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CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Prologue

2015-07-25T00:54:28Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Prologue==

<div style="border:solid 2px gray;width:600px;padding:5px;background-color:#EEEEEE;margin:5px 5px 5px 100px;">
''That renowned master and artist the Demiurgus hides it away, causes it to vanish behind life’s make-believe. We, to the contrary, love its abrasiveness, its unruliness, its rag doll ungainliness. Behind each gesture, each movement, we like to see its exertion, its torpor, its sweet ursinality.''

:'''Bruno Schulz''' [A treatise on mannequin or The Next Book of Genesis], Station Yukio Kudou, Heibon Company Library, [all Schultz’s novels] 2005

'''Relative translation to [マネキン人形論あるいは創世記第二の書]: Mannequin’s theory or The Second book of Genesis'''
</div>

In the middle of the rain.

Young Kasugai Yuu walks alongside grown up Kasugai Yuu while squeezing his hand.

What wonders him wasn’t the fact that there were two of him, but his awareness of the texture of his own hand. He never experience what was it like to have his own hand pulled by himself before, he should never have.

Think, think, think.

Then her remember, the hand that his young-self knew was his mother’s.

Remembering his mother’s hand, he begins to reimagining what he holds with his hand, and created new sensation.

By the time he did, his young-self transformed. This time it’s a hand that he once held before.

Kodzuchi Fuyufu

With a younger body just like when she was in elementary school, she was wearing black colour children’s clothes like the colour of the dark rain.

During the early year of elementary school, her body was weak and Yuu was asked by her mother to accompany her to and from school. To prevent her from falling, they walked together while holding hands.

As time pass, their position got swapped and Fuyufu, who had become healthy, was the one who pulled Yuu’s hand.

It might also still be the case.

Fuyufu’s hand that Yuu held was only that of her younger self.

Because, Yuu doesn’t now the sensation of grown-up Fuyufu’s hand—

──This dream will most likely appear under the back of his eyelids. By the time he opens his eyes, the figure of young Fuyufu disappeared, and the gentle sunlight and familiar ceiling greets his eyes.

It’s good that he woke up, but the aftermath of the dream weighted down his head. His young self, young Fuyufu, Fuyufu’s hand, Fuyufu’s fingers……

He can feel his cheek burning up thanks to the unusually vivid dream he had.

(….Could this mean that I wanted to touch Fuyufu?)

It’s hard to think that it’s a physiological issue or anything; it might just simply be a result of frustration.

Having bad thoughts right in the morning he direct his eyes to the side── It felt like his heart was about to stop.

In front of his eyes was a girl’s sleeping face.

She wasn’t his childhood friend whom he just saw in his dream. Fuyufu was indeed a short-haired girl like a Zashikiwarashi<ref> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zashiki-warashi </ref> but the girl in front of his eyes has long hair, in contrast to Fuyufu’s small and slim body, that girl has average height and considerably well-rounded and rich body.

Their faces were only dozen centimeters away from each other, and he can see her lips trembles with a small sigh.

An early summer morning

A quiet morning.

Between two bodies in the same bad, a languid heat was in the air. Excessive sweat flowing out. His throat went dry. He experienced a small fever.

Kugimiya Miharu

She was the girl he began to live together for the past week. Actually last week was the first time he met her, and from that moment they immediately live together.

However, he had spent over two months together in other world…..

Regardless, they weren’t in relationship that forces them to live together. The reason why they end up sleeping together like was thanks to a certain person with complicated circumstances.

As if trying to prevent each other from rolling off the bed, Miharu’s finger was resting on Yuu’s hand. As soon as he recognizes the warmth he quickly pulled his hand in a hurry.

(Why other person’s body is so hot……?)

While holding down his shock ── also the fact that the one in front of him wasn’t Fuyufu makes his sides hurt ── Yuu tried to raise his upper body without waking up Miharu. It will be problematic if she wakes up now. Furthermore, the “circumstances” that forces them into this situation somehow wasn’t in the room.

Miharu has tendency to distrust opposite sex which also directed towards Yuu. In this situation where that girl isn’t here, for them to be together alone in the same bed was nothing but problem.

Fortunately Miharu slept deeply; even if he tries to talk to her she will just reply with gentle breathing.

Miharu was the one who chose that brand new pajama so it should match her own size, but it appear that she feel cramped as she heavily breath up and down── and by the time he was consulting his brain while averting his eyes from her.

“Daaaaaaddy~~!!!!!”

The main culprit of why Yuu and Miharu have to sleep together came in while shouting in cute energetic voice.

In front of the left-open door. A child imposed a stance, raising a shout of victory.

“Haruha was able to go to toilet alone!”

“Nnn…. U…..”

The moan responding to the clearly loud voice was no other from the awakened Miharu.

Several seconds later, Miharu screamed after becoming aware of solidified Yuu was in position of peeping her face. Haruha lively blinked her eyes and stared blankly, holding still her pose.

Kasugai Haruha

She wasn’t born in this world. She is one of artificial intelligence, Hadzar, born in the world of endless reality, role playing game『Cradle to the Glaive── otherwise known as『CtG』.

Shortly after her birth, Haruha was soon entrusted to Clamp, Yuu’s avatar, and Mifa, Miharu’s avatar.

The two were the pair who triggered 《Mirrage》event in the game, an event that can only be triggered by the pair who determined to be the most ideal by the computer operating『CtG』. All was to determine which couple most suitable to be Haruha’s parents.

And Haruha who rapidly grew under Clamp and Mifa’s parenting receives an artificial body as an experiment held by “Human equilibrium institute” institution and appeared in Yuu’s house in real world.

In order to watch over Haruha who both physically and mentally unstable, Yuu and Miharu end up living together with Haruha in Yuu’s house. The three of them sleeping together was also part of Haruha’s mental care.

A week had passed since the beginning of their new awkward life.

For the past week, Yuu attends to school like always, Miharu was left to clean up Kasugai household storeroom and prepare her own room, and Haruha would play with Miharu with some toys or inside 『CtG』──

“….Ho-how is it?”

Familiar uniform along with Miharu whom he familiar with. But it’s the first time he ever see the two together as one.

“Aa…..”

Yuu who had been preparing a simple breakfast in the living room was having trouble giving comment on Miharu who had just dressed and coming down from her room on the second floor.

Miharu was dressed in uniform of the school she will go to starting today. She had an anxious face, but it’s hard to guess what worries her.

“Mm….. That’s…. a proper uniform huh”

“……You’re so random…..”

Miharu’s anxiety quickly changed into dissatisfaction. But, lisping is like the trend for high school boys, it’s unreasonable to blame him for that.

Nevertheless, it only been a week since they first met face-to-face, to him she is “his daughter’s mother”, something that he can’t fully comprehended. As result, he couldn’t figure out the right distance to take.

Who saved hesitant Yuu from Miharu’s stare was Haruha who had been waiting for the breakfast, sitting on a cat paws’ patterned cushion.

“So cute! Mommy is great!”

She ran in unstoppable vigour to hug Miharu. Miharu bend down and catch her with her breast, and Haruha buried her face into it like a mole.

Miharu blushed, narrowing eyes, while stroking Haruha’s head who hugs her tightly.

“Thank you, Haruha.

Today, I’ll also go to school, so be sure to watch over the house with Hajime-san, okay”

Hajime Hidari, one of the Institute’s staff in charge of managing Haruha, during the day would come to Kasugai households and take care of Haruha. She should come today as well.

Haruha stay silent, and rest her head to Miharu’s care.

Yuu became a little uneasy. Haruha was extremely terrified being separated away from Yuu and Haruha. Just sleeping alone made her anxious, enough to make her wanting the three of them to sleep together.

“Haruha, are you okay?”

When Yuu called out, Haruha replied cheerfully with her usual carefree playful face.

“I’m okay! After Haruha saying “See you”, Haruha will hear “I’m back” later. Haruha remembered the drill!”

“….. Is that so? So watching over the house is easy task right”

“Haruha had mastered it all”

Yuu felt slightly hot as he looked at the figure of Haruha who was tapping her breast through her pajama with all knowing-look.

A daughter, who was born just two months ago and was only exist inside a game.

This feeling was probably different than those normal parents had. This child grew up this much in merely two months, and she grew even more after the incident where she put her life at stake for their sake.

Compared to that, I’m── thought Kasugai Yuu.

I’m still unable to walk over my mother’s death for the past six months, and just this morning I also see a dream of my younger self, just what person am I?

I’m a child, a parent, a man, and a high school student.

But I’m not an adult.

He sighed all by himself, and apologizes to Miharu, who was pouring milk for Haruha, inside his heart.

You look great── while getting sick of himself for being a coward who can’t even say a single honest impression.

Obtained life in virtual world, the seed of new world, the Hadzar girl who obtained artificial human body, Kasugai Haruha.

The only son of one of 『CtG』 developers, the boy who became Haruha’s father, Kasugai Yuu.

Triggered《Marriage》 event inside 『CtG』 along with Yuu’s avatar, the girl who became Haruha’s mother, Kugimiya Miharu.

Their daily life adventure will continue today as well. Continue like the definition of life itself.

Then.

Yuu and Miharu went off to school, and Haruha was left all alone, bored, watching over the house.

The curtain for the second chapter of the seed of new world shall rise.

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==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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| Back to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
| Return to [[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Chapter 1: The boy who attracts Evil|'''Chapter 1''']]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input

2015-04-01T16:33:09Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 1: Input==
:“Then, see you tomorrow”

Even though it’s a homeroom the teacher leave the class along with a carefree smile. As the teacher left the class, class 1-C start to get noisy.

Kasugai Yuu took no attention to any of the topic others are talking about and stand up as he holds his bag.

He’s not particularly stand out or anything. He wear his uniform normally, the color of his undershirt violate the school rules but it’s okay, at any rate he is just a normal obscure sixteen years old boy.

After the sunset outside met his eyes── which certainly beautiful── he went ahead to the exit.

:“Ooi, Yuu!”

The one who called Yuu was a boy who stands out more than him. His hair is a light brown and he also pretty tall. While only facing his face Yuu replied,

:“What is it Kouta?”

Yuu responded to his friend. Itono Kouta. They’ve been friend since elementary school. Although their appearances are alike he’s more of spirited guy that goes well with innocent and pure people.

:“It has been awhile, do you want to go to the arcade? Do you remember that person from middle school you beat up in fighting game? She said she want to face you again for revenge”

From the looks of it, there are two guys from the class waiting for Kouta. They often chat together with both of them during break time, but…

:“…Sorry. I’m not really in the mood”

:“I see. Well, can’t be helped”

Kouta easily nodded and leave the classroom along with the other two.

:“Then see you later”

The smile Kouta left as he leave makes Yuu’s heart aches. As a friend since middle school, he understands Yuu’s “circumstances”. To be taken care by a friend, so pathetic.

Even so, he just doesn’t feel like to have foolish commotion with them. And while pitying his boring self, this time he finally off to leave the classroom── but then once again stopped by an acquaintance.

:“Fuyufu…”

:“If you isolate yourself too much, your relationship with others will worsen”

Kuduchi Fuyufu.

She’s a girl who would perfectly fit wearing S-size uniform, a small-sized petite girl. She’s even shorter than Yuu who’s shorter compared to other guys average height. Yuu look down her head that looks like a doll wrapped with sleek black hair.

In contrast to her small physic, her facial expression it that of a grown-up. Despite having a pretty cute face, something about her is hard to get close to.

:“People call that 『Loner』”

And this part of her who loves to say things too much must be noted.

:“What up with that suddenly?”

:“Nothing”

As she said that, the light of her eyes shows the cold color of condemn.

:“It has been a month since we entered high school. And in this crucial time, I couldn’t help seeing the kid from the neighborhood I used to play with losing even more friends than already is, so I came here to warn you about it. I’m so kind right?”

There are some parts he cannot let go but he got it. He’s not mad from what she said── since it is the truth── but the word “kid from the neighborhood” caught his attention.

Just how long do want to pull back our relationship from elementary school? He would retort.

:“And what about you, do you have any friend?”

In respond Fuyufu let out a casual yawn reminiscent that of a cat.

:“At weekends we’re planning go window shopping, eat sweats in café, and taking flirty and sparkly pictures in photo booth, three of us. Unfortunately they all girls”

…It’s frustrating, but doesn’t sound like a lie. Fuyufu appears to be unfriendly but she has some nice sides as well, and she also has the kind of talent to build a good relationship with others.

Yuu who failed in counterattack can only stand still while looking down at the floor quietly.

:“Then stop caring about me, just go and have fun”

:“Eh? Those girls are busy with clubs so just I came here to play with a loner who seems to have nothing to do though?”

Oh sorry, could it be you didn’t notice? As she look into his face with a pitying look. Against that, Yuu can only clench his fist and hold down his frustration. His effort worth some praises, he thought, but that is an impossible demand to make.

He let out a sigh. It was a mistake for thinking Fuyufu will cheer him up.

:“Sorry but I don’t have any time to spare. Try someone else”

He said as he starts walking. This is what you would call running away. He knew that it’s impossible to win against Fuyufu verbally, if they continue who know when his heart will be broken.

:“Ah…”

Fuyufu’s voice from behind sounds awfully weak.

But she did not chase over him.

When he knows that clearly, he increases his speed and walk off.

Yuu’s back slowly disappears from the hallway, she couldn’t even bid farewell to it.

:“Haaa…”

With expressionless face, Koduchi Fuyufu let out a sigh. It feels like tears flowing up, but she managed to hold it in. It’s not like she’s sad or anything, she’s just a little nervous.

As the tension leave, complaints start pouring out of her mouth.

:“Idiot… that shut-in brat“　

She knew that he’s still shocked about his mother but it has been a year since then, he should’ve noticed his childhood friend’s attitude. It just…

:“Even I did the trouble to comfort him”

:“““No, no, no…. you’re not comforting him at all!”””

Retort the group of three girls in softball and table tennis club uniform who were watching over Fuyufu from afar.

Around 10 minutes from the major private railways near the school, inside the famous market district there is a quiet station building.

And from there he exits the market district, then after more or less twenty minutes of walking he arrived to his destination. They say half century ago a real estate agent purchased this area all together and turn this into residential area, but because of the low birth rate there are a lot of vacant spaces.

And at the back of that residential area, right above the hill, there stood a big house.

It’s surrounded by grassy field and woods, the house that looks dark and pale even in daylight, is rumored to be haunted by the children of the neighborhood.

And in front of that haunted house, Yuu inserted a card key and type in the password of the electronic lock. *Pssssssh*… the sound of air pressure escaping through the cylinder.

He opened the door and entered the house. The evening sunlight passed from the corner of the door. He closed the door from behind and the sound from outside were severed and disappeared into the hollow.

That is the place Kasugai Yuu returns to.

:“…………”

He didn’t think of anything in particular. After tossing some raw ingredients he brought from the market to the fridge, he walked straight to the living room.

He randomly threw his blazer and bag onto the floor and sits on the sofa while still wearing his uniform. His『CtG』 exclusive terminal, Rumeil, is on top of the table and was left charging.

After putting on the familiar device onto his head, he pressed the start switch. A blue light shines from the device, showing that it’s working. *Nnnnn*…. The low startup sound somehow tickles his stomach.

And then, a song can be heard──

His consciousness starts to fades away, melting, changing….

In few seconds, his consciousness will no longer be in this world and have made a journey to other world.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

<div style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | Quest： || Hunt Twenty Goblin.
|- valign="top"
| Difficulty： || D.
|- valign="top"
| Quest Type： || Monsters subjugation.
|- valign="top"
| Special conditions： || Must be done by the player who received the quest.
|- valign="top"
| Detail：
| To hunt down Goblin troops dwelling in the abandoned house of Imperial City White Keter. The king who loves outstanding gladiator is looking for a person who’s willing to take care of those Goblins all by himself. Oh brave hero, show me your strength in this perfect occasion.
|-
| colspan="2" | Rewards are as follows……
|}
</div>

The moment when a mail notification icon was seen on the corner of his vision was when an attack of an axe was swung.

Ignoring the mail for a while, he then quickly swings down his single-edged sword, a seax, onto the enemy’s nape.

:“Keh……!”

The one who let out the low death throes voice, along with its head fell onto the floor, was the Goblin monster. What left from the remaining body is just unsightly pile of meat──

In common RPG they’re the typical small fry monsters and its treatment are no different even in 『CtG』. It is an opponent that even a beginner player can win in one-on-one fight. But on contrary, you need considerable amount of skill to win against large number of them.

Yuu (Clamp) watch over the dead corpse from above── and the next moment, large amount of blood start flowing out of the wounds and some splashed onto the wall. The blood that dyed the wall appears to be sprayed by a spray that splashed out from the dead body.

'''CUT OFF!'''

'''SINGLE BLOW KILLED!!'''

As a special effect of the result of his attack, words gets displayed with the sheds blood, it’s a system called Blood Descript. It’s said that the system added by the graphic designer, and Yuu honestly thought it’s a bad taste. But if this doesn’t exist, some player will feel something is lacking.

:“They sure have good (bad) hobby…”

He muttered as he watches over the surrounding. The passageway of the deserted house is filled with the smell of mold and blood coming out from the Goblin corpses lying on the floor. Even though it’s a corpse, by the fact that it lost all HP it had makes it to looks like nothing but dead mannequin that lacks vividness and animation.

And on the corner of such sight is a blinking icon, and by swinging his line of sight he pulled it to the front. If it’s a normal mail he would open it after he finished his quest, but the color of this icon is red── designating that it’s an “Emergency”.

There’s still one Goblin lurking within this deserted building. There shouldn’t be much problem if it doesn’t attack from a blind spot. While resting his back onto the wall, Clamp open up the mail.

<div style="border:solid 2px red;width:450px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#ffa0a0;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|-
| width="20%" | Sender： || Mifa
|- valign="top"
| Contents： || Somehow it’s born. Contact me immediately
|}
</div>

He stares at it for a while.

:“What the heck is this?”

It’s incomprehensible. It’s from Mifa whom he 《Married》 with after defeating Megalon Evis. Her name is even written as the “Sender”, and a ring icon is shining next to her name.

But no matter how many times he read it, the contents of the mail is simply too abrupt and impossible to understand. Well, anyway, it says she want a contact.

:“Any at rate, I have to reply…”

As he says that, he sensed a presence. But there is no figure of monster on his field of vision── and at the moment he looked up, the Goblin that was hiding above jumped at him!

Being caught completely off guard, he couldn’t afford to swing his sword or even dodge. That’s why Clamp did neither.

He casually let go of his sword and catch the Goblin empty handedly. Even though it’s short, the muscular Goblin is heavy, and he got pushed down by the momentum. As being nailed on the floor, he took a deep breath and,

『Snatch !』

After usage of 《Snatch》action, the notification sound of its succession echo through the building along with a burst of blood.

At the edge of Clamp’s vision a message saying <span style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;">Skill success, you stole a “Hand Axe”</span> is displayed.

What happened was Clamp kicked the Goblin’s body simultaneous equipped the hatchet and attacked the goblin with it. It was strangely unlike him to be so impatient (or to be under pressure, if unrelated to sentences below).

──That 《Marriage》 he did just to achieve his goal.

──“It just inside a game” but…

He couldn’t have but to be curious. That’s right, that mail,

:“It’s from Mifa!”

When he split the Goblin head as if splitting a watermelon, the mail that was left open got dyed in red by the gushed out blood.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

Within crunches that scattered throughout Dragons’ Cradle, you can find a mysterious mirror, when you go inside it you will arrive to “Terminus Cradle”. The world spheres that consisted in 『CtG』 are all connected together in this relay world. It’s what you would call the starting point of all adventurers.

On the blue velvet floor nine mirrors are lined up, this place is the lowest layer called the Parnassus room. As a place for all players to come and go all the time, it has the size of an event hall.

Boarding the elevator that hung at the middle will take you up to the market area.

Stores are sectioned in orderly manner, regardless of the stalls, large variety of merchandise are lined up, from medical herb to machine guns, item from various worlds are being traded here.

:“This place is messed up as always…”

It’s an overwhelming sight no matter how many times you see it. The center of 『CtG』 service is done by NPC (Their appearance is like other player, but they’re character controlled by the program) that in charge of the shops lined up here.

And at the corner of the market area, there stood and lined a facility called Guild Hotel, a facility that often rented by particular communities as gathering and meeting spots.

And at one of those rented facility, inside a small room managed by the guild 【Labyrinth Troupe】, a girl waits for Clamp’s arrival──

:“What… Is that? ……What?”

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

[[File:CtG_v01_img003.jpg|thumbnail|Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.]]

:“Errrmm…”

The thing wrapped in pale colored cloth, the thing that’s resting on Mifa’s lap is…

A baby.

She has the same hair color as Mifa, and the same eye color as Clamp.

The figure that’s wrapped in fluffy and soft babywear appears to be less than a year old. She blinked and looked at Clamp with her strangely powerful eyes while holding Mifa’s finger with her marshmallow-like round hand with the lightness of cotton.

Mifa, who wore mixed expression of half-hearted feeling of cry and laugher, lifted her head and says,

:“Somehow, a baby… was born”

………………

He never heard about this. Never. It’s indeed that he had 《Marriage》 event with Mifa, but, even so…. You know, they never did anything that would make a baby appear, and such system doesn’t exist in 『CtG』 in the first place.

Even so...

The moment he sees the figure of the baby, the feeling of guilt and pair of anxiety (or worries, your choice) instantly froze his body. Somehow Fuyufu’s face appears in his head, delivering a cold stare of contempt and disgust, that image were planted deep inside.

:“K-Keep yourself together! I’ve been in panic from quite a while ago!”

:“Aa…. Sorry. This is quite an unexpected situation…”

Because she made loud voice earlier, the baby’s gaze switched to her. A baby’s reflex actions are all abrupt and sudden. Mifa were flinched and let out a fake smile. The baby was emotionless but opened her mouth curiously.

T-That’s right. First they need to calm down. Clamp took a deep breath.

Calmly── Lets handle this situation calmly. Let’s first short out the known and unknown stuff, they need to first understand the current situation. There’s the phrase “DON’T PANIC!” in the best-selling 『CtG』 strategy book , 『CtG Hitchhiker’s Guide』 (unofficial), isn’t it.<ref>Reference to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy].</ref>

First if all, let’s hear what happened.

:“Side aside the baby… what is that big thing?

:“Aaaa── ….”

Mifa didn’t answer for a while. She glanced at “that big thing” while clumsily shooting the baby on her arms. Clamp followed her gaze. Then,

:“This child is the daughter of two of you”

The one who said that…<br>
Said that…<br>
Was…<br>
A stuffed doll.

On top of the two resting purpose beds in the cramped room, was a huge mushroom stuffed doll. It has limbs although it’s a mushroom. Its width is as wide as its height and its face looks doodled by an oil pen. That thing is 『CtG』 mascot named 『Kinokino』<ref>Kinoko (茸) is Japanese for mushroom.</ref> based on an existing monster in the game. However, its size varies from fifty centimeters to 1 till 6 meters.

And that giant mushroom had certainly just spokes.

''*CRASH!*'' The sound of Clamp hitting the wall of the hotel.

:“It spoke!? I’ve never heard that Kinokino can speak!”

Clamp once again panicked like before but for different reason. In respond, the Kinokino gentlemanly lower its head.

:“Non<ref>Payakino often speak Italian, for… some reason.</ref> (No). My name is Payakino, a Nanny NPC”

:“Nanny…?”

:“Ui (Yes). To take care of children born from 《Marriage》 Event is my function as well as my duty”

Why it speaks like a monsieur even though it’s a nanny? It has high-pitched voice, or more like, it sounds synthesized. Its gender is also unclear. No, more than that…

:“Wait a moment, I never heard that baby will be born after 《Marriage》”

Yuu got lost in thought a bit, but if they believe what the person (?) said, then this NPC prepared by the system will answer it all.

The doll── Payakino then explain.

:“Not knowing what will happen. That is the thrill of RPG”

It’s a mushroom who loves saying whatever it wants.

But that sounds fair. It’s not like everything about the event is written on the manual, and considering this is an ultra-rare event no wonders unexpected thing would happen.

He was about to ask more question, but then stopped by Mifa.

:“I’ll explain first. Along with the time this baby appeared”

Mifa’s story didn’t go that well with her hair constantly being pulled by the baby, but summarizing it briefly it goes as follows:

When she log-in as usual── she arrives at the Japanese-styled world, Bushido Grave southern church── And there stood Payakino that deliberately lower its head in front of her.

Witnessing this mushroom…… thing, Mifa were truly startled, presumably more than she should had. Furthermore that mushroom was carrying a baby, and just like that it claimed that the baby is Mifa’s.

At first Mifa thought there must be some kind of mistake, but Payakino knows great detail about Mifa and Clamp, furthermore it has 『CtG』 digital signature of Imagine Ekphrasis corporation that shown in the extended manual.

In short── The pair of players are randomly given a child to raise and have it grown. But if either of the players refuses, this event will become invalid. And so on.

Naturally, this is not the kind of situation that can be simply solved by herself, Clamp’s opinion is required, and so she called him to this hotel──

:“──How do you think?”

Against Mifa’s gaze after she finished the story, Clamp groaned.

:“How… even if you say so”

It’s a bit problematic. Clamp tried to look for information about this system he never heard before, but…

:“You know…. I think it is okay to raise her”

Mifa is unexpectedly up for the idea. Was *** just his imagination?

The baby then naturally switched her gaze at him.

Their “daughter” seems to like Mifa’s hair texture and continues to play with it.

Cute. He simply thought that.

Even though it looks she’s playing she did not show any smile, could it be because she still don’t understand emotions yet, or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just poor? Yuu who never taken care a baby before couldn’t reach a decision. That’s why he speaks what he thought.

:“……But, won’t it be troublesome? Rising a child”

:“You think? From what I read from the manual and heard from Payakino, we can just ask all knowledge and skill we need for it, and Payakino will take care of her when we logged out.
:If you’re too busy I’ll try to raise her alone… and, isn’t it okay to not think about it too much?”

She smiled comfortably.

:“This just a game after all”

The reason he agree with that, is it because Mifa’s optimistic way of thinking? Or because the guilt of having the baby disappears when he refuses? Or he just simply wanted to finish this event to the end? Even Yuu himself is unsure.

But, in contrary to Clamp’s nodding, Kasugai Yuu felt uneasy and has worries about this strange chain of events.

The criteria asides, only those who are perfect with each other must marry, was truly the right way of thinking. Even that person will one day regret that she chose the wrong partner. However an NPC baby were born without warning, it feels to be slightly off from 『CtG』 developer’s typical unscrupulous surprises.

It came from Kasugai Mana’s game philosophy, Yuu’s mother who continues to work for Imagine Ekphrasis in the third development office of 『Cradle to The Grave』 as the lead developer till the day of her death.

:“Let’s give her a name!”

Clamp, who was thinking while staring at the floor, got called and he returned his gaze to Mifa in a hurry.

:“Name?”

:“Yes. This child still doesn’t have a name. We must gave her one”

Mifa held out the baby to Clamp when she says that. The baby’s pitch black pupil looks straight to his eyes.

Uuuu…. He receives the baby while trembling.

The baby that’s now resting on his arms is unexpectedly soft and terrifyingly light. It’s much lighter than the cat Fuyufu kept in her house.

The part where the gravity center did not changes when remained idle might because the lack of data inputted. And also the baby stays the same even on Clamp’s clumsy hand, instead of just simply meek it feels like it lacking of something.

──This child… did not possess full human body. That’s natural. NPC are people with human body but not a human, let alone this baby that was just recently made.

He felt that.

He felt that really well.

Together, he wanted to blow life into this empty vessel, into the empty existence. Just like being friend with dolls that we treat as if having personality.

He recalled back his young days as he think about that. It was the time when Kasugai Yuu played with his first friend. What he did that time was, playing house.

It just like the current situation. The girl from that time named the doll she has. Yes, the name was──

:“How about… Haruha? This child’s name”

It was name that was taken from his memories. Although the baby in question didn’t have any reaction in particular,

:“Hee…?”

Somehow Mifa opens her eyes wide, not blinking at all.

:“……? What about it?”

:“Aaa……… unn, nothing. I think it’s a good name.
:Haruha…… Haruha-chan huh. Nn, it has a cute sound on it”

After that she continues to repeat, Haruha, Haruha, again and again.

She seems to like the name as well, the baby── Haruha then returns to Mifa’s arms.

While embracing the small body, Mifa narrowed her eyes gently and formed a broad smile with her mouth.

Clamp who feels something on his chest divert his eyes.

And then the two… No, three of them, along with Payakino with its featureless face, continue to watch over the baby in delight.

And thus the two players who are wandering in the world of 『Cradle to The Grave』, Clamp and Mifa, were linked together by Haruha’s arrival. Her birth was just too sudden and treated very lightly.

The time for them to learn about the meaning of that day, that moment, is still far in the future.

<center><big><big>◇◆◇</big></big></center>

Two months had passed in a flash after that incident.

Every day they visits guild hotel in Terminus Cradle── Not the hotel rented by 【Labyrinth Troupe】, but the one prepared by Payakino── Mifa and Clamp’s first and furthermost job is to talk with Haruha.

According to Payakino that resides at the corner of the room, the first thing Haruha need for her growth is “Words” and after that is “Experience”.

Both of them simply hold conversations with Haruha who continues to cling at them. They also do information exchange as part of their small talk.

When they tired talking, they would show some replay videos. It is part of Ramiel purchase bonus called private data storage, it would automatically record images in time of in-events.

This ends up affecting Yuu’s real life. He would often go absentminded and would be reminded by others, like in this instance at the school hallway.

:“Yuu”

:“Ueeeuwawaaaa!!? F-Fuyufu…?”

:“…What is it? You look strangely in a good mood, I thought. And your reaction just now is like that of a man being caught having an affair”

:“No way, that’s absolutely not, right?”

:“Why are you asking yourself…? Well anyway,
:……Is something happening recently? You seems to be awfully want to go back in a hurry”

:“Nothing in particular… I’m just busy”

: “Hmmm… Even so you appear to be way more energetic than before”

Might be, he thought.

When Fuyufu pursued the reason, cold sweats are leaving his skin. Why did that happen? He tried to not think about.

Payakino said, due to 『CtG』 system ──embryo’s effects or whatever── Haruha’s growth are accelerated. She became larger at incomparable speed compared to normal children.

In fact, Haruha learned how to talk in such short time.

:“Mommy!”

There is the figure of Mifa, raising her fist high to the air, taking a guts pose along with Clamp who sits down, depressed.

:“Next say “Father”, please”

He patted Haruha’s head, which where her hair had extended at considerable length. It has ticklish soft feel. Haruha rings her throat several times, letting out “Auuu” sounds while burying her face into Clamp’s chest like a mole.

Mifa also has some changes happening in her private life.

Previously, she log-in around 8:00 to 9:00 at night and would log-out after midnight, but ever since Haruha was born, she would appear in Terminus Cradle at six o’clock. There also days where she shows up earlier before Clamp.

When asked why, she answered with,

:“......It also because I want to meet Haruha, but stuff happened and I no longer have to do club activities. Because of that now I have time to spare”

Her answer was a bit worrisome, but…

She said clubs, so it means she’s either high school or junior high school student── He thought a little.

After two months Haruha have earned the body and mind of two years old.

:“Maybe it’s about the time we should show her other world spheres”

Following Payakino’s advice, they took Haruha outside. Since they’re bringing a child, they only roam around cities to guarantee her safety.

For example, in the White Keter Imperial City in Dragons’ Grave. From afternoon to midnight, millions of players are flooding this giant city, and within such mess the small Haruha continues to cling to Mifa’s arms while being simply being stunned.

They thought bringing Haruha who’s an infant would stand out, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Thinking back, baby NPC normally exist in this world, and babysitter part-time job is one of classic early quests.

However Haruha, unlike normal “predetermined sloppiness” baby NPC has── do not wet herself or crying in the middle of night. She doesn’t even need to sleep or eat to begin with.

In the historical world, Bushido Grave Oedo capital, they watch over the fireworks sparkling on the sky on a houseboat sailing above the waterway. Right on his side is Mifa wearing a relaxing light blue Kimono<ref>Kimono (着物) is a Japanese traditional garment. Although I’m sure over 80% of people who read this already know it.</ref>, while singing a song in a clear beautiful voice.

It’s a song he never heard before, and it doesn’t appear to be one of those stereotyped song from the game.

:“………Do you like singing?”

When he asked, Mifa blushes a bit.

:“Well, yeah, but it just a hobby. I can’t let out loud voice at home so I practice here”

From her way of talking, it seems she play this game as replacement for karaoke box. Indeed, you don’t need that much money to use rental terminal (Ramiel), and it is way cheaper than going to a karaoke. Unsurprisingly, people with home-related circumstances are quite a lot.

:“It’s a foreign folk song I arranged myself…… I’m sorry if it’s bad”

Mifa who shyly said that let out a modest singing voice in the sparkling night, her skill is truly great and makes her words from earlier sounds like a mere modesty. Hearing that, he speak what he had in mind,

:“Your song, I love it. I don’t know much about song, but it has transparent feelings or something”

That transparent-like singing voice, as if fast-forwarded, lost its pitch and shakes, that moment Clamp saw Mifa’s bewildered eyes.

After replying “Thanks…” with blank look, Mifa resume the song. And behind those words of her, her face appears to be shrinking.

(Eeeh? Did I sound like flattering…?)

As he thinks about that, a warm sensation rides on his knee. It’s Haruha. Daddy, daddy, she says in lisp, like a little creature she stirring restlessly above his knees.

Small. Round, wherever you stroke her. It’s soft like a full-body cushion. She tries to stands wobbly but easily fell, and “Uuu~” stares at him curiously.

──Ultimately, she’s cute.

That must be because she won’t cry in quirky timing, her diapers wouldn’t suddenly be “that”, and she won’t barfs her launch, since she doesn’t have any of that, she is purely cute.

A daughter that won’t cause trouble to her parents, it might be truly an ideal child to have.

But not seeing her sleeping and crying face makes Clamp (Kasugai Yuu) feels something is lacking. Mifa might be thinking the same thing as their eyes met each other.

But if compared to parents who are suffering from parenting their child, they can’t really ask for such luxury.

Their wishes might won’t come true, but.

As Haruha slowly grows and learn more words, she began to show more emotions.

:“……Daddy, Mommy, you’re slow!”

That day── A month after Haruha’s birth.

With her five-year-olds figure, Haruha made Clamp and Mifa to kneel<ref>Seiza (正座), an act of begging for forgiveness in Japan.</ref> in front of her.

In the usual hotel room. Haruha folded her arms together. It’s amazing how a baby who used to be so round and small became……… so grown up and dazzling. And beside her is Payakino deliberately playing with a shinai<ref>A type of bamboo/wooden sword, often used for sword training in Japan.</ref>, swinging it back and forth.

:“You two said you will come as soon as possible!”

Haruha’s enraged voice sounds similar to angry Mifa’s. And her awkward tone of voice reflects her innocent childishness.

:“The soy sauce at the market was in sell… and it was very crowded”
:“I-I’m sorry… something happened at little in the house”

The two of them earnestly apologize, with a silky voice as if reading a script.

:“Ah, look Haruha. I brought a throwing knife. See, it has cute sculpture on it, it’s small and light so even girl can easily use it!”

Clamp took out the throwing knife from his item box and shows it. It’s within a small six sheet sets, it’s also popular as both accessory and decoration.

:”Really? A weapon for souvenir, that’s why boys are no good”

After staring at Clamp with eyes of contempt, Mifa turned to Haruha with a smile.

:”Look Haruha, equip this 『Crimson Tree』 Mommy brought for you. It’s a Kimono armor sold in Bushido Grave!”

:”Haruha won’t be fooled with presents!”

Various items were presented to please her, but it seems Haruha’s displeasure won. *Tch*, Clamp mad at his own lamentably.

Haruha’s item storage is already filled full with presents like children guitar, canned slime, dragons’ bone (fake), and mechanical dolls from the two of them. Small Haruha used to unconditionally happy by their present and that makes them want to gives her more.

:“You two just overdid it!”

While sullenly sigh, Haruha sits down on Mifa’s knee.

Her mind’s growth seems to be slower than her body, even though she would often walk around by herself, Haruha is still a spoiled mole she is. She loves playing with weapon Clamp and others brought for her but she love hugging Clamp and Mifa more.

:“Haruha…… waited long you know”

That’s why her eyes looks very lonely as she stares at both of them while twisting herself in Mifa’s arm.

That’s right. Haruha have always, waited.

Not just waiting together with Payakino at daytime. Even though she has place to sleep, as the residence of 『CtG』, action of “Sleeping” do not exist within her. So, at day and night, she continues to wait for Clamp and Mifa, fully awake the entire time.

From now, let’s give up soy sauce sell and protect your promise. Says Payakino through its mind while beating Yuu (Clamp) with its shinai.

:“Hiyaaa!?”

Screamed Mifa as she sees the head of Kobold<ref>Based on yet another Germanic mythology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobold).</ref> fly up to the air. The monster’s face that appeared suddenly was cut by Clamp as it come across── <b>Critical Hit!!</b>

The blood splash in flashy manner and formed latters. Mifa avoids the bloody shower so it doesn’t hit the lantern she’s carrying. After that she weakly lets out amazed voice,

:“Ughh…… it’s amazing you’re fine with that. A severed head…… even now I’m still not okay with it. And those that walk with two legs are especially scary”

Mine area of Dragons’ Grave. “It’s about the time for Haruha to learn about battle, take her with you and show her the drill” Following Payakino’s advice, Clamp and Mifa are currently previewing low difficulty quests for that future plan.

Subjugation quest 【Tunnel Kobold Extermination】 is as the name implies a quest to hunt certain numbers of Kobold within the back of the mine, it’s a quest for beginners.

While wielding his blood dyed sword, Clamp illuminates the surrounding with his lantern. It was then Mifa asks,

:“Is it because you’re a boy? Are you type who likes zombie movie?”

:”It’s not like that, but…”

Letting out troubled voice, Clamp tries to come out with proper answer.

:”You often say it too right. This just a game, you said”

:”Even though it’s this real?”

:”Exactly because it’s this real. Having my strength increased able me to perform amazing movements, every time I perform superhuman-like skills through semi-automatic combat I feel ascertained differences between my actual self.
:The strong me right now is not actual me. That’s why I can properly separate both”

:“Not your real self huh…”

Clamp who was being wary of the surrounding did not Mifa was looking down in bitterness. Half consciously, Clamp speaks why he had in mind.

:“The more realistic a virtual reality becomes, it decreases the player’s external sense to real world. It was my mother’s theory, that’s why this game──”

:“Mother?”

Clamp let out a bitter face as he realized his own mistakes. And it’s a face that is unthinkable coming from that composed self-confidence “Clamp of Scarabaeus”. Something inside Mifa is being fueled.

:“So your mom plays game too. What kind of person?”

:“It’s not important right”

But his rejection by not wanting to face her face is instead does nothing but to lure her interest. Mifa is that kind of person.

:“It’s okay right. We’re husband and wife for once”

While continue to plead, Mifa cling to Clamp’s empty hand. Mifa then confirmed her victory after realizing Clamp just stopped his breath.

:“Why are you so flustered? This just inside a game isn’t it?”

Clamp who got a point taken groaned, and while being upset he says,

:“Come on, let’s look more into the back”

And they begin to walk while Mifa keep hanging on his arm.

After a while, the dim light of the lantern starts to fades away, Mifa let out a little gasp and they continue to walk through the dark tunnel.

They walk, little by little, the boy and girl restlessly snuggled themselves with the natural heat. That heat do not comes from the lanterns fire or magic. That’s why, no matter how much time had passed, the heat won’t cool down.

:“It might be just a game”

The one who speak after that was Mifa.

:“Just a game, but Haruha is cute, right”

:“……That’s right”

The moment Clamp formed a smile with his mouth, Mifa hold down her chuckle.

:“You’re just like me……”

After holding back her laughter she lets out a smile, and the remaining heat disappears.

:“What happened Yuubocchi<ref>It’s combination of Yuu, the protagonist’s name, and the word “bocchi” (ぼっち) which means “loner”.</ref>? Thinking hard like that, very unlike you”

:“What the heck was…… that? It sounds like derogatory term coming from a fairy tale”

:“Sounds like a name of a fairy right? A person who always alone = could be a strange creature that only I can see, that is 『Yuubocchi』”

:“It sounds pretty scary…”

It was in the cafeteria during lunch break he got called like that by Fuyufu.

Even though he got savings that his mother left behind, he couldn’t afford wasting money when thinking about the future. On other hand, because of 『CtG』 he doesn’t have much time to make lunch, so he have been living off with one bread every day.

But, a little while ago in 『CtG』 while in the middle of talking with Haruha, he lost his consciousness and were forced logged out── In other words “Sleep Failing” ── caused by his lack of sleep and declining health. In order to spend more time where Haruha, he begins to properly eat healthy food every day.

That’s why, in order to get inexpensive meal every day he goes to cafeteria, and naturally eating together with Fuyufu becomes daily occurrence. He stares at Fuyufu who sits on the on the other side of the table with her Kitsune Udon<ref>Otherwise known as Fox Udon, it’s hot udon with sweetened deep-fried tofu pockets topping which known to be Japanese fox spirit favorite food, hence forth, “Fox”.</ref>, and let out a terribly vague question,

:“Fuyufu, do you think there are hearts dwelling inside computer?”

:“What’s up out of the blue?”

Maybe because her emotions are bland, Fuyufu appears to be spacing out, but even so her academic score is pretty high. Unlike Yuu who only play games, Fuyufu read lots of books.

After sipping her udon while raising her hair so it didn’t get into the soup, she answer,

:“It depends on your definition of “heart”, but it’s impossible to create self-consciousness through programs and calculation, is the theory I heard once before. Something about quantum brain theory or whatever”

:“But isn’t that only applies for <i>current</i> computers?”

Fuyufu responds with “You mean?” face. Yuu had felt that he became too opinionated. While pointing her with the chopsticks he used to stab his fish hamburger, he continues.

:“It’s 『CtG』. You know, the computer used for that is known for having stronger capability than any others. If it has that much power, won’t it be possible to create human-like mind?”

But Fuyufu unceremoniously shook her head.

:“It’s not the problem of capability or processing power. It’s the nature of the problem itself. No matter how fast it calculates, even a computer than can respond to various situation, it would give the same result as other computers. Even if it can create the same entrance and exit as human, it won’t able to create the same maze inside. “Heart” is, that maze. If you want to create the same thing…… there’s no other choice but to give those computers flesh and blood as well”

After saying it like javelin, she continues.

:“Or could it be, Yuu, you heard something about it? The computer used in that…… did you heard that from your mother?”

Fuyufu let out a regret face as she said that. It might just be a slip of tongue mentioning his mother, but it’s impossible to say that he didn’t care about it.

:“Could it be, a one-in-the world machine exist somewhere…… no way, I’ve never heard anything about it. Even if I heard about it I wouldn’t know”

:”That might be so”

Because of rude agreement, the conversation stops for a while. Over three quarters of seats in the school cafeteria are filled with students bustling. Within that environment, the distant they had that allowed them to distinguish the sound of dishes, that distant just like old time ago.

In contrast to Yuu who fell silent, Fuyufu opened her mouth after she finished swallowing her udon.

:“Yuu…… did something happened in that game?”

His heart jumped. Spoken words can’t be taken back. Fuyufu persist with her gaze.

:“Could it be…… Non Player Character, is it? Did you fell in love with one or something? That’s why you ask stuff about heart and all……”

It’s not a direct hit, but it was a blow that managed to grazes his neck. Even so,

:“Of course not, it’s not about that”

It’s not a lie so he voice was straight. But Fuyufu continues to press on the matter.

:“…………Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00012.jpeg|thumbnail|“…......Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”]]

:“I-It’s just your imagination"

Somehow an image of Mifa tilting her head mumbling “Nn? Nn?” appears on his head. It’s not her. She’s not NPC, much less a girlfriend. She’s something else. The thing happened in the mine, she was just messing around.

Fuyufu suspiciously stare at him then avert her eyes in displeasure.

Fuyufu stay silent after that. After she finish silently consuming her udon, she took a paper napkin and start folding it.

:“……Yuu. Do you know why I don’t play that game (『CtG』)?”

:“Eh…… Because you’re not interested in it?”

She had always like that. No matter how much time he recommend it, Fuyufu never lay her hand on 『CtG』. When Yuu became teenager, he gradually becomes addicted to the game his mother help developed, and ever since his distant with Fuyufu slowly growing larger and larger. But.

“Wrong”

Incorrect. Fuyufu abruptly stands up, holding her tray and turned away. And then, while showing her back, she tells the correct answer.

“──It because I hate it”

After seeing off the small back of hers, Yuu dropped his eyes to one of paper cranes left on the table. As if harboring the displeasure of the creator, it directed straight to Yuu’s direction. Yuu naturally leaks a sigh.

It seems he had offended her somehow, but he couldn’t figure out why. That was pathetic. It had always been like that. Kasugai Yuu won’t able to understand others’ feeling unless it’s said out loud.

Speaking of not knowing, his question towards Fuyufu still did not provide satisfying answer.

(──No matter how high-spec the computer is, it can’t bring “heart” to life.
Then, is Haruha who express so much emotion also a… “Fake”?)

But Haruha is clearly different compared to other NPC. Even though 『CtG』 NPC possess surprisingly large amount of various actions, it simply piles of numbers of behavior patterns. If you continue to talk to them, you will feel an inevitable sense of Déjà vu. At first Yuu also thought, that Haruha is one of those kind of thing.

Haruha do not feel or smell like program at all. Every day every time she shows various different expressions on a whim, it never stop changing── he never seen her showing “same face” at all. It might be that she change as she grow, creating new behavior pattern each passing day.

But there were certainly moments where such trick couldn’t explain. That’s probably because she has what called wisdom.

:“Daddy, what is that?”

It was in the usual hotel room she asks that.

That time Clamp is facing the item 『Parchment』──A paper── he spread on the table. Mifa is late because of some errands she got in real world, so Clamp is together alone with Haruha.

He folds the parchment paper and creates a shape.

:“It’s Origami<ref>A art of paper folding in Japan, it frankly means “to fold a paper”.</ref>. I’m making a 『Yakko-san』”

:”Origami? Yakko-san?”

Haruha climb the table with her own body a peek what’s on Clamp’s hand. He attempt to give an answer to her bright sparkling eyes but── it was unexpectedly hard to explain.

That’s why he continues to fold quietly and finally complete the “Yakko-san”.

When presented to Haruha, she receives it curiously. She sits on top of the table and inspects it closely.

Looking at her like that reminds him of the figure of young Fuyufu. Origami is a play the learned together, the first time he finished making one, she also look at the paper crane he made just like that.

:“What is, this?”

:“What do you think this is?”

The reason why return the question might because he recalled back the conversation he had with Fuyufu before. Can Haruha, who was born from computer, “feel” shapes?

Haruha did not answer immediately. She just continues to stare deep the “Yakko-san”, and then, she answer.

:“Is this… Haruha?”

It’s the time for Clamp to be troubled.

:“Nnn…… half correct. That is the paper model of a person who used to work as a servant<ref>It’s written as 奴(やっこ) or Yakko, it is the name/title for servant of Samurai family from Edo period, to put it in a bad way, it means slave</ref>. Look, it has legs and arms right? In other word, it’s a doll”

:“A doll…”

Haruha look at “Yakko-san” for a while then stroke her head with her finger, and suddenly she looked up.

:“Haruha want to make one too. A more, bigger one!”

The girl’s hands are moving like magic.

She only saw Clamp making it once, but she folds the papers in a terrifying precision without hesitation. Open, and by the time he notice, “Yakko-san” was already completed.

He had heard that origami has mathematical structure, and this is precisely that. Even 『CtG』 that possess a lot of mechanical works, there’s no such skill called origami auto-folding. Nevertheless, the skill that Haruha possess── is certainly, a mechanical thing.

As if proving that his hunch was correct, Haruha once again fold another “Yakko-san” in an instant, it is identically the same as previous one. Rather than the same work, it’s more of a copy.

(As I thought…… she’s different from us)

Such obvious thing, why is he disappointed realizing it now? It’s a strange story. What operates Haruha is 『CtG』 and the thing that operates it is no other than computer, accomplishing small thing like this is not surprising at all.

──However, Haruha’s hand stopped as she works on the third one.

Open and fold again, after some trails and errors, “Yakko-san” is finally finish, but somehow it looks strangely different from the previous ones, its head is a little too big.

:“? This is……”

In respond to confused Clamp, Haruha let out a warm fufun voice and a smile, and then she asks.

:“What do you think this is?”

:“Nn…… could it be, Payakino-san?”

The one who answered that wasn’t Clamp, but Mifa who appeared out of nowhere. Haruha sharpened her mouth saying “It’s was a quiz for Daddy!”, Mifa replied with a sorry and lift up Haruha’s body and put her down onto the floor.

:”Sitting on table is bad”

:”But then I won’t able to make origami”

Rather than mother and daughter, both of them looks like a sister. Clamp then return his gaze towards four origami on the table.

There are two big “Yakko-san”, one mushroom-like thing, and one small “Yakko-san”.

Needless to say── It’s Clamp, Mifa, Payakino, and Haruha together.

:““Is this… Haruha?””
:““A doll””

He recalled back Haruha’s words.

Clamp── Kasugai Yuu, felt hatred towards himself.

(Why did I think like that? “As I thought…… she’s different from us”?)

Even though he bad mouthed Fuyufu who denied personality that born from game, just now he treated Haruha like a foreign object. But she put him in. Within the origami family, figure Clamp is in there.

She is…… she’s such a child. Furthermore,

Being thought only the concept of “Origami”, Haruha created a mushroom-shape by herself. She can create “free ideas” from given information. No matter how splendid an artificial intelligence is, there’s no way it can do that.

Mysterious, strange, but helplessly cute “daughter”.

Haruha.

(How should I treat this child?)

Recently, because he prioritize meeting Haruha, he had neglected his goal to fully complete 『CtG』. Even though raising a child is not the event he should take care of.

Whatever happens, he must play through everything in 『CtG』.

The more he likes Haruha, the more troubled he becomes.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

:”Ahahaha”

But strangely he no longer worries about his concern when he looks at Haruha’s smile.

Two months had passed since Haruha was born. She quickly had obtained what human call the physique of seven-years-old.

:“It’s shaking. It’s shaking, daddy!”

Just a while ago she walked like an awkward doll but now she’s running around in the carriage like an energetic cat.

Western-styled world Sphere “Gunman’s Grave”. The powers of firearms in here are multiply times stronger than in other Sphere, this is world for Gunman.

Starting from the capital city, you will find huge railway connected to various locations across the towns and villages in this world, it’s essential for traveling in Gunman’s Grave and is part of tourist attraction. It’s a large locomotive that you won’t find anywhere in modern Japan, and the views outside the shaken carriage are magnificent.

Today is public holiday in real world, so Clamp and Mifa enters 『CtG』 during the day. Since they have a lot of time to spare they asked Haruha where she wanted to go and she answered that she want to try riding a train.

And so, the three of them boarded the train and enjoy the scenery from the window. It’s wilderness as far as eye can see. From distant you can see a wild Land Worm (A large roundworm-like monster) being hunted by couple of cowboys with their monster rifle.

When Clamp is captivated with this virtual landscape, Mifa stand from her seat and yelled at Haruha.

:“Haruha, don’t you’re bothering other guests so please calm down”
:”Okke~!”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00013.jpeg|thumbnail|Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother.]]

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother. It was Mifa’s present made in Bushido Grave, ependymal (upper garment) armor.

It was Haruha’s first “dress up”.

:“She’s quite energetic”

Clamp leaks out a smile seeing the scene of this mother-daughter exchange.

The border passages in the carriage are divided into two rows. Sitting right on the other side of Clamp is Mifa are a kind-looking elderly couple.

From the small talk they had before, this couple wanted to enjoy their leisure time after retirement but they worried about their health if they’re going on a trip…… eventually they decided on going to virtual world instead. They both love easy way of thinking and is a very harmonious married couple.

:“That young lady in Kimono, whose little sister is she?”

:“Ha, haa…”

Clamp and Mifa’s replies are inevitably ambiguous. They couldn’t help but to speak humbly when talking to older people. Even so, if they answer honestly it would dozens times sounds more like a lie.

Unaware of their confusion, the elderly couple speaks in merry voice as if saying “this is the main topic”.

:“Could it be, both of you are couple?”

:“”Ah, no, not””

This time, the two of them stomp the table and stood up, and smoothly answers. Both of them are certainly a married couple in『CtG』 but not a tiny bit a “couple” even once.

The old lady seemed to be a little disappointed. And the husband next to her rebuked with “Don’t so thoughtless” and changes the topic.

:”Using travel PC, even old people like us and that young lady can go on a trip without worry”

Travel PC (Player Carrier) is one of 『CtG』 unique system that allows youngsters and even elderly to experience the virtual world. They do not receive any damage from battle or a player attack. It is commonly known as “Travel” and even player below twelve years old can essentially dive into the game.

In 『CtG』 body damage and endurance value (HP) are placed on entire different concept. Body damage and wound received will slowly heal and regenerates even when the remaining HP is low, but when all HP completely gone it will be automatically be a game over. In case of Travel PC, their HP is infinite and would never receive a game over in battle

:“I still intends on staying as an active gamer. But playing on a normal avatar is bad for my heart or something and this wife of mine won’t let me”

:“But dear, this is different from a video game you know”

The wife’s words then interrupted. Before they knew it, Haruha had appeared beside her, pulling her sleeves. Haruha looked up at the old lady, and curiously says,

:“Haruha is not a Travel?”

As she just said, while being a child Haruha is not a Travel PC. That’s why Payakino told them to watch over her very carefully.

However, from the eyes of people who don’t know the circumstances it’s a mere violation of term.

:”Hn? But, kid at your age──”

:”But Haruha is……Mogyuh!?”

:”N-No! It’s not that! This kid doesn’t really know how the system works so!”

Mifa let out a fake smile as she forcibly hold Haruha to prevent her from saying anything further. The elderly couple then easily convinced and stroke Haruha’s head, in exchange Haruha narrowed her eyes happily.

And so, it was pretty heart beating scene of explaining Haruha’s circumstances that even her guardians haven’t fully grasp on.

The weather outside is good and the scenery spreads are beautiful, they are blessed with cheerful companion in the journey. Mifa, and also Haruha, seems to be in a good mood as well.

I’m glad coming here── He wanted everyone to let out that finest praise for this trip, in this holiday afternoon.

But then, the train stops by sudden break in the middle of the wilderness.

In a way, this can be called as a well-executed train robbery.

The railway is blocked by a drove of large Land Worm, good thing the train stopped in the right time.

But after that, the safe box that was placed on the wagon collapsed.

The strength of security NPC is nothing great, and can be easily overwhelm by player status. That far must be according to their plan. But, inside the safe was empty. It seems they caught false information by other player’s mischief.

And then.

The four angered robber boarded the carriage Clamp and others are in.

:“Okay, don’t move! Frankly saying, I’m really strong!”

The one who shouted throughout the passage seats are a bearded man who seems to be the leader of the robbery. He appears to be old due to his beard, but his voice is unexpectedly youthful. He must be at age of young adult.

:”This is a robbery for collecting fund for conquering Marionette Grave. We’re on complete different level compared to those who just playing around! Got it!?”

What the man say “Marionette Grave” is a newly released world Sphere, world of cyber punk. In other to conquer it, expensive equipment is essential. Within group of inpatient player, there are people who dare to cross the dangerous line in order to collect fund just like this.

Seeing from Expansion (AR) mode, all information all filtered other than their level, and around their shoulder there are red placards (tag) floating above them. If someone try to attack someone on public facilities he/she will receives 《Criminal》 red tag, and for a period of time, they will be registered as target of subjugation quest.

As expected from those who want to be on top, their levels are certainly higher than Clamp.

:“Listen, we will collect 1/3 of your money after this. If you quietly give it to us, we won’t kill you. Not a bad deal right?”

Penalty given when dying is “Losing half of possessed gold”, it’s certainly not bad deal. More than anything, even though the pain is reduced, dying in this overly realistic 『CtG』 world will give quite a fear until getting used to. It was a quite valid threat on its own way.

The other three man under the bearded man walk through the cramped passages way and start collecting, each of then threating their pray with their gun.

“H-Hiaaaa….. D-don’t shot! I will die!”

One of them pointed his guy at a girl wearing a nun (Sister) outfit who sits nearby. All other robbers are one stage lower than the bearded man but still on higher level than Clamp. They’re considerably stronger than Mifa.

(Maybe… No, don’t think about resisting……)

Peeking at Haruha who hugged tightly by Mifa, Clamp let out a sigh. If he were alone, he would think of resisting and prepared betting a Game Over, but now he had Mifa and Haruha.

Seeing the passengers being obedient, the bearded man licks his lips in delight. The color of his pupil appears to have brightens it seems he activated Extended (AR) mode vision.

“First of all, in order to not let anyone do anything strange in the middle of collecting money, we will be taking some hostages.
………The first one will be that pseudo Sister, and who will be next I think. No matter how much they resist, we can’t really make a Travel who cannot be killed as a hostage”

Somehow he got a bad feeling, and it was a hit.

As if licking through the passenger within, the bearded man shop around with his gaze, and his eyes stopped at Mifa.

:“Oi, you woman there, you’re not a Travel right!”

Being called, Mifa screamed in respond. Clamp floats his waist.

(This is bad…!)

It was a frustration he never felt before, he have lost his composure.

But that anxiousness was not because of Mifa.

:”No, Haruha don’t!”

By the time they realize, she have already escape from Mifa’s arm.

The girl in red Kimono── Haruha left the passage, and faced the bearded man around seven meters away.

The bearded man, and other robbers and the passages, must have first realized after Mifa raised a scream. He looks at Haruha as if just inhaled a poisonous gas.

:“Oi…… what is it brat. I don’t have business with a Travel──”

The bearded man’s words were interrupted.

Deeply.

He then noticed a Throwing Knife stuck on his shoulder.

:“Oooh….?”

It was a unique sensation of『CtG』. Because of the system, the pain is changed to slight sense of discomfort so you won’t feel any actual pain. But, that’s why the sensation of cold metal transmitted into his flesh can be clearly felt── passing beyond the realm of pain, he were haunted by an illusion of being a corpse.

And then the bearded man saw. The young girl in red Kimono, slowly come close and throw the second knife.

So casually, so agilely, and without hesitation.

Now is his flank. As if being sucked into the gap of his bone, the sharp blade continues to invade inside until right to its handle.

:“──Hey”

The voice who called for the bearded man is from no one else, Clamp couldn’t recognize it for a moment. This cold and sharp piercing, voice.

:“Why?”

Realizing that the shining Throwing Knifes on Haruha’s both hands were his gift, for the first time he recognized the owner of this penetrating cold voice.

The bearded man finally realize the opponent who attacked him, he then glared Haruha with wide open eyes, and point his automatic gun at her.

:”Why, do you do this?”

But Haruha is undaunted. Her large unwavering eyes, as if being sucked in, pushed the bearded man to his limit. He pulled the gun trigger.

: “W-What── You… shitty brat!”

*BANG*. The sound of gunshot from the bearded man’s hand. Even though it’s in virtual world, no one would stand watching a scene of kid being shot.

However, Haruha are unharmed.

The sleeves of her red Kimono fluttering like a flower petal. In one rotation as if dancing.

In that moment, while throwing knives with both of her hand she dodged the bullet at incredible swiftness. It was, as if knowing she knows where the bullet is going in advance, truly a bland miracle.

The thrown knife pierce the bearded man’s right shoulder, receiving damage on his leg, the bearded man fall on his knee and lie on the floor. If he feel pain he would scream, but fortunately that did not happen. But then, he turned his gaze to Haruha── and his anger turns into fear.

On Haruha’s both hands, the next knifes had already appeared. Small sized weapon like Shuriken<ref>Traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, once again, you people already know this right?</ref> that can be hidden under your sleeves can be replenished/equipped immediately if you have skill called 《Sleeve Weapon》.

The shadow from her bangs covers her face to her nose. The only thing seen on her face is just the cold light from her eyes, but that stare of her appears to be showing nothing but apathy to the bearded man.

That knife, that eyes…

With no mercy or hesitation, the girl shows the blade on her hand. In a way, it’s very children-like. Because she’s a child, she can beat down her opponent without showing any anger.

The girl’s movement had reached at front of the bearded man’s face. The cold wind cut by the knife, this time the knife change objective from throwing to slashing.

:”Haruha, is looking forward for this you know!”

And then.

Haruha stares at the intruder who interrupted her holiday with all her might, she naturally lets out a condescending voice.

:”Mommy and daddy said that we will have a lot of fun. Haruha is looking forward for it!”

That face seen from the shade, is no longer that of what used to be the cute spoiled little mole. Her face── her face has clearly explodes with anger.

:“A lot!
:I endured a lot!
:and finally! Finally!
:It’s finally!! It’s finally the day where we will play a lot!
:but why!? Why don’t you understand? Is old man stupid!?
:Why? I said, why? Why do you do such mean thing!?”

It was a children’s impeachment yelling to children for children. She believes that breaking her “Promised holiday” is nothing but pure evil and do not doubt that even slightest bit, it was unconditional trust she had for her family and the world. And now all of that is crushed, and it donated her childish emotion and caused an explosion inside her.

Naturally, the bearded man doesn’t understand what she meant. He just listens to her while being dumbfounded. He turns his head left and right searching for an answer but all he got is a stare from the girl in nun outfit.

Compared to the bewildered man, Haruha is way, way younger. She’s way too young to understand each other position and circumstances. That’s why, she’s so straight, selfish, and mercilessly.

:“Such thing──”

The blade on her hand, as if sliding from the sky slice the man.

:“Is bad you know!”

The blade cross and thorn the bearded man’s neck, the sprayed out blood vigorously formed <b>Critical Hit!!</b> words on the ceiling.

In that opportunity.

:“W-What the heck is this brat!?”

The other robber who couldn’t react properly to Haruha’s overly imposing raid, finally moves.

First is the person who stand right beside the bearded man, he pulled out his revolver but then interrupted by the earlier nun woman.

In nearly the same time, the tall robber who was right in front of Clamp raised his rifle gun and aimed at Haruha. His aim quickly blocked by Mifa who jumped out of her seat, but there’s no reason for him to re-adjust his aim. He pulled the trigger──

That moment, Clamp moves.

While pushing down the tall man, he simultaneously takes his gun. Along with 『Snatch!』 notification sound, the message saying <span style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;">You stole item “Automatic M1905”<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_M1900</ref></span> is displayed.

:”Agh, bastard!”

:”I won’t say sorry”

Sorry── before he finishes saying that, he start shooting down every bullet available all in one, that guy might not even catch the word he said. After around five shots, the guy’s HP drops to zero and his body turned into lifeless mannequin.

After he out of bullet, Clamp instantly throw the gun and stands up.

Then.

His eyes met a big-framed robber aiming his rifle at him. The gunpoint goes straight to Clamp’s head.

:””……………Haha””

Feeling tension at each other, both of them exchanges maniac smile.

The robber changed to serious look in a moment and pulled the trigger.

It’s not the distant where he can simply avoid all the bullets; if he got hit at this direction he can’t be saved. Normally he would get a Game Over in this situation, but.

The bullet, missed. No, the prey (Clamp) just disappeared from the place he aimed.

:”……He disappeared? How? Did he log-out because of external influence?”

:”Nope── Got you”

The next moment that word was heard, the disappointed robber’s torso is blown away onto the air. 　

Clamp who returned to his position in an instant shot him with a Sawed-off shotgun<ref>A type of shotgun with a shorter gun barrel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawed-off_shotgun)</ref>. The robber who got shot and shreds in pieces clings on an unattended seat and glared at Clamp.

:”What the heck with that instant warping…… a connection lag nowadays?”

Clamp didn’t answer and walk off, ignoring the robber. The robber’s eyes brighten, signing that he’s trying to check Clamp’s player status.

:”Clamp……? Are you…… are you that “Clamp of Scarabaeus”? ………Wait, if so your level is too low──”

:”Then you got the wrong person”

Not waiting for the robber to be convinced, Clamp bombarded the rest of the shots. The mannequin that lost its head rolls on the floor.

Seeing the surrounding, the last remaining robber had turned into a mannequin, he must’ve taken down by other passengers.

The mannequin that used to be the bearded man, suffering with miserable fate, had its entire body pierced with knife that sinks its blade deep inside, and its lower half are drowned in sea of blood flowing out of its neck.

And at the end of such sight, those girls are there. Clamp’s “Families”.

Mifa with trembling shoulder who hold Haruha tightly, and Haruha who question her mother’s action.

When his eyes meet hers, she showed a bright golden smile.

:”Daddy! I beat him down with the knife you gave me!”

Other than a forced smile, what else can he show?

:”Hey…… why that kid, isn’t a Travel PC?”

(Here it comes……)

The first thing they ask after everything settled down is that. Of course, it’s about his “Daughter” who’s in the middle of the room being hold by Mifa

:”She appears to be elementary school students no matter how I see her……”

The man’s voice that was representing the other passengers is strong. A non-Travel PC under age of thirteen is against the law.

:“Well…… You see, this kid is──”

He wanted to cover up but couldn’t come out with a good lie. Kasugai Yuu isn’t particularly smart or has food mouth, he just a simple high school boy.

He might as well speak the truth.

Haruha is a baby born as part of 《Marriage》 event.
That’s why he doesn't have to worry.
Because, she isn’t a human, but.

──Terrifying. It’s not a joke.

He’s convinced. Haruha is not a human, only an existence within the game. That’s the truth. But, once it’s revealed, how will others treat Haruha from now on?

An NPC that can think, creates, and possess emotions. There’s no need to recall back the conversation he had with Fuyufu, Haruha had easily exceed the limit of an artificial intelligence. She’s an impossible existence.

Clamp and Mifa think that she’s cute, but that only because they’ve been with her for a long time. But in eyes of other people, as an errant object, she’s a subject of their curiosity and fear.

Fearful. They are afraid to be in contact with a non-human like Haruha. They are afraid to be targeted by her. If everyone learned the truth about Haruha, can Clamp and Mifa treat her the same way as before? Would they wake up from this dream?

Still── it’s still too early to think like that. Just a little bit more, please let her be as what she is now.

In the same time Yuu reached to his conclusion.

:”Haruha is── this kid is……”

Mifa stands up and begin talking. Clamp reflexively put his hand to Mifa’s shoulder. Her voice, was shaking.

Mifa put her hand on Haruha’s head who doesn’t get the situation. Together, Mifa declared in loud voice.

:”This kid, is… is not───ach!!”

　…………………………

And there was silent.

Well, of course. A truly troublesome words── and said with big voice pushed with only enthusiasm. In addition, the beautiful girl, Mifa, called out desperately.

:”No, not about that…”

The player who asked about Haruha perplexedly let out word of denial.

They become silent again. It’s the atmosphere where everyone goes quiet.

Except one person, Haruha, who watch over the hard faces of the adults restlessly.

It’s not that she’s stupid or dense (My child is clever and intelligent you know), and not even because she’s young. She just simply don’t understand how “Special” she is. When Yuu think about that he somehow feel a bit sad, and tears seems to be flowing out.

And within such situation…

Out of the blue, the door of the vehicle is open. It was the entrance that was blocked by the robber from earlier. Naturally, everyone’s attention concentrated there── Uniformly, they were amazed.

:”Well, hello and hello~”

Because, somehow, a giant mushroom just entered the carriage.

──It as you expect. It was Payakino lowering its head as if it’s a cowboy hat.

:”AAaa-! It’s Payakino-san!”

The first one who raised her voice was Haruha, and she dived herself with all her might onto the stuffed-doll body. The Nanny NPC catches the cannonball-like girl.

:”Bonjour. Monsieur mon ami” <ref>Bonjour means “good day” and Monseiur is honorific title that used to refer to or address the eldest living brother of the king. Calling French people out there!!!</ref>

And then somehow, it speak out greeting that sound more coming from the TV version of “Detective Poirot”<ref>Referencing the fictional character Hercule Poirot </ref> rather than actual French. Imitating that, Haruha repeats the word “Monsieur mon ami” over and over.

Everyone within the carriage── Even Clamp and others── where taken a back, and on behalf of the elderly couple, the husband open his mouth.

:”Haa…… So, who are you people……?”

:”Me?”

And then Payakino, while saying “Well up’n go” rise up Haruha and tossed her to a big bag. And from inside, the muffled voice of Haruha can be heard── “Waaai! I’m inside a bag!”

Everyone’s eyes goes wide wondering what just happened, and then the mushroom shamelessly introduced itself.

:“I am the wilderness kidnapper, Paya The Kid!”
:”Eh?”

Not waiting for others’ respond, Payakino turned backward, and jump onto the back of the horse waiting outside.

“Yeeehaa~ go Silver Star!”

Riding the horse, it quickly disappears in an instant. ──

…………
………………

While carrying the bag that has Haruha inside.

:””AAAAAAAAA!!! SHE GOT KIDNAPPED!!?””

Finally understanding the situation Clamp and Mifa screamed in unison, and their voice echoes throughout the wilderness…

In about an hour after, everyone had gathered in the usual hotel room.

:”……Well, anyway we’re saved”

Just a while ago they were frustrated having their travel interrupted, but now Haruha is glaring on the card on her hand while learning how to play old maid with Mifa, Clamp is lowering his head against Payakino.

:”Honestly, I’m out of option in that situation”

After that, they left the carriage pretending to chase over Paya The Kid, and regroup back with Haruha and Payakino who’ve returned earlier. They managed to leave the scene without answering anything…… maybe, he’s not really sure.

Payakino unceremoniously assured him.

:”What are you talking about? this is part of my job as a Nanny NPC. You don’t have to worry about it, everything happened today will be taken care by people above so it’s okay. They should’ve erased all evidence, not even a dust left”

:”Thank you… but, it sounds kind scary”

Anyway, from this matter, he will avoid having naïve thinking like before.

:”May I ask….. how should I treat Haruha from now on?”

:”How, you mean?”

:”When she grows bigger, she can go out without being suspected as a Travel PC anymore. But, when that time comes, we…… what should we do?”

Indeed. Haruha possess ability to perform independent actions, in 『CtG』 world she’s a “free” being. She needs protection for now, but in the future she would be independent enough to act on her own.

──What will happen when Haruha no longer need “Parents”?

It’s not explained in extended manual given by Payakino.

:“I see. Your worry is understandable, but it’s okay to consider it more carefully”

:”Carefully…… even if you say so, Haruha had already grown so big. She would probably reach our ages in merely half a year”

:”About that──”

Payakino words were cut.

Who knows when did she shows up, Haruha is clinging on Payakino’s arm. From the looks of it Mifa is putting away the trump card into the item box, and taking out a cursed music box she recently got in exchange.

:”Hey, Payakino-san…”

Clamp got his eyes taken by the sight of Mifa letting out a sigh in downcast eyes and missed Haruha’s words to Payakino.

And thus, he begin to regret for missing it later──

:“How long with Haruha can be with daddy and mommy?”

<center><big><big><big>◆</big></big></big></center>

Biiiii──────────────

──iii.　

The electronic reminiscent the buzz of insect vibrates throughout the room.

In a certain apartment room in the corner of the dimly lit room filled with trash more than furniture.

The thing that let out the noise was the device worn by the man, owner of the house.

It’s the terminal-Ramiel, used to play 『Cradle to The Glaive』. The massage “Malfunction” were displayed repeatedly on the semi-transparent surface of the visor.

The error sound would absolutely not stop. The man does not react to the sound ringing right on his ear.

He just, loosely folds his back on the chair, and let the foam on the edge of his mouth to accumulates and fall.

Biiiiiii──────────────

The electronic buzzing continues to vibrate inside the small room. And the man body in the middle is like maggots on the pile of dead meat.

Forever and always……

This man then found fainting in the middle of playing online game and was taken to hospital by the family member who discovered him and it was reported on news the day after. However, there are no eyewitnesses of the moment of his death.

In real life he has clear face with no beard at all, and his appearance in game is completely different.

That’s why no one would know that he’s the robber at the train in Gunman’s Grave who got his throat slashed by a certain girl.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 2: Output|Chapter 2]]
|-
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</noinclude>

CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo

2015-04-01T07:15:41Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Teaser|English}}

[[Image:CtG v01 img001.jpg|240px|thumb]]

'''CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-''' (CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─) is a light novel series written by [[:Category:Gangudou|Gangudou]]. The illustrations are done by [[:Category:bun150|bun150]]. The series is currently ongoing, and published by Kadokawa Shoten under their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadokawa_Sneaker_Bunko Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko] label.

==Story Synopsis==
In VRMMO -CtG- (Cradle to the Glaive), Kasugai Yuu has <married> Mifa, a girl he has just met. After that, their daughter Haruha is born and grown!? Moreover...

<blockquote>"I've come, daddy!"</blockquote>

<blockquote>"K-Kugimiya!"</blockquote>

In the real world, the real Haruha, along with the real Mifa – Kugimiya Miharu - suddenly appeared! The truth is, Haruha is a <new human> created in secret!! Living under the same roof, Yuu and Miharu are stuck with caring for Haruha both in game and in life, the one who controls the fate of humanity!?

==Updates==

:* February 04, 2015 - Page created & Volume 1 "Prologue" added.

== Translation ==

===[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Registration_Page|Registration]]===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

:*'''Translators are asked to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Registration_Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

Every Chapter (after editing) must confirm to '''[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Names_and_Terminology_Guidelines|Names and Terminology Guidelines]] & [[Format_guideline|The General Format/Style Guidelines]]'''.

'''If you want to discuss this series, do so in the thread on the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=10856 Forum]'''

==CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo- series by Gangudou==

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:CtG_v01_Cover.jpg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 1 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 1===

*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|'''Prologue''']]
*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input|'''Chapter 1: Input''']]
*Chapter 2: Output
*Chapter 3: Interaction
*Epilogue
*Afterword
|}
<br style="clear:both"/>

{| class="wikitable" width="70%"
|-
| valign="top" width="20%" | [[Image:CtG_v02_Cover.jpeg|230px|left|frameless|text-top|Volume 2 Cover]]
| valign="top" width="80%" |
===Volume 2===

*[[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume2 Illustrations|'''Novel Illustrations''']]

|}
<br style="clear:both"/>

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:KnightEmon|KnightEmon]]

===Translators===
:*[[User:Daniman1|Daniman1]]

===Editors===
:*[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]]
:*[[User:Nighris|Nighris]]

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─ 1 (September 30, 2014, ISBN 978-4041022009)
*Volume 2 - CtG ─ゼロから育てる電脳少女─ 2 (February 01, 2015, ISBN 978-4041022016)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten]]
[[Category:Sneaker Bunko]]
[[Category:Gangudou]]
[[Category:bun150]]

CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input

2015-04-01T06:56:49Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 1: Input==
:“Then, see you tomorrow”

Even though it’s a homeroom the teacher leave the class along with a carefree smile. As the teacher left the class, class 1-C start to get noisy.

Kasugai Yuu took no attention to any of the topic others are talking about and stand up as he holds his bag.

He’s not particularly stand out or anything. He wear his uniform normally, the color of his undershirt violate the school rules but it’s okay, at any rate he is just a normal obscure sixteen years old boy.

After the sunset outside met his eyes── which certainly beautiful── he went ahead to the exit.

:“Ooi, Yuu!”

The one who called Yuu was a boy who stands out more than him. His hair is a light brown and he also pretty tall. While only facing his face Yuu replied,

:“What is it Kouta?”

Yuu responded to his friend. Itono Kouta. They’ve been friend since elementary school. Although their appearances are alike he’s more of spirited guy that goes well with innocent and pure people.

:“It has been awhile, do you want to go to the arcade? Do you remember that person from middle school you beat up in fighting game? She said she want to face you again for revenge”

From the looks of it, there are two guys from the class waiting for Kouta. They often chat together with both of them during break time, but…

:“…Sorry. I’m not really in the mood”

:“I see. Well, can’t be helped”

Kouta easily nodded and leave the classroom along with the other two.

:“Then see you later”

The smile Kouta left as he leave makes Yuu’s heart aches. As a friend since middle school, he understands Yuu’s “circumstances”. To be taken care by a friend, so pathetic.

Even so, he just doesn’t feel like to have foolish commotion with them. And while pitying his boring self, this time he finally off to leave the classroom── but then once again stopped by an acquaintance.

:“Fuyufu…”

:“If you isolate yourself too much, your relationship with others will worsen”

Kuduchi Fuyufu.

She’s a girl who would perfectly fit wearing S-size uniform, a small-sized petite girl. She’s even shorter than Yuu who’s shorter compared to other guys average height. Yuu look down her head that looks like a doll wrapped with sleek black hair.

In contrast to her small physic, her facial expression it that of a grown-up. Despite having a pretty cute face, something about her is hard to get close to.

:“People call that 『Loner』”

And this part of her who loves to say things too much must be noted.

:“What up with that suddenly?”

:“Nothing”

As she said that, the light of her eyes shows the cold color of condemn.

:“It has been a month since we entered high school. And in this crucial time, I couldn’t help seeing the kid from the neighborhood I used to play with losing even more friends than already is, so I came here to warn you about it. I’m so kind right?”

There are some parts he cannot let go but he got it. He’s not mad from what she said── since it is the truth── but the word “kid from the neighborhood” caught his attention.

Just how long do want to pull back our relationship from elementary school? He would retort.

:“And what about you, do you have any friend?”

In respond Fuyufu let out a casual yawn reminiscent that of a cat.

:“At weekends we’re planning go window shopping, eat sweats in café, and taking flirty and sparkly pictures in photo booth, three of us. Unfortunately they all girls”

…It’s frustrating, but doesn’t sound like a lie. Fuyufu appears to be unfriendly but she has some nice sides as well, and she also has the kind of talent to build a good relationship with others.

Yuu who failed in counterattack can only stand still while looking down at the floor quietly.

:“Then stop caring about me, just go and have fun”

:“Eh? Those girls are busy with clubs so just I came here to play with a loner who seems to have nothing to do though?”

Oh sorry, could it be you didn’t notice? As she look into his face with a pitying look. Against that, Yuu can only clench his fist and hold down his frustration. His effort worth some praises, he thought, but that is an impossible demand to make.

He let out a sigh. It was a mistake for thinking Fuyufu will cheer him up.

:“Sorry but I don’t have any time to spare. Try someone else”

He said as he starts walking. This is what you would call running away. He knew that it’s impossible to win against Fuyufu verbally, if they continue who know when his heart will be broken.

:“Ah…”

Fuyufu’s voice from behind sounds awfully weak.

But she did not chase over him.

When he knows that clearly, he increases his speed and walk off.

Yuu’s back slowly disappears from the hallway, she couldn’t even bid farewell to it.

:“Haaa…”

With expressionless face, Koduchi Fuyufu let out a sigh. It feels like tears flowing up, but she managed to hold it in. It’s not like she’s sad or anything, she’s just a little nervous.

As the tension leave, complaints start pouring out of her mouth.

:“Idiot… that shut-in brat“　

She knew that he’s still shocked about his mother but it has been a year since then, he should’ve noticed his childhood friend’s attitude. It just…

:“Even I did the trouble to comfort him”

:“““No, no, no…. you’re not comforting him at all!”””

Retort the group of three girls in softball and table tennis club uniform who were watching over Fuyufu from afar.

Around 10 minutes from the major private railways near the school, inside the famous market district there is a quiet station building.

And from there he exits the market district, then after more or less twenty minutes of walking he arrived to his destination. They say half century ago a real estate agent purchased this area all together and turn this into residential area, but because of the low birth rate there are a lot of vacant spaces.

And at the back of that residential area, right above the hill, there stood a big house.

It’s surrounded by grassy field and woods, the house that looks dark and pale even in daylight, is rumored to be haunted by the children of the neighborhood.

And in front of that haunted house, Yuu inserted a card key and type in the password of the electronic lock. *Pssssssh*… the sound of air pressure escaping through the cylinder.

He opened the door and entered the house. The evening sunlight passed from the corner of the door. He closed the door from behind and the sound from outside were severed and disappeared into the hollow.

That is the place Kasugai Yuu returns to.

:“…………”

He didn’t think of anything in particular. After tossing some raw ingredients he brought from the market to the fridge, he walked straight to the living room.

He randomly threw his blazer and bag onto the floor and sits on the sofa while still wearing his uniform. His『CtG』 exclusive terminal, Rumeil, is on top of the table and was left charging.

After putting on the familiar device onto his head, he pressed the start switch. A blue light shines from the device, showing that it’s working. *Nnnnn*…. The low startup sound somehow tickles his stomach.

And then, a song can be heard──

His consciousness starts to fades away, melting, changing….

In few seconds, his consciousness will no longer be in this world and have made a journey to other world.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

<div style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | Quest： || Hunt Twenty Goblin.
|- valign="top"
| Difficulty： || D.
|- valign="top"
| Quest Type： || Monsters subjugation.
|- valign="top"
| Special conditions： || Must be done by the player who received the quest.
|- valign="top"
| Detail：
| To hunt down Goblin troops dwelling in the abandoned house of Imperial City White Keter. The king who loves outstanding gladiator is looking for a person who’s willing to take care of those Goblins all by himself. Oh brave hero, show me your strength in this perfect occasion.
|-
| colspan="2" | Rewards are as follows……
|}
</div>

The moment when a mail notification icon was seen on the corner of his vision was when an attack of an axe was swung.

Ignoring the mail for a while, he then quickly swings down his single-edged sword, a seax, onto the enemy’s nape.

:“Keh……!”

The one who let out the low death throes voice, along with its head fell onto the floor, was the Goblin monster. What left from the remaining body is just unsightly pile of meat──

In common RPG they’re the typical small fry monsters and its treatment are no different even in 『CtG』. It is an opponent that even a beginner player can win in one-on-one fight. But on contrary, you need considerable amount of skill to win against large number of them.

Yuu (Clamp) watch over the dead corpse from above── and the next moment, large amount of blood start flowing out of the wounds and some splashed onto the wall. The blood that dyed the wall appears to be sprayed by a spray that splashed out from the dead body.

'''CUT OFF!'''

'''SINGLE BLOW KILLED!!'''

As a special effect of the result of his attack, words gets displayed with the sheds blood, it’s a system called Blood Descript. It’s said that the system added by the graphic designer, and Yuu honestly thought it’s a bad taste. But if this doesn’t exist, some player will feel something is lacking.

:“They sure have good (bad) hobby…”

He muttered as he watches over the surrounding. The passageway of the deserted house is filled with the smell of mold and blood coming out from the Goblin corpses lying on the floor. Even though it’s a corpse, by the fact that it lost all HP it had makes it to looks like nothing but dead mannequin that lacks vividness and animation.

And on the corner of such sight is a blinking icon, and by swinging his line of sight he pulled it to the front. If it’s a normal mail he would open it after he finished his quest, but the color of this icon is red── designating that it’s an “Emergency”.

There’s still one Goblin lurking within this deserted building. There shouldn’t be much problem if it doesn’t attack from a blind spot. While resting his back onto the wall, Clamp open up the mail.

<div style="border:solid 2px red;width:450px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#ffa0a0;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|-
| width="20%" | Sender： || Mifa
|- valign="top"
| Contents： || Somehow it’s born. Contact me immediately
|}
</div>

He stares at it for a while.

:“What the heck is this?”

It’s incomprehensible. It’s from Mifa whom he 《Married》 with after defeating Megalon Evis. Her name is even written as the “Sender”, and a ring icon is shining next to her name.

But no matter how many times he read it, the contents of the mail is simply too abrupt and impossible to understand. Well, anyway, it says she want a contact.

:“Any at rate, I have to reply…”

As he says that, he sensed a presence. But there is no figure of monster on his field of vision── and at the moment he looked up, the Goblin that was hiding above jumped at him!

Being caught completely off guard, he couldn’t afford to swing his sword or even dodge. That’s why Clamp did neither.

He casually let go of his sword and catch the Goblin empty handedly. Even though it’s short, the muscular Goblin is heavy, and he got pushed down by the momentum. As being nailed on the floor, he took a deep breath and,

『Snatch !』

After usage of 《Snatch》action, the notification sound of its succession echo through the building along with a burst of blood.

At the edge of Clamp’s vision a message saying <span style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;">Skill success, you stole a “Hand Axe”</span> is displayed.

What happened was Clamp kicked the Goblin’s body simultaneous equipped the hatchet and attacked the goblin with it. It was strangely unlike him to be so impatient (or to be under pressure, if unrelated to sentences below).

──That 《Marriage》 he did just to achieve his goal.

──“It just inside a game” but…

He couldn’t have but to be curious. That’s right, that mail,

:“It’s from Mifa!”

When he split the Goblin head as if splitting a watermelon, the mail that was left open got dyed in red by the gushed out blood.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

Within crunches that scattered throughout Dragons’ Cradle, you can find a mysterious mirror, when you go inside it you will arrive to “Terminus Cradle”. The world spheres that consisted in 『CtG』 are all connected together in this relay world. It’s what you would call the starting point of all adventurers.

On the blue velvet floor nine mirrors are lined up, this place is the lowest layer called the Parnassus room. As a place for all players to come and go all the time, it has the size of an event hall.

Boarding the elevator that hung at the middle will take you up to the market area.

Stores are sectioned in orderly manner, regardless of the stalls, large variety of merchandise are lined up, from medical herb to machine guns, item from various worlds are being traded here.

:“This place is messed up as always…”

It’s an overwhelming sight no matter how many times you see it. The center of 『CtG』 service is done by NPC (Their appearance is like other player, but they’re character controlled by the program) that in charge of the shops lined up here.

And at the corner of the market area, there stood and lined a facility called Guild Hotel, a facility that often rented by particular communities as gathering and meeting spots.

And at one of those rented facility, inside a small room managed by the guild 【Labyrinth Troupe】, a girl waits for Clamp’s arrival──

:“What… Is that? ……What?”

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

[[File:CtG_v01_img003.jpg|thumbnail|Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.]]

:“Errrmm…”

The thing wrapped in pale colored cloth, the thing that’s resting on Mifa’s lap is…

A baby.

She has the same hair color as Mifa, and the same eye color as Clamp.

The figure that’s wrapped in fluffy and soft babywear appears to be less than a year old. She blinked and looked at Clamp with her strangely powerful eyes while holding Mifa’s finger with her marshmallow-like round hand with the lightness of cotton.

Mifa, who wore mixed expression of half-hearted feeling of cry and laugher, lifted her head and says,

:“Somehow, a baby… was born”

………………

He never heard about this. Never. It’s indeed that he had 《Marriage》 event with Mifa, but, even so…. You know, they never did anything that would make a baby appear, and such system doesn’t exist in 『CtG』 in the first place.

Even so...

The moment he sees the figure of the baby, the feeling of guilt and pair of anxiety (or worries, your choice) instantly froze his body. Somehow Fuyufu’s face appears in his head, delivering a cold stare of contempt and disgust, that image were planted deep inside.

:“K-Keep yourself together! I’ve been in panic from quite a while ago!”

:“Aa…. Sorry. This is quite an unexpected situation…”

Because she made loud voice earlier, the baby’s gaze switched to her. A baby’s reflex actions are all abrupt and sudden. Mifa were flinched and let out a fake smile. The baby was emotionless but opened her mouth curiously.

T-That’s right. First they need to calm down. Clamp took a deep breath.

Calmly── Lets handle this situation calmly. Let’s first short out the known and unknown stuff, they need to first understand the current situation. There’s the phrase “DON’T PANIC!” in the best-selling 『CtG』 strategy book , 『CtG Hitchhiker’s Guide』 (unofficial), isn’t it.<ref>Reference to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy].</ref>

First if all, let’s hear what happened.

:“Side aside the baby… what is that big thing?

:“Aaaa── ….”

Mifa didn’t answer for a while. She glanced at “that big thing” while clumsily shooting the baby on her arms. Clamp followed her gaze. Then,

:“This child is the daughter of two of you”

The one who said that…<br>
Said that…<br>
Was…<br>
A stuffed doll.

On top of the two resting purpose beds in the cramped room, was a huge mushroom stuffed doll. It has limbs although it’s a mushroom. Its width is as wide as its height and its face looks doodled by an oil pen. That thing is 『CtG』 mascot named 『Kinokino』<ref>Kinoko (茸) is Japanese for mushroom.</ref> based on an existing monster in the game. However, its size varies from fifty centimeters to 1 till 6 meters.

And that giant mushroom had certainly just spokes.

''*CRASH!*'' The sound of Clamp hitting the wall of the hotel.

:“It spoke!? I’ve never heard that Kinokino can speak!”

Clamp once again panicked like before but for different reason. In respond, the Kinokino gentlemanly lower its head.

:“Non<ref>Payakino often speak Italian, for… some reason.</ref> (No). My name is Payakino, a Nanny NPC”

:“Nanny…?”

:“Ui (Yes). To take care of children born from 《Marriage》 Event is my function as well as my duty”

Why it speaks like a monsieur even though it’s a nanny? It has high-pitched voice, or more like, it sounds synthesized. Its gender is also unclear. No, more than that…

:“Wait a moment, I never heard that baby will be born after 《Marriage》”

Yuu got lost in thought a bit, but if they believe what the person (?) said, then this NPC prepared by the system will answer it all.

The doll── Payakino then explain.

:“Not knowing what will happen. That is the thrill of RPG”

It’s a mushroom who loves saying whatever it wants.

But that sounds fair. It’s not like everything about the event is written on the manual, and considering this is an ultra-rare event no wonders unexpected thing would happen.

He was about to ask more question, but then stopped by Mifa.

:“I’ll explain first. Along with the time this baby appeared”

Mifa’s story didn’t go that well with her hair constantly being pulled by the baby, but summarizing it briefly it goes as follows:

When she log-in as usual── she arrives at the Japanese-styled world, Bushido Grave southern church── And there stood Payakino that deliberately lower its head in front of her.

Witnessing this mushroom…… thing, Mifa were truly startled, presumably more than she should had. Furthermore that mushroom was carrying a baby, and just like that it claimed that the baby is Mifa’s.

At first Mifa thought there must be some kind of mistake, but Payakino knows great detail about Mifa and Clamp, furthermore it has 『CtG』 digital signature of Imagine Ekphrasis corporation that shown in the extended manual.

In short── The pair of players are randomly given a child to raise and have it grown. But if either of the players refuses, this event will become invalid. And so on.

Naturally, this is not the kind of situation that can be simply solved by herself, Clamp’s opinion is required, and so she called him to this hotel──

:“──How do you think?”

Against Mifa’s gaze after she finished the story, Clamp groaned.

:“How… even if you say so”

It’s a bit problematic. Clamp tried to look for information about this system he never heard before, but…

:“You know…. I think it is okay to raise her”

Mifa is unexpectedly up for the idea. Was *** just his imagination?

The baby then naturally switched her gaze at him.

Their “daughter” seems to like Mifa’s hair texture and continues to play with it.

Cute. He simply thought that.

Even though it looks she’s playing she did not show any smile, could it be because she still don’t understand emotions yet, or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just poor? Yuu who never taken care a baby before couldn’t reach a decision. That’s why he speaks what he thought.

:“……But, won’t it be troublesome? Rising a child”

:“You think? From what I read from the manual and heard from Payakino, we can just ask all knowledge and skill we need for it, and Payakino will take care of her when we logged out.
:If you’re too busy I’ll try to raise her alone… and, isn’t it okay to not think about it too much?”

She smiled comfortably.

:“This just a game after all”

The reason he agree with that, is it because Mifa’s optimistic way of thinking? Or because the guilt of having the baby disappears when he refuses? Or he just simply wanted to finish this event to the end? Even Yuu himself is unsure.

But, in contrary to Clamp’s nodding, Kasugai Yuu felt uneasy and has worries about this strange chain of events.

The criteria asides, only those who are perfect with each other must marry, was truly the right way of thinking. Even that person will one day regret that she chose the wrong partner. However an NPC baby were born without warning, it feels to be slightly off from 『CtG』 developer’s typical unscrupulous surprises.

It came from Kasugai Mana’s game philosophy, Yuu’s mother who continues to work for Imagine Ekphrasis in the third development office of 『Cradle to The Grave』 as the lead developer till the day of her death.

:“Let’s give her a name!”

Clamp, who was thinking while staring at the floor, got called and he returned his gaze to Mifa in a hurry.

:“Name?”

:“Yes. This child still doesn’t have a name. We must gave her one”

Mifa held out the baby to Clamp when she says that. The baby’s pitch black pupil looks straight to his eyes.

Uuuu…. He receives the baby while trembling.

The baby that’s now resting on his arms is unexpectedly soft and terrifyingly light. It’s much lighter than the cat Fuyufu kept in her house.

The part where the gravity center did not changes when remained idle might because the lack of data inputted. And also the baby stays the same even on Clamp’s clumsy hand, instead of just simply meek it feels like it lacking of something.

──This child… did not possess full human body. That’s natural. NPC are people with human body but not a human, let alone this baby that was just recently made.

He felt that.

He felt that really well.

Together, he wanted to blow life into this empty vessel, into the empty existence. Just like being friend with dolls that we treat as if having personality.

He recalled back his young days as he think about that. It was the time when Kasugai Yuu played with his first friend. What he did that time was, playing house.

It just like the current situation. The girl from that time named the doll she has. Yes, the name was──

:“How about… Haruha? This child’s name”

It was name that was taken from his memories. Although the baby in question didn’t have any reaction in particular,

:“Hee…?”

Somehow Mifa opens her eyes wide, not blinking at all.

:“……? What about it?”

:“Aaa……… unn, nothing. I think it’s a good name.
:Haruha…… Haruha-chan huh. Nn, it has a cute sound on it”

After that she continues to repeat, Haruha, Haruha, again and again.

She seems to like the name as well, the baby── Haruha then returns to Mifa’s arms.

While embracing the small body, Mifa narrowed her eyes gently and formed a broad smile with her mouth.

Clamp who feels something on his chest divert his eyes.

And then the two… No, three of them, along with Payakino with its featureless face, continue to watch over the baby in delight.

And thus the two players who are wandering in the world of 『Cradle to The Grave』, Clamp and Mifa, were linked together by Haruha’s arrival. Her birth was just too sudden and treated very lightly.

The time for them to learn about the meaning of that day, that moment, is still far in the future.

<center><big><big>◇◆◇</big></big></center>

Two months had passed in a flash after that incident.

Every day they visits guild hotel in Terminus Cradle── Not the hotel rented by 【Labyrinth Troupe】, but the one prepared by Payakino── Mifa and Clamp’s first and furthermost job is to talk with Haruha.

According to Payakino that resides at the corner of the room, the first thing Haruha need for her growth is “Words” and after that is “Experience”.

Both of them simply hold conversations with Haruha who continues to cling at them. They also do information exchange as part of their small talk.

When they tired talking, they would show some replay videos. It is part of Ramiel purchase bonus called private data storage, it would automatically record images in time of in-events.

This ends up affecting Yuu’s real life. He would often go absentminded and would be reminded by others, like in this instance at the school hallway.

:“Yuu”

:“Ueeeuwawaaaa!!? F-Fuyufu…?”

:“…What is it? You look strangely in a good mood, I thought. And your reaction just now is like that of a man being caught having an affair”

:“No way, that’s absolutely not, right?”

:“Why are you asking yourself…? Well anyway,
:……Is something happening recently? You seems to be awfully want to go back in a hurry”

:“Nothing in particular… I’m just busy”

: “Hmmm… Even so you appear to be way more energetic than before”

Might be, he thought.

When Fuyufu pursued the reason, cold sweats are leaving his skin. Why did that happen? He tried to not think about.

Payakino said, due to 『CtG』 system ──embryo’s effects or whatever── Haruha’s growth are accelerated. She became larger at incomparable speed compared to normal children.

In fact, Haruha learned how to talk in such short time.

:“Mommy!”

There is the figure of Mifa, raising her fist high to the air, taking a guts pose along with Clamp who sits down, depressed.

:“Next say “Father”, please”

He patted Haruha’s head, which where her hair had extended at considerable length. It has ticklish soft feel. Haruha rings her throat several times, letting out “Auuu” sounds while burying her face into Clamp’s chest like a mole.

Mifa also has some changes happening in her private life.

Previously, she log-in around 8:00 to 9:00 at night and would log-out after midnight, but ever since Haruha was born, she would appear in Terminus Cradle at six o’clock. There also days where she shows up earlier before Clamp.

When asked why, she answered with,

:“......It also because I want to meet Haruha, but stuff happened and I no longer have to do club activities. Because of that now I have time to spare”

Her answer was a bit worrisome, but…

She said clubs, so it means she’s either high school or junior high school student── He thought a little.

After two months Haruha have earned the body and mind of two years old.

:“Maybe it’s about the time we should show her other world spheres”

Following Payakino’s advice, they took Haruha outside. Since they’re bringing a child, they only roam around cities to guarantee her safety.

For example, in the White Keter Imperial City in Dragons’ Grave. From afternoon to midnight, millions of players are flooding this giant city, and within such mess the small Haruha continues to cling to Mifa’s arms while being simply being stunned.

They thought bringing Haruha who’s an infant would stand out, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Thinking back, baby NPC normally exist in this world, and babysitter part-time job is one of classic early quests.

However Haruha, unlike normal “predetermined sloppiness” baby NPC has── do not wet herself or crying in the middle of night. She doesn’t even need to sleep or eat to begin with.

In the historical world, Bushido Grave Oedo capital, they watch over the fireworks sparkling on the sky on a houseboat sailing above the waterway. Right on his side is Mifa wearing a relaxing light blue Kimono<ref>Kimono (着物) is a Japanese traditional garment. Although I’m sure over 80% of people who read this already know it.</ref>, while singing a song in a clear beautiful voice.

It’s a song he never heard before, and it doesn’t appear to be one of those stereotyped song from the game.

:“………Do you like singing?”

When he asked, Mifa blushes a bit.

:“Well, yeah, but it just a hobby. I can’t let out loud voice at home so I practice here”

From her way of talking, it seems she play this game as replacement for karaoke box. Indeed, you don’t need that much money to use rental terminal (Ramiel), and it is way cheaper than going to a karaoke. Unsurprisingly, people with home-related circumstances are quite a lot.

:“It’s a foreign folk song I arranged myself…… I’m sorry if it’s bad”

Mifa who shyly said that let out a modest singing voice in the sparkling night, her skill is truly great and makes her words from earlier sounds like a mere modesty. Hearing that, he speak what he had in mind,

:“Your song, I love it. I don’t know much about song, but it has transparent feelings or something”

That transparent-like singing voice, as if fast-forwarded, lost its pitch and shakes, that moment Clamp saw Mifa’s bewildered eyes.

After replying “Thanks…” with blank look, Mifa resume the song. And behind those words of her, her face appears to be shrinking.

(Eeeh? Did I sound like flattering…?)

As he thinks about that, a warm sensation rides on his knee. It’s Haruha. Daddy, daddy, she says in lisp, like a little creature she stirring restlessly above his knees.

Small. Round, wherever you stroke her. It’s soft like a full-body cushion. She tries to stands wobbly but easily fell, and “Uuu~” stares at him curiously.

──Ultimately, she’s cute.

That must be because she won’t cry in quirky timing, her diapers wouldn’t suddenly be “that”, and she won’t barfs her launch, since she doesn’t have any of that, she is purely cute.

A daughter that won’t cause trouble to her parents, it might be truly an ideal child to have.

But not seeing her sleeping and crying face makes Clamp (Kasugai Yuu) feels something is lacking. Mifa might be thinking the same thing as their eyes met each other.

But if compared to parents who are suffering from parenting their child, they can’t really ask for such luxury.

Their wishes might won’t come true, but.

As Haruha slowly grows and learn more words, she began to show more emotions.

:“……Daddy, Mommy, you’re slow!”

That day── A month after Haruha’s birth.

With her five-year-olds figure, Haruha made Clamp and Mifa to kneel<ref>Seiza (正座), an act of begging for forgiveness in Japan.</ref> in front of her.

In the usual hotel room. Haruha folded her arms together. It’s amazing how a baby who used to be so round and small became……… so grown up and dazzling. And beside her is Payakino deliberately playing with a shinai<ref>A type of bamboo/wooden sword, often used for sword training in Japan.</ref>, swinging it back and forth.

:“You two said you will come as soon as possible!”

Haruha’s enraged voice sounds similar to angry Mifa’s. And her awkward tone of voice reflects her innocent childishness.

:“The soy sauce at the market was in sell… and it was very crowded”
:“I-I’m sorry… something happened at little in the house”

The two of them earnestly apologize, with a silky voice as if reading a script.

:“Ah, look Haruha. I brought a throwing knife. See, it has cute sculpture on it, it’s small and light so even girl can easily use it!”

Clamp took out the throwing knife from his item box and shows it. It’s within a small six sheet sets, it’s also popular as both accessory and decoration.

:”Really? A weapon for souvenir, that’s why boys are no good”

After staring at Clamp with eyes of contempt, Mifa turned to Haruha with a smile.

:”Look Haruha, equip this 『Crimson Tree』 Mommy brought for you. It’s a Kimono armor sold in Bushido Grave!”

:”Haruha won’t be fooled with presents!”

Various items were presented to please her, but it seems Haruha’s displeasure won. *Tch*, Clamp mad at his own lamentably.

Haruha’s item storage is already filled full with presents like children guitar, canned slime, dragons’ bone (fake), and mechanical dolls from the two of them. Small Haruha used to unconditionally happy by their present and that makes them want to gives her more.

:“You two just overdid it!”

While sullenly sigh, Haruha sits down on Mifa’s knee.

Her mind’s growth seems to be slower than her body, even though she would often walk around by herself, Haruha is still a spoiled mole she is. She loves playing with weapon Clamp and others brought for her but she love hugging Clamp and Mifa more.

:“Haruha…… waited long you know”

That’s why her eyes looks very lonely as she stares at both of them while twisting herself in Mifa’s arm.

That’s right. Haruha have always, waited.

Not just waiting together with Payakino at daytime. Even though she has place to sleep, as the residence of 『CtG』, action of “Sleeping” do not exist within her. So, at day and night, she continues to wait for Clamp and Mifa, fully awake the entire time.

From now, let’s give up soy sauce sell and protect your promise. Says Payakino through its mind while beating Yuu (Clamp) with its shinai.

:“Hiyaaa!?”

Screamed Mifa as she sees the head of Kobold<ref>Based on yet another Germanic mythology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobold).</ref> fly up to the air. The monster’s face that appeared suddenly was cut by Clamp as it come across── <b>Critical Hit!!</b>

The blood splash in flashy manner and formed latters. Mifa avoids the bloody shower so it doesn’t hit the lantern she’s carrying. After that she weakly lets out amazed voice,

:“Ughh…… it’s amazing you’re fine with that. A severed head…… even now I’m still not okay with it. And those that walk with two legs are especially scary”

Mine area of Dragons’ Grave. “It’s about the time for Haruha to learn about battle, take her with you and show her the drill” Following Payakino’s advice, Clamp and Mifa are currently previewing low difficulty quests for that future plan.

Subjugation quest 【Tunnel Kobold Extermination】 is as the name implies a quest to hunt certain numbers of Kobold within the back of the mine, it’s a quest for beginners.

While wielding his blood dyed sword, Clamp illuminates the surrounding with his lantern. It was then Mifa asks,

:“Is it because you’re a boy? Are you type who likes zombie movie?”

:”It’s not like that, but…”

Letting out troubled voice, Clamp tries to come out with proper answer.

:”You often say it too right. This just a game, you said”

:”Even though it’s this real?”

:”Exactly because it’s this real. Having my strength increased able me to perform amazing movements, every time I perform superhuman-like skills through semi-automatic combat I feel ascertained differences between my actual self.
:The strong me right now is not actual me. That’s why I can properly separate both”

:“Not your real self huh…”

Clamp who was being wary of the surrounding did not Mifa was looking down in bitterness. Half consciously, Clamp speaks why he had in mind.

:“The more realistic a virtual reality becomes, it decreases the player’s external sense to real world. It was my mother’s theory, that’s why this game──”

:“Mother?”

Clamp let out a bitter face as he realized his own mistakes. And it’s a face that is unthinkable coming from that composed self-confidence “Clamp of Scarabaeus”. Something inside Mifa is being fueled.

:“So your mom plays game too. What kind of person?”

:“It’s not important right”

But his rejection by not wanting to face her face is instead does nothing but to lure her interest. Mifa is that kind of person.

:“It’s okay right. We’re husband and wife for once”

While continue to plead, Mifa cling to Clamp’s empty hand. Mifa then confirmed her victory after realizing Clamp just stopped his breath.

:“Why are you so flustered? This just inside a game isn’t it?”

Clamp who got a point taken groaned, and while being upset he says,

:“Come on, let’s look more into the back”

And they begin to walk while Mifa keep hanging on his arm.

After a while, the dim light of the lantern starts to fades away, Mifa let out a little gasp and they continue to walk through the dark tunnel.

They walk, little by little, the boy and girl restlessly snuggled themselves with the natural heat. That heat do not comes from the lanterns fire or magic. That’s why, no matter how much time had passed, the heat won’t cool down.

:“It might be just a game”

The one who speak after that was Mifa.

:“Just a game, but Haruha is cute, right”

:“……That’s right”

The moment Clamp formed a smile with his mouth, Mifa hold down her chuckle.

:“You’re just like me……”

After holding back her laughter she lets out a smile, and the remaining heat disappears.

:“What happened Yuubocchi<ref>It’s combination of Yuu, the protagonist’s name, and the word “bocchi” (ぼっち) which means “loner”.</ref>? Thinking hard like that, very unlike you”

:“What the heck was…… that? It sounds like derogatory term coming from a fairy tale”

:“Sounds like a name of a fairy right? A person who always alone = could be a strange creature that only I can see, that is 『Yuubocchi』”

:“It sounds pretty scary…”

It was in the cafeteria during lunch break he got called like that by Fuyufu.

Even though he got savings that his mother left behind, he couldn’t afford wasting money when thinking about the future. On other hand, because of 『CtG』 he doesn’t have much time to make lunch, so he have been living off with one bread every day.

But, a little while ago in 『CtG』 while in the middle of talking with Haruha, he lost his consciousness and were forced logged out── In other words “Sleep Failing” ── caused by his lack of sleep and declining health. In order to spend more time where Haruha, he begins to properly eat healthy food every day.

That’s why, in order to get inexpensive meal every day he goes to cafeteria, and naturally eating together with Fuyufu becomes daily occurrence. He stares at Fuyufu who sits on the on the other side of the table with her Kitsune Udon<ref>Otherwise known as Fox Udon, it’s hot udon with sweetened deep-fried tofu pockets topping which known to be Japanese fox spirit favorite food, hence forth, “Fox”.</ref>, and let out a terribly vague question,

:“Fuyufu, do you think there are hearts dwelling inside computer?”

:“What’s up out of the blue?”

Maybe because her emotions are bland, Fuyufu appears to be spacing out, but even so her academic score is pretty high. Unlike Yuu who only play games, Fuyufu read lots of books.

After sipping her udon while raising her hair so it didn’t get into the soup, she answer,

:“It depends on your definition of “heart”, but it’s impossible to create self-consciousness through programs and calculation, is the theory I heard once before. Something about quantum brain theory or whatever”

:“But isn’t that only applies for <i>current</i> computers?”

Fuyufu responds with “You mean?” face. Yuu had felt that he became too opinionated. While pointing her with the chopsticks he used to stab his fish hamburger, he continues.

:“It’s 『CtG』. You know, the computer used for that is known for having stronger capability than any others. If it has that much power, won’t it be possible to create human-like mind?”

But Fuyufu unceremoniously shook her head.

:“It’s not the problem of capability or processing power. It’s the nature of the problem itself. No matter how fast it calculates, even a computer than can respond to various situation, it would give the same result as other computers. Even if it can create the same entrance and exit as human, it won’t able to create the same maze inside. “Heart” is, that maze. If you want to create the same thing…… there’s no other choice but to give those computers flesh and blood as well”

After saying it like javelin, she continues.

:“Or could it be, Yuu, you heard something about it? The computer used in that…… did you heard that from your mother?”

Fuyufu let out a regret face as she said that. It might just be a slip of tongue mentioning his mother, but it’s impossible to say that he didn’t care about it.

:“Could it be, a one-in-the world machine exist somewhere…… no way, I’ve never heard anything about it. Even if I heard about it I wouldn’t know”

:”That might be so”

Because of rude agreement, the conversation stops for a while. Over three quarters of seats in the school cafeteria are filled with students bustling. Within that environment, the distant they had that allowed them to distinguish the sound of dishes, that distant just like old time ago.

In contrast to Yuu who fell silent, Fuyufu opened her mouth after she finished swallowing her udon.

:“Yuu…… did something happened in that game?”

His heart jumped. Spoken words can’t be taken back. Fuyufu persist with her gaze.

:“Could it be…… Non Player Character, is it? Did you fell in love with one or something? That’s why you ask stuff about heart and all……”

It’s not a direct hit, but it was a blow that managed to grazes his neck. Even so,

:“Of course not, it’s not about that”

It’s not a lie so he voice was straight. But Fuyufu continues to press on the matter.

:“…………Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00012.jpeg|thumbnail|“…......Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”]]

:“I-It’s just your imagination"

Somehow an image of Mifa tilting her head mumbling “Nn? Nn?” appears on his head. It’s not her. She’s not NPC, much less a girlfriend. She’s something else. The thing happened in the mine, she was just messing around.

Fuyufu suspiciously stare at him then avert her eyes in displeasure.

Fuyufu stay silent after that. After she finish silently consuming her udon, she took a paper napkin and start folding it.

:“……Yuu. Do you know why I don’t play that game (『CtG』)?”

:“Eh…… Because you’re not interested in it?”

She had always like that. No matter how much time he recommend it, Fuyufu never lay her hand on 『CtG』. When Yuu became teenager, he gradually becomes addicted to the game his mother help developed, and ever since his distant with Fuyufu slowly growing larger and larger. But.

“Wrong”

Incorrect. Fuyufu abruptly stands up, holding her tray and turned away. And then, while showing her back, she tells the correct answer.

“──It because I hate it”

After seeing off the small back of hers, Yuu dropped his eyes to one of paper cranes left on the table. As if harboring the displeasure of the creator, it directed straight to Yuu’s direction. Yuu naturally leaks a sigh.

It seems he had offended her somehow, but he couldn’t figure out why. That was pathetic. It had always been like that. Kasugai Yuu won’t able to understand others’ feeling unless it’s said out loud.

Speaking of not knowing, his question towards Fuyufu still did not provide satisfying answer.

(──No matter how high-spec the computer is, it can’t bring “heart” to life.
Then, is Haruha who express so much emotion also a… “Fake”?)

But Haruha is clearly different compared to other NPC. Even though 『CtG』 NPC possess surprisingly large amount of various actions, it simply piles of numbers of behavior patterns. If you continue to talk to them, you will feel an inevitable sense of Déjà vu. At first Yuu also thought, that Haruha is one of those kind of thing.

Haruha do not feel or smell like program at all. Every day every time she shows various different expressions on a whim, it never stop changing── he never seen her showing “same face” at all. It might be that she change as she grow, creating new behavior pattern each passing day.

But there were certainly moments where such trick couldn’t explain. That’s probably because she has what called wisdom.

:“Daddy, what is that?”

It was in the usual hotel room she asks that.

That time Clamp is facing the item 『Parchment』──A paper── he spread on the table. Mifa is late because of some errands she got in real world, so Clamp is together alone with Haruha.

He folds the parchment paper and creates a shape.

:“It’s Origami<ref>A art of paper folding in Japan, it frankly means “to fold a paper”.</ref>. I’m making a 『Yakko-san』”

:”Origami? Yakko-san?”

Haruha climb the table with her own body a peek what’s on Clamp’s hand. He attempt to give an answer to her bright sparkling eyes but── it was unexpectedly hard to explain.

That’s why he continues to fold quietly and finally complete the “Yakko-san”.

When presented to Haruha, she receives it curiously. She sits on top of the table and inspects it closely.

Looking at her like that reminds him of the figure of young Fuyufu. Origami is a play the learned together, the first time he finished making one, she also look at the paper crane he made just like that.

:“What is, this?”

:“What do you think this is?”

The reason why return the question might because he recalled back the conversation he had with Fuyufu before. Can Haruha, who was born from computer, “feel” shapes?

Haruha did not answer immediately. She just continues to stare deep the “Yakko-san”, and then, she answer.

:“Is this… Haruha?”

It’s the time for Clamp to be troubled.

:“Nnn…… half correct. That is the paper model of a person who used to work as a servant<ref>It’s written as 奴(やっこ) or Yakko, it is the name/title for servant of Samurai family from Edo period, to put it in a bad way, it means slave</ref>. Look, it has legs and arms right? In other word, it’s a doll”

:“A doll…”

Haruha look at “Yakko-san” for a while then stroke her head with her finger, and suddenly she looked up.

:“Haruha want to make one too. A more, bigger one!”

The girl’s hands are moving like magic.

She only saw Clamp making it once, but she folds the papers in a terrifying precision without hesitation. Open, and by the time he notice, “Yakko-san” was already completed.

He had heard that origami has mathematical structure, and this is precisely that. Even 『CtG』 that possess a lot of mechanical works, there’s no such skill called origami auto-folding. Nevertheless, the skill that Haruha possess── is certainly, a mechanical thing.

As if proving that his hunch was correct, Haruha once again fold another “Yakko-san” in an instant, it is identically the same as previous one. Rather than the same work, it’s more of a copy.

(As I thought…… she’s different from us)

Such obvious thing, why is he disappointed realizing it now? It’s a strange story. What operates Haruha is 『CtG』 and the thing that operates it is no other than computer, accomplishing small thing like this is not surprising at all.

──However, Haruha’s hand stopped as she works on the third one.

Open and fold again, after some trails and errors, “Yakko-san” is finally finish, but somehow it looks strangely different from the previous ones, its head is a little too big.

:“? This is……”

In respond to confused Clamp, Haruha let out a warm fufun voice and a smile, and then she asks.

:“What do you think this is?”

:“Nn…… could it be, Payakino-san?”

The one who answered that wasn’t Clamp, but Mifa who appeared out of nowhere. Haruha sharpened her mouth saying “It’s was a quiz for Daddy!”, Mifa replied with a sorry and lift up Haruha’s body and put her down onto the floor.

:”Sitting on table is bad”

:”But then I won’t able to make origami”

Rather than mother and daughter, both of them looks like a sister. Clamp then return his gaze towards four origami on the table.

There are two big “Yakko-san”, one mushroom-like thing, and one small “Yakko-san”.

Needless to say── It’s Clamp, Mifa, Payakino, and Haruha together.

:““Is this… Haruha?””
:““A doll””

He recalled back Haruha’s words.

Clamp── Kasugai Yuu, felt hatred towards himself.

(Why did I think like that? “As I thought…… she’s different from us”?)

Even though he bad mouthed Fuyufu who denied personality that born from game, just now he treated Haruha like a foreign object. But she put him in. Within the origami family, figure Clamp is in there.

She is…… she’s such a child. Furthermore,

Being thought only the concept of “Origami”, Haruha created a mushroom-shape by herself. She can create “free ideas” from given information. No matter how splendid an artificial intelligence is, there’s no way it can do that.

Mysterious, strange, but helplessly cute “daughter”.

Haruha.

(How should I treat this child?)

Recently, because he prioritize meeting Haruha, he had neglected his goal to fully complete 『CtG』. Even though raising a child is not the event he should take care of.

Whatever happens, he must play through everything in 『CtG』.

The more he likes Haruha, the more troubled he becomes.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

:”Ahahaha”

But strangely he no longer worries about his concern when he looks at Haruha’s smile.

Two months had passed since Haruha was born. She quickly had obtained what human call the physique of seven-years-old.

:“It’s shaking. It’s shaking, daddy!”

Just a while ago she walked like an awkward doll but now she’s running around in the carriage like an energetic cat.

Western-styled world Sphere “Gunman’s Grave”. The powers of firearms in here are multiply times stronger than in other Sphere, this is world for Gunman.

Starting from the capital city, you will find huge railway connected to various locations across the towns and villages in this world, it’s essential for traveling in Gunman’s Grave and is part of tourist attraction. It’s a large locomotive that you won’t find anywhere in modern Japan, and the views outside the shaken carriage are magnificent.

Today is public holiday in real world, so Clamp and Mifa enters 『CtG』 during the day. Since they have a lot of time to spare they asked Haruha where she wanted to go and she answered that she want to try riding a train.

And so, the three of them boarded the train and enjoy the scenery from the window. It’s wilderness as far as eye can see. From distant you can see a wild Land Worm (A large roundworm-like monster) being hunted by couple of cowboys with their monster rifle.

When Clamp is captivated with this virtual landscape, Mifa stand from her seat and yelled at Haruha.

:“Haruha, don’t you’re bothering other guests so please calm down”
:”Okke~!”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00013.jpeg|thumbnail|Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother.]]

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother. It was Mifa’s present made in Bushido Grave, ependymal (upper garment) armor.

It was Haruha’s first “dress up”.

:“She’s quite energetic”

Clamp leaks out a smile seeing the scene of this mother-daughter exchange.

The border passages in the carriage are divided into two rows. Sitting right on the other side of Clamp is Mifa are a kind-looking elderly couple.

From the small talk they had before, this couple wanted to enjoy their leisure time after retirement but they worried about their health if they’re going on a trip…… eventually they decided on going to virtual world instead. They both love easy way of thinking and is a very harmonious married couple.

:“That young lady in Kimono, whose little sister is she?”

:“Ha, haa…”

Clamp and Mifa’s replies are inevitably ambiguous. They couldn’t help but to speak humbly when talking to older people. Even so, if they answer honestly it would dozens times sounds more like a lie.

Unaware of their confusion, the elderly couple speaks in merry voice as if saying “this is the main topic”.

:“Could it be, both of you are couple?”

:“”Ah, no, not””

This time, the two of them stomp the table and stood up, and smoothly answers. Both of them are certainly a married couple in『CtG』 but not a tiny bit a “couple” even once.

The old lady seemed to be a little disappointed. And the husband next to her rebuked with “Don’t so thoughtless” and changes the topic.

:”Using travel PC, even old people like us and that young lady can go on a trip without worry”

Travel PC (Player Carrier) is one of 『CtG』 unique system that allows youngsters and even elderly to experience the virtual world. They do not receive any damage from battle or a player attack. It is commonly known as “Travel” and even player below twelve years old can essentially dive into the game.

In 『CtG』 body damage and endurance value (HP) are placed on entire different concept. Body damage and wound received will slowly heal and regenerates even when the remaining HP is low, but when all HP completely gone it will be automatically be a game over. In case of Travel PC, their HP is infinite and would never receive a game over in battle

:“I still intends on staying as an active gamer. But playing on a normal avatar is bad for my heart or something and this wife of mine won’t let me”

:“But dear, this is different from a video game you know”

The wife’s words then interrupted. Before they knew it, Haruha had appeared beside her, pulling her sleeves. Haruha looked up at the old lady, and curiously says,

:“Haruha is not a Travel?”

As she just said, while being a child Haruha is not a Travel PC. That’s why Payakino told them to watch over her very carefully.

However, from the eyes of people who don’t know the circumstances it’s a mere violation of term.

:”Hn? But, kid at your age──”

:”But Haruha is……Mogyuh!?”

:”N-No! It’s not that! This kid doesn’t really know how the system works so!”

Mifa let out a fake smile as she forcibly hold Haruha to prevent her from saying anything further. The elderly couple then easily convinced and stroke Haruha’s head, in exchange Haruha narrowed her eyes happily.

And so, it was pretty heart beating scene of explaining Haruha’s circumstances that even her guardians haven’t fully grasp on.

The weather outside is good and the scenery spreads are beautiful, they are blessed with cheerful companion in the journey. Mifa, and also Haruha, seems to be in a good mood as well.

I’m glad coming here── He wanted everyone to let out that finest praise for this trip, in this holiday afternoon.

But then, the train stops by sudden break in the middle of the wilderness.

In a way, this can be called as a well-executed train robbery.

The railway is blocked by a drove of large Land Worm, good thing the train stopped in the right time.

But after that, the safe box that was placed on the wagon collapsed.

The strength of security NPC is nothing great, and can be easily overwhelm by player status. That far must be according to their plan. But, inside the safe was empty. It seems they caught false information by other player’s mischief.

And then.

The four angered robber boarded the carriage Clamp and others are in.

:“Okay, don’t move! Frankly saying, I’m really strong!”

The one who shouted throughout the passage seats are a bearded man who seems to be the leader of the robbery. He appears to be old due to his beard, but his voice is unexpectedly youthful. He must be at age of young adult.

:”This is a robbery for collecting fund for conquering Marionette Grave. We’re on complete different level compared to those who just playing around! Got it!?”

What the man say “Marionette Grave” is a newly released world Sphere, world of cyber punk. In other to conquer it, expensive equipment is essential. Within group of inpatient player, there are people who dare to cross the dangerous line in order to collect fund just like this.

Seeing from Expansion (AR) mode, all information all filtered other than their level, and around their shoulder there are red placards (tag) floating above them. If someone try to attack someone on public facilities he/she will receives 《Criminal》 red tag, and for a period of time, they will be registered as target of subjugation quest.

As expected from those who want to be on top, their levels are certainly higher than Clamp.

:“Listen, we will collect 1/3 of your money after this. If you quietly give it to us, we won’t kill you. Not a bad deal right?”

Penalty given when dying is “Losing half of possessed gold”, it’s certainly not bad deal. More than anything, even though the pain is reduced, dying in this overly realistic 『CtG』 world will give quite a fear until getting used to. It was a quite valid threat on its own way.

The other three man under the bearded man walk through the cramped passages way and start collecting, each of then threating their pray with their gun.

“H-Hiaaaa….. D-don’t shot! I will die!”

One of them pointed his guy at a girl wearing a nun (Sister) outfit who sits nearby. All other robbers are one stage lower than the bearded man but still on higher level than Clamp. They’re considerably stronger than Mifa.

(Maybe… No, don’t think about resisting……)

Peeking at Haruha who hugged tightly by Mifa, Clamp let out a sigh. If he were alone, he would think of resisting and prepared betting a Game Over, but now he had Mifa and Haruha.

Seeing the passengers being obedient, the bearded man licks his lips in delight. The color of his pupil appears to have brightens it seems he activated Extended (AR) mode vision.

“First of all, in order to not let anyone do anything strange in the middle of collecting money, we will be taking some hostages.
………The first one will be that pseudo Sister, and who will be next I think. No matter how much they resist, we can’t really make a Travel who cannot be killed as a hostage”

Somehow he got a bad feeling, and it was a hit.

As if licking through the passenger within, the bearded man shop around with his gaze, and his eyes stopped at Mifa.

:“Oi, you woman there, you’re not a Travel right!”

Being called, Mifa screamed in respond. Clamp floats his waist.

(This is bad…!)

It was a frustration he never felt before, he have lost his composure.

But that anxiousness was not because of Mifa.

:”No, Haruha don’t!”

By the time they realize, she have already escape from Mifa’s arm.

The girl in red Kimono── Haruha left the passage, and faced the bearded man around seven meters away.

The bearded man, and other robbers and the passages, must have first realized after Mifa raised a scream. He looks at Haruha as if just inhaled a poisonous gas.

:“Oi…… what is it brat. I don’t have business with a Travel──”

The bearded man’s words were interrupted.

Deeply.

He then noticed a Throwing Knife stuck on his shoulder.

:“Oooh….?”

It was a unique sensation of『CtG』. Because of the system, the pain is changed to slight sense of discomfort so you won’t feel any actual pain. But, that’s why the sensation of cold metal transmitted into his flesh can be clearly felt── passing beyond the realm of pain, he were haunted by an illusion of being a corpse.

And then the bearded man saw. The young girl in red Kimono, slowly come close and throw the second knife.

So casually, so agilely, and without hesitation.

Now is his flank. As if being sucked into the gap of his bone, the sharp blade continues to invade inside until right to its handle.

:“──Hey”

The voice who called for the bearded man is from no one else, Clamp couldn’t recognize it for a moment. This cold and sharp piercing, voice.

:“Why?”

Realizing that the shining Throwing Knifes on Haruha’s both hands were his gift, for the first time he recognized the owner of this penetrating cold voice.

The bearded man finally realize the opponent who attacked him, he then glared Haruha with wide open eyes, and point his automatic gun at her.

:”Why, do you do this?”

But Haruha is undaunted. Her large unwavering eyes, as if being sucked in, pushed the bearded man to his limit. He pulled the gun trigger.

: “W-What── You… shitty brat!”

*BANG*. The sound of gunshot from the bearded man’s hand. Even though it’s in virtual world, no one would stand watching a scene of kid being shot.

However, Haruha are unharmed.

The sleeves of her red Kimono fluttering like a flower petal. In one rotation as if dancing.

In that moment, while throwing knives with both of her hand she dodged the bullet at incredible swiftness. It was, as if knowing she knows where the bullet is going in advance, truly a bland miracle.

The thrown knife pierce the bearded man’s right shoulder, receiving damage on his leg, the bearded man fall on his knee and lie on the floor. If he feel pain he would scream, but fortunately that did not happen. But then, he turned his gaze to Haruha── and his anger turns into fear.

On Haruha’s both hands, the next knifes had already appeared. Small sized weapon like Shuriken<ref>Traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, once again, you people already know this right?</ref> that can be hidden under your sleeves can be replenished/equipped immediately if you have skill called 《Sleeve Weapon》.

The shadow from her bangs covers her face to her nose. The only thing seen on her face is just the cold light from her eyes, but that stare of her appears to be showing nothing but apathy to the bearded man.

That knife, that eyes…

With no mercy or hesitation, the girl shows the blade on her hand. In a way, it’s very children-like. Because she’s a child, she can beat down her opponent without showing any anger.

The girl’s movement had reached at front of the bearded man’s face. The cold wind cut by the knife, this time the knife change objective from throwing to slashing.

:”Haruha, is looking forward for this you know!”

And then.

Haruha stares at the intruder who interrupted her holiday with all her might, she naturally lets out a condescending voice.

:”Mommy and daddy said that we will have a lot of fun. Haruha is looking forward for it!”

That face seen from the shade, is no longer that of what used to be the cute spoiled little mole. Her face── her face has clearly explodes with anger.

:“A lot!
:I endured a lot!
:and finally! Finally!
:It’s finally!! It’s finally the day where we will play a lot!
:but why!? Why don’t you understand? Is old man stupid!?
:Why? I said, why? Why do you do such mean thing!?”

It was a children’s impeachment yelling to children for children. She believes that breaking her “Promised holiday” is nothing but pure evil and do not doubt that even slightest bit, it was unconditional trust she had for her family and the world. And now all of that is crushed, and it donated her childish emotion and caused an explosion inside her.

Naturally, the bearded man doesn’t understand what she meant. He just listens to her while being dumbfounded. He turns his head left and right searching for an answer but all he got is a stare from the girl in nun outfit.

Compared to the bewildered man, Haruha is way, way younger. She’s way too young to understand each other position and circumstances. That’s why, she’s so straight, selfish, and mercilessly.

:“Such thing──”

The blade on her hand, as if sliding from the sky slice the man.

:“Is bad you know!”

The blade cross and thorn the bearded man’s neck, the sprayed out blood vigorously formed <b>Critical Hit!!</b> words on the ceiling.

In that opportunity.

:“W-What the heck is this brat!?”

The other robber who couldn’t react properly to Haruha’s overly imposing raid, finally moves.

First is the person who stand right beside the bearded man, he pulled out his revolver but then interrupted by the earlier nun woman.

In nearly the same time, the tall robber who was right in front of Clamp raised his rifle gun and aimed at Haruha. His aim quickly blocked by Mifa who jumped out of her seat, but there’s no reason for him to re-adjust his aim. He pulled the trigger──

That moment, Clamp moves.

