Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Vol 2 Chapter 3

Episode3 - The Sixth Ruins – One Garden Part 1

Fort City first block. A white stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy.

Two persons were sitting on a sofa in a s.p.a.cious living room.

One of them was a man characterized by his blond hair and high stature, Barzeride Kreutzer.

The other was an existence with sharp piercing eyes which put on a jet black robe and a hood which covered over his eyes.

Inside, the house was illuminated by the sunlight flowing in through the windows and there was no presence of other people such as servants.

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride

“Yeah. It’s splendid, my friend. I was finally able to perfectly master its Divine Raiment. I still content myself with third place in the tournament of the Capital for now, but––. If I feel like it, this country’s Drag-Knights will no longer be opponents for me.”

To the existence with the robe, the blond man full of confidence answered while returning a smile.

“I see; it’s as expected of you, my sworn friend. Then–– I count on you for the matter we have talked about.”

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

“If I remember correctly, it was about me marrying that young woman of Earl of Ymir, right? The fact that she is a foreign woman will be a bit of a problem, but is there anything special with her?”

“She is a “key”. The key to unlock the seal of ruins, she has that kind of power. In order to reach a deep level where humanity has never gone in until now.”

“Then––”

“Yeah, I want to entrust it to you. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whatever means you use. Be sure to conquer (subdue) her and by using her power –– I want you to wrench the doors of the ruins open. If you do so, I’ll leave half of the ruins’ treasures and this country’s rule which will someday fall into our hands to you.”

“Kuku, I understand. That woman seems to be quite proud, but such a female is worth breaking. I’ll live up to your expectations, my friend.”

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

“Well then, I will take my leave. You don’t need to see me off.”

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

Saying only that, the existence with the robe soundlessly left the mansion.

After Barzeride went up to the second floor of the mansion, and saw with his own eyes from the window that the figure disappeared in the alley,

“Hmph. Don’t think that you can tame me forever. Well, it’s fine; if you say I can use whatever means, then there are many measures to consider.”

Saying so, Barzeride tightly grasped the Sword Device at hand and clicked his tongue.

“I’m looking forward to it. This country’s next King ––will be me.”

Part 2

“Phew…”

It was the day after they agreed to a duel with Barzeride.

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the cla.s.sroom was a little sleepy.

Since he handled a cla.s.smate’s request today from earlier this morning, he was a little tired.

This was because he thought that it wasn’t good that he gave so much priority to Krulcifer’s request that he hardly listened to other girls’, but––

(As expected, I overdid it a little, I guess…)

On account of his life of odd jobs, when it grew dark, he went to bed and made sure to relieve fatigue for the next day’s work, but, since he came to this academy, he had worked even more as much as he was usually taken care of.

He didn’t know whether or not she guessed it, but Krulcifer unusually released Lux saying “I have some business to take care of today”.

Though it wasn’t a bad feeling to live as Krulcifer’s “lover”, as expected spending time with her who was much more elegant than him was unexpectedly nerve wracking.

Thus, when it had been long since he lazed; lying down on the desk, Tillfarr, one of the Triad, gently poked the shoulder of Lux who was half asleep.

“Oh my, I see that your girlfriend isn’t here today. Lux-cchi, you’re lonely, right?”

To the carefree smile like a flower, Lux raised his face with a wry smile.

“Errr, is it for a work or something?”

“Oh, you may say that, I guess? Seems like you’ve been abandoned. Then, can you tag along with me a little?”

Tillfarr naturally took Lux’s hand and left the cla.s.sroom with him.

Other students who were withholding due to the matter of Krulcifer’s “lover” were showing faces saying “d.a.m.n it, I was late”.

“Okay. It’s here.”

When they walked down the corridor a little, they arrived in front of a certain room before he was aware.

“Huh? This is the drawing room, but––?”

It’s originally a room for visitors or guests, but is it all right to enter now?

As Lux was thinking so,

“It’s all right. There is no plan for it to be used today, and we got permission from the Princ.i.p.al. Well then, I’ll go prepare, so wait. Ah, peeping is forbidden.”

The mastermind Tillfarr who brought him along left Lux and went somewhere.

“What on earth does this mean…?”

Rather, what does she mean by peeping?

Lux sat on the sofa while being puzzled, but probably because of fatigue, he had fallen into a light sleep.

“N, Ngh…”

“Sorry to keep you waiting! Then, excuse me!”

When he suddenly woke up and raised his face, he heard a knock on the door and then Tillfarr’s voice.

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

Lux who was still half asleep couldn’t help but doubt his own eyes as he saw the outfits of the girls who entered.

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

Standing there were Lisha and Philphie dressed in unfamiliar maid outfits.

Following after them was Tillfarr holding plates of food in both hands.

“So, in order to heal Lux-cchi’s daily fatigue, let us serve you. Master, rest slowly.”

