while carrying out the orders of their new master.

    Because of that.

    ¡¸It has to be accomplished, nanodesu. Even if that means treating them as disposable parts©¤©¤¡¹

    An emotionless program pushed their backs and they carried it out.

    The demonic hand that their current master released.

    ¡¸Drag-Ride. It might be better to use it, if not we cannot win.¡¹

    Lux also nodded at Philuffy¡¯s opinion.

    After the two of them rushed out from the room, they ran through the open corridor while going out to the courtyard of the government building that was wide open in donut shape.

    After securing an open space for the present, the two summoned their Divine Drag-Rides at the same time.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Manifest, violent dragon that devours the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of dark clouds, Bahamut!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Activate. The godslaying great dragon that smashes the star and gouges the end. Unleash the fangs of a hundred heads and kill the almighty, Typhon.¡¹

    .

    They pressed the button on the handle of their Sword Device and strongly thought while chanting their respective pass code.

    Particles of faint light whirled before their eyes and two great dragons formed.

    ¡¸Connect ¨C On¡¹

    The two then muttered at the same time further and the mechanical great dragons split. They transformed into countless armor parts that were equipped by the two.

    The two Drag-Knights who were close to being the strongest even in the New Kingdom finished their battle preparations.

    It took ten-odd seconds since going out to the courtyard until now at the shortest.

    And then less than three seconds after that, the two evil demons that pursued them leaped towards them.

    Their shape wasn¡¯t like the lump of meat at the beginning, they had transformed into terrifying monsters that looked like giant centipedes.

    ¡¸UGAAAAAAAA!¡¹

    ¡¸OOOOOOaAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t a fighting yell, but the roar of monsters.

    Or perhaps they were unleashing strange sounds that was like a scream while raising their protruding sharp claws.

    That attack itself possessed power to a degree that was high rank even among the Abyss.

    But, Lux¡¯s consciousness staggered and receded when he blocked the attack using his great sword.

    ¡¸What, the. This is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Hihihi, what¡¯s wrong!? Chore prince!¡¹

    The voice of Ignid that became irregularly dissonant violated Lux¡¯s eardrum.

    His whole body felt fatigued and he felt intense dizziness.

    Most likely the effect from the intense battle at Avalon was still remaining in his body.

    Perhaps the fatigue was welling up due to him using Bahamut that put a large burden on his body.

    The opponent didn¡¯t overlook that opening and made a horizontal swing. Lux was blown away backward.

    ¡¸Kuh!¡¹

    But, no matter how weakened his body was, he couldn¡¯t be defeated in this critical situation.

    Lux tried to recover his balance somehow, but during that time a purple miasma covered the area.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Don¡¯t, breathe it in.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Poison!¡¹

    Because they were facing an open courtyard, the poison mist that Ignid breathed out immediately dispersed.

    But, Lux¡¯s body was paralyzed and couldn¡¯t move properly perhaps because he already inhaled some.

    ¡¸Take this, and this! What¡¯s wrongg!?¡¹

    Ignid swung his claws that were shaped like a huge scythe. Lux barely defended using his sword.

    But, he was unable to deal with it.

    The high fever that suddenly surged up in him stole his concentration, delaying the movement of his whole body by a breath.

    Lux possessed extraordinary strength as a Drag-Knight, but he got his back against the wall with his body being invaded by poison.

    In a sense, he was being pressed into a disadvantage that was quite great even among everything until now.

    ¡¸Hyahahaha! Nice look you got there! This is easy. This is far easier compared to that monster that looked like a girl over there¡­¡­¡¹

    The centipede Abyss swung his claws even more fiercely while laughing mockingly.

    He twisted that long torso which hit Lux like a whip.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shut up¡¹

    Inside Lux who was unable to breath satisfactorily until now, a rage that was like a blazing flame was lit up.

    The senses of his body became hot as though he was being burned from hearing Philuffy getting insulted once more.

    Right after that, the vortex of shockwave from Howling Roar attacked Ignid who transformed into a centipede Abyss.

    ¡¸Guh!?¡¹

    By wresting his torso to avoid a direct hit, his attack timing was delayed by less than half a second.

    The next instant, a flash of sword that was unleashed using Quick Draw counterattacked and tore the torso.

    ¡¸GE, eEeeEEEEEEEH!?¡¹

    Ignid¡¯s torso was severed into two and he shrieked.

    When Lux prepared to destroy his head with a returning slash, the movement of the armored arm that was holding the great sword stopped.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu-chan. That person, he is beaten already, see.¡¹

    The one who grabbed the arm from behind and stopped it was Typhon that Philuffy wore.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and looked at the crumbling corpse of Ignid.

    Perhaps the attack just now cut the core and dealt lethal damage. The body was twitching while turning into ash.

    ¡¸Splendid. So it wasn¡¯t a fluke. The power of all of you who crushed us on multiple occasions©¤©¤¡¹

    On the other hand, Sania who was similarly transformed into an Abyss was also defeated by Philuffy.

    It seemed her core was also destroyed. Her body was crumbling into pieces while saying that at the end.

    She displayed a satisfied expression, and then©¤©¤

    ¡¸Wait! Who is it who turned your body like that!? Who is it that created the loop of this parade!? Tell us, please!¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t expect to receive an answer.

    But, unexpectedly the reply came immediately.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, Prime Minister Nulph¡­¡­. Chore prince, if it¡¯s with your strength, surely it will be possible to reach the truth¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph.

    The aide of Queen Raffi in the New Kingdom.

    As expected he was the perpetrator who obtained Avalon and created this loop.

    The girl in front of him told him that it was the answer.

    ¡¸But, don¡¯t forget. You too after all are just a pawn like us. Only that©¤©¤¡¹

    Sania only said that and her body crumbled completely.

    And then, silence returned to the surroundings.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    After feeling relief through getting the answer for the time being, fatigue surged through his body all at once and Lux dispelled Bahamut.

    Beside him, Philuffy also dispelled her armor. He hid his tiredness and asked her.

    ¡¸Phi, chan. Any enemy presence around us?¡¹

    ¡¸No one nearby¡­¡­I think?¡¹

    Philuffy answered Lux¡¯s question with the same tone like usual that was at her own pace.

    ¡¸Do you think, their words are true?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux paused his words for a bit and looked up silently towards the waning moon.

    ¡¸I think, at the end, Sania¡¯s feelings came out for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and Philuffy worked together to dig the courtyard.

    After burying the corpses of the two along with their Drag-Ride, they investigated the building starting from the office through every nook and cranny.

    Then, they found the Sword Device of a Drake that Sania obtained from Sieg¡¯s private soldier just now.

    The owner¡­¡­already died.

    ¡¸With the user dead, that means©¤©¤¡¹

    One of Sieg Kreutzer¡¯s private soldiers who was beheaded before this.

    It could be concluded that it was recording information that could shake the New Kingdom.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, what will we do now?¡¹

    After flying away from the government building using Wyvern, Lux discussed with Philuffy in a back alley.

    A Sword Device that lost its user could register a new user by holding it in front of the corresponding Drag-Ride and reactivating it.

    And so, it would be possible to operate it if they could just find the Drake that this Sword Device was contracted to, but most likely this private soldier of Sieg wasn¡¯t using the Drag-Ride hangar of the New Kingdom.

    It wasn¡¯t like they were back to square one, but now they had no other way than trying to search the private land of Sieg.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s return for now. To our inn.¡¹

    In the end they had to hear the information directly from someone who was in the know.

    Therefore Lux decided that it was better to get a fresh start at this timing by returning for now.

    ¡¸Right. Then, should we part here?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered for an instant at Philuffy¡¯s suggestion.

    This was Philuffy who called herself as Lux¡¯s bodyguard, so Lux completely thought that they would return together but©¤©¤

    ¡¸I remember, a little bit of business. I want to return slowly.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. Then, let¡¯s meet again at the inn.¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Are you really okay?¡¹

    Philuffy stared fixedly at Lux with a straightforward gaze.

    Lux didn¡¯t want to worry her even more than this.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m only a bit tired so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Got it. Be careful.¡¹

    After forcing a smile, Lux parted from Philuffy and headed to the main street.

    Then, fatigue suddenly surged through him and he felt dizzy. He sat down on a nearby bench.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­. My, body¡­¡­¡¹

    The moment he relaxed his mind, his body became feverish and intense pain ran through him.

    His breathing became rough and wheezing, the sight in front of his eyes distorted and misted.

    In his hand was a Sword Device that was his only clue.

    He had to confirm the secret recording hidden in this Drake that could shake the New Kingdom and make his judgment.

    From there he had to pull in the truth and pressed on Prime Minister Nulph.

    Lux¡¯s plan was progressing well.

    ©¤©¤But, it felt like he was overlooking something.

    It was something inexplicable that couldn¡¯t even be called out of place.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    *Prickle* He felt pain at one corner of his head. His consciousness faded away and the reality became hazy.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-kun. Get a hold of yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu¡¹

    When he noticed, Lux was looking up at the moon.

    At the fountain plaza that was made from stone.

    There was a silhouette looking down on Lux on the bench there.

    ¡¸Was it also a moonlight night like this? That time when I first met you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san?¡¹

    The moon that looked magical, and the lighting of the plaza.

    The two light sources showered them with light. The water splash of the fountain was sparkling.

    Krulcifer in her uniform looked at Lux and smiled in relieve.

    He wondered how many minutes had passed since he parted with Philuffy just now.

    It seemed he lost consciousness for a while because of the strange fatigue.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad. I happened to see you just now. But you were sleeping on the bench. No matter what that was too defenseless. Or perhaps©¤©¤are you not feeling well?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m, fine now. It looks like I¡¯m a bit nervous from the parade.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? But don¡¯t force yourself, rest for a bit more like this.¡¹

    Lux gasped in realization when Krulcifer told him that.

    She was also sitting on the bench and without him noticing he was getting a lap pillow from her.

    She had a slender body style, but when his head was placed on her thighs like this, he noticed once more that she possessed the softness of a feminine body.

    When he became conscious of that, Lux¡¯s cheeks flashed red.

    The light of the capital at night was faint.

    Illuminated by that, the time was passing quietly.

    ¡¸It¡¯s mysterious. When I met you for the first time, I never thought that the day our relationship became like this will come, but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Now that you mention it.¡¹

    Lux who replied like that slipped out a wry smile unconsciously.

    When he saw her for the first time, he was fascinated by Krulcifer¡¯s beauty. Honestly he was feeling complicated about that.

    However, he was also the same in regards of never imagining that their relationship would become one where it was undecided whether to accept the confession or not.

    ¡¸Yes. But, when I imagined what if at that time you didn¡¯t get lost into the Academy, I shuddered a bit. Around this time I would be Sir Balzeride¡¯s wife and become a tool for opening the Ruins¡­¡­. I would be used till the end before getting disposed©¤©¤surely at that time I would have been killed.¡¹

    Krulcifer spoke smoothly while quietly hugging her own shoulders.

    It hadn¡¯t been one year since that incident, but it felt like something that happened a long time ago.

    That was just how much various things had happened since he met her.

    ¡¸Speaking about it, Krulcifer-san chose me to act as your lover at that time. Was that a coincidence? Or else©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer splendidly won the Lux competition that was held in the Academy because of Relie¡¯s mischief. She then requested him to become her fake lover, but if at that time Krulcifer didn¡¯t win, what would have happened then?

    ¡¸I had my eye on you because of the matter of Bahamut, so even without that event I would made my request with a different method.¡¹

    ¡¸As I thought, Krulcifer-san was thinking it properly.¡¹

    ¡¸I am far more calculating than you thought you know?¡¹

    Lux got cold sweat in his heart seeing Krulcifer¡¯s smile that seemed to be filled with significance.

    (Well, from the beginning I already thought that Krulcifer-san is really calculating though¡­¡­)

    He hesitated saying that out loud honestly.

    At any rate what she said had great persuasiveness.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve lived like that all the time until now. Because I was taken from the Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Ruin, I had to do that in order to live in the Einvolk house.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer had a special position because of her origin that was from the Ruin Hall. She sought for people¡¯s affection more than anyone and earnestly worked hard in order to get recognized.

    However, because she displayed unparalleled strength, on the contrary she was instead kept at a distance from her family and became isolated. That was her past.

    However now she understood that it was a misunderstanding.

    Through the case that happened when Krulcifer returned home with Lux, she noticed that her stepfather Stiyl acted like that in order to keep her away from those who would try to use her.

    Right now she should be forming a good relationship with the butler Alterize and her other family members too.

    ¡¸At a glance, Lux-kun looks innocent like a child and full of openings. But you are hiding amazing strength. That was my impression of you but©¤©¤that changed.¡¹

    ¡¸So your impression changed¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®Even though I think that is a good enough impression already.¡¯

    When Lux was going to continue like that, Krulcifer continued her words first.

    ¡¸It changed, to a far better one than before.¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s cheeks reddened slightly and she smiled mischievously.

    Lux¡¯s temperature rose from the passionate gaze showed by the girl who was always calm and collected.

    ¡¸Whether it was at that time of engagement, and also when I went back to the Ymir Theocracy. When I¡¯m in trouble you never abandoned me and came to save me. You became my strength regardless of race or pedigree.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, even Krulcifer-san did the same for me.¡¹

    Lux said that to hide his embarrassment, however that was also his true feeling.

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san always went along with my recklessness, and you came to save me when I was captured.¡¹

    Even at the battle against Celis that put the continuation of his attendance in the Academy at stake, and also when he was captured by the Lords, and at various other occurrences, she risked her life for him.

    When Lux pointed that out, she unexpectedly formed a lonely smile.

    ¡¸My bad but, for me it¡¯s a bit different.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Krulcifer peered onto Lux¡¯s face with the illumination of the lamp light and the fountain¡¯s splash behind her.

    The blue eyed beautiful girl showed a wistful smile.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know about the other girls, but I wouldn¡¯t fight if it wasn¡¯t for your sake. Of course, there were also situations where, because of my obligation and status, I had to fight in order to save my comrades but, the real reason I fought until now was for the sake of something that cannot be expressed by such words.¡¹

    Saying that, Krulcifer brought her face closer towards Lux who was still on her lap.

    She gently kissed at the corner of the lips of the startled Lux.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The water sound of the fountain vanished for a few seconds from the world.

    The refined and seductive lips had a fleeting sensation.

    It only touched for a bit, then her face immediately parted from him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I did all of that, because I wanted you to turn towards me. Because I wanted to attract your attention. Because, I wanted to make you fall in love with me. I¡¯m sorry.¡¹

    The cheeks of Krulcifer who was staring at the fountain looked red even under the very dim light.

    ¡¸Krulcifer, san¡­¡­¡¹

    It was very straightforward.

    Lux¡¯s words faltered from her frank confession.

    ¡¸Do you think I¡¯m, contemptible? But, surely that¡¯s what you think. I¡¯m pretending to be composed, but I care about other people¡¯s opinion of me more than anyone. That kind of way of life was imprinted on me since I was a child. That¡¯s why I put up a front to show my flawless side to other people. I want other people to only see my good side.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t understand why Krulcifer was exposing herself in this place.

    But, surely, half of it was because of Lux¡¯s fault.

    His unique status as a criminal that didn¡¯t allow him to marry.

    And the wall of his heart because of his own unique upbringing.

    Because of those, until now he was unable to accept her feelings, that was©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. You are wrong.¡¹

    Lux immediately said that because that was also something that he had stifled in his heart until now.

    All this time, he was covering up his feeling towards the girls©¤©¤towards Krulcifer that was liking him as the opposite sex.

    Exactly because of that, he had to respond to her here.

    ¡¸Because, I also love Krulcifer-san. Not just as a fellow member of Syvalles or as a classmate, but as a man.¡¹

    ¡¸Lux, kun?¡¹

    Lux lifted his head from her thighs and sat straight on the bench. He stared at her face from close up.

    The eyes of Krulcifer who averted her gaze slightly were opened wide.

    The beating of his heart quickened painfully, the inside of his head became hot.

    With the feeling called love filling his heart, Lux quickly stole her lips.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Once more noises and scenery vanished from the surroundings for around a minute.

    Whether it was the wondrous water splash of the fountain, or the heat of the night of the parade.

    Even the clatters of the people that were leaking out from the countless houses vanished. It became the world of only the two of them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Err, Krulcifer-san?¡¹

    A few seconds after Lux separated their lips, he panicked seeing Krulcifer who was completely petrified.

    He was feeling in suspense wondering whether he had done something bad, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    The next moment, she leaped into Lux¡¯s chest and hugged him tightly.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    The scent of her hair drifted from her nape.

    He became intoxicated with the warmth and softness that he felt from across her uniform.

    ¡¸Please. Don¡¯t let go, stay like this, just for a bit more©¤©¤¡¹

    Her sweet whisper tickled Lux¡¯s ears.

    Like that their hearts connected together for a while.

    .

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll be going back now. Airi too is surely getting worried. Thank you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-kun too, be careful©¤©¤. Or perhaps, do you want to come to the room where I¡¯m staying right now?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The flirtatious glance that was filled with sensuality made Lux stiffened instantly.

    It was a very appealing invitation, but he turned it down.

    Because if he fell into temptation here, his brake would stop working without a doubt.

    If he went until her room, even Lux would be unable to hold himself back.

    Once again Lux told Krulcifer that he wished to wait until his criminal collar was taken off. Krulcifer nodded back firmly in response.

    ¡¸That¡¯s unfortunate, but it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll wait for a little bit more then.¡¹

    Lux smiled wryly while walking on the main street together with her.

    The warmth of her hand that was naturally holding his hand drove off the chill of the night of January.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Because of the perception manipulation¡¯s curse Krulcifer couldn¡¯t see, but Lux noticed the silhouette of an Automata.

    The Automata was also observing secretly at noon, but she was only watching without attacking or anything else. Lux was gradually understanding what was the meaning of this action.

    No, it was still too early to decide.

    At the present phase, it was nothing more than conjecture.

    What he could think of was that this was him being monitored to see how he was interacting with other people at the surface.

    Most likely they were waiting for the chance to activate Endless once more at the end of the parade.

    Krulcifer herself had never received Baptism, she only ever had a bit of Elixir injected into her.

    When the Dragon Marauders attacked the Academy in the past, Aeril handed to everyone Elixir in order to resist the mental pollution of the Ragnarok Iblis. They used it although it was just a slight amount.

    From the view point of the mastermind, they must be keeping an eye on the possibility that if Lux explained the situation to Krulcifer who was a Xfer, she might be able to dispel the curse on the consciousness from the world revision.

    And then, a hypothesis formed inside Lux seeing that the mastermind was cautious against Krulcifer who was a Xfer.

    It was about the possibility that the moment Lux talked about the truth to her, she might be eliminated.

    And about the intention that the mastermind would use Endless at the very least one more time to create a loop.

    (The last finishing touch is still remaining¡­¡­. Then©¤©¤)

    He couldn¡¯t expose Krulcifer to danger until that time.

    He could only pretend that he hadn¡¯t noticed anything just like before and made a show of getting into a relationship with her.

    If Lux turned down Krulcifer¡¯s confession, the enemy would surely notice that he remembered the first and second loop so©¤©¤

    (¡­¡­But, this feeling of mine, it¡¯s not a lie.)

    His feeling towards the girl in front of him wasn¡¯t just a show by any means.

    That was why.

    Only now he would be honest to his own feelings and enjoy his date with her.

    In preparation for the next repeated loop and the truth that he hypothesized.

    .

    ¡¸Looks like the Automata doesn¡¯t notice meore¡­¡­. Then perhaps it will be time for negotiation soon.¡¹

    Some distance away.

    The voice of someone who was looking down on Lux and the others from the highest viewing platform in the capital wasn¡¯t heard by anyone.

 Volume 16 - CH 3

    ¡¸Geez, where did you go last night Nii-san? Furthermore this time you even enjoyed nightlife. Today it will be a scolding for you.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry. I drank too much and got a headache, so please don¡¯t be too hard on me.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Lux-san. I heard that when a male caused a problem related to a female, the wound will be shallower if you honestly confess you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The second day of the third parade.

    Lux was greatly troubled from receiving a barrage of questions first thing in the morning from Airi and Noct who had their reproachful gazes on when the sun had only come out.

    From Lux¡¯s point of view, he had investigated the building where Sieg Kreutzer was staying and splendidly obtained a clue to approach the truth, but from the perspective of Airi and Noct who didn¡¯t know anything, it could be said to be only natural for them to be like this.

    Last night he slipped out in the middle of the party with Philuffy, furthermore he returned at different time from Philuffy, so it further invited misunderstanding.

    But, there was no way he could tell the truth to Airi and Noct.

    At present it was only Philuffy who was liberated from the perception curse by Endless.

    He couldn¡¯t drag these two too into the deep affairs of the New Kingdom.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I¡¯m telling you two that¡¯s not it. While I was strolling by myself, I got sleepy©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Noct, what do you think?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I think it sounds like a lie. I can imagine three other possible cases.¡¹

    Noct raised three of her fingers with her usual composed expression.

    (Why are they this motivated¡­¡­)

    ¡¸First possibility, Lux-san got into a dating relationship with Philuffy-san. Like that they went to flirt together, but they will get jeered if they go back together, so they pretended to go back at different times.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that correct Nii-san!?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s why I said that¡¯s not it¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux pacified his little sister who was pressing the question on him with her face getting closer while avoiding the first attack.

    ¡¸From Lux-san¡¯s personality, this isn¡¯t the reaction when we hit the bull¡¯s eye. Then, the second possibility.¡¹

    ¡¸You are still continuing ¡­¡­this?¡¹

    Lux retorted to Noct who was dispassionately mumbling while her hand was supporting her chin.

    ¡¸Lux-san got into a nice atmosphere with Philuffy-san, but a hindrance appeared before they could progress further. Perhaps it might be something like a chance encounter with Krulcifer-san for example.¡¹

    *Twitch*, Lux felt his innards went cold inside.

    After all it was a definite fact that he borrowed Krulcifer-san¡¯s cooperation to investigate Prime Minister Nulph.

    Furthermore last night he also encountered her again and he also became lovers with her©¤©¤

    ¡¸Somehow, it feels like this one is half right.¡¹

    ¡¸No, well.¡¹

    ¡¸Next, let¡¯s see. The third possibility, is a bit unclear for me. It doesn¡¯t seem like Lux-san was flirting with Celis-senpai who we expected to meet at the party today.¡¹

    ¡¸Say, you don¡¯t need to force yourself to think up the third possibility.¡¹

    More than ten minutes later, Lux somehow evaded the hounding of the two and departed outside the inn after telling them that he had business.

    In reality, the third possibility that Noct raised about was incidentally correct about today.

    The clue that he obtained last night, the Sword Device of the Drake that Sieg Kreutzer¡¯s soldier carried. It couldn¡¯t be summoned by Lux who didn¡¯t have a certified contract with it.

    Therefore, as soon as possible©¤©¤

    Before the party in the evening that invited the noble visitors from every country started, he had to search for the location of the Drake, perform the contract recertification, and recover the image recording.

    The recording contained a fact that might shake the present order of the New Kingdom.

    If he could confirm the contents of the recording, he would be able to greatly draw near towards the true identity of the mastermind.

    Throughout the morning he planned to look around each of the territories of Prime Minister Nulph that he owned within the Royal Capital.

    By the time last night, he had already asked to negotiate with three people for their cooperation.

    First©¤©¤it was the older girl who he loved and respected, Celistia.

    8 o¡¯clock in the morning.

    Lux who got out of the inn visited the government building where one of the Four Great Nobles, the Ralgrus family, were staying.

    On the surface, his reason to be here was to give a greeting before they met at the party.

    Then, Celis who was also staying in the building welcomed him in surprise.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux!? What¡¯s the matter? The party today should be starting in the evening. Do you have any business with©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I wish to talk with Lord Dist for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸I, is that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis¡¯s expression that broke into a smile as soon as she saw Lux¡¯s figure turned strangely dejected.

    He felt pain in his heart when he recalled that they had become lovers once.

    But, right now wasn¡¯t the time for romance.

    Somehow, he had to obtain the proof of the mastermind©¤©¤by searching the Drag-Ride hangar where the Drake of this Sword Device was stored, and confirm the recording there.

    ¡¸Please, come in.¡¹

    Regardless of his impolite visit in the early morning, Lord Dist welcomed him into the reception room pleasantly.

    His stern expression looked like he had already guessed something.

    ¡¸Has something happened in a place that is outside my supervision?¡¹

    With Celis also being in the same building, it was possible to also have her to attend in this talk, but Lux intentionally refrained from that.

    Depending on what would happen after this, it might become a battle.

    It would only cause chaos even if right now he involved Celis who was unable to perceive the loop of this parade.

    ¡¸Yes. There is something that I wish Lord Dist to teach me within the extent of your knowledge.¡¹

    Lux wanted to ask him about the villa or other related places in this Royal Capital that were owned by Sieg Kreutzer who was his fellow Four Great Noble. Because the possibility was high that this Drake was sleeping in one of those places.

    ©¤©¤But, Dist¡¯s reply wasn¡¯t refusal, but a question.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t like you. Why is someone who has foresight like you this hurried?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    Lord Dist made a dubious face after receiving Lux¡¯s request.

    It couldn¡¯t be helped that he was reluctant to talk.

    Lux decided to immediately cut to the heart of the matter.

    ¡¸This Drake¡¯s Sword Device is something that I picked up last night from a certain place. The owner seemed to be a Drag-Knight who was a private soldier of Sieg Kreutzer.¡¹

    ¡¸In that case, you can just ask the person himself when he shows himself in today or tomorrow¡¯s party. ©¤©¤That doesn¡¯t seem possible from from how you are intentionally coming to meet me like this.¡¹

    ¡¸There is no time. If I let go of this chance, I might lose the chance to arrive at the truth forever. A danger to the New Kingdom might be approaching.¡¹

    The memory of the third day period of the looping parade.

    Lux desperately pleaded without touching that fact.

    Lux himself understood that he was asking for something unreasonable.

    After all what he was doing was like asking Dist to lend him a hand in investigating Sieg with a suspicion towards Prime Minister Nulph while he wasn¡¯t showing any definite proof.

    In the first place in the perception of the people from the world revision, Sieg Kreutzer was still alive.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Naturally Dist who was a fellow Four Great Nobles wouldn¡¯t consent to his request.

    If he leaked this request of Lux to the opponent, there was even the risk of war breaking out.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Just between you and me, we the Four Great Nobles were called for a meeting by her majesty the queen. Right after the parade ends, before the negotiation regarding Avalon begins for real, her majesty wishes to finish the contract.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered that the talk was shifted to an unexpected direction.

    It was a contract for the Four Great Nobles to lend their top class Drag-Knights under the direct control of the queen for several years.

    Inevitably the Drag-Knights that were the retainers of the Four Great Nobles would also be included in that. It seemed the queen wished to supplement the kingdom¡¯s military power that was weakened.

    Naturally this was the first time Lux heard about it because this was a vital political matter.

    If it was Lisha then perhaps she knew about it, but©¤©¤

    (This is something that I didn¡¯t hear before. Was such talk advancing since before the parade started?)

    ¡¸But, as a great feudal lord, we can¡¯t agree to something like a contract that halved our force for free. We have to ask for a suitable compensation.¡¹

    ¡¸Compensation from the New Kingdom¡­¡­Avalon¡¯s technology and legacy. Mainly things like Drag-Rides, is that right?¡¹

    Dist nodded silently.

    ¡¸The original proposer was Prime Minister Nulph. Lord Bugriser, Lord Zagha, and then the Kreutzer family too are showing accepting stances for this proposal. It will be only if in the negotiation with other the countries ten days from now we can obtain advantageous terms though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The seven Automatas were already secretly maneuvering behind the scenes of the looping parade.

    If Prime Minister Nulph was the mastermind and he already obtained Avalon, rather than obtaining advantageous results from negotiation, he could possibly make a deal by drawing out resources secretly without problem.

    ¡¸The consuls of the Old Empire faction who doesn¡¯t wish for the New Kingdom¡¯s administration by Queen Raffi to continue for long are wishing for the negotiation¡¯s failure. With that they would be able to claim that her majesty isn¡¯t suited to lead the New Kingdom as expected and use every method to take her down from the throne.¡¹

    If Prime Minister Nulph was supporting Queen Raffi, surely he would try to crush that movement of the opposing faction.

    In other words, at the present preliminary step before the parade was over and people left the Royal Capital, and the negotiation with other countries to distribute Avalon¡¯s resources and technology started©¤©¤

    ¡¸Why are you telling me this?¡¹

    ¡¸You were a prince, but you didn¡¯t have the experience of becoming a ruler. Typically a ruler will try to nip the enemy force in the bud. That is the inevitable in every era and situation.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡®However¡¯, Dist added while reaching out to a nearby drawer.

    ¡¸That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that I think doing that is always the right thing to do. Especially the way of doing things that doesn¡¯t care of the method, eventually it will lean to a dictatorial system.¡¹

    Just like how the Old Empire was like that in the past.

    Lux felt like he was told such thing.

    Dist took out a small box from the locked drawer and put it on the table, then he stood up from the reception room¡¯s sofa.

    Lux was about to stand up following him, but he gestured with his hand to stop him while entering into a reference room deeper inside.

    ¡¸You are resolved right? The resolve to step into the realm of politics even if you have to brave danger. Then just go. I cannot cooperate with you.¡¹

    ¡¸Lord Dist¡­¡­¡¹

    When Dist entered into the reference room, the door closed with a bang.

    Lux was left alone inside the reception room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He intentionally put a small box in front of him and then left his seat. The current Lux wasn¡¯t so slow that he didn¡¯t understand Dist¡¯s intention.

    Personally, as one of the Four Great Nobles and in order to fulfill his duty to Nulph, he was unable to sell him out.

    But, as someone who was worried about the direction the New Kingdom itself was going, he left behind a clue for Lux.

    In other words, from here on if he got involved it would be at his own risk.

    No matter what would happen, it would be an action that Lux caused by his own decision.

    Lux asked for a meeting with Lord Dist to consult him, and while he was letting his guard down Lux secretly took a pick at the information that he had.

    This was Dist telling him that was how he was going to act.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you, very much.¡¹

    He erased the indecision that was born in his chest and opened the box.

    If he was going to stop here, then from the beginning he wouldn¡¯t sneak into the building where Sieg was staying.

    Inside the small box, there was the document regarding the territory the Four Great Nobles possessed.

    After Lux found the location of Sieg¡¯s villa, he wrote it in a memo and got out of the government building.

    It was only past 8 o¡¯clock in the morning, but he didn¡¯t have much time considering that he had to welcome the noble visitors of other countries in the castle in the afternoon.

    Besides unlike late at night, if he piloted a Drag-Ride in the middle of the day someone would witness it.

    In that case, rather than Philuffy, it might be better to borrow her strength here.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yoruka. Is it alright right now?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. At present there is no strange presence in the surrounding.¡¹

    After taking some distance from the building where Dist was staying, Lux called Yoruka¡¯s name. At the same time her voice came from her hiding place.

    Kirihime Yoruka.

    She herself was still under the curse of the world revision, but he asked her to follow him until this far.

    If it was with the special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami that Yoruka possessed, it was possible to act even in the middle of the day without standing out by using the camouflage function.

    He asked her to stand on guard against the surroundings while heading towards the private property of Sieg in the capital.

    Lux¡¯s aim was the private warehouse near a forest that was managed by Sieg¡¯s subordinate.

    Originally it wasn¡¯t a Drag-Ride hangar, but there was case when Drag-Rides were placed there in few numbers.

    Therefore Lux thought that it was ideal to hide his private soldier¡¯s Drag-Rides.

    Yoruka distracted the guards and leaped to enter inside while still carrying Lux under Yato no Kami¡¯s camouflage.

    He easily found the target a few minutes after searching inside the empty warehouse.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    As he thought.

    Inside where countless containers were placed, he found several Drakes.

    ¡¸There is no mistake. The Drake of that Sword Device is this one, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    Lux nodded at the words of Yoruka who muttered while being on guard to the surrounding area using radar.

    In a state where the Drag-Ride existed in a certain distance, the contract would be dissolved when it confirmed that its owner died.

    Thus, Lux tried to contract with it and restarted it.

    He immediately wore the armor and replayed the image recording function of the special equipment type.

    ¡¸As I thought, this is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux gasped seeing the played scene.

    The details of the incident that was grasped by the Old Empire faction.

    ¡¸There is, no other way, than to ask directly¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux formed a plan in order to expose the full picture of this fictive world.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux finished his task in the royal castle and sighed in a stone corridor.

    At noon of the parade¡¯s second day. Lux headed to the royal castle just like the two previous loops and greeted the noble visitors from various countries at the castle gate, including the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    As expected, Aeril, Magialca, and Singlen weren¡¯t present.

    The other people acted like they were there, but Lux¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t perceive their existence.

    In other words, they were dead or have been captured somewhere.

    There were such possibilities, but most likely it was the former.

    Just, he was thinking that perhaps Aeril was still alive, although that conjecture also included his wishful thinking.

    (¡­¡­Right now I¡¯m getting near to the truth.)

    The mastermind controlled Avalon and eliminated all the opponents who were inconvenient for themselves. He would thrust the proof before them and question them to stop this incident.

    Depending on the situation, he might have to face Fugil.

    (Can I win? With my current fatigued body, against that Fugil©¤©¤)

    The strongest Drag-Knight who faced the all the members of the Seven Dragon Paladins except Lux and won.

    Did a way to defeat that man exist?

    ¡¸Oi Lux. What are you doing being absentminded there?¡¹

    At the corridor in the first floor of the castle, while he was sitting on a sofa there, a familiar blonde side tail fluttered.

    The princess who employed Lux as a knight, Lizsharte was in front of him when he noticed.

    ¡¸Ahaha. I¡¯m sorry Lisha-sama. I¡¯m a bit tired from the greetings.¡¹

    ¡¸You troubling guy, getting tired from just this much. Do you realize now the routine hardship of a princess like me?¡¹

    ¡®Fufun¡¯ Lisha¡¯s figure that was folding her arms boastfully and puffing up her chest was charming.

    Lux was also lured by that and smiled wryly, but in actuality he was beaten up because there were too many things that he had to consider.

    The looping parade and the false reality.

    How much was true and who was alive.

    What if the mastermind who seemed to be the main cause was an important person just as Lux predicted?

    If he was forced to fight such an existence, what would happen to the New Kingdom after this?

    Fugil and Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤in the end what kind of shape and involvement did they have in this world?

    His feeling was complicated like five years ago when he challenged the Old Empire. It was worrying Lux¡¯s mind.

    And then, if he exposed the evil deed of the mastermind and blamed them, in the end Lux might be treated as a traitor and even Airi and everyone in Syvalles might also get implicated.

    (Is it okay for a knight of the New Kingdom like me to make such a decision¡­¡­)

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux. Oi Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? Yes!¡¹

    Lux returned to his senses from Lisha¡¯s voice and he replied in a hurry.

    Lisha was entangling the fingers of both her hands with each other looking somewhat fretful while making a suggestion to him.

    ¡¸There is still a bit more time until the party starts¡­¡­. Do you want to stroll inside the castle with me for a bit? There is something, I want to talk with you¡­¡­for a bit.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. Please allow me to accompany you.¡¹

    ¡¸Nn.¡¹

    In his plan, the negotiation with the mastermind would be after the party ended, so he had some leeway with the time right now.

    Lisha¡¯s expression turned bright when he replied like that after hesitating slightly.

    The short time before the battle that wouldn¡¯t be known by anyone. Lux decided to spend it with the princess Lisha.

    First floor inside the castle©¤©¤ the great dining hall.

    Lisha first guided Lux to that place where countless long tables were lined up.

    ¡¸Oi cook. Prepare some extraordinary snack. It¡¯s going to be a portion for me the princess and her knight after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes yes. I get it, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    The castle¡¯s head chef was a past middle-aged woman with big build. She gave a really gentle impression.

    Lisha¡¯s tone with her was really casual, Lux wondered if she had gotten along well with the people inside the castle without him noticing.

    ¡¸The skill of the head chef here is amazing. In the era of the Old Empire, just because she is a woman she was only allowed to do the servant work, but five years ago she was hired here because of her cooking skill.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so?¡¹

    Lux only heard the explanation from Lisha casually and a confection was placed in front of him.

    Inside the freshly baked tart that was giving off the aroma of butter, it was filled with custard cream and candied apple slices inside.

    Beside it there was whipped cream and apple tea using the extract from apple¡¯s skin accompanying the dish.

    ¡¸How is it Lux, the taste?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? It¡¯s delicious! Very much so!¡¹

    The dough crumbled with crispy texture inside his mouth each time he chewed, the sweet taste of the cream became a feeling of happiness that filled the heart.

    Lux too was someone with a refined palate, but this confection was an equal match with those that Philuffy made.

    ¡¸The princess was really noisy in these two weeks. Because Lux-dono was really a great help for her in Cross Field, she high-spiritedly said that this time she wanted to give you a tour inside the castle. This dish too is something that she had consulted with me since quite some time ago.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks burned red the instant the female cook said that.

    ¡¸DAaAAH! I told you not to tell him that already before right!? This is an abuse of confidentiality!¡¹

    ¡¸Oops, is that so. Really sorry, princess.¡¹

    The face of the woman who said that with a laugh was cheerful.

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Surely the middle-aged woman said that intentionally.

    Thanks to that he realized Lisha¡¯s consideration for him and felt happy.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, it because I forgot my wallet on our first date. Even I want to at least show you my dignity as a princess by treating you, that¡¯s all.¡¹

    Lisha felt happy at Lux¡¯s thanks while pretending that it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Lux smiled wryly at that.

    After finishing the supreme snack, the tension of his tensed nerves relaxed.

    ¡¸The, then, we are going to walk around inside the castle to help with digesting the food too. There is still two more hours until the party!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. Please take care of me.¡¹

    After thinking for a bit, Lux decided to still go along with Lisha¡¯s tour.

    Because he wanted to look at the situation inside the castle©¤©¤especially the situation of Prime Minister Nulph and Queen Raffi while this loop was going on.

    ¡¸Yosh, next is the banquet hall, let¡¯s go!¡¹

    Next, Lisha showed him around the first floor further.

    The banquet hall with its luxurious decorations.

    The barn and chapel inside the castle grounds.

    Places like the beautiful courtyard that was well tended, even Lux knew them from the era of the Old Empire.

    At that time he didn¡¯t have many chances entering the castle, but he was relatively familiar with the area around here.

    ¡¸Oo, princess. You are in a good mood with the knight-dono accompanying you.¡¹

    ¡¸You were magnificent in the parade. Please support her majesty the queen from here on too.¡¹

    While moving to here and there, the servants and guards working inside the castle were greeting Lux and Lisha with a smile.

    Lux casually compared his perception with Lisha, but it seemed that the number of people inside the castle wasn¡¯t particularly decreasing.

    Currently there was no human that Lux couldn¡¯t see but could be seen by Lisha who was under the perception curse from the world revision.

    In other words, the user of Avalon wasn¡¯t indiscriminate. As expected they only targeted existences that had the possibility of threatening themselves and dealt with them without anyone knowing. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to consider it like that.

    And also how Fugil and Avalon¡¯s Automata Arshalia participated and were lending their assistance to the mastermind.

    ©¤©¤But, with that in mind, a single question surfaced.

    (Even though Aeril isn¡¯t here, she was enrolling into the Academy since before the parade, what does that mean?)

    It wasn¡¯t like he couldn¡¯t understand it as a setting that the mastermind wished for.

    Because in order to smoke out the New Kingdom¡¯s enemy at the parade, it was necessary that on the surface they did their best to decrease any complications with other countries and made the domestic political situation one where it was easy to move.

    In that case, it might be possible that they were simply not here right now while they were alive somewhere.

    It was a slight hope.

    Or rather it was on a level that was nothing more than a delusion, but it might be possible.

    ©¤©¤When such thinking was crossing his mind, Lux¡¯s back was lightly tapped.

    ¡¸Oi Lux. Are you that bored? Then how about I brought you to the nap room of the soldiers?¡¹

    The pondering Lux was stared fixedly by Lisha who was puffing up her cheeks.

    ¡¸N, no, that¡¯s not it¡­¡­. For some reason I¡¯m remembering about the Old Empire.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. Various things also happened in your past huh.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s expression changed into a deeply emotional one.

    In contrast with the usual Lisha who was lively and full of confidence, now she looked transient with a trace of gloominess©¤©¤

    ¡¸Recently I¡¯m also seeing a dream¡­¡­. The dream of before and after the revolution five years ago happened.¡¹

    ¡¸The time, of the revolution?¡¹

    For a moment Lux was surprised thinking whether Lisha too had noticed the world revision.

    But, that wasn¡¯t it.

    ¡¸In the past, do you remember when I talked about my little sister? For some reason, that girl¡¯s figure comes to my mind right now.¡¹

    Like that for a little while Lisha told Lux about her little sister reminiscently.

    Her name was Almatea, she was a quiet girl but possessed a strong heart.

    She was really attached both to her father Count Atismata and also to Lisha. She was a bright girl who possessed awareness and pride as a noble strongly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    This was the second time Lux heard Lisha talking about that little sister.

    But, Lux also still remembered when she talked about it for the first time.

    If he remembered correctly, it seemed her whereabouts became unknown during the confusion of the revolution.

    In reality she was thought to be dead.

    When Count Atismata was killed with even his residence and hideout attacked, the soldiers of the Old Empire©¤©¤

    ¡¸Surely that girl won¡¯t forgive me if she saw me right now. I betrayed father to keep my own life, on top of that I ascended to the seat of the princess of the New Kingdom, the likes of me is just©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s eyes shook with regret, sadness, and anxiety. Her body was trembling in shivers.

    Seeing that Lux reflexively embraced Lisha¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­?¡¹

    Her face that had a trace of childishness remaining in it was shocked.

    Her crimson eyes opened wide in surprise and blush colored her cheeks.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. I swear I¡¯ll protect you Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, uh¡­¡­¡¹

    The lovable princess shyly averted her gaze, however, she put her strength into her arms that hugged him back.

    Some kind of emotion welled up from the bottom of his body, but the next moment, *bump* a sound echoed from the corridor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux and Lisha who returned to their senses in surprise separated from each other while watching the surroundings.

    That was dangerous.

    Unthinkingly they were almost going to do something impulsively if they stayed like that.

    But, it seemed the sound was just their imagination in the end.

    (No but, a faint presence was©¤©¤)

    Even though Lux tilted his head in puzzlement, in the end he didn¡¯t notice anything.

    ¡¸Cheh¡­¡­. The, then, let¡¯s go to the next place already.¡¹

    Seeing Lisha puffing up her cheeks in dissatisfaction, Lux also smiled wryly while nodding.

    .

    They headed towards the Drag-Ride hangar as the last place Lisha showed him around.

    ¡¸Oo, isn¡¯t this the princess. Welcome!¡¹

    ¡¸The Drag-Rides¡¯ maintenance is perfect. Do you want to give it a test run? Or perhaps adjustment?¡¹

    As soon as Lisha entered into the hangar¡¯s workshop, from the elderly until the young apprentice, a great number of engineers called out to her.

    From there it could be guessed where Lisha was focusing her activity in these two weeks.

    In respond Lisha waved her hand looking somewhat proud while taking Lux to look around.

    ¡¸It¡¯s better to not use that weapon with Drake. The output will drop and the precious abilities of a special equipment type will be hard to use. Ah, it¡¯s the reverse with that one. Thickening the armor will be©¤©¤¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t like Lux wasn¡¯t feeling that Lisha seemed to be mistaken somehow in how to act as the princess of a country, but his face broke into a smile seeing the scene that was really like Lisha.

    ¡¸Wha, what are you grinning at!? Is it that strange seeing me giving guidance like this? It can¡¯t be helped¡­¡­. These guys asked me to teach them.¡¹

    Lisha made an awkward face. Perhaps Lisha herself also had the thought that this wasn¡¯t really normal as a princess.

    But, Lux shook his head slightly and smiled softly at Lisha.

    ¡¸No, I¡¯m happy seeing Lisha-sama is recognized by the people of the castle.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    In that instant her face blushed red as though she was boiling up.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, it¡¯s. It¡¯s because I showed my face here and there.¡¹

    After paralyzed for a while, Lisha started speaking with a small voice.

    ¡¸These two weeks, I showed my face at various places and tried helping out. What is everyone thinking about the New Kingdom, what do they want to do after this. I thought that first I have to try listening from the nearby people.¡¹

    Lisha spoke brusquely like that, but Lux was deeply moved in his heart.

    Lisha who harbored dissatisfaction to her own status was trying to come into contact with the people inside the castle as a princess. It left a deep impression on him.

    ¡¸That¡¯s splendid Lisha-sama. You were going that far while being away from me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What are you saying, in the first place it was because of your fault.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes?¡¹

    Lisha muttered while averting her gaze with a troubled look. Lux tilted his head in puzzlement.

    ¡¸Since the day of revolution five years ago, even with your status as a criminal and while you were getting disparaged as the Chore Prince, you faced everyone and became their strength. And then in practice you even got close with anyone anywhere isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was taken aback by those words and held his breath.

    It wasn¡¯t because of Lisha¡¯s act, Lux noticed the reason why she was starting to do something like this.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. I followed your example and tried calling out from my own initiative. No matter what my personal feeling is, I cannot keep averting my eyes from myself forever. The battle has also calmed down at present, so I¡¯ve to get along with the people in the castle and learn to get involved with the national politics.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Mysteriously Lux couldn¡¯t make any word.

    He even forgot the ghastly incident of world revision that was in his mind until now.

    Something touched his heartstrings and he looked stupefied in a daze.

    Lux was unable to immediately notice that it was what people called being deeply emotional.

    ¡¸Oi. Don¡¯t stay quiet, say something. Even though it look like this, even I am at my limit here. It¡¯s troubling if you ignored me here!?¡¹

    Lisha flapped around her hands looking quite flustered.

    Lux immediately took those hands and grasped tightly.

    ¡¸Wai-!? Wha, what¡¯s wrong Lux!?¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤I¡¯m a bit deeply moved, that I cannot really find the right words.¡¹

    That was Lux¡¯s true feeling.

    Lisha who was unable to accustom herself with her position as the New Kingdom¡¯s princess was groping for the way to live as a princess in her own way.

    She was making Lux¡¯s way of life as a model to be her clue in her effort.

    In other words, she was watching Lux¡¯s way of life in this one year and respected it more than anyone.

    In the era of the Old Empire, other than Fugil no one else recognized his way of life.

    He was the seventh prince who was the farthest from the imperial succession right. Just because he was the grandson of the educator who remonstrated the emperor, no matter what he proclaimed it wouldn¡¯t have any effect.

    But, this lovable and proud girl in front of him didn¡¯t only treasure her own subordinate, she was also trying to learn from them.

    The figure of the ideal king that Lux wished for but was unable to become in the end was in front of him.

    Right now it was nothing more than an immature bud, but if it kept growing like this then it would surely bloom into a beautiful flower.

    ¡¸Thank you so much, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what¡¯s with you so suddenly. It¡¯s just something that I did for my own sake, well but, if you are praising me©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s vividly crimson eyes reflected Lux¡¯s smiling face.

    A warm feeling that couldn¡¯t be turned into words filled her chest, it was then©¤©¤

    ¡¸Hyuu hyuu! You two there, how passionate!¡¹

    ¡¸Oh ho, isn¡¯t it still too early for the marriage parade?¡¹

    ¡¸Wai-!? Shut up you guys! It¡¯s finally the good scene you know!? I¡¯m going to drive out you all!¡¹

    Lisha said something that didn¡¯t suit a splendid princess in reaction to the engineers¡¯ jeering.

    Lured by that Lux smiled wryly and left the hangar together with her.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Those guys are really troublesome. They don¡¯t know how to treat a girl my age. Or rather, I¡¯m the princess you know!?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s just how close they have become with you, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Something like the hangar¡¯s engineers casually exchanging words with royalty would be impossible in the era of the Old Empire.

    In short that was just how close Lisha was with them.

    But, regardless of the praise, this small princess looked dissatisfied.

    ¡¸Even though it finally became a good atmosphere¡­¡­ well fine. It will be the time for the party soon.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. In the end I was unable to meet with her majesty queen Raffi, but is that alright? Recently it looks like she is really tired©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who knew about Queen Raffi¡¯s safety intentionally said that because Lisha didn¡¯t notice the loop due to the world revision, so he matched his story with that premise.

    Actually, on the last day of the first loop Raffi looked bright, but he was concerned.

    However very unexpectedly the expression of Lisha who heard his question turned bright.

    ¡¸No worry Lux. Her majesty©¤©¤Haha-ue is alright. She is already energetic now, after all we will support her from now on too.¡¹

    Lisha clenched her small fist and spoke confidently.

    ¡¸That, can you keep this quiet? It¡¯s about Haha-ue, you see©¤©¤¡¹

    They headed to the end of an empty corridor, and the Lisha checked their surrounding.

    It seemed it was a talk that she didn¡¯t want other people to hear.

    ¡¸During these two weeks, I asked Haha-ue to tell me. About the chauvinism tendency during the Old Empire era©¤©¤. Because of that, Haha-ue went through very hard experiences since her childhood¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    A dark shadow suddenly loomed on the expression of Lisha who was saying that.

    In contrast to her father, the great man Count Atismata, Queen Raffi had a hard time in her childhood.

    Unlike her capable and noble elder brother, because she was a woman others didn¡¯t think that she was worth anything. She was made light of within the estate.

    And then, one day she contracted a serious disease that caused her to receive the verdict that her body was unable to bear a child already in her young age.

    ¡¸Such©¤©¤thing¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression became clouded from that tragic story.

    Lux who knew in detail about the tendency of the nobles at that era understood the even harsher hell that was waiting for Raffi in addition to her pain from losing a part of her function as a woman.

    It went without saying that woman were basically treated with contempt in the era of the Old Empire, but as a noble lady, they only had one recognized value, which was as a tool of political marriage.

    Salvation would finally come to them by accomplishing the task of giving birth to the eldest son who would become the house¡¯s successor.

    At that time, even being unable to give birth to a boy was already enough for the label of useless to be branded on a woman. And yet, Queen Raffi at that time became unable to even give birth to a child. It wasn¡¯t difficult to imagine what kind of treatment she was given then.

    She surely became a target of scorn who was continuously being rebuked from her family and her surroundings, that even alive her existence had no worth.

    The parents of the distinguished family who was close with her family at that time naturally heard about her condition. They one-sidedly annulled her engagement.

    Since then, Queen Raffi lost all hope and spent a life like a half-dead person.

    After that, she met a new lover who accepted such her and she devoted her everything to him, but that person actually had a different objective and only tricked her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux who heard that couldn¡¯t make any sound.

    Queen Raffi was respected as the little sister of the great man Count Atismata who accomplished the revolution, but he didn¡¯t know that she had such a harsh life.

    The era and the ideology.

    By birth she was dropped into an environment that she couldn¡¯t overturn by her own will. She lived in a misfortune where not a single good opportunity came to her. In a sense her suffering might be greater than Lux and Lisha.

    ¡¸I felt embarrassed of myself. I shrunk back from being a princess just from getting taken hostage by the enemy for a few months.¡¹

    Lisha suddenly made a serious expression and lowered her eyebrows sorrowfully.

    ¡¸Compared to the life that Haha-ue went through¡­¡­. She pushed down her own suffering, even so she thought of the New Kingdom and endured for the sake of the people. It¡¯s the same like our deathly battle against the Abyss and the Lords. ¡­¡­That¡¯s why!¡¹

    Saying that Lisha strongly clenched her fist and lifted it in front of Lux.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s help her together Lux. Let us both become Haha-ue¡¯s strength. That person too is happy with the current me. She told me that if she has a body that can give birth to a child, she would want a child like me.¡¹

    Lisha muttered that with a quite embarrassed look.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha who lost her mother when she was little and got abandoned by her father, and Queen Raffi who was unable to give birth to a child in the first place.

    Surely the two of them formed a bond that surpassed that of a relative by sharing the pain of their pasts with each other.

    Believing that was exactly what was necessary to prop up the New Kingdom from here on©¤©¤

    ¡¸Yes! I too will become your strength without fail, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux grasped her hand and tightened his hold.

    Zeal and spirit that was unthinkable from her smallness was transmitted to him through her hand¡¯s temperature.

    ¡¸Ah, come to think of it Prime Minister Nulph is©¤©¤¡¹

    After some time, Lux let go of her hand and suddenly recalled something. He casually spoke it out.

    ¡¸Hm? Do you have a business with that man? He should be participating in the party just as planned though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, nothing particular.¡¹

    Lux smoothly warded off Lisha¡¯s question.

    Actually, throughout Lisha¡¯s tour of the castle, when they passed Prime Minister Nulph by, both Lux and Lisha were able to see him normally.

    Therefore at present it appeared that he didn¡¯t notice his trap©¤©¤ Sania and Ignid who were manipulated by the parasite type Abyss had been crushed by Lux.

    And then, he also didn¡¯t see any Automata inside the castle.

    (As I thought, perhaps I shouldn¡¯t investigate until the party is over¡­¡­)

    In case that the mastermind¡¯s identity was just as Lux thought, he didn¡¯t know how they would move. So he could only do that.

    ¡¸Lux. What are you doing? The party is starting already.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Lisha¡¯s urging and slowly headed towards the reception hall.

    On the other hand, two people were silently conversing in the darkness of a hidden path inside the castle.

    Inside the castle of the New Kingdom.

    There was a hidden room inside this castle that even the people working there didn¡¯t know about.

    It was created at the era of the Old Empire. It was a space that had a history of being used as an escape route, a place for secret talk, and also for other things like imprisonment or torture.

    This place where even people to maintain it didn¡¯t exist anymore was discovered by that person by accident.

    ¡¸Then, someone who noticed the world revision appeared as expected?¡¹

    One of the two people there.

    A man wearing a black luxurious mantle with an eye glint that was like a beast, Fugil responded to the question of his master.

    ¡¸About that, even I am unable to grasp their existence. At the present time, it¡¯s simply that the right of counterattack arrived to you who was chosen by Sacred Eclipse. Avalon¡¯s power of creation©¤©¤it¡¯s your freedom to decide how you will use it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Till the end I will give only a little help for that. By no means I¡¯m giving you my full cooperation. I will not be responsible for your deed and everything that resulted from that.¡¹

    Fugil told that towards his master in front of him with a firm tone.

    In response, the silhouette hesitated only for a bit before they made a clear decision.

    ¡¸I see, then I will arrange it as planned. Everything is by your will.¡¹

    Fugil told that towards his new master and bowed courteously.

    And then the hands of the clock started moving.

    ¡¸At this occasion all of you have done admirably delivering victory in this great war for our side. If any single one from all the countries here was missing, surely we wouldn¡¯t be able to grasp the future. Let¡¯s begin the meager banquet of victory now!¡¹

    After the greeting of Queen Raffi, Prime Minister Nulph concluded like that and the party began.

    The representatives and Seven Dragon Paladins from each country should be completely present in this place, but at present Aeril, Magialka, and Singlen weren¡¯t here.

    Also, even Lux at his present state was able to perceive Prime Minister Nulph.

    That meant that he was alive at the present without a doubt.

    And then the other people except Lux and Philuffy seemed to perceive that everyone was present without anyone missing just as he expected. There Lux tried forming a certain hypothesis.

    (This situation©¤©¤the curse of perception by Ouroboros, how will it work from here on?)

    Aeril once similarly made use of a portion of Ruin¡¯s power to manipulate perception so she could become Coral.

    However, Aeril was able to do that because she was connected to Ruin due to Baptism and she continued to use that power.

    Furthermore even with that power Aeril had to be personally present in place to act her part. From there it could be assumed that it was a weak power of perception manipulation.

    In contrast Ouroboros had powerful perception manipulation on a wide range.

    Right now the curse was limited to while the parade was going on so it wasn¡¯t that complicated, but the more time passed and the more people got involved with each other, it should create a lot of uncertain points.

    And then when someone noticed those inconsistencies, their brain would create another lie to complement it.

    It was a terrific power that came from the resonance of Avalon and the Ruins©¤©¤was how it looked like, but there should be some kind of weak point.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux sent a glance at a corner of the party venue. There he could see the figure of Philuffy and Relie.

    The key to break the puzzle existed in the past memory of Lux himself.

    Five years ago, Philuffy who he thought died from the human experiment was resurrected later by Sacred Eclipse¡¯s power, that was how she was alive even now.

    But, if she really died at that time, wouldn¡¯t she not exist in this place right now?

    Because, if the perception manipulation right now would continue for eternity, Count Atismata who accomplished the revolution at that time would surely be alive even now.

    Even if he didn¡¯t exist on the throne, it would be fine if he was simply kept alive in everyone¡¯s perception.

    (In other words, this large scale perception manipulation©¤©¤the revision of the world cannot continue for that long.)

    If lies were painted over with lies, although it would become a temporary patch up, in the end many inconsistencies would occur and it would crumble.

    For the owner of Avalon, this was a period of course correction to remove several fatal problems and put themselves in an advantageous position.

    In that case, after this loop was cancelled, would the existences of Magialca, Singlen, and Aeril who were here right now get corrected into the fact that they died?

    But, when Lux hypothesized that, a single question was born.

    (No wait. Why was Aeril wearing the Academy¡¯s uniform before the parade in the first place? Even though she should be treated as dead after all, in the end, using perception revision, for what was it©¤©¤)

    The instant Lux thought that, he gasped.

    Because he noticed the intention of the mastermind who caused this loop.

    Sania and Ignid were modified while still alive by the Automatas and they were turned into disposable tools.

    Because there was no need to keep them alive.

    If by any chance the mastermind planned to make use of Aeril from here on too by manipulating her using the power of Avalon, it was better for her to go around various countries in rotation.

    (I see, so that¡¯s it¡­¡­!)

    In other words, the possibility that Aeril hadn¡¯t died yet was high.

    She was being captured with the brainwashing of deep perception manipulation applied on her. They could just release her later after she was remodeled as a convenient pawn for the New Kingdom.

    But, if that was the case there was no time.

    Thinking that two weeks had passed since the battle at the abandoned capital Guernica, Aeril wasn¡¯t here might meant that she was in the middle of brainwashing.

    ¡¸Phi-chan. I have a request, is it okay?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Nn.¡¹

    Lux went around the room as the center of the talking topic while whispering into Philuffy¡¯s ear.

    Seen from the side her expression was blank like usual, but she should be listening properly.

    ¡¸Oi, prince-sama. What are you doing looking dazed like that huh? Aeril is lonely here.¡¹

    ¡¸Ahaha, sorry Greifer.¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t see Aeril¡¯s figure anymore, but he was skillfully pretending to match his talk with his comrades who didn¡¯t notice the reality.

    If the mastermind was among the people here, Lux couldn¡¯t let them know that he had noticed the loop at this point in time.

    The party with the representatives of each country passed.

    And then Lux didn¡¯t overlook Prime Minister Nulph quietly disappearing in the middle of it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What¡¯s going on? Why aren¡¯t they coming? The arranged time has passed a long time ago©¤©¤¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph who left his seat passed through the underground hidden corridor inside the castle and stamped his feet in irritation inside a dreary box shaped warehouse.

    This place was a hidden Drag-Ride hangar facility inside the New Kingdom.

    The hidden passage for escaping and evacuation which was created in the era of the Old Empire was restructured into a hangar.

    Right now it wasn¡¯t used anymore. Prime Minister Nulph was in that forgotten place.

    He was biting his nail in irritation while being accompanied by two Drag-Knights who seemed to be his guards.

    ¡¸©¤©¤My apologies but, they won¡¯t be coming.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Inside the musty hangar that was illuminated by several torches in iron baskets, Lux in his uniform slipped out of the darkness and called out to him.

    ¡¸Sania and Ignid. I removed the trap that you laid out.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? Lux Arcadia!? You©¤©¤why are you here!?¡¹

    The complexion of Prime Minister Nulph changed hearing the words that Lux said.

    The intellectual impression he gave to other people vanished. Now he was emitting a sharp killing intent.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You murdered Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer. I have confirmed the image recording of the stolen Drake.¡¹

    What was recorded there was Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s transaction with Dragon Marauder. He sold the information of the New Kingdom in order to fatten his own purse.

    Because that dodgy dealing was grasped by Waybra of the Old Empire faction, Prime Minister Nulph was targeted as a part of the plan to bring down the queen from the throne.

    Like that not only Nulph would lose his position as prime minister, he would be executed too.

    Therefore he used the power of Avalon to manipulate the situation.

    ¡¸Can you speak to me honestly? About Avalon©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wro, wrong! That kind of recording is a fake! There I no way I would do anything like that! I don¡¯t know anything about them! Someone is trying to frame me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Then, why is it you never met the gaze of the people who aren¡¯t here in this parade?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    In reaction to Lux¡¯s question, a slight forbidding look surfaced on Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s face and he fell silent.

    Lux exposed that he wasn¡¯t affected by Avalon¡¯s perception manipulation.

    By telling that, Nulph noticed that he was unable to deceive him anymore.

    ¡¸I see, if you know about that then we can make this brief. But, Lux Arcadia. Can¡¯t you keep this matter a secret?¡¹

    Nulph suddenly let go of his tension and spoke with a calm tone.

    ¡¸This is a necessary step in order to rally up the New Kingdom. The burden to Queen Raffi is already too heavy. The phase where it¡¯s possible for her to simply cling on the prestige of Count Atismata has passed.¡¹

    Nulph talked gracefully as though in a performance.

    His voice was clear and resounded well.

    On the other hand, that voice was hoarse as though it was oozing resignation.

    In this chance he was trying to reel in the authority over the New Kingdom that was shaken and crumbling in its foundation towards himself.

    ¡¸Why is her majesty not good? If all of us support her, then no matter what happened©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Do you really think that¡¯s the case?¡¹

    Nulph snickered at the question that Lux asked him with a straightforward gaze and he averted his eyes.

    And then he began to walk with clicking footsteps on the floor of the Drag-Ride hangar that was illuminated by the flame of the torches.

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible, Lux Arcadia. At the beginning I didn¡¯t intend to bring down her majesty. But it¡¯s impossible for her. Her very nature is decisively not suited for conflict.¡¹

    That was the opinion of the man who had actually watched the thinking of Queen Raffi from the side throughout this one year of conflict.

    ¡¸Drawing out advantageous terms in negotiation and obtaining benefits. Hiding your own failure and then acting as though you are advancing on the right path. Those are necessary traits for the people of authority, and she cannot do that. In that case, what would happen? She is full of openings to be attacked by the surroundings. By other statesmen, rebels, the selfish people and groups of the country. She was toyed around by such fellows, and as a result it caused the nation¡¯s power to be exhausted.¡¹

    ¡¸Such thing is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡®Not true.¡¯

    Lux couldn¡¯t assert that definitively.

    Right now the whole country was in high spirit from the victory against the Lords, but before that the New Kingdom was left behind when dealing with various things, there were also a lot of dissatisfaction and the voices that were criticizing the queen were great in number.

    But that was also the fault of unexpected situations that was unluckily occurring continuously.

    By no mean it was because Queen Raffi was unsuited or lacking in effort.

    ¡¸There are even those who start to say that perhaps the ways of the Old Empire is the right one if it¡¯s like this. Her majesty the queen is unfortunate, but people¡¯s impressions are hard to be changed.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, you are saying to abandon her?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to inherit her majesty¡¯s will. That¡¯s what I want to say.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a lie.¡¹

    The reasoning spoken by Prime Minister Nulph indeed sounded convincing, but Lux immediately cut it down.

    ¡¸If you are going to inherit her majesty¡¯s will, then it¡¯s fine to borrow Count Atismata¡¯s prestige just like until now. If you have calculated like what you are just saying, then thats what you should have done. In short©¤©¤you should have another different objective. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Nulph¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.

    But, looking at how he pressed his young and virile lips together, Lux judged that his assumption was correct.

    ¡¸The blood of the imperial family cannot be contested, is it. As expected.¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph suddenly leaked out a small sigh and showed a smile.

    ¡¸I was lost whether to say this or not but, her majesty the queen has a fatal weakness. The New Kingdom will be faced with a predicament if it¡¯s not dealt with right now. Therefore©¤©¤¡­¡­u, goh!¡¹

    Nulph groaned the moment he was about to say something.

    His clear eyes clouded like mud, while his body color changed.

    The skin of his whole body was dyed jet black and his body tissue transformed as though his body was turned inside out.

    ¡¸This is! This symptom©¤©¤¡¹

    He had recollection of it.

    Last night, it was the symptom that happened to Sania and Ignid.

    No, in addition to that there was something more. Nocturnal transformation due to injection of Elixir was also starting at the same time.

    The body surface was covered with pitch black color, while both his eyes were tinged with crimson light.

    ¡¸Prime Minister Nulph. Let¡¯s kill him!¡¹

    ¡¸He is the hero who saved the New Kingdom, but we can only make him vanish now that this truth has become known!¡¹

    The two girl guards standing beside Nulph pulled out their Sword Device at the same time.

    The two didn¡¯t look perturbed as though they understood Nulph¡¯s condition©¤©¤

    (What is this out of place feeling¡­¡­?)

    A slight doubt was born inside Lux.

    The situation moved without even any time to think deeply of it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the winged dragon of crest that symbolized power. Obey my sword and soar, Wyvern!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Come, the dragon that symbolized immortality. Turn into the chaining fang of earth, Wyrm!¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who saw that also reacted quickly and pulled out his own Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Connect ¨C On!¡¹

    The two guards summoned two Drag-Rides along with the pass code and quickly wore them.

    In response Lux summoned Wyvern using mind control operation without chanting the pass code.

    The deployment of his armored arm barely made it in time and he blocked the two¡¯s attack using his Blade.

    Why didn¡¯t Lux summon the Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut?

    The reason was because of the fatigue of his body that he felt at the previous fight.

    The cause was unknown, but the current Lux wasn¡¯t in a state that could endure the energy consumption of a Divine Drag-Ride.

    Therefore he selected the general purpose type Wyvern instead of Bahamut that put a large burden on him.

    ¡¸Now! Nulph-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸Please use the power of Avalon while we are buying time!¡¹

    (¡­¡­!? This feeling, don¡¯t tell me)

    The two guards of Prime Minister Nulph used their respective weapon powerfully to fight back.

    But, because their skill was only at the level of average Drag-Knights, they weren¡¯t a match against Lux and their armors were crushed in the blink of an eye.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Nulph-sama! Please run!¡¹

    The two guards who were now only in their pilot suits tumbled down on the floor while squeezing out their voices.

    Lux turned his gaze towards the hangar¡¯s exit to not let Nulph get away. It was then a strange shape appeared before him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is no need for that, both of you.¡¹

    *DOGUN-!*

    A terrific shockwave from a roar echoed inside the hidden Drag-Ride hangar.

    At the same time the torches inside the room were blown off and the room was enveloped in darkness.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after that, an unexpectedly powerful shockwave attacked. Lux endured it with his barrier while focusing his sight.

    But, a terribly powerful blow attacked from the empty darkness where his eyes couldn¡¯t see anything.

    ¡¸Gu, a¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux reflexively used his Blade as a shield and avoided the attack from hitting him directly.

    But, the attack with brutal weight behind it that was like a battering ram became an impact that pierced through his armor and shook his brain vertically.

    (Calm down¡­¡­! Not yet, until my eyes¡­¡­get used to this!)

    The instant he intersected with the opponent, he could slightly see the silhouette of Nulph wearing an EX Drake.

    He was turned into a Nocturnal due to Elixir and his skin surface turned pitch black.

    ©¤©¤But, that wasn¡¯t all.

    His flesh assimilated with the Drag-Ride itself.

    ¡¸What, this appearance¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸You have, reached the truth. There is no way, you can be allowed to leave this place alive!¡¹

    A thick killing intent was released toward Lux along with a distorted and cloudy inhuman voice.

    ¡¸Kuh, there! ¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux evaded the barrage of Breath Gun that Nulph fired while trying to counterattack, but his hand stopped.

    Ahead of where he was going to glide, there was a Drag-Ride that was placed in the hangar beforehand. He couldn¡¯t see it and it got on his way.

    (So, that¡¯s how it is¡­¡­)

    When his eyes got slightly used to the darkness, he noticed the trap of this disposable hangar.

    Because countless decayed and disposable Drag-Rides were linen up, they became obstacles that hindered his flying.

    In other words, EX Drake that could use radar and night vision was overwhelmingly superior here.

    ¡¸Gugi! GAAaAAAAAAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    Prime Minister Nulph who had become one with the machine roared and swung his iron hammer with all his might.

    The camouflage possessed by the special equipment type would greatly drop in performance when its energy was split for attacking, but it displayed enough effectiveness when it was used in darkness like this.

    ¡¸Die! Die! DIEEEEEEE! Those who get in the way of my supremacy, diee-!¡¹

    Nulph came swinging his iron hammer while shrieking with a broken voice that was accompanied with killing intent.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!?¡¹

    The power of the terrific blow that rivaled even a Ragnarok reached Lux even when it was blocked by his sword and barrier.

    Furthermore the mysterious fatigue and his body¡¯s bad shape made him unable to counterattack properly.

    ©¤©¤But, even while Lux was being cornered into a disadvantage, he still dodged all the attacks from landing directly.

    A few minutes after that.

    Nulph was unable to overcome Lux regardless of the overwhelming disadvantage. He finally started to notice that something was strange.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­! How are you, blocking the attacks that are using camouflage in this darkness!?¡¹

    There was no doubt that Prime Minister Nulph used the power of Avalon to obtain great power.

    But, he was inferior in skill even compared to a third class Drag-Knight. His level was different from Lux.

    First if Lux moved until near the corner of the hangar and put the wall behind him, the angle from where the opponent¡¯s attack was coming could be limited.

    And then after Nulph¡¯s EX Drake swung the iron hammer it wielded, it wouldn¡¯t be able to attack from the same angle consecutively.

    In addition the nature of that weapon made it unsuited for repeated attack with rapid movement.

    And above all else, while Lux was doing his chore livelihood, at the same time he also piled up experience of continuously polishing his defensive skills in the tournament.

    The opponent¡¯s breathing and habit.

    Something like brute force attacks that wasn¡¯t accompanied by training to eliminate those signs could be seen through even inside this darkness.

    A total of five minutes passed since the battle started.

    Lux finished forming the scenario towards victory in that short time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Haah!¡¹

    Lux who finally saw through the attack timing perfectly matched his movement with the opponent¡¯s downswing and swung his Scale Blade.

    He intercepted the starting point of the opponent¡¯s attack a moment ahead which resulted in a counter that wholly returned the attack¡¯s power back to the enemy.

    It was Lux¡¯s special move that was using the special weapon Lisha made for him, a weapon that circulated the Drag-Ride¡¯s barrier towards the Blade. The attack crushed Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s iron hammer.

    ¡¸NUua¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The impact further penetrated the EX Drake¡¯s armor and made him stagger.

    When the faltering Nulph leaped backwards, it also gave Lux the leeway to confirm something.

    (¡­¡­It¡¯s there!)

    He couldn¡¯t exactly confirm it by sight in the darkness, but Lux clearly sensed it when Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s distance was less than ten-odd ml from him.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t see it, he could clearly perceive the opponent¡¯s breathing and conduct.

    For some reason he felt like he could even perceive what Nulph was going to do after this.

    (Is it because the Baptism I received in Avalon? These senses©¤©¤)

    It was surely still far below Yoruka¡¯s magic eye that could sense the presence¡¯s wavelength, even so he was able to detect the opponent¡¯s movement in a different level than before.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There-!¡¹

    Lux glided in the air without hesitation and slashed the darkness with the tip of his Blade. He felt a definite response and the opponent¡¯s armor was crushed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­GU, GAaAAaAAAAH!¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t the right shoulder where the Force Core was installed, but it was the armored arm right under that was severed.

    Lux held back because Prime Minister Nulph who transformed into a Nocturnal would die if his body was damaged too much.

    Crackling sparks scattered from the destroyed armor. The EX Drake¡¯s center of gravity crumbled and it staggered.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    No matter how well Lux saw through the opponent¡¯s attacks, the opponent was undoubtedly powerful.

    Because Lux intentionally didn¡¯t destroy the Force Core or the flesh body directly, the damage to the flesh body should be relatively light but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Gu, ah¡­¡­. Lux Arcadia, you¡¯re, wrong¡­¡­. I¡¯m¡­¡­!¡¹

    But, Lux¡¯s consideration ended in vain.

    When Lux took a torch that lied on the floor and moved it to the iron basket to make lighting, Prime Minister Nulph who returned to normal had already expired.

    When he looked around further, the two girls who seemed to be his guards had already collapsed and stopped breathing when he didn¡¯t notice.

    It looked like they got hit by the stray attack from the rampaging Nulph but¡­¡­.

    ¡¸So it¡¯s no good¡­¡­. But, is it over? With this©¤©¤¡¹

    If Prime Minister Nulph who borrowed Fugil¡¯s help died, the power of Avalon wouldn¡¯t be used further than this.

    The perception that was currently being manipulated would be removed and the loop wouldn¡¯t happen further than this.

    With this a danger had ended.

    Next if he defeated Fugil and Sacred Eclipse that seemed to grant power to Prime Minister Nulph, everything would return to normal.

    ¡¸Prime Minister, Nulph¡­¡­¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t solve the puzzle of what kind of negotiation happened between him and Fugil¡¯s camp, but he couldn¡¯t ask it anymore from someone who was dead.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    With this the second day of the parade was over and the last day, if nothing happened the third day would pass©¤©¤a new day without the influence of world revision should begin.

    There was no reaction from the guards inside the castle regardless of the intense battle just now. As expected, the perception curse was still remaining.

    Lux let out a sigh and returned to the party venue.

    He participated in the continuation of the party and the night grew late.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It seems the events are progressing well. Thank you very much.¡¹

    Behind the scenes of the victory party that was attended by the noble visitors from various countries.

    There were two people, man and woman inside a hidden room in the castle.

    One of them was a man with similar silver hair and grey eyes like Lux©¤©¤Fugil Arcadia.

    The other one possessed beautiful golden colored hair, Queen Raffi.

    ¡¸If the loop is activated once more, Avalon¡¯s effect will cut off temporarily. A long time will be needed to stock up power again. Do you have the resolve to endure the wait until then?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Besides, you will support me right, Fugil Arcadia?¡¹

    Raffi muttered with a cynical expression that looked somehow powerless.

    ¡¸I never told anyone about you since the revolution five years ago. I have also never showed any sign of recognizing you. That time five years ago when you saved me, that also wasn¡¯t a coincidence wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil didn¡¯t answer Raffi¡¯s question.

    Raffi lied down face up on the old sofa inside the room and stared to a spot on the ceiling.

    She stared at the full moon that was visible from the small glass window on the ceiling.

    As though to ascertain the passing of time using the shape of the moon that was changing during the repeated three day period.

    Five years ago. No one else knew it but, Raffi was also saved by Fugil.

    Raffi temporarily evacuated after Count Atismata died from the trap that resulted from a betrayer¡¯s information. But the army of the Old Empire also marched on her location at that time.

    Her kin and other family were massacred and she was about to be killed, but Fugil appeared then and saved her from the crisis.

    Fugil took away Raffi right after that. After the revolution, he entrusted her to Prime Minister Nulph who was the close aide of Count Atismata.

    ¡¸There was¡­¡­nothing in me. I was treated as a failed product since I was little, clinging on in that chauvinism society©¤©¤. The moment I realized that my body cannot give birth to a child due to a disease¡¯s after-effect, I lost any place to belong.¡¹

    Similarly because her body wasn¡¯t strong due to sickness too, the path to become a Drag-Knight was naturally also closed to her.

    Although from the beginning it was impossible for the Old Empire to grant a Drag-Ride to a woman anyway.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi formed her words piece by piece looking back at her past.

    Fugil simply listened quietly to her muttering.

    ¡¸It was a living hell. I realized that there was no future ahead of me even if I endured. My life was over at that time when I wasn¡¯t even twenty years old.¡¹

    ¡¸Why didn¡¯t you die if you knew that?¡¹

    ¡¸Fufu, even like this I have tried to die several times you know? Though if it¡¯s you who have touched many deaths in the battlefield heard about my attempts, surely you will laugh it as mere playing.¡¹

    Actually Raffi had tried hanging herself, cutting her wrist, and threw herself into a swamp.

    But, in the end she couldn¡¯t reach the end.

    Even while she was trying to die, she chose to live and drew back.

    ¡¸Why? Even though not a single good thing had happened to me until now. It was scary, painful, agonizing, bitter, sad, vexing©¤©¤. In the end I couldn¡¯t die.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s monologue was vaguely oozing resignation rather than sorrow.

    Fugil was listening to that without a single change in his expression.

    ¡¸Surely I didn¡¯t even have the courage to die. If I die here, if it ends here. It feels like there really will be not a single meaning at all of me being born.¡¹

    That was something like the obstinacy of the weak.

    Unable to fight.

    Unable to resist.

    Continuing to escape without other people seeing any worth in her existence, even so she wished to obtain happiness someday.

    ¡¸I respected my big brother, but on the other hand I also hated him. He was a man, capable, and at the same time possessed a sense of justice. He showed the will to oppose the Old Empire©¤©¤but in the end he foisted everything to me. I wasn¡¯t strong like my big brother. That was why I was oppressed by the surroundings.¡¹

    Count Atismata was a noble man. He was undoubtedly a great man.

    But, Raffi herself was never saved by him.

    ¡¸Like that, you met Waybra Hemt.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, that person who was a distant relative of the emperor said that he was in a similar environment like me and loved me even when I am like this. I was happy, truly©¤©¤. He was the only one being kind to me among my cold parents, relatives, family, and aristocrat acquaintances. It was like light shined on me.¡¹

    ¡¸You mean©¤©¤you were looking for a hero? But in reality the hand of salvation won¡¯t come to the weak. Only predators trying to devour the weak will approach.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. In reality it¡¯s exactly as you say.¡¹

    Waybra Hemt stayed in their territory at that time as an inspector. But his true identity was a spy to monitor Count Atismata. Waybra called out to Raffi for the sake of that investigation.

    Their time as intimate lovers continued. They made a promise to leave the territory with only the two of them and quietly marry in a remote village, and then©¤©¤

    The day the revolution was approaching, Raffi leaked her big brother¡¯s plan to Waybra in order to let him escape.

    She noticed his betrayal was when after that the soldiers arrived and slaughtered the relatives of Count Atismata who were in hiding.

    ¡¸I am©¤©¤a sinner. Unable to save anyone, unable to do anything, I can only be toyed by fate and sent my brother and family to death. Everyone was cold to me, but ¡­¡­they didn¡¯t abandon me or kill me, they kept me alive, and yet¡¹

    A self-depreciating smile suddenly floated on Raffi¡¯s lips.

    After that, Raffi escaped.

    Betrayed by Waybra, with her big brother and whole family killed, she was in the bottom of despair and hopelessness, crawling inside the cauldron of hell.

    Even when she understood that it was just a game of the hunters, even when she realized that she would be unable to escape.

    She dragged her wounded weak body that was prone to sickness and ran into the forest.

    She met Fugil, and Sacred Eclipse in the form of a silver haired girl.

    Sacred Eclipse slaughtered all her pursuers, then she applied a slight amount of Baptism to Raffi. The revolution was over when she woke up.

    After that she headed to the capital with Fugil¡¯s guidance.

    Nulph recommended her to take the throne, and then©¤©¤Raffi became the New Kingdom¡¯s queen.

    Raffi who didn¡¯t have any strength whatsoever and only brought destruction to all around her did everything in her power, as slight as it was, for the sake of the New Kingdom.

    Until Waybra who recorded everything at that time appeared©¤©¤

    And then now, she who was partly fused with Sacred Eclipse and obtained the forbidden power to loop these three days of the parade and erased the hostile forces.

    Prime Minister Nulph yielded against the threat of Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer and chose the path of abandoning Raffi and ingratiating himself to them.

    Therefore, she captured Nulph and remodeled him. To make use of him as a tool to deceive Lux who noticed the truth of this world revision.

    ¡¸Are you alright? With someone like me?¡¹

    ¡¸What could you mean by that?¡¹

    Fugil asked back in response to Raffi¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Becoming the ally of me who is this foolish, weak, and small. I believe there are a lot of other people that you should choose. People with the qualification to stand above others©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh¡¹

    Fugil who listened to her talk expressionlessly until now smiled for the first time here.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sacred Eclipse doesn¡¯t chose the person. Strong feelings. Relentless lamentation, it¡¯s a system that is led by that to bring salvation. What is called fate is opened up by one¡¯s own strength. But in reality, most of the time everything is decided completely in a place where one¡¯s own strength cannot reach.¡¹

    Fugil looked up to the moon that was starting to be covered by clouds once more with a distant gaze.

    ¡¸You have lived through a dark world where there wasn¡¯t even a single hope, not even a gleam of light. Therefore you possess an extremely strong wish compared to people with capability. Even for this me, you are a human who has to be saved.¡¹

    Saying that, the man moved away from the wall where he was leaning and started walking to exit the hidden room.

    ¡¸After all the Sacred Eclipse originally was made for that. She tried to reach out her hand to the weakest people in the world.¡¹

    ¡¸She was¡­¡­a kind person wasn¡¯t she, that person called Arshalia.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s words slipped out along with a powerless smile.

    Fugil didn¡¯t react at all to that and turned his face towards her.

    ¡¸When the strength residing inside you becomes complete, the last stage of this world revision will begin. In case that is completed, what are you going to wish for?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see©¤©¤¡¹

    Raffi hesitated slightly at Fugil¡¯s question.

    But, she immediately straightened her back and took a deep breath before answering.

    ¡¸I wish to obtain various things. Everything that I have to give up until now because of this fate©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Specifically?¡¹

    ¡¸Everything. Friends and comrades who I can trust, people who recognize me, making memories with them©¤©¤. But, there is just one thing, that I have obtained.¡¹

    ¡¸The power that Sacred Eclipse gave you?¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s something unrelated with this power.¡¹

    Raffi suddenly smiled within the gloominess.

    At that time, the moon that was hiding behind the cloud showed its face and its light illuminated her.

    If there was anyone else other than Fugil in this place©¤©¤someone who knew the queen from before, surely they would shudder.

    Queen Raffi whose appearance was that of a thirty year old woman had transformed into an appearance that had traces of childishness in it, she looked the same age like Lisha.

    There was a part of silver hair within her vividly golden hair.

    That appearance that was wearing a crimson dress resembled Raffi more than ten years ago.

    ¡¸It¡¯s Lisha¡­¡­. My step daughter. She loved me who is empty like this and called me mother. She is facing forward optimistically without shrinking from her bitter past. A country where her and I can live in brazenly©¤©¤and anything necessary to maintain it, I wish to obtain those from here on.¡¹

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, please treat me well, Fugil. From here on too©¤©¤forever.¡¹

    Raffi walked through the passage of the hidden room with an elegant smile.

    Before long Fugil also vanished from there.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­©¤©¤haah¡­¡­!¡¹

    A few hours after defeating Prime Minister Nulph.

    Lux¡¯s body was shuddering inside an abandoned building in the district of the capital that was trampled by Gigas.

    There were only the presences of two people inside.

    They secretly slipped into darkness and reached this place.

    ¡¸Is it alright with this Aruji-sama? I cannot see anything, and also cannot hear anything but©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka who was clad in the Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami tilted her head while watching the recording©¤©¤that was recorded a few hours ago using the special equipment type¡¯s ability.

    When her violet magic eye that was applied with Baptism shined, she blinked in wonder.

    Yoruka who was receiving the curse of perception manipulation couldn¡¯t see the contents of the image recording.

    More accurately speaking her brain wasn¡¯t perceiving a particular reality, even so it seemed there was something that she sensed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Something, it¡¯s faint but I can see it. A girl in dress who I¡¯m not familiar with is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I see. So Yoruka too can perceive it if only slightly.¡¹

    Yoruka too might become able to perceive the normal world after Philuffy.

    He found a fragment of hope there, however©¤©¤

    ¡¸What, the¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux who grasped the truth could only feel shocked.

    Right before Lux was going to question Prime Minister Nulph, he told Yoruka to record an area inside the castle using Yato no Kami.

    More accurately, he asked Philuffy to give a letter with the instruction he wrote to Yoruka, so that while Lux was meeting with Nulph, she could record a certain situation inside the castle.

    Queen Raffi already used the Automata to remodel Prime Minister Nulph, forcing him to act as the mastermind.

    Lux first felt something was out of place due to the words of Sania and Ignid when they died.

    How could they leak out Prime Minister Nulph¡¯s name when they were already turned into flesh puppets?

    It was just too crude if their brainwashing was dispelled when they were dying.

    If Prime Minister Nulph was the mastermind, he should take action so that the link to him absolutely wouldn¡¯t be discovered.

    What happened with Sania was inconsistent with the policy of thoroughly sealing the mouth of anyone involved, as could be seen at the first and second loop when Waybra and Sieg were assassinated using Automata.

    Therefore, the smoothness of how Lux found the clue in order to know the truth and even obtained the proof after that changed into doubt instead.

    The true mastermind was leading him to the mistaken interpretation.

    And then, Lux became convinced in the middle of his fight with the transformed Nulph.

    Those two girls who guarded Nulph were Automata who controlled Nulph following the orders of the mastermind.

    By the way the Drake¡¯s recording that Lux obtained©¤©¤the recording of Prime Minister Nulph and Dragon Marauder was surely a fake created using dummies of Sacred Eclipse¡¯s transformation.

    Lux was faintly suspecting that he was being deceived while entering the battle pretending to not know anything.

    At the side he asked Yoruka and Philuffy to do a certain matter.

    He wanted them to search for anyone in the castle or around it who was observing the battle of Lux and Nulph.

    Yoruka had received Baptism, but she still hadn¡¯t escaped the curse of world revision.

    Therefore, if there was a living thing¡¯s reaction that was caught by Yato no Kami¡¯s radar that Yoruka couldn¡¯t perceive but could be sensed by Philuffy©¤©¤

    The location of the true mastermind who wasn¡¯t Nulph hiding inside the castle could be found.

    Yato no Kami¡¯s radar reacted, then that place that caused difference in perception between Yoruka and Philuffy was pinned down. Yoruka who was hiding using camouflage then recorded the area just like she was asked.

    And then, the truth was determined.

    The trump card of Waybra and Sieg Kreutzer to usurp the ruling of the New Kingdom, was the sin of Queen Raffi.

    During the revolution five years ago, she handed the information of Count Atismata to Waybra. That fact got recorded.

    The biological sister of the great man who defeated the evil government of the Old Empire was actually a perpetrator who was connected to the Old Empire behind the scenes and killed her brother. If the proof of such fact was brought to light, the current government would definitely end.

    Queen Raffi would be executed with almost definite certainty.

    No matter how much amnesty she was given, at best it would still be a lifetime of imprisonment for her.

    ¡¸No, wrong¡­¡­. As expected, it¡¯s impossible.¡¹

    This was incomparable with Lux and Airi who received criminal status through amnesty after the revolution. At that time both of them were treated coldly even among the imperial family of the Old Empire and got banished from the castle.

    As for Raffi, she was the actual perpetrator of the crime, so there would be no way to vindicate her.

    That was all the more so when she had used the name of her big brother, the great man Count Atismata, as the unifying force of the country until now.

    ¡¸Just, why¡­¡­¡¹

    Why did Queen Raffi get cornered into this kind of situation?

    From here it would be just Lux¡¯s imagination but, after that great battle in Avalon, there was a negotiation during these two weeks when he was resting.

    .

    The old people who were the senior consuls raised in the old custom©¤©¤

    The Old Empire faction that possessed the chauvinism tendency and the principle of aristocrat¡¯s supremacy.

    They who became active to usurp the government using the information that Waybra sold to them along with Sieg Kreutzer demanded to Prime Minister Nulph for Queen Raffi¡¯s retirement.

    The reward for that was most likely the uplifting of Sieg to become the candidate of the next general of the New Kingdom¡¯s military, as well as the bestowal of fortune and authority to the consuls of the Old Empire faction.

    In order to take back their authority like the era of the Old Empire in the past©¤©¤

    And then, they planned to take down the queen and made a contract with Prime Minister Nulph to their convenience in this timing when they could obtain a lot due to the negotiation for Avalon¡¯s technology and legacy.

    Prime Minister Nulph abandoned Queen Raffi who possessed such weakness from her past. In exchange he attempted to be the one ruling the kingdom by granting authority to them.

    If it was announced that Raffi who was the symbol of the new order couldn¡¯t maintain the country and Nulph ascended to the throne as her replacement, it would become easy for the intervention of the Old Empire faction to happen.

    ¡¸What, the¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s shoulders dropped and he spat out those words once more.

    In any case the Old Empire faction including Prime Minister Nulph would make the isolated Queen Raffi fall from the throne.

    If she resisted, in the worst case her past sin might get published using the image recording.

    The honor she had built until now as the little sister of the great man Count Atismata would be degraded and she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape from execution.

    By the time Nulph yielded against the fact that was thrust before him and leaned towards the Old Empire faction, Queen Raffi¡¯s fate was decided.

    The fate of destruction that couldn¡¯t be overturned.

    A trampling down by the powerful people who possessed authority.

    Raffi¡¯s lamentation that was heavier and deeper than anyone called Sacred Eclipse and Fugil to her.

    In order to rebel against fate, Raffi used Avalon¡¯s power and slaughtered them through the course of the parade.

    She destroyed all the image recordings, and in the slightest chance someone noticed the loop and pursued the truth, she used Prime Minister Nulph as a fake mastermind to mislead the pursuer while erasing him at the same time.

    ©¤©¤That was the truth of all the events that led to here.

    .

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, Aruji-sama?¡¹

    It would be no use even if he talked about the circumstances of the matter to Yoruka who couldn¡¯t perceive this recording.

    No, even if he told her, what would he do then?

    Was he going to tell Lisha to kill Raffi who she dearly loved so much and who was going to maintain the peace after this?

    Such, such thing was©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. It¡¯s nothing. Yoruka, can you return to the inn first?¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. Please be careful, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    After hesitating slightly, Yoruka left the abandoned building.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silence filled the empty room.

    After a while, Lux leaned on the wall and looked up to the sky in a daze.

    Now that the Old Empire had lost the image recording that was the trump card to bring down the queen, as well as their leaders Waybra and Sieg, they wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything anymore.

    If Lux kept silent, perhaps the New Kingdom would head to a nice direction like this.

    But, that would mean overlooking the world revision Fugil carried out as well as the murder occurring in the middle of the parade.

    ¡¸Just¡­¡­what in the world should I do?¡¹

    The smile of Lisha who dearly loved her mother Queen Raffi was burned on Lux¡¯s eyelid.

    Two gazes saw Lux return to the inn before moving away from the inn.

    Late at night on the parade¡¯s second day. Two Automatas were walking in the street.

    ¡¸¡­¡­In the end, he doesn¡¯t notice that he is tricked to think of Nulph as the mastermind dearimasu?¡¹

    ¡¸Based from Lux Arcadia¡¯s state, I think there is no problem nanodesu.¡¹

    The Gear Leader of Hall with mechanical dog ears growing from her head©¤©¤Ney Louches asked. In response, her fellow Automata La Krusche nodded.

    The Divine Raiment of the Artifact Ouroboros, Endless was something with two types.

    First when it was used with only a single Drag-Ride, it would change the rules within the radius of a few kl with the Drag-Ride as the center.

    And then, the second type of Endless was when it was used in conjunction with Avalon¡¯s functions of perception manipulation that resonated with all the Ruins, the world scale perception modification.

    Because either type consumed vast amounts of energy, when it was used consecutively the time necessary to charge the energy store would become long.

    Employing them the Automatas was also the same.

    Thus Raffi too couldn¡¯t just focus her effort to only monitoring Lux.

    Because there was someone else other than Lux who was acting suspiciously.

    ¡¸I thought he would tell the truth to the Key¡¯s Supervisor Krulcifer, it¡¯s unexpected dearimasu.¡¹

    Ney Louches tilted her head while muttering.

    Actually at the second loop the Automatas already finished dealing with all the recovered Drakes.

    But, they had already received reports that people like Lux and Airi obtained Baptism in Avalon, so there was a need to be wary of them.

    There they injected parasite Abyss into the prisoners Sania and Ignid and laid a trap.

    In case Lux came sniffing, they were ordered to not kill him but to mislead him to think that Prime Minister Nulph was the mastermind.

    Raffi didn¡¯t have the intention to kill Lux and Syvalles¡¯s members and did her utmost to avoid that.

    After this, the users of Divine Drag-Rides would become an important fighting force for the New Kingdom.

    Among them were the members of Syvalles who raised deeds of arms at the previous great battle, and Lux who was Lisha¡¯s knight and a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins who became a hero within the country. Losing them wouldn¡¯t be a good plan.

    Therefore the two weren¡¯t killed but guided into the false truth.

    The scenario of Prime Minister Nulph colluding with the Old Empire faction and planned to take down the queen in reality was just like Lux imagined.

    Thus Raffi modified Nulph¡¯s perception and put the blame as the mastermind of this case on him.

    The possibility of breaking through the perception manipulation of Endless would increase depending on the degree of Baptism or Elixir they received. But it wasn¡¯t enough with just that, they also had to notice that something was out of place in the world, on top of that they had to deny the world and tried to break out of it.

    If they thought that the present situation was correct, or that it was desirable for them, they would get caught in the net of perception manipulation that was put on them again.

    In other words, if Lux killed Prime Minister Nulph thinking of him as the mastermind just as Raffi planned, and then he became convinced with everything©¤©¤he wouldn¡¯t notice anything anymore in the next world revision.

    Seeing that right now he didn¡¯t look he was telling anything to Krulcifer or the other girls, the thought that Lux was deceived became conviction.

    ¡¸It looks like Lux Arcadia got safely tricked dearimasu. With this it¡¯s hip hip hurray for us dearimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go back to master for now. The last big job is remaining after this so©¤©¤¡¹

    The two Automata pulled out their Sword Devices from the sheath and wore their respective Divine Drag-Rides.

    They were summoning Drag-Rides in the middle of the city although it was late at night, and yet there wasn¡¯t anyone noticing it. Except one person.

    The night of the second day of the third loop was growing late.

    The night passed with each person keeping their respective feelings in their chest.

 Volume 16 - CH 4

    ¡¸Nn, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lord-sama, are you waking up deyagarimasu?¡¹

    The odd but robotic tone of an Automata talked to the girl before her.

    It was a silver space that was tinged with bluish white light.

    Aeril Vi Arcadia was chained inside the metallic and cold room.

    ¡¸How are you feeling? Do you remember my name deyagarimasu?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The chained Aeril was stark naked without a single string covering her. She looked up at the girl in front of her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This place? I¡¯m, why, what is¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸I have no obligation to tell you. I¡¯ll at least just listen to you.¡¹

    There were sheep horns made from machine on the head of the girl who was wearing a tight outfit that was similar to a pilot suit.

    It showed that she was the Ruin¡¯s Gear Leader©¤©¤the Automata who existed in this place.

    ¡¸You are, Clan Lieze¡­¡­? Then this place, is, the Garden¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸As expected you remember the eight people of the beginning deyagarimasu. Haa, how troubling. For me alone to be left out like this, I want to go look at the imperatorial capital for the first time after several hundred years you know? No, right now it is called the imperial capital isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Clan Lieze muttered while showing a strange look of puffing up her cheeks while her expression stayed blank.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When the seven Grand Forces were installed in the Ruins, Garden was captured under Listelka¡¯s direction.

    Aeril wasn¡¯t present at that time, but Aeril who was an imperial princess of the Lords knew the name of all the Automatas.

    But, at present it seemed the Automatas received the control command of someone else and they were also remodeled to be stronger.

    After all a Gear Leader was confining the Lord, Aeril who was originally their master.

    ¡¸Are you¡­¡­, planning, ¡­¡­to kill me?¡¹

    When Aeril whispered that with a half dozing tone, Clan Lieze sighed in exasperation.

    ¡¸Even though I have healed you until this much, you said such a terrible thing deyagarimasu. It¡¯s planned to remodel you by the current master¡¯s orders, but the priority before that was to heal you from your dying and weakened state. After all you have resistance toward nanomachines. The imperial family of the Lords really got troublesome things done to them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril wracked her brain trying to grasp the situation while her eyes were staying lightless and blank.

    But, her head wasn¡¯t working, perhaps because of the drug injected into her.

    (I see, I¡¯m¡­¡­. Getting the role, of being reused, as a pawn¡­¡­)

    After the loss against Fugil in the decisive battle in the abandoned capital Guernica, she wrung out her last strength of perception manipulation with the intention to send a message to Lux, but was he safe?

    She didn¡¯t know whether the other Seven Dragon Paladins were alive or dead, but at the very least Singlen should have died.

    Aeril who was at death¡¯s door was recovered by Avalon¡¯s Automata Arshalia.

    Even among the Ruins, the Garden played the role as the treasure warehouse.

    Because it also bore the burden as a development base at the same time, it was a facility that excelled in remodeling, surgery, and manufacturing functions.

    ¡¸Endless¡­¡­. It will become impossible to extract information from Avalon if I myself got eliminated. That¡¯s why, I¡¯m going to get conveniently brainwashed, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    Clan Lieze¡¯s eyes opened wide and she scratched her head when she heard Aeril form the words that surfaced inside her head.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯ surprising deyagarimasu. Your mind is still clear like that. Then, I¡¯ll arbitrarily make a proposal. Won¡¯t you negotiate with the current master? If you swear loyalty to the New Kingdom¡¯s master, Raffi Atismata, you will be guaranteed a safe life deyagarimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸In any case even if you stay silent, in the not so distant future your personality will be remodeled. I think it ain¡¯t too bad even if you submit here while it¡¯s still ain¡¯t that painful for you yeah?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, guess.¡¹

    After hesitating slightly, Aeril smiled weakly.

    In this situation she couldn¡¯t do anything to resist.

    Rather than suffering for long, perhaps it would be faster to swear loyalty to the new ruler.

    But,

    ¡¸But, I¡¯ll¡­¡­refuse.¡¹

    Aeril quietly formed her words with her frail expression and breathing.

    Clan Lieze who saw that frowned with a dubious face.

    ¡¸Why? Could it be you are a masochist deyagarimasu, Lord¡¯s imperial princess-sama?¡¹

    ¡¸The current master of you all, surely, they were someone with weak position, right¡­¡­? After all, she is someone who the Automata Arshalia and Fugil and Sacred Eclipse allied themselves with.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The expression of the questioned Clan Lieze vanished and she fell silent.

    That was because her program as an Automata that was commanded to keep secrets was working.

    ¡¸You see, since waking up, we the Lords used special powers from the beginning to the end. Because we were persecuted, we got everything stolen from us, because we shouldered the fate of our clan, that¡¯s why it doesn¡¯t matter no matter what we do. We continued doing such things by making justice as our excuse.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that something that¡¯s not allowed?¡¹

    Clan Lieze tilted her horned head with an expression that vaguely looked human.

    ¡¸My big sister, my little sister, and then me too, we all acted like that to a greater or lesser extent. There was no regret. Because we thought we could only do that, but¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril made a weak smile, even so she continued her words.

    ¡¸After forcing such things on other people, now that it¡¯s my turn to be the one in the side that get stolen from I don¡¯t want it, I cannot do such thing. It might be a tiny thing, but even I have my vanity as a Lord.¡¹

    Aeril stared at the tube connected to her body and smiled fearlessly.

    Clan Lieze silently turned her back on her in resignation.

    ¡¸Humans really have strange thinking deyagarimasu.¡¹

    After seeing off Clan Lieze leaving, Aeril¡¯s consciousness was starting to cloud.

    Her words just now were undoubtedly her true feelings, but she didn¡¯t say her other feelings.

    (Besides, even in this situation, I still believe¡­¡­)

    Just one, the only possibility of overturning this situation.

    The possibility of Lux giving the answer©¤©¤

    ¡¸Nii-san. Please sit over there for a bit.¡¹

    The night of the second day. When Lux returned to his room in the inn, Airi was waiting for him with her eyes looking a bit angry.

    He instinctually understood that there was a scolding waiting for him. Perhaps it was his experience telling him.

    Seeing how even Noct was beside her, Lux could surmise that they were killing time until Lux came back.

    ¡¸Err, why is Noct also here?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m planning to serve as watcher, so that the talk won¡¯t go too long and Lux-san gets enough sleep. After all, the last party tomorrow will be in the castle too.¡¹

    He thought that she might be here to be Airi¡¯s ally, but contrary to his expectations she was volunteering to be the stopper. It could be seen how well she knew about the power relationship of these siblings from this act.

    ¡¸Since when did Nii-san become someone who would lose focus and play at night in the middle of official business? Just because the battle against the Lords is over doesn¡¯t mean that we became common citizens you know?¡¹

    If Airi¡¯s preaching was summarized, it seemed she was telling him to not act carelessly in this or that without thinking of their own standing.

    ¡¸Right now Nii-san is being pampered because you are a hero, but don¡¯t you understand that it¡¯s also bringing the same amount of danger? You are in a position where it won¡¯t be strange if people who don¡¯t think well of the New Kingdom kidnap or attack you.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, right. Sorry¡­¡­¡¹

    Other than that, there was also the matter of getting involved with representatives and important people from various countries which might invite its share of trouble.

    She also warned him about little details like how at present they were in the middle of the parade event so the attention of many people were focused on them.

    Before long when the talk was going to be over, Airi took a sip of the completely cooled down tea and spoke.

    ¡¸Good grief, it seems that you were also seen here and there flirting with Philuffy-san or Krulcifer-san©¤©¤. So, how is it going, Nii-san?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was bewildered when the talk suddenly changed.

    ¡¸Yes. There is no need to hide it. The students of the Academy have also witnessed it from afar.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Certainly in the middle of this parade he was acting together with those girls because of various circumstances.

    Half of it was for solving the mystery of this world revision, an investigation to trace back the clue, but it seemed that everyone had splendidly misunderstood it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­And, Nii-san, which one are you going out with?¡¹

    Airi seemed to perceive Lux¡¯s silence as affirmation and asked him while averting her eyes fidgetingly.

    Lux noticed her meaning after a few seconds passed and his face reddened.

    ¡¸Eeh!? That¡¯s, you mean to ask©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t make me say the rest-!¡¹

    Lux tried to confirm but Airi shut him down.

    But, after wavering Lux couldn¡¯t say anything in the end.

    It would be pointless even if he told Airi here about him accepting the confession from Krulcifer.

    There was the possibility that the loop of the world revision would occur once more. He couldn¡¯t show an unnatural reaction at that time and got noticed by the Automatas.

    Above all else, he couldn¡¯t think of any reason to reject, he was unable to reject it.

    For the time being the formal reply was put on hold until the last day of the parade but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Haa, so you haven¡¯t decided.¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s not like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, who is it?¡¹

    Airi was blushing from embarrassment while looking up and stared fixedly at Lux.

    Airi today was really persistent.

    He didn¡¯t understand the reason but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Celis-senpai too, I think that perhaps she loves Nii-san. Her eyes when looking at you walking with other girls looked lonely.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡®I see.¡¯

    Lux comprehended it for the first time here.

    Most likely at the second loop too when he entered a love relationship with Yoruka, she held herself back and gave up from saying her feelings.

    She really hesitated to say it.

    Celis in the first loop intended to confess by mustering out all her courage.

    (Celis-senpai¡­¡­)

    Thinking of that, a prickling pain ran inside his chest. It felt like his heart was being squeezed hard.

    He intentionally didn¡¯t think about it but, Yoruka too was surely the same.

    Regarding her, if there wasn¡¯t the circumstances at the second loop, she might not even confess her feelings to Lux.

    ¡¸Besides Philuffy-san too, it looks like her condition is a bit strange you know?¡¹

    Then, what about Philuffy?

    Lux realized about that when Airi told him like that.

    He wondered how she was doing in the previous parade and the parade before it.

    (¡­¡­Come to think of it, after the fight with Prime Minister Nulph, we parted from each other.)

    She shouldn¡¯t get injured but, he was a bit worried.

    ¡¸Airi, is it okay if I go checking on Phi-chan for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸Feel free. The scolding too is enough already, also©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Airi took a deep breath to tell something to Lux.

    But, in the end she didn¡¯t say anything and looked at him with a quiet smile.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s nothing. Please be careful not to stay too late.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Sleep ahead of me if you get sleepy.¡¹

    After exchanging only those words Lux headed to the room where Philuffy was staying in the same inn.

    After that, there were only Airi and Noct remaining in Airi and Lux¡¯s room.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Is it alright Airi? You not telling Lux-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s something that should be heard from me.¡¹

    Airi muttered with a lonely expression that looked conflicted.

    ¡¸Since the past, I¡¯m not good with Philuffy-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you mean that you hate her?¡¹

    Airi shook her head slightly at Noct¡¯s question.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not a problem with her personality or attitude, it¡¯s something that is more fundamental. I think that surely, it¡¯s just jealousy. Because she has a lot of things that I don¡¯t have.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. Certainly, that fact cannot be denied.¡¹

    ¡¸Where are you looking while saying that!? Noct!¡¹

    Airi looked at her best friend with a twitching fixed stare.

    But, she understood that it was a joke to soften the mood.

    The era of the Old Empire.

    Airi in her childhood was sickly and tended to get looked down at despite her status as an imperial family member, furthermore since losing her mother, she lived by depending on her big brother Lux.

    But, in contrast with her who could only depend on her big brother at that time, Philuffy was giving various influences to Lux even from Airi¡¯s point of view.

    Airi understood that exactly because Airi was looking at Lux more than anyone else.

    She understood how big an existence Philuffy was inside her big brother.

    What her big brother¡¯s true feelings towards Philuffy was.

    What he obtained while being together with her.

    Exactly because of that Airi was not good at dealing with her.

    In contrast with Airi who was considering everything with logic and rationality, Philuffy herself was someone with few words, but she was seeing through the truth of everything with her instinct and intuition.

    Even though normally she was silent and expressionless, she was able to express her feelings straightforwardly.

    That aspect of her was charming, and enviable.

    ¡¸I thought that surely someday, she would take away Nii-san from me.¡¹

    Airi muttered that in self-depreciation while smiling.

    ¡¸Then, why did you mention about Philuffy-san just now?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why, I wonder.¡¹

    Airi showed a vaguely powerless smile and answered Noct¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Perhaps, it¡¯s because I don¡¯t want to see Nii-san sad. There is also how distressing it is, pretending not to notice while noticing it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Hearing Airi¡¯s muttering, Noct silently leaned closer to her.

    ¡¸You are a really great little sister you know, Airi.¡¹

    The level headed and calm black haired girl showed her rare smile.

    ¡¸Phi, chan¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry, Lux-kun. Even though you expressly came to meet her.¡¹

    In the most spacious room within the inn.

    When Relie met him at the door and invited him in, there was Philuffy lying on the bed.

    Beside her the personal doctor of the Academy was also present.

    It was late at night, so it shouldn¡¯t be strange even if she was sleeping, and yet Lux noticed her abnormal condition in a glance.

    Her body was sweating and she was breathing as though she was having a nightmare from fever.

    ¡¸Why? What in the world is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It looks like her fatigue came back to her. This is because she forced herself right away without listening to me.¡¹

    ¡¸Is it, my fault¡­¡­?¡¹

    After standing stock still for a while, Lux muttered in a daze.

    The Ragnarok transplanted in her, Yggdrasil was annihilated and the command from it vanished.

    Therefore Lux was under the impression that Philuffy was safe already.

    There was no way that was true.

    At the very least, fighting using Abyssification continuously put burden on her body in exchange of drawing out further strength that surpassed humans.

    The strengthening method of fusing with a Divine Drag-Ride using something like B-Blood should also become a cause that worsened the symptom.

    However©¤©¤

    ¡¸Why, didn¡¯t you tell me? Relie-san should know about Philuffy¡¯s condition in detail.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s, because it¡¯s this girl¡¯s wish.¡¹

    Relie didn¡¯t look angry or even negligent.

    She spoke with an expression that looked faintly proud, and lonely.

    ¡¸Because she wanted to become Lux-kun¡¯s strength. She doesn¡¯t want to worry you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t ask why anymore.

    Why did she fight by mustering her strength to the limit, until her life was at risk like this?

    Because she wanted to continue staying at his side. Lux understood that.

    That time too when she was opposing Yggdrassil at the training camp in Ries Island.

    Also at the time when they headed together to the Heiburg Republic and fought against the King of Vices, and also the exploration of the deep level floor of Avalon and defeating Hayes.

    And then this time too, she stayed quiet and accompanied Lux.

    All this time, Philuffy was staying at his side for him because she had her own reason.

    He didn¡¯t notice that.

    No©¤©¤ he was pretending to not notice it.

    He contented himself with her feelings and the fact that he had a peculiar status.

    ¡¸Her spasm has settled down already so it¡¯s alright. Thank you.¡¹

    After Relie said that to the female doctor of the Academy, she left the room.

    Relie muttered with a small voice in front of Philuffy who was in a deep sleep.

    ¡¸Phi will hate me later if I say this to Lux-kun¡­¡­. But, perhaps it¡¯s alright even if I tell you. About Phi¡¯s true feelings, towards you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please, do.¡¹

    Originally he should hear it from Philuffy, but right now he intentionally asked it from Relie.

    And then a few minutes later©¤©¤ Lux went outside the inn.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    This time he was in a distance that couldn¡¯t be called as taking a walk.

    He had informed Airi just in case, so he only walked around the inn once.

    There wasn¡¯t any Automata around.

    Most likely it was because the doubt to Lux had cleared up.

    There was also the possibility that he just didn¡¯t realize it and right now they were waiting for him to make a move, but he couldn¡¯t know that.

    ¡¸I¡¯m¡­¡­why¡¹

    Philuffy¡¯s words that Relie told him were burned into his chest even now.

    How that when this parade was over, Philuffy intended to temporarily take some time for recuperation.

    How Relie was stopped from telling that to Lux.

    The reason why was something that was really unexpected.

    Why didn¡¯t she confess to Lux in the middle of the parade even though she loved Lux?

    That wasn¡¯t because she lost her chance to the other girls or because she was being considerate of the other girls.

    If Philuffy herself was released from the perception curse and she knew that Lux¡¯s criminal collar would be taken off on the last day, she should be able to say it.

    And yet, why didn¡¯t she?

    .

    ¡ºI don¡¯t want Lu-chan, to suffer more than this. If he is staying at the side of someone beyond help like me, surely, it will be painful for him.¡»

    .

    When Relie asked her about it in the middle of the parade, Philuffy smiled slightly and said that to her.

    When Lux heard that, he couldn¡¯t endure his tears from spilling.

    Philuffy too surely had recalled her memory of five years ago that was sealed.

    She was kidnapped and taken to Ries Island for human experimentation and entered a state of apparent death. Lux who saw that then wailed in sorrow. That memory.

    Lux left behind a burden on Philuffy. She didn¡¯t want to see him lamenting and suffering from being unable to save her.

    That was why, most likely she intended to pull back without confessing her own feelings.

    ¡¸¡­¡­.Just, what am I doing?¡¹

    Philuffy didn¡¯t want Lux to act recklessly in order to apply treatment for her in the negotiation concerning Avalon with all the other countries.

    That was why she was trying to go through this parade looking like there was nothing wrong with her.

    In Lux¡¯s life that was filled with ups and downs, she was a place that was like a sunny spot.

    He was able to feel peaceful the most beside Philuffy, it was comfortable beside her.

    However, because she was an existence that was closer to him than anyone, there was also a feeling of reservation inside him.

    Because until now©¤©¤staying as they were was happiness for him.

    ¡¸I see. Surely, that¡¯s how it is¡­¡­¡¹

    After thinking for a while, Lux finally noticed.

    Why was Philuffy thinking of Lux until that far?

    Because that was©¤©¤the same like Lux¡¯s own feelings towards Philuffy.

    Because she was most important to him than anyone else.

    It wasn¡¯t from a sense of responsibility or obligation, but because he loved her.

    ¡¸Sorry, Phi-chan¡­¡­. I swear, I¡¯ll save you. Not for anyone else¡¯s sake, but for my own sake©¤©¤¡¹

    He also had to convey his feeling regarding her to her.

    When this world revision was over, after his criminal collar was taken off.

    Swearing that once more, Lux looked up to the sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The night wind felt pleasant on his body that was still languid and flushed.

    But, on the contrary to that, his heart was darkly clouded.

    ¡¸I, what should I©¤©¤¡¹

    During the repeated three day period, there were several things that he noticed.

    The true identity of the mastermind who caused this loop©¤©¤Queen Raffi who was possessed by Sacred Eclipse used that power to make her New Kingdom prosper.

    Fugil assisted Raffi due to his own mission.

    Just like how he once cooperated with Count Atismata and Lux, and the Lords after that©¤©¤

    However, Lux didn¡¯t understand what he should do after this.

    If he stopped this world revision and defeated Raffi, what would happen to the New Kingdom?

    There was no way he could just overlook this. If Aeril might still be alive, he had to save her.

    But, if he did that©¤©¤Lux would become the New Kingdom¡¯s enemy.

    The place for him to belong that he finally obtained at the end of a long battle, he would discard it away by his own hand.

    And then he would also become unable to respond to the feelings of the girls close to him.

    He would drag even them into this battle that could ruin them.

    ¡¸Everyone, I¡­¡­what should¡¹

    When he muttered that once more, *clack* a faint sound of shoes rang out.

    A presence that he didn¡¯t sense in the slightest until now appeared behind him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Are you, the one that boss mentioned?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A shock that tightly grasped his heart ran through him.

    The moment Lux noticed and held his breath, a Drag-Ride¡¯s Dagger was thrust before his eyes.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make any sound. Calm down, I don¡¯t have any intention to harm you.¡¹

    When Lux focused his sight, inside the darkness there was a petite silhouette wearing a general purpose Drag-Ride Drake.

    The person was wearing a hat and mask other than the pilot suit. Short blond hair peeked out from the gap of the hat and mask.

    Most likely this person used the camouflage function of the Drake and waited for Lux¡¯s arrival.

    It seemed like this person was a boy who was still young from their tone, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s mind was in chaos, but he somehow pretended to be calm and replied.

    Lux was at a disadvantage in this situation no matter how he struggled, so it was pointless to resist.

    ¡¸My name is Alma Kilzrake. A member of the Kilzrake family, and a candidate to be the next underboss. Lux Arcadia. My boss wants to meet you. Can you come with me?¡¹(TN: This person talks in a boyish way, with rough wording and ¡®ore¡¯ to refer to himself)

    ¡¸Kilzrake family¡­¡­? Is it a type of mafia?¡¹

    Lux kept both his hands held up while asking his question in confusion.

    Then the boy sighed in exasperation.

    ¡¸What the hell. You don¡¯t know about us Kilzrake? How dull. We are famous bodyguards of companies in the Marcafal Kingdom. In this country, you will get it if you ask Relie Aingram. Haa.¡¹

    ¡®I see¡¯, Lux guessed from this atmosphere.

    A mafia family of the Marcafal Kingdom.

    He was able to accept it from the boy¡¯s rough tone and attitude.

    ¡¸Well ain¡¯t matter. So, you gonna come? Even if you say no I¡¯ll still bring you though. It¡¯s fine, it won¡¯t even take fifteen minutes.¡¹

    Oddly, it was just as Airi was worried about, was he being targeted by an unknown organization?

    Even so Lux himself was surprisingly calm.

    Perhaps it was because in contrast to his dangerous atmosphere, the boy wasn¡¯t directing hostility and killing intent towards him.

    ¡¸What is your group¡¯s objective? Ransom money? Or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s the same like you. We noticed the loop of this parade and want to destroy it. And, right now the Automatas too are pulling back to the castle. It¡¯s finally the chance for doing secret talk yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The blonde boy¡¯s words changed Lux¡¯s expression.

    Someone who noticed this world revision and destroyed the perception curse.

    An existence that shouldn¡¯t exist except for Fugil and Queen Raffi.

    ¡¸How do you know the secret of this world revision? The repeated three days of parade©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The circumstances of that is also similar to you. ©¤©¤Though I¡¯m sayin¡¯ that, boss also helped me to notice it. It ain¡¯t possible with only having experience of Baptism. At present I noticed for real was from this third loop.¡¹

    The boy talked nonchalantly with a tone that sounded a bit proud.

    ¡¸Well, I searched various places following boss¡¯s instructions from the first loop though. I felt the chill when I almost got found out y¡¯know? I thought I¡¯m really good at tailing someone but, this sucks.¡¹

    ¡¸Wait a second!? That¡¯s, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤?¡¹

    That time in the previous loop when he was together with Yoruka, the two of them curiously found someone¡¯s silhouette.

    At that time they completely thought that it was the work of someone related with Queen Raffi or Prime Minister Nulph, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Could it be, after that you also headed towards the castle?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s right. So I got found out by that much huh, good grief.¡¹

    The boy¡¯s voice changed into dejection under the mask.

    Lux had grasped Yoruka¡¯s exceptional sensing ability, but as expected their side didn¡¯t seem to have noticed it.

    Silence where both sides probed each other¡¯s intention continued for around thirty seconds, when before long the other side leaked a sigh.

    ¡¸Well, fine. Who cares whether you noticed or not, it ain¡¯t matter as long as you listen to our talk.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­And, you are a subordinate of that Kilzrake family?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m a newcomer who only joined several years ago, but I¡¯m a candidate for the next leader of the Drag-Knight force. Well, I can¡¯t hold a candle to the boss before the boss got injured though. But if I train for five more years©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Just what is your group¡¯s business with me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa¡¹

    The boy looked quiet put off because Lux interrupted him when he was talking about himself.

    He still didn¡¯t know whether the boy was an ally or an enemy, but he seemed to be a boy with relatively abundant emotion.

    ¡¸I told you at the beginning, this is the boss¡¯s order. The boss wants to meet with you. Come later to the place written in this paper. Then, I¡¯ll definitely convey it to you okay?¡¹

    The boy only left behind a paper and said that, then he activated the Drake¡¯s camouflage function and his figure completely vanished.

    Lux who was left alone beside the rear entrance of the inn dropped his gaze towards the paper.

 Volume 16 - CH 5

    The last day of the parade was approaching. Now it was late at night on the second day.

    ¡¸Fu-ku-ku-ku¡­¡­. At last it will be over for the queen with this.¡¹

    At the residential area of the nobles some distance away from the castle©¤©¤

    There was a block that was a gathering of dozens of palatial residences. The nickname of the block was the Empire District.

    Each residence had vast ground. They were existing inside the castle town as the embers of the Old Empire¡¯s glory that had reigned through more than five hundred years.

    So to speak, it was the area of the faction of the old-timer consuls©¤©¤the nobles of the senate.

    Dozens of consuls were executed as political criminals at the time of the revolution.

    But, the bunches who were doing their evil deeds behind the scenes were remaining in great number even now.

    The aged consuls were gathering in a reception hall of a large mansion that was the gathering place of such bunches.

    The mansion that was used as a social meeting place with the objective of entertaining diplomats was built in a huge size so that it could be used jointly as a dance hall or amusement center.

    There were many great rumors about the place in the era of the Old Empire, but currently it wasn¡¯t used anymore for entertaining people from other countries or feudal lords.

    ¡¸Yes, it seems that Prime Minister Nulph has chosen to make peace with us. From now on the new era will finally begin.¡¹

    The eldest person there leaked out an emotionally deep smile. Seeing that the expressions of his fellow comrades also burst into smiles.

    ©¤©¤Bad rumors.

    In the period when the despotic administration of the Old Empire was at the extreme, cruel games were prevalent among the nobles.

    It was a cruel act using people that were secured as slaves when raiding other countries or from within their own territory.

    If they were female then the way they were used was still better, the male slaves were made to kill each other, or else they were even used as replacement targets for archery and the like. Their death was filled sadness and anguish to the extreme.

    At the time of the destruction of the Old Empire, such underground activity was crushed along with its manager, but there were also participating members who managed to evade capture. A lot of them remained right now in this place.

    With the change to the regime of the New Kingdom, their authority om the surface was taken away, but with their connections to big companies, their influence to each group hadn¡¯t been lost.

    But, behind their obedience in these five years, they were starting to move in order to take back their past glory.

    Their motive wasn¡¯t anything significant.

    The uncountable evil deeds that they had committed.

    They simply wanted to do that again with all their heart, fatten their own pockets, and indulge in debauchery.

    Their insatiable greed was directed to the ancient technology and treasure that was estimated to be brought from Avalon through the negotiation after this.

    ¡¸Things we¡¯ve got to look forward to are increasing. Weapons of ancient technology and machines to produce the Abyss. Just how much it will improve our battle force©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m interested in the human resources. There might be more people with the same appearance like the imperial family of the Old Empire still sleeping right? I wish to receive those girls no matter what and receive information from them.¡¹

    A fat and old man licked his lips and slurped vulgarly.

    People with similar looks like the imperial family of the Old Empire in the past©¤©¤the existence with greater authority than themselves. Degrading and making such people to serve them was their distorted desire.

    ¡¸All of you are really enthusiastic. An old person like me is interested in the so called Elixir. Also, the machine that preserved the Lords for so many years is also interesting.¡¹

    For the old people with short remaining lifespans, the secret medicine and medical procedures of perpetual youth was something that they wished to know.

    Treasure, battle potential, slave, youth.

    The old people who lived by indulging in their desires as they pleased for a long time were exposing ugly faces that looked like goblins.

    ¡¸The queen too, I¡¯ll be affectionate with her if she seems to be meek. I¡¯ll get tired of her right away I think, but©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after one person said that loudly and laughed©¤©¤

    .

    ¡¸Even though five years have passed since the revolution succeeded, you people haven¡¯t changed at all.¡¹

    .

    A chilly voice that froze the air resounded inside the room.

    ¡¸But, well, this is my mistake. Even while knowing about the existence of you all, I could only leave you alone for long¡­¡­it was a blunder solely due to my powerlessness. I can¡¯t help but feel ashamed.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wha!?¡¹

    A girl¡¯s voice that didn¡¯t match this place was suddenly voiced.

    In response to that the dozens old consuls looked at each other¡¯s faces. It was then a girl appeared in the middle of the hall.

    ¡¸He, her majesty queen Raffi!?¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you in this place©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The consuls of the Old Empire faction were shocked. Raffi looked around at them while making an exasperated gaze.

    Using the perception manipulation of Endless, they couldn¡¯t see the current figure of Raffi who had obtained her youth once more, instead they were looking at her 30 year old appearance.

    ¡ºIs this alright master? For you to intentionally show your figure personally like this. It will be leaked if even a single person escapes this place no matter how miniscule that chance is?¡»

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright Arshalia.¡¹

    Raffi cast her eyes down and replied to her aide the Gear Leader who was at far away.

    She was able to directly receive the thoughts of an Automata inside her head because of the nanomachine receiver inside her body that was made by those girls.

    However, it was limited to within a certain range©¤©¤a radius of several kl in total.

    ¡¸There is meaning in me intentionally showing myself. How ugly it is, an existence that only commits evil deeds while hiding from other people©¤©¤. This will serve as admonition for myself who obtained strength.¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, ho-ho-how did you enter here!? What are the guards doing!?¡¹

    ¡¸What are you talking about since just now!? Her majesty is©¤©¤?¡¹

    The consuls were in chaos while shouting in panic.

    But, perhaps there was only minimum security placed around this mansion, because their movement was slower than expected.

    ¡ºBut, with such reasoning, isn¡¯t your majesty already putting in one of your legs inside like this?¡»

    ¡¸You are telling me that, Arshalia?¡¹

    ¡®Haa¡¯, Raffi put her hand on her cheek with a troubled look and let out a sigh.

    ¡ºPardon my rudeness. It seemed that I spoke needlessly.¡»

    ¡¸No, if possible please stay like that, so that I can become a good queen.¡¹

    Raffi replied large-heartedly to Arshalia. At the same time she pulled out a Sword Device from the sheath on her waist.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸This is too disappointing. To think that the true identity of ¡ºintelligence¡» that has been accumulated through the five hundred years of the Empire¡¯ history is just a shallow lump of greed¡­¡­. As I thought, there is no other way except to remove the rotten tumor.¡¹

    Raffi walked with clacking sounds from the heels of her shoes and grasped the collar of the oldest person at the innermost place.

    She lifted up the old body that was unable to even stand anymore, and stabbed the tip of her sword into the throat that looked like a dead tree.

    ¡¸Hih!? Wha, what are you doing!? Do you think that it can be forgiven for a ruler of a country to commit such an outrage!?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need to receive forgiveness from anyone. I do it because I want to. Ah, thinking back now even something this trivial©¤©¤it was never done since I became the ruler of the country.¡¹

    Raffi showed an expression that contained deep emotion somewhere in it and muttered smilingly.

    ¡¸Though more accurately speaking, I left everything to Nulph and couldn¡¯t do it. Being powerless is really bitter isn¡¯t it. Unable to say what has to be said, and unable to do what must be done. Only being able to take care to not offend the other people¡­¡­. It¡¯s no different at all from my past self. But©¤©¤¡¹

    The eyes of Raffi who was muttering self-depreciatingly were tinged with bewitching violet coloration.

    ¡¸It¡¯s only now at this time, that I too can move for the sake of justice. Just like my big brother the great man, just like Lux, and then©¤©¤¡¹

    *Shred*, the Sword Device tore the eldest man from his windpipe to his skull top.

    The body that lost its head powerlessly collapsed, then Raffi quickly swung her sword to throw off the blood clinging on it.

    ¡¸Wha, aa¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Deranged! Queen Raffi is deranged! Kill! KILL HERRRRR-!¡¹

    ¡¸What a terrible accusation. It¡¯s all of you who are deranged here. Well, it wouldn¡¯t have become like this if you all had the intelligence to understand what you are told.¡¹

    The guards finally rushed in and they raised their respective weapons and attacked.

    However, Raffi¡¯s figure vanished in the next moment. She teleported to outside the mansion.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­fuu¡¹

    Raffi pressed her hand on her head and lightly staggered right after she landed on the ground.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave the rest to you, Arshalia. It looks like my body is still not used to the power of seven Ragnaroks. I¡¯m also uneasy whether I can use the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s offshoot well. As expected, I won¡¯t be able to move well without going through Baptism once more in Avalon.¡¹

    ¡ºUnderstood. Leave this place to those girls.¡»

    The reception hall of the mansion was filled with chaos.

    The lookout on the rooftop noticed that there were several girls around the mansion.

    Automata©¤©¤the girls with the characteristic similar faces and mechanical ears on their heads simultaneously drew out their Sword Devices.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, let¡¯s begin. Though it¡¯s sad that our first joint work is cleaning trash.¡¹

    The girl with mechanical parts like an ant¡¯s feelers growing from her head©¤©¤the Gear Leader of Babel, Yos Tork muttered with a unique tone.

    Arshalia who served as the mediator of several Automatas around the mansion sent telepathic voice to everyone chidingly.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s not cleaning, but a send off. In order to awaken the vessel of the new king©¤©¤¡»

    The six girls nodded at the same time.

    The people whose positions were originally to manage the seven Ruins were starting to display their hidden strength.

    .

    The Gear Leader who managed the first Ruin Babel, Yos Tork.

    The Gear Leader who managed the second Ruin Dungeon, Lu Caria.

    The Gear Leader who managed the third Ruin Ark, La Krusche.

    The Gear Leader who managed the fourth Ruin Hall, Ney Louches.

    The Gear Leader who managed the fifth Ruin Gigas, El Fajura.

    The Gear Leader who managed the sixth Ruin Garden, Clan Lieze, absent.

    The Gear Leader who managed the seventh Ruin Moon, Re Plica.

    The Gear Leader who managed Avalon, Arshalia.

    .

    The¡ºEight Instrumentalists¡» who safeguarded the new king gathered here and moved in preparation for the last revision.

    Inside the pitch black darkness, the tragedy of a slaughter that wasn¡¯t worth to be called a fight raised its curtains.

    ¡¸Yo, so you came, Old Empire¡¯s prince. You are sneaking around even though it¡¯s in the middle of the parade.¡¹

    Late at night on the second day of the parade, Lux followed the letter that was handed to him by the boy and headed to the hideout of the Kilzrake family.

    On his way heading to a district with bad public order that was shown on the map, he was called out by a boy clad in old rags.

    It seemed he was in disguise, but Lux remembered his voice and face.

    The blond haired boy who negotiated with Lux just now©¤©¤

    ¡¸You are©¤©¤!? Your name¡­¡­is Alma Kilzrake?¡¹

    ¡¸Hee, so you remember my name? Is it that you got good memory, or perhaps it¡¯s the skill of a former prince?¡¹

    ¡¸I think it¡¯s nothing special, it¡¯s normal.¡¹

    ¡¸Hmmm. Is that so.¡¹

    He glared scrutinizingly at Lux who was deeply pulling down the hood attached on his robe to cover his face.

    ¡¸Still, I saw the parade but, you really are damn popular eh. I pitied you hearing the rumor that in the past you were a chore prince or something, but arent¡¯cha unexpectedly led a nice life? Haa, as I thought I hate blessed guys.¡¹

    The old men¡¯s wear and shabby hat and goggle he was wearing made the boy blend into the surroundings like a youth that worked in construction.

    And yet, his features were well ordered so it was interesting.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t talk too loudly ¡®kay. Just because it looks like there ain¡¯t no one, it will be game over if we got found out yeah? More importantly you, I got something to ask, is that alright?¡¹

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you going to guide me to your boss¡¯s place?¡¹

    He came here in secret to not worry Airi and everyone else, so he wanted to finish the business quickly.

    ¡¸It ain¡¯t about that. There is something personal I wanna ask. Just one question, it¡¯s not gonna take long.¡¹

    The boy with his blond hair tied jerked his face close to Lux.

    ¡¸You. Do you know about the Black Hero?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Eh?¡¹

    Right now it was a nostalgic question in a sense.

    The last time he was asked like this face to face, was it by Krulcifer when he first enrolled into the Academy?

    It was a question that was directly related to Lux¡¯s past, but he managed to not show any agitation on his face.

    ¡¸I know him. But it¡¯s not about his identity. I¡¯ve only caught sight of him briefly.¡¹

    ¡¸Chih, useless. Or rather I¡¯m jealous. So even the former prince of the Empire knows jack squat huh. This is the hateful guy who ruined your own country right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh? Well¡­¡­ that¡¯s right, but¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­. Goddamn coward. I¡¯m amazed that boss got a business with a guy like you. Listen well. I¡¯m taking you because that¡¯s the order, but just try making any move on the boss. I¡¯m gonna chase you bastard to the death and murder you, get it?¡¹

    Lux nodded towards the boy¡¯s fierce glare.

    He wasn¡¯t acting timid but, it appeared the boy accepted his reaction.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll show you the way just as planned. This way.¡¹

    Like that they weaved their way through the back alley and headed to the outskirts of the castle town.

    The place they arrived at was an abandoned old stately mansion made from brick.

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t this house empty? It looks like it¡¯s not used though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not actually used. We will move out when we finished.¡¹

    The building looked empty, but its underground room was spacious and functioned as their hideout.

    Kilzrake family.

    He first heard that it was the name of a famous familia in the Marcafal Kingdom.

    However, why was such a group in the capital in the middle of this parade?

    Normally Lux wouldn¡¯t even think to get involved with such a suspicious group, but he had a reason for going along with this.

    Marcafal Kingdom¡¯s mafia.

    From a glance this looked like some kind of trap, but he had a hunch that was nearly a kind of conviction.

    ¡¸This is boss¡¯s room. Don¡¯t be rude okay?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Excuse me.¡¹

    After knocking, there was no reply so they twisted the door knob.

    Lux parted from Alma at the room¡¯s entrance and he turned speechless upon entering.

    Inside there was Magialca sitting on a wheelchair.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You are, Captain Magialca!?¡¹

    ¡¸Oho, to be able to perceive my appearance in this state, as expected from my lover who I acknowledged. No, right now it¡¯s better if you call me Ilu Kilzrake.¡¹

    The characteristic orange hair that was did into a hairstyle in ring shape.

    Her personality and fearless grin that didn¡¯t match her petite and youthful look was exactly the appearance of the captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    However, her look was completely different from before.

    Her right arm seemed to be broken. It was fixed in place by a splint, her left leg was also dangling down powerlessly from the wheelchair.

    Her right eye was covered with an eye patch, and her body was bandaged here and there.

    ¡¸That, looks©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. Even this state now is already far better than at first. After all until a week ago it was almost impossible to even wake up by myself.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca spoke indifferently, but Lux was speechless at her grave wounds.

    ¡¸What are you so shocked about? That¡¯s really unlike the Black Hero who put an end to the long tyrannical rule of the Old Empire. You are used to seeing wounds of this level right?¡¹

    ¡¸How©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸How am I alive, you ask? Don¡¯t look at other people like they are a ghost.¡¹

    Magialca smiled wryly and took a sip of the tea on the table.

    ¡¸Well, in reality it¡¯s also mysterious for me. The Seven Dragon Paladins were annihilated at the abandoned capital Guernica two weeks ago©¤©¤even I thought that everyone excluding you died without exception.¡¹

    Yes.

    Lux couldn¡¯t even grasp what happened at that time to the degree that he couldn¡¯t believe the sight in front of him.

    In the middle of witnessing the battle of Fugil against the Seven Dragon Paladins, Lux was carried away by Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte and left that place.

    After that, the Seven Dragon Paladins crushed Fugil and the Lords.

    Then Avalon was put under control by Aeril¡¯s hands.

    ©¤©¤The people¡¯s perceptions should have become like that on the surface.

    On the other hand Lux escaped the curse of world revision by Ouroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment and learned that Aeril, Magialca, and Singlen weren¡¯t present at the parade¡¯s party, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸How, can Captain Magialca©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Let me tell you in order. I first woke up around two weeks ago in real time. At that time I was dying, but the medical care worked and I hung on to my life barely. Though at the surface it looked like I died.¡¹

    ¡¸How did that happen?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head at Magialca¡¯s speech that sounded like a riddle. She then continued her story.

    ¡¸I gave my subordinates detailed instructions beforehand that in case I needed to be rescued from that battle, they must not announce my survival to anyone else, in order to hide myself and focus on recovery.¡¹

    Magialca said that and stirred slightly.

    She seemed to be trying to shrug her shoulders, but that was the best she could do.

    ¡¸And then, the current host of Sacred Eclipse who doesn¡¯t know about my survival prepared my replacement using world revision. They intentionally propped up an impostor must be to advance the negotiation smoothly.¡¹

    If there was a loss of a member of the Seven Dragon Paladins, it would be necessary for some complex procedure to improve the power balance.

    There was a possibility that the country that lost their Seven Dragon Paladins representative would claim that they were fighting hard to the degree that they paid a great sacrifice of losing their main fighting force, and so in the negotiation they would demand considerable amount of compensation.

    With this Lux became even more convinced that Raffi was the mastermind.

    ¡¸Fortunately in the Marcafal Kingdom I have one more position. That position is as the leader of the Kilzrake family, Ilu Kilzrake.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? But, from what I heard before, the Kilzrake family is©¤©¤¡¹

    They introduced themselves as a bodyguard company, but he heard from the boy named Alma that it was a gathering of outlaws that was handling illegal goods in the underground.

    The boss of the organization that was famous in the Marcafal Kingdom was actually Magialca herself.

    ¡¸You can¡¯t protect your turf by only acting nice. You can protect yourself from external enemy for the first time by possessing armed might and authority at the same level of your enemy. The affair of illegal goods and violence too, by treating them as the bodyguards of the underworld, the order is preserved. Well, in the first place Kilzrake itself was something I purchased after its first leader died.¡¹

    ¡¸But, why are you telling me this©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca who by nature didn¡¯t belong under any country shouldn¡¯t be concerned about the circumstances of the New Kingdom.

    And yet, why was she contacting Lux even if she had to brave danger to do it?

    ¡¸I wanted to meet you.¡¹

    Magialca grinned a wicked looking smile and said that.

    Lux couldn¡¯t immediately understand her meaning.

    ¡¸You see, actually I obtained Elixir from some time ago. That¡¯s why I¡¯m able to notice the world revision like this.¡¹

    It was really like Magialca to keep quiet about it.

    By making Queen Raffi think of her as dead and making her fake existence in the New Kingdom, it was a decisive out of place factor that became the impetus for her to notice the truth.

    When thinking that, Lux gasped and noticed a certain thing.

    ¡¸Please wait! If Captain Magialca is alive, then Aeril and Vice Captain Singlen are©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Good grief, so you are worried about Aeril right after confirming my safety, I¡¯m jealous. ©¤©¤Don¡¯t worry, Aeril is surely alive. For now that is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    That reply which was said with a fearless grin brightened Lux¡¯s expression.

    ¡¸But the situation is bad you know? Most likely Aeril is held somewhere in the Ruins of this New Kingdom. Until her primary role comes.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so¡­¡­¡¹

    Even the relief only lasted briefly. Lux let out a long sigh.

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? What are you hesitating about? This isn¡¯t like you.¡¹

    Magialca asked Lux who was looking up to the ceiling.

    But, Lux couldn¡¯t reply immediately.

    He breathed out the feeling he was holding in his chest since the defeat in that abandoned capital until this point of time.

    ¡¸Captain Magialca is©¤©¤. Why did you fight till that far? Against the man who was my older brother, against Fugil who was called as the hero of the beginning.¡¹

    ¡¸I wonder why. Even though someone at my level noticed just how faint my chances of victory were the instant I faced him.¡¹

    Magialca sighed ¡®fuh¡¯ with an amused looking smile and muttered.

    Her figure was covered with painful looking wounds, but there wasn¡¯t any sign of regret from her.

    ¡¸Lux. Let me ask you back, why did you stand against the tyrannical rule of the Old Empire? Although it couldn¡¯t be realized without the cooperation of Fugil and Count Atismata at that time, it still didn¡¯t change that it was a dangerous battle right?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Was it for the sake of your little sister and childhood friend©¤©¤my pupil?¡¹

    Lux nodded wordlessly.

    But, Magialca scoffed at that answer.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s not it. If that was all, you could have just taken the two of them and escaped to another country. ©¤©¤No, I guess we don¡¯t know about that, you might have been unable to find asylum anywhere. Then, after the revolution, why did you wander for five years as the Chore Prince? For atoning? There must have been many other ways to do that. There should be the path of fighting at the front lines as a Drag-Knight if you wanted to atone.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux was at a loss of what to say, in contrast, Magialca¡¯s smile deepened.

    ¡¸For a ruler, there is something that is absolutely needed in order to stand above people. That is pride and dignity. All this time you lived until now with those things pushing you.¡¹

    Pride and dignity.

    Lux repeated those words inside his chest.

    He wondered whether he really possessed such things.

    ¡¸You tried to walk the path that you pictured to be correct as an imperial prince. You don¡¯t just abandon yourself to follow what other people told you, you tried to know other people and face them as someone with the bloodline of ruler within you©¤©¤. That was why you searched for Fugil in order to confirm your answer while polishing your own skill.¡¹

    As a Drag-Knight, and also as a statesman.

    Even after his defeat, he was unconsciously aiming for that.

    Was that, really the case?

    ¡¸You are overestimating me. Because, right now I¡¯m©¤©¤already¡¹

    After saying that to Magialca, he exited the underground room of the hideout.

    .

    The morning sun rose and the morning of the third day of the parade arrived.

    And then Lux returned to a new ordinary day.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then, it¡¯s fine if we just go as planned right, boss?¡¹

    Alma Kilzrake smiled with an innocent face that had traces of childishness in it.

    ¡¸Yes. Your talent is passable. You managed to learn a skill of the Old Empire¡¯s strongest Drag-Knight©¤©¤the Black Hero after all.¡¹

    ¡¸I want you to call it as skill instead of talent. I¡¯m working really hard even like this yeah.¡¹

    ¡¸Hard work, eh.¡¹

    Magialca who was wearing a black eye patch smiled looking somewhat mean-spiritedly.

    ¡¸More importantly, I got it. If I accomplish this mission, it will be possible to destroy the New Kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, certainly it will be like that at the end but, are you alright with that? I won¡¯t mind if you value your life and run away.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah, that¡¯s not like you boss.¡¹

    Alma showed a smile full of confidence under her goggled hat.

    From here on she would begin acting in order to accomplish the mission from Magialca.

    The operation to head towards the Garden and save Aeril who was held captive in its depths.

    The reason for this operation¡¯s idea was the Automatas¡¯ movement.

    While all the Automatas were ordered to clean up after the world revision since before this parade, it was only the Automata of the Garden Clan Lieze whose appearance wasn¡¯t confirmed.

    There was no reason that could be thought up to intentionally decrease their numbers under this situation.

    If there was any reason at all, it would be the possibility that the Automata was already engaged in an important duty beforehand.

    Magialca judged that duty was the treatment and brainwashing of the captured Aeril.

    Magialca intentionally didn¡¯t tell Lux about this, but just a bit of time ago Raffi was slaughtering the old consuls of the Old Empire faction.

    The reason why she was looping this parade until now was to use the time to thoroughly root out the mutinous forces like Waybra, Sieg Kreutzer, and Prime Minister Nulph who were planning to bring her down.

    But even they had been removed. At present©¤©¤all troubles that opposed the ruling of the New Kingdom had been severed. With that the last revision should be carried out after this.

    That was to say, that in order to overwrite the various inconsistencies that occurred in this period, a large-scale incident would be caused and it would be imprinted into the people¡¯s memories as the lynchpin.

    There was no need to actually cause an incident for real.

    It was fine to only imprint to the people¡¯s memory that such thing had happened, so there was no problem by just activating Endless once more.

    Therefore, Fugil and Raffi would have to head to Avalon.

    Magialca had finished investigating that Avalon itself was brought to the New Kingdom and it was positioned some distance away from the capital.

    They would attack Garden the instant Raffi teleported to the capital¡¯s outskirts. That would be their greatest and last chance.

    ¡¸First is to recover Aeril.¡¹

    The curse of perception from Ouroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Endless, it used Avalon¡¯s power and made the seven Ruins resonate.

    That means, if even a single one of the Ruin¡¯s activation device, the Grand Force was taken off, the world revision wouldn¡¯t be usable anymore.

    But, because the removal of the Grand Force was impossible if it wasn¡¯t by the Lords or the family of traitors©¤©¤or by someone with the bloodline of the Arcadia Empire, first the priority was to take Aeril back.

    There should be heavy security in there, even so it should consist of Automata or the Abyss at most.

    Alma heard that the greatest threat the Ragnaroks were already destroyed. And against the Abyss she would be able to win easily if the opponent were medium size or smaller.

    That would be even truer if she was leading the elites of Kilzrake.

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ll assign that newcomer with you so it¡¯s going to be fine. If you feel lost then you can rely on that guy. Whether it¡¯s in battle or about your life.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma scowled in displeasure at Magialca¡¯s suggestive words.

    Alma Kilzrake¡¯s past. Magialca was talking about her deep fate with the New Kingdom.

    ¡¸You¡¯re saying that my revenge is mistaken?¡¹

    ¡¸I know that you were betrayed and abandoned and hold a grudge to them. But, the way your heart gets warped will lead you to ruin for sure, that¡¯s how unjustified resentment is.¡¹

    ¡¸That ain¡¯t persuasive at all hearing it from boss.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand it really well exactly because I got a bad personality.¡¹

    Alma looked aside sulkily. Magialca talked in jest seeing that.

    As expected, that might be what was called the wisdom of age, even now her speech was skilled.

    ¡¸It must be some kind of fate too that you who were born in the New Kingdom drifted into my place. You can ascertain it with your own eyes. Then©¤©¤I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯ll finish your mission and obtain even more strength. I¡¯ll master piloting a Divine Drag-Ride and destroy the New Kingdom. That is©¤©¤my punishment to them who betrayed me.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, depart right away. It will be the meet up time soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I¡¯m going boss.¡¹

    Alma saluted her leader Ilu Kilzrake and put on the goggle on her hat.

    And then she headed to the Garden along with the elite Drag-Knights who gathered upstairs.

    Around that time©¤©¤ in the afternoon of the parade¡¯s last day.

    While the winter sun was shining, Queen Raffi along with Fugil were inside Avalon that was at the outskirts of the capital.

    ¡¸The possibility of receiving disturbance in the middle of this surgery¡­¡­is it? We should have exterminated the bud of rebellion though. Who could it be, for example?¡¹

    Inside the room were huge silver walls, countless pipes, and interlacing gears.

    That place was truly the heart part of a machine.

    It was the starting point of the place that created and converted everything.

    Inside the room of Avalon that was brought here from the abandoned capital Guernica, Raffi was muttering while stark naked.

    Sacred Eclipse that assimilated with Raffi herself fused the ability of all Ragnarok until now and provided her with overwhelming power, but it was unclear whether she was able to control it.

    In short, it was possible that the Sacred Eclipse would be influenced by negative emotion and rampage to carry out massacre.

    This surgery was so that Raffi could control the timing of that to a certain degree using her will.

    The Automata Arhsalia was at her side to guard her and controlled the surgery.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. However there is no plan that is perfect. It¡¯s better to be resolved that such thing might happen.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that including the possibility of me being unable to endure this surgery and dying?¡¹

    Raffi who returned to her youthful appearance as a girl asked Arshalia that.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t you feel scared? That you might die just like this. That perhaps Fugil and I are tricking you.¡¹

    The question from an emotionless Automata.

    However Raffi smiled for some reason hearing that.

    Once she was tricked by the man called Waybra and he grasped her past weakness. She was dropped into the abyss of despair.

    ¡¸That hero of beginning, Fugil, I heard that previously he sided with the Lords. Most likely he parted with them due to some kind of reason and murdered them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi talked indifferently even knowing that Fugil betrayed his own lord. Arshalia stared back emotionlessly at her.

    ¡¸Surely for Fugil, rather than personal motive©¤©¤or a country¡¯s fate, he has something more important, his own belief. Something that cannot be called as things like evil or justice.¡¹

    Arshalia didn¡¯t reply.

    She only moved her fingers to trace the air like a conductor and the surrounding machines began to move.

    ¡¸Then, we are starting. Master.¡¹

    Raffi lied down on the central bed. The device of Avalon was activated and the surrounding gears started to move, the operation then begun.

    The limbs of the figure that turned into a girl from the assimilation with Sacred Eclipse was bound, and liquid that was filled with medicine was injected.