While pushing down the tall man, he simultaneously takes his gun. Along with『Snatch!』 notification sound, the message saying 『You stole item “Automatic M1905””』 is displayed.

:”Agh, bastard!”

:”I won’t say sorry”

Sorry── before he finishes saying that, he start shooting down every bullet available all in one, that guy might not even catch the word he said. After around five shots, the guy’s HP drops to zero and his body turned into lifeless mannequin.

After he out of bullet, Clamp instantly throw the gun and stands up.

Then.

His eyes met a big-framed robber aiming his rifle at him. The gunpoint goes straight to Clamp’s head.

:””……………Haha””

Feeling tension at each other, both of them exchanges maniac smile.

The robber changes to serious look in a moment and pulled the trigger.

It’s not the distant where he can simply avoid all the bullets; if he got hit at this direction he can’t be saved. Normally he would get a Game Over in this situation, but.

The bullet, missed. No, the prey (Clamp) just disappeared from the place he aimed.

:”……He disappeared? How? Did he log-out because of external influence?”

:”Nope── Got you”

The next moment that word was heard, the disappointed robber’s torso is blown away onto the air. 　

Clamp who returned to his position in an instant shot him with a Sawed-off shotgun<ref>A type of shotgun with a shorter gun barrel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawed-off_shotgun)</ref>. The robber who got shot and shreds in pieces clings on an unattended seat and glared at Clamp.

:”What the heck with that instant warping…… a connection lag nowadays?”

Clamp didn’t answer and walk off, ignoring the robber. The robber’s eyes brighten, signing that he’s trying to check Clamp’s player status.

:”Clamp……? Are you…… are you that “Clamp of Scarabaeus”? ………Wait, if so your level is too low──”

:”Then you got the wrong person”

Not waiting for the robber to be convinced, Clamp bombarded the rest of the shots. The mannequin that lost its head rolls on the floor.

Seeing the surrounding, the last remaining robber had turned into a mannequin, he must’ve taken down by other passengers.

The mannequin that used to be the bearded man, suffering with miserable fate, had its entire body pierced with knife that sinks its blade deep inside, and its lower half are drowned in sea of blood flowing out of its neck.

And at the end of such sight, those girls are there. Clamp’s “Families”.

Mifa with trembling shoulder who hold Haruha tightly, and Haruha who question her mother’s action.

When his eyes meet hers, she showed a bright golden smile.

:”Daddy! I beat him down with the knife you gave me!”

Other than a forced smile, what else can he show?

:”Hey…… why that kid, isn’t a Travel PC?”

(Here it comes……)

The first thing they ask after everything settled down is that. Of course, it’s about his “Daughter” who’s in the middle of the room being hold by Mifa

:”She appears to be elementary school students no matter how I see her……”

The man’s voice that was representing the other passengers is strong. A non-Travel PC under age of thirteen is against the law.

:“Well…… You see, this kid is──”

He wanted to cover up but couldn’t come out with a good lie. Kasugai Yuu isn’t particularly smart or has food mouth, he just a simple high school boy.

He might as well speak the truth.

Haruha is a baby born as part of 《Marriage》 event.
That’s why he doesn't have to worry.
Because, she isn’t a human, but.

──Terrifying. It’s not a joke.

He’s convinced. Haruha is not a human, only an existence within the game. That’s the truth. But, once it’s revealed, how will others treat Haruha from now on?

An NPC that can think, creates, and possess emotions. There’s no need to recall back the conversation he had with Fuyufu, Haruha had easily exceed the limit of an artificial intelligence. She’s an impossible existence.

Clamp and Mifa think that she’s cute, but that only because they’ve been with her for a long time. But in eyes of other people, as an errant object, she’s a subject of their curiosity and fear.

Fearful. They are afraid to be in contact with a non-human like Haruha. They are afraid to be targeted by her. If everyone learned the truth about Haruha, can Clamp and Mifa treat her the same way as before? Would they wake up from this dream?

Still── it’s still too early to think like that. Just a little bit more, please let her be as what she is now.

In the same time Yuu reached to his conclusion.

:”Haruha is── this kid is……”

Mifa stands up and begin talking. Clamp reflexively put his hand to Mifa’s shoulder. Her voice, was shaking.

Mifa put her hand on Haruha’s head who doesn’t get the situation. Together, Mifa declared in loud voice.

:”This kid, is… is not───ach!!”

　…………………………

And there was silent.

Well, of course. A truly troublesome words── and said with big voice pushed with only enthusiasm. In addition, the beautiful girl, Mifa, called out desperately.

:”No, not about that…”

The player who asked about Haruha perplexedly let out word of denial.

They become silent again. It’s the atmosphere where everyone goes quiet.

Except one person, Haruha, who watch over the hard faces of the adults restlessly.

It’s not that she’s stupid or dense (My child is clever and intelligent you know), and not even because she’s young. She just simply don’t understand how “Special” she is. When Yuu think about that he somehow feel a bit sad, and tears seems to be flowing out.

And within such situation…

Out of the blue, the door of the vehicle is open. It was the entrance that was blocked by the robber from earlier. Naturally, everyone’s attention concentrated there── Uniformly, they were amazed.

:”Well, hello and hello~”

Because, somehow, a giant mushroom just entered the carriage.

──It as you expect. It was Payakino lowering its head as if it’s a cowboy hat.

:”AAaa-! It’s Payakino-san!”

The first one who raised her voice was Haruha, and she dived herself with all her might onto the stuffed-doll body. The Nanny NPC catches the cannonball-like girl.

:”Bonjour. Monsieur mon ami” <ref>Bonjour means “good day” and Monseiur is honorific title that used to refer to or address the eldest living brother of the king. Calling French people out there!!!</ref>

And then somehow, it speak out greeting that sound more coming from the TV version of “Detective Poirot”<ref>Referencing the fictional character Hercule Poirot </ref> rather than actual French. Imitating that, Haruha repeats the word “Monsieur mon ami” over and over.

Everyone within the carriage── Even Clamp and others── where taken a back, and on behalf of the elderly couple, the husband open his mouth.

:”Haa…… So, who are you people……?”

:”Me?”

And then Payakino, while saying “Well up’n go” rise up Haruha and tossed her to a big bag. And from inside, the muffled voice of Haruha can be heard── “Waaai! I’m inside a bag!”

Everyone’s eyes goes wide wondering what just happened, and then the mushroom shamelessly introduced itself.

:“I am the wilderness kidnapper, Paya The Kid!”
:”Eh?”

Not waiting for others’ respond, Payakino turned backward, and jump onto the back of the horse waiting outside.

“Yeeehaa~ go Silver Star!”

Riding the horse, it quickly disappears in an instant. ──

…………
………………

While carrying the bag that has Haruha inside.

:””AAAAAAAAA!!! SHE GOT KIDNAPPED!!?””

Finally understanding the situation Clamp and Mifa screamed in unison, and their voice echoes throughout the wilderness…

In about an hour after, everyone had gathered in the usual hotel room.

:”……Well, anyway we’re saved”

Just a while ago they were frustrated having their travel interrupted, but now Haruha is glaring on the card on her hand while learning how to play old maid with Mifa, Clamp is lowering his head against Payakino.

:”Honestly, I’m out of option in that situation”

After that, they left the carriage pretending to chase over Paya The Kid, and regroup back with Haruha and Payakino who’ve returned earlier. They managed to leave the scene without answering anything…… maybe, he’s not really sure.

Payakino unceremoniously assured him.

:”What are you talking about? this is part of my job as a Nanny NPC. You don’t have to worry about it, everything happened today will be taken care by people above so it’s okay. They should’ve erased all evidence, not even a dust left”

:”Thank you… but, it sounds kind scary”

Anyway, from this matter, he will avoid having naïve thinking like before.

:”May I ask….. how should I treat Haruha from now on?”

:”How, you mean?”

:”When she grows bigger, she can go out without being suspected as a Travel PC anymore. But, when that time comes, we…… what should we do?”

Indeed. Haruha possess ability to perform independent actions, in 『CtG』 world she’s a “free” being. She needs protection for now, but in the future she would be independent enough to act on her own.

──What will happen when Haruha no longer need “Parents”?

It’s not explained in extended manual given by Payakino.

:“I see. Your worry is understandable, but it’s okay to consider it more carefully”

:”Carefully…… even if you say so, Haruha had already grown so big. She would probably reach our ages in merely half a year”

:”About that──”

Payakino words were cut.

Who knows when did she shows up, Haruha is clinging on Payakino’s arm. From the looks of it Mifa is putting away the trump card into the item box, and taking out a cursed music box she recently got in exchange.

:”Hey, Payakino-san…”

Clamp got his eyes taken by the sight of Mifa letting out a sigh in downcast eyes and missed Haruha’s words to Payakino.

And thus, he begin to regret for missing it later──

:“How long with Haruha can be with daddy and mommy?”

<center><big><big><big>◆</big></big></big></center>

Biiiii──────────────

──iii.　

The electronic reminiscent the buzz of insect vibrates throughout the room.

In a certain apartment room in the corner of the dimly lit room filled with trash more than furniture.

The thing that let out the noise was the device worn by the man, owner of the house.

It’s the terminal-Ramiel, used to play 『Cradle to The Glaive』. The massage “Malfunction” were displayed repeatedly on the semi-transparent surface of the visor.

The error sound would absolutely not stop. The man does not react to the sound ringing right on his ear.

He just, loosely folds his back on the chair, and let the foam on the edge of his mouth to accumulates and fall.

Biiiiiii──────────────

The electronic buzzing continues to vibrate inside the small room. And the man body in the middle is like maggots on the pile of dead meat.

Forever and always……

This man then found fainting in the middle of playing online game and was taken to hospital by the family member who discovered him and it was reported on news the day after. However, there are no eyewitnesses of the moment of his death.

In real life he has clear face with no beard at all, and his appearance in game is completely different.

That’s why no one would know that he’s the robber at the train in Gunman’s Grave who got his throat slashed by a certain girl.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 2: Output|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input

2015-04-01T06:52:06Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 1: Input==
:“Then, see you tomorrow”

Even though it’s a homeroom the teacher leave the class along with a carefree smile. As the teacher left the class, class 1-C start to get noisy.

Kasugai Yuu took no attention to any of the topic others are talking about and stand up as he holds his bag.

He’s not particularly stand out or anything. He wear his uniform normally, the color of his undershirt violate the school rules but it’s okay, at any rate he is just a normal obscure sixteen years old boy.

After the sunset outside met his eyes── which certainly beautiful── he went ahead to the exit.

:“Ooi, Yuu!”

The one who called Yuu was a boy who stands out more than him. His hair is a light brown and he also pretty tall. While only facing his face Yuu replied,

:“What is it Kouta?”

Yuu responded to his friend. Itono Kouta. They’ve been friend since elementary school. Although their appearances are alike he’s more of spirited guy that goes well with innocent and pure people.

:“It has been awhile, do you want to go to the arcade? Do you remember that person from middle school you beat up in fighting game? She said she want to face you again for revenge”

From the looks of it, there are two guys from the class waiting for Kouta. They often chat together with both of them during break time, but…

:“…Sorry. I’m not really in the mood”

:“I see. Well, can’t be helped”

Kouta easily nodded and leave the classroom along with the other two.

:“Then see you later”

The smile Kouta left as he leave makes Yuu’s heart aches. As a friend since middle school, he understands Yuu’s “circumstances”. To be taken care by a friend, so pathetic.

Even so, he just doesn’t feel like to have foolish commotion with them. And while pitying his boring self, this time he finally off to leave the classroom── but then once again stopped by an acquaintance.

:“Fuyufu…”

:“If you isolate yourself too much, your relationship with others will worsen”

Kuduchi Fuyufu.

She’s a girl who would perfectly fit wearing S-size uniform, a small-sized petite girl. She’s even shorter than Yuu who’s shorter compared to other guys average height. Yuu look down her head that looks like a doll wrapped with sleek black hair.

In contrast to her small physic, her facial expression it that of a grown-up. Despite having a pretty cute face, something about her is hard to get close to.

:“People call that 『Loner』”

And this part of her who loves to say things too much must be noted.

:“What up with that suddenly?”

:“Nothing”

As she said that, the light of her eyes shows the cold color of condemn.

:“It has been a month since we entered high school. And in this crucial time, I couldn’t help seeing the kid from the neighborhood I used to play with losing even more friends than already is, so I came here to warn you about it. I’m so kind right?”

There are some parts he cannot let go but he got it. He’s not mad from what she said── since it is the truth── but the word “kid from the neighborhood” caught his attention.

Just how long do want to pull back our relationship from elementary school? He would retort.

:“And what about you, do you have any friend?”

In respond Fuyufu let out a casual yawn reminiscent that of a cat.

:“At weekends we’re planning go window shopping, eat sweats in café, and taking flirty and sparkly pictures in photo booth, three of us. Unfortunately they all girls”

…It’s frustrating, but doesn’t sound like a lie. Fuyufu appears to be unfriendly but she has some nice sides as well, and she also has the kind of talent to build a good relationship with others.

Yuu who failed in counterattack can only stand still while looking down at the floor quietly.

:“Then stop caring about me, just go and have fun”

:“Eh? Those girls are busy with clubs so just I came here to play with a loner who seems to have nothing to do though?”

Oh sorry, could it be you didn’t notice? As she look into his face with a pitying look. Against that, Yuu can only clench his fist and hold down his frustration. His effort worth some praises, he thought, but that is an impossible demand to make.

He let out a sigh. It was a mistake for thinking Fuyufu will cheer him up.

:“Sorry but I don’t have any time to spare. Try someone else”

He said as he starts walking. This is what you would call running away. He knew that it’s impossible to win against Fuyufu verbally, if they continue who know when his heart will be broken.

:“Ah…”

Fuyufu’s voice from behind sounds awfully weak.

But she did not chase over him.

When he knows that clearly, he increases his speed and walk off.

Yuu’s back slowly disappears from the hallway, she couldn’t even bid farewell to it.

:“Haaa…”

With expressionless face, Koduchi Fuyufu let out a sigh. It feels like tears flowing up, but she managed to hold it in. It’s not like she’s sad or anything, she’s just a little nervous.

As the tension leave, complaints start pouring out of her mouth.

:“Idiot… that shut-in brat“　

She knew that he’s still shocked about his mother but it has been a year since then, he should’ve noticed his childhood friend’s attitude. It just…

:“Even I did the trouble to comfort him”

:“““No, no, no…. you’re not comforting him at all!”””

Retort the group of three girls in softball and table tennis club uniform who were watching over Fuyufu from afar.

Around 10 minutes from the major private railways near the school, inside the famous market district there is a quiet station building.

And from there he exits the market district, then after more or less twenty minutes of walking he arrived to his destination. They say half century ago a real estate agent purchased this area all together and turn this into residential area, but because of the low birth rate there are a lot of vacant spaces.

And at the back of that residential area, right above the hill, there stood a big house.

It’s surrounded by grassy field and woods, the house that looks dark and pale even in daylight, is rumored to be haunted by the children of the neighborhood.

And in front of that haunted house, Yuu inserted a card key and type in the password of the electronic lock. *Pssssssh*… the sound of air pressure escaping through the cylinder.

He opened the door and entered the house. The evening sunlight passed from the corner of the door. He closed the door from behind and the sound from outside were severed and disappeared into the hollow.

That is the place Kasugai Yuu returns to.

:“…………”

He didn’t think of anything in particular. After tossing some raw ingredients he brought from the market to the fridge, he walked straight to the living room.

He randomly threw his blazer and bag onto the floor and sits on the sofa while still wearing his uniform. His『CtG』 exclusive terminal, Rumeil, is on top of the table and was left charging.

After putting on the familiar device onto his head, he pressed the start switch. A blue light shines from the device, showing that it’s working. *Nnnnn*…. The low startup sound somehow tickles his stomach.

And then, a song can be heard──

His consciousness starts to fades away, melting, changing….

In few seconds, his consciousness will no longer be in this world and have made a journey to other world.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

<div style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | Quest： || Hunt Twenty Goblin.
|- valign="top"
| Difficulty： || D.
|- valign="top"
| Quest Type： || Monsters subjugation.
|- valign="top"
| Special conditions： || Must be done by the player who received the quest.
|- valign="top"
| Detail：
| To hunt down Goblin troops dwelling in the abandoned house of Imperial City White Keter. The king who loves outstanding gladiator is looking for a person who’s willing to take care of those Goblins all by himself. Oh brave hero, show me your strength in this perfect occasion.
|-
| colspan="2" | Rewards are as follows……
|}
</div>

The moment when a mail notification icon was seen on the corner of his vision was when an attack of an axe was swung.

Ignoring the mail for a while, he then quickly swings down his single-edged sword, a seax, onto the enemy’s nape.

:“Keh……!”

The one who let out the low death throes voice, along with its head fell onto the floor, was the Goblin monster. What left from the remaining body is just unsightly pile of meat──

In common RPG they’re the typical small fry monsters and its treatment are no different even in 『CtG』. It is an opponent that even a beginner player can win in one-on-one fight. But on contrary, you need considerable amount of skill to win against large number of them.

Yuu (Clamp) watch over the dead corpse from above── and the next moment, large amount of blood start flowing out of the wounds and some splashed onto the wall. The blood that dyed the wall appears to be sprayed by a spray that splashed out from the dead body.

'''CUT OFF!'''

'''SINGLE BLOW KILLED!!'''

As a special effect of the result of his attack, words gets displayed with the sheds blood, it’s a system called Blood Descript. It’s said that the system added by the graphic designer, and Yuu honestly thought it’s a bad taste. But if this doesn’t exist, some player will feel something is lacking.

:“They sure have good (bad) hobby…”

He muttered as he watches over the surrounding. The passageway of the deserted house is filled with the smell of mold and blood coming out from the Goblin corpses lying on the floor. Even though it’s a corpse, by the fact that it lost all HP it had makes it to looks like nothing but dead mannequin that lacks vividness and animation.

And on the corner of such sight is a blinking icon, and by swinging his line of sight he pulled it to the front. If it’s a normal mail he would open it after he finished his quest, but the color of this icon is red── designating that it’s an “Emergency”.

There’s still one Goblin lurking within this deserted building. There shouldn’t be much problem if it doesn’t attack from a blind spot. While resting his back onto the wall, Clamp open up the mail.

<div style="border:solid 2px red;width:450px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#ffa0a0;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|-
| width="20%" | Sender： || Mifa
|- valign="top"
| Contents： || Somehow it’s born. Contact me immediately
|}
</div>

He stares at it for a while.

:“What the heck is this?”

It’s incomprehensible. It’s from Mifa whom he 《Married》 with after defeating Megalon Evis. Her name is even written as the “Sender”, and a ring icon is shining next to her name.

But no matter how many times he read it, the contents of the mail is simply too abrupt and impossible to understand. Well, anyway, it says she want a contact.

:“Any at rate, I have to reply…”

As he says that, he sensed a presence. But there is no figure of monster on his field of vision── and at the moment he looked up, the Goblin that was hiding above jumped at him!

Being caught completely off guard, he couldn’t afford to swing his sword or even dodge. That’s why Clamp did neither.

He casually let go of his sword and catch the Goblin empty handedly. Even though it’s short, the muscular Goblin is heavy, and he got pushed down by the momentum. As being nailed on the floor, he took a deep breath and,

『Snatch !』

After usage of 《Snatch》action, the notification sound of its succession echo through the building along with a burst of blood.

At the edge of Clamp’s vision a message saying <span style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;">Skill success, you stole a “Hand Axe”</span> is displayed.

What happened was Clamp kicked the Goblin’s body simultaneous equipped the hatchet and attacked the goblin with it. It was strangely unlike him to be so impatient (or to be under pressure, if unrelated to sentences below).

──That 《Marriage》 he did just to achieve his goal.

──“It just inside a game” but…

He couldn’t have but to be curious. That’s right, that mail,

:“It’s from Mifa!”

When he split the Goblin head as if splitting a watermelon, the mail that was left open got dyed in red by the gushed out blood.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

Within crunches that scattered throughout Dragons’ Cradle, you can find a mysterious mirror, when you go inside it you will arrive to “Terminus Cradle”. The world spheres that consisted in 『CtG』 are all connected together in this relay world. It’s what you would call the starting point of all adventurers.

On the blue velvet floor nine mirrors are lined up, this place is the lowest layer called the Parnassus room. As a place for all players to come and go all the time, it has the size of an event hall.

Boarding the elevator that hung at the middle will take you up to the market area.

Stores are sectioned in orderly manner, regardless of the stalls, large variety of merchandise are lined up, from medical herb to machine guns, item from various worlds are being traded here.

:“This place is messed up as always…”

It’s an overwhelming sight no matter how many times you see it. The center of 『CtG』 service is done by NPC (Their appearance is like other player, but they’re character controlled by the program) that in charge of the shops lined up here.

And at the corner of the market area, there stood and lined a facility called Guild Hotel, a facility that often rented by particular communities as gathering and meeting spots.

And at one of those rented facility, inside a small room managed by the guild 【Labyrinth Troupe】, a girl waits for Clamp’s arrival──

:“What… Is that? ……What?”

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

[[File:CtG_v01_img003.jpg|thumbnail|Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.]]

:“Errrmm…”

The thing wrapped in pale colored cloth, the thing that’s resting on Mifa’s lap is…

A baby.

She has the same hair color as Mifa, and the same eye color as Clamp.

The figure that’s wrapped in fluffy and soft babywear appears to be less than a year old. She blinked and looked at Clamp with her strangely powerful eyes while holding Mifa’s finger with her marshmallow-like round hand with the lightness of cotton.

Mifa, who wore mixed expression of half-hearted feeling of cry and laugher, lifted her head and says,

:“Somehow, a baby… was born”

………………

He never heard about this. Never. It’s indeed that he had 《Marriage》 event with Mifa, but, even so…. You know, they never did anything that would make a baby appear, and such system doesn’t exist in 『CtG』 in the first place.

Even so...

The moment he sees the figure of the baby, the feeling of guilt and pair of anxiety (or worries, your choice) instantly froze his body. Somehow Fuyufu’s face appears in his head, delivering a cold stare of contempt and disgust, that image were planted deep inside.

:“K-Keep yourself together! I’ve been in panic from quite a while ago!”

:“Aa…. Sorry. This is quite an unexpected situation…”

Because she made loud voice earlier, the baby’s gaze switched to her. A baby’s reflex actions are all abrupt and sudden. Mifa were flinched and let out a fake smile. The baby was emotionless but opened her mouth curiously.

T-That’s right. First they need to calm down. Clamp took a deep breath.

Calmly── Lets handle this situation calmly. Let’s first short out the known and unknown stuff, they need to first understand the current situation. There’s the phrase “DON’T PANIC!” in the best-selling 『CtG』 strategy book , 『CtG Hitchhiker’s Guide』 (unofficial), isn’t it.<ref>Reference to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy].</ref>

First if all, let’s hear what happened.

:“Side aside the baby… what is that big thing?

:“Aaaa── ….”

Mifa didn’t answer for a while. She glanced at “that big thing” while clumsily shooting the baby on her arms. Clamp followed her gaze. Then,

:“This child is the daughter of two of you”

The one who said that…<br>
Said that…<br>
Was…<br>
A stuffed doll.

On top of the two resting purpose beds in the cramped room, was a huge mushroom stuffed doll. It has limbs although it’s a mushroom. Its width is as wide as its height and its face looks doodled by an oil pen. That thing is 『CtG』 mascot named 『Kinokino』<ref>Kinoko (茸) is Japanese for mushroom.</ref> based on an existing monster in the game. However, its size varies from fifty centimeters to 1 till 6 meters.

And that giant mushroom had certainly just spokes.

''*CRASH!*'' The sound of Clamp hitting the wall of the hotel.

:“It spoke!? I’ve never heard that Kinokino can speak!”

Clamp once again panicked like before but for different reason. In respond, the Kinokino gentlemanly lower its head.

:“Non<ref>Payakino often speak Italian, for… some reason.</ref> (No). My name is Payakino, a Nanny NPC”

:“Nanny…?”

:“Ui (Yes). To take care of children born from 《Marriage》 Event is my function as well as my duty”

Why it speaks like a monsieur even though it’s a nanny? It has high-pitched voice, or more like, it sounds synthesized. Its gender is also unclear. No, more than that…

:“Wait a moment, I never heard that baby will be born after 《Marriage》”

Yuu got lost in thought a bit, but if they believe what the person (?) said, then this NPC prepared by the system will answer it all.

The doll── Payakino then explain.

:“Not knowing what will happen. That is the thrill of RPG”

It’s a mushroom who loves saying whatever it wants.

But that sounds fair. It’s not like everything about the event is written on the manual, and considering this is an ultra-rare event no wonders unexpected thing would happen.

He was about to ask more question, but then stopped by Mifa.

:“I’ll explain first. Along with the time this baby appeared”

Mifa’s story didn’t go that well with her hair constantly being pulled by the baby, but summarizing it briefly it goes as follows:

When she log-in as usual── she arrives at the Japanese-styled world, Bushido Grave southern church── And there stood Payakino that deliberately lower its head in front of her.

Witnessing this mushroom…… thing, Mifa were truly startled, presumably more than she should had. Furthermore that mushroom was carrying a baby, and just like that it claimed that the baby is Mifa’s.

At first Mifa thought there must be some kind of mistake, but Payakino knows great detail about Mifa and Clamp, furthermore it has 『CtG』 digital signature of Imagine Ekphrasis corporation that shown in the extended manual.

In short── The pair of players are randomly given a child to raise and have it grown. But if either of the players refuses, this event will become invalid. And so on.

Naturally, this is not the kind of situation that can be simply solved by herself, Clamp’s opinion is required, and so she called him to this hotel──

:“──How do you think?”

Against Mifa’s gaze after she finished the story, Clamp groaned.

:“How… even if you say so”

It’s a bit problematic. Clamp tried to look for information about this system he never heard before, but…

:“You know…. I think it is okay to raise her”

Mifa is unexpectedly up for the idea. Was *** just his imagination?

The baby then naturally switched her gaze at him.

Their “daughter” seems to like Mifa’s hair texture and continues to play with it.

Cute. He simply thought that.

Even though it looks she’s playing she did not show any smile, could it be because she still don’t understand emotions yet, or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just poor? Yuu who never taken care a baby before couldn’t reach a decision. That’s why he speaks what he thought.

:“……But, won’t it be troublesome? Rising a child”

:“You think? From what I read from the manual and heard from Payakino, we can just ask all knowledge and skill we need for it, and Payakino will take care of her when we logged out.
:If you’re too busy I’ll try to raise her alone… and, isn’t it okay to not think about it too much?”

She smiled comfortably.

:“This just a game after all”

The reason he agree with that, is it because Mifa’s optimistic way of thinking? Or because the guilt of having the baby disappears when he refuses? Or he just simply wanted to finish this event to the end? Even Yuu himself is unsure.

But, in contrary to Clamp’s nodding, Kasugai Yuu felt uneasy and has worries about this strange chain of events.

The criteria asides, only those who are perfect with each other must marry, was truly the right way of thinking. Even that person will one day regret that she chose the wrong partner. However an NPC baby were born without warning, it feels to be slightly off from 『CtG』 developer’s typical unscrupulous surprises.

It came from Kasugai Mana’s game philosophy, Yuu’s mother who continues to work for Imagine Ekphrasis in the third development office of 『Cradle to The Grave』 as the lead developer till the day of her death.

:“Let’s give her a name!”

Clamp, who was thinking while staring at the floor, got called and he returned his gaze to Mifa in a hurry.

:“Name?”

:“Yes. This child still doesn’t have a name. We must gave her one”

Mifa held out the baby to Clamp when she says that. The baby’s pitch black pupil looks straight to his eyes.

Uuuu…. He receives the baby while trembling.

The baby that’s now resting on his arms is unexpectedly soft and terrifyingly light. It’s much lighter than the cat Fuyufu kept in her house.

The part where the gravity center did not changes when remained idle might because the lack of data inputted. And also the baby stays the same even on Clamp’s clumsy hand, instead of just simply meek it feels like it lacking of something.

──This child… did not possess full human body. That’s natural. NPC are people with human body but not a human, let alone this baby that was just recently made.

He felt that.

He felt that really well.

Together, he wanted to blow life into this empty vessel, into the empty existence. Just like being friend with dolls that we treat as if having personality.

He recalled back his young days as he think about that. It was the time when Kasugai Yuu played with his first friend. What he did that time was, playing house.

It just like the current situation. The girl from that time named the doll she has. Yes, the name was──

:“How about… Haruha? This child’s name”

It was name that was taken from his memories. Although the baby in question didn’t have any reaction in particular,

:“Hee…?”

Somehow Mifa opens her eyes wide, not blinking at all.

:“……? What about it?”

:“Aaa……… unn, nothing. I think it’s a good name.
:Haruha…… Haruha-chan huh. Nn, it has a cute sound on it”

After that she continues to repeat, Haruha, Haruha, again and again.

She seems to like the name as well, the baby── Haruha then returns to Mifa’s arms.

While embracing the small body, Mifa narrowed her eyes gently and formed a broad smile with her mouth.

Clamp who feels something on his chest divert his eyes.

And then the two… No, three of them, along with Payakino with its featureless face, continue to watch over the baby in delight.

And thus the two players who are wandering in the world of 『Cradle to The Grave』, Clamp and Mifa, were linked together by Haruha’s arrival. Her birth was just too sudden and treated very lightly.

The time for them to learn about the meaning of that day, that moment, is still far in the future.

<center><big><big>◇◆◇</big></big></center>

Two months had passed in a flash after that incident.

Every day they visits guild hotel in Terminus Cradle── Not the hotel rented by 【Labyrinth Troupe】, but the one prepared by Payakino── Mifa and Clamp’s first and furthermost job is to talk with Haruha.

According to Payakino that resides at the corner of the room, the first thing Haruha need for her growth is “Words” and after that is “Experience”.

Both of them simply hold conversations with Haruha who continues to cling at them. They also do information exchange as part of their small talk.

When they tired talking, they would show some replay videos. It is part of Ramiel purchase bonus called private data storage, it would automatically record images in time of in-events.

This ends up affecting Yuu’s real life. He would often go absentminded and would be reminded by others, like in this instance at the school hallway.

:“Yuu”

:“Ueeeuwawaaaa!!? F-Fuyufu…?”

:“…What is it? You look strangely in a good mood, I thought. And your reaction just now is like that of a man being caught having an affair”

:“No way, that’s absolutely not, right?”

:“Why are you asking yourself…? Well anyway,
:……Is something happening recently? You seems to be awfully want to go back in a hurry”

:“Nothing in particular… I’m just busy”

: “Hmmm… Even so you appear to be way more energetic than before”

Might be, he thought.

When Fuyufu pursued the reason, cold sweats are leaving his skin. Why did that happen? He tried to not think about.

Payakino said, due to 『CtG』 system ──embryo’s effects or whatever── Haruha’s growth are accelerated. She became larger at incomparable speed compared to normal children.

In fact, Haruha learned how to talk in such short time.

:“Mommy!”

There is the figure of Mifa, raising her fist high to the air, taking a guts pose along with Clamp who sits down, depressed.

:“Next say “Father”, please”

He patted Haruha’s head, which where her hair had extended at considerable length. It has ticklish soft feel. Haruha rings her throat several times, letting out “Auuu” sounds while burying her face into Clamp’s chest like a mole.

Mifa also has some changes happening in her private life.

Previously, she log-in around 8:00 to 9:00 at night and would log-out after midnight, but ever since Haruha was born, she would appear in Terminus Cradle at six o’clock. There also days where she shows up earlier before Clamp.

When asked why, she answered with,

:“......It also because I want to meet Haruha, but stuff happened and I no longer have to do club activities. Because of that now I have time to spare”

Her answer was a bit worrisome, but…

She said clubs, so it means she’s either high school or junior high school student── He thought a little.

After two months Haruha have earned the body and mind of two years old.

:“Maybe it’s about the time we should show her other world spheres”

Following Payakino’s advice, they took Haruha outside. Since they’re bringing a child, they only roam around cities to guarantee her safety.

For example, in the White Keter Imperial City in Dragons’ Grave. From afternoon to midnight, millions of players are flooding this giant city, and within such mess the small Haruha continues to cling to Mifa’s arms while being simply being stunned.

They thought bringing Haruha who’s an infant would stand out, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Thinking back, baby NPC normally exist in this world, and babysitter part-time job is one of classic early quests.

However Haruha, unlike normal “predetermined sloppiness” baby NPC has── do not wet herself or crying in the middle of night. She doesn’t even need to sleep or eat to begin with.

In the historical world, Bushido Grave Oedo capital, they watch over the fireworks sparkling on the sky on a houseboat sailing above the waterway. Right on his side is Mifa wearing a relaxing light blue Kimono<ref>Kimono (着物) is a Japanese traditional garment. Although I’m sure over 80% of people who read this already know it.</ref>, while singing a song in a clear beautiful voice.

It’s a song he never heard before, and it doesn’t appear to be one of those stereotyped song from the game.

:“………Do you like singing?”

When he asked, Mifa blushes a bit.

:“Well, yeah, but it just a hobby. I can’t let out loud voice at home so I practice here”

From her way of talking, it seems she play this game as replacement for karaoke box. Indeed, you don’t need that much money to use rental terminal (Ramiel), and it is way cheaper than going to a karaoke. Unsurprisingly, people with home-related circumstances are quite a lot.

:“It’s a foreign folk song I arranged myself…… I’m sorry if it’s bad”

Mifa who shyly said that let out a modest singing voice in the sparkling night, her skill is truly great and makes her words from earlier sounds like a mere modesty. Hearing that, he speak what he had in mind,

:“Your song, I love it. I don’t know much about song, but it has transparent feelings or something”

That transparent-like singing voice, as if fast-forwarded, lost its pitch and shakes, that moment Clamp saw Mifa’s bewildered eyes.

After replying “Thanks…” with blank look, Mifa resume the song. And behind those words of her, her face appears to be shrinking.

(Eeeh? Did I sound like flattering…?)

As he thinks about that, a warm sensation rides on his knee. It’s Haruha. Daddy, daddy, she says in lisp, like a little creature she stirring restlessly above his knees.

Small. Round, wherever you stroke her. It’s soft like a full-body cushion. She tries to stands wobbly but easily fell, and “Uuu~” stares at him curiously.

──Ultimately, she’s cute.

That must be because she won’t cry in quirky timing, her diapers wouldn’t suddenly be “that”, and she won’t barfs her launch, since she doesn’t have any of that, she is purely cute.

A daughter that won’t cause trouble to her parents, it might be truly an ideal child to have.

But not seeing her sleeping and crying face makes Clamp (Kasugai Yuu) feels something is lacking. Mifa might be thinking the same thing as their eyes met each other.

But if compared to parents who are suffering from parenting their child, they can’t really ask for such luxury.

Their wishes might won’t come true, but.

As Haruha slowly grows and learn more words, she began to show more emotions.

:“……Daddy, Mommy, you’re slow!”

That day── A month after Haruha’s birth.

With her five-year-olds figure, Haruha made Clamp and Mifa to kneel<ref>Seiza (正座), an act of begging for forgiveness in Japan.</ref> in front of her.

In the usual hotel room. Haruha folded her arms together. It’s amazing how a baby who used to be so round and small became……… so grown up and dazzling. And beside her is Payakino deliberately playing with a shinai<ref>A type of bamboo/wooden sword, often used for sword training in Japan.</ref>, swinging it back and forth.

:“You two said you will come as soon as possible!”

Haruha’s enraged voice sounds similar to angry Mifa’s. And her awkward tone of voice reflects her innocent childishness.

:“The soy sauce at the market was in sell… and it was very crowded”
:“I-I’m sorry… something happened at little in the house”

The two of them earnestly apologize, with a silky voice as if reading a script.

:“Ah, look Haruha. I brought a throwing knife. See, it has cute sculpture on it, it’s small and light so even girl can easily use it!”

Clamp took out the throwing knife from his item box and shows it. It’s within a small six sheet sets, it’s also popular as both accessory and decoration.

:”Really? A weapon for souvenir, that’s why boys are no good”

After staring at Clamp with eyes of contempt, Mifa turned to Haruha with a smile.

:”Look Haruha, equip this 『Crimson Tree』 Mommy brought for you. It’s a Kimono armor sold in Bushido Grave!”

:”Haruha won’t be fooled with presents!”

Various items were presented to please her, but it seems Haruha’s displeasure won. *Tch*, Clamp mad at his own lamentably.

Haruha’s item storage is already filled full with presents like children guitar, canned slime, dragons’ bone (fake), and mechanical dolls from the two of them. Small Haruha used to unconditionally happy by their present and that makes them want to gives her more.

:“You two just overdid it!”

While sullenly sigh, Haruha sits down on Mifa’s knee.

Her mind’s growth seems to be slower than her body, even though she would often walk around by herself, Haruha is still a spoiled mole she is. She loves playing with weapon Clamp and others brought for her but she love hugging Clamp and Mifa more.

:“Haruha…… waited long you know”

That’s why her eyes looks very lonely as she stares at both of them while twisting herself in Mifa’s arm.

That’s right. Haruha have always, waited.

Not just waiting together with Payakino at daytime. Even though she has place to sleep, as the residence of 『CtG』, action of “Sleeping” do not exist within her. So, at day and night, she continues to wait for Clamp and Mifa, fully awake the entire time.

From now, let’s give up soy sauce sell and protect your promise. Says Payakino through its mind while beating Yuu (Clamp) with its shinai.

:“Hiyaaa!?”

Screamed Mifa as she sees the head of Kobold<ref>Based on yet another Germanic mythology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobold).</ref> fly up to the air. The monster’s face that appeared suddenly was cut by Clamp as it come across── <b>Critical Hit!!</b>

The blood splash in flashy manner and formed latters. Mifa avoids the bloody shower so it doesn’t hit the lantern she’s carrying. After that she weakly lets out amazed voice,

:“Ughh…… it’s amazing you’re fine with that. A severed head…… even now I’m still not okay with it. And those that walk with two legs are especially scary”

Mine area of Dragons’ Grave. “It’s about the time for Haruha to learn about battle, take her with you and show her the drill” Following Payakino’s advice, Clamp and Mifa are currently previewing low difficulty quests for that future plan.

Subjugation quest 【Tunnel Kobold Extermination】 is as the name implies a quest to hunt certain numbers of Kobold within the back of the mine, it’s a quest for beginners.

While wielding his blood dyed sword, Clamp illuminates the surrounding with his lantern. It was then Mifa asks,

:“Is it because you’re a boy? Are you type who likes zombie movie?”

:”It’s not like that, but…”

Letting out troubled voice, Clamp tries to come out with proper answer.

:”You often say it too right. This just a game, you said”

:”Even though it’s this real?”

:”Exactly because it’s this real. Having my strength increased able me to perform amazing movements, every time I perform superhuman-like skills through semi-automatic combat I feel ascertained differences between my actual self.
:The strong me right now is not actual me. That’s why I can properly separate both”

:“Not your real self huh…”

Clamp who was being wary of the surrounding did not Mifa was looking down in bitterness. Half consciously, Clamp speaks why he had in mind.

:“The more realistic a virtual reality becomes, it decreases the player’s external sense to real world. It was my mother’s theory, that’s why this game──”

:“Mother?”

Clamp let out a bitter face as he realized his own mistakes. And it’s a face that is unthinkable coming from that composed self-confidence “Clamp of Scarabaeus”. Something inside Mifa is being fueled.

:“So your mom plays game too. What kind of person?”

:“It’s not important right”

But his rejection by not wanting to face her face is instead does nothing but to lure her interest. Mifa is that kind of person.

:“It’s okay right. We’re husband and wife for once”

While continue to plead, Mifa cling to Clamp’s empty hand. Mifa then confirmed her victory after realizing Clamp just stopped his breath.

:“Why are you so flustered? This just inside a game isn’t it?”

Clamp who got a point taken groaned, and while being upset he says,

:“Come on, let’s look more into the back”

And they begin to walk while Mifa keep hanging on his arm.

After a while, the dim light of the lantern starts to fades away, Mifa let out a little gasp and they continue to walk through the dark tunnel.

They walk, little by little, the boy and girl restlessly snuggled themselves with the natural heat. That heat do not comes from the lanterns fire or magic. That’s why, no matter how much time had passed, the heat won’t cool down.

:“It might be just a game”

The one who speak after that was Mifa.

:“Just a game, but Haruha is cute, right”

:“……That’s right”

The moment Clamp formed a smile with his mouth, Mifa hold down her chuckle.

:“You’re just like me……”

After holding back her laughter she lets out a smile, and the remaining heat disappears.

:“What happened Yuubocchi<ref>It’s combination of Yuu, the protagonist’s name, and the word “bocchi” (ぼっち) which means “loner”.</ref>? Thinking hard like that, very unlike you”

:“What the heck was…… that? It sounds like derogatory term coming from a fairy tale”

:“Sounds like a name of a fairy right? A person who always alone = could be a strange creature that only I can see, that is 『Yuubocchi』”

:“It sounds pretty scary…”

It was in the cafeteria during lunch break he got called like that by Fuyufu.

Even though he got savings that his mother left behind, he couldn’t afford wasting money when thinking about the future. On other hand, because of 『CtG』 he doesn’t have much time to make lunch, so he have been living off with one bread every day.

But, a little while ago in 『CtG』 while in the middle of talking with Haruha, he lost his consciousness and were forced logged out── In other words “Sleep Failing” ── caused by his lack of sleep and declining health. In order to spend more time where Haruha, he begins to properly eat healthy food every day.

That’s why, in order to get inexpensive meal every day he goes to cafeteria, and naturally eating together with Fuyufu becomes daily occurrence. He stares at Fuyufu who sits on the on the other side of the table with her Kitsune Udon<ref>Otherwise known as Fox Udon, it’s hot udon with sweetened deep-fried tofu pockets topping which known to be Japanese fox spirit favorite food, hence forth, “Fox”.</ref>, and let out a terribly vague question,

:“Fuyufu, do you think there are hearts dwelling inside computer?”

:“What’s up out of the blue?”

Maybe because her emotions are bland, Fuyufu appears to be spacing out, but even so her academic score is pretty high. Unlike Yuu who only play games, Fuyufu read lots of books.

After sipping her udon while raising her hair so it didn’t get into the soup, she answer,

:“It depends on your definition of “heart”, but it’s impossible to create self-consciousness through programs and calculation, is the theory I heard once before. Something about quantum brain theory or whatever”

:“But isn’t that only applies for <i>current</i> computers?”

Fuyufu responds with “You mean?” face. Yuu had felt that he became too opinionated. While pointing her with the chopsticks he used to stab his fish hamburger, he continues.

:“It’s 『CtG』. You know, the computer used for that is known for having stronger capability than any others. If it has that much power, won’t it be possible to create human-like mind?”

But Fuyufu unceremoniously shook her head.

:“It’s not the problem of capability or processing power. It’s the nature of the problem itself. No matter how fast it calculates, even a computer than can respond to various situation, it would give the same result as other computers. Even if it can create the same entrance and exit as human, it won’t able to create the same maze inside. “Heart” is, that maze. If you want to create the same thing…… there’s no other choice but to give those computers flesh and blood as well”

After saying it like javelin, she continues.

:“Or could it be, Yuu, you heard something about it? The computer used in that…… did you heard that from your mother?”

Fuyufu let out a regret face as she said that. It might just be a slip of tongue mentioning his mother, but it’s impossible to say that he didn’t care about it.

:“Could it be, a one-in-the world machine exist somewhere…… no way, I’ve never heard anything about it. Even if I heard about it I wouldn’t know”

:”That might be so”

Because of rude agreement, the conversation stops for a while. Over three quarters of seats in the school cafeteria are filled with students bustling. Within that environment, the distant they had that allowed them to distinguish the sound of dishes, that distant just like old time ago.

In contrast to Yuu who fell silent, Fuyufu opened her mouth after she finished swallowing her udon.

:“Yuu…… did something happened in that game?”

His heart jumped. Spoken words can’t be taken back. Fuyufu persist with her gaze.

:“Could it be…… Non Player Character, is it? Did you fell in love with one or something? That’s why you ask stuff about heart and all……”

It’s not a direct hit, but it was a blow that managed to grazes his neck. Even so,

:“Of course not, it’s not about that”

It’s not a lie so he voice was straight. But Fuyufu continues to press on the matter.

:“…………Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00012.jpeg|thumbnail|“…......Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”]]

:“I-It’s just your imagination"

Somehow an image of Mifa tilting her head mumbling “Nn? Nn?” appears on his head. It’s not her. She’s not NPC, much less a girlfriend. She’s something else. The thing happened in the mine, she was just messing around.

Fuyufu suspiciously stare at him then avert her eyes in displeasure.

Fuyufu stay silent after that. After she finish silently consuming her udon, she took a paper napkin and start folding it.

:“……Yuu. Do you know why I don’t play that game (『CtG』)?”

:“Eh…… Because you’re not interested in it?”

She had always like that. No matter how much time he recommend it, Fuyufu never lay her hand on 『CtG』. When Yuu became teenager, he gradually becomes addicted to the game his mother help developed, and ever since his distant with Fuyufu slowly growing larger and larger. But.

“Wrong”

Incorrect. Fuyufu abruptly stands up, holding her tray and turned away. And then, while showing her back, she tells the correct answer.

“──It because I hate it”

After seeing off the small back of hers, Yuu dropped his eyes to one of paper cranes left on the table. As if harboring the displeasure of the creator, it directed straight to Yuu’s direction. Yuu naturally leaks a sigh.

It seems he had offended her somehow, but he couldn’t figure out why. That was pathetic. It had always been like that. Kasugai Yuu won’t able to understand others’ feeling unless it’s said out loud.

Speaking of not knowing, his question towards Fuyufu still did not provide satisfying answer.

(──No matter how high-spec the computer is, it can’t bring “heart” to life.
Then, is Haruha who express so much emotion also a… “Fake”?)

But Haruha is clearly different compared to other NPC. Even though 『CtG』 NPC possess surprisingly large amount of various actions, it simply piles of numbers of behavior patterns. If you continue to talk to them, you will feel an inevitable sense of Déjà vu. At first Yuu also thought, that Haruha is one of those kind of thing.

Haruha do not feel or smell like program at all. Every day every time she shows various different expressions on a whim, it never stop changing── he never seen her showing “same face” at all. It might be that she change as she grow, creating new behavior pattern each passing day.

But there were certainly moments where such trick couldn’t explain. That’s probably because she has what called wisdom.

:“Daddy, what is that?”

It was in the usual hotel room she asks that.

That time Clamp is facing the item 『Parchment』──A paper── he spread on the table. Mifa is late because of some errands she got in real world, so Clamp is together alone with Haruha.

He folds the parchment paper and creates a shape.

:“It’s Origami<ref>A art of paper folding in Japan, it frankly means “to fold a paper”.</ref>. I’m making a 『Yakko-san』”

:”Origami? Yakko-san?”

Haruha climb the table with her own body a peek what’s on Clamp’s hand. He attempt to give an answer to her bright sparkling eyes but── it was unexpectedly hard to explain.

That’s why he continues to fold quietly and finally complete the “Yakko-san”.

When presented to Haruha, she receives it curiously. She sits on top of the table and inspects it closely.

Looking at her like that reminds him of the figure of young Fuyufu. Origami is a play the learned together, the first time he finished making one, she also look at the paper crane he made just like that.

:“What is, this?”

:“What do you think this is?”

The reason why return the question might because he recalled back the conversation he had with Fuyufu before. Can Haruha, who was born from computer, “feel” shapes?

Haruha did not answer immediately. She just continues to stare deep the “Yakko-san”, and then, she answer.

:“Is this… Haruha?”

It’s the time for Clamp to be troubled.

:“Nnn…… half correct. That is the paper model of a person who used to work as a servant<ref>It’s written as 奴(やっこ) or Yakko, it is the name/title for servant of Samurai family from Edo period, to put it in a bad way, it means slave</ref>. Look, it has legs and arms right? In other word, it’s a doll”

:“A doll…”

Haruha look at “Yakko-san” for a while then stroke her head with her finger, and suddenly she looked up.

:“Haruha want to make one too. A more, bigger one!”

The girl’s hands are moving like magic.

She only saw Clamp making it once, but she folds the papers in a terrifying precision without hesitation. Open, and by the time he notice, “Yakko-san” was already completed.

He had heard that origami has mathematical structure, and this is precisely that. Even 『CtG』 that possess a lot of mechanical works, there’s no such skill called origami auto-folding. Nevertheless, the skill that Haruha possess── is certainly, a mechanical thing.

As if proving that his hunch was correct, Haruha once again fold another “Yakko-san” in an instant, it is identically the same as previous one. Rather than the same work, it’s more of a copy.

(As I thought…… she’s different from us)

Such obvious thing, why is he disappointed realizing it now? It’s a strange story. What operates Haruha is 『CtG』 and the thing that operates it is no other than computer, accomplishing small thing like this is not surprising at all.

──However, Haruha’s hand stopped as she works on the third one.

Open and fold again, after some trails and errors, “Yakko-san” is finally finish, but somehow it looks strangely different from the previous ones, its head is a little too big.

:“? This is……”

In respond to confused Clamp, Haruha let out a warm fufun voice and a smile, and then she asks.

:“What do you think this is?”

:“Nn…… could it be, Payakino-san?”

The one who answered that wasn’t Clamp, but Mifa who appeared out of nowhere. Haruha sharpened her mouth saying “It’s was a quiz for Daddy!”, Mifa replied with a sorry and lift up Haruha’s body and put her down onto the floor.

:”Sitting on table is bad”

:”But then I won’t able to make origami”

Rather than mother and daughter, both of them looks like a sister. Clamp then return his gaze towards four origami on the table.

There are two big “Yakko-san”, one mushroom-like thing, and one small “Yakko-san”.

Needless to say── It’s Clamp, Mifa, Payakino, and Haruha together.

:““Is this… Haruha?””
:““A doll””

He recalled back Haruha’s words.

Clamp── Kasugai Yuu, felt hatred towards himself.

(Why did I think like that? “As I thought…… she’s different from us”?)

Even though he bad mouthed Fuyufu who denied personality that born from game, just now he treated Haruha like a foreign object. But she put him in. Within the origami family, figure Clamp is in there.

She is…… she’s such a child. Furthermore,

Being thought only the concept of “Origami”, Haruha created a mushroom-shape by herself. She can create “free ideas” from given information. No matter how splendid an artificial intelligence is, there’s no way it can do that.

Mysterious, strange, but helplessly cute “daughter”.

Haruha.

(How should I treat this child?)

Recently, because he prioritize meeting Haruha, he had neglected his goal to fully complete 『CtG』. Even though raising a child is not the event he should take care of.

Whatever happens, he must play through everything in 『CtG』.

The more he likes Haruha, the more troubled he becomes.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

:”Ahahaha”

But strangely he no longer worries about his concern when he looks at Haruha’s smile.

Two months had passed since Haruha was born. She quickly had obtained what human call the physique of seven-years-old.

:“It’s shaking. It’s shaking, daddy!”

Just a while ago she walked like an awkward doll but now she’s running around in the carriage like an energetic cat.

Western-styled world Sphere “Gunman’s Grave”. The powers of firearms in here are multiply times stronger than in other Sphere, this is world for Gunman.

Starting from the capital city, you will find huge railway connected to various locations across the towns and villages in this world, it’s essential for traveling in Gunman’s Grave and is part of tourist attraction. It’s a large locomotive that you won’t find anywhere in modern Japan, and the views outside the shaken carriage are magnificent.

Today is public holiday in real world, so Clamp and Mifa enters 『CtG』 during the day. Since they have a lot of time to spare they asked Haruha where she wanted to go and she answered that she want to try riding a train.

And so, the three of them boarded the train and enjoy the scenery from the window. It’s wilderness as far as eye can see. From distant you can see a wild Land Worm (A large roundworm-like monster) being hunted by couple of cowboys with their monster rifle.

When Clamp is captivated with this virtual landscape, Mifa stand from her seat and yelled at Haruha.

:“Haruha, don’t you’re bothering other guests so please calm down”
:”Okke~!”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00013.jpeg|thumbnail|Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother.]]

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother. It was Mifa’s present made in Bushido Grave, ependymal (upper garment) armor.

It was Haruha’s first “dress up”.

:“She’s quite energetic”

Clamp leaks out a smile seeing the scene of this mother-daughter exchange.

The border passages in the carriage are divided into two rows. Sitting right on the other side of Clamp is Mifa are a kind-looking elderly couple.

From the small talk they had before, this couple wanted to enjoy their leisure time after retirement but they worried about their health if they’re going on a trip…… eventually they decided on going to virtual world instead. They both love easy way of thinking and is a very harmonious married couple.

:“That young lady in Kimono, whose little sister is she?”

:“Ha, haa…”

Clamp and Mifa’s replies are inevitably ambiguous. They couldn’t help but to speak humbly when talking to older people. Even so, if they answer honestly it would dozens times sounds more like a lie.

Unaware of their confusion, the elderly couple speaks in merry voice as if saying “this is the main topic”.

:“Could it be, both of you are couple?”

:“”Ah, no, not””

This time, the two of them stomp the table and stood up, and smoothly answers. Both of them are certainly a married couple in『CtG』 but not a tiny bit a “couple” even once.

The old lady seemed to be a little disappointed. And the husband next to her rebuked with “Don’t so thoughtless” and changes the topic.

:”Using travel PC, even old people like us and that young lady can go on a trip without worry”

Travel PC (Player Carrier) is one of 『CtG』 unique system that allows youngsters and even elderly to experience the virtual world. They do not receive any damage from battle or a player attack. It is commonly known as “Travel” and even player below twelve years old can essentially dive into the game.

In 『CtG』 body damage and endurance value (HP) are placed on entire different concept. Body damage and wound received will slowly heal and regenerates even when the remaining HP is low, but when all HP completely gone it will be automatically be a game over. In case of Travel PC, their HP is infinite and would never receive a game over in battle

:“I still intends on staying as an active gamer. But playing on a normal avatar is bad for my heart or something and this wife of mine won’t let me”

:“But dear, this is different from a video game you know”

The wife’s words then interrupted. Before they knew it, Haruha had appeared beside her, pulling her sleeves. Haruha looked up at the old lady, and curiously says,

:“Haruha is not a Travel?”

As she just said, while being a child Haruha is not a Travel PC. That’s why Payakino told them to watch over her very carefully.

However, from the eyes of people who don’t know the circumstances it’s a mere violation of term.

:”Hn? But, kid at your age──”

:”But Haruha is……Mogyuh!?”

:”N-No! It’s not that! This kid doesn’t really know how the system works so!”

Mifa let out a fake smile as she forcibly hold Haruha to prevent her from saying anything further. The elderly couple then easily convinced and stroke Haruha’s head, in exchange Haruha narrowed her eyes happily.

And so, it was pretty heart beating scene of explaining Haruha’s circumstances that even her guardians haven’t fully grasp on.

The weather outside is good and the scenery spreads are beautiful, they are blessed with cheerful companion in the journey. Mifa, and also Haruha, seems to be in a good mood as well.

I’m glad coming here── He wanted everyone to let out that finest praise for this trip, in this holiday afternoon.

But then, the train stops by sudden break in the middle of the wilderness.

In a way, this can be called as a well-executed train robbery.

The railway is blocked by a drove of large Land Worm, good thing the train stopped in the right time.

But after that, the safe box that was placed on the wagon collapsed.

The strength of security NPC is nothing great, and can be easily overwhelm by player status. That far must be according to their plan. But, inside the safe was empty. It seems they caught false information by other player’s mischief.

And then.

The four angered robber boarded the carriage Clamp and others are in.

:“Okay, don’t move! Frankly saying, I’m really strong!”

The one who shouted throughout the passage seats are a bearded man who seems to be the leader of the robbery. He appears to be old due to his beard, but his voice is unexpectedly youthful. He must be at age of young adult.

:”This is a robbery for collecting fund for conquering Marionette Grave. We’re on complete different level compared to those who just playing around! Got it!?”

What the man say “Marionette Grave” is a newly released world Sphere, world of cyber punk. In other to conquer it, expensive equipment is essential. Within group of inpatient player, there are people who dare to cross the dangerous line in order to collect fund just like this.

Seeing from Expansion (AR) mode, all information all filtered other than their level, and around their shoulder there are red placards (tag) floating above them. If someone try to attack someone on public facilities he/she will receives 《Criminal》 red tag, and for a period of time, they will be registered as target of subjugation quest.

As expected from those who want to be on top, their levels are certainly higher than Clamp.

:“Listen, we will collect 1/3 of your money after this. If you quietly give it to us, we won’t kill you. Not a bad deal right?”

Penalty given when dying is “Losing half of possessed gold”, it’s certainly not bad deal. More than anything, even though the pain is reduced, dying in this overly realistic 『CtG』 world will give quite a fear until getting used to. It was a quite valid threat on its own way.

The other three man under the bearded man walk through the cramped passages way and start collecting, each of then threating their pray with their gun.

“H-Hiaaaa….. D-don’t shot! I will die!”

One of them pointed his guy at a girl wearing a nun (Sister) outfit who sits nearby. All other robbers are one stage lower than the bearded man but still on higher level than Clamp. They’re considerably stronger than Mifa.

(Maybe… No, don’t think about resisting……)

Peeking at Haruha who hugged tightly by Mifa, Clamp let out a sigh. If he were alone, he would think of resisting and prepared betting a Game Over, but now he had Mifa and Haruha.

Seeing the passengers being obedient, the bearded man licks his lips in delight. The color of his pupil appears to have brightens it seems he activated Extended (AR) mode vision.

“First of all, in order to not let anyone do anything strange in the middle of collecting money, we will be taking some hostages.
………The first one will be that pseudo Sister, and who will be next I think. No matter how much they resist, we can’t really make a Travel who cannot be killed as a hostage”

Somehow he got a bad feeling, and it was a hit.

As if licking through the passenger within, the bearded man shop around with his gaze, and his eyes stopped at Mifa.

:“Oi, you woman there, you’re not a Travel right!”

Being called, Mifa screamed in respond. Clamp floats his waist.

(This is bad…!)

It was a frustration he never felt before, he have lost his composure.

But that anxiousness was not because of Mifa.

:”No, Haruha don’t!”

By the time they realize, she have already escape from Mifa’s arm.

The girl in red Kimono── Haruha left the passage, and faced the bearded man around seven meters away.

The bearded man, and other robbers and the passages, must have first realized after Mifa raised a scream. He looks at Haruha as if just inhaled a poisonous gas.

:“Oi…… what is it brat. I don’t have business with a Travel──”

The bearded man’s words were interrupted.

Deeply.

He then noticed a Throwing Knife stuck on his shoulder.

:“Oooh….?”

It was a unique sensation of『CtG』. Because of the system, the pain is changed to slight sense of discomfort so you won’t feel any actual pain. But, that’s why the sensation of cold metal transmitted into his flesh can be clearly felt── passing beyond the realm of pain, he were haunted by an illusion of being a corpse.

And then the bearded man saw. The young girl in red Kimono, slowly come close and throw the second knife.

So casually, so agilely, and without hesitation.

Now is his flank. As if being sucked into the gap of his bone, the sharp blade continues to invade inside until right to its handle.

:“──Hey”

The voice who called for the bearded man is from no one else, Clamp couldn’t recognize it for a moment. This cold and sharp piercing, voice.

:“Why?”

Realizing that the shining Throwing Knifes on Haruha’s both hands were his gift, for the first time he recognized the owner of this penetrating cold voice.

The bearded man finally realize the opponent who attacked him, he then glared Haruha with wide open eyes, and point his automatic gun at her.

:”Why, do you do this?”

But Haruha is undaunted. Her large unwavering eyes, as if being sucked in, pushed the bearded man to his limit. He pulled the gun trigger.

: “W-What── You… shitty brat!”

*BANG*. The sound of gunshot from the bearded man’s hand. Even though it’s in virtual world, no one would stand watching a scene of kid being shot.

However, Haruha are unharmed.

The sleeves of her red Kimono fluttering like a flower petal. In one rotation as if dancing.

In that moment, while throwing knives with both of her hand she dodged the bullet at incredible swiftness. It was, as if knowing she knows where the bullet is going in advance, truly a bland miracle.

The thrown knife pierce the bearded man’s right shoulder, receiving damage on his leg, the bearded man fall on his knee and lie on the floor. If he feel pain he would scream, but fortunately that did not happen. But then, he turned his gaze to Haruha── and his anger turns into fear.

On Haruha’s both hands, the next knifes had already appeared. Small sized weapon like Shuriken<ref>Traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, once again, you people already know this right?</ref> that can be hidden under your sleeves can be replenished/equipped immediately if you have skill called 《Sleeve Weapon》.

The shadow from her bangs covers her face to her nose. The only thing seen on her face is just the cold light from her eyes, but that stare of her appears to be showing nothing but apathy to the bearded man.

That knife, that eyes…

With no mercy or hesitation, the girl shows the blade on her hand. In a way, it’s very children-like. Because she’s a child, she can beat down her opponent without showing any anger.

The girl’s movement had reached at front of the bearded man’s face. The cold wind cut by the knife, this time the knife change objective from throwing to slashing.

:”Haruha, is looking forward for this you know!”

And then.

Haruha stares at the intruder who interrupted her holiday with all her might, she naturally lets out a condescending voice.

:”Mommy and daddy said that we will have a lot of fun. Haruha is looking forward for it!”

That face seen from the shade, is no longer that of what used to be the cute spoiled little mole. Her face── her face has clearly explodes with anger.

:“A lot!
:I endured a lot!
:and finally! Finally!
:It’s finally!! It’s finally the day where we will play a lot!
:but why!? Why don’t you understand? Is old man stupid!?
:Why? I said, why? Why do you do such mean thing!?”

It was a children’s impeachment yelling to children for children. She believes that breaking her “Promised holiday” is nothing but pure evil and do not doubt that even slightest bit, it was unconditional trust she had for her family and the world. And now all of that is crushed, and it donated her childish emotion and caused an explosion inside her.

Naturally, the bearded man doesn’t understand what she meant. He just listens to her while being dumbfounded. He turns his head left and right searching for an answer but all he got is a stare from the girl in nun outfit.

Compared to the bewildered man, Haruha is way, way younger. She’s way too young to understand each other position and circumstances. That’s why, she’s so straight, selfish, and mercilessly.

:“Such thing──”

The blade on her hand, as if sliding from the sky slice the man.

:”Is bad you know!”

The blade cross and thorn the bearded man’s neck, the sprayed out blood vigorously formed <b>Critical Hit!!</b> words on the ceiling.

In that opportunity.

“W-What the heck is this brat!?”

The other robber who couldn’t react properly to Haruha’s overly imposing raid, finally moves.

First is the person who stand right beside the bearded man, he pulled out his revolver but then interrupted by the earlier nun woman.

In nearly the same time, the tall robber who was right in front of Clamp raised his rifle gun and aimed at Haruha. His aim quickly blocked by Mifa who jumped out of her seat, but there’s no reason for him to re-adjust his aim. He pulled the trigger──

That moment, Clamp moves.

While pushing down the tall man, he simultaneously takes his gun. Along with『Snatch!』 notification sound, the message saying 『You stole item “Automatic M1905””』 is displayed.

:”Agh, bastard!”

:”I won’t say sorry”

Sorry── before he finishes saying that, he start shooting down every bullet available all in one, that guy might not even catch the word he said. After around five shots, the guy’s HP drops to zero and his body turned into lifeless mannequin.

After he out of bullet, Clamp instantly throw the gun and stands up.

Then.

His eyes met a big-framed robber aiming his rifle at him. The gunpoint goes straight to Clamp’s head.

:””……………Haha””

Feeling tension at each other, both of them exchanges maniac smile.

The robber changes to serious look in a moment and pulled the trigger.

It’s not the distant where he can simply avoid all the bullets; if he got hit at this direction he can’t be saved. Normally he would get a Game Over in this situation, but.

The bullet, missed. No, the prey (Clamp) just disappeared from the place he aimed.

:”……He disappeared? How? Did he log-out because of external influence?”

:”Nope── Got you”

The next moment that word was heard, the disappointed robber’s torso is blown away onto the air. 　

Clamp who returned to his position in an instant shot him with a Sawed-off shotgun<ref>A type of shotgun with a shorter gun barrel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawed-off_shotgun)</ref>. The robber who got shot and shreds in pieces clings on an unattended seat and glared at Clamp.

:”What the heck with that instant warping…… a connection lag nowadays?”

Clamp didn’t answer and walk off, ignoring the robber. The robber’s eyes brighten, signing that he’s trying to check Clamp’s player status.

:”Clamp……? Are you…… are you that “Clamp of Scarabaeus”? ………Wait, if so your level is too low──”

:”Then you got the wrong person”

Not waiting for the robber to be convinced, Clamp bombarded the rest of the shots. The mannequin that lost its head rolls on the floor.

Seeing the surrounding, the last remaining robber had turned into a mannequin, he must’ve taken down by other passengers.

The mannequin that used to be the bearded man, suffering with miserable fate, had its entire body pierced with knife that sinks its blade deep inside, and its lower half are drowned in sea of blood flowing out of its neck.

And at the end of such sight, those girls are there. Clamp’s “Families”.

Mifa with trembling shoulder who hold Haruha tightly, and Haruha who question her mother’s action.

When his eyes meet hers, she showed a bright golden smile.

:”Daddy! I beat him down with the knife you gave me!”

Other than a forced smile, what else can he show?

:”Hey…… why that kid, isn’t a Travel PC?”

(Here it comes……)

The first thing they ask after everything settled down is that. Of course, it’s about his “Daughter” who’s in the middle of the room being hold by Mifa

:”She appears to be elementary school students no matter how I see her……”

The man’s voice that was representing the other passengers is strong. A non-Travel PC under age of thirteen is against the law.

:“Well…… You see, this kid is──”

He wanted to cover up but couldn’t come out with a good lie. Kasugai Yuu isn’t particularly smart or has food mouth, he just a simple high school boy.

He might as well speak the truth.

Haruha is a baby born as part of《Marriage》 event.
That’s why he doesn't have to worry.
Because, she isn’t a human, but.

──Terrifying. It’s not a joke.

He’s convinced. Haruha is not a human, only an existence within the game. That’s the truth. But, once it’s revealed, how will others threat Haruha from now on?

An NPC that can think, creates, and possess emotions. There’s no need to recall back the conversation he had with Fuyufu, Haruha had easily exceed the limit of an artificial intelligence. She’s an impossible existence.

Clamp and Mifa think that she’s cute, but that only because they’ve been with her for a long time. But in eyes of other people, as an errant object, she’s a subject of their curiosity and fear.

Fearful. They are afraid to be in contact with a non-human like Haruha. They are afraid to be targeted by her. If everyone learned the truth about Haruha, can Clamp and Mifa treat her the same way as before? Would they wake up from this dream?

Still── it’s still too early to think like that. Just a little bit more, please let her be as what she is now.

In the same time Yuu reached to his conclusion.

:”Haruha is── this kid is……”

Mifa stands up and begin talking. Clamp reflexively put his hand to Mifa’s shoulder. Her voice, was shaking.

Mifa put her hand on Haruha’s head who doesn’t get the situation. Together, Mifa declared in loud voice.

:”This kid, is… is not───ach!!”

　…………………………

And there was silent.

Well, of course. A truly troublesome words── and said with big voice pushed with only enthusiasm. In addition, the beautiful girl, Mifa, called out desperately.

:”No, not about that…”

The player who asked about Haruha perplexedly let out word of denial.

They become silent again. It’s the atmosphere where everyone goes quiet.

Except one person, Haruha, who watch over the hard faces of the adults restlessly.

It’s not that she’s stupid or dense (My child is clever and intelligent you know), and not even because she’s young. She just simply don’t understand how “Special” she is. When Yuu think about that he somehow feel a bit sad, and tears seems to be flowing out.

And within such situation…

Out of the blue, the door of the vehicle is open. It was the entrance that was blocked by the robber from earlier. Naturally, everyone’s attention concentrated there── Uniformly, they were amazed.

:”Well, hello and hello~”

Because, somehow, a giant mushroom just entered the carriage.

──It as you expect. It was Payakino lowering its head as if it’s a cowboy hat.

:”AAaa-! It’s Payakino-san!”

The first one who raised her voice was Haruha, and she dived herself with all her might onto the stuffed-doll body. The Nanny NPC catches the cannonball-like girl.

:”Bonjour. Monsieur mon ami” <ref>Bonjour means “good day” and Monseiur is honorific title that used to refer to or address the eldest living brother of the king. Calling French people out there!!!</ref>

And then somehow, it speak out greeting that sound more coming from the TV version of “Detective Poirot”<ref>Referencing the fictional character Hercule Poirot </ref> rather than actual French. Imitating that, Haruha repeats the word “Monsieur mon ami” over and over.

Everyone within the carriage── Even Clamp and others── where taken a back, and on behalf of the elderly couple, the husband open his mouth.

:”Haa…… So, who are you people……?”

:”Me?”

And then Payakino, while saying “Well up’n go” rise up Haruha and tossed her to a big bag. And from inside, the muffled voice of Haruha can be heard── “Waaai! I’m inside a bag!”

Everyone’s eyes goes wide wondering what just happened, and then the mushroom shamelessly introduced itself.

:“I am the wilderness kidnapper, Paya The Kid!”
:”Eh?”

Not waiting for others’ respond, Payakino turned backward, and jump onto the back of the horse waiting outside.

“Yeeehaa~ go Silver Star!”

Riding the horse, it quickly disappears in an instant. ──

…………
………………

While carrying the bag that has Haruha inside.

:””AAAAAAAAA!!! SHE GOT KIDNAPPED!!?””

Finally understanding the situation Clamp and Mifa screamed in unison, and their voice echoes throughout the wilderness…

In about an hour after, everyone had gathered in the usual hotel room.

:”……Well, anyway we’re saved”

Just a while ago they were frustrated having their travel interrupted, but now Haruha is glaring on the card on her hand while learning how to play old maid with Mifa, Clamp is lowering his head against Payakino.

:”Honestly, I’m out of option in that situation”

After that, they left the carriage pretending to chase over Paya The Kid, and regroup back with Haruha and Payakino who’ve returned earlier. They managed to leave the scene without answering anything…… maybe, he’s not really sure.

Payakino unceremoniously assured him.

:”What are you talking about? this is part of my job as a Nanny NPC. You don’t have to worry about it, everything happened today will be taken care by people above so it’s okay. They should’ve erased all evidence, not even a dust left”

:”Thank you… but, it sounds kind scary”

Anyway, from this matter, he will avoid having naïve thinking like before.

:”May I ask….. how should I treat Haruha from now on?”

:”How, you mean?”

:”When she grows bigger, she can go out without being suspected as a Travel PC anymore. But, when that time comes, we…… what should we do?”

Indeed. Haruha possess ability to perform independent actions, in 『CtG』 world she’s a “free” being. She needs protection for now, but in the future she would be independent enough to act on her own.

──What will happen when Haruha no longer need “Parents”?

It’s not explained in extended manual given by Payakino.

:“I see. Your worry is understandable, but it’s okay to consider it more carefully”

:”Carefully…… even if you say so, Haruha had already grown so big. She would probably reach our ages in merely half a year”

:”About that──”

Payakino words were cut.

Who knows when did she shows up, Haruha is clinging on Payakino’s arm. From the looks of it Mifa is putting away the trump card into the item box, and taking out a cursed music box she recently got in exchange.

:”Hey, Payakino-san…”

Clamp got his eyes taken by the sight of Mifa letting out a sigh in downcast eyes and missed Haruha’s words to Payakino.

And thus, he begin to regret for missing it later──

“How long with Haruha can be with daddy and mommy?”

<center><big><big><big>◆</big></big></big></center>

Biiiii──────────────

──iii.　

The electronic reminiscent the buzz of insect vibrates throughout the room.

In a certain apartment room in the corner of the dimly lit room filled with trash more than furniture.

The thing that let out the noise was the device worn by the man, owner of the house.

It’s the terminal-Ramiel, used to play 『Cradle to The Glaive』. The massage “Malfunction” were displayed repeatedly on the semi-transparent surface of the visor.

The error sound would absolutely not stop. The man does not react to the sound ringing right on his ear.

He just, loosely folds his back on the chair, and let the foam on the edge of his mouth to accumulates and fall.

Biiiiiii──────────────

The electronic buzzing continues to vibrate inside the small room. And the man body in the middle is like maggots on the pile of dead meat.

Forever and always……

This man then found fainting in the middle of playing online game and was taken to hospital by the family member who discovered him and it was reported on news the day after. However, there are no eyewitnesses of the moment of his death.

In real life he has clear face with no beard at all, and his appearance in game is completely different.

That’s why no one would know that he’s the robber at the train in Gunman’s Grave who got his throat slashed by a certain girl.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 2: Output|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input

2015-04-01T06:51:17Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 1: Input==
:“Then, see you tomorrow”

Even though it’s a homeroom the teacher leave the class along with a carefree smile. As the teacher left the class, class 1-C start to get noisy.

Kasugai Yuu took no attention to any of the topic others are talking about and stand up as he holds his bag.

He’s not particularly stand out or anything. He wear his uniform normally, the color of his undershirt violate the school rules but it’s okay, at any rate he is just a normal obscure sixteen years old boy.

After the sunset outside met his eyes── which certainly beautiful── he went ahead to the exit.

:“Ooi, Yuu!”

The one who called Yuu was a boy who stands out more than him. His hair is a light brown and he also pretty tall. While only facing his face Yuu replied,

:“What is it Kouta?”

Yuu responded to his friend. Itono Kouta. They’ve been friend since elementary school. Although their appearances are alike he’s more of spirited guy that goes well with innocent and pure people.

:“It has been awhile, do you want to go to the arcade? Do you remember that person from middle school you beat up in fighting game? She said she want to face you again for revenge”

From the looks of it, there are two guys from the class waiting for Kouta. They often chat together with both of them during break time, but…

:“…Sorry. I’m not really in the mood”

:“I see. Well, can’t be helped”

Kouta easily nodded and leave the classroom along with the other two.

:“Then see you later”

The smile Kouta left as he leave makes Yuu’s heart aches. As a friend since middle school, he understands Yuu’s “circumstances”. To be taken care by a friend, so pathetic.

Even so, he just doesn’t feel like to have foolish commotion with them. And while pitying his boring self, this time he finally off to leave the classroom── but then once again stopped by an acquaintance.

:“Fuyufu…”

:“If you isolate yourself too much, your relationship with others will worsen”

Kuduchi Fuyufu.

She’s a girl who would perfectly fit wearing S-size uniform, a small-sized petite girl. She’s even shorter than Yuu who’s shorter compared to other guys average height. Yuu look down her head that looks like a doll wrapped with sleek black hair.

In contrast to her small physic, her facial expression it that of a grown-up. Despite having a pretty cute face, something about her is hard to get close to.

:“People call that 『Loner』”

And this part of her who loves to say things too much must be noted.

:“What up with that suddenly?”

:“Nothing”

As she said that, the light of her eyes shows the cold color of condemn.

:“It has been a month since we entered high school. And in this crucial time, I couldn’t help seeing the kid from the neighborhood I used to play with losing even more friends than already is, so I came here to warn you about it. I’m so kind right?”

There are some parts he cannot let go but he got it. He’s not mad from what she said── since it is the truth── but the word “kid from the neighborhood” caught his attention.

Just how long do want to pull back our relationship from elementary school? He would retort.

:“And what about you, do you have any friend?”

In respond Fuyufu let out a casual yawn reminiscent that of a cat.

:“At weekends we’re planning go window shopping, eat sweats in café, and taking flirty and sparkly pictures in photo booth, three of us. Unfortunately they all girls”

…It’s frustrating, but doesn’t sound like a lie. Fuyufu appears to be unfriendly but she has some nice sides as well, and she also has the kind of talent to build a good relationship with others.

Yuu who failed in counterattack can only stand still while looking down at the floor quietly.

:“Then stop caring about me, just go and have fun”

:“Eh? Those girls are busy with clubs so just I came here to play with a loner who seems to have nothing to do though?”

Oh sorry, could it be you didn’t notice? As she look into his face with a pitying look. Against that, Yuu can only clench his fist and hold down his frustration. His effort worth some praises, he thought, but that is an impossible demand to make.

He let out a sigh. It was a mistake for thinking Fuyufu will cheer him up.

:“Sorry but I don’t have any time to spare. Try someone else”

He said as he starts walking. This is what you would call running away. He knew that it’s impossible to win against Fuyufu verbally, if they continue who know when his heart will be broken.

:“Ah…”

Fuyufu’s voice from behind sounds awfully weak.

But she did not chase over him.

When he knows that clearly, he increases his speed and walk off.

Yuu’s back slowly disappears from the hallway, she couldn’t even bid farewell to it.

:“Haaa…”

With expressionless face, Koduchi Fuyufu let out a sigh. It feels like tears flowing up, but she managed to hold it in. It’s not like she’s sad or anything, she’s just a little nervous.

As the tension leave, complaints start pouring out of her mouth.

:“Idiot… that shut-in brat“　

She knew that he’s still shocked about his mother but it has been a year since then, he should’ve noticed his childhood friend’s attitude. It just…

:“Even I did the trouble to comfort him”

:“““No, no, no…. you’re not comforting him at all!”””

Retort the group of three girls in softball and table tennis club uniform who were watching over Fuyufu from afar.

Around 10 minutes from the major private railways near the school, inside the famous market district there is a quiet station building.

And from there he exits the market district, then after more or less twenty minutes of walking he arrived to his destination. They say half century ago a real estate agent purchased this area all together and turn this into residential area, but because of the low birth rate there are a lot of vacant spaces.

And at the back of that residential area, right above the hill, there stood a big house.

It’s surrounded by grassy field and woods, the house that looks dark and pale even in daylight, is rumored to be haunted by the children of the neighborhood.

And in front of that haunted house, Yuu inserted a card key and type in the password of the electronic lock. *Pssssssh*… the sound of air pressure escaping through the cylinder.

He opened the door and entered the house. The evening sunlight passed from the corner of the door. He closed the door from behind and the sound from outside were severed and disappeared into the hollow.

That is the place Kasugai Yuu returns to.

:“…………”

He didn’t think of anything in particular. After tossing some raw ingredients he brought from the market to the fridge, he walked straight to the living room.

He randomly threw his blazer and bag onto the floor and sits on the sofa while still wearing his uniform. His『CtG』 exclusive terminal, Rumeil, is on top of the table and was left charging.

After putting on the familiar device onto his head, he pressed the start switch. A blue light shines from the device, showing that it’s working. *Nnnnn*…. The low startup sound somehow tickles his stomach.

And then, a song can be heard──

His consciousness starts to fades away, melting, changing….

In few seconds, his consciousness will no longer be in this world and have made a journey to other world.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

<div style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|- valign="top"
| width="20%" | Quest： || Hunt Twenty Goblin.
|- valign="top"
| Difficulty： || D.
|- valign="top"
| Quest Type： || Monsters subjugation.
|- valign="top"
| Special conditions： || Must be done by the player who received the quest.
|- valign="top"
| Detail：
| To hunt down Goblin troops dwelling in the abandoned house of Imperial City White Keter. The king who loves outstanding gladiator is looking for a person who’s willing to take care of those Goblins all by himself. Oh brave hero, show me your strength in this perfect occasion.
|-
| colspan="2" | Rewards are as follows……
|}
</div>

The moment when a mail notification icon was seen on the corner of his vision was when an attack of an axe was swung.

Ignoring the mail for a while, he then quickly swings down his single-edged sword, a seax, onto the enemy’s nape.

:“Keh……!”

The one who let out the low death throes voice, along with its head fell onto the floor, was the Goblin monster. What left from the remaining body is just unsightly pile of meat──

In common RPG they’re the typical small fry monsters and its treatment are no different even in 『CtG』. It is an opponent that even a beginner player can win in one-on-one fight. But on contrary, you need considerable amount of skill to win against large number of them.

Yuu (Clamp) watch over the dead corpse from above── and the next moment, large amount of blood start flowing out of the wounds and some splashed onto the wall. The blood that dyed the wall appears to be sprayed by a spray that splashed out from the dead body.

'''CUT OFF!'''

'''SINGLE BLOW KILLED!!'''

As a special effect of the result of his attack, words gets displayed with the sheds blood, it’s a system called Blood Descript. It’s said that the system added by the graphic designer, and Yuu honestly thought it’s a bad taste. But if this doesn’t exist, some player will feel something is lacking.

:“They sure have good (bad) hobby…”

He muttered as he watches over the surrounding. The passageway of the deserted house is filled with the smell of mold and blood coming out from the Goblin corpses lying on the floor. Even though it’s a corpse, by the fact that it lost all HP it had makes it to looks like nothing but dead mannequin that lacks vividness and animation.

And on the corner of such sight is a blinking icon, and by swinging his line of sight he pulled it to the front. If it’s a normal mail he would open it after he finished his quest, but the color of this icon is red── designating that it’s an “Emergency”.

There’s still one Goblin lurking within this deserted building. There shouldn’t be much problem if it doesn’t attack from a blind spot. While resting his back onto the wall, Clamp open up the mail.

<div style="border:solid 2px red;width:450px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#ffa0a0;margin: 1em auto 1em auto;">
{| style="background: transparent;"
|-
| width="20%" | Sender： || Mifa
|- valign="top"
| Contents： || Somehow it’s born. Contact me immediately
|}
</div>

He stares at it for a while.

:“What the heck is this?”

It’s incomprehensible. It’s from Mifa whom he 《Married》 with after defeating Megalon Evis. Her name is even written as the “Sender”, and a ring icon is shining next to her name.

But no matter how many times he read it, the contents of the mail is simply too abrupt and impossible to understand. Well, anyway, it says she want a contact.

:“Any at rate, I have to reply…”

As he says that, he sensed a presence. But there is no figure of monster on his field of vision── and at the moment he looked up, the Goblin that was hiding above jumped at him!

Being caught completely off guard, he couldn’t afford to swing his sword or even dodge. That’s why Clamp did neither.

He casually let go of his sword and catch the Goblin empty handedly. Even though it’s short, the muscular Goblin is heavy, and he got pushed down by the momentum. As being nailed on the floor, he took a deep breath and,

『Snatch !』

After usage of 《Snatch》action, the notification sound of its succession echo through the building along with a burst of blood.

At the edge of Clamp’s vision a message saying <span style="border:solid 2px blue;width:600px;border-radius:8px;padding:3px;background-color:#b0b0ff;">Skill success, you stole a “Hand Axe”</span> is displayed.

What happened was Clamp kicked the Goblin’s body simultaneous equipped the hatchet and attacked the goblin with it. It was strangely unlike him to be so impatient (or to be under pressure, if unrelated to sentences below).

──That 《Marriage》 he did just to achieve his goal.

──“It just inside a game” but…

He couldn’t have but to be curious. That’s right, that mail,

:“It’s from Mifa!”

When he split the Goblin head as if splitting a watermelon, the mail that was left open got dyed in red by the gushed out blood.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

Within crunches that scattered throughout Dragons’ Cradle, you can find a mysterious mirror, when you go inside it you will arrive to “Terminus Cradle”. The world spheres that consisted in 『CtG』 are all connected together in this relay world. It’s what you would call the starting point of all adventurers.

On the blue velvet floor nine mirrors are lined up, this place is the lowest layer called the Parnassus room. As a place for all players to come and go all the time, it has the size of an event hall.

Boarding the elevator that hung at the middle will take you up to the market area.

Stores are sectioned in orderly manner, regardless of the stalls, large variety of merchandise are lined up, from medical herb to machine guns, item from various worlds are being traded here.

:“This place is messed up as always…”

It’s an overwhelming sight no matter how many times you see it. The center of 『CtG』 service is done by NPC (Their appearance is like other player, but they’re character controlled by the program) that in charge of the shops lined up here.

And at the corner of the market area, there stood and lined a facility called Guild Hotel, a facility that often rented by particular communities as gathering and meeting spots.

And at one of those rented facility, inside a small room managed by the guild 【Labyrinth Troupe】, a girl waits for Clamp’s arrival──

:“What… Is that? ……What?”

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

[[File:CtG_v01_img003.jpg|thumbnail|Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.]]

:“Errrmm…”

The thing wrapped in pale colored cloth, the thing that’s resting on Mifa’s lap is…

A baby.

She has the same hair color as Mifa, and the same eye color as Clamp.

The figure that’s wrapped in fluffy and soft babywear appears to be less than a year old. She blinked and looked at Clamp with her strangely powerful eyes while holding Mifa’s finger with her marshmallow-like round hand with the lightness of cotton.

Mifa, who wore mixed expression of half-hearted feeling of cry and laugher, lifted her head and says,

:“Somehow, a baby… was born”

………………

He never heard about this. Never. It’s indeed that he had 《Marriage》 event with Mifa, but, even so…. You know, they never did anything that would make a baby appear, and such system doesn’t exist in 『CtG』 in the first place.

Even so...

The moment he sees the figure of the baby, the feeling of guilt and pair of anxiety (or worries, your choice) instantly froze his body. Somehow Fuyufu’s face appears in his head, delivering a cold stare of contempt and disgust, that image were planted deep inside.

:“K-Keep yourself together! I’ve been in panic from quite a while ago!”

:“Aa…. Sorry. This is quite an unexpected situation…”

Because she made loud voice earlier, the baby’s gaze switched to her. A baby’s reflex actions are all abrupt and sudden. Mifa were flinched and let out a fake smile. The baby was emotionless but opened her mouth curiously.

T-That’s right. First they need to calm down. Clamp took a deep breath.

Calmly── Lets handle this situation calmly. Let’s first short out the known and unknown stuff, they need to first understand the current situation. There’s the phrase “DON’T PANIC!” in the best-selling 『CtG』 strategy book , 『CtG Hitchhiker’s Guide』 (unofficial), isn’t it.<ref>Reference to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy].</ref>

First if all, let’s hear what happened.

:“Side aside the baby… what is that big thing?

:“Aaaa── ….”

Mifa didn’t answer for a while. She glanced at “that big thing” while clumsily shooting the baby on her arms. Clamp followed her gaze. Then,

:“This child is the daughter of two of you”

The one who said that…<br>
Said that…<br>
Was…<br>
A stuffed doll.

On top of the two resting purpose beds in the cramped room, was a huge mushroom stuffed doll. It has limbs although it’s a mushroom. Its width is as wide as its height and its face looks doodled by an oil pen. That thing is 『CtG』 mascot named 『Kinokino』<ref>Kinoko (茸) is Japanese for mushroom.</ref> based on an existing monster in the game. However, its size varies from fifty centimeters to 1 till 6 meters.

And that giant mushroom had certainly just spokes.

''*CRASH!*'' The sound of Clamp hitting the wall of the hotel.

:“It spoke!? I’ve never heard that Kinokino can speak!”

Clamp once again panicked like before but for different reason. In respond, the Kinokino gentlemanly lower its head.

:“Non<ref>Payakino often speak Italian, for… some reason.</ref> (No). My name is Payakino, a Nanny NPC”

:“Nanny…?”

:“Ui (Yes). To take care of children born from 《Marriage》 Event is my function as well as my duty”

Why it speaks like a monsieur even though it’s a nanny? It has high-pitched voice, or more like, it sounds synthesized. Its gender is also unclear. No, more than that…

:“Wait a moment, I never heard that baby will be born after 《Marriage》”

Yuu got lost in thought a bit, but if they believe what the person (?) said, then this NPC prepared by the system will answer it all.

The doll── Payakino then explain.

:“Not knowing what will happen. That is the thrill of RPG”

It’s a mushroom who loves saying whatever it wants.

But that sounds fair. It’s not like everything about the event is written on the manual, and considering this is an ultra-rare event no wonders unexpected thing would happen.

He was about to ask more question, but then stopped by Mifa.

:“I’ll explain first. Along with the time this baby appeared”

Mifa’s story didn’t go that well with her hair constantly being pulled by the baby, but summarizing it briefly it goes as follows:

When she log-in as usual── she arrives at the Japanese-styled world, Bushido Grave southern church── And there stood Payakino that deliberately lower its head in front of her.

Witnessing this mushroom…… thing, Mifa were truly startled, presumably more than she should had. Furthermore that mushroom was carrying a baby, and just like that it claimed that the baby is Mifa’s.

At first Mifa thought there must be some kind of mistake, but Payakino knows great detail about Mifa and Clamp, furthermore it has 『CtG』 digital signature of Imagine Ekphrasis corporation that shown in the extended manual.

In short── The pair of players are randomly given a child to raise and have it grown. But if either of the players refuses, this event will become invalid. And so on.

Naturally, this is not the kind of situation that can be simply solved by herself, Clamp’s opinion is required, and so she called him to this hotel──

:“──How do you think?”

Against Mifa’s gaze after she finished the story, Clamp groaned.

:“How… even if you say so”

It’s a bit problematic. Clamp tried to look for information about this system he never heard before, but…

:“You know…. I think it is okay to raise her”

Mifa is unexpectedly up for the idea. Was *** just his imagination?

The baby then naturally switched her gaze at him.

Their “daughter” seems to like Mifa’s hair texture and continues to play with it.

Cute. He simply thought that.

Even though it looks she’s playing she did not show any smile, could it be because she still don’t understand emotions yet, or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just poor? Yuu who never taken care a baby before couldn’t reach a decision. That’s why he speaks what he thought.

:“……But, won’t it be troublesome? Rising a child”

:“You think? From what I read from the manual and heard from Payakino, we can just ask all knowledge and skill we need for it, and Payakino will take care of her when we logged out.
:If you’re too busy I’ll try to raise her alone… and, isn’t it okay to not think about it too much?”

She smiled comfortably.

:“This just a game after all”

The reason he agree with that, is it because Mifa’s optimistic way of thinking? Or because the guilt of having the baby disappears when he refuses? Or he just simply wanted to finish this event to the end? Even Yuu himself is unsure.

But, in contrary to Clamp’s nodding, Kasugai Yuu felt uneasy and has worries about this strange chain of events.

The criteria asides, only those who are perfect with each other must marry, was truly the right way of thinking. Even that person will one day regret that she chose the wrong partner. However an NPC baby were born without warning, it feels to be slightly off from 『CtG』 developer’s typical unscrupulous surprises.

It came from Kasugai Mana’s game philosophy, Yuu’s mother who continues to work for Imagine Ekphrasis in the third development office of 『Cradle to The Grave』 as the lead developer till the day of her death.

:“Let’s give her a name!”

Clamp, who was thinking while staring at the floor, got called and he returned his gaze to Mifa in a hurry.

:“Name?”

:“Yes. This child still doesn’t have a name. We must gave her one”

Mifa held out the baby to Clamp when she says that. The baby’s pitch black pupil looks straight to his eyes.

Uuuu…. He receives the baby while trembling.

The baby that’s now resting on his arms is unexpectedly soft and terrifyingly light. It’s much lighter than the cat Fuyufu kept in her house.

The part where the gravity center did not changes when remained idle might because the lack of data inputted. And also the baby stays the same even on Clamp’s clumsy hand, instead of just simply meek it feels like it lacking of something.

──This child… did not possess full human body. That’s natural. NPC are people with human body but not a human, let alone this baby that was just recently made.

He felt that.

He felt that really well.

Together, he wanted to blow life into this empty vessel, into the empty existence. Just like being friend with dolls that we treat as if having personality.

He recalled back his young days as he think about that. It was the time when Kasugai Yuu played with his first friend. What he did that time was, playing house.

It just like the current situation. The girl from that time named the doll she has. Yes, the name was──

:“How about… Haruha? This child’s name”

It was name that was taken from his memories. Although the baby in question didn’t have any reaction in particular,

:“Hee…?”

Somehow Mifa opens her eyes wide, not blinking at all.

:“……? What about it?”

:“Aaa……… unn, nothing. I think it’s a good name.
:Haruha…… Haruha-chan huh. Nn, it has a cute sound on it”

After that she continues to repeat, Haruha, Haruha, again and again.

She seems to like the name as well, the baby── Haruha then returns to Mifa’s arms.

While embracing the small body, Mifa narrowed her eyes gently and formed a broad smile with her mouth.

Clamp who feels something on his chest divert his eyes.

And then the two… No, three of them, along with Payakino with its featureless face, continue to watch over the baby in delight.

And thus the two players who are wandering in the world of 『Cradle to The Grave』, Clamp and Mifa, were linked together by Haruha’s arrival. Her birth was just too sudden and treated very lightly.

The time for them to learn about the meaning of that day, that moment, is still far in the future.

<center><big><big>◇◆◇</big></big></center>

Two months had passed in a flash after that incident.

Every day they visits guild hotel in Terminus Cradle── Not the hotel rented by 【Labyrinth Troupe】, but the one prepared by Payakino── Mifa and Clamp’s first and furthermost job is to talk with Haruha.

According to Payakino that resides at the corner of the room, the first thing Haruha need for her growth is “Words” and after that is “Experience”.

Both of them simply hold conversations with Haruha who continues to cling at them. They also do information exchange as part of their small talk.

When they tired talking, they would show some replay videos. It is part of Ramiel purchase bonus called private data storage, it would automatically record images in time of in-events.

This ends up affecting Yuu’s real life. He would often go absentminded and would be reminded by others, like in this instance at the school hallway.

:“Yuu”

:“Ueeeuwawaaaa!!? F-Fuyufu…?”

:“…What is it? You look strangely in a good mood, I thought. And your reaction just now is like that of a man being caught having an affair”

:“No way, that’s absolutely not, right?”

:“Why are you asking yourself…? Well anyway,
:……Is something happening recently? You seems to be awfully want to go back in a hurry”

:“Nothing in particular… I’m just busy”

: “Hmmm… Even so you appear to be way more energetic than before”

Might be, he thought.

When Fuyufu pursued the reason, cold sweats are leaving his skin. Why did that happen? He tried to not think about.

Payakino said, due to 『CtG』 system ──embryo’s effects or whatever── Haruha’s growth are accelerated. She became larger at incomparable speed compared to normal children.

In fact, Haruha learned how to talk in such short time.

:“Mommy!”

There is the figure of Mifa, raising her fist high to the air, taking a guts pose along with Clamp who sits down, depressed.

:“Next say “Father”, please”

He patted Haruha’s head, which where her hair had extended at considerable length. It has ticklish soft feel. Haruha rings her throat several times, letting out “Auuu” sounds while burying her face into Clamp’s chest like a mole.

Mifa also has some changes happening in her private life.

Previously, she log-in around 8:00 to 9:00 at night and would log-out after midnight, but ever since Haruha was born, she would appear in Terminus Cradle at six o’clock. There also days where she shows up earlier before Clamp.

When asked why, she answered with,

:“......It also because I want to meet Haruha, but stuff happened and I no longer have to do club activities. Because of that now I have time to spare”

Her answer was a bit worrisome, but…

She said clubs, so it means she’s either high school or junior high school student── He thought a little.

After two months Haruha have earned the body and mind of two years old.

:“Maybe it’s about the time we should show her other world spheres”

Following Payakino’s advice, they took Haruha outside. Since they’re bringing a child, they only roam around cities to guarantee her safety.

For example, in the White Keter Imperial City in Dragons’ Grave. From afternoon to midnight, millions of players are flooding this giant city, and within such mess the small Haruha continues to cling to Mifa’s arms while being simply being stunned.

They thought bringing Haruha who’s an infant would stand out, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Thinking back, baby NPC normally exist in this world, and babysitter part-time job is one of classic early quests.

However Haruha, unlike normal “predetermined sloppiness” baby NPC has── do not wet herself or crying in the middle of night. She doesn’t even need to sleep or eat to begin with.

In the historical world, Bushido Grave Oedo capital, they watch over the fireworks sparkling on the sky on a houseboat sailing above the waterway. Right on his side is Mifa wearing a relaxing light blue Kimono<ref>Kimono (着物) is a Japanese traditional garment. Although I’m sure over 80% of people who read this already know it.</ref>, while singing a song in a clear beautiful voice.

It’s a song he never heard before, and it doesn’t appear to be one of those stereotyped song from the game.

:“………Do you like singing?”

When he asked, Mifa blushes a bit.

:“Well, yeah, but it just a hobby. I can’t let out loud voice at home so I practice here”

From her way of talking, it seems she play this game as replacement for karaoke box. Indeed, you don’t need that much money to use rental terminal (Ramiel), and it is way cheaper than going to a karaoke. Unsurprisingly, people with home-related circumstances are quite a lot.

:“It’s a foreign folk song I arranged myself…… I’m sorry if it’s bad”

Mifa who shyly said that let out a modest singing voice in the sparkling night, her skill is truly great and makes her words from earlier sounds like a mere modesty. Hearing that, he speak what he had in mind,

:“Your song, I love it. I don’t know much about song, but it has transparent feelings or something”

That transparent-like singing voice, as if fast-forwarded, lost its pitch and shakes, that moment Clamp saw Mifa’s bewildered eyes.

After replying “Thanks…” with blank look, Mifa resume the song. And behind those words of her, her face appears to be shrinking.

(Eeeh? Did I sound like flattering…?)

As he thinks about that, a warm sensation rides on his knee. It’s Haruha. Daddy, daddy, she says in lisp, like a little creature she stirring restlessly above his knees.

Small. Round, wherever you stroke her. It’s soft like a full-body cushion. She tries to stands wobbly but easily fell, and “Uuu~” stares at him curiously.

──Ultimately, she’s cute.

That must be because she won’t cry in quirky timing, her diapers wouldn’t suddenly be “that”, and she won’t barfs her launch, since she doesn’t have any of that, she is purely cute.

A daughter that won’t cause trouble to her parents, it might be truly an ideal child to have.

But not seeing her sleeping and crying face makes Clamp (Kasugai Yuu) feels something is lacking. Mifa might be thinking the same thing as their eyes met each other.

But if compared to parents who are suffering from parenting their child, they can’t really ask for such luxury.

Their wishes might won’t come true, but.

As Haruha slowly grows and learn more words, she began to show more emotions.

:“……Daddy, Mommy, you’re slow!”

That day── A month after Haruha’s birth.

With her five-year-olds figure, Haruha made Clamp and Mifa to kneel<ref>Seiza (正座), an act of begging for forgiveness in Japan.</ref> in front of her.

In the usual hotel room. Haruha folded her arms together. It’s amazing how a baby who used to be so round and small became……… so grown up and dazzling. And beside her is Payakino deliberately playing with a shinai<ref>A type of bamboo/wooden sword, often used for sword training in Japan.</ref>, swinging it back and forth.

:“You two said you will come as soon as possible!”

Haruha’s enraged voice sounds similar to angry Mifa’s. And her awkward tone of voice reflects her innocent childishness.

:“The soy sauce at the market was in sell… and it was very crowded”
:“I-I’m sorry… something happened at little in the house”

The two of them earnestly apologize, with a silky voice as if reading a script.

:“Ah, look Haruha. I brought a throwing knife. See, it has cute sculpture on it, it’s small and light so even girl can easily use it!”

Clamp took out the throwing knife from his item box and shows it. It’s within a small six sheet sets, it’s also popular as both accessory and decoration.

:”Really? A weapon for souvenir, that’s why boys are no good”

After staring at Clamp with eyes of contempt, Mifa turned to Haruha with a smile.

:”Look Haruha, equip this 『Crimson Tree』 Mommy brought for you. It’s a Kimono armor sold in Bushido Grave!”

:”Haruha won’t be fooled with presents!”

Various items were presented to please her, but it seems Haruha’s displeasure won. *Tch*, Clamp mad at his own lamentably.

Haruha’s item storage is already filled full with presents like children guitar, canned slime, dragons’ bone (fake), and mechanical dolls from the two of them. Small Haruha used to unconditionally happy by their present and that makes them want to gives her more.

:“You two just overdid it!”

While sullenly sigh, Haruha sits down on Mifa’s knee.

Her mind’s growth seems to be slower than her body, even though she would often walk around by herself, Haruha is still a spoiled mole she is. She loves playing with weapon Clamp and others brought for her but she love hugging Clamp and Mifa more.

:“Haruha…… waited long you know”

That’s why her eyes looks very lonely as she stares at both of them while twisting herself in Mifa’s arm.

That’s right. Haruha have always, waited.

Not just waiting together with Payakino at daytime. Even though she has place to sleep, as the residence of 『CtG』, action of “Sleeping” do not exist within her. So, at day and night, she continues to wait for Clamp and Mifa, fully awake the entire time.

From now, let’s give up soy sauce sell and protect your promise. Says Payakino through its mind while beating Yuu (Clamp) with its shinai.

:“Hiyaaa!?”

Screamed Mifa as she sees the head of Kobold<ref>Based on yet another Germanic mythology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobold).</ref> fly up to the air. The monster’s face that appeared suddenly was cut by Clamp as it come across── <b>Critical Hit!!</b>

The blood splash in flashy manner and formed latters. Mifa avoids the bloody shower so it doesn’t hit the lantern she’s carrying. After that she weakly lets out amazed voice,

:“Ughh…… it’s amazing you’re fine with that. A severed head…… even now I’m still not okay with it. And those that walk with two legs are especially scary”

Mine area of Dragons’ Grave. “It’s about the time for Haruha to learn about battle, take her with you and show her the drill” Following Payakino’s advice, Clamp and Mifa are currently previewing low difficulty quests for that future plan.

Subjugation quest 【Tunnel Kobold Extermination】 is as the name implies a quest to hunt certain numbers of Kobold within the back of the mine, it’s a quest for beginners.

While wielding his blood dyed sword, Clamp illuminates the surrounding with his lantern. It was then Mifa asks,

:“Is it because you’re a boy? Are you type who likes zombie movie?”

:”It’s not like that, but…”

Letting out troubled voice, Clamp tries to come out with proper answer.

:”You often say it too right. This just a game, you said”

:”Even though it’s this real?”

:”Exactly because it’s this real. Having my strength increased able me to perform amazing movements, every time I perform superhuman-like skills through semi-automatic combat I feel ascertained differences between my actual self.
:The strong me right now is not actual me. That’s why I can properly separate both”

:“Not your real self huh…”

Clamp who was being wary of the surrounding did not Mifa was looking down in bitterness. Half consciously, Clamp speaks why he had in mind.

:“The more realistic a virtual reality becomes, it decreases the player’s external sense to real world. It was my mother’s theory, that’s why this game──”

:“Mother?”

Clamp let out a bitter face as he realized his own mistakes. And it’s a face that is unthinkable coming from that composed self-confidence “Clamp of Scarabaeus”. Something inside Mifa is being fueled.

:“So your mom plays game too. What kind of person?”

:“It’s not important right”

But his rejection by not wanting to face her face is instead does nothing but to lure her interest. Mifa is that kind of person.

:“It’s okay right. We’re husband and wife for once”

While continue to plead, Mifa cling to Clamp’s empty hand. Mifa then confirmed her victory after realizing Clamp just stopped his breath.

:“Why are you so flustered? This just inside a game isn’t it?”

Clamp who got a point taken groaned, and while being upset he says,

:“Come on, let’s look more into the back”

And they begin to walk while Mifa keep hanging on his arm.

After a while, the dim light of the lantern starts to fades away, Mifa let out a little gasp and they continue to walk through the dark tunnel.

They walk, little by little, the boy and girl restlessly snuggled themselves with the natural heat. That heat do not comes from the lanterns fire or magic. That’s why, no matter how much time had passed, the heat won’t cool down.

:“It might be just a game”

The one who speak after that was Mifa.

:“Just a game, but Haruha is cute, right”

:“……That’s right”

The moment Clamp formed a smile with his mouth, Mifa hold down her chuckle.

:“You’re just like me……”

After holding back her laughter she lets out a smile, and the remaining heat disappears.

:“What happened Yuubocchi<ref>It’s combination of Yuu, the protagonist’s name, and the word “bocchi” (ぼっち) which means “loner”.</ref>? Thinking hard like that, very unlike you”

:“What the heck was…… that? It sounds like derogatory term coming from a fairy tale”

:“Sounds like a name of a fairy right? A person who always alone = could be a strange creature that only I can see, that is 『Yuubocchi』”

:“It sounds pretty scary…”

It was in the cafeteria during lunch break he got called like that by Fuyufu.

Even though he got savings that his mother left behind, he couldn’t afford wasting money when thinking about the future. On other hand, because of 『CtG』 he doesn’t have much time to make lunch, so he have been living off with one bread every day.

But, a little while ago in 『CtG』 while in the middle of talking with Haruha, he lost his consciousness and were forced logged out── In other words “Sleep Failing” ── caused by his lack of sleep and declining health. In order to spend more time where Haruha, he begins to properly eat healthy food every day.

That’s why, in order to get inexpensive meal every day he goes to cafeteria, and naturally eating together with Fuyufu becomes daily occurrence. He stares at Fuyufu who sits on the on the other side of the table with her Kitsune Udon<ref>Otherwise known as Fox Udon, it’s hot udon with sweetened deep-fried tofu pockets topping which known to be Japanese fox spirit favorite food, hence forth, “Fox”.</ref>, and let out a terribly vague question,

:“Fuyufu, do you think there are hearts dwelling inside computer?”

:“What’s up out of the blue?”

Maybe because her emotions are bland, Fuyufu appears to be spacing out, but even so her academic score is pretty high. Unlike Yuu who only play games, Fuyufu read lots of books.

After sipping her udon while raising her hair so it didn’t get into the soup, she answer,

:“It depends on your definition of “heart”, but it’s impossible to create self-consciousness through programs and calculation, is the theory I heard once before. Something about quantum brain theory or whatever”

:“But isn’t that only applies for <i>current</i> computers?”

Fuyufu responds with “You mean?” face. Yuu had felt that he became too opinionated. While pointing her with the chopsticks he used to stab his fish hamburger, he continues.

:“It’s 『CtG』. You know, the computer used for that is known for having stronger capability than any others. If it has that much power, won’t it be possible to create human-like mind?”

But Fuyufu unceremoniously shook her head.

:“It’s not the problem of capability or processing power. It’s the nature of the problem itself. No matter how fast it calculates, even a computer than can respond to various situation, it would give the same result as other computers. Even if it can create the same entrance and exit as human, it won’t able to create the same maze inside. “Heart” is, that maze. If you want to create the same thing…… there’s no other choice but to give those computers flesh and blood as well”

After saying it like javelin, she continues.

:“Or could it be, Yuu, you heard something about it? The computer used in that…… did you heard that from your mother?”

Fuyufu let out a regret face as she said that. It might just be a slip of tongue mentioning his mother, but it’s impossible to say that he didn’t care about it.

:“Could it be, a one-in-the world machine exist somewhere…… no way, I’ve never heard anything about it. Even if I heard about it I wouldn’t know”

:”That might be so”

Because of rude agreement, the conversation stops for a while. Over three quarters of seats in the school cafeteria are filled with students bustling. Within that environment, the distant they had that allowed them to distinguish the sound of dishes, that distant just like old time ago.

In contrast to Yuu who fell silent, Fuyufu opened her mouth after she finished swallowing her udon.

:“Yuu…… did something happened in that game?”

His heart jumped. Spoken words can’t be taken back. Fuyufu persist with her gaze.

:“Could it be…… Non Player Character, is it? Did you fell in love with one or something? That’s why you ask stuff about heart and all……”

It’s not a direct hit, but it was a blow that managed to grazes his neck. Even so,

:“Of course not, it’s not about that”

It’s not a lie so he voice was straight. But Fuyufu continues to press on the matter.

:“…………Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00012.jpeg|thumbnail|“…......Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”]]

:“I-It’s just your imagination"

Somehow an image of Mifa tilting her head mumbling “Nn? Nn?” appears on his head. It’s not her. She’s not NPC, much less a girlfriend. She’s something else. The thing happened in the mine, she was just messing around.

Fuyufu suspiciously stare at him then avert her eyes in displeasure.

Fuyufu stay silent after that. After she finish silently consuming her udon, she took a paper napkin and start folding it.

:“……Yuu. Do you know why I don’t play that game (『CtG』)?”

:“Eh…… Because you’re not interested in it?”

She had always like that. No matter how much time he recommend it, Fuyufu never lay her hand on 『CtG』. When Yuu became teenager, he gradually becomes addicted to the game his mother help developed, and ever since his distant with Fuyufu slowly growing larger and larger. But.

“Wrong”

Incorrect. Fuyufu abruptly stands up, holding her tray and turned away. And then, while showing her back, she tells the correct answer.

“──It because I hate it”

After seeing off the small back of hers, Yuu dropped his eyes to one of paper cranes left on the table. As if harboring the displeasure of the creator, it directed straight to Yuu’s direction. Yuu naturally leaks a sigh.

It seems he had offended her somehow, but he couldn’t figure out why. That was pathetic. It had always been like that. Kasugai Yuu won’t able to understand others’ feeling unless it’s said out loud.

Speaking of not knowing, his question towards Fuyufu still did not provide satisfying answer.

(──No matter how high-spec the computer is, it can’t bring “heart” to life.
Then, is Haruha who express so much emotion also a… “Fake”?)

But Haruha is clearly different compared to other NPC. Even though 『CtG』 NPC possess surprisingly large amount of various actions, it simply piles of numbers of behavior patterns. If you continue to talk to them, you will feel an inevitable sense of Déjà vu. At first Yuu also thought, that Haruha is one of those kind of thing.

Haruha do not feel or smell like program at all. Every day every time she shows various different expressions on a whim, it never stop changing── he never seen her showing “same face” at all. It might be that she change as she grow, creating new behavior pattern each passing day.

But there were certainly moments where such trick couldn’t explain. That’s probably because she has what called wisdom.

:“Daddy, what is that?”

It was in the usual hotel room she asks that.

That time Clamp is facing the item 『Parchment』──A paper── he spread on the table. Mifa is late because of some errands she got in real world, so Clamp is together alone with Haruha.

He folds the parchment paper and creates a shape.

:“It’s Origami<ref>A art of paper folding in Japan, it frankly means “to fold a paper”.</ref>. I’m making a 『Yakko-san』”

:”Origami? Yakko-san?”

Haruha climb the table with her own body a peek what’s on Clamp’s hand. He attempt to give an answer to her bright sparkling eyes but── it was unexpectedly hard to explain.

That’s why he continues to fold quietly and finally complete the “Yakko-san”.

When presented to Haruha, she receives it curiously. She sits on top of the table and inspects it closely.

Looking at her like that reminds him of the figure of young Fuyufu. Origami is a play the learned together, the first time he finished making one, she also look at the paper crane he made just like that.

:“What is, this?”

:“What do you think this is?”

The reason why return the question might because he recalled back the conversation he had with Fuyufu before. Can Haruha, who was born from computer, “feel” shapes?

Haruha did not answer immediately. She just continues to stare deep the “Yakko-san”, and then, she answer.

:“Is this… Haruha?”

It’s the time for Clamp to be troubled.

:“Nnn…… half correct. That is the paper model of a person who used to work as a servant<ref>It’s written as 奴(やっこ) or Yakko, it is the name/title for servant of Samurai family from Edo period, to put it in a bad way, it means slave</ref>. Look, it has legs and arms right? In other word, it’s a doll”

:“A doll…”

Haruha look at “Yakko-san” for a while then stroke her head with her finger, and suddenly she looked up.

:“Haruha want to make one too. A more, bigger one!”

The girl’s hands are moving like magic.

She only saw Clamp making it once, but she folds the papers in a terrifying precision without hesitation. Open, and by the time he notice, “Yakko-san” was already completed.

He had heard that origami has mathematical structure, and this is precisely that. Even 『CtG』 that possess a lot of mechanical works, there’s no such skill called origami auto-folding. Nevertheless, the skill that Haruha possess── is certainly, a mechanical thing.

As if proving that his hunch was correct, Haruha once again fold another “Yakko-san” in an instant, it is identically the same as previous one. Rather than the same work, it’s more of a copy.

(As I thought…… she’s different from us)

Such obvious thing, why is he disappointed realizing it now? It’s a strange story. What operates Haruha is 『CtG』 and the thing that operates it is no other than computer, accomplishing small thing like this is not surprising at all.

──However, Haruha’s hand stopped as she works on the third one.

Open and fold again, after some trails and errors, “Yakko-san” is finally finish, but somehow it looks strangely different from the previous ones, its head is a little too big.

:“? This is……”

In respond to confused Clamp, Haruha let out a warm fufun voice and a smile, and then she asks.

:“What do you think this is?”

:“Nn…… could it be, Payakino-san?”

The one who answered that wasn’t Clamp, but Mifa who appeared out of nowhere. Haruha sharpened her mouth saying “It’s was a quiz for Daddy!”, Mifa replied with a sorry and lift up Haruha’s body and put her down onto the floor.

:”Sitting on table is bad”

:”But then I won’t able to make origami”

Rather than mother and daughter, both of them looks like a sister. Clamp then return his gaze towards four origami on the table.

There are two big “Yakko-san”, one mushroom-like thing, and one small “Yakko-san”.

Needless to say── It’s Clamp, Mifa, Payakino, and Haruha together.

:““Is this… Haruha?””
:““A doll””

He recalled back Haruha’s words.

Clamp── Kasugai Yuu, felt hatred towards himself.

(Why did I think like that? “As I thought…… she’s different from us”?)

Even though he bad mouthed Fuyufu who denied personality that born from game, just now he treated Haruha like a foreign object. But she put him in. Within the origami family, figure Clamp is in there.

She is…… she’s such a child. Furthermore,

Being thought only the concept of “Origami”, Haruha created a mushroom-shape by herself. She can create “free ideas” from given information. No matter how splendid an artificial intelligence is, there’s no way it can do that.

Mysterious, strange, but helplessly cute “daughter”.

Haruha.

(How should I treat this child?)

Recently, because he prioritize meeting Haruha, he had neglected his goal to fully complete 『CtG』. Even though raising a child is not the event he should take care of.

Whatever happens, he must play through everything in 『CtG』.

The more he likes Haruha, the more troubled he becomes.

<center><big><big>◇◇◇</big></big></center>

:”Ahahaha”

But strangely he no longer worries about his concern when he looks at Haruha’s smile.

Two months had passed since Haruha was born. She quickly had obtained what human call the physique of seven-years-old.

:“It’s shaking. It’s shaking, daddy!”

Just a while ago she walked like an awkward doll but now she’s running around in the carriage like an energetic cat.

Western-styled world Sphere “Gunman’s Grave”. The powers of firearms in here are multiply times stronger than in other Sphere, this is world for Gunman.

Starting from the capital city, you will find huge railway connected to various locations across the towns and villages in this world, it’s essential for traveling in Gunman’s Grave and is part of tourist attraction. It’s a large locomotive that you won’t find anywhere in modern Japan, and the views outside the shaken carriage are magnificent.

Today is public holiday in real world, so Clamp and Mifa enters 『CtG』 during the day. Since they have a lot of time to spare they asked Haruha where she wanted to go and she answered that she want to try riding a train.

And so, the three of them boarded the train and enjoy the scenery from the window. It’s wilderness as far as eye can see. From distant you can see a wild Land Worm (A large roundworm-like monster) being hunted by couple of cowboys with their monster rifle.

When Clamp is captivated with this virtual landscape, Mifa stand from her seat and yelled at Haruha.

:“Haruha, don’t you’re bothering other guests so please calm down”
:”Okke~!”

[[File: CtG_vol_1_00013.jpeg|thumbnail|Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother.]]

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother. It was Mifa’s present made in Bushido Grave, ependymal (upper garment) armor.

It was Haruha’s first “dress up”.

:“She’s quite energetic”

Clamp leaks out a smile seeing the scene of this mother-daughter exchange.

The border passages in the carriage are divided into two rows. Sitting right on the other side of Clamp is Mifa are a kind-looking elderly couple.

From the small talk they had before, this couple wanted to enjoy their leisure time after retirement but they worried about their health if they’re going on a trip…… eventually they decided on going to virtual world instead. They both love easy way of thinking and is a very harmonious married couple.

:“That young lady in Kimono, whose little sister is she?”

:“Ha, haa…”

Clamp and Mifa’s replies are inevitably ambiguous. They couldn’t help but to speak humbly when talking to older people. Even so, if they answer honestly it would dozens times sounds more like a lie.

Unaware of their confusion, the elderly couple speaks in merry voice as if saying “this is the main topic”.

:“Could it be, both of you are couple?”

:“”Ah, no, not””

This time, the two of them stomp the table and stood up, and smoothly answers. Both of them are certainly a married couple in『CtG』 but not a tiny bit a “couple” even once.

The old lady seemed to be a little disappointed. And the husband next to her rebuked with “Don’t so thoughtless” and changes the topic.

:”Using travel PC, even old people like us and that young lady can go on a trip without worry”

Travel PC (Player Carrier) is one of 『CtG』 unique system that allows youngsters and even elderly to experience the virtual world. They do not receive any damage from battle or a player attack. It is commonly known as “Travel” and even player below twelve years old can essentially dive into the game.

In 『CtG』 body damage and endurance value (HP) are placed on entire different concept. Body damage and wound received will slowly heal and regenerates even when the remaining HP is low, but when all HP completely gone it will be automatically be a game over. In case of Travel PC, their HP is infinite and would never receive a game over in battle

“I still intends on staying as an active gamer. But playing on a normal avatar is bad for my heart or something and this wife of mine won’t let me”

“But dear, this is different from a video game you know”

The wife’s words then interrupted. Before they knew it, Haruha had appeared beside her, pulling her sleeves. Haruha looked up at the old lady, and curiously says,

“Haruha is not a Travel?”

As she just said, while being a child Haruha is not a Travel PC. That’s why Payakino told them to watch over her very carefully.

However, from the eyes of people who don’t know the circumstances it’s a mere violation of term.

:”Hn? But, kid at your age──”

:”But Haruha is……Mogyuh!?”

:”N-No! It’s not that! This kid doesn’t really know how the system works so!”

Mifa let out a fake smile as she forcibly hold Haruha to prevent her from saying anything further. The elderly couple then easily convinced and stroke Haruha’s head, in exchange Haruha narrowed her eyes happily.

And so, it was pretty heart beating scene of explaining Haruha’s circumstances that even her guardians haven’t fully grasp on.

The weather outside is good and the scenery spreads are beautiful, they are blessed with cheerful companion in the journey. Mifa, and also Haruha, seems to be in a good mood as well.

I’m glad coming here── He wanted everyone to let out that finest praise for this trip, in this holiday afternoon.

But then, the train stops by sudden break in the middle of the wilderness.

In a way, this can be called as a well-executed train robbery.

The railway is blocked by a drove of large Land Worm, good thing the train stopped in the right time.

But after that, the safe box that was placed on the wagon collapsed.

The strength of security NPC is nothing great, and can be easily overwhelm by player status. That far must be according to their plan. But, inside the safe was empty. It seems they caught false information by other player’s mischief.

And then.

The four angered robber boarded the carriage Clamp and others are in.

:“Okay, don’t move! Frankly saying, I’m really strong!”

The one who shouted throughout the passage seats are a bearded man who seems to be the leader of the robbery. He appears to be old due to his beard, but his voice is unexpectedly youthful. He must be at age of young adult.

:”This is a robbery for collecting fund for conquering Marionette Grave. We’re on complete different level compared to those who just playing around! Got it!?”

What the man say “Marionette Grave” is a newly released world Sphere, world of cyber punk. In other to conquer it, expensive equipment is essential. Within group of inpatient player, there are people who dare to cross the dangerous line in order to collect fund just like this.

Seeing from Expansion (AR) mode, all information all filtered other than their level, and around their shoulder there are red placards (tag) floating above them. If someone try to attack someone on public facilities he/she will receives 《Criminal》 red tag, and for a period of time, they will be registered as target of subjugation quest.

As expected from those who want to be on top, their levels are certainly higher than Clamp.

:“Listen, we will collect 1/3 of your money after this. If you quietly give it to us, we won’t kill you. Not a bad deal right?”

Penalty given when dying is “Losing half of possessed gold”, it’s certainly not bad deal. More than anything, even though the pain is reduced, dying in this overly realistic 『CtG』 world will give quite a fear until getting used to. It was a quite valid threat on its own way.

The other three man under the bearded man walk through the cramped passages way and start collecting, each of then threating their pray with their gun.

“H-Hiaaaa….. D-don’t shot! I will die!”

One of them pointed his guy at a girl wearing a nun (Sister) outfit who sits nearby. All other robbers are one stage lower than the bearded man but still on higher level than Clamp. They’re considerably stronger than Mifa.

(Maybe… No, don’t think about resisting……)

Peeking at Haruha who hugged tightly by Mifa, Clamp let out a sigh. If he were alone, he would think of resisting and prepared betting a Game Over, but now he had Mifa and Haruha.

Seeing the passengers being obedient, the bearded man licks his lips in delight. The color of his pupil appears to have brightens it seems he activated Extended (AR) mode vision.

“First of all, in order to not let anyone do anything strange in the middle of collecting money, we will be taking some hostages.
………The first one will be that pseudo Sister, and who will be next I think. No matter how much they resist, we can’t really make a Travel who cannot be killed as a hostage”

Somehow he got a bad feeling, and it was a hit.

As if licking through the passenger within, the bearded man shop around with his gaze, and his eyes stopped at Mifa.

:“Oi, you woman there, you’re not a Travel right!”

Being called, Mifa screamed in respond. Clamp floats his waist.

(This is bad…!)

It was a frustration he never felt before, he have lost his composure.

But that anxiousness was not because of Mifa.

:”No, Haruha don’t!”

By the time they realize, she have already escape from Mifa’s arm.

The girl in red Kimono── Haruha left the passage, and faced the bearded man around seven meters away.

The bearded man, and other robbers and the passages, must have first realized after Mifa raised a scream. He looks at Haruha as if just inhaled a poisonous gas.

:“Oi…… what is it brat. I don’t have business with a Travel──”

The bearded man’s words were interrupted.

Deeply.

He then noticed a Throwing Knife stuck on his shoulder.

:“Oooh….?”

It was a unique sensation of『CtG』. Because of the system, the pain is changed to slight sense of discomfort so you won’t feel any actual pain. But, that’s why the sensation of cold metal transmitted into his flesh can be clearly felt── passing beyond the realm of pain, he were haunted by an illusion of being a corpse.

And then the bearded man saw. The young girl in red Kimono, slowly come close and throw the second knife.

So casually, so agilely, and without hesitation.

Now is his flank. As if being sucked into the gap of his bone, the sharp blade continues to invade inside until right to its handle.

:“──Hey”

The voice who called for the bearded man is from no one else, Clamp couldn’t recognize it for a moment. This cold and sharp piercing, voice.

:“Why?”

Realizing that the shining Throwing Knifes on Haruha’s both hands were his gift, for the first time he recognized the owner of this penetrating cold voice.

The bearded man finally realize the opponent who attacked him, he then glared Haruha with wide open eyes, and point his automatic gun at her.

:”Why, do you do this?”

But Haruha is undaunted. Her large unwavering eyes, as if being sucked in, pushed the bearded man to his limit. He pulled the gun trigger.

: “W-What── You… shitty brat!”

*BANG*. The sound of gunshot from the bearded man’s hand. Even though it’s in virtual world, no one would stand watching a scene of kid being shot.

However, Haruha are unharmed.

The sleeves of her red Kimono fluttering like a flower petal. In one rotation as if dancing.

In that moment, while throwing knives with both of her hand she dodged the bullet at incredible swiftness. It was, as if knowing she knows where the bullet is going in advance, truly a bland miracle.

The thrown knife pierce the bearded man’s right shoulder, receiving damage on his leg, the bearded man fall on his knee and lie on the floor. If he feel pain he would scream, but fortunately that did not happen. But then, he turned his gaze to Haruha── and his anger turns into fear.

On Haruha’s both hands, the next knifes had already appeared. Small sized weapon like Shuriken<ref>Traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, once again, you people already know this right?</ref> that can be hidden under your sleeves can be replenished/equipped immediately if you have skill called 《Sleeve Weapon》.

The shadow from her bangs covers her face to her nose. The only thing seen on her face is just the cold light from her eyes, but that stare of her appears to be showing nothing but apathy to the bearded man.

That knife, that eyes…

With no mercy or hesitation, the girl shows the blade on her hand. In a way, it’s very children-like. Because she’s a child, she can beat down her opponent without showing any anger.

The girl’s movement had reached at front of the bearded man’s face. The cold wind cut by the knife, this time the knife change objective from throwing to slashing.

:”Haruha, is looking forward for this you know!”

And then.

Haruha stares at the intruder who interrupted her holiday with all her might, she naturally lets out a condescending voice.

:”Mommy and daddy said that we will have a lot of fun. Haruha is looking forward for it!”

That face seen from the shade, is no longer that of what used to be the cute spoiled little mole. Her face── her face has clearly explodes with anger.

:“A lot!
:I endured a lot!
:and finally! Finally!
:It’s finally!! It’s finally the day where we will play a lot!
:but why!? Why don’t you understand? Is old man stupid!?
:Why? I said, why? Why do you do such mean thing!?”

It was a children’s impeachment yelling to children for children. She believes that breaking her “Promised holiday” is nothing but pure evil and do not doubt that even slightest bit, it was unconditional trust she had for her family and the world. And now all of that is crushed, and it donated her childish emotion and caused an explosion inside her.

Naturally, the bearded man doesn’t understand what she meant. He just listens to her while being dumbfounded. He turns his head left and right searching for an answer but all he got is a stare from the girl in nun outfit.

Compared to the bewildered man, Haruha is way, way younger. She’s way too young to understand each other position and circumstances. That’s why, she’s so straight, selfish, and mercilessly.

:“Such thing──”

The blade on her hand, as if sliding from the sky slice the man.

:”Is bad you know!”

The blade cross and thorn the bearded man’s neck, the sprayed out blood vigorously formed <b>Critical Hit!!</b> words on the ceiling.

In that opportunity.

“W-What the heck is this brat!?”

The other robber who couldn’t react properly to Haruha’s overly imposing raid, finally moves.

First is the person who stand right beside the bearded man, he pulled out his revolver but then interrupted by the earlier nun woman.

In nearly the same time, the tall robber who was right in front of Clamp raised his rifle gun and aimed at Haruha. His aim quickly blocked by Mifa who jumped out of her seat, but there’s no reason for him to re-adjust his aim. He pulled the trigger──

That moment, Clamp moves.

While pushing down the tall man, he simultaneously takes his gun. Along with『Snatch!』 notification sound, the message saying 『You stole item “Automatic M1905””』 is displayed.

:”Agh, bastard!”

:”I won’t say sorry”

Sorry── before he finishes saying that, he start shooting down every bullet available all in one, that guy might not even catch the word he said. After around five shots, the guy’s HP drops to zero and his body turned into lifeless mannequin.

After he out of bullet, Clamp instantly throw the gun and stands up.

Then.

His eyes met a big-framed robber aiming his rifle at him. The gunpoint goes straight to Clamp’s head.

:””……………Haha””

Feeling tension at each other, both of them exchanges maniac smile.

The robber changes to serious look in a moment and pulled the trigger.

It’s not the distant where he can simply avoid all the bullets; if he got hit at this direction he can’t be saved. Normally he would get a Game Over in this situation, but.

The bullet, missed. No, the prey (Clamp) just disappeared from the place he aimed.

:”……He disappeared? How? Did he log-out because of external influence?”

:”Nope── Got you”

The next moment that word was heard, the disappointed robber’s torso is blown away onto the air. 　

Clamp who returned to his position in an instant shot him with a Sawed-off shotgun<ref>A type of shotgun with a shorter gun barrel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawed-off_shotgun)</ref>. The robber who got shot and shreds in pieces clings on an unattended seat and glared at Clamp.

:”What the heck with that instant warping…… a connection lag nowadays?”

Clamp didn’t answer and walk off, ignoring the robber. The robber’s eyes brighten, signing that he’s trying to check Clamp’s player status.

:”Clamp……? Are you…… are you that “Clamp of Scarabaeus”? ………Wait, if so your level is too low──”

:”Then you got the wrong person”

Not waiting for the robber to be convinced, Clamp bombarded the rest of the shots. The mannequin that lost its head rolls on the floor.

Seeing the surrounding, the last remaining robber had turned into a mannequin, he must’ve taken down by other passengers.