Looking at Tillfarr’s who winked and the other two’s appearances, Lux opened his mouth flabbergasted.

It was a plain black maid outfit with a white brim, but as the clothes were a little customized, the skirt was cut rather short.

As for Philphie, her big b.r.e.a.s.t.s were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

“Well you know, master. I was also consulted by Lisha-sama as to how to make Lux-cchi happy. Because the Princess says that she doesn’t really know what can make a man your age happy, so––”

“H-Hey. You promised not to say that, right!?”

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

“––And then, we reached the conclusion that imagining the scene of the time when Lux was a Prince, and serving you as maids was the most pleasing to do.”

“But, I hadn’t gotten maids to take care of me that much––”

“Then, you should use this opportunity to fully enjoy it. We’re all amateurs though.”

As expected of the cla.s.s’s mood maker, she forcibly pushed forward the talk.

Then, she began to display the dishes on the table.

Since it was just lunch time, too, they seemed to want him to eat here.

(Is it all right to do something like this in the academy’s drawing room…?)

Though it isn’t as if Lux didn’t think so just a little,

“Um –– Is it troublesome? Doing something like this suddenly…?”

Looking at Lisha in her maid outfit averting her eyes slightly embarra.s.sed, he changed his mood.

“No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

“……!? N-No, um –– f-for the time being today, you may think of me as being your maid and do somewhat indecent things like when you were young…”

“I won’t do that!? What do you think I was when I was young!?”

“I-I see. Tillfarr said that such things seem to be a maid’s work, too…”

“…………”

As Lux turned a surprised look, Tillfarr whistled acting as if she knew nothing.

Though Lux found it really troublesome, he was honestly happy that they were concerned about him who was tired.

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, a maid will feed you. Lisha-sama.”

“……!? A-As expected, that’s more embarra.s.sing, or rather––”

“…Shall I do it?”

“N-No, let me do it after all. Can I, Lux!?”

Though Lisha was somewhat reserved, she said so as to oppose Philphie.

Then, she picked up a sandwich put on the plate and held it out to Lux’s mouth.

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

Since the other two were watching steadily, it felt somewhat awkward, but Lux ate the sandwich from Lisha’s hand.

It had the taste and texture of fresh vegetables, ham, eggs, spices, and sauce.

Since there was also the fact that Lux was also hungry, the sandwich which seemed to be homemade smoothly went into his stomach.

“U-Um, how is the taste? Just to note, we had the dining room’s cook help us with it––”

“It’s very delicious.”

As he replied so to Lisha in her maid outfit who asked with upturned eyes,

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

“Lux ate it… It’s somehow very exciting. Doing something like this.”

While leaking a seductive sigh, Lisha carried the sandwich to Lux’s mouth with tottering hands. The dish which was put on a large plate was eaten in no time.

“Here, water. Afterwards well, let’s see; shall I ma.s.sage your shoulders?”

As Lisha was looking outside from the window from the room with an entranced expression, Tillfarr gave him water and gently ma.s.saged Lux’s shoulders.

Then, Philphie who was silent until now also put a large plate on the table.

“I made a dessert.”

“T-Thank you –– wait, the dessert after the meal is this!? Isn’t it a little unreasonable!?”

It was a circular pancake –– no, it which was made in seven thick layers could already be regarded as a cylinder.

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

“…Lu-chan is, cold. Even though you gladly ate it long ago.”

Abruptly looking away as if her pride was wounded, Philphie sulked.

Pancakes were certainly Philphie’s specialty when they were young, but––

“N-No. I like this, too. It wasn’t so much in the old days –– b-but, it’s so nostalgic, I’m happy.”

When he hurriedly corrected himself like so, Philphie’s good mood returned as she said “really?”.

“Then, let’s eat together. We can finish it if we eat together.”

Philphie showing a gentle smile and Lux began to eat the pancake tower together.

After eating two layers, Lux was down and unable to continue; in the end, Philphie ate up the rest in the blink of an eye.

Though it was quite interesting and was a feast for his eyes, Lux thought at last with a wry smile.

(In the end, the three of them were not maid-like at all…)

Part 3

“Oh, you finally came! I was waiting for you, Lux.”

Then –– After school of that day.

Lux showed up in the Drag-Knight’s atelier by Lisha’s request.

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly a.s.sailed his nose.

And, countless a.s.sembled Machine Dragons standing in a row was a magnificent view no matter how many times one saw it.

One could understand by seeing that Lisha had put on a white gown on her uniform, and was doing her work as an engineer.

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

“W-Well…, leave aside the talk of work for the time being and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you some tea now, so––”

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

As Lux offered so due to his usual odd jobs’ habit, and was about to head to the small kitchen located in the back of the atelier.

“No. There’s no need. I, the younger one, should do it.”