    ¡¸©¤©¤However, I didn¡¯t have anything in me. Like wanting to save the New Kingdom, or wanting to protect the people, or inheriting the dying will of my big brother. I didn¡¯t even harbor any of those feelings while sitting on the throne.¡¹

    The devices moved jointly with each other. A needle that was laced with Elixir stabbed into her heart.

    Raffi continued with her words to distract herself from the slight pain.

    ¡¸I was only continuing to run for more than ten years. Pursued by fear, pursued by reality, without even any courage to resist or standing up against it alone©¤©¤. Unable to say it to anyone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse that was fused with her flesh reacted to those words.

    Raffi¡¯s eyes were tinged with mysterious light and filled with power.

    ¡¸I had never genuinely lived even once. I believe you won¡¯t kill me here, and even if the surgery failed I won¡¯t die. Because I still©¤©¤haven¡¯t even lived until now.¡¹

    *Thump*, her restrained body bent backward from the conditional reflex.

    For half a minute, a device was inserted into her body part that was contaminated by an inhuman thing in order to control it.

    In the middle of that, the Automata Arshalia asked to distract Raffi¡¯s attention.

    ¡¸Then, what are you wishing for? With that strongest power¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤! Happi, ness¡­¡­!¡¹

    Raffi raised a stifled voice and smiled while enduring the pain.

    ¡¸I want, to protect, the happiness that I found for the first time¡­¡­¡¹

    Arshalia who guessed Raffi¡¯s true feelings comprehended it.

    The reason Sacred Eclipse responded to Raffi¡¯s call.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry, master.¡¹

    Beside Raffi, the Automata Arshalia silently spoke to her.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let anyone be a hindrance. The preparation for interception in the Garden is completed. The strongest guard that you placed there is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re right. Then, it looks like the surgery is over, so I¡¯ll rest for a bit. Please tell this to him. That I wish for him to activate Ouroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment from now.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤By your will. Do you hear that, Fugil?¡¹

    ¡º©¤©¤Yeah, let¡¯s start. Endless.¡»

    Outside Avalon, the chalk white Artifact was standing high to the sky.

    The armor of the gigantic dragon that resembled a fortress was faintly tinged with light of seven colors.

    The last revision would start from now at the New Years parade.

    In order to cleanse the sin of the world.

    ¡¸What are you doing! It¡¯s forbidden to enter here! Uwaah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Alma who was wearing a mask flew with his EX Wyvern and crossed over the Ruin¡¯s checking station.

    Of course, the Drag-Knights of the New Kingdom that protected the station swarmed the intruder. But Alma who was entrusted to be the captain dealt with them composedly.

    ¡¸Boss¡¯s expectation was right. This place is empty cause they split the personnel for the capital¡¯s security.¡¹

    He left the rest to several of his subordinates and descended in front of the Garden.

    ¡¸The New Kingdom is nothing. It will be an easy win even if it turns into a fight.¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤ I think your movement was shoddy.¡¹

    Beside the triumphant Alma, the newcomer who entered the squad only just now with Magialca¡¯s recommendation spoke from under his mask.

    ¡¸What¡¯s with you, it went well just now ain¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸If you wanted to draw the attention of the guards by going ahead, you should slow down a bit more. If you shake them off too fast and overlooked some, the rear of our squad will get caught. Just now you were only lucky by chance.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah, acting like a hot shot even though you¡¯re just a newcomer. Minions who can¡¯t keep up means that they are just unskilled.¡¹

    ¡¸The squad captain¡¯s job is also to train them so that won¡¯t happen. If this force was entrusted to you from Captain Magialca©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Chih¡­¡­. It¡¯s not gonna be long until the transfer starts, don¡¯t daddle!¡¹

    To enter the Garden, there was no other way except by standing beside the wall and waiting until the automatic transfer to the inside happened within a certain interval.

    The squad entered into the Ruin before long. Right after that Alma who received the interior¡¯s geographical map quickly flew ahead.

    Even if the Abyss appeared they had a fighting force that could deal with it, but they had no free time to stand still considering their objective.

    Thus they chased away the Abyss by playing the horn flute.

    The target was the deepest part of the Garden.

    The priority was to secure Aeril Vi Arcadia who was imprisoned there.

    ¡¸Fufu. What, this ain¡¯t anything difficult. So even a Ruin is just at this level.¡¹

    The smile was kept pasted on Alma¡¯s mouth. They broke through the gateways one after another.

    He heard that the greatest obstacle in invading the Ruin here which was the gatekeeper©¤©¤the Ragnarok too had already been destroyed and wasn¡¯t here anymore.

    ¡¸Then, there isn¡¯t any reason for me to fail! Besides, I might have already surpassed the strength of Syvalles even!¡¹

    Her tone was mixed with excitement, but his movement didn¡¯t have any shoddiness in it.

    He was a bit belligerent, but he didn¡¯t lose sight of his objective and struck down the enemy with the shortest and fastest movement.

    While the morale of his subordinates were also rising, the masked young man who was sent by Magialca as his new subordinate alone whispered in a low voice.

    ¡¸That¡¯s dangerous Alma. Just because the power output of EX Wyvern is high, you still drew too close when attacking. It¡¯s also important to concentrate to the battle in front of you, but you will get injured if you neglect paying attention to the surroundings.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Don¡¯t talk big newcomer! Only boss can give orders to me!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    But, Alma ignored the warning and sped up further.

    In the past when the newcomer young man came here, a transfer device that was made from strange object was necessary, but right now a part of the wall was destroyed and they were able to progress to the depth directly.

    They moved to the quasi space existing inside the Garden that looked like a forest and advanced further. There another door appeared.

    The floor with silver walls they retreated from in the past.

    After landing there, there was a single wide central pathway with walls at the left and right, and countless room doors there.

    ¡¸This place©¤©¤. The depth of the Garden that boss mentioned. It¡¯s what they called the Ruin¡¯s other function huh¡­¡­¡¹

    After Alma muttered that with a dubious expression, the newcomer young man who accompanied this squad tilted his head.

    ¡¸The Ruin¡¯s, other function?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s function as treasure chest that is.¡¹

    Alma answered quickly and curtly.

    ¡¸The treasure warehouse that stores, manages, and seals any kind of thing. I heard that dangerous things would even get called if we touch carelessly.¡¹

    He slowly walked through the spacious pathway while still wearing his Drag-Ride.

    Different from the route until now, from here on it would be uncharted territory.

    ¡¸But no worry newcomer. Our objective, Aeril Vi Arcadia is alone. We can just take the other treasures after recovering her safely. We need to strengthen our forces after all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Be careful, there is a strange presence.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah! Got cold feet? I ain¡¯t scared of anything. Since I lost my family and discarded my name, I have gone through terrible experiences all along until now.¡¹

    ¡¸Terrible, experiences?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s right. But that ain¡¯t what hurt me the most. There is my aunt too but, only Onee-chan©¤©¤my big sister, even though I believed that there is no way she would side with the likes of the Old Empire, and yet¡­¡­¡¹

    *Grit*, Alma gritted his teeth under the mask.

    The newcomer young man tilted his head, but right after that Alma¡¯s subordinates came their way.

    ¡¸Captain, I think it¡¯s more efficient to split up here and search©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Guess you¡¯re right. There are too many rooms here. Everyone split up©¤©¤¡¹

    Alma quickly assessed the situation and followed his subordinate¡¯s advice.

    Certainly there were countless rooms in this treasure warehouse floor. Even if they assumed that Aeril was here, it would be difficult to find her.

    And then, they had not much time to delay.

    If they didn¡¯t remove the Grand Force from here and made Avalon to enter system down, they might not have any more chances.

    But, the newcomer young man who accompanied the squad gave advice calmly.

    ¡¸No, we should act in groups of two at least. Also, it¡¯s better to place a Drake user and two people as guards at the rendezvous point. We can grasp the movements of the whole like that and the safety will increase.¡¹

    ¡¸Now see here¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma took off his mask and showed an exasperated expression.

    ¡¸That¡¯s only done in dangerous places right? In here we haven¡¯t met any Abyss since midway, not even once. Are you unable to believe my decision huh!?¡¹

    Intimidation.

    Or rather, those must be words for the sake of maintaining his dignity as squad captain, but the newcomer young man himself couldn¡¯t possibly just overlook the dangerous situation.

    ¡¸Then, at the very least let me act as your guard.¡¹

    ¡¸Aah? Me who can use an EX Wyvern needs you who uses a Wyvern to guard me? Just say it honestly that you want to get protected.¡¹

    Alma snickered under the mask that he wore once more and quickly gave instruction to his subordinates.

    A few minutes after the investigation of the treasure warehouse began, it suddenly happened.

    ¡ºCaptain! A girl who looks like Aeril Vi Arcadia has been discovered! Please come over here!¡»

    One of the several Drake users in the squad sent Dragon Voice communication excitedly.

    Alma who heard that made a satisfied smile and immediately returned to the central passage. He flew his EX Wyvern towards the direction of the call.

    The newcomer young man who followed behind him raised his voice towards the impatient captain.

    ¡¸Wait! It¡¯s better to not hurry there. Something is strange¡­¡­let¡¯s call everyone for now and gather in the center. It will be dangerous if this is a trap.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Troublesome. There is a mountain of other treasures we should take here. No way I can act leisurely like that.¡¹

    Alma sighed in exasperation and hurried towards the room the Dragon Voice came from.

    A long straight passage©¤©¤ Alma was heading towards the room that was around the middle of that, and put his hand on the silver door there.

    The instant it opened, the naked body of a girl restrained deep inside the room came into view.

    The silver hair that was the proof of the Lord and asymmetrically colored eyes.

    (So she is Aeril! She is alive as expected!)

    But, the instant his attention was taken by that, the surrounding wall turned into the color of flesh and spears of wooden root wriggled. It flew toward Alma¡¯s chest.

    (Impossible©¤©¤a trap!?)

    The whole body of Alma whose eyes opened wide stiffened.

    His guard was wide open due to his posture of opening the door, so he couldn¡¯t defend the attack with the weapon at hand.

    Therefore it was an attack of certain kill that took advantage of this timing.

    With EX Wyvern the barrier should be solid, but that tentacle that was like wooden roots approached with an abnormal speed that surpassed Alma¡¯s reaction.

    (It¡¯s incomparable with the Abyss until now! The barrier¡¯s reinforcement©¤©¤it won¡¯t make it!)

    Alma who was taken by surprise shuddered.

    It would be a fatal attack if it hit directly.

    In the middle of that timing with his consciousness slowed to the limit©¤©¤ the newcomer who was a mere Wyvern user blocked the tentacle¡¯s tip with his Blade.

    ¡¸Uah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Everything was a happening that passed within an instant of an eye blink.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Alma who barely escaped the predicament leaped further backward to dodge.

    As though to pursue Alma who returned to the central passage, countless tentacles launched consecutive attacks one after another from inside the room©¤©¤however, the newcomer Drag-Knight who stood between them repelled everything with the Blade at his hand.

    (What, the. These guys!? This monster, and this newcomer guy who blocked its attacks©¤©¤)

    Shockwaves shook the treasure warehouse¡¯s passage and sounds of destruction echoed.

    The surrounding subordinates who caught the sound reacted all at once.

    ¡¸Captain Alma, what happened!?¡¹

    ¡¸Enemy? Please get a hold of yourself!¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t come here! You¡¯ll get killed!¡¹

    Alma was relieved inside his heart that he didn¡¯t end up blurting ¡ºSave me!¡».

    A glimpse of power that was incomparable from anything he saw until now.

    His shaking from the presence of such thing wouldn¡¯t stop.

    At the same time, Alma noticed that the young man who Magialca attached to the squad as a newcomer possessed strength that far surpassed his imagination.

    But, his squad comrades who were upset that their captain fell into crisis wouldn¡¯t listen to his order.

    Several of them approached to save Alma, but in that instant an intense shockwave burst out.

    ¡¸Watch out-!¡¹

    .

    ©¤©¤*GAUN-!*

    .

    The air exploded and the silver wall and objects in the central passage were squashed with bizarre metallic sound.

    Alma didn¡¯t even notice that it was caused by a mere Howling Roar from the Drag-Knight inside the room.

    He was only able to understand the result.

    With speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow, the newcomer Drag-Knight covered Alma from the terrific roar that was the enemy¡¯s counterattack. Because of that he was blown away.

    A part of his armor was smashed and scattered in pieces midair.

    The subordinates who were similarly blown away crashed on the metallic wall. Several of them had their Drag-Rides dispelled from the damage.

    There was no leeway to be in a daze within the situation that was changing hectically.

    If the newcomer didn¡¯t shield him, Alma¡¯s EX Wyvern would surely have gotten done in too.

    ¡¸God¡­¡­damnit!¡¹

    The welling up anger and frustration controlled Alma and cleared up the mist of fear in his mind temporarily.

    He didn¡¯t know what the enemy was, but at this rate they would be annihilated.

    In that case he who was still able to move had to fight.

    With such fierce fighting spirit, he was going to leap once more into the room, it was then©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    The figure inside the room that was the perpetrator of the destructive scene was one step ahead of Alma and showed his figure before him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I only intended that as a simple greeting though. But most of you are falling asleep instead. What a disrespectful lot.¡¹

    A Drag-Knight appeared into the central passage along with a mocking laugh.

    It was the first time Alma saw that figure that was clad in a jet black Divine Drag-Ride but©¤©¤Alma knew him.

    The legendary Drag-Knight who was considered as the one destroying the infamous Old Empire from the shadow.

    ¡¸Flying type, black Divine Drag-Ride¡­¡­. Don¡¯t tell me, the Black, Hero¡­¡­!? Why, in this place©¤©¤¡¹

    What were the tentacles coming out from the room before this?

    Since when did he wear that armor?

    Why was he in this place?

    Several questions formed at the same time, however the reality before his eyes wasn¡¯t erased.

    ¡¸Pro, protect Captain Alma-!¡¹

    ¡¸How dare you do that to our comrades! Die!¡¹

    Several subordinates Drag-Knights who didn¡¯t get dragged into the Howling Roar simultaneously assaulted the jet black Drag-Knight.

    ©¤©¤But, the next instant.

    ¡¸Guh, a¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Everyone who attacked was slashed at their vitals along with their armor in less than even a second. They died instantly.

    The simultaneous attacks from multiple directions were dealt with easily by swinging the great sword freely to every direction, intercepting the attacks through the shortest route with fastest speed.

    That excessive strength and mercilessness put a halt in Alma¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸What is this? Are you the Black Hero?¡¹

    The man who was called like that by Alma showed the composure of someone who wasn¡¯t touched by even a drop of his victims¡¯ blood spurt and answered.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know who you are but let me answer©¤©¤that is just an illusion. Does the like of a petty thief who came to steal the Lord believes in such thing? My name is Fugil Arcadia. The Hero of Beginning who carries the mission to maintain the equilibrium of this world along with Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    ¡¸What, did you say¡­¡­!?¡¹

    He was laughed at scornfully by the Black Hero who he believed in and lost his words.

    For Alma, the Black Hero was an absolute existence that he idolized.

    He was abandoned when he was a child©¤©¤, since he was a child he was living a harsh life. In order to survive that life, he was harboring aspirations towards the Drag-Knight who destroyed the hateful Old Empire in one night.

    Alma was shocked that it was laughed down like this.

    But, he barely recalled his position and responsibility, and exerted the spirit to resist.

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­protecting this place to prevent Aeril¡¯s rescue!? Are you allying yourself with the New Kingdom¡¯s Raffi, the monster queen who is possessed by Sacred Eclipse? Why!?¡¹

    ¡¸The reason I fight, is for the sake of the existence that should be saved.¡¹

    Fugil instantly answered Alma¡¯s question without any hesitation.

    ¡¸The system that maintains the world¡¯s equilibrium and saves the weak©¤©¤the Sacred Eclipse. I exist in order to lead and watch over the person chosen by that Sacred Eclipse. Destroying the Old Empire was nothing more than a process. I dealt with them simply because I judged them as unnecessary. I didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of saving you all.¡¹

    The Black Hero wouldn¡¯t become the ally of Alma and the others. The enemy informed them that he would exterminate them without the slightest mercy.

    ¡¸Mons, ter¡­¡­¡¹

    Behind Alma whose thought was completely stopped, his subordinates were shaking towards the disastrous scene.

    Everyone here already noticed.

    The battle force before their eyes was in a different dimension.

    They who were here right now were really©¤©¤unable to even put a scratch on this opponent.

    Therefore, they threw away their mission and everything else, and turned their backs to the threat before their eyes.

    Fugil who saw that spat out his words in exasperation.

    ¡¸How boring. You lot aren¡¯t amusing at all. But, now that you have reached this far©¤©¤there is no way I can let any of you get away.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Then then, we can begin now deyagarimasu, right?¡¹

    A girl with particular appearance smoothly showed her face from inside the room. Alma opened her eyes wide in surprise.

    ¡¸You are, an Automata©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m Garden¡¯s Gear Leader, Clan Lieze. There is no need to remember it though, all of you are going to die soon anyway deyagarimasu.¡¹

    The girl wearing a tight suit like a pilot suit on her body and mechanical parts that looked like goat horns growing on her head muttered.

    *Snap*, when she snapped her fingers, a bizarre discordant sound resounded at the same time.

    .

    ©¤©¤IiiIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!?¡¹

    It was the sound of the horn flute that called the Abyss.

    Clan Lieze was calling the Abyss inside the Ruin to this place using her authority as Gear Leader. Noticing that the subordinates who numbered in the dozens went pale.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, she is summoning the Abyss here!?¡¹

    ¡¸All the Abyss we avoided until now are going to gather here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s hurry and escape to the passage! We won¡¯t make it in time like this!¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t go-!? That black Drag-Knight is blocking the path!¡¹

    It was pandemonium.

    The fear towards the countdown towards unavoidable destruction was transmitted and Alma¡¯s teeth made clattering sounds.

    ¡¸What the hell¡­¡­. This is¡¹

    Alma¡¯s blonde haired head kept hanging down while he let out a small mutter.

    ¡¸Aren¡¯t you the Black Hero huh!? Aren¡¯t you going to save us huh!? Why, why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s simply because all of you aren¡¯t chosen.¡¹

    Fugil thrust the reality towards Alma who yelled in despair.

    ¡¸A hero is©¤©¤the ally of the weak. When you are dropped into the bottom of the earth where there is no way to overturn it, you will be saved if you are lucky. It¡¯s Sacred Eclipse who chooses the person. I¡¯m only following its decision.¡¹

    ¡¸Such¡­¡­thing. Even Iwatashi¡­¡­, even Iore, had everything taken away from me! I was despised before finally I reach a position where I can take revenge, and yet! Why©¤©¤ Such thing¡­¡­!¡¹

    .

    Five years ago, Alma was abandoned by the people he believed in.

    ©¤©¤No, he fell into a trap.

    Due to the secret information leaked by the noble aunt who he idolized, his family¡¯s hideout was attacked, their servants massacred, and he was captured as a slave.

    Even then, he persisted with her pride as a noble, and yet he heard that the big sister who he respected turned traitor and switched to the enemy¡¯s camp.

    After that, he accidentally managed to escape from the severe violence and spent several hellish years wandering the slum.

    Now after he was picked up by the Kilzrake family and obtained backing, it should be his time to get even with his family who forgot him and enjoyed happiness with no care in the world.

    .

    In response to Alma¡¯s tedious talk, Fugil turned a chilled gaze towards him and said.

    ¡¸If someone is saved, someone else will meet a bitter experience. That is the law of the world. People with roles that cause influence to the system will be given the right. Justified revenge you say? Don¡¯t prattle when you are just a bandit possessed by greed planning to destroy the New Kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸U, a¡­¡­. AAAAAAAAAA©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Alma whose self was completely denied screamed and rushed forward.

    But, the instant she took the stance to unleash the sure kill Quick Draw, the flash of sword that Fugil¡¯s Bahamut already unleashed severed the wrist of her right armored arm.

    The Quick Draw that Fugil unleashed.

    Even though it was unleashed after Alma, the speed easily surpassed his Quick Draw.

    (My Quick Draw cannot be compared¡­¡­! Is this©¤©¤the real Black Hero¡¯s¡­¡­power)

    He believed in the chivalrous thief.

    The nameless Drag-Knight who put an end to the evil Old Empire.

    That person took up the sword not because of greed, but for the sake of his own justice, an existence that was completely unaffected by things like politics or rewards.

    He believed, that there was a hero like that.

    But, now that this person said it, certainly that was true.

    It was natural for weaker people who possessed position to be saved.

    He himself was half-baked and didn¡¯t get chosen.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Die.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s cold gaze pierced the dazed Alma.

    ¡¸Captain Alma-!?¡¹

    In that moment when his subordinates all screamed©¤©¤ a voice could be heard.

    ¡¸So you are going to discard him, Fugil? ©¤©¤Then, I¡¯ll save him!¡¹

    *GAGII¡­¡­!*

    Right after Bahamut¡¯s great sword was fast approaching toward Alma¡¯s neck, another great sword drove it away.

    That Drag-Ride that saved him from the deadly predicament was also shining in jet black color.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So you came. The ¡ºweakest¡» imperial prince who cannot choose anything.¡¹

    Fugil who saw the one confronting him muttered with a derisive laugh.

    ¡¸¡­¡­There are two, Black Heroes©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Alma was staring at that scene and muttered in a daze.

    The mask of the newcomer Drag-Knight who covered Alma just now was broken, exposing the silver hair and grey eyes possessed by the bloodline of the Arcadia Empire.

    The true identity of the young man who entered the squad by Magialca¡¯s instruction was Lux Arcadia.

    He too was also clad in the similar Divine Drag-Ride that was the symbol of the Black Hero©¤©¤Bahamut.

    ¡¸Wha, what is, going on, deyagarimasu!?¡¹

    The Automata Clan Lieze who saw that made *bakin* metallic sound and crumbled.

    Before she herself could pull out her Sword Device and entered her fighting form, Lux was slightly faster to destroy her.

    ¡¸Is that your answer, Lux? Rebelling towards the hero¡¯s mission©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was silent in response.

    He was simply glaring silently at his eldest brother¡¯s face.

    ©¤©¤A few hours ago.

    In an underground room of a palatial mansion on the outskirts of the castle town.

    Lux answered Magialca¡¯s question inside the hideout of the Kilzrake mansion that Alma brought him into.

    He knew the reality of the enemy that was too powerful.

    He knew the great impact of losing something from fighting.

    He didn¡¯t know whether he was able to choose the right thing or not.

    ¡¸You are overestimating me. Because, right now I¡¯m©¤©¤already¡¹

    He was hesitating, whether to fight or not.

    He heard Lisha¡¯s feelings towards Queen Raffi.

    Above all else he sympathized with the harsh life that Queen Raffi went through.

    He was harboring doubt whether taking away power from her and judging her sin was really the right thing to do.

    ¡¸By the way©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit. That guy seems to be genuinely dead.¡¹

    Suddenly Magialca changed the topic.

    He had predicted it, but as expected it seemed he was killed.

    He was a man who wasn¡¯t compatible with Lux and there was also times when they were hostile to each other but, he was undoubtedly a prodigious great man.

    ¡¸It¡¯s an ironic story but©¤©¤that must be the proof that he was able to make Fugil to recognize him as an enemy. I, and the other Seven Dragon Paladins were unable to come up on the same stage in the end.¡¹

    For Fugil, Singlen wasn¡¯t a piece on the board, he was a person who he had to kill no matter what at that time.

    In short, at that time Singlen was pressing hard on Fugil until that far.

    There was even loneliness that could be vaguely felt from the tone of Magialca who was saying that.

    ¡¸Singlen embodied the ideal ruler that Fugil wished for. And then in fact he was recognized by him at that time. And yet, why did he challenge Fugil even if he had to risk his life©¤©¤even you understand why right?¡¹

    ¡¸I©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You wanted to fight as an imperial prince of the Old Empire. Isn¡¯t that right? Hm?¡¹

    Her tone and expression were mean spirited.

    Magialca poked at Lux¡¯s cheek with a gesture that was really like her.

    Her fingertip was shaking, showing that her body wouldn¡¯t move properly.

    He was an imperial prince of the infamous Arcadia Empire. However he had the pride as someone who inherited the blood of ruler.

    He thought that it couldn¡¯t go on like this, that he had a righteous duty, a mission.

    That was why he chose to destroy his own country and carried it out.

    ¡¸¡­¡­As a result someone would become a sacrifice, someone will suffer loss. Because you thought there was a need for that, you decided to carry it out in a way where you did it to the best of your ability right? You ascertained with your own eyes and ears and decided to save people right? Then©¤©¤as a man what need is there to feel shame, what need is there to hesitate.¡¹

    *Thump*

    Lux¡¯s heart throbbed hearing that.

    ¡¸Stifling down your true wish, then persuading yourself that it can¡¯t be helped and living without even fighting. That is also a possible path. But©¤©¤you were unable to endure doing such thing. Just like Singlen, and the other Seven Dragon Paladins.¡¹

    ¡¸Captain, Magialca¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate but, I cannot fight anymore as a Drag-Knight with this body. But, I can lend strength to you. Now, you better go in order to fulfill your own wish. Beat your own kingship into your big brother.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    A few seconds later. Lux nodded and asked her for her cooperation once more. And then, Lux went outside the hideout.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Alma. Rescue Aeril for me. She is inside the room you entered just now right?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The young man¡¯s mask was broken and his bare face was exposed. Lux Arcadia gave his instruction.

    The appearance of one more user of the jet black Divine Drag-Ride©¤©¤Bahamut caused Alma to be unable to hide his bewilderment.

    (Why, is there, one more Black Hero©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Alma¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes-!¡¹

    Alma reflexively replied when he was addressed once more.

    Their other objective was Aeril¡¯s rescue.

    But, right now Fugil was blocking the central passage that was connecting to that room.

    The room couldn¡¯t be approached carelessly.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll take care of Fugil and the swarm of the Abyss the Automata called. You lead your subordinates and rescue Aeril, and then follow her instructions. Extract the Grand Force.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!? Aa¡­¡­. Bu, but¡¹

    Alma comprehended the intentions of Lux¡¯s instruction while feeling bewildered.

    As expected that was impossible.

    Whether it was about facing that Fugil, the Drag-Knight with strength that was in a different dimension, and he would be facing him alone at that.

    And also about doing something somehow about the swarm of the Abyss that were coming here in the dozens.

    ¡¸It¡¯s, alright¡­¡­. Leave it, to, him¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    At that time, the hoarse voice of a girl flowed in from the room that was facing the central passage.

    Alma didn¡¯t notice that it was Aeril¡¯s voice, but it pushed his back and he resolved himself.

    Either way, at this rate it wasn¡¯t a situation where they could easily escape.

    In that case there was no other way but to place their bets on the young man called Lux.

    (Against the man, who might be the Black Hero I admired©¤©¤)

    ¡¸©¤©¤Do you think I¡¯ll let that, foolish little brother?¡¹

    The next moment, Fugil¡¯s Bahamut glided to attack Alma¡¯s EX Wyvern.

    But, Lux also accelerated his Divine Drag-Ride in concert and took the stance of interception.

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡»

    .

    The voice of the two overlapped and the two Bahamuts activated their Divine Raiments simultaneously.

    Crimson light surged from the black armor and applied compression strengthening.

    ¡¸You are intending to win? Against this me who raised you to be the nucleus of the revolution©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll win. If it¡¯s the current me, against the current you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Self-conceit will bring ruin to yourself. Just like your father the Emperor.¡¹

    When Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment, the compression strengthening was used on one¡¯s own time, the first five second period would be decelerated to become several times slower, while the five seconds period after that would be accelerated until several times faster.

    The next moment after the first five seconds passed, the two who were accelerated by several times began their attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAaAH!¡¹

    *GO-!*, the two opposing mechanical dragons penetrated the wall of atmosphere and clashed.

    Under the equal situation where both sides accelerated until several times over, dozens of slashes crossed in mere five seconds.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s pointless. I know all of your habits. There is no way for you to win against me.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤That is when talking about me five years ago right?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression didn¡¯t move at the slightest towards Fugil¡¯s provocation while he replied.

    The moment their Divine Raiments ran out, Lux landed a slash at the fastest speed on Fugil¡¯s armored shoulder.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Force Core was impacted strongly and the Drag-Ride¡¯s movement halted.

    Lux pushed him into the treasure warehouse room that had its door opened. The object inside crumbled and buried him alive.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? All hands, recover boxes from nearby rooms as many as you can just as planned. Give first aid to the wounded that are still alive and then head deeper inside!¡¹

    Alma who saw that raised his voice and gave his instructions.

    He himself also flew into a nearby room. Inside a naked girl was laid down with countless cords connected to her.

    ¡¸Thank, you. I don¡¯t, know who you are, but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Magialca Zen Vanfrick¡¯s subordinate, Kilzrake family¡¯s Alma! I came to rescue you!¡¹

    Alma quickly introduced himself like that and took off the cords.

    Aeril was held up in Alma¡¯s arms and her expression loosened slightly.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. So he came for me¡­¡­. Just as I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha, what the hell is that guy!? Just what is he!? Why does he have the same Divine Drag-Ride like the Black Hero©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸He is¡­¡­the person, who I love, a really strong boy. Now, while we can¡­¡­. We have to, take out the Grand Force from the Garden¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s consciousness was still cloudy and she was breathing roughly. Even so she desperately reached out her hand.

    When they came out of the door, Lux who was taking position in the central passage pointed his Drag-Ride¡¯s fingertip to deeper inside.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Go. I won¡¯t let the Abyss touch you all.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­Got it! Let¡¯s go you guys! We¡¯re gonna complete our second objective!¡¹

    Alma somehow rallied up his broken spirit and flew while leading his subordinates.

    Fortunately his squad was still functioning.

    But, that wasn¡¯t Alma¡¯s achievement.

    It was the instruction of this newcomer young man in front of him.

    (Who is, this man©¤©¤? This guy¡¯s calm judgment and bottomless strength¡­¡­!)

    While feeling shocked, Alma pulled out his spare Sword Device and summoned a Drake.

    He equipped it and then carried Aeril before flying deeper into the passage.

    Midway Aeril grabbed Alma¡¯s upper arm tightly while her eyes were still looking blank.

    ¡¸Wait¡­¡­. Just one thing, before taking the Grand Force, there is something¡­¡­. that I have, to take¡­¡­. Something to steal, from the treasure warehouse.¡¹

    ¡¸My bad but, we got no time for that. A lot of the Abyss are going to rush here soon¡­¡­!¡¹

    Alma had rallied his squad, but there was no time.

    If the summoned Abysses gathered in this passage, his squad would be routed all at once.

    Even if they tried to avoid the Abyss, their horn flute just got destroyed a moment ago.

    But, Lux informed without a single change in expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, let¡¯s follow what Aeril says. Either way at present, the battle strength of the Kilzrake force is insufficient. Of course the recovery of the Grand Force is the priority but, we cannot let go of this chance.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Are you sane!? My Drake¡¯s radar showed that more than a hundred of the Abyss are rushing this way y¡¯know?¡¹

    Alma raised his voice, but Lux wasn¡¯t moved at all.

    ¡¸There is no problem. Either way there is only one entrance to this place. If we hole up there, we won¡¯t need to face a lot of the Abyss all at once. I want you to make the vanguard hold them back using close range weapons and block the entrance. If you buy me time, I¡¯ll defeat the rest outside this central passage.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­¡¹

    Under his mask Alma made an expression that was midway between laughing and amazed.

    Something like defeating that many of the Abyss alone as long as they bought him time couldn¡¯t even be considered a joke.

    And yet, Alma was speechless seeing the young man in front of him declaring that without hesitation.

    ¡¸If you are wearing a Drake, it will be easy to give instructions for that. Just be careful of Fugil¡¯s movements. Leave the rest to me.¡¹

    Lux only said that before heading outside the central passage while still wearing Bahamut.

    The remaining subordinate Drag-Knights were a total of twenty people. They hurriedly looked at Alma for instructions.

    ¡¸Wha, what are we going to do Alma-sama!? The swarm of the Abyss will arrive here soon! I, I think we should retreat while we can now though©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸A, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    His Drake¡¯s radar certainly displayed a great amount of the Abyss.

    Thinking carefully, there wasn¡¯t even any need for consideration.

    Even though this squad was the elite force of the Kilzrake family, their battle strength was far away from matching a hundred Abyss.

    Alma immediately calculated so, but for some reason he was unable to nod at his subordinate¡¯s appeal.

    (¡­¡­What am I thinking? What is impossible is impossible. Even if this man is on the same level as the Black Hero for example, such thing is©¤©¤)

    Alma hesitated for a few seconds.

    However, the situation changed completely in that little time.

    ¡¸Captain Alma! The, they¡¯re coming!? The Abyss¡¯s travel speed far surpassed our imagination.¡¹

    ¡¸Chih©¤©¤!¡¹

    Belatedly Alma noticed that since the beginning there was no such thing like an escape route.

    The Gear Leader of Garden, Clan Lieze had prepared beforehand against the assault of Alma and the others. In other words she must have also secured the route for the Abyss to gather into this treasure warehouse.

    They were already unable to retreat from this treasure warehouse floor with so many Abysses crowding the entrance.

    Now that it came to this Alma judged that he could only make a gamble. He raised his voice.

    ¡¸We are continuing the mission! Leave the central passage to the newcomer alone, we are searching the inside! Leave the wounded at the center of the formation and protect them! Two people who still have strength to spare, stay with mewatashi to assist, the rest protect the rear! Hurry!¡¹

    He resolved himself.

    Or rather, Alma accepted his fate from the lack of options and took command.

    There was no way a single Drag-Knight could hold against so many of th Abyss no matter what kind of unknown Divine Drag-Ride they had.

    Surely the many Abyss will broke through the newcomer young man and into the entrance in the blink of an eye and they will bite off at the squad¡¯s rear.

    (What the hell! It¡¯s too¡­¡­just too rash! Rebelling against someone who obtained Avalon is actually this terrifying¡­¡­)

    Inside his heart Alma was shaken by terror that made him want to cry.

    He thought he had become strong.

    He obtained a Drag-Ride, learned the hero¡¯s technique, so he would accomplish his revenge on the family that abandoned him.

    But, that was just an illusion.

    Realizing the menace of the mastermind who was manipulating this world, of the enemy¡¯s mightiness, he painfully realized his own powerlessness.

    He wanted to run, to hide, he wanted to prostate and begged for his life.

    It didn¡¯t matter even if he couldn¡¯t take revenge anymore.

    It would be great if he could just live.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s, scary, right? I un¡­¡­derstand, that feeling.¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The naked girl he was carrying weakly smiled and spoke with a small voice that was like a fly¡¯s buzzing.

    ¡¸I was, like that too¡­¡­. I was scared all the time, that¡¯s, not shameful. People are, everyone©¤©¤. Are weak so, it¡¯s scary¡­¡­¡¹

    Being pitied by this girl who received brainwashing that was like torture, her last remaining fragment of dignity encouraged Alma who was almost breaking.

    ¡¸Damn, it¡­¡­! Whe, where should we go huh, Lord!? You said it right!? There is something you need to get! Don¡¯t fall asleep on me yet!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. You are, strong¡­¡­. First, that way¡­¡­. When coming here before, there was something, bothering me¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril gave instruction to Alma with her hazy consciousness.

    They entered five rooms one after another, where Aeril used her Lord¡¯s authority to open up boxes or securing the boxes themselves. When they finished taking the content of the fifth room, Alma couldn¡¯t hold himself back and raised his voice.

    ¡¸Oi Lord! It¡¯s enough already right!? If we don¡¯t at least obtain the Grand Force, I won¡¯t have any face to look at the boss©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Captain Alma, it¡¯s trouble! My radar caught a reaction of the Abyss!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­..! They came huh!?¡¹

    Surely a huge swarm of the Abyss was flooding into the entrance of the central passage of the treasure warehouse level.

    They didn¡¯t make it in time.

    It already wasn¡¯t the time to recover the Grand Force.

    If they didn¡¯t retreat©¤©¤escape from here as soon as possible they would be annihilated.

    (But, even if we manage to break out of this passage, will we make it? There is still ten more minute until the next scheduled transfer to the outside of Garden¡¯s walls©¤©¤)

    There wasn¡¯t any other way than to take as many detours as possible to lure the enemy and buy time. But the prospect that the current Alma and everyone here would be able to do that was thin.

    ¡¸N, no¡­¡­ That¡¯s, they are decreasing! It¡¯s unbelievable. Just, what on earth¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸What!? Speak clearly!? There ain¡¯t any time!?¡¹

    Alma was impatient by his subordinate¡¯s flustered voice and questioned her.

    But, Aeril who he carried in his arms opened her mouth in the place of the squad member.

    ¡¸Perhaps you will understand, if you look at her radar¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Alma who was scared of the approaching threat saw the radar of his subordinate¡¯s Drake and turned speechless.

    The number was decreasing.

    The signal that displayed the Abyss¡¯ reactions should be covering up the screen to the brim, but the dots that represented the Abyss were decreasing in number with raging speed.

    ¡¸What, the. What the hell is going on©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s get out of this room and return to the passage. You will get it then. Surely¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Urged by Aeril¡¯s voice, Alma returned to the central passage.

    There a sight that made him doubt his eyes entered his view.

    The swarm of flying type Abyss that flew inside one after another from the entrance of the central passage.

    The instant they entered the attack range of Lux¡¯s Bahamut, they were instantly carved apart into pieces of meat.

    In defiance of the overwhelming amount of enemies, their number was decreasing in accelerating speed instead.

    ¡¸Wha, what¡­¡­. This is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Quick Shot¡­¡­, the Black Hero¡¯s personal battle technique that he specialized in.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    The compression strengthening of time by Bahamut.

    He applied that on himself to lure the enemy and then overwhelmed them with slashes that were sped up by several times over.

    When the enemy fiercely approached to take advantage of the opening when reusing the technique, he would dodge using masterful defense and foresight before meeting them once more with super fast consecutive slashes.

    That was all there was to it, but Alma understood the extreme difficulty of carrying it out.

    No, more importantly, he was dumbfounded hearing the words that Aeril muttered just now.

    ¡¸What you saw¡­¡­isn¡¯t a mistaken. He¡­¡­Lux-kun took up the sword for the sake of the people that were hurt and stood up, he is the real©¤©¤¡¹

    Real©¤©¤

    Thinking back now, perhaps the legend of the Black Hero itself might be the vestiges of world revision¡¯s construction that Fugil executed.

    Facing a thousand and two hundred Drag-Knights of the Old Empire and destroying them in one night.

    Such ¡ºlie¡» that was like a large-scale folklore, it became valid by making people supplement the inconsistencies that was born from Endless¡¯ world revision by themselves.

    But, Lux¡¯s determination, his battle at that time wasn¡¯t an illusion.

    Now he displayed that strength once more as though to prove that.

    When the number of the Abyss was reduced until less than half, Lux charged into the center of the enemy¡¯s swarm.

    ¡¸USHAAAAAH©¤©¤!¡¹

    The demonic swarm attacked from every direction and angle. He intercepted them with the shortest movement and fastest speed.

    He moved in the air as though dancing. Each time a sword flash gleamed, an enemy would vanish.

    ¡¸Amazing¡­¡­¡¹

    It was just a several minutes, but Alma watched in fascination forgetting the time.

    A superhuman feat that was originally beyond humans was repeated before his eyes.

    ¡¸Such, thing¡­¡­. Is really©¤©¤¡¹

    Alma whose family of famous nobles was attacked and barely escaped alive from the horse cart of the slave trader who picked him up, later he heard about that legend.

    The illusive Drag-Knight who with just a single Drag-Ride, destroyed the Old Empire in a single night.

    The legendary Drag-Knight who saved Alma¡¯s heart.

    ¡¸That is©¤©¤the Black Hero.¡¹

    This was his first time directly seeing him, but regardless of that he was able to believe that his imagination was the truth.

    ¡¸Alma.¡¹

    ¡¸Ye, yes-!?¡¹

    Alma returned to his senses when Lux who returned to the central passage called out to him.

    When he noticed the gathered Abyss were wholly annihilated. They became countless meat lumps that crumbled down into ashes.

    ¡¸Is the squad safe? Then I want you to take Aeril and recover the Grand Force. When you are finished with that we will withdraw. If I¡¯m not mistaken the Garden¡¯s transfer device should activate soon.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, ah¡­¡­. Roger!¡¹

    He quickly looked at his watch and noticed that certainly the transfer to the outside would start in seven more minutes.

    Alma was shocked that even though the young man in front of him was going through such a fierce battle, not only was his breathing not thrown out of order at all, he even calculated the remaining time.

    But, this wasn¡¯t the time for admiration.

    The current Alma was an inexperienced person of fourteen years old, but he was the captain of a squad.

    ¡ºEverybody, we are pulling back! Don¡¯t forget the wounded! Go ahead!¡»

    He sent that instruction with Dragon Voice.

    Almost all of the many Abyss that were called here were exterminated by Lux.

    They had recovered as many treasures as they could take. Now only the recovery of the Grand Force was left.

    Because it would be impossible to recover it without Aeril who descended from the Lord¡¯s bloodline, it was necessary to bring her, but surely there wouldn¡¯t be any problem.

    More importantly, there was something that Alma himself wanted to ask.

    ¡¸A, are you the Black Hero? Did you really, destroy that Old Empire©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, it¡¯s still half.¡¹

    When Alma who was still wearing Drake walked towards Lux and questioned him, Lux quietly answered so.

    ¡¸Half?¡¹

    ¡¸Be careful, it¡¯s still not over.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Instantly, Lux¡¯s Bahamut jumped to in front of Alma and turned around, unleashing a slash at the same time.

    ©¤©¤*GIINN!*

    Quick Draw.

    The secret technique that Alma learned with desperate resolution was unleashed by Lux with precise motion that far surpassed his.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Looking there, Fugil who should be buried under rubble before this was closing in and created a situation where both Chaos Brands locked with each other.

    In order to defend against Lux¡¯s interception, Fugil intentionally accelerated from long distance and flew in, striking with an attack that had the Drag-Ride¡¯s mass placed behind it.

    And then in order to deal with that absurd destructive power, Lux crushed the attack¡¯s starting point with a flash of Quick Draw.

    The crossing Blades were pushed at each other strongly and made grinding sounds.

    Lux¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all even in such a risky situation and he spoke.

    ¡¸Alma. I¡¯ll keep you safe so please recover the Grand Force. This man¡¯s target is Aeril.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Interesting. There are things that can only be seen through a long life. To think that someone who can fight against me even if only to some extent will appear©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s lips distorted into a grin while he kept pressing down with his great sword. His joy was boiling up.

    ¡¸Then I will fight with a worthy strength©¤©¤Over Limit ¨C On!¡¹

    Fugil leaped backward, at the same time he put his hand on his Sword Device and pulled it out while focusing in his mind.

    Right after that, light particles converged around him and formed a cluster of new machines.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? I won¡¯t let you!¡¹

    Seeing that Lux reflexively yelled and charged in order to stop Fugil from summoning additional armor to transform into Over Limit.

    But, the next moment the light converging at the surrounding increased further in intensity and Lux¡¯s©¤©¤no, everyone¡¯s sight was blinded.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, this is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The Reload on Fire that Fugil¡¯s Bahamut activated performed compression strengthening on the surrounding light and magnified the radiance until more than ten times.

    Fugil intentionally summoned additional armor in front of Lux and exposed an opening to invite Lux¡¯s attack.

    And then Reload on Fire that was activated beforehand strengthened the light and blinded the enemy¡¯s eyes.

    ¡¸So that got you, you fool.¡¹

    Right after that, the slash of Chaos Brand that Fugil dealt aimed at Lux¡¯s armored shoulder.

    The instant the dazzling light that painted their whole sight vanished, Alma and Aeril saw a shocking sight.

    The slash that Fugil unleashed cut apart the barrier of Lux¡¯s Bahamut and hit slightly away from the vital Force Core.

    But, at the same time the great sword of Lux who was keeping his eyes closed also pierced into Fugil¡¯s armor in a counterattack.

    Was it instinct, or foresight?

    Or perhaps just a coincidence?

    In any case it was a situation where they almost struck each other down. Both Drag-Rides were blown backward.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸A desperate attack huh¡­¡­? Either way, it¡¯s the end already.¡¹

    While Lux was recovering his posture, Fugil finished the Over Limit¡¯s transformation.

    When he finished preparing, he flew towards Lux with explosive speed.

    Over Limit was the strongest mode that activated the possible use of mobility©¤©¤power output that surpassed the limit and put too much burden on the human body.

    However, for Fugil who surpassed the reaction speed of humans, he was able to ignore the damage from the backlash.

    Lux also desperately fought back, but every single one of his reactions fell behind by a breath.

    Lux¡¯s defense crumbled just by that and his armor was smashed and torn.

    On the other hand Lux had no free time to use Over Limit himself.

    If he didn¡¯t stop Fugil¡¯s movement for a while at the very least, the chance for that wouldn¡¯t come.

    With him unable to predict the enemy¡¯s movement, there was also no way he could execute Quick Shot.

    The only way remaining was to aim in performing Violent Strike, which was performing strengthening compression on the enemy¡¯s time, stopping his movement and attacked during that time, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong? Where has your momentum from before vanished to?¡¹

    ¡¸Ku, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    The moment Lux turned into defense, Fugil pressed his attack even further.

    He was paying meticulous attention while launching varied attacks from every direction.

    A Ragnarok boasted overwhelming firepower and endurance, but in return they had a low tactical mind. In contrast this enemy fully used his intellect and also ability to corner Lux.

    Alma who was watching from some distance away averted his eyes from that unfavorable situation and unconsciously raised his voice.

    ¡¸Shit! Just what the hell should we do!? There ain¡¯t any way this kind of enemy can be beaten! If we don¡¯t escape right away©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Let¡¯s, recover the Grand Force quickly, in the deepest, room¡­¡­. With my authority, it can be opened, so¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma followed Aeril¡¯s instruction and headed towards the deepest room.

    Fugil who reacted to that took off his eyes from Lux for an instant. Lux activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment at that time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    Dazzling light surged and the surrounding range other than himself was put under the effect of powerful compression strengthening of time.

    Lux immediately moved Bahamut and slashed, but Fugil flew backward by an instant faster and escaped from Reload on Fire¡¯ range.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    The activation of the Divine Raiment would put a certain range of territory under its influence in less than a second.

    And yet, Fugil leaped backwards and escaped with super reaction speed. Lux was doubting his eyes seeing that.

    If it was said that it was a feat that was possible due to the opponent¡¯s Bahamut being in Over Limit mode then certainly that was true, but that wasn¡¯t all.

    Lux instantly comprehended that it was a reaction that came because the opponent had seen through the preliminary movement of Lux¡¯s attack.

    Instantly, the horizontal mowing slash that Fugil launched struck his torso and sent him flying.

    ¡¸U, guah¡­¡­!¡¹

    An impact that felt like it was screwing through his body ran inside. Sparks flickered in his brain.

    The thick armor of the Divine Drag-Ride was broken and Lux vomited blood.

    He crashed on the treasure warehouse floor¡¯s metallic wall and his back wings broke down.

    He barely avoided having his armor dispelled, but his movement was sealed due to the damage to his flesh body.

    ¡¸So you are only at this level my wise younger brother. As I thought you©¤©¤don¡¯t have the caliber of a king.¡¹

    A grin formed on Fugil¡¯s lips.

    The direction of the battle was already clear, even so, Lux moved his trembling body and stood up.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­. Why is he fighting until that far¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A ferocious battle was going on further behind.

    Alma listened to that sound inside the deepest room.

    Lux was forced into a one-sided defensive battle against Fugil¡¯s continuous attacks with the Over Limit¡¯s overwhelming difference in spec.

    Lux was desperately swinging his great sword, but even that only weapon of his was broken in the middle.

    ¡¸Just why!? ¡­¡­I¡¯m scared. I¡¯ve never heard about this kind of opponent.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You, what are you¡­¡­coming here, for?¡¹

    Aeril somehow stood up. She reached out her hand to the object inside the control room while still naked.

    She cancelled the system with mind control operation using the Lord¡¯s authority. Then she started the preparation to take out the installed Grand Force.

    Her tone wasn¡¯t criticizing at all.

    Aeril who possessed an androgynous beauty smiled kindly.

    ¡¸The lot who abandoned me, those guy who made me go through this kind of life, I wanted to get even with them but, I don¡¯t care about that anymore¡­¡­. Isn¡¯t it fine, even if I run away¡­¡­! That I don¡¯t wanna fight©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, you¡­¡­don¡¯t want to run away, so you fought¡­¡­isn¡¯t that, right?¡¹

    Listening to Aeril¡¯s words, Alma was taken aback and held his breath.

    Until he met with that mysterious girl¡­¡­ he continued to run away all the time.

    Each time he was pursued and captured, before finally he was picked up by the Kilzrake family and obtained a place of repose.

    For the sake of his benefactor, the boss©¤Magialca.

    And then, for the sake of taking back his stolen pride, he volunteered himself for this battle.

    ¡¸We¡­¡­Lux-kun, had many things taken away from him until now. And then, he also couldn¡¯t overlook someone who had their precious thing taken away from them. That¡¯s why, surely¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, haa!¡¹

    Lux was gasping for breath with his shoulders heaving up and down.

    In this situation where he couldn¡¯t use Over Limit, he had already attempted every kind of tactic.

    ¡¸Foolish man. Why are you resisting to that extent? Your weapon is broken, and you also have no strength left. You should have obtained peace with the destruction of the Old Empire, and yet why are you intentionally challenging me?¡¹

    Fugil suddenly showed an exasperated smile and shrugged his shoulders.

    Reaction speed, situational judgment, movement prediction, strength, speed, and technique.

    Because Fugil was a cut above Lux in everything, the difference was gradually widening.

    Even in regards to the toughness of their flesh bodies, Fugil was overwhelmingly superior in the first place.

    Even if Lux managed to use Over Limit, he would be unable to surpass the enemy¡¯s Bahamut.

    But, Lux¡¯s determination didn¡¯t break.

    He was desperately hanging on while taking a fighting stance with the snapped Chaos Brand held right in front of him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, have to know.¡¹

    What he had been chasing and looking for all this time since that day of the Revolution.

    No, he was holding this question since far before that.

    ¡¸Fugil. The mission of a hero that you mentioned, the secret hidden within Sacred Eclipse¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The Sacred Eclipse¡¯s secret? There is no need for you to know. The likes of you who has been defeated here, cannot do anything like searching for Avalon!¡¹

    What was resurrected, was the dialogue from that day of the Revolution.

    The words and memories that were exchanged when fighting with the blazing castle as the background.

    Right now, in this place, Lux was going to ask about the discussion of that day when he lost.

    ¡¸Your objective should have been accomplished. Why are you risking your life to challenge me?¡¹

    ¡¸I have to know no matter what! The truth that I have averted my eyes from until now, I have to know everything, and think over it myself!¡¹

    *GO-!*, Fugil¡¯s Bahamut glided and instantly approached Lux.

    Lux closed the distance with a low stance in response and slipped into the opponent¡¯ chest.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Seeing that Fugil¡¯s expression showed a slight wariness but, he was too slow.

    ¡¸HAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    When Fugil immediately tried to take distance, he suppressed the output of his flight.

    Not letting go of that opening, without fear Lux stepped even closer into the range.

    In the offense and defense in super close quarters, Lux cut apart the barrier of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut and his blade struck towards his shoulder armor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    The special armament great sword that was snapped in half, and the brand new Chaos Brand that had no scratch at all.

    Thinking normally there was the difference in reach between the two, and it wasn¡¯t even worth any argument if it was asked which sword had the advantage.

    But, in super close quarters combat©¤©¤if one side slipped into the opponent¡¯s chest then the story would be different.

    Even if both sides didn¡¯t have the space to swing their swords in their state that was sticking to each other, short swords would work advantageously.

    Lux surpassed Fugil in that one point.

    ¡¸What are you planning¡­¡­? Do you believe that you can win against me just by obtaining a little advantage by controlling the distance?¡¹

    ¡®Fuh¡¯, Fugil who was clad in Bahamut scoffed.

    In contrast, no smile or anything slipped out from Lux, he heightened his concentration even more and stepped in.

    Right after that, the shockwave of Howling Howl was unleashed from the head part of the Bahamut worn by Fugil.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    But a moment before that happened, Lux flew forward and tackled. By making the enemy¡¯s head part lift up, he evaded the fired out energy torrent.

    When Fugil¡¯s balance crumbled by the collision, the broken Chaos Brand struck.

    With the blade landing and the enemy¡¯s concentration lacking while receiving damage, the Divine Raiment couldn¡¯t be activated.

    Lux used that point skillfully and launched a consecutive attack that didn¡¯t give the enemy time to breath.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Instantly, Lux¡¯s eyes were tinged with red light, and infinite slashes attacked Fugil.

    ¡¸What the hell is that, that person©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil who should be getting ahead step by step until now was brought down into an equal offense and defense before anyone noticed, and finally Lux surpassed him.

    Originally after a single action, there would be an opening created in the Drag-Ride¡¯s operation without fail. But now the Drag-Ride was operating without any pause endlessly.

    Alma was dumbfounded seeing that strange sight from the room¡¯s entrance.

    ¡¸How can, against that monstrous opponent, that kind of¡­¡­¡¹

    On the other side, Aeril smiled and muttered even while concentrating on the operation of taking out the Grand Force.

    ¡¸That is, because he is the Black Hero. Because he is the existence that you believed in, the real hero. Also©¤©¤surely that movement is because he finally overcame the effects of Baptism.¡¹

    ¡¸Overcoming, the Baptism¡­¡­?¡¹

    Aeril nodded at Alma¡¯s question.

    Why did Lux become far stronger than before?

    Before that, why was it in these few weeks his body was weak and feverish©¤©¤

    That was the effects of the Baptism that he received more than two weeks ago.

    Humans were equipped with the function that when their body was tormented, in response to that the body would evolve by means of regeneration.

    Broken bones and injured muscles would grow thicker and stronger at the same time with the recovery.

    It was strengthened even more by Baptism through administering Elixir, heightening the body function and the five senses.

    During the several days of the parade, the reason for Lux not being accustomed to Drag-Ride control and his body being in a bad shape was because his senses couldn¡¯t catch up to the drastic changes to his body, making him unable to handle his own body.

    If the physical ability was strengthened, effective control of Drag-Rides could be realized just as much.

    Smoother and more powerful piloting than before.

    The attacks became an infinite combo that pierced through Fugil and Bahamut.

    ¡¸The armor, is breaking¡­¡­. That Divine Drag-Ride that looked like a demon, is getting destroyed©¤©¤¡¹

    The infinite slashes of End Action were gradually surpassing Fugil¡¯s endurance.

    Lux unleashed his attack from every direction so that the enemy wouldn¡¯t narrow in to him while gradually accumulating slashes inexhaustibly to one spot, focusing the attack.

    The might jumped up drastically due to the focused consecutive attacks to one point, arriving to the utmost limit.

    The legendary secret technique of the Old Empire Alma had been hearing about.

    This time Lux was improving and evolving it.

    ¡¸Why? My Bahamut¡¯s output is¡­¡­weakening!?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil. What you know right now is the me and my technique, from five years ago!¡¹

    Finally the reinforced barrier and Fugil¡¯s defensive stance were broken.

    The point where the impact of the slashes was accumulated into was the shoulder where the Force Core was located. Noticing that, Fugil¡¯s hand moved towards the handle of his Sword Device.

    ¡¸That guy, what is he planning!?¡¹

    Alma who noticed that immediately yelled.

    Fugil tightly grabbed the Drag-Ride¡¯s other control stick that was his Sword Device in order to forcefully move his own Bahamut that was already unable to receive the orders from body control operation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu. You are different from the past you say? Don¡¯t spout nonsense you aristocrat who can¡¯t even kill those who should be killed!¡¹

    The next instant, the armor of Bahamut that Fugil was wearing was wrapped by fierce crimson light.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    By means of mind control operation using the Sword Device, the remaining energy that was gathered until now was liberated, activating the Divine Raiment forcefully.

    By performing compression strengthening to the time at his own surroundings, the time of a wide range area including Lux was decelerated as though time had stopped.

    Due to the compression strengthening of time that Fugil unleashed, the five seconds of the first half was greatly decelerated.

    In other words, it created a gap in the consecutive attacks of End Action that didn¡¯t have even a moment of pause, allowing Fugil to escape backwards and rally himself.

    At that point, there were three seconds remaining until the time deceleration of Fugil¡¯s Reload on Fire ended.

    *Creak-, crack crack crack-!*

    The armor and frame of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut were broken by the accumulating damage and it was squashed along with such sound.

    Even so he barely distributed the energy of interception to the back wings and switched to flying towards Lux. It took two seconds for all that.

    With the remaining one second he gathered his maximum strength and unleashed the sure kill attack towards Lux who was decelerated into a state of freezing.

    Alma and Aeril who were similarly inside the range of the compression strengthening witnessed that moment from the distance of a few dozen ml away.

    ¡¸In the end there is nothing that you can do. You can just throw away your caliber as a king and live in a peaceful world where the Old Empire is destroyed, farewell!¡¹

    Fugil laughed and swung down Chaos Brand that had its blade enveloped in energy.

    ¡¸No¡­¡­, it¡¯s hopeless-!?¡¹

    The instant Alma yelled in despair inside his heart. The movement of the Bahamut worn by Fugil stopped still.

    It wasn¡¯t Fugil intending to hold back or letting Lux get away, as could be seen from his shocked expression.

    ¡¸No. There is something that I can do. At the very least, compared to the me at that time©¤©¤¡¹

    These five years since that day of the Revolution.

    All that time he had been chasing after the movements of Fugil who was wearing Bahamut.

    He was polishing himself in order to chase after him, as the benchmark of the ideal that he was aiming at.

    ¡¸Ho, w¡­¡­. The Drag-Ride¡¯s, movement©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Focusing energy into a single point is indispensable to use a Divine Raiment. ©¤©¤The damages accumulated from End Action attacked your Bahamut all at once the moment you loosened the energy to the barrier and turned it for attack.¡¹

    Lux told that to Fugil while time was stretched longer by the compression strengthening.

    The infinite consecutive attacks penetrated the three defenses of the weapon, barrier, and armor, converged into one point and punched into the vitals.

    A certain amount of damage was accumulated into the Force Core and caused system down.

    Once the consecutive attacks began, the fate that was waiting at the end was guidance to an inescapable demise.

    Reinforcement of the body that realized flexible control of Drag-Rides.

    Through that, attacks were piled up with even more precision, accumulating damage that put the final nail into the coffin by making it impossible to counterattack. That was the true worth of the superhuman feat.

    ¡¸End Action. This is the new completed version of one of my hidden techniques.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Right after Lux declared that, the five seconds period of the second half of Fugil¡¯s Reload on Fire started, and Lux¡¯s time was accelerated by more than ten times.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire.¡¹

    After making use of the opponent¡¯s Reload on Fire and entered a state of maximum acceleration, Lux also activated the Divine Raiment of his own Bahamut.

    The target of the compression strengthening was the speed of time flowing within the radius of several ml other than himself.

    Lux¡¯s time was accelerated due to the latter five seconds of Fugil¡¯s Reload on Fire, while Fugil was conversely decelerated due to receiving the first five seconds period of Lux¡¯s Reload on Fire.

    Lux came out on top using the tactic that made use of the fact that both sides were using Bahamut. He created a five seconds period where there was an overwhelming difference in speed between both sides which was impossible to achieve alone.

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­, you©¤©¤!¡¹

    Right after that, consecutive attacks of overwhelming destructive power struck Fugil who couldn¡¯t make any movement.

    The jet black great dragon boasted matchless endurance.

    That armor was smashed fragilely like candy. Fresh blood spurted out.

    Fugil whose armor was dispelled fell on the metallic floor. His knees slumped down weakly.

    ¡¸Ku, kuku¡­¡­, looks like, you¡¯ve, grown a bit. Wise, younger brother.¡¹

    Fugil vomited out a lump of blood, at the same time a shining heart with strange shape came into sight from his chest.

    Alma noticed that it was the core of an Abyss and he held his breath.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What the hell is this guy, he isn¡¯t a human!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s Sacred Eclipse. This is a fake Fugil created by projecting the servant¡¯s will. Though as expected the Divine Drag-Ride itself is the real thing. Most likely it was granted with the Bahamut that was created by Ouroboros¡¯s special armament Infinity. It¡¯s to be used when someone who considered Fugil as a formidable enemy appeared here©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux also noticed that this Fugil was a fake.

    He was able to anticipate that from how at first the tentacles of an Abyss appeared from the room where Aeril was confined.

    But, even without that he was vaguely noticing this fact through a sixth sense that was hard to be expressed in words.

    What Lux was fighting just now was the formidable enemy existing inside Lux¡¯s memories, the duplicate of Fugil who he fought on that day of the Revolution five years ago.

    It was Fugil¡¯s strength when he faced Lux without the support of Ouroboros©¤©¤furthermore he wasn¡¯t fighting at his full strength.

    Because the core of the Ragnarok was already destroyed, the body couldn¡¯t transform anymore and crumbled. The figure was gradually changing into ashes.

    ¡¸That means, you defeated the Sacred Eclipse!? The thing that is possessing that queen of the New Kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, perhaps that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    Lux turned around and replied to Alma¡¯s muttering.

    ¡¸I think this Sacred Eclipse is nothing more than a clone created by the main body. It¡¯s placed here so it must have considerable power shared with it, but its strength should be only around a fragment of the original.¡¹

    ¡¸I also, agree¡­¡­, it also didn¡¯t use the abilities of the other seven Ragnarok, isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril also agreed with a sigh that sounded slightly disappointed.

    He heard that the greatest and strongest Sacred Eclipse that had become complete possessed strength that was beyond them.

    Exactly because of that, Magialca instructed to take the Grand Force from the Ruin.

    If they made the ability of Avalon to become incomplete, Ouroboros would inevitably become incomplete too.

    From the aspect of battle strength it would only get weakened by several tens of percent, but now it should become unable to use world revision at full power.

    ¡¸You intentionally, tried to, fight the me at that time, huh¡­¡­. But, what meaning is there, in winning against the me, from five years ago¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Alma heard the words of the crumbling clone of Sacred Eclipse and shuddered.

    This was the Sacred Eclipse that projected Fugil of five years ago that Lux¡¯s memory recognized as the strongest.

    Even like this its strength was far away from the real Fugil¡¯s full strength.

    But, Lux wasn¡¯t even agitated by such words and asserted.

    ¡¸I obtained something from this. If you are a clone of Sacred Eclipse, you can drag out the memory that I¡¯ve already forgotten and make me remember the conversation five years ago. I can gather clues to defeat you, learn the way you fight, and form countermeasures. After all the you at that time intended to make me forget everything using the revision.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Those words that Lux told casually made everyone there including Fugil speechless.

    A part of his memory with Fugil that he was made to forget completely.

    By making Sacred Eclipse project the memory of five years ago that was hidden in the depths of Lux¡¯s mind, Lux himself drew out the memory and even confirmed it. That fact left everyone there dumbfounded.

    He made others thought that he fell into the opponent¡¯s scheme, but instead he used even the nature that Sacred Eclipse possessed and fought it.

    Everything was in order to surpass the strength of Fugil that he fought five years ago, questioned his true intention, and connected the parts.

    ¡¸I fight in order to know everything©¤©¤to find the right path with the full knowledge of everything. I won¡¯t let the New Kingdom be destroyed. I will expose Sacred Eclipse¡¯s mystery and stop it. I¡¯ll save Lisha-sama and Queen Raffi too without destroying the New Kingdom!¡¹

    ¡¸For that, you will pretend to be evil? Even if you will become the New Kingdom¡¯s enemy, and lose everything, you¡¯ve build until now©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­. That is my mission as an imperial family member that I believe in. The path I¡¯m aiming for, that differs with your path of ruling.¡¹

    Lux gave his answer to the clone of Sacred Eclipse that was tracing the past Fugil.

    ¡¸Very well¡­¡­. I¡¯ll be, waiting¡­¡­. Wise younger brother¡­¡­¡¹

    After muttering its last, the Sacred Eclipse crumbled completely into ash and vanished.

    With this, the first barrier was broken through.

    Ouroboros couldn¡¯t perform world revision anymore. It also became impossible to easily kill the consuls of the Old Empire faction and the important people of other countries.

    But, of course if it became known that the Sacred Eclipse protecting this place was killed and Aeril was rescued, Raffi and Fugil would hurriedly act.

    For now they had to hide Aeril in a safe place and clean out the poison used for brain washing from her.

    She wouldn¡¯t be able to use a Drag-Knight for a while, but either way she would become a helpful addition.

    ¡¸For now¡­¡­it¡¯s over. Lux-kun. Switch to Wyvern and let¡¯s get out of here. If we got found out by the people in the checking station, we will become wanted men, so be careful.¡¹

    They had already taken the Grand Force and as many weapons and Drag-Rides they could carry from the treasure warehouse.

    With this their fragile battle strength that could be blown away with a breath would become somewhat better.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right, let¡¯s go Aeril. Alma too, sorry to make you go along with this.¡¹

    When Lux muttered that with a somewhat sad expression, Alma shook his head in panic.

    ¡¸No, no such thing! To think, that you are the Black Hero©¤©¤ please forgive all my rudeness before this!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Did something happen?¡¹

    ¡¸No well, that¡¯s, a little bit.¡¹

    Lux hesitated to answer Aeril who tilted her head at Alma¡¯s exaggerated reaction.

    Alma who didn¡¯t know that Lux was the Black Hero was making light of him before. Aeril burst into laughter hearing that.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need¡­¡­to worry too much about it. After all it¡¯s half the truth that Lux-kun is slovenly¡­¡­. Especially concerning his relationships with females.¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril, I beg you don¡¯t move too much. Your body is still not well.¡¹

    Aeril seemed to have recovered somewhat from the drug. She was making fun of him in a gesture that was really like her.

    He was happy that she recovered her liveliness, but he felt a bit complicated.

    Alma too was also nodding with a bewildered expression while they hurried to link up with the squad that went ahead of them.

    They retreated while carrying the souvenirs of the Grand Force, several rare weapons, and more than ten Drag-Rides.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? No way, such thing is©¤©¤¡¹

    At the same time, Raffi who operated the revision device of Avalon noticed a certain matter and lost her words.

    The wave of energy that operated the perception revision vanished in the middle.

    She intended to falsify the memory of the people gathering in the New Kingdom until the last day of the parade, and imprint that the Old Empire faction and Prime Minister Nulph had died in an accident several weeks ago.

    She also intended to completely rewrite the memories of the people so that they could accept the change in Raffi¡¯s appearance and how Fugil was standing as her aide, but©¤©¤

    She searched for any abnormality in the Ruins through Arshalia, and two hours later.

    The Automata of Garden, Clan Lieze arrived at Avalon riding her Divine Drag-Ride.

    The repaired Gear Leader reported to her that the clone of Sacred Eclipse that Raffi created as a guard just in case was destroyed.

    Because Clan Lieze was destroyed before she learned the true identity of the intruder, she only remembered what happened there fragmentarily.

    She only recalled that bandits attacked the Ruin, and in the end Aeril along with several treasures were stolen.

    This was an alarming situation for Raffi. If even a single Grand Force was extracted, the power of Avalon would be halved.

    Through Sacred Eclipse she was able to understand that the place was at the Garden that was located inside the New Kingdom¡¯s territory.

    ¡¸©¤©¤So my clone was defeated. Even though it should conceal a strength that is equal to a Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil who was standing at her side didn¡¯t say anything.

    He was merely watching over her silently, judging her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­If the Grand Force was taken, the only one who can do it is only the Lords, or an existence that corresponds to them. So someone liberated Aeril Vi Arcadia who was in the middle of brainwashing and took her away.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi fell silent for a while in a daze.

    But, her lips suddenly relaxed and she smiled innocently like a little girl.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, it¡¯s really interesting.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou.¡¹

    Fugil too was taken aback by Raffi¡¯s words. He let out a small sigh of admiration.

    Avalon that had reached around 90% in allowing her a complete rule became impossible to use with this.

    Even the world revision that she planned to do for the last time couldn¡¯t be done completely with the lack of the Grand Force.

    Because people who saw through the world revision appeared, and they planned to destroy her bastion.

    But, even knowing that Raffi¡¯s lips relaxed cheerfully.

    ¡¸This means that my first enemy after I obtained power has appeared. It¡¯s really fun. After this I can face my enemy with my own will as a queen.¡¹

    Raffi resolved herself to carry out evil deeds as a ruler in order to bring the New Kingdom closer towards her ideal.

    Perhaps inside her, she believed that act as something legitimate.

    In short, she discovered happiness in the chance where her determination was tested.

    ¡¸Although, I cannot just feel happy. For now I should start from grasping the situation. Let¡¯s send several Automata to the Garden in order to confirm the situation. There isn¡¯t any objection right?¡¹

    ¡¸As your majesty wishes.¡¹

    ¡¸Understsood¡­¡­deyagarimasu.¡¹

    The two Automata with their respective peculiar mechanical ears and similar faces equipped their Drag-Rides and flew away.

    Raffi planned to have them work in the open as her royal guard, at the present where the last world revision ended in an incomplete state, she would need to have them work behind the scenes again.

    The Divine Raiment of Ouroboros©¤©¤Endless.

    The perception revision using Avalon and the seven Ruins resonating together, even if it was activated it would be dispelled if it wasn¡¯t used in the complete state.

    The last push. The corpse of the consuls from Old Empire faction who were dealt with in this loop would be noticed by the people at this rate.

    Even so©¤©¤she could only plant the perception of ¡ºnothing happened¡» in order to deceive the people for the moment.

    It was also similar in regards to Fugil, because he had a characteristic appearance that showed his relation with the imperial family of the Old Empire, sooner or later someone who suspected his true identity would appear.

    Above all else, there was also Raffi¡¯s own change.

    After all even her outer appearance already changed greatly.

    ¡¸So there is around ten days until the curse of world revision is dispelled and the people notice the truth? It will be fine if we just take back the Grand Force before that and settle this, isn¡¯t that right, Fugil?¡¹

    ¡¸For people with no experience of being injected with Elixir, they shouldn¡¯t notice the world revision until two weeks. Also there is a difference between each person, but those who gradually notice that something is out of place surely will also appear.

    Raffi pondered for a while at what Fugil pointed out.

    After that©¤©¤several hours later.

    The Automata Yos Tork who went to look at the situation in Garden returned.

    ¡¸As expected, any trace that can be used to expose the true identity of the intruders doesn¡¯t remain deyagarimasu. But, there is eyewitness report from the Drag-Knights in the checking station and a letter addressed to her majesty the Queen was delivered deyagarimasu.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi took the letter along with a little confusion.

    There, the letter was written with contents that could also be considered as a kind of threat.

    ¡¸What should be done, your majesty?¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. First please spread this letter to my vassals. We should prepare countermeasures.¡¹

    Half a day after she instructed that to Fugil, a certain rumor was spreading.

    The fact that Prime Minister Nulph was secretly assassinated, and that a new threat towards the world alliance had appeared.

    That a family member of the great man Count Atismata would expose the deception of the New Kingdom with the secret they had.

    The vassals inside the castle were told that a group of chivalrous thieves consisting of Drag-Knights introducing themselves as the¡ºAzure Division¡» had appeared.

 Volume 16 - Epilogue

    And then, during the evening of the last day of the parade.

    In front of the castle of the royal capital Lordgalia.

    In front of the terrace inside the palace ground©¤©¤that was jutting out from the castle, a great number of people were gathering.

    Along with the heat produced by the countless bonfires, the people¡¯s expectations were whirling before the awards ceremony for military exploits that would be held after this.

    First, Queen Raffi looked around at the people, then she raised her voice and made a fervent speech.

    Her appearance was different from before. She looked like a girl, but there still wasn¡¯t anyone among the people who was holding doubt about that change.

    ¡¸Then as planned, I wish to start the awards ceremony for those who have rendered distinguished military achievements on this occasion. The New Kingdom has been levied with many trials from last year until this year. The Abyss¡¯s attack, the threat of the rebel army, the emergence of the Lords, furthermore the battle for Avalon caused many Drag-Knights to be lost, and it has also caused hardships for all of you people of the kingdom.¡¹

    Raffi closed her eyes keenly in recollection, then she continued her speech after some pause.

    Originally the speech was the role of Prime Minister Nulph, but this time©¤©¤he who had left the stage wasn¡¯t here.

    Queen Raffi served as his replacement.

    ¡¸However, we are victorious. The invaders from the old era, the Lords, have been defeated, Avalon that is the nucleus of the Ruins has been secured and their weapon the Sacred Eclipse is sealed. After this we will negotiate with the other countries and ascertain the spirit of cooperation while putting the power of Ruins for the use of peace and prosperity.¡¹

    ©¤©¤OOOOOOOOH!

    Noisy cheers were produced like a wave before drawing back.

    ¡¸Those who participated in that last decisive battle, the people who rendered the greatest contribution, are the raid squad of the Academy that will shoulder the future of our New Kingdom. The Syvalles will be awarded in this place, with praises for their courage and strength.¡¹

    Following Queen Raffi¡¯s voice, the members of Syvalles including Lux lined up on the terrace of the castle.

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Airi, the Triad.

    Everyone was in their uniform to emphasize their status as the Academy¡¯s students.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And then, I also have news to tell all of you citizens.¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s voice could be heard amidst the praising cheers that were boiling up from the people. Lisha smiled hearing that.

    Lux nodded slightly and took a step forward beside Lisha.

    Queen Raffi waited for when the wave of cheers was calming down before she also stepped forward.

    She lightly cleared her throat, then she showed her graceful smile to all the people.

    ¡¸©¤©¤On this occasion, I received help from so many people. The lords of the Four Great Nobles with their order of Drag-Knights, Prime Minister Nulph and the consuls, the representatives of other countries, all of the people of this country, surely this victory couldn¡¯t possibly be obtained without the assistance of everyone.¡¹

    Raffi lifted her face and showed a smiling face that had a trace of childishness remaining in it while speaking to the people.

    ¡¸And then above all else, the determination of these two illuminated my path. Both of them are inexperienced people just like me. These two who should be immature didn¡¯t lose heart from the heaviness of responsibility, and cut open the future for everyone. Their figures and achievement that aren¡¯t held back by the past and continue to advance forward with all their strength even now is an act that all the people of this country, including me, ought to learn from. That is what I believe.¡¹

    The gathered people lost their words from Queen Raffi¡¯s speech.

    They imagined the content of the continuation from this point and watched attentively with held breath as though in anticipation.

    ¡¸I will fulfill my responsibility as queen from here on too, at the same time I wish grant amnesty and reward for them. The criminal collar of Lux Arcadia and Airi Arcadia who are imperial family members of the Old Empire, I wish to take it off at this place.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    The castle¡¯s terrace was enveloped in even deeper silence than before.

    But, when applause came from somewhere among the populace, it naturally spread to the whole and acclamation roared as though to split the sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Looks like the answer has come out. Congratulations, Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer who came to his side placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled.

    ¡¸Congrats, Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Congratulations. Lux.¡¹

    Philuffy and Celis who saw that also slowly walked towards them.

    While everyone was telling him their respective congratulating words, Queen Raffi whose appearance had become like a young girl came in front of Lux.

    At that moment, it was only slightly but, Philuffy blinked and opened her eyes wide towards Raffi.

    An out of place feeling towards Queen Raffi¡¯s appearance that was different from before.

    Perhaps Philuffy also noticed that.

    Was it because of the world revision half a day ago that was carried out incompletely?

    At the very least Krulcifer seemed to have forgotten the words of love she exchanged with Lux but, as for Philuffy©¤©¤he wondered about it.

    ¡¸Then Lux, excuse me.¡¹

    And then a strange thing occurred. Queen Raffi reached out both her hands to take off the criminal collar personally in this place.

    Queen Raffi¡¯s smile was kind without any worry in it.

    Lux sensed the pitch black killing intent hidden behind those eyes.

    If Raffi was really fused with Sacred Eclipse, it would be possible to use her bare hands to reap Lux¡¯s neck in the blink of an eye.

    The queen¡¯s finger nail slightly prickled Lux¡¯s skin.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    When Lux grimaced at the slight pain©¤©¤

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­, thank you for everything until now.¡¹

    .

    *Click*. The black collar was instantly taken off.

    .

    ©¤©¤OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

    .

    Right after that, cheers that caused the ground to shake boiled up from the gathered populace.

    The applause remained within the ears no matter how much time passed, and the ceremony was concluded along with Lisha¡¯s adorable smile.

    Like that the award ceremony ended safely and the group broke up.

    The last night of the parade was growing late as though the battle behind the scenes didn¡¯t exist from the start.

    ¡¸Thank you for your hard work. Have you determined who is the culprit?¡¹

    Fugil and Automata Arshalia met Queen Raffi who returned inside the castle.

    It was consideration for their master who fulfilled her role¡­¡­not, they immediately asked about a certain matter.

    ¡¸For now he seems to be innocent. From his reaction it¡¯s like he didn¡¯t notice the change in my appearance and my killing intent at all.¡¹

    Raffi tilted her head with a wondering face.

    It was because Raffi¡¯s own speculation seemed to be wrong.

    The existence who crushed the Sacred Eclipse placed in the Ruin, Garden and rescued Aeril, while taking away the Grand Force at the same time.

    Taking into consideration the necessary strength and ability to take action for that, as well as the requirement that the culprit had to be someone with experience of receiving Baptism, Raffi first suspected that the mastermind might be Lux.

    Lux couldn¡¯t move properly due to the fatigue from the battle the other day and took rest.

    And then, although he noticed the truth of the world revision once, it looked like he didn¡¯t do anything and returned to an ordinary day but©¤©¤

    Did the previous©¤©¤the last world revision swallow his consciousness? Even that wasn¡¯t certain.

    ¡¸He is a capable human but, he has a side somewhere in him that cannot be measured with logic.¡¹

    Thinking back there was such signs since the Revolution five years ago.

    Lux concealed talent as a Drag-Knight that towered above the rest, but it was unthinkable that a young twelve years old boy would attempt to destroy the Old Empire with just that.

    Even among the people that Raffi knew, Lux was an outlier.

    And then, after the Old Empire was destroyed, he accepted the role to do people¡¯s chore in order to follow Fugil¡¯s track.

    In tournament matches, he single-mindedly continued to persist in defense and polished his skill.

    While originally possessing an overwhelming strength, he repeatedly exerted himself in what looked like a fruitless endeavor from a glance while there wasn¡¯t even anyone who recognized him.

    ¡¸However, from our exchange just now, it¡¯s not clear now whether he is the culprit.¡¹

    Thus Raffi tried to lead Lux into revealing the truth in the award ceremony just now.

    If Lux noticed about the inconsistencies from the world revision and realized that Raffi was fused with Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤ he would harbor a fear of ¡ºI might get killed by this monster here¡» from Raffi¡¯s threatening aura just now and he should be unable to help himself from reacting.

    To start with, Lux should feel a discomfort from her figure that had turned young, and he also knew enough about the danger of a human shaped Ragnarok.

    That understanding and fear should inevitably make Lux¡¯s body turn stiff©¤©¤but, in reality he didn¡¯t react at all.

    ¡¸No, he only reacted slightly in pain from my strange threatening aura. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Lux Arcadia really doesn¡¯t know anything. Was that how it looked like?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi nodded at Fugil¡¯s words.

    In reality, logically Raffi couldn¡¯t kill Lux.

    For the New Kingdom after this, Lux would become the cornerstone as the symbol of victory, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that he was a necessary and indispensable existence.

    If Lux died at that place©¤©¤no, if Lux died within these few years, there wouldn¡¯t be even a single advantage that could be gained from it.

    If for example Lux was the one who rescued Aeril and took out the Grand Force, he should be able to easily conjecture the circumstances by that much.

    But, setting that aside, reacting to the threat that was thrust before their eyes could be said as the correct human nature.

    If someone noticed that a knife laced with deadly poison was thrown towards them, it was only obvious to immediately try to dodge.

    Such reflex couldn¡¯t easily be covered up with mere acting. It was human¡¯s instincts as a living creature.

    Humans would avoid danger following their instincts.

    Being unable to move due to frozen feet when in high place, and averting one¡¯s face when feeling pain from the teeth, they were because of defensive instincts in order to survive.

    But, sometimes this defensive instinct would hasten one¡¯s time of death.

    Unable to cross a hanging bridge at a high place and losing one¡¯s path of escape, or perhaps neglecting a cavity to avoid the intense pain of taking off the tooth.

    If Lux didn¡¯t react to even the threat of Raffi by his own will, that would mean he possessed mental strength that far surpassed an ordinary person.

    Therefore the doubt towards Lux was cleared.

    ¡¸Putting even the fear of death under the control of his own reasoning. If he is the mastermind of this rebellion, that would mean he is mentally surpassing the monster me even while being a mere human.¡¹

    ¡®Fufu¡¯, she chuckled.

    The expression of Raffi herself who was making that analysis turned into a smile when she noticed it.

    It wasn¡¯t a broken smile that was invaded by inhuman thought, it was a humane expression.

    ¡¸Now that Avalon is sealed, the Automata too cannot really move in the open. For the time being we have to form a plan to take back the Grand Force and Aeril Vi Arcadia, and deal with them but©¤©¤¡¹

    After saying that, Raffi stared at the letter that was sent to her before this from a certain pirate.

    In the letter, it was written about their purport of snatching away Aeril and the Garden¡¯s Grand Force, furthermore there was also a war declaration towards the New Kingdom.

    If the Grand Force in the New Kingdom¡¯s territory was stolen and Aeril who was sheltered in the Academy was also kidnapped, in the next world conference©¤©¤no, even before waiting for that, all the other countries would immediately question the New Kingdom about this failure.

    There was even the possibility of using the surviving Seven Dragon Paladins under the just cause of taking back the Grand Force and rescuing Aeril, to make the New Kingdom became indebted to the other countries for the assistance.

    ¡¸In that case, I too have no other choice but to make use of them openly and unreservedly.¡¹

    Raffi chuckled and wrote letters to the other countries.

    She wrote the fact that Aeril was kidnapped, and requested assistance to face the danger to the world.

    The murder of Prime Minister Nulph, the assassination of the Old Empire faction, and also the kidnapping of Aeril©¤©¤she dealt with those facts by blaming it all on the rebels.

    In that case, first she had to request the assistance of the greatest fighting force inside the country, Syvalles of Cross Field.

    ¡¸Perhaps we should also strengthen those girls while we are at it. It¡¯s a good chance, let¡¯s use the tools brought out from Avalon and perform Baptism on them. If it¡¯s those girls surely they would be able to endure it.¡¹

    There was a large pot placed inside Raffi¡¯s bedroom.

    Even among the legacies of the Ruins, it was a special item that the Lords could control, an item for surgical operations called the ¡ºCoffin¡».

    It was for the sake of performing Baptism©¤©¤the body strengthening that was once applied to Yoruka and the Lords with surgical operation that made human body adapt to Elixir.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Coffin?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. It¡¯s impossible already for me but, I think that perhaps Lux-kun should do that.¡¹

    In the hideout of the Kilzrake family located in the capital¡¯s castle town.

    In that place that looked like a noble¡¯s palatial mansion on the surface, Lux was taking a break together with Aeril.

    Lux, Aeril, and Magialca were sitting in the spacious living room set up in the underground space.

    A day had passed since Aeril¡¯s rescue. It seemed that her body had also calmed down somewhat. Although she couldn¡¯t wear a Drag-Ride, it seemed there was no problem with her health.

    There was also this kind of hideout in Cross Field, so they would form their plan when they returned there.

    Honestly Lux could only feel complete astonishment towards Magialca who was setting up villas and hideouts everywhere, but this time it saved them.

    From here on Magialca too would give her support to Lux, not as a Seven Dragon Paladin, but as the boss of the Kilzrake family.

    They were determined to ascertain the truth of the evil aspect of Sacred Eclipse, invade Avalon once more, and stopped it from working.

    They took out the Grand Force from the Garden this time.

    They also brought out all sorts of Drag-Rides and rare weapons. Other than those there was also recording media Card Chips.

    It was unknown what kind of data was stored inside them, but they might become a key in the search for Avalon¡¯s weakness.

    Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse was also troublesome, but above all else it was Fugil who was the greatest problem.

    As long as they didn¡¯t try to harm or capture Raffi, at the present time, Fugil wouldn¡¯t interfere in a big way, but in the end, it would be a different story if Raffi herself headed their way.

    In the not so far away future, sooner or later it was a wall that they had to break through.

    ¡¸Lux-kun is starting to make the power of Baptism into your own but, that¡¯s still not enough. Just like how I¡¯m connected with the power of Ruin and obtained the power of simple perception manipulation, just like how that Kirihime Yoruka-san obtained the power of the magic eye to read presence©¤©¤I think Lux yourself should also obtain a power.¡¹

    For that, they collected a Coffin using the Lord¡¯s authority, but in actuality it wasn¡¯t that simple.

    Baptism that granted special abilities by means of body strengthening was accompanied with a really great burden. And they couldn¡¯t surpass Fugil by doing that.

    According to Aeril, Fugil¡¯s Baptism applied strengthening to his whole body, including his heart.

    To do that it made use of Fugil¡¯s own innate constitution that could also be called as abnormal. Death would be definitely waiting if Lux tried to copy that.

    Therefore, Aeril judged that Lux should only focus on strengthening a part of his body with Baptism, just like Yoruka.

    ¡¸I want you to give me the Baptism as soon as we return to Cross Field. I¡¯ll think about it while on the way back.¡¹

    ¡¸Right¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril nodded looking just a bit conflicted.

    Challenging Fugil once more and making the New Kingdom into an enemy in order to save Queen Raffi were things that Lux chose himself.

    However, even so, she was surely feeling anxious seeing him throw himself into a harsh battle with little chance of victory.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make that kind of face Aeril. Because I¡¯m happy. That you are safe. That I¡¯m able to have you, I¡¯m really©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux smiled while expressing his happiness. Aeril¡¯s cheeks blushed red seeing that.

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­¡¹

    After staring at Lux with an intoxicated expression, she quietly averted her gaze.

    In any case, Lux himself would avoid Syvalles¡¯s activities for a while under the pretense of poor physical health. Behind the scenes he would command Aeril and Alma to fight as Kilzrake¡¯s head.

    If possible he also wanted a lot more other comrades, but thinking of the aftermath of defeating Queen Raffi, there was no way he could talk to Lisha and the others.

    Because, if Lux¡¯s rebellion became a known fact, they would get dragged into it.

    At that time he might take Airi and flee to another country.

    (Everyone¡­¡­. Sorry.)

    While they loved him and Lux himself also loved them, he might be unable to answer their feelings.

    Even if hypothetically he managed to defeat Sacred Eclipse and Fugil, he might have to leave this country secretly without anyone knowing.

    His heart felt painful when thinking about the time if it turned out like that.

    ¡¸An unseen battle to save the New Kingdom. Your qualities as a king are going to be tested once more.¡¹(Magialca)

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing that exaggerated.¡¹

    He was simply unable to overlook it quietly.

    Of Raffi, who was unable to fight against her own weakness and got possessed by Sacred Eclipse.

    Of the people who were tricked by her.

    And above all else, the matter of Lisha.

    ¡¸Well, let¡¯s think about the difficult matter later. We have to watch the movements of the queen and the hero-dono too. And so, go take a shower before going back. You also need some rest and change of mood.¡¹

    ¡¸Understood. Then, please let me borrow the bathroom.¡¹

    Lux sighed in relieve and climbed the stair of the underground room just as Magialca told him, heading towards the lodging that was lend to him above.

    ¡¸Let me say this beforehand though, have you still not noticed? About that kid Alma you see. Actually©¤©¤that kid is a descendant of the present royal family of the New Kingdom you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s fine if you haven¡¯t noticed. It will become clear to you soon anyway.¡¹

    Lux tilted his head towards Magialca¡¯s implicative words while heading towards the large public bath.

    He heard that currently there was only Alma who was in the middle of bathing, but they were both males so there wouldn¡¯t be any problem. He entered inside.

    Lux got out of the cramped changing room and opened the glass door.

    There©¤©¤

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming in, Alma©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸KYAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The instant he said that and stepped inside, Lux stiffened like a rock.

    What appeared from among the white steam wasn¡¯t the body of a boy, but a skin color with smooth undulation.

    To cut the long story short, it was a girl¡¯s body that was quite grown up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, EEEEEH!?¡¹

    The face undoubtedly belonged to Alma Kilzrake.

    ¡¸Lux-kuuun, what are you doinggg?¡¹

    Aeril who was at the corner of the bathroom glared at Lux with reproachful eyes.

    Naturally she was also naked. Her well fleshed naked body that was contrary to her androgynous image was radiant.

    Lux was flustered by the unexpected situation while remembering something in surprise.

    The woman called Magialca was a ruffian with mischief that didn¡¯t lose against Relie.

    And then, above all else, about the secret that Alma hid.

    ¡¸E, ehh, that¡­¡­. Err¡­¡­. Black Hero, sama!? Auu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The velvety semi long blond hair, that bright red expression, it made Lux feel a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.

    At the same time, the pieces inside his head slotted into place.

    Lisha¡¯s story that he heard in the parade this time came to the forefront of his mind.

    .

    ¡ºRecently I¡¯m also seeing a dream¡­¡­. The dream of before and after the Revolution that happened five years ago.¡»

    ¡ºIn the past, do you remember when I talked about my little sister? For some reason, that girl¡¯s figure comes to my mind right now.¡»

    Almatea.

    When Count Atismata was killed and even his family¡¯s residence and hideout were attacked, that girl was thought to be missing©¤©¤

    ¡ºSurely that girl won¡¯t forgive me if she sees me right now. I betrayed father to keep my own life, on top of that I ascended to the seat of the princess of the New Kingdom, the likes of me is just©¤©¤¡»

    .

    At the revolution five years ago, Queen Raffi at that time leaked out information to Waybra.

    Because of that, the hideout of Lisha¡¯s little sister Alma was attacked and she was captured.

    She was sold to another country and moved from place to place, before she reached the Marcafal Kingdom.

    And then, what Alma said to him when investigating the Garden©¤©¤

    .

    ¡º¡­¡­That¡¯s right. But that ain¡¯t what hurt me the most. There is my aunt too but, only Onee-chan©¤©¤my big sister, even though I believed that there is no way she would side with the likes of the Old Empire, and yet¡­¡­¡»

    .

    (I see. She heard about Lisha-sama siding with the Old Empire from the attacking soldiers!)

    Her revenge.

    Revenge against her aunt who leaked her location to the enemy, and her big sisterLisha who broke her promise and sided with the enemy.

    She was trying to make her revenge into reality in the shape of the New Kingdom¡¯s destruction after she finished the mission from the Kilzrake family this time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I, see. So that¡¯s how it is.¡¹

    That girl idolized the Black Hero who destroyed the Old Empire and wanted to become Lux¡¯s subordinate.

    It was too much of an adverse fate.

    But, the instant he understood that, a scenario surfaced in Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸Alma, I want you to talk to me in detail. About your revenge, and the New Kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    The instant Lux started talking with a serious face, Aeril splashed him with hot water.

    ¡¸Do that later! Geez!¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux instantly recalled that this place was the bathroom.

    ¡¸Kilzrake family¡­¡­?¡¹

    Half a day later, a letter from the New Kingdom¡¯s messenger was sent to the inn where Airi and the others were staying.

    The content was instructions of a top secret mission addressed to Syvalles and Relie.

    It said, the Grand Force of Garden was stolen by the Marcafal Kingdom¡¯s mafia©¤©¤the Kilzrake family¡¯s Drag-Knight squad, Azure Division. The mission was to find the group and annihilate them.

    And then there was a written invitation to receive the surgery of Baptism for partial strengthening.

    A royal order was given out in order to rescue the kidnapped Aeril Vi Arcadia.

    Furthermore Lisha who was inside the same room lost her voice seeing the name of the person who was thought to be the mastermind.

    Almatea Atismata.

    The name of the person who would shake the New Kingdom¡¯s existence once more was written there.

    Thus, a new curtain was raised of the probing and all-out war between the New Kingdom camp, versus the Azure Division.

 Volume 17 - Prologue

    ¨C

    When was the beginning of everything?

    .

    Was it since social position that differentiated fellow human into royalty and commoner, or perhaps slave was invented?

    Or perhaps it was more primitive, since two different existences were born?

    .

    ©¤©¤Arcadia Empire that accepted the clan of Xfer in the past of more than a millennium ago climbed to the top with the power of Ruins and reigned there, but at the same time it stepped into the path toward destruction.

    The influential people who obtained achievements at the beginning eventually turned their fang toward their compatriots who were in weaker position.

    ©¤©¤Elixir.

    It was proved that the optimum raw materials for the secret medicine that awakened the sleeping potential of human and strengthened them were human with close blood relationship. Since then the exploitation of life itself began.

    And then even the people of Arcadia Empire who got oppressed continuously one day reached the limit of their patience and began a rebellion.

    The resistance force of Arcadia Empire.

    That force was called as ¡ºthe clan of traitor¡» by the imperial family and nobility. At the surface they were called as ¡ºevil¡» who disturbed the country¡¯s peace because of their greed for wealth.

    Fugil in that past of more than a thousand years ago was the son of a certain man of such ¡ºclan of traitor¡».

    The battle using Drag-Ride was extremely gruesome for both camps.

    It was a chain of hatred that was produced from desire for revenge.

    The weak people who were dragged in.

    Within the chaos that was boiling like the cauldron of hell, Fugil encountered a single girl.

    .

    And then©¤©¤currently it was the middle of night in the new kingdom.

    A single man was looking up to the jet black sky on a terrace that was jutting out from the castle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hey, Fugil. Why did you help those dogs and cats?¡¹

    The main body of that Sacred Eclipse was possessing the queen of the new kingdom Raffi Atismata.

    But, right now while Raffi consciousness was sleeping, the figure of Sacred Eclipse itself appeared in front of Fugil once more.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The figure of Arshalia who he had continued to see many times more than a thousand years ago.

    The beloved woman who he was unable to save.

    Sacred Eclipse was a system that read human¡¯s emotion and projected that feeling.

    It sympathized with human¡¯s despair and resentment and granted them the power of Elixir.

    The humanoid Ragnarok that was created by Arshalia in order to save the weak.

    In the past, it sensed and read Fugil¡¯s heart and showed in front of him many times.

    The expression of the girl, the questioning words, they were repeated for thousands, tens of thousands of times, seeping into Fugil¡¯s eyes and ears.

    ¡¸You fought against your own desire and calculating thought. You even threw away yourself to save the weak. Actually you aren¡¯t a horrible human like everyone is saying. You¡¯re actually a kind person who is unable to overlook someone in trouble. I believe that you are someone who possess the courage to fight for the sake of someone else.¡¹

    The existence who was called as heresy even among the imperial princesses of Arcadia Empire.

    Fugil met Arshalia for the first time at a back alley of the castle town.

    No, perhaps it should be called as her talking to him one-sidedly.

    The weak animals that were turned into target for violence from the masses as outlet for their dissatisfaction.

    The girl coincidentally saw from a nearby building the figure of Fugil standing on the way of people in order to protect them.

    Later, when the girl called Arshalia slipped out of the castle and came once more, she called out to Fugil.

    The girl, Arshalia was the youngest daughter among the seven imperial princesses at that time, but she had a special talent since she was a child.

    The engineering skill to read and understand the advanced technology possessed by the Xfer, learned it, and then applied her own invention to it.

    After the empire reigned on the top of the world, the development of Ruins stagnated for more than a hundred years. But this girl made new development in less than several years.

    If she wasn¡¯t the star of hope who was burdened with the responsibility for the future generation of the imperial family, her willfulness to pick a man who was originally from the enemy the clan of traitor and turned him into her servant wouldn¡¯t be allowed.

    However, Fugil who was summoned to the castle was doubting Arshalia.

    He was unable to understand her action of placing the child of a resistance member from the clan of traitor at her side.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What a foolish woman. Are you intending to save me due to your whimsical good will? I cannot understand what are you doing at all.¡¹

    The young man Fugil who was led to the castle in the form of getting half abducted told that to the imperial princess whose eyes were sparkling while looking at him.

    Imperial family and commoner were existences with conflicting interest.

    They were existences that hated, feuded, and killed each other.

    Fugil who was living with such unwavering belief had his gaze stolen by her smile.

    ¡¸Is it meaningless? I don¡¯t think so. Then let me ask you, why did you save those tortured dogs and cats? You even risked your own wellbeing against adult opponents until you were all battered for that.¡¹

    ¡¸A whim¡­¡­. I simply disliked those guys.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m feeling the same! We are suited with each other.¡¹

    Fugil averted his gaze with a sulky look. In contrast the imperial princess called Arshalia replied with a bright smile.

    ¡¸You¡­¡­, is something wrong with your head? That must be the case¡­¡­ I am your enemy you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Why? Who in the world decided such thing? You are my servant from now on. Come now, let¡¯s get along well with each other.¡¹

    The girl calmly held out her hand. In respond Fugil sighed in exasperation.

    That was his meeting with Arshalia that began more than a thousand years ago.

    It was the beginning of hope for Fugil.

    .

    And then, it was also the endlessly continuing despair¡¯s©¤©¤.

 Volume 17 - CH 1

    ¨C

    ¡¸This is sudden but I have something important to say. It¡¯s fine even if it¡¯s just for a bit, just listen.¡¹

    The New Year parade at the royal capital Lordgalia had ended safely. It was the next morning after a day of rest.

    The students of the Academy including the Syvalles planned to return to Cross Field.

    Lisha arrived using horse carriage to the high class inn that was reserved for Lux and others.

    No, it wasn¡¯t just Lisha. Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Yoruka, in addition even the Triad and Airi, everyone were gathering at the entrance of the inn at the first floor.

    ¡¸Eh, don¡¯t tell me Lisha-sama. This is the love confession thing? Could it be you and Lux-chi©¤©¤¡­¡­muguh!¡¹

    Tillfur tried to poke fun like that, but Noct¡¯s hand blocked her mouth in the middle while Sharis pinioned her from behind.

    They sensed that it wasn¡¯t time to say joke.

    ¡¸The next day after the parade, a threatening letter was sent to Haha-ue©¤©¤her majesty queen Raffi. The sender was a bunch called Azure Division.¡¹

    ¡¸Azure Division¡­¡­? I¡¯ve never heard that organization¡¯s name but, Princess Lisha. What in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    Sharis who was also a daughter of the army¡¯s vice commander immediately asked, but Lisha let out a slight sigh.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s also my first time hearing the organization¡¯s name, but we¡¯re considering that most likely they are a group of bandit formed of Drag-Knights similar like the Dragon Marauder. Those guys stole Grand Force from the Garden during the parade, at the same time they also kidnapped Aeril who was at the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    *Murmur*. Tension ran through all the students who were still in the mood of parade or languid from hangover.

    The existence of Grand Force was a confidential information, but the students were also told about it.

    It was a large crystal with super high degree of purity that was an item to activate Ruin, and one of the seven keys for controlling Avalon completely.

    The students were shaken hearing the situation that it was stolen.

    .

    ¡¸Lies¡­¡­. How can there is still enemy even after we have fought that much¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Aeril is also kidnapped, isn¡¯t this actually really bad?¡¹

    ¡¸A threatening letter for her majesty, just what in the world©¤©¤?¡¹

    .

    The disturbing news erased the joy of the victory celebration and clouded the faces of the students.

    But, Lisha puffed up her chest with a resolute attitude.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be flustered. We are military cadet and exist in order to support the New Kingdom military of the future generation. Besides the appearance of new enemy is common when managing a country. But, right now even the New Kingdom is lacking in battle strength. Because of that during the time until the true identity of Azure Division is exposed, we Syvalles will stay here. For the moment the plan is for us to go back as soon as we have bright prospects, but during that time I¡¯ll leave Cross Field in everyone¡¯s hand. Naturally you all mustn¡¯t say any word of this to anyone else.¡¹

    Lisha concluded like that, and then the headmaster Relie told everyone of the plan from here on formally.

    The announced plan was that the stay of Syvalles in the royal capital was extended for around ten days, while the other students would be sent back to Cross Field immediately.

    ¡¸Please be careful. We will protect Cross Field too so¡­¡­.¡¹

    ¡¸Surely it will be fine right? Syvalles is also all present here, but the Seven Dragon Paladins seems to have gone home already though©¤©¤¡¹

    The expressions of the students recovered their vitality after hearing Lisha¡¯s speech.

    The people of the royal capital would be told that the extension of Syvalles¡¯s stay was because of a change of plan for military exercise. That was the pretext.

    After telling everyone to breakup for the time being, Lisha walked toward Lux.

    ¡¸Lux¡­¡­. Can you gather all Syvalles member and come to the castle after this? There is an important talk.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I understand.¡¹

    Her confident attitude just now completely changed. Lisha was showing an anxious expression.

    An hour later, Lux and others headed to the castle riding horse carriage.

    They reunited with Lisha who was returning to the castle earlier than them in the castle¡¯s war council room.

    .

    ¡¸And, what is the full story? The talk before this wasn¡¯t everything, isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    The elite members of Syvalles with the addition of Relie were sitting around the table. Right after that Krulcifer was the first one to open her mouth and asked Lisha.

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­. Honestly speaking, I¡¯m also troubled.¡¹

    Lisha muttered that without hiding her weak-hearted expression.

    ¡¸So far, we have investigated as much as possible, but there isn¡¯t any information about Azure Division at all. If I¡¯m forced to say, they are like a mafia that originated from Marcafal Kingdom but©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    She cut off her words, and then she averted her gaze from everyone in hesitation to speak.

    ¡¸The problem is the ringleader. I don¡¯t want to believe it at all but, if it¡¯s actually true then this will become something outrageous. It¡¯s the reason I couldn¡¯t say it at that place when the other students were there.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you know the name of the mastermind?¡¹

    Lisha nodded slightly at Celis¡¯s question. Before long she resolved herself and opened her mouth.

    ¡¸The boss of Azure Division, is Almatea Atismata. My little sister who should be separated from us by death five years ago.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Because Lisha herself never told anyone about that existence and name to anyone other than Lux, this was the first time everyone in this place heard about it.

    After that, Lisha gave a simple explanation about the whole story.

    The threatening letter that Lisha¡¯s little sister Almatea sent had this written in it.

    The girl knew about the truth regarding the founding of the New Kingdom five years ago. She had grasped the fact of the betrayal of Queen Raffi at that time betraying the great man Count Atismata.

    In addition she accused the queen of scheming in the attempt of monopolizing Avalon. She introduced herself as the only legitimate successor of the New Kingdom.

    Naturally, the content of the letter and the existence of Azure Division weren¡¯t told to the people of the New Kingdom.

    At present even the senior statesmen were at their wits¡¯ end thinking of how to treat the girl.

    ¡¸It¡¯s another troublesome problem¡­¡­. Even so, I wonder why she comes forward at this kind of timing¡­¡­. I don¡¯t get it at all.¡¹

    Tillfur joined her hands behind her neck and grumbled.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because it¡¯s this kind of timing isn¡¯t it? Rather I can understand if it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Airi spoke her opinion at the side with a subdued tone.

    ¡¸Yes. The troublesome powerful enemy that is the Lord has vanished, and the movement of Sacred Eclipse has also been halted. What¡¯s left is only to distribute the ancient technology and legacy from Avalon to each country. And then all the countries without exception have their army decreased. Everyone is exhausted to the degree that it¡¯s impossible to make any large scale military action. They¡¯re taking advantage of that opening and acted to take over Avalon along with the New Kingdom. Perhaps the enemy¡¯s aim is something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux knew that in reality Sacred Eclipse was still active and it was possessing Raffi, but he didn¡¯t say anything in this place.

    It was because the event of the three days parade that got repeated multiple times by the world revision of the transforming Drag-Ride Uroboros of Fugil©¤©¤Raffi¡¯s secret maneuver wasn¡¯t known by the other girls, and Lux also had his own motive.

    ¡¸That¡¯s-not-it-at-all. Even though we finally finished the long fight where it felt like we would die, why would they then do something like this-, that¡¯s what I¡¯m angry about here!¡¹

    ¡¸Tillfur, restrain yourself. Today you can¡¯t read the atmosphere more than usual you know?¡¹

    Sharis patted the brown haired head *pon pon* in admonishment.

    Lux lifted his face to return the flow of the talk that was interrupted.

    ¡¸And, Lisha-sama. What are we going to do after this?¡¹

    ¡¸A, about that¡­¡­. I also tried discussing it with her majesty but, for the time being we will be observing on how the opponent will act it seems.¡¹

    Azure Division had stolen the important keys for operating Avalon that were Aeril and a Grand Force.

    If they had also sent a threatening letter, than next they would present their demand of what they wanted in exchange of those. That was the prediction of Queen Raffi.

    The cooperation of the four great nobles had also been asked. It seemed they wanted to keep Syvalles in reserve until the enemy objective was made clear.

    Regarding the investigation, soldier Drag-Knights were already dispatched to search the royal capital and its surrounding.

    They wanted Lux and others of Syvalles to move after a strategy had been decided by the war council.

    The schedule of the ten days from now would be training at the arena during the day, while at night they would gather and had strategy meeting based on the gathered information every day.

    ¡¸Ten days¡­¡­? Why ten days? I don¡¯t know how much battle strength the Azure Division has, but if they are an opponent that can kidnap Aeril and assault the Garden, won¡¯t it be better for us to remain here for a while?¡¹

    Lisha folded her arms and groaned toward Airi¡¯s reasonable question.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­. Well, I also thought like that but, it seems Haha-ue has some kind of thinking. For the time being we are asked to stay here with ten days as the rough estimate.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    There was nothing more that could be said if they were told like that.

    After all it seemed that even the New Kingdom¡¯s soldiers hadn¡¯t even finished investigating the Garden and collecting information.

    ¡¸Also, I too have something personal to say here, is it alright?¡¹

    There Lux talked about a certain circumstance. Everyone was worried about his health and he was urged to leave the meeting early.

    Right after that, Lisha straightened her back as though she had been waiting for it and took a deep breath.

    ¡¸Ah, also©¤©¤. I have one more important topic. Haha-ue suggested it, about a trial that we should challenge.¡¹

    The sentence that was told with a bit of tension filling it caused the experienced Syvalles members to hold their breath.

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuu¡¹

    A few hours after the meeting in the castle was over.

    Lux retired to the reserved inn and took a bath before passing the time in the guest room of his shared room with Airi while wearing his sleep-wear.

    The members of Syvalles frequently came to this room to play, but as expected no one came today.

    It was also to prepare for the situation where it was unknown where they would have to move out for a battle against Azure Division. And another reason must be because everyone was being considerate about Lux¡¯s condition that was told to them before this.

    ¡¸For some reason it feels out of place instead for the room to be this quiet. Thinking really carefully, it¡¯s also amazing how I¡¯m feeling like that just from seeing there is no girl around Nii-san.¡¹

    ¡¸No, well¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could only smile wryly toward the meaningful stare from Airi.

    Before he would be able to say that it was because the girls were his comrades in Syvalles¡­¡­but, Lux couldn¡¯t laugh now that he had learned the girls¡¯ feeling from repeating the three days of parade multiple times.

    The girls were really harboring feeling toward Lux.

    And then unfortunately, he wouldn¡¯t be able to respond to their feelings¡­¡­.

    ¡¸Hey¡­¡­. Airi, about the New Kingdom and the Academy, this place where we belongs©¤©¤ you¡­¡­like it, aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Hearing Lux¡¯s question, Airi who was sleeping on the next bed quietly turned her face toward him.

    ¡¸Now see here¡­¡­. We were criminals you know? When I first came to Cross Field, although I wasn¡¯t receiving any harassment openly, it was like a bed of nails for me.¡¹

    After all in the New Kingdom, Lux and Airi¡¯s appearance was characteristic. From a glance anyone would understand that they were from the imperial family.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t want to worry Nii-san though, so I stayed quiet. At the beginning everyone was avoiding me openly. They treated me like I was a tumor, well, the imperial family was villain after all. But, there wasn¡¯t any bullying or the like. Thanks to the Triad.¡¹

    ¡¸The Triad was??¡¹

    This was his first time hearing about this even though they had been together for this long.

    Come to think of it, he also had never heard about the beginning of Airi and Noct¡¯s friendship.

    He only knew that they got acquainted as roommate in the dormitory but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Relie-san talked to the Triad who was already famous since that time. She wanted them to become my friend and protect me so that I can be accepted in the Academy. The Triad readily accepted that request. Noct and others asked me to not tell Nii-san about this, and I also didn¡¯t have any intention to say it but, I said it. This is a secret okay.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi¡¯s expression seemed like she was having fun while saying that.

    Even Lux understood the intention of the Triad who expressly asked Airi to not tell him about this.

    Surely they didn¡¯t want Lux to feel needlessly indebted or fussing about it.

    ¡¸But, both I and Nii-san don¡¯t know when we will die. So I¡¯ll raise their evaluation too beforehand.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so Airi right now also love the people of this country.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    When he pointed that out, Airi glared at him with a blushing face.

    She then puffed out her cheeks and looked aside. But before long she muttered with a small voice.

    ¡¸Please sleep quickly Nii-san. You cannot make anyone more worried than this.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right. Good night, Airi.¡¹

    They only exchanged those words, then Lux closed his eyes.

    After a while, a small sleeper¡¯s breathing came from the side and time was passing on.

    Surely that conversation of this night wasn¡¯t noticed by anyone.

    .

    ¡¸Good morning Lux. How are you feeling?¡¹

    The next morning, the room¡¯s door was knocked at the same time when Lux woke up.

    When Lux opened the door with sleepy eyes, Celis was standing there.

    ¡¸Ah, good morning Celis-senpa ©¤, eeeeh!?¡¹

    He spontaneously stiffened when he opened the door.

    Setting aside how Celis was visiting Lux alone, he couldn¡¯t hide his surprise at her appearance.

    Unbelievably, she was dressed as maid.

    It was an orthodox maid uniform with black base color and pure white maid headdress, but because of her sensual chest and waist, it made him felt an air of immorality instead from it.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯m sorry! A, as I thought, for me to wear this kind of clothes, this appearance doesn¡¯t suit me isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The girl who was usually giving a dignified air was unusually blushing bright red with her gaze averted to the corner.

    How should he say it, at first he was surprised but, Lux thought that this appearance was nice.

    ¡¸N, no. It¡¯s lovely. But, why is Celis-senpai dressed like©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Did the Triad prank you again Celis-senpai? Even though we¡¯re in this kind of situation, how can they¡­¡­¡¹

    The instant Airi who was in the same room saw her appearance, she pressed her forehead and sighed.

    It seemed she had an idea of the particulars of how this situation came to be and she felt extremely exasperated about it.

    ¡¸Well, don¡¯t say that. Just in case she is wearing a pilot suit under it, and she is also carrying her Sword Device. The security for Lux is flawless.¡¹

    Seeing the smiling face of Sharis who popped up from behind Celis, Lux also somehow guessed what happened.

    ¡¸And so, I and Celis will be in charge of looking after Lux-kun this whole day. Best regards Lux-kun.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh, ah, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux could only nodded even while he was feeling bewildered.

    Yesterday, during the meeting in the castle. Lux told everyone that in these ten days Lux would devote himself to rest without doing any fighting.

    It was in order to allow Lux to fight alone without any students of the Academy noticing it.

    Lux intentionally made a fake announcement that the fatigue from the rigorous battles was piling up and he became unable to wear Drag-Ride.

    The beginning of this strategy dated back to the late night of the day before yesterday.

    .

    The hideout in the royal capital Lordgalia that was owned by Magialca.

    It was a building that looked like an abandoned noble¡¯s villa in a glance. Lux and others were talking at its basement.

    There were three people inside the dimly lighted parlor.

    The boss of Kilzrake Family that was a mafia in Marcafal Kingdom and the captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Magialca Zen Vanfrick.

    She was a person who noticed the world¡¯s revision loop that was caused by the transforming Drag-RideArtifact Uroboros, and offered a cooperation to Lux to fight it together.

    She was heavily wounded from the previous war and became unable to fight as Drag-Knight anymore, but she was giving support to Lux with the organizational capability she possessed.

    Aeril vi Arcadia was a blood relative of the Lord. She was a girl who connected with the center of Avalon at the surface.

    In reality it was Raffi who was possessed by Sacred Eclipse who was in possession of the right to control Avalon, but due to the world revision, no one knew about it except of the people here.

    At present the leaders and senior statesmen of every country were thinking that the right was owned by Aeril.

    And then©¤©¤Alma Kilzrake.

    She was the biological younger sister of Lisha and thought to be dead. She was the second daughter of New Kingdom¡¯s great man Count Atismata.

    Five years ago.

    Due to the information that was leaked by Queen Raffi at that time to Waybra who was a spy of the Old Empire, Alma¡¯s hideout was attacked by Old Empire¡¯s army. Alma who went through that wretched experience found her way to Marcafal Kindom where she was picked up by Kilzrake Family. She lived under their roof as a Drag-Knight.

    Because of her firm will and proud personality, she hated Lisha and Raffi who betrayed Count Atismata and joined the Old Empire and held a belief toward the Black Hero.

    From Queen Raffi¡¯s perspective Alma was an extremely troublesome existence. Her status could possibly become a powerful trump card against the New Kingdom.

    Lux, Aeril, and Magialca and Alma¡¯s Kilzrake Family.

    The Azure Division was an organization that was made up from the alliance of these four.

    Destroying Sacred Eclipse that assimilated with Queen Raffi and liberating the new kingdom from the control of Fugil and Arshalia.

    In order to accomplish that objective, they were going to commence the last battle.

    ¡¸Tonight will be the last time we have a talk here. From here on Alma or Aeril will receive Lux¡¯s instruction, and from them I will be the relay that convey the instruction to the whole Azure Division.¡¹

    ¡¸I think that will be fine. Although Queen Raffi won¡¯t be able to make any big movement from now on, it will be too conspicuous for Lux-kun to walk around even using that method.¡¹

    Aeril also nodded at Magialca¡¯s comment.

    The Grand Force of Garden was pulled out and the function of Avalon was drastically weakened.

    Because the energy would be insufficient to move the eight Automatas like before, it should be difficult to continue monitoring Lux constantly.

    Currently Lux was asking Yoruka to search the surrounding using Yato no Kami¡¯s detection ability to confirm that there was no reaction before he was acting, but considering the possibility that the monitoring on Lux could be strengthened after this, it would be too dangerous for all of them to gather like this.

    Therefore, it was decided that Lux would become the actual leader of Azure Division from now with Alma or Aeril challenging the new kingdom as his subordinates.

    ¡¸Right. After this I¡¯ll think of the strategy for the next ten days, so can I borrow the ¡ºCoffin¡» right away?¡¹

    The Coffin was an appliance for human to enter. It was an equipment made by ancient technology to apply Baptism and strengthened the body.

    The other day, they collected it during their attack at the Garden, but Alma had used it earlier to strengthen her mental strength.

    Lux also intended to use it to strengthen a part of his physical ability as special trait.

    ¡¸Alright. But, if you are going to use it, it will be just for a bit. The amount of Elixir that has been administered to Lux-kun should be really near the limit already after all¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril stared at Lux worriedly.

    Body strengthening by blending Elixir into the body©¤©¤Baptism, it wasn¡¯t something that could be done as many times as one liked.

    The user wouldn¡¯t just receive considerable pain, they would also die if the dose was over the permissible level.

    Thus, using the remaining few capacity.

    Like how Yoruka strengthened her left eye to turn it into magic eye that read the opponent¡¯s presence, Lux too could only specially strengthened his body and mind in preparation for the battle against Fugil.

    ¡¸But, that will be a big gamble you know? You will be suffering from the side effect for several days, and it will be hard for you to even move properly. In the first place it¡¯s also unthinkable that you will be able to win against that Fugil even if you do that.¡¹(Magialca)

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s strength that could only be defeated after gathering six of the strongest Drag-Knight of each country©¤©¤the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    The capability of the transforming Drag-Ride Uroboros was in a different dimension.

    In addition Raffi too would surely dispatch the strengthened Automatas at the critical moment.

    Even if Lux succeeded in strengthening himself with Baptism, there was a boundless gap of battle strength there.

    But,

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do it. There are still many more big gambles that will be necessary in order to defeat Fugil. Even so, I have to do it©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like you have resolved yourself. Aeril, activate the Coffin at the next room.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand. Come, Lux-kun. Take off your clothes and come over here.¡¹

    ¡¸Eeh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸What, are you embarrassed? You had peeped at us in the bath before this, so this is payback.¡¹

    Lux flinched when Aeril told him that with a smile as though it was only natural. He then used the Coffin.

    .

    After that©¤©¤, Lux safely went through the Baptism and returned to the inn after finishing the planning session.

    .

    And then right now in the guest room of the reserved inn where Lux was at.

    Of course that event of two days ago wasn¡¯t told to anyone. He simply said that he couldn¡¯t use Drag-Ride because of his accumulated fatigue. But it was unexpected that Celis would visit him who was resting.

    No, he had considered about someone coming to visit him, but as expected he was surprised at the idea of them sticking close to him and nursing him for almost the whole day.

    Furthermore when it was Celis wearing maid uniform who would do such thing¡­¡­.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, is it a bother for you? Even though you¡¯re unwell¡¹

    ¡¸N, no! There is no such thing. I¡¯m happy that Celis-senpai come.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Celis who saw Lux¡¯s smile instantly blushed. Then her expression brightened in a flash.

    ¡¸Thank you very much. I¡¯ll do my best.¡¹

    Beside him Airi was showing a really conflicted glare, but before long she headed toward the room¡¯s door along with Noct.

    ¡¸Airi, where¡¯re you going?¡¹

    ¡¸I think I¡¯ll be in the way of you two. Besides there are various things that I want to investigate while Nii-san is resting.¡¹

    She only said that and left the room with Noct.

    Lux felt a discomfort for a moment, but he couldn¡¯t express it in words well.

    Like that, a day of Celis nursing him began.

 Volume 17 - CH 2

    .

    ¡¸NUAAaA¡­¡­! I¡¯m frustrated here!¡¹

    The first day of the ten days in preparation to face Azure Division.

    Lisha and Krulcifer were training in the capital¡¯s arena under the sunny blue sky.

    They were both wearing pilot suit and Drag-Ride, but there were only security soldiers here and there around them. There was no one else.

    The training was also a light one and not with their full power in order to not exhaust their stamina.

    Even that was ended early after ten-odd minutes before Lisha would return to the castle.

    ¡¸It can¡¯t be helped. After all the one who is nursing Lux-kun was decided by lottery.¡¹

    ¡¸Not that! No, that one is also in my mind but¡­¡­, that¡¯s not it. I¡¯m angry at the bunch who came at this kind of situation. They are getting in the way of our confession time!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a coarse reasoning but, I also agree with your point. Thanks to them there is a need to extend the pact¡¯s period again.¡¹

    Krulcifer also leaked out a sigh.

    There was no way they could do the confession to Lux in this emergency situation, so it ended up being postponed in emergency.

    And then it was decided by lottery who would be nursing Lux©¤©¤it was fine until this point but, there was one concerning matter.

    ¡¸More importantly, is it alright to not mention that matter to Lux-kun? I think that it¡¯s a problem that have to do with thing from here on though?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha faltered toward Krulcifer¡¯s question and thought.

    She was thinking about whether she should secretly tell Lux about the suggestion from her stepmother Queen Raffi behind the scene, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s not tell Lux. He will act recklessly if we tell him anyway.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s face looked somewhat lonely when saying that.

    ¡¸Thinking back, everyone is relying on Lux too much. That guy is strong and can do anything, so that guy too is fighting to answer the expectation. This time we have to step up to the challenge.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, you¡¯re right. That¡¯s an unusually logical opinion coming from you.¡¹

    Krulcifer also agreed after hesitating a bit.

    ¡¸What¡¯re you saying? I¡¯m always saying the proper thing.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes yes. Let¡¯s just leave it at that.¡¹

    It was a casual reply like usual, but Lisha noticed that there was a hidden meaning somewhere in Krulcifer¡¯s gaze toward her.

    Her gaze asked whether the suggestion from Queen Raffi the other day really didn¡¯t have any other meaning.

    (There is nothing strange at all. Haha-ue¡¯s suggestion shouldn¡¯t be mistaken at all.)

    Lisha believed on Raffi who had confessed her past to her and deepened their bond.

    She had to put herself on the line in order to protect the New Kingdom, for the sake of her stepmother, and also for Lux¡¯s sake.

    She renewed that feeling within her heart and threw herself into the training in the arena.

    .

    ¡¸Say¡­¡­. Celis-senpai. It¡¯s alright even if you don¡¯t stare so intensely at me like that you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s true. But, if I don¡¯t properly watch over Lux, it feels like I won¡¯t be able to accomplish my duty.¡¹

    On the other hand, at the inn around that time.

    Celis who was entrusted with nursing Lux was standing near the room¡¯s door while still dressed in maid uniform. She was staring still at Lux.

    Normally she had a dignified and aloof attitude, but when she was like this she looked like a dog that was given the ¡®wait¡¯ command.

    Simply her presence itself was making Lux anxious, but there was also another matter that was a troublesome problem for Lux.

    Currently Lux was the actual leader of Azure Division.

    Thus, he had to give instruction to Magialca, Aeril, and Alma. In order to do that he had to write letter and thought about the strategy.

    His collaborators would be looking for a chance to contact him, or he would give the signal if it was possible for him to give some direction, but doing that would be difficult in this situation.

    Therefore, Lux was plainly troubled.

    ¡¸There is no need to worry. After all I cannot really move just as you can see.¡¹

    Lux waved both his hands while smiling wryly. He showed that he was nervous from being stared like that.

    He thought that even Celis would surely understood that, but contrary to his expectations she turned a serious expression toward him.

    ¡¸Perhaps it might be a needless consideration but¡­¡­her majesty the queen also directly requested us. She wanted us to not take our eyes off Lux during these ten days as much as possible.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux slightly gulped hearing those words.

    This constant supervision wasn¡¯t spontaneous action of Lisha and others, but an instruction from Queen Raffi.

    The other day, the queen also tried a threat at him when his criminal collar was taken off, but perhaps the suspicion of him being related to Azure Division still hadn¡¯t been cleared.

    (Her majesty¡¯s wariness is still not cleared. I guess it¡¯s only natural. Even though there is no proof, looking at the circumstances the possibility is high that I¡¯m involved with Azure Division.)

    Powerful Drag-Knight who could attack the Garden and defeated a clone of Sacred Eclipse was limited in number even throughout the world.

    And above all else, the other side also learned that he noticed the world revision loop once.

    In her position, the queen wouldn¡¯t wish to harm Lux who was currently a hero of the New Kingdom, even so she was regarding him as danger.

    Furthermore if the people monitoring him were his close comrades, then it would be even more difficult to shake them off.

    Lux thought that the monitoring on him would be decreased if he was in a state unable to fight due to the accumulation of damage, but it was a big mistake.

    The continuing monitoring on Lux itself was within the expectation, but his options from here on would be limited.

    (This is her majesty¡¯s tactic¡­¡­. Or else, was it a suggestion from Fugil?)

    Lux thought slightly before judging that the latter wasn¡¯t the case.

    As far as Lux knew, it would be unthinkable for Fugil himself to give instruction to the ruler for every single thing.

    He would only guide someone for them to grow. Although he would show the general path, in the end he would leave the person to decide the fundamental policy by themselves.

    Fugil whose mission was to ¡ºcontinue saving the weak¡»and was acting to fulfill his role of ascertaining the people¡¯s choice wouldn¡¯t interfere greatly with history by his own will.

    In that case this was the queen¡¯s decision.

    Furthermore it was a calculation from Raffi who was possessed by Sacred Eclipse and was reborn to possess both tremendous ability and self-confidence. There was no doubt about it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux suddenly recalled the leaders of the organizations that he had fought until now.

    In order to take revenge to the humans thriving in this world and to display the majesty of the Lords, Hayes pushed on with strategy that would be in accordance to those.

    The Dragon marauder was moving with the rationality of mercenary in order to obtain royal authority themselves.

    Listelka used prudence to a degree that could even be called as cowardly and cool-headedness to a degree that she would even discard her own siblings Hayes and Aeril only to single-mindedly aim at obtaining Avalon.

    ©¤©¤In that case, what about Queen Raffi?

    She didn¡¯t let her guard down by indulging in her power from her union with Sacred Eclipse. At the present time there was no opening in her action, but what was she trying to do?

    How would she deal with the aggressor Azure Division?

    There would be no chance of victory if he didn¡¯t learn the way she thought and saw through her tactic during these ten days.

    (¡­¡­¡­¡­)

    The objective of Lux¡¯s side at present was generally three.

    First was to pinpoint and discover the location of the hidden Avalon that seemed to have been moved from the abandoned capital Guernica to the New Kingdom.

    Next was to search the weakness of Uroboros and also Sacred Eclipse itself in the library facility that was called the Archive in that Avalon, and then thought of the countermeasure for them.

    And then their last objective was to defeat Fugil and Sacred Eclipse without being noticed by Lisha and others, but because Lux attempted to strengthen his body using Baptism, he couldn¡¯t move satisfactorily for two or three days.

    During that time, his movement to give instruction to Alma and others and to take the first action against the queen was sealed like this.

    (Then, I have no choice but to distract Celis-senpai somehow.)

    It was within expectation that Lux himself would be monitored, that was why several methods had already prepared in order to make contact with Alma and others.

    But, only the situation of being under constant supervision was bad, so it would be necessary to lightly lure Celis away.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Can senpai leave me alone for a bit? There is something that I want to think about.¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that¡¯s¡­¡­. Is it no good if I¡¯m here? That, I think I can at least give you advice.¡¹

    When Lux said that, Celis naturally persisted to stay, but Lux also had a plan.

    What kind of instruction Celis and others received from Queen Raffi?

    He planned to get the information about Queen Raffi¡¯s proposition and aim from conversation without directly asking.

    ¡¸No, of course that¡¯s not the case. But can I ask senpai to leave me for a bit? I absolutely won¡¯t leave the room.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­However, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis fidgeted while entwining her fingers with a troubled face.

    Perhaps because he was normally seeing her dignified figure, when she was behaving like a girl like this, she looked really lovely in addition of the gap.

    ¡¸Wait a second Celis. Your diligence is something widely known but, even Lux-kun will have it hard if he got constantly stared at you know?¡¹

    Sharis of the Triad who was outside the room seemed to hear their conversation and entered inside.

    Just from this Lux understood that he was monitored by at least two people.

    (As I thought it¡¯s strange. Most likely they are ordered with the pretext of protecting me. But the reason is weak with only that.)

    Although there was also Lux¡¯s own complicated position to consider, there would be meaning to guard him this strictly.

    Raffi should be telling them a clear reason why Lux mustn¡¯t go outside or why they mustn¡¯t take their eyes off him.

    Perhaps there was also Automata present. They might be in disguise or secretly lurking and watching from afar.

    But, with a Grand Force taken away from the Garden, right now the world revision couldn¡¯t be done.

    That meant even the presence of Automata would be noticed by people. It would attract attention if they acted too strangely.

    That must be why Queen Raffi was making use of everyone of Syvalles but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸However Sharis, you also know right? You know, that¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis spoke ambiguously.

    It was obvious that she couldn¡¯t lie well and hesitated to speak exactly because she was an upright and cleanhanded girl.

    (This is, it¡¯s something necessary in order to grasp the truth and take back the New Kingdom but©¤©¤. Somehow this is unpleasant, doing something like this.)

    Analyzing the personality and thought of the girls who were trusting him and reading the underneath.

    Five years ago he resolved himself to destroy the Old Empire, but Lux right now didn¡¯t want to look to these girls with that kind of eye.

    Surely that was the proof that they were also important comrades for Lux.

    (But, exactly because of that©¤©¤I can¡¯t drag them into this battle.)

    It would be enough for him alone to take the blame if this failed.

    When he was thinking that and renewing his resolve once more,

    ¡¸Celis. Boy at that age has all sorts of circumstances. Even Lux-kun will have time where he wants to be alone.¡¹

    (Eh¡­¡­?)

    The conversation of Sharis and Celis that were going on right outside the room caused Lux to tilt his head in puzzlement.

    ¡¸Is, is that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep yep, and about what he is going to do specifically, mumble mumble¡­¡­. In the past, when I went out with everyone of Triad we also got interested with that kind of book.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait-!?¡¹

    Lux noticed that they were having a questionable misunderstanding and his face twitched.

    ¡¸It¡¯s like that, that¡¯s why isn¡¯t it fine even if you push him down now? Luckily Airi-chan is also not here, he might fall easily you know?¡¹

    (Err, your voice is audible until here though¡­¡­)

    They were making an outrageous misunderstanding about him, but as the result they might let him to be alone, so would it be better to not correct them?

    Lux was observing the exchange of the two senior girls with a conflicted feeling.

    ¡¸That is, that, it¡¯s imprudent! At this kind of time©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis somehow imagined Sharis¡¯s suggestion and rejected it.

    Well, he felt like it was already problematic by the time they were nursing him in maid uniform but, at the very least it seemed she had no intention to cross a line with Lux during these ten days.

    Before long the talk seemed to be concluded. Celis in her maid uniform peeked in.

    ¡¸I, I understand. I will check inside sometimes but, I¡¯ll leave the room for a bit. If something happen I will immediately come running, so please call me.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis said only that and walked to leave the room©¤©¤her feet stopped walking in the middle and she turned around.

    ¡¸A, also¡­¡­one more thing. If there is something, that you want to do¡­¡­. I, if it¡¯s not something too indecent then I¡¯ll help out so, please tell me!¡¹

    Celis said that with bright red face and bowed with a bob of her head before exiting.

    Lux stiffened for a while before he let out a sigh.

    ¡¸Sharis-san must be the one making her said that¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a guess that was most likely right but, even so it was the nature of man to feel his heart throbbing when being told that for real.

    It would be wonderful if he could really enjoy a daily life with them peacefully without anything happening.

    (I¡¯m sorry, Celis-senpai. Everyone©¤©¤)

    Lux who was finally liberated from the supervision pretended to lightly stretched his body and checked the surrounding of the inn from the window.

    And then, he changed the position of the cup beside his pillow. A few minutes later.

    The curtain in front of him soundlessly swayed and a girl in uniform appeared.

    The strongest assassin from Koto who was feared as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka.

    The members of Syvalles received summon from the New Kingdom, but she was an exception.

    In the first place Yoruka herself received a treatment like a member of Syvalles, but on the surface she wasn¡¯t recognized as Drag-Knight. She was working as Lux¡¯s right hand.

    At the award ceremony the other day too, Lux suggested for her to attend too, but Yoruka declined by her own will.

    Therefore, while she was hiding a strength that was top class even among Lux and others, she was an unknown existence for the New Kingdom.

    It went without saying that her strong point was the capability of her special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami, but even more than that was her excellence in covert action.

    She was skilled at reading the opponent¡¯s presence and erasing her own presence at the same time.

    And above all else she wasn¡¯t restricted by the system called the New Kingdom. Her allegiance was offered to Lux personally.

    Because of that, he had given her detailed instructions to follow his order even before this situation where he became unable to move.

    They had decided several signs like changing the cup position just now.

    ¡ºWhat is your order for me Aruji-sama? Please ask me for anything.¡»

    She pinched the end of her skirt and reverently bowed her head.

    Her eyes had different colors at the left and right.

    Her bewitching air that seemed unworldly from a glance caused him to watch in fascination without meaning it.

    By the way, speaking words were forbidden so that the lookout outside wouldn¡¯t get suspicious.

    In exchange they were conversing by reading each other¡¯s lips.

    In the past he had tested with her once whether it would be possible for her to lip reading, but as expected from her who was also doing covert work in her birthplace, she was also able to do that.

    After that it depended on Lux, but he somehow mastered it only by looking and remembering Yoruka¡¯s lip movement.

    In other words, she was his greatest trump card in the battle against the New Kingdom.

    In the previous war she was defeated by Singlen and unable to really play an active role due to accumulation of fatigue and post-recovery symptoms. But right now she was fully recovered so she could fight to her heart¡¯s content.

    ¡ºThere are several things I want to ask but, is it alright?¡»

    ¡ºThere is no need to ask me that. After all this body exist only for Aruji-sama¡¯s sake.¡»

    He had a short exchange with Yoruka without making any sound like before.

    It seemed like Raffi was limiting Lux¡¯s action cautiously, but at this point of time it was a diversion.

    Lux predicted that it was a plan to make him more wary than necessary to blunt his momentum. He shook off his hesitation and moved to take action.

    Currently Raffi didn¡¯t have any piece at hand except the Automatas that she couldn¡¯t move in the open and Syvalles.

    She also had to split some personnel to search for Aeril and Grand Force, because of that Avalon would be lightly guarded.

    Lux prepared to search for its location and attacked within these ten days.

    It should be Raffi who was being cornered by the limit of ten days.

    The reason of that was, now that the previous world revision ended imperfectly, the more days passed, the more the revision would gradually come apart at the seam.

    ¡ºJust as Aruji-sama expected, that place was visited by a tragedy. Will you send letter to them?¡»

    ¡®Them¡¯ that Yoruka referred to was of course the main members of Azure Division.

    ¡ºYes. First we will investigate the opponent¡¯s battle strength, and then I plan to set a diversion. Tell them that it¡¯s just as planned.¡»

    Specifically they were Lisha¡¯s little sister, Alma Kilzrake.

    Aeril vi Arcadia.

    Magialca Zen Vanfrick. Those three.

    They didn¡¯t make any sound and he didn¡¯t think that this conversation was being observed, but he was progressing cautiously just in case.

    What Lux was trying to do was nothing but a coup d¡¯etat in reality.

    From here on all his actions would be risking his life.

    ¡ºAlso, can I ask you for one more thing? It¡¯s about Airi©¤©¤¡»

    After handing the letter that had the strategy written in it and conveying the information, Lux talked to Yoruka.

    ¡ºIf something happen to me, I want you to take her away and escape. Protect Airi as much as you can, but if it¡¯s impossible even then, then I want that you to survive even if it¡¯s only you alone. This is a selfish request but©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a talk about if Lux was defeated in this battle and death, or if he was executed as traitor.

    At the very least he wanted to save his only sibling who would get dragged into this.

    Of course he didn¡¯t take this challenge with the intention of losing, but the enemy was just too powerful.

    Even though he didn¡¯t want to treat Yoruka like a tool, in the end he imposed a harsh order to her and felt guilt. Even so he could only rely on her at this situation.

    ¡º©¤©¤Yes, I understand and accept.¡»

    Yoruka nodded at Lux¡¯s request.

    ¡º¡­¡­I see. Thank you.¡»

    Lux smiled, but he was unconvinced in his heart.

    ¡ºIs that unexpected Aruji-sama? That I will obediently follow that order?¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Bull¡¯s eye.

    Since Yoruka met and fought Lux, she gave him her loyalty.

    But in the end that was only a relationship of her serving Lux alone and no one else.

    That kind of girl, in a situation where Lux might die©¤©¤and given an order for after his death was accepting it readily. Honestly it was unexpected for him.

    ¡ºYeah. I thought that Yoruka would surely dislike it.¡»

    ¡ºI¡¯m acting with dislike? Why would I?¡»

    The subservient girl made a small smile and looked up to him.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡»

    In that instant when he was trying to express his feeling that was hard to describe in word, his lips were blocked.

    Warm, smooth, and soft sensation.

    The girl¡¯s sweet scent was mixed with the scent of blood and steel.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    They were talking with only their lip movement until now without making any sound, but he almost let out a voice from surprise.

    ¡¸Nn¡­¡­fuu¡¹

    After their lips overlapped for ten-odd seconds, Yoruka silently let go.

    Her cheeks were tinged with faint blushing. Her purple eye that was looking up to him was shining in exaltation.

    ¡ºYoruka¡­¡­¡»

    Lux was bewildered by the surprise kiss, even so he somehow muttered while holding back his voice.

    Then, the girl displayed a carefree bright smile and softly took Lux¡¯s hand.

    ¡ºAruji-sama, don¡¯t need to feel any guilt for the like of me.¡»

    ¡ºDid I, make such face?¡»

    ¡ºYes. Very clearly.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She answered instantly. Lux became unable to say anything further.

    ¡ºI am honored. That Aruji-sama is valuing me highly as your trump card. That you are giving me order that you cannot say to anyone else. This body is throbbing from happiness that I cannot suppress.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    In other words, the kiss just now seemed to be the expression of Yoruka¡¯s own impulse.

    If he thought about it, that might be so.

    Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to entrust Airi who was his only blood-related family to her if he didn¡¯t trust her from the bottom of his heart.

    Surely an ego that enabled her to feel that feeling of Lux was also sprouting within Yoruka herself.

    ¡ºI won¡¯t let Aruji-sama die. But, if Aruji-sama can feel relieved with me accepting that order, then I happily accept. Well then Aruji-sama©¤©¤I love you.¡»

    *Chuu*

    Yoruka lightly kissed Lux¡¯s cheek before silently leaving the room.

    Lux felt impressed once more at her body movement that didn¡¯t make a single sound while entering a dreamy state of mind.

    ¡¸Yoruka¡­¡­. I¡¹

    The girl didn¡¯t remember about the three days loop of the New Year parade©¤©¤or it should be.

    That was why, she was also forgetting about confessing her love to Lux in the middle of that festival and swearing her love.

    Even so, the flame of feeling that was sprouting in her hadn¡¯t vanished.

    But, Lux alone knew.

    About her©¤©¤about their feeling.

    Even Lux couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of conclusion would come from this battle against the New Kingdom.

    But©¤©¤if he could make a wish, there was just one thing that he wanted to settle.

    (©¤©¤Celis-senpai, Yoruka, Krulcifer-san, Phi-chan¡­¡­)

    The feeling that was conveyed to him from everyone in those three days.

    He strongly vowed that he couldn¡¯t die until he could tell them his gratitude.

    .

    Around the time Lux was forming various plans in the inn¡¯s room.

    Lisha who finished the light training with Krulcifer at the arena returned to her room in the castle.

    She was behaving courageously when she was with other people, and she also couldn¡¯t show her weakness to Lux who was unable to move from fatigue, but in the inside she was tormented with a terror that was crushing her.

    ¡¸How¡­¡­? Alma is, alive¡­¡­, and she knows about Haha-ue¡¯s secret, and resenting her©¤©¤¡¹

    She leaned deeply into the sofa and hung her head down with a pale expression.

    She believed that they had finally obtained peace and she even safely finished her duty as princess in the parade.

    And yet, the ghost of the past five years ago was surfacing again.

    Originally she should be happy that her little sister who should have been dead was alive, but Alma introduced herself as an enemy that shook the peace of the New Kingdom. It was worrying her as the princess.

    Besides, even if she wanted to stop it, the situation was already moving.

    Aeril was kidnapped, and Grand Force was also taken out from the Garden.

    The objective of Azure Division that she was leading was still unknown, but what concerned her was the line that was written in the threatening letter, exposing the sin of the New Kingdom©¤©¤that description.

    In a glance it was incomprehensible words for other people but, Lisha had an idea regarding that.

    If she had to say the personality of her little sister Alma was similar with their father.

    She treasured her pride as a feudal lord¡¯s daughter and respected her father who was trying to remonstrate the Old Empire that was carrying out misgovernment at that time.

    Lisha as a person was also agreeing with her father¡¯s policy, but when she was taken as hostage and learned that she was abandoned for the sake of greater cause, she was unable to commit suicide and ran away.

    She betrayed her father and sided with the Old Empire. She resolved herself to live as an assassin.

    Alma idolized her at the past, but if she knew that Lisha betrayed their father, it would be only natural for her to hold grudge.

    Because surely if it was her, even if she was captured she would choose a honorable death.

    ¡¸This is no good¡­¡­. Even though I have sworn to not rely on Lux for a while just now.¡¹

    Lisha believed that she had obtained self-confidence after overcoming all the battles until now.

    She believed that she had recognized her weakness and conquered it in her own way.

    But when she was facing a completely unexpected danger like this, she keenly felt her own weakness helplessly.

    (Lux¡­¡­. If it¡¯s you, what will you do at this kind of time?)

    The problem of the New Kingdom.

    The problem of the kidnapped Aeril.

    And then the appearance of her destiny with her little sister Alma. When she was at her wits¡¯ end of what to do,

    ¡¸Lisha. Can I come in?¡¹

    ¡¸Ha, Haha-ue¡­¡­? Please, come in.¡¹

    *Knock knock*, after the small knocking sound, a gentle and graceful voice came from outside.

    The one who entered the room was Queen Raffi wearing a dress.

    She should look the same like usual but©¤©¤.

    (What in the world¡­¡­. This feeling is©¤©¤)

    Since the day after the parade, she had this murky feeling, and sometimes Raffi¡¯s figure would look blurry to her.

    It wasn¡¯t her eyesight that was declining, but Raffi¡¯s existence itself that for some reason looked like a different thing. She was harboring such misapprehension.

    A silhouette that was different from the current Raffi, one that looked like a young girl the same age like Lisha glimmered into her view.

    (¡­¡­Am I tired? I have to limit myself even in running from reality.)

    Raffi sat down beside Lisha who was smiling in self-depreciation.

    Anyone would be shaken in this situation, however her stepmother was unwavering.

    ¡¸It looks like Alma is alive. From the story of the Drag-Knights protecting the checkpoint of Garden, they didn¡¯t actually see her face but©¤©¤either way it¡¯s not something that can be judged from appearance.¡¹

    ¡¸It will be great if it¡¯s just completely a fake but¡­¡­. If she is the real one then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately if she can¡¯t be persuaded, then there will be no choice but to kill her.¡¹

    ¡¸No way¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha spontaneously raised her face at the words of Raffi who was quietly looking down.

    But, her stepmother the queen kept the smile on her face and gently took Lisha¡¯s hand before whispering to her.

    ¡¸Of course. For me she is your little sister and my niece. I don¡¯t want to kill her. But, no matter who she is we can¡¯t leave alone someone who is disturbing the peace that we finally obtained. The duty of royal family doesn¡¯t consist of only clean work.¡¹

    ¡¸That, is¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha also understood that logically.

    ©¤©¤No, she intended to understand it.

    If Alma came here as an enemy of the New Kingdom with a great cause of her own, exactly because they were sisters that she couldn¡¯t overlook her.

    Power struggle due to blood relationship was the norm for a ruler.

    But, even while knowing that laying hands on blood relative who shared the same blood was something extremely painful.

    (Did Lux, try to change the Old Empire even if he had to make this kind of resolve¡­¡­)

    She flinched when she thought about the resolve of the young man who was her knight.

    ¡¸You can¡¯t do it? Then, please leave it to me. I will work to deal with this without dirtying your hand.¡¹

    When Raffi said that with a kind expression, a heat bloomed inside Lisha.

    That was something that came from the pride that was buried inside Lisha¡¯s own heart.

    ¡¸¡­¡­No! Please wait! I will do it!¡¹

    ¡¸Is that fine?¡¹

    Lisha nodded without hesitation at Raffi¡¯s question.

    ¡¸I was na?ve. I have to be the one who settle this destiny with Alma. If my knight is in this kind of position, then he surely won¡¯t run away and face it head on.¡¹

    ¡¸You mean Lux aren¡¯t you? You really like him.¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s cheeks blushed red when her stepmother pointed that out.

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. That guy©¤©¤no, he doesn¡¯t notice at all though.¡¹

    Lisha said while nodding and puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

    Raffi who saw that also chuckled in amusement.

    ¡¸There is no such thing. I think that surely he also like you.¡¹

    ¡¸Is, that so?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. There is no way he won¡¯t have feeling toward a girl so laudable and persevering like you.¡¹

    Her words sounded like a mere consolation, but for some reason Lisha was relieved just from being told that.

    For a brief moment the room was filled with a gentle atmosphere©¤©¤.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter, Lisha?¡¹

    ¡¸N, no. It¡¯s, nothing.¡¹

    Suddenly she felt like there was a thick stench of death emitted from Raffi beside her.

    But, it seemed to be just a hallucination.

    (What, was that presence just now¡­¡­? It¡¯s like Haha-ue, isn¡¯t human anymore©¤©¤)

    Her whole body shuddered in terror as though her instinct as living thing was stinging.

    Lisha knew that sensation from her battles until now.

    It was as though, an Abyss¡­¡­no, a Ragnarok¡¯s©¤©¤]

    ¡¸Your majesty, so you are here!?¡¹

    Suddenly a soldier¡¯s voice came from outside the room. Lisha returned to her senses in surprise.

    ¡¸Please come in, what is it?¡¹

    When the queen replied gently, a soldier who was still young rushed inside in panic.

    ¡¸The people of Azure Division appeared at the district for the rich in the capital! They are demanding to negotiate with your majesty or with Lisha-sama! They are also bringing Grand Force.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤! So they made their move!¡¹

    They came in challenge quickly after making the war proclamation.

    The enemy¡¯s objective was unclear, but from how they were mentioning Queen Raffi and Lisha¡¯s name, their aim must be the two of them.

    ¡¸I will go out. Your majesty, please ask for support from the military so that the citizens won¡¯t be dragged into this.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave it to you, Lisha. Ah, also©¤©¤including you who have gone through the aforementioned thing, the strengthening of those girls will take a bit more time. Especially that girl because her body is a bit complicated.¡¹

    Raffi spoke with a tone that was filled with implication. Lisha nodded.

    Celis was guarding Lux, and Philuffy was in the middle of rest. Excluding them, right now Lisha and Krulcifer were the only Syvalles who could move.

    She had to be at the front in order to ascertain the opponent¡¯s strength too.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Awaken, ancestor of the beginningings. O monarch dragon of gods who is worth an army on your own. Tiamat!¡¹

    She jumped out of the room and fell down the parapet. Then she pull out her Sword Device and summoned the Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat.

    After countless armor pieces were fitting onto her body, she flew toward the scene without any hesitation.

    ¡¸Your majesty. What should we do? Also©¤©¤we cannot find Prime Minister Nulph anywhere.¡¹

    ¡¸Can you dispatch the Drag-Knights to back up Lisha? Regarding Prime Minister Nulph, I will talk about it later. I have an idea where he is so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes!¡¹

    The soldier who came as messenger bowed to Raffi and immediately left.