The mannequin that used to be the bearded man, suffering with miserable fate, had its entire body pierced with knife that sinks its blade deep inside, and its lower half are drowned in sea of blood flowing out of its neck.

And at the end of such sight, those girls are there. Clamp’s “Families”.

Mifa with trembling shoulder who hold Haruha tightly, and Haruha who question her mother’s action.

When his eyes meet hers, she showed a bright golden smile.

:”Daddy! I beat him down with the knife you gave me!”

Other than a forced smile, what else can he show?

:”Hey…… why that kid, isn’t a Travel PC?”

(Here it comes……)

The first thing they ask after everything settled down is that. Of course, it’s about his “Daughter” who’s in the middle of the room being hold by Mifa

:”She appears to be elementary school students no matter how I see her……”

The man’s voice that was representing the other passengers is strong. A non-Travel PC under age of thirteen is against the law.

:“Well…… You see, this kid is──”

He wanted to cover up but couldn’t come out with a good lie. Kasugai Yuu isn’t particularly smart or has food mouth, he just a simple high school boy.

He might as well speak the truth.

Haruha is a baby born as part of《Marriage》 event.
That’s why he doesn't have to worry.
Because, she isn’t a human, but.

──Terrifying. It’s not a joke.

He’s convinced. Haruha is not a human, only an existence within the game. That’s the truth. But, once it’s revealed, how will others threat Haruha from now on?

An NPC that can think, creates, and possess emotions. There’s no need to recall back the conversation he had with Fuyufu, Haruha had easily exceed the limit of an artificial intelligence. She’s an impossible existence.

Clamp and Mifa think that she’s cute, but that only because they’ve been with her for a long time. But in eyes of other people, as an errant object, she’s a subject of their curiosity and fear.

Fearful. They are afraid to be in contact with a non-human like Haruha. They are afraid to be targeted by her. If everyone learned the truth about Haruha, can Clamp and Mifa treat her the same way as before? Would they wake up from this dream?

Still── it’s still too early to think like that. Just a little bit more, please let her be as what she is now.

In the same time Yuu reached to his conclusion.

:”Haruha is── this kid is……”

Mifa stands up and begin talking. Clamp reflexively put his hand to Mifa’s shoulder. Her voice, was shaking.

Mifa put her hand on Haruha’s head who doesn’t get the situation. Together, Mifa declared in loud voice.

:”This kid, is… is not───ach!!”

　…………………………

And there was silent.

Well, of course. A truly troublesome words── and said with big voice pushed with only enthusiasm. In addition, the beautiful girl, Mifa, called out desperately.

:”No, not about that…”

The player who asked about Haruha perplexedly let out word of denial.

They become silent again. It’s the atmosphere where everyone goes quiet.

Except one person, Haruha, who watch over the hard faces of the adults restlessly.

It’s not that she’s stupid or dense (My child is clever and intelligent you know), and not even because she’s young. She just simply don’t understand how “Special” she is. When Yuu think about that he somehow feel a bit sad, and tears seems to be flowing out.

And within such situation…

Out of the blue, the door of the vehicle is open. It was the entrance that was blocked by the robber from earlier. Naturally, everyone’s attention concentrated there── Uniformly, they were amazed.

:”Well, hello and hello~”

Because, somehow, a giant mushroom just entered the carriage.

──It as you expect. It was Payakino lowering its head as if it’s a cowboy hat.

:”AAaa-! It’s Payakino-san!”

The first one who raised her voice was Haruha, and she dived herself with all her might onto the stuffed-doll body. The Nanny NPC catches the cannonball-like girl.

:”Bonjour. Monsieur mon ami” <ref>Bonjour means “good day” and Monseiur is honorific title that used to refer to or address the eldest living brother of the king. Calling French people out there!!!</ref>

And then somehow, it speak out greeting that sound more coming from the TV version of “Detective Poirot”<ref>Referencing the fictional character Hercule Poirot </ref> rather than actual French. Imitating that, Haruha repeats the word “Monsieur mon ami” over and over.

Everyone within the carriage── Even Clamp and others── where taken a back, and on behalf of the elderly couple, the husband open his mouth.

:”Haa…… So, who are you people……?”

:”Me?”

And then Payakino, while saying “Well up’n go” rise up Haruha and tossed her to a big bag. And from inside, the muffled voice of Haruha can be heard── “Waaai! I’m inside a bag!”

Everyone’s eyes goes wide wondering what just happened, and then the mushroom shamelessly introduced itself.

:“I am the wilderness kidnapper, Paya The Kid!”
:”Eh?”

Not waiting for others’ respond, Payakino turned backward, and jump onto the back of the horse waiting outside.

“Yeeehaa~ go Silver Star!”

Riding the horse, it quickly disappears in an instant. ──

…………
………………

While carrying the bag that has Haruha inside.

:””AAAAAAAAA!!! SHE GOT KIDNAPPED!!?””

Finally understanding the situation Clamp and Mifa screamed in unison, and their voice echoes throughout the wilderness…

In about an hour after, everyone had gathered in the usual hotel room.

:”……Well, anyway we’re saved”

Just a while ago they were frustrated having their travel interrupted, but now Haruha is glaring on the card on her hand while learning how to play old maid with Mifa, Clamp is lowering his head against Payakino.

:”Honestly, I’m out of option in that situation”

After that, they left the carriage pretending to chase over Paya The Kid, and regroup back with Haruha and Payakino who’ve returned earlier. They managed to leave the scene without answering anything…… maybe, he’s not really sure.

Payakino unceremoniously assured him.

:”What are you talking about? this is part of my job as a Nanny NPC. You don’t have to worry about it, everything happened today will be taken care by people above so it’s okay. They should’ve erased all evidence, not even a dust left”

:”Thank you… but, it sounds kind scary”

Anyway, from this matter, he will avoid having naïve thinking like before.

:”May I ask….. how should I treat Haruha from now on?”

:”How, you mean?”

:”When she grows bigger, she can go out without being suspected as a Travel PC anymore. But, when that time comes, we…… what should we do?”

Indeed. Haruha possess ability to perform independent actions, in 『CtG』 world she’s a “free” being. She needs protection for now, but in the future she would be independent enough to act on her own.

──What will happen when Haruha no longer need “Parents”?

It’s not explained in extended manual given by Payakino.

:“I see. Your worry is understandable, but it’s okay to consider it more carefully”

:”Carefully…… even if you say so, Haruha had already grown so big. She would probably reach our ages in merely half a year”

:”About that──”

Payakino words were cut.

Who knows when did she shows up, Haruha is clinging on Payakino’s arm. From the looks of it Mifa is putting away the trump card into the item box, and taking out a cursed music box she recently got in exchange.

:”Hey, Payakino-san…”

Clamp got his eyes taken by the sight of Mifa letting out a sigh in downcast eyes and missed Haruha’s words to Payakino.

And thus, he begin to regret for missing it later──

“How long with Haruha can be with daddy and mommy?”

<center><big><big><big>◆</big></big></big></center>

Biiiii──────────────

──iii.　

The electronic reminiscent the buzz of insect vibrates throughout the room.

In a certain apartment room in the corner of the dimly lit room filled with trash more than furniture.

The thing that let out the noise was the device worn by the man, owner of the house.

It’s the terminal-Ramiel, used to play 『Cradle to The Glaive』. The massage “Malfunction” were displayed repeatedly on the semi-transparent surface of the visor.

The error sound would absolutely not stop. The man does not react to the sound ringing right on his ear.

He just, loosely folds his back on the chair, and let the foam on the edge of his mouth to accumulates and fall.

Biiiiiii──────────────

The electronic buzzing continues to vibrate inside the small room. And the man body in the middle is like maggots on the pile of dead meat.

Forever and always……

This man then found fainting in the middle of playing online game and was taken to hospital by the family member who discovered him and it was reported on news the day after. However, there are no eyewitnesses of the moment of his death.

In real life he has clear face with no beard at all, and his appearance in game is completely different.

That’s why no one would know that he’s the robber at the train in Gunman’s Grave who got his throat slashed by a certain girl.

<noinclude>

==Translator's Notes and References==
<references />

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 2: Output|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend

2015-03-28T08:16:31Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Status|Active}}

{{Teaser|English}}

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (冴えない彼女(ヒロイン)の育てかた Saenai Hiroin no Sodatekata, lit. How to Train the Ordinary Girl to be a Heroine), also known in the short form Saekano (冴えカノ),is a Japanese light novel series by Fumiaki Maruto, with illustrations by Kurehito Misaki. Fujimi Shobo has published eight volumes since July 2012 under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. It has received a manga adaptation in addition to two spin-off manga adaptations. An anime television series adaptation by A-1 Pictures began airing on January 2015 on Fuji TV's noitamina block. The anime has been licensed by Aniplex of America.

This project is currently being worked on by [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com thenakedsol].

[[File:Saenai_V1_Cover.png|286px|thumb|right|Cover of Volume 1]]

== Story Synopsis ==

Male otaku Tomoya Aki, who works part-time to earn money to buy anime, meets a beautiful girl one day during spring vacation. A month later, he finds out that the girl is his classmate, Megumi Kato, who is hardly noticed by the other classmates. Tomoya, who also has no special skills or abilities, goes to Eriri Spencer Sawamura, a well-known member of the Art Club, to provide the art for a game the club is developing, and to Utaha Kasumigoaka to write the game scenario. The three subsequently form Blessing Software, which they plan to sell at the next Comiket.

== Updates ==

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===

'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
* [[Format guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Registration Page|Registration page]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend|register]] the chapters they want to work on.'''

== Feedback Thread ==

'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us on the [Feedback Thread]'''

== ''Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend'' by Fumiaki Maruto ==
=== Volume 1: Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (冴えない彼女(ヒロイン)の育てかた) ===
[[File:Saenai_V1_Cover.png|thumb|x200px]]
* [http://unnamedtranslations.wordpress.com/saenai-hiroin-no-sodatekata/volume-1/saekano-v1-illustrations/　Novel Illustrations]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/01/saenai-no-heroine-no-sodatekata-volume.html Prologue]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/02/saenai-heroine-no-sodatekata-volume-1.html Chapter 1]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/03/saenai-heroine-no-sodatekata-v1-ch2.html Chapter 2]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

== Project Staff ==
* Supervisor:
* Project Manager:

==== Translators ====

'''Active'''
*
*

'''Inactive'''

==== Editors ====

'''Active'''
*
'''Inactive'''

== Project Status ==

Project Status: '''Teaser'''

[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend

2015-03-28T08:15:58Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Status|Active}}

{{Teaser|English}}

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (冴えない彼女(ヒロイン)の育てかた Saenai Hiroin no Sodatekata, lit. How to Train the Ordinary Girl to be a Heroine), also known in the short form Saekano (冴えカノ),is a Japanese light novel series by Fumiaki Maruto, with illustrations by Kurehito Misaki. Fujimi Shobo has published eight volumes since July 2012 under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. It has received a manga adaptation in addition to two spin-off manga adaptations. An anime television series adaptation by A-1 Pictures began airing on January 2015 on Fuji TV's noitamina block. The anime has been licensed by Aniplex of America.

This project is currently being worked on by [thenakedsol.blogspot.com thenakedsol].

[[File:Saenai_V1_Cover.png|286px|thumb|right|Cover of Volume 1]]

== Story Synopsis ==

Male otaku Tomoya Aki, who works part-time to earn money to buy anime, meets a beautiful girl one day during spring vacation. A month later, he finds out that the girl is his classmate, Megumi Kato, who is hardly noticed by the other classmates. Tomoya, who also has no special skills or abilities, goes to Eriri Spencer Sawamura, a well-known member of the Art Club, to provide the art for a game the club is developing, and to Utaha Kasumigoaka to write the game scenario. The three subsequently form Blessing Software, which they plan to sell at the next Comiket.

== Updates ==

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===

'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
* [[Format guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Registration Page|Registration page]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend|register]] the chapters they want to work on.'''

== Feedback Thread ==

'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us on the [Feedback Thread]'''

== ''Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend'' by Fumiaki Maruto ==
=== Volume 1: Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (冴えない彼女(ヒロイン)の育てかた) ===
[[File:Saenai_V1_Cover.png|thumb|x200px]]
* [http://unnamedtranslations.wordpress.com/saenai-hiroin-no-sodatekata/volume-1/saekano-v1-illustrations/　Novel Illustrations]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/01/saenai-no-heroine-no-sodatekata-volume.html Prologue]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/02/saenai-heroine-no-sodatekata-volume-1.html Chapter 1]
* [http://thenakedsol.blogspot.com/2015/03/saenai-heroine-no-sodatekata-v1-ch2.html Chapter 2]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

== Project Staff ==
* Supervisor:
* Project Manager:

==== Translators ====

'''Active'''
*
*

'''Inactive'''

==== Editors ====

'''Active'''
*
'''Inactive'''

== Project Status ==

Project Status: '''Teaser'''

[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]

User talk:Antheor

2015-03-25T00:10:53Z

LiTTleDRAgo: ~

== Log Horizon French ==
Sure, go ahead. But since the english version is licensed, you need translate vol 8+ directly from the raw.

Also, don't forget to create the thread [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=65 here] -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 19:10, 24 March 2015 (CDT)

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou

2015-03-23T07:39:13Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Teaser|English}}

'''Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou''' (魔技科の剣士と召喚魔王) is a Japanese light novel series written by Mihara Mitsuki and illustrated by CHuN.

[[File:Magika_No_Kenshi_To_Shoukan_Maou_000.jpg|286px|thumb|right|Cover of Volume 1]]

== Story Synopsis ==

Because of a Diva governing summoning Magic awarding a stigma, the Sword Division’s expert – Kazuki entered the National Knight’s Academy’s Magic Division. Even though he should be honing the sword skills inherited from Hayashizaki-Ryuu, Kazuki began his unsure Magic training in the Magic Division, which was filled with girls. As Kazuki’s sister, Kanae, the current student president of Sword Division, was extremely unsatisfied about Kazuki entering Magic Division to study. And the Magic Division Student President was overly close to Kazuki made Kanae extremely unhappy——? Kazuki stands inside the crevice between the two conflicting Student President! With the proof of a Summon Magic User – Stigma, the academy’s battle arena targeting both sword and Magic, is about to begin——!!

== Updates ==
*February 18, 2015 - Project created

== Translation ==

=== Format Standards ===

'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
* [[Format guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Registration Page|Registration page]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Registration Page|Register]] the chapters they want to work on.'''

== ''Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou'' by Mihara Mitsuki ==
=== Volume 1: Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou (魔技科の剣士と召喚魔王) ([[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[File:Magika_No_Kenshi_To_Shoukan_Maou_000.jpg|thumb|x200px]]

* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Swordsman in Magic Division]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Witch's House]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Love Simulation]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Corrosion of God]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Shore between Dreams and Myth]]
* [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

== Project Staff ==
* Supervisor:
* Project Manager:

==== Translators ====

'''Active'''
* Bakapervert

'''Inactive'''
*jn19930

==== Editors ====

'''Active'''

'''Inactive'''

== Project Status ==
Project Status: '''Teaser'''

==Series Overview==

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2015-03-23T07:33:04Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 3 - Amasaki Mio==
Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh……Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, I do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…..but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided base on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is……?

“Then in other words……Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme……Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is……to make you become a harem king!!”

……Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute……Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it……?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. The leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was to simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power……Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave a enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, a E-Rank, contracted was……the strongest Diva.

“——However, this is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used at the modern times……If we have to use the modern way of speaking……Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them……Fall in love……with me? I suddenly felt that……some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state……Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva……”

“……Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the mtyh. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submission ——is a harem king!”

“……What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and gave up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obey Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come this this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and the Solomon’s 72 Pillars……”

“……A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“……So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“……The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikari ——30.

“……T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“……A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…..?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikari ——30.

“……There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that……That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“……Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me……Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is……Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug……”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However……why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly……like a game!?

“……The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, I only wanted to improve my sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from my adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I……will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of a E-Rank.

If that’s the case……I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“……Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon……

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead……

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“……Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, is able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract……Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person beside from you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point……Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity……?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret away from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

……However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted to me report to her no matter what happened……

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared motionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“……Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power……

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

× × ×

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword……Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“……When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“……Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“……What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make other happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive……”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“……Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it……but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,patapata, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“……I can’t cook. Because I am a human who do not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“……Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came……”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“……It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learnt from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais……Then, you, who is a E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed……the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

……Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“……You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was a extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish……Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“……No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing……Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well……Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and was extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the body of these two and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have capture the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn about the knowledge regarding about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted them the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called as demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshipped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactics of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, they were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to die into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed at a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield……This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“……UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also a E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he had actually no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of a E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly……Towards her, who was a A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

……Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva to <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It is only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n what is dondokudo-n?”

“……You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered……Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“……<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh……The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

……From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

× × ×

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge……Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage……I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

……Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores……But please do not call me a slave.”

“……But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful……”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disguisting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“……It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san……Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank……Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee……I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were still thinking what was going on, not we are rest assured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No, no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

……It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That is was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“……Forget it! We, the Magic Division, does not require swords! You are already a E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords……Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swing sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

……It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange……But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon……But if it is the people, who are important to me, are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this……Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“……W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“……And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“……What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that……she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“……In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values……Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme are your heart is connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

……She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually……?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“……That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is a E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“……How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel……But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division……Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“……Although I do not understand, that person is saying he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against a A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before……”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well……Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organization information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“……Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’sthe case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division……Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“……So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to porve the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu……In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do you bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling……But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“……This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword……

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was a iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appeared once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard……Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

It’s toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

……Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“……The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be a sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right……?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin……Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But……Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Even though they do not need to have to specifically gather her, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name……Thy name is <Phenex>……A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

……Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up unique were confronting each other here.

He did not know why……but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could finishing running this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio will also avoid while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gave the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki display an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then……Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

“Fast!? The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“……The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoid. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already felt the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted a outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined……If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Bend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise……This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>……This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to reading the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“……A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more power body…..This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot win Summoning Magic……The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“……If it is me, I could chant a large-scaled Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that I and Nii-sama would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Miostill calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose……! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible……But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person is people to pursue further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls……Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash……It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win……Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“……I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are delude by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing……Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President……”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

……No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki><I can also become strong></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“……Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled……Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan……or the future growth of Otouto-kun……

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikari, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

Kazuki, who wanted for her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No……I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable……!

“Speaking of which……Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I……I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with the Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is ……Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio……should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade……Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me……Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that brought you away……Uuuuuu……”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name……”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was a honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful……!

“……What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong……What is this……”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still become a A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I……absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

× × ×

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impusively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet witih them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

……5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

“So, she thought, her own Magic……was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot……

However, she still lost……Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past……

……That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad……But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past……

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki……Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that……she wanted to behave in a more willful manner.

“……The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be a nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute……I did not say that I was still wearing this……!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“……UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“……Right now, do you still care about me……”

“……What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like a arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you……Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right……I… am still angry at you……”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

……After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry……but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“……I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh……What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not……plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“……You, even it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I……Is that so? You will still worry about me……But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel……?”

“……So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straighten her chest.

“……I understand. There is no other way……Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave……So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“……Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you……Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“……Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

……What, as expected it is taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san……Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!! ……Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is a E-Rank sword idiot……if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued our a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

……This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“……Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good……They have completely entered their own world……”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“……Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy……Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts……

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2015-03-23T07:32:57Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 4 - Love Simulation==
“Right, let’s make curry tonight. I suddenly want to eat a curry that has lots of sweet cheese inside. The one that was made previously in Nanohana Institution. It’s decided!”

“Curry, is it……I have often made it before. However, it wouldn’t work well with tomorrow’s bento.”

“Isn’t it fine if you make a curry bento? Just use Magic to heat it up. This is the master’s command! Potatoes~, Carrots~, Onions~♪”

Mio hummed a short song as she placed the vegetables into the shopping basket.

When Kazuki went to buy ingredients for dinner, Mio happily followed.

After the lunch break, her arguing attitude reappeared and she was also in a good mood.

Inside the Knights Academy’s huge campus , there were shops that sell ingredients for the students that wanted to make their own food.

“Moss<ref>Apparently, in some curry, moss is an ingredient. (I never knew that).</ref> ♪, If it’s meat, then it’s definitely chicken, right!?” She held a box and laughed.

“I’ll comply with your orders, master.”

After bringing the selected goods to the cashier, Kazuki used the Student Council President’s <Food Budget> to pay the bill.

“I’ll give this to you, this is you, who is a slave, should be responsible for!”

Mio deftly placed the goods into the plastic bag, then she shoved it into Kazuki’s hand.

The two bulging plastic bags filled up both of Kazuki’s hand.

“What~, do you have any opinions?”

“I did not say that it was bad. And from the beginning, I did not plan on letting a girl carry the items.”

“Is it heavy? Because a lot of vegetables has been put in, so it must be very heavy, right~?”

“This level of heaviness is nothing, I have always been training, so it is not a problem.”

“You are overexerting yourself! It can’t be helped~! As your master, I should still help you.”

Mio held onto a handle of the plastic bag in Kazuki’s left hand, so it became a situation where two people were lifting up one bag……Just like they were walking while holding hands.

Conveying the fact that she did not truly treat Kazuki as a slave to him.

However, to her, who was still displaying a stubborn position of <Not forgiving Kazuki>, maintaining the master and slave relationship is the most natural way to get along.

Through the graph——Mio’s positivity levels was displaying 67.

On their way back to the Witch’s House, they coincidently met with their classmates.

“Amasaki-san and him……As expected, their relationship is really good. Just like a couple or perhaps just like a married couple.”

“W, Wait a minute! It is all your fault because you revealed a comfortable expression when you are together with me, which led to me being misunderstood! You should at least wave your tail towards your master!”

Mio hurriedly argued with Kazuki.

“Wait, from the beginning, weren’t you the one that displayed a happy expression?”

“W, When did I? This is a very normal expression! I am always this calm and beautiful!”

“You were singing a song earlier. If that isn’t being happy, then what should I call it?”

“That is different! That is……only a normal vegetable song! Because I like vegetables so that’s why I sang, it is only like this! Being happy because I am with you, how is it possible!”

Mio forcibly grabbed the plastic bag from Kazuki’s hand and hugged the vegetables inside tightly.

“I love vegetables! When I grow up, I will marry an onion on a white horse!!”

This person just said something incredible.

“When we get back, we would need to slowly cook the vegetables using a pot.”

“Why do you have to do such a cruel thing!? Bastard!”

“Ahaha……How should I put it, I wish you two happiness.”

The classmates gave a bitter smile and left.

“This is all your fault, causing them to misunderstand and leave! Idiot!!”

However, Mio was not truly angry. And a Black Skull did not fly out either.

“Listen to me, Hikari. The two of them seemed to be like a newlywed couple. Otouto-kun cuts the vegetables and Mio-chan will place the cut vegetables into the bowl……The first time the two of them worked together is here!”

“Ah, when they are working together and their hands touch each other, the two of them will be shocked……How nice, I also long for such a sweet scene.”

“The two of them are very happy.”

When Kazuki and Mio were making food in the kitchen, three gazes were secretly watching them.

“……Hey, you, think of a plan. The misunderstanding has deepened.”

“How can I think of a plan, they are our senpais.”

Kazuki quickly looked behind. The ones secretly watching were the two senpais and Koyuki.

……If it was Kazuki, he actually would want to let Koyuki join in.

“Amasaki, try this taste.”

“Um……Great! As expected from the thing that I made! This curry will be deemed Golden Mio-sama curry! If cheese was placed as a topping……Then it is the best!”

“Don’t just casually choose a name, master.”

But because Mio wanted a sweet taste, so in the end, it became a curry that had enormous amounts of sweet miso, onions, bananas, apples and honey. Although this person really likes it……

“To others, it may be slightly too sweet. Oi——Eh, Hiakari-san!”

“……What is it, Kazuki”. Koyuki, who was still wearing the stimulating shirt like before, walked over.”

“Try tasting this curry as well.”

“If everybody thinks the taste is fine, then there is no need to specially tailor the taste for me.”

“Please don’t say this kind of nonsense. I also hope that you are one of the ones that are happy as well.”

Kazuki forcibly moved the spoon over. Although she had a confused expression, but she still ate it.

“……It is slightly too sweet. But in general, it is still very delicious.”

“Hiakari-san enjoys eating spicy right? Then if we were to add a bit of red pepper, would the taste be enough?”

“Hey you, aren’t your taste too weird!? You actually picked faults with this Mio-chan’s professionalcreamytopchilisaucecurry-sama!”

“Hey, the name is completely different……Then I’ll move only mine and Amasaki’s portion to a small pot and make it a little spicier for the others.”

“Ah, you also enjoy eating sweet.”

Another red heart flew out.

This person’s positively level is currently rising exponentially. It seems to be because of food.

“Ah, speaking of which, there is something that I would like to discuss with Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan.”

Kaguya-senpai let out a sound as if she had just remembered something and walked into the kitchen.

“It is related to Inter-Division Competition on next week’s Saturday. A first-year must also participate. Since the two of you have successfully made a contract, Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan, which one should we send out? Since Mio-chan had fought before, then is it okay if it’s Koyuki-chan debut this time?”

The so-called Inter-Division Competition was an event that the senpais were recently preparing.

It seems to be the case……that it is a large-scaled exhibition event hosted by the Magic and Sword Division Student Council with ordinary civilians and freshmen spectating.

“I will obey to senpai’s arrangements……”

Although she said that she would obey, but Mio frowned. Actually, she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to redeemed for her previous failure.

——Just at this moment, a large roar came from the outside.

“Nii-sama Nii-sama——! Why is Nii-sama! Nii-sama at this kind of place——!!”

Then, PATA! The door was opened.

Everybody hurried to the entrance and could only see a breathless Kanae standing there.

“Nii-sama! Why are you living at this kind of place!? When I asked the teachers before, they said that they have arranged a residence outside of the campus, so I was assured!”

“How aggressive, causing me to think what happened. So it was about that. Because of various things, I cannot use the residence outside. Thus, senpai sheltered the homeless me.”

“How is that fine! Nii-sama, who has already reached that kind of age, is actually living with another women besides me……About that, too dirty……As expected, Nii-sama should immediately transfer to the Sword Division!”

“Give me a minute, Kanae-chan! By now, who would agree with the transfer to the Sword Division! I have also participated in on this matter, this was the result of the Magic Division Staff Meeting!”

“That’s not the case. The Magic Division Staff Members’ thinking changed again……Because of the duel before.”

Kanae seemed to be boasting of her victory and revealed a smile. That smile seemed to give off a bad feeling to others.

“What does that mean about their thinking changed?”

“In fact, the amount of teachers that recognized Nii-sama’s strength as a swordsman has increased, it seems that the opinion of transferring to the Sword Division is the majority now. I, as the Sword Division Council President, have already begun collecting signatures……And have obtained signatures from more than half of the staff room, including the Director. So as long as he wants to, he can always change profession!”

“Signatures!? It has already been put into action!?”

The tension at the Witch’s House suddenly rose. Kanae’s actions were not simply her bro-con acts, but it was an action that also accompanied her role as the Sword Division Student Council President.

Kanae fiercely grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Come, Nii-sama, let us head to the Sword Division, let us head together to our love nest!”

However, Kazuki coldly shook off Kanae’s hand.

“Kanae, I will remain in the Magic Division. I do not want to end this as the identity of the worst one and this place has already become an important place to me……Just like the Hayashizaki Family.”

“W……What are you saying? Nii-sama actually rejected me……”

“Don’t think that you can continue to be so willful. We are both high school students now.”

“Nii-sama won’t listen to your Onee-chan words!?”<ref>In case you do not understand, Kanae usually plays the role of the little sister, but here she tried to be the elder sister.</ref>

“Don’t just become the Onee-chan when it is convenient for you!”

Kanae seriously became stubborn. Kazuki used a severe attitude and confronted Kanae.

“Nii-sama? Onee-chan? ……Their relationship is impossible to understand.

“……As expected, it should be some kind of perverted play……”

Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki were confused. Next time, he must clearly explain it to them……

“However, no matter what Nii-sama says, this has already obtained the consent of the staff room!”

“You……did not even ask me for my opinion, why do you casually do such a thing!”

“This is the action that I have done as the Student Council President, so it is unrelated to Nii-sama!”

“Wait a minute. You, although I do not know whether you are Onee-chan or Imouto, but from the very beginning, what willful things are you saying to my Kazu-nii……No, my slave!? This person is mine!”

Mio and Kanae confronted each other. Kanae turned her gaze towards Mio, changed her expression and stared at her.

The past imouto from his adopted family who is also the current onee-chan from his adopted family and the past imouto, who is also the current master, were opposing each other.

“……What, do you have a problem, first year. If we have to resort to you Magic Division’s favorite meritocracy to solve this, then that is also fine. I will let you experience a shameful result that is even more powerful than the one with Nii-sama’s duel……!”

Kanae placed her hand onto the handle of her sword and released a murderous atmosphere through her Physical Enhancement.

Mio felt afraid and retreated, but in order to protect her, Kaguya-senpai inserted herself between the two of them.

“But, since otouto-kun’s level in sword techniques is already superb, it is pointless for him to go to the Sword Division. If he is to remain in the Magic Division, the things he will be able to obtain is much more.”

“Even if Nii-sama, himself, will not learn anything, but the influence he gives to the others is unparalleled. Nii-sama’s existence will give the students, who felt inferior to the Magic Division, courage! Nii-sama is just like the sun!”

“……That is the same for the Magic Division! If the Magic Division has someone like Otouto-kun, then they will further recognize sword techniques and the Sword Division! I plan on training this child to become a Magic Swordsman that would connect the Magic Division and the Sword Division!”

The Magic Division and Sword Division Student Council President engaged in a fierce battle around Kazuki.

“Your way of thinking may indeed have some truth. But that premise can only be established if Nii-sama can use Summoning Magic. But Nii-sama can’t use Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki felt a slight chill within his heart. He did not mention Leme’s ability to anyone. Everybody still thought that he was powerless……But in the earlier lunch break, he had obtained a <Key> from Mio.

Although he had not tested it yet……Whether or not he is able to use Summoning Magic.

“Ultimately, this place is not where Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, should stay.”

“The Witch’s House is a very good place to stay for Otouto-kun. This kind of thing should not be denied by an outsider like you!”

“You actually said that I, as Nii-sama’s Onee-chan and Imouto, am a outsider!?……Hmm, since we said up to this point, then please prove Nii-sama’s Magic to me.”

Kanae seemed to speak as if she had prepared it in advance.

“……Prove? How should we prove it?”

“The 3 Rounds of the Division Competition held next week, please let Nii-sama participate. Let Nii-sama duel with the assassin that we, the Student Council President, have prepared and prove his Magic talent!”

Assassin……!? Just at this moment, a strange sound came from the outside.

“Kanae~, please wait~”

Then, patapata, the footstep sounds stopped at the entrance.

“Uwah……Entering the Witch’s House seems to be scary……I want to escape. But if I escape, I will make Kanae mad.”

“Fufufu, she really came at the right time. This person is the Student Council Vice-President, who will become Nii-sama’s opponent in the competition. She is my best friend, close confidant and number one disciple, Kamiizumi Iori!”

“As expected, it’s scary~. I’m going back. I’m running away.”

“Wait a minute! I-chan, you did not even come in, isn’t that too much!?”

“UWAHH!? I already came in! I came in that much!”

Using a timid way of opening the door, a girl, with a doll’s hair, stuck her face inside.

She quickly looked at the situation around the entrance and her entire body began to tremble.

“The instant I entered, everybody’s gazes seem to be especially piercing!?”

“……Forget it. Although this person’s personality is just like a newly born deer, but her skill in swords is real. If Nii-sama do not use a sword and only use Summoning Magic to defeat this person, then I will admit the fact about Nii-sama’s Magic talent.”

“Because I defeated Summoning Magic before with only a sword, now this time, I have to defeat the sword with Summoning Magic!?”

“Ehhhhhhh!? What is this about! Kanae, I did not hear about such a thing!?”

“If you heard about it, then you will not come over here.”

“Yes, I absolutely will not! About this, I am certain about it!! Why would I come!!”

“……Since you said the word disciple. Kanae, did you teach this Iori-senpai the Hayashizaki-Ryuu?”

“Within a period of one year, I have taught her Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s <Reading Intent, Seeing Magic and Instant God>.”

In other words, she is able to detect intents, perceive the flow of Magic Power and move as swift as the wind.

Kazuki secretly glanced at Iori-senpai’s leg that extended from her skirt. The two legs are the same as Kanae’s, it was as tough as an antelope. Just through that, he understood.

If it was a straightforward one on one duel, a simple attacking Magic like Barrett would basically never hit.

“How one-sided……”

“Don’t say it is one-sided, this side has already obtained over half of the staff room’s support. This is already giving a compromise. Why should Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, stay at this kind of place?”

Can I really use Summoning Magic? Did I really forge a connection with Amasaki……?

Just when unease flashed through Kazuki’s brain. But even so, his own attitude was firm.

I……want to remain here! Kazuki was filled with a powerful emotion and stared at Iori-senpai.

“I, I am not that great of a swordsman~. T, The comments coming from the world is terrifying~”

“Let us go back, I-chan. If we do not head back soon, Torazou will began to make irresponsible remarks.”

“Let’s go back, let’s go back! Ehehe, then we will leave first~”

“Otonashi Kaguya. This year’s Inter-Division Competition, I will use the victory from this person and I to obtain the final victory……”

Kanae fearlessly laughed and left together with Iori-senpai. Kaguya-senpai was dumbfounded.

“……We really were put up. We are dragged into a battle that we cannot lose, even the Inter-Division Competition has become favorable to the Sword Division. Although Kanae-chan seems to be very simple, but she actually has this side, it is really impossible to measure.”

“……Right, there is something I would like to tell everyone.”

Hoshikaze-senpai said with a solemn tone. Her expression was very serious.

“……From the kitchen……A burning smell is coming out……”

——This time, Kazuki remembered that he placed the pot on top of the fire to heat it up and hurried to the kitchen.

Because only the small pot with sweet curry was being heated up on top of the fire, the only victim was Mio, who cried.

× × ×

“……Barrett!!”

After the Spell’s Chant, the Stigma on his left hand issued a orange light. At the same time, an illusion of wings wrapped in flames appeared behind Kazuki and released a flame bullet.

The small stone that was placed as the target was crushed. Mio pursed her lips.

“Actually using the same Magic as me, how arrogant……”

——After trying it out for a bit, he was successfully able to use Mio’s Summoning Magic.

“It’s true. Leme-chan’s ability is to <Copy Other Diva’s Ability>!”

Kaguya-senpai seemed to have become happy as if it was about herself.

Kazuki confessed the truth to everyone that Leme is not powerless.

However, the detail about <The amount of Magic that he is able to use increases when he forms a better relationship with girls> was kept secret from them.

This was also Liz Liza-sensei’s instruction.

“The condition is utterly preposterous……What an outrageous Diva.”

Kazuki believed that he is unable to keep that secret anymore and headed to Liz Liza-sensei to explain everything.

If he was able to use numerous Diva’s Summoning Magic in the future, it will become impossible to conceal Leme’s special nature.

“The reason that I was able to obtain the Heart’s Key from Amasaki……Although I said that it is positively levels, but I believe it is not limited to the feelings of love. Friendship and Family Love is also included. Because I am old acquaintances with that person, so I will not fight to become the Harem King that Leme mentioned, but rather aim to become a Friendship King!”

“Friendship between male and females, huh……I think that although friendship and love are different things, but it is also not completely separate……After the relationship becomes more intimate, even if you were initially planning to be just friends, but it was naturally become that. I, Isn’t that type of relationship like that?”

After Liz Liza-sensei slightly blushed, she let out a dry cough.

“B, But my own perspective in love should not matter. Only that we have to think of a plan to hide Leme’s special nature away from others. Among the teachers, there are many people who do not trust Leme as they do not know her true identity. Right now, it is still the best to make them think that she is not that powerful of a Diva. Right……You should just say that <She is able to copy Lower Level Summoning Magic>.”

“……But why is it only Phenex, why can’t you use my Asmodeus?”

“About that, perhaps it’s a problem with compatibility.”

Kazuki immediately hide the truth, but Kaguya-senpai suddenly became depressed.

“……Is my compatibility with Otouto-kun bad? That’s a severe blow……”

“B, But if I practice, then it will certainly become possible to be used!”

On the other side, Mio issued a protest to Kazuki. But compared to the thoughts that was said out from her mouth, a tiny red heart flew out from her chest. The value displayed on the graph also slightly increased to 70.

“But Otouto-kun’s chanting speed is too slow. The time that you spent was probably twice as much as Mio-chan. You must work hard on this aspect!”

The four steps for Summoning Magic, if it had to be said, each of them respectively points to Telepathic Magic towards the Diva. Because it was an area he was not good at, the difference in skill was suddenly revealed.

And, the Magical Dress was not just a simple decoration. It also has the power to assist the connection between the Diva.

Kazuki did not have the original Magical Dress, so that might become an unfavorable condition as well.

“Forget it……Since we use the same Magic, then I will accompany you for your practice!”

Mio used her palm to pat Kazuki’s back in order to encourage him.

But……if it was only Barrett, it is unlikely for him to win against that opponent.

If you practice more, then the amount of Magic you can use increases. This argument may not be true.

——I currently am lying to everyone. And using the excuse of practicing with me, I must increase everybody’s positivity levels……

After launching consecutive Barretts, because of the stress and Magic Power depletion, Kazuki was tired and nearly fell down.

“……But, you cannot just rest during the resting period. Quickly go conquer that girl, go ask her out! GO GO!”

Inside the mind of Kazuki, who was resting, Leme’s used the method of telepathy to send her voice over. The thing that Leme was concerned about was that <This time, he must become serious!> and she was overjoyed.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, go invite her to a date and increase the positivity levels in one go!” Today is Saturday, the Inter-Division Competition was next week’s Saturday. If he really wanted to let himself be able to use higher level Summoning Magic within this week, then indeed, tomorrow was the best opportunity.

A so-called date……It should be fine if he moved based on the feelings of playing together with friends.

But if he was to re-invite her to play, how should he do it?

Kazuki sat down on a bench. Speaking of which, his current Spiritual Power was completely drained.

“……Oh, because your positivity levels are already high enough, so the other side is coming over.”

Lifting his head——Mio was currently standing in front of Kazuki who was lying on the bench, tired.

“This is for you, you must be thirsty after chanting spells for so long? Drink some orange juice.”

She handed over a cold plastic bottle.

Kazuki could not help but stare intently at Mio’s face. Her face had delicate features. The mouth that keeps talking wildly, even without lipstick, it was still a rose-color. It slightly trembled——As expected, she was really cute.

Strange, an abnormal feeling was produced.

“W, What. Managing the slave’s health is also the master’s job. Be grateful to this gentle master! Really, what are you looking at! Hey!!”

After being stared by Kazuki like that, Mio was slightly dumbfounded.

“……Anyways, Summoning Magic is unexpectedly hard to use. I originally thought that I was handing it over to the Diva only, in the end, I had practiced consecutively for a few hours. It feels that my Spiritual Power is completely consumed……”

“If you fully exhaust your Magic Power today, it will enter the recovery period tomorrow. So please work harder now.”

Once Magic Power was used to the limits, it must spend some time before it fully recovers.

“Then let’s go play normally during the weekend.”

“……Speaking of which, this is the first weekend since school started.”

Mio took the initiative to change the topic.

“We used to always play together. Kazu-nii would always refuse to let me go and bring me around……I was always thinking what a hopeless brother.”

“Hey, wait a moment. It isn’t like that. It was you, who was always following behind me and running around recklessly. But when I want to go outside to play, you would begin to cry and yell out “No No”. Then you would always pester me to draw or sing, I remember it clearly. I will not play that kind of game with you.”

“T, That’s not how it happened! Kazu-nii, you idiot!! L, Leaving that aside……Speaking of which, I am free this weekend.”

Mio drank her own orange juice while looking at Kazuki.

“You seemed to be very free as well. Leme told me. “Even though Leme doesn’t have time, but the contractor seems to want to play with Leme, how troublesome. You should just substitute Leme and accompany him to play”.”

Kazuki was surprised and issued out a “Haah!?” sound.

Inviting a tiny child to play, doesn’t it make him seem like a very severe Lolicon!?”

“You, since you are bored to the extent that you will play with little children, you should at least tell me.”

“I did not say such words! Even if it’s me, I still have something to do!”

“Idiot! Even though Leme arranged it for you, what are you saying!”

“HAAH!? About how you’re not busy, in other words…….you really wanted to play together with that young girl!?”

“W, Who would! I am not a lolicon nor a siscon!”

“Right now we are not discussing about the sister topic!”

Speaking of which……Why is that person so angry? Logicially speaking, there is no reason for her to be angry.

“That person is saying, she wants you to invite her out to play.”

……Is that so? Mio sipped her orange juice and from time to time observed Kazuki’s expressions. Seeing Kazuki fall silent, “Uuuu~!”she pursed her lips.

Looks like he must take initiative and invite her out. But what should he say?

“Still thinking what you should do……Just invite her out on a date! The romantic type!”

“Hey, hey, Glutton Amasaki. Tomorrow is Sunday, should we eat a meal together?”

“Who would use this method as an invitation, idiot! The romantic portion is hopelessly inadequate!”

“What, you actually said that I am a glutton!? Why do I have to be treated as a glutton by you!?”

“Because whenever it comes to food, you would become very happy.”

Although he thought that this path was correct, but Mio had a dull expression and let out a black skull.

“Hmph, speaking of which, why should I go out to play with a person like you!”

“……Didn’t you just say you were free during the weekend?”

“I am free, but there is no reason that I must go out with you to play!”

Mio suddenly turned around. It feels like she had said a lot of uncomprehensive words.

“……However, if you have any suitable reason……Then it is not impossible for me to accompany you.”

“Kazuki! She is testing you! If this is inside a Galge, then it is the result of your selection!”

……What is she testing me on? I did not play a Galge before.

“Then, I want to give my gratitude to you for making a bento for me before. It was really delicious.”

“What gratitude. I said that I made the bento because I lost. Don’t keep mentioning about the past.”

“And……There is something before I would like to apologize.”

Before, he was unable to recognize that Mio was Mio.

“If it was to apologize about that time……If it is only such an extent, I would not forgive you.”

Mio pursed her lips and turned to the side.

“That time I am really sorry! So I will wholeheartedly serve you as a slave tomorrow! Just for tomorrow, no matter what, master……No, princess-sama, I will listen~”

Princess-sama, this word seems to have caused Mio to tremble.

But Mio still retreated a bit, as if she had seen through Kazuki’s intentions and asked.

“Why are you trying so hard? ……Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

Damn, I was too persistent and it caused her to become suspicious?

“No, this must be tsundere. Because she felt unease, so she wanted you to attack more proactively.”

“Why? ……Why must you put so much effort? Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

As if she felt unease, Mio asked again. Then indeed…… “Okay let me try again” “Work Harder” “Just go and do it!” This phrases were often seen in the movies.

In front of Kazuki, the positivity level graph that only Kazuki could see appeared. The positivity levels increased from 70 to 75. If that’s the case——He should be able to do it, right?

“I want to become even more intimate than before with Mio!”

He already did not use reason for his excuse. Kazuki only said the truth out.

“!? J, Just now y……you called me Mio!”

Damn, I could not help but call her name directly.

“I, Is that so? Just like before……So y,you would invite……Hmph. Is it like that?”

He originally thought that he would be scolded by her, but in the end, Mio only “Ehehe” and relaxed her expression.

“It can’t be helped……If you are so willing to treat me as a princess-sama and accompany me, then I will go out and play together with you! But, this is not a date, don’t be mistaken!!”

Floating out was the red hearts again.

Amasaki Mio ——78 Otonashi Kaguya —— 59 Hiakari Koyuki —— 41 Hoshikaze Hikari——34

“The numbers are slowly increasing. Then tomorrow’s date! Well done, Our King!”

After returning to his room, Leme comforted Kazuki. No, she already said it wasn’t a date……

“……Speaking of which, what on earth happened with your appearance. And, didn’t your increase a bit?”

Leme, who materialized in front of Kazuki, was wearing a never-seen-before ethnic style dress. But the clothes were quite shabby. Her height had also become around the same age as a primary student.

“The positivity levels that was obtained from Mio let Leme grow up slightly! Being summoned completely naked was also due to the lack of strength. With the growth, Leme will also retrieve an appropriate appearance. In other words, this is Lemegeton Level 2! Okay, you will need to prepare how to deal with tomorrow’s event, so today, let’s go sleep!”

Leme happily dragged Kazuki to the bed.

Is that so, this person was also growing slightly.

……Eh? Even though that she is obviously growing, but she still needs to hug him while sleeping?

× × ×

“I hate being watched by the senpais as we leave.”

Because Mio said this, so they specifically looked for a place to meet.

The two of them would leave at different times and meet up in front of the Square’s fountain. Kazuki arrived first and after feeling a bit embarrassed, Mio happily trotted over.

Once she arrived, Mio used a finger and pointed at Kazuki.

“Listen carefully, I have said this from the start, this is not a date!”

It should be like that. After all, we’re not in such a relationship. Kazuki expressed his agreement.

“Although it is not a date, if you are going to serve me to apologize for the past and for the usual gratitude, then I will accept it. Just for today, you will have to treat me like a princess-sama and serve me well! ……I’m looking forward to it!”

Mio was wearing a casual, spring-styled dress and cardigan, which was gently floating around. However, on her feet, she was wearing slightly heavy boots. The sweet and spicy balance, it was very appropriate for her personality. She was also wearing a necklace that glowed around her neck.

“……That is feather-shaped.”

Shining in front of her chest, it was an Indian accessory that was like a feather.

“Your eyes are not bad. This is very similar to Phenex! ……You’re appearance is too plain! Tooo plain!! ……But your body is firmly built, perhaps it is better for you to dress more simple. Yes…… In total, I should still praise you.”

“For boy clothing, as long as it is easy to move in, then it does not matter.”

“If you were to use the fashion magazine’s ad phrase for the street “……Only a warrior’s body can be permitted to wear as simple as concise spaghetti” It is that kind of feeling.”

Her eyes sparkled. Kazuki did not know how to respond.

“……You, don’t just occasionally use food to make a weird metaphor.”

“Okay, let’s go! The quality of the shop that you bring a female to will decide your quality of a male!”

Mio happily said. Okay, let’s go. Kazuki took a step forward——

“Speaking of which, this is wrong!?”

Suddenly, criticisms and black skull flew from behind. Did he suddenly make a mistake?

“Wait, why are you walking in front like in a march! Didn’t you say that you will treat me like a princess-sama for a day? What are you thinking!? Now quickly escort me!”

“E, Escort!? Escort is……What should I do!?”

Treating her to a meal, listening to whatever she says, isn’t that enough!?

“You scatterbrain……First of all, let me hold onto your arm and walk~”

Mio quickly moved next to Kazuki’s side. Although it did not matter, but when she rushed over, her appearance when her dress and cardigan was flapping like in a dance was really cute.

Thus, she held onto Kazuki’s arm.

Their arms were linked with each other. Mio’s body tightly leaned over and a soft feeling came.

“……Wait, you, did you just twitch? And your face is slightly red?”

“I, It is not red. I, who have trained as a swordsman, would not be thrown in disarray because of being held in the arm!”

“Hmph, what swordsman…… As expected, if it is only holding arms, it cannot be called as an escort. We are not children anymore, if you wish to escort me, then naturally we have to do up to this extent.”

Mio temporarily released their linked up arms and let Kazuki’s left hand hold onto her waist.

Thus, it became a form where Kazuki was hugging a girl’s waist. In order to cope with this, Mio also pressed her body closer.

“W……We have to walk like this!?”

Doesn’t it become two people embracing each other as they walk!?

……Is this really not a date!?

“Fufu~ah, your face, is becoming more red! What training as a swordsman, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu isn’t that good!!”

“Aren’t you also blushing!? Your cheeks are as red as apples!”

“Hehehe, this is the <Escort> for Princess-sama! Okay, let’s go!!”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 162.jpg|thumb]]

As if she was feeling extremely pleased, Mio swung her hand and took the first step.

While Tokyo was the foundation for politics, at the same time, it is a <Workshop> for Alchemy.

Inside the workshop, various products that did not exist previously were produced through alchemy.

Alchemy——The Alchemy that was passed down traditionally through the ancient times were irregular occurrences that could not be explained through science. It was a product that was repeatedly tested thousands or millions of times throughout the years or decades.

In the current generation, through Normal Magic, the efficiency for Alchemy’s operations has increased.

Perceptibility Enhancement Magic could feel the particles of the matter and by using Psychokinetic Magic or Pyrokinesis Magic, it could move, change, and restructure —— Just like lead becoming into gold——and transform it into a completely different matter.

The alchemy technique that breaks down the matters’ particles is called <Alcahest>.

The Alchemists did not join any companies but rather construct their own workshop. After Tokyo was destroyed by the Illegal Magic Users, this city was revived through the Alchemy gathered by the Workshop.

At the workshop, clothes and accessories that had alchemy used on them, were on sale. There are also restaurants that use Magic to causes the ingredients’ quality to change through the process called <Alchemy Cooking>——It has also become a dating site for the youths.

When Kazuki and Mio were walking in the streets, the were aware of some kind of gaze……What was it?

“What, why are you looking around? Please escort me properly.”

“Ah, no……nothing.”

The streets in the vicinity still remained as ruins and have not been rebuilt. If they slightly walk into an alley, the public security would worsen.

At this kind of place, there were often cases where Illegal Magic Users sneak attack on the Knights or the Magic Division Students——In other words, the people that carry Stigma. It is often referred to as a case called <Stigma Hunting>.

In the recent years, the amount of Stigma Hunting has increased. It was said to be a terrorist attacks targeting the Knights for being exclusive to Summoning Magic.

……Because of that, while walking in the streets, it is still best to hide the Stigma. However, the difference with an Enigma is that a Stigma would expand throughout the skin. Thus, many people are unable to hide it.

Mio also seemed to be leaving a mistake uncorrected and making the best out of it. From the dress that revealed the back, you could see the Stigma. It feels that Mio treated the Stigma as part of a decoration to match her clothing.

……Because they were heading out to play, so he did not bring his sword. This may be a blunder.

“Ah, a cat! There’s a cat!” The moment Mio issued out a sound, the white cat crossed in front of their eyes.

Directly in front of their gaze was also that cat.

“Nyaah——♪”

Mio suddenly let her head lean upon Kazuki’s shoulder and issued a strange sound.

“……I, It’s a joke. I only wanted to try how that feels…….

“Do you often visit this store? Although this place should be very far from Hayashizaki’s Family.”

After finishing eating the Italian cuisine, Mio wiped her mouth with the napkin and asked.

“Because I wanted my family to eat delicious meals, so I would visit many shops on my rest days with the little amount of pocket money I have in order to hone my cooking techniques. Alchemy Cooking feels like it is a life.”

“……You, aside from Sword Techniques, you also maintain a high degree of self-control. Although it is really delicious.”

Towards the Italian restaurant that exuded a playful atmosphere, Mio seemed to be very satisfied.

“Our shop is currently hosting a couple-limited event, I was wondering what you think about it?”

The waitress that was already recovering the clean dishes said to them.

“Wait……We are not a couple……”

“Our shop’s special cream cheesecake would be provided for free!”

“If we can eat this, then why not pretend to be one?”

Mio probably was embarrassed as they were treated as a couple and lowered her head.

The waitress also brought the cake over shortly.

Although it was not as big as a birthday cake, but it was still a round cake that has not be cut apart.

Beside it was a piping bag with a red sauce.

“This is……strawberry sauce or what is in it? And there is also one fork……”

“If the girlfriend use this strawberry sauce to write words on the cake, then with an “Ah——n” way and feed the boyfriend, this cream cheesecake is free! This is the event!”

“……What a flashy event.”

“Okay, girlfriend-san. Write down all the feelings that you cannot deliver normally here!”

The waitress onee-san’s eyes sparkled. It was obvious that this person was currently enjoying herself.

Looking at the pipebag that was handed over, Mio was overwhelmed.

“W, What do the other guests generally write during this time?”

“Most of them would write <nowiki><I love you></nowiki> or <Love> these kind of words.”

Mio wanted to write some words, but she hesitated with a “Uuuuu——“ sound.

Then, Mio, as if out of desperation, wrote a big <Idiot> on the cheesecake.

“Forget it, this is also an expression of love.” The waitress-san gave a wry smile.

“Okay, open your mouth! Hmmph, this is just like feeding a dog!”

Then she picked up a piece of the cake and brought it over to Kazuki’s mouth in order to feed him.

After Kazuki took a bit, he began to counterattack by saying <This time, it is the Princess-sama’s turn>.

“I, I want to eat by myself!”

“That is not allowed. The waitress-san is watching by the side, so you must abide by the rules.”

“Why are you so stubborn at this kind of place?”

“Okay, Amasaki. Open wide.”

“……You, I wanted to say it for a while, but can you not call me Amasaki.”

Towards Kazuki’s calm greeting, Mio used a terrifying gaze to look at him.

“When you were inviting me before, didn’t you call me Mio……Why did it suddenly change back?”

“Eh, Ahhh, sorry……Mio, come, open wide.”

After Kazuki directly called her name, Mio honestly opened her mouth and accepted the <Ahh——n>.

“Delicious……” From the blushing Mio’s chest, a red heart gently floated out.

——The two of them took turns to feed each other the cheesecake. After they finished eating, Kazuki planned to pay the bill.

“……By the way, in the first place, I, did not truly treat you as a slave. I will still pay……?”

Mio suddenly become honest as if she borrowed it from a cat, and pulled out her own wallet.

Kazuki stopped her with a wry smile. Because it was already planned that this side would treat her.

Mio revealed an uneasy expression. As a result, Kazuki also started to feel a bit tensed again.

So when they left the restaurant, this time, Kazuki took the initiative to hug her waist and did the <Escort>.

After Mio issued an <Ah>, she also actively cooperated and leaned over with her body.

She blushed and the red hearts that represents the positivity levels flew out once again.

After leaving the restaurant, they began to browse the items in the workshop.

Just like what he imagined, Mio, who loves beautiful products, would say “This is cute” “You should try this out” in the shops. After this was said, Kazuki also gradually developed an interest and did not have any conflicted feelings as he tried them out in front of the mirror.

——But “……”, Mio suddenly became depressed.

“It is already……quite late.”

As if she was reluctant to part, Mio lifted her head towards the sky. The surroundings has already began to fall into the evening.

Just when Kazuki was just about to say to her, let’s go out and play together again, he suddenly swallowed the words that had already reached his mouth.

He noticed. ——Even if he was to invite her next time to play as a friend, they would not be able to pass through the time like today.

The things that they did today had already gone beyond the scope of <Playing with Friends>.

Because she was also aware of this, so she was feeling reluctant and did not say anything.

As if time had stopped, the two of them were relatively silent. The sun slowly descended bit by bit.

“Right! ……Wait for me for a while. Listen carefully, absolutely do not move!”

Mio suddenly ran into an alley that was lined up with the Workshop streets.

Under the circumstances where he was completely puzzled, Kazuki remained there by himself.

Suddenly acting alone——He was very curious about the gaze that he had felt since morning.

When he had noticed, this place was the outer edge of the city. The dimness was not just due to the time.

“……Nii-san♪”

Just when he felt unease, someone talked to him from behind. Kazuki was shocked and turned towards the back.

While maintaining alertness, he turned around——Inside the silent street stood a girl that was probably in junior high.

Although her ears were not sharp, but her hair was silver just like an elf. It was a girl who exuded an abnormal atmosphere. She was wearing clothes that were broken in a couple of places as she exposed an innocent smile towards Kazuki.

……Who was it? Although he felt that he had saw her face before, but——

“Finally, I am able to talk with you. I had to pluck up a lot of my courage. Because the two of you were always together, so I felt that I should not bother you. Are the two of you going out? If that’s the case, then it would be too sad.”

Gazing at the alley that Mio ran to, she whispered lonely.

“……You are?”

“Ah, did you forget who I am? That’s too much. Then please don’t forget today’s encounter, Nii-san♪”

I have seen her before. Because of the previous case, Mio, he immediately noticed it.

Inside the memories of Nanohana Institute, an image of a person was successfully depicted within his mind.

But it feels that the person who was similar to her from his memories did not have this hair color.

And this was quite far away from Nanohana Institute.

So he felt that something was wrong and could not help but ask this question, “Who are you?”

The girl suddenly “Uuuu” and clenched her face.

“So it still won’t work……After seeing Nii-san, it feels that it is impossible to resist……”

“Resist……? Hey, are you alright!? It seems like it is very painful!”

“I’m fine……Even though it was a reunion just now, if I would suddenly do “That kind of thing”, then I would not stand it……? Please don’t hate me, Nii-san……Fu, Fufufu……♪”

The girl issued out a twitching-like, strange laughter.

The girl that exuded a strange atmosphere, turned and face the alley and issued an “Ah!” sound.

“Seems like she’s coming back……If you talk with another girl during a date, Mio-chan would definitely be angry. Although, I am reluctant to do so……Although I wanted to do that kind of thing, yet I am unable to, it is indeed a pity……”

“Please wait a minute, your name is……”Kaya” right!”

“Correct! Thank you, Nii-san! Our encounter today……Please don’t forget about it, Nii-san! Fufufu, Fufu……!”

Kaya turned her back to this side and ran away. ——Towards the dark alley.

Although it was a little like this……but it was as if he had met a ghost.

“Kazuki! You actually listened to my words and waited for me without moving around! Not bad!”

Just like what Kaya predicted, Mio came running back from another alley.

Mio, who was revealing a extremely happy smile, was holding a small package.

“I’ll tell you about this later! Please be patient for a little longer. Fufufu♪”

“……By the way, Mio, do you know what happened to the Nanohana Institute?”

“Nanohana Institute? I did not go there since I was adopted by the Amasaki family……It is very far away.”

“Is that so……It is not a place where we could casually go and look up the situation.

Speaking of which, during this year, there had been no telephone or SMS that came.

“Why did you suddenly ask this kind of question?”

“Just now, I met Kaya. Kaya, whose hair had turned into a silver color.”

“Eh? ……Kaya? Kaya……That one, wait a minute! You are saying that <Kaya>!? But why is she at this kind of place? And that kid’s hair should be black, isn’t it?”

Mio incredulously tilted her head. Yes, from the distance and special characteristics, Kaya appearing here is indeed unnatural……It was as if he had seen a pipe dream.

However, Mio, who did not actually see her, immediately recovered her mood.

“Ah, then let’s head over to that workshop and see! Let’s hurry, the shop is about to close!”

She grabbed onto the hand of Kazuki, who was still confused about that incredulous girl, and turned around.

“……The stars are also out. It is almost the end for today.”

The stores in the Workshop had all closed. The two of them began to embark on the trip back to the academy.

Mio handed the small package she had always been holding on to Kazuki.

“This……I’ll give this to you. You can open and see what it is.”

After opening the package and taking a glance, he could see a necklace that imitated a shape of a glowing bird’s feather inside.

“……It is the same thing as mine! Because you can also use Phenex’s Magic! It is created by an Alchemist, whose shop I often go to, using the top trendy item, ruby silver! Okay, wear it, wear it.”

She was concerned about the fact that I treated her to a meal at the restaurant, huh.

Ruby silver——Just as its name implies, it changes a part of a silver accessory into aluminum oxide, namely ruby, and mixing it together with marble patterns. It is an advanced Alchemy.

The deep crimson and the shining silver would be stacked in several layers, just like a frozen flame.

“In the past, my unremarkable eyes may have been wrong…….Ah, isn’t this cool!? ……It is fine if you wish to present a gift back in return. Of course, you will pay me back, right? Pay back, Pay back.”

Mio continued to say pay back, pay back unnaturally. At that time, Kazuki suddenly understood.

“Then, please let me express my gratitude next time. Please let me once again act as your escort next time just like today.”

Is this it……She wanted to find an excuse. Both of us are like this.

Using a Galge as an analogy——It was the feeling as if he had selected the correct option.

Mio’s expression suddenly lit up. A massive amount of red hearts flew out from her chest.

“……It can’t be helped! Since it is a gift, then Mio can’t help it! It’s fine, next time, I will accompany you just like today!”

The graph that appeared in front of Kazuki’s eyes, unknowingly, the positivity levels had already past 100.

……In the end, what extent of the feeling does this number 100 represent.

Throwing away the excuse to the side, under the circumstance of this number, and from her words……

Mio suddenly grabbed onto Kazuki’s left hand and held onto his chest.

“This is the gratitude expressed to the man, who had completed the escort of a woman.”

Mio gently bent down and kissed Kazuki’s left hand.

The warmth of her lips was completely sent over, Mio immediately became embarrassed and turned her back towards Kazuki.

Looking at the back of this girl who had grown up, Kazuki thought it was not the same as before.

The feelings he had for Mio currently may not be the same as the feelings he had for Mio before……

——But this warm feeling immediately cooled down.

Kazuki noticed. Magic Power was being generated ——This is the feeling of Magic being activated.

Fast. It had already activated. The flow of Magic Power is coming from behind —— and heading over to this side!

Kazuki suddenly carried Mio from behind.

“Eh!? W, Wait a minute, what are you suddenly doing!?”

“……It’s dangerous!!”

Kazuki carried Mio just like this and ran.

Dondon! A huge rubble flew over and crushed the location where Mio was at earlier.

“M, Magic!? Mio, who was being carried by Kazuki, issued out a cry.

While Kazuki dodged, he turned back and looked. A man, who was wearing dirty clothes, was chasing after them.

The clothes he wore were tattered. He use mentally unstable eyes and angrily glared at Kazuki and Mio.

He was probably a man who was of similar age as Kazuki. But the Magic he used was clearly not ——Normal Magic!

“Illegal Magic User……Stigma Hunter!?”

The man’s body emitted a light. Kazuki widened his eyes. This person, he did not chant a spell!

<Rubble Bullet (Block Shoot)>

At the same time the inorganic voice sounded out, The asphalt was ripped piece by piece from the road and floated up.

Then, the rubble flew over just like that. Kazuki continued to carry while running nonstop and he performed a dodge using a curve route.

“W, Wait a minute, Kazuki!? T, This is……Princess Carry……”

“……Rubble Bullet.”

Although it was a straight-line and easy to evade Attack Magic….but because there was no Spell Chant, so it would continuously fire over!

“Mio, like this, I will be responsible for evasion, quickly use your Summoning Magic!”

“I, Idiot! How can I concentrate in this kind of posture!?”

“I feel that it is an excellent strategy……Right now, I can’t use either Sword or Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki’s Magic Power was almost completely used up during the special training before. He did not even have excess Magic Power to even use Physical Enhancement Magic. Only by reading ahead was he able to just barely dodge the enemy’s attack.

“……This is bad, my hands are becoming numb……”

“Hey, are you saying that I am heavy!?”

“Heavier than my sword.”

“Are you saying that your sword is cuter than me!? If it’s this extent, I can deal with it with my own strength!”

Just watch and see, Mio said. She pushed open Kazuki’s hand and gently landed on the ground. Then——

“Everything that touches it will be burned……The scorch that denies approach! Inflammation Armor (Self-Burning)”

Mio raised one hand into the air. The surrounding swirl of flames became an armor that protected the body.

The rubble that flew towards Mio was burned down one by one by the flame armor and turned into ashes that floated in the sky.

“A New Summoning Magic……Phenex’s Level 3!?”

Phenex’s Level 3 Magic seems to be a defensive Magic.

Because the Defensive Magic’s activation target is its own body, so there is no need to specify the coordinates, thus there spell chant time is short.

And compared to Defensive Magic, it is able to use less Magic Power to protect the body more efficiently. Although there are both favorable and unfavorable aspects based on the different attributes of attacks, but it is still a Basic Summoning Magic that is used for combat.

“……Barrett!!” Mio immediately activated an Attack Magic to counterattack.

“Earth God’s Screen (Titan Wall)

The man that makes other feel unhappy did not reveal any change in emotions and only stomped on the ground.

Then, a thick barrier of earth was constructed there. The flame feather was defended against as if a stone had sank into the ocean

“……Rubble Bullet” “Barrett!” “Rubble Bullet……”

The exchange of Attack Magic by Mio and the man was completely offset by the other person’s Defensive Magic.

But……A long term battle would put this side at a disadvantage. The other side’s Magic was continuously fired over.

On the other hand, Mio, who did not have the time to even load the Magical Dress and was chanting Summoning Magic, had her Magic Power efficiency greatly decreased. If they were to continue to force it, then this side’s Magic Power will run out first.

Even though I should help think of a plan to buy time for her, but right now, I do not have a Sword or Magic Power!”

The instant that Kazuki felt anxious——He felt an explosive Magic Power appearing behind him.

Turning around, Kaguya-senpai, who was sparkling with purple Magic Power, was there.

The amount of Magic Power swirled together was on a completely different level——It is a High Level Summoning Magic that Kazuki and the others were far behind.

“The Intangible and Silent Shadow, Become a fish born in darkness that is cruising in delusion! The origin of nightmare, the cycle of materializing, respond to the terror and expectation and devour it……! Darkness in Shadow’s Depth (Twilight Spectre)”

Kukuku……A creepy laughter sound resounded out in all directions.

In the inside of the wall of earth, the <Shadow> that extended from the man’s back suddenly swelled, it became like a huge monster with only a black face. The man was shocked and the moment he turned back, the monster opened its mouth and swallowed the man completely starting from the head——Just like a shark that showed its head from the surface of a water.

An intense blue light flashed. The Defensive Magic that appeared instantly protect the man’s body and he flew out from the Monster’s mouth.

Although he avoided falling into the state of Magic Drunk, but it was clear that his Magic Power was almost completely gone.

“Earth Release – Earth Animal! (Land Escape)”

In order to use the little Magic Power, the man cried out.

The man became a huge snake. His mouth suddenly extended forward, his noise and lips assimilated together. The white eyeball disappeared from the pupils and all the hair fell out. His two hands and legs integrated into the body. In the end, the bizarre change turned him into the huge snake itself. Then, his head began to drill into the asphalt of the hard ground and assimilated with the ground as if he buried his body inside.

“I let him get away again!” Kaguya-senpai said with a regretful voice.

“Senpai……Why are you here?”

At the same time, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki, who were also wearing Magical Dress, ran over from behind Kaguya-senpai.

Senpai and the others were planning on challenging a mission during this rest day and came to chase after the Stigma Hunter.

“Hikari was chasing after the Illegal Magic User called <Earth Snake> here……The contracted Diva is unknown……Because he uses that escape Magic, he is able to immediately escape, so she was not able to capture him.”

“So that’s an Illegal Magic User……That person’s Magic Chanting time is basically zero……”

“The Illegal Magic Users are basically all like that. They practically used a contract <Possession Summon (Drive)> to summon the Diva into their own body. We, Stigma Magic Users, must request for a Magic Phenomenon through chanting a spell to the Diva at Astrum. But, they do not need to convey the meaning over, so they could swiftly and efficiently activate the Diva’s Power with little amount of Magic.”

“In other words, compared to our Summoning Magic, the Illegal Magic Users are stronger?”

“To put it plainly, that’s it. So that is why we must use a strategy that coordinates with the swordsman.”

“But, it is not entirely a good thing.”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s expression became clouded and continued to speak after Kaguya-senpai.

“If you use Possession Summon, the more you use Magic, the faster your mentality will be corroded by the Diva, becoming berserk and in the end, your body will be taken by the Diva. However, before the Diva is able to obtain a physical body, they would often have their mentality driven to insanity and become berserk. The ones that the Knights captured are often in this kind of situation.”

“But that <Earth Snake> could have already directly obtained the physical body. There is no doubt about that. I thought that last attack would be able to completely deprive him of Magic Power, but in the end, I still let him get away……”

The man in front of their eyes did not have any emotions at all. A man who had his mentality corroded by the Diva……

“I should not have had the goal of capturing him alive……And should have use Hell’s Imagine Flame to directly kill him.”

Kaguya-senpai whispered in a dark tone. Kazuki could not help but shudder.

“Just like what the senseis say, perhaps I am still too naïve……”

Viewing her from the side, it was not the gentle and playful senpai that Kazuki had seen. There is a somewhat deeper darkness——

“Senpai……Did you kill someone before?”

If they eventually become a Knight, then there is no doubt that they must have that resolve.

“That kind of experience……How is it possible?”

But, the next instant, Kaguya-senpai’s serious expression disappeared.

“S, Speaking of which, Otouto-kun, y, you guys are heading back after a d, date!? The stars are so beautiful, it is really a beautiful night!”

In order to disperse this gloomy atmosphere, Hoshikaze-senpai used an excited voice to ask.

“It is not a date!” Mio hurried and denied.

The tense atmosphere slowly relaxed. Suddenly, Kazuki saw the appearance of the senpais again.

Because it was an actual battle, so Kaguya-senpai did not wear a robe. It was still the same, highly revealing Magical Dress from before.

Hoshikaze-senpai’s Magical Dress is sleeveless, and the Stigma revealed itself starting from the shoulders down the entire arm. There is more or less a righteous atmosphere of a <Knight>, but the degree of exposure was still very high.

Koyuki’s Magical Dress was like a white school swimsuit-like tights. The Stigma was exposed on the shoulders and the thighs. This side’s exposure was also quite high.

The mysterious light that emitted in the dark of the night……It was still a bit stimulating to look at with calm eyes.

“OII, y, you can’t be looking at senpai and the others with those strange eyes right!?”

“Really now, Otouto-kun. Using strange eyes to look at others is not allowed! This is the appearance for the purpose of fighting.”

Kaguya-senpai changed back to the usual senpai and generously smiled at Kazuki while scolding him.

“……I’m a bit tired after using Summoning Magic. Everybody, let’s head back.”

× × ×

The original purpose has already been achieved. Mio’s positivity levels have increased significantly.

After Kazuki turned off the lights in his room, he lay down on the bed exhausted.

However ——No Spell came into his mind. What on earth happened?

When he first wanted to learn how to use Barrett, a spell naturally appeared in his mind. But even though he was searching for more of the other Magic in his mind, new spells did not appear.

“Strange, if the positivity levels is 100, then it should not be impossible to use……”

Leme, who was sleeping next to Kazuki, whispered.

“……In the worst scenario, there is still a cheat you can use.”

“……A Cheat? If there is this kind of thing, why did you not tell me earlier?”

“The Magic Power path that is established through positivity levels can be temporarily expanded through a magically-like contact.”

“Magically-like contact? ……I feel that there is only a bad premonition.”

“Thinking back at the scene where you contracted with Leme is fine. Oii, don’t blush! In other words, it is a kiss. KISS. As long as you kiss, then the path would temporarily expand and during that short time, you will be able to use all Level of Summoning Magic. You could probably easily win the competition.”

“……N, No. Kissing in order to obtain the victory, how can I do that.”

“However, a path that expanded through a kiss would develop immunity after just one time. You will not be able to use this cheat on the target a second time. If you can choose not to use it, it is best not to use it. This is the ultimate trump card.”

“This hypocritical trump card, who would use……”

But……If it can use all the Levels, then it is also possible to use <Complete Summon>?

“——Otouto-kun”

At this moment, the door issued out a rattle sound and opened. From the other side of the door came Kaguya-senpai’s voice.

In order to avoid them being seen of sleeping together, Leme eliminated her figure and returned back to Astrum.

“!?” In order to hold back the sound of his almost yelled out cry, Kazuki held his breath. This is because the senpai, who appeared on the other side of the door, was still wearing that Magical Dress.

“Otouto-kun……” It was a sweet voice as if it was a fruit that was soaked in sugar syrup.

Kaguya-senpai suddenly jumped onto Kazuki’s bed and tightly hugged onto Kazuki.

“Otouto-kun is really cute.”

A suspicious whisper sound rustled in his ears.

Although he was almost charmed by it involuntarily, but this indeed is not the usual senpai!

“Senpai, sorry! Please return to your original appearance!”

Kazuki apologized and with a method of pinching senpai’s cheek with two hands, he slapped both side of the face.

After being slapped on the face, senpai issued out an “Ah!” sound.

Senpai’s pupils reveal a bewitching purple color ——Then it slowly turned back to its original color.

“……Please” Senpai quietly whispered.

Kazuki “Eh?” and asked back. At this moment, tears began to trickle down from senpai’s eyes.

Suddenly being attacked by senpai, then making her cry. It was really strange.

“No, no! This is because Asmodeus is a Demon who managed ecchi desires……So every time after summoning, as a side effect, occasionally my state of mind will become very change……But, I did not intend……”

“Senpai, please calm down!”

Kazuki sat down on the bed facing her and gently pressed onto senpai’s shoulder.

“No, I wanted to become more intimate with Otouto-kun is also completely different about the fact that Otouto-kun is a man! So, please don’t look down on me……!”

……Senpai was actually concerned about this kind of thing.

The moment he understood this pint, he hope that she would not misjudge the situation.

“Senpai” he continued to call like this and once again, Kazuki use both hands to pinch Kaguya-senpai’s cheeks.

It’s not a problem. His body involuntarily moved like this is because this is the same approach when he deals with Kanae crying.

“By now, it is impossible to misunderstand. You helped me when I could not integrate into the school, you called me, who is a swordsman, a comrade, and you’re looking forward to when I become the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Up to this point, it is impossible for me to believe that senpai’s gentleness is all affected by Asmodeus.”

“Otouto-kun……”

Kazuki stared at her without looking away and used a persuasive form to convey his feelings to her.

“When we first met, senpai said I was special. It is not because I am the only male, but because I am a swordsman. After knowing the latter fact, I, was really happy. Please don’t think of me as a person who would doubt senpai’s gentleness.”

Kaguya-senpai finally calmed down. Although tears were still in her eyes, but she already revealed a calm smile.

“The fact that Otouto-kun speaks things clearly ——I really like.”

At this moment, what floated out from senpai’s chest is ——a key.

It was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. Just like the time with Mio.

The next instant, senpai hugged onto Kazuki’s chest again.

“Sorry, please let me stay a little longer……Because right now I already do not have any ecchi desires, so let me stay like this for a while……I am really anxious. Casually saying that I arbitrarily looked forward to Otouto-kun becoming the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Arbitrarily treating you as a pillar of support for my mind. I willfully imposed this onto you.”

“But, I felt happy about it.”

Although afterwards, Liz Liza-sensei and Mio was also gentle to him, but in the beginning, the <One that Needed me> was senpai. If it was Mio who did it first, he feels that he may have become even more lost.

“I, Even though I am your senpai, may also continue to behave in a spoiled manner with you. It feels that even though Otouto-kun is younger than me, yet he seems more like an older brother. Probably because my older brother is also a swordsman……Although he is already dead.”

Kaguya-senpai probably recalled something and her noise twitched.

“Okay……Charging complete! Kaguya-senpai is already fine! ……From tomorrow onwards, you have to work hard on the special training, otouto-kun! But, But, misunderstanding my meaning is not good. I will treat otouto-kun specially, not because you are a man, but because you are my disciple!! ……Good night!”

With a slightly modest and rising expectation, Kaguya-senpai, patapata, left.

“……Just now, Otonashi Kaguya’s positivity levels passed 65. The Magic Power Path is connected.”

In exchange, Leme materialized. At the same time, his heart pounded rapidly.

No, wait a minute. Senpai’s positivity levels may not be something related to love.

Kazuki dug into his blanket and closed his eyes. It feels that he would have a strange dream.

“Even though you were so amazing earlier, but why are you so timid in such a strange place?”

Leme said, stunned.

“Why is it, in the end, you, even though you wish that the other side would believe you, yet you do not believe in the other side……Oi, how, could you already be asleep? Listen to me!”

× × ×

“Akira……Hunting those two is not allowed. Even though it is to make those two return back to the same place as me and perform Stigma Hunting, if you were to hunt those two, it is as if the order is reversed.”

In the dim ruins, a young girl’s voice resounded.

The girl that Kazuki called Kaya and the Illegal Magic User <Earth Snake> was there.

The two of them were living inside a ruin that was not restored yet and was lying there casually.

The ruin that was originally a hotel has fulfilling equipment. There is large number of items that are ownerless, but it was driven out half a year ago by this Kaya and Earth Snake.

“Because those two people are very important people, you cannot attack them. Because they are people that are very important to me ——So I will kill them.”

Kaya’s head felt pain in burst……What did I just say?

It feels that she had said words that did not make sense. Important people ——Kill?

“In short, do not attack those two. Just like this, the reason we started Stigma Hunting is because if we crush the Knights, those two would be released from the Stigma and return to our side. It is for this goal. Right, the order is reversed……”

Even said that, Nanohana Institute was already gone.

Kaya threw a disgusted glare at the silent man. The Earth Snake, Akira, who was sitting on the bed absently, seemed to be staring at the graffiti on the wall leave by the former residents.

Why am I together with such a creepy person?

……Because everybody that I love from the Nanohana Institute had completely been killed some time ago.

No, no, or did I run away……? My memories are vague……

No matter what, everybody is gone. So that is why I would find Nii-san and Mio-chan.

So ——Those two must also be killed. This time, she will not let them run away.

Kaya’s head began to hurt in burst of pain. The concept of because they are important people, so I must kill them is strange.

I, am thinking of unethical things. The moment I met Nii-san on the streets, I was also desperately suppressing this impulse. This impulse is definitely weird.

The outburst of everybody in the orphanage being killed is also……Even though I regretted till my hair lost its color. Even though I do not wish to do the same thing to Nii-san and Mio-chan.

Even though I could only recall the warm shelter like the past Nanohana Insitute.

After Nii-san and Mio-chan was gone, she could only cry alone every day and meet with a never seen before Diva in her dreams. At that time, it was probably the beginning of everything.

“If you form a contract with me, I will give you the same power as those two.” This is what the Diva said.

Using the power of Magic as bait, the existence of Diva wanting to corrode into one’s body. Kaya also knew about it.

However, that Diva……seems like she was purely sympathizing Kaya’s bitter encounter. Lending her power in order for her to meet those two again. So the young Kaya listened to those sweet whispers. And believed it.

However, since exchanging a contract with that Diva, her body has always felt a bit strange.

If she views that person as someone important, it would become that she would want to kill that person.

……Knowing that she would meet up with those two if she heads to Tokyo. Whether it is Nii-san, who would become a swordsman, or Mio-Chan, who would become a Magic User, both of them will eventually enter the Knights Academy.

So while she engages in Stigma Hunting, she will wait for the moment she reunites with those two.

The remaining people that are important to her. Even though she should only feel pure happiness ——What is the impulse!?

“……As expected, it is strange……What did you do to me? Hand over my mind back to me! Oi……Reply me, Loki, Loki!”

Kaya grabbed onto her head that was in pain and questioned the Diva that was corroding her mind.

But no matter how long, there was no response. She was deceived. Perhaps she was deceived……

She wanted to see Nii-san again……However, if she sees him, she would definitely not be able to resist……

She recalled that next week’s weekend, the Knights Academy will hold an Inter-Division Competition.

It was a good opportunity to sneak into the Academy that is usually prohibited to the average person.

Even if she did not run around on the streets, she will certainly be able to see Nii-san on that day.

She really wanted to see you, really wanted to see Nii-san again…….Really wanted to kill him!

Kaya grabbed chaotically onto the hair that had lost its color and grabbed onto her head.

Beside her, Akira did not look at her berserk act even once and only continued to stare at the graffiti wall.

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 2

2015-03-23T07:32:50Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

== Chapter 2 - The Witch's House ==
The number of people that newly obtain an enigma is a constant number of 144 each year.

Although there are a few girls that avoid the obligation to enter the school, basically everyone would be completely gathered here from within the country in order to become a freshman in the Magic Division. This is the obligation of the people who obtained an enigma.

In the Magic Division, these 144 people would be placed in the same school year and divided into three classes with a total of 38 people per class.<ref>I know that 144/38 ≠ 3, but that is what the raws wrote. Apparently, their math is wrong since I’m expecting it to be 48 not 38. Though it might be because of the earlier paragraph where some people do not enter the school.</ref>

After the entrance ceremony, the results of the class placement was revealed. Kazuki was assigned to the 1st year 2nd Class.

The classroom seating arrangement was based according to the gojūon’s<ref>Japanese ordering of kana. More info here</ref> sequence attendance number, the eighth row’s <Hayashizaki> Kazuki’s seat was directly in the middle of the classroom.

Just when he sat down onto the seat, Kazuki was overwhelmed by the focused gazes and whispers from all directions.

Gazes of curiosity, vigilance and exclusion——And other various feelings suddenly emerged towards Kazuki.

However, because there was already nowhere for him to escape, there is no better method but to face it indifferently.

“Good morning, you group of trash! Nice too meet you!”

At the same time an arrogant voice sounded out, the classroom door opened with a powerful momentum. A blond girl appeared.

Kazuki could not believe his own eyes, and everybody in the class was in an uproar.

What entered was a girl, with a height of around 140 cm, in a suit. In comparison to the image of the word <Female Teacher>, she had a small size body like a mini dachshund.

That face. No matter who, they would feel that she was only an elementary student. However, just like a prank, that child swiftly walked up in front of the blackboard and passed it and sat on the special seat of a teacher.

The sharp pupil that looked around the inside of the room was green. Her legs were also extremely slender.

“……WAHH, so cute!”

“Just like a doll!”

Inside the classroom, voices of getting carried away echoed everywhere.

“Hey, who was the one that just said cute!? Stand up for me!!”

She, ban,ban,ban,<ref>SFX for banging sounds.</ref> hit the podium. With a clear and sharp voice, she issued out a roar.

“……My name is Liz Liza Westwood. I was born in the birthplace of Magic, England. Listen up! I am here to make you trashes to become independent knights. You should be honored!”

Is this person really the class teacher……No, perhaps a person, who is able to serve as a teacher in the Knights Academy, could not be judged from their appearance.

“Although I may look more or less young, but this is due to a certain accident, so my growth has been slowed down. Although I have already retired, but I still have the appropriate practical experience. Don’t take on an attitude of looking down on me. Anyways, this class……Che, what a troublesome class”

Liz Liza-sensei violently smacked her lips and her gaze stayed on Kazuki.

“Before things become troublesome, I should properly say it to all of you. That is an existence that is not worthy of your attention. More than so, he is completely a <E-Rank> trash. We, the teaching staff, have no expectations towards that guy. Don’t be mistaken.”

After hearing that the male student, who was the focus of attention, was a E-Rank, the classroom suddenly became even more noisy.

That phrase was filled with provocative meaning, it made Kazuki feel offensive and he could not help but refute against that tiny teacher.

“I did not misunderstand anything……And, I do not plan on remaining at E-Rank.”

The so-called E-Rank was the results of the exams before entering the school.

The freshmen of Magic Division are asked to test the amount of Magic Power they had as well as an actual test on normal Magic.

The Normal Magic that manipulates your own Magic Power are divided into 5 systems, <Psychokinetic Magic>,<Pyrokinesis Magic>, <Physical Enhancement Magic>, <Perceptibility Enhancement Magic> and <Telepathic Magic>.

However, Kazuki, who was always aiming to be a swordsman, had only trained the Physical Enhancement Magic and Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. On the contrary, he was surrounded by elites, who was born with extensive Magic Power and were aiming to be a Stigma Magic User.

Thus, Kazuki had gotten E-Rank, the worst grade.

“A good answer. It seems that he, himself, understands his own situation clearly. The rest of you should also not cry out in excitement because there is a special person, a male……Although saying that, do not bully him. Because all of you are still not independent enough. There is no spare time to underestimate others. Everyone should focus on their goal of improving themselves!”

Although her tone was poor, but it seems like she was a person, who did not want Kazuki to be made a fool.

“……Also, in our class, aside from the only one E-Rank in the grade, the only two A-Rank in the grade is also present. Are they throwing the top-level students and the last-place student to this competent teacher? Che, this is really the worst class.”

“Yes! I am the A-Rank Amasaki Mio!”

The student, who was number one in the attendance number, suddenly stood up and with a crashing sound.

Although Kazuki could only see the back from his seat, but he could see the honey-colored twintails fluttering and shaking around.

“As the daughter from the noble magician family, the Amasaki household, I have the goal of becoming the strongest Magic User——That is the Student Council President! I will not lose to anyone! Everybody, please take care of me!”

“……I did not let you introduce yourself. Sit down, you self-centered trash!”

After Liz Liza-sensei finish saying this in amazement, Mio sat down obediently.

A-Rank. This phrase made the classroom become noisy again.

There are only two A-Ranks in the grade, yet both of them are actually in this class, how amazing!”

“Who is the other A-Rank?”

“Sensei, which one is the other A-Rank?”

Just when a student, who courageously raised her hand to ask, appeared, a sigh came from behind Kazuki.

“……Nonsense. The results of the rank before forming a contract with a Diva, there is no meaning to it.”

Liz Liza-sensei nodded towards the rear of Kazuki.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 055.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the other A-Rank, Hiakari Koyuki, right? Yes, it is just like what Hiakari said.”

Kazuki turned around and looked. He could only see an otherworldly girl there.

The impression that she gave off was the color white ——or rather, silver white. Her silver-colored hair sparkled. The color of her skin was also white as snow.

Long ears extended from both side of her expressionless face……It was an extremely beautiful <Elf>!

The so-called Elf, it is a human whose state of existence was distorted due to the effects of Magic they have within themselves.

That posture was beautiful, just like a fantasy. It gave off an impression that the inhabitants of myths had already been brought here in real time.

Because they hold a far greater Magic Power than average females, it was said that many could communicate with spirits. Although there were still many places of the ecology of elves that were not understood compared to the Magical Beast……

Due to this special trait, within these 15 years, elves were the object of prejudice and discrimination.

The gazes that were thrown over to this side earlier, perhaps it included the gazes towards the child behind him.

“Is there something on my body, E-Rank? Am I such a rare thing?”

The monotone voice was scolding Kazuki’s gaze. Looks like he had stared at her for a long period of time……If that’s the case, he could also not blame the surrounding girls that had constantly been looking at him.

“Sorry……Iya, because I felt that you were so beautiful. In the places such as the hair……”

In order to prevent her from misunderstanding that he was treating her as an exotic animal, he accidentally blurted out directly the embarrassing truth. In fact, the amount of time he watched her fascinated should be fairly long.

“I’m beautiful? ……You are treating me as a monster, right?”

Koyuki felt that it was inconceivable and tilted her head. Because of this action, her silver-colored hair brushed against each other and sparkled.

“Saying such insincere words to conceal your attitude, it is really disgusting.”

……Why would you think like that? Is it because you are an elf?

Kazuki generated feelings close to anger and could not help but raise his voice.

“I did not any insincere words! I really think that you are beautiful!”

Koyuki’s expression changed for the first time. Her eyes widened. She held her breath and whispered.

“……Anyways, it is better if you would turn you head to the front.”

After issuing an idiotic “Eh?” sound, Kazuki finally remembered the time and location.

“Hey, E-Rank trash, trying to flirt with girls when I’m talking. Are you kidding?”

For a while, the eyes of all the people in the classroom was focused on Kazuki. Liz Liza-sensei was angry to the extent that her veins were twitching.

“S, sorry……” Kazuki lowered his shoulders and hurriedly turned his head back to the front.

Kazuki hated discrimination. He could not help but lose his cool. As expected, his training was far from enough.

“……Strange guy.” Muttering sounds from behind clearly came over.

“I seem to have some misunderstanding about your gaze. But I……Towards a person, who could praise others as beautiful face-to-face, I……also don’t know how to respond. So please do not stare at me.”

Liz Liza-sensei adjusted her state and continued to speak.

“Just as Hiakari had said, the current ranks do not have much meaning. Your ranks would constantly change during your school life. And, compared to Summoning Magic, Normal Magic is useless. After your Enigma has turned into a Stigma, your struggle will officially begin.”

Compared to the Summoning Magic that requires a lot of time and concentration, Normal Magic that uses your own Magic Power lacks destructive power.

Thus, the only Normal Magic that could be used in combat are the defensive Magic that reflexively protects your body and the supportive Physical Enhancement Magic.

Typically, the Normal Magic such as Psychokinesis Magic are used for <Alchemy> to reconstruct the items from the <Roots of the Particles>. It is used to make the everyday life more convenient.

To us, what is more important is the Summoning Magic that is more suitable for combat. This would depend on the future.

——For me, goals, the use of power, these kind of things did not exist.

However, remaining at the obsolete E-Rank is not acceptable.

A Contract with a Diva. I was slightly looking forward to it.

“Having said that, contracting with a Diva is based on the class order, so while we are waiting, let us have a self-introduction. Then, let’s begin from the seating number #1……Although I want to say that, but since Amasaki has already introduced herself, let’s forget it.”

“P, Please wait! I only said so little content, it is not enough for everybody to understand!”

“Your character features has already been adequately communicated to everybody, Amasaki-san from the noble magician family.”

After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s sarcasm, the classroom burst into laughters, but Mio ignore all this and stood up.

Her large eyes sparkled and following her turning movements, her two ponytails drew an arc.

The instant she turned around ——It made everybody had the feeling that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

“I am the future Student Council President, Amasaki Mio! My hobbies are drawing, writing poems and also knitting! My specialty is of course, Magic!” The loud voice was active again.

Mio, who looked around the classroom, had her eyes met with Kazuki’s and those large eyes suddenly widened.

Then, her expression suddenly brightened up and she, pata,pata<ref>SFX for waving sounds.</ref> waved. It was as if she was reunited with someone important and her cheeks had also turned red as apples.

……Is she waving towards me? Kazuki was at loss and looked behind to confirm the situation.

It could be that she was waving in response to someone behind me.

However, behind Kazuki, only an expressionless Koyuki was there.

Kazuki was confused and once again turned back to the front. He watched Mio’s symmetrical face turn unsightly and with an unhappy voice, she said “That’s all I have to say!” and, dosun<ref>Sound of something heavy sitting down/falling</ref> ,sat back onto her seat.

……What had just happened? Being mistaken about the person……and the like, this kind of situation should be impossible.

——Afterwards, the self-introduction also smoothly moved forward.

Because Mio had said her hobbies and specialty, the classmates all copied that format and introduced themselves.

Gradually, the atmosphere became relaxed. Conversations were produced towards hobbies, “I also like that! Let us be friendly with each other!” and towards the specialty “Amazing!”.

It was the active atmosphere of a female high school. Then, it was finally Kazuki’s turn.

“I am Hayashizaki Kazuki. Although I am a E-Rank, but I work hard! My hobbies is training, washing clothes and cooking.”

Sounds of laughter echoed from within the classroom. Having a hobby such as washing clothes and cooking seemed to be very surprising.

His specialty was, what? Because aside from saying his <Specialty was sword skills.>, he could not think of any other words, so he said it just like this.

“Even though he is in Magic Division……yet he said sword skills.”

The instant Kazuki said this phrase out, the classroom had become a cynical atmosphere immediately.

“What is that, just like an idiot.”

The person who said this without hiding it ——was the earlier Amasaki Mio.

“What about sword skills, there is no value in it in the Magic Division. In the traditional Ancient Style Sword Skill Family, a male, who had the goal of becoming a swordsman, yet obtained a enigma……Although I have heard this kind of news, but haven’t you already entered the Magic Division? Even though you will become a Stigma Magic User, do you still have lingering feelings towards the sword skills? Although you are an E-Rank and the last place, but you know sword skills, how unsightly!”

After hearing the phrase <Lingering Feelings towards Sword Skills>, Kazuki felt that his chest was brutally stabbed.

……No, even so, <Sword Skills have no value> this phrase was also too much!

“Hayashizaki. In the Magic Division, the moment Sword Skills or the like are said, there will be no one that would give you a good look. This is the place where Magic elites gather. Not only do they hold a sense of rivalry, most of the people look down upon Sword Skills. Perhaps you feel that it is impossible to accept, but this is this kind of place. There is no helping it. Tell this to yourself. Sit down.”

When Kazuki wanted to retort, Liz Liza-sensei preemptively put an end to it.

……What is this? While his thoughts were left inside his heart, Kazuki returned to his seat.

Mio stared at Kazuki without looking away. After her eyes met with his, she immediately pulled a long face and turned to the front again.

……Indeed, the Summoning Magic he saw at the entrance ceremony was very amazing.

But, in order to activate that large Magic, the amount of time required to chant was long. If you are on the battlefield, it made one feel that it was fatal.

If that’s the case……Even Sword Skills could have a bout with it, right?

He did not know about the other Sword Skills, but if it was the Hayashizaki-Ryuu that he and Kanae was taught by his adoptive father……

“Compared to because I am a female, so I have a greater amount of Magic Power, I feel that the Sword Skills that was honed through efforts are more worthy of respect.”

After hearing this sentence that seemed to be encouraging him, Kazuki was surprised and looked behind. He noticed that Koyuki had stood up.

“……Your circumstances do not matter to me. ——I am Hiakari Koyuki. No hobbies and specialty. Finish.”

After hearing the A-Rank’s overly cold self-introduction, the classroom began to become noisy again.

Kazuki stared at her in astonishment, Koyuki, who sat down again, showed a bit of emotions and frowned.

“So I said, please turn your head away. Do not look over here.”

× × ×

After the self-introduction was over, Liz Liza-sensei brought the students outside of the school building.

Beside the school building, there was a sports ground surrounded by verdure. The signing of the contract ritual with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons was currently being carried out in the sports ground.

——Right now in Japan, forming a contract with a Diva outside of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons are not accepted.

If they were to form a contract with another Diva, they will be treated as an Illegal Magic User and are pursued by the Knights.

It was a crime. Because among the Divas, there are some that hold malice towards humans. Through giving power to lure humans, they erode the human’s mind and seize their human body.

15 years ago, when Magic had just appeared in the world, an incident occurred where humans that were controlled by Divas destroyed Tokyo. In front of the Illegal Magic Users where Normal Magic and Weapons were no match for them, the ones to lend a helping hand to Japan, who was forced into a dire situation for the first time, were the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

Through the efforts of the <Original Knights> that formed a contract with the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, the Illegal Magic Users were suppressed.

Because of this story, Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons became the only partner that could be trusted.

Within their hearts, the freshmen that were awarded an enigma were filled with expectations about which Demon of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon they would form a contract with and challenged the contract ritual.

This was the first important matter after the entrance ceremony.

“In the end, what kind of Diva would I form a contract with? Once I thought up to here, my heart is so excited as if I was drawing lots.”

On the road leading to the sports ground, Kazuki attempted to talk with Koyuki.

It seems like she was the only one who would not treat him with any prejudice.

“It does not matter which one for me. No matter which one it is, it is still the same.”

“Still the same? How is that possible!”

The voice that suddenly interrupted from behind Kazuki and Koyuki was——Mio.

“In the 72 Pillars, there are still various different types. There is one that looks like a fish<ref>Referring to Forneus, the 30th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> and there is also one that looks like a starfish<ref>Referring to Decarabia, the 69th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. Isn’t it a lot better to find one that looks more beautiful than them!”

“Appearances……that is the most useless thing in the world.”

Koyuki probably had her mood destroyed by this topic and quickly sped up and walked away.

“What a cold person”, Mio, who was left behind pursed her lips.

She probably hated the topic of appearances. Even though that person is obviously so beautiful.

“Forgot it……The E-Rank classmate, who is still lingering about sword skills, should try hard to find a suitable Diva! For example, a Diva that looks like a cockroach, a Diva that looks like a millipede, or perhaps a Diva that looks like a mushroom,etc.

Mio threw a despiteful gaze towards Kazuki and started to make fun of him.

“……I think that within the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, there are no such Divas.”

“Speaking of which, it is possible that you could not even turn your enigma into a stigma!”

Mio, who was speaking like this, seemed to be showing a childish anger expression towards Kazuki.

……It feels that this person’s quarreling method wasn’t average.

“Hey, during the self-introduction, you are waving to me, right?”

After hearing Kazuki taking the initiative to ask this topic, Mio’s eyes “!” widened.

“Where did I ever meet with you?”

“Baka!” After Kazuki asked this question, he immediately received a bitter reply.

Afterwards, Mio seemed to reveal an expression pent up with anger and walked briskly away without turning back.

……Was she mad? As expected, he must have met her at same place before.

However, even when he recalled back to elementary and middle school period, he still had no impression of the name, Amasaki.

The orphanage where is had stayed before ——Inside the children caring organization <Nanohana Institution>, there were basically only children that was smaller than him, so first, that can’t be right……

“But that attitude isn’t an attitude towards a person she does not know……”

However, even if he asked again, he would only pointlessly make her mad, so Kazuki felt troubled again.

“All of the freshmen, we meet again! I am Otonashi Kaguya.”

In the sports ground, Kaguya-senpai was currently waiting for our arrival. She was wearing a similar robe as the one during the entrance ceremony.

“The contract ritual will be performed under the assistance of the Student Council President.”

After lining up the students based on their attendance arrangement, Liz Liza-sensei began explaining the ritual.

“Listen up, Summoning Magic is divided into four steps <Connecting with Astrum> (Access), <Inviting the Phenomenon> (Order), <Appointing the Coordinates> (Targeting) and <Activation> (Cast). Diving into the deep psychological world, heading towards the destination pass the Heart of Doors and speaking with a Diva. After learning the simplified <Spell> for these four steps of Summoning Magic, the contract is formed……In other words, you will officially become a Stigma Magic User.”

Finally becoming a Stigma Magic User——After hearing Liz Liza-sensei’s words, the students suddenly became excited.

“However, compared to it being a ritual, it is more like a trial. Although it is the initial hurdle, connecting with Astrum is not so simple. You will have to let your consciousness dive down to the depths of your heart and within the darkness inside the Astrum, capture the Diva’s figure and voice, it requires a very keen Perceptibility Enhancement Magic. Incidentally, the number of successful people in Class 1 was zero.”

In order to make the students, who became impulsive, tense up, Liz Liza-sensei said this.

Kaguya-senpai was the first to let a slight smile to ease the student’s tension.

“I will be responsible as the instructor to guide your initial path towards Astrum as well as prevent accidents from occurring. Although using Telepathic Magic could help guide you to the path towards Astrum, but aside from that, there is little that could be done. However, there is no need to force yourself to succeed on your first try, so please relax a bit.”

“So then, attendance number 1——Amasaki Mio! Come up to the front!”

“Yes!” After issuing a slightly nervous tone, Mio walked up in front of the queue.

“First, close your eyes and allow your consciousness and unconsciousness merge together (Trance).”

After obeying Kaguya-senpai’s instructions, Mio closed her eyes. From her body’s surface, a faint blue light emerged.

The so-called Trance was to allow your mind to enter a highly concentrated state through Perceptibility Enhancement Magic.

“Then I will use Telepathic Magic to synchronize with your mind. Although the actual mind guiding path may seem more abstract than what you imagine, but if two people synchronize their minds, the fluctuations inside my heart would turn into wavelengths and be sent to you. You will also need to match it and allow your consciousness to move.”

Kaguya-senpai’s body also emitted a blue light. The blue light seemed to be a bridge and flowed inside Mio’s body.

The two of them closed their eyes and did not move. Only the blue light that seemed to be the light on the surface of the water was shaking. Although it was not apparent from the side, the two human consciousness have departed towards an alternative world

——After a few minutes, the two of them opened their eyes.

Mio’s pupil inside her gaze seemed to be inside a dream still and was absentminded. However, she slowly opened her mouth as if she was a priestess who received a divine revelation and began to weave a spell.

“I know thy name……Thy name is <Phenex><ref>Phenex is a Great Marquis of Hell and has twenty legions of demons under his command. It is also known as the Phoenix and is the 37th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……A poet and a Magician!”

“Could it be……she succeeded in one attempt!?” Liz Liza-sensei said in a surprised voice.

Sounds of cheers spread across the sports ground, then the girl with the top results——

“The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

The chanting of the spell ended remarkably. At the same time, orange color lights that were just like flames were released. Within the light, her school uniform was decomposed. The <Consciousness of the Diva> flowed into the uniform that was made through alchemical silk, reconstructed its root particles, and cleverly dressed the contractor in an appearance <Worthy of being Majestic>.

This was the battle outfit that only people who are selected could obtain from the Divas——Magical Dress.

Behind Mio, a shadow of a large firebird emerged. Wrapped in the curtains of the orange lights, Mio revealed——the appearance after changing into the Magical Dress.

From the place where the skin was exposed, a crimson pattern emerged——Stigma.

Having the same graceful curves as a dress in a party, it was a somewhat mysterious and beautiful posture.

Mio’s fuzzy eyes regained the colors of reality and those pair of eyes repeatedly blinked several times.

“……I know! The spell is appearing inside my mind!! Inviting the Phenomenon, Appointing the Coordinates and Activation all…….I can immediately activate the Level 1 Summoning Magic!!”

“It’s fine if you do not do up to this point! The person who just dove into Astrum for a long time should not be reckless!!”

After Liz Liza-sensei hurried up to stop it, Mio cut off her mind connection with Astrum.

Phenex’s illusion turned into light particles and disappeared. Her Magical Dress also turned back into the school uniform.

“It is just like after swimming in the pool. Although you may not feel it, but you are actually very tired. There is no need to rush. Since the spell has already been taught, then it has already connected into a hotline. You will be able to enter a connected state more easily from now on……Congratulations for your successful contract!”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a smile and applauded. The classmates also began to applaud.

After Mio heard the sounds of the applause sent to her, she happily looked around. Once her eyes met with Kazuki’s, she could not help but revealed an overwhelming happy expression and stretched out her hand to make a V gesture.

Kazuki, who was clapping his hand, did not know how to respond. Thus, Mio was suddenly filled with unhappiness and returned back to the queue.

“Attendance Number 14, Hayashizaki Kazuki, come up to the front!”

——Then it was finally Kazuki’s turn. None of the people after Mio had succeeded.

“We meet again, Kanae-chan’s otouto-kun!”

After Kazuki came out from the queue, Kaguya-senpai let out a delightful laugh.

“……I’m extremely sorry for this morning, I made you see the embarrassing places within the school all of a sudden.”

Kaguya-senpai seems to think that it was her own responsibility and lowered her shoulders in sorrow.

“I think that the person who was most correct at the scene was you, senpai.”

“If you are able to say this, it really makes me feel pleased. Although I had once appealed for the Magic Division and the Sword Division to become more friendly and get along together, but everybody did not listen to my words……In the end, without knowing it, my support rate has gradually decreased. The trust in Otonashi, the Student Council President, is already in a major crisis……But I believe that if I do not work hard to let the Sword and Magic to make up for each other’s shortcomings, it is impossible for them to draw out their true power!”

Kaguya-senpai clenched her fists and passionately made a speech.

“……I believe that senpai’s thinking is correct.”

“You agree with my views, otouto-kun? You will help me, who is alone!?”

“Because I was also once a swordsman before! If there is anything I can help, anything is fine!”

“Comrade!”

Kaguya-senpai’s eyes became moist and held onto Kazuki’s hands tightly.

“Thank you, comrade comrade! Although Kanae-chan’s dillydally type is very cute, but a straight-forward type like otouto-kun is also very cute. WAHHH, can I rub you head? I rub, I rub, your hair is very soft. Lovely, so lovely——. Otouto-kun, do you want to eat candy?”

“Are you an Oba-chan from Osaka!”

Kazuki unleashed a hand blade attack on Kaguya-senpai’s head, who had pulled out candies from the pockets of her robe, and complained.

“I was complained to”, Kaguya-senpai happily stuck out her tongue.

“……Hey, you two, quickly begin!”

Liz Liza-sensei’s roar rushed over and only then Kaguya-senpai began giving instructions to Kazuki.

“Then from now on, otouto-kun also needs to allow the ceremony where your consciousness and mine to intimately synchronize with each other.”

Listening to her words, it feels that there was a subtle resistance. Kazuki also followed Kaguya-senpai’s instructions and closed his eyes. Using Magic to unify the minds and diving into the spiritual world——

What spread within my inner heart was an overwhelming and vast darkness. It was a place that gave off a feeling where a person would lose themselves.

However, on the surface of this darkness, slight ripples were spreading out. This was the ripples that were triggered by Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness.

“Follow me”, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out. As if he was drawing ripples, Kazuki followed along.

Continuously heading towards a deeper place within the darkness.

It was an image of the deep sea. The pitched-black color of the darkness slowly became more and more dark.

However, it was just like the seabed of the deep sea. It was a world where light cannot reach. If you use Perceptibility Enhancement Magic, then you would understand that the <Distant Past> and <Past Feelings> that you could not recall was currently sleeping here, just like it was accumulating layers. The so-called unconscious mind was this kind of world.

Just like how the deep sea’s water pressure is very high, inside the spiritual world, the color of the darkness will become darker as you dive further down to the depths, your ego will become more blurred. If you maintain Perceptibility Enhancement Magic for a long time, you would even lose consciousness.

The feeling of the resistance from the darkness was just like the rushing forward against the wind.

Finally, after crossing a line——The world’s phase changed.

Kaguya-senpai’s consciousness that was leading, stopped. They had passed through the Heart of Door and arrived at Astrum.

Within the darkness that was still very easy to lose consciousness, Kazuki searched for the presence of the Diva.

“……Ara, it feels that the atmosphere is very strange.”

Using Telepathic Magic to synchronize with Kazuki’s consciousness, Kaguya-senpai’s voice rang out in Astrum.

“——Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

A different voice than Kaguya-senpai rang out——It was a female voice. Is this the voice of a Diva……?

The darkness in front of him brought viscosity and condensed. It feels that something lodging there exists.

“Do you have the resolve of being burdened by a power that can change the world?”

Kazuki could not identify its gesture. He only did not have the power to identify it.

However, the voice that came over was clear. If that’s the case, they should be able to converse and should be able to make a contract.

A power that can change the world——Was this something that could be obtained through a contract with this Diva, was it really such an enormous power?

To tell the truth, I was clueless about how I would use such tremendous power.

However, if I was the person that was <Chosen>, then I should respond to it.

Perhaps I am only a tiny human, but I will still stake my life and give it my all.

“……If it’s resolve, then I have it!”

After Kazuki replied like this, a powerful light flashed up in front of him.

——When he recovered, Kazuki’s consciousness had already returned back to the sports ground.

It feels strange. Inside his muddled mind, he was gradually confused.

Was the contract over? No, it did not tell me the spell.

And the appearance of the Diva was unclear till the end. In the end, what on earth was that?

Was it even possible to form a contract under the situation where he did not know who the other was?

At this moment, a white light suddenly illuminated in front of Kazuki.

At the same time, he felt his Magic was being sucked out from his spirit and was entering the light in front of him. Something……Something from another world was currently materializing!?

The next moment, a light that made everybody close their eyes burst out——

“A girl!?” Kaguya-senpai could not help but cry out.

The light turned into a young girl’s appearance.

A naked girl with brown skin was currently floating in front of Kazuki.

And, this was a <Complete Summon>. This girl was not an <Illusion> made fixed by Magic, but was a body with mass.

The girl that appeared within the air was gently floating and stared at Kazuki.

“Through a kiss, form a contract with Leme.”

The girl pulled Kazuki’s head with both hands and brought him in front of her.

Ignoring the confused Kazuki, Chuuu, she kissed him.

An intense heat moved from his mouth towards his left hand.

Hot! W,What is this……It changed!? The Enigma……became a Stigma!?

“Fufu, with this, the contract is complete.”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 072.jpg|thumb]]

She smiled and the heat stopped. Kazuki timidly looked at his left hand to confirm it. What was there was not a Engima, but a star-shaped <Hexagram> Stigma.

The contract——was completed? But who is this person? Why was the summon casually activated?

Looking at the developments that was different from normal Divas, the sports arena suddenly began to stir.

“Eh?…….Eh?”

After she fell down onto the ground, she incredulously looked at her own body.

“WAHHHH!? WHAT IS THIS! WHY IS LEME NAKED! WHY IS IT NAKED——!?”

She used her two hands to cover her body while crying out “Clothes——! Clothes!?”

With a subtly panicked mode, Kaguya-senpai took off her own robe and handed it to her.

The little girl expressed her thanks, “Oh,oh, thank you!” , and put it on nervously.

Kazuki casually stared at Kaguya-senpai and was suddenly shocked. After Kaguya-senpai removed her robe, what was beneath it was a highly revealing outfit. Although her entire body was covered with something similar to a black armor, but the surface area was extremely small. The contrast together with her white skin made it extremely stimulating.

“If you stare like this, I will become very embarrassed……!”

“S,Sorry. My gaze naturally just……That is, is that Asmodeus’s Magical Dress?”

The black colored outfit was released a faint purple light. That means Magic Power is flowing.

“In order to immediately deal with any unexpected issues during the contract ritual, so I could not help but wear my Magical Dress! But, Asmodeus’s Magical Dress is loaded with an irritating design……Even though I was thinking of using a robe to hide it!”

A Magical Dress is created by revealing the Stigma’s form. For Asmodeus’s Stigma, there were many tiny parts that needed to be revealed on the body, thus, the exposure degree was that high.

Kazuki once looked at his own body. Speaking of which, he did not get a Magical Dress.

Everything was in a mess.

“Liz Liza-sensei, what on earth just happened……!?”

It seems that Kaguya-senpai did not understand the situation and turned her head towards Liz Liza-sensei.

A Diva that obtained a physical body could use the powerful power of their own myths without any restrictions.

A legitimately unknown Diva materializing in front of their eyes was an extremely dangerous situation.

Originally, a Diva’s materialization should not be achieved without consuming a certain degree of Magic Power……

“……You are a different Diva than Solomon’s 72 Pillars. Who are you?”

Liz Liza-sensei used a completely different tone and carefully asked this Diva, who was out of the specifications.

“Leme is Leme. Aside from that……That, I don’t know. Ara? I can’t remember it.”

“A memory loss Diva? Then the next question, what kind of power do you hold? A Diva should normally hold 10 types of Inherent Magic.”

The symbol of a Diva is their 10 types of Inherent Magic. Through the contract, this becomes Summoning Magic.

“About that, the contract was indeed completely……Inherent Magic? Inherent Magic……There is no such thing. What is this power you are speaking of? Inside Leme’s body……There is no such power?”

“A,a powerless Diva!? How is that possible!?”

“……Wawaahh. Although I do not understand, but I am sleepy. Leme is going to sleep. Good night.”

Leme just lied down at that place, shortly after, snoring sounds began. She is really too free.

“……What on earth is with this fellow? This is plainly unbelievable……”

“About that, Liz Liza-sensei……Could it be that a contract was formed outside of the 72 Pillars of Diva?”

Kaguya-senpai revealed a terrifying expression and asked Liz Liza-sensei.

“……We will discuss this matter at the staff meeting. First, let us send this fellow to the infirmary.”

Looking at the young girl who was sent to the infirmary, even Kazuki would lose his cool.

“P, Please wait a minute……It was you who changed my life!? At least explain to me why you gave me the Enigma! You are too irresponsible, aren’t you!?”

“I know thy name……Thy name is called <Vepar><ref>Vepar is a Great Duke of Hell and rules twenty-nine legions of demon. She is depicted as a mermaid and is the 42th Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref> ……The mermaid singer conveying icy cold thoughts, causing the entire world to be planted with tears of sadness.”

Releasing a light blue radiance, a fantasy-like illusion of a mermaid appeared above Koyuki, who was chanting the spell.

At the same time, her uniform became a tight white colored Magical Dress.

“With this, this is the 3rd person. The amount of people that succeeded in this class……”

Liz Liza-sensei let out an extremely surprising voice. Amasaki Mio, Hayashizaki Kazuki, then Hiakari Koyuki.

However for Kazuki, could he still be counted as one of the successful ones ——

× × ×

Following that, after eating lunch at the school cafeteria, a briefing session was held regarding about the school’s living standards and education program. However, all of this did not enter Kazuki’s ears……The schedule for the first day of school was completely over.

The bell rang signaling that the school is over.

The students were all brought to the student dormitory——All of them were filled with expectations for their future days.

However, Kazuki was not permitted to join the ranks of fickle people.

“Regarding about your improper contract with the Diva, the staff meeting is currently being held. Until the meeting is over, please wait at the infirmary.”, He received a notice from Liz Liza-sensei like this.

At the infirmary, under the Knight’s surveillance, Leme revealed an appearance consistent of a young girl, who was sleeping carefree.

The Magical Dress and the ten Summoning Magic were not given, it was a completely unknown Diva.

If this Leme was seen as a threat, then what would happen to him, who formed a contract with her. Maybe he would have his qualifications as a Magic Division Student cancelled.

……What a joke. I was already determined to fight at the Magic Division.

If there were any possibility sleeping within his body that was undiscovered, he wanted to find it out at the Magic Division.

“Let’s start from the conclusion. You and Leme will temporarily be placed at the Magic Division to observe the situation.”

——The orange colored sun was beginning to shine in from the infirmary’s windows, Liz Liza-sensei and Kaguya-senpai, who seemed to be the witness of the ritual and participated in the meeting, entered the infirmary.

“Just because you are originally a swordsman, so they hate you, there is also an opinion of immediately removing the contract seal and rushing you to the Sword Division. However, the final conclusion was to be under surveillance, so as expected it should be placed at the hands of the Magic Division.”

“Because there are many opposing opinions, Liz Liza-sensei said a lot for otouto-kun!”

“I only gave objective opinion. The one who wanted to protect this trash was you.”

“It was not like that. Sensei also desperately protected him! How untruthful!”

“No, no, no, it was only you. Hayashizaki Kazuki, you should be thankful of this person.”

In other words, these two people protected me.

“……Thank you, you two, to do so much for a person like me.”

Because a relieved feeling surged through his entire body, Kazuki relaxed and bowed towards the two of them.

“You actually wanted to remain at the Magic Division so much, this is really surprising. However, not all the teachers believe in Leme. So you and that Diva will temporarily be placed as a surveillance target.

Being monitored and placed on probation at school. But even so, this was a very lenient treatment.

If it wasn’t done well, being treated as a Illegal Magic User——A criminal treatment was not anything strange.

“In the end, the things that Leme had said were extremely suspicious. A so-called Diva should originally have huge magic power that is able to distort the world. It is impossible for a Diva with self-consciousness to have no abilities.”

Liz Liza-sensei moved her eyes to the side and coldly glared at Leme, who was currently sleeping on the bed.

……In other words, Leme was lying?

If Leme really had some kind of power, since she had already materialized, then she should be able to freely control that power……Even though Kazuki, who was the contractor, was not given any power.

“However, that fellow knew able the rule between the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demons and the Japanese government about <Giving and Receiving an Enigma>. And she followed that rule. So it is very difficult to imagine her being completely unrelated to the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon. If this matter was not dealt with well, it may cause the relationship between this country and the Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon to worsen, then it will be a big trouble.”

The Solomon 72 Pillars of Demon follow a secret doctrine and will not speak much towards human.

Although they lent their power to the Japanese government, it still seems like they are sitting at one side and observing this country.

If they feel that the country does not deserve this power, the possibility of them immediately stopping to assist this country existed.

……Although Leme was not a member of Solomon’s 72 Pillar of Demons, but she is not completely unrelated, is it?

“This is a very delicate judgment. If anything special occurs from your side, please immediately report to me. Remember this……The next question is regarding to where you should stay. You should remember that the school originally arranged for you to live at a room outside by yourself?”

The Magic Division’s student dormitory, it did not consider the possibility of a male living there. In other words, it was entirely a women’s dormitory.

“However, for a person who contracted a Diva with an unknown identity, it is not possible to let him live outside of the school. But, we cannot allow you to live in the Magic Division’s girl’s dormitory. Although there were also people who proposed the idea of shoving you into the Sword Division’s dormitory, but letting the swordsman to supervise you is a bit unsettling. Thus……”

“Otouto-kun, you are arranged to be admitted into the Magic Division Student Council’s private dormitory <Witch’s House>!”

Kaguya-senpai, “Pan Paka Paaan,”<ref>Explosive Sounds Effects</ref>, explained it in this fashion while extending her hands.

“Student Council’s, private dormitory……?”

“The Magic Division’s Student Council is different than the other students, they live in a special dormitory. The Student Council, which gathers the strongest students, allowing them to live together and form the strongest organization……Although these people are also female, but another point is that these people are most suitable to act as the supervisor.”

Liz Liza-sensei pointed at Kaguya-senpai and spoke.

“Be thankful of this person. Because of this person strongly proposed that if anything occurs, the Magic Division Student Council have the ability to respond to it, so that in the end, it came to the conclusion of surveillance. Even the director said these distasteful words like, is this something that a spoiled little girl like you can do?”

“……I, I am not a spoiled little girl.” ——Kaguya-senpai’s expression inadvertently became gloomy.

But she immediately smiled again, her face revealed dimples.

“So that’s how it is, otouto-kun! We will be together! You must be very happy!”

“……Could it be that you harbor a wish of nurturing a boy who is younger than you?”

Liz Liza-sensei looked at Kaguya-senpai, who was extremely happy, with suspicious eyes.

“W, What are you saying, sensei!? Please do not speak this kind of gibberish, okay!? Really now……I did not feel that a boy smaller than me was cute. I only wanted……to personally train a <Magic Swordsman> who could use both sword techniques and Summoning Magic!”

“Magic Swordsman……?”

“From today onwards, you are my first disciple! I will definitely train you into the strongest Magic Swordsman!”

Kaguya-senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s hands, who was trembling after listening to her unexpected words.

“This here is the Witch’s House!”

While carrying Leme, who was sleeping, on his back, Kazuki was brought to this place.

It was a renaissance, western-styled mansion made with black wood surrounding the white-colored walls.

And its name did not match the fairytale-like atmosphere that makes one happy.

Opening the iron gates with a watermark pattern, and then opening the front——A completely different world appeared.

A dazzling mahogany and rouge-colored world appeared.

Although it was not glamorous, but the interiors were extremely refined. Also, there were varieties of furniture that was the same as a high-class hotel.

On the ceiling was a few majestic chandeliers……Can I really live in this place?

“The area is very big, right? It was created based on the form of renting the rooms, there are many rooms on the second floor, the first floor is a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. Although the first year Student Council trainees are primarily responsible for the household chores……”

Kaguya-senpai’s words suddenly became quite vague, but instead, Kazuki felt quite welcomed by this kind of arrangement.

“No problem, I am already accustomed to doing housework. In fact, I rather like doing them.”

“Really? That’s great! Then let us immediately arrange a room for you……”

“……Kazuki.” The originally asleep Leme suddenly opened her eyes and jumped off Kazuki’s back.

“……Where’s the bathroom? Leme is, currently, extremely urgent!”

Leme’s body was trembling. This Diva, it was extremely hard to make her wake up, but the result was this kind of thing……!

Kaguya-senpai hurriedly held onto Leme’s tiny hands.

“I will bring this child to the bathroom, go and pick a room that you like on the second floor, otouto-kun!”

“Can I randomly pick!?”

“You cannot enter the rooms with a sign! Those are our rooms!”

After finishing that sentence to Kazuki, who was in a daze and standing at the spot, Kaguya-senpai brought Leme to the bathroom.

Although a follow-up was not possible, but waiting here felt quite embarrassing.

At the center of the entrance hall, there was a spiral staircase. Kazuki could not help but stroke the smooth, metal handrail and moved up to the second floor.

The second floor occupied very little space. There was a small lounge with a sofa. From that point on, a corridor that extends to the left and right with rooms organized in a row.

Kazuki opened the room nearest to him without a sign.

“……Eh? E-Rank?”

What entered his eyes was ——a currently changing Amasaki Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

A beautifully shaped body, it caused one to have an illusion of a display of a goddess sculpture.

However, the difference between the sculpture was obvious, you could notice the smooth and soft skin texture in a single glance.

“A, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

“Sorry! It was not on purpose!!”

Kazuki immediately rushed out of the room and closed the door with his hands clasped behind his back.

Why!? Kazuki’s head was filled with question marks as he stood at the corridor……

“……I thought I heard a strange voice……Why is the E-Rank here?”

From behind, a cold voice came. Looking back, he could only see Hiakari Koyuki standing there.

“……W, What are you wearing!?”

“This is casual wear for indoors, is there any problem?”

She was dressed in an outfit where a baggy shirt was placed over her underwear. His gaze could not be helped but be captivated by the smooth and pure-white legs that extended from the hem of the shirt.

“……Didn’t I see it before, please do not look at me like this.”

Kazuki hurriedly moved his gaze away from Koyuki, who muttered as if she did not care.

Stimulating scene appearing one by one had caused his mind to panic.

“……Wait! Why is that sword idiot E-Rank here!”

After putting on a t-shirt and a skirt, Mio shouted as she rushed out of her room.

“If I have to say why, then although I cannot explain it in detail, but I was brought over here……Amasaki, why are you here?”

“You ask me why, of course it is because I am A-Rank. Hmmph, I am A-Rank!”

“So that’s how it is, I don’t understand.”

“Understand it thoroughly! A first-year student with outstanding grades becomes a Student Council trainee, entering the Witch’s House and learning from the senpais is part of the tradition here.”

“I see, since you explained so precisely, I also understand.”

Speaking of which, what senpai had just said also represents that there are other first year Student Council trainees here.

“In other words, the ones here are the elite of the elite, only ones with A-Rank! ……But why would the E-Rank break into here? This place is not a place for a sword idiot like you should stay! A, And you just saw me naked, right!?”

“That was unavoidable! I was also called here by Kaguya-senpai……”

“Are you guys arguing? What happened?”

Issuing patapata footstep sounds, Kaguya came up the stairs.

“Ah, could it be that the other first year students also came? So that’s what it is! Because the staff meeting took too long, so the senseis showed the way! Could it be that you ran into each other?”

In other words, Kaguya-senpai thought that the other first year students have not arrived yet, so she immediately said casual words such as opening any room as long as it is not someone’s room.

“Student Council President, what on earth is with the E-Rank!?”

“This child is my disciple number one. This Magic Swordsman will be trained by me!”

“S, Student Council President’s first disciple!? Magic Swordsman, what is this! Why……Compared to me, who is A-Rank, why would a peeping man from the Hayashizaki Family, who is only skilled in sword skill, enjoy such a special treatment!?”

“Eh eh, otouto-kun peeked? This is a crime! Yellow card, suspended from school!”

“……You peeked? That……E-Rank, I was wrong about you.”

Kazuki was surrounded by three girls. Just when an interrogative atmosphere was about to begin.

“Hey hey. Where is the place to wash my hands? The person who said would guide me show guide me until the very end!”

From the bottom of the stairs, Leme’s voice suddenly came.

“That voice……Could it be the strange Diva that you contracted with? Why is it here?”

Seeing that Mio muttered suspiciously, Kaguya-senpai revealed a slight smile.

“Although a boy might be a little……Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun and his contracted Diva, Leme-chan, the two of them will be companions, who are going to live here! You should be friendly with each other.”

× × ×

In order to let everybody meet each other, the residents of Witch’s House gathered together at the living room on the first floor.

Kazuki, Mio, Koyuki, Kaguya-senpai and Leme, the five of them sat on the chairs around the table.

“The vice president is currently out performing a quest, so let’s wait for her for a while. It has already been shown on the television, the matter about Illegal Magic Users’ <Stigma Hunting> has already occurred. Recently, it is not peaceful.”

“……What is a quest?”

After Kazuki revealed a surprised expression, Mio showed an look of disbelief.

“Hey, E-Rank. You are obviously at the lowest, yet you do not listen to the explanations?”

……At that time, his head was filled with thoughts of what will happen next, so he basically did not listen.

“Magic Division students could go to the place called <Guild> and help the Knight’s works. The students would form groups between themselves and eliminate Magical Beasts, go outside and investigate Magic Lands, capture Illegal Magic Users, etc……They are able to select difficult quests to increase their own evaluation. And, our ranks from now on will also consistently change due to the results of the quest.”

“Also, there is the <Duel>, a competition between students, which will also cause the ranks to change.”

“……Using the current ranks as an excuse to make trouble is a very stupid thing.”

Koyuki quietly whispered. She was still wearing the casual indoor wears, which was the shirt + underwear appearance.

“Hiakari-san, it feels like you are very familiar to this place……Is this the first time coming here?”

“No, I was already here since last year.”

“Because her inborn Magic Power was unusually enormous, it was recognized that Koyuki-chan would obtain an Enigma without any doubt, so during her middle school period, she began living at this academy. The Student Council received an order from the senseis there to take care of her.”

Mio threw a gaze filled with confrontation to Koyuki.

“……How boring.” Towards this reaction, Koyuki turned to one side.

“Kaguya-senpai is a second year student, right? Is there no third year students?”

“Were you really not listening at the briefing? Once you reach the third year, because of <Internships>, they would follow the Knights around the entire country. Therefore, they are basically not at the dormitory.”

“……It can’t be helped. At the briefing, I was anxious about my own future.”

However, him being distracted to the point where he was trembling made him feel embarrassed.

Kazuki glanced at Leme who was sitting next to him. After Leme noticed his gaze——

“It’s okay.” She said quietly and held onto Kazuki’s hand underneath the table.

This sudden action made Kazuki confused. Is this fellow trying to encourage me?

“I’m back.” Another voice came from in front.

“Ah, Hikari seems to have come back now. She is the Student Council’s vice president. Hikari, come to the living room for a bit!”

“Ara, the first years already came? I’ve made you wait for a long time, new students!”

What opened the door and valiantly appeared was a——elegant <Noble>.

With a neutral hairstyle and a gallant face that would almost make everybody recognize it incorrectly as a beautiful boy.

This elegant senpai looked at Kazuki and had her eyes immediately turn round.

“……! There is actually someone that looks more like a boy than me!?”

She lowered the luggage in her hands and rushed in front of Kazuki.

“A, Amazing! The face is a little bit cool, her body is extremely sturdy, perhaps it may be a bit rude, but it is basically just like a boy! ……Just like a……boy……ara?”

“I am a boy……senpai.”

Kazuki panicked as the senpai, who he was meeting for the first time, suddenly touched him everywhere.

Senpai tightly held onto Kazuki’s jacket and that beautiful boy-like face immediately turned red.

“S, Ssssooorrryyyy! A real boy!? Why is a boy here!?”

With amazing momentum, she escaped from Kazuki’s side and hid behind Kaguya-senpai.

“Sorry, this child is not used to dealing with boys.”

“Not used to? ……Even though she is so dignified and incredibly handsome?”

“B, Because I was always at a girl school since kindergarten, so I don’t have immunity towards boys……”

This senpai stuck out her head from behind Kaguya-senpai’s back. Sweat constantly dripped down from her forehead.

“But I do not know why I am always treated as a prince by the surrounding people. In order to respond to such expression, so I would often try hard and behave like a prince……But, this way, it also produced a somewhat strange life……UWAHH, a real boy is here……M, My heart is jumping so fast……What should I do, so scary.”

“Hey, you have to stand up in front and properly introduce yourself.”

“I did not expect a first year Student Council trainee to actually be a boy……M, My name is Hoshikaze Hikari. C, Currently serving as the Student Council vice president. P, Please to meet you.”

These people are the roommates of my new life? It feels that they are all strange people……

“I see……Fufufu, interesting. A group worth of contracting……”

Leme whispered suspicious sounding words beside him……Contracting?

“However, it’s fine! I will absolutely not reject my cute kouhai because he is a boy! I will treat you as the same sex, and use a more casual attitude than anyone else to be friendly with each other!”

Hoshikaze-senpai delivered a prideful declaration. However, after her eyes matched up with Kazuki’s, she immediately used her two hands to cover her face.

“Uuuuuu……P, Please do not look at me like this……”

Perhaps she is a somewhat cute person, Kazuki thought.

“Right, right, Kaguya. After I finished the quest, I bought a lot of snacks back.”

“Great! Then next off, let us hold everybody’s welcome party!”

Evening 8 PM —— It was the time to eat dinner, yet on the table——

“It was completely filled with snacks.”

Towards the snack-filled mountain, Kazuki could not help but feel fear.

And these are not all mass produced products, but high-priced products applied with <Alchemy Conditioning>.

“Fufufu, being able to eat this many snacks, am I currently dreaming?”

Kaguya-senpai leaned towards the side and straightened her chest.