“You should just sit down there, Nii-san.”

“Huh…?”

Standing there were two familiar girls, his little sister Airi and her friend Nokuto.

“Why are you here, too––?”

“We had a little business regarding Machine Dragons; since it’s a rare opportunity –– are we in your way? Nii-san.”

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

Lisha who saw that called out to him from the sofa.

“Geez, I can at least explain it by myself…”

Judging from Lisha somehow discontented, Airi and Nokuto seemed to have forcibly intruded on here.

After a while, tea poured into cups was carried, and Airi and Nokuto also sat down before the work unit.

And, Airi spread several sheets of papers there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output a.n.a.lysis result of that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s .”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of paper.

Starting with the estimated output when he used the Divine Raiment, detailed records such as the estimated time of operation limit were written.

Airi probably collected them over many hours for Lux to use someday.

By increasing the output, one would be able to momentarily generate a strong power, but in return, the consumption would be huge.

A precise adjustment of the output of the Drag-Ride and each armament was carried out in accordance with the ability and apt.i.tude of the user.

However, unlike a general-purpose Machine Dragon, for a Divine Drag-Ride whose existence was confirmed and it was said that there was only one for each species in the world, there was no standard value of adjustment, and it was the present fact that a.n.a.lyses aren’t readily advanced.

Especially regarding , since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to a.n.a.lyze it.

But––,

“While looking at it, I made a fine output adjustment to . As expected, it was hard to do it until now since there was no data. I cut the output which is likely to be vainly used as much as possible, so I think you can fight quite easily more than before.”

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

As Lux turned a smile, Lisha suddenly blushed and averted her eyes.

“Ah, yes… If you say it like that, then it was worth my doing my best. U-Um, as a reward, if you could hold me––”

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

“––H-Hey!? I haven’t finished talking yet!”

Ignoring Lisha who shouted from behind, Airi continued the talk.

“By the way, it doesn’t mean that I want you to fight for a long period of time. So, please do not act rashly. That –– you understand, right?”

“Ah, yes. I know.”

To Lux’s smile, Airi also returned a smile.

“With that said, Nokuto. I cannot trust Nii-san, so I can only rely on you.”

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

“Hey, hey!? What do you mean? You don’t trust me!?”

“It’s obvious, right? Even though you always ignore my advices and rampage as you please.”

“…………”

When being told so, he thought that she was actually right; so his ears hurt.

“Well, in tomorrow’s ‘Abyss subjugation’ and ‘ruins investigation’, as expected I don’t think should be used.”

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

The ruins’ investigation by “Knight Squadron” that he was told about by Relie.

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large Abyss which appeared around the ruins.

As well as the sixth ruins –– Garden’s investigation.

Originally, that mission would be carried out by a unit whose members were half composed of those elected from the “Knight Squadron”, but this time by Relie’s recommendation, Lux was also going to tag along as an exception.

Of course, he could not afford to let ’s existence be known to the other members of the “Knight Squadron”, so he did not want to act too much rashly, but––

“Don’t worry. After all, the commanding officer this time is me.”

Drinking tea contained in the cup, Lisha stuck out her chest.

“While we are it, I also prepared the most recently drawn map of the “Garden”, so please keep it in mind during this evening.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

The ruins were labyrinths whose existences had been confirmed to number seven in the world presently and in which ancient technology slept.

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

This place was an existence which brought various things in the world and prompted rapid evolution and development in these past ten years.

Among the three ruins which were in the territory of and around the New Kingdom, the sixth ruin, the “Garden” was the place where investigation had advanced the most in the present situation, but even so –– its whole aspect had not been clarified yet.

But, since it was a matter which had continued since the Old Empire era, it was a path which could not be avoided.

“This time, as expected Krulcifer won’t tag along. So, you may rely on me without reserve, Lux.”

“Is that so?”

To Lisha who tapped his shoulder smilingly, Lux returned so.

“Yes. In her case, there is that “condition” after all.”

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

Therefore, on the occasion of fighting in this Atismata New Kingdom, her unique standard was determined.

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not partic.i.p.ate.

(I wonder if she’ll be right by herself. Krulcifer-san…)

However, Lux was anxious about going and leaving her alone.

It should be the safest if she didn’t go to the ruin investigation, but––

“Okay, this talk is over. Therefore, how about you young girls go back? I want to talk with Lux about a slightly personal matter, you see?”

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

Before they could reply, opening the door and entering was Tillfarr of the Triad.

“What are you all doing? It looks very interesting, so let me in.”

“As usual, you’re someone who can’t read the atmosphere…”

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

As she couldn’t just watch that without doing anything, Nokuto also of the Triad asked just as amazed.

“Well, there is a message for Lux-cchi. From Princ.i.p.al Relie; she said that tonight after about five o’clock––, you’ll be able to enter the bathroom.”

