Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Volume 17 Chapter 3

Episode 3 - The Servant's Decisive Battle Part 1

In the royal capital Lordgalia, inside a room of the castle, Fugil was watching a certain illusion.

Fugil Arcadia had no need for sleep.

The body that had been strengthened with Baptism in the level that normal person couldn't endure already didn't even need to sleep.

And so many times he would be simply watching the moon and stars from the window at night for a brief time.

Each time the illusion, the sight that was burned in his mind would be replayed before his eyes.

Even now he was watching it.

「──Fugil. Have you gotten used of living in the castle?」

More than a thousand years ago inside the castle of Arcadia Empire.

Fugil was addressed by the imperial princess Arshalia in a corridor that was built from st.u.r.dy rocks.

She summoned Fugil who was from the hostile clan of traitor to become her servant. He was made to receive education for becoming a close aide.

Of course it was an unprecedented affair. The girl called Arshalia possessed the authority to accomplish something that originally was thought to be absolutely impossible.

「Living in the castle? There is nothing but unpleasant things. I can eat here but the comfort here is the worst. It's really a bother which is your fault. I also got this kind of collar attached on me. It's a criminal collar called the Wedge is it? Just what have I done to deserve this huh.」

「Is that so, surely you will get used to it, and that collar will be taken off one day. Let's do our best so that you can be accepted by everyone for even a day faster!」

'……She isn't listening.'

Fugil muttered in exasperation and looked aside.

The disparity in the hierarchical society of Arcadia Empire that was connected to a clan called Xfer and ama.s.sed prosperity was gradually widening. The oppression of the imperial family was reaching the extreme.

They strengthened their physical body with Baptism and obtained long life and excellent ability, but the Elixir that was necessary for that was created from the life of human──especially from their brethren.

Thus, people with low status were hunted by the n.o.bles.

They were exploited not only as labor, but even their life was sucked dry.

The bloodline of the people who became the core of the resistance that rebelled against the royalty and n.o.bility that were excessively tyrannical was the clan of traitor. The imperial family considered them as enemy and both sides continued to fight for long.

In such situation, Fugil who was a child from that clan was picked up by Arshalia. It was the beginning of a strange relations.h.i.+p.

The imperial family and the people in the palace thought that it must be Princess Arshalia's whim. Even Fugil thought that was the case.

However, on the contrary of such situation that was surrounding them, Fugil's talent as Drag-Knight was rapidly blooming within his capacity as the princess's aide.

「──Fugil. Can I ask your unit to suppress the resistance? If other people go, they will slaughter all their enemies. Ah, it's okay to not capture them. After all they will be killed if they're captured.」

When Fugil was at the tender age of 14, he had become a Drag-Knight that couldn't be matched by anyone else. One day, Arshalia gave him that order.

Even Fugil was recognizing Arshalia's intelligence, but sometimes she would speak this kind of hypocrisy. He disliked it as usual.

「Not only you're making me to face the clan of traitor, you also tell me to let them escape alive? Even malice will feel refres.h.i.+ng when it comes until this far huh.」

「You don't want to do that? I thought that's what Fugil also wish for though──」

「……What do you mean?」

When Fugil asked back with a dubious expression, Arshalia a.s.serted with a meaningful smile.

「Don't tell anyone else okay? You see, actually I──am scheming for peace with all of  you. Won't you try changing this world where there is only hatred for each other and where someone with weak position will only become sacrifice?」

The confident smile of the girl who told him that was burned into his eyes.

「Ridiculous. Do you think the like of human can change the world?」

Fugil spat out those words, even so his heart was stolen for an instant.

The two's challenge started from there.

Part 2

「This is really problematic. To think that Lisha will be kidnapped──」

Fugil's mind returned to reality.

In the castle, Raffi heard the report that Lisha was kidnapped by a Drag-Knight of Azure Division from a soldier of the New Kingdom just now.

At present, within the ten days period until the binding of world revision from Uroboros was released, three days had pa.s.sed with this.

Using the Coffin, the strengthening of the elite members of Syvalles was done one after another. The Baptisms were succeeding without problem.

It was something possible exactly because it was those girls who had experience of receiving Elixir before and trained both in mind and body, but they also knew that a factor of the success was because of their feeling toward Lux.

The successes were exactly because the girls had the strong feeling to put their life on the line in order to solve this case in the place of Lux who needed to do reckless things one after another until now.

However, the current situation other than that was surpa.s.sing Raffi's estimation.

According to the report from Krulcifer and Philuffy, they learned that there was a Drag-Knight with strength that far surpa.s.sed Alma Atismata.

It would be fine if that was all, but on the other hand there was the report from Celis that Lux didn't take even a single step out of the inn.

「It seems there wasn't any sign of that foolish little brother moving from the beginning. There was also the common soldiers keeping watch there correct?」

「Yes, of course it was kept secret from the girls of Syvalles though.」

She gave detailed explanation to Celis to strictly watch over Lux. But on the other hand she also made soldiers disguising themselves as civilian to watch the inn's surrounding with the pretense that it was for Lux's safety on the surface but──in the end, there wasn't any confirmation that Lux went out.

But regardless of that, there was a strange conviction within Raffi.

That it surely wouldn't be a mistake to consider that the Azure Division ambusher who defeated Krulcifer and kidnapped Lisha was most likely Lux.

「Why are you focusing that much on my foolish little brother? It won't be strange even if this Azure Division has their own hidden powerful person isn't it?」

「You are saying that? I thought that you're the one who is far more concerned about Lux than me though.」

Raffi replied to Fugil with a wry smile.

And then she stood up from the sofa and straightened her posture before turning back toward Fugil.

「I understand for the first time after getting into this position. For a ruler, there is nothing more troublesome than turning Lux Arcadia into enemy. In any event we've managed to recover Alma Atismata, but now that the function of Avalon has become incomplete, even the brainwas.h.i.+ng cannot be done so simply. Let's leave here in a house arrest.」

The letter that Krulcifer received from the black Drag-Knight of Azure Division was held up in front of Raffi's eyes and she read it.

There, the request of hostage exchange from Azure Division was written.

The place would be decided several more days by Azure Division. If Alma wasn't safe at that time, Lisha's life wouldn't be guaranteed, it said.

In addition they sought a decisive battle that put the Grand Forces at stake. That was the gist of the letter.

「The opponent also understand. That I'll have to respond to this dealing……」

Within the remaining seven days, the binding of world revision that was currently working on Lordgalia was dissolving. People who were feeling that the change of Raffi's appearance was strange would be appearing.

No, for Raffi who was completely fused with Sacred Eclipse, there was a problem that she should be even more worried and dreaded about.

In short, she had to win this battle without fail and collected the Grand Force, and then using Avalon and Uroboros she had to execute Endless──the perfect world revision.

「In everything, if there is advantage then there will be disadvantage too, that's how it is. Not a single thing has changed since the time I was struggling to steer this country isn't it.」

Raffi let out a small sigh and shrugged in lamentation.

「Then, will you stop?」

The automata Arshalia suddenly asked, but Raffi shook her head.

「No way. I will fight until the end. However, if we have to take back Lisha, then we won't be able to do anything too cruel to Alma then.」

「Do you plan to use it? The ability of Ragnarok?」

「Just for a bit. I will only discipline my mischievous niece. I'm thinking to show my memory to that child who is saying that she has tasted a really bothersome past until now. Aa──I also have to replenish my nourishment soon. Previously I failed to eat after all.」

While whispering that her irises were tinged with bewitching light of seven colors.

Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse that took in the ability of seven Ragnaroks and became a complete being could use each ability by her own will.

She was walking while making steady sound of footsteps toward the dungeon where Alma was locked.

What she would use was the ability of the great demon Ragnarok──Iblis's mental pollusion.

Because it would also use a lot of energy to use the ability, she couldn't use them recklessly right now, but there was a need to experiment.

It seemed that Alma herself was strengthened with Baptism and her resistance toward mental interference was strengthened, so she wouldn't be affected fatally.

There was also the possibility that the dealing would be called off if Alma's mind was broken, so she couldn't do anything rash.

Therefore, right now her ulterior motive was to use that power to hara.s.s Alma.

Before long the girl's groan echoed at the castle's underground prison, and several hours later even that voice vanished.

Part 3

「Fuu……」

Right now Lux was slowly soaking in the bathtub of the large public bath of the high cla.s.s inn that was only occupied by Syvalles members.

After Lux kidnapped Lisha, shook off the pursuer, and headed to the rendezvous point with Azure Division members, he safely returned to the inn.

His coming and going behind the back of Celis──or perhaps other watchers wasn't realized by anyone of the Academy. He was using a certain method for that.

Perhaps even that method would be noticed sooner or later, but right now he couldn't let anyone realized.

It was necessary for Lux to keep hiding his true ident.i.ty while fighting the New Kingdom, but it was straining his nerves a lot.

Therefore, after safely returning to the inn, he was completely tired that he was unable to even move satisfactorily.

Even the bath of this inn that was completely reserved by Relie couldn't be compared with the Academy's large public bath, but it was still quiet s.p.a.cious.

Thanks to that he could take a short rest, and it was displaying an outstanding result.

(It was unfortunate that Alma was taken away but, our objective of securing Lishsama was accomplished.)

At the current time his strategy against New Kingdom was barely at the pa.s.sing mark.

Seven days remaining until the estimated day where the world revision dissolved.

He was worried about Alma, but now that the alteration to people's memory couldn't be done anymore, they shouldn't be able to do anything too rough to her.

On the other hand, the captured Lisha was being managed by Aeril who returned to the hideout of Kilzrake family.

The power of Baptism in Aeril's eye once showed herself as a young man called Coral to Lux and others. Just like that she was making Lisha to mistake here as someone she didn't know.