“No, this is food that is seriously imbalanced in nutrition and will make one gain weight……”

“A girl’s party is basically like this! Really, since you are already in the Magic Division, otouto-kun must become more familiar to the girl’s feelings. Okay, A——hhhhh”

Kaguya-senpai suddenly picked up a small, sweet biscuit and tried to feed him.

“……We still did not have a toast yet.”

Kazuki, who did not know how to react, pushed away senpai’s hand.

“A——hhhhhh was rejected by a boy!? This is against etiquette!”

“Then following this, everybody, did you fill your drinks?”

Hoshikaze-senpai poured the carbonated drinks into the cups and personally gave it to everybody.

The carbonated bubbles had an incredulous power of making the party’s atmosphere become active again.

With their hands holding a cup, everyone called out, “Cheers!”

——The welcome party continued until the moment the date changed.

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2015-03-23T07:32:38Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Chapter 1 - The Swordsman in Magic Division==
Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman with the title of <Storm Cat>.

Since her childhood period, she went to many dojos and defeated them without a single loss. Her ponytail was
like a black cat’s tail, flapping in the sky. <br>The strikes from her two sword style Kodachis flowed nonstop and were undoubtedly an infinite wind of swords.

Her battle form was indeed similar to her title of a Storm.

However, her sleeping face was like an angel.

The curtains were fully opened and the sunlight from the morning shone into the dark room. But even so, she
still slept like a sleeping princess and showed no signs of awakening. Her skin was white to the extent that
the light went through her cheeks. Her long black hair was tied disorderly and was in a mess. Her usual stern
swordsman’s face was also innocent and relaxed.

……It’s been a long time since he saw her, she had become cute. Kazuki looked at her fascinated.

No, no, wait. This is not the occasion to look at his imouto in fascination.

“Hey, quickly wake up. Breakfast is already made.”

Hayashizaki Kazuki infused a loving gesture and shook her shoulders. Just at this moment ——

“——Nii-sama, chance!”

Kanae’s eyes, who he thought was still asleep, suddenly opened.

“What!?”

Kanae’s hands and feet were like tentacles and suddenly stuck out from under the blanket.

Kanae’s soft and small hands and legs wrapped around Kazuki’s body. In just a short period of time, she pulled
Kazuki onto the bed and was tightly hugging him. Towards him, Kanae revealed a fearless smile

“Nii-sama being attracted by his imouto’s cute sleeping face had become careless. The bed is the battlefield for men and women. This is the Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Art <Strategy of Flower Attracting Insect> (Deathly Plant Temptation)

“……Don’t just randomly invent a ridiculous art.”

Kanae, who was rubbing her face, flirted with Kazuki, who was stunned and sighed.

“The feeling of Nii-sama, the scent of Nii-sama, it has really been a long time. Even though yesterday Kanae finally had the opportunity to return home, but Nii-sama was not willing to sleep with me. It must be because you’re embarrassed, so Kanae thought of a scheme. As expected, you’re embarrassed, right?”

“I’m not embarrassed! ……Really now. If it were before, it would be fine. Right now we are both high school students, it is disgusting for siblings to be stuck together. I have already said not to hug me!”

“Don’t treat Kanae’s pure sibling love as something disgusting!”

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. ——However, the fact that she is a severe bro-con was really her only drawback.

Although Kazuki wanted to escape and struggled, Kanae’s hands and legs that wrapped around his body firmly did not move. Her hands and legs were releasing a faint blue light.

The reason the petite her could use such degree of strength was because she was strengthening her body with Magic.

While they were being noisy, the blanket slid off——Only then did Kazuki notice a frightening fact.

“……You, what are you wearing? Although it is already spring, but what should we do if you caught a cold.”

Kanae was wearing pajamas that could nearly see the skin underneath.

Her slim waist and round hips were clearly shown through the translucent fabric.

“What do you think, Nii-sama? This is Kanae that has upgraded into a female high school student. Since Kanae had not seen Nii-sama for so long, it is the anniversary where she wanted to show her female charm to Nii-sama.”

Kanae, whose face was red, stuck her body onto Kazuki and began to rub him. Her small boobs slowly changed shape.

The bed was a battlefield……Kazuki began to take deep breathes and calmed himself down.

“You are indeed my cute imouto……But I will not generate any desires towards my imouto. Quickly get away.”

“Ku. You only said cute, you actually still treat the matured lady, Kanae, as a child?”

“What mature Kanae, idiot. There is already no time for us to sleep, quickly wake up.”

“Kanae is still asleep. Fu——Fu——♪”

“……It is still the first time seeing such a shameless sleeping wear.”

“Kanae, who have not returned home for a long time, is a princess. So if you do not use a suitable method for waking up a princess to wake her up, Kanae will not leave the bed.”

“No matter what, you are still born and educated as a samurai. What is the method for waking up a princess.”

“Speaking of which, the method for waking up a princess is obviously a kiss, Nii-sama. Come.”

“Uwah, don’t come closer! Don’t bring your face closer!”

Kazuki tried again to escape……However, sure enough, if he was to only use his physical strength, it was impossible to escape from his imouto’s magical clutches.

——Helplessly, Kazuki could only also cast <Physical Enhancement Magic> onto his own body.

Drawing out energy from his spirit and allowing it to flow through his entire body. At the same time, heat gushed out from his body and Kazuki made his body awaken. In an instant, he broke away from Kanae’s hand and legs’ bind and escaped from the bed.

If the conditions were the same, then he would definitely not lose to his imouto in terms of strength.

“Meanie!”

“What meanie. You are the one that first used Enhancement Magic, right?”

Once the cold words came out from Kazuki, Kanae stared at Kazuki with puppy eyes.

“……Don’t make an expression as if you are a small animal that was abandoned. Really, I will forcibly make you get out of bed.”

Kazuki wrapped his hand around Kanae’s waist and gently held her up from the bed. If that’s the case, he should quickly finish the work of serving a princess. Kanae’s expression suddenly brightened up.

“Nii-sama! This is Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Final Secret Art <Princess Carry>!”

“Don’t randomly invent a Secret Art! We, Hayashizaki-Ryuu, do not have such final secret art!”

This person shouldn’t be looking down upon our school.

“This is nerve-racking, Nii-sama really is nerve-racking……The princess carry is almost like a dream……Even though it was so difficult to wake up, but Nii-sama had to do such a dream-like thing in the end……Is this situation what they call a heavenly feeling……”

Kazuki used a carrying posture made Kanae, who had a dreamy expression, spin around.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 013.jpg|thumb]]

“Okay, it’s over.”

“So short!? The feeling of floating in clouds was only a fleeting moment!? It’s too short!!”

“Hey, before you eat breakfast, go change your clothes. That kind of appearance is a scandal.”

Kazuki placed Kanae down, she pursed her lips and threw a fit.

“……Because I am a princess, so I cannot change clothes by myself. Nii-sama, please personally help me change.”

“Are you still playing the game of acting as a princess, why did you suddenly say such willful words?”

“Because didn’t Nii-sama say it yesterday night, since we have not met for so long, so you will do whatever is requested, right? Us, Swordsman, must keep our promises!”

I am already not a swordsman……Just when this sentence was about to come out from my mouth, Kazuki’s gaze fell upon the back of his left hand. An egg-shaped circular pattern was revealed there.

<Enigma>. It is an emblem from another world that changed Kazuki’s fate.

“Although I said anything is okay, but I did not imagine that you would put a request such as kissing and helping you change your clothes. If we were to do such things as siblings, then it is not skinship, but perverted acts.”

“Anyways Nii—sama won’t generate any lust towards Kanae, isn’t there no problem then……Or is it that Nii-sama want to escape from Kanae’s arousing charm?”

Kanae revealed provocative eyes and raised both hands. Kazuki was outraged by this phrase.

Due to the challenge issued by his imouto, replying to all of it was a duty as her brother.

Using the mentality trained as a previous swordsman, Kazuki opened up his imouto’s pajamas. Just like peeling off thin skin, the snow-white skin was gradually revealed in front of his eyes. Kanae, mojimoji<ref>Mojimoji is the sound effect of fidgeting.</ref>, wriggled her body.

“I, It was seen……Kanae’s appearance of only wearing undergarments. I’m currently being seen by Nii-sama……Please carefully look after me……”

“Why are you excited, are you a pervert. I didn’t see. I didn’t see it one bit. And even if I did see it, I will not generate any thoughts towards my imouto wearing only undergarments……Where is your uniform?”

Kanae pointed on top of the table, a folded uniform was placed there.

<National Knight’s Academy Caryatid>’s <Sword Division>’s female uniform was a narrow sleeves kimono-styled blouse with a female hakama-style miniskirt, combining into an outfit that consist of both Japanese and Western style.

After helping Kanae wear the stern outfit, Kazuki was finally relieved and sighed.

“Okay. Compared to that kind of pajamas, you are still more suitable for this type of clothing.”

This was the real, female swordsman <Storm Cat>.

Having said that, swordsman all like to consider their nickname, sure-kill techniques, etc.

Kazuki also once had a nickname……But this was already something of the past.

“This kind of Nii-sama wearing a brand new uniform is also very very suitable!”

Kazuki was wearing a different uniform than Kanae. Because he was entering into a different division than Kanae.

He was wearing a blazer, which had an atmosphere of high quality, made from <Alchemical Silk>.

A dazzling <Gem System> embroidery was embroidered everywhere. The metal parts of the belt and the metal buttons were made by intertwining a precious rainbow-colored metal <Marble Metal>.

This was a male uniform that generously infused the true essence of <Alchemy>.

“A gentle Nii-sama coupled with an intellectual blazer is really a wonderful coordination. This is the type that gives me the number one feeling of wanting to hug Nii-sama. Nii-sama, I love you——Haahaah.”

“Calm down, Kanae. As a Hayashizaki swordsman, you cannot lose your calm……Do not excitedly breathe raggedly in front of your brother.”

“But, although my appearance of wearing the uniform was praised by Nii-sama and made me happy, Kanae further hopes that Nii-sama would be more aware of the sexy undergarments earlier. Although I am your imouto, but it is only in name……”

“Just because it is a imouto in name, so I have to be more mindful of it.”

Kazuki, who was once an orphan, was in a position where he was accepted as an adopted son by the Ancient Sword Skill Prestigious Family —— Hayashizaki Family.

In other words, Kanae is the daughter of the family that he owes a great debt to.

“Even if it is only kissing on the cheeks, it is fine. I want Nii-sama’s kiss. So sad……”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she had lost a duel and whispered. She placed two kodachis on her waist. She was already accustomed to the extremely heavy weight from the true swords. She turned her gaze towards Kazuki at the side.

“Nii-sama……Although, you are very cool while wearing the uniform……But as expected, you won’t be bringing your blade?”

“How can I bring it. I am not a student of the Sword Division.”

Listening to the answer that had no room for change, Kanae angrily glared at Kazuki’s left hand.

“It is all because Nii-sama’s left hand suddenly emerged that damn Enigma!”

“It is already too late to talk about it……I already left behind the feelings of the sword.”

The people with magic qualities that were recognized by <Diva> will be awarded a Stigma on the back of the left hand at the age of fourteen when their magic begins to grow.

People who owned a Stigma had to enter the <Magic Division> to study and was destined to form a contract with a Diva.

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. And Hayashizaki Kazuki——From today on, he is a <Summoning Magic User>.

× × ×

Because the morning temperature had dropped a lot, spring mist had appeared outside.

As if it was cutting apart the hazy patch, the <Magic Light Train> released a blue magic light and was moving on the street.

This train was the product of high degree Magic and Alchemy. The materials used for the train’s body was the newly generated metal <Mithril> made by Alchemy and it had succeeded in substantially reducing the weight.

And by using the driver’s <Thought Magic> to act as a support for the performance and operations, even if it was a complex urban route, it is still feasible to run it with a speed no less than on Shinkansen.<ref>Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.</ref>

While its performance could be accelerated to 250 km per hour in a short period of time, it could also utilize the blessing of Thought Magic to reduce the weight of the train and swiftly reduce the speed as it approaches the station. It will not make any noise as it stops.

However, the production of mithril is extremely difficult, so it is still a valuable product. This kind of train operation is only an experimental project that is limited within Tokyo.

——The Magic Light Train had arrived at <Knight’s Academy Station>.

Kazuki and Kanae both came down from the train and onto the station platform.

Because they had left home when there was still ample amount of time, the figures of other freshmen were extremely limited and it was very quiet. The shopping street near the station was also the same. Aside from the convenience store, the other shops’ rolling shutter doors had not been pulled up yet.

“Nii-sama is really planning on entering the Magic Division and not the Sword Division?”

During the way to the academy from the station, Kanae asked unhappily.

“……By now, there is nothing to say about it. This isn’t something I should hesitate about on the day of the entrance ceremony.” Kazuki replied.

Since humans have discovered Magic, this brand new power, it has already been 15 years.

The cause of it was due to Alchemy.

Due to the <Rosicrucian group> that seeks human evolution, the <Golden Dawn> led by MacGregor Mathers and the Nazi Germany’s research institution <Ahnenerbe>, these secret organizations had inherited the alchemy through the line of succession and finally produced an massive result 15 years ago.

That is the fruit of their research, a great red fruit <Philosopher’s Stone>.

It was produced by an mysterious Alchemist. A man-made magical stone with an unknown creation method.

By embedding this ruby-like red-color stone into the human’s brain, the Magic Power of humans will awaken.

Although it is embedded, it is not directly placed into the brain through surgery. Just by placing this incredible stone on the forehead, the part that touches the skin will slowly assimilate and gradually enter the body until it reaches the brain.

Due to the appearance of the Philosopher’s Stone, the world’s order had completely changed.

Magic could not be explained through scientific theories.

Magic is not restricted by the scientific theories.

Magic belongs to a higher dimension than science, causing the rules to be completely rewritten.

For example, when a Magic user uses Magic to cover his entire body, this layer of Magic barrier will “Ignore” and bounce back all weapons or physical phenomena. This layer of Magic Barrier could only be destroyed by Attacking Magic or Magic Swords that holds Magic.

Thus, the era had become <The Era of Swords and Magic>.

Police and self-defense forces had transformed into <Knights> composed of Swordsman and Magic Users.

And Japan’s Knight training academy was the National Knights Academy Caryatid.

——Which is also the school that Kazuki is about to enter to study.

“Nii-sama, who had aspired me to the way of the sword, actually entered the Magic Division……Having to enter a different dormitory than me, who belongs to the Sword Division……The Diva that gave Nii-sama an Enigma is extremely detestable……”

The Knights Academy is divided into Sword Division and Magic Division, and implemented a complete boarding system.

Kazuki and Kanae were divided into directions of different careers. Kanae still could not accept this result.

“What kind of purpose did that fellow known as Diva have to give a person like me this kind of thing?”

Kazuki raised his left hand that had the Enigma emerged on it and whispered quietly.

The Divas are inhabitants of an alternative world that was brought forth through Summoning Magic.

Through the vast and deep psychological see inside a person’s heart—— Deep down inside, there is a door that leads to another world.

Until the very end, the scientific community did not completely understand a human’s heart and spirit. It was through this <Heart of Door> that the body contained something that came from alternative world.

By allowing Magic Power, this supreme feeling to be attached to the body, the current generation of humans were able to feel it.

All of the humans are connected to each other through this alternative world.

The non-material alternative world was named as <Astrum>.

At Astrum, large amounts of Magic Power were swirling.

Inside the swirl of Magic Power lurked <Consciousness with Personality>. They contacted with humans and when people sleep, they will move from Astrum into their dreams to communicate with humans.

To form a contract with the humans, the magic that summons them to this side of the world is —— Summoning Magic.

What was surprising was that they, who were called out from the depths of the spiritual world, had similar attitudes and names of the <Gods> and <Demons> from ancient mythology.

Thus there were given the name of Diva.<ref>God = 神, Demon = 魔, combining the two of them gets Diva = 神魔.</ref>

The numerous countries all over the world all became fanatical religious countries towards the Diva encountered.

However, in the originally, weak faith Japan, a contract with a Diva is basically controlled as a power for the military.

This is because by using the Diva’s Power’s Summoning Magic, it was too powerful compared to Normal Magic.

A portion of the Divas responded to the Japanese Government’s summons and selected people, who were suitable for the power, from Japanese citizens and granted them Enigma.

Enigma was currently under strict regulations by the country. By holding a <Contract Ritual>, it will become a <Stigma> and gives the host the power of Summoning Magic.

Thus, the people, who got an Enigma, all had the obligations to enter the Magic Division to study.

This was in order for the precious Enigmas to not be wasted and become combat strength.

And it was also in order for Summoning Magic, this dangerous power to be completely placed under the control of the country and the academy.

——Right now, Kazuki’s hand also harbored an Enigma, which could be called as an <Invitation sent by a Diva>.

“I also did not want to become a <Stigma Magic User>. However, if you are awarded a Enigma, it is equivalent of losing the freedom for the future.”

It is not too much for Summoning Magic to be known as a heroic power that is equivalent to thousands of forces on a battlefield.

Normally, being awarded an Enigma shouldn’t absolutely make one frustrated, even if it made one unhappy.

“……But I, instead of a Stigma Magic User, wanted to become more of a swordsman. I wanted to repay the gratitude towards my foster father-sama who discovered my talent for the sword while I was an ordinary orphan.”

Even if they were both a Knight, the position of a Swordsman was much lower than a Stigma Magic User.

Although swordsman specializes in swift close combat, in the end, the role it plays was only a meat shield to buy time for the Stigma Magic User to chant Magic.

However, even so. Kazuki still wanted to become a swordsman, and replace his foster father, Hayashizaki Jinkai. To let everybody in the world know the power of <Hayashizaki-Ryuu Iai Jutsu> was his greatest goal in life.

“However, my foster father actually said. “Since you are a person that was selected, then don’t continue to hold this kind of intolerable dreams. Do not let your life to be bounded by thoughts of gratitude.” So I decided to enter the Magic Division. In order to find a brand new goal.”

So you should also accept this reality, Kazuki said as he tapped Kanae’s head.

“It is fine if you do not consider gratitude. By now, you should stop trying to be an outsider.”

While being tapped upon, Kanae issued out an unsatisfied voice.

“Indeed. The ancient sword skills used for actual combat that was passed from generations to generation from Hayashizaki Family, had a mission of allowing the world know the true power of a sword. Swordsmanship has always been underestimated compared to Summoning Magic. Our Magic Swords will not lose to Divas. However, the mission of allowing the world know the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu, I am enough by myself! Nii-sama’s gratitude is completely unnecessary! But!”

Kanae said up to this point, and her cheeks began to pout.

“Although it is like that, but Nii-sama becoming a Stigma Magic User, I still can not agree to it! If there is a need to say why, the match between me and Nii-sama have not yet determined the winner!!”

“If it is about the outcome……Am I not leading with 139 wins and 118 loss?”

“The match is to continue until I overtake you! Until then, we should always continue to fight!”

When Kazuki was first adopted by the Hayashizaki Family, Kanae did not recognize Kazaki as a family member.

And it was because Kazuki had continued to hone his own sword skills, allowing his own rudeness to slowly conflict against Kanae during that period of time. Kanae unconsciously began to call Kazuki “Nii-sama” and started to flirt with him.

The record of 139 wins, 118 loss was the history between the two of them.

Kazuki used both hands to pinch Kanae’s pouting cheeks. The air pufu leaked out from Kanae’s mouth. Kazuki began to play with Kanae’s cheeks by pulling left and right.

“N, Nii-sama……Please don’t play with your imouto’s cheeks……”

“If you are the strongest swordsman, then I will become the strongest Stigma Magic User.”

Kane suddenly widened her eyes. Kazuki stared at those eyes and said to her.

“So from now on, we are still opponents. Kanae’s Magic Sword must not lose when fighting against my Summoning Magic.”

Although the path for the two of them had split apart, but it was not to the point where they lost their bonds.

“……Nii-sama must become the strongest in Magic Division. The people of Hayashizaki Family cannot be anything else.”

The strongest power huh, although to me, I still do not know how to use this kind of thing……

While I whispered softly in my heart, Kazuki stared at the sky shrouded by the spring mist.

As they walked, the spring mist finally dispersed. The academy appeared under the blue sky.

The stone built school doors were standing in front of them. Flower beds decorated both sides of the path as it extended directly forward. In front, you could see a fountain square.

On the left of the fountain square was a brick built mansion and a sharp tower. The classic brick structure produced a feeling that it was indeed a school for Magic Users.

Comparatively, on the right, wooden built Japanese-styled building were lined up closely in rows. That side was undoubtedly the dorm for swordsman.

A school that was divided into two—— The school divides the Magic Division and the Sword Division to show a completely different perspective.

Kazuki stopped in front of the school doors and swiftly turned to face Kanae.

“So that’s it. From now on, please take care of me……Senpai.”

“Please don’t be like that! Nii-sama is obviously my beloved Nii-sama!”

“But truthfully……Kanae-neesama is older than me and is a 2nd year senpai at school.”

“K…Kanae-neesama!?” Kanae suddenly became speechlessly.

Kanae, who treated and admired Kazuki as a brother, was in fact older than Kazuki. It was the so-called imouto that was older in age.

The reason why this strange relationship was because Kazuki is an orphan with an unknown birth.

Kazuki was raised as a child of the same age as Kanae in the Hayashizaki family, his birthday was also celebrated at the same day as Kanae’s birthday. Because his mother from Hayashizaki family had died to a disease, Kazuki took the lead and was responsible for housework. Thus, the relationship between Kanae naturally become <The Caring Brother> and <The Lazy Sister>.

Enigma are something that appeared upon the selected people when they became 14 years old.

After Kanae’s 14th birthday had approached, in Hayashizaki Family, they had a grand celebration for the two child having not revealed an Enigma. ——However in the year after that, an Enigma appeared on Kazuki’s left hand.

Speaking of which, this was something that should be impossible.

Kazuki, who always thought he was the same age as Kanae, was extremely surprised because “He was still fourteen years old!”, and the truth about Kanae, who was always “Nii-sama Nii-sama” and desperately flirting with him, was actually older was revealed.

“So that’s why I said, our relationship will not change! If it was during the time when I was stronger, it should be fine, but now since I have been overtaken and even the fact that that I am older……I, it makes one angry!”

“Please become more mature, Nee-sama”

“Don’t call me Nee-sama! Kanae is Nii-sama’s imouto!!”

“Then, please show me around the school. This is the reason why we got up early and rushed over here.”

From today on, Kanae is a second year student. So she will usually live in the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

However, Kanae said that she was going to bring Kazuki around the school before the entrance ceremony, so she returned back home. Then they come to school together.

“Please rest assured and leave it to me! Then we will immediately begin by visiting the school from the Sword Division!”

“No, it is still better to bring me to visit the Magic Division. I am going to study over there.”

“How can it be ……You don’t plan to go to the Sword Division now, but instead head off to the Magic Division!?”

“Don’t turn the conversation back again!”

Kazuki tapped her head, but Kanae happily revealed an “Ehehe~” expression. Just when they were performing this sibling two person-show,

“President! I finally found you, president——!”

From the other side of the school door, a male’s voice came.

A bulky guy directed rushed over in a straight line.

It was a guy that was cleanly dressed with short hair. He was wearing a Sword Division’s male uniform. A Odachi was on his waist.

“Torazo!? Why are you here!”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she noticed a person that could not easily be dealt with.

“President, why do you not reply the text messages I sent to you, even if I call you, no one answered!”

“This morning I have a very important event to lead a freshman on his way, so didn’t I say to absolutely not bother me, I had conveyed this to all of you when I submitted the application to return home to the school! Of course I will obviously switch off my phone!”

At this time, this person, Torazo-senpai turned his gaze towards Kazuki and revealed an “Ah!” expression.

“Even though he is a male, but he is wearing a Magic Division uniform. Could this person be the legendary……?”

The incident about Kazuki’s body having an Enigma seems to have already spread throughout the country as a much hyped topic.

The reason for this is because it was something that should normally not happen.

Torazo-senpai continued to stare at Kazuki. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling.

“Hmmmmh, this person is my Nii-sama. He is super strong! It is a brother that I am proud of!”

“The president’s older brother? Even though this person should have only entered the school this year……?”

“Although he is a kouhai, but he is still my Nii-sama! Compared to that, what business do you have for finding me? I will decided based on your response whether or not to cut you!”

Kanae untied the sheath, placed her hand on the handle and threatened. Torazo-senpai immediately flinched.

“S,Sorry……Inside the school’s garden, there is a person from the Magic Division that found faults with the Sword Division and created a commotion……”

“A dispute? But Torazo, you disregarded the commotion and specifically search for me in this vast campus where my location is unclear to you? How should you explain?”

“Iori is waiting at the scene. Although I called your phone number, there was no response, but I recalled hearing that you were going to lead a freshman, so I didn’t bother and took a chance to look at the front of the school doors.”

“Your luck is really good.” Torazo-senpai smiled as he spoke, but Kanae reacted with a “Awful……” and held her head.

“……What a useless person. Stop relying on me to this point. Can you still be considered as the 3rd place of the Student Council belonging to the Sword Division?”

“But if president does not think of a way to solve it, then the dispute with the Magic Division will not be solved. Only the president is capable of directly fighting against the people of the Magic Division. It is not only me, who is unpromising.”

“It is that kind of thinking of taking the Magic Division as granted that is the most unpromising! This guy or that guy, once they come to the Sword Division, their heads are filled with thoughts of defeated!!”

After Kanae severely scolded Torazo-senpai, she turned towards Kazuki and revealed a dejected expression.

“Then, Nii-sama……I am extremely sorry……There is an emergency situation that occurred.”

“Although it is regrettable, but since it is the Student Council’s work, then it can’t be helped. The things over there are more important.”

“I actually made Nii-sama felt regret! As compensation, even if I have to exchange my life, I will……!”

“Don’t be too concerned about it. Good luck, senpai!”

“Really now, don’t call me senpai! ……Damn, it can’t be helped. Let’s go, Torazo. What on earth is that expression of yours as if you saw something strange. Stop looking over there and quickly bring me to the scene!”

Kanae mercilessly kicked Torazo-senpai’s butt and rushed over to the site of dispute.

“You’re trusted by everybody, Kanae.”

Knight Academy’s Student Council President. That is the other appearance of Kanae.

The Knight Academy followed the spirit of meritocracy. In other worlds, Kanae is already the strongest person in the Sword Division.

“Since Kanae had already become the Sword Division’s Student Council President, I must also aim for the Magic Division’s Student Council President.”

Having a remarkable sister, the younger brother must be difficult to do.

Although anyways I do not know why that is.

Speaking of which……Kanae, who was originally planning to lead the way, was already gone.

“This side is probably the Magic Division.”

The school uses the fountain square as a dividing point, left and right were respectively split into Magic Division and Sword Division.

Heading to the Magic Division on the left side, many brick constructed buildings were lined up. Although it was still early, you could still the figure of female students scattered around.

“……Hey, that person is the legendary……It’s the one that was awarded an Enigma even though he is a male…….”

“Eh, it’s him……Looks more normal than expected. I imagined him to have a more wild-like feeling.”

“Is it a mistake. A savage male swordsman actually got mixed into the Magic Division……!”

The female students were all secretly looking at Kazuki and were quietly discussing something.

Just now Torazo-senpai also……As expected, it had already spread out.

Enigma. Originally it will only be ushered onto a <Girl>’s body on their fourteenth birthday.

Because a female’s Magic Power was naturally higher than males.

However, speaking of which, Kazuki did not have a Magic Power surpassing the average standard of males. Why Kazuki obtained an Enigma was still a complete mystery. Even he, himself, wondered if there were something wrong.

……And those are the Magic Users that belongs to the Knight?

While he walked, Kazuki noticed an abnormal tension. The situation wasn’t just throughout the students, it was also mixed among the female Magic Teachers that were wearing <Magical Dress> (Decorteo Brigieux) and belonged to the Knights.

Because it was an entrance ceremony that was responsible for the country’s future Stigma Magic Users, so they have specifically sent out the originally understaffed Knights as a precaution.

Really now, if you carefully think about it, he had really came to an amazing place……

Truthfully, he did not have any confidence in his magic talent. Especially in Magic Power. Acquired growth is extremely rare, the pros and cons have mostly been determined from birth. Could relying on effort make up for the unfavorable situation in the end……

Why am I here in this place.

In order to avoid the gazes sent to him, Kazuki headed to a location where there were no shadows.

However, just after he walked for a while ——His vision was suddenly blinded.

“Guess ——Who am I?”

A sweet voice entered his ears, is this —— a girl covering his eyes from behind!?

Just like a scene in romance manga. However, this was too abrupt.

“Who ——Am I? Okay, okay, say quickly. Do you not recognize me?”

It was undoubtedly a voice he had never heard before. At the same time, a soft feeling was pressed from behind. T, This feeling is……!

“Even if you want me to guess, I do not have any idea……!?”

“Quickly answer me! If you do not quickly determine who am I, I will become a yandere! This “Guess —— Who am I?” question includes a weird scene involved!”

“ “Guess —— Who am I?” It is something scary that there is a need for an ethical review!?”

“Quick—ly——say! If you do not immediately answer, the luxurious prizes will be gone! The prize is actually a two person hot spring trip, if you answer correctly, then I will go together with you!”

“The prize appeared!? What has this situation become!?”

The feeling is indeed extremely soft. Although he wanted to vent, but it could become troublesome, so Kazuki was almost confused.

“10, 9, 8, 7……Really now, because there are no signs of answer my question, all of the middle numbers are omitted, 0! It can’t be help, it’s time to enter the time to kill. It is fine to answer while looking at me.”

Both hands from the girl moved away from his face, Kazuki immediately turned around and looked behind.

What entered his vision was ——a tall girl with a slim figure. Although it was the slim figure of a model, but her boobs were so massive as if it was teasing the male’s heart.

From behind, her long smooth hair was flowing due to the early morning’s breeze.

Coupled with the scenery from the academy, it was as if she was a person from a painting.

The generally huge eyes sparkled like gems and stared through Kazuki.

“……Who?”

Kazuki muttered in a daze. As long as he met this person once, he would absolutely never forget it.

“The correct answer is ……It’s our first meeting!”

Kazuki, who placed out a stance, suddenly felt all his strength disappear.

“Sorry, because I wanted to become your friend, so it can’t be helped.”

Her face revealed a blooming flowers-like, dazzling smile. Once she smiled, the dimples on her face were revealed.

“It’s my first time meeting you. My name is Otonashi Kaguya, the silent, shining night sky<ref>Otonashi Kaguya = 音無輝夜, if you split it apart into 音無 and 輝夜. 音無 = silent, 輝夜 = shining night.</ref>—— A mysterious and beautiful girl that was like an aurora and the constellations in the sky. Because my parents wanted to bring me up as such a person, so they had given me such a troubling name. A 16 year old girl who has her face filled with tears due to her small-minded name being teased around. I am your senpai.”

She placed a hand on her huge boobs, and clearly made a self-introduction.

“Uhhhh, my name is……”

“I know! You are the otouto of the Sword Division’s Student Council Present, Kanae, who was awarded an Enigma, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun!”

“Are you familiar with my older sister?”

“Our relationship is very good! And because you are a special existence so I slightly investigated it.

……Special, huh. Even I do not know understand why I came to such a place.

“Anyways, can you become my friend? No, please be my friend!”

Otonashi-senpai powerfully gripped Kazuki’s hand, and her face approached over.

The gem-like eyes emitted an intense light. Due to the power of that gaze, he was pressured—— Kazuki could not help but nod his head.

“Success, I am friend number 1!”

Otonashi-senpai happily, shaking Kazuki’s arms.

“Then please call me Kaguya. I hope that you will use the method of directly calling your friend’s name.”

“T, that’s a bit……Please allow me to call you Kaguya-senpai.”

“Senpai……Senpai, huh. From this year on, I became a senpai. It feels somewhat embarrassing.”

Senpai’s face was filled with a smile. By the way, how long do we have to hold hands……?

“Incidentally why are you in such a remote location? A school adventure?”

Senpai maintained the posture of holding Kazuki’s hand and her face quickly approached as she asked.

Too close Too close, her face is pointlessly approaching too close! Seems like you could smell a certain fragrant scent!

“Until just now, my older sister was showing me around, but because of an emergency, she had to leave first. Thus, I did not know what to do and hang around here.”

“Ahahah! I know, as an replacement, then I will show you around this school! Ok——ay, speaking of Magic Division, why not first head off to the most famous attraction, the <Witch’s House>!”

Senpai shouted “Let’s go!” and pulled Kazuki’s hand. She is really a motivated person.

Do we have to walk while holding hands? Should a male and female of this age be doing such a thing? ……But the other side shows no signs of being concerned, being excessively concerned feels a bit outrageous.

And……I am a human who had devoted his life towards training swordsmanship. Therefore, I must not be in disarray just by the extent of a beautiful big sister holding my hands. I will not lose!

In turn, Kazuki gripped the other’s hand, thus Kaguya senpai issued out a “WA” sound.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 032.jpg|thumb]]

“WAA! UWAH, it’s my first time experiencing this feeling. A male’s strength is rather strong. It feels like I’m being hugged!”

A calm heart. Right now I must maintain a calm heart that is even more than Gandhi……

However, just after they walked for a while, Kazuki produced a strange feeling. It was rustling within his heart.

Although there was no wind, yet the air was swept away. It was as if there were signs of him being involved in a whirlpool of confusion.

Once as a swordsman, the keen sense he trained before was currently telling him about this abnormal situation.

“……This is” From inside his mind, Gandhi was blown away.

“Ara? You noticed as well? How keen. Are you the type that specializes in Perceptibility Enhancement Magic? ……Yes, in a certain location, a great volume of Magic is currently flowing and causing the world to tremble.”

Due to a completely different power ——Magic, the world that is supported by physical laws, was trembling.

Yes, the confusion was not the air, but the space in the vicinity——The world, itself.

Somewhere in the academy, a large-scale magic phenomenon——Summoning Magic was currently occurring.

“Let us go see the situation!”

Kaguya-senpai’s expression became tense and she tightly held Kazuki’s hand as she began to run.

Rushing to the location, it was the English-Style Garden on the outskirts of the Magic Division.

In the place that was covered with overflowing green lawn, it was currently filled with lights from Magic.

The two types of colored lights, red and green ——Two female students, who were wearing the Magic Division’s uniform, were currently chanting Summoning Magic. Although generally, Magic will release blue lights, but Summoning Magic is based on the Diva that was contracted and will emit a different colored light.

With the red and green colored Magic lights as the background, there was a figure that stepped onto the lawn like a dancing shadow. Although you could not see the face from behind, but the figure was holding a slightly short Japanese sword ——Kodachi, in one hand.

The two Stigma Magic Users were currently in battle with a Swordsman.

The red light began to swell. It was the pulse from a Diva that surpassed human wisdom. Right now, the world is being distorted——

“Too slow!”

However, compared to that, the figure of the Swordsman was even faster and swooped over.

At the same time, a voice with a rippling atmosphere and the sharp sound of piercing through the air “Byu!” rang out.

The instant the swordsman slashed, the swelling red light burst open and disappeared.

Although the Magic User had opened up a blue Magic Barrier, but it was blown away by the powerful impact.

The swordsman rolled over and turned to face the other Magic User.

This time, the face of the swordsman was shown. Kazuki gasped in surprise.

It was Kanae!…..Although the moment he saw the Kodachi, he wondered if it was her……

“I know thy name. Thy name is Andromalius……”<ref>Andromalius is a mighty Great Earl of Hell, having 36 legions of demon at his service. It is the 72th Spirit among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>

The female releasing a green light was chanting a spell. Andromalius is the name of the Diva that she was contracted with. Her entire body was wrapped by light ——

“You are also too slow!”

With the terrifying momentum, Kanae jumped and gave her a blow with the Magic Sword before the Summoning Magic activated.

This female’s blue Magic Barrier that she enacted was also blown away.

The blue colored barrier was not the power of Summoning Magic, but Normal Magic using their own Magic Power. As an emergency defense, she was forced to give up on the Summoning Magic Chant and resorted to her own Magic.

The modern humans that awakened as Magic Users. When they are aware that they are in danger, they will reflexively use Magic to cover their body. In order to deny the phenomenon that will bring him to themselves and negating it. Thus, it was rare for them to be injured.

The Magic Barrier that arise from the defensive instinct was known as <Defense Magic>

However, if it suffered from an attack that contained Magic Power, this Defensive Magic will gradually be reduced.

In a battle between Magic Users, it is about reducing the opponent’s Magic Power——Which is also their Spiritual Power.

“Ara, although they did not wear the Magical Dress from <Simplified Chant> , but having their chant disrupted so easily is bad. If they wish to face against Kanae-chan, then their training is far from enough.

Kaguya-senpai quietly said beside Kazuki. Could this senpai be a person with great strength?

The two girls stood up and once again, began to chant.

“Hmph. You want to be cut by me a thousand times until your Magic Power runs out!”

Kanae’s face revealed a smile that was just like the incarnation of a battle maniac, and pulled out her second Kodachi. The two sword style was the sign of Kanae becoming serious. Then she pounced over again like a cat——

“Stop right here!” Kaguya-senpai, who was watching the developments on the side, issued a loud cry.

The Magic Lights were once again interrupted. Kanae also stopped her own actions.

“In other words, it is the two Magic Division students over there ……Ogiwara-san and Sato-san, who was refusing to give way towards the Sword Division students, and created a dispute. Thus, the Sword Division students intervene to mediate, is it not?”

After the battle stopped, the three Sword Division students that were observing the situation in a sheltered location, appeared one by one.

Revealing a frightened expression, Torazo-senpai and another female student that seemed to be in the Sword Division Student Council explained the situation to Kaguya-senpai.

Kazuki stood beside senpai and carefully listened to the development of the situation.

“It is not something cute as mediate! That women, suddenly used her sword and chopped over here!”

The Magic Division student that released the red light, roared as she retorted.

“In the first place, was it not you two, who used Summoning Magic on the Sword Division students.

“That was only a slight warning. Even though it is obviously the territory of the Magic Division, but these people continued to resist.”

“Did you only plan it as a warning? Sato-san.”

Kaguya suspiciously asked the female student that was called Sato-san.

“You actually said it was a warning? Don’t joke around. It was probably because you wanted to test the Summoning Magic you’ve just learned and specifically came here to cause trouble. Speaking of which, recently the Magic Division people, like criminals on the street, have used the Sword Division students as experimental subjects and caused trouble. In the earlier period, there were also students that became unconscious!”

Unconscious, in other words, they suffered from a powerful Magic attack.

In the face of threats, Magic Users will instinctively deploy Defense Magic, but there is also a limit.

When Magic Users feel that their own Magic Power could not protect their bodies, they will open the <Heart of Door> and attempting to draw out large Magic Power from Astrum.

Although through this method, they will temporarily have Magic Power that exceeded their body’s limits, but as the cost for it, their consciousness will be dragged into Astrum and they will become unconscious.

This unconscious phenomenon is known as <Magic Drunk>. If the symptoms were severe, their consciousness will be unable to return from Astrum. The Heart of Door will also be damaged and causing their spirit to become unstable.

“People fainted!? I did not hear that such a thing has happened……!?”

“That is because the teachers in Magic Division hid the incidents up. The Sword Division students that suffered from Summoning Magic were requested to swallow their frustrations and were not allowed to make a big commotion. Only recently, I have begun to grasp the situation.”

“……Were you two planning on doing such things as well?”

“We did not think about doing such things! You only listened to what the Sword Division was saying!? Aren’t we the ones that suffered an attack from the criminals on the street!”

The person that released the red light ——Ogiwara-san retorted. Listening to what she was saying, because there was no third party other than the Sword Division, thus it was impossible to figure out what had happened.

“Just because there is no evidence, it cannot be treated as a case. Based on this side, the only punishment method is to beat them up here until they cannot get at this place. If they were beaten up by the people in Sword Division, then they could up endure their disgrace.”

“Kanae-chan, you too, please don’t use this kind of violence as a solution!”

“Don’t call me Kanae-chan! Don’t act like you are familiar with me!”

Towards the Kaguya-senpai’s and Kanae’s attitude, Kazuki was somewhat surprised.

Although Kaguya-senpai had said that they were friends……it feels that this atmosphere was very suspicious.

“Even if there are no means that could directly address this situation, I also think that we should not resort to violence in order for the long-term vision of improving relationship between the two Divisions. If we do this, sooner or later……”

Although Kaguya-senpai delivered a passionate speech, but Kanae bit her teeth and denied her opinion.

“Don’t talk about nonsense. You think the Sword Division students that were treated as experimental subjects for Summoning Magic will accept this?”

The one that emitted a green light, Sato-senpai, also shrugged with a mocking expression.

“Sword Division, this inferior species suddenly cutting over here. It is impossible to improve relations.”

Listening to her remarks, Kaguya-senpai sharply gazed at her.

“Speaking of which, your Sword Division is inferior, threatening to move away, this kind of attitude……!”

However, Sato-senpai only “ Yes, yes, I know” and interrupted senpai’s words.

“You say you want the Magic Division and Sword Division to become friendly? ……If it’s me. Although I acknowledge your strength, but this I cannot agree with your perspective. Even though we were obviously the victim here.”

Sato-senpai swiftly turned around. Ogiwara-senpai also followed to do so.

“ Making “Us that obtained a Stigma” and the Sword Division equal, that is what was truly unfair.”

Kazuki, who was watching the situation develop, frowned……Anyways, it feels that these people were too arrogant.

Stigma. Is it really something that special?

“Hmmph, what amazing Stigma Magic User-sama. Even though it was two together, yet they were beaten by a swordsman easily.”

Kanae sneered and provoked. The two of them instantly paled and they turned over.

“That was……because you suddenly slashed over here, okay! That is basically the same as plotting against others!”

“If it was based on the form of a <Duel>, then we will not have been so easily disrupted our chant by you!?”

“So you are saying that the gentlemen-like Magic Users could only fight on a battlefield when they are fully prepared. Speaking of which, you Magic Division fellow, even if I request a duel, you would not even accept it, right?”

“That is because even if a Magic Division student wins against a Swordsman Division student, our ranks will not increase! In other words, what Swordsman Division, they are completely not within our sights!”

While dropping this sentence, the two of them left the garden.

“……I’m really unhappy, I was not able to fight until I fully enjoyed it” and so on, Kanae muttered some dangerous sounding words.

Towards Kanae, who was like this, the male Sword Division student, who was picked upon, bowed his head down.

“President, I’m really sorry. Because I am too weak, I caused trouble for you.”

Torazo-senpai gently held his shoulder.

“President, I’ll send this person over to the teacher’s office. And I’ll submit the report about the incident and the victim.”

“I feel that it is futile. I already am only interested in catching those who caused harm and beating down onto the ground.”

“I have been sick and tired of it , really.” Torazo-senpai whined and brought the male student away.

It seems that little girl member of the Student Council also chased after him.

——Waiting until they left, Kanae’s head turned swiftly towards Kazuki’s direction.

“Nii-sama~♪ Nii-sama actually took the initiative to find me!”

Kanae seemed like a completely different person and issued out a sweet voice as she pounced over here. Kaguya-senpai’s eyes widened.

“Nii-sama? Isn’t Kazuki-kun Kanae’s otouto?”

Although physically, he is my otouto, but spiritually, he is my nii-san.”

After Kaguya-senpai scratched her head “I see, although I do not understand”, she turned around and faced Kanae.

“Speaking of which, Kanae. That kind of violence is not allowed! You should think of a more peaceful method instead!”

“What, so you are still here? Don’t casually talk with me.”

“……Aren’t you two friends?”

“Who is friends with this person. I only, as the Student Council President of the Sword Division, had to greet this person……Because this person is the Magic Division Student Council President.”

Kazuki was suddenly dumbfounded. ——In other words, this person is the strongest Stigma Magic User in Magic Division!

“This girl is currently the Magic Division Student Council President, <Nightmare Bringer>, Otonashi Kaguya !”

Kaguya-senpai proudly straightened her chest.

“Why is Nii-sama together with this fellow?”

Towards Kanae’s question, the one that replied was not Kazuki, but Kaguya-senpai.

“Because I noticed this new student was walking very lonely within the school, so I decided to bring him around the school.”

“Nii-sama was lonely!? Sorry, Nii-sama! Kanae will absolutely never abandon Nii-sama again! Come, let’s ignore this fellow and continue our date while visiting the academy.”

Kanae hugged onto Kazuki’s arm and pulled with force.

“Ah, wait a minute. I’m also bringing him around!”

Within a hairbreadth, Kaguya-senpai also grabbed onto my other arm. Pe~! ……What on earth was that Pe~ feeling.

“Nii-sama! Just now in a Unyou-like time, your expression suddenly became indecent and relaxed! What made you so happy!? Could it be that this fellow’s cow-like boobs made you feel happy!

The so-called “Unyou” was used as a speed unit in Ancient Style Swordsman Skills. The instant the lightning from above flashed in the sky was recorded as “Unyou”. In other words, it was so fast that the eyes could not perceive it. It was the territory of a God.

“I, I did not revealed any indecent expression! This kind of thing was never disturbed my heart!”

“Boobs?” After Kaguya-senpai froze for a while, she noticed that her own boobs were currently pressing onto Kazuki’s arm. Then she said “Sorry, you must hate it” and hurriedly pulled away. Although I did not exactly hate it……

Kanae also seemed to confront this and pressed her boobs onto Kazuki’s arm. Flat!

…….What was that flat feeling earlier.

“Why is it when it’s my turn, it is not indecent, but an expression of regret……”

“Sorry……”

“Boobs will only get in the way. I also want to become slim and cool like Kanae-chan.”

Kanae’s expression had suddenly become like Asura. It was a face of a swordsman filled with killing intent.

“Go die! DIE FASTER, YOU STUPID MEAT WOMAN! Speaking of which, Nii-sama and I already made an appointment long ago, so don’t just shamelessly get involved! Go away to one side! Your boobs should also fall apart!”

“But I am also currently bringing this child around! And this child is a freshman in our Magic Division! If it is only Kanae-chan, I think it is impossible to bring him around effectively……Ah, right.”

Saying up to here, Kaguya, pon<ref>SFX for clapping.</ref>, and clapped her hands. Then she, once again, held onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Shouldn’t Kanae-chan, who does not have any intention to peacefully get along with Magic Division, be the one to go away from my Magic Division freshman?”

“What!” Buchin!<ref>SFX for snapping.</ref> From Kanae’s head, the sound of a blood vessel bursting apart could be heard.

“Magic Division students should be led by the Magic Division Student Council President, what do you say, Kazuki-kun?”

“No, even if you ask me……!”

“Nii-sama……Compared to the Magic Division, Nii-sama is a person more suitable to the Sword Division! Nii-sama and I are not at fault, it is the world that is at fault! Diva, you baka!!”

Kanae’s body began to tremble, while she activated enhancement magic, she fiercely pulled Kazuki’s hand.

Kazuki, who nearly fell down due to the momentum, also activated enhancement magic to resist.

“Don’t use Magic! This is still the morning of the first day of school, isn’t using Magic Power a waste!?”

From the other side, senpai also “EiiEii”<ref>えい, Sound of yelling when getting down to serious physical business.</ref> and pulled onto Kazuki’s arm.

“This is my Nii-sama! This is my Nii-sama!”

“Right now, we are a trio with very good relationship! Or is this my delusion?”

Kanae cried out. Kaguya-senpai began to enjoy this situation. What on earth is this situation.

……In the end, it seems like there was no way to let them bring me around the school.

× × ×

At the Fountain Square, the Magic Division’s entrance ceremony finally began.

Speaking of entrance ceremony, if it was a normal school, the principal should be the first one up for a rather long speech……However, in front of all the neatly arranged freshmen, the one on the platform was the Student Council President, Kaguya-senpai.

Her face had a serious expression that was completely different than before. She was wearing a robe that almost covered her entire body.

“——The world is currently being eroded by myths.”

In front of the microphone, Kaguya-senpai began to speak such words.

As the peak of Magic for a human was when they were 20 years old, it will begin to decay afterwards. Based on this fact, compared to the principal, perhaps Kaguya-senpai was more suitable for the task to deliver an important speech at the entrance ceremony.

Although the adults can teach, but they are not powerful Magic Users.

In this academy, the strongest Magic User was this —— Otonashi Kaguya.

“Because of the Philosopher’s Stone brought by <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, the world is forced to change. The power that ruled the world became from Science to Magic. The balance of power for each country in the world had also undergone tremendous changes. Moreover, Magical Beast had also appeared and began to attack humans. Right now, our current world is becoming relatively similar to the fantasies of myths that were once widely spread.”

——The world is currently being eroded by myths.

Science and laws of physics are already not the absolute truth.

From the secret groups, <Rosicrucian Group>, <Golden Dawn> and <Ahnenerbe>, that had inherited the thoughts and technology, they claim to be the legitimate Alchemy organization <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>.

The person that acts as the leader is known as <Basileus Basileon><ref>Basileus Basileon is translated as King of Kings or in original Greek as Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων. The Byzantine’s Empire last dynasty’s motto. ‘Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλεύσιν’ or in English ‘King of Kings ruling over Kings’ Info Provided by Kostas.</ref>. He was a strange person that published the results of producing a Philosopher’s Stone 15 years ago. In order to protect themselves from the threat of Magic, the Philosopher’s Stone was imported into the countries at an alarming speed.

Because the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had sold the Philosopher’s Stone at a high price, they ruled the world.

“Although Japan had luckily been listed as a <Magically Advanced Country>, but facing the aggression from other countries, we cannot think lightly of this and sit back and relax. The Knights are currently seeking for a stronger fighting force than now. This responsibility also falls upon us, who will be responsibility as future Knights.”

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had expanded to the extent where it could rule the world. However, due to the internal power struggle, it had led to their leader Basileus Basileon to be killed.

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom that expanded over the entire world, suddenly lost their unity and fell apart in an instant. Each country’s government immediately tried to seize this opportunity and absorbed the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom.

Then, the 7 countries with many Magic User, meaning that they had purchased the most Philosopher’s Stone, as the <Seven Magically Advanced Country>, they had inherited the ruling position of the world.

However, Basilevs Basileon’s body had still not yet been found.

“Just as everybody knows, we, Japan, had established a system with the Israel myth’s <Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons>. However, the other 6 countries had established relationships with <Very Different Divas>. The combat capability gap between the 7 countries is in a completely evenly matched state. Although currently on the surface, we are at peace. However, we do not know when a Magically Advanced Country will trigger the <Battle of Myths>, it is not strange if it does happen.”

The 7 Magically Advanced Countries ——Japan, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and China. Each country’s Knights had inherited the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom and had earned the help of Divas from completely different Myths.

The other countries were different than Japan. They had gotten the power of Divas through <Faith>.

There was no knowing when the Divas break the balance and cause the 7 countries to be in danger. This is the truth about the temporary peace.

“Not only abroad, but also within the country, there exist the threat of <Illegal Magic Users> that abuse Magic for crimes. They were tempted by the evil Divas, who have evil intentions, and formed a <Illegal Contract>, allowing that power to rampage uncontrollably. At the same time, the Knights are also a police organization. They are forced to manage these Illegal Magic Users.”

The Divas that harbor evil intentions towards human would contaminate the human’s spirit as the reward for their power.

Because these things were extremely risky, within Japan, all Diva contracts outside of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons were strictly prohibited.

The past Illegal Magic Users had once made Tokyo become ruins.

“In addition, cracks suddenly appearing in the world and the Magic from Astrum leaked out, producing <Magical Beasts> and <Spirits>. These phenomenon known as <Cancer<ref>I had trouble translating this phrase, so I selected the text above it to go with it instead. The phrase is 悪性界異. From now on, this phrase will be named Cancer.</ref>> had also started to occur. The spaces, where the Magical Beasts are concentrated at, will become contaminated by Magic Power and be known as <Magic Land>. This allows the Magical Beast produced by the Cancer to appear more frequently. Defeating these Cancer is also an important job for the Knights.”

Accompanying the death of Basileus Basileon, the production method of the Philosopher’s Stone had been lost.

However, the amount of Magic Users in the world had increased. As if it had been triggered, naturally awakened Magic Users began to appear.

To the countries known as the Magically Advanced Countries, basically all their citizens had become Magic Users.

Then as the amount of Magic Users increased, the phenomenon known as Cancer had also increased in proportion. When the amount of Magical Beasts increased, the spaces would be contaminated and gradually turn into Magic Land.

Magic will bright forth more Magic. Just like the world is currently being eroded by Magic.

Humans would sometimes even start to miss the <Era where Science was Everything to the World>.

The fact that they obtained the Philosopher’s Stone. To humans, is it really an evolution that should be welcomed…….

“Aggression from Foreign Countries, Illegal Magic Users, Cancer……Dealing with these three big threats are the mission of the Knights. However, there is nothing for us to fear. Because we, the people here right now, have the power to defeat these threats. Everybody should be proud of themselves ——Everyone here are selected by the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. As a <Knights> and a hero of this new world, we are cadets with fame!”

Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. In the past, they had obeyed King Solomon and helped established the Country of Israel. The Demons of this kind of Myth were Demons, yet they assisted the humans at the same time.

They were Divas who really had friendly relationships with Japan.

“I hope that everybody will be able to cultivate their abilities and the overly powerful strength known as Summoning Magic in this academy while having a Knight’s spirit and a strong sense of honor. Powerful strength is accompanied by a great responsibility……Even if we say these to you, towards everybody, who were still ordinary middle school students yesterday, there should not be any realistic feeling……”

After saying up to here, Kaguya-senpai suddenly stopped and began to chant an incantation.

“I know thy name……Thy name is Asmodeus<ref>Asmodeus is the 32nd Demon among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……Thy power is the omnipotent desires. Comply with the contract, obey my command, and display thy power!”

Kaguya-senpai drew out a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with Astrum. The interior of her robe released a purple light……This is Summoning Magic!

Beside Kaguya-senpai, a large amount of light appeared and the light was shaking and twisting.

——Shortly, it became the unusual outline of a form that could not be distinguished as a human or Magical Beast.

To summarize it in one word, what Kaguya-senpai had summoned was a <Witch>. Her entire body was wearing black clothes. From her head, a crooked horn was grown and on her shoulders, a cow and lamb head was placed. It was an unusual witch.

“Kukuku, Student Council President. You actually called me out to perform this kind of acrobatics, what an amazing fellow, my cute Kaguya. Forget it, based on your honor, I will help you out once.”

One of the Pillars of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons, Asmodeus. At the same time, it is an existence along with Lucifer, Beelzebub and the others that ranked as the <Hell’s 7 Great Kinds> that manages the <Seven Deadly Sins>.

This is Otonashi Kaguya —— This is the school’s strongest Student Council President’s Contracted Diva?

From afar, gishigishi, gishigishi<ref>SFX for rustling sounds.</ref>……this kind of sound came.

—— What issued the gishigishi sound was a cage car. Just like a huge cage in a zoo placed on wheels. An awe-inspiring female student transported it to the square.

The female students beside Kazuki looked at the thing inside the cage car and immediately “Huh!” and let out a frightened voice.

In the cage, a <Dragon>’s big body was folded unhappily. The golden light lines tied up the dragon’s limps, stripping its freedom. This was probably Binding Magic.

The so-called dragon was a type of Magical Beast. The Magical Beasts that appeared from Astrum all had fantasy-like appearances that seemed to have come out from myths —— that attacked humans.

This is the difference than the instinct of a wild beast attacking other animals for food. It is unrelated to whether the Magical Beast is hungry or not. Compared to their other desires, they will place priority on attacking humans.

The Magical Beasts is not a part of the ecosystem and was obviously an enemy of mankind.

And they only exist to contaminate spaces and summon new Magical Beasts from Astrum.

It is not something to let live alive and then used for acrobatics.

The cage car was moved up in front of the freshman. There was probably a distance ten meters when it stopped.

The female student, who had completed the delivery, walked onto the platform and stood next to Kaguya-senpai.

She is probably one of the members of the Magic Division’s Student Council.

“……The shackles of constellation, let the day’s operation to be restarted again……Stars binding the day release”

The microphone slightly captured her chanting a short spell. Then, the golden light lines that bounded the dragon’s body seemed to dissolve into the air and disappeared.

The Binding Magic was released……What was that senpai planning to do!?

“……Even if there is no realistic feeling yet, but if we do not allow you to understand, it will be very troublesome……”

Kaguya-senpai used a calm tone and continued her speech.

The dragon seemed to be confirming what had happened to its body and turned its head around. When its eyes reflected the large amount of humans it should attack, just like as it was venting its anger from being tied up, it fiercely smashed the steel bars.

Gan! The door of the cage was smashed open. The locks were not even in place originally!

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The fierce roar that caused the air to ,biribiri, and vibrate made all the students tremble.

With a green-colored sheen that only reptiles have on its body, it rushed out from the cage car.

On its back, wings, similar to the bats, with many sections expanded greatly. The dragon with its great body that was probably 5 meters in length swooped over like a bullet —— directly at the freshman.

At the same time, noticing a powerful Magic Flow, Kazuki turned his gaze towards Kaguya-senpai who was standing at the platform.

——A great amount of purple light, dazzling enough to burn Kazuki’s retina was shining.

“The thought that burns my chest, portray this world as a living hell……!”

Compared to the time at the garden, an enormous difference in Magic swirled around like a whirlpool, senpai’s long hair and robe was fluttering in the winds and was lifted up.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The dragon opened its huge mouth that had many murderous teeth and it seemed like it was about to pounce over to the closest students!

At this moment, Kaguya-senpai’s spell chant ended.

“Thou art a demon king of wicked desires! The incarnation with an obsession that brings forth tragedy, let thy long-cherished wish……pain this entire world! ——Hell’s Thought Flames! (Guernica)”

“Kukukukuku!” From the cow and lamb heads on Asmodeus’s shoulders that was stretched out, just like vomiting, the two heads ejected a large flame.

The dragon was surrounded by flames and squirmed in the air. In front of the foremost students, in a place not so far in front of them.

Hell’s Flames. It revealed a red black color just like blood. Like tentacles, it continued to entangle and wrapped around it. The scales that were hard as iron was gradually melted into liquid like candy.

……What is this. No —— It was a different dimension in terms of high temperature.

The Hell’s Flame caused the dragon’s bones, the head to melt into a mess and then it caused it to evaporate.

In just a short period of time, the dragon’s body disappeared. Even the remains soon disappeared.

“Kukuku, when you need me next time, feel free to call me, my cute Kaguya……”

Asmodeus once again turned into light particles and disappeared.

“This is Summoning Magic. This is the power that everybody will begin to obtain from now on.”

Looking at the freshmen, Kaguya-senpai continued to speak. This was such an unscientific scene.

Causing the very existence to be denied, covering it and eliminating it, the red black flames.

Transporting the dragon over was just a show to demonstrate the power of Summoning Magic.

Although Summoning Magic is something that everybody could see on television……Should it be because Kaguya-senpai was too amazing, or was it because the breathtaking scene was being shown in front of their own eyes? No matter which one it is, the freshmen all held their breath.

“Please constantly ask yourself, “What is this Power used for”. This power should only be used by a person who could feel honor from their heart of justice. Great honor, responsibility and consciousness……Please allow me to use the words above to give a final gift to all of you.”

The sound of applauses suddenly rang out. Because they are able to obtain such strength, the freshmen became passionate.

However, among this, Kazuki was aware. Aware of ——his own emptiness.

The thought of praying for such strength, he had never had it. Suddenly lodging such ferocious strength inside this kind of person on day ——What a terrible thing.

I only wanted to repay the debt to the family that adopted me, who was alone.

“In other words, you are a person not satisfied with just being a Hayashizaki swordsman. Do not become such a small person. There is no need for you to be bounded by gratitude for your entire life.”

However, I, it was not for the sake of justice or peace, these kinds of vague ideas……

I only wanted to be praised by you and Kanae, only just like that……

As if he was terrified of the foreboding of a huge fate, Kazuki’s gaze fell onto his left hand.

——What on earth gave the insignificant me an Enigma……?

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==Translator's Notes and References==
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Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Illustrations

2015-03-23T07:32:35Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==Novel Illustrations==
<gallery>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 000.jpg|'''Cover and color illustrations'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 001.jpg
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 002.jpg
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 003.jpg
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 004.jpg
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 013.jpg|'''Page 013'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 032.jpg|'''Page 032'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 055.jpg|'''Page 055'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 072.jpg|'''Page 072'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|'''Page 104'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|'''Page 127'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|'''Page 133'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 162.jpg|'''Page 162'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 208.jpg|'''Page 208'''<br>
File:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 235.jpg|'''Page 235'''<br>
</gallery>

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Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1

2015-03-23T07:29:51Z

LiTTleDRAgo: ~

{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Illustrations}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 2}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 5}}
{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Epilogue}}
{{#ifexist:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Afterword|{{:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Afterword}}}}

<noinclude>
== Translator's Notes & References==
<references/>

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| Return to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou|Main Page]]
{{#ifexist:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2|{{!}}Forward to [[Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 2|Volume 2]]}}
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Ark

2015-03-21T16:41:47Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-innocence-knight/ Innocence Knight]

===Volume 10===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-deimos-profession/ Deimos’ Profession?]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-deception/ Deception]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-lee-myung-ryongs-humiliation/ Lee Myung-ryong’s Humiliation]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-working-part-time-at-the-village-in-the-valley/ Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-locate-the-laboratory/ Locate the Laboratory]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-my-fair-lady/ My Fair Lady]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-galgin-clans-disaster/ Galgin Clan’s Disaster]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-arks-responsibility/ Ark’s Responsibility]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-magaros-laboratory/ Magaro’s Laboratory]

===Volume 11===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-unfinished-quest/ Unfinished Quest]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-a-heartless-city/ A Heartless City]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-new-hobby/ New Hobby]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-buksil-the-house-pig/ Buksil the House Pig?]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-baran-family-rescue-mission/ Baran Family Rescue Mission]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-attack-x/ Capture X]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-near-miss/ Near Miss!]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-arks-trading-business/ Ark's Trading Business]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-truth-of-the-world-trees/ Truth of the World Trees]

===Volume 12===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-pets-will-grow-with-food-and-affection/ Pets will Grow with Food and Affection?]
::* ACT 2 :
::* ACT 3 :
::* ACT 4 :
::* ACT 5 :
::* ACT 6 :
::* ACT 7 :
::* ACT 8 :
::* ACT 9 :

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Ark

2015-03-11T16:35:10Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-innocence-knight/ Innocence Knight]

===Volume 10===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-deimos-profession/ Deimos’ Profession?]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-deception/ Deception]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-lee-myung-ryongs-humiliation/ Lee Myung-ryong’s Humiliation]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-working-part-time-at-the-village-in-the-valley/ Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-locate-the-laboratory/ Locate the Laboratory]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-my-fair-lady/ My Fair Lady]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-galgin-clans-disaster/ Galgin Clan’s Disaster]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-arks-responsibility/ Ark’s Responsibility]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-magaros-laboratory/ Magaro’s Laboratory]

===Volume 11===

::* ACT 1 : Unfinished Quest
::* ACT 2 : A Heartless City
::* ACT 3 : New Hobby
::* ACT 4 : Buksil the House Pig?
::* ACT 5 : Baran Family Rescue Mission
::* ACT 6 : Capture X
::* ACT 7 : Near Miss!
::* ACT 8 : Ark Exceeding
::* ACT 9 : Truth of the Worlds

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Absolute Duo:Volume 4 Chapter 7

2015-03-09T21:33:22Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

==『I Will, When That Time Comes』==

===Part 1===

“There is one last…….thing I want to say”

Miyabi said it silently under the crescent moon floating up in the night sky.

Going back a little into the past.

Today too, after 2 days from the fight in the mansion; Julie was still hospitalized and I would pass a peaceful time by talking or watching TV with her, since I was accompanying her.

There is that problem about <<K>> getting loose but, nothing occurred in this 2 days and the emptiness made it feel like those peaceful days has come back to the surface.

Even without that problem, it’s not like those normal days returned.

That’s because, I still couldn’t talk to Miyabi.

Miyabi and Tachibana came to see Julie today and yesterday too but, there’s no way I could talk about something that important here.

However, it was the evening and-----

(It’s almost time………)

My heart was in chaos enough to make me look at the clock several times.

'''''“Can you come to the school gate at 6pm?”'''''

During the afternoon, Miyabi told me that when she was about to head back from coming over.

“……..Tooru. You look restless since just now but, is there something wrong?”

“Eh? Ah………..i am going to meet Miyabi after this”

“Is that so. Then you should go now. It’s starting to turn dark and please go there while being aware of your footsteps”

“Y-yeah. I’ll do that”

5:40pm. it’s still a little too early to head to the school gate now.

But, rather than passing time in chaos in this medical room, I think it might be a better idea if I quickly head to the meeting spot to wait for Miyabi.

“Kokonoe. Are you about to head to the school gate?”

After getting out from the medical building, I met up with Tachibana.

Looks like she knows that I am about to meet Miyabi; and came here to talk to me just in case.

“Yeah, it’s earlier than the promise time so, I was wondering if I should take the long road around”

“Then you don’t have to worry. Miyabi is probably there already”

“Eh, really!? Then, I have to go straight there. Thanks for telling me”

“Umu. Be careful while getting there. Watch the time to avoid coming back late”

With that weird farewell in my head, I ran under the sky which was slowly turning indigo.

(It’s true that, it will become the time when the footing will be dangerous if we had a long talk)

There were outdoor lights installed around the premise but, it doesn’t change the fact that it will become dark after the sun sets.

(Talk huh………..)

We will probably talk about the <<Unit>>, about the confession, and about the future.

If that’s the case then the possibility that everything ending early will be low.

At the same time, I think it’s probably going to be an important talk.

That’s why; I have to make up my mind inside my heart quick.

I soon passed the guard station and the front gate to find----

She was over there.

“Go-good evening, Tooru-kun. How are your injuries…….?”

“Yeah, I talked about this during the afternoon too but, It hurts just a little-----wait, Miyabi, what’s with that outfit?”

I opened my eyes in reflex when I was half-way through my words.

That’s only normal; that’s because Miyabi was wearing a yukata.

“Ah, Thi-this? Errr------how should I put this, it’s like making memories, err………..i bought this together with Momo-chan and Tomoe-chan during the afternoon------or are you saying that it doesn’t look good on me……..?”

“Tha-that’s not true. It really cute on you”

“Cu-cute………!? Yo-you don’t have to be so polite…….”

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 4 Non-Colour 9.jpg|thumb]]

“-----? No, I am not being polite, I just said what I felt though”

“Ah………i-is that so…errr, th-thank you, Tooru-kun………”

With her face slightly facing downwards, Miyabi thanked me.

“But why are you wearing a yukata-----ah, forget that………..you wanted to tell me something?”

“U-un………..but before I tell you; can I take some of your time?”

“Eh? Ye-yeah, I don’t mind but……..is there something going on?”

“……….a-actually. I thought of wanting to go to the fireworks contest being held nearby, today. Then, if Tooru-kun is okay with that then………….s- so I thought if I could go with you and, err, well I am saying----“

“Fireworks contest……….?”

I replied back by reflex when she gave out a weird word.

Miyabi nodded.

“I-I wanted………to go on a date with you………..”

“Heh?”

I opened my mouth blankly and replied back with a dumb tone.

I came here after making up mind, thinking that this was an important talk but, now she tells me that she wanted a date-------

There’s no way I wouldn’t get dumbfounded from this.

“I, can’t?”

“------! N-no, it’s okay! Errr, okay!”

The moment I saw the end of her eyebrows dropped with a troubled look, I quickly nodded-------

“Aha, I am so glad”

A flower known as a smile bloomed on Miyabi’s face immediately.

“Ah, but I look like this and I didn’t bring my wallet, also I didn’t send out an application for outing…………..”

T-shirts on the top and jeans for the bottom is still acceptable but, I won’t be able to get through the station’s ticket gate without applying to go outside.

“I-if that’s the problem then, wait for a moment……!”

After saying that, Miyabi pass through the main gate and went into the guard station while making *Karan**karan*sounds with her wooden clogs------she then talked about something with the security who attended before coming back after a while later.

“I sent an application for outing”

From what I heard from her, it seems that I can send an application of outing through the guard station.

“I thought there was no other way to apply other than through the housemaster or the office……….”

“*Giggle*. It’s written in the student memo, Tooru-kun”

……..Sad to say, of course; I didn’t look through it.

“Okay then, Tooru-kun……….L-let’s go for a date”

“Eh, Y-yeah, okay………..”

After saying that once more, my thoughts finally were able to catch up with the events after it was being half-dragged around.

I am going to a fireworks contest now with a girl that likes me.

Going on a date.

After hearing those words, we headed towards the station while harboring a small fear -----unbearable shock, confusion, and also embarrassed in our chest.

(Uwah, I am red until my ears………)

We got on the monorail, and I noticed that fact the first time when I got under the electric lamp which was incomparably brighter than the outdoor lights.

I found out that I wasn’t the only one nervous and felt a little relieved.

---but even so, I don’t know what I should be talking about in this situation, and just kept silent just like that.

There aren’t many students coming out at this time so, there were only us and one group inside the train. The group looks like they are having a date too but, unlike us, they were having fun talking to each other.

No matter; I tried making a conversation in order to fix this silent situation.

“W-we’re almost there”

“U-un, that’s right……………”

“”……………””

Conversation over.

(Uaaaah, we could talk normally before this………)

But, I just can’t remember how I used to talk to Miyabi.

When I was troubled, Miyabi looked downwards while talking to me.

“I-it’s my------first………..”

“!?”

“It’s my first time going for a date with a boy, err…………..i-I don’t know what I should talk about and-----“

(I-is that so………….)

I pat my chest in relief………….i was thinking too much.

Anyway; I was the one that felt apologetic when she apologized to me while slightly looking up at me.

“If that’s what you say then, even I am also really nervous too since this is my first date and I have no idea what to talk about. That’s why, sorry for making you put up with such a boring date”

“Eh…….? It’s Tooru-kun’s…..first time too?”

I replied “That’s right” at that surprised look.

“Bu-but; you dated Julie-chan many times already right? And, for Lilith-san; I heard that she dated with Tooru-kun before………”

“I and Julie don’t go out with those intents in mind, as for Lilith; I was kind of forced to go out with Lilith so I think that’s different”

“I-is that so…..bu-but, how about before entering Kouryou?”

“Completely none. From before with my childhood-----ah, it’s a guy by the way. I, he and my sister would always pass the time together. That’s why, I think this is my first date”

“I, took Tooru-kun’s first…………”

After a mumble that sounds like chewing, Miyabi smiled happily.

“Fufuu, I feel kind of happy. My first time is with Tooru-kun and Tooru-kun’s first time is with me so-----both of us are experiencing our first time”

After seeing that smile, I felt my shoulders relaxing a little.

“That’s true. So, isn’t it fine if there’s a little failure in it? ……..rather, I would be happy if you could forgive me for any failures”

While finally making a wry smile, I naturally let out my words.

I was wondering what to talk about until just now but, it’s like that event was a lie.

“Un, so give me a break if i made any failures okay”

“Haha, of course”

And of course, we immediately reached the station.

We stood up when the train was about to stop-------and I extended my hand towards Miyabi.

“Ah……Thank you, Tooru-kun”

Miyabi timidly placed her hand on my hand before standing up too.

But, our conversation didn’t end there.

“……….E-ermm, Tooru-kun. Can we stay like this?”

“Stay like this?”

“Keeping our hands connected……..”

“Eh? A……..aah, okay. It’s a date…after all”

“Unnn”

Even though I was a little shy about it, I gripped the hand connecting my hand a little tighter.

It was really embarrassing and it made my heart beat but------I felt a tinge of guilt.

After switching trains, we got closer to our intended station, and the number of people heading to the fireworks contest increased. We then got out the station we arrived at and saw guides standing everyone, who will lead us to the event, we then followed the people at our surroundings who were heading towards the event hall.

“There’s quite a lot of shop huh”

“Should be buy something to eat first?”

“That might be a good idea. It’s weird that we might have the leisure to buy anything from the stalls once we reach the hall”

Normally, we would eat dinner steadily but our opinions match regarding eating early.

We let our hands go at that point; after i went to buy a hot dog and grilled corn while Miyabi went for tuna salad crepe, both of us also purchased Imagawaki for both of ourselves before heading to the hall while eating.

Incidentally, Miyabi was the one that bought all this since I didn’t bring my wallet but, even though this is something unavoidable because on how the events ended up to a date; I felt really pathetic from the bottom of my heart…………..

“Ah, Tooru-kun”

“Hn?”

“Errr……..”

Miyabi saw my face and the moment she looked like she wanted to say something----

“There is a corn on you”

After saying that, she extends her hand to my cheek and took it off.

---What’s more, she then ate it.

“Ah………..”

“E-errr……….th-this is embarrassing……..”

“Yo-you’re right………….”

Maybe we felt the same so; both of us looked down without looking at each other face.

And, at that moment-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Doon*just when I thought I heard a loud sound and the air shook, there was a giant flower blooming in the night sky.

“Waaah, it’s beautiful…………it’s also so big………..”

When we got closer to the launching spot; Miyabi and also i gazed at the fireworks because of its intensifying size.

“It’s so big. It’s my first time seeing fireworks this close”

“Fufuu, that goes for me too. It has a strong intensity”

“Aah. It’s dangerous to look while looking so, bear with it until we reach a spot where we can take a good look”

“Un, that’s true”

We threw our rubbish to the garbage bin prepared at the roadside and started heading to the hall again before-----

I shyly placed my hands on Miyabi’s hand.

“Th-there’s so many people here and we have to be careful not to separate”

I said that to hide my embarrassment by holding Miyabi’s hands-----

“Un. Thank you, Tooru-kun”

Miyabi made a smile and held back.

Soon later; we reached the bank which was the hall for the fireworks contest but-----

What awaited us was a great ordeal.

We were lucky until the point when we could start watching the fireworks after we found a space where we could stand and watch.

However, the hall turned more complex as time passes. The space naturally closed in because of the large numbers of people and I started getting closer to Miyabi; but that was still in the safe.

After that------things went to a weird direction when Miyabi’s overly voluptuous breast touched my arms. People cramped us in as time passed by even though we tried to move to another spot and the commotion was no longer at the point where we could move anymore. Miyabi’s breast were pushed onto my arms as time passed by and the shape changed-------as a result of trying to move my body; the situation turned into my arms getting stuck.

---rather; my arms are stuck in between her breast.

(M-m-m-my musculus brachioradialis, musculus flexor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum muscle, and all those muscles that make my arm stuck. Between. Melons(*Figurative Speech)!!)

360 degrees of my arm was completely covered with a softness comparable to a marshmallow and my mind fell into panic.

Until now; there were times when her modest breast touched me when I was sleeping with Julie.

There was a time when my elbow touched her large breast and it went *Pyon**pyon* when we joined arms.

There was a time when I lost to Tachibana’s pinning technique and her breast got *Funyon**Funyon* pressed onto my face.

There was a time when I grabbed hold onto Imari’s shapely breast in an accident.

However, all the memories of those events got blasted away in front of this overwhelming power. *Temporarily though.

Or course, Miyabi also knows what situation she was in.

Adding in shyness; Miyabi looked up at me with her cheeks blushing from the heat while breathing wildly because it was stuffy.

“Hnn,haaa………Fu-haa…….So-sorry, Tooru-kun. i………..Hnn………..Hnnn!”

“Nnnnooo, there’s nothing to apologize. It’s an accident, this situation can’t be helped, how should I say it; honestly speaking, it’s like heaven and hell………….”

(Wait, what the heck am I sayiiiiiinnnggggg………..!!)

I shouted in my heart while I was under the night sky filled with giant round flowers blooming.

---Nonetheless; this might be too late to say this but, the names of all the muscle parts were gained from Tatsu.

In the end, the collaboration of heaven and hell continued until the end of the fireworks contest.

It got closer to the end; and once our body finally separated because people started taking the road back, we scuttle away from the spot by riding the wave of moving people.

We got down the bank, and about the time we entered the route heading towards the city; we finally got a chance to take a breather.

“”……………….””

“Errr…….l-let’s go back”

“U-uun, okay………….”

Without feeling the urge to walk towards the stalls, we decided to take the road back.

There weren’t many conversations in the train because of the awkwardness during the fireworks.

Soon; by the time we got on the Kouryou academy’s personal monorail, both of us were conscious about the end of the date and the atmosphere got heavy.

Even though we reached the monorail in front of the academy; we only limited the conversation to its minimum like [We’re here] or [Let’s get off].

We passed through the giant door which was standing out from the outside light and was in the middle of walking to the dorms silently before------

“Hey, Tooru-kun………….can we take a detour for a while..…?”

Miyabi said that at a fork road.

I felt her intentions and suggested the course leading towards the garden which has no one there at this time.

She did not reject the suggestion and we started walking on another road which wasn’t heading to the dorm.

After we approached the garden, Miyabi opened her closed mouth.

“The fireworks were beautiful. Many spread out in the sky………..things turned out weird half-way but, It was fun today”

“It was fun for me too. It was really interesting to see fireworks that close”

“Fufu, that’s true. *Don**Don* It was really amazing that each shot would echo in the core of the body”

“Aah, that was amazing. I can still feel the shaking deep inside my body. It’s a rare experience so I won’t be forgetting tonight’s event for a while”

“Un……..ah…………..P-please hurry and forget the part that happened half-way okay?”

“O-of course………”

Even though I answered that, it’s impossible to forget that fast.

Because we recalled back that event, the small awkwardness returned and we started walking again quietly. In the garden beside us, the 4 seasonal flowers floated inside the light. Maybe because the visibility was bad at night; the scent felt stronger compared to when I usually pass through this road.

Not long later; Miyabi stopped near the fountain which was light up and I stopped too after walking forward a few steps before turning to her.

“Can we have a small chat here……..?”

“…….Aah”

After hearing my reply, Miyabi nodded silently------and started talking after waiting for a while.

“Today-----uuun, I am really thankful from the day of enrollment until today. Tooru-kun would come to save me whenever I got into trouble, I was really happy for that……….and really sorry about it……..”

Not only was the fountain was lighted up, Miyabi’s depressed expression was lighted too.

“Whether it’s the time from the <<Survive>>, or the seaside school; Tooru-kun might have lost your life if there was any mistake………….like the time before, I was almost close to killing you because of my stupidity………”

“…………It’s already something that passed. I am alive as you can see. It’s alright”

“…………………”

Without any reply, I asked the question that has been in my mind the whole time.

“Miyabi……..are you going to quit school?”

Just like what I told her just now; I no longer care about the <<Unit>> problem.

However, the surroundings are different.

Even though they don’t know the situation in detail, Miyabi wearing the <<Unit>> spread throughout the school and she probably had many odd sights directed to her.

It’s fact that Miyabi feels heavy from all those sights. She hurt many students with the <<Power>> of the <<Unit>>. Even though there wasn’t any danger to their lives; they suffered broken bones like Tachibana.

Although she was controlled by the <<Equipment Smith>>, that was an undeniable fact.

If Miyabi made her decision because she couldn’t bear the guilt anymore then it can’t be helped.

And one more thing; the reason why I wondered Miyabi would quit the school was-----

The word she said right after inviting me to a date.

Miyabi said that it was to make memories.

Thinking about the meaning those words display, I could only come up with one answer.

That’s why I made this question----and it was also for confirmation.

After a silence that feels like eternity-----

Miyabi gradually opened her mouth.

“On that day………..on that day I hurt everyone with the <<Unit>>………….Tomoe-chan was beside me when I woke up. At that time, Tomoe-chan apologized to me. Even though I should be the one apologizing………..”

Her expression turned painful because she recalled back those painful memories; I felt that too and it made my heart hurt.

“Tomoe-chan told me everything about her feelings while apologizing……….and she said this at the end. Let’s become stronger…………..”

“…………Did you come up with the answer?”

I asked my question and Miyabi nodded.

“I won’t quit”

Miyabi replied with a soft but strong answer.

“I think it’s shameless to say this after causing so trouble to Tooru-kun, Tomoe-chan and many people in this incident……………”

“No-no way………..shameless is just------no, there might be people that think that but…………….however, at the very least----I am happy”

“Ah………..Fufu, I am happy that you told me that”

“I told you this before. I will feel lonely if Miyabi isn’t around. That’s why, I will obviously be happy if you told me that you were staying”

Un, Thank you---------Miyabi continued while making a small smile.

“I was forced to know about my feelings in this incident; It was just plain self-hatred........I kept telling you that I wanted you to see me strong, remember?”

“Yeah, you said that”

While nodding, I noticed that Miyabi had some memories of the time when she was controlled.

“But like I thought; that was just my desire. I wanted to become strong and show you…………that hasn’t change and is still inside me. That’s why----“

Miyabi looked at me with earnest eyes and told me her wish.

“I want to become strong. I want to become stronger in the true way……….! Not only strength, I also want to gain the heart that won’t get bewitched by a fake………..I want Tooru-kun to look at me------who succeeded in changing even though I have no talent”

She agreed with the desire inside her and moreover, she carried a strong determination towards her goal.

I could tell the seriousness from Miyabi’s eyes and tone.

“If I run from that now then it will never happen so--------that’s why, I will never quit Kouryou academy, and will work hard here”

Miyabi smiled after finishing her words.

Miyabi was different than before; that smile was filled with a strong will.

After seeing that smile, I leaked a smile in reflex.

“I understand. I will look forward for it. I look forward to see Miyabi becoming strong”

“U-un”

“If you are going to work hard then, I will work hard too and help you by pushing your back”

“Eh…….? Together with Tooru-kun too………?”

I nodded and talked towards Miyabi, who opened her eyes in surprise.

“Yeah, of course. Tachibana also said to become stronger together right? Then, it’s natural for me to be included in that together too. That’s because I am greatly related to Miyabi’s goal so I will take the responsibility to look after you”

“Eh…..R-responsibility…….!?”

“Yeah. Is that shocking?”

“N-noo. Errr, erhmm, I am just happy, ahaha……….”

I tilted my head in my mind when I saw Miyabi flustered for some reason.

Miyabi took a deep breath several times to fix her breathing-----

The atmosphere changed when she lifted her face.

Her smile disappeared and she stared at me with serious eyes.

“There is one last….thing I want to say”

Miyabi said it silently under the crescent moon floating up in the night sky.

“I said this before but, I want Tooru-kun to listen one more time. I want to hear your reply regarding that time……………I won’t run away this time”

“………..i understand”

She told me what she was about to talk and I nodded.

The talk that was interrupted in front of the sea glowing in gold; restarts again.

“I love you Tooru-kun”

Miyabi told me her feelings.

“I loved you ever since that time when Tooru-kun told me that you would be lonely if I wasn’t here. I love you very much. That’s why, if it’s okay with Tooru-kun----please go out with me”

Leaving a slight gap in between, Miyabi told me.

I raised my head in guilt again to the girl who told me her wish- her earnest feelings.

That guilt that tormented me during the time when we linked hands when we were half-way heading to the fireworks contest.

But, I have to tell her.

It is my job to give her a proper answer, for she said that she won’t run away.

“Thanks, Miyabi. I am really happy…..that you told me that you love me”

I hesitated on that day at the sea.

I, who can’t throw away the twisted thoughts of revenge, wondered on how I should reply Miyabi’s honest feelings.

“But…………..”

But, my answer was already out in the first place.

“There is something I have to accomplish no matter what. Even if I have to throw away everything, I have to”

My road as an <<Avenger>> will end once I achieve my revenge.

However, will I be able to return back to the righteous path again with my tainted fist and after walking in darkness until that day?

There’s no way that such a person can receive feelings from a girl standing under the light.

Only sadness will await her if I accept it.

“That’s why-----sorry. I cannot go out with Miyabi”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zukiri* My chest hurt from a sharp pain.

Hurting a girl who have affections towards me-----

However, I wasn’t the only one whose chest was hurting.

“Can I ask what that matter is…………..?”

“………..Sorry, I can’t say”

That answer was dishonest to reply to Miyabi who threw her earnest feelings at me.

But, even if it might be dishonest, I could only say that much.

“At that time, I had a problem on what I should say…………..”

A misunderstanding was created and I hurt her.

“Is that so……..Then, It’s not like my feelings were a bother?”

“Y-yeah. I said this before just now………..i am really happy about it”

“I see…………”

Both of us stopped our words there.

The sound of the fountain was the only sound that reached my ears.

The paused time continued on before-----after a while, Miyabi lifted her face.

In the next moment; I got surprised.

That’s because even though the side of her eyes were lowered, she was making a smile.

“Then, it can’t be helped”

“Eh………….?”

“It’s something more important than anything else for Tooru-kun right? If that’s the case then it can’t be helped…………….also, there is one more I want to ask”

“Something you want to ask?”

Miyabi hesitated----and talked.

“J-just now, you said that you were happy that I told you about my feelings right? Is it okay to think that you have some affection to me?”

At that question; I honestly told Miyabi my honest feelings which I had been thinking ever since the confession.

“I……………….i am aware that Miyabi’s a girl and at the very least like you. But above all that, the feelings of like is stronger as a friend now”

“Like as a friend……………..”

“……….Sorry”

I could only apologize.

But, Miyabi swung her head sideways in panic.

“D-don’t apologize. I feel disappointed but, I am also relieved……….”

“Relieved?”

“Un. That’s because you said that you were conscious of me as a girl. At the very least, you like me……..if that’s the case then-----“

Miyabi slightly pulled back her chin and looked at me.

It’s probably a normal gesture for Miyabi since she looks down a lot but-----

Honestly speaking; that upward look is so cute that it’s cheating.

“T-there might be a chance if I don’t give up?”

This question came above that so; I got flustered.

“Ch-chance………..?”

“Th-there might be a chance that you will love me as a girl instead of a friend inside Tooru-kun”

“Eh, ah,errrr, ahhhh………w-well I guess so?”

“Ah…….Ehehe, I did it………♪ if that’s the case then, I will work hard. Not only strength; I will work hard to show you my female charm too, Tooru-kun”

“Y-yeah……………”

Being overpowered by an unknown source, I could only nod towards the girl who said that with a charming smile.

“Errrr, Miyabi, I feel that you are really positive right now though………..”

“I-I am disappointed. But, it won’t be any different from before if I stay disappointed…………..i decided to make my heart strong too so, I thought I should work hard to be positive……….”

“I-I see……….”

“Hey Tooru-kun. I will work hard. I will work very very hard. I will work hard in becoming a charming girl, training and studies. That’s why-----“

Miyabi announced, while showing a shy smile.

“I am counting on you from now on, Tooru-kun”

Under the starry sky, the smile covered with the lights from the fountain was very charming.

===Part 2===
“……….You don’t have to come anymore”

“Eh…….Bu-but…………”

Miyabi looked perplexed when she heard the words said by the 2nd year boy who suffered injuries from her.

“Even I know that it wasn’t truly your fault. That’s why, you don’t have to come anymore”

“Y-yes……….Err, thank you for forgiving me, Senpai”

After lowering her head, Miyabi left the boy.

Behind her, Tooru and Tomoe, Julie and Lilith, Sara, Tora& Tatsu; the whole gang followed her.

“Everyone forgives you now with this”

“Un………..thank you all for following me, even though it’s my problem”

“Fuun, seriously. Why must I, someone unrelated lower my head………..”

“Oh my, I didn’t lower my head you know”

“Why did you even follow then!!”

“Oh, calm down Tora. We are thankful that you all came together with us”

“Un…………Thank you, Tora-kun, Lilith-san”

Tora gritted his teeth to the gold girl who said “See”.

Seeing them like that, Tooru felt their normal days have returned.

There should still be students who think badly of Miyabi.

But even so, things will definitely clear out by Miyabi’s future actions.

With the turning point on the night of the fireworks contest; Miyabi’s lifestyle changed in 2 ways.

One; She started running in the morning and evening again.

The other one was regarding the running but------

“Good morning, Miyabi”

“Go-good morning, Tooru-kun”

With Miyabi’s request; Tooru promised to show up to run instead of going to morning training with Tomoe once every week.

“Miyabi, here. I’ll hand over this before I forget”

“I-isn’t this…………”

Right before starting to run, the object Tooru handed to Miyabi was a pure white heart shaped stone.

It was the stone she dropped after telling her love to Tooru.

That right now; returned to Miyabi’s hands.

“I wanted to hand this to you. But handing it over when there are people around is just…………”

The girl giggled at the young man who looks flustered.

“Mi-Miyabi”

“*Giggle* it’s a joke. Then, I will work hard today too, Tooru-kun”

“Yeah, that’s right”

“Yeah, that’s right”

After nodding while making a wry smile at Miyabi who turned more cheerful than before, Tooru ran beside her.

Half-way-----

“……Now that I think about it, there is something I remembered. You said that you wanted to use the fireworks to make some memories. What was with that anyway? I thought Miyabi was about to quit Kouryou so that’s the reason why but, now that I think clearly about it, you had no intentions for that……..”

“Ah……..A-about that………”

To reply Tooru’s question, Miyabi explained while she was out of breath.

“I-I wanted to use that as energy for me to, work hard for now on………..if I have fun memories then, I can work hard during harsh times………..”

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 4 Non-Colour 10.jpg|thumb]]

“I see. I guess I am glad that it became fun memories for you to work hard for”

“U-un. But, things turn embarrassing if I remember the whole thing…………..”

“………………Miyabi, I won’t be able to forget if you keep saying that you know?”

“-------!! To-Tooru-kun you pervert! You must not remember-----!!”

“It’s my fault!?”

Even though they were causing a ruckus, both of them were running at a pace unobtainable for a normal human.

“Okay, last lap! Let’s do this, Miyabi”

“U-un, I’ll work hard………….but, Tooru-kun, you can go on ahead…………”

“Aah, okay. Then, I’ll go on ahead”

After hearing Miyabi’s works, Tooru raised his pace which was unthinkable for a last lap.

Tooru’s back turned small in no time at all.

(You’re so fast, Tooru-kun……….also, very far. But, I will catch up someday)

To avoid losing the back of the boy she loves, Miyabi slightly raises her pace.

Today more than yesterday----tomorrow faster than today; gradually increasing.

(At that time, I will definitely make you look at me………..!!)

The girl was changing.

One step at a time towards the ideal she wishes.

<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==

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

Ark

2015-03-09T12:26:24Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-innocence-knight/ Innocence Knight]

===Volume 10===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-deimos-profession/ Deimos’ Profession?]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-deception/ Deception]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-lee-myung-ryongs-humiliation/ Lee Myung-ryong’s Humiliation]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-working-part-time-at-the-village-in-the-valley/ Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-locate-the-laboratory/ Locate the Laboratory]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-my-fair-lady/ My Fair Lady]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-galgin-clans-disaster/ Galgin Clan’s Disaster]
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Name
::* ACT 9 : Magaro’s Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Ark

2015-03-09T11:37:57Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-innocence-knight/ Innocence Knight]

===Volume 10===

::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-deimos-profession/ Deimos’ Profession?]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-deception/ Deception]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-lee-myung-ryongs-humiliation/ Lee Myung-ryong’s Humiliation]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-working-part-time-at-the-village-in-the-valley/ Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-locate-the-laboratory/ Locate the Laboratory]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-my-fair-lady/ My Fair Lady]
::* ACT 7 : Galgin Clan’s Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Name
::* ACT 9 : Magaro’s Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Chrome Shelled Regios

2015-03-08T17:43:59Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:CSR.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Vol 1]]

'''''Chrome Shelled Regios ''''' (鋼殻のレギオス Kōkaku no Regiosu) is a Japanese light novel series by [[:Category:Shūsuke Amagi|Shūsuke Amagi]], with illustrations by Miyū. The series is completed with 25 volumes and two spin-off trilogies ''Legend of Regios'' and ''Regios Crusade'' which are chronologically before the main series.

The ''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_~_(Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_PL|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_(Russian)|Русский (Russian)]]
*[[Chrome Shelled Regios - Français|Français (French)]]

==Story Synopsis==

Regios are moving cities, sheltering humanity on the barren and polluted Earth that is populated by Filth Monsters. Tired of fighting monsters and for a reason not yet revealed, Layfon left his home city to arrive at Zuellni, a city which specializes in academics and was inhabited only by students. Full of the expectation of living a normal life, he was tested on the first day of his arrival. Caught up in a fight that was rapidly getting out of hand, Layfon settled the commotion without anyone's help. Spotted by the Student President for his martial prowess, Layfon was forced to enter the 17th platoon.

Once again, Layfon was forced back into the world of Filth Monsters and defending the city he lived in. But the secrets of this world had yet to surface...

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_Shelled_Regios Chrome Shelled Regios @ Wikipedia]

== Translation ==

=== [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand via the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/index.php forum].

'''Translators please [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Chrome Shelled Regios:Names and Terminology Guideline|Project specific Guidelines: Names and Terminology]]

===Chronological Order===
There is a [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Story Timeline|story timeline]] for those who are interested to read the short stories of the short story collections of the series in the correct chronological order.

==Updates==
'''The entire main series is now complete.'''

* Friday, February 20, 2015 - Volume 23 Storm Bringer completed
* Saturday, February 21, 2015 - Volume 23 Fire Up Spirits 1 completed
* Monday, February 23, 2015 - Volume 23 Fire Up Spirits 2 completed
* Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Volume 23 Mental Conferences Should Be Held In Secret completed
* Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - Volume 23 To Be Continued on the Battlefield completed (Volume 23 fully completed)
* Friday, February 27, 2015 - Volume 25 Early Diamond completed
* Saturday, February 28, 2015 - Volume 25 Barbeque Pop completed
* Sunday, March 1, 2015 - Volume 25 Bus-jack Time completed
* Monday, March 2, 2015 - Volume 25 Wear My Rose? completed
* Wednesday, March 4, 2015 - Volume 25 Persons completed
* Sunday, March 8, 2015 - Volume 25 High Booster completed (Volume 25 Completed; Entire series completed)

Older updates can be found on the [[Chrome Shelled Regios:_Updates|Chrome Shelled Regios Updates page]].

==''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==
'''You can find the PDF, EPUB, and MOBI version of the volumes [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=4804 here].'''

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios01.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 1 - Chrome Shelled Regios ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - School Begins]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Life as a Student]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Training]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Platoon Match]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Point of Difference]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - On the Polluted Earth]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios02.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 2 - Silent Talk ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Confusion]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - What Can Be Done]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Cry For What?]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Run the Entire Lap]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Things in Life]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios03.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 3 - Sentimental Voice ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Proposal]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - After a Day of Rest]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Time of a Destroyed City]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Darkness of Gushing Water]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Dance in Midnight]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Scarlet Pride]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios04.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 4 - Confidential Call ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Her Idea]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Different Nights]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Envisioning and Reality]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Outside the Wheel]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Vow on That Day]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Insane Guardian]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios05.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 5 - Emotional Howl ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Path of Thinking]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Event of That Day]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - By Darkness. And Then……]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Hold Hands While Blindfolded]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Two Fights]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios06.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 6 - Red Nocturne ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - In a Broken House]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Appearance of a Butterfly]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Birds in a Cage]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Katana Without an Owner]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Center of the World]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Owner of the Blade]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios07.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 7 - White Opera ([[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7|Full Text]])===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Either Way, I Won’t Say It]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Haia's Resolve]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Two Paint Scrolls]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The War Begins]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Fight of Katanas]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios08.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 8 - Mixing Note [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Interlude 01|Interlude 01]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Cool in the Cafe|Cool in the Cafe]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Interlude 02|Interlude 02]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Diamond Passion|Diamond Passion]]
::*[[Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume8 Interlude 03|Interlude 03]]
::*[[Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume8 Innocence Wander|Innocence Wander]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*[[Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume8 Post Epilogue|Post Epilogue - Ordinary Days]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

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|[[Image:Regios09.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 9 - Blue Mazurka [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Summer]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Enemy]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Wish]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Confusion]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Chaos]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios10.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 10 - Complex Days [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Sweet Day - Sweet Morning|Sweet Day - Sweet Morning]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Sweet Day - Sweet Before I|Sweet Day - Sweet Before I]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 A Day For You 01|A Day For You 01]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Sweet Day - Sweet Before II|Sweet Day - Sweet Before II]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 A Day For You 02|A Day For You 02]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Sweet Day - Sweet Before III|Sweet Day - Sweet Before III]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 A Day For You 03|A Day For You 03]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 Sweet Day - Sweet Midnight|Sweet Day - Sweet Midnight]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume10 To Conquer the Phalanx|To Conquer the Phalanx]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios11.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 11 - Impact Girls [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Happy Hot Dash|Happy Hot Dash]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Morning of You and Me|Morning of You and Me]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Impact of Childhood 01|Impact of Childhood 01]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Lunchtime of You and Me|Lunchtime of You and Me]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Impact of Childhood 02|Impact of Childhood 02]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Dinnertime of You and Me|Dinnertime of You and Me]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Impact of Childhood 03|Impact of Childhood 03]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Nighttime of You and Me|Nighttime of You and Me]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume11 Happy Birthday|Happy Birthday]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios12.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 12 - Black Arabesque [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Chaotic City]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The City of Descending Shadow]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Lance Shelled City]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The City of Spirits]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The City That Eliminates Evil]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume12 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Hollow City]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios13.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 13 - Grey Concerto [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Chapter1p1|Cadenza Road Itto: Part 1]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Chapter1p2|Cadenza Road Itto: Part 2]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Bottled Letter For You|Bottled Letter For You]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume13 Ghost in Ghost|Ghost in Ghost]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios14.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 14 - Scarlet Oratorio [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - You still haven’t made any decision]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Beasts of the Moonlight Bare Their Fangs]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Assault of a Storm]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - To Block the Road Ahead]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - To the indecisive person]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios15.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 15 - Next Bloom [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Prologue|Prologue - The One Biding Time]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Resolute One, The Wavering One]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Impassioned One]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Dispatched One]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Puzzled One]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ones in Discord]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue - And the One They Face]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios16.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 16 - Spring Burst [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Prologue|Prologue - The Hermit's Wakening]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Adolescence and Strife]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Truth and Reality]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Haunts and Processions]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Hermits and Agitators]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Lost Child of Fate]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios17.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 17 - Summer Night Rave [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Her Determination]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Nina's Battlefield]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Summer Night's Mistress]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios18.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 18 - Crying Autumn [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Prologue|Prologue - The Midst of a Journey and the Start of Another]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The One Striving Forward, The One Muddling Blindly Forward, The One Giving Up]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Abandoned City and the Lost Child's Labyrinth]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Her, Her, and Her]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios19.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 19 - Initiation Log [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Run-Jerry-Run|Run-Jerry-Run]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Show Me Heart|Show Me Heart]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Genius Go Road|Genius Go Road]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 The Rolling Carnival|The Rolling Carnival]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Interlude|Interlude]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Show Me Heart EX|Show Me Heart EX---!]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume19 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios20.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 20 - Desire Report [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 With Interview|With Interview]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 Mortal Technica|Mortal Technica]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 With Horror House|With Horror House]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 Brain Storming|Brain Storming]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 With Sports|With Sports]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 Machina's Eye|Machina's Eye]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume20 Regarding the Cat Soaring on the Moon|Regarding the Cat Soaring to the Moon]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regi21 0000.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 21 - Winter Fall (I) [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Grendan That Night]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Burning City]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume21 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Youngster 1]]
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:CSR v22 cover.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 22 - Winter Fall (II) [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume22|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume22 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Each Others' Battles]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume22 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Choice of Worlds]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume22 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Youngster 2]]
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Csr v23 cov.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 23 - Like a Storm [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 Storm Bringer|Storm Bringer]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 Fire Up Spirits1|Fire Up Spirits (The Dispute Arc, or the Helpless Day)]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 Fire Up Spirits2|Fire Up Spirits (The Conclusion Arc, or the Insatiable Futile Challenge)]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 Mental Conferences Should Be Held In Secret|Mental Conferences Should Be Held In Secret]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume23 To Be Continued at the Battlefield|To Be Continued on the Battlefield]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:CSR v24 0.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">

===Volume 24 - Life is Goodbye [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Fuse Burns]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - GO GO GO]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Goodbye, Encore, Afterwards]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Guardians Who Defend their Homeland]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume24 Epilogue|Epilogue - Life is Goodbye]]
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:Regios25.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 25 - And Then After That (Final Volume) [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Early Diamond|Early Diamond]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Barbeque Pop|Barbeque Pop]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Bus-jack Time|Bus-jack Time]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Wear My Rose|Wear My Rose?]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 Persons|Persons]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume25 High Booster|High Booster]]
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

<br style="clear:both"/>

==''Legend of Regios'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|-
|[[Image:LoR_v01.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
===Volume 01 - Riggzario Baptism===
::*Novel Illustrations
::*[[Legend of Regios:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue - Rebirth]]
::*[[Legend of Regios:Volume1 Chapter1|5 Years After]] (~20%)
::*Alchemist
::*Goodbye
::*Night of Memory
::*In the Hole
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|-
|[[Image:LoR_v02.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
=== Volume 02 - Ignasis' Awakening ===
::*Novel Illustrations
::*The Awakening
::*Days and Nights of Thought
::*Man With No Instincts
::*The Story of the Alchemist
::*The Bloody Trail Across the Mountain of Death
::*Life and Fire
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

{| class="wikitable" width="280" ; style="float:left"
|-
|[[Image:LoR Vol3 Cover.jpg|cut|x250px]]
|
<div style="float: left; width:700px;">
<div style="float: left; margin: 5px 20px">
=== Volume 03 - The Appearance of the Regios ===
::*Novel Illustrations
::*As If Entering the Boiler
::*Ascetic's Path
::*Appearing from the Filth
::*Two Snakes
::*Within the Chaos
::*Man Made Legend
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
</div>
</div>
|}

<br style="clear:both"/>

==''Regios Crusade'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==
=== Volume 01 - The Sleepless Grave===
=== Volume 02 - The Boundless Mirage===
=== Volume 03 - The Endless Aurora===

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager: [[User:Lygophile|Lygophile]]

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:Kouen no Ten|Kouen no Ten]]
:* [[User:Haze|Haze]]
:* [[User:xstar|xstar]] (Translator/Editor)
:* [[User:Decemdies|Decemdies]]
:* [[User:Lygophile|Lygophile]]

'''RETIRED'''
:* [[User:Blewin|Blewin]]

'''MIA'''
:* [[User:AnthoX|AnthoX]]

===Editors===
'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:Lygophile|Lygophile]]
:* [[User:Kokoru Asami|Kokoru Asami]]
:* [[User:Hiro Hayase|Hiro Hayase]]
:* [[User:Imwaski|Imwaski]]
:* [[User:BionicMeerkat|BionicMeerkat]]

==Series Overview==
* Volume I - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2006 ISBN 978-4-8291-1803-0)
* Volume II - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1827-6)
* Volume III - Chrome Shelled Regios (July 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1846-7)
* Volume IV - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1871-9)
* Volume V - Chrome Shelled Regios (January 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1892-4)
* Volume VI - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1926-6)
* Volume VII - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1967-9)
* Volume VIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3269-2)
* Volume IX - Chrome Shelled Regios (June 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3300-2)
* Volume X - Chrome Shelled Regios (September 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3329-3)
* Volume XI - Chrome Shelled Regios (December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3359-0)
* Volume XII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3382-8)
* Volume XIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3401-6)
* Volume XIV - Chrome Shelled Regios (September 20, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3439-9)
* Volume XV - Chrome Shelled Regios (April 20, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8291-3510-5)
* Volume XVI - Chrome Shelled Regios (November 20, 2010, ISBN 978-4-8291-3591-4)
* Volume XVII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 19, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8291-3618-8)
* Volume XVIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (August 20, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8291-3667-6)
* Volume XIX - Chrome Shelled Regios (December 20, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8291-3708-6)
* Volume XX - Chrome Shelled Regios (April 20, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8291-3748-2)
* Volume XXI - Chrome Shelled Regios (July 20, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8291-3777-2)
* Volume XXII - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 20, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8291-3808-3)
* Volume XXIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (February 20, 2013, ISBN 978-4-8291-3854-0)
* Volume XXIV - Chrome Shelled Regios (June 20, 2013, ISBN 978-4-8291-3897-7)
* Volume XXV - Chrome Shelled Regios (September 20, 2013, ISBN 978-4-8291-3931-8)
* Legend of Regios Volume I - Riggzario Baptism (July 10, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-7647-4)
* Legend of Regios Volume II - Ignasis' Awakening (December 30, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-7668-9)
* Legend of Regios Volume III - The Appearance of the Regios (September 30, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-7673-3)
* Regios Crusade Volume I - The Sleepless Grave (September 17, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8291-3676-8)
* Regios Crusade Volume II - The Boundless Mirage (November 19, 2011, ISBN 978-4-8291-3698-0)
* Regios Crusade Volume III - The Endless Aurora (January 20, 2012, ISBN 978-4-8291-3718-5)

[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]
[[Category:Genre - Action]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Shūsuke Amagi]]

Rokujouma:Registration Page

2015-03-06T00:36:08Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please.

*Registration is on a "First Come, First Served" basis. Please register your intended chapters on the project's registration page.

*Maximum number of translators per volume is two, unless the volume is a collection of smaller stories. Another way to interpret this is no more than two translators should be working on the same "story arc".

*Translators may only register for portions of one volume at a time within each project. This is to prevent "biting off more than you can chew".

*The Registration page is not a binding contract, and translators are encouraged to negotiate between themselves which portions to register for.

*Anonymous Translated Contributions are required to inform [[User:Thelastguardian|thelastguardian]] and the designated Project Supervisor of their intended Chapters as shown on the corresponding Registration page before any major contribution.

*Portions that are not updated for a significant time may be taken over by another translator after getting permission from the Project Supervisor. The new translator is encouraged to start over to maintain consistency, but the old translation will not be deleted at least until the new translation is finished (and probably not for some time after that). More information is available [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1433 here].

==''Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?'' Main Series ==

===Volume 1===
::*Illustrations --[[User:Marse|Marse]] ([[User talk:Marse|talk]]) 03:50, 6 August 2014 (CDT)
::*Chapter 1 --[[User:Marse|Marse]] ([[User talk:Marse|talk]]) 03:50, 6 August 2014 (CDT) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:35, 25 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Afterword --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 15:40, 25 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''

===Volume 2===
::*Illustrations --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 06:40, 28 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 08:54, 30 December 2014 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:39, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:39, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:39, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:39, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Afterword --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:39, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''

===Volume 3===
::*Illustrations --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 16:47, 26 January 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 13:12, 4 February 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:02, 14 February 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 15:13, 21 February 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:34, 28 February 2015 (CST) '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 15:11, 15 February 2015 (CST) ''translated''
::*Chapter 6 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:22, 21 February 2015 (CST) ''translated''
::*Afterword --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:22, 21 February 2015 (CST) ''translated''

===Volume 4===
::*Illustrations
::*Chapter 1 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 13:06, 3 March 2015 (CST) ''translated''
::*Chapter 2 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:20, 5 March 2015 (CST) ''translated''
::*Chapter 3 --[[User:Warnis|Warnis]] ([[User talk:Warnis|talk]]) 11:20, 5 March 2015 (CST)
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Afterword

<noinclude>
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| Return to [[Rokujouma_no_Shinryakusha!%3F|Main Page]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Talk:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou

2015-03-06T00:32:42Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Thougt that I should point out that Solitary Translations has been deleted by WordPress due to hosting the translations for DanMachi. Anyone who has downloaded the translated chapters for Magika from his site should upload them here, especially when you consider that Jn's last message was to upload them here instead of linking them to his site. Whether or not he foresaw this event is anyone's guess though. - [[User:DragonKing0117|DragonKing0117]] ([[User talk:DragonKing0117|talk]]) 06:56, 24 February 2015‎ (CST)

:Does anyone have backups of the previously translated chapters before they were deleted? If not, I'll see if I can't get ahold of some. [[User:LivingHumanoidInterface|LivingHumanoidInterface]] ([[User talk:LivingHumanoidInterface|talk]]) 21:40, 26 February 2015‎ (CST)

::<nowiki>***link removed***</nowiki> (remove the space) - [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 00:21, 27 February 2015 (CST)

::You can access my backupsite on solitarytranslationbackup.com. Though, don't tell too much as I haven't actually backuped Magika. I also have a part of Chapter 5 if you want it as well. [[User:Jn19930|Jn19930]] ([[User talk:Jn19930|talk]]) 17:32, 5 March 2015 (CST)

:::Thanks, btw in your new site all the links are pointing to your old closed website -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 18:31, 5 March 2015 (CST)

Talk:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou

2015-03-06T00:32:20Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Thougt that I should point out that Solitary Translations has been deleted by WordPress due to hosting the translations for DanMachi. Anyone who has downloaded the translated chapters for Magika from his site should upload them here, especially when you consider that Jn's last message was to upload them here instead of linking them to his site. Whether or not he foresaw this event is anyone's guess though. - [[User:DragonKing0117|DragonKing0117]] ([[User talk:DragonKing0117|talk]])) 06:56, 24 February 2015‎ (CST)

:Does anyone have backups of the previously translated chapters before they were deleted? If not, I'll see if I can't get ahold of some. [[User:LivingHumanoidInterface|LivingHumanoidInterface]] ([[User talk:LivingHumanoidInterface|talk]]) 21:40, 26 February 2015‎ (CST)

::<nowiki>***</nowiki> '''''link removed''''' <nowiki>***</nowiki> - [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 00:21, 27 February 2015 (CST)

::You can access my backupsite on solitarytranslationbackup.com. Though, don't tell too much as I haven't actually backuped Magika. I also have a part of Chapter 5 if you want it as well. [[User:Jn19930|Jn19930]] ([[User talk:Jn19930|talk]]) 17:32, 5 March 2015 (CST)

:::Thanks, btw in your new site all the links are pointing to your old closed website -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 18:31, 5 March 2015 (CST)

Talk:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou

2015-03-06T00:31:05Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Thougt that I should point out that Solitary Translations has been deleted by WordPress due to hosting the translations for DanMachi. Anyone who has downloaded the translated chapters for Magika from his site should upload them here, especially when you consider that Jn's last message was to upload them here instead of linking them to his site. Whether or not he foresaw this event is anyone's guess though. - [[User:DragonKing0117|DragonKing0117]] ([[User talk:DragonKing0117|talk]])) 06:56, 24 February 2015‎ (CST)

:Does anyone have backups of the previously translated chapters before they were deleted? If not, I'll see if I can't get ahold of some. [[User:LivingHumanoidInterface|LivingHumanoidInterface]] ([[User talk:LivingHumanoidInterface|talk]]) 21:40, 26 February 2015‎ (CST)

::<nowiki>***link removed***</nowiki> (remove the space) - [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 00:21, 27 February 2015 (CST)

::You can access my backupsite on solitarytranslationbackup.com. Though, don't tell too much as I haven't actually backuped Magika. I also have a part of Chapter 5 if you want it as well. [[User:Jn19930|Jn19930]] ([[User talk:Jn19930|talk]]) 17:32, 5 March 2015 (CST)

:::Thanks, btw in your new site all the links are pointing to your old closed website -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 18:31, 5 March 2015 (CST)

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2015-03-06T00:21:28Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman with the title of <Storm Cat>.

Since her childhood period, she went to many dojos and defeated them without a single loss. Her ponytail was
like a black cat’s tail, flapping in the sky. <br>The strikes from her two sword style Kodachis flowed nonstop and were undoubtedly an infinite wind of swords.

Her battle form was indeed similar to her title of a Storm.

However, her sleeping face was like an angel.

The curtains were fully opened and the sunlight from the morning shone into the dark room. But even so, she
still slept like a sleeping princess and showed no signs of awakening. Her skin was white to the extent that
the light went through her cheeks. Her long black hair was tied disorderly and was in a mess. Her usual stern
swordsman’s face was also innocent and relaxed.

……It’s been a long time since he saw her, she had become cute. Kazuki looked at her fascinated.

No, no, wait. This is not the occasion to look at his imouto in fascination.

“Hey, quickly wake up. Breakfast is already made.”

Hayashizaki Kazuki infused a loving gesture and shook her shoulders. Just at this moment ——

“——Nii-sama, chance!”

Kanae’s eyes, who he thought was still asleep, suddenly opened.

“What!?”

Kanae’s hands and feet were like tentacles and suddenly stuck out from under the blanket.

Kanae’s soft and small hands and legs wrapped around Kazuki’s body. In just a short period of time, she pulled
Kazuki onto the bed and was tightly hugging him. Towards him, Kanae revealed a fearless smile

“Nii-sama being attracted by his imouto’s cute sleeping face had become careless. The bed is the battlefield for men and women. This is the Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Art <Strategy of Flower Attracting Insect> (Deathly Plant Temptation)

“……Don’t just randomly invent a ridiculous art.”

Kanae, who was rubbing her face, flirted with Kazuki, who was stunned and sighed.

“The feeling of Nii-sama, the scent of Nii-sama, it has really been a long time. Even though yesterday Kanae finally had the opportunity to return home, but Nii-sama was not willing to sleep with me. It must be because you’re embarrassed, so Kanae thought of a scheme. As expected, you’re embarrassed, right?”

“I’m not embarrassed! ……Really now. If it were before, it would be fine. Right now we are both high school students, it is disgusting for siblings to be stuck together. I have already said not to hug me!”

“Don’t treat Kanae’s pure sibling love as something disgusting!”

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. ——However, the fact that she is a severe bro-con was really her only drawback.

Although Kazuki wanted to escape and struggled, Kanae’s hands and legs that wrapped around his body firmly did not move. Her hands and legs were releasing a faint blue light.

The reason the petite her could use such degree of strength was because she was strengthening her body with Magic.

While they were being noisy, the blanket slid off——Only then did Kazuki notice a frightening fact.

“……You, what are you wearing? Although it is already spring, but what should we do if you caught a cold.”

Kanae was wearing pajamas that could nearly see the skin underneath.

Her slim waist and round hips were clearly shown through the translucent fabric.

“What do you think, Nii-sama? This is Kanae that has upgraded into a female high school student. Since Kanae had not seen Nii-sama for so long, it is the anniversary where she wanted to show her female charm to Nii-sama.”

Kanae, whose face was red, stuck her body onto Kazuki and began to rub him. Her small boobs slowly changed shape.

The bed was a battlefield……Kazuki began to take deep breathes and calmed himself down.

“You are indeed my cute imouto……But I will not generate any desires towards my imouto. Quickly get away.”

“Ku. You only said cute, you actually still treat the matured lady, Kanae, as a child?”

“What mature Kanae, idiot. There is already no time for us to sleep, quickly wake up.”

“Kanae is still asleep. Fu——Fu——♪”

“……It is still the first time seeing such a shameless sleeping wear.”

“Kanae, who have not returned home for a long time, is a princess. So if you do not use a suitable method for waking up a princess to wake her up, Kanae will not leave the bed.”

“No matter what, you are still born and educated as a samurai. What is the method for waking up a princess.”

“Speaking of which, the method for waking up a princess is obviously a kiss, Nii-sama. Come.”

“Uwah, don’t come closer! Don’t bring your face closer!”

Kazuki tried again to escape……However, sure enough, if he was to only use his physical strength, it was impossible to escape from his imouto’s magical clutches.

——Helplessly, Kazuki could only also cast <Physical Enhancement Magic> onto his own body.

Drawing out energy from his spirit and allowing it to flow through his entire body. At the same time, heat gushed out from his body and Kazuki made his body awaken. In an instant, he broke away from Kanae’s hand and legs’ bind and escaped from the bed.

If the conditions were the same, then he would definitely not lose to his imouto in terms of strength.

“Meanie!”

“What meanie. You are the one that first used Enhancement Magic, right?”

Once the cold words came out from Kazuki, Kanae stared at Kazuki with puppy eyes.

“……Don’t make an expression as if you are a small animal that was abandoned. Really, I will forcibly make you get out of bed.”

Kazuki wrapped his hand around Kanae’s waist and gently held her up from the bed. If that’s the case, he should quickly finish the work of serving a princess. Kanae’s expression suddenly brightened up.

“Nii-sama! This is Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Final Secret Art <Princess Carry>!”

“Don’t randomly invent a Secret Art! We, Hayashizaki-Ryuu, do not have such final secret art!”

This person shouldn’t be looking down upon our school.

“This is nerve-racking, Nii-sama really is nerve-racking……The princess carry is almost like a dream……Even though it was so difficult to wake up, but Nii-sama had to do such a dream-like thing in the end……Is this situation what they call a heavenly feeling……”

Kazuki used a carrying posture made Kanae, who had a dreamy expression, spin around.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 013.jpg|thumb]]

“Okay, it’s over.”

“So short!? The feeling of floating in clouds was only a fleeting moment!? It’s too short!!”

“Hey, before you eat breakfast, go change your clothes. That kind of appearance is a scandal.”

Kazuki placed Kanae down, she pursed her lips and threw a fit.

“……Because I am a princess, so I cannot change clothes by myself. Nii-sama, please personally help me change.”

“Are you still playing the game of acting as a princess, why did you suddenly say such willful words?”

“Because didn’t Nii-sama say it yesterday night, since we have not met for so long, so you will do whatever is requested, right? Us, Swordsman, must keep our promises!”

I am already not a swordsman……Just when this sentence was about to come out from my mouth, Kazuki’s gaze fell upon the back of his left hand. An egg-shaped circular pattern was revealed there.

<Enigma>. It is an emblem from another world that changed Kazuki’s fate.

“Although I said anything is okay, but I did not imagine that you would put a request such as kissing and helping you change your clothes. If we were to do such things as siblings, then it is not skinship, but perverted acts.”

“Anyways Nii—sama won’t generate any lust towards Kanae, isn’t there no problem then……Or is it that Nii-sama want to escape from Kanae’s arousing charm?”

Kanae revealed provocative eyes and raised both hands. Kazuki was outraged by this phrase.

Due to the challenge issued by his imouto, replying to all of it was a duty as her brother.

Using the mentality trained as a previous swordsman, Kazuki opened up his imouto’s pajamas. Just like peeling off thin skin, the snow-white skin was gradually revealed in front of his eyes. Kanae, mojimoji<ref>Mojimoji is the sound effect of fidgeting.</ref>, wriggled her body.

“I, It was seen……Kanae’s appearance of only wearing undergarments. I’m currently being seen by Nii-sama……Please carefully look after me……”

“Why are you excited, are you a pervert. I didn’t see. I didn’t see it one bit. And even if I did see it, I will not generate any thoughts towards my imouto wearing only undergarments……Where is your uniform?”

Kanae pointed on top of the table, a folded uniform was placed there.

<National Knight’s Academy Caryatid>’s <Sword Division>’s female uniform was a narrow sleeves kimono-styled blouse with a female hakama-style miniskirt, combining into an outfit that consist of both Japanese and Western style.

After helping Kanae wear the stern outfit, Kazuki was finally relieved and sighed.

“Okay. Compared to that kind of pajamas, you are still more suitable for this type of clothing.”

This was the real, female swordsman <Storm Cat>.

Having said that, swordsman all like to consider their nickname, sure-kill techniques, etc.

Kazuki also once had a nickname……But this was already something of the past.

“This kind of Nii-sama wearing a brand new uniform is also very very suitable!”

Kazuki was wearing a different uniform than Kanae. Because he was entering into a different division than Kanae.

He was wearing a blazer, which had an atmosphere of high quality, made from <Alchemical Silk>.

A dazzling <Gem System> embroidery was embroidered everywhere. The metal parts of the belt and the metal buttons were made by intertwining a precious rainbow-colored metal <Marble Metal>.

This was a male uniform that generously infused the true essence of <Alchemy>.

“A gentle Nii-sama coupled with an intellectual blazer is really a wonderful coordination. This is the type that gives me the number one feeling of wanting to hug Nii-sama. Nii-sama, I love you——Haahaah.”

“Calm down, Kanae. As a Hayashizaki swordsman, you cannot lose your calm……Do not excitedly breathe raggedly in front of your brother.”

“But, although my appearance of wearing the uniform was praised by Nii-sama and made me happy, Kanae further hopes that Nii-sama would be more aware of the sexy undergarments earlier. Although I am your imouto, but it is only in name……”

“Just because it is a imouto in name, so I have to be more mindful of it.”

Kazuki, who was once an orphan, was in a position where he was accepted as an adopted son by the Ancient Sword Skill Prestigious Family —— Hayashizaki Family.

In other words, Kanae is the daughter of the family that he owes a great debt to.

“Even if it is only kissing on the cheeks, it is fine. I want Nii-sama’s kiss. So sad……”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she had lost a duel and whispered. She placed two kodachis on her waist. She was already accustomed to the extremely heavy weight from the true swords. She turned her gaze towards Kazuki at the side.

“Nii-sama……Although, you are very cool while wearing the uniform……But as expected, you won’t be bringing your blade?”

“How can I bring it. I am not a student of the Sword Division.”

Listening to the answer that had no room for change, Kanae angrily glared at Kazuki’s left hand.

“It is all because Nii-sama’s left hand suddenly emerged that damn Enigma!”

“It is already too late to talk about it……I already left behind the feelings of the sword.”

The people with magic qualities that were recognized by <Diva> will be awarded a Stigma on the back of the left hand at the age of fourteen when their magic begins to grow.

People who owned a Stigma had to enter the <Magic Division> to study and was destined to form a contract with a Diva.

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. And Hayashizaki Kazuki——From today on, he is a <Summoning Magic User>.

× × ×

Because the morning temperature had dropped a lot, spring mist had appeared outside.

As if it was cutting apart the hazy patch, the <Magic Light Train> released a blue magic light and was moving on the street.

This train was the product of high degree Magic and Alchemy. The materials used for the train’s body was the newly generated metal <Mithril> made by Alchemy and it had succeeded in substantially reducing the weight.

And by using the driver’s <Thought Magic> to act as a support for the performance and operations, even if it was a complex urban route, it is still feasible to run it with a speed no less than on Shinkansen.<ref>Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan.</ref>

While its performance could be accelerated to 250 km per hour in a short period of time, it could also utilize the blessing of Thought Magic to reduce the weight of the train and swiftly reduce the speed as it approaches the station. It will not make any noise as it stops.

However, the production of mithril is extremely difficult, so it is still a valuable product. This kind of train operation is only an experimental project that is limited within Tokyo.

——The Magic Light Train had arrived at <Knight’s Academy Station>.

Kazuki and Kanae both came down from the train and onto the station platform.

Because they had left home when there was still ample amount of time, the figures of other freshmen were extremely limited and it was very quiet. The shopping street near the station was also the same. Aside from the convenience store, the other shops’ rolling shutter doors had not been pulled up yet.

“Nii-sama is really planning on entering the Magic Division and not the Sword Division?”

During the way to the academy from the station, Kanae asked unhappily.

“……By now, there is nothing to say about it. This isn’t something I should hesitate about on the day of the entrance ceremony.” Kazuki replied.

Since humans have discovered Magic, this brand new power, it has already been 15 years.

The cause of it was due to Alchemy.

Due to the <Rosicrucian group> that seeks human evolution, the <Golden Dawn> led by MacGregor Mathers and the Nazi Germany’s research institution <Ahnenerbe>, these secret organizations had inherited the alchemy through the line of succession and finally produced an massive result 15 years ago.

That is the fruit of their research, a great red fruit <Philosopher’s Stone>.

It was produced by an mysterious Alchemist. A man-made magical stone with an unknown creation method.

By embedding this ruby-like red-color stone into the human’s brain, the Magic Power of humans will awaken.

Although it is embedded, it is not directly placed into the brain through surgery. Just by placing this incredible stone on the forehead, the part that touches the skin will slowly assimilate and gradually enter the body until it reaches the brain.

Due to the appearance of the Philosopher’s Stone, the world’s order had completely changed.

Magic could not be explained through scientific theories.

Magic is not restricted by the scientific theories.

Magic belongs to a higher dimension than science, causing the rules to be completely rewritten.

For example, when a Magic user uses Magic to cover his entire body, this layer of Magic barrier will “Ignore” and bounce back all weapons or physical phenomena. This layer of Magic Barrier could only be destroyed by Attacking Magic or Magic Swords that holds Magic.

Thus, the era had become <The Era of Swords and Magic>.

Police and self-defense forces had transformed into <Knights> composed of Swordsman and Magic Users.

And Japan’s Knight training academy was the National Knights Academy Caryatid.

——Which is also the school that Kazuki is about to enter to study.

“Nii-sama, who had aspired me to the way of the sword, actually entered the Magic Division……Having to enter a different dormitory than me, who belongs to the Sword Division……The Diva that gave Nii-sama an Enigma is extremely detestable……”

The Knights Academy is divided into Sword Division and Magic Division, and implemented a complete boarding system.

Kazuki and Kanae were divided into directions of different careers. Kanae still could not accept this result.

“What kind of purpose did that fellow known as Diva have to give a person like me this kind of thing?”

Kazuki raised his left hand that had the Enigma emerged on it and whispered quietly.

The Divas are inhabitants of an alternative world that was brought forth through Summoning Magic.

Through the vast and deep psychological see inside a person’s heart—— Deep down inside, there is a door that leads to another world.

Until the very end, the scientific community did not completely understand a human’s heart and spirit. It was through this <Heart of Door> that the body contained something that came from alternative world.

By allowing Magic Power, this supreme feeling to be attached to the body, the current generation of humans were able to feel it.

All of the humans are connected to each other through this alternative world.

The non-material alternative world was named as <Astrum>.

At Astrum, large amounts of Magic Power were swirling.

Inside the swirl of Magic Power lurked <Consciousness with Personality>. They contacted with humans and when people sleep, they will move from Astrum into their dreams to communicate with humans.

To form a contract with the humans, the magic that summons them to this side of the world is —— Summoning Magic.

What was surprising was that they, who were called out from the depths of the spiritual world, had similar attitudes and names of the <Gods> and <Demons> from ancient mythology.

Thus there were given the name of Diva.<ref>God = 神, Demon = 魔, combining the two of them gets Diva = 神魔.</ref>

The numerous countries all over the world all became fanatical religious countries towards the Diva encountered.

However, in the originally, weak faith Japan, a contract with a Diva is basically controlled as a power for the military.

This is because by using the Diva’s Power’s Summoning Magic, it was too powerful compared to Normal Magic.

A portion of the Divas responded to the Japanese Government’s summons and selected people, who were suitable for the power, from Japanese citizens and granted them Enigma.

Enigma was currently under strict regulations by the country. By holding a <Contract Ritual>, it will become a <Stigma> and gives the host the power of Summoning Magic.

Thus, the people, who got an Enigma, all had the obligations to enter the Magic Division to study.

This was in order for the precious Enigmas to not be wasted and become combat strength.

And it was also in order for Summoning Magic, this dangerous power to be completely placed under the control of the country and the academy.

——Right now, Kazuki’s hand also harbored an Enigma, which could be called as an <Invitation sent by a Diva>.

“I also did not want to become a <Stigma Magic User>. However, if you are awarded a Enigma, it is equivalent of losing the freedom for the future.”

It is not too much for Summoning Magic to be known as a heroic power that is equivalent to thousands of forces on a battlefield.

Normally, being awarded an Enigma shouldn’t absolutely make one frustrated, even if it made one unhappy.

“……But I, instead of a Stigma Magic User, wanted to become more of a swordsman. I wanted to repay the gratitude towards my foster father-sama who discovered my talent for the sword while I was an ordinary orphan.”

Even if they were both a Knight, the position of a Swordsman was much lower than a Stigma Magic User.

Although swordsman specializes in swift close combat, in the end, the role it plays was only a meat shield to buy time for the Stigma Magic User to chant Magic.

However, even so. Kazuki still wanted to become a swordsman, and replace his foster father, Hayashizaki Jinkai. To let everybody in the world know the power of <Hayashizaki-Ryuu Iai Jutsu> was his greatest goal in life.

“However, my foster father actually said. “Since you are a person that was selected, then don’t continue to hold this kind of intolerable dreams. Do not let your life to be bounded by thoughts of gratitude.” So I decided to enter the Magic Division. In order to find a brand new goal.”

So you should also accept this reality, Kazuki said as he tapped Kanae’s head.

“It is fine if you do not consider gratitude. By now, you should stop trying to be an outsider.”

