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Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 7

2014-04-07T04:30:08Z

72.26.68.71: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 7 『Give Me 《{{Furigana|Soul|Power}}》』==

===Part 1===

“Sorry…………….I, became a hindrance………..”

Tachibana was lying on the floor painfully and said that apologetically.

It seems the mental damage she received when she got shot by the <<Soul>> is quite something.

On top of being shot at her stomach, she was attacked with a strong fatigue and barely maintaining her consciousness is all she can do.

“I am sorry. It’s because I got close recklessly………….”

“You don’t have to mind it-------I guess it’s probably useless if I say that. That’s why, instead of an apology………..I will say I would be happy that you give me a report of the victory……….”

“…………That’s what she said, Yurie”

“Ya,Ya-----! I will win, definitely………….!!”

Tachibana smiled when Yurie strengthen her determination again, and made a strong vow.

“Fufu, there is no reason to get that worked up………………rather, I think Yurie was somehow worked up from the beginning of today……….if not, you would not chase her that far during that time……….Did something happen, Yurie?”

“……….Nai. Nothing”

It was for an instant but, Yurie sent her sights over to me.

(------? Just now………….)

Behind me, Miyabi, Tora and of course Tachibana who is in front of me were looking downwards so they did not notice the movements of her sights.
“………………I guess she got too worked up because the opponent is a strong one right?”

“Fufu, I see. If that is the case then, Yurie has one unexpected side to her huh………….”

After I made a random follow up after seeing Yurie’s state, it seems Tachibana was satisfied with that.

“But Yurie. I feel that your weapon is speed……………and the coolness to see through in an instant. I hope you will not forget that and go to battle……….”

“Ya---. Thank you for the advice, Tomoe”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pekori* around the time Yurie lowered her head, a gunshot could be heard from quite far.

Either someone running away from the spot or was hiding got defeated.

“I wonder how many people are left…………”

Miyabi muttered that in anxiousness.

“I don’t know. But, it won’t be weird for Lealith to be coming to this west side”

That is why, we have to make some kind of plan before then or else we have a slim chance at victory.

“Understanding the situation is first -------our battle strength is, me, Yurie, Miyabi and Tora, these 4 people”

Yurie could only swing her right hand due to the influence of a fracture.

Although Miyabi’s <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> has a trustworthy power but, it's reckless to charge directly at the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I can’t think of anything now but, I included the methods we can use before moving to the next confirmation.

“Like I thought, I think we should use the difference in numbers. The only ones able to keep up with her movements are me, Yurie and Tora, so I think it is appropriate for the 3 of us to surround her and fight”

“Fuun.

“Don’t say that. That is why; we have to think of a way to surround Lealith”

“………….I think the Sora plaza is a good spot”

I agree with Yurie’s comment.

It is because it would be the 2nd encounter battle if it is a narrow space, and we cannot use the advantage of many numbers of people.

“The problem is the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> counter-plan but, I don’t know if I could bring her to an effective range……..”

This is something we won’t know unless we try it out.

“Please be careful if you get close too. Her taijutsu is quite something.”

I nodded while recalling the fight from just now.

Although it was close quarter combat that I'm good with, I could only get one hit in.

Forget that, I was the one that was getting attacked.

If what I took was a bullet instead of a blocking then, everything would end at that point.

(Well, since she is thinking of leaving me as the main dish, she probably did not use the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as a method to slow me down………)

It is thinkable that the reason why she aimed for my shoulders instead of my head or chest is because of that.

(Hnn…..?)

Suddenly, something caught on.

“Fuun. <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and Taijutsu…………seriously, what a nasty woman. On top of that, it is annoying that she keeps showing her easiness”

“Ahh. That <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit…………..--------!”

The moment I replied Tora, I noticed what caught on to me.

It was the weird feeling that I had during the offense and defense exchange.

(Why does Lealith let that '''''habit appear during close-combat'''''…….!?)

Although one mistake would cause the rose on her chest to scatter and result in her lost.

Is it done unconsciously, or---------

'''''She has to do that movement?'''''

(-------!!)

I felt all the pieces fit into place.

Was the '''''movement Lealith kept showing to us until now''''' really a habit.

If my imagination is correct--------

I recalled back Lealith’s back during the time in <<Survive>> and the previous <<Kouryou battle>>.

(Lealith normally………….no, wait………..)

“Tooru-kun………?”

Miyabi called out to me when I suddenly got quiet.

“Sorry, I was thinking. More importantly everyone, listen to me………..this is just a possibility but------“

I turned my face to everyone and said the rest.

“We might be able to win”

Yurie and Tora went out of the shop to get into position.

“Miyabi, I leave the rest to you”

“U-un…………..Tooru-kun and the rest please work hard too”

I then talked to Tachibana who was lying down behind Miyabi who nodded.

“Alright then, you have to endure a little more so work hard”

“Aah, I understand…………..I will only rest after I get report of the victory……..”

Although it was weak, she made a promising answer.

“I am heading off now”

After I reached the Sora plaza, I went and took position in the center.

Small paths connect to the main path and what’s more, since this part of the first floor the atrium, this spot could be seen clearly from the 2nd floor.

In a different way, this spot is also a place where surprise attacks hardly work and I am wary of sniping.

I will stop Lealith here and Yurie and Tora who are hiding around her will come out and complete the surrounding.

(After we bring it to that situation, it will finally be the start line…………..)

After that, it will be a tightrope walking with the rope worn and patched up.

Will we really cross this rope.

No matter which it is, all we have to do now is wait for Lealith to appear-----

“Tooru…………..”

“Yurie. You have to be hiding”

The silver girl showed herself from her hiding spot.

Coming from 3 sides is important so, we will not be able to surround her if we are together like this.

“I am sorry. I really wanted to tell you something……….so please, just for a while………..”

I could not say leave the talk to when the <<Survive>> end when Yurie looked so apologetically.

“………….Is your body okay?”

“Ya---.it’s a little heavy though”

“I see………..sorry, to force you like this”

“Nai. More importantly, I just don’t want to get spotted”

After saying that, Yurie touched her own chest.

The current Yurie certainly has slower movement than usual.

Whether or not that reason could or could not be noticed will be one of the turning points for the battle.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“It’s about the words Tomoe said just now------about me getting worked up”

Although Tachibana agreed with the follow up I made, I think there is something.

Our time together is not so shallow until I did not feel anything from the sights Yurie shown to me in an instant.

“It is just as what Tomoe said. I got worked up. I got worked up at that person……….”

“…………is it perhaps the <<Duo>> matter?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

“Tooru refused that invitation and that person got angry too. But, if Tooru and that person have a relationship of accepting each other in this <<Survive>> then…….”

“Did you think I would bring up being a <<Duo>> with Lealith?”

“…………..Ya---“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

(I see. That’s why-----)

The fact that the number of time we sleep together increased ever since I told her about the <<Duo>> invitation.

The fact she said to win which was different from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>.

The fact that, she said she would wait for me even though I told her it's okay to go on ahead.

The fact that she headed towards Lealith, even though I told her not to overdo it to stop her.

The reason why Yurie kept doing those actions and saying words unlike herself was a way to show her feelings of wanting to be by my side.

At the same time when I understood the consistency, I thought the silver girl was very cute.

That is why I------

“Ah…………”

I pat Yurie’s head gently.

“I told Yurie that I am happy to be with you. Those words are not lies. It definitely is true, and will stay that way”

“Tooru…………”

“Are you relieved already?”

“Ya,Ya----“

I once again patted her head after Yurie nodded.

“Okay. Now that you are relieved, you should get spirited again. However, don't overdo it or you will end up worked up you know? That’s because we have to report '''We won''', to Tachibana who is working hard”

“Ya,Ya---……!!”

It was at that moment Yurie made a strong nod.

“…………..did you forget that we are in the middle of <<Survive>> now?”

“”-------------!!””

An utterly amazed voice came down suddenly.

When I looked up-----at the direction of the voice, a beautiful girl with a red rose attached on her chest and has Yellow topaz and {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}}, was sitting on the glass fence while folding her legs and was looking down at us.

She was not holding her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and was not showing any intentions of wanting to fight immediately.

“That’s a surprise, when have you been there………?”

“I am quite good in erasing my presence. That’s because it's important for the hunt”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fu**Fu* she laughed while narrowing her eyes.

“And of course, that goes for detecting presence too”

“………..Did you eliminate everyone else”

“That’s right. That is why I came to take the main dish. By the way-----“

Right in the middle of her words, Lealith jumped up to and took one spin before landing on the plaza without making almost any sound.

“Let’s stop the slow parts okay. I came taking on the invitation so, I think you should come out too you know?”

“Fuun. You really are taking this easy”

Tora showed himself from the store he hid in, at Lealith’s words.

“Well, it’s predictable that he would be nearby”

“Isn’t that obvious. Attacking from many directions is effective if you fight an opponent with a <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>”

“Haha, you are going to accompany us even though you know all that, what an energetic service”

“That’s because it’s more interesting that way. By the way-----“

After giggling, Lealith looked at our faces.

“What about the other two?..............even though I said that, one of them should have gotten hit by a bullet and the other one looks slow so, I guess you decided that they won’t become battle strength and left them”

Inside the 2nd battle, it seems she was calmly observing the movements and reactions of the surroundings.

“You really looked carefully huh. But, Tachibana and Miyabi are-----“

“They are fighting with us”

Yurie interrupted me by saying that and placed her hand on her chest.

“Like your hearts are together? I don’t hate those types of sentimental feelings”

It was slight but, the smile disappeared from the gold girl.

“Strong feelings becomes <<Power>>………….that is what I believe”

Although it was soft, those words were filled with a strong will.

It could be felt that she was burdened with something judging by the atmosphere which was different from usual.

“Well then, let’s begin already. The {{Furigana|last battle|dance}} of this <<{{Furigana|Survive|Party}}>>!”

“Just like I promise, I will go all-out………..!!”

“I will make you know how useless you are even if you go all-out!!”

The gold girl placed her hands on the <<Astar>> on her chest and shouted.

“<<Blaze>>!!”

At the same time the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> manifested in Lealith’s hand, Tora and Yurie ran to left and right with me in the center.

Lealith was the one who took the initiative.

The same time the gun shot and I deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>, our offense and defense state reversed because Tora and Yurie jumped in.

After dodging the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> Yurie’s <<Saber>> was next.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>JaKiin*!! However the blade was stopped by the gun’s frame.

“It was a somewhat rough sword skill but, it was a heavy and good attack. But-------'''''your movements are duller than just now'''''. Since you are only using one hand and sword, it would mean that there is quite some damage left I guess”

Seeing through Yurie’s movement turning dull in an instant, Lealith guessed the level of injury she has.

In a blink of an eye, she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before, pointing the gun towards Yurie this time.

However, the silver girl that has regained her inherent coolness guessed the line of fire from the gun and dodged the bullet.

“It’ll be a problem if you forget about me!!”

At that moment, Tora once again took a side sweep with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> and cut the air.

“Of course, I did not forget”

Same time with her words, she rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at Tora this time.

“Guh……….!!”

Tora evaded his body from the shooting line immediately but, he distorted his expression.

That’s because Lealith kicked his side stomach like an elastic whip.

She used the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as an intimidation and countered, this made Tora’s body float for an instant.

I switched with the staggering Tora and attacked.

“How about this!!”

I repeatedly showed a left jab and a right back knuckle but, it all hit the air with her bending her body.

---but, right after that, Lealith flipped up her leg while making a swaying posture.

The somersault kick scratched by cheeks and I stopped.

At that point, she landed and pointed the gun at me.

“Kuh……!!”

I immediately flipped the gun frame and diverted the gun; the bullet scratched my cheeks.

Yurie then closed the gaps and made a pincer attack with me.

It was a hectic switch from between offense and defense.

But, Lealith’s rose was not showing any signs of scattering at our fierce attacks.

Although it was good that we took Lealith’s position, the biggest problem was the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> existence.

She flashed the rifle that could make us unable to continue if we get a clean hit, and used it as an intimidation to make our step-in duller.

“What are you doing, Tooru, Yurie!!”

An irritated Tora jumped in between the attack but, his movements were clearly slower than usual.

It seems he was in pain from the kick but, Tora did not say it hurts and unleashed an attack.

“Seriously, you all are so restless”

Lealith said it in a tired voice and was still showing a leisure smile even though she is in this overly disadvantage situation of 3 vs 1.

But even so, the momentum for victory was slowly leaning towards us.

While we were attacking from all directions, Lealith has to be constantly conscious of all 3 of our movements and could only maintain a defensive stance, thus slowly cutting her breath away.

“Eat this!!”

Even though Tora crouched and made a spin kick, it hit nothing because Lealith dodged it easily with a back step.

---But. The moment she landed, *Kurun* she folded her knees.

The fatigue finally reached her legs.

“This is the end………..!”

It was a once in a lifetime chance and Yurie sliced down to finish her but--------

Lealith smiled in an instant.

“It’s a fake”

“------!?”

She went for the finish but since it was a large swing attack, it got dodged again with a back step.

“Too bad, Yurie Sigtuna”

A big gap will appear if a big swing is performed, and she shot at that part.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Giin*!! But, I got between the girls and deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>.

“That too bad goes for you too, Lealith. The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> won’t work in this distance!!”

“…………not bad, Kokonoe Tooru. But------“

Lealith swiftly rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Don’t think the same trick will work forever!”

In an instant, I focus on the gun’s direction and placed my <<Shield>> at the shooting line.

“------What!?”

The moment it shot-----I saw it.

That the gun slightly lowered and the shooting line changed.

I was able to see through the gun’s direction because of the distance until now.

But for this time, due to it being close, my body could not react in time in the sudden change of the line of fire.

“Guaa……………!!”

I shouted at the pain at my right thigh that felt like a nail pierced through.

“The tables have turned huh”

I feel to my knees and Lealith said it happily.

[Tooru!!][Tooru!!]

“Don’t come!!”

I stopped both of them with my hand.

“If the 3 of us gather at one spot, then we won’t be able to win even though we can win”

“Tooru…………”

“Oh my, are you still planning to win in this situation?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* '''''she rotated the Rifle''''' and the gold girl smiled.

(It’s just as I thought………….)

Not limited to this fight, and even during the <<Kouryou battle>>, Lealith will '''''definitely show that habit''''' once the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> shoots.

I then found out there is something that could be guessed from that.

That, '''''Lealith is unable to continuously fire the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.'''''

The <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> user Kibitsu said, that she has to manifest the arrow my imaging herself taking it out from the arrow tube.

So I thought, Lealith has to reload too by using the rotation movement of the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

And more importantly, it would be very clear that she would enjoy the fight more if she is able to fire continuously, and there is no way she would not fire continuously without a reason.

“Tooru, are you okay?”

I did not avert my eyes from Lealith and listened to Yurie.

“………moving like normal looks impossible huh”

Although the pain is gone already since this was a <<Blaze>> attack, the part that got shot felt heavy.

(It would have been great if the three of us cornered her then………..)

“You all look beaten up but, are you all still going to work hard?”

I lost my legs; Yurie lost her shoulders and Tora’s ribs are probably hurting.

Even if we continue fighting, forget cornering her, we would probably be just waiting to lose.

(……………Which means, there is only one thing left to do)

I made my determination and looked straight at the {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} and answered.

“That’s true…………Let’s end this already”

“Yes. It is a little regretful but--------everything must have an ending”

The gold girl prepared the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>------

And I prepared myself too.

I pulled back my fist like I am going to shoot a bow and charged up.

Yurie and Tora jumped to the left and right respectively at that signal.

“Just now, you asked that was I still planning to win right? Aah, that’s what I am planning to do. We will------Win!!”

Together with a roar, I released my strength.

'''''Towards my own feet.'''''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pikiiiiiiii!!* The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} released with the <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>’s strength made a crater.

“Wha……….!?”

Small and large fragments flew around and Lealith jumped back in reflex.

The moment I confirmed that, I looked upwards and shouted.

“Now, Miyabi------!!”

“Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh-----!!”

A loud shout echoed in the building.

Coming from the stairs heading towards the roof on top of the Sora plaza, Miyabi was holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and was charging-----no, was jumping down.

“------!! You’ve thought of that!!”

The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} was to limit the directions Lealith can run away to.

Next off would be Miyabi who was standing-by performing a lance charge downwards for an ambush but, the plan I prepared did not end here.

Rather, I was convinced Lealith would not let this end and continued the plan.

Lealith responded to my expectations by dodging the lance charge and------

Almost at the same time, Yurie and Tora charged at her.

“This timing………..! I can’t evade!?”

Lealith guessed our intentions in an instant and the leisure smile disappeared from her expression.

Even if she defeats one of them, the remaining person will definitely bring her down by attacking the opening due to the reload.

This is what we aimed for……..!!

“I won’t……….be defeated!!”

The gun was pointed at Tora.

Even though Tora dodged the bullet immediately, it scratched his head and broke his balance before falling down.

Yurie then slipped into the gaps.

She aimed for this instant that Lealith has not finished reloading yet.

“It will finish with this………!”

In that moment-----Lealith smiled.

“…………'''''You are the one that will be finished''''', Yurie Sigtuna”

“-----!?”

The moment Yurie swung down her <<Saber>>, Lealith thrust the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> which was not reloaded yet towards Yurie’s chest-----

Almost the same time the blade was about to dig into her upper arm, she pulled the trigger.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zutaan*………..!! A dry sound echoed throughout and Yurie’s small body got blown away before----

She fell to the floor.

“How regretful, it’s a fake. Did you think I need to reload?”

Lealith send a sidelong glance towards me while making a smile.

It was a trap from the start.

She skillfully prepared a sweet lie by making us think that she reloads by rotating the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> starting from the <<Kouryou battle>>, and made us aim for that chance.

But-----

'''''“I predicted that possibility too”'''''

“Eh……….!?”

Lealith showed an outwitted expression when she saw me lifting the side of my mouth.

'''''“I am saying that I saw through the lie and disclosed the truth!!”'''''

Immediately-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* the bell rang.

Lealith turned around and------her {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was filled with surprise.

She saw the silver girl flying in the sky with one black wing.

“Wha….!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The brandish got through faster than Lealith pulling the trigger.

“With this……….it’s checkmate”

The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> left the gold girl’s hand-----and dropped to the floor.

“N-no way……….I'm sure I shot through your chest-----…………!! That’s!!”

Lealith noticed.

She noticed the existence of the <<Chain>> making a dull glow inside the hole she made on Yurie’s uniform.

“No way, you wrapped that around your body…………so that’s why your movements got duller”

Lealith said that while touching her cut right arm with her left hand.

“So there are 2 ambushers huh………..I lose as expected”

Lealith moved her sights towards <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> that fell to the ground, and made a sigh of admiration.

Yes, it was just as what Yurie said just before the fight, we were fighting together with not only Miyabi but also with Tachibana too.

“Tachibana’s hard work profited”

The <<Blaze>> disappears if she faints-------and that’s the reason why I told her to work hard.

“……………Fuun. Don’t forget I went along with your plan”

Maybe it was from the impact from getting grazed from the bullet; Tora was placing his hand on his head while saying that.

In order to make Lealith shoot continuously and to make her get deluded that I was deceived, so we had him take up a role to do it.

Similarly, although it was great that the ground got destroyed by my {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} but, the skin on my fist tore because it was not able to withstand the impact and was stained with the blood that spurted out.

“………………I really thought you got deceived”

“It’s true that i was deceived at first………….but I recalled back. That last time, I saw Lealith shooting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in A la mode”

That time, Lealith pulled the trigger without any gaps in between.

Then why did she started that action at the <<Kouryou battle>>.

It’s obvious. She started it to fight me in this <<Survive>>.

There was a reason why she did not fire continuously.

The reason why she did this was to flip the table, right before the moment I'm convinced of my victory.

“Lealith. Continuing this anymore now that you can’t hold the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> is unreasonable”

It seems Lealith was having a hard time lifting her arm because it got slashed by Yurie, so if we keep fighting like this, there was no chance for her to win.

“………………………”

“Lealith. It’s over-----“

“I won’t say it twice”

“Eh……..?”

Those {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} shoot towards me-----and she made her move.

“………….Not yet”

There was a strong will of light coming from her eyes.

“I won’t give up!!”

“-------!!”

The gold girl kicked up the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

Her right arm cannot move because it got slashed.

But even so she still grabbed the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, even though it is going to be hard to move her left hand because of the damage in her upper arm.

“Kuh……..!”

I immediately pulled back my fist stained with my blood and took a stance.

(I can scatter the rose with the {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} impact wave if it is in this distance!!)

Lealith put strength into the finger pulling the trigger and the moment I was about to release the power stored in my fist------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bannn*!! A different dry sound from Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> echoed and at the same time, I received an impact on my shoulders before dropping to my knees.

“Ga,aah…….!?”

It was slightly late but, a scorching heat and pain attacked.

“Uu, Guh, aah……….Wha-what……..?”

After I turned behind while withstanding the pain, there were 3 guys standing there with {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} on.

The guy in the middle was holding a pistol and there were gunpowder smokes coming off the nozzle.

(This guy……….shot me……!?)

“That was too close for comfort huh. Lealith Bristol”

The guy called Lealith’s name in a cheeky voice.

“Lealith…………..who are these people……..?”

Even though I asked while pressing my shoulder which was twitching in pain, she swung her head.

“I don’t know. Who are you all. What do you all want!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii* Lealith glared at them while demanding the group of men to reveal their identity.

“The <<Equipment Smith>>-dono’s subordinate------you should understand if I answer that right? We came to pick you up ordered by sir”

It seems Lealith got an idea from the man’s reply and got taken back for a moment.

But she immediately revert back her expression and pointed the gun at the group of men.

“………..I refuse. I don’t have the duty to follow someone who rudely stepped into my dance party with those dirty feet. And if you wanted to escort in the first place then, start with sending an invitation first”

“Ya-re Ya-re…………that’s the answer after bringing my legs this deep inside here”

“I don’t remember asking you all to pick me up”

“……………hey you guys. What did sir ask us to do for this type of situation?”

“If she resists then, we give her a beating as long as she doesn't dies before bringing her up, was what he said. Kehihii”

The guy behind made a nasty laugh.

“-----Looks like it”

Faster than his words, the guy pulled the trigger.

But------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Jigiinn*………!! The leader guy raised his eyebrows, '''''when the bullet got deflected by the <<Shield>>'''''.

The guy asked in a pissed manner when I stood in between Lealith and him.

“………..What are you doing, brat”

“I don’t know what’s going on but, Lealith is our classmate. More importantly, I will be troubled if you bring her away before our battle is settled”

“Kokonoe Tooru………”

“You’ve said it, Tooru. I will not forgive a victory from a time up because that woman got dragged away”

“It is just as Tooru says. That’s why------we will protect this person”

Yurie and Tora stood beside me.

“You brats. I will have you know the price for acting like a hero”

Gunshot’s echoed one after another.

“Whaaat………!?”

Even with all that, I blocked it with the <<Shield>> and the guy was surprised.

“Unfortunately, I got trained quite a bit from Lealith today”

“…………..even if you all are brats, you all are still <<Exceed>> huh. But………..how about this!!”

The guy prepared an assault rifle this time instead of a pistol.

“------This is bad!! Yurie, Tora, get away!!”

It’s okay if it’s a single shot but, it is impossible to block random shooting like I thought.

“Kyaaa!?”

I immediately carried Lealith and jumped to the side and Yurie and Tora jumped away.

[Tora, I leave the left to you……….!][Fuun, I know!!]

Almost at the same time they regained their posture, Yurie and Tora jumped towards the guy.

But the 2 guys standing-by behind the leader stood in front of Yurie and Tora and------

Blocked Yurie’s <<Saber>> and Tora’s<<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> with a knife.

“Not even a budge……!?”

It was not surprising for Tora to be surprised. Different from our looks, our physical strength enhanced by the <<Luciful>> cannot even be compared with normal humans.

“Kuku………did you think you all are the only existence transcending humans?”

“What did you say……..!?”

The moment he felt shaken at that devastating statement, Tora was kicked away and Yurie got grabbed on the arms before being swung around and got slammed to the ground.

However, the shocking part of the guys in {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} has only began.

“Fast…….!?”

Yurie’s expression changed.

That’s because, '''''Tsukimi was the only person faster than her''''' until now.

Those guys have the speed that could not be caught up by Yurie, even If her body was in her top-shape.

Having their speed and powers exceeded, the guys freely attacking with their assault rifle and knife quickly cornered the both of them into a predicament.

“Yurie!! Tora-----!!”

“Oooto, I am your opponent”

The moment I directed my senses towards the both of them, the leader stood in front of me.

Although I was going to immediately use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}, the shoulder that got shot started to hurt and I couldn't put any strength into it.

“Ku, ah………!!”

I drove my fist in like that but, it got blocked with one hand easily.

“Is the <<Exceed>> only this level?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Mishiri*…………..he put in strength into his fist to crush mine and I raised a shout from my throat.

The guy showed his teeth and laughed.

“I’ll teach you this, brat. This is how you punch someone……….!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Doboo*!!My stomach got crushed from the impact he punched up to my stomach, and I throw up the air in my lungs.

“Ka…….ha,a………!!”

Another existence transcending humans other than <<Exceed>>.

After I got to my knees from that tremendous power, my chin was kicked upwards.

“Guah…….!!”

I got blown away and fell to the ground pathetically.

“To-Tooru-kun…….!!”

“Do-don’t come here, Miyabi………! Run away………!!”

Even though I shouted to Miyabi who was running towards me, the leader’s moves were faster.

He grabbed her arm, and Miyabi got caught.

“Kyaaaa!? L-let go!!”

“Kuku…………..This is a <<Exceed>> even though it’s like this. Looks like she’s quite strong but, she is no different than a little girl to us”

The leader twist Miyabi’s wrist to restrain her before pushing the pistol to her head.

“Hii…..!?”

“It’s noisy so stop shouting………….alright, the other brats stop resisting!!”

The battle concluded at this point.

Yurie and Tora who was still putting up a fight, saw Miyabi getting captured before throwing their <<Blaze>> away.

“Wasting my time, squirming around like that!!”

Tora got sent flying by the guy he was confronting.

The other guy again, raised his fist at Yurie.

“St……..Sto-p……………!”

“Wait!!”

The one that stopped that fist, was none other than Lealith.

“…………….I will go with you all quietly. That’s why; I will have you stop laying your fingers on my classmates any more than this”

“What if I say no?”

“Your goal is to '''''bring me back without killing me''''' right?”

After saying that, Lealith took the fragment of the ground------and thrust the sharp part to her own throat.

“Release your dirty hands from that girl”

“Okay okay. I’ll do that if you come with us quietly. But-----“

The leader pushed Miyabi aside to release her.

However, the guy remained pointing the gun at Miyabi while walking closer to Lealith----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paan* a dry sound was produced when he slapped the gold girl’s cheeks.

“You have to calm that mouth of yours too, Bristol’s ojou-san”

“I’ll leave it at that”

Lealith made an angry glare at the guy that was *Niya**Niya* smiling happily.

“Okay then, we will have you go up like this”

He pushed to the gun to Lealith’s back and the group of men was about to leave the Sora plaza.

“Le-Lealith….!!”

When I called her name, Lealith stopped and turned over to me.

“…………………sorry I did not finish the match, Kokonoe Tooru”

After saying only that, Lealith left the place with the group of men.

“Damn………..!! Those bastards….!!”

I could not do anything.

I got irritated at my own incompetence and slammed my fist to the floor.

“So-sorry…………i-if I did not get caught……U-uguu………..”

Large teardrops were flowing off Miyabi’s eyes.

While Miyabi was breaking down crying, Yurie patted her on the head.

My chest hurts badly at that scene.

“Tooru. I think this is not possible but, you are not going to say this will end right?”

“……………aah, of course”

After nodding to Tora, I encouraged my creaking body and stood up.

“Miyabi stop crying”

“B-but, but………I…..Uuu……..”

“It’s okay. No one will blame you. Also, I will save Lealith so, stop crying it’ going to be okay“

“Tooru…….kun……….”

Miyabi looked up at me with wet eyes and nodded back.

“I will go too. I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>, I will be together when you fight”

“Fuun. Don’t forget me too. I won’t be able to settle down if I don't give them a payback”

“I see………Thanks you two”

In spite of being inferior in the last battle, the fact that the both of them did not have their heart broken made them trustworthy.

“But, what are we going to do? It is annoying but, those guys are stronger than us. There is no chance of us wining if we fight straight on”

It was just as Tora says.

We have to make a clever plan for victory, using a surprise attack.

(Think…………! Is there any plan that can make us of each of our distinctive characteristics……..!?)

I looked towards my fist stained in blood and thought------

“------!!”

Immediately, the giant hole made by this fist entered my sights.

“Tooru. Did you think of something?”

“……..aah, tentatively. It might work if '''''I add a little arrangement to it'''''. And-----“

I kneel down with one knee in front of Miyabi before saying.

“Miyabi wait right here”

“Eh…………..? Bu-but……….I also…….”