With that, for the time being it should be going well there.

The letter that he threw to Krulcifer was one of the several letters that he had written beforehand. It gave an advance notice for the decisive battle that put the Grand Force on the line.

The schedule for the battle would be at the ninth day. Until then there were several things that had to be accomplished no matter what.

Locating Avalon that was transported to this New Kingdom.

Regarding that matter──, right now he was only relying on Yoruka.

Lux also had to rest for the time being.

Due to the Baptism of ability strengthening that was done to his body the other day, an irregularity appeared due to the excessive burden.

But, thanks to that he should be able to climb a step higher to a new height as a Drag-Knight.

「After that, Phi-chan. Is she alright?」

During the parade, she was getting high fever due to the effect of doing intense battle with the Ragnarok's seed still residing inside herself.

That was why he thought she wouldn't be able to partic.i.p.ate in the battle this time but, because of that he was taken by surprise before this.

If she had gotten better then it would be fine but, if he ended up fighting Philuffy, he would have no choice but went full strength even if he had to be a bit reckless.

Because he couldn't put burden on her body, there would be no choice except making her Drag-Ride unable to function in the shortest and fastest way.

He resolved himself like that while submerging his body inside the bathtub, it was then──.

「That, Lux……. How is the hot water feeling?」

Celis's slightly high-pitched voice came from outside the bath's sliding door.

That in itself was strange if he thought carefully.

But Lux who was freed from the extreme tension and got completely relaxed in this break didn't notice that out of place sign.

「──Yes. The hot water is really nice.」

「The, then, is it okay if I also come in……?」

「Yes, feel fre──……eh?」

Lux fundamentally only prioritized the stance of agreeing with other and replied positively, but a moment later, a question floated on the back of Lux's mind.

──But, it was already too late and a shocking sigh was unfolding before his eyes.

*Garari*, the sliding door was slowly opening and Celis entered the bathroom.

Furthermore, she was wearing a s.e.xy red swimsuit.

「……Wait, eeeeeh!?」

After a few seconds of blinking his eyes repeatedly, Lux was taken aback inside the bathtub.

The small waves created inside the bathtub showed how surprised he was.

「Tha, that, I come to……, wash your back. I believe that your body cannot move well so, it will be especially hard in the bath──」

「Wait-!? That's, this is」

「Hahahahaha. Just obediently let yourself get spoiled by the good will of your seniors. No matter how strong of a boy you are, you're still a junior in the Academy.」

「This is, outside the Academy though!?」

He retorted back to the words of Sharis that came from outside the sliding door, but only the theatrical loud laughter of the girl came back.

With that he was able to grasp the current situation.

Certainly he had weakened to the degree that he couldn't freely move his body, but he had told them that he was able to go to toilet by himself at least.

And yet for Celis to suggest of helping him in the bath like this must be 100% the consideration of Sharis who had a big-sisterly disposition.

Right now it had become a situation where the girls couldn't confess to Lux once more, but most likely Sharis also knew about Celis liking Lux and so she did this.

(But, even so that, something like this──)

The matter of Lisha being kidnapped by Azure Division was kept quiet by Queen Raffi for the time being after hearing the report from Krulcifer. The members in this inn still hadn't been told.

This was a prank because they didn't know about the situation behind the scene……, no, if from the position of Sharis who was Celis's friend, perhaps this was her exquisite consideration for Celis.

In any case, Lux thought to stop this in panic but──,

He saw the swimsuit figure of Celis who came in front of him and his mind became pure white.

This one had greater exposure than the one she wore at the training camp in Ries Island. The skin color that was peeking out from the risqué red fabric overwhelmed him.

The line of two cloths that looked like oblong ribbon covered along the outer side of the heavy b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The center of her stomach was in full view.

Perhaps in a sense it was even lewder than simply being naked.

Lux's throat gulped despite his own will. The blood was rising until his ears.

「Ce, Celis-senpai. That swimsuit is──」

「Tha, that is, I didn't happen to bring any so, I ordered from the shop of Tillfur's acquaintance but, that, they said that right now this is the only one they have──」

(……That's absolutely a lie-!)

Lux was convinced of that, but it would be meaningless even if he said that here.

「Ple, please don't mind me. I'm only worrying about Lux's body, I won't do anything else.」

In the first place, would she have any composure to do anything else?

He thought, but there was also no way he could act alright here and strongly opposed this.

Until the arranged day of the decisive battle against the New Kingdom's army, he would need to pretend that his body was mostly unable to move by his own strength.

「I'm sorry. Celis-senpai……」

The voice inside his heart and his words in reality synchronized.

He would be lying in respond to Celis's consideration, but it would also be unnatural to flatly refuse her a.s.sistance here.

「Then, excuse me. ──Ah!」

First Celis tried to pull up Lux by putting her hands on both of Lux's sides from the front and held him up.

But Lux's body seemed to be unexpectedly heavy for her because his whole body was too relaxed and he didn't support his body with his own strength. Celis hurriedly try to support his weight and ended up in a pose of catching him in her embrace.

──*Mugyuu*.

「Uh……!?」

Lux was embraced by Celis who was wearing a swimsuit with small surface covering with his face buried between her cleavages.

IN addition the skins that were wet with hot water were intertwined closely. His whole body jumped.

「Lu, Lux……. Are you alright!? Your body──」

His heart was drumming rapidly, and his eyes were swirling.

His body was worsening in a different meaning, but there was no way he could speak the truth.

He was in such confusion while enduring the blazing fire that felt like it was burning his mind to ash. It was then the sliding door was opened once more and even Sharis also entered.

She was wearing the same swimsuit that she wore previously at the beach of Ries Island, but when he saw it not at the beach but in the bathroom, it gave him a different impression.

The size of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s wasn't particularly big compared to Celis or Philuffy, but there was no doubt that it was a woman's body with nice style.

「Oops……. I thought it will be difficult with her alone so I came to help but, perhaps I'm being a bother?」

「Wait, even Sharis-san, what are you doing!?」

Sharis who saw Lux who was in the embrace of Celis turned red while averting her gaze.

Celis tried to do something about their posture somehow at that chance. He carried Lux and sat him down on the chair at the was.h.i.+ng place.

He only barely made it in time with wrapping a towel around his waist.

「Don't be that angry. This too is a bit of pa.s.sing fancy──I mean, kindness toward our junior. That's why I too am holding back my shame like this to help out.」

「Haa……is that so」

He already lost even his motivation to make any retort.

「However, thinking now this is a bit overdoing it. I'm sorry Lux-kun. It didn't cross my mind that there will be a situation that is too joyful for boy it will cross over to be a painful situation.」

「The, then……. Err, what're we going to do now?」

Celis who couldn't keep up with the talk asked in bewilderment.

The timid, embarra.s.sed, and fl.u.s.tered figure that was unlike the usual Celis also heightened the emotion within Lux but──he took a deep breath and chased away the worldly thoughts.

Because if he didn't do that, it felt like he would be carried away by the situation.

「Let's see. For now let's wash his body for him just as planned. Ah, Lux-kun, please do the front part by yourself okay? But if you want help for it no matter what, then ask Onee-san about it later.」

「Now see here……」

Lux let out a deep sigh at Sharis's teasing while Celis was scrubbing his back clean.

After that, Lux was put back inside the bathtub, then Sharis seemed to take the role of bringing him until the dressing room after that.

Speaking of Celis, it seemed the stimulation for the girl was also too strong. After they were finished she was soaking herself in the bathtub while staring still at the ceiling absentmindedly.

Lus sent a glance at her while Sharis was lending him a shoulder and they entered the dressing room but──.

「Celis surely like Lux-kun, so I thought of making the chance for you two to get along but──it looks like I was a bit carried away. Sorry.」

Sharis quickly changed first into a casual outfit of short sleeved s.h.i.+rt and short pants.

She briskly wiped dry the hair of Lux who wore his underwear while she smiled wryly in guilt and apologized.

Lux who saw that was taken aback and could only look down.

That was because in the end, the fact that Lux's body was able to move normally didn't end up getting discovered.

Conversely if he wasn't thinking about pretending, then even Lux didn't know how the situation just now would develop into.

That was just how stimulating the happening just now.

「It's alright……. More importantly, you said just now, Sharis-senpai to me is──」

They were talking with small voice behind the sliding door, so Celis who was in the bathtub wouldn't hear.

But, Lux was slightly feeling guilty to have this kind of talk at a place where she wasn't present.

「Somehow, this isn't like Sharis-san. Today you're more talkative than usual or rather──」

He knew that she liked to be mischievous but, he thought that her stance in regard to something like this was to observe for distance.

「Is that so? Right. I guess so……. Surely it's like that.」

Sharis who was told that softly patted Lux's head with a voice that sounded somewhat kind, or perhaps lonely.

Sharis who was right behind Lux who was sitting on a chair softly hugged Lux's head.

No, she was only touching and combing back his hair.

「I thought that we'll be able to give up easily if you and Celis get together you see. That's how it is for me at least.」

「Eh……?」

Lux tilted his head hearing the girl's unexpected words.

Right after that, he felt the breast's bulging pressed tightly on the back of his head and his body reflexively jumped.

「Wait-, Sharis-san!? What're──」

「Tell me if you dislike it. How should I say it, when we were defeated by Sir Singlen's aide at the abandoned capital Guernica and almost died, I thought about various things. Like, all this time I was just trying to look cool wasn't I.」

Sharis continued to whisper to Lux with a tone that sounded somewhat intoxicated.

「I didn't have the intention to live while putting on a bold front like Celis. I thought that I was living having fun as I like with a freedom in my own way separately from my position as the daughter of the army's vice commander. But, it seemed I was just putting on airs. I belatedly noticed that in this parade. As I thought it was love at first sight since the first meeting.」

「Sharis, san?」

「Haa……. But, I know that your heart is leaning toward someone among those five. Oops, if Aeril is also included then it's six I guess.」

After she finished drying Lux's hair, she lightly patted Lux's head and lent Lux her shoulder.