    Two people appeared behind the queen who was seeing him off.

    ¡¸It looks like the Azure Division bunch is moving. Did you make the wrong prediction?¡¹

    The one who asked with monotone voice was the Automata that managed Avalon, Arshalia.

    She possessed pure white hair and grey eyes and wearing a pilot suit.

    Then standing beside her was Fugill wearing black overcoat.

    ¡¸It seems a trial has arrived quickly. If you have any order than please allow me to hear it.¡¹

    The silver haired man bowed courteously to serve.

    ¡¸Fufu, how reliable.¡¹

    Raffi smiled while turning toward Fugil.

    ¡¸I indirectly sent ordinary soldiers stand watch but, it seems Lux has done nothing but resting in the inn¡¯s room. There is no suspicious movement at all.¡¹

    ¡¸So you are saying, that my foolish little brother is unrelated with the case of Azure Division?¡¹

    ¡¸No, I don¡¯t think so. If it¡¯s Lux, he surely can do something like tricking the eyes of the soldiers and give order to Azure Division using some kind of method. That¡¯s if he is connected with them though.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou¡­¡­so you have confidence in it? When you personally took off his criminal collar©¤©¤you tested my foolish little brother whether he noticed your true identity or not didn¡¯t you?¡¹

    The parade the other day.

    At the last day when the activation of world revision by Uroboros ended incompletely, Queen Raffi made Lux aware of her union with Sacred Eclipse, but he didn¡¯t react.

    Therefore, the suspicion to Lux originally should have been cleared, but,

    ¡¸It¡¯s because I know of Lux¡¯s true identity©¤©¤. It¡¯s thanks to you.¡¹

    Raffi made a smile that was mixed with cynicism and replied so to Fugil.

    Five years ago, the Old Empire was destroyed due to the Black Hero©¤©¤or more accurately due to Fugil¡¯s plan.

    Lux¡¯s memory regarding world revision was erased due to Uroboros, but after that the New Kingdom administration was born, then Lux and Airi were given amnesty. From that sequence of events, Raffi learned that it was none other than Lux who was the mastermind that planned the revolution with Fugil¡¯s guidance.

    Although he received various helps with that, the fact that a boy at the tender age of twelve was guiding the destruction of the Old Empire caused her to harbor vigilance toward him.

    If it was someone who had accomplished such great undertaking, then something like tricking Raffi and turning the New Kingdom into enemy would be something that he could easily pull off.

    And then, until now she had continuously watched him defeating powerful enemies possessing bottomless strength many times.

    She was the one who assessed Lux highly more than anyone in this world. She recognized him as an opponent she couldn¡¯t let her guard down against.

    She believed that now that she was in the position as his enemy.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡¹

    There was a smile on the lips of Raffi who was muttering that.

    ¡¸The true value of I and Lisha, of the New Kingdom is being tested. How will he break through this situation, I have to learn from him.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, should I send several of my sisters?¡¹

    Raffi nodded at Arshalia¡¯s counsel.

    The sisters here referred to the seven Automatas other than Arshalia.

    The girls who were the Gear Leaders of the Ruins gathered as the hands and feet of Raffi in order to protect Avalon. Their performance was strengthened to be Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸Pleaes choose the suitable person to keep watch. But, well, just one person is enough. We also can¡¯t make any waste after all.¡¹

    Because they had done world revision several times and with a Grand Force also stolen, the power to move Automata was also lowered.

    With the idea of controlling the automatas, the ¡ºEight Instrumentalists¡» as trump card, she couldn¡¯t move them in the open right now.

    ¡¸Right now just one will be enough. First we have to prevent the enemy from discovering the location of Avalon. Besides, if we don¡¯t also repress my impulse©¤©¤¡¹

    Raffi was wearing a dress that fitted her appearance that had gone back to her youth. Her lips twisted into a wide arc.

    The sign already came out in the middle of her talk with Lisha just now.

    The body that fused with Sacred Eclipse and took in the abilities of seven Ragnarok could destroy even the world. It possessed an absolutely undefeated capability.

    But, the stronger the power was, the bigger the consumption would be.

    Thus, she had to go in order for refill.

    At any rate it was insufficient with just the low quality fodder the other day.

    ¡¸Then, please take care of the castle, Fugil, Arshalia.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please head out without any worry.¡¹

    Arshalia bowed. Then Raffi headed to the terrace that was jutting out from the castle.

    Several seconds later, Raffi¡¯s figure vanished like a smoke.

    .

    ¡¸Uu, I¡¯m nervous¡­¡­. According to Lu¡­¡­, that person, not all Syvalles members will come out but©¤©¤¡¹

    Two Drag-Knights clad in the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride, EX Wyvern were talking while flying at the sky of the capital.

    One was a blond haired girl, Alma Kizlrake.

    She was the second daughter of the great man Count Atismata, and the candidate to be the next leader of Magialca¡¯s Kilzrake family.

    After learning that Lux was the Black Hero who she respected and entered under his command, she was acting as the leader of Azure Division at the surface.

    ¡¸Geez, don¡¯t carelessly let your tongue slip like that, Alma. After all our life is at stake here.¡¹

    The one who chided Alma¡¯s slip of the tongue from the side was a girl who was one of the Lords wearing a full face mask, Aeril vi Arcadia.

    Aeril was rescued from the Garden in order to oppose Raffi who was possessed by Sacred Eclipse and schemed to rule using world revision. She agreed to fight the New Kingdom together with Lux.

    Since then it was decided that she would move under Lux¡¯s instruction. She was hiding in the hideout while taking the role as Alma¡¯s assistant.

    The number of Drag-Knights in Kilzrake family numbered considerably, but fundamentally there was no plan to make them participate in the battle.

    After all New Kingdom¡¯s©¤©¤Syvalles¡¯s top class Drag-Knights were phenomenally more powerful than them.

    Whether they tried surprise attack or using number, most likely they wouldn¡¯t even be able to buy time if they clashed with Syvalles©¤©¤.

    Because that was what Magialca said, Alma too could only obey.

    In reality Alma had also seen Lux¡¯s true capability at Garden before, so she could also accept it.

    ¡¸Also, you understand don¡¯t you? Even if you meet with Princess Lisha, you mustn¡¯t get too heated up okay? Remember that our mission this time©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Diversion and buying time right? I know.¡¹

    Alma cut off Aeril¡¯s words a bit too snappily.

    In Lux¡¯s camp and Raffi¡¯s camp, each had their own design toward the opponent.

    For Raffi, she wanted to take back Grand Force before ten days passed and the binding of world revision was dispelled.

    The reason was because the previous world revision ended incompletely, from here as time passed, the change in Raffi¡¯s appearance and the sin she committed at the previous loops would be brought to light.

    Therefore, if Alma and co exposed themselves, she would bite in order to take back Grand Force.

    She would surely became desperate to obtain it.

    Furthermore because the Automatas were standing out and also using up the Ruin¡¯s energy, they shouldn¡¯t be usable for something too big.

    ¡¸This is my first work from that person¡¯s request. I¡¯ll accomplish it without fail.¡¹

    ¡¸Right. I¡¯ll act just as planned, so do your best for the rest.¡¹

    Alma muttered with a serious expression. Aeril also nodded back.

    The district for the wealthy where many nobles related to the Old Empire faction were living at.

    Alma who arrived at its main street used the megaphone function of the Drag-Ride and raised her voice.

    It was still noon, so the figure of people of all age and gender could be seen.

    ¡¸©¤©¤People of the New Kingdom. Listen to me! My name is Alma Atismata! The second daughter of the great hero Count Atismata! I come to this place in order to expose the evil of Queen Raffi and the New Kingdom!¡¹

    *Murmur murmur*. The appearance of the unfamiliar Drag-Knight caused a commotion.

    .

    ¡¸What¡¯s with that?¡¹

    ¡¸Alma Atismata¡­¡­. Is she a daughter of the great hero Count Atismata?¡¹

    ¡¸But, she said something about exposing her majesty queen Raffi¡¯s evil.¡¹

    .

    The people were shaking from the clearly disquieting atmosphere while watching over from afar at the girl who appeared.

    There were also people like women bringing children who hid inside house or building.

    ¡¸The queen¡¯s sin©¤©¤. There is also how she displayed her incompetence at the decisive battle against the Lords in the struggle for the Ruins, but her greatest sin is the slaughter of the people who she ought to protect.¡¹

    Alma unsheathed her Sword Device and pointed at a section of the land.

    ¡¸You gentlemen and ladies who are living in this area already know it aren¡¯t you? Of the case of mass disappearance of the senior consuls who are said to belong to the Old Empire faction! Queen Raffi is the perpetrator. The mansion they used as gathering spot was burned down, and even the guards became sacrifice. And then©¤©¤¡¹

    The moment Alma raised her voice to continue her speech, the sound of cutting through wind struck the eardrum.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Instantly Aeril who was wearing EX Wyvern raised up her medium sized Blade.

    Four flying objects that were hidden in the shadow of the first, second, and third shot.

    The special armament throwing weapon that was modeled after a huge arrowhead belonged to Divine Drag-Ride that Aeril also recognized.

    ¡¸Looks like she has come. It will be the critical moment after this you know, Alma? Be careful©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Not to lose myself you say? That¡¯s a stupid question.¡¹

    Alma displayed a fearless smile from the appearance of her destined opponent.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat¡­¡­. As expected from the princess of New Kingdom huh, Ane-ueelder sister. You have a nice thing unlike me.¡¹

    Several mel ahead of her gaze was Lizsharte who was similarly hovering above the main street.

    She was the first one to arrive at this place after hearing of the appearance of Azure Division, Alma Kilzrake and the speech of war declaration.

    ¡¸Alma¡­¡­. Is that, really you? What were you doing until now?¡¹

    Lisha glared at Alma with a suspicious expression and questioned.

    Alma scoffed in respond.

    ¡¸How easygoing you are Ane-ue. Are you being deceived by that aunt? Or perhaps you are blindly obeying her? I¡¯m astonished when I heard that you are the princess of New Kingdom who inherited father¡¯s dying will.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean!? Just what are you saying!? Why are you, my little sister are trying to hold the New Kingdom and us in contempt!?¡¹

    Alma carefully observed Lisha¡¯s reaction.

    (As I thought, so, she doesn¡¯t notice Raffi¡¯s abnormality¡­¡­)

    ¡¸I guess it can¡¯t be helped when it¡¯s still the first day¡­¡­. Well, you will notice sooner or later. That the person Onee-sama is trusting and respecting is actually the source of all evil that is.¡¹

    LIsha¡¯s gaze turned grim seeing Alma¡¯s curt attitude.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll have you retract your statement just now. And then I¡¯ll ask you this. You are the one who is leading this so called Azure Division, kidnapped Aeril, and stole the Garden¡¯s Grand Force?¡¹

    ¡¸Those are some misleading words Ane-ue. It wasn¡¯t kidnapping, we were only rescuing the imprisoned Lord.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you intend to talk about justice after disturbing the peace like this?¡¹

    In respond Lisha also didn¡¯t back away at the slightest.

    In this situation where citizens were watching, she was taking a resolute attitude as a princess.

    If she was provoked than she would respond and retort back.

    Lux formed the plan with that prediction and his perception of Lisha was right on the money. Alma was satisfied inside her heart.

    She harbored a particular emotion toward her big sister who betrayed their father in the past and sided with the old empire, but right now the Black Hero¡¯s order was absolute.

    ¡¸I wonder, which one of us actually has justice in our side? I¡¯ll teach that to you Ane-ue.¡¹

    ¡¸Just try it!¡¹

    Lisha reached out toward her own sword belt and unsheathed her Sword Device.

    Instantly the special armament Legion hovering around Tiamat spewed out fire and hummed before springing into action.

    ¡¸You have grown violent during our separation for a while haven¡¯t you.¡¹

    Alma took a stance with her medium sized Blade while dodging four Legions.

    Because the basic spec of EX Wyvern wasn¡¯t inferior even compared to Divine Drag-Ride, she could oppose them enough with her mobility.

    Thus, she had the leeway to dodge even without swinging her weapon©¤©¤was how it should be, but,

    ¡ºAlma! Behind you!¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Alma reacted to Aeril¡¯s dragon voice and turned around.

    At the sky several hundred ml behind her. The blue Divine Drag-Ride that appeared without any sound took a sniping stance and pulled the trigger without delay.

    The streak of light that was tinged with chilly air drew a silver track toward Alma.

    ¡¸That Drag-Knight is©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The special armament Freezing Cannon of Divine Drag-Ride Fafnir fired a freezing bullet that was impossible to block.

    It wouldn¡¯t be deflected by barrier, and even if it was blocked it would freeze the armor and sealed the movement.

    Furthermore because it was a sniping from right behind her, she was unable to even react decently.

    ¡¸So the Legions just now from the start was to lure me to dodge and guide me to the sniping point¡­¡­!¡¹

    But, as the guard Aeril threw her Blade in front of Alma and barely stopped the freezing bullet from hitting directly.

    One weapon was sealed but they avoided Alma getting restrained in this place.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t let your guard down Krulcifer! They¡¯re a bunch with skill that can assault even the Garden!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I¡¯ll bear it in mind.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer communicated with each other while attempting the teamwork to launch a pincer attack once more.

    It seemed the two were suppressing their strength because it was in urban area, even so it would be over with one attack if she got hit fully once.

    (What the hell¡­¡­! Now this is exasperating even for me. After all I intended to fight this kind of opponent as equal.)

    Alma desperately defended against the two¡¯s fierce attacks while a self-depreciating smile formed on her lips.

    But, from the beginning she didn¡¯t think that she would be able to surpass Lisha and others in offense and defense.

    Her aim from the start was to fall into disadvantage.

    Alma evaded that attacks while quickly turning aside adroitly. She made her EX Wyvern to glide horizontally to escape.

    If she flew in zigzag and weaved her way through the building¡¯s alleyway, the sniping would be sealed due to the obstacles.

    ¡¸You¡¯re going to run away!? Alma!¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer were in pursuit, but with their Divine Drag-Ride, that size backfired and their movement was limited©¤©¤or it should be, but the two of them were overtaking Alma without difficulty.

    (Tsu¡­¡­, what speed!)

    It wasn¡¯t just simple acceleration power.

    Their proficiency in handling Drag-Ride was abnormally high, so their movement felt even faster.

    But, even while feeling nervous inside her heart, Alma succeeded in luring the two of them to the destination.

    ¡¸Running away? I told you I¡¯ll teach you. About the sin of this country¡¯s queen! Howling Roar!¡¹

    The place that Alma arrived at was a large and old mansion©¤©¤a burned down ruins.

    When she released shockwave from the head part of her EX Wyvern, the countless rubbles piled up below her were smashed away.

    Underneath it©¤©¤countless hands were reaching out from the ground that was scorched black.

    ¡¸Wh, at¡­¡­. This is!¡¹

    ¡¸Human¡­¡­corpses!?¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer looked down at that gruesome site while still clad in their Drag-Ride.

    Around ten-odd burnt corpses were giving off odd scent.

    ¡¸Now that the binding of world revision ended up imperfectly, even you two can perceive it right? This is the assassination that was carried out by New Kingdom¡¯s queen Raffi!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What did you say?¡¹

    Lisha stared at the ground with a dubious expression.

    Bewilderment and confusion. However she shook her head left and right to sever her doubt.

    ¡¸There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true! Only Haha-ue won¡¯t ever©¤©¤! Don¡¯t you utter any nonsense!¡¹

    Lisha lifted her Sword Device once more and particles of light whirled at the surrounding. She summoned an additional armament.

    The giant cannon Sevens Heads, and then more throwing weapon Legion that increased in number until a total of twelve units.

    Alma¡¯s skin was quavering from the powerful pressure of those two armaments.

    (What, intimidation¡­¡­! Honestly¡­¡­it¡¯s terrifying!)

    The next instant, Alma turned around and soared. She began an escape in full speed.

    But, there was no way Alma could break down here.

    Because Lux©¤©¤the real Black Hero had saved her who was captured by the past resentment and tried to challenge into a fight with anger and resentment.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Say Alma. Won¡¯t you stop with the revenge? Whether it¡¯s toward Lisha-sama and also Queen Raffi.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Several days ago.

    Lux who succeeded in the mission to rescue Aeril from the Garden and returned to Magialca¡¯s hideout learned the fact that Alma was Lisha¡¯s little sister and persuaded her like that.

    The girl who idolized and believed in the Black Hero averted her gaze looking slightly awkward from being told that.

    Looking objectively, what Lux said might be the right thing.

    Lisha didn¡¯t turn traitor to the Old Empire because of her own wish, she could only choose that path in order to survive.

    And hten, even Queen Raffi who sold Alma and others also didn¡¯t act because of malice. She was seduced by Waybra who was a spy from the Old Empire, got deceived, and lost everything.

    ¡¸Both of them also went through painful things like you. They had suffered. Both Queen Raffi and Princess Lisha were troubled by their position all this time.¡¹

    They suffered from the weight of the sin they committed in the past while worrying about the responsibility burdening them.

    Even so they fought against it.

    They desperately lived in the New Kingdom trying to accomplish their duty.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, can you forgive them? At the very least, I wish that you won¡¯t resent the two of them in that respect. I beg you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why¡¹

    After looking down for a while, Alma looked up to Lux in wonder.

    Her expression looked like she was baffled somewhere, as though she couldn¡¯t make any sense of him.

    ¡¸Why are you, able to say something like that?¡¹

    Alma¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t filled with anything like anger or sarcasm.

    She just felt puzzled that Lux who was living until now as a criminal of the Old Empire, that the young man who should be the target of hatred of many people was trying to stop Alma¡¯s revenge.

    ¡¸Why, are you trying that hard to save them¡­¡­. How can you be kind to people?¡¹

    ¡¸Because I know those two¡¯s feeling.¡¹

    Lux instantly answered so toward that question.

    ¡¸Because for nearly this one year, I spent time with them and watched them. That¡¯s what I thought. Nothing will start if you don¡¯t watch with your own eyes and try to know it better.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Did they really abandon you, did they really have no other choice©¤©¤. And can you forgive that, you should ascertain it with your own eyes.¡¹

    (What©¤©¤in the world)

    Alma who heard that couldn¡¯t lift her face for a while.

    During the several years where she fell into a harsh and painful environment, Alma needed something to support her heart in order to survive the cruel world.

    However this young man©¤©¤the Black Hero was trying to save even his enemy.

    Whether it was in the past, and even now.

    Her heart was struck by that nobility and strength.

    ¡¸I¡­¡­understand.¡¹

    Alma pondered a lot for several minutes and made her conclusion.

    It wasn¡¯t simple to let go of the desire for revenge that she was amassing until now inside herself.

    However, she decided to try fighting together with him in order to face it.

    .

    (I¡¯m envious¡­¡­! Of that person¡¯s, the Black Hero¡¯s skill as Drag-Knight and, his strength of heart!)

    And then right now©¤©¤Alma was pursued by two of the best Drag-Knigths in New Kingdom Lisha and Krulcifer while desperately heading toward the destination in order to accomplish her mission.

    She slipped between the trees of nearby forest in order to avoid the attack of the two who excelled in long range attack, even so she was approaching the verge of death every second.

    But, the sniping using normal bullet that Krulcifer fired finally hit Alma¡¯s EX Wyvern!

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha-!?¡¹

    Even though it was already an advanced technique just for flying between the trees that were clustered together, she went further and sniped through the gaps.

    Alma was struck with admiration at that miraculous feat, at the same time her balance broke and she fell.

    She somehow landed without crashing on the trees, but she was completely stopped.

    ¡¸If the opponent¡¯s movement only has two choices of dodging or escaping left, then it will be easy to predict it even with this many obstacles.¡¹

    Krulcifer who was clad in Divine Drag-Ride Fafnir slowly descended from above Alma.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Alma immediately took a stance with EX Wyvern¡¯s Blade, but the wrist of her armored arm was sniped and she dropped her weapon.

    The battle was already decided with that.

    ¡¸Unlike offense, defense and evasion demand smallest and fastest movement. That¡¯s why after seeing your movement several times it become easy to predict. After that if as long as I can grasp the area¡¯s terrain by sight, it will be possible enough for sniping.¡¹

    ¡¸Wise Blood©¤©¤so it¡¯s Fafnir¡¯s power of precognition¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even the strengthened type general purpose Drag-Ride EX Wyvern wasn¡¯t far behind the Divine Drag-Ride in specs, but as expected taking on powerful opponent who was able to skillfully use Divine Raiment made the difference plain to see.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what kind of great cause you have but, can you stop making anymore commotion? Everyone fought desperately to finally obtain this peace.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh, peace huh.¡¹

    In respond Alma scoffed even while knowing that she was in a predicament.

    ¡¸Is that so called peace, something that really exist? You¡¯re sharp to notice other people¡¯s flaw but, it looks like you don¡¯t notice anything at all about your side¡¯s own situation.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? I don¡¯t have any time for pointless talk. After all she already caught up.¡¹

    Lisha who arrived right beside Krulcifer before anyone realized took aim with Sevens Heads toward Alma.

    Lisha was moving around to the opposite side in order to caught Alma in a pincer attack.

    Alma was completely caught by Krulcifer¡¯s attack, but if she actually managed to dodge it then she would be caught by the net of gravity control from Tiamat¡¯s Suppressor.

    The two members of Syvalles should already understand about the difference in strength just from this little time, but the way they fought without letting down their guard at all made Alma realized their threat level once more.

    (Destroying the New Kingdom¡­¡­. Defeating Queen Raffi and Fugil who are protected by this bunch and the Automatas while hiding our true colors will be next to impossible yeah.)

    ¡¸Dispel your armor and surrender. If not then I¡¯ll blow you up here! You won¡¯t be able to endure it with EX Wyvern¡¯s barrier!¡¹

    The huge barrel of Sevens Heads was already gathering energy.

    The fear from having a weapon that would bring the fate of death thrust before her by her big sister.

    On top of that seeing how Lisha¡¯s hand was also touching her Sword Device, she intended to also use her Divine Raiment depending on the situation.

    It was a hopeless situation where there wasn¡¯t any way to breakthrough.

    But,

    ¡¸Do you really think, that I showed up here only to get defeated?¡¹

    Alma lifted her Sword Device with a fearless expression even while being cornered into this predicament.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    The moment tension ran through the two Syvalles, a black gale ran through before their eyes.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!? Reinforcement!?¡¹

    ¡¸No! Perhaps it has been lurking here from the start!¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s voice cut off Lisha¡¯s yell.

    Sight diversion.

    Lisha and Krulcifer were wary toward Alma¡¯s Sword Device and their focus was turned toward it.

    Although they were in overwhelming advantage based on strength©¤©¤no, exactly because of that overwhelming advantage that they focused on any strange movement.

    From the previous information of the assault to the Garden and the kidnapping of Aeril, it inevitably caused them to think of the true strength that Azure Division was hiding.

    That focus was used against them. Alma caused them to focus on herself and made the young man¡¯s surprise attack a success.

    ¡¸U, aah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The Force Core that was located at the top of armor¡¯s shoulder was slashed and the output of Tiamat that Lisha was wearing rapidly dropped.

    The initial plan was for Alma on the ground to fly toward Lisha just before her armor was dispelled and she started falling, and then she would kidnap Lisha back to their hideout©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shit-!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ouch!?¡¹

    Just before the armor was dispelled, Lisha reflexively threw Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device in her hand toward Alma.

    This time it was the opposite. It was Alma whose attention was diverted by Lisha¡¯s action. In that instant, Krulcifer¡¯s Fafnir fired the freezing bullet that directly hit Alma¡¯s EX Wyvern.

    ¡¸Uh, kuh!¡¹

    Lisha and Alma were simultaneously disabled from fighting and their respective armor was dispelled. Right after that, the remaining two Drag-Knights confronted each other.

    ¡¸It seems you are that girl¡¯s trump card. Eerr©¤©¤who could you be?¡¹

    The question of Krulcifer in her Fafnir wasn¡¯t responded by the Drag-Knight in front of her.

    A user of Divine Drag-Ride clad in huge jet black armor. That was the only information she could obtain.

    (This person¡­¡­? Who in the world©¤©¤)

    Krulcifer felt like she remembered that face and voice from somewhere, but for some reason she couldn¡¯t recall it, she didn¡¯t recognize the person.

    Krulcifer had no way of knowing but for some reason, right now she was unable to recognize the young man in front of her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I have no name to introduce to you two. I will simply carry out my mission.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, so you are the true leader of this Azure Division.¡¹

    Although it was a surprise attack, the opponent accelerated from quite far away and instantly took advantage of Lisha¡¯s opening to drive her into incapable of fighting.

    Krulcifer raised her guard against the opponent¡¯s strength and faced the Drag-Knight in black armor.

    (The stage has been set! It¡¯s the main performance from here!)

    Lux focused his mind like that and gazed at his opponent Krulcifer.

    It was just as planned until this point.

    He didn¡¯t know who else from Syvalles would come with Lisha, but no matter who came he knew that they would be a formidable enemy.

    Why Krulcifer was unable to realize Lux¡¯s true identity?

    The reason wasn¡¯t just from the mask that was hiding the area around his eyes, it was caused by a certain tactic that Lux set.

    It was a tactic that he prepared in order to slay Fugil and Sacred Eclipse without anyone of the New Kingdom noticing it.

    Lux already used the Coffin and finished strengthening his body through Baptism.

    It still wasn¡¯t completely adapted to his body, but they were lacking time and manpower.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to reach Fugil at all if he was unable to manage a single tightrope walking here.

    ¡¸If you don¡¯t have any intention to talk, I¡¯ll make you talk then. After I catch you that is.¡¹

    Right after she muttered that with a tone that was mixed with resignation somewhere, Fafnir¡¯s armored arm quickly moved and pulled the trigger of the sniper rifle.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    It was an instantaneous sniping from the gun barrel that was pointed down that took the opponent by surprise.

    In order to defend against the freezing bullet, he immediately threw a Dagger as shield, but his initial movement was stopped completely by that action.

    ¡¸Looks like you have also finished preparing countermeasure for Fafnir¡¯s special armament. In that case how about this?¡¹

    *Tan-!* This time she sniped with a normal bullet that was a mass of energy.

    But, that sniping target wasn¡¯t Lux and Bahamut, but the trunk of a large and tall tree that surrounded the area like a cage.

    A part of the trunk was largely gouged out and the tree was slowly collapsing toward the inside of the clearing.

    The instant Lisha and Alma who were unarmored on the ground got their attention taken by that, Fafnir who was holding a medium sized Blade closed the distance in front of Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­uh, ku!¡¹

    Fafnir that was specialized in long range battle attempted a close range battle that should be disadvantageous for it.

    The completely different tactic from Lux¡¯s impression of Krulcifer surprised him and made him doubted his eyes.

    (No, if you think about it I guess it¡¯s only natural¡­¡­)

    The accidental factor increased here deep inside the forest that was surrounded by obstructions, so it was also hard to use the future prediction.

    In addition the high speed movement to harass the enemy while launching precise sniping was also sealed.

    Thus, even if it was somewhat disadvantageous, searching for a means of survival in close range battle would be plausible enough.

    In fact, Krulcifer¡¯s sword skill using Drag-Ride was also improving.

    Therefore, Lux was forced into a one-sided defensive battle for several minutes©¤©¤but,

    (¡­¡­It¡¯s a chance! With this it will be easier too for me to read her movement!)

    Lux knew about the scope of Krulcifer¡¯s capability, but her right now didn¡¯t know that he was Lux.

    In other words, it became easy for Lux to utilize his strong point that was seeing through the opponent¡¯s attack.

    He deflected Krulcifer¡¯s slashes one by one and made preparation to activate Reload on Fire.

    Because Fafnir was protected by its special armament the seven shields©¤©¤Auto Shield which was an automatic defense, he aimed to decide the battle in one go using a slash with super acceleration.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    A vortex of shockwave was released from the head armor part Krulcifer wore and attacked Lux.

    Because doing that when both sides were locking swords with each other would also caused the user themselves to get hit, Lux predicted that she wouldn¡¯t use Howling Roar, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Seven shields were deployed in front of Krulcifer in order to defend against the after wave of the shockwave that was generated from close range.

    ¡¸You used Auto Shield¡¯s automatic defense in this way!?¡¹

    Lux was blown backward one-sidedly. Krulcifer readied her sniper rifle to aim at Lux.

    ¡¸My bad to do this when the plan of you guys has only started, but it¡¯s over with this.

    She quickly pulled the trigger of the sniper rifle along with those merciless words.

    ©¤©¤*DON-!*

    A normal bullet impacted the shoulder armor of Lux who was completely unbalanced.

    .

    ¡¸Alma! Who in the world that guy is!? There aren¡¯t that many people in this world who can compete with that Krulcifer you know?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh, he is just a compatriot. You yourself, don¡¯t get conceited after getting helped out by various people.¡¹

    On the other hand, at the same time when the intense battle was happening at the air.

    Lisha and Alma were facing each other at the open spot of the forest.

    Both of them had their armor dispelled and held their Sword Device as weapon while only wearing their pilot suit.

    The two of them wouldn¡¯t be able to use their Drag-Ride for a while after the hit on their Force Core. Alma picked up the Sword Device of Tiamat that Lisha threw toward her and took a stance.

    A strange scene of a duel of sword fight between fellow Drag-Knight was unfolding.

    But, with a development of two versus two formed like this, and with how important the position of both sides was, this battle had a great meaning.

    If one side could subdue the other earlier and took hostage, then the battle at the sky could also be decided at the same time.

    The two sisters both understood that implication.

    ¡¸It seems you are learning the good mannered sword fighting at the Academy, but can you fight in this messed up terrain?¡¹

    Alma said that in order to shake Lisha who wasn¡¯t used to fighting with sword.

    In respond Lisha was staring still at Alma with her hand holding a Sword Device she unsheathed from her sword belt.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, you are also used to this kind of fighting? Onee-sama who betrayed the New Kingdom©¤©¤betrayed father and became the Old Empire¡¯s assassin.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha bit her lower lip when her own dishonor was pointed out at.

    ¡¸The soldiers who attacked the hideout where I was at five years ago told me. That Onee-sama turned traitor. You also know that it was Queen Raffi¡¯s fault that our father died don¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸I know¡­¡­. Your anger is justified. But! There is no meaning in venting your anger to the New Kingdom right now and drag the people into it!¡¹

    Lisha raised her voice and slashed with her Sword Device.

    In respond Alma also blocked it with Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device, averted the tip of the blade Lisha swung as though drawing the shape ¡®V¡¯, parrying it away.

    Alma intentionally provoked Lisha to lure her to attack and aimed to counterattack it.

    The moment the tips of both swords were diverted, she tackled and sent her flying toward the direction of a tree trunk.

    ¡¸Kuuh!¡¹

    The moment Lisha¡¯s balance crumbled, Alma straddled her and pointed her sword tip to Lisha¡¯s throat.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The instant it looked like Krulcifer¡¯s precise sniping pierced through Lux¡¯s shoulder armor, crimson light of Divine Raiment surged from Bahamut¡¯s armor.

    He made himself as the center and performed compression strengthening to the effect of the impact energy©¤©¤drastically damping the power of the first five seconds.

    Therefore, Lux could barely turn aside the impact, then he further recovered his balance and flew toward Krulcifer who was above him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood!¡¹

    Krulcifer also immediately activated Fafnir¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    She switched her weapon to the medium sized Blade once more and prepared for a close range battle.

    (As I thought, this is Krulcifer-san¡¯s new tactic!)

    Using the power of future prediction, she overpowered the opponent in close range battle where she was originally at disadvantage. When she saw an opening she would use Howling Roar or the like to blow the opponent backward.

    The moment the opponent¡¯s balance crumbled and a distance was opened, she would land a sure kill sniping with certainty and decided the battle.

    Because she had Auto Shield, she wouldn¡¯t receive damage in close combat even if she forced herself a little.

    It was a battle style that had obviously evolved from the tactic that was only relying on sniping while dodging.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? You, who in the world are you?¡¹

    But, after crossing swords several times, Krulcifer escaped by flying back without pushing off Lux.

    She was sensing that she was losing in close range battle where originally she should be able to overwhelm the opponent with Wise Blood¡¯s future prediction.

    ¡¸That Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut and Reload on Fire¡­¡­. I know your way of fighting. Just, who are you? You are©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer right now shouldn¡¯t notice Lux, nor would she be able to.

    Even so it seemed she was feeling something from Lux. Lux fell completely silent seeing her behavior.

    Lux resolved to fight alone in order to not drag the girls into it.

    On the other hand, it was a really joyous matter that the girls were banding together in order to protect the New Kingdom.

    However, Raffi would surely use Syvalles appropriately to corner Azure Division.

    Therefore, he would defeat the elites of Syvalles except Yoruka one by one, made them unable to fight for a while, and aimed for Raffi and Fugil.

    That was the first step of Lux¡¯s plan that he had to accomplish during these ten days.

    (I¡¯m sorry, Krulcifer-san.)

    Surely Lux also loved her.

    But, most likely he would be unable to convey that feeling to her anymore.

    Those three days of parade that occurred in reality were already vanishing into beyond her memory due to the world revision.

    ¡¸HAAaAH!¡¹

    The moment Reload on Fire¡¯s effect ran out, Lux activated a secret technique of Drag-Ride control©¤©¤Quick Draw.

    He surpassed the deployment speed of Auto Shield¡¯s automatic defense, and landed a slash of the great sword on Fafnir¡¯s shoulder.

    .

    ¡¸The meaning of dragging the New Kingdom into it you said? Then why are you two©¤©¤Raffi-obaasamaaunt and Onee-sama are staying as queen and princess then?¡¹

    Right after Lux¡¯s attack exploded into action at the sky above the forest, Alma and Lisha¡¯s battle was also nearing the conclusion for the time being.

    Alma who was straddling Lisha had a tip of a Sword Device pointed at Lisha¡¯s throat.

    ¡¸Especially Obaa-sama. After leaking information that put father into harm and sacrificed our whole family and clan, how is she able to stay at the New Kingdom with that unconcerned face? It¡¯s in order to protect herself and obtain benefit. People like that are telling me to not drag the people into it?¡¹

    ¡¸Alma¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸My body¡­¡­, is ingrained with terror. I was betrayed by the family I trusted and tasted hell. That¡¯s why I¡¯m already¡­¡­unable to trust people from the bottom of my heart. Even if I pretend to trust, I¡¯m scared somewhere inside. My world has been dark all this time.¡¹

    Alma made a self-torturing smile and looked down at the pushed down Lisha.

    She was betrayed by her aunt, her big sister, her blood relatives who she trusted. Her father was killed.

    The wound of her heart that became unable to believe in people.

    That was the impulse that drove Alma to take revenge in Kilzrake family.

    It was necessary for her to paint over her heart with rage in order to stifle the pain and survive.

    Alma lived until now with that as her support.

    If it was Alma from before, she might stabbed Lisha¡¯s throat here.

    But right now, Alma who had been persuaded by the Black Hero she idolized©¤©¤by Lux Arcadia was simply observing Lisha¡¯s reaction with a focused gaze.

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. As long as I am a princess, the people also won¡¯t be able to become unrelated. That¡¯s logical. Then, I¡¯ll take care of dealing with you! I¡¯ll take responsibility as someone who was unable to save you!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Agitation ran through Alma¡¯s face seeing Lisha¡¯s strong gaze.

    In that moment, the nearby tree got hit by the sniper bullet of Krulcifer who was fighting above. It broke and fell toward the side of Lisha and Alma.

    The trunk fell near the foot of Alma who immediately tried to dodge.

    ¡¸Ukuh! Aaah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fortunately because there was a slant on the ground, the angle was shallow and her foot wasn¡¯t crushed. But her movement was completely sealed.

    On the contrary there was no effect to Lisha and she quickly picked up Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device.

    (Damn it! With this, at this rate©¤©¤!)

    The table was overturned by the accidental happening.

    The situation was reaching an impasse.

    In order to save Krulcifer who was in an intense battle above, Lisha would surely take Alma as hostage at the very least.

    Or perhaps if she was unlucky she would be killed as someone who introduced herself as the mastermind of Azure Division.

    When Alma thought that, Lisha pulled out a new Sword Device from her sword belt.

    ¡¸Alma, don¡¯t move! Your foot will be damaged if you move carelessly! Wyrm Claw!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Lisha yelled and thought strongly, a Drag-Ride in the shape of only giant armored arms was summoned.

    The unit part for strengthening Tiamat, Wyrm Claw was something that was created from general purpose Drag-Ride Wyrm, but unlike other simple weapon, it was equipped with its own power source that was a Force Core.

    Therefore, although it was different from its original purpose, as long as the user was near it then it could be operated slightly.

    ¡¸Just, what are you planning to©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Never mind that just don¡¯t move. I won¡¯t care even if your foot break you know¡¹

    Lisha kept her Sword Device raised in front of her eyes and controlled Wyrm Claw with mind control operation.

    The armored arm that had claws attached softly lifted away the large tree on Alma¡¯s foot.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The large tree that fell off on the slanted ground raised a loud dull sound *DON*.

    Alma who slowly stood up looked dumbfounded with her eyes wide open.

    Alma stared in a daze at Lisha¡¯s figure who helped her little sister that she even threw away the absolutely advantageous situation.

    ¡¸Do you want to erase your own sin by doing something like this?¡¹

    ¡¸No one is saying that. My sin and also the past cannot be erased. But, that guy taught me, that the answer will come out if you think about what you yourself can do and face your own problem.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That guy?¡¹

    After asking that, Alma guessed that who Lisha referred to was Lux, the Black Hero.

    ¡¸What I have to do no matter what as a princess is to persuade and stop you. You were hurt simply because I didn¡¯t have courage. But, this life that I obtained by betraying father, I want to use it for the sake of the New Kingdom that father wished for!¡¹

    Alma hung her head down at Lisha¡¯s straightforward words.

    ¡¸Alma. I don¡¯t intend to tell you to believe me. But, is there any further end to this act of yours? If you say that I am walking on the wrong path, then I¡¯ll receive your criticism anytime. But, if you say that it¡¯s enough with just that¡­¡­if you are going to involve anybody else with force, then I¡¯ll stop you no matter how many times!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma looked at Lisha¡¯s gaze and couldn¡¯t say anything.

    She had tried facing her in reality.

    She questioned her at the end of battle, and heard her answer.

    Now that she had learned her big sister¡¯s resolve, Alma completely lost her reason to resent Lisha.

    (In the end, it¡¯s just as Black Hero-dono said huh¡­¡­)

    Lux¡¯s words that wanted her to test Lisha and ascertain whether she would be convinced with that or not.

    She was unable to accept it when she heard his words, but now after she crossed swords and exchanged their true feeling with each other, she was able to easily accept it.

    But, the mission of Azure Division was still continuing unrelated with this.

    Removing Sacred Eclipse that fused with Queen Raffi, and defeating Fugil who was carrying out world revision as the Hero of the Beginning. In order to do that, Lisha had to be kidnapped temporarily no matter what.

    In order to not let Lisha and Syvalles to be burdened with the sin of destroying the New Kingdom too, she had to be captured here©¤©¤.

    The moment Alma reached out to Lisha in order to restrain her©¤©¤, she heard a voice.

    .

    ¡¸Pile Anchor¡¹

    .

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Alma¡¯s body was instantly entangled with wire at the same time with a monotone voice of a girl. She was reeled into the thicket right beside her.

    No one there could react toward that exquisite quick work that didn¡¯t even take one second.

    (Phi-chan!? She came here!?)

    ©¤©¤Or perhaps, it was reasonable to assume that she had rushed here just now?

    Taking on three elites of Syvalles at the same time would be harsh even for Lux.

    It was time to retreat.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Ignoring Krulcifer who was hit by a single stroke from Lux and lost her balance, Lux flew at low altitude with Bahamut and aimed at the dumbfounded Lisha.

    ¡¸What are you doing! Let go-!¡¹

    Lisha immediately pointed Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device in her hand, but Lux repelled it with his armored arm.

    The impact caused the four Sword Devices along with their sword belt to be taken off from Lisha¡¯s waist. They were scattered around.

    Alma was taken away, but currently it was nearly impossible to recover her.

    Therefore, Lux succeeded in kidnapping Lisha and then flew away in full speed.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!? You won¡¯t get away!¡¹

    Krulcifer who saw that hurriedly tried to pursue, but Lux¡¯s speed that was already using compression strengthening of time with Reload on Fire couldn¡¯t be overtaken.

    New Kingdom army and Azure Division.

    The battle in this place was temporarily halted with the key character of the opposition falling into the hand of each camp.

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guh, uh! Dammit, let go-!¡¹

    Alma who saw Lux leaving with Lisha pretended to struggle in frustration, even so she sighed in relieve inside her heart.

    Philuffy¡¯s appearance was surprising, but it was more or less within the expectation.

    The worst case was it was Alma alone who was killed or fell into New Kingdom¡¯s hand, but there would be no problem if she was exchanged with Lisha who was a princess.

    The actual leader was Lux anyway. With the Azure Division obtained a card that was the princess, the negotiation from now would become smoother.

    ¡¸It¡¯s dangerous to struggle you know? My Drag-Ride has claw. Errr¡­¡­your name, what is it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Alma Atismata.¡¹

    ¡¸Princess¡¯s little sister, was it? I¡¯m taking you back so don¡¯t struggle.¡¹

    Even though it should be a dangerous situation for the New Kingdom that Lisha was kidnapped, and yet the girl in front of his didn¡¯t look agitated at all.

    She was even interacting calmly with the enemy Alma without any change in her unique tone or atmosphere.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, what a headache. Just who in the world that black Drag-Knight is©¤©¤¡¹

    On the other hand, Krulcifer who gave up in chasing after Lux approached Alma and Philuffy.

    She glanced at Alma who became quiet, and hten she stared fixedly on Philuffy¡¯s face.

    ¡¸You. The schedule should take quiet long for you but, are you fine already?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. The fatigue from Baptism is gone. The Coffin¡­¡­is already empty, so the next person.¡¹

    (¡­¡­-! Baptism they say?)

    Alma shuddered from hearing a certain word from the two¡¯s casual conversation.

    Coffin was one of Ruin¡¯s important equipments. It could perform the operation to strengthen the body.

    Alma herself had a relatively light strengthening as a test run, but in case Elixir was used to strengthen the body, it would put a large burden on the body. Because of that there was a risk of death.

    For such procedure to be applied to the elites of the New Kingdom by turn, it could be assumed that Queen Raffi¡¯s countermeasure was to send the girls to directly clash with Azure Division.

    (However, this is a miscalculation. If even these girls got strengthened by Baptism, Lux-san who wants to defeat them one by one will be forced into really hard battles.)

    Even at the battle just now Lisha and Krulcifer weren¡¯t going at full strength.

    Lux¡¯s remaining cards were only Yoruka, Aeril, and then Magialca and the Drag-Knights of Kilzrake family. But there was none among the subordinates who would be able to contend with Krulcifer, Philuffy, and Celis.

    From here on ahead, strategy that was even more risky would be necessary.

    The two girls were still in discussion in front of Alma who was getting even more nervous like that.

    ¡¸After this, what to do?¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t know where the enemy is going, there is also this girl who we captured. Looks like we can only return to the city for now and consult her majesty Raffi. Besides©¤©¤the enemy also handed something like this.¡¹

    Krulcifer lifted her fingertips while replying to Philuffy¡¯s question.

    There, the fingers were holding a single letter that was left behind by Bahamut that flew away.

 Volume 17 - CH 3

    .

    In the royal capital Lordgalia, inside a room of the castle, Fugil was watching a certain illusion.

    Fugil Arcadia had no need for sleep.

    The body that had been strengthened with Baptism in the level that normal person couldn¡¯t endure already didn¡¯t even need to sleep.

    And so many times he would be simply watching the moon and stars from the window at night for a brief time.

    Each time the illusion, the sight that was burned in his mind would be replayed before his eyes.

    Even now he was watching it.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil. Have you gotten used of living in the castle?¡¹

    More than a thousand years ago inside the castle of Arcadia Empire.

    Fugil was addressed by the imperial princess Arshalia in a corridor that was built from sturdy rocks.

    She summoned Fugil who was from the hostile clan of traitor to become her servant. He was made to receive education for becoming a close aide.

    Of course it was an unprecedented affair. The girl called Arshalia possessed the authority to accomplish something that originally was thought to be absolutely impossible.

    ¡¸Living in the castle? There is nothing but unpleasant things. I can eat here but the comfort here is the worst. It¡¯s really a bother which is your fault. I also got this kind of collar attached on me. It¡¯s a criminal collar called the Wedge is it? Just what have I done to deserve this huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so, surely you will get used to it, and that collar will be taken off one day. Let¡¯s do our best so that you can be accepted by everyone for even a day faster!¡¹

    ¡®¡­¡­She isn¡¯t listening.¡¯

    Fugil muttered in exasperation and looked aside.

    The disparity in the hierarchical society of Arcadia Empire that was connected to a clan called Xfer and amassed prosperity was gradually widening. The oppression of the imperial family was reaching the extreme.

    They strengthened their physical body with Baptism and obtained long life and excellent ability, but the Elixir that was necessary for that was created from the life of human©¤©¤especially from their brethren.

    Thus, people with low status were hunted by the nobles.

    They were exploited not only as labor, but even their life was sucked dry.

    The bloodline of the people who became the core of the resistance that rebelled against the royalty and nobility that were excessively tyrannical was the clan of traitor. The imperial family considered them as enemy and both sides continued to fight for long.

    In such situation, Fugil who was a child from that clan was picked up by Arshalia. It was the beginning of a strange relationship.

    The imperial family and the people in the palace thought that it must be Princess Arshalia¡¯s whim. Even Fugil thought that was the case.

    However, on the contrary of such situation that was surrounding them, Fugil¡¯s talent as Drag-Knight was rapidly blooming within his capacity as the princess¡¯s aide.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil. Can I ask your unit to suppress the resistance? If other people go, they will slaughter all their enemies. Ah, it¡¯s okay to not capture them. After all they will be killed if they¡¯re captured.¡¹

    When Fugil was at the tender age of 14, he had become a Drag-Knight that couldn¡¯t be matched by anyone else. One day, Arshalia gave him that order.

    Even Fugil was recognizing Arshalia¡¯s intelligence, but sometimes she would speak this kind of hypocrisy. He disliked it as usual.

    ¡¸Not only you¡¯re making me to face the clan of traitor, you also tell me to let them escape alive? Even malice will feel refreshing when it comes until this far huh.¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t want to do that? I thought that¡¯s what Fugil also wish for though©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What do you mean?¡¹

    When Fugil asked back with a dubious expression, Arshalia asserted with a meaningful smile.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell anyone else okay? You see, actually I©¤©¤am scheming for peace with all of  you. Won¡¯t you try changing this world where there is only hatred for each other and where someone with weak position will only become sacrifice?¡¹

    The confident smile of the girl who told him that was burned into his eyes.

    ¡¸Ridiculous. Do you think the like of human can change the world?¡¹

    Fugil spat out those words, even so his heart was stolen for an instant.

    The two¡¯s challenge started from there.

    .

    ¡¸This is really problematic. To think that Lisha will be kidnapped©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s mind returned to reality.

    In the castle, Raffi heard the report that Lisha was kidnapped by a Drag-Knight of Azure Division from a soldier of the New Kingdom just now.

    At present, within the ten days period until the binding of world revision from Uroboros was released, three days had passed with this.

    Using the Coffin, the strengthening of the elite members of Syvalles was done one after another. The Baptisms were succeeding without problem.

    It was something possible exactly because it was those girls who had experience of receiving Elixir before and trained both in mind and body, but they also knew that a factor of the success was because of their feeling toward Lux.

    The successes were exactly because the girls had the strong feeling to put their life on the line in order to solve this case in the place of Lux who needed to do reckless things one after another until now.

    However, the current situation other than that was surpassing Raffi¡¯s estimation.

    According to the report from Krulcifer and Philuffy, they learned that there was a Drag-Knight with strength that far surpassed Alma Atismata.

    It would be fine if that was all, but on the other hand there was the report from Celis that Lux didn¡¯t take even a single step out of the inn.

    ¡¸It seems there wasn¡¯t any sign of that foolish little brother moving from the beginning. There was also the common soldiers keeping watch there correct?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, of course it was kept secret from the girls of Syvalles though.¡¹

    She gave detailed explanation to Celis to strictly watch over Lux. But on the other hand she also made soldiers disguising themselves as civilian to watch the inn¡¯s surrounding with the pretense that it was for Lux¡¯s safety on the surface but©¤©¤in the end, there wasn¡¯t any confirmation that Lux went out.

    But regardless of that, there was a strange conviction within Raffi.

    That it surely wouldn¡¯t be a mistake to consider that the Azure Division ambusher who defeated Krulcifer and kidnapped Lisha was most likely Lux.

    ¡¸Why are you focusing that much on my foolish little brother? It won¡¯t be strange even if this Azure Division has their own hidden powerful person isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸You are saying that? I thought that you¡¯re the one who is far more concerned about Lux than me though.¡¹

    Raffi replied to Fugil with a wry smile.

    And then she stood up from the sofa and straightened her posture before turning back toward Fugil.

    ¡¸I understand for the first time after getting into this position. For a ruler, there is nothing more troublesome than turning Lux Arcadia into enemy. In any event we¡¯ve managed to recover Alma Atismata, but now that the function of Avalon has become incomplete, even the brainwashing cannot be done so simply. Let¡¯s leave here in a house arrest.¡¹

    The letter that Krulcifer received from the black Drag-Knight of Azure Division was held up in front of Raffi¡¯s eyes and she read it.

    There, the request of hostage exchange from Azure Division was written.

    The place would be decided several more days by Azure Division. If Alma wasn¡¯t safe at that time, Lisha¡¯s life wouldn¡¯t be guaranteed, it said.

    In addition they sought a decisive battle that put the Grand Forces at stake. That was the gist of the letter.

    ¡¸The opponent also understand. That I¡¯ll have to respond to this dealing¡­¡­¡¹

    Within the remaining seven days, the binding of world revision that was currently working on Lordgalia was dissolving. People who were feeling that the change of Raffi¡¯s appearance was strange would be appearing.

    No, for Raffi who was completely fused with Sacred Eclipse, there was a problem that she should be even more worried and dreaded about.

    In short, she had to win this battle without fail and collected the Grand Force, and then using Avalon and Uroboros she had to execute Endless©¤©¤the perfect world revision.

    ¡¸In everything, if there is advantage then there will be disadvantage too, that¡¯s how it is. Not a single thing has changed since the time I was struggling to steer this country isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    Raffi let out a small sigh and shrugged in lamentation.

    ¡¸Then, will you stop?¡¹

    The automata Arshalia suddenly asked, but Raffi shook her head.

    ¡¸No way. I will fight until the end. However, if we have to take back Lisha, then we won¡¯t be able to do anything too cruel to Alma then.¡¹

    ¡¸Do you plan to use it? The ability of Ragnarok?¡¹

    ¡¸Just for a bit. I will only discipline my mischievous niece. I¡¯m thinking to show my memory to that child who is saying that she has tasted a really bothersome past until now. Aa©¤©¤I also have to replenish my nourishment soon. Previously I failed to eat after all.¡¹

    While whispering that her irises were tinged with bewitching light of seven colors.

    Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse that took in the ability of seven Ragnaroks and became a complete being could use each ability by her own will.

    She was walking while making steady sound of footsteps toward the dungeon where Alma was locked.

    What she would use was the ability of the great demon Ragnarok©¤©¤Iblis¡¯s mental pollusion.

    Because it would also use a lot of energy to use the ability, she couldn¡¯t use them recklessly right now, but there was a need to experiment.

    It seemed that Alma herself was strengthened with Baptism and her resistance toward mental interference was strengthened, so she wouldn¡¯t be affected fatally.

    There was also the possibility that the dealing would be called off if Alma¡¯s mind was broken, so she couldn¡¯t do anything rash.

    Therefore, right now her ulterior motive was to use that power to harass Alma.

    Before long the girl¡¯s groan echoed at the castle¡¯s underground prison, and several hours later even that voice vanished.

    .

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­¡¹

    Right now Lux was slowly soaking in the bathtub of the large public bath of the high class inn that was only occupied by Syvalles members.

    After Lux kidnapped Lisha, shook off the pursuer, and headed to the rendezvous point with Azure Division members, he safely returned to the inn.

    His coming and going behind the back of Celis©¤©¤or perhaps other watchers wasn¡¯t realized by anyone of the Academy. He was using a certain method for that.

    Perhaps even that method would be noticed sooner or later, but right now he couldn¡¯t let anyone realized.

    It was necessary for Lux to keep hiding his true identity while fighting the New Kingdom, but it was straining his nerves a lot.

    Therefore, after safely returning to the inn, he was completely tired that he was unable to even move satisfactorily.

    Even the bath of this inn that was completely reserved by Relie couldn¡¯t be compared with the Academy¡¯s large public bath, but it was still quiet spacious.

    Thanks to that he could take a short rest, and it was displaying an outstanding result.

    (It was unfortunate that Alma was taken away but, our objective of securing Lisha-sama was accomplished.)

    At the current time his strategy against New Kingdom was barely at the passing mark.

    Seven days remaining until the estimated day where the world revision dissolved.

    He was worried about Alma, but now that the alteration to people¡¯s memory couldn¡¯t be done anymore, they shouldn¡¯t be able to do anything too rough to her.

    On the other hand, the captured Lisha was being managed by Aeril who returned to the hideout of Kilzrake family.

    The power of Baptism in Aeril¡¯s eye once showed herself as a young man called Coral to Lux and others. Just like that she was making Lisha to mistake here as someone she didn¡¯t know.

    With that, for the time being it should be going well there.

    The letter that he threw to Krulcifer was one of the several letters that he had written beforehand. It gave an advance notice for the decisive battle that put the Grand Force on the line.

    The schedule for the battle would be at the ninth day. Until then there were several things that had to be accomplished no matter what.

    Locating Avalon that was transported to this New Kingdom.

    Regarding that matter©¤©¤, right now he was only relying on Yoruka.

    Lux also had to rest for the time being.

    Due to the Baptism of ability strengthening that was done to his body the other day, an irregularity appeared due to the excessive burden.

    But, thanks to that he should be able to climb a step higher to a new height as a Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸After that, Phi-chan. Is she alright?¡¹

    During the parade, she was getting high fever due to the effect of doing intense battle with the Ragnarok¡¯s seed still residing inside herself.

    That was why he thought she wouldn¡¯t be able to participate in the battle this time but, because of that he was taken by surprise before this.

    If she had gotten better then it would be fine but, if he ended up fighting Philuffy, he would have no choice but went full strength even if he had to be a bit reckless.

    Because he couldn¡¯t put burden on her body, there would be no choice except making her Drag-Ride unable to function in the shortest and fastest way.

    He resolved himself like that while submerging his body inside the bathtub, it was then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That, Lux¡­¡­. How is the hot water feeling?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s slightly high-pitched voice came from outside the bath¡¯s sliding door.

    That in itself was strange if he thought carefully.

    But Lux who was freed from the extreme tension and got completely relaxed in this break didn¡¯t notice that out of place sign.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes. The hot water is really nice.¡¹

    ¡¸The, then, is it okay if I also come in¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, feel fre©¤©¤¡­¡­eh?¡¹

    Lux fundamentally only prioritized the stance of agreeing with other and replied positively, but a moment later, a question floated on the back of Lux¡¯s mind.

    ©¤©¤But, it was already too late and a shocking sigh was unfolding before his eyes.

    *Garari*, the sliding door was slowly opening and Celis entered the bathroom.

    Furthermore, she was wearing a sexy red swimsuit.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, eeeeeh!?¡¹

    After a few seconds of blinking his eyes repeatedly, Lux was taken aback inside the bathtub.

    The small waves created inside the bathtub showed how surprised he was.

    ¡¸Tha, that, I come to¡­¡­, wash your back. I believe that your body cannot move well so, it will be especially hard in the bath©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Wait-!? That¡¯s, this is¡¹

    ¡¸Hahahahaha. Just obediently let yourself get spoiled by the good will of your seniors. No matter how strong of a boy you are, you¡¯re still a junior in the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸This is, outside the Academy though!?¡¹

    He retorted back to the words of Sharis that came from outside the sliding door, but only the theatrical loud laughter of the girl came back.

    With that he was able to grasp the current situation.

    Certainly he had weakened to the degree that he couldn¡¯t freely move his body, but he had told them that he was able to go to toilet by himself at least.

    And yet for Celis to suggest of helping him in the bath like this must be 100% the consideration of Sharis who had a big-sisterly disposition.

    Right now it had become a situation where the girls couldn¡¯t confess to Lux once more, but most likely Sharis also knew about Celis liking Lux and so she did this.

    (But, even so that, something like this©¤©¤)

    The matter of Lisha being kidnapped by Azure Division was kept quiet by Queen Raffi for the time being after hearing the report from Krulcifer. The members in this inn still hadn¡¯t been told.

    This was a prank because they didn¡¯t know about the situation behind the scene¡­¡­, no, if from the position of Sharis who was Celis¡¯s friend, perhaps this was her exquisite consideration for Celis.

    In any case, Lux thought to stop this in panic but©¤©¤,

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    He saw the swimsuit figure of Celis who came in front of him and his mind became pure white.

    This one had greater exposure than the one she wore at the training camp in Ries Island. The skin color that was peeking out from the risqu¨¦ red fabric overwhelmed him.

    The line of two cloths that looked like oblong ribbon covered along the outer side of the heavy breasts. The center of her stomach was in full view.

    Perhaps in a sense it was even lewder than simply being naked.

    Lux¡¯s throat gulped despite his own will. The blood was rising until his ears.

    ¡¸Ce, Celis-senpai. That swimsuit is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Tha, that is, I didn¡¯t happen to bring any so, I ordered from the shop of Tillfur¡¯s acquaintance but, that, they said that right now this is the only one they have©¤©¤¡¹

    (¡­¡­That¡¯s absolutely a lie-!)

    Lux was convinced of that, but it would be meaningless even if he said that here.

    ¡¸Ple, please don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m only worrying about Lux¡¯s body, I won¡¯t do anything else.¡¹

    In the first place, would she have any composure to do anything else?

    He thought, but there was also no way he could act alright here and strongly opposed this.

    Until the arranged day of the decisive battle against the New Kingdom¡¯s army, he would need to pretend that his body was mostly unable to move by his own strength.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Celis-senpai¡­¡­¡¹

    The voice inside his heart and his words in reality synchronized.

    He would be lying in respond to Celis¡¯s consideration, but it would also be unnatural to flatly refuse her assistance here.

    ¡¸Then, excuse me. ©¤©¤Ah!¡¹

    First Celis tried to pull up Lux by putting her hands on both of Lux¡¯s sides from the front and held him up.

    But Lux¡¯s body seemed to be unexpectedly heavy for her because his whole body was too relaxed and he didn¡¯t support his body with his own strength. Celis hurriedly try to support his weight and ended up in a pose of catching him in her embrace.

    ©¤©¤*Mugyuu*.

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux was embraced by Celis who was wearing a swimsuit with small surface covering with his face buried between her cleavages.

    IN addition the skins that were wet with hot water were intertwined closely. His whole body jumped.

    ¡¸Lu, Lux¡­¡­. Are you alright!? Your body©¤©¤¡¹

    His heart was drumming rapidly, and his eyes were swirling.

    His body was worsening in a different meaning, but there was no way he could speak the truth.

    He was in such confusion while enduring the blazing fire that felt like it was burning his mind to ash. It was then the sliding door was opened once more and even Sharis also entered.

    She was wearing the same swimsuit that she wore previously at the beach of Ries Island, but when he saw it not at the beach but in the bathroom, it gave him a different impression.

    The size of her breasts wasn¡¯t particularly big compared to Celis or Philuffy, but there was no doubt that it was a woman¡¯s body with nice style.

    ¡¸Oops¡­¡­. I thought it will be difficult with her alone so I came to help but, perhaps I¡¯m being a bother?¡¹

    ¡¸Wait, even Sharis-san, what are you doing!?¡¹

    Sharis who saw Lux who was in the embrace of Celis turned red while averting her gaze.

    Celis tried to do something about their posture somehow at that chance. He carried Lux and sat him down on the chair at the washing place.

    He only barely made it in time with wrapping a towel around his waist.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be that angry. This too is a bit of passing fancy©¤©¤I mean, kindness toward our junior. That¡¯s why I too am holding back my shame like this to help out.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­is that so¡¹

    He already lost even his motivation to make any retort.

    ¡¸However, thinking now this is a bit overdoing it. I¡¯m sorry Lux-kun. It didn¡¯t cross my mind that there will be a situation that is too joyful for boy it will cross over to be a painful situation.¡¹

    ¡¸The, then¡­¡­. Err, what¡¯re we going to do now?¡¹

    Celis who couldn¡¯t keep up with the talk asked in bewilderment.

    The timid, embarrassed, and flustered figure that was unlike the usual Celis also heightened the emotion within Lux but©¤©¤he took a deep breath and chased away the worldly thoughts.

    Because if he didn¡¯t do that, it felt like he would be carried away by the situation.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. For now let¡¯s wash his body for him just as planned. Ah, Lux-kun, please do the front part by yourself okay? But if you want help for it no matter what, then ask Onee-san about it later.¡¹

    ¡¸Now see here¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux let out a deep sigh at Sharis¡¯s teasing while Celis was scrubbing his back clean.

    After that, Lux was put back inside the bathtub, then Sharis seemed to take the role of bringing him until the dressing room after that.

    Speaking of Celis, it seemed the stimulation for the girl was also too strong. After they were finished she was soaking herself in the bathtub while staring still at the ceiling absentmindedly.

    Lus sent a glance at her while Sharis was lending him a shoulder and they entered the dressing room but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Celis surely like Lux-kun, so I thought of making the chance for you two to get along but©¤©¤it looks like I was a bit carried away. Sorry.¡¹

    Sharis quickly changed first into a casual outfit of short sleeved shirt and short pants.

    She briskly wiped dry the hair of Lux who wore his underwear while she smiled wryly in guilt and apologized.

    Lux who saw that was taken aback and could only look down.

    That was because in the end, the fact that Lux¡¯s body was able to move normally didn¡¯t end up getting discovered.

    Conversely if he wasn¡¯t thinking about pretending, then even Lux didn¡¯t know how the situation just now would develop into.

    That was just how stimulating the happening just now.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright¡­¡­. More importantly, you said just now, Sharis-senpai to me is©¤©¤¡¹

    They were talking with small voice behind the sliding door, so Celis who was in the bathtub wouldn¡¯t hear.

    But, Lux was slightly feeling guilty to have this kind of talk at a place where she wasn¡¯t present.

    ¡¸Somehow, this isn¡¯t like Sharis-san. Today you¡¯re more talkative than usual or rather©¤©¤¡¹

    He knew that she liked to be mischievous but, he thought that her stance in regard to something like this was to observe for distance.

    ¡¸Is that so? Right. I guess so¡­¡­. Surely it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Sharis who was told that softly patted Lux¡¯s head with a voice that sounded somewhat kind, or perhaps lonely.

    Sharis who was right behind Lux who was sitting on a chair softly hugged Lux¡¯s head.

    No, she was only touching and combing back his hair.

    ¡¸I thought that we¡¯ll be able to give up easily if you and Celis get together you see. That¡¯s how it is for me at least.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head hearing the girl¡¯s unexpected words.

    Right after that, he felt the breast¡¯s bulging pressed tightly on the back of his head and his body reflexively jumped.

    ¡¸Wait-, Sharis-san!? What¡¯re©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Tell me if you dislike it. How should I say it, when we were defeated by Sir Singlen¡¯s aide at the abandoned capital Guernica and almost died, I thought about various things. Like, all this time I was just trying to look cool wasn¡¯t I.¡¹

    Sharis continued to whisper to Lux with a tone that sounded somewhat intoxicated.

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t have the intention to live while putting on a bold front like Celis. I thought that I was living having fun as I like with a freedom in my own way separately from my position as the daughter of the army¡¯s vice commander. But, it seemed I was just putting on airs. I belatedly noticed that in this parade. As I thought it was love at first sight since the first meeting.¡¹

    ¡¸Sharis, san?¡¹

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. But, I know that your heart is leaning toward someone among those five. Oops, if Aeril is also included then it¡¯s six I guess.¡¹

    After she finished drying Lux¡¯s hair, she lightly patted Lux¡¯s head and lent Lux her shoulder.

    ¡¸It¡¯s nothing. I was only thinking, that it would be nice if there¡¯s also that kind of future. Now, Lux-kun you need to rest properly. Besides, if I don¡¯t return quickly, Celis will get dizzy in there.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes. You¡¯re right.¡¹

    There was no way that even the dull Lux wouldn¡¯t notice after being told that much.

    That Sharis was a good natured older senior with candid personality who had considerable feeling for Lux.

    He thought that it was the extension of a friendly relationship of senior and junior who got along well, but most likely she was also having that kind of feeling all this time.

    It was exactly because she was an older person who was skilled in getting along with others that she was watching her surrounding from a bit of distance away where she could be composed, so she didn¡¯t notice her own feeling until the very last minute.

    She was a girl who was smooth and yet awkward.

    Lux thought that side of hers was somewhat similar with him in some respect. He felt a prickling pain in his chest.

    ¡¸By the way Lux-kun, is it okay even if I kiss you?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh!?¡¹

    Sharis lent Lux her shoulder while walking through the corridor when she turned an adult smile toward him.

    The bulge of girl¡¯s chest that was touching Lux¡¯s body, and the scent of rose perfume which was her favorite caused him to strangely feel startled.

    ¡¸I¡¯m just joking. After all I¡¯ll be scolded by everyone if I do that here.¡¹

    She said that and turned her gaze forward. There Airi and Noct were waiting in front of Lux¡¯s room.

    However the expressions of the two were looking completely serious which didn¡¯t seem to be related with Lux getting help within the bath.

    ¡¸Nii-san. I want to talk. Actually, I was lost whether I should tell this to Nii-san at your current state but©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed that the matter of Lisha¡¯s kidnapping had been told from Queen Raffi.

    The contact of hearts with the older girls.

    Right now there wasn¡¯t even any time to immerse himself in the lingering feeling of it.

    But, he apologized in his heart toward Sharis who was interacting with him while harboring affection to him and made a face as though he had only just heard about the detail of Lisha¡¯s kidnapping for the first time. He prepared himself to respond to the discussion after this.

    .

    At the time when the discussion about the kidnapping of Lisha by Azure Division and the countermeasure for that was starting at the high class inn that Relie reserved.

    A single girl was standing in the darkness of the night at the residential area of the wealthy.

    Something was devouring and sipping the lumps of meat that were people just a few minutes ago while making slurping sound or the sound of dragging something on the ground.

    Citizens who were grimacing at that hellish picture that was repulsive and appalling didn¡¯t exist.

    Several hundred people were living in that area. They were mainly the dependents©¤©¤near relatives or close relatives, or perhaps the relatives or servants of the senior consuls that were called as Old Empire faction. They were gathered at the burnt down mansion without leaving a single one behind and then they were killed and eaten by turn.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil was staring at that scene with an empty expression.

    The reason why the Sacred Eclipse that had become a complete being was called as the trigger of world¡¯s destruction was there.

    It was a humanoid Ragnarok that boasted overwhelming destructive power and ability, but for its energy source, it needed to constantly prey on human.

    It was a function that the girl who was Fugil¡¯s friend©¤©¤Arshalia originally wasn¡¯t planning for.

    The salvation system that she was trying to create got poisoned by other people who were trying to steal it and ended up into something different.

    The one who knew that at present in this world was only Fugil.

    The Sacred Eclipse right now so to speak was the ruins of an incomplete dream.

    Fugil who was called the Hero of Beginning and the imperial princess Arshalia who was called the Goddess of Salvation.

    The two of them continued to chase the dream from a thousand years ago, and hten.

    .

    ¡­¡­*Gucha gucha, picha picha. ©¤©¤Gulp-.*

    .

    Of course, even Raffi who was fused into Sacred Eclipse was taken over by the cannibalism instinct.

    She was barely maintaining her reasoning to select the people that she was devouring, but if her hunger progressed then she would transform into a monster that devoured any human she could reach.

    However, there was a repulsive reality that was even more inexplicable than that.

    People who were approaching toward her who was devouring human didn¡¯t stop coming.

    They were heading toward Raffi with staggering footsteps as though being enticed like livestock to be slaughtered for their meat.

    Her hands were lightly tearing apart human like they were bread that she was going to soak into a soup. She was eating wholeheartedly.

    The nightmarish sight was floating in the jet black darkness where it was impossible to see several ml ahead.

    It was only just now that there was a witness to that hellish scene.

    (What¡­¡­in, the world!? That monster is!?)

    This Drag-Knight who originated from Marcafal Kingdom was ordered by Magialca to search for Avalon¡¯s location. He was investigating various places in New Kingdom in his search.

    It was a digression but, only Drake users were given the investigation mission, the remaining members were standing by.

    They weren¡¯t allowed to do any combat. If they were discovered they were ordered to escape. It was in consideration of the enemy¡¯s overwhelming battle strength.

    After all there were the elites of Syvalles, and in addition the modified Automatas were also battle strength that ought to be feared even more than that..

    But, the young man witnessed the secret of Queen Raffi here was mostly a coincidence.

    Because there wasn¡¯t really anything that could be called a clue, he returned here to the crime scene wondering if there was something remaining here. It was unknown whether he was lucky or unlucky.

    ¡¸Are you a member of Azure Division?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Raffi suddenly turned toward the bush where the young man was lurking and smiled gently.

    The face of the girl who had returned to her senses as human was gentle, however her mouth and dress were dirtied all over with black blood.

    (How, does she notice me who am hiding? I¡¯m using Drake¡¯s camouflage here!)

    ¡¸It¡¯s not a praiseworthy manner to peek at someone¡¯s meal. It¡¯s also disrespectful to not reply. And then, the biggest problem is your foolishness. Even though you already understand in your heart that you¡¯re beyond help, you don¡¯t try to suicide. You¡¯re clinging to the hope that someone will save you or I will overlook you. Or perhaps you¡¯re thinking©¤©¤this woman is just bluffing, but actually she doesn¡¯t know exactly where I am? You¡¯re betting on such fragile hope.¡¹

    Queen Raffi slowly without any sound of footstep approached the young man.

    With that well ordered face that had transformed into the appearance of a girl around the age of sixteen, she peered into the eyes of the young man and laughed.

    ¡¸But you know, I understand your feeling. Because in the past I was also like that, so even if you know that you have to die, it¡¯s scary to actually do it. Death is¡­¡­, scary. It¡¯s really scary.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The voice was sweet, kind, creeping into his heart.

    The young man¡¯s consciousness was getting distant just from listening to that. He was forgetting himself into a pleasant sensation.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I¡¯ll give you a chance. Won¡¯t you cooperate with me? If you tell me everything that you know, I will allow you to be useful beside me. So, how about it?¡¹

    ¡¸A, AAAaAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s hand softly reached out and caressed the front hair and head of the young man who was standing still forgetting to even breath.

    The sound, light, the sensation of touch on the skin.

    It was the ability of Ragnarok Iblis that polluted other people¡¯s mind through the five senses.

    Because right now the method of brainwashing to make him confessed couldn¡¯t be done, Raffi threatened him with fear to make him spoke.

    The young man barely maintained his reasoning only until there.

    He abandoned his sense of self and left it to Raffi as though a baby entrusting himself to his mother.

    After conversing with Raffi for several minutes, his life was absorbed as nourishment.

    (¡­¡­¡­¡­)

    And then there was the shadow of one more Drag-Ride in this place.

    There was a girl watching over the extremely repulsive predation of Sacred Eclipse without even twitching her eyebrow.

    The girl in black clothes©¤©¤Kirihime Yoruka wasn¡¯t moved at all by the young man¡¯s death. She was simply analyzing the situation calmly.

    Although her Drag-Ride was the same special equipment type like the young man, the Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami¡¯s camouflage ability was far higher.

    In addition she was also several kl further away from the young man, so Raffi didn¡¯t notice her watching everything from start to end.

    The distance was insufficient in order to obtain image recording, but it could be said to be enough to report to Lux.

    Rather since the young man was captured, she did nothing but focusing on the two¡¯s conversation to not miss anything.

    (That¡¯s, really bad. My mind will be polluted just by approaching near, and if I let my presence slip even if only slightly she will detect me.)

    Sacred Eclipse that had become complete was emitting dangerous aura that gave even Yoruka the premonition of death.

    Most likely it possessed strength that was several levels higher than the Ragnaroks until now.

    It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to consider this act as Raffi replenishing her energy and stocking power intended for the decisive battle in several more days.

    She had to grasp the location of Avalon quickly, but she was unable to grasp any clue.

    While Yoruka was thinking of what to do, a bush suddenly swayed from wind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    That in itself wasn¡¯t suspicious at all. But,

    *Dosu dosu dosu-!*

    Her curious intuition worked and Yoruka instantly leaped away. In that instant, countless needles stabbed the ground where she was standing at just now and opening many holes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­? How did you dodge? Even if you are a strengthened human who had received Baptism, you should have been completely taken by surprise just now. Can you tell me for the sake of future reference?¡¹

    Unnoticed there was a Drag-Knight clad in a huge green armor that slipped into the darkness of the night.

    Cold expression that wasn¡¯t colored by any emotion and pilot suit that fitted the body.

    And then, the mechanical feelers that were like ant growing from the head showed how she was an Automata.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a face I¡¯ve never seen before.¡¹

    ¡¸Right you are, this is our first time meeting. I am the Gear Leader managing the first Ruin Babel, Yos Tork is my name.¡¹

    ¡¸I am©¤©¤not someone worth mentioning.¡¹

    The Automata introduced herself politely, in respond Yoruka also replied calmly.

    ¡¸By the way, what are you doing over here?¡¹

    Yors Tork questioned further.

    Until now the Automatas were hidden by the perception modification by Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Endless and they were able to maneuver secretly without anyone noticing, but at present there wasn¡¯t anything like that.

    Therefore, Yoruka encountering Yos Tork here hinted at a certain fact that she noticed.

    ¡¸I see. This place, it¡¯s related with the hidden location of Avalon isn¡¯t it©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yos Tork didn¡¯t make a single twitch at Yoruka¡¯s muttering.

    But, the emotionless face of Automata felt like it tensed slightly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You bastard, are you a member of the aforementioned Azure Division?¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s that? Azure what again? I don¡¯t know anything about that.¡¹

    ¡¸It seems there won¡¯t be any other way to ask rather than using brute force¡­¡­. Should we begin, swordsman in black?¡¹

    Yos Tork seemed to judge that there was no meaning in anymore talk. Her emerald colored Drag-Rides glided forward.

    ¡¸My Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s name is Peluda. You can savor it thoroughly!¡¹

    The heavy class land battle type Drag-Ride skated on the ground and charged with a fierce momentum.

    In reply Yoruka took a great jump backward using her Drag-Ride¡¯s Step. And then she activated her camouflage once more.

    ¡¸It looks like you don¡¯t know the basic of fighting huh? ©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    In that moment, Yos Tork activated the basic technique of Drag-Ride, Break Purge.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Yoruka who attempted to slip into the darkness of the developing district where there wasn¡¯t any sign of people spontaneously tilted her head inside her heart.

    Because unlike Howling Roar that unleashed shockwave, Break Purge that was removing a part of one¡¯s own armor wasn¡¯t a technique to be used at the beginning of the fight simply.

    This technique that released one¡¯s own armor as buck shot caused the user to also lose parts of their armor, because of that it was a double edged sword.

    Someone like Celis would restrict which part and how many would be released. She used it to discard defense and switched into a form specialized for offense.

    Or perhaps it would be used for emergency evacuation when defending, or to erase any opening when switching between multiple Drag-Rides. Those kinds of use should be the standard practice but©¤©¤.

    *Gakikiki-¡­¡­!*

    The bullets of armor parts were fired to wide area.

    Yoruka leaped and dodged them while easily deflecting the remaining buckshot with her katana shaped Blade.

    But, her camouflage was dispelled because she attacked. Her figure came into view.

    ¡¸It was your foolishness to escape to the air without thinking.¡¹

    Yos Tork and Peluda chased after Yoruka who leaped to the air and launched an attack.

    A weapon of giant hammer was swung up and then swung down with tremendous speed.

    ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸That¡¯s a misunderstanding there. ©¤©¤KarafumiVoid Step¡¹

    The lips of Yoruka that became inverted up and down in the air formed a slight smile.

    She kicked on a jet black empty air and leaped aside and dodged the hammer that seemed impossible to avoid while slashing horizontally at Peluda.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What-!?¡¹

    Karafumi was a special armament that was equipped within the four armored legs of Yato no Kami. It caused wind from the soles of the feet to make it possible to leap midair.

    In other words, it because possible to flexibly react even during the middle of falling where normally Drag-Ride other than flying type would become defenseless.

    ¡¸Furthermore, kicking on the air while slashing at the same time of dodging. Your skill isn¡¯t common.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s an honor to receive such praise. But©¤©¤you are really composed despite that. Even though you already lost©¤©¤¡¹

    The next instant after Yoruka responded to Yos Tork¡¯s admiration, gradually mysterious purple letters were floating from a part of Peluda¡¯s armor.

    The Divine Raiment of Yato no Kami that Yoruka wore©¤©¤Spell Code.

    Its special ability to control and manipulate the Drag-Ride of other people by touch activated from getting slashed. Yos Tork¡¯s Peluda was put under control©¤©¤or it should be. But,

    ¡¸Lost? What do you mean?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Gaiin!* A high pitched metallic sound appeared and armor buckshot was fired from Peluda once more.

    Because Yoruka had just swing her katana shaped Blade, she didn¡¯t make it in time to repel all of the numerous projectiles. This time she blocked the attack with her barrier.

    ¡¸So you removed the armor part that was touched before the control is stolen?¡¹

    Armor removal by using Break Purge once more.

    However, originally if the armor was shot out many times, the parts would be insufficient and naturally even moving the armor would become impossible.

    But, the appearance of the Peluda before her hadn¡¯t changed that much. It only shrunk somewhat from the original size but that was all.

    Surmising from that, Yoruka understood that Peluda¡¯s characteristic was related to it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Indeed. This is exactly the special armament of my Peluda, Metal JacketDragon Feather Carapace. And your Divine Drag-Ride is Yato no Kami isn¡¯t it? There is information of it in Avalon¡¯s database.¡¹

    ¡¸What an argumentative puppet. The minor details don¡¯t matter. After all in the end it¡¯s simply that the stronger one will win.¡¹

    ¡¸I agree. But, in that case the advantage lies with me.¡¹

    *GOU-!*

    Yoruka kicked on the air with Karafumi once more and rushed freely through the darkness of the night.

    At the same time she unleashed multiple slashes with exquisite swordsmanship to attack Peluda.

    On the other hand, Yos Tork also accurately blocked the attacks with her armor. Each time she would use Break Purge to skillfully escape from Spell Code¡¯s control.

    Yoruka was a cut above in combat, but Yos Tork was also protected by the tough armor of Peluda. The offense and defense were unfolding with the advantage moving back and forth between the two sides.

    (However, first I have to get away from here.)

    Yoruka was still saving her trump cards like Over Limit using Spell Code on her own armor to release the limits or Instant Strike by using her mystic eye that was strengthened by Baptism, but right now wasn¡¯t the phase to go for the kill.

    They were separated by a distance of several kl from the Sacred Eclipse, but if Raffi detected the battle here then she would be immediately thrown into disadvantage.

    Therefore, first she focused on fighting Yos Tork while taking distance from Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸You¡¯re quite something. You aren¡¯t as good as Blackend Kingdom¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤Singlen Shelbrit, even so you¡¯re really skilled.¡¹

    Yos Tork was showing a composure where she could make a light talk while exchanging attacks.

    In respond Yoruka also reacted to those words.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a nostalgic name. I also had fought him. Though I lost at that time.¡¹

    ¡¸Fought? With him? Fu¡­¡­, regrettable. So you¡¯re only at the level that is inferior against that man. If you actually won against that man, then I would be able to indirectly achieve my revenge though.¡¹

    ¡¸What do you mean by that?¡¹

    Yoruka jumped around using footing of empty air with Karafumi and guided Yos Tork toward an abandoned area that had no sign of people.

    It was a block that was once trampled by the Ruin Gigas that was marched to the royal capital by the Lord. It was an empty plot of land that still had no prospect of getting redeveloped.

    Yoruka intentionally responded to the conversation to distract the opponent¡¯s focus, took distance from the Sacred Eclipse, and skillfully brought the opponent to a territory where she could display her full strength.

    ¡¸I have a debt to that man from Babel. I was once taken by surprise and got destroyed into pieces, but if I get serious then that guy wouldn¡¯t be my match. I would be happy if there is a chance to take revenge but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You wished to do that, with the skill of someone at your level?¡¹

    At the center of the area that was turned into ruins, there was a mountain of rubbles that was the former site of a remarkably large observation deck.

    Yoruka who was standing in front of that smiled with the moon behind her.

    But, Yos Tork too didn¡¯t get baited by Yoruka¡¯s provocation and simply looked up to it.

    ¡¸Yeah. But it¡¯s understandable for you to think that. After all someone at your level must be unable to measure my strength. By the way©¤©¤¡¹

    Yos Tork cut off the flow of the talk and looked around.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me that you intend to get closer to victory just by continuing to strip off my armor and nothing else?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    *Crack*

    The next moment, the Blade that was being held by the armored arm of Yato no Kami got countless cracks entering it.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yoruka tilted her head, then right after that Yos Tork¡¯s mechanical eyes shined and she moved.

    She accelerated with the wheels extending from Peluda¡¯s armored legs and her hammer that was boosted by the weight of the Drag-Ride¡¯s frame roared.

    The hammer was swung up until reaching the back and then it was swung down in an arc as though an axe swung to split up firewood.

    Yos Tork pointed out to Yoruka that Yato no Kami¡¯s Blade was about to break was in order to dull Yoruka¡¯s judgment.

    Whether she was going to defend or attack, if her main weapon was half damaged then a hesitation would be born in her choices.

    Instantaneous judgment would decide the outcome in a battle of two sides that were evenly matched in ability. That hesitation would become a fatal opening.

    The hammer of Peluda that came rushing and attacked couldn¡¯t be blocked by the barrier of Yato no Kami that was a special equipment type.

    In addition because there was a wall of rubble behind YOruka, she was also unable to immediately leap backward in this situation. Yos Tork was aiming for this.

    Yoruka inevitably could only to left or right. Yoruka made Yato no Kami leaped to the right©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    At the same time when Yoruka dodged the downward swing of the hammer, Peluda¡¯s armor shined and Break Purge was fired once more.

    Until now it was only activated right after Yoruka slashed, but this time Peluda fired armor parts buckshot the moment Yoruka dodged.

    Although she immediately strengthened the barrier, the Break Purge was an attack with physical attribute, so it couldn¡¯t be blocked completely. The armor that was hit by the buckshot creaked and the impact penetrated to Yoruka¡¯s slender body.

    ¡¸Hou, you intentionally not defended with your Blade. It looks like you have a little intelligence.¡¹

    ¡¸In the first place this is what you aimed for isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Yos Tork looked proudly triumphant, in contrast Yoruka was smiling even while bleeding from her hands and legs.

    Yos Tork¡¯s tactic was already working since the offense and defense just now that only looked like a simple restraining action.

    The moment Yoruka slashed her with the Blade, Peluda would launch a counterattack using Break Purge.

    The enemy¡¯s aim was to destroy Yato no Kami¡¯s Blade using that tremendous impact.

    Even though Yos Tork could use Break Purge freely anytime, she intentionally limited her timing of use at the moment when she received an attack, and then she took Yoruka by surprise.

    In a glance it could be thought as a clever scehem, but that rational and calculated tactic made even Yoruka felt impressed in her heart.

    ¡¸You¡¯re unexpectedly quite skilled. I thought that the existence called Gear Leader was just a puppet that was placed in the Ruin.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤You called me a puppet? This insolent fellow!¡¹

    Yos Tork raised her eyebrows hearing Yoruka casual muttering.

    She drove Peluda forward once more in full speed toward Yato no Kami and swung her hammer horizontally.

    Yoruka dodged by jumping up high so that she wouldn¡¯t have her back toward the rubbles.

    But, she received a pursuing attack by Break Purge once more and got hit.

    Her way to defend was limited so that her only weapon the katana wouldn¡¯t be destroyed.

    Furthermore the buckshot came flying in a wide area, so it couldn¡¯t be fully evaded no matter what.

    (This is bad¡­¡­. To think that the characteristic of Yato no Kami will have an effect at this kind of situation.)

    Because Yato no Kami was a Divine Drag-Ride of special type equipment that was the same like Drake, its endurance was greatly inferior compared to land battle type.

    That aspect could be covered up in the battles until now using Yoruka¡¯s own skill, but to think that she would be in this much difficulty when she was against an opponent that could handle that.

    It was a powerful enemy since Singlen who she fought before.

    ©¤©¤No, considering the factor that the opponent was an Automata whose capability was unknown to her, it could be said that this enemy was even more formidable in a sense.

    ¡¸The likes of you have no gorund to treat us as puppet. You low life who can¡¯t even introduce your name!¡¹

    Yoruka seemed to have stepped on some kind of landmine because Yos Tork¡¯s attack was increasing in intensity.

    Yoruka dodged Peluda¡¯s Break Purge that was fired consecutively as much as possible and stopped the harm to the minimum even while the damage was accumulating.

    Peluda¡¯s armor was decreasing rapidly, it was getting a size smaller.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But, because the weight of armor that was covering the outer side had been considerably removed, the speed was rapidly increasing.

    The attack that she should be able to barely avoid was steadily becoming impossible to dodge.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    Even so she dodged the hammer attack in a hair¡¯s breadth, but in that instant armor parts buckshot in a scale that was several times greater compared to before burst out.

    ¡¸Ku, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    That power pierced Yato no Kami¡¯s barrier and armor, causing Yoruka to raised a faint voice of anguish.

    She was blown away for ten-odd ml from receiving the aftershock of the explosive impact.

    ¡¸However don¡¯t tell me that you©¤©¤are planning to trap me? You provoked me and made me to keep attacking recklessly, in order to make me under the impression that I¡¯m the one with advantage. You also intentionally didn¡¯t defend using Howling Roar.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Yoruka didn¡¯t use the shockwave from Howling Roar to decrease the impact of the buckshot was certainly also because of such tactic.

    But, Yoruka instantly understood that even that tactic had been within the enemy¡¯s expectation.

    Because in front of Peluda that had fired all of its armor parts with Break Purge, a new armor was summoned as resupply.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Life GainSuper Restoration. The second special armament of my Peluda is to summon the spare Metal Jacket. Your plan has failed, nameless Drag-Knight. No©¤©¤errand girl of Azure Division.¡¹

    It was Yoruka who was led into a trap.

    Furthermore, the stamina of the Automata didn¡¯t look like it was decreasing at this time, perhaps because it was receiving energy from Avalon.

    She also saw through that Yoruka was someone affiliated with Azure Division.

    And above all else, even the greatest strength of Yato no Kami, Divine Raiment Spell Code that could control Drag-Ride was sealed in this battle.

    If the situation was objectively evaluated, it was an unfavorable situation that could be said as hopeless.

    ¡¸What a high and mighty talk, coming from a mere familiar of the Sacred Eclipse.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s only that brave front of yours that is really something. ©¤©¤But, you aren¡¯t a match against me.¡¹

    Yos Tork declared without a single change of expression and made Peluda to slowly walk forward.

    Yoruka¡¯s special armament Kumo no ItoSpider¡¯s String.

    The super-fine steel line that couldn¡¯t be seen with human eye was laid out like a barrier while she was fighting. She aimed to activate Spell Code using that, but Yos Tork threw Dagger to sever the steel lines one by one.

    Because she was an Automata who was able to browse the database to check all of Yato no Kami¡¯s equipment, spec, and ability that this feat was possible for her.

    ¡¸We are the people who were entrusted by Arshalia-sama with the Ruins that exist for the sake of managing humans. We were formerly human. Respecting the will of us who became incurably sick due to a certain circumstance, Arshalia-sama placed our personality into mechanical body. Originally emotion is unnecessary for us. But we are equipped with conviction in order to overcome difficulty.¡¹

    She was talking eloquently while making preparation for checkmating Yoruka.

    Even while talking she wasn¡¯t relaxing her guard even slightly.

    ¡¸We were entrusted with the wisdom and technology of the past and fought for many months and years for the sake of her wish until now. Everything is for the sake of the system to save this world and bring about peace! Don¡¯t lump me in the same group of vulgar bunch like you and Singlen!¡¹

    She threw a Dagger and cut apart the last barrier that was created with Kumo no Ito.

    Yos Tork readied her hammer once more and glared at Yoruka.

    ¡¸What a grand cause. And©¤©¤has you finished putting up your own barrier?¡¹

    ¡¸What do you, mean?¡¹

    Yos Tork spontaneously asked back at Yoruka¡¯s words.

    ¡¸The ability of your Divine Drag-Ride©¤©¤a part of the armors you sent flying will function as detector to the surrounding correct? There won¡¯t be any problem as long as I understand that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You bastard. Where did you learn that?¡¹

    Yos Tork questioned Yoruka with a dubious gaze.

    It implied that Yoruka¡¯s words were right on the mark.

    The Divine Raiment of Peluda that Yos Tork was wearing was Red MarkerWater Current Flame Encampment. Using the detectors that were planted in the armor parts that were like the Drag-Ride¡¯s scales, it was possible to sense any existence at the surrounding.

    ¡¸The answer is my special armament©¤©¤Kumo no Ito. If you know about Yato no Kami¡¯s ability and specs, then you will need to fight while avoiding the steel line that can become the trigger for Spell Code. But, it¡¯s next to impossible to accurately detect the lines.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­but, I am Automata as you can see. Do you think I won¡¯t be able to see something like that?¡¹

    ¡¸Then, why was your movement monotone at the beginning?¡¹

    Yoruka smiled with a chuckle while readying her katana shaped Blade.

    ¡¸If you have the function to see through everything from the beginning, you also wouldn¡¯t have any reason to expressly avoid the location where I was at. Isn¡¯t that right?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Above all else, the greatest reason was how Yoruka got detected so easily at the beginning even though she was hiding in camouflage.

    If the number of Automata that could be moved at the same time was limited, then they should dispatch a Divine Drag-Ride user who excelled in detection ability.

    By scattering Peluda¡¯s armors at the surrounding from the start, even Yoruka who was using camouflage could be located. That was her deduction.

    ¡¸I thought you are just a mere assassin, but unexpectedly you have a working brain. Let me praise you, pawn of Azure Division.¡¹

    ¡¸Oh my? So I am praised. Though it¡¯s not like I¡¯m happy to hear that from anyone who isn¡¯t Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Yoruka replied at Yos Tork¡¯s praise with a jesting tone.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s pitiful. I already learned your movement like the back of my hand. The barrier of string that you placed has also been destroyed. Your Divine Raiment won¡¯t work against this Peluda. You also don¡¯t have any fighting strength left that can decently match me. You¡¯re trying to resist but©¤©¤there is nothing more that you can do.¡¹

    Yos Tork pointed at Yoruka with the hammer she lifted and said so.

    In respond Yoruka kept smiling without any chance and gazed at the Automata girl.

    ¡¸It¡¯s you who are pitiful. No, I¡¯m a bit sympathetic with you.¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Yoruka sighed slightly ¡®fuu¡¯ and closed her eyes.

    She gazed at Yos Tork¡¯s expression with the asymmetrically colored eyes that she opened once more.

    ¡¸I know that you all are indebted to someone, but then so what? Do you really believe that after seeing the sight before this? If that¡¯s actually the case©¤©¤this grand cause of yours, it doesn¡¯t have any value then, not at the slightest.¡¹

    Yos Tork was the same like Yoruka herself in the past.

    The little brother that she swore to protect was already gone.

    However, she fought as the Empire¡¯s Assassin Blade in order to at least protect that promise.

    While knowing that doing so wouldn¡¯t even become self-satisfaction for herself, Yoruka who had no will of her own couldn¡¯t do anything other than that.

    But, Lux saved her.

    He destroyed the empire in order to save it, even though it ended in failure he chose the path as a criminal prince and continued fighting in order to guide the New Kingdom into a correct path.

    The young man who Yoruka recognized as her new master didn¡¯t lose sight of his own conviction and justice even now when his dream was destroyed.

    That was why©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll teach you. That my loyalty to my master, is superior to your blind justice.¡¹

    No matter how powerful Fugil was, no matter how powerful Sacred Eclipse was, she could face them.

    Yoruka didn¡¯t know that there would be a self of her who could fight by her own will.

    ¡¸What, are you planning? Do you think that you¡¯ll be able to overturn this disadvantage even knowing of my Peluda¡¯s Divine Raiment!?¡¹

    Yos Tork drove Peluda forward along with an angry yell.

    She charged in a straight line toward Yoruka with full powered dash in a state that had recovered the scaly shaped multiple layered armors.

    She lifted up the hammer in her hand and put all her strength into it.

    ¡¸I can see your movement no matter where you try to escape, so I can intercept you with Break Purge! You have no chance to win!¡¹

    The instant she attempted to checkmate Yoruka once more with that sure kill attack pattern, the figure of Yoruka and Yato no Kami vanished from before her eyes.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    She was nowhere.

    No, the armor of Peluda that was scattered at the surrounding©¤©¤Divine Raiment Red Marker¡¯s detection ability told her Yoruka¡¯s location clearly.

    It told Yos Tork that she was simply unable to follow Yoruka¡¯s movement because the enemy was too fast.

    ¡¸You are, slower than I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸What-, did you say-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The charge was dodged with a leap and Yoruka circled to her back.

    She kicked on the ground with the four legs of Yato no Kami, then almost at the same time she somersaulted and kicked on the empty air using Karafumi as ceiling replacement, and rolled once more before landing.

    The abnormally difficult piloting technique and body movement made Yos Tork gazed in wonderment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    Yos Tork who reacted to Yoruka¡¯s voice responded with Break Purge that combined offense and defense into one.

    A great amount of armor buckshot was scattered to her defenseless behind.

    But, Yoruka dodged the buckshot with Howling Roar and landed a counter slash on Peluda¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Spell Code¡¹

    ¡¸Gu, uuh! You bastard-!? How! How can, this kind of movement, in my database¡­¡­it doesn¡¯t exist!¡¹

    Right after the slash, shining strange letters formed on Peluda¡¯s whole body.

    Yoruka looked at that while taking the stance of pulling her katana to behind her.

    ¡¸It¡¯s simple.¡¹

    When Yoruka put her hand on the Sword Device on her waist, Yato no Kami also traced the movement of its user and showed a sword drawing stance.

    What she unleashed just now was evasion and then©¤©¤a slash to the back using Quick Draw that Lux invented.

    Spell Code was working here because she aimed at the moment after Yos Tork¡¯s Peluda activated Break Purge.

    ¡¸Break Purge is also the same like Howling Roar©¤©¤. It released the energy that is gathered in the Force Core. In other words, it cannot be fired consecutively. That¡¯s why, I let you fired first and aimed at that opening. That¡¯s all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guh!?¡¹

    Until just now Yoruka was one-sidedly defending against Yos Tork¡¯s fierce attack was in order to grasp this timing.

    Yos Tork was cornering this girl until just now with a perfect tactic.

    In fact, Yato no Kami¡¯s armor and weapon were half destroyed and it should be unable to display its full capability anymore.

    (And yet©¤©¤what¡¯s with this girl¡¯s real strength¡­¡­!)

    To be more unshakable than machine while containing a will that was blazing hotter than human.

    ¡¸U, AAAAAH!¡¹

    Yos tork also reached toward her own Sword Device and yelled to oppose the control of Spell Code.

    Because the katana was only in contact for an instant, the usurpation of control using Divine Raiment was dispelled.

    But, Yoruka didn¡¯t miss that instant that she was aiming for.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action¡¹

    *GOU-!* The jet black darkness that cut apart the wind danced at the girl who was clad in huge armor.

    The Drag-Ride¡¯s body twisted and landed a sword stroke. The momentum wasn¡¯t killed and continued into a rotation that brought one more attack.

    The impact of the slash, the recoil was utilized, mind control operation and body control operation were alternately repeated many times over.

    The consecutive attacks struck Peluda¡¯s armor like a storm that surpassed the Drag-Ride¡¯s limit.

    ¡¸Guh, guguuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    The unceasing fierce attacks that were unleashed from every direction gave no time for Yos Tork to even activate the Break Purge.

    (But, do you understand? If you attack like this with your damaged weapon©¤©¤)

    Due to Peluda¡¯s thick armor, Yoruka¡¯s katana shaped Blade was also being worn down in high speed.

    ¡¸If I can just endure this then, it¡¯ll be, my win-¡­¡­!¡¹

    The endurance of Automata was slightly inferior than Drag-Ride, even so it was far tougher compared to flesh and blood human.

    Therefore, she concentrated all the energy to the armor¡¯s surface and barrier and hardened her defense like turtle.

    More than a hundred slashes were unleashed in just ten-odd seconds. Right after that, that chance arrived.

    .

    ©¤©¤*Paki-, iIN!*

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    End Action¡¯s infinite attack paused and Yoruka slightly opened her mouth.

    The weariness of the damaged Blade crossed the limit and the white blade was snapped from the hilt. It rotated at the dark space.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nice, one. But, I withstood, it¡­¡­. The last stroke of sword that you prepared, can¡¯t reach me no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸That, is not so sure until you actually test it.¡¹

    *Creak creak*, Yato no Kami¡¯s armor and frame raised a high pitched creaking sound.

    Yoruka¡¯s last aim was Recoil Burst that was used at the same time with Spell Code.

    The attack from what was originally a rampaging state due to the orders from the mind control operation and body control operation running against each other realized a destructive power that was several times than normal in exchange of the destruction to oneself.

    And then right now the scales of Peluda¡¯s multiple layered armors were stripped off due to End Action, exposing what was inside.

    Yoruka planned to deal a large damage to make a temporary opening before launching the finishing blow, but her Blade snapped and it became impossible.

    ¡¸Then just try it. Try using that technique. You who don¡¯t have weapon are already©¤©¤defeated.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka looked at Peluda¡¯s armors that were scattered to the surrounding.

    Crackling red electricity was running from one scale to another scale that numbered several thousands.

    ¡¸The Divine Raiment Red Marker is not just for detector, it has the effect of resonance! It¡¯s an ability to create a barrier of destructive space mainly using electromagnetic wave¡­¡­. The armor parts that you and I myself scattered are around you. You already have no way to escape. This is, the end¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I see, as expected from the trump card of the Lord. It¡¯s not an exaggeration that you are their last defense.¡¹

    ¡¸Fuh¡­¡­. You¡¯re also splendid. You are the first one to fight against me until this far when I¡¯m in full power. Now, swing down that bladeless sword. With that everything will be©¤©¤over.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just one spot.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Yos Tork who head Yoruka¡¯s words felt misgiving and kept quiet.

    And then, she felt the armor of Peluda she was wearing was moving against her own will.

    She noticed what was done to her.

    ¡¸You bastard©¤©¤¡¹

    With a toss, the hammer that Yos Tork was holding was thrown to the air.

    The next moment, Yoruka who discarded the broken katana shaped Blade caught the handle of the tossed hammer, and immediately swung it down to Yos Tork.

    ,

    ©¤©¤*DO-, GOUuuNN!*

    .

    ©¤©¤Recoil Burst.

    The armor and frame of Peluda was smashed along with a thunderous roar that was like lightning. Fragments scatted all over in the air.

    (I see, her last method is¡­¡­. She dealt that consecutive attack in between, was for this¡­¡­)

    Yos Tork herself got half of her body blown away. Even so she tightly grasped the Sword Device she pulled out.

    Because the Blade of Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami was broken, it was necessary for her to take away the enemy¡¯s weapon to bring out enough destructive power.

    In order to do that, while attacking with End Action, Yoruka entangled Peluda with the special armament Kumo no Ito, then after Peluda entered a state where Yos Tork couldn¡¯t use Break Purge that shaved off the armors, she controlled Peluda with Spell Code and ordered it to hand over the hammer to her.

    Yos Tork thought that she had completely checkmated Yoruka.

    But©¤©¤it was wrong.

    No matter how much she was cornered into a disadvantageous situation, she didn¡¯t slacken down to search for a way to overturn the table.

    Yoruka too had grown.

    Although she was defeated against Singlen who was a powerful enemy in a different manner, she threw herself into battle once more with new weapons called tactic and strategy to get closer to the territory of her master Lux.

    ¡¸Splen, did¡­¡­. Let me praise, your battle scenario¡­¡­. But!¡¹

    *Crackle crackle*, mechanical components were exposed from Yos Tork¡¯s half smashed torso while she was smiling.

    ¡¸Even so, my victory, is unshak, able¡­¡­. You will, die, here¡­¡­¡¹

    The armor fragments of Peluda that were scattered around were leaking out sparks.

    She resonated her remaining power with the intention of hitting Yoruka with the barrier of electricity from Divine Raiment Red Marker.

    On the other hand Yoruka had also just made her Drag-Ride to rampage to use Recoil Burst. She couldn¡¯t move.

    In other words, it was decided that she would be hit by the counterattack when she was unable to completely destroy Peluda.

    ¡¸Haaah, haaah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Even Yoruka couldn¡¯t catch her breath after drastically consuming her stamina. She couldn¡¯t even talk properly.

    But her expression was showing a satisfied smile.

    ¡¸What¡¯s, wrong? If you want to say something say it, there is only several seconds, remaining you know?¡¹

    ¡¸Is¡­¡­that so? Then, just one sentence©¤©¤¡¹

    Yoruka told Yos Tork while breathing roughly.

    ¡¸Avalon is at the direction at the other side of this line of abandoned buildings isn¡¯t it? It saved me the trouble, that you taught it to me.¡¹

    Yos Tork was hiding this much strength and protected a wide area using the containment zone of Red Marker was the proof of the defensive zone that was laid out in order to hide Avalon©¤©¤.

    And then, Yoruka noticed how she was attacking her to guide her away so that she wouldn¡¯t get closer at all to that direction.

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re, really something.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, you too. But©¤©¤it¡¯s only the caliber of our master that is different.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, haven¡¯t seen her for more than a thousand years now. Arshalia-sama, if you, are still alive©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after that, fierce electricity surged from around Yoruka and Yos Tork.

    It instantly made great fire to rise up in the whole area of the abandoned buildings.

    Thus, the battle in this place closed its curtain.

    .

    (¡­¡­Yoruka, stay safe.)

    At the high class inn that was reserved for Lux and Syvalles members.

    Yesterday, Lux who was told that Lisha was kidnapped was given suggestion from Airi and others if he could cooperate with the mission to take her back.

    Of course Lux right now at the surface was unable to fight, so till the end he would only get involved by participating in Syvalles¡¯s meeting and lent them his knowledge.

    Even so, there was no option of refusing, so he told them his intention to participate.

    And then, today.

    The morning of the fifth day after Azure Division made their war proclamation.

    If he was following the original plan, a letter of challenge for a decisive battle would be sent to Raffi within today using Lisha as bait, but the problem was the place to do it.

    It was necessary to infiltrate into Avalon and weakened its function, and searched for the secret of Sacred Elcipse and the weak point of Uroboros.

    In order to do that, he had to locate the position of Avalon that was moved to the New Kingdom and designated that place as the battlefield.

    However, even after two nights had passed since he last saw Yoruka, she hadn¡¯t contacted him yet.

    He had faith at her strength, but it would be a different story if she fought Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse or Fugil at the worst case.

    Last night he almost couldn¡¯t sleep at all worrying about Yoruka¡¯s safety.

    Afternoon, the members of Syvalles were all present in the inn¡¯s dining hall that was used as meeting room.

    It seemed Krulcifer and Celis headed to the castle from early in the morning and they were entrusted with a message from Queen Raffi.

    But, it seemed there was a secret business and Krulcifer didn¡¯t come back.

    Normally Lisha should be the one to stand in the position as the speaker, but today the captain Celis held that position.

    ¡¸Nii-san. I understand that you are worried for Lisha-sama but, it¡¯s no good if you don¡¯t rest properly you know?¡¹

    His little sister Airi worried about him right after the meeting started.

    Lux smiled wryly while pretending to not know anything about the battle behind the scene and the truth of the queen and took part in the strategy meeting to save Lisha.

    ¡¸Then, first let¡¯s confirm the information of the present situation. Just as we were told yesterday, Lizsharte was kidnapped by Azure Division, but their hideout still hasn¡¯t been discovered. However, I believe that her safety is most likely assured.¡¹

    Celis who was selected to manage the meeting presented the topic like that.

    For Lux, he completely knew about that seeing that he was the one who kidnapped Lisha and entrusted her to Aeril and Magialca.

    Rather he was feeling relieved inside his heart that Lisha¡¯s location still hadn¡¯t been discovered.

    ¡¸Celis-senpai. Can I ask the reason for that?¡¹

    Airi raised her hand with a calm expression. Celis immediately told her the answer.

    ¡¸The reason is because of Azure Division¡¯s objective. They are proclaiming to take back the royal authority from the New Kingdom by means of justifiable reason. If they are only going to attack, then there¡¯ll be no need to send notification letter to every place in the capital and spread the news to the people. Therefore©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸There is something they have to do using Princess Lisha. Or perhaps they will make demand toward the New Kingdom. She won¡¯t be harmed until that negotiation is carried out then?¡¹

    Sharis added with a serious expression that was completely different from last night.

    ¡¸Kidnapping isn¡¯t justifiable method or anything though.¡¹

    Tillfur¡¯s light talk had no sharpness in it must be because she was worrying about Lisha.

    Of course, Lisha was safe was nothing more than their assumption, so their anxiety wasn¡¯t completely wiped out.

    But, the feeling to convince themselves somehow in this stalemate situation right now where they couldn¡¯t act carelessly was conveyed from the girls¡¯ words.

    ¡¸Yes. Then, at present we can only wait for negotiation from Azure Division, and this meeting is just a simple exchange of information©¤©¤can I take it to mean that?¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not all.¡¹

    Celis shook her head at Noct¡¯s question and responded with a serious face.

    ¡¸The New Kingdom army captured a male Drag-Knight who is thought to be a member of Azure Division and got the information of their hideout from him. The plan is to directly attack it within today.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Everyone¡¯s expression changed hearing that.

    ¡¸The plan is for me to go along with one more person accompanying me¡­¡­Philuffy, if you are feeling well, can I ask you to come along?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine.¡¹

    Philuffy who was vacantly listening to the meeting until now nodded at Celis¡¯s question.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux didn¡¯t show his agitation at all but, he received a shock inside his heart.

    (A Drag-Knight of Kilzrake family was captured and confessed? Is that true?)

    Supposing that Queen Raffi suspected Lux as the ringleader of Azure Division and brought up the subject in this place to shake him up, it would be strange if that information was also told to Syvalles.

    In that case, perhaps the capture of Azure Division member itself was true.

    ¡¸Also, it seems that soon Queen Raffi intend to personally announce the total war with Azure Division. It has been brought to light that Prime Minister Nulph and the senior consuls along with their relatives and a lot of related people were murdered by them.¡¹

    A tense atmosphere filled the dining room once more. Everyone shut their mouth.

    ¡¸That¡¯s, something that cannot be overlooked. It¡¯s not just about the princess. We have to do something too.¡¹

    Sharis said that with a heavy tone from her sense of responsibility as the daughter of the army¡¯s vice commander.

    (Azure Division killed Prime Minister Nulph¡­¡­!? So she came like that just as expected. ¡­¡­But, something is strange.)

    Lux knew about the fact that the members of Old Empire Faction that was opposing the New Kingdom were murdered at the third loop of the parade.

    And then previously because the world revision of Uroboros was interrupted, Raffi and her groupd became unable to rewrite the perception of people anymore.

    That was why he could understand the logic of blaming the crime to Azure Division in the surface but©¤©¤.

    (As expected, massacring the relatives and related people is too big in scale.)

    Just because Raffi wanted to stabilize the government of New Kingdom, there was no need to also kill the relatives.

    If she oppressed one side too one-sidedly, then she would provoke antipathy from other faction and group too.

    Even though she had fused with Sacred Eclipse, if it was Queen Raffi who was involved in the government, there was no way she wouldn¡¯t able to understand the inner workings of that level but©¤©¤.

    (As I thought, there is a secret to Sacred Eclipse¡­¡­)

    There was no way someone would only obtain almighty power from getting possessed.

    The reason why Listelka called Sacred Eclipse the cause of world destruction lied there.

    ¡¸Tomorrow I ask the Triad to guard Lux-kun like usual. Also about Yoruka-san, does anyone know where she is?¡¹

    When Celis asked that, everyone¡¯s gaze gathered on Lux.

    Yoruka was enrolled into the Academy with Relie¡¯s influence, but she was fundamentally moving based on Lux¡¯s order, so it couldn¡¯t be helped for them to look at him.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Right. I tried asking her for a bit if she can obtain some kind of clue to save Lisha-sama but©¤©¤¡¹

    He didn¡¯t say any lie.

    After all Lux was taking action, all was for the sake of saving Lisha and tore away Sacred Eclipse from Raffi in the end.

    ¡¸I believe that Yoruka-san will be fine because it¡¯s her but, I¡¯m a bit worried¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi said that despondently. And then there was no more topic to be talked there and they broke up.

    When Lux returned to his room in the inn, Syvalles member entered his room once more under the pretext of guarding him.

    ¡¸And so Lux-chi, today I and Noct will be your caretaker. Just rely on us without reservation!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Please treat me well. As for somewhat indecent request¡­¡­it will depend on the degree of the request but, I¡¯ll secretly undertake it.¡¹

    ¡¸No, you don¡¯t need to accept anything like that! Just what do you think I¡¯m going to do!?¡¹

    Even though they only had that serious talk just now, this already happened several minutes after that.

    Well, they must be acting considerate to Lux in their own way to unravel his anxiety at the surface.

    ¡¸Is it really alright? For us to not do anything¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­Of course.¡¹

    Noct sat down beside the sofa and tilted her head while giving him an upward gaze.

    A slight blush tinged the cheeks of her face that was always composed. That gesture made his heart jumped and his pulse unconsciously quickened.

    ¡¸Aaa, you took five seconds before answering! We need to report this to Airi-chan later isn¡¯t it¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Well, Airi right now is busy with practicing though. ¡­¡­Oops, please pretend that you don¡¯t hear anything just now. In return I will also keep Lux-san¡¯s reaction just now a secret.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux felt suspicious hearing the suggestive words from Noct.

    Airi who wasn¡¯t a Drag-Knight had nothing to do in this situation.

    At best it would only be sorting information and making record for Syvalles. Perhaps she was doing something like devising up a plan for the mission but, would it be something that she would need to leave her seat for?

    He wouldn¡¯t find the answer even if he thought about it, and right now wasn¡¯t the time for that.

    Now that a member of Azure Division had been captured, and the hideout of Lux and Magialca were found out in the worst case, that would be the end for them.

    Therefore, Lux had to make a move immediately but©¤©¤.

    Most likely Queen Raffi was on guard against him. She must be observing him even now, watching how he would react.

    (Captain Magialca, please take care of the rest. ©¤©¤Yoruka, please be safe.)

    Lux closed his eyes in prayer and wracked his brain while looking for opening from the Triad. He talked with them while waiting for Aeril to come.

    Without even knowing, that secret conversation was overheard by a certain girl who was accidentally wearing a Drake in camouflage©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸U, uu¡­¡­¡¹

    On the other hand around that time, Lisha opened her eyes inside an unknown room.

    He was kidnapped by a black Drag-Knight who introduced himself as Azure Division©¤©¤she couldn¡¯t sleep for a whole day after that because of tension, but it seemed before she realized it she had fallen asleep.

    When she opened her eyes, she was told it was at the noon two days after she was captured.

    She was locked in a room where there wasn¡¯t a single window. She guessed from that apparently she was in the basement of a private house.

    It seemed to be a storehouse to preserve dried meat or wine that was remodeled. It was faint, but the scent of food was remaining. She was laid down on the room¡¯s bed.

    Of course her hands were shackled. Her legs were also connected with chain.

    She had no Sword Device and she was still wearing her pilot suit.

    ¡¸Good morning Princess Lisha. How are you feeling?¡¹

    An androgynous girl with an unfamiliar face.

    Just like how she once showed her own existence as a fictional character called Coral, Aeril used the perception manipulation from the power of Baptism to make Lisha think of her as someone unknown. She talked to Lisha.

    ¡¸¡­¡­The comfort of this bed is the worst. I saw a dream of the past.¡¹

    She didn¡¯t mention the content of her dream, but it was a dream when Lisha was captured as hostage against her father by the Old Empire.

    Depending on the way of thinking, the situation right now could be said to be similar.

    If she quickly killed herself¡­¡­, such thought crossed her mind but©¤©¤.

    She couldn¡¯t lightly choose death with a reason that was different from that time.

    ¡¸You seems to be alright if you can say that. Tell me if there is something that you want. I¡¯ll prepare it as much as I can.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, can you bring me my Sword Device?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. We are storing them properly, so we¡¯ll return after the negotiation is over.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha too thought that they wouldn¡¯t do as she asked, but she was harboring doubt toward that polite reaction.

    Why this kind of people was planning a coup d¡¯etat? She wondered.

    ¡¸Just what are you guys planning to demand? Is it the legacy and technology of Avalon? The New Kingdom still hasn¡¯t obtained anything like that you know? Just what did you tell Alma, that girl to instigate her?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯ll be fine. That girl will surely stand back on her feet. She won¡¯t become like Hayes.¡¹

    Aeril muttered as though talking to herself toward that question.

    Lisha had become unable to recognize her as Aeril, so Lisha didn¡¯t understand what she meant by saying that though.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hayes? Just what are you saying?¡¹

    Aeril didn¡¯t reply and only smiled, then she exited the basement and moved to the first floor of the building.

    Hayes who hated the clan of traitor was burned by the resentment and grudge of the past and she was driven by revenge, but Alma was already saved by the Black Hero.

    That was why, Aeril was convinced that it would be alright.

    By fighting together with Lux she touched his way of living and changed.

    Just like Aeril herself in the past.

    (Right now the strategy is working just like Lux-kun is aiming. What¡¯s left is only the method to defeat Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros¡­¡­)

    There was no problem with the plan to defeat Fugil and Queen Raffi and returned the New Kingdom to the hand of human.

    But, the hideout of Avalon that was moved from abandoned capital Guernica to the New Kingdom was still unknown.

    There were several prospective candidates, but the Drag-Knight of Kilzrake family and Yoruka didn¡¯t return.

    (If it¡¯s not found until tomorrow, we can only give up on Avalon. In that case©¤©¤)

    They could only directly confront Raffi and Fugil with Lisha as hostage.

    Hiding further than that would be next impossible even for Aeril and co.

    Even now the soldiers of New Kingdom or Automata might locate this hideout anytime.

    .

    *Knock knock*.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤¡¹

    Suddenly the door of the house¡¯s first floor was knocked.

    Aeril locked the entrance to the basement where Lisha was at and faced the entrance while holding her breath.

    ¡¸It¡¯s me, open it.¡¹

    She heard Magialca¡¯s voice. After Aeril showed her in, she let out a sigh of relieve.

    She was disguising herself as an old woman and went outside using a cane.

    Even so, although she was only walking by foot for several minutes to here, just doing that was accompanied with great danger.

    ¡¸Fuu. I was moving here without getting discovered somehow, but it really took effort¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca¡¯s trusted retainer, Lolotte acted as the relay for information transfer and moved Lux, Magialca, Aeril, and then the subordinate Drag-Knights, but the previous hideout was already discovered and destroyed.

    One of their subordinates was captured by Raffi and he told the hideout¡¯s location, but at that time the old hideout had been abandoned and the current hideout wasn¡¯t told to anyone except very few people.

    However, no matter how vast the royal capital was, there was no way they could prepare several hideouts with location that conveniently wasn¡¯t known by anyone.

    If they got careless and detected by the radar of New Kingdom¡¯s Drake, there was the danger that even the location of this place would be found out.

    Although, Raffi¡¯s camp should also be lacking Drag-Knight personnel right now, so that possibility was low.

    ¡¸And, how is it going? The situation©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸About Kirihime Yoruka¡¯s unknown whereabouts, most likely she got into a battle with Automata. There was sign of battle at the abandoned buildings in the northeast district of the capital. It seemed that she was able to destroy one Automata but, perhaps they struck each other down, or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Magialca sat down heavily on a chair and sighed.

    Even Aeril could guess without hearing the rest.

    ¡¸Also, about that matter©¤©¤. Did you contact the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Just in case I tried contacting them one by one but, the binding on their mind isn¡¯t removed. There is possibility if I,you, or Lux go to them personally but, the prospect is slim I think. Just in case, I made a slightly forceful plan but¡­¡­¡¹

    The battle strength necessary to defeat Fugil was still lacking.

    With Syvalles of New Kingdom allying themselves with Raffi, their side also wanted to pull the surviving members of Seven Dragon Paladins to their side but, due to the world revision they were captured by the perception that the battle at Avalon had ended.

    Because of that, they had no reason to fight this time.

    It would be a different story if there was an objective of saving the world, at present this battle was nothing more than a civil war in the New Kingdom at the surface.

    Even if they©¤©¤the kings they served knew about the truth, it was unthinkable that they would decide to throw their precious battle force into this fight.

    ¡¸If Yoruka doesn¡¯t come back, it means all the doors are closed for us. At that time we can only quietly run away taking the Grand Force with us.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right, isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril commented back while knowing that such thing was impossible.

    She knew that each Automata was equipped with the function to pinpoint the location of Grand Force in general, and she had also told that to Magialca.

    Right now the Automatas were unable to take any big action because their energy was still lacking, but if the enemy combed the inside of the capital, then even with the city¡¯s size they would be discovered sooner or later.

    In other words, they could only pray.

    That Yoruka who Lux believed in, would cut open a path for them.

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like, I slightly lost consciousness.¡¹

    At noon after a day passed since the battle with Yos Tork, Yoruka opened her eyes inside a forest.

    She lifted her face to look up at the trees that were growing thickly, and started to walk slowly.

    Although she barely dodged that last explosion, the damage on her was great and it was the best she could do to hide.

    After resting her body for half a day, she moved in order to investigate, but in the end she didn¡¯t find the hiding place of Avalon that was moved to the New Kingdom.

    And finally she lost consciousness due to fatigue.

    But, with her inherent instinct and searching the direction that Yos Tork didn¡¯t allow her to approach, she already hit a success.

    Yoruka who wasn¡¯t born in this country had no way of knowing but, this place was called the ancient forest.

    It was located northeast of the New Kingdom¡¯s castle. It was a land that was out of place from the capital.

    Originally it was a sacred ground that was used for ceremony by the imperial family of Arcadia Empire. After the era of Old Empire passed, that place was abandoned and no one approached it anymore.

    But, the ruins of broken temple were scattered here and there. There wasn¡¯t really any sign of beast here and the place was quiet.

    The faint sound of flowing mountain stream.

    The sound of rustling thriving plants from wind.

    It felt like the nature was reflecting Yoruka¡¯s heart like a mirror.

    In her mind was her master Lux.

    Until now she thought that she didn¡¯t fear death and dying for the sake of her master was her cherished desire.

    However, Lux said that she didn¡¯t think of Yoruka as tool.

    (I¡¯m sorry to put this burden on you. If it looks like it¡¯s impossible then I want you to not do anything rash and take Airi away to escape. And then, I want you to continue living protecting her.)

    He said that to Yoruka.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama too, is a cruel person¡­¡­¡¹

    If she was relied on with that kind of painful expression, then it would make her wanted to accomplish that mission at any cost, even if she had to risk her life.

    Why was so many people gathered around Lux?

    Why did they want to give their all for his sake?

    She was finally able to understand that.

    However, Yoruka didn¡¯t feel that she was able to become human with that.

    Rather instead of that kind of logic, her instinctual feeling of desiring Lux was getting stronger.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama¡­¡­I love you dearly.¡¹

    She already didn¡¯t have the strength left to wear Drag-Ride, but she continued walking in her flesh body while erasing her presence, and she finally found out that place.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The silver haired girl called Arshalia was standing under a conspicuously large tree where a temple made from stone that looked like it almost crumbled was buried.

    At the shadow of the tree that was only around a hundred ml ahead, there was a figure clad in silver pilot suit.

    With this, the location of Avalon in general was pinpointed.

    What was left was only to return to Lux without anyone noticing and told this news.

    ¡¸This is, strange. Even though, I shouldn¡¯t even feel the pain of wound¡­¡­¡¹

    The instant Yoruka¡¯s consciousness was receding once more©¤©¤she saw the figure of Lux in front of her.

    Right after that, she lost consciousness while leaning on a nearby rock.

    Her body that was continuing her search without sleep or rest since the deathly battle the other day reached its limit.

    Footsteps were slowly approaching the wounded Yoruka.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is this alright, Fugil? For the current master¡­¡­Queen Raffi to not be told.¡¹

    Fugil who lifted up the fainted Yoruka slowly went toward the Automata Arshalia.

    But, his expression contained no hostility toward the girl.

    Fugil was staring at the unconscious Yoruka with a straight face.

    ¡¸Our contract doesn¡¯t reach that far. My work this time is mostly over. Sacred Eclipse already chose Raffi and she obtained the ultimate power. I will only continue to observe until the next battle, when somehow who is qualified to obtain Avalon appear once again and fight.¡¹

    Fugil sent a glance at Arshalia. The Automata guessed his intention and transferred herself to the central of Avalon for a moment.

    She took out a simple healing device and applied it to Yoruka.

    ¡¸My objective is to guide human, not to one-sidedly support one of the sides. If she is found out by Raffi in this place then that¡¯s as far as her fate goes but, that¡¯s not what happened. Besides, at this juncture it¡¯s far too advantageous for her majesty.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s also true. Then, won¡¯t it be fine if you become the ally of Lux and others?¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia tilted her head expressionlessly.

    Fugil quietly casted down his eyes and answered that question.

    ¡¸At present the two sides are equal in strength. Therefore there is no place for me to interfere. I will only see it through. What kind of conclusion this battle will produce.¡¹

    ¡¸Can I ask one thing?¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia indifferently treated Yoruka while asking Fugil.

    ¡¸Is it okay to consider that your ally is us the Automatas?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No. I¡¯ll have you all cooperate with me when I use Uroboros but, there is no position called ally for me. That is the destiny of me the Hero of Beginning.¡¹

    Fugil muttered without any change in his expression.

    Arshalia didn¡¯t say anything more and time passed.

    .

    ¡¸In the end Lux didn¡¯t show any movement. I thought that he would be considerably threatened with the capture of his Azure Division subordinate. Did he give up, or being careful, which one could it be?¡¹

    The castle of royal capital Lordgalia. The morning of the seventh day since the third world revision ended in failure.

    Queen Raffi was leaning on her elbow on the throne in the audience hall.

    At her sides were only Fugil and Automata Arhslia, there was nobody else.

    The appearance of Azure Division and their war proclamation.

    In addition with the assassination of Prime Minister Nulph and the murder of a great number of consuls coming into light, the chief vassals were pressed to deal with the fallout.

    Especially if the fact that Aeril who was the key of Avalon and Grand Force were stolen became known by the other countries, they would demand the New Kingdom to take responsibility and it might cause chaos.

    In addition due to the scar from the long war, even the preservation of battle force consisting of Drag-Knight wasn¡¯t going well that they were asking for cooperation from the four great nobles once more.

    By the way, the location of hideout that was confessed from the young man who was a member of Azure Division captured the other day was deserted. The investigation using the remaining documents and so on was in progress, but everything ended in vain.

    ¡¸Lisha¡­¡­. It¡¯s good that she is safe but, now we have run out of any clue. We have no other choice but to wait for the enemy to make their approach. Or perhaps©¤©¤I should take action from my side.¡¹

    If possible she didn¡¯t want to tell the people about Lisha¡¯s kidnapping even if after this they recovered Grand Force and carried out world revision.

    Therefore, Raffi¡¯s side could only use the only card they had caught, which was Alma.

    If the public execution of Azure Division¡¯s leader was announced, the other side would have to make an action. Or perhaps©¤©¤.

    When she was thinking such thing, a soldier¡¯s voice came from outside the hall.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Begging permission to have an audience with her majesty queen Raffi. There is a messenger from Azure Division sending a letter of challenge!¡¹

    ¡¸Enter. Over here.¡¹

    Raffi told Fugil and Arshalia to withdraw before telling that. Then a Drag-Knight soldier who was still young rushed in.

    And then he conveyed a new demand from Azure Division.

    Which was, a proposal for a decisive battle that put both sides¡¯ hostages and Grand Force on the line.

    The stage that was decided by Azure Division for it was the ancient forest©¤©¤the new hiding place of Avalon that was transported from Guernica in the span of two weeks.

    ¡¸So it was discovered in this situation¡­¡­. The enemy is also really something.¡¹

    After telling the soldier who came with the message, Raffi smiled toward Fugil and Arshalia.

    ¡¸Or perhaps, this is because of a guidance from someone, seeing that I am in too much of advantage?¡¹

    Raffi glanced at Fugil beside him with a meaningful tone.

    But, the man with eye glint that was like a beast didn¡¯t make a single change of expression.

    ¡¸Well, either way, it seems I have no choice but to accept. I can only do that in order to take back my daughter Lisha. Of course I will bring the members of Syvalles to participate. Everyone has also finished going through the strengthening, and the way to use them skillfully has also been settled.¡¹

    The corner of Raffi¡¯s mouth slightly rose while saying that.

    The Azure Division was using their time to lay down various groundworks, while on the other hand Raffi was also steadily making preparation in order for the war.

    During these several days, she was observing Lux in detail, but it was like he didn¡¯t let Raffi to catch his tail at all.

    There wasn¡¯t any sign of him slipping out of the inn, even when he was fighting Lisha and Krulcifer he was thought as a different person.

    But, Raffi¡¯s belief that Lux was the ringleader of Azure Division hadn¡¯t changed.

    Right now there was no one who could declare war to the New Kingdom except Lux who was once guided by Fugil to destroy the Old Empire.

    Thinking so she was forming countermeasure in these several days.

    ¡¸It will be nice if Lux come.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil who heard Raffi¡¯s words stayed quiet and only stood beside her.

    The next day, the curtain of a direct confrontation that would shake the New Kingdom was raised.

 Volume 17 - CH 4

    .

    ¡¸Your majesty! The request for cooperation to the four great nobles is finished. Please give us the instructions for the battle formation.¡¹

    The early morning of the eighth days since Azure Division announced their existence for the first time.

    The time for the all-out confrontation finally came.

    Lisha and Alma, the key character for each camp that became hostage, as well as the Grand Force and Aeril would be put on the line in this battle.

    The battle would be held at the Ancient Forest located at northeast of the capital Lordgalia.

    Originally, the commanding of New Kingdom¡¯s army wasn¡¯t Raffi¡¯s field.

    But, since the death of Prime Minister Nulph who was serving concurrently as the army¡¯s commander, there wasn¡¯t even any time to decide the successor so Raffi volunteered for the position.

    ¡¸I see. Then, please ask them to guard the surrounding. Please don¡¯t think of anything like sending reinforcement from the capital no matter what. We will take care of it at our side.¡¹

    ¡¸Ho, however, no matter how much advantage we hold, won¡¯t the battle strength be lacking with only the military cadet unit? At the very least we of the New Kingdom military should also participate©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No. There is no need. Our strategy has been decided.¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s eyes shined at the same time when she muttered that once more.

    Then the will vanished from the soldier¡¯s expression and he nodded slightly before going out.

    ¡¸This is troubling. After experiencing the convenience like Endless once, the process of convincing people feels like a great chore now. I only understand for the first time the usefulness of Prime Minister Nulph who was assisting me only after he is gone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    From the beginning Raffi had no intention of relying on the regular army and the four great nobles to be her main force.

    Chaos would be created when she invested the Automatas into battle with them there, and in the first place against Azure Division that had powerful fighter in the level of Lux, there would be no use to dispatch the average Drag-Knight to be their opponent.

    Although, the kingdom¡¯s army also had their honor to keep, so she also couldn¡¯t slight them which was a source of worry for her.

    No, above all else, to make Raffi¡¯s plan a reality, subordinates of common soldiers would only become a hindrance.

    Currently no one knew about that arbitrary decision of Raffi.

    Whether it was Lux, or even the Automata Arshalia and Fugil.

    The Ancient Forest in the first place wasn¡¯t just a terrain that was hard to enter by people, it had the structure similar to a natural labyrinth after being left alone for several hundred years.

    Raffi and others of New Kingdom army would take position in that battlefield earlier and laid in wait for Lux¡¯s group.

    First both sides would meet at a landmark that was the lake at the center. One side would be at the north while the other at the south. After confirming that the hostages and Grand Force were present, the battle would begin. The one who took down the commander other than Lisha and Alma would win.

    Or rather, by that point victory would substantially fall on the lap of that side.

    She also used Avalon¡¯s function and placed Abysses there, but the members of Syvalles weren¡¯t told about that.

    Till the end she planned to use it as last resort as ambush.

    ¡¸Fugil. If that person¡­¡­the black Drag-Knight is actually really Lux©¤©¤do you think he is able to go as far as locating the entrance of Avalon that was transported here?¡¹

    ¡¸Who knows, I cannot make that judgment.¡¹

    Fugil answered curtly. Arshalia also nodded in agreement.

    ¡¸However, a truly excellent statesman will also plan for any eventuality.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, can I ask you to protect the central? If their aim from designing this place as the stage of the decisive battle is Avalon©¤©¤that will be the best right? Even if you don¡¯t have any duty to protect me, but if it¡¯s that¡¹

    ¡¸Fu¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil realized Raffi¡¯s scheme from that conversation and let slipped a smile.

    (I thought she is just a ruler who is simply relying on Sacred Eclipse¡¯s strength, but she is quite proficient in her cunning.)

    Or perhaps, it was the growth because of her decision to fight by her own will?

    Fugil fundamentally wouldn¡¯t participate in this battle.

    He followed the guidance of Sacred Eclipse and became the ally of Raffi who was at the bottom of misfortune and carried out the world revision. But that period had already passed.

    But, if the enemy aimed at Fugil himself©¤©¤or perhaps at Avalon itself then it would be a different story.

    Fugil had the duty to protect Avalon¡¯s system.

    And then if the enemy was Lux, there was a possibility that he would not aim at Raffi herself, but attempted to stop the function of Avalon in order to oppose Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros.

    She placed Fugil there with the aim to stop Lux¡¯s objective.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. Either way, at present when the Grand Force of Garden is removed, large scale function cannot be used but¡­¡­. If the Lord, Aeril is joining hand with Azure Division, then they will be able to use several of the functions.¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia said that in agreement. She stood at Raffi¡¯s side and readied herself to take command of the remaining Automatas.

    After that the problem was how Raffi would command and place the Drag-Knights of the four great nobles that were lent to her.

    With this©¤©¤all the preparations were finished.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go Fugil. And then please ascertain it. I and him¡­¡­which one of us is worthier to rule the New Kingdom. Which one is the loser who should be destroyed©¤©¤¡¹

    After that, the restrained Alma was taken from the dungeon and they went outside the castle.

    They were carried by Arshalia who was wearing EX Wyvern and Raffi along with Fugil and others flew toward the Ancient Forest.

    .

    Around that time when Raffi¡¯s group was starting to move to take position in the Ancient Forest©¤©¤.

    The preparation for the last battle was also being carried out at the high class where Lux and others were staying at.

    Yoruka was©¤©¤got in touch with Magialca yesterday and told that Avalon was hidden in the Ancient Forest.

    Based on that information, they were able to designate the location for the war to Queen Raffi.

    Yoruka herself was wounded and fatigued so she wouldn¡¯t be able to move for a while, but the strength of Automata that was able to fight equally against a Drag-Knight at Yoruka¡¯s level was also a threat.

    And then of course, it was the same with the girls who were in front of him right now.

    ¡¸Then Lux, please wait for the good news. We will surely take Lisha back.¡¹

    The members of Syvalles in their pilot suit with sword belt attached on their body came to Lux to say farewell before their departure.

    ¡¸I¡¯m counting on you. Celis-senpai, everyone¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was showing a disappointed expression while grasping Celis¡¯s hand. The other members who would be heading to the decisive battle against Azure Division were Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triad.

    Until now they were acting as Lux¡¯s observer and guard, but as expected all of them had to participate in order to rescue Lisha.

    He felt dubious because he didn¡¯t see Krulcifer the day before yesterday and Celis yesterday, but they didn¡¯t tell him the reason of their absent.

    But, it was good that he was able to see their face like this at the end.

    He was unable to answer their feeling but, Lux too also realized his feeling once more, that he loved these girls.

    (Everyone being absent for one day each is bothering me but©¤©¤. There is nothing that I can do about that, I guess¡­¡­)

    It was already fruitful just from knowing that everyone was heading to the Ancient Forest for the decisive battle under Queen Raffi¡¯s command.

    Several hours after this, the negotiation between the commanders of each side would begin and then it would move into war.

    Lux would have to face almost the whole force of the enemy by his lonesome.

    ¡¸This is that girl we¡¯re talking about, so surely she will be frustrated from being unable to meet with Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer and Philuffy talked to him one by one, then the Triad came last.

    ¡¸Honestly, it feels disheartening that you won¡¯t be there but, we have to show our cool side too sometimes.¡¹

    Sharis smiled with an expression that gave no hint about their conversation the other day.

    ¡¸Without Lisha-sama, the maintenance of Drag-Ride is completely no good. We¡¯ve to get her back here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-san also doesn¡¯t look energetic. We will bring back Lisha-sama quickly.¡¹

    Tillfur and Noct told him that with deliberately bright attitude.

    ¡¸Yes. Thank you¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Lux didn¡¯t understand why he said thank you.

    But, a moment later he noticed a certain fact and his expression slightly clouded.

    (No¡­¡­. I see, I have to say it here.)

    If he was defeated in this battle, Lux would be unable to meet them anymore.

    Perhaps even if he succeeded, if Lux¡¯s identity as the leader of Azure Division became spread within the country, he wouldn¡¯t have a place anymore in this country.

    That was why, he had to say it right now.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Everyone, thank you for accepting and treating me well until now even with my criminal status. I really had fun spending time with everyone in the Academy.¡¹

    The Academy life that began since his meeting with Lisha, it was a happy one from being able to spend it together with them.

    When Lux said that with his whole feeling, the girls were making a bewildered and embarrassed face.

    But, they immediately smiled and poked at him, embraced him, or messed up his hair.

    ¡¸What a modest junior. It¡¯s us who are greatly in your debt. Everyone here was saved by you.¡¹

    ¡¸Indeed. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t have any self-awareness of what you have accomplished.¡¹

    Celis and Krulcifer smiled in exasperation.

    ¡¸It will make me embarrassed which is unlike me if you told us your gratitude straight in the face like that so cut it out. Aah geez, I can¡¯t act coolly like this.¡¹

    ¡¸Nn, me too. No, I know that this is me being excessively self-conscious though.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Even so, I¡¯m happy to hear it.¡¹

    Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct of the Triad each showed their reaction in delight.

    At the end Philuffy tightly grabbed Lux¡¯s hands with the usual her own pace.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Then, we¡¯re going now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Be careful.¡¹

    After finishing the farewell with the girls, Lux returned to his room.

    Airi was accompanying Lux who was pretending that he was unable to walk well.

    ¡¸Somehow, this feels nostalgic. That we¡¯re alone like this. The surrounding become slightly too noisy since Nii-san came to the Academy.¡¹

    ¡¸That, might be true.¡¹

    Lux who was lying down on the bed nodded and closed his eyes to pretend to sleep.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t worry. I will©¤©¤protect Nii-san.¡¹

    Airi watched over Lux for a while, then she went outside and closed the door.

    She was going to meet up with Syvalles who was departing late.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After this Lux had to slip out of the inn without anyone noticing and headed to the Ancient Forest.

    Several minutes later, using a certain method Lux hurried to the meeting place with Magialca without getting noticed by Relie who was inside the inn and the soldiers who were disguised as citizens.

    .

    ¡¸Hmph¡­¡­. Good grief. Queen Raffi is quite troublesome. It might be reasonable if it¡¯s against big shot like the Lord, but in a battle against green bandits like Azure Division©¤©¤to place us here as simple guards like this, I cannot accept it.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    At a deserted ground near the Ancient Forest several kl away from the palace©¤©¤.

    At the southernmost area there©¤©¤or to be more accurate, at the direction that was the nearest to the capital, several dozen Drag-Knights were stationed.

    One of the two commanding officers standing at the front was sitting on a large rock and let out a long sigh along with a snicker.

    She was a girl with wavy and rough long dark red hair that reached until her waist. She had a characteristic impudent smile.

    She had a nice body for a girl who hadn¡¯t reached twenty. The undulation of her body style could be seen from even above her mantel.

    But, seeing the warlike smile that she wore, there was no subordinate who would ogle her.

    The people serving this girl who gave an impression like a lion to the people looking at her were harboring fear and also respect toward her.

    The name of the girl with tender age of 18 was Nier Helvym.

    She was a niece of the big man of four great nobles Bugriser Gashtoph, a candidate to be the captain of the unit under his direct control.

    She possessed better skill than his real son as a Drag-Knight and as a commanding officer and became his favorite.

    So to speak she was the trump card of Bugriser as four great nobles. His secret weapon who was bearing the responsibility for the next generation at his territory.

    Even as a Drag-Knight she possessed the strength of an EX Class. She was also highly evaluated as a remarkable character with dauntless courage.

    A girl like that was sent to this battle following Queen Raffi¡¯s request.

    ¡¸Reply back at least. What a boring man. Perhaps you resemble your father.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    On the other hand, the other commanding officer standing near her was a young man. He didn¡¯t react at all even toward Nier¡¯s provocation.

    It wasn¡¯t that he was indifferent toward other people. He controlled all his emotions and wore an atmosphere of a professional.

    The young man¡¯s name was Dawla Schultzed.

    He had only just turned twenty. He was the biological son of the four great nobles Zagha Schultzed.

    Zagha had a lot of sons. Among them Dawla¡¯s age was far removed from his father, but the way he fought steadily and his aptitude with Drag-Ride that was unusually high for a man were evaluated highly. He was acknowledged as the best within his territory.

    This time he answered the request of Raffi and cooperated in the decisive battle against the Azure Division along with Bugriser¡¯s niece Nier.

    The young man with slender face©¤©¤but sharp gaze was looking toward the direction of the capital while glaring at Nier for a full ten-odd seconds.

    ¡¸If you hate boredom, wouldn¡¯t it be fine if you raise an achievements in the great battle against the Lord last time? I heard that at that time it was hell with seven Ragnaroks appearing at the same time. I guess your vigorousness come from your uncle but, you will die young if you are putting on airs too much.¡¹

    Cold gaze and tone as though to cut down his talking partner.

    However Nier also didn¡¯t back down hearing that.

    ¡¸Hah. Obviously that was what I was going to do at that time. But uncle stopped me. Can you not group me together with a coward like you?¡¹

    While they were killing time by exchanging frivolous talk like that, a group of Drag-Knights with a part of their armor painted blue could be seen from afar.

    ¡¸Haa, this is boring. Even though I¡¯ll be able to make the New Kingdom indebted to me if I can save the princess, just watching the entrance won¡¯t be any significant achievement. And so, it¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? Even if we crush that so called Azure Division©¤©¤¡¹

    Nier blurted that out with a fearless smile.

    The proclamation of violating the order from Raffi caused bafflement to color the faces of her subordinates.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t do anything stupid. If the princess is killed before the negotiation, it won¡¯t finish with just your head. Do you want to dirty even your uncle¡¯s name too?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m joking. This is why I hate gloomy man. But©¤©¤it will be fine if it¡¯s after the negotiation is over then. We can just make up some appropriate reason and join in.¡¹

    Nier shrugged while her eyes that were covered with ambition glinted fiercely.

    Till the end their role was as guard to prevent any intruder into this battle but, they were giving off a premonition of disturbance.

    .

    The unit led by Nier and Dawla was taking position as defensive line to cut off the path from the Ancient Forest to the capital. At that time while they were standing guard,

    Lux who slipped out of the inn and met up with Azure Division was also flying in the sky toward the stage of the decisive battle.

    ¡¸Vice captain, the preparation is finished. How is your body¡¯s condition?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m alright. We will accomplish our mission without fail.¡¹

    Aeril who was carrying Lisha who was pouting in dissatisfaction was flying in her EX Wyvern while talking to Lux.

    In respond Lux replied with a stifled voice from under a mask that looked like a helmet covering his head.

    He said that, but in reality they couldn¡¯t really prepare anything noteworthy.

    Because Alma was taken hostage, the lineup of Azure Division was really small.

    Kilzrake family also had several dozen Drag-Knights at their disposal, but they were nothing more than prop to show a battle strength that was more than the actual reality.

    If they clashed with the elites of Syvalles starting from Krulcifer, then only Lux or Aeril would be able to stand a chance.

    Therefore, the subordinates were given instruction for a distraction mission.

    They wouldn¡¯t fight head on no matter what. They would use the treasures taken out from Garden abundantly to sow chaos, while Lux would use the opening to defeat Syvalles members one by one.

    They would recover Alma during that while infiltrating into Avalon, used the recording medium in their possession, and obtained information.

    After that they would temporarily retreat, reorganized themselves, used the information of weak point they obtained, and crushed Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros.

    ¡¸Hah¡­¡­¡¹

    Bitter smile welled up just from considering the recklessness of the objectives that were listed up.

    Although they had in their possession recording medium that could be played at the central of Avalon or at the library facility called the Archive, it didn¡¯t mean that it would surely contain the weak point of Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros. And even if the information existed, they also didn¡¯t know whether they could make use of it with their current battle force.

    But, this situation of facing against a powerful enemy wasn¡¯t any different with five years ago.

    Right now he didn¡¯t have a collaborator that was Fugil, but he didn¡¯t feel any anxiety.

    Because he was wishing from the bottom of his heart to save his comrades from the Academy starting from Lisha, the girls who were important to him©¤©¤.

    ¡ºAlso, about them¡­¡­. It¡¯s impossible.¡»

    ¡ºI see¡­¡­¡»

    Aeril used Dragon Voice to convey her mind to Lux who was flying beside her so that Lisha in her arms wouldn¡¯t hear.

    In respond Lux slightly hung his head down before he lifted his head to fire up himself.

    Magialca dispatched her aide Lolotte to detain the Seven Dragon Paladins who returned to their own country after the parade was over to ask for their cooperation in defeating Fugil, but as expected they were told once more that it was impossible.

    They didn¡¯t have any reason to give their assistance against the danger to the New Kingdom, and in the first place they were unable to breakthrough the binding spell to their mind.

    In their mind, they thought that Fugil had been defeated and the case of Avalon had been taken care of.

    ¡ºBut, we¡¯re taking a desperate measure. If it goes well, it might be possible to call them here. Perhaps if Lux-kun can directly persuade them there©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºYeah, let¡¯s try betting in that. I don¡¯t know if it will be in time but¡­¡­¡»

    Lux nodded in respond, then right after that Lisha who was carried by the armored arms of EX Wyvern worn by Aeril grumbled while her eyes were blindfolded.

    ¡¸It seems you guys are scheming something but, there isn¡¯t any time for pointless talk you know?¡¹

    They arrived at the Ancient Forest that was several kl away from the capital Lordgalia.

    The Drag-Knights of New Kingdom military were taking position at that place that should be called as the entrance.

    ¡¸Are you all the Azure Diviison? Nice to meet you. I am the captain of a private force of the four great nobles, Nier Helvym. This guy is Dawla. We are ordered to watch over the negotiation and battle in this Ancient Forest.¡¹

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have the authority to harm your group. But, we are tasked with preventing the reinforcement from outside as well as the intervention of other force that isn¡¯t in the battle¡¯s stipulation. That¡¯s all, go through.¡¹

    The two Drag-Knights at the front who seemed to be the commanding officers introduced themselves and told them that.

    One person was a red haired girl with nice style and self-assured air.

    The other one was a slender man with quiet expression.

    From the introduction of the two calm and bold people, Lux guessed that they were the private force of the four great nobles who were here due to Raffi¡¯s request for cooperation.

    ¡¸Understood. After this we will challenge the New Kingdom to a battle that wagered the hostage of each side. Everyone here is to not be involved in the battle and to not even enter the Ancient Forest, is that right?¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Of course if the agreement is broken, then it can¡¯t be helped no matter what is done to the rule breaker. For both sides that is.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    From Nier¡¯s lifted corner of the lips, the intention to join this battle was clearly felt.

    But, most likely their participation into the battle would be after it turned into a melee.

    In the first place Lux and Aeril didn¡¯t believe their promise in the surface that they would stay as watcher until the end.

    But, they didn¡¯t say anything more in that place and advanced into the Ancient Forest.

    They who were instructed by Queen Raffi to stay as spectator had nothing to gain by breaking the promise and challenged them to fight here.

    Rather, it would be more profitable to interfere when the queen was in danger to make her indebted to them.

    The four great nobles who were great feudal lords and New Kingdom military weren¡¯t in a simple hierarchical relationship.

    Lux made his judgment exactly because he was aware of that circumstance.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, sorry that we can¡¯t save you here, princess.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll gratefully accept only your feeling.¡¹

    Nier turned a malicious gaze toward Lisha, but Lisha ignored it.

    It seemed that even though she was becoming hostage like in the past, she was more levelheaded right now.

    Lux felt relieved at Lisha¡¯s reaction while entering the Ancient Forest.

    At his childhood©¤©¤at the era of the Old Empire he had only heard about the rumor of this place but, this was his first time actually entering inside.

    ¡ºHow should I say it, this is a mysterious place. It¡¯s like©¤©¤¡»

    Lux also nodded in agreement at that impression of Aeril.

    ¡ºYeah. It¡¯s like©¤©¤we¡¯re inside a Ruin¡­¡­¡»

    Even though it should be a nature that hadn¡¯t been touched by human hands for many months and years, the way the vegetations grew and the undulation of the terrain possessed strange regularity.

    Besides the vegetations and the ores themselves felt unfamiliar somehow.