I swung my head at Miyabi who looked troubled.

It was because I noticed Miyabi’s body was trembling in small intervals.

Even though Miyabi was released, she was seized by fear.

That is why, I swung my head.

“I promised this before right. I will come back for you. The situation is kind off different from that talk but, I will definitely protect that promise. I will save Lealith and come back to pick you up so, please wait here”

After I said that I *Pon**pon* lightly hit her head.

“And greet us with a smile when we get back, Miyabi”

“Tooru-kun………..”

This was the second floor of the Nagisa plaza located at the furthest east of the A la mode northern block.

Immediately after I reached here, Lealith and the group of men came up the escalator.

“Kokonoe Tooru…..!!”

After Lealith and the group of men recognized me, they showed their surprise.

“………….brat. How did you get here first”

“There are many back lanes. I came here first when you all were taking your time walking here”

I used the small paths instead of the main path the group of men used and overtook them.

“Also, you guys said that the Sora was “Deep” in and have her go “up”. Which means you came from the roof. And in order to head back to the roof, you have to pass through this Nagisa plaza”

“I see. Then one more question, did you come here '''''alone'''''”

Yes, I am alone. Yurie and Tora were not in front of the escalator connecting to the roof.

“Of course. I came here to save Lealith. It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Hearing my answer, the group of men made vulgar laughs and Lealith shouted angrily.

“Don’t say stupid things already and retreat, Kokonoe Tooru! Did you think you can win against these people alone!?”

“I’ll win………! I------We will win!!”

“…………don’t make me say it twice you idiot!!”

“You don’t make me say this twice too!! We will reach you with our hands and protect you!!”

After saying that, I clenched my fist-----and pulled it like pulling a bow.

“Bratt………….are you perhaps going to take on an opponent with an {{Furigana|Assault rifle|}} barehanded?”

“Aah, that’s right. However, you guys aren’t the target my fist are targeting though”

“Don’t say stuff that does not make sense you brat! I’ll mince every other part-----other than the part hidden by that small <<Shield>>!!”

They pulled the triggers of the assault rifles pointed at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gagagagaga*!! The gunshots were enough to tear my ears apart. I hold out the <<Shield>> towards the countless bullets attacking.

But of course, I could not deflect all of it and just like the man’s declaration, my flesh was getting scrapped off and several bullets pierced through my body, arm and legs.

“Uguh……..Guaah…!!”

I groaned at the pain attacking my body and was about to lose my strength.

(Endure it! I promised to save Lealith and go back!!)

I lowered my sights straight down in front of the endless muzzle flashes.

“Go through------!!”

I used everything my body can mutter and slam the floor with {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} like just now.

The only difference is that this is '''''the second floor'''''.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bishiii*!! The cracks that took an instant to spread out, reached the feet of the group of men.

The men shooting blindly were slightly late in noticing because of the muzzle flash released from their weapon-----

And in the next moment, the 2nd floor foothold started to collapse.

“Lealith!! Come!!”

I extended out my hand to her right in the middle of the collapsing foothold.

“Kokonoe Tooru!!”

While dodging the stray bullets which has lost its target, the gold girl jumped into my arms.

“I leave the rest to you two, Yurie, Tora-------!!”

[Ya---!!][Leave it to me!!]

I heard the replies of both of my trustworthy comrades standing by at the 1st floor----

The 2 <<Exceed>> turned into 2 blades and charged towards the wreckage falling down with high-speed.

They ran through the wreckage like threads weaving its path and they slashed the men each respectively-----

“Yo-you brats-------!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuzaa*!! Both of their sword lines crossed in an X at the leader for last.

A loud sound echoed throughout the building immediately.

Dust rose up and the group of men got buried in the wreckage.

But----it still wasn’t the end.

“You damn brattttttttttttttts!!”

Even though his armor was sliced apart, he got slammed to the ground, and got crushed by the wreckage, the leader stood up.

“I will kill youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!”

After pointing his bloodshot eyes from inside the broken helmet to me, the man took out his knife and charged at me.

My fist was broken so I have no weapon that can beat the guy in one hit now.

However----this goes '''''only for me.'''''

“Lealith!!”

I shouted to the gold girl in my arms.

“Lend me your <<Soul>>!!”

Everything was told with just those words.

The <<Flame>> danced and the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> appeared in Lealith’s left hand.

“I will do the aiming!! So------you pull the trigger!!”

I nodded and placed my hand on Lealith’s thin and flexible finger------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 10.jpg|thumb]]

“This is………..the endddd--------!!”

A gun shot echoed throughout.

“…………Tooru was too reckless”

When I was right in the middle of performing emergency treatment to my crushed fist, Yurie made a seemingly angry expression.

“Iya, I could only think of that during that time and……….”

“………….to crush your fist just because of that reason, are you an idiot”

Tora silently nodded at the astonished voice flying over from Lealith who was leaning against the wall.

“But well………..”

“Hn?”

“…………..Thank you for coming to save me”

Although the last part was soft, those words perfectly reached my ears.

“You’re welcome…………..by the way, is it really okay if we don’t head up to check?”

“It’s okay. There is no way both Mikuni and Tsukimi would fall behind opponents that we can beat. And if they are currently fighting then, we would only be a hindrance if we go”

“Well that’s true”

I could only agree to her sentence, especially the last part; I then made a sigh.

But, there was something else I am curious about those men.

“…………….hey Lealith. You know about their boss, the-------equipment whatever you call it right? If it is alright with you, can you tell me?”

“…………..Sorry. I can’t tell you even if I am the <<Exception>>”

(Well she said that even if she is the <<Exception>>, so it might be related to the so-called dark side of the academy like that time with Tsukimi………..)

I gave up asking for more when I saw Lealith saying that with a sharp expression.

Soon, around the time my emergency treatment was done, I raised a lively voice to change the atmosphere.

“………well then, let’s go pick Miyabi and Tachibana up then!”

“Ye----. Let’s do that. We made them wait for quite a long time”

“Haha, it took us quite a while”

But suddenly-------the gold girl suddenly stood in front of us, when we were about the head back inside.

“Wait, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Lealith………..?”

The gold girl pointed at the rose at her chest and said.

'''''“It is still not over”'''''

“………I, on top of my fist being crushed, I took some bullet hits you know”

“You’re noisy. That is why I waited for your emergency treatment to end. You still can move a little right”

“O-oi oi………..Are you serious……..?”

“Of course. In the first place, weren’t you the one that said-------It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Lealith flicked her yellow topaz hair, before continuing.

“I also can’t use my dominant hand so, accompany me to the end. Weren’t we going to accept each other”

“Accompany with her, Tooru”

After saying that, Tora pulled a button off his school uniform.

“………..I get it”

I took my position while making a sigh. I can’t put in any strength but, it is probably possible to at least scatter the rose.

Not long later, the button Tora flicked right up reached the summit and started to fall-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii---n*. Using the sound of it dropping to the ground as the signal, Lealith and I moved at the same time.

After a moment, the rose scattered-----

And this time, the curtain for the <<Survive>> closed.

---in addition, it's a different story that both of Miyabi and I became embarrassed when she came hugging me when we went to pick her up and Tachibana who looked like she could not walk was making a big rampage when I tried to carried her.

===Part 2===

“Fuhahaha. As expected from the <<Exceed>>. It looks like being un-adjusted is no match”

After looking at his subordinates lying on the floor while making groans in the surroundings, <<Equipment smith>> made a laugh.

Not only was their opponent Mikuni uninjured, there was no stains on him and that shows that the fight that took place just now turned into something one-sided until it could not be called a fight anymore.

“There is also no reply from the people that head down”

After the loud sound ended, there was one reply from the transmitter so <<K>> shrugged his shoulders.

“Fumu. I never would have thought they would lose to students. Iya iya…………it seems you have quite some excellent students there”

“Thanks to us having especially promising students this year, I am really looking forward for the future”

The faces of the people that took down the people that went down floated in Sakuya mind and she made a smile.

“Well then, what will you do next? If your side wants to leave then, we will not lay our hands on you all any further”

“Hou, that is thankful. Well then <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I will generously follow your words. <<K>>-Kun, order those who can move to retrieve the people that went down”

After she told him that they could leave, the <<Equipment Smith>> accepted it without any shame.

Soon, the retrieval of the subordinates that got taken down by Tooru and the group ended; <<K>> and the group finished their preparations for evacuation.

“Well then, we will be leaving now. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono------let’s meet again someday”

“Please, as you wish”
It was during that time Edward got onto the helicopter after turning his heels around and <<K>> was about to follow him-----

After seeing them, <<K>> stopped and directed both his shooting-like eyes to them.

There were 3 people that took his attention.

One of them was their target, the gold girl.

Another was a small girl with {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}}.

And the black-haired young man carrying a girl standing in between them.

<<K>> made a hunch. That this boy was the one that took down his subordinate.

For a short time, Tooru and <<K>>’s sights crossed.

“……….Looks like we will meet again soon”

That was a prediction. However, it was close to conviction.

The brief encounter reached to an end just like that.

While staring at the giant helicopter, Sakuya whispered out.

“………….<<Equipment smith>>-sama. We are the same and yet different. That is why our paths will never intersect”

Her mutter did not reach anyone’s ear and got blown away by the wind just like that.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav|e=7}}
</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 7

2014-04-07T04:18:21Z

72.26.68.71: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 7 『Give Me 《{{Furigana|Soul|Power}}》』==

===Part 1===

“Sorry…………….I, became a hindrance………..”

Tachibana was lying on the floor painfully and said that apologetically.

It seems the mental damage she received when she got shot by the <<Soul>> is quite something.

On top of being shot at her stomach, she was attacked with a strong fatigue and barely maintaining her consciousness is all she can do.

“I am sorry. It’s because I got close recklessly………….”

“You don’t have to mind it-------I guess it’s probably useless if I say that. That’s why, instead of an apology………..I will say I would be happy that you give me a report of the victory……….”

“…………That’s what she said, Yurie”

“Ya,Ya-----! I will win, definitely………….!!”

Tachibana smiled when Yurie strengthen her determination again, and made a strong vow.

“Fufu, there is no reason to get that worked up………………rather, I think Yurie was somehow worked up from the beginning of today……….if not, you would not chase her that far during that time……….Did something happen, Yurie?”

“……….Nai. Nothing”

It was for an instant but, Yurie sent her sights over to me.

(------? Just now………….)

Behind me, Miyabi, Tora and of course Tachibana who is in front of me were looking downwards so they did not notice the movements of her sights.
“………………I guess she got too worked up because the opponent is a strong one right?”

“Fufu, I see. If that is the case then, Yurie has one unexpected side to her huh………….”

After I made a random follow up after seeing Yurie’s state, it seems Tachibana was satisfied with that.

“But Yurie. I feel that your weapon is speed……………and the coolness to see through in an instant. I hope you will not forget that and go to battle……….”

“Ya---. Thank you for the advice, Tomoe”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pekori* around the time Yurie lowered her head, a gunshot could be heard from quite far.

Either someone running away from the spot or was hiding got defeated.

“I wonder how many people are left…………”

Miyabi muttered that in anxiousness.

“I don’t know. But, it won’t be weird for Lealith to be coming to this west side”

That is why, we have to make some kind of plan before then or else we have a slim chance at victory.

“Understanding the situation is first -------our battle strength is, me, Yurie, Miyabi and Tora, these 4 people”

Yurie could only swing her right hand due to the influence of a fracture.

Although Miyabi’s <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> has a trustworthy power but, it's reckless to charge directly at the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I can’t think of anything now but, I included the methods we can use before moving to the next confirmation.

“Like I thought, I think we should use the difference in numbers. The only ones able to keep up with her movements are me, Yurie and Tora, so I think it is appropriate for the 3 of us to surround her and fight”

“Fuun.

“Don’t say that. That is why; we have to think of a way to surround Lealith”

“………….I think the Sora plaza is a good spot”

I agree with Yurie’s comment.

It is because it would be the 2nd encounter battle if it is a narrow space, and we cannot use the advantage of many numbers of people.

“The problem is the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> counter-plan but, I don’t know if I could bring her to an effective range……..”

This is something we won’t know unless we try it out.

“Please be careful if you get close too. Her taijutsu is quite something.”

I nodded while recalling the fight from just now.

Although it was close quarter combat that I'm good with, I could only get one hit in.

Forget that, I was the one that was getting attacked.

If what I took was a bullet instead of a blocking then, everything would end at that point.

(Well, since she is thinking of leaving me as the main dish, she probably did not use the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as a method to slow me down………)

It is thinkable that the reason why she aimed for my shoulders instead of my head or chest is because of that.

(Hnn…..?)

Suddenly, something caught on.

“Fuun. <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and Taijutsu…………seriously, what a nasty woman. On top of that, it is annoying that she keeps showing her easiness”

“Ahh. That <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit…………..--------!”

The moment I replied Tora, I noticed what caught on to me.

It was the weird feeling that I had during the offense and defense exchange.

(Why does Lealith let that '''''habit appear during close-combat'''''…….!?)

Although one mistake would cause the rose on her chest to scatter and result in her lost.

Is it done unconsciously, or---------

'''''She has to do that movement?'''''

(-------!!)

I felt all the pieces fit into place.

Was the '''''movement Lealith kept showing to us until now''''' really a habit.

If my imagination is correct--------

I recalled back Lealith’s back during the time in <<Survive>> and the previous <<Kouryou battle>>.

(Lealith normally………….no, wait………..)

“Tooru-kun………?”

Miyabi called out to me when I suddenly got quiet.

“Sorry, I was thinking. More importantly everyone, listen to me………..this is just a possibility but------“

I turned my face to everyone and said the rest.

“We might be able to win”

Yurie and Tora went out of the shop to get into position.

“Miyabi, I leave the rest to you”

“U-un…………..Tooru-kun and the rest please work hard too”

I then talked to Tachibana who was lying down behind Miyabi who nodded.

“Alright then, you have to endure a little more so work hard”

“Aah, I understand…………..I will only rest after I get report of the victory……..”

Although it was weak, she made a promising answer.

“I am heading off now”

After I reached the Sora plaza, I went and took position in the center.

Small paths connect to the main path and what’s more, since this part of the first floor the atrium, this spot could be seen clearly from the 2nd floor.

In a different way, this spot is also a place where surprise attacks hardly work and I am wary of sniping.

I will stop Lealith here and Yurie and Tora who are hiding around her will come out and complete the surrounding.

(After we bring it to that situation, it will finally be the start line…………..)

After that, it will be a tightrope walking with the rope worn and patched up.

Will we really cross this rope.

No matter which it is, all we have to do now is wait for Lealith to appear-----

“Tooru…………..”

“Yurie. You have to be hiding”

The silver girl showed herself from her hiding spot.

Coming from 3 sides is important so, we will not be able to surround her if we are together like this.

“I am sorry. I really wanted to tell you something……….so please, just for a while………..”

I could not say leave the talk to when the <<Survive>> end when Yurie looked so apologetically.

“………….Is your body okay?”

“Ya---.it’s a little heavy though”

“I see………..sorry, to force you like this”

“Nai. More importantly, I just don’t want to get spotted”

After saying that, Yurie touched her own chest.

The current Yurie certainly has slower movement than usual.

Whether or not that reason could or could not be noticed will be one of the turning points for the battle.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“It’s about the words Tomoe said just now------about me getting worked up”

Although Tachibana agreed with the follow up I made, I think there is something.

Our time together is not so shallow until I did not feel anything from the sights Yurie shown to me in an instant.

“It is just as what Tomoe said. I got worked up. I got worked up at that person……….”

“…………is it perhaps the <<Duo>> matter?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

“Tooru refused that invitation and that person got angry too. But, if Tooru and that person have a relationship of accepting each other in this <<Survive>> then…….”

“Did you think I would bring up being a <<Duo>> with Lealith?”

“…………..Ya---“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

(I see. That’s why-----)

The fact that the number of time we sleep together increased ever since I told her about the <<Duo>> invitation.

The fact she said to win which was different from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>.

The fact that, she said she would wait for me even though I told her it's okay to go on ahead.

The fact that she headed towards Lealith, even though I told her not to overdo it to stop her.

The reason why Yurie kept doing those actions and saying words unlike herself was a way to show her feelings of wanting to be by my side.

At the same time when I understood the consistency, I thought the silver girl was very cute.

That is why I------

“Ah…………”

I pat Yurie’s head gently.

“I told Yurie that I am happy to be with you. Those words are not lies. It definitely is true, and will stay that way”

“Tooru…………”

“Are you relieved already?”

“Ya,Ya----“

I once again patted her head after Yurie nodded.

“Okay. Now that you are relieved, you should get spirited again. However, don't overdo it or you will end up worked up you know? That’s because we have to report '''We won''', to Tachibana who is working hard”

“Ya,Ya---……!!”

It was at that moment Yurie made a strong nod.

“…………..did you forget that we are in the middle of <<Survive>> now?”

“”-------------!!””

An utterly amazed voice came down suddenly.

When I looked up-----at the direction of the voice, a beautiful girl with a red rose attached on her chest and has Yellow topaz and {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}}, was sitting on the glass fence while folding her legs and was looking down at us.

She was not holding her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and was not showing any intentions of wanting to fight immediately.

“That’s a surprise, when have you been there………?”

“I am quite good in erasing my presence. That’s because it's important for the hunt”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fu**Fu* she laughed while narrowing her eyes.

“And of course, that goes for detecting presence too”

“………..Did you eliminate everyone else”

“That’s right. That is why I came to take the main dish. By the way-----“

Right in the middle of her words, Lealith jumped up to and took one spin before landing on the plaza without making almost any sound.

“Let’s stop the slow parts okay. I came taking on the invitation so, I think you should come out too you know?”

“Fuun. You really are taking this easy”

Tora showed himself from the store he hid in, at Lealith’s words.

“Well, it’s predictable that he would be nearby”

“Isn’t that obvious. Attacking from many directions is effective if you fight an opponent with a <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>”

“Haha, you are going to accompany us even though you know all that, what an energetic service”

“That’s because it’s more interesting that way. By the way-----“

After giggling, Lealith looked at our faces.

“What about the other two?..............even though I said that, one of them should have gotten hit by a bullet and the other one looks slow so, I guess you decided that they won’t become battle strength and left them”

Inside the 2nd battle, it seems she was calmly observing the movements and reactions of the surroundings.

“You really looked carefully huh. But, Tachibana and Miyabi are-----“

“They are fighting with us”

Yurie interrupted me by saying that and placed her hand on her chest.

“Like your hearts are together? I don’t hate those types of sentimental feelings”

It was slight but, the smile disappeared from the gold girl.

“Strong feelings becomes <<Power>>………….that is what I believe”

Although it was soft, those words were filled with a strong will.

It could be felt that she was burdened with something judging by the atmosphere which was different from usual.

“Well then, let’s begin already. The {{Furigana|last battle|dance}} of this <<{{Furigana|Survive|Party}}>>!”

“Just like I promise, I will go all-out………..!!”

“I will make you know how useless you are even if you go all-out!!”

The gold girl placed her hands on the <<Astar>> on her chest and shouted.

“<<Blaze>>!!”

At the same time the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> manifested in Lealith’s hand, Tora and Yurie ran to left and right with me in the center.

Lealith was the one who took the initiative.

The same time the gun shot and I deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>, our offense and defense state reversed because Tora and Yurie jumped in.

After dodging the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> Yurie’s <<Saber>> was next.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>JaKiin*!! However the blade was stopped by the gun’s frame.

“It was a somewhat rough sword skill but, it was a heavy and good attack. But-------'''''your movements are duller than just now'''''. Since you are only using one hand and sword, it would mean that there is quite some damage left I guess”

Seeing through Yurie’s movement turning dull in an instant, Lealith guessed the level of injury she has.

In a blink of an eye, she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before, pointing the gun towards Yurie this time.

However, the silver girl that has regained her inherent coolness guessed the line of fire from the gun and dodged the bullet.

“It’ll be a problem if you forget about me!!”

At that moment, Tora once again took a side sweep with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> and cut the air.

“Of course, I did not forget”

Same time with her words, she rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at Tora this time.

“Guh……….!!”

Tora evaded his body from the shooting line immediately but, he distorted his expression.

That’s because Lealith kicked his side stomach like an elastic whip.

She used the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as an intimidation and countered, this made Tora’s body float for an instant.

I switched with the staggering Tora and attacked.

“How about this!!”

I repeatedly showed a left jab and a right back knuckle but, it all hit the air with her bending her body.

---but, right after that, Lealith flipped up her leg while making a swaying posture.

The somersault kick scratched by cheeks and I stopped.

At that point, she landed and pointed the gun at me.

“Kuh……!!”

I immediately flipped the gun frame and diverted the gun; the bullet scratched my cheeks.

Yurie then closed the gaps and made a pincer attack with me.

It was a hectic switch from between offense and defense.

But, Lealith’s rose was not showing any signs of scattering at our fierce attacks.

Although it was good that we took Lealith’s position, the biggest problem was the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> existence.

She flashed the rifle that could make us unable to continue if we get a clean hit, and used it as an intimidation to make our step-in duller.

“What are you doing, Tooru, Yurie!!”

An irritated Tora jumped in between the attack but, his movements were clearly slower than usual.

It seems he was in pain from the kick but, Tora did not say it hurts and unleashed an attack.

“Seriously, you all are so restless”

Lealith said it in a tired voice and was still showing a leisure smile even though she is in this overly disadvantage situation of 3 vs 1.

But even so, the momentum for victory was slowly leaning towards us.

While we were attacking from all directions, Lealith has to be constantly conscious of all 3 of our movements and could only maintain a defensive stance, thus slowly cutting her breath away.

“Eat this!!”

Even though Tora crouched and made a spin kick, it hit nothing because Lealith dodged it easily with a back step.

---But. The moment she landed, *Kurun* she folded her knees.

The fatigue finally reached her legs.

“This is the end………..!”

It was a once in a lifetime chance and Yurie sliced down to finish her but--------

Lealith smiled in an instant.

“It’s a fake”

“------!?”

She went for the finish but since it was a large swing attack, it got dodged again with a back step.

“Too bad, Yurie Sigtuna”

A big gap will appear if a big swing is performed, and she shot at that part.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Giin*!! But, I got between the girls and deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>.

“That too bad goes for you too, Lealith. The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> won’t work in this distance!!”

“…………not bad, Kokonoe Tooru. But------“

Lealith swiftly rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Don’t think the same trick will work forever!”

In an instant, I focus on the gun’s direction and placed my <<Shield>> at the shooting line.

“------What!?”

The moment it shot-----I saw it.

That the gun slightly lowered and the shooting line changed.

I was able to see through the gun’s direction because of the distance until now.

But for this time, due to it being close, my body could not react in time in the sudden change of the line of fire.

“Guaa……………!!”

I shouted at the pain at my right thigh that felt like a nail pierced through.

“The tables have turned huh”

I feel to my knees and Lealith said it happily.

[Tooru!!][Tooru!!]

“Don’t come!!”

I stopped both of them with my hand.

“If the 3 of us gather at one spot, then we won’t be able to win even though we can win”

“Tooru…………”

“Oh my, are you still planning to win in this situation?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* '''''she rotated the Rifle''''' and the gold girl smiled.

(It’s just as I thought………….)

Not limited to this fight, and even during the <<Kouryou battle>>, Lealith will '''''definitely show that habit''''' once the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> shoots.

I then found out there is something that could be guessed from that.

That, '''''Lealith is unable to continuously fire the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.'''''

The <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> user Kibitsu said, that she has to manifest the arrow my imaging herself taking it out from the arrow tube.

So I thought, Lealith has to reload too by using the rotation movement of the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

And more importantly, it would be very clear that she would enjoy the fight more if she is able to fire continuously, and there is no way she would not fire continuously without a reason.

“Tooru, are you okay?”

I did not avert my eyes from Lealith and listened to Yurie.

“………moving like normal looks impossible huh”

Although the pain is gone already since this was a <<Blaze>> attack, the part that got shot felt heavy.

(It would have been great if the three of us cornered her then………..)

“You all look beaten up but, are you all still going to work hard?”

I lost my legs; Yurie lost her shoulders and Tora’s ribs are probably hurting.

Even if we continue fighting, forget cornering her, we would probably be just waiting to lose.

(……………Which means, there is only one thing left to do)

I made my determination and looked straight at the {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} and answered.

“That’s true…………Let’s end this already”

“Yes. It is a little regretful but--------everything must have an ending”

The gold girl prepared the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>------

And I prepared myself too.

I pulled back my fist like I am going to shoot a bow and charged up.

Yurie and Tora jumped to the left and right respectively at that signal.

“Just now, you asked that was I still planning to win right? Aah, that’s what I am planning to do. We will------Win!!”

Together with a roar, I released my strength.

'''''Towards my own feet.'''''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pikiiiiiiii!!* The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} released with the <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>’s strength made a crater.

“Wha……….!?”

Small and large fragments flew around and Lealith jumped back in reflex.

The moment I confirmed that, I looked upwards and shouted.

“Now, Miyabi------!!”

“Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh-----!!”

A loud shout echoed in the building.

Coming from the stairs heading towards the roof on top of the Sora plaza, Miyabi was holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and was charging-----no, was jumping down.

“------!! You’ve thought of that!!”

The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} was to limit the directions Lealith can run away to.

Next off would be Miyabi who was standing-by performing a lance charge downwards for an ambush but, the plan I prepared did not end here.

Rather, I was convinced Lealith would not let this end and continued the plan.

Lealith responded to my expectations by dodging the lance charge and------

Almost at the same time, Yurie and Tora charged at her.

“This timing………..! I can’t evade!?”

Lealith guessed our intentions in an instant and the leisure smile disappeared from her expression.

Even if she defeats one of them, the remaining person will definitely bring her down by attacking the opening due to the reload.

This is what we aimed for……..!!

“I won’t……….be defeated!!”

The gun was pointed at Tora.

Even though Tora dodged the bullet immediately, it scratched his head and broke his balance before falling down.

Yurie then slipped into the gaps.

She aimed for this instant that Lealith has not finished reloading yet.

“It will finish with this………!”

In that moment-----Lealith smiled.

“…………'''''You are the one that will be finished''''', Yurie=Sigtuna”

“-----!?”

The moment Yurie swung down her <<Saber>>, Lealith thrust the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> which was not reloaded yet towards Yurie’s chest-----

Almost the same time the blade was about to dig into her upper arm, she pulled the trigger.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zutaan*………..!! A dry sound echoed throughout and Yurie’s small body got blown away before----

She fell to the floor.

“How regretful, it’s a fake. Did you think I need to reload?”

Lealith send a sidelong glance towards me while making a smile.

It was a trap from the start.

She skillfully prepared a sweet lie by making us think that she reloads by rotating the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> starting from the <<Kouryou battle>>, and made us aim for that chance.

But-----

'''''“I predicted that possibility too”'''''

“Eh……….!?”

Lealith showed an outwitted expression when she saw me lifting the side of my mouth.

'''''“I am saying that I saw through the lie and disclosed the truth!!”'''''

Immediately-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* the bell rang.

Lealith turned around and------her {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was filled with surprise.

She saw the silver girl flying in the sky with one black wing.

“Wha….!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The brandish got through faster than Lealith pulling the trigger.

“With this……….it’s checkmate”

The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> left the gold girl’s hand-----and dropped to the floor.

“N-no way……….I'm sure I shot through your chest-----…………!! That’s!!”

Lealith noticed.

She noticed the existence of the <<Chain>> making a dull glow inside the hole she made on Yurie’s uniform.

“No way, you wrapped that around your body…………so that’s why your movements got duller”

Lealith said that while touching her cut right arm with her left hand.

“So there are 2 ambushers huh………..I lose as expected”

Lealith moved her sights towards <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> that fell to the ground, and made a sigh of admiration.

Yes, it was just as what Yurie said just before the fight, we were fighting together with not only Miyabi but also with Tachibana too.

“Tachibana’s hard work profited”

The <<Blaze>> disappears if she faints-------and that’s the reason why I told her to work hard.

“……………Fuun. Don’t forget I went along with your plan”

Maybe it was from the impact from getting grazed from the bullet; Tora was placing his hand on his head while saying that.

In order to make Lealith shoot continuously and to make her get deluded that I was deceived, so we had him take up a role to do it.

Similarly, although it was great that the ground got destroyed by my {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} but, the skin on my fist tore because it was not able to withstand the impact and was stained with the blood that spurted out.

“………………I really thought you got deceived”

“It’s true that i was deceived at first………….but I recalled back. That last time, I saw Lealith shooting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in A la mode”

That time, Lealith pulled the trigger without any gaps in between.

Then why did she started that action at the <<Kouryou battle>>.

It’s obvious. She started it to fight me in this <<Survive>>.

There was a reason why she did not fire continuously.

The reason why she did this was to flip the table, right before the moment I'm convinced of my victory.

“Lealith. Continuing this anymore now that you can’t hold the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> is unreasonable”

It seems Lealith was having a hard time lifting her arm because it got slashed by Yurie, so if we keep fighting like this, there was no chance for her to win.