While being tapped upon, Kanae issued out an unsatisfied voice.

“Indeed. The ancient sword skills used for actual combat that was passed from generations to generation from Hayashizaki Family, had a mission of allowing the world know the true power of a sword. Swordsmanship has always been underestimated compared to Summoning Magic. Our Magic Swords will not lose to Divas. However, the mission of allowing the world know the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu, I am enough by myself! Nii-sama’s gratitude is completely unnecessary! But!”

Kanae said up to this point, and her cheeks began to pout.

“Although it is like that, but Nii-sama becoming a Stigma Magic User, I still can not agree to it! If there is a need to say why, the match between me and Nii-sama have not yet determined the winner!!”

“If it is about the outcome……Am I not leading with 139 wins and 118 loss?”

“The match is to continue until I overtake you! Until then, we should always continue to fight!”

When Kazuki was first adopted by the Hayashizaki Family, Kanae did not recognize Kazaki as a family member.

And it was because Kazuki had continued to hone his own sword skills, allowing his own rudeness to slowly conflict against Kanae during that period of time. Kanae unconsciously began to call Kazuki “Nii-sama” and started to flirt with him.

The record of 139 wins, 118 loss was the history between the two of them.

Kazuki used both hands to pinch Kanae’s pouting cheeks. The air pufu leaked out from Kanae’s mouth. Kazuki began to play with Kanae’s cheeks by pulling left and right.

“N, Nii-sama……Please don’t play with your imouto’s cheeks……”

“If you are the strongest swordsman, then I will become the strongest Stigma Magic User.”

Kane suddenly widened her eyes. Kazuki stared at those eyes and said to her.

“So from now on, we are still opponents. Kanae’s Magic Sword must not lose when fighting against my Summoning Magic.”

Although the path for the two of them had split apart, but it was not to the point where they lost their bonds.

“……Nii-sama must become the strongest in Magic Division. The people of Hayashizaki Family cannot be anything else.”

The strongest power huh, although to me, I still do not know how to use this kind of thing……

While I whispered softly in my heart, Kazuki stared at the sky shrouded by the spring mist.

As they walked, the spring mist finally dispersed. The academy appeared under the blue sky.

The stone built school doors were standing in front of them. Flower beds decorated both sides of the path as it extended directly forward. In front, you could see a fountain square.

On the left of the fountain square was a brick built mansion and a sharp tower. The classic brick structure produced a feeling that it was indeed a school for Magic Users.

Comparatively, on the right, wooden built Japanese-styled building were lined up closely in rows. That side was undoubtedly the dorm for swordsman.

A school that was divided into two—— The school divides the Magic Division and the Sword Division to show a completely different perspective.

Kazuki stopped in front of the school doors and swiftly turned to face Kanae.

“So that’s it. From now on, please take care of me……Senpai.”

“Please don’t be like that! Nii-sama is obviously my beloved Nii-sama!”

“But truthfully……Kanae-neesama is older than me and is a 2nd year senpai at school.”

“K…Kanae-neesama!?” Kanae suddenly became speechlessly.

Kanae, who treated and admired Kazuki as a brother, was in fact older than Kazuki. It was the so-called imouto that was older in age.

The reason why this strange relationship was because Kazuki is an orphan with an unknown birth.

Kazuki was raised as a child of the same age as Kanae in the Hayashizaki family, his birthday was also celebrated at the same day as Kanae’s birthday. Because his mother from Hayashizaki family had died to a disease, Kazuki took the lead and was responsible for housework. Thus, the relationship between Kanae naturally become <The Caring Brother> and <The Lazy Sister>.

Enigma are something that appeared upon the selected people when they became 14 years old.

After Kanae’s 14th birthday had approached, in Hayashizaki Family, they had a grand celebration for the two child having not revealed an Enigma. ——However in the year after that, an Enigma appeared on Kazuki’s left hand.

Speaking of which, this was something that should be impossible.

Kazuki, who always thought he was the same age as Kanae, was extremely surprised because “He was still fourteen years old!”, and the truth about Kanae, who was always “Nii-sama Nii-sama” and desperately flirting with him, was actually older was revealed.

“So that’s why I said, our relationship will not change! If it was during the time when I was stronger, it should be fine, but now since I have been overtaken and even the fact that that I am older……I, it makes one angry!”

“Please become more mature, Nee-sama”

“Don’t call me Nee-sama! Kanae is Nii-sama’s imouto!!”

“Then, please show me around the school. This is the reason why we got up early and rushed over here.”

From today on, Kanae is a second year student. So she will usually live in the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

However, Kanae said that she was going to bring Kazuki around the school before the entrance ceremony, so she returned back home. Then they come to school together.

“Please rest assured and leave it to me! Then we will immediately begin by visiting the school from the Sword Division!”

“No, it is still better to bring me to visit the Magic Division. I am going to study over there.”

“How can it be ……You don’t plan to go to the Sword Division now, but instead head off to the Magic Division!?”

“Don’t turn the conversation back again!”

Kazuki tapped her head, but Kanae happily revealed an “Ehehe~” expression. Just when they were performing this sibling two person-show,

“President! I finally found you, president——!”

From the other side of the school door, a male’s voice came.

A bulky guy directed rushed over in a straight line.

It was a guy that was cleanly dressed with short hair. He was wearing a Sword Division’s male uniform. A Odachi was on his waist.

“Torazo!? Why are you here!”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she noticed a person that could not easily be dealt with.

“President, why do you not reply the text messages I sent to you, even if I call you, no one answered!”

“This morning I have a very important event to lead a freshman on his way, so didn’t I say to absolutely not bother me, I had conveyed this to all of you when I submitted the application to return home to the school! Of course I will obviously switch off my phone!”

At this time, this person, Torazo-senpai turned his gaze towards Kazuki and revealed an “Ah!” expression.

“Even though he is a male, but he is wearing a Magic Division uniform. Could this person be the legendary……?”

The incident about Kazuki’s body having an Enigma seems to have already spread throughout the country as a much hyped topic.

The reason for this is because it was something that should normally not happen.

Torazo-senpai continued to stare at Kazuki. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling.

“Hmmmmh, this person is my Nii-sama. He is super strong! It is a brother that I am proud of!”

“The president’s older brother? Even though this person should have only entered the school this year……?”

“Although he is a kouhai, but he is still my Nii-sama! Compared to that, what business do you have for finding me? I will decided based on your response whether or not to cut you!”

Kanae untied the sheath, placed her hand on the handle and threatened. Torazo-senpai immediately flinched.

“S,Sorry……Inside the school’s garden, there is a person from the Magic Division that found faults with the Sword Division and created a commotion……”

“A dispute? But Torazo, you disregarded the commotion and specifically search for me in this vast campus where my location is unclear to you? How should you explain?”

“Iori is waiting at the scene. Although I called your phone number, there was no response, but I recalled hearing that you were going to lead a freshman, so I didn’t bother and took a chance to look at the front of the school doors.”

“Your luck is really good.” Torazo-senpai smiled as he spoke, but Kanae reacted with a “Awful……” and held her head.

“……What a useless person. Stop relying on me to this point. Can you still be considered as the 3rd place of the Student Council belonging to the Sword Division?”

“But if president does not think of a way to solve it, then the dispute with the Magic Division will not be solved. Only the president is capable of directly fighting against the people of the Magic Division. It is not only me, who is unpromising.”

“It is that kind of thinking of taking the Magic Division as granted that is the most unpromising! This guy or that guy, once they come to the Sword Division, their heads are filled with thoughts of defeated!!”

After Kanae severely scolded Torazo-senpai, she turned towards Kazuki and revealed a dejected expression.

“Then, Nii-sama……I am extremely sorry……There is an emergency situation that occurred.”

“Although it is regrettable, but since it is the Student Council’s work, then it can’t be helped. The things over there are more important.”

“I actually made Nii-sama felt regret! As compensation, even if I have to exchange my life, I will……!”

“Don’t be too concerned about it. Good luck, senpai!”

“Really now, don’t call me senpai! ……Damn, it can’t be helped. Let’s go, Torazo. What on earth is that expression of yours as if you saw something strange. Stop looking over there and quickly bring me to the scene!”

Kanae mercilessly kicked Torazo-senpai’s butt and rushed over to the site of dispute.

“You’re trusted by everybody, Kanae.”

Knight Academy’s Student Council President. That is the other appearance of Kanae.

The Knight Academy followed the spirit of meritocracy. In other worlds, Kanae is already the strongest person in the Sword Division.

“Since Kanae had already become the Sword Division’s Student Council President, I must also aim for the Magic Division’s Student Council President.”

Having a remarkable sister, the younger brother must be difficult to do.

Although anyways I do not know why that is.

Speaking of which……Kanae, who was originally planning to lead the way, was already gone.

“This side is probably the Magic Division.”

The school uses the fountain square as a dividing point, left and right were respectively split into Magic Division and Sword Division.

Heading to the Magic Division on the left side, many brick constructed buildings were lined up. Although it was still early, you could still the figure of female students scattered around.

“……Hey, that person is the legendary……It’s the one that was awarded an Enigma even though he is a male…….”

“Eh, it’s him……Looks more normal than expected. I imagined him to have a more wild-like feeling.”

“Is it a mistake. A savage male swordsman actually got mixed into the Magic Division……!”

The female students were all secretly looking at Kazuki and were quietly discussing something.

Just now Torazo-senpai also……As expected, it had already spread out.

Enigma. Originally it will only be ushered onto a <Girl>’s body on their fourteenth birthday.

Because a female’s Magic Power was naturally higher than males.

However, speaking of which, Kazuki did not have a Magic Power surpassing the average standard of males. Why Kazuki obtained an Enigma was still a complete mystery. Even he, himself, wondered if there were something wrong.

……And those are the Magic Users that belongs to the Knight?

While he walked, Kazuki noticed an abnormal tension. The situation wasn’t just throughout the students, it was also mixed among the female Magic Teachers that were wearing <Magical Dress> (Decorteo Brigieux) and belonged to the Knights.

Because it was an entrance ceremony that was responsible for the country’s future Stigma Magic Users, so they have specifically sent out the originally understaffed Knights as a precaution.

Really now, if you carefully think about it, he had really came to an amazing place……

Truthfully, he did not have any confidence in his magic talent. Especially in Magic Power. Acquired growth is extremely rare, the pros and cons have mostly been determined from birth. Could relying on effort make up for the unfavorable situation in the end……

Why am I here in this place.

In order to avoid the gazes sent to him, Kazuki headed to a location where there were no shadows.

However, just after he walked for a while ——His vision was suddenly blinded.

“Guess ——Who am I?”

A sweet voice entered his ears, is this —— a girl covering his eyes from behind!?

Just like a scene in romance manga. However, this was too abrupt.

“Who ——Am I? Okay, okay, say quickly. Do you not recognize me?”

It was undoubtedly a voice he had never heard before. At the same time, a soft feeling was pressed from behind. T, This feeling is……!

“Even if you want me to guess, I do not have any idea……!?”

“Quickly answer me! If you do not quickly determine who am I, I will become a yandere! This “Guess —— Who am I?” question includes a weird scene involved!”

“ “Guess —— Who am I?” It is something scary that there is a need for an ethical review!?”

“Quick—ly——say! If you do not immediately answer, the luxurious prizes will be gone! The prize is actually a two person hot spring trip, if you answer correctly, then I will go together with you!”

“The prize appeared!? What has this situation become!?”

The feeling is indeed extremely soft. Although he wanted to vent, but it could become troublesome, so Kazuki was almost confused.

“10, 9, 8, 7……Really now, because there are no signs of answer my question, all of the middle numbers are omitted, 0! It can’t be help, it’s time to enter the time to kill. It is fine to answer while looking at me.”

Both hands from the girl moved away from his face, Kazuki immediately turned around and looked behind.

What entered his vision was ——a tall girl with a slim figure. Although it was the slim figure of a model, but her boobs were so massive as if it was teasing the male’s heart.

From behind, her long smooth hair was flowing due to the early morning’s breeze.

Coupled with the scenery from the academy, it was as if she was a person from a painting.

The generally huge eyes sparkled like gems and stared through Kazuki.

“……Who?”

Kazuki muttered in a daze. As long as he met this person once, he would absolutely never forget it.

“The correct answer is ……It’s our first meeting!”

Kazuki, who placed out a stance, suddenly felt all his strength disappear.

“Sorry, because I wanted to become your friend, so it can’t be helped.”

Her face revealed a blooming flowers-like, dazzling smile. Once she smiled, the dimples on her face were revealed.

“It’s my first time meeting you. My name is Otonashi Kaguya, the silent, shining night sky<ref>Otonashi Kaguya = 音無輝夜, if you split it apart into 音無 and 輝夜. 音無 = silent, 輝夜 = shining night.</ref>—— A mysterious and beautiful girl that was like an aurora and the constellations in the sky. Because my parents wanted to bring me up as such a person, so they had given me such a troubling name. A 16 year old girl who has her face filled with tears due to her small-minded name being teased around. I am your senpai.”

She placed a hand on her huge boobs, and clearly made a self-introduction.

“Uhhhh, my name is……”

“I know! You are the otouto of the Sword Division’s Student Council Present, Kanae, who was awarded an Enigma, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun!”

“Are you familiar with my older sister?”

“Our relationship is very good! And because you are a special existence so I slightly investigated it.

……Special, huh. Even I do not know understand why I came to such a place.

“Anyways, can you become my friend? No, please be my friend!”

Otonashi-senpai powerfully gripped Kazuki’s hand, and her face approached over.

The gem-like eyes emitted an intense light. Due to the power of that gaze, he was pressured—— Kazuki could not help but nod his head.

“Success, I am friend number 1!”

Otonashi-senpai happily, shaking Kazuki’s arms.

“Then please call me Kaguya. I hope that you will use the method of directly calling your friend’s name.”

“T, that’s a bit……Please allow me to call you Kaguya-senpai.”

“Senpai……Senpai, huh. From this year on, I became a senpai. It feels somewhat embarrassing.”

Senpai’s face was filled with a smile. By the way, how long do we have to hold hands……?

“Incidentally why are you in such a remote location? A school adventure?”

Senpai maintained the posture of holding Kazuki’s hand and her face quickly approached as she asked.

Too close Too close, her face is pointlessly approaching too close! Seems like you could smell a certain fragrant scent!

“Until just now, my older sister was showing me around, but because of an emergency, she had to leave first. Thus, I did not know what to do and hang around here.”

“Ahahah! I know, as an replacement, then I will show you around this school! Ok——ay, speaking of Magic Division, why not first head off to the most famous attraction, the <Witch’s House>!”

Senpai shouted “Let’s go!” and pulled Kazuki’s hand. She is really a motivated person.

Do we have to walk while holding hands? Should a male and female of this age be doing such a thing? ……But the other side shows no signs of being concerned, being excessively concerned feels a bit outrageous.

And……I am a human who had devoted his life towards training swordsmanship. Therefore, I must not be in disarray just by the extent of a beautiful big sister holding my hands. I will not lose!

In turn, Kazuki gripped the other’s hand, thus Kaguya senpai issued out a “WA” sound.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 032.jpg|thumb]]

“WAA! UWAH, it’s my first time experiencing this feeling. A male’s strength is rather strong. It feels like I’m being hugged!”

A calm heart. Right now I must maintain a calm heart that is even more than Gandhi……

However, just after they walked for a while, Kazuki produced a strange feeling. It was rustling within his heart.

Although there was no wind, yet the air was swept away. It was as if there were signs of him being involved in a whirlpool of confusion.

Once as a swordsman, the keen sense he trained before was currently telling him about this abnormal situation.

“……This is” From inside his mind, Gandhi was blown away.

“Ara? You noticed as well? How keen. Are you the type that specializes in Perceptibility Enhancement Magic? ……Yes, in a certain location, a great volume of Magic is currently flowing and causing the world to tremble.”

Due to a completely different power ——Magic, the world that is supported by physical laws, was trembling.

Yes, the confusion was not the air, but the space in the vicinity——The world, itself.

Somewhere in the academy, a large-scale magic phenomenon——Summoning Magic was currently occurring.

“Let us go see the situation!”

Kaguya-senpai’s expression became tense and she tightly held Kazuki’s hand as she began to run.

Rushing to the location, it was the English-Style Garden on the outskirts of the Magic Division.

In the place that was covered with overflowing green lawn, it was currently filled with lights from Magic.

The two types of colored lights, red and green ——Two female students, who were wearing the Magic Division’s uniform, were currently chanting Summoning Magic. Although generally, Magic will release blue lights, but Summoning Magic is based on the Diva that was contracted and will emit a different colored light.

With the red and green colored Magic lights as the background, there was a figure that stepped onto the lawn like a dancing shadow. Although you could not see the face from behind, but the figure was holding a slightly short Japanese sword ——Kodachi, in one hand.

The two Stigma Magic Users were currently in battle with a Swordsman.

The red light began to swell. It was the pulse from a Diva that surpassed human wisdom. Right now, the world is being distorted——

“Too slow!”

However, compared to that, the figure of the Swordsman was even faster and swooped over.

At the same time, a voice with a rippling atmosphere and the sharp sound of piercing through the air “Byu!” rang out.

The instant the swordsman slashed, the swelling red light burst open and disappeared.

Although the Magic User had opened up a blue Magic Barrier, but it was blown away by the powerful impact.

The swordsman rolled over and turned to face the other Magic User.

This time, the face of the swordsman was shown. Kazuki gasped in surprise.

It was Kanae!…..Although the moment he saw the Kodachi, he wondered if it was her……

“I know thy name. Thy name is Andromalius……”<ref>Andromalius is a mighty Great Earl of Hell, having 36 legions of demon at his service. It is the 72th Spirit among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>

The female releasing a green light was chanting a spell. Andromalius is the name of the Diva that she was contracted with. Her entire body was wrapped by light ——

“You are also too slow!”

With the terrifying momentum, Kanae jumped and gave her a blow with the Magic Sword before the Summoning Magic activated.

This female’s blue Magic Barrier that she enacted was also blown away.

The blue colored barrier was not the power of Summoning Magic, but Normal Magic using their own Magic Power. As an emergency defense, she was forced to give up on the Summoning Magic Chant and resorted to her own Magic.

The modern humans that awakened as Magic Users. When they are aware that they are in danger, they will reflexively use Magic to cover their body. In order to deny the phenomenon that will bring him to themselves and negating it. Thus, it was rare for them to be injured.

The Magic Barrier that arise from the defensive instinct was known as <Defense Magic>

However, if it suffered from an attack that contained Magic Power, this Defensive Magic will gradually be reduced.

In a battle between Magic Users, it is about reducing the opponent’s Magic Power——Which is also their Spiritual Power.

“Ara, although they did not wear the Magical Dress from <Simplified Chant> , but having their chant disrupted so easily is bad. If they wish to face against Kanae-chan, then their training is far from enough.

Kaguya-senpai quietly said beside Kazuki. Could this senpai be a person with great strength?

The two girls stood up and once again, began to chant.

“Hmph. You want to be cut by me a thousand times until your Magic Power runs out!”

Kanae’s face revealed a smile that was just like the incarnation of a battle maniac, and pulled out her second Kodachi. The two sword style was the sign of Kanae becoming serious. Then she pounced over again like a cat——

“Stop right here!” Kaguya-senpai, who was watching the developments on the side, issued a loud cry.

The Magic Lights were once again interrupted. Kanae also stopped her own actions.

“In other words, it is the two Magic Division students over there ……Ogiwara-san and Sato-san, who was refusing to give way towards the Sword Division students, and created a dispute. Thus, the Sword Division students intervene to mediate, is it not?”

After the battle stopped, the three Sword Division students that were observing the situation in a sheltered location, appeared one by one.

Revealing a frightened expression, Torazo-senpai and another female student that seemed to be in the Sword Division Student Council explained the situation to Kaguya-senpai.

Kazuki stood beside senpai and carefully listened to the development of the situation.

“It is not something cute as mediate! That women, suddenly used her sword and chopped over here!”

The Magic Division student that released the red light, roared as she retorted.

“In the first place, was it not you two, who used Summoning Magic on the Sword Division students.

“That was only a slight warning. Even though it is obviously the territory of the Magic Division, but these people continued to resist.”

“Did you only plan it as a warning? Sato-san.”

Kaguya suspiciously asked the female student that was called Sato-san.

“You actually said it was a warning? Don’t joke around. It was probably because you wanted to test the Summoning Magic you’ve just learned and specifically came here to cause trouble. Speaking of which, recently the Magic Division people, like criminals on the street, have used the Sword Division students as experimental subjects and caused trouble. In the earlier period, there were also students that became unconscious!”

Unconscious, in other words, they suffered from a powerful Magic attack.

In the face of threats, Magic Users will instinctively deploy Defense Magic, but there is also a limit.

When Magic Users feel that their own Magic Power could not protect their bodies, they will open the <Heart of Door> and attempting to draw out large Magic Power from Astrum.

Although through this method, they will temporarily have Magic Power that exceeded their body’s limits, but as the cost for it, their consciousness will be dragged into Astrum and they will become unconscious.

This unconscious phenomenon is known as <Magic Drunk>. If the symptoms were severe, their consciousness will be unable to return from Astrum. The Heart of Door will also be damaged and causing their spirit to become unstable.

“People fainted!? I did not hear that such a thing has happened……!?”

“That is because the teachers in Magic Division hid the incidents up. The Sword Division students that suffered from Summoning Magic were requested to swallow their frustrations and were not allowed to make a big commotion. Only recently, I have begun to grasp the situation.”

“……Were you two planning on doing such things as well?”

“We did not think about doing such things! You only listened to what the Sword Division was saying!? Aren’t we the ones that suffered an attack from the criminals on the street!”

The person that released the red light ——Ogiwara-san retorted. Listening to what she was saying, because there was no third party other than the Sword Division, thus it was impossible to figure out what had happened.

“Just because there is no evidence, it cannot be treated as a case. Based on this side, the only punishment method is to beat them up here until they cannot get at this place. If they were beaten up by the people in Sword Division, then they could up endure their disgrace.”

“Kanae-chan, you too, please don’t use this kind of violence as a solution!”

“Don’t call me Kanae-chan! Don’t act like you are familiar with me!”

Towards the Kaguya-senpai’s and Kanae’s attitude, Kazuki was somewhat surprised.

Although Kaguya-senpai had said that they were friends……it feels that this atmosphere was very suspicious.

“Even if there are no means that could directly address this situation, I also think that we should not resort to violence in order for the long-term vision of improving relationship between the two Divisions. If we do this, sooner or later……”

Although Kaguya-senpai delivered a passionate speech, but Kanae bit her teeth and denied her opinion.

“Don’t talk about nonsense. You think the Sword Division students that were treated as experimental subjects for Summoning Magic will accept this?”

The one that emitted a green light, Sato-senpai, also shrugged with a mocking expression.

“Sword Division, this inferior species suddenly cutting over here. It is impossible to improve relations.”

Listening to her remarks, Kaguya-senpai sharply gazed at her.

“Speaking of which, your Sword Division is inferior, threatening to move away, this kind of attitude……!”

However, Sato-senpai only “ Yes, yes, I know” and interrupted senpai’s words.

“You say you want the Magic Division and Sword Division to become friendly? ……If it’s me. Although I acknowledge your strength, but this I cannot agree with your perspective. Even though we were obviously the victim here.”

Sato-senpai swiftly turned around. Ogiwara-senpai also followed to do so.

“ Making “Us that obtained a Stigma” and the Sword Division equal, that is what was truly unfair.”

Kazuki, who was watching the situation develop, frowned……Anyways, it feels that these people were too arrogant.

Stigma. Is it really something that special?

“Hmmph, what amazing Stigma Magic User-sama. Even though it was two together, yet they were beaten by a swordsman easily.”

Kanae sneered and provoked. The two of them instantly paled and they turned over.

“That was……because you suddenly slashed over here, okay! That is basically the same as plotting against others!”

“If it was based on the form of a <Duel>, then we will not have been so easily disrupted our chant by you!?”

“So you are saying that the gentlemen-like Magic Users could only fight on a battlefield when they are fully prepared. Speaking of which, you Magic Division fellow, even if I request a duel, you would not even accept it, right?”

“That is because even if a Magic Division student wins against a Swordsman Division student, our ranks will not increase! In other words, what Swordsman Division, they are completely not within our sights!”

While dropping this sentence, the two of them left the garden.

“……I’m really unhappy, I was not able to fight until I fully enjoyed it” and so on, Kanae muttered some dangerous sounding words.

Towards Kanae, who was like this, the male Sword Division student, who was picked upon, bowed his head down.

“President, I’m really sorry. Because I am too weak, I caused trouble for you.”

Torazo-senpai gently held his shoulder.

“President, I’ll send this person over to the teacher’s office. And I’ll submit the report about the incident and the victim.”

“I feel that it is futile. I already am only interested in catching those who caused harm and beating down onto the ground.”

“I have been sick and tired of it , really.” Torazo-senpai whined and brought the male student away.

It seems that little girl member of the Student Council also chased after him.

——Waiting until they left, Kanae’s head turned swiftly towards Kazuki’s direction.

“Nii-sama~♪ Nii-sama actually took the initiative to find me!”

Kanae seemed like a completely different person and issued out a sweet voice as she pounced over here. Kaguya-senpai’s eyes widened.

“Nii-sama? Isn’t Kazuki-kun Kanae’s otouto?”

Although physically, he is my otouto, but spiritually, he is my nii-san.”

After Kaguya-senpai scratched her head “I see, although I do not understand”, she turned around and faced Kanae.

“Speaking of which, Kanae. That kind of violence is not allowed! You should think of a more peaceful method instead!”

“What, so you are still here? Don’t casually talk with me.”

“……Aren’t you two friends?”

“Who is friends with this person. I only, as the Student Council President of the Sword Division, had to greet this person……Because this person is the Magic Division Student Council President.”

Kazuki was suddenly dumbfounded. ——In other words, this person is the strongest Stigma Magic User in Magic Division!

“This girl is currently the Magic Division Student Council President, <Nightmare Bringer>, Otonashi Kaguya !”

Kaguya-senpai proudly straightened her chest.

“Why is Nii-sama together with this fellow?”

Towards Kanae’s question, the one that replied was not Kazuki, but Kaguya-senpai.

“Because I noticed this new student was walking very lonely within the school, so I decided to bring him around the school.”

“Nii-sama was lonely!? Sorry, Nii-sama! Kanae will absolutely never abandon Nii-sama again! Come, let’s ignore this fellow and continue our date while visiting the academy.”

Kanae hugged onto Kazuki’s arm and pulled with force.

“Ah, wait a minute. I’m also bringing him around!”

Within a hairbreadth, Kaguya-senpai also grabbed onto my other arm. Pe~! ……What on earth was that Pe~ feeling.

“Nii-sama! Just now in a Unyou-like time, your expression suddenly became indecent and relaxed! What made you so happy!? Could it be that this fellow’s cow-like boobs made you feel happy!

The so-called “Unyou” was used as a speed unit in Ancient Style Swordsman Skills. The instant the lightning from above flashed in the sky was recorded as “Unyou”. In other words, it was so fast that the eyes could not perceive it. It was the territory of a God.

“I, I did not revealed any indecent expression! This kind of thing was never disturbed my heart!”

“Boobs?” After Kaguya-senpai froze for a while, she noticed that her own boobs were currently pressing onto Kazuki’s arm. Then she said “Sorry, you must hate it” and hurriedly pulled away. Although I did not exactly hate it……

Kanae also seemed to confront this and pressed her boobs onto Kazuki’s arm. Flat!

…….What was that flat feeling earlier.

“Why is it when it’s my turn, it is not indecent, but an expression of regret……”

“Sorry……”

“Boobs will only get in the way. I also want to become slim and cool like Kanae-chan.”

Kanae’s expression had suddenly become like Asura. It was a face of a swordsman filled with killing intent.

“Go die! DIE FASTER, YOU STUPID MEAT WOMAN! Speaking of which, Nii-sama and I already made an appointment long ago, so don’t just shamelessly get involved! Go away to one side! Your boobs should also fall apart!”

“But I am also currently bringing this child around! And this child is a freshman in our Magic Division! If it is only Kanae-chan, I think it is impossible to bring him around effectively……Ah, right.”

Saying up to here, Kaguya, pon<ref>SFX for clapping.</ref>, and clapped her hands. Then she, once again, held onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Shouldn’t Kanae-chan, who does not have any intention to peacefully get along with Magic Division, be the one to go away from my Magic Division freshman?”

“What!” Buchin!<ref>SFX for snapping.</ref> From Kanae’s head, the sound of a blood vessel bursting apart could be heard.

“Magic Division students should be led by the Magic Division Student Council President, what do you say, Kazuki-kun?”

“No, even if you ask me……!”

“Nii-sama……Compared to the Magic Division, Nii-sama is a person more suitable to the Sword Division! Nii-sama and I are not at fault, it is the world that is at fault! Diva, you baka!!”

Kanae’s body began to tremble, while she activated enhancement magic, she fiercely pulled Kazuki’s hand.

Kazuki, who nearly fell down due to the momentum, also activated enhancement magic to resist.

“Don’t use Magic! This is still the morning of the first day of school, isn’t using Magic Power a waste!?”

From the other side, senpai also “EiiEii”<ref>えい, Sound of yelling when getting down to serious physical business.</ref> and pulled onto Kazuki’s arm.

“This is my Nii-sama! This is my Nii-sama!”

“Right now, we are a trio with very good relationship! Or is this my delusion?”

Kanae cried out. Kaguya-senpai began to enjoy this situation. What on earth is this situation.

……In the end, it seems like there was no way to let them bring me around the school.

× × ×

At the Fountain Square, the Magic Division’s entrance ceremony finally began.

Speaking of entrance ceremony, if it was a normal school, the principal should be the first one up for a rather long speech……However, in front of all the neatly arranged freshmen, the one on the platform was the Student Council President, Kaguya-senpai.

Her face had a serious expression that was completely different than before. She was wearing a robe that almost covered her entire body.

“——The world is currently being eroded by myths.”

In front of the microphone, Kaguya-senpai began to speak such words.

As the peak of Magic for a human was when they were 20 years old, it will begin to decay afterwards. Based on this fact, compared to the principal, perhaps Kaguya-senpai was more suitable for the task to deliver an important speech at the entrance ceremony.

Although the adults can teach, but they are not powerful Magic Users.

In this academy, the strongest Magic User was this —— Otonashi Kaguya.

“Because of the Philosopher’s Stone brought by <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, the world is forced to change. The power that ruled the world became from Science to Magic. The balance of power for each country in the world had also undergone tremendous changes. Moreover, Magical Beast had also appeared and began to attack humans. Right now, our current world is becoming relatively similar to the fantasies of myths that were once widely spread.”

——The world is currently being eroded by myths.

Science and laws of physics are already not the absolute truth.

From the secret groups, <Rosicrucian Group>, <Golden Dawn> and <Ahnenerbe>, that had inherited the thoughts and technology, they claim to be the legitimate Alchemy organization <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>.

The person that acts as the leader is known as <Basileus Basileon><ref>Basileus Basileon is translated as King of Kings or in original Greek as Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων. The Byzantine’s Empire last dynasty’s motto. ‘Βασιλεύς Βασιλέων Βασιλεύων Βασιλεύσιν’ or in English ‘King of Kings ruling over Kings’ Info Provided by Kostas.</ref>. He was a strange person that published the results of producing a Philosopher’s Stone 15 years ago. In order to protect themselves from the threat of Magic, the Philosopher’s Stone was imported into the countries at an alarming speed.

Because the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had sold the Philosopher’s Stone at a high price, they ruled the world.

“Although Japan had luckily been listed as a <Magically Advanced Country>, but facing the aggression from other countries, we cannot think lightly of this and sit back and relax. The Knights are currently seeking for a stronger fighting force than now. This responsibility also falls upon us, who will be responsibility as future Knights.”

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had expanded to the extent where it could rule the world. However, due to the internal power struggle, it had led to their leader Basileus Basileon to be killed.

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom that expanded over the entire world, suddenly lost their unity and fell apart in an instant. Each country’s government immediately tried to seize this opportunity and absorbed the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom.

Then, the 7 countries with many Magic User, meaning that they had purchased the most Philosopher’s Stone, as the <Seven Magically Advanced Country>, they had inherited the ruling position of the world.

However, Basilevs Basileon’s body had still not yet been found.

“Just as everybody knows, we, Japan, had established a system with the Israel myth’s <Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons>. However, the other 6 countries had established relationships with <Very Different Divas>. The combat capability gap between the 7 countries is in a completely evenly matched state. Although currently on the surface, we are at peace. However, we do not know when a Magically Advanced Country will trigger the <Battle of Myths>, it is not strange if it does happen.”

The 7 Magically Advanced Countries ——Japan, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and China. Each country’s Knights had inherited the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom and had earned the help of Divas from completely different Myths.

The other countries were different than Japan. They had gotten the power of Divas through <Faith>.

There was no knowing when the Divas break the balance and cause the 7 countries to be in danger. This is the truth about the temporary peace.

“Not only abroad, but also within the country, there exist the threat of <Illegal Magic Users> that abuse Magic for crimes. They were tempted by the evil Divas, who have evil intentions, and formed a <Illegal Contract>, allowing that power to rampage uncontrollably. At the same time, the Knights are also a police organization. They are forced to manage these Illegal Magic Users.”

The Divas that harbor evil intentions towards human would contaminate the human’s spirit as the reward for their power.

Because these things were extremely risky, within Japan, all Diva contracts outside of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons were strictly prohibited.

The past Illegal Magic Users had once made Tokyo become ruins.

“In addition, cracks suddenly appearing in the world and the Magic from Astrum leaked out, producing <Magical Beasts> and <Spirits>. These phenomenon known as <Cancer<ref>I had trouble translating this phrase, so I selected the text above it to go with it instead. The phrase is 悪性界異. From now on, this phrase will be named Cancer.</ref>> had also started to occur. The spaces, where the Magical Beasts are concentrated at, will become contaminated by Magic Power and be known as <Magic Land>. This allows the Magical Beast produced by the Cancer to appear more frequently. Defeating these Cancer is also an important job for the Knights.”

Accompanying the death of Basileus Basileon, the production method of the Philosopher’s Stone had been lost.

However, the amount of Magic Users in the world had increased. As if it had been triggered, naturally awakened Magic Users began to appear.

To the countries known as the Magically Advanced Countries, basically all their citizens had become Magic Users.

Then as the amount of Magic Users increased, the phenomenon known as Cancer had also increased in proportion. When the amount of Magical Beasts increased, the spaces would be contaminated and gradually turn into Magic Land.

Magic will bright forth more Magic. Just like the world is currently being eroded by Magic.

Humans would sometimes even start to miss the <Era where Science was Everything to the World>.

The fact that they obtained the Philosopher’s Stone. To humans, is it really an evolution that should be welcomed…….

“Aggression from Foreign Countries, Illegal Magic Users, Cancer……Dealing with these three big threats are the mission of the Knights. However, there is nothing for us to fear. Because we, the people here right now, have the power to defeat these threats. Everybody should be proud of themselves ——Everyone here are selected by the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. As a <Knights> and a hero of this new world, we are cadets with fame!”

Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. In the past, they had obeyed King Solomon and helped established the Country of Israel. The Demons of this kind of Myth were Demons, yet they assisted the humans at the same time.

They were Divas who really had friendly relationships with Japan.

“I hope that everybody will be able to cultivate their abilities and the overly powerful strength known as Summoning Magic in this academy while having a Knight’s spirit and a strong sense of honor. Powerful strength is accompanied by a great responsibility……Even if we say these to you, towards everybody, who were still ordinary middle school students yesterday, there should not be any realistic feeling……”

After saying up to here, Kaguya-senpai suddenly stopped and began to chant an incantation.

“I know thy name……Thy name is Asmodeus<ref>Asmodeus is the 32nd Demon among the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>……Thy power is the omnipotent desires. Comply with the contract, obey my command, and display thy power!”

Kaguya-senpai drew out a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with Astrum. The interior of her robe released a purple light……This is Summoning Magic!

Beside Kaguya-senpai, a large amount of light appeared and the light was shaking and twisting.

——Shortly, it became the unusual outline of a form that could not be distinguished as a human or Magical Beast.

To summarize it in one word, what Kaguya-senpai had summoned was a <Witch>. Her entire body was wearing black clothes. From her head, a crooked horn was grown and on her shoulders, a cow and lamb head was placed. It was an unusual witch.

“Kukuku, Student Council President. You actually called me out to perform this kind of acrobatics, what an amazing fellow, my cute Kaguya. Forget it, based on your honor, I will help you out once.”

One of the Pillars of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons, Asmodeus. At the same time, it is an existence along with Lucifer, Beelzebub and the others that ranked as the <Hell’s 7 Great Kinds> that manages the <Seven Deadly Sins>.

This is Otonashi Kaguya —— This is the school’s strongest Student Council President’s Contracted Diva?

From afar, gishigishi, gishigishi<ref>SFX for rustling sounds.</ref>……this kind of sound came.

—— What issued the gishigishi sound was a cage car. Just like a huge cage in a zoo placed on wheels. An awe-inspiring female student transported it to the square.

The female students beside Kazuki looked at the thing inside the cage car and immediately “Huh!” and let out a frightened voice.

In the cage, a <Dragon>’s big body was folded unhappily. The golden light lines tied up the dragon’s limps, stripping its freedom. This was probably Binding Magic.

The so-called dragon was a type of Magical Beast. The Magical Beasts that appeared from Astrum all had fantasy-like appearances that seemed to have come out from myths —— that attacked humans.

This is the difference than the instinct of a wild beast attacking other animals for food. It is unrelated to whether the Magical Beast is hungry or not. Compared to their other desires, they will place priority on attacking humans.

The Magical Beasts is not a part of the ecosystem and was obviously an enemy of mankind.

And they only exist to contaminate spaces and summon new Magical Beasts from Astrum.

It is not something to let live alive and then used for acrobatics.

The cage car was moved up in front of the freshman. There was probably a distance ten meters when it stopped.

The female student, who had completed the delivery, walked onto the platform and stood next to Kaguya-senpai.

She is probably one of the members of the Magic Division’s Student Council.

“……The shackles of constellation, let the day’s operation to be restarted again……Stars binding the day release”

The microphone slightly captured her chanting a short spell. Then, the golden light lines that bounded the dragon’s body seemed to dissolve into the air and disappeared.

The Binding Magic was released……What was that senpai planning to do!?

“……Even if there is no realistic feeling yet, but if we do not allow you to understand, it will be very troublesome……”

Kaguya-senpai used a calm tone and continued her speech.

The dragon seemed to be confirming what had happened to its body and turned its head around. When its eyes reflected the large amount of humans it should attack, just like as it was venting its anger from being tied up, it fiercely smashed the steel bars.

Gan! The door of the cage was smashed open. The locks were not even in place originally!

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The fierce roar that caused the air to ,biribiri, and vibrate made all the students tremble.

With a green-colored sheen that only reptiles have on its body, it rushed out from the cage car.

On its back, wings, similar to the bats, with many sections expanded greatly. The dragon with its great body that was probably 5 meters in length swooped over like a bullet —— directly at the freshman.

At the same time, noticing a powerful Magic Flow, Kazuki turned his gaze towards Kaguya-senpai who was standing at the platform.

——A great amount of purple light, dazzling enough to burn Kazuki’s retina was shining.

“The thought that burns my chest, portray this world as a living hell……!”

Compared to the time at the garden, an enormous difference in Magic swirled around like a whirlpool, senpai’s long hair and robe was fluttering in the winds and was lifted up.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The dragon opened its huge mouth that had many murderous teeth and it seemed like it was about to pounce over to the closest students!

At this moment, Kaguya-senpai’s spell chant ended.

“Thou art a demon king of wicked desires! The incarnation with an obsession that brings forth tragedy, let thy long-cherished wish……pain this entire world! ——Hell’s Thought Flames! (Guernica)”

“Kukukukuku!” From the cow and lamb heads on Asmodeus’s shoulders that was stretched out, just like vomiting, the two heads ejected a large flame.

The dragon was surrounded by flames and squirmed in the air. In front of the foremost students, in a place not so far in front of them.

Hell’s Flames. It revealed a red black color just like blood. Like tentacles, it continued to entangle and wrapped around it. The scales that were hard as iron was gradually melted into liquid like candy.

……What is this. No —— It was a different dimension in terms of high temperature.

The Hell’s Flame caused the dragon’s bones, the head to melt into a mess and then it caused it to evaporate.

In just a short period of time, the dragon’s body disappeared. Even the remains soon disappeared.

“Kukuku, when you need me next time, feel free to call me, my cute Kaguya……”

Asmodeus once again turned into light particles and disappeared.

“This is Summoning Magic. This is the power that everybody will begin to obtain from now on.”

Looking at the freshmen, Kaguya-senpai continued to speak. This was such an unscientific scene.

Causing the very existence to be denied, covering it and eliminating it, the red black flames.

Transporting the dragon over was just a show to demonstrate the power of Summoning Magic.

Although Summoning Magic is something that everybody could see on television……Should it be because Kaguya-senpai was too amazing, or was it because the breathtaking scene was being shown in front of their own eyes? No matter which one it is, the freshmen all held their breath.

“Please constantly ask yourself, “What is this Power used for”. This power should only be used by a person who could feel honor from their heart of justice. Great honor, responsibility and consciousness……Please allow me to use the words above to give a final gift to all of you.”

The sound of applauses suddenly rang out. Because they are able to obtain such strength, the freshmen became passionate.

However, among this, Kazuki was aware. Aware of ——his own emptiness.

The thought of praying for such strength, he had never had it. Suddenly lodging such ferocious strength inside this kind of person on day ——What a terrible thing.

I only wanted to repay the debt to the family that adopted me, who was alone.

“In other words, you are a person not satisfied with just being a Hayashizaki swordsman. Do not become such a small person. There is no need for you to be bounded by gratitude for your entire life.”

However, I, it was not for the sake of justice or peace, these kinds of vague ideas……

I only wanted to be praised by you and Kanae, only just like that……

As if he was terrified of the foreboding of a huge fate, Kazuki’s gaze fell onto his left hand.

——What on earth gave the insignificant me an Enigma……?

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Help talk:Administration Contact Page

2015-03-02T08:51:11Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

__NOTOC__
== Ongoing ==

=== Alt. Language Projects with No Content in Pending Authorisation Category ===

<div style="border:2px dotted orange;padding:5px;">This is a quick service announcement pertaining to project reclassification status:
*'''There are a handful of Alt. Lang. Projects that have no translations uploaded WHATSOEVER.'''
::I left these questionable projects in [[:Category:Pending Authorisation]]. <small>(Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai Kara Kuru Sou Desu yo (Italiano), Mokushiroku Arisu - Français)</small>
::Theoretically, according to the new English conventions, these pages should be deleted if nothing is uploaded '''within a week'''. However, I'll leave it up to the Alt. Language Supervisors to decide what course of action to take with these projects, whether you want to officially give them extensions, or issue notifications, etc. This is just a memo so that we don't forget about them. --[[User:Cloudii|Cloudii]] ([[User talk:Cloudii|talk]]) 00:54, 31 May 2014 (CDT)
</div>

List of concerned projects updated. I'll delete them if I don't have anything regarding their activity. -- [[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 07:10, 16 August 2014 (CDT)

=== <span style="color:red">Registration & Login Issues on the Forum</span> ===

If registration is impossible because of a "banned IP", confirm the form again, use a different mail or a VPN to bypass this issue. This is caused by an IP ban range that is randomly changed.

For those who have troubles while logging on the forum, please refer to [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=10583 this thread].

[[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 05:03, 1 August 2014 (CDT)

== On Hold ==

=== Shinonome Yuuko ===

[[Shinonome Yuuko wa Tanpen Shousetsu o Aishite Iru]] will be upgraded to full project status, once one volume is finished. -- [[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 05:03, 1 August 2014 (CDT)

=== Imoutolicious LNT ===

[[The Indecent Relationship between Four Lovers]] and [[Queen's Knight Kael]] will be upgraded to full project status, once one volume is finished.

== <big>Projects needing approval:</big> ==

=== 2 new hosted projects ===

Translation Group Name (with link): Heart Crusade Scans (http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/)
Name of Representative: non∞ ([[User:Angelanime|Angelanime]] - user name change to non∞)
Desired Series for Affiliation:
<br />
1. [http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/kyuuketsuki-ni-natta-kimi-wa-eien-no-ai-wo-hajimeru/ Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru]
<br />
2. [http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/novels/the-sleepy-residents-of-birdcage-manor/ Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi]

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked): Hosted
Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
Minor typo corrections and stylistic edits are okay.
Email and contact information: heart.crusader@gmail.com, B-T forum username: angelanime
--[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 05:42, 15 September 2014 (CDT)

:Do you wish to have an affiliate link on the main page? Or, are you planning something like what Nanodesu Translation is doing? --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 23:30, 26 September 2014 (CDT)

I can host directly on the site. Nanodesu is linking their releases to their sites, right? I mean to place text here to be available for editors to edit. --[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 06:43, 27 September 2014 (CDT)

:Nanodesu is indeed doing that. Just inform us here again once you're done making the pages. --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 07:49, 27 September 2014 (CDT)

Here are the project pages. I'll create the registration pages, etc. later.
*[[Kyuuketsuki_ni_Natta_Kimi_wa_Eien_no_Ai_wo_Hajimeru| Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru]]
*[[Torikagosou_no_Kyou_mo_Nemutai_Juunintachi| Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi]]
--[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 06:49, 28 September 2014 (CDT)

I decided I'll host the translation here always after 24 hours passed since it's published it on my website.
Also, the registration pages are created, volume 1 novel illustrations and prologues added. --[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 12:53, 28 September 2014 (CDT)

=== Approval Project ===

I, Xdtiagonzhar, have started a new project for Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari and uploaded some translations. But I started at 1 month ago, sorry for not contact first.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari_(Indonesia). --[[User:Xdtiagonzhar|Xdtiagonzhar]] ([[User talk:Xdtiagonzhar|talk]]) 23:34, 8 October 2014 (CDT)

=== New Translation Project. ===

I, Fresh Mint, have started a new project for Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Spanish) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari_(Spanish)|Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Spanish).]] --[[User:Fresh Mint|Fresh Mint]] ([[User talk:Fresh Mint|talk]]) 23:51, 5 November 2014 (CST)

=== Highschool dxd romanian ===

Hi , i am a new translator guy wich i want to translate highschool dxd into romanian . i also made the webpage so i hope that i will get an aprovement . This is the link [[High School DxD (Romanian)]] .
I`m sorry if i sent again the message but i forgot , my bad , to sign for administration
--[[User:DragoMuseveni|DragoMuseveni]] ([[User talk:DragoMuseveni|talk]]) 13:17, 7 November 2014 (CST)

=== New Project: Owari no Serafu (Indonesia) ===

I, Bhrerigas, have started a new project for Owari no Serafu (Indonesia) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: [[Owari no Serafu (Indonesia)]]. --[[User:Bhrerigas|Bhrerigas]] ([[User_talk:Bhrerigas|talk]]) 04:08, 12 December 2014 (CST)

=== Approval for New Project ===

I, Bowguyz, have started a new project for Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kuusen_Madoushi_Kouhosei_no_Kyoukan. --[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]] ([[User talk:Bowguyz|talk]]) 09:48, 15 December 2014 (CST)

I've started a new project for '''Maru-MA series''' in Spanish, I'm uploading all the volume 01 and I'm working on 02 to 04 right now.
The link to the project overview page is here: [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maru-MA_~_(Spanish) Maru-MA ~ (Spanish)]. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 04:52, 17 December 2014 (CST)

I, RedGlassesGirl, am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maru-MA_~_(Spanish) Maru-MA ~ (Spanish)].
There are no other active members right now, but I'm the main translator and editor out of Baka Tsuki for this project, so if some of the staff of the fansub join they'll endorse this nomination. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 04:58, 17 December 2014 (CST)

I started a new project for '''Zectas'''. It is a hosted project and links are provided for one complete volume. The links to overview page is [[Zectas]] --[[User:Rex|Rex]] ([[User talk:Rex|talk]]) 19:52, 26 December 2014 (CST)

I, Hamberz19, have started a new project for '''Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)''', Currently I'm uploading all the volume 01 but due to some changes on the English version it'll take a while to upload the whole volume one. The link to the project overview page is here: [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan_~_(Spanish) Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]. --[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 17:35, 13 January 2015 (CST)

=== New Alt. Language Project. ===

Hey, I, Ota, have started a new project for <b>Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria</b> and uploaded a few translations.<br>Here's the link to the project overview: [[Utsuro_no_Hako_to_Zero_no_Maria_~_(Brazilian_Portuguese)|Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria (Brazilian Portuguese)]]. --[[User:Otakkun|Otakkun]] ([[User talk:Otakkun|talk]]) 00:44, 22 December 2014 (CST)

== <big>Account Problems, Human Resources:</big> ==
=== For managerial post transfer & Post ===

Most of the projects that were managed by [[User:Par74583|Par74583]] were started by me and I'm in the staff. But he has been inactive for over a year or so. So i'd like to transfer to the managerial post of those projects as i took that of chaika's. i'm thinking of searching for someone interested in tl'ing them, i'll probably help out if i find someone to continue them, or if someone takes them over.and since anyone interested would probably contact the manager first if they want to tl it, it will be better if i'm there to respond. --[[User:Ways|<span style="color:green;font:bold 10pt kristen itc">TheCatWalk</span>]] --nyaa~ 22:35, 3 October 2014 (CDT)

Doing this project, so i'll be talking managerial post [[Lugal_Gigam]] --[[User:Ways|<span style="color:green;font:bold 10pt kristen itc">TheCatWalk</span>]] --nyaa~ 03:26, 26 October 2014 (CDT)

== <big>Site or project problems:</big> ==

=== Removal of Teasers from Main Projects ===

The following light novels were incorrectly tagged as light novel (Seriously need a better tag for main projects) which put them onto the main projects page despite being a teaser:

Owari no Serafu

City Series

Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru

*Removed LN tag from Owari, Kyuuketsuki, and one that was unlisted here. I left City series because it's close to one vol and I remember Ping was big on there being exceptions in cases like it (aka js). --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 18:56, 5 December 2014 (CST)

=== OLN The Devil's Spice link in the side bar is going to a "File not Found" error page ===

The OLN The Devil's Spice link in the side bar is going to an error page. I suspect this is because of the apostrophe in the page title, but I am not certain. When I hover over the link, it says "INVALID-TITLE" in the baka-tsuki URL. Can an admin fix this broken link? This is a newly approved OLN by Onizuka-Gto.

It should be going to this URL: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=The_Devil%27s_Spice

--[[User:Kandahikaru|Kandahikaru]] ([[User talk:Kandahikaru|talk]]) 08:48, 24 December 2014 (CST)

=== Recent Spam ===

what the heck with the recent spam? Could someone do something about it? -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 12:25, 27 February 2015 (CST)

== Requesting to Propose A New Project Under A Translated Version of LN ==

Hi and greeting.

My name is Muhamad from Malaysia. I'm currently studying undergraduate in United Kingdom.
During my spare time, I used to read Light Novels (LN) from Baka-Tsuki (BT) and my Japanese friend, who is in the same universities. I do enjoy reading both original and English-translated LN.

Then, he said to me: 'Why not translating them into your Own Language (Malay)?" And here I am, quite to afraid to suggest it beforehand.

Therefore, I would like to request your permission, and your approval to add another language-translated LN, that is Malay.

I know this is something new, but I would like to try it by means of translating it to my native language.
If possible, I would like to found this new project, so that people from my country and those who can read Malay appreciate more stories in LN by means of Malay language.

I will give it a try, and you could give me a response.

Here's my email: mujahidmuda13@gmail.com. Feel free to drop me a email, to ask any question.

Thank you for your time reading this post, and also for your help and support.
I am looking forward to be part of BT community team.

Regards,
Muhamad.

== New Project page for hosted/linked. ==

I, NoOne2246, have started a new project for Maou na Anoko to Murabito A and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maou_na_Anoko_to_Murabito_A.

Translation Group Name (with link):
:NoOne2246 (http://noone2246.wordpress.com/)

Name of Representative:
:NoOne2246

Desired Series for Affiliation:
:Maou na Anoko to Murabito A (魔王なあの娘と村人A)

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked):
:*Hosted text that has been completely translated, translation checked and edited.
:*Linked to other text that is still under the process of translation.

Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
:*Text will reflect any major edits done to the blog translation.
:*minor edits like spelling and grammar.
:*Suggestions to sentence structure will be posted onto the discussion page to be checked first.

Email and contact information:
:pm on BT forums.

--5th January 2015 7:45am AEST(+10)

== Supervisor needed for removing Light Novel (English) tag from abandoned projects ==

No Game No Life and Log Horizon are now fully abandoned, so their "Light Novel (English)" category tags should be removed to take them off the main project list. Since the pages are now protected, this requires a supervisor. --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 21:20, 4 January 2015 (CST)

Done. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 22:50, 4 January 2015 (CST)

== Unification of Series Overview sections ==

As stated in the subject title, the release info in series overview sections should be unified. Some don't list subtitles in japanese, or some extra list the page count, other have totally different formats of date. The way the brackets or dashes are put are different from project to project. Please consider making a formatting rule for this information. --non∞ 14:31, 9 January 2015 (CST)

== Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ==

I, Hamberz19, have started a new project for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan and uploaded some translation.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan_~_(Spanish)--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 17:23, 13 January 2015 (CST)

== External Project Request ==

Translation Group Name (with link): Sousetsuka sousetsuka.blogspot.com

Name of Representative: Either Sousetsuka or this username is fine

Desired Series for Affiliation: Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked): Linked

Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
Listing one link to homepage in the main project page. The rest follow guideline for linked affiliation project.

Email and contact information: zweindrei@gmail.com

--[[User:Muryoku daga|Muryoku daga]] ([[User talk:Muryoku daga|talk]]) 01:26, 15 January 2015 (CST)

== Functionality to Download as PDF Not Working ==

Just tried to download the double seven chapters from Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Volume 12, and I'm presented with a "POST request failed" error.

also included is "The POST request to http://tools.pediapress.com/mw-serve/ failed ($2)."

== Assuming a Project Manager for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish/Español) ==

I, [[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]], am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ~ (Spanish)|Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]]. All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination.--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 21:37, 25 February 2015 (CST)

== Forum Issues==

=== Forum: Password changing issue ===

I am being asked for the password change but the following message comes upon 'submit':
The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please seehttp://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:

Not able to navigate/post to the above forum topic linked by misogi, and the redirected link 'ahbl' not working. Need help please. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 23:55, 7 January 2015 (CST)

=== Impossible to register e-mail address on forum. ===

Hello, I've been trying to connect to the forums, but I have to change my password. But in order to change my password, I have to fill up the mail textfield even if my mail address was already confirmed. And here's my problem; no matter what mail address I use, the website keeps saying "The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com." (The same goes with my qq.com address and my yahoo.com address). This is due to that : http://www.ahbl.org/content/last-notice-wildcarding-services-jan-1st
Can you please fix it as I cannot even browse the forums because of that, and this is probably the case of many other users.

Thanks in advance.

Antoine "UraKn0x" COUY

Hi

Unfortunately, this issue can only be resolved through TLG.

The current issue is that: The site checker went down... so every website returns positive.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done on our part at the moment.

~Teh Ping

I cannot access my forum account for several weeks now. This is the error message when I am forced to create a new password ("Before you may continue browsing the board you are required to change your password."):

The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:
1. You are a well-known spammer.
2. Last time a well-known spammer was using the dynamic IP address which you got from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your e-mail address or the username you have choosen.
3. Your ISP is well-known for a lot of spamming customers and is not fighting against spammers enough.

I have no idea what's wrong with gmail and I am not a spammer nor, to my knowledge, is my well-known ISP a spammer.

=== forum account blocked ===

i logged in multiple times with the wrong password on different occasions because it was saved wrong and was to busy reset it and now that i did it tells me to change pasword and when i do it gives me this.

user:zerak
The e-mail domain hotmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://spameatingmonkey.com/lookup.html?check=hotmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:

1. You are a well-known spammer.

2. Last time a well-known spammer was using the dynamic IP address which you got from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your e-mail address or the username you have choosen.

3. Your ISP is well-known for a lot of spamming customers and is not fighting against spammers enough.

=== Forum Access ===

I had a problem today and could not enter the forum area. It said I needed to change my Password. When I tried to do that, It said that my email address IP was not allowed because it was blacklisted and gave me the site address to check it. When I did, the check site said that it was not blacklisted. What gives? Does my forum account need to be reset or something? I was able to access the regular project page by creating a log in through there but can't still access the forum part of the site.
Please let me know what I'm doing wrong.

=== Refer to the main page ===
Hi everyone, please refer to the [[Main_Page|main page]] for information. This is an issue but unfortunately we are unable to do anything without TLG. --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User talk:KuroiHikari|talk]]) 07:12, 25 January 2015 (CST)

=== Banned from the forums? --FateXeroSaber ===

If this isn't the right place to post this, then sorry, but i have no where to else to go...

I'm FateXeroSaber, i normally view a particular translation forum post for Mondaiji ... however i don't always log in unless i go to reply.
I went to log in, and naturally it asks me to change my password... upon doing that, apparently my domain name (hotmail/gmail) is apparently blocked so i can't do anything.
I can't view most of the pages needed (The Team) to try and get in contact since i can't change my password.
Using the links it provided, it said that those domains aren't even on the list. so i have no idea what to do. I'm the only one in the house that even knows/uses this website, and it can't be due to spamming, as i haven't even been logged in to post... So any help with this matter would be appreciated.

--FateXeroSaber 10:44pm (UTC +10)

As above --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User talk:KuroiHikari|talk]]) 08:17, 28 January 2015 (CST)

== Adachi to Shimamura - Translation to English ==

I (Vceopc) started a new project for Adachi to Shimamura (安達としまむら) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Adachi_to_Shimamura.

I haven't really worked with wikis before. Sorry if there's anything I didn't do properly. >_<

--[[User:Vceopc|Vceopc]] ([[User talk:Vceopc|talk]]) 23:22, 28 January 2015 (CST)

== New Project ==
I, {Aeroline}, have started a new project for {CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo} and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=CtG—Zero_Kara_Sodateru_Dennou_Shoujo. --[[User:Aeroline|Aeroline]] ([[User talk:Aeroline|talk]]) 04:02, 4 February 2015 (CST)

I, {Translatebear}, have started a new project for {Seiken Tsukai no World Break} and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seiken_Tsukai_No_World_Break. --[[User:Translatebear|Translatebear]] ([[User talk:Translatebear|talk]]) 15:23, 5 February 2015 (CST)

== Pending projects ready for approval to full projects ==

The projects [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]] and [[Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?]] appear to meet all full project requirements and their respective project staff have placed the pages in the Pending Authorisation category to await administration approval. --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 11:15, 7 February 2015 (CST)

== Username ==

I can log into the BT main site but I think my forum name is banned? I don't use it very ofen, and I think the last time might have been over a year ago. Would it be possible to correct this if it is indeed banned?

It's more to do with the 'Forum issues. All site tracks returns positive, forum login issues'--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

== Game Sensou ==

Hello Sir,

I've updated the Teaser Project "Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou" and posted the complete Volume 1 as a external contributor of Kami Translation. Though I've updated the "Staff section", in the page, I don't know how to update the "Update Section" myself. the "Feedback thread" linked the forum is also Transferred to the Teaser Section of the Forums for now, if possible please check if I did something wrong or not and while you are at it, if found no error, transfer it from Teaser Project to the Main Project section.

...I still can't log into the forums myself...

For the update section, simply follow the format as it is (if you have no idea of the dates, do give a rough estimate of when the volume is completed, at the very least--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

==Project Manager for Maru-MA series==
I, [[user:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]], am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Maru-MA]].
All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 07:01, 9 February 2015 (CST)

Recognized and upgraded. Apologies for the delay.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

==Pending project to full project==

I think [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu]] meets the requirements for a full project! I'm not planning to work on it any more for a while, but I want to increase its visibility so other translators will get interested. I'll stay as the project manager unless someone wants to take over. --[[User:Contradiction|Contradiction]] ([[User talk:Contradiction|talk]]) 15:03, 22 February 2015 (CST)

Right, added. Apologies for the delay.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

== Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento supervisor ==

Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento needs a new supervisor can someone please fill in Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento is intense and epic

If left blank, the default supervisor is Onizuka-GTO--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 21:40, 24 February 2015 (CST)

== Project Manager for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan~ (Spanish) ==

I, [[user:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ~ (Spanish)|Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]]. All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination.--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 11:36, 26 February 2015 (CST)

== Unban request ==

Hi, so, my brother's an idiot and got our IP banned (122.104.147.46 #49412) normally I'd just wait out the period, but I'd like to register as a translator for one of the new Mushoku Tensei chapters and by the time it runs out the volume will probably be over. I'm asking this from my phone because it won't even let me make a reqest on the computer. I can vouch that he won't do it again so it would be greatly apreciated of you could lift the ban sometime soon.

Done. -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 02:51, 2 March 2015 (CST)

Ark

2015-03-01T19:24:29Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-innocence-knight/ Innocence Knight]

===Volume 10===

::* ACT 1 : Deimos’ Profession?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Lee Myung-ryong’s Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Laboratory
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Galgin Clan’s Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Name
::* ACT 9 : Magaro’s Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2015-02-28T07:41:42Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Kaguya-senpai brought cards over, the atmosphere of the welcome party became more lively than before.

Mio and Hoshikaze-senpai are the type that immediately reflects what they think to their faces, so they were extremely weak. On the contrary, Kaguya-senpai and Koyuki were so strong that it was scary.

Kaguya-senpai uses lies and bluffs with ease while Koyuki would have an impregnable fortress-like poker face.

However, because Kazuki had said “So senpai is the type whose expression is inconsistent with her personality” to Kaguya-senpai, after she “Fufufu” and smiled, she suddenly became extremely weak. After that, the final winner was Koyuki. She muttered “Well, it doesn’t matter.” And pulled the curtains down for the welcome party.

Because of Mio’s strong proposition, Kazuki’s room was arranged to be the furthest room on the second floor.

It was a location where there was an appropriate distance between the other girls’ rooms and it was separated by empty rooms. Although Kaguya-senpai had initially said that anywhere was fine, it can’t be helped.

Late at night after the welcome party, Kazuki opened the door of his own room.

“A new life huh……Although it seems like they are all hard to deal with, but it seems like it would work out.”

Just muttering like this, he lifted the soft blanket on top of the bed that was similar to a hotel.

“A new life. Right? Then, aim for a harem!”

——After lifting up the blanket, I do not know why Leme appeared from within.

“Leme!? Why are you hiding in such a place? Your room is at another location, right?”

“Yes. But, because there are some words that I do not want others to hear, so I came over to your room.”

“Words? Anything is fine…..but didn’t you lose your memories?”

“Yes. But actually, despite the memory loss, Leme still vaguely remember what she is and what her mission is. Divas all have a meaning of existence that was decided base on the myth. It isn’t something that could be simply forgotten.”

A meaning of existence decided by the myth? Leme’s mission is……?

“Then in other words……Could it be the reason why you chose to grant me an Enigma!?”

“Yes. And Leme……Although I had said it in that place, but she is actually not a powerless Diva.”

Hearing these words, Kazuki widened his eyes. While facing Kazuki, Leme proudly answered.

“Leme’s mission is……to make you become a harem king!!”

……Haah? Kazuki’s eyes widened and froze there.

“I will only tell you, the contractor, my true identity. ——Leme’s true name is <The Lesser Key of Solomon> Lemegeton! The Demon King ruling over the 72 Pillars of Demons!!”

Wait a minute……Did you just say Lemegeton?

“ <The Lesser Key of Solomon> should be a Magic Book, isn’t it……?”

Lemegeton ——That name had indeed appeared in the myth related to Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons.

However, Lemegeton is not listed as a name for the 72 Pillars of Demon.

King Solomon, who governs the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demon, placed the contents of his summoning techniques inside a Magic Book <The Lesser Key of Solomon> ——It was passed on like this.

King Solomon was a human that was alive around 1000 B.C. But this Magic Book was discovered at the 17th century and had sparked the medieval people’s madness towards Black Magic and Alchemy. The leader of the <Golden Dawn>, McGregor Mathers, treated it as a research object was also widely known.

“Wrong! That is completely wrong!” Leme angrily shook her head.

“It was passed on incorrectly. The majority of the people that seek for the method to summon Demons felt that it was easier to consider Leme as a Magic Book. This thought was to simple.”

“In other words, it is a convenient delusion that people before had fabricated?”

“That’s right. King Solomon did not use a Magic Book to use summoning techniques. It is because he had a contract with Lemegeton, who governs the 72 Pillars’ strength, to summon them!”

Governing 72 Pillars’ strength ——Is this the true power of Lemegeton?

“Right now I will tell you Leme’s power……Leme’s inherent Magic <Goetia> is all the ten magic owned by the 72 Pillars, who grant this academy strength. A total of 720 kinds of magic and they are all given to you!”

The words that Leme uttered gave a enormous impact to Kazuki.

All. In other words, according to the actual situation, he could use a total of 720 kinds of Magic.

It overthrew all his thoughts and two giant words floated within Kazuki’s mind <The Strongest>. The Diva that he, a E-Rank, contracted was……the strongest Diva.

“——However, this is a condition. This power is only allowed to be used by a <King>. Just like how Leme lets the 72 Pillars of Demon to be subordinates of hers, if you do not let the other people to become a subordinate of yours, your power as a King cannot be used. Errr, subordinate is not the word used at the modern times……If we have to use the modern way of speaking……Then it is to make them fall in love with you!”

Make them……Fall in love……with me? I suddenly felt that……some idiotic words were spouted out.

“Through the mentality of the Magic User that you made into a subordinate, the Magic User’s contracted Diva’s power could be used by you. For example, if you let that Amasaki Mio fall in love with you, then you will form a path with that person. Leme will be able to draw power from Phenex. However, if you are still in an unpopular state……Although it is unfortunate, but Leme is only a powerless Diva……”

“……Unpopular and powerless Diva!? That is too weird.”

“It is not weird. The Divas have their own purpose of existing based on the mtyh. Solomon Divas’ missions were to grant wisdom to humans and let this country prosper. And once the Stigma Magic Users that are able to use the 72 Pillars grow up, it is necessary to govern them. Because a female’s Magic Power is relatively stronger, so all the Stigma Magic Users are females. If that’s the case, the King that caused them to submission ——is a harem king!”

“……What to do, it seems like it does make sense.”

“I am saying this first, if the situation of a harem king was not born, then the Solomon’s 72 Pillars would lose their motivations and gave up on supporting this country. Because cultivating a King is the meaning of existence for the Solomon Divas. Just like when they obey Israel’s King Solomon, they are all Divas of the assistants, who were willing to do their best, for the King.”

“Wait a minute, isn’t this extremely important to this country!?”

The true meaning of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars supporting the Japanese government is actually still not clear. Even so, the Japanese government desires the power of Magic. For the military forces, they cannot help but rely on the 72 Pillars.

If they were to lose the support of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars, Japan would be dropped from their position as a Magically Advanced Country.

“A King’s power is to be able to gather the fragmented things, <Convergence Power>. If he does not have this Convergence Power, then in the future, humans would not be able to deal with the giant wave that would come this this world. By recognizing that a single individual is weak, so it is necessary to cultivate a king. This is the mission of Leme and the Solomon’s 72 Pillars……”

“……A giant wave that would come to this world?”

Just now Leme had said that she vaguely remembers her mission.

“The numerous mysterious fragments inside the world of myths are all quietly gathering underwater. Not only Japan, but in all of the 7 countries. At a certain stage, it would overturn the world.”

7 countries ——There is no doubt that it refers to the 7 Magically Advanced Countries.

“……So, in order to reach this goal, a harem is required?”

“There is no helping that you would feel troubled since you are suddenly being told that you would need to make a harem. But please rest assured! Leme will grant you a Magical Dress that would play a role in your creation of a harem!”

After hearing the phrase, Magical Dress, Kazuki, who was shocked, had white light shining on the middle finger of his left hand. The light had a bit of miss ——Suddenly, it became a ring that was made with materials similar to copper. As a Magical Dress, it was indeed too small.

“Because currently Leme had lost her memory, so she could only give you a small ring. However, this ring is the famous and legendary <Solomon’s Ring>! This ring can capture the sound of the girls’ hearts, measure their feelings and convert it to values.”

“……The effects are completely different than the ones that I know.”

In the legend, it was recorded that the Solomon’s Ring was to allow a person to understand the words of animals and plants.

“It has been rewritten in accordance with the modern style. Inject your Magic Power and test it out.”

Following what she said, he inserted Magic Power to the ring. Afterwards, a white light flashed in front of Kazuki’s eyes.

The light gradually depicted images and became a three-dimensional image information.

“These information is the measurement results of the girls’ feelings that you should conquer. In other words, it represents the positivity levels of the girls.”

The image that emerged in front recorded the names of girls that Kazuki was familiar with. Next to the name, a graph appeared one after another. The graph even had number values showing out.

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikari ——30.

“……T, This is the positivity levels of everybody towards me!?”

“This ring also has the ability to chase after and capture the mental changes of the girls. This is already in order for you to see it carefully and visually. If the girl’s positivity levels increase, a red heart will appear. If the positivity level decreases, then a black skull will appear. Then, it will be absorbed into the ring. Just like this, the graph will be changed. The images cannot be seen by others. If you are able to monitor the changes of positivity levels in real time, then you will become sensitive towards the other person’s true feelings and know what you have to do to make them happy. This way, no matter what kind of girl they are, you will be able to make them attracted to you!”

“……A human’s heart cannot be easily realizable like a game.”

Right, just when I thought about it ——isn’t this similar to a game?

And it is the simulation game that becomes intimate with girls ——In other words, a <Galge>!”

As a swordsman, I will not be captivated by that kind of thing, so far I have never had any concerns about it. However, it is not something I was completely uninterested in. But that actually falls onto my own pace…..?

Amasaki Mio —— 55, Otonashi Kaguya ——48, Hiakari Koyuki ——38, Hoshikaze Hikari ——30.

“……There must be a mistake. Why is Amasaki ranked number 1? That person seems to hate sword techniques and despise me.”

“I know, I know. Tsundere, Tsundere. There is no doubt that she is a tsundere.”

“Tsundere!? What is that……That kind of thing is also too strange.”

If Amasaki was 55, then wouldn’t Kanae’s positivity levels probably reach 300 million?

“Because there is no benchmark, I do not understand it well. Is it unable to measure Kanae’s positivity levels?”

“Although I do not know who you are talking about, but the only thing that is certain is that it only works with people who formed a contract with a Diva.”

“……Then, I can only consider these four people’s positivity levels? No matter how I look at it, I cannot believe that Amasaki is 55 when she does not hold any good intentions to me……Compared to Kaguya-senpai, which is lower, at first glance, she appears to be very friendly, but it is only on the surface. Hiakari is taking an indifferent attitude towards me, so that value doesn’t really matter. However, what is frustrating is……Hoshikaze-senpai’s 30. That is already treating me as if I was the same rank as a bug……”

“Wait, if you treat tsundere’s tsun as the truth, then using that as the basis, it will make others distrustful.”

Indeed, Mio would occasionally exhibit the unbelievable attitude when they had their first meeting.

Then that stingy attitude, compared to hating me ——It is more like joking awkwardly with me?

“A positivity level of around 30 means a position which is more than acquaintances, but less than friends. If the positivity level is over 65, you will obtain the key to their hearts. As a result, you will be able to use Level 1 Summoning Magic of the Diva that she contracted with. So, you must approach Amasaki Mio first!”

The 10 kinds of Inherent Magic that the Divas own are divided into 10 Levels. A Stigma Magic User could use a High Level Summoning Magic that matches the wavelength of the Diva.

In contrast, Kazuki is still in a powerless state right now. Although he is still at a state of being observed, but if this continues, he would also doubt the meaning of him staying at the Magic Division. In other to get rid of his title as being the lowest-ranked, a Level 1 is good, anything is good, he must be able to use Summoning Magic.

However……why does he have to make Amasaki fall in love with him?

In other words, he would have to make someone fall in love with him for power? Isn’t this exactly……like a game!?

“……The so-called positivity levels, isn’t it fine if it is not feelings of love, but feelings of friendship?”

“Ehhh? You are speaking of friendship between men and women?”

“Because the so-called positivity levels shouldn’t just be all about feelings of love, right?”

“Friendship between men and women is not that easily achieved, right? Forming a friendship with all the 72 people feels even harder than forming a harem. It seems like you do not have much experience forming a friendship with females.”

“I was looked down by a young girl!?”

“Don’t use the phrase young girl! Leme is only in a young girl state because my strength and a portion of my memories are lost! If you slowly gather strength, Leme will also recover an appearance that matches her strength!”

“In the end, I am not interested in love.”

Remembering back, from the beginning of junior high, his male friends were all talking about girl-related topics. However, compared to that kind of thing, I only wanted to improve my sword techniques a bit more and earn recognition from my adopted father and Kanae.

“Not interested in love? Really?”

Towards Leme’s skeptical tone, Kazuki was a bit angry.

“Really. So I……will not use feelings of love, but positivity values from friendship to reach the pinnacle of Summoning Magic!”

Becoming friends with everybody here and getting rid of the incompetent evaluation of a E-Rank.

If that’s the case……I would be able to accept it and become motivated.

“……Forget it, since Our King (Basileus) says so, then Leme will not forcibly request it.”

“What is the meaning of <Our King>?”

“Fufufu, from now on, you will become a harem king. In Greek, Basileus Goetia means <The King that rules the 72 Pillars>”

Once they talked about Basileus, the leader of the secret organization would instead appear inside their mind.

The leader of <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, Basileus Basileon……

Leaving the phrase <The world is being eroded by myths>, a man that was considered to be dead……

“I do not intend to become a harem king.”

“Forget it, Leme right now does not have any memories. She will temporarily look at the developments. Leme can materialize into such a physical body and could also let her materialized form to disappear into Astrum to observe your mental state.”

Once she said up to this point, Leme’s body completely disappeared.

Thinking that she had left just like this, she casually materialized again in the end.

“……Even though you did not steal a human’s body, yet you, as a Diva, is able to materialize in this world, it is originally something that is incredible.”

“There is a reason. First, Leme and your connection is much stronger than ordinary circumstances. Probably because we had kissed during our contract……Oiii, why are you blushing!”

“I did not blush!”

“Through the act of connecting the symbol of spiritual level, it strengthened the contract. Thanks to that, Leme cannot form another contract with a person beside from you. In exchange, it greatly enhances the efficiency of Magic Power. There is another point……Although due to memory loss, so it is extremely vague, but apparently Leme seemed to be a Diva that has longing to humanity. So compared to the other Divas, there is a big change for the method of existing.”

“Has longing, to humanity……?”

“Probably, but I do not really remember about this matter. To the current Leme, it does not matter.”

“Won’t you feel uneasy if I do not make a harem, so you would not recover your memories?”

“For the queue, when Leme was summoned, she pretended to have no powers. It is because if the surrounding people knew about Leme’s ability of becoming stronger after collecting positivity levels, I believe the surrounding people would be defensive about it. Thus, in the future, it is best to keep Leme’s ability a secret away from other people.”

Kazuki also did not want others to know about this ability.

……However, Liz Liza-sensei wanted to me report to her no matter what happened……

“Let us stop here. Leme is going to sleep. Our king, it is almost time to sleep, right?”

“Eh? You have your own room now. There are also empty rooms here.”

“I don’t want it. Leme will sleep together with Our King, who is her contractor.

Leme rolled her eyes, stared motionlessly at Kazuki and rejected it.

“This is also because, although Leme’s body requires very little energy, but it is originally constructed by your Magic Power. Staying by your side would make her existence more stable.”

Leme tightly grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand and pulled him to the bed.

As close as possible, Leme treated Kazuki as a charger as she hugged him. Then, she used the remote control to turn off the lights inside the room. Inside the darkness, her brown skin was just as soft as a female human, and exuded an incredulous smell.

Having said that, with such a small child, it feels just like sleeping together with a younger sister.

“Good night! Our Stoic King.”

“……Who is stoic, naturally, the words about completely being uninterested in girls is a lie.”

He did not hate girls, of course he was interested.

But if he became active towards girls just for the sake of power……

It will be extremely rude to the other side.

After all, he did not have much confidence in becoming someone else’s partner in love.

Because, I——

The phone inside his pocket suddenly vibrated. It seems like he received a message.

“Nii-sama, it is a night with a beautiful moon. Kanae is about to go to sleep while dressing in extremely sexy pajamas. (Please feel free to imagine it and become excited). It will be great if I am able to see Nii-sama inside my dreams. Nii-sama, too, please see Kanae inside your dreams. Then, good night——Your loving Kanae.”

Kazuki typed back the phrase “Quickly brush your teeth and sleep” and replied.

× × ×

The next morning. Due to his usual habits, Kazuki had already woke up before the sun even rose.

Although it was like this, under the current circumstances, there was already no need to practice swinging his sword……Speaking of which, Kaguya-senpai had said that the first-year students would be responsible for the household chores here.

Then if he was to work hard starting from this morning, it might surprise the senpais.

When Kazuki changed his clothes in the dim room, Leme also got up abruptly.

“You immediately thought of earning positivity levels from the girls? Our King!”

“……When you are saying it like that, it feels a bit uncomfortable.”

If the senpais were happy, then he would be satisfied. It was only that.

Inside the lounge, the wrappings and leftover snacks eaten last night’s party was thrown everywhere.

Kazuki cleaned it all up and began to prepare breakfast.

“……Since it is a rare opportunity, let’s make some bento as well.”

After making breakfast, Kazuki took advantage of his interest and further proceeded to make bento. There was still plenty of time and the fridge had plenty of ingredients.

“Rather, I seem to have become a maid<ref>He actually said maid here. Just so you know, he is not female.</ref>.”

“……What are you saying, Our King. Wait, your eyes seems to be dead.”

“When I am able to make other happy, it allows me to feel that I am alive……”

Just when he was rhythmically cutting the ingredients, he heard somebody’s footsteps going down the stairs.

“……Although I was thinking that if there was the need to clean up, I can still do it……but it seems like someone did it first.”

Issuing ,patapata, footsteps sound, she was still wearing her underwear + shirt appearance.

“Good morning, Hiakari-san. Because there is a male student here, please do not wear that kind of appearance again. Please wear a maid outfit and come make breakfast with me.”

“……I can’t cook. Because I am a human who do not know anything but Magic.”

“Even though Hiakari-san was living here in the past, could it be that you have never done household chores?”

“……Once, I attempted to cook, as a result, the 3rd year senpai’s mouth emitted blue lights.”

“Food that makes one instinctively activate defensive magic!? It could judge that there were toxic substances!?”

“I was thinking that I could do work such as cleaning up, so I came……”

Perhaps it was from a psychological effect, her shoulders drooped. Then, with a speed that did not give time for others to retain her, she left the kitchen.

The one that appeared next in the kitchen was Mio, who was actually said to have the highest positivity levels here.

“Good morning, Amasaki. You should also work hard on the household chores.

Mio ignored Kazuki’s greeting, until she was next to Kazuki and looked at his hands.

“……It’s karaage. It’s karaage!”

“Yes, before when I was still at the orphanage, it is the dish that I am best at, which I learnt from the facility’s chef.”

Mio’s response was to only look at Kazuki’s hand, which was in the middle of cooking, with sparkling eyes.

A red heart floated out from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into the ring on Kazuki’s left hand.

This is the power of the Magical Dress that Leme had mentioned before!?

But, why at this time? Does she really like karaage that much?

“Hey, it will be very boring if you just watch, come over here and let’s do it together.”

“Why must I do household chores?”

“Because here, the lower class students have to do household chores, right? Aren’t you also a first-year student?”

“Yes, we are both first years. However, just like there is a hierarchy relationship like third and first year students, there is also a hierarchy relationship between a first year’s A-Rank and E-Rank.”

Mio, who was watching at Kazuki’s hand, finally lifted her eyes and stared at Kazuki.

“If I am a person who would do odd jobs for the third year senpais……Then, you, who is a E-Rank, are my slave!”

“Is that so!? But indeed……the academy pursues a meritocracy style.”

So the household chores had become solely done by a person?

……Although it would make him a bit excited, but it feels like it would be more fun if everybody was to do it together.

“……You should feel grateful for being allowed to cook my meals.”

After that, Mio continued to stare at Kazuki’s cooking appearance.

The breakfast menu was grilled fish, spinach as a cold salad, white rice and miso soup. It was a extremely common Japanese breakfast.

“Delicious! It is really tasty, otouto-kun! The freshness from this grilled fish……Could it be that it was recently caught!? From the garden’s pond over there?”

“……No, I only grilled the fish fillets inside the fridge.”

“Amazing……Even though he is a boy, but he is able to cook so well……Hayashizaki-kun is not a crude boy. If it is a boy like that, then perhaps I won’t feel afraid.”

The two senpais had a deeply moved expression and was extremely happy.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 104.jpg|thumb]]

Images of red hearts emerged from the body of these two and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. When Kazuki realized about the positivity levels of these two, a graph appeared in his eyes.

“Fufufu, this way, you have capture the stomach of these girls!”

Leme, who was sitting next to him at the table, smiled silently. With a voice only audible to Kazuki, she teased him.

Anyways, he could not calm down. Even though he did not carry these intentions to do household chores.

From that day on, the Magic Division’s course quickly began.

At the Magic Division, there were separate courses such as <Mythology>, <Tactical Theory> and <Magic Practice>.

Mythology was just like its name suggests. It is a course to learn about the knowledge regarding about myths.

In this class, a semi-fat scholar came to teach the students.

“——The Israel King Solomon was loved by the Gods. He summoned 72 Demons, granted them the Magic Book <Lesser Key of Solomon> and brought the Kingdom of Isreal to its golden age.

It was just like the myth, the 72 Pillars of Solomon that appeared in modern times became the supporter of humans.

Solomon’s 72 Pillars were once called as demons. But as they appeared in modern Japan, magic and religious beliefs should be considered separately. Thus, they would combine God and Demon together and call them Diva. <ref>神魔 = Diva. Diva is formed by using the characters of God + Demon.</ref>

For example, Baal <ref>Baal is the Principal King of Hell. He is depicted as a man or a bull and is the 1st Demon of the 72 Pillars of Solomon.</ref>. In the ancient times, he was the highest God that was worshipped by the Phoenicians, but in the Christian doctrine, he was known as Baal-Zebub, or Beelzebub and was treated as a demon. However, Magic Users, who are simply seeking for power, should not go along with this kind of prejudice regarding about religion. Whether it is a God or a Demon, there was basically no difference.

Diva. Although it was derived from Demons, but it does not mean evil. It simply has a meaning that it is <A thing that goes beyond human wisdom>——”

The Tactical Theory was related to the tactics that the Knights use. It was taught by the female teachers, who had already retired, but were originally Stigma Magic Users. Because Magic Power would gradually reduce from the peak amount in the twenties, so they would retire early.

“——The so-called basic tactics of the Knights is the <Heaven and Earth Formation>. This is formed by having the Swordsman (Vanguard Attackers) initiating close-combat and the Stigma Magic Users (Rearguard Finisher), who would be protected by the Swordsman as they chant Summoning Magic.

The Magic Sword’s power of the Swordsman is not worth mentioning compared to Summoning Magic. If we gathered all the Magic Power from you guys, who are in the school, then no matter how many times they cut, we could still bear it with just Defense Magic.

However, if you are continuously attacked by swords, it would hinder your concentration and the Summoning Magic Chant will be interrupted. Thus, the swordsmen, who are assigned at the frontlines, have become extremely important.

What usually decides the battlefield’s fate is the high-level Summoning Magic that was activated after a long chant. Thus, the Swordsman would act as shields and sacrifice themselves in the formation is this Heaven and Earth Formation.

It is a tactic to throw away the swordsman after the battle, in order for the chosen people——”

Magic Practice is the actual use of Magic in the sports ground.

Having said that, among the first years, only Mio and Hiakari had successfully formed a contract in the correct way. The two of them had honestly used the Level 1 Magic and increase the precision of their Spell Chant in order to train for the Higher Level Summoning Magic.

Aside from these two students, they were doing training in order for them to successfully form a contract with the Divas.

Contracting with a Diva’s consciousness was regularly held by the Magic Division’s Student Council after school.

In order for them to actually succeed next time, the students would all continuously train and hone their Perceptibility Enhancement Magic and train to die into the depths of the Spiritual World.

However, Kazuki is placed at a very delicate position. Although he had succeeded with the contract, but he does not have any Summoning Magic he could use.

Thus, whether it was the successful group, or the failure group, he could not be placed in either of these groups.

“Spin~~nn, spin, spin, Spin~~nn, spin, spin, spin around for me~”

Kazuki was squatting in front of a bucket and muttered while he stirred the water inside.

This was Normal Magic training based on Kazuki’s ability that Liz Liza-sensei had assigned to him.

Fluid Control —— Fluids like gas or liquid are easier to manipulate using Telepathy Magic. If you are accustomed to controlling water or fire, it will definitely be useful in the battlefield……This is what Liz Liza-sensei had said,

“……UWAHHH, he is really playing around with a bucket.”

“His contracted Diva is really useless.”

The classmates all threw a mocking gaze towards Kazuki.

It was common sense that Normal Magic would not have much use in battle. Although he was similar to the people who cannot use Summoning Magic, but Kazuki’s training would not have any developments and had no future.

As a prominent male student in the class, and also a E-Rank. Even though he had succeeded a contract, but he had actually no ability, so he could only do this kind of training ——It was natural that others would look down upon him.

However, no matter what training it is, since he had already started, he must concentrate and do it.

“What are you doing!? Is playing around with a bucket a specialty Magic of a E-Rank?”

Mio, who was wearing the Magical Dress, peeked from behind Kazuki and talked to him.

“This is very difficult. If you reduce a bit of strength, the water would cause ripples and overflow. It will not work unless you maintain your concentration for a long period of time.”

“This kind of thing is simple.”

She said dissatisfiedly……Towards her, who was a A-Rank, perhaps it was simple.

“But what kind of help would this training have for a battle? Isn’t your Magic Power for fighting and not for cooking? Isn’t it fine if you use your prideful swords to stir it around instead of Magic?”

“What do you treat swords as! They will rust!”

“It should be you, what are you treating Magic as! Forget it, since you already have Hayashizaki’s swords, the Summoning Magic shouldn’t matter to you at all. Then why are you staying at the Magic Division?”

Under the circumstances of other girls staying away, only Mio would come over and say these scornful words.

“I can already use Level 2 Magic. It was a thing that happened in a blink of an eye!”

……Already Level 2? At this pace, then would she immediately reach Level 10?

The Summoning Magic is divided into 10 stages. When you reach the highest difficulty of Level 10, you would able to use <Complete Summon> and let the Diva to <Materialize> into the world.

Aside from that, Summoning Magic, although it was called Summoning, but it does not materialize the Diva into this world. It is only bring forth a <Magical Phenomenon that the Diva caused> and letting them activate it.

For example, if two students with the same contracted Diva were to use Summoning Magic at the same time, as long as it is not Level 10, there will be no problems. It will provide power to both individuals and both their Magic would activate.

Although Leme is an exception, but letting a Diva materialize is originally extremely difficult.

“Hmmmm, when you are still stirring the bucket of water, I must use this Phenex and show my talents. I will let you see the great hero of this country, who would defeat all the Illegal Magic Users that causes terror and do dondokudo-n in this world! I’ll let you know what is a true elite ♪”

“Oi, wait, elite. What is dondokudo-n what is dondokudo-n?”

“……You actually being this weak compared to me. It feels a bit complicated.”

Mio quietly muttered……Just now, what did she say?

“Sensei! Yamanaka-san fell down!”

Hearing the students’ cries, Liz Liza-sensei hurriedly rushed to the side of the fallen student.

“……<Magic Drunk> huh. She must have wanted to hurry and let the contract succeed, so she was reckless, huh……The other trashes should also be careful, do not overuse your Magic!”

Magic Drunk. If you were to forcibly use Magic when your Magic was extremely low, your spirit will be pulled into Astrum and collapsed there.

What was particularly needed to be aware of is being attacked when you have very little Magic Power remaining.

If you reflexively and forcibly draw out Magic that surpasses your limits from Astrum in order to protect your own body. Even if your body is spared, you would also fall into a deep coma.

Naturally, the situation of drawing over the limits and not being able to protect from the strong attack was also possible. It was known as overkill. Thus, you must always be aware of your remaining Magic Power.

Kazuki once again turned towards the bucket. Although it was a training that others look down upon, but Liz Liza-sensei was a teacher, who protected him during the staff meeting.

If this kind of teacher said that it will not be in vain, then it must not be a wasted effort.

……From today on, not only the morning chores after waking up, he should also add in Normal Magic training.

× × ×

“Is this karaage? Although I know about the related knowledge……Delicious! It is a joy that makes one truly feel alive!”

Leme, who disappeared during class, had materialized at lunch time to eat food.

“Karaage……I have not eaten such a plebeian food for so long. At the Amasaki’s house, this kind of thing will never be put on the table. It is the fault of this E-Rank slave, there is nothing more shabby than this.”

Next to Leme, Mio placed the table together and was eating the same bento.

……Why did this person specially come over to eat together?

Behind his seat, Koyuki was eating the bento alone. At first, Kazuki had invited her over to eat, but he was coldly rejected. If that’s the case, then why did Mio come over?

“It does not matter if I have to do all the household chores……But please do not call me a slave.”

“……But I do not recognize you as a member of the Witch’s House. Forget it, since the food that was made have no sin, then I can only reluctantly eat it.”

Placing mouthfuls of karaage into her mouth, Mio said with a pretentious tone.

Saying that she was reluctant had made Kazuki frustrated. The karaage was a dish from his memories of the Nanohana Institute.

“It shouldn’t be awful……”

“It is awful. This kind of thing is extremely disguisting.”

When she places the karaage in her mouth, which was opposite of what she was saying, Mio’s cheeks would soften.

“……It was made extremely well. Thank you.”

“Hiakari-san……Thank you. But since you have already said such words, as expected, you should come over and eat! Don’t just whisper your thanks from behind!”

Kazuki turned his head around. She only said “Don’t look over here” and turned to one side.

A black skull flew into the ring. It was not from Koyuki, but from Mio. After turning his head back to the front, he did not know why, but he could only see Mio glaring at him unhappily.

“Oi, even though I am eating with you, don’t turn to the back and desperately request for another woman.”

“That’s right. Amasaki-san, do you have some time now?”

Suddenly being talked by someone, Mio “Eh?” and looked back.

When she noticed, everybody’s gaze were concentrated at this side.

“Amasaki-san, do you have a good relationship with that E-Rank……Hayashizaki-kun?”

“W, What good relationship, how is that possible. This person is a slave! Because I am a Student Council trainee……I had obtained a slave from the Student Council President! Don’t be mistaken!”

Kaguya-senpai did not say anything related to a slave trade.

“That’s true! You only treated him as a useful slave, that’s great!”

With this as a beginning, the other students of the class began to speak one by one.

“How is it possible that the A-Rank Amasaki-san would enter the Student Council with the E-Rank male student! We were still thinking what was going on, not we are rest assured!”

“That person, who cannot even use Summoning Magic, was actually mixed into this class, how disgusting.”

The temperature surrounding him had rapidly dropped.

No, no,no. It was maybe not all of a sudden, it was possible that everybody was gearing up and waited for an opportunity to throw such gazes.

As a Stigma Magic User candidate, they have extreme pride. They wanted to exclude the abnormality (Kazuki), but because they did not know why Mio, whose rank was higher than theirs, was together with him, so they hesitated.

……It was probably like that.

“Hey, Amasaki-san. Do you also think this way?”

They were trying to confirm secretly from Mio <That is was alright to treat this guy as a target for bullying.> And Mio, who did not understand the situation, could only look around confused.

What on earth was happening? Kazuki thought while remaining calm.

He was aware that he was an abnormality. He was already resolved about this situation.

“……Forget it! We, the Magic Division, does not require swords! You are already a E-Rank, and you were saying that your specialty was swords……Hayashizaki-Ryuu is completely useless!”

In the end, Mio still followed the atmosphere of this classroom.

“Compared to my Phenex, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is simply trash! What Ancient Sword Techniques, there is no difference compared to the primitives swing sticks around!”

“Hayashizaki-Ryuu?” The surrounding people were confused about the target that she pointed out at.

Kazuki was also angered by this phrase.

……It was the same when I first introduced myself. Why does this person always target the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? Because it was on the news, so knowing about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu was not something strange……But what do you know about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu? I do not mind if I was looked down upon……But if it is the people, who are important to me, are being looked down upon, then it is not fine.

“Since you actually said it like this……Do you think I will remain silent forever?”

Mio faced Kazuki and revealed a provocative expression.

The anger within Kazuki’s belly was rushing upwards.

However, if he were to move using his emotions ——He would lose his place in the classroom.

“Our King, compared to the foolish Stigma Magic User, you are much stronger.”

Beside the silent Kazuki, a surprising sound rang out. It was Leme.

“What are you people, who still have not changed the Enigma into Stigma, or you, who can only use Low Level Summoning Magic saying? If you let Leme, who is a Diva, to speak, it is really funny. Our King’s Sword techniques are stronger than you a hundred times. And the karaage that Our King made is very delicious.”

Because the surrounding people were all silent, that voice completely infiltrated their bodies.

“……W, What, you useless Diva.”

“There is no need for Our King to use Leme’s power to deal with people such as you. If you doubt it, you can try it. Isn’t there a system called <Duel> in this academy?”

“Hey, Leme, what are you saying? You have lost your memories, you shouldn’t know anything about my sword techniques. Don’t just careless say words out.”

Kazuki hurriedly tried to stop her, but Leme only stared directly at Kazuki.

“Indeed, Leme doesn’t know anything, but I can still understand. Although I do not know why I selected you, but because you are a person that this Leme has chosen —— You cannot be weak. And although I had only been with you for a short day, I still fully understand your character. You said that you have spent your life so far honing your sword techniques. Then if that’s the case ——You are not weak. Even if I do not know anything, I can still understand it.”

Leme even leaned over closer and whispered into his ear.

“……And, that girl, Amasaki Mio, truthfully, she wants to lose to you.”

“……What’s that.”

“It is more accurate to say that……she hopes that you are a strong person. So that’s why she argues with you. This is also for positivity levels, so show off to her.”

“……In the end, it was still for that. That isn’t good, fighting in order to obtain positivity values.”

“Most importantly, it is unrelated to positivity values……Weren’t you also thinking that you <Want to Fight>? Leme are your heart is connected, so I had seen through it a long time ago.”

Leme smiled and knocked Kazuki’s chest.

……She is saying that I wanted to fight? I actually……?

Holding a sword in my hands, as a swordsman, fight ——against the Stigma Magic User, who had provoked this side.

Inside Kazuki’s calm mind, a sweet heat began to erode it.

As a member of the Magic Division, he must leave behind his longing for sword techniques. But ——

“……That is true. Indeed, it is time to let these people change their thinking about sword techniques.”

The people that were most important to him were looked down upon, yet he could still remain indifferent. As expected, it wasn’t his way of living.

“Oi, you two, what are you guys secretly talking about?”

Mio said to the two people. Leme immediately turned to Mio and revealed a detestable expression.

“Actually, you are very weak! Desperately saying Leme’s King is a E-Rank slave, you must be afraid of Our King!?”

“……How is it possible that I’m afraid of that guy!?”

Mio could not help but stand up. In response, Kazuki also stood up.

“Amasaki Mio. I request a duel with you.”

Hearing these words, everybody in the room, including Mio, widened their eyes in shock.

This was the natural reaction. Compared to Summoning Magic, Swords were looked down upon.

Heaven and Earth Formation. Swordsman were only to buy time for the Stigma Magic User’s Chants. A Meat Shield. This was common knowledge.

Kazuki coldly looked around his surroundings. That common knowledge ——made him extremely angry inside his heart.

“You say a duel……But you can’t use Summoning Magic, right?”

“I will only fight with a sword. If I win, I hope that you can take back the insults you said towards the Hayashizaki Family.”

Hearing this phrase, Mio’s expression changed.

“As expected, you still have longing towards the Hayashizaki’s Sword Techniques! Even though you are already a person like me in the Magic Division……Okay, I’ll accompany you! I’ll let you fully experience it!!”

The originally frozen classroom began to quarrel again.

“……Although I do not understand, that person is saying he would <Use Sword Techniques to fight against a A-Rank>?”

“Amasaki-san can already use Level 2 Magic, right!? Then it is impossible.”

“You… are still the same as before……”

When it was already impossible to stop, Mio muttered in a low voice.

“What did you say?”

Just like this ——A red heart appeared from Mio’s chest and was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring.

A red heart? At this time, it should be a black skull. As expected, this ring is abnormal.

“Nothing, you E-Rank! Stupid Idiot! I’m looking forward to the time after school end!”

She rushed back to her own seat. What is a Stupid Idiot? Oi, you forgot about the half-finished bento. Finish it! The karaage I made!!

“You’ve said it well……Hayashizaki Kazuki.”

When Kazuki sat down, Koyuki’s voice came from behind.

It looks like he was not completely alone.

After the application that was submitted to the Student Council in the Knights Academy was approved, then you can begin a duel.

It was a competition of strength between students that under safety rules of stopping the attack before the Defense Magic was completely reduced to zero, where the Student Council was present.

“A duel request? Otouto-kun and Mio-chan?”

After Kaguya-senpai, who was currently organization information in the Student Council office, heard her kouhais’ words, her eyes widened.

“Really, even Otouto-kun is reckless. The duel that has strict rules is different than the reckless scuffles that Kanae-chan participates in. If it is in a duel format, the Stigma Magic User will only escape as they continuously use Level 1 Magic and it will completely eliminate your Defensive Magic. This is not a joke.”

“Has Kanae, till this date, fought against the Magic Division students?”

“……Formally no. Although Kanae-chan wanted to do so, but even if the Magic Division students were to win against the Sword Division students, their rank evaluation will not increase. Thus, everybody avoids it.”

“If that’sthe case, then senpai should not know what kind of battle it will become between the Hayashizaki-Ryuu and Summoning Magic.”

“There is no need to duel and you would still know it, idiot.”

Mio inserted hateful words. At the same time, senpai finally realized that the two of them were both serious.

“W, Why did it become such a tense relationship? Fighting isn’t good!”

“No, I cannot give in. As long as my foster father’s sword is being looked down upon, I cannot tolerate it.”

“Why…are you so serious about the Hayashizaki-Ryuu. Even though you are someone from the Magic Division……Just like an idiot!”

At this time, someone broke the Student Council’s door and stormed in.

“It’s the time to completely defeat someone, Nii-sama! I have heard of the matter, As expected from Nii-sama!?”

“Ah, Kanae-chan? Why did you come to the Magic Division?”

Kanae completely ignored Kaguya-senpai and rushed directly in front of Kazuki.

“……So it was like this. Nii-sama wanted to rampage inside the Magic Division in order to porve the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu……In other words, a spy inside the Magic Divison! Such foresight, even Kanae did not think about it. Because Kanae’s duels were always rejected! However, after you taught everybody a lesson in the Magic Division, please transfer back to the Sword Division.”

“How is that possible, idiot.”

Kazuki use his two hands and firmly pulled Kanae’s cheeks that was as soft as rice cakes.

Kanae issued out a “Funyaaaaaaaa!” cry.

“President! As expected, you are here. Please do not suddenly rush out when we are having a meeting.”

The person who appeared after Kanae was the Sword Division’s Torazou-senpai.

“Oi, Kanae, don’t skip work and come over here to do you bro-con acts.”

“It’s not like that! Indeed, Kanae wanted to see Nii-sama to the extent that she is trembling……But it is not because of this purpose that I came. Nii-sama, this is for you.”

Kanae handed over a one-edged Japanese Sword to Kazuki.

“……This is!”

Kazuki had already left his beloved sword at the Hayashizaki Family. Therefore, for the matter related to the duel, he wanted to ask Kanae or the Sword Division to borrow a sword……

“Yes, this is Nii-sama’s <Doufuu>. Because she felt that it will be needed, so Kanae had secretly brought it over. This is such an amazing foresight. Please praise me. Then, please fall in love with me.”

Kazuki’s beloved sword, Doufuu. It was a iron-cutting sword that was created through the hands of alchemists.

Among the history of Japanese swords, the ancient sword during Kamakura era ——The Kamakura ancient swords was the strongest. However, this kind of technique had already been lost and had become a lost art.

Through Alchemy, it had let this Kamakura Ancient Sword, Doufuu, appeared once again.

The past Japanese Swords were made using a soft steel core, with hard steel on the outside, <Heart of Steel Structure>, in order to obtain a balance of toughness and hardness. The soft core absorbs the impact to prevent it from breaking, while the hard surface prevents it from becoming crooked.

With this kind of structure, it was easily broken due to the difference of hardness at the location where the two steel stuck together.

Compared to this, Doufuu was created with a single steel material.

The steel’s hardness was decided by the carbon content. Doufuu, through the Fluid Control Magic to control the amount of carbon content dissolved into the steel, so that the inner core was soft, then as it extended outwards, it had become hard……Because it was made with a single material for the structure, it was a thing that was extremely ideal as it maintained the balance of hard and soft. This is Micro-Level Alchemy.

Because there was no extreme difference of hardness in the structure, it had stuck together extremely tough. Once it was swung, it was like a whip that was bent.

It’s toughness and sharpness could even cut iron.

As proof of Kazuki’s independence, his foster father awarded it to him

The moment he held it in his hands, the feeling of the heavy sword seemed to have become familiar with him just like a part of his body.

……Although he had made a resolve after becoming a Stigma Magic User, as expected, he was still a swordsman.

No, in order to change into a new self, there was no need to abandon his past.

“Nii-sama, Nii-sama, please praise me. Then as a reward, please kiss me.”

“Don’t get carried away in front of everybody in the Student Council, idiot.”

Looking at Kazuki and Kanae’s interactions, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki revealed surprised gazes.

“……The Sword Division’s President is older than Hayashizaki-kun, she should be a sister, right? What is going on?”

“It can’t be some kind of perverted type of play, right……?”

Even though the fact that Kazuki was a male, yet he obtained an Engima was spread around by the news, but the problem regarding about their true age, which had caused the relationship regarding about the siblings age to be reversed, was still pretty much unknown.

“Hmph, whether you use a sword to fight or a Kiritanpo <ref>A Japanese dish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiritanpo</ref> to fight, it is the same! Let’s us begin……Bring it on!”

“Bringing it on is a rather old way of speaking. But……Fine.”

“W, Wait a minute, I have not accepted the request yet!”

The duel must have the permission of either side’s Student Council. But ——

“If you do not accept it, then I will accept it! Nii-sama, Nii-sama, good luck!!”

——With the Sword Division Student Council accepting it, a special duel began.

At the sports ground, Kazuki and Mio were confronting each other.

There was already a crowd of students coming over to observe after hearing the news.

A Sword and Magic Clash conducted between freshmen, it had gathered a lot of concern disregarding the Division restriction.

“Even though they do not need to have to specifically gather her, this duel will end in a short time period!”

She chanted a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with the Diva at Astrum.

“I know thy name……Thy name is <Phenex>……A poet and a Magician! The poetic bird that uses sweet words to play with the truth, obey my command and display thy power!”

Her Stigma glowed an orange color like the flames shadow. At the same time it glowed, the uniform was disintegrated and reconstructed into the Magical Dress. The faintly glowing clothes and her twintails swayed due to the wind.

……Looking again, this person was an extremely beautiful girl.

Kazuki’s Magical Dress was only a small ring. However, on his waist, his beloved sword Doufuu released an explicit sense of presence. The combination of a Magic Division’s uniform with a Sword, seemed to give off a powerful contrast.

The beautiful Stigma Magic User and the Magic Swordsman that was dressed up unique were confronting each other here.

He did not know why……but it feels like he was looking forward to this duel since entering this school.

“Then under the supervision of Hiakari Koyuki, the duel between Amasaki Mio and Hayashizaki Kazuki will begin.”

The referee was Koyuki. The so-called referee was the role which stops the battle when it was dangerous. She, who had been at the Student Council since junior high, had already accumulated sufficient experience.

The duel was carried out in a situation where they were separated by a distance of 50 meters. Although Kazuki could finishing running this distance in 5 seconds through Magic Enhancement, but Mio will also avoid while she chants spells.

This distance is a rule that gave the Stigma Magic Users the upper hand. Because even in a battle, it was not easy for a swordsman to approach the Stigma Magic Users, thus it had become a rule that was taken for granted.

If the two of them were separated by a distance of 50 meters, Mio’s figure would become as small as a bean.

Anxiousness made the time become irritable. Kazuki display an Iai posture and imagined the scene of heat coming up from the depths of his belly ——This is what was known in ancient times as Kikou or life energy from his abdomen.

Aside from ancient martial techniques, a clear impression can allow the Physical Enhancement Magic become something extremely efficient.

“Then……Begin!”

Seeing that the preparations for battle were complete ——Koyuki announced that the duel started.

Kazuki released heat inside his belly and kicked off fiercely from the ground.

“Fast!? The surrounding students screamed.

In comparison, Mio retreated while she began to chant spells.

No matter how fast Kazuki was, the distance was enough for her to complete her chants.

Mio allowed her Magical Dress light up and communicated with her Diva, and chanted as if she was singing ——

“……The sparks scattered from the dancing wings. Launch a spiral of wind, a bullet piercing through life! Flap now, let it penetrate! ——Barrett!!”

Behind Mio, Phenex’s wings spread apart.

Phenex’s Level 1 Magic, Barrett ——Phenex flaps its wings and shots out feathers. It carries a dual attribute of fire and wind, and flew over like a spiral.

With a bullet’s speed and piercing through its target, it causes the inside of the enemy to burn. Normally, a human’s physical ability should not be able to evade this fire bullet ——But Kazuki dodged it by jumping to the side.

“!?” Mio, who was confident that it would hit, revealed a surprised expression.

As if her body was not listening, Mio continued to chant while she avoid. She then chanted the spell again and released a second shot of Barrett.

However, Kazuki had already felt the flow of Magic Power ——Just like a Swordmaster reading the opponent’s breathing.

The instant the Magic Power expanded, the disturbance in the air depicted a outline as if it was announcing in advance the phenomenon that was about to happen. Just like what I imagined……If it is this kind of Summoning Magic, I can avoid it!

The second Barrett was also avoided. Just like the dancing wind, Kazuki plunged into the arms of Mio.

His hand had already grasped the hilt of the sword.

Mio’s face was distorted ——As if it was a Stigma Magic User’s terrified expression when they were invaded by a swordsman.

Bend, Doufuu ——With a white flash, the horizontal Iai slash was unleashed.

To Kazuki, his beloved sword was the same as <A part of his body>. His entire body’s strength was extended to the body of his sword that he was holding to, granting it the destructive power that was able to smash through Magic ——This is the attacking method of swordsman, Magic Sword.

The slash had violently collided with Mio’s defensive Magic. Blue light scattered onto the ground, her Magic was cut apart.

Because her Magic was cut apart and the impact that was caused, Mio staggered a few steps backwards.

Kazuki used both his hands to hold his beloved sword, which he was holding with his right hand earlier, and instantly turned the blade.

An Iai slash was not a one hit one kill technique.

The first blade was only for containment. The one that truly determines the victory was the second blade that was swung downwards after gripping it with two hands.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Along with the cry, he slashed downwards and crushed Mio’s Defense Magic again.

Mio was hit away severely.

“He dodged Summoning Magic?”

In face of something that was impossible, Kaguya issued a noise……This kind of swordsman was never seen before.

The speed of Barrett was equivalent to the speed of a rifle bullet. Just by a human’s nervous system, it was impossible to avoid.

“ <Magic-Eye Demon>……This was the nickname of Nii-sama, who was once a swordsman. An Iai swordsman could completely read the opponent’s breathing and muscle tension, then attack first while starting later. In Hayashizaki-Ryuu, he had completely refined his <Vision>.”

Next to Kaguya, Kanae smiled as if she was proud of her favorite brother.

“<Vision> ——How is it… Impossible. Are you saying that you are using Perceptibility Enhancement Magic!?”

“If it is a normal Iai swordsman, at the best, he could only read the breathing and muscle movement. But the Hayashizaki-Ryuu is more advanced, it will even read the flow of Magic Power completely. If you are able to reading the flow of Magic Power, predicting the change from being idle and movement, the attack speed is not a problem. The instant an Iai master placed the sword facing it, he would have completely avoided it. Hayashizaki’s Iai has already surpassed Unyou <ref>A speed unit. Mentioned in Vol 1, Chapter 1.</ref>”

“……A swordsman attached with Perceptibility Enhancement Magic that allows him to read the flow of Magic Power, this is impossible.”

Kaguya did not look down on swordsman. But objectively considering it, it should be impossible.

Through training the physical body, it allowed the Physical Enhancement Magic to be attached to his body, in theory, it exists.

Magic is developed based on imagination. Wanting a more power body…..This kind of thought will allow Physical Enhancement Magic to be activated.

However, no matter how you train Iai, the Perceptibility Enhancement Magic which even lets Magic Power to be felt was unbelievable, there was no reason to get to this kind of high-level achievement.

“No matter what, a swordsman cannot win Summoning Magic……The people who hold these kind of thoughts while training would definitely not be able to do it. Because they had already given up from the very beginning. However, we had treated the Summoning Magic as an imaginary enemy since the very beginning and performed training. We believe that our possibilities were endless. You say that it is impossible? But the Magic Power responded to our wishes.”

In the current world where Magic, which disregards the laws of physics, dictates, there was no such thing as impossible.

——If it is me, how would I deal with this kind of sword techniques, how would I obtain victory.

“……If it is me, I could chant a large-scaled Magic that is impossible to avoid even after reading it.”

“Do you believe that I and Nii-sama would give you that much chanting time?”

If they were successfully able to close the gap, the swordsman’s close-range attacks would continuously attack.

Every time, Magic will be cut apart, the body will be exposed to the impact of Magic shattering.

Inside the storm of slashes, there was no task more difficult than keeping up the concentration and finishing the chant.

Although in the Academy, the Sword Division and Magic Division were confronting each other, but the proper fighting method of Magic Users was to chant while being guarded by swordsman.

“However, if it is Kanae-chan’s sword, it is unable to stop my chanting.”

Hearing Kaguya’s whisper, Kanae threw to her a glare that she did not believe that she would lose.

Even after being knocked by a slash, the A-Rank Amasaki Miostill calmly chanted a spell.

I don’t want to lose……! I can’t lose to this kind of Sword Techniques!!

Although she felt that it was impossible……But there was no doubt that this person used his eyes to avoid Barrett’s speed. Mio had made this kind of judgment. Thus, she began to chant something different than Barrett, Phenex’s Level 2 Magic.

That person is people to pursue further on. He has already caught up.

“The Call from the Master of Flame, liberate the rage beneath the earth! Open up my fortress’s walls……Towering between heaven and earth, isolate all impurity! Flame Emperor Creation!!”

The so-called spell was a command to the Diva at Astrum to request for a Magic Phenomenon.

The Diva responded to this call and brought the Magic Phenomenon to this world ——Causing the World to be distorted.

A Magic Circle extended from Mio’s feet and radiate in all directions.

It let out a flash and became a big crack. Flames were sprayed out from there.

The flame wall that suddenly emerged from his feet —— It was impossible to dodge with his eyes.

That person, who pursued further on, had become a bug that rushed into fire.

Or so it should be ——But, Hayashizaki Kazuki seemed to have predicted the future. In front of the flames, he stepped on the brakes. Mio’s expression twisted again. It was really baffling.

“What method is he using to dodge it!?”

After the crack and the flames vanished, Kazuki rushed into her arms calmly.

Mio could not do anything but be sent flying by the silver flash……It was simply too fast.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 127.jpg|thumb]]

“W, Why!?” Then Mio was submerged in a storm of slashes ——

“Stop right here!”

Looking at Mio, whose Defense Magic was about to be exhausted, the referee, Koyuki, announced that it was over.

Mio sat powerlessly on the ground, her Magical Dress disintegrated and changed back to the school uniform.

“It’s my win……Please take back the insults you said to my foster father.”

The Sword Division students that were watching on the side issued loud applauses.

“……I see, so this is the true Ancient Style Sword Techniques.”

Kaguya whispered out in amazement, but it was denied by Kanae.

“It is not the problem of Styles. The Sword Division swordsman did not train with the goal of being able to defeat Summoning Magic. Even though Magic Power will respond to your thoughts. So, the Sword Division must change! This person or that person, all of them are delude by the Divas and forgot the original power of humans!”

The Sword Division students cheers were boiling. The two Student Council Presidents surveyed the scene.

“Amazing……Being able to do this kind of exaggerated actions, there is actually someone else beside the President……”

As if he had lost his soul, the one who muttered was ranked 3rd of the students in the Student Council, Torazou Yamada, who had an inferiority complex towards the Magic Division. Looking at his expression, Kanae secretly snickered.

……No matter how strong she was, the surrounding people only treated her as an existence known as the <Storm Cat> that was outside the Magic Lands. There was basically no followers who truly think that <nowiki><I can also become strong></nowiki>.

Kanae was always alone. Kaguya was finally aware of this fact.

“……Fufufu, I’m looking forward to the <Division Competition>! Next time, it will be me and you who are on the stage!”

Hearing Kanae’s declaration, Kaguya also smiled……Indeed, it was something to look forward to.

Whether it was to fight against Kanae-chan……or the future growth of Otouto-kun……

It was a sense of anticipation that had been gone for a long time since she had defeated her former rival, Hoshikaze Hikari, and had become invincible inside the Magic Division. After she found a strong enemy, Kaguya was thrilled.

Kazuki, who wanted for her to take back the words she said——Mio awkwardly muttered.

“No……I did not lose.”

“You just won’t give up! Hayashizaki-Ryuu is not weak, admit this to me!”

“No, no, no! Hayashizaki’s Sword or whatever is weaker than Summoning Magic by a lot! It is trash!”

“Even though we have dueled, why do you still treat it as trash up to this point!?”

This person, what kind of <Prejudice towards Hayashizaki-Ryuu> did she have?

Inside Mio’s eyes, little by little, tears began to drip out, causing Kazuki to be frightened. Crying is too despicable……!

“Speaking of which……Why can’t you remember who I am! Remember that for me! I……I’m Mio!? The Mio who had once lived with you at <Nanohana>!?”

Nanohana!? ——Could it be, Kazuki was suddenly speechless.

The instant his eyes met with the Mio’s crying eyes, a figure of a small girl appeared inside Kazuki’s mind. The shadow of the face was consistent just like Magic. It was the sister-like girl, who had always followed behind him.

That person’s name is ……Mio<ref>The words used for Mio are different. Mio’s name is originally 美桜, but the current spot usesミオ.</ref>. Give me a second, could it be that, Mio is Mio?

“Amasaki, you…could it be you’re Mio!?”

“Didn’t I just say it! Why didn’t you notice it, idiot!”

The surrounding audience felt confused “What is it, what is it” about the two people’s conversation.

“But Mio……should be a more honest and smaller child. Speaking of which, she should be smaller than me by two years!?”

“I am not small! I grew up since then!!”

Here, Kazuki suddenly remembered. The children at that place were mainly orphans whose birth was unknown. Aside from the obvious, newly born child, they basically used their body physiques to predict their age.

If Kazuki had dropped a grade and she rose a grade……Due to the Enigma, it was not impossible for her, who was originally smaller than her by two years, to suddenly become his classmate.

“Even though you left us and disappeared by yourself, why did you forget about me……Unbelievable, even though I remember clearly about the Hayashizaki Family that brought you away……Uuuuuu……”

Mio finally cried. Kazuki’s mind was filled with guilt.

“How can I forget! Even now, the experience at Nanohana is still part of my important memories!! But I do not know the surname Amasaki, and Mio isn’t that uncommon of a name……”

Kazuki spluttered as he tried to find excuses. Speaking of which, Mio was a honest child. Right now, she was like another person. And he did not expect that she had become this beautiful……!

“……What are those two people talking about?”

“In the end, their relationship is very good?”

“Speaking of which, Hayashizaki Kazuki is overwhelmingly strong……What is this……”

With puzzled eyes, their classmates compared the private conversation between the two of them, which was unrelated to swords and Magic. This duel already had a completely different meaning.

“Just like your talent in swords was seen through, and you left us, my talent in Magic was also seen through and I was adopted by the Amasaki Family! Although I had gone up a grade, but it is also because of my efforts that I still become a A-Rank! My Summoning Magic is stronger than the likes of Hayashizaki-Ryuu!!”

So that was the reason why that person had strongly provoked Hayashizaki-Ryuu!

But, what kind of fate is this. Their talents in sword and Magic were both spotted and they finally met up again in this school of Sword and Magic!

“I……absolutely will not recognize Hayashizaki’s sword who snatched away my Kazu-nii!!”

Mio used her sleeve to wipe her tears, stood up and ran away.

When he was planning to chase, BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

Koyuki blew the final whistle.

“The winner is Hayashizaki Kazuki.” Koyuki said with a feeble voice.

× × ×

Mio ran back to her own room. After almost ripping her uniform, she threw it aside and only wore her underwear as she jumped onto the bed. She buried her face into the pillow and impusively shed tears.

——After a short period of time, voice from the other Student Council members returned rang out.

But it was too shameless, she was too useless. Right now, she did not want to meet witih them.

Lost, Lost, Lost, Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost! I Lost!!

……5 years ago, because Kazu-nii was strong, he disappeared from Nanohana.

So lonely. But after that, her own magic talent was spotted and she found herself an adoptive family.

When she thought that she was also a strong person, she felt that she was able to conquer her loneliness.

“So, she thought, her own Magic……was stronger than the Hayashizaki’s sword by a lot……

However, she still lost……Too strong. And that person still did not change compared to the past……

……That person was like that since the beginning. No matter how much someone looks down upon himself, he would be indifferent. However, if the companions of Nanohana were looked down upon, it would seem as if he had completely turned into someone else and rage. He would often pick fights with the mean people.

Although the adults thought that Kazuki’s side of easily getting into fights were bad……But to us, who were still children, Kazu-nii was a reliable older brother.

Kazu-nii did not change. It seems like she, herself, who was arguing, was the idiot.

But that person, when I did my flashy self-introduction, and even waved to him, he did not recognize me.

Even though it was rare for the both of us to enter the Magic Division, he was still thinking about Hayashizaki’s sword techniques.

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 133.jpg|thumb]]

Being able to meet him once again, actually she was very happy ——but she was so angry that she could not forgive him

She actually wanted to get closer to him and wanted to talk about the stories from the past……

——How long has it been since she had laid down on the bed depressed.

“Hey, Amasaki……Dinner is ready.”

A voice passed through the room’s door. It was an extremely awkward voice. However, from the voice, you could feel a different feeling than anger existed.

It was Kazu-nii’s gentle voice. But because of that……she wanted to behave in a more willful manner.

“……The meals you made, I don’t want them!”

——But that person, who loves to be a nosy, would definitely not allow this kind of unhealthy behavior of not eating dinner.

Just like the past. If he was to care about her, then perhaps he would not put her aside no matter what.

Even though she knew that this was not allowed, but she still embraced this kind of expectation.

I can’t leave her like this. If that person is Mio, then it is even more so.

Hearing her response, Kazuki thought. Being impulsive and missing a meal, how could I, who is the maid here, permit it. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he suddenly barged into the room.

“Not eating dinner is definitely not allowed! Quickly go eat!”

Opening the door with a violent momentum ——What appeared in front of his eyes was Mio, who was only wearing her underwear.

“Eh, you really camee!? Wait a minute……I did not say that I was still wearing this……!!”

The instant she panicked and got up from the bed, the two valleys in front of her chest bounced.

“……UWAHH!? Sorry!”

Although he was saying this, but his gaze was still attracted to it and he thought that he would be yelled at. However, Mio immediately wrapped a towel around her body and used the towel to cover her mouth. I do not know what she was muttering about.

“……Right now, do you still care about me……”

“……What are you saying? Who could hear what you are muttering across the towel.”

Just when Kazuki planned to leave the room, but because a red heart appeared from Mio’s body and flew over, he stayed there. Mio was like a arguing child, and she issued a weak voice.

“N, Nothing! I won’t eat dinner. I don’t want to eat the meals that you made.”

“I can’t just leave you alone, the senpais are all worried about you……Is it because you hate me and you don’t want to see me, so you do not want to go down?”

“Uuuuu. That’s right……I… am still angry at you……”

Mio used a mosquito-like sound and spoke to Kazuki through the towel.

……After being reunited, I had constantly hurt her and even dueled with her.

“I’m sorry……but please eat the dinner, I beg you. If you still feel that I’m an eyesore and will trouble you, then I will go outside today.”

“Eh!? I, I don’t want that!!”

Kazuki’s eyes widened. Mio revealed a “Shoot” expression and quickly corrected it.

“……I don’t hate that! That <Then, I don’t hate that> means that I don’t really hate that!” <ref>It is a bit confusing here but the first half of the phrase (Earlier sentence) means that she is unwilling to let Kazuki leave the room, but the last half (Current Sentence) means that she does not care if Kazuki leaves.</ref>

“A, Ahhh……What, so it is this meaning, it is really easy for it to be misunderstood.”

What, the unnatural separation between <hate> and <not>.

“But please don’t be mistaken. I do not……plan on treating you like the past! Don’t keep on treating me as your younger sister!!”

“The past is the past, now is now, huh. It feels a little bit lonely like this.”

“……You, even it is the me right now, do you still care and worry about me?”

“Of course. I will definitely not permit you not eating dinner.”

Mio’s eyes widened. A red heart floated over from her chest. It was evidence that her positivity values increased. Is that so, although she was still angry, but he was not hated by her.

If that’s the case, then this person is definitely——just arguing and playing around.

“I……Is that so? You will still worry about me……But my stomach is really not hungry.”

“Then let’s do this. I will still be your slave like before.”

“Eh? E, Even though I had lost in the duel……?”

“……So, master, because your slave had made dinner, please go and eat it.”

After she froze for a while ——she understood Kazuki’s intentions and proudly straighten her chest.

“……I understand. There is no other way……Only because there is no other way! My stomach is completely not hungry. Because I am the master! I must reward my slave’s loyalty.”

“Ohhh, you must do that.”

He could only maintain this kind of relationship with her, who could not be straightforward until now.

However, if the positivity levels increase ——It should be possible to have a relationship like in the past.

The past is the past, now is now, even if they say it like this, it doesn’t mean that it is something that is lonely.

“Right, you are only a slave! Only a slave……So you must remain by my side from now on! Don’t make any strange misunderstandings and try to leave here!?”

“I know, being able to stay at Witch’s House is nice.”

Mio constantly nodded her head in agreement. Another red heart flew out.

Come down early, saying this, Kazuki left the room.

“……Right, tomorrow’s bento, you don’t have to make it.”

“Eh? Are we going to the canteen?”

“I’ll make it for you……Although you are my slave, but I am the one who lost.”

The next day’s lunch. Just like yesterday, Leme and Mio gathered around Kazuki’s seat.

The thing that Mio prepared was karaage.

“……Right, how did they make the taste in Nanohana? About that, I had constantly wanted to make the same thing and practiced in Amasaki Family, but I could not do it well.”

……What, as expected it is taste from your memories as well.

“About that, the seasoning placed in advance is the key. Okay, next time we make it, you should also wear a maid outfit!”

“What, what’s with that happy expression. Are you that happy cooking together with your master? I will absolutely not wear it, that idiotic outfit.”

Kazuki could not help but let his emotions rise, Mio seemed to sulk and said some hateful words.

“About that, Amasaki-san……Can I ask, in the end, your relationship is indeed very good?”

The surrounding people incredulously looked at the bento that Kazuki was eating, which was made by Mio.

“So I said don’t be mistaken! This guy is only a slave!! ……Only <My Slave>. Although this guy is a E-Rank sword idiot……if anybody weaker than me dares to look down upon him, I will absolutely not forgive them!”

Mio issued our a roar to all the people in the classroom.

If she made this kind of declaration, only Koyuki, who was the same A-Rank, could talk back.

……This person, is she protecting me?

“W, What are you looking at? Quickly eat!”

She used her chopsticks, picked up a karaage and said “Eat quickly!” and placed it in front of him.

“……Don’t suddenly do things like <Ah ——n>”, Kazuki felt troubled.

“I, I did not plan on doing it! This is only a feeling similar to feeding a dog!”

“Isn’t their relationship extremely good……They have completely entered their own world……”

“Forget it, if it is us, no matter at this time, we would not win against either of them.”

“……Speaking of which, he was really cool, Hayashizaki-kun’s Iai slash.”

“Right! I remembered, I remembered it!! Running while pulling it out!!”

The atmosphere surrounding Kazuki had changed. And Mio, who he had not been able to understand, now, he finally understood the nature of her attitude.

“What are you laughing secretly over there?”

“No, I just feel happy. From now on, please take care of me.”

“Yes. Why are you happy? I did not do anything that would make you happy……Forget it, since there is no helping it, I will also be with you from now on.”

Although she was still talking back, Mio’s face still revealed a slight smile. It seems like her honest feelings were involuntarily revealed ——

At this moment, somewhere near Mio chest issued out a light. Looking at the surprised Kazuki, even the person involved, Mio, revealed <What is it?> an incredulous expression. The light finally turned into a key —— and directly entered Kazuki’s ring.

This was what Leme had said, a key to their hearts……

——From that moment on, Kazuki was no longer a useless Stigma Magic User.

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

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</noinclude>

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2015-02-28T07:21:24Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

“Right, let’s make curry tonight. I suddenly want to eat a curry that has lots of sweet cheese inside. The one that was made previously in Nanohana Institution. It’s decided!”

“Curry, is it……I have often made it before. However, it wouldn’t work well with tomorrow’s bento.”

“Isn’t it fine if you make a curry bento? Just use Magic to heat it up. This is the master’s command! Potatoes~, Carrots~, Onions~♪”

Mio hummed a short song as she placed the vegetables into the shopping basket.

When Kazuki went to buy ingredients for dinner, Mio happily followed.

After the lunch break, her arguing attitude reappeared and she was also in a good mood.

Inside the Knights Academy’s huge campus , there were shops that sell ingredients for the students that wanted to make their own food.

“Moss<ref>Apparently, in some curry, moss is an ingredient. (I never knew that).</ref> ♪, If it’s meat, then it’s definitely chicken, right!?” She held a box and laughed.

“I’ll comply with your orders, master.”

After bringing the selected goods to the cashier, Kazuki used the Student Council President’s <Food Budget> to pay the bill.

“I’ll give this to you, this is you, who is a slave, should be responsible for!”

Mio deftly placed the goods into the plastic bag, then she shoved it into Kazuki’s hand.

The two bulging plastic bags filled up both of Kazuki’s hand.

“What~, do you have any opinions?”

“I did not say that it was bad. And from the beginning, I did not plan on letting a girl carry the items.”

“Is it heavy? Because a lot of vegetables has been put in, so it must be very heavy, right~?”

“This level of heaviness is nothing, I have always been training, so it is not a problem.”

“You are overexerting yourself! It can’t be helped~! As your master, I should still help you.”

Mio held onto a handle of the plastic bag in Kazuki’s left hand, so it became a situation where two people were lifting up one bag……Just like they were walking while holding hands.

Conveying the fact that she did not truly treat Kazuki as a slave to him.

However, to her, who was still displaying a stubborn position of <Not forgiving Kazuki>, maintaining the master and slave relationship is the most natural way to get along.

Through the graph——Mio’s positivity levels was displaying 67.

On their way back to the Witch’s House, they coincidently met with their classmates.

“Amasaki-san and him……As expected, their relationship is really good. Just like a couple or perhaps just like a married couple.”

“W, Wait a minute! It is all your fault because you revealed a comfortable expression when you are together with me, which led to me being misunderstood! You should at least wave your tail towards your master!”