    Lux led the Azure Division force and advanced straight to the center of the deep forest. Before long a huge lake appeared.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    At the place after the came out of the forest, Queen Raffi and New Kingdom military could be seen at the opposite shore of the lake.

    They were taking position at the location that he had decided beforehand based on the information Yoruka brought back.

    ¡¸At noon¡­¡­ Just in time. I have been waiting, Azure Division¡¯s vice leader-sama. Errr©¤©¤can I ask you what name should I call you with?¡¹

    From Queen Raffi¡¯s tone and expression, there was no excessive killing intent, hostility, or even anything like anxiety that could be seen.

    Perhaps it could be seen as her bluffing but, this wasn¡¯t her trying to take a calm attitude on the surface.

    Her inside, her humanity already became an existence that transcended the highs and lows of emotion.

    The members of Syvalles surely didn¡¯t notice but, that was what Lux felt.

    Until now Lux shouldn¡¯t have given her any clue that he was the ringleader of Azure Division, but for some reason he harbored a feeling as though everything had been seen through.

    (Calm down. In this situation her majesty Raffi is also still unable to use Sacred Eclipse¡¯s power©¤©¤it should be so.)

    Now that one of the Ruins¡¯ Grand Forces was taken out and the previous Endless ended incompletely, it was impossible to greatly overwrite the contradiction in reality using complete perception manipulation.

    The New Kingdom military didn¡¯t even notice the change of Queen Raffi¡¯s appearance into a girl, but if she showed her true form as Sacred Eclipse, as expected they would surely notice.

    (I have to, defeat her. Somehow, I have to tear it off from her majesty Raffi©¤©¤)

    The dark side of Sacred Eclipse that was created as a system to save mankind.

    The truth that Lux feared had been told to him and confirmed by Yoruka¡¯s report.

    ¡¸You can call me anything you like. More importantly, the promised thing is certain isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Lux replied like that, and then Aeril started negotiating with Raffi just like arranged beforehand.

    The hostage exchange and then the battle©¤©¤this was the confirming of the rule for that.

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤. Your side too, can you show Lisha to me?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­My deepest apologies, Haha-ue.¡¹

    Lisha whose hands were tied and her eyes blindfolded with a Blade pointed on her back slightly hung her head down.

    In respond Raffi smiled in relieve and replied.

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad you are safe¡­¡­. Don¡¯t worry Lisha. I will save you without fail.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s face smiled gently.

    Lux¡¯s back shuddered feeling the thick killing intent that was emitted behind it.

    He felt the threat of Sacred Eclipse that possessed the abilities of all Ragnaroks while the other side also pushed out the restrained Alma.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also alright here. Quickly bring down the hammer on these guys, this politician and her hangers-on who are committing evil while acting righteously.¡¹

    Alma in her own way was acting as a courageous traitor just as planned.

    He was anxious because he didn¡¯t know what happened to her after getting captured, but from her attitude it seemed she was alright for now.

    ¡¸Then, the battle will begin ten minutes from now inside the Ancient Forest. The soldiers of both camps that will participate in this battle are only those who are currently present here©¤©¤, coming out of the Ancient Forest will be considered as retreat¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi read up the stipulation regarding this battle that had been sent beforehand.

    ¡¸When the commander is captured or killed, a chance to surrender will be given to the enemy army. Lizsharte Atismata and Alma Atismata are here as guarantee so that both sides will protect the stipulation but, by the time each side take them back that binding will become meaningless. Surrender will be done by dispelling the equipped Drag-Knight and handing over the Sword Device©¤©¤is that acceptable?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. I swear to abide by that stipulation with this Grand Force on the line.¡¹

    Aeril nodded and lfited up a huge crystal for all to see.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤, let¡¯s exchange blow ten minutes later. Until then the line of the lake cannot be crossed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The negotiation itself ended with that, but Lux checked the lineup of New Kingdom¡¯s side once more.

    The unfamiliar Drag-Knights around the queen©¤©¤the three masked people were most likely Automatas.

    In addition were dozens of men who seemed to be ordinary soldiers. They must be the royal guard.

    They would surely focus on their protection duty.

    Therefore after this they would move to the northeast side of the lake and wouldn¡¯t make any large movement.

    And then the role to take back Lisha should be mainly taken by Syvalles.

    Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triad were all present.

    For Lux everything would hang on whether he would be able to break them up from each other and then quickly defeated them.

    (Celis-senpai isn¡¯t here¡­¡­? Is she planning to take another action?)

    He also couldn¡¯t see Fugil¡¯s figure. He was somewhat uneasy of that but¡­¡­

    ¡ºLux-kun¡­¡­. As expected it¡¯s just like the information that I confirmed¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºYeah¡­¡­¡»

    He secretly talked with Aeril through the Dragon Voice.

    Avalon was an assembly of facility that could be separated into several. Its heart was the central.

    The rooms other than the central room were small facilities that could be used by someone with a certain level of supervisory authority.

    The Sky Palace that Listelka of the Lord once used was also one of those facilities.

    This time they had business with one of them, the information management facility called the Archive that was like a library.

    The placement of Avalon on the whole was fundamentally in the shape of a hexagram. They also understood the role of Archive in general.

    To locate the Archive that was hidden in the Ancient Forest and entered it, they could only use Aeril¡¯s authority as a Lord and searched for the entrance.

    Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte was accompanying his master.

    He could only leave this to his subordinates in Azure Division now.

    ¡¸Well then©¤©¤later. I will have you all atone for causing the commotion this time at that time.¡¹

    Raffi said that, then both sides returned into the forest and started giving command.

    Excluding Lux and Aeril, Azure Division was made up from twelve Wyvern users, twelve Wyrm users, and ten Drake users.

    Each of them possessed skill above the intermediate level but, this battle strength wasn¡¯t sufficient at all to directly fight against Syvalles.

    ¡º¡­¡­Haa, this is the fault of Lux-kun who trained everyone too much.¡»

    ¡ºQuite a lot of their battle strength had been gathered up even before I came to the Academy you know¡­¡­. Or rather, if you say that then you are also one of the cause of it isn¡¯t is¡­¡­?¡»

    Aeril was making a frivolous talk must be her attempt to make Lux relax.

    Seen from the side, the difference in battle strength was despairingly wide.

    If both sides clashed head on, most likely their side would be completely annihilated in less than ten minutes.

    Lux had a strategy in order to overturn that situation.

    The facility called Cocoon that seemed to be placed at the south of the Ancient Forest©¤©¤the plant facility to refine Abyss that they also discovered before. They would aim to there.

    Because they obtained a lot of horn flutes from the Garden last time, they would use the Abysses that were manufactured in the plant to sow chaos.

    The order to the Abyss would be only to destroy the Drag-Ride. He intended to forbid killing the users.

    ¡ºHaa, Lux-kun is terrifying. Putting aside everyone of Syvalles, to think that you will even take the average soldiers into consideration.¡»

    ¡ºI know that this is a na?ve thinking. But©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºYes. There won¡¯t be any meaning in doing this if it¡¯s not like that.¡»

    Sacrificing and abandoning the innocent minority that didn¡¯t know anything in order to allow the majority to live at their own convenience.

    Perhaps it was something unavoidable for statesman, but it was different from Lux¡¯s wish.

    In that case, not pursuing that ideal until the very limit would make him lost sight of the conviction persisting within him. It would even take away his strength and resolve.

    Singlen was a man who could abandon what he considered as unnecessary.

    At the same time, he persisted on his own path of supremacy based on the thinking of pursuing the path that he believed as correct and taking command.

    It was a splendid path in its own way.

    Lux was aiming for a noble path that was different from that man but one that wouldn¡¯t lose even against him.

    The power of Sacred Eclipse.

    Even if Raffi was someone who had gone through a life that was filled with hardships, ruling over people with inhuman power was something that mustn¡¯t be done©¤©¤.

    Right after the proclamation of the decisive battle, Lux first aimed toward the Abyss production plant with Aeril as fast as possible.

    Right now he was using normal Wyvern in order to minimize the consumption of his stamina as much as possible but©¤©¤.

    ¡ºWe can only hope that she will do a great work for the rest.¡»

    ¡ºIt¡¯s natural but right now there is no sign of New Kingdom military. We¡¯re entering the plant facility like this.¡»

    ¡ºYeah. Let¡¯s go!¡»

    He checked the plan with Aeril and then sped up his Drag-Ride even further.

    Their destination was a section where wreckages of stone building were lying around.

    They found a strange trace on the dug up ground. Aeril held her hand over it.

    Lisha was still blindfolded so that she wouldn¡¯t be able to see through their tactic.

    Then, a window shining bluish white appeared from empty air.

    ¡ºA Lord¡¯s presence is confirmed. Will you enter the Cocoon©¤©¤Abyss production plant now?¡»

    Only two minutes had passed since the meeting before this until here.

    They were still in the phase before both sides crossed the boundary of the lake and clashed.

    The subordinates other than Lisha and Aeril and Lux were asked to accomplish different objective, and so the force of Azure Division was split into two.

    One group was the diversion unit against the enemy camp.

    After they released the Abysses from here, the subordinates would control them with the horn flutes and bought time as much as possible.

    When they were going to start preparing for that, the path to inside the plant was opened.

    ¡¸A Lord¡­¡­? You, who in the world are you!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s perception was deceived using the power of Baptims that Aeril possessed, so she was unable to realize Aeril¡¯s true identity.

    But because she was perceiving all the other facts than that, Lisha made a dubious face.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Naturally both Lux and Aeril didn¡¯t respond and continued their preparation silently.

    Most likely Raffi also planned to use this facility, because there was already a lot of Abyss sleeping inside.

    It could be said as an opening that they could take advantage because the opponent didn¡¯t think that Aeril would be rescued and made to cooperate.

    ¡ºAeril. How long will it take until all the Abysses are released from the plant?¡»

    ¡ºErr¡­¡­. Perhaps if I have five more minutes©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºYosh, then we will make it.¡»

    There were seven minutes remaining until the time that was decided for the battle to begin for real.

    If they could make nearly a hundred Abysses here into ally during that time, they would be in advantage in this battle without doubt.

    ¡ºStarting the transfer. Please be careful.¡»

    A robotic voice spoke, at the same time light blinked brightly. Lux and Aeril felt like they were weightless.

    They were standing inside the plant when they noticed.

    ¡ºThis place©¤©¤just as I thought¡»

    Lux looked around at the countless capsules surrounding them and muttered with Dragon Voice.

    Aeril also nodded in respond.

    ¡ºYes. It¡¯s the same with the plant facility underground the old castle at Guernica. Looks like we¡¯re right that Raffi and Fugil carried it out from Avalon.¡»

    The place where Celis and Philuffy fought the formidable enemy Mishis more than two weeks ago.

    At that time the interior was somewhat destroyed from the battle, but the rubbles had been removed and now a lot of Abysses were squirming inside the capsules once more.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this, strange presence¡­¡­? Why is something like this inside New Kingdom¡¯s forest©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who didn¡¯t know that the Ancient Forest was turned into Avalon sensed the strange atmosphere and muttered, but Lux and Aeril also couldn¡¯t tell her.

    ¡ºThen, I¡¯ll free the Abysses with my authority so, Lux-kun please stand guard so that no one will distur©¤©¤¡­¡­-!?¡»

    ¡ºWatch out Aeril!¡»

    The moment Aeril reached out toward the object that was the activation device, Lux felt a presence and drove his Wyvern in front of the girl to protect her.

    Instantly a single thrust of a lance that moved through the shortest route without any pointless motion was reflexively blocked by Lux¡¯s Blade.

    ¡¸Gu, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lightning Flash¡¹

    But, the instant he skillfully diverted the spear tip, *BASHII!* dazzling electricity burst to the surrounding.

    Celis¡¯s voice could be heard.

    And then, coming out from the shadow of an Abyss¡¯s capsule was the special armament of her Divine Drag-Ride Lindwurm©¤©¤Lightning Lance.

    That spear that was tinged with electricity and could attack until mid-range by emitting electricity would be transmitted to the armor even when it was properly blocked. It had the effect to down the output of a Drag-Ride.

    Thus, electricity flowed through the tip of the spear into the Blade that it touched and Lux¡¯s movement was stopped for a moment.

    (Damn it!? This attack is©¤©¤, a trap!)

    In order to intentionally make her attack was deflected, she didn¡¯t put all her strength into it and only concentrated on the lance¡¯s electric attack.

    ¡ºLux-kun!¡»

    Without delay Aeril wrapped Lux¡¯s armor with a Wire Tail and pulled him back along with his Wyvern.

    Thanks to her immediately grasping a weapon that could support, she was barely able to protect Lux.

    A moment later, the space where Lux was just at was gouged by the lance that Celis thrust out once more.

    The sure kill thrust that was unleashed after gathering enough strength would surely decide the battle if it actually landed.

    (What in the world! Even though the battle still hasn¡¯t started, Celis-senpai is here!)

    ¡¸Why are you here!? You are planning to break the stipulation!?¡¹

    Aeril whose true identity was hidden by perception manipulation yelled toward Celis in Lux¡¯s place.

    It was natural but, if the stipulation of the battle this time was broken, then it couldn¡¯t be helped even if the hostages from both sides were killed.

    And then, this place was located at the southwest side which was beyond the boundary of the lake, so even entering to here shouldn¡¯t be allowed until seven minutes later when the battle started.

    Raffi shouldn¡¯t break the stipulation so suddenly because of that.

    Furthermore there was no way that Celis of Syvalles could be here.

    They made light of the other side like that, but that assumption was suddenly betrayed.

    Most likely Celis had been sent to hide in this Abyss production plant before the negotiation.

    She wouldn¡¯t make it in time here if that wasn¡¯t the case.

    ¡¸What are you talking about? I¡¯m only going to deal with an enemy though?¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    They didn¡¯t notice because the head armor part was hiding it, but there was no light in Celis¡¯s eyes.

    She controlled Lindwurm with hollow and suspicious atmosphere and thrust her lance once more with a tremendous speed.

    Lux somehow used his Scale Blade to match against that superb and powerful attack.

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    *BACHiII-¡­¡­!*

    An instant later, the origin point of the opponent¡¯s attack was crushed and the power of the attack was pushed back as a counterattack.

    As expected Lux was able to deal with the attack when it was the second time, but he was unable to also block the electricity from the spear tip and his whole body was paralyzed.

    On the other hand Celis also received the impact of the counter and she was blown backward and faltered.

    ¡¸This technique is©¤©¤? No, it¡¯s irrelevant. If I can just, rescue Lizsharte¡¹

    For an instant her eyes opened wide in bewilderment, but she immediately switched her feeling and her expression returned into a serious one.

    On the other hand Lux was also feeling  bewildered at Celis¡¯s strange reaction while quickly pulling out Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    This time because he would be forced into a long consecutive battle, he planned to save his stamina as much as possible, but if he did something like holding back against a powerful opponent like Celis, he would be instantly defeated.

    He removed his armor parts by sending them flying as buckshot to attack the enemy while at the same time erasing any opening during his summoning of new armor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    But, Celis twisted her armored body and turned her side profile toward Lux, to keep the hit on her body to the minimum.

    Without pause she held her huge lance at the height of her eyes and sharply stepped forward.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Even though Lux also deployed Bahamut in high speed and equipped it, Celis¡¯s counterattack was just slightly faster.

    Aeril interrupted with her Wire Tail, but Celis didn¡¯t falter and charged forward with her spear.

    ¡¸Guh, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    It seemed she didn¡¯t make in time to transmit energy into her lance because the Lightning Flash wasn¡¯t activated.

    Even so the impact of the thrust pierced through Bahamut and dealt damage inside Lux¡¯s body.

    He was blown backward for ten-odd ml and the Drag-Ride¡¯s function was downed temporarily.

    (This is, bad¡­¡­. I completely, miscalculated!)

    It was surprising that Celis was here, but more than that Lux himself had been strengthened by Baptism and he thought he had become stronger.

    It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that conceit invited this blunder.

    He believed that he had evaluated Celis¡¯s true strength more than enough, but even though her mental state looked more unstable than usual, her lance handling was well-executed.

    ¡ºLux-kun! Be careful, she isn¡¯t like before! Most likely she received Baptism and got strengthened!¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Aeril pointed that out while using her whip to break three capsules filled with Abyss near Celis.

    She was contriving to release the Abysses to divert Celis¡¯s attention, but the girl wasn¡¯t perturbed at all and finished off the three chimeras with the shortest motion.

    Furthermore, she didn¡¯t even give a glance at Aeril knowing that it was an act of desperation from her.

    Till the end she considered Lux as the biggest threat and observed for a chance to switch into offense once more.

    ¡ºBut, what¡¯s with Celis-senpai¡¯s condition? It¡¯s like she doesn¡¯t realize at all that this Divine Drag-Ride is Bahamut.¡»

    In this situation right now the plan couldn¡¯t be carried on, so originally Celis should notice that she was facing Lux, but it wasn¡¯t that she wasn¡¯t noticing, she wasn¡¯t paying him any mind.

    ¡ºPerhaps¡­¡­. I think¡­¡­she is receiving mental pollution from the ability of Ragnarok Iblis. Her doubt toward this strategy that Queen Raffi ordered her to do must have been taken away.¡»

    ¡ºSo, it¡¯s like that¡­¡­!¡»

    Lux understood Aeril¡¯s reasoning while intercepting the approaching Celis with his great sword.

    It helped that she didn¡¯t notice Lux¡¯s identity, but on the other hand he was hard pressed here.

    It was also a great threat to clash head on with Celis, but if he was unable to see through her point that was strengthened by Baptism, there was a possibility of him getting instantly defeated.

    So that he would only come into contact with Lindwurm¡¯s spear at minimum, he defended in a way of warding off her thrust to left and right or up and bottom. He would look for chance and dodged before moving into attack.

    ¡¸Divine Gate¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    But the territory of Divine Raiment that was deployed at the same time spread out to the surrounding. In that instant Celis activated the Divine Raiment of instant teleportation.

    Thinking that he would be attacked from behind, Lux didn¡¯t immediately defend but flew toward Aeril.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    Aeril was focusing as support this time, so she would be defeated if she was taken by surprise even if she was wearing EX Wyvern.

    Thinking that Lux flew with all his strength. In that instant Celis swiftly turned around and drew back her spear.

    (Damn it! I was lured to attack¡­¡­!)

    With him moving at top speed, he couldn¡¯t stop his attack.

    However, Lux finally understood what point that was strengthened from Celis.

    ¡¸What the¡­¡­this reaction speed of her!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s only you two who are slow. For the current me©¤©¤¡¹

    What Aeril said was exactly the answer of what the strengthened point of Celis was.

    In contrast with Yoruka who got her eyesight strengthened by Baptism and obtained mystic eye that could read presence, Celis right now was possessing reaction speed that was transcending human limit.

    Human¡¯s reaction speed.

    The slight time needed to confirm the information, pondered, and then gave an order to the body through brain waves.

    Celis¡¯s reaction speed became a step faster compared to the normal human.

    The strengthening of nerves¡¯ transmission©¤©¤most likely it put burden to the person, but in a battle to the limit where victory and defeat would be decided in an instant, being able to move a step ahead became an overwhelming advantage.

    And then©¤©¤this strengthening could be said to be the most optimum to make the best use of Celis¡¯s tactical thinking©¤©¤her swift established tactic that had been raised until it was half conditioned reflex to bring out the best response depending on the situation and executed it.

    Celis¡¯s combat strength was greatly increased just by increasing her reaction speed a level higher.

    She wasn¡¯t making prediction, she was observing the enemy¡¯s move before overtaking that movement and responded with the best reaction. Such thing was now possible for her.

    Therefore, it was an ability that was symmetrical with Lux¡¯s weapon that was his superhuman foresight, and furthermore Lux¡¯s affinity with it was the worst.

    Celis¡¯s answer that was produced by her extremely focused reaction speed was to defend using her spear as shield.

    (Why is she defending? If it¡¯s the current Celis-senpai, it should be easy for her to intercept with counterattack, and yet©¤©¤)

    Doubt crossed the mind of Lux who was taking a stance with her great sword while flying.

    But, Celis¡¯s return technique that he had never seen before right after that burst before his eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Strong Lightning Flash!¡¹

    At the instant of impact when both of their weapons came into contact, an intense flash burned Lux¡¯s retina.

    Electricity that was stocked in full power surged and even though he only came into contact with it for an instant, a tremendous shock pierced through Lux¡¯s body.

    ¡¸Guh, AAaaAAAA!¡¹

    ¡ºLux-kun-!?¡»

    Aeril yelled hearing the groan slipping out from the corner of his lips.

    (So the defense, is for this¡­¡­!)

    Lux received electricity damage that made him unable to feel his limbs while comprehending Celis¡¯s technique.

    She accumulated Lindwurm¡¯s energy until the maximum and unleashed the electric attack from the special armament Lightning Lance at the moment of contact.

    Under usual circumstances the opponent would be wary of her and reacted by taking distance from her if she showed any sign of the electric attack, but by staying still and concentrating the energy, it became possible to release the maximum output of the attack in the short time without showing any sign beforehand.

    It was a counter that discarded every other action and focused only in interception.

    Furthermore, it was a feat that would be difficult to time correctly without having the ability of super reaction speed obtained from Baptism.

    (So Celis-senpai, became this strong, after receiving Baptism¡­¡­)

    Lux¡¯s thinking that he would be able to defeat Syvalles if it was one by one wasn¡¯t too optimistic.

    But, it was just that her strength was surpassing Lux¡¯s imagination.

    Lux himself was barely avoiding from having his armor dispelled after the ability of his whole body was strengthened several times by Baptism, but without that he would be defeated by a single attack.

    However©¤©¤his body was paralyzed and couldn¡¯t move.

    At that time, the hollow Celis who was being mentally polluted opened her mouth.

    ¡¸I have to save Lizsharte, save the princess. In his place¡­¡­. In order to not let him force himself more than this too, we have to, become stronger©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis who was manipulated by Raffi and temporarily turned into a puppet that would only defeat the enemy unconsciously slipped out those words.

    Those words lit fire to Lux¡¯s mind that was getting fainthearted.

    At the same time, Celis also staggered and broke her stance.

    Because the full powered thrust that Lux unleashed when he rushed slipped through the guard of the lance and pierced Lindwurm¡¯s armor.

    ¡ºAeril¡­¡­. You don¡¯t need to assist me¡­¡­! Focus all your attention to protect Lisha-sama and liberate the Abyss plant.¡»

    ¡ºLux-kun, but, with your state©¤©¤¡»

    He was showered with considerable amount of electricity, but he was still conscious.

    Lux had to win this fight and saved everyone.

    It didn¡¯t matter that she lost her memory of that three days of parade, or that she was manipulated by mental pollution, Celis was currently doing her best in her own way.

    She stayed as she was believing on Lux.

    In that case, no matter how powerful she was, he couldn¡¯t be defeated here.

    ¡¸It seems that you can still go on. Then©¤©¤, here I come.¡¹

    Celis who was also pulling herself together like Lux drove Lindwurm forward.

    In the next instant, the lance¡¯s thrust was sent out with a force that was like a storm.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­!¡¹

    The precise and exquisite spear handling, the girl who overcame deathly battle against powerful enemy had her technique, resilience, and heart polished all the more. Lux understood that.

    She was cornering Lux with unshakeable heart, with superb piloting and tactic without any wasted movement that even Lux couldn¡¯t easily see through.

    The consecutive attacks that were like raging waves didn¡¯t even have any holding back that the normal Celis would usually do.

    Her lance was thrusting with the intention of piercing the enemy with certainty and dealing a lethal wound.

    (Strong, extremely so¡­¡­. Celis-senpai who obtained a new strength is¡­¡­)

    She endured the intense pain of the Baptims that surpassed the imagination and overcame the risk of death must also because of her feeling toward Lux.

    When he thought of that, he was feeling respect along with warm feeling enveloping him.

    Her nobility as four great nobles. Her sense of responsibility and kindness.

    He could trust her from the bottom of his heart as a senior, as a friend, and as a woman.

    Raffi¡¯s plan that strengthened her in order to subjugate Lux and brainwashed her before stationing her surpassed Lux¡¯s prediction.

    (But, you¡¯re mistaken. Queen Raffi. You still©¤©¤don¡¯t understand the true Celis-senpai!)

    Lux strongly thought that each time the sword and spear clashed, each time he was overwhelmed by her strength.

    Raffi must be purposely controlling Celis with the power of Iblis so that she wouldn¡¯t harbor any question or doubt, but she was mistaken.

    Celis¡¯s strength lied exactly in her doubt.

    Her strength wasn¡¯t strength without doubt, it was her heart that conquered her doubt.

    Her noble figure that faced every kind of difficulty was the true source of her strength.

    Lux was finally starting to dodge the fierce attack of Lindwurm that wouldn¡¯t loath even killing the opponent without hesitation.

    And then, he activated the sure kill Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Crimson light surged from Bahamut¡¯s armor. Celis¡¯s eyes that were shadowed opened wide.

    His aim was the compression strengthening of time with Celis and Lindwurm as the target.

    At the first five second the other¡¯s speed was dramatically decreased. Then the opponent would be showered with consecutive attack using that opponent to decide the battle. It was the sure kill Violent Strike.

    But, Celis instantly vanished from Reload on Fire¡¯s area of effect.

    She didn¡¯t use Divine Gate offensively until now was to save it for evasion.

    Lux also kept his back turned toward the wall, so he managed to prevent a surprise attack by Divine Gate.

    But the moment he thought that, Celis who escaped to outside the range of Reload on Fire took a terrifying action.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge¡¹

    She didn¡¯t fly into Lux¡¯s range, instead she took a distance of ten-odd ml away and performed Break Purge.

    The armor buckshot that was fired from Lindwurm stopped still in midair at the area in front of Lux that was under the super deceleration influence of Reload on Fire, sealing Lux¡¯s own movement.

    (Damn it¡­¡­!)

    On the other hand Celis reduced her defense armor until the limit and took the form specialized for attack. She was focusing all her energy to her back wings.

    She charged at the timing when the first five seconds of Reload on Fire¡¯s compression strengthening passed and without pause she took the stance to thrust her lance.

    Furthermore, there wasn¡¯t even several seconds remaining for Lux who was cornered to the wall with the option of escaping to the surrounding was sealed by the armor buckshot.

    It seemed Celis didn¡¯t notice that her opponent was Lux due to the mental pollution, but she perfectly executed the countermeasure against Bahamut.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I can¡¯t permit you to use that Drag-Ride. It should be, returned to him.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    As soon as Celis muttered that with an empty expression, the lightened Lindwurm in its attack specialization form charged with super acceleration.

    She flew like a streak of bullet clad in lightning, piercing through the air.

    .

    (©¤©¤Got him)

    .

    Celis who was charging forward in conviction was receiving mental pollution from Raffi a little while ago.

    Celis who didn¡¯t know that Raffi was Sacred Eclipse didn¡¯t even have any leeway to resist. Her heart was eroded and she was turned into a puppet that would carry out Raffi¡¯s order loyally and hid here.

    In order to take Lisha back, in order to accomplish her duty as a member of four great nobles, she was instructed to pour all her strength even more than anything she had done before.

    No matter who her opponent was, she would annihilate New Kingdom¡¯s enemy without hesitation.

    She was made to think that it was the only truth, the correct path.

    That was why, while she had witnessed Bahamut¡¯s ability, she gave no thought to who her opponent was.

    Her dearest wish would be granted in just an instant later.

    (And yet, what is this? This feeling¡­¡­)

    Even though she should be without hesitation for his sake too, she was feeling doubt at the fact that she was making this choice itself.

    (No¡­¡­. There was something that I was once taught. There is someone who saved me who was fixated, blindly believed, and escaped into what I thought as right.)

    Because she lost her teacher because of her action, she became obsessed to righteousness and committed a mistake. But the young man who was her teacher¡¯s grandson saved her.

    He was always thinking, worrying, and hesitating by himself.

    He didn¡¯t run away from that suffering and tried to face the truth.

    (That¡¯s why, I fall in love with him¡­¡­. I want to learn from his way of living©¤©¤)

    The binding of mental pollution that was covering Celis¡¯s heart was clearing.

    ©¤©¤Lux.

    (There is something that I want to convey to you. Even if this feeling won¡¯t be fulfilled, at the very least I want to tell you, my feeling©¤©¤)

    The moment that was prolonged within her mind was brought back into the reality¡¯s result.

    Instantly, a tremendous impact that was centered on Lindwurm¡¯s armored shoulder smashed through Celis.

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Lux-kun-!¡»

    Aeril who was controlling the Abyss plant witnessed the sure kill attack that Celis and Lux unleashed against each other and yelled.

    The after wave from two impacts crossing each other made dust to scatter and fiercely shook the Abyss plant called the Cocoon.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Aeril deployed a barrier using her EX Wyvern to cover Lisha and somehow endured the shockwave.

    The cloud of dust settled along with the passing of time and the figure of Lux and Celis came into view.

    ¡¸Ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril raised her voice in astonishment.

    When her sight cleared up, the battle had been decided.

    The attack of Lightning Lance from Celis¡¯s attack specialized form was dodged by Lux with a twist of his body at the very last moment, then he landed a slash of his Blade on Lindwurm¡¯s shoulder in a counter.

    ¡¸U, a¡­¡­¡¹

    Because the Force Core that was the heart part of Drag-Ride was struck, Celis lost consciousness from the impact and her armor was dispelled right afterwards.

    ©¤©¤*Kiin*.

    Celis¡¯s body that crumbled along with a faint light was immediately caught by Lux.

    ¡ºYou did it Lux-kun. You managed to defeat her without injuring her.¡»

    Aeril came running in relieve, but Lux shook his head slightly.

    ¡ºNo, it¡¯s the reverse. I was saved¡­¡­. By Celis-senpai.¡»

    ¡ºEh¡­¡­?¡»

    Aeril tilted her head with a puzzled look. Lux smiled while breathing roughly.

    The counter of Quick Draw that he unleashed within his extreme focus.

    It was the evolved form of Critical Strike that made use of the opponent¡¯s attack momentum and slashed with pinpoint accuracy to double the attack power, but because he was beaten to a punch, originally it should become a simultaneous defeat for both sides.

    And yet Lux was able to win because Celis immediately diverted the tip of her lance not toward Lux¡¯s torso or heart, but to a spot that wouldn¡¯t become fatal wound.

    Who was Lux, and was he really an enemy that she should point her weapon toward?

    Her thinking reached to that point and she tried to avoid the vital spot.

    She shook off Iblis¡¯s mental pollution from Raffi who was fused with Sacred Eclipse by her own will.

    That was why©¤©¤he was saved.

    ¡ºNo way, don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºI don¡¯t know how it exactly is. But surely it¡¯s like that, that¡¯s what I feel.¡»

    Lux sighed in relieve and moved with Celis in his arms.

    Numbness was remaining in his body due to the electricity attack he received just now, but he could still move.

    ¡ºSomehow¡­¡­, it¡¯s envious, that kind of relationship.¡»

    Aeril made a complicated smile and leaked out a small sigh.

    Those words must be referring to the bond of trust that was tied between Lux and Celis.

    ¡ºWhat are you saying? It¡¯s also the same with Aeril.¡»

    ¡ºFufu, thank you. More importantly©¤©¤is it alright that you don¡¯t rest here?¡»

    The face of the girl who was asking him while showing a mischievous smile was lovely.

    ¡ºI want to rest but, we have no time for that, I¡¯ll just accept your feeling gratefully.¡»

    Lux laid down Celis who was dressed in pilot suit on the transfer spot to the outside and smiled.

    Raffi had suddenly ignored the stipulation to this battle and placed the controlled Celis inside the Ruin. She had made a strong move against Lux.

    There was no time to take a breather.

    He didn¡¯t recall leaving behind any proof but, there was no doubt that Raffi was thinking of Lux as the central character of Azure Division.

    ¡ºLux-kun. Then, let¡¯s return outside©¤©¤to the Ancient Forest. Prepare! I¡¯ll also switch to Drag-Ride Zahhak beforehand.¡»

    ¡ºYeah¡­¡­. It¡¯s fine.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He replied to Aeril using Dragon Voice and kept Bahamut equipped.

    Lisha whose hands were tied and her eyes blindfolded closed her mouth without saying anything.

    Aeril dispelled the armor of EX Wyvern and wore Divine Drag-Ride Zahhak.

    Her armor wasn¡¯t damaged from the battle with Celis, but it was in order to fulfill a necessary condition for the strategy after this.

    Although the possibility was high that Raffi was vaguely suspecting him, Lux still couldn¡¯t expose his true identity so©¤©¤.

    They couldn¡¯t observe the situation outside from inside this Ruin.

    They tensed themselves in preparation to this situation that was their most defenseless in a sense.

    Lux and Aeril, then the restrained Lisha and the unconscious Celis.

    The four of them were teleported to the outside.

    (¡­¡­These two, don¡¯t tell me)

    Lisha who was blindfolded couldn¡¯t grasp the situation, but a single imagination was swelling inside her.

    .

    ¡¸Something is©¤©¤, strange isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The camp of New Kingdom military located at the northeast, with the lake at the center of the Ancient Forest acting as the boundary.

    Raffi was looking up at the sky while muttering in front of a crumbling shrine that was hiding Avalon¡¯s central underneath.

    The sky that was sunny until just now was starting to get cloudy. Rain mixed with snow was starting to fall in large drops.

    Raffi who was wearing a dress didn¡¯t feel cold.

    But, the grey scenery that called to mind the feeling of desolation made her recalled the past when she was alone.

    ¡¸What do you mean, master?¡¹

    The Automata beside her, Arshalia asked.

    The royal guard from the New Kingdom military who didn¡¯t know Raffi¡¯s true form was standing guard at some distance away.

    Therefore, she placed the Automata at her side right now.

    ¡¸At present I believe that master plan is the best. The Abyss¡¯s production plant©¤©¤Cocoon has Celis posted in there, and your splendid move is also excellent. Taking into account that at present the Azure Division currently are focusing on diversionary action, they don¡¯t have considerable battle strength. Syvalles will be able to deal with them.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s true but©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    Currently, the New Kingdom was in advantage at the battle situation. The Azure Division was being pressured and forced to lose ground.

    In the worst case that their side was suppressed, she had prepared Celis and also another method for additional blow beforehand.

    She also had readiness to be able to deal even with unexpected situation.

    However, it felt like thing was going too well.

    (This manner of doing describe Lux Arcadia to the tee. He will secure his allies safety as much as possible and won¡¯t treat them as sacrificial stone no matter what¡­¡­. As I thought, the actual mastermind of Azure Division isn¡¯t Alma, I¡¯m not wrong to decide that it¡¯s him it seems.)

    Even if Raffi¡¯s plan was surpassing Lux¡¯s strategy, it was going too well.

    Having said that, looking from the data that they picked up from Yos Tork¡¯s wreckage, it didn¡¯t seem likely that Yoruka who was also wounded from that battle would be saved in reserve as trump card.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Can you call the Triad, the three members of Syvalles to here? There is something that I want to ask them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you need from them?¡¹

    ¡¸Well, they might feign ignorance even if I ask them, but there is something that I¡¯m slightly curious about.¡¹

    Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, and Yoruka, the Divine Drag-Ride users that were the main force of Syvalles had been checked.

    But, Raffi noticed that the girls below them weren¡¯t being monitored nor she had prepared countermeasure against them.

    For some reason, Raffi¡¯s plan¡­¡­or rather, the movement of the Drag-Knights of New Kingdom military that she was commanding were strangely being predicted. That was the feeling that she got.

    That was the out of place feeling toward the present condition that was going too well.

    Of course Azure Division also had considerable number of Drake at their side so she knew that they were sensing their side¡¯s movement, but there was a risk that her plan that couldn¡¯t be predicted with just that would be seen through.

    ¡¸My apologies but they already crossed the lake and moved to the south side. Furthermore it seems they¡¯re focusing into their battle that they also cut off the Dragon Voice¡¯s communication.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, then even though they are presumed innocent from the lack of evidence, it¡¯s fine to decide that they¡¯re traitor isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤?¡¹

    Raffi was giving off a vague disquieting hint. The Automata Arshalia tilted her head seeing that.

    ¡¸I¡¯m someone who has been betrayed so many times after all, so I¡¯m sensitive in regard to betrayal.¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s smiling lips were tinged with shadow.

    If there was normal human in this place, they would be trembling from her appearance and order. However the Gear Leader Arshalia responded with a straight face.

    (As expected, history is something that repeats itself. Fugil, it¡¯s just like you said©¤©¤)

    The conduct of statesman that had been repeated hundreds of time since the past.

    The Automata girl had also guessed Fugil¡¯s feeling that was battered with grief each time that happened.

    The feeling of the hero who right now was only standing alone at the central of Avalon observing the battle outside.

    ¡¸The promise with Arshalia. If only you weren¡¯t forced to become something like a ¡ºhero¡», it wouldn¡¯t become like this¡­¡­¡¹

    The Automata looked to the sky  and muttered like that with a voice so small no one could hear it.

    .

    *KIiiiIN!* A faint buzzing was resounding inside the head.

    Lux and others who broke out from the Abyss plant, Cocoon met up with a female Drake user of Azure Division who was hiding with camouflage nearby.

    They had made only this girl to standby in this area beforehand to relay information. Lux was relieved that she was alright.

    Seeing that Celis was placed in this place, he completely thought that even this girl who was hiding in camouflage was also targeted and defeated.

    ¡ºHow goes the situation in general? Can you tell us?¡»

    ¡ºThat¡¯s, it¡¯s¡­¡­. It¡¯s going exactly as vice leader-dono planned. But, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡­¡­watch out-!?¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤!?¡»

    The Drake user immediately yelled with a trembling voice.

    Instantly two wires that extended from the forest¡¯s thicket in high speed attacked toward Lux.

    ¡¸Kuh!?¡¹

    Lux was saved by the girl¡¯s voice and barely deflected the tip of the approaching wire.

    But, the other wire was different.

    The aim wasn¡¯t Bahamut, but Lisha beside them.

    The thick wire entangled around Lisha¡¯s body and she was pulled in with high speed.

    The identity of the existence who kidnapped Lisha with a superb timing was clear even without seeing the person.

    (Phi-chan¡­¡­!? Why is she here!?)

    Philuffy Aingram.

    He couldn¡¯t see because of the curtain of thick vegetations, but there was no doubt that it was Philuffy who fired Pile Anchor that was the special armament of Divine Drag-Ride Typhon.

    But, it was unthinkable for the girl who was wearing a huge land battle type Drag-Ride to be undetectable from the Drake user of Azure Division even though they were inside a forest.

    ¡¸I, I¡¯s sorry-! I was captured just now and got threatened. She told me to not expose that she is hiding there©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸So it¡¯s like that¡­¡­¡¹

    This was Philuffy so with her personality even if this Azure Division member didn¡¯t listen to what she say, he believed she would stop with only destroying her armor, but for someone who didn¡¯t know Philuffy she must felt scared.

    But, there was no use to regret it.

    Thanks to the countermeasure before they exited the underground Ruin, Philuffy didn¡¯t notice Lux¡¯s identity©¤©¤perhaps.

    ¡ºLux-kun, I¡¯ll©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºYeah. Aeril you hide! Most likely your trick is still not exposed.¡»

    With Lux standing in front of Aeril and Philuffy firing Pile Anchor from the other side of a bush, both sides couldn¡¯t see each other clearly.

    In that case, it was possible to continue the mission as it was.

    ¡¸Take care, of Lisha-sama.¡¹

    Philuffy who reeled in Lisha toward her using Pile Anchor quickly released the binding and blindfold of Lisha who was entangled in wire. Then she used her armored arm and threw her behind.

    Another Drag-Knight who was at the back caught her.

    The ambusher hiding at the area wasn¡¯t just Philuffy.

    The silhouettes of three other Drag-Knights than Philuffy were there.

    ¡¸Roooger! The Sword Devices of Lisha-sama that had been recovered beforehand are also prepared.¡¹

    ¡¸Missy Philuffy. What are you going to do now?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. I intend to fight, but I¡¯ll be fine alone.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Understood. Please be really careful©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux heard the voices and judged that the newcomers were the familiar Triad.

    The three were prioritizing securing Lisha rather than fighting Lux.

    In a sense it could be said as the natural action.

    ¡ºLux-kun-!? At this rate©¤©¤¡»

    Lux nodded at Aeril¡¯s yell through the Dragon Voice.

    Lisha getting taken back was an alarming situation.

    Each camp having their own hostage became the major premise so that the rule of this battle would be kept.

    If Raffi intended to lay the blame of her sin on Azure Division, she wouldn¡¯t kill Alma at this point of time but©¤©¤if they let Lisha escaped like this then there was no doubt they would be in great disadvantage.

    Aeril yelled because she was worried about that but©¤©¤.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s alright. Lisha-sama still hasn¡¯t been handed over to her majesty¡¯s hand. Besides¡­¡­¡»

    Lux held Bahamut¡¯s great sword at the height of his eyes and resolved himself to fight.

    ¡ºTake Celis-senpai to a safe place. I will©¤©¤, stop Phi-chan here.¡»

    If Raffi had been secretly applying Baptism to the members of Syvalles, then the possibility that Philuffy had also been strengthened physically was high.

    Certainly she was a really powerful enemy, but from the beginning this was a road that couldn¡¯t be avoided.

    He only requested Aeril to be on her guard in case there was Automata around, then he entrusted Celis to the Drake user and told them to retreat.

    Philuffy who saw that advanced toward Lux once more and showed her figure.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know who you are but, if you¡¯re bad person, I¡¯ll capture you.¡¹

    Philuffy told Lux that with her usual vacantly expressionless face.

    In respond Lux lifted his jet black great sword and immediately rushed with a slash.

    .

    ©¤©¤Around the same time, at the other side.

    Near the entrance of the Ancient Forest, the referee of this battle arena©¤©¤the units of Nier and Dawla that were entrusted with the role to not let anyone enter or anyone who came out to run away were also encountering a change.

    ¡¸Hmmmm. I see, that¡¯s good.¡¹

    The girl who was sitting on a large rock wearing pilot suit while swinging her feet in boredom received a report from her subordinate Drake user and showed a joyful look.

    ¡¸What happened inside the forest? Share the information.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s fine with me. But only if you promise not to stop me.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯ll depend on the information. Say it quickly.¡¹

    ¡¸Then I won¡¯t say. You can just keep watching there the whooole time. A man who is simply obediently watching when the New Kingdom is in danger©¤©¤you¡¯ll be evaluated by the future generation as the exemplar fool who can only be used like a tool.¡¹

    When Nier said that with a malicious look, Dawla lightly clicked his tongue without any change in expression.

    ¡¸The queen will blame me if I let you leave this post without any justifiable reason you know? You intend to act with fitting reason aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Dawla glared threateningly, in respond Nier laughed fearlessly.

    But, at the end it seemed she compromised and shrugged in exaggeration.

    ¡¸It¡¯s simply that the time has come. Something happen that merits me and you to move from here.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou¡­¡­¡¹

    The information that the captured Lisha had been secured by Syvalles was obtained by Nier¡¯s subordinate that she secretly sent inside the Ancient Forest.

    That meant the worst situation where the hostages at both sides was killed because of both sides mutually breaking the rule had been avoided.

    Therefore, if they could recover Aeril and Grand Force which was stolen by Azure Division, Nier and Dawla would be able to make the New Kingdom indebted to them.

    Of course, they would leave around half of their force here as excuse for later.

    ¡¸You will only be highly evaluated by adapting to the change of situation and accomplish more than what you¡¯re ordered to do. That¡¯s logical.¡¹

    In a glance Dawla looked taciturn and professional, but as the main battle asset of four great nobles¡¯ next generation, it seemed he was hiding quite the ambition in him.

    He agreed with Nier and immediately organized his unit.

    The Drag-Knights here were moved in order to annihilate Azure Division, but right after that©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Before that, we have to accomplish our original objective.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­they came sniffing huh, the gofer of foreign countries.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What? That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    When Nier and Dawla in their Drag-Ride along with several of their subordinates moved to enter the forest, they turned around and scowled.

    Then, the surrounding was enveloped by a mysterious mist where they became unable to even see several ml ahead.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this¡­¡­!? Since when this mist is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s not it, this is metal fragments of mythrildite. I heard that one of those guys possessed that kind of special armament.¡¹

    One of the subordinates muttered in bewilderment, but Dawla who was wearing EX Wyvern didn¡¯t show any change of expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    He immediately unleashed a vortex of shockwave and blew away the mist of metal fragments. Then two Divine Drag-Ride users appeared before them.

    ¡¸You, you are-!?¡¹

    ¡¸That Divine Drag-Ride is¡­¡­, don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Seven Dragon Paladins¡¯©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Dawla¡¯s subordinates spontaneously yelled seeing that.

    A young man with bristling blond hair and peevish face.

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of Vanheim Principality, Greifer was clad in flying type Divien Drag-Ride©¤©¤Cuelebre that possessed strong scale standing there.

    ¡¸Haa, we got found out. Even though you tend to not want to stand out, you are really famous aren¡¯t you.¡¹

    The one sighing beside him was the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins at the tender age of thirteen©¤©¤a girl who represented Ymir Theocracy, Mel Gizalut.

    Her platinum hair and childish feature were distinctive, but she possessed enough ability to handle a Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t talk like it¡¯s my fault. I hid us using Mist Cypher already.¡¹

    Greifer raised an exasperated voice at Mel¡¯s grumbling.

    Nier and Dawla were shaken at the two¡¯s relaxed conversation while throwing htem a question.

    ¡¸Why are you two here when you should have returned back to your own country? Why are you two stepping into the Ancient Forest as you please?¡¹

    ¡¸Depending on your answer, you won¡¯t get away scot free from here.¡¹

    ¡¸Look, they are angry. You explain to them.¡¹

    ¡¸Oy, you know that I ain¡¯t that kind of diligent guy aren¡¯t you¡­¡­¡¹

    Greifer muttered in detest, while Mel was smiling in delight.

    ¡¸But you know, compared to the two who went over there, aren¡¯t you still better in the sense that you can still be talked with?¡¹

    ¡¸Now that you say it, that¡¯s true. ©¤©¤And, if I have to say something, actually¡­¡­we got a little bit of tip-off yeah¡­¡­. You two.¡¹

    ¡¸The two who went over there? Tip-off? Just what do you mean huh?¡¹

    Nier glared at Greifer, in respond he told her with a straight face.

    ¡¸The New Kingdom bunch know about the truth of Aeril¡¯s kidnapping and the stolen Grand Force. And yet, they¡¯re lying because they fear the intervention from us foreign Drag-Knights.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Tension ran through the force in that place hearing that.

    Certainly there was a gag order from Raffi regarding the incident this time.

    That the cause of Aeril and Grand Force getting kidnapped lied in the New Kingdom.

    If that fact came to light, it would become an international scandal and there was a possibility that the New Kingdom would be asked for compensation.

    ©¤©¤Presently due to the world revision from Endless, the countries all over the world considered that the war against the Lords had been taken care of safely.

    On top of that the New Kingdom only said that Aeril and the Grand Force were taken away by mysterious bandits.

    ¡¸Who was it that gave the tip-off? By the way that story is a lie though.¡¹

    Nier answered without letting even a hint of her agitation, but Greifer also didn¡¯t pay it any mind.

    ¡¸Hee, we can hear the sound of shootout inside the forest but, why are you guys still doing something like training during this serious affair yeah? If you can answer that, then I¡¯ll talk about the reason why we came here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­We¡¯re the one asking question. We don¡¯t have any obligation to go along with your tomfoolery!¡¹

    Dawla raised his eyebrows and flared up at Greifer and Mel.

    But, the two Seven Dragon Paladins didn¡¯t flinch, far from that they took an aggressive stance instead.

    The reason why Greifer and Mel came here.

    It wasn¡¯t because they had broken through the binding spell in their perception that Uroboros applied on them. They were here because of Magialca¡¯s scheme that provoked them into action just before they went back to their country.

    More accurately speaking, this was the result of Aeril as well as the Drag-Knights of Kilzrake family provoking these two.

    Queen Raffi of New Kingdom was scheming an evil deed©¤©¤such information was leaked to these two, but just with that the Seven Dragon Paladins who represented their respective country couldn¡¯t move.

    ©¤©¤But, it would be a different story if they were given a glimpse of the kidnapped Aeril and the stolen Grand Force.

    At the surface they won against the Lords at the great war and obtained Avalon, but regarding the clarification of that ancient technology and the splitting of the legacy, because it would be directly related to their national strength, the leaders of each country were becoming highly strung.

    They didn¡¯t know when the other would steal a march on them.

    Therefore, these two who at the surface had already returned home were staying behind in the New Kingdom due to their ruler¡¯s instruction.

    And then, just the other day.

    After the decisive battle at the Ancient Forest had been decided, Raffi¡¯s scheme to monopolize Avalon would be carried out. Magialca leaked that information to the remaining four Seven Dragon Paladins through her aide Lolotte.

    Actually, if Lux or Aeril or Magialca went to directly meet them and repeatedly persuaded them strongly, then there was a possibility they might regain their memory.

    ©¤©¤But, Magialca herself was in a state where she already couldn¡¯t move by herself, and Lux himself was under strict monitoring, so the best they could do was luring them to this forest.

    After that there was nothing more that could be done except betting on the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins rushing to this place and recovering their memory on their own.

    This strategy was attempted with that kind of judgment.

    ¡¸It looks like all of us here won¡¯t back down huh. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    Dawla who was clad in EX Wyrm raised his weapon a hammer, while Nier who was piloting an EX Wyvern also unsheathing a custom curved Blade.

    ¡¸Great. Your side is unsheathing your weapon first. Thanks to that©¤©¤we can save the time.¡¹

    At the opposite side Mel readied her battle axe and smiled boldly.

    ¡¸Besides, I¡¯m convinced. As I thought there is something that we must not see here. A threat that cannot be compared with the likes of you all.¡¹

    ¡¸Besides, I don¡¯t know why but, it feels like there is still something that I gotta do no matter what, something that I¡¯m forgetting.¡¹

    Mel and Greifer hadn¡¯t recalled the deathly battle that happened at Guernica.

    But©¤©¤even without memory, their body and soul remembered.

    That they challenged an opponent that they ought to face by their own will.

    How that battle still wasn¡¯t over.

    ¡¸Should I say that it¡¯s nice a chance to test my skill has come? What¡¯s more the opponent is that famous Seven Dragon Paladins-sama.¡¹

    Nier also responded by roughly brushing up her front hair and lifted the corner of her lips belligerently.

    Thus, the battle began.

 Volume 17 - CH 5

    ¡¸Oi, where are you all planning to go!? I¡¯m going to assist everyone too!¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s what she said, Airi. What should we do?¡¹

    At the same time when Lux and Philuffy were starting to fight.

    Lisha who was rescued by Philuffy was handed to the Triad and guarded by them. They were wandering inside the forest.

    ¡¸Or rather little sister, what¡¯s with that appearance? Since when have you become able to pilot a Drag-Ride!?¡¹

    The destination of the Triad©¤©¤at an open place there Lisha reflexively raised her voice.

    ¡¸Fufu, to think I¡¯ll be able to surprise Lisha-sama in the matter of Drag-Rides, anything is possible as long as one dares to take the challenge isn¡¯t it.¡¹

    There she found the figure of Airi wearing a pilot suit and a Drake on top of that.

    From the examination it was known that she also had high aptitude for Drag-Rides, so in a sense she should have even more talent than Lisha.

    But, her stamina was low and she had difficulty with controlling a Drag-Ride, so in the end she was pursuing the work of a secretary. It should be like that but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Airi. Please don¡¯t force yourself. I¡¯ve told you so repeatedly.¡¹

    Airi responded to Noct¡¯s serious expression with a gentle smile.

    If Lisha¡¯s question was to be answered concisely, from a little while ago Airi was receiving the Triad¡¯s help to train wearing a Drag-Ride once more.

    Having said that, there was almost nothing that she could do.

    Airi¡¯s skill in piloting a Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t endure going through battle or making complicated movements, so she was using the Drag-Ride in a unique way.

    She equipped a Drake, then she focused on only using the function of barrier and the special equipment. Other functions like weapon usage or movement were all locked instead.

    With that, complex and varied movement as well as physical fatigue were suppressed until the utmost limits and she succeeded in using a Drag-Ride.

    In other words, once she deployed her Drag-Ride, she became the person in charge of information management that wouldn¡¯t take even a single step away from her spot, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Magialca-san of the Seven Dragon Paladins was also using a similar Divine Drag-Ride, so I tried imitating her.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps, that woman would be angry if she heard that¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha muttered with a complicated expression towards Airi¡¯s smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s how it is, so for now please rest for a bit. Lisha-sama couldn¡¯t have any decent sleep during your imprisonment right? Your face is the same like when you were staying up all night.¡¹

    ¡¸Mu¡­¡­. Still, I¡¯m worried about Haha-ue. Besides©¤©¤there is also the matter of Alma.¡¹

    Airi soothed Lisha, even so Lisha also wouldn¡¯t back down.

    ¡¸The matter of the little sister, is it?¡¹

    Lisha wordlessly nodded towards Noct¡¯s question.

    Outwardly Alma was the captain of the Azure Division and the main culprit who caused the commotion this time.

    But, even so Lisha couldn¡¯t think of her little sister as simply the bad guy.

    ¡¸That girl too, her hand stopped when she was about to kill me. Perhaps her grudge towards me is genuine. But, a part of the responsibility of her doing something like that also lies with me¡­¡­. If there is casualties from both sides in this battle then it might become difficult to even defend her but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Princess¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I know that I¡¯m saying a strange thing. I also know that I¡¯m lacking self-awareness as the princess of the New Kingdom. But, I don¡¯t want to abandon my little sister once more.¡¹

    Lisha hung her head down after Sharis commented.

    Perhaps she was released from her tension until now that she staggered at that place from fatigue and a lack of sleep.

    Airi awkwardly supported Lisha¡¯s unsteady body with her arms, then she waited for the girl to sleep.

    ¡¸I will look after Lisha-sama, so the three of you, please guard the surroundings. Let¡¯s resume moving after resting for half an hour.¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. Let¡¯s do that as long as no enemy comes.¡¹

    Tillfur said that with a relieved expression, then the three started searching the surroundings just like Airi instructed.

    Airi who was left alone with Lisha looked at her sleeping face that looked vaguely pained and smiled.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not a strange thing at all. After all that¡¯s how siblings are.¡¹

    Airi muttered while sending a transmission using Dragon Voice to a certain person.

    Airi raised the temperature of the Drag-Ride she was wearing to protect Lisha from the coldness of the snow that was starting to fall and warmed her body.

    (Nii-san, please be safe©¤©¤)

    After Celis, next it was the second successive battle with the objective of making Philuffy withdraw from the frontlines.

    Airi knew that Krulcifer wouldn¡¯t move too far to the front in order to maintain the battlefront of the New Kingdom military. She was conveying that to Lux.

    Raffi was monitoring Lux as well as Syvalles until the very last minute before this decisive battle, but in the end it seemed she was predicting that Lux was moving alone.

    But, that was Raffi¡¯s miscalculation©¤©¤

    No, even Lux himself didn¡¯t even have the slightest thought of using Airi who was pretending to not know anything before this as a spy in the New Kingdom camp until just before.

    ¡¸Nii-san, is it okay if I ask you©¤©¤about a certain matter?¡¹

    ¡¸About what?¡¹

    Last night, in the reserved inn where it was time to sleep late at night.

    The guest room where Lux and Airi were staying.

    The bright blue moonlight was shining into the bedroom. There Airi was talking to the sleeping Lux.

    The voice that was familiar to his ears.

    The face of his biological sister that was tinged with sorrow vaguely looked like a different person that made his heart jumped.

    Toward the bewildered Lux, Airi quietly slipped into the blanket with her cheeks slightly blushing, and whispered.

    ¡¸Shh¡­¡­ be quiet. Nii-san. I¡¯m asking Noct to watch the surroundings of the inn, so there should be no one listening.¡¹

    ¡¸Why so suddenly¡­¡­? Did something, happen©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux asked uneasily, Airi placed the pillow she brought beside Lux and lied down facing the side to face Lux.

    The familiar fixed stare from Airi was tinged with even more dissatisfaction than usual.

    ¡¸I, heard it. When Nii-san and Aeril-san were talking while avoiding anyone¡¯s gaze.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t hide his reaction hearing that.

    This time he was acting and staying quiet not only towards people related to the New Kingdom starting from Queen Raffi, but even to everyone of the Academy, however his mask was torn off now.

    But, when Airi was listening to the conversation of that time, she should have nothing but questions.

    Because Airi should still be under the binding spell on her perception from Endless.

    ¡¸If I have to speak the truth, I was unable to affirm Aeril-san¡¯s figure. But, it felt like Nii-san was talking to her so, perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Isn¡¯t that just your imagination? I had no intention saying such¡­¡­¡¹

    Thinking really carefully, two weeks ago, at the deep level floor of Avalon at the abandoned capital Guernica, Airi also©¤©¤received Baptism from the trial.

    In that sense there was a grounding for her to notice this world revision, but it was hard to believe that she would notice any definite out of place feeling just from listening to Lux and Aeril¡¯s conversation.

    And so, Lux tried to deceive Airi to distance her from this matter, but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Then, is it alright if I speak loudly from now? I¡¯ll expose to everyone too that Nii-san is the mastermind of that organization in question though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing the smiling face of Airi with the shadow hanging over her eyes, Lux could only shake his head hard left and right with a pale expression.

    ¡¸Then please tell me. What does Nii-san know? What is happening in this New Kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸If you say that you don¡¯t want to drag me into it, then I¡¯ll get angry.¡¹

    When Lux averted his eyes and shut his mouth, Airi slightly brought her face closer.

    Helplessly, Lux talked about the looping three days of thd parade.

    Although the Lords were defeated in the great battle at Avalon, the Seven Dragon Paladins were defeated by Fugil and a world revision was carried out by Ouroboros.

    The memories of all the people were overwritten and history was corrected.

    The act that the Hero of Beginning, Fugil, had been repeating along with Sacred Eclipse until now was currently in progress right now.

    The Sacred Eclipse possessed Queen Raffi, then with that almighty power she murdered the Old Empire faction, Waybra, Prime Minister Nulph, and various other people in order to hide her sin of betraying the great man Count Atismata.

    The members of Syvalles other than Yoruka didn¡¯t know that fact, and Lux also had no intention of telling them, but Lux knew the truth about Sacred Eclipse and Fugil, and he decided to liberate the New Kingdom from the grasp of Sacred Eclipse by himself. He told her that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So, Sacred Eclipse hasn¡¯t died. And then it possessed her Majesty the Queen.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I somehow realized after hearing the report from Yoruka. It seems that Sacred Eclipse is special for Fugil. Apparently it was originally made in order to save the world, but it became strange because of some kind of mistake.¡¹

    The chip of storage medium that was recovered from the treasure warehouse of the Ruin Garden.

    From what Aeril said, it seemed that it was set so if several conditions were fulfilled, the data inside it could be played in Avalon¡¯s facility.

    And so, if they could obtain secret information related to Avalon, wouldn¡¯t they be able to obtain a countermeasure against Ouroboros and Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After Lux finished saying the summarized version of everything, Airi turned her face towards Lux on the pillow and silently gave him a fixed stare.

    ¡¸Nii-san, you really love doing dangerous tightrope walking. How about you enter a circus troupe when you graduate the Academy?¡¹

    ¡¸No that, sorry¡­¡­. That¡¯s why at the very least even if it¡¯s just Airi alone I want you to escape©¤©¤¡¹

    Normally he would smile wryly at Airi¡¯s sarcasm but this time only it wasn¡¯t a situation where he could make a joke.

    Now that it had come to light that Sacred Eclipse was a Ragnarok that possessed an evil side, he had to challenge Queen Raffi in order to save the New Kingdom too.

    And then, thinking for the case in which he failed, so that everyone and Airi wouldn¡¯t get dragged in©¤©¤

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this but, Nii-san has no right to refuse okay?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Airi¡¯s words that she casually said to him made Lux shut his mouth.

    ¡¸I will help. Until now I kept it a secret from everyone except the Triad, but if it¡¯s only for a limited use, then even I have become able to wear a Drag-Ride. With that I¡¯ll support Nii-san from the New Kingdom¡¯s side. As a spy©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux asked, it seemed Airi was training to be able to use a Drake. She picked up on the conversation of Lux and Aeril was also thanks to that.

    It seemed that Airi coincidentally wore the Drag-Ride after they finished checking the inside of the inn, so they overlooked her.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tha, that¡¯s reckless!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s Nii-san who¡¯s reckless right? Even so you decided to do it right? Then I¡¯ll also accompany you. Even if I die because of that, I don¡¯t really mind.¡¹

    Airi stared into Lux¡¯s eyes while saying that indifferently.

    It wasn¡¯t just a spontaneous idea or a temporary emotion, her face was the face of someone who had made their resolve.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not that sickly kid from seven years ago anymore you know? I can at least decide about my life or death by myself. If this is what Nii-san is going to do, then I¡¯ll also do so.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san too, please try to put yourself in my position if I have to live in a world where Nii-san is dead. If you don¡¯t want to hurt me, then please stop fighting right away. Nii-san wants to keep up with your selfishness, but then my selfishness is no good? Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s unfair?¡¹

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t find any words to reply to that.

    But, this wasn¡¯t a problem of logic.

    ¡¸No, but, as I thought, it¡¯s no good! Such thing©¤©¤¡¹

    Emotionally, he was unable to choose an option where his little sister, his only biological family, Airi might become a sacrifice.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san. Will you listen to my dream when I was a child?¡¹

    Lux was going to appeal to Airi desperately, but Airi suddenly smiled.

    ¡¸After I graduate from the Academy, I will become independent as a civil official and go to meet up with Nii-san. I want our criminal collars to be taken off, no¡­¡­even if we don¡¯t actually receive any pardon, I want the two of us to live together as a family again.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I wanted to become able to stay together with Nii-san again. Is it no good for me to have this kind of dream? Can¡¯t I risk my life for the sake of raising the possibility of Nii-san coming back alive even if only slightly?¡¹

    Lux was unable to say anything hearing that earnest plea.

    His little sister who was given criminal status just like him.

    Lux was worrying for her all this time as an existence that he had to protect, but she was working hard in order to become able to protect Lux too.

    He learned for the first time that she was working hard until now dreaming to be together with him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You know, I actually didn¡¯t want to say something like this.¡¹

    Even in the very dim light from the moonlight shining in, it felt like he could see Airi¡¯s face that was blushing from embarrassment.

    This was Airi after all, surely she was feeling embarrassed.

    She was secretly working hard all the time in order to make her dream come true.

    While she had no talent to fight as a Drag-Knight, she did the best she could in order to protect Lux.

    His heart felt constricted when he thought of Airi¡¯s feelings.

    ¡¸But, if Nii-san dies, I won¡¯t be able to say this anymore. So I said it while I can. Is there something that Nii-san wants to say to me?¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry, Airi¡­¡­. I©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux looked down and said that, Airi brought her body even closer on the bed.

    ¡¸¡­¡­It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s not that I want to receive help from Nii-san. I want to become the one who can help Nii-san this time. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡¹

    He couldn¡¯t stop her anymore.

    Because he realized that just like how he was thinking of Airi, she was also thinking of him.

    ¡¸Hey, Nii-san. Can I get a bit closer? Just like when we were children.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah.¡¹

    Airi buried her face on Lux¡¯s chest so that her skin could stick close on him through their clothes.

    The nostalgic scent and warmth, and the beating of the heart were directly conveyed.

    Their hearts were connected as one and they whispered about the strategy before falling asleep at the end.

    And then now©¤©¤

    Airi who was clad in a Drake guarded Lisha together with the Triad while thinking.

    Lisha being taken back by the New Kingdom camp was painful, Airi who was acting together with the Triad was involved with protecting Lisha. In a sense it should be said as convenient.

    In their position, originally they should bring Lisha right away to Queen Raffi, but Airi intentionally didn¡¯t do that.

    If Raffi learned that Lisha was rescued from being a hostage, she would surely kill Alma and take every measure to bring Lux down.

    They shouldn¡¯t bring Lisha back yet in order to prevent that too.

    No©¤©¤Lisha couldn¡¯t be brought back until Lux accomplished the objective of infiltrating Avalon¡¯s Archive, the facility for playing the storage medium that they obtained.

    She would continue to shelter Lisha while evasively deceiving her together with the Triad who didn¡¯t know anything about the situation.

    That was the best action that Airi should take right now.

    She had confirmed that Lux along with Aeril had activated the production plant of Avalon and released the Abyss.

    If the Azure Division members on standby used their horn flutes and controlled the swarm of the Abyss that were liberated from the plant, their insufficient battle strength would be supplemented and it became possible to buy time.

    (Even so, it feels like death is really near¡­¡­)

    Airi was feeling the wet sensation of cold sweat beneath her pilot suit while watching the surroundings with her radar.

    (I should be able to buy quite a lot of time if I continue like this! Nii-san, please finish this while you can.)

    Sooner or later Raffi would notice the existence of a traitor in their midst.

    The problem was whether she would be able to drag the time until that happened.

    ¡¸I finally find you. The traitor who is leaking the information of the New Kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    But, Raffi surpassed Airi¡¯s expectations and already sent her trump card, the Automata. She didn¡¯t notice that the evil clutches already approached until right beside her.

    The deadline was approaching second by second.

    ©¤©¤*IIIIiiIiiIIIII!*

    .

    The discordant sound of the Abyss controlling horn flute was resounding in the southwest region of the Ancient Forest.

    Many Abyss were transferred to outside of the Cocoon, one of Avalon¡¯s facilities. With that, the strategy of controlling the enemy¡¯s Abyss just like that became possible.

    With this, the Azure Division¡¯s battle strength that was greatly inferior on the whole could push back at the New Kingdom camp and sow chaos.

    For several dozen minutes from now would be the time that decided victory or defeat.

    ¡º©¤©¤Lux-kun! Over here!¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux received the instruction from Aeril who was flying ahead to the north and he began moving.

    He pretended to slash at Philuffy and Typhon. He mixed in a feint while circling around in an arc and chased behind Aeril.

    Lisha who was taken back was entrusted to Airi and the Triad, with that it became possible to continue the plan.

    (It¡¯s not a coincidence that Airi and the others are here. We were able to cope because she learned the formation of the New Kingdom camp beforehand!)

    In the end, thanks to Airi¡¯s cooperation, Lux ended up saved in this phase.

    In that case, he wanted to win.

    He wanted to make this plan a success to respond to his little sister¡¯s feelings who wanted to save Lux even if she had to put herself in danger.

    With that feeling in his heart, he headed to Avalon¡¯s Archive©¤©¤the place where all information was stored which was located underground this place, at full speed.

    Most likely Philuffy had also received strengthening by Baptism just like Celis. It would be foolish to clash against her head-on.

    If Philuffy used the Abyss factor inside her body, it would put a great burden on her body.

    Fortunately, the movement of Typhon that was a huge land battle type Divine Drag-Ride was limited this deep inside the forest.

    (I¡¯ll be able to get away if I can escape to the sky!)

    The instant he flew to the sky with that conviction, he felt something was out of place.

    Right after that, Typhon that jumped vertically from the ground until the height of ten-odd ml fired an anchor from its armor.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    ¡¸You won¡¯t get away, you know?¡¹

    A thick steel wire entangled Bahamut¡¯s armored leg and completely restrained it.

    Lux along with the armor he wore swooped down from getting pulled by the Drag-Ride¡¯s tremendous strength.

    ¡ºWhat¡¯s, that©¤©¤!?¡»

    Aeril who turned around also opened her eyes wide in surprise.

    The form of Typhon that Philuffy was wearing had turned into a different shape than before.

    There were countless protuberances that looked like curved blades on her shoulders and back. In addition the armor covering her hands and legs were reinforced further, enlarging Typhon that was already a large type originally to become even bigger.

    That shape that looked similar to Over Unit, putting even more armor above the armor that Lisha developed, astonished Lux.

    And then, the presence of Philuffy herself also became empty. There was no light in her eyes.

    ¡ºThe reason is unclear but the possession target, this woman doesn¡¯t recognize the guy¡¯s true identity. But it will be faster if I¡¯m directly controlling anyway. This Divine Drag-Ride Python and El Fajura will return the debt from the other day.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The voice of an Automata whose shape or shadow couldn¡¯t be seen came from the armor Philuffy was wearing.

    El Fajura.

    The Gear Leader of Gigas who once attacked the New Kingdom together with the Lord Hayes.

    She possessed the power to control another person¡¯s Drag-Ride using her own clone that was created from nanomachines.

    In addition she was also operating behind the scenes at the looping parade the other day. She murdered the noble called Waybra under Raffi¡¯s order.

    But, till the end she was only piloting a Drag-Ride. She should be unable to control another person but©¤©¤

    (Is she under the effect of Iblis¡¯s mental pollution just like Celis-senpai? No, until just now Philuffy didn¡¯t show any strange sign.)

    One of Lux¡¯s armored legs was still restrained by Pile Anchor while he was flying in low altitude. A voice came from Aeril.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! El Fajura¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride Python is sticking on Philuffy-san¡¯s Typhon. It possesses a Divine Raiment that takes hold of another Drag-Ride¡¯s armor and misdirects the pilot¡¯s mind!¡¹

    Because Lux¡¯s appearance was witnessed by the Automata, Aeril also used her real voice to tell him of the danger.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The enemy wasn¡¯t controlling Philuffy¡¯s own body, but she was taking possession of the Drag-Ride and interfered with her mind through it.

    Lux recalled last time when Philuffy was controlled by Hayes and he went tense.

    This time, it didn¡¯t look like she was using a Ragnarok¡¯s strength so that was the only silver lining but©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­Ei¡¹

    But, the next moment.

    A danger that dispersed even such consideration attacked Lux.

    Typhon skated and got out of the area crowded with trees, then right after that it pulled the restrained Bahamut right to its side.

    ¡¸-!?¡¹

    He had fought Philuffy several times in mock battles, so he was on guard against being pulled by Pile Anchor.

    But, the place where he was pulled at was a large rock that was between Philuffy and Lux.

    (What, in the world!?)

    The trees clustering together were blocking the view, so he made light of the opponent thinking that the other side would also find it hard to confirm his action, but it was a tremendous miscalculation.

    It was Lux who got the trees used as blinder against him. At this rate he would be smashed on the rock.

    (I¡¯m being pulled so I can¡¯t dodge!? My armor will be scattered if I¡¯m smashed there!)

    He realized that there was only one option for him in front of the large rock before him.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Recoil Burst!¡¹

    He quickly touched the Sword Device on his waist and simultaneously gave conflicting commands from the two types of control.

    He intentionally caused the Drag-Ride to rampage from the contradiction of orders, bringing a destructive power that was several times the usual to destroy the rock.

    .

    ©¤©¤*ZU-, DOOooON!*

    .

    At the same time with the secret technique¡¯s execution, the impact shook the surrounding trees and blew away their leaves.

    He was worried if Philuffy who was at the other side got hit by the scattered rock fragments, but his anxiety came in a different shape.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know who you are but, I understand if it¡¯s that Divine Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Philuffy predicted that Lux would destroy the rock and jumped ahead. She got away from the opposite end of the wire that was connecting her and Lux, then she greatly pulled back her right armored arm in order to hit Lux who had just finished executing his secret technique.

    Typhon¡¯s special armament that was installed inside the armored arm would directly send energy into the captured target and explode it.

    It was clear even from afar that enough energy for that had been gathered.

    (Damn it!)

    He was completely outwitted.

    He had no intention of underestimating Philuffy¡¯s strength, but Lux¡¯s assumption was easily surpassed.

    (I won¡¯t make it in time. The time to recover Bahamut¡¯s posture©¤©¤there¡¯s no time!)

    Typhon¡¯s arm approached from in front of him.

    Lux¡¯s consciousness was stretching the instant into several seconds with his own defeat before his eyes, it was then,

    Aeril who came from the side immediately blew away Lux to the side with Howling Roar.

    *GO-¡­¡­DOoNN!*

    Right after that, the scorching hot torrent from Biting Flare crushed the empty air.

    Lux barely escaped the predicament due to Aeril¡¯s quick wit, but he witnessed something strange in that instant.

    Philuffy couldn¡¯t neutralize the impact of the explosion and her balance crumbled©¤©¤, no, she stood on one leg as a pivot and used the momentum of the recoil to launch a spinning kick.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux felt doubtful why she exploded the Biting Flare even though she didn¡¯t catch Lux, but that in itself was a series of attacking actions.

    Philuffy¡¯s kick that was using the hand-to-hand combat technique learned from Magialca in her Drag-Ride piloting, hit Aeril who came nearby. A part of her armor was smashed and she was sent flying.

    ¡¸¡­¡­U-, AAaaAH!¡¹

    Although she was directly hit by the kick, Zahhak¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t dispelled, but most likely Aeril was already unable to fight properly with that.

    Perhaps it was cheap as compensation to save Lux¡¯s life, but from the perspective of the battle situation they were cornered into an overwhelming disadvantage with this.

    ¡ºWhat¡¯s the meaning of this? The movement just now¡­¡­is completely Philuffy¡¯s movement. Is she not completely controlled?¡»

    Lux used Dragon Voice to voice his question, then Aeril immediately responded with a tense voice.

    ¡ºThat¡­¡­is, Philuffy-san herself. Cough¡­¡­! It¡¯s not that her mind is taken over, she is being made to misrecognize the opponent she is fighting. In other words, she is directing her full strength toward yous, based on her own tactics¡­¡­. Quickly run away, Lux-kun. The current us©¤©¤aren¡¯t her match!¡»

    Aeril was blown away, but she was talking with pain coloring her voice.

    Honestly speaking this was unexpected.

    It was reassuring when she was fighting as a member of Syvalles©¤©¤as his comrade, but to think that she would be this powerful as an enemy.

    (No©¤©¤ should I say that she has become this strong¡­¡­)

    Lux was struck with admiration.

    This was incomparable with half a year ago when he fought the brainwashed Philuffy at Ries Island.

    In order to defeat the numerous powerful enemies, Philuffy was also polishing her fangs like the other girls.

    ¡ºLux, kun¡­¡­. Run, shake her off and head to the Archive. If you don¡¯t! You¡¯ll be defeated¡­¡­!¡»

    Perhaps because she had just attacked with all her strength, as expected even Philuffy¡¯s movement to give chase was dulled.

    There was the armor strengthening by Python, but he would be able to shake her off if he escaped in full speed for several seconds.

    But©¤©¤

    (Your majesty Raffi, is this also your plan?)

    Even if this was his assumption that she realized his true identity, this was the first time for an enemy to understand Lux¡¯s true nature this far.

    Not only had she been told about the way he fought from the reports more than anyone else, she also understood the human called Lux from the viewpoint of a ruler.

    ¡ºLux¡­¡­kun?¡»

    Lux drove Bahamut towards the road that Aeril showed©¤©¤the northeast region of the Ancient Forest where the Archive was located.

    But, he wasn¡¯t using his maximum speed. It was a speed that Typhon could barely follow.

    If it was Philuffy who was powered up by the parasitic armor Python, she would be able to follow after Lux without problem.

    (Even knowing that, why?)

    Aeril who was feeling puzzled was also guessing the reason why Raffi chose Philuffy as the second assassin after Celis.

    (I see¡­¡­. Queen Raffi, she know, that Lux-kun cannot escape¡­¡­)

    The most important connection of Lux who once saved her.

    Exactly because he was risking his life to protect everyone that he was unable to do anything like abandoning the controlled Philuffy.

    He planned to lure them to Archive in order to destroy El Fajura and Python.

    But, that was a really dangerous gamble.

    With Philuffy¡¯s current strength, there was no guarantee that Lux would win even if he faced her with all his might.

    And then, on the other hand Philuffy who was chasing Lux was also persisting to carry out a single will within her hazy mind.

    (My head is dizzy. But, if I don¡¯t fight¡­¡­)

    Python that was controlled by El Fajura acted as a parasite and her will was manipulated.

    It wasn¡¯t mind control, but the direction of her mind©¤©¤the foundational principle of her actions, about what she should do was misdirected.

    Due to Baptism using the Ruin¡¯s device that was called the Coffin, Philuffy obtained strength that was suited to her characteristics in exchange of the danger.

    It was the path she chose in order to become the strength of her important person, in order to not make him sad.

    She succeeded in that and continued fighting for a certain objective.

    When she was a child, Philuffy built up herself to not cry in order to protect her family who was living in sadness because of their mother¡¯s death.

    Because everyone will be even sadder if she showed them her sad self.

    However, that boy noticed that way of living of Philuffy and directed his straightforward kindness to her.

    He was awkward©¤©¤able to be kind to anyone. But in exchange he was unable to accept other people¡¯s good will from the front.

    ¡­¡­He was like her, she thought.

    Thinking that, she became happy.

    If that kind of person became able to like himself more, if he could become happy, then surely she herself would also feel happy. She thought that.

    For the sake of protecting him, and staying at his side.

    Philuffy vowed under Magialca, that she would fight for that sake.

    (That¡¯s why, I have to. With this strength, I¡¯ll¡­¡­-chan, protect)

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Tei¡¹

    The girl¡¯s voice sounded somewhat stupid.

    At the same time, *GAUNN!* pursuing wire was fired from Typhon¡¯s armored shoulder.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!¡¹

    Lux was flying horizontally with the ground at the height of 5, 6 ml. The tip of the wire approached his back wings with a tremendous speed like a bullet. Lux twisted his body along with his armor to evade.

    Typhon¡¯s Pile Anchor was certainly powerful, but it could only aim at Lux in a straight line in a situation where there was no obstacle.

    And then once it missed Lux, it was impossible to attack Lux again until the wire was reeled back.

    Of course there was more than one anchor so it was necessary to be careful but©¤©¤

    (I can do this! If I¡¯m paying attention to the anchors that are fired from below, they can be dodged!)

    Lux was convinced. He continuously evaded the tips of the anchors that were fired rapidly.

    While the New Kingdom military and the Azure Division that was controlling the Abyss with horn flutes were battling in the surroundings a slight distance away, they moved for several minutes approaching the destination. It was then.

    *Bishii-!*

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux suddenly received an impact as though he was hit with a whip from the side and felt shocked.

    (How? Even though I should have dodged the Pile Anchor!?)

    Bahamut¡¯s frame was shaken by the impact and its flying trajectory greatly diverted.

    Lux was feeling shocked by the unexpected attack while barely moving to recover his balance. There he received even more hits from wires in the same way.

    ¡¸This is, she is firing anchors at where I¡¯m flying, then she reeled them in while using them like a whip!?¡¹

    Philuffy took an attack method of firing wire from her right shoulder, then her armored arm grabbed the wire and used it like whip to strike at Lux.

    To do that she intentionally fired several times at a trajectory that wouldn¡¯t hit Bahamut and took Lux by surprise.

    Furthermore, it was already too late when he noticed.

    Philuffy was also measuring the timing. He received whip strikes continuously.

    The destructive power of the attack itself was low, but his speed was greatly declining because his back wings were hit. He entered into the firing range where Typhon could reach him with its driving speed.

    ¡¸Ei¡¹

    *DON-*, along with a step on the ground that was like an explosion, Typhon leaped and lifted up its huge armored arms that were joined together.

    Those arms that were formed into a hammer were going to strike Bahamut¡¯s back. In that instant Lux accelerated with all his might.

    Archive that was the destination was right below. Aeril had gone ahead and waited for Lux¡¯s arrival there.

    There was arrangement prepared so the moment Lux landed on the ground, they would be transported into Archive to escape. But©¤©¤

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸You won¡¯t, get away.¡¹

    Philuffy also increased her attack precision further.

    Just like capturing a bird by throwing a rock that was tied with rope, she fired wire at the same time when swinging both her arms just now and entangled Lux¡¯s armor with Pile Anchor.

    In addition she also fired anchors into the landing place to reel in Typhon itself towards the ground.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! Unfasten that wire! At this rate©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s fine! We¡¯ll accomplish our objective in the Archive and settle this fight at the same time like this!¡¹

    Lux¡¯s aim from the beginning wasn¡¯t to escape from Philuffy.

    He planned to lead her into a part of Avalon©¤©¤the underground facility Archive and there he would destroy El Fajura and Python.

    Even if he would become exhausted from this fight, he couldn¡¯t avoid it.

    Lux decided to daringly get on Queen Raffi¡¯s intention.

    ©¤©¤*KIIN*. Faint light rose in round shape, enveloping Lux, Aeril, and Philuffy.

    After experiencing the weightless sensation for several seconds, the scenery of the surroundings changed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Communication from Gear Leader El Fajura. She is in the middle of fighting Lux Arcadia as well as Aeril vi Arcadia. The place is the Archive northeast from here.¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia who was standing beside Raffi received a transmission from her subordinate El Fajura and grasped the situation.

    But, Raffi didn¡¯t look surprised at all. Her face seemed to say that she had predicted it from the beginning.

    ¡¸So it¡¯s just as I thought. I don¡¯t understand how he was deceiving other people¡¯s eyes until now though.¡¹

    ¡¸Most likely they are using the Divine Raiment of Zahhak isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The Divine Raiment Brain Hack made it possible to steal a specific memory from the target.

    If the awareness towards the existence called Lux was erased, whether Lux came and went from the inn and no matter what he did somewhere else, no one would be able to realize that it was Lux.

    But, if his very existence was erased, it would become clear from the unnaturalness that he was using Brain Hack.

    Therefore Lux only hid his true identity while creating the transient true image that was the Azure Division.

    It was the same like how Fugil once made use of Lux¡¯s existence to accomplish the revolution that destroyed the Old Empire.

    ¡¸Well, it will be alright if we leave it to Philuffy. He had just fought seriously against Celistia, so surely he doesn¡¯t have the spare strength to win against her©¤©¤even in the unlikely chance that he actually defeats her, he will be exhausted and unable to fight well. What¡¯s left is to have the Automata deal with his little sister who seems to be the traitor and pull down the curtains. Are you alright with that, Fugil?¡¹

    ¡¸Why are you asking me for permission? You can do as you please.¡¹

    Fugil was positioned as a sentry at the center of Avalon, but with Lux¡¯s position becoming clear, Raffi called him back to her side.

    ¡¸It¡¯s so that I don¡¯t become the world¡¯s enemy©¤©¤which consequently will turn me into your enemy. I believe that the Lord Listelka, too, surely died because of that. So I have to meet your expectations as much as possible.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­There is no risk of that at this point in time. What you¡¯re doing is being considered as simply dealing with the enemies of the New Kingdom. In regards to Syvalles too, you¡¯re only sending them keeping in mind the possibility of the unlikely chance that foolish little brother cannot be killed.¡¹

    ¡¸Fufu, I¡¯m relieved to hear that. Then, is it alright for me to move too any time now? An emergency report came from my subordinates.¡¹

    Because a great number of the Abyss that were transferred out from the underground production plant were controlled by horn flutes, the New Kingdom army was put into a disadvantage.

    The Triad and Airi were guarding Lisha while hiding and moving.

    Krulcifer was continuing to make a good showing by herself against the large swarm of the Abyss, but against such a number she was unable to defeat them all and the frontline was being pushed back.

    ¡¸Well then, I¡¯ll leave Alma in your hands, Re Plica.¡¹

    ¡¸Roger desu. I will do my best in case anything happens desu.¡¹

    Raffi gave an order to the Gear Leader of Moon who possessed mechanical fox ears, Re Plica.

    In preparation of the situation where Lux got away, she readied this plan for even more blows towards him, where an Automata would watch over Alma and, depending on the situation, use her as a hostage to bring down Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma was being tied up and couldn¡¯t say anything.

    In this situation there was already nothing that she could do except to pray for Lux¡¯s safety.

    ¡¸Now then.¡¹

    At the same time with her muttering, *paki paki* the air around Raffi was freezing.

    The strongest Sacred Eclipse that combined all the powers of the seven Ragnaroks, it would carry out its objective of bringing salvation to the person it was possessing and before long it would expand its strength to the maximum.

    After doing that, it would devour all the thought and flesh of the person it was fused with and rampage.

    It would evolve into a great calamity that destroyed everything and reduced all to nothing. Raffi didn¡¯t know about that reality.

    She would last, perhaps for several months.

    Or perhaps in a faster case, Raffi would lose her ego as a human in the course of several weeks before transforming into a calamity.

    When the history reached the last stop, Fugil would use Ouroboros and Avalon and reset everything.

    Using world revision, he would make people¡¯s memory to forget everything about the Ruins.

    And then©¤©¤someone would discover the Ruins once more, and everything would repeat.

    That was the truth of Sacred Eclipse, the prologue that would lead to world destruction.

    ¡¸Should I go out? No¡­¡­it¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? That¡¯s unusual, to think you would take the initiative to move.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Raffi didn¡¯t realize the true meaning behind Fugil¡¯s suggestion.

    How Fugil didn¡¯t wish to see her wretched figure when she greedily devoured the great amount of the Abyss, the distorted side of Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll leave this place to you. I¡¯ll go to rampage for a bit.¡¹

    Right after that, wings grew from the young figure of the queen and she flew away.

    And then, a curbstomp was started.

    ¡¸This place, where is©¤©¤?¡¹

    At that time, Lux and the others who were transferred to the information management facility the Archive were placed in a mysterious situation.

    The whole surroundings was jet black darkness.

    Inside it there were only their figures without wearing their Drag-Rides floating along with a faint light.

    They could only stir their bodies slightly.

    ¡¸Calm down Lux-kun. The progression of time that we¡¯re experiencing right now is dozens of times faster than reality. That¡¯s why you won¡¯t get tired even if you keep wearing Bahamut. Right now the content of the information storage medium we found in the Garden is being activated.¡¹

    Apparently the facility of Avalon called the Archive was directly interfering with their brains. It seemed that it was constructed so that people could obtain information in a short time.

    It seemed that Philuffy was also watching this from nearby, but it was unclear whether she was bewildered or simply being her usual self, she was staring vacantly at empty air with her expressionless face.

    A dark room with only their consciousness where they didn¡¯t even know up and down.

    At the center, a silhouette with the same appearance like the Automata called Arshalia was existing.

    Silver hair and grey eyes.

    She was a girl with lovely long hair wearing a luxurious pure white dress.

    She opened her eyes as though noticing the existence of Lux and the others, then she smiled and bowed.

    ¡¸Welcome to the Archive. I welcome the arrival of the three of you.¡¹

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux who only existed as a consciousness here spontaneously asked.

    Right after that he felt exasperated at himself who was talking to an information storage medium, but unexpectedly a reply came back.

    ¡¸My name is Arshalia. I was an imperial princess of the Arcadia Empire in the past. Using the technology that was brought about by the Xfer, I was the one who recreated the Ruins. With my position, perhaps I could be called as the LordCreator.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!? Then, that Automata who is the Gear Leader of Avalon, she is©¤©¤¡¹

    When Aeril who was an imperial family member that was similarly called as the Lord asked the question, the girl¡¯s hologram nodded.

    ¡¸Yes. I created it to imitate my appearance. But, it cannot be said that she is projecting my consciousness. She is just an artificial intelligence©¤©¤in short she is a pseudo personality that was created artificially, she is unrelated with me. In that sense this me is also the same like that but¡­¡­what we remember is different.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even the ancient technology of the Ruins and Avalon until now were overwhelming, but they were still bewildered with the appearance of the existence called Arshalia they were facing.

    But, Lux immediately pulled himself together and asked.

    ¡¸What do you know? No, regarding Avalon and the way to defeat Sacred Eclipse¡­¡­and the transforming Drag-Ride Ouroboros©¤©¤can you teach us what you know about those?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Very well. All of you are people who arrived here after surmounting all difficulties. You have enough qualification to know. The beginning of everything was more than a thousand years ago©¤©¤it began from the encounter of me and him.¡¹

    ¡¸Him¡­¡­?¡¹

    Aeril made a dubious face, but Lux had an idea about it.

    ¡¸Fugil Arcadia huh¡­..¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Arshalia nodded at Lux¡¯s muttering.

    The expression of the girl who was projected in this false image contained gentleness somewhere within, at the same time it also gave a hint of loneliness.

    ¡¸You must have known if you had reached the center of Avalon, but the Arcadia Empire of our time was in the middle of wars that were like hell.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Avalon¡¯s deep level floor.

    Lux and the others also knew about that after watching the past recording that was projected in the abandoned capital Guernica.

    The Arcadia Empire that ruled over the world soon leaned into a government for the sake of the royalty and titled nobility. In the end for the sake of refining Elixir with even higher purity©¤©¤for the sake of strengthening their own talent, lifespan, and physical body, they apprehended the population that were weaker than them and turned them into raw material.

    That became the origin that caused the rebellion. The group that became the center of the rebellion was called the clan of traitors. The people who became the ancestor of the Arcadia Empire of Lux¡¯s time.

    That was how Lux and Aeril understood it but©¤©¤

    ¡¸At that time, the leader of the resistance who stole the Drag-Ride that was exclusive for royalty and titled nobility was a blood relative with the highest aptitude for Drag-Rides even among the Arcadia bloodline.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux gasped and held his breath the moment he was told that.

    Why was Lux and Airi¡¯s aptitude for Drag-Rides abnormally high? That was because they were descended from the same bloodline as Fugil.

    ¡¸I who was the imperial princess, and Fugil who was a child of a member of the clan of traitors. One day I accidentally saw Fugil fighting to protect the cats and dogs that were tortured by people to clear their stress.¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s projection silently looked down and began to talk.

    Her detailed gestures weren¡¯t just some imitation. It looked like she was a real human girl.

    ¡¸I was taught that the clan of traitors is evil since the time I possessed awareness. I had the talent to understand the technology of the XferKey¡¯s Supervisor who cooperated with me and put it into practice. Thanks to that I obtained a great authority even among my sisters the other imperial princesses. But my relatives were only thinking to use the technology of Drag-Rides and the Ruins to enrich themselves. Even I got sick of them.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, because of that©¤©¤¡¹

    When Lux muttered in a small voice, Arshalia opened her eyes and smiled to him.

    ¡¸Yes, originally we were in the position to hate each other, but I obtained a conviction when I saw Fugil at that time. That there is no way the clan of traitors is an evil existence from their birth. That it¡¯s nothing more than a convenient sense of values created for someone¡¯s convenience©¤©¤ I began to think, if I could walk together with Fugil on a path to save all of them without killing anyone.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril who listened to the story made a meek expression without making even a single twitch.

    Most likely the image of them the Lords were overlapping with this artificial personality of Arshalia.

    Similar conflict occurred in the era of Listelka and the others. When they woke up from their long sleep in this era, they attempted to dispose off all the people in authority from all countries.

    Among them it was only Aeril alone who chose the path of coexistence with the people of this era.

    ¡¸Things were going really well for both of us. Thinking back now, we were also conceited back then but, we were blessed with talent and luck. I used the technology of the Ruins and developed new concepts and equipment. Fugil would use them and removed any danger for me. He possessed strength as a Drag-Knight that was greater than anyone, and that strength bloomed in the middle of battles.¡¹

    Arshalia placed her hands on her chest and continued talking about the past.

    How she was correcting the distortions of the world one by one together with Fugil.

    How they subjugated the chief vassals who were committing terrible injustice.

    How they stopped a weapon that ran amok after a modification.

    How they brought down the faction that attempted to assassinate Arshalia.

    How they disguised themselves as the resistance and annihilated a group that was devoted to inhumanity.

    How they left the management of the Ruin to the Automatas that were called the Gear Leaders.

    How she developed various new Drag-Rides.

    Because of the conflicts it was unavoidable that the conclusion was bloody, but the situation was becoming peaceful little by little.

    ¡¸I, fell in love with him. He had been living in an unfortunate environment all the time since his childhood, so he wouldn¡¯t open his heart to me who was an imperial princess of Arcadia, even so I believed that perhaps, he held the same feelings deep down.¡¹

    ©¤©¤¡¯I want to save this world.¡¯

    They wanted to get closer to a world where people wouldn¡¯t meet an unreasonable experience because of other people.

    With such feeling at the bottom of their heart, the two cooperated and advanced forward.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, even amidst that, the conflict wouldn¡¯t die down. No, the more the conflicts were prolonged¡­¡­. The more cornered they are, people will sacrifice various things, they will not be concerned with appearances anymore, and so hatred was growing even more violent.¡¹

    .

    A father who put a bomb inside his own daughter and sold her to a noble to take revenge.

    The imperial family who captured a messenger who approached for peace and dissected him alive to be raw material for Elixir.

    A greedy merchant who schemed to obtain great profit maneuvered by selling weapon to both sides and fanned up their respective anger.

    A researcher indiscriminately scattered fierce poison that wouldn¡¯t really kill but inflicted a long suffering in the hope that the war would stagnate, but it was the innocent people who were suffering the most from it.

    .

    ¡¸Fugil and I advanced forward one step at a time¡­¡­we defeated enemies, but we witnessed a sorrowful and cruel reality. We saw the gruesome acts of humans that were like demons repeatedly and harbored doubt. Could it be that the true nature of humanity©¤©¤ that we the Arcadia clan are an existence that is like a dirty demon? I was scolded by Fugil though. He said ¡ºIf you gave an answer like that, then what I¡¯ve done until now was meaningless.¡».¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The era of the Old Empire where the common masses were suffering from oppression and discrimination by the people in authority.

    The counterattack from the common masses that were filled with deeply held resentment.

    The closing years of the ancient empire must be even more terrible than the past that Lux had experienced.

    During that hellish seven years, the two of them resisted, they encouraged themselves that fought while living together. Arshalia eloquently talked about their history.

    All of this didn¡¯t even take several seconds in the real time, but inside their consciousness it felt like dozens of minutes had passed, and yet©¤©¤it didn¡¯t feel long.

    The tale of the ancient time where the wars, the people¡¯s malignancy had arrived to the extreme.

    But, that battle that felt to be endless was heading to the end due to Fugil¡¯s hard fighting.

    ¡¸Fugil was amazing. In the beginning his skill didn¡¯t reach to that extent but, he never stopped working hard, no matter what kind of hardship came he would endure and surpass it, and he became strong. I was encouraged seeing him. A hero who won¡¯t abandon what is right. I administered Elixir to him every time he was on the verge of death, but at that time I noticed that a mutation was occurring.¡¹

    ¡¸Mutation?¡¹

    Lux tilted his head while making a conjecture inside his heart.

    ¡¸Yes, his body¡­¡­the brakes inside his brain transformed. Originally a human will die if they have Elixir administered to them in certain amount, but he surpassed the limit of maximum permissible dosage and became able to continue living.¡¹

    ¡¸I can¡¯t believe it, he didn¡¯t sleep in a pod like us©¤©¤he became an immortal?¡¹

    When Aeril asked that in bewilderment, Arshalia wordlessly nodded.

    ¡¸There is also that, but the me at that time thought of something different. We destroyed the last great evil, and the world should have become peaceful. But, the sadness and hatred that were nesting inside the hearts of the people throughout the long period didn¡¯t vanish.¡¹

    After the war ended after a fashion and time passed, the new sparks of conflict were starting to smolder from each camp. When they tried to stop that, it burned even hotter instead.

    The royalty and nobility wished to take back their wealthy life from before once more and subjugated the common masses, while the population who were oppressed until now wouldn¡¯t be satisfied until they paid back their oppressors even more than what had been done to them.

    ¡¸I was worried. Even when Fugil and I desperately tried to reorganize the imperial rule, they only kept disputing selfishly. They kept hurting the weak, and before long when they obtained strength they ran riot once more. Thinking of how to sever that kind of endlessly continuing negative spiral, I immersed myself in a certain research before long.¡¹

    ©¤©¤If only the people could be freed from their hatred, from the history of fighting until now.

    If it became no good no matter what was done, if everything could be forgotten and reset.

    ¡¸Endless¡­¡­. Done by resonating the seven Ruins. The world revision¡­¡­is it¡¹

    ¡¸So you know that much. ¡­¡­Exactly.¡¹

    Arshalia turned her face towards Lux who slipped out those words.

    ¡¸The ArtifactTransforming Drag-Ride Ouroboros that possessed the greatest and strongest ability. It activated the seven Ruins simultaneously, revised the people¡¯s memories, and erased the history of hatred. But, because Ouroboros that I created put a burden that is equal to more than ten Divine Drag-Rides on the user, at first even Fugil couldn¡¯t use it well.¡¹

    Therefore, Fugil stemmed the disputes that were happening everywhere while at the same time he was also do training to be able to handle Ouroboros. The time span of several years flowed.

    On the other hand, Arshalia also started researching a system to save the world©¤©¤the new humanoid Ragnarok, and named it Sacred Eclipse.

    It detected a human¡¯s heart, and it was equipped with a system that was able to project the heart. It would respond to the screams of people seeking to be saved, made a judgment, and brought salvation to anyone.

    Fugil used Ouroboros and Arshalia used Sacred Eclipse to guide the world correctly.

    The Hero of Beginning and the Goddess of Salvation.

    The two who were blessed with genius talent and never be negligent in constantly working hard were called like that. They became the stars of hope for the people who were wishing for peace.

    ¡¸But, there an accident happened. In order to possess a body that could control Ouroboros and in order to heal the wound that he obtained from a certain battle, Fugil had a great amount of Elixir administered to him and he fell into a long sleep. During that time a poison was mixed into Sacred Eclipse that was almost finished.¡¹

    ¡¸Poison¡­¡­you said?¡¹

    Lux made a dubious face hearing Arshalia¡¯s somber murmur.

    The girl fell silent, but before she resumed her story, the talk was suddenly interrupted.

    .

    ©¤©¤*Pishi-!*

    .

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The dark world was smashed and the original shape of the Archive¡¯s interior was projected to the sight of Lux and the others.

    The situation of the conversation with Arshalia until now completely changed. Philuffy and Typhon attacked Lux.

    ¡¸System interference finished the information gathering of the subjugation target is obstructed and along with it©¤©¤erasing the target.¡¹

    ¡¸El Fajura!? Was it your doing that the record¡¯s reading was rescinded!?¡¹

    When they realized there was an Automata inside the Archive.

    A girl who was wearing a pilot suit in addition to mechanical ears growing from her head that looked like feathers.

    She was expressionless like a mask, the same like when he faced her in the past, but this time only she looked different.

    From the Automata who originally would only accomplish the work that she was ordered to do mechanically, he felt like a clear hostility was emitted from her.

    El Fajura didn¡¯t respond to Aeril¡¯s yell.

    She only came slashing with the EX Wyvern she was wearing as though to express the emotion of anger.

    Aeril¡¯s face when she immediately blocked it with her Blade showed shock.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lord¡¯s betrayal is reconfirmed©¤©¤moving to elimination act.¡¹

    For some reason Aeril couldn¡¯t see the Blade that El Fajura held.

    And yet, she was receiving the sensation as though they were crossing swords.

    Most likely it was a type of rare armament. It must have the effect to change the blade to be transparent.

    ¡¸The likes of you shouldn¡¯t dare to obtain information from master¡¯s memory. Don¡¯t ask about the right and wrong of the Sacred Eclipse. This is what you cursed humans began. The negative spiral of wishing only for your own prosperity.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Automata that should only be persisting in carrying out their role as a tool until now was©¤©¤expressing something that was like an emotion. Lux was even more surprised when it was El Fajura that was doing so when even among the Automata she was the one giving off a quiet impression.

    Even her usual peculiar tone was starting to change into something gruff.

    But, right now they had no time to split their focus for something like that.

    At Lux¡¯s side he was also being pressed by Philuffy and Typhon. She was unleashing an attack that was like surging waves.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ei¡¹

    She unleashed punches and kicks with her huge armor that pierced through the air along with the driving sound.

    Each of Philuffy¡¯s strikes that moved every part of the Drag-Ride¡¯s frame lithely with the weight of the Divine Drag-Ride put behind it was containing sure-kill destructive power.

    Even if right now he was wearing Bahamut, it would be over if he was directly hit.

    In addition this Typhon was also wearing the reinforcement armor that was brought about by El Fajura¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Philuffy-san! Open your eyes! He is Lux-kun!! Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment is already dispelled!¡¹

    Aeril called out to Philuffy seeing Lux being pressured by the overwhelming power.

    But, El Fajura¡¯s main body slashed at Aeril with the Blade of her EX Wyvern while scoffing at Aeril¡¯s words.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s pointless. The hallucination in her perception from my Python wouldn¡¯t be dispelled right away even if I died. She won¡¯t stop as long as you don¡¯t run away from this place. I also have no intention to let you get away.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Ku!¡¹

    Aeril was pushed back by the unseen Blade the EX Wyvern was wielding and she along with Zahhak backed away.

    She didn¡¯t have any stamina left because she was continuously using her Divine Raiment in order to deceive the eyes of the New Kingdom camp.

    In addition, the Automata that was a fusion of human and machine was able to interfere directly with the Drag-Ride without even needing mind control operation or body control operation.

    Therefore there was no time lag in her piloting and it was possible for her to move smoother than the average Drag-Knight.

    But, it wasn¡¯t just about simple advantageous and disadvantageous conditions, El Fajura was pressuring Aeril with her vigor.

    Aeril was pressured by the Automata that shouldn¡¯t have anything like a soul and was unable to grasp any starting point for counterattacking.

    ¡¸Because you cursed humans needlessly got involved, master¡¯s dream was dirtied. I won¡¯t allow you bastards to peek at her memory.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh! U¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril was desperately blocking the unseen slashes but the sharpness of the sword¡¯s trajectory was gradually increasing.

    ¡¸How!? Why is an Automata¡¯s attack getting stronger?¡¹

    It was a reaction as a Lord who knew about the system that was incorporated in the Ruins.

    An Automata who possessed artificial intelligence was able to always display the very best performance as long as they were given scrupulous maintenance.

    However on the other hand, because they would loyally follow the perfected action, originally they wouldn¡¯t be able to display more power than what they originally had.

    And yet©¤©¤

    ¡¸Don¡¯t look down on Arshalia-sama. I can analyze your movement and aim for even further optimization. Don¡¯t you underestimate my devotion!¡¹

    ¡¸Uaaah!?¡¹

    In the next moment, the Blades lunged forward with feint mixed in and the attacks crossed.

    Zahhak and EX Wyvern each pierced the other¡¯s barrier. The blade¡¯s tip pierced the flesh shoulder.

    On the other hand El Fajura also had her Automata arm cut down, but her face didn¡¯t even twitch.

    She unleashed Howling Howl and blew away Aeril from their close distance.

    By intentionally aiming for simultaneously striking each other, she obtained an effective attack method towards Aeril who possessed a flesh and blood body.

    (I cannot lose. I learned our objective with the appearance of the contractor with Avalon.)

    Raffi used Avalon¡¯s function to re-input the memory of the Automatas.

    When they were still alive, the girl called Arshalia transferred their personality and they obtained the important role of protecting the Ruin.

    They who were fated to rot from sickness were given hope by her.

    They respected Arshalia who was called the Goddess of Salvation and decided to fight in order to protect the great undertaking she was trying to accomplish.

    ¡¸Poison was mixed into Sacred Eclipse. The foolish clan of traitors tortured master to remake the system of salvation that was almost finished. A function to detect people harboring ill will and hostility towards the wisher and slaughter those people was inserted into Sacred Eclipse!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The truth that El Fajura spoke caused Lux and Aeril to hold their breath.

    (Sacred Eclipse was remade due to the clan of traitors? But, it feels like something is out of place.)

    The shocking truth was also surprising, but at the same time Lux felt a strange doubt.

    But, he wasn¡¯t given any time to fall into his thought. Philuffy stepped further into Lux¡¯s range.

    The inside of the Archive©¤©¤the rectangular space that was formed from silver metallic walls only had several ornamental support pillars, so there were few obstacles and the ceiling was also low.

    Therefore, the wheels extending from the armored legs could function well and became advantageous for land battle type Divine Drag-Rides.

    ¡¸Kuh, u¡­¡­!¡¹

    Philuffy vigorously charged while dealing small repeated blows like a hail. He was completely prevented from starting anything.

    Right after that, the power of Baptism that she was hiding burst out.

    Around that time, at the surface.

    A danger was visiting at a corner of the Ancient Forest where Airi and the Triad, who were guarding Lisha, were staying in hiding.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Now then. All traitors must die.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Automata!? Why is she here©¤©¤¡¹

    The appearance of an Automata wearing a Divine Drag-Ride made Airi¡¯s face pale.

    An armor shining like a gem©¤©¤the one wearing the flying type Drag-Ride was La Cruche.

    She had a dumb way of speaking just like when they first met at the Arc. However she was directing a clear hostility to Airi and the others.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I don¡¯t get what¡¯s going on here? What are you two saying!? What do you mean by traitor!?¡¹

    Lisha was bewildered while reaching out to the Sword Device on her waist but, she still hadn¡¯t recovered her strength.

    She tried to summon her Drag-Ride, but her mind control operation didn¡¯t go well and she failed.

    Airi who instantly pulled herself back together from her agitation gave her order to the Triad.

    ¡¸Everyone! Please!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Leave it to us.¡¹

    ¡¸Tillfur, we¡¯re going!¡¹

    ¡¸Alrighty¡­¡­uwa. This seems tough.¡¹

    On the other hand Airi quickly dispelled her own armor and pulled Lisha¡¯s hand.

    Noct held the two of them with her EX Drake and turned her back on the Automatas before leaping.

    Airi had made arrangements beforehand with the Triad that in case they were attacked by someone in this situation, they would respond depending on the enemy¡¯s strength, even so this was an unexpected happening.

    (Through Nii-san I¡¯ve received the information about the location of Avalon¡¯s underground facilities from Aeril-san but©¤©¤)

    The reason why La Cruche suddenly appeared in her radar¡¯s reaction at close range must be because she was already on standby beforehand in Avalon¡¯s underground facility.

    No, more importantly than that, it was bad that Raffi had seen through that she was the traitor.

    As expected the Triad wouldn¡¯t be a match against the Automata, but Raffi shouldn¡¯t do something like expressly reducing the New Kingdom¡¯s fighting strength.

    The worst case might happen, but she could only pray that wouldn¡¯t happen.

    (I¡¯m sorry you two! Please be safe©¤©¤)

    Noct was using EX Drake¡¯s camouflage to hide while trying hard to take distance from the Automata. And then she was heading to the Archive just as Airi instructed. She flew towards the northeast following after Lux and Aeril.

    With that Airi thought that she would be able to buy some time at the very least but©¤©¤

    ¡¸Oi! Put me down! I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on but, if I don¡¯t fight together with those two©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine, just stay still for now! We have to run away!¡¹

    Lisha unsheathed her Sword Device and tried to call Tiamat once more, but Airi desperately stopped her.

    It would be bad if Lisha fought.

    If Lisha whose stamina still hadn¡¯t recovered was defeated by the Automata and fell into Raffi¡¯s hand, the Azure Division would be heading far closer to defeat.

    Airi was thinking of such thing while entrusting her body to Noct, but then Noct suddenly showed a puzzled expression.

    ¡¸What¡¯s this? This reaction in the radar©¤©¤ Abyss?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? Is it about the appearance of many Abyss in the Ancient Forest? If it¡¯s that we can take a detour so we don¡¯t bump into them©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi knew about the tactic of Lux releasing Abyss from the production plant and the Azure Division controlling them with horn flute so she wasn¡¯t surprised, but Noct was pointing out at something different.

    ¡¸No, the number is decreasing. The Abyss that numbered more than a hundred are drastically¡­¡­at this rate, in several more minutes they will be completely©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Airi shuddered hearing the murmur of Noct who was staring at her radar.

    There were only several powerful names who were able to overwhelm more than a hundred Abyss in the New Kingdom right now.

    (If there is someone who can do this, it would be someone at the level of Nii-san or Yoruka-san¡­¡­no, don¡¯t tell me Fugil or Queen Raffi is©¤©¤)

    If Lux didn¡¯t obtain the hint to defeat them from the Archive before they started moving, then it meant that this battle was already heading towards the checkmate for their side.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi! Lisha-sama!¡¹

    The instant Noct yelled, Airi gasped and her focus was pulled back to reality.

    When she looked behind, La Cruche and the Divine Drag-Ride with lustrous armor like a gem she was wearing was approaching right behind them.

    ¡¸The gist of the situation is surely just like what you¡¯re thinking you know? That¡¯s why please hand over the princess obediently. If you do that then there won¡¯t be any need for any futile killing.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­¡¹

    Noct immediately stood in La Cruche¡¯s way and fired the rare armament the EX Drake was equipped with.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Circular Edge!¡¹

    Four round blades that were wrapped with energy drew four different trajectories while rotating. They attacked at La Cruche¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride.

    In addition a second later Noct fired the remaining four Circular Edges with time difference to become an additional attack that was hard to dodge.

    But, La Cruche¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride was backing away to diagonally right behind while deflecting only three Circular Edges with the long blade she was holding.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? That was, dodged!?¡¹

    Rather than because of La Cruche¡¯s precise movement that saw through the best timing and action, Noct was more shocked by how La Cruche was moving just right before she fired Circular Edge.

    ¡¸Is reading the target¡¯s heart that Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s ability¡­¡­?¡¹

    When Airi asked a leading question, La Cruche nodded honestly.

    ¡¸Well, there is no problem even if it¡¯s exposed so I¡¯ll answer. My Vouivre¡¯s Divine Raiment is True EyesSecond Sight¡­¡­. It has the power to see through a human¡¯s heart. Well, I can¡¯t read the heart if I don¡¯t focus on an opponent from close range, and till the end it¡¯s only the general thought, so it¡¯s not almighty but©¤©¤¡¹

    La Cruche said while recovering her posture for the moment, then she faced towards Airi and the others once more.

    ¡¸If you understand now that you can¡¯t win, I hope you will stop with the pointless resistance already. Wounding you all will result in decreasing the battle strength of the New Kingdom. Seems like the girls of Syvalles there doesn¡¯t know about anything but©¤©¤¡¹

    Unlike Airi who knew about Lux¡¯s rebellion, Lisha and Noct didn¡¯t understand why an Automata was taking action as a Drag-Knight and why she was chasing after them.

    But, even so Lisha was about to notice something from this abnormal situation.

    (What is going on? What¡¯s happening in the New Kingdom, in this world right now©¤©¤)

    Something was strange, and not only about the existence of the aggressors called the Azure Division led by her little sisterAlma.

    ¡¸Noct, it¡¯s fine already. Let¡¯s surrender.¡¹

    The next instant Airi who was wearing a pilot suit spoke about surrendering.

    But, hearing that Noct shook her head slightly.

    ¡¸No, please escape Airi. I will hold her back here. I cannot even begin to estimate what is going on. Even so I believe in you.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi¡¯s chest felt hurt seeing the smile that the taciturn Noct showed.

    But, right now she could only rely on her kindness.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama! This way!¡¹

    Saying that Airi took Lisha¡¯s hand once more and started running.

    She grasped the terrain using the radar of Drake she was wearing just now and escaped to the direction of the Archive where Lux was heading.

    She was betting on the hope of being able to luckily meet up with Lux, but this was nothing more than an escape in desperation.

    ¡¸It¡¯s unfortunate but, all of you are no match for the current master.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The sound of Noct fighting reached Airi¡¯s ear.

    La Cruche read Noct¡¯s defense and pried open her barrier with a Blade.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    The Blade La Cruche was holding was freely shortening and lengthening. Noct was taken by surprise and her armored shoulder was hit, making her unable to move.

    Not letting go of that opening, La Cruche and Vouivre flew towards Airi and Lisha.

    ¡¸In the end this is the difference of their caliber. Even after obtaining an overwhelming power, master didn¡¯t turn prideful and won the battle of wits after reading her opponent¡¯s strategy. Just like this time.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying huh this piece of junk robot! Shit!¡¹

    Lisha pulled out Tiamat¡¯s Sword Device and gripped it while yelling threateningly.

    She should be the first person who received Baptism among the Syvalles members, but because it was a strengthening of her physical ability, there was an effect to Lisha¡¯s condition until her body adapted to it.

    She was captured and she was resting her exhausted body, but if time passed and she finished recovering, then her weak point until now that was her lack of stamina would be resolved and she would become able to use Over Unit freely.

    Airi didn¡¯t even have any way of knowing such circumstance, however©¤©¤she summoned her Drake once more and equipped it, then she made herself a shield so that Lisha wouldn¡¯t be taken away.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t let you pass! Please go! Lisha-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? Shit!¡¹

    Lisha thought that she would only become a hindrance with her current condition even if she was here. Airi¡¯s voice pushed her and she started running.

    Airi who didn¡¯t have any way to fight even with a Drag-Ride on her body wouldn¡¯t even be able to buy time, much less fighting. She understood that.

    Even so betting on the miracle that Lux would appear if she managed to hold for a few seconds was©¤©¤

    ¡¸I will erase you if you stand in my way you know?¡¹

    If speaking from the conclusion, Lux and Airi wouldn¡¯t reunite in this place.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Airi!?¡¹

    Airi listened to Noct¡¯s yell from some distance away while she closed her eyes tightly.

    The Blade of Vouivre that La Cruche was using moved towards Airi in a straight line.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This match. This battle of the caliber as king, is Queen Raffi the winner?¡¹

    Near the center of Avalon that was moved to the Ancient Forest. Queen Raffi who liberated the figure of Sacred Eclipse¡¯s main body flew to the sky and devoured the Abyss one after another. While that was going on, the Automata Arshalia looked up to the sky and muttered.

    The silver sleet became snow when she noticed. The snow continued to fall silently, as though to hide the bloody slaughter unfolding before her eyes.

    Before Raffi obtained strength, she was no more than a woman who could only fear the world.

    But, after she fused with Sacred Eclipse, she reacted appropriately even towards the appearance of unexpected enemies and built up her advantage diligently.

    She didn¡¯t only rely on the Automatas and Avalon that were under her control.

    She believed that the enemy was Lux, read his personality, and then responded with the most suitable plan.

    She pretended that her own army was being toyed around, identified Airi as the spy from Lux, and sent an assassin to deal with it.

    Even in the unlikely chance that Lux won against Philuffy and El Fajura, she had already prepared another Automata to finish him off after that.

    Raffi herself was removing the swarm of Abyss, in addition she was stocking up energy.

    The fate of the rebellion that Lux was trying to carry out was already on the verge of ending after just a bit more.

    It would be desirable to not kill Lux who right now was the hero of the New Kingdom and had him brainwashed, but Raffi had the resolve to kill him when push comes to shove.

    The resolve to cut down the enemy.

    The resolve to sever the country¡¯s cancer even if she had to dirty her own hands.

    The Automata Arshalia was speaking while taking into account such present situation, but,

    ¡¸Caliber, huh¡­¡­. Certainly, her majesty the queen is trying to fulfill the trail that is imposed on her to become a king. In regards to her caliber, there is nothing that can be criticized. But©¤©¤¡¹

    In response to Arshalia¡¯s question, Fugil stayed seated on a small boulder while staring straight to the grey colored empty sky.

    ¡¸I see, so that¡¯s your answer huh¡­¡­Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    The words that Fugil suddenly uttered made Arshalia tilt her head.

    ©¤©¤*GAKIiIN!*

    .

    The consecutive blows of Philuffy that didn¡¯t even give the time for breathing were approaching with a roar.

    Unlike Lux¡¯s secret technique©¤©¤End Action, Philuffy¡¯s attacks weren¡¯t done with no pause in between.

    Using armor to punch, kick, grapple, throw, including the Pile Anchor to snipe and reel in, or perhaps Philuffy herself would move in high speed. Her great variety of attack methods almost gave no room for counterattack or defense.

    But, for a human controlling a Drag-Ride, such thing was an impossible action.

    Since the Drag-Ride was controlled using the body and the mind, the timing when the pilot had to take a breather due to fatigue should arrive without exception, and yet such timing never arrived.

    On the contrary the breathing of Lux who was completely on the defensive was running out first. He was becoming unable to dodge the attacks.

    At first he thought that the cause of this was the trick of El Fajura¡¯s parasitic Drag-Ride Python, but that wasn¡¯t it.

    Aeril who was watching from the side noticed the reason and called out to Lux.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! Don¡¯t! She won¡¯t stop even if you continue defending like that!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril was enduring the fierce attack of El Fajura¡¯s EX Wyvern while barely raising her voice to say that.

    ¡¸Body control operation, through her whole body©¤©¤even until the inside of her body¡­¡­! That¡¯s the power she obtained through Baptism!¡¹

    When he looked really close, it was faint, but there were faint geometrical patterns floating on Philuffy¡¯s whole body.

    Operation of the body.

    Most humans tended to think that they were able to do that skillfully enough without focusing on it, but unexpectedly the number of body functions that could be completely controlled by a human¡¯s own will was limited.

    Reflex, immunity, sweating, etc. They would be carried out outside of the consciousness responding to the situation. They couldn¡¯t be controlled by a human¡¯s own will.

    ¡¸If she become able to completely control her bodily function and the power of an Abyss©¤©¤ She will be able to hold her breath far longer than a normal human, her body¡¯s flexibility and endurance too©¤©¤¡¹

    The people who were turned into Nocturnals by Elixir in the past used their Drag-Rides in a way that didn¡¯t take into account the burden on their body.

    Philuffy similarly inserted that into her tactics and drove Lux into a corner.

    (So it¡¯s, like that¡­¡­!)

    The bodily control that Philuffy obtained from Baptism.

    There was no doubt that it ascended her strength by one rank, but he was feeling a strength that he was still unable to see the bottom of.

    Supposing that Philuffy obtained strength, would it end with just that?

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless even if you know that. You two won¡¯t win against her and me! We have the duty to believe in Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤in master and protect Avalon and the Ruins. For the sake of this world¡¯s peace!¡¹

    The surroundings of the EX Wyvern that El Fajura equipped summoned additional armor.

    Over Limit©¤©¤the final form after the Drag-Ride¡¯s limiters were taken off. She prepared to end the match.

    ¡¸Kuh©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸Are you planning to challenge me with a broken whip, you fool.¡¹

    Aeril who swept aside the medium sized Blade took her Breath Whip into her hand.

    The special armament was half destroyed through the process of backing up Lux several times, but it was the weapon she was most skilled in and she resolved herself to make her last stand with it.

    ¡¸I have to protect¡­¡­. If I use this strength, surely¡­¡­can become free¡¹

    On the other hand Philuffy was wishing for something within her blank mind.

    She was surely intending to draw out all her strength for the sake of protecting the New Kingdom.

    (I can¡¯t let her¡­¡­! I won¡¯t let Phi-chan get taken away by them!)

    Even though Lux wished that she would forget about someone like him who might die doing this.

    Even though he didn¡¯t want her to risk her life for his sake.

    He wondered why he was feeling this hurt because her heart was snatched away by another.

    He knew©¤©¤no, he already knew since a long time ago.

    Bahamut¡¯s frame was creaking from the accumulated damage. The movement of every part was gradually dulling.

    Why he didn¡¯t want Philuffy to be touched by anyone?

    Why was he wanting for her to stay as she was forever?

    (I, didn¡¯t want her to change. I wished that, my heart¡¯s only support would stay as it was¡­¡­)

    He intended to protect Philuffy while actually he was depending on her.

    He didn¡¯t notice, pretended to not notice the affection she was directing to him.

    Lux¡¯s Divine Raiment Reload on Fire and the three secret techniques of Drag-Knight control were sealed because she was pressing on Lux without giving him time to take even a breath.

    It was possible in theory, but he didn¡¯t think that there would be a Drag-Knight in reality who would be able to do that.

    Lux was in an unfavorable situation where his defeat was highly likely, even so he continued to endure.

    With his own power of foresight that was also strengthened by Baptism he was barely avoiding from getting hit by a lethal blow.

    (Just a bit more, and I¡¯ll be able to memorize Typhon¡¯s current movement. If I can predict her aim, I¡¯ll have to take her down with one attack. In order to not let Philuffy use the Abyss¡¯s power even more than this too©¤©¤)

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­haa!¡¹

    Philuffy seemed to reach her limit. Her breathing was getting faster, and the momentum of her attack was slightly slackening.

    Lux who saw that through diverted the fist that Typhon unleashed with the edge of his Blade, parrying it.

    In order to land a slash of Quick Draw on the back of her defenseless shoulder, he gathered strength for an instant. In that instant©¤©¤

    ¡¸Lu¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    When Philuffy who was making a hollow expression slipped out that word, the inside of Lux¡¯s head became pure white.

    Did she recover her consciousness? Or was it perhaps just her reflexive muttering?

    What happened with the power of the Abyss planted inside her body? If she spread Yggdrasil¡¯s root into her Drag-Ride, then the effect©¤©¤

    Right after he harbored such hesitation for an instant, Typhon¡¯s straight punch pierced Bahamut.

    ¡¸U, ah!¡¹

    It couldn¡¯t be defended even when he immediately strengthened the barrier.

    He crashed on the metal wall at the direction where he was blown away. His breathing stopped from the impact running through his whole body.

    He barely avoided from having his armor dispelled, but he couldn¡¯t continue.

    For several seconds from here, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything except receiving his opponent¡¯s attack fully.

    But, if Philuffy just now was recovering her awareness©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    ¡¸Phi¡­¡­chan?¡¹

    There wasn¡¯t any change in Philuffy¡¯s condition.

    She was looking down on Lux with a blank gaze and lifted up Typhon¡¯s huge fist.

    ¡¸You got caught by that huh, fool. That was my plan that the current master ordered me to do.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The words of El Fajura who was crossing swords with Aeril stupefied Lux for an instant.

    This flow of battle©¤©¤everything until Lux¡¯s counterattack was dodged was the scheme of Raffi who was manipulating Philuffy.

    The real strength of Lux who had defeated numerous powerful enemies until now©¤©¤its source was his mental strength. In order to seal that, Raffi used Philuffy.

    (Is this, my defeat¡­¡­. Your majesty Raffi, you¡¯re really formidable©¤©¤)

    But, if Philuffy wasn¡¯t bound by a Ragnarok¡¯s power and she could be safe, then that was also fine, Lux thought.

    If there was one regret that he still had it was,

    (Lisha, sama¡­¡­)

    The girl who he believed in and entrusted his own kingship to©¤©¤

    ©¤©¤At the same time, inside a room of a certain hideout located at the royal capital Lordgalia.

    A man and a woman were sitting in front of the fireplace inside the room of that building that was made to look like an empty house.

    ¡¸Is it really alright? Magialca-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What is it Lolotte? Is it about me not letting you to go assist them?¡¹

    The servant youth who was aiding Magialca who was confined to a wheelchair©¤©¤Lolotte asked a question. In response his master answered him.

    Magialca who was cooperating with Lux behind the scenes under the name of the Azure Division gave him as much support as she could. Now she was looking up at the cloudy sky that was visible from the curtain¡¯s gap.

    ¡¸No, I mean about¡­¡­entrusting everything to him. To begin with, I¡¯m also puzzled about your involvement with this battle¡­¡­¡¹

    The question of Lolotte who was her aide and also her loyal follower was only natural if it was considered objectively.

    Certainly it was a great threat to the world but, it was unthinkable that they would be able to win against Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse and Fugil who owned Ouroboros.

    Magialca¡¯s rash gamble by supporting Lux that she even braved danger when she was already thought to be dead was something that Lolotte couldn¡¯t support.

    But, the female master who he trusted, she smiled fearlessly even in her appearance that was covered with bandages.

    ¡¸You¡¯re really distrusting even though we have known each other for long. Have my bets regarding business ever missed when I thought that this is the one?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s Sir Singlen, that young man is too clean. Against Queen Raffi who is using every method in the book both as a statesman and as someone standing above others©¤©¤¡¹

    Queen Raffi obtained strength that was equal or surpassing Lux by fusing with Sacred Eclipse.

    In contrast Lux was challenging a battle of defeating Sacred Eclipse and Fugil in a way that anyone wouldn¡¯t notice. It was something that was just too difficult.

    Looking at the whole, Lolotte was judging that Lux had no chance of victory.

    ¡¸You really don¡¯t get it. Why do you think I sent the Seven Dragon Paladins who haven¡¯t recovered their memories©¤©¤who are unable to free themselves from the bindings of the world revision, to the Ancient Forest?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­?¡¹

    Her aide tilted his head in puzzlement. Magialca continued with a malicious smile.

    ¡¸You see, that¡¯s because that man¡­¡­Lux is a heroic figure who isn¡¯t inferior compared to Singlen or Raffi. That man would look at someone, talk to them, and face them even if he has to risk his life without running away or feeling irked by the troublesome effort. That¡¯s exactly why the powerful people allied themselves with him. That¡¯s exactly©¤©¤¡¹

    The kingship that Lux was aiming and looking for until now.

    It was a disposition of a king that was different from Raffi and Singlen. A king¡¯s disposition of his own.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    The Blade of Vouivre that was worn by La Cruche was swung down. Airi shut her eyes from the fear of death.

    However, not only Airi¡¯s body, even the armor of the Drake she was wearing didn¡¯t feel any impact.

    When she fearfully opened her eyes, a completely unexpected sight was unfolding there.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like, we made it in time eeeh¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The eyes of Noct who was fixing up her Drag-Ride some distance away spontaneously snapped wide open.

    The one who stopped Vouivre¡¯s Blade using a large scythe©¤©¤ScytheDragon Horn Curved Blade and protected Airi was a red haired girl wearing a huge dark grey armor.

    ¡¸Rosa Granhide!? Why are you here?¡¹

    La Cruche asked with a dubious face while pushing the Blade that was locked with the scythe.

    In response Rosa parried it with her Sctyhe along with a dangerous smile.

    ¡¸That¡¯s my linee. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on but, if you¡¯re attacking Lux-sama¡¯s little sister, then obviously I¡¯ll protect heer. You yourself, are you prepared?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s crimson eyes glared and she threatened.

    In response La Cruche gazed at the Seven Dragon Paladin opposing her with a bitter expression.

    ¡¸How unexpected. An unplanned opponent appeared at this kind of place©¤©¤ But, it¡¯s still¡­¡­¡¹

    Even while shocked La Cruche sent her thoughts to her fellow Automata.

    Re Plica who was apprehending Alma was heading to deal the finishing blow to Lux.

    ¡¸Hmph. Well, fine then. I¡¯m sure it will also go well over there.¡¹

    La Cruche tilted her head at Rosa¡¯s meaningful smile.

    She didn¡¯t understand the meaning of that smile at this time.

    But, something was also occurring at a place some distance away from there.

    .

    ¡¸What are youomae coming here for desu? youomae©¤©¤¡¹

    At the same time, Soffice Xfer who came along with Rosa into the Ancient Forest was also facing the Gear Leader of the seventh Ruin the Moon, the Automata Re Plica.

    On the armored arm of the golden colored Divine Drag-Ride Vritra worn by Soffice was Alma who she snatched from Re Plica.

    ¡¸youomae are¡­¡­, no, youanata are©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep, it¡¯s Soffice. The Seven Dragon Paladin of the Turkimes Confederation and Lux¡¯s bosom friend, perhaps.¡¹

    Alma didn¡¯t know what to say toward the brown skinned girl who was indifferently talking with her peculiar expressionless face.

    ¡¸Why did you, save me©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸I heard from Magialca that you are my bosom friend¡¯s©¤©¤Lux¡¯s comrade. Also, I have a business with the Automata in front of me.¡¹

    Soffice too still hadn¡¯t recovered her memory before the world revision.

    But, she was starting to vaguely get an inkling of something out of place that was going on in this Ancient Forest.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s do our best as fellow people who were helped by Lux. Then¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! I¡¯m in your debt!¡¹

    Alma who was untied by Soffice started running into a thicket.

    Thus, the two Seven Dragon Paladins who were assisting Lux entered battle against the Automatas.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Shit! What in the world is that monster?¡¹

    Lisha slowly caught her breath while hiding behind a tree.

    From afar she could see the countless Abyss flying in the sky and a mysterious flying object devouring them one after another.

    The New Kingdom camp and the Azure Division.

    She didn¡¯t know which side was coming ahead, but she understood that this wasn¡¯t a normal situation.

    She got separated from Airi and Noct. It was also difficult to search them in her state that was unable to wear her Drag-Ride.

    Snow was falling around her and she was feeling really cold.

    She would be able to maintain her temperature if she wore her Drag-Ride, but at this rate she might freeze to death.

    (But, just a bit more and I¡¯ll be able to resummon Tiamat. And then©¤©¤)

    She calmed her breathing and strengthened her will.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux. I¡¯m not going to die until I go back and meet you once more¡­¡­¡¹

    It was like that day five years ago.

    Lisha at that time lost everything that she could depend on and fell into despair.

    (I was abandoned by father and even my remaining little sister betrayed me©¤©¤ I lost everything.)

    However, now she had Lux.

    Her knight that was worthy of trust from the bottom of her heart.

    No©¤©¤Lux was becoming a special existence for her already since a long time ago, perhaps even from that day when he saved her.

    ¡¸The next time, I meet Lux¡­¡­. I¡¯ve got to tell him properly. Actually I want him to be the one telling me but©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha quietly put her hand on her chest, closed her eyes, and thought of the young man¡¯s figure in her mind.

    (I¡¯ve decided. That I will help Haha-ue together with Lux and protect the New Kingdom. That¡¯s why, who is going to lose against those guys at this kind of place)

    The resolve that was born inside Lisha.

    It awakened the power of Baptism and increased her body temperature.

    ¡¸Yosh, I can do it now! Just you wait! Lux!¡¹

    Lisha took a deep breath and lifted her Sword Device to the sky once more.

    The flame of hope was blazing in that chest.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    At the facility of Avalon, Archive that was located in the underground nearby Lisha¡¯s position.

    The fist that Philuffy held up wasn¡¯t swung towards Lux.

    In exchange, the tip of Pile Anchor was digging into the armor of EX Wyvern that El Fajura was wearing.

    The unexpected reality made El Fajura and Lux to open their eyes wide at the same time.

    ¡¸What¡¯re you doing? You©¤©¤should be my puppet! Why are you aiming at me!?¡¹

    It was impossible.

    Due to the mental manipulation from Python, the normal awareness and thought should be taken away from Philuffy.

    However, El Fajura noticed after this late that she was overlooking Aeril¡¯s existence.

    ¡¸My bad, it¡¯s dispelled already. Python is©¤©¤¡¹

    The parasitic Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s armor was crumbling off in pieces from Typhon¡¯s armor.

    Breath Whip that was slid into the gap of the armor was destroying the armor as though peeling off a thin skin.

    Why was Aeril continuing to use a Blade she was holding with one hand since midway?

    That was in order to make El Fajura¡¯s consciousness forget about the existence of the whip she was wielding in the other hand using Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Brain Hack.

    Even El Fajura could understand until that far.

    But, even with Python peeled off, the target¡¯s awareness wouldn¡¯t return to normal right away.

    Philuffy¡¯s mind should be still nothing more than a blank slate.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not a puppet you know? I am, me. Because Lu-chan, taught me that.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    By reeling in the wire, El Fajura who was clad in an EX Wyvern was pulled towards Typhon at high speed.

    At the same time the right fist of Philuffy¡¯s Typhon was gathering energy that was tinged with high heat.

    ¡¸Impossible! I won¡¯t lose! For the sake of the master I believe in too!¡¹

    El Fajura¡¯s EX Wyvern that was using Over Limit was brandishing its Blade even while being pulled.

    She aimed to counter Philuffy so they struck each other down at the same time. In that instant,

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The armored right wrist that was going to swing down the sword was severed by Bahamut.

    ©¤©¤Reload on Fire.

    Right after Philuffy¡¯s fist stopped, Lux learned that her heart had returned and without delay he activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    And then Philuffy too also knew Lux¡¯s thought and launched the attack to shave off El Fajura¡¯s consciousness without hesitation.

    An instantaneous mutual understanding.

    They didn¡¯t have any detailed arrangement or preparation beforehand.

    They were just, if they were fighting together, they would trust each other and act in a way that would help the other.

    (There is no way¡­¡­. In a state that is almost subconscious, trusting someone else to that degree is just©¤©¤)

    Right after El Fajura was bewildered with the thought of humans that she couldn¡¯t comprehend,

    .

    ©¤©¤*DO, OooOOOOON!*

    .

    Destruction and great heat blew violently along with a thunderous roar that shook the air.

    Right after that, Typhon¡¯s special armament Biting Flare¡¯s super firepower crushed El Fajura along with her armor.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa, haa¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s, over.¡¹

    Aeril, Lux, and Philuffy dispelled their armor and stood still in that place.

    They were breathing hard while looking at each other¡¯s faces.

    ¡¸Philuffy-san, how much do you remember about this battle?¡¹

    ¡¸Until I came to this forest I think? After that I don¡¯t really remember though.¡¹

    Philuffy vacantly tilted her head at Aeril¡¯s question and answered.

    She didn¡¯t ask anything about Lux being here when originally he should be waiting back at the inn.

    ¡¸Lu-chan is going to, beat her majesty?¡¹

    ¡¸How do you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Because, there was a bit of an Abyss¡¯s scent from her majesty. Right now I don¡¯t really understand though©¤©¤¡¹

    Philuffy who was similarly possessing a Ragnarok¡¯s factor in herself was surely sensing some kind of change from Raffi.

    Now that it had been exposed, there was no meaning in hiding the truth anymore.

    The matter of what happened at Guernica two weeks ago.

    The matter of three days of the parade that were looped.

    The matter of Sacred Eclipse. He told everything to Philuffy.

    Including how Lux intended to fight by himself so that everyone of the New Kingdom©¤©¤Syvalles wouldn¡¯t get dragged into it.

    ¡¸I see. Then, I¡¯ll also help out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, that¡¯s no good Phi-chan! I can¡¯t let you do that.¡¹

    She and also her big sister Relie had important standings in this country.

    He couldn¡¯t let them to bear the stigma of being a rebel who opposed the New Kingdom.

    To say nothing of having her participating in the reckless battle to defeat Fugil and Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤

    ¡¸Besides I also, don¡¯t want to put any more burden on Phi-chan. Because¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Because of that body that is gnawed by an Abyss huh?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Suddenly El Fajura¡¯s head among the wreckage that was scattered below them moved and both its eyes snapped open.

    .

    ©¤©¤*IIIiiiIIII-!*

    .

    In the next moment, the sound of a horn flute from its mouth resounded inside the Archive.

    ¡¸Kill that guy you monster! Stab that man¡¯s heart with your Sword Device!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux shuddered at El Fajura¡¯s last obsession.

    Although Philuffy became able to resist the sound of a horn flute through training, if it was used in surprise when she was tired©¤©¤

    As though to prove that anxiety of Lux and Aeril, Philuffy immediately pulled out the short sword shaped Sword Device from her sword belt.

    And then, she lightly turned around and threw it towards El Fajura.

    ¡¸Gah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    El Fajura¡¯s head was pierced through and this time she stopped completely.

    *Shin*¡­¡­silence came once more.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m, fine. The Abyss inside me already vanished after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤?¡¹

    Lux was dumbfounded hearing Philuffy¡¯s murmur.

    If Lux¡¯s memory was correct, he had never seen her lying.

    But regardless of that, Lux spontaneously doubted his hearing.

    ¡¸Ragnarok¡¯s, Yggdrasil¡¯s seed vanished? How in the world?¡¹

    According to Philuffy¡¯s explanation, it seemed that the feeling of the seed of Ragnarok remaining inside her body was already gone.

    The power of bodily manipulation that she obtained from Baptism.

    The Ragnarok that was giving Philuffy power while also placing a burden on her until now seemed to be used by her to heal her body.

    The power to consciously control the body parts that previously couldn¡¯t be consciously controlled.

    When Raffi suggested the point to be strengthened through Baptism, she thought about it and tested it.

    Namely, erasing the seed of Ragnarok that was a part of her body on her own.

    Of course, there was also the possibility that she would die from the rejection reaction.

    She thought that Lux and Airi would stop her if she told them and so she didn¡¯t tell them.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, Lu-chan doesn¡¯t need to, worry about me anymore you know? There is nothing, that Lu-chan needs to worry about because of failures in the past. That¡¯s why, I want you to tell me. Help out.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t say anything.

    She already risked her life for his sake.

    The same like Lux, for the sake of something important.

    ¡¸Phi-chan¡­¡­¡¹

    He drew Philuffy¡¯s body close and hugged her tightly.

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m okay you know?¡¹

    Tears were falling in large drops while he was feeling his childhood friend¡¯s warmth, softness, and nostalgic scent.

    His feeling towards her that couldn¡¯t be described with words was overflowing.

    His current feeling couldn¡¯t be expressed using any kind of word.

 Volume 17 - Epilogue

    ¡¸©¤©¤Geez, how long are you two going to stay like that? I understand your feelings but, there is no time you know? It looks like this Archive is also breaking down because of the battle with El Fajura.¡¹

    Only several minutes had passed.

    Aeril was making a sidelong glance at Lux and Philuffy who kept hugging each other tightly while pouting,

    Surely it was something to be thankful for that she would silently watch over them for several minutes in this kind of situation.

    Unfortunately, due to El Fajura¡¯s obstruction, it seemed that they couldn¡¯t hope to obtain more information from here.

    ¡¸Actually, we should be able to watch the continuation of just now at the Central too but©¤©¤¡¹

    Resignation was vaguely coming from the tone of Aeril who was hesitatingly saying that.

    In the end they still couldn¡¯t ask about the weak point of Sacred Eclipse as well as Ouroboros more than what they knew.

    They succeeded in weakening them by the time they stole one of the Grand Forces, but as expected they would have to defeat the Sacred Eclipse one more time.

    In order to do that it would be necessary to defeat Raffi, infiltrate into Central, and gave the order for Sacred Eclipse to stop functioning but©¤©¤

    ¡¸There is no one among us who can connect with the Central. But, if we can meet the pseudo personality of Arshalia who was talking with us just now at Central©¤©¤¡¹

    If they could persuade her to move Avalon¡¯s Automata Arshalia, it might be possible to stop Sacred Eclipse.

    Even though they aimed at this Archive in order to avoid fighting Fugil, in the end they still had to infiltrate into Central.

    But, they already couldn¡¯t turn back.

    They could only confront the battle while avoiding fighting directly against Lisha, Krulcifer, and Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Then, Phi-chan. See you later.¡¹

    Lux left behind Aeril and Philuffy and went out of the Archive ahead.

    The two of them were greatly exhausted and couldn¡¯t move immediately. He also wanted to confirm Airi¡¯s safety, so Lux returned to the surface by himself. It was then©¤©¤

    ¡¸¡­¡­He, Hero-dono!? You are here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Alma! You yourself, why are you here!?¡¹

    Alma who was hiding in a nearby bush showed her face and rushed towards Lux.

    Her face was haggard, but he couldn¡¯t find any injury on her.

    .

    ¡¸I was under the watch of an Automata, but a Seven Dragon Paladin, a person who introduced herself as Lux¡¯s buddy saved me.¡¹

    ¡¸Buddy?¡¹

    ¡¸She is a girl with black hair and brown skin, and a somewhat strange personality.¡¹

    ¡¸Ah, you mean Soffice.¡¹

    They should be friends, but since when did she rank up into his bosom friend?

    He heard how Magialca gave information to the Seven Dragon Paladins and guided them to this Ancient Forest, but they didn¡¯t know whether they would recover their memories or whether they would become Lux¡¯s ally but©¤©¤it seemed Soffice saved Alma.

    ¡¸I can, still fight. My Sword Device was taken away but, I can command the Azure Division in your place©¤©¤¡¹

    Alma raised her face courageously and muttered that, but strength seemed to leave her legs and she staggered. Lux immediately caught her.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t force yourself, you should rest. For the time being the assassins from her majesty Raffi are dealt with. The pieces of the New Kingdom are now limited. Leave the rest to©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux¡¯s time stopped when he was saying that to Alma.

    A girl was standing on the ground slightly ahead where there was the ruin of a broken shrine.

    The girl who he was walking together with until now, the one he swore his loyalty to.

    It was the princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte.

    .

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­?¡¹

    .

    The forgetfulness of the designated memory using Aeril¡¯s Zahhak couldn¡¯t be used anymore.

    And then, right now he was exchanging words with Alma as Azure Division©¤©¤as the ringleader who was rebelling in order to destroy the New Kingdom.

    It was only several seconds.

    But, within the time that was like an eternity, the snows were fluttering down.

    .

    The time of the two stopped.

    Before long, it started to slowly move once more.

 Volume 18 - Prologue

    .

    ¡¸Lizharte. You will succeed the unfulfilled will of your father, the great hero Atismata, and become the princess of the New Kingdom. That is the responsibility that you ought to take up.¡¹

    .

    The voice felt really far away, like it was something that happened a really long time ago.

    However, she was able to remember this memory of five years ago vividly like it was only yesterday.

    Inside the stone castle that was burnt along with the crumbling of the Old Empire.

    Prime Minister Nulph who was her father¡¯s adjutant at that time rescued Lisha from the hidden passage inside the well and told her that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡¹

    At that time Lisha didn¡¯t understand.

    She who was taken hostage was abandoned by her father. After that she betrayed her father because she didn¡¯t want to die.

    The inerasable mark of her submission toward the Old Empire was remaining in her body.

    How could her current self introduce herself as a princess who succeeded her father¡¯s dying will?

    However, if she refused this then Lisha would have nowhere to go.

    She could only let herself being toyed around by fate. Like that she gradually settled into her position as princess.

    .

    Her real self that wished to be saved by someone.

    The wound of her heart from being abandoned by the father she trusted.

    Lisha who felt hatred inside her heart toward the title as the great hero¡¯s orphan immersed herself into developing and using Drag-Ride.

    She could only deceive her current self by doing that.

    Because she believed that she didn¡¯t have any qualification to correctly lead the New Kingdom as the daughter of the great hero.

    At the surface she acted as Crimson War Princess, the leader of the new generation, but she was actually suffering inside.

    Someone who knew and able to accept her real self, someone who she could trust.

    She wanted such existence all this time.

    Then Lisha encountered that young man.

    .

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­?¡¹

    .

    While it felt like the time was stopping for eternity, snow was fluttering down at the surrounding.

    It was a romantic snowy landscape within the Ancient Forest.

    The true indentify of the Drag-Knight who was giving instruction to her little sister©¤©¤Alma who should be the leader of Azure Division that proclaimed war to the New Kingdom.

    Lisha even doubted this definite reality, wondering if it might be a deception.

    The young man before her eyes. Lux, the one who Lisha trusted the most, was none other than the ringleader who carried out this coup d¡¯etat. This scene was telling her that.

    ¡¸Is this, some kind of mistake? What am I, seeing right now?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was like the time was still stopping. The young man in front of her wasn¡¯t moving.

    His body didn¡¯t stir at the slightest, he was unable to.

    ¡¸Are you, betraying me and Haha-ue?¡¹

    Was Lux under the manipulation of someone else, or perhaps©¤©¤.

    How comfortable it would be if she could believe that?

    But, the grim look that appeared on Lux¡¯s expression when Lisha called to him told her that this was the truth.

    ¡¸Answer me Lux! Did you do this!? In order to destroy the New Kingdom¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!¡¹

    In contrast Lux couldn¡¯t say anything back.

    His plan to hide his true identity till the end and took down Sacred Eclipse without Lisha ever learning about it was already crumbling.

    However, he was unable to tell the truth and persuade Lisha while she was under the effect of world revision.

    In the first place, he also didn¡¯t know whether the binding on Lisha¡¯s perception had been dispelled or not, and even if the binding was dispelled he didn¡¯t want to tell her the truth.

    If he did that, Lisha who finally obtained a family would become burdened by even more tragic fate.

    She would be forced to take down her step mother who was possessed by the Ruin¡¯s system called Sacred Eclipse with her own hand like that.

    Was there no other choice but to tell Lisha everything, persuade her, tell her to kill her mother, and placed even more shackle of sin on her?

    The answer that he derived at the end of his complication was©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸You are¡­¡­an impostor. There is no way, that Lux will betray me and Haha-ue¡­¡­. You¡¯re, fake!¡¹

    Something that looked like red vapor surged out from Lisha¡¯s body. She pulled out her Sword Device from her belt.

    Seeing that abnormality, Lux realized that it was the power of physical strengthening that she obtained from Baptism.

    At the same time, he also realized that she was seeing him as enemy and she would face him with all her strength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Awaken, founding ancestor. O dragon king of the gods who formed an army by your lonesome. Tiamat!¡¹

    A huge crimson Divine Drag-Ride was summoned before Lisha¡¯s eyes. It split into countless parts.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Connect On!¡¹

    And then, it transformed into armor that covered Lisha¡¯s whole body. Its movement made mechanical sound that sounded like a roar.

    ¡¸Hero-dono, please©¤©¤escape from here for now!¡¹

    Seeing that, Lisha¡¯s little sister Alma urged Lux to retreat in panic.

    But, it was too slow.

    ¡¸Alma! Get away!¡¹

    Lux somehow gave that instruction within the short time before unsheathing his Sword Device and lifting it up.

    He would summon the Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut and wore it in order to confront Lisha and held her back.

    That day when Lux first came to the academy, the two of them also fought.

    .

    The curtain of the stage was opened once more, as though to trace the beginning that was their encounter.

 Volume 18 - CH 1

    .

    ¡¸This is troubling nanodesu. Strange interruption that isn¡¯t in the plan is butting in¡­¡­. Furthermore, the binding of world revision is still working on them right?¡¹

    An Automata girl with mechanical ears that looked like rabbit ears. The Gear Leader who managed the Arc, La Cruche looked at the girl who was confronting her and spat out that complaint.

    Her current master, Raffi ordered her to erase the traitor of New Kingdom, Airi Arcadia. The one who rescued her erasure target from the crisis was a Seven Dragon Paladins from other country, Rosa Granhide.

    ¡¸Interruption eh. That means you guys are doing something suspicious just as I thought theen? Perhaps even the story that Captain Magialca¡¯s aide told me is also unexpectedly true?¡¹

    Due to Fugil¡¯s <ruby>Transforming Drag-Ride<rt>Artifact</rt></ruby>, Uroboros, the Seven Dragon Paladins other than Lux and Magialca were made to misunderstand that the whole battle had been over after the decisive battle in the abandoned capital Guernica.

    But, Aeril was kidnapped and the Grand Force of the Garden was stolen after that. And so the situation changed completely.

    To investigate the action of Queen Raffi who was secretly maneuvering and rewriting people¡¯s consciousness, Magialca skillfully manipulated the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins and guided them to the Ancient Forest. As the result, she succeeded making them Lux¡¯s ally like this.