“………………………”

“Lealith. It’s over-----“

“I won’t say it twice”

“Eh……..?”

Those {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} shoot towards me-----and she made her move.

“………….Not yet”

There was a strong will of light coming from her eyes.

“I won’t give up!!”

“-------!!”

The gold girl kicked up the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

Her right arm cannot move because it got slashed.

But even so she still grabbed the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, even though it is going to be hard to move her left hand because of the damage in her upper arm.

“Kuh……..!”

I immediately pulled back my fist stained with my blood and took a stance.

(I can scatter the rose with the {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} impact wave if it is in this distance!!)

Lealith put strength into the finger pulling the trigger and the moment I was about to release the power stored in my fist------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bannn*!! A different dry sound from Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> echoed and at the same time, I received an impact on my shoulders before dropping to my knees.

“Ga,aah…….!?”

It was slightly late but, a scorching heat and pain attacked.

“Uu, Guh, aah……….Wha-what……..?”

After I turned behind while withstanding the pain, there were 3 guys standing there with {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} on.

The guy in the middle was holding a pistol and there were gunpowder smokes coming off the nozzle.

(This guy……….shot me……!?)

“That was too close for comfort huh. Lealith=Bristol”

The guy called Lealith’s name in a cheeky voice.

“Lealith…………..who are these people……..?”

Even though I asked while pressing my shoulder which was twitching in pain, she swung her head.

“I don’t know. Who are you all. What do you all want!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii* Lealith glared at them while demanding the group of men to reveal their identity.

“The <<Equipment Smith>>-dono’s subordinate------you should understand if I answer that right? We came to pick you up ordered by sir”

It seems Lealith got an idea from the man’s reply and got taken back for a moment.

But she immediately revert back her expression and pointed the gun at the group of men.

“………..I refuse. I don’t have the duty to follow someone who rudely stepped into my dance party with those dirty feet. And if you wanted to escort in the first place then, start with sending an invitation first”

“Ya-re Ya-re…………that’s the answer after bringing my legs this deep inside here”

“I don’t remember asking you all to pick me up”

“……………hey you guys. What did sir ask us to do for this type of situation?”

“If she resists then, we give her a beating as long as she doesn't dies before bringing her up, was what he said. Kehihii”

The guy behind made a nasty laugh.

“-----Looks like it”

Faster than his words, the guy pulled the trigger.

But------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Jigiinn*………!! The leader guy raised his eyebrows, '''''when the bullet got deflected by the <<Shield>>'''''.

The guy asked in a pissed manner when I stood in between Lealith and him.

“………..What are you doing, brat”

“I don’t know what’s going on but, Lealith is our classmate. More importantly, I will be troubled if you bring her away before our battle is settled”

“Kokonoe Tooru………”

“You’ve said it, Tooru. I will not forgive a victory from a time up because that woman got dragged away”

“It is just as Tooru says. That’s why------we will protect this person”

Yurie and Tora stood beside me.

“You brats. I will have you know the price for acting like a hero”

Gunshot’s echoed one after another.

“Whaaat………!?”

Even with all that, I blocked it with the <<Shield>> and the guy was surprised.

“Unfortunately, I got trained quite a bit from Lealith today”

“…………..even if you all are brats, you all are still <<Exceed>> huh. But………..how about this!!”

The guy prepared an assault rifle this time instead of a pistol.

“------This is bad!! Yurie, Tora, get away!!”

It’s okay if it’s a single shot but, it is impossible to block random shooting like I thought.

“Kyaaa!?”

I immediately carried Lealith and jumped to the side and Yurie and Tora jumped away.

[Tora, I leave the left to you……….!][Fuun, I know!!]

Almost at the same time they regained their posture, Yurie and Tora jumped towards the guy.

But the 2 guys standing-by behind the leader stood in front of Yurie and Tora and------

Blocked Yurie’s <<Saber>> and Tora’s<<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> with a knife.

“Not even a budge……!?”

It was not surprising for Tora to be surprised. Different from our looks, our physical strength enhanced by the <<Luciful>> cannot even be compared with normal humans.

“Kuku………did you think you all are the only existence transcending humans?”

“What did you say……..!?”

The moment he felt shaken at that devastating statement, Tora was kicked away and Yurie got grabbed on the arms before being swung around and got slammed to the ground.

However, the shocking part of the guys in {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} has only began.

“Fast…….!?”

Yurie’s expression changed.

That’s because, '''''Tsukimi was the only person faster than her''''' until now.

Those guys have the speed that could not be caught up by Yurie, even If her body was in her top-shape.

Having their speed and powers exceeded, the guys freely attacking with their assault rifle and knife quickly cornered the both of them into a predicament.

“Yurie!! Tora-----!!”

“Oooto, I am your opponent”

The moment I directed my senses towards the both of them, the leader stood in front of me.

Although I was going to immediately use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}, the shoulder that got shot started to hurt and I couldn't put any strength into it.

“Ku, ah………!!”

I drove my fist in like that but, it got blocked with one hand easily.

“Is the <<Exceed>> only this level?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Mishiri*…………..he put in strength into his fist to crush mine and I raised a shout from my throat.

The guy showed his teeth and laughed.

“I’ll teach you this, brat. This is how you punch someone……….!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Doboo*!!My stomach got crushed from the impact he punched up to my stomach, and I throw up the air in my lungs.

“Ka…….ha,a………!!”

Another existence transcending humans other than <<Exceed>>.

After I got to my knees from that tremendous power, my chin was kicked upwards.

“Guah…….!!”

I got blown away and fell to the ground pathetically.

“To-Tooru-kun…….!!”

“Do-don’t come here, Miyabi………! Run away………!!”

Even though I shouted to Miyabi who was running towards me, the leader’s moves were faster.

He grabbed her arm, and Miyabi got caught.

“Kyaaaa!? L-let go!!”

“Kuku…………..This is a <<Exceed>> even though it’s like this. Looks like she’s quite strong but, she is no different than a little girl to us”

The leader twist Miyabi’s wrist to restrain her before pushing the pistol to her head.

“Hii…..!?”

“It’s noisy so stop shouting………….alright, the other brats stop resisting!!”

The battle concluded at this point.

Yurie and Tora who was still putting up a fight, saw Miyabi getting captured before throwing their <<Blaze>> away.

“Wasting my time, squirming around like that!!”

Tora got sent flying by the guy he was confronting.

The other guy again, raised his fist at Yurie.

“St……..Sto-p……………!”

“Wait!!”

The one that stopped that fist, was none other than Lealith.

“…………….I will go with you all quietly. That’s why; I will have you stop laying your fingers on my classmates any more than this”

“What if I say no?”

“Your goal is to '''''bring me back without killing me''''' right?”

After saying that, Lealith took the fragment of the ground------and thrust the sharp part to her own throat.

“Release your dirty hands from that girl”

“Okay okay. I’ll do that if you come with us quietly. But-----“

The leader pushed Miyabi aside to release her.

However, the guy remained pointing the gun at Miyabi while walking closer to Lealith----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paan* a dry sound was produced when he slapped the gold girl’s cheeks.

“You have to calm that mouth of yours too, Bristol’s ojou-san”

“I’ll leave it at that”

Lealith made an angry glare at the guy that was *Niya**Niya* smiling happily.

“Okay then, we will have you go up like this”

He pushed to the gun to Lealith’s back and the group of men was about to leave the Sora plaza.

“Le-Lealith….!!”

When I called her name, Lealith stopped and turned over to me.

“…………………sorry I did not finish the match, Kokonoe Tooru”

After saying only that, Lealith left the place with the group of men.

“Damn………..!! Those bastards….!!”

I could not do anything.

I got irritated at my own incompetence and slammed my fist to the floor.

“So-sorry…………i-if I did not get caught……U-uguu………..”

Large teardrops were flowing off Miyabi’s eyes.

While Miyabi was breaking down crying, Yurie patted her on the head.

My chest hurts badly at that scene.

“Tooru. I think this is not possible but, you are not going to say this will end right?”

“……………aah, of course”

After nodding to Tora, I encouraged my creaking body and stood up.

“Miyabi stop crying”

“B-but, but………I…..Uuu……..”

“It’s okay. No one will blame you. Also, I will save Lealith so, stop crying it’ going to be okay“

“Tooru…….kun……….”

Miyabi looked up at me with wet eyes and nodded back.

“I will go too. I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>, I will be together when you fight”

“Fuun. Don’t forget me too. I won’t be able to settle down if I don't give them a payback”

“I see………Thanks you two”

In spite of being inferior in the last battle, the fact that the both of them did not have their heart broken made them trustworthy.

“But, what are we going to do? It is annoying but, those guys are stronger than us. There is no chance of us wining if we fight straight on”

It was just as Tora says.

We have to make a clever plan for victory, using a surprise attack.

(Think…………! Is there any plan that can make us of each of our distinctive characteristics……..!?)

I looked towards my fist stained in blood and think------

“------!!”

Immediately, the giant hole made by this fist entered my sights.

“Tooru. Did you think of something?”

“……..aah, tentatively. It might work if '''''I add a little arrangement to it'''''. And-----“

I kneel down with one knee in front of Miyabi before saying.

“Miyabi wait right here”

“Eh…………..? Bu-but……….I also…….”

I swung my head at Miyabi who looked troubled.

It was because I noticed Miyabi’s body was trembling in small intervals.

Even though Miyabi was released, she was seized by fear.

That is why, I swung my head.

“I promised this before right. I will come back for you. The situation is kind off different from that talk but, I will definitely protect that promise. I will save Lealith and come back to pick you up so, please wait here”

After I said that I *Pon**pon* lightly hit her head.

“And greet us with a smile when we get back, Miyabi”

“Tooru-kun………..”

This was the second floor of the Nagisa plaza located at the furthest east of the A la mode northern block.

Immediately after I reached here, Lealith and the group of men came up the escalator.

“Kokonoe Tooru…..!!”

After Lealith and the group of men recognized me, they showed their surprise.

“………….brat. How did you get here first”

“There are many back lanes. I came here first when you all were taking your time walking here”

I used the small paths instead of the main path the group of men used and overtook them.

“Also, you guys said that the Sora was “Deep” in and have her go “up”. Which means you came from the roof. And in order to head back to the roof, you have to pass through this Nagisa plaza”

“I see. Then one more question, did you come here '''''alone'''''”

Yes, I am alone. Yurie and Tora were not in front of the escalator connecting to the roof.

“Of course. I came here to save Lealith. It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Hearing my answer, the group of men made vulgar laughs and Lealith shouted angrily.

“Don’t say stupid things already and retreat, Kokonoe Tooru! Did you think you can win against these people alone!?”

“I’ll win………! I------We will win!!”

“…………don’t make me say it twice you idiot!!”

“You don’t make me say this twice too!! We will reach you with our hands and protect you!!”

After saying that, I clenched my fist-----and pulled it like pulling a bow.

“Bratt………….are you perhaps going to take on an opponent with an {{Furigana|Assault rifle|}} barehanded?”

“Aah, that’s right. However, you guys aren’t the target my fist are targeting though”

“Don’t say stuff that does not make sense you brat! I’ll mince every other part-----other than the part hidden by that small <<Shield>>!!”

They pulled the triggers of the assault rifles pointed at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gagagagaga*!! The gunshots were enough to tear my ears apart. I hold out the <<Shield>> towards the countless bullets attacking.

But of course, I could not deflect all of it and just like the man’s declaration, my flesh was getting scrapped off and several bullets pierced through my body, arm and legs.

“Uguh……..Guaah…!!”

I groaned at the pain attacking my body and was about to lose my strength.

(Stand it! I promised to save Lealith and go back!!)

I lowered my sights straight down in front of the endless muzzle flashes.

“Go through------!!”

I used everything my body can mutter and slam the floor with {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} like just now.

The only difference is that this is '''''the second floor'''''.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bishiii*!! The cracks that took an instant to spread out, reached the feet of the group of men.

The men shooting blindly were slightly late in noticing because of the muzzle flash released from their weapon-----

And in the next moment, the 2nd floor foothold started to collapse.

“Lealith!! Come!!”

I extended out my hand to her right in the middle of the collapsing foothold.

“Kokonoe Tooru!!”

While dodging the stray bullets which has lost its target, the gold girl jumped into my arms.

“I leave the rest to you two, Yurie, Tora-------!!”

[Ya---!!][Leave it to me!!]

I heard the replies of both of my trustworthy comrades standing by at the 1st floor----

The 2 <<Exceed>> turned into 2 blades and charged towards the wreckage falling down with high-speed.

They ran through the wreckage like threads weaving its path and they slashed the men each respectively-----

“Yo-you brats-------!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuzaa*!! Both of their sword lines crossed at the leader for last.

A loud sound echoed throughout the building immediately.

Dust rose up and the group of men got buried in the wreckage.

But----it still wasn’t the end.

“You damn brattttttttttttttts!!”

Even though his armor was sliced apart, he got slammed to the ground, and got crushed by the wreckage, the leader stood up.

“I will kill youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!”

After pointing his bloodshot eyes from inside the broken helmet to me, the man took out his knife and charged at me.

My fist was broken so I have no weapon that can beat the guy in one hit now.

However----this goes '''''only for me.'''''

“Lealith!!”

I shouted to the gold girl in my arms.

“Lend me your <<Soul>>!!”

Everything was told with just those words.

The <<Flame>> danced and the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> appeared in Lealith’s left hand.

“I will do the aiming!! So------you pull the trigger!!”

I nodded and placed my hand on Lealith’s thin and flexible finger------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 10.jpg|thumb]]

“This is………..the endddd--------!!”

A gun shot echoed throughout.

“…………Tooru was too reckless”

When I was right in the middle of performing emergency treatment to my crushed fist, Yurie made a seemingly angry expression.

“Iya, I could only think of that during that time and……….”

“………….to crush your fist just because of that reason, are you an idiot”

Tora silently nodded at the astonished voice flying over from Lealith who was leaning against the wall.

“But well………..”

“Hn?”

“…………..Thank you for coming to save me”

Although the last part was soft, those words perfectly reached my ears.

“You’re welcome…………..by the way, is it really okay if we don’t head up to check?”

“It’s okay. There is no way both Mikuni and Tsukimi would fall behind opponents that we can beat. And if they are currently fighting then, we would only be a hindrance if we go”

“Well that’s true”

I could only agree to her sentence, especially the last part; I then made a sigh.

But, there was something else I am curious about those men.

“…………….hey Lealith. You know about their boss, the-------equipment whatever you call it right? If it is alright with you, can you tell me?”

“…………..Sorry. I can’t tell you even if I am the <<Exception>>”

(Well she said that even if she is the <<Exception>>, so it might be related to the so-called dark side of the academy like that time with Tsukimi………..)

I gave up asking for more when I saw Lealith saying that with a sharp expression.

Soon, around the time my emergency treatment was done, I raised a lively voice to change the atmosphere.

“………well then, let’s go pick Miyabi and Tachibana up then!”

“Ye----. Let’s do that. We made them wait for quite a long time”

“Haha, it took us quite a while”

But suddenly-------the gold girl suddenly stood in front of us, when we were about the head back inside.

“Wait, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Lealith………..?”

The gold girl pointed at the rose at her chest and said.

'''''“It is still not over”'''''

“………I, on top of my fist being crushed, I took some bullet hits you know”

“You’re noisy. That is why I waited for your emergency treatment to end. You still can move a little right”

“O-oi oi………..Are you serious……..?”

“Of course. In the first place, weren’t you the one that said-------It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Lealith flicked her yellow topaz hair, before continuing.

“I also can’t use my dominant hand so, accompany me to the end. Weren’t we going to accept each other”

“Accompany with her, Tooru”

After saying that, Tora pulled a button off his school uniform.

“………..I get it”

I took my position while making a sigh. I can’t put in any strength but, it is probably possible to at least scatter the rose.

Not long later, the button Tora flicked right up reached the summit and started to fall-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii---n*. Using the sound of it dropping to the ground as the signal, Lealith and I moved at the same time.

After a moment, the rose scattered-----

And this time, the curtain for the <<Survive>> closed.

---in addition, it's a different story that both of Miyabi and I became embarrassed when she came hugging me when we went to pick her up and Tachibana who looked like she could not walk was making a big rampage when I tried to carried her.

===Part 2===

“Fuhahaha. As expected from the <<Exceed>>. It looks like being un-adjusted is no match”

After looking at his subordinates lying on the floor while making groans in the surroundings, <<Equipment smith>> made a laugh.

Not only was their opponent Mikuni uninjured, there was no stains on him and that shows that the fight that took place just now turned into something one-sided until it could not be called a fight anymore.

“There is also no reply from the people that head down”

After the loud sound ended, there was one reply from the transmitter so <<K>> shrugged his shoulders.

“Fumu. I never would have thought they would lose to students. Iya iya…………it seems you have quite some excellent students there”

“Thanks to us having especially promising students this year, I am really looking forward for the future”

The faces of the people that took down the people that went down floated in Sakuya mind and she made a smile.

“Well then, what will you do next? If your side wants to leave then, we will not lay our hands on you all any further”

“Hou, that is thankful. Well then <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I will generously follow your words. <<K>>-Kun, order those who can move to retrieve the people that went down”

After she told him that they could leave, the <<Equipment Smith>> accepted it without any shame.

Soon, the retrieval of the subordinates that got taken down by Tooru and the group ended; <<K>> and the group finished their preparations for evacuation.

“Well then, we will be leaving now. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono------let’s meet again someday”

“Please, as you wish”
It was during that time Edward got onto the helicopter after turning his heels around and <<K>> was about to follow him-----

After seeing them, <<K>> stopped and directed both his shooting-like eyes to them.

There were 3 people that took his attention.

One of them was their target, the gold girl.

Another was a small girl with {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}}.

And the black-haired young man carrying a girl standing in between them.

<<K>> made a hunch. That this boy was the one that took down his subordinate.

For a short time, Tooru and <<K>>’s sights crossed.

“……….Looks like we will meet again soon”

That was a prediction. However, it was close to conviction.

The brief encounter reached to an end just like that.

While staring at the giant helicopter, Sakuya whispered out.

“………….<<Equipment smith>>-sama. We are the same and yet different. That is why our paths will never intersect”

Her mutter did not reach anyone’s ear and got blown away by the wind just like that.

<noinclude>

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</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 6

2014-04-07T04:13:38Z

72.26.68.71: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 6 『Existence Transcending Humans』==

===Part 1===

“What, didn’t you go together with Miyabi and the rest?”

Even though I told her it's alright to head on ahead of me, but even so, I asked the silver girl waiting for me.

“It’s because I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>”

The bell rang like usual and Yurie nodded.

(Even though the <<Duo>> is not related in today’s <<Survive>>)

Although I thought that, there was no way I would not be happy if she told me that.

“Thanks. Let’s go then”

“Ya---. Okay let’s go. Miyabi and the rest are waiting”

Maybe it was the thought of wanting to hurry up to Miyabi's and the rest side, Yurie took my hands.

(Uu…………..this is somehow embarrassing……….)

Yurie walked while tightly holding my hand with her small hands.

After I took a small glance at Lealith for the last time, she was staring at me while placing her hands on her hips.

Once we entered the building and immediately descend 2 floors down with the escalator, we let go of our hands.

It seems the power supplies were off today so, after we get down 2 floors using the escalator which has become a staircase with big ramps, we reached a place called Nagisa plaza.

There is a path in the left side while there is an atrium from the first floor at the right side and a book store in front of us.

From this place which is located at the very east of the building, we headed to the meeting point we promised with Tachibana and the rest located at the west-----

“Ah-re? it’s Kokonoe-kun and Yurie-chan. You two took your time coming down here?”

In the shadows of the shelves in the bookstore which I thought was empty, a girl-----Kibitsu showed her face.

“Just a little strategic meeting. How about you Kibitsu, why are you in a place like this”

“Uun, I am going to ambush her here. Look, my <<Blaze>> is <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>>. I am confident in hitting someone else other than Lealith-chan if it becomes a free-for all fight”

“I-I see…………….”

Just how can she say that with a confident smile on her face.

“By the way Kibitsu. I have been wondering this since a while back but, how do you manifest the arrow?”

<<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>>. It is quite different but, it is the same shooting weapon if I put it in forceful words.

I tried asking since it might provide a hint to a strategy.

(Is it the same with Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>………….?)

“It seems I can manifest the shape of an arrow using my mental strength by having the <<Blaze>> be the medium. The arrow is like the other self of the <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> main body“

“During the manifestation, I have to image the actions. It seems it is different for each individual but, mine is like the feeling of pulling out an arrow from the tube. It seems you can manifest it with just taking the pose if you are used to it”

“I see. That was knowledgeable”

“You are welcome. Alright, I have to go back to my stand-by spot soon. Kokonoe-kun, Yurie-chan, I leave my revenge to you two”

“I think there is something wrong, with having you assuming you already will lose…………..”

While making a smile while making a comeback, Kibitsu once again hid herself behind the book shelf.

“Well then, it seems we became a little late so, let’s hurry up and go to everyone”

“Ya---. Let’s do that”

Inside the A la mode building which was filled with people when we visited a few days ago.

It is now wrapped in silence now and it gives of the illusion as if we slipped into a ghost town.

The different situation where there is no one manning the shop even though it is opened makes that feeling stronger.

“To-Tooru-kun, Yurie-chan. Over here, over here……….!”

From far away, Miyabi was making small swings with her hands to us.

(I don’t know whether or not if she is appealing or not……….)

While making a wry smile, we meet up with Tachibana and Miyabi.

“Sorry. For making you guys wait………..”

“I-ya, I don’t mind. More importantly, let’s confirm the plan once more before it starts. First off, in the center plaza for ambush, at that standpoint in that location--------“

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 8.jpg|thumb]]

Being the group leader, Tachibana looked at the building map while starting talking about the plan.

Several situations were assumed but, the basic plan is to drive Lealith to a corner with numbers.

After the confirmation was over, we confirm the actual building instead of the map.

The northern part of the A la mode which is the grounds for <<Survive>>-----

After going straight through the approximately 400 meter wide path which is stretched out from the east to west, there consists 4 plazas mid-way through.

The names of the plaza in orders are, Nagisa is the first eastern plaza right when we got down from the roof, after heading west from there is Yukari, the center, and Sora.

However, the path is not completely a straight path and each of the Yukari and center plazas has narrow roads to use for moving around.
The building has a 2 floor structure but, although this does not go for all the plazas, all of the paths connect from the 2nd floor and 1st floor through an atrium.

It is hard to move around in the 1st floor since it is wide but, since it is very disadvantageous if she attacks us from above by using the atrium, we chose to fight at the 2nd floor.

Around 1 minute after confirming the place I was stationed again, a building announcement that the <<Survive>> has started.
“It’s time. Are you all ready? I am counting on you all to follow the plan!”

[Aah!] [ Ya---!][U-un……..][Fuun, leave it to me]

Leaving approximately one person out, right when we made a strong nod to Tachibana (Tatsu was silent), a light bell different from the usual one I was used to hearing, *Karan**Karan* echoed.

Immediately after that sound disappeared-----

A gunshot echoed from the east side.

“It started huh………!”

Right when we were stationing according to Tachibana’s words, I could hear several more gunshots.

The sound was louder from the first and, I found out that she was in battle at the second plaza------the Yukari plaza.

Even if they are not defeated by Lealith, it would probably take some time for her to come here.

And during the time I was thinking that.

“Let’s go there, catch her-----!!”

When such a voice appeared in a backward glance, the figure of the gold girl running here can be seen.

(I thought she would defeat everyone that was waiting for her before advancing but……….!)

It’s true that by Lealith’s perspective, she does not have to go with the opponents plan.

It seems the thought of her eliminating each one of us by order was mostly out of expectations.

(She’s coming……….!!)

They chased Lealith to the place we were waiting for her.

“Lealith!!”

Right when Lealith ran near me, I jumped out from the pillar’s shadow and stood in her way.

I was probably supposed to perform a surprise attack originally but, my role was to stop her.

And, what kind of method to use is up to my personal discretion.

Even though Lealith was making a stance with her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, she stopped and slightly lowered her gun when she noticed I was the opponent.

“Oh my, why if it isn’t Kokonoe Tooru. Long time no see”

“…………..that’s right. I am surprised to see you again this fast”

I directed an ironic smile to Lealith.

“That goes for me too………….but this is good. I don’t have to go around looking for you”

After swaying her hair with her hand, Lealith aimed her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> at me.

“First off, I will test your true abilities”

In a situation where everything would end if she pulls the trigger-----

However, in a different perspective, you can say this is a one-in a lifetime chance.

This is the chance to practically use the plan to handle the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> I thought of using at the real scene.

Failure would mean instant retire-----

Although this has high risks, I have nothing else.

(-----it’s coming!!)

Lealith put in strength in the finger at the trigger and-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Ginn*!! Right after the gun fired, a metallic sound was produced.

(Success!! I '''''can do this at this distance'''''!!)

“…………not bad. Or is it just a coincidence?”

After I blocked the bullet with the <<Shield>>, Lealith stared at me.

“If you think that was a coincidence then want to try it one more time?”

“…………I’ll give up on that. I will accept you as the main dish. That is why I will let you go for now”

Right when Lealith was showing her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit after firing, I raised the corners of my mouth.

“………no, I won’t let you get away. It is '''''our''''' turn now-----Tachibana!!”

“Leave it to me!!”

Placed between the atrium, Tachibana showed herself with her <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> at the front shop, and the gold girl reacted by moving her gun at her.

At that moment, Tatsu jumped out from the shop at Lealith’s side this time.

“----!!”

Once Tachibana divert her conscious to her by showing herself, Tatsu would attack from a completely different direction.

This was the one of the many plans we prepared.

“It’s a simple but good method”

Lealith moved her sights to Tatsu and said that as if to show her composure.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The <<Scimitar>> that got swung down made a big crack at the path but, Lealith dodged it with a back flip and landed on top of the glass fence like that.

“Tatsu!! Swing to the side!!”

If he mows to the side then she might have to make huge dodge movements.

At the same time I told Tatsu my instructions, Yurie who was hiding behind the objects jumped out.

If it is on top of the fence then, she has to dodge by jumping away from Tatsu’s attack.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Ton*. Just like predicted, Lealith kicked the glass fence and jumped to the sky.

However, '''''she was heading towards the atrium.'''''

“Wha………….!?”

The height was easily around 5 meters until the first floor.

By any chance she fails in her landing, she might end up injuring herself but even so, she did not hesitate.

“It’s not a bad attack but, I advise to include the <<Exceed>> physical ability in the calculations”

Everyone became fascinated at the gold girl which has sunlight shinning down on her from the glass roof.

The appearance of an angle descending down was shown to our eyes and Lealith descended on the ground.

However, the group standing-by at the first floor did not end with being fascinated by her.

That’s because the hunter came down in front of them who are the prey.

Sword strikes, gunshot, shouts and the sound of battle echoed back.

Even after I ran to the fence and looked downwards in panic, the {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} has already entered the blind spot of the building’s cover.

(Damn……….!! I won’t let you get away!!)

I crossed the fence and jumped down to the first floor.

After landing and spotted Lealith, there was a 5 meter distance between us.

“Ah-ra, I won’t go easy on you if you chase me”

Lealith turned around and prepared her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

(Kuh, where is she aiming……..!?)

“Tooru!!”

When Yurie shouted and at the same time the bullet hit the <<Shield>>.

The bullet course slightly diverted and scratched my cheeks.

“You have good luck. Or is your luck included into your abilities too?”

“Tsk………….!!”

I decided that this distance is at my disadvantage and jumped into the shadows but there was no pursuit attack.

Instead, I could hear Lealith voice together with her footstep getting further away.

“Well I don’t mind. I will leave you as the main dish like I thought. Kokonoe Tooru”

After I brought my face out from the shadows, I saw the back of the {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} swaying around while leaving.

(She got away……………but, there was some profit)

---This was the first contact with Lealith in this <<Survive>>.

“Are you okay, Tooru”

“Aah, I' m not injured. But, the guys at the lower floor……………”

After I nodded to Yurie who easily got down, I send my sights to the guy collapsed frontward.

Looks like there was 6 people but, they all got defeated in that short time.

It even took 1 minute for Lealith to take on the selected 2nd year members who has 3 <<{{Furigana|III|Level 3}}>>, and it can’t be helped for 6 <<{{Furigana|I|Level 1}}>> to be unable to do anything in a direct combat.

I then heard a gunshot from the direction Lealith ran to.

“She is probably fighting with the group in the Sora plaza”

Tachibana with Miyabi behind jumped down from the 2nd floor path like us.

“Hyawa!?”

In spite of coming down timidly, Miyabi failed in her landing and landed on her butt.

Thanks to that her skirt got flipped up but, it stopped at a dangerous spot luckily.

“Ouch…….. ………………---------!!”

Although she frown her face in pain at first, she immediately noticed what is happening to her skirt and quickly fixed the hem of her skirt.

“Miyabi are you okay?”

“U-un. I am okay but………..errr…….di-did you see………..?”