「It's nothing. I was only thinking, that it would be nice if there's also that kind of future. Now, Lux-kun you need to rest properly. Besides, if I don't return quickly, Celis will get dizzy in there.」

「……Yes. You're right.」

There was no way that even the dull Lux wouldn't notice after being told that much.

That Sharis was a good natured older senior with candid personality who had considerable feeling for Lux.

He thought that it was the extension of a friendly relations.h.i.+p of senior and junior who got along well, but most likely she was also having that kind of feeling all this time.

It was exactly because she was an older person who was skilled in getting along with others that she was watching her surrounding from a bit of distance away where she could be composed, so she didn't notice her own feeling until the very last minute.

She was a girl who was smooth and yet awkward.

Lux thought that side of hers was somewhat similar with him in some respect. He felt a p.r.i.c.kling pain in his chest.

「By the way Lux-kun, is it okay even if I kiss you?」

「Eh!?」

Sharis lent Lux her shoulder while walking through the corridor when she turned an adult smile toward him.

The bulge of girl's chest that was touching Lux's body, and the scent of rose perfume which was her favorite caused him to strangely feel startled.

「I'm just joking. After all I'll be scolded by everyone if I do that here.」

She said that and turned her gaze forward. There Airi and Noct were waiting in front of Lux's room.

However the expressions of the two were looking completely serious which didn't seem to be related with Lux getting help within the bath.

「Nii-san. I want to talk. Actually, I was lost whether I should tell this to Nii-san at your current state but──……」

It seemed that the matter of Lisha's kidnapping had been told from Queen Raffi.

The contact of hearts with the older girls.

Right now there wasn't even any time to immerse himself in the lingering feeling of it.

But, he apologized in his heart toward Sharis who was interacting with him while harboring affection to him and made a face as though he had only just heard about the detail of Lisha's kidnapping for the first time. He prepared himself to respond to the discussion after this.

Part 4

At the time when the discussion about the kidnapping of Lisha by Azure Division and the countermeasure for that was starting at the high cla.s.s inn that Relie reserved.

A single girl was standing in the darkness of the night at the residential area of the wealthy.

Something was devouring and sipping the lumps of meat that were people just a few minutes ago while making slurping sound or the sound of dragging something on the ground.

Citizens who were grimacing at that h.e.l.lish picture that was repulsive and appalling didn't exist.

Several hundred people were living in that area. They were mainly the dependents──near relatives or close relatives, or perhaps the relatives or servants of the senior consuls that were called as Old Empire faction. They were gathered at the burnt down mansion without leaving a single one behind and then they were killed and eaten by turn.

Fugil was staring at that scene with an empty expression.

The reason why the Sacred Eclipse that had become a complete being was called as the trigger of world's destruction was there.

It was a humanoid Ragnarok that boasted overwhelming destructive power and ability, but for its energy source, it needed to constantly prey on human.

It was a function that the girl who was Fugil's friend──Arshalia originally wasn't planning for.

The salvation system that she was trying to create got poisoned by other people who were trying to steal it and ended up into something different.

The one who knew that at present in this world was only Fugil.

The Sacred Eclipse right now so to speak was the ruins of an incomplete dream.

Fugil who was called the Hero of Beginning and the imperial princess Arshalia who was called the G.o.ddess of Salvation.

The two of them continued to chase the dream from a thousand years ago, and hten.

……*Gucha gucha, picha picha. ──Gulp-.*

Of course, even Raffi who was fused into Sacred Eclipse was taken over by the cannibalism instinct.

She was barely maintaining her reasoning to select the people that she was devouring, but if her hunger progressed then she would transform into a monster that devoured any human she could reach.

However, there was a repulsive reality that was even more inexplicable than that.

People who were approaching toward her who was devouring human didn't stop coming.

They were heading toward Raffi with staggering footsteps as though being enticed like livestock to be slaughtered for their meat.

Her hands were lightly tearing apart human like they were bread that she was going to soak into a soup. She was eating wholeheartedly.

The nightmarish sight was floating in the jet black darkness where it was impossible to see several ml ahead.

It was only just now that there was a witness to that h.e.l.lish scene.

(What……in, the world!? That monster is!?)

This Drag-Knight who originated from Marcafal Kingdom was ordered by Magialca to search for Avalon's location. He was investigating various places in New Kingdom in his search.

It was a digression but, only Drake users were given the investigation mission, the remaining members were standing by.

They weren't allowed to do any combat. If they were discovered they were ordered to escape. It was in consideration of the enemy's overwhelming battle strength.

After all there were the elites of Syvalles, and in addition the modified Automatas were also battle strength that ought to be feared even more than that..

But, the young man witnessed the secret of Queen Raffi here was mostly a coincidence.

Because there wasn't really anything that could be called a clue, he returned here to the crime scene wondering if there was something remaining here. It was unknown whether he was lucky or unlucky.

「Are you a member of Azure Division?」

Raffi suddenly turned toward the bush where the young man was lurking and smiled gently.

The face of the girl who had returned to her senses as human was gentle, however her mouth and dress were dirtied all over with black blood.

(How, does she notice me who am hiding? I'm using Drake's camouflage here!)

「It's not a praiseworthy manner to peek at someone's meal. It's also disrespectful to not reply. And then, the biggest problem is your foolishness. Even though you already understand in your heart that you're beyond help, you don't try to suicide. You're clinging to the hope that someone will save you or I will overlook you. Or perhaps you're thinking──this woman is just bluffing, but actually she doesn't know exactly where I am? You're betting on such fragile hope.」

Queen Raffi slowly without any sound of footstep approached the young man.

With that well ordered face that had transformed into the appearance of a girl around the age of sixteen, she peered into the eyes of the young man and laughed.

「But you know, I understand your feeling. Because in the past I was also like that, so even if you know that you have to die, it's scary to actually do it. Death is……, scary. It's really scary.」

The voice was sweet, kind, creeping into his heart.

The young man's consciousness was getting distant just from listening to that. He was forgetting himself into a pleasant sensation.

「That's why, I'll give you a chance. Won't you cooperate with me? If you tell me everything that you know, I will allow you to be useful beside me. So, how about it?」

「A, AAAaAAAAAH……!」

Raffi's hand softly reached out and caressed the front hair and head of the young man who was standing still forgetting to even breath.

The sound, light, the sensation of touch on the skin.

It was the ability of Ragnarok Iblis that polluted other people's mind through the five senses.

Because right now the method of brainwas.h.i.+ng to make him confessed couldn't be done, Raffi threatened him with fear to make him spoke.

The young man barely maintained his reasoning only until there.

He abandoned his sense of self and left it to Raffi as though a baby entrusting himself to his mother.

After conversing with Raffi for several minutes, his life was absorbed as nourishment.

And then there was the shadow of one more Drag-Ride in this place.

There was a girl watching over the extremely repulsive predation of Sacred Eclipse without even twitching her eyebrow.

The girl in black clothes──Kirihime Yoruka wasn't moved at all by the young man's death. She was simply a.n.a.lyzing the situation calmly.

Although her Drag-Ride was the same special equipment type like the young man, the Divine Drag-Ride Yato no Kami's camouflage ability was far higher.

In addition she was also several kl further away from the young man, so Raffi didn't notice her watching everything from start to end.

The distance was insufficient in order to obtain image recording, but it could be said to be enough to report to Lux.

Rather since the young man was captured, she did nothing but focusing on the two's conversation to not miss anything.

(That's, really bad. My mind will be polluted just by approaching near, and if I let my presence slip even if only slightly she will detect me.)

Sacred Eclipse that had become complete was emitting dangerous aura that gave even Yoruka the premonition of death.

Most likely it possessed strength that was several levels higher than the Ragnaroks until now.

It wouldn't be wrong to consider this act as Raffi replenis.h.i.+ng her energy and stocking power intended for the decisive battle in several more days.

She had to grasp the location of Avalon quickly, but she was unable to grasp any clue.

While Yoruka was thinking of what to do, a bush suddenly swayed from wind.

That in itself wasn't suspicious at all. But,

*Dosu dosu dosu-!*

Her curious intuition worked and Yoruka instantly leaped away. In that instant, countless needles stabbed the ground where she was standing at just now and opening many holes.

「……? How did you dodge? Even if you are a strengthened human who had received Baptism, you should have been completely taken by surprise just now. Can you tell me for the sake of future reference?」

Unnoticed there was a Drag-Knight clad in a huge green armor that slipped into the darkness of the night.

Cold expression that wasn't colored by any emotion and pilot suit that fitted the body.

And then, the mechanical feelers that were like ant growing from the head showed how she was an Automata.

「That's a face I've never seen before.」

「Right you are, this is our first time meeting. I am the Gear Leader managing the first Ruin Babel, Yos Tork is my name.」

「I am──not someone worth mentioning.」

The Automata introduced herself politely, in respond Yoruka also replied calmly.

「By the way, what are you doing over here?」

Yors Tork questioned further.

Until now the Automatas were hidden by the perception modification by Uroboros's Divine Raiment──Endless and they were able to maneuver secretly without anyone noticing, but at present there wasn't anything like that.

Therefore, Yoruka encountering Yos Tork here hinted at a certain fact that she noticed.

「I see. This place, it's related with the hidden location of Avalon isn't it──」

Yos Tork didn't make a single twitch at Yoruka's muttering.

But, the emotionless face of Automata felt like it tensed slightly.