    The people who Lux fought together with or fought against until now.

    He obtained their unshakable trust from that. That was Lux¡¯s true strength.

    It was the result that was won over by Lux¡¯s caliber as king.

    ¡¸Haa, this is troubling nanodesu. Even though you were left alive in order to maintain the world¡¯s equilibrium. Well, it¡¯s also fate if you get killed here nanodesu. However, right now©¤©¤¡¹

    With a tone of someone playing dumb, La Cruche commanded the flying type Divine Drag-Ride she was wearing©¤©¤Vouivre that was decorated by gems to fly toward Airi who Rosa protected behind her.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Seeing that, Airi immediately turned around and started running in her pilot suit.

    ¡¸Dealing with that traitor is the priority.¡¹

    La Cruche readied her extendable Blade and aimed at Airi¡¯s back.

    ¡¸You think I¡¯ll let you?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s Gorynych pursued in order to protect Airi. She brandished her Scythe and swung down to block the attack, it was then,

    ¡¸Good grief, nanodesu.¡¹

    The slash of the huge scythe that drew a sharp arc literally cut through empty air disappointingly.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wha!?¡¹

    The attack that came from the enemy¡¯s blind spot and should be undetectable was dodged by La Cruche without even her looking back.

    Vouivre¡¯s Divine Raiment, True Eyes could read about particular matter in the heart of the target.

    Would they move right or left after this?

    Would they escape or fight?

    This Divine Raiment would read the reaction of the heart in regard to such specific question.

    What La Cruche specified as the target of the mind reading was the trajectory of the Scythe that Rosa wielded.

    La Cruche and Vouivre headed straight toward Airi. The slash then came in a trajectory to mow her from behind.

    She showed a movement that matched Rosa¡¯s prediction, and then by using feint just before the attack hit, she made Rosa¡¯s attack to hit empty air.

    ¡¸No-! Nii-san, save me!¡¹

    ¡¸Unfortunately, now that you¡¯ve become the New Kingdom¡¯s enemy, that wish won¡¯t come true. You should resent your big brother who only has useless comrade nanodesu.¡¹

    She expanded her retractable Blade until the maximum length and thrust the blade toward Airi¡¯s back like a spear.

    Just as she thought that the heart would be definitely pierced from the back©¤©¤, she didn¡¯t feel any respond of her attack hitting.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What!?¡¹

    ¡¸Useless comrade you sayy¡­¡­. I¡¯ll throw back exactly those words back at you.¡¹

    In an instant, Gorynych¡¯s Scythe horizontally slashed Vouivre¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­!¡¹

    She barely escaped danger by making a sharp turn above, but she completely lost sight of Airi¡¯s back.

    ¡¸Just now¡­¡­I see, it¡¯s the phantom created by Gorynych¡¯s special armament, Sin Phantom.¡¹

    Even if La Cruche read Rosa¡¯s heart with Vouivre¡¯s Divine Raiment, she was unable to read multiple thoughts in one sitting.

    In the end she could only obtain the answer regarding the matter that she specified.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll say this now, I have seen your fight just now you knoww. A mere machine want to win against human in deceit, it¡¯s a thousand years too early for you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, so you have the skill to introduce yourself as the representative of your country at least nanodesu.¡¹

    The real Airi was already escaping from the forest together with Noct who was unable to equip her Drag-Ride anymore.

    In that case, she wouldn¡¯t be able to pursue after Airi without defeating this Rosa first.

    La Cruche made that judgment and turned the switch in her heart.

    ¡¸So you want to die that much nanodesu. Then©¤©¤I¡¯ll grant your wish.¡¹

    The Automata girl took a fighting stance with Vouivre¡¯s Blade and proclaimed so.

    .

    ¡¸You¡­¡­, how long you¡¯re going to get in my way desu©¤©¤¡¹

    And then, on the other hand.

    Just a slight distance away from the location where Rosa and La Cruche were fighting.

    Re Plica who was also an Automata that managed the Ruin Moon was facing Soffice who saved Alma from her attack and let the girl escaped.

    Tge Drag-Ride that Re Plica was wearing was the land battle type Divine Drag-Ride, Gargoyle.

    Soffice had a good relation with her like sisters in the past, but that Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s ability and disposition were unknown to her.

    ¡¸That is, my line¡­¡­. As I thought, without me, you¡¯re no good.¡¹

    ¡¸Nonsense desu. Furthermore, I don¡¯t need the like of you desu. As long as we have a master to guide us!¡¹

    She yelled. At the same time Gargoyle accelerated explosively and skated on the ground.

    She lifted the large Halberd on her hand and swung it down in a straight line toward Soffice and Vritra.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! Mahaprana!¡¹

    It was Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment that freely controlled every material as well as energy¡¯s trajectory.

    Using that, she easily dodged the opponent¡¯s attack and took their back.

    The instant Re Plica exposed her defenseless back, Sophia struck at the shoulder of the enemy¡¯s armor using her medium sized Blade. ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!?¡¹

    Gargoyle smoothly turned around. Sophi¡¯s slash cut through air and she was fully hit by the counterattack in the form of a horizontal slash.

    *DOGUN!*

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­a¡¹

    The armored arm that she barely swung up accomplished the role of guard, but it was unable to fully stop the whole power of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride that was more powerful than her Drag-Ride from the start.

    She was sent flying to the side and crashed on the tightly grouped up trees several times.

    (Just now, what happened¡­¡­!?)

    Soffice didn¡¯t understand how her attack got dodged or when she was hit by counterattack.

    But, Re Plica didn¡¯t particularly execute special piloting technique of Drag-Ride like Lux.

    From how Gargoyle¡¯s armor shined just before, she judged that Re Plica used a Divine Raiment without a doubt.

    (However, why©¤©¤)

    She didn¡¯t mind the fact that she was hit.

    Because for Soffice who could easily dodge enemy¡¯s attack using Mahaprana, she could recover even after receiving some damage.

    However, it was a strange and terrifying danger to not even understand what was done to her.

    (If it¡¯s just running away, I can, still do that¡­¡­)

    Soffice was wearing flight type Divine Drag-Ride Vritra.

    Against land battle type Gargoyle that Re Plica was wearing, she could one-sidedly attack her using her special armament, the satellite weapon Vajra. As long as her wings flight device were still working, Re Plica shouldn¡¯t be able to follow her if she escaped to the sky.

    (But©¤©¤)

    If Soffice retreated or fought passively, Re Plica would pursue after Alma once more.

    If she escaped right now, there would nobody else who could help Alma.

    And then, above all else.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t want to let you who are like my sister to keep acting like that.¡¹

    Since Soffice woke up in the Moon as the Key¡¯s Supervisor and became all alone, it was this Automat who became her talking partner all this time.

    Right now a different master rewrote her memory and she was taking part in an evil deed while boasting that it was justice.

    There was no way she could allow such thing to happen.

    ¡¸Here I come Re Plica. I¡¯m going to take you back.¡¹

    Soffice corrected her posture and resolved herself.

    She courageously flew into a battle where she was still unable to see the chance of victory.

    .

    ¡¸Just what is this situation?¡¹

    Krulcifer fought at the forefront as a member of Syvalles that was the main force of the New Kingdom. She noticed the strange signs and felt bewildered.

    Presently, it should be a battle of New Kingdom versus Azure Division in the Ancient Forest, but there were five battles in progress at the surrounding that weren¡¯t a battle between army.

    First was the battle between Lux and Lisha in a location near Avalon¡¯s underground facility that was called the Archive.

    In addition were Greifer and Mel of Seven Dragon Paladins who joined the fight in the middle. They were in the middle of battling Nier and Dawla, the private Drag-Knights of the four great nobles who were guarding the entrance to the Ancient Forest.

    And then, Rosa was fighting the Automata La Cruche, while Soffice was against Re Plica. Each of them were fighting fiercely.

    But, Krulcifer herself who didn¡¯t have the full picture had no way of learning the reason for those five battles.

    There was only one mission that she was aware of.

    To defeat Azure Division that was the enemy of the New Kingdom, that was all.

    But, perhaps because Lux had destroyed the previous world revision and because she herself also had obtained resistance to perception revision due to receiving Baptism,

    She was finally beginning to notice the strange situation that was surrounding them right now.

    ¡¸What is going on? In this forest©¤©¤¡¹

    However, something even more baffling than the five battles she saw just now was occurring.

    The Drag-Knights of Azure Division played horn flutes and controlled a swarm of Abyss that appeared from somewhere to join their side.

    Because of that the army of New kingdom was pushed back, but those Abysses were swept clean in the blink of eye.

    Furthermore it didn¡¯t happen because of Drag-Knight, but by the figure of a monster in the form a single girl in the sky that was rampaging to everywhere.

    Something was strange.

    The plan of someone was moving in a place that Krulcifer didn¡¯t know about.

    (That©¤©¤something like that, is an ally of the New Kingdom!? If that¡¯s not just my hallucination, then what is happening right now in this country, in this world?)

    The inside of her head was prickling. Alarm bell was ringing inside her.

    In this situation, if she didn¡¯t determine the truth and acted correctly, she along with New Kingdom would perish.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. If it¡¯s you, what¡¯re you going to do at this time©¤©¤?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s present objective was simple.

    It was to defeat as many Drag-Knight of Azure Division and secured Lisha¡¯s safety.

    After that, it would be the destruction of the enemy army, but if there was a chance to recover Grand Force or Aeril, she would also do that.

    It should be fine to do just that. But©¤©¤m

    ¡ºKrulcifer¡­¡­. Can you, hear me?¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu, Celis!? ¡­¡­Senpai? Are you safe!?¡¹

    In the next moment, a Dragon Voice communication reached Krulcifer who was going to act.

    It was from Celis who fought Lux and fainted but recovered her consciousness just now.

    Of course, Krulcifer didn¡¯t know about that fact.

    Before the start of the battle, Celis¡¯s figure vanished from their camp for some reason, but the voice that reached her was oozing with fatigue.

    ¡¸There is no need for worry. More importantly, I, noticed¡­¡­. He, Lux is here. My memory, is coming back little by little. The true enemy that we should fight and, what we have to face¡­¡­. You too, please notice it, if you don¡¯t hurry, it¡¯ll be too late©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸What are you, saying? You¡¯re©¤©¤?¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice that came through the Drag-Ride had no strength.

    But for some reason, Krulcifer herself who was asking back felt a strange persuasiveness from Celis¡¯s voice.

    ¡¸Perhaps, we actually couldn¡¯t recall about that day. But, our bond with him is remaining in our heart. That was why, by fighting him, I was able to remember. Search for him¡­¡­for Lux, meet him, and talk to him. If you do that then surely, you should be able to remember.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    She didn¡¯t understand the meaning of Celis¡¯s words.

    And yet, her chest was astir.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-kun, shouldn¡¯t be participating in this battle in Ancient Forest.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Please go. Krulcifer, in order to take back your true self, and then, in order to smash through this deceitful perception, and to fight the true enemy, together with him.¡¹

    ¡¸Hello, Celis-senpai!?¡¹

    The communication with Celis cut off abruptly. Perhaps she had reached her limit.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t, understand¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer who was being told all that one-sidedly spoke out her feeling.

    Lux was in the middle of recuperating in the capital¡¯s inn. There was no way he was in this Ancient Forest.

    The battle over Avalon should also be over already.

    ¡¸And yet¡­¡­, why¡¹

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Fuu, pretending to be lover while investigating is more tiring than I expected.¡»

    The scenery of the parade together with Lux that shouldn¡¯t be in her memory.

    ¡ºOh, does Lux-kun hate to be betrothed to me?¡»

    The memory of the two of them walking through the street in the capital was resurrected.

    In the end, the chance to confess to Lux didn¡¯t come to Krulcifer.

    No, there was.

    ¡ºThen, just let me make a reservation for now. When your criminal collar is taken off, if you can come to meet me as the first thing you do¡­¡­¡»

    She was waiting for the young man all this time.

    For the time when he noticed her feeling, recognized it, and gave her his reply.

    And then, she conveyed it to him.

    About the one thing that Krulcifer decided herself, no matter what happened in this world.

    ¡ºLux-kun. Just don¡¯t forget this one thing. No matter what happen, we©¤©¤I will be your ally.¡»

    .

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    The residue of fragmentary memory combined like puzzle pieces inside Krulcifer and came back.

    ¡¸He is here? Lux-kun. In this battlefield©¤©¤?¡¹

    She had to search for him.

    She had to save him.

    It wasn¡¯t her logic, but an impulse that was like an instinct made Krulcifer flew in her Fafnir.

    In order to find the answer through all the discomfort and threat lingering in this forest.

    .

    On the other hand, also within the Ancient Forest, near the surface of the Archive.

    ¡¸Airi. Is your body really alright?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. I¡¯m fine Noct.¡¹

    Airi who was saved from her predicament by Rosa who suddenly appeared was hiding inside the forest together with Noct wearing pilot suit.

    They searched for a rock that was as big as possible, hid in its cover, and snuggled to each other.

    They both received damage to their Drag-Ride. Now that they became unable to deploy their Drag-Ride for a while, they could only do this to protect themselves even if it was only for their peace of mind.

    ¡¸The Seven Dragon Paladins of Heiburg Republic¡­¡­Rosa-san, why is she here©¤©¤no, why did she save us?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸No, more importantly, why was that La Cruche here, and attacked Airi?¡¹

    Noct murmured while snuggling close to Airi. In respond Airi couldn¡¯t say anything back.

    Noct who didn¡¯t even receive Baptism most likely would be unable to easily dispel the biding in her perception by Uroboros¡¯s world revision.

    That was why, Airi was unable to explain the truth to her.

    Airi was unable to say that Lux was fighting in order to defeat Queen Raffi who was being possessed by Sacred Eclipse and also in order to save the New Kingdom, or how she was tricking even the Triad and leaked information to the Azure Division¡­¡­.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry Noct¡­¡­, right now I can¡¯t explain anything to you. I ended up tricking all of you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that, something related to Lux-san?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After hesitating for a bit, Airi nodded to that question.

    Soon, she would have to part even from this girl who got along well with her since she first enrolled into the academy.

    Lux who was perceived as the leader of Azure Division at the surface and she couldn¡¯t possibly involve Noct in it.

    And then she didn¡¯t want to expose this roommate and also best friend of her to even more danger than this.

    It might be different if it was someone who recognized the truth and had the resolve to risk their life, but she was unable to involve a friend who didn¡¯t know anything and continued using her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry to say this after this late but, Noct©¤©¤. From here, can you prioritize your own safety without caring about me? There is something that I have to do no matter what.¡¹

    ¡¸By that, do you mean to say for us to separate from each other here, in this situation?¡¹

    Noct summarized the main point and replied frankly.

    Airi nodded silently in affirmation.

    But, the answer that came back was different from Airi¡¯s imagination.

    ¡¸Then, I understand. I¡¯ll come with Airi. I¡¯ll support you till the end.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Noct said it with a kind smile that was unusual for her who was always showing a composed expression.

    She said that she would cooperate with Airi.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­is that?¡¹

    ¡¸Because I want to do that. Is that not enough?¡¹

    Noct replied straightforwardly. Even Airi couldn¡¯t say anything back to that.

    ¡¸But, Noct, you have your position to think of©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Sharis will scold me if I abandon my irreplaceable friend. Besides, I have to protect the little sister of the person I love.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­. That, don¡¯t tell me¡¹

    Noct spoke it nonchalantly but, she certainly conveyed something to her.

    ¡¸Yes. I too love Lux-san. Not just as a member of Syvalles and because he is Airi¡¯s big brother, but also from my own feeling.¡¹

    Perhaps she had the self-awareness that she was saying something that was unlike her, because Noct¡¯s cheeks were slightly tinged red.

    ¡¸When Airi resolve yourself, it¡¯s always because you¡¯re thinking of Lux-san. Until now I too have been watching Lux-san from the same point of view of Airi who is like that. That¡¯s why, surely we¡¯re feeling the same.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is, that so¡¹

    Even with her perception still being bound by the world revision, Noct said that she would support Lux who she didn¡¯t even know where he was at right now and Airi who was taking action to protect that Lux.

    Just with that, the reason to separate with her was already gone.

    ¡¸Nii-san too is a bad guy. To monopolize everyone¡¯s heart like this. I¡¯ll have to punish him a lot later.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, let¡¯s do that together. That¡¯s why, let¡¯s survive, Airi. In order to help Lux-san©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi and Noct bought time to rally themselves while calming their breath and watching the fight before their eyes at the same time.

    Watching the fight of the people who let their heart went out to Lux just like them©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸You suddenly become passive aren¡¯t youu. I wonder if mechanical puppet can also feel fear.¡¹

    Rosa drove her Divine Drag-Ride Gorynych and resolutely attacked La Cruche and Vouivre that focused in defense.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Feeling fear? Against the like of you? I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying nanodesu. They say that the weakest dog bark the loudest but©¤©¤it seems that apply to you nanodesu.¡¹

    But, La Cruche was composed even with Rosa pressuring her.

    She thoroughly dealt with every single slash of the Scythe that was swung powerfully while reading Rosa¡¯s heart at the same time. She was dissecting her opponent¡¯s mentality.

    By giving up her pursuit of Airi and narrowing down her target to just one, the precision of Vouivre¡¯s True Eyes increased even higher.

    .

    ¡ºIs Rosa laying out trap?¡» Answer©¤©¤positive.

    ¡ºDoes that trap make use of her special armament?¡» Answer©¤©¤positive.

    ¡ºDoes that trap use the fake Rosa as bait?¡» Answer©¤©¤positive.

    .

    One by one.

    In turn and in order.

    La Cruche was analyzing Rosa¡¯s thought as well as her tactic as each second passed.

    The Gear Leader of the Ark, La Cruche. How long it had been since she last launched the Divine Drag-Ride Vouivre?

    Even though she had this Divine Raiment to analyze human¡¯s heart, she was unable to save Arshalia, the master who created her.

    (Master¡­¡­. My apologies. Nanodesu.)

    In the past of more than a thousand years ago. If only at that time, she was able to see through the wicked heart of the clan of traitor that murdered Arshalia.

    Then her benefactor wouldn¡¯t die under her very own nose.

    The system of Sacred Eclipse also wouldn¡¯t get rewritten and poisoned by someone else.

    At this point, no one was able to rewrite that system back into the correct state.

    They were unable to know the true future that Arshalia wished for.

    In that case©¤©¤La Cruche would protect that belief together with this Avalon.

    She would prove that with her strength.

    (For the sake of Arshalia-sama who gave me heart!)

    She swung her retractable special armament, Roster Edge while fully utilizing her Automata¡¯s heart and technique to challenge Rosa.

    The enemy was a girl who was made to act the fabricated evil in Heiburg Republic.

    She believed in absolute evil but got betrayed. Now it seemed she had changed her target of adoration into Lux.

    ¡¸Unable to maintain your own self if you don¡¯t cling on someone else©¤©¤you won¡¯t be able to defeat me with such weak heart nanodesu.¡¹

    ¡¸To be preached about heart by a lowly machine. Unfortunately, I¡¯m already familiar with that kind of mental attack that I¡¯m sick of it.¡¹

    Rosa snorted at La Cruche¡¯s words. She slashed using her Scythe along with Gorynych.

    But, La Cruche extended her retractable Blade, Roster Edge and blocked the attack from behind her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The special armament of Gorynych.

    The twelve unmanned drones, Twelve Vices. Using that, Rosa pretended to assault La Cruche¡¯s back while she herself attacked from the front.

    To put simply it was a simultaneous attack, but even if La Cruche was reading Rosa¡¯s heart, it should be an attack that was hard to dodge, and yet,

    ¡¸You don¡¯t understand nanodesu? Why am I able to easily block your attack©¤©¤¡¹

    *Twirl*, Vouivre rotated and parried the Scythe that Gorynych swung©¤©¤and quickly slashed horizontally.

    The blade that should have been dodged by Rosa moving back hit her armored shoulder.

    *Zagun-!*

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Due to the attack of the retractable Blade, dodging by taking distance didn¡¯t work well.

    No©¤©¤rather than that, something was strange.

    It was like Rosa¡¯s movement of ¡ºif it was the situation right now, she would leap back to dodge¡» was perfectly predicted©¤©¤.

    ¡¸There is no one more cowardly in the bottom of their heart than someone who lie and deceive nanodesu. If it¡¯s a situation where you can¡¯t move to counterattack, you won¡¯t move forward and retreat. That analysis is spot on.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The expression of Rosa that was sporting a confident smile until now changed into a serious look.

    La Cruche intentionally took time to focus on defense was to throw several hundreds©¤©¤no, several thousands ¡ºquestions¡» to Rosa and determined her disposition using True Eyes.

    In other words, rather than saying that La Cruche was reading the thought of Rosa right now, it was more that she had almost grasped all her movement pattern.

    The analysis was progressing even while they were glaring at each other in a deadlock like this.

    With the data collection and calculation of Automata, the precision of the enemy prediction was increasing remarkably.

    Rosa¡¯s heart was being dissected open by each second.

    ¡¸Do you think that it¡¯s similar? Compared to how your precious Lux Arcadia read his opponent¡¯s moves?¡¹

    ¡¸Hah¡¹

    Rosa unconsciously snickered when she heard La Cruche¡¯s words.

    There was no way it was like that.

    Lux¡¯s prediction in the end was the superhuman reading that was based on thousands, tens of thousands of experience.

    It wasn¡¯t like the cheap analysis of Vouivre¡¯s Divine Raiment that read the heart.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t group myself together with him, it looks like you want to say that. In that case, I¡¯ll break you into pieces to prove it nanodesu.¡¹

    The expressionless face of the Automata looked like it was sporting a faint smile. Rosa who was facing her felt like she saw that.

    ¡¸Just how brittle and shallow this so called heart that human have. I¡¯ll engrave it into your body nanodesu.¡¹

    .

    ¡¸Taking back you say, laughable desu. I©¤©¤we Automata were created using the technology of you Key¡¯s Supervisors. But my parent is only Arshalia-sama and the master who she recognized desu.¡¹

    And then in the location a hundred ml away at the west from where Rosa and La Cruche were fighting, Soffice and the Moon¡¯s Gear Leader Re Plica were also battling.

    Over there was a battle to protect Airi.

    Over here was a battle to protect Alma, but no matter which side was defeated, it would make the situation to lean greatly toward the victory of the New Kingdom camp.

    Unlike Rosa, Soffice who had experience of receiving Baptism with her body was noticing the truth little by little.

    She realized that they were defeated by Fugil in the battle at the abandoned capital Guernica and their perception was manipulated by Uroboros¡¯s world revision.

    ¡¸I¡¯ve already noticed the truth. I won¡¯t listen to the nonsense of you who is being controlled.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s only your mouth that is skilled desu. However©¤©¤¡¹

    Re Plica moved the land battle type Divine Drag-Ride Gargoyle that possessed light yellow heavy armor and drew near.

    Even though it was a full powered dash, there should be enough distance between them, but in an instant©¤©¤it wasn¡¯t a metaphor, without even experiencing the passing of a tenth of second, the enemy was already within Soffice¡¯s range when she noticed.

    ¡¸Again? Just what¡¯s this!? ©¤©¤Uah!¡¹

    The Halberd thrust forward using its long reach.

    That attack with the heavy weight of land battle type behind it pierced Vritra¡¯s barrier easily and hit the armor.

    Soffice somehow avoided taking damage to her shoulder where the Force Core was installed, but the impact caused dull pain to run through her body.

    ¡¸All of you are doing unnecessary things desu. Granting the glory to rule the world to the master who is chosen by Avalon©¤©¤and consequently by Sacred Eclipse, that is our duty. That is the right act to guide this world desu!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! Vajra!¡¹

    Re Plica and Gargoyle chased after Soffice who was sent flying. But then Soffice activated her special armament the satellite weapon toward them.

    She matched the timing to fire the lightning strike at the location where Re Plica was going to move to, but right after that Gargoyle dodged once more using instant movement.

    It was exactly the same like before. Soffice couldn¡¯t detect the movement at all.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? How, that¡¹

    ¡¸Stop the useless resistance desu.¡¹

    She wondered if Re Plica was using a Divine Raiment of teleportation just like Celis¡¯s Lindwurm, but there was no way that was the case.

    It was impossible for Divine Raiment to be the same if it wasn¡¯t by the same type or using copying ability.

    ¡¸Mahaprana!¡¹

    In order to take distance from the approaching Gargoyle, Soffice made herself to fall back quickly using the Divine Raiment of trajectory control.

    If she took too much distance, Alma would get attacked once more, so she only took distance until where she could barely send her own attack.

    ¡¸What meaning there is in knowing the truth for you desu? It¡¯s meaningless for the like of imperfect creature like you who is doing nothing but committing mistake.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Re Plica muttered nihilistically. She also threw several Daggers using Gargoyle¡¯s powerful arm.

    In respond Soffice took a formal fighting stance with her Blade and resolved herself to deal with the attack.

    She did it while feeling slightly shaken by Re Plica¡¯s words.

    (Certainly, I made mistakes.)

    She who was put in cold sleep inside the Moon woke up by herself without any memory of the past.

    What she had was the reality and the past history.

    The Ruins stimulated humans¡¯ desire and became seed of conflict. Tragic fighting kept getting repeated.

    Soffice who didn¡¯t even know her reason for living chose the path of accomplishing her mission as Gear Leader at the very least. She chose to take away the Ruins from the Lords and the leaders of this era who she couldn¡¯t trust to manage the Ruins herself. And so she challenged the world.

    However, in the end she was betrayed by Dragon Marauder and failed.

    If Lux wasn¡¯t there with her at that time, she would die in despair without being able to connect with anyone.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤right now is different.¡¹

    Soffice cheered up her shaken feeling and concentrated.

    She reversed the trajectory of the thrown Daggers using Mahaprana and sent it back to her opponent.

    When the opponent faltered, she would fire lightning strike using Vajra, then struck further with her Blade to end the battle.

    It should be like that but©¤©¤.

    She certainly planned to do that but,

    The Daggers that the opponent threw didn¡¯t get reversed by Mahaprana. They already pierced Vritra¡¯s armor when she noticed.

    ¡¸Ouch, AAAAAH¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The Daggers that pierced her barrier shallowly grazed her flesh arms and legs. Intense pain ran through her four limbs.

    (How!? Why©¤©¤)

    Soffice didn¡¯t avert her gaze from the approaching Daggers even for a moment.

    And yet, she was already hit by the enemy¡¯s attack when she noticed.

    It was strange even if Gargoyle¡¯s Divine Raiment was physical teleportation.

    Because Soffice didn¡¯t even perceive the moment when the Daggers vanished from her field of vision.

    (I don¡¯t understand, how she do it¡­¡­. The secret of Gargoyle¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤. At this rate, I¡¯ll lose.)

    ¡¸Die without understanding anything desu. That¡¯s the suitable way for you who don¡¯t even understand yourself desu.¡¹

    Re Plica dashed forward fiercely toward Soffice who was losing balance.

    While the despairing line of death was approaching, Soffice heard the voice of someone who yelled from afar.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lu, x?¡¹

    The ferocious yell that thundered from far away undoubtedly belonged to that young man.

    He too was in a fierce battle against someone near here.

    The instant she noticed that fact, a certain memory surfaced at the back of Soffice¡¯s mind.

    .

    After Soffice woke up from the cold sleep in the Ruin of Moon, she was living together with the Automata Re Plica and her little sister Uruk.

    Her little sister was always dreaming within that small world that was isolated from the outside world.

    ¡ºHey, Onee-chan. I want to take a look at the world on the surface!¡»

    The reason why they were surviving even while being left behind from the era was surely in order to have understanding with someone.

    In the first place even the Key¡¯s Supervisors were going through a long journey like that before they encountered the Arcadia clan who would accept them.

    Her little sister who harbored such wish met the foul play of humans who were aiming for Ruin¡¯s technology and died.

    Soffice who lost hope wouldn¡¯t come into contact with anybody else anymore. She resolved herself to fight alone in order to protect the Ruins. However©¤©¤,

    ¡ºIf I let you escape from here, there won¡¯t be anymore chance for us to talk¡­¡­I don¡¯t want you and me to kill each other.¡»

    After she was intercepted and captured by Magialca, she was put inside a prison and conversed with Lux. He was different with anyone she met until now.

    Everyone was fighting for their own benefit.

    However he was©¤©¤.

    Including his little sister Airi who was taking care of her, the people who gathered around him, all of them acted for his sake. They were fighting for the sake of someone else other than themselves.

    ¡ºI don¡¯t know how to make you believe me but, I¡¯ll try doing what I can do. Because that¡¯s the only thing that I can do.¡»

    Lux¡¯s troubled smile was burned in Soffice¡¯s eyes.

    The truth was, she wanted to be accepted by the people of this world.

    He kept coming back to her who obstinately refused to get involved with other and kept persuading her.

    (My first, friend. Lux, and also Re Plica too©¤©¤)

    Just like how they didn¡¯t give up, there was no way she could give up.

    That was the reason why Soffice was fighting here right now.

    .

    ¡¸Mahaprana!¡¹

    *VNN!* Vritra¡¯s armor shined and unleashed the Divine Raiment of trajectory control.

    The control target wasn¡¯t herself, but Re Plica and Gargoyle that were skating toward her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Impertinent act, desu.¡¹

    Re Plica who was made to abruptly curve to the side mowed down the approaching trees in front of her with her Halberd.

    But, her legs were completely stopped.

    Vritra soared up using that chance and recovered its balance.

    ¡¸Yes, there is something that Lux taught me.¡¹

    It was when the members of Seven Dragon Paladins were together in a banquet that was held up in one of the days of the looping parade.

    ¡ºLux, how do you get so many friends and lovers? I want you to teach me the trick.¡»

    She remembered getting drunk from drinking alcohol for the first time and bothered Lux like that.

    In respond Lux cleared up the misunderstanding that she had no lover, and then she told her this while looking troubled.

    ¡ºI can¡¯t really say anything about that but, if I have to say then perhaps it¡¯s not to get fixated to just one way of looking. You know, if you have prejudice of someone as enemy or ally, then you won¡¯t be able to see them as anything else other than that.¡»

    ¡ºCertainly, you young man aren¡¯t just looking at your friend¡¯s breast, you¡¯re also looking at other places like their legs or sides.¡»

    ¡ºI¡¯m telling you that¡¯s not what I mean! Stop making it sound like I¡¯m the lowest man nonchalantly like that! Or rather, it¡¯s because Soffice¡¯s clothes has high exposure rate that I¡¯m always looking at that kind of place©¤©¤¡»

    She made fun and teased him at the end but, the content of the talk was like that.

    (That¡¯s right¡­¡­. Not just one angle. To learn the truth, I can just move the opponent.)

    If Gargoyle had the power to stop time or to teleport©¤©¤then she should be able to dodge using Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment before this.

    (Is that, also a fake to trick me? No¡­¡­there is no way the opponent will intentionally miss the chance to finish me off.)

    Soffice¡¯s concluded that the opponent never tried to dodge.

    In other word, Gargoyle¡¯s Divine Raiment wasn¡¯t in the category of time stop or teleportation.

    However, it was attacking in the moment when Soffice didn¡¯t notice. That meant©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I get it, Lux. It¡¯s thanks to you that I notice what I was unable to notice.¡¹

    Soffice muttered and tightly clenched her fist.

    Soffice¡¯s memory that was erased by the world revision.

    The sensation of Lux¡¯s hand grasping back at her hand was remaining even now.

    But, the next moment, time leaped.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    *DOGU-!*

    A dull impact suddenly pierced through Soffice¡¯s chest from behind.

    ¡¸U, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Her back wings were struck by buckshot of rocks that approached from behind. Vritra¡¯s altitude decreased greatly.

    Re Plica launched attack on Soffice from somewhere once more while Soffice didn¡¯t notice.

    (I don¡¯t know, her location. Plica is hiding inside the forest and attacking me.)

    Rocks flew at her just now from behind, but she must have moved away right now. At the very least Re Plica wouldn¡¯t be right behind her.

    The thruster device that was the advantage of flying type was targeted. Her altitude was forcefully lowered.

    The enemy¡¯s aim was already clear.

    After that she planned to approach Vritra from inside the thicket and consigned Soffice to oblivion in one attack.

    ¡¸It¡¯s pointless no matter what you try desu! The righteous us losing is just©¤©¤¡¹

    The Automata voice that was familiar to her ear.

    The words of the girl who had been living together with her like her actual little sister came into her hearing from somewhere.

    The girl who was put under the control of Raffi who connected to Avalon and had her mind stolen©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That too, is a wrong assumption you know, Re Plica¡¹

    Someone who was her family in the past was directing a thick killing intent to her.

    The power output of Vritra was also decreasing. It was a despairing situation where she couldn¡¯t even escape by flying away.

    Even so Soffice was unperturbed. She quietly replied back.

    ¡¸I thought, that Key¡¯s Supervisor won¡¯t be able to reach an understanding with the people of this era. I also thought that if it¡¯s us then we¡¯ll be able to make the right judgment. But it was wrong, I was just unable to realize it. It was you and Lux who made me noticed. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so? You can just do whatever you like desu. But, you¡¯re unable to defeat me desu©¤©¤. After all!¡¹

    Instantly, an explosive sound of an attack came from a ground just slight distance away.

    Right after that, Gargoyle suddenly appeared from the ground a few dozen ml away.

    Soffice was paying attention t the surrounding sound and presence, but she opened her eyes wide in astonishment seeing that.

    ¡¸That form is¡­¡­Over Limit!?¡¹

    In order to finish the fight before Vritra flew to the sky once more, Re Plica released all her Drag-Ride¡¯s limiters and transformed into its strongest form.

    The lightning strike from Vritra¡¯s satellite weapon Vajra attacked Gargoyle, but the opponent dodged it.

    Re Plica was hiding in thicket before this wasn¡¯t just for approaching Soffice stealthily,

    ¡¸It was to buy time to change into Over Limit©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re noticing it too late desu! You¡¯ve lost already desu!¡¹

    Gargoyle charged forward with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    At the same time, that thick armor shined brightly and activated the unknown Divine Raiment.

    Re Plica was convinced.

    Soffice absolutely wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge the next attack. She also couldn¡¯t defend. She also couldn¡¯t hide.

    Therefore she fixed her aim to simply split Soffice into two with her Halberd without thinking of defense or anything else. In that instant©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Eh©¤©¤!?¡¹

    With a jerk, Gargoyle¡¯s center of gravity leaned forward and it stumbled.

    The wheels on the armored legs floated in the air and she went through a track that crossed above Vritra and Soffice who were crouching on the ground before crashing on the large rock behind.

    ¡¸Gua¡­¡­! Wha, what happened desu!? Is it a breakdown desu-!? In this kind of time!¡¹

    There shouldn¡¯t be any chance of her being done in by Soffice, not even in a one of a million chances.

    Because,

    ¡¸Because the opponent shouldn¡¯t even be able to think to defend. Is that what you think?¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Re Plica crashed on the large rock with great speed and her armor was smashed due to the impact. She looked up at Soffice.

    ¡¸Did you change my trajectory with Mahaprana!? But how©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice made the skating armored leg to float, breaking the opponent¡¯s balance while changing the trajectory so that she crashed on the large rock behind.

    That in itself was possible if using Vritra, but Soffice should be unable to do that.

    Because in order to shift the trajectory of Gargoyle¡¯s charge, it was necessary to concentrate solely on that and used the Divine Raiment while the enemy was approaching.

    And then, when Gargoyle had approached until that range©¤©¤.

    ¡¸My consciousness should be swallowed into darkness. That¡¯s why I shouldn¡¯t be able to react at all. That¡¯s it right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu!?¡¹

    Re Plica fell silent hearing what Soffice pointed out.

    That was the answer.

    The Divine Raiment of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride Gargoyle was to swallow the consciousness of the designate opponent within the range for several moments.

    For several seconds, the opponent¡¯s consciousness itself would be taken away.

    That was why, they wouldn¡¯t even notice what was done to them.

    It felt like the time was skipped.

    ¡¸Bu, but. How desu!? How were you able to act while your consciousness were gone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Animal ear¡¯s memory is bad. Even though it was you who taught me in the past©¤©¤¡¹

    Soffice made a blank stare and took a stance with Vritra¡¯s Sword Device.

    Instantly, small light frames were floating around the armor.

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!¡¹

    Tuning©¤©¤the reconstruction of Drag-Ride¡¯s system.

    Seeing that Re Plica finally understood the secret of the trick that Soffice used.

    When controlling Drag-Ride using body control operation or mind control operation, although it was only for very slight there would be time lag.

    Normally it was a lag that didn¡¯t even take a hundredth of second, but when the Drag-Ride was damaged, there would be case where that lag was increasing.

    At the past, in the training using the Moon¡¯s combat simulator, Soffice once blundered in using Vajra and hurt herself. She was hit by the electricity¡¯s shockwave.

    At that time, Re Plica lectured her full of confidence.

    ¡ºGood grief, Soffice is completely no good desu. You need to use tuning at that kind of time.¡»

    If she changed the setting using tuning, she would also be able to delay the reaction when controlling Drag-Ride.

    In other words, even when there was a blank in her consciousness, by reading the timing of a moment ahead, she prepared a delayed control that would work at the instant Gargoyle¡¯s Divine Raiment activated©¤©¤that was the trick.

    In order to control the Drag-Ride with time delay for several seconds later that she thought as the right timing.

    Of course, if Re Plica was careful and made a feint or braked suddenly, Soffice would be in disadvantage.

    But, Soffice won the bet.

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­but desu! I still haven¡¯t lose©¤©¤!¡¹

    Re Plica forcefully controlled Gargoyle that became in tatter and damaged after the heavy crash. She swooped down while swinging up her Halberd to aim at Soffice.

    In respond Soffice¡¯s usual expressionless face crumbled and she raised a sad face.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Re Plica. I cannot take back your heart.¡¹

    Soffice who was a Key¡¯s Supervisor understood.

    The consciousness of the girl who supported her like a sister was overwritten and vanished.

    For an Automata, their memory was their life.

    Soffice shed tears and mourned that it was taken away.

    ¡¸But, I thought of the you who was staying together with me as the true you. That¡¯s why©¤©¤thank you, for everything until now. I¡¯ll do my best from here on.¡¹

    ©¤©¤*Pishaaa!*

    In an instant, Re Plica and Gargoyle were vertically pierced by Vajra¡¯s lightning.

    ¡¸A, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after blocking the last attack, Vritra¡¯s Blade stabbed Gargoyle¡¯s shoulder and destroyed the Force Core there.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    Soffice dispelled Vritra¡¯s armor and plopped down on the snowy ground.

    Scattered around her was the wreckage of the friend who she slew as enemy.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t the time, to cry.¡¹

    But, her consciousness was getting father due to the cold and fatigue.

    When her body tittered and about to fall, there was a presence behind her.

    ¡¸You will catch a cold if you sleep at that kind of place you know? I¡¯m used to cold of this degree though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? You¡¯re©¤©¤Ymir Theocracy¡¯s?¡¹

    ¡¸You, remember my name at least¡­¡­¡¹

    Soffice thought that it was a new enemy for a moment, but the one who appeared was a little girl with wavy silver hair.

    The girl who fought together with her in the abandoned capital Guernica as a fellow member of Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut.

    Until now she along with Greifer was facing the Drag-Knights of the four great nobles, Nier and Dawla who were guarding the Ancient Forest.

    ¡¸We finished easily at our side so I came to give back up but, looks like you won. But, if I¡¯m not wrong that Automata is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, the child who was like my little sister. After I woke up in the Moon, she stayed beside me all this time but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see.¡¹

    Unlike Soffice, Mel still hadn¡¯t been freed from the binding of perception manipulation from Uroboros.

    But, she could at least understand that Re Plica appeared as an enemy due to some kind of abnormal situation.

    ¡¸As I thought, it looks like something important that is related to the Ruins is happening here.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. Can you, listen to me? Perhaps, your memory will return bit by bit.¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m also getting curious, but©¤©¤before that¡¹

    Gently, using the armored arm of Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gweiber, Mel hugged Soffice¡¯s body.

    She warmed that freezing body using the heater installed in her Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸First, I¡¯ll give you first aid. I¡¯ll listen to you while you rest.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m surprised. Even though you looked like a cold person, you¡¯re unexpectedly kind.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m Mel Gizalut. Remember my name properly. Our country and birthplace are different but, there is no doubt that we¡¯re comrade. Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel suddenly showed a sad face and whispered.

    ¡¸Even at my age, I know the pain that you¡¯re feeling right now. The feeling from an important person who supported your heart leaving you is©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel too in the past saw Orphel, her benefactor who was like a mother to her died.

    But, because Lux and Krulcifer were there for her, she was able to get back on her feet.

    ¡¸Then, is it okay, even if I cry for a bit?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes, I¡¯ll keep it a secret from everyone.¡¹

    Mel lifted up Soffice¡¯s limp body in her arms.

    At the side of one thing that she lost, Soffice felt like she obtained a new something.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! Lux¡­¡­sama!?¡¹

    At the same time.

    Rosa who was fighting nearby also heard Lux¡¯s yell that sounded like a roar.

    The flying type Divine Drag-Ride Vouivre was cornering Gorynych that was a tough land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    The special characteristic of the retractable Roster Edge was its ability to switch skillfully between close range battle and medium range battle.

    Its strength laid in matching the opponent¡¯s tactic and executed the optimum action.

    And then, La Cruche used her Divine Raiment True Eyes to analyze Rosa¡¯s specialty tactic and attack one by one and crushed them.

    ¡¸Oh, looks like you¡¯re agitated nanodesu. Are you that worried about Lux Arcadia?¡¹

    La Cruche was laying out barrage of bullet using Breath Gun wearing Vouivre while cornering Rosa.

    To activate Gorynych¡¯s Divine Raiment, Tartarus Frame, a strong focus was necessary but, she was unable to do the transformation combination while under attack.

    If she was able to enter the Devilmacia Mode she would be able to obtain the maximum power output and greatly shortened the distance to victory, but the enemy wouldn¡¯t give her the time for that.

    La Cruche pressed on with mechanical precision to accurately tear apart Gorynych¡¯s armor and decided the battle.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Kuh!¡¹

    La Cruche weaved through the armor¡¯s gap and dealt damage on Rosa¡¯s flesh body.

    Even now she dealt shockwave impact of Breath Gun from the gap of the armor, planting pain and terror into Rosa.

    Breaking the opponent¡¯s heart©¤©¤that was the tactic of the current La Cruche.

    People tended to think of piloting ability as important factor of a Drag-Knight¡¯s strength, and in fact they were right, but they also often overlooked that strong mind was indispensable to apply that strength.

    No matter how much skill they had, if they didn¡¯t have the strength of heart that allowed them to display it completely, they wouldn¡¯t be able to display their best performance.

    And then, La Cruche knew from the record in the Ruins just how brittle a Drag-Knight who lost the sense of balance in their heart.

    ¡¸It looks like you¡¯re strong against pain nanodesu. Apparently you have received training for that. No, perhaps it¡¯s more correct to say that you have received violence daily nanodesu.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s an unnecessary concern you knoww¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa Granhide¡¯s past.

    When she was a child, her parents who protested the continuation of unproductive war murdered by the government. She herself was also tortured and lived under oppression.

    She was picked up by a military officer when she was dying.

    Rosa whose heart was already crushed received an education that was nearly a brainwashing. She played the role of a villain and ruled at the surface as the King of Vices of Heiburg Republic.

    In reality, she was being manipulated for the convenience of others. But even knowing that, she didn¡¯t know other way of living.

    Until that day.

    The day where it was raining on the urban area of Heiburg Republic, where she was defeated by Lux in the battle there©¤©¤.

    Overwhelming strength and kindness that smashed apart her mask without killing her and saved her.

    Seeing that, Rosa¡¯s heart was moved.

    If she could live for the sake of this person, then it wouldn¡¯t be scary at all.

    That her life that fell into dark shadow would be illuminated by him©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Haaah!¡¹

    Rosa swung up her large Scythe while unsheathing Gorynych¡¯s Sword Device.

    Using mind control operation, she controlled the unmanned Twelve Vices simultaneously and launched all out attack.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, that¡¯s a rough command, but if the unmanned drones are all moved simultaneously, I too will find it hard to predict their movement. It¡¯s a countermeasure by including uncertain factor into your tactic isn¡¯t it nanodesu?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Her aim was read by La Cruche, but Rosa¡¯s choice was correct.

    Several of the attacks of the drones hit La Cruche¡¯s Vouivre.

    But, the essential Rosa herself, only the attack from Gorynych¡¯s main body that got thoroughly defended and dodged with certainty.

    ¡¸The objective of diversion is for capitalizing on the real action. In other words, even the simple attack of the drones hit, it won¡¯t be lethal nanodesu. Therefore©¤©¤¡¹

    *Gakii-¡­¡­!*

    The blade of Roster Edge entered into blade locking contest. From there it stretched out and using that momentum, Gorynych¡¯s Scythe was repelled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu!?¡¹

    Rosa immediately strengthened her barrier to endure, but in that instant, La Cruche and Vouivre approached in front of Rosa.

    If it was a normal Drag-Knight, when they were approached by an armed enemy Drag-Knight, they would raise their barrier¡¯s output and focused on defense.

    In exchange Rosa immediately unleashed Howling Roar for defense and offense rolled into one. And then she was going to switch into counterattack from there but,

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯ve seen through a mere shallow thinking from you nanodesu.¡¹

    La Cruche who read that action took a sharp turn and circled behind Rosa.

    However, right after she took that defenseless back, she felt a discomfort.

    ¡¸Is that so? Certainly it¡¯s just as you saiid. ©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Guh¡¹

    The armor that was shot out from Rosa¡¯s Gorynych attacked La Cruche behind her.

    Break Purge took off some parts of the user¡¯s own armor while shooting it out as buckshot. Just like Howling Roar, it also used a lot of energy of Force Core so it couldn¡¯t be used consecutively.

    However, the Howling Roar that La Cruche dodged just now was nearly an ineffectual attack. Its power output was extremely weak and used little energy.

    In other words, the first attack was a fake.

    ¡¸¡­¡­So there is, also that move nanodesu.¡¹

    Vouivre was unbalanced after receiving the armor buckshot.

    Rosa didn¡¯t miss that moment. The Scythe of the lightened Gorynych slashed.

    ©¤©¤*Zaguu-! Ginn!*

    Vouivre¡¯s barrier was cut apart and it was sent flying to the side.

    La Cruche along with her Drag-Ride crashed on a huge tree some dozens of ml away.

    ¡¸Even I can at least predict what you might do after reading my miind.¡¹

    In the common sense of Drag-Knight, firing Howling Roar and Break Purge one after another wasn¡¯t just done, it couldn¡¯t be done.

    After all if one of them was used with weakened strength, there wouldn¡¯t be any meaning to it.

    Because as long as the opponent didn¡¯t read the user¡¯s mind, it couldn¡¯t even be used as a feint.

    ¡¸I see¡­¡­. Looks like you have the ability that is worthy for a representative of a country nanodesu. Certainly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s still to early for you to praise mee. After all it¡¯s only from here that you¡¯ll get scattered into pieces horribly.¡¹

    Rosa used the opening from having taking distance from Vouivre and lifted up her Sword Device high. She thought with focus.

    ¡¸Tartaros Frame©¤©¤Devilmacia Mode!¡¹

    The drones special armament, Twelve Vices were gathered and transformed Gorynych into a single huge Drag-Ride.

    The terrific power output of more than ten Drag-Rides would greatly exhaust Rosa¡¯s stamina, but it formed an overwhelming offensive and defensive power in exchange.

    ¡¸Fall! You cursed Automata!¡¹

    And then, a giant armored fist that was as large as a single house struck toward Vouivre.

    *DO-, GOON¡­¡­!*

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, right after Rosa unleashed her attack, she felt something was strange.

    At the same time when her fist struck, a great impact also burst from the inside of Gorynych¡¯s huge armor. Rosa¡¯s consciousness became distant.

    ¡¸Guh¡­¡­! Wha, what in the world is this? Something©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Your heart is completely transparent nanodesu. That includes your attempt to somehow take distance from me and combine using Tartarus Frame.¡¹

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­. In the armor of Devilmacia Mode, something like gems are©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Vouivre¡¯s special armament. <ruby>Jewel Bit<rt>Gem Eyeball</rt></ruby>. It¡¯s an installed type weapon that can fire out beam. When your Gorynych combined, I sneaked this weapon into it. In order to connect it to your inside and attack your frame from there.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­No, way!¡¹

    Right after the combine, those weapons were activated in full power and attacked Devilmacia Mode from inside.

    The plan that Rosa thought had managed to take the opponent by surprise was seen through.

    (What should I do¡­¡­. My greatest technique is defeated. I can¡¯t, think of anymore idea to win against this La Cruche¡­¡­!)

    The multi-layered armor was crumbling. Vouivre flew and slashed with its Blade to peel the armor.

    (Lux-sama, I¡¯m sorry. I¡­¡­cannot, help you)

    ¡¸That¡¯s right nanodesu.¡¹

    La Cruche whispered as though she had seen through Rosa¡¯s heart.

    ¡¸You cannot save anyone nanodesu. You¡¯re nothing but a puppet without will despite possessing a flesh and blood body¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s expression distorted in bitterness when the wound of her heart was gouged.

    La Cruche didn¡¯t miss that opening and showered blows with Vouivre.

    Cannon shot, slash, and then beam attack using Jewel Bit from every directions.

    The last remaining thick barrier and armor of Gorynych were also peeled off. The impact that penetrated her body made Rosa showed an expression of anguish.

    (Why, am I fighting? Even though there isn¡¯t any prospect of victory or anyone asking me to do it)

    The reason to fight.

    For Rosa whose heart was broken since she was a child, such thing didn¡¯t exist.

    Her purpose of living was only to get praised and needed by someone else.

    She only lived to accomplish the role that someone else created for her.

    (Lux, sama¡­¡­)

    However, when she was defeated by that young man and she was liberated from the curse of the <ruby>King of Vices<rt>Calensia</rt></ruby>, a light shined on her.

    What surfaced to her mind was the memory of the parade the other day.

    It was her conversation with Lux that she remembered because it happened at the last repeated parade.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-sama, why are you that strong? Not just against other Drag-Knight, but also against Abyss. No, as a human too¡­¡­¡¹

    At the night of parade, in the castle¡¯s banquet venue.

    When Lux abruptly headed to the terrace to feel the wind, Rosa resolved herself and asked him what she wanted to ask.

    Since the case in Heiburg, Rosa was under the command of Magialca for a long time but, the end of that period was also approaching near.

    The ruler that reigned from the shadow in Heiburg had vanished, but from here on she would have to choose her own path by herself.

    For Rosa who had lived as someone else¡¯s manipulated puppet until now, she had no confidence for that.

    It was a godsend that she got this chance to talk with him just the two of them.

    While thinking that she wanted to embrace Lux tightly if possible, she talked toward his back.

    In respond he made a troubled smile.

    ¡¸I¡¯m, not strong or anything. I noticed that after spending time together with everyone in that academy.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not true. At the very least, Lux-sama has never lost no matter what kind of adversity you faced and you keep persisting on your own belief.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯ll be great if I can do that. But right now, there is no way that the current me will be able to make things go that well.¡¹

    (Aa¡­¡­)

    That expression that turned back toward her.

    Seeing from the side the young man¡¯s face that was hiding a strong will within that peaceful expression, the inside of Rosa¡¯s head was numbed sweetly.

    That power that overwhelmed Rosa.

    And then, at the point when he could kill Rosa, he saw through that it wasn¡¯t evil at her inside but just a weak girl, and he saved her.

    Exactly because of that Rosa¡¯s heart was stolen by this young man.

    ¡¸However, if I can say one thing about what should be done in order to fight©¤©¤. I think that you mustn¡¯t feel scared to look.¡¹

    ¡¸Feeling scared, to look?¡¹

    Rosa repeated the words as a question. Lux nodded.

    ¡¸To be more accurate, it¡¯s to see through the truth about yourself and your opponent. It¡¯s something really hard though¡­¡­. I too, when fighting you, I don¡¯t know what I would do if Phi-chan wasn¡¯t there with me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux forgot himself in anger because Philuffy got hurt. Heiburg¡¯s people then spurred him on and he almost got buried under the impulse to strike down the evil called Rosa.

    However, that wasn¡¯t Lux¡¯s true wish,

    ¡¸Observe, face each other, fight, and understand what the opponent is thinking. That¡¯s really, really difficult to do, but. If you can do that©¤©¤¡¹

    The young man faced Rosa and smiled.

    ¡¸I think you¡¯ll be able to take a step closer to win.¡¹

    Those words of him remained forever inside Rosa¡¯s chest.

    .

    ¡¸Die, die already nanodesu. How long are you going to cling on that battered Drag-Ride?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Perhaps it only took several seconds. Her memory with Lux that surfaced at the back of her mind like revolving lantern vanished and the present situation was projected into Rosa¡¯s sight.

    La Cruche and Vouivre that unleashed attacks like raging stream to strike and push Rosa back.

    In contrast Rosa had her sure-kill technique Tartaros Frame and Devilmacia Mode seen through. She was even taken by surprise and now she was in a despairing predicament. A large part of Gorynych and her barrier had also been peeled off.

    (©¤©¤And yet, why isn¡¯t the current me defeated yet?)

    Even though she was only defending unconsciously using the instinct that permeated through her body in order to survive.

    The Divine Raiment of Vouivre that La Cruche was wearing, True Eyes. If she had such ability, than perhaps even her would be able to see the truth of her opponent but©¤©¤.

    (No, that¡¯s not it¡­¡­. That¡¯s only peering at the surface of your opponent¡¯s heart. It¡¯s nothing more than reading the right and wrong of the question you have.)

    ¡ºHowever, if I can say one thing about what should be done in order to fight©¤©¤. I think that you mustn¡¯t feel scared to look.¡»

    ¡¸Feeling scared, to look?¡¹

    Rosa repeated the words as a question. Lux nodded.

    ¡º©¤©¤To be more accurate, it¡¯s to see through the truth about yourself and your opponent.¡»

    Lux¡¯s words that he told her at the parade¡¯s banquet were coming back in Rosa¡¯s chest.

    Why, La Cruche was unable to defeat Rosa when she should have crushed all her plans?

    Why she was able to hold on like this?

    Why this enemy was so persistently attacking Rosa¡¯s heart until now like this?

    And then, even though she should have already analyzed all Rosa¡¯s method of attack, why then La Cruche was the one who was at a loss of how to attack©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I understaand, it. Lux-sama¡¹

    ©¤©¤*Gakii-!*

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Rosa swung her large Scythe with a round trajectory. She parried Vouivre¡¯s Blade while slashing back.

    The tip of the blade pierced the barrier and stabbed into the Automata¡¯s foot. La Cruche opened her eyes wide in shock.

    ¡¸Hah, as I thought. So it¡¯s something like thaat¡¹

    ¡¸What¡¯s the meaning of this? Why can¡¯t I read the attack©¤©¤¡¹

    La Cruche was bewildered, but Rosa¡¯s counterattack didn¡¯t stop with just that.

    Without pause she drove forward and tackled the opponent, using the advantage of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s weight.

    La Cruche reflexively ascended up to escape to the sky. In that instant Rosa pulled back her Scythe and cut up her back wings.

    ¡¸U, ah¡­¡­!? How-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Normally, it would be difficult for a weapon like a large scythe to hit with a linear attack because of its curving blade, but it was suited for an attack that hooked an enemy that tried to escape or attack toward place like the back or the side.

    La Cruche lost the ability to fly and descended. In respond Rosa used the butt of her Scythe to land a blow on La Cruche¡¯s torso.

    La Cruche was sent flying to the back. When her back hit a large tree, Rosa launched a slashes from every direction.

    (How!? Why, nanodesu!?)

    La Cruche suppressed her desire to scream. She was bewildered by Rosa¡¯s fierce counterattack.

    Why was she unable to read Rosa¡¯s heart even when she threw question at the deep consciousness of Rosa using True Eyes?

    And then, why was Rosa¡¯s attacks landing on La Cruche as though she was seeing through her movement?

    La Cruche¡¯s movement was crushed meant that her action was predicted by Rosa.

    In that case, Rosa¡¯s mind should be working with complicated thought in order to do that.

    And yet, she was unable to read that mind.

    La Cruche didn¡¯t understand the reason and felt flustered.

    ¡¸You¡¯re now unable to read my mind, riight? Well of coursee. Right now, I¡¯m not thinking of anything©¤©¤¡¹

    She pushed La Cruche on the large tree with her Scythe¡¯s butt, while her other hand raised her Cannon.

    Zero distance bombing from a glued posture.

    That action that would cause herself to get damaged by the backlash was certainly not something rational.

    (She isn¡¯t thinking anything, move nonsensically, so that her heart cannot be read? Then©¤©¤!)

    She would also counterattack with all her strength without any consideration to her own state in order to make the enemy falter. That was the only way.

    If Rosa received large damage and got cornered into predicament, then her fainthearted thought would surely flow into her.

    *¡­¡­DOU-!*

    ¡¸Uh, AAAAAA-¡­¡­! Howling Roar!¡¹

    The zero distance bombing was fired from the Cannon. Vouivre¡¯s whole armor was creaking.

    But, La Cruche who got damaged also unleashed Howling Roar from their glued state. She took the best action in order to distance Rosa from herself.

    There was already the force from the Cannon¡¯s recoil that would make the two of them separated from each other.

    If she took advantage of that and added Howling Roar on top of that, then she would be able to take a large distance without fail.

    If she did that, it should become possible to read Rosa¡¯s heart once more and attacked back in advantage.

    *Gakii-!*

    ¡¸¡­¡­wwha-!?¡¹

    That expectation of La Cruche was easily betrayed.

    In that instant when she thought that Rosa was blown backward, the back of Vouivre was deeply cut apart.

    Rosa who was hit with two impacts from point blank was grinning fearlessly even while bleeding from her forehead and mouth.

    ¡¸I¡¯m thankfuul. You increased my attack¡¯s strength. After all I fired my Cannon from point blank for this from the start.¡¹

    She pushed her Cannon¡¯s muzzle on La Cruche¡¯s stomach from point blank and placed her Scythe¡¯s blade on Vouivre¡¯s back in order to hook it at the moment of impact.

    If she was bounced back by the impact and the force of the two of them separating from each other was applied, the power on the blade that was hooking on La Cruche would also get increased.

    If the impact from the Howling Roar¡¯s recoil was also heavy©¤©¤then it would be even more effective.

    Even while Rosa¡¯s state was worsening, she focused her remaining energy into her Scythe¡¯s blade and swung fully.

    ¡¸©¤©¤N, ooOOOOO-!¡¹

    There was creaking sound *baki baki* of metal and Vouivre¡¯s armor was severed into two.

    Even then, La Cruche wrung out her remaining strength and extended her Blade toward Rosa¡¯s stomach. She lunged with all her power.

    *Zashuu-!*

    But, it didn¡¯t hit.

    The counterattack of Vouivre that was split into two at the torso by the Scythe¡¯s blade was shifted up at the tip due to that impact. It only grazed Rosa¡¯s side slightly.

    (Why, is this. Even though human should feel pain and fatigue, far more than us Automata©¤©¤)

    The intense pain and exhaustion from the impact¡¯s recoil. Rosa didn¡¯t even pay those any mind and took another stance with the Scythe she had just swung.

    And then, before the energy to pilot Gorynych ran out, the tip of the Scythe struck La Cruche.

    ¡¸Gu, ah¡­¡­¡¹

    Vouivre¡¯s Force Core was completely pulverized. In addition the Automata¡¯s power source was also severed.

    The two¡¯s battle was decided with that one attack.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. Haah, haa¡­¡­!¡¹

    Inside the Ancient Forest where the ground was slowly getting covered by snow.

    Rough white breath leaked out from Rosa¡¯s mouth intermittently.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­, how, nanodesu¡­¡­? I want, to know nanodesu¡­¡­¡¹

    La Cruche¡¯s wreckage that was scattered into pieces spoke toward Rosa.

    ¡¸Even at this point, you¡¯re still¡­¡­talking to me to keep me here even just for a bit longer for your master¡¯s sake? That¡¯s really an admirable determination¡­¡­¡¹

    However, Rosa kept her vigilance toward the Automata¡¯s tenacity and didn¡¯t get closer.

    She took distance and readied herself to be able to counterattack anytime.

    ¡¸You cannot, move your body for a while anyway nanodesu. It should be fine even if you keep the current me company, before I vanish.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was spot on.

    Rosa¡¯s exhaustion was already at the point where she couldn¡¯t wear Gorynych anymore.

    Due to the extreme fatigue, she wouldn¡¯t be able to take even a step for a while.

    And so she judged that it would be fine even if she answered the Automata¡¯s question.

    ¡¸How, were you able to turn the table in that situation nanodesu? Why did True Eyes become unable to read your action?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though I still haven¡¯t said that I¡¯ll answer, you¡¯re just asking as you please.¡¹

    Rosa said in exasperation. Even so her mouth was also sporting a faint smile.

    ¡¸Then let me ask you instead, leading someone¡¯s heart astray, that was your tactic using Vouivre and True Eyes right?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    This time it was La Cruche lying on the ground who fell quiet from getting seen through.

    ¡¸The answer is©¤©¤yes nanodesu. The tactic of me and Vouivre is to make the opponent harbor doubt. Someone who hesitates in the middle of battle will become weak, and then they will weaken and end up taking timid action. I read the opponent¡¯s tactic one by one for that sake nanodesu. And yet©¤©¤¡¹

    In fact it was effective.

    Rosa¡¯s every single choice got outsmarted, her trump card was crushed, and she became unable to know what to do.

    ¡¸I really got panicked theree. I panicked and couldn¡¯t even show my real strength. I went with a desperate gamble, and when it ended in failure, I despaired thinking that it¡¯s the eend. But©¤©¤I noticed. With my action getting predicted, I could only feel scared at how other is looking at me. Because of that I didn¡¯t look at you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you, mean by that nanodesu?¡¹

    ¡¸It means exactly thaat. I thought about you. Why did you try to see through my heart so persistently like that. That was to hide that you don¡¯t want to get defeated by the enemy wasn¡¯t iit¡­¡­. I found out in the end though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    La Cruche herself never told anyone but, her Divine Raiment, True Eyes¡¯ weak point was ¡ºempty thought¡».

    In case someone moved unconsciously to defeat the enemy before their eyes, they would naturally choose the best choice from among the attack patterns that had been engraved in their body and executed it.

    Worrying, losing confidence, not being able to think anything, that was the opposite of empty thought.

    A powerful Drag-Knight who wouldn¡¯t form any plan and surpassed La Cruche when challenging her into a head-on fight was an opponent that La Cruche was most on guard against.

    ¡¸That was why you fought in the way that made me want to think of what to do whether in offense or defense. If there is time to think, if you force me plan and scheme using words, then I will inevitably focus on it. I too tried to form a plan to take you by surprise or use True Eyes to work against youu. But I didn¡¯t notice that was exactly your aim¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I see, nanodesu¡­¡­¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t like Vouivre that La Cruche wore had astoundingly high specs compared to the other flying type Divine Drag-Rides.

    That was because an immense energy would be consumed in order to use the Divine Raiment True Eyes.

    It would be disadvantageous to normally fight against Rosa and Gorynych that was a land battle type Drag-Ride with outstanding power and toughness.

    That was why she tried to weaken her.

    She cornered her to become paranoid so that she wouldn¡¯t be able to display her actual strength.

    ¡¸And then, you didn¡¯t use that Over Limit thing because you wanted to preserve your strength as much as possible right? In other words, the other Automata that fought Soffice  was also defeated. Or perhaps your side was also in predicament. I noticed that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that, what you mean, by looking at me?¡¹

    Rosa observed La Cruche and Vouivre, as well as taking in the present situation as well as the surrounding situation into her consideration.

    And then she searched for her opponent¡¯s weakness, and crushed her with attacks that were free from any obstructive thoughts without even caring about her own life.

    Spouting lies and outwitting the opponent were Rosa¡¯s fighting style, but her pure fighting strength as Drag-Knight was also in the top of her country.

    ¡¸Then, one last question¡­¡­. Why are you strong nanodesu? After I attacked your heart that much, how can stand and face it nanodesu? How can you make a comeback from that unfavorable situation?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸How¡­¡­, can you have a strong heart nanodesu? At that time a thousand years ago, if humans didn¡¯t betray master, surely¡­¡­. The world will be in peace¡­¡­¡¹

    La Cruche was connected to Avalon and memory streamed into her through it. She recalled the tragedy that happened to her creator Arshalia and raised a sorrowful voice.

    The people who was saved by Arshalia who was extolled as the Goddess of Salvation.

    She remembered the event of the clan of traitor baring their fang at her, killed her, and a part of the world salvation system called Sacred Eclipse was rewritten to be convenient for them.

    ¡¸Human, is a weak creature. In order to protect their own benefit, in order to have an easy life, they will betray other without batting an eyelid. They¡¯re cowardly and unfair. Then how can, such human©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The heartrending yell that was let out by the wreckage of Automata that laid in pieces.

    Hearing that, Rosa didn¡¯t understand about their circumstance in the past but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It¡¯s just like you saay. Human is weak and cowardly. They¡¯re that kind of creaturee.¡¹

    Rosa let out gasping breath while affirming La Cruche¡¯s words.

    Rosa who was made to be the body double of the shadow ruler of Heiburg©¤©¤the King of Vices, Rosa who received the hatred of the people that was focused to her alone knew about the weakness of human¡¯s heart more than anyone.

    ¡¸Lux-sama and the people around him are surely really rare. No, even him and the girls around him also have weak heart. But, they¡¯re fightiing¡­¡­. With that their weak self, they¡¯re fighting even now.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸People without such mettle to fight, people who has lost something will be able to torment other without batting an eyelid. If I¡¯m able to change, it¡¯s only because of one thing.¡¹

    Because she idolized that noble figure that faced their weakness, opposed it, and fought.

    At that time when Rosa was defeated in Heiburg Republic.

    Lux didn¡¯t run away from the weakness of his heart. He conquered his suffering and hatred and saved Rosa.

    ¡¸Because I was saved by a person who has a strong heart¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Are you talking, about that Lux Arcadia? Are you saying, that¡¯s what a hero is©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa wordlessly replied with a nod.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that so. Then, the answer might appear. That Black Hero, and the hero who Arshalia-sama bI¡¯elieved in. Which one is the real deal©¤©¤. I want you, to ascertain it with your own, eyes¡­¡­¡¹

    La Cruche only said that before her function finally stopped.

    Rosa watched that while slowly standing up and smiled.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll do just that even without you telling mee. In order to protect Lux-sama who I love and believe in.¡¹

    For the sake of the young man who replaced the King of Vices that sunk her tiny self into the shadow and illuminated her heart with light, Rosa grasped her Sword Device once more.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­. It seems, it¡¯ll take a bit more time for me to recoveer¡­¡­. If I don¡¯t, meet up with Soffice or Lux-sama¡¯s little sister at least ©¤¡¹

    Her footsteps were unsteady due to the extreme fatigue.

    Even so Rosa faced forward and walked ahead. Then her ear heard a thunderous sound.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? That¡¯s!¡¹

    She gasped and looked up to the snowing sky. There a certain sight entered her eyes.

    There a crimson Divine Drag-Ride was dancing in a fierce battle against a jet black Drag-Ride.

 Volume 18 - CH 2

    .

    Ancient Forest, northeast.

    At the surface of Avalon¡¯s information management facility Archive that was located underground.

    Lux who was clad in Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut and Lisha who was clad in Tiamat were confronting each other with the grey colored sky as the background.

    .

    ©¤©¤Wrong.

    There was no way this was true. Lisha¡¯s logic was telling her that.

    There was no way Lux would betray the New Kingdom.

    There was no way he would point his blade toward her and Queen Raffi.

    Him giving instruction to Azure Division and©¤©¤Alma, it must be some kind of mistake.

    Or perhaps, this man was an impostor.

    If Lisha didn¡¯t think that, she would be unable to move.

    But, right now she was the princess of New Kingdom.

    That was why, she had to defeat this person no matter who he was.

    In order to protect her mother Raffi who had staked her life to protect this country until now.

    .

    (¡­¡­This wasn¡¯t in the plan. But©¤©¤)

    The young man facing her, Lux was also similarly losing his bearing.

    In his original plan, he planned for Lisha who became a prisoner to not fight till the end.

    Either way, due to Uroboros¡¯s world revision, Lisha wouldn¡¯t be able to recognize Raffi as her enemy.

    It would also be hard for the kingdom¡¯s people to be able to realize the truth at the end.

    In that case, he should finish this without anyone noticing.

    He tried to remove the threat of Sacred Eclipse secretly, without telling Lisha or anyone else of the New Kingdom, so that no chaos would result.

    However, Lux¡¯s fleeting wish easily vanished. Now he was facing Lisha like this.

    ¡¸There is no way this is true! You¡¯re©¤©¤an impostor! Try answering me! Lux!¡¹

    Lisha floated in the air wearing Tiamat. She unsheathed her Sword Device.

    With mind control operation she fired the special armament, the twelve throwing weapons Legion.

    From where Lux was at, first two of them flew at him with a fierce speed with roaring sound.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux used Bahamut¡¯s great sword and deflected the Legion¡¯s first attack.

    But, the concealed shot that was lurking unseen at the Legion¡¯s shadow attacked him further.

    (She pretended to fire two when it¡¯s actually three! Furthermore it was inserted between the first and second Legion!)

    Naturally, firing projectile weapon through a trajectory that couldn¡¯t be seen from the opponent¡¯s perspective needed an uncommon technique.

    While a precise control of trajectory was needed, predicting the opponent¡¯s field of vision accurately was also indispensable to achieve this miraculous feat.

    The sword that swept aside the first attack didn¡¯t make it in time. The second Legion hit Bahamut¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸Guh!¡¹

    The power was also transmitted to Lux¡¯s own body through the barrier. He displayed an anguished expression.

    Even so he barely kept only his balance from crumbling.

    He swept aside the third Legion, and at the same time he sent it back accurately toward Lisha.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Normally it was next to impossible to accurately hit back a weapon with pointy shape toward the opponent with one¡¯s own weapon.

    ¡¸Chih!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s Tiamat boasted variegated as well as overwhelming attack power in regard to long distance attack.

    Therefore, it was important to stop Lisha¡¯s attack even if he had to brave some danger.

    However Lisha didn¡¯t stop her attack. She sent out one of the Legion that was positioned around her. She defended by firing down the Legion that Lux reflected back at her.

    Right after that, the shot of the Cannon that Tiamat had prepared without Lux noticing attacked toward him in a straight line.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ku!¡¹

    Should he block or dodge?

    Because the Legion¡¯s attack just now hit his torso, Lux immediately chose to dodge.

    But, the instant he tried to doge to the side, three Legion came with a curving trajectory toward his side from the opposite direction.

    ¡¸This is©¤©¤from that time!?¡¹

    Firing her Cannon and then sending Legion above the firing line to push back the opponent.

    It was the tactic that was used at Lux and Lisha¡¯s first mock battle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Linker Pulse!¡¹

    Lux dodged the cannon shot to the side while forming force field using his special armament to barely shirted the trajectory of the three Legion.

    But, he was unable to dodge completely.

    His barrier was grazed, the surface of his armor was slightly scratched, and the balance of his armor frame was broken.

    ¡¸Is that all you can do, cursed imposter¡¹

    *Jakin* Lisha swung her Sword Device further. She summoned the huge cannon©¤©¤Seven Heads.

    Particles of light gathered on the seven cannon muzzles and it fired explosively.

    (¡­¡­The energy charging is fast! I won¡¯t make it in time!)

    After using weapon and special armament in quick succession, Lisha attacked further with her main cannon.

    Even if Lux defended, the power of the attack would end him if it hit directly.

    *DOUNN!*

    ¡¸©¤©¤U, aaAAAH!¡¹

    The instant Lux understood that he wouldn¡¯t be able to completely dodge it, he hardened his defense by strengthening his barrier and also activating Reload on Fire.

    He endured the after wave of the terrific destructive energy of Sevens Head while quickly focusing on rallying himself.

    Conversely speaking, there was no worry to be hit with additional powerful attack if it was right after Lisha unleashed her greatest attack.

    In that case he activated Reload on Fire the instant he was hit by the attack and a distance was opened. Five seconds later he would switch into counterattack with the state that was accelerated by several times but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸As I thought, it¡¯s different. You¡¯re another person. There¡¯s no way you¡¯re Lux¡­¡­. You¡¯re weak.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The moment Lisha saw Lux activated Reload on Fire, she retreated and took some distance.

    In addition she descended inside the forest and hid herself.

    Lux¡¯s plan was completely seen through.

    Even so, he couldn¡¯t let go of this chance.

    For Lux whose armor and stamina had been greatly exhausted, if he didn¡¯t make this battle a brief one, he would quickly become disadvantaged.

    (Strong¡­¡­. I¡¯ve realized it already but, Lisha-sama, she has become strong.)

    Since that day when he first came to the Royal Officer Academy and fought her, he had fought several mock battles against Lisha.

    He should be in advantage from knowing Lisha¡¯s capability, but right no he felt that she was the toughest opponent more than anyone else.

    Of course there was also the effect from his exhaustion due to the consecutive battle against Celis and Philuffy.

    However even more than that, Lisha right now possessed the strength of a firm will.

    In order to protect her stepmother Queen Raffi.

    In order to protect the New Kingdom, she resolved herself and fought to defeat the enemy.

    (I can only finish this right away¡­¡­! With the power of Baptism that I obtained©¤©¤)

    The same like the procedure that was applied to Aeril, Yoruka, and the main members of Syvalles, Lux also obtained an ability from the device called the Coffin.

    He calmed his breathing and focused his mind in order to activate that power.

    (What, the heat won¡¯t come out inside my body. The power of Baptism, isn¡¯t activating.)

    But, for some reason he was unable to use that power.

    The power wouldn¡¯t well up.

    (There is no time to think about it. The strengthening compression of time using Reload on Fire©¤©¤I can only decide the battle using the remaining five seconds of super acceleration!)

    Lux switched his feeling and resolved himself.

    He flew with several times his normal speed due to the acceleration of time and charged into the forest below where Lisha vanished into.

    He moved until there was less than one second until contact.

    He found Lisha¡¯s figure that was hidden by the tree leaves.

    But, the form of Tiamat that he discovered was completely different than before.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ve been waiting, for you to come challenging me in close quarter combat!¡¹

    The two layered armor using Over Unit.

    The fighting method that Lisha developed herself. Placing a Drag-Ride that had been turned into parts over another Drag-Ride.

    Wyrm Claw that was equipped with additional drill arm and two armored claw arms was aimed to greatly increase the user¡¯s capability in close quarter combat.

    (She hid inside the forest in order to defend and intercept as well as to change form, and also so I won¡¯t realize that aim of hers!)

    Lisha looked impulsive in a glance, but she was clever not just in tactic but also in strategy.

    As though to prove that, she took preparation to outwit and intercept Lux.

    ¡¸Even so, I cannot lose here!¡¹

    There was no doubt that the present where Bahamut was accelerated by several times was his biggest chance to win.

    Thus Lux drew closer and dodged the drill arm. He tried to aim at Tiamat¡¯s Force Core.

    Right after that, he noticed instantly that it was impossible and gritted his teeth.

    ¡¸So you came aiming for my Force Core right away?¡¹

    Lux hallucinated Lisha saying that to him from her gaze.

    It was hidden.

    The Over Unit Wyrm Claw was equipped above the armored shoulder that contained Tiamat¡¯s Force Core, because of that he couldn¡¯t hit it directly.

    (Is there no other choice but to destroy the Wyrm Claw first!?)

    First he had to strike the Force Claw that was the power source of Wyrm Claw. After the Over Unit was dispelled, he could aim at the Force Claw of Tiamat.

    Although he made that judgment in an instant, Lux noticed that doing that was also difficult.

    The reason was the structure of this strengthened armor that Lisha created by remodeling general purpose Drag-Ride was different from normal Drag-Ride.

    Therefore, Lux was unable to predict what kind of structure the contained parts and frame had.

    (I made a big mistake. How can I only notice such thing after this late.)

    The talent of developing Drag-Ride that Lisha nurtured.

    He realized its troublesomeness once more now that she turned into enemy.

    Most likely, Lisha who was under the effect of the world revision could only recognize Lux as an impostor.

    (Then, I¡¯ll forcefully make her unable to fight and capture her once more. I¡¯ll end this fight without making Lisha-sama get burdened with the anguish and sin of defeating her majesty Raffi!)

    If he couldn¡¯t aim at the Force Core, he would destroy Tiamat¡¯s armor directly.

    Lux decided his aim and drove his great sword into consecutive attacks but, it was tough.

    (Chaos Brand¡¯s blade won¡¯t go through! It¡¯s the defense barrier that Wyrm Claw generated!)

    Tiamat¡¯s barrier and was double layered by the barrier that was generated by Wyrm Claw above it.

    His attack wouldn¡¯t work like he wanted due to the obstruction of that defense that was specialized for close range combat.

    Even so, he swung his sword in full force in order to make use the seconds where he was accelerated by several times.

    ©¤©¤But, when he destroyed one of the additional arms, his accelerated time was cut off.

    ¡¸Eat this-!¡¹

    The remaining Wyrm Claw.

    The arm that was equipped with rare armament in the shape of drill rotated in high speed and stabbed forward.

    Lux twisted his body to slip through that and strike the Over Unit with his great sword.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! A!¡¹

    The after wave from the barrier of Wyrm Claw getting pierced made Lisha raised a faint pained voice, even so she drew out her Sword Device in a tight grip.

    When Lux wondered what she was going to do with that, Lisha¡¯s attack was already unleashed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Break Purge!¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!¡¹

    She released the Over Unit, Wyrm Claw as buckshot that stopped Lux and Bahamut from attacking further.

    While Lux was standing still due to that momentum and impact, Lisha and Tiamat leaped backward to take distance.

    (This is bad¡­¡­this is©¤©¤)

    Most likely Lisha was intending to switch into her remaining two Over Unit.

    Wyvern Wing that strengthened the back wing and displayed high mobility, and Drake Horn that provided camouflage, jamming, investigation, and increased surprise attack capability.

    It would be really troublesome if she used those two.

    Therefore, Lux shifted the armor buckshot using Linker Pulse while forcefully chasing after the withdrawing Lisha.

    He would decided the battle before she could summon and wear new Over Unit.

    The moment he charged with that determination, Lux¡¯s trajectory was changed to an unexpected direction. He floated up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    ¡¸Suppresor©¤©¤, the gravity weighing you is zero now.¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of gravity manipulation that Tiamat possessed.

    Because it was a powerful ability that one must be the most vigilant against, Lux always kept it in the corner of his mind.

    There would be no damage from strong pressure from having his weight lightened like this, but it was a really troublesome phenomenon in the aspect of disrupting his action.

    Even against a flying type Divine Drag-Ride like Bahamut, its mobility would be drastically disordered just by lightening the gravity slightly.

    Executing the movement that he planned would become abnormally difficult with this.

    No matter how much of an expert Lux was in piloting Drag-Ride, he wouldn¡¯t be able to deal with it because he never experienced such situation.

    *DON-!*

    ¡¸Ua¡­¡­!¡¹

    His flight trajectory to pursue the retreating Lisha was shifted and he crashed on a tall and big tree.

    He immediately tried changing direction to deal with the weightlessness, but at that time Lisha already finished switching her Over Unit.

    ¡¸Drake Horn! Eat this again! ©¤©¤Suppressor!¡¹

    *Gakun!* Bahamut¡¯s altitude decreased and it was instantly pressed on the ground.

    This time the burden of heavy gravity was pressed on him and his movement was completely sealed.

    ¡¸Gu¡­¡­! UaAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    Because the Divine Raiment was strengthened by Drake Horn, an unprecedented heavy gravity attacked Lux and Bahamut.

    That force that was incomparable to the time when he first fought Lisha didn¡¯t allow him to endure.

    Not just Bahamut¡¯s armor, his flesh body was also screaming.

    (How? She applied Suppressor¡­¡­she used Divine Raiment while switching Over Unit? Such thing is©¤©¤)

    Using special armament or Divine Raiment that put a great burden on the user at the same time required terrifying amount of stamina and mental strength.

    Especially Lisha who had the tendency to favor the use of ability or weapon with high firepower despite her relatively few stamina, that was her only distinctive weak point.

    However her strength right now, it was in the level of Yoruka or Celis, or perhaps Philuffy when she released her power of Abyss©¤©¤no, it was even more than that.

    Looking carefully, something like steam was faintly rising up from Lisha¡¯s body.

    Lux who didn¡¯t know the circumstance had no way to know but, the power of Baptism that was applied to Lisha¡¯s body was the accumulation and burning of energy.

    She ¡ºaccumulated¡» beforehand©¤©¤that was to say that in order for her to exert power, she accumulated energy from her daily life bit by bit, and when she turned on her mental switch when push came to shove, she could ¡ºburn¡» that accumulated energy and unleashed it all at once.

    That was to say, it was a Baptism that complemented Lisha¡¯s weak point until now so that she could use Divine Raiment, special armament, and Over Unit fully.

    It took time like this until she could use that power to transform her physical ability that she didn¡¯t have before, but the power when it was activated was terrific.

    (It¡¯s impossible¡­¡­. At this rate, I won¡¯t be able to endure¡­¡­! I¡¯ll, die¡­¡­!)

    He sent Lisha a pleading gaze, but he couldn¡¯t see any hesitation in her resolve.

    He was at a lost whether he should call out to Lisha in the attempt to make her notice that he was Lux and dispelled the binding of world revision.

    But©¤©¤.

    (No, I can¡¯t do that. If she learn what I¡¯m trying to do, Lisha-sama will be hurt and sad. Right now I¡¯m the leader of Azure Division who is trying to destroy the New Kingdom in the end©¤©¤)

    Lux resolved himself like tha and exerted his last strength.

    Lux too also tried to liberate the power of Baptism residing in his body but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ugu, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    His focus was shaken and cut off before he could activate it.

    (Why? Is it because I¡¯m tired? Or else©¤©¤)

    Was it because he was being harmed by the damage from Suppressor¡¯s pressure.

    Lux was visited by a bad condition from unknown cause, even so he kept resisting.

    He barely scrapped together his Drag-Ride¡¯s energy. Then before his frame was completely breaking apart, he activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    The first five seconds of compression strengthening.

    The target of the phenomenon of extreme deceleration was the gravity pressure on Lux.

    He extremely reduced the gravity pressing down on him and closed in to Lisha using that opening.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    Even that move was predicted. Lisha unleashed the Howling Roar that had been strengthened several times over by Drake Horn.

    However Lux was also the same.

    If it was Lisha in her current full power state that used all her special armament and Divine Raiment to the maximum degree, there was no way that she wouldn¡¯t at least take such countermeasure©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAaAAAH!¡¹

    Faster than the flood of whirling shockwave could blow Lux away, Chaos Brand¡¯s tip stabbed at Drake Horn.

    It barely hit and half-destroyed it, but Lux was showered by a terrific shockwave of Howling Roar from below and he was blown away to the air.

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­. Ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Bahamut¡¯s endurance limit was crossed and his armor was crumbling to pieces.

    He should have decided the battle using all his strength before his remaining stamina ran out, but he didn¡¯t understand how he was beaten up to this degree.

    Of course he had the self-awareness that he had done extremely reckless things all that time he was facing powerful opponents, but,

    (Is this, the way I fight until now? Something, is strange¡­¡­)

    Even though he should have given his best effort, it was like he was just going round in circles.

    Lux was imprisoned in such strange mood.

    The eyes of Lux who was thrown up saw the grey sky that was snowing.

    He was already mostly running out of strength.

    The world revision by that Uroboros.

    Since he noticed the strangeness of the looping parade until reaching this point, his mind was stretched tightly all this time. It felt like the tension would burst anytime.

    (Not, yet¡­¡­ I©¤©¤)

    He had to save the New Kingdom, this country.

    The face of everyone in the Academy, the face of the members of Syvalles.

    Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Yoruka, Airi, the Triad.

    At the end Lisha¡¯s face floated in Lux¡¯s mind.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama, I¡­¡­. I¡¯m ©¤¡¹

    He muttered hollowly while instinctually fixing the posture of his Drag-Ride. In that instant.

    ©¤©¤*GAUNN-!(

    A sharp impact pierced through his whole body. Lux vomited blood.

    ¡¸Gah©¤©¤!¡¹

    When he noticed, a shadow that flew up from the forest far below©¤©¤Lisha who was clad in Tiamat slashed him with her Blade.

    The Over Unit that strengthened mobility, Wyvern Wing.

    Due to that terrific acceleration, she closed in until short distance in one go and struck a direct hit without him being able to even react.

    (Aa©¤©¤. ¡­¡­I can¡¯t, go on anymore)

    Strength left his whole body. His consciousness was getting far away.

    Bahamut¡¯s armor was dispelled. Lux was starting to free fall from the sky wearing only a pilot suit.

    (So in the end, I couldn¡¯t do it)

    Just like what Fugil said, he didn¡¯t have any caliber as king.

    He pursued his ideal too much, but in the end he couldn¡¯t save anyone.

    That was all there was to it.

    (However©¤©¤, Lisha-sama)

    He felt apologetic that he would disappear like this, at the same time he thought that if it her then he could leave New Kingdom to her.

    Even if Queen Raffi carried out the world revision again after this, Lisha would receive the affection of the queen and she might be able to live without realizing the truth forever.

    She might make the righteous government that Lux wished for came true.

    (Then, perhaps it¡¯s fine¡­¡­. Sayonara, Lisha-sama.)

    That instant when he was going to gave up everything and let go of his consciousness.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Where is the real you? Where are you, Lux©¤©¤¡¹

    The face of the princess who was turning back and looking down on him falling down looked really sad.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Right after that, Lux¡¯s consciousness was cut off.

    Without even noticing the black shadow of terrible omen that was occurring in a part of the Ancient Forest.

    ©¤©¤And then.

    ¡¸Lux-kun!¡¹

    Without also noticing the voice of the blue haired girl who saved him just before he crashed on the ground.

    .

    ¡¸Fugil¡­¡­. It seems that Raffi Atismata started to change. As expected, she cannot keep hold of her consciousness when she fused with Sacred Eclipse with her human body.¡¹

    Near the center of the Ancient Forest.

    Near the lake that was the boundary line when they first faced the Azure Division, Fugil and the Automata who managed Avalon, Arshalia were looking up to the snowing sky.

    Raffi¡¯s change.

    Raffi was preserving her thought as human relatively well after she fused with Sacred Eclipse, but anomaly was gradually coming to her mind.

    ¡¸If she has advanced until that state, the it will start moving soon¡­¡­perhaps. It will be a repeat of the phenomenon that occurred several hundred years ago in this Ancient Forest.¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse was a system that projected human¡¯s will and brought salvation using Elixir.

    And then, it was also a regulation system that would react to human¡¯s desire, hatred, or hostility, carried out massacre, and absorbed energy.

    The latter half of the function wasn¡¯t something that was installed by Arshalia who wished for the world¡¯s salvation. The traitor at that time killed Arshalia and then added it on their own convenience.

    That was the conjecture formed from the situation.

    Raffi lost against her own impulse and ate the humans who opposed her. She absorbed those people¡¯s fear, hatred, and resentment.

    .

    ¡¸Guah! Oua¡­¡­! UOOOOOO, goh!¡¹

    .

    *Crunch crunch, snap snap*

    It was a sound that was unthinkable to come from human. No, even Abyss wouldn¡¯t produce such grotesque sound. Such sound resounded from behind a tree right nearby.

    Raffi loved Lisha who looked up to her. She was her heart¡¯s support.

    However, even that memory would soon vanish.

    The greatest and strongest humanoid Ragnarok devoured the countless thought of those who opposed her and transformed into a monster that would lead the world to destruction.

    .

    She wished for even more destruction and massacre.

    With the thought of people getting absorbed and integrated in, the will of salvation was gradually being overwritten. At that time when it reached the last stop, Sacred Eclipse would end the world.

    It would eliminate the whole surrounding without any trace.

    All living things gathering in this Ancient Forest would return to nothingness and it would make the world to redo back from zero.

    And then Fugil would use world revision through Uroboros and made them forgot their memory regarding the Ruins.

    The world that lost its fighting strength with the top ranked Drag-Knights mostly annihilated would obtain equilibrium once more.

    Fugil¡¯s mission was nothing more than an extreme repeat of destruction and resurrection.

    He would assure that the system called Sacred Eclipse created by Arshalia to save the world would continue.

    He existed just for that.

    ¡¸Another failure huh. No©¤©¤it¡¯s not. Arshalia, we still don¡¯t know. As long as your dream is still alive©¤©¤¡¹

    The ideal of peace that was broken and taken away by someone else.

    But, if malice was also the will of human, then Fugil decided to see it through till the end.

    Without giving up, he was pursuing the possibility of people choosing the correct path and Sacred Eclipse functioning correctly.

    Fugil was waiting for a hero that he was unable to become to appear in the world.

    ¡¸If I give up, then everything will be over there. In that case, let¡¯s make them forget everything and repeat it again. For eternity.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    .

    ¡¸Gugoh! Gogoou¡­¡­! Ogogogogooooooo, guoh!¡¹

    .

    Raffi and Sacred Eclipse were changing into something unknown. Fugil didn¡¯t even pay them any mind and looked up to the sky while talking to himself.

    The Automata that was the substitute of the girl he loved was standing still without saying anything.

 Volume 18 - CH 3

    .

    ©¤©¤Cold.

    .

    Inside the consciousness that was covered by jet black darkness.

    Lux was feeling nothing but that sensation that was enveloping his whole body.

    When was the feeling the coldest through his life until now?

    It was when his horse carriage got into an avalanche incident and he got heavily wounded, where he then asked for help but©¤©¤the people who harbored resentment due to the Old Empire¡¯s tyrannical government abandoned them and he lost his mother.

    The gradually disappearing warmth under the cold rain.

    With despair Lux was made to realize that his mother wouldn¡¯t embrace him and his little sister anymore.

    Lisha who was abandoned by her father even though he had the great cause that was the revolution must felt the same.

    (¡­¡­But, when human die everyone is alone. I¡¯m also the same.)

    Just like Count Atismata too©¤©¤a lot of people had dream, held up a great cause, however they were defeated in the middle of their path and met their end.

    (Sorry. Alma, Aeril¡­¡­. I¡¯m sorry, Captain Magialca. I©¤©¤cannot answer your expectation and pay you back for your help.)

    He got trapped by Queen Raffi¡¯s plan and unable to surmount the battle against Lisha.

    He was unable to even use the trump card that he obtained from going through Baptism.

    .

    ¡¸So you¡¯re only at this level in the end, my decision to take you as my subordinate was a mistake. I¡¯m disappointed.¡¹

    A small statured man wearing hooded dark blue coat.

    However the fearless grin he sported and his dangerous aura were familiar.

    The vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit.

    He possessed overwhelming talent and strength. He was someone who wished for a world that was ruled by strong person who he believed in.

    He judged all the talentless mass and the corrupt nobles as evil. He wished for a nation that cut away such people.

    His principle directly ran counter with Lux, but the influence he received from him was immeasurable.

    Lux couldn¡¯t say anything back to the sarcasm that was spoken out by his phantom.

    (Good grief, there should be a limit at how persistent someone can be.)

    Lux smiled bitterly inside the dream.

    Even though he fought until his life ran out, he still appeared in front of him as a ghost like this several times. How many times he would do this until he was satisfied?

    But, somewhere inside his heart, Lux recognized that this was something his mind was creating.

    ¡¸It¡¯s because you¡¯re weak you say? Don¡¯t spout excuse.¡¹

    Singlen¡¯s phantom showed a wicked smile that looked down on him. He talked to Lux who closed his eyes.

    ¡¸You cannot even be aware of your own weakness. You only avert your eyes from your own kingship. Saying that you can¡¯t win when you don¡¯t even fight©¤©¤as expected from the Weakest Undefeated.¡¹

    Such thing©¤©¤isn¡¯t true.

    I gave my all for the sake of my objective.

    No¡­¡­.

    .

    His consciousness was sinking.

    But, his body was strangely warm.

    Was his death approaching? Or perhaps, when he was still living as chore prince he heard the story from someone who came from a snowy country that people would hot instead when it was extremely cold, was this something like that?

    ©¤©¤No, this wasn¡¯t just warmth, it was also soft.

    It was pleasant.

    His eyelids that he thought would never open again lifted up slightly. Lux¡¯s world that was locked inside darkness was born once more.

    (¡­¡­Eh?)

    It was white in front of his eyes.

    No, he faintly saw that it was the color of skin.

    At the same time a scent, a soft sweet smell made the inside of his head dazed.

    When his hand reached out unconsciously, he felt a smooth sensation of skin.

    ¡¸Is this, also a dream¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lux then gasped in surprise and realized the true identity of the thing his face was buried into.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­. Lux-sama¡¯s breath is blowing on my skin, but, please do as you like. I won¡¯t mind even if it hurt. No, rather a little bit of pain will be©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤wait, Rosa!?¡¹

    A sweet voice of a girl that sounded ecstatic tickled his ear. He realized the situation he was in right now.

    Inside the lifeless room that was filled with strange mechanical objects, Lux¡¯s face was buried into a girl¡¯s chest on top of a bed.

    Or rather, they were hugging each other.

    Furthermore with skin that had not even a single piece of cloth separating them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He was in a mortal combat just now. But then suddenly he was in this mysterious situation. Lux¡¯s mind stopped working.

    ¡¸Aa, Lux-sama! Have you wake up? I¡¯m glad!¡¹

    When Rosa saw Lux¡¯s face, she showed an expression of joy with blushing face.

    And then, she put strength into her arms once more and hugged him tightly.

    He was buried into Rosa¡¯s voluptuous and soft breasts. It felt like he was going to suffocate.

    He didn¡¯t understand the situation, but it seemed he had been saved without a doubt.

    ¡¸This place is©¤©¤? Could it be this is the underground of the Ancient Forest, Avalon¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. From what Aeril told me, it seems to be a facility called the Shelter.¡¹

    ¡¸Or rather, why are we hugging each other naked!?¡¹

    Lux was recovering his awareness bit by bit and asked in panic.

    ¡¸Yes. Lux-sama¡¯s pilot suit was tattered, so in order to treat your wound later, although it¡¯s rude I took the liberty to take it off¡­¡­. But Lux-sama, you¡¯re wonderful even naked.¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to comment about my nakedness! That¡¯s not what I¡¯m asking!¡¹

    He tried to get away from Rosa¡¯s breast somehow but, his strength wouldn¡¯t come back and so it didn¡¯t go well.

    It wasn¡¯t because of the hard to resist temptation by any means, it was purely because of his declining stamina.

    ©¤©¤That should be the case.

    ¡¸Yes. Your body was cold, so I thought to warm Lux-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is that so¡­¡­. Not that, I¡¯m already alright! If we are seen doing something like this, then a misunderstanding©¤©¤¡¹

    She said that Aeril was the one who took them here for treatment. That meant at the very least there should be several girls who were Lux¡¯s comrades nearby. So this was dangerous.

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. More importantly, please rest more for now. With my body©¤©¤¡¹

    Rosa said that with an intoxicated faint smile while bringing her lips closer.

    ¡¸Wait, Rosa¡¹

    Her naked breasts were pressed on Lux¡¯s chest. His head was dazed by the softness.

    Then, at that time.

    From outside the room *Kiin!*, the sound of Ruin¡¯s space teleportation device activating could be heard.

    ¡¸Wai-! This is bad Rosa! Move away quickly and wear your clothes-!¡¹

    ¡¸Ahn. Geez Lux-sama, I¡¯m happy.¡¹

    He intended to grab her shoulders and pushed her away but, his fingers sunk completely into the right and left bulges on her chest.

    In that moment, the door of this room opened and he could hear the footsteps of girls from the adjacent room.

    ¡¸Nii-san! We¡¯ve brought Celis-senpai and Philuffy-san to here too. Is your body alright©¤©¤looks like there is no need to ask isn¡¯t it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It was a waste of effort to feel worried.¡¹

    Of all things, it was his little sister who was the person he didn¡¯t want to see this scene the most along with her best friend.

    Or rather, there were a lot of other people too near them.

    .

    ¡¸There is no time so I¡¯ll postpone the trial for later. For now let¡¯s just decide that Nii-san is guilty.¡¹

    ¡¸The decision is already settled before the trial!? Or rather, I was unconscious until just now though!¡¹

    Airi wearing pilot suit was staring coldly. Lux who was similarly wearing a new pilot suit retorted back.

    ¡¸Even though we were fighting desperately, young man was having a secret affair with Rosa on the bed. This is an unforgivable act¡­¡­¡¹

    Similarly Soffice also retorted expressionlessly in exasperation.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. Even though the situation is like this, Onii-chan is still like usual¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel who had trace of childishness remaining in her face was lamenting while pressing her forehead.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. I was really worried for you, you know?¡¹

    Aeril was smiling cheerfully, but the area around her eyes were tinged with dark shadow.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be too hard on him Aeril. Well, this guy is also a man so it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, there is this popular saying that great man have great fondness for sensual pleasures.¡¹

    ¡¸Can you two not adjust casually the truth so it sound like I did it!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s breath was roughening when he retorted to Greyfer and Krulcifer¡¯s muttering.

    ¡¸Well, it can¡¯t be helped. We can let our guard down like this is also only for a little bit more, so it¡¯s better to not leave any regret behind.¡¹

    Airi sighed and said that, then she switched the topic.

    ¡¸Lux-chi. I still don¡¯t get just what is going on though.¡¹

    ¡¸I only heard from them that something outrageous is going on.¡¹

    Among them, Tillfur and Sharis were still looking bewildered.

    At present, this facility of Avalon©¤©¤Shelter that had the function as healing as relaxation facility became the gathering place for these members using Aeril¡¯s authority.

    The members were Aeril and Alma from Azure Division camp.

    From New Kingdom camp were Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, and the Triad.

    From the Seven Dragon Paladins were Mel, Greifer, Rosa, and Soffice.

    Half of them were getting gradually released from the binding of world revision through the passing of time and their contact with Lux.

    ¡¸First, the situation right now. Two hours has passed since Nii-san lost consciousness. And then©¤©¤there is practically no other Drag-Knight. Everyone stop fighting and hide at the surrounding.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Eh?¡¹

    Lux was perplexed hearing Airi¡¯s sentence.

    The battle in this Ancient Forest was done between the camps of New Kingdom against Azure Division.

    However in this situation where Alma wasn¡¯t taken away and nothing had been settled, for the fighting to end was©¤©¤.

    ¡¸The Sacred Eclipse is rampaging. It started attacking anyone it found without caring if it¡¯s ally or enemy. It was right after Lux-kun got defeated by the princess.¡¹

    Krulcifer saw Lux fighting Lisha and from there she broke through the binding of world revision.

    The image of when Lux fought risking his life in order to save Krulcifer overlapped with what she was seeing. That scene became the impetus and she recovered her memory.

    She picked up Lux who was shot down, then she joined up for the moment with Alma and Aeril, and also with Rosa, Soffice, Mel, and Greifer, the elites of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Even so the Drag-Knights of New Kingdom army and Azure Division continued fighting, but Raffi lost herself and began attacking both sides. Because of that the situation changed.

    ¡¸After that, because damage started to appear for both sides, we acted to bring the situation under control. We traveled to everywhere in Ancient Forest and told them to stop fighting and go hide. Fortunately it ended with only few casualties.¡¹

    The nature of Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse was changing along with her mental state.

    It was just like Lux expected, her fate was to transform into a monster that would lead the world into ruin.

    ¡¸I finally understood. Why is Lux-kun pretend to lead a fictive organization like Azure Division and try to destroy the New Kingdom©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing from the result, Raffi applied Baptism to the members of Syvalles and they were able to break through the binding of perception manipulation, but perhaps there was none of them who noticed Raffi¡¯s abnormality until the end.

    In order to remove a secret and unknown threat, he fought as the New Kingdom¡¯s enemy on the surface.

    ¡¸¡­¡­but¡¹

    Lux looked down with a dark expression.

    In the end, he didn¡¯t succeed.

    He lost against Lisha in the last battle, and like this©¤©¤.

    ¡¸-¡­¡­! Wait, Lisha-sama is¡¹

    ¡¸Calm down Lux-kun. She is safe©¤©¤for now at least.¡¹

    With how Lisha wasn¡¯t present at this place, it meant that she was still under the binding of world revision.

    ¡¸Even Queen Raffi is opening up her heart only to Lisha who is her step daughter it seems, she is still not attacking her. But, there is no more time. We have to©¤©¤save her.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux nodded at Celis¡¯s words.

    He understood what he had to do no matter what.

    He had to head to Lisha who was most likely at Raffi¡¯s side and destroyed Sacred Eclipse.

    In other words©¤©¤he had to finish Raffi who became a monster.

    Before Lisha was harmed by Raffi who completely lost her reason.

    Of course, by doing that he would end up directly confronting Lisha who was still under misunderstanding due to perception manipulation.

    The opponent was the two remaining Automatas and the Sacred Eclipse.

    Their current fighting strength consisted of quite the lineup but, they were greatly exhausted and couldn¡¯t display even half of their true strength.

    (In the end, can we win in our current state? Against that Sacred Eclipse, and Lisha-sama©¤©¤)

    It would be hard.

    Or rather, wasn¡¯t it impossible?

    In the worst case he wanted to at least rescue Lisha from Raffi¡¯s side, but it was unthinkable that they could go to Sacred Eclipse¡¯s side and then returned back without harm.

    That would be even more true if the ego of Raffi who was fixated to her step daughter was remaining.

    And then, the current him also couldn¡¯t use the power of Baptism.

    While he was thinking that, Krulcifer quietly came to in front of him.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. I¡¯m sorry to ask you this in this kind of time but©¤©¤can I ask you to decide?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Weill we fight or escape? Perhaps we will be able to escape. But©¤©¤if we do that then we won¡¯t be able to return to this Ancient Forest anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. Your big bro will most likely rewrite our perception. I¡¯ve got a bad news here, Grand Force was taken away just a little while ago. As soon as this battle is over©¤©¤no, if Fugil head to Garden after this, there won¡¯t be anyone who can stop the world revision.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux held his breath in shock at Greifer¡¯s words.

    If Fugil decided that this battle was over and activated the seven Ruins in parallel with Avalon, a world revision in its complete form would start.

    If that happened, then this time for sure©¤©¤Lux and everyone else would completely forget.

    Even the fact that this battle occurred.

    And about Lisha who was devoured and absorbed by Sacred Eclipse too.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Since just now Lux was unable to answer those questions.

    Even though he had understood the answer from the start.

    Even though he had decided that there was no path of withdrawing without saving Lisha.

    With his current self, he didn¡¯t feel like he would be able to win against those two.

    ¡¸Can everyone©¤©¤, leave me alone for a bit?¡¹

    No.

    Even though those weren¡¯t the words that he wanted to say.

    Even though he who started this battle had to be the one to unite everyone.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Okay. Let¡¯s allow Lux-kun to rest. His stamina also still hasn¡¯t come back yet.¡¹

    Krulcifer sensed something from Lux¡¯s expression and told everyone that.

    ¡¸But Nii-san, there is no more time. Whether we¡¯re going to retreat or fight©¤©¤if it¡¯s not decided in around ten more minutes©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Right. Thirty minutes, no¡­¡­give me twenty minutes.¡¹

    He somehow answered so and the gathered people moved to the adjacent room.

    Lux sat on the bed and stared fixedly to one point on the silver wall.

    ¡¸What©¤©¤should I do?¡¹

    He should have resolved himself to fight since a long time ago.

    But, in the fight against Lisha, why was he unable to use the Baptism that was applied to his body?

    Even though he was thinking that it would be just what he wanted if he was defeated after giving his all, even though he had asked for help from everyone who came with him.

    What was making him hesitating at this point of time?

    .

    ¡ºYou cannot even be aware of your own weakness. You only avert your eyes from your own kingship. Saying that you can¡¯t win when you don¡¯t even fight©¤©¤as expected from the Weakest Undefeated.¡»

    .

    The words that the illusion of Singlen inside his consciousness told him.

    It wasn¡¯t something that the real Singlen told him.

    The phantom was made to say those words by the image inside Lux .

    .

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. I©¤©¤¡¹

    .

    The few words that leaked out weren¡¯t heard by anyone else.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! How is the situation at present, Fugil?¡¹

    ¡¸I patrolled around the¡ºCenter¡» area but¡­¡­. The result of this war is as good as decided already.¡¹

    The Center of Avalon. Inside the room that was surrounded by silver wall and countless gears rotating, Raffi was lying down on a simple bed.

    Her dress was tattered. There was no wound on her body, but her whole body was wrapped in a sense of lethargy.

    She unleashed the power o Sacred Eclipse that fused with her and her consciousness cut off when she was in the middle of fighting.

    What¡¯s more it wasn¡¯t just for several minutes but for hours.

    When she noticed there was only the Automata Arshalia beside her. Fugil was accomplishing a certain mission when Lux was defeated by Lisha.

    The mission was the preliminary arrangements for the objective that Raffi would carry out after this.

    Azure Division continued to escape while carrying the Grand Force, but two Automatas chased after it using their radar and secured the crystal.

    The Gear Leader who managed the first Ruin Babel that was located in New Kingdom, Yos Tork was destroyed in the battle against Yoruka.

    Similarly the Gear Leader that managed the third Ruin Ark, La Cruche was defeated and destroyed by Rosa.

    The Gear Leader that manage the fifth Ruin Gigas, Er Fajura was destroyed by Philuffy and Lux.

    The Gear Leader that managed the sixth Ruin Garden, Clan Lieze was destroyed by Lux when he took back Aeril and Grand Force.

    The Gear Leader that managed the seventh Ruin Moon, Re Plica was destroyed by Soffice.

    ¡¸So our remaining fighting strength is also not many¡­¡­¡¹

    If Arshalia of the Ruin number zero Avalon was excluded, the remaining Automata was only two.

    The Gear Leader of the second Ruin Dungeon, Lu Caria and, the Gear Leader of the fourth Ruin Hall, Nei Louches.

    A considerable time was necessary to repair the Gear Leaders once more.

    The fighting strength of New Kingdom which was Celis and Philuffy were also defeated. Krulcifer apparently dispelled the binding in her consciousness and sided with Lux.

    ¡¸The enemy is also capable aren¡¯t they¡­¡­. Facing us who was thoroughly prepared, they resisted until this far©¤©¤as expected from the Black Hero who accomplished the revolution five years ago.¡¹

    From the contact of the Automata that was fighting near Lisha, Raffi confirmed that the leader of Azure Division was Lux as expected.

    The recovery of the stolen Grand Force had succeeded, and Fugil was going to the Garden to set it back.

    If the system of the Ruins was revived, it would become possible to do world revision using Uroboros once more.

    After that they would only need to carry it out in this Center without being obstructed by anyone.

    ¡¸So it will take some more time until the energy for Uroboros to execute world revision is charged.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤. Please leave the security to the Automatas.¡¹

    ¡¸I can feel rest assured with that. More importantly, what about Lisha¡­¡­my daughter©¤©¤?¡¹

    Raffi kept lying down while her right hand powerlessly reached out to empty air.

    ¡¸She followed your order and headed out to attack the enemy. It seems the enemies are in Avalon¡¯s facility Shelter using the authority of the Lord Aeril Arcadia. The binding in Princess Lisha¡¯s consciousness isn¡¯t dispelled even after her battle against Lux. She is our side¡¯s ally.¡¹

    The Gear Leader of Avbalon Arshalia said that.

    Then tension left Raffi¡¯s whole body in relieve.

    ¡¸I see. So they escaped to there¡­¡­. Then, I too have to go there.¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤, the remaining two Automatas are already heading there with your daughter.¡¹

    ¡¸I have to go exactly because of that.¡¹

    Raffi shook her head slightly in respond to what Arshalia pointed out.

    ¡¸I cannot make that child to shoulder all the burden.¡¹

    In that face, the true feeling of Raffi whose ego should have been mostly taken away by Sacred Eclipse was remaining.

 Volume 18 - CH 4

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux entered a certain treatment device in the Shelter facility to recover his stamina.

    Although he had rested for two hours, he would still be far from being perfectly rested even with the addition twenty minutes of recovery.

    Lisha too was most likely recovering her energy through two hours of rest.

    When they fought once more, would Lux be able to win?

    No one entered inside the room.

    He felt great feeling of isolation that he had never felt before just from that.

    (I have to fight¡­¡­. And yet, why am I hesitating now?)

    He closed his eyes and thought, but the answer wouldn¡¯t appear.

    He didn¡¯t even notice that the danger was already closing in at the surface of the Shelter.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤As expected, it became like this.¡¹

    Beside the treatment room where Lux was resting.

    At the screen inside a large room that was also the entrance of the teleportation device to the surface, Krulcifer and others were watching the situation outside.

    ¡¸Survivors of Azure Division. I know that you all are hiding inside there. Get out of that facility right now and release Aeril. Tell this to my little sister, Alma Atismata too!¡¹

    On the surface was Lizsharte and masked Drag-Knights that were Automatas waiting beside her.

    Lisha herself was still under the binding of world revision.

    She was thinking that Automatas obeying her at her side were also just Drag-Knight of the new Kingdom army.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll give you three minutes. If you don¡¯t get out during that time, I¡¯ll fire at that facility with Seven Heads. It¡¯ll be the same even if you give no answer. Prepare yourself.¡¹

    The scenery above the underground where the Shelter was hidden.

    The screen on the silver wall which projected that image were watched by the people who gathered there.

    Celis, Philuffy, Rosa, Soffice, and then Airi and the Triad still hadn¡¯t recovered from their exhaustion.

    It was because the treatment device and energy were mostly focused for Lux¡¯s recovery.

    While everyone was bewildered in this cornered situation, Krulcifer was the first one who stood up from the sofa.

    ¡¸Mel, Greyfer. You two still have spare energy right? I¡¯ll give you two the spotlight of saving this world.¡¹

    Krulcifer in her pilot suit brushed up her long blue hair and announced that.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll make that princess wake up. I want to leave the remaining two Automata to you two.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re saying something exaggerated like giving spotlight but you¡¯re just pushing troublesome work to other people.¡¹

    ¡¸Good grief, you lady really work people hard.¡¹

    Although, because Mel and Greyfer had also faced Nier and Dawla of the four great nobles as their opponent each, they also had some exhaustion remaining in them.

    And so, although it wasn¡¯t wrong that they were the right choice for going out to fight among the lineup here, it would become a hard battle for them.

    ¡¸Is it okay, Krulcifer? I know that you too have become strong but¡¹

    The senior Celis said that to her.

    ¡¸Princess, she look strong. Perhaps, compared to before this is the most©¤©¤¡¹

    Even Philuffy who wasn¡¯t saying anything until now said that about the heat filling up Lisha¡¯s body.

    ¡¸I know. I understand just how powerful of an enemy she is, more than anyone here.¡¹

    Lisha still hadn¡¯t been freed from the binding of world revision even after receiving Baptism and fighting Lux directly wasn¡¯t just because of coincidence.

    ¡¸She is sympathizing and loving her step mother Queen Raffi. That¡¯s why she can¡¯t realize. And then she is getting stronger due to that strength of will.¡¹

    In order to protect the New Kingdom©¤©¤, to protect her step mother who tasted the same suffering like her and still stood up.

    The fighting spirit dwelling inside that body was blazing.

    When someone was deceived, when they didn¡¯t notice falsehood, what clouded their eyes the most was because they didn¡¯t want to believe.

    Lux was turning into enemy, Raffi had become a monster, she didn¡¯t want to believe such things.

    That was why©¤©¤, Lisha was still unable to escape from the world of dream.

    ¡¸Lux-kun tried to end this without her noticing anything. However, that is no good.¡¹

    ¡¸No good you say, what do you mean by that? Are you saying that Onii-chan¡¯s way of thinking is mistaken?¡¹

    Mel who had heard about the plan for this case from the meeting before this asked Krulcifer.

    She heard how inside this world where the world revision was carried out and people were unable to realize the truth, Lux tried to defeat Raffi and Fugil without being known by anyone.

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right.¡¹

    Krulcifer answered right away without a shred of hesitation.

    Greyfer normally didn¡¯t harbor any interest about things like complicated circumstance, but he tilted his head in puzzlement at this reaction.

    ¡¸Ain¡¯t that strange? I get it that his way is reckless but, either way that prince got no other way right? Then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s mistaken. The mistaken one is none other than Lux-kun himself. It¡¯s due to an important factor that even he himself don¡¯t realize. That¡¯s why©¤©¤I have to carry this out, as his substitute.¡¹

    Waking up Lisha in the middle of fight, by the mean of fight.

    With that resolve in her chest, Krulcifer stepped into the teleportation device.

    .

    ¡¸One more minute. I¡¯ll start attacking if you don¡¯t surrender.¡¹

    At the surface, Lisha was waiting for the main members of Azure Division to appear while wearing Tiamat.

    After fighting Lux, Lisha also used up her strength and fainted, but when she woke up, the repair of her Drag-Ride was finished by Automata Arhsalia who was ordered by Raffi.

    She was told that the repair was done using Ruin¡¯s facility, but she didn¡¯t realize that the facility in question was the Center of Avalon.

    No, the current Lisha was unable to perceive the current situation correctly.

    Due to the perception manipulation by Uroboros, there was the supplemented effect Lisha could accept any fact that was inconvenient for Raffi.

    ¡¸Your highness, there is no more time dearimasu. Firing now will be©¤©¤¡¹

    The masked girl Drag-Knight who was dispatched by Raffi as her guard urged Lisha from the side.

    Lisha didn¡¯t even notice anything unnatural about their setting as Divine Drag-Ride user that Raffi inherited from Prime Minister Nulph.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right you knoow¡­¡­¡¹

    Similarly a girl with mechanical cat ears also urged similarly from the opposite side.

    ¡¸I said that but, with Aeril as hostage, I can¡¯t do anything rough. It¡¯s also the same with my little sister Alma. Even if give warning shot©¤©¤or attacking for real, I can only do it by digging through the outer wall using drill.¡¹

    The moment Lisha answered the two¡¯s questions resolutely, particles of light whirled on the ground below them.

    ¡¸I¡¯m relieved. You still have your own mind. Looks like you aren¡¯t brainwashed by Ragnarok.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Krulcifer. Why are you there?¡¹

    The blue haired girl wearing Divine Drag-Ride Fafnir quietly brushed up her front hair and smiled.

    ¡¸You think of at least the reason by your own head right? If you¡¯re a princess of a country then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­This isn¡¯t the time for stupid conversation right!?¡¹

    Lisha raised her eyebrows at the cool reply of the girl and replied.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. This isn¡¯t the time for that. This world will head to destruction soon. If we don¡¯t defeat Sacred Eclipse before it start moving, then all of us will be killed.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying!? What are you©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha who was irritated by Krulcifer¡¯s puzzling words pulled out the Sword Device on her waist angrily.

    At the same time, Krulcifer aimed the sniper rifle of her Fafnir and pointed the muzzle to Lisha.

    ¡¸The current you won¡¯t understand even if I tell you using your words. That¡¯s why let¡¯s fight.¡¹

    *Bam-!* She pulled the trigger with minimum preparatory movement.

    The bullet of Freezing Cannon was fired from the ground to air. It drew a straight blue trajectory, but it was deflected by a crimson Divine Drag-Ride that leaped in front of Lisha.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t get in the way, dearimasu. You traitor of New Kingdom.¡¹

    The Automata with mechanical ears that looked like do ears growing from her head, Ney Louches howled that.

    Flame burst up from the armor of Divine Drag-Ride Salamander that she was wearing. She glared at Krulcifer with a sharp killing intent.

    She was acquainted with this girl who was the Gear Leader of Ymir Theocracy¡¯s Hall, but there wasn¡¯t any trace of that time in her right now.

    Her personality must have been completely rewritten by the memory data stored in Avalon.

    But, now wasn¡¯t the time to immerse herself in such sentimentality.

    The two remaining Automata existed as terrifying threat.

    ¡¸Mel, Greyfer, I¡¯ll count on you two just as planned. I¡¯ll have my hand full to defeat her so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Haah. I¡¯ll count this as a favor owed.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, those two are troublesome opponents in their own right yeah. Those puppets©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel and Greyfer who went out stepped forward along with the Divine Drag-Ride in respond.

    The Gear Leader of Dungeon, Lu Calia was also stepping forward with a serious face and weapon in hand.

    ¡¸Do you think you can defeat me Krulcifer? You who are a traitor of New Kingdom!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll defeat you. For the sake of Lux-kun too©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha and Krulcifer.

    The two¡¯s gazes intersected and they moved.

    On the other side Mel and Greyfer also confronted Automata Ney Louches and Lu Calia. The duel of three versus three broke out.

    .

    ¡¸So it¡¯s finally, started¡­¡­¡¹

    At the facility hidden underground Avalon, Shelter, Celis spoke while watching the screen that was projected on the silver wall.

    The surface¡¯s scene.

    In order to hold back Lisha who perceived Azure Division as enemy, Krulcifer and Seven Dragon Paladins had to fight. This situation and the fact that she couldn¡¯t join the battle pained her heart.

    ¡¸This is pathetic. I who is the senior in Syvalles can only watch like this is©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis said that and looked down with a cloudy expression.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t feel down because of that Celis-san. Just being able to break through the binding of Uroboros is already amazing.¡¹

    The silver haired girl Aeril consoled her.

    Celis¡¯s exhaustion was especially great because of the mental pollution of Ragnarok Iblis that she received from Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse.

    The treatment device of Shelter was also yielded to Lux, so she was mostly relying only on her natural recovery.

    ¡¸Yeep yeep. The likes of us is still half in doubt even now you know? We are only believing because everyone is saying so and everyone is believing it.¡¹

    ¡¸No. When you¡¯re the one speaking, it makes me become unnecessary anxious so please stop it Tillfur.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. Most likely that, the effect of Uroboros is getting thinner right now but¡­¡­¡¹

    Tillfur, Noct, and Sharis said their opinion in turn.

    At the previous time©¤©¤the world revision of the third parade ended incompletely due to the obstruction of Lux and others, so in the battle of this Ancient Forest most people were able to see the false scene created by perception manipulation and the how the truth and the messed up truth.

    The Triad, half of the Seven Dragon Paladins, and also Lisha must be the same.

    Exactly because of that Lisha was unable to believe it even now after she had seen Lux.

    The members remaining here were thinking that should be the case.

    But.

    ¡¸¡­¡­This is just perhaps but, I got the feeling that she has noticed. The princess. But, I think she is pretending to not notice.¡¹

    Philuffy who was watching the screen on the silver wall muttered that with an absentminded expressionless face.

    She was also the same like Celis, after battling Lux she recovered her mind and now she was in the middle of recuperation.

    ¡¸She has realized? What is it¡­¡­that she has realized?¡¹

    Airi spontaneously threw a question at what Philuffy said.

    The binding on Lisha¡¯s perception isn¡¯t dispelled.

    Exactly because of that she wasn¡¯t accepting that Lux was the real one. That was the thought of Airi and others.

    ¡¸Surely, Lu-chan is also the same. That¡¯s why©¤©¤I think it¡¯s necessary. For them to look at the truth.¡¹

    Philuffy did nothing but staring at the battle on the surface through the screen while saying that.

    .

    ¡¸I don¡¯t have any business with youu. Please die alreadyy.¡¹

    The Automata with mechanical cat ears, Lu Calia was charging at Greyfer wearing unknown Divine Drag-Ride.

    In respond the blond haired young man replied without even hiding his displeased expression.

    ¡¸The mood is ruined yeah. I have to face some bunch with screwy look, wearing cat ears or dog ears like this!¡¹

    ¡¸Could it be, you like this kind of thing?¡¹

    Right beside him Mel who was also facing an Automata made fun of him. The young man spat out with an exasperated expression.

    ¡¸I agree with these guys¡¯ words yeah. I¡¯m only facing them because I¡¯ve got to.¡¹

    The flying type Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre that Greyfer was wearing possessed both hard armor and mobility.

    What was piloted by Lu Caria who was facing him was a Drag-Ride decorated with mechanical feathers that he had never seen before.

    Greyfer naturally didn¡¯t have any way to learn about the true color of the Divine Raiment and special armament of the Automata, but he charged right from the front and slashed with his special armament, the snake sword Tail Blade.

    ¡¸You¡¯re suddenly coming so forcefully isn¡¯t itt¡¹

    ¡¸No matter how much you think it won¡¯t start if you don¡¯t test it, that¡¯s my policy.¡¹

    Unlike a normal slash that drew a straight arc, the Tail Blade had several joints in the Blade that divided it into several parts. It was able to bend like whip.

    Therefore it aimed at the shoulder of enemy Divine Drag-Ride with spiraling trajectory but©¤©¤.

    *GIIN!* The tip shifted and hit the edge of the Blade that the enemy readied.

    It was rare for the first attack to hit the opponent, so if that was all then it wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    But, the Hungry Wolf Greyfer who was a veteran of many battles instantly detected that abnormality and put up his guard.

    ¡¸¡­¡­What is this? Was it the Divine Raiment of your Divine Drag-Ride just now?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s rightt. It¡¯s the power of my Quetzalcoatl.¡¹

    ¡¸Hah!¡¹

    Greyfer smiled wryly at Lu Calia¡¯s reply.

    ¡¸An enemy is honestly answering when I¡¯m asking her secret. I really got underestimated here.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unreasonable to get hated like this even though I answered your questioon.¡¹

    ¡¸Greyfer, this isn¡¯t the time to play around.¡¹

    Mel who was fighting Ney Louches nearby grumbled.

    But, Greyfer himself sensed it more than anyone that this wasn¡¯t an opponent who he could face carelessly.

    The opponent before his eyes was more abnormal than any enemy he had fought until now. She possessed a terrifying power©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll see through it with my own strength, the true identity of that Divine Raiment of yours!¡¹

    *Vun*, energy was put into the back wings of Cuelebre and he assaulted Quetzalcoatl once more.

    In respond Lu Calia drew out her Sword Device and sent her thought into it silently. Then a Blade that was the same with the middle sized Blade in her right armored arm was summoned into her left hand too.

    ¡¸You purposefully summoned an additional one but it¡¯s just a normal Blade? I really can¡¯t get a read on you. What the hell are you planning?¡¹

    ¡¸Weell, you will get it bit by bit. Also, this Blade is just a normal Blade you knoow? Don¡¯t worry.¡¹

    ¡¸Even that impudent talk of yours is going to stop here.¡¹

    Greyfer was irritated by the expression and tone of Lu Calia who was playing stupid. He closed in to her instantly and attacked.

    The consecutive attacks of Tail Blade that drew spiraling trajectory struck with a momentum like raging waves.

    ¡¸Waa. You¡¯re strong aren¡¯t youu?¡¹

    ¡¸You can still screwing around even with this huh?¡¹

    The slashing Tail Blade entangled around the medium sized Blade of Lu Calia. It was pulled and knocked away from her armored arm.

    He then further entangled the other sword so she lost both her weapons, then he slashed at Quetzalcoatl.

    ¡¸Drop dead, you damn doll who participated in world destruction!¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t wannaa¡¹

    Greyfer aimed at the torso of Quetzalcoatl that Lu Calia wore with a full powered attck.

    The barrier should be torn apart with the Automata¡¯s stomach severed, but the blade shifted slightly and struck the Blade that the enemy readied.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The two Blades that Greyfer knocked down were below him.

    In other words, Quetzalcoatl had summoned two more weapons into its hands once more.

    (This fellow, how many damn weapons she has registered? Or is she creating them?)

    A normal Drag-Ride had limited number of weapons that it could summon additionally.

    That was because considerable energy was required to teleport equipment that was placed in faraway place.

    ¡¸It¡¯s Quetzalcoatl¡¯s special armament you knoow. It¡¯s called PaletteThree Colors Bird but©¤©¤, it can summon the weapon that has been registered beforehand until 100 timees.¡¹

    ©¤©¤*Dozu-!*

    ¡¸Gu, a¡­¡­!¡¹

    At the same time with that slow reply, the tip of the Blade that was held by Quetzalcoatl¡¯s armored arm was stabbed to the armor of Greyfer¡¯s Cuelebre.

    He immediately strengthened his barrier and managed to reduce the damage to his flesh body, but the shock of the impact stopped his movement for a moment.

    ¡¸That¡¯s whyy, it¡¯s pointless even if you take away my weapon you knoow¡¹

    In addition, the other Blade was swung down straight from above. Greyfer was hit fully by that attack too.

    Because it was also hitting the barrier he wasn¡¯t wounded fatally, but his shoulder was struck and the power output of his Drag-Ride decreased.

    Mel who was seeing that from slightly behind immediately raised her voice.

    ¡¸Wai-, what are you doing there Greyfer! No matter who reckless you¡¯re because you¡¯re tough, if you get hit directly like that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Shut up! Focus on your own fight!¡¹

    Greyfer cursed while feeling shocked in his heart.

    (I know something like that already! I tried to dodge this damn fellow¡¯s attacks just now in a hair breadth¡¯s difference. And yet they still hit!)

    In addition, the attack that Greyfer launched was missing just barely from the point he aimed.

    But, he didn¡¯t understand how the enemy was©¤©¤how Lu Calia was achieving that.

    She didn¡¯t show any sign at all that she was predicting his movement.

    The strange mystery that Lu Calia and Quetzalcoatl brought.

    He would have no chance of victory if he didn¡¯t see through it.

    .

    ¡¸It¡¯s just like what that pointy head said dearimasu. It¡¯s important to have wide field of vision but, not being able to focus on the enemy in front of you is a sign of a third rate.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like I¡¯m underestimating you. It just mean I have that much of composure.¡¹

    At the adjacent airspace more than 10 ml away from Greyfer¡¯s battlefield, Automat Ley Nouches and Mel Greyfer exchanging words while holding back each other.

    ¡¸Then, I¡¯ll make you realize dearimasu. That all of you aren¡¯t a match against us when we¡¯re serious.¡¹

    The four legged crimson Divine Drag-Ride, Salamander that was being used by Ney Louches had been explained just now by she herself.

    Just like Mel predicted from the ornamental coating that looked like blazing flame, the Divine Raiment seemed to control flame.

    The Pike weapon the opponent was holding created oil and spurted it out from the tip. By coating the opponent¡¯s frame directly with that, it would create flame that couldn¡¯t be extinguished easily. It was a terrifying thing.

    If the oil was exposed to high heat it would induce overheating and the Drag-Ride¡¯s power output would also go down, but even more than that the flesh and blood human inside wouldn¡¯t be able to endure.

    If she was hit by the attack fully in succession, she would die in the blink of eye.

    Mel who instinctually sensed that decided to take on Ney Louches.

    The convertible Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gweiber that Mel wore had Divine Raiment, Dual Shift. It could freely control temperature.

    Even attack using flame could be neutralized.

    What she found incomprehensible was how the enemies easily allowed them to establish the situation of two versus two that should be disadvantageous for them.

    (The enemy is Automata. They should have grasped the data of the Divine Drag-Ride we¡¯re using. And yet, why©¤©¤)

    Mel was on her guard like that at the corner of her mind.

    Were they confident that they would be able to overturn some disadvantage?

    No, five Automata were already done in, so it was impossible for them to be that haughty.

    (The answer won¡¯t come out even if I think about it right now¡­¡­then©¤©¤)

    She only needed to prioritize cornering the enemy until she finished collecting information.

    At present Mel and Greyfer were fighting without getting away too far from there. Rather than for supporting each other, it was to not let the enemy attacked the underground Shelter where everyone was on standby.

    No matter what happened, one of them could possibly head for the Shelter¡¯s protection.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re scheming but, it¡¯s na?ve if you think you can win against us with strength of that level.¡¹

    Mel flew with the convertible Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gweiber¡¯s flight form and drew near to Salamander in a straight line.

    She twisted her body to dodge the flame Pike that immediately struck at her. Then she struck using the Halberd in her hand toward the opponent¡¯s side.

    *Gakii!*

    ¡¸ ©¤©¤!¡¹

    But, the trajectory shifted slightly and her Halberd was blocked by the Pike¡¯s handle.

    ¡¸That¡¯s a clumsy attack dearimasu. Though it can¡¯t be helped when you¡¯re still akid.¡¹

    Ney didn¡¯t overlook the instant of stiffening due to Mel¡¯s attack missing and used the long handle of her spear like a fist to mow down Ddraig Gweiber¡¯s torso instead.

    At the same time due to the oil showering Ddraig Gweiber, its armor was about to burst into flame, but that flame instantly vanished.

    The armor¡¯s surrounding was turned into super low temperature using Dual Shift¡¯s temperature manipulation, stopping the combustion.

    ¡¸I see, your use of Divine Raiment is perfect dearimasu. I¡¯ve a better opinion of you now. But©¤©¤what about this? Flame NovaHeaven and Earth Creation!¡¹

    The armor of Salamander that Ney Louches wore emitted the light of Divine Raiment. Right after that, *gou*, intense flame rose up from the surrounding.

    The area of Ancient Forest that hid Shelter underground was enveloped in flame in the blink of eye.

    ¡¸You©¤©¤what have you done!¡¹

    Ney Louches unleashed fire to the forest without even batting an eyelid. Mel frowned at her.

    Lisha and Krulcifer were at some distance away so they didn¡¯t get dragged in, but the range was too wide.

    The flame would rapidly spread if it was left alone. If they were careless than the whole forest would be enveloped in flame.

    Was the opponent meaning to say that even the Drag-Knights of New Kingdom army who were hiding nearby didn¡¯t matter?

    (Me thinking that the enemy might still show composure©¤©¤was na?ve. The Automata are intending to wrest away victory in this battle no matter what.)

    The comrades remaining in the facility below©¤©¤the Shelter were all powerful people, but almost all of them weren¡¯t in the state that could wear Drag-Ride.

    If the enemy turned the whole area into a sea of flame and killed them, then their victory would be assured just from that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kuh, Dual Shift!¡¹

    In respond Mel also immediately attempted to extinguish the fire below by decreasing temperature.

    As though she had been waiting for that moment, Salamander closed the distance with a jump. She attacked Mel and Ddraig Gweiber.

    ¡¸Ku¡­¡­aa-!¡¹

    The thrusts of spear clad in flame that was unlashed in quick succession.

    Mel skillfully moved her Halberd and swiped away those attacks, even so she couldn¡¯t block half of the attacks and her armor was shaved.

    Oil was splashed on her. The flame scorching the surface of her armor couldn¡¯t be extinguished right away.

    ¡¸Sharpened concentration is required in using Divine Raiment dearimasu. That is even truer when using it in wide range. Will you be able to protect your comrades while fighting me dearimasu?¡¹

    ¡¸For that¡­¡­, you aimed at the Shelter below? That¡¯s really a cowardly method you¡¯re using isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Mel who finally extinguished the flames dotting her armor glared at Ney.

    ¡¸Cowardly is the complaints of fool who cannot break through their present situation dearimasu. Though it can¡¯t be helped for a kid to be like that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Hah, now you¡¯re talking.¡¹

    Mel laughed off the provocation, but here she noticed how terrifyingly disadvantageous the position she was put into.

    The flame below should have been extinguished just now, but Salamander torched the forest once more and it was beginning to spread.

    (So this girl is intentionally paired with me who have Ddraig Gweiber is for this.)

    Mel was able to extinguish Salamander¡¯s flame using the temperature manipulation of Divine Raiment Dual Shift.

    But, if she executed temperature manipulation that instantly extinguished burning flame in wide range several times, her stamina would be greatly exhausted.

    She was a genius Drag-Knight without match in Ymir Theocracy, but Mel was still a thirteen years old girl. Her stamina was undependable no matter what.

    However, if the heat of the flame reached until the Shelter underground, then she would be forced to extinguish the flame.

    In contrast Ney Louches who piloted Salamander was only scattering specially made oil and later the trees of the forest would spread the flame further automatically.

    At the very least, she was able to spread flame with effort that was overwhelmingly smaller than Mel.

    (If this become a drawn-out battle, my stamina will be inevitably reduced and I¡¯ll lose! Then©¤©¤I can only deal with the enemy before that!)

    Mel instantly grasped the battle situation and accelerated Ddraig Gweiber.

    The special armament that exhaled combustible vapor and ignited it to burn a wide area, Aerial Buster was unusable.

    With the surrounding area in flame already, the refined gas would explode right away the moment it was produced.

    Furthermore the enemy was fighting near the Shelter, so Ground Buster that destroyed the ground from inside also couldn¡¯t be fired.

    Almost all of Mel¡¯s advantage was taken away the moment the opponent was using Salamander.

    ¡¸Naturally, you will try to fight me using normal fighting only dearimasu.¡¹

    Mel flew in a straight line and drew near with her Halberd raised up, in respond Ney Louches leaped with an arcing trajectory to run away.

    If she slipped between the trees of burning forest, she couldn¡¯t be targeted so easily from the sky.

    The moment Mel saw that Ney was moving to buy time, she predicted the enemy¡¯s escape route and activated her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Dual Shift! Crumble down from overheating!¡¹

    She provided high temperature with the opponent¡¯s Divine Drag-Ride as the target.

    It was a temperature manipulation attack by the method of causing overheating to induce power down on the enemy Drag-Ride, but Ney Louches and Salamander didn¡¯t even twitch.

    ¡¸Looks like you have resistance to heat just as expected. That Drag-Ride is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Naturally dearimasu. A fire lizard that got done in by its own flame cannot even become a joke. This Drag-Ride has special armament, Red ProofCocoon of Flame dearimasu.¡¹

    Like that Ney informed the name of special armament of heat isolation that was applied on Salamander¡¯s shell.

    In addition, the other special armament the Pike attacked at Mel.

    ¡¸Heat ZoneDragon Flame Thorn!¡¹

    Mel and Ddraig Gweiber tried to strike with their Halberd while swooping down. In respond Ney and Salamander thrust up from the ground using their Pike.

    The spear¡¯s tip emitted flame that acted as blinder. It aimed to thrust through Mel¡¯s human face.

    ¡¸How uncouth to try to burn a woman¡¯s face like this¡¹

    But Mel dodged it so that it only slightly grazed the armor on her head, and without stopping hse landed on the ground.

    Without delay she used the recoil of the landing impact and charged forward. Her Halberd¡¯s attack landed on Ney.

    ¡¸Uguh!? Since when, it became¡­¡­land battle type dearimasu!?¡¹

    The attack that was done while she was swooping down was a feint from the start. The attack after she transformed into land battle type was the main attack.

    Convertible Divine Drag-Ride Ddraig Gweiber was rare even throughout the world. It could freely switch between land or midair battle skillfully.

    The flight form before she approached near was advantageous for holding the enemy in check, but it was far stronger in close range when the strategy had been carried out like this.

    ¡¸It¡¯s a big mistake if you think that I¡¯m solely relying on Divine Raiment and special armament you know?¡¹

    Despite being the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins, she was called as prodigy Drag-Knight.

    As though to show it off, Mel surpassed Ney with her fighting skill.

    Salamander tried to escape using its four legs to leap away, in respond Mel skated with her Drag-Ride¡¯s wheels and quickly approached.

    That piloting technique that easily cleared the unfavorable area deep inside the forest with snow piling up on the ground made Ney opened her eyes wide in shock.

    ¡¸In this terrain, in this environment, you can pilot the Drag-Ride to that degree dearimasu?¡¹

    ¡¸There is no way me who came from Ymir Theocracy will falter just from this much snow isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    The special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride Salamander couldn¡¯t stop the power of land battle type.

    Even when she used camouflage to escape, there was no time for that.

    Each time she blocked the Halberd¡¯s attack, Salamander¡¯s armor and mobile frame creaked and she was getting cornered.

    Even when she tried to escape by leaping into flame, Mel extinguished the flame around her in that instant using Divine Raiment of temperature manipulation and pursued.

    The decision Mel that brought this into a decisive battle of brief duration was correct.

    Except one thing.

    The Automata they faced. Ney Louches and Lu Calia¡¯s plan, if it was included©¤©¤.

    (I¡¯m stronger than her. And yet©¤©¤why? I can¡¯t defeat her! It¡¯s just one more step!)

    Mel rushed to bring down Ney with all her strength, but she was feeling something was out of place.

    Ney Louches was also desperately enduring Mel¡¯s fierce attack, but that wasn¡¯t the reason why she couldn¡¯t defeat her.

    Every single one of the Halberd attack Mel swung missed the target.

    (Is my attack swinging too hastily because of my impatience? No, such thing is©¤©¤)

    Impossible. That was Mel¡¯s judgment.

    Furthermore Ney sometimes was also giving support to the other Automata©¤©¤Lu Calia by sending flame attack.

    She didn¡¯t want to be thought as holding back Greyfer.

    However, the stamina of Mel who was covering up Greyfer due to her obstinacy suddenly reached the limit.

    ¡¸A, aa¡­¡­¡¹

    The power output of her Drag-Ride decreased sharply and she became unable to pursue Ney and Salamander who were fighting while retreating.

    Ney who was wearing a half destroyed Divine Drag-Ride sent a relieved expression at Mel.

    ¡¸It¡¯s finally bearing fruit dearimasu. Our plan that is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel¡¯s breathing was roughening.

    Inside the forest that was enveloped in flame since some time ago.

    Mel did her best to not inhale the smoke and fire sparks, but she didn¡¯t imagine that she would end up lacking oxygen.

    Due to the great amount of flame, the air at the surrounding was thinning. There the compensation of her going into offense that was thoroughly burdening her body became an exhaustion of stamina that attacked her.

    Mel herself didn¡¯t know about the gas called carbon dioxide, but a pilot of Drag-Ride would at least know that the air in high place was thin.

    She was sensing that the same phenomenon was happening to her.

    (I can¡¯t, win anymore¡­¡­. At the very least, Krulcifer. If you manage to do something about Lizsharte©¤©¤)

    Mel sensed that the chance of her defeat was increasing and lifted her face from the ground.

    Her gaze that was filled with a faint hope was taken away by the intense battle that was developing at the sky above.

    .

    ¡¸I¡¯ll allow you to surrender if you do it now, Krulcifer. Even if you¡¯re going mad, I have no leeway to go easy on you after all.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m relieved hearing that. I was thinking that I want to try fighting you seriously once one day.¡¹

    Greyfer and Lu Calia.

    Mel and Ney Louches . They were fighting near the Shelter. At the same time.

    Lisha who was the main force of New Kingdom and Krulcifer who was the only remaining fighting strength at Lux¡¯s side were confronting each other.

    They both had been strengthened by Baptism and they were also in perfect condition.

    And then through the repeated mock battles between fellow Syvalles members, they also fully knew about each other¡¯s hands.

    Exactly because of that their true worth was questioned.

    How had they polished themselves until now, and what kind of path they would walk from here on.

    ¡¸Here I come, princess.¡¹

    ¡¸Come, Krulcifer! I¡¯ll open your eyes!¡¹

    Right after they exchanged those words of duel, they both started to move.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat that Lisha was piloting and Fafnir that Krulcifer was piloting.

    Both specialized in long range attack and mobility, but their disposition was completely different.

    *Tan-!*

    First Krulcifer pulled the trigger of Freezing Cannon and fired the preemptive sniping shot.

    The freezing bullet that was fired from the special armament sniper rifle would seal the opponent¡¯s movement with certainty if it hit even once.

    In respond Lisha blocked it using one Legion as shield, at the same time she aimed at Krulcifer using the remaining eleven projectile weapons.

    ¡¸Wise Blood!¡¹

    Krulcifer wasted no time to sense Lisha¡¯s aim using the Divine Raiment of future prediction.

    She made full use of Fafnir¡¯s mobility and avoided with large movement so that the opponent¡¯s aim couldn¡¯t narrow into her.

    ¡¸You suddenly rely on foresight without even trying to predict each other?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m amazed you can say that while using this kind of attack. You yourself©¤©¤isn¡¯t serious.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled wryly at Lisha¡¯s provocation while responding back.

    From the future prediction she saw Lisha driving lethal consecutive attacks on her.

    In the shadow of Legion, Lisha also fired pursuing Legion in a position that the opponent couldn¡¯t see. It was her technique Hide ShotConcealed Sniping.

    The instant Fafnir¡¯s automatic shields, Auto Shield blocked it, Lisha would make gravity field using Divine Raiment Suppressor and crucified Krulcifer instantly.

    And then using her main cannon Seven Heads, she would destroy her armor from above the guard.

    That was Lisha¡¯s sure kill combo, but if Krulcifer was fixated with sniping and stopped moving then she would be instantly defeated.

    She affirmed that fact once more and strengthened her vigilance.

    Fafnir was a powerful frame, but it had to be said that it had no firepower to decide the battle in an instant.

    It had to accurately sniped the Force Core, or go through the process of sealing the opponent¡¯s movement using freezing bullet before dealing the finishing blow.

    (But, the princess is also familiar with long range attack. She has the eyes that can see through her opponent¡¯s sniping.)

    The possibility of her reading the habit of Krulcifer¡¯s sniping that went through the fastest and shortest route was especially high.

    Of course if she dodged with simple movement, Krulcifer could snipe at Lisha¡¯s landing point using her Divine Raiment¡¯s prediction.

    Therefore continuing to move in an illogical route that didn¡¯t reflect her own thought was the method to dodge Fafnir¡¯s sniping. Lisha knew that.

    Krulcifer had also prepared the method to destroy that countermeasure.

    In order to accurately measure the opponent¡¯s movement, she could just make the opponent to have no leeway.

    When she became unable to do anything except choosing the best movement, the reading of Wise Blood would be completely and the scenario to reach the finish would be written.

    (In other words, it¡¯s essential to steal the opponent¡¯s weapon first even if it takes time.)

    Krulcifer concluded so and sniped continuously using a mix of normal bullet and freezing bullet even knowing that it would be dodged.

    On the other hand it would be troublesome to dodge all of Lisha¡¯s Legion that were approaching her in pursuit, but she also had an idea about how to deal with that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Freezing Cannon.¡¹

    The Legion that was fired to aim at Krulcifer was frozen using freezing bullet and fell down.

    She dodged the remaining attacks by flying in the air to dodge and repeated the same thing.

    Of course, she didn¡¯t let her guard down against Seven Heads and Suppressor.

    Two, three, four.

    When she was shooting down a third of the twelve projectile weapons just like planned, Krulcifer sighed in relieve.

    But, right after that,

    ¡¸The usual tactic huh, there isn¡¯t any art in it, Krulcifer!¡¹

    ¡¸-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha yelled, at the same time she deployed her Divine Raiment the gravity field in wide range.

    The whole area of sky where Lisha and Krulcifer were flying around was covered with purple light.

    (My goodness, for the Suppressor to be applied in this wide range¡­¡­, but©¤©¤)

    She was shocked but also relieved inside at the same time.

    (This choice is a blunder that come from impatience. Even if she is going full strength, if it¡¯s spread this widely then the gravity burden should be also small.)

    And then most importantly, Lisha¡¯s stamina should be rapidly exhausted.

    Even if she was using this field for null gravity, it wouldn¡¯t be hard to deal with it if it was only for dodging.

    If she was able to focus on dodging here until the end, Krulcifer would be greatly closer to victory.

    The instant she thought that and felt convinced of his victory, she was caught by a strange discomfort.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? Why, the Drag-Ride¡¯s movement is©¤©¤¡¹

    She should have piloted Fafnir to ascend with the gravity field¡¯s influence included in her calculation, but her altitude was lower than expected.

    The remaining eight Legion rotated to surround the bewildered Krulcifer.

    They obstructed her movement and created an unseen cage.

    ¡¸Did you think that I have exposed all of my trump card in my mock battles with you?¡¹

    The instant Krulcifer stopped moving after noticing the abnormality, *Dou-!* Tiamat¡¯s main cannon Seven Heads fired.

    The extremely thick beam of light approached Fafnir in a straight line. It blew Fafnir away along with the Auto Shield.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! AAH!¡¹

    It was too late when Krulcifer noticed the trick behind the wide range gravity magnetic field.

    The special armament shield and barrier were pierced. A part of the armor was smashed.

    Lisha displayed the specialty of Tiamat that concealed overwhelming destructive power.

    .

    ¡¸What¡¯s that!? What happened?¡¹

    ¡¸No. I don¡¯t understand. Why was Krulcifer-san hit?¡¹

    ¡¸I get it that Legion surrounded Krulcifer missy and limited her movement. The problem is why she wasn¡¯t able to escape. Even though it looked like she was dealing with the gravity burden of Suppressor that was laid out in wide range©¤©¤¡¹

    Seeing the fight that was projected on the screen, Tillfur, Noct, and Sharis were raising bewildered voice each.

    Right below the Ancient Forest where deathly battle of three versus three was performed, inside Avalon¡¯s rest facility Shelter, everyone present was watching the battle with held breath.

    The fighting strength of their side should be sufficient, but when the lid was opened, all three of their fighters were placed in disadvantage.

    Even among those three, the exchange of tactic of the fight they were watching right now was especially strange.

    ¡¸I also don¡¯t get it at all. Why did Krulcifer-san of all people made a blunder in her control of Drag-Ride©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi was also muttering that in confusion.

    The gravity burden in wide range by Divine Raiment Suppressor.

    Krulcifer who was flying inside it mistook her movement destination and she got surrounded by Legion.

    She got hit by the main cannon©¤©¤Seven Heads was simply the result of that.

    But, in the first place the gravity burden by Suppressor just now didn¡¯t look like it was any threat whatsoever when it was watched from the side.

    That was why they were puzzled at Krulcifer who was unable to deal with the slight change of gravity.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, there is some kind of breakdown in her Drag-Ride©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril¡¯s uneasy guess was only natural.

    That was just how much they trusted on the skill of the girl called Krulcifer.

    ¡¸No, Aeril. You don¡¯t know because you haven¡¯t stayed in the academy for long but©¤©¤. Most likely that was a trap from Lisha.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Celis who was boasted as the academy strongest considered the happening at the other side of the screen.

    Hearing that, Seven Dragon Paladins Rosa beside her lifted her face.

    ¡¸Trap? That blonde girl¡­¡­, Princess Lisha only looked like she was creating a weak gravity wield using her Divine Raiment in wide range thouugh?¡¹

    Even if she laid out a trap, she shouldn¡¯t have any other weapon.