After she extends her hand as she asked a question with a soft voice.

“I did not see so relax”

After I replied back while making a wry smile, Miyabi exhaled and took my hand before standing up.

Behind us, Tachibana muttered while lining up the people that collapsed at the wall to let them sleep.

“Because we did not stop her, this turned into an inexcusable result to them………….”

“We can’t help it. She was one layer better”

“Fuun. More important than that, shouldn’t we decide on the next objective for now on?”

Tora came down while saying that.

“Without Tatsu?”

“That guy is not suited for brain work. It’s probably best just to let him be in a look up there”

“I-I see…………..then let’s go with the objectives first…………Tachibana”

I asked the decision from Tachibana who is our leader.

“………her victory condition is to eliminate all of us. Instead of us moving, we should go with the first plan and wait here without moving------“

“Oi, Kokonoe!! Don’t let her get away so easily!!”

An angry shout mixed into our conversation from the 2nd floor.

When I looked up, Kigami and his comrades who were supposed to be camping at the Yukari plaza was there.

“That goes for you too”

There were not mistakes with what I said, since Kagami and the rest were the first one to be broken through like us, I got irritated because there was no reason to be scolded at.

“The hell you say!?”

Kigami got angry with my reply and the atmosphere clearly got bad-----

At that moment, Tachibana and Izumi came in front of us respectively to calm us down.

“Sorry, Kigami. It is my responsibility as the team leader to be unable to stop her here. If you want an apology then I will apologize to you properly later. But for now, isn’t it decided that we repair the broken formation first?”

Kigami stopped his words when Tachibana lightly lowered her head.

In replacement, Izumi was the one who opened his mouth.

“We don’t need an apology since we got broken through that easily. More importantly, we are planning to chase her now like this so, if it is okay with you all, do you want to join in?”

“Izumi!!”

Kigami got angry at his partner’s plan.

“Maa maa, Kigami. Isn’t it okay. We are low in numbers anyway so, everything is okay if we go with this for the last”

He probably purposely did it to allow everyone to hear.

But, it might be because his natural virtue makes it hard to be hated even though he has that light feeling with him.

And since I dare not say that comment, Tachibana questioned him the words he said half-way through with her mouth.

“What do you mean that we are low in numbers?”

“Just like what you are seeing, 5 people got taken down when she broke through the yukari plaza. Thanks to that, most of the methods we prepared cannot be used anymore”

Now that he mentioned it, most of the people that I saw when I crossed by the yukari plaza at the beginning was eliminated.

“What are you going to do? If it is an okay then, it would be a lifesaver if you corner her from down there”

Izumi claimed the charge of the 2nd floor which has the lowest possibility of getting shrewdly attack from above.

Tachibana made a slight wry smile and nodded.

“I understand. We will be in charge with the first floor”

Alliance established.

“Don’t pull my leg, Kokonoe!!”

“Fuun. What a noisy guy……!”

Tora said that as if he was spitting and glared at Kigami.

“……………weren’t we supposed to ambush her again here?”

I held back his voice just in case to avoid letting it reach Kagami and the rest.

“I felt that the atmosphere would get even worse if I refused”

“…………..sorry for being bad at being considerate”

“Fufu, I don’t mind. More importantly, let’s move too to tell Tatsu about the situation”

“Aah, let’s do that”

Everyone was gathered once Tatsu came down and just when we were about to move, I recalled back the time when I confronted Lealith just now.

“………………that’s it. Everyone, listen. It seems that plan to handle the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> works. But, it’s going to be tough if it is more than 5 meters”

“Fuun. Then the thing you have to do, is to enter a distance where the plan would work no matter what”

“That’s true; it is probably limited to close in the distance between her next time”

Tachibana nodded at Tora’s response.

“Well, it is a big gain just by knowing that the plan is effective. Next would be-----“

“Kokonoe!! Let’s go already!! I told you not to pull my leg!!”

A angry shout cut in our conversation again.

“Sorry. We were confirming on how to corner her.”

“………keh”

After Tachibana replied that while lowering her head, I saw Kigami spit on the ground.

It was quite irritating but, as long as Tachibana put a follow in, there is no way I could tarnish that.

“……………everyone, let’s go”

I held it in and pretend to be calm before urging everyone to start moving.

“To-Tooru-kun, can I have a moment…….?”

Right when we were running pass the center plaza, Miyabi called out in a soft voice.

“Ah…….it was scary right. Sorry”

“U-un………….”

Miyabi was scared of Kigami’s angry shout during the interchange we had just now.

After I apologized for that, Miyabi swung her head.

“Th-that one is okay…………..but that wasn’t what I wanted to talk about……… …………….. e-err, its about before. ……………yo-you really did not see right?”

It seems she is still worried about the time when she fell down.

“If I saw then I would not be able to talk to Miyabi while remaining calm”

“Ah………..I see……….that’s good. Fufu………”

I relaxed a little because of the conversation that feels impossible to be happening in the middle of a practice match-----

The quarrel with Kigami left a slight irritation in my heart but, I felt it disappearing.

“…………Thanks, Miyabi”

“Eh………..? Ab-about what…..?”

“I just thought it’s great that Miyabi is here”

“Eh………..!? Gre-great………wha-wha-what do you mean by that……..?”

I only laughed back at Miyabi who was troubled.

We were at the big path connecting the center plaza and sora plaza. There was about a distance of 70 meters in between.

While hiding our body behind the stores located in between, we headed towards the 4th plaza----the sora plaza.

“Alright, Me, Yurie and Tatsu will head to the right side. Tachibana and the rest head to the left side while paying attention. Tora, you are the rear guard so be careful of your back”

Other than a big path that we were going to go through after this in the center plaza and sora plaza, there were small paths connected to it too.

If Lealith goes through there then, there would be a chance we would get attacked from behind so, the role person right at the back of the line is very important.

Tentatively, the small paths at the 1st and 2nd floor has Kigami’s group looking out but even so, I can’t say it is certainly safe.

“Fuun. You too, be careful not to get ahead of yourself and get shot straight on”

“None of your business”

“That goes for you too”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gon* we bump our fist together and scatter to the left and right path.

Both groups on the 1st and 2nd floor moved.

“It's quiet, Tooru”

The sound of battle has already stopped echoing and the building was wrapped in silence.

“Aah. Let’s go while paying attention”

If Lealith was defeated then, someone would probably shout in victory but, that is impossible.

If that is the case then, the chances of Lealith in a watch-out further up is very high; my nervousness got stronger even though I did not want it to.

I lowered my body and dash towards the store in front while bending down.

There was no gunshot.

I confirmed if there is someone in the shop after entering but, there were no particular problems.

After I made a hand gesture saying its safe, Yurie ran here first and Tatsu next.

Tachibana was ahead in the opposite side of the path while Miyabi was following her back.

Even though we crossed half the distance in the path, we could hear no gunshots.

(It’s about time she is going to snipe…………)

It was needed to be cautious of the stairs connected towards the roof at the sora plaza, Tachibana said this.

But, thinking about the charge immediately at the start, we can’t throw away the possibility of a charge attack.

Inside the oppressive feeling created by the nervousness, we slowly got closer to the Sora plaza.

“Tooru. Look at that”

Further up Yurie’s finger------there were 3 guys collapsed frontwards at the plaza.

On half of the stairs heading towards the roof, there were girls collapsed there.

While moving onwards with our cautiousness increased, we kept a look out at the shops while hiding our body-----

I got shocked when I saw a female Kouryou uniform.

But, the hair was black and was streaming down to the chest.

Near the girl with black hair, I saw one more girl leaning against the wall.

Both of them were hiding in the shop and probably got found by Lealith.

It seems there was no one hiding in the shop, and I send a signal to Yurie behind me saying it’s already to advance.

“Tooru. I feel something is strange”

“Aah, I think so too. If there is no movement until now………”

She is moving outside our expectations again.

That thought passed my mind and hesitation was born.

Hesitation corrupts the concentration ability and a chance will be born-----

That instant was targeted.

A sudden attack came.

“That is no good, Kokonoe Tooru”

The sudden call out was from a direction I would never expect.

“-----Wha!!”

When I looked behind, the black hair girl was preparing her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

“Hesitation in a battle which has already begun is forbidden you know. it would only make a fatal chance. Like this”

She threw away the '''''black wig''''' which was hiding her {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} and Lealith made a wry smile.

“I thought this was cliché but, it unexpectedly works”

The gun was clearly pointed at Yurie.

“Yurie!!”

The gunshot broke the silence and----

The silver girl dodged the bullet just right.

And at the same time, Tatsu roared and swung down the <<Scimitar>>.

---but, Lealith dodged the attack by jumping over Tatsu’s head, and the shelves got mowed down by the <<Scimitar>>.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun*. Lealith rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Tatsu, dodge it-----!!”

However, my shout was useless and the bullet that got shot again pierced Tatsu’s head.

During the time that giant body was collapsing from losing its strength, the gold girl jumped out the shop.

She then ran up the giant ball light in the middle of the path and jumped towards the 2nd floor path.

“Yurie, it’s amazing, you dodge that”

“Ya--. It’s because Tooru confirmed the counter plan was effective”

“I-I see…………”

I could only be shocked once I heard she used the counter plan meant for a <<Shield>> defense to evade.

“--------above…….!?”

The voices of Kigami group advancing in the 2nd floor falling into disorder from the sudden attack could be heard.

“Kuh………..! Like hell I will let you do what you want any more than this!!”

After I dashed out the corridor, I kicked the ball light and jumped up from the recoil before grabbing onto the glass fence surrounding the atrium.

After dropping to the 2nd floor, Izumi was down and I saw Lealith’s back while she was thrusting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> at Kigami further ahead.

“Lealith!!”

“Oh my, why if it isn’t Kokonoe Tooru. You are the main dish so, please keep quiet”

“Sadly, I am bad with waiting”

“A guy that can’t wait will get hated by girls you know”

The moment Lealith said that and was about to put strength into her fingers------

“UooooOOOOO!!”

I shouted with a loud voice while closing the gap.

“------!?”

Lealith moved her sights in reflex, and her hands shook.

The fired bullet scratched near Kigami’s collarbone instead of his head.

Even though Kigami got blown to the floor, it’s not like this consciousness got blown away.

“Kigami, dodge it!!”

I shouted once more while swinging my fist targeted towards Lealith------the rose but, she dodged it.

However, since I swung it down in a manner of charging my body, I got between them with that momentum and prepared my <<Shield>> while covering Kigami.

“Kokonoe! What the hell are you doing!?”

An angry shout came from Kigami behind.

“What do you mean what………you are my comrade so-----is what I wanted to say but, my body moved on its own”

I did not release my sights from the gold girl while replying.

“You say your body moved on its own?”

“Aah. I refuse to see…….someone getting downed in front of me. That’s why hurry up and run away!”

That scenery from that day in summer carved into my brain moved my body.

Even if I know <<Survive>> is just a practice match, and no one would die.

“………..Damn it…………! Damn it, damn it, damn itt!!”

“------!? Kigami!!”

“Shut up!! Who the hell would run!!”

Instead of running away, Kigami prepared his <<Blaze>> and charged at Lealith.

Of course, Lealith did not stay quiet and prepared her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before------

Shooting Kigami mercilessly.

“It’s regretful you couldn’t save him. But I am just getting started”

“………….are you planning to defeat everyone else first”

“That’s right. Didn’t I tell you that you are the main dish already”

I closed in the gaps between Lealith in one go while she was making a smile.

“I won’t let you do that to anyone else!!”

“How persistent. Please keep quiet”

Just like usual, Lealith rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GiKiin!!* I blocked the bullet shot at my shoulder with the <<Shield>>.

“I won’t get hit that easily '''''in this distance'''''”

When she points the gun------expand the cautiousness to the maximum at the fire line and see through it.

It might be hard to dodge the bullet but, as long as I know the place where she is targeting then I can use the <<Shield>> to block it.

This is the counter-plan I prepared for the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

The drawback is, the more the distance between us keeps opening, any slight change in her gun’s angle would make a big difference and it would be hard to see through the bullet’s path.

“Not bad……..!!”

After stepping in, I drive in my fist aimed at the rose.

Even though she blocked the attack with the gun’s body, I moved to combination attacks without making any distance.

(I’ll keep pushing her like this!!)

But, Lealith’s calm face did not break and right in the middle of continue handling my attacks skillfully----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

(………What is it!?)

Normally, I should be going for that chance but, my attacking hand got duller because of shock and questions.

Right after I thought the bullet shot in close-range got deflected by my <<Shield>>-----

She gave a flashy low kick like a whip to my legs that has stopped moving.

“Nguh!!”

Lealith did not relax her attacking hand and continued with a front kick.

Even though I blocked it with the <<Shield>> immediately, her goal was not to attack me.

Lealith kicked the <<Shield>> and use that momentum to jump behind and open some distance.

(Oh no, this distance is disadvantage for me………!!)

If she opens a distance of more than 5 meter, I will lose the ability to see through the fire line accurately.

At the same time with her firing, I jumped into a nearby shop.

“Fufu, it’s okay even if you don’t run away that pathetically. That was just an intimidation, so I did not aim at you. I already told you that you are the main dish”

“Kuh…………!”

While hiding in the shop’s shadow, it was in that instant I grinded my teeth knowing that I was being played around.

“Kokonoe! Let’s retreat for now!! You all too, retreat now and regroup!!”

Even though I could not see her, Tachibana’s voice echoed throughout.

Because of Lealith’s surprise attack, she probably decided our group situation cannot fight in cooperation.

Especially, after losing Kigami and Izumi, the remaining people group up at the 2nd floor became completely agitated.

(I have no choice, I guess I’ll follow Tachibana’s words and retreat……….!)

But, during the moment I was about to retreat------

A silver gale ran passed me.

“Yurie!?”

Yurie’s long hair fluttered and she chased after Lealith.

“Don’t overdo it, Yurie!!”

“Nai. It is okay………!!”

I thought this decision was very un-like Yurie who usually fights in a calm manner.

“Ah-ra, you won’t run away? I was planning to let you all go though”

Lealith pulled the trigger while saying it’s a different story if she comes after her.

But, Yurie’s response was magnificent.

She dodged the bullet flying at her before kicking the wall and slashed with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> after closing the gap in one go.

However----

“Your movements are too honest”

“----!!”

Lealith went above that.

The moment the attacking <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> from left and right was about to cross------

The blades bounced off because she used the gun-stock to hit from below.

In that moment, Yurie became completely defenseless and------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>DoBo!!*Lealith’s knee thrust towards Yurie stomach.

Lealith then continued by giving Yurie a sokuto<ref group ="2F">A karate move</ref> and made her go flying.

“Ka, Haah!!”

Her small body slammed the glass fence and the stainless exterior distorted-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kashaaan*!! The glass broke and Yurie’s body got thrown out to the atrium.

“How regretful, Yurie Sigtuna. I expected you to be a little worth hunting but……….”

During the time the fragments of the glass and the {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}} was reflecting the light, the gold girl rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>-----and pointed the gun at Yurie.

“You end up unable to be this girl’s power huh, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Yurie-------!!”

“……….This is the end”

A dry sound echoed and the moment the bullet was about to pierce Yurie mercilessly-----

“I won’t let you”

A shadow ran away with that small body.

After hanging the tip of the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> near the ceiling, Tachibana caught Yurie mid-air with the movement of a pendulum.

Tachibana then landed on the 1st floor like that and while carrying Yurie and running pass the ball light and decorative plants to block the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> fire line.

“Kokonoe! We are retreating!!”

I immediately ran away from the spot at the retreat announcement she made again.

When I looked over for last, Lealith was seeing us off without preparing the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I could easily imagine her making a leisure smile as usual on that face.

After heading up slightly west from the 4th plaza----the sora plaza, we entered a store and I took a breather.

“Fuun. Looks like she isn’t coming”

“………aah, she probably let us go since it looks like she isn’t coming for us”

By now, she is probably chasing the 2nd floor group which ran away to a different direction from us.

(Damn it, she is one tough opponent, more than I imagined……….! Her close-combat is quite good and I would never have thought Yurie would get countered……….)

“Yurie, are you okay?”

“Ya, ya--……...my left shoulder hurts a little but, I am alright”

Yurie replied while staggering.

Behind her, Tachibana made a stern expression.

“………..what do you mean by alright when your shoulders are dislocated. Stay down until emergency treatment”

“Dislocation, Yurie………….! That is why I told you not overdo it…….!”

“……..Sorry”

Yurie became despondent at Tachibana and my frowning face.

“More importantly, we have to treat her shoulder fast. It would be nice if someone has bandages but, does anyone have it?”

“So-sorry. I did not bring with me……….”

Miyabi swung her head at Tachibana’s question and the other members swung their heads next.

“I will go find-------“

“No, I will go find some. Tooru, you go for a look-out”

Tora went outside the shop without even hearing my reply.

The moment he went out, [I won’t take long. Leave it to me] he said that.

While thinking this might be true, I made a wry smile and saw Tora’s back off.

“Thank you very much, Tomoe”

After a while, Tora found the bandages and brought it back and Tachibana performed the emergency treatment.

About the time she was about to take her clothes off, me and Tora went outside to stand guard.

“………..even if you are treated, please be careful not to force yourself”

It seems the treatment is over so I entered the shop and Tachibana was making a stern expression.

“Maa-maa, Yurie gets that too so you don’t have to say it many times……… more importantly, I have to thank you. Thank you for protecting Yurie, Tachibana”

“Fufu, protecting my comrades……..is…………na-tural………..”

At the same time I thought her voice was weak even though she was smiling--------

Tachibana staggered and droop towards me.

“Ta-Tachibana!?”

After I caught her in panic, Tachibana’s body relaxed and became heavy, and I noticed her breathing was wild.

“Oi, Tachibana? What is wrong, Tachibanaa, Tachibana--------!!”

Immediately, I found out.

There was a hole opened by a bullet on Tachibana’s uniform.

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 9.jpg|thumb]]

===Part 2===

There was the sound of a helicopter coming nearer from far away.

It was different from the one Lealith’s personally owns and was a giant tandem type rotor.

On the a la mode roof, Tsukimi Rito moved her sights from the helicopter up at the skies of Tokyo bay to the special monitor and muttered that.

“It’s going to be the climax soon”

40 minutes has passed since the commencement of the <<Survive>>-----

Almost every 1st year other than Tooru in the building has been defeated by Lealith.

“That time when silver hair was about to get defeated half-way, I seriously thought what was going to happen”

“If that happens, it would probably end without showing any good prospects”

While quietly gazing at the monitor, Sakuya made a bewitching smile and was damping her lips in the milk tea Sara poured for her.

“Oi oi, even if the silver hair is defeated, that <<Irregular>> is still left right”

“A <<Duo>> with only one wing will not beat her”

After replying her assertion to her rabbit ear wearing subordinate, Sakuya took another sip of the milk tea.

“………..in the current stage, the both of them are not showing any promises of winning her in the first place. Even if they are the same people that drove them away”

“Seriously, that is one unthinkable dryness from a little kid………….ah---, by the way, I am changing the topic”

“What is it?”

“Is '''''that''''' your invitee, director?”

Rito pointed to the sky and asked.

The giant wheel type helicopter floating up at the sky. It was something that could be seen at the bay coast from just now.

“At the very least, I don’t remember inviting them”

“……….that goes for me too”

The guy---Mikuni who has been keeping silent until now, opened his mouth.

“Fuu, how regretful………it looks like we have no time to see the long-awaited Climax”

Sakuya made a sigh before leaving the last part of the sentence and stood up.

Around 20 brawny men got off from the helicopter.

All of the men were in exaggerated outfits, they have a helmet that only shows the mouth part, armor that covers their chest and arms on top of their {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}}, and they were holding assault rifles in their hands.

“That is a team I have not seen before”

Mikuni said that after the men separated into left and right making a path without any useless movements.

Mikuni, who mainly uses various information connections, has all the special teams and organization in the world in his head----- but the men standing in front of him were unknown to him.

However, Mikuni and Sakya did not show any signs of discomposure like it were only natural.

Soon, there was 2 people walking through the center of the men in a relaxed manner.

One of them was like the men lined up from left and right, he was wearing a battle suit but, he was wearing a different helmet from the others and was exposing his face.

His age is probably around Tooru’s. It was a Caucasian teenager with shooting pair of eyes.

The other one was a lean old man dressed in white clothing.

The color of the base of his white hair could not be defined but, judging from his blue eyes and tall nose, it could be examined that he is a westerner.

After the men stopped, Sakuya took a step forward and pick her skirt to take a bow.

“First time meeting you all, my visitors. What kind of business do you all have in Japan?”

“Whaat, just a little stroll”

The old man was the one that answered Sakuya’s question.

“*Kusu**Kusu*, don’t joke. A stroll is something you do with your own legs”

“Fuhaha, that’s a harsh one. Well then………….how about having a talk with the youngsters about society while I am sightseeing?”

“Yes, gladly if that is the case”

Even though she was in front of a weird scenery of a group of men holding guns, Sakuya was not showing any signs of cowardice.

“However well, I was seriously scared that we might be shot down when we were landing”

“No, it’s because this is Japan. It would be a big commotion if we do something that dangerous”

“Hahaha, that’s true too. No wonder that man is in such light clothing”

“That’s because there was no need for it………….”

Having his sights directed to him, Mikuni answered.

It was only natural to be in light clothing.

There was no need for the <<Exceed>>’s to carry weapons such as guns.

“I see, I see. I guess this is the famous <<Exceed>> from the rumors like I thought”

The old man said the word that should be impossible for a normal person to know and *Pan**Pan* made a short clap.

However, Sakuya and the rest were not surprised at all.

It’s normal. There was no way a team of normal people would bring guns along with them.

“Oya, I thought you would show some response but…………….”

“Sorry to not meet your expectations……….by the way, is it about time you name yourself? Or should we name ours first?”

“Fuhaha, I don’t need you to do that, Tsukumo Sakuya-dono. No should I call you-----the <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>”

“…………….”

Sakuya moved her expression at this point for the first time.

“There is a reaction like I thought. Iyaa, this is good, this is good”

Although it was slight, she did show her surprise and the old man was laughing very happily like he succeeded in his prank.

“Sorry for the late introduction. I am <<Equipment smith>>-----Edward=Walker. This unannounced visit was because I wanted to meet the witch I hear from the rumors”

“-----I apologize for not knowing a person from <<Rein>>. I am honored to meet you, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama”

Sakuya bowed her head once more with a smile.

Even though she heard the old-man’s nickname, she has yet reached what kind of organization the men in front was affiliated with.

Enemy------it’s not like they are. At the very least, the current point that is.

But, it’s true that it is an organization that should be cautious about and originally, it would be normal to start exchanging a conversation without obstacle to search each other intentions but-------

“Hey, Jii-san<ref group ="2F">old man</ref>. Forget the sluggish conversation already and let’s get to the point. I will become sleepy if you continue blabbing useless words”

Just like her words, Rito made a large yawn in a bored manner,

The old man who called himself <<Equipment smith>> opened his eyes wide at the comment and actions of a person unable to read the atmosphere and-------

“Fuhahahahaha!! That is harsh. Ha—hahahahaha!!”

He places his hand on his forehead and made a big laugh.

“I apologize for my subordinate”

“Iya Iya, it is an old-man’s bad habit to make the conversation long. I will follow the rabbit ear Ojou-san and enter the real topic to avoid boring the <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>”

While making the smile of a good nature old-man, Edward started talking about the real reason why he suddenly appeared in front of Sakuya.

“If I have to put in one word then it’s about making an alliance. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I want to borrow your power”

“……….you jest”

“Iya Iya, I am really serious. I am an old friend with your grandfather. I understand his amazingness more than anyone else and inheriting that thick blood of his, I have also heard of how magnificent you are. That is why; I am paying my respect and came to pick you up personally”

“---------I see, grandfather’s………….but how regretful, my answer will not change”

Sakuya’s answer *Hohoou* made Edward mumbled shortly.

“No matter what?”

Sakuya made a small nod in a natural manner at the question again.

“Fumu, how regretful. You, your grandfather and I are quite '''''close'''''------because of that, I thought it would be possible to work together but……..let me see, this would mean-----“

“Now that the deal is off, you will use force and take our director away-----right?”

In an instant, Rito continued in the part that got opened.

“Fuhahahaha!! You sure said something interesting”

“Kuhah, but I am right, right?”

“It is just as you say, rabbit ear Ojou-san. And incidentally-----“

Edward sends his sight to the teen standing behind him.

“I am having difficulties finding a practical use of the <<Power>> I gave them. If the opponent is the famous <<Exceed>> then, it would be something that would occur easily even if I wish for it”

“Nice nice, that confidence. I really can’t get enough of it”

In the vigor of almost licking her lips, Rito reveal her happiness.

“Well then, <<K>>-kun. I’ll leave the rest to you. Please be careful not to hurt <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono even if it is a mistake”

After Edward went to the back, the Caucasian teen-----<<K>> gave order to the men at the side.

“You, take around 2 people into the building with you. Remember to secure the Bristol daughter. If she resists then, It is okay to hurt her as long as she does not die”

“………..oh my, do you have any business with Lealith?”

“Naturally. There is a lot of ways to use her”

“I won’t recommend you using her if you are going to make a trade with Dawn organization. No matter if she is the <<Exception>> they would easily throw her away if it produces an unprofitable situation”

“I don’t mind. Even if I don’t use her for the trade, she is a target the <<Equipment Smith>>-dono has taken a good interest in.-----okay, go!!”

3 men entered the building by <<K>> order.

“Errrr, what’s left is……….15 people huh. Kuhah, you’re going to need 100 times more than that if you are going to take me on”

“As expected from the <<Exceed>>. Rather than getting scared from this number of opponent, you say that there is an absolute difference in power…………..then, I will work hard to give you the enjoyment”

<<K>> spread both his hands out and shows a fearless smile.

Although it was in a polite way, it was unpleasant to hear <<K>> words which has hypocritical courtesy felt in it.

'''''“That’s because we are also existence that transcends humans too”'''''

Immediately, the group of mean in the surrounding scattered around in a speed unthinkable for normal people and surrounded Sakuya and the rest.

“…………...strengthen armor I guess”

The moment the group of men moved, Mikuni did not miss the slight machine sound coming from their armor.

“It is still in prototype stage without the adjustments made yet”

“Kuhah. Interesting”

Rito made a distorted smile and manifested her <<{{Furigana|Fang sword|Tebutje}}>>.

“To show respect to that expression that look down on others, '''''I will seriously beat the shit out of you'''''”

But------

“Stop, Rito”

It was her master that stopped Rito.

“Now that you have no <<Level Limit>> placed on you, the building will get destroyed if you go all out”

“Incidentally let me say this, your <<Blaze>> '''''stands out a lot''''', it will be annoying to fix the after-effects for me”

Being told by her master and her superior, Rito made a sullen face.

“Rito. You and I will protect Sara. Mikuni, please present them the time of silence”

After Rito stand down, Mikuni manifested his <<Blaze>>.

After seeing the <<Soul>> weapon that appeared in his hands, <<K>> made a scornful smile.

“I think this is impossible but, are you going to take on all of us with that seedy-looking <<Stiletto>>”

“Seedy-looking huh……………rather, let me tell you something, I am very unsatisfied about the thought of you able to take on an awaken <<Exceed>> with that level of power. And one more thing----“

“------!! That’s ………..!?”

Immediately at that '''''strange scenery'''''--------

<<K>> gasped when he saw the '''''12 <<Stiletto>> floating around Mikuni'''''.

Mikuni answered with both his hands spread out.

“I have 13 blades”

<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==

<references group="2F" />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-04-07T04:06:46Z

72.26.68.71: /* Chapter 1 『Lealith=Bristol』 */

==Chapter 1 『Lealith=Bristol』==

===Part 1===

When I woke up, it was already morning.

My head feels heavy thanks to not having enough sleep, and I was still sleepy.

However, before I could fall asleep, when I think back about the confession Yurie made--------the event last night I kept thinking over and over again, I didn’t feel like going back to sleep.

“I am also the same as Tooru-------an <<Avenger>>.”

Under the moonlight, when I was told that the silver girl who was exposing the scar on her back was wishing for revenge, I just lost my words to say.

In order to be an inhuman existence------an <<Avenger>>, the silver girl crossed the seas to come here.

I thought she would have a suitable reason for that.

But, I would have never thought she was the same as me, someone who has their hearts burnt from the flames of revenge.

Inside the time carved with silence, although Yurie soon said [Let’s go back] and headed back to the room-------even when I entered my bed after that, I could not fall asleep and in the end, I only fell asleep when the sky was starting to turn white.

When I closed my eyes, Yurie’s figure carved with a long scar floated inside my mind.

I have no idea what kind of circumstances had happened for her to be scarred like that. But------

(An, <<Avenger>> huh…………..)

Those sorrowful eyes Yurie made when she said those words.

(The same………..as me. Huh…………)

Maybe I should look for a chance to listen to the continuation.

Or, should I wait for her to tell me.