“Ah, I see.”

At these words, Lux also forgot their talk about the ruins and stood up.

About the bathing in the girl’s dormitory, Lux was basically prohibited from going in, but there was a certain period of time when he could use the bathroom; about once a week.

When the female students finished their bathing and there were no other users, he was called out by the manager such as the dormitory leader and was allowed to enter all alone.

Since he usually got it over with only wiping his body with a towel dipped in cold or hot water, bathing was a rare opportunity for Lux.

“Then, even if I go––”

“Hmm…, it can’t be helped. Let’s call it a day. Let’s talk about this another time.”

With Lisha’s permission, Lux left the Machine Dragon’s atelier.

And he went straight to the large public bath of the girl’s dormitory.

Part 4

“Phew. It’s been a while since I was in a bath––”

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was n.o.body inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

Although he had properly gotten permission from the Princ.i.p.al, as expected he couldn’t help being nervous just by being in the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

Marble pillars, and the large bathroom which lamps faintly illuminated.

After das.h.i.+ng hot water over himself at the was.h.i.+ng place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

I was regularly bathing in my Imperial Court life when I was young, but after beginning my life of Ch.o.r.es, I was hardly able to take a proper bath; so this is also a side benefit, Lux thought.

He relaxed his whole body and entrusted it to the buoyancy of hot water.

The sensation of his muscles, which got tired with daily odd jobs and training, getting loose was comfortable.

“Haa…”

Originally a time of the supreme bliss that he could rarely taste.

Nevertheless, there was a certain concern in Lux’s head.

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

There was no problem to the fact that it had come to a duel –– to the fight itself.

However, aside from the woman butler Alterize, Barzeride was a dangerous opponent.

And, he was also worried about Krulcifer who had also decided to fight.

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relations.h.i.+p with her home––)

Of course, since it was about Krulcifer, she was probably doing well; but it somehow felt like she did not trust the members of the Einvolk House.

This might be because Lux, who was treated as a parasite among the imperial family before, put himself in her place that he ended up thinking so.

“…………”

Lux gently closed his eyes while being soaked into the bathtub.

Tomorrow, Lux would join the ruins investigation by the “Knight Squadron” for the first time.

“I hope we’ll be able to come back safely––”

As he talked like so to himself.

chapun*. The sound of water splas.h.i.+ng could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

When he spontaneously opened his eyes and looked at the figure hidden in the white steam,

“…… Huh?”

A familiar pink-haired girl looked at Lux with her absentminded eyes and tilted her head to the side.

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

Standing with a splashy sound, Lux could not help but draw back in the bathtub.

As he flung his back on the wall, he finally grasped the present situation.

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

When Philphie who let her hair down said so with a serious look,

“Ah, s-sorry–– not that!? Why is Phil…Phi-chan here!? Um, wasn’t there a plate “under cleaning” outside!?”

“It’s because I came back late for training today. Onee-chan said that the bath is still opened––”

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Princ.i.p.al Relie’s doing.

“Geez, what is she thinking!? That person…!”

No matter if they were childhood friends, she should not let a young lady and a man their age sleep and take a bath together.

It looked like Philphie herself did not mind it, but there was a problem after all.

“S-Sorry. W-Well then, I’ll immediately go out, so––”

As Lux, thinking so, was about to get out of the bathtub,

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

“No, after all!? Even Phi-chan hates it, right!? To take a bath with me, a man––”

As Lux confusedly said so,

“I will never take a bath with a man I don’t like.”

Bending her head slightly to one side, she replied with a serious look.

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

When Lux said so while covering his eyes with his hand,

“It’s been a long time since I took a bath with Lu-chan. It’s really nostalgic…”

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

Her tone looked really happy for her, who was usually taciturn, and Lux somehow hesitated about getting out of the bathtub.

(N-No, but––, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s ethically wrong!)

Within his whole body conflict and embarra.s.sment seethed, Lux threw a fleeting glance at the figure of Philphie slightly away.

It was beautiful.

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

Her fluffy pink hair got wet and slightly stuck on her skin.

And, her white, firm skin and big chest which floated in the bathtub––

(Wait, looking more than this is bad…!)

Lux looked away and somehow maintained his reason which almost collapsed unintentionally.

As he threw a fleeting sidelong glance at Philphie after calming down after several deep breaths––

“…Kukah”

“She actually fell asleep!? Wait, you can’t sleep here, Phil––”

Unintentionally drawing near, he lightly shook Philphie’s shoulders soaking in the bathtub.

Her vivid body temperature and the feel of her smooth skin.

The rich swelling which shook together with Philphie shaken back and forth.

(W-Wait, I can see her b.r.e.a.s.t.s…! From the front is bad!)