    Of course Lisha also had Over Unit but, right now it still hadn¡¯t been summoned.

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s why, she only has one Suppressor. But if you watch carefully, there was an unnatural phenomenon at that time.¡¹

    ¡¸Unnatural, phenomenon?¡¹

    Soffice parroted those words in question. Then Philuffy who was staying quiet until now©¤©¤or rather she was basically taciturn so she wouldn¡¯t really say anything©¤©¤opened her mouth.

    ¡¸The movement of, tree¡¯s leaves. The momentum of the snow falling from the tree due to the gravity burden was different depending on the spot.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The words that Philuffy spoke of caused everyone to show shocked expression wordlessly.

    Celis was the only one nodding with a serious expression.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. Most likely Lisha created gravity field in wide range while differentiating the strength of the field in each spot. It¡¯s like the marble pattern. I haven¡¯t grasped it accurately, even so it¡¯s a big threat to someone who is trying to move normally.¡¹

    Especially for a sniper like Krulcifer who paid importance to sense of distance, frame¡¯s angle, recoil, and so on more than usual, the gravity burden was differing depending on the spot would be even more troublesome than imagined.

    And it would be even truer for her who was using precision and delicate movement as her strong point.

    After all she would have to change her reaction in respond to the gravity burden each time she moved.

    ¡¸The effect will weaken if Divine Raiment is used in wide range. That common sense is used unexpectedly instead to disturb Krulcifer-san¡¯s movement slightly and for nothing else, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡¹

    Celis nodded at Airi¡¯s thought.

    The proof of that was the difference of the gravity burden that could be sighted using the surrounding trees as comparison.

    The speed of the leaf¡¯s fluttering, the falling speed of the snow.

    Seeing that Celis and Philuffy guessed what happened.

    (How astonishing¡­¡­. They saw through Lisha-sama¡¯s trap just from that)

    Airi was someone who only started to walk the path as Drag-Knight. But exactly because of that she understood how amazing they were.

    But, although the puzzle was solved, it would be difficult to take countermeasure for it.

    And then, the fact that Krulcifer and others were put in great disadvantage hadn¡¯t changed.

    .

    Fugil who got out of the Center of Avalon saw a past phantom inside the snowing forest.

    ¡¸Ogoh, goaah¡­¡­. Guogaaa¡­¡­!¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t human.

    No, it was a monster who wasn¡¯t even worthy to be classified as living thing anymore.

    The monster that devoured and absorbed the negative thought of human, Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse had her whole body dyed black and transformed into a strange shape.

    Her killing intent that bloated up to the extreme sought for even more energy and she was starting to run rampage.

    ¡¸There is movement outside the Ancient Forest. Is it the soldiers of the four great nobles?¡¹

    ¡¸Looks like it. Should we head to remove them? If Sacred Eclipse isn¡¯t given fodder like this, then it will head to absorb even them.¡¹

    Automata Arshalia asked in respond to Fugil¡¯s question.

    Two hours after the battle in Ancient Forest was halted.

    Sacred Eclipse that lost its target of predation reacted to the only battle that was occurring in this forest which was the battle of Lisha and others. It was going to head there.

    There might be one more possibility. The several Drag-Knights that were standing guard over Ancient Forest might asked for reinforcement from the New Kingdom using their own judgment.

    Raffi ordered the private soldiers of the four great nobles to stand guard over this battle, but it was outside their assumption that the battle would be prolonged by this much.

    Therefore, the perception binding by world revision was also starting to come apart.

    If a lot of Drag-Knights came from outside the forest as reconnaissance, the rampaging Raffi would devour them and then destroyed New Kingdom itself in the end.

    If that happened, there would be no way to stop Sacred Eclipse until it destroyed itself.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t mind, that is also fate. After Sacred Eclipse start running it won¡¯t stop until it reach the end point. If that happen that only means the history this time is ending with that.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil answered like that. The Automata stared at him emotionlessly.

    To give the order for Sacred Eclipse to stop, energy had to be focused on Avalon temporarily.

    But it would take time of nearly half a day in order to do that.

    It was because multiple Automata  had been made to operate in full power for the sake of this battle.

    It was also similar case with the required energy for Uroboros¡¯s world revision.

    ¡¸Li¡­¡­sha, my, dau¡¹

    Sacred Eclipse dragged itself searching for something.

    It moved toward Lizsharte, the step daughter that she was fixated to when she was a human.

    If she wasn¡¯t stopped, the hell that would occur after this wouldn¡¯t end quickly.

    Except if the one in a ten thousand chance of Lux and others defeating the present Sacred Eclipse actually happened.

    ¡¸Is this your limit, Lux? Are you going to end here©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil threw his question toward empty air. There wasn¡¯t no one to answer him.

    The blizzard was gradually strengthening.

    .

    ¡¸Surrender Krulcifer. It¡¯s pointless to fight more than this.¡¹

    Lisha who was hovering in the air warned Krulcifer on the ground.

    Fafnir that was hit directly by Seven Heads was half destroyed. Now it could only display less than half of its normal performance.

    Lisha too couldn¡¯t use Over Unit because it was in the middle of repair, but her trump card from Baptism was also still remaining.

    ¡¸There is no way I¡¯ll lose against you¡­¡­. Against you who don¡¯t even notice what you¡¯re doing¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are you saying? Just what are you saying?¡¹

    Lisha tilted her head at Krulcifer¡¯s gasping words.

    ¡¸You don¡¯t notice? Nom you should have noticed it. If it¡¯s you who have received Baptism and fought Lux-kun, you should be able to remember. That the world you¡¯re seeing right now is actually false.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change even after hearing Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    She was only showing her face that was resolved to accomplish her mission.

    ¡¸That¡¯s pointless, Krulcifer. Uroboros¡¯s binding won¡¯t be broken with just that much¡­¡­¡¹

    Mel said that while handling the Pike of Salamander that was worn by Ney Louches.

    ¡¸Even us is still half in disbelief. It¡¯s pointless addressing someone who don¡¯t even notice.¡¹

    Similarly Greyfer was also speaking bluntly while fighting Lu Calia.

    If the perception binding could be dispelled just by talking for a bit, then Lux would do so right fro, the start.

    But, right now Krulcifer was convinced.

    ¡¸¡­¡­False you say?¡¹

    Lisha who was hovering in the sky wearing Tiamat heard Krulcifer¡¯s voice and frowned slightly.

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s right. You just don¡¯t want to believe it. That your step mother Queen Raffi is the source of all evil. Also how she is possessed by Sacred Eclipse, how her heart is used, and also how she assassinated the important people getting in her way behind the scene of that parade©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t speak nonsense! I won¡¯t let you off if you insult Haha-ue even more than that!¡¹

    Lisha drew out her Sword Device and took a fighting stance while deploying her Legion once more.

    ¡¸Insult? No, not saying this is nothing more than insulting you. Princess Lisha. I recognized you as someone worthy to compete against and as a friend. Toward you©¤©¤¡¹

    Hearing that, Lisha¡¯s whole body was starting to shake.

    Lisha herself didn¡¯t understand what Krulcifer was speaking or what was going on.

    But, it seemed Lisha body was unconsciously reacting toward the story that was nothing more than a bunch of nonsense for the current Lisha.

    ¡¸For you, her majesty Queen Raffi is the same like you. That¡¯s why you want to save her, you want to share her pain and become stronger. That¡¯s why the truth that is happening right now is hard to believe for you. I know that it¡¯s a harsh fate. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Shut up!¡¹

    Eight Legion attacked to cut off Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    In respond Krulcifer ascended along with Fafnir and quickly pulled the sniper rifle¡¯s trigger.

    ¡¸It should be a wall that you have to overcome no matter what if you¡¯re going to introduce yourself as a princess!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    A sniping while flying in high speed.

    However Lisha naturally also defended by strengthening Tiamat¡¯s barrier.

    But©¤©¤, the normal bullet didn¡¯t hit Lisha and only grazed before flying to behind her.

    (It¡¯s missing? Did she mistake her control?)

    The next instant after Lisha thought that.

    *Dou-!*

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    A sharp impact pierced the back wings of Tiamat.

    Until now she couldn¡¯t see clearly because it was hidden by the shade of tree below but, when she noticed, the face and skin of Krulcifer who was looking up at her had geometrical patterns.

    ©¤©¤Full Connect.

    Fused state with Drag-Ride that could only be used by Key¡¯s Supervisor.

    By fusing a part of Drag-Ride and flesh body through nanomachines, it realized even more precise and faster piloting.

    The last remaining Auto Shield that wasn¡¯t blown away by Seven Heads was positioned behind Lisha without anyone noticing.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s, how it is¡­¡­!¡¹

    If Krulcifer herself rapidly ascended while readying her sniper rifle, Lisha who was facing her would inevitably had her gaze guided toward her way.

    She made her let her guard down toward behind her and intentionally missed her shot so it was bounced by the shield, sniping the back that had thin barrier.

    ¡¸But, do you get it Krulcifer! The meaning of doing Full Connect with Fafnir that is in that state!¡¹

    The flaw of Full Connect wasn¡¯t just the great exhaustion mentally. Because the Drag-Knight was connected directly to the armor, the feedback of damage was far heavier than normal.

    To say nothing of how the current Fafnir couldn¡¯t even produce barrier satisfactorily, and its protective armor was also half destroyed.

    In other words, even a light damage would become a great damage and she wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid fatal damage if she was hit by a strong attack.

    ¡¸I¡¯m resolved of that. If I can¡¯t win against you without doing this then©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Why? Why are you putting yourself at risk until that much! You who came from Ymir Theocracy!¡¹

    Lisha who was wearing Tiamat that got the back wings shot and its mobility lowered sent out Legion once more toward Krulcifer.

    In respond Krulcifer also dodged them while firing repeatedly with Freezing Cannon. She was reducing the remaining Legion one by one.

    Thanks to Full Connect, even the half destroyed Fafnir  could accurately read their trajectory and shot them down.

    But©¤©¤the limit was coming in the blink of eye.

    White breath was leaking out from Krulcifer¡¯s lips due to extreme exhaustion.

    ¡¸This isn¡¯t for your sake or New Kingdom¡¯s sake. You should understand if it¡¯s you. If it¡¯s you who have the same feeling with me!¡¹

    Her stamina already crossed over the limit.

    The remaining time she could wear Fafnir with Full Connect was also only left slightly.

    Do or die.

    With that resolve, Krulcifer made her last bet.

    In order to release Lisha from the perception binding.

    .

    ¡¸Hah, that woman¡­¡­she is like always. Even though she is normally acting cool, she is passionate at this kind of time ain¡¯t she.¡¹

    Seeing Krulcifer exerting her remaining strength, Greyfer who was fighting nearby grinned.

    He remembered the time when he fought her one on one in the capital of New Kingdom in the past.

    ¡¸Looks like you like to make idle talk aren¡¯t youu? Even though you aren¡¯t a match against me at all.¡¹

    The Automata with mechanical cat ears, Lu Calia made a provocation, but he couldn¡¯t object at all.

    He couldn¡¯t deal against Quetzalcoatl that she was wearing at all.

    (This fellow is also really troublesome in her own way. Even after fighting this long, I still can¡¯t grasp what her Divine Raiment did even though she should be using it all this time.)

    Even when he attacked or defended, he was unable to guess even a portion of the enemy¡¯s ability.

    He felt like he was fighting a ghost.

    Of course Greyfer wasn¡¯t just fixated solely to exposing the opponent¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    But, even when he tried to win by brute force, all his attacks were made to miss without exception.

    No©¤©¤rather than he was made to miss, calling it ¡ºhe missed¡» would be the correct expression.

    And then the closer the distance he fought the enemy, the more striking that fact became.

    (I don¡¯t get it. What¡¯s more, that other damn Automata fighting Mel is also butting in, so it become even harder to understand this fellow¡¯s secret.)

    Ney Louches that was also fighting near the Shelter would fire Salamander¡¯s flame and gave back up at every important juncture.

    But, in the end it was only light attack.

    The support fire wasn¡¯t to the degree that could be called as the two of them fighting together.

    However, because the forest was burned even the oxygen at the surrounding was thinned down. Even Greyfer was indirectly getting cornered.

    ¡¸Please stop resisting alreadyy. All of you originally shouldn¡¯t have any reason to fight isn¡¯t iit. That was why master also left all of you alive.¡¹

    ¡¸Even if you think there ain¡¯t any reason, but I have a reason!¡¹

    Greyfer slashed with Tail Blade while spitting out those words.

    But, the sword tip shifted slightly from his aim and hit the elbow part of the armored arm.

    (As I thought. My attack is missing¡­¡­. Why!?)

    The reason his attack was dodged wasn¡¯t due to anything like trajectory control by something like force field or the like that was created by Drag-Ride.

    Because if that was the case, then the opponent should be trying to deal with all his attacks.

    He still didn¡¯t understand the basis of the enemy¡¯s strength.

    But, these Automata already know about this side¡¯s ability.

    Not just the ability of the Divine Drag-Ride they were wearing, but also the disposition of the users Mel and Greyfer.

    ¡º©¤©¤Hey, young lady. Can you hear? Are you alright? The flame your opponent send here is getting in my way y¡¯know.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Here Greyfer for the first time sent contact using Dragon Voice to talk to Mel who was fighting in a distance within his sight.

    But, Mel didn¡¯t show any reaction.

    ¡ºOi, can you hear me pipsqueak. Are you dead already?¡»

    ¡ºYou¡¯re annoying, you cock head! Who¡¯re you calling pipsqueak huh! I¡¯ll punch you flying.¡»

    ¡ºWhat, you¡¯re still high spirited huh. Then, reply at me when I called you young lady.¡»

    ¡ºWho¡¯re you calling young lady. Are you insinuating something? Besides when did you say anything like that? I didn¡¯t hear it.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤?¡»

    Both sides didn¡¯t lose focus on their respective battle even while sending frivolous line to each other.

    Greyfer tried talking to Mel because he realized the limit of fighting alone.

    ©¤©¤No, rather than saying that he realized, he was feeling a strange discomfort.

    (Why can¡¯t we win. I got the hunch that the secret to that is in the cooperation of these two Automata.)

    For Greyfer who had persisted with the fighting style of a lone wolf until now, it was a method that he didn¡¯t really desired but, from fighting together with Lux and other Seven Dragon Paladins, doing joint battle wasn¡¯t something that was outside of his capability.

    The strong people who were close to him changed him.

    And then just now by an accident.

    His Dragon Voice communication that didn¡¯t reach Mel brought a single hint to Greyfer.

    ¡ºOi Mel. It¡¯s unusual for you to have this much trouble. Did something happen?¡»

    ¡ºDon¡¯t make¡­¡­, useless talk. I¡¯m running out of breath because the air here is thin¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºOther than that, your attacks also keep missing ain¡¯t it? What¡¯s more it happened at every important point. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t defeat your opponent.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Be quiet. This time I¡¯ll hit without fail, watch me.¡»

    Mel replied like that with a brave front, perhaps she was getting impatient due to her running out stamina.

    But, hearing the story from Mel who was in the same position like him, a certain theory was created inside Greyfer.

    ¡ºAa, as I thought it¡¯s the same with you huh. Let me ask you a bit, how many percent of your attack that missed?¡»

    ¡ºI don¡¯t want to say¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºThis is something important. From your tone a lot of your attacks missed huh. ¡­¡­I see, so that¡¯s the trick¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºWhat are you saying?¡»

    ¡ºNo, I have a request to you. Just once is fine. Try attacking the cat eared Automata fighting me.¡»

    ¡ºHaa, haa¡­¡­. You¡¯re only asking unreasonable things, it feels like I¡¯m going to die over here you know?¡»

    Mel was completely running out of breath. She was under the fierce attack of Ney Louches¡¯s Salamander.

    Her situation was worsening each second without her being able to find any way to breakthrough even now.

    ¡ºWe¡¯ll lose anyway if we don¡¯t do anything. You want to return the favor to that Krulcifer right?¡»

    ¡ºI get it¡­¡­already!¡»

    Mel nodded and put her last strength into both her hands that were controlling Ddraig Gweiber.

    And then the moment her distance with Greyfer became short, she activated her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸Dual Shift!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Her aim isn¡¯t me! Lu Calia, be careful dearimasu! Your Drag-Ride¡¯s Force Core is targeted.¡¹

    Ney Louches who was facing Mel immediately yelled that out.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    The Divine Raiment¡¯s energy that surged from the armor attacked Lu Calia who was fighting in the sky wearing Quetzalcoatl.

    Using temperature manipulation the surrounding of the Force Core was made to have high temperature. Mel¡¯s aim was to lower the power output using overheating, but for some reason it didn¡¯t hit even though she unleashed the attack with a perfect timing.

    ¡¸©¤©¤-, as I thought. How!? Even though I¡¯m tired I was focused when I did that attack!¡¹

    Mel whose attack missed even though it was launched from behind Lu Calia yelled.

    ¡¸No, it¡¯s good that it didn¡¯t hit. Because of that my attack hit.¡¹

    But in that moment, the Tail Blade that Greyfer swung from in front of Lu Calia drew an arc and stabbed the back wings of Quetzalcoatl that she was wearing.

    ¡¸Hoow?¡¹

    The back wings that contained thruster device were destroyed and Quetzalcoatl descended sharply.

    ¡¸How dare you wounded our pride. It was that kind of trick since the beginning. Your Divine raiment randomly throw Drag-Ride control out of whack isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lu Calia didn¡¯t reply at Greyfer¡¯s remark.

    But, it was right on the mark. In exchange, Mel asked from nearby.

    ¡¸What do you mean by the Drag-Ride¡¯s movement becoming random? Is it¡­¡­something like malfunction?¡¹

    ¡¸Something close I think, but that ain¡¯t correct. They aimed at when we controlled the Drag-Ride using body control operation and mind control operation, and then they shifted it bit by bit on the whole. That¡¯s why the more accurate our aim is, the more they can dodge an attack to their vital spot.¡¹

    In order to move Drag-Ride, the pilot used their body part like finger or foot to operate lever or switch. The machine response at that time, the number value inside the system got subtly put out of order.

    The Divine Raiment put the Drag-Ride within its range under that influence.

    That was the power Quetzalcoatl¡¯s Switch LoaderThe Guider.

    The Divine Raiment was also used to Mel too so the truth wasn¡¯t discovered. It also became a back up for Ney Louches¡¯s battle.

    The two Automata pretended to attack the Shelter below and fought near each other was because of their objective to fight together secretly from the start.

    ¡¸Then how did you attack just now hit©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, I intentionally attacked to miss while I told you to normally aim at the vital spot.¡¹

    Greyfer answered Mel¡¯s question cheerfully.

    Lu Calia wouldn¡¯t use Divine Raiment Switch Loader if the attack wouldn¡¯t hit her anyway from the start.

    However, it wouldn¡¯t be possible to bring her down if he didn¡¯t aim to deal a hard blow.

    Therefore he told Mel to attack and aimed at the timing when Lu Calia used her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸I seee. If it¡¯s like this then certainly we won¡¯t be able to win without going full power. It¡¯s a miscalculatioon.¡¹

    After Greyfer landed his attack on Quetzalcoatl¡¯s shoulder, he continued by entangling Tail Blade around her and tore her apart.

    The power output of Quetzalcoatl that got hit on its Force Core decreased drastically and it started to free fall.

    ¡¸Buuut, even if you defeat me, there is still the other one you knoow¡¹

    ¡¸I know, that¡¯s why you made it so the battle is in this form isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    In order to break through Lu Calia¡¯s defense, Mel showed a big opening to Ney.

    ¡¸So Lu Calia is defeated¡­¡­! Then I¡¯ll defeat this girl right away and make the battle one on one dearimasu!¡¹

    Although one of them was defeated, Greyfer and Mel already had no stamina remaining.

    Ney aimed at the gap of Mel¡¯s armor from behind and thrust her pike to kill.

    In that instant, Greyfer quickly passed from Mel¡¯s front to her back and stood in the way of Ney.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The tip of Heat Zone that focused the energy into one point possessed the power to deal a sure kill attack against any kind of Drag-Ride.

    For a moment Ney Louches wondered if Greyfer planned to die in Mel¡¯s place, but a light covered the armor he wore and the flame spear¡¯s thrust was easily repelled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is, Photon Dive!?¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of invincibility that deflected all enemy attack.

    Of course it was a known ability for Ney Louches.

    But, because Greyfer had never showed it even once in this battle until now, her vigilance was unconsciously slackening without her noticing.

    ¡¸I deliberately kept it in reserve yeah, just for this chance!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­But, that¡¯s all. It¡¯s possible to deal with!¡¹

    Her vigilance became thin but, if it was the opponent¡¯s Divine Raiment then it was always there at the corner of her mind.

    It became impossible to defeat Mel here, but she was already at her last leg.

    ¡¸More importantly, you should be careful too dearimasu. Your stamina is already at the limit after all©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Greyfer fell silent at what Ney pointed out.

    That was certainly a fact.

    Ney Louches and Lu Calia. The two of them entered this battle with invisible teamwork.

    Lu Calia used Quetzalcoatl¡¯s Divine Raiment Switch Loader and blocked the attack of the opponents including Mel by randomizing Drag-Ride¡¯s control at every important timing. Ney Louches burned the nearby trees with Salamander¡¯s flame and decreased the surrounding oxygen to shave the opponents¡¯ stamina including Greyfer.

    They showed at the surface that their teamwork was minimal while in reality their tactic was to fight as a team.

    Besides Greyfer already didn¡¯t have the stamina to finish off her.

    If she focused on defense like this until the invincibility of Photon Dive ran out she would win©¤©¤, Ney was convinced of that.

    ¡¸HAAAAH!¡¹

    It was unknown whether Greyfer knew it or not but, he launched fierce attack using Tail Blade.

    In respond Ney also squeezed out her last strength and swept away the attack using Heat Zone.

    (Excluding Arshalia-sama, I¡¯m the last one of the seven Automata dearimasu¡­¡­. I cannot lose here in order to show our loyalty!)

    The attack of Greyfer that aimed precisely at the Drag-Ride¡¯s vital spot was also terrific.

    He persistently swung at her from the side, but Ney also didn¡¯t lose.

    Although the Heat Zone of her Pike was breaking down, she completely held off the attack.

    ¡¸I win! Photon Dive is also going to run out in a few seconds dearimasu! With this if I go to assist Princess Lisha later©¤©¤¡¹

    She would accomplish the dearest wish of her current master Raffi.

    And also the feeling of her master Arshalia that was entrusted to Sacred Eclipse.

    It should be like that but.

    ¡¸You can¡¯t see your surrounding eh, as expected from a doll. Do you think you¡¯re the only one who can work together secretly?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    The words of Greyfer who focused on attacking and cornering her to a certain direction until now made Ney showed a confused expression.

    ¡¸Is protecting that monster really the loyalty of you guys? Is that the wish of your master? You won¡¯t be able to see anything if you¡¯re bent on just that yeah. After all I also have experienced something like that.¡¹

    ¡¸What are you, wasting your breath about dearimasu? With your Cuelebre, there is no more way to defeat me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸The form of master-servant relationship and the form of teamwork ain¡¯t just one y¡¯know? There is master-servant relationship that that is done strictly, and there is also teamwork where one side lend their strength without letting the other notice. You guys are just turning a blind eye to it.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Greyfer said that and brandished his Tail Blade once more.

    Because the invincibility from Photon Dive was still continuing, Ney reflexively took a defensive stance with her Pike.

    But, the slash of Greyfer¡¯s Tail Blade that drew a spiraling arc didn¡¯t hit Ney and Salamander, but the pile of snow behind them.

    *Gakin!* A high pitched metallic sound resounded from behind.

    Right after that, a great explosive impact burst from the center of the sound.

    .

    ©¤©¤*DOGUUUN!*

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­A, gua. Aaa¡­¡­!¡¹

    The destructive energy that was generated from behind pierced Salamander¡¯s armor and pulverized the wearer Ney¡¯s body.

    The upper body that was broken into two lied on the snow with her face facing up.

    ¡¸What¡­¡­. Happened just now dearimasu? Just what¡­¡­!¡¹

    She was barely able to comprehend that it wasn¡¯t an attack that Greyfer himself unleashed.

    His only weakness was his inability to display an instantaneous and overwhelming attack power.

    Besides, the explosion just now was an attack that couldn¡¯t possibly be done using the equipment and Divine Raiment that he had.

    The Divine Raiment of invincibility finally vanished from the armor of Greyfer who was looking down on Ney.

    ¡¸I said it right? We also planned to work together. The explosive that was created by that pipsqueak¡¯s special armament was set up in the ground here.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    Ney too immediately noticed after the trick¡¯s secret was exposed like that.

    The bullet created by Mel¡¯s Ddraig Gweiber©¤©¤Ground Buster was hidden under the snow a slight distance away from the Shelter.

    The special armament of Ddraig Gweiber was indiscriminate but displayed amazing power in wide range. Its compatibility was good with the Photon Dive of Greyfer¡¯s Cuelebre.

    Even if in a situation where he got dragged into the attack, he could endure it using invincibility and dealt damage to enemy one-sidedly.

    However, if there was a hint of such tactic in the work, the Automata would naturally be on their guard against it.

    ¡¸So¡­¡­the two of you, also¡­¡­secretly, work with each other¡­¡­. Due to that Black Hero¡¯s guidance.¡¹

    Ney Louches whose function was about to stop formed her words haltingly.

    In respond Greyfer shook his head slightly and replied.

    ¡¸It¡¯s not like it¡¯s all thanks to Lux alone. No, that guy himself is also succeeding the vice captain©¤©¤Singlen¡¯s will. All of us received someone else¡¯s influence and became stronger. You guys are acting with unshakable will and faith but©¤©¤. You have completely forgotten about what you obtained from your encounter with the fellows in this era. That¡¯s the cause of your defeat.¡¹

    ¡¸Forget, ting. Is it, dearimasu¡­¡­. My, memory¡­¡­¡¹

    Light was gradually vanishing from the eyes of Ney Louches who only had her upper body now.

    Due to Raffi who connected with the Center of Avalon, the past memory was poured into Automata. Ney and other Automata lost the memory of the time they spent with Lux and others.

    But, she remembered a little bit.

    That girl called Krulcifer was also helped by Lux and crawled up from the abyss of despair.

    ¡¸Even when lost, and defeated, they don¡¯t forget, and stand up. Is that the true, strength, of human dearimasu¡­¡­. Krulcifer-sama, please, stay safe.¡¹

    At the snowing grey sky, the dancing figure of the Key¡¯s Supervisor girl who talked to her in Ymir Theocracy in the past was reflected on her eyes.

    The sublime figure of the master who she trusted was there.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­haah!¡¹

    A deathly battle was unfolding in the sky above the snowing Ancient Forest.

    Krulcifer whose Drag-Ride was half destroyed was making full use of future prediction and formed method of attack and defense with a single sniper rifle.

    She wrung out her remaining strength and held Lisha back with Sharp ShootingPrecise Firing.

    On the other hand Lisha also used Suppressor and Legion to corner Krulcifer and decided the battle.

    When Krulcifer dodged the gravity field, she struck with Legion and saved her armor.

    At the same time she paid great attention to the counterattack from her and dodged.

    Because she couldn¡¯t completely dodge the sniping using future prediction, she focused on not getting hit by fatal damage and continued a battle that was at the very limit.

    The two Automata©¤©¤Ney Louches and Lu Calia were defeated by Greyfer and Mel.

    However, the two Seven Dragon Paladins who won just barely were wounded all over.

    They were unable to even wear their armor anymore. The communication from Airi¡¯s Drake told her that they evacuated to Shelter.

    And then©¤©¤now.

    Krulcifer who was partially fused with Fafnir using Full Connect was in the middle of deathly battle with Lisha.

    If she didn¡¯t defeat Lisha here and made her returned to her sense, it would be the defeat of all of them at Lux¡¯s side.

    (But, this is already the limit huh¡­¡­. Full Connect won¡¯t hold for even one more minute.)

    Lisha was activating the power of Baptism that was burning the energy she stockpiled.

    The power of Baptims that Krulcifer obtained was in order for her to fuse with Drag-Ride with even more effectiveness, but she already received too much damage to display that ability.

    Most of all, she was pushed back by the hidden strength of Lisha who resolved to protect Raffi and the New Kingdom.

    .

    Everyone along with Greyfer and Mel who evacuated into the Shelter were watching the progress of the battle in suspense.

    No matter how anyone looked at it, it was clear that the probability of Krulcifer losing was greater.

    And then, Lux who was recovering in the adjacent treatment room was also watching that battle, but for some reason his fighting spirit wouldn¡¯t well up.

    Even though he had to protect Krulcifer, protect everyone.

    Even though he understood it logically, his body wouldn¡¯t move.

    (Why? Even though the situation is like this, I©¤©¤)

    He racked his brain inside the dark room, but the answer wouldn¡¯t come out.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. I¡¯m coming in.¡¹

    But, the girl with the deepest relationship with Lux entered inside the room.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡®It¡¯s unusual.¡¯

    Lux thought.

    Because Lux thought that Philuffy wasn¡¯t the type of person who would scold Lux even at this kind of time.

    (Wait, just what am I saying¡­¡­. A man who don¡¯t fully understand even about himself right now is©¤©¤)

    Lux was staying inside the treatment mechanical pod wearing his pilot suit. He was staying quiet.

    The silver wall in front of his eyes were projecting the fight of Lisha and Krulcifer but, he couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡¸Thank you, for before. You saved me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy sported a small smile on her mouth and said that with her usual tone that was on her own pace.

    She didn¡¯t come to send out Lux to fight.

    But, even so Lux couldn¡¯t say anything back.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. She is still fighting. Surely she is desperate, in order to protect what¡¯s important to her.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Phi-chan. I©¤©¤¡¹

    The weakness that was born inside him.

    For some reason he couldn¡¯t use the power of Baptism that he should have obtained and he was unable to stop Lisha. When he tried to say that, his thought came to a stop.

    There was no way Lux challenged the New Kingdom with such weak and na?ve thinking.

    He led Alma and Aeril, Airi, and then the Seven Dragon Paladins and now even everyone of the New Kingdom and got into battle like this.

    And then right now he also heard that Raffi too was going to start rampaging as Sacred Eclipse.

    In that sense, Lux¡¯s decision to try defeating Raffi without anyone knowing wasn¡¯t wrong.

    Lux would take the blame by himself and then it would become peace.

    That was the best choice.

    In fact it was going well.

    And yet©¤©¤why was he unable to stop Lisha?

    Was he feeling hesitation to discard her feeling and broke her parent-daughter relationship with Queen Raffi?

    .

    ¡ºIt¡¯s pointless you know, Lux. Someone who doesn¡¯t have the resolve to make use of ¡ºevil¡» with their own will, someone who cannot sacrifice anyone, it will be meaningless for them no matter how much strength they have. You are, the weakest.¡»

    .

    In that case©¤©¤as expected it was just like Fugil said.

    No matter how strong and skilled he became, he didn¡¯t have the caliber to use that.

    He had no qualification.

    As expected he was, the weakest Drag-Knight.

    .

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible, for me¡­¡­. Something like saving the country, with own strength. In the end, I couldn¡¯t even, use that power.¡¹

    Exactly because she was the childhood friend who he trusted more than anyone.

    Lux expressed his true feeling to her who knew of Lux¡¯s weakness.

    Seeing his figure©¤©¤Philuffy wasn¡¯t angry.

    She wasn¡¯t sad.

    She also showed no sign of exasperation or disappointment.

    She just got closer beside Lux who was inside the mechanical pod and stared.

    To the fight on the surface that was projected on the silver wall.

    To Krulcifer who was mustering a desperate effort to talk to Lisha.

    And then, she whispered.

    ¡¸The reason Lu-chan couldn¡¯t fight. Why you couldn¡¯t get serious when facing the princess, somehow, I understand.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That¡¯s, because I¡¯m weak.¡¹

    Because he couldn¡¯t control his heart and unelashed the power of Baptism.

    Lux words came from that thought. But Philuffy denied it.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not it, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Philuffy made a small smile on her lips and whispered beside him.

    ¡¸That¡¯s because you don¡¯t notice. Of your true feeling. That¡¯s why, if you don¡¯t face it.¡¹

    ¡¸That, what do you mean©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯ll understand, if you look.¡¹

    Lured by Philuffy, Lux also stared at the screen on the silver wall.

    The figure of Krulcifer mustering her remaining strength to bet on the last attack was projected there.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood ¨C Accel¡¹

    Fafnir that was partially fused with Krulcifer emitted dazzling light of Divine Raiment.

    At the same time, future prediction that showed the way to her victory was projected on Krulcifer¡¯s own eyes.

    But, Lisha wasn¡¯t perturbed even seeing the Divine raiment of certain kill.

    ¡¸It won¡¯t even become a bluff in that situation! I know all your hands! ©¤©¤Suppressor!¡¹

    Lisha pulled out her Sword Device and yelled. At the same time she also activated Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    The same like before, random gravity field was formed at the surrounding area by Suppresso to throw Krulcifer¡¯s calculation out of order.

    (I know you will come like that¡­¡­!)

    Wise Blood Accel that could be used in Full Connect mode was a powerful Divine Raiment without equal, but it wasn¡¯t like it altered fate.

    It wasn¡¯t a future prediction that depended on the opponent¡¯s action, it only read the pattern to victory with her possible action included with very high precision.

    Therefore, if the opponent was strong and Krulcifer had no spare strength, the attack options were limited.

    Occassionaly it also wouldn¡¯t be able to deduce the future that led to victory.

    Because of that Lisha judged that it wasn¡¯t a threat in this situation.

    She would move to decide the battle at last in order to not give time for the Drag-Knights inside the Shelter to recover.

    (I¡¯m in overwhelming disadvantage. On the contrary she can already see the flow to victory.)

    But because of that there was an opening.

    She was already unable to make use of Fafnir¡¯s spec to display speed that even the eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    Even Sharp Shooting was lacking in power to finish off Tiamat.

    Even so, there was a chance of victory.

    Krulcifer weaved through the wave of gravity field while dodging Legion¡¯s attack and flew around Lisha.

    The random gravity field that even Lisha herself couldn¡¯t fully grasp was analyzed by Wise Blood Accel and deduced the route to clear it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-kun, I wonder if you¡¯re listening. I wonder if you¡¯re cheering me on? I swear I¡¯ll stop her. I swear I¡¯ll return that girl to her real self without fail. I swear I¡¯ll free her from her false perception!¡¹

    ¡¸My real self? The strange one here is all of you! Why do you betray the New Kingdom!? Why are you targeting Haha-ue!?¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re, a weak person aren¡¯t you? I can¡¯t entrust Lux-kun to someone like that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? Enough with the nonsense!¡¹

    Krulcifer circled around with Lisha at the center. She repelled Legion with her sniping while aiming at Lisha.

    But Lisha too was moving with small and quick movements. She was escaping from the sniping line that Fafnir¡¯s sniper rifle was aiming at.

    It was a long range sniping battle where she poured all her remaining strength into it.

    She understood that she wouldn¡¯t be able to keep it up for a minute.

    She dodged the attacks of Tiamat, Legion that approached from above, below, left, and right while seeing through the wide range gravity force from Suppressor using Wise Blood while attacking.

    But, she couldn¡¯t dodge everything.

    With the performance of half destroyed Fafnir, she was being pushed back Lisha¡¯s Tiamat even with her using Full Connect.

    Bit by bit, her remaining barrier and armor were shaved, and the feedback from it made the damage burdening her to be heavier.

    Even when she was placed on such predicament, Krulcifer didn¡¯t stop talking to Lisha.

    On the other hand Lisha was seized with the frustration of not being able to decide the battle even with the advantage she had built and by a strange uneasiness.

    The binding of perception revision.

    The sight that was different from the reality that Lisha wished for was creating an out of place feeling.

    In a corner of her mind, another Lisha was asking herself.

    .

    ¡ºYour step mother is©¤©¤a monster.¡»

    ©¤©¤Wrong.

    ¡ºShe despaired from the terror that her sin of selling out her own brother would be exposed. She summoned Sacred Eclipse to her and got possessed. She changed into monster. And then she dirtied her hand with sin and schemed to rule this country.¡»

    ©¤©¤Wrong.

    ¡ºThere is no more way to save mother. She can¡¯t be saved by your or by anyone else. You can only kill her before she start rampaging.¡»

    ©¤©¤Wrong.

    ¡ºEveryone wish for that. You should fulfill your duty as a princess! You have no ally at all. There won¡¯t be anyone who saves you and your step mother. Even your knight is your enemy!¡»

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wrong!¡¹

    Lisha lifted up her Sword Device as though to shake off her own voice that she was starting to hear inside her head.

    She dispelled the Suppressor that was covering a wide area and this time she focused the energy into the main cannon Seven Heads.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? That¡¯s!¡¹

    Krulcifer who was fighting to the utmost limit until now held her breath seeing Lisha¡¯s stance.

    The gravity sphere of Suppressor that she used when defeating Hayes in the past.

    It would suck the person who touched it and compressed them inside. It was Lisha¡¯s greatest sure kill technique.

    Krulcifer sensed it the moment Wise Blood that she was using consecutively ran out of time.

    There was no chance to defeat Lisha except in this moment.

    (If I fail, I will die for sure this time. ©¤©¤Even so, I can only do it!)

    Krulcifer suppressed her exhaustion and pain and flew toward Lisha.

    She charged for the last offense and defense.

    .

    ¡¸Krulcifer-san, that¡¯s reckless¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux got out of the pod. He dragged his heavy body and grabbed his Sword Device.

    The repair of Bahamut so it could activate at minimum had been finished.

    But, for some reason Philuffy at his side stopped his hand.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!? Why are you stopping me? If I don¡¯t quickly go, Krulcifer-san will! Right now I¡¯m the only one who can wear Drag-Ride!¡¹

    ¡¸That Sword Device, it doesn¡¯t react. Your feeling still hasn¡¯t caught up. That¡¯s why, don¡¯t move.¡¹

    The silent Philuffy unusually talked with more words count to persuade Lux.

    Just as she said, the Drag-Ride didn¡¯t react even when he pushed the switch on the handle.

    (Even though my stamina should have recovered, why©¤©¤)

    This meant that he was unable to do the mind control operation.

    Not only he was unable to release the power that he obtained from Baptism, he was unable to even summon his Drag-Ride?

    Just what in the world was going on with his body?

    ¡¸Lu-chan, you don¡¯t want to fight. That¡¯s why, the Drag-Ride won¡¯t move. Not noticing that feeling is no good. Not for anyone else, but for none other than Lu-chan yourself.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux gasped hearing Philuffy¡¯s words.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, be honest. If you don¡¯t convey your feeling, it¡¯s no good.¡¹

    Powerful light was residing in the eyes of his childhood friend.

    ¡¸My, feeling¡­¡­. In regard to this battle©¤©¤¡¹

    Why did he become unable to fight? Right now, what did he need to do first?

    Lux stared at the battle that was projected on the silver wall while grasping his Sword Device tightly.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Weak you say!? This me!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, you¡¯re weak. You¡¯re only averting your eyes from reality¡­¡­. You avert your eyes from your step mother her majesty Queen Raffi and escape into dream even now.¡¹

    Lisha hovered in the air. She swung her Sword Device and moved the Legion with high speed like storm.

    On the other hand Krulcifer focused only on dodging and shot down the projectile weapons one by one.

    ¡¸Who are you calling running away!? I¡¯ll never abandon Haha-ue!¡¹

    ¡¸Wrong. No matter how painful it is, you should look straight at reality. If you don¡¯t do that, you won¡¯t be able to walk forward! This world is going to end!¡¹

    Krulcifer was gradually closing in.

    She used her last remaining Auto Shield for reflection shot while landing a normal bullet on Tiamat¡¯s arm.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    With a jerk the center of gravity of the frame tilted. Lisha¡¯s attention was slightly diverted to correct her balance.

    Krulcifer mustered her remaining strength and activated Wise Blood.

    Right after that, Krulcifer aimed at Lisha and sniped her using future prediction©¤©¤or that should be the case.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!¡¹

    She should be aiming at the back wings of Tiamat using the Auto Shield that she placed behind Lisha and Tiamat in order to bounce the bullet but, that bullet veered off course.

    When she observed the gravity sphere that was unleashed from the muzzle of Seven Heads was bending the scenery that Krulcifer was seeing.

    It twisted even the surrounding space and made Krulcifer¡¯s attack missed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤! I, don¡¯t abandon Haha-ue! Leave, Krulcifer!¡¹

    Lisha yelled while shedding tears.

    If the gravity sphere that was fired to below continued as it was then it would also graze Shelter that was underground and destroyed it.

    But Krulcifer didn¡¯t dodge the gravity sphere and spread open both her hands to stand in the way.

    In order to soften the impact to Shelter even for just a bit, she stood in the way along with her barrier that was only barely remaining.

    ¡¸Well done. This is your win©¤©¤. Just for this time only.¡¹

    ¡¸Krulcifer¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lisha who was the one firing the sure kill bombardment opened wide in shock.

    The purple gravity sphere was falling slowly. The moment there was only several seconds left until it hit©¤©¤.

    .

    The surrounding was enveloped in illusion as though time had stopped.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    .

    No.

    The time didn¡¯t stop.

    The surrounding was just enveloped in a very slow flow of time that was dozens of time slower than normal.

    Lisha and Tiamat hovered in the sky above Shelter.

    And then, only the gravity sphere fired from Tiamat was stopping.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is!?¡¹

    Lisha saw it inside the world where even thought was halted.

    The figure that she perceived as someone similar with Lux until now was clearly visible right now.

    ©¤©¤The Black Hero.

    The hero who indirectly saved Lisha seven years ago, and the young man who she trusted the most.

    Lux Arcadia, appeared in front of her.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry that I made you worry, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯m not worried or anything. I knew you will come for me.¡¹

    Krulcifer who reached her limit from the exhaustion of using Full Connect continuously and lost her armor was held in the arms of Lux midair.

    Without pause he quickly flew to the side and got away from the attraction of the gravity sphere.

    ¡¸Did you see me coming using Fafnir¡¯s future prediction Divine Raiment?¡¹

    ¡¸No.¡¹

    Krulcifer smiled with an ephemeral expression at Lux¡¯s question.

    ¡¸I believed, that if it¡¯s you then you will surely come.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    When Lux returned a serious gaze to her, Krulcifer ran out of strength.

    Her eyes were slowly closing and her body turned limp. During that time her mouth formed words weakly.

    ¡¸So you have noticed¡­¡­your feeling. Then, convey it to her. If it¡¯s you©¤©¤you can do it.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes.¡¹

    Krulcifer too had recovered her lost memory of the three days of parade.

    In that case, she should have also remembered how she and Lux became lover.

    She knew why Lux was suffering.

    She fought in order to make him noticed it.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Thank you, Krulcifer-san.¡¹

    Right after Lux nodded back, the gravity sphere that was super decelerated by Reload on Fire fastened instead with a speed that was dozens of times faster.

    Everyone had evacuated from Shelter earlier but. Suppressor¡¯s gravity sphere fell like meteor and destroyed the facility apart.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-! What, power!¡¹

    Airi who evacuated from Shelter yelled in shock from some distance away.

    Lisha who was burning her energy using the power of Baptism was still preserving her stamina.

    ¡¸Nii-san©¤©¤be careful! Lisha-sama right now is¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, I understand.¡¹

    Lux landed on the ground for a moment and handed the exhausted Krulcifer to Airi.

    And then, Lux flew in a straight line toward Lisha who was hovering in the sky with the Seven Heads aimed at him.

    At present Lisha was the greatest enemy.

    Lux accepted that fact and he was convinced of victory even then.

    The new power of Baptism that he obtained from surgery in coffin. He focused his mind in order to display it.

    .

    (©¤©¤Why? Why is Lux here? Why is that guy, standing in my way!?)

    The consciousness of Lisha who was aiming for Azure Division¡¯s annihilation was falling into a dark abyss.

    She already understood that it was Lux in front of her.

    But, her heart didn¡¯t accept that.

    (I promised with Haha-ue, and with Lux. That we will protect the New Kingdom¡­¡­!)

    They swore that.

    And yet, when she noticed everyone was turning into her enemy.

    They were aiming to destroy the New Kingdom, to defeat Queen Raffi.

    Even the members of Syvalles who should be her ally, even the Seven Dragon Paladins©¤©¤.

    (I won¡¯t, abandon Haha-ue¡­¡­absolutely not!)

    Seven years ago, her small self was powerless.

    It wasn¡¯t anyone¡¯s fault. It was because of fate that she was captured by Old Empire army and her father abandoned her.

    She didn¡¯t have anyone to rely on.

    There wasn¡¯t anyone who saved her.

    Raffi who was in the same environment like Lisha confessed her sin to her.

    In the past, she was deceived by Waybra, a spy that was sent by Old Empire. In order to protect him, she told him the location of her big brother Count Atismata.

    She was the criminal who betrayed her brother and killed the great hero who established the revolution.

    She was tormented by that sin and felt scared. Even so she fought until now in order to protect the New Kingdom.

    (I too, I too am the same¡­¡­!)

    As the proof of her betrayal to her father, the brand of Old Kingdom was pressed on her stomach.

    The suffering of having no choice but to choose that path in order to survive, the suffering of being toyed by fate and having no choice but to live as a royalty, Lisha understood it better than anyone.

    (If I abandon her, Haha-ue©¤©¤what will become of her? There is no one. There isn¡¯t anyone who will support her! That¡¯s why!)

    The white breath she exhaled smoldered like smoke.

    Her body was hot like it was burning.

    The ability she obtained from Baptism.

    With the power to burn the energy she stockpiled all at once, the current Lisha was maintaining her state of full power.

    Lisha controlled Tiamat fully to express everything, all her passion and will.

    She unleashed her strength toward the ¡ºenemy¡» approaching her.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t lose! I will, protect the New Kingdom Haha-ue created!¡¹

    The remaining eight Legion that became even more damaged from the fight against Krulcifer attacked the flying Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    But, the moment Lux immediately tried to guard with his great sword, those projectile weapons veered away by itself and scattered.

    ¡¸¡­¡­That, don¡¯t tell me!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It intentionally, missed.¡¹

    Celis and Philuffy who were standing below watched the fight in the sky and muttered.

    No matter how powerful someone was, if the first move was taken away and they were attacked then they would raise their guard.

    If the attacker tried to land a hit, there was a possibility that the attack would be hit back instead using the sword.

    If it was Lisha who could use advanced technique like Hide Shot, then she should know this fact even better.

    Thus, Legion was sent out only to make Lux¡¯s movement stiffened for an instant.

    In order to buy time until Lisha fired the bombardment of gravity sphere once more.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t stop!¡¹

    ¡¸Onii-chan, hurry!¡¹

    Greyfer and Mel guessed Lisha¡¯s tactic and yelled.

    Their voices pushed Lux¡¯s back. He ascended toward Lisha.

    If the gravity sphere was fired in extremely close range, even if he decelerated the time he would still get dragged close and crushed by that super dense force field.

    Having said that, he had no choice of avoiding this situation.

    The eight Legion that missed Lux just now were already approaching from behind Bahamut to surround him.

    ¡¸So from the start, they were fired so Lux-kun won¡¯t get away¡­¡­!¡¹

    Sharis who was looking up at the two¡¯s fight from the ground murmured in admiration.

    The attack disordered and stopped Lux¡¯s movement, at the same time the intention of making it harder for the opponent to dodge the next attack was also included in it.

    ¡¸Yes. Lisha-sama is also seriously trying to defeat Lux-san©¤©¤¡¹

    The quiet Noct saw the situation and let those words slipped out. Tillfur beside her was also shaking in anxiety.

    ¡¸Will the two of them, really get out of this safely? This©¤©¤!¡¹

    The Triad was still under the binding of Uroboros¡¯s world revision.

    They only sided with Azure Division while being half in doubt due to the persuasion of a lot of their comrades.

    Exactly because of that their anxiousness was also great.

    ¡¸Eat this! You damn destroyer of New Kingdom¡¯s peace!¡¹

    Lisha who caught Lux in her firing range fixed the aim of Seven Heads.

    In addition Legion were attacking from behind Lux¡¯s Bahamut with each of them coming from a different direction.

    It was already impossible to simply dodge all the attack even if Reload on Fire was activated.

    ¡º©¤©¤Lisha-sama. Please listen.¡»

    But©¤©¤in that, instant.

    In that cornered situation, Lux sent a message to Lisha using Dragon Voice.

    ¡ºI, have to apologize to you.¡»

    The time that was even less than several seconds felt like eternity for some reason for both of them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? You want to apologize now, don¡¯t screw around! What¡®re you saying after you try to push the New Kingdom into chaos!?¡¹

    Lisha used anger to paint over her heart that was shaken by Lux¡¯s familiar voice.

    She denied logic with emotion.

    There was no way that this man in front of him was really Lux.

    Because if in the worst case that he was actually Lux.

    Because if the young man who she trusted was trying to defeat her mother.

    Then the ideal that Lisha wished for, would never come to pass.

    The path of protecting the New Kingdom with Lux, and Raffi, and then her, the three of them together, would be gone completely©¤©¤.

    ¡ºI was, scared. Since when I started this battle. I kept thinking, what would happen if Lisha-sama learn the truth. If I tell you the path that I should walk, how will you think of me then. It was scary, it was really hopelessly scary.¡»

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Lux said those words while sweeping away all eight Legion approaching him from behind with a single stroke of his great sword.

    Seeing that outrageous skill that was done without even turning around or glancing back, Lisha and also everyone watching the fight from below opened their eyes wide in shock.

    That wasn¡¯t Lux that Lisha knew until now.

    He used special armament Linker Pulse to control the trajectory of Legion approaching from behind and dragged them to one place, at the same time he unleashed a slash with Quick Draw.

    ¡¸You¡­¡­what in the world?¡¹

    If it was Lux from before, while he was using his secret technique, his concentration would be partially taken  by it and he couldn¡¯t use it at the same time with other special armament.

    But, Lux right now was using tuning. He inputted the control of Linker Pulse beforehand and made it got carried out.

    Because of that, even while he was concentrating with the control of Quick Draw, he was able to use Linker Pulse at the same time.

    But, is a calculation that complicated something that can be done¡­¡­? In just an instant like that]

    That was Lux¡¯s strength that Lisha didn¡¯t know until now.

    ¡¸The truth is, I was scared all this time. Telling you the truth that her majesty Queen Raffi is possessed by Sacred Eclipse, was scary.¡¹

    Lux who closed the distance didn¡¯t speak through Dragon Voice anymore but with his voice.

    The Baptism that was applied to Lux¡¯s body was the compression strengthening of his thinking speed and concentration.

    His greatest strong point, making use of his discernment to read the opponent¡¯s movement and chose the best method to attack.

    He gave order to Bahamut by inputting order through tuning beforehand while pouring even more focus to execute his secret technique.

    With this, it became possible for him to use his secret technique, and perhaps his special armament too at the same time.

    He couldn¡¯t use it for a long period of time just like the other girls but©¤©¤.

    Although he wasn¡¯t at the same level with Fugil, but he was approaching the territory of Singlen who was at full power.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? Shut up! Are you trying to trick me!? You aren¡¯t Lux at©¤©¤!¡¹

    Even so Lisha denied the reality.

    She opposed the voice trying to trick her and mustered her remaining strength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    She liberated the energy of Divine Raiment that was focused on Seven Heads and fired the huge gravity sphere toward Lux.

    But, at the same time.

    No, even more slightly earlier than that, Lux released his Divine Raiment that had its power output strengthened with tuning.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s sure kill technique©¤©¤the gravity sphere that was fired from Seven heads. The only way to be saved from it once it had been fired was only by dodging.

    In other words at close range it was provided with the capability of offense and defense in one package, but Lux accelerated further and flew toward the center of the gravity sphere.

    And then, just like that he passed through the force field of dreadful gravity attraction.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    *Zuga-!*

    Right after Lisha grasped the situation and gasped, Lux stabbed the shoulder of Tiamat with the tip of his great sword.

    Lisha reflexively twisted her body and dodged direct hit. But without pause he flew while pushing her back.

    ¡¸That, what in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸How, did Lux-san pass through that force field of super gravity?¡¹

    Airi and Noct who were watching the fight from below murmured in a daze.

    Rosa and Soffice beside them grasped the situation and answered their question.

    ¡¸In that instant, he activated Reload on Fire you knoow¡­¡­. With the first half of the compression strengthening, he sharply decreased the surrounding gravity until a mere fraction, and then he slipped through the gravity sphere in that opening.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s strengthening of his thinking speed made it possible for him to execute control that surpassed human intellect that couldn¡¯t be imitated by other Drag-Knight.

    ¡¸And then, in that situation, it¡¯s already Lux¡¯s win.¡¹

    Celis who was looking up at the fight added.

    Tiamat was a Divine Drag-Ride that was specialized for long range battle.

    When the battle was brought into close quarter combat when the fighters stuck close to each other, it was placed in an overwhelmingly disadvantageous position.

    And when the opponent was Lux, then it was all the more true.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, not yet. Do you¡­¡­, forget, Celis-senpai? The hidden strength of that girl.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer who woke up without anyone noticing pointed out. Celis gasped at that.

    In the next moment, Lux and Lisha were falling toward the snowy ground with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow while still sticking close to each other.

    *DOON!*

    A tremendous impact shook the ground. Lux and Lisha with their Divine Drag-Ride glued to each other were inside a powerful gravity field.

    ¡¸That¡­¡­don¡¯t tell me!¡¹

    Airi who saw that muttered with a shiver.

    The self-destruct technique that Lisha also showed in the past in the mock battle against Celis.

    In a state where she was glued with the opponent¡¯s Drag-Ride, she activated Suppressor to affect the opponent along with herself.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This is bad! At this rate the two of them will die!¡¹

    Aeril who sensed the abnormality yelled in grief, but everyone there was wounded all over. There wasn¡¯t anyone that had recovered to be able to wear Drag-Ride.

    Even if there was someone who could, everyone realized that they wouldn¡¯t make it in time before the fight was settled.

    ¡¸Uh¡­¡­. Guu¡­¡­!¡¹

    The purple gravity field mowed down the surrounding trees and made the ground to sink.

    Lisha who kept firing gravity sphere that was filled with Tiamat¡¯s full strength shouldn¡¯t be able to return right away to a state where she could use her Divine Raiment.

    It would be the same even if she used the energy burning ability from her Baptism.

    However, Lisha¡¯s tenacity toward the New Kingdom made this last attack possible.

    The gravity field in this glued state could only exert a slight gravity burden, but she made use of Reload on Fire¡¯s effect instead and executed this most powerful attack.

    So to speak, this was the compression strengthening that Lux used to slip through the first gravity sphere.

    The first five seconds had passed, and now the latter five seconds were in the work.

    Because the effect of gravity was amplified by dozens of times, even the effect of Suppressor that was mostly nonexistence became dozens of times greater.

    Both sides were putting up barrier and took defensive stance, even so they couldn¡¯t endure it.

    The armor and frame of the Drag-Rides were creaking and distorting.

    ¡¸Lisha¡­¡­, sama¡¹

    ¡¸I won¡¯t lose! I swore to Haha-ue, and my knight¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha continued using her Divine Raiment with a pained expression that looked like she would break crying even now.

    If Lux kept holding on like this, then she would surely continue using it until she died.

    (Aa©¤©¤)

    In the corner of his mind, Lux once again thought of what he understood.

    He, didn¡¯t want to see Lisha sad.

    Lux found hope from she who conquered her harsh and painful past, didn¡¯t lose against the heavy burden of a princess, and tried to live strongly looking forward.

    Unlike Lux who despaired and he who was a prince ended up destroying the Old Empire, if it was Lisha then she would surely led the New Kingdom correctly.

    ¡¸I was©¤©¤happy. Being able to stay at your side, being able to aim at a new noble path by working under you who would accept me¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are, you saying¡­¡­. I won¡¯t©¤©¤get tricked. I won¡¯t be swayed by the sweet words of the like of you!¡¹

    Inside the powerful gravity field, in a situation where two Drag-Rides were wrestling, Lisha opposed even Lux¡¯s words.

    ¡¸That was why, I avoided you. I was scared to thrust reality in front of you. I was scared to make you suffer, to get hated by you.¡¹

    Even so, Lux didn¡¯t stop whispering.

    The reason he couldn¡¯t display his full strength until now, it lied in the fact that Krulcifer made him noticed.

    No matter how much he stifled his heart using the correct logic, he couldn¡¯t trick his true feeling.

    That was why, he couldn¡¯t display his strength from Baptism.

    It was none other than Lux who was scared to tell Lisha the truth and ran away.

    ¡¸But, I have to say it. Your step mother, is possessed by Sacred Eclipse. She was taken over completely. If her majesty isn¡¯t defeated, this world will perish.¡¹

    ¡¸Such, thing¡­¡­. There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true! Protecting Haha-ue, that¡¯s what I©¤©¤!¡¹

    She strengthened the gravity field¡¯s power using Suppressor to oppose Lux¡¯s persuasion.

    The amplification effect of Reload on Fire¡¯s latter half was already running out.

    But, Lisha herself poured all her energy into the Divine Raiment and didn¡¯t let Lux get away.

    She continued activating her ability with the resolve of dying herself at this rate.

    *Creak creak* Not just the armor, even the bones of their flesh body that was protected by their respective Drag-Ride were creaking.

    ¡¸Nii-san! Please get away! At this rate©¤©¤!¡¹

    The voice of Airi who saw that sight reached them.

    It would be possible if Reload on Fire was activated once more and the influence of the gravity was lightened, but Lux didn¡¯t run away.

    ¡¸Please fight together with me, Lisha-sama. It¡¯ll be no good if you aren¡¯t with me. I finally realized that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    In exchange of running away from the gravity field that was also hurting the girl herself, Lux reached out with his own hands and hugged Lisha¡¯s head.

    He lightened the gravity field with Bahamut¡¯s barrier to protect her from pain.

    ¡¸Because you were there for me, because you were watching me, I could fight. I could be strong. That¡¯s why, please fight as the princess of the New Kingdom. From here on, no matter how painful it is, I will support you at your side forever, I will become your strength, that¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Lux¡¯s voice was transmitted to Lisha¡¯s heart.

    Lux knew that until now his strength was something born from his involvement with the girls.

    Even if he severed his connection with them, he believed that he would be able to fight alone.

    ©¤©¤But, the truth was different.

    It was because Lisha and others were there for him, that he was able to fight and be strong.

    He obtained bond with those girls who needed him.

    He was also encouraged by his Drag-Ride that was remade by Lisha with much effort.

    Compared to when he was in solitude as a prince of Old Empire, now he was able to obtain a lot of important comrades.

    Because of that he was able to become far, far stronger.

    .

    (©¤©¤I was weak, because I couldn¡¯t recognize my own weakness. Because I didn¡¯t have the courage to confide to them my true feeling, the courage to ask them to understand me.)

    .

    That was why, he had to convey it.

    Of Lux¡¯s own feeling, and wish toward Lisha.

    ¡¸I, am¡­¡­¡¹

    The power of Suppressor that Lisha unleashed to crush herself together too as though to punish herself, it was softened by the man in front of her who was her enemy who became her shield.

    The feeling of guilt of being unable to save her step mother.

    That pain, this man was trying to share it, to understand it, to protect her from it even if just for a bit.

    (This guy¡­¡­. Is he, not an enemy? Why, why is he doing something like this©¤©¤)

    A doubt was born inside Lisha.

    He should be an enemy that tried to destroy the New Kingdom and defeated her stepmother, but then why was he trying to protect Lisha¡¯s heart?

    The binding of perception by Uroboros, the chain restraining her heart was breaking.

    The mist covering her heart was clearing up. He perceived the young man in front of him.

    The young man kept embracing Lisha¡¯s body. He endured the agony from the gravity field while smiling kindly to reassure the girl.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lisha-sama. I love you.¡¹

    .

    And then Lux conveyed the feeling from the bottom of his heart to her.

    *Kiin*, at that moment.

    Something burst inside Lisha¡¯s chest and her eyes were opened.

    ¡¸Lu, x¡­¡­?¡¹

    Lisha knew.

    About this young man who was always protecting her.

    About the young man who knew about her sad past and continued to save her by staking his life.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux-!¡¹

    The binding of perception vanished, at the same time the gravity field of Suppressor disappeared.

    At the same time, the armor of Tiamat that Lisha was wearing was dispelled. Then Lux fell down on that spot too.

    Lisha crouched and lifted up the falling Lux.

    The tears moistening her crimson eyes trickled along her cheek and fell on the snow.

    Lisha noticed that what she had seen until now was something different.

    The kind queen who was protecting her wasn¡¯t there. She was already changed into a monster who devoured and absorbed human¡¯s malice and hatred.

    There was already nothing that could be done to save her expect defeating her who had become the strongest humanoid Ragnarok.

    ¡¸I¡­¡­. Swore it. That I will protect the New Kingdom, together with Haha-ue¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, know. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need, to say it. I know. At this rate, the New Kingdom will perish. What Haha-ue tried to protect desperately even while suffering will©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux gently embraced Lisha¡¯s shaking shoulders.

    His body was exhausted and hurt from the damage caused by the gravity pressure, even so Lux lent Lisha his chest in order to accept Lisha¡¯s sadness.

    ¡¸I, as a princess, as that person¡¯s daughter, I have to stop her. I know, that¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    *Gyut*, Lux put strength into his arms that were embracing the sobbing Lisha.

    He knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to heal the pain of her wound no matter what he said.

    Even so, he hugged her in order to tell her that there was someone shouldering the same pain beside her.

    With the commander of New Kingdom army Lisha awakened to the truth, the war between Azure Division and New Kingdom army came to an actual end in this place.

    .

    *GOOooOOO*, the groan of a strange creature was echoing through the grey sky.

    Raffi who was devouring and absorbing all energy had completely lost herself.

    Sacred Eclipse that unified the will of the people, their mind made a single conclusion.

    Directed this world to destruction and reset everything.

    That was the conclusion that was reached by human about human society.

    In order to negate the conclusion that fellow humans were plundering from their fellow human with authority and violence, Sacred Eclipse started moving in order to take away power from humans.

    Fugil who was watching over that activation slowly got to his feet.

    ¡¸With this©¤©¤Raffi lost her qualification as a vessel of king.¡¹

    The last remaining Automata Arhslia murmured emotionlessly.

    ¡¸No, not yet. That person¡¯s will, her ego hasn¡¯t completely fallen apart.¡¹

    Fugil muttered while looking at Raffi with her young girl appearance scattering muddy black miasma.

    As though to prove his words, a mysterious smile formed on Raffi¡¯s expression.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux Arcadia. So you defeated my daughter. Then, I shall take her back. In this land where the king of this era will be decided, at this stage where the Center is sleeping.¡¹

    She understood the situation of Lux and others that were several kl away from here. She was waiting for them.

    In order to introduce herself as the true king, in order to connect with this Center, she wouldn¡¯t let them go past this place.

    Her mind was polluted by the emotion of the humans that she absorbed as Sacred Eclipse, even so she held on only to her last remaining awareness.

    For the sake of her wish with Lisha, to guide the New Kingdom to become an ideal country.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see, the battle is still not over yet.¡¹

    Fugil nodded wordlessly at the words of Automata Arshalia.

    Their promise with Raffi was already accomplished by the Automatas.

    The crystal that was brought here. Grand Force had been recovered back. It was handed to Fugil and he would be sent out to set it inside the Garden in activated state.

    With that the Ruins would resonance once more, and through that the activation of Uroboros¡¯s world revision©¤©¤Endless would become possible.

    It was arranged that fugil would carry out the world revision once more with the defeat of Lux¡¯s side.

    Raffi knew that Lux and others would come to here where the Center was sleeping in order to stop that.

    She was waiting for her daughter and arch-enemy.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s go. In order to return everything to the beginning, in order to ascertain the possibility that human build.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­. I will watch this place. Fugil, be careful.¡¹

    Arshalia saw Fugil off. Fugil used Uroboros¡¯s special armament©¤©¤Infinity that could create the form of all Drag-Rides to make Bahamut and flew in it toward the Garden.

    It would take around five or six hours until Fugil returned.

    During that time the winner would be decided.

    Would it be Lux, or would it be Queen Raffi.

    In this land, it would be decided who between the people with the qualification of King would be qualified to shoulder the next era.

    .

    ¡¸It looks like Fugil-niisan is starting to travel to somewhere. There was a reaction in the radar.¡¹

    Airi who finally could deploy her Drake after taking a rest muttered with a conflicted expression.

    Several bonfires were making crackling sound, softening the coldness of the freezing air.

    Lux and Lisha, and everyone gathered here took out the remaining beds and sheets, and preserved food, water, and other goods out of the destroyed shelter, then they took a rest and applied first aid.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think that it¡¯s the case but, don¡¯t tell me he is heading to the capital? What is he planning to do?¡¹

    Tillfur spoke with a worried voice, but Aeril shook her head slightly.

    ¡¸Most likely, he went to set the Grand Force in the Garden, in order to prepare for the execution of world revision by Uroboros once more. I think he isn¡¯t going to do something to the New Kingdom itself.¡¹

    Hearing those words, all present breathed in relieve, however they showed an uneasy expression.

    ¡¸But, isn¡¯t that bad? Uroboros will rewrite our perception again right?¡¹

    Noct also nodded at what Sharis pointed out but,

    ¡¸Yes. However, we have no way to stop it. It might not be the case against any other opponent, but to stop that Fugil, even if all of us are in a perfect condition©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Syvalles members there, the Seven Dragon Paladins, even Lux and Lisha couldn¡¯t say anything.

    That fact described the situation frankly.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Everyone, you all got troubled because of my fault.¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s not say such thing to each other anymore. I was the one at fault for this.¡¹

    Lisha who recovered the correct perception faced everyone and bowed her head, then Lux immediately gave her a follow up.

    After the binding of perception by Uroboros was broken, it became possible to fight together with Lisha.

    ¡¸No, I have the responsibility as a princess. I faintly suspected Haha-ue¡¯s change, however I couldn¡¯t realize it. I was disqualified as a princess.¡¹

    ¡¸No, such thing is©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux reflexively tried to cover up for Lisha but,

    ¡¸Both of you, the situation was like that before this so I¡¯ll tolerate it but, can I ask you two to not flirt too much? A danger is approaching the world you know?¡¹

    Krulcifer who was being nursed by Mel and lying down on the ground was looking exasperated while cutting in. Lisha¡¯s face was boiled red hearing htat.

    Anger and shame.

    However if pushed to say, then it looked like the latter¡¯s percentage was bigger.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make fun of me Krulcifer! I¡¯m seriously©¤©¤¡¹

    Less than half of them were watching that atmosphere warmly, while more than half were watching with a conflicted thought.

    Yoruka wasn¡¯t in this place but, those like Krulcifer, Philuffy, and Celis got into a relationship of whispering love to each other with Lux in the middle of that looping parade.

    Even the super insensitive Lux was somehow sensing that hidden pressure.

    His feeling when he conveyed ¡ºI love you¡» to Lisha before this was of course not a lie but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Rosa¡­¡­. Is this perhaps, the scene of carnage thing that I heard from rumor?¡¹

    ¡¸Can you not ask that to mee¡­¡­¡¹

    The red haired girl shrugged at Soffice¡¯s question.

    ¡¸Something must have happened in the middle of that parade huh, just what was it¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I somehow got an idea about it though. That Onii-chan, he¡¯s really a sinful man after all.¡¹

    Greyfer was seriously not getting it. Beside him Mel was sighing in exasperation.

    She was the youngest among everyone here but, it looked like she had sharp sensitivity.

    Although, no one was thinking about saying anything.

    Nothing would start if they didn¡¯t survive through this battle.

    Besides, if Uroboros executed world revision again, even the memory they recalled right now would be forgotten without a trace.

    ¡¸Alma too, you knew about the truth huh. I put you through troubles.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine. After all my wish for revenge to Aunt Raffi and Onee-sama is already gone completely. I was thinking that I absolutely won¡¯t forgive you too for a long time though. But now I noticed once more that it¡¯s really stupid.¡¹

    Even these two who betrayed the great hero Atismata also lived in suffering and overcame their past. Alma learned that.

    And then, now that she had her existence accepted, she had no reason at all to resent her big sister Lisha.

    ¡¸Lizsharte. More importantly, now that we have grasped Fugil¡¯s movement, we have to decide our action from here.¡¹

    The captain of Syvalles Celis coughed lightly and urged the talk to progress.

    Now that Lisha had been freed from the binding of perception, they had to ask her to show them the way.

    The opponent was the greatest and strongest Ragnarok, but at the same time it was also her stepmother.

    ¡¸I have resolved myself. I have to stop Haha-ue without fail. As the princess of the New Kingdom, as the daughter who love that person, I have the responsibility to do so.¡¹

    Everyone silently looked down hearing Lisha¡¯s determination.

    It was a choice that was hard to choose, but there was no other way than that.

    Even Aeril who had the knowledge as a Lord and knew in detail about the Ruins and Sacred Eclipse more than anyone couldn¡¯t tell anything to Lisha after all.

    ¡¸Do we know about the Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤her majesty Queen Raffi¡¯s location?¡¹

    ¡¸I think she might be in the north of the lake where we confirmed the rule of this battle at the beginning. I have confirmed it using Radar but, that place is the point where the reactions from Abysses were cut off.¡¹

    Airi answered Celis¡¯s question.

    Airi still couldn¡¯t handle Drag-Ride to act as a key combatant, but it seemed she was already fully capable to take the role of managing information.

    ¡¸The position where the Center is hidden huh, is it a coincidence¡­¡­. No, perhaps she also knows. That that place is the place that will become the starting point where the switch of world revision is pushed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    They thought that the ego of Raffi who rampaged and attacked both ally and enemy in the Ancient Forest was already absorbed by Sacred Eclipse and it was lost.

    Even so, it felt like she was predicting the objective of Lux and others instinctually even now.

    ¡¸The problem is whether to to avoid her majesty and head to the Center first or not. What do you think about that Nii-san, Aeril-san?¡¹

    Airi suggested a choice.

    In order to investigate the weak point of Uroboros that Fugil controlled, they heard a story from memory recording of Arshalia in an Avalon¡¯s facility called Archive.

    Now that Archive was destroyed due to El Fajura¡¯s obstruction, they could only hear about the story¡¯s continuation at the Center.

    But, in the end they still couldn¡¯t obtain any helpful information.

    There was also no positive proof that they could obtain.

    Perhaps they might only invite the risk of breaking up their battle strength by getting fixated in the memory recording¡¯s information.

    Although the members in this place had taken rest, they were still far away from being in perfect condition.

    Either way, in order to stop the world destruction, they had to connect with the Center¡¯s system and gave the order to stop the operation of Sacred Eclipse.

    However, Raffi who was controlling the system of Avalon at present was fusing completely with Sacred Eclipse itself.

    In any case, the process of waiting for Raffi herself collapsing first or defeating her by themselves became necessary.

    ¡¸Then, there ain¡¯t any way except defeating the queen first ain¡¯t it?¡¹

    ¡¸Agreed. In our current condition we¡¯ll only get defeated if we split our force.¡¹

    The Seven Dragon Paladins of other countries, Greyfer and Mel expressed an extremely logical opinion.

    However, there was hesitation inside Lux.

    (I have resolved to defeat her majesty Queen Raffi. But©¤©¤)

    Inside Lux there wasn¡¯t just the thought of escaping the danger before them, but also his objective ahead of it.

    But, should he ask everyone to accompany him until that far?

    While Lux was worrying about that.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Lux, you decide it. What should we do, you¡¯re the one who grasp the circumstance of the battle this time more than anyone.¡¹

    Urged by Lisha, Lux took a deep breath.

    There was no time.

    If Raffi rampaged and headed to the New Kingdom, an endless slaughter would start.

    And then, Lux also had to tell them his other wish©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Everyone, will you hear me out? About my thinking, my wish.¡¹

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Airi, the Triad, the people from the Academy.

    Greyfer, Mel, Rosa, Soffice, the cooperators from Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Alma and Aeril who worked as Azure Division members. Lux looked around at all of them and talked.

    Everyone who in the past had different objective and way of thinking, everyone whose perception was rewritten by world revision, they became united like this. Even just that fact was a miracle.

    Lux decided to believe in that miracle.

    ¡¸There isn¡¯t any need to ask that at this point. After all everyone here believe and idolize Lux-samaa.¡¹

    ¡¸The meaning of ¡ºidolize¡»might be a little different in your case though¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa looked up at Lux with passionate and intoxicated gaze. Soffice retorted beside her.

    Lux made a conflicted wry smile while talking about the last mission.

    About combining the power of everyone here and saved the world.

    .

    Inside the scenery that was starting to snow hard, a single Drag-Ride was advancing slowly through the Ancient Forest.

    After confirming that this war had been settled, three people started moving.

    There was one person each on both shoulders of the four legged Drag-Ride Drake. They were traveling in such way.

    ¡¸Fuu¡­¡­. It¡¯s freezing as expected. Even though I¡¯m wearing this stupidly expensive fur coat.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, please wait quietly in the hideout.¡¹

    ¡¸Sorry, I¡¯m making you braving danger like this. I always give you trouble.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean. It doesn¡¯t matter what happen to me. I¡¯m concerned about your health, Magialca-sama.¡¹

    The young man wearing pilot suit and piloting the Drake that he was equipping let out a sigh with expression that had resignation mixed in.

    Magialca learned from her subordinate¡¯s report several hours ago that the battle had ended. She then asked her aide Lolotte that he wanted to ascertain this battle with her own eyes.

    Of course, because Magialca couldn¡¯t equip Drag-Ride with her current state, she came here really just to watch, but with his master¡¯s usual whimsical conduct, it went without saying that Lolotte put several times more effort than usual to stop her.

    Even so, Lolotte was unable to refuse her because he was greatly in the debt to her his master.

    Magialca who was greedy for money and taking the style of the strong eating the weak purchased Lolotte who was the son of parents who failed in their business and committed suicide.

    However, Magialca never did anything cruel to Lolotte and only developed his strong point and granted him a purpose of life by being her secretary.

    Magialca also supported several other young men with childish look that was to her preference, but they were people who she saved from misfortune due to various circumstances. And she also didn¡¯t force them to become hers by pushing debt of gratitude to them.

    She was frank, whimsical, and selfish, but she was also bright, strong, and tough. Lolotte loved his master who was like that more than anyone, but exactly because of that he didn¡¯t want to deliberately send her to a battlefield.

    It was unknown whether Magialca knew that feeling of Lolotte but, with a suggestive smile she,

    ¡¸Yoruka. You too say something to him. My ears are unbearably itchy from all the preaching.¡¹

    ¡¸Me, telling him?¡¹

    The girl in pilot suit riding on the left shoulder of the Drake that Lolotte was piloting tilted her head with a puzzled smile.

    She too also had used up her strength and collapsed until now, but when Magialca invited her before she departed, she readily consented accompanying them.

    Lolotte got the feeling that asking about common sense to this girl who possessed a unique way of thinking was a mistake in itself, but he was slightly curious about her reaction.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s see. I believe that what the aide-san is saying is quite right.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸What?¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s answer that was said smoothly made both Lolotte and Magialca to open their eyes wide in surprise.

    They never even imagined that she would agree with Lolotte¡¯s argument.

    Because if it was Yoruka, they thought that she would answer she had no hesitation at all to brave any danger if it was for the sake of accomplishing her lord¡¯s objective.

    ¡¸Is this perhaps, a human heart is blooming inside of her thanks to Lux¡­¡­?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. I¡¯m surprised¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Or perhaps, it¡¯s an after-effect from her fight against Automata before this¡­¡­¡¹

    In respond to Yoruka who was making a proper statement, Magialca and Lolotte were nonchalantly saying horrible things but©¤©¤, Yoruka herself only treated their conversation as a random breeze.

    ¡¸That¡¯s right isn¡¯t it? Deliberately heading toward danger at this kind of time is just©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No, that¡¯s not what I mean.¡¹

    Yoruka lightly denied Lolotte¡¯s agreeing remark.

    ¡¸Eh, then, you mean about the part of me saying that it doesn¡¯t matter what happen to me, but I want Magialca-sama to be safe©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s also not it.¡¹

    Yoruka kept sporting a refreshing smile while once more denying Lolotte¡¯s statement smoothly.

    And then, she gave her answer before she was asked.

    ¡¸Those two answers should be one. It¡¯s our duty to protect our lord¡¯s safety, but granting them their wish is also our duty. It¡¯ll be to my satisfaction if I¡¯m used for that.¡¹

    ¡¸So this is what people called to fall in love is to lose. Hahaha, you¡¯re really easy to understand.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Seeing Magialca agreeing with an indecent smile, Lolotte sighed in exasperation.

    However, she was right.

    It was just exactly like Yoruka and Magialca said.

    It wasn¡¯t because of obligation like contract. To be devoted to one¡¯s lord was something like that.

    In the first place, people tended to think of Magialca as an eccentric character from a glance, but she was a woman who liked rational decision.

    Surely she had her reason to personally come this far when she couldn¡¯t even move properly.

    That was what Lolotte thought. It was then,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yoruka-san!? There is Abyss¡¯s response!¡¹

    ¡¸I understand.¡¹

    Lolotte saw the radar¡¯s reaction and raised his voice.

    He didn¡¯t even need to ask Yoruka who was riding on the Drake¡¯s left shoulder, she jumped down on the snow-covered ground and deployed her Divine Drag-Ride.

    Although the battle on the whole had ended, this Ancient Forest had been turned into battlefield.

    It wouldn¡¯t be strange for some Abyss to appear here.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why, is she here?¡¹

    Lolotte was speechless when he saw the shadow that appeared ahead of his gaze.

    A figure wearing an extravagant dress with a part of her front hair changing into silver color.

    Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤Queen Raffi was there.

    .

    On the other hand, at the campsite that was making use of the site of the destroyed Shelter, Lux was finishing their preparatory meeteing.

    The plant that Lux suggested was to seize the Center as expected.

    He along with Aeril and Lisha would enter inside the Center and used the recording medium they obtained in the Garden to activate the artificial intelligence of Arshalia.

    On top of that they would search for Uroboros¡¯s weak point with the objective of stopping it from functioning.

    ¡¸However, I can¡¯t comprehend it. Putting aside Queen Raffi who is losing her ego, it¡¯s unexpected that Fugil would leave this place so easily.¡¹

    Airi wearing a pilot suit muttered doubtfully while sitting opposite of Lux.

    Although setting the Grand Force in the Garden was an indispensable requirement to perform the world revision, but doing it in that way certainly felt too careless.

    But, Lux somehow got an idea about the reason of it.

    Not only the Automata Arshalia was staying behind, surely Fugil wanted Lux and Raffi to fight till the end.

    Fugil¡¯s objective in the end was to watch over where the path that human chose was heading to after all.

    ¡¸But, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that right now is the chance of a lifetime. Even those who has recover somewhat so they can move their body need to take part.¡¹

    Celis too also continued the talk like that.

    The main group that would head to the Center consisted of Lux, Lisha, Celis, Philuffy, and Aeril.

    The remaining members would be entrusted to maintain their temporary base the Shelter with Airi taking the lead.

    In addition, Soffice and Rosa, and also Alma, Airi, and the Triad had recovered until the point where they could barely handle using Drag-Ride, but they couldn¡¯t really be counted as fighting strength.

    The members whose names weren¡¯t mentioned were naturally would stay behind under the protection of the latter group.

    Because of that the ability to detect the enemy¡¯s approach without overlooking anything and cutting open a path would be indispensable.

    ¡¸Then, we¡¯re going. I¡¯ll leave this place to you, Alma.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Be careful, Onee-sama.¡¹

    After the sisters exchanged a short talk, Lux and others departed toward the Center.

    But, when Airi who remained behind operated her Drake and checked the radar, she spontaneously gasped in shock.

    ¡ºThis is¡­¡­, Abysses are appearing around us. Be careful, Nii-san©¤©¤!¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­-!?¡»

    ¡ºWhat is the meaning of this? The Abysses in this area had been absorbed by the Sacred Eclipse hadn¡¯t it?¡»

    Tension ran through the group of Lux and others after receiving the Dragon Voice from Airi.

    ¡ºNo, if they were absorbed, then it should be possible for Sacred Eclipse to give birth to them back. Most likely the Sacred Eclipse carefully selected several Abysses with ability that suited this situation and created them but©¤©¤¡»

    Lux hesitated hearing what Aeril pointed out.

    He wondered whether it would be alright to leave the other group like this.

    ¡ºLux-chi, you go ahead! The enemy¡¯s number isn¡¯t many, we¡¯ll take care of this pla©¤©¤¡­¡­-!¡»

    Right after Tllfur cut in and urged him like that, she caught her breath.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s, impossible!¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤How, can this be!¡»

    Both Sharis and Noct leaked out stiff voice.

    Raffi appeared in the campsite right after Lux¡¯s group headed to the Center.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, the main body¡¯s clone!? It was already created?¡¹

    Alma readied her weapon in bewilderment.

    In contrast the girl smiled with a fearless gaze.

    .

    ¡¸Raffi. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible but don¡¯t tell me, you¡¯re©¤©¤. Still maintaining your ego?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The main body of Raffi that was standing in front of the large tree where the Center was sleeping underground didn¡¯t answer.

    But, she was already witnessing the girl¡¯s plan just now. How she stretched out root made from flesh from her body and created Abyss.

    She chose the tactic for getting rid of Lux¡¯s group that was heading here with certainty and carried it out.

    ¡¸I see. So this means that your battle as a king is continuing? Then, I¡¯ll have to ascertain it with my own eyes.¡¹

    Automata Arshalia was focusing on her role to observe this battle just like Fugil ordered her to.

    This was the last trap that was set up by Raffi¡¯s remaining consciousness that was already mostly gone.

    Would Lux be able to slip through it?

    This was the last exchange of tactic where his qualification as king was questioned.

    .

    Lux, Lisha, Philuffy, Celis, and Aeril, the five of them listened to the Dragon Voice that was sent by the Triad at the rear and felt shakened.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. This is bad! If we don¡¯t return quickly, Airi-chan will©¤©¤. Queen Raffi came directly to our base.¡¹

    Aeril who was flying wearing Zahhak urged Lux like that in panic.

    Lux too was driven with the impulse to immediately get back, but he endured that feeling with effort.

    ¡ºAiri, where did that Queen Raffi come from? North or south?¡»

    ¡ºNii-san! Rather than asking that, give us the instruction to deal©¤©¤¡»

    Lux immediately asked that to his little sister, but Airi was losing her cool.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s why, I¡¯m asking this to deal with the situation. If she came from the north then we will turn back. If she came from the south, remember that the Drake¡¯s radar didn¡¯t detect her before this.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­!?¡»

    Hearing Lux¡¯s voice, Airi recovered her composure.

    Several seconds later, she understood the intention of Lux who saw through Raffi¡¯s plan.

    ¡ºNii-san. It¡¯s alright. We©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºThank you. Be careful.¡»

    They only exchanged those words, then Lux cut off the Dragon Voice communication.

    ¡¸Lux, is that alright!? If we don¡¯t head to save the little sister and others©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha asked in panic, in respond Lux nodded briefly.

    ¡¸Yes. The queen who headed to the Shelter¡¯s site is©¤©¤an impostor Shadow.¡¹

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤So it¡¯s something like that.¡¹

    At the campsite where the remaining members were on standby.

    Sharis who wore EX Wyvern and stood vigilant toward the surrounding spontaneously groaned hearing Airi¡¯s instruction.

    The Raffi they caught sight just now immediately retreated and into the forest.

    But, her reaction was still showing in the radar.

    It was hard to see her with their naked eyes, but Raffi wasn¡¯t far away from them.

    However.

    ¡¸An impostor¡­¡­Shadow, she used an Abyss with mimicry ability, is it? I understand.¡¹

    Noct who was also wearing EX Drake also pondered Airi¡¯s words and understood it.

    Queen Raffi just now was an imposter for diversion.

    ¡¸I still don¡¯t understand it though. At present there are several Abysses attacking over here after all!¡¹

    ¡¸Me too! Just what in the world is going on!? How can you assert that Sacred Eclipse is an imposter??¡¹

    Tillfur and Alma questioned. Airi sighed in exasperation at them.

    ¡¸It¡¯s the problem of the direction where the Sacred Eclipse just now appeared from. Lux¡¯s group headed north from here. There was no reaction of Abyss coming from the north until now.¡¹

    In Airi¡¯s place, Soffice who wasn¡¯t wearing Drag-Ride and resting spoke her answer in monotone.

    ¡¸We were focusing on the Centeer. That means©¤©¤if it came from the north, then there was a possibility that the radar detection until now would suddenly notify us of her existence.¡¹

    Airi also nodded at Rosa¡¯s explanation.

    ¡¸The enemy came from the south©¤©¤. In other words, she came from behind us. That means she purposefully took a detour so that we wouldn¡¯t detect her approach. She purposefully did such thing because she had a reason that she didn¡¯t want to get found until she was right before us.¡¹

    ¡¸She want to confuse us and divide the combat force heading to the Center. Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤Raffi¡¯s tactic is something like that.¡¹

    Mel concluded like that at the end. Then from the south low grade Abysses started to appear bit by bit and advanced here.

    ¡¸But, Raffi already lost her ego right? Does she still have enough remaining intelligence to carry out such plan?¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps, it¡¯s something like an instinct. Her majesty should be conscious of Lux-kun by quiet a lot.¡¹

    Krulcifer responded like that to Greyfer¡¯s murmur.

    No voice was raised to deny that opinion.

    Burying the bud of the country¡¯s rebellion element without anyone noticing.

    The resolve as a statesman that didn¡¯t care about the method.

    At this occasion, Raffi was forming her plan with her mind focused completely to Lux.

    Even after her ego was taken over by Sacred Eclipse, her rational thought had been permeating into her body.

    However.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    If they agreed with Krulcifer¡¯s conjecture, anyone would be able to imagine what lied ahead of this, but no one could say it out loud.

    If Raffi still had the instinct that could form such a plan, then could it be she was also preparing other plan too?

    And then, perhaps she had also prepared it? The clones of Sacred Eclipse that shouldn¡¯t be able to be created by a lot.

    Just now Lux declared that ¡ºno great danger was approaching Airi¡¯s group¡».

    However if in the worst case, Raffi¡¯s following plan was attacking them, then this time the members here wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid a certain annihilation wouldn¡¯t it?

    Everyone sensed that but they stayed quiet without mentioning it.

    Gradually, the shadows of Abysses at the surrounding were approaching. They mustered their courage while feeling scared.

    .

    Lux¡¯s group headed to the Center in a straight line.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux, Lisha, Celis, Philuffy, and Aeril too©¤©¤no one was saying even a word.

    They understood that the next time they encountered something, the battle against Raffi would begin.

    ¡¸Haha-ue¡­¡­¡¹

    A word toward Raffi naturally slipped out from Lisha and she faltered with her words.

    The Sacred Eclipse was already starting to rampage.

    She had to stop it. She was feeling that responsibility more than anyone else.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama. I have no intention to make you shoulder this by yourself. I and also everyone are with you.¡¹

    Lux flew right beside the princess who was shivering in fear while giving her a push on the back with his words.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yeah, thank you.¡¹

    Those were just some causal words but, it was a medicine that was the most calming for Lisha right now.

    ¡¸Just a bit more. It¡¯s just around 100 ml until we come out at the place where the Center is located underground!¡¹

    When Aeril told everyone that, they braced themselves.

    They knew that there was reaction of Abyss at this direction, but there wasn¡¯t any user of special equipment Drag-Ride who could use radar in their group right now. So they couldn¡¯t grasp the situation.

    Before long they would get out of the dense forest.

    They could only grasp the situation the instant they could see clearly and moved into action from there.

    ¡¸The forest will end soon, prepare yourself!¡¹

    Everyone nodded at Lisha¡¯s words and strengthened their vigilance, right after that.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    An abnormal sight that blew away their resolve until now leaped into their sight.

    Someone soaked with blood was bending on the ground of the site of crumbling shrine. It was Raffi.

    And then, the one stabbing her with a Sword Device was Fugil Arcadia.

    Everyone¡¯s thought stopped for a few moment.

    Was Raffi also got dealt with by Fugil just like how he killed the Lord Listelka?

    Should they help her?

    The instant their decided action¡¯s objective was shaken and they entered a confused state.

    A rustling sound came from the bush behind them.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!? That¡¯s a fake! Be careful at behind us!¡¹

    The same like the trick that Lux saw through before this, this was the Abyss called Shadow that had the ability to mimic human.

    That Abyss was created and positioned beforehand to create a copy of Fugil and Raffi themselves.

    They were made to focus at the sight before them so they would be taken by surprise.

    As though to prove that, a young Raffi wearing dress appeared from behind.

    She sported a faint smile and leaped with her hand lunging at Lux like a sword. Lux reflexively swung his great sword in that moment.

    *Zaguu-¡­¡­!*

    ¡¸Wha¡­¡­!?¡¹

    The humanoid Ragnarok Sacred Eclipse possessed a terrifying endurance.

    Lux swung an attack filled with the strength to go through that. But the opponent¡¯s torso was easily bisected that Lux got bewildered instead.

    ¡¸To think that you will get tricked that easily. Even a figurehead queen like me has grown a lot.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Wrong.

    The Raffi that appeared from behind Lux and others was the impostor Shadow.

    That Fugil was also an imposter, but the Raffi that was stabbed onto the ground was the real one.

    Because he noticed that his focus was concentrated to the main body of Sacred Eclipse. Because of that he fell into a trap.

    Her sweet whisper invaded his brain. His consciousness was dimmed and blown away.

    ¡¸This is bad¡­¡­! She is, using, archdemon Iblis¡¯s mental pollution!¡¹

    It was already too late when Aeril grasped the situation.

    Raffi acted the strange situation not for tricking and taking Lux¡¯s group by surprise, but to attract their attention.

    What waited after that was the power of Ragnarok that performed mental pollution through the five senses.

    The ability of the strongest Sacred Eclipse was the control of the strength of all seven Ragnarok.

    (The ego of Queen Raffi is returning. Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤!)

    ¡¸That¡¯s right Lux.¡¹

    A sweet and kind voice, Raffi¡¯s whisper invaded into the brain and led him astray.

    Sacred Eclipse devoured humans, integrated their consciousness, and rampaged. It was progressing to a rampaging state.

    But, it was Raffi¡¯s act to make them think that she was losing even her rational thinking.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll have you return her. I can¡¯t entrust my daughter, Lisha to you.¡¹

    A poisonous dark smile appeared on the face of blood soaked Raffi who was standing up.

    Lisha was a person who understood her, her daughter that was her reason of living.

    Raffi who noticed that her daughter was taken away from her was showing hatred and anger.

    Or perhaps it was the emotion called love.

    ¡¸Damn, it¡­¡­it¡¯s already¡¹

    The minds of Aeril, Celis, and also Lisha were polluted. Their consciousness was getting distant.

    Philuffy was the only one resisting that attack.

    ¡¸How unexpected©¤©¤. You are the only one on guard from paying attention to me and closed your eyes beforehand. Is your ear also not listening? Is that too a power of Abyss?¡¹

    ¡¸It already vanished, queen-sama. The Abyss inside me dissolved into my body.¡¹

    The power of body strengthening that Philuffy obtained from Baptism.

    By using the power to control her own flesh body, she controlled the seed of Ragnarok that fused with a part of her body and dissolved it.

    Therefore, the current Philuffy couldn¡¯t do Abyss transformation.

    However©¤©¤the strength that she possessed wasn¡¯t lost.

    ¡¸Is that so. You too were also placed in a harsh destiny. But, in the end you were someone who were saved. You aren¡¯t like me, someone who wasn¡¯t saved.¡¹

    ¡¸You too, were saved. You only didn¡¯t notice and ran away.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Philuffy wasn¡¯t shaken even against Raffi¡¯s provocation and replied right away.

    In order to escape from Iblis¡¯s mental pollution, Philuffy consciously controlled her body and closed her sense of hearing and smell.

    She decreased her sight until the necessary minimum and watched Raffi¡¯s lips only to comprehend what she said.

    ¡¸I thought that you would be able to understand me. The bitterness of being able to do nothing except shouldering your sin by yourself©¤©¤¡¹

    The main body of Raffi that fused with Sacred Eclipse, the girl in dress was slowly walking near.

    Philuffy moved her gaze to Raffi¡¯s shadow, predicted her movement and skated.

    *Gou-!*

    Typhon smashed through the wall of air and skated with explosive speed.

    She fired Howling Roar before started running to hold Raffi back.

    She fired Pile Anchor from both her shoulders right after that toward Raffi.

    ©¤©¤But, in that instant, Raffi¡¯s figure vanished from in front of her.

    When Philuffy opened her eyes slightly in surprise, Raffi was circling to her back.

    Not toward Philuffy¡¯s back, but to Lux who was standing still at the rear.

    Instant teleportation that leaped through space.

    Using the ability of Ragnarok, Deus ex Machina, Raffi switched from defense to offense.

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s enviable isn¡¯t it. A hero like him, a great man like my big brother. I©¤©¤can¡¯t become like them. I had no way of protecting this country except by transforming this body into monster.¡¹

    Raffi made the tips of her nails glinted and swung her hand like a sword. She aimed at the throat of Lux who was wearing Bahamut and swung down to lop his head off.

    Right before that, Philuffy fired Pile Anchor from her elbow.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, so you plan to stop me or move Lux away? But, it¡¯s too slow.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Because Philuffy herself ran forward with all her power, when she fired her wire to behind, the distance was getting farther away as much as she moved and it wouldn¡¯t reach.

    Therefore, Raffi said that even if she got hit by Philuffy¡¯s attack, she would prioritize killing Lux even then.

    ¡¸Lu, chan¡­¡­!¡¹

    At that time when Philuffy raised a sorrowful voice, Raffi¡¯s hand was swung down.

    She tried to reap Lux¡¯s life with the body of Ragnarok that would tear apart even mithryldite armor easily. In that instant.

    *Zari¡­¡­!*

    Raffi¡¯s sword hand tore apart only Bahamut¡¯s barrier and slashed empty air.

    At the very last second, the finger nails only grazed the neck and Lux dodged the attack by shifting his body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Uu!¡¹

    ¡¸HAAAAAAH!¡¹

    The hollow expression vanished and Lux¡¯s eyes snapped wide open. He twisted his Drag-Ride to half rotate while landing a horizontal slash on Raffi¡¯s back with his great sword.

    Hit by a force that would sever the average Abyss or armor, she was blown away while crashing through several trees.

    ¡¸Haa, haa¡­¡­! Thank you, Phi-chan!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m glad¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux managed to narrowly escaped death when there was only less than a second left.

    Red blood tricked slowly from the skin of his scratched neck.

    ¡¸U, I, am¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What, happened¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸I, what in the world©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis, Lisha, and then Aeril were waking up from the influence of the mind pollution.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, so the Howling Howl that looked like it was to hold me back was actually to cut off the sound from me. In order to release the other people from the mental pollution.¡¹

    Raffi who noticed the intention of Philuffy¡¯s action spoke out from the other side of the dense trees.

    In other words the trick was something like that.

    Just like in the battle against Iblis, if someone received Baptism, they would be able to resist the mental pollution to some degree.

    And so, Raffi made the mental pollution to succeed by taking them in surprise.

    The sound, light, touch, smell that she emitted.

    The important pollution component that was carried out through the five senses was severed by the sonic wave of Howling Roar.

    Because of that, Lux and others who had received Baptism were able to recover their consciousness.

    (However, that was dangerous. If I was late just for an instant, I would have died¡­¡­!)

    He once more keenly felt the dreadfulness of a complete Sacred Eclipse.

    Guessing from Listelka¡¯s words, there was no one who was able to defeat Sacred Eclipse at this state.

    But, if they didn¡¯t defeat it, the remaining survivors from both camps in this place would also get killed.

    Including Lux¡¯s comrades too.

    Then©¤©¤there was no other choice than winning.

    He could only exert all his strength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤fu¡¹

    Raffi in her young girl form smiled as though she had seen through the determination of Lux who was facing her.

    ¡¸How astonishing. To believe that you can oppose me after merely dodging the ability of Iblis alone.¡¹

    A pair of wings clad in flame stretched out from Raffi¡¯s back.

    She flew sharply using only her body and fired feathers of flame like arrows.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s the flame ability of Ragnarok Phoenix!¡¹

    Aeril muttered, at the same time flame arrows poured down like a heavy rain.

    The feathers that were burning using special oil wouldn¡¯t vanish even if they were fired into armor.

    If their flesh body was stabbed then that would be a serious affair.

    In addition it also became a barrier for Raffi herself. It would be extremely hard for them to switch into offense.

    ¡¸Haha-ue©¤©¤please stop! You are being controlled by Sacred Eclipse!¡¹

    Her stepdaughter Lisha dodged the attack while speaking to persuade Raffi.

    But, Raffi was curt toward that.

    She only turned her red eyes that were clouded black toward Lisha.

    ¡¸Lisha, it¡¯s you who are being tricked. By Lux Arcadia who is turning his blade toward the New Kingdom. There is no way I can entrust you to him. I¡¯m the only one who can guide you as a princess.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s expression twisted from the words of Raffi who was completely dyed with dark thought.

    While the rain of fire feathers that were pouring endlessly were obstructing almost everyone including Lux, a domain of light was expanding from a single point.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Divine Gate!¡¹

    The Divine Raiment of Lindwurm that Celis was wearing was deployed. She teleported instantly behind Raffi.

    But, it seemed Raffi had predicted even that. Giant wings that were clad in flame blocked Celis and attacked her.

    ¡¸I have also predicted that you will counterattack like that.¡¹

    Celis lunged using Lightning Lance in godspeed after seeing Raffi¡¯s counterattacking motion.

    She didn¡¯t intercept the flame wings. She intentionally didn¡¯t neutralize that attack by twisting her body and stabbed the tip of the assault spear into Raffi¡¯s back.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gi, AAAaAa!¡¹

    Raffi whose back was stabbed writhed in agony. The flame wings were erased.

    The super reaction speed that Celis obtained from Baptism.

    Raffi was hit fully by her attack, but Celis who landed the attack was receiving shock inside her heart.

    (©¤©¤Lightning Flash, doesn¡¯t pierce through!)

    She almost misunderstood because Raffi¡¯s outer appearance was a human girl, but her flesh was abnormally hard. Let alone a normal Abyss, her flesh could be compared with a Ragnarok.

    The feedback was like she just hit several hundred Abysses that were compressed into one.

    She aimed her attack at the core, but her lance only pierced through the skin before stopping.

    (But, if it¡¯s now when she is fully hit by the electricity!)

    Whether they were living organism or machine, their movement could be temporarily sealed with this attack.

    Then there was no doubt that right now was a good chance.

    Thinking that Celis tried to land even more lightning attack. But in that instant©¤©¤!

    ¡¸Celis! Get away from Haha-ue!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    She noticed that the tip of Lightning Lance that stabbed Raffi was freezing.

    She was covered with armor of ice using the freezing ability of Ragnarok Fenrir the moment she was stabbed.

    ¡¸How impolite for a mere daughter of the four great nobles.¡¹

    With a fierce glare Raffi formed a wicked smile and struck Lindwurm¡¯s armor by swinging her arm behind.

    Just with that, Celis¡¯s barrier was penetrated and a part of her armor was broken. She was blown away.

    ¡¸Uh, ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai!¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s counterattack was something light that was done hastily, but it was filled with the power of a preposterous mass.

    It wasn¡¯t far different from the sure kill attack that was launched by other gigantic Ragnarok.

    ©¤©¤No, her power easily surpassed that.

    Lux considered saving Celis who was sent flying in the air, but Aeril beside him stopped him.

    ¡¸Lux-kun! There isn¡¯t any time to cover for her! If we falling behind against that Sacred Eclipse, we¡¯ll be killed in turn!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux was feeling that danger on his skin even without Aeril telling him that.

    Even when he aimed at the opening from Raffi attacking Celis and slashed using his great sword from her back, that attack was repelled lightly.

    ¡¸Wha-!?¡¹

    A thick spherical armor of ice.

    The protection wall that was created using Fenrir¡¯s ability froze the surface of the great sword just from an instant of contact.

    If his Drag-Ride touched it directly, his whole body would be frozen completely in just several seconds.

    It was a power that made him felt that much threat.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama, long range attack!¡¹

    ¡¸I get it!¡¹

    But, the formation of ice armor was the proof that her movement became dull.

    Lisha instantly judged that and fired a bombardment with Seven Heads.

    ©¤©¤But, Raffi¡¯s figure was erased the moment it hit.

    ¡¸First is you, Lord. Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment that caused forgetfulness is troublesome after all. Before you use it©¤©¤I¡¯ll finish you off.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Aeril who was approached by Raffi immediately tried to escape by leaping behind.

    The Breath Whip that she had was a mid-range weapon, so it was hard for her to immediately counterattack, that was why she retreated but©¤©¤.

    That too was within Raffi¡¯s expectation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yggdrasil.¡¹

    Several sharp plant roots extended out like spear from the tip of Raffi¡¯s hand toward Aeril.

    Aeril couldn¡¯t completely avoid the roots that spread out to radiating direction and she became a victim of the spears.

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    She twisted her flank at the last second and avoided getting pierced through, but her hands and legs were pierced.

    It already became difficult for her to fight just from the intense pain.

    ¡¸Aeril!¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun, now¡­¡­!¡¹

    Aeril gasped in pain, at the same time she dispelled Zahhak¡¯s armor.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Instantly, Lux who was in a distance attacked Raffi fiercely with a speed that the eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire? Since when¡­¡­. I see.¡¹

    It was painful that Aeril got defeated, but Lux somehow made it in time with activating his Divine Raiment.

    No, in a sense it was the ideal situation.

    Using Zahhak¡¯s Divine Raiment Brain Hack that stole the designated memory information from the target, until now Raffi was made to forget that Lux was activating his Divine Raiment several seconds ago.

    The current Raffi wasn¡¯t on her guard against receiving attack from Lux who was at a distance.

    Lux didn¡¯t let go of that opening. He accelerated and End Action was driven into her body.

    ©¤©¤*DO-! DODODODODODO!*

    The consecutive sure kill slashes that didn¡¯t pause even for an instant were attacking with a speed that eye couldn¡¯t follow.

    Raffi had the power of endless regeneration from Ragnarok Poseidon.

    As long as she had life force remaining, she would recover fully in just several seconds. To smash through that undying body, he could only cut her with speed and destructive power that surpassed that recovery ability.

    He planned it beforehand with Aeril using Dragon Voice and chose this teamwork quickly while taking into consideration the possibility of their defeat.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAaAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    And then, the current Lux was compressing his concentration using Baptism and it became possible to use his Divine Raiment and secret technique at the same time.

    That absurdly powerful attack broke through Raffi¡¯s unbelievably hard skin, tore her apart, and smashed her bone.

    From outside it was the gruesome sight of someone carving apart a living thing with the appearance of human. Lisha almost averted her gaze from it but she somehow endured.

    (I can¡¯t avert my gaze. I have to back up Lux! I can feel the pain later!)

    Lux¡¯s consecutive slashes that attacked like a heavy rain had numbered more than several hundred just in a few seconds, but the moment it ended would soon arrive.

    In the case that Sacred Eclipse¡¯s core couldn¡¯t be destroyed even then, she could only finish her off using the combo of Suppressor and Seven Heads.

    Lisha took a stance to await for the chance.

    Philuffy also skated in her Typhon behind Lux in preparation to back him up.

    And then, the tip of Chaos brand that Lux wielded finally exposed the core of Sacred Eclipse.

    The super accelerated time of Reload on Fire was already passing, but Raffi was still breathing.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lu, x¡­¡­help¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s flesh was torn up and her body was in tatter. Her faint voice could be heard, but Lux gritted his teeth and resolved himself.

    He couldn¡¯t be carried away by his emotion.

    She was already transforming into a different existence from Raffi.

    If she wasn¡¯t defeated here, they wouldn¡¯t be able to win the next time.

    With that determination, he swung his great sword heartlessly.

    He had resolved himself from a long time ago. There was no hesitation in him after this far.

    Naturally, he was also keeping in mind of any kind of counterattack.

    While Raffi was receiving attack continuously like this, she should also be unable to use the attack reflection of Ragnarok Metatron.

    But,

    (©¤©¤And yet, what is this feeling¡­¡­?)

    The hands of Lux that were piloting Bahamut was receiving a strange feedback.

    Even though it was through his Drag-Ride, he got the feeling that he was cutting apart a flesh body with his own hand.

    The dress burst open. Raffi¡¯s body that was torn apart under it was blackening like a Nocturnal.

    The two eyes that glinted red were mocking Lux.

    ¡¸In the end©¤©¤you won¡¯t save me. You will only save those who bring benefit for yourself.¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s mouth wasn¡¯t letting out any voice.

    But, her thought resounded directly in his brain.

    Even so Lux didn¡¯t stop his hand, he should continue slashing his sword until the moment he ran out of his strength, until the core was destroyed.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It was splendid, Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    Suddenly Raffi whose whole body was dyed jet black looked at Lux and smiled.

    When he noticed, the attacks of End Action were dodged and the tip of his great sword was slashing empty air.

    Even though he didn¡¯t take off his eyes from her even for an instant, how?

    ¡¸You didn¡¯t hold back even for a bit. In order to not let Lisha take the role of defeating me. And then, in order to obtain this country, you resolved yourself to defeat me who fused with Sacred Eclipse and didn¡¯t hesitate.¡¹

    The voice of Raffi who was right near him sounded distant.

    Right after that, the thin arm that she swung pierced Bahamut¡¯s armor.

    *Gogu-!*

    ¡¸Gah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Lux wasn¡¯t quick enough to dodge and Raffi¡¯s fist hit directly.

    The reinforced barrier was easily broken through like paper. Bahamut was struck down with a single attack.

    ¡¸How can, this be!¡¹

    On the other hand, Aeril whose armor was dispelled and hid behind a rock roughly understood the battle situation and what happened to Lux.

    What made the counterattack toward Lux which they thought as impossible to be possible was the simultaneous use of three Ragnarok abilities.

    Raffi continued recovering using Poseidon¡¯s infinite regeneration while strengthening her body bit by bit using Yggdrasil¡¯s adaption strengthening ability.

    At the end, she used Iblis¡¯s mental pollution through sense of touch across Bahamut¡¯s great blade that was cutting her. Originally the effect was faint toward Lux who was focused and possessed the resistance from Baptism, but if it was through dozens of slashes throughout several seconds, the number would compensate for the thin effect.

    Of course, because Raffi couldn¡¯t concentrate to that ability, it took time, but Lux certainly lost focus for a moment and created a slight opening for Raffi to dodge.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, get a hold of yourself¡­¡­! If you¡¯re defeated, then©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril ran on the snowy forest ground with a desperate look toward Lux.

    But, Bahamut was already dispelled from the falling Lux.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤! Suppressor!¡¹

    Lisha who was awaiting for a chance instantly activated Tiamat¡¯s Divine Raiment toward Raffi.

    In the beginning she intended to follow after Lux¡¯s attack ended, but Raffi easily walked through the gravity field while receiving pressure that would have crushed normal person right away.

    ¡¸What? Impossible!?¡¹

    Raffi whose whole body was blackened was smiling peacefully.

    And then, she fixed her aim at Lisha and leaped through the gravity field.

    ¡¸©¤©¤AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!¡¹

    The ground that she kicked was smashed and sinking in round shape.

    Even under the pressure of several fold gravity, she closed in to Lisha who was hovering in the air with great speed.

    But, the instant she slipped through that gravity field, the tip of wire that looked like snake jaw snapped at Raffi¡¯s back.

    Philuffy who had rallied herself and lurked inside the forest moved into support.

    ¡¸Pile Anchor¡¹

    Raffi was pulled to below by the overwhelming power of land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

    The instant Lisha thought that, something absurd occurred.

    The wire winch that was wrapping around Raffi in high speed got pulled up by her instead toward the sky.

    *Gun-!* The frame of Typhon that boasted really heavy mass was pulled up to the air.

    When the distance with Philuffy who was reeled in by the wire shortened, Raffi raised up her fist.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop, Haha-ue!¡¹

    When Lisha yelled, the attack was already finished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Philuffy who was reeled up to the air with brute force was struck down to the ground with one attack.

    Finally Lisha became the only one who could fight at the present.

    She completely thought that Raffi would continue cornering them without mercy but, her expression suddenly turned gentle.

    She talked toward Lisha as though to chide her gently.

    ¡¸Lisha, I will forgive everything. About how you got tricked by Lux. Even I had experienced getting deceived by Waybra. I understand your feeling well.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Was her awareness of human still remaining, or perhaps her side as a mother was appearing strongly because she was facing Lisha? It was unknown which was the case but, anyway right now Raffi who should have lost her ego was miraculously holding up a conversation.

    ¡¸Haha-ue©¤©¤why are you doing something like this!? Erasing people¡¯s memory, slaughtering people in your way with no question asked. Is that really the form of the ideal new country that you are wishing for!?¡¹

    Raffi didn¡¯t answer Lisha¡¯s pained yell.

    She only kept smiling and expressed her own feeling.

    ¡¸You swore to protect the New Kingdom together with me. You understood me who was weak, lonely, and suffered more than anyone and stayed at my side. You idolized me who couldn¡¯t have a child of my own as your stepmother.¡¹

    A deep feeling, like the snow piling up on this Ancient Forest.

    Raffi put her feeling at the end of her words and stared at Lisha.

    ¡¸I was happy. I was reassured. With you becoming my daughter, my whole self was saved. Exactly because of that, I was scared that I can¡¯t protect you. The Sacred Eclipse choosing to reside in this body must be a miracle from that.¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, Haha-ue you©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, more than the fear of my sin exposed and I became reduced into nothing, I was more scared of losing the path where I can aim for the new ideal country together with you. That¡¯s why, I got rid of those who opposed me. Humans are foolish and weak after al. They fear losing what they have, the fear failure, they fear risking danger, they persecute and torment other. Like that they tried to steal the New Kingdom that I aimed for. That was why©¤©¤¡¹

    Her crimson eyes turned toward Lisha and Raffi continued.

    ¡¸©¤©¤For my sake, and also for your sake, all enemies in our way has to be destroyed. And then I will erase the people¡¯s memory. Like that, I and you will be able to become the ruler of a beautiful, ideal, and peaceful New Kingdom. We will never feel the fear of someone taking away anything from us anymore.¡¹

    ¡¸Haha-ue¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s face turned darkly depressed seeing the expression of Raffi talking in exaltation.

    ©¤©¤She was sad.

    Because Lisha who was in a position that was similar with Raffi understood her feeling to a painful degree.

    If, Lux didn¡¯t appear in front of Lisha.

    If, it became exposed how she turned traitor to the Old Empire.

    If she was unable to overturn that fate due to her powerlessness.

    She might be forced to let go of the worth of her life that she was finally able to obtain.

    She might lost sight of herself after obtaining the overwhelming power like Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s you, you must have realized already that it¡¯s impossible to defeat me aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Raffi intentionally received Lux¡¯s attacks on her body to strengthen her body to the limit using Yggdrasil¡¯s ability.

    She was already in the level that the opposition of Tiamat alone already wouldn¡¯t amount for much.

    Perhaps the chance of victory was already outrageously low.

    ¡¸Lisha, if you throw away your sword and surrender, if you don¡¯t get in my way until the next world revision succeed, I will overlook everyone in this place. You understand which is the correct decision for a princess who protect a country don¡¯t you?¡¹

    ¡¸I©¤©¤¡¹

    The more Lisha obtained the self-awareness as a princess of New Kingdom, the more she realized the difficulty of protecting the system.

    Including how the system couldn¡¯t be maintained without compromising or handing over something sometimes.

    But©¤©¤,

    ¡¸Haha-ue, I am your ally until the end.¡¹

    Raffi took Lisha¡¯s words as declaration of surrender and her smile deepened.

    However, the attack of Legion from all directions at the next moment made her eyes snapped wide open.

    *Gaun-!*

    The projectile weapons attacked Raffi, but the body that was strengthened by Yggdrasil wasn¡¯t scratched or shaken at all.

    But, she realized the truth that she was being opposed and shadow fell on her eyes.

    ¡¸Did you mistake your control? Or else, did I mishear your words just now?¡¹

    ¡¸Both aren¡¯t the case Haha-ue, I exchanged an oath with you! That when one of make a mistake, the other will notice that wrong, point it out, and stop it! I won¡¯t©¤©¤betray you! I swear I will stop you!¡¹

    Lisha activated Suppressor in full power once more and bound Raffi¡¯s movement even if only slightly.

    Seeing that, Lux recovered his strength and stood up.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, it¡¯s impossible. Don¡¯t be reckless!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s not reckless¡­¡­. If I don¡¯t go. I have to, protect Lisha-sama©¤©¤¡¹

    A despairingly dangerous situation.

    And yet, just from seeing the master he served, at Lisha¡¯s conduct, strength was welling up inside.

    It was different from when he was unable to tell her the truth and did a solitude fight.

    Right now, there was someone who was sharing Lux¡¯s will.

    There was someone who was walking together on the same path with him.

    Strength was welling up just from that.

    He grasped his Sword Device once more and calmed his breathing.

    He could still move.

    Besides, landing that many attacks on Sacred Eclipse wasn¡¯t pointless.

    No matter how much she strengthened her body with Yggdrasil¡¯s unlimited strengthening and also Poseidon¡¯s unlimited regeneration, the energy contained inside that body was limited.

    Together with Celis, Philuffy, Aeril, and Lisha.

    The five of them combining their strength together and facing the enemy wasn¡¯t pointless.

    That was why, Lux pushed aside Aeril who was holding him in her arms and smiled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I can, still fight. I can still go on, with my own will.¡¹

    Once more he compressed his concentration with the ability he obtained from Baptism, and scraped together his slightly remaining strength.

    Even if he mustered the strength of his whole body and spirit, one more attack was his limit.

    But, he had no hesitation in unleashing that attack.

    He was convinced that if it was him right now he would be able to do it.

    He summoned Bahamut once more and tightly grasped his Sword Device.

    Using tuning©¤©¤he tried to activate Over Limit that removed all the Drag-Ride limiters, but even his concentration right now was insufficient.

    But, a small sound came from behind at that time.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Legion!¡¹

    ¡¸Are you still going to struggle pointlessly? I¡¯m not so free that I can go along with you buying time you know?¡¹

    The Legion that Lisha fired were punched and destroyed by Raffi with her bare hand.

    All attack already wouldn¡¯t work to Raffi who was strengthened to the extreme limit.

    ¡¸Then what about this! Suppressor!¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s already meaningless Lisha. Your attack won¡¯t work. Be obedient for a whi©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A doubt formed on the face of Raffi who was rushing toward Lisha.

    Lisha didn¡¯t pressure her with gravity, she applied Suppressor to nullify the surrounding gravity.

    In her state that was already in midair, her movement was sealed because there was nothing that she could touch.

    Even so, there was no color of fear in Raffi¡¯s face.

    ¡¸Do you intend to seal me just with this?¡¹

    ¡¸No? I know that I can¡¯t win against the current Haha-ue.¡¹

    Lisha grinned fearlessly and pointed Seven Heads¡¯ muzzle toward Raffi.

    With her stamina, this would be her last attack. She would fire it in full power.

    ¡¸But, we won¡¯t lose! I¡¯ll leave the rest to you, Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Fuh, even if you do something like this©¤©¤¡¹

    *Vun* Raffi¡¯s figure vanished and instantly appeared behind Lisha.

    With Raffi¡¯s endurance, she would only get scratched even if she was hit directly, but if she was hit by the bombardment in the zero gravity area, then she would be blown far away to behind.

    Not wanting that, she immediately used teleportation and escaped the influence of the zero gravity, but.

    For an instant, Raffi who should have become the strongest immortal creature harbored fear due to a clear killing intent.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Even further behind Raff who moved behind Lisha, there was one Drag-Ride there that she didn¡¯t notice before.

    A girl assassin with glossy black hair and bottomless bewitching aura.

    The girl who was heavily wounded in the battle against Automata had returned and came until this far.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Kirihime, Yoruka? Since when, why?¡¹

    The girl who was the user of special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami shouldn¡¯t be able to come until this height that was more than ten ml above ground. That was what Raffi thought.

    No, strictly speaking she was able to use Yato no Kami¡¯s internal mechanism called KarafumiVoid Step to kick on the air and reached this height, but if she did that then Raffi should have detected it without fail due to the time Yoruka would need to reach this height.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. It¡¯s exactly like what you think.¡¹

    In an instant that didn¡¯t take even one second, Raffi felt like she heard Yoruka¡¯s words.

    The Suppressor from Lisha just now was a follow up after she detected Yoruka¡¯s movement.

    If the gravity in the area was lightened to the limit, with a single leap Yato no Kami could ascend until the height where Raffi was at.

    And then in order to block Raffi¡¯s sight and hide Yoruka¡¯s presence with a thunderous sound, Lisha poured her remaining power into her bombardment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤KokugekiInstant Strike¡¹

    A slahs of Yato no Kami attacked toward Sacred Eclipse¡¯s core from behind.

    Yoruka¡¯s unique sure kill sword technique that was unleashed at the moment the opponent¡¯s focus was cut off.

    But, Raffi whose whole body was already hardened to the very limit wasn¡¯t perturbed.

    Even after getting hit with a perfect attack, she was guaranteed to be unharmed.

    ¡¸How many times I have to say it before you understand? No matter how many the like of all of you gathered, the power of Sacred Eclipse is©¤©¤unbeatable!¡¹

    Right after she was hit, Raffi extended both her arms to left and right in counterattack.

    The simultaneous attacks by Yggdrasil¡¯s roots were directed toward Lisha and Yoruka.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Yggdrasils¡¯s roots bended like whip and dealt a precise blow on the Force Core installed inside the shoulder of the Drag-Ride they wore.

    Right after that, the power output of the Divine Drag-Ride of the two decreased and they began to descend, at that time,

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    On the ground below.

    From the ground of the shrine site that was thinly covered with snow, there Raffi noticed an existence fixing his aim while looking up to Raffi.

    Lux Arcadia.

    The young man who Raffi should have defeated and put into a state that was unable to fight just now was wearing Bahamut once more while glaring to the sky.

    ¡¸Why¡­¡­?¡¹

    Even though she had definitely broke his willpower, even though she had overcome even his full strength.

    Even though she obtained Sacred Eclipse that would destroy the world and Fugil as her ally.

    ¡¸How, how are you able to stand up? How can you still oppose me?¡¹

    There was no one to answer Raffi¡¯s monologue.

    But, in that instant when Lisha and Yoruka were starting to freefall from the air, a streak of light hit Raffi like an arrow of light.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAAAAAAhAAH!¡¹

    .

    *ZAGUN-!* An impact pierced Raffi¡¯s chest and the sound of the sky being cleaved came afterward.

    Raffi¡¯s body that possessed the toughness that could endure even the super accelerated Bahamut when it was using Over Limit, was easily destroyed with one attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU, UuUU!?¡¹

    Right after that, Raffi regained her senses.

    With the eyes of Ragnarok, she was able to ascertain Lux¡¯s action.

    What the Reload on Fire that Lux activated with Over Limit compressed and strengthened until more than ten times, wasn¡¯t time.

    Although it was the same acceleration, unlike before, it was Bahamut¡¯s thruster that was used for flying that was strengthened explosively.

    Furthermore its limiter was removed by Over Limit.

    Naturally, if Lux¡¯s body wasn¡¯t strengthened by Baptism, he wouldn¡¯t be able to endure the burden.

    Therefore, the power of this attack was in different dimension from the consecutive attacks until now that only had its time accelerated.

    It wasn¡¯t the flow of time that was accelerated, it was Lux and Bahamut themselves that were accelerated by several tens of times. With that the destructive power was increasing until many times over in proportion with the speed.

    That©¤©¤surpassed the endurance of Raffi who went through body strengthening using Yggdrasil¡¯s ability.

    (No way, no way such thing is¡­¡­)

    She couldn¡¯t possibly think that Lux¡¯s plan reached this far.

    She also couldn¡¯t think that he had the leeway to do this after she dealt an injury that heavy to him already.

    But, the super consecutive attacks from End Action and time acceleration that he unleashed at Raffi.

    If even that attack, was Lux¡¯s scenario than©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Aa¡­¡­!¡¹

    High in the sky where Raffi was looking up to, a jet black Divine Drag-Ride was dancing.

    ¡ºThe Black Hero¡».

    Sacred Eclipse was smashed and crumbling, by the legend that destroyed the Old Empire in the past.

    The thing that showed her a joyful dream when she was within the abyss of despair, the almighty miracle that could remake the world, was destroyed by human¡¯s hand.

    ¡¸No way, why¡­¡­. Why©¤©¤¡¹

    There was no one to catch her who was falling from the sky to earth.

    But, the impact of her fall was scattered by the snow. Raffi whose body was starting to break was faintly covered by the falling snow.

    As though to cover the sin of her wicked human heart.

    .

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    On the other hand, Lux who defeated Raffi with just a single super propelled slash of great sword by transforming into a godspeed arrow like lightning also found his whole body in tatter.

    The burden pressure and high heat from rising up and breaking through the sound barrier, the recoil from the frame that went past the Drag-Ride¡¯s possible movement limit. The consumption of stamina.

    All those recklessness became debt that came knocking to his whole body, bringing fierce damage to Lux¡¯s body.

    It was fortunate that Chaos Brand didn¡¯t break, but he was already unable to wear Drag-Ride.

    However, a satisfied smile formed on Lux¡¯s lips.

    Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤Raffi couldn¡¯t be defeated by himself alone.

    The one who allowed Lux¡¯s Bahamut to enter Over Limit when he didn¡¯t even have the spare strength to use tuning was the power of Spell Code from Yoruka who came running just now.

    And then, Lisha worked together with Lisha who specialized in fighting alone to lure Raffi¡¯s attention away from him.

    It was also thanks to Aeril, Celis, and Philufyf who bought time for him.

    They wouldn¡¯t be able to win if all of them weren¡¯t present here.

    Lux who had used up all his strength couldn¡¯t even protect himself anymore.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lux!¡¹

    ¡¸Lu-chan¡¹

    First Celis who somehow got up again caught Lux in midair, softening them impact, and hten they fell again.

    At the end Philuffy caught each of their Divine Drag-Ride.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­¡¹

    Aeril who saw that let out a relieved sigh and collapsed.

    Right after that, Celis and Philuffy¡¯s Drag-Rides were also dispelled.

    Even though this many skilled Drag-Knights were present, not one of them had even a shred of strength remaining.

    It told the story of just how fierce the deathly battle against Sacred Eclipse was.

    ¡¸Thank you, very much¡­¡­. Celis, senpai, Phi¡­¡­chan¡¹

    ¡¸There is no need for any thanks. More importantly, rest for now.¡¹

    Celis held up Lux in her arms while muttering so. Beside her, Lisha who was similarly wasting away started walking.

    She headed toward the spot where Raffi whose core was broken just now crased to.

    ¡¸Lisha¡­¡­! Where are you going!?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡­¡­have to ascertain it with my own eyes. As a princess, as a daughter, I have to see Haha-ue©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Hearing Lisha¡¯s words, Lux also tried to stand up to accompany her.

    However, he couldn¡¯t put strength into his feet to walk.

    When he struggled, Philuffy wordlessly lent her shoulder to Lux.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Uh!¡¹

    ¡¸Lisha¡­¡­! Get a hold of yourself!¡¹

    For a moment, Celis looked at Philuffy and Lux with a conflicted gaze, but when Lisha who was walking ahead almost fell, she hurriedly headed toward her and lent her a shoulder.

    And then the four of them headed toward Raffi.

    Toward the first queen of New Kingdom that they should protect.

    The woman who was a victim of the Old Empire.

    .

    ¡¸Haha-ue, hang on! Please hang in there!¡¹

    Raffi¡¯s eyes already couldn¡¯t see anything.

    Heat was rapidly getting taken away from her body that had lost her other half the Sacred Eclipse.

    She became unable to even feel that cold.

    While everything was melting into the darkness, Raffi heard Lisha¡¯s voice.

    ¡¸Haha-ue!¡¹

    (Aa¡­¡­)

    No one would see her worth. She was used and betrayed.

    She existed only to extol someone else¡¯s glory and succeeded that person¡¯s shadow.

    Within Raffi¡¯s tragic fate, her meeting with Lisha was her only salvation.

    ¡¸So you¡¯re, safe. I¡¯m glad¡­¡­¡¹

    Those words were the very first thing that naturally came out.

    She was glad her daughter didn¡¯t die, that she didn¡¯t end up in misfortune.

    Thanks to being separated from Sacred Eclipse and its influence to her mind, Raffi could think so from the bottom of her heart.

    ¡¸But, it¡¯s alright. I, don¡¯t have the qualification to be called as your mother. After all I was still acting on my own will for a while even after Sacred Eclipse possessed me. Those things, were things I done by my own will¡­¡­¡¹

    With her eyes closed, Raffi in her young girl form was crumbling from her foot.

    ¡¸Things like qualification, doesn¡¯t matter! I simply want to call you that! You who know my suffering and became my support!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is that, so. You¡¯re really, kind.¡¹

    Raffi kept her eyes closed while letting out tears hearing Lisha¡¯s sorrowful yell.

    She thought that she would be unhappy forever if she didn¡¯t stand at the side of those who rule.

    However, someone was looking after her even now that she had lost all her strength. She was happy.

    ¡¸If it¡¯s you then, I can entrust everything to you¡­¡­. Please be happy, with Lux, and the people who you trust¡­¡­. Lisha, I love you. For becoming my daughter, I©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­, Haha-ue.¡¹

    Lisha answered and then she looked down to hide the tears trickling on her cheeks.

    Right after that, Raffi became black ashes and vanished.

 Volume 18 - Epilogue

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The snow was falling and covering the battlefield deeply.

    All the traces were covered.

    The traces of the deathly battle against the Sacred Eclipse that was the assembly of the fused thoughts of people.

    It was painting over the pain of the heart that lost something important.

    After watching after Raffi¡¯s last moment, Lux and others thought of making contact with the other members who were left behind and joined up with them.

    But,

    ¡¸©¤©¤It looks like I made it in time.¡¹

    Magialca was riding on the shoulder of the Drake being piloted by Lolotte.

    She was leading Airi, the Triad, and the members of Seven Dragon Paladins.

    ¡¸Captain, Magialca¡­¡­. Why©¤©¤?¡¹

    ¡¸What, after provoking all of you so much like that to take action, it would be uncool if I stay behind doing nothing in the last battle wouldn¡¯t it? I told the remaining Azure Division members to bring relief supplies here. With this we should be able to relax somewhat.¡¹

    Magialca grinned. Behind her more than ten Drag-Knights appeared.

    Magialca who secretly came here was targeted by a Shadow that mimicked Raffi, but it seemed Yoruka had taken care of it easily. It was also her who saved Airi and others who got attacked.

    Other than that, it seemed they also collected the subordinate Drag-Knights of the four great nobles who charged into this Ancient Forest.

    ¡¸That¡¯s really, a big help¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux who had no spare strength left smiled.

    Lux was indebted to them for taking care of the things that he couldn¡¯t manage.

    ¡¸You said that but, weren¡¯t you waiting until Onii-chan defeated Sacred Eclipse? Your timing was too good.¡¹

    ¡¸Certainly. Perhaps you¡¯re unexpectedly still targeting Avalon¡¯s legacy.¡¹

    Mel gazed at Magialca with a fixed stare, and then Greyfer also got on the topic with a careless tone.

    ¡¸You guys, be a little more trusting toward other people! We¡¯re comrades who had fought together aren¡¯t we!/¡¹

    ¡¸When it¡¯s you saying that, it sound excessively suspiciouus¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸The more you¡¯re speaking, the more I feel it.¡¹

    Rosa and Soffice replied at Magialca¡¯s objection.

    As though to notify the end of the long and very painful deathly battle, the air around Lux suddenly softened down.

    With this they were able to prevent the damage from the rampage of Sacred Eclipse for the time being.

    They protected the New Kingdom, and the world for now.

    ¡¸Lux-kun, it¡¯s fine to do it after you finish getting treatment and resting. I¡¯m sorry to make you force your body but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, we¡¯ve to enter the Center of Avalon. Also©¤©¤someone has to connect with the Center.¡¹

    Connecting with the Center.

    That was an authority that could only be obtained by someone who was recognized by Avalon¡¯s system.

    They had to seal Sacred Eclipse so it wouldn¡¯t resurrect anymore.

    And then, they had to decide one more important thing.

    Should they listen to the continuation of the story from the record of the artificial intelligence in the Archive that was left behind by Arshalia at the ancient time.

    Currently, Lux couldn¡¯t see the Automata Arshalia within his field of vision.

    Perhaps she was observing Lux and others from somewhere, or perhaps©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Fugil©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux called the name of his big brother who wasn¡¯t in this Ancient Forest right now.

    The scale of this world, the path of the humans.

    Would Lux once more face that existence who was like a god controlling those things together with the Sacred Eclipse?

    Fugil headed to the Garden to set the Grand Force in there. They likely would have around several hours of time until he returned here.

    During that time, he had to resolve himself.

    .

    He was going to take the chance to take his last break and talking to his comrades.

 Volume 19 - CH Pr

    .

    ¡¸Now, answer me my wise little brother. What do you wish for from here on.¡¹

    .

    The imperial palace of Arcadia Empire was shrouded with rising sparks of flame.

    Two Bahamuts were facing each other. The night sky that was adorned by the colors of jet black and red acted as their background.

    .

    In the imperial castle five years ago, the emperor took Airi hostage and Lux¡¯s revolution failed.

    But©¤©¤Fugil who had been pretending to be unable to fight as Drag-Knight until then eradicated the imperial soldiers in that place and told Lux about his mission to change the world using the ArtifactVariable Drag-Ride.

    Human would rule over other human and gradually formed a tyrannical system©¤©¤and like that the balance of the world would gradually go out of order. Fugil had been secretly maneuvering behind the scenes for more than a thousand years in order to correct the crumbling balance.

    No, Lux didn¡¯t know whether Fugil¡¯s deeds could really be called as secret maneuvers.

    Fugil was genuinely wishing to save this world.

    He would save people. Then the successors of those people he saved would eventually grow impudent and prideful and began to oppress people again. When that time came, Fugil would act as the punisher who destroyed the system that went out of order.

    He told Lux to massacre all the important people in Arcadia Empire, the imperial family and the chief vassals to bring an end to everything.

    People wouldn¡¯t change their thinking once they had been infected by the poison called authority.

    He declared that Lux¡¯s method that wished to urge such people to reform themselves wouldn¡¯t be able to change anything.

    But Lux didn¡¯t give in even after being told that.

    ¡¸Even so, I©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux looked back and thought.

    Within the old empire, Lux and Airi didn¡¯t get infected by the poison of authority and kept at the distance by the people in power. In such situation©¤©¤they were saved by Fugil.

    Without Fugil¡¯s strength, Lux wouldn¡¯t even be able to stand on the stage to assert his will like this.

    Once the people who didn¡¯t know anything one-sidedly decided that Lux was evil just because he was a royalty and hated him. They even abandoned his mother to die. It made Lux hated the world.

    But, now after Philuffy saved him, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to hate the people.

    Fugil was saying that Arcadia family and the people who sided with them, not even one of them held compassion toward the mass. But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I believe, that you are wrong.¡¹

    ¡¸Hou¡­¡­¡¹

    The duty of a hero was to ascertain what is evil and destroyed it without fail.

    Fugil claimed that he had continued to destroy such evils until now. In respond Lux looked straight into his eyes.

    ¡¸You shouldn¡¯t just leave it to other people, you should lead them yourself! If you have the ideal that want people to understand each other then©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, you are unable to turn your ideal into reality.¡¹

    Fugil smiled scornfully toward Lux and replied.

    Lux and Count Atismata were outwitted by the emperor. Their revolution ended in failure.

    ¡¸You are unable to judge evil and save good. To do such thing is impossible even with my power. A power that equaled a god would be necessary for that. You don¡¯t have both the resolve and the qualification to control such power. You are the weakest who can¡¯t even ascertain what should be saved and what should be discarded. Someone like you©¤©¤¡¹

    After Fugil muttered that, Uroboros squirmed behind him and emitted seven-colored light radiantly.

    Right after that, the two of them drew out their sword as though mirroring each other and rushed forward.

 Volume 19 - CH Ep

    .

    The long battle finally ended.

    .

    After that©¤©¤Lux ran out of strength and slept for several days. When he woke up, the cleanup of the aftermath was starting.

    In the end©¤©¤Avalon¡¯s mechanism, the world revision function ceased functioning together with the destruction of the central.

    Strictly speaking©¤©¤by using the function of the Moon and the Garden, it could be repaired even if it would be difficult.

    However, it was decided that the power of the Ruins wouldn¡¯t be used overtly anymore.

    With the exception of some people who coveted the benefits, the talk between everyone was progressing in the direction of basically sealing the Ruins.

    They only decided to seal them instead of destroying them outright was to leave behind a way to escape great tragedy that would affect mankind¡¯s survival, like natural disaster for example.

    It seemed that Aeril and Soffice would be entrusted with the management of the Ruins. Various efforts were done in order to convince the leaders of each country.

    The creation of Abyss would also be stopped completely, so the turn for Drag-Ride to make appearance would also decrease.

    It would be impossible to dispose all of them unless Endless was used to make mankind forgot about Drag-Ride, so it was decided to gradually decrease their number.

    It would be most difficult to abandon a mighty military power once it had been obtained, but that would be the new work for Lux and others.

    Magialca was appointed as an advisor of the Seven Dragon Paladins. It seemed she would form an organization of international alliance after this.

    She was someone who was faithful to her desire, but she had a sense of balance, so Lux could agree to leave these matters to her to a certain degree.

    .

    They made the story that Queen Raffi was targeted by the remaining Ragnarok and got killed. The news was announced to the populace later on and she was given a solemn funeral.

    The populace showed their respect to Queen Raffi who was the successor of the great hero Count Atismata and saw her off.

    The truth couldn¡¯t be publicized to the public, but even Lisha seemed to accept this state of affair, that it was fine like this.

    However, they couldn¡¯t keep living in sadness forever.

    The people who survived had the duty to live in the present.

    They had to take over the things that their predecessors tried to protect.

    .

    And then, three months later after the final battle. It was spring.

    The third years in the academy of fortress city Cross Field graduated and new students enrolled©¤©¤.

    The new kingdom©¤©¤was going to welcome a new change.

    .

    ¡¸How are the Automatas who got rebooted doing, Soffice?¡¹

    ¡¸No problem. Everyone is behaving normally. Their memory has also been properly reset.¡¹

    ¡¸I see, then we are right on the schedule.¡¹

    Inside a room in the seventh Ruin, the Moon. Aeril and Soffice were conversing with each other. They were wearing pilot suit and a robe over it. A crest that they two of them decided together was engraved on their robes.

    World Creation Organization, an organization that managed and supervised the Ruins in the world©¤©¤.The two of them were appointed as the first leader and advisor of that organization.

    ¡¸You can rest assured desu. It might be a slightly difficult event for the shy Soffice desu, but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Re Plica is already like this. She gets impudent when I asked her to relax when talking with me¡­¡­¡¹

    The Automata with mechanical fox ears, Re Plica was seeing off Soffice while teasing her.

    In respond Soffice was complaining with a reproachful gaze but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Ahaha¡­¡­. But, isn¡¯t it great that you two are just like in the past even though her memory of that time is gone?¡¹

    Aeril who let her long hair stretched down smiled wryly seeing the two¡¯s exchange.

    Re Plica¡¯s lost memory shouldn¡¯t be coming back, but for some reason these two looked like they were getting along well.

    ¡¸But, you¡¯re really going to do it?¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. It¡¯ll be little by little but©¤©¤I want to try it.¡¹

    The two¡¯s role was©¤©¤managing the technology sleeping in the Ruins, making them available for use, transferring the authority of use, etc.

    Many Drag-Rides were already leaked outside, but Elixir was planned to be sealed and to have its existence itself erased.

    This medicine that was refined by using human lives was accompanied with the certain risk of people fighting for it.

    A secret medicine that could change human body¡¯s function©¤©¤their life span and even their talent just by getting injected and adapting to it would stimulate human desire too much.

    To bring out technology from the Ruins, these two would consider its risk carefully first before making a rule for its use that had to be strictly followed.

    Similarly, things like Abyss that could be used as military force without any inconvenience would also be abolished. They would reduce the battle strength that was protecting the Ruins from the thieves.

    In exchange, they intended to thoroughly used the system to tighten the security.

    It would take monumental effort and amount of time to construct and implement a system that wouldn¡¯t need any sacrifice of human lives.

    Even so, Aeril felt that it was something worth doing.

    It was also related with the new future of the Lords.

    ¡¸Then, let¡¯s go. We can¡¯t miss the enthronement ceremony today after all.¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. I¡¯m also, looking forward to it.¡¹

    ¡¸Take care desu! Leave taking care of the children of the Lords we just found to me desu!¡¹

    ¡¸Please do, Plica. Then, we¡¯re going.¡¹

    Aeril and Soffice equipped their respective Drag-Ride and flew away from the Moon.

    The two of them would entrust the future to the new hope that they found in the Moon.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤How should I say it, this is a mysterious feeling. Even though three months has passed since them, it felt like it happened just yesterday.¡¹

    A petite girl wearing a chic black dress©¤©¤Mel Gizalut of the Seven Dragon Paladins was watching the scenery of the royal capital from inside the horse carriage.

    She went home to her country after that last battle. Since then this was her first time coming to the new kingdom but©¤©¤that was her frank impression.

    The long years of disdainful act toward female was overturned at the same time with the establishment of the new kingdom. Raffi served as the symbol of that, but then she died. Mel thought that the royal capital¡¯s streets would be enveloped with sadness because of it, and yet it looked like the place was still as flourishing as several months ago.

    However this lively air wasn¡¯t because the populace was indifferent toward their queen¡¯s death.

    The woman who established the new kingdom didn¡¯t leave behind nothing.

    One could see how the people here were paying close attention and holding hope to the strength of the new generation who succeeded the old generation.

    ¡¸Mu, isn¡¯t this Pope Nias and Lady Mel Gizalut from Ymir Theocracy. Please this way. The other honorable guests are already arriving.¡¹

    ¡¸You, why are you doing this kind of underling job? Aren¡¯t your position more or less a high one?¡¹

    Mel was surprised seeing the girl with short ponytail who was wearing a pilot suit and a mantel on top of it.

    She was Lisha¡¯s little sister, Alma who was thought as dead in the history of the new kingdom, but now she was serving as a guide in the palace.

    ¡¸Those are taboo words. My position is a fresh military cadet who has only just enrolled.¡¹

    Alma was©¤©¤Lisha¡¯s little sister. In the end her true identity as the second daughter of Count Atismata wasn¡¯t disclosed to the populace.

    They didn¡¯t want to stir up the new kingdom even more for now after so many mayhems had already taken place. Alma herself also wasn¡¯t fixated to her status as princess.

    No©¤©¤more accurately, she already lost her fixation to it.

    After getting involved in that battle, she realized that her pride shouldn¡¯t be about her bloodline but her way of living.

    She couldn¡¯t compare at all against Lisha and Lux¡¯s noble resolve.

    She wished to at least become a new officer in the new kingdom and supported the two©¤©¤she also told that wish of her to her big sister Lisha.

    ¡ºWhat? And here I thought that I¡¯ll have a fellow comrade who know about the pain of being a princess.¡»

    She responded by cracking a joke like that and they laughed together. Alma too was saved by that reaction.

    ¡¸©¤©¤And, has the others come already?¡¹

    ¡¸yes, Lady Magialca and Sir Greifer will be a bit delayed though.¡¹

    ¡¸Haa, that man is still slovenly as usual.¡¹

    When Mel grumbled in exasperation like that,

    ¡¸How about you two do your gossiping laterr? You are blocking the way heree. Our way that is.¡¹

    A red haired girl appeared from behind and spoke provocatively.

    It was the Dragon Paladin of the reborn Heiburg Republic©¤©¤Rosa Granhide.

    After the battle was over, she returned to her country together with Magialca and intervened there. Now she was serving as an aide of Magialca who became the king of the country.

    ¡¸It has been a long time since I saw that persona. Could it be your personality has reverted back to how it was?¡¹

    ¡¸I want to meet with Lux-sama quicklyy¡­¡­. Aa, how exciting. I have to make sure to use this chance to repay his kindness¡­¡­personally too.¡¹

    After Mel¡¯s question, Rosa¡¯s high-handed attitude crumbled, leaving behind a maiden with dreamy expression.

    Alma and Mel stared at her with exasperation. Then Magialca¡¯s face peeked out from the carriage behind.

    ¡¸It¡¯ll turn into an international problem, so stop with your plan. Also, don¡¯t get absorbed with reminiscing in this kind of place. Do that after the banquet start.¡¹

    ¡¸The former captain lady is reprimanding you women, y¡¯all are still too green huh.¡¹

    ¡¸Hey, I don¡¯t want to hear that from someone who came late like you!¡¹

    Greifer also came from further behind. Mel retorted the moment she saw him.

    They all were making noises in nostalgia with the people who went through life and death struggles together with them©¤©¤the people who might become their cooperative partner, worthy rival, or perhaps even friend hereafter.

    Right after that, Rosa looked up to the clear blue sky and narrowed her eyes from the radiant sunlight while smiling.

    ¡¸Enough chatter, those two are also coming. Finallyy.¡¹

    Her cheeks loosened seeing the arrival of Aeril and Soffice. And then cheers along with footsteps that felt like a rumble in the ground came from the surrounding of the castle.

    Those were©¤©¤cheering voices that were filled with expectation and hope toward those who would shoulder the future of New Kingdom Atismata.

    .

    The girls were walking through a stone corridor with exaltation dancing in their chest.

    A girl who was wearing a luxurious red mantle above her uniform energetically knocked the room¡¯s door.

    ¡¸It¡¯s going to be the time soon, Lux-chi! The people of the castle town are gathering faster than expected out there.¡¹

    ¡¸Tillfur, stop calling him like that already. You too are now a senior in the academy. You won¡¯t give a good example to the others like that.¡¹

    ¡¸Again with that, you¡¯re really stiff Sharis. I told you I get it. It¡¯s only here that I¡¯m being like this.¡¹

    Sharis grumbled beside Tillfur whose brown ponytail was shaking cheerfully.

    She had graduated from the academy earlier and right now she was given the post as Syvalles¡¯s adviser as academy staff.

    She was given the post there to obtain experience for commanding army in the future as the daughter of the army¡¯s deputy commander.

    Currently she was spending her days coming and going between the capital and the fortress city frequently.

    However, perhaps because the Triad had been disbanded, right now Tillfur¡¯s tension was rising high from the feeling nostalgic that the three of them were all together like this.

    Sharis was also feeling the same.

    During the one year since Lux enrolled in the academy©¤©¤they tasted near death experiences several times and even got injured some times, there were also a lot of troubles.

    Even so©¤©¤those experiences felt like something precious that was hard to come by.

    And above all else, right now they still had all their limbs attached without lacking anything and all their comrades beside them. They couldn¡¯t help but felt happiness.

    ¡¸It was really, a good time.¡¹

    While she was flooded with emotions, Noct¡¯s calm reply came from inside the room.

    ¡¸It¡¯s alright now. They have finished changing clothes.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, whatcha doing there Noct! Didn¡¯t we have that talk about how stealing a march is no no!?¡¹

    Tillfur kicked the door open and rushed into the room. Inside the room that was made of stone there was Lux in formal attire smiling.

    His troubled looking smile looked just like usual for the girls.

    ¡¸I¡¯m also Lux-san¡¯s maid, so it¡¯s only natural that I help him dressing up.¡¹

    ¡¸If you¡¯re talking about that, then I¡¯m also Lux-chi¡¯s guard!¡¹

    ¡¸The role of you two are different, so that won¡¯t back up your claim at all you know, Till.¡¹

    Sharis lightly patted the head of Tillfur who was burning with rivalry.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sorry for this, we¡¯re still being loud even in an important event like this.¡¹

    ¡¸No. I was nervous, so this help to distract me.¡¹

    ¡¸See! It¡¯s just as I thought, it¡¯s good that we¡¯re staying close like this! We¡¯re also serving as her highness¡¯s guards!¡¹

    ¡¸Can you stop calling me like that¡­¡­? I¡¯m just an extra beside Nii-san after all.¡¹

    Airi replied to the Triad with a conflicted look.

    Airi was clad in a pure white dress. She was sitting on a chair.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. I caused trouble even for you Airi.¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san is saying that at this point?¡¹

    Lux got panicked when Airi stared reproachfully at him.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤this will really be the la-¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s better if Nii-san doesn¡¯t say something like ¡ºThis is the last time¡». Nii-san surely won¡¯t stop sticking your neck if there is some kind of problem happening again anyway.¡¹

    ¡¸A-ahaha¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux awkwardly laughed at Airi¡¯s reminder.

    He remembered doing just what she accused him so many times that he couldn¡¯t object.

    Even so, there was no doubt that the problem this time was top class in how troublesome it was.

    He was thankful to Airi that she was still accompanying him even then.

    ¡¸It¡¯s my win in this argument. I wonder if the day Nii-san can win against me will really come.¡¹

    Airi sent a mischievous gaze toward Lux and made fun of him. Beside her, the Triad were making meaningful smiles.

    ¡¸You said this and that, even though in the end you can¡¯t possibly do something like refusing your Onii-chan¡¯s request.¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps in reality it¡¯s missy Airi who is the loser here.¡¹

    ¡¸No. Be quiet you two. I won¡¯t allow you break Airi¡¯s pride.¡¹

    ¡¸I can hear what you are saying there, you three!¡¹

    Airi went red hearing Tillfur, Sharis, and Noct saying their respective opinions and raised her voice.

    Airi was©¤©¤in the end after that she stayed in bed for a long time from the exhaustion. As expected she wasn¡¯t suited to be a Drag-Knight. Because she understood that, she wouldn¡¯t participate in battle anymore, but she planned to keep doing her part from here on too as the one in charge of managing the information in Syvalles.

    For Airi who was sociable and well-known, he would surely cause her troubles from here on too.