While pondering, I turned around to my back.

When I averted my eyes from the light, and turned to my back.

Up ahead, the thing I grasped was-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Munyuu*.

Something soft.

(What is this………..?)

I moved my hands in a dazed manner.

''That something'' I grabbed had a modest bulge enough to fit into my hands and it was something soft covered with a thin layer of cloth.

It was soft, and ''that something'' shape would change when I moved my fingers. It has resilience however and it would turn back to its original shape when I separated my fingers.

If I would to say an example, a marshmallow, mochi, or maybe--------and like that, those kinds of thoughts were floating up………..

“Nuuu…………”

''That something'' let out a voice.

“………………..”

Sweat flown down.

Right now, in order to gain conviction on what ''that something'' I was touching was.

When I timidly opened my eyes, over there was------

Possessing transparent-like {{Furigana|snow colored skin|Snow White}}, the {{Furigana|silver hair|Silver blonde}} girl was sleeping peacefully there while breathing.

……………just like my conviction, my hand was touching the silver girl’s breast.

(Why are you sleeping beside me!? wait, more importantly------)

I regained my composure, and the moment I tried to separate my hands in panic-----

“Hyuuun…………!”

''Maybe I hit a stimulating part'', the silver girl twitched almost at the same time with making a cute shriek and she embraced her own body.

………….luckily or unluckily, she was pressing my hand harder on her breast.

“U-wah, soft, wait, Uwaaaaaaaaaah!?”

Maybe it was from the stimulation, or maybe it was from my shouting-------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 1.jpg|thumb]]

“----------Tooru………..?”

Her {{Furigana|red eyes|Ruby eyes}} pointed towards me, and she said my name.

In an instant, I felt myself getting pale.

“Yu-Yurie…………!! Thi-this, errr……….!!”

“By this you mean…………………?”

While asking that question, Yurie followed my sights.

And further ahead of course, was my hand being pushed towards her own chest…………..

“Ah………..”

I found out her white cheeks were blushing to a sakura color.

“[……………]”

Yurie directed a perplex expression towards me and I replied back with a stiff face-------

“I-I want to move my hand so, could you relax the strength in your arms?”

“------uh! Ya—…………”

I urged Yurie and she relaxed the strength in her arms.

I hurried and pulled my hand away, and mid-way------

''My finger pulled on something.''

“Hnnkunn…………!”

Once again, Yurie embraced her body while dragging my hand along.

Naturally, it caused my hands to fully feel Yurie’s softness.

“Yurie, wait! My hand, my hand-----------------!!”

“Er-errr, Yurie. Sorry about that………….”

Around the time things finally calmed down, we were performing Seiza towards each other on top of the bed.

However, Yurie’s sights were at her knees. And her cheeks were slightly blushing in sakura color.

“……………”

The silence hurts.

“I-I did not think you would be sleeping beside me, my hands accidently touched when I was changing my sleeping side………….then when I moved my hands to think what it was then………….”

“…………………was it something so hard until you have to do that to confirm……..”

I will get scolded, or if I was told about the truth with cold eyes when I was prepared for it, I would get downhearted.

“Uh! N-no, that’s…………….it was the first time I touched a girl’s breast and it was very soft, I completely did not bother about the size of it…………..wait, Nonononono that’s not it…………..”

(Aaaaaah, what am I saying------!?)

“………………….”

Opposite to my panicking, Yurie was once again silent.

Maybe just maybe------is this the end for me? Is it that so called social death?

“Yu-Yurie…….?”

“…………….it wasn’t intentional right?”

Towards that question with upturned eyes, naturally I only swung my head vertically.

“Then it can’t be helped”

“Errr…………you will forgive me?”

“Ya---. In the first place, the cause was me breaking our promise and crawling into your bed as I please”

After saying that, Yurie lowered her head.

“Sorry to break our promise, Tooru”

“No, I don’t really mind but---------why were you sleeping here?”

The time I fell asleep was in dawn. Yurie should have been sleeping on her bed until then.

Which means, Yurie crawled in after when I did that……….

“Because of '''that talk''', I remembered the past…………and felt lonely”

Yurie looked at me apologetically.

“But, Tooru was already resting so, it was painful for me to wake you up…………..”

“……………..Hnn, it can’t be helped if that was the case huh”

“Thank you very much, Tooru”

You can sleep with me if you feel lonely. I was the one who said that.

Although I was surprised, it can’t be helped because there was a reason, I thought that.

(Getting lonely from '''that talk'''……….which means, perhaps Yurie’s father is------)

When I was thinking about the talk last night, it was immediately interrupted by Yurie calling out to me.

“By the way Tooru. Although it is in the morning, it is the time when we would usually be sleeping but, should we wake up like this?”

“You’re right. I want to sleep a bit more but, I'm confident in oversleeping if I sleep now”

“Ya---Me too”

She smiled and Yurie got off the bed.

Just like usual, she was probably going to change her clothes after taking a shower.

“Ah…….Yu-Yurie”

“--------?”

I stopped her when she was about to head towards the dressing room with her change of clothes in her hands.

“Just now………a-about the breast, I am really sorry”

“………..Nai. I don’t mind it so let’s drop that topic”

Although Yurie made a small swing with her head while saying that, she looked a little bit embarrassed.

The Kouryou academy's cafeteria width was wide enough for any number of students to relax and thanks to that, there isn’t really a fixed place to have a meal.

But, it has become a normal occurrence for most of the students to have their meals at the same place.

And the partner to pass this time together with has become a normal event---------

“Go-good morning Tooru-kun, Yurie-chan. You two are fast today………..”

A familiar voice was called out towards us when we were sitting side by side.

The owner of this voice was a petite girl, and she was someone with a quiet and reserved personality which could be understood by the tone of her voice.

However, the bulge of her chest was contrastive to that, and it draws in a lot of eyes since it was the most voluptuous of anyone in the class.

………..as expected, it doesn’t sound like the actual person itself.

“Good morning. We woke up a little bit earlier today" "Good morning, Miyabi"

Hotaka Miyabi. She is a first year like us, our classmate--------it was only normal since there is only one class per year in Kouryou academy but-------this girl takes her meals with us almost every day.

“Errrr…….”

“-----?”

After slightly hesitating after directing her sights towards me and Yurie respectively, Miyabi sat in front of Yurie.

(……………perhaps, she was pondering about whether or not to sit in front of us?)

Both opposite sides of me and Yurie were empty and judging from the current Miyabi, the possibility for that to happen was probably high.

Miyabi was brought up from an all girls school so she was bad with the opposite gender, but it has only been one month from today, after enrolling to the school, I would hear out her worries and after many events, we became close enough until we could call each other by our names.

But even so, I could see she was still nervous, but hesitation over which seat to sit in was something trivial, and I was kind of happy when I thought she might have lowered her guard compared to the past.

“………….err, Tooru-kun?”

“Hn? What’s wrong?”

While Miyabi was in a troubled state and her cheeks were slightly blushing, she moved her sights from me and the table alternately.

“What do you mean by what’s wrong, that is what I want to ask………….Yo-you were smiling while looking at me from just now but, I was wondering why is that………..?”

It seems the reason for her troubled expression was me.

I made a wry smile, in order to avoid telling her I was laughing from reminiscing.

“Now that I think back………….you are alone today. What happened to Tachibana?”

In a rare occurrence, there was no sight of Miyabi’s <<Duo>>, Tachibana.

Covered with a dignified atmosphere, she is a girl who holds an adult atmosphere for someone who is in the same age as us.

She comes from a martial arts family, she who holds outstanding abilities even in the class, has great results (Bad at English), on top of that she is good at looking out for others so trust would come to her from her surroundings.

“Ah………..Tomoe-chan should be waking everyone up right now”

“Everyone?”

“Un. There are a lot of people that would oversleep so, she does it so they won’t be late………whenever it is this time of the morning, she would go around everyone’s room and wake them up”

“Haha, that sounds just like Tachibana”

I didn’t even need to ask, it was probably done voluntarily.

Only one month has passed after starting a new life away from their parents. Which means, even though there is a dormitory advisor, it would be up for the female leader Tachibana to regulate the morning which can easily disorder the rhythm of the lifestyle.

I thought it was just like the steady and serious Tachibana.

The sight of her going around the rooms to call out the classmates, was clearly floating in my head.

(However-------)

“If I knew this was going to happen, I should have increased the meat and decreased the vegetables………..”

“Don’t go having an unbalanced diet just because I am not here, Kokonoe”

“Ta-Tachibana!?”

Right after I murmured that, there was a marginally angry voice coming behind me.

When I turned around in panic, Tachibana was glaring down at me after hearing the conversation just in time.

“Good morning, Tomoe”

“Yaa. Good morning, Yurie”

Gracefully moving her chopsticks until now, *chirin* after Yurie lowered her head producing a bell sound, and Tachibana lowered her eyebrows and made a smile.

Looking at Tachibana’s face loosening up, I took a relieved breath inside my heart.

“Why are you making such a relieved face”

“N-no, hahahaha………”

I was glared at once again, and I shrunk my body smaller………

“Seriously, a guy like you………….”

While making a sigh towards me, Tachibana sat in front of me.

“I-I can’t help it. For a young male like me, it is only natural to think of eating meat------“

“If you eat vegetables too, then there is nothing I will complain about”

“Uu…………..”

“In the first place, you only eat meat. Just like I said from before, you should eat more vegetables. Learn from Yurie and Miyabi”

When I looked over to both their trays, since she had a small body the amount Yurie took was little, she had Japanese style salad, fried eggs, the main was grilled salmon and the combinations could be said to be a Japanese style breakfast. She also had half a bowl of rice.

It could be said to be quite a low consumption to pass the time until afternoon.

If it was me, my stomach would probably be making a flashy growls half-way into second period.

Miyabi had a simple combination of a pot-au-fue and BLT sandwich, her drink was the usual milk.

(……….as expected, it is related to the reason why it is so big?)

I can’t say where but, I secretly send my sights over there and thought about it.

“Are you listening, Kokonoe?”

“------uh! A-aah, I am listening and I get it. I will eat vegetables properly…………….!”

“Umu, it’s a promise…………oh yeah, eat this 8 type warm salad. You should be able to eat this right?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Don* a plate of salad was placed in front of me.

“Ugeeh………..not that, n-no, won’t Tachibana’s breakfast become less……………”

“Rest assured, I have already taken my share………….muu, while you are at it, how about spinach with kelp dressing on it? And also this cooked seaweed--------“

(Give me a break alreadddyyyyyyyyy!! The meat, the meattttttttttttt!!)

I raised a shout inside my heart from the small plate of vegetables being constantly adding up in front of me.

Having several fractures, lacerations in every part of his body, and countless bruises.

Full recovery takes 1 month. However, this is only because he was an <<Exceed>>; if it was a normal person then it would take several months for full recovery.

It was the medical examination results of the injuries my friend Tora suffered during that <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>--------no, doing her work in the backstage and targeting students with reputation, it was done by Tsukimi who was doing secret work.

“Why is Tora over here?”

After finishing our breakfast chat and everyone headed to the classroom, I saw a familiar small male prostrating himself on the table while sleeping.

“…………………isn’t it obvious I was discharged from the hospital, you idiot”

Responding to my mumbling with his sharp-ears, Tora made a yawn while making a stretch.

“I think there should be around 10 more days until discharge but……………”

“Fuun, I can’t keep resting for that long”

During the GW, we went to visit him in the ward around the premise of the school when we were in a stage where we could move but, he immediately send us away because of something about showing his pathetic state.

After that, I heard the discharge day and wound condition from the nurse but, it seems Tora was pushy for his discharge.

“What are you going to do if you dragged your wounds just because you forced yourself. Keep quiet and sleep. Also there is that, you know there is a saying that a child that sleeps will grow bigger………..sorry, nothing”

“Who the hell is small!!”

Hearing that from behind me, Miyabi twitched from that angry voice and hid behind me as if she was scared.

“It’s okay. That retort was for me”

“U-un………… ……………….. Ah……….!”

When I made a smile towards Miyabi who was grabbing my clothes tightly, she opened her eyes wide in an instant----------

She quickly separated her hands, and took a step back before apologizing.

“Haha, I won’t bite”

Miyabi slipped a smile from the sentence that reminds her of the introduction we made during the first time we met.

“But, are you seriously okay? The wounds you got from '''''her''''' should be quite serious. Just like what Kokonoe says, I think it’s better for your body to not force yourself”

“Judging by the way you said it, you already know about the situation too?”

Tachibana swung her head vertically from Tora’s question.

On that day, it was great we managed to break Tsukimi’s <<{{Furigana|Fang sword|Tebutje}}>> but, I suffered extreme fatigue while the wound on Yurie’s legs were serious, and thus both of us could not move.

Then, Tachibana and Miyaba contacted the academy side after looking at our state, and performed emergency treatment on all the injured people including Tora and the rest.

During that occasion, we explained to Tachibana and Miyabi about what happened--------including the secret of the <<Blaze>>------so, they were already aware about the situation.

“I see, you two did my emergency treatment………Tachibana, Hotaka, it was a life saver. You have my gratitude”

Tora lowered his head.

“…………………….”

“…………..Tooru. What is with that face?”

“I’m shocked”

“Why are you shocked, Tooru?”

Yurie tilted her head and *Chirin* a bell sound was produced.

“Nooo, that’s because Tora is lowering his head towards someone”

“Don’t open your eyes wide from something like that! Even I would lower my head when I really want to show my gratitude!”

“That’s because it’s Tora you know!?”

“What kind of image of me is inside of you!!”

“…………….Tooru, Tora. Fighting is bad”

“*Giggle* *Giggle*, it’s alright Yurie-chan, this isn’t a fight”

Miyabi made a small giggle from our small quarrel, and nodded towards Yurie [Is that so?] question.

However, Yurie tilted her head because she could not understand at all and *chirin* the bell shook.

“Oh yeah! You said you would lower your head when you really want to show your gratitude right. Then, you were saved by me and Yurie during that time, so I’ll have you show that gratitude of yours”

“Uuu………Gugu, Th-that’s…………kuh, i-it certainly is unpleasant…………”

While I was making a spiteful smile at Tora, Tachibana [Are you a child] muttered that in a tired tone behind me.

After a while, although Tora *un**un* groaned, he made a complex expression while opening his mouth with a desperate tone.

“Al-alright. I will show you my gratitude so be grateful”

“It should be thank you there right?”

“Muguuh………! Gu-gu-gu……….Tha-tha-thatha……than……… ………..Haah!? No-now that I think back about it, if it weren’t for me saving you in the first place, even you would be defeated too!!”

Damn it, he noticed.

“That’s why we don’t owe each other anything. You get it! However, you will show your gratitude to Yurie!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuun* Tora made a rough snort and turned his back towards us.

“Seriously, I don’t know whether I should call you childish, or you’re existence is mean………….oh, it’s the chime. See you later. Kokonoe”

Hearing the ringing sound of the chime signifying the start of the classes, Tachibana lightly hit my shoulders and headed towards her own seat.

Miyabi also left a see you later before chasing after her back.

“Tooru. Let’s sit down too”

Although I went to sit on my seat when I was urged by Yurie, there was question that popped up at that moment.

(Wait a sec? It’s okay for the class to start but, what about our homeroom teacher?”

There is no way it’s going to be the girl wearing rabbit ears.

Which means, other teachers should be a replacement-------

“Good Morning--♥ Did you all enjoy your GW? I think this is unlikely but, are there naughty children that played too much and forgot their homework? If there is then, please raise your hands—♥“

“-------uh!!”

The moment we saw the rabbit ears coming into the classroom after the chime ended, me-------Yurie, Tachibana, Miyabi, Tora and Tatsu stood up.

Each of us placed our hands on our own chest, and the instant we were about to say the <<Word that carries strength>>-------

“The class is going to start. Please sit down at your seats”

We could only stop our thoughts, from the words coming from Mikuni-sensei who showed himself after coming into the classroom after Tsukimi.

“You didn’t hear me, Kokonoe-kun? The other 5 too. The class is going to start”

Once again ordered to sit down, we lowered our hips while in bewilderment.

(What’s going on………….!?)

“Alright ☆, let’s begin our long returning HR---♪“

Exactly like what the owner of that evil blade that attacked on that day proclaimed, the HR has started.

As if that attack did not happen, she was making her usual, natural smile.

However, we were only bewildered since we know about the face under that smiling mask.

“Okay okay ☆, regarding the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> we had just before the holidays, good work to those who won magnificently and although it is disappointing, to the people that lost too♪ it looks like there were several people that got injured from hustling a little too much but, Sensei is very satisfied to be able to see everyone’s current powers ♥”

The part about got injured------although me and Tora were about to open our mouth to say whose fault is it by reflex, Tsukimi *pachiri* closed one of her eyes while placing her fingers on her mouth.

The matter regarding that attack is a secret; that is probably what she is telling us.

We know that without her telling us but, thanks to the main culprit of that incident lying so calmly, we were just barely maintaining our composure.

“--------with that said, just like what I explained beforehand, the <<Duo>>’s with good result will be able to receive the <<Sublimation Ceremony>> as a special prize on Saturday. Errrr, the ones who will take it are--------“

The ones Tsukimi said were me & Yurie, Tachibana & Miyabi, Tora & Tatsu, and 2 other <<Duo>> groups.

According to that, it seems the standard of 3 wins and above was the condition to receive the special prize.

Originally, I would be happy to be able to receive the <<Sublimation Ceremony>> but, now wasn’t the time for that.

(What the hell is going on……?)

My head was in chaos.

I did not have to say the reason, it was regarding about the reason on why is Tsukimi still our homeroom teacher, and why does Mikuni-sensei------the academy side approved it.

But, during the time I was thinking inside my head, the HR was still continuing.

After that, we were told about the classes from now on, the interleague match with the 2nd year students, and there would be a seaside school trip on July, Tsukimi then left the classroom from the chime signal and the class started after the general science teacher entered while she left.

The questions regarding Tsukimi, everyone related to that incident felt bewildered.

“What do you make of that, Kokonoe”

When it turned break time, Tachibana came over to talk to me while making a blatant perplexed expression.

Miyabi was beside her and Tora and Tatsu sitting in front of us turned around to look at me

Even for Yurie who normally doesn’t move her expression much, she was bringing her eyebrows closer.

“Let’s talk in the corridor. Someone might hear us here”

After saying that, I urged everyone to head out to the corridor. The damages caused from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> was completely restored during the GW, and there was nearly no one in the corridor with its original aspects restored regardless of it being break time, the class--------rather than saying that, this shows the fact that there are only a few people inside the school including the staff members.

We moved to a place which was quite separated from the classroom just in case.

At that moment, Miyabi was the first one to open her mouth to break the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

“E-eerr…….Tsukimi-sensei was trying to kill Yurie-chan and Tooru-kun right?”

“Ya---. If not for Tooru, by now I would be………….”

“I could not do anything if I was alone. That plan succeeded because Yurie was there”

I seriously thought that without being humble. Thanks to Yurie stopping Tsukimi’s sword, a chance to slam {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} in was produced.

[Nai. It was Tooru………….] [Nono, it was Yurie…………….]

“Stop it already. We should be talking about why that woman was once again in front of us first!”

Unable to hide his irritation, Tora made an angry shout and we returned back to the main thread.

“Even if you say that………………even I would like to hear why Tsukimi appeared with a nonchalant face”

The academy was left to deal with Tsukimi but, at the very least we thought we would never see her ever again.

“Kuhah, then let me tell you, <<Irregular>>”

“-------uh!?”

The voice of the subjected person suddenly mixed into the conversation.

At the same time with being shocked at that voice------our sights gathered towards the window.

As if to respond to our sights, when we thought we heard the laugh from her true self echoed, Tsukimi showed her face at the opposite side of the window. Why was she in the opposite side.

“Oora, Open the window. I can’t get in like this. Hurry up and open the damn window if you want your questions to be answered”

You should eavesdrop first if you want to ask someone to do something (?)I opened the window, while thinking I shouldn’t be doing this.

Naturally, while being cautious………………is what I planned to do.

“Arayooto”

Tsukimi treated the window frame like iron bars and after making a turn midair, she broke into the school with her legs in first.

What’s more, this was done at the same time when opening the window, and from my point of view, the petticoat that suddenly appeared in front of my eyes looked like a large white flower blooming.

“Buu!?”

…………incidentally, the thin white cloth Tsukimi was wearing on her lower half was pushed at my face.

(Wait………….this is………..!?)

After being stumbled upon with bewilderment and an impact towards my head, my head was put between her soft thighs and my upper body was pulled forward.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuun………..*! A strong impact was directed towards my back together with a dull sound.

“Gah……………! Kahah………….”

[Tooru!!] [Tooru-kun!!] [Tooru!!]

“Ko-Kokonoe! Tsukimi-sensei what are you doing!?”

Although Tachibana raised an angry shout from the sudden Franken Steiner, Tsukimi easily washed it off indifferently.

“Kuhahah. {{Furigana|A fall|Pain}} awaits after a good {{Furigana|Service|experience}}. This is the rule of the world”

Tsukimi erected her index finger and *Chi*chi* swung it left and right.

“Kuh, what rule is that………..ouch………..”

“Are you okay, Tooru?”

She has a provocative smile----------Tsukimi was standing still while showing her true self while Tachibana, Tora and Tatsu were confronting her.

The only one not revealing any enemy intent was Miyabi, since she was not used to fighting, she was only looking at my face and Tsukimi’s alternately while being flustered.

The strained atmosphere continued for a full 10 seconds------

The first one to move was Tsukimi.

We were about to manifest our <<Blaze>> in reflex but, it was not needed.

It’s true that Tsukimi moved but, she only raised both her hands up with no intents to fight.

“………………….What are you planning”

“Just like what you see, I have no intentions to fight. If I were to fight with you guys here then, I would get fired in just one day after obtaining my hard earned reemployment”

Tsukimi answered while wearing a nonchalant smile from Tora’s question.

“What do you mean by reemployment…………..?”

“It probably means, her employer has switched to the academy”

“Kuhah. As expected from an honors student, your head processing is different from that blockheaded dairy cow”

“Co-cow!?”

Miyabi used her hands and tried to cover her chest from Tsukimi’s words………………however, she could not hide it since it was too big.

“Well, that is the case. Me continuing to be a teacher like this is more than enough proof”

“…………………. It’s hard to believe since it is abrupt but, it looks like the case judging by the situation”

“You can’t do that you know, Kokonoe-kun☆ You have to use honorifics properly towards Sensei ♥”

“……………don’t ask for the impossible when you were someone that almost killed us”

“Kuhah, you didn’t die so don’t be so stiff with me”

“That’s why you too, don’t say something stiff like asking me to use honorifics”

“Uh! Seriously!! You got some nice sense there <<Irregular>>!! Kua---ahahahahaha!!”

For an instant, Tsukimi opened her eyes wide from my reply and started laughing by hugging her stomach while hitting her hips.

Soon, after her laughing calmed down, she leaned against the wall while making a happy expression.

“………then a question from me. You said [job] at that time right? I’ll have you answer the where, who and what kind of reason did they have to attack us”

Having the worst injuries from Tsukimi, Tora could not hide his irritation and asked.

“There are a lot of people depressed about the <<Exceed>> in this world. Well, I can’t say who it is because of confidentiality but, it’s a country that holds justice”

“That means………..”

We didn’t even need to ask for the name of the country, we can get it from that sarcasm.

“Don’t tell me…………that isn’t possible. Are you saying it came from a country………….”

Tsukimi shrugged her shoulders as if to play a fool towards Tachibana who was unable to hide her shock.

“Kuhah, remember this. Darkness exists in every country. And it is the same with this Kouryou-------which means, this academy is the darkness of Japan. If not for that, although it is done in secrecy, there is no way they could succeed in using inhuman methods to produce nano-machine monsters”

I wonder could it be taken seriously.

But, it was persuasive.

It does sound convincing if I think about the fact that the existence of the <<Luciful>> and <<Exceed>> has not come out to public because there is a country in the background.

“Well, it is up to you guys to '''believe how much you want'''. ………….alright then, break time is about to end so see you all later. Don’t be late for class”
Tsukimi swung her hands and left after turning her back towards us.

“……….how much do you think we should believe that talk?”

“Fuun. Leaving aside the fact that a country is behind this, I think it should be true judging by the situation of her going to the academy side”

“I have the same opinion with Tora”

“Only, let’s be cautious just in case”

Both of them agreed my opinion.

(However, to think something like her attacks was related to the country, I don’t know how much of that I could believe………….)

The time for lunch ended and has turned into the afternoon, and it has come to the physical ability enhancement training after a long time but------

“A 20 kilo baggage…………”

With a smiling face, Tsukimi announced that the real training starts from today since the GW has finished.

But, the surroundings made a commotion when they heard the contents.

“Tooru-kun. What do you mean by baggage………..?”

Miyabi beside me asked me a question with a soft voice regarding the unfamiliar word.

The baggage is a knapsack and after I answered that we would probably be running with weights placed inside it, she showed an uneasy manner.

Miyabi has become used to running in long distance thanks to her continuously running voluntarily but even so it did not change her lack of confidence.

Because of that, it was probably natural for her reaction when she heard that the training will be harder compared from before. That’s why--------

“Miyabi if it is you, it will be okay. You became able to run a marathon already right”

“Th-that’s true…..I’ll do my best”

Although she could not hide her uneasiness, Miyabi nodded.

“………bu-but, if I can’t run as far as finish then…………….will you come and pick me up again?”

“Pick you up…………?”

Go and pick Miyabi up---------what I could recall back from that was the event that happened around 1 month ago.

The memories of me giving the unmovable Miyabi a piggyback and coming back.

(It was because of that day, Miyabi has started to talk to me…………..)

“Will, you………?”

“Eh? Ah………..”

Because my reply was not coming out, Miyabi asked me with upturned eyes as if to appeal to me.

“Aah, I understand. I will definitely go pick you up”

“Un, I will wait for you………….”

And then, Miyabi nodded happily.

“---------wait a sec, it’s bad if you wait. You have to run to the finish”

“Ah………tha-that’s right. ahaha………..”

I made a wry smile following Miyabi.

At that moment, Yurie brought over the baggage’s in both of her hands respectively for Miyabi and me.

She then tilted her head when both of us were showing her a wry smile.

“Tooru, Miyabi. What happened?”

“A little something.………..Aah, thanks for the baggage”

The baggage I received transmitted the weight into my arms-------although I say that, I don’t feel the small number of 20 kilograms now that I am in my enhanced state.

I once again knew the amazingness of the <<Luciful>> since the small bodied Yurie could bring the baggage with a weight almost the same or even crossing her body weight when it was joined together with just some wobbling.

What’s more, since this is said when we are still <<{{Furigana|I|Level}}>>, I can’t even imagine how much it would be at the end.

But even so, I have to continue running towards that end.

In order to understand the meaning of those words after obtaining <<Power>>.

Why did Otoha have to die, I was seeking that truth.

However that was------a deception.

'''“They are dead, because they were weak”'''

The dream showed its desire by saying that.

No matter how much gloss was on top of the surface, hatred and anger were swirling in my abyss.

There was a demon thirsting for revenge living there.

I realized that, each time the memories from that day, and that person’s words resurface.

“Uaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh----------------------!!”

It was same today too. My roar filled with hatred has brought me back to the present from my dream.

“Haa…………ah, haaa, haaa…………..!”

“Tooru, are you okay……..?”

Yurie came down from the upper level bed and directed her {{Furigana|red eyes|Ruby eyes}} towards me worriedly.

“……………sorry”

“Nai. Please do not mind it”

It was already bright outside and morning has arrived.

Nonetheless, it was still somewhat faster compared to our waking up time but------

“Where are you going?”

After I washed my face in the washroom and changed into an attire that is easy to move in, Yurie tilted her head while her face looked a little sleepy.

“I am going to sweat for around 30 minutes. I feel like moving my body a little”

After leaving an ''I understand'' from the nodding Yurie, I left the room and headed towards the underground facility.

Although it was still morning, there were only a few numbers of people inside the training room which can be used from 6am to 10pm.

I exchanged a simple greeting with one classmate and headed deeper inside.

I was standing in front of a special sandbag which easily crosses 100 kilograms. It usually has urethane foam inside it but, the thing in front of me is specially made and is cramped with sand just like the name suggests.

I continuously punched and kicked that sandbag without resting.

My breathing became rough, and it became painful.

But even so, I will continue punching as long as I have power.

As if to drive away those words.

As if to slam all my hatred towards him.

I was only dead-set on that.

“You should stop around there”

I wonder how long I have been punching the sandbag.

By the time I stopped my fist when I was called out, I was dripping in sweat and my rough breathing was very painful.

“Just when I thought it was such a rare occurrence for you to train enthusiastically in the morning, how long are you planning to keep on hitting. If you keep that up, you will only injure your fist”

After I turned around, Tachibana made one sigh while her expression was frowning.

When I looked at the fist she pointed out, the skin was torn off and blood was oozing out.

“Ah…………ouch……………”

I started feeling pain on my fist and I distorted my face.