「……You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, are you a member of the aforementioned Azure Division?」

「What's that? Azure what again? I don't know anything about that.」

「It seems there won't be any other way to ask rather than using brute force……. Should we begin, swordsman in black?」

Yos Tork seemed to judge that there was no meaning in anymore talk. Her emerald colored Drag-Rides glided forward.

「My Divine Drag-Ride's name is Peluda. You can savor it thoroughly!」

The heavy cla.s.s land battle type Drag-Ride skated on the ground and charged with a fierce momentum.

In reply Yoruka took a great jump backward using her Drag-Ride's Step. And then she activated her camouflage once more.

「It looks like you don't know the basic of fighting huh? ──Break Purge!」

In that moment, Yos Tork activated the basic technique of Drag-Ride, Break Purge.

Yoruka who attempted to slip into the darkness of the developing district where there wasn't any sign of people spontaneously tilted her head inside her heart.

Because unlike Howling Roar that unleashed shockwave, Break Purge that was removing a part of one's own armor wasn't a technique to be used at the beginning of the fight simply.

This technique that released one's own armor as buck shot caused the user to also lose parts of their armor, because of that it was a double edged sword.

Someone like Celis would restrict which part and how many would be released. She used it to discard defense and switched into a form specialized for offense.

Or perhaps it would be used for emergency evacuation when defending, or to erase any opening when switching between multiple Drag-Rides. Those kinds of use should be the standard practice but──.

*Gakikiki-……!*

The bullets of armor parts were fired to wide area.

Yoruka leaped and dodged them while easily deflecting the remaining buckshot with her katana shaped Blade.

But, her camouflage was dispelled because she attacked. Her figure came into view.

「It was your foolishness to escape to the air without thinking.」

Yos Tork and Peluda chased after Yoruka who leaped to the air and launched an attack.

A weapon of giant hammer was swung up and then swung down with tremendous speed.

──But,

「That's a misunderstanding there. ──KarafumiVoid Step」

The lips of Yoruka that became inverted up and down in the air formed a slight smile.

She kicked on a jet black empty air and leaped aside and dodged the hammer that seemed impossible to avoid while slas.h.i.+ng horizontally at Peluda.

「……What-!?」

Karafumi was a special armament that was equipped within the four armored legs of Yato no Kami. It caused wind from the soles of the feet to make it possible to leap midair.

In other words, it because possible to flexibly react even during the middle of falling where normally Drag-Ride other than flying type would become defenseless.

「Furthermore, kicking on the air while slas.h.i.+ng at the same time of dodging. Your skill isn't common.」

「It's an honor to receive such praise. But──you are really composed despite that. Even though you already lost──」

The next instant after Yoruka responded to Yos Tork's admiration, gradually mysterious purple letters were floating from a part of Peluda's armor.

The Divine Raiment of Yato no Kami that Yoruka wore──Spell Code.

Its special ability to control and manipulate the Drag-Ride of other people by touch activated from getting slashed. Yos Tork's Peluda was put under control──or it should be. But,

「Lost? What do you mean?」

*Gaiin!* A high pitched metallic sound appeared and armor buckshot was fired from Peluda once more.

Because Yoruka had just swing her katana shaped Blade, she didn't make it in time to repel all of the numerous projectiles. This time she blocked the attack with her barrier.

「So you removed the armor part that was touched before the control is stolen?」

Armor removal by using Break Purge once more.

However, originally if the armor was shot out many times, the parts would be insufficient and naturally even moving the armor would become impossible.

But, the appearance of the Peluda before her hadn't changed that much. It only shrunk somewhat from the original size but that was all.

Surmising from that, Yoruka understood that Peluda's characteristic was related to it.

「──Indeed. This is exactly the special armament of my Peluda, Metal JacketDragon Feather Carapace. And your Divine Drag-Ride is Yato no Kami isn't it? There is information of it in Avalon's database.」

「What an argumentative puppet. The minor details don't matter. After all in the end it's simply that the stronger one will win.」

「I agree. But, in that case the advantage lies with me.」

*GOU-!*

Yoruka kicked on the air with Karafumi once more and rushed freely through the darkness of the night.

At the same time she unleashed multiple slashes with exquisite swordsmans.h.i.+p to attack Peluda.

On the other hand, Yos Tork also accurately blocked the attacks with her armor. Each time she would use Break Purge to skillfully escape from Spell Code's control.

Yoruka was a cut above in combat, but Yos Tork was also protected by the tough armor of Peluda. The offense and defense were unfolding with the advantage moving back and forth between the two sides.

(However, first I have to get away from here.)

Yoruka was still saving her trump cards like Over Limit using Spell Code on her own armor to release the limits or Instant Strike by using her mystic eye that was strengthened by Baptism, but right now wasn't the phase to go for the kill.

They were separated by a distance of several kl from the Sacred Eclipse, but if Raffi detected the battle here then she would be immediately thrown into disadvantage.

Therefore, first she focused on fighting Yos Tork while taking distance from Sacred Eclipse.

「You're quite something. You aren't as good as Blackend Kingdom's Seven Dragon Paladins──Singlen Shelbrit, even so you're really skilled.」

Yos Tork was showing a composure where she could make a light talk while exchanging attacks.

In respond Yoruka also reacted to those words.

「That's a nostalgic name. I also had fought him. Though I lost at that time.」

「Fought? With him? Fu……, regrettable. So you're only at the level that is inferior against that man. If you actually won against that man, then I would be able to indirectly achieve my revenge though.」

「What do you mean by that?」

Yoruka jumped around using footing of empty air with Karafumi and guided Yos Tork toward an abandoned area that had no sign of people.

It was a block that was once trampled by the Ruin Gigas that was marched to the royal capital by the Lord. It was an empty plot of land that still had no prospect of getting redeveloped.

Yoruka intentionally responded to the conversation to distract the opponent's focus, took distance from the Sacred Eclipse, and skillfully brought the opponent to a territory where she could display her full strength.

「I have a debt to that man from Babel. I was once taken by surprise and got destroyed into pieces, but if I get serious then that guy wouldn't be my match. I would be happy if there is a chance to take revenge but──」

「……You wished to do that, with the skill of someone at your level?」

At the center of the area that was turned into ruins, there was a mountain of rubbles that was the former site of a remarkably large observation deck.

Yoruka who was standing in front of that smiled with the moon behind her.

But, Yos Tork too didn't get baited by Yoruka's provocation and simply looked up to it.

「Yeah. But it's understandable for you to think that. After all someone at your level must be unable to measure my strength. By the way──」

Yos Tork cut off the flow of the talk and looked around.

「Don't tell me that you intend to get closer to victory just by continuing to strip off my armor and nothing else?」

*Crack*

The next moment, the Blade that was being held by the armored arm of Yato no Kami got countless cracks entering it.

「This is……?」

Yoruka tilted her head, then right after that Yos Tork's mechanical eyes s.h.i.+ned and she moved.

She accelerated with the wheels extending from Peluda's armored legs and her hammer that was boosted by the weight of the Drag-Ride's frame roared.

The hammer was swung up until reaching the back and then it was swung down in an arc as though an axe swung to split up firewood.

Yos Tork pointed out to Yoruka that Yato no Kami's Blade was about to break was in order to dull Yoruka's judgment.

Whether she was going to defend or attack, if her main weapon was half damaged then a hesitation would be born in her choices.

Instantaneous judgment would decide the outcome in a battle of two sides that were evenly matched in ability. That hesitation would become a fatal opening.

The hammer of Peluda that came rus.h.i.+ng and attacked couldn't be blocked by the barrier of Yato no Kami that was a special equipment type.

In addition because there was a wall of rubble behind YOruka, she was also unable to immediately leap backward in this situation. Yos Tork was aiming for this.

Yoruka inevitably could only to left or right. Yoruka made Yato no Kami leaped to the right──but,

「──Break Purge!」

At the same time when Yoruka dodged the downward swing of the hammer, Peluda's armor s.h.i.+ned and Break Purge was fired once more.

Until now it was only activated right after Yoruka slashed, but this time Peluda fired armor parts buckshot the moment Yoruka dodged.

Although she immediately strengthened the barrier, the Break Purge was an attack with physical attribute, so it couldn't be blocked completely. The armor that was. .h.i.t by the buckshot creaked and the impact penetrated to Yoruka's slender body.

「Hou, you intentionally not defended with your Blade. It looks like you have a little intelligence.」

「In the first place this is what you aimed for isn't it?」

Yos Tork looked proudly triumphant, in contrast Yoruka was smiling even while bleeding from her hands and legs.

Yos Tork's tactic was already working since the offense and defense just now that only looked like a simple restraining action.

The moment Yoruka slashed her with the Blade, Peluda would launch a counterattack using Break Purge.

The enemy's aim was to destroy Yato no Kami's Blade using that tremendous impact.

Even though Yos Tork could use Break Purge freely anytime, she intentionally limited her timing of use at the moment when she received an attack, and then she took Yoruka by surprise.

In a glance it could be thought as a clever scehem, but that rational and calculated tactic made even Yoruka felt impressed in her heart.

「You're unexpectedly quite skilled. I thought that the existence called Gear Leader was just a puppet that was placed in the Ruin.」

「──You called me a puppet? This insolent fellow!」

Yos Tork raised her eyebrows hearing Yoruka casual muttering.

She drove Peluda forward once more in full speed toward Yato no Kami and swung her hammer horizontally.

Yoruka dodged by jumping up high so that she wouldn't have her back toward the rubbles.

But, she received a pursuing attack by Break Purge once more and got hit.

Her way to defend was limited so that her only weapon the katana wouldn't be destroyed.

Furthermore the buckshot came flying in a wide area, so it couldn't be fully evaded no matter what.

(This is bad……. To think that the characteristic of Yato no Kami will have an effect at this kind of situation.)

Because Yato no Kami was a Divine Drag-Ride of special type equipment that was the same like Drake, its endurance was greatly inferior compared to land battle type.