Lux’s gaze was attracted to her half exposed big chest floating in the hot water, and his throat quickly got dry.

In order to restrain himself, as he got up from the bathtub at once, put his hands on Philphie’s shoulders from behind and lightly shook her––

“Huh––?”

For an instant, a strange sense of discomfort cooled down Lux’s mind.

Lux himself, not knowing immediately the reason, stiffened for about several seconds.

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

“N-No… M-More importantly, you shouldn’t sleep in the bath, Phi-chan.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

So as not to see her naked body over the transparent hot water, Lux, after averting his eyes, finally realized the true ident.i.ty of the sense of discomfort.

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

“Wasn’t there scar on your back? A small one diagonally from the right shoulder––”

“…Maybe there was. I don’t really remember though.”

With slow movements, Philphie pa.s.sed one hand onto her back and traced it with a finger.

Right, I’m sure there should have been one.

Lux remembered having heard that it was a scar she had gotten by having fallen down in her childhood before meeting with him.

It was not that deep a scar, but one could tell by sight that it was an old wound.

But, as far as Lux saw a while ago, the scar had neatly disappeared.

Could the wound which left a scar that remained from the time of childhood be healed at this age?

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

“You’re going to the ruins, right? I won’t also be able to go with you this time due to orders. It’s regrettable, but I was told so by Onee-chan.”

He had the feeling that slight loneliness was mixed into her usually leisurely tone.

It seemed that she wouldn’t be able to sortie together with them as a member of the “Knight Squadron” this time, too.

Although a military power to protect the Fort City was also necessary, it isn’t like that problem did not occur to him, but

“Y-Yes. It’s all right. I’ll come back again properly.”

As he promised so, Lux, after having allowed Philphie to get up first, left the bathroom.

–– About ten minutes later.

In order to pa.s.s time so as to not see Philphie changing her clothes, it seemed to have been a longer, leisurely bath than he thought.

It took a while for Lux, who felt dizzy, to return to his room.

Part 5

And––, the morning of the next day.

Lux and the members of the “Knight Squadron” had gathered to the waiting room of the practice field for the mission.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large-sized Abyss which wanders around the ruins, and the internal investigation of the sixth ruins “Garden”.

Lux and company were exempted from today’s lessons, and it was scheduled that they would return before the tomorrow evening

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

It was planned that after defeating the large-sized Abyss –– Golem, a few elites with remaining power among them would enter the ruins.

––No, they intended to do so.

“Well then, I will inform you of a few points about the change of plan of today’s strategy execution.”

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

As the one supervising the strategy this time, it plainly showed that an unexpected and troublesome incident happened.

“First of all ––I will have the foreign student Krulcifer exceptionally partic.i.p.ated in this strategy. Her partic.i.p.ation to the strategy was strongly requested by the person herself. She asked not to have special treatment and to carry out the mission as a member.”

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

The members of the “Knight Squadron” could not help but leak out voices of surprise.

Lux also felt the same way.

Even though by order of the country Ymir, she should’ve said that she would not get involved in dangerous missions––

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

The person concerned, Krulcifer simply got it over with a greeting without explaining her reason for tagging along.

A volunteer to the ruins investigation which they didn’t even expect.

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

“Ah, I will personally introduce myself. I cannot afford to cause you trouble, Instructor.”

Lux was familiar with that haughty tone, and theatrically exaggerated behavior and expression which coerced others.

“What is the meaning of this? Why is this guy––”

The mutter of Lisha, who could not hide her confusion, could be also heard by Lux beside her.

“My name is Barzeride Kreutzer. I act as a.s.sistant lord of the Bergeijk region. I graduated as the top student from a Drag-Knight’s military academy two years ago. I thought to offer my cooperation hoping to be of help regarding the duty of this Abyss subjugation as well as the ruins investigation.”

“…………”

Noise.

Unrest which could not be hidden ran through the “Knight Squadron” which should be used to unusual events and fighting scenes (bravado).

Which wasn’t surprising.

No matter how you think about it, an aristocrat with a position to govern a territory –– and a former military employee at that suddenly partic.i.p.ating in a mission of the “Knight Squadron” was not common.

“Instructor. What the h.e.l.l does this mean?”

As if speaking for the voices of all the members present there, Lisha took a step forward.

“That is––”

When Raigree who was asked was suddenly at a loss for words,

“No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great n.o.bles and also a.s.sociated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly partic.i.p.ated in this important strategy. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

Lisha frowned at Barzeride who talked with a smile as he saw through her.

“No worries, I don’t intend to interrupt or interfere in the mission contents. Help –– yes, I just purely intend to help. Rather, shouldn’t you be happy with that? After all, I, who gained the seat of third place in the tournament of the Capital, have volunteered for the s.h.i.+eld role of delicate (frail) girls like you––”

It was a statement which posed as a gentleman’s at first glance.