When I did that, Tachibana grabbed my hands while starting to walk.

“Let’s go to the infirmary. It would probably heal immediately thanks to the <<Luciful>> but this is for just in case”

I completely understood the blessings of this strengthened healing power from that one battle with Tsukimi.

This level of wound would completely heal by tomorrow but, it was now throbbing painfully.

But this was okay.

I felt a bit better from moving my body in a daze.

It would be a cheap trade if I think like that.

While pulling my hands, although Tachibana brought me along to the infirmary beside the training room, the doctor cannot be seen there since it was early.

“There is no one here at this time as expected. Even though I said that, even I can handle this level of treatment”

After making me sit on a chair, Tachibana took the gauze and wet it with water.

“Uh……………!”

In the middle of the blood stains being wiped off with the wet gauze, I groaned from the stinging water.

“Sorry. I’ll have you………withstand it, a bit……………”

Both of us noticed this the moment Tachibana raised her face.

Our faces were close.

Either I or Tachibana was the first one to have our cheeks blush from this close distance.

We both averted our face almost at the same time, and time advanced silently just like that.

“Alright, then. Next up would be wrapping a cling film before bandaging”

Different from the gauze application on the wounds we learned in class before GW, this was the moist wound healing method covered with a vulnerary covering material.

Many people get injured because Kouryou academy is a special technique training school, but thanks to the <<Luciful>> increasing the healing abilities, there are many cases where it would end with just emergency treatment just like this.

Tachibana wrapped the cling film on my hand in a familiar manner before wrapping it with a bandage.

“I thought about this during class too but, Tachibana is quite good at this kind of stuff”

“There are always fresh wounds in the Tachibana dojo. I was always treating someone’s injuries almost every day before enrolling here”

“No wonder…………then, I think it won’t be a problem to ask Tachibana to treat my injuries when I get them”

“Before that, you should pay attention to not get injured”

“Seriously”

Tachibana frowns her face towards me who was making a wry smile.

“………….more importantly, Kokonoe, what happened? Rather than calling you enthusiastic just now………….err, you had a somewhat bloodcurdling atmosphere around you………..”

“Hnn…………….last time, I remembered back about that time I lost to a person that was my friend. Thanks to that and by the time I noticed myself being filled with frustration, well”

I did not lie. I only said one part of the truth but, that was enough to trick her.

“……………fumu. That must be one terrible loss. However, I know it might be frustrating but even so, you should take care of your own body a little more”

After I nodded at Tachibana who was making a wry smile, this time it was my turn to ask questions with the intention of changing the topic.

“By the way, you said it was a rare occurrence seeing me just now. Which means, Tachibana often comes to training in the morning?”

“Almost every day, I would be in the training room around this time”

And after that ends, she would go around to other people’s room to wake them up.

She’s amazing, after honestly stating my opinion, I swung my head left and right.

“That’s because Miyabi is always working hard every morning. I can’t lose too as her <<Duo>>”

“Every morning?”

“Every day, she will run in the morning and after class……………though I say this, she only started running in the morning after the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> though”

While muttering that, I thought Miyabi was working hard too.

At present, she was able to finish the baggage attachment marathon which started a few days too without retiring, the reason for that was probably because the results of her steady endeavor has born fruit.

“We can no longer remain careless anymore”

Tachibana made a happy smile to her <<Duo>> who has changed very differently from the first day of enrollment.

“Well then, I should be heading back to my room now. Tachibana, thanks for the treatment”

“What, it wasn’t much. I think it’s better to replace the wrap a few more times so, feel free to tell me when you want it”

It’s true that, it would finish quick and would look nicer compared to me doing it.

“The problem is taking notes will be a little tough with my hand like this”

“Fufu, then I will lend you my notes later”

“Is it okay?”

“But, the condition is you taking the class properly”

“I understand………..however, it looks troublesome to go to the toilet with this hand”

“Fufu, feel free to tell me when that happens. I will help-------“

She then stopped her words mid-way. Tachibana noticed what she was about to say and in a blink of an eye her cheeks-------no, her whole face turned red.

“Wha-wha, what kind of obscene thing are you saying------------!?”

“Wait, I didn’t say anything!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>zazan*…………..*zazan*…………..the wave was hitting nonstop.

“Fuwaaa………..”

In the morning of the next day, after hearing the faint sound of the waves in front of the school gate, a yawn unintentionally came out.

At that moment, I could hear the sound of light footsteps coming from afar.

The owner of those footsteps came closer, and I called out around the time I could see her.

“Yoo, Miyabi”

“To-Tooru-kun!? …………..dre-dream? Un-until I could dream about him, towards Tooru-kun i…………”

“No, I am not a dream but the real one”

I lightly tapped Miyabi’s shoulders while she was bewildered.

“Real one…………………eh? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? --------uh!! Fo-forget that from just now! Please pretend you didn’t hear that!!”

Miyabi’s expression quickly changed.
She was probably very embarrassed about misunderstanding this as a dream, and it felt heartwarming seeing her swing both her hands quickly.

(Pretend I didn’t hear that huh, I wonder how I am supposed do about that………….)

Miyabi regained her calm after a while and asked a question.

“E-erm……….why is Tooru-kun here?”

It’s only normal to think like that.

That’s because I was waiting in front of the school gate, with the time just passed 6 am in the morning.

“I heard from Tachibana that Miyabi was running not only after school but in the morning too. So I thought, I should join in too”

“Eh…………? To-Tooru-kun too……….!?”

“Aah. I’ll quit if it is an annoyance”

“Th-there is no such thing. You aren’t an annoyance at all, Un”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Buun*Buun* Miyabi swung her head left and right.

I thought it was about to be torn off since it was done so vigorously.

“Alright, let’s start running immediately. It’s a waste just nonchalantly being carefree like this”

“U-un”

Just like that, the conversation concluded and we started running side by side.

The running pace was not that fast, and there was leisure to have a conversation.

The topic that came out was-------

“………..e-errr, Tooru-kun. Sorry about that time”

It was about that time when she witnessed me hugging a fully nude Yurie In the middle of GW.

Due to the much unexpected scenery (Me too) raising a panic, Miyabi used the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and opened a big hole on the floor in my room (#Already repaired), this event was still fresh in my memories.

“Don’t worry about it anymore. I wonder how many times you apologized with this”

After that day and even today too; each time our faces meet or do not meet, Miyabi has lowered her head countless times and it was more than enough to tell she was self-reflecting on her act.

“B-but……….”

“No buts. I can’t remain calm when I get apologized too all the time, and more importantly, it is only natural to misunderstand that situation”

“…………………it’s a misunderstanding right?”

“Eh?”

“Li-like I said, you aren’t in that type of relationship with Yurie-chan……..t-to do those type of things right?”

Towards that question she asked while her cheeks blushing, I also blushed while swinging my head and replying it’s wrong.

“Tha-thank god ………”

Miyabi muttered, and I made a relieved sigh since it ended without the misunderstanding becoming something big.

After a while, the laps started to take its toll and Miyabi lost her leisure to exchange words with me.

“To-Tooru-kun………..it’s okay to go…….. ahead ……….”

“I understand. Then I’ll be going on ahead”

By the time we reached the last lap, I nodded at Miyabi’s words while she was out of breath, and both of us started running at full strength. Although we were running side by side until now, as expected Miyabi’s figure was washed away in one go since we originally have a difference in stamina.

“Good work, Miyabi. You’ve gotten faster”

“U-un……..thank, you, To-Tooru-kun………”

Miyabi finally reached the goal a few minutes after I reached the school gate.

She places her hands on her knees and repeatedly breathes heavily.

That is a normal aftermath scenery of someone running finish but, the unusual one was Miyabi’s………..err, those.

It was swaying in a manner as if it was following the gravity, it makes one think as if melons were inserted inside her chest.

Each time Miyabi breathes and her shoulders go up and down, ''it'' would jiggle and-------

(…………..wait, what the hell kind of eyes am I giving Miyabi when she did her best in running!?)

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pan*!

A flashy sound was produced when I used both my hands to slap my cheeks.

“Tooru-kun………?”

“I-I was putting in motivation………”

“Again? Fufu, Tooru-kun sure gets motivated at weird times”

Miyabi remembered the past and made a smile even though her breathing was still in disarray.

I could only make a dry smile towards her-------

All of a sudden, a sound completely changed the atmosphere.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Para*Para*Para*………the sound of the helicopter erased the never-ending sound produced by the waves.

The helicopter passed across us and headed towards the premises of the academy just like that--------not long later, it started descending around the staff building.

“What is happening this early in the morning?”

That question unintentionally came out from my mouth and since there is no way Miyabi could answer that question, she tilted her head.

The light from the morning sun reached the descending helicopter.

The sun reflected something and a gold color shined.

For some reason, I could not release my eyes from that shine.

===Part 2===
There was a shadow inside the school looking at the helicopter just like Tooru and the others.

In a room inside the staff building--------- deep inside the chairman office there is a gorgeous chandelier, an extravagant red carpet, a table and furniture finely decorated nicely with ornaments, and also a bedroom with a bed canopy placed inside.

Naturally, the shadow looking at the helicopter outside from the room-------- belongs to the Kouryou board chairman, Tsukumo Sakuya.

“…………..She’s here”

Sakuya was already dressed up regardless of how early in the morning it was and was wearing the usual gothic dress.

After moving from the bed room to the office, Mikuni her trusty confidant was already awaiting her, and Sakuya brought him along to the courtyard.

The helicopter has finished landing almost at the same time Sakuya and the rest came out to the courtyard.

The wind caused by the rotor, made Sakuya’s elegant black hair and gothic dress sway-----

A girl with {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} showed herself from the helicopter.

Sakuya made a charming smile towards the gold girl whose shine makes one think of the sun.

“Welcome, to Kouryou Academy. <<Exception>>------Lealith Bristol”

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Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-04-07T04:04:38Z

72.26.68.71: /* Chapter 1 『Lealith Bristol』 */

==Chapter 1 『Lealith Bristol』==

===Part 1===

When I woke up, it was already morning.

My head feels heavy thanks to not having enough sleep, and I was still sleepy.

However, before I could fall asleep, when I think back about the confession Yurie made--------the event last night I kept thinking over and over again, I didn’t feel like going back to sleep.

“I am also the same as Tooru-------an <<Avenger>>.”

Under the moonlight, when I was told that the silver girl who was exposing the scar on her back was wishing for revenge, I just lost my words to say.

In order to be an inhuman existence------an <<Avenger>>, the silver girl crossed the seas to come here.

I thought she would have a suitable reason for that.

But, I would have never thought she was the same as me, someone who has their hearts burnt from the flames of revenge.

Inside the time carved with silence, although Yurie soon said [Let’s go back] and headed back to the room-------even when I entered my bed after that, I could not fall asleep and in the end, I only fell asleep when the sky was starting to turn white.

When I closed my eyes, Yurie’s figure carved with a long scar floated inside my mind.

I have no idea what kind of circumstances had happened for her to be scarred like that. But------

(An, <<Avenger>> huh…………..)

Those sorrowful eyes Yurie made when she said those words.

(The same………..as me. Huh…………)

Maybe I should look for a chance to listen to the continuation.

Or, should I wait for her to tell me.

While pondering, I turned around to my back.

When I averted my eyes from the light, and turned to my back.

Up ahead, the thing I grasped was-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Munyuu*.

Something soft.

(What is this………..?)

I moved my hands in a dazed manner.

''That something'' I grabbed had a modest bulge enough to fit into my hands and it was something soft covered with a thin layer of cloth.

It was soft, and ''that something'' shape would change when I moved my fingers. It has resilience however and it would turn back to its original shape when I separated my fingers.

If I would to say an example, a marshmallow, mochi, or maybe--------and like that, those kinds of thoughts were floating up………..

“Nuuu…………”

''That something'' let out a voice.

“………………..”

Sweat flown down.

Right now, in order to gain conviction on what ''that something'' I was touching was.

When I timidly opened my eyes, over there was------

Possessing transparent-like {{Furigana|snow colored skin|Snow White}}, the {{Furigana|silver hair|Silver blonde}} girl was sleeping peacefully there while breathing.

……………just like my conviction, my hand was touching the silver girl’s breast.

(Why are you sleeping beside me!? wait, more importantly------)

I regained my composure, and the moment I tried to separate my hands in panic-----

“Hyuuun…………!”

''Maybe I hit a stimulating part'', the silver girl twitched almost at the same time with making a cute shriek and she embraced her own body.

………….luckily or unluckily, she was pressing my hand harder on her breast.

“U-wah, soft, wait, Uwaaaaaaaaaah!?”

Maybe it was from the stimulation, or maybe it was from my shouting-------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 1.jpg|thumb]]

“----------Tooru………..?”

Her {{Furigana|red eyes|Ruby eyes}} pointed towards me, and she said my name.

In an instant, I felt myself getting pale.

“Yu-Yurie…………!! Thi-this, errr……….!!”

“By this you mean…………………?”

While asking that question, Yurie followed my sights.

And further ahead of course, was my hand being pushed towards her own chest…………..

“Ah………..”

I found out her white cheeks were blushing to a sakura color.

“[……………]”

Yurie directed a perplex expression towards me and I replied back with a stiff face-------

“I-I want to move my hand so, could you relax the strength in your arms?”

“------uh! Ya—…………”

I urged Yurie and she relaxed the strength in her arms.

I hurried and pulled my hand away, and mid-way------

''My finger pulled on something.''

“Hnnkunn…………!”

Once again, Yurie embraced her body while dragging my hand along.

Naturally, it caused my hands to fully feel Yurie’s softness.

“Yurie, wait! My hand, my hand-----------------!!”

“Er-errr, Yurie. Sorry about that………….”

Around the time things finally calmed down, we were performing Seiza towards each other on top of the bed.

However, Yurie’s sights were at her knees. And her cheeks were slightly blushing in sakura color.

“……………”

The silence hurts.

“I-I did not think you would be sleeping beside me, my hands accidently touched when I was changing my sleeping side………….then when I moved my hands to think what it was then………….”

“…………………was it something so hard until you have to do that to confirm……..”

I will get scolded, or if I was told about the truth with cold eyes when I was prepared for it, I would get downhearted.

“Uh! N-no, that’s…………….it was the first time I touched a girl’s breast and it was very soft, I completely did not bother about the size of it…………..wait, Nonononono that’s not it…………..”

(Aaaaaah, what am I saying------!?)

“………………….”

Opposite to my panicking, Yurie was once again silent.

Maybe just maybe------is this the end for me? Is it that so called social death?

“Yu-Yurie…….?”

“…………….it wasn’t intentional right?”

Towards that question with upturned eyes, naturally I only swung my head vertically.

“Then it can’t be helped”

“Errr…………you will forgive me?”

“Ya---. In the first place, the cause was me breaking our promise and crawling into your bed as I please”

After saying that, Yurie lowered her head.

“Sorry to break our promise, Tooru”

“No, I don’t really mind but---------why were you sleeping here?”

The time I fell asleep was in dawn. Yurie should have been sleeping on her bed until then.

Which means, Yurie crawled in after when I did that……….

“Because of '''that talk''', I remembered the past…………and felt lonely”

Yurie looked at me apologetically.

“But, Tooru was already resting so, it was painful for me to wake you up…………..”

“……………..Hnn, it can’t be helped if that was the case huh”

“Thank you very much, Tooru”

You can sleep with me if you feel lonely. I was the one who said that.

Although I was surprised, it can’t be helped because there was a reason, I thought that.

(Getting lonely from '''that talk'''……….which means, perhaps Yurie’s father is------)

When I was thinking about the talk last night, it was immediately interrupted by Yurie calling out to me.

“By the way Tooru. Although it is in the morning, it is the time when we would usually be sleeping but, should we wake up like this?”

“You’re right. I want to sleep a bit more but, I'm confident in oversleeping if I sleep now”

“Ya---Me too”

She smiled and Yurie got off the bed.

Just like usual, she was probably going to change her clothes after taking a shower.

“Ah…….Yu-Yurie”

“--------?”

I stopped her when she was about to head towards the dressing room with her change of clothes in her hands.

“Just now………a-about the breast, I am really sorry”

“………..Nai. I don’t mind it so let’s drop that topic”

Although Yurie made a small swing with her head while saying that, she looked a little bit embarrassed.

The Kouryou academy's cafeteria width was wide enough for any number of students to relax and thanks to that, there isn’t really a fixed place to have a meal.

But, it has become a normal occurrence for most of the students to have their meals at the same place.

And the partner to pass this time together with has become a normal event---------

“Go-good morning Tooru-kun, Yurie-chan. You two are fast today………..”

A familiar voice was called out towards us when we were sitting side by side.

The owner of this voice was a petite girl, and she was someone with a quiet and reserved personality which could be understood by the tone of her voice.

However, the bulge of her chest was contrastive to that, and it draws in a lot of eyes since it was the most voluptuous of anyone in the class.

………..as expected, it doesn’t sound like the actual person itself.

“Good morning. We woke up a little bit earlier today" "Good morning, Miyabi"

Hotaka Miyabi. She is a first year like us, our classmate--------it was only normal since there is only one class per year in Kouryou academy but-------this girl takes her meals with us almost every day.

“Errrr…….”

“-----?”

After slightly hesitating after directing her sights towards me and Yurie respectively, Miyabi sat in front of Yurie.

(……………perhaps, she was pondering about whether or not to sit in front of us?)

Both opposite sides of me and Yurie were empty and judging from the current Miyabi, the possibility for that to happen was probably high.

Miyabi was brought up from an all girls school so she was bad with the opposite gender, but it has only been one month from today, after enrolling to the school, I would hear out her worries and after many events, we became close enough until we could call each other by our names.

But even so, I could see she was still nervous, but hesitation over which seat to sit in was something trivial, and I was kind of happy when I thought she might have lowered her guard compared to the past.

“………….err, Tooru-kun?”

“Hn? What’s wrong?”

While Miyabi was in a troubled state and her cheeks were slightly blushing, she moved her sights from me and the table alternately.

“What do you mean by what’s wrong, that is what I want to ask………….Yo-you were smiling while looking at me from just now but, I was wondering why is that………..?”

It seems the reason for her troubled expression was me.

I made a wry smile, in order to avoid telling her I was laughing from reminiscing.

“Now that I think back………….you are alone today. What happened to Tachibana?”

In a rare occurrence, there was no sight of Miyabi’s <<Duo>>, Tachibana.

Covered with a dignified atmosphere, she is a girl who holds an adult atmosphere for someone who is in the same age as us.

She comes from a martial arts family, she who holds outstanding abilities even in the class, has great results (Bad at English), on top of that she is good at looking out for others so trust would come to her from her surroundings.

“Ah………..Tomoe-chan should be waking everyone up right now”

“Everyone?”

“Un. There are a lot of people that would oversleep so, she does it so they won’t be late………whenever it is this time of the morning, she would go around everyone’s room and wake them up”

“Haha, that sounds just like Tachibana”

I didn’t even need to ask, it was probably done voluntarily.

Only one month has passed after starting a new life away from their parents. Which means, even though there is a dormitory advisor, it would be up for the female leader Tachibana to regulate the morning which can easily disorder the rhythm of the lifestyle.

I thought it was just like the steady and serious Tachibana.

The sight of her going around the rooms to call out the classmates, was clearly floating in my head.

(However-------)

“If I knew this was going to happen, I should have increased the meat and decreased the vegetables………..”

“Don’t go having an unbalanced diet just because I am not here, Kokonoe”

“Ta-Tachibana!?”

Right after I murmured that, there was a marginally angry voice coming behind me.

When I turned around in panic, Tachibana was glaring down at me after hearing the conversation just in time.

“Good morning, Tomoe”

“Yaa. Good morning, Yurie”

Gracefully moving her chopsticks until now, *chirin* after Yurie lowered her head producing a bell sound, and Tachibana lowered her eyebrows and made a smile.

Looking at Tachibana’s face loosening up, I took a relieved breath inside my heart.

“Why are you making such a relieved face”

“N-no, hahahaha………”

I was glared at once again, and I shrunk my body smaller………

“Seriously, a guy like you………….”

While making a sigh towards me, Tachibana sat in front of me.

“I-I can’t help it. For a young male like me, it is only natural to think of eating meat------“

“If you eat vegetables too, then there is nothing I will complain about”

“Uu…………..”

“In the first place, you only eat meat. Just like I said from before, you should eat more vegetables. Learn from Yurie and Miyabi”

When I looked over to both their trays, since she had a small body the amount Yurie took was little, she had Japanese style salad, fried eggs, the main was grilled salmon and the combinations could be said to be a Japanese style breakfast. She also had half a bowl of rice.

It could be said to be quite a low consumption to pass the time until afternoon.

If it was me, my stomach would probably be making a flashy growls half-way into second period.

Miyabi had a simple combination of a pot-au-fue and BLT sandwich, her drink was the usual milk.

(……….as expected, it is related to the reason why it is so big?)

I can’t say where but, I secretly send my sights over there and thought about it.

“Are you listening, Kokonoe?”

“------uh! A-aah, I am listening and I get it. I will eat vegetables properly…………….!”

“Umu, it’s a promise…………oh yeah, eat this 8 type warm salad. You should be able to eat this right?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Don* a plate of salad was placed in front of me.

“Ugeeh………..not that, n-no, won’t Tachibana’s breakfast become less……………”

“Rest assured, I have already taken my share………….muu, while you are at it, how about spinach with kelp dressing on it? And also this cooked seaweed--------“

(Give me a break alreadddyyyyyyyyy!! The meat, the meattttttttttttt!!)

I raised a shout inside my heart from the small plate of vegetables being constantly adding up in front of me.

Having several fractures, lacerations in every part of his body, and countless bruises.

Full recovery takes 1 month. However, this is only because he was an <<Exceed>>; if it was a normal person then it would take several months for full recovery.

It was the medical examination results of the injuries my friend Tora suffered during that <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>--------no, doing her work in the backstage and targeting students with reputation, it was done by Tsukimi who was doing secret work.

“Why is Tora over here?”

After finishing our breakfast chat and everyone headed to the classroom, I saw a familiar small male prostrating himself on the table while sleeping.

“…………………isn’t it obvious I was discharged from the hospital, you idiot”

Responding to my mumbling with his sharp-ears, Tora made a yawn while making a stretch.

“I think there should be around 10 more days until discharge but……………”

“Fuun, I can’t keep resting for that long”

During the GW, we went to visit him in the ward around the premise of the school when we were in a stage where we could move but, he immediately send us away because of something about showing his pathetic state.

After that, I heard the discharge day and wound condition from the nurse but, it seems Tora was pushy for his discharge.

“What are you going to do if you dragged your wounds just because you forced yourself. Keep quiet and sleep. Also there is that, you know there is a saying that a child that sleeps will grow bigger………..sorry, nothing”

“Who the hell is small!!”

Hearing that from behind me, Miyabi twitched from that angry voice and hid behind me as if she was scared.

“It’s okay. That retort was for me”

“U-un………… ……………….. Ah……….!”

When I made a smile towards Miyabi who was grabbing my clothes tightly, she opened her eyes wide in an instant----------

She quickly separated her hands, and took a step back before apologizing.

“Haha, I won’t bite”

Miyabi slipped a smile from the sentence that reminds her of the introduction we made during the first time we met.

“But, are you seriously okay? The wounds you got from '''''her''''' should be quite serious. Just like what Kokonoe says, I think it’s better for your body to not force yourself”

“Judging by the way you said it, you already know about the situation too?”

Tachibana swung her head vertically from Tora’s question.

On that day, it was great we managed to break Tsukimi’s <<{{Furigana|Fang sword|Tebutje}}>> but, I suffered extreme fatigue while the wound on Yurie’s legs were serious, and thus both of us could not move.

Then, Tachibana and Miyaba contacted the academy side after looking at our state, and performed emergency treatment on all the injured people including Tora and the rest.

During that occasion, we explained to Tachibana and Miyabi about what happened--------including the secret of the <<Blaze>>------so, they were already aware about the situation.

“I see, you two did my emergency treatment………Tachibana, Hotaka, it was a life saver. You have my gratitude”

Tora lowered his head.

“…………………….”

“…………..Tooru. What is with that face?”

“I’m shocked”

“Why are you shocked, Tooru?”

Yurie tilted her head and *Chirin* a bell sound was produced.

“Nooo, that’s because Tora is lowering his head towards someone”

“Don’t open your eyes wide from something like that! Even I would lower my head when I really want to show my gratitude!”

“That’s because it’s Tora you know!?”

“What kind of image of me is inside of you!!”

“…………….Tooru, Tora. Fighting is bad”

“*Giggle* *Giggle*, it’s alright Yurie-chan, this isn’t a fight”

Miyabi made a small giggle from our small quarrel, and nodded towards Yurie [Is that so?] question.

However, Yurie tilted her head because she could not understand at all and *chirin* the bell shook.

“Oh yeah! You said you would lower your head when you really want to show your gratitude right. Then, you were saved by me and Yurie during that time, so I’ll have you show that gratitude of yours”

“Uuu………Gugu, Th-that’s…………kuh, i-it certainly is unpleasant…………”

While I was making a spiteful smile at Tora, Tachibana [Are you a child] muttered that in a tired tone behind me.

After a while, although Tora *un**un* groaned, he made a complex expression while opening his mouth with a desperate tone.

“Al-alright. I will show you my gratitude so be grateful”

“It should be thank you there right?”

“Muguuh………! Gu-gu-gu……….Tha-tha-thatha……than……… ………..Haah!? No-now that I think back about it, if it weren’t for me saving you in the first place, even you would be defeated too!!”

Damn it, he noticed.

“That’s why we don’t owe each other anything. You get it! However, you will show your gratitude to Yurie!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuun* Tora made a rough snort and turned his back towards us.

“Seriously, I don’t know whether I should call you childish, or you’re existence is mean………….oh, it’s the chime. See you later. Kokonoe”

Hearing the ringing sound of the chime signifying the start of the classes, Tachibana lightly hit my shoulders and headed towards her own seat.

Miyabi also left a see you later before chasing after her back.

“Tooru. Let’s sit down too”

Although I went to sit on my seat when I was urged by Yurie, there was question that popped up at that moment.

(Wait a sec? It’s okay for the class to start but, what about our homeroom teacher?”

There is no way it’s going to be the girl wearing rabbit ears.

Which means, other teachers should be a replacement-------

“Good Morning--♥ Did you all enjoy your GW? I think this is unlikely but, are there naughty children that played too much and forgot their homework? If there is then, please raise your hands—♥“

“-------uh!!”

The moment we saw the rabbit ears coming into the classroom after the chime ended, me-------Yurie, Tachibana, Miyabi, Tora and Tatsu stood up.

Each of us placed our hands on our own chest, and the instant we were about to say the <<Word that carries strength>>-------

“The class is going to start. Please sit down at your seats”

We could only stop our thoughts, from the words coming from Mikuni-sensei who showed himself after coming into the classroom after Tsukimi.

“You didn’t hear me, Kokonoe-kun? The other 5 too. The class is going to start”

Once again ordered to sit down, we lowered our hips while in bewilderment.

(What’s going on………….!?)

“Alright ☆, let’s begin our long returning HR---♪“

Exactly like what the owner of that evil blade that attacked on that day proclaimed, the HR has started.

As if that attack did not happen, she was making her usual, natural smile.

However, we were only bewildered since we know about the face under that smiling mask.

“Okay okay ☆, regarding the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> we had just before the holidays, good work to those who won magnificently and although it is disappointing, to the people that lost too♪ it looks like there were several people that got injured from hustling a little too much but, Sensei is very satisfied to be able to see everyone’s current powers ♥”

The part about got injured------although me and Tora were about to open our mouth to say whose fault is it by reflex, Tsukimi *pachiri* closed one of her eyes while placing her fingers on her mouth.

The matter regarding that attack is a secret; that is probably what she is telling us.

We know that without her telling us but, thanks to the main culprit of that incident lying so calmly, we were just barely maintaining our composure.

“--------with that said, just like what I explained beforehand, the <<Duo>>’s with good result will be able to receive the <<Sublimation Ceremony>> as a special prize on Saturday. Errrr, the ones who will take it are--------“

The ones Tsukimi said were me & Yurie, Tachibana & Miyabi, Tora & Tatsu, and 2 other <<Duo>> groups.

According to that, it seems the standard of 3 wins and above was the condition to receive the special prize.

Originally, I would be happy to be able to receive the <<Sublimation Ceremony>> but, now wasn’t the time for that.

(What the hell is going on……?)

My head was in chaos.

I did not have to say the reason, it was regarding about the reason on why is Tsukimi still our homeroom teacher, and why does Mikuni-sensei------the academy side approved it.

But, during the time I was thinking inside my head, the HR was still continuing.

After that, we were told about the classes from now on, the interleague match with the 2nd year students, and there would be a seaside school trip on July, Tsukimi then left the classroom from the chime signal and the class started after the general science teacher entered while she left.

The questions regarding Tsukimi, everyone related to that incident felt bewildered.