That aspect could be covered up in the battles until now using Yoruka's own skill, but to think that she would be in this much difficulty when she was against an opponent that could handle that.

It was a powerful enemy since Singlen who she fought before.

──No, considering the factor that the opponent was an Automata whose capability was unknown to her, it could be said that this enemy was even more formidable in a sense.

「The likes of you have no gorund to treat us as puppet. You low life who can't even introduce your name!」

Yoruka seemed to have stepped on some kind of landmine because Yos Tork's attack was increasing in intensity.

Yoruka dodged Peluda's Break Purge that was fired consecutively as much as possible and stopped the harm to the minimum even while the damage was acc.u.mulating.

Peluda's armor was decreasing rapidly, it was getting a size smaller.

But, because the weight of armor that was covering the outer side had been considerably removed, the speed was rapidly increasing.

The attack that she should be able to barely avoid was steadily becoming impossible to dodge.

「──Break Purge!」

Even so she dodged the hammer attack in a hair's breadth, but in that instant armor parts buckshot in a scale that was several times greater compared to before burst out.

「Ku, u……!」

That power pierced Yato no Kami's barrier and armor, causing Yoruka to raised a faint voice of anguish.

She was blown away for ten-odd ml from receiving the aftershock of the explosive impact.

「However don't tell me that you──are planning to trap me? You provoked me and made me to keep attacking recklessly, in order to make me under the impression that I'm the one with advantage. You also intentionally didn't defend using Howling Roar.」

Yoruka didn't use the shockwave from Howling Roar to decrease the impact of the buckshot was certainly also because of such tactic.

But, Yoruka instantly understood that even that tactic had been within the enemy's expectation.

Because in front of Peluda that had fired all of its armor parts with Break Purge, a new armor was summoned as resupply.

「──Life GainSuper Restoration. The second special armament of my Peluda is to summon the spare Metal Jacket. Your plan has failed, nameless Drag-Knight. No──errand girl of Azure Division.」

It was Yoruka who was led into a trap.

Furthermore, the stamina of the Automata didn't look like it was decreasing at this time, perhaps because it was receiving energy from Avalon.

She also saw through that Yoruka was someone affiliated with Azure Division.

And above all else, even the greatest strength of Yato no Kami, Divine Raiment Spell Code that could control Drag-Ride was sealed in this battle.

If the situation was objectively evaluated, it was an unfavorable situation that could be said as hopeless.

「What a high and mighty talk, coming from a mere familiar of the Sacred Eclipse.」

「It's only that brave front of yours that is really something. ──But, you aren't a match against me.」

Yos Tork declared without a single change of expression and made Peluda to slowly walk forward.

Yoruka's special armament k.u.mo no ItoSpider's String.

The super-fine steel line that couldn't be seen with human eye was laid out like a barrier while she was fighting. She aimed to activate Spell Code using that, but Yos Tork threw Dagger to sever the steel lines one by one.

Because she was an Automata who was able to browse the database to check all of Yato no Kami's equipment, spec, and ability that this feat was possible for her.

「We are the people who were entrusted by Arshalisama with the Ruins that exist for the sake of managing humans. We were formerly human. Respecting the will of us who became incurably sick due to a certain circ.u.mstance, Arshalisama placed our personality into mechanical body. Originally emotion is unnecessary for us. But we are equipped with conviction in order to overcome difficulty.」

She was talking eloquently while making preparation for checkmating Yoruka.

Even while talking she wasn't relaxing her guard even slightly.

「We were entrusted with the wisdom and technology of the past and fought for many months and years for the sake of her wish until now. Everything is for the sake of the system to save this world and bring about peace! Don't lump me in the same group of vulgar bunch like you and Singlen!」

She threw a Dagger and cut apart the last barrier that was created with k.u.mo no Ito.

Yos Tork readied her hammer once more and glared at Yoruka.

「What a grand cause. And──has you finished putting up your own barrier?」

「What do you, mean?」

Yos Tork spontaneously asked back at Yoruka's words.

「The ability of your Divine Drag-Ride──a part of the armors you sent flying will function as detector to the surrounding correct? There won't be any problem as long as I understand that.」

「……You b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Where did you learn that?」

Yos Tork questioned Yoruka with a dubious gaze.

It implied that Yoruka's words were right on the mark.

The Divine Raiment of Peluda that Yos Tork was wearing was Red MarkerWater Current Flame Encampment. Using the detectors that were planted in the armor parts that were like the Drag-Ride's scales, it was possible to sense any existence at the surrounding.

「The answer is my special armament──k.u.mo no Ito. If you know about Yato no Kami's ability and specs, then you will need to fight while avoiding the steel line that can become the trigger for Spell Code. But, it's next to impossible to accurately detect the lines.」

「……but, I am Automata as you can see. Do you think I won't be able to see something like that?」

「Then, why was your movement monotone at the beginning?」

Yoruka smiled with a chuckle while readying her katana shaped Blade.

「If you have the function to see through everything from the beginning, you also wouldn't have any reason to expressly avoid the location where I was at. Isn't that right?」

Above all else, the greatest reason was how Yoruka got detected so easily at the beginning even though she was hiding in camouflage.

If the number of Automata that could be moved at the same time was limited, then they should dispatch a Divine Drag-Ride user who excelled in detection ability.

By scattering Peluda's armors at the surrounding from the start, even Yoruka who was using camouflage could be located. That was her deduction.

「I thought you are just a mere a.s.sa.s.sin, but unexpectedly you have a working brain. Let me praise you, p.a.w.n of Azure Division.」

「Oh my? So I am praised. Though it's not like I'm happy to hear that from anyone who isn't Aruji-sama.」

Yoruka replied at Yos Tork's praise with a jesting tone.

「But, it's pitiful. I already learned your movement like the back of my hand. The barrier of string that you placed has also been destroyed. Your Divine Raiment won't work against this Peluda. You also don't have any fighting strength left that can decently match me. You're trying to resist but──there is nothing more that you can do.」

Yos Tork pointed at Yoruka with the hammer she lifted and said so.

In respond Yoruka kept smiling without any chance and gazed at the Automata girl.

「It's you who are pitiful. No, I'm a bit sympathetic with you.」

「What?」

Yoruka sighed slightly 'fuu' and closed her eyes.

She gazed at Yos Tork's expression with the asymmetrically colored eyes that she opened once more.

「I know that you all are indebted to someone, but then so what? Do you really believe that after seeing the sight before this? If that's actually the case──this grand cause of yours, it doesn't have any value then, not at the slightest.」

Yos Tork was the same like Yoruka herself in the past.

The little brother that she swore to protect was already gone.

However, she fought as the Empire's a.s.sa.s.sin Blade in order to at least protect that promise.

While knowing that doing so wouldn't even become self-satisfaction for herself, Yoruka who had no will of her own couldn't do anything other than that.

But, Lux saved her.

He destroyed the empire in order to save it, even though it ended in failure he chose the path as a criminal prince and continued fighting in order to guide the New Kingdom into a correct path.

The young man who Yoruka recognized as her new master didn't lose sight of his own conviction and justice even now when his dream was destroyed.

That was why──.

「Then, I'll teach you. That my loyalty to my master, is superior to your blind justice.」

No matter how powerful Fugil was, no matter how powerful Sacred Eclipse was, she could face them.

Yoruka didn't know that there would be a self of her who could fight by her own will.

「What, are you planning? Do you think that you'll be able to overturn this disadvantage even knowing of my Peluda's Divine Raiment!?」

Yos Tork drove Peluda forward along with an angry yell.

She charged in a straight line toward Yoruka with full powered dash in a state that had recovered the scaly shaped multiple layered armors.

She lifted up the hammer in her hand and put all her strength into it.

「I can see your movement no matter where you try to escape, so I can intercept you with Break Purge! You have no chance to win!」

The instant she attempted to checkmate Yoruka once more with that sure kill attack pattern, the figure of Yoruka and Yato no Kami vanished from before her eyes.

She was nowhere.

No, the armor of Peluda that was scattered at the surrounding──Divine Raiment Red Marker's detection ability told her Yoruka's location clearly.

It told Yos Tork that she was simply unable to follow Yoruka's movement because the enemy was too fast.

「You are, slower than I thought.」

「What-, did you say-……!?」

The charge was dodged with a leap and Yoruka circled to her back.

She kicked on the ground with the four legs of Yato no Kami, then almost at the same time she somersaulted and kicked on the empty air using Karafumi as ceiling replacement, and rolled once more before landing.

The abnormally difficult piloting technique and body movement made Yos Tork gazed in wonderment.

「──Break Purge!」

Yos Tork who reacted to Yoruka's voice responded with Break Purge that combined offense and defense into one.

A great amount of armor buckshot was scattered to her defenseless behind.

But, Yoruka dodged the buckshot with Howling Roar and landed a counter slash on Peluda's shoulder.

「──Spell Code」

「Gu, uuh! You b.a.s.t.a.r.d-!? How! How can, this kind of movement, in my database……it doesn't exist!」

Right after the slash, s.h.i.+ning strange letters formed on Peluda's whole body.

Yoruka looked at that while taking the stance of pulling her katana to behind her.

「It's simple.」

When Yoruka put her hand on the Sword Device on her waist, Yato no Kami also traced the movement of its user and showed a sword drawing stance.

What she unleashed just now was evasion and then──a slash to the back using Quick Draw that Lux invented.

Spell Code was working here because she aimed at the moment after Yos Tork's Peluda activated Break Purge.

「Break Purge is also the same like Howling Roar──. It released the energy that is gathered in the Force Core. In other words, it cannot be fired consecutively. That's why, I let you fired first and aimed at that opening. That's all.」

「……Guh!?」

Until just now Yoruka was one-sidedly defending against Yos Tork's fierce attack was in order to grasp this timing.