    Even so he felt happy to have this tenacious little sister accompanying him.

    ¡¸Stop making stupid talks and let¡¯s go already. Have you finished preparing, Nii-san?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yeah. Let¡¯s go, Airi.¡¹

    Lux too Airi¡¯s hand that was covered with long white glove and exited the room.

    They walked through the long stone corridor toward the terrace with the Triad following them behind as guards.

    Lux noticed something important through the looping parade and the battle against Fugil for Avalon.

    Lux©¤©¤couldn¡¯t become a hero on his own.

    To see someone as hero meant pushing one¡¯s own ideal to that person.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux saw the blue sky that was expanding at the other side of the corridor¡¯s handrail and thought.

    Fugil and Arshalia, they tried to become the hero and goddess to answer the expectation that was placed on them.

    They aimed to become an existence that couldn¡¯t possibly be reached as long as they stayed human. Even so they continued to fight.

    They were cornered by great ideal and dream that couldn¡¯t be shouldered by human¡¯s hand©¤©¤and got lost in a labyrinth.

    After slowly walking through the corridor for a while, he saw a familiar blue haired girl standing ahead.

    Krulcifer who was wearing a dress saw Lux and smiled.

    ¡¸As I thought, you look good in that attire©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t flatter me too much. Even now I¡¯m forcing myself a lot after all.¡¹

    Lux was feeling pressure from the girl¡¯s praise. Then,

    ¡¸It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t force yourself. We will support you if there is any trouble. That¡¯s why©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yep. Rest assured, Lu-chan.¡¹

    Celis who was wearing a military uniform was encouraging him with a strong and kind voice.

    Beside her, his childhood friend was also giving him a faint smile.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you. Celis-senpai, Phi-chan.¡¹

    Yoruka who was wearing her usual black outfit was also standing beside the stair.

    ¡¸Good luck Aruji-sama. I too shall accompany you even until the depth of hell, until your wish is realized.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s reassuring but¡­¡­. Don¡¯t cause any ruckus in the ceremony okay?¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯ll strive to do so.¡¹

    Yoruka smiled guilelessly toward him. She was just like usual as expected.

    After receiving the encouragement from the four, Lux went up the stairs with Airi and the others.

    (The peace of the new kingdom©¤©¤I can¡¯t shoulder such heavy burden by myself. I can¡¯t©¤©¤save the whole world by myself.)

    What he accomplished was possible only because Lisha and the others, everyone was there for him.

    If they weren¡¯t there for him, he couldn¡¯t possibly accomplish it.

    That was why©¤©¤he didn¡¯t intend to shoulder the burden by himself even from here on.

    He went up the stairs and came out to the open terrace of the palace.

    When he showed his face to the populace, the honored guests from other countries, and the nobles who gathered here, very loud cheers were raised.

    There, Lisha who was wearing a red dress and Celis¡¯s father, the head of one of the four great nobles, Dist Ralgris were already waiting.

    ¡¸Then, I shall introduce¡­¡­the new king who will lead the new kingdom for this one year. ©¤©¤King Lux.¡¹

    .

    *WAaaaaAAAAAA¡­¡­!*

    .

    Cheers so loud it could burst the eardrums were reverberating in the whole area like a ripple.

    Lux watched the populace with a calm gaze and slowly waved his hand.

    ¡¸It will only be for a year, but I will serve as the king of the new kingdom during that time. I will have to rely on Lord Dist¡¯s assistance in regard to the political matter, but I intend to play my role to the best of my ability in order to improve the new kingdom to become an even better country.¡¹

    From now on Lux would still be a student in the academy while also taking up the role as the king at the same time. This was decided from the discussion with the four great nobles and the consuls.

    Currently the central figures of the new kingdom were gone because of various incidents and accidents. Lisha¡¯s presence alone would be lacking to unite the populace.

    A figure with strong unifying force was necessary to bring together the worried populace.

    In this one year Lux had raised many accomplishments, got his criminal collar removed, and the populace also came to recognize him. If it was Lux, he wasn¡¯t lacking anything in that point.

    Of course, in the end Lux was only king at the surface. Most of the governing would be carried out by Lord Dist of the four great nobles but©¤©¤even then he was undoubtedly a king.

    From here on an effort to switch the governing system to republicanism would begin. This role would serve as a bridge in that effort.

    In order to spread the modest peace that he wished for, he decided to walk toward that ideal together with the girls who fought with him and stayed at his side.

    ¡¸I am©¤©¤not that strong. I cannot become a hero who can save everything in this world. However¡­¡­¡¹

    He exchanged glance with Lisha and Airi. The two of them returned a heated gaze toward him.

    His courage welled up seeing that.

    ¡¸I wish that more and more people can find something that only you yourself can do. I wish to spread the will for everyone to help each other to even more people.¡¹

    Just like how Philuffy saved him from the loneliness when she was a child.

    He wouldn¡¯t try to be a hero who wanted to save every single people in need, but someone who could show others the path to do so themselves as much as possible.

    ¡¸I think there will be time where I stumble due to my lack of strength. I think there¡¯ll be also times where I encounter misfortune and toyed by fate so that things don¡¯t go well. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux cut off his words and looked over the populace before declaring.

    ¡¸My friends from the academy who has been supporting me all this time, my experiences from everything I had gone through, they have taught me. That we can become happy by overcoming those hardships. That¡¯s why, I wish to use this one year to think of the way to create such country.¡¹

    The people were listening to Lux¡¯s speech with a quiet expression.

    Before long small applauses could be heard here and there before they became a loud cheer that reverberated through the spring¡¯s blue sky.

    .

    After finishing the coronation greeting together with Lisha, there was a break for several hours that was followed by a banquet.

    The battle against other countries concerning the Ruins©¤©¤the battle against the negative history that was the old empire.

    And then©¤©¤the battle against the past era that led to this situation.

    After running through the long and painful fierce battles and obtaining this temporary result, the people who gathered here rejoiced and cheered on Lux who became the new king.

    And then©¤©¤three days later.

    After the Seven Dragon Paladins and the important people of other countries returned home, the last event was going to be held right now in the royal capital Lordgalia.

    ¡¸However, I never thought that the joyous occasions will keep coming like this after all of those sad times.¡¹

    One of the citizens of the capital, a middle-aged woman with wide girth was looking up to the palace with a news leaflet in her hand.

    ¡¸Yeah, you¡¯re right. I never thought that King Lux will do this kind of wedding right after his coronation©¤©¤. But, this might be a good idea in order to restore the new kingdom right now.¡¹

    The woman¡¯s husband, a man with thick black beard smiled meaningfully.

    ¡¸It will go well if it¡¯s King Lux. He is the one who brought together the allied force in that great war.¡¹

    Although the citizens were also harboring some curiosity, they were undoubtedly giving their blessing to this last event.

    The bell of the bell tower would resound before long. People were gathering.

    .

    Lux¡¯s marriage ceremony would be held in the capital¡¯s cathedral after this.

    .

    It was going to be done before his return to the fortress city Cross Field, where a lot of people were waiting for his return.

 Volume 19 - CH 1

    .

    A slight distance away from the royal capital Lordgalia was where the Ancient Forest was located.

    More than ten minutes had passed since the battle against the remaining Automatas and Queen Raffi were settled.

    Lux was looking up toward the sky alone in order to let the remaining heat from the battle cooled down.

    He was apprehended by the sensation as though he was climbing high to the sky when he was looking up to the snowy sky like this.

    The memories of the past surfaced inside Lux¡¯s mind.

    He indulged himself in reverie by himself like this after attending Queen Raffi at her deathbed together with Lisha.

    ¡¸You¡¯re being too careless for the hero who has saved the world.¡¹

    The one who was calling to the back of Lux who was standing still somberly was Krulcifer dressed in her pilot suit.

    The blue haired girl was beautiful like a fairy. Her body wasn¡¯t shivering even in this snowing temperature, perhaps because she originated from a northern country.

    ¡¸Hero, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux held a longing for a ¡ºhero¡» to come in the era of the old empire, but no such existence appeared before him.

    Nobody stood up against that tyrannical ruling. Nobody was able to.

    Everyone was swallowed by the ordinary day while pretending to not see everything that was wrong with it.

    And so, if there was no hero¡­¡­.

    He himself will©¤©¤Lux wished to become a hero himself.

    He tried to change the world along with the hero Count Atismata who rose in revolt and Fugil who was giving Lux guidance.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry if my words rubbed you the wrong way. It¡¯s not my intention to put even more burden than this on you Lux-kun.¡¹

    Krulcifer seemed to interpret Lux¡¯s muttering in a different meaning and smiled wryly.

    ¡¸I¡¯m simply expressing my thanks to your courage and action. Though it¡¯s a bit annoying that even our memories got rewound back then.¡¹

    Krulcifer chuckled and sent him a suggestive sidelong glance.

    Seeing her smile reminded Lux of the world revision that was executed by Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤that looping three days of parade where he entered a romantic relationship once with almost all the girls who he was particularly close with.

    The girls had completely forgotten those memories, but with the removal of the world revision¡¯s binding spell, they now remembered those memories back.

    Krulcifer had remembered, along with Celis, Philuffy, and also Yoruka.

    Naturally they must be getting mixed feelings because of that.

    ¡¸T-that¡¯s, a-about that matter©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux¡¯s cheeks reddened and he unconsciously became flustered, but,

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry, I have no intention to hound Lux-kun about that matter right away. I don¡¯t know if that will still be the case when everything has settled down though.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    From the way she worded it, it seemed that Krulcifer didn¡¯t has the slightest intention to treat the matter as though it was something that never happened.

    (I¡¯m going to have to talk with everyone after this, but somehow it feels like there is another pressure coming down on me now¡­¡­)

    ¡¸Now, let¡¯s go. Captain Magialca is preparing a feast. Originally there shouldn¡¯t be any time for something like that but©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸No. Right now everyone is tired and unable to equip their Drag-Ride, they need rest. After this©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux almost let his real thought slipped out, but he managed to hold it back.

    His wish from after that was something that he couldn¡¯t say.

    ¡¸After this we have to return to the new kingdom and get back on our feet, isn¡¯t that right¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes¡­¡­¡¹

    The intelligent Krulcifer was aware of the meaning behind Lux¡¯s words.

    But she deliberately overlooked it.

    She was simply watching over Lux, waiting for him to say it from his own initiative.

    She knew what Lux would choose to do after this.

    But even knowing that, Krulcifer intended to accompany him till the very end.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This way. Everyone is waiting for you.¡¹

    Krulcifer walked ahead to lead Lux.

    Lux slowly followed the footprints that were stamped on the piling up snow.

    .

    The center of Avalon that had been moved to here was sleeping underground the site of a temple that was constructed from stone.

    Everyone other than Lux had already gathered there around a huge bonfire.

    The members of Syvalles starting from Lisha.

    The members of the Azure Division starting from Alma.

    There were also the members of the Seven Dragon Paladins who he was familiar with. Other than them there were also the private soldiers of the four great nobles led by Nier and Dawla, along with the Drag-Knights of the new kingdom army. A banquet for a large gathering of dozens of people was being held there.

    ¡¸Hm? You¡¯re late sweetheart. Quickly come to my side and accompany me drinking!¡¹

    ¡¸Err, Captain Magialca¡­¡­. Just what is this?¡¹

    ¡¸What are you asking? It¡¯s a banquet just as you see. This is the celebration for our success in smashing apart the world revision¡¯s binding spell and destroying Fugil¡¯s scheme magnificently.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Haa¡¹

    Lux hung his head down listlessly.

    They were greatly helped by the cargo of food and first aid kit that Magialca ordered her subordinates to transport here, so he couldn¡¯t find fault with her imprudence here, but he was still feeling conflicted.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t be like that. I can also understand how you feel. But©¤©¤you won¡¯t even be able to rest your body if you don¡¯t wind down. This is also a necessary process for you if you consider the matter after this.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, you are right but¡¹

    Magialca was the only one here gulping down wine, perhaps because she was heavily injured and wouldn¡¯t be able to participate in the battle.

    The members of Syvalles including Lux and Lisha couldn¡¯t bring themselves to make merry at all thinking about the tragedy that had occurred in the new kingdom and the aftermath that would come from it. That was their honest feeling.

    ¡¸Lux, don¡¯t mind her.¡¹

    Lisha who was at the right side of the banquet called to him with a small sigh.

    ¡¸I¡¯m already thankful just from all the medics and material that she brought here. Overlook it if it¡¯s just a bit of rudeness. After all she is the one getting dragged into the complication of our new kingdom.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes¡¹

    Lux nodded at Lisha¡¯s unreserved words.

    He felt like they had returned to become lord and retainer once more after a brief period of time where they were standing at different sides.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama, somehow you have become more like a princess now. No, I¡¯m not saying that you weren¡¯t like a princess until now©¤©¤¡¹

    Tillfur commented with interest at Lisha¡¯s dignified attitude. It was Sharis who then chided her in exasperation.

    ¡¸Tillfur. Stop with your jokes at this kind of time at least¡­¡­. You¡¯re being rude to the princess.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. We have to discipline her later.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m also thankful to you three. I have made you accompany me many times into this kind of battle where we don¡¯t know whether we will be able to survive or not. That is solely because of my uselessness.¡¹

    Tillfur stood up solemnly in respond when she saw Lisha¡¯s self-depreciating smile.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama©¤©¤you¡¯re being too distant by saying that. It¡¯s only natural for us Syvalles to stand against the dangers that threatened the new kingdom!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. Thank you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It seemed that Lisha was growing up a lot as a princess after experiencing the parting with Raffi in death.

    She was only looking stout-hearted at the front, but she must be still feeling sad inside.

    (Surely©¤©¤. She will get back on her feet and lead the new kingdom.)

    And yet the way Lisha was staring forward made Lux able to hold such conviction.

    The conversation then calmed down for the moment. As though waiting for such timing, the girl with androgynous air¡­¡­Aeril of the Lord raised her hand.

    ¡¸Lux-kun. Let¡¯s take a rest for at least two hours until we can wear our Drag-Rides again. Fugil was heading to the Garden. I estimated it would take him less than six hours until he return here. We have to decide what to do before he return©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you Aeril. Then, I¡¯ll take a rest at where everyone is.¡¹

    Fortunately none of their main force was gravely injured.

    They should be able to display at least around 70% of their strength after resting for a while.

    However©¤©¤, they wouldn¡¯t have that much time remaining if they resolved themselves to stay here.

    Everyone understood that even without anyone saying it out loud.

    Aeril would be able to contract with the center of Avalon and stopped the program that was producing the Sacred Eclipse in their current situation.

    But, all the members here were aware that it wouldn¡¯t end with just that.

    ¡¸Everyone, I¡¯m sorry that was staying quiet until now. Also thank you for allying with me.¡¹

    By staying quiet, Lux referred to how he was leading the Azure Division and fought in order to defeat Queen Raffi who was possessed by the Sacred Eclipse.

    But, everyone understood that it was something that couldn¡¯t be helped in that situation because of the world revision.

    ¡¸Lux, you aren¡¯t permitted to apologize like that. Let¡¯s not mention it anymore. I know that you were thinking of the new kingdom¡¯s future when you decided to face the threat without letting anyone knowing about it.¡¹

    Lux walked to the right side when Syvalles members were gathered and the first thing he did was apologizing to them, but the captain Celis spoke representing everyone¡¯s feeling.

    ¡¸The new kingdom has been saved from the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s threat thanks to you. Allow me to thank you formally as the eldest daughter of one of the four great nobles.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis bowed. The others also nodded silently after her.

    Just from that it was conveyed to him that all of them were feeling the same with each other.

    ¡¸But, to tell the truth, I wish that you would confide to us. You shouldn¡¯t try to shoulder the sin by yourself. Even if it might be difficult for you to confide to us because of Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s just as Celis-senpai said. I was in the wrong. It won¡¯t be enough no matter how much I¡¯m reflecting about it.¡¹

    Saving everyone in the new kingdom even if he alone had to sacrifice himself©¤©¤.

    Lux had painfully realized how na?ve that thinking was through his battle against Lisha.

    He could be here right now was all thanks to everyone.

    He was able to overcome many dangers and still be here like this only because he joined strength with everyone.

    He was terrified that he would lose them by making them fought, he absolutely didn¡¯t want to burden them with unhappiness and hardship, and so he decided to fight alone. But that was a mistake.

    Because he had learned once more how reassuring it was to have them by his side and giving him a push on his back.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s leave the introspection meeting at that. You will be exhausted and collapse again if you don¡¯t relax and eat something.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes©¤©¤. Then I won¡¯t hold back, errr¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Nii-san, just say ¡®I¡¯m back¡¯.¡¹

    Lux was at a loss of how he should relax while also joining the banquet. It was then his little sister Airi gave him a specific answer.

    Lux followed her suggestion and sat down in front of the bonfire.

    ¡¸You¡¯re right. I¡¯m back, everyone©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Welcome, Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Welcome back, Aruji-sama.¡¹

    Philuffy, Yoruka, and everyone else accepted his words with smiling face.

    It was a place that Lux himself sought and wished for.

    He enjoyed a warm time surrounded by everyone just for a bit.

    .

    Nearby where Lux and others were having meal and warming themselves, the mechanics that Magialca brought here were repairing the Drag-Rides.

    Greifer, Mel, Soffice, Rosa.

    They were the ace Drag-Knights who represented their respective countries, but they still responded to Magialca¡¯s call and gathered here. Lux went around to say his thanks to them.

    ¡¸Well, I¡¯ve gone too far to back out now. In the end the battle also not gonna end if Sacred Eclipse ain¡¯t stopped, so there isn¡¯t any other choice.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, Onii-chan is the representative of an allied country after all. I¡¯m looking forward to your gratitude later.¡¹

    Greifer was brusque like usual while Mel was prim and proper even though she was the youngest one here. Lux smiled wryly toward them.

    On the other hand he received a warm welcome from Soffice and Rosa.

    ¡¸It¡¯s also my own desire as a Key¡¯s Supervisor for the Ruins to be used correctly, so it¡¯s only natural that I help. I was also able to win thanks to a teaching from you Lux.¡¹

    ¡¸I¡¯m happy to hear that.¡¹

    Lux¡¯s expression relaxed from hearing Soffice¡¯s words that she became stronger from being influenced and learning from someone else. Rosa who also defeated an Automata on her own was also the same.

    ¡¸Me too. I¡¯m happy that I¡¯m able to become of help for Lux-sama. By the way¡­¡­, if there is still time then, I mean, we can sneak quietly over there¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸What are you planning to do with me in this situation-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t trouble Lux-sama at all. I will take care of everything.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not the problem¡­¡­!¡¹

    Everyone around him were looking coldly at him during that conversation.

    For some reason recently Rosa¡¯s emotion would run wild and brought danger to him.

    In a sense, even Yoruka might still be in more moderation than her.

    ¡¸Somehow I¡¯m feeling relieved but also not at the same time¡­¡­. I wish that Lux-kun will make it clear soon though.¡¹

    On the other side Aeril was watching that conversation in exasperation while connecting with Avalon for obtaining authorization in preparation to break inside.

    She used the data chip that they brought back from Garden to reboot Arshalia¡¯s AI that was sealed in the central.

    However even she was also taking rest after she finished with the preparation.

    No one was saying it out loud even though it was in their mind.

    ©¤©¤Stopping the Sacred Eclipse that would regenerate endlessly from working anymore.

    It was something that had to be done no matter what, but they still hadn¡¯t decided what to do after that.

    Everyone had vaguely understood what was it that they needed to do, but they were hesitating to say it out loud.

    They were waiting for the words from the leader who took up the challenge to fight this battle, Lux.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Everyone. Please listen. I think everyone has understand already, but this is something important.¡¹

    Exactly two hours after they started resting,

    Lux stood in front of the bonfire at the middle and addressed his many comrades while looking around at them.

    Alma, Magialca, and their subordinates in the Azure Division. The Seven Dragon Paladins. Lisha, Syvalles, and the army of the new kingdom.

    Even the Drag-Knights of the four great nobles were staring at Lux while holding their breath.

    ¡¸Just like explained before, we will stop the Sacred Elipse that is connected to the central from resurrecting again. Things will be settled with that. Once the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s creation is stopped, it won¡¯t be able to start again right away. We should have peace for several years at the maximum until it revives again.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was a victory declaration that the world was saved.

    And yet, the expression of the people who heard that didn¡¯t relax.

    Those who weren¡¯t in the know had received explanation during the break and learned the truth.

    About the cruel reality that surrounded this world and the unprecedented threat looming over their head.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But, it won¡¯t be nothing more than a temporary peace. We learned that truth in the abandoned capital Guernica and forgot it before remembering it once more.¡¹

    Here Aeril spoke as the representative of the Lord.

    She gave an additional explanation as someone who knew about the history of the Ruins.

    ¡¸Our memories were altered by the zeroth ruin, the Artifact Uroboros. By Fugil Arcadia. The White Hero of the beginning.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even if Aeril connected to the central of Avalon, Fugil also possessed the same authorization.

    After all the battles were concluded, Fugil could just rewrite the program of Avalon and restart the production system of Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Why is this Fugil doing something like this? There should be other way if he want to place the new kingdom under his rule.¡¹

    One of the four great nobles, Bugriser¡¯s niece, Nier asked with a puzzled look.

    She was just an outsider who got dragged into this battle, but she was able to ask question frankly because of that.

    In respond, Lux who knew about Fugil since the era of old empire as his little brother answered her.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what is Fugil¡¯s true objective. But there is just one thing that I know.¡¹

    That was.

    ¡¸Fugil has reset this world©¤©¤the new kingdom many times over, waiting for the righteous ruler to appear.¡¹

    Fugil once said that it was the hero¡¯s job to save the weak.

    Human would harbor malice even toward their fellow human and schemed to rule over others.

    When that malice, that authority, that violence reached the peak and became the greatest power without anything that could oppose it, Fugil would become the ally of the weak and assisted their revolution.

    Just like how he did with the people who were oppressed by the old empire.

    Just like how he did with the Holy Arcadia Empire where the Lords originated from a long time ago.

    Fugil had been living for eternity repeating the same thing since several thousands of years ago.

    Even Lux still wasn¡¯t really clear about his reason, but Fugil was perceiving the act he was doing as ¡ºthe hero¡¯s mission¡».

    That was also the reason why he murdered Listelka when she intended to rule over others after obtaining Avalon.

    ¡¸But if that¡¯s all there is to it, we can also let him do as he please.¡¹

    Magialca cut into the tense atmosphere and spoke while scratching her head.

    ¡¸That guy is powerful. That Artifact, Uroboros is boasting nearly unbeatable abilities. Even when us the Seven Dragon Paladins excluding Lux challenged him with everything we had, we still couldn¡¯t defeat him.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The inside of the snowing forest was enveloped in silence.

    Everyone could guess the meaning behind Magialca¡¯s words.

    An almost certain future of annihilation would be waiting for them if they fought Fugil.

    And yet, Avalon would be taken back if they didn¡¯t fight. After that they would surely got their perception altered once more by Uroboros.

    No, Aeril alone might get killed because she was contracted with Avalon.

    Fugil would return from installing Grand Force in the Garden in four more hours in their estimation.

    Everyone here would have to decide before that.

    Would they fight, or escape?

    Fugil wished to watch over the choice of the people themselves.

    He wouldn¡¯t kill anyone as long as they didn¡¯t do anything aggressive.

    That was why©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I think that running away is also a realistic option. Or rather our chance of victory is slim if we choose to fight. Even if by some chance we found a way to overcome Uroboros, our chance of victory still won¡¯t reach twenty percent. Of course that calculation also hasn¡¯t taken account of the damage that we will receive.¡¹

    ¡¸We have this much battle strength at our side and you¡¯re saying our chance is only 20%¡­¡­-!¡¹

    Nier¡¯s colleague Dawla, the young man commanding the private soldiers of Zagha, one of the four great nobles knitted his eyebrows.

    He was a high ranked Drag-Knight, but he couldn¡¯t even put a scratch on Greifer and Mel of the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    Right now the fighting strength of the whole world was amassed here. And yet Magialca said that their chance of victory was slim even with that. He was unable to believe her words.

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s why, I wish to hear everyone¡¯s feeling. Should we fight or run away? We have these two choices©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silence descended once more.

    Obviously it would be better to defeat Fugil if they were looking at the long term.

    If Avalon remained, the production device of Sacred Eclipse would also restart one day, and their memories would also get modified.

    But, the risk if they challenged the battle to stop that was too great.

    It was at that timing, the red haired girl, Rosa Granhide raised her hand.

    ¡¸Can¡¯t we just destroy the device? Simply destroying the central¡¯s system should be possible if everyone here work together isn¡¯t itt?¡¹

    ¡¸It feels strange now when I listen to Rosa returning to her normal way of speaking.¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s retort got ignored. It was Aeril who answered Rosa¡¯s question.

    ¡¸If you ask me whether it¡¯s possible to destroy only the device and then running away, yes it¡¯s possible. ©¤©¤But, it will take a lot of time, and on top of that I can¡¯t guarantee that they system will be beyond repair.¡¹

    ¡¸I agree with that. Even the treasure storage in the seventh Ruin, the Moon has some places that I cannot enter.¡¹

    Soffice also nodded at Aeril¡¯s words.

    ¡¸I seee¡¹

    Rosa nodded in acceptance. Then Lisha stood up.

    ¡¸So©¤©¤Lux. What are you planning to do?¡¹

    ¡¸I©¤©¤. I don¡¯t have any intention to force any of you to follow me. But¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸You will fight right? Against Fugil. Then I¡¯ll accompany you. There is no way I¡¯ll be able to endure enjoying a brief peace in the new kingdom that doesn¡¯t has you in it.¡¹

    ¡¸Oi Krulcifer! Don¡¯t snatch other person¡¯s words! I was just about to say that!¡¹

    Lisha flared up at Krulcifer who nonchalantly cut her in.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s take a vote. Those who can¡¯t fight, please evacuate to the royal capital within two hours from now. And then those who will fight together with him, remain here and prepare. It should be fine like that isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Everyone nodded at Celis¡¯s suggestion.

    There was no one who chose to go back among the main members of Seven Dragon Paladins, Azure Division, and Syvalles.

    ¡¸Then it¡¯s decided. In that case go enter the central of Avalon. You¡¯re going to listen to the story of this AI of Arshalia right? We need everything we can get to prepare countermeasure against Uroboros.¡¹

    ¡¸Indeed. Come on Nii-san, we¡¯re going to be busy.¡¹

    Lux, Aeril, and Airi were chosen to be the members who would enter the central following Magialca¡¯s instruction.

    The basis of this choice of members was whether they had connection to the Ruins and could be chosen as contractor or not in case something happened.

    It didn¡¯t take long before the three of them were teleported into the central of Avalon.

    The people who stayed behind split into two groups and began their preparation.

    .

    ¡¸This is really baffling. Good grief¡­¡­¡¹

    The commander of the private soldiers of the four great nobles who received a request from Queen Raffi and entered the ancient forest¡­¡­Dawla was speaking out his true feeling without even bothering to hide his conflicted mind.

    There was a need for someone to manage the survivors from Azure Division and the new kingdom¡¯s army, so they parted from Lux¡¯s group and got entrusted with the role to retreat while carrying the wounded and those who chose not to fight with them.

    ¡¸What? You¡¯re only grumbling now? You¡¯re going to make me laugh seeing you acting timid with that grim face so stop it.¡¹

    The strong-willed Nier who was also a commander of equal rank responded to Dawla¡¯s words with an exasperated look.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t care even if you interpret my words like that. I don¡¯t even have the mental leeway to get along with your prattling right now.¡¹

    ¡¸Well, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t understand what you mean. I¡¯m also feeling the same.¡¹

    The two of them were skilled Drag-Knight who managed to reach EX-class.

    But, they themselves were aware that they weren¡¯t worthy to remain in that place.

    It wasn¡¯t because they were handily defeated by Greifer and Mel of the Seven Dragon Paladins that was defeated by Fugil.

    It also wasn¡¯t because they were getting cold feet because their side was in too much disadvantage.

    They were simply©¤©¤feeling that they didn¡¯t have enough resolve.

    Although they were the subordinates of the chief vassals in the new kingdom, their direct involvement with everything that had been going on was just too thin.

    ¡¸We didn¡¯t know anything. We didn¡¯t know about the existences of that kind of powerful people, or even their resolves when challenging a battle.¡¹

    Dawla¡¯s words were filled with a flood of emotions.

    Human could fight if they had just cause, or sense of duty, or benefit before their eyes.

    But he had just learned how one¡¯s own resolve would be tested when challenging a difficult situation with slim chance of victory.

    One wouldn¡¯t be able to challenge Fugil unless they also had the strength of heart to accompany their exceptional strength.

    They would only increase the number of meaningless sacrifice if they challenged Fugil without such resolve.

    Everyone here had judged that they would only end up like that in this battle.

    That was also the judgment of these two skilled Drag-Rides who were able to know their own place.

    ¡¸My own immaturity, is it? I thought that I was already aware of it, but it¡¯s frustrating to know that I am even more immature than I thought. I have to train a lot more when I return.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re still disgusting even when putting up a laudable act like that you know?¡¹

    Dawla quipped at Nier¡¯s monologue, but she ignored that and asked.

    ¡¸Hey? Which side do you think will win? Will it be Fugil Arcadia? Or will it be the new kingdom¡¯s chore prince and the others©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I can¡¯t even imagine it. But¡­¡­¡¹

    Based on from what they had heard until now, from nine out of ten they wouldn¡¯t be able to win against Fugil even if they gathered all their force.

    That was just how immeasurable the Drag-Knight called Fugil and Uroboros were.

    But even while thinking that, Dawla deliberately said a different answer.

    ¡¸Either way, pursuing the righteous path of human as a king will be a difficult path.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­hah¡¹

    Nier reflexively snorted.

    The two of them were young and energetic newcomers who often acted conceitedly, but they recognized it.

    They recognized that Lux and Lisha were worthy to bear the new kingdom on their shoulders.

    What decided a battle would be the total strength of both sides. Resource and strategy meant everything.

    But, there was also strength produced from the power of unity©¤©¤.

    Lux¡¯s caliber of king that brought together even the people who were once his enemy.

    The hero of beginning Fugil who had gone through countless deathly battles for thousands of years by himself.

    The two of them understood that they were still too immature to measure the strength of those two.

    .

    Meanwhile©¤©¤, Fugil used his own authority as a Lord to install the Grand Force at the deepest part of Garden.

    With this©¤©¤the seven Ruins were activated and both Avalon and Uroboros now could activate Endless.

    That was to say, the preparation to carry out world scale modification of everyone¡¯s perception starting from the new kingdom was finished. Now the memories of everyone could be reset.

    The majority of the energy inside all the Ruins had been exhausted because of all the intense battles in this half year.

    He would need to hide the existence of the Ruins themselves and then guided the people and Drag-Knights after the Ruins got discovered by the people of this era once more.

    He would also need to revive the Automatas and entrusted them with the management of the Ruins after resetting their memory too.

    In these thousands of years, each time he modified the history he would return the situation to slightly back in the past before letting the hands of the clock moving forward once more.

    He carried out this act with the smoothness of someone who had repeated this for countless times.

    He also had no hesitation about what he would carry out after this.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I¡¯ll have the Gear Leader tidy up this room later.¡¹

    Fugil stopped by the treasure storage that was managed by Garden¡¯s Gear Leader, Clan Lieze and checked the inside.

    A data chip was taken from here when Lux came to rescue the captured Aeril.

    It was a recording medium that for some reason Fugil was unable to check even with the authorization he had.

    He also didn¡¯t know who left the data chip here.

    It was an information that Fugil couldn¡¯t reach even during these thousands of years of him accomplishing his mission.

    ¡¸It won¡¯t change anything even if I watch it at this point.¡¹

    Fugil let out a self-depreciating laugh and exited the storage.

    He hid the main body of the zeroth Ruin Uroboros in the Ancient Forest and left its management to the Automata Arshalia.

    He traveled here using EX Wyvern. Because of that it would take slightly longer until he arrived to the Ancient Forest.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    He had no need to rest his body, but he used some time to reset the function of Garden.

    Beside him he could see the illusion of Arshalia.

    ¡¸Illusion¡­¡­. I wonder since when I started seeing this¡­¡­?¡¹

    Perhaps it was since several hundred years ago¡­¡­no, Fugil who had been living for eternity and repeatedly altered the history until now had already lost the track of the passing of time.

    But, even when the Sacred Eclipse didn¡¯t respond to Fugil¡¯s heart, even when the Automata Arshalia wasn¡¯t at his side, he would still be able to see and hear her illusion.

    .

    ¡¸Lux-kun. It¡¯s starting¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. Aeril.¡¹

    At the central of Avalon, in the middle of a room that was surrounded by silver walls and countless gears, Aeril called out Arshalia¡¯s AI using the authority that was built into the data chip.

    The figure in dress floated up in 3D projection. It looked toward Lux, Aeril, and Airi with a smile.

    Lux and Aeril had watched the recording in one of Avalon¡¯s facilities, the Archive. But El Fajura¡¯s obstruction destroyed the playback device and stopped them from talking more with the AI.

    Now they were going to watch the continuation from there in order to form a countermeasure toward Fugil and Uroboros.

    ¡¸The Automatas had been acting extremely rude. But please don¡¯t blame them. They are just completely focused to their duty of protecting the Ruins because their feeling for me is too great.¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s projection first apologized about what happened in the Archive.

    At that time they were in the middle of talking about Fugil¡¯s past, the start of romance between him and Arshalia, and the history of Arcadia Empire. Lux was planning to ask the AI about the continuation of that story, but,

    ¡¸Arshalia-san, about that. Can you tell us first about the weak point of Fugil and Uroboros?¡¹

    Airi changed the plan and asked frankly.

    She must be thinking that they had no time to follow the story step by step.

    ©¤©¤But, Arshalia¡¯s projection answered her with an ephemeral smile.

    ¡¸How frank. However, I¡¯m truly sorry but I have no advice that I can give you regarding that matter.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux could hear Aeril and Airi beside him got their breath taken away.

    It told him how shocked they were even though they must have been imagining the possibility of that in their heart.

    ¡¸The zeroth Ruin, Artifact Uroboros made up the majority of Avalon. It is an ultimate weapon that is equipped with all abilities and technologies. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t know if it has any weak point other than its large energy consumption. There is also how my main body died before I could give it a test run.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia who was lurking somewhere around here might be lying if she was the one they talked with in this place, but the AI in this projection didn¡¯t look like she would intentionally lie to them.

    They had imagined that this might be the case after witnessing that phenomenal strength. Even if they still had Singlen here and all of them fought together in full power, it still would be difficult to win against Fugil and Uroboros.

    ¡¸Nii-san. As I thought¡­¡­, shouldn¡¯t we consider retreating from here?¡¹

    Airi pulled at Lux¡¯s hand with an uneasy expression.

    Even fighting Fugil was already extremely reckless by itself, but now it had come to light that the enemy had no clear weakness that would bring them victory if they managed to take advantage of it. It made Airi to feel discouraged.

    ¡¸Certainly¡­¡­there is no reason to fight if we don¡¯t even have any chance of victory. Even if Sacred Eclipse will get revived, but it¡¯s still later in the future.¡¹

    Aeril also added her words, but Lux didn¡¯t look daunted at all.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I understand. Then can I ask you to explain about Uroboros and Fugil¡¯s abilities in detail? I will derive their weakness by myself from there.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Wait, Nii-san!?¡¹

    ¡¸Lux-kun!?¡¹

    Airi and Aeril raised their voice after hearing what Lux said.

    Lux smiled to reassure the two of them and lightly caressed Airi¡¯s head.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to fight without thinking of the consequences.¡¹

    ¡¸Is Nii-san saying that there is a chance of victory? That¡¯s reckless©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi flared up to Lux, but he had a conviction inside himself.

    ¡¸Fugil isn¡¯t an unbeatable existence by any means. I understand that from how he killed Singlen.¡¹

    If Fugil and Uroboros were really in the realm of god, they would have no need to do something like killing their opponent just to make sure.

    In other words, Fugil thought of Singlen as ¡ºsomeone who might kill him if he didn¡¯t kill him first¡», that was why he killed him in order to make sure such possibility didn¡¯t happen.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤My wise younger brother? Do you understand why someone with as much talent as you can¡¯t win against a superior Drag-Knight?¡¹

    Seven years ago©¤©¤when Lux had just obtained a Drag-Ride, he thoroughly learned about the basic of offense and defense before he got into a mock battle against a military officer that Fugil introduced to him.

    Lux overwhelmed the opponent with his unparalleled dynamic vision and piloting skill, but he was unable to defeat his opponent decisively because of the difference in Drag-Ride specs.

    ¡¸Was it because¡­¡­my Drag-Ride is Wyvern, while my opponent was using EX Wyvern? Facing an opponent who was wearing strengthened general-purpose Drag-Ride with heavier armor, I wasn¡¯t able to break the barrier easily due to the difference in our weapon¡¯s output.¡¹

    In addition, his opponent was also a skilled pilot who showed no opening.

    The opponent was a strong person who piloted a strong Drag-Ride skillfully.

    Lux thought that there would be no way to overturn that difference as long as he didn¡¯t change the Drag-Ride he was using itself.

    ¡¸I can¡¯t hand over my Divine Drag-Ride to you as long as you are still thinking like that.¡¹

    But at that time Fugil laughed off Lux¡¯s answer quietly.

    ¡¸There isn¡¯t anything like unbeatable existence in this world. But you will never lose as long as you can make your opponent think so. Do you understand why I made you learn defense and analyzing the opponent?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Is it for, making me observe the enemy¡¯s movement?¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s right. With your eyes you will soon understand. Learn a way of fighting for finding the opponent¡¯s weak point. Someone who can learn and understand his enemy during the fighting©¤©¤, will become the strongest Drag-Knight.¡¹

    ¡¸Is that, from Fugil-niisan¡¯s own experiences?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. My thinking in the past was the opposite of that, but I reached such conclusion at the end. Even a mighty enemy who look unbeatable in a glance is hiding a weak point. There isn¡¯t anyone who has no weak point.¡¹

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Thinking back now, at that time Fugil wasn¡¯t talking about the old empire era when he was talking about the ¡ºpast¡», he must be talking about the time before that©¤©¤about his experience when Arshalia was still alive.

    Kill before you are killed©¤©¤, people tended to think that the best plan for survival in battlefield was to always be the one taking the initiative, but in a battle between Drag-Knights where fatal wound could be avoided because of the barrier, it was impossible to easily defeat strong warrior with a skill that surpassed a certain line.

    But, if someone could ascertain their weak point and sharply pressed on it.

    Furthermore, if they could pilot even better Drag-Ride with enough skill©¤©¤.

    A Drag-Ride who was extremely close to be the strongest would be born.

    After that Lux obeyed Fugil¡¯s advice and polished his heart and body and skill under the oath of destroying the old empire.

    There was no opponent who didn¡¯t have weak point. And©¤©¤even that Fugil wasn¡¯t an exception.

    Lux wasn¡¯t simply swallowing Fugil¡¯s words without doubt, this was also a conviction that Lux obtained from all his battles.

    He was able to obtain the proof for his conviction through watching Singlen¡¯s battle in the abandoned capital.

    (That final battle of the Seven Dragon Paladins in the abandoned capital. A chance of victory is hidden within that battle where Fugil was cornered to such an unprecedented degree.)

    He wouldn¡¯t notice any weak point if there wasn¡¯t any strong warrior that rivaled Fugil appeared.

    Therefore, Lux decided to prepare tactics.

    He resolved himself to bring everything that Fugil had taught him and he had trained until now into the fight against Fugil.

    ¡º¡­¡­That¡¯s everything. Then, my role is over with this.¡»

    The AI Arshalia said that after she finished telling all the information about Fugil and Uroboros to Lux.

    After this Lux and others would have to plan the countermeasures as well as making preparation for all sorts of things.

    They would also have to rest in a safe place if they wanted to recover their stamina.

    They had no leeway with their time, and yet Lux still asked about a certain matter.

    ¡¸I have, just one last question.¡¹

    Lux sorted the information inside his head, straightened his posture, and took a deep breath.

    ¡¸Can you tell me about the incident that made Sacred Eclipse ran wild and Fugil¡¯s conclusion?¡¹

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    He heard about Fugil¡¯s past in the Archive before this.

    The abominable history that was born from the Holy Arcadia Empire.

    The pureblood nobles of Arcadia who received the cooperation of Xfer and climbed to the top of the world treated their people as labor while oppressing them and even sucking their life.

    The nobles created Abyss, made them ate humans, and created Elixir from there. They monopolized that Elixir and planned to make their predominance to be even more unshakable©¤©¤and called those who rebelled against them as ¡ºthe clan of traitor¡».

    In such mad era, Arshalia who was purported as the goddess of salvation discovered the virtuous heart inside Fugil who was despised as someone from the clan of traitor, and so she picked him up.

    The two of them built an emotional bond with each other while fighting against war and schemes, against any kind of oppression like the unreasonable exploitation of the people and the discrimination.

    And then peace came for a time, but the battle didn¡¯t end even then.

    The clan of traitor that had tasted suffering from the long years of war saw an opening and planned revenge toward the Lords. The people with weak standing who were born because of the war got used once more and became sacrifice.

    To save everyone was something that was completely impossible even for Arshalia and Fugil.

    Arshalia created Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros for the sake of those people who couldn¡¯t be saved.

    Uroboros¡¯s world revision©¤©¤it was a device to manipulate people¡¯s perception, so that they could forget the grudge from the long years of war and took back their human conscience.

    The Sacred Eclipse was a device to project the will of the people. It would sense the resentment of people who weren¡¯t rewarded and visited them in order to grant them salvation.

    The two¡¯s dream was to remove ¡ºdespair¡» from ¡ºhuman¡¯s world¡».

    They swore to each other that they would continue to try making that dream came true.

    ¡¸I, we still remember until that point¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux looked straight toward Arshalia¡¯s projection and questioned her once more.

    ¡¸But, I want to know about the story beyond that point. How did Sacred Eclipse that should be saving people ended up into something like that? Why is Fugil living in that kind of way? I want you to tell me the continuation of that story and its conclusion.¡¹

    The projectionArshalia fell silent for a moment toward that question.

    She quietly looked down and showed a thinking gesture.

    ¡º¡­¡­To be honest, I¡¯m at a loss.¡»

    ¡¸Why is that? After coming this far©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi pointed out, but Arshalia slowly opened her eyes.

    ¡ºI don¡¯t know if it will be better or not, for you all to know the truth¡­¡­. Won¡¯t you become hesitating when defeating Fugil¡­¡­no¡»

    She said that in hesitation. But Arshalia lifted up her face in the end.

    ¡ºEven so, I have to tell everything. In order reach the conclusion that I¡¯ve been hoping for all this time.¡»

 Volume 19 - CH 2

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil Arcadia never had a dream.

    He had been living without sleeping for so many years that he couldn¡¯t even remember when the last time he was sleeping.

    He had brushed with death and got Elixir administrated to him so many times. It reached the point he obtained a power to a degree that originally it wouldn¡¯t be strange for his body to break down.

    That was why, he came to see illusion instead of dream.

    It was a scene from more than a thousand years ago.

    In order to sever the chain of revenge that kept being repeated, in order to erase the hatred in people¡¯s hearts that were born from the long ravages of war©¤©¤.

    In order to create a peaceful world for human by human¡¯s hands, Fugil and Arshlia wished for a new power.

    Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros.

    They decided to lead the world to salvation with those two powers as the focal point.

    Fugil received surgery in order to be able to control the Artifact Uroboros and became a hero. He fell asleep after the surgery.

    His body should be able to control Uroboros after he slept for a month.

    ¡ºFugil, do your best. I¡¯ll also do my best to complete the Sacred Eclipse before you wake up.¡»

    ¡ºYou¡¯re planning to stay all night again? Don¡¯t collapse before I wake up and making me take care of you.¡»

    Fugil and Arshalia had that talk in front of the surgery room deep inside the Garden.

    Fugil was already aware that he was becoming inhuman, but such thing didn¡¯t bother him.

    Because there was the existence of this girl called Arshalia who he could trust from the bottom of his heart.

    Because there was their dream to lead the people into an eternal peace.

    They had great hopes inside their chest.

    ¡ºForget about that©¤©¤is it really going to be okay? You don¡¯t need to go as far as saving them too.¡»

    ¡¸You¡¯re saying that? You yourself is also an example of the clan of traitor.¡¹

    Arshalia laughed off Fugil¡¯s worry.

    Not long ago, the clan of traitor planned to carry out act of terrorism as revenge for the oppression they had received until now. They wished to retaliate by sacrificing the Lords to create Elixir.

    In the end Fugil sniffed out their plan and prevented their revenge while it was still in its infancy. Right now those people were under house arrest where Arshalia was attempting to persuade them.

    Though in Fugil¡¯s opinion it would be better to give them the proper punishment instead of trying to reform them by talking to them.

    ¡ºEven they aren¡¯t bad people by nature. Their hearts are simply frayed from the long years of hurtful life. You yourself is the living proof of that.¡»

    ¡ºThings won¡¯t go well all the time with just those pretty words.¡»

    That too was the harsh reality that Fugil and Arshalia had finished experiencing.

    There were people who were beyond saving no matter how many words they spent to convince them.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s why, our current plan exist in order to save that kind of people. Please come back safely, Fugil. I together with the Sacred Eclipse that I¡¯m going to create will be waiting for your return.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Arshalia¡¯s expression looked lonely right now even though she was usually bright and stout-hearted. The cause must not be just from the powerful modification surgery that Fugil would go through.

    It was unclear whether he would be able to return safely.

    But more than that, she was also feeling uneasy about their plan right now.

    That uneasiness©¤©¤was something that Fugil also understood well after directly witnessing all the harsh realities until now together with her.

    ¡ºDon¡¯t make that kind of face. You¡¯ve decided to do this right?¡»

    ¡ºOf course. Even if our plan this time doesn¡¯t go well, there is meaning in continuing our effort to make our dream come true.¡»

    Fugil gently held Arshalia¡¯s arm. It made her smile and she spoke firmly.

    ¡ºIf we don¡¯t give up trying to make a peaceful world¡­¡­, if we can change the working of this world©¤©¤surely we will be able to reach it one day. After all it will be the end if we give up.¡»

    She clenched her fist strongly and opened the glass capsule that would be used for the surgery.

    Fugil entered inside without hesitation before she closed the door.

    He could still hear Arshalia¡¯s voice from the speaker inside the capsule.

    ¡ºPlease swear to me. That you will continue chasing our dream to lead the world of human into peace©¤©¤. That oath will become my courage until you wake up.¡»

    ¡ºYeah¡­¡­. I guess, I¡¯ll swear it Arshalia. The next time I open my eyes©¤©¤you will have completed the Sacred Eclipse and become this goddess of salvation for real.¡»

    ¡ºYes, the next time I meet you©¤©¤you will have become the hero of the beginning who can control the Uroboros. Let¡¯s do our best, together.¡»

    After exchanging those words at the end, Fugil received the surgery inside the capsule and fell asleep.

    The two of them swore to save the world. After this they would nurture their dream into reality while holding a new hope in their heart.

    .

    ©¤©¤But, unfortunately the tale ended here.

    .

    When the tale of a hero, or rather a human was concluded with their death, a single tale vanished starting from this point and a new one began.

    .

    After Lux, Aeril, and Airi were teleported to the central of Avalon. Tillfur, one of the members who were remaining on the surface were lying down on a blanket that was spread in front of the bonfire while muttering.

    Around her everyone was resting their body in front of the bonfire. The repair of the Drag-Rides of their main fighting force had finished.

    They estimated that there would still be hours at the earliest until Fugil returned.

    But it was hard to say whether that estimate was absolutely correct. The Automata Arshalia was also still in good health. They couldn¡¯t let their guard down.

    Of course Magialca¡¯s aide Lolotte was on guard using his Drake to watch the surrounding, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸There is nothing to do while waiting for the battle to start. I also can¡¯t sleep.¡¹

    ¡¸No. I never imagined such line will come from someone who had been asleep until just now.¡¹

    ¡¸I didn¡¯t sleep! I tried to, but I was unable to fall asleep!¡¹

    Tillfur objected at Noct¡¯s retort.

    ¡¸You two, be quiet. I understand that you two are worried about those three, but don¡¯t make a ruckus.¡¹

    The leader of the Triad, Sharis pacified them down like that. But she herself understood well how they were feeling.

    Thanks to Lisha tuning their Drag-Rides to match their skill, they were now able to equip strengthened type general-purpose Drag-Ride. Even so their strength was still far below the Seven Dragon Paladins.

    They were even a level below Nier and Dawla who had left just now.

    From the beginning they intended to focus on giving support in the battle against Fugil.

    But, if they were unable to do anything even then.

    If they instead became a hindrance for Lux and others, the main force©¤©¤.

    They were fearing that possibility more than dying in battle.

    However.

    ¡¸Stop thinking about that after coming this far, Tillfur. Have you already forgotten what he said?¡¹

    ¡¸I remember. Haa, I¡¯m happy to hear those words. But still, it gives you a complicated feeling isn¡¯t it?¡¹

    Before Lux entered the central©¤©¤he met with the Triad during the break time and talked with them for a bit.

    ¡ºThank you for choosing to stay here. Can I leave Airi to you three?¡»

    He told them that with a pained but also happy smile.

    We might not be able to do much though, the three of them replied to him modestly©¤©¤or perhaps they were simply speaking the truth. But in respond,

    ¡ºEven so, I¡¯m feeling encouraged just from having the three of you here.¡»

    ©¤©¤They exchanged such conversation.

    ¡¸Lux-chi is really a handful. It¡¯s really troubling because he did that without any awareness of what he was doing. I can understand how the girls who are helped by his words can fall in love with him. He should be thankful for having friends like us who are able to make the distinction.¡¹

    Tillfur grumbled while using her hands as pillow under her head.

    ¡¸You say that, but it¡¯s completely visible that you aren¡¯t able to make the distinction.¡¹

    Noct instantly retorted with a blank stare.

    ¡¸Shaddup! I¡¯m pretending that I can make the distinction here! I¡¯ll harbor hope if I don¡¯t do that¡­¡­¡¹

    Sharis smiled at Tillfur¡¯s yell that contained sorrow somewhere inside.

    ¡¸However, we can joke around like this until the end. I have good friends.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Though you can also call this as us lacking any tension.¡¹

    Sharis hugged the black haired girl who was still cool and collected even now from behind.

    ¡¸You too Noct, you have to survive until the end. If you do that then you just might have a chance.¡¹

    ¡¸You mean being a mistress©¤©¤. But I think with Lux-chi¡¯s personality even that might be difficult.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Why are you giving up the path of being the legal wife?¡¹

    ¡¸Even though you know why even without me telling you©¤©¤. Everyone is just too powerful, you know.¡¹

    Tillfur hung her head down in respond to Noct¡¯s question while staring toward the other side of the bonfire.

    The five girls who were the core members of Syvalles were sitting close to each other.

    .

    ¡¸Really, those three. They are lacking tension even now. Do they really understand that we are going into a battle with no chance of victory after this¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha listened to the conversation of the Triad who thought they were talking with small voices while sighing.

    ¡¸Do you really think so? Then as the queen of the new kingdom, shouldn¡¯t you go back for the sake of the people in case the worst happen?¡¹

    Krulcifer asked Lisha mischievously. Lisha puffed up her cheeks in discontent to that.

    ¡¸Krulcifer. You shouldn¡¯t say something mean like that. Everyone here is accompanying Lux with the same feeling.¡¹

    Celis said to calm Lisha as the senior here, so Krulcifer also obediently stopped pushing.

    ¡¸I know that this will be a battle with low chance of victory. However, this is our only choice in order to take back the true peace where the Sacred Eclipse won¡¯t revive anymore. I was just saying that the fate waiting for us in case we are defeated would be something like that.¡¹

    Lisha folded her arms and looke down while saying that.

    ¡¸Besides©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You want to fight beside Lu-chan until the very end. No matter what happen after this.¡¹

    ¡¸I understand that.¡¹

    Philuffy who was looking up to the snowing sky during the conversation muttered that. Yoruka also nodded.

    ¡¸Aruji-sama is needing us for the battle that he desires. There is no greater honor for a servant than this.¡¹

    ¡¸Honor, is it¡­¡­¡¹

    Yoruka spoke with a bewitching smile. In contrast Krulcifer was sending a doubtful stare toward her.

    ¡¸You are calling yourself a servant, but it doesn¡¯t look like that you are making the right distinction at all. No matter how I look at you, it only looks like you are following Lux-kun based on your personal feeling.¡¹

    ¡¸It seems you have figured me out. But please rest assured, from the start it is my intention to be allowed to serve Aruji-sama as one of his concubines.¡¹

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Yoruka¡¯s excessively frank confession made the three around her to be speechless from the astonishment.

    Philuffy was the only one whose expression was staying absentminded as usual.

    ¡¸What is so surprising? I don¡¯t know who it is, but there was someone else other than me who entered a romantic relationship with Aruji-sama during that repeated three days of parade wasn¡¯t it?¡¹

    From the perspective of Yoruka who had come to a clear decision that she would become Lux¡¯s concubine, her words just now might not bear any significance for her.

    However, it caused the remaining three girls who possessed normal ethics to raise their voices in panic.

    ¡¸Wait! The way you said that¡­¡­it¡¯s like you¡¯re saying that Lux would enter a romantic relationship with different person each time our memories got reset by Uroboros¡¯s world revision!¡¹

    The remaining four reacted when Lisha hit upon the truth.

    ¡¸As I thought, that wasn¡¯t a dream. Lux really told me that he loves me©¤©¤¡¹

    Celis¡¯s cheeks blushed red and her arms hugged her body tightly.

    Her large breasts got emphasized even with the pilot suit enveloping her body.

    ¡¸I also remember it. How Lux-kun chose me in that parade©¤©¤¡¹

    After Celis, Krulcifer also muttered with her usual calm expression crumbling down. Her tone sounded somewhat intoxicated like a girl who was dreaming.

    ¡¸Me too. I remember Lu-chan came to visit me when I was sick, and told me he loved me¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸As for me, Aruji-sama recognized me as a human©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha finally couldn¡¯t endure it and exploded the instant Philuffy and Yoruka also continued with their own comment.

    ¡¸Eei, shut up! Even if what you four said really did happen, it was all in the past! Thinking realistically, it¡¯s obvious that I¡¯m taking priority because I¡¯m the latest one!¡¹

    Lisha claimed loudly. But the eyes of her surrounding looked at her grimly.

    ¡¸I heard you mentioning it before this, but Lux-kun was only telling you that he loves you, however it wasn¡¯t like he was asking you to go out or marry with him right? Perhaps Lux-kun was only saying that he loves you as a princess.¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re seriously a sore loser¡­¡­! Love is obviously prioritized in everything. I¡¯ve already decided that with my authority as the princess!¡¹

    ¡¸You¡¯re going to use your princess authority for the first time for that¡­¡­¡¹

    Celis muttered with a bewildered face toward Lisha who lost her temper.

    However even Krulcifer didn¡¯t show any sign of backing off. She dealt with Lisha with a very composed look.

    The Triad was watching that childish conversation from the other side of the bonfire.

    ¡¸This is¡­¡­, I thought that it had been decided already, but it looks like there is still a chance.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah¡­¡­. Really, that Lux-chi, he is a real playboy. But wait, if only the loop continued longer then perhaps even I might possibly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think there would be any chance for that Tillfur. As expected it¡¯s impossible.¡¹

    ¡¸Shaddup! I know that! I¡¯m not the match of those girls over there anyway!¡¹

    Sharis caressed the head of the pouting Tillfur with a conflicted expression.

    Other than them, the Seven Dragon Paladins and Alma were also watching the quarrel with complicated expression.

    ¡¸I thought that Ane-ue is quite serious as a person but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Well, that¡¯s Lux¡¯s fault. After all he is a natural lady-killer. Everyone will become like that after getting saved by that guy.¡¹

    Magialca casually replied with a hearty laugh while getting drunk alone.

    Mel sighed out white breath beside Magialca after hearing that.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Well, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t understand their feeling. Although it was indirectly, I was also helped by Onii-chan so©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Is it also possible to go out with that young man within the framework of friend? If I remember right there is also that kind of relationship between friends¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s a mistaken interpretation so come back to your senses. Everyone will doubt the personality of Key¡¯s Supervisor if you act like that you know?¡¹

    Mel chided the mutter that Soffice leaked out. Then Rosa twisted her body with an expression of ecstasy.

    ¡¸As for me I¡¯ll simply accomplish my rolee. Aa, if I manage to survive this battle safely then I¡¯ll place myself under that person©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Your surface and hidden personality are jumbled there¡­¡­¡¹

    Rosa¡¯s personality that kept switching in a fickle manner made Magialca exasperatedly stared at her with a put off gaze.

    Slightly behind her, Greifer was lying down acting like it wasn¡¯t his business.

    ¡¸By the way captain, what is that behind you.¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s gaze zeroed toward the Drag-Ride behind where Magialca was lying down.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr.

    It was the Drag-Ride that Magialca owned and used in the past, but now it was just a useless object after she was rendered invalid with no hope of recovery as a Drag-Knight. She once handed it to Lux.

    ¡¸Hm? Ah¡­¡­. This thing is in the middle of tuning right now so that even that girl can use it. I wish there is more time, but it can¡¯t be helped.¡¹

    ¡¸Are you up to your usual trick again?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t make me sounds like a villain like that.¡¹

    Magialca pouted her mouth seeing Mel¡¯s dubious expression.

    It was a peaceful atmosphere that was unthinkable coming from people who were going to challenge a battle with almost no chance of victory. Everyone passed the time like that while smiling wryly©¤©¤but.

    .

    *Rustle*.

    .

    Suddenly they heard rustling sound from a nearby thicket. All of them gasped in surprise.

    A silver haired girl wearing pilot suit©¤©¤the Automata Arshalia was there.

    .

    ¡¸And¡­¡­what happened in the past with Fugil and you?¡¹

    Inside the central that was surrounded with silver walls and countless gears©¤©¤.

    Aeril looked puzzled at the sudden silence and raised her voice.

    Arshalia was talking until she reached the point where Fugil entered a hibernation pod to receive the strengthening surgery by readministering Elixir into him. But suddenly the AI¡¯s projection stopped moving.

    ¡¸My apologizes. I became wary because I sensed some movement on the surface. But Fugil still hasn¡¯t returned. I¡¯ll continue my story.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The three of them became curious about what happened outside, but first they had to finish listening to this story first either way.

    They held their breath while waiting for her to resume her story.

    ¡¸If I speak from the conclusion, Fugil¡¯s surgery was a success, while my main body©¤©¤the original Arshalia died.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu¡¹

    Airi slightly staggered beside Lux hearing that.

    The person who became the model of Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤the princess and scientist Arshalia died. She had faintly imagined that result, but it was still a shock to hear it clearly.

    Because if they believed the AI¡¯s story, then Arshalia was someone who fought to save the people in the era of warfare that happened more than a thousand years ago.

    Sacred Eclipse, the device that originally should be saving all the people had poison mixed into it and became a weapon of massacre at the present.

    Lux had also known about that matter from the fragmentary words that Fugil muttered.

    But, this was the first time that he would be able to learn about the story in full.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Let¡¯s go back for a bit. I will begin from the situation before it.¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s projection said that as the preface with a bow.

    ¡¸Arcadia Empire had regained peace for a moment. However, the hatred of other ethnic group and the clan of traitor was bone deep. Their family was taken away and killed, and even they themselves had their dignity and function as human destroyed. The world was almost swallowed in the flame of war once more because those people wished to avenge themselves. At that time I imprisoned the terrorists from the clan of traitor, but I was at a loss of how to deal with them.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Apparently those terrorists were from a faction that was radical even among the clan of traitor.

    In the old empire there were also many insurrections occurring. In the end all of them got suppressed, but the grudge of the rebel army toward the old empire was something fierce.

    It was already like that even with the old empire, so it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine about the happening in the empire more than thousands years ago where the chain of hatred had continued for even longer.

    Hayes and her family must be the Lords that appeared several generations after that.

    ¡¸It was selfish of me but, I tested the method of salvation using Uroboros¡¯s world revision on them whose hands had already been bloodied. What if I erase everything before that©¤©¤the hatred that they inherited from their parents and grandparents, and the trace of wrath that remained in the country©¤©¤if all those things are gone from inside them? I subjected them under the world revision with such thought. But¡­¡­¡¹

    Uroboros and Sacred Eclipse were created in order to put a stop a new chain of revenge from forming.

    Uroboros was for rewriting human¡¯s perception, to reform the knowledge and memories of the people that were driving them toward destruction.

    The Sacred Eclipse was for bestowing power to overturn the situation toward those who strongly wished for salvation.

    ¡¸But©¤©¤?¡¹

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Silver walls completely surrounded the room.

    Fugil was reminiscing about the tragedy that occurred in the Garden.

    There was no one in front of him when he opened his eyes inside the hibernation pod.

    It was deathly quiet inside the room.

    Fugil took the clothes and coat that were placed nearby along with Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device and exited the pod.

    ¡ºMy legs, arms, body, all of them move well¡­¡­I¡¯m also feeling good.¡»

    It seemed the strengthening of his body by making it accustomed to a lot of elixir succeeded.

    Heat was rising from every single cell of his body as though there was an aura covering him.

    He had no fear about surrendering his body to Arshalia¡¯s hand.

    After going through battle for years, he had come to put his faith full on her technology. And even if this surgery ended in failure in the worst case©¤©¤then he would have no regret.

    Their wish was to lead this hopeless world into peace.

    In other words, they wished to change the law where the strong would continue taking away from the weak.

    It was her who had fought more than anyone in order to sever the chain of revenge and hatred.

    The two of them, Fugil and Arshalia made this gamble in order to make their dream came true.

    ¡ºTroublesome girl. Even though she said that it was her role to wake me up, she isn¡¯t here right now like this¡­¡­¡»

    Fugil jokingly complained inside the quiet space.

    With Arshalia wasn¡¯t present at his awakening like this, Fugil might have already got a hunch that there was some kind of accident.

    However, he was unable to notice it at that time.

    Because Fugil©¤©¤believed in her somewhere in his heart.

    He had witnessed countless tragedy until now after fighting in this extremely chaotic era.

    Even so, he would be able to protect what was truly important for him no matter what. He completely believed that somewhere in his heart.

    ¡ºArshalia¡­¡­?¡»

    This surgery room inside the Garden was still in a locked state from the outside, but there was a single girl sitting near the wall.

    ¡ºSystem has finished rebooting. You are©¤©¤who deyagarimasu?¡»

    The name of this automata with goat horns growing from her head was Clan Lieze.

    Fugil had spoken with her several times before he went asleep. They were acquainted.

    ¡ºWhy is your memory reset? Where did Arshalia go?¡»

    ¡ºPlease wait for a bit. I will download my memory before my destruction and searching life signal inside the Garden deyagarimasu©¤©¤. Aa¡­¡­, I see. So that happened.¡»

    ¡ºWhat is going on? Is Arshalia safe?¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Fugil, first prepare to fight. The Sword Device you have right now is for Uroboros. It¡¯s too big and cannot be transferred into this room.¡»

    ¡ºI¡¯m not asking you that. Where is Arshalia?¡»

    ¡ºThat¡¯s©¤©¤¡­¡­tsu, the enemy has found us.¡»

    ¡ºThe damn door is opened¡­¡­. You are that so called hero! The damn Automata is also revived even though it should be destroyed.¡»

    There was the sound of the door opening. Then a familiar man entered inside.

    This man was tyrannized by the Lords in the past and held a grudge. He was©¤©¤the terrorist who planned to take revenge to them and stole the Elixir.

    But, he was subjugated by Fugil in the middle of his planning and he should be imprisoned underground the imperial capital.

    Why was one of the terrorists inside this Garden?

    He didn¡¯t understand.

    But, Fugil¡¯s body moved before he could think.

    ¡ºOi! I found a survivor! Restrain this guy and interrogate him! The way to control that Sacred Eclipse©¤©¤¡»

    The man said that and summoned a Wyvern that he equipped.

    In contrast Fugil had no space to summon Uroboros inside this room. He was in a desperate situation.

    Or that was how it should be, but©¤©¤.

    ¡ºFugil! Run away deyagarimasu! I will stay behind©¤©¤¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­Too slow.¡»

    The man in front of Fugil rushed forward with his Wyvern to capture Fugil.

    The enemy had rushed forward for several tenths of seconds, but it looked like he wasn¡¯t moving at all in Fugil¡¯s eyes.

    His five senses perceived the enemy. He estimated the Drag-Ride¡¯s next action by analyzing its preliminary movement.

    His brain was working with a speed that couldn¡¯t be compared with the average human to choose the best action and carried it out.

    ¡ºAh¡»

    *Stab*, the Wyvern¡¯s armored arm that was reaching out while it was charging grabbed empty air while in exchange the Sword Device of Uroboros that Fugil unsheathed pierced the barrier and its tip reached the opponent¡¯s arm.

    The man¡¯s tendon was severed, removing his option to control the Drag-Ride. At the same time it caused intense pain that sealed his movement completely.

    ¡ºGUh, AAAAH¡­¡­!¡»

    The man dispelled his Drag-Ride from the shock and intense pain he felt.

    Fugil twisted the man¡¯s unwounded arm and whispered into his ear.

    ¡ºWhy are you here when you should be in the prison? Where is Arshalia?¡»

    ¡ºH-how can you do this, even though you aren¡¯t wearing any Drag-Ride¡­¡­GAAAAAH!¡»

    *Crack*, Fugil snapped the man¡¯s arm like a dry twig before telling him coldly.

    ¡ºAnswer. I won¡¯t ask again.¡»

    ¡ºO-over there¡­¡­. Go out of this room and head to the deepest area©¤©¤. Rather than that quick, we have to, search for the way to control that monster¡­¡­!¡»

    ¡ºMonster¡­¡­?¡»

    Fugil frowned at the man¡¯s incomprehensible statement.

    And then he started walking toward the deepest room.

    He cut down the patrolling Drag-Knights just like the first man and entered inside the room.

    .

    ¡¸W-what, you¡¯re¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me, you¡¯re the one inside that locked room©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I remember, this guy is the one who captured us a month ago, the hero¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    .

    Several terrorists were inside that room.

    However, although Fugil¡¯s ears heard their voices, their words didn¡¯t register to his brain.

    There was a dead body without limbs and eyes hanged at the center of the room.

    The body had been carved, gouged, burned, melted, it had received every torture imaginable in this world and reduced into a broken lump of flesh.

    That familiar silver hair. The scattered scraps of dress.

    That was, that was undoubtedly. What was once Arshalia.

    There were also fragments of machines scattered about. Most likely it was the remains of the Gear Leader when it was destroyed.

    ¡¸Why is master¡­¡­!? No, first we have to eliminate them! Fugil, we should escape from here for now and seal the room to©¤©¤¡¹

    Clan Lieze immediately suggested to retreat.

    But, Fugil¡¯s body naturally moved while his heart was staying blank.

    ¡¸Wha-, don¡¯t come here! We have Drag-Ride©¤©¤gueh!¡¹

    Fugil unsheathed Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device. Its tip cut off the man¡¯s wrist at the same time.

    When facing those who were already wearing their Drag-Ride, he would pierce the barrier and stabbed their chest.

    ¡¸Ah, gu¡­¡­. How, how can someone do something like this with only their flesh and blood body©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil felt how his body was turning superhuman.

    The Elizir that had been administered into his body many times changed and evolved his flesh itself.

    The strengthening surgery that he received at the end performed Baptism to his whole body. He obtained physical ability that surpassed even the average Abyss from that.

    ¡¸Who¡­¡­, who are you deyagarimasu? A, a flesh and blood human can¡¯t possibly do something like©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Clan Lieze¡¯s shocked words slipped through his ears without invoking any emotion.

    Fugil decided to obtain superhuman body in order to use Uroboros.

    He thought that he would still be able to fight with his heart staying human even if his body was becoming more and more inhuman.

    However now©¤©¤.

    He thought it would be better if only his heart was also turning inhuman.

    ¡¸I will download the recording of what happened in this room deyagarimasu. Fugil, wait for a bit.¡¹

    He could imagine what happened here even without watching the recording. And it was just as he thought, the recording only showed what he had already known.

    The radical faction of the clan of traitor who continued to keep their grudge blazing even after peace had come©¤©¤.

    Their comrades who were captured so Arshalia could try reforming them, they became the lead to find this place. There was traitor among Fugil and Arshalia¡¯s comrades who helped them escape.

    They worked together to obtain the Ruins©¤©¤and even Avalon, and planned to rule the world.

    Their plan was to control the greatest and strongest Ragnarok, Sacred Eclipse. They would order it to devour or kill those who were inconvenient for them, and used them as material to create Elixir. They would inject that Elixir into themselves so they could prosper.

    They tried to force Arshalia to program the Sacred Eclipse to become a device that personified such greed of a tyrant.

    ¡¸Apparently Arshalia-sama¡­¡­, master didn¡¯t give in to them until the very end.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was clear just from seeing this trace of torture.

    Arshalia must have continued to refuse their demand no matter what kind of torture she was subjected to.

    And then, she died.

    After that these people tried to make use of the Sacred Eclipse. They tried rewriting the program but gave up at the middle, and then they searched for another way to freely control the Sacred Eclipse.

    That was the picture of situation that Fugil obtained from the circumstantial evidence and the words that he forced out from the rebels.

    ¡¸Damn it! Why are you getting in our way!?¡¹

    There was only one man remaining from among the survivors.

    This man from the clan of traitor was the one guiding the terrorists here. He was clamoring with his arms and legs restrained.

    ¡¸We should have the right for it! We who were once oppressed and even had our brethren and family turned into material for Elixir should have the right to do the same thing back to those guys!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even Fugil was once a member of the clan of traitor©¤©¤.

    He was a member of the organization that opposed the tyranny of the Lords, but he met Arshalia and learned that she was seeking for the true peace.

    But, this man, these people©¤©¤.

    Even now after they were liberated from the tyranny, they were still caught by the pain of the past.

    He kept hiding the desire for revenge in his heart even after Fugil and Arshalia accepted him as ally.

    He was envious of the absolute authority of the Lords in the past.

    That was why he opened the cage of the terrorists and schemed to snatch the right to rule.

    Then he killed Arshalia using the opening that was created when Fugil went into long sleep.

    The dream of the goddess of salvation who tried to save everyone was crushed here.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No, that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    Those words came out faster than Fugil could accept the reality.

    ¡¸It¡¯s still not over yet. The Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros that you created are still here. The dream that the two of us saw©¤©¤the dream to lead the world into peace by human¡¯s hand, is still not over yet.¡¹

    ¡¸Fugil¡­¡­?¡¹

    Beside him, Clan Lieze looked up at the face of her other master.

    There was no color of sadness and pain in the face of this man who was called the hero of the beginning.

    There was only emptiness remaining in it.

    The Automata Clan Lieze had the thought, that there was nothing in his expression.

    ¡¸Clan Lieze. Can you activate Sacred Eclipse here and now? Can you download its operating procedure?¡¹

    ¡¸Please wait a second¡­¡­. It¡¯s possible. But¡­¡­, Sacred Eclipse¡¯s program had been completed a month ago, but there is a trace of someone tampering with it after that.¡¹

    Before Fugil went to sleep©¤©¤Arshalia said that the program of Sacred Eclipse¡¯s action to project the will of human in this world had been completed.

    In that case this sign of tampering must be the result from the attempt of the rebels from the clan of traitor to make their desire came true.

    In other words, a part of Sacred Eclipse¡¯s behavior would become out of order because of the tampering.

    ¡¸Which part of the program got altered?¡¹

    ¡¸The program to respond to ill will and¡­¡­attacking human. There is an additional function to steal human lives in proportion to the good deed that the Sacred Eclipse has accomplished. Most likely it¡¯s for the sake to make things balanced.¡¹

    Plus and minus.

    People who felt regret due to the misfortune they encountered.

    Sacred Eclipse would react to the resentment of such people, people who had things taken away from them, people who suffered, and granted them with the power in the form of Elixir.

    Its standard for giving Elixir was based on the combined wishes of the people.

    At the same time Sacred Eclipse would devour people in order to refine Elixir as well as obtaining energy for its activity.

    It would react to the will of someone with rage and hatred or the heart of someone with strong killing intent and hostility and carried out slaughter.

    The behavior at the later half was a function that didn¡¯t exist in the original version of the Sacred Eclipse, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Perhaps, that is the correct behavior instead.¡¹

    The Sacred Eclipse¡¯s basic principle was salvation based on the people¡¯s will.

    It was started from the belief on the goodness that people had since they were born.

    But, the reality wasn¡¯t so simple.

    In that case©¤©¤even if the will of people with malice mixed in and produced destruction and slaughter©¤©¤it couldn¡¯t be helped.

    ¡¸That¡¯s the choice of the people who rejected Arshalia. Activate it.¡¹

    ¡¸Roger deyagarimasu. Then©¤©¤¡¹

    Cla Lieze obeyed Fugil¡¯s instruction and released the Sacred Eclipse.

    The transparent door of strengthened glass opened and something targeted the prey with a speed that the eyes couldn¡¯t follow.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤GI-SHAAAAAAAAAH¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸GYAAAAAAH!¡¹

    .

    The humanoid Ragnarok with the same appearance like Arshalia used its fingers to pierce the throat of the terrorist that Fugil captured and tore it off.

    It devoured the man and absorbed the energy in the blink of eye, but it showed no hostility toward Fugil.

    However, it was smiling with the exact resemblance of Arshalia when she was alive.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I see. So that guy is someone who should die just as I thought.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It was unknown whether the Sacred Eclipse detected Fugil¡¯s resentment and killed the man.

    Because even Fugil himself already didn¡¯t understand what was going on in his heart.

    It felt like he was returning to the empty him before he met Arshalia, where nothing mattered to him.

    (Is this, the price of turning superhuman¡­¡­? I don¡¯t, feel anything.)

    Was it the compensation from having his flesh and mind strengthened so that he could endure using the Artifact Uroboros? He was unable to even feel sadness even though he lost the girl who was the closest to him.

    In exchange, he was becoming empty.

    He felt like the heart that was moving his body was vanishing.

    ¡¸Is it okay like this deyagarimasu? The Sacred Eclipse will act to keep the balance of the world while carrying out salvation and slaughter alternately. Each time someone stopped it from doing that, it will be restored by Avalon to come back to life even stronger.¡¹

    ¡¸I myself will do as planned. I¡¯ll find a king who is worthy to be entrusted with this Avalon and make him manage this world by human¡¯s hand. First I¡¯ll use Uroboros and erase the past history of slaughter. I¡¯ll have to temporarily erase your memory too. I don¡¯t want to grant humans unnecessary information.¡¹

    ¡¸So you will continue? Even without knowing whether this way is correct or wrong©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah.¡¹

    Fugil nodded seriously to Clan Lieze¡¯s question.

    The Sacred Eclipse in front of him mimicked Arshalia, projected Fugil¡¯s heart, and put together some words.

    ¡¸You can surely do it, Fugil. After all it will be the end if we give up.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡¹

    He would arrive one day if he headed toward it.

    He would be able to arrive at a world where all humans could be saved for eternity.

    He would build the ideal world that the two of them wished for.

    ¡¸If©¤©¤it¡¯s hopeless even with that¡¹

    The Sacred Eclipse repeated Arshalia¡¯s words.

    ¡¸If the hearts of the people are hurt and twisted, if they continue hurting others, if it has become really hopeless¡¹

    It was like an oracle for Fugil who would continue to chase their dream of salvation aloe from now on.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s forget everything and redo it one more time.¡¹

    As though she was encouraging him.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s start from the beginning once more. While believing that one day we will be able to come across such world.¡¹

    As though she was cursing him.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s continue chasing the dream, believing that it¡¯s possible.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­That was, our promise¡¹

    The words that slipped out from the corner of Fugil¡¯s lips had no emotion.

    ¡¸Then, I will guide you to where Urobroos is deyagarimasu. To the Ancient Forest where Avalon is hidden©¤©¤. Perhaps it will also be better to move it away from there eventually.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After that, using the perception manipulation by activating the world revision, he managed to make people forget the memories of hatred from the hundreds of years of fighting.

    Peace came for a time, but the world revision consumed a lot of energy, on top of that there were also some people who recalled the past from the remaining records.

    Those people remembered the existence of Ruins and sniffed around to search the locations. Fugil deployed the Abysses that were used by the Lords in the past in order to defend the Ruins and kept those people away.

    Then finally, he began taking action for the sake of creating a future where Avalon could be entrusted to someone who possessed the qualification as king as Arshalia¡¯s replacement.

    He continued watching the people of that era living their life. Observing the choices that they made and the wish that they had.

    And then Fugil would become the ally of the weak.

    When the balance of authority was crumbling, where the situation leaned to greatly favor the ruler while the weak was falling into a situation where they couldn¡¯t recover from, Fugil would take action to restore the balance once more.

    The weak would replace the strong. Then when that replacement also started scheming to become a tyrannical ruler, he would take them down without anyone else knowing.

    He alternately switched sides between the Lords and the clan of traitor.

    There were also some eras where other country invaded and grasped the authority.

    In order to leave behind the seed of each side, he would make some of them went into cold sleep and waited until they could make the right judgment.

    He continued groping for new possibility.

    .

    But©¤©¤even after a thousand years had passed, the hero that Fugil wished for, a successor that was worthy to obtain Avalon never appeared.

    Before he realized even Fugil was becoming a part of the system of the world.

    ¡¸Why? Would you still live if only you didn¡¯t save me at that time? Would you be able to continue living as one of the Lords without chasing after that dream that was beyond our grasp?¡¹

    He was coming to term with Arshalia¡¯s death as simply an accident.

    But, if at the beginning she didn¡¯t pick up Fugil who was from the clan of traitor, perhaps she also wouldn¡¯t chase after that dream?

    He was also coming to think like that.

    The clan of rebels who were dyed with hatred and fury©¤©¤the disturbing elements within the Holy Arcadia Empire.

    Arshalia said that her heart was touched when she saw Fugil tried to save something even though he came from such background. She said that she found hope in the goodness of human will.

    But, perhaps it was actually a mistake from the beginning?

    In the end, human was nothing more than beast with intelligence.

    They couldn¡¯t win against their greed and got dyed with it, leading them to their destruction. Wasn¡¯t that where all humans would end up in the end?

    Before he realized it he came to think like that. Even so he continued repeating the plan to chase after the dream.

    He fought, fought, fought, fought, fought.

    Fugil kept fighting to reach the world of peace.

    He almost died and revived, he repeated the history many times over, he miraculously received Baptism in the amount that would break ordinary people and became superhuman.

    But even so, he was unable to save the world.

    He didn¡¯t know whether the day would come that the Sacred Eclipse returned to its original function.

    Even so, he had to keep repeating it.

    Even if everything was just like building a sandcastle that would sooner crumble from the wave.

    ¡¸After all, it will be the end if I give up¡­¡­¡¹

    When he spoke Arshalia¡¯s words, the scene that happened more than a thousand years ago vanished from the Garden.

    The time to look back at the past was over.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go. To carry out my mission©¤©¤¡¹

    .

    And then, the hero returned to reality.

    He flew back toward the Ancient Forest where Avalon was at.

    .

    ¡¸You! What are you here for©¤©¤!¡¹

    At the camp in the temple¡¯s ground.

    While Lux, Aeril, and Airi were entering the central underground this temple, the Automata Arshalia suddenly showed herself.

    Lisha raised her guard seeing her and she immediately unsheathed her Sword Device.

    However, the silver haired Automata didn¡¯t show any will to fight at all.

    ¡¸Please don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯m only coming here in order to persuade all of you. I also wish to tell this to the three who already entered inside, but please quickly leave this place. By the way, this body is a clone made from nanomachine, so there won¡¯t be any meaning even if you destroy it.¡¹

    Arshalia told them with a mechanical tone that wasn¡¯t filled with any particular emotion.

    ¡¸I¡¯m coming here simply to convey my request. If the Sacred Eclipse¡¯s activation has been stopped temporarily, it won¡¯t revive for several years at least. Even if after that you have your memories erased by Endless, you will be able to live in peace for a while.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha was bewildered after listening to the intent of the Automata. Krulcifer lifted up her face beside her.

    ¡¸So you are also someone who can¡¯t be talked with? No, perhaps that¡¯s because you¡¯re a robot. Do you think there is anyone here who will obediently leave after being told that?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    The remaining members of Syvalles, Seven Dragon Paladins, and Azure Division nodded slightly in agreement with Krulcifer¡¯s words.

    They were people who had decided just now to fight together with Lux.

    It was impossible to make them leave at this point.

    They displayed their will once more to the Gear Leader.

    ¡¸I thought so. Perhaps I¡¯m only doing something pointless.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, you should leave immediately. I won¡¯t permit even more nonsense coming from you.¡¹

    Celis also continued after Krulcifer and pressured the Automata clone, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That person is suffering. He has been so all this time since Princess Arshalia, the model of my appearance died.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    The Automata suddenly changed the direction of the talk. Everyone there looked confused.

    ¡¸Fugil¡¯s objective is to find a hero. He has continued searching for that thing that he was unable to become. After he became an immortal superhuman, he couldn¡¯t find any other wish than guiding this world.¡¹

    The Automata girl continued talking indifferently with no change in her blank expression.

    ¡¸No one can stop Fugil who is completely bound by his curse. He will only suffer more if all of you are obliterated from opposing him.¡¹

    ¡¸So what are you sayingg? That we have to go along forever with this farce that man has kept repeating over and over by faking history©¤©¤how laughablee. Even though he isn¡¯t even thinking of us as fellow human that is equal with him.¡¹

    Rosa who had kept her mouth shut until now retorted with a fearless grin.

    ¡¸That is really getting on the nerves isn¡¯t it? How he is only seeing people as guinea pig.¡¹

    Mel also continued right after Rosa and displayed her intent to keep fighting.

    ¡¸Leave already if you get it! You won¡¯t get away unscathed if you keep disturbing our rest!¡¹

    Even Lisha¡¯s little sister, Alma pointed the tip of her Sword Device to Arshalia.

    However here the Automata Arshalia showed a different reaction from before.

    ¡¸Are you saying that all of you here could stop it? If Fugil didn¡¯t take action, it would be impossible to destroy the old empire. It was the same with Listelka, she almost ruled over the world if Fugil didn¡¯t stop her. Am I wrong?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­What, do you want to say?¡¹

    Soffice asked back to the Automata with a dubious face.

    ¡¸In the first place, weren¡¯t those guys planning to become absolute ruler because that Fugil and Sacred Eclipse lent them strength? Don¡¯t start spewing bullshit now.¡¹

    Greifer pointed out. However Arshalia turned her gaze toward him without faltering.

    ¡¸Even them were originally oppressed people. Because of that Fugil lent his strength to them, the weak to save them. But those weak people would always grow impudent and start exploiting those weaker than them unreasonably. Within such reality, all of you here were unable to save the world. That¡¯s a fact.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha couldn¡¯t say anything to that and closed her mouth.

    At the era where the tyranny of the old empire was going on, Lisha¡¯s father, Count Atismata cooperated with Lux and revolted, but in the end he died in battle.

    Lux was also captured after Airi was taken hostage. Their revolution ended in failure.

    That was the reality that would happen if Fugil didn¡¯t take action behind the scene.

    That reality was falsified by Uroboros©¤©¤and the old empire was destroyed.

    It was the same with the competition for Avalon against the Lords. If Fugil didn¡¯t kill Listelka when she planned to rule tyrannically, it was very likely that everyone here would be executed.

    ¡¸Originally there was no way for revolution by the weak to happen. The world cannot be changed without the interference from the strong. Fugil has been shouldering that task all alone until now. He has never run away even once and continues to fight even now.¡¹

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lisha opened her mouth to argue back, but she hesitated.

    If Fugil didn¡¯t find Lux and the revolution didn¡¯t happen©¤©¤and if the imperial family wasn¡¯t destroyed to be the final push, by this time Lisha would have been reduced into an assassin of the old empire and died sooner or later.

    There was implication in the Automata¡¯s words.

    The world would be the same whether Fugil was there or not.

    No, if anything there would be the weak people who wouldn¡¯t be saved without Fugil and Sacred Eclipse there.

    ¡¸Do you, do all of you have the power for that? Do you have the resolve to face the weight of the world? If you defeat him even though you are unable to do that, then that¡¯ll be just for your self-satisfaction.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Not just Lisha, everyone standing there also couldn¡¯t make any voice.

    The fate that they couldn¡¯t oppose.

    Because they had been continuously toyed by that fate, they were unable to declare that they were absolutely in the right.

    However©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is¡¹

    Lux¡¯s voice passed through inside the snowing forest.

    *Kiin¡­¡­!* Light came from the site of Ruin that was a slight distance away and the three who entered inside were teleported there.

    And then he confronted the Automata Arshalia with a straightforward gaze.

    ¡¸Lux!? Are you safe!? What happened with Sacred Eclipse¡¯s revival system!? Were you able to obtain useful information to oppose Uroboros with!?¡¹

    Lisha and the rest of Syvalles members turned toward Lux.

    ¡¸Yes. Aeril has turned off the activation switch of Sacred Eclipse. As for Uroboros, I think we¡¯ll also manage somehow against it.¡¹

    Lux replied at the impatient Lisha while looking around to check everyone¡¯s safety.

    And then last he turned his gaze toward the Automata Arshalia, the last remaining ally in Fugil¡¯s side.

    ¡¸You talk just now, can I take it as a message from Fugil?¡¹

    Fugil would arrive here in several more hours.

    Lux thought that perhaps he left the task of persuading them to retreat from here to the Automata before he arrived, but,

    ¡¸No, this is my independent action as someone who has continued watching and recording his way of living until now. It¡¯s my opinion as the manager of the system you called Ruins.¡¹

    The Automata flatly denied Lux¡¯squestion.

    ¡¸I have been watching all this time. The Ruins were originally created in order to make humans prosperous, but the fact is that they are too much for the hands of human. Greta technology will not always bring people happiness. Some of the rulers©¤©¤would use them to oppress other people for the sake of their own benefit. That is the history of mankind. The reality that cannot be overturned.¡¹

    ¡¸You©¤©¤and Fugil has observed human for more than a thousand years. Is that the answer you arrived at?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. That is the answer he arrived at as the hero who save the world.¡¹

    Arshalia nodded without delay. In respond Lux shook his head slightly.

    ¡¸That¡¯s¡­¡­surely a lie. Fugil hasn¡¯t obtained any answer. That¡¯s why he is repeating this. Asking himself whether they are in the right or not. He is fighting because he has no way to get the answer for that question.¡¹

    ¡¸Then, are you saying that you have found the answer? The answer of how to save the people, what is the duty of a hero, and what do they have to do, can you answer them?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yes¡¹

    Lux showed a slightly anguished expression toward the Automata¡¯s question.

    However, he didn¡¯t spend more time looking like that and quietly nodded back.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I can¡¯t believe you. What is the answer then?¡¹

    ¡¸The answer¡­¡­I plan to tell him, Nii-san directly. I intend to face him with my own words and action. ©¤©¤That is my duty as someone who has received the guidance of that hero.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­I, see.¡¹

    The Automata slightly looked down before slowly turning her back toward them.

    ¡¸Farewell, elite Drag-Knights who has approached the truth until this far. If you still remain here a few hours later, then you will lose your life.¡¹

    Arshalia dispersed after a faint light enveloped her.

    After that there was only silence remaining behind.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fuu¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Lux!¡¹

    Lisha and others rushed Lux the moment the atmosphere eased up after the threat before them left.

    ¡¸We can do this can¡¯t we!? It¡¯s fine for us to fight isn¡¯t it!?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, I was able to obtain a definite proof after seeing Fugil¡¯s memory. I©¤©¤have to defeat Nii-san. And then I need everyone¡¯s help to do that. Will everyone come with me?¡¹

    ¡¸Of course! I¡¯m not going to remain here if that¡¯s not the case!¡¹

    Lisha clenched her fist and nodded. Krulcifer looked exasperated slightly away from her.

    ¡¸Haa¡­¡­. You¡¯re really quick to change your attitude, even though you were that dispirited just now.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s just how important Lux¡¯s presence is for Princess Lisha, no©¤©¤for us.¡¹Celis said

    ¡¸Right.¡¹Philuffy also muttered in agreement with a faint smile.

    ¡¸Then, the banquet ends here. The main members should rest with only the scouting team remaining alert. Don¡¯t use Drag-Ride for now!¡¹

    The members in the camp dispersed following Lisha¡¯s instruction.

    They prepared several tents to avoid the snow and slept with bonfires surrounding them.

    The Azure Division©¤©¤mainly the Drake users under Magialca¡¯s command were monitoring the area until far distance away using their radar, so they would be able to detect Fugil¡¯s arrival.

    Lux was sleeping alone inside a small tent. There he noticed how his thought was becoming clear.

    Fugil¡¯s past.

    He was the hero of the beginning who lived in an era of wars that was even more disgusting than the era of the old empire that Lux experienced as a little child. He fought for his dream of peace.

    He found Lux, a seed of rebellion who was born from the old empire itself and guided him.

    For Lux, Fugil¡¯s existence was salvation itself in his childhood.

    At that time he had no ally anywhere.

    No one would understand him.

    He was unable to change the rotten authority with the lawful method.

    Lux was despairing in the face of such reality. It was Fugil who showed him the path.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºMy wise younger brother. You can change this country if it¡¯s you. Let¡¯s burn the rotten root together with me. We will change the world.¡»

    ¡¸A hero¡¯s mission¡­¡­¡¹

    He wondered what was in Fugil¡¯s mind at that time.

    As the one who brought the equilibrium between the strong and the weak, was he considering Lux his pawn?

    Or was he considering him as someone with the same will like himself?

    Was he looking at Lux a new vessel of king?

    .

    Fugil piloted his EX Wyvern to fly through the dawning sky.

    He cut through the cloud that was dyed by the morning glow, heading toward the Ancient Forest without paying any heed of the falling snow.

    The equilibrium between the strong and the weak. When it was judged that the balance was tipping completely to one side and couldn¡¯t be fixed with human hand, the hero would move.

    There were lives with their fate had been fixed since they were born that they would only get exploited by the strong with vested interests.

    The hero would move to take down the statesman in order to save those lives from their unfortunate fate, but it would be pointless if he just simply killed that single statesman.

    Even if a single leader disappeared, he would only get replaced by a new leader. There wouldn¡¯t be any change to the system.

    That was why it was necessary to raise a hero. He would select someone with excellent talent and nurtured them while giving them his assistance.

    Other than finding good person, there were also many people who got buried for smoothening the change that happened.

    In that case he would only use the fact that a rebellion occurred while using Endless to make the story coherent.

    However, even if the person he found and nurtured managed to safely defeat the king, the authority would rot the heart of the country¡¯s rulers sooner or later. Sometimes it would happen within three generations©¤©¤and sometimes it could happen as early as within the same generation.

    It was refrains of the sight he saw in Holy Arcadia Empire.

    Many people were the same like those people from the clan of traitor who treated Arshalia¡¯s kindness with disdain. They would lose to their own greed and fell to become the same like the rulers who they loathed.

    And so the equilibrium would crumble before long and become distorted.

    In case the Sacred Eclipse possessed them directly, that immense power and the burden to their mind would make them fell even faster, but it was only a matter of time.

    Singlen Shelbrit who he found at other country possessed enough qualification to become king in addition of his ideology and strength but©¤©¤Lux possessed something different from htat.

    He was dragged into political strife. He was made light of. He was hated by the people and they even abandoned his mother to die.

    Even so he didn¡¯t choose to take cheap revenge.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Nii-san, do you think there is a way to change this country?¡¹

    It was the voice of someone who stood above others with all their emotions pushed aside.

    At that time even Fugil couldn¡¯t completely read what lie inside the heart of Lux Arcadia who was still twelve years old.

    That figure who still tried to bring about true peace after conquering the hatred that he was faced with.

    Fugil had never seen anyone who could take such action after having someone dear taken away from them.

    ¡¸There is. If it¡¯s you©¤©¤it will be possible to change this country.¡¹

    ©¤©¤Hero.

    The existence that Arshalia wished for. The existence that he aimed to become.

    A descendant of the clan of traitor who was placed into the position as his little brother, Lux.

    If it was this young man, then perhaps©¤©¤Fugil entertained that hope.

    That perhaps, Lux would be able to become a type of ruler who he had never seen before even after continuing to watch human history for thousands of years.

    And then right now, he was heading toward the place where he would hear the answer of the question from seven years ago.

    .

    On the other hand, at the campsite built in the temple site.

    The countless bonfires were making crackling sound. Lux came out from his tent to look at the sky.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Haa¡¹

    It wasn¡¯t that cold thanks to the bonfires, but his breath still looked white.

    The snowfall was lessening, but it was still slightly snowing.

    In exchange the sparks from the bonfires were fluttering in the air. It was like the castle of the old empire at the day of the revolution when it was enveloped in flame.

    ¡¸¡­¡­The mission, that a hero must accomplish huh.¡¹

    That small mumbling slipped out from Lux¡¯s lungs.

    He learned about the past incident that happened more than a thousand years ago from Arshalia¡¯s AI that was hidden in the Garden.

    It was the record of the two people who overcame many trials and fought the evil that lurked inside the people.

    The way of life of the hero of the beginning Fugil and the goddess of salvation Arshalia.

    The conclusion of the sad tale, where it wasn¡¯t over just by saving the people.

    Even so, Fugil kept chasing the dream of peaceful world even now.

    Using the Sacred Eclipse that became imperfect and Artifact Uroboros that could only be used by him, he chose those who could become hero and guided them for the sake of saving mankind.

    However, there was still another truth hidden inside that story of the past.

    Another fact that even Fugil didn¡¯t know©¤©¤.

    Because of that, Lux resolved himself once more to defeat Fugil.

    (But©¤©¤can I do it?)

    Even winning against Fugil in battle was already a reckless gamble, but to do more as a prince was even more impossible©¤©¤he couldn¡¯t help but thought that.

    People who became ruler wouldn¡¯t necessarily act righteously©¤©¤.

    No, Lux knew that the number of righteous leader was in the minority instead.

    He could find ruler who drowned in authority, prioritized their own self-preservation, and sacrificed their people anywhere he looked.

    Even Queen Raffi was grieving from the pressure of her surrounding and turned to murder when Sacred Eclipse possessed her.

    If by any chance©¤©¤he could end this battle safely, would Lux be able to save other weak people like Raffi?

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    He didn¡¯t know.

    It might be pointless even if he kept thinking about it, however©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Aren¡¯t you cold, standing there?¡¹

    ¡¸Eh?¡¹

    He suddenly heard the voice of someone dear and got hugged tightly from behind.

    Philuffy wearing a coat on top of her pilot suit had been standing right beside Lux without him noticing it.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wait, why is Phi-chan here!?¡¹

    ¡¸Shh. Everyone is resting, so be quiet.¡¹

    She said it with her usual expressionless face and my pace tone.

    She had just gone a battle that fierce, and now she was also waiting for another battle that would even be more intense, and yet she was still unshakable as usual.

    Lux lowered his voice just as he was told and asked her in whisper.

    ¡¸Since when©¤©¤you¡¯re here?¡¹

    ¡¸For some reason, I couldn¡¯t sleep, from before Lu-chan came here.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s unusual that Phi-chan is saying something like that.¡¹

    She projected the image of always being composed, so he couldn¡¯t help but felt surprised, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I was worried, that Lu-chan might vanish to somewhere.¡¹

    Philuffy told him that with a small smile tugged on her lips.

    It was like she could see the inside of Lux¡¯s heart.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    As someone who decided to fight Fugil, he didn¡¯t wish to drag everyone with him somewhere in his heart. It looked like this childhood friend of his had seen through that.

    ¡¸You shouldn¡¯t worry about it alone you know? We are here, to share the burden.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Yeah. Thank you.¡¹

    The two of them watched the snowy landscape close to each other for a while. Then Lux spoke out his mind.

    He spoke about his worry whether he would be able to guide the new kingdom correctly if they managed to defeat Fugil.

    He spoke about his wondering if there was any other way to save Queen Raffi somehow.

    Lux wasn¡¯t expecting Philuffy to give him any definite answer.

    After all he thought that those were the type of question that had no answer.

    However©¤©¤this lovable childhood friend gave him a very unexpected reply.

    ¡¸I think, perhaps, it¡¯s impossible for Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Eh¡­¡­?¡¹

    Philuffy tilted her head with her usual blank look and said such thing.

    Honestly, he was somewhat shocked.

    He didn¡¯t think that she would tell him such thing so bluntly that his heart wasn¡¯t prepared.

    ¡¸That¡¯s not what I mean.¡¹

    Philuffy seemed to guess Lux¡¯s state of mind from his expression and turned her gaze toward him once more.

    ¡¸Lu-chan, from the start it¡¯s impossible to save everyone. Because Lu-chan, you aren¡¯t a god.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    It felt like his chest was stabbed.

    ¡¸But, Lu-chan saved me. And I think the princess managed to save Queen Raffi. Surely, it¡¯s fine like that. This world is©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re right.¡¹

    Lux couldn¡¯t possibly save everyone by himself.

    It would be arrogant of him to think that he could.

    But, Fugil who had become a superhuman that far surpassed human©¤©¤Fugil who had come to this point after directly facing the ugliness and beauty of human more than anyone, he was aiming for that height.

    ¡¸I want to help Lu-chan. Even if I can¡¯t be any help, I want to stay beside you until the end and become your strength. That is my wish.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you, Phi-chan.¡¹

    As expected, her existence was a relieve for him.

    Lux¡¯s heart intended to fight as an imperial prince of the old empire or perhaps as the Black Hero. But she returned his heart back into the heart of a single human without any title burdening it.

    That was enough.

    Because after this Lux would face the hero not as something exaggerated like a hero who would save the world, but merely as one little human.

    ¡¸Yep. That¡¯s good, you look better now Lu-chan.¡¹

    ¡¸Say, Phi-chan¡¹

    After gazing on the soft smiling face of his childhood friend, Lux faced her directly once more.

    If he was able to survive this battle.

    If this battle ended without letting Philuffy die, he would have to take responsibility for her along with everyone else.

    The memories of world revision in those three days of parade.

    Although his memories were reset, but it was an undeniable fact that he had confessed his love to them.

    ¡¸When this is over, I¡¯ll speak my feeling properly.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Yes.¡¹

    She replied with her usual smile that was warm like a sunny spot.

    They decided to go back to the tent to sleep again, it was then©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Everyone! Please wake up! The radar detected Abysses approaching! There isn¡¯t much time!¡»

    .

    Magialca¡¯s subordinate who was on the lookout. A female Drake user used the voice amplifier function to sound her warning.

    Finally, the last moment arrived.

    The fated opponent who ruled the history had returned to this place.

    .

    ¡¸Swarm of Abyss? How!? Where in the world did they come from? Aeril!?¡¹

    The members of Syvalles, Seven Dragon Paladins, and Azure Division who were asleep slipped out from their tents and gathered into formation at the campsite.

    First they listened to the detailed information of the Drake that served as lookout before taking position in this base to intercept the enemies.

    Lux already gave everyone the method to overcome the Artifact Uroboros based on the information he obtained.

    Because the central was Uroboros¡¯s other half, Fugil should come to take it back.

    In addition he had also thought about countermeasure in case Fugil headed here alone ahead of the schedule, but©¤©¤.

    This Abyss raid that came out of nowhere made Lisha raised her voice in confusion.

    The Abyss plant in this Ancient Forest©¤©¤in the Avalon was under the control of Aeril through her connection with the central.

    Furthermore at present©¤©¤the Abyss¡¯s production wasn¡¯t turned on.

    Even if Aeril¡¯s control authorization had been taken away, the Abyss production shouldn¡¯t be able to be carried out right away.

    ¡¸I¡¯m not sure but, Fugil stopped by at the Garden right? Perhaps he brought the Abysses from there to here? Perhaps he used the flute to control them.¡¹

    Tillfur muttered with an unsure look. Sharis nodded beside her.

    ¡¸That might be possible. In that case he shouldn¡¯t be able to control that many Abyss but¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. But there are troublesome signs. ©¤©¤There are twenty Diabolos. They are midsized Abyss that has self-destruction function. A powerful type among the Abysses.¡¹

    Diabolos was a flying Abyss with jet black body that possessed fangs and claws.

    Lux and others had experienced fighting it several times.

    ¡¸How nostalgic. The last time we fought them was at the Garden wasn¡¯t it? Though unlike that time, we have also become exceptionally stronger©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer replied like that to Noct¡¯s explanation.

    Certainly, it wouldn¡¯t be that difficult to defeat that Abyss with the full power of the members here.

    However, there was no way that such lukewarm attack was everything Fugil got in his sleeves.

    In the first place, Fugil should be arriving here faster than those Diabolos, so it wouldn¡¯t be a mistake to consider that he got some trick up his sleeves.

    ¡¸So he won¡¯t let things go as I planned.¡¹

    Abysses were deployed at this point of time.

    That meant this was a diversionary tactic so they couldn¡¯t gang up on Fugil alone.

    In other words©¤©¤he considered Lux as his arch-enemy and prepared a plan of his own to face him.

    ¡¸Lux. What are we going to do? At this rate this camp will be surrounded. It¡¯ll be different from our plan, but perhaps there isn¡¯t any other choice than meeting the enemy?¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, that¡¯s true.¡¹

    Lux nodded at Celis¡¯s advice.

    The hero of the beginning©¤©¤the one who guided and raised Lux to become a hero. A battle of wits against such person was going to start.

    .

    On the other hand©¤©¤.

    Fugil who had linked up with the Automata Arshalia was focused on Lux.

    At the center of Ancient Forest where the central was sleeping underground.

    Far to the west from that location where Lux¡¯s group was taking position, Uroboros was at standby.

    He didn¡¯t need to make Uroboros¡¯s main body moved directly. In this range it was possible to summon it to his location using its Sword Device.

    Therefore Fugil equipped the Divine Drag-Ride that was produced by Uroboros¡¯s special armament©¤©¤Infinity and formed a plan to first throw the formation of the enemy into disarray using his maneuverability.

    Beside him, the Automata Arshalia displayed her doubt to her master Fugil.

    ¡¸But, I can¡¯t understand why you will expressly bring those Abysses here. I don¡¯t think that Lux Arcadia and his allies deserve that much caution from you.¡¹

    From a glance, it might look like Fugil created Abysses using the Garden and brought them here to replace the manpower his side lost from the destruction of the Automatas, but the point of Arshalia¡¯s question was something else.

    Originally Diabolos was a powerful Abyss, but they weren¡¯t that much of a threat against Lux and others in their full strength.

    That meant that from the start they were nothing but pawns for the sake of diversion.

    Was there any need to do cheap trick like that©¤©¤the Automata was asking that.

    But, Fugil equipped a certain Divine Drag-Ride and replied to that question with a fearless grin.

    ¡¸©¤©¤In the end he didn¡¯t destroy Avalon¡¯s central. Just from that I understand that he is seriously trying to defeat me.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­? What do you mean, Fugil?¡¹

    The Automata showed a puzzled expression in contrast to here master who was making a convinced smile.

    She was unable to understand Fugil¡¯s meaning even with her thought circuit that was installed with delicate programming.

    ¡¸If he is simply wanting to get in my way, it will be enough to destroy the central completely. On the other hand, if he actually does that, he wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid his allies getting totally annihilated. That must be what he was thinking.¡¹

    If Lux and his allies combined their strength and destroyed the Central, Fugil would bring out the resource from other Ruins like Garden or Moon to repair the central. It would take years.

    With the central destroyed, the world revision using Uroboros would also become sealed but©¤©¤, in that case they would use up the majority of their strength that could be used to fight Fugil.

    Considering Fugil¡¯s personality, he would only lay his hand on those who got on his way from accomplishing his mission. Lux judged that Fugil would slaughter them all for destroying the central.

    But putting it the other way, if they remained behind without touching central, it would be hard for Fugil to launch a large scale attack directly using Uroboros.

    ¡¸In that situation we can still take back Avalon undamaged, and you also won¡¯t need to expressly slaughter a lot of lives. you¡¯ll also be able to narrow your target for killing to Lux alone©¤©¤he was limiting our action like that?¡¹

    Fugil nodded slightly at Arshalia¡¯s conclusion.

    ¡¸You¡¯re mistaken with just one thing. I¡¯m still not feeling that much threat from that spoiled child that I have to kill him no matter what.¡¹

    Singlen at his full strength showed a hidden strength that posed at threat to Fugil¡¯s live even if only temporarily.

    Therefore Fugil had no choice but to kill him, but he didn¡¯t feel as much danger from Lux.

    His evaluation toward Lux hadn¡¯t increased that much even now after Lux had defeated the completed form of Sacred Eclipse.

    Nevertheless, Fugil formed a plan and wished for tactical battle of wits like this. For what reason?

    Even Fugil himself didn¡¯t understand his reason for doing so.

    But, right now he was perceiving Lux as a formidable enemy, more than anyone he had fought until now.

    That was what the Automata Arshalia was feeling from Fugil.

    .

    ¡¸What¡¯s wrong Lux-kun? Twenty Diabolos are going to arrive here in several more minutes. If we¡¯re going to intercept them, we have to sortie now©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril raised her voice at the camp where the allied force of Lux and others were gathered.

    Fugil still hadn¡¯t showed up within the detection range of their radars.

    In contrast the Diabolos had dispersed to slowly encircle this temple site.

    The twenty Diabolos would close the distance to the campsite until they were right in the top of them unless they dispersed their whole force of Divine Drag-Ride users to intercept the enemies.

    ¡¸Right, Krulcifer-san. First please take care of the west where the enemy will first appear from.¡¹

    In respond to Aeril¡¯s demand for instruction, Lux ordered Krulcifer to sally out.

    ¡¸Understood. I should fight without moving too far away from this camp, right?¡¹

    Their formation to intercept Uroboros wouldn¡¯t hold if their force was divided too much, so Lux expected Fafnir that possessed great sniping ability with its future prediction to finish up the enemies as quickly as possible. But,

    ¡¸But, ain¡¯t the number too lacking to intercept the enemies? The enemies are encircling our surrounding ain¡¯t it? Can we stop them with just a single Drag-Knight?¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. That¡¯s why Greifer, I¡¯ll leave the east to you for the moment.¡¹

    The young man with blonde hair that was bristling up in part closed his mouth from Lux¡¯s instant answer to his question.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Don¡¯t mention sniping, I don¡¯t even have any projectile weapon to attack from afar y¡¯know?¡¹

    ¡¸But, your Cuelebre¡¯s invincibility will be useful in case the enemies self-destructed.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Though as expected, it would be difficult for him to take on multiple Diabolos simultaneously at close range.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t complain, just go already. If you¡¯re scared then I¡¯ll go in your place.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsk, this damn prince really likes to work people hard.¡¹

    After the provocation from the youngest Seven Dragon Paladins, Mel Gizalut, the prideful Greifer had no choice but moving.

    Lux was grateful in his heart seeing Mel¡¯s consideration to him by giving Greifer a push in the back skillfully.

    However, if Lux¡¯s prediction was right, Diabolos wouldn¡¯t approach them any closer anyway.

    (©¤©¤Fugil. Your aim is to take back the central. In that case your aim is to draw us away from there.)

    Fugil¡¯s tactic was to harass them by surrounding them with Diabolos so they would send their force to intercept the enemies. He would be able to move the battlefield with that.

    At the same time it would also destroy the formation of Lux¡¯s force.

    By the way, the one using radar to detect the enemies right now was Yoruka¡¯s Yato no Kami.

    Fugil was still outside the radar¡¯s detection range, but if for example he used Bahamut¡¯s compression strengthening to do super acceleration, he would be able to close the distance of several kl within a few seconds.

    If their force was crushed one by one while they were scattered apart, they would be annihilated even without Uroboros in play.

    Therefore they couldn¡¯t just simply head out to remove the Abysses.

    It would be completely impossible for them to stop Fugil without all the members of the allied force here.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Aruji-sama. I detected a sign of Drag-Ride.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!? Is it Fugil?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. There is a reaction of a Drag-Ride just barely within the radar¡¯s range at the west©¤©¤that¡¯s the only information I have right now. The Drag-Ride has withdrawn.¡¹

    The radar only detected the Drag-Ride for a moment. Was it intentional on the enemy¡¯s part to make them focused on his presence?

    In that case, there was enough possibility that the enemy was making them focused to the west while moving to attack from another direction.

    Either way, the information advantage would be important.

    If he couldn¡¯t predict Fugil¡¯s current location and his plan and fell behind him, the winning probability of Lux and others who were already in great disadvantage at the strength aspect would decrease until nearly zero.

    ¡¸Yoruka, can you head to the west for me? I want you to continue tracking Fugil¡¯s movement until we defeat the Diabolos.¡¹

    ¡¸As you command.¡¹

    Yato no Kami that was a special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride could cover a wide range using its radar to detect the enemies.

    And then, Yoruka herself was also someone who could adapt well to the change in the battle situation.

    He could only entrust the difficult task of tracking Fugil to her.

    *Dan!* Yoruka took off to the west using her Drag-Ride¡¯s four legs to leap.

    Multiple Diabolos were prowling in the sky above, but Krulcifer held them back with her sniping. Yoruka slipped through using that opening.

    .

    ¡¸They took the bait, Fugil. It¡¯s just as you predicted. Kirihime Yoruka has started moving.¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia communicated with Fugil using Dragon Voice.

    ¡¸Then let¡¯s circle around just as planned. You should also move like I told you before.¡¹

    Yato no Kami¡¯s radar possessed maximum detection range.

    Naturally Fugil and Arshalia had accurately grasped that capability.

    The blueprints of every Drag-Ride©¤©¤the detail of their abilities had been drummed into their head.

    Fugil¡¯s brain also possessed superhuman capability thanks to the Baptism that was apllied to his whole body. He instantly detected that it was Yato no Kami who took off using the radar of the Divine Drag-Ride he was equipping.

    In the first place, Yoruka was the only special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride user in Lux¡¯s camp right now.

    He would be able to see through Lux¡¯s plan as long as he understood that Yoruka would be the one tracking after his location.

    Lux made the judgment to prioritize tracking Fugil¡¯s location so they could be on their guard against him while also moving to remove the threat that were twenty Diabolos.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤I¡¯ll dispel this Divine Drag-Ride Asp. Arshalia, give me Bahamut.¡¹

    ¡¸Roger. Activating special armament Infinity.¡¹

    Fugil dispelled his connection with the special equipment type Divine Drag Ride Asp he was wearing. In exchange he summoned and equipped Bahamut.

    And then he fixed his aim at Lux alone and began taking action.

    Asp that was created by Infinity and used by Fugil until now also possessed wide range radar just like Yato no Kami.

    Therefore he could predict the movement of Yoruka who caught his current location and withdrew to the west.

    Fugil wore Bahamut to head far away to the west before circiling around to the south.

    Arshalia who was controlling Artifact Uroboros was slowly advancing to the north.

    In other words, Arshalia¡¯s Uroboros replaced Fugil to become diversion by pretending to be the Drag-Ride that was detected for an instant by Yoruka before this.

    This action was more to distract Lux and others rather than for luring Yoruka away.

    From the north Fugil went to the west before circling to the south. Arshalia was moving to make Lux and others thought that Fugil would attack from the north of their base, but Fugil was instead circling to the south to rush them from the opposite direction.

    His aim was to finish Lux with one attack.

    Fugil would destroy the core that united the enemy camp which consisted of people with different ideology and status. He was taking the best action to sever the opponent¡¯s unity.

    Lux should be thinking that Fugil was circling to the north right now.

    In that case©¤©¤Yoruka¡¯s attention would also get directed to the north.

    Uroboros that Arshalia was piloting was provided with all the abilities of land battle type, flying type, and special equipment type. So she could also grasp the movement of Yoruka who entered the range of her radar once more while sending Fugil the information of Yoruka¡¯s position.

    And then now that Yoruka was sent out as scout, there was no way for Lux¡¯s side to detect the movement of the true Fugil.

    Far at the south of the temple site where Lux¡¯s force took position©¤©¤. From the distance that was outside the range of the radar of Noct¡¯s EX Drake, Fugil activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Crimson light surged out from the jet black armor and his time was super compressed.

    The flow of time of the first five seconds was drastically slowed down until a fragment of the original, then the flow of time would be accelerated by multiple times at the later five seconds.

    He would fly straight to north from here in full speed, to kill Lux who was standing still defenselessly.

    The battle would be settled before anyone could even blink, literally.

    ¡¸Was I overestimating you? Don¡¯t disappoint me here, my wise younger brother.¡¹

    But, this was Lux that he was facing. So perhaps he had been preparing some kind of countermeasure or trap.

    It would be anticlimax if he didn¡¯t do that much at least.

    Fugil grinned fearlessly. A second later, he made Bahamut flew in full speed.

    .

    ©¤©¤*GO-!*

    .

    The air was split apart and a streak of black shadow pierced through the grey sky.

    The speed was like a fired bullet. Within that speed, Fugil¡¯s superhuman eyes gazed fixedly at the camp far away like a bird of prey, fixing its aim©¤©¤but,

    (©¤©¤!?)

    A sense of discomfort wrapped around Fugil¡¯s whole body right after that.

    The answer to that doubt that he couldn¡¯t describe was projected into his field of vision along with a phantom that looked as though he was looking at mirror.

    The Drag-Knight from Arcadia imperial family with silver hair and grey eyes.

    Lux Arcadia himself was flying right toward Fugil.

    ¡¸©¤©¤How can, this?¡¹

    Fugil slightly frowned. In that instant, Fugil also brandished his Chaos Brand.

    Both of them were charging forward with super acceleration from Reload on Fire. The two streaks exchanged a sword slash.

    .

    ©¤©¤*BAGIiiIII-!*

    .

    A sound of destruction that split the eardrum burst in the air. Fugil was struck down and crashed on the forest right below him.

    The match was decided in just a single instant of opening in Fugil¡¯s action from getting taken in surprise.

    The tip of Chaos Brand that Lux swung had stabbed into Fugil¡¯s armored shoulder ahead of Fugil¡¯s great sword.

    (©¤©¤I see, so that¡¯s how)

    Right after that, Fugil comprehended the reality while falling down.

    The reason why Lux could see through Fugil¡¯s plan and intercepted him was just one. It was the hidden joker that Lux finally brought into play.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, haah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux whose five seconds of super acceleration from Reload on Fire had ended was released from the extreme tension and sweated from his whole body.

    He grasped this first victory with a paper-thin difference.

    He wished that he could immediately pursue Fugil who crashed below, but he had used intense concentration and mustered all his strength. The recoil made his body unable to move right now and he couldn¡¯t pursue.

    He had to catch his breath in just several seconds.

    While Fugil who was hit with a flash of counterattack was falling with his broken armor fragments scattered, Lux heard his little sister¡¯s voice.

    ¡º©¤©¤Nii-san. Are you alright-!? As I thought, the attack just now©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºYes¡­¡­. It¡¯s just, as I¡­¡­predicted. This is thanks to you Airi. I¡¯m going to finish off Fugil now. Everyone, move just as we planned¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºNii-san, be careful¡­¡­!¡»

    He was communicating with Airi while breathing hard.

    Fugil must have noticed too from the exchange just now.

    That the piece Lux accidentally obtained and kept in secret©¤©¤was used by Airi.

    At the camp 2 kl north from here, there was Airi wearing the Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr.

    .

    ¡¸I¡¯m feeling complicated somehow. Even though Airi-chan has only just learned how to use Drag-Ride, she can only wear a Divine Drag-Ride now. How can we keep our face as her senior now?¡¹

    Airi was deploying the gigantic Drag-Ride Jormundgandr that was like a small fortress. Tillfur was standing guard around Airi while letting out a sigh.

    Beside her, Noct was sending Tillfur a pointed stare.

    ¡¸No. Please don¡¯t chatter pointlessly and focus. We don¡¯t know when the enemy will attack.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah©¤©¤but at least allow me to say this for now. Airi-chan, you did great.¡¹

    Sharis concluded the talk with that. Airi too smiled at her while still looking tense.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Thank you very much. This is thanks to everyone.¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s especially thanks to me though. But don¡¯t let your guard down. You are still not used with handling a Divine Drag-Ride. It doesn¡¯t matter even if your aptitude score rivaled Lux, using this thing will exhaust your stamina in no time at all.¡¹

    The reason why Lux was able to read Fugil¡¯s action that originally should be undetected and cut him down after countering his surprise attack was©¤©¤.

    The answer was this Jormungandr that Airi was wearing.

    When the Automata Arhslia dispatched her nanomachine clone to Lux¡¯s camp, she also checked everyone who remained there.

    Among them, she only found Yato no Kami that was piloted by Yoruka to be the only Drag-Ride with wide range radar.

    And so she was able to intentionally step just barely within Yoruka¡¯s detection range and successfully drew her attention.

    From there, Lux¡¯s force should be unable to detect the location of Fugil who circled around to the south of the temple site where they were encamped.

    But, Airi who had already finished her contract and tuning with the Divine Drag-Ride succeeded in equipping the Jormungandr.

    Of course, with Airi¡¯s piloting skill, she was still unable to properly move Jormungandr¡¯s characteristic seven arms.

    However, she was just barely able to put up the barrier and used the radar.

    And then, using the wide range radar of the special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride, she detected Fugil taking a large detour from west to south.

    Lux¡¯s prediction from there was,

    ¡ºFugil¡¯s aim is most likely me. If he find a situation where he can attack me alone, he will come to finish me off without hesitation.¡»

    He was the central personage who noticed Uroboros¡¯s loop and persuaded as well as leading everyone.

    If he was taken down, the allied force¡¯s organizational capability would greatly decrease.

    Fugil who had carried out a lot of historical revision in order to maintain the world¡¯s balance would undoubtedly prioritize targeting Lux.

    And then, Lux predicted that once Fugil thought that he had gotten out of the radar¡¯s range, he would accelerate using Bahamut¡¯s compression strengthening and rushed to their base in one go. And his prediction had splendidly come true.

    Launching a powerful assault that couldn¡¯t be detected.

    It was Lux who accomplished that instead of Fugil.

    (But, it¡¯s still not over¡­¡­!)

    Thanks to Airi and Magialca©¤©¤they obtained the advantage with a plan that used a hand that even Fugil didn¡¯t know they had. But putting it the other way around, it also meant they suddenly had used up their greatest trump card.

    From here on they could only face Fugil with capabilities that he was already aware of.

    If Lux let go of this chance of a lifetime, it would make it extremely difficult to defeat Fugil.

    ¡¸Now, is the only chance¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux regained his breath and flew to the forest below where Fugil¡¯s Bahamut was falling.

    Fugil¡¯s armor was already half-destroyed, and originally just the impact alone would have dealth a great damage to the pilot, but Fugil was a superhuman who had Baptism performed on his whole body.

    His body¡¯s endurance, physical ability, thinking capacity, they all should be far better than the average Abyss.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Lux raised his vigilance to the maximum and activated the Divine Raiment of strengthening compression.

    The target was Lux¡¯s time.

    Lux also saw red light surged from below him. It seemed Fugil also used Reload on Fire in reaction to Lux.

    But, if he brought the fight into another exchange of slash in super accelerated speed, Lux would be in advantage due to the better condition of his Drag-Ride.

    Even in the worst case that Uroboros¡¯s main body was summoned here, its size that was too big would make it took time until it was completely teleported and set up here.

    It would be the same even with Over Limit that summoned additional armor.

    Previously©¤©¤in the battle at the abandoned capital Guernica, Lux had memorized the deployment time of Uroboros. He predicted that this time it would also take that much time.

    Therefore he chose the best option to seal that option from Fugil.

    Because Arshalia who was piloting Uroboros¡¯s main body was heading to the north, she would be unable to attack here directly.

    In other words, this would be completely a one on one.

    ¡¸One, two , three¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux counted the time until the acceleration while hypothesizing every possibility of counterattack.

    He would finish this battle before Fugil could exert his full strength.

    That should be the best plan to take.

    ¡¸Four¡­¡­!¡¹

    Lux started moving using the super acceleration of time.

    The vision wasn¡¯t good because of the trees and snow, but Fugil should be in the same situation.

    The situation was even for both sides, then Lux should be able to obtain the advantage from the difference in their Drag-Ride¡¯s damage.

    Lux was convinced of his advantage and dived down with his great sword at the ready.

    The trees were in the way so it was difficult to swing his great sword, but he transmitted energy into the sword and descended while cutting apart the trees along.

    But, at the next instant.

    Countless machine fragments attacked Lux together with a dazzling light.

    (©¤©¤Howling Roar? No, it¡¯s Break Purge!)

    Fugil¡¯s counterattack was completely outside his expectation that Lux was hesitating in the middle of his accelerated time.

    He couldn¡¯t avoid all the fragments because he was holding his blade vertically while he himself was swooping down in full speed.

    ¡¸Uh, gu!¡¹

    He deflected the majority with his barrier, but his balance crumbled when large fragments hit his armor.

    (But, what is he planning? Certainly he might be able to avoid my attack with this, but if he take off his Bahamut©¤©¤)

    If Fugil became unarmored, he wouldn¡¯t be a match for Lux who had a Drag-Ride equipped.

    Just what could he be thinking?

    The instant Lux pondered that, the figure of Fugil taking a stance with his Sword Device hazily came into his view in the middle of snow.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    (Don¡¯t tell me, he is planning to intercept me with only his Sword Device!?)

    Rather than getting into a sword fight with a half-destroyed Bahamut, this way of fighting might still be better.

    (However¡­¡­no, it¡¯s forbidden to hesitate! I¡¯ll get killed if I hesitate!)

    Lux instantly resolved himself and charged with Chaos Brand¡¯s tip aiming at Fugil¡¯s right foot.

    ©¤©¤But,

    ¡¸Your endgame is too rushed, my wise younger brother. ©¤©¤You¡¯re too hasty to win.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­-!?¡¹

    No.

    Fugil was wearing an armor.

    But, he had no armor except of the half that contained the Force Core that was the energy source. It didn¡¯t even have the mechanism to generate barrier.

    And yet, that composition made it possible to move the Drag-Ride at the minimum.

    Lux¡¯s Chaos Brand thrust from above to below, but Fugil dodged with a half rotation. He unleashed a horizontal swept at Lux¡¯s back wings that was empowered by his body¡¯s twist.

    ¡¸Gu-ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    That precise and yet mighty blow stopped the movement of Lux¡¯s Bahamut this time.

    He was sent flying and crashed through the trees or getting bounced away before getting buried into the snow.

    He hurriedly try to recover his posture, but Fugil had flown toward him before he could fix his balance.

    ¡¸Break Purge¡­¡­, you removed only the broken parts that became unusable and the barrier generator©¤©¤¡¹

    How could Fugil move perfectly using half-destroyed Bahamut?

    The answer was the Break Purge that he executed before this.

    Lux thought that Fugil was buying time to switch into another Drag-Ride.

    Or perhaps©¤©¤he was going to challenge Lux with his flesh and blood body, so Lux readied himself to steel his resolve to kill Fugil.

    However, the reality was different.

    (Un-believable¡­¡­! I completely misread him!)

    Lux gritted his teeth while his breath was taken away from the impact on his back.

    Fugil was hit by a surprise attack, his Drag-Ride was seriously damaged, and his body was also wounded. In that condition he chose to perform Break Purge, leaving behind only the usable parts.

    He discarded the majority of his barrier and protective armor, lightening his weight and entering the mode where the remaining energy could be focused to the remaining parts.

    In other words, he used the same technique like Celis¡¯s kamikaze attack form.

    Of course, doing such thing increased the risk and the damage from the recoil by remarkable amount compared to wearing Drag-Ride normally, but he never thought that Fugil would master the technique that Celis personally invented.

    A Drag-Knight wouldn¡¯t be able to do Break Purge to enter the kamikaze attack form just from an idea on the spot.

    To ascertain whether they would be able to fight in that form or not©¤©¤, they would need to do a great amount of test.

    But, Fugil chose that action without any hesitation©¤©¤he was obviously used of doing that.

    Lux had misread him in that aspect.

    ¡¸Your surprise attack just now was magnificent, my wise younger brother.¡¹

    An indifferent voice reached Lux¡¯s ears.

    His sight was still bad and he couldn¡¯t figure out Fugil¡¯s location from where he was standing.

    However, he understood the direction of his enemy. He took a defensive stance by relying on his instinct.

    The latter five seconds of his Reload on Fire had passed. The instant the effect of the accelerated time had run out, a slash from Fugil descended on Lux¡¯s great sword.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­?¡¹

    The wide range radar of Jormungandr©¤©¤it seems there was someone who was using it well. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible for Alma Atismata to do such thing yet. In that case is it Airi? It was a good judgment for you to hide it until now. You made a wonderful decision to suddenly play that hidden trump card. Taking the initiative is the most important thing in battle.]

    ¡¸Uu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Their swords were locked with each other, but the power of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut was overwhelming Lux.

    Due to the kamikaze attack from after the Break Purge, the Drag-Ride¡¯s armaments became limited. The amount of energy that could be poured into the remaining moving parts was increasing from before.

    And then©¤©¤inside this forest with the trees standing close to each other, Lux¡¯s armor that was still in its complete state sealed his movement instead. On the other hand Fugil¡¯s lightened Bahamut obtained the advantage.

    Even if Fugil wasn¡¯t a superhuman, this situation around him right now would still be disadvantageous for him. The reality of that made Lux shuddered.

    (Un, believable¡­¡­)

    Fugil responded to his surprise attack with another surprise attack. He grasped the situation several seconds after receiving a serious damage, saw through Lux¡¯s next action, and prepared a counterattack of his own.

    Furthermore, he held Lux back with Break Purge while entering kamikaze attack form at the same time to control Bahamut that had its power output lowered. Furthermore he decreased the amount of his armor and moved the battle to a cramped place with a lot of trees that was advantageous for him.

    (What if I was the one who got hit with that surprise attack? Would I be able to do something like this after that?)

    That thought crossed his mind. He understood that it was pointless to think of that.

    But, for the first time Lux felt uneasy thinking that his prediction might be greatly mistaken.

    He thought that even if he couldn¡¯t win against Fugil in a head-on confrontation, he would be able to close the gap in their ability depending on the method. But perhaps such thinking was actually completely mistaken?

    ¡¸You have blundered. Then what should you have done then? I would get away if you didn¡¯t quickly pursue me at that time. You also didn¡¯t have the time to use Over Limit. The action you took should be right. Are you thinking like that?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu!?¡¹

    Fugil whispered in front of him as though he had seen through Lux¡¯s mind.

    He mustn¡¯t get led astray by his voice.

    If he lost focus, his control of his Drag-Ride would grow sluggish and created a fatal opening.

    Even so, Fugil¡¯s words still became a blade that attacked him.

    Lux¡¯s mind that was taken by surprise was assaulted by Fugil¡¯s remarks.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll tell you starting from the conclusion. Your decision to fight me itself is a mistake. I¡¯ll allow you to put down your sword and retreat even now. I¡¯ll also return your comrades unharmed. This will be my last warning to you.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Who do you think you¡¯re talking to!¡¹

    From the sword locking contest where he was slightly pushed back, Lux took action to reverse the situation.

    He gathered energy into one point in his head piece and unleashed that energy in spiraling shape.

    Howling Roar.

    The Howling Roar that was launched while doing other action lacked the power to deal the damage it was meant to do, but it was different in this situation.

    Because Fugil had taken off the majority of his armor by the Break Purge, he had lost his barrier generator.

    Therefore, even the weakened Howling Roar that Lux unleashed right now could be expected to deal enough damage.

    Especially to his half destroyed Drag-Ride, while Fugil himself might be alright with his superhuman body, this attack would be enough to break the damaged Drag-Ride.

    Lux¡¯s eyes that saw through the opponent¡¯s weakness weren¡¯t wrong.

    However, Fugil reacted instantly even toward this.

    .

    ©¤©¤*Zagun!*

    .

    ¡¸Gah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fugil reversed the wrist of his armored arm and struck Lux¡¯s head armor with a single upward thrust.

    The attack that was unleashed with Quick Draw sharply took the initiative and stopped the Howling Roar that Lux unleashed from forming.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar¡¹

    Instead it was Fugil who showered the stunned Lux with Howling Roar.

    Lux was blown away along with the armor he was wearing. His recovery was slow because of the damage on his back wings.

    There, Fugil swooped down on him©¤©¤.

    (Not good¡­¡­. That stance is¡­¡­!)

    Lux read Fugil¡¯s aim even while getting blown away.

    Fugil¡¯s aim in making Lux¡¯s stance crumbling was©¤©¤to execute the Drag-Ride¡¯s secret piloting technique, End Action.

    If he was showered with consecutive attacks that wouldn¡¯t end just like that name suggested, his defeat would be set in stone.

    Right now Lux was already running out of method to escape that fate.

    ¡¸To choose the wrong option when the choices are plain and simple is the proof of incompetence as a ruler, my wise younger brother.¡¹

    The hero of the beginning laughed Lux¡¯s choice that rejected his compassion.

    In that moment where the future that was Lux¡¯s defeat would become reality in one more second, countless stakes and chains got in the way of Fugil¡¯s path.

    *DO-DO-DO-DO-!*

    The purple chains that stabbed the ground were the special armament Pile Anchor.

    That meant Typhon piloted by Philuffy was rushing here to support Lux.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t, let you.¡¹

    After he heard Philuffy¡¯s voice, the anchors that were buried into the ground were rolled back.

    She prevented Fugil from finishing off Lux and stood on his way.

    ¡¸So you came to throw away your life that was saved.¡¹

    But Fugil didn¡¯t look perturbed at all and brandished his blade. He turned around still in that posture and swept aside the lance that was thrusting at his back.

    ¡¸We don¡¯t have any intention of throwing away anyone. We are only putting our life on the line in order to move forward.¡¹

    Celis who moved behind Fugil using Divine Gate¡¯s instant teleportation let out a thrust with her Lance.

    The two¡¯s reinforcement made it in time to get Lux out from his predicament.

    ©¤©¤Or rather than saying they made it in time, Philuffy and Celis had immediately followed Lux right after he decided to intercept Fugil.

    Because Krulcifer and Yoruka had already left the base, these two were assigned with the duty to assist Lux.

    It could be said that this was also within Lux¡¯s calculation.

    Because if he managed to perform the surprise attack on Fugil and held him back, he would be able to fight him along with his powerful allies after some time passed.

    He also still hadn¡¯t given Fugil any leeway to summon Uroboros.

    The battle situation was now turning from overwhelming predicament into overwhelming advantage for their side.

    And yet, Fugil¡¯s expression was still sporting that smile of composure.

    .

    ©¤©¤Meanwhile, at the west side of the camp where Lux¡¯s force was encamped.

    A battle against Uroboros that Automata Arshalia was controlling and Diabolos that were approaching the base was unfolding.

    ¡¸Even though, this isn¡¯t the time to bother with these small fries©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer brushed up her blue hair impatiently while intercepting the enemies with Fafnir¡¯s sniping.

    The Diabolos had been strengthened with Elixir injection.

    It was slightly disadvantageous for Krulcifer in her current state where she was preserving her Full Connect, but she couldn¡¯t possibly play her trump card here.

    If she didn¡¯t use it to face Fugil or at least to stop Arshalia¡¯s movement, she would just play into the enemy¡¯s hand that wished to exhaust the battle strength of their side.

    ¡¸GISHAAAAAA-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! Another one¡­¡­¡¹

    However, when the third Diabolos entered her sight, she became unable to keep saying that. At this rate, Krulcifer¡¯s defensive line would be breached. If that happened, the formation of the allied force near the camp would be thrown into disarray.

    She mustn¡¯t let the enemies approached the location of Airi and Aeril who were taking position to protect the central.

    However, when facing multiple powerful enemies like this, even the future prediction of Wise Blood would become inaccurate.

    While she was pondering that, one of the three Diabolos in front of her stopped moving.

    Its chest bloated up until several times its original size and red cracks were forming up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤No good!¡¹

    This Abyss¡¯s characteristic was to self-destruct when it was lethally wounded and destroyed its surrounding in a wide range.

    Furthermore the Diabolos here had been strengthened by Elixir, so the explosion¡¯s power was also exceptional.

    Krulcifer hurriedly acted to shoot it down before it could explode, but it caused an opening to be created. The two remaining Diabolos didn¡¯t miss that chance.

    ¡¸Damn©¤©¤!¡¹

    Black claws that were sharp like sword attacked Krulcifer from behind.

    She managed to block it with Auto Shield, but it stopped her movement for a moment. Bright flash surged from the Diabolos that was in self-destruct mode in that opening.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s body stiffened along with the thunderous sound and explosive blast.

    She didn¡¯t even need to use the future prediction to realize that she would be unable to block the explosion and got heavily wounded. She lamented that fact but©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸Haa, what are you doing. Aren¡¯t you a bit to slack recently in the emotional aspect?¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps her head is filled with the matter of the young man©¤©¤Mahaprana!¡¹

    .

    Krulcifer caught the voice of Mel and Soffice while her eyes were closed. Then the situation was overturned.

    The shockwave and heat wave that were released by the self-destruction of the strengthened Diabolos only hit the Diabolos diagonally behind. It was instantly burned to ash.

    The explosive energy was directed to a single point by the trajectory control of Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Mahaprana could make use of the enemy¡¯s attack the stronger it was. It could be said as the most suitable ability for this situation.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You two, why are you here?¡¹

    ¡¸You are asking that? We simply didn¡¯t believe that you will be able to manage somehow here by yourself. ©¤©¤Dual Shift¡¹

    Mel used Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤the temperature control to lower the Diabolos¡¯s temperature to become extremely low, freezing its surface body.

    She smashed it with her Halberd the moment it froze and its movement turned dull.

    The falling snow would melt when touching the Abyss¡¯s skin due to their high temperature, causing their skin to be slightly wet. That was why it was possible to freeze them instantly.

    The two of them were protecting the camp, but after they received contact from Airi that Lux had determined Fugil¡¯s position and moved to intercept him, these two came to back up Krulcifer.

    ¡¸Actually it feels like it will be more exciting to face Fugil directly. But I also won¡¯t be able to sleep soundly if I let you my rival die, so I came here to help.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s what you said Mel, but you¡¯re actually quite an attentive and caring girl aren¡¯t you?¡¹

    Soffice¡¯s retort made Mel reddened. Krulcifer smiled wryly seeing her face.

    Greifer was also someone attentive and caring despite his appearance. So perhaps his trait had infected Mel before she realized it?

    In the past she was at the opposing side against these two girls, but now they were getting along like this. This too was also thanks to Lux.

    She could feel Lux¡¯s presence at her side even though he was fighting somewhere else right now.

    It made her happy. That was why she couldn¡¯t lose here.

    After all the future that Krulcifer wised for could only come if they survived this battle without losing anyone.

    ¡¸Then©¤©¤indeed. I guess I should let the other girls to back up Lux for now.¡¹

    Krulcifer used her Dragon Voice and sent a call to Airi who was equipping Jormungandr.

    ¡ºI¡¯m glad you are safe Krulcifer-san. Yoruka-san is dealing with the remaining Diabolos while the rest, around ten of them are slowly heading toward the camp here. As for Nii-san©¤©¤he is in the middle of fighting Fugil together with Celis-senpai and Philuffy-san.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤I see.¡»

    ¡ºAlso, please quickly return here when you can. If not¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºYes, I¡¯ve already sensed it. But, it¡¯ll be better for us to join up after all of the Diabolos has been taken care of. Either way we need someone to stop them on their track right?¡»

    If Lux and Fugil were currently engaged against each other, then she had to face the other formidable enemy in his place.

    Krulcifer and others were already starting to hear its footsteps from their location.

    ¡º©¤©¤Warning¡»

    The Automata Arshalia broadcasted her voice using the Drag-Ride¡¯s voice amplifier.

    That gigantic Drag-Ride that was hiding using camouflage suddenly appeared before their eyes.

    ¡¸©¤©¤That¡¯s!¡¹

    ¡¸Artifact Uroboros¡­¡­! It¡¯s already this close-¡¹

    This Divine Drag-Ride¡¯s approach was too fast despite its enormous size. It dumbfounded Mel and Soffice.

    If it kept its current pace, it would arrive at their base in the east in less than several minutes.

    Even though they were also pressed to deal with the remaining ten-odd strengthened Diabolos©¤©¤.

    ¡ºIt will be against Fugil¡¯s wish to erase all of you here. But, if you¡¯re going to keep getting on our way no matter what, I will be forced to do so. I will hold back for three times, but it won¡¯t be my responsibility if you die with just that. Prepare yourself.¡»

    ¡¸How very kind. Though the way it¡¯s looking down on us like that©¤©¤¡¹

    Mel sweated nervously even while grinning fearlessly after hearing that warning.

    For the two Seven Dragon Paladins here, they had faced this threat before with six of them but still got defeated. And now they would have to face it with less battle strength than before.

    Of course, their objective was only to hold it back until their base camp finished its attack preparation. But this opponent wouldn¡¯t make even such thing easy for them.

    There was a long-distance sniping cannon that equaled Sevens Heads, protruding from its stomach. It was also equipped with a giant sword that looked more like a steel tower. If they got hit directly by those weapons even once, it would be suspect whether they could survive or not even using barrier that was fueled with all their energy.

    ¡¸You can run away if you¡¯re sacred. No one will scold you.¡¹

    Krulcifer made a light talk in front of the overwhelming threat. Mel snapped at it.

    ¡¸Nice idea, how about we bet who will be the first to run away?¡¹

    ¡¸The first person to run away will have to treat everyone.¡¹

    Soffice said jokingly. Then the three of them readied their weapons.

    Right after that, the giant Divine Drag-Ride that was like a fortress flew forward. Its movement shook the trees of the Ancient Forest.

    .

    ¡¸GISHAAAAAAA-¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡º©¤©¤Yoruka-san! Are you safe!? You are being surrounded by three Diabolos©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºThere is only two. I have defeated one just now.¡»

    ¡ºYou¡¯re still the same¡­¡­. It¡¯s a bit relieving though.¡»

    Airi said with a sigh that was a mix of exasperation and admiration.

    Even in such overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, this girl¡¯s strength that towered above the rest was still the same.

    ¡¸More importantly, is Aruji-sama alright? This is a disgrace for me as a servant. To waste time for taking care of opponent of this level and be unable to immediately rush to my master¡¯s side©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸You don¡¯t need to worry. Nii-san also has strong allies accompanying him right now.¡¹

    Yoruka was able to pilot Yato no Kami perfectly after resting and recovering for a few hours. She was reliable as usual.

    She didn¡¯t have any worry at all even when being surrounded by multiple strengthened Diabolos.

    Because they were biological creature, she could read their breathing and took advantage at the opening of their awareness and used Instant Strike.

    Krulcifer¡¯s group was stopping the invasion of Uroboros from the north, while Yoruka was suppressing the Diabolos that were approaching from the west.

    Lux and Fugil were in the middle of fighting at the south©¤©¤that was the battle situation at present.

    Before long some Diabolos would also arrive at the camp where Airi and others were taking position, so the crucial moment still hadn¡¯t arrived but©¤©¤.

    ¡º¡­¡­Err, Krulcifer-san¡¯s group has defeated three, and Yoruka-san just defeated one©¤©¤there should be twenty Diabolos©¤©¤there is still one that is unaccounted. Or is it just my imagination?¡»

    Airi suddenly spoke her doubt that her calculation might be mistaken. Her doubt came from a simple anxiety, so it shouldn¡¯t be something that would cause anything major. But,

    ¡º©¤©¤That, is indeed strange.¡»

    Although it was a powerful Abyss that was in question here, in the end it was just a single Abyss.

    Airi thought that it would be beneath the notice of someone as skilled as Yoruka, but she clung at Yoruka¡¯s comment.

    ¡ºStrange¡­¡­really? Certainly you can call this strange but©¤©¤¡»

    Even after listening to Yoruka, Airi still couldn¡¯t find any point of focusing on just a single Abyss.

    When speaking about the seriousness of the threats, Fugil or Arshalia would be far more dangerous.

    ¡ºPerhaps, the enemy is hiding something. If the aim of the enemy¡¯s tactician was to lure me out alone like this©¤©¤¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­tsu!?¡»

    Airi came to a sudden realization after listening to Yoruka¡¯s voice that was accompanied by the whirring sound of the Drag-Ride.

    Yoruka who possessed wide range radar through her special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride was forced to move west in order to locate Fugil©¤©¤she was baited to move there.

    Airi thought that Celis and Philuffy were the most suitable people to give Lux back up against Fugil because of their mobility, but to be honest she wished that it could be Yoruka who assisted Lux because of her ability to use Spell Code.

    Thinking very carefully, Lux indeed succeeded in predicting Fugil¡¯s aim and intercepted him but©¤©¤the situation that was created was also advantageous for the enemy cap.

    ¡ºDon¡¯t tell me, no¡­¡­. It¡¯s nothing. Yoruka-san, please fight carefully. I will contact you again if something happen.¡»

    ¡ºUnderstood miss commander.¡»

    Airi finished the light talk and cut off the contact with Yoruka.

    And then she started wracking her brain about the meaning of the words that Yoruka said.

    ¡¸What¡¯s the matter Airi?¡¹

    ¡¸No©¤©¤¡¹

    It was hard to believe that the whole situation right now was going according to Fugil¡¯s plan.

    However, if she considered at minimum that Fugil had managed to obtain an advantage by making Yoruka facing Diabolos instead of confronting him directly©¤©¤then as she thought, Fugil¡¯s ability to predict ahead couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    In a sense he was surpassing Lux who got ahead by using the trump card that was Airi who could use Jormungandr.

    After thinking to that point, she also came to suspect the Diabolos that vanished to who-know-where.

    She must not underestimate the advice from Yoruka and just thought of it as her imagination.

    Airi felt that she had to use her brain and made herself useful, for Lux¡¯s share too.

    ¡¸More importantly, Lisha-sama. Please get to your position. Three strengthened Diabolos are heading our way. They will arrive soon!¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah, leave it to me. Let¡¯s go! You all!¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, Ane-ue!¡¹

    The Drag-Knights remaining in the temple site©¤©¤at the base where the central was sleeping underground, drove their respective Drag-Ride forward.

    Alma of Azure Division served as Airi¡¯s guard just like the Triad. Lisha, Greifer, and Rosa were to intercept the Diabolos.

    After they left there was only Aeril remaining here, but Zahhak was still half-broken. Her stamina was also exhausted from connecting with the central, so she didn¡¯t go out©¤©¤or rather, she couldn¡¯t.

    What was left was giving her all to do what she could like putting up barrier or collecting the wounded Drag-Knight.

    Airi and others had to build as much advantage as possible before Fugil could reach his destination, the central©¤©¤.

    Considering that, how much groundwork could they finish in order to put the victory conditions in place?

    That would become the greatest key for grasping the victory.

    ¡¸Everyone©¤©¤please stay safe.¡¹

    Airi saw off Lisha and the other two who went to intercept the Diabolos while muttering.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Jormungandr was consuming her stamina greatly just by wearing it, but she mustn¡¯t whine here.

    Compared to the suffering of being someone who could only be protected until now, this situation where she was standing in the thick of it felt pleasant instead for her.

    .

    ¡¸Haaaaa-¡­¡­!¡¹

    Inside a forest two kl south from the temple site where the central was sleeping.

    Celis lunged with her Lightning Lance along with a shout that sounded like a roar.

    The deadly thrust that was clad in electricity possessed the power to blow away the trees crowding the area.

    And even if it was blocked, the electricity could even bring death to Fugil¡¯s body after it penetrated his thinned armor after the Break Purge.

    However, Celis showed no hesitation at all.

    Although he wasn¡¯t a normal human anymore©¤©¤he was still made from flesh and blood. Celis had resolved herself to kill him and let out a deadly attack©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Fugil activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment an instant faster. His target was Celis and Lindwurm.

    ¡¸Wha-¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Instantly Celis¡¯s movement©¤©¤her flow of time was drastically reduced to a fragment of the original.

    Due to the characteristic of Reload on Fire¡¯s compression strengthening, her movement turned dull and her attack was sealed.

    No matter how powerful and unblockable the attack was, there would be no problem as long as it didn¡¯t hit.

    Then next in this situation Fugil was aiming to perform the battle technique that Lux invented, Violent Strike.

    Celis would be practically defenseless during the remaining four seconds of the time compression. If she was attacked right now, the accumulated impact would burst at the later five seconds.

    ¡¸Phi-chan!¡¹

    Lux was still unable to move properly. He called out to Philuffy to stop Fugil.

    In respond Philuffy immediately shot her Pile Anchor from the middle range to attack from the side at Fugil who was moving to slash Celis.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu¡¹

    But, Fugil smiled and showed a super reaction speed as though he had anticipated it.

    The tip of a pile that moved quickly like bullet was deflected with his great sword. The chain¡¯s trajectory was changed and it entwined around Celis¡¯s Lindwurm.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Right after that, the chain of Pile Anchor that twined around the electricity spear became a conductor that sent the lightning attack to Philuffy¡¯s Typhon, sealing her movement.

    Fugil then twisted his body to dodge the remaining anchors with the smallest movement.

    That whole exchange only took three seconds.

    Fugil landed a slash with his Chaos Brand on Celis¡¯s shoulder using the remaining two seconds.

    ¡¸U-aah¡­¡­!¡¹

    The instant the later five seconds of the strengthening compression of time arrived, Celis got blown backward while Philuffy was stopped from moving due to the paralysis from the electric attack.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Im-possible!¡¹

    Because Bahamut had entered kamikaze attack form due to the Break Purge, the Drag-Ride had certainly turned lighter and its offensive power also increased.

    On the other hand©¤©¤its defense had thinned and it couldn¡¯t even produce a barrier. But Fugil was easily dealing with Celis and Philuffy who were in full strength despite the high risk to himself.

    He only used Reload on Fire to dodge the Lightning Lance that was clad in electricity, wrapped a Pile Anchor from Typhon around the lance, causing a friendly fire, sealing the two¡¯s movement.

    Lux thought that even for Fugil, it would be next to impossible for him to break through this situation while he was being unable to use Uroboros directly.