“What do you make of that, Kokonoe”

When it turned break time, Tachibana came over to talk to me while making a blatant perplexed expression.

Miyabi was beside her and Tora and Tatsu sitting in front of us turned around to look at me

Even for Yurie who normally doesn’t move her expression much, she was bringing her eyebrows closer.

“Let’s talk in the corridor. Someone might hear us here”

After saying that, I urged everyone to head out to the corridor. The damages caused from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> was completely restored during the GW, and there was nearly no one in the corridor with its original aspects restored regardless of it being break time, the class--------rather than saying that, this shows the fact that there are only a few people inside the school including the staff members.

We moved to a place which was quite separated from the classroom just in case.

At that moment, Miyabi was the first one to open her mouth to break the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

“E-eerr…….Tsukimi-sensei was trying to kill Yurie-chan and Tooru-kun right?”

“Ya---. If not for Tooru, by now I would be………….”

“I could not do anything if I was alone. That plan succeeded because Yurie was there”

I seriously thought that without being humble. Thanks to Yurie stopping Tsukimi’s sword, a chance to slam {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} in was produced.

[Nai. It was Tooru………….] [Nono, it was Yurie…………….]

“Stop it already. We should be talking about why that woman was once again in front of us first!”

Unable to hide his irritation, Tora made an angry shout and we returned back to the main thread.

“Even if you say that………………even I would like to hear why Tsukimi appeared with a nonchalant face”

The academy was left to deal with Tsukimi but, at the very least we thought we would never see her ever again.

“Kuhah, then let me tell you, <<Irregular>>”

“-------uh!?”

The voice of the subjected person suddenly mixed into the conversation.

At the same time with being shocked at that voice------our sights gathered towards the window.

As if to respond to our sights, when we thought we heard the laugh from her true self echoed, Tsukimi showed her face at the opposite side of the window. Why was she in the opposite side.

“Oora, Open the window. I can’t get in like this. Hurry up and open the damn window if you want your questions to be answered”

You should eavesdrop first if you want to ask someone to do something (?)I opened the window, while thinking I shouldn’t be doing this.

Naturally, while being cautious………………is what I planned to do.

“Arayooto”

Tsukimi treated the window frame like iron bars and after making a turn midair, she broke into the school with her legs in first.

What’s more, this was done at the same time when opening the window, and from my point of view, the petticoat that suddenly appeared in front of my eyes looked like a large white flower blooming.

“Buu!?”

…………incidentally, the thin white cloth Tsukimi was wearing on her lower half was pushed at my face.

(Wait………….this is………..!?)

After being stumbled upon with bewilderment and an impact towards my head, my head was put between her soft thighs and my upper body was pulled forward.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuun………..*! A strong impact was directed towards my back together with a dull sound.

“Gah……………! Kahah………….”

[Tooru!!] [Tooru-kun!!] [Tooru!!]

“Ko-Kokonoe! Tsukimi-sensei what are you doing!?”

Although Tachibana raised an angry shout from the sudden Franken Steiner, Tsukimi easily washed it off indifferently.

“Kuhahah. {{Furigana|A fall|Pain}} awaits after a good {{Furigana|Service|experience}}. This is the rule of the world”

Tsukimi erected her index finger and *Chi*chi* swung it left and right.

“Kuh, what rule is that………..ouch………..”

“Are you okay, Tooru?”

She has a provocative smile----------Tsukimi was standing still while showing her true self while Tachibana, Tora and Tatsu were confronting her.

The only one not revealing any enemy intent was Miyabi, since she was not used to fighting, she was only looking at my face and Tsukimi’s alternately while being flustered.

The strained atmosphere continued for a full 10 seconds------

The first one to move was Tsukimi.

We were about to manifest our <<Blaze>> in reflex but, it was not needed.

It’s true that Tsukimi moved but, she only raised both her hands up with no intents to fight.

“………………….What are you planning”

“Just like what you see, I have no intentions to fight. If I were to fight with you guys here then, I would get fired in just one day after obtaining my hard earned reemployment”

Tsukimi answered while wearing a nonchalant smile from Tora’s question.

“What do you mean by reemployment…………..?”

“It probably means, her employer has switched to the academy”

“Kuhah. As expected from an honors student, your head processing is different from that blockheaded dairy cow”

“Co-cow!?”

Miyabi used her hands and tried to cover her chest from Tsukimi’s words………………however, she could not hide it since it was too big.

“Well, that is the case. Me continuing to be a teacher like this is more than enough proof”

“…………………. It’s hard to believe since it is abrupt but, it looks like the case judging by the situation”

“You can’t do that you know, Kokonoe-kun☆ You have to use honorifics properly towards Sensei ♥”

“……………don’t ask for the impossible when you were someone that almost killed us”

“Kuhah, you didn’t die so don’t be so stiff with me”

“That’s why you too, don’t say something stiff like asking me to use honorifics”

“Uh! Seriously!! You got some nice sense there <<Irregular>>!! Kua---ahahahahaha!!”

For an instant, Tsukimi opened her eyes wide from my reply and started laughing by hugging her stomach while hitting her hips.

Soon, after her laughing calmed down, she leaned against the wall while making a happy expression.

“………then a question from me. You said [job] at that time right? I’ll have you answer the where, who and what kind of reason did they have to attack us”

Having the worst injuries from Tsukimi, Tora could not hide his irritation and asked.

“There are a lot of people depressed about the <<Exceed>> in this world. Well, I can’t say who it is because of confidentiality but, it’s a country that holds justice”

“That means………..”

We didn’t even need to ask for the name of the country, we can get it from that sarcasm.

“Don’t tell me…………that isn’t possible. Are you saying it came from a country………….”

Tsukimi shrugged her shoulders as if to play a fool towards Tachibana who was unable to hide her shock.

“Kuhah, remember this. Darkness exists in every country. And it is the same with this Kouryou-------which means, this academy is the darkness of Japan. If not for that, although it is done in secrecy, there is no way they could succeed in using inhuman methods to produce nano-machine monsters”

I wonder could it be taken seriously.

But, it was persuasive.

It does sound convincing if I think about the fact that the existence of the <<Luciful>> and <<Exceed>> has not come out to public because there is a country in the background.

“Well, it is up to you guys to '''believe how much you want'''. ………….alright then, break time is about to end so see you all later. Don’t be late for class”
Tsukimi swung her hands and left after turning her back towards us.

“……….how much do you think we should believe that talk?”

“Fuun. Leaving aside the fact that a country is behind this, I think it should be true judging by the situation of her going to the academy side”

“I have the same opinion with Tora”

“Only, let’s be cautious just in case”

Both of them agreed my opinion.

(However, to think something like her attacks was related to the country, I don’t know how much of that I could believe………….)

The time for lunch ended and has turned into the afternoon, and it has come to the physical ability enhancement training after a long time but------

“A 20 kilo baggage…………”

With a smiling face, Tsukimi announced that the real training starts from today since the GW has finished.

But, the surroundings made a commotion when they heard the contents.

“Tooru-kun. What do you mean by baggage………..?”

Miyabi beside me asked me a question with a soft voice regarding the unfamiliar word.

The baggage is a knapsack and after I answered that we would probably be running with weights placed inside it, she showed an uneasy manner.

Miyabi has become used to running in long distance thanks to her continuously running voluntarily but even so it did not change her lack of confidence.

Because of that, it was probably natural for her reaction when she heard that the training will be harder compared from before. That’s why--------

“Miyabi if it is you, it will be okay. You became able to run a marathon already right”

“Th-that’s true…..I’ll do my best”

Although she could not hide her uneasiness, Miyabi nodded.

“………bu-but, if I can’t run as far as finish then…………….will you come and pick me up again?”

“Pick you up…………?”

Go and pick Miyabi up---------what I could recall back from that was the event that happened around 1 month ago.

The memories of me giving the unmovable Miyabi a piggyback and coming back.

(It was because of that day, Miyabi has started to talk to me…………..)

“Will, you………?”

“Eh? Ah………..”

Because my reply was not coming out, Miyabi asked me with upturned eyes as if to appeal to me.

“Aah, I understand. I will definitely go pick you up”

“Un, I will wait for you………….”

And then, Miyabi nodded happily.

“---------wait a sec, it’s bad if you wait. You have to run to the finish”

“Ah………tha-that’s right. ahaha………..”

I made a wry smile following Miyabi.

At that moment, Yurie brought over the baggage’s in both of her hands respectively for Miyabi and me.

She then tilted her head when both of us were showing her a wry smile.

“Tooru, Miyabi. What happened?”

“A little something.………..Aah, thanks for the baggage”

The baggage I received transmitted the weight into my arms-------although I say that, I don’t feel the small number of 20 kilograms now that I am in my enhanced state.

I once again knew the amazingness of the <<Luciful>> since the small bodied Yurie could bring the baggage with a weight almost the same or even crossing her body weight when it was joined together with just some wobbling.

What’s more, since this is said when we are still <<{{Furigana|I|Level}}>>, I can’t even imagine how much it would be at the end.

But even so, I have to continue running towards that end.

In order to understand the meaning of those words after obtaining <<Power>>.

Why did Otoha have to die, I was seeking that truth.

However that was------a deception.

'''“They are dead, because they were weak”'''

The dream showed its desire by saying that.

No matter how much gloss was on top of the surface, hatred and anger were swirling in my abyss.

There was a demon thirsting for revenge living there.

I realized that, each time the memories from that day, and that person’s words resurface.

“Uaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh----------------------!!”

It was same today too. My roar filled with hatred has brought me back to the present from my dream.

“Haa…………ah, haaa, haaa…………..!”

“Tooru, are you okay……..?”

Yurie came down from the upper level bed and directed her {{Furigana|red eyes|Ruby eyes}} towards me worriedly.

“……………sorry”

“Nai. Please do not mind it”

It was already bright outside and morning has arrived.

Nonetheless, it was still somewhat faster compared to our waking up time but------

“Where are you going?”

After I washed my face in the washroom and changed into an attire that is easy to move in, Yurie tilted her head while her face looked a little sleepy.

“I am going to sweat for around 30 minutes. I feel like moving my body a little”

After leaving an ''I understand'' from the nodding Yurie, I left the room and headed towards the underground facility.

Although it was still morning, there were only a few numbers of people inside the training room which can be used from 6am to 10pm.

I exchanged a simple greeting with one classmate and headed deeper inside.

I was standing in front of a special sandbag which easily crosses 100 kilograms. It usually has urethane foam inside it but, the thing in front of me is specially made and is cramped with sand just like the name suggests.

I continuously punched and kicked that sandbag without resting.

My breathing became rough, and it became painful.

But even so, I will continue punching as long as I have power.

As if to drive away those words.

As if to slam all my hatred towards him.

I was only dead-set on that.

“You should stop around there”

I wonder how long I have been punching the sandbag.

By the time I stopped my fist when I was called out, I was dripping in sweat and my rough breathing was very painful.

“Just when I thought it was such a rare occurrence for you to train enthusiastically in the morning, how long are you planning to keep on hitting. If you keep that up, you will only injure your fist”

After I turned around, Tachibana made one sigh while her expression was frowning.

When I looked at the fist she pointed out, the skin was torn off and blood was oozing out.

“Ah…………ouch……………”

I started feeling pain on my fist and I distorted my face.

When I did that, Tachibana grabbed my hands while starting to walk.

“Let’s go to the infirmary. It would probably heal immediately thanks to the <<Luciful>> but this is for just in case”

I completely understood the blessings of this strengthened healing power from that one battle with Tsukimi.

This level of wound would completely heal by tomorrow but, it was now throbbing painfully.

But this was okay.

I felt a bit better from moving my body in a daze.

It would be a cheap trade if I think like that.

While pulling my hands, although Tachibana brought me along to the infirmary beside the training room, the doctor cannot be seen there since it was early.

“There is no one here at this time as expected. Even though I said that, even I can handle this level of treatment”

After making me sit on a chair, Tachibana took the gauze and wet it with water.

“Uh……………!”

In the middle of the blood stains being wiped off with the wet gauze, I groaned from the stinging water.

“Sorry. I’ll have you………withstand it, a bit……………”

Both of us noticed this the moment Tachibana raised her face.

Our faces were close.

Either I or Tachibana was the first one to have our cheeks blush from this close distance.

We both averted our face almost at the same time, and time advanced silently just like that.

“Alright, then. Next up would be wrapping a cling film before bandaging”

Different from the gauze application on the wounds we learned in class before GW, this was the moist wound healing method covered with a vulnerary covering material.

Many people get injured because Kouryou academy is a special technique training school, but thanks to the <<Luciful>> increasing the healing abilities, there are many cases where it would end with just emergency treatment just like this.

Tachibana wrapped the cling film on my hand in a familiar manner before wrapping it with a bandage.

“I thought about this during class too but, Tachibana is quite good at this kind of stuff”

“There are always fresh wounds in the Tachibana dojo. I was always treating someone’s injuries almost every day before enrolling here”

“No wonder…………then, I think it won’t be a problem to ask Tachibana to treat my injuries when I get them”

“Before that, you should pay attention to not get injured”

“Seriously”

Tachibana frowns her face towards me who was making a wry smile.

“………….more importantly, Kokonoe, what happened? Rather than calling you enthusiastic just now………….err, you had a somewhat bloodcurdling atmosphere around you………..”

“Hnn…………….last time, I remembered back about that time I lost to a person that was my friend. Thanks to that and by the time I noticed myself being filled with frustration, well”

I did not lie. I only said one part of the truth but, that was enough to trick her.

“……………fumu. That must be one terrible loss. However, I know it might be frustrating but even so, you should take care of your own body a little more”

After I nodded at Tachibana who was making a wry smile, this time it was my turn to ask questions with the intention of changing the topic.

“By the way, you said it was a rare occurrence seeing me just now. Which means, Tachibana often comes to training in the morning?”

“Almost every day, I would be in the training room around this time”

And after that ends, she would go around to other people’s room to wake them up.

She’s amazing, after honestly stating my opinion, I swung my head left and right.

“That’s because Miyabi is always working hard every morning. I can’t lose too as her <<Duo>>”

“Every morning?”

“Every day, she will run in the morning and after class……………though I say this, she only started running in the morning after the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> though”

While muttering that, I thought Miyabi was working hard too.

At present, she was able to finish the baggage attachment marathon which started a few days too without retiring, the reason for that was probably because the results of her steady endeavor has born fruit.

“We can no longer remain careless anymore”

Tachibana made a happy smile to her <<Duo>> who has changed very differently from the first day of enrollment.

“Well then, I should be heading back to my room now. Tachibana, thanks for the treatment”

“What, it wasn’t much. I think it’s better to replace the wrap a few more times so, feel free to tell me when you want it”

It’s true that, it would finish quick and would look nicer compared to me doing it.

“The problem is taking notes will be a little tough with my hand like this”

“Fufu, then I will lend you my notes later”

“Is it okay?”

“But, the condition is you taking the class properly”

“I understand………..however, it looks troublesome to go to the toilet with this hand”

“Fufu, feel free to tell me when that happens. I will help-------“

She then stopped her words mid-way. Tachibana noticed what she was about to say and in a blink of an eye her cheeks-------no, her whole face turned red.

“Wha-wha, what kind of obscene thing are you saying------------!?”

“Wait, I didn’t say anything!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>zazan*…………..*zazan*…………..the wave was hitting nonstop.

“Fuwaaa………..”

In the morning of the next day, after hearing the faint sound of the waves in front of the school gate, a yawn unintentionally came out.

At that moment, I could hear the sound of light footsteps coming from afar.

The owner of those footsteps came closer, and I called out around the time I could see her.

“Yoo, Miyabi”

“To-Tooru-kun!? …………..dre-dream? Un-until I could dream about him, towards Tooru-kun i…………”

“No, I am not a dream but the real one”

I lightly tapped Miyabi’s shoulders while she was bewildered.

“Real one…………………eh? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? --------uh!! Fo-forget that from just now! Please pretend you didn’t hear that!!”

Miyabi’s expression quickly changed.
She was probably very embarrassed about misunderstanding this as a dream, and it felt heartwarming seeing her swing both her hands quickly.

(Pretend I didn’t hear that huh, I wonder how I am supposed do about that………….)

Miyabi regained her calm after a while and asked a question.

“E-erm……….why is Tooru-kun here?”

It’s only normal to think like that.

That’s because I was waiting in front of the school gate, with the time just passed 6 am in the morning.

“I heard from Tachibana that Miyabi was running not only after school but in the morning too. So I thought, I should join in too”

“Eh…………? To-Tooru-kun too……….!?”

“Aah. I’ll quit if it is an annoyance”

“Th-there is no such thing. You aren’t an annoyance at all, Un”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Buun*Buun* Miyabi swung her head left and right.

I thought it was about to be torn off since it was done so vigorously.

“Alright, let’s start running immediately. It’s a waste just nonchalantly being carefree like this”

“U-un”

Just like that, the conversation concluded and we started running side by side.

The running pace was not that fast, and there was leisure to have a conversation.

The topic that came out was-------

“………..e-errr, Tooru-kun. Sorry about that time”

It was about that time when she witnessed me hugging a fully nude Yurie In the middle of GW.

Due to the much unexpected scenery (Me too) raising a panic, Miyabi used the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and opened a big hole on the floor in my room (#Already repaired), this event was still fresh in my memories.

“Don’t worry about it anymore. I wonder how many times you apologized with this”

After that day and even today too; each time our faces meet or do not meet, Miyabi has lowered her head countless times and it was more than enough to tell she was self-reflecting on her act.

“B-but……….”

“No buts. I can’t remain calm when I get apologized too all the time, and more importantly, it is only natural to misunderstand that situation”

“…………………it’s a misunderstanding right?”

“Eh?”

“Li-like I said, you aren’t in that type of relationship with Yurie-chan……..t-to do those type of things right?”

Towards that question she asked while her cheeks blushing, I also blushed while swinging my head and replying it’s wrong.

“Tha-thank god ………”

Miyabi muttered, and I made a relieved sigh since it ended without the misunderstanding becoming something big.

After a while, the laps started to take its toll and Miyabi lost her leisure to exchange words with me.

“To-Tooru-kun………..it’s okay to go…….. ahead ……….”

“I understand. Then I’ll be going on ahead”

By the time we reached the last lap, I nodded at Miyabi’s words while she was out of breath, and both of us started running at full strength. Although we were running side by side until now, as expected Miyabi’s figure was washed away in one go since we originally have a difference in stamina.

“Good work, Miyabi. You’ve gotten faster”

“U-un……..thank, you, To-Tooru-kun………”

Miyabi finally reached the goal a few minutes after I reached the school gate.

She places her hands on her knees and repeatedly breathes heavily.

That is a normal aftermath scenery of someone running finish but, the unusual one was Miyabi’s………..err, those.

It was swaying in a manner as if it was following the gravity, it makes one think as if melons were inserted inside her chest.

Each time Miyabi breathes and her shoulders go up and down, ''it'' would jiggle and-------

(…………..wait, what the hell kind of eyes am I giving Miyabi when she did her best in running!?)

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pan*!

A flashy sound was produced when I used both my hands to slap my cheeks.

“Tooru-kun………?”

“I-I was putting in motivation………”

“Again? Fufu, Tooru-kun sure gets motivated at weird times”

Miyabi remembered the past and made a smile even though her breathing was still in disarray.

I could only make a dry smile towards her-------

All of a sudden, a sound completely changed the atmosphere.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Para*Para*Para*………the sound of the helicopter erased the never-ending sound produced by the waves.

The helicopter passed across us and headed towards the premises of the academy just like that--------not long later, it started descending around the staff building.

“What is happening this early in the morning?”

That question unintentionally came out from my mouth and since there is no way Miyabi could answer that question, she tilted her head.

The light from the morning sun reached the descending helicopter.

The sun reflected something and a gold color shined.

For some reason, I could not release my eyes from that shine.

===Part 2===
There was a shadow inside the school looking at the helicopter just like Tooru and the others.

In a room inside the staff building--------- deep inside the chairman office there is a gorgeous chandelier, an extravagant red carpet, a table and furniture finely decorated nicely with ornaments, and also a bedroom with a bed canopy placed inside.

Naturally, the shadow looking at the helicopter outside from the room-------- belongs to the Kouryou board chairman, Tsukumo Sakuya.

“…………..She’s here”

Sakuya was already dressed up regardless of how early in the morning it was and was wearing the usual gothic dress.

After moving from the bed room to the office, Mikuni her trusty confidant was already awaiting her, and Sakuya brought him along to the courtyard.

The helicopter has finished landing almost at the same time Sakuya and the rest came out to the courtyard.

The wind caused by the rotor, made Sakuya’s elegant black hair and gothic dress sway-----

A girl with {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} showed herself from the helicopter.

Sakuya made a charming smile towards the gold girl whose shine makes one think of the sun.

“Welcome, to Kouryou Academy. <<Exception>>------Lealith Bristol”

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Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 2

2014-04-05T21:59:38Z

72.26.68.71: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 2 『If I Borrow Your Words』==

===Part 1===

“So you are the <<Irregular>>----Kokonoe Tooru”

The first words the ''transfer student'' put in her mouth was that.

Going back about 1 minute in time.

On the morning of the day the <<The Sublimation Ceremony>> would be commenced.

The HR started and right after Tsukimi introduced the transfer student------

Most of the classmates gasped……………even Tora too.

A beautiful {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} foreign girl with {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was the one who entered the classroom.

Not only her eyes and hair, her style consisted of places which should be coming out, came out, and places that should be tucked in, were tucked in; that charming style that would put foreign actresses to shame not only made the males, but also the females gasp too.

Adding on, she had an elegant and lovely charm drifting around her, and her red lips further emphasized that fact.

If the same foreign beauty Yurie was a fantasy-like moon floating in the dark night then, the impression she gave would be the shining sun in the grand sky.

Such a girl was placing one hand on her hips while the other hand was on the table, and was in front staring right at me.

Thanks to her slouching forward a little bit, I was about to move my sights toward the two swaying bulges before the 2nd round of voice came flying over.

“……………hey, are you listening to me?”

“------uh!! So-sorry. I am Kokonoe……….”

“Okay. Kokonoe Tooru, I am interested in you. That’s why you'll come along with me”

I heard the same thing just one month ago but, the speech this time had a soft tone of command to it.

The gold girl acts as if it is only natural for her will to pass through, and turned her heels around without hearing my answer after walking.

“O-oi. Even if you tell me to come along, right now it’s-------“

“………….don’t make me say it twice”

She stopped her legs and said that sentence once she turned around.

“Errr---. It’s still in the middle of HR though…………”

Tsukimi was the first one who opened her mouth in the re-silenced classroom.

“You will '''''specially''''' have it permitted right? Tsukimi-sensei”

“…………Go ahead-----☆“

For an instant, although a vein popped up on her forehead, Tsukimi permitted the transfer student's selfish actions.

(What does this mean? That Tsukimi isn’t someone that would allow something like that…………..)

“…………….if you have a matter with Tooru then you can talk to him here”

Although Tora said that to her irritated-----

“Isn’t it okay since it’s something unrelated to you. I just want to have a talk in a place without any noise”

She flat out replied back.

Normally, his anger would burst out but, he was probably overpowered by her one sentence and glare. Tora stopped with a soft groan.

“Well. I’ll be heading out a bit. It’ll probably finish fast if it’s just talking”

I made a small smile to Tora and stood up.

Tentatively, as long as Tsukimi the home-room teacher has given her permission, there is no reason to refuse unreasonably.

I exited the classroom together with the gold girl.

The place we reached was the garden located between the school building and the dormitory.

Since it was the season when flowers and greens would prosper, the garden was covered entirely with multicolored roses.

Inside the choking scent of roses------I am bad with it------she unhesitatingly advanced through on the path of small stone pavements.

Further up ahead, there was a gazebo there and a female butler standing-by inside it.

The butler respectfully lowered her head to us--------rather than saying that, it was for the gold girl.

In the middle of the gazebo, there was a table with a white cloth with beautiful embroidery and a tea set was placed on top of it.

“………don't tell me we are going to have a tea party?”

“Yes, that’s right”

She says it as if she didn’t have to tell me about it and made a smile before sitting down and folding her long legs.

Although I have something I wanted to say and hear, I imitated her and sat down on the opposite side.

Once I sat down, the female butler poured the cup with milk tea.

“Thank you”

“………………….”

Even though I said my thanks, I was glared at for some reason.

(Why is that……….?)

Although I was feeling perplexed inside my mind, the gold girl siting in the opposite side did not bother about the butler’s manners and took a sip of the milk tea before making a satisfied smile.

“Well then, my business is-----“

“Nono, please tell me your name before your business. It looks like you know about me but, I know absolutely nothing about you”

I hurried and stopped the girl when she was going to start her one-sided business talk.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t named myself yet. I am Lealith Bristol. A student from a British school”

British school------

The official name is St. Foren academy. I was told it was a sibling school founded by the Dawn organization similar to Kouryou academy.

It is the only school outside of Japan that can nurture <<Exceed>>’s, and just like Kouryou, graduated students will be affiliated to the vigilante forces of the organization. Since they would be dispatched overseas, after affiliated to the force, we would be meeting up with people from the British school eventually………..

“I see, a British school’s………”

“Yes…………..though I said that, I will be a student in Kouryou from today onwards”

Lealith winked and smiled.

The moment I saw that smiling face, it was the first time I felt she was a girl my age.

“Nice to meet you, Lealith. Incidentally, it would make me happy if you could tell me the reason why you know me”

She knows about my name, face, and also the <<Irregular>>.

And for the reason------

“I heard of rumors of the <<Irregular>> in the British school. I had them '''''specially''''' get the student documents and got your face and a name once I got here”

“I see………….”

Even though I nodded, I thought what happened to the protection of personal information in Kouryou academy.

(As expected it would be problematic if a student is able to browse through………..)

“………..Hn?”

I unintentionally raised my voice when I tasted the milk tea when I was in my thoughts.

“Th-this is very good………….”

“Fufu, its superb right”

I nodded at Lealith’s happy words.

It is clearly different from the milk tea I drank before until now.

It is this cupful of milk tea that greatly changed my impression of it because of the light aromatic smell going through my throat, and the exquisiteness of the moderate sweetness.

“Hn………….it was tasty, Sara”

“………………Much obliged, Ojou-sama”

The gold girl-----Lealith placed down with composed movements and the butler that has been silent until now opened her mouth for the first time.

(Ojou-sama, huh……………)

I already guessed it since she brought a personal butler here but, she is probably from a rich family.

But, I’ll just ask about that later after things ended.

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 2.jpg|thumb]]

Maybe she grasped my thoughts, Lealith slightly nodded-----

“Well then, the main topic”

She pointed her finger at me and fluently said out words that my ears doubted.

“Kokonoe Tooru. From today onwards you are my <<Duo>>”

“………………huh?”

I wonder if there is any other response other than astonishment, when someone who I barely met for even one hour suddenly says that I am her partner?

“Wha-what did you say just now…………”

“Don’t make me say it twice”

“You won’t say…………..no, errrr……..me becoming your <<Duo>>……..?”

“It’s not you but Lealith”

“Ah, sorry………….wait, nononono wait a second. I have a <<Duo>> already so, I would be troubled if you suddenly tell me that, and isn’t it school rules that a group that has already been established will remain like that until graduation in the first place”

“Doesn’t matter. That’s because I am an <<Exception>>”

“<<Exception>>…………..?”

I pondered from the words I was not familiar with.

“………………but even so, I am troubled that you didn’t attend classes on the first day itself, Lealith Bristol”

When I turned over to the voice that suddenly mixed into our conversation, a girl wearing a gothic dress was standing in front of a background with white roses.

“Pleasant meeting you. Chairman Tsukumo. This is a nice place. It’s an ideal place for tea time”

“Those words make me happy, Lealith. But, now isn’t tea time but class time”

“I’ll be '''''specially''''' pardoned from that”

Towards the threatening chairman, Lealith replied by pointing her fingers at me.

“I don’t care about the classes since I flew all over from Britain '''just to meet him''' in the first place. More importantly, how about you join us chairman?”

“………..I’ll accept that”

After the chairman made a soft sigh, she sat on the chair.

The butler was in the middle of brewing a new set of milk tea, and I said out the things I was pondering about from the words Lealith brought out just now.

“Hey Lealith. Judging from the way you said it just now, don’t tell me you transferred here to make me your <<Duo>>? Why are you going so far to make me………..?”

“'''You and I are the same''' a <<{{Furigana|One and only|Unrivaled}}>>. That is why I have cordially came to pick you up because you are someone fitting to be my <<Duo>>. Be thankful, Kokonoe Tooru”

“………no, even if you tell me to be thankful, I have been telling you from just now that I have a <<Duo>> already. And the school rules too ------“
“You don’t have to tell me twice, I already know that”

Lealith interrupted my words and swung her hands.

“But, Kokonoe Tooru. What you are saying is something '''general'''”

I tried recalling back the things Tsukimi taught previously.