Yos Tork was cornering this girl until just now with a perfect tactic.

In fact, Yato no Kami's armor and weapon were half destroyed and it should be unable to display its full capability anymore.

(And yet──what's with this girl's real strength……!)

To be more unshakable than machine while containing a will that was blazing hotter than human.

「U, AAAAAH!」

Yos tork also reached toward her own Sword Device and yelled to oppose the control of Spell Code.

Because the katana was only in contact for an instant, the usurpation of control using Divine Raiment was dispelled.

But, Yoruka didn't miss that instant that she was aiming for.

「──End Action」

*GOU-!* The jet black darkness that cut apart the wind danced at the girl who was clad in huge armor.

The Drag-Ride's body twisted and landed a sword stroke. The momentum wasn't killed and continued into a rotation that brought one more attack.

The impact of the slash, the recoil was utilized, mind control operation and body control operation were alternately repeated many times over.

The consecutive attacks struck Peluda's armor like a storm that surpa.s.sed the Drag-Ride's limit.

「Guh, guguuh……!」

The unceasing fierce attacks that were unleashed from every direction gave no time for Yos Tork to even activate the Break Purge.

(But, do you understand? If you attack like this with your damaged weapon──)

Due to Peluda's thick armor, Yoruka's katana shaped Blade was also being worn down in high speed.

「If I can just endure this then, it'll be, my win-……!」

The endurance of Automata was slightly inferior than Drag-Ride, even so it was far tougher compared to flesh and blood human.

Therefore, she concentrated all the energy to the armor's surface and barrier and hardened her defense like turtle.

More than a hundred slashes were unleashed in just ten-odd seconds. Right after that, that chance arrived.

──*Paki-, iIN!*

End Action's infinite attack paused and Yoruka slightly opened her mouth.

The weariness of the damaged Blade crossed the limit and the white blade was snapped from the hilt. It rotated at the dark s.p.a.ce.

「──Nice, one. But, I withstood, it……. The last stroke of sword that you prepared, can't reach me no matter what.」

「That, is not so sure until you actually test it.」

*Creak creak*, Yato no Kami's armor and frame raised a high pitched creaking sound.

Yoruka's last aim was Recoil Burst that was used at the same time with Spell Code.

The attack from what was originally a rampaging state due to the orders from the mind control operation and body control operation running against each other realized a destructive power that was several times than normal in exchange of the destruction to oneself.

And then right now the scales of Peluda's multiple layered armors were stripped off due to End Action, exposing what was inside.

Yoruka planned to deal a large damage to make a temporary opening before launching the finis.h.i.+ng blow, but her Blade snapped and it became impossible.

「Then just try it. Try using that technique. You who don't have weapon are already──defeated.」

Yoruka looked at Peluda's armors that were scattered to the surrounding.

Crackling red electricity was running from one scale to another scale that numbered several thousands.

「The Divine Raiment Red Marker is not just for detector, it has the effect of resonance! It's an ability to create a barrier of destructive s.p.a.ce mainly using electromagnetic wave……. The armor parts that you and I myself scattered are around you. You already have no way to escape. This is, the end……」

「I see, as expected from the trump card of the Lord. It's not an exaggeration that you are their last defense.」

「Fuh……. You're also splendid. You are the first one to fight against me until this far when I'm in full power. Now, swing down that bladeless sword. With that everything will be──over.」

「It's just one spot.」

Yos Tork who head Yoruka's words felt misgiving and kept quiet.

And then, she felt the armor of Peluda she was wearing was moving against her own will.

She noticed what was done to her.

「You b.a.s.t.a.r.d──」

With a toss, the hammer that Yos Tork was holding was thrown to the air.

The next moment, Yoruka who discarded the broken katana shaped Blade caught the handle of the tossed hammer, and immediately swung it down to Yos Tork.

──*DO-, GOUuuNN!*

──Recoil Burst.

The armor and frame of Peluda was smashed along with a thunderous roar that was like lightning. Fragments scatted all over in the air.

(I see, her last method is……. She dealt that consecutive attack in between, was for this……)

Yos Tork herself got half of her body blown away. Even so she tightly grasped the Sword Device she pulled out.

Because the Blade of Yoruka's Yato no Kami was broken, it was necessary for her to take away the enemy's weapon to bring out enough destructive power.

In order to do that, while attacking with End Action, Yoruka entangled Peluda with the special armament k.u.mo no Ito, then after Peluda entered a state where Yos Tork couldn't use Break Purge that shaved off the armors, she controlled Peluda with Spell Code and ordered it to hand over the hammer to her.

Yos Tork thought that she had completely checkmated Yoruka.

But──it was wrong.

No matter how much she was cornered into a disadvantageous situation, she didn't slacken down to search for a way to overturn the table.

Yoruka too had grown.

Although she was defeated against Singlen who was a powerful enemy in a different manner, she threw herself into battle once more with new weapons called tactic and strategy to get closer to the territory of her master Lux.

「Splen, did……. Let me praise, your battle scenario……. But!」

*Crackle crackle*, mechanical components were exposed from Yos Tork's half smashed torso while she was smiling.

「Even so, my victory, is unshak, able……. You will, die, here……」

The armor fragments of Peluda that were scattered around were leaking out sparks.

She resonated her remaining power with the intention of hitting Yoruka with the barrier of electricity from Divine Raiment Red Marker.

On the other hand Yoruka had also just made her Drag-Ride to rampage to use Recoil Burst. She couldn't move.

In other words, it was decided that she would be hit by the counterattack when she was unable to completely destroy Peluda.

「Haaah, haaah……!」

Even Yoruka couldn't catch her breath after drastically consuming her stamina. She couldn't even talk properly.

But her expression was showing a satisfied smile.

「What's, wrong? If you want to say something say it, there is only several seconds, remaining you know?」

「Is……that so? Then, just one sentence──」

Yoruka told Yos Tork while breathing roughly.

「Avalon is at the direction at the other side of this line of abandoned buildings isn't it? It saved me the trouble, that you taught it to me.」

Yos Tork was hiding this much strength and protected a wide area using the containment zone of Red Marker was the proof of the defensive zone that was laid out in order to hide Avalon──.

And then, Yoruka noticed how she was attacking her to guide her away so that she wouldn't get closer at all to that direction.

「……You're, really something.」

「Yes, you too. But──it's only the caliber of our master that is different.」

「……I, haven't seen her for more than a thousand years now. Arshalisama, if you, are still alive──」

Right after that, fierce electricity surged from around Yoruka and Yos Tork.

It instantly made great fire to rise up in the whole area of the abandoned buildings.

Thus, the battle in this place closed its curtain.

Part 5

(……Yoruka, stay safe.)

At the high cla.s.s inn that was reserved for Lux and Syvalles members.

Yesterday, Lux who was told that Lisha was kidnapped was given suggestion from Airi and others if he could cooperate with the mission to take her back.

Of course Lux right now at the surface was unable to fight, so till the end he would only get involved by partic.i.p.ating in Syvalles's meeting and lent them his knowledge.

Even so, there was no option of refusing, so he told them his intention to partic.i.p.ate.

And then, today.

The morning of the fifth day after Azure Division made their war proclamation.

If he was following the original plan, a letter of challenge for a decisive battle would be sent to Raffi within today using Lisha as bait, but the problem was the place to do it.

It was necessary to infiltrate into Avalon and weakened its function, and searched for the secret of Sacred Elcipse and the weak point of Uroboros.

In order to do that, he had to locate the position of Avalon that was moved to the New Kingdom and designated that place as the battlefield.

However, even after two nights had pa.s.sed since he last saw Yoruka, she hadn't contacted him yet.

He had faith at her strength, but it would be a different story if she fought Raffi who fused with Sacred Eclipse or Fugil at the worst case.

Last night he almost couldn't sleep at all worrying about Yoruka's safety.

Afternoon, the members of Syvalles were all present in the inn's dining hall that was used as meeting room.

It seemed Krulcifer and Celis headed to the castle from early in the morning and they were entrusted with a message from Queen Raffi.

But, it seemed there was a secret business and Krulcifer didn't come back.

Normally Lisha should be the one to stand in the position as the speaker, but today the captain Celis held that position.

「Nii-san. I understand that you are worried for Lishsama but, it's no good if you don't rest properly you know?」

His little sister Airi worried about him right after the meeting started.

Lux smiled wryly while pretending to not know anything about the battle behind the scene and the truth of the queen and took part in the strategy meeting to save Lisha.

「Then, first let's confirm the information of the present situation. Just as we were told yesterday, Lizsharte was kidnapped by Azure Division, but their hideout still hasn't been discovered. However, I believe that her safety is most likely a.s.sured.」

Celis who was selected to manage the meeting presented the topic like that.

For Lux, he completely knew about that seeing that he was the one who kidnapped Lisha and entrusted her to Aeril and Magialca.

Rather he was feeling relieved inside his heart that Lisha's location still hadn't been discovered.

「Celis-senpai. Can I ask the reason for that?」

Airi raised her hand with a calm expression. Celis immediately told her the answer.

「The reason is because of Azure Division's objective. They are proclaiming to take back the royal authority from the New Kingdom by means of justifiable reason. If they are only going to attack, then there'll be no need to send notification letter to every place in the capital and spread the news to the people. Therefore──」

「There is something they have to do using Princess Lisha. Or perhaps they will make demand toward the New Kingdom. She won't be harmed until that negotiation is carried out then?」

Sharis added with a serious expression that was completely different from last night.

「Kidnapping isn't justifiable method or anything though.」

Tillfur's light talk had no sharpness in it must be because she was worrying about Lisha.

Of course, Lisha was safe was nothing more than their a.s.sumption, so their anxiety wasn't completely wiped out.