Mio hurriedly argued with Kazuki.

“Wait, from the beginning, weren’t you the one that displayed a happy expression?”

“W, When did I? This is a very normal expression! I am always this calm and beautiful!”

“You were singing a song earlier. If that isn’t being happy, then what should I call it?”

“That is different! That is……only a normal vegetable song! Because I like vegetables so that’s why I sang, it is only like this! Being happy because I am with you, how is it possible!”

Mio forcibly grabbed the plastic bag from Kazuki’s hand and hugged the vegetables inside tightly.

“I love vegetables! When I grow up, I will marry an onion on a white horse!!”

This person just said something incredible.

“When we get back, we would need to slowly cook the vegetables using a pot.”

“Why do you have to do such a cruel thing!? Bastard!”

“Ahaha……How should I put it, I wish you two happiness.”

The classmates gave a bitter smile and left.

“This is all your fault, causing them to misunderstand and leave! Idiot!!”

However, Mio was not truly angry. And a Black Skull did not fly out either.

“Listen to me, Hikari. The two of them seemed to be like a newlywed couple. Otouto-kun cuts the vegetables and Mio-chan will place the cut vegetables into the bowl……The first time the two of them worked together is here!”

“Ah, when they are working together and their hands touch each other, the two of them will be shocked……How nice, I also long for such a sweet scene.”

“The two of them are very happy.”

When Kazuki and Mio were making food in the kitchen, three gazes were secretly watching them.

“……Hey, you, think of a plan. The misunderstanding has deepened.”

“How can I think of a plan, they are our senpais.”

Kazuki quickly looked behind. The ones secretly watching were the two senpais and Koyuki.

……If it was Kazuki, he actually would want to let Koyuki join in.

“Amasaki, try this taste.”

“Um……Great! As expected from the thing that I made! This curry will be deemed Golden Mio-sama curry! If cheese was placed as a topping……Then it is the best!”

“Don’t just casually choose a name, master.”

But because Mio wanted a sweet taste, so in the end, it became a curry that had enormous amounts of sweet miso, onions, bananas, apples and honey. Although this person really likes it……

“To others, it may be slightly too sweet. Oi——Eh, Hiakari-san!”

“……What is it, Kazuki”. Koyuki, who was still wearing the stimulating shirt like before, walked over.”

“Try tasting this curry as well.”

“If everybody thinks the taste is fine, then there is no need to specially tailor the taste for me.”

“Please don’t say this kind of nonsense. I also hope that you are one of the ones that are happy as well.”

Kazuki forcibly moved the spoon over. Although she had a confused expression, but she still ate it.

“……It is slightly too sweet. But in general, it is still very delicious.”

“Hiakari-san enjoys eating spicy right? Then if we were to add a bit of red pepper, would the taste be enough?”

“Hey you, aren’t your taste too weird!? You actually picked faults with this Mio-chan’s professionalcreamytopchilisaucecurry-sama!”

“Hey, the name is completely different……Then I’ll move only mine and Amasaki’s portion to a small pot and make it a little spicier for the others.”

“Ah, you also enjoy eating sweet.”

Another red heart flew out.

This person’s positively level is currently rising exponentially. It seems to be because of food.

“Ah, speaking of which, there is something that I would like to discuss with Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan.”

Kaguya-senpai let out a sound as if she had just remembered something and walked into the kitchen.

“It is related to Inter-Division Competition on next week’s Saturday. A first-year must also participate. Since the two of you have successfully made a contract, Mio-chan and Koyuki-chan, which one should we send out? Since Mio-chan had fought before, then is it okay if it’s Koyuki-chan debut this time?

The so-called Inter-Division Competition was an event that the senpais were recently preparing.

It seems to be the case……that it is a large-scaled exhibition event hosted by the Magic and Sword Division Student Council with ordinary civilians and freshmen spectating.

“I will obey to senpai’s arrangements……”

Although she said that she would obey, but Mio frowned. Actually, she wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to redeemed for her previous failure.

——Just at this moment, a large roar came from the outside.

“Nii-sama Nii-sama——! Why is Nii-sama! Nii-sama at this kind of place——!!”

Then, PATA! The door was opened.

Everybody hurried to the entrance and could only see a breathless Kanae standing there.

“Nii-sama! Why are you living at this kind of place!? When I asked the teachers before, they said that they have arranged a residence outside of the campus, so I was assured!”

“How aggressive, causing me to think what happened. So it was about that. Because of various things, I cannot use the residence outside. Thus, senpai sheltered the homeless me.”

“How is that fine! Nii-sama, who has already reached that kind of age, is actually living with another women besides me……About that, too dirty……As expected, Nii-sama should immediately transfer to the Sword Division!”

“Give me a minute, Kanae-chan! By now, who would agree with the transfer to the Sword Division! I have also participated in on this matter, this was the result of the Magic Division Staff Meeting!”

“That’s not the case. The Magic Division Staff Members’ thinking changed again……Because of the duel before.”

Kanae seemed to be boasting of her victory and revealed a smile. That smile seemed to give off a bad feeling to others.

“What does that mean about their thinking changed?”

“In fact, the amount of teachers that recognized Nii-sama’s strength as a swordsman has increased, it seems that the opinion of transferring to the Sword Division is the majority now. I, as the Sword Division Council President, have already begun collecting signatures……And have obtained signatures from more than half of the staff room, including the Director. So as long as he wants to, he can always change profession!”

“Signatures!? It has already been put into action!?”

The tension at the Witch’s House suddenly rose. Kanae’s actions were not simply her bro-con acts, but it was an action that also accompanied her role as the Sword Division Student Council President.

Kanae fiercely grabbed onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Come, Nii-sama, let us head to the Sword Division, let us head together to our love nest!”

However, Kazuki coldly shook off Kanae’s hand.

“Kanae, I will remain in the Magic Division. I do not want to end this as the identity of the worst one and this place has already become an important place to me……Just like the Hayashizaki Family.”

“W……What are you saying? Nii-sama actually rejected me……”

“Don’t think that you can continue to be so willful. We are both high school students now.”

“Nii-sama won’t listen to your Onee-chan words!?”<ref>In case you do not understand, Kanae usually plays the role of the little sister, but here she tried to be the elder sister.</ref>

“Don’t just become the Onee-chan when it is convenient for you!”

Kanae seriously became stubborn. Kazuki used a severe attitude and confronted Kanae.

“Nii-sama? Onee-chan? ……Their relationship is impossible to understand.

“……As expected, it should be some kind of perverted play……”

Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki were confused. Next time, he must clearly explain it to them……

“However, no matter what Nii-sama says, this has already obtained the consent of the staff room!”

“You……did not even ask me for my opinion, why do you casually do such a thing!”

“This is the action that I have done as the Student Council President, so it is unrelated to Nii-sama!”

“Wait a minute. You, although I do not know whether you are Onee-chan or Imouto, but from the very beginning, what willful things are you saying to my Kazu-nii……No, my slave!? This person is mine!”

Mio and Kanae confronted each other. Kanae turned her gaze towards Mio, changed her expression and stared at her.

The past imouto from his adopted family who is also the current onee-chan from his adopted family and the past imouto, who is also the current master, were opposing each other.

“……What, do you have a problem, first year. If we have to resort to you Magic Division’s favorite meritocracy to solve this, then that is also fine. I will let you experience a shameful result that is even more powerful than the one with Nii-sama’s duel……!”

Kanae placed her hand onto the handle of her sword and released a murderous atmosphere through her Physical Enhancement.

Mio felt afraid and retreated, but in order to protect her, Kaguya-senpai inserted herself between the two of them.

“But, since otouto-kun’s level in sword techniques is already superb, it is pointless for him to go to the Sword Division. If he is to remain in the Magic Division, the things he will be able to obtain is much more.”

“Even if Nii-sama, himself, will not learn anything, but the influence he gives to the others is unparalleled. Nii-sama’s existence will give the students, who felt inferior to the Magic Division, courage! Nii-sama is just like the sun!”

“……That is the same for the Magic Division! If the Magic Division has someone like Otouto-kun, then they will further recognize sword techniques and the Sword Division! I plan on training this child to become a Magic Swordsman that would connect the Magic Division and the Sword Division!”

The Magic Division and Sword Division Student Council President engaged in a fierce battle around Kazuki.

“Your way of thinking may indeed have some truth. But that premise can only be established if Nii-sama can use Summoning Magic. But Nii-sama can’t use Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki felt a slight chill within his heart. He did not mention Leme’s ability to anyone. Everybody still thought that he was powerless……But in the earlier lunch break, he had obtained a <Key> from Mio.

Although he had not tested it yet……Whether or not he is able to use Summoning Magic.

“Ultimately, this place is not where Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, should stay.”

“The Witch’s House is a very good place to stay for Otouto-kun. This kind of thing should not be denied by an outsider like you!”

“You actually said that I, as Nii-sama’s Onee-chan and Imouto, am a outsider!?……Hmm, since we said up to this point, then please prove Nii-sama’s Magic to me.”

Kanae seemed to speak as if she had prepared it in advance.

“……Prove? How should we prove it?”

“The 3 Rounds of the Division Competition held next week, please let Nii-sama participate. Let Nii-sama duel with the assassin that we, the Student Council President, have prepared and prove his Magic talent!”

Assassin……!? Just at this moment, a strange sound came from the outside.

“Kanae~, please wait~”

Then, patapata, the footstep sounds stopped at the entrance.

“Uwah……Entering the Witch’s House seems to be scary……I want to escape. But if I escape, I will make Kanae mad.”

“Fufufu, she really came at the right time. This person is the Student Council Vice-President, who will become Nii-sama’s opponent in the competition. She is my best friend, close confidant and number one disciple, Kamiizumi Iori!”

“As expected, it’s scary~. I’m going back. I’m running away.”

“Wait a minute! I-chan, you did not even come in, isn’t that too much!?”

“UWAHH!? I already came in! I came in that much!”

Using a timid way of opening the door, a girl, with a doll’s hair, stuck her face inside.

She quickly looked at the situation around the entrance and her entire body began to tremble.

“The instant I entered, everybody’s gazes seem to be especially piercing!?”

“……Forget it. Although this person’s personality is just like a newly born deer, but her skill in swords is real. If Nii-sama do not use a sword and only use Summoning Magic to defeat this person, then I will admit the fact about Nii-sama’s Magic talent.”

“Because I defeated Summoning Magic before with only a sword, now this time, I have to defeat the sword with Summoning Magic!?”

“Ehhhhhhh!? What is this about! Kanae, I did not hear about such a thing!?”

“If you heard about it, then you will not come over here.”

“Yes, I absolutely will not! About this, I am certain about it!! Why would I come!!”

“……Since you said the word disciple. Kanae, did you teach this Iori-senpai the Hayashizaki-Ryuu?”

“Within a period of one year, I have taught her Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s <Reading Intent, Seeing Magic and Instant God>.”

In other words, she is able to detect intents, perceive the flow of Magic Power and move as swift as the wind.

Kazuki secretly glanced at Iori-senpai’s leg that extended from her skirt. The two legs are the same as Kanae’s, it was as tough as an antelope. Just through that, he understood.

If it was a straightforward one on one duel, a simple attacking Magic like Barrett would basically never hit.

“How one-sided……”

“Don’t say it is one-sided, this side has already obtained over half of the staff room’s support. This is already giving a compromise. Why should Nii-sama, who cannot use Summoning Magic, stay at this kind of place?”

Can I really use Summoning Magic? Did I really forge a connection with Amasaki……?

Just when unease flashed through Kazuki’s brain. But even so, his own attitude was firm.

I……want to remain here! Kazuki was filled with a powerful emotion and stared at Iori-senpai.

“I, I am not that great of a swordsman~. T, The comments coming from the world is terrifying~”

“Let us go back, I-chan. If we do not head back soon, Torazou will began to make irresponsible remarks.”

“Let’s go back, let’s go back! Ehehe, then we will leave first~”

“Otonashi Kaguya. This year’s Inter-Division Competition, I will use the victory from this person and I to obtain the final victory……”

Kanae fearlessly laughed and left together with Iori-senpai. Kaguya-senpai was dumbfounded.

“……We really were put up. We are dragged into a battle that we cannot lose, even the Inter-Division Competition has become favorable to the Sword Division. Although Kanae-chan seems to be very simple, but she actually has this side, it is really impossible to measure.”

“……Right, there is something I would like to tell everyone.”

Hoshikaze-senpai said with a solemn tone. Her expression was very serious.

“……From the kitchen……A burning smell is coming out……”

——This time, Kazuki remembered that he placed the pot on top of the fire to heat it up and hurried to the kitchen.

Because only the small pot with sweet curry was being heated up on top of the fire, the only victim was Mio, who cried.

× × ×

“……Barrett!!”

After the Spell’s Chant, the Stigma on his left hand issued a orange light. At the same time, an illusion of wings wrapped in flames appeared behind Kazuki and released a flame bullet.

The small stone that was placed as the target was crushed. Mio pursed her lips.

“Actually using the same Magic as me, how arrogant……”

——After trying it out for a bit, he was successfully able to use Mio’s Summoning Magic.

“It’s true. Leme-chan’s ability is to <Copy Other Diva’s Ability>!”

Kaguya-senpai seemed to have become happy as if it was about herself.

Kazuki confessed the truth to everyone that Leme is not powerless.

However, the detail about <The amount of Magic that he is able to use increases when he forms a better relationship with girls> was kept secret from them.

This was also Liz Liza-sensei’s instruction.

“The condition is utterly preposterous……What an outrageous Diva.”

Kazuki believed that he is unable to keep that secret anymore and headed to Liz Liza-sensei to explain everything.

If he was able to use numerous Diva’s Summoning Magic in the future, it will become impossible to conceal Leme’s special nature.

“The reason that I was able to obtain the Heart’s Key from Amasaki……Although I said that it is positively levels, but I believe it is not limited to the feelings of love. Friendship and Family Love is also included. Because I am old acquaintances with that person, so I will not fight to become the Harem King that Leme mentioned, but rather aim to become a Friendship King!”

“Friendship between male and females, huh……I think that although friendship and love are different things, but it is also not completely separate……After the relationship becomes more intimate, even if you were initially planning to be just friends, but it was naturally become that. I, Isn’t that type of relationship like that?”

After Liz Liza-sensei slightly blushed, she let out a dry cough.

“B, But my own perspective in love should not matter. Only that we have to think of a plan to hide Leme’s special nature away from others. Among the teachers, there are many people who do not trust Leme as they do not know her true identity. Right now, it is still the best to make them think that she is not that powerful of a Diva. Right……You should just say that <She is able to copy Lower Level Summoning Magic>.”

“……But why is it only Phenex, why can’t you use my Asmodeus?”

“About that, perhaps it’s a problem with compatibility.”

Kazuki immediately hide the truth, but Kaguya-senpai suddenly became depressed.

“……Is my compatibility with Otouto-kun bad? That’s a severe blow……”

“B, But if I practice, then it will certainly become possible to be used!”

On the other side, Mio issued a protest to Kazuki. But compared to the thoughts that was said out from her mouth, a tiny red heart flew out from her chest. The value displayed on the graph also slightly increased to 70.

“But Otouto-kun’s chanting speed is too slow. The time that you spent was probably twice as much as Mio-chan. You must work hard on this aspect!”

The four steps for Summoning Magic, if it had to be said, each of them respectively points to Telepathic Magic towards the Diva. Because it was an area he was not good at, the difference in skill was suddenly revealed.

And, the Magical Dress was not just a simple decoration. It also has the power to assist the connection between the Diva.

Kazuki did not have the original Magical Dress, so that might become an unfavorable condition as well.

“Forget it……Since we use the same Magic, then I will accompany you for your practice!”

Mio used her palm to pat Kazuki’s back in order to encourage him.

But……if it was only Barrett, it is unlikely for him to win against that opponent.

If you practice more, then the amount of Magic you can use increases. This argument may not be true.

——I currently am lying to everyone. And using the excuse of practicing with me, I must increase everybody’s positivity levels……

After launching consecutive Barretts, because of the stress and Magic Power depletion, Kazuki was tired and nearly fell down.

“……But, you cannot just rest during the resting period. Quickly go conquer that girl, go ask her out! GO GO!”

Inside the mind of Kazuki, who was resting, Leme’s used the method of telepathy to send her voice over. The thing that Leme was concerned about was that <This time, he must become serious!> and she was overjoyed.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, go invite her to a date and increase the positivity levels in one go!” Today is Saturday, the Inter-Division Competition was next week’s Saturday. If he really wanted to let himself be able to use higher level Summoning Magic within this week, then indeed, tomorrow was the best opportunity.

A so-called date……It should be fine if he moved based on the feelings of playing together with friends.

But if he was to re-invite her to play, how should he do it?

Kazuki sat down on a bench. Speaking of which, his current Spiritual Power was completely drained.

“……Oh, because your positivity levels are already high enough, so the other side is coming over.”

Lifting his head——Mio was currently standing in front of Kazuki who was lying on the bench, tired.

“This is for you, you must be thirsty after chanting spells for so long? Drink some orange juice.”

She handed over a cold plastic bottle.

Kazuki could not help but stare intently at Mio’s face. Her face had delicate features. The mouth that keeps talking wildly, even without lipstick, it was still a rose-color. It slightly trembled——As expected, she was really cute.

Strange, an abnormal feeling was produced.

“W, What. Managing the slave’s health is also the master’s job. Be grateful to this gentle master! Really, what are you looking at! Hey!!”

After being stared by Kazuki like that, Mio was slightly dumbfounded.

“……Anyways, Summoning Magic is unexpectedly hard to use. I originally thought that I was handing it over to the Diva only, in the end, I had practiced consecutively for a few hours. It feels that my Spiritual Power is completely consumed……”

“If you fully exhaust your Magic Power today, it will enter the recovery period tomorrow. So please work harder now.”

Once Magic Power was used to the limits, it must spend some time before it fully recovers.

“Then let’s go play normally during the weekend.”

“……Speaking of which, this is the first weekend since school started.”

Mio took the initiative to change the topic.

“We used to always play together. Kazu-nii would always refuse to let me go and bring me around……I was always thinking what a hopeless brother.”

“Hey, wait a moment. It isn’t like that. It was you, who was always following behind me and running around recklessly. But when I want to go outside to play, you would begin to cry and yell out “No No”. Then you would always pester me to draw or sing, I remember it clearly. I will not play that kind of game with you.”

“T, That’s not how it happened! Kazu-nii, you idiot!! L, Leaving that aside……Speaking of which, I am free this weekend.”

Mio drank her own orange juice while looking at Kazuki.

“You seemed to be very free as well. Leme told me. “Even though Leme doesn’t have time, but the contractor seems to want to play with Leme, how troublesome. You should just substitute Leme and accompany him to play”.”

Kazuki was surprised and issued out a “Haah!?” sound.

Inviting a tiny child to play, doesn’t it make him seem like a very severe Lolicon!?”

“You, since you are bored to the extent that you will play with little children, you should at least tell me.”

“I did not say such words! Even if it’s me, I still have something to do!”

“Idiot! Even though Leme arranged it for you, what are you saying!”

“HAAH!? About how you’re not busy, in other words…….you really wanted to play together with that young girl!?”

“W, Who would! I am not a lolicon nor a siscon!”

“Right now we are not discussing about the sister topic!”

Speaking of which……Why is that person so angry? Logicially speaking, there is no reason for her to be angry.

“That person is saying, she wants you to invite her out to play.”

……Is that so? Mio sipped her orange juice and from time to time observed Kazuki’s expressions. Seeing Kazuki fall silent, “Uuuu~!”she pursed her lips.

Looks like he must take initiative and invite her out. But what should he say?

“Still thinking what you should do……Just invite her out on a date! The romantic type!”

“Hey, hey, Glutton Amasaki. Tomorrow is Sunday, should we eat a meal together?”

“Who would use this method as an invitation, idiot! The romantic portion is hopelessly inadequate!”

“What, you actually said that I am a glutton!? Why do I have to be treated as a glutton by you!?”

“Because whenever it comes to food, you would become very happy.”

Although he thought that this path was correct, but Mio had a dull expression and let out a black skull.

“Hmph, speaking of which, why should I go out to play with a person like you!”

“……Didn’t you just say you were free during the weekend?”

“I am free, but there is no reason that I must go out with you to play!”

Mio suddenly turned around. It feels like she had said a lot of uncomprehensive words.

“……However, if you have any suitable reason……Then it is not impossible for me to accompany you.”

“Kazuki! She is testing you! If this is inside a Galge, then it is the result of your selection!”

……What is she testing me on? I did not play a Galge before.

“Then, I want to give my gratitude to you for making a bento for me before. It was really delicious.”

“What gratitude. I said that I made the bento because I lost. Don’t keep mentioning about the past.”

“And……There is something before I would like to apologize.”

Before, he was unable to recognize that Mio was Mio.

“If it was to apologize about that time……If it is only such an extent, I would not forgive you.”

Mio pursed her lips and turned to the side.

“That time I am really sorry! So I will wholeheartedly serve you as a slave tomorrow! Just for tomorrow, no matter what, master……No, princess-sama, I will listen~”

Princess-sama, this word seems to have caused Mio to tremble.

But Mio still retreated a bit, as if she had seen through Kazuki’s intentions and asked.

“Why are you trying so hard? ……Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

Damn, I was too persistent and it caused her to become suspicious?

“No, this must be tsundere. Because she felt unease, so she wanted you to attack more proactively.”

“Why? ……Why must you put so much effort? Do you really want to go on a date with me?”

As if she felt unease, Mio asked again. Then indeed…… “Okay let me try again” “Work Harder” “Just go and do it!” This phrases were often seen in the movies.

In front of Kazuki, the positivity level graph that only Kazuki could see appeared. The positivity levels increased from 70 to 75. If that’s the case——He should be able to do it, right?

“I want to become even more intimate than before with Mio!”

He already did not use reason for his excuse. Kazuki only said the truth out.

“!? J, Just now y……you called me Mio!”

Damn, I could not help but call her name directly.

“I, Is that so? Just like before……So y,you would invite……Hmph. Is it like that?”

He originally thought that he would be scolded by her, but in the end, Mio only “Ehehe” and relaxed her expression.

“It can’t be helped……If you are so willing to treat me as a princess-sama and accompany me, then I will go out and play together with you! But, this is not a date, don’t be mistaken!!”

Floating out was the red hearts again.

Amasaki Mio ——78 Otonashi Kaguya —— 59 Hiakari Koyuki —— 41 Hoshikaze Hikari——34

“The numbers are slowly increasing. Then tomorrow’s date! Well done, Our King!”

After returning to his room, Leme comforted Kazuki. No, she already said it wasn’t a date……

“……Speaking of which, what on earth happened with your appearance. And, didn’t your increase a bit?”

Leme, who materialized in front of Kazuki, was wearing a never-seen-before ethnic style dress. But the clothes were quite shabby. Her height had also become around the same age as a primary student.

“The positivity levels that was obtained from Mio let Leme grow up slightly! Being summoned completely naked was also due to the lack of strength. With the growth, Leme will also retrieve an appropriate appearance. In other words, this is Lemegeton Level 2! Okay, you will need to prepare how to deal with tomorrow’s event, so today, let’s go sleep!”

Leme happily dragged Kazuki to the bed.

Is that so, this person was also growing slightly.

……Eh? Even though that she is obviously growing, but she still needs to hug him while sleeping?

× × ×

“I hate being watched by the senpais as we leave.”

Because Mio said this, so they specifically looked for a place to meet.

The two of them would leave at different times and meet up in front of the Square’s fountain. Kazuki arrived first and after feeling a bit embarrassed, Mio happily trotted over.

Once she arrived, Mio used a finger and pointed at Kazuki.

“Listen carefully, I have said this from the start, this is not a date!”

It should be like that. After all, we’re not in such a relationship. Kazuki expressed his agreement.

“Although it is not a date, if you are going to serve me to apologize for the past and for the usual gratitude, then I will accept it. Just for today, you will have to treat me like a princess-sama and serve me well! ……I’m looking forward to it!”

Mio was wearing a casual, spring-styled dress and cardigan, which was gently floating around. However, on her feet, she was wearing slightly heavy boots. The sweet and spicy balance, it was very appropriate for her personality. She was also wearing a necklace that glowed around her neck.

“……That is feather-shaped.”

Shining in front of her chest, it was an Indian accessory that was like a feather.

“Your eyes are not bad. This is very similar to Phenex! ……You’re appearance is too plain! Tooo plain!! ……But your body is firmly built, perhaps it is better for you to dress more simple. Yes…… In total, I should still praise you.”

“For boy clothing, as long as it is easy to move in, then it does not matter.”

“If you were to use the fashion magazine’s ad phrase for the street “……Only a warrior’s body can be permitted to wear as simple as concise spaghetti” It is that kind of feeling.”

Her eyes sparkled. Kazuki did not know how to respond.

“……You, don’t just occasionally use food to make a weird metaphor.”

“Okay, let’s go! The quality of the shop that you bring a female to will decide your quality of a male!”

Mio happily said. Okay, let’s go. Kazuki took a step forward——

“Speaking of which, this is wrong!?”

Suddenly, criticisms and black skull flew from behind. Did he suddenly make a mistake?

“Wait, why are you walking in front like in a march! Didn’t you say that you will treat me like a princess-sama for a day? What are you thinking!? Now quickly escort me!”

“E, Escort!? Escort is……What should I do!?”

Treating her to a meal, listening to whatever she says, isn’t that enough!?

“You scatterbrain……First of all, let me hold onto your arm and walk~”

Mio quickly moved next to Kazuki’s side. Although it did not matter, but when she rushed over, her appearance when her dress and cardigan was flapping like in a dance was really cute.

Thus, she held onto Kazuki’s arm.

Their arms were linked with each other. Mio’s body tightly leaned over and a soft feeling came.

“……Wait, you, did you just twitch? And your face is slightly red?”

“I, It is not red. I, who have trained as a swordsman, would not be thrown in disarray because of being held in the arm!”

“Hmph, what swordsman…… As expected, if it is only holding arms, it cannot be called as an escort. We are not children anymore, if you wish to escort me, then naturally we have to do up to this extent.”

Mio temporarily released their linked up arms and let Kazuki’s left hand hold onto her waist.

Thus, it became a form where Kazuki was hugging a girl’s waist. In order to cope with this, Mio also pressed her body closer.

“W……We have to walk like this!?”

Doesn’t it become two people embracing each other as they walk!?

……Is this really not a date!?

“Fufu~ah, your face, is becoming more red! What training as a swordsman, the Hayashizaki-Ryuu isn’t that good!!”

“Aren’t you also blushing!? Your cheeks are as red as apples!”

“Hehehe, this is the <Escort> for Princess-sama! Okay, let’s go!!”

[[image:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou Vol.01 162.jpg|thumb]]

As if she was feeling extremely pleased, Mio swung her hand and took the first step.

While Tokyo was the foundation for politics, at the same time, it is a <Workshop> for Alchemy.

Inside the workshop, various products that did not exist previously were produced through alchemy.

Alchemy——The Alchemy that was passed down traditionally through the ancient times were irregular occurrences that could not be explained through science. It was a product that was repeatedly tested thousands or millions of times throughout the years or decades.

In the current generation, through Normal Magic, the efficiency for Alchemy’s operations has increased.

Perceptibility Enhancement Magic could feel the particles of the matter and by using Psychokinetic Magic or Pyrokinesis Magic, it could move, change, and restructure —— Just like lead becoming into gold——and transform it into a completely different matter.

The alchemy technique that breaks down the matters’ particles is called <Alcahest>.

The Alchemists did not join any companies but rather construct their own workshop. After Tokyo was destroyed by the Illegal Magic Users, this city was revived through the Alchemy gathered by the Workshop.

At the workshop, clothes and accessories that had alchemy used on them, were on sale. There are also restaurants that use Magic to causes the ingredients’ quality to change through the process called <Alchemy Cooking>——It has also become a dating site for the youths.

When Kazuki and Mio were walking in the streets, the were aware of some kind of gaze……What was it?

“What, why are you looking around? Please escort me properly.”

“Ah, no……nothing.”

The streets in the vicinity still remained as ruins and have not been rebuilt. If they slightly walk into an alley, the public security would worsen.

At this kind of place, there were often cases where Illegal Magic Users sneak attack on the Knights or the Magic Division Students——In other words, the people that carry Stigma. It is often referred to as a case called <Stigma Hunting>.

In the recent years, the amount of Stigma Hunting has increased. It was said to be a terrorist attacks targeting the Knights for being exclusive to Summoning Magic.

……Because of that, while walking in the streets, it is still best to hide the Stigma. However, the difference with an Enigma is that a Stigma would expand throughout the skin. Thus, many people are unable to hide it.

Mio also seemed to be leaving a mistake uncorrected and making the best out of it. From the dress that revealed the back, you could see the Stigma. It feels that Mio treated the Stigma as part of a decoration to match her clothing.

……Because they were heading out to play, so he did not bring his sword. This may be a blunder.

“Ah, a cat! There’s a cat!” The moment Mio issued out a sound, the white cat crossed in front of their eyes.

Directly in front of their gaze was also that cat.

“Nyaah——♪”

Mio suddenly let her head lean upon Kazuki’s shoulder and issued a strange sound.

“……I, It’s a joke. I only wanted to try how that feels…….

“Do you often visit this store? Although this place should be very far from Hayashizaki’s Family.”

After finishing eating the Italian cuisine, Mio wiped her mouth with the napkin and asked.

“Because I wanted my family to eat delicious meals, so I would visit many shops on my rest days with the little amount of pocket money I have in order to hone my cooking techniques. Alchemy Cooking feels like it is a life.”

“……You, aside from Sword Techniques, you also maintain a high degree of self-control. Although it is really delicious.”

Towards the Italian restaurant that exuded a playful atmosphere, Mio seemed to be very satisfied.

“Our shop is currently hosting a couple-limited event, I was wondering what you think about it?”

The waitress that was already recovering the clean dishes said to them.

“Wait……We are not a couple……”

“Our shop’s special cream cheesecake would be provided for free!”

“If we can eat this, then why not pretend to be one?”

Mio probably was embarrassed as they were treated as a couple and lowered her head.

The waitress also brought the cake over shortly.

Although it was not as big as a birthday cake, but it was still a round cake that has not be cut apart.

Beside it was a piping bag with a red sauce.

“This is……strawberry sauce or what is in it? And there is also one fork……”

“If the girlfriend use this strawberry sauce to write words on the cake, then with an “Ah——n” way and feed the boyfriend, this cream cheesecake is free! This is the event!”

“……What a flashy event.”

“Okay, girlfriend-san. Write down all the feelings that you cannot deliver normally here!”

The waitress onee-san’s eyes sparkled. It was obvious that this person was currently enjoying herself.

Looking at the pipebag that was handed over, Mio was overwhelmed.

“W, What do the other guests generally write during this time?”

“Most of them would write <nowiki><I love you></nowiki> or <Love> these kind of words.”

Mio wanted to write some words, but she hesitated with a “Uuuuu——“ sound.

Then, Mio, as if out of desperation, wrote a big <Idiot> on the cheesecake.

“Forget it, this is also an expression of love.” The waitress-san gave a wry smile.

“Okay, open your mouth! Hmmph, this is just like feeding a dog!”

Then she picked up a piece of the cake and brought it over to Kazuki’s mouth in order to feed him.

After Kazuki took a bit, he began to counterattack by saying <This time, it is the Princess-sama’s turn>.

“I, I want to eat by myself!”

“That is not allowed. The waitress-san is watching by the side, so you must abide by the rules.”

“Why are you so stubborn at this kind of place?”

“Okay, Amasaki. Open wide.”

“……You, I wanted to say it for a while, but can you not call me Amasaki.”

Towards Kazuki’s calm greeting, Mio used a terrifying gaze to look at him.

“When you were inviting me before, didn’t you call me Mio……Why did it suddenly change back?”

“Eh, Ahhh, sorry……Mio, come, open wide.”

After Kazuki directly called her name, Mio honestly opened her mouth and accepted the <Ahh——n>.

“Delicious……” From the blushing Mio’s chest, a red heart gently floated out.

——The two of them took turns to feed each other the cheesecake. After they finished eating, Kazuki planned to pay the bill.

“……By the way, in the first place, I, did not truly treat you as a slave. I will still pay……?”

Mio suddenly become honest as if she borrowed it from a cat, and pulled out her own wallet.

Kazuki stopped her with a wry smile. Because it was already planned that this side would treat her.

Mio revealed an uneasy expression. As a result, Kazuki also started to feel a bit tensed again.

So when they left the restaurant, this time, Kazuki took the initiative to hug her waist and did the <Escort>.

After Mio issued an <Ah>, she also actively cooperated and leaned over with her body.

She blushed and the red hearts that represents the positivity levels flew out once again.

After leaving the restaurant, they began to browse the items in the workshop.

Just like what he imagined, Mio, who loves beautiful products, would say “This is cute” “You should try this out” in the shops. After this was said, Kazuki also gradually developed an interest and did not have any conflicted feelings as he tried them out in front of the mirror.

——But “……”, Mio suddenly became depressed.

“It is already……quite late.”

As if she was reluctant to part, Mio lifted her head towards the sky. The surroundings has already began to fall into the evening.

Just when Kazuki was just about to say to her, let’s go out and play together again, he suddenly swallowed the words that had already reached his mouth.

He noticed. ——Even if he was to invite her next time to play as a friend, they would not be able to pass through the time like today.

The things that they did today had already gone beyond the scope of <Playing with Friends>.

Because she was also aware of this, so she was feeling reluctant and did not say anything.

As if time had stopped, the two of them were relatively silent. The sun slowly descended bit by bit.

“Right! ……Wait for me for a while. Listen carefully, absolutely do not move!”

Mio suddenly ran into an alley that was lined up with the Workshop streets.

Under the circumstances where he was completely puzzled, Kazuki remained there by himself.

Suddenly acting alone——He was very curious about the gaze that he had felt since morning.

When he had noticed, this place was the outer edge of the city. The dimness was not just due to the time.

“……Nii-san♪”

Just when he felt unease, someone talked to him from behind. Kazuki was shocked and turned towards the back.

While maintaining alertness, he turned around——Inside the silent street stood a girl that was probably in junior high.

Although her ears were not sharp, but her hair was silver just like an elf. It was a girl who exuded an abnormal atmosphere. She was wearing clothes that were broken in a couple of places as she exposed an innocent smile towards Kazuki.

……Who was it? Although he felt that he had saw her face before, but——

“Finally, I am able to talk with you. I had to pluck up a lot of my courage. Because the two of you were always together, so I felt that I should not bother you. Are the two of you going out? If that’s the case, then it would be too sad.”

Gazing at the alley that Mio ran to, she whispered lonely.

“……You are?”

“Ah, did you forget who I am? That’s too much. Then please don’t forget today’s encounter, Nii-san♪”

I have seen her before. Because of the previous case, Mio, he immediately noticed it.

Inside the memories of Nanohana Institute, an image of a person was successfully depicted within his mind.

But it feels that the person who was similar to her from his memories did not have this hair color.

And this was quite far away from Nanohana Institute.

So he felt that something was wrong and could not help but ask this question, “Who are you?”

The girl suddenly “Uuuu” and clenched her face.

“So it still won’t work……After seeing Nii-san, it feels that it is impossible to resist……”

“Resist……? Hey, are you alright!? It seems like it is very painful!”

“I’m fine……Even though it was a reunion just now, if I would suddenly do “That kind of thing”, then I would not stand it……? Please don’t hate me, Nii-san……Fu, Fufufu……♪”

The girl issued out a twitching-like, strange laughter.

The girl that exuded a strange atmosphere, turned and face the alley and issued an “Ah!” sound.

“Seems like she’s coming back……If you talk with another girl during a date, Mio-chan would definitely be angry. Although, I am reluctant to do so……Although I wanted to do that kind of thing, yet I am unable to, it is indeed a pity……”

“Please wait a minute, your name is……”Kaya” right!”

“Correct! Thank you, Nii-san! Our encounter today……Please don’t forget about it, Nii-san! Fufufu, Fufu……!”

Kaya turned her back to this side and ran away. ——Towards the dark alley.

Although it was a little like this……but it was as if he had met a ghost.

“Kazuki! You actually listened to my words and waited for me without moving around! Not bad!”

Just like what Kaya predicted, Mio came running back from another alley.

Mio, who was revealing a extremely happy smile, was holding a small package.

“I’ll tell you about this later! Please be patient for a little longer. Fufufu♪”

“……By the way, Mio, do you know what happened to the Nanohana Institute?”

“Nanohana Institute? I did not go there since I was adopted by the Amasaki family……It is very far away.”

“Is that so……It is not a place where we could casually go and look up the situation.

Speaking of which, during this year, there had been no telephone or SMS that came.

“Why did you suddenly ask this kind of question?”

“Just now, I met Kaya. Kaya, whose hair had turned into a silver color.”

“Eh? ……Kaya? Kaya……That one, wait a minute! You are saying that <Kaya>!? But why is she at this kind of place? And that kid’s hair should be black, isn’t it?”

Mio incredulously tilted her head. Yes, from the distance and special characteristics, Kaya appearing here is indeed unnatural……It was as if he had seen a pipe dream.

However, Mio, who did not actually see her, immediately recovered her mood.

“Ah, then let’s head over to that workshop and see! Let’s hurry, the shop is about to close!”

She grabbed onto the hand of Kazuki, who was still confused about that incredulous girl, and turned around.

“……The stars are also out. It is almost the end for today.”

The stores in the Workshop had all closed. The two of them began to embark on the trip back to the academy.

Mio handed the small package she had always been holding on to Kazuki.

“This……I’ll give this to you. You can open and see what it is.”

After opening the package and taking a glance, he could see a necklace that imitated a shape of a glowing bird’s feather inside.

“……It is the same thing as mine! Because you can also use Phenex’s Magic! It is created by an Alchemist, whose shop I often go to, using the top trendy item, ruby silver! Okay, wear it, wear it.”

She was concerned about the fact that I treated her to a meal at the restaurant, huh.

Ruby silver——Just as its name implies, it changes a part of a silver accessory into aluminum oxide, namely ruby, and mixing it together with marble patterns. It is an advanced Alchemy.

The deep crimson and the shining silver would be stacked in several layers, just like a frozen flame.

“In the past, my unremarkable eyes may have been wrong…….Ah, isn’t this cool!? ……It is fine if you wish to present a gift back in return. Of course, you will pay me back, right? Pay back, Pay back.”

Mio continued to say pay back, pay back unnaturally. At that time, Kazuki suddenly understood.

“Then, please let me express my gratitude next time. Please let me once again act as your escort next time just like today.”

Is this it……She wanted to find an excuse. Both of us are like this.

Using a Galge as an analogy——It was the feeling as if he had selected the correct option.

Mio’s expression suddenly lit up. A massive amount of red hearts flew out from her chest.

“……It can’t be helped! Since it is a gift, then Mio can’t help it! It’s fine, next time, I will accompany you just like today!”

The graph that appeared in front of Kazuki’s eyes, unknowingly, the positivity levels had already past 100.

……In the end, what extent of the feeling does this number 100 represent.

Throwing away the excuse to the side, under the circumstance of this number, and from her words……

Mio suddenly grabbed onto Kazuki’s left hand and held onto his chest.

“This is the gratitude expressed to the man, who had completed the escort of a woman.”

Mio gently bent down and kissed Kazuki’s left hand.

The warmth of her lips was completely sent over, Mio immediately became embarrassed and turned her back towards Kazuki.

Looking at the back of this girl who had grown up, Kazuki thought it was not the same as before.

The feelings he had for Mio currently may not be the same as the feelings he had for Mio before……

——But this warm feeling immediately cooled down.

Kazuki noticed. Magic Power was being generated ——This is the feeling of Magic being activated.

Fast. It had already activated. The flow of Magic Power is coming from behind —— and heading over to this side!

Kazuki suddenly carried Mio from behind.

“Eh!? W, Wait a minute, what are you suddenly doing!?”

“……It’s dangerous!!”

Kazuki carried Mio just like this and ran.

Dondon! A huge rubble flew over and crushed the location where Mio was at earlier.

“M, Magic!? Mio, who was being carried by Kazuki, issued out a cry.

While Kazuki dodged, he turned back and looked. A man, who was wearing dirty clothes, was chasing after them.

The clothes he wore were tattered. He use mentally unstable eyes and angrily glared at Kazuki and Mio.

He was probably a man who was of similar age as Kazuki. But the Magic he used was clearly not ——Normal Magic!

“Illegal Magic User……Stigma Hunter!?”

The man’s body emitted a light. Kazuki widened his eyes. This person, he did not chant a spell!

<Rubble Bullet (Block Shoot)>

At the same time the inorganic voice sounded out, The asphalt was ripped piece by piece from the road and floated up.

Then, the rubble flew over just like that. Kazuki continued to carry while running nonstop and he performed a dodge using a curve route.

“W, Wait a minute, Kazuki!? T, This is……Princess Carry……”

“……Rubble Bullet.”

Although it was a straight-line and easy to evade Attack Magic….but because there was no Spell Chant, so it would continuously fire over!

“Mio, like this, I will be responsible for evasion, quickly use your Summoning Magic!”

“I, Idiot! How can I concentrate in this kind of posture!?”

“I feel that it is an excellent strategy……Right now, I can’t use either Sword or Summoning Magic.”

Kazuki’s Magic Power was almost completely used up during the special training before. He did not even have excess Magic Power to even use Physical Enhancement Magic. Only by reading ahead was he able to just barely dodge the enemy’s attack.

“……This is bad, my hands are becoming numb……”

“Hey, are you saying that I am heavy!?”

“Heavier than my sword.”

“Are you saying that your sword is cuter than me!? If it’s this extent, I can deal with it with my own strength!”

Just watch and see, Mio said. She pushed open Kazuki’s hand and gently landed on the ground. Then——

“Everything that touches it will be burned……The scorch that denies approach! Inflammation Armor (Self-Burning)”

Mio raised one hand into the air. The surrounding swirl of flames became an armor that protected the body.

The rubble that flew towards Mio was burned down one by one by the flame armor and turned into ashes that floated in the sky.

“A New Summoning Magic……Phenex’s Level 3!?”

Phenex’s Level 3 Magic seems to be a defensive Magic.

Because the Defensive Magic’s activation target is its own body, so there is no need to specify the coordinates, thus there spell chant time is short.

And compared to Defensive Magic, it is able to use less Magic Power to protect the body more efficiently. Although there are both favorable and unfavorable aspects based on the different attributes of attacks, but it is still a Basic Summoning Magic that is used for combat.

“……Barrett!!” Mio immediately activated an Attack Magic to counterattack.

“Earth God’s Screen (Titan Wall)

The man that makes other feel unhappy did not reveal any change in emotions and only stomped on the ground.

Then, a thick barrier of earth was constructed there. The flame feather was defended against as if a stone had sank into the ocean

“……Rubble Bullet” “Barrett!” “Rubble Bullet……”

The exchange of Attack Magic by Mio and the man was completely offset by the other person’s Defensive Magic.

But……A long term battle would put this side at a disadvantage. The other side’s Magic was continuously fired over.

On the other hand, Mio, who did not have the time to even load the Magical Dress and was chanting Summoning Magic, had her Magic Power efficiency greatly decreased. If they were to continue to force it, then this side’s Magic Power will run out first.

Even though I should help think of a plan to buy time for her, but right now, I do not have a Sword or Magic Power!”

The instant that Kazuki felt anxious——He felt an explosive Magic Power appearing behind him.

Turning around, Kaguya-senpai, who was sparkling with purple Magic Power, was there.

The amount of Magic Power swirled together was on a completely different level——It is a High Level Summoning Magic that Kazuki and the others were far behind.

“The Intangible and Silent Shadow, Become a fish born in darkness that is cruising in delusion! The origin of nightmare, the cycle of materializing, respond to the terror and expectation and devour it……! Darkness in Shadow’s Depth (Twilight Spectre)”

Kukuku……A creepy laughter sound resounded out in all directions.

In the inside of the wall of earth, the <Shadow> that extended from the man’s back suddenly swelled, it became like a huge monster with only a black face. The man was shocked and the moment he turned back, the monster opened its mouth and swallowed the man completely starting from the head——Just like a shark that showed its head from the surface of a water.

An intense blue light flashed. The Defensive Magic that appeared instantly protect the man’s body and he flew out from the Monster’s mouth.

Although he avoided falling into the state of Magic Drunk, but it was clear that his Magic Power was almost completely gone.

“Earth Release – Earth Animal! (Land Escape)”

In order to use the little Magic Power, the man cried out.

The man became a huge snake. His mouth suddenly extended forward, his noise and lips assimilated together. The white eyeball disappeared from the pupils and all the hair fell out. His two hands and legs integrated into the body. In the end, the bizarre change turned him into the huge snake itself. Then, his head began to drill into the asphalt of the hard ground and assimilated with the ground as if he buried his body inside.

“I let him get away again!” Kaguya-senpai said with a regretful voice.

“Senpai……Why are you here?”

At the same time, Hoshikaze-senpai and Koyuki, who were also wearing Magical Dress, ran over from behind Kaguya-senpai.

Senpai and the others were planning on challenging a mission during this rest day and came to chase after the Stigma Hunter.

“Hikari was chasing after the Illegal Magic User called <Earth Snake> here……The contracted Diva is unknown……Because he uses that escape Magic, he is able to immediately escape, so she was not able to capture him.”

“So that’s an Illegal Magic User……That person’s Magic Chanting time is basically zero……”

“The Illegal Magic Users are basically all like that. They practically used a contract <Possession Summon (Drive)> to summon the Diva into their own body. We, Stigma Magic Users, must request for a Magic Phenomenon through chanting a spell to the Diva at Astrum. But, they do not need to convey the meaning over, so they could swiftly and efficiently activate the Diva’s Power with little amount of Magic.”

“In other words, compared to our Summoning Magic, the Illegal Magic Users are stronger?”

“To put it plainly, that’s it. So that is why we must use a strategy that coordinates with the swordsman.”

“But, it is not entirely a good thing.”

Hoshikaze-senpai’s expression became clouded and continued to speak after Kaguya-senpai.

“If you use Possession Summon, the more you use Magic, the faster your mentality will be corroded by the Diva, becoming berserk and in the end, your body will be taken by the Diva. However, before the Diva is able to obtain a physical body, they would often have their mentality driven to insanity and become berserk. The ones that the Knights captured are often in this kind of situation.”

“But that <Earth Snake> could have already directly obtained the physical body. There is no doubt about that. I thought that last attack would be able to completely deprive him of Magic Power, but in the end, I still let him get away……”

The man in front of their eyes did not have any emotions at all. A man who had his mentality corroded by the Diva……

“I should not have had the goal of capturing him alive……And should have use Hell’s Imagine Flame to directly kill him.”

Kaguya-senpai whispered in a dark tone. Kazuki could not help but shudder.

“Just like what the senseis say, perhaps I am still too naïve……”

Viewing her from the side, it was not the gentle and playful senpai that Kazuki had seen. There is a somewhat deeper darkness——

“Senpai……Did you kill someone before?”

If they eventually become a Knight, then there is no doubt that they must have that resolve.

“That kind of experience……How is it possible?”

But, the next instant, Kaguya-senpai’s serious expression disappeared.

“S, Speaking of which, Otouto-kun, y, you guys are heading back after a d, date!? The stars are so beautiful, it is really a beautiful night!”

In order to disperse this gloomy atmosphere, Hoshikaze-senpai used an excited voice to ask.

“It is not a date!” Mio hurried and denied.

The tense atmosphere slowly relaxed. Suddenly, Kazuki saw the appearance of the senpais again.

Because it was an actual battle, so Kaguya-senpai did not wear a robe. It was still the same, highly revealing Magical Dress from before.

Hoshikaze-senpai’s Magical Dress is sleeveless, and the Stigma revealed itself starting from the shoulders down the entire arm. There is more or less a righteous atmosphere of a <Knight>, but the degree of exposure was still very high.

Koyuki’s Magical Dress was like a white school swimsuit-like tights. The Stigma was exposed on the shoulders and the thighs. This side’s exposure was also quite high.

The mysterious light that emitted in the dark of the night……It was still a bit stimulating to look at with calm eyes.

“OII, y, you can’t be looking at senpai and the others with those strange eyes right!?”

“Really now, Otouto-kun. Using strange eyes to look at others is not allowed! This is the appearance for the purpose of fighting.”

Kaguya-senpai changed back to the usual senpai and generously smiled at Kazuki while scolding him.

“……I’m a bit tired after using Summoning Magic. Everybody, let’s head back.”

× × ×

The original purpose has already been achieved. Mio’s positivity levels have increased significantly.

After Kazuki turned off the lights in his room, he lay down on the bed exhausted.

However ——No Spell came into his mind. What on earth happened?

When he first wanted to learn how to use Barrett, a spell naturally appeared in his mind. But even though he was searching for more of the other Magic in his mind, new spells did not appear.

“Strange, if the positivity levels is 100, then it should not be impossible to use……”

Leme, who was sleeping next to Kazuki, whispered.

“……In the worst scenario, there is still a cheat you can use.”

“……A Cheat? If there is this kind of thing, why did you not tell me earlier?”

“The Magic Power path that is established through positivity levels can be temporarily expanded through a magically-like contact.”

“Magically-like contact? ……I feel that there is only a bad premonition.”

“Thinking back at the scene where you contracted with Leme is fine. Oii, don’t blush! In other words, it is a kiss. KISS. As long as you kiss, then the path would temporarily expand and during that short time, you will be able to use all Level of Summoning Magic. You could probably easily win the competition.”

“……N, No. Kissing in order to obtain the victory, how can I do that.”

“However, a path that expanded through a kiss would develop immunity after just one time. You will not be able to use this cheat on the target a second time. If you can choose not to use it, it is best not to use it. This is the ultimate trump card.”

“This hypocritical trump card, who would use……”

But……If it can use all the Levels, then it is also possible to use <Complete Summon>?

“——Otouto-kun”

At this moment, the door issued out a rattle sound and opened. From the other side of the door came Kaguya-senpai’s voice.

In order to avoid them being seen of sleeping together, Leme eliminated her figure and returned back to Astrum.

“!?” In order to hold back the sound of his almost yelled out cry, Kazuki held his breath. This is because the senpai, who appeared on the other side of the door, was still wearing that Magical Dress.

“Otouto-kun……” It was a sweet voice as if it was a fruit that was soaked in sugar syrup.

Kaguya-senpai suddenly jumped onto Kazuki’s bed and tightly hugged onto Kazuki.

“Otouto-kun is really cute.”

A suspicious whisper sound rustled in his ears.

Although he was almost charmed by it involuntarily, but this indeed is not the usual senpai!

“Senpai, sorry! Please return to your original appearance!”

Kazuki apologized and with a method of pinching senpai’s cheek with two hands, he slapped both side of the face.

After being slapped on the face, senpai issued out an “Ah!” sound.

Senpai’s pupils reveal a bewitching purple color ——Then it slowly turned back to its original color.

“……Please” Senpai quietly whispered.

Kazuki “Eh?” and asked back. At this moment, tears began to trickle down from senpai’s eyes.

Suddenly being attacked by senpai, then making her cry. It was really strange.

“No, no! This is because Asmodeus is a Demon who managed ecchi desires……So every time after summoning, as a side effect, occasionally my state of mind will become very change……But, I did not intend……”

“Senpai, please calm down!”

Kazuki sat down on the bed facing her and gently pressed onto senpai’s shoulder.

“No, I wanted to become more intimate with Otouto-kun is also completely different about the fact that Otouto-kun is a man! So, please don’t look down on me……!”

……Senpai was actually concerned about this kind of thing.

The moment he understood this pint, he hope that she would not misjudge the situation.

“Senpai” he continued to call like this and once again, Kazuki use both hands to pinch Kaguya-senpai’s cheeks.

It’s not a problem. His body involuntarily moved like this is because this is the same approach when he deals with Kanae crying.

“By now, it is impossible to misunderstand. You helped me when I could not integrate into the school, you called me, who is a swordsman, a comrade, and you’re looking forward to when I become the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Up to this point, it is impossible for me to believe that senpai’s gentleness is all affected by Asmodeus.”

“Otouto-kun……”

Kazuki stared at her without looking away and used a persuasive form to convey his feelings to her.

“When we first met, senpai said I was special. It is not because I am the only male, but because I am a swordsman. After knowing the latter fact, I, was really happy. Please don’t think of me as a person who would doubt senpai’s gentleness.”

Kaguya-senpai finally calmed down. Although tears were still in her eyes, but she already revealed a calm smile.

“The fact that Otouto-kun speaks things clearly ——I really like.”

At this moment, what floated out from senpai’s chest is ——a key.

It was absorbed into Kazuki’s ring. Just like the time with Mio.

The next instant, senpai hugged onto Kazuki’s chest again.

“Sorry, please let me stay a little longer……Because right now I already do not have any ecchi desires, so let me stay like this for a while……I am really anxious. Casually saying that I arbitrarily looked forward to Otouto-kun becoming the bridge that connects the Magic Division and Sword Division……Arbitrarily treating you as a pillar of support for my mind. I willfully imposed this onto you.”

“But, I felt happy about it.”

Although afterwards, Liz Liza-sensei and Mio was also gentle to him, but in the beginning, the <One that Needed me> was senpai. If it was Mio who did it first, he feels that he may have become even more lost.

“I, Even though I am your senpai, may also continue to behave in a spoiled manner with you. It feels that even though Otouto-kun is younger than me, yet he seems more like an older brother. Probably because my older brother is also a swordsman……Although he is already dead.”

Kaguya-senpai probably recalled something and her noise twitched.

“Okay……Charging complete! Kaguya-senpai is already fine! ……From tomorrow onwards, you have to work hard on the special training, otouto-kun! But, But, misunderstanding my meaning is not good. I will treat otouto-kun specially, not because you are a man, but because you are my disciple!! ……Good night!”

With a slightly modest and rising expectation, Kaguya-senpai, patapata, left.

“……Just now, Otonashi Kaguya’s positivity levels passed 65. The Magic Power Path is connected.”

In exchange, Leme materialized. At the same time, his heart pounded rapidly.

No, wait a minute. Senpai’s positivity levels may not be something related to love.

Kazuki dug into his blanket and closed his eyes. It feels that he would have a strange dream.

“Even though you were so amazing earlier, but why are you so timid in such a strange place?”

Leme said, stunned.

“Why is it, in the end, you, even though you wish that the other side would believe you, yet you do not believe in the other side……Oi, how, could you already be asleep? Listen to me!”

× × ×

“Akira……Hunting those two is not allowed. Even though it is to make those two return back to the same place as me and perform Stigma Hunting, if you were to hunt those two, it is as if the order is reversed.”

In the dim ruins, a young girl’s voice resounded.

The girl that Kazuki called Kaya and the Illegal Magic User <Earth Snake> was there.

The two of them were living inside a ruin that was not restored yet and was lying there casually.

The ruin that was originally a hotel has fulfilling equipment. There is large number of items that are ownerless, but it was driven out half a year ago by this Kaya and Earth Snake.

“Because those two people are very important people, you cannot attack them. Because they are people that are very important to me ——So I will kill them.”

Kaya’s head felt pain in burst……What did I just say?

It feels that she had said words that did not make sense. Important people ——Kill?

“In short, do not attack those two. Just like this, the reason we started Stigma Hunting is because if we crush the Knights, those two would be released from the Stigma and return to our side. It is for this goal. Right, the order is reversed……”

Even said that, Nanohana Institute was already gone.

Kaya threw a disgusted glare at the silent man. The Earth Snake, Akira, who was sitting on the bed absently, seemed to be staring at the graffiti on the wall leave by the former residents.

Why am I together with such a creepy person?

……Because everybody that I love from the Nanohana Institute had completely been killed some time ago.

No, no, or did I run away……? My memories are vague……

No matter what, everybody is gone. So that is why I would find Nii-san and Mio-chan.

So ——Those two must also be killed. This time, she will not let them run away.

Kaya’s head began to hurt in burst of pain. The concept of because they are important people, so I must kill them is strange.

I, am thinking of unethical things. The moment I met Nii-san on the streets, I was also desperately suppressing this impulse. This impulse is definitely weird.

The outburst of everybody in the orphanage being killed is also……Even though I regretted till my hair lost its color. Even though I do not wish to do the same thing to Nii-san and Mio-chan.

Even though I could only recall the warm shelter like the past Nanohana Insitute.

After Nii-san and Mio-chan was gone, she could only cry alone every day and meet with a never seen before Diva in her dreams. At that time, it was probably the beginning of everything.

“If you form a contract with me, I will give you the same power as those two.” This is what the Diva said.

Using the power of Magic as bait, the existence of Diva wanting to corrode into one’s body. Kaya also knew about it.

However, that Diva……seems like she was purely sympathizing Kaya’s bitter encounter. Lending her power in order for her to meet those two again. So the young Kaya listened to those sweet whispers. And believed it.

However, since exchanging a contract with that Diva, her body has always felt a bit strange.

If she views that person as someone important, it would become that she would want to kill that person.

……Knowing that she would meet up with those two if she heads to Tokyo. Whether it is Nii-san, who would become a swordsman, or Mio-Chan, who would become a Magic User, both of them will eventually enter the Knights Academy.

So while she engages in Stigma Hunting, she will wait for the moment she reunites with those two.

The remaining people that are important to her. Even though she should only feel pure happiness ——What is the impulse!?

“……As expected, it is strange……What did you do to me? Hand over my mind back to me! Oi……Reply me, Loki, Loki!”

Kaya grabbed onto her head that was in pain and questioned the Diva that was corroding her mind.

But no matter how long, there was no response. She was deceived. Perhaps she was deceived……

She wanted to see Nii-san again……However, if she sees him, she would definitely not be able to resist……

She recalled that next week’s weekend, the Knights Academy will hold an Inter-Division Competition.

It was a good opportunity to sneak into the Academy that is usually prohibited to the average person.

Even if she did not run around on the streets, she will certainly be able to see Nii-san on that day.

She really wanted to see you, really wanted to see Nii-san again…….Really wanted to kill him!

Kaya grabbed chaotically onto the hair that had lost its color and grabbed onto her head.

Beside her, Akira did not look at her berserk act even once and only continued to stare at the graffiti wall.

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

User:Bakanisan

2015-02-27T23:58:36Z

LiTTleDRAgo: Reverted edits by 27.67.22.193 (talk) to last revision by Bakanisan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quangvippro

Gmail: bakanisan@gmail.com

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Ark

2015-02-27T22:15:17Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : Innocent Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Help talk:Administration Contact Page

2015-02-27T18:27:25Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Help talk:Administration Contact Page

2015-02-27T18:25:08Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

__NOTOC__
== Ongoing ==

=== Alt. Language Projects with No Content in Pending Authorisation Category ===

<div style="border:2px dotted orange;padding:5px;">This is a quick service announcement pertaining to project reclassification status:
*'''There are a handful of Alt. Lang. Projects that have no translations uploaded WHATSOEVER.'''
::I left these questionable projects in [[:Category:Pending Authorisation]]. <small>(Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai Kara Kuru Sou Desu yo (Italiano), Mokushiroku Arisu - Français)</small>
::Theoretically, according to the new English conventions, these pages should be deleted if nothing is uploaded '''within a week'''. However, I'll leave it up to the Alt. Language Supervisors to decide what course of action to take with these projects, whether you want to officially give them extensions, or issue notifications, etc. This is just a memo so that we don't forget about them. --[[User:Cloudii|Cloudii]] ([[User talk:Cloudii|talk]]) 00:54, 31 May 2014 (CDT)
</div>

List of concerned projects updated. I'll delete them if I don't have anything regarding their activity. -- [[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 07:10, 16 August 2014 (CDT)

=== <span style="color:red">Registration & Login Issues on the Forum</span> ===

If registration is impossible because of a "banned IP", confirm the form again, use a different mail or a VPN to bypass this issue. This is caused by an IP ban range that is randomly changed.

For those who have troubles while logging on the forum, please refer to [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=10583 this thread].

[[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 05:03, 1 August 2014 (CDT)

== On Hold ==

=== Shinonome Yuuko ===

[[Shinonome Yuuko wa Tanpen Shousetsu o Aishite Iru]] will be upgraded to full project status, once one volume is finished. -- [[User:Misogi|Misogi]] ([[User talk:Misogi|talk]]) 05:03, 1 August 2014 (CDT)

=== Imoutolicious LNT ===

[[The Indecent Relationship between Four Lovers]] and [[Queen's Knight Kael]] will be upgraded to full project status, once one volume is finished.

== <big>Projects needing approval:</big> ==

=== 2 new hosted projects ===

Translation Group Name (with link): Heart Crusade Scans (http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/)
Name of Representative: non∞ ([[User:Angelanime|Angelanime]] - user name change to non∞)
Desired Series for Affiliation:
<br />
1. [http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/kyuuketsuki-ni-natta-kimi-wa-eien-no-ai-wo-hajimeru/ Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru]
<br />
2. [http://heartcrusadescans.wordpress.com/novels/the-sleepy-residents-of-birdcage-manor/ Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi]

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked): Hosted
Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
Minor typo corrections and stylistic edits are okay.
Email and contact information: heart.crusader@gmail.com, B-T forum username: angelanime
--[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 05:42, 15 September 2014 (CDT)

:Do you wish to have an affiliate link on the main page? Or, are you planning something like what Nanodesu Translation is doing? --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 23:30, 26 September 2014 (CDT)

I can host directly on the site. Nanodesu is linking their releases to their sites, right? I mean to place text here to be available for editors to edit. --[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 06:43, 27 September 2014 (CDT)

:Nanodesu is indeed doing that. Just inform us here again once you're done making the pages. --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User_talk:KuroiHikari|Talk]] | ) 07:49, 27 September 2014 (CDT)

Here are the project pages. I'll create the registration pages, etc. later.
*[[Kyuuketsuki_ni_Natta_Kimi_wa_Eien_no_Ai_wo_Hajimeru| Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru]]
*[[Torikagosou_no_Kyou_mo_Nemutai_Juunintachi| Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi]]
--[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 06:49, 28 September 2014 (CDT)

I decided I'll host the translation here always after 24 hours passed since it's published it on my website.
Also, the registration pages are created, volume 1 novel illustrations and prologues added. --[[User:Angelanime|non∞]] 12:53, 28 September 2014 (CDT)

=== Approval Project ===

I, Xdtiagonzhar, have started a new project for Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari and uploaded some translations. But I started at 1 month ago, sorry for not contact first.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari_(Indonesia). --[[User:Xdtiagonzhar|Xdtiagonzhar]] ([[User talk:Xdtiagonzhar|talk]]) 23:34, 8 October 2014 (CDT)

=== New Translation Project. ===

I, Fresh Mint, have started a new project for Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Spanish) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: [[Tate_no_Yuusha_no_Nariagari_(Spanish)|Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (Spanish).]] --[[User:Fresh Mint|Fresh Mint]] ([[User talk:Fresh Mint|talk]]) 23:51, 5 November 2014 (CST)

=== Highschool dxd romanian ===

Hi , i am a new translator guy wich i want to translate highschool dxd into romanian . i also made the webpage so i hope that i will get an aprovement . This is the link [[High School DxD (Romanian)]] .
I`m sorry if i sent again the message but i forgot , my bad , to sign for administration
--[[User:DragoMuseveni|DragoMuseveni]] ([[User talk:DragoMuseveni|talk]]) 13:17, 7 November 2014 (CST)

=== New Project: Owari no Serafu (Indonesia) ===

I, Bhrerigas, have started a new project for Owari no Serafu (Indonesia) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: [[Owari no Serafu (Indonesia)]]. --[[User:Bhrerigas|Bhrerigas]] ([[User_talk:Bhrerigas|talk]]) 04:08, 12 December 2014 (CST)

=== Approval for New Project ===

I, Bowguyz, have started a new project for Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Kuusen_Madoushi_Kouhosei_no_Kyoukan. --[[User:Bowguyz|Bowguyz]] ([[User talk:Bowguyz|talk]]) 09:48, 15 December 2014 (CST)

I've started a new project for '''Maru-MA series''' in Spanish, I'm uploading all the volume 01 and I'm working on 02 to 04 right now.
The link to the project overview page is here: [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maru-MA_~_(Spanish) Maru-MA ~ (Spanish)]. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 04:52, 17 December 2014 (CST)

I, RedGlassesGirl, am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maru-MA_~_(Spanish) Maru-MA ~ (Spanish)].
There are no other active members right now, but I'm the main translator and editor out of Baka Tsuki for this project, so if some of the staff of the fansub join they'll endorse this nomination. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 04:58, 17 December 2014 (CST)

I started a new project for '''Zectas'''. It is a hosted project and links are provided for one complete volume. The links to overview page is [[Zectas]] --[[User:Rex|Rex]] ([[User talk:Rex|talk]]) 19:52, 26 December 2014 (CST)

I, Hamberz19, have started a new project for '''Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)''', Currently I'm uploading all the volume 01 but due to some changes on the English version it'll take a while to upload the whole volume one. The link to the project overview page is here: [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan_~_(Spanish) Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]. --[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 17:35, 13 January 2015 (CST)

=== New Alt. Language Project. ===

Hey, I, Ota, have started a new project for <b>Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria</b> and uploaded a few translations.<br>Here's the link to the project overview: [[Utsuro_no_Hako_to_Zero_no_Maria_~_(Brazilian_Portuguese)|Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria (Brazilian Portuguese)]]. --[[User:Otakkun|Otakkun]] ([[User talk:Otakkun|talk]]) 00:44, 22 December 2014 (CST)

== <big>Account Problems, Human Resources:</big> ==
=== For managerial post transfer & Post ===

Most of the projects that were managed by [[User:Par74583|Par74583]] were started by me and I'm in the staff. But he has been inactive for over a year or so. So i'd like to transfer to the managerial post of those projects as i took that of chaika's. i'm thinking of searching for someone interested in tl'ing them, i'll probably help out if i find someone to continue them, or if someone takes them over.and since anyone interested would probably contact the manager first if they want to tl it, it will be better if i'm there to respond. --[[User:Ways|<span style="color:green;font:bold 10pt kristen itc">TheCatWalk</span>]] --nyaa~ 22:35, 3 October 2014 (CDT)

Doing this project, so i'll be talking managerial post [[Lugal_Gigam]] --[[User:Ways|<span style="color:green;font:bold 10pt kristen itc">TheCatWalk</span>]] --nyaa~ 03:26, 26 October 2014 (CDT)

== <big>Site or project problems:</big> ==

=== Removal of Teasers from Main Projects ===

The following light novels were incorrectly tagged as light novel (Seriously need a better tag for main projects) which put them onto the main projects page despite being a teaser:

Owari no Serafu

City Series

Kyuuketsuki ni Natta Kimi wa Eien no Ai wo Hajimeru

*Removed LN tag from Owari, Kyuuketsuki, and one that was unlisted here. I left City series because it's close to one vol and I remember Ping was big on there being exceptions in cases like it (aka js). --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 18:56, 5 December 2014 (CST)

=== OLN The Devil's Spice link in the side bar is going to a "File not Found" error page ===

The OLN The Devil's Spice link in the side bar is going to an error page. I suspect this is because of the apostrophe in the page title, but I am not certain. When I hover over the link, it says "INVALID-TITLE" in the baka-tsuki URL. Can an admin fix this broken link? This is a newly approved OLN by Onizuka-Gto.

It should be going to this URL: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=The_Devil%27s_Spice

--[[User:Kandahikaru|Kandahikaru]] ([[User talk:Kandahikaru|talk]]) 08:48, 24 December 2014 (CST)

== Requesting to Propose A New Project Under A Translated Version of LN ==

Hi and greeting.

My name is Muhamad from Malaysia. I'm currently studying undergraduate in United Kingdom.
During my spare time, I used to read Light Novels (LN) from Baka-Tsuki (BT) and my Japanese friend, who is in the same universities. I do enjoy reading both original and English-translated LN.

Then, he said to me: 'Why not translating them into your Own Language (Malay)?" And here I am, quite to afraid to suggest it beforehand.

Therefore, I would like to request your permission, and your approval to add another language-translated LN, that is Malay.

I know this is something new, but I would like to try it by means of translating it to my native language.
If possible, I would like to found this new project, so that people from my country and those who can read Malay appreciate more stories in LN by means of Malay language.

I will give it a try, and you could give me a response.

Here's my email: mujahidmuda13@gmail.com. Feel free to drop me a email, to ask any question.

Thank you for your time reading this post, and also for your help and support.
I am looking forward to be part of BT community team.

Regards,
Muhamad.

== New Project page for hosted/linked. ==

I, NoOne2246, have started a new project for Maou na Anoko to Murabito A and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: https://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maou_na_Anoko_to_Murabito_A.

Translation Group Name (with link):
:NoOne2246 (http://noone2246.wordpress.com/)

Name of Representative:
:NoOne2246

Desired Series for Affiliation:
:Maou na Anoko to Murabito A (魔王なあの娘と村人A)

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked):
:*Hosted text that has been completely translated, translation checked and edited.
:*Linked to other text that is still under the process of translation.

Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
:*Text will reflect any major edits done to the blog translation.
:*minor edits like spelling and grammar.
:*Suggestions to sentence structure will be posted onto the discussion page to be checked first.

Email and contact information:
:pm on BT forums.

--5th January 2015 7:45am AEST(+10)

== Supervisor needed for removing Light Novel (English) tag from abandoned projects ==

No Game No Life and Log Horizon are now fully abandoned, so their "Light Novel (English)" category tags should be removed to take them off the main project list. Since the pages are now protected, this requires a supervisor. --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 21:20, 4 January 2015 (CST)

Done. --[[User:Zzhk|Zzhk]] ([[User talk:Zzhk|talk]]) 22:50, 4 January 2015 (CST)

== Unification of Series Overview sections ==

As stated in the subject title, the release info in series overview sections should be unified. Some don't list subtitles in japanese, or some extra list the page count, other have totally different formats of date. The way the brackets or dashes are put are different from project to project. Please consider making a formatting rule for this information. --non∞ 14:31, 9 January 2015 (CST)

== Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ==

I, Hamberz19, have started a new project for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan and uploaded some translation.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan_~_(Spanish)--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 17:23, 13 January 2015 (CST)

== External Project Request ==

Translation Group Name (with link): Sousetsuka sousetsuka.blogspot.com

Name of Representative: Either Sousetsuka or this username is fine

Desired Series for Affiliation: Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku

Desired Affiliation Type (Hosted/Linked): Linked

Specific Accommodations/Rules Desired:
Listing one link to homepage in the main project page. The rest follow guideline for linked affiliation project.

Email and contact information: zweindrei@gmail.com

--[[User:Muryoku daga|Muryoku daga]] ([[User talk:Muryoku daga|talk]]) 01:26, 15 January 2015 (CST)

== Functionality to Download as PDF Not Working ==

Just tried to download the double seven chapters from Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Volume 12, and I'm presented with a "POST request failed" error.

also included is "The POST request to http://tools.pediapress.com/mw-serve/ failed ($2)."

== Assuming a Project Manager for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish/Español) ==

I, [[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]], am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ~ (Spanish)|Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]]. All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination.--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 21:37, 25 February 2015 (CST)

== Forum Issues==

=== Forum: Password changing issue ===

I am being asked for the password change but the following message comes upon 'submit':
The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please seehttp://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:

Not able to navigate/post to the above forum topic linked by misogi, and the redirected link 'ahbl' not working. Need help please. --[[User:Chancs|Chancs]] ([[User talk:Chancs|talk]]) 23:55, 7 January 2015 (CST)

=== Impossible to register e-mail address on forum. ===

Hello, I've been trying to connect to the forums, but I have to change my password. But in order to change my password, I have to fill up the mail textfield even if my mail address was already confirmed. And here's my problem; no matter what mail address I use, the website keeps saying "The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com." (The same goes with my qq.com address and my yahoo.com address). This is due to that : http://www.ahbl.org/content/last-notice-wildcarding-services-jan-1st
Can you please fix it as I cannot even browse the forums because of that, and this is probably the case of many other users.

Thanks in advance.

Antoine "UraKn0x" COUY

Hi

Unfortunately, this issue can only be resolved through TLG.

The current issue is that: The site checker went down... so every website returns positive.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done on our part at the moment.

~Teh Ping

I cannot access my forum account for several weeks now. This is the error message when I am forced to create a new password ("Before you may continue browsing the board you are required to change your password."):

The e-mail domain gmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://www.ahbl.org/lktool?lookup=gmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:
1. You are a well-known spammer.
2. Last time a well-known spammer was using the dynamic IP address which you got from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your e-mail address or the username you have choosen.
3. Your ISP is well-known for a lot of spamming customers and is not fighting against spammers enough.

I have no idea what's wrong with gmail and I am not a spammer nor, to my knowledge, is my well-known ISP a spammer.

=== forum account blocked ===

i logged in multiple times with the wrong password on different occasions because it was saved wrong and was to busy reset it and now that i did it tells me to change pasword and when i do it gives me this.

user:zerak
The e-mail domain hotmail.com you have used for your e-mail address has been blocked because it is blacklisted. For details please see http://spameatingmonkey.com/lookup.html?check=hotmail.com.
An entry on the blacklist may have several reasons:

1. You are a well-known spammer.

2. Last time a well-known spammer was using the dynamic IP address which you got from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your e-mail address or the username you have choosen.

3. Your ISP is well-known for a lot of spamming customers and is not fighting against spammers enough.

=== Forum Access ===

I had a problem today and could not enter the forum area. It said I needed to change my Password. When I tried to do that, It said that my email address IP was not allowed because it was blacklisted and gave me the site address to check it. When I did, the check site said that it was not blacklisted. What gives? Does my forum account need to be reset or something? I was able to access the regular project page by creating a log in through there but can't still access the forum part of the site.
Please let me know what I'm doing wrong.

=== Refer to the main page ===
Hi everyone, please refer to the [[Main_Page|main page]] for information. This is an issue but unfortunately we are unable to do anything without TLG. --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User talk:KuroiHikari|talk]]) 07:12, 25 January 2015 (CST)

=== Banned from the forums? --FateXeroSaber ===

If this isn't the right place to post this, then sorry, but i have no where to else to go...

I'm FateXeroSaber, i normally view a particular translation forum post for Mondaiji ... however i don't always log in unless i go to reply.
I went to log in, and naturally it asks me to change my password... upon doing that, apparently my domain name (hotmail/gmail) is apparently blocked so i can't do anything.
I can't view most of the pages needed (The Team) to try and get in contact since i can't change my password.
Using the links it provided, it said that those domains aren't even on the list. so i have no idea what to do. I'm the only one in the house that even knows/uses this website, and it can't be due to spamming, as i haven't even been logged in to post... So any help with this matter would be appreciated.

--FateXeroSaber 10:44pm (UTC +10)

As above --[[User:KuroiHikari|KuroiHikari]] ([[User talk:KuroiHikari|talk]]) 08:17, 28 January 2015 (CST)

== Adachi to Shimamura - Translation to English ==

I (Vceopc) started a new project for Adachi to Shimamura (安達としまむら) and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Adachi_to_Shimamura.

I haven't really worked with wikis before. Sorry if there's anything I didn't do properly. >_<

--[[User:Vceopc|Vceopc]] ([[User talk:Vceopc|talk]]) 23:22, 28 January 2015 (CST)

== New Project ==
I, {Aeroline}, have started a new project for {CtG—Zero Kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo} and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=CtG—Zero_Kara_Sodateru_Dennou_Shoujo. --[[User:Aeroline|Aeroline]] ([[User talk:Aeroline|talk]]) 04:02, 4 February 2015 (CST)

I, {Translatebear}, have started a new project for {Seiken Tsukai no World Break} and uploaded some translations.
The link to the project overview page is here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Seiken_Tsukai_No_World_Break. --[[User:Translatebear|Translatebear]] ([[User talk:Translatebear|talk]]) 15:23, 5 February 2015 (CST)

== Pending projects ready for approval to full projects ==

The projects [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan]] and [[Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?]] appear to meet all full project requirements and their respective project staff have placed the pages in the Pending Authorisation category to await administration approval. --[[User:Cthaeh|Cthaeh]] ([[User talk:Cthaeh|talk]]) 11:15, 7 February 2015 (CST)

== Username ==

I can log into the BT main site but I think my forum name is banned? I don't use it very ofen, and I think the last time might have been over a year ago. Would it be possible to correct this if it is indeed banned?

It's more to do with the 'Forum issues. All site tracks returns positive, forum login issues'--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

== Game Sensou ==

Hello Sir,

I've updated the Teaser Project "Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou" and posted the complete Volume 1 as a external contributor of Kami Translation. Though I've updated the "Staff section", in the page, I don't know how to update the "Update Section" myself. the "Feedback thread" linked the forum is also Transferred to the Teaser Section of the Forums for now, if possible please check if I did something wrong or not and while you are at it, if found no error, transfer it from Teaser Project to the Main Project section.

...I still can't log into the forums myself...

For the update section, simply follow the format as it is (if you have no idea of the dates, do give a rough estimate of when the volume is completed, at the very least--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

==Project Manager for Maru-MA series==
I, [[user:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]], am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Maru-MA]].
All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination. --[[User:RedGlassesGirl|RedGlassesGirl]] ([[User talk:RedGlassesGirl|talk]]) 07:01, 9 February 2015 (CST)

Recognized and upgraded. Apologies for the delay.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

==Pending project to full project==

I think [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu]] meets the requirements for a full project! I'm not planning to work on it any more for a while, but I want to increase its visibility so other translators will get interested. I'll stay as the project manager unless someone wants to take over. --[[User:Contradiction|Contradiction]] ([[User talk:Contradiction|talk]]) 15:03, 22 February 2015 (CST)

Right, added. Apologies for the delay.--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 01:04, 23 February 2015 (CST)

== Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento supervisor ==

Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento needs a new supervisor can someone please fill in Shinmai Maou no Tesutamento is intense and epic

If left blank, the default supervisor is Onizuka-GTO--[[User:Teh Ping|Teh Ping]] ([[User talk:Teh Ping|talk]]) 21:40, 24 February 2015 (CST)

== Project Manager for Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan~ (Spanish) ==

I, [[user:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] am assuming Project Manager responsibilities for [[Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan ~ (Spanish)|Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan (Spanish)]]. All active members of the Project Staff endorse this nomination.--[[User:Hamberz19|Hamberz19]] ([[User talk:Hamberz19|talk]]) 11:36, 26 February 2015 (CST)

== Recent Spam ==

what the heck with the recent spam? Could someone do something about it? -- [[User:LiTTleDRAgo|LiTTleDRAgo]] ([[User_talk:LiTTleDRAgo|Talk]]) 12:25, 27 February 2015 (CST)

Ark

2015-02-27T15:59:15Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : Nonsense Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Ark

2015-02-27T13:45:41Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-stabbing-ark-to-death/ Stabbing Ark to Death]
::* ACT 9 : Nonsense Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Talk:Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou

2015-02-27T06:21:36Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

Magika No Kenshi To Shoukan Maou:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2015-02-27T00:35:54Z

LiTTleDRAgo: temp placeholder

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman with the title of <Storm Cat>.

Since her childhood period, she went to many dojos and defeated them without a single loss. Her ponytail was
like a black cat’s tail, flapping in the sky. <br>The strikes from her two sword style Kodachis flowed nonstop and were undoubtedly an infinite wind of swords.

Her battle form was indeed similar to her title of a Storm.

However, her sleeping face was like an angel.

The curtains were fully opened and the sunlight from the morning shone into the dark room. But even so, she
still slept like a sleeping princess and showed no signs of awakening. Her skin was white to the extent that
the light went through her cheeks. Her long black hair was tied disorderly and was in a mess. Her usual stern
swordsman’s face was also innocent and relaxed.

……It’s been a long time since he saw her, she had become cute. Kazuki looked at her fascinated.

No, no, wait. This is not the occasion to look at his imouto in fascination.

“Hey, quickly wake up. Breakfast is already made.”

Hayashizaki Kazuki infused a loving gesture and shook her shoulders. Just at this moment ——

“——Nii-sama, chance!”

Kanae’s eyes, who he thought was still asleep, suddenly opened.

“What!?”

Kanae’s hands and feet were like tentacles and suddenly stuck out from under the blanket.

Kanae’s soft and small hands and legs wrapped around Kazuki’s body. In just a short period of time, she pulled
Kazuki onto the bed and was tightly hugging him. Towards him, Kanae revealed a fearless smile

“Nii-sama being attracted by his imouto’s cute sleeping face had become careless. The bed is the battlefield for men and women. This is the Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Art <Strategy of Flower Attracting Insect> (Deathly Plant Temptation)

“……Don’t just randomly invent a ridiculous art.”

Kanae, who was rubbing her face, flirted with Kazuki, who was stunned and sighed.

“The feeling of Nii-sama, the scent of Nii-sama, it has really been a long time. Even though yesterday Kanae finally had the opportunity to return home, but Nii-sama was not willing to sleep with me. It must be because you’re embarrassed, so Kanae thought of a scheme. As expected, you’re embarrassed, right?”

“I’m not embarrassed! ……Really now. If it were before, it would be fine. Right now we are both high school students, it is disgusting for siblings to be stuck together. I have already said not to hug me!”

“Don’t treat Kanae’s pure sibling love as something disgusting!”

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. ——However, the fact that she is a severe bro-con was really her only drawback.

Although Kazuki wanted to escape and struggled, Kanae’s hands and legs that wrapped around his body firmly did not move. Her hands and legs were releasing a faint blue light.

The reason the petite her could use such degree of strength was because she was strengthening her body with Magic.

While they were being noisy, the blanket slid off——Only then did Kazuki notice a frightening fact.

“……You, what are you wearing? Although it is already spring, but what should we do if you caught a cold.”

Kanae was wearing pajamas that could nearly see the skin underneath.

Her slim waist and round hips were clearly shown through the translucent fabric.

“What do you think, Nii-sama? This is Kanae that has upgraded into a female high school student. Since Kanae had not seen Nii-sama for so long, it is the anniversary where she wanted to show her female charm to Nii-sama.”

Kanae, whose face was red, stuck her body onto Kazuki and began to rub him. Her small boobs slowly changed shape.

The bed was a battlefield……Kazuki began to take deep breathes and calmed himself down.

“You are indeed my cute imouto……But I will not generate any desires towards my imouto. Quickly get away.”

“Ku. You only said cute, you actually still treat the matured lady, Kanae, as a child?”

“What mature Kanae, idiot. There is already no time for us to sleep, quickly wake up.”

“Kanae is still asleep. Fu——Fu——♪”

“……It is still the first time seeing such a shameless sleeping wear.”

“Kanae, who have not returned home for a long time, is a princess. So if you do not use a suitable method for waking up a princess to wake her up, Kanae will not leave the bed.”

“No matter what, you are still born and educated as a samurai. What is the method for waking up a princess.”

“Speaking of which, the method for waking up a princess is obviously a kiss, Nii-sama. Come.”

“Uwah, don’t come closer! Don’t bring your face closer!”

Kazuki tried again to escape……However, sure enough, if he was to only use his physical strength, it was impossible to escape from his imouto’s magical clutches.

——Helplessly, Kazuki could only also cast <Physical Enhancement Magic> onto his own body.

Drawing out energy from his spirit and allowing it to flow through his entire body. At the same time, heat gushed out from his body and Kazuki made his body awaken. In an instant, he broke away from Kanae’s hand and legs’ bind and escaped from the bed.

If the conditions were the same, then he would definitely not lose to his imouto in terms of strength.

“Meanie!”

“What meanie. You are the one that first used Enhancement Magic, right?”

Once the cold words came out from Kazuki, Kanae stared at Kazuki with puppy eyes.

“……Don’t make an expression as if you are a small animal that was abandoned. Really, I will forcibly make you get out of bed.”

Kazuki wrapped his hand around Kanae’s waist and gently held her up from the bed. If that’s the case, he should quickly finish the work of serving a princess. Kanae’s expression suddenly brightened up.

“Nii-sama! This is Hayashizaki-Ryuu’s Final Secret Art <Princess Carry>!”

“Don’t randomly invent a Secret Art! We, Hayashizaki-Ryuu, do not have such final secret art!”

This person shouldn’t be looking down upon our school.

“This is nerve-racking, Nii-sama really is nerve-racking……The princess carry is almost like a dream……Even though it was so difficult to wake up, but Nii-sama had to do such a dream-like thing in the end……Is this situation what they call a heavenly feeling……”

Kazuki used a carrying posture made Kanae, who had a dreamy expression, spin around.

“Okay, it’s over.”

“So short!? The feeling of floating in clouds was only a fleeting moment!? It’s too short!!”

“Hey, before you eat breakfast, go change your clothes. That kind of appearance is a scandal.”

Kazuki placed Kanae down, she pursed her lips and threw a fit.

“……Because I am a princess, so I cannot change clothes by myself. Nii-sama, please personally help me change.”

“Are you still playing the game of acting as a princess, why did you suddenly say such willful words?”

“Because didn’t Nii-sama say it yesterday night, since we have not met for so long, so you will do whatever is requested, right? Us, Swordsman, must keep our promises!”

I am already not a swordsman……Just when this sentence was about to come out from my mouth, Kazuki’s gaze fell upon the back of his left hand. An egg-shaped circular pattern was revealed there.

<Enigma>. It is an emblem from another world that changed Kazuki’s fate.

“Although I said anything is okay, but I did not imagine that you would put a request such as kissing and helping you change your clothes. If we were to do such things as siblings, then it is not skinship, but perverted acts.”

“Anyways Nii—sama won’t generate any lust towards Kanae, isn’t there no problem then……Or is it that Nii-sama want to escape from Kanae’s arousing charm?”

Kanae revealed provocative eyes and raised both hands. Kazuki was outraged by this phrase.

Due to the challenge issued by his imouto, replying to all of it was a duty as her brother.

Using the mentality trained as a previous swordsman, Kazuki opened up his imouto’s pajamas. Just like peeling off thin skin, the snow-white skin was gradually revealed in front of his eyes. Kanae, mojimoji<ref>1</ref>, wriggled her body.

“I, It was seen……Kanae’s appearance of only wearing undergarments. I’m currently being seen by Nii-sama……Please carefully look after me……”

“Why are you excited, are you a pervert. I didn’t see. I didn’t see it one bit. And even if I did see it, I will not generate any thoughts towards my imouto wearing only undergarments……Where is your uniform?”

Kanae pointed on top of the table, a folded uniform was placed there.

<National Knight’s Academy Caryatid>’s <Sword Division>’s female uniform was a narrow sleeves kimono-styled blouse with a female hakama-style miniskirt, combining into an outfit that consist of both Japanese and Western style.

After helping Kanae wear the stern outfit, Kazuki was finally relieved and sighed.

“Okay. Compared to that kind of pajamas, you are still more suitable for this type of clothing.”

This was the real, female swordsman <Storm Cat>.

Having said that, swordsman all like to consider their nickname, sure-kill techniques, etc.

Kazuki also once had a nickname……But this was already something of the past.

“This kind of Nii-sama wearing a brand new uniform is also very very suitable!”

Kazuki was wearing a different uniform than Kanae. Because he was entering into a different division than Kanae.

He was wearing a blazer, which had an atmosphere of high quality, made from <Alchemical Silk>.

A dazzling <Gem System> embroidery was embroidered everywhere. The metal parts of the belt and the metal buttons were made by intertwining a precious rainbow-colored metal <Marble Metal>.

This was a male uniform that generously infused the true essence of <Alchemy>.

“A gentle Nii-sama coupled with an intellectual blazer is really a wonderful coordination. This is the type that gives me the number one feeling of wanting to hug Nii-sama. Nii-sama, I love you——Haahaah.”

“Calm down, Kanae. As a Hayashizaki swordsman, you cannot lose your calm……Do not excitedly breathe raggedly in front of your brother.”

“But, although my appearance of wearing the uniform was praised by Nii-sama and made me happy, Kanae further hopes that Nii-sama would be more aware of the sexy undergarments earlier. Although I am your imouto, but it is only in name……”

“Just because it is a imouto in name, so I have to be more mindful of it.”

Kazuki, who was once an orphan, was in a position where he was accepted as an adopted son by the Ancient Sword Skill Prestigious Family —— Hayashizaki Family.

In other words, Kanae is the daughter of the family that he owes a great debt to.

“Even if it is only kissing on the cheeks, it is fine. I want Nii-sama’s kiss. So sad……”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she had lost a duel and whispered. She placed two kodachis on her waist. She was already accustomed to the extremely heavy weight from the true swords. She turned her gaze towards Kazuki at the side.

“Nii-sama……Although, you are very cool while wearing the uniform……But as expected, you won’t be bringing your blade?”

“How can I bring it. I am not a student of the Sword Division.”

Listening to the answer that had no room for change, Kanae angrily glared at Kazuki’s left hand.

“It is all because Nii-sama’s left hand suddenly emerged that damn Enigma!”

“It is already too late to talk about it……I already left behind the feelings of the sword.”

The people with magic qualities that were recognized by <Diva> will be awarded a Stigma on the back of the left hand at the age of fourteen when their magic begins to grow.

People who owned a Stigma had to enter the <Magic Division> to study and was destined to form a contract with a Diva.

Hayashizaki Kanae is a female swordsman. And Hayashizaki Kazuki——From today on, he is a <Summoning Magic User>.

× × ×

Because the morning temperature had dropped a lot, spring mist had appeared outside.

As if it was cutting apart the hazy patch, the <Magic Light Train> released a blue magic light and was moving on the street.

This train was the product of high degree Magic and Alchemy. The materials used for the train’s body was the newly generated metal <Mithril> made by Alchemy and it had succeeded in substantially reducing the weight.

And by using the driver’s <Thought Magic> to act as a support for the performance and operations, even if it was a complex urban route, it is still feasible to run it with a speed no less than on Shinkansen.<ref>2</ref>

While its performance could be accelerated to 250 km per hour in a short period of time, it could also utilize the blessing of Thought Magic to reduce the weight of the train and swiftly reduce the speed as it approaches the station. It will not make any noise as it stops.

However, the production of mithril is extremely difficult, so it is still a valuable product. This kind of train operation is only an experimental project that is limited within Tokyo.

——The Magic Light Train had arrived at <Knight’s Academy Station>.

Kazuki and Kanae both came down from the train and onto the station platform.

Because they had left home when there was still ample amount of time, the figures of other freshmen were extremely limited and it was very quiet. The shopping street near the station was also the same. Aside from the convenience store, the other shops’ rolling shutter doors had not been pulled up yet.

“Nii-sama is really planning on entering the Magic Division and not the Sword Division?”

During the way to the academy from the station, Kanae asked unhappily.

“……By now, there is nothing to say about it. This isn’t something I should hesitate about on the day of the entrance ceremony.” Kazuki replied.

Since humans have discovered Magic, this brand new power, it has already been 15 years.

The cause of it was due to Alchemy.

Due to the <Rosicrucian group> that seeks human evolution, the <Golden Dawn> led by MacGregor Mathers and the Nazi Germany’s research institution <Ahnenerbe>, these secret organizations had inherited the alchemy through the line of succession and finally produced an massive result 15 years ago.

That is the fruit of their research, a great red fruit <Philosopher’s Stone>.

It was produced by an mysterious Alchemist. A man-made magical stone with an unknown creation method.

By embedding this ruby-like red-color stone into the human’s brain, the Magic Power of humans will awaken.

Although it is embedded, it is not directly placed into the brain through surgery. Just by placing this incredible stone on the forehead, the part that touches the skin will slowly assimilate and gradually enter the body until it reaches the brain.

Due to the appearance of the Philosopher’s Stone, the world’s order had completely changed.

Magic could not be explained through scientific theories.

Magic is not restricted by the scientific theories.

Magic belongs to a higher dimension than science, causing the rules to be completely rewritten.

For example, when a Magic user uses Magic to cover his entire body, this layer of Magic barrier will “Ignore” and bounce back all weapons or physical phenomena. This layer of Magic Barrier could only be destroyed by Attacking Magic or Magic Swords that holds Magic.

Thus, the era had become <The Era of Swords and Magic>.

Police and self-defense forces had transformed into <Knights> composed of Swordsman and Magic Users.

And Japan’s Knight training academy was the National Knights Academy Caryatid.

——Which is also the school that Kazuki is about to enter to study.

“Nii-sama, who had aspired me to the way of the sword, actually entered the Magic Division……Having to enter a different dormitory than me, who belongs to the Sword Division……The Diva that gave Nii-sama an Enigma is extremely detestable……”

The Knights Academy is divided into Sword Division and Magic Division, and implemented a complete boarding system.

Kazuki and Kanae were divided into directions of different careers. Kanae still could not accept this result.

“What kind of purpose did that fellow known as Diva have to give a person like me this kind of thing?”

Kazuki raised his left hand that had the Enigma emerged on it and whispered quietly.

The Divas are inhabitants of an alternative world that was brought forth through Summoning Magic.

Through the vast and deep psychological see inside a person’s heart—— Deep down inside, there is a door that leads to another world.

Until the very end, the scientific community did not completely understand a human’s heart and spirit. It was through this <Heart of Door> that the body contained something that came from alternative world.

By allowing Magic Power, this supreme feeling to be attached to the body, the current generation of humans were able to feel it.

All of the humans are connected to each other through this alternative world.

The non-material alternative world was named as <Astrum>.

At Astrum, large amounts of Magic Power were swirling.

Inside the swirl of Magic Power lurked <Consciousness with Personality>. They contacted with humans and when people sleep, they will move from Astrum into their dreams to communicate with humans.

To form a contract with the humans, the magic that summons them to this side of the world is —— Summoning Magic.

What was surprising was that they, who were called out from the depths of the spiritual world, had similar attitudes and names of the <Gods> and <Demons> from ancient mythology.

Thus there were given the name of Diva.<ref>3</ref>

The numerous countries all over the world all became fanatical religious countries towards the Diva encountered.

However, in the originally, weak faith Japan, a contract with a Diva is basically controlled as a power for the military.

This is because by using the Diva’s Power’s Summoning Magic, it was too powerful compared to Normal Magic.

A portion of the Divas responded to the Japanese Government’s summons and selected people, who were suitable for the power, from Japanese citizens and granted them Enigma.

Enigma was currently under strict regulations by the country. By holding a <Contract Ritual>, it will become a <Stigma> and gives the host the power of Summoning Magic.

Thus, the people, who got an Enigma, all had the obligations to enter the Magic Division to study.

This was in order for the precious Enigmas to not be wasted and become combat strength.

And it was also in order for Summoning Magic, this dangerous power to be completely placed under the control of the country and the academy.

——Right now, Kazuki’s hand also harbored an Enigma, which could be called as an <Invitation sent by a Diva>.

“I also did not want to become a <Stigma Magic User>. However, if you are awarded a Enigma, it is equivalent of losing the freedom for the future.”

It is not too much for Summoning Magic to be known as a heroic power that is equivalent to thousands of forces on a battlefield.

Normally, being awarded an Enigma shouldn’t absolutely make one frustrated, even if it made one unhappy.

“……But I, instead of a Stigma Magic User, wanted to become more of a swordsman. I wanted to repay the gratitude towards my foster father-sama who discovered my talent for the sword while I was an ordinary orphan.”

Even if they were both a Knight, the position of a Swordsman was much lower than a Stigma Magic User.

Although swordsman specializes in swift close combat, in the end, the role it plays was only a meat shield to buy time for the Stigma Magic User to chant Magic.

However, even so. Kazuki still wanted to become a swordsman, and replace his foster father, Hayashizaki Jinkai. To let everybody in the world know the power of <Hayashizaki-Ryuu Iai Jutsu> was his greatest goal in life.

“However, my foster father actually said. “Since you are a person that was selected, then don’t continue to hold this kind of intolerable dreams. Do not let your life to be bounded by thoughts of gratitude.” So I decided to enter the Magic Division. In order to find a brand new goal.”

So you should also accept this reality, Kazuki said as he tapped Kanae’s head.

“It is fine if you do not consider gratitude. By now, you should stop trying to be an outsider.”

While being tapped upon, Kanae issued out an unsatisfied voice.

“Indeed. The ancient sword skills used for actual combat that was passed from generations to generation from Hayashizaki Family, had a mission of allowing the world know the true power of a sword. Swordsmanship has always been underestimated compared to Summoning Magic. Our Magic Swords will not lose to Divas. However, the mission of allowing the world know the strength of Hayashizaki-Ryuu, I am enough by myself! Nii-sama’s gratitude is completely unnecessary! But!”

Kanae said up to this point, and her cheeks began to pout.

“Although it is like that, but Nii-sama becoming a Stigma Magic User, I still can not agree to it! If there is a need to say why, the match between me and Nii-sama have not yet determined the winner!!”

“If it is about the outcome……Am I not leading with 139 wins and 118 loss?”

“The match is to continue until I overtake you! Until then, we should always continue to fight!”

When Kazuki was first adopted by the Hayashizaki Family, Kanae did not recognize Kazaki as a family member.

And it was because Kazuki had continued to hone his own sword skills, allowing his own rudeness to slowly conflict against Kanae during that period of time. Kanae unconsciously began to call Kazuki “Nii-sama” and started to flirt with him.

The record of 139 wins, 118 loss was the history between the two of them.

Kazuki used both hands to pinch Kanae’s pouting cheeks. The air pufu leaked out from Kanae’s mouth. Kazuki began to play with Kanae’s cheeks by pulling left and right.

“N, Nii-sama……Please don’t play with your imouto’s cheeks……”

“If you are the strongest swordsman, then I will become the strongest Stigma Magic User.”

Kane suddenly widened her eyes. Kazuki stared at those eyes and said to her.

“So from now on, we are still opponents. Kanae’s Magic Sword must not lose when fighting against my Summoning Magic.”

Although the path for the two of them had split apart, but it was not to the point where they lost their bonds.

“……Nii-sama must become the strongest in Magic Division. The people of Hayashizaki Family cannot be anything else.”

The strongest power huh, although to me, I still do not know how to use this kind of thing……

While I whispered softly in my heart, Kazuki stared at the sky shrouded by the spring mist.

As they walked, the spring mist finally dispersed. The academy appeared under the blue sky.

The stone built school doors were standing in front of them. Flower beds decorated both sides of the path as it extended directly forward. In front, you could see a fountain square.

On the left of the fountain square was a brick built mansion and a sharp tower. The classic brick structure produced a feeling that it was indeed a school for Magic Users.

Comparatively, on the right, wooden built Japanese-styled building were lined up closely in rows. That side was undoubtedly the dorm for swordsman.

A school that was divided into two—— The school divides the Magic Division and the Sword Division to show a completely different perspective.

Kazuki stopped in front of the school doors and swiftly turned to face Kanae.

“So that’s it. From now on, please take care of me……Senpai.”

“Please don’t be like that! Nii-sama is obviously my beloved Nii-sama!”

“But truthfully……Kanae-neesama is older than me and is a 2nd year senpai at school.”

“K…Kanae-neesama!?” Kanae suddenly became speechlessly.

Kanae, who treated and admired Kazuki as a brother, was in fact older than Kazuki. It was the so-called imouto that was older in age.

The reason why this strange relationship was because Kazuki is an orphan with an unknown birth.

Kazuki was raised as a child of the same age as Kanae in the Hayashizaki family, his birthday was also celebrated at the same day as Kanae’s birthday. Because his mother from Hayashizaki family had died to a disease, Kazuki took the lead and was responsible for housework. Thus, the relationship between Kanae naturally become <The Caring Brother> and <The Lazy Sister>.

Enigma are something that appeared upon the selected people when they became 14 years old.

After Kanae’s 14th birthday had approached, in Hayashizaki Family, they had a grand celebration for the two child having not revealed an Enigma. ——However in the year after that, an Enigma appeared on Kazuki’s left hand.

Speaking of which, this was something that should be impossible.

Kazuki, who always thought he was the same age as Kanae, was extremely surprised because “He was still fourteen years old!”, and the truth about Kanae, who was always “Nii-sama Nii-sama” and desperately flirting with him, was actually older was revealed.

“So that’s why I said, our relationship will not change! If it was during the time when I was stronger, it should be fine, but now since I have been overtaken and even the fact that that I am older……I, it makes one angry!”

“Please become more mature, Nee-sama”

“Don’t call me Nee-sama! Kanae is Nii-sama’s imouto!!”

“Then, please show me around the school. This is the reason why we got up early and rushed over here.”

From today on, Kanae is a second year student. So she will usually live in the Sword Division’s student dormitory.

However, Kanae said that she was going to bring Kazuki around the school before the entrance ceremony, so she returned back home. Then they come to school together.

“Please rest assured and leave it to me! Then we will immediately begin by visiting the school from the Sword Division!”

“No, it is still better to bring me to visit the Magic Division. I am going to study over there.”

“How can it be ……You don’t plan to go to the Sword Division now, but instead head off to the Magic Division!?”

“Don’t turn the conversation back again!”

Kazuki tapped her head, but Kanae happily revealed an “Ehehe~” expression. Just when they were performing this sibling two person-show,

“President! I finally found you, president——!”

From the other side of the school door, a male’s voice came.

A bulky guy directed rushed over in a straight line.

It was a guy that was cleanly dressed with short hair. He was wearing a Sword Division’s male uniform. A Odachi was on his waist.

“Torazo!? Why are you here!”

Kanae revealed an expression as if she noticed a person that could not easily be dealt with.

“President, why do you not reply the text messages I sent to you, even if I call you, no one answered!”

“This morning I have a very important event to lead a freshman on his way, so didn’t I say to absolutely not bother me, I had conveyed this to all of you when I submitted the application to return home to the school! Of course I will obviously switch off my phone!”

At this time, this person, Torazo-senpai turned his gaze towards Kazuki and revealed an “Ah!” expression.

“Even though he is a male, but he is wearing a Magic Division uniform. Could this person be the legendary……?”

The incident about Kazuki’s body having an Enigma seems to have already spread throughout the country as a much hyped topic.

The reason for this is because it was something that should normally not happen.

Torazo-senpai continued to stare at Kazuki. It was a slightly uncomfortable feeling.

“Hmmmmh, this person is my Nii-sama. He is super strong! It is a brother that I am proud of!”

“The president’s older brother? Even though this person should have only entered the school this year……?”

“Although he is a kouhai, but he is still my Nii-sama! Compared to that, what business do you have for finding me? I will decided based on your response whether or not to cut you!”

Kanae untied the sheath, placed her hand on the handle and threatened. Torazo-senpai immediately flinched.

“S,Sorry……Inside the school’s garden, there is a person from the Magic Division that found faults with the Sword Division and created a commotion……”

“A dispute? But Torazo, you disregarded the commotion and specifically search for me in this vast campus where my location is unclear to you? How should you explain?”

“Iori is waiting at the scene. Although I called your phone number, there was no response, but I recalled hearing that you were going to lead a freshman, so I didn’t bother and took a chance to look at the front of the school doors.”

“Your luck is really good.” Torazo-senpai smiled as he spoke, but Kanae reacted with a “Awful……” and held her head.

“……What a useless person. Stop relying on me to this point. Can you still be considered as the 3rd place of the Student Council belonging to the Sword Division?”

“But if president does not think of a way to solve it, then the dispute with the Magic Division will not be solved. Only the president is capable of directly fighting against the people of the Magic Division. It is not only me, who is unpromising.”

“It is that kind of thinking of taking the Magic Division as granted that is the most unpromising! This guy or that guy, once they come to the Sword Division, their heads are filled with thoughts of defeated!!”

After Kanae severely scolded Torazo-senpai, she turned towards Kazuki and revealed a dejected expression.

“Then, Nii-sama……I am extremely sorry……There is an emergency situation that occurred.”

“Although it is regrettable, but since it is the Student Council’s work, then it can’t be helped. The things over there are more important.”

“I actually made Nii-sama felt regret! As compensation, even if I have to exchange my life, I will……!”

“Don’t be too concerned about it. Good luck, senpai!”

“Really now, don’t call me senpai! ……Damn, it can’t be helped. Let’s go, Torazo. What on earth is that expression of yours as if you saw something strange. Stop looking over there and quickly bring me to the scene!”

Kanae mercilessly kicked Torazo-senpai’s butt and rushed over to the site of dispute.

“You’re trusted by everybody, Kanae.”

Knight Academy’s Student Council President. That is the other appearance of Kanae.

The Knight Academy followed the spirit of meritocracy. In other worlds, Kanae is already the strongest person in the Sword Division.

“Since Kanae had already become the Sword Division’s Student Council President, I must also aim for the Magic Division’s Student Council President.”

Having a remarkable sister, the younger brother must be difficult to do.

Although anyways I do not know why that is.

Speaking of which……Kanae, who was originally planning to lead the way, was already gone.

“This side is probably the Magic Division.”

The school uses the fountain square as a dividing point, left and right were respectively split into Magic Division and Sword Division.

Heading to the Magic Division on the left side, many brick constructed buildings were lined up. Although it was still early, you could still the figure of female students scattered around.

“……Hey, that person is the legendary……It’s the one that was awarded an Enigma even though he is a male…….”

“Eh, it’s him……Looks more normal than expected. I imagined him to have a more wild-like feeling.”

“Is it a mistake. A savage male swordsman actually got mixed into the Magic Division……!”

The female students were all secretly looking at Kazuki and were quietly discussing something.

Just now Torazo-senpai also……As expected, it had already spread out.

Enigma. Originally it will only be ushered onto a <Girl>’s body on their fourteenth birthday.

Because a female’s Magic Power was naturally higher than males.

However, speaking of which, Kazuki did not have a Magic Power surpassing the average standard of males. Why Kazuki obtained an Enigma was still a complete mystery. Even he, himself, wondered if there were something wrong.

……And those are the Magic Users that belongs to the Knight?

While he walked, Kazuki noticed an abnormal tension. The situation wasn’t just throughout the students, it was also mixed among the female Magic Teachers that were wearing <Magical Dress> (Decorteo Brigieux) and belonged to the Knights.

Because it was an entrance ceremony that was responsible for the country’s future Stigma Magic Users, so they have specifically sent out the originally understaffed Knights as a precaution.

Really now, if you carefully think about it, he had really came to an amazing place……

Truthfully, he did not have any confidence in his magic talent. Especially in Magic Power. Acquired growth is extremely rare, the pros and cons have mostly been determined from birth. Could relying on effort make up for the unfavorable situation in the end……

Why am I here in this place.

In order to avoid the gazes sent to him, Kazuki headed to a location where there were no shadows.

However, just after he walked for a while ——His vision was suddenly blinded.

“Guess ——Who am I?”

A sweet voice entered his ears, is this —— a girl covering his eyes from behind!?

Just like a scene in romance manga. However, this was too abrupt.

“Who ——Am I? Okay, okay, say quickly. Do you not recognize me?”

It was undoubtedly a voice he had never heard before. At the same time, a soft feeling was pressed from behind. T, This feeling is……!

“Even if you want me to guess, I do not have any idea……!?”

“Quickly answer me! If you do not quickly determine who am I, I will become a yandere! This “Guess —— Who am I?” question includes a weird scene involved!”

“ “Guess —— Who am I?” It is something scary that there is a need for an ethical review!?”

“Quick—ly——say! If you do not immediately answer, the luxurious prizes will be gone! The prize is actually a two person hot spring trip, if you answer correctly, then I will go together with you!”

“The prize appeared!? What has this situation become!?”

The feeling is indeed extremely soft. Although he wanted to vent, but it could become troublesome, so Kazuki was almost confused.

“10, 9, 8, 7……Really now, because there are no signs of answer my question, all of the middle numbers are omitted, 0! It can’t be help, it’s time to enter the time to kill. It is fine to answer while looking at me.”

Both hands from the girl moved away from his face, Kazuki immediately turned around and looked behind.

What entered his vision was ——a tall girl with a slim figure. Although it was the slim figure of a model, but her boobs were so massive as if it was teasing the male’s heart.

From behind, her long smooth hair was flowing due to the early morning’s breeze.

Coupled with the scenery from the academy, it was as if she was a person from a painting.

The generally huge eyes sparkled like gems and stared through Kazuki.

“……Who?”

Kazuki muttered in a daze. As long as he met this person once, he would absolutely never forget it.

“The correct answer is ……It’s our first meeting!”

Kazuki, who placed out a stance, suddenly felt all his strength disappear.

“Sorry, because I wanted to become your friend, so it can’t be helped.”

Her face revealed a blooming flowers-like, dazzling smile. Once she smiled, the dimples on her face were revealed.

“It’s my first time meeting you. My name is Otonashi Kaguya, the silent, shining night sky<ref>4</ref>—— A mysterious and beautiful girl that was like an aurora and the constellations in the sky. Because my parents wanted to bring me up as such a person, so they had given me such a troubling name. A 16 year old girl who has her face filled with tears due to her small-minded name being teased around. I am your senpai.”

She placed a hand on her huge boobs, and clearly made a self-introduction.

“Uhhhh, my name is……”

“I know! You are the otouto of the Sword Division’s Student Council Present, Kanae, who was awarded an Enigma, Hayashizaki Kazuki-kun!”

“Are you familiar with my older sister?”

“Our relationship is very good! And because you are a special existence so I slightly investigated it.

……Special, huh. Even I do not know understand why I came to such a place.

“Anyways, can you become my friend? No, please be my friend!”

Otonashi-senpai powerfully gripped Kazuki’s hand, and her face approached over.

The gem-like eyes emitted an intense light. Due to the power of that gaze, he was pressured—— Kazuki could not help but nod his head.

“Success, I am friend number 1!”

Otonashi-senpai happily, bunbun<ref>5</ref>, swung Kazuki’s arms.

“Then please call me Kaguya. I hope that you will use the method of directly calling your friend’s name.”

“T, that’s a bit……Please allow me to call you Kaguya-senpai.”

“Senpai……Senpai, huh. From this year on, I became a senpai. It feels somewhat embarrassing.”

Senpai’s face was filled with a smile. By the way, how long do we have to hold hands……?

“Incidentally why are you in such a remote location? A school adventure?”

Senpai maintained the posture of holding Kazuki’s hand and her face quickly approached as she asked.

Too close Too close, her face is pointlessly approaching too close! Seems like you could smell a certain fragrant scent!

“Until just now, my older sister was showing me around, but because of an emergency, she had to leave first. Thus, I did not know what to do and hang around here.”

“Ahahah! I know, as an replacement, then I will show you around this school! Ok——ay, speaking of Magic Division, why not first head off to the most famous attraction, the <Witch’s House>!”

Senpai shouted “Let’s go!” and pulled Kazuki’s hand. She is really a motivated person.

Do we have to walk while holding hands? Should a male and female of this age be doing such a thing? ……But the other side shows no signs of being concerned, being excessively concerned feels a bit outrageous.

And……I am a human who had devoted his life towards training swordsmanship. Therefore, I must not be in disarray just by the extent of a beautiful big sister holding my hands. I will not lose!

In turn, Kazuki gripped the other’s hand, thus Kaguya senpai issued out a “WA” sound.

IMG_0771

“WAA! UWAH, it’s my first time experiencing this feeling. A male’s strength is rather strong. It feels like I’m being hugged!”

A calm heart. Right now I must maintain a calm heart that is even more than Gandhi……

However, just after they walked for a while, Kazuki produced a strange feeling. It was rustling within his heart.

Although there was no wind, yet the air was swept away. It was as if there were signs of him being involved in a whirlpool of confusion.

Once as a swordsman, the keen sense he trained before was currently telling him about this abnormal situation.

“……This is” From inside his mind, Gandhi was blown away.

“Ara? You noticed as well? How keen. Are you the type that specializes in Perceptibility Enhancement Magic? ……Yes, in a certain location, a great volume of Magic is currently flowing and causing the world to tremble.”

Due to a completely different power ——Magic, the world that is supported by physical laws, was trembling.

Yes, the confusion was not the air, but the space in the vicinity——The world, itself.

Somewhere in the academy, a large-scale magic phenomenon——Summoning Magic was currently occurring.

“Let us go see the situation!”

Kaguya-senpai’s expression became tense and she tightly held Kazuki’s hand as she began to run.

Rushing to the location, it was the English-Style Garden on the outskirts of the Magic Division.

In the place that was covered with overflowing green lawn, it was currently filled with lights from Magic.

The two types of colored lights, red and green ——Two female students, who were wearing the Magic Division’s uniform, were currently chanting Summoning Magic. Although generally, Magic will release blue lights, but Summoning Magic is based on the Diva that was contracted and will emit a different colored light.

With the red and green colored Magic lights as the background, there was a figure that stepped onto the lawn like a dancing shadow. Although you could not see the face from behind, but the figure was holding a slightly short Japanese sword ——Kodachi, in one hand.

The two Stigma Magic Users were currently in battle with a Swordsman.

The red light began to swell. It was the pulse from a Diva that surpassed human wisdom. Right now, the world is being distorted——

“Too slow!”

However, compared to that, the figure of the Swordsman was even faster and swooped over.

At the same time, a voice with a rippling atmosphere and the sharp sound of piercing through the air “Byu!” rang out.

The instant the swordsman slashed, the swelling red light burst open and disappeared.

Although the Magic User had opened up a blue Magic Barrier, but it was blown away by the powerful impact.

The swordsman rolled over and turned to face the other Magic User.

This time, the face of the swordsman was shown. Kazuki gasped in surprise.

It was Kanae!…..Although the moment he saw the Kodachi, he wondered if it was her……

“I know thy name. Thy name is Andromalius……”<ref>6</ref>

The female releasing a green light was chanting a spell. Andromalius is the name of the Diva that she was contracted with. Her entire body was wrapped by light ——

“You are also too slow!”

With the terrifying momentum, Kanae jumped and gave her a blow with the Magic Sword before the Summoning Magic activated.

This female’s blue Magic Barrier that she enacted was also blown away.

The blue colored barrier was not the power of Summoning Magic, but Normal Magic using their own Magic Power. As an emergency defense, she was forced to give up on the Summoning Magic Chant and resorted to her own Magic.

The modern humans that awakened as Magic Users. When they are aware that they are in danger, they will reflexively use Magic to cover their body. In order to deny the phenomenon that will bring him to themselves and negating it. Thus, it was rare for them to be injured.

The Magic Barrier that arise from the defensive instinct was known as <Defense Magic>

However, if it suffered from an attack that contained Magic Power, this Defensive Magic will gradually be reduced.

In a battle between Magic Users, it is about reducing the opponent’s Magic Power——Which is also their Spiritual Power.

“Ara, although they did not wear the Magical Dress from <Simplified Chant> , but having their chant disrupted so easily is bad. If they wish to face against Kanae-chan, then their training is far from enough.

Kaguya-senpai quietly said beside Kazuki. Could this senpai be a person with great strength?

The two girls stood up and once again, began to chant.

“Hmph. You want to be cut by me a thousand times until your Magic Power runs out!”

Kanae’s face revealed a smile that was just like the incarnation of a battle maniac, and pulled out her second Kodachi. The two sword style was the sign of Kanae becoming serious. Then she pounced over again like a cat——

“Stop right here!” Kaguya-senpai, who was watching the developments on the side, issued a loud cry.

The Magic Lights were once again interrupted. Kanae also stopped her own actions.

“In other words, it is the two Magic Division students over there ……Ogiwara-san and Sato-san, who was refusing to give way towards the Sword Division students, and created a dispute. Thus, the Sword Division students intervene to mediate, is it not?”

After the battle stopped, the three Sword Division students that were observing the situation in a sheltered location, appeared one by one.

Revealing a frightened expression, Torazo-senpai and another female student that seemed to be in the Sword Division Student Council explained the situation to Kaguya-senpai.

Kazuki stood beside senpai and carefully listened to the development of the situation.

“It is not something cute as mediate! That women, suddenly used her sword and chopped over here!”

The Magic Division student that released the red light, roared as she retorted.

“In the first place, was it not you two, who used Summoning Magic on the Sword Division students.

“That was only a slight warning. Even though it is obviously the territory of the Magic Division, but these people continued to resist.”

“Did you only plan it as a warning? Sato-san.”

Kaguya suspiciously asked the female student that was called Sato-san.

“You actually said it was a warning? Don’t joke around. It was probably because you wanted to test the Summoning Magic you’ve just learned and specifically came here to cause trouble. Speaking of which, recently the Magic Division people, like criminals on the street, have used the Sword Division students as experimental subjects and caused trouble. In the earlier period, there were also students that became unconscious!”

Unconscious, in other words, they suffered from a powerful Magic attack.

In the face of threats, Magic Users will instinctively deploy Defense Magic, but there is also a limit.

When Magic Users feel that their own Magic Power could not protect their bodies, they will open the <Heart of Door> and attempting to draw out large Magic Power from Astrum.

Although through this method, they will temporarily have Magic Power that exceeded their body’s limits, but as the cost for it, their consciousness will be dragged into Astrum and they will become unconscious.

This unconscious phenomenon is known as <Magic Drunk>. If the symptoms were severe, their consciousness will be unable to return from Astrum. The Heart of Door will also be damaged and causing their spirit to become unstable.

“People fainted!? I did not hear that such a thing has happened……!?”

“That is because the teachers in Magic Division hid the incidents up. The Sword Division students that suffered from Summoning Magic were requested to swallow their frustrations and were not allowed to make a big commotion. Only recently, I have begun to grasp the situation.”

“……Were you two planning on doing such things as well?”

“We did not think about doing such things! You only listened to what the Sword Division was saying!? Aren’t we the ones that suffered an attack from the criminals on the street!”

The person that released the red light ——Ogiwara-san retorted. Listening to what she was saying, because there was no third party other than the Sword Division, thus it was impossible to figure out what had happened.

“Just because there is no evidence, it cannot be treated as a case. Based on this side, the only punishment method is to beat them up here until they cannot get at this place. If they were beaten up by the people in Sword Division, then they could up endure their disgrace.”

“Kanae-chan, you too, please don’t use this kind of violence as a solution!”

“Don’t call me Kanae-chan! Don’t act like you are familiar with me!”

Towards the Kaguya-senpai’s and Kanae’s attitude, Kazuki was somewhat surprised.

Although Kaguya-senpai had said that they were friends……it feels that this atmosphere was very suspicious.

“Even if there are no means that could directly address this situation, I also think that we should not resort to violence in order for the long-term vision of improving relationship between the two Divisions. If we do this, sooner or later……”

Although Kaguya-senpai delivered a passionate speech, but Kanae bit her teeth and denied her opinion.

“Don’t talk about nonsense. You think the Sword Division students that were treated as experimental subjects for Summoning Magic will accept this?”

The one that emitted a green light, Sato-senpai, also shrugged with a mocking expression.

“Sword Division, this inferior species suddenly cutting over here. It is impossible to improve relations.”

Listening to her remarks, Kaguya-senpai sharply gazed at her.

“Speaking of which, your Sword Division is inferior, threatening to move away, this kind of attitude……!”

However, Sato-senpai only “ Yes, yes, I know” and interrupted senpai’s words.

“You say you want the Magic Division and Sword Division to become friendly? ……If it’s me. Although I acknowledge your strength, but this I cannot agree with your perspective. Even though we were obviously the victim here.”

Sato-senpai swiftly turned around. Ogiwara-senpai also followed to do so.

“ Making “Us that obtained a Stigma” and the Sword Division equal, that is what was truly unfair.”

Kazuki, who was watching the situation develop, frowned……Anyways, it feels that these people were too arrogant.

Stigma. Is it really something that special?

“Hmmph, what amazing Stigma Magic User-sama. Even though it was two together, yet they were beaten by a swordsman easily.”

Kanae sneered and provoked. The two of them instantly paled and they turned over.

“That was……because you suddenly slashed over here, okay! That is basically the same as plotting against others!”

“If it was based on the form of a <Duel>, then we will not have been so easily disrupted our chant by you!?”

“So you are saying that the gentlemen-like Magic Users could only fight on a battlefield when they are fully prepared. Speaking of which, you Magic Division fellow, even if I request a duel, you would not even accept it, right?”

“That is because even if a Magic Division student wins against a Swordsman Division student, our ranks will not increase! In other words, what Swordsman Division, they are completely not within our sights!”

While dropping this sentence, the two of them left the garden.

“……I’m really unhappy, I was not able to fight until I fully enjoyed it” and so on, Kanae muttered some dangerous sounding words.

Towards Kanae, who was like this, the male Sword Division student, who was picked upon, bowed his head down.

“President, I’m really sorry. Because I am too weak, I caused trouble for you.”

Torazo-senpai gently held his shoulder.

“President, I’ll send this person over to the teacher’s office. And I’ll submit the report about the incident and the victim.”

“I feel that it is futile. I already am only interested in catching those who caused harm and beating down onto the ground.”

“I have been sick and tired of it , really.” Torazo-senpai whined and brought the male student away.

It seems that little girl member of the Student Council also chased after him.

——Waiting until they left, Kanae’s head turned swiftly towards Kazuki’s direction.

“Nii-sama~♪ Nii-sama actually took the initiative to find me!”

Kanae seemed like a completely different person and issued out a sweet voice as she pounced over here. Kaguya-senpai’s eyes widened.

“Nii-sama? Isn’t Kazuki-kun Kanae’s otouto?”

Although physically, he is my otouto, but spiritually, he is my nii-san.”

After Kaguya-senpai scratched her head “I see, although I do not understand”, she turned around and faced Kanae.

“Speaking of which, Kanae. That kind of violence is not allowed! You should think of a more peaceful method instead!”

“What, so you are still here? Don’t casually talk with me.”

“……Aren’t you two friends?”

“Who is friends with this person. I only, as the Student Council President of the Sword Division, had to greet this person……Because this person is the Magic Division Student Council President.”

Kazuki was suddenly dumbfounded. ——In other words, this person is the strongest Stigma Magic User in Magic Division!

“This girl is currently the Magic Division Student Council President, <Nightmare Bringer>, Otonashi Kaguya !”

Kaguya-senpai proudly straightened her chest.

“Why is Nii-sama together with this fellow?”

Towards Kanae’s question, the one that replied was not Kazuki, but Kaguya-senpai.

“Because I noticed this new student was walking very lonely within the school, so I decided to bring him around the school.”

“Nii-sama was lonely!? Sorry, Nii-sama! Kanae will absolutely never abandon Nii-sama again! Come, let’s ignore this fellow and continue our date while visiting the academy.”

Kanae hugged onto Kazuki’s arm and pulled with force.

“Ah, wait a minute. I’m also bringing him around!”

Within a hairbreadth, Kaguya-senpai also grabbed onto my other arm. Pe~! ……What on earth was that Pe~ feeling.

“Nii-sama! Just now in a Unyou-like time, your expression suddenly became indecent and relaxed! What made you so happy!? Could it be that this fellow’s cow-like boobs made you feel happy!

The so-called “Unyou” was used as a speed unit in Ancient Style Swordsman Skills. The instant the lightning from above flashed in the sky was recorded as “Unyou”. In other words, it was so fast that the eyes could not perceive it. It was the territory of a God.

“I, I did not revealed any indecent expression! This kind of thing was never disturbed my heart!”

“Boobs?” After Kaguya-senpai froze for a while, she noticed that her own boobs were currently pressing onto Kazuki’s arm. Then she said “Sorry, you must hate it” and hurriedly pulled away. Although I did not exactly hate it……

Kanae also seemed to confront this and pressed her boobs onto Kazuki’s arm. Flat!

…….What was that flat feeling earlier.

“Why is it when it’s my turn, it is not indecent, but an expression of regret……”

“Sorry……”

“Boobs will only get in the way. I also want to become slim and cool like Kanae-chan.”

Kanae’s expression had suddenly become like Asura. It was a face of a swordsman filled with killing intent.

“Go die! DIE FASTER, YOU STUPID MEAT WOMAN! Speaking of which, Nii-sama and I already made an appointment long ago, so don’t just shamelessly get involved! Go away to one side! Your boobs should also fall apart!”

“But I am also currently bringing this child around! And this child is a freshman in our Magic Division! If it is only Kanae-chan, I think it is impossible to bring him around effectively……Ah, right.”

Saying up to here, Kaguya, pon<ref>7</ref>, and clapped her hands. Then she, once again, held onto Kazuki’s hand.

“Shouldn’t Kanae-chan, who does not have any intention to peacefully get along with Magic Division, be the one to go away from my Magic Division freshman?”

“What!” Buchin!<ref>8</ref> From Kanae’s head, the sound of a blood vessel bursting apart could be heard.

“Magic Division students should be led by the Magic Division Student Council President, what do you say, Kazuki-kun?”

“No, even if you ask me……!”

“Nii-sama……Compared to the Magic Division, Nii-sama is a person more suitable to the Sword Division! Nii-sama and I are not at fault, it is the world that is at fault! Diva, you baka!!”

Kanae’s body began to tremble, while she activated enhancement magic, she fiercely pulled Kazuki’s hand.

Kazuki, who nearly fell down due to the momentum, also activated enhancement magic to resist.

“Don’t use Magic! This is still the morning of the first day of school, isn’t using Magic Power a waste!?”

From the other side, senpai also “EiiEii”<ref>9</ref> and pulled onto Kazuki’s arm.

“This is my Nii-sama! This is my Nii-sama!”

“Right now, we are a trio with very good relationship! Or is this my delusion?”

Kanae cried out. Kaguya-senpai began to enjoy this situation. What on earth is this situation.

……In the end, it seems like there was no way to let them bring me around the school.

× × ×

At the Fountain Square, the Magic Division’s entrance ceremony finally began.

Speaking of entrance ceremony, if it was a normal school, the principal should be the first one up for a rather long speech……However, in front of all the neatly arranged freshmen, the one on the platform was the Student Council President, Kaguya-senpai.

Her face had a serious expression that was completely different than before. She was wearing a robe that almost covered her entire body.

“——The world is currently being eroded by myths.”

In front of the microphone, Kaguya-senpai began to speak such words.

As the peak of Magic for a human was when they were 20 years old, it will begin to decay afterwards. Based on this fact, compared to the principal, perhaps Kaguya-senpai was more suitable for the task to deliver an important speech at the entrance ceremony.

Although the adults can teach, but they are not powerful Magic Users.

In this academy, the strongest Magic User was this —— Otonashi Kaguya.

“Because of the Philosopher’s Stone brought by <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>, the world is forced to change. The power that ruled the world became from Science to Magic. The balance of power for each country in the world had also undergone tremendous changes. Moreover, Magical Beast had also appeared and began to attack humans. Right now, our current world is becoming relatively similar to the fantasies of myths that were once widely spread.”

——The world is currently being eroded by myths.

Science and laws of physics are already not the absolute truth.

From the secret groups, <Rosicrucian Group>, <Golden Dawn> and <Ahnenerbe>, that had inherited the thoughts and technology, they claim to be the legitimate Alchemy organization <Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom>.

The person that acts as the leader is known as <Basileus Basileon><ref>10</ref>. He was a strange person that published the results of producing a Philosopher’s Stone 15 years ago. In order to protect themselves from the threat of Magic, the Philosopher’s Stone was imported into the countries at an alarming speed.

Because the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had sold the Philosopher’s Stone at a high price, they ruled the world.

“Although Japan had luckily been listed as a <Magically Advanced Country>, but facing the aggression from other countries, we cannot think lightly of this and sit back and relax. The Knights are currently seeking for a stronger fighting force than now. This responsibility also falls upon us, who will be responsibility as future Knights.”

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom had expanded to the extent where it could rule the world. However, due to the internal power struggle, it had led to their leader Basileus Basileon to be killed.

The Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom that expanded over the entire world, suddenly lost their unity and fell apart in an instant. Each country’s government immediately tried to seize this opportunity and absorbed the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom.

Then, the 7 countries with many Magic User, meaning that they had purchased the most Philosopher’s Stone, as the <Seven Magically Advanced Country>, they had inherited the ruling position of the world.

However, Basilevs Basileon’s body had still not yet been found.

“Just as everybody knows, we, Japan, had established a system with the Israel myth’s <Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons>. However, the other 6 countries had established relationships with <Very Different Divas>. The combat capability gap between the 7 countries is in a completely evenly matched state. Although currently on the surface, we are at peace. However, we do not know when a Magically Advanced Country will trigger the <Battle of Myths>, it is not strange if it does happen.”