(…………..now that I think about it, she said unless there is a good reason)

“Which means it is okay for you team up again with a new <<Duo>> if you are '''out of the rule restrictions'''. For example, when there is a big difference in <<Level>> with the partner or that person has dropped out from school………….”

Lealith placed her fingers on her mouth and made a smile.

“And I---------the <<Exception>> am not bound by the rule restrictions”

“…………I don’t know what is <<Exception>>. But, do you think you will be forgiven if you say such selfish things?”

“It can be forgiven.……………Right, chairman?”

Lealith directed her sights towards the chairman who holds the biggest authority in Kouryou academy.

But, the Gothic girl silently drinks the milk tea.

Not long later, after emptying her cup, the chairman finally destroyed the silence.

“………….Kokonoe Tooru. If you wish for it, by the name of the chairman of Kouryou academy Tsukumo Sakuya, I will '''''specially''''' permit you to cancel your current <<Duo>>”

“Wha………….!?”

“See”

Contrastive to my shock, Lealith made a satisfied smile and said that.

“………………what will you do?”

“……………..”

Right now should I cancel my <<Duo>>-----Yurie or not.

“I don’t even need to think about it”

“It’s decided then”

I move my sights from the chairman to Lealith and clearly told her my intentions.

“Aah. It’s decided. I don’t wish to team up with Lealith so, I won’t cancel my current <<Duo>>. That’s my answer”

“Wha……..!?”

Lealith was stunned there with an expression filled with shock.

Opposite to that, the chairman made a quiet smile and nodded.

“I have clearly heard your intentions”

“Well then, I should be heading back to the classroom. Pardon me, chairman”

I made a light bow, and stood up.

“………..See you, Lealith”

“-----uh!! Wai-wait a second, Kokonoe Tooru!! Do you understand what you are saying right now!?”

“Aah, I understand. The answer is No. I will not team up with Lealith. If I were to borrow your words then, don’t make me say it twice”

I turned my back at the speechless Lealith and returned back to the classroom in a fast pace.

"Zeeehaa". I heard my breathing I was probably making from, far away.

Naturally it was impossible. I just felt that because the fatigue is quite something.

(Fin-finally the goal huh…………)

Since I saw the school gate from far away, I squeeze out my remaining power.

As a punishment for sabotaging HR and class, I was forced to run.

That’s because Tsukimi said, "The only one special is only that Ojou-sama".

Although I felt it was unreasonable, I accepted the penal regulations but, the difficulty is beyond my imagination.

“Go-goal………..”

Inside the ringing echoes of the clock tower signifying lunch time, I reached in front of the school gate and sprawled on the ground with my limbs spread out.

(It’s been a long time since I ran until I lost all my stamina…………)

I repeatedly breathe heavily and my chest moves up and down.

The salty scented wind riding on the wind feels good on my hot body.

After I was dead tired for a while, the sun was suddenly blocked making a shade.

“Good work, Tooru”

When I slightly opened my eyes, the silver girl making the shade was there making a small smile.

“Please take this”

“Aah. Thanks………….”

I then raised my body, received the bottle and moisten my throat. This is exactly what the feeling of coming back to life is.

“*Kusu* it’s rare to see Tooru-kun exhausted……………”

“That was a disaster huh, Kokonoe”

It seems they came over to see my condition with Yurie.

Miyabi was giggling while Tachibana was making a wry smile.

“Haa………I went through something nasty”

“Fuun. That’s because you nonchalantly followed after that girl”

Leaning against the wall, Tora snorted wildly and said that. Tatsu was in the middle of muscle training behind him.

“……………I am unexpectedly someone popular”

“Reflect a little on yourself, you idiot!”

“Well well, calm down Tora. More importantly Kokonoe, what matter did she had with you?”

While entering between me and Tora, Tachibana asked about the event in the morning.

“Ah----………”

My words was clogged when I was about to reply, and I remembered the conversation I had with Lealith.

'''“From today onwards you are my <<Duo>>”'''

She thinks her intentions passing are something natural; I thought that she was a selfish fictional Ojou-sama that has come to real life.

I then never met up with Lealith after that.

In the end, she did not appear in the class during the first period and after second period I have been made to run the whole time.

“------Tooru?”

Yurie tilted her head from seeing me being silent.

No, Yurie wasn’t the only one. Everyone’s sights were concentrated on me.

“She-----you didn’t hear anything from Lealith?”

“Because she did not come back to class, I think the problem lies there before even asking her”

“I see……………errrr, Even though Lealith enrolled here from St Foren academy. It seems the topic <<Irregular>> was told there too so, she came over to ask regarding about that”

“Fuun. Is that really all?”

She’s sharp.

“Aah, that’s all”

I made a pretentious face towards Tora who asked another question and did not say out the offer to be her <<Duo>>.

It’s because I don’t want to make Yurie worried.

“More importantly, let’s hurry and go grab some food. I am so hungry that I am going to die. It’s going to be the <<Sublimation ceremony>> after I recover by eating meat to my heart’s content”

Hearing my comment, everyone laughed except for Tora who made a given up sigh.

However---

“Not only meat, you have to eat vegetables too, Kokonoe”

After laughing, Tachibana made a firm comeback………….

The <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>> sublimation, is a little different from the one we went through during the enrollment ceremony.

We had new <<Luciful>> administered into our body using a jet injector on the nape of our neck-------until there is still the same but, the difference occurs after that.

Right after administration during the enrollment ceremony, the <<Astar>> floated up and a heat that I thought was going to burn me to death attacked my whole body but, none of that happened this time. It’s true that my body felt a little hot but, it was just in the level of a little hot.

“Fuu………..thank god I could successfully <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>……….”

Around the time we finished the administration and exited the staff building, Miyabi made a big sigh and stroke down her chest.

“It’s because the results of your training is coming up”

When I directed a smile at her after hitting that small back of hers, Miyabi became shy.

The sublimation can’t be done if the mental state and physical state does not match up with the <<Level>>.

Because she heard that, Miyabi became especially happy.

Miyabi knows clearly about the fact that she is the most inferior in terms of stamina inside the lineup of people that received the special sublimation.

Miyabi’s <<Duo>> Tachibana showed her happiness in her success for the <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>.

“Fufu, with this everyone here has quickly accomplished the condition to rise to 2nd year. It’s a nice thing to be able to continue socializing with this lineup for the next while”

(Now that I think back, the people who don’t raise their <<Level>> will be dealt with expulsion…………)

“………..Fuun. There is still that possibility of dropping out of school if that someone is unable to follow the training”

“Uuu………….”

Miyabi groaned from Tora’s sentence.

(Seriously, this guy says too much…………)

Although I made a sigh in my heart, I raised a lively voice and hit Miyabi’s back once again.

“It’s going to be okay. If things get tough, I’ll pull you along even if I need to tie you up with a rope”

“To-Tooru-kun…………..”

“Fufu, Kokonoe isnt the only one, I will do that too. As Miyabi’s <<Duo>>, I vow I will not let you meet up with a bitter experience like dropping out from school”

“Miyabi. I will help too”

After opening her eyes wide from our words, Miyabi said [Thank you] and smiled.

“Tora. You have to help her when the time comes, for the portion of unease you caused to Miyabi. You’re a comrade too”

“Uu………Fu-fuun. I have no choice then, I’ll lend my hand when that time comes…………but there is one thing I need to say, I am not your comrade but rival, Tooru”

After I replied by saying "I get it, I get it" to Tora who was pointing his finger at me------

“Well, if Kokonoe doesn’t work hard on your general subjects, rather than pulling Miyabi your status will be overturned so you better be careful”

A hurtful comment to the ears came from Tachibana.

“Uguh………….! Even Tachibana’s English is the same as me!”

“E-everyone has a subject they are bad with!!”

Tora made a grand sigh when we were having such a pitiful quarrel.

“<<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>> huh……………it somehow does not feel real at all huh, Yurie-chan”

“Ya----. That’s true. If our appearance changed then it would be easier though…………..”

(It somehow does not feel real at all, huh………………….)

I recalled back the similar conversation I had with the ponytail girl last time and felt nostalgic.

(Even though one month has not passed yet………..I wonder if Imari is doing well)

But------

I didn’t have time to sink into sentimentally.

“Kuhah. If that’s the case then----want to try it out?”

“-------!!”

A voice suddenly mixed inside the conversation.

In an instant, I looked back at the staff building when I was pulled by my heart and placed my hand on the <<Astar>> on my chest at the same time.

“Tsukimi…………!!”

“Add sensei, <<Irregular>>”

The rabbit ear headband was swaying in front of my sights.

She was leaning on the wall with her back, and was making an unpleasant smile.

“Yooto………well, leaving that aside, manifestation of the <<Blaze>> without permission is against school rules”

Tsukimi came closer while being directed with painful sights coming from everyone in the spot.

“…………what do you want?”

“Since you all said it doesn’t feel real so, I am saying do you want to confirm it or not”

There was only one imagination that comes to mind from those words-----it is to fight.

“Tsukimi-sensei. I know about how strong you are. But even so, are you saying that you will cause an uproar by having these numbers of people as your opponents?”

“Kuhahah. Didn’t I tell you I don’t want to be fired after reemployment, honor student”

Tsukimi passed by us and in a defenseless state------even though we can’t lower our guard------exposed her back towards us.

“Well, forget about that and follow me”

After turning around and saying that, Tsukimi once again faced her back at us and walked away.

As for us, we could not read Tsukimi’s intentions and followed her while being cautious.

“This is…………..”

The place we were brought to was the outside training room.

Our shoes were covered with sand and the facility closely resembled a coliseum with all the mortar seats surrounding the area.

We were led to a place that had yet to be used in classes and was off-limits during the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>, it was the same facility that we have only stepped into since the facility tour right after enrolling into the school.

“………..so, what do you want us to confirm here?”

“Will you all stop with those scary faces already. Even though I told you all I have no plans on hurting you all already, what a troublesome bunch…………..”

While we were thinking where this is and not releasing our cautiousness, Tsukimi started calling someone in a worriless manner.

“Heya, it’s me. Aah, right now in the training room. ………..yes, the outside one. Aah, that’s because '''I will be letting them use it'''. Hn, then I’ll be switching with the <<Irregular>>”

She suddenly threw the phone she was holding and I caught it in panic.

(It means I have to talk to the person on the phone right………?)

And when I was about to talk out the moment I touched it on my ears--------

'''“Is this Kokonoe-kun. It’s me Mikuni”'''

“Mikuni-sensei…………!?”

When I said out the name of the person I was talking with on the phone, everyone concentrated their sights on me.
'''
“I have heard it from Tsukimi-sensei. You all might feel uneasy from the previous matter but, right now she will not hurt you all. If you feel uneasy then I will send some observers there…………”'''

“……………… I understand. I’ll ask for it just in case”

I hesitated for a bit but, I ended the call after calling some people here just in case.

“Looks like observers will be coming”

“Kuhah. I have observers on me huh, I am not trusted at all huh……….”

Tsukimi said that after I gave a brief explanation.

“I am not that pure to honestly believe someone that almost killed me”

“Fuun. More importantly, I would like to know the reason about why have you brought us to a place like this”

“Because you all became <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>, so with a service in mind, I am allowing all of you to confirm the extents of that enhancement. Of course, I have received permission for you all to use your <<Blaze>> so fight to your hearts content”

I see. That’s why she said "I will be letting them use it" to Mikuni-sensei just now.

“I think I swallowed most of the idea but, don’t tell me you are planning to take all of us alone?”

“Kuhah. I wanted to do that but I gave up. We don’t know when we would be putting killing intent in the <<Blaze>>”

At the very least, I think our side won’t do that-------that’s what I would like to think but, I feel uneasy about Tora and Tatsu though.

“……….that means, each of us will have to decide with which opponent to go against among ourselves”

She is still someone I can’t trust but, now that there are observers being sent here, Tsukimi probably can’t do anything strange.

More importantly, since there is permission to use the <<Blaze>>, there is no way we won’t be drawn to it.

“One team will be left out if we fight in <<Duo>>. Let’s go with a one on one then”

[Tooru. Fight------] [Kokonoe. If it is okay with you, would you like a match?]

Almost at the same time. Tora was the one faster to a certain extend but I decided to accept Tachibana’s challenge.

“Sorry Tora. I usually have practice matches with you normally”

In the end, we went with a team up which we usually don’t go with and we decided to make Yurie fight with Tora, and Miyabi with Tatsu.

The observer appeared at a good timing and we started the <<{{Furigana|Blaze match|Practice}}>>.

Miyabi and Tatsu were made to be the ones to go first and we took audience in the audience seat in order to not disrupt them.

(Rather than calling it a rare team up…………is having Tatsu as the opponent really okay?)

She has a mental state of being bad with males and Tatsu’s physical strength is the best in the class.

Miyabi said she would do her best so, Tatsu would probably hold back but, I could not wipe off the uneasiness.

But-------

“I-I am coming, Tatsu-kun! Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>--------</nowiki>!!”

“---------!!”

In an instant, I wasn’t the only one who gasped.

Holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and kicking the ground, Miyabi closed in the gap between Tatsu with shocking speed.

It was not to the extent of blinding speed.

However, it is an unexpected speed from the Miyabi we knew until now.

It seems the same case for Tatsu too-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dozuu*!! The strong impact shook the training room.

His stomach was pierced through and was skewered to the wall just like that.

If we had not known the specialty of the <<Blaze>>, it would be a shocking scenery where we would avert our eyes from………..

“Wawah, are you okay, Tatsu-ku<nowiki>~~~~~~~</nowiki>n!?”

Miyabi panicked. Staring at them from the audience seats, we were wrapped in shock.

“It is a surprise. It’s at the same speed as Tooru's”

Although slightly, even Yurie opened her eyes wider as she said her thoughts.

The factor that should be shocking wasn’t her speed.

The power that brought Tatsu from the middle of the training room to the wall was also observed.

“To think this much change occurred with just one <<Level>> going up………….”

I wonder how much it has occurred for me, if Miyabi has changed this much.

Those thoughts worked up my feelings and when I stood up to go down to the fighting area, my arm was grabbed.

“Tooru. Let us go first”

Maybe just like me or even more than me, Tora was making a high-spirited expression.

(Well, I did refuse Tora’s challenge just now……..)

It’s not like he would forgive me with this but I decided to pull back here.

After bringing the fainted Tatsu to the audience seat to sleep, the second battle started.

“Tora. I am going at full power”

“Bring it on”

Yurie and Tora. I don’t need to say this but, Yurie is the fastest in the first year. However, Yurie’s opponent Tora also has good speed coming after her.

Both of them have speed as their weapon. However, Yurie attacks furiously even though her self-taught skills have refined parts, and because Tora has learned martial arts for many years so, his attacks have a distinctive characteristic of attacking in a pointed and accurate manner.

“They would be equal on <<Fist Practice>> but, things would be different when it comes to <<{{Furigana|Blaze match|Practice}}>>. What is your insight, Kokonoe?”

“That’s because this is the first time I saw Tora using his <<Blaze>> to fight. But even so, I think it would be Yurie. Yurie is a different person when she is with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>>. Even for myself, if I am asked whether or not I can win against her in a serious battle, I think it would be hard to say”

However, the results will be unknown if I use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}.

Since it is impossible for me to direct it towards Yurie, the assumption is out of question.

“I see. I have the same opinion as you since I fought Yurie with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>>------oh, they moved!!”

Since we saw Miyabi’s movements just now, I thought we wouldn’t be that surprised.

But, we were astonished again at the speed of both of them the moment they moved at the same time.

Yurie took the upper hand using a speed slightly exceeding Tora’s.

Opposite to her cute appearance, the <<Saber>> she held with both hands was attacking wildly from left and right.

However, Tora blocked the blade with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> from the right and avoided the left blade by slightly twisting his body.

Yurie did not stop and continued pursuit------ the instant I thought that, Tora dodged and continued thrusting. Even though the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> scratched her clothes, it is far away from a decisive strike.

After countless exchanges, the sound of blades slicing the air and the sound of steel clashing continue echoing.

But, the fight dance did not continue forever and the time of conclusion has come.

Right after Yurie reacted to the blade aiming to the side of her head by evading with bending her upper body, Tora’s body spun like a spinning top and made a continuous side sweep.

If it was me, I would use my <<Shield>> to block it or perform a back step to make distance------

Whatever I pick, I would probably be in a defensive stance.

But Yurie is different.

She reacted to Tora’s attack in an instant and dodged the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> by sinking her body as if she was crawling on the ground.

At this moment, this match was determined.

Yurie swung the <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> at the same time with standing up.

Just like the fangs of a wolf, the 2 blades attacking from left and right, slashed Tora’s stomach.

“Are you okay?”

“Fuun, this much isn’t a problem…………… I will win next time………!”

When I asked Tora who came back to the audience seat, he replied back with a hating to lose answer.

However, it looks like Tora could not hide the exhausted part of his <<Soul>> which has been slashed, and made a big sigh the moment he lowered his waist.

“Next off is Tooru’s turn”

I called out to Yurie, when I stood up and was about to go down towards the training area.

“Aah. Now that I have seen such a good match, I have to put up a good fight that won’t lose to that………….and, more importantly Yurie, take this………..”

I took off my jacket and handed it to Yurie by hanging it on top of her body.

“-----------?”

That’s because just now, the part scratched from the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>>---------the part around her collarbone was cut, causing her skin to be exposed.

“It isn’t cold now……….?”

Speaking of which, it would be hotter after a battle and Yurie was tilting her head.

“…………It isn’t good for a girl to show off her skin”

It wasn’t particularly an exposure that was bad, for a young man’s education but, this is just in case.

“…………….. Thank you very much”

From my explanation, Yurie finally understood and her cheeks were slightly blushing pink in color.

“Please do your best, Tooru. I will do my best in my cheer too………..with this jacket part too”

Together with the last sentence, she grabbed the jacket slightly tighter by rounding her hand and showed a small smile.

After I went down to the training area, Tachibana the one who I was going to confront was making a happy expression.

“It has been since the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>> that I had a match with you. But this time, I’ll have you hand over the win”

“It was as a <<Duo>> that time so, it’s not like I personally won……….that is why for this match, I don’t plan on giving away the win”

“Fufu, bring it on!”

At the same time as the signal, Tachibana and I kicked the ground while aiming at each other.

“Here I come!!”

“-------!?”

Tachibana and also I were shocked.

After looking at the previous two battles-------the fight Yurie and the rest had, I had already confirmed the enhancement of the physical abilities from the <<{{Furigana|Rank sublimation|Level up}}>>.

However, because it was beyond my imaginations when I confirmed it actually with my own body, I became bewildered.

To think my step in would become this fast from sublimating to <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>.

Inside the feeling of the almost weightless feeling of my body and yet not my body, I launched a thrust.

“Kuh………..I won’t let you do it so easily!!”

Regaining her composure instantaneously, Tachibana attempted to block my fist.

In regards of defense skills, there is no one in class that could come next to Tachibana.

Furthermore, it was also the same with switching from defense.

“Seii!!”

Tachibana blocked my fist with her palm and twisted her body-------

The energy of the thrust was used just like that, and I was thrown away.

But, in order to avoid being struck, I turned my body mid-air and landed facing over to Tachibana.

“Tou……..! Not bad, Tachibana! Your reflex speed also increased-------wait, Uoooh!?”

Right in the middle of my words, I noticed the metal drip approaching right in front of me, and I jumped to the side.

“That was dangerous……………”

The speed of the metal drip could not even be compared to that time I saw it during the <<Newcomer battle>>.

“Fuu, not bad for avoiding that one. But, how about this one!?”

The battle between me and Tachibana turned into a much simpler battle compared to the previous 2.

The focus point of this match is for me to pass through the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> and enter her chest area.

(………………at times like this, I envy Yurie and Tora who has light foot works!)

Evading the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> several times, and sometimes blocking with my <<Shield>>, I took the chance and closed in the distance.

“Over here…………!!”

I prepared my fist after slipping past, but-----

“Naïve!!”

The foot I stepped in was tangled with the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>>.

Tachibana then pulled the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> just like that, and my balance collapsed when my foot was pulled away.

Without losing that chance, Tachibana grabbed my collar and sleeves and performed a osotogari<ref group ="2b">Judo move, a major sweeping leg throw</ref>, slamming my back towards the ground.

In a flash, Tachibana moved to the next attack but------

A problem occurred over here.

Tachibana then performed a scarf hold.

Explaining in an easier way on why that is a problem, '''Tachibana’s breast was being pushed at my face'''.

“<nowiki>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</nowiki>!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan**funyan*.

Those soft lumps pressed on my face bounced. It kept bouncing.

Even though I struggled desperately in half panic, Tachibana did not let me go and pressed her breast even more.

“Tsukimi-sensei. This is different from a defeat but, since I completely sealed his movement, is it okay to say this is my win in this case?”

“Kuhaha. Why not? An oppai<ref group ="2b">Woman breast</ref> press feels like close to heaven too in a different kind of way”

“Eh……..? O-Oppai………Eh?”

Tachibana stopped……………while pressing her breast towards my face.

“Kokonoe!? Wha-what did she meant by close to heaven! Did you wish for this match with those shameless thoughts!? Yo-Yo-Yo………You foooolllllll!!”

Tachibana then *Pyon* hopped up and separated from me, and ran away with a completely red face.

“It’s a misunderstanding------------!!”

Although I shouted towards the back that was getting smaller-------

[To-Tooru-kun you pervert……….][…………you damn lecher][So Tooru was perverted……………]

“Like I said, it is a misunderstanding------------!!”

3 of them from the side shown perplexity, given up and, a surprised reaction respectively and the rabbit ear was hugging her stomach while making an unbearable laugh.

(I became stronger right…………?)

I thought that when, I recalled back to the match that happened in the afternoon in a daze.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pyuuu* the sound of the wind was produced when I swung my fist.

(It’s true I became stronger but----------)

Being strong isn’t my only goal.

I want a strength that can pierce through that person with my fangs.

(It’s still not enough……………)

There is nothing to measure the difference between me and that person but, I can tell from feeling.

The current me------no, it’s better to say that I am not even close to him.

After a while, Yurie with flushed {{Furigana|white skin|Snow white}} after a bath, returned back to the room.

“Tooru. There is something I want to request for tomorrow”

“What is the request?”

“It’s tomorrow but, is it okay for you to accompany me?”

“I don’t mind, is there something going on?”

“Ya---. It’s Sunday too so I want to go and buy outside clothing. It has been hot recently and I only have thick clothes……….”

It is still May so I don’t think it’s that hot but, it seems the heat can already be said to be summer to Yurie who was brought up in a cold country.

“I get it, I’ll accompany you. But, where are we going?”

“I have not decided yet. I was thinking of going to a good shop nearby. If there is one”

“I see. Well, we can probably find clothes if we search in a station building”

“Ya----. But, I think walking without a plan is a problem so, I’ll go ask Miyabi and the rest”

“Aah, that’s true-------and, wait! Are you planning to go like that……….!?”

Hearing my question, Yurie made a puzzled expression.

It is the usual style of her in her dress shirt form freely exposing her slender white legs.

Yurie didn't notice how dangerous that form could be on a floor lined up with male rooms.

As expected, there isn’t anyone that would attack her but----------

Before even that, it’s true that I felt somewhat unwilling to let them see Yurie like this.

“I-I will ask. Yurie………you prepare the apple tea”

“Ya---. I understand”

I stood up and left the room before hearing a reply.

(What the hell am I thinking…………)

While making a sigh, I walked in the corridor with less people in it.

I am not sure why I have those kind of feelings.

Is it because I don’t want the surroundings to misunderstand after someone sees Yurie like that?

It’s true that there is that but, I feel there is something wrong.

(…………something like, not wanting to expose my daughter to the eyes of inquisitiveness?)

I might have received the influence from Yurie looking at me as a father figure.

It felt fitting when I thought that and I made a wry smile while ascending up the stairs.

I reached the floor lined up with the girls rooms and, abruptly met up with Tachibana (#Finished kneeling on the ground during the day)

“Ko-Kokonoe!?”

“Ooh, nice timing. Hey Tachibana, actually-------“

However, I could not end the last part of my sentence.

“I-I am really sorry about what happened in the afternoon! Al-alright, I will be off then……!!”

Maybe she remembered the scarf hold in the afternoon, her face turned red in a flash and she descended down the stairs.

Her attitude is like that right now, and she didn’t show up during dinner time too so, it seems she was quite bothered about the matter in the afternoon.

(I have no choice. I’ll go ask Miyabi and quickly head back)

Thanks to Tachibana making a squeaky voice before leaving, a few number of girls nearby directed their sights towards me wondering what happened.

While feeling embarrassed from the sights, I headed towards Miyabi’s room in a fast pace.

“Wha-what’s wrong, Tooru-kun………?”

Bringing her face out from the door after I knocked, Miyabi looked up at me in a little surprised manner.

“Aah actually, I want to go buy clothes, so I came to ask whether or not there is a good shop nearby”

“If that is the case, then I recommend the a la mode shopping mall. Its nearby, and it’s very big I think.

Together with the direction towards that shopping mall, Miyabi introduced a recommended gelato shop too.

“I see, thank you…………ah, if you are free, Miyabi would you want to come with?”

“Fuee!?”

If it is buying clothes for Yurie, a girl’s opinion would be better than a guy’s so I thought of inviting her but--------

“Aaah, errr, errr, my heart preparation……….!! A-a date so suddenly…………..!?”

“--------!? Yo-you’re mistaken! It’s not a date! There is one more person coming!!”

“Eh?”

“Rather, I was planning to go buy Yurie’s clothing. Sorry for the confusing words”

“Ah……..I-I see. Ahahaha……………I am also sorry, for making such a weird misunderstanding………..”

“No, it’s because I said it in a way that caused you to misunderstand so, I am really sorry”

An unpleasant atmosphere flown by.

“So…………what are you going to do? Would you want to come with us tomorrow?”

“Ah, errm………I have a promise with Tomoe-chan to go out with her tomorrow so……….”

That’s why with Tachibana too--------is what I thought but, I immediately reconsidered.

From the reaction I saw just now, Tachibana is clearly not the type that would completely forget about the matter once its tomorrow and come with us, it’s probably better not to invite her unreasonably.

“It can’t be helped then. Alright then, I should be heading back soon. Thanks, Miyabi”

“Ah, un…………good night Tooru-kun”

After saying good bye to Miyabi who was nodding, I decided to head back to the lower floor.

“Together with Yurie tomorrow huh………..”

===Part 2===

“To-Tooru-kun and Yurie-chan are going out together………..”

Miyabi closed the door and muttered.

She heard clearly that Yurie is not Tooru’s lover from his mouth.

More importantly, judging from the point of inviting 3 people to go out, Miyabi probably knows both of them don’t have that kind of relationship but------------

What will happen tomorrow?

Then after that?

For the both of them, who pass a lot of time together, there is no guarantee their relationship won't change forever.

Much less, Miyabi normally thinks Yurie, who is the same sex as her, has a very cute appearance together with her personality.

That is why; there is no reason to be found for Tooru not to be attracted to the silver girl.

(I-its Tooru-kun’s freedom to go out with whoever he wants………….)

Even though she thought that, it was complex in her mind.

Miyabi is not self-aware of her own feelings towards Tooru.

It’s true that she trusts him the most out of any of the opposite sex she met until now but, she has yet to reach to conclusion of the affections deep inside her.

But even so, unconsciously from under her self-awareness, she leaked out a big sigh.

(As expected, I wished I said okay……..to go together with them…….)

How long would it take Miyabi to be self-aware of the reason to make her think like that?

“What’s wrong, Miyabi?”

Returning back to the room at that moment and seeing Miyabi standing there at the entrance, Tomoe asked strangely but, the reply that came back was a dry smile.

“By the way, where should we go tomorrow? If Miyabi doesn’t have any wishes then I am thinking of Kasai aquarium-------“

“Ah……..”

Towards Tomoe’s question, a place floated inside Miyabi’s mind.

“You have a place in mind?”

“Errrr, somewhere like A la mode…………..”

“A la mode? Didn’t we go there just last week? Is there something you forgot to buy?”

“Eh? E,errr, I heard To-Tooru-kun and Yurie-chan were going together so, err……………I-I was curious……..”

Originally, it would be normal to trick her in a time like this but; Miyabi said the reason in extreme honesty.

“Kokonoe and Yurie are……!?”

(Both of them together------which means………..a-a date?)

The scenery that immediately popped out inside Tomoe’s head from those simple words, was the scenery of Tooru and a naked Yurie hugging each other that happened a while back.

(Im-impossible right…….?)

She was explained to, the situation of Tooru and Yurie, agreed, and believed the talk.

However, once she gains a doubt, that doubt will expand in a blink of an eye.

“C-can we……….?"

The answer Tomoe gave from Miyabi’s question was------

“i-I would have never thought both of them would……………..Thi-this is because they are in an illicit relationship. That is why---------I think it would be good to watch over them from the shadows, Umu”

It was a trailing--------with a fake excuse as a cover.

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==Translation Notes and References==
<references group="2b" />

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Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2014-04-05T21:53:19Z

72.26.68.71: /* Part 2 */