However, his real intention which treated the female students here with contempt and looked down on them was clearly transmitted.

(What is he planning…?)

Even Lux could not yet understand what Barzeride had in mind.

That alone was uncanny.

“That is what’s called “minding your own business”, Lord Kreutzer. If someone who didn’t partic.i.p.ate in the coordination training is added to the strategy, our actions will be inhibited, too. To begin with, if a “Big n.o.ble” such as you were to be injured, the academy side could not take responsibility, either.”

Even so, Lisha showed a will of refusal to Barzeride who did not changed his strong will.

The other party was from one of the “Four Great n.o.bles” which had governed a very large territory from the Old Empire era.

Lisha who was the New Kingdom Princess was the only person in this place that could speak as an equal.

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stop by the Princ.i.p.al room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something was to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

When Lisha turned a fleeting glance to the side, Instructor Raigree gave a small nod as she gave up.

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

“I see. I understand the situation. But, why going that far––?”

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

“If you’re asking for a reason, there is one. The girl who should become my future wife will be there. In case anything should happen in this dangerous mission––”

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

Small ripples spread among the members of the “Knight Squadron” that heard that.

“…………”

Krulcifer who was thrown gazes looked the other way seeming totally unconcerned.

Was she disgusted or maybe she didn’t want to show a reaction?

Or it might be both, Lux thought.

“––Well then, I will have Lord Kreutzer act only as support in the Abyss subjugation. He will not be involved with the investigation. Understood, everyone?”

When Instructor Raigree said so, there was no further objection.

When the strategy meeting ended, Lux and company changed into dress gear and came out to the practice field.

Afterwards, each of them equipped their Machine Dragons and began to move towards the target location, but––

“Um, Krulcifer-san. Why are you taking part in this mission––?”

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Partic.i.p.ation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

“I will tell you in detail later. Right now, it is one of the few opportunities for me to achieve my purpose.”

Krulcifer returned so in low voice to Lux while paying attention to the surrounding.

What does she mean by the investigation of the ruins was her purpose?

Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural partic.i.p.ation?

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my partic.i.p.ation in this investigation to the Princ.i.p.al, I do not know where he heard about it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

“Those are really cold words, eh, my future wife.”

As he had heard their conversation, Barzeride appeared from behind Lux.

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

“Hey, can you stop with that future something? I remember having said that you and I are just strangers.”

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

If the woman butler Alterize who tried to make the engagement saw that, she would fly into rage, but

“Ah, sorry for that. But well, I thought that the result of the duel that will be held tomorrow night has already been decided.”

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

A duel to decide the establishment or cancellation of the engagement.

About that fight which Krulcifer was the prize, he was probably thinking that his victory was already a matter of fact.

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

Then, as he turned his face to Lux who was immediately nearby, Barzeride showed a frivolous smile.

“To think that a man who can do nothing other than defending himself is partic.i.p.ating in such a mission. Geez, there is nothing more ludicrous than this.”

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

Though Lux did not react and remained silent to that clear hostility,

“Could you stop talking about unnecessary things, Lord Kreutzer?”

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

“And I’ll say this while I’m at it; Lux has the important mission of going into the ruins with us this time. If you intend to hamper the strategy by saying more nonsense like that, I shall ask you to leave right now. Even if you have some other purpose.”

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarra.s.sed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

“Tch, interrupting us when we’re in a good atmosphere… Well then everyone; equip your Drag-Ride. We are departing!”

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

Part 6

A few minutes after they equipped their Machine Dragons and departed.

All the members arrived at the ruins of the New Kingdom territory about 20 Km away from the Fort City.

A huge white cube which had grown from the ground of a wasteland.

That building called the sixth ruins –– “Garden” was endowed with an inorganic, majestic appearance.

『The target has been confirmed. Everyone, get ready for battle!』

Lisha who acted as the commanding officer this time urged vigilance through the dragon voice.

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

There were three ruins, which appeared from about ten years ago, existing within the New Kingdom’s territory.

The s.h.i.+p type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

The “Babel” extending from the land of the border, breaking through the clouds and soaring.

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

In the interior where six sides were surrounded by a square wall, there were a forest, lake, cave and the like, it seemed like a structure connoting one small world.

It seemed that Machine Dragons and technology from the past were sleeping at the altar at the that center, but––

“It’s really curious. Is this also the first time for you, a Former Prince of the Empire, to be seeing this?”

Sharis wearing a and flying beside Lux accosted him as such.

It seemed that only third-year students in the “Knight Squadron” had experience with investigation.

“I have worked as a guard, guarding the surroundings due to odd jobs––, but this is my first time seeing it this close.”

“I see. In this place, only the third-year students who came along have experience in investigations. You have probably heard about it in the prior strategy meeting, but if there is anything, you can ask me without reserve.”