But, the feeling to convince themselves somehow in this stalemate situation right now where they couldn't act carelessly was conveyed from the girls' words.

「Yes. Then, at present we can only wait for negotiation from Azure Division, and this meeting is just a simple exchange of information──can I take it to mean that?」

「No, that's not all.」

Celis shook her head at Noct's question and responded with a serious face.

「The New Kingdom army captured a male Drag-Knight who is thought to be a member of Azure Division and got the information of their hideout from him. The plan is to directly attack it within today.」

Everyone's expression changed hearing that.

「The plan is for me to go along with one more person accompanying me……Philuffy, if you are feeling well, can I ask you to come along?」

「I'm fine.」

Philuffy who was vacantly listening to the meeting until now nodded at Celis's question.

Lux didn't show his agitation at all but, he received a shock inside his heart.

(A Drag-Knight of Kilzrake family was captured and confessed? Is that true?)

Supposing that Queen Raffi suspected Lux as the ringleader of Azure Division and brought up the subject in this place to shake him up, it would be strange if that information was also told to Syvalles.

In that case, perhaps the capture of Azure Division member itself was true.

「Also, it seems that soon Queen Raffi intend to personally announce the total war with Azure Division. It has been brought to light that Prime Minister Nulph and the senior consuls along with their relatives and a lot of related people were murdered by them.」

A tense atmosphere filled the dining room once more. Everyone shut their mouth.

「That's, something that cannot be overlooked. It's not just about the princess. We have to do something too.」

Sharis said that with a heavy tone from her sense of responsibility as the daughter of the army's vice commander.

(Azure Division killed Prime Minister Nulph……!? So she came like that just as expected. ……But, something is strange.)

Lux knew about the fact that the members of Old Empire Faction that was opposing the New Kingdom were murdered at the third loop of the parade.

And then previously because the world revision of Uroboros was interrupted, Raffi and her groupd became unable to rewrite the perception of people anymore.

That was why he could understand the logic of blaming the crime to Azure Division in the surface but──.

(As expected, ma.s.sacring the relatives and related people is too big in scale.)

Just because Raffi wanted to stabilize the government of New Kingdom, there was no need to also kill the relatives.

If she oppressed one side too one-sidedly, then she would provoke antipathy from other faction and group too.

Even though she had fused with Sacred Eclipse, if it was Queen Raffi who was involved in the government, there was no way she wouldn't able to understand the inner workings of that level but──.

(As I thought, there is a secret to Sacred Eclipse……)

There was no way someone would only obtain almighty power from getting possessed.

The reason why Listelka called Sacred Eclipse the cause of world destruction lied there.

「Tomorrow I ask the Triad to guard Lux-kun like usual. Also about Yoruksan, does anyone know where she is?」

When Celis asked that, everyone's gaze gathered on Lux.

Yoruka was enrolled into the Academy with Relie's influence, but she was fundamentally moving based on Lux's order, so it couldn't be helped for them to look at him.

「……Right. I tried asking her for a bit if she can obtain some kind of clue to save Lishsama but──」

He didn't say any lie.

After all Lux was taking action, all was for the sake of saving Lisha and tore away Sacred Eclipse from Raffi in the end.

「I believe that Yoruksan will be fine because it's her but, I'm a bit worried……」

Airi said that despondently. And then there was no more topic to be talked there and they broke up.

When Lux returned to his room in the inn, Syvalles member entered his room once more under the pretext of guarding him.

「And so Lux-chi, today I and Noct will be your caretaker. Just rely on us without reservation!」

「Yes. Please treat me well. As for somewhat indecent request……it will depend on the degree of the request but, I'll secretly undertake it.」

「No, you don't need to accept anything like that! Just what do you think I'm going to do!?」

Even though they only had that serious talk just now, this already happened several minutes after that.

Well, they must be acting considerate to Lux in their own way to unravel his anxiety at the surface.

「Is it really alright? For us to not do anything」

「…………Of course.」

Noct sat down beside the sofa and tilted her head while giving him an upward gaze.

A slight blush tinged the cheeks of her face that was always composed. That gesture made his heart jumped and his pulse unconsciously quickened.

「Aaa, you took five seconds before answering! We need to report this to Airi-chan later isn't it」

「Yes. Well, Airi right now is busy with practicing though. ……Oops, please pretend that you don't hear anything just now. In return I will also keep Lux-san's reaction just now a secret.」

Lux felt suspicious hearing the suggestive words from Noct.

Airi who wasn't a Drag-Knight had nothing to do in this situation.

At best it would only be sorting information and making record for Syvalles. Perhaps she was doing something like devising up a plan for the mission but, would it be something that she would need to leave her seat for?

He wouldn't find the answer even if he thought about it, and right now wasn't the time for that.

Now that a member of Azure Division had been captured, and the hideout of Lux and Magialca were found out in the worst case, that would be the end for them.

Therefore, Lux had to make a move immediately but──.

Most likely Queen Raffi was on guard against him. She must be observing him even now, watching how he would react.

(Captain Magialca, please take care of the rest. ──Yoruka, please be safe.)

Lux closed his eyes in prayer and wracked his brain while looking for opening from the Triad. He talked with them while waiting for Aeril to come.

Without even knowing, that secret conversation was overheard by a certain girl who was accidentally wearing a Drake in camouflage──.

Part 6

「U, uu……」

On the other hand around that time, Lisha opened her eyes inside an unknown room.

He was kidnapped by a black Drag-Knight who introduced himself as Azure Division──she couldn't sleep for a whole day after that because of tension, but it seemed before she realized it she had fallen asleep.

When she opened her eyes, she was told it was at the noon two days after she was captured.

She was locked in a room where there wasn't a single window. She guessed from that apparently she was in the bas.e.m.e.nt of a private house.

It seemed to be a storehouse to preserve dried meat or wine that was remodeled. It was faint, but the scent of food was remaining. She was laid down on the room's bed.

Of course her hands were shackled. Her legs were also connected with chain.

She had no Sword Device and she was still wearing her pilot suit.

「Good morning Princess Lisha. How are you feeling?」

An androgynous girl with an unfamiliar face.

Just like how she once showed her own existence as a fictional character called Coral, Aeril used the perception manipulation from the power of Baptism to make Lisha think of her as someone unknown. She talked to Lisha.

「……The comfort of this bed is the worst. I saw a dream of the past.」

She didn't mention the content of her dream, but it was a dream when Lisha was captured as hostage against her father by the Old Empire.

Depending on the way of thinking, the situation right now could be said to be similar.

If she quickly killed herself……, such thought crossed her mind but──.

She couldn't lightly choose death with a reason that was different from that time.

「You seems to be alright if you can say that. Tell me if there is something that you want. I'll prepare it as much as I can.」

「Then, can you bring me my Sword Device?」

「It's fine. We are storing them properly, so we'll return after the negotiation is over.」

Lisha too thought that they wouldn't do as she asked, but she was harboring doubt toward that polite reaction.

Why this kind of people was planning a coup d'etat? She wondered.

「Just what are you guys planning to demand? Is it the legacy and technology of Avalon? The New Kingdom still hasn't obtained anything like that you know? Just what did you tell Alma, that girl to instigate her?」

「……It'll be fine. That girl will surely stand back on her feet. She won't become like Hayes.」

Aeril muttered as though talking to herself toward that question.

Lisha had become unable to recognize her as Aeril, so Lisha didn't understand what she meant by saying that though.

「──Hayes? Just what are you saying?」

Aeril didn't reply and only smiled, then she exited the bas.e.m.e.nt and moved to the first floor of the building.

Hayes who hated the clan of traitor was burned by the resentment and grudge of the past and she was driven by revenge, but Alma was already saved by the Black Hero.

That was why, Aeril was convinced that it would be alright.

By fighting together with Lux she touched his way of living and changed.

Just like Aeril herself in the past.

(Right now the strategy is working just like Lux-kun is aiming. What's left is only the method to defeat Sacred Eclipse and Uroboros……)

There was no problem with the plan to defeat Fugil and Queen Raffi and returned the New Kingdom to the hand of human.

But, the hideout of Avalon that was moved from abandoned capital Guernica to the New Kingdom was still unknown.

There were several prospective candidates, but the Drag-Knight of Kilzrake family and Yoruka didn't return.

(If it's not found until tomorrow, we can only give up on Avalon. In that case──)

They could only directly confront Raffi and Fugil with Lisha as hostage.

Hiding further than that would be next impossible even for Aeril and co.

Even now the soldiers of New Kingdom or Automata might locate this hideout anytime.

*Knock knock*.

Suddenly the door of the house's first floor was knocked.

Aeril locked the entrance to the bas.e.m.e.nt where Lisha was at and faced the entrance while holding her breath.

「It's me, open it.」

She heard Magialca's voice. After Aeril showed her in, she let out a sigh of relieve.

She was disguising herself as an old woman and went outside using a cane.

Even so, although she was only walking by foot for several minutes to here, just doing that was accompanied with great danger.

「Fuu. I was moving here without getting discovered somehow, but it really took effort……」

Magialca's trusted retainer, Lolotte acted as the relay for information transfer and moved Lux, Magialca, Aeril, and then the subordinate Drag-Knights, but the previous hideout was already discovered and destroyed.

One of their subordinates was captured by Raffi and he told the hideout's location, but at that time the old hideout had been abandoned and the current hideout wasn't told to anyone except very few people.

However, no matter how vast the royal capital was, there was no way they could prepare several hideouts with location that conveniently wasn't known by anyone.

If they got careless and detected by the radar of New Kingdom's Drake, there was the danger that even the location of this place would be found out.

Although, Raffi's camp should also be lacking Drag-Knight personnel right now, so that possibility was low.