The 7 Magically Advanced Countries ——Japan, United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and China. Each country’s Knights had inherited the legacy of the Dawn of the Almighty Wisdom and had earned the help of Divas from completely different Myths.

The other countries were different than Japan. They had gotten the power of Divas through <Faith>.

There was no knowing when the Divas break the balance and cause the 7 countries to be in danger. This is the truth about the temporary peace.

“Not only abroad, but also within the country, there exist the threat of <Illegal Magic Users> that abuse Magic for crimes. They were tempted by the evil Divas, who have evil intentions, and formed a <Illegal Contract>, allowing that power to rampage uncontrollably. At the same time, the Knights are also a police organization. They are forced to manage these Illegal Magic Users.”

The Divas that harbor evil intentions towards human would contaminate the human’s spirit as the reward for their power.

Because these things were extremely risky, within Japan, all Diva contracts outside of the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons were strictly prohibited.

The past Illegal Magic Users had once made Tokyo become ruins.

“In addition, cracks suddenly appearing in the world and the Magic from Astrum leaked out, producing <Magical Beasts> and <Spirits>. These phenomenon known as <Cancer<ref>11</ref>> had also started to occur. The spaces, where the Magical Beasts are concentrated at, will become contaminated by Magic Power and be known as <Magic Land>. This allows the Magical Beast produced by the Cancer to appear more frequently. Defeating these Cancer is also an important job for the Knights.”

Accompanying the death of Basileus Basileon, the production method of the Philosopher’s Stone had been lost.

However, the amount of Magic Users in the world had increased. As if it had been triggered, naturally awakened Magic Users began to appear.

To the countries known as the Magically Advanced Countries, basically all their citizens had become Magic Users.

Then as the amount of Magic Users increased, the phenomenon known as Cancer had also increased in proportion. When the amount of Magical Beasts increased, the spaces would be contaminated and gradually turn into Magic Land.

Magic will bright forth more Magic. Just like the world is currently being eroded by Magic.

Humans would sometimes even start to miss the <Era where Science was Everything to the World>.

The fact that they obtained the Philosopher’s Stone. To humans, is it really an evolution that should be welcomed…….

“Aggression from Foreign Countries, Illegal Magic Users, Cancer……Dealing with these three big threats are the mission of the Knights. However, there is nothing for us to fear. Because we, the people here right now, have the power to defeat these threats. Everybody should be proud of themselves ——Everyone here are selected by the Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. As a <Knights> and a hero of this new world, we are cadets with fame!”

Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons. In the past, they had obeyed King Solomon and helped established the Country of Israel. The Demons of this kind of Myth were Demons, yet they assisted the humans at the same time.

They were Divas who really had friendly relationships with Japan.

“I hope that everybody will be able to cultivate their abilities and the overly powerful strength known as Summoning Magic in this academy while having a Knight’s spirit and a strong sense of honor. Powerful strength is accompanied by a great responsibility……Even if we say these to you, towards everybody, who were still ordinary middle school students yesterday, there should not be any realistic feeling……”

After saying up to here, Kaguya-senpai suddenly stopped and began to chant an incantation.

“I know thy name……Thy name is Asmodeus<ref>12</ref>……Thy power is the omnipotent desires. Comply with the contract, obey my command, and display thy power!”

Kaguya-senpai drew out a spell and allowed her spirit to connect with Astrum. The interior of her robe released a purple light……This is Summoning Magic!

Beside Kaguya-senpai, a large amount of light appeared and the light was shaking and twisting.

——Shortly, it became the unusual outline of a form that could not be distinguished as a human or Magical Beast.

To summarize it in one word, what Kaguya-senpai had summoned was a <Witch>. Her entire body was wearing black clothes. From her head, a crooked horn was grown and on her shoulders, a cow and lamb head was placed. It was an unusual witch.

“Kukuku, Student Council President. You actually called me out to perform this kind of acrobatics, what an amazing fellow, my cute Kaguya. Forget it, based on your honor, I will help you out once.”

One of the Pillars of Solomon’s 72 Pillars of Demons, Asmodeus. At the same time, it is an existence along with Lucifer, Beelzebub and the others that ranked as the <Hell’s 7 Great Kinds> that manages the <Seven Deadly Sins>.

This is Otonashi Kaguya —— This is the school’s strongest Student Council President’s Contracted Diva?

From afar, gishigishi, gishigishi<ref>13</ref>……this kind of sound came.

—— What issued the gishigishi sound was a cage car. Just like a huge cage in a zoo placed on wheels. An awe-inspiring female student transported it to the square.

The female students beside Kazuki looked at the thing inside the cage car and immediately “Huh!” and let out a frightened voice.

In the cage, a <Dragon>’s big body was folded unhappily. The golden light lines tied up the dragon’s limps, stripping its freedom. This was probably Binding Magic.

The so-called dragon was a type of Magical Beast. The Magical Beasts that appeared from Astrum all had fantasy-like appearances that seemed to have come out from myths —— that attacked humans.

This is the difference than the instinct of a wild beast attacking other animals for food. It is unrelated to whether the Magical Beast is hungry or not. Compared to their other desires, they will place priority on attacking humans.

The Magical Beasts is not a part of the ecosystem and was obviously an enemy of mankind.

And they only exist to contaminate spaces and summon new Magical Beasts from Astrum.

It is not something to let live alive and then used for acrobatics.

The cage car was moved up in front of the freshman. There was probably a distance ten meters when it stopped.

The female student, who had completed the delivery, walked onto the platform and stood next to Kaguya-senpai.

She is probably one of the members of the Magic Division’s Student Council.

“……The shackles of constellation, let the day’s operation to be restarted again……Stars binding the day release”

The microphone slightly captured her chanting a short spell. Then, the golden light lines that bounded the dragon’s body seemed to dissolve into the air and disappeared.

The Binding Magic was released……What was that senpai planning to do!?

“……Even if there is no realistic feeling yet, but if we do not allow you to understand, it will be very troublesome……”

Kaguya-senpai used a calm tone and continued her speech.

The dragon seemed to be confirming what had happened to its body and turned its head around. When its eyes reflected the large amount of humans it should attack, just like as it was venting its anger from being tied up, it fiercely smashed the steel bars.

Gan! The door of the cage was smashed open. The locks were not even in place originally!

“GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The fierce roar that caused the air to ,biribiri, and vibrate made all the students tremble.

With a green-colored sheen that only reptiles have on its body, it rushed out from the cage car.

On its back, wings, similar to the bats, with many sections expanded greatly. The dragon with its great body that was probably 5 meters in length swooped over like a bullet —— directly at the freshman.

At the same time, noticing a powerful Magic Flow, Kazuki turned his gaze towards Kaguya-senpai who was standing at the platform.

——A great amount of purple light, dazzling enough to burn Kazuki’s retina was shining.

“The thought that burns my chest, portray this world as a living hell……!”

Compared to the time at the garden, an enormous difference in Magic swirled around like a whirlpool, senpai’s long hair and robe was fluttering in the winds and was lifted up.

“GUOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

The dragon opened its huge mouth that had many murderous teeth and it seemed like it was about to pounce over to the closest students!

At this moment, Kaguya-senpai’s spell chant ended.

“Thou art a demon king of wicked desires! The incarnation with an obsession that brings forth tragedy, let thy long-cherished wish……pain this entire world! ——Hell’s Thought Flames! (Guernica)”

“Kukukukuku!” From the cow and lamb heads on Asmodeus’s shoulders that was stretched out, just like vomiting, the two heads ejected a large flame.

The dragon was surrounded by flames and squirmed in the air. In front of the foremost students, in a place not so far in front of them.

Hell’s Flames. It revealed a red black color just like blood. Like tentacles, it continued to entangle and wrapped around it. The scales that were hard as iron was gradually melted into liquid like candy.

……What is this. No —— It was a different dimension in terms of high temperature.

The Hell’s Flame caused the dragon’s bones, the head to melt into a mess and then it caused it to evaporate.

In just a short period of time, the dragon’s body disappeared. Even the remains soon disappeared.

“Kukuku, when you need me next time, feel free to call me, my cute Kaguya……”

Asmodeus once again turned into light particles and disappeared.

“This is Summoning Magic. This is the power that everybody will begin to obtain from now on.”

Looking at the freshmen, Kaguya-senpai continued to speak. This was such an unscientific scene.

Causing the very existence to be denied, covering it and eliminating it, the red black flames.

Transporting the dragon over was just a show to demonstrate the power of Summoning Magic.

Although Summoning Magic is something that everybody could see on television……Should it be because Kaguya-senpai was too amazing, or was it because the breathtaking scene was being shown in front of their own eyes? No matter which one it is, the freshmen all held their breath.

“Please constantly ask yourself, “What is this Power used for”. This power should only be used by a person who could feel honor from their heart of justice. Great honor, responsibility and consciousness……Please allow me to use the words above to give a final gift to all of you.”

The sound of applauses suddenly rang out. Because they are able to obtain such strength, the freshmen became passionate.

However, among this, Kazuki was aware. Aware of ——his own emptiness.

The thought of praying for such strength, he had never had it. Suddenly lodging such ferocious strength inside this kind of person on day ——What a terrible thing.

I only wanted to repay the debt to the family that adopted me, who was alone.

“In other words, you are a person not satisfied with just being a Hayashizaki swordsman. Do not become such a small person. There is no need for you to be bounded by gratitude for your entire life.”

However, I, it was not for the sake of justice or peace, these kinds of vague ideas……

I only wanted to be praised by you and Kanae, only just like that……

As if he was terrified of the foreboding of a huge fate, Kazuki’s gaze fell onto his left hand.

——What on earth gave the insignificant me an Enigma……?

<noinclude>
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Ark

2015-02-26T12:51:41Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-legendary-hero/ Legendary Hero?]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/682-2/ Radon]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-different-world-netherworld/ Different World? Netherworld?]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-tragedy-of-the-three-pig-brothers/ Tragedy of The Three Pig Brothers]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-hunting-the-dead/ Hunting the Dead]
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Killer-Blade Army
::* ACT 9 : Nonsense Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Date A Live

2015-02-25T15:49:18Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:DAL v01 cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Date A Live Vol 1]]
'''''Date A Live''''' (デート・ア・ライブ), is a Japanese light novel series written by Tachibana Koushi (橘公司), with illustrations by Tsunako (つなこ), published by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujimi_Shobo Fujimi Shobo] under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko label. The novel was first published in March 2011 and has 11 volumes currently. In April 2013 an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel which ended in June 2013. A dub of season 1 was released on 10th June 2014 by FUNimation. A second season aired on 11th April, 2014 to 13th June, 2014 which covers the events from volumes 5-7. Date A Live Movie: Mayuri Judgment is scheduled for release in Summer 2015.

The Date A Live series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Date_A_Live_(Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia]]
*[[Date_A_Live_~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]
*[[Date A Live - Français|Français (French)]]
*[[Date_A_Live_(German)|Deutsch (German)]]
*[[Date_A_Live_Polski|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Date_A_Live_Russian|Русский (Russian)]]
*[[Date_A_Live_Russian_Alt|Pусский альтернативный перевод (Russian Alternative Version)]]
*[[Date_A_Live_~_(Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
*[[Date A Live (Tiếng Việt)|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]

{{DateALive:Toggle}}

==Story Synopsis==

April 10th. Today was the first school day morning after the end of Spring vacation. After being woken up by his cute little sister, Itsuka Shidou believed that it would be the start of another normal day. As for predicting the chance meeting with the girl who called herself a Spirit......

Along with a sudden shockwave, the townscape vanished without a trace. In a corner of the street which had now become a crater, the girl was there.

"—You, have you come to kill me too?"

She is the disaster that will destroy humanity, a monster of unknown origin, and a being rejected by the world. There are only two ways to stop this girl: annihilation, or conversation. His little sister Kotori, wrapped in a military uniform, thus said to Shidou: "Since it's like this, just go date her, and make the Spirit fall for you!" "Wh.. whaaaaaaaat!?" Enter a new age of boy meets girl!!

==Translation==

=== [[Date A Live:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Date A Live:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Date A Live: Names and Terminology Guidelines]] '''(WARNING: May contain spoilers)'''

===Feedback===
'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4694 Feedback Thread]'''

==Updates==
{{:Date_A_Live:Updates}}'''All updates''' can be found at the '''[[Date A Live:Updates|Date A Live Updates Page]]'''.

==The ''Date A Live'' series by Tachibana Koushi==

'''You can find the PDF, EPUB and MOBI files in the Date A Live forum [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=6662 here].'''


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc1 mw-customtoggle-Arc1Close mw-customtoggle-Arc1Open mw-customtoggle-Arc2 mw-customtoggle-Arc2Close mw-customtoggle-Arc2Open mw-customtoggle-Arc3 mw-customtoggle-Arc3Close mw-customtoggle-Arc3Open mw-customtoggle-Arc4 mw-customtoggle-Arc4Close mw-customtoggle-Arc4Open mw-customtoggle-Arc5 mw-customtoggle-Arc5Close mw-customtoggle-Arc5Open mw-customtoggle-Arc6 mw-customtoggle-Arc6Close mw-customtoggle-Arc6Open mw-customtoggle-Arc7 mw-customtoggle-Arc7Close mw-customtoggle-Arc7Open" style="background:#fdf1b8;cursor:pointer" align="center"><br/><big><big>''Date A Live'' - Main story</big></big><hr/></div>
<div style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%;">


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc1 mw-customtoggle-Arc1Close mw-customtoggle-Arc1Open" style="background:#9e6c38;cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volume 1</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible" style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc1">

[[File:DAL_v01_cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 1 - Tohka Dead End ([[Date A Live:Volume 1|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?7yx8202e5licwh4 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?pqbq2cxtt4ry4y6 MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue: Chance Meeting -restart-]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: The Nameless Girl]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: {{Furigana|Training|Game}} Start]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Your Name Is......]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Surprise Date]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Ruthless {{Furigana|Slaughterer|Sandalphon}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue: Life With a Spirit]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc2 mw-customtoggle-Arc2Close mw-customtoggle-Arc2Open" style="background:#79b2ff;cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volume 2</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc2">

[[File:DAL2_cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 2 - Yoshino Puppet ([[Date A Live:Volume 2|Full Text]]- [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?hya2e89hc438xd8 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?m8xqqo81rnqmygz MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue: New Daily Life]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Mission: Under One Roof]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Rainy Girl]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Excessively Distorted Compassion]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Multiple requests at Tobiichi's House]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Frozen Earth]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue: The Past that Starts to take Action]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc3 mw-customtoggle-Arc3Close mw-customtoggle-Arc3Open" style="background:#ff4746;cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volumes 3 and 4</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc3">

[[File:DAL3_cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 3 - Kurumi Killer ([[Date A Live:Volume 3|Full Text]]- [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?3neykn8xl8fpla0 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?7511gz8lk7r7xz1 MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue: The Black Visitor]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Second Transfer Student]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: A Spirit's Invitation]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Sister Wars]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Triple Date]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Imitation Nightmare]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL4_Cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 4 - Itsuka Sister ([[Date A Live:Volume 4|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/h933q7b8c2mdos5 PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/vc2q23cqsfero0c/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_04.mobi MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Time Penetrating Flame]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: Kotori's Conference]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Swimwear Battle]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Last Date]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Avenger from Five Years Ago]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue: Encounter of Darkness]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc4 mw-customtoggle-Arc4Close mw-customtoggle-Arc4Open" style="background:#efd807;cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volume 5</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc4">

[[File:DAL5_Cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 5 - Yamai Tempest ([[Date A Live:Volume 5|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?pqtqanh81qmmj9u PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/9eoqglxtfdh8899/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_05.mobi MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue: Reverse Conquest]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: DEM's Plans]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Cyclone Girls]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Double Approach]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Cross-Counter Heart]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: The Light that Splits the Wind]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue: Shidou, I—]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc5 mw-customtoggle-Arc5Close mw-customtoggle-Arc5Open" style="background:#d0aeff; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volumes 6 and 7</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc5">

[[File:DAL6_Cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 6 - Miku Lily ([[Date A Live:Volume 6|Full Text]] - [http://www.mediafire.com/view/p0ge593fy4656ay PDF] - [http://www.mediafire.com/download/23ycdrunh4ut2f6/Date_A_Live_-_Volume_06.mobi MOBI])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue: The Girls' Tryst]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Incomprehensible Spirit]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Male/Female]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Edit Time]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Music]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Azure Flash]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL v7 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 7 - Miku Truth ([[Date A Live:Volume 7|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Nightmare, Reappear]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: The Battlefield of Only Two People]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Streets Engulfed in Fire and Shadow]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Demon King]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Slaughtering Tyrant]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc6 mw-customtoggle-Arc6Close mw-customtoggle-Arc6Open" style="background:#4aed93; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volumes 8 and 9</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc6">'''

[[File:DAL v8 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Volume 8 - Natsumi Search ([[Date A Live:Volume 8|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue: {{Furigana|Another Shidou|Doppelganger}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: {{Furigana|Witch of October|Halloween}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: {{Furigana| Twelve Photos|Suspect}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: {{Furigana|Morning Twelve O'clock|Delete}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: {{Furigana|Suspect Designation|High risk}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: {{Furigana|Witch's Work|Witchcraft}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL v9 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 9 - Natsumi Change ([[Date A Live:Volume 9|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: {{Furigana|The Children|Little Monsters}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: {{Furigana|Beckoning From The Darkness|Head Hunting}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: {{Furigana|Transform|Makeup}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: {{Furigana|It's Definitely A Lie|I'd Like To Believe}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: {{Furigana|Despair Is Falling|Fall down}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue: {{Furigana|DEM's Wizard|Friend Or Enemy}}]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc7 mw-customtoggle-Arc7Close mw-customtoggle-Arc7Open" style="background:#ffffff; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px;border:1px solid black" align="center">'''<big>Volumes 10 and 11</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Arc7">'''

[[File:DAL v10 cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 10 - Tobiichi Angel ([[Date A Live:Volume 10|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue: Tobiichi Origami ]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1: The Targeted Shidou]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2: The Radiant Goetia]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Angel]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Truth]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5: The Descending Of The Devil King To Darkness]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL v11 cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]
===Volume 11 - Tobiichi Devil ([[Date A Live:Volume 11|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Chapter 6|Chapter 6: The One Struggling]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Chapter 7|Chapter 7: Illusion]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Chapter 8|Chapter 8: <Devil>]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Instinct]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Chapter 10|Chapter 10: The Angel Of The Night With Falling Stars]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue: Tobiichi Origami]]
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>

==The ''Date A Live'' side stories by Tachibana Koushi==


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Akihabara mw-customtoggle-AkihabaraClose mw-customtoggle-AkihabaraOpen mw-customtoggle-Encore mw-customtoggle-EncoreClose mw-customtoggle-EncoreOpen mw-customtoggle-PS3Special mw-customtoggle-PS3SpecialClose mw-customtoggle-PS3SpecialOpen mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecials mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecialsClose mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecialsOpen mw-customtoggle-ShortStories mw-customtoggle-ShortStoriesClose mw-customtoggle-ShortStoriesOpen mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservations mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservationsClose mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservationsOpen mw-customtoggle-Volume0 mw-customtoggle-Volume0Close mw-customtoggle-Volume0Open" style="background:#fdf1b8;cursor:pointer" align="center"><br/><big><big>''Date A Live'' - Side stories</big></big><hr/></div>
<div style="text-align:left;margin:5px5pxclear:both;font-size:100%;background:transparent;width:100%;">


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Akihabara mw-customtoggle-AkihabaraClose mw-customtoggle-AkihabaraOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Date A Akihabara</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Akihabara">

===Date A Akihabara ([[Date_A_Live:Date_A_Akihabara|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Tohka|Tohka]]
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Yoshino|Yoshino]]
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Kurumi|Kurumi]]
::*[[Date A Akihabara:Kotori|Kotori]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Encore mw-customtoggle-EncoreClose mw-customtoggle-EncoreOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Date A Live Encore</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Encore">

[[File:DAL vE cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Date A Live Encore===
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Case 1|Dating Preparations Case 1: Yoshino]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Case 2|Dating Preparations Case 2: Itsuka Kotori]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Case 3|Dating Preparations Case 3: Tobiichi Origami]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 1|Tohka Gamer Center]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 2|Origami Impossible]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 3|Yoshino Fireworks]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 4|Kotori Birthday]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 5|Yamai Lunchtime]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Chapter 6|Kurumi Star Festival]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL vE2 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Date A Live Encore 2===
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Case 1|Date A If Case 1: What if Tohka and the others did a gravure shooting]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Case 2|Date A If Case 2: What if Kurumi blends into daily life]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Case 3|Date A If Case 3: What if Origami and Mana are blood related sisters]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 1|Shidou Hunters]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 2|Unidentified Summer Vacation]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 3|Unidentified Brother]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 4|Spirit King Game]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 5|Tenou Festival Contest]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Chapter 6|Ellen Mathers' Strongest Day]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL vE3 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Date A Live Encore 3===
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Case 1|Dress A Live Case 1: Astral Dress]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Case 2|Dress A Live Case 2: Swimsuit]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Case 3|Dress A Live Case 3: Santa]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 1|Miku On-Stage]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 2|Shiori Penalty]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 3|Natsumi Teaching]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 4|Mana Research]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 5|Cat Cafe A Live]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 6|Spirit Merry Christmas]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Chapter 7|Kurumi Santa Claus]]
::*[[Date A Live:Encore Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-PS3Special mw-customtoggle-PS3SpecialClose mw-customtoggle-PS3SpecialOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>PS3 Special</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-PS3Special">

[[File:DAL_PSPS_00a.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Rinne Utopia===
::*[[Date A Live: Rinne Bathtime Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live: Rinne Bathtime|Rinne Bathtime]]
::*[[Date A Live: Rinne Bathtime Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>

[[File:DAL_PS3AI cover.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Arusu Install===
::*[[Date A Live: Arusu Quest Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live: Arusu Quest|Arusu Quest]]
::*[[Date A Live: Arusu Quest Afterword|Afterword]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecials mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecialsClose mw-customtoggle-BluRaySpecialsOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Blu-ray Specials</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-BluRaySpecials">

===Blu-ray Specials===
::*[[Date A Live:Blu-ray Specials Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Tohka Working|Tohka Working]]
::*[[Date A Live:Yoshino Highschool|Yoshino Highschool]]
::*[[Date A Live:Origami Normalize|Origami Normalize]]
::*[[Date A Live:Kurumi Cat|Kurumi Cat]]
::*[[Date A Live:Mana Mission|Mana Mission]]
::*[[Date A Live:Kotori Mystery|Kotori Mystery]]
::*[[Date A Live:Spirit Treasure Hunt|Spirit Treasure Hunt]]

<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-ShortStories mw-customtoggle-ShortStoriesClose mw-customtoggle-ShortStoriesOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Short Stories</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-ShortStories">

===Short Stories===
::*[[Date A Live: Short Stories Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live: Web Chapter|Web Chapter (Tohka and Shidou)]]
::*[[Date A Live: Tohka Fearful|Tohka Fearful]] (from Fantasia Bunko's 25th Anniversary Book)
::*[[Date A Live: Date A Quest|Date A Quest]]
::*[[Date A Live: Fantasy April|Fantasy April]]
::*[[Date A Live: Origami Deceive|Origami Deceive]]
::*[[Date A Live: Itsuka Shidou's Ordinary Day|Itsuka Shidou's Ordinary Day]]
::*[[Date A Live: Origami Counseling|Origami Counseling]]
::*[[Date A Live: Reine Holiday|Reine Holiday]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservations mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservationsClose mw-customtoggle-RatatoskrsObservationsOpen" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big><Ratatoskr>'s Daily Observations</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-RatatoskrsObservations">

[[File:DAL_CaseTS.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===<Ratatoskr>'s Daily Observations ([[Date_A_Live:Ratatoskr's Daily Observations|Full Text]])===
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 1|Case 1]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 2|Case 2]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 3|Case 3]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 4|Case 4]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 5|Case 5]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 6|Case 6]]
::*[[Date A Live:Ratatoskr Case 7|Case 7]]
<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>


<div class="mw-customtoggle-Volume0 mw-customtoggle-Volume0Close mw-customtoggle-Volume0Open" style="background:#cef2f2; cursor:pointer;height:20px;padding-top:3px" align="center">'''<big>Volume 0</big>'''</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible " style="text-align:left; margin:5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background:transparent; width:100%;" id="mw-customcollapsible-Volume0">

[[File:DAL v0 cover.png|right|frameless|x200px]] [[File:DAL v0-ver.2 cov.jpg|right|frameless|x200px]]

===Volume 0 - April 9===
::*[[Date A Live:Volume 0 Illustrations|Illustrations]]
::*[[Date A Live:April 9|April 9]]
::*[[Date A Live:Nurse A Live|Nurse A Live]]
::*[[Date A Live:Popularity Poll Results Announcement|Popularity Poll Results Announcement]]
::*[[Date A Live:Tohka Prison|Tohka Prison]]
::*[[Date A Live:Tohka Miss Fantasia|Tohka Miss fantasia]]
::*[[Date A Live:Kurumi Neighbor|Kurumi Neighbor]]
::*[[Date A Live:Spirit Akihabara|Spirit Akihabara]]
::*[[Date A Live:25th Anniversary|25th Anniversary]]

<br style="clear:both"/>
</div>

==Project Staff==
*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
<table><tr><td width=200 valign=top>
'''ACTIVE'''
* [[user:Rozenbach|Rozenbach]]
* [[user:Tsuchiura|Tsuchiura]]
</td><td width=200 valign=top>
'''INACTIVE'''
* [[user:Shini|Shini]]
* [[user:Jonathanasdf|Jonathanasdf]]
* [[user:iamadooddood|iamadooddood]]
* [[user:Starduster|Starduster]]
* [[user:Restiaest|Restiaest]]
* [[user:RikiNutcase|RikiNutcase]]
</td></tr></table>

===Editors===
<table><tr><td width=200 valign=top>
'''ACTIVE'''
* [[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]]
* [[User:Monsterbandage|Monsterbandage]]
* [[User:Flowers-LavDai|Flowers-LavDai]]
* [[User:Insanitizer|Insanitizer]]
* [[User:Sideswipe|Sideswipe]]
* [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]]
* [[User:ProxY|ProxY]](Please email me if there is work to be done.)
* [[User:DarkeKyuubi|DarkeKyuubi]] (Refuses to read out of order, so won't be editing most recent volumes)
</td><td width=200 valign=top>
'''INACTIVE'''
* [[user:Chancs|Chancs]]
* [[user:Zeker|Zeker]]
* [[user:Alexpte|Alexpte]]
* [[user:Xanga|Xanga]]
* [[User:Cliff|Cliff]]
* [[User:Daylighter|Daylighter]]
* [[User:FERVENT|FERVENT]]
* [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]]
</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr></table>

==Series Overview==
*デート・ア・ライブ十香デッドエンド (March 19, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3623-2)
*デート・ア・ライブ2 四糸乃パペット (August 20, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3672-0)
*デート・ア・ライブ3 狂三キラー (November 19, 2011 ISBN 978-4-8291-3704-8)
*デート・ア・ライブ4 五河シスター (March 17, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3744-4)
*デート・ア・ライブ5 八舞テンペスト (August 18, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3795-6)
*デート・ア・ライブ6 美九リリィ (December 20, 2012 ISBN 978-4-8291-3835-9)
*デート・ア・ライブ7 美九トゥルース (March 19, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3871-7)
*デート・ア・ライブアンコール (May 18, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3892-2)
*デート・ア・ライブ8 七罪サーチ (September 20, 2013 ISBN 978-4-8291-3938-7)
*デート・ア・ライブ9 七罪チェンジ (December 20, 2013 ISBN 978-4-04-712974-0)
*デート・ア・ライブ10 鳶一エンジェル (March 20, 2014 ISBN 978-4-04-070066-3)
*デート・ア・ライブ11 鳶一デビル (September 20, 2014 ISBN 978-4-04-070143-1)

[[Category:Fujimi Fantasia Bunko]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Koushi Tachibana]]

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 3 character pictures

2015-02-22T23:40:39Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{|
|-
|
{{Image label|image=OreTwintail_v1_224.jpg|width=400|float=left|margin=0.4em 0pt 1.3em 1.3em|alt=}}
{{Image label|x=85|y=52|text=<div style="background-color:white;width:130px;height:35px"></div>}}
<div style="font-family:cursive;text-shadow: -1px -1px 0px white, 1px 1px 0px white, 1px -1px 0px white, -1px 1px 0px white;">
{{Image label|x=87|y=63|text=<span style="font-size:21px;background:white">Shindou Erina</span>}}
<div style="font-family:cursive;text-shadow: -1px -1px 0px black, 1px 1px 0px black, 1px -1px 0px black, -1px 1px 0px black;">
{{Image label|x=26|y=252|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Gender: F</span>}}
{{Image label|x=26|y=274|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Age: 16</span>}}
{{Image label|x=26|y=296|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Birthday: <span style="font-size:11px">December 21</span></span>}}
{{Image label|x=26|y=316|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Height: 143 cm</span>}}
{{Image label|x=26|y=338|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Weight: 40 kg</span>}}
{{Image label|x=26|y=360|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">B69 W53 H72</span>}}
</div>
{{Image label|x=15|y=390|text=<div style="background-color:white;width:150px;height:225px"></div>}}
{{Image label|x=22|y=380|text-align=left|
text=<span style="font-size:10px;background:white">
The president of the student council <br>
at Yougetsu Academy, and one year <br>
above Souji and the others.

She was going to a famous young <br>
ladies' school, but she transferred <br>
in from the high school section. She <br>
is loved by the students as a tiny <br>
little president who tries hard.

Her admiration of heroes is strong, <br>
and she is the one who understands the <br>
Twintails best. Perhaps because of that, <br>
it seems like she can see TailRed without <br>
the complete effect of the recognition <br>
jamming apparatus, but...?</span>}}
</div>
{{Image label|end}}
|
{{Image label|image=OreTwintail_v1_225.jpg|width=400|float=left|margin=0.4em 0pt 1.3em 1.3em|alt=}}
<div style="font-family:cursive;text-shadow: -1px -1px 0px white, 1px 1px 0px white, 1px -1px 0px white, -1px 1px 0px white;">
{{Image label|x=87|y=58|text=<span style="font-size:21px;background:white">DRAG GUILDY</span>}}
<div style="font-family:cursive;text-shadow: -1px -1px 0px black, 1px 1px 0px black, 1px -1px 0px black, -1px 1px 0px black;">
{{Image label|x=33|y=244|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Height: 282 cm</span>}}
{{Image label|x=33|y=266|text=<span style="font-size:15px;color:white">Weight: 322 kg</span>}}
</div>

{{Image label|x=22|y=313|text=<div style="background-color:white;width:100px;height:300px"></div>}}
{{Image label|x=22|y=313|text-align=left|
text=<span style="font-size:10px;background:white">He is the leader that ties <br>
together the Elemerians <br>
who came to Souji's world, <br>
in the upper echelons <br>
of the Ultima Guil. <br>
Possessing both <br>
wisdom and strength, <br>
the trust his subordinates <br>
place in him is deep, and <br>
many look up to him as his <br>
apprentices.<br>

The tale of his heroism in dea-<br>
ling with one of the "Five Great <br>
Tests" is even now told among <br>
the warriors. He possesses <br>
overwhelming fighting strength <br>
of the highest class, but <br>
there's a certain secret <br>
in that―.</span>}}
</div>
{{Image label|end}}
|}

Ark

2015-02-20T11:02:29Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-falling-from-a-cliff-and-meeting-an-ironic-fate/ Falling From a Cliff and Meeting an Ironic Fate]
::* ACT 3 : Legendary Hero?
::* ACT 4 : Radon
::* ACT 5 : Other World? Bounded?
::* ACT 6 : Tragedy of the three baby pig brothers
::* ACT 7 : Dead Hunter
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Killer-Blade Army
::* ACT 9 : Nonsense Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Ark

2015-02-19T05:09:00Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

[[Image:ArkCover.jpg|200px|thumb|All Volume covers]]

Ark is a Korean Light Novel by Yoo Seong (유성). This series is completed with 24 volumes published. It also has a sequel called "Ark the Legend", which currently has 8 volumes published.

Ark series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Ark ~Brazilian_Portuguese~|Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)]]

==Story Synopsis==
Kim Hyun Woo lived the life of the wealthy thanks to his parents. But one day, he received a phone call informing him of a traffic accident which involved them. His father had died and his mother was hospitalized in critical condition. The normal life he once knew collapsed...

They sold their house, canceled various insurance plans, and moved to a one room apartment. And after a few years, Hyun Woo was spending four to six hours tending to his mother and worked to pay for her medical bills.

One day, one of his instructors recommended him for position in a company called ''Global Exos'', which made an announcement of making history with its newest technological invention.

== Translation & Registration ==
===Format Standards===
'''Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== [[Ark:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Ark:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on.'''

===Translation===
This novel is in need of Korean Translators. Those who wish to contribute with the main translation group, please visit:

::*[http://japtem.com/recruitment/ Japtem]

===Info===
'''This is a hosted project. Original translations belong to ''Japtem'' and ''Ark Machine Translations'' groups.'''

==Updates==
''' December 2014'''
::* 10: Volume 4 Chapter 4 completed.

''' November 2014'''
::* 02: Volume 4 Chapter 3 completed.

''' October 2014'''
::* 05: Volume 4 Chapter 1 completed.
::* 19: Volume 4 Chapter 2 completed.

''' September 2014'''
::* 06: Volume 3 Chapter 8 completed.
::* 20: Volume 3 Chapter 9 completed.

[[Ark Updates|All Updates]]

==Discussion and Feedback==
If you want to give your thanks to the translators and/or discuss the chapter, please leave a message via comment section. Thank you.

==''Ark'' novel by Yoo Seong==

===Volume 1 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1 Full Text])===
::* ACT 0 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-prologue/ Prologue]
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-1/ New World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-2/ Mouse Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-3/ First Dungeon]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-4/ Desperate Struggle with the Demon Mouse]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-5/ Viscount Haverstein's Revenge]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-6/ Cat Knight]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-7/ Familiars]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-8/ You're Dead if You're Caught]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-1-chapter-9/ Two Women]

===Volume 2 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-1/ Special Army of Familiars]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-2/ Hatchling]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-3/ Underwater City of Nodelesse]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-4/ Win the Hearts of the People]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-5/ The White Whale’s Labyrinth]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-6/ Soul Caretaker]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-7/ Battle of the Grey Ridge]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-8/ Giran, a Merchant's Battlefield]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-2-chapter-9/ Hero Assembly]

===Volume 3 ([http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-1/ The Silver Arrow]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-2/ Jackson Castle]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-3/ Jackson Crusade]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-4/ Holy Knight Alan]
::* ACT 5 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-5/ Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons]
::* ACT 6 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-6/ Lord of Darkness, Valderas]
::* ACT 7 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-7/ The Underwater Master]
::* ACT 8 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-8/ Jackson's Hero]
::* ACT 9 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-3-chapter-9/ To Giran Again]

===Volume 4===
::* ACT 1 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-1/ The Giran’s Institute of Magic]
::* ACT 2 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-2/ Bounty Hunter]
::* ACT 3 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-3/ Meeting Sid Again]
::* ACT 4 : [http://japtem.com/ark-volume-4-chapter-4/ Meeting the Girl]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-red-man/ The Red Man]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-the-lawless-city-of-kairote/ Lawless City of Kairote]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-dark-brotherhood/ Dark Brother]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-at-the-end-of-hell/ At the End of Hell]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-mystery-of-the-labyrinth/ The Mystery of the Labyrinth]

===Volume 5 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-5/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-underground-world/ Underground World]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-secure-the-raccoons/ Secure the Raccoons]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-rehabilitation-stage/ Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-march-raccoon-troop/ March, Raccoon Troops!]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-the-fallen-yggdrasil/ The Fallen Yggdrasil]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-dark-piece/ Pieces of Darkness]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-underdog-takes-one-more-step/ Underdog]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-experiencing-a-spar/ Experiencing a Spar]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-the-evil-silrion-arena/ The Evil Silrion Arena]

===Volume 6 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-6/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-dark-wolf/ Dark Wolf]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-brilliant-debut/ Brilliant Debut Match]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-hidden-power-of-the-rehabilitation-stage/ Hidden Power of the Rehabilitation Stage]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-finals/ Finals]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-frenzied-night/ Frenzied Night]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-im-a-fan/ I’m a Fan!]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-lancel-village/ Lancel Village]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-grinding/ Grinding]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-legend-of-the-unicorn/ Legend of the Unicorn]

===Volume 7 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-7/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-magic-detection/ Magic Detection]
::* ACT 2 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-2-absurd-death/ Absurd Death]
::* ACT 3 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-sacred-soil/ Sacred Soil]
::* ACT 4 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-slimes-immortality-pill/ Slime’s Immortality Pill]
::* ACT 5 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-it-is-war/ It is War!]
::* ACT 6 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-shrine-of-war/ Shrine of War]
::* ACT 7 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-conditions-of-the-alliance/ Conditions of the Alliance]
::* ACT 8 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-defense-tower-defeated/ Defense Tower Defeated]
::* ACT 9 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-caretaker-of-the-battlefield Caretaker of the Battlefield]

===Volume 8 ([http://arkmachinetranslations.com/volume-8/ Full Text])===
::* ACT 1: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-cash-walker/ Cash Walker]
::* ACT 2: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/532-2/ Final Winner?]
::* ACT 3: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-3-secrets-of-silvana-castle/ Secrets of Silvana Castle]
::* ACT 4: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-4-see-you-again-silvana/ See you again, Silvana!]
::* ACT 5: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-5-alan-stabbed-to-death/ Alan Stabbed to Death]
::* ACT 6: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-6-salrins-descendant/ Salrin's Descendants]
::* ACT 7: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-7-salrins-towers/ Salrin's Towers]
::* ACT 8: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-8-ruin-knight/ Ruin Knight]
::* ACT 9: [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-9-door-to-a-different-world/ Door to a Different World]

===Volume 9===
::* ACT 1 : [http://arkmachinetranslations.com/act-1-alive/ Alive]
::* ACT 2 : Falling from a cliff and meeting the irony of fate
::* ACT 3 : Legendary Hero?
::* ACT 4 : Radon
::* ACT 5 : Other World? Bounded?
::* ACT 6 : Tragedy of the three baby pig brothers
::* ACT 7 : Dead Hunter
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Killer-Blade Army
::* ACT 9 : Nonsense Knight

===Volume 10===
::* ACT 1 : Deimos is one of the professions?
::* ACT 2 : Deception
::* ACT 3 : Binomial Humiliation
::* ACT 4 : Part-time job at the Village’s Ravine
::* ACT 5 : Locate the Lab
::* ACT 6 : My Fair Lady
::* ACT 7 : Heading for Disaster
::* ACT 8 : Ark’s Duty
::* ACT 9 : Magarope Laboratory

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===
::*[http://japtem.com/ Japtem]
::*[http://arkmachinetranslations.com/ Ark Machine Translations]

==More Information==
===Wikipedia Articles===
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC Information]
::*[http://mirror.enha.kr/wiki/%EC%95%84%ED%81%AC%28%ED%8C%90%ED%83%80%EC%A7%80%EC%86%8C%EC%84%A4%29 Ark main article]

== Series Overview ==
<big>'''Ark'''</big>
*아크. 1 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706160)
*아크. 2 (July 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706177)
*아크. 3 (August 14, 2008 ISBN 9788925706184)
*아크. 4 (September 10, 2008 ISBN 9788925706191)
*아크. 5 (October 11, 2008 ISBN 9788925706207)
*아크. 6 (November 6, 2008 ISBN 9788925707396)
*아크. 7 (December 1, 2008 ISBN 9788925707402)
*아크. 8 (January 2, 2009 ISBN 9788925707419)
*아크. 9 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 10 (February 26, 2009 ISBN 9788925707433)
*아크. 11 (March 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709178)
*아크. 12 (April 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709185)
*아크. 13 (June 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925709192)
*아크. 14 (June 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925709208)
*아크. 15 (July 28, 2009 ISBN 9788925709215)
*아크. 16 (September 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925711591)
*아크. 17 (September 30, 2009 ISBN 9788925711607)
*아크. 18 (October 10, 2009 ISBN 9788925711614)
*아크. 19 (December 1, 2009 ISBN 9788925712628)
*아크. 20 (January 6, 2010 ISBN 9788925712635)
*아크. 21 (February 1, 2010 ISBN 9788925712642)
*아크. 22 (March 2, 2010 ISBN 9788925714240)
*아크. 23 (May 3, 2010 ISBN 9788925714257)
*아크. 24(Complete)(June 25, 2010 ISBN 9788925715162)

<big>'''Ark the Legend'''</big>
*아크 더 레전드. 1 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798813)
*아크 더 레전드. 2 (January 14, 2014 ISBN 9788925798820)
*아크 더 레전드. 3 (February 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798837)
*아크 더 레전드. 4 (March 24, 2014 ISBN 9788925798844)
*아크 더 레전드. 5 (April 28, 2014 ISBN 9788925706207)

[[Category:Hosted Projects]]
[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1

2015-02-17T06:14:43Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Illustrations}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Prologue:contradiction}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 1}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 2}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 3}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 4}}
{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Epilogue}}

{{:Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Aftertwintailword}}

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu|Main Page]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Epilogue

2015-02-16T18:39:31Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

== Epilogue: Twintails and all of us. ==

The usual scenery as we went to school, no different from yesterday.

Two elementary-school girls crossed our path, humming to themselves.

I guess it was hearing Twoearle's confession that made me notice the dangerous look on her face.

Watching her out of the corner of her eye to try to hold her back, Aika said,

“You know, I wonder what Elemera your mom has, Souji.”

“Hey, stupid, stop it.”

“No, I’m completely serious. Since I joined the Twintails, that question keeps floating into my mind as I watch people going by. What kind of Elemera do they have? Is it a totally normal one, or do they have a really strange one they can’t tell people about? That kind of thing.”

Now that you say that, I think I might have been doing that too.

“Elemera, huh.”

The empty world that Twoearle was from.

Whatever hairstyle you like, whatever unusual kind of clothing, especially the kind of taste that would make a person who overheard you laugh in scorn and say, “What the hell is that,” there are many people who would tell you they cherish it.

You didn’t have to shout it at the top of your lungs, but even so―

“...I think, yeah, the world where you can live loving the things you love is best.”

“...Yeah.”

It’s fine if people’s minds are half full of nonsense. It’s fine to make a racket.

If we kept them so safe that they're not even afraid of the invasion, isn't that best of all?

There were no witnesses to the greatest fight.

They were running the usual heartwarming photos of TailRed on the morning news. It was like I was watching a videotape rewind. The total lack of change was even making me wonder if yesterday’s fight had been a dream.

By the way, when I saw Mom in the living room putting together a costume that had a touch of bondage to it, I realized the origin of Kamen Twintail’s mask. I suspect she is going to wear that costume in the secret base and pretend to be a commander or something. There is no end to my tears of blood.

“Souji-sama, thank you, for destroying the foe of my world...”

Drag Guildy had brought her world to ruin. So even if we did have a second Tailgear, she said it had been a fifty-fifty chance whether we would win the decisive battle she expected, a gamble.

There were probably still forces surviving, but with their boss gone from the control tower, I think it’s going to be all right even if we don’t worry too much about the rest.

“...Are you going to go back to your old world once the Ultima Guil has been completely annihilated, Twoearle?”

“I will not go back! It is terrible to use a person as stock so you can get into a good mood, and then chase them out when they become inconvenient! Aika, you are ungrateful. As always!!”

“If you want to be stock that much, I can wring your juice out right here!”

...Aika was probably hiding her embarrassment, making an act of rolling up her sleeves and acting more threatening than necessary.

You don’t want her to go back, do you? I don’t either, though.

“Heh... I am not going to be your constant victim any more! I have developed a heat ray for the purpose of repelling you! Anti-Aika Mark 1! Fire!!”

“What is this, it’s so weak.”

“What―!? You stopped an attack from Anti-Aika with one haa――――nd!?”

“All right, let’s start breaking some bones.”

“And it’s back to the usual―!!”

Don’t commit violations of the Firearms and Swords Law or respond with unjustifiable self-defense on the public roads, guys. Please give me a break.

I thought Twoearle showing up in her school uniform as we were walking would have been the first place for a comeback, but...

“I don’t care anymore. If she wants to transfer in, she might as well. And tossing you into a place with a lot of boys might cure your habit of being in heat.”

“But I am not a bitch like Aika-san! Haha, please watch me. Because in less than three days, the whole school is going to recognize me.”

“Ngh... that’s just fine! Do you think I’m going to lose to you?! I’ll break through my old limits too!!”

Recognize... for what?

Do you mean the school suspicious-individual playoffs? When I think of the things Twoearle will probably do right after she transfers in, I don’t think she needs three days, or even thirty minutes.

“But... sorry. I want to apologize one more time.”

“What is going on, Aika-san? Being nice is out of character for you.”

“I mean for doubting you! For thinking you were sneaking around behind our backs, planning something bad. And because of that, my comebacks were getting harsh...”

Right at the start of the day I’m hearing an amazing lie. It didn’t have anything to do with the speed of your hands.

“I was planning something! The stronger TailRed gets, the more the Little Girl Element will bud along with the Twintail Element. The country is overflowing with cute little girls, exactly as I anticipated.”

...That’s a lie too, Twoearle.

It wasn’t because it was your hobby, or because it was effective against the enemy. It didn’t have anything to do with that.

TailRed becomes a little girl because you trusted me with one more part of your heart, also.

That’s why. ...Listen, that’s why, isn’t it? Please say that’s why.

Aika coughed, and wiping the palm of her hand on her skirt, held it out to Twoearle.

“I’ll... take good care of the Tailgear. From now on, I’ll really think of you as a friend. But that has nothing to do with what we were talking about earlier, okay?”

“――――I understand. Which of us will be recognized first is still a fight!”

After they shook hands, Twoearle broke into easy, dancing steps and ran in front of Aika. She turned around, setting her hair and skirt fluttering, and smiled with the sunlight at her back.

...Why was she standing still, fluttering in the wind.

The scene is sort of starting to fade to white!

Original story: Twoearle

CAST

Twoearle: Twoearle

Mitsuka Souji: Mitsuka Souji

Evil bitch: Tsube Aika

...

......

...Hey, I’m hallucinating some kind of letters, the end of some kind of game is starting.

“Yes, the heroine’s dying, so it’s a BAD END.”

“Aagyaaaaaah the whiteout pastel CG ending of my dreams is turning into a black screen with white text―!!”

You do look like you’re having a lot of fun, you two...

I wonder if S and M have something to do with Elemera? Uh, no, that thought did not come from looking at these two. Absolutely.

As I think about such stupid things, in the world where I can I love the things I love, I deeply appreciate my happiness. That’s why... we, the Twintails, will keep on protecting it.

And I raise my eyes to the sky, with new resolution.

“Uwaah!!”

At some point a rectangle had been cut out of the absolutely cloudless blue sky.

It cut to a closeup of a grim animal face, this early in the morning.

<<Uwa―――hahahaha! Twintails! I imagine you are feeling pleased with yourselves now, but it is hopeless! If this is world where Drag Guildy-sama rose to heaven, we will fight to the death as well! We will take all Elemera anyone has of any kind! And we have been joined by strong reinforcements!!”

“...Yeah, they weren’t gonna give up, I guess.”

“I won’t be surprised if they start coming every day...”

Aika put her hands on her hips and looked up wearily.

<<School Swimsuits!! The garments of water that yield themselves to our Mother Earth! An Elemera that inherits the will of the planet! As the sworn friend of Drag Guildy, I, Tiger Guildy, will be taking the Elemera of the school swimsuit!>>

“Every day... huh.”

I checked the time.

Twenty minutes until the first bell rings. To keep them from making fun of us as we all come in late at the same time, we have to finish this up in ten minutes.

“Hey, Aika. Have you picked a club?”

“Huh?”

“Twoearle, too. Do you have something you’re hoping for?”

“Hmm.”

“I haven’t decided yet... There’s been all this trouble.”

“I will be with Souji-sama. A young boy and girl, in a locked club room, after school... ufufu”

“Okay. Then...”

In answer to the declaration of war, I stuck my right arm high into the air, aiming at the rough bunch blocking the blue sky.

“...Why don’t we really try and make a Twintail Club? The three of us.”

“Hmmm. What’s the club going to do?”

Aika nodded at the grinning Twoearle as if she were checking with her, and then turned an invincible smile on me.

“Of course―”

On my raised right arm, the red bracelet glowed.

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Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2015-02-16T18:38:14Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

== Chapter 4: The decisive battle, the three Twintails ==

Another meeting had begun in the hall of the Ultima Guil.

"...The number of our brothers destroyed has reached eight troops and seventy-three of the Ultiroids, in a little more than twenty days."

"Hm~mph."

"So these are the Twintails...!!"

The Ultima Guil had been throwing manpower into the fight without a drop in the pace. But the two of them were beginning to get used to battle, with the help of Aika’s breakthrough thanks to Shindou Erina’s words. They stood together undaunted and forced them all back.

"On the other hand, we have been able to obtain no Elemera whatsoever since coming to this world. Even when we seize Elemera, the Twintails recover all of it."

"If that is how things are, why don’t we just capture all the owners of the Elemera and then make an immediate, temporary retreat?"

One of the Elemerians hit the table, snorting. "That just looks like we're frightened of the Twintails and want to run away!"

"But we cannot stand by and do nothing forever."

"The two of them together are formidable. One need hardly mention the red warrior, and the blue warrior may be inferior in Elemera, but her attacks don’t have a moment of hesitation in them. Perhaps she devotes herself to destruction in her day-to-day life as well."

Twenty days since the start of the invasion.

More and more, the calm of the Ultima Guil side was starting to break.

Drag Guildy folded his arms together and ground his teeth. That was all it took for every soldier in the room to stiffen in sharp tension like someone was holding a blade to his neck, like he was being scolded implicitly for his own uselessness.

“The power of the Twintails is true. If we continue to try half-ready soldiers on them, all we will be doing is whittling down our own military strength. From now on we will permit none but heroes in this holy war. Are there none of you whose desire is the stronger to hear that?”

“Yes! Me, then!”

A young voice answered Drag Guildy.

No ambition or calculation was in it, just a simple, straightforward, and pure voice. But though it was too frank, that was the thing that made it strong even in danger. The man was just like iron that had been heated until it was on the verge of melting.

“Oh, the prodigy, the one they call a gift from the Nurse Element, Swan Guildy... no one here can have any objection to you!”

Starting with the ones who had been in a cold sweat, most of the soldiers greeted this with relieved agreement.

“Ha ha ha, but I don’t think we’re at the point where we suddenly send in a man like you, are we?”

“But we have just been saying that sending some half-baked commander would be pointless.”

The strained atmosphere softened, and momentum began to gather. Drag Guildy nodded also.

“...Very well. But before that a test. To see whether you are worthy to fight the Twintails, that is.”

His eyes opened with a snap.

A gust of wind blew through the hall ― in that instant when no one could feel otherwise, he drew out his own virile sword and stopped it a few millimetres from Swan Guildy’s eyeball.

Swan Guildy did not even move.

“Heh... Your courage is considerable. But let’s test you just a little more. ...Bring it in.”

An Ultiroid entered the room, and with a silent bow came to wait at Drag Guildy’s side. A PC and monitor had been placed in the carry bag he was holding.

“The computer from my room... why is it here!?”

Swan Guildy had not shrunk before Drag Guildy’s sword though it possessed the swiftness of God, but he was now plainly frightened.

“Silence! This is still part of the test.”

“I, it can’t be... that bloodstained test, They See Your Eroge... a, aaah!”

Teeth chattering, unable to keep them together. Drag Guildy moved the mouse in silence. The cursor stopped on top of a desktop icon, shaped like a twintailed girl. Swan Guildy’s panic doubled. And those around him also knew now what was about to happen.

Click.

The noise of the mouse button sounded like power being switched on to an electric chair.

After the studio logo filled with primary colours, the title screen appeared.

An erotic game. Girls who looked too young for jobs were wearing nurse uniforms. Without a pause, Drag Guildy clicked on “Load Game.”

“This is a game that went on sale on this world just a few days ago, isn’t it. And it’s already complete... you’re a greedy fellow!”

The PC screen was projected onto the room’s large monitor for all to see, as if to deal the final blow, and Swan Guildy burst out in a squeak.

“Ha ha ha, and this saved data... there’s nothing but flesh-tone in the thumbnails, is there!”

“Spare me! Please, spare me!!”

“Ho. But there is just one thumbnail of a girl with blushing cheeks... this one’s suspicious.”

Loaded.

Two people talking alone, in what was probably the protagonist’s room.

But, the girl’s cheeks were even blushing red, but still it was a normal conversation from beginning to end, and the scene changed without a single strange thing happening.

“So your childhood friend came to your room, and when the mood started to change, you made sure to save right away, didn’t you. Thinking that something special would start to happen between the two of you. But the whole thing ended uneventfully and the date card for the next day showed up on the screen. So disappointing―”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“I’ve had that happen.”

The unconsciously sympathetic faces of the spectators.

“Gwaaaaahh―”

Finally, Swan Guildy lost consciousness and slid to the floor.

“Carry him away!”

The Ultiroid lent him a shoulder and dragged him out.

“Hah, pathetic. To be done in by such a small thing ― to imagine he could last a single battle with the Twintails like this is hilarious.”

But despite his words you could see the affection for his subordinates lurking in his eyes.

“I will go.”

He spoke those quiet words and the hall broke into a roar.

“Drag Guildy-sama himself!?”

“Our commander Drag Guildy-sama, with more power than our great leader... for you to take the field personally!”

“Enough talk!”

Sending his mantle fluttering into the air, Drag Guildy strode from the hall. Instilling the illusion that his steps were rising up from the floor like fire. The transcendent aura of intimidation made it hard anymore to call him a monster. A divine beast ― that was the more suitable word.

“Our commander is a terrifying soldier.”

“Of course. In the many generations of Ultima Guil history, he is the only one to have ever made it through the Transparent Amazone, one of what they call the Five Great Tests.”

“What! That terrifying trial where your mail order purchases are shipped to you in transparent packages for a whole year! He is a living legend... I would have died on the first day of that nightmare.”

“If it be he, then surely...”

As they looked up at the monitors switching between pictures of the Twintails, the monsters trusted him with their one thin ray of hope.

<center>♢</center>

“Why, why didn’t I realize it! If this transient life where loneliness will kill you is ended by the angel that lives in that body―”

“Grand Blazer―――!!”

A flash of the flame blade, and I returned Rabbit Guild to dust.

In battle constantly for almost a month, I have cloaked myself in such cruelty that I no longer lend an ear to the words of my enemies even at their moment of death.

...If I don’t fight with that kind of hard-boiled setting in my head, the battle with the perverts will eat away at my mind.

And in accordance with my strategy of acting heroic so that the world’s pet treatment will not escalate any more, I clearly shout the name of my finishing move.

I still have no idea whether that will bear fruit or not, but the mob of reporters has been gradually getting quieter, and explanations of self-defense goods and strategies for dealing with an encounter with the Ultima Guil have begun to run on TV.

“But, man... The Ultima Guil gang just don’t get any better, do they?”

Grinding... might be a heartless word to use here, but that was how the fight was going.

Frankly, they’re weak.

As long as they don’t come at me from a blind spot like Fox Guildy and his doll fantasies, there hasn’t been a single close battle. In the end society has taken absolutely no substantial damage since the start of the war. The whole world is still at ease.

On a Sunday, early afternoon.

I’m outside of Japan, in the kind of mountain range that makes it hard to tell exactly where I am.

In hero stories, the enemies are concentrated near the area where the leading actor lives, but these guys are all over. They appear and disappear like ghosts. Many of them do arrive in Japan, maybe because we were there, but they can show up anywhere in the world.

That used to be my biggest worry. And a major part of what made it possible to cope with it was the teleporter installation that Twoearle had built in the underground base, and the portable transfer pens that she had given to both of us.

When we caught a signal from an Elemerian, we could get there immediately. Although it was a big help that none of them so far had appeared during class.

Today they were in the middle of a mountain range, so there weren’t even any rubberneckers. Life was easy.

Why did they appear in this deserted place?

“...His range couldn’t have gone as far as wild bunnies, could he?...”

Elemera Orb, Rabbit, recovered. As I took a breath of air, a message came from Aika who had been planning to come in late as backup.

“Are you all right? Is it over already?”

“Affirmative. Coming back now.”

I relaxed completely, and went into a huge stretch.

I happened to glance up at the sky and I saw something shining beside the sun.

“――――――!!”

A shiver went down my spine, and I was instantly rolling on the ground.

And then the surface of the earth exploded. Whatever it was had fallen with immense force.

“Ngh... wh, what is that!?”

I stared at the silhouette appearing from the cloud of dust.

“...My apologies. I didn’t expect that to be a surprise attack. I thought you would be able to handle such a thing easily...”

The voice was close to a whisper, but it was filled with overwhelming force like the whole land was roaring. What blew away the dust and appeared before me was an Elemerian with an unbelievable sense of presence.

“Uh...”

I swallowed hard. You can see with a look... no, with him, even if you don’t look you can feel it.

This one’s different.

“My name is Drag Guildy! And in love for twintails, I flatter myself that if you lined up all the cosmos and all the world together, not a man would stand to my right!!”

“Shit, even though this guy is serious, he talks the exact same way as all the rest of them...!!”

The enormous monster’s shape called to mind the legendary dragon itself, and the fighting spirit he was gathering felt oppressive, even ominous. In just the few seconds I’d met him, I was beginning to feel like all the fighting so far had been thrown out and restarted from scratch.

“...That fool. Though I told him I would go...!!”

Drag Guildy was looking at the space where Rabbit Guildy had disappeared with sorrow in his eyes.

“My subordinates have merely been boring you. But there is no replacement for my precious brothers. So I will strike out at their foes! By relieving you of your Elemera!!”

“What do you mean foes, you just come and attack us!”

I drew the Blazer Blade again, and stood ready.

My twintails swayed in the air currents from the flame.

“All right! ...I’m coming!”

“Wha...!?”

With speed I couldn’t even imagine from that tremendous frame, he closed the three-meter distance between us to zero in a flash.

“Hm!”

The great sword swinging down.
A squeal of metal that hurt my ears, and a shower of sparks falling.

I had barely managed to stop it, but a shock was running up my arm strong enough to make it numb. The attack had overcome the threshold of the Photon Absorber, the membrane of light.

It was the first time I had felt pain from an enemy attack while I was wearing the Tailgear.

“Ngh, gaah...!!”

“Not a single scratch in the blade, though you blocked with all your might... it’s so strong I can hardly imagine a human made it!! It reminds me of the only rival I’ve ever considered worthy...!!”

“You bastard!”

I swung the sword in a backhand slash as I was fixing my stance, and Drag Guildy made a leisurely block with the flat of his blade.

“Embarrassed at the praise, are you? Are you playing with me, little girl?”

(This guy is in another league...!!)

“In that case, I’ll speed up a little!!”

“Uwaah!!”

I thought for a second I was being cut by dozens of swords at once.

I hit his sword away, forgetting to breathe, at the mercy of his speed.

(! This, this swordsmanship...!!)

Following the line his sword was tracing in the air, I noticed something in the trails.

“Ohh! You can see it from just these few , can you!!”

After an exchange of blows that lasted some ten or twenty seconds, Drag Guildy leaped backward to put distance between us in a way that didn’t well suit his huge body.

“Drag Guildy... That sword of yours is...”

“Yes, I wield...”

“Red! Are you okay!?”

I said I’d be fine by myself today, but when she got the signal from Twoearle it seems like she came in a hurry.

As TailBlue― ...as Aika swooped down from the sky with her twintails fluttering behind her―

““The Twintail Sword!!””

―Drag Guildy and I shouted those shocking words at the same time. Maybe that was why she pitched forward and looked as though she were about to screw up the landing.

“I see... We have a Souji-type today... seems dangerous...”

“Yeah, he’s a hard one!”

Just looking at Drag Guildy had thrown her off-balance.

So you can feel it on your skin too. His fearful power.

By the way, what’s a soujitype?

“TailRed. You terrifying young girl. My slashes with the swiftness of a god... you are the first one whose eyes ever saw through this speed!!”

“Don’t look down on me. Of course I’ll see it when you trace the shape of my heart out, no matter how fast you do it. Because I’ve lived my life drawing twintails in my heart!!”

“You might be my enemy, but that’s breathtaking! ...In that case, I’ll let you get a good, rich taste of it! Of this excellent blade I’ve honed to the end of all extremes!!”

There was enough power in the foot he slammed down to send the ground exploding into dust.

The slash that he fired out of that acceleration had the speed of God in it, just as he had boasted.

Forgetting myself in the fight, I brandished my sword.

“Gu, uu...!!”

Like the tracks of the glittering stars that form beautiful constellations in the night sky.

With spectacular beams of light, the flashes of Drag Guildy’s sword created the matchless constellation of The Twintails on earth.

“Uoooooh!”

I somehow managed to deal with the blade that filled my field of vision and put distance between us a second time.

“Hah, hahah.”

The giant twisted his mouth into a nihilistic smile as he sent dust rising up from underfoot.

“Uwa――――hhahhahhahhahha!!”

Drag Guildy raised the great sword onto his shoulder with its line of warped, crooked blades like the fangs of a dinosaur, and let out a hearty laugh.

“Spectacular!”

For that solid body covered in strong muscle, just a laugh was enough to set the ground rocking.

“Spectacular twintails...! It’s a pity we had to meet as enemies, really!”

“......”

That’s my line.

A guy like that who could talk about twintails with a laugh like that from the heart ― I want to be friends with him too. How great would that be?

“In that tiny body you have the talent to catch every swing of my blade. Your swordplay is like a dance... and more than anything else, the twintails that dance through the air together with it! It’s been a very long time since Drag Guildy has fallen in love on the battlefield!!”

More than the fact that I was fighting on the same level as him, it seems like the twintails were the thing he was thinking and thinking and thinking about. This huge bastard who looked like a soldier with an amazing military record.

“Uumm, for some reason, the more I look, the more I... heh, they’re deep. Although they are loyal to the foundations, every time I fix my eyes on them they seem completely different from before... So this is what ultra-high grade twintails are.”

“What inspection standard is that!”

I wonder whether his aesthetic sense has been cultivated by his long history of battle. The deep scars carved wherever I look on his body speak more eloquently than a thousand words of the number of bloody fights he’s made it through alive.

“Do they bother you, these scars.”

“W, why would they.”

“Heh... With that rough language, you try to stretch toward adulthood. Dear little soldier.”

They say when you’re in love even pockmarks look like dimples, but... if you take anything and everything with a kind smile like this, it starts to feel like contempt.

“But look. Drag Guildy can boast that there are no scars on his back!”

“...Hmm, so you mean you’ve never turned your back on an enemy.”

You see that a lot.

“That is true also, of course... but for the sake of the sublime young girl I’ll meet someday who will wash my back for me, I am always guarding it!!”

“What have you been fighting for all this time!!”

“You should understand it already. I’m fighting to meet the one who will spend the rest of my life with me, the supreme young girl! And to hold her Elemera in my hands!!”

“Shit, what a guy.”

But the giant roaring haughtily with his feet planted wide apart did not have a single speck of hesitation in his clear eyes.

Though I understand it clearly now. Yeah, these guys are a different species.

Our definitions of love are totally different.

To spend your whole life with someone ― even those weighty words can be disposed of by a one-sided conquest, by stealing Elemera. They might have intelligence and be able to speak, but... they’re different from humanity.

When we were crossing swords I was more than half in doubt, but now I believe it.

I can’t imagine this guy’s Elemera can be anything other than...

“Blue. I know it. The secret of his strength.”

“Eh, uh, sorry, what?”

Even Aika seemed to be getting a little distracted in the presence of Drag Guildy and his overwhelming strength. She sort of looked half asleep, but I think it was my imagination.

“Drag Guildy, you...”

The strongest Elemera, even the core of the Tailgear. The Elemerians so far had all been searching for that, but in the end they had each shifted to their own personal Element.

He alone was different.

“You’re an Elemerian with the real, authentic Twintail Element, aren’t you...!”

“Aye. Our Twintail Elements are resonating with each other.”

“Resonating! Ridiculous, us two!!”

“...So in other words, “birds of a feather?” Give me a break...”

I could hear an uneasy voice from behind me. It had a lot of worry, but I couldn’t hear any surprise.

“Hmm-m.”

The instant he looked at Blue, Drag Guildy twisted his mouth into a broad smile.

“From the first time I saw a picture, I thought you’d got caught in something, but... Now that I see you up close like this I am sure, o blue warrior. The warrior of that world suggested this to you, did she not?”

“Eh!? What are you talking about!?”

“From your reaction it seems that you don’t know yet. The only one who came to challenge us back then... that girl was wearing the same suit that you are. Haha, she had those vulgar breasts that don’t suit twintails, so even looking I can hardly imagine the two of you are related.”

“The same suit!?”

Twoearle had created the Tailgear to strike at the foes of her world, to oppose the Ultima Guil, she had said. Aika also stood frozen to the spot without replying, although something pretty rude had been said to her. She was feeling the same confusion.

“But it’s a good joke. This world has a warrior in the same suit. And so it will come to the same end.”

Drag Guildy quieted his thirst for blood and folded his arms, as he began to speak.

“What!?”

“I’m certain that that other twintail warrior... they called her TailBlue too, didn’t they? And she also boasted terrifying strength. She stood in the way of our invasion, and reigned over the world as its protector and Guardian.”

“Wait! So you’re saying that you fought with TailBlue before you destroyed that earlier world!?”

Drag Guildy nodded. He hardly seemed to have been speaking at random.

“Why did Twoearle... keep quiet about that...”

“No, I understand. She couldn’t win against the Ultima Guil, even with the Tailgear. She already knows how this war will end. If she told us, how could we keep fighting?”

Aika was hardly shaken at all. As though she had been resigned to this from the start.

“I knew she was hiding something from the very beginning. That was the reason I asked to be TailBlue, too. I thought for sure if you were alone, Souji, you would absolutely be tricked.”

“...Aika...”

I thought they were getting along like sisters, that they were just joking with each other. But Aika, you...

“She was strong. As strong as the two of you. But that was what killed her world in the end.”

Drag Guildy waved an exaggerated arm high in the air, and

“The beautiful fighter that drove away the invaders. Before she knew it, she was being raised up and praised by the world as a goddess. There was no one who was not charmed by her twintails! We never even dreamed of it, but the whole world began to support our cherished Twintail Element. What more ideal hunting ground could we have imagined!!”

“Ngh...”

Was this the unease that I’ve been feeling all this time?

The work of the Twintails has been spreading twintails through the whole world, and the number of girls wearing twintails in admiration of us has increased dramatically in less than a month. Like when, all at once, the girls of the world copy the hair and clothing of an idol with centripetal power.

I was celebrating twintails’ escape from the minority. But that―

“―You seem to sense it already. That’s right, you too will become the saviour of the world, and then, in the end, its destroyer!!”

“Could it be that all the enemies so far were weak because you...!”

“Heh... I don’t take any pleasure in throwing away the lives of my comrades for a trick. They’re my dear subordinates, my students. If they had managed to win, that would have been best of all.”

That wasn’t what happened. We continued winning every battle we fought.

So then...

“In the end, with their lives, my followers bought the label ‘the invincible Guardian’ for you. And I do not deny that I allowed it to happen. We soldiers have merely been entrusted with our orders. If we see a more efficient way, what can we do but take it?”

That’s right, this guy... come to think of it, wasn’t he the one who appeared in the proclamation of war, the boss! Their goal with that first broadcast to the world wasn’t fear. They were telling the world about the existence of TailRed. Absolutely, to plant in the minds of the people of the world the image of the heroine they had been waiting for!

A soldier fighting with the strongest Element, the Twintail Element... on the contrary, that was exactly what they wanted to see...!

“Souji. Twoearle’s been taking us for a ride. Even if she isn’t an accomplice of these guys, she’s probably trying to make other worlds meet the same fate as hers out of despair. She knew perfectly well if we fought the same way, the same thing would happen.”

Aika’s voice was filled with despair. No anger, not even sadness. Hollow resignation.

“Why... Why did you decide to explain this all to us?”

“TailRed, your Twintail Element is the real thing. I knew when we crossed our swords. That this little girl loves twintails from the bottom of her heart.”

I,

I―

“I would have preferred to fight without these tricks, if I could... This is the least I can do, an offering for the dead. So that you’ll understand it all after the world is destroyed, so that you won’t be lost in the dark.”

―I finally feel like the mist has cleared.

“Thank you, Drag Guildy.”

“What!?”

“I don’t need an offering, I’m not dead yet! I don’t have a single worry now.”

There was no reason to be uneasy, I’m glad.

“What are you talking about? You know that even fighting any more is pointless!?”

“It’s fine, it’s not pointless. They’re just planning to steal it all at once. The twintails that are starting to bloom in the world... they’re not just for show, they’re not just for now, they’re real.”

I was so scared.

That twintails had originally just been a minority. That they’d be picked up for a temporary boom and just as easily vanish. That they’d be trampled underfoot.

But if these guys are doing it as a strategy, if this is what they wanted, then... even the girls who are just starting to wear twintails now. The people who have just begun to fall in love with twintails. Doesn’t that mean the unmistakable Twintail Element is shining in their hearts?

“If I just beat you here, today, then twintails will spread all over the world, there’s no downside! This is the greatest day of my life!”

“Wha, what...”

Drag Guildy stepped backwards, shocked.

Aika’s shoulders shook, and finally―

“Pff... ahahahahahaha!!”

She raised her voice and laughed.

“Yo―... you are the real thing! You’re not just a twintails idiot, you’re a real idiot!”

That’s what it looks like.

Because I’m an idiot, there is no limit to what I will believe. And because of that the Tailgear can create limitless strength out of the energy in my heart.

I feel power welling up inside me.

“TailRed... young girl, and your ultimate twintails. Now I admire you from the very bottom of my heart. Your steadfast will shakes still less with the end of all things before your very eyes. Your true beauty is so brilliant that I can hardly look straight at you anymore!”

I thrust the tip of the Blazer Blade at Drag Guildy and spoke, my chest puffed out with pride.

“The end of the world or whatever it is, we already have more than enough of these huge stories. I’m fighting for the thing I love!!”

“So you will hold to your convictions... to the bitter end!!”

“Yes. My twintails will be this world’s―”

“Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! That is enough, Drag Guildy!”

“Who the hell are yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooou!!”

It was mud splashed on my once-in-a-lifetime moment of greatness, or it was more like they threw a bomb at it. I screamed as hard as I could.

An unfitting laugh echoed through the mountain forest, many miles from human civilization.

Drag Guildy’s voice raised in anger.

“Who are you? Give your name!!”

Where he was looking―

On a conspicuous large tree, halfway up a sturdy wide branch, stood a lone girl.

“I am the one who has crossed between the worlds to take her revenge, Kamen Twintail!!”

““Bwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhh””

At the strange form shining in the sunlight, me and Aika both burst out choking.

“You have finally shown yourself, Drag Guildy.... I was waiting for this moment.”

“Hrnnn, Kamen Twintail, you say!?”

Drag Guildy’s exaggerated surprise.

This guy gives you such a huge overreaction that it might have been worthwhile...

The person standing with arms folded atop the tree was highly suspicious, but Drag Guildy was deadly serious.

On the two sides of the full-face helmet, two wing parts unfolded in grand style.

Evidently those were ― twintails.

The problem was that the figure was wearing just the face mask, and below it was a white gown that left very little to the imagination ― in short, it was Twoearle herself.

I lost focus and the Blade vanished.

“But, I can’t feel any particular Elemera from you, despite your spirit.. you are hardly about to tell me that you’re here as reinforcement for the Twintails!”

“Reinforcement!? How foolish. Why would we need any more power for you! I cannot let you trick someone you cannot beat and corner them with clever words. That is all I have come for!”

“Whaat!? I can hardly let you get away with that!!”

“But... It looks as though you did not need my help, TailRed.”

Under the face mask, a laugh... and, I understood, a mocking smile at herself.

No, reinforcements would have been great. Just, your timing... the timing of your entrance, all right? Even Aika has been giving me the chance to finish my sentences.

If someone took a picture of my triumphant look from earlier, I’m going to stab myself.

Without worrying about my feelings or any other thing, Two... I mean, Kamen Twintail began solemnly to speak.

“What Drag Guildy says is true. In fact, I had already developed the Tailgear in the middle of their invasion, and I was wearing it myself to fight. You see, the Elemera conversion technology that the Tailgear is based on had been deliberately leaked by the Ultima Guil.”

“Deliberately leaked!?”

She hadn’t imagined things would go that far ― Aika was rattled.

“Probably none of the Elemerians below management level know this, but... when they were searching for the girl with the ultimate twintails that day when Red first fought, they were not doing it to steal her Element. They wanted to find the person with the strongest Twintail Element, give her the art of Elemera conversion that was the model for the Tailgear, and set her up as their enemy. That is the same trick they used on my world. And... I... played my role perfectly.”

““!””

At those shocking words, me and Aika swallowed hard at the same time. That expressionless mask was the symbol of her sad laughter at herself. Although I think she goes a little bit too far in the direction of the clown.

“Even if you had never met me that day, sooner or later, at the hands of the Ultima Guil, you would have become some other warrior instead of TailRed.”

Is that what was happening. For these guys, the strongest Twintail Element wasn’t something to steal... it was just a seed, to bring up flowers blooming across the whole garden!

“That’s right! You... you once fought with us, locked in life-or-death struggle, the strongest twintail! So you crossed the worlds to find us! But, but why, that invincible Twintail Element that shone like it was about to burst, I can’t feel it from you at all now! And we never managed to steal it from you!!”

“I gave that to someone.”

“What!?”

Kamen Twintail turned to look at me, and smiled.

That smile under the cold mask was certainly aimed at me.

“Drag Guildy. I realized it as it was happening, back then. Why the were enemy so weak. Why they were putting so little effort into the theft of Elemera, when it should have been a life-or-death struggle. As the whole world was being dyed the colour of twintails, I had the same feelings that Red is having now.”

No, but this is Twoearle. She’s smart. She wouldn’t have stopped at this vague uneasiness, I’m sure she would have figured it out. And then...

“So I am sure... I could have stopped. I should have done something, anything, I should have tried to behave myself badly so that the world would lose its interest in twintails.”

My chest began to hurt as if Twoearle’s heart from back then had crossed space and time somehow to beat together with my own.

I could predict what she was going to say next. I prepared myself and bit my lip.

“But I couldn’t. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I couldn’t cut down the helpless buds of the Twintail Element that were growing in the world. The cute little girls that looked up to me and wore their hair in twintails, I was scared they would go back to their original hairstyles...”

I feel like a word I can’t ignore hit my earlobe just now, but neither me nor Aika can cut through this atmosphere. For now, I’ll go back to the serious expression I had a few seconds ago.

“Drag Guildy’s sword cut through that crack in my heart, and I lost. As I was hiding myself in my base and refining my plans, I let the invasion continue―and the Twintail Element vanished from the world. A world where none could ever love twintails again, a gray colored world...”

The boss who had sealed that doom listened in silence. As if he were accepting his crime.

“In a world where every kind of Element had been hunted to extinction, a world without ambition... I alone possessed the Twintail Element, and the Little Girl Element. When I flipped up the skirts of little girls as they were walking along the street, I didn’t even really get scolded ― a cold, heartless world.”

“Not a single person could wear twintails, that... that’s hell!”

I was making fists so tight that my fingernails were cutting into my palms. I understood the pain of Twoearle’s heart being gouged out as if it had happened to me. I’m sure Aika also felt the same way ― her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to speak.

“And so I decided on revenge. And starting from the Tailgear and the fighting data, I analyzed all of the technology I had been given down to the fundamental level. Using the hollowness that I felt when I snuck up on little girls from behind and squeezed their tiny breasts but didn’t even get a reaction as my fuel, I perfected Imagine Chaff... and with help from cheerful, healthy little girls, I analysed the techniques of their interdimensional spaceships.”

“That’s terrible! That’s so terrible!!”

Aika twisted back as if she were finally about to grab her head and collapse at the shocking secret that Twoearle had just revealed.

I think so too. I feel exactly the same way!!

By terrible, you mean the Ultima Guil, right? Not the person on top of the tree?

“And then, to put that part of my life behind me, I built one more Tailgear, using my Twintail Element as the core. That... Sou... TailRed, that one is yours.”

“My Tailgear is... So you gave away your own Twintail Element, Twoearle!?”

I stared at my hands without thinking. She gave up her own ability to love twintails. A decision that must have hurt more than gouging out her own intestines.

“And afterward, I gave the Tailgear I could no longer wear to the TailBlue that is here now. That is everything. I am sorry to have spoken in a way that made you suspicious of me.”

“...Wow. This used to be Twoearle’s, huh... So that’s why the chest is like that... Wow...”

Aika laughed, looking down at her chest. She laughed, but there was no light in her eyes.

“So you were tenacious, were you... TailBlue of old... no, Kamen Twintail! It looks as though we were the ones who were tricked this time! I took your deep love for twintails too lightly!!”

Yes, you did.

Easily able to steal it and even cultivate it for food, you underestimated the strength of the human heart. You couldn’t have imagined that Twoearle would do what she did.

You might have been born from people’s hearts, but at some point you forgot what they are really like.

“...I’m sorry for suspecting you. So the reason you made TailRed a little girl was so that she wouldn’t just spread the Twintail Element... so that the Little Girl Element would be in there too?”

“I apologize for repeating myself, but the reason TailRed turns into a little girl is absolutely just my preference. Because it is me who made it, you see... I lost my Twintail Element, and so the remaining Little Girl Element is even stronger, ehehehe―”

A crack echoed that pierced my eardrums, and the big tree swayed.

With a single kick from TailBlue, the tree that Kamen Twintail was standing on had been broken into two neat pieces down to the root.

She had been standing with her arms folded fearlessly, so Kamen Twintail wasn’t able to fall safely as she dropped, and she was hit and crushed by the collapsing tree.

“Ugugugu, t... this savage! Give it back! Give me back my Tailgeaaaar!!”

“Heh... But you can’t wear it any more, can you? I’ll make good, practical use of it...”

Because there weren’t any cameras on us right now, I guess. Even though TailBlue was making an evil face that would have ended her life as an idol.

“Fine allies you have there―TailRed.”

Why were the corners of Drag Guildy’s eyes glistening faintly with light? What part of this fight between two women filled with darkness pulled on the heartstrings of this long-serving soldier?

“―Yeah. I’d never give them up.”

But then I think maybe it wasn’t that different from the feeling that was blazing now in my heart.

For the first time in my life, I feel gratitude that my dad, and then my mom, passed down this chuuni flame to me through the umbilical cord.

“Kamen Twintail! Even without exhausting eloquence, I understand. No matter how overwhelmed they might be, these bastards’ twintails don’t lose even a little of their light. I don’t think this tedious talk could have gotten me anywhere from the start!!”

Drag Guildy readied his great sword.

“But no matter how bright they may shine, there remains the unconquerable darkness!!”

Moke―――――――――, echoed voices like the rumble of the earth.

Enough Ultiroids to blanket the horizon appeared behind Drag Guildy and lined up in formation.

A army appropriate for an invasion of Earth.

If people saw this scene, I don’t think that easygoing reporting and so on could possibly continue.

I’d be willing to bet they chose this willderness spot as their starting point to gradually build fear.

“It will be the same as before! Let one become two, it changes nothing! It will only shorten the time until twintails rule the world!”

“Two...? You’re wrong there, Drag Guildy.”

I pulled up the fallen tree and took Kamen Twintail’s hand.

“Red...”

“Twintails can only be twintails when they have the head that holds them up...”

With Twoearle in the middle between us, three lined up together―

“The three of us are the Twintails!!”

Now more than ever, we became the true Twintails.

“Aah, what a gallant and dashing young girl... the drool won’t stop... uwehehehe”

“Yeah, rii, ight... The three of... yeah, the Twintails... sigh~”

The spirit of the Tail on the left was remarkably low. In addition the girl who represented the head was dribbling water with amazing force from a hole in the mask, but I’m sure those were tears. ...I’m sure, those were tears.

<<There are nine hundred and eighty-seven Ultiroids here. If we run into even a tiny bit of trouble, those that are left over will invade in an instant. You cannot concentrate on Drag Guildy alone!>>

Having fled to a safe location, Twoearle... excuse me, Kamen Twintail, sent us a transmission.

“Aika. I’ll take Drag Guildy alone. Can I leave the small fry left over to you?”

“In that case I think my job is much easier, but... is that all right?”

“No it’s not!”

The number of Ultiroids makes my head swim just to hear it. And there’s no reason why they can’t have even more reinforcements. She has to defeat them without leaving a single one behind, without letting a single one run away, and without having much time. I think her responsibility might be heavier than mine ― I only have to concentrate on one person.

“I trust you. I leave it to you, Aika.”

“That’s my line. After all this setup, if we lose they’re going to laugh at us on the net.”

“I don’t want that. I guess I better not lose, then.”

Taking the moment our two fists met as her cue, TailBlue charged at the Ultiroids behind.

Drag Guildy did not try to hit that unprotected back, but let her pass by with his arms still folded.

“...Ho, so you intend to take up the gauntlet alone. Brave of you.”

With a quick attack, I made it inside of Drag Guildy’s range.

A height difference like that between an adult and a baby. But although I had to do it looking up, his gaze and mine blended furiously together, neither one giving way.

“You guys can’t survive unless you take in Elemera, I’m told. But can’t we compromise? You could see what happens if you negotiate instead of stealing everything you get your hands on, or try to come up with some alternative, or something.”

“I say not which one is the higher. But discussion is ultimately impossible for you and I, chained together as predator and prey. We are a different form of life from you people.”

“...I see.”

He hasn’t said much, but those heavy words have told me exactly how they live.

And I think he’s saying, don’t hold back in the fight.

But I’ve been resigned to that for a long time. Even if it is a joke of an existence, life is life.

As this war turns into something like a job, maybe meeting this strong enemy is a lesson for me.

Even if they are evil, even if they are perverts, even if they are beings of mental energy opposed to all reason on this planet.

Take the weight of their lives in your own two hands.

“―Let’s go.”

I burst open the feelings I’d burned into my heart, and with them the right-hand ribbon. Waves of heat converged on the palm of my hand, and drawing a spiral, took the shape of a sword. Once more I took a hard grip on the sword of flame, the Blazer Blade.

“Heh...”

Drag Guildy also held his rough sword ready.

Our right feet hit the ground and sent it exploding into the air at the same time. The cobblestone paving of the mountain road broke apart and danced.

“Uooooooooooooooooh!!”

“Nuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

With all our strength, we ran head-on at each other.

“Deyaah!!”

The heavy sword that felt like a wall lunged several times in quick succession. I somehow managed to stop it with spirit alone. I handled all the strikes that were sent out without a pause like bolts of lightning, and seizing an instant of opening, sent a single blow with all my strength at the man standing so huge in front of me that I had to almost look straight up at him.

“Nngh!”

Each time I stopped the sword I drove it away, and he retreated as his heels gouged the earth.

“Your beauty and your strength have grown far beyond what they were earlier! It’s like you’re a completely different person!!”

“Of course... I have real spirit now!!”

I dodged him with the recoil from the hit, and cut around behind.

“What!?”

Drag Guildy was too slow to react as I slashed at his back.

“Ngh... A, a wound on my back...!!”

“You wanted me to scrub your back, right! I did it just the way you asked!!”

“I see. A point to you, then!!”

Without faltering at all, Drag Guildy reopened the attack.

“So this is your true strength!”

The Tailgear is driven by the strength of the heart. Now that I know it’s not just my own desire to protect twintails, that I’ve been entrusted with Twoearle’s heart too, my Elemera is blazing up stronger than it ever has before!

“In that case, I must put my own life on the line as well!!”

Drag Guildy jammed his sword standing in the ground, crossed both arms, and began to take deep breaths over and over again.

“He’s creating delusions, like Fox Guildy...!?”

“Fox Guildy, eh... That guy’s vast power of imagination, I have to admit it’s greater than mine.”

A mysterious light began to shine in Drag Guildy’s two eyes, and the fighting spirit surrounding his whole body began gradually to gather to the left and right of his head.

“But depending on dolls and such is a weakness! To embody your love in your own body ― that is the bloom of a warrior!!”

“What!!”

His fighting aura flowing in the shape of twintails from his head, fluttering softly in the wind. It looked like the radiance of an Elemera Orb, the light of his life itself.

Numberless rays of light became two bunches, and lit up the great figure I was staring up at with color.

“Drag Guildy――in twintails!?”

“This is my final state of battle... the Twintail Dragon Wing Formation, Twintail Wingbeat!! I’ve released my Twintail Element to its utmost limit. In this shape I will seek and kill!!”

Seeing this I don’t have the slightest particle of discomfort or doubt about whether a man can wear twintails. The casual defiance of throwing away your shy heart draws a clear line in the sand, a magnificent way to be.

He seems different now... That confidence of his, where is it coming from...!?

“That’s right. It is not only the love of twintails that is permitted to young men. To wear twintails themselves―that is the duty of those who possess the Twintail Element!!”

I... was told I had the greatest Twintail Element under this star. I was told it was an element that didn’t by nature bud strongly in men. And then I put on the Tailgear, and became a twintail myself.

But have I ever felt any pride in that? Haven’t I been ashamed of it?

We have the same Twintail Element, but there’s such a difference in what we are ready to do. It might not be prudent right now, but I have so much respect for him I wouldn’t hesitate to bow.

“I am coming, TailRed!!”

Drag Guildy’s attacks were getting faster by leaps and bounds. The strikes coming from that huge, nonstandard sword were turning the earth inside out like aerial bombing.

I let the flame blade accelerate again too. At this speed, the flashes of the swords seemed to materialize and hang suspended in the air.

“I can’t believe an enemy made such a deep impression on me! I have to thank you again, I think!!”

“My feelings aside, I should be the one thanking you. When I saw your light, I threw away the mantle of general. I’m back in the days of my reckless love for twintails, as an undecorated soldier!”

The flashes of our swords surpassed even time, in perfect reply.

High heat was stirred by the high speed. The ground was starting to melt with us as the centre.

“But... if you love twintails this much, you should also understand how sad it is to have them stolen, shouldn’t you?!”

“I’ve long since gotten used to your hate! That is the fate of those who live on the hearts of men!”

Then now more than ever, I will strike at the foes of the world that you have stained!!

“Uwooooooh!!”

A single blow of faith. I pushed Drag Guildy back with our swords still pressed together, and struck him away toward the great tree.

“Unbelievable... Having come this far, your light is brighter than ever... Are your twintails bottomless!?”

Although space has no end, it’s considered as high as you can get, but it’s a paradox ― even the universe has not yet finished growing.

The heart is the universe.

It has no shape, so it has no end. It grows with no limit.

“Yeah, it looks like that’s right... My twintails are... infinite!!”

Like little sprays of water, gravel and broken rock whirled in the air in the form of magma.

The two sets of twintails shook out of order, danced, and crossed together.

In the centre of hell where the atmosphere itself was slowly disappearing, attack and defense continued with no end.

<center>♢</center>

“When every single one of them has chuuni spirit, it makes me look like the one who’s strange...”

One more person with common sense, just one more. Someone to notice the gap between their life-and-death struggle that had transcended human knowledge and those lines they were saying, and reassure her.

I can’t believe he’d go as far as wearing twintails... in stupidity and in strength, that opponent looked like the real thing.

“It’s going to be okay, right... Please don’t lose, Souji...”

But the enemy was strong. She respected Souji’s determination, but any way you looked at it, he was the one with the heavier burden. Although she had a bitter fight ahead too.

Throwing herself into the middle of a mob of demons that made you wonder if your eyes were working correctly had put Aika at a disadvantage before long. Their sheer number was harder on her mind than she’d expected. Even though normally she hit first and asked questions later, Even though now she could fight as hard as she wanted.

“Moke――!!”

“Ahh, you’re in the way... really, come on! When you guys came, you really put his twintail thing into high gear!”

“Mokee!?”

Take responsibility ― that’s what the huge sweeps of her Wave Lance seemed to be saying, as she intercepted the enemies coming in from all directions.

“So if I’m going to get this fight over with soon, I’m going to need to borrow you guys’ power too! Come on, come on, you’re a pain so come all get together―!”

<Ribbon>

The Elemera Orb she had recovered from Fox Guildy. As she set its power into motion, the ribbon-shaped parts on TailBlue’s head armor began to length and develop, and transformed into something like enormous wings.

Unlike Red, who only used the natural power of the Tailgear, maybe because of her fixation on the Twintail Element, Blue complained much more but there was flexibility in the way she fought.

“Twoearle... do you know how many more there are left!?”

<<There are eight hundred and thirty-one...! Also, it is Kamen Twintail!!>>

“We have a long way to go, huh!”

It was not mock flight through a series of leaps, but an assimilation into the broad blue. Control of the sky. As a bomber, firing with her water current blade, TailBlue slaughtered the Ultiroids, and their numbers slowly decreased. Like chestnuts in a roasting pan, one after another the Ultiroids burst open into the sky.

“Mokeh!!”

“Moke―!!”

“Mokee13:23, 15 February 2015 (CST)13:23, 15 February 2015 (CST)13:23, 15 February 2015 (CST)~~!!”

Though she knocked them down and knocked them down they came boiling up. Although Souji’s nightmare of an endless battle was now becoming a reality, TailBlue didn’t shrink from it at all but kept cutting straight ahead and throwing them away.

It wasn’t just Souji who Twoearle trusted. She had given her something too, this hand-me-down.

She reflected on the weight of the gear she was wearing, the bracelet on her right hand that she had stolen after beating her down.

The things Twoearle had said had a totally different meaning now.

It hadn’t been able to penetrate Souji’s galactic-class thickness, but those feelings were honest.

To say it plainly, she was worrying less about Twoearle’s tricks and more about her real motives.

At the end of her rope, she had traveled the worlds, searching and hoping, and after she had exhausted the last of her energy, when she realized, unbelievably, the one she could trust with her will was a man... she must have felt the work of fate, and given her heart. It was a more than good enough reason for a woman to forget herself and fall deeply in love.

But although she had known that twintails were the only things Souji loved, she hadn’t put her hair in twintails even once. Not hadn’t, but couldn’t. Now that she had parted with her Twintail Element, she didn’t have the single easiest way to appeal to the man she had fallen in love with anymore. All she could do was attack him with seduction. ...Perhaps that was overthinking it.

Come to think of it, she said that the script she polished over and over again was broken the moment it started, Aika remembered with a bitter laugh.

The pain that ran through her chest when she saw Souji talking so happily about the student council president. Maybe that was what Twoearle was always feeling.

She understood that the feelings of her rival were real, but... no, unexpectedly, she felt happy.

“We’ve got the same troubles, don’t we, Twoearle.”

Aika said just those few words in a low voice like a whisper, and then right afterward took a deep breath as hard as she could.

“...Though I can say it with all my heart cause Souji’s not here...! You perverts!!”

Her swaying twintails as she fought were as sweet as mermaids swimming in an Emerald sea.

“Don’t try and grab it away so easily, all right! I’ve gone through a lot for this hair!!”

The spear thrusts like bursting splashes of water created on earth a sea of stars.

“Don’t even look this way, all you’re looking at is my poor hopeful chest...!!”

At some time the Ultiroids had begun falling in love with that beauty in the instant between taking the hit and dying.

“Who do you think... this hair has been for all this time, you huge idiot―――!!”

Don’t say no one could be proud of you.

Although you’re a huge idiot.

You’re easy to believe, you’re easy to fool, you’re shaky and you can’t help it.

Because you, who dove into the maelstrom of war that day without hesitating... you’re my pride.

So I want to come with you wherever you go. I want to be there with you.

“There are exactly two hundred left! Aika-san!!”

“Brake Release!!”

The instant when the Ultiroids began to come in a general attack. Blue had been waiting for it. Unfolding her lance, she used the deep cuts she had prepared in the ground during the flight to release an Aura Pillar at maximum size.

“All together―... Aura Pillar―――!!”

The remaining Ultiroids were swallowed up by a gigantic current of water.

“Execute Wa―――――――――――ve!!”

The spear blade that she had poured her whole soul into fired in all directions like a shooting star, punching through the Ultiroids. The drops soaring into the sky with the explosions traced out a richly coloured arc in the sky.

“...”

As she began to lose consciousness and collapse, in her heart Aika was forming words.

Maybe to her comrade, who was now fighting to the death.

Maybe to the one who had kept on loving a single hairstyle without ever changing since the day they met, her strange childhood friend.

Take responsibility for this... for being the one who gave me this Elemera―――

♢

In the shape of twintails, the rock was scored, and the earth and sand were blasted away.

At some point the tracks of our strikes had completed a ground drawing of twintails.

The unpleasant smell of the scorched and melted ground, and the ultra-high temperatures that were calling every living thing to its end. Already the mountain forest and the path that led to it had lost their original shape, and the world that surrounded us was as red hot as a blast furnace.

“Haah, haah, haah.”

Yeah, this is the limit of my strength. I slide down onto my knees.

“A pity. How close you came... You certainly possess dreadful power. Far stronger than that girl once was. But I suppose it’s because you haven’t gotten any real fighting experience from the weak opponents who’ve been throwing themselves against you so rashly... the difference in our years has decided the battle!!”

“You’re not done yet...”

The attacks had long since lost their brilliance. All my slashes had been taken by the rough blade and swallowed up in its body.

“A wonderful, brave fight it was! The strongest enemy of my career... and the greatest love of my life!!”

“Gh..!!”

The Blazer Blade was hit and sent flying. It drew a parabola as the flame that wrapped it was scattering, with the noise as it cut through the air. The blade hit without strength and stuck standing in the ground.

“Farewell!”

Maybe this purity that didn’t even take a pause for regret was part of the aesthetics of war that he had been telling me about before the fight.

Drag Guildy swung his sword down toward the crown of my head―!!

―――This is what I’ve been waiting for!

“Aura Pillar!!”

I made an Aura Pillar open to hold myself.

“Hmm!?”

However, the Aura Pillar was designed as a support technique for confinement. It has no defense power against attacks from outside.

It just barely managed to knock away Drag Guildy’s sword, but the Aura Pillar couldn’t absorb all of that single blow either and broke and dispersed quietly into the air. He quickly fixed his posture and came once again for the finishing blow.

――But.

In my right hand, appearing from the vanishing flame, I held the Blazer Blade.

“What!? A second sword!?”

“I’m not just in twintails for looks!”

I aimed at the tip of the shoulder of the shaken Drag Duildy, and with all my strength, I hit him with my trump card, the second sword.

“Aaagh!!”

“Break!”

Although he was staggering, Drag Guildy was again raising his sword.

“Relea―――――――――se!!”

The Blazer Blade changed shape against Drag Guildy’s shoulder, and shot out flame into the air.

“TailReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!!”

“Grand Blazeeeeee―――――――――――――――――――――――r!!”

The flame sword dropped downward in a diagonal slash. The serpent of fire that was burning the great dragon made me think of a prominence of the sun. And with light that did not compare badly even in the slightest with a sun fallen to earth, brilliant, radiant, fluttering twintails.

“――――――Lovely... This must be the hair of the gods... The hairstyle of heaven...”

In the eyes of that soldier who had crossed many worlds in his long history, the sight that made the scales balance even when his life was on the other pan was―was it a hairstyle?

Drag Guildy's strength was finally exhausted, and he sank to the ground on his knees.

“U, ku... was the first sword a trap from the start...?”

“No, I thought of this on the spot... I’ve never tried it before. I can’t do this fiddling little strategy stuff, but, you know―I’m protecting two people, I have to have two swords, don’t I?”

Back when Twoearle was explaining the Force Rivon to me, she reminded me that it’s not there to grant wishes. But when I really needed something, it gave it to me.

“M, magnificent...!! Magnificent, TailRed!!”

“...You mean my twintails?”

Drag Guildy grinned fatalistically.

“No argument there! Waa―hhahhahhahhahhahha!!”

As his roaring laugh rose into the sky, electricity began to spark from his body.

“Defeated by a beautiful little girl... hmm, I don’t think this is so much different from spending our lives together!!”

“Optimistic to the end, aren’t you...”

I didn’t say I’m a man! ― or anything so unromantic. He was my enemy, and an irredeemable villain with crimes piled up to the sky, but there was a little part of him I just couldn’t hate.

I think I could have said it to any of the soldiers I had fought before, but...

“Let’s meet again... in the next world.”

“As long as you still love twintails... maybe that will happen.”

As I turned my back in goodbye, Drag Guildy rose in a huge explosion, and scattered.

“U, gh―”

The power drained from my whole body, and I began to collapse spread-eagled on the ground.

I was completely exhausted. The transformation cancelled on its own, without my will involved.

Melted earth and smoldering flames were waiting to catch me where I fell. This is dangerous, hey. I realized it, but I couldn’t stop myself from lying down.

“Souji-sama!”

White smoke wrapped the ground as far as I could see, and the red heat began gradually to settle. Maybe because of some special chemical she was using, the fire died strangely fast.

“Twoearle...”

Kamen Twintail walked toward me, lending one of her shoulders to Aika, whose transformation had cancelled like mine. In her right hand, she was holding some kind of spray, probably the thing she had used to put out the fire.

With a terrible scene like this, even if people realize there’s been a fight they shouldn’t get close for a while longer. I didn’t think the masquerade had been broken.

“Aika, are you all right?”

“I, I’m alive. ...I overdid it a little.”

Aika struggled to talk, with a voice like she had just woken up.

“Ah, you are so tired that you cannot move, Aika-san. Then let us take the opportunity to roll you on the ground and draw graffiti on your breasts.”

“Normally you draw on someone’s forehead...?”

“...Are you trying to say it’s as flat as my forehead, you―――――――!!”

“Why, you are already full of energy~~~~~~! Then please help me put out the fires―!!”

“I can blow out the flame of your life if you want!!”

Even right after such a terrible fight, this made me feel like we’d gone back to our usual lives. When I saw the two of them arguing together, somehow I was so relieved I was close to tears.

“But, Souji, using the Aura Pillar for defense, that was a really good idea!”

“...One time you used it on Twoearle, right? It sent me flying with incredible force then, so... since you were going as easy as you could on her back then, I thought maybe it might work.”

“So when I put my life at risk, you caught the thread you needed to win the fight! That is great!!”

“Why don’t you let me repeat the lesson...!?”

“We are fine! Why not try it on yourself, Aika-san!!”

At the start she was reluctant to hand over the bracelet, but when I see them getting along so well like this, I feel like there was no one more qualified to be TailBlue’s successor.

“You guys are really energetic, I still can’t move a muscle...”

In my field of vision, Twoearle’s evil smile became a closeup.

“Please leave it to me! At times like these, direct skin-to-skin warmth will do wonders to recover your sexu... er, your muscle strength!”

Taking off her white coat and throwing it aside, and also throwing Aika aside, Twoearle jumped into the air with all her strength. My field of vision was still very fuzzy from fatigue, and it might have been my imagination, but I thought that the amount of flesh-colored surface area was increasing in the middle of the jump...

“Don’t take everything but your mask off, that’s scary!!”

Clonk, a clear sound, and pwuff, a suspicious sound, in unison.

Noisy regular life, with no powerful emotion or excitement.

We had kept it safe with our own hands, this irreplaceable time.

<noinclude>
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| Back to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2015-02-16T18:38:10Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

== Chapter 3: This makes us Twintails ==

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

That morning started with a scream.

I wasn't surprised to see the members of the Ultima Guil on television anymore, but now strange things were happening even in the news. They had put together a special about me, transformed. The picture that stood proudly beside the newscaster was much more vivid than the ones from two days ago. I knew it, they must have sent in the photos from yesterday...!!

<<Your name! Please tell me your name!!>>

<<Uh... It’s Tail, TailRed... whoa, wait!!>>

<<You're amazing! Let me call you oneesama, please!!>>

<<She's obviously an imouto! Haah haah, why don’t we play dress-up!!>>

<<Whooa, I’m leavi~ng, let me through―!!>>

A shot of me being crushed by schoolgirls. A young twintailed girl with tears in her eyes, and her hands and feet flailing. A sight mixed with a tinge of madness, not appropriate for morning in the living room.

“They were even taking videos, whyy...”

I only said it in public for the first time yesterday, but the captions already said “TailRed.”

She had already finished breakfast at her own home, but Aika was chewing on another piece of toast in my living room, as the look on her face became slowly more grim.

“...Souji, yesterday they were doing that stuff to you... your face was buried in schoolgirls’ boobs... you aren’t resisting at all, and... you were pretty happy...!!”

“That’s what happens when they grab me, because of the height difference! I can hardly shake them off with my full strength when I have the Tailgear on, right!? What’s going on, boys and girls both like me so much!!”

“There are boobs... and over here are boobs... you're kidding me, not a single one of them has a small chest! Listen, this is some trick of the Ultima Guil, right!?”

The anger rising in Aika was outside of my understanding as a guy. And precisely because I am a guy, I encouraged her in a manly way.

“Don’t think of other people’s breasts as your enemy, Aika! You have to fight yourself!!”

“And here’s my fist!!”

I gurgled.

Of course my meaning wouldn’t get through to her at all, and it’s a refreshing dance of bloody spit starting at breakfast.

And the scene on the TV was also enough to make the one who was in it bleed from the mouth.

The majority of them were just poking at me and touching me and things, but there were girls with seriously dangerous expressions on their faces in there too. Even through the screen, I still feel like they’re about to jump out and grab me. It might be a girl’s school, but it’s still bad when you look that way at someone who looks like she’s in the lower grades of elementary school.

The video was probably taken by a bystander on their cellphone, and you can see the camera shake of an amateur on it, but it’s very clear. I took modern phones too lightly.

I thought I could clean it all up in one shot, so it wouldn’t matter even if there were spectators, but that naive plan has gone off the mark already.

It looks like they put them together as a set: the fight and, after that, the video of the schoolgirls playing with me. They’re starting to get comfortable with the mysterious hero TailRed, in both a good and bad sense.

“Personally, I got a lot of respect for that little girl.”

They were interviewing a man in a suit with sunglasses and dreadlocks. It said he was a staff member of the girls’ school. There was no one like that there yesterday, and even considering that he is a fake, make the quality just a little higher, please.

“The Metropolitan Police are continuing to gather information regarding this girl, and they ―”

“Why! Leave me alone! Investigate the Ultima Guil!!”

It’s amazing how carefree you can be when war was declared on Earth yesterday!

“You’re very cute, TailRed-chan ♪”

“Shut uu――――――――――――――p!!”

Mom relaxed on the sofa and drank tea with a light heart. It’s an hour of glory for her son and ''daughter''. She must be having strong feelings as a parent.

Another notch on the meter to the start of my rebellious years.

“Souji-sama, Souji-sama, look at this, please, there are collection blogs and wikis, fan sites and speculation pages for TailRed! It is a hot topic on the net too!”

Twoearle ran over to me holding a notebook PC in one hand, with a smile on her face.

“I’ve only transformed twice! What? What’s with this lineup!!”

What are they collecting, what are they wiki-ing. All I can do is cry.

I wanted to do all of this quietly, but Japan, the whole world, is dragging me onto the stage. The topic’s coming into full bloom on foreign websites too. They're already making translation pages for them, and there are comments like “The Japanese are living in the future, aren’t they.”

...If possible, I want to return to the past.

Twoearle was waiting respectfully on my mother, who had thrown her apron aside like a cape.

“......Twoearle-chan. Sou-chan still appears to be a virgin, but...”

“It shames me to show my face, lord.”

“I am very lenient, but I do not have the compassion to forgive three or four failures in a row...”

“Haa......! I will do it tonight, without fail!!”

What, I can’t hear them that well, but are they pretending to be some evil organization...?

I’m happy that your dream finally came true after fifteen years, mom.

The two embracing in high spirits. Hot tears ran down a woman’s, no, a man’s cheeks.

“Aaah...”

“Are, are you okay, Souji?”

With all of this, I was completely worn out by the time we were heading for school.

“I was prepared for some of this, but I can’t believe the amount of force behind it... I don’t know what’s going to happen to me anymore.”

Anxieties about the future, different from yesterday.

“Well, it’s a world-class news scoop. It’s fine, it’s better than nothing but tedious news like politicians screwing around or someone being arrested.”

“Sure, maybe, but they were clearly putting most of the attention on TailRed!”

I can’t understand why their eyes are on the hero alone and not on the invaders. And she’s a little girl, too. ...No, maybe it’s because she’s a little girl...

It’s a silver lining on this dark cloud that the scale of the invasion is relatively mild, but aren’t you being way too complacent about the peace of this country?

“You know, that secret base she made has an amazing stench of chuuni. It really feels like a crystal of super-science. Like there’s pointless dials stuck on the walls and stuff.”

“Oh, yeah. And for some reason she built the elevator entrance inside the cafe...”

The grand opening of the secret underground base had been later that night. Mom’s excitement had been terrible, but even Aika seemed to have been pulled in while she was insulting it.

The main room would be the foundation of battle, with a satellite monitoring system. And she had installed a spaceleap catapult (there was a long English name but I’m shortening it) so that we could reach the battle in a split second.

The limit of the transfer pen is a few tens of kilometers at most, but this one covers almost the whole surface of the Earth. She really made it in just one night...

“Well, last night even Twoearle was docile, and that base is there to protect the Earth, so I guess there’s not much we can do.”

By the way, I don’t think Aika saw it, but I snuck a look at the base’s innermost room and trembled with fear.

Tables with construction plans scattered on them. Machines in the process of being built. It was the arms development room.

And among uncountable formulae and letters on the room’s monitor, I was barely able to make out the dreadful words, “ANTI-AIKA SYSTEM―”

Aika, it looks like the grudge against you is steadily growing...!

I was ragged even on my way to school and wanted to take a nice rest at home, but ―

“―Why do you keep faithfully showing up every single day one at a time, you bastaaards!!”

Just as I reached home, I got a message that an Elemerian had appeared and jumped out from the underground base. The timing was so exquisite that it made me wonder if they were watching me. I felt a little afraid at how they had perfected the villain template in just three days.

If this is part of their strategy, it’s working like a charm.

“Aaah... at last we meet, TailRed!!”

Yet another monster is standing before me in an irritating pose.

I was already worried about simultaneous dispatch to multiple locations. But I didn’t expect small forces at regular intervals to be this painful. And the total number of enemies is still totally unclear. There’s no mental torture like this endless marathon.

“Shit, anyway, I have to do it, don’t I?”

I hit the ribbon to try and get out the Blazer Blade, and the monster began to happily introduce himself when he saw that.

“I am Fox Guildy, he who is enchanted by ribbons. I beg your remembrance, beautiful goddess.”

“Who wants to remember you!”

A sharp appearance that put you in mind of a fox. You could draw a clear line between him and the muscular Elemerians so far.

“Heh... lovely as you are, you’re strong, a wonderful ribbon. My heart is melting just to see it.”

Another irritating thing was that good voice like a voice actor.

I'm glad he arrived in the tranquil suburbs. There isn’t a peanut gallery yet. But even so, when I think about what happened yesterday, I want to decide this fight as fast as I can.

But he didn’t assert himself the way the others did. He came quietly to this place with no sign of life. I don’t think those two battles were a waste of time. He must want to work quietly, cautious of my power.

There’s no use in talking any more. I put strength into the Blazer Blade.

But even with inevitable death staring him in the face, Fox Guildy was eerily calm.

“The sword that defeated my brawny comrades, born from a ribbon? I feel the work of fate.”

With a bewitching smile floating on his face, he produced a ribbon cord from nowhere, and after gazing at it with solemn over-importance, he spun around for no reason and threw it into the air.

The ribbon came flying in a coil as if it were in a rhythmic gymnastics performance, but it didn’t come close enough for me to hit it and drop it with the sword. It just circled my body several times and went back to him again.

“...What was that?”

“Ohh... s, so much... ghuk”

Fox Guildy coughed up blood and went down on his knees. An overreaction out of a very old shojo manga. What’s this guy doing? Nobody is going to mind if I kill him now, right?

“Hah, haaah...! Crystallize ―― my love!!”

The Elemera radiating out of his body poured into the ribbon. It had been drifting in the air, but it suddenly froze in place and, breaking out in confused spikes and dips like a magnetic fluid, began to change shape.

“...Oh!?”

I was coming to the limits of my patience, but when the ribbon broke in two, and took the same shape as the Force Rivon, interest took the lead over caution. And then twintails suddenly came out of the ribbons, like a magician producing a dove from his hat.

“Ohh!?”

Without thinking I almost began to applaud. I’d already lost the chance to stop his magic trick. From the twintails the head, from the head the body, they appeared one after the other and finally even the hands and feet were all there, in the shape of a person.

“What’s this about... wait, taking a good look, that’s me!!”

It was surely a figure of me... of TailRed, life-sized.

“The ribbons set off what they tie so well... the twintails, especially. It is peerless. That divine Twintail Element of yours, although it is presumptuous, I have ''tied it up'' with my Elemera.”

“You, you’re saying that you are copying my power?”

“Hardly, it's nothing more than a reflection. It’s a simple doll, just a simulation. And I, who do not have a powerful Doll Element like Lizard Guildy, cannot make it move on its own.”

Now that you mention it, Twoearle said a single person can have more than one element. The Elemerians crystallize around a core of Elemera, but they can have multiple Elemera too?

He has the Ribbon Element, but on top of that he’s using it in combination with a Doll...!

“However... the appearance is, as you see, very faithful.”

Fox Guildy gently touched the doll’s Force Rivon like precious, fragile glass, with the eyes of love of an old man watching his grandchildren frolicking in the garden. It was too tender, which for the one being touched...

“Hi, i, i...”

...was a sight that made my blood run cold. Goosebumps rose on my skin. I took an unconscious step back.

The merciless crimes continued.

“Ha―h!!”

A battle cry flashed and I thought he was about to do a spin on tiptoes. But he reverently took the hands of the figure and began to dance.

When I first saw the student council president, I wasn't surprised to learn that dance and twintails went very well with each other. This time, it was a monster playing with a figurine, but the overwhelming power of the scene seemed to change the surroundings. It’s so real that it doesn’t seem like a hallucination - I can see a dance hall behind them.

“Uggyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!”

My twintails dance with the scream. No, that's only a doll, a doll...

I desperately tried to reason with myself, but it was useless. The doll with my face continued to dance hand in hand with the enemy. I broke out in an odd sweat.

“Whew...”

The dance was over, but the nightmare wasn’t.

His mind sharpened, Fox Guildy crossed his arms in front of his face and exhaled passionately, as if to force his heart to dissolve into the fight.

But.

“Fuu... One must not hurry. I haven’t finished drying myself off yet, I’m still chilly after the bath!”

In harmony with his true nature that mustn’t dissolve. The nature with the name ‘fantasy.’

“What are you doing to me in your head, you bastaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard!!”

I am definitely not wearing clothes in there. Just thinking of it is disgusting.

This is the first time that I’ve ever felt like I was about to leak from an emotion other than fear.

...Eh, in the part of the Tailgear’s functions that I deleted from my memory, wasn’t there kind of a really convenient function for that?

“Oh, please wait!”

Once again Fox Guildy was talking to the figure.

“Even though we just took a bath, now you’ve gotten yourself so sticky with that popsicle! Oh, you’re a hopeless kid, heh heh (handsome voice)”

“Nga――――――ah!!”

I grabbed my head and rolled on the ground.

<<Souji-sama! A fake thing like that, you can just smash it!!>>

A signal from Twoearle as if she couldn’t just watch anymore. Aika was also screaming something like ‘creepy!’ in the background. She means Fox Guildy. She’s not talking about me.

“A, ah, that’s right... true, right...”

<<Now is the perfect time to use the Tailgear’s Elemeletion system!!>>

“Elemeletion... uh, you said that I can use the power of an Elemera Orb...”

<<That object he made from Elemera is a doll. That being the case, the Doll element that you collected from the first fight should work against it!!>>

That’s right, if I can destroy that doll and the imaginary god inside it, I can come back alive from this living hell. Just like the monster said himself, Lizard Guildy’s Doll should have a particularly strong influence on puppets.

“...De, stroy...”

He's still lost in delusions, just as before. It would be conceited for him even to call this an opening, he’s completely defenseless. But when I look straight at him, it starts to corrode my spirit. I’ll have to use the Doll Element, aim for the doll, and render that bastard powerless.

“Hh, ha...”

My breathing was becoming wild.

The appearance was perfect. And that alone meant that the twintails were reproduced very well. They couldn’t have the mysterious radiance of the real thing, I guess, but I would give them a more than passing grade considering that they were being worn by a doll.

The twintails burned into my eyes, agitated and fluttering with Fox Guildy’s fighting spirit.

“Ugh...”

My legs were shaking. They clung to the earth and I couldn’t pull them off as though I were walking on birdlime.

I should be able to destroy a doll like that with my little finger. What am I hesitating for?

If I don’t destroy it, he is going to get me, but...

“Aaaaaaah, I can’t! I can’t do it, how can I hurt twintaaaails!!”

but there are still some things that I can’t let go of. They might be a fake, they might be filled with evil, but there is no sin in twintails.

How can I judge them with my own two hands, can such arrogance ever be forgiven...!?

“You’re the real thing, aren’t you.”

“What!?”

“This is only a doll. But even so you cannot break it. You who love twintails... you who possess the strongest Twintail Element could never bring twintails to ruin!!”

“Ngh...!!”

<<Souji-sama!?>>

It was just as if my body was rebelling against my mind. My outstretched hand fell back feebly to my side, and finally I sank to the ground.

And the reward for the unsightly figure that had lost its will to fight. A deadly theater of delusion rushed down without mercy―

<center>◇</center>

The two people watching the scene on the monitor in the main room of the base underneath the Mitsuka household were turning colors and panicking.

“That idiot, no matter how much they’re twintails, you’re fighting a doll!!”

Aika was running back and forth, holding her head.

<<Waaaaah... Sto, stop ― at least let me keep my clothes on―>>

A scream rang through the speakers that made you want to plug your ears (in several ways).

“What should I do, Souji is―! Souji is―!! Hey, we have a missile or something we can fire from here, don’t we!?”

“........................Now that this has happened, I...”

Twoearle was gripping the top of the console, and trembling. Blood ran down the lips like carefully preserved works of art.

“T, Twoearle...”

Some bitter decision was being made. Even Aika could see that.

“――Aika... I want you to do something.”

“Is there something I can do!? If it can help Souji, I’ll do anything!”

“Then, could you transform?”

“I understand, I just have to transform!”

Although she had replied instantly, once she had swallowed the meaning of it, the natural reaction burst out of her. It was probably the only thing anyone could say in Aika’s place.

“――――Huh?”

“I believe I said earlier that there was one more candidate.”

“No, bu... wha...!?”

“And so, Aika, it is you... The one other person in the world... who can wear the Tailgear.”

Aika stared at her open-mouthed.

“You’re lying.”

“I am not lying.”

It didn’t seem like one of her usual jokes.

“But there were only two people in this world who can use it, right!? ...There’s something too good to be true about that...”

“You are fellow holders of the Twintail Element. One might even imagine you were led to each other, drawn to each other.”

“...Twintail... Element...”

Fate.

That was when she first started to believe in those four letters.

“...Souji.”

They weren’t ordinary childhood friends ― the two of them had been led to meet by fate.

Aika turned red to the tips of her ears, holding back her beating heart.

“But, wait a second.”

Unfortunately, Tsube Aika’s body did not contain more than thirty seconds of romance.

“...I’m sure you said that that other person was a wild beast, and that if you handed it over the world would collapse...”

“What, it is true, right!?”

Into the pale white cheeks of the girl who drew that conclusion with a serious look out of a dramatic manga exploded the techniques developed since the first strike.

Twoearle gurgled with little bubbles.

“That’s right, sure, I might be a barbarian... but I can save Souji!!”

Aika clenched her fist and spoke with resolution.

“A, Aika, you are... the worst kind of person, but you said something kind of cool just now...”

“You know, I don’t like fighting with perverts like that either. But it’s better for us to have more firepower, isn’t it!? Why were you so obstinate about letting me join!?”

Twoearle quietly lowered the hand she held on her cheek, and, hesitating, spoke her heart.

“I did not want to get you involved in danger... I have nearly been killed several times in the few days I have been here, but... y-you are one of the precious friends... I have made in this world...!!”

She shook her hair into disarray, letting a tear glitter in her eye.

“...And, the real reason?”

“Afterwards, it will be necessary to input my bodily data into Souji’s internal biology to keep up the power of the Tailgear ― or I thought I would tell him something like that and indulge in a few indecent activities, hehehe... but if I give you a Tailgear also then we would have to pile your body on too to keep things consistent, right?”

“This total pervert ――!!”

“Aaaah, I said it without thinking, I hate this cursed constitution!!”

“Why are you always, always thinking about sex!!”

“What is wrong with a female being in heat for a male!!”

“Even if it is an argument, choose your words better!!”

Certainly humans are animals with a mating season that lasts all year but Twoearle, whose instinct was as strong as an animal’s also, was frightening. Although with the lamented decline in the birth rate recently, maybe in the end she should be welcomed as an outstanding talent.

TailRed continued screaming as the two of them acted like idiots.

<<Stooooop, don’t hold my twintails in your hands and skip ― don’t hum in that handsome voice ― aaaaaa>>

The cries were clearly getting weaker. Aika loosened little by little with impatience, and

“I know very well that you hate me!! But right now I want to save Souji! Please, allow me to fight!! I’ll get down on my knees in front of you, I’ll do anything!!”

Twoearle smiled bitterly and looked straight into Aika’s eyes.

“...I do not hate you. You are my friend ― that was not a lie.”

“...What.”

Once again, Aika’s cheeks were tinged with red.

Quiet and tender words.

Why? She cursed in her heart that it was probably acting, on the one hand, but... it made her feel a little bit happy, and that was frustrating.

“I may be doing it to save the world, but still, this is my own revenge. I feel a pain in my heart like my chest will break open making Souji-sama alone fight, when he has no direct connection to any of this. To drag his close friend into it too...”

It was the same for Aika. All she’d done was irresponsibly stop Souji from trying to protect the world, she hadn’t tried to lift a finger on her own.

“I am sure Souji-sama will come to hate me if I allow you to fight... This is really the kinder way.”

...That was probably closer to what she really thought.

“I have twintails too, you know. I’m a target too! So it’s safer for me if I can fight myself. Although I don’t think I can be as earnest as Souji is about protecting strangers...”

“Unlike Souji-sama... your Twintail Element is for your own sake, isn’t it...? You are going to gamble the twintails you have come to love as if they were your very life? There is no going back once you put on the bracelet!”

She was not used to it, but maybe for the first time Aika felt concern for herself, and blew through her nose, hmph.

“I am not such a kid that I can’t take responsibility for my own decisions, Twoearle.”

Twoearle nodded her head hard and produced a bracelet from her pocket, shining with blue light.

They would live or die together. Twoearle seemed to be ready for that too.

“Aika, please promise me, no matter what happens ―”

Aika nodded with a serious look.

“― you’ll let me be the first one Souji-sama makes into a woman.”

“Hey.”

“We have no time now! It is all right, just say yes!! I cannot give you this if you do not promise! Or are you, who are trying to be a hero, going to knock me down by brute force and steal it!!”

“...”

“You are not a person like that, Aika-san......”

Aika smiled sweetly ―

What is a hero?

A fighter for the weak, an emissary of justice.

They fight for those who are not strong. They would not take a weak young girl who was putting up no resistance and use a dangerous throw technique that looks as though it’s about to be forbidden in modern martial arts, would they.

They would not drop her head-first into the ground so that she couldn’t land safely. That is not something a human being would do.

What is a hero?

Twoearle threw a piece of difficult philosophy like the pure questions of a child at the empty air as she tried to stop the beating of her heart.

Her head was buried in the ground, however, so the “air” was under the floor.

“Wait for me, Souji...”

[[File:OreTwintail_v1_181.jpg|thumb|''
“Wait for me, Souji...”'']] Aika ran through the hallways of the base with the hair that was her pride flying behind her. And she put the bracelet Twoearle had entrusted to her on her right wrist.

“― Tail,... on!!”

She’d heard the startup words as she listened to the explanation, and at the time she had complained it was embarrassing, but now she shouted them without self-consciousness.

A belt of blue light circled Aika’s body, answering the words spun without hesitation. A decision too small to notice in a moment torn out of time. And then, the proof.

Aika’s arms and legs began to glow as a huge number of specks of light flooded out and took the shape of a cocoon. She shut her eyes to focus her heart. At the same instant, her body was covered by a blue suit. Compared to Red it was a little more exposed, but the aggressive design that was suggestive of a soldier suited Aika well.

The spaceleap catapult in the cage set up at the very front of the underground base unfolded and flicked Aika out like a shell from a cannon.

A permanent setup of the overtechnology she’d seen on the first day with the penlight device.

Her field of vision was covered with richly coloured light.

“High...!!”

The transfer point was just over a clump of buildings near the scene of the fight.

As the space transfer finished, Aika kicked the concrete of the building’s rooftop hard.

“Whoa, it really is amazing. It feels like I could reach the clouds.”

Not a leap but flight.

As if she wanted to recover the time they’d wasted on pointless comedy, Aika begged time to go faster, just to go faster.

“So I’m part of the weird people too now, huh... But you know, what else could I do?”

She cut the air with speed you might see from a fighter jet. Those twintails that were fluttering in the wind were just like two wings ruling the blue sky.

“It’s just going to keep being this dangerous, so... I have to be by his side, right!”

Abandoning the little doubts about whether she could or couldn’t fly ― she became a shooting star, a flash of light leaving a trail behind it.

<center>◇</center>

“Why don’t I read a picture book for you. ...Oh, my, you’re such a spoiled little kid ―”

The mental attack in a sweet voice that could make women melt was holding back from the climax. A terrifying foe, Fox Guildy.

It was a fake, after all... no matter how many times I told myself that, I couldn’t push those twintails supported by his tremendous willpower down into the realm of imitation.

And the other terrifying thing was his self-control. He kept pulling out things that would have been impossible unless his mind were completely broken to fantasies about his little girl doll.

This is the power of the heart.

To me, who had been under the delusion that destructive force was strength, the bastard was on the other side of a wall.

“I, is this as far as I go... Are my twintails going to lose to a guy like this...!!”

On my knees, my breathing was getting faint, I couldn’t even stand up.

And then suddenly an ear-splitting sound rang like lightning had struck.

“Stop right there! Pervert!!”

“Hmm!?”

“Huh!?”

Damn it, I turned and looked too. I thought they might be talking to me.

Blue light, still tied up with the sky, stood before me and Fox Guildy.

“...can’t be...”

It looked like there were a few differences in how Imagine Chaff worked, with both strong and weak points. On the first day Twoearle had used something that blanked out your existence itself, but that made it easy to notice you if you shouted or something.

The one built into the Tailgear was specialized to deceive the senses and protect the true identity of the wearer. It couldn’t be used for stealth, but it kept others from tying the person wearing the Tailgear to anyone else with an equal sign. And that meant you could safely show your face.

...But this version didn’t seem to work on people who knew you from the start.

In other words, although for anyone else this would be a new and unknown warrior, for me ―

“Ai...... ka......?”

I muttered in a hoarse voice.

The warrior whose body was clad in a blue suit was the girl I knew well, my childhood friend Tsube Aika.

“Who art thou!?”

“I am...”

“It was here! There they are!”

“!”

The fight had gone on much too long.

They sniffed it out from somewhere, as I thought. We were surrounded at a distance by reporters and staff from TV programs, and ringed by several cameras.

But Aika shouted as if she were talking to herself, without paying the slightest attention to those strange eyes.

“I am ― TailBlue!!”

Aika took that codename that even I am a little unsure about and spoke it in front of me, her enemy, and the world.

Strong, heroic.

Like a rite of passage she had to go through to be accepted as a hero.

An amazing look on her face without a single shred of doubt.

And an overwhelming power that seemed to reach up from her body to touch the heavens.

As if she’d taken someone who she hadn’t known a few days ago and slammed them head-first through the floor without a single hesitation ―

“Oohhh... This is still more wonderful ― I can’t believe she had comrades...! Haha, this is a crisis... why is it that I’m cornered and in danger of my life but I still can’t keep my heart from pounding fast!!”

“...Man, this creepy doll really is the spitting image of you... but!”

Aika took a stone with a faint green glow out of the piece installed on the back of her hand.

“Elemeletion!!”

A hollow glowing an even brighter blue was exposed with a slide motion, and the Elemera Orb that had floated into the air was automatically mounted on it. When the cover closed, Aika’s whole body began to give off the same green light.

“Elemera Orb ― Doll!”

With those words she engaged the Elemeletion system of the Tailgear. A special piece of equipment to let us control the power of the crystallized Elemera Orbs.

The Tailgear use a shared subspace for storage, so the orbs I recover can be used even by other gear. But... I had decided to fight alone, so that feature was useless to me. I’d been shoving it into a corner of my mind until I saw it with my eyes right now.

Yeah. It should have stayed a useless feature.

“That is... That’s Lizard Guildy’s!!”

“Well, now, be nice, little doll.”

The doll that had been made in my shape was wrapped in the light of the Doll Element, and the sense of presence suddenly vanished.

I had thought it was so real before, but now it was as unnatural as a picture of my face pasted onto a mannequin, and Fox Guildy’s delusions, so powerful that I could see them myself, also vanished without a trace.

“Aah!?”

“A strategic mistake, isn't that? If you’re going to use a doll to lead us astray, you should have a stronger Doll Element, or it’s meaningless.”

No, there's no way these guys could know I can use the power of the Elemera Orbs I've recovered. And this doll with a pulse as though it's alive, as though it's about to start moving even now, was an incredible trump card at least against me. If they made a mistake ― it was not predicting the existence of an irregular.

I had it explained directly to me, but I didn't even try it once. This power that might be the true strength of the Tailgear ― Aika, who had just been listening on the side, was the first one to use it.

"Hoitto"

Aika aimed at the nose of the unresisting doll, and, in intense contrast, with a yell and a full swing of her arm, visited it with her fist. The impact shot through its whole body and it crumbled apart like spun sugar.

"What have you done!?"

I saw it happen as if in slow motion. The sight of my own face folding in and breaking stayed in my mind ― and would probably give me nightmares for a few days.

"I can't believe it! You destroyed it without hesitating! Hey, that thing's a model of your precious comrade!!"

"My comrade? He's right here. Right?"

With a fearless smile, Aika winked at me.

"...Comrade..."

At the realization that my precious childhood friend had been caught up in the fight, my face went pure white. But concerns like that were above my reach right now.

I staggered to my feet as though a magic spell had been broken. I didn't have to say anything. The trust without a speck of cloud, the days we'd piled up between us, were bonds that couldn't have been strengthened with ten thousand words.

And now, watching over her more carefully than heaven, the "friend" that she had overcome to get here ― Twoearle floated behind her like an aura, wearing a noble expression. What's this feeling that I've been having, I can't put it into words.

It’s okay, right.

Twoearle is still alive, right.

"Y... you... but in any case your Twintail Element is weaker than TailRed's...! Then you are going to give me your Elemera! First, those wonderful huge ribbons, I'll take them now!"

"That's a joke!"

The ribbons as sharp as antennae that gathered her hair to left and right ― she crushed them with her fists, and light burst into the sky like drops of water.

In an instant, the light took the shape of a spear and collected in Aika's hands.

All Aika had done with Twoearle until now was fight, but she'd listened to each one of the things she’d said carefully, and now she put them into faithful practice. And so she didn't have a second of hesitation. The Tailgear answered to her will. Equipment you could call your own body, with no need for a manual.

"Ohh...!"

A weapon that held within it the brilliance of a star. A rich and infinitely deep sapphire as if the blue of the Earth had condensed to form it. Not a hair of difference from the water god Poseidon, the great trident <<Wave Lance>> ―

So that was the weapon of TailBlue. I'm glad, it wasn't a hammer or an axe or something.