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

『Hey. Be careful, everyone! Abyss confirmed ahead!』

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

At a closer look, a huge lump appeared from the shades of the “Garden” where there were several castles.

“That’s––!”

Reflected in the eyes of the Drag- Ride clad in Lux was a giant metal soldier whose half body was covered with rock scales.

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

A large-sized Abyss which boasted of its big frame and superhuman strength.

Although it had weaknesses such as its slow pace and its monotonous attacks, it possessed a hard, st.u.r.dy metal body; it was proud of its power in which a single blow delivered from its weight was impossible to defend against and to which a fatal wound was unavoidable.

Escape would be easy for a competent Drag-Knight, but the subjugation was a nearly impossible formidable obstacle.

The only consolation was that because it was not an active kind for an Abyss, if one did not approach carelessly, there was a very small risk of being attacked; but since it had appeared, it could not be left alone forever.

“It looks like it will be quite worth defeating it, Lux”

Even so, Lisha calmly muttered while looking at the target.

The distance between the Knight Squadron’s platoon and the Golem was about 500 Mel by eye measurement.

It had been established by past battles that the location of its core was in the chest, but its outer sh.e.l.l would probably not be pierced with half-hearted long-range shooting.

“Errr, in the prior strategy, if I’m not mistaken ––”

Ordinary long-range shooting wouldn’t be able to make even a dent on it.

First attract the enemy’s attention with the high mobility of a , then attack its chest with ’ Breath Guns loaded at full power from the ground and continue shaving its sh.e.l.l until the core is exposed.

The strategy which had been planned on the previous day should be something like this, but––

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

As Lux reacted to that mutter, Krulcifer turned her face to Lisha.

“Can you leave the diversion and attack to me? It will be faster that way.”

“W-Wait a minute! Do you intend to do it alone!?”

Lisha hurriedly tried to stop Krulcifer’s proposal, but she was not shaken at all.

“It is possible with my . If there is not any problem, then let me go.”

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a reb.u.t.tal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

Immediately after, not only Lux who tried to call out to her, but the members of the “Knight Squadron” also gasped.

accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

A speed to the extent that even Lux who possessed a superhuman kinetic vision and reading lost sight of her figure.

With its extraordinary mobility, closed in upon the Golem in an instant.

Ooooooooh…

The Golem which reacted to ’s approach issued a strange noise from its head and let its strong arm howl

It pulled (wielded) its fist like a thick huge rock and let out a blow describing an arc.

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind as it came too close.

A female student reflexively shouted at the blow released from a blind spot.

––But,

“Eh…?”

The moment when it looked as if the fist hit, evaded it without even looking behind.

A minimum movement without too much waste considering it immediately moved after sensing the presence.

It set up a sniper rifle and fired light bullets while coolly receiving the sudden gust which arose.

Several shots impacted on the Golem’s opened underarm and bluish white lights burst.

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

The Abyss raised a groan and launched an attack with the other arm, but Krulcifer did not move.

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

Lux raised his voice this time, but Krulcifer still floating in mid-air did not move an inch.

But, a strange thing happened again.

Whether it used up all its strength or its posture was broken by the shooting earlier, the Golem’s fist stopped exactly just before hitting Krulcifer.

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

The precise shooting which could also be called divine feat which she showed in the mock battle again the temporary instructors before.

But, even if it had been hit by an attack of several shots, the Golem did not move an inch.

“I’ll go, too. As expected, it can’t be defeated with just a rifle. We have to cooperate––”

I don’t know why, but Krulcifer hurried ahead.

As Lux who intuitively felt so was going to back her up,

『You do not need to come.』

Through the dragon voice, Krulcifer’s voice could be heard for all of the members of the Squadron.

『It looks like I will soon defeat this enemy.』

“Eh––?”

The other members, at the same time they blankly opened their mouths, understood her reply.

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

At first glance, the movement of both arms of the Golem almost stopped.

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

The joints of both elbows and wrists were frozen and its movements were sealed.

“That is ’s special armament –– the . It basically has the same high efficiency of a sniper rifle, but that armament holds the ability to freeze the parts shot. It’s a troublesome weapon which, if you defend, would freeze you together with the part used to defend. In the case of a mock battle with her, you can’t help but avoid her attacks.”

“... Amazing.”

While listening to Lisha’s explanation, Lux leaked a voice of admiration.

She said to avoid, but it was probably a level where it might be said it was impossible to evade all the precise shootings of that .

“By the way, ’s Divine Raiment seems to be the ability of future foresight called . It was probably thanks to that, that she was able to one-sidedly attack while dodging the enemy’s attack earlier.”

“That was ’s Divine Raiment––”

A Divine Raiment of offense and defense which foresaw an opponent’s attack and aimed at their opening.