「And, how is it going? The situation──」

「About Kirihime Yoruka's unknown whereabouts, most likely she got into a battle with Automata. There was sign of battle at the abandoned buildings in the northeast district of the capital. It seemed that she was able to destroy one Automata but, perhaps they struck each other down, or perhaps──」

Magialca sat down heavily on a chair and sighed.

Even Aeril could guess without hearing the rest.

「Also, about that matter──. Did you contact the remaining Seven Dragon Paladins?」

「Yes. Just in case I tried contacting them one by one but, the binding on their mind isn't removed. There is possibility if I,you, or Lux go to them personally but, the prospect is slim I think. Just in case, I made a slightly forceful plan but……」

The battle strength necessary to defeat Fugil was still lacking.

With Syvalles of New Kingdom allying themselves with Raffi, their side also wanted to pull the surviving members of Seven Dragon Paladins to their side but, due to the world revision they were captured by the perception that the battle at Avalon had ended.

Because of that, they had no reason to fight this time.

It would be a different story if there was an objective of saving the world, at present this battle was nothing more than a civil war in the New Kingdom at the surface.

Even if they──the kings they served knew about the truth, it was unthinkable that they would decide to throw their precious battle force into this fight.

「If Yoruka doesn't come back, it means all the doors are closed for us. At that time we can only quietly run away taking the Grand Force with us.」

「That's right, isn't it……」

Aeril commented back while knowing that such thing was impossible.

She knew that each Automata was equipped with the function to pinpoint the location of Grand Force in general, and she had also told that to Magialca.

Right now the Automatas were unable to take any big action because their energy was still lacking, but if the enemy combed the inside of the capital, then even with the city's size they would be discovered sooner or later.

In other words, they could only pray.

That Yoruka who Lux believed in, would cut open a path for them.

Part 7

「……Looks like, I slightly lost consciousness.」

At noon after a day pa.s.sed since the battle with Yos Tork, Yoruka opened her eyes inside a forest.

She lifted her face to look up at the trees that were growing thickly, and started to walk slowly.

Although she barely dodged that last explosion, the damage on her was great and it was the best she could do to hide.

After resting her body for half a day, she moved in order to investigate, but in the end she didn't find the hiding place of Avalon that was moved to the New Kingdom.

And finally she lost consciousness due to fatigue.

But, with her inherent instinct and searching the direction that Yos Tork didn't allow her to approach, she already hit a success.

Yoruka who wasn't born in this country had no way of knowing but, this place was called the ancient forest.

It was located northeast of the New Kingdom's castle. It was a land that was out of place from the capital.

Originally it was a sacred ground that was used for ceremony by the imperial family of Arcadia Empire. After the era of Old Empire pa.s.sed, that place was abandoned and no one approached it anymore.

But, the ruins of broken temple were scattered here and there. There wasn't really any sign of beast here and the place was quiet.

The faint sound of flowing mountain stream.

The sound of rustling thriving plants from wind.

It felt like the nature was reflecting Yoruka's heart like a mirror.

In her mind was her master Lux.

Until now she thought that she didn't fear death and dying for the sake of her master was her cherished desire.

However, Lux said that she didn't think of Yoruka as tool.

(I'm sorry to put this burden on you. If it looks like it's impossible then I want you to not do anything rash and take Airi away to escape. And then, I want you to continue living protecting her.)

He said that to Yoruka.

「Aruji-sama too, is a cruel person……」

If she was relied on with that kind of painful expression, then it would make her wanted to accomplish that mission at any cost, even if she had to risk her life.

Why was so many people gathered around Lux?

Why did they want to give their all for his sake?

She was finally able to understand that.

However, Yoruka didn't feel that she was able to become human with that.

Rather instead of that kind of logic, her instinctual feeling of desiring Lux was getting stronger.

「Aruji-sama……I love you dearly.」

She already didn't have the strength left to wear Drag-Ride, but she continued walking in her flesh body while erasing her presence, and she finally found out that place.

The silver haired girl called Arshalia was standing under a conspicuously large tree where a temple made from stone that looked like it almost crumbled was buried.

At the shadow of the tree that was only around a hundred ml ahead, there was a figure clad in silver pilot suit.

With this, the location of Avalon in general was pinpointed.

What was left was only to return to Lux without anyone noticing and told this news.

「This is, strange. Even though, I shouldn't even feel the pain of wound……」

The instant Yoruka's consciousness was receding once more──she saw the figure of Lux in front of her.

Right after that, she lost consciousness while leaning on a nearby rock.

Her body that was continuing her search without sleep or rest since the deathly battle the other day reached its limit.

Footsteps were slowly approaching the wounded Yoruka.

「……Is this alright, Fugil? For the current master……Queen Raffi to not be told.」

Fugil who lifted up the fainted Yoruka slowly went toward the Automata Arshalia.

But, his expression contained no hostility toward the girl.

Fugil was staring at the unconscious Yoruka with a straight face.

「Our contract doesn't reach that far. My work this time is mostly over. Sacred Eclipse already chose Raffi and she obtained the ultimate power. I will only continue to observe until the next battle, when somehow who is qualified to obtain Avalon appear once again and fight.」

Fugil sent a glance at Arshalia. The Automata guessed his intention and transferred herself to the central of Avalon for a moment.

She took out a simple healing device and applied it to Yoruka.

「My objective is to guide human, not to one-sidedly support one of the sides. If she is found out by Raffi in this place then that's as far as her fate goes but, that's not what happened. Besides, at this juncture it's far too advantageous for her majesty.」

「That's also true. Then, won't it be fine if you become the ally of Lux and others?」

The Automata Arshalia tilted her head expressionlessly.

Fugil quietly casted down his eyes and answered that question.

「At present the two sides are equal in strength. Therefore there is no place for me to interfere. I will only see it through. What kind of conclusion this battle will produce.」

「Can I ask one thing?」

「What?」

The Automata Arshalia indifferently treated Yoruka while asking Fugil.

「Is it okay to consider that your ally is us the Automatas?」

「……No. I'll have you all cooperate with me when I use Uroboros but, there is no position called ally for me. That is the destiny of me the Hero of Beginning.」

Fugil muttered without any change in his expression.

Arshalia didn't say anything more and time pa.s.sed.

Part 8

「In the end Lux didn't show any movement. I thought that he would be considerably threatened with the capture of his Azure Division subordinate. Did he give up, or being careful, which one could it be?」

The castle of royal capital Lordgalia. The morning of the seventh day since the third world revision ended in failure.

Queen Raffi was leaning on her elbow on the throne in the audience hall.

At her sides were only Fugil and Automata Arhslia, there was n.o.body else.

The appearance of Azure Division and their war proclamation.

In addition with the a.s.sa.s.sination of Prime Minister Nulph and the murder of a great number of consuls coming into light, the chief va.s.sals were pressed to deal with the fallout.

Especially if the fact that Aeril who was the key of Avalon and Grand Force were stolen became known by the other countries, they would demand the New Kingdom to take responsibility and it might cause chaos.

In addition due to the scar from the long war, even the preservation of battle force consisting of Drag-Knight wasn't going well that they were asking for cooperation from the four great n.o.bles once more.

By the way, the location of hideout that was confessed from the young man who was a member of Azure Division captured the other day was deserted. The investigation using the remaining doc.u.ments and so on was in progress, but everything ended in vain.

「Lisha……. It's good that she is safe but, now we have run out of any clue. We have no other choice but to wait for the enemy to make their approach. Or perhaps──I should take action from my side.」

If possible she didn't want to tell the people about Lisha's kidnapping even if after this they recovered Grand Force and carried out world revision.

Therefore, Raffi's side could only use the only card they had caught, which was Alma.

If the public execution of Azure Division's leader was announced, the other side would have to make an action. Or perhaps──.

When she was thinking such thing, a soldier's voice came from outside the hall.

「……Begging permission to have an audience with her majesty queen Raffi. There is a messenger from Azure Division sending a letter of challenge!」

「Enter. Over here.」

Raffi told Fugil and Arshalia to withdraw before telling that. Then a Drag-Knight soldier who was still young rushed in.

And then he conveyed a new demand from Azure Division.

Which was, a proposal for a decisive battle that put both sides' hostages and Grand Force on the line.

The stage that was decided by Azure Division for it was the ancient forest──the new hiding place of Avalon that was transported from Guernica in the span of two weeks.

「So it was discovered in this situation……. The enemy is also really something.」

After telling the soldier who came with the message, Raffi smiled toward Fugil and Arshalia.

「Or perhaps, this is because of a guidance from someone, seeing that I am in too much of advantage?」

Raffi glanced at Fugil beside him with a meaningful tone.

But, the man with eye glint that was like a beast didn't make a single change of expression.

「Well, either way, it seems I have no choice but to accept. I can only do that in order to take back my daughter Lisha. Of course I will bring the members of Syvalles to partic.i.p.ate. Everyone has also finished going through the strengthening, and the way to use them skillfully has also been settled.」

The corner of Raffi's mouth slightly rose while saying that.

The Azure Division was using their time to lay down various groundworks, while on the other hand Raffi was also steadily making preparation in order for the war.

During these several days, she was observing Lux in detail, but it was like he didn't let Raffi to catch his tail at all.

There wasn't any sign of him slipping out of the inn, even when he was fighting Lisha and Krulcifer he was thought as a different person.

But, Raffi's belief that Lux was the ringleader of Azure Division hadn't changed.

Right now there was no one who could declare war to the New Kingdom except Lux who was once guided by Fugil to destroy the Old Empire.

Thinking so she was forming countermeasure in these several days.

「It will be nice if Lux come.」

Fugil who heard Raffi's words stayed quiet and only stood beside her.

The next day, the curtain of a direct confrontation that would shake the New Kingdom was raised.