    But, using instantaneous creativity that even Lux couldn¡¯t think up on the fly, Fugil magnificently overcame his predicament and turned into counterattack.

    ¡¸How, can you possibly¡­¡­? You¡¯re©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸I have previous experiences of facing teamwork at that level many times before. I met a painful experience when I was at the receiving end of such attack for the first time. Though I can¡¯t even remember how many hundreds of years ago it happened©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil picked up the words that Lux muttered unconsciously and smiled derisively.

    Previous experiences.

    Fugil had repeated history many times to maintain the equilibrium of the world. He had fought people piloting Divine Drag-Rides many times through it all.

    No©¤©¤he had even experienced every kind of disadvantageous situations throughout the strives in the era of Holy Arcadia Empire.

    He almost died many times. Each time he would overcome the borderline between life and death. The power of experience he obtained from all those was unmatched.

    Lux shuddered inside his heart against this strength.

    Even he himself had amassed experiences of many battles as the Weakest Undefeated to learn how to read the pattern of enemy¡¯s attack.

    But Fugil was in the possession of experiences that were dozens of times greater than Lux.

    ¡¸Lux! You mustn¡¯t falter! His target is you!¡¹

    It was just for several moments, but Lux¡¯s movement had stopped from astonishment. Celis who was blown away raised her voice to warn him.

    Lux gasped and came back to his senses. But Fugil was already moving at that time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Did I ever say something like that? Stop acting under the wrong impression if you don¡¯t want to mistake your path again.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s target wasn¡¯t Lux, but Celis who was unbalanced after Lindwurm¡¯s shoulder was slashed.

    The slash that was unleashed while flying at low altitude flashed to stab her shoulder armor. It was then,

    ¡¸Kuuh!¡¹

    Celis immediately twisted her body and avoided direct hit to the Force Core that was a Drag-Ride¡¯s vital part.

    However, the chest part where the barrier was thin got cut in exchange. Celis opened her eyes wide due to the impact that penetrated through her armor.

    ¡¸Uaaaaah¡­¡­!?¡¹

    ¡¸Celis-senpai!¡¹

    She was just barely hanging on so that her armor wouldn¡¯t be dispelled, but she wouldn¡¯t be able to move properly for a while now.

    It could be said that at least they avoided having Lindwurm getting taken down and couldn¡¯t be used anymore in this battle, but the compensation for that was great.

    However, Fugil¡¯s aim in attacking Celis first was something that Lux painfully understood.

    The lightning that Lindwurm unleashed dealt electric attack that couldn¡¯t be blocked from the tip of its lance.

    For the current Fugil whose defense had been rapidly decreased due to the Break Purge, he would instantly lose just from getting hit by the lightning attack.

    That was why he carefully brought Celis down first.

    ¡¸Astonishing. You managed to avoid direct hit to your Force Core in this situation, but, it¡¯s still foolish. That man who you believe in has no value for you to risk your life until that far. The weak who provoke other people to challenge an impossible battle can¡¯t be called a hero. In other words©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil brandished his Chaos Brand once more and swung down toward Celis.

    Philuffy was still paralyzed by the electricity, so she couldn¡¯t move.

    In order to block the finishing blow to Celis, Lux ignored the pain in his body and drove Bahamut forward.

    ¡¸STOP! FUGILLLLL!¡¹

    He charged in a straight line through the shortest and fastest route. Even so he most likely wouldn¡¯t make it in time.

    However, he judged that Celis¡¯s life might be spared if by some chance Fugil changed his attack target to Lux.

    But, Lux could clearly picture it.

    The future that would occur in one or two more seconds.

    The Bahamut that Fugil equipped would swing down the great sword without hesitation, causing fresh blood to gush like fountain.

    Lindwurm¡¯s armor would break into pieces. Blood would spurt out from the severed arm. Such scene flashed inside Lux¡¯s head.

    The instant Lux thought that, his consciousness was dyed white.

    He wondered whether it was sadness, anger, or despair that was filling him now.

    Lux¡¯s thinking speed that was reinforced by Baptism was lengthened until the extreme.

    ¡¸HAAAAAAAA¡­¡­!¡¹

    The distance was too far for him to block the attack aiming at Celis.

    A preparation would be needed to gather the energy for launching Howling Roar.

    He wouldn¡¯t make it in time even by throwing a dagger. Philuffy and Celis also couldn¡¯t move.

    However, there was something that he could do.

    Lux grasped his own situation and reeled the Pile Anchor under his feet toward him using Linker Pulse.

    The next instant, Fugil¡¯s arm that was raised to finish off Celis using Chaos Brand was stabbed by the tip of Lyndwurm¡¯s lance.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What?¡¹

    Fugil who had never showed a shaken expression until now slightly raised his eyebrow.

    Due to the Break Purge, he had lost his barrier generation device and his armor was removed until the very minimum. So his flesh arm could be stabbed just by lightly pointing the lance tip to him.

    Right after that, the great sword that Fugil swung down was averted from Celis¡¯s body, cleaving the layer of snow piling up on the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see¡¹

    Fugil finally noticed the true identity of the special technique that Lux used after seeing the result.

    Before this Fugil used the Pile Anchor that Typhon fired to entwine around Lindwurm¡¯s Lightning Lance, causing friendly fire.

    He grasped that Philuffy was paralyzed by the electricity and naturally wouldn¡¯t be able to move right away.

    But when Lux reeled the Pile Anchor, he could also control the lance that was entwined by the wire even if only slightly.

    It was the tactic of making use of other Drag-Knight¡¯s weapon just like Fugil showed him.

    Lux went further to improvise using the current situation that was born from Fugil¡¯s tactic so he could counterattack at Fugil himself.

    This was an event that was established because the armor of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut had been extremely reduced through Break Purge.

    If his Bahamut was still in its undamaged form, something like a lance that was only lightly moved without even any energy empowering the blade would only get repelled by the barrier easily.

    However Lux used that opening and chose the best plan that could be carried out due to the change in situation.

    He made use of Fugil¡¯s action that he had only grasped just now and broke down the despairing situation of this battle.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Good move.¡¹

    Once more Fugil brandished Chaos Brand that missed its attack and smiled.

    ¡¸But, in the end you are simply buying a little time. The result for all of you©¤©¤haven¡¯t changed.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s other hand touched the Sword Device on his waist. It was then Celis¡¯s eyes snapped wide open.

    ¡¸Is that so? You are looking down on him and also on us too much.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!¡¹

    The flash that Celis suddenly unleashed blinded Fugil¡¯s eyes.

    The light reflected on the surrounding snow and became even more dazzling. It burned his retinas.

    Celis who still couldn¡¯t move properly activated the Lightning Lance and released bright flash from its tip.

    She still couldn¡¯t control her Drag-Ride to counterattack Fugil, but she could produce a bit of energy to at least produce blinding light.

    In addition, for Fugil who owned physical ability and five senses that were several times better than normal human, the damage to his sight was also great.

    But Fugil immediately closed his eyes and focused on his hearing. He searched for the whirring sound of the Drag-Rides.

    Lux was flying straight toward him. He predicted the timing of his arrival and gathered energy to his head armor before releasing it as shockwave.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar¡¹

    Even Fugil would find it hard to dodge Lux¡¯s charge while his sight was blocked.

    And so he hindered Lux¡¯s flight with Howling Roar while flying backward using the recoil at the same time.

    Fugil bought time and distance with that. And so he became able to summon Uroboros.

    If Uroboros was summoned while Lux had not other allies around him, the difference in strength would become enormous and Fugil¡¯s victory would be fixed in stone.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t¡­¡­let you-!¡¹

    ©¤©¤But, Lux easily dodged the wall of shockwave that was sent to him and approached right before Fugil.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s eyes opened wide. In that instant Lux flew toward Fugil who was flying backward from the recoil of his Howling Roar and swung down the Chaos Brand he brandished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action¡¹

    The first slash was blocked by the great sword that Fugil immediately used as shield. However©¤©¤Lux paid it no attention.

    Lux rained down consecutive blows that were coming endlessly like a storm, not allowing Fugil to even catch his breath.

    How did Lux slip through the wall of shockwave from Fugil¡¯s Howling Roar©¤©¤.

    It was related with the Reload on Fire that he activated at the same timing with Celis¡¯s flashbang.

    The force of the shockwave was drastically reduced until a fragment of its original power using the compression strengthening.

    And so the power of the Howling Roar was reduced until almost zero and Lux succeeded in taking Fugil by surprise.

    But©¤©¤the pressure that was caught on his armor and body would return by several folds in the later five seconds.

    Therefore, Lux needed to bring down Fugil within these five seconds before the feedback damage descended on him.

    ¡¸So you¡¯re coming to defeat me without thinking of the consequence. You¡¯re making a reckless gamble here.¡¹

    This was a method that Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to choose if his flesh hadn¡¯t become tougher due to Baptism. Even so the risk was still high.

    With just five seconds of End Action©¤©¤he couldn¡¯t even break through the defense of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut that had ended up with minimal armor.

    Far from that, currently Lux was exposed to a terrifying threat.

    In order to breakthrough Fugil¡¯s Howling Roar, he had used Reload on Fire beforehand.

    The burden of the impact that he received from the beginning would attack him at the latter five seconds, but not only that, if he got attacked by Fugil¡¯s Bahamut in that latter five seconds, that damage would also get multiplied and his defeat would be unavoidable.

    But, Lux needed to seal Fugil¡¯s hands in order to prevent him from summoning Uroboros.

    And then©¤©¤.

    ¡¸You¡¯re holding me in check to prevent me from summoning Uroboros while waiting for your allies to recover, is that your plan? You¡¯re attacking with the readiness to self-destruct for that©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!¡¹

    Lux unconsciously gulped hearing Fugil pointing out so.

    Lux was exerting all his strength desperately without thinking of the damage from the recoil of compression strengthening after this was because he was entrusting a certain thing to his comrades.

    He didn¡¯t want to entrust the dangerous role to her, but he judged that there was no other choice than that.

    ¡¸I¡¯m going to unite everyone¡¯s strength, to defeat you!¡¹

    Two seconds remaining until he entered the latter five seconds of Reload on Fire. Lux continued the End Action with everything he had to seal Fugil¡¯s movement. It was then,

    ©¤©¤*Giinn!*

    Lux¡¯s blade was suddenly deflected and the flow of his combo was severed.

    ¡¸What a troublesome fellow. You become like that because you¡¯re mistaking other people¡¯s strength as your own strength. Someone who can¡¯t cut open the path by himself doesn¡¯t know that you will weaken by relying on others.¡¹

    ¡¸Why, how did my attack got stop©¤©¤!?¡¹

    End Action was a secret technique to rain down slashes without even taking a breath.

    There was no gap between the attacks.

    Even if Fugil could block the attacks with precision, he wouldn¡¯t have enough time to control the Drag-Ride so it would switch to attack after defending.

    Therefore, once Lux managed to make the opponent blocked his first strike, it would be impossible for the opponent to switch to counterattack in the middle as long as Lux hadn¡¯t run out of breath.

    Lux had tested it before in a one-on-one mock battle against Drag-Knight.

    And yet©¤©¤.

    ¡¸That¡¯s only when talking about battle between two normal Drag-Knights isn¡¯t it? Two thirds of my armor has been removed by the Break Purge. And so©¤©¤¡¹

    In exchange the moving speed of the Drag-Ride was also increasing even if it was only slightly.

    Because the number of frame that had to be moved was decreasing, Fugil was able to take advantage of the gap in End Action.

    ¡¸One more second©¤©¤. This is where we say farewell, my wise younger brother.¡¹

    Fugil brandished his blade toward Lux who was unbalanced.

    Right after that, the recoil from the latter half of Reload on Fire would come down on Lux with an impact that was multiplied by several times.

    But Lux and Fugil heard a voice in that moment when the despair was going to arrive.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Missing Faith¡¹

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A black pulse was radiating from Philuffy¡¯s Typhon to the surrounding.

    The Divine Raiment that nullified other Divine Raiment enveloped Lux and Fugil.

    The next moment, Lux¡¯s defense made it in time to block the Chaos Brand that Fugil swung down.

    ¡¸¡­¡­I, see!¡¹

    Fugil felt strange because Lux was moving even though he should be unable to. However Fugil understood what just happened after a moment passed.

    The output of the two¡¯s Drag-Ride would be lowered as long as they were within the territory of Missing Faith.

    But, the reason Lux could block his attack wasn¡¯t that.

    Lux and Philuffy were working together to prevent the Reload on Fire backfiring to Lux using Missing Faith to erase it.

    ¡¸That was one hell of an idea that you thought up just now. There was no man who ever thought up such thing even in these one thousand years.¡¹

    Even Fugil¡¯s memories throughout his eternal life never saw someone who used in reverse Typhon¡¯s Divine Raiment that erased even its ally¡¯s Divine Raiment.

    Lux¡¯s scenario.

    His tactic that freely used his power of imagination as weapon had grown until this degree from directly facing unimaginably powerful enemies and defeating them until now.

    In addition©¤©¤these girls who had competed against each other and polished themselves had also grown stronger together with him.

    ¡¸HAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux who was blocking Fugil¡¯s attack couldn¡¯t move his Drag-Ride well right away because Missing Faith was lowering its power output.

    In exchange he personally drew out his Sword Device to slash at Fugil. But Fugil also did the same thing with Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device and blocked his slash.

    ¡¸Kuh¡­¡­!¡¹

    If he was in point-blank range where his Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t move satisfactorily, he would slash with his Sword Device directly.

    Lux and Fugil both reached that same conclusion.

    However, the result was clear to see.

    *Kin!*

    With a high-pitched sound, Bahamut¡¯s Sword Device in Lux¡¯s hand was sent flying. It was revolving in the air.

    Supposing that Lux managed to reach the same level in tactic and strategy against Fugil, Fugil still had his physical capability that surpassed even Abyss.

    ¡¸You made one wrong move. Even if you manage to reach the same conclusion like me, you can¡¯t surpass me with that body of yours.¡¹

    ¡¸That¡¯s not necessarily true.¡¹

    Right after Lux made a smile to pretend to be tough, Fugil swung down Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device.

    Instantly, Lux¡¯s body retreated along with his Drag-Ride. Fugil¡¯s attack cut through empty air.

    ¡¸Lu-chan. Leave the rest, to me.¡¹

    ¡¸Yeah. Be careful¡­¡­Phi-chan¡¹

    The Pile Anchor that Lux reeled in before this was entwined around the torso of Lux¡¯s Drag-Ride.

    With Typhon pulling on it, it was possible for him to escape even this situation where his movement was dulling.

    From here Philuffy would serve as Fugil¡¯s opponent until Lux and Celis recovered.

    Lux was anxious in his heart, but there was nothing he could do in this situation.

    He could only pray for Philuffy¡¯s safety while focusing to be able to return back to the battle as quickly as possible.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fu¡¹

    The expression of Fugil who was watching Lux retreating sported a slight smile.

    He deflected a Pile Anchor that was fired toward him while making the anchor¡¯s chain entwined around a tree with Linker Pulse.

    The next moment, crimson light of Reload on Fire was emitted from Fugil¡¯s armor before he turned around and ran away.

    ¡¸So the preparation is finished? Then let¡¯s stasrt, Arshalia.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­!?¡¹

    Fugil suddenly chose to escape while leaving behind some ominous words. Lux gasped in realization and held his breath.

    He hurriedly used Dragon Voice to contact Airi who was at the temple site.

    .

    ¡ºAiri©¤©¤!? How is the situation over there? Is there anything strange?¡»

    Airi who was wearing the special equipment type Divine Drag-Ride©¤©¤Jormungandr raised her face when she was contacted by her brother.

    ¡ºAre you safe Nii-san!? I¡¯m the one who is worried about you. There is nothing strange at this side. We are putting up a good fight thanks to Fugil and Uroboros being hold back. But©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºBut?¡»

    ¡ºNo, it¡¯s nothing important.¡»

    Airi hesitated to answer Lux¡¯s question.

    It was only a slight discomfort that she felt, but she was hesitating whether it was something important enough to say in this situation.

    ¡ºThe remaining Diabolos that were encircling us are starting to move to a single point. What¡¯s more they aren¡¯t heading our way, but to the north of the base.¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤?¡»

    Several of the twenty Diabolos had been destroyed.

    But, the moment they saw that they were in disadvantage, they swiftly changed direction and retreated.

    Because they needed to protect the base where central was sleeping underground, Lisha and others couldn¡¯t chase after them too far and let them left.

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    He felt some kind of bad premonition.

    Lux closed his mouth without being able to express it with words.

    .

    While Lux and Airi were in the middle of conversation through Dragon Voice.

    Fugil and Arshalia had linked up and they were also conversing about an important strategy.

    ¡º©¤©¤Fugil, are you seriously planning to do that? If by any chance it works, this forest will become unusable for some time.¡»

    ¡ºYeah. Defeating them without killing them has proved more troublesome than I thought. If I use more of Uroboros¡¯s energy to defeat them, it will become troublesome to do the world revision after that. From here I will use all my strength©¤©¤to crush them.¡»

    ¡ºIt¡¯s unusual for you to meet enemies that forced you into such difficult battle.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Until now Fugil was focused to remove Lux alone.

    He wanted to kept the balance of the world and watched over the ruling of the vessel of king that he discovered.

    For Fugil whose objective was to ascertain the choice and the path that human took, he was reluctant to do this battle.

    Especially if he erased all the people here who were each powerful Drag-Knight of their respective country. There was a possibility that it would cause domestic strife in their countries.

    However Lux was had grown far stronger than Fugil imagined.

    ©¤©¤No.

    Lux had been polishing his strength to win over other people into his ally.

    Lux¡¯s allies would synchronize their action with him, surmise his intention, and cooperate with each other to multiply their strength many times over.

    Such strength was different from the strength of Fugil who had been keeping the balance of the world all alone for more than thousand years with overwhelming strength and the strength of Singlen who polished his own genius.

    ¡ºThey don¡¯t seem to be opponents©¤©¤who I can go easy against for more than this.¡»

    Fugil retreated from the direct confrontation because he had given up finishing off Lux alone as quickly as possible.

    ¡ºUnder-stood.¡»

    That was to say it would be the crucial moment after this.

    What was the reason Fugil intentionally led twenty Diabolos to here?

    That secret plan was going to assault Airi and others after several more minutes.

    .

    ¡¸Quick, we have to go, to where Airi and everyone at¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux tried to stand up after sensing the unsettling signs. But Celis held him back.

    Philuffy was already chasing after the retreating Fugil with her Typhon as fast as she could, but it would be difficult to catch up with Fugil that was wearing flying type, what¡¯s more with its armor already lightened.

    In that case he also had to go in pursuit. Lux whipped his body to move, but,

    ¡¸Wait a second Lux. Your body is still injured, you have to rest it at least a little. Besides even Fugil shouldn¡¯t be completely unharmed©¤©¤¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s body should be considerably damaged after he stripped off his protective armor until the very limit and fought them in the kamikaze attack form.

    Even with his endurance that far surpassed normal human, the damages they dealt to him should have some effect that couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    Rather the possibility was high that he was exhausted and couldn¡¯t recover immediately just like Lux right now.

    However©¤©¤it was terrifying.

    He didn¡¯t intend to underestimate Fugil at all, but he estimated that he would be able to obtain the advantage even if only slightly if he had the help of Celis and Philuffy while Fugil was separated from Uroboros¡¯s main body.

    But in reality, even now after he was greatly successful in his surprise attack, Fugil still overcame them with his skill as Drag-Knight.

    In addition, they still couldn¡¯t see the bottom of his strength.

    Rather it felt like he was pulling out even more tricks the more they fought him.

    ¡¸What can you do even if you head there in your condition right now? If you don¡¯t want to regret it, you should bear with it until you at least recover and can move around.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­You¡¯re, right¡¹

    Lux listened to Celis¡¯s remonstration and collected himself.

    He was losing himself because of Fugil¡¯s overwhelming strength and his fear of losing his comrades, but exactly because of that©¤©¤it would be pointless for Lux to head there while he was unable to move decently like this.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸Let¡¯s believe in everyone. Those people who have trained together with you aren¡¯t that fragile.¡¹

    Celis was also feeling the same in wanting to head to where everyone was for even a second faster. It was clear to see from her trembling body.

    Even so, she was trying to accomplish her duty as Syvalles¡¯s captain.

    Celis gently hugged Lux¡¯s body that had been removed from his Drag-Ride.

    Her body and her Drag-Ride¡¯s heater were warming his chilly body that was exposed to the blizzard.

    ¡¸That¡¯s why, please rest your body right now for several minutes, until the feeling in your limbs return and the pain vanish. I will become the shield that protect you until then.¡¹

    Even Celis had gotten injured from her battle with Fugil, but right now she was holding Lux in her arms while driving her Lindwurm forward without resting.

    She was intending to shoulder the role as transporter and bodyguard at the same time for Lux who was distracted and couldn¡¯t move.

    Her consideration to Lux and her devotion made him felt deep affection toward this older girl once more.

    He was really©¤©¤blessed with great companions.

    That was exactly why, he wanted to end this world that kept repeating in circle without losing anyone.

    He renewed that feeling and closed his eyes for a bit.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see. So that¡¯s the aim of these cheap tricks.¡¹

    Yoruka muttered to herself even with two strengthened Diabolos surrounding her. She sensed something out of place the instant she eliminated them.

    During the fight, she was cleverly led to the west©¤©¤away from the central base.

    She had been hearing the sound of horn flute starting from the middle of the fight. From that she surmised that the opponent was cleverly guiding the Diabolos to distant Yoruka away from the base.

    And then currently all the remaining Diabolos that were scattered to the four directions were starting to travel toward a single location.

    The Artifact was advancing from the north of the base where Airi and others were. The Diabolos were converging around it.

    That was troublesome in itself, but in exchange the attack from all directions to their side had also stopped and now they could concentrate their force into one.

    Both sides were now about even in fighting potential.

    No, if Lux¡¯s hypothesis about Uroboros¡¯s weak point was right on the money, Yoruka believed that the advantage would like in Lisha and others, the allied force but©¤©¤.

    Yoruka sensed the sign of bad omen was swelling up.

    She still didn¡¯t know what would happen, but she felt that a threat that rivaled even that Ragnarok would appear.

    The Diabolos that Fugil led here from the Garden wouldn¡¯t end as a mere diversion. He was hiding his aim to use them as his main force.

    ¡¸Take care of Aruji-sama, everyone.¡¹

    Although she became convinced of her prediction, right now Yoruka couldn¡¯t head back immediately to help.

    Right now she could only entrust Lux¡¯s safety to her comrades.

    .

    ¡¸Let¡¯s continue the work, Arshalia. Re-AliveSacred Eclipse Toxin¡¹

    Uroboros¡¯s special armament©¤©¤Infinity had already produced a Drag-Ride. Its name was Hydra.

    It was the Divine Drag-Ride that was once used by Gatouhan, the leader of the mercenary group Dragon Marauder. Its Divine Raiment was the power to combine two things of the same type into one.

    The missing Diabolos that Airi detected from observing her radar wasn¡¯t just her imagination.

    Fugil had created a more powerful specimen by combining Diabolos beforehand.

    He was going to fuse the remaining Diabolos using that one as the base.

    ¡¸GI, AAAAAAaAAAAAaAS¡­¡­!¡¹

    A repulsive roar reverberated loudly. In the middle of that, flesh and blood and bone and nerve and brain were mixed and compressed into one.

    The sound of horn flute that Arshalia was playing gathered all the remaining Diabolos. They were fused into one and a super huge Abyss was born.

    The specimen that was created with that method possessed a strength that equaled a Ragnarok.

    However, this one was an improvised monster from several Diaobolos strengthened with Elixir getting forcefully blended into one.

    Therefore, unlike Ragnarok that had been set up from its foundation to be a powerful Abyss, this specimen¡¯s operation hours was limited.

    And that specimen right now had started advancing together with the sound of the horn flute.

    ¡¸©¤©¤The fusion is successful Fugil. What¡¯s left is to launch a joint attack with Uroboros just as planned. You should rest for a bit. You have been too reckless even with your superhuman body. I will administer the recovery medicine to you.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Looks like, I got a bit too fired up. When I saw that man¡­¡­Lux, I got too rash against my better judgment.¡¹

    Fugil smiled wryly while gripping his trembling wrist.

    Fugil had overwhelmed Lux in this battle.

    But, even though he was overwhelmed, Lux wouldn¡¯t give up and kept hounding him.

    He did that not for his own sake, but for his comrade.

    He was giving everything he got for the sake of the people he wanted to protect.

    Seeing that figure©¤©¤it reminded him of himself in the past. That figure looked radiant to him.

    (The past? What am I thinking? I¡¯m still carrying out my mission even now.)

    The dream from thousands of years ago that Arshalia and Fugil saw was still continuing even now.

    And yet, why was he feeling nostalgic right now after seeing Lux¡¯s figure©¤©¤?

    Even though he had never felt something like sentimentality anymore since then no matter how much time passed.

    ¡¸What I should do©¤©¤is only one. To accomplish my objective, the mission of a hero.¡¹

    Within this endless path that continued for eternity, there was a sight that Arshalia and Fugil was aiming for. He couldn¡¯t possibly stop walking it.

    He would knock down all obstacles on his way and kept going forward.

    ¡¸Move forward Arshalia. We¡¯re taking back Avalon.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, my master.¡¹

    Fugil entered inside Uroboros and gave instruction to the Automata sitting in the cockpit inside the head.

    The huge dark red devil flew through the sky toward the enemy camp along with the sound of the horn flute.

    .

    ¡¸What is©¤©¤that!? That¡¯s completely different from anything before this!!¡¹

    Meanwhile, Lisha had instructed everyone to reorganize their formation once all the Diabolos withdrew. Now she was letting out a shaky voice once the monster appeared from the northwest once more.

    Even Airi who was looking at it from afar warned everyone in panic.

    The super huge Abyss with strange shape that suddenly appeared was approaching their way with great speed.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know what is that but©¤©¤this is bad. That Abyss is most likely as strong as a Ragnarok!¡¹

    If it was just a Ragnarok, it might be strange to say it like that, but if everyone here combined their strength, it wasn¡¯t an opponent that they couldn¡¯t win against.

    But, Uroboros that was behind the monster was also starting to advance with great speed.

    ¡¸That Abyss seems to be the fusion of Diabolos that had been injected with a lot of Elixir until they went wild. Perhaps it won¡¯t be able to live long. But©¤©¤¡¹

    The reactions of Abysses that were projected in the radar had gathered into a spot a while ago.

    Airi made her hypothesis from her experience of fighting similar Abysses several times. She guessed the true identity of the huge Abyss correctly.

    However, in this situation where some of their main fighters that were Lux, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka were away from the base, it would be dangerous for them if the enemy concentrated their attack to them.

    Their tactic to surround Uroboros and seal its movement would be unusable unless their side¡¯s lineup was all gathered.

    ¡¸Our tactic, is seen through¡­¡­!? At this rate©¤©¤¡¹

    Airi who was clad in Jormungandr spoke with a voice that was trembling with uneasiness after seeing the approaching threat.

    They had obtained the information about Uroboros¡¯s abilities from the AI Arshalia in Avalon¡¯s central.

    Even if the information contained no clear weakness, Lux thought up countermeasure from it and prepared a plan to intercept the enemy, but naturally the plan wouldn¡¯t work against an Abyss at Ragnarok level.

    In addition, Uroboros would also attack at the same time. It would be almost impossible to deal with this.

    ¡¸Airi? What¡¯s the matter? They will arrive to the base if you don¡¯t quickly order to attack.¡¹

    Noct who was nearby as her guard turned around and asked her.

    The command for this battle on the whole was entrusted to Airi instead of Lisha or Lux.

    Lisha would stick to her role as a commander leading a squad.

    However©¤©¤Airi was falling into confusion when facing this unexpected development.

    Airi who had been supporting everyone as the unit¡¯s secretary until now realized once more how amazing Lux and Lisha were.

    (Nii-san, Lisha-sama, everyone else too¡­¡­they came this far even while feeling this much pressure?)

    But, right now wasn¡¯t the time to feel admiration.

    As the one who was entrusted with this place, she had to give her answer even if it would end up a mistake.

    (But, even I ¡®m not staying here without any resolve of my own!)

    Airi fired up herself and opened her mouth to give instruction. It was then,

    ¡º©¤©¤Airi, can you hear me? It¡¯s me¡­¡­. I can¡¯t stop Fugil, sorry.¡»

    ¡ºNii-san! Are you safe? Eh? This Dragon Voice¡¯s signal patter, it¡¯s from Celis-senpai¡¯s©¤©¤¡»

    Airi reacted to Lux¡¯s voice while also asking.

    After Lux¡¯s battle with Fugil, both sides became unable to continue fighting. Fugil had withdrawn for the moment. In order to preserve his stamina, Lux was carried by Celis¡¯s Lindwurm even though she was also injured. Now he was telling Airi that they were heading to the base over there.

    ¡ºI already know about the giant Abyss from Phi-chan contacting me. It looks like they fused all the remaining Diabolos using some kind of method.¡»

    ¡ºThe enemy is already just a stone throw away from this base. Diabolos is already closing in while slightly behind it is Uroboros©¤©¤. What should we do? Nii-san!¡»

    ¡ºYeah. We have to start by defeating the Diabolos first. But©¤©¤that¡¯s just what Fugil and Arshalia are expecting us to do.¡»

    Uroboros¡¯s weak point©¤©¤actually it was practically nonexistent.

    But if he had to name one even then, he thought a countermeasure against gigantic weapon would be effective against it.

    Because Uroboros was a gigantic Divine Drag-Ride, it boasted overwhelming destructive power, defense, firepower, and so on because of its great mass. No other Drag-Ride could possibly come close to it.

    ©¤©¤But, there were many things where merit and demerit were like the two sides of the same coin.

    That great size could backfire. If the opponent could get in close to it, it would be hard for Uroboros¡¯s attack to hit.

    In addition, because the joints part of the armor also huge, if those gaps were attacked, the enormous mass would become great burden that made the Drag-Ride brittle instead.

    In order to compensate for those weak points, it had the special armament Infinity and Zero One.

    Fugil would pilot various Divine Drag-Rides to intercept Drag-Ride that closed in to Uroboros. He would kick out the opponent into the range where Uroboros would then attack.

    He could also use Zero One to erase the enemy Drag-Ride that got close.

    There was also Endless to seal the enemy¡¯s countermeasure by changing the world¡¯s principle.

    ©¤©¤After listening until that point, it was already the same like declaring there wasn¡¯t any weak point.

    In order to conquer the impregnable fortress, it would be necessary to take away those weapons one by one.

    Infinity and Zero One and Endless.

    They would surround Uroboros and drove it into a situation where it could only evade by using those three weapons, then created a situation where its defensive methods were insufficient. That was Lux¡¯s aim.

    If they had Yoruka with them, her Divine Raiment to control other Drag-Ride©¤©¤Spell Code would become a considerable threat©¤©¤but she was lured away by Fugil¡¯s diversionary action and couldn¡¯t return.

    In addition the opponent created a super Diabolos and positioned it as a vanguard to erase one of Uroboros¡¯s few weaknesses. It was coming to assault the allied force¡¯s base.

    ¡ºFugil and Arshalia¡¯s objective is to make the Diabolos and our main force clashes while Uroboros is attacking from the rear.¡»

    Uroboros boasted absolute strength without compare as long as it kept the fighting in middle range.

    Even if the giant Diabolos¡¯s lifespan could only hold for several minutes, their side would have to intercept it by sending all their members against an enemy in the level of Ragnarok.

    The opponent was planning to decide the battle in that short time.

    Fugil getting injured to the point that he couldn¡¯t move for a while was most likely outside their expectation, but even with that entered into the consideration, the opponent was still holding overwhelming advantage©¤©¤Lux¡¯s side was being cornered to a predicament right now.

    ¡ºI know. But©¤©¤what can we do now¡­¡­¡»

    Airi hung down her head while hearing Lux pointing out those and asked him.

    They were cornered into this situation where they were aware that they were in disadvantage, but they had no other choice but fighting©¤©¤however, Airi was feeling reassured that her brother Lux was listening to her worry.

    ¡ºThere is just one©¤©¤way to overcome this. Can you take a risk with my instruction?¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤! I, understand¡»

    At the end of their conversation, Lux immediately formed a countermeasure.

    And then Airi conveyed her brother¡¯s instruction to everyone in the allied force.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤The plan got slightly out of order, but this battle is now settled with this. They have no choice but to meet that Diabolos head on. It¡¯s checkmate for them.¡¹

    Inside the giant head of Uroboros, the Automata Arshalia was sitting on the cockpit seat. She was muttering while watching the sight a few hundred ml ahead of her.

    Due to Fugil¡¯s plan, Lux, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka were separated from their base and couldn¡¯t be present here.

    They would need several minutes until they could gather all the main fighting force of Syvalles here.

    But during those several minutes, the allied force wouldn¡¯t be able to endure the all-out attack of Arshalia and the Diabolos.

    She believed that the battle had been as good as finished with this.

    ¡ºArshalia, don¡¯t let your guard down.¡»

    The voice of Fugil who was receiving treatment inside Uroboros was transmitted to her as a command.

    While she was an artificial ego, Arshalia felt conflicted to be called with that name.

    ¡ºThe Lux who I fought briefly just now has reached a height that surpassed my expectation. You can¡¯t underestimate them. That guy might have sent a new instruction to the bunch over there.

    ¡ºI see. However, I don¡¯t think there will be anything more they can do©¤©¤¡»

    ¡ºExactly. Let¡¯s see what they¡¯ve got. There is no more need for battle of wits in this fight.¡»

    ¡ºThen excuse me©¤©¤¡»

    Arshalia cut off the communication with Fugil and focused on the battle before her eyes.

    She was an Automata. A different person who was bequeathed with Arshalia¡¯s name¡­¡­no, she wasn¡¯t even a person.

    However, there was this feeling inside her. She wondered what was this feeling that she harbored toward her master Fugil?

    (I want to©¤©¤make his wish come true. He is always facing forward even while suffering from his mission as hero without throwing it away. I want to become his support. It¡¯s only natural for a tool like me to carry out that duty.)

    Therefore, she would smash into the allied force with her power as a machine without any mercy.

    She mobilized all the battle power available to her and sent out a sure-win attack.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU-ooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!¡¹

    .

    A roar that shook the air like electric shock reverberated until the temple site where Airi and others were encamped.

    The super large Diabolos had been strengthened by Elixir as well as having nearly twenty other Diabolos fused with it. It flapped its wings and charged forward in a straight line.

    Its aim was Airi who was equipping Jormungandr.

    It lifted up its claws that had become as big as a log after the fusion and fixed its aim. In that instant©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Legion!¡¹

    Lisha launched Tiamat¡¯s special armament. The arrowhead-shaped projectile weapons flit right in front of Diabolos¡¯s eyes.

    But, it immediately lifted up its claws and smashed one of the Legions.

    ¡¸What!?¡¹

    Lisha¡¯s eyes snapped wide open in surprise from that reaction speed and physical strength.

    Its physical ability rivaled a Ragnarok as expected. The only salvation was that it didn¡¯t possess any special ability.

    Although Lisha¡¯s diversionary attack was blocked, Greifer wearing Divine Drag-Ride Cuelebre closed his distance with the Diabolos using that opening. He slashed with his Tail Blade.

    The giant Diabolos blocked it with his arm, but the slash that possessed unique trajectory that drew an arc managed to stab its chest with the blade¡¯s tip.

    ¡¸Too na?ve. Trying to kill us with an Abyss that got its brain downgraded is just©¤©¤¡­¡­tsu!?¡¹

    However Greifer¡¯s eyes opened wide in shock at the next moment.

    He should have stabbed Diabolos¡¯s chest with the blade that was filled with enough energy, but the Abyss paid it no mind.

    It blew out scorching flame from its mouth as counterattack. Greifer was swallowed by the great heat along with his armor.

    The attack¡¯s temperature and range were more than ten times the normal Diabolos.

    A normal human who got swallowed by that flame would have their flesh melted and their lungs burned, but Greifer had expected it and executed his countermeasure.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Photon Dive!¡¹

    He activated the Divine Raiment of invincibility that deflected every kind of attack energy.

    Diabolos was hit by the heat that radiated from the deflected flame. Its skin slightly melted.

    Even so©¤©¤the Diabolos that was in rampaging state due to the Elixir didn¡¯t stop its attack.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Gia, GUAAAAooOOOOOOOOOON!¡¹

    It used both its hands to grab Cuelebre¡¯s armor that stiffened from guarding using invincibility while continuing to blow out its deadly breath.

    It sealed Greifer¡¯s movement without caring that its own body also got burned.

    ¡¸Hah, it¡¯s also troubling to face something so indiscriminate like this. So you don¡¯t give a damn even if you go to hell together with me eh?¡¹

    Even its intelligence was already dissolving due to the Elixir¡¯s influence.

    The only thing it had was the killer instinct to destroy its target.

    It didn¡¯t intend to let go of Greifer until the Divine Raiment of invincibility got turned off.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama! Help out Greifer-san!¡¹

    ¡¸I can¡¯t. Even if I fire Sevens Heads, it¡¯ll only get deflected by Photon Dive from this angle!¡¹

    With Diabolos completely grappling with Greifer, she also couldn¡¯t use Suppressor to affect Diabolos alone.

    There was also a method of shooting gravity sphere to defeat the monster, but Greifer would die the moment his Photon Dive ran out like that.

    Rosa¡¯s Gorynych was holding up its Cannon at the ready. But its power wouldn¡¯t be enough to defeat the super Diabolos.

    Aeril too couldn¡¯t move right now because her stamina was used up for contracting with the central.

    There wasn¡¯t anybody in this place who could save Greifer from his predicament.

    There was only several seconds left until the Divine Raiment¡¯s activation time limit arrived and Photon Dive vanished.

    (©¤©¤Tsk, so it¡¯s time I steel myself huh. To think I¡¯ll get done in by this kind of monster)

    Greifer was gradually realizing that he had no way to breakthrough this situation where he couldn¡¯t even twitch. But the inside of his head was calm.

    From the beginning he was already aware that no matter how skilled a Drag-Knight he was, sooner or later death would come for him as long as he continued to stand on the battlefield.

    Such risk wouldn¡¯t exist only in a battle where he possessed an overwhelming advantage that it couldn¡¯t even be called a fight. But Greifer didn¡¯t believe that such a battle could be called good.

    ©¤©¤That was why, he could accept dying like this.

    But, it wasn¡¯t satisfying. He still hadn¡¯t given his all until there was nothing left.

    At the very least he wanted to die after doing the minimum work of dealing with this super Diabolos.

    (Why am I thinking like this? Am I really that kind of person who want to be useful for other, this me?)

    Greifer laughed at himself inside his heart.

    When Greifer was driven to the slums at his childhood, he lived following his own pride.

    He accidentally caught the eyes of the princess of Vanheim Dukedom and she picked him up, but he didn¡¯t think that it was the cause of the drastic change in his fate.

    Greifer thought that he would be satisfied if he was able to persist with his lone wolf way of living.

    Greifer had prepared himself for the words and closed his eyes, but then they snapped open and he put his strength into controlling the Drag-Ride.

    (©¤©¤I wonder why. When I¡¯m with those guys, it doesn¡¯t feel that bad damn it. It¡¯s also not that bad to fight for the sake of something.)

    Greifer struck Diabolos¡¯s face with Tail Blade. He kept struggling to split the enemy¡¯s focus as much as possible.

    Even so the Diabolos didn¡¯t even flinch and continued breathing out fire.

    The countdown until the invincibility came down was approaching.

    (That¡¯s right©¤©¤I can¡¯t stomach it, having that bastard Fugil deciding everything for us as he pleased)

    At that time, the head of the super Diabolos shook. A part of it got frozen.

    The sudden impact made the Diabolos stopped breathing out flame and turned only its neck to look behind.

    ¡¸Greifer! Run!¡¹

    Krulcifer in her Fafnir appeared at the western sky and raised her voice.

    Until now she was holding back Uroboros under Airi¡¯s order, but she learned of Greifer¡¯s predicament and came to back him up.

    ¡¸©¤©¤You idiot, why the hell you showed up here!¡¹

    The area around the super Diabolos©¤©¤it was within the range of Uroboros¡¯s attack.

    Greifer avoided getting instantly killed after his Photon Dive was turned off, but in exchange Krulcifer got caught within Uroboros range.

    ¡¸Krulcifer. As an Automata I cannot bring myself to kill a Key¡¯s Supervisor like you, but there is no other way. Prepare yourself.¡¹

    The instant Automata Arshalia muttered so, *GOU-!*, the atmosphere roared and a slash from Uroboros¡¯s gigantic Blade lunged forward.

    Even if Krulcifer predicted the attack with her Wise Blood, the range and timing of this attack couldn¡¯t be evaded.

    Arshalia too reflexively attacked because she was convinced that this was a great chance, but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I don¡¯t think I have lost my composure so much that I need my inadequacy pointed out by a hothead like you though?¡¹

    Krulcifer made a smile that was mixed with sarcasm. She slid horizontally along with Fafnir and dodged the attack from Uroboros¡¯s giant blade just barely.

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!?¡¹

    ¡ºLooks like it was us who got baited, Arshalia.¡»

    Fugil who was in the middle of treatment spoke to the bewildered Arshalia.

    Arshalia had perfectly grasped Fafnir¡¯s capability. The attack that she launched should be impossible to dodge, but the reality spoke differently.

    That was simply because there was other power that moved Krulcifer.

    ¡¸I have been counting on the assist of Mahaprana from Soffice¡¯s Vritra from the beginning©¤©¤¡¹

    *DOGOOOO-!*

    Right after that, the attack from swinging down a Blade that was as big as a tower dealt a tremendous impact to the area.

    However, Uroboros launched its next attack at the same time when its first attack was dodged.

    ©¤©¤*DOU-!*

    The main cannon that was stretching out from Uroboros¡¯s stomach activated and fired an extremely thick laser.

    Its target was Jormungandr©¤©¤in other words Airi who was five hundred ml away in the temple site.

    ¡¸Lisha-sama!¡¹

    ¡¸I know! Sevens Heads!¡¹

    In respond Lisha also received the command from Airi and intercepted the attack with her main cannon.

    The two waves of energy clashed and explosion occurred at the center of it. Black smoke was rising from there.

    The field of vision was covered by black smoke and both sides couldn¡¯t see the other side with their naked eyes, but Uroboros that was equipped with special equipment type¡¯s abilities could detect the enemies¡¯ positions with its radar.

    The super huge Diabolos was also still going strong, but it was a type of monster that detected its prey using its five senses, so its movement was sealed.

    Arshalia nodded in understanding and felt admiration at the response of Lisha and others.

    From behind Typhon that was piloted by Philuffy was approaching.

    They rescued Greifer while also taking position to surround Uroboros.

    It would take several seconds until the black smoke cleared up.

    If they could complete the formatin to surround Uroboros and destroyed the Diabolos before that©¤©¤.

    The Automata guessed that the aim of the allied force was most likely that.

    ¡¸Too na?ve. Just this much won¡¯t pose any problem.¡¹

    Right after Arshalia muttered so, she took out her horn flute and placed it on her mouth.

    And then, she gave a new order to the giant Diabolos using Uroboros¡¯s voice amplification.

    .

    ©¤©¤*IIiiIIIII!*

    .

    Arshalia predicted that the allied force would slip into the black smoke to surround Uroboros. So she decided to breakthrough from the front.

    It would be difficult of Airi to move because she was using Jormungandr that was fixed in place. If she could finish her off, the allied force would lose their commander.

    (After that©¤©¤they won¡¯t have any more chance of victory.)

    Uroboros charged energy into the main cannon in its stomach once more while brandishing up its giant blade inside the black smoke.

    At the same time, it also gathered energy into its legs and used the device located at the back of its armored legs, making Uroboros leaping backward with Step like a Drake.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Uroboros instantly retreated until several hundred ml backwards from the black smoke area.

    The reason it did that wasn¡¯t only for escaping from the encirclement, but also because of the command Arshalia gave to the Diabolos.

    The order of self-destruction©¤©¤.

    She made the Diabolos self-destruct because its remaining lifespan wouldn¡¯t last long anyway. With this the enemy camp would be destroyed.

    She had been waiting for the timing to explode the Diabolos from the start since it was fused and strengthened.

    ¡¸They won¡¯t have any way to block this with their defensive power. This is the end.¡¹

    ¡º©¤©¤No, you¡¯re wrong.¡»

    The prediction that Arshalia muttered was denied by the voice of Fugil who was in the middle of treatment.

    ¡ºIt looks like the enemies are also aiming to take advantage of the black smoke.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!¡¹

    Arshalia began acting just as planned even while she was feeling bewildered.

    She fired the main cannon in the stomach while readying Uroboros to slash with its giant Blade.

    The temple site¡¯s ground surface should become scorched earth from the synergy of the giant Diabolos¡¯s self-destruct and Uroboros¡¯s attack©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸The explosion is©¤©¤far smaller than it should be?¡¹

    Arshalia noticed something strange the moment the black smoke cleared.

    She only found the unarmed allied force there.

    ¡¸Mahaprana©¤©¤I changed the direction of sound wave you made so that Diabolos couldn¡¯t hear it.¡¹

    Soffice said that from her Vritra to expose the trick.

    Arshalia split her focus for a moment to understand the situation, however she immediately chose the most effective method to counterattack.

    Although Diabolos¡¯s self-destruct was sealed, Uroboros¡¯s attack boasted unbelievable power.

    Therefore, she was going to step forward this time to mow down Airi¡¯s location, however she noticed something strange at the armored legs.

    ¡¸It¡¯s too bad©¤©¤you are already surrounded. It¡¯s thanks to Lux-kun¡¯s plan.¡¹

    Hovering in the air in front of her eyes was Krulcifer who was particularly fused with Fafnir using Full Connect.

    When she checked, the right armored leg was restrained by Typhon¡¯s Pile Anchor, while the left armored leg was hugged by Rosa¡¯s Gorynych that entered its Devilmachia mode to stop it from moving.

    Everyone there mustered all the strength they could exert to stop Uroboros from moving.

    ¡¸Did the smokescreen just now acted as the signal? In order to lure me to attack and captured me like this©¤©¤¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s analysis was right on the money.

    From the beginning Lisha and others had accumulated many wounds from the intense battle that couldn¡¯t be fully healed with just the short rest they had.

    Even with their best estimation, they wouldn¡¯t be able to fight for five minutes in their full power.

    That was why they gambled everything into this situation.

    Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment and special armament were certainly powerful without equal, but they intentionally wouldn¡¯t use it when they were in the advantage.

    The theory was to save them for overturning the situation when they were at disadvantage, but there was a weakness there.

    Someone who possessed a trump card that was too powerful would be scared to use it pointlessly. That fear restricted their own hand.

    That was why they wouldn¡¯t use it while they still had Diabolos acting as the vanguard while they observed how the opponent would act.

    However, Arshalia couldn¡¯t deal with the situation now it suddenly changed into a predicament for her.

    ¡ºIf they use all of Uroboros¡¯s abilities in turn, we won¡¯t have any hope for victory even if we band together.¡»

    Lux told Airi that before telling her his plan. The plan was to make the enemy thought the situation favored them, and then they would overturn the situation instantly and surrounded the opponent.

    He thought up the broad action patterns and acted to achieve that aim while also adapting to the unexpected situations.

    In order to achieve that aim, the perquisite was to cause damage to Fugil alone until he couldn¡¯t take action for a while©¤©¤. Lux barely fulfilled that condition even while he himself got heavily wounded.

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Everyone! Please give everything you have for this chance that Nii-san created for us!¡»

    ¡º©¤©¤Roger¡»¡ºRoger!¡»¡ºRoger!¡»¡ºRoger!¡»¡ºRoger¡­¡­¡»¡ºRoger¡»

    .

    Several voices of Drag-Knights overlapped in respond to Airi¡¯s Dragon Voice.

    They were once enemy, they were people who never got involved with each other before this.

    But now all of them were connected by each other through Lux at the end of the battle.

    Airi didn¡¯t know whether Lux had the qualification as king or not. However©¤©¤.

    (For me, Nii-san is undoubtedly a hero. He saved the sickly me, make everyone live in happiness, and open the path to the future. Nii-san, he¡¯s©¤©¤)

    Airi who was focused with doing logistical support as a secretary could muster her courage was also thanks to Lux.

    It was also thanks to the Triad who were guarding her.

    This battle was a reckless one©¤©¤¡­¡­Fugil was too powerful of an enemy. That was what everyone thought.

    However, if it was Lux who had broken down every kind of difficulties and caused miracles until now, they could believe in him.

    A Drag-Ride danced in the sky as though to embody that will.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Drake Horn & Suppressor!¡¹

    Several seconds ago when black smoke was covering the area, Lisha was summoning and equipping her Over Unit, a supplemental armor created from dismantling other Drag-Ride.

    Drake Horn was equipped with the abilities of special equipment type. At the same time it also strengthened Divine Raiment¡¯s power output.

    She fired super gravity that distorted even the space. It made the giant Diabolos to be pinned down on the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Wise Blood Accel!¡¹

    Krulcifer saw that and flew to in front of Uroboros before shooting it with her Freezing Cannon.

    She targeted the joints of the giant armor frame with rapid fire.

    The first freezing bullet hit the reinforced glass that covered the cockpit in the head where Arshalia was sitting.

    Arshalia was flustered with a part of her field of vision taken away.

    (Our sight is blocked!? Even though I can grasp their position in general using the radar, I can¡¯t sense their movement in detail! But©¤©¤)

    If she used the special armament Zero One, she would be able to instantly remove this freezing effect.

    However her rational thought that she couldn¡¯t use one of her powerful special armaments for something trivial like that held her back.

    Then©¤©¤she would use the overwhelming mass of Uroboros to mow down a wide area using the giant Blade that was like a tower, attacking the enemies indiscriminately.

    But before she could do so, Greifer in his Cuelebre jumped right on the trajectory of the slash.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Against the Divine Rament of invincibility, Photon Dive, any attack would be deflected no matter how powerful it was.

    Of course the Automata Arshalia had launched her attack with the timing so that Greifer wouldn¡¯t be able to get in the way but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸It ain¡¯t funny if you look down on my Divine Drag-Ride too much yeah. Well, it¡¯s plain so it¡¯s hard to understand though.¡¹

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­! So that¡¯s it!¡¹

    Greifer¡¯s bold tone made Arshalia noticed that her actions had been predicted.

    If Greifer scattered Mist Cypher that was made from metal particles, he could get away from radar detection.

    However, this tactic would be impossible without Krulcifer taking away Uroboros¡¯s sight so that it couldn¡¯t grasp the truth.

    This was the result of the commander Airi informing the whole force about the battle situation using Dragon Voice and everyone putting their trust in the plan.

    ¡¸©¤©¤But!¡¹

    Arshalia¡¯s next move was using the main cannon in Uroboros¡¯s stomach.

    The giant cannon barrel roared. It fired an arrow of energy with destructive power that rivaled Sevens Heads.

    Greifer who possessed powerful defense was already using his Divine Raiment. Lisha was also restraining Diabolos, so her movement was restricted.

    The other Divine Drag-Rides were also surrounding Uroboros¡¯s main body, so this cannon shot couldn¡¯t be stopped.

    ¡¸Can you block this one? Can all of you overcome this trial!?¡¹

    At this rate the allied force¡¯s base, the temple site where Airi and Jormungandr were positioned along with Lisha who was lined up in a single line would be shot down.

    But©¤©¤.

    ¡¸Wha-!¡¹

    *Jerk*, Uroboros¡¯s posture crumbled slightly just before it fired its cannon.

    When she checked, Typhon and Gorynych each pulled Uroboros¡¯s giant armored legs to different direction and shifted the main cannon¡¯s firing angle.

    This tactic itself was just as planned by Airi and others.

    But, the snows that were piling up on the ground was derailing their calculation.

    Typhon and Gorynych were land battle type Divine Drag-Ride. Because of that when pulling something, the frictional force would increase their pulling force.

    Conversely, with the ground covered with snow like this, they were unsuited to move Uroboros that boasted an overwhelming mass with brute force.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Mahaprana!¡¹

    Soffice noticed the lack of pulling force and used Vritra¡¯s Divine Raiment to shift the trajectory of Uroboros¡¯s cannon shot.

    But that too was difficult to do when the target was a cannons hot that possessed overwhelming amount of energy.

    ¡º©¤©¤Everyone, please brace yourself! A bombardment is coming!¡»

    They barely managed to make the bombardment miss a direct hit, but it still grazed near the base.

    ¡¸Gu-ah!¡¹

    ¡¸Tsuuu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Their armor¡¯s surface was scraped off. The after wave from the overwhelming energy hit their body.

    Lisha and Tiamat were sent flying backward, while the Triad who were protecting Airi also got scattered to the wind.

    Even so©¤©¤Airi was able to barely endure so that the Jormungandr didn¡¯t get dispelled.

    ¡¸Airi¡­¡­! Be careful, Diabolos isn¡¯t restrained anymore now!¡¹

    ¡¸I, understand!¡¹

    Noct who was swept off her feet from the shockwave desperately raised her voice while lying face down on the ground.

    Because Lisha was blown away, the super Diabolos that was suppressed by Suppressor should become able to move freely.

    It was only an accidental misfortune that came from the slippery ground due to the snow, but they were cornered into a despairing predicament just from that.

    From a glance it looked like Airi and others were carrying the battle to their favor, but they didn¡¯t have the slightest leeway available for them.

    Rather, if they didn¡¯t use this chance to destroy Uroboros, their defeat would be inevitable with their current condition that was exhausted from the consecutive battles.

    ¡ºI¡¯ll hold out over here no matter what! So everyone, destroy Uroboros©¤©¤¡»

    It would be difficult for Airi to survive even for a few minutes when facing the revived super Diabolos by herself, but she mustered her courage and yelled that.

    The members who heard her words through the Dragon Voice also resolved themselves.

    ¡¸Let¡¯s go everyone! All-out attack©¤©¤!¡¹

    Krulcifer took a deep breath and gave command in Airi¡¯s place.

    ¡º©¤©¤Roger.¡»

    Their target was one of the three Force Cores that were moving Uroboros©¤©¤the one sleeping inside its stomach. The other two were located in its shoulder and head, but the one in the stomach was the biggest and easiest to damage.

    Based on the information that Lux heard from the AI Arshalia, it was located right above the part where the cannon was installed.

    Naturally©¤©¤that part was also covered with a tough barrier and armor. Half-hearted attack wouldn¡¯t go through.

    The barrier was thinning because of the energy consumption after firing the main cannon, even so the defensive power there couldn¡¯t be penetrated with the average firepower.

    Singlen poured water into the joints of Uroboros¡¯s mobile frame and froze it before expanding the ice¡¯s capacity to destroy it from the inside. He bought time by making it unable to move.

    The method of Lisha and others was different.

    Rosa¡¯s Gorynych raised its armored arm¡¯s claws toward the shell of the giant cannon.

    .

    ©¤©¤*GAGIGIGIGIGiI!*

    .

    The barrier was tore apart and the armor surface was scratched off along with a grating sound.

    ¡¸Something like that©¤©¤is only itchy!¡¹

    Uroboros¡¯s right arm that was bounced back along with its giant Blade couldn¡¯t return to its position immediately, but Rosa was located at slightly to the left of the stomach.

    Thus Uroboros¡¯s giant left armored fist descended to crush her.

    But, the movement of that arm strayed greatly and hit its own stomach.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Damn-!?¡¹

    Arshalia thought that she messed up her control, but that wasn¡¯t the case.

    The opponent that she ought to be the most wary against©¤©¤, had arrived to right beside Uroboros without her noticing.

    ¡ºYoruka-san!¡»

    Airi noticed her presence and unconsciously raised her voice.

    Yoruka and Yato no Kami were standing on the left armored arm of Uroboros.

    She returned while hiding herself with camouflage to approach Uroboros undetected.

    And then she used Spell Code to control Uroboros¡¯s left arm.

    ¡¸As I thought it¡¯s difficult to completely control a Drag-Ride this huge. But©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, leave it to mee. Now I can destroy the targett!¡¹

    Rosa equipped with Gorynych in Devilmachia mode tore off Uroboros¡¯s abdomen shell with the brute power of more than ten Drag-Ride.

    And then as though she had been waiting for that moment, a Pile Anchor was launched into it. Philuffy then reeled in the wire to pull herself up.

    Typhon¡¯s right hand was already filled with all her remaining energy.

    ¡¸Biting Flare!? This is bad. If the Force Core is hit with that right now©¤©¤Zero One!¡¹

    Arshalia targeted the approaching Philuffy and activated Zero One.

    Philuffy got temporarily teleported into Uroboros©¤©¤which meant she was made to vanish.

    With this the danger right in front of her was averted but©¤©¤, she also couldn¡¯t just stay motionlessly like this.

    There was a chance that Uroboros would be manipulated by Yoruka¡¯s Spell Code and Philuffy got forcefully released.

    ¡¸But, as long as I can endure here, as long as I can overcome just this moment©¤©¤¡¹

    Uroboros¡¯s Force Core couldn¡¯t be stopped unless the opponent could produce high destructive power instantly.

    The moment Arshalia spoke out that thought of hers©¤©¤, a huge beam came flying toward her.

    ¡¸Wha©¤©¤!?¡¹

    A long-range bombardment from Tiamat¡¯s Sevens Heads was fired toward Uroboros¡¯s stomach that had gotten its armor broken.

    Lisha who should be sent flying by her main cannon just now was already getting back on her feet? Arshalia¡¯s eyes opened wide in confusion.

    Because Tiamat¡¯s Suppressor had been halted, she shouldn¡¯t be able to do something like this with the super Diabolos getting her way, and yet,

    ¡¸It¡¯s irritating that you¡¯re looking down on our strength. There is no one here who isn¡¯t giving this battle their all.¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Krulcifer¡¯s words didn¡¯t reach the ears of Arshalia who was paralyzed with surprise.

    But, she managed to see the super Diabolos lying on top of the snow with its whole body frozen.

    The super Diabolos was buried into the snow due to the super gravity it was hit with until just a little while ago.

    The instant Suppressor was dispelled, Mel made use of that situation and immediately froze it with Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s Divine Raiment of temperature control.

    Meanwhile Lisha¡¯s little sister Alma caught Lisha who was blown away along with her armor and helped her got back on her feet so that she could immediately fired Sevens Heads at Uroboros.

    Some of their coordination was planned, while some were their reflexive action after seeing the situation.

    Everyone here was single-mindedly heading toward a single objective without leaving anyone behind.

    (I cannot block that¡­¡­, with my strength©¤©¤I can¡¯t protect Uroboros anymore!)

    The solidarity of the allied force here had strengthened even more compared to the battle against all Seven Dragon Paladins.

    The Automata Arshalia was falling into a situation that was beyond her capability to deal with and her thought was about to freeze©¤©¤, it was then a voice resounded inside the head of everyone there.

    .

    ¡¾©¤©¤The effect of attack and ability from Drag-Ride toward lifeless material is now invalid.¡¿

    .

    The attack that was filled with all the strengths of everyone who gathered under Lux¡¯s will disappeared before it could bear fruit.

    .

    At the sky of the Ancient Forest. The blizzard was getting stronger.

    Celis was in the middle of flying slowly with Lindwurm while carrying Lux in her arms. They could see Uroboros from afar. A territory made from faint light enveloped its surrounding.

    Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤it was the unbelievable ability to rewrite the principle of the world within its territory. This territory was centered around Uroboros with the radius of several kl.

    The principle that was changed by that ability was broadcasted directly into Lux and Celis¡¯s heads too just now.

    ¡¸Lux, just now¡­¡­. The meaning of that principle made by Endless©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸Yes. Surely Airi and Lisha-sama were cornering Fugil and Arshalia.¡¹

    Endless that altered the principle of the world itself consumed tremendous amount of energy to use.

    According to the information that he heard from the AI Arshalia, it could only be used five or six times per day at maximum.

    That was only if the energy was fully charged. With its current energy Lux assessed that Uroboros¡¯s limit was around three times. Just now it had been used once.

    For the enemy to go that far, it meant that they had become unable to defend using other special armaments or perhaps they had judged that they would be able to defeat the allied force with certainty using this. Those were the two likely possibilities.

    Either way, the battle situation was greatly changed to favor one side with the principle alteration just now.

    ¡¸Lux, are your body alright now? If you can equip your Divine Drag-Ride again now©¤©¤let¡¯s hurry!¡¹

    Celis¡¯s voice was trembling with nervousness.

    Lux¡¯s stamina hadn¡¯t recovered.

    The damage he received from Fugil also still hurt.

    But, he had reached a level where he could just barely fight.

    Celis was also the same.

    That was why she was asking him that question.

    Even if they mustered all their remaining strength, fighting with full power for several minutes would be their limit.

    Even if Lisha and the others were in danger right now, they didn¡¯t have any strength remaining for protecting them.

    If they didn¡¯t attack, if they didn¡¯t defeat Fugil and Uroboros right now, they would never win.

    Celis was aware that without that resolve and preparation, they would only get defeated without being able to do anything when they arrived there.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Please go, Celis-senpai.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes.¡¹

    Lux took a deep breath and unsheathed his Sword Device once more.

    He wondered why.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t see Fugil at all from this range with the blizzard obstructing his sight©¤©¤.

    (Fugil is, Nii-san is©¤©¤waiting for me to come.)

    Lux was convinced of that inside his chest.

    That the next time they clashed, everything would be decided©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸So that guy, has finally woke up©¤©¤¡¹

    Magialca was staying hidden behind a pillar of the temple site©¤©¤behind Lolotte¡¯s Drake. Sweats were trickling down from her forehead.

    The temple site where the allied force¡¯s base was located.

    A jet black Divine Drag-Ride was hovering above it.

    After the battle against Lux, Fugil received treatment inside Uroboros. But now he put on Bahamut and showed up outside.

    At the same time he also activated Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment. It overturned the battle situation instantly.

    ¡¸Our attack, was erased¡­¡­!?¡¹

    On the sky slightly east from the temple site, Lisha was in shock.

    The bombardment from Sevens Heads that she fired just now definitely hit the half destroyed stomach of Uroboros.

    But, there was no damage or any trace of destruction from that attack.

    That attack which she expected would destroy the Force Core landed perfectly. And yet it didn¡¯t do anything.

    ¡¸Ane-ue, just now©¤©¤Uroboros¡¯s principle alteration was¡­¡­¡¹

    Alma who was hovering beside Lisha wearing EX Wyvern spoke to her with trembling voice.

    It was their best chance. But Fugil overturned the fatal predicament that Arshalia was in.

    He performed mind control operation using Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device in his possession.

    .

    ¡¾©¤©¤The effect of attack and ability from Drag-Ride toward lifeless material is now invalid.¡¿

    .

    Lisha and everyone else had heard the principle that was ruling over the Ancient Forest right now. They understood its meaning.

    The effect toward lifeless material was invalid©¤©¤, that was to say, not even Divine Raiment could affect the gigantic Divine Drag-Ride Uroboros and Automata Arshalia. It was the same as giving them absolutely unbreakable defense.

    ¡¾©¤©¤The effect of attack and ability from Drag-Ride toward lifeless material is now invalid.¡¿

    ¡¸I see, that¡¯s easy to understand. That¡¯s why that armor got spat out without its pilot©¤©¤¡¹

    Typhon¡¯s armor had materialized at Uroboros¡¯s feet. Yoruka muttered while looking at it.

    Philuffy had been captured inside Uroboros from some time ago due to the special armament Zero One, but her armor had reappeared outside without its rider.

    Even Zero One, the ability of Uroboros¡¯s own special armament became invalid against inorganic material.

    After that it seemed Zero One was turned off and Philuffy came out. She immediately picked her Sword Device and succeeded in equipping Typhon once more.

    ¡¸Grand Buster!¡¹

    Right after the situation was overturned, Mel fired the warhead that was created by Ddraig Gwiber¡¯s special armament.

    Her aim was the super Diabolos that was frozen on the ground.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GU, GYAAAAAaAAAA!¡¹

    The explosion with power to even change the geography pierced through its core. The grotesque devil started breaking down.

    No©¤©¤apparently that body which was overdosed with Elixir had reached its limit.

    However with this enemy with organic material that could be attacked with Drag-Ride didn¡¯t exist anymore in this place.

    With only one exception©¤©¤Fugil himself.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Thank you very much, Fugil. Your quick wit saved us.¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia spoke to her master from the cockpit.

    The hero of beginning with Bahamut equipped was only looking down to the temple site with a cold gaze.

    The jet black armor he was wearing was thick. It had changed to have sharp edge. Its appearance was radiating sinister omen.

    Almost all of the people who had fought together with Lux were familiar with that form.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Over Limit, looks like he is really serious to decide the battle here.¡¹

    Uroboros had been rendered impervious against attack due to Endless, and Fugil possessed superhuman ability that came from Baptism in addition of the Over Limit.

    These two¡¯s full power that obliterated even the Seven Dragon Paladins at that abandoned capital Guernica would be turned toward the remaining allied force in this place.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Why, are all of you fighting?¡¹

    Fugil suddenly muttered. The attention of everyone there was slightly turned toward him.

    Right after that©¤©¤Bahamut flew in the air with a speed that couldn¡¯t be followed by sight.

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Its aim was Krulcifer who was wearing Fafnir. Everyone there was surprised that he was intentionally aiming at her who was currently strengthened by her Full Connect state.

    Was he intending to see just how outclassed they were? Or perhaps he judged her to be a powerful enemy that should be brought down first? Either way, this was just what Krulcifer herself wished for©¤©¤.

    (Wait? What is he planning©¤©¤?You can¡¯t do any damage to Drag-Ride right now. Just what can he do to us then?)

    The principle of the world was being altered right now due to Endless. It made the blue haired girl confused.

    Even so she immediately chose to snipe the opponent with her Freezing Cannon.

    But, Fugil only lifted up his armored arm in front of his face. The bullet dispersed disappointingly when it hit.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!? Just as I thought!¡¹

    Everyone there had confirmed that attack to Drag-Ride wouldn¡¯t do anything.

    However, Fugil used his armor to block Krulcifer¡¯s attack. It hinted that the attack would work if it was directed toward the pilot themselves.

    In other words©¤©¤even if they couldn¡¯t break Bahamut¡¯s armor, they could defeat Fugil who had been turned into a superhuman.

    Though that was only if their attack could hit properly.

    (Then©¤©¤, it¡¯s convenient that he is coming toward me who can use Divine Raiment of future prediction! If I can freeze his body, we¡¯ll have a chance to win.)

    Krulcifer immediately thought that and decided to move into close-quarter combat.

    ¡¸Get back, Krulcifer!¡¹

    But, she heard Lisha¡¯s angry yell from behind and she returned to her senses.

    ¡¸©¤©¤©¤©¤¡¹

    Come to think of it, what would happen to me if I get injured in this battle? The girl thought.

    Due to Full Connect, her body and a part of the Drag-Ride were fused into one.

    Would her body part that was fused be considered as Drag-Ride too and obtained absolute defense?

    No©¤©¤, Krulcifer guessed the answer from her instinct.

    With her body fused with the Drag-Ride, she would take over around half of the damage of her Drag-Ride.

    That was why Fugil was aiming for Krulcifer first.

    ¡¸©¤©¤There is no chance of victory for all of you from the very beginning. No, you will obtain nothing even if you win.¡¹

    Fafnir¡¯s special armament, the automatic defense Auto Shield moved to block Fugil¡¯s slash.

    However, they didn¡¯t make it in time. The slash of Quick Draw that Fugil unleashed was faster than the automatic defense¡¯s movement. It swung down on Krulcifer¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸Tsu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Impact©¤©¤.

    If only the Auto Shield made it in time, with the principle alteration of Endless right now, Drag-Ride¡¯s attack wouldn¡¯t work toward inorganic material©¤©¤it would create a perfect defense.

    But, Krulcifer was hit with an attack that was filled with more than enough power. The attack came faster than the deployment of her shields even though it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call their movement as instantaneous. She understood from this.

    (The Over Limit and the secret techniques of Drag-Ride piloting©¤©¤they are created for this kind of situation!?)

    Why did Fugil learn the special techniques for piloting Drag-Ride even though he already had an unrivalled Divine Drag-Ride?

    It was so he could obtain the battle strength that could surpass his opponent even in a situation where Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment sealed the abilities of both sides.

    In addition©¤©¤Fugil had obtained superhuman five senses and endurance due to his frequent Baptism. Even the burden of Over Limit to the pilot was something that didn¡¯t bother him.

    The situation was overwhelmingly disadvantageous for the allied force.

    The advantage that the allied force had built using their teamwork and combination of Divine Raiment was overturned when the battle was brought into a pure battle of skill.

    (Even the prediction of Wise Blood isn¡¯t working. Then, at the very least!)

    Krulcifer attempted a last ditch effort by shooting normal bullets focused on one point.

    ©¤©¤But, even that effort was blocked by the Chaos Brand that Fugil swung down just now. It came to naught.

    ¡¸So that¡¯s how it is©¤©¤? If Drag-Ride¡¯s attack and ability won¡¯t work to inorganic material then-¡¹

    By simply using armor and sword as shield, they would turn into impregnable defense.

    Furthermore©¤©¤Krulcifer¡¯s body couldn¡¯t go on anymore.

    She heard the sound of her shoulder bone breaking before falling below.

    Strength left her body and Fafnir¡¯s armor was removed.

    ¡¸Krulcifer!¡¹

    Lisha yelled. Alma flew with her EX Wyvern at the same time and caught Krulcifer.

    Instantly, a dagger that Fugil threw tore into Alma¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡¸U-ah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Alma¡¯s face distorted from the intense pain. Even so she didn¡¯t let go of Krulcifer¡¯s body.

    It was the very least Alma could do to show her willpower as someone whose skill couldn¡¯t keep up with the battle anymore.

    ¡¸This man named Fugil¡­¡­! He is unbelievable!¡¹

    Lisha gritted her teeth while aiming Sevens Heads at Fugil.

    Alma turned off the barrier of her Drag-Ride in order to catch Krulcifer. Fugil didn¡¯t miss that moment and threw a dagger toward Alma¡¯s flesh body that was slightly visible through the gap.

    From the start he had intended to attack Krulcifer¡¯s comrade who came to save her.

    A single act of Fugil was connecting further to the next move to corner his enemies.

    Anyone watching would first be struck with admiration by that performance before feeling angry that their comrade was wounded.

    This was©¤©¤the skill of the Drag-Knight who had continued fighting for more than a thousand years.

    Then©¤Lisha calmed her breathing and fired up herself.

    She would hold back©¤©¤no, defeat Fugil before Lux returned to the front line.

    If she used Tiamat¡¯s projectile weapon that had wide range as well as high power, even if she couldn¡¯t damage the armor, it would be possible to deal lethal damage to Fugil¡¯s flesh body.

    ¡¸©¤©¤It¡¯s pointless. The conflict won¡¯t stop even after you stopped the Sacred Eclipse. Because human¡¯s, living creature¡¯s instinct is driving them to unfairness. Human cannot control their own desire, unless they¡¯re god.¡¹

    Fugil flew forward in his Bahamut while speaking his words with an indifferent tone.

    He spoke with a volume as though he was talking to himself. But for some reason his voice felt clearly audible even within this blizzard.

    Lisha listened to his words even while keeping her focus.

    She fixed her aim carefully so that she wouldn¡¯t miss the moment Fugil¡¯s movement stopped. And just when she was about to attack,

    .

    *GO-!*

    .

    A shockwave was suddenly unleashed. Lisha and everyone else who were in the area got blown away.

    ¡¸Gah¡­¡­!¡¹

    Yells that she couldn¡¯t identify who the owners were echoed simultaneously.

    She could feel nothing except overwhelming pressure running through her whole body. She stopped breathing due to the pain.

    After a bit of time passed, she noticed that the shockwave came from the Howling Roar that was unleashed by Uroboros¡¯s main body behind Fugil©¤©¤but it was too late.

    The shockwave penetrated the barriers of the Drag-Rides that Lisha and others were wearing. The impact ran through their flesh body.

    They didn¡¯t die instantly from the impact, but the pain felt as though their body just got slammed on the ground. Their consciousness was almost cut off.

    Looking carefully, Fugil had strengthened his barrier and took defensive posture just a moment before the attack came so he didn¡¯t get hit by it, and yet they didn¡¯t notice it.

    ¡¸Uh, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Uroboros dashed forward using that opening and brandished its large blade.

    Direct attack that came from Drag-Ride shouldn¡¯t work except against flesh body, but the low temperature of the weather was freezing the blade¡¯s surface slightly.

    Therefore some damage would still go through to the target it attacked.

    Uroboros rushed straight toward Airi who was wearing Jormungandr and took the stance to slash down.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Airi! Run!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    An unavoidable threat was approaching before her eyes.

    Airi still hadn¡¯t learned any technique to protect herself by controlling Jormungandr.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop!¡¹

    ¡¸Stop it!¡¹

    Greifer and Mel forced their way through from left and right simultaneously.

    In the current situation when Photon Dive¡¯s invincibility was rendered invalid by Endless, Greifer didn¡¯t have any other way to stop the attack except using his armor¡¯s own mass but©¤©¤.

    *ZUGAAAAAA-!*

    A roaring sound like a thunder howled and the gigantic Blade was swung down like a falling meteor.

    The two who stood in the way as Airi¡¯s wall managed to shift the trajectory of the large blade slightly, but they were blown away just from the wind pressure and crashed on the snow covered ground.

    ¡¸¡­¡­tsu!¡¹

    Naturally, Airi was prepared to die when the sure kill attack hit her but©¤©¤. Rosa¡¯s Gorynych ran in front of her and barely blocked the attack from hitting her.

    ¡¸Rosa-san!¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu! Its power is greater than I thoughtt. But, I won¡¯t be able to face Lux-sama if I let you die¡­¡­¡¹

    *Cough* Rosa coughed out blood and her Drag-Ride was dispelled.

    With just one attack, three elite Drag-Knights wearing Divine Drag-Rides were taken down. Airi also reached the limit of her stamina and Jormungandr was dispelled.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Charging finished. Firing the main cannon.¡¹

    Howling Roar, the slash of the gigantic Blade.

    The allied force had received tremendous damage just from that. But the threat didn¡¯t stop coming.

    The flying Uroboros was striking while descending at the same time. Right after that©¤©¤Arshalia activated the main cannon and aimed at Lisha.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Shit. There is, there is this much difference between us!?¡¹

    ¡¸Even if your group is in perfect condition right now, you all still won¡¯t be a match against Fugil. He had gone through hell many times and survived until now. For the sake of protecting mankind¡¯s future. He has fought for eternity. He won¡¯t lose.¡¹

    Arshalia spoke her verdict with a robotic tone and mercilessly fired her attack.

    In the next moment, the temple site was enveloped in a blinding flash.

    .

    While Arshalia was launching a concentrated attack against Airi©¤©¤the other Drag-Knights naturally weren¡¯t just standing still.

    Soffice, Philuffy, and Yoruka were fighting to stop the opponent¡¯s fierce attack.

    However, because Arshalia herself was an Automata, their attack on Uroboros didn¡¯t work at all.

    Seeing that they targeted Fugil who was within their attack range, but their aim had been predicted.

    *Dodo-!* Pile Anchors were launched in succession toward Fugil¡¯s flesh body, but they were all deflected with his great sword or dodged.

    Soffice used that opening to attack with Vritra¡¯s Blade.

    ¡¸The ideal that no one can achieve and lie abandoned. I have to continue fighting in order to accomplish my mission as hero. All of you have no power to cut open the path to the future.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ku!¡¹

    Soffice was exhausted. She couldn¡¯t catch up with the speed of Bahamut that was in Over Limit state.

    Just when she barely entered the firing range, a terrifying chill ran through her back.

    Her attack pattern was already seen through just from crossing swords several times.

    Fugil had grasped her preliminary movement and severed the starting point of her attack with a slash.

    That was to say, Fugil used Critical Hit and rained down consecutive attacks on Soffice from above her armor with his great sword.

    ¡¸A, gu¡­¡­!¡¹

    Vritra itself wasn¡¯t getting damaged due to Endless¡¯s principle alteration. But, the sword¡¯s power that struck on her flesh body through the barrier was a different matter.

    She received impacts as though she had fallen from several floors high. It felt like her consciousness would fly away.

    Even so©¤©¤Soffice gritted her teeth and endured.

    ¡¸Do you intend¡­¡­to stick to your determination with that? That¡¯s, not right¡­¡­. You, should know already. That what you wished for, will never return like before.¡¹

    Soffice was free-falling together with Vritra while mustering her last strength to activate her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸That Sacred Eclipse, is wrong. It¡¯s broken. Even so©¤©¤you decide that you have no other recourse except clinging on it. You are running away into the dream you lost, without even listening to us.¡¹

    Fugil didn¡¯t even pay any attention to Soffice¡¯s muttering.

    But, he should have heard her words.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Mahaprana!¡¹

    And then, she unleashed her last strength as though to express all her feelings.

    But, Fugil only blinked slightly and didn¡¯t even put up his guard.

    Due to the power of Endless, Divine Raiment¡¯s influence on inorganic material was erased. He had no need to defend.

    Even so, Fugil¡¯s sight was blocked just for instant by leaves. He felt something was out of place and stopped moving.

    ¡¸©¤©¤?¡¹

    His question was answered right away, but Soffice¡¯s plan was already bearing fruit at that time.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Vajra!¡¹

    *Pop* There was a small sound, then right after that, flash blinked from above.

    The special armament in the form of satellite weapon, Vajra sent lightning toward Fugil.

    It was Soffice¡¯s last plan.

    The plan was how to use Vritra¡¯s special armament©¤©¤Vajra that was floating in the sky so that its lightning could hit Fugil.

    In this Ancient Forest that was under the influence of Endless, the trajectory of inorganic material couldn¡¯t be manipulated.

    So Soffice used her trajectory manipulation on the live leaves around her. She heaved them up to blind Fugil and succeeded in making him stop moving.

    Fugil¡¯s flesh body would be damaged if he was bathed in lightning.

    She used her Divine Raiment to prepare that.

    ¡¸Your weak point, is being too powerful in everything¡­¡­. You are convinced that you can do anything, that¡¯s why your life can only revolve around that strength. ©¤©¤Just like me before.¡¹

    If it was only a lightning strike, it would be possible to erase it with Zero One. But Fugil¡¯s reaction was delayed because his sight was blocked.

    And so Fugil stayed in place and received Vajra¡¯s lightning strike fully.

    ¡º©¤©¤Fugil!¡»

    The Automata Arshalia sensed Fugil¡¯s predicament and yelled, but Fugil was unperturbed even now after receiving that attack.

    He took a stance that hardened his defense. He only needed to wait several seconds until the numbness in his body was gone.

    ¡¸I leave©¤©¤the rest to you. Lux, everyone.¡¹

    Soffice had used up all her strength and her armor was dispelled. She was falling from the sky.

    Philuffy and Yoruka didn¡¯t miss that chance and flew toward Fugil.

    .

    ¡º©¤©¤Ku!¡»

    Around 200 ml east from Fugil¡¯s location, Arshalia was in agony.

    As an Automata, she was protected by Endless¡¯s effect and nothing could harm her.

    But Fugil was taken by surprise because of that.

    Urorboros¡¯s Divine Raiment that changed even the world¡¯s principle was too powerful that Fugil himself fell under its effect. Even Zero One and Reload on Fire were turned ineffective.

    Arshalia also had a choice to dispel Endless with her own judgment but©¤©¤.

    (I believe in you, Fugil. You won¡¯t lose even if you are in disadvantage.)

    Arshalia had seen it many times©¤©¤on countless occasions. She had recorded them all.

    Of his fight that was continuing even now after more than a thousand years.

    Of his figure that was never defeated, his figure that never gave up.

    (An Automata like me cannot become the replacement of the real Arshalia.)

    However©¤©¤, she didn¡¯t think that her existence as a machine to grant her master¡¯s wish was mistaken.

    (Then!)

    She would give her all to exterminate the enemies in front of her as quickly as possible.

    Arshalia resolved herself so and turned toward the remaining members of the allied force.

    ¡¸You have prepared yourself haven¡¯t you?¡¹

    There was practically no one who was wearing Drag-Ride anymore within the allied force.

    Airi, Mel, Greifer, Rosa, Soffice, Alma, the Triad. All of them already lost consciousness. Lisha was the only one who was somehow keeping herself standing.

    However, even her current situation could be counted as a good showing considering she was facing Uroboros with her defense and offense using Divine Raiment sealed.

    Aeril was forcing herself to collect those who were defeated with difficulty. She hid them together with Magialca and Lolotte behind the cover of the crumbling temple but©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I should be the one asking you that. You haven¡¯t dispelled Endless even though your master might get defeated©¤©¤. Are you a servant planning to use your own master as shield to survive?¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha was breathing hard while using Wyvern Wing form to continue avoiding Arshalia¡¯s attack and provoking her.

    Using that overwhelming mobility from the Over Unit¡¯s enhancement, she managed to somehow dodge Uroboros¡¯s attack although she couldn¡¯t do anything else.

    Lisha was also already burning her internal energy using the power of Baptism, even so she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold for long.

    But, right now she was intentionally persisting to buy time. The time for Arshalia to make her decision was approaching.

    Even if she wasn¡¯t a human but an Automata, all the Automatas possessed a heart.

    Lisha was staking her everything in her plan to make use of that fact.

    ¡¸I won¡¯t dispel Endless. I believe in Fugil. He is the successor of master who created me¡­¡­the real Arshalia©¤©¤¡¹

    .

    In the meanwhile, Fugil who was dropping after being hit by Vajra¡¯s lightning strike was under a fierce assault by Philuffy and Yoruka.

    Against Bahamut in Over Limit state, not even the two of them would be able to stand against Fugil.

    However right now the lightning strike was transmitted through Fugil¡¯s armor and paralyzed his body.

    The two girls gave their all to attack Fugil using this opening where his control of his Drag-Ride was dulling.

    Both Yoruka and Philuffy were already at their limit stamina wise.

    But, their will power maintained their thick armors and their determination moved them.

    It wouldn¡¯t be long before Lux recovered and came here.

    Because of that, they poured their whole soul in order to inflict damage to Fugil even for just a little more.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    However, even after getting fully hit by a lightning strike that would make the average human seriously wounded©¤©¤or unconscious at the very least, Fugil showed no agitation at all.

    He was simply controlling Bahamut with his paralyzed body that couldn¡¯t move well to accurately defend, while his eyes were accurately seeing through his opponent¡¯s actions.

    He was executing his mission cool-headedly like a machine.

    The two girls increased their momentum further so that they wouldn¡¯t be overpowered by that force of will.

    ¡¸©¤©¤He is really headstrong. The same like Aruji-sama.¡¹

    ¡¸But¡­¡­. If it¡¯s Lu-chan, he will listen, to our story.¡¹

    Typhon¡¯s powerful arm guarded against Fugil¡¯s great sword and deflected it away before its fist struck through the barrier.

    The consecutive attacks from End Action that Yoruka unleashed were coming from behind with a roar so that he couldn¡¯t escape.

    Most likely Fugil would recover with a few more seconds. The two were giving everything they had to deal a decisive damage before that. Then their ears©¤©¤heard a voice that resounded through the area.

    .

    ¡¾©¤©¤All principles shall return to before the alteration.¡¿

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    At the snowfield of Ancient Forest©¤©¤tension ran through the expression of Yoruka and Philuffy who were attacking Fugil from two directions.

    They thought that perhaps the Automata controlling Uroboros¡¯s main body had dispelled Endless, but that wasn¡¯t it.

    The energy was exhausted and hit rock bottom after Fguil used Endless to adopt one principle continuously without pause.

    However even that was within Fugil calculation.

    He was already aware that Endless would cut off in the middle of this battle and started moving in that opening.

    ¡¸You two are quite capable. However it¡¯s pointless.¡¹

    The instant Yoruka and Philuffy¡¯s attention was slightly distracted, crimson light surged from Fugil¡¯s armor.

    Instantly it looked like the time of the surrounding area was halted. The scattered snows stopped falling.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire¡¹

    Fugil used the Divine Raiment not on himself, but on the time of the surrounding space, stopping Philuffy and Yoruka¡¯s movement.

    It was the technique that Lux named Violent Strike, a technique that rained consecutive blows on the opponent while their movement was drastically slowed.

    Fugil¡¯s body rotated lightly along with his Drag-Ride. His great blade slashed horizontally, breaking Typhon and Yato no Kami¡¯s armored arms, damaging the Force Core.

    ¡¸¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡¸He, got us.¡¹

    The two¡¯s Divine Drag-Rides were dispelled after their energy sources were hit.

    Philuffy and Yoruka¡¯s battle ended here.

    ¡¸Fugil©¤©¤!¡¹

    And then, now.

    In that instant when Philuffy and Yoruka were taken down by Fugil¡¯s Violent Strike.

    Lux was rushing toward Fugil with a speed that couldn¡¯t be followed by eyes.

    He himself was also taking off all the restrictions and used Over Limit. He closed the distance toward Fugil who had unleashed his Divine Raiment just now.

    ¡¸Aruji, sama¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡¸Lu, chan¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was filled with feeling of gratitude toward the two girls who desperately fought till the end.

    No©¤©¤the feeling inside himself couldn¡¯t possibly be expressed as just gratitude.

    He couldn¡¯t measure just how much they had done for him and protected him.

    He couldn¡¯t die until this feeling of his reached them.

    That feeling©¤©¤that strength of heart granted him the sharpness in his control of Drag-Ride.

    *GAUN-!*

    He charged toward Fugil who was also in Over Limit. He pushed up from the ground to the sky with overwhelming propulsive power without breaking.

    Lux executed his secret technique the instant Fugil¡¯s posture slightly broke due to the shockwave.

    ¡¸©¤©¤End Action!¡¹

    He poured his concentration power that was strengthened by Baptism to execute a new type of End Action.

    He piled up slashes from every direction to crush every method of attack of the enemy while focusing the damage he dealt to destroy a single point.

    The single point that he targeted was the Force Core of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut.

    It was like the end point of a torrential rain, storm, or waterfall.

    Those slashes were so fast, many, and endless that there was no metaphor that could be used to describe it. They shredded the opponent¡¯s armor.

    Fugil¡¯s battle had ended.

    It had ended since more than one thousand years ago.

    The dream of world peace that he was aiming for together with Arshalia©¤©¤the Sacred Eclipse that she should have completed, they were already lost.

    It was nobody else but the memory of Arshalia herself that was stored as AI who told them that.

    That was why, Lux resolved himself to fight Fugil.

    In order to not let him repeated the undesired battles even more than this, in order to stop his mission as hero©¤©¤.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What¡¯s wrong, my wise younger brother? Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡¹

    The slashes of End Action were breaking the armor of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut.

    Even so, Fugil¡¯s defensive movement never faltered.

    He accurately predicted every single one of Lux¡¯s consecutive attacks that were coming like surging waves to defend against lethal damage while waiting for an opening to counterattack.

    He was preventing any damage to accumulate toward his Force Core.

    The sounds of impact were intense.

    Fugil was laughing within the situation where both sides shouldn¡¯t be able to hear each other.

    There is no way to proof such thing. No one can understand whether Fugil¡¯s action is pointless or not.

    Fugil¡¯s gaze©¤©¤his sword handling that didn¡¯t falter at the slightest even under this tremendous attacks were saying that.

    ¡¸For me, the hero¡¯s mission is to carry out justice. To use that imperfect Sacred Eclipse and bring balance to the world, that¡¯s all. I will simply save the weak, guide them, and finish a vessel of the righteous king.¡¹

    There was the figure of the immortal who had continued fighting for more than a thousand years after overcoming every kind of rejection and despair over there.

    ¡¸©¤©¤This, damn blockhead!¡¹

    Lux yelled from his heart and continued to unleash End Action.

    He©¤©¤Fugil was pigheaded.

    He was a man who would stick to what he had decided no matter what.

    He was a person who wouldn¡¯t accept losing no matter what happened and continued to fight.

    He was a big brother that resembled Lux somewhat.

    That was exactly why he understood.

    That Fugil was already broken, and that he himself hadn¡¯t noticed that fact.

    The system of Arshalia¡¯s AI that was hidden in Garden¡¯s treasure warehouse was something that should have been inherited by Avalon¡¯s Automata. That was what Arshalia¡¯s pseudo personality said.

    Arshalia hadn¡¯t finished the system adjustment for reviving the pseudo personality. She left the task of completing the program to the Garden¡¯s Automata and went asleep.

    Time was needed to complete the program in order to tell Fugil about the truth of the past clearly.

    But in the middle of that the Garden met the same incident like the Ark. The clan of traitor broke into Garden to obtain the technology and legacy there and the goal of telling Fugil the truth got suspended.

    Accidents were piling up repeatedly and became a tragedy. Arshalia became unable to convey the truth to him.

    Fugil wouldn¡¯t stop anymore.

    However©¤©¤Lux swore he would stop him.

    In order to put an end to the hero¡¯s mission that continued for eternity.

    In order to convey to him of what he learned from the people of this era©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¾©¤©¤All attacks will be reflected back to the one who dealt them with twice the power¡¿

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Uroboros¡¯s Divine Raiment©¤©¤Endless activated. The Ancient Forest was enveloped in faint light of seven colors.

    The instant the voice resounded directly inside his brain, Lux also discerned Fugil¡¯s intention and stopped his endless attacks.

    Because he understood that he would be defeated in less than several seconds if the power that he struck the opponent with was reflected twice over back to him.

    He had no other choice but to stop even knowing that was the enemy¡¯s aim.

    ¡¸In the end your resistance is only that much.¡¹

    Instantly, the slash of Quick Draw that Fugil sent out created a crack on Lux¡¯s shoulder armor.

    But Fugil himself was also still damaged from Lux¡¯s attack just now, in addition he was also careful so that he wouldn¡¯t receive the reflected damage, so the attack¡¯s strength was low.

    Even so, the impact reverberated until Lux¡¯s flesh body. Lux¡¯s Bahamut got its output lowered and it descended.

    ¡¸Gu-u¡­¡­!¡¹

    Fugil hovered in place from the damages that he received until now, while Lux was falling from the attack he received.

    The chance of victory that only came once of a lifetime was blocked by Uroboros just as expected.

    It could change the world¡¯s principle freely, on top of that it was able to fight separately.

    In addition it had also stopped fighting while conserving energy to be used for the next world alteration.

    ¡¸Come, Arshalia! Take in the central and regain Uroboros¡¯s original form¡­¡­!¡¹

    ¡ºIs that alright Fugil? If we use that, we won¡¯t be able to use world revision for several years©¤©¤¡»

    Arshalia answered using Dragon Voice from 200 ml away. She was objecting at first, but she realized that it was a foolish question midway.

    Lisha was still fighting persistently against Uroboros. She recognized her and Lux as formidable enemies that they had never seen before and understood Fugil¡¯s intention to show them the respect they deserved.

    That was©¤©¤.

    ¡ºThey have to die here. Then©¤©¤I¡¯ll begin.¡»

    Arshalia connected her electronic brain with Avalon as the Gear Leader and activated the system.

    Right after that, the ground shook and the world was covered with faint light.

    ¡¸Over Limit©¤©¤On¡¹

    Fugil turned toward Uroboros¡¯s chest almost at the same time with that voice and they combined.

    He then lifted up his Sword Device, a huge silver facility surfaced up from underground the temple site©¤©¤it was the central. It disassembled and changed shape.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤no way! Uroboros itself has an Over Limit Mode!?¡¹

    The central of Avalon was the other half of the zeroth Ruin, Avalon.

    Therefore the theory that it could combine using Over Limit, such possibility had crossed Lux¡¯s mind but©¤©¤he intentionally didn¡¯t try to think deeper about it.

    After all they were already in overwhelming disadvantage. They would have no chance of victory either way if the enemy did something like that.

    ¡¸How can this be possible, the enemy still has a trump card like this¡­¡­!¡¹

    Behind Aeril who was protecting everyone behind the cover of the temple site, Mel wearing pilot suit had recovered her consciousness and muttered with a dumbfounded look.

    ¡¸Damn, bastard¡­¡­. Just how many powers he is keeping around¡­¡­!¡¹

    The heavily wounded Greifer who was also in his pilot suit also turned his gaze powerlessly toward that sight.

    ¡¸I can only laugh after it get to this pointt¡¹

    ¡¸Perhaps it¡¯s already hopeless¡­¡­. For us¡¹

    Rosa smiled bitterly. Beside her Soffice also looked up to the sky in resignation.

    Some distance away from them, Krulcifer, Philuffy, Celis, Yoruka, and Alma were also watching the development wordlessly.

    They were also wounded all over and couldn¡¯t move right away.

    Lisha who was the only one who could fight readied her Sevens Heads. She was trying to stop the combination.

    But©¤©¤she couldn¡¯t fire.

    If she attacked, the attack reflection by Endless would hit Lisha with double the damage. She would definitely die no matter how much Tiamat hardened its defense.

    She also couldn¡¯t use Suppressor due to the same reason.

    Furthermore weak attack wouldn¡¯t do any harm toward that giant Artifact.

    Fugil activated Uroboros¡¯s Over Limit after taking this condition into his calculation.

    Could she attack even knowing that she would surely die©¤©¤?

    Could she do anything that would take her life as the price as the princess who would shoulder the new kingdom after this?

    Lisha¡¯s body shook from the tension. Sweat trickled down from her forehead. Meanwhile.

    ¡ºFugil©¤©¤please listen. If you are still fighting©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil heard a voice from Uroboros that he was currently combining with.

    It was the voice of the AI that was sleeping in the Garden, the program that Arshalia left behind more than a thousand years ago.

    It was set up so that in the unlikely event that Uroboros was taking in the central, the AI Arshalia would talk directly to Fugil©¤©¤.

    Aeril who was contracted with the central had set up this program beforehand.

    ¡º©¤©¤Fugil. Listen to me, your battle is already over.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Fugil allowed only the Dragon Voice from Lux to connect to him, and yet he didn¡¯t even reply back.

    But the voice©¤©¤Lux¡¯s voice that was filled with exhaustion definitely reached his ears.

    ¡ºWe have learned about it. The record that was hidden in the Garden¡¯s treasure warehouse©¤©¤it told us what happened in your past, and what path you chose at the end of it.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    ¡ºWe also have heard directly from Arshalia, how that Sacred Eclipse is a failed creation.¡»

    ¡º¡­¡­¡­¡­¡»

    Fugil didn¡¯t reply.

    He was listening.

    He also understood the meaning of Lux¡¯s words.

    Even so, his body was simply focusing on the battle before him.

    ¡ºBefore she died, Arshalia hid it from you. She was scared to tell you the truth. If the central and Uroboros is connected into one©¤©¤you should be able to hear about the truth of that time from the mouth of her AI!¡»

    The next time Lux and Fugil clashed.

    No matter who won, the battle would be decided. Lux understood that.

    That was why, he needed to tell Fugil while there was still time now.

    The fact that even Fugil didn¡¯t know. What happened more than a thousand years ago©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡ºThe Sacred Eclipse that I created©¤©¤was a failure.¡»

    A few hours ago©¤©¤.

    Lux together with Airi and Aeril were inside the central.

    The AI Arshalia that was revived using the data chip formed her words with hesitation.

    ¡¸A failure? Because you were made to remodel it by a faction of the clan of traitor who killed you? That¡¯s why that Sacred Eclipse not only work for the salvation of mankind, but also respond to human¡¯s malice and carry out slaughter©¤©¤¡¹

    Aeril asked with a doubtful look. In respond Arshalia¡¯s projected image shook her head.

    ¡ºNo. That¡¯s not what I mean. From the beginning the Sacred Eclipse didn¡¯t work as I envisioned.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux and Airi stayed silent even while they were feeling baffled.

    They simply waited quietly for the truth to be spoken from the girl¡¯s mouth.

    ¡ºThe Sacred Eclipse would react to people¡¯s thought and acted. It would defeat what the great majority thought as evil while at the same time giving salvation to weak people who met misfortune. I planned the Sacred Eclipse to be such device. But, the people were scared. They feared me and Fugil from the bottom of their heart. They perceived us as a threat.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºWe wanted to save them. However©¤©¤while the people were feeling grateful to us, they were also praying in their heart for us to vanish at the same time. That was the thought of the people in that era.¡»

    The three were unable to understand the meaning of Arshalia¡¯s words at first.

    However, after a brief pause, Airi, Aeril, and Lux realized.

    The empire and the clan of traitor.

    The ruling side and the ruled side.

    Fugil and Arshalia didn¡¯t belong to either of those sides. They were fighting for the sake of peace. And so they were shunned by both sides.

    ¡ºThe two of us kept getting in the way of their desires. The desire to rule and exploit the people. The desire to take revenge to those who oppress them. Those two desires are something that only natural for human to possess. However, we didn¡¯t notice just how great their desire for the Ruins¡¯ power were.¡»

    Fugil who was injected with Elixir in the amount that shouldn¡¯t be possible for a normal human to endure was the strongest Drag-Knight who turned immortal.

    People revered him because of his immense strength, at the same time the people were also scared of him as someone that they mustn¡¯t oppose.

    Arshalia was the goddess of salvation who could make great use of the Ruins more than anybody using her genius.

    The people felt gratitude for her benevolence©¤©¤at the same time, the common mass who had lived under oppression for a long time and had many things taken away from them were also accumulating jealousy inside their heart.

    Jealousy toward Arshalia¡¯s intelligence and her imperial princess status.

    They were convinced that everything she had was because of her talent and fortune. They wished from the bottom of her heart to take those blessings for themselves.

    ¡ºThe people¡¯s hearts©¤©¤aren¡¯t made up with only righteous things. No, our thinking that everyone agrees with our thought, it was arrogant of us.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux remembered.

    The distorted hearts of the people who were exploited and hurt.

    The figures of the common mass who ignored her mother who was dying from carriage accident and even threw stones toward him who was but a kid.

    But even those people©¤©¤surely didn¡¯t seriously think that Lux was someone who caused the evil deeds that befell them when he was still just a kid at that time.

    Even so, when the chance to take revenge came for them, they couldn¡¯t help but to take it.

    Right now©¤©¤he understood their feeling.

    People¡­¡­when they lost their human heart would become a mere animal.

    They would lose their human heart when they lost something and despaired. They would also lose their human heart when they were given too many benefits and lost all restraints.

    The hearts of all the people in Arcadia Empire a thousand years ago were too close of being a beast.

    That was something that couldn¡¯t be changed.

    It was only extremely natural for them to envy someone who never tasted failure even once.

    And then©¤©¤the prototype of Sacred Eclipse detected that fact and perceived it.

    That the target who the people of the world wished to erase ¡ºif only he just disappear¡», was Fugil Arcadia.

    The man who Arshalia believed as the hero.

    ¡ºMy thought fell into chaos at that time. I thought that something like this is wrong. Fugil fought for peace and sacrificed himself for it more than anyone. But to think that people would actually shun him like that. I adjusted the telepathy system of the Sacred Eclipse. However©¤©¤no matter what I did, they system that we devised at that time kept designating us as the villain. As long as the system kept reflecting the will of the people, it would judge Fugil as an unneeded existence forever.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    An absolutely powerful warrior.

    An immortal existence.

    The people who knew about Fugil¡¯s existence rejected an absolute existence like him.

    What if by some chance Fugil went crazy?

    What if someone offended him even if only by accident? Wouldn¡¯t they get killed? The common mass held such fear. It distorted the thought objective of the Sacred Eclipse.

    ¡¸Then, the one who rewrote the system of Sacred Eclipse was©¤©¤¡¹

    The projection of Arshalia nodded at Lux¡¯s question.

    In the past more than a thousand years ago, Arshalia met the rebellion of the clan of traitor and got killed.

    However, how could those rebels rewrite the system of Sacred Eclipse?

    It was only that part of the story that felt somewhat strange.

    ¡ºYes, it was me. The members of clan of traitor who I spared©¤©¤I was remaking the Sacred Eclipse before they attacked me. It will bring salvation to the people and grant their wish. On the other hand it will also react to strong hostility and malice. It will destroy the targets and turned them as its source of energy. I remade the Sacred Eclipse to also has such aspect as biological weapon that bring about slaughter.¡»

    ¡¸Why, did you©¤©¤no¡¹

    Aeril realized in the middle of her whisper.

    ¡¸Was it to, set up Fugil as the hero¡­¡­¡¹

    The projection nodded weakly.

    ¡ºOriginally, I only planned to order it to act like a rampaging Abyss that isn¡¯t related to both me and Fugil. I would make it do so just once before its completion. Then I would order Fugil to take it down without him knowing about the truth. I wished to show his figure saving the world to the people so they know that he is a hero.¡»

    A farce, a drama, it didn¡¯t matter what it was called.

    The point was that Arshalia wanted to make it a common knowledge in the hearts of the people.

    How Fugil was fighting in order to save the world and the people.

    That his power would be necessary from here on too.

    She planned to guide the public opinion so that people¡¯s awareness would change. So that the Sacred Eclipse that reflected the combined thought of the people wouldn¡¯t designate Fugil as an enemy.

    In order to achieve that, she even thought that she wouldn¡¯t mind even if a little part of the rebel army from the clan of traitor got sacrificed.

    After all, Fugil had saved them many times before.

    ¡¸However, that¡¯s©¤©¤¡­¡­¡¹

    ¡ºYes, it was my mistake. They wouldn¡¯t let go of their hatred no matter how much time passed and kept causing conflicts. Without me realizing it, I had come to despise them deep inside my heart.¡»

    Arshalia constantly wished for peace and treated the people with kindness. But the endless conflicts made her exhausted in the end and so she chose such an option.

    .

    ¡ºI was©¤©¤¡»

    .

    And then©¤©¤now.

    The AI Arshalia told Fugil who was in the process of connecting to the central from inside Uroborors.

    ¡ºI was, unable to become the goddess of salvation.¡»

    That voice, was filled with the despair of the girl who had her eyes set on the end of the world.

    The girl who discovered her ideal in the middle of endless wars of a broken era.

    She finally exposed her true feelings as someone who failed to make her dream came true.

    ¡ºI, wished to change that distorted world. Fighting together with you Fugil, I thought I was able to change the people¡¯s hearts little by little.¡»

    Her voice contained loneliness within it, but also happiness.

    The girl reminisced about her success and failure.

    ¡ºHowever, I was unable©¤©¤to become a god like the people who praised me wished to. No matter how far I went, in the end I was nothing but a human. I first realized that when I was scared after learning that the people felt hatred and contempt at you Fugil.¡»

    Arshalia too was also a human, one who was dyed with ego.

    She would also fight so that what was important for her wouldn¡¯t be taken away from her.

    ¡ºThe hero and the goddess¡».

    No matter how great their achievements were, they were still human.

    What they tried to shoulder was too heavy of a burden for them.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil said nothing hearing those words.

    There wasn¡¯t any twitch in his expression.

    He was simply focusing his hearing toward the voice of the AI.

    ¡ºThat Sacred Eclipse was something that I remodeled for Fugil to subdue. Its purpose is different from its original function. Fugil, you must be trying to fulfill your promise with me©¤©¤without knowing about that.¡»

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Even if it was a defective device of salvation, he would use it because it was something that Arshalia left behind. Fugil who was left behind by himself would continue to fight together with the Sacred Eclipse.

    It was for the sake of fulfilling his mission as the ally of the weak©¤©¤as the hero, to realize a world without any conflict at all, to continue keeping the balance.

    He believed that doing so would be for the continuation of their dream.

    .

    Arshalia told Lux and others that truth a few hours ago and requested them.

    ¡ºThat¡¯s why©¤©¤please stop Fugil. Please let him return from being a hero into just a human. I know that what I¡¯m asking is selfish but©¤©¤please, I¡¯m begging you.¡»

    And then, Lux and others challenged Fugil to a battle.

    In order to succeed Arshalia¡¯s dying wish and ended all the battles©¤©¤.

    .

    And then, at the present time. In the air above the temple site within the Ancient Forest.

    Lisha roared in front of Uroboros that used Over Limit and was currently transforming.

    ¡ºWhat the hell I¡¯m thinking right now!¡»

    She took a deep breath and fired up herself again.

    She turned toward the spherical facility©¤©¤the central that was currently disassembling and combining. She raised her Sevens Heads and took aim.

    ¡ºAne-ue¡­¡­? What are you doing!?¡»

    Alma who was watching the battle used Dragon Voice and raised her voice to Lisha in panic.

    No, everyone who was fighting there was watching that sight while doubting their eyes.

    As expected the process of the Over Limit would still take some time until its completion due to the frame¡¯s size that was too big.

    Judging from what their eyes were seeing, the process would take more than a minute©¤©¤but it didn¡¯t look like it would take as long as several minutes.

    ¡¸To hell with it all. Right now I¡¯m fighting with everyone¡¯s help. What¡¯s more there is something that I can do in order to defeat Fugil. There isn¡¯t any need to hesitate at all if it¡¯s for opening a path to victory for him!¡¹

    That was the cry of the soul that came from inside Lisha herself.

    The reality where she would certainly die.

    She tore apart that absolutely despairing shackle with her own will.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Stop! If the damage from that attack gets reflected back to you, you¡¯re going to die for sure you know!?¡¹

    Some distance away from the temple site where Lisha was at, at the other side of the transforming Uroboros, inside the west side of the forest, Krulcifer yelled that with her raw voice when she saw Lisha charging her Seven Heads.

    She didn¡¯t know whether her voice would reach Lisha or not.

    However, she couldn¡¯t hold back herself from yelling.

    As her friend who had spent time together in the academy until now, interacting with her, fighting together, and sometimes quarreling with each other as love rival, she had to stop her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­The princess, she is serious.¡¹

    Philuffy appeared from behind a nearby tree and talked to Krulcifer.

    She was also holding her Sword Device and focused on it to summon Typhon once more, but it seemed she hadn¡¯t succeeded yet.

    Just from looking at that, Krulcifer understood how Philuffy was feeling right now.

    Lisha was going to do what she could right now for Lux¡¯s sake©¤©¤she felt vexed that she couldn¡¯t stop her from doing that.

    Fafnir didn¡¯t have the firepower to stop Uroboros¡¯s transformation, but Krulcifer too would surely do the same like Lisha if she was able to.

    Even so©¤©¤she didn¡¯t know if it would do anything.

    Everyone decided that they would fight this battle. Even if this was the only thing that could be done for a chance of victory©¤©¤.

    .

    ©¤©¤At that time, in the cockpit inside Uroboros¡¯s head.

    There the Automata Arshalia was installing Fugil into Uroboros¡¯s chest while controlling its combination with the central. She too was staring intensely at the situation in front of her eyes in confusion.

    ¡¸No way, it¡¯s impossible. Unlike us Automata, she will be beyond saving if her flesh body dies. She is also a princess, for her to do something like this©¤©¤¡¹

    They activated Over Limit even though Lisha who could still fight was nearby because they had the protection from Endless¡¯s principle alteration.

    .

    ¡¾All attacks will be reflected back to the one who dealt them with twice the power¡¿

    .

    Lisha would die if she attacked in full power under that effect. But she wouldn¡¯t be able to deal any damage if she only attacked using mere Cannon.

    Besides©¤©¤the Automata judged that Lisha had no reason to go as far as sacrificing her life in this battle.

    Everyone was fighting for the sake of their own future©¤©¤in order for themselves to be happy.

    The destruction wouldn¡¯t arrive right away even if they failed to defeat Fugil.

    Would someone really pour their soul until that much for the sake of their own conviction and justice?

    ¡¸I have never seen any human like that even within all the repeated histories until now. Other than Fugil and Arshalia-sama who created me©¤©¤¡¹

    The Automata believed that and focused into the transformation that would take dozens of seconds more till it finished.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Sevens Heads!¡¹

    .

    However, Lisha fired. What¡¯s more it wasn¡¯t with the normal bombardment that dealt heat and impact.

    What she fired was the purple orb created from Suppressor.

    It was a lethal gravity sphere that would suck in everything it touched and crushed them.

    It was filled with all of Lisha¡¯s remaining strength. It was truly the greatest attack she could make.

    ¡¸©¤©¤I¡¯ll leave the rest to you! Lux!¡¹

    Lisha yelled toward the person who she trusted the most.

    Right after that, while the Automata Arshalia©¤©¤and everyone in that place were watching with eyes widened in surprise, a jet black Divine Drag-Ride danced through the stormy sky.

    ¡­¡­*DOUUUNN!*

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    When the gravity orb hit the Uroboros that was transforming to its Over Limit form, the hardy metal frame was warped.

    In that instant, Arshalia¡¯s projection that was persuading Fugil also vanished.

    ¡¸Endless is©¤©¤. The territory of the seven colored light is vanishing¡­¡­¡¹

    Airi in her pilot suit muttered with an astonished look from the cover of the temple site where she was hiding.

    The internal armor of Uroboros was smashed by the gravity orb. It dealt damage to the Force Core, so it became unable to maintain its Divine Raiment¡¯s effect.

    But, it was an effect that came after it received damage. It didn¡¯t mean that the damage reflection toward Lisha was rendered invalid because of that.

    She might be squashed into paste along with Tiamat by the super gravity field.

    Everyone was shaking in fear of that possibility. But in the middle of that, Lux appeared in the sky with Lisha in his arms. It seems her armor had been dispelled.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What. So you came. I was scared you know¡­¡­¡¹

    The members of the allied force who saw that understood what happened a bit later.

    Lux¡¯s Bahamut that was in Over Limit form had used Reload on Fire. Its first five seconds of strengthening compression drastically reduced the gravity effect that Lisha received.

    Because of that, it didn¡¯t matter even if the reflected damage was twice the original, the damage to Lisha could be reduced until nearly zero.

    Lux instantly made that judgment, acted on it, and saved Lisha.

    ¡¸Had she, calculated that from the start¡­¡­!? Such reckless action©¤©¤¡¹

    The Automata Arshalia was dumbfounded within the cockpit of the half-destroyed Uroboros.

    Lux and Lisha managed to choose the best action against Uroboros that was transforming into Over Limit form under the protection of Endless¡¯s principle alteration.

    ¡¸No©¤©¤that¡¯s not it.¡¹

    Fugil replied to the muttering of the Automata who couldn¡¯t hide her bafflement.

    Just before the gravity orb hit, Fugil separated from Uroboros just barely in time and escaped from the attack in his Bahamut.

    ¡¸Just before Uroboros was going to activate Over Limit, there wasn¡¯t any sign the two of them communicating with Dragon Voice.¡¹

    That meant©¤©¤Lisha undoubtedly launched her attack with the resolve to die.

    She did it not because of desperation, it also wasn¡¯t because she was being stubborn.

    She was simply aware what was the best thing that she could do in her current state©¤©¤. She judged that doing so was the only thing she could do to stop Uroboros¡¯s Over Limit in that situation. She weighed that option against her life and pushed forward courageously.

    As a king, as a princess©¤©¤.

    There were very few people who could do such thing.

    People who could die from following their belief blindly could be found anywhere. The number of people who spouted things like honor or dream while launching suicide attack even though in their heart they thought that they didn¡¯t want to die also wasn¡¯t few in the battlefield.

    There were also people who died because they were cornered with their path of escape cut off, thinking that there was no other way.

    What Lisha did was none of them.

    She stepped forward with her life on the line while also giving her all to grope for a path where she would be saved and survived.

    And then©¤©¤Lux sensed Lisha¡¯s predicament and gambled his all in a sink or swim bet to save her.

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    After unraveling the bond between Lux and Lisha, the voice of the AI Arshalia that was talking to him was also cut off.

    However Fugil¡¯s eyes were taken away by the sight before him rather than paying that any attention.

    The trust between the two. Then the trusts of their comrades which supported that trust.

    Seeing that scene made Fugil saw a vision for a few moments.

    The scene that happened more than a thousand years ago between him and Arshalia.

    The memory of their battle to change the world.

    (Why, am I recalling such thing now? I©¤©¤who am I?)

    Uroboros was seriously damaged. The giant armor was falling to one knee.

    Fugil who managed to evacuate ahead of the attack turned toward Lux and took a stance with his great sword.

    ©¤©¤He could hear a voice.

    It wasn¡¯t the voice of the projection that was created by the AI just now. It was the voice of Arshalia that was sleeping deep within Fugil¡¯s own consciousness.

    .

    ¡ºHey Fugil. Are you listening? You and your family are called the clan of traitor but©¤©¤. I think there is no one who is truly a bad person by nature.¡»

    .

    Her voice sounded joking and teasing.

    The silver haired princess¡¯s dress fluttered.

    At first he only snickered at her statement. He thought of her as a peace obsessed idiot princess who spouted nonsense in this ugly era of wars where everyone washed off blood with more blood.

    ©¤©¤But, the girl was the real thing.

    She was blessed with talent, she didn¡¯t shirk away from hard work, she didn¡¯t bend under the reality, she kept moving forward to reach her dream.

    Moved by her zeal, Fugil too had chased after her dream before he realized it.

    Arcadia imperial family and the rebelling clan of traitor, the two sides who were seized with desire and vengeance and caused ghastly disputes without end.

    Behind those battles, the wretchedness of the animals called humans could be seen transparently.

    He believed that if it was her, she would be able to change this hellish world.

    .

    ¡ºIf there is no one who will help©¤©¤then please become a hero who will do so. I believe that  you have enough qualification for that.¡»

    .

    ¡¸Arshalia¡­¡­. I¡¯m¡¹

    Fugil stared at the vision of the girl at the back of his mind and muttered.

    He almost died many times and bathed in Elixir each time to recover. He accidentally became a superhuman as the result of that.

    He sought for more power in order to control Uroboros that had the power to change the world.

    He fell asleep and dreamed of saving the world together with Arshalia.

    After he woke up, even after he found that she had died, he kept chasing after the dream just as he promised.

    Together with the wrecked remains of her dream, the Sacred Eclipse, he continued to repeat the history without end.

    He would preserve the seed, protected it from the conflict, and entrusted the peaceful future to the next generation.

    And then©¤©¤when the balance of the world was gradually crumbling once more, when there were people oppressing other people, when there were people who could do nothing except letting themselves being exploited.

    .

    ¡ºIf, people can¡¯t stop fighting each other no matter what. If everything has really become hopeless©¤©¤let¡¯s forget everything and redo it.¡»

    .

    The Artifact, Uroboros.

    He would use Arshalia¡¯s memento to reset the world and fought to protect the balance. But,

    ¡¸A hero¡­¡­., something like a hero¡­¡­doesn¡¯t exist anywhere.¡¹

    Before long everything would return back to nothing.

    Peace would crumble without fail along with the flow of time.

    Leaving behind only Fugil, the strongest and most skilled Drag-Knight.

    Along with the strongest and greatest Artifact, Uroboros.

    ¡¸The voice just now, was it a fake? Or perhaps©¤©¤¡¹

    The answer wouldn¡¯t come out.

    But, he continued to fight searching for the answer.

    In order to carry out the hero¡¯s mission, until his body crumbled to dust and vanished.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil! The enemy is coming! Prepare to meet him!¡¹

    When he came to his senses, Fugil was gripping Bahamut¡¯s control stick.

    There was one thing he was sure of.

    If there was no one to be the hero, then Fugil himself had to be one.

    Right now in this place, there was one person who he raised and guided, someone who was exceedingly close to be the ideal king. However©¤©¤he didn¡¯t have that qualification five years ago.

    Therefore, he judged that person as the ¡ºweakest¡» in the day of revolution five years ago and casted him away.

    But that person now©¤©¤the vessel of king who he raised himself was standing in his way once more in this place.

    Since that day, Lux had built and accumulated many things.

    Now in this place, he would use all of those things to face him and proved his own qualification as king.

    ¡¸It¡¯s impossible for  you my wise younger brother©¤©¤your justice is inadequate to accomplish the hero¡¯s mission!¡¹

    The jet black Drag-Ride transformed into a fantastic appearance with Over Limit and danced in the sky.

    Hovering above the forest, Fugil pointed his sword toward his silver haired look-alike who appeared before his eyes.

    On the stomach of Uroboros that had fallen down face up.

    Using the hill of giant armor that was frayed with jutting out metals as foothold©¤©¤the two crossed swords three times.

    .

    ¡¸Are you alright, Ane-ue©¤©¤!¡¹

    While Fugil was looking up to the sky in a daze, Lux entrusted Lisha who was in his embrace to Alma.

    ¡¸I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re overreacting, Alma. Since the past you¡¯re©¤©¤¡¹

    Lisha smiled wryly with her head powerlessly lying on Alma¡¯s lap.

    The damage from the gravity pressure that Lisha received was reduced by Reload on Fire, so her body was fortunately not in that much pain.

    But, she had genuinely used up everything she had just now. Currently she couldn¡¯t even move a single arm.

    But Lisha felt a mysterious feeling of satisfaction wrapping herself.

    Just now, she used Sevens Heads in order to give Lux a chance of victory without considering her own life.

    In the past, Lisha¡¯s father, the great hero Count Atismata abandoned her for the sake of the great cause that was the revolution©¤©¤in return Lisha betrayed her father and switched side to the old empire.

    But even though she had done such thing, she became the princess of the new kingdom after that due to her status as the child left behind by the great hero. She had a guilty conscience all this time because of that.

    The her at that time didn¡¯t fight for the sake of the people who were suffering.

    However, right now©¤©¤.

    ¡¸I¡¯m sorry. Ane-ue¡­¡­! Until now, I never tried to understand you at all©¤©¤¡¹

    Alma clung on Lisha while holding back her tear. Lisha smiled seeing her little sister like that.

    Fors the first time, she felt like that she had really fought as the princess of the new kingdom.

    She felt like that she had persisted with her pride.

    Because she had Lux with her.

    Because she had her comrades in Syvalles with her.

    She was able to do so because she had been fighting together with them.

    ¡¸I can feel like this is thanks to you all. Don¡¯t die, Lux¡­¡­¡¹

    Lisha prayed with only a single wish in her heart.

    And then, she watched over her retainer who was fighting above the hill of steel.

    .

    The sounds of clashing swords burst violently within the blizzard.

    Jet black Drag-Rides were freely dancing on a hill made of silver wall.

    Lux and Fugil were©¤©¤fighting to their utmost limit using Over Limit.

    Even though the sounds were resounding jarringly, it mysteriously didn¡¯t feel noisy in the ear.

    His mind was clear and sharp like a blade even now with his body being extremely exhausted.

    Just like the day of the revolution five years ago when he faced the old empire.

    ¡¸HAAAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Lux yelled as though he was roaring and mustered his remaining strength.

    The two¡¯s tactics were similar but different.

    Fugil who had Baptism applied to his whole body was superior in regard to physical ability and stamina against Lux.

    Therefore he could ignore the stress that Over Limit put on his body and used the armor frame¡¯s mobility to the maximum limit to unleash powerful blow that the average Drag-Ride couldn¡¯t possibly block. Every single one of his blow was filled with the strength that would instantly kill if it landed directly.

    ©¤©¤It inevitably eroded the opponent¡¯s nerve with extreme pressure that they weren¡¯t allowed to make even a single miss.

    In contrast Lux¡¯s tactic was defending using his great sword while counterattacking.

    Although, he would be defeated if he carelessly blocked Fugil¡¯s attack despite the two of them using the same Over Limit

    He parried the enemy¡¯s attacks so that the core of the attack wouldn¡¯t meet its mark.

    Other than that he would also step forward before the enemy¡¯s sword could reach the sufficient velocity and crushed the starting point of the attack.

    Lux wouldn¡¯t be able to endure at all if he didn¡¯t lower Fugil¡¯s attack power by some percentage like that.

    Even so, his armor would creak each time he guarded against Fugil¡¯s attack.

    Using his discernment that he trained through the tournament in the royal capital and continued to polish even after that, he was barely able to endure Fugil¡¯s fierce attacks.

    However, just being able to block Fugil¡¯s attacks didn¡¯t make them evenly matched.

    Lux didn¡¯t even have three more minutes before he became unable to fight.

    In contrast Fugil was still having strength remaining.

    At this rate©¤©¤he would definitely lose.

    ¡¸You¡¯re going to defeat me and stop the Sacred Eclipse? Are you saying that you will take up the hero¡¯s mission in my place? That¡¯s impossible for you, my wise younger brother. You aren¡¯t fit for that duty. An incompetent like you who can only defend like that can¡¯t possibly©¤©¤¡¹

    ¡¸¡­¡­¡­¡­¡¹

    Fugil had the composure to talk even while unleashing countless slashes.

    But, Lux couldn¡¯t find any opening at all in Fugil¡¯s every movement.

    Fugil was steadily shaving off his armor while also keeping up his vigilance toward Lux without slacking off.

    Whether it was the secret techniques of Drag-Ride control, or the invocation of Divine Raiment, or Howling Roar, or Break Purge.

    To Lux it looked like Fugil had prepared the solution to every move he could make.

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu!?¡¹

    Lux glided backward to take some distance, but Fugil¡¯s pursuit prevented him from that.

    Even so he continued moving and used the unevenness of Uroboros¡¯s armor surface that they used as foothold©¤©¤the terrain¡¯s advantage while dodging the attacks.

    ¡¸The resolve to destroy, to cut down others. You can¡¯t be a ruler without that. An absolute cause, principle©¤©¤they need the determination to accomplish it no matter the cost. Your path will end if you try to reach an understanding with someone and they betray you.¡¹

    In the past©¤©¤Arshalia was killed by the members of the clan of traitor who she spared.

    Fugil couldn¡¯t stop her from trying to save them.

    Because the one who saved Fugil©¤©¤someone who was originally a member of the clan of traitor that should be the enemy of Arcadia Empire was also her.

    The intensity of the great sword that Fugil was swinging was increasing.

    He strengthened the force of his blows to pry open Lux¡¯s tough guard.

    If Lux used Bahamut¡¯s mobility to reduce the momentum of Fugil¡¯s attack, Fugil would change the momentum of his movement to compensate.

    He transferred the momentum from the Drag-Ride¡¯s propulsion force into the sword¡¯s tip, stepped close to Lux, and slashed.

    ¡¸You are the¡ºweakest¡»©¤©¤someone who can¡¯t throw away their naivety has no qualification to be king!¡¹

    Fugil knew.

    That with Lux¡¯s method of doing things, he wouldn¡¯t be able to save and protect those important to him. However,

    .

    ©¤©¤*BAKIIINN!*

    .

    ¡¸¡­¡­Tsu!?¡¹

    Chaos Brand that was swung down with all Fugil¡¯s strength was repelled back by Lux¡¯s great sword. Fugil watched it transpired with his eyes widened in surprise.

    The special move to receive the opponent¡¯s attacks by focusing into the point where the attack was starting, pushing back the attack and destroying the weapon©¤©¤Critical Hit.

    The technique that Lux had polished using the Scale Blade that Lisha created for him. It destroyed the equilibrium of this battle.

    ¡¸So you were sticking to defense not because you were unable to switch into offense©¤©¤. It was for parrying and counterattacking at the same time.¡¹

    If Fugil was on guard against every method of counterattack and watching all his preliminary movement, then Lux would aim to break the opponent¡¯s balance while keeping up his defense.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Howling Roar!¡¹

    Lux unleashed Howling Roar using the opening when Fugil was pushed behind with both of his armored arms lifted up, sending him flying.

    Behind him, there was the armor of Uroboros that was broken and splintered up like an icicle.

    Lux didn¡¯t just focus on the battle of wits using tactic.

    He even grasped the shape of the terrain and prepared for the chance to overturn the table.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤Reload on Fire!¡¹

    Fugil applied compression strengthening to the time of the area around him in order to stop Lux¡¯s movement.

    Lux also activated Bahamut¡¯s Divine Raiment almost at the same time, decelerating the flow of time around him in the same ratio.

    The flow of times of both sides were extremely decelerated that it looked like both combatants were stopping still.

    Lux was rushing forward with his great sword raised, while Fugil was taking a stance to block the attack. The movements of the two of them were stopped by the first five seconds of their Divine Raiment.

    In the later five seconds, they would surely enter their last battle of wits while their movements were accelerated to be dozens of times faster.

    However©¤©¤.

    There were people who wanted to overturn the fate of these two.

    .

    ¡¸Fugil©¤©¤¡¹

    Arshalia held her breath inside the cockpit watching her master¡¯s predicament.

    Uroboros¡¯s torso was destroyed by the gravity orb that Lisha fired. Now it couldn¡¯t activate its Divine Raiment©¤©¤and also its special armaments properly.

    Even so, in order to save her master Fugil, she desperately searched for any function that was still usable.

    Endless, Zero One, and Infinity couldn¡¯t be used.

    But, she noticed that these five seconds when the flow of time of Lux and Fugil was decelerated would be enough time to smash Lux from above using Uroboros¡¯s hand.

    Arshalia gave her all in order to execute just that one movement©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸¡­¡­Won¡¯t, let you¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤What!?¡¹

    An unhurried voice quietly entered the cockpit where the Automata Arshalia was sitting inside. Uroboros¡¯s right arm that was going to swing down was entwined with the wires of Pile Anchors.

    The hand¡¯s movement was slightly diverted due to the powerful pull at the wires.

    Uroboros¡¯s raised right arm fell not on the head of the stopped Lux, but at behind him.

    The last attack that Arshalia attempted was prevented at the last second.

    ¡ºMy bad but, I had predicted that future beforehand. I asked her©¤©¤to prevent that future from happening.¡»

    Krulcifer who was standing above a rocky area sent her voice through Dragon Voice.

    Fafnir was already seriously damaged, so it couldn¡¯t even attack or defend anymore.

    Consequently only a part of its armor could materialize right now but©¤©¤Krulcifer only focused on making future prediction using her Divine Raiment.

    ¡¸Why can you still fight even after you have used up all your strength!? How©¤©¤!¡¹

    ¡¸It¡¯s simple. With the power of love©¤©¤there isn¡¯t anything stronger than that in this world.¡¹

    What made the members of Syvalles who were already in the death¡¯s door could revive was©¤©¤their recovery rate was several stages faster compared to the ordinary human was thanks to the Baptism that had been applied on all of them.

    They strengthened their body with Elixir after that looping parade ended so that less burden would be put on Lux.

    But, that was just a single factor. It wasn¡¯t the main reason of their comeback.

    ¡¸We can¡¯t, just keep sleeping like this.¡¹

    Celis wearing the half-destroyed Lindwurm was floating above the downed Uroboros. Even her Lance was already broken, but the cannon muzzle that was protruding from her back was filled with all the energy she could muster.

    ¡¸After all our country¡¯s princess and the man we love are fighting with their life on the line.¡¹

    They couldn¡¯t lose.

    They couldn¡¯t possibly keep lying down without being able to do anything as they were in this predicament.

    The resilience from Baptism and their stubbornness moved their bodies that shouldn¡¯t be able to move anymore and allowed them to wear their Divine Drag-Ride once more.

    The Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami leaped on the air and Kirihime Yoruka thrust her Blade into Uroboros under her feet.

    She ran Spell Code near the cockpit where Arshalia was at and gave a new order.

    ¡¸You want to control Uroboros? What can you do at this point©¤©¤¡¹

    Spell Code could freely control other person¡¯s Drag-Ride, but it would need considerable power to control a Drag-Ride this huge.

    Furthermore Uroboros right now was in a state that couldn¡¯t move properly anymore.

    It didn¡¯t seem likely that it would be worth it to forcefully move Uroboros in this state.

    But, Yoruka¡¯s aim was something else.

    ¡¸Naturally©¤©¤I understand that. But, I won¡¯t let you do anything more than this. There is a meaning in doing that.¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    Spell Code¡¯s character strings were spreading on Uroboros¡¯s armor surface and sent a certain command.

    The barrier that was covering the surface vanished. The armor opened from the inside and the hatch that was hiding the Force Core located in the shoulder was opened.

    ¡¸Don¡¯t tell me©¤©¤¡¹

    Lux had brought back the blueprint of Uroboros from the central and showed it to everyone.

    Uroboros had three energy sources. If all of them were destroyed, it would become impossible for Uroboros to repair itself on its own.

    ¡¸I¡¯ll leave the rest to you, Celis-san.¡¹

    ¡¸Yes, leave it to me.¡¹

    Celis answered while floating in the air, at the same time a sphere of light was fired from the cannon platform on Lindwurm¡¯s armored shoulders.

    Starlight Zero.

    The cannon that was Lindwurm¡¯s special armament fired, at the same time Celis vanished using Divine Gate¡¯s teleportation.

    ¡¸No way, impossible¡­¡­. Our Uroboros, it can¡¯t possibly©¤©¤!¡¹

    The Automata shuddered from imagining the future that would happen in several more seconds.

    For more than a thousand years, people who turned this greatest and strongest Artifact inoperable had never appeared.

    However, now.

    The girls who had grown stronger together with Lux Arcadia©¤©¤accomplished that unprecedented feat.

    ¡¸The Artifact Uroboros©¤©¤is shot down.¡¹

    Krulcifer who got down from above the large rock and hid behind it muttered in satisfaction.

    Right after that©¤©¤the deadly light bullet that Celis fired touched Uroboros¡¯s shoulder and blasted the Force Core.

    .

    Several seconds before Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, and Yoruka stood up to fight together©¤©¤.

    Lux and Fugil were also carrying out their last exchange.

    The support attack from Automata Arshalia was stopped by the girls of Syvalles.

    Lux didn¡¯t have any time to take any notice of that.

    The two of them were within the range of each other¡¯s sword.

    But, they were concentrating all their focus within the flow of time that was decelerated until near zero.

    It was long©¤©¤.

    Lux was feeling like the time was stretched for eternity inside the compression strengthening of time that they both activated against each other.

    Fugil¡¯s sword was pulled behind him in preparation to slash, while Lux¡¯s sword was raised above his head to slash down. They were readying themselves for the later five seconds where the super acceleration would begin.

    Either way©¤©¤right now Lux had no stamina to maintain the Over Limit even longer than this.

    The next attack would be the last.

    <ruby>Technique<rt>Skill</rt></ruby>, <ruby>life<rt>strength</rt></ruby>.

    Even <ruby>ingenuity<rt>thought</rt></ruby>©¤©¤Lux was pouring his everything into his Drag-Ride.

    But even with all of those©¤©¤he wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat the man before him.

    However, unlike that time, now there was a sense of reassurance inside his chest.

    Greifer, Mel, Soffice, Rosa, Magialca, Alma, Aeril.

    Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, Yoruka, the Triad. Everyone had cut open the path for him, leading him until this far.

    The comrades who believed in him.

    His little sister Airi who became his moral support.

    Singlen who stood in his way as a powerful enemy.

    And then©¤©¤his elder brother Fugil who guided him five years ago so he could fight. He was thankful to all of them.

    Above all else, he was glad to himself who had done nothing but reckless things until now, but kept getting his wish granted even then.

    That was why, he had decided what his last move would be.

    The secret technique that he had continued to polish in that tournament as the Weakest Undefeated.

    He would bet everything to Quick Draw.

    Within the flow of time that was almost completely stopped, Lux predicted what Fugil¡¯s next move would be based on the battle until now.

    And then.

    ¡ºYour Divine Drag-Ride©¤©¤I want to touch it until the end.¡»

    He would bet everything into this Drag-Ride that Lisha had continued to maintain, repair, and fine tune for him©¤©¤he moved!

    .

    In the earlier five seconds where the Reload on Fire of both sides stretched out the flow of time of each other.

    Lux¡¯s opponent, Fugil was thinking.

    What was he hoping, wishing for?

    He predicted Lux¡¯s intention in order to accomplish his mission as a hero.

    It wouldn¡¯t even take twenty seconds before Lux¡¯s Bahamut would reach its operation limit.

    Fugil used his discernment. He tried imagining meeting Lux head on with all his skills that he had continued to polish for more than a thousand years.

    He could do it without problem. He didn¡¯t feel like he would lose.

    No matter what kind of hardship or trouble he met in the past, he had continued to survive and win them all until now.

    He had the confidence that he could defeat Lux.

    But, at the same time he also had the conviction that he wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Lux.

    Contradiction.

    For some reason alarm bell was ringing inside the brain of Fugil whose body was at a stop.

    (What©¤©¤? This out of place feeling)

    He couldn¡¯t find the answer.

    But, he knew that the answer would come to him soon enough.

    Fugil¡¯s wish was to continue to fight as the hero.

    No©¤©¤.

    (¡­¡­Wrong. What I wished for©¤©¤my true objective was)

    Why was he thinking something like this now?

    The words that were said by Arshalia¡¯s AI who appeared before this.

    Those words contained a fragment of the answer that Fugil had continued to seek by repeating history.

    .

    ¡ºEven they aren¡¯t bad people deep inside. Their hearts are just frayed because they were hurting for so many years. Weren¡¯t you the one who proved that to me?¡»

    .

    The imperial princess Arshalia saved a member of the clan of traitor that was hostile to the empire©¤©¤Fugil and took him in as her comrade.

    However, because of that©¤©¤due to that belief of hers, because she tried to save everyone, she was betrayed and died.

    Their dream to right the world was©¤©¤.

    Their dream to save all the people who died unseen by others because of misfortune couldn¡¯t be realized.

    Since that day, Fugil had forgotten the answer all this time and searched for it.

    He kept the balance of the world for more than a thousand years and saved the weak.

    He searched for the vessel of king who could become a hero.

    When he saw Lux, Fugil¡¯s heart that should be dead was stirred.

    (Just what in the world I was wishing for?)

    Fugil moved his Divine Drag-Ride while feeling convinced of his victory and defeat at the same time.

    He started moving more than ten times faster in the ¡ºlater five seconds¡» of the Reload on Fire.

    That time finally arrived. The instantaneous offense and defense burst out.

    .

    Lux brandished his Chaos Brand to swing it down toward the Force Core on the shoulder.

    In respond Fugil pulled his sword behind around his waist¡¯s height.

    Lux was going to slash from above to below, while Fugil would slash from below to above.

    This situation©¤©¤was advantageous for Lux if they clashed upfront.

    But, Fugil was aiming to parry Lux¡¯s initial attack aside before striking back.

    It could be seen from the preliminary movement of Fugil¡¯s Bahamut©¤©¤, it slightly dropped its center of gravity and gathered strength.

    ¡¸©¤©¤HAAaAAAAAAH!¡¹

    Therefore Lux pretended to slash down while slightly shifting his swing¡¯s timing.

    Fugil¡¯s plan to deflect the starting point of Lux¡¯s slash should be destroyed by that and Lux¡¯s full powered downward slash would hit the armored shoulder©¤©¤but,

    ¡¸©¤©¤!?¡¹

    But, Fugil also stopped swinging up his sword in the middle and took a defensive stance right away.

    All the energy that was circulating within the great sword was joined with the barrier. He showed the stance of blocking using all his strength.

    (I was read? My Quick Draw is©¤©¤)

    He didn¡¯t know whether Fugil had read his thought or he had seen through his preliminary movement.

    He didn¡¯t care which was the case.

    He couldn¡¯t stop his attack anymore.

    There was only one thing that Lux could do right now.

    That was to muster his whole being, everything he had©¤©¤and struck, that was all.

    ¡¸©¤©¤GO-OOOOOoOOO!¡¹

    A voice resounded. Perhaps it was Lisha¡¯s yell, or perhaps Lux¡¯s own voice.

    Lux couldn¡¯t even spare any thought to understand that and swung down Chaos Brand with all his energy.

    Fugil¡¯s eyes opened wide. He blocked that attack with his right armored arm and his Blade as shield.

    .

    *BAKIIIIIIIiiiiIIIII!*

    .

    An impact that felt as if all the air was blasted away pierced the surrounding©¤©¤, the blocking sword snapped and the armor creaked.

    However©¤©¤Fugil¡¯s Bahamut wasn¡¯t damaged. It had enough strength remaining to continue fighting.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Ha¡¹

    A smile formed on the lips of Lux who had used up all his energy.

    In the end©¤©¤Lux was unable to surpass the hero of the beginning Fugil.

    Even at the last exchange where they predicted each other, Fugil performed a Drag-Ride control that surpassed the possible movement enabled by Over Limit. Lux¡¯s prediction missed and Fugil succeeded in blocking his attack.

    ©¤©¤The fight was settled.

    He was unable to win against Fugil.

    However, there was no regret inside Lux.

    He had gave his everything to face this opponent.

    ¡¸So, I can¡¯t win¡­¡­¡¹

    Lux was going to close his eyes and surrendered his consciousness to the fatigue, but a sight that he never even dreamed of entered his eyes.

    ¡­¡­*Crack crack crack crackkk!*

    Countless cracks spread all over Fugil¡¯s Bahamut and it shattered.

    Without understanding what had just happened, Lux pushed down his Chaos Brand that was in contact with Fugil¡¯s great sword.

    Its tip sunk into the shoulder of Fugil who was only in his pilot suit now. The blade didn¡¯t stop and reached the heart.

    Lux immediately pulled away the sword. Then fresh blood spurted like fountain from the body that was cut open.

    The fight was settled.

    It was settled with Lux¡¯s victory.

    .

    ¡¸What is, going on?¡¹

    ¡¸I don¡¯t know. But©¤©¤¡¹

    Krulcifer and Philuffy were staring at one spot while murmuring with small voice.

    The two of them together with Yoruka and Celis climbed up on the fallen Uroboros¡¯s stomach and gathered.

    They were standing on the chest area near the shoulder. When their gaze moved toward the battle between Lux and Fugil, it was already decided.

    From a glance, it looked like Lux¡¯s attack was predicted and got perfectly blocked, but©¤©¤.

    Right after that, it was Fugil who got his armor destroyed.

    ¡¸Did, Lux win?¡¹

    ¡¸©¤©¤It seems so. That¡¯s also how it looks like in my eyes.¡¹

    Celis muttered in astonishment while Yoruka smiled.

    Right after that©¤©¤, the remaining members including Lisha who were hiding at the temple site cheered out.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤I see, so it¡¯s like that.¡¹

    Fugil muttered without any change in his expression while blood was flowing from his shoulder.

    Why it was Fugil¡¯s Bahamut that was destroyed when he had predicted Lux¡¯s attack and succeeded in blocking it?

    The reason was©¤©¤.

    ¡ºFugil! Your Bahamut, it¡¯s already©¤©¤¡»

    ¡¸It already reached its limit huh. This Drag-Ride¡¯s frame was already at its breaking point due to Over Limit¡¯s recoil.¡¹

    Fugil¡¯s control was undoubtedly flawless.

    But, Fugil who had received Baptism in number that should originally be impossible and turned into a superhuman that surpassed normal human didn¡¯t notice.

    He had repeatedly performed control that was originally should be prevented by the limiters that were removed by Over Limit. Even though the pilot, Fugil himself was alright from doing that, but those performance surmounted Bahamut¡¯s endurance and it broke down.

    Fugil didn¡¯t notice that because he was focusing to the battle until now.

    He was thinking too much about how to win against Lux©¤©¤against Lux and his comrades that he was losing awareness of his own Drag-Ride.

    However this©¤©¤couldn¡¯t be said as completely Fugil¡¯s own blunder.

    In addition it also wasn¡¯t bad luck.

    ©¤©¤He simply didn¡¯t realize.

    This tragedy happened because the Drag-Knight called Fugil surpassed the power of the Drag-Ride.

    When someone used Over Limit, the Drag-Knight¡¯s body would scream in pain and normally it would be them who got downed first.

    Their bone would snap, their muscle would tear, their fatigue would accumulate. They wouldn¡¯t be able to do reckless moves in succession.

    But such thing didn¡¯t happen in Fugil¡¯s case.

    He didn¡¯t notice because his abnormally strong toughness.

    Since Arshalia died, Fugil fought alone for more than a thousand years.

    He thoroughly tempered himself. He was a superhuman who didn¡¯t even feel pain and never lost against anyone.

    He kept winning until now.

    Fugil was defeated because he was the strongest person of a type that the world had never seen before.

    Lux himself was running out of strength because he was a human with limit, but he obtained victory as a Drag-Knight who protected his own Drag-Ride.

    They grew together and depended on each other, along with Lisha¡¯s support.

    ¡¸©¤©¤Fugil¡¹

    ¡¸It seems, I have spent¡­¡­too long by myself.¡¹

    His words leaked out from the corner of his lips along with a trickle of blood.

    His body was swaying while heading toward the edge of the collapsed Uroboros.

    Fugil¡¯s battle was already over.

    It had ended in that day more than a thousand years ago.

    The current him was the same like the Sacred Eclipse, a broken device.

    That day, the dream that he saw together with Arshalia, it had ended since a long time ago in the past.

    They supported and complemented each other©¤©¤that was exactly why they could see that dream.

    Fugil was stronger than anyone.

    His strong feeling lost its place to go to, then he wandered for eternity without end, seeking for just a single answer.

    Fugil¡¯s wish, his hope wasn¡¯t ¡ºthe mission of hero¡», it also wasn¡¯t ¡ºto show the proper path of human¡».

    The true answer that Fugil was seeking.

    It took a very long time until he found that answer.

    ¡ºFugil©¤©¤!¡»

    Then, he heard the magnified yell of the Automata Arshalia. Fugil take a step off the edge by himself.

    A few ml below, there was the blade of the giant Blade that Uroboros dropped.

    He was falling straight toward it©¤©¤there Lux grabbed his elder brother¡¯s hand.

    Bahamut¡¯s armor that Lux was wearing was also already dispelled.

    It felt like he would faint immediately from the extreme exhaustion he was feeling, but he gritted his teeth and maintained his consciousness with his will.

    ¡¸©¤©¤What are you doing?¡¹

    Fugil looked dubiously at Lux while hanging in midair.

    Lux strongly grabbed that limp hand with his own hand and exerted his strength to pull Fugil up.

    Lux was struggling with his body that had run out of strength to save Fugil.

    ¡¸Are you planning to repeat the same mistake again? I should have told you before to have the determination to destroy your enemy.¡¹

    Fugil told Lux with a cold smile.

    He told the descendant of his family©¤©¤his temporary little brother who should be the one who slain him, the strongest enemy.

    ¡¸Even so, I©¤©¤¡¹

    Even Lux himself didn¡¯t understand why he was trying to save Fugil.

    However, he was unable to let go of his hand.

    Seeing that, Arshalia¡¯s figure and words from a thousand years ago were brought back in Fugil¡¯s eyes.

    .

    ¡ºBecause, I can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re really a bad person©¤©¤¡»

    She opened her heart to ascertain everything with her own eyes.

    ¡ºIt¡¯s fine if you just become the hero. If there isn¡¯t any hero anywhere, then you can©¤©¤¡»

    .

    ©¤©¤That¡¯s right.

    .

    Fugil was attracted by the beauty of the act of saving people. He dreamed of a hero and aimed to become one.

    However©¤©¤he despaired when the wickedness that was the true nature of they, humans was thrust before him. He came to doubt his own way of living.

    There wasn¡¯t any meaning, in saving human.

    Human wasn¡¯t worth saving.

    That was why©¤©¤he searched for the vessel of king who could lead humans righteously. He kept resetting history searching for a just world.

    But, now¡­¡­there was someone who was stretching out his hand toward his enemy, just like Arshalia in that day.

    It was someone who descended from the clan of traitor.

    Someone who was born from the old empire that was called as absolute evil in the past, a person who descended from the same blood like Fugil©¤©¤.

    .

    ¡¸©¤©¤Do you see Arshalia, there is a hero here. A hero who came from among the people you saved that day.¡¹

    .

    The answer that Fugil was searching for.

    There was a path ahead after people saved other people.

    ¡¸You weren¡¯t©¤©¤mistaken, not at all.¡¹

    Fugil made a fleeting smile.

    Right after that, the body that had lived and fought for more than a thousand years lost color©¤©¤crumbling into dust.

    .

    Lux saw Fugil closing his eyes and turning into ash.

    He was most likely, someone who was more serious and kinder than anyone.

    It was because of that he wandered searching for the truth.

    He was©¤©¤exactly the same like Lux.

    He wasn¡¯t really a different person from Lux, he was a hero who followed the same path.

    But, Fugil was too strong that he dreamed too much.

    He didn¡¯t content himself with just those within his sight, he also tried to do something about those who were outside his sight.

    He lost his path when he lost his ideal other half Arshalia.

    He was lost within a labyrinth without exit.

    He wandered in his aimless search.

    Even Lux himself, if he was unable to save Philuffy and Airi, if he was unable to save everyone in Syvalles.

    (Surely, I too would©¤©¤)

    He would be possessed by the mission to carry out the revolution. He would live by continuing to hate the old empire.

    He would be crushed under the wish that couldn¡¯t be fulfilled and lost his heart.

    However©¤©¤, he was saved from that by Fugil.

    When Lux lost his mother and lived in anguish©¤©¤.

    He tried to influence the old empire with the right method, but at that time, there was no one in the imperial family who would listen to Lux who was the youngest son.

    With only one exception©¤©¤Fugil.

    At that time, he thought of Fugil who talked and listened to him as hero.

    However, Lux finally understood.

    In this world, there wasn¡¯t anything like immortal winner or righteous hero.

    Just like what Lux saw in Fugil¡¯s action.

    Just like what Lisha and Alma saw in the Black Hero.

    Just like what the people who were oppressed by the old empire saw in Count Atismata.

    A hero was the shape of salvation that people saw in their own heart.

    .

    (©¤©¤I, couldn¡¯t become a hero.)

    Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, Philuffy, Yoruka, Airi.

    Without them at his side, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything, much less saving the world.

    It was wrong to think that he was able to do anything by himself.

    It was fine to not become a hero.

    It was fine to not suffer from trying to become something that he couldn¡¯t become.

    But©¤©¤if he could aim to chase after that ideal and inspired hope in everyone©¤©¤.

    Lux realized that he should aim to live in that way.

    .

    ¡¸Farewell Fugil. My hero©¤©¤¡¹

    .

    Uroboros¡¯s Sword Device that was in the grasp of the disappearing Fugil slowly fell and stabbed the pile of snow on the ground, becoming the grave marker for Fugil himself.

    Someone who could control this Artifact, wouldn¡¯t appear anymore in this world.

    The end of the hero who continued to fight for the people while being human himself.

    After watching that end, there were voices coming somewhere.

    He heard loud cheers from the temple site where the allied force was taking refuge.

    Amidst that, there was someone flying his way in the arms of Alma who was wearing EX Wyvern.

    Lux relaxed when he saw Lisha¡¯s smiling face, then he let go of his consciousness.