Moreover, Krulcifer had precisely frozen only the joints of the Golem.

With that –– the enemy could no longer fight back.

As its chest was finally also frozen, the Golem began to behave violently as it struggled, but because of its own weight and muscular strength, the self-destruction of its joints began.

『Krulcifer, leave the rest to us. I’ll finish it off with long-range shooting.』

When Lisha was going to call out to Krulcifer with the dragon voice,

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a m.u.f.fled roar.

At the same time, its huge head cracked opened like a cotyledon which buds.

“……!?”

The moment when Krulcifer raised her guard, a straight flash was released from the huge jewel which was there.

It would be meaningless if she didn’t consciously activate the precognition ability which is her Divine Raiment.

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

Before Lisha had finished shouting, a line of light flew to and an explosion occurred.

Boom!

With a roaring sound, the storm and impact reached up to Lux and the others who were away.

“Krulcifer-san!”

Lux could not help but raise his voice, and headed to her rescue with his .

But,

“I remember having said that you do not need to come. Lux-kun.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer’s cool voice tickly struck Lux’s ears

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from ’s pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

The moment when the white smoke which was obscuring the field of vision cleared up, it was reflected on Lux’s eyes.

She was unhurt.

On the front of , seven octagonal s.h.i.+elds tinged with a bluish-while light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of ,

Such explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

“A defense type armament which automatically protects the main body in response to an enemy’s attack. It is said to be several times harder than an ordinary barrier.”

An armament which symbolized solid scales symbolizing the gigantic dragon Fafnir.

Lux couldn’t help but feel admiration before her ability to easily use up the two special armaments.

Precise shooting impossible to defend, high-speed mobility and moreover an impregnable defensive barrier.

Krulcifer who boasted of a flawless strength overwhelmed the Abyss all alone.

“But, to be able to manage the Divine Raiment and the special armaments to such extent, is related to Krulcifer’s apt.i.tude value.”

“Apt.i.tude value, huh?”

“Yes. Her Machine Dragon apt.i.tude value is exceptionally high even among the female students of this academy. Normally, it’s an unbelievable numerical value. In such a meaning, you’re quite unnatural, too.”

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

The Golem whose chest was torn by ’s rapid-fire and core crushed collapsed.

The frozen joints broke to pieces with a roaring sound and dust soared highly.

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

As they were released from the tension, the female students of the “Knight Squadron” raised cheers.

“…………”

But, Krulcifer, in contrast to her comrades in high spirits, was staring at the outer wall of the “Garden” with an expression as if brooding over something.

『Eeih, be quiet! We’re still in the middle of the plan.』

Lisha shouted at the unit by dragon voice as to chide them.

“Well then –– we’ll get down to the ruins like this.”

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

『W-Wait, Krulcifer!? It should have been planned that it will be the members of the Triad, Lux and I to investigate the ruins!』

The investigation of ruins was also accompanied with the danger of the appearance of a new Abyss.

Therefore, a few elites would penetrate the ruins and a powerful person would also be left outside and prepared just in case something unexpected happened.

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should partic.i.p.ate in the investigation, but––

“I can still fight. So, you don’t mind, right?”

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer’s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

As it is, they started moving to get down to the “Garden”.

Something doesn’t feel right.

When Lux thought so,

“Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That’s a splendid skill –– but”

In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type suddenly laughed.

When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

『Everyone! Be careful –– something is coming!』

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

『Signs of an enemy confirmed by radar. It’s a new type of Abyss.』

The moment when Nokuto with her added that, it could be seen.

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a leaked a small scream

“Don’t tell me…!”

In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

A big frame which easily surpa.s.sed a standing big bear’s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins’ investigation book.

A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to able to destroy a small town.

It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss’s eyes shone.

When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a down below.

“––!?”

Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

So as to mow the girl’s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

I won’t make it in time!

When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a s.h.i.+eld, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux’s way, hurriedly jumped back.

A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

A light beam emitted from the canon of the was fired at the Diabolos’s flank.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux’s with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

“What…!?”

Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade –– but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos’s right hand.

“Kuh––!?”

Her weapon caught, Sharis’s judgment suddenly became dull.

The demon’s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

“Guooooooah!”

Krulcifer’s . Using that opportunity when the demon’s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss’s range.

When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron’s members.

A face-off after taking distance.

In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

“––Well then, it’s my turn soon, I guess.”

The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

“That’s––”

All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

Divine Drag-Ride

Barzeride’s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

It was the battle figure of the man called “t.i.tle Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

At that moment, Barzeride’s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

.

The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos –– but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but

But, Barzeride whose sh.e.l.ling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

“How’s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first––. If you can defeat it before me, I’ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel’s promise.”

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

“This isn’t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I’ll first beat you up here.”

However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha’s anger and continued.

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

––This man fired at a distance which also involved