"I'm a newcomer to the fight, but...!"

All the way open. Brake Release.

Currents of water in a column ― Blue’s Aura Pillar wrapped around the body Fox Guildy.

"Ugh, uuuuuuu...!!"

"If it's twintails then... I've been wearing them for much longer than... you!!"

A mighty thrust that seemed as if it could drill between dimensions. <<Execute Wave>> pierced Fox Guildy.

"Gwaaaaaah..!! A... a dream... at the end...! ― you're going out without your clothes again... you're going to catch a cold... o, oh, I see! You can use ribbons that way toooooooooo...!!"

Fox Guildy laughed in satisfaction and exploded, scattering into the air. And the TailRed in his heart probably never put on any clothes.

"...Twoearle... I did it!"

TailBlue's smile filled with accomplishment was absorbed into the clear blue sky.

I hope you don't mean you're confessing to her murder...

The lance vanished as if it were dissolving into the air, and TailBlue, now empty-handed, stretched grandly.

"Alright, start filming! TailRed... wait, there's someone else!?"

The instant the fight ended, the press corps brazenly crowded in. I backed away unconsciously, but TailBlue leaped out in front of them with a three-fingered peace sign and smiled as they were setting up their cameras.

"I'll be fighting too from now on~, nice to meet you all! The two of us together are the Twintails!"

"H, hey!!"

"It's fine, I'm just letting them have a picture."

TailBlue's Elemeletion system activated again.

Elemera Orb ― Ribbon.

She had just gotten the power a second ago in the fight, but she used it the instant she had her hands on it. Two still sharper pieces extended from the Tailgear's ribbons, and became huge wings to release us from the force of gravity.

"Oh, we can use this ―!! It's like they're flying!!"

At an altitude so high I could see clouds beneath us, a smile came onto Aika's face, totally different from the fake one she had given the cameras earlier .

My eyes couldn't help but be stolen.

The twintails I'd always seen close to me, holding the blue of the sky, shining brighter than anything.

"Hm? What's up?"

"No... um."

I'm an idiot.

That skillful exit, like a performer. I'm sure that even in that small time they took all the pictures and videos they wanted. Why did Aika do that? I don't even have to ask.

She did it so that I wouldn’t have to bear all of the burden and the strange eyes ― I'm prepared to bet that was the reason. She was remembering how I complained this morning...

"Aika... I'm sorry I've been so undependable all the time."

"Don't misunderstand. I made my own decision to transform. ...Those perverts just make the stress build up in me. Hey, listen, you know, I'm a hasty person."

My chest felt warm at the thoughtfulness of my childhood friend.

― Chest...

As that word crossed my mind and I moved my line of sight, I was hit again by self-reproach.

TailBlue’s gear has a lot of chest exposure.

I have a drastic transformation that goes even as far as my sex, but Aika stays the same.

Her modest chest, her even chest, is the least suited to that exposure. What kind of punishment game is this? She's wearing a suit set up for someone with huge breasts. She has no cleavage but there’s an opening to show you her cleavage. Is there anything so tragic?

I'm sorry, Aika ―

I've been so useless that you had to wear such an embarrassing costume...

"......Hey."

Maybe TailBlue noticed the gaze of pity that was being poured on the single point of her chest, but the powerful arms that had been supporting me loosened all of a sudden.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!"

Skydiving without a parachute.

Really a very thrilling and exciting experience――

You don't see it outside of cartoons from the good old days, but I came out alive from the comedy of a human silhouette sunk into the asphalt. But what met my eyes when I returned home was a woman half-dead and half-alive, in much worse shape than me.

"...Awawawawa."

I shuddered with fear.

Human life is not shown in points, but if someone innocently asked what in the world HP 1/9999 would look like, I think Twoearle right now would function as a perfect sample... such a state.

"What happened to you!? Twoearle! My God... Souji, an Ultima Guil assassin might have penetrated the base!! Twoearle... we'll take revenge!!"

Even Aika has... Aika's a hasty person, but the honesty that makes her bad at lying used to be her saving grace. But now even she has mastered Seek Time=Zero...

"So, Souji-sama... watch yourself, please. This world has in it... evil bandits who cheat their childhood friends... They even say cool lines they're not used to and put on a moving show, but then without letting you say yes or no they rob you and smash you to dust, terrible... villains..."

Bam, a sharp noise. Twoearle's eyes peeled back and she let go of consciousness.

As she displayed such savage valour, she looked at her wrist and mine as if she had remembered something... she compared red and blue together, and blushed with the softness of fluff on a dandelion.

I was hooked in too, looking at her wrist together with mine... and then my face jerked into a bitter smile that was as hard as the floor Twoearle's head was casually lying on.

What is this... the world might really perish. Overtechnology far beyond that of Earth has fallen into the hands of the one person who should not obtain power.

The world seems to have found a saviour, but in fact it has brought down a god of destruction―

<center>◇</center>

"What is this, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!"

From early morning, the howls of the god of destruction echoed through the streets.

Aika came running into my house without a word of greeting and sunk her teeth into the television.

"I’m the one that wants to know... Uuuh, they're giving me another weird introduction..."

The vast majority of the special features on the news, on the net, and on all kinds of media were about a young girl being tormented by a monster and collapsing to the ground. Messages of encouragement, "We will spare no effort to support that girl," were coming in one after another from leaders across the country,

TailBlue, who had appeared like a nova and defeated the enemy, was treated like a footnote.

It wasn't a lack of material. All my shots were taken by surprise, and Blue had made a special effort to be photographed, so compared to me, her footage should have been a lot easier to use.

Despite that ―

<<I see... So to summarize, we don't know whether this blue girl is an ally of hers or not?>>

<<Yes, I believe it would be rash to pass judgment at this stage. As much as she might be smiling, we are worried about the terrible violence in her eyes.>>

Occasionally they talked about her, but even then, that is what it was like. A totally serious debate.

But, against all expectations for commentators on a news program aimed at the general public, their powers of observation were surprisingly sharp.

They’re exactly right about TailBlue, aren’t they?

― As I thought that, all of a sudden it turned into a closeup of TailRed with tears in her eyes, and a smiling newscaster appeared on a corner wipe screen.

<<Waa~ah!!>>

I took a long, hard look at the blown-up picture of (a crying) TailRed.

...They are magnificent twintails.

There’s nothing special that I’d praise about my own body, and I don't really care either, but just the way I look when I'm transformed, just those twintails, even though I know they're mine, I'm drawn to them.

And TailBlue's twintails were beautiful enough to beat or equal them, but even then...

Twintails can cover all other faults and weak points for me, but maybe that doesn't work for regular people.

<<Ohh, but you know, TailRed was very sweet today too, he heehee>>

Hey, watch what you're saying, old man with such an impressive title on your nameplate.

I made appropriate use of the remote control, but TailRed was anywhere and everywhere, all over. All channels had been captured, like special election broadcasts. I rested my agonized head in my hands.

"Aaah..."

Love and hate on two sides of the same coin ― exactly that.

If things stay like this, it might not be long until my mind itself crumbles.

But there is one person with worries on the opposite vector from mine.

"I'm the one whose head hurts! It's nothing but Red on every channel, why!? On TV or the net, Blue is being left out everywhere!!"

"......The net? You checked the net?"

I thought you had given yourself awfully deep rings under your eyes, Aika, but those are the product of all-night net surfing? I was afraid that it would be like this, so I've been staying away from my PC. In this situation, checking out rumors on the net takes courage.

"I was angry at the net, but on television... that's what I was thinking! I thought of course there would be a lot of people insulting me on the net, but... and then this!!"

"I think they said quite a lot on TV already... is there worse than this on the net?"

"It's terrible. When I went on a bulletin board and posted a comment praising Blue, they replied at the speed of sound, 'jien otsu'!" [Thanks for your hard work writing and starring in your own production / nice sockpuppet, faggot]

"What kind of bulletin board are you hanging around?"

"And they said things like 'honnin-san, chiisu'..." [Person in question, say cheese / TailBlue pls go]

"It's the truth, right?"

"In the end someone even recommended my ID for a ban! It's terrible, isn't it!?"

You've gone through a fierce war in just one night, Aika.

"You don't really have to force things like that, do you? And I mean, you didn't start fighting because you wanted to be popular."

"You're a huge hit, you can say that! I don’t know why, but this... They leave me out even when I expose myself to the media, it's really depressing!!"

"I feel like maybe I understand, maybe not."

I look at Aika’s wild eyes and another bitter smile comes onto my face. People have all kinds of troubles, I guess.

"Oh, my, Aika-san, are you thinking to yourself, 'I'm the cuter one, screech!'"

Wearing a neck brace that was also painful to look at, Twoearle came into the living room with a malevolent smile. She was holding a notebook to her chest like a portrait of a dead man, and on it you could plainly see TailBlue's gallant figure in the maximised browser window.

"I don't think there can be any question that TailBlue is also very popular, look."

Running her finger over the touch panel, she moved the window.

On another window below it there was a token picture of TailBlue from the side and a massive amount of text underneath.

・ Wearing a suit with the chest open when she's completely flat. Is she a masochist? Is this a masochist?

・ For a second, I thought she was erotic. I was wrong.

・ Tiny breasts but that sexy outfit and face, lololololol

...and other warm messages of support.

So many such comments had been made that you couldn't reach the bottom even if you scrolled and scrolled. Just like enthusiastic encouragement for people running a 24-hour relay marathon.

"Twoearle, tell me exactly who wrote these and where, in the whole country. You'd be able to do it, couldn't you! Do it! I'm going to run a mission on them right now!!"

"Personal information has to be protected!"

"Protect my worries about my body too! Why does Souji become a little girl when he transforms but I stay the same! The chest is open, isn't the premise of the suit that your breasts grow!?"

"......It is very possible that your 'flat chest' Elemera is overcoming the strength of the Tailgear. ...Pfff, hehe."

"Having a small chest is Elemera?"

"If Aika-san is troubled by it, naturally it is very possible."

Clothing and accessories can exist as Elemera, but even special features of a girl's body that are difficult for her to appreciate are defined as Elemera? The subject is deep.

"...Yo, u..."

"Aa~h! Aika-san, are you going to put your hands on me again! Even though the whole world can see through you and your dangerous eyes!"

"Nggh"

Aika's clenched fists were trembling over her head.

As if she were clearing away the grudge up to now, Twoearle kept nibbling at her.

"The people of the world can see that unjust part of you. If you are mad about it, then first you need to do something about that habit of hitting people whenever something happens. Once you have fixed that, I'm sure everyone will start to appreciate Blue too. ...As someone who makes Red look good. Hee hee hee~"

Aika smiled and gave Twoearle a peace sign.

...Or so I thought but she stuck those two fingers into Twoearle's beautiful eyes.

"Gnyaaaaaahh!!"

"Hey, listen! What did she just say!!"

"But... When I heard that, before the electrical signals from my brain arrived at my hands and feet, there was a chemical reaction!!"

"Electrical signals, chemical reactions, that isn't biology anymore!"

"...I... I'm surprised, but Aika may be a killer robot from the future. She has been sent back to the present day to kill the two of us who are trying to protect the world!!"

Don't say such crazy stuff, is what I thought, but the reality is that she could say almost anything at this point.

"...Hey. That PC―"

Aika grabbed Twoearle's notebook as if a premonition had hit her, almost a divine revelation.

"Ah―"

She pinned her with her right hand as she tried desperately to grab it back, set it on the table, and operated the keyboard and trackpad skillfully with her left hand.

I saw that "ji" had been typed into the browser's search bar.

After hitting the space bar just once, the first thing that appeared in the text prediction was ― "jien otsu." [nice sockpuppet, faggot]

...Eh.

"......"

"......"

I leaned in closer without thinking.

Aika minimized the browser, and clicked the "blue.txt" file on the desktop. It looked a lot like an itemized list of drafts of comments about TailBlue.

The "is she a masochist?" paragraph, that was there too.

"...It was yo―――――――――――――――――ou!!"

"Eeek~~~ found out at the speed of sound!?"

"You have science that soars beyond worlds, don't do this petty little net strong man stuff!!"

"Aika-san could not understand! The net is the last refuge for the hearts of those without strength, but you come and stick your nose into it, this is why I hate people with fulfilling real lives!!"

No, that’s too misleading, it’s not fulfilling, it’s just overflowing with brute strength.

“Don’t make libel the last refuge of your heart, you idiot!”

“Then I will use slander―!!”

Bald. This pointless feud is too crude to be called information warfare. It’s bald. It’s just bald.

I thought I heard a dull crunch sound, so I was afraid and could not turn my eyes.

“...I have been noticing this little by little, but Souji-sama, although you scold Aika-san, you do not do anything practical to help me, do you...”

Dead eyes that might appear in a dream, accusing me of something.

“Huh!? No, you kind of look like you’re having fun, so no matter what happens I always stand my ground, or something...”

“Ha, haha, Souji-sama, you most likely enjoy the sight of me being knocked around... So you are in possession of that Elemera as well.”

“Wro―ng!!”

“If that is so, then I will also kill my heart and bear this treatment. These days of penance that would have choked the life out of an ordinary woman long ago.”

She was trying to make her voice brave and charming, but as you might expect she could not shut out the intense, utter pain and burst out in a scream like cloth tearing.

“All right, all right! Aika, cut it out! There is such a thing as a limit!!”

“She made a fool out of me on the net, even if I break one or two of her arms no one can accuse me of doing anything wrong!!”

“If everyone used that kind of logic the whole country would be dead tomorrow...”

<center>◇</center>

On my way to school I was discussing future plans with Aika, who I had coaxed and soothed and finally gotten back into a good mood.

“Hey... is there a need to shout ‘Brake Release’ or ‘Aura Pillar’?”

“We don’t want this pet treatment to escalate, do we? I want to act like a hero as much as I can. Even if it is probably an exaggeration.”

“Does it have any effect...”

Of course, it has an effect. The heroic act aside, we’re talking about the Tailgear that turns spirit into power, so putting it into words is more useful than you would think.

The startup key. The on-off code of power. The concentration of consciousness becomes more efficient by using a word as the trigger.

“You were really into it from the first battle, though, Aika. Why ask now?”

“B, back then I was just desperate, and part of it was me talking myself into doing it! I was just trying to get as close as I could to you!”

She finished talking, and for some reason suddenly jumped and turned away from me.

“The fighting is fine. And I mean, you decided it yourself. But you could be a little more distant, right? I think a proud and aloof hero, you know, that’s a possibility too.”

“Umm, yeah...”

The scene on our way to school, as our conversations proceeded on slightly different tracks. And I took notice of a slight variation.

The number of girls with twintails had gone up.

“Why are you only looking at girls, what’s up?”

I finally calmed her down, but right away discontent is born on another vector.

“No.... I’m worried. I think the influence of the Twintails is making more students wear twintails. They were fanning the flames on the morning news too, right.”

“...I need to hurry too. Why are there so many more...!”

“Eh? Hurry? What for?”

“Nothing at all. But you know, that’s just the usual thing, isn’t it? Like when an indie band breaks into the major leagues and somehow it stops being interesting.”

“Noo ― I think this is different from that. I can’t really say why, though.”

When I came back to myself I realized I was holding onto one of Aika’s twintails as usual.

What is this uneasiness?

Even though twintails are spreading. Even though I should be happy enough to jump into the air. Why?

“Come to think of it, I wonder if President Shindou has started wearing twintails recently too?”

“Why are you talking about the president all of a sudden!?”

“No, but I’m sure I would have noticed someone with those amazing twintails in middle school.”

“Apparently the president transferred here at the start of high school. But in less than half a year she’s become something like the face of the school.”

“Wow~”

Of course she did. With twintails like that, they’d hand you the president’s office on your first day of school.

“But think about that. A person who is incredibly good often has a surprisingly wicked heart. Even those twintails may be calculated, or part of a strategy. Although that childish body is my personal preference.”

“What do you mean, calculated? Who would wear twintails to make someone like them?”

“N-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-no one would do something like that!”

“Pupupu― only your cheeks are TailRed, Aika-san.”

The two of us halted in our tracks simultaneously.

She mixed in too naturally, so I didn’t notice but―

“I will be transferring to your class today, Souji-sama! And now, Aika-san, can you please scream ‘Y― you―’ like the underdog you are. I will take the seat next to Souji-sama without listening to the teacher and say ‘We’ll be together even at school now, Souji-sama!’ and then the boys in the class will start saying ‘T―that bastard, what’s his relationship with that girl,’ so―”

“Go back home, you mangy cur―――――――――――――――――――!!”

Wearing a school uniform as if it were natural, blending into the school morning scene as if it were natural ― Aika kicked Twoearle into the air. Her scream ‘gyaaaaaa...’ faded into the distance, subject to the Doppler effect.

She really flew in an arc in the direction of my house. I surely can’t be seeing these laws of physics that don’t exist outside of gag manga.

“Good morning! It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it!!”

The voice burst out suddenly and I turned around, surprised.

Speaking of the president... it was President Shindou, with a smile that covered her whole face. You didn’t see our action movie starlet’s act of brutality, then.

We were just passing students and she probably didn’t even know our names, but she greeted us without putting any distance between us... this is the reason everyone likes her, isn’t it.

Or maybe she noticed this damp atmosphere and decided to encourage us.

“Good morning, President, you seem quite happy today!”

“Yes! I’m very happy to learn that TailRed has a comrade!”

“! That’s right, that’s right, Blue is t...”

Although I went silent mixed with cold sweat at the thought that the president might have heard what we were saying earlier, the mood had changed completely. Aika’s shining eyes said, You understand, don’t you! as she tried to move closer to the president.

It’s going to be a while before that stops bothering you, isn’t it? The roots run deep.

“―It really is a good thing. Isn't it good that she doesn’t have to keep fighting alone.”

“...Eh?”

At the words thick with emotion that I hadn’t even imagined, Aika stopped walking.

“No matter how strong she is, I’m sure it would be hard alone. But if she has a comrade, they can support each other. We can cheer them on as much as we like, but we can’t support them in any real sense... so I’m really happy that TailRed has someone else helping her.”

“...Yeah.”

I nodded hard in agreement.

In place of Aika, who was looking down, lost for words.

“You are really a supporter of the Twintails, aren’t you, President.”

When I said it the president looked down as if she were embarrassed and pulled on one side of her twintails. “You might think it’s weird at this age, but... I look up to heroes. I still watch tokusatsu shows for kids and buy figures and things like that.”

“I see...”

You look like a kid, so I don’t see anything childish about it ― I’m sure she’d get mad at me if I said that, but instead a feeling of affinity with the president welled up in me.

“And on that day too, the truth is that I was stolen while I was attending a hero event that I had slipped away from the maids to see.”

I found it out myself later, but there seems to have been an event with tokusatsu heroes and anime heroines. Absolutely aimed at kids, but... the president probably blended in perfectly.

“So I felt it was fate. Meeting TailRed, and being saved by her.”

“Fate...”

“Haha, sorry. ...Why am I talking about this...”

An instant of shock. The president had seen TailRed up close and talked to her, even if it had only been one or two words.

I don’t see how she could recognize me in my real body, but......

But I have to throw away those doubts and convey my thanks properly. For her support and her true and pure feelings　― to my first fan, President Shindou.

“President. I’m sure TailRed is... and TailBlue also, both of them are very thankful that someone is cheering them on the way you are. I think it will make them feel better in tough times.”

“Thank you. I believe you are... first-year A class, Mitsuka Souji-kun. ...Oh.”

The president blinked her eyes, and brought her face close as if she were looking up at me.

At a distance close enough that I might have kissed her.

“P ― president?”

Seeing me flustered, she shook her head in understanding and fell back half a step as if she were dancing. Her twintails shook in a light motion, and my heart also shook.

“It’s just my imagination... probably... hehehe, well, then.”

We said goodbye to the president mumbling to herself with some strange enthusiasm in her voice, and for a little while stood still.

“That’s amazing. Has she memorized every single one of the students’ names?”

Aika had been silent the whole time. Now she shook herself off as if she were bored and breathed a deep sigh.

“...The president really is a good person. I feel like I was an idiot for worrying about the criticism on the net.”

“Yeah, like I said, she’s just a normal good person. Twoearle just had some weird misunderstanding.”

“...That’s why I’m worried. Stupid.”

“Huh? Did I say something?”

“Shut up, let’s get going.”

Aika shoved my side with her satchel, and the two of us headed toward the school gate at a half-run.

A fan, cheering us on with true and pure feelings. It was an inspiring thought that made my back straighten up, but... at the den of thieves spreading before my eyes, I slumped back down again like high-speed reverse playback.

“Ah, TailRed smiled for me!!”

“Hmph, you always think so small... You know I’ve printed TailRed on my trunks with a thermal transfer printer! I can’t even do my schoolwork properly anymore unless we’re together!!”

“You bastard, you made a TailRed bot! I made one before you, you know!!”

“Shut up, mine has more followers! Anyway, there are already around 3000 TailRed bot accounts!! It’s a little late, isn’t it!!”

“Ok, all right, then we’ll go to the movie theatre after school, TailRed-tan.” (an unconnected conversation with his phone)

This was the scene as we entered our high school. Loud conversations right in front of the gate as if they were natural.

“Aika. I’m not being sarcastic at all. If you can change places with me then please change. Seriously. They can call me a sockpuppet or a masochist or anything and I’ll happily agree.”

I spoke quietly to Aika’s back, as she hesitated in front of the gate as if she were on a bridge trying to decide whether or not to jump.

“...I’ve cooled off a little.”

We each had our own reasons why it was getting hard to stand this any longer, and both of our heads dropped down at the same time.

<center>◇</center>

A human-shaped hole in the ground was shining with moonlight.

Something had fallen on the road in front of the Mitsuka household, and something had left tracks as it crawled out. Still boiling with the resentment of the girl that had not been able to penetrate the garden of youth bursting with light.

2 am―.

Souji had the farthest back of the three rooms on the second floor of the Mitsuka household. And to that place went a shadow on tiptoe. The soft silhouette told you that it was a woman ― a girl.

Even though you might be a thin girl, climbing up wooden stairs would make the floorboards creak, but perhaps because it was one of the foundational skills of a stalker, she was strangely good at keeping her centre of gravity low, and maybe that was what let her climb the stairs with such a surprising lack of sound.

She crossed the hallway the same way without a single sound at all and stopped in front of Souji’s room.

“...Hee hee.”

She inserted something like a knife into the gap between the door and the wall.

If you had looked closer at the thing as thin as a razor and strained your eyes, you could have confirmed that it was vibrating delicately. However, naturally the noise of the vibration had been made nearly inaudible.

Once she had put it in about five centimetres, she moved it slowly down until it reached the position of the lock. In the instant when the blade touched the lock, it made an extraordinarily small “click” sound, and went through it without the slightest difficulty after that.

And it was easy to guess that the invader was no ordinary person from the fact that the lock was not a wooden bolt but a metal latch.

The strange shadow stole into the room.

Twoearle’s face appeared for an instant in the sliver of moonlight shining in from the window.

But was it really her? From the look in her eyes she was not in her right mind.

Softly, softly.

Holding her breath she moved to the middle of the room.

The expression “holding her breath” may not be accurate.

She seemed to be inhuman, not breathing at all.

Calmly and quickly.

Her movements had so little waste in them that it made one think of a ninja.

Twoearle was wearing something like tights over her whole body. Her movements aside, even though she blended perfectly into the dark there was still something glamorous about her, and a more suitable word than ninja might have been―phantom thief. That was the most favourable comparison. If you wanted to be insulting she looked like a comic character in a play.

A belt was wrapped around her hips, and various types of tools were stuck in it.

From it, she took out a carpet roller.

“Hee, hee.”

She rolled it on the floor carefully and, paying close attention to the trash that had stuck to it, picked out a body hair. With incredibly practiced movements, she separated it with tweezers into one of the plastic bags that she held between her fingers.

Labels with writing on it were stuck to the bags. “Head hair,” and it was hard to make sure because of the shadow of her finger but as you would expect “― hair” was written on another.

She pinched the zipper with thumb and finger and quickly closed it and put it in a back pocket.

No matter how she acted, no one would believe this was her first offense.

The system was so practiced that it stood by itself as a finished product.

Twoearle’s next target was the closet.

She touched the hinged door with a finger, checking the slight noise of the pulley.

What should be done about that.

Without hesitation, she pulled the doors open in a single movement. Thanks to her special technique, that reduced thinking time to almost nothing. There was a creak, but it was the matter of a moment.

Right away she glanced behind her at the sleeping Souji, but he showed no sign at all of waking.

Satisfied with that, she found the blazer of his school uniform and took it out of the closet.

“Hee......mm......sffffffffffffff”

Hoping for the warmth and scent of the man she had given her heart to, she brought the clothes he had taken off up to her cheek... such a scene fitting for twilight hours, it was nothing like that.

She replaced all the gas in her body with air strained using the blazer as a filter.

So it seemed. In a demonstration of lung capacity beyond normal for a woman, she kept inhaling without a break or a sign when she would stop.

Like a round pink lifeform that enters humming a jaunty drawing song.

And finally she stood there with a drunk look on her face.

The look in her eyes was still not normal, and the synergy doubled the eerie feeling.

“Hah, hah.”

Although up until now she had kept everything absolutely secret, perhaps at last she couldn’t muffle herself any longer. Rough breathing began to leak out.

“Uhehe.”

Or one would prefer that a girl’s voice didn’t get into that area.

“N... nuh.”

“!”

Twoearle froze in the middle of the trip at the sound of Souji’s voice.

She strained her neck and turned to look behind her again.

Moving on tiptoe, one foot after the other.

She swiftly approached the bed and checked the situation.

The healthy sleeping face was just the same. A sigh of relief.

“...Souji-sama.”

For a moment the smile on her face was filled with motherly affection, but―

“Uhehehe.”

It went right back to evil.

The feeling of something tepid touching his cheek.

At the uncomfortable feeling, Souji’s mind was brought back out of sleep.

“Nuh...”

His eyes opened dimly.

(A dream...?)

He began to come back to consciousness, and the blurry world focused into an image.

Someone was smiling at him...

(―――An angel...)

...a devil like an angel... or not even that but just a grinning devil.

“Uhehe... aah.”

“Ugyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

What was touching his cheek was Twoearle’s drool. [[File:OreTwintail_v1_217.jpg|thumb|''What was touching his cheek was Twoearle's drool.'']]

With her mouth wide open and drool hanging out, she reminded him vividly of evil extraterrestrial life.

He began to want to drive the power loader in the hold of the spaceship into the side of her face and throw her into outer space.

“Finally... the time has come―”

Her son’s pained screaming reached the ears of the mother sleeping in the bedroom down the hall, and her mouth twisted into a grin―

<center>◇</center>

“Uuuuuu~h! I, I am sorry, if such a creepy woman appears by your bedside all of a sudden in the middle of the night, naturally you would pull away from her!!”

The lights were now on in my room. Twoearle had been kneeling down on the floor the whole time without even trying to raise her head.

“Being creepy doesn’t have anything to do with it! ―or rather...”

It’s not the way you look but the way you act that’s creepy, I was about to say, but held my tongue. I am deeply aware that I am not qualified to criticize someone else for that.

“Anyway, why did you suddenly show up in my room in the middle of the night!”

“T, that is, uh... I found an error in my calculations for the fit of the Tailgear, so I thought you might let me redo the measurement of the circumference of your face. ...But I thought it would also be bad to wake you up.”

“In the middle of night all of a sudden... you’re a hurry? I don’t mind if you just come wake me up normally, that’s better for my mental health.”

Eh, but the Tailgear doesn’t have the face covered. ...What is this, my head is fuzzy. If I were a detective, I think I could probably use this warm liquid on my cheek as a clue and work my way to the truth, but I’m not.

“Anyway look...”

“――! U... ghkk... no, not now...!”

All of a sudden Twoearle grabbed her chest and collapsed.

“Twoearle!?”

“Haah, haah, aa...nh, a, aa...”

Her seductive voice threw me off balance once again.

“Hey, are you sick!?”

“No, Souji-sama, if you get close...”

This is not something minor. ...Could it be...

“Twoearle―... that thing about adjustment was a lie, wasn’t it!? What’s wrong!?”

Holding her shoulder, I lifted her up. Twoearle rested her head on my chest.

“M, my body is hot... Can you help... me... Souji-sama...”

Pierced by her bewitching eyes, my heart began to ring alarm bells. What, this girl is so erotic even though she doesn’t have twintails.

“W, what do you mean, help you... How do I...”

“......”

Twoearle’s cheeks turned red, and she hesitated to speak. If it makes even Twoearle hesitate it must be something amazing.

“...If there’s anything that I can do then I’ll do it! Please, don’t hold back, tell me!!”

She saved the world, she saved twintails. I will do anything she asks.

...I thought I saw her smile just now, but it must be my imagination. And even in a drama, if you take a single frame out of a painful scene it can look like the actors are laughing.

“...To stay for a long time in a parallel world, there is something I need.”

“Something you need?”

“Foreign matter to this universe, like people from another universe are... a, nh... naturally eliminated by the universe’s self-cleaning process... There is something like a virus in people’s bodies that... makes me hurt like this...! Haah, hah... to protect myself... I need a human from this world... to donate their genetic data... (Seek Time=Zero)”

“Genetic...”

“Souji-sama, I think you may have come to believe I am a shameless woman, but... there is a reason why I’ve been acting this way... b, because I’m a woman...”

Could this be the reason for all her many eccentricities?

I’m not so much of a kid that I don’t understand the meaning of her words.

I realized that my cheeks were... that I was blushing all the way to my ears.

“I beg you, Souji-sama. Give me... the strength to survive in this world...”

I certainly decided that I would do anything she told me to. But this is―

“Aura Pillar―!!”

“What?”

A current of water blew upward from Twoearle’s feet... or rather from the bed, throwing me up into the air.

“Agaah!”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeit’s coooold!!”

“For you to lead Souji astray with your ridiculous acting, you chuunibyou patient...! You were so hesitant, but you changed course pretty easily after I became TailBlue, didn’t you!!”

Aika broke through the window with her lance and dropped into my room.

Crushing the question of why these people were in my room as easily as blowing her nose. And I wasn’t surprised to see that she had also crushed the lock, as casually as if she had been knocking.

“A, acting... Twoearle, that was acting just now? You were making fun of me!?”

“No! I, I’m in pa... a, aa~nh”

Maybe because she was hurried, her wheezing was not well acted.

“...Did someone call me?”

I don’t know if her instincts had responded to the word ‘chuunibyou,’ but now even mom had showed up in my room.

“What are you here for? Come on!!”

She didn’t listen to my objection but slid over to Aika with foot motion smooth as a hovercraft.

“My! My my my! Isn't this the famous TailBlue!? You’re Aika-chan, aren’t you!? Finally we meet face to face!!”

“We let the one who shouldn’t find out see us agaaain!!”

Paying no attention to me and my desperation, the celebrity of rumor peeled back both her canines and her thirst for blood and let out a scream.

“Aunt Miharu, please already, lock this woman up underground and don’t let her out!!”

“...Aika-chan~ you will take responsibility, then, I guess~”

“...Huh?”

“What you’re interfering with right now... is that, isn’t it? So can I take this as you saying, please forget about me?”

This chuuni-mom seemed to have been watching since earlier with an indecent smile on her face.

“N, no... I was only...”

What, come on, Aika, now suddenly your face is turning red and you’re flapping your hands.

“―Hey, don’t wave your hands when you’re still holding the spear――――――!!”

My room would have been cut into chunks like ingredients for a stewpot if I’d stayed quiet.

Really, what, what is this, this is a situation where I need to think about something but every single thought I have is being cut off in the middle, can I just not think, I have all kinds of different doubts even now, but can I just throw them all out the window.

“By the way, I think I am about to be torn to pieces, how much longer will I be here...”

“You might as well get torn apart once!! It’ll be good medicine!!”

“There will be no second time... Your medicine is putting me to eternal sleep... gh-cough.”

You might be going easy on her, but that’s the Aura Pillar we use to restrain the monsters.

Twoearle was floating with her body folded back into a C, and this time for sure, when she looked like she was about to die, she didn’t seem to be acting.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 2

2015-02-16T18:37:46Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

== Chapter 2: The lady molester from another dimension ==

The light was already fading. We made it back home from the scene of the fight without questions, thanks to recognition jamming. Now the real problem began.

“Once we’re inside the house... ssh. Mom’s home.”

Normally I’d come through the cafe door without any hesitation, but today that’s not a good idea. We went around to the back. I turned the key in the lock with unnecessary care.

“Thanks for having me ove~... ooguuh.”

Acting all of a sudden like a grade school boy coming over to play at her friend’s house, Twoearle took a punch in the solar plexus from Aika. She seems fluent in Japanese, but I guess a word like “ssh” isn’t part of her vocabulary.

“Oh, Sou-chan~?”

Mom’s voice came from the kitchen.

There shouldn’t be anything suspicious about coming in the back door, but the guilt over bringing along an unknown girl made me tense up.

“Uh, yeah, I’m home!!”

“I’m here, it’s me, Aika! Thanks for having me over!”

Aika helped me out by deliberately saying her name, and maybe thanks to that, mom called back oka~y! in her usual tone of voice.

She exchanged glances with me and went into the kitchen. I went up the stairs to my room, taking care to keep my mom from noticing Twoearle.

As soon as we walked through the door she started to say “nervous nervous, nervous nervous,” which bothered me, but before long Aika came up with black tea, and the three of us took chairs and sat around my table.

Sure enough, Twoearle was looking restlessly around.

“...You’re pretty lively considering I pounded you into the dirt earlier, aren’t you.”

“Haha, ridiculous. A woman who is bothered by a little thing like that would hardly be suitable. After this I expect Souji-sama to pound something even more amazing int--”

She started to say something, but trailed off in the middle of her sentence, maybe because Aika had moved into another knifehand strike pose. I looked down once more at the bracelet on my right hand and then at the girl sitting opposite me.

“You can explain this, right. The power you gave me, and the identity of those deviants.”

“...I, I am sorry. This is the first time I have ever been in a boy’s room... ehehe.”

“Wait. The first thing you’re going to explain to me is why I turn into a girl!!”

“What should I do... My heart’s beating fast, he’s going to hear it...”

“You know, what you're saying isn't matching up at all?”

Aika put in an amazed comeback. The gears of conversation weren’t turning an inch. And I think I was hearing things that shouldn’t have been said out loud in the first place.

“...U~m.”

Twoearle turned to look carefully at Aika next to her, and made a quiet noise.

“Aika-san. You are tired, are you not. Please go back to your house and rest.”

She had a smile like an angel but a closing time, get lost aura was floating around her.

“Nope. I would like to hear it too.”

Aika answered flatly, a vein standing out on her forehead.

...What is this atmosphere. I don’t know why, but I’m suddenly feeling a chill.

“Aika, I will send you a letter after we are done, so please go home and take a nice rest tonight. Incidentally, it seems that in this country they have the phrase ‘read the atmosphere, stupid.’ I was quite interested to learn that.”

“Shut up and start talking!!”

“Eaaaaaaah, that’s a contradictiooon”

Aika had grabbed her collar and was shaking it with her neck snapping back and forth like a baby whose muscles weren’t developed yet. It looked like a dangerous situation. I hastily jumped in to stop them.

“Calm down, Aika. I’m sure this is just Twoearle’s way of showing her consideration.”

“Ha ha... Souji-sama, you understand me perfectly, do you not? I’m no match for you...”

Even though we were in my room, Twoearle’s hair sparkled and fluttered in an unseen wind.

It’s like a widescreen event CG, it looks like it’s shining like the climactic scene of a game. What kind of game is this.

“Hey, Souji, is there a nice weapon in your room? Like a hammer or axe, something like that.”

“No, of course there isn’t, and you’re a girl, so you should choose a weapon that doesn’t depend so much on your muscles!!”

A giant weapon that relies on arm strength to promise a fatal wound. That’s not a nice weapon, those would put her on ice.

Twoearle cleared her throat and, “I apologize. I think I have gotten ahead of myself.”

She didn’t reply to Aika’s suspicious “how?” but continued.

“Allow me to explain, from beginning to end. First, the Tailgear.”

“Right, that’s the first thing. Why I become a girl.”

Twoearle took a scrap of paper out of her pocket and unfolded it into a huge liquid crystal terminal. The creases had vanished. I’m getting excited at all these little bits of overtechnology.

In the middle of the screen was a complete chart of the Tailgear. Lines were drawn to each piece of the armor, and descriptions filled up the rest of the space.

<div style="width: 65%; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.8rem; border: solid black 1px; padding: 6px; margin-left: 4%;">'''Overview of the parts of the Tailgear'''

Manufacturer: Twoearle (B90 W57 H86 Equipment user has the right to confirm with
                        the naked eye and/or body)

【'''ＴＡＩＬＧＥＡＲ'''】 An anti-Elemerian strength-amplification weapon created by user Elemera resonation with a Twintail Element as the core. Not limited to ground combat, it can operate equally well in deep sea or the vacuum of space. A mere 0.01 seconds pass between the beginning of the transformation and the completion of the weapon, and even during that time enemy attacks are held at bay by an unfolding shield, the Photon Cocoon.

【'''ＰＨＯＴＯＮ　ＣＩＲＣＬＥ'''】 A piece that covers the neck. Deploys Imagine Chaff, the recognition jamming force. It also strengthens vision and hearing to the degree that the equipment user can see and even hear events taking place 20 kilometers away.

【'''ＦＯＲＣＥ　ＲＩＶＯＮ'''】 A hair ornament-model device. Creates a weapon in response to the rising Elemera of the equipment user.

【'''ＰＨＯＴＯＮ　ＶＥＩＬ'''】 An extremely flexible metal which covers the whole body, it is the raw material of the Tailgear. It can boast hardness over 80 times that of diamond but is as light on the body and easy to move in as a set of clothes. The Photon Veil disassembles and absorbs the user’s clothing, so transformation and cancellation occur smoothly.

【'''ＳＰＩＲＩＴＩＣＡ　ＦＩＮＧＥＲ'''】 A piece that covers the hand from the wrist to the fingertips. It strengthens the force of the equipment user’s grip several hundred times, and the punching power becomes over 100 tons.

【'''ＳＰＩＲＩＴＩＣＡ　ＬＥＧ'''】 A piece from the lower leg down to the ankle. It strengthens the equipment user’s walking power several hundred times, and the kicking power over 150 tons.

【'''ＴＡＩＬＢＲＡＣＥ'''】 After the transformation, it regulates the Tailgear’s power output. Also, it is connected to the base’s main computer and transmits the operating condition with a negligible time lag of 0.001 seconds.

【'''ＥＬＥＭＥＬＥＴＩＯＮ'''】 Elemera Orb Conversion Device connected to the left armpiece. Special equipment that draws out the power of an Elemera Orb. The power of the Orb is reified, and charges every part of the Tailgear.

【'''ＥＸＣＥＬＬＩＯＮ　ＢＯＯＳＴ'''】 Opening from the hip, an amplifier apparatus that focuses and releases Elemera. Supplies power to movement and incarnated weapons. When all energy is released, it protects against counter-currents so that the equipment user will not be wounded by backlash from the power they have raised to its limit.

【'''ＥＸＣＥＬＬＩＯＮ　ＳＨＯＲＴＳ'''】

【'''ＰＨＯＴＯＮ　ＡＢＳＯＲＢＥＲ'''】 A defensive membrane of spiritual energy that surrounds the Tailgear. It can take a force corresponding to a 90-ton physical impact and distribute and mitigate it before it reaches the Tailgear. Also, when fighting in space, it plays the role of a radiation shield.</div>

“That was loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong!!”

Twoearle had finished her excited explanation and was bowled over by an iron punch from an equally excited Aika.

“Every little bit of it is so stupid, but... here! A one-hundred-ton punch would blow over a building!”

“Uuuh... For those numbers I was trying to give it a chuu-ni feeling, so I just wrote whatever I thought looked good... You can do it if you try to, though, I think.”

Twoearle got up, rubbing her cheek. She’s reckless and tough, this girl.

She already has the technology of instantaneous teleportation, so even if the suit did have a destructive force of 100 tons or so, it wouldn’t really be surprising...

“What’s this Force Rivon supposed to be? It’s just a ribbon piece, why is there a V in there, it pisses me off!!”

“What do you mean? Boys of a certain age love the letter V! It makes their fighting spirit roar! I guess after all this is an area that a psychotic girl who doesn’t know anything about boys wouldn’t be able to understand, isn’t it!”

“I... W, wh, wh, hey, so are you saying you have so much experience with guys!?”

“That’s very rude. I am not necessarily a virgin, do not put me together with a bitch like you.”

Aika heaved Twoearle up onto her back and delivered a blow to her spine, with an amazing technique that even I hadn’t seen before.

For the time being let’s say this is just a very radical version of girls’ talk.

I’m surprised myself at how serene I am. It could be this wild dance of special moves designed to destroy the human body, radical in another sense... well, in the original sense.

That aside, Twoearle was right.

How do I put it... there are a lot of things here that appeal to a man’s instincts. When I look at it my mouth opens a little.

“But now that I look at it again, it’s actually awesome.”

With everything amplified several hundred times or several thousand times it wouldn’t be impossible to break through the atmosphere sometime when you were running.

“Twoearle, the Excellion Shorts part is blank, but they have some kind of function, right? This... here, right on the swimsuit... part...”

“Er, to put it simply, when the fight goes on for a long time and you want to go to the bathroom, this can break it down to the molecular level and scatter it into the atmosphere for you, but... it seemed like it would spoil the chuu-ni a little, so I wasn’t sure if I should mention it.”

I didn’t hear it - the true function of this piece of cloth with the glittering title of Excellion.

I will also leave this space blank in my heart hereafter.

“Ah... wait, wait! So you explained the layout of the Tailgear, but what about my body! Explain the part about becoming a girl first!!”

“What, you want me to teach you about a girl’s body? Hoho, that’s right, I resigned myself to this. When I agreed to come home with a man who worked himself up in a fight, I knew in my heart that this would probably”

“Tell us already, I’m not going to hold back for much longer!!”

“My elbow can bend farther noooow!!”

Wrestling fairly well with her words too, Aika was ruthlessly trying to break... no, she was crushing the girl’s slender arm.

...So up until now you’ve been holding back?

Looking at this brutal joint technique I don’t think Aika needed a weapon.

“You become a little girl when you put on the Tailgear because ---- that’s what I like! Is there something wrong with that!?”

“You’re suddenly serious!?”

Twoearle rose bravely to her full height as if she weren’t afraid of anyone.

Of course, I was also lost for words.

“Also, if you look like a little girl, it invites carelessness from the enemy, and you draw their attention. It is the best style to use against those guys.”

“We have little white lies in our part of the world too, Twoearle.”

But you know, if she’d choked down the first thing she said and just used the second explanation, I would have been able to barely accept it. For some reason her personal tastes were seriously interfering with what she wanted to say and exposing her.

“I understand. I can’t agree with this, but there is a good reason, so I guess I can’t help it.”

“Of course, right? Little girls are so cute, right!!”

No, not just interfering, I’m almost certain her tastes were her main reason, but... I’m scared to ask.

“Now. I want to ask about that monster too, but first, Twoearle, could you tell me about yourself?”

“Yes, I’ve been waaiting for you!! Please take a good look in all the corners!!”

She was about to strip her white coat off with a splendid gesture and probably a little jacket play when Aika’s body blow landed.

“Tempura donnnn”

With a mysterious moan, Twoearle collapsed on the floor. These guys are already perfectly in sync...?

“I... I am not a human of this world.... I came here from another world.”

That makes sense. I thought that we couldn’t communicate, our gears weren’t meeting up, but she wasn’t just a foreigner, she was from another world.

The cultural wall between worlds is incredibly thick, huh.

“Please do not misunderstand me, though. I said another world, but to be exact it is like a parallel dimension. It is not so different from here. The name of the country is different, but in this world, I would be Japanese.”

““Really!?””

A rare harmony with Aika. Now I can’t imagine what she means by “not so different.”

“So let’s talk about what that monster wanted first... the energy of the mind called Elemera.”

I’ve broken the explanation Twoearle gave down into my own words.

Not planets, not universes, but an uncountable number of “worlds” lie parallel to each other. Although no one can see it, they are as close together as if they were on either side of a door. As if they were the points on a backgammon board.

Originally, just like our universe, these worlds didn’t have the slightest idea that there were others, and still less were they able to travel between dimensions. It was impossible for a human race that had only barely managed to make it to the moon.

But there are extremely rare worlds with levels of scientific achievement that are literally in another dimension. The energy of the heart, Elemera, was born on a world like that.

The energy requirements of the technology they were developing became a problem, and they eventually arrived at a way to make use of the power in the human heart. That became like their electricity, their fossil fuel, their mineral wealth.

They made the vague and doubtful thing called ‘heart’ solid and concrete, and it gave birth to infinite possibility.

The core of the Tailgear, the target of those monsters, Elemera - element energy. It mediates every thought and desire a person has, and exists without limit.

Not just taste, but professions, features of the body, fields of expertise... a person doesn’t necessarily just have one element, and some have many.

“The enemy today was shouting, ‘find the twintails,’ or, ‘catch little girls with dolls,’ were they not? That is what they meant by it.”

I remembered the monsters’ mad little party vividly.

“That is what is called a Twintail Element. The fact that they have twintails. And their love for them and attachment to them. Those ingredients condense into mental energy. Elemera is the foundation everyone has in their heart, the source of their vitality. If it is lost... for example, if a person lost their Twintail Element, that person would never in their life be able to wear twintails again!”

“In their whole life!?”

“Yes. Even if they tried to tie them, they would not be able to. The blank left by a lost element will rule the body for eternity.”

A chill ran up my spine.

So if I had screwed up back there, those girls wouldn’t have been able to wear twintails again in their life, even if they had wanted to.

“S, something that crazy is possible...” Aika was touching her own hair protectively.

“Can you get that much power just because someone likes twintails!?”

“The force of the mind is vast, stronger than any fuel or chemical energy. Even when you are exercising, there is a remarkable difference in effectiveness depending on whether you are bored or you concentrate, right? That is also your mental energy turning into driving force.”

“That’s true. ‘The greatest way to train is to polish your mind’... grandpa said that to me a lot too.”

“Yeah.”

I know that in the fight today I was also remembering her grandfather’s words. I’m worried that his leading successor pays absolutely no attention to his wisdom, though.

“Aika, do you by any chance have an interest in martial arts?”

“Yeah, my grandpa ran a martial arts school.”

“That makes sense... I may need to start carrying a gun to protect myself, I suppose.”

“Go ahead. In that case I can kill you without hesitation.”

“......”

Twoearle froze at the straight-faced reply. I’ve been spending my days with a girl who says, “At last I can get serious,” when someone pulls a gun on her. My eyes are getting red.

“Tha - that aside. Unaided, a person’s ability to concentrate is more or less their limit, no matter how much practice or training they have... but this energy, Elemera, goes beyond that. The conversion is much more efficient when you materialize it and do not just burn it internally, and you obtain a source of refined energy far beyond existing methods of generating power. That is what makes it possible for the Tailgear to be the strongest weapon.”

Twoearle dropped her gaze to my right arm.

“I believe you recovered a stone after the battle.”

I remembered the stone that I had picked up without thinking. A light green stone with a mysterious glow. Maybe because I had it in mind, the stone popped out of the bracelet and rolled into the palm of my hand.

Although it was clearly not organic, I felt a quickening in it as though alive.

“That is a crystallized element, called an Elemera Orb.”

“Elemera Orb, huh?... But why something like twintails? I understand the part about a strong mental power, but, you know, in that case... it should be love for your family, or friendship. Aren’t there lots of things like that?”

“You could say that those have a splendid strength, but look at it more carefully. The love for family that intelligent beings possess is to some extent instinct. It is the bedrock of the mind, not the motivation for life but life itself. And in your life, what do you throw yourself into, what do you long for? What are you charmed by, what do you charm others with? That is where you will find the spiritual power of the individual, will you not?”

“Throwing your life into twintails...”

Aika gave me an amazed, sidelong glance.

“What, something bad about that!? Actually it was really powerful, wasn’t it!!”

“Yes. The Twintail Element has the highest order of power even among the Elemera. And that is also what allowed me to make use of its power to create a battle suit. The name ‘Tailgear’ does not only come from the ‘tail’ in ‘twintail,’ but from the ‘tale’ of fantasy!”

“...Are you serious, twintails are the strongest...!?”

“There is no reason why a strong element must have an impressive title. Elements which make you go ‘huh?’ and tilt your head for a second are often more powerful, enough to shock you.”

My life is not some kind of mistake.

This might be an exaggeration, but I think maybe my whole life has led to this day.

“The Tailgear is a weapon built with a Twintail Element at its core. Therefore, its use is of course limited to those with a strong Twintail Element. A boy who has never himself worn twintails would ordinarily not be expected to have that much power. But in this world, the possessor of the strongest Twintail Element is... Souji-sama, it is you----”

“So I was the chosen one!!”

“Yes, you are the chosen one! ...Um~ by the way, the explanation has gotten a little boring, so would you mind switching off the lights?”

Twoearle ran her fingers along the floor as if she were playing scales on a piano and lifted her hand to touch my thigh. Aika threw a very bulky monthly shonen magazine that had been lying on the floor of my room and intercepted it.

“Ooow!”

Those thousand-odd pages weren’t just for show. Twoearle puffed on her finger.

“You said those monsters were looking for Elemera. Did they come from another world too?”

“Yes. Those guys are --”

<center>◇</center>

A monster that looked like a bug brought its fist down bang! on the table.

“You say Lizard Guildy was defeated!? By a human!!”

“Nonsense, how is that possible!!”

“Mere negligence cannot explain that! What is this!!”

A grand hall, all dull grey. Creatures of richly individual shape were gathered at a round table like executives holding a meeting in a conference room. This was the secret base of the Ultima Guil.

Neither air nor sea nor the solid earth knowing, a crystal of science and the occult. A base and a mother ship. And also the colony where the monsters lived.

It wasn’t hidden somewhere. It wasn’t even visible to the human eye. A temple... or a better word would be a sanctuary. Now, of course, it was anchored in Souji’s world.

As the commanding officer of the raid squadron, Lizard Guildy had departed in high spirits. But he hadn’t been out for a day before he was defeated together with several dozen of the Ultiroids. The report sent a huge shock through his fellows.

“Hmmmn, what is this! Our preliminary investigations of this world showed the level of civilization was low and the element level higher than anything we’ve seen before, an ideal environment! That was what we decided, wasn’t it!!”

Angry roars rose from all corners of the room, all calm lost.

The Elemerians.

The brilliant flourishing of Elemera had been cut short in one stroke by an unknown form of life. They were outside of the evolutionary chain of all other living things, crystals of mental energy with an ego and a body. As it were, the life of Elemera itself, so they had been given that name.

Humans are organic matter, and so we take in other plants and animals to survive. With bodies of mental energy, Elemerians have to live by -- of course, absorbing that same mental energy.

Like blood donation, it had become an iron rule that Elemera must never be extracted in a quantity large enough to hurt someone. But the Elemerians sucked it all out in an instant. They built up advanced knowledge unnoticed and finally learned how to form a conspiracy, and they gathered together into a grand organization and pulled the fangs out of humanity.

That organization was the Ultima Guil, the evil army that had already crossed through many worlds and was now in the world where Souji lived.

“Si-ilence!!”

A monster in the shape of a dragon broke through the mayhem with a roar. The hall suddenly went quiet as if it had been hit by cold water.

“Commander! Dra - Drag Guildy!”

Their commander gave off a fierce fighting aura even seated in his chair. His status was clearly well above that of the other figures in the hall.

“We who trained Lizard Guildy know well his strength. What this tells us is that there is a hidden soldier with enough power to defeat him.”

“A soldier...”

“Watch. It died in an instant, but one of our Ultiroids broadcast this recorded image to us.”

On a large monitor at the front of the room, a picture of the transformed Souji appeared.

Oooohh..., a simultaneous cry of wonder.

“Lizard Guildy was defeated by her... hmmmm, if it was those twintails then I can understand it.”

“What beauty... what love... this must be the Guardian of this world!”

“One cannot call this anything other than a coincidence, the work of the gods. All we knew about the level of civilization in advance was the surface layer, so even if there are one or two warriors that transcend this world’s logic and limits, it is not so mysterious. We have faced warriors who oppose us many times before, have we not.”

“...But up until now the strong enemies we have been fighting have all fallen into our ... aoooooh, what is this!?”

The muscular soldiers stood up out of their chairs with a tremendous noise. Broken into six parts, the monitor was showing the young warrior from all directions. A moment when her twintails were in lively motion had been captured, just like a blog review of a figurine.

Oh my.

Hmm.

Oh, this is.

They were supposed to be mourning Lizard Guildy but had become judges in a twintails show.

“More than anything, this young child... I sense in her fate both dread and destiny. These are not just twintails, this is not just a young girl. I feel a profound mystery here, don’t you?”

Drag Guildy folded his arms and curled his upper lip back. His eyes were missing nothing as he watched the screen, with a gleam of wit in them that didn’t match his bold and grim appearance.

“Well, what shall it be? Will we tuck our tail between our legs and leave for another world?”

With a faint smile, he cast his eyes over the company. The answer was obvious, and so the only response was a fearless grin from them all.

“What are you saying, sir? With twintails like that before us, to run to some trash world?”

“Heh... It looks like I’ve found the place I’m going to die.”

“Then nothing has changed. We will take those twintails and the Elemera of this world together!!”

Eaaaaaaaaahh...!!

Each and every one of them was a soldier so gallant and resolute that it was almost stifling.

“This is a happy accident, isn’t it? An formidable enemy comes out of nowhere and blocks our path - when that happens, a military man’s blood starts roaring even harder!”

Drag Guildy let out a ringing laugh with a look rising on his face that mixed joy and madness.

This is the Ultima Guil.

Callous monsters who cross between dimensions and have made humanity their enemy ---- we have the general idea of them for now.

<center>◇</center>

“Your world was destroyed, Twoearle!?”

I was amazed at what she casually said after she was done talking about the monsters.

“All of the people of my world had their Elemera stolen away by the Ultima Guil. Looking at the world from far away, you might not notice a single difference... but it was a lonely world of people who were somehow inanimate, with no ambition. There can be no invasion so quiet and cruel.”

In other words, what they destroyed was the heart of the world -- what they conquered was people’s spirit, or more like...

“In our world, the technology of Elemera had not yet been established, so they were an evil beyond human knowledge. There was no way to fight them. On top of that, you remember, you two thought at first that the girls were not hurt. It is hard to understand the real depth of an injury to Elemera. We dragged our feet when we should have opposed them with all our strength.”

“...Twoearle...”

Aika who had been optimistic back then hung her head in agreement.

A world where no one can meddle with the things they love, the things they pour their heart into. When I imagine it, I shiver.

“Definitely. They wouldn’t launch a serious global-scale counteroffensive against a monster that said stupid stuff like that, either, right.”

“Because I saw injury early, I conducted research on their technology before they started to seriously gather Elemera. Thanks to that, not all of my Elemera was stolen from me, but...”

You didn’t have enough to protect the world?

“Twoearle, you’re a researcher? To analyse a technology your world didn’t yet have, that’s amazing. You must be ridiculously smart. And you look like you’re about as old as we are.”

“My age is a secret!”

Twoearle put a finger to her lip and winked. Maybe sick of her girlish attitude, Aika bent her eyebrows up in a 八 shape like a punk in a leather jacket.

“If once stolen, the absorbed Elemera will never return. So it is a revenge that will bear no fruit, but... I would like to use my power to stop them from invading, at least.”

“All right! It’s a huge blessing for us that our interests coincide, but I’ll do it, to strike at the enemies of your world, and to keep our own world safe. Thank you for letting me use this power.”

“Yes! Please use it any way you want! This body!!”

Aika lashed out like a whip to grab Twoearle, who had a triumphant smile on her face as if she didn’t feel like it was enough to just let me use the Tailgear, and floored her with a back suplex.

I can see their underpants perfectly from where I’m sitting but, why is it, why is it that even when they do this I’m not feeling anything erotic about these two.

“Come to think of it, Twoearle, isn’t there anyone else who can use the Tailgear?”

“I cannot mass-produce them, but... there is just one more. And I have found someone who is qualified to use it already.”

“Really!? In that case, we...”

“But... it is not a person with a just spirit like you, Souji-sama. I don’t know if person is even the right word for them. An inhuman barbarian, heartless, a wild beast stained through to their soul with violence. If I gave such a mighty power to that demon, even supposing they could use it, I think they might become a greater threat to Earth than the Ultima Guil are.”

Twoearle poured out her heart with a bitter expression.

“Is that so? There are villains like that among people who like twintails, that’s kind of sad...”

“Hmm. Even though they have Elemera, they’re a demon with no heart. That’s odd.”

“Yes. I could not have believed it myself until I saw it with my own eyes. Actually, I still can’t believe it.”

In any case, we can’t expect reinforcements. It looks like I have to fight by myself for now or it’ll be hopeless.

“Naturally, I want to stop Souji from fighting in a war, but if he’s the only one that can fight, I guess there’s nothing I can do... But your safety is your first priority, all right?”

“Yeah, I know!”

“You don’t know! Listen, if you’re the greatest thing to them, you’re going to become their number one target! What if you lose, what do you think they’re going to do to you!?”

“Aika, you’re so gloomy... Elemerians do not have any particular interest in the human bo... lime juice!!”

Another back suplex. Before long the floor’s going to wear out.

“Your face is bright red, is it not! You are imagining something like tentacles!!”

“Sh, shut up shut up!! If they like that kind of thing, or if they have an element like that...”

Aika, waving her hands like an angry kid, abruptly stopped with a serious look.

“...Hey. You said that all the world’s Elemera was stolen, right? Then how did the Tailgear...”

“Oh my, it’s already this late!”

Twoearle looked somewhat unnaturally at the clock hanging on the wall behind her and clapped her hands. Aika had started to say something, but was interrupted by her badly delivered line and made another 八 with her eyebrows.

“I think that it would be a good idea to go home and rest before long, Aika. Are you not tired?”

“No, I’m just fine. Why are you trying to get me to go home by myself?”

“I thought you might be tired...”

Endless.

Twoearle felt around in the pockets of her white coat, and stood up suddenly with a smirk.

“Souji-sama, I am going to go make some more tea.”

“No, I can’t let you do that, you’re a guest - hey.”

I tried to get up but she stopped me, put the cups on the tray, and left the room hastily.

“...Hey, wait a second, Twoearle! My mom’s in the kitche...!!”

“I have made some more.”

“So fast!?”

I was about to hurry out of the room and follow her, but the door opened again after only seconds. Did she use the teleportation pen again? For some reason she had just one cup and was holding it carefully.

There was steam rising from it, certainly, but... did she really make more.

No, it’s not steam, there are bubbles rising from the unnaturally boiling water, or a piece of wrapping paper had fallen out of the pocket she was using, or it looked like she had just finished emptying the contents, or is that what’s going on or isn’t it, which one is it, it’s this mood where a chill is running up my spine again.

“Well, please go ahead, Aika.”

“Uh, okay...?”

You’ve been shouting all this time, your throat is probably dry.

Aika accepted it obediently and was about to raise the cup to her lips...

“...”

Her hand trembled and she stopped short as if she had felt the presence of a ghost. I couldn’t help but be drawn to the source of the gaze either. When I looked tactfully out of the corner of my eye at Twoearle, she was sta-ring at Aika with her eyes wide open like an owl.

“Now, drink,” her look said.

“...Twoearle, try a little bit of this.”

Aika handed back the cup.

“No, I have already had enough.”

“Just a sip is fine, though.”

“No, no.”

“Please, drink.”

“Absolutely not.”

“...You put something in this, didn’t you, you fucker!!”

Aika brandished the cup and threw the tea in Twoearle’s face.

“Nyuonmuuuu!!”

“Aaah ---- what are you doing, Aika!! That’s terrible!!”

When I see the way Twoearle is holding her mouth firmly closed, I feel absolutely sure she did put a sleeping pill or something in there. Why is she trying this hard to get Aika to go away!?

“Sou-ji, you can’t put any confidence in this woman! She absolutely has some kind of plot!!”

Uh, you know, I’m not going to believe everything Twoearle says all of a sudden either, but usually, when I try to think carefully about it, I get interrupted by screaming. What am I supposed to do!

“Calling it a plot is too harsh, I think.”

“So - Souji... Why are you putting this much trust in her! Is it because she has breasts!?”

Aika demanded an answer with tears in her eyes. Was she worrying about it that much? Maybe it would have been better to hold back the joke about her chest in that fight...

I pulled a hand towel out of the storage under my bed.

“Use this towel, Twoearle. I’m going to bring some ice from downstairs.”

“That is all right, it was not really that hot.”

“It looked pretty hot!?”

I started to wipe Twoearle’s face carefully with the towel.

“...M~m... m~ fu...”

She’s bringing her face unnaturally close to me. Watching us, Aika started to groan quietly, and her body was shaking. Feelings of guilt were naturally welling up within her, I guess?

“I don’t think you’ll have a burn... Aika, even if she came from another world, she’s just a normal human being. If you do the kind of tsukkomi you usually do on me, she’ll get hurt.”

I should have said that back when we met. How many punches has she taken already?

“Oh, that’s right.”

Twoearle, lying back in my arms as I was wiping her face, smiled as if she had realized something and suddenly began to wriggle again.

“It is hot... it is hot inside my clothes too. Please wipe me there...”

She took off her white coat. The plump breasts under her thin untrustworthy underwear shook as if they were about to burst.

“Eeeh...!? No, that is, uh, definitely... I’ll ask Aika.”

“If Aika did it, she might pour more boiling water in, I am worried.”

“I’m not gonna!!”

“That is a lie! You were trying to see if you could twist off my breasts earlier!!”

“They stayed on in the end, so it’s fine, isn’t it?”

I think I can turn a blind eye to this conversation. I feel unspeakable fear responding in me, a long way beyond any of the scenes of destruction that I saw today.

“Let me have that!!”

As I broke out in a cold sweat, Aika took the chance and grabbed the towel from me.

“Nuryaaa!!”

Aika threw all her strength into scrubbing Twoearle’s chest with the towel to the point that it was more like rubdown therapy.

“The heat of friction is cutting down my breaaaaasts!!”

“You should get cut down to the bone, people like you!!”

It’s a little late to be saying this, but that first impression of Twoearle has certainly been smashed to atoms.

“Let, let’s talk about exactly how to operate the Tailgear later... I will leave the details for tomorrow or later, so let us stop here, all right...”

Twoearle made this suggestion while rubbing her chest. (By the way, without learning anything she said “Souji-sama, could you rub my chest” and took an open-palm blow from Aika on her chin.)

“Yeah, okay.”

To be honest, there are still many things I haven’t heard enough about, but I decided to agree with her since Aika has been in a really bad mood this whole time. I’ve asked the main things, and this should be enough for today. And I think this conversation is going to cut down Twoearle’s life if it goes on too long.

“Um... sorry. Throwing the tea on you. I went too far there.”

Aika seemed to be unwilling, but she apologized.

“It is all right. After all, I am stronger than a normal human. Incidentally, I think the other threats to my life may also have gone a bit too far.”

“Sorry, all right!!”

Stronger. I hadn’t expected to hear that word, and doubt rose into my mind at it. What was it that gave Twoearle that strength? She said that her goal was revenge, but I can’t feel even a hint of tragedy in her.

No, it wasn’t the kind of “invasion” that left everything a scorched earth, but even when she was talking about her old world, even when she was explaining her enemy the Elemerians, there didn’t seem to be even a bit of anger or sadness or resentment in her.

If that’s because she was putting a happy face on it, I think she really is strong.

“Umm~.”

“Whoa!”

Twoearle rubbed her hands together in front of my thighs, and gave me a look pregnant with meaning that was mixed with long, feverish breaths.

“So, then, Souji-sama. I also want to be able to back you up in a fight, so, from now on, I would like us to do everything together as much as possible. For efficiency’s sake, even eating and sleeping... um, the essential one of those is sleeping...”

She closed her mouth there. A look as sharp as a bed of nails had been fired from behind me.

“Eating and sleeping... wait, you mean here?”

“Yes, so would you allow me to borrow a room? As long as I can sleep it will be enough.”

“Huh!?”

“If you are going to say ‘we don’t have any rooms to lend to someone like you,’ then even a toilet will be fine, so... Hhh, haah...”

That would be even more inconvenient. But Twoearle is breathing louder for some reason.

“No, there’s not really anyone here but me and my mom, and we have extra rooms, so it’s fine, but... can’t you stay at Aika’s house? You’re both girls, and there’s something better about that.”

Aika’s parents are overseas for a job right now, so she’s living together with her older sister. As long as her sister is okay with it, I think that would be better, but...

“It is better with a boy and a girl... er, what I mean is, there are a number of considerations.”

“Even Aika doesn’t normally throw tea on people. Do you?”

“Of course I don’t! How savage do you think I am!!”

She wants to say I’m being ridiculous, but looking back at the amount of violence in not even an entire afternoon, she doesn’t make so unpersuasive an objection.

“But I am going to support you, Souji-sama, so it is more efficient if you let me live here. The assassins of the Ultima Guil are going to be coming again and again after this, you know!”

“U~mm, but...”

That was something that I didn't have an instant reply to. First of all, how should I explain this to mom?

“My mom is really like a kid in some ways. So, you know, if this incident leaks out, I’m worried she’ll stick her nose in.”

She lives her life jumping into the next exciting thing - for example, her half-hearted management of the cafe. If I let her know that I’m going to take care of a girl, she won’t worry about it or scold me, she is the master of taking nothing seriously. I’m scared to talk to her about this. I can see too clearly what would happen.

“Another urgent matter is the establishment of a base.”

“A base--”

Aika was taken aback at the jump in vocabulary. Come to think of it, there was something about that in the chart for the Tailgear.

“Due to the tremendous scale of the enemy, the system that supports Souji-sama must be flawless. Mission support, monitoring of the combat, maintenance of all kinds... it will also act as a research laboratory, so the base has to have a suitable size.”

“I see.”

I agreed with her. The value of support had been more than proven in the first battle today.

“And so, I would like you to allow me to dig a space underneath your house. The ground under this house is also more suitable.”

“Space under my house!? I’m not sure it will be okay if there’s an earthquake or something.”

“...Wait, the ground? But I live right next door...”

Aika’s also extremely worried. We’re such close neighbours that we’re practically connected, after all.

“Please do not worry. I will finish it tonight.”

Twoearle said something so ridiculous that people throughout the world working in the construction industry are going to do an old-fashioned spit take and blow out their tea.

“That makes it even harder to feel safe. What’s that lightning-speed work! Our houses aren’t just all going to sink into the ground, right?”

Twoearle shook her head gently and smiled sweetly.

“Aika, if you were living by yourself, I would not be unwilling even to demolish you and your house together with explosives, but I cannot cause trouble for your family.”

“Why don’t you get buried, hey, why don’t you get buried!”

Aika is shoving Twoearle’s head into the floor with an angry look on her face, on the verge of caving in the floorboards. She’s so beautiful that you feel ashamed just to look at her, but it looks like Aika’s gotten totally used to that. She doesn’t hold back when she scolds her.

“Twoearle. I’ll persuade my mom one way or another, so... could you help me think of a good reason why we’re going to live together? I absolutely don’t want anything about the Tailgear and the stuff about the Ultima Guil to come out.”

“Leave that to me. I can think of any number of lies like that. I am Seek Time=Zero Twoearle, I need no thinking time whatsoever.”

She hit her chest proudly with a thump. Another sketchy name in the ruby.

“Don’t act proud! And don’t shake your breasts!!”

Aika shot an “I still haven’t wiped it enough?” glare at that chest as if it had killed her father.

“How about this? I am your classmate, studying abroad from a foreign country.”

“I see, a homestay line or something?”

“No, I was lost in an unfamiliar city, and you tricked and kidnapped me and locked me up. See, I’m desperately trying to run away, so it makes perfect sense for me to dig a hole!”

“Does that make sense!!”

Twoearle took a punch to the liver.

“...I’ll persuade her on my own, okay?”

“Yeah. That’s a better idea. Go do it before she gets back up.”

I’m sorry. I can’t watch this.

She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in my life, and she’s rolling on the floor in agony in a way I’ve never seen outside of a fighting manga. It could easily overturn my whole view of life to look directly at this spectacle.

I went out into the hallway and breathed a big sigh of resignation.

This is the first time I’ve ever told my mom a lie this huge. It’s a kind of tension I’ve never tasted before.

The homestay line is the safest one, I think.

I’m not sure how well I’ll be able to explain it all afterward, but I am not good at lying. Ad-libbing doesn’t work either, as I’ve had rubbed in my face twice today.

“I’ll hide the parts I need to, and I’ll explain the truth as much as I can afterward. That’s all I can do...”

My mom was leaning on the with her arms folded when I came down the stairs.

“---- I hope you didn’t mind me listening in!”

“Don't listen to----!!”

“Oh my.”

I pulled my mom into the living room.

“Do you not care about your own son’s privacy?!!”

“You brought a girl other than Aika-chan along with you. I was sure there would be some interesting developments!!”

I rubbed my forehead and groaned. The whole thing was already revealed back when we walked in. I shouldn’t have worried about eyewitnesses at the scene, I should have been on maximum alert after I came home.

“...How much did you hear?! What did you hear?!!”

“I heard a girl screaming over and over. Muhuhu, things were pretty rough.”

Ah, she heard almost the whole thing. That’s already almost the whole thing. By the way, all the violence without exception was the young girl from next door.

“You said you were the ones who settled the incident that was on the news?”

“Why do you believe that!? Don’t you even have a little doubt!?”

We believe it because we saw it with our own eyes and then fought in it, but somehow she believes the whole thing just from eavesdropping on us.

My mother looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath.

“So at last, this day has come...”

I stepped back in shock at the serious expression on my mother’s face.

This calmness, the speed of adaptation... there was only one conclusion I could come to.

“...It can’t be, mom, you’ve already known for a long time... I was going to be chosen as the wearer of the Tailgear...!!”

“Umm, I don't know anything about it, but...”

Complete denial with the same serious face.

“Why were you acting like you knew!? Or actually, you didn’t hear anything we talked about!!”

“Monsters called Elemerians in the Ultima Guil attacked this world to obtain Elemera, the mental energy of humans, and you fight them using a suit called the Tailgear, Sou-chan?”

“Or you understand all of it, or which one!?”

That’s impressive understanding considering she was eavesdropping.

“...This was my dream, you know.”

My mother raised her face to heaven with lips tinged with drool and an expression of ecstasy on her face.

“Souji, your mother grew up with an aggravated case of chuunibyou. I passed my days dreaming of becoming a heroine who protected the world, and finally, without ever getting my wish, I became a mother of one. But, listen, I passed that dream down through the umbilical cord, and entrusted it to you.”

“What are you doing to your kid before he’s even born!!”

With a little effort this could probably have become a moving, unforgettable conversation between parent and child, but my mom was talking about the errors of her youth.

“And your late father, he was also ------ a terminal chuunibyou patient.”

“Is that something you pause before saying? ...Dad had a bad case of chuunibyou too......”

My eyes feel itchy, and not because I’m about to cry.

“We fell in love in an instant, and threw our chuuni back and forth at each other to our hearts’ content, wishing together. Dad also wanted very, very much to be a hero. He’d make stories where he became a hero in great detail, and he let me hear about them! At the end, he’d even tell me how he felt when he powered up and things like that.”

“Stop-- I think I’m about to run into the front hall and smash his portrait!!”

I pressed my hands against my skull as if under assault by ultrasonic waves. Just listening to these memories feels like it’s blocking the blood vessels in my brain.

“But the situation your mother hoped for the most was to get close to a young man from the enemy organization and fall in love with each other. On the other hand, your father also dreamt of exactly the opposite situation, so we fought with each other on countless occasions! To be honest, several times we decided to break up because of that.”

English is not my strong point at all, but right now I think I could fluently say “ＯＨＭＹＧＯＤ!”

Someone who tries to put on a bracelet that transforms you into a young girl when they ask to share a table seems normal.

My parents, on countless occasions, fought and broke up for reasons as irrational as any in the world - it’s too heavy for the heart of a boy in adolescence. It’s very difficult to take.

“It was the winter of our third year in university. Your heartbroken mother said, “Let’s try a setting where a boy and girl who are always at each others’ throats are drawn to each other,” as a concession, but your father insisted that it had to be forbidden love with the female commander of the enemy forces (wearing body armor like a swimsuit) and refused to compromise. Even our relationship can only go so far... that’s about the time I started to resign myself to that. ...Sou-chan. I realized that you were in my belly around...”

Ectoplasm is coming out of my mouth. I can’t push it back in, my hands have no strength.

Dating each other with messed up fantasies, and then a shotgun marriage. This kind of parents. What do I do, what am I supposed to do with these frustrated feelings.

Something even heavier than the peace of the planet Earth is settling onto my shoulders.

“After that we got along with each other so well that it seemed unbelievable... heh heh, we often said that our child was the tie between us.”

That might have been true in my mother’s relationship, but when I hear that right now I feel pain like a spike being driven through my head!

“There’s one more important thing I have to say. This is a good time, I think.”

“Huh?”

“You know, Souji... you’re the oldest child, so did you ever wonder why your name has the character ‘two’ in it?”

A deep sadness dwelled in my mother’s eyes.

Certainly I’ve wondered, but in the end I never asked about it.

Why is she talking about that now?

“...Ah... Did I have some older brother or sister that you expected to come before me!?”

Mom shook her head.

“It came from the shared feelings of your father and I. ‘Ah, the real grade two of middle school was the most fun time,’ we said. It was the nostalgia we felt for those happy days gone by that made us put the letter ‘two’ in grade two in your name!...”

[Unavoidable TL note: The literal meaning of chuunibyou is "grade-two-of-middle-school syndrome," or eighth grade syndrome. Miharu and her husband loved the way they felt that year so much that they put the "two" in grade two into Souji's name.]

“Couldn’t you have taken that secret to the grave!? I’m going to be a delinquent! If they had to hear interesting secrets of their birth one after another like this, any normal adolescent human would be a delinquent already the next day!”

“I wanted to make it something more impressive, really. Like Meteo or Ultimate. But this was another compromise between the two of us - we finally chose a kanji that we both liked.”

“Sorry, Souji is good.”

I sunk to my knees at last. I nearly wore the name of a self-conscious enemy organization...

Hey, is it possible that my, the part of me that people think is a bit of a pain, really is a hereditary thing passed down through the umbilical cord?

The sound of a floorboard creaking made me hold my breath.

“Um~, is it all right?”

“Wai... Twoearle, you can’t come yet!”

Twoearle was peeking into the living room, half hiding behind the door. She is already very lively even though she took a straight punch to the liver some minutes ago.

“Hehe, you let me listen in on your conversation, Twoearle-chan!”

“Actually, I have also been taking the opportunity to listen in.”

I’m out of reactions.

That funny story about my birth, on a level that could win a prize if you submitted it to a variety program - I guess she heard that too. I could die of agony from the memory.

“Honored mother... I have already spoken about this with Souji-sama, but I would like to live here, if you would be so kind.”

“Sure, I’ve got no reason to say no!”

“Also, I would like to build a research laboratory underground if possible, and use it as a starting point for backup.”

“Get it done right away. A hundred kilometers deep if you like. I always wanted a secret base. Let me see it once in a while, okay?”

“Of course.”

“Heeeeeyy--!?”

The conversation is advancing bewilderingly fast. She’s even been allowed to break the limits on excavation depth in the private property regulations, it’s nuts.

“Also, honored mother, could I manage to have you say ‘Oh, that’s a problem, we don’t have any spare futons. That’s right, you can just sleep together in Souji’s bed!’?”

“...Twoearle-chan, that’s good. You are really good! For someone like you to come to us from an alternate universe makes me really happy! Please think of this place as your own home! ...But, oh, that’s a problem, we don’t have any spare futons. That’s right, you can just sleep together in Souji’s bed!”

The hell are you playing it back perfectly like a voice recorder! That’s a woman who devoted her whole youth to chuunibyou for you. Apparently mom can also use Seek Time=Zero.

I’m being washed in some kind of aura coming off the two of them, mom and Twoearle, and it looks to me like they’re being pulled together by something like magnetic force. ...Sympathy?

Twoearle must have a severe case of chuunibyou also, I guess. She puts Vs into words, too.

This is scary, now what am I going to do, I’m asking you a favor, so, just once, let me cry without worrying about what other people might think.

“And so I don’t have any problem with Twoearle staying at our house. Think of this as your own home, including Sou-chan’s room, and use it without reservation.”

“Thank you very much, Mother (in law). It will mainly be Souji-sama’s room that I think of as my house.”

What’s this? They’re making fun of me, I’m pretty sure that’s what’s going on.

If I make comebacks one by one it’ll be me who loses.

I bowed my head. I had reached a degree of enlightenment.

“...Hehe, instead, would you mind making Sou-chan into a proper man sometime?”

“Oh, no, Mother (in law), please don’t be so reserved. Why do you not say ‘tonight?’”

“Twoearle-chan...!!”

“Mother (in law)...!!”

The two hugged each other for dear life.

Aika came down the stairs at a run, raising dust. “Wai... Aunt Miharu, come over here, please!”

“My my, mother is very popular.”

“And also, you, don’t think “in law” when you say mother!”

“How did you know!?”

Aika went right past Twoearle without even remembering to punch her. ...Maybe I should cry now while I can... silently, with tears streaming down my face.

<center>◇</center>

Aika took Souji’s mom ・Miharu into a neighbouring room and closed the door. She really didn’t want to be heard, opening the door a crack to check Souji and then shutting it again right away.

“Aunt Miharu! Think about this carefully! If you make him live together with a woman like that, Souji’s virtue will be in danger!”

“I couldn’t ask for more, could I? Suddenly a beautiful girl comes to live with the hero, and things turn in an erotic direction. It’s just like that day, that hour, the dream I painted in my mind back then! Even if she pushes Souji down, it won’t bother me at all.”

“And you still call yourself his mother!!”

It looks like she also painted a detailed love comedy in her youth of chuuni fantasy, but... I wonder why a woman had a dream with a development like that?

“But, it’s normal for a parent to want her son to find a girlfriend?”

Miharu gave her a probing look.

“......That...... that might be true, but......”

A bashful Aika poking her fingers together.

“Or else, you, Aika-chan...?”

Aika hastily waved her hand. “It’s not like I... I’m just worried about Souji as his childhood friend...”

“Ye~s, if that girl hadn’t appeared, I wanted to look at you a little more carefully.”

“Wh, what are you saying?”

“Twoearle-chan has a good look in her eyes. They’re the eyes of a woman who wants to eat a virgin, an aroused woman with no principles!”

“Even as a joke, is that something you say about your guest!?”

It made even Aika feel pity; she tried to defend her.

“A guest... no! Twoearle-chan is already a fine member of our family.”

The door opened with a soft sound. Twoearle came in, her eyes wet with tears.

“Mother (in law)...”

She gripped both of Miharu’s hands tightly, and something passed between their eyes.

“Huh? Why is there an emotional atmosphere!?”

“I am sorry, mother, but I am not a woman without principles. I have one principle: Souji-sama.”

“You should deny the rest of it too!!”

“That is right. It’s romance for a woman to lose all her principles when it comes to a single man!”

Has a day come when in just a few minutes the air is filled with such unromantic words? Why has a girl her age gotten to the point where her eyes brim with happy tears when mom calls her a virgin eater? Just like Souji, Aika seems to have been assaulted by a violent headache.

Although she was holding her forehead with her head lowered, Aika’s lips were pressed hard together. Miharu still thinks she’s just worried about Souji, and no, she still didn’t trust her.

(The way she’s acting, some of it is joking, but...)

Twoearle was holding hands with Miharu and turning around in circles as Aika stared with distrustful eyes.

(There are a lot of crucial things she’s holding out of focus. Like in a world where Elemera had been hunted to exhaustion, how did she get the Twintail Element for the core of the Tailgear?)

The Tailgear, armor that lets you fight without covering your face. Aika felt that its manufacturer had hidden her own face behind a heavy mask.

(I know there’s something important she’s hiding...)

<center>◇</center>

Aika had stressed it to the point of stubbornness as she was about to head home.

“Souji, from today on, sleep with your door locked.”

“Why?”

“Who cares! If you don’t, I’ll weld it shut from outside!!”

That’s ridiculous, it’s a wooden door, I was thinking, but I understood it as Aika’s way of saying that I should be more careful about crime prevention. Without objecting any further, I nodded obediently, and I went obediently to bed that night. But.

Mohyan.

Memepoppo, puryon.

Kyopo-. Kyopo-.

Ryoromuminminminmohe-.

“............”

I can’t sleep.

I hardly feel awake, but my eyes have opened on their own.

It’s fine, leave it to me, Twoearle had said.

I’m not worried about something like digging a hole in the basement of the house. Even taking present-day Japan as an example, construction techniques have reached the point where they look like magic to an ordinary person, as you can see from the subways stretching through the earth under Tokyo like the mesh of a net.

Twoearle has come from a world where scientific techniques are far more advanced, so even though she’s doing rush construction, I don’t think there’s much reason to worry about a cave-in. I understand that, and I’m lying in bed like this, but...

No matter how I put them into text, it seems like you’ll doubt my sense of sound - what in the world are these weird construction noises?

“Ah! ...Dangerous, dangerous, I was almost about to break through to the planetary core...”

I shouldn’t be able to hear her distant voice, but it was as clear as if it were directly assaulting my brain.

Let’s sleep.

I have to sleep.

I have to leave these odd sounds and words on the other side of a dream.

Before much time had passed, suddenly the sounds stopped. She said she’d get it done in one night so I thought she’d have to work hard tonight, but it looks like she’s finished. Or the planetary core - no, let’s not think about it.

My exposure to the vortex of weird sound made even the ticking of the second hand of the wall clock sounded louder than usual when it stopped.

“Whew...”

I should be terribly tired, but for some reason I’m wide awake and can’t sleep. I raised my upper body out of bed and opened the curtains of the window.

The sky was full of stars.

As I watched them rising into the night sky I had a poetic thought, out of character.

That girl is just like a fragment that has fallen from one of those stars.

Zip.

A human face with bloodshot eyes fell into sight, facing the other way up. Its wide eyes met mine straight on as it passed the window.

“Gwaa------------!!”

“Aahwaa---------!!”

I fell off the bed in surprise but the girl on the other side of the window didn’t have it that easy.

“Hawawa, Souji-sama...”

“What are you doing, Twoearle!!”

Getting back on my bed, I hurried to pull up Twoearle, who got her hand on the windowframe in the nick of time. Well, first, my nomination of “fragment of a star” will probably lose the election without much debate.

...She had been doing some Sunday carpentry on the planetary engineering level, but despite that she had a nice smell. Something like peaches.

“I, I am inexcusably sorry, it looks as though I fell asleep while I was working and... while I was half asleep I walked up to the roof at some point, and the instant I realized where I was, my foot carelessly slipped and I fell.”

Seek Time=Zero. Certainly the thinking time is extremely close to zero, but isn’t the roughness of the contents a fatal flaw?

“Er... If that’s really true, there is room for careful thought about our mutual position.”

“No, no, no, you can use any position you want and I will be fine! Strength, direction, time doesn’t matter, whatever, however, wherever you come from, by all means!!”

I feel like a misunderstanding has crept in somewhere, but if she tells me I can take whatever position I want, I want her to let me put a little distance between us, so that’s how we’ll do it.

“Hey, Sou-ji, what are you doing! There was a huge noise, but......!!”

The sound of a window being shoved open.

Wearing light blue pajamas, Aika bent forward out of her window, her face changing color.

The house next door... my room and Aika’s are right across, and the gap between them is so small that you can put one foot on each window, but tonight that convenience has backfired.

“...Ah?”

Twoearle was sitting on the bed just the way I had pulled her up. We were facing each other.

“What are you doing in theeere!!”

With a violent four-footed leap, Aika entered my room with a dynamic ☆ sorry for butting in and with the same force sent Twoearle flying.

“Eh...... me... why me, in a love comedy it is the guy who gets punch... higaah!!”

Under Aika’s rush Twoearle floated into the air hit by hit.

Together with the dull sounds of impact.

The brilliant kicks and punches continued without a break.

And on top of that, the illusion of faint blue afterimages on the arc of motion.

This is the first time I’ve seen a human being do that outside of a fighting game.

“What are these about, these breasts! They piss me off! They piss me off!!”

“Do not worry. I myself used to be very small once. But I reached an ordinary size after two or three years. By the way, if you do not stop sooner or later I will di...”

“What do you mean average!? There’s nothing average about them -mune!!”

Ah, it's pathetically moving the way she’s turned her overflowing anger into a verbal tic.

“Even if I am from another world, human gh...”

They’re so close to me, but they’re far away.

“...Heeey.”

Even calling to them didn’t stop them, so I gave up on all of it and pulled the futon over my head.

<center>◇</center>

Yougetsu Academy suspended its first hour of classes, and the whole school was gathered in the gymnasium. Of course, about the incident yesterday.

A solemn atmosphere ruled by silence.

The fact that I couldn’t see any odd students out who were yawning and wishing for the assembly to end soon seemed odd in itself.

Only one thing broke the quiet: the steps of the student council president, Shindou Erina, walking up to the podium.

Standing at it, she swept her gaze across the room to cover every student. Just like peasants waiting for a verdict from the South Magistrate of Edo, they kept silent, waiting for her to speak.

Several of her maids stood like special police in the shadows behind her, maybe reflecting on their failure yesterday. They weren’t worrying about the way things looked any more.

“Everyone. As you are aware, the town faced a heretofore unprecedented danger yesterday, when it was assaulted by a group of mysterious monsters.”

Certainly, it’s beyond unprecedented. The monsters with their clear intention to collect twintails are in some sense even more of a shock than an invasion from outer space.

“In fact, I happened to be at the site, and was one of the targets.”

“Wh...!!”

“What’s that!”

The students suddenly started to murmur. They were trying to keep quiet for the sake of the president, but even so, when their anger rose up and overflowed, they couldn’t hold it back.

Her twintails were swaying with the motions of her body and hands, so I felt the tension rise too.

“Unforgivable!!”

“Even if it kills me, I’m going to try and beat them!”

“Hey, quick, someone strap dynamite to my body! Shut up, do it right now!”

Male and female students were shouting without a pause, as angry as if it had happened to them personally, or rather angrier. The flame of anger ran through the students’ bodies like a fuse, trying to turn the children of two thousand parents into insurgents.

If getting carried away like this is your school spirit, then just laugh and accept something small like my slip of the tongue yesterday!

“Your righteous anger makes me very happy. It is a wonderful thing for your hearts to ache for a stranger. And on top of that, for someone like me who is so inexperienced as a leader.”

She was short, so she was using a riser to reply. And yet still she was standing on tiptoes. I thought of a young girl stretching out as far as possible to write her answer on the blackboard.

That courage was another source of intoxication for her very well-trained dogs... rather, students.

“However, their aim was not me alone. Even in this room, there are several people who were targeted, I believe? And if we look outside of school there are even more girls who almost fell into the evil hands of the invaders.”

Another burst of murmuring, but this time she intercepted it with a sharp “But!”

“As you can see, I stand here unharmed. There is still very little information on television, but I believe many of you have learned about it from the net or other places. At that place there appeared like the wind... a gallant fighter for justice, who was kind enough to save us!”

Her voice became a little sweeter in the middle. She sounded just like a princess, her heart burning for the one she loved.

......A fighter for justice?

I felt an uncomfortable suspicion, and cold sweat ran down my spine.

“----That girl, that day, she stole my heart!!”

A loud and enthusiastic cheer rose up in response.

‘I’ve been waiting for those words, President!!”

“I’m so glad... Although I’ve been saying ‘a tiny girl with so much pride, so sexy,’ honestly I feel hesitant. But if that’s what the president says, I don’t feel sad at all any more!!”

“This is bad... I do feel sad, but it's still sexy!!”

“The tiny little president has a tiny little ally of justice... is this the kindness of God? I feel like I understand something about the world!”

It was a cauldron of excitement. I was reminded of the scene you often see at the end of an action movie, when they find out that the operation was successful and a whole room of FBI agents wave their hands in the air and cheer.

One after another they say things that make me worry about the future of Japan, or the world.

Eh? Could it be that I got the president to fall in love with me?

But the one she likes is me as TailRed... as a little girl... eh?

“Students, behold!”

When the president raised her right hand, without a moment’s delay one of the maids set up a projector screen. A large image of a girl appeared on it.

““““Ooooo---hh!!””””

“Aaah!!”

The exact opposite of the cheers around me. Sure enough, what they had put up on the screen was me after transformation. It’s a perfect angle. Pictures like this have already leaked out here and there on the net, it seems like.

“Eee...”

It’s frustrating, but... those are spectacular twintails...!! I can’t keep myself from looking!!

Lined up with the president, it’s a splendid view that is already rocking my heart.

A fierce power created by the harmony of two bodies in one, like being under the gaze of the two temple guardians that stand at the Niōmon.

It's probably because it resonates with the two beautiful tails of hair that are the foundation of the twintail.

“The Shindou family has decided to do everything in its power to support her! I ask everyone here, somehow, together with us, to aid the savior of the new era!”

The cheering became even louder.

A passionate gaze at the president, and TailRed’s twintails.

Everyone is looking at... my twintails-----

“Huh!?”

I felt my heart beating strangely fast in my chest for a reason it would not be a good idea to think about, and made a fist with my right hand and punched myself in the cheek.

The Shindou family had decided to support me, including even the president’s mother, the director of Yougetsu Academy. Lots of the students adore the president, so the student body should agree almost without exception.

The whole school is behind me -- but as someone who’s burdened with the job of turning into a little girl this isn’t something like high school baseball, where I can be openly proud of the fact that every student is cheering me on.

Even though school has just started, I can’t remember anything that’s happening in class.

I’m overhearing bits of gossip from all over, and probably all of it is about me, TailRed.

The day went by, and my stomach continued to hurt.

<center>◇</center>

At lunch, Aika came over to my seat carrying a bundle with a bento box in it.

“Hey, Souji, listen, after school...”

“Ah, sorry. I’m going home as soon as school ends, I promised to listen to the explanation of the Tailgear. And I need to let her show me the base, too.”

I answered her quietly to keep from being heard.

“The rest from yesterday?”

“I’m just going to hear how to use it, so you don’t have to come today.”

“...Just you and her?”

“There’s no one else, is there?”

It’s possible Mom will insist on joining in from the start this time.

“---M, me too!!”

Aika banged the table with the water bottle she was holding.

“I want... to hear it too, so let me come.”

“...Okay.”

With that much force in her voice, that was all I could say.

It was the first day of normal class. It was too early for people to be having lunch with new friends they had made, so almost everyone in both the bento faction and the cafeteria faction was eating with the people they knew from middle school.

Aika has quite a few friends from back in middle school, but I don’t even have one. I appreciate the fact that she’s coming to see me at lunch like this.

Yeah, that’s right.

We’re always together like this. If Aika wants to, I’ll let her hang out with me to the end.

“Ohh~, I haven’t seen this picture before!!”

When I looked over at the happy group of guys that were gathered by the window, their eyes were rooted to a tablet that one of them was holding.

“I’ve decided! From now on, I am TailRed-tan’s oniichan!!”

The lethal noise pierced my eardrum.

“Pffff--”

Without thinking I spit out the Fruits au Lait I was drinking.

“Wait a minute, Souji, don’t get it on my face! Ugh, it’s sticky...”

“So, sorry... I couldn’t help it...”

It did bother me that the girls nearby were grinning for some reason as they listened to us, but the guys were a bigger problem. You could easily see even from here a bright red young girl... TailRed was on the screen, and on top of that, it looked like it was switching in a slideshow.

“It’s all over the net now, isn’t it...!!”

I took my head in my hands.

“When we go home today, why don’t I get my hands on Twoearle and make her delete all the files that have gotten out? With her scientific ability, she should be able to do it.”

“Listen, think of something that doesn’t involve violence once in a while!”

As we whispered to each other, the guys were heating up even more.

“Really cute! Really cute! Really cute!”

I shuddered with chills. Ah, I was happy with the sight of all those people cheering for me, but when you look at them one by one this is what it feels like. It was the right decision not to give in to that strange feeling earlier.

“I was more into large breasts, but, you know... I’ve woken up.”

Woken up to what?

“Uhehe, she’s cute carrying that sword... I want her to cut me too.”

I will hit you as many thousand times with the flame blade as you want.

“Ah, man, I can’t take it anymore!!”

The owner of the tablet, no longer able to bear it, pursed his lips and leaned close to the screen.

“Aaaaaaah!!”

I suddenly grabbed Aika’s water bottle, and, although I didn’t even remember my classmate’s name, I took aim at his head and threw it. It hit barely in time, three centimeters before the kiss.

“Aaow! ...What the hell, Mitsuka!!”

“You should be ashamed of yourself, with such a little girl!!”

“Ah, if it’s shame, I’ve already accepted it! And here I stand!!”

What kind of state of mind have you reached at this young age!

I tore at my scalp.

And yet this guy properly remembers what my name is! Ngh...

“...Hm-hu~m. Come to think of it, you like twintails so much that on the first day, you wanted to make a Twintail Club! You just want to keep TailRed-tan yourself!”

“Noooooooo!!”

I wanted to recover from my mistake on the first day and somehow live a quiet student life, but somehow, now that I’m in the high school section, everyone seems to get sucked into the flow far more easily than I expected.

“I’m tired...”

The peace and quiet after school came with a pile of worries. My exhaustion was reaching its peak around the time I left, together with Aika as I had promised.

People in higher grades were crowded together on the walkway from the entrance to the school gate, enthusiastically welcoming the new students. But, whether the dark clouds gathering on my back were so thick that they could be seen or not, no one tried to talk to me.

I had a sudden thought as I was walking.

“You know, I wrote something like Twintail Club and left it undecided... what club should I join?“

“You’re not going to be fighting every day. When it comes to things like club life, just choose what you want like normal.”

Now that you say it, maybe you’re right.

“But I need to be prepared. Even today we don’t know if they’re going to show up again!”

“No way. After yesterday...”

I turned the corner with a bitter smile, and

<<To all humans who live on this Earth! We are the chosen soldiers of God from another dimension, the Ultima Guil!>>

“...”

“...”

We dropped our bags at the same time.

An enormous screen was floating in the sky.

<<Ladies and gentlemen, we do not intend to harm you! All we want is the light within your hearts! Resistance is useless! And if you don’t resist, we guarantee your lives!>>

A monster that looked like a dragon sat in a show-off throne. With his legs crossed, he was making a speech.

Well, anyway it’s a sight that would piss you off.

<<But it seems there are those of you who would bear arms against us. Resistance is useless! And if despite that, you dare resist, we will take up any challenge you give! Attack as you like!>>

“Is this a world broadcast!?”

The sound could be heard even from the houses in the residential area, on top of the razor-thin computer window that was floating in the sky.

With an unlikely thought I turned on my cellphone’s 1seg. Sure enough the same image was being shown on every channel I switched to.

What is this, are they coming in on the whole broadcast spectrum!? So extreme...

“Those guys, are they really going to invade the whole Earth?!!”

A relaxed speech that said, resist as much as you want to.

If they have really foreseen all the military and scientific power humanity possesses when they say that, then what kind of power does their organization boast?

Twoearle had said that they had overthrown many “worlds.” The meaning of her words became even deeper, and it made my legs sink under me.

Their invasion isn’t destructive.

A quiet conquest that steals the light from hearts, and the brilliance of life.

Yesterday’s fight was only really a skirmish. From now on, an overwhelming invasion would start, and the opponent would be the whole world.

Once that happens I’m not sure what just one person can do.

<<Hahaha, I am Turtle Guildy! As our leader Drag Guildy says, resistance is useless! I will be taking the light of the stars that shine in youth’s glittering sky... the Element of Bloomers!>>

The dragon had been replaced by a turtle-like monster, who was leaning back proudly.

But an Ultiroid approached apologetically from behind him and whispered into his ear.

<<...What!!? You say they hardly exist in this world any more! You have been fools, humans, you have been digging your own graves!!>>

The monster screamed, and humanity was speechless.

I can understand a hairstyle, but even your feelings about a half-extinct type of clothing can give you tremendous power? There are profound depths in this that I don’t want to know about. Seriously, what in the world is Elemera.

Once, once is enough, I want to take a look at the faces of the people who loved bloomers enough to give birth to a thing like that.

<<Souji-sama, did you see that just now!?>>

Shortly thereafter a message came in from Twoearle. The high school the next town over - apparently still in bloomers - was being raided. Let’s do it, then.

There are probably people who love bloomers so much that they can’t get enough, the way I am for twintails, aren’t there? Even if they have already started to go extinct on their own, I can’t let them be stolen by the invaders.

“...Ta, tail on.”

The activation words... the ones we’d decided on yesterday in a break in the conversation. I was still embarrassed about them, but...

Let’s go.

To crush this terribly small-scale “world invasion.”

<center>◇</center>

“Welcome home~, Souji-samaan~”

When I opened the door of my room, my optic nerve was hit with enough peach-colored light to give me vertigo. Twoearle had remodeled my bed to give it a canopy, and she greeted me wearing a negligee and wriggling a little.

“Hey, pervert.”

“...Uh, what, Aika!? Why are you here? Souji-sama said he would be alone! This is not what he promised!!”

“What kind of eternal promise do you think he maaaaade!!”

With a kick, Aika broke a support of the canopy and flattened Twoearle under it.

Getting remodeled, getting broken... my bed’s tragedies continue.

“...Uu, it’s awful! It is too much! And you didn’t come home quickly when the fight was over, so I’ve been lying like this for over an hour!”

“What’s too much is your breasts!!”

Aika promised to listen to the explanation. If you were waiting, then you should have been waiting for both of us honestly at the cafe.

But I’m exhausted from the fight. I don’t have the energy to think of comebacks or worry about the two of you. The turtle monster who kept saying “bloomers” was killed instantly, but I was surrounded by the students at the school where the fight happened and it was a lot of trouble to escape. That’s most of the fatigue.

“I give up, I had people take so many pictures of me with their phones and things...”

“That the day would come when someone in a man’s body would be scared of the words ‘secret photographs on the net’...”

“U, uu... Twoearle, is there anything I can do at this point? Their declaration of war went out across all of Japan!”

I poured out my anxieties to Twoearle, who had crawled out from under the canopy.

It’s terrifying not to feel any interest when a girl this beautiful is wearing a thin negligee.

“It was broadcast to almost the whole world at the same time, apparently. Every country is in a downroar at this point.”

“...Well, certainly I don’t know if it would cause an ‘up’roar, but...”

“Weren’t they speaking Japanese, though?”

“It was merely converted into Japanese when we heard it. They are creatures of mental force, and the language they speak does not travel through the ears, it comes directly into the head.”

I turned on the TV in my room. Just as she said, all over the world various speculations were in the air. It wasn’t a high alert situation yet, but it seemed like the events that had happened in Japan had been accepted in every country, and countermeasures were being put together.

NASA was bearing the brunt of it, so it looked like they had mistaken them for aliens.

“Ah, it’s getting to be a serious thing...”

I sank to the floor and buried my head in the bed.

“There is no need to worry. They only caused so much damage yesterday because we were not adequately prepared. From now on, if they appear, we can detect them right away.”

I remembered what I saw yesterday. Twoearle continued in an even more cheerful voice as if she had noticed that anxiety.

“Basically, defeat them right away when they appear. If we are thorough with that stance, it will not be such a problem. If we hold damage to the minimum possible level, public interest should fade and there should not be an uproar.”

“But with a loud proclamation of war like that, even the police and the army are going to come in, aren’t they?”

“As I said yesterday... even if the army does appear, they cannot get through to the Elemerians. They are materializations of spirit. You have to have the Tailgear, which can convert that same spiritual energy into power.”

“...Can I do this... an enemy who is attacking the whole world.”

I had a painful feeling that I’d gotten myself into this without much thought. My feelings of wanting to protect haven’t changed, but can I really keep fighting when it’s just me on my own?

All it would take is for several of them to appear at different places and I’d be out. And that’s something that they could put into practice at any time.

“That is what the secret underground base is for. Why not go and see it after this! We can already use the space leap equipment, so now it will only take a second even to get to the other side of the earth!”

That overtechnology too. If we weren’t in this situation I think my eyes would be glittering with happiness, though. Maybe because Twoearle was worried about my sinking feelings --

“[http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BA%A7%E4%BD%8D_%28%E6%80%A7%E8%A1%8C%E7%82%BA%29 Zai]sho-tto”

With a shout of encouragement as terrifying as any, she came and straddled my legs facing me.

“Two, Twoearle!?”

“Please get back up, Souji-sama, in various ways.”

With her hands behind her back and a suspicious smile, she touched my thighs. Her fingers crept upward, trying to keep me in suspense --

“What are you doing!!”

“Cedar woodware!!”

Aika’s fist hit her and blew her away, making a strange noise. She stuck into the wall head-first.

“...Ph... hahah”

Watching their argument, I couldn’t help but laugh.

It’s no use if all I do is worry. I have to trust Twoearle, and trust my Elemera. I’ll just fight as long as I can. This fight of mine is just beginning, after all, so --

“So, Souji... sama... that’s an ending flag ...”

I thought I could hear the brave words of a girl trying to hold back an ending herself.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 1 (old)

2015-02-16T18:37:14Z

LiTTleDRAgo:

<noinclude>I also translated some of this first part, so I'll put it as an alternate version [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 chapter 1 contradiction old translation|[here]]] for now until we edit this and maybe combine them! - contradiction</noinclude>

== Chapter 1 <noinclude>(Draft)</noinclude> – I am a Twintail ==

After school on the first day of my high school life, I, Mitsuka Souji, along with my childhood friend Tsube Aika, were having a late lunch at the Cafe Adolescenza. It may seem like a bit of a joke to see students here, but seeing as I live here, it's like a normal meal for me.

Its main selling point is our special house blend coffee. It has lots of fans, but, being something my mom does on the side, the shop is prone to being closed whenever she feels like it.

The sign over the door read “Closed”. Of course, that meant that it was just the two of us in here.

The strong smell of spice wafts through the air, but compared to the troubles gripping me deeply inside, it's merely a trivial annoyance.

“Why the heck did I put down something like that...”

“There’s no such thing as the Twintail Club,” said my childhood friend with a stunned look. The smell of spice swirled around her.

“I was put on the spot... and wrote it down without thinking. I didn't mean to!”

“If you ask me, anyone that would inadvertently write down something like that is bad news. You have Twintails on the brain.”

“Shut up! How many times do you plan to make fun of me for that?!”

“Yeah, Yeah.” She laughed.

Long enough to reach her waist, the blue streamers of hair on both sides of her head shook vigorously.

“Bah.”

She may be trying her best to make me angry, but to me it feels more like a refreshing greeting.

As always, her twintails were wonderful to behold.

Waist-length twintails framing the head - they may be the most basic, but I decided long ago that their allure lay in that simple purity. Like the allure of a painting from a famous artist, they draw you towards them.

“Still, the teacher didn't have to say it out loud...”

“Well, what did you expect when you wrote something that bizarre?”

“Well, excuse me!”

No matter how long we quibble over it, despite there being over a thousand days of my high school life ahead of me, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to live this down.

The school I go to, Yougetsu Private Academy, has classes from elementary school all the way up to the college level. It's the epitome of an Elevator School.

I never thought much about it, but after seeing the main building and gymnasium, I was overwhelmed by their sheer size. The middle school campus had nothing on it.

After the entrance ceremony, we headed to the gymnasium for some ‘Club Activity Orientation’. The various sports and culture clubs took turns making their appeals to the new students. The passion they showed moved me deeply.

And yet.

The memory most vividly burned into my memory was that of the lone girl who ascended the platform. More specifically, her hairstyle. Twintails.

Shindou Erina.

She may have been about as tall as a grade schooler, but her freshman welcoming speech as student council president would rival that of the greatest orators in human history. Her address touched the hearts of everyone who heard it.

“Limitless possibilities lie before each and every one of you. I, along with Yougetsu Private Academy, promise to be a shining beacon leading you on your journey to that radiant future.”

She may have been as tall as a grade schooler, yet the tone of her speech contained no hint of condescension. The dignified manner in which she stood was mesmerizing.

( She's beautiful... )

I stared at her, forgetting to blink.

She may have been as tall as a grade schooler, but as soon as she spoke in her refined ladylike manner, her natural charisma shone through.

And above all else – her twintails.

Naturally, hair doesn't have rankings; but if I do say so myself, her twintails were beautifully high-class. The tips were curled gently in circles, showing off her regal upbringing.

As she became impassioned in her speech, her gestures and movements became more animated, twintails dancing around in tandem, like a noble dancing under a luxurious chandelier.

I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

It felt like everyone around me was staring at her as if she were a cute kitten, but I'm probably imagining things.

The student council president has such amazing twintails. I can't imagine how wonderful these next three years would be.

On the way back to my classroom, I paid no attention to my chattering classmates. I couldn't stop thinking about the dazzling sight that had met my eyes. The emotions that the orientation stirred up in me continued to dominate my thoughts.

All because of that wonderful sight, my mind was filled with nothing but twintails. Even after I returned to my classroom, even during my self-introduction - I was on cloud nine.

I didn't even realize what I had written on the club survey form they gave out after every school club had made their presentations.

"Okay, I'll start collecting the forms now~"

"Eh?"

The class rep's slow drawl brought me back down to Earth. Turning back, I saw a girl (whose name I didn't know - after all, I wasn't paying attention to anyone's self-introduction) collecting surveys, starting from the back of the class. In a panic, I scribbled something on the the paper before me.

"Hm hmm... Huh~? Someone forgot to write their name on their survey~"

"Oh... Sorry. I think that's mine. Hold on-"

I spoke up, as the class rep was leafing through the collected forms.

"Oh, so you're Mitsuka-kun. What do we have here~? 'Twintail Club'? Whatever could that be? You mean to set up a new club, don't you?"

"What!? No, I didn't actually want to do that, really! I was-"

I started to freak out. How am I supposed to recover-

"Really~? Mitsuka-kun, you must really like twintails, don't you~?"

"Uh, yes. Of course I do."

I said, reflexively.

And here I was hoping that I could start anew, in this place full of fresh faces.

In a flash, I came to the sick realization that my position for the next three years of my high school life was fixed in place.

"Alright everyone, that's all for today's homeroom. Lately, we've had reports of suspicious persons in the vicinity, so please be on the lookout, okay~?"

"Why are you saying this now!? Hey teach, hold it right there! I'm serious about this! I really love twintails!! Wait, that's not what I... argh!!"

And so, the first day of my brilliant high school life ended, with me sabotaging myself in the most pathetic way imaginable.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..."

The memory alone was enough to drain the life from me.

I can't believe it. I just wrote ‘twintails’ in that blank box without even blinking.

It's some kind of physiological imbalance. No, at this point, I suspect it’s already a part of my being.

"Mhm. Seconds."

Aika was already starting on her second plate of curry. Sitting next to her was me, unable to even swallow a mouthful of my coffee.

I know I don't have any appetite, but that curry was mine, wasn't it?

"Writing that stuff down isn’t so bad, but that was pretty much the worst follow-up ever made. Why did you have to freak out so badly?"

"Why didn't you say something? You knew I was freaking out! We're friends, aren't we!?"

"Friends... huh."

Aika said, pursing her lips in annoyance. What was that for? You don't do that when you're taking someone's lunch!

"That survey was just to get everyone's first impressions. It's just an interest check, after all. Yeah, it says to write down clubs you're interested in, or clubs you want to start, and all that, but it's just a formality. Who the heck even bothers writing what they really think on that thing?"

"Um, that's..."

"You know what that means, don't you? By writing that down, you're telling everyone that, even after seeing all the clubs give their presentations, even after all their recruiting efforts, you still want to set up your own club. You get it, don't you?"

"Well, yes, but... even though I wrote something like 'Twintails Club'?"

"Yes."

"I'm being pretty calm right now, but back then, I didn't even know what I was doing!"

"At least I can proudly say that I'm not the one writing something ridiculous like an uncommon hairstyle on that thing."

"Yeah right, what's there to puff up about that tiny chest of yo-aaaaargh"

My pièce de résistance died before it could leave my mouth.

Aika's got a complex about her modest (non-existent) chest, which is why I like to rib her about it.

Unfortunately for me, she punched me in the face with one hand, while eating off her plate with the other.

Not that I can complain, when everything else about her is perfect.

Especially those twintails of hers.

Particularly those twintails of hers.

"Ugh. If only I was better at improvising..."

As much as I'd like to blame the student council president for wrecking my once-bright future, I knew that it was just as Aika said - this was all my own dumb fault.

Sighing gloomily, I wrapped my arms about my head.

"Besides, that obsession of yours would have been exposed sooner or later. Look on the bright side. At least you don't have to worry about it anymore."

"I'm at life's crossroads here! Don't just go on eating two meals worth of curry as if nothing's wrong! And how are you drinking all that coffee at the same time!?"

You'd think someone like her, who could finish off two large plates of curry as if it were nothing, would have a bigger chest. Is it because of her hair? Does her body need all the nutrients just to sustain it...?

For some reason, I felt a shiver run down my spine. I glanced around the store.

"...?"

There was a woman sitting across the room. Her table was, for some reason, directly opposite of ours. It was almost as if she were spying on us.

( That's strange. I thought Mom already closed the store. )

Looking at the cups on her table, it seemed as if she had been sitting there for a long time. Did we simply not notice her? Jeez, Mom, have a good look around before you rush off, would you?

Great. I thought there would be no one else around. Why did I have to run my mouth like that?

"Hey... Souji. You're at it again."

"Huh?"

Snapping back to my senses, I realized that I was holding on to Aika's twintails. I hurriedly released my grip as Aika breathed out a tired sigh.

It's your fault for letting them slip into my grasp so easily - is what I'd have liked to say, but that would have just made things worse.

When they're as long as Aika's, if you don't take care to lay them on a chair or a table, they'd touch the ground the moment you sat down.

"Sorry. I really can't help it. It's been like this since we were kids. Touching your twintails just... calms me down."

I know that already, Aika replied, cooly. She sighed again.

"Seriously. Thanks to you, I'm starting to feel ashamed of myself."

"And that's my fault?"

"What are you going to do if someone takes this the wrong way? They'll look at my twintails, and... and us being friendly... and connect the dots..."

Having exhausted her coffee, Aika kept glancing between me and the table, all the while pressing her index fingers together bashfully.

“What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you want to change your hairstyle?”

“N-no way! Why would I change my hairstyle just because someone said something about it? I like my hair this way, thank you very much!”

Exactly. Seeing this steadfast determination of hers made me proud to be her childhood friend.

Despite her attitude, Aika’s the one person who would understand my love for twintails. As she said, we’d often get made fun of because we were always together.

But - neither of us cared about what anyone else had to say about it.

She’s my childhood friend. My best friend.

Everyone has a friend or two they’d keep for life. Someone they can open their heart to. As for myself, by pure chance - that someone just happened to be a girl.

Part of it was because we were neighbours, but it seems like our families have been on good terms for a long time. That’s why it’s almost as if we were siblings. As if we were from the same family.

Back in grade school, I was never able to beat her in a fight. It was only afterwards that I found out her granddad had been teaching her martial arts.

Suppressing my wounded pride, I eventually started training with her at the dojo. I suppose that was when it all started. Ever since then, we’ve always spent our time together.

For some reason, we’d always end up in the same class. No matter how classes got shuffled, or how many people transferred in, we’d see each other in class every year.

To be honest, it was starting to get really weird.

Aika was always popular. She’s frank, honest, strong, and always so full of life - I mean, why wouldn’t she be?

And here I am, screwing everything up in the first day of school. I hope I don’t cause her too much trouble.

“-!?”

I felt another shiver run down my back.

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing...”

I kept my voice low. Aika seemed to have noticed it as well. That customer was still around.

“How... Why didn’t I sense her presence...!?”

Although Aika was whispering, what she was saying was even more grandiose than usual. Do you normally sense people’s presence as you go through your day...?

That woman was still sitting there. Quietly observing us.

Her eyes met mine. She hurriedly spun around, turning to face the wall behind her.

“What the heck...?”

Okay? That was strange, but I’d feel uncomfortable too if some other customer was kicking up a fuss across the room. Guess I’d better restrain myself.

While I started to relax, Aika was having none of it. I could tell she was on high alert.

Twintails have expressions of their own. Anger, sadness, joy, suspicion, and anxiety are just some of the emotions that they can show.

What I’m saying is - twintails are like a second mouth.

“...”

Aika gestured to me silently from the side of the table. That woman was now holding up a newspaper, as if to conceal herself from us.

She had poked a hole through it, and was peeping at us through it.

Are you kidding me?

It was beyond ridiculous. Was she filming some kind of comedy skit?

I became paranoid there might be some kind of hidden camera in the cafe. Please let me be wrong.

“... Let's try not to make eye contact.”

“Right.”

Aika had also settled on that being the best course of action in this situation.

Our assumed suspect folded the newspaper over, set it on the table, and stood up.

For a moment, I hoped she would leave. Instead she went right past the entrance, heading in our direction.

Stopping right next to me, unphased by our shocked expressions, she looked directly at me with a smile on her face.

“Mind if I sit with you?”

“Hold it right there!” Aika shouted in a rapid-fire manner, exasperated.

“Yes?”

Aika stood up while scowling at me. I flinched instinctively. Leaning her head back, the woman began to laugh.

“Who are you?!”

“Don't mind me.”

“I DO mind!”

“I have some business with this gentlemen over here.”

“With me?!”

Like a tour guide giving information, she pointed in my direction with her palm open.

“Just what exactly do you think you're doing?! Standing there with that calm look on your face in those flashy clothes. I'm gonna jam a straw right between that cleavage of yours!”

“Now, now, Aika, calm down. Please.”, I said, looking to defuse the situation.

I was taken aback by how beautiful she was. She may have been be a bit odd, but seeing her up close, she really was an incredibly beautiful woman - young lady, from the looks of it.

Her Japanese was excellent, but she was definitely a foreigner. She had white hair... no, wait. Make that silver hair.

Like it was dyed, yet it seemed natural. Which made it even more unnatural. Silver hair like hers doesn’t exist. Yet, it was still beautiful.

It seemed to glitter in the dim lighting of the cafe.

Along with her long eyelashes, her eyes were so blue they reminded one of sapphires.

Following my gaze down the bridge of her nose, she smiled brightly with her delicate pink lips.

Like something straight out of a movie, she was a mysterious faerie., It felt like her entire body was surrounded in a faint glow, like the twinkling light of a firefly.

Above all, just barely below visible when you look at her face, the enormous volume of her breasts demanded your attention. What an outrageous fairy.

She looked to be around the same age as Aika, and yet the difference between them was almost depressing. The thin clothes emphasizing her cleavage clashed with her clean-cut features. Over which she wore a white robe. One might even call it a coat. The design was quite fashionable.

Her skirt, which one might even hesitate to call a mini-skirt... traced a line that made one wonder how her panties weren't visible. Yet, with one look at her long slender legs, any doubts about her ability to coordinate clothes vanished. It was certainly a sight not seen among the masses.

It's such a shame.

Twintails would undoubtedly suit sparkling silver hair like hers.

There I go again... I've barely even met this girl, and yet my brain was already filled with thoughts of twintails.

For a guy going through puberty, undressing such a cute girl in your mind would be a natural instinct, honed over millennia.

Naked? With twintails?

Hmm...

I suppose that still counts?

“Ow.”

Aika jabbed me in the temple with her straw.
What the heck are you doing, I asked, in a hushed tone. Aika simply turned her head away with a “Hmph!”.

Watching the two of us bicker, the girl looked like she was smirking while she laughed. Instead of an innocent laugh, I sensed a twinge of evil to her laugh. Maybe I'm wrong. She does seem like a very gentle person.

“Uhm, is there something that WE can help you with?”

I unconsciously drew myself into the back of the chair.

The girl put her hand on top of the bench and leaned in closer to me.

“Yes. I have very important business with YOU.”

“...Important business?”

Pretending not to hear her clearly wasn’t working.

Re-iterating she only wants to speak with me... was it a language problem? Across the table, Aika’s frown deepened.

“My name is Twoearle.”

“I see... Miss... Twoearle...”

She’s definitely not from this country. Nevertheless, her Japanese was impeccable.

“You sure like twintails.”

“I love them.”

Oops... that's what I felt inside. And I blurted it out immediately.
Saying it out loud to someone I just met – I really didn't learn anything from what happened earlier today, did I?

“Would you mind not asking why, and put on this bracelet for me?”

“What the heck does this have to do with anything!?”

The girl known as Twoearle suddenly pulled an object out of her coat pocket and handed it to me. It was a very beautiful glittering red bracelet.

Taking advantage of my confusion, she softly took the bracelet and gently prised my fingers apart.

“H-hey now--”

With a mischievous grin, she grabbed the back of my hand. At which point, a strange tingling feeling shot through my body.

“Now, please put it on.”

“He doesn't need it!”

Leaning over the table, Aika roughly grabbed the bracelet and pushed it back towards Twoearle.

“What is with you?! You just waltz over here and start pushing strange things onto him, how rude!”

“It is not anything suspicious.”

“At this point, it's a little late to see it as anything BUT suspicious!”

As usual, she doesn't hold back even with people we've just met.

...Well, I do agree it's rather suspicious.

“...Uhm, well... hmm... ah!”

Twoearle abruptly clasped my hands and said, “It's me, Souji-kun. Me.”

“...Eh?”

I was perplexed by her suddenly friendly tone.

“You remember me. Look, it's me. Twoearle. You see, I've got a bit of a problem right now – so, could you please put that bracelet on?”

I think I’m imagining things, but the way she thoughtlessly leaned forward, exposing her cleavage to me, seemed as though she was begging for me to look at her ample chest.

“Uh, weeell...”

“What made you think we would fall for such an obvious scheme!”

“Yeargh!”

With a snap of her wrist, Twoearle's cheek shook violently from Aika's fierce slap.

“Are you an idiooooooooot?! How could you hit someone we just met? That was really loud!”

My outburst rose to a scream.

That was no mere slap - it was a Mizukage Juuryuu* technique passed down by Aika’s late grandfather. Against all theories of martial arts, it was meant to cause as much pain as possible to its target by attacking the cheekbone. Used right, it could even give one a concussion.

(lit: Water Shadow Soft Style)

And here stood a high-school girl who unflinchingly used this trump card, showing the world her mastery of the style.

No wonder old Gramps wanted Aika to be his successor.

“Souji! This woman is a cheat! Just like those people who drag you into an alleyway and try to tell your fortune! That bracelet is definitely full of mohican-wearing, spiky shoulder padded hooligans!”

“What the hell are you even saying!?”

If anything, you’re the villain! Who else would do such an terrible thing?

I looked back at Twoearle. She was bent over, hands clutching her face.

“A-are you okay? Sorry about that. She doesn’t know how to hold back.”

She’s a beautiful foreigner, at that. It would really suck if this turned into an international incident.

“Huh? I did hold back. It shouldn’t have hurt that much...”

Yeah, right. If you held back, it wouldn’t have been so loud.

Aika started to look uneasy. She was the sort that couldn’t recognize any injury more serious than a simple, easily treated scrape on the knee.

“Y-yes... I am... okay...”

“Are you sure...!?”

They way you’re trembling tells me that you’re not! I reached out to her-

“!”

Aika caught the bracelet in her hand.

“Whoa.”

Twoearle had just tried to slip the bracelet onto my arm while I wasn’t paying attention.

“You were just acting, weren’t you!”

“Just how badly do you want me to put on that bracelet!?”

I took a step back. I have a bad feeling about this. At the same time, my heart felt like it went back a hundred times that.

“I am not asking for any money! Just put it on! I am only asking you to try it! Please do it, or I will be in deep trouble! If you cannot put it on yourself, I can help you with it!”

Stop. I know it’s about the bracelet, but it sounds as if you’re talking about something else entirely.

“Don’t do it, Souji! You won’t be able to take it off! Then, she’ll ask you to pay a huge sum of money! And if you don’t, a whole gang of armed thugs with mohawks will start to crash in through the front door with their armored buggies!!”

Aika’s got a keen sense of danger, but I think she’s a little misinformed.

Twoearle clasped her hands, looking straight into my eyes.

“Please. I will do anything you want if you wear the bracelet...”

“Eh?”

My mind was screaming no, but my heart skipped a beat. My eyes moved towards Twoearle’s hair.

“Anything... you said?”

“Yes... I will do anything you ask of me. I will be fine with whatever special interests you may have! Especially the kinky stuff... ha... ha...”

For some reason, Twoearle was starting to breathe heavily. Her face was red.

“Don’t say things like that!”

This is bad.

Is this what you call a cultural divide? Are the differences in humanity that difficult to reconcile? Even though we speak the same language, I don’t think we’ll ever be on the same wavelength.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking about, but asking him something like that is useless. The only thing he ever thinks about are twintails. He’d just ask you to tie your hair up or something.”

“R-really!? But, he’s a guy, isn’t he!?”

I’m not surprised that Aika could tell what I was thinking, but Twoearle seemed more than a little shocked.

If you say you’d do anything...

Yeah.

Of course.

Twintails.

Twoearle raised her hands, half-smiling.

“You must be kidding me... It is alright! Think of this as advance payment. I’ll let you squeeze them, right here... hurry... they’re surprisingly soft!”

Her softly wobbling chest seemed to explode in my vision. I didn’t know where to look.

Cupping her hands over her breasts, Twoearle thrust herself at me.

“Get away, you pervert! I’ll crush your spine in self-defense if you come any closer!”

Why are you even explaining to her what you’re going to do in self-defense?

“Calm down, Aika! ... I get it, I get it!”

I have to stop this mess before Aika crosses the line.

“I’ll take it. She said it was free, didn’t she? It’s almost like picking a tissue off the sidewalk. If that’s all it takes to make her happy ... it is free, isn’t it?”

“Of course!!”

Her sudden smile, like a flower blooming, caught me off guard. If only she’d act a little more normal...

“No! Don’t! She’s just trying to scam you! It’s like those spa treatment packages where they say the bath salts are free but it ends up being really expensive! She’s just like one of those door-to-door salesmen!!”

“What are you talking about this time?”

“If he does not wear it, the world will end! Also, it is against the law to bait people by giving out bath salts for free!”

“That’s exactly what I was saying, you free-bath-salt merchant!”

Seriously, what kind of a conversation is this? And what’s up with all the bath salts?

“Anyway, if you do not put this on! All the twintails in this world are going to vanish!!”

“---What!!”

Twoearle’s sudden exclamation was like a punch to my stomach. I stepped up to her.

“What the hell did you just say!?”

“Hup.”

In that brief moment, Twoearle grabbed my arm, and slipped the bracelet onto my wrist.

“Wha-”

Normally, I wouldn’t have been caught off guard like that. However, the spirit-shattering thought of all the twintails in the world disappearing, coupled with that pair of all-encompassing, enveloping, Gaia-class motherly breasts pressing against me - the assault on my heart and mind left me unable to avoid it.

“Thank goodness. Like this, we will be ready when it finally appears.”

Looking at the clock, Twoearle breathed a sigh of relief before turning her teary eyes towards me.

Oh shit. I don’t think she noticed, but when she’s that close... every inch she moves makes her chest jiggle, pushing their soft, undulating mass against my body... this is bad.

Stay strong, Mitsuka Souji! You mustn’t be defeated by something like this!

She’s a foreigner, okay? This level of intimacy is probably completely normal for her. Don’t imagine anything lewd! You’ll destroy the esteemed image of Japanese men if it ends up showing on your face!

“Take it off! Throw that thing away!!”

While I was lost in thought, Aika grabbed me by my neck, forcefully pulling me away from Twoearle’s embrace.

“Whoa!”

It felt as if I was flying. Can you believe it? She just lifted me up with one hand!

The sudden movement sent the cups, plates, and cutlery on the table flying all around me.

“Come on... h-huh!?”

Aika was pulling on the bracelet with both hands, her face twisted in exertion. Guess it fit better than I thought.

“Argh! I can’t... get it off!!”

“Ouch! Ow, ow, ow, ow!! What the hell is this thing? It’s like a wedding ring that’s gotten stuck on a finger joint!”

And unlike Twoearle, Aika has no ‘cushions’, so having her press herself against me was very uncomfortable to say the least.

“A wedding ring!? Aaargh——!”

“Yeaaargh!! Stop! You’ll rip my arm off!”

For some reason, Aika started pulling at it even harder than before. My arm jerked around as if it were a candle flame in the wind.

“This is... strange... Why is it... so tight...!? Look! There isn’t even... a gap on this... thing!”

She’s right. It’s made of metal, and definitely isn’t elastic. How did Twoearle even manage to get it on my arm in the first place!?

I wonder if you can unscrew this thing, I heard my childhood friend say. Stop! Humans don’t work that way!

I almost wanted to cry from the suspicion and despair flooding my mind.

It’s strange asking Twoearle to take it off after I let her put it on me, but I don’t have any choices left.

“Um, excuse me, could you please-”

In a flash.

We were enveloped in a retina-burning, polychromatic stream of light.

As if we were melting into the air, our bodies began fading away along with the light-

And then, we were gone.

<center>◇</center>

“I am very sorry about all this, but I thought it would be faster than an explanation.”

I heard Twoearle say.

“-Huh? Huh!?”

Just as the burst of light faded from my vision, a very different sight greeted my eyes.

Soot. The acrid, stinging smell of smoke filled the air around us.

I looked around in a panic.

Sunlight. Wind. Sidewalk. Asphalt.

It was a feeling unlike any that I’d experienced before. My body struggled to get up to speed.

“Why are we... outside?”

We weren’t dreaming, were we? How did we get outside without even noticing it?

“Answer me! Why are we here!?”

Our surroundings were familiar, yet it took quite some time for me to recognize them. No way. How could we have made it here?

‘Maxim Horizon’, the biggest convention center in town. A giant building, spanning two blocks, with an equally large open-air exhibition space. Events, live concerts, and other activities were often held here.

Somehow, we ended up at the center’s open air parking lot.

Roughly 20 minutes away from where we previously were. By car.

“Earlier than expected... I intended for us to have some prep time, but I guess we’ll have to wing it.”

In contrast to the two of us, Twoearle was completely calm.

“I really should have done this earlier...”

She was holding a small stick, about the size of a pen and talking in a very subdued voice.

Unless I’m mistaken, that pen-like thing was what emitted that strange burst of light.

“W-what did you do to us!?”

“I did not intend to bring you along with us Aika, but unfortunately, you would not leave the effective radius. Sorry about that.”

For a moment, I thought they would end up having a (very one-sided) argument again, but a loud sound derailed my train of thought.

“What is it this time!?”

And then, we finally understood what was causing all the soot and smoke.

It was absolutely unbelievable. Cars around us were cooking off like popcorn, sending plumes of smoke and ash into the air.

“This can’t be happening...”

Earlier, I thought we would end up being on some comedy program. Now... it was as if we were passers-by getting caught up in some Hollywood movie pyrotechnics display.

It just didn’t seem real.

“Souji-sama. Please try your best not to leave my side. They will spot you. I cannot project my recognition system jamming field very far.”

“Recognition... system... jamming?”

Twoearle stopped me from moving closer to one of the flaming cars.

“If you stay beside me, they won’t be able to see you. Look at that thing over there.”

Twoearle pointed at something in the distance. In the middle of the parking lot was... something.

Both Aika and I leaned in for a closer look... and we both screamed.

“------ Whaaa!?”

“It can’t be! What is that thing!?”

It’s like someone forcefully jammed an insect’s head onto a man’s body. The figure was fully clad in some kind of armored exoskeleton.

Normally, I would have thought it was some actor in a suit, thanks to where we were, but-

Its weight - wherever it stood, cracks formed in the asphalt.

Its height - over two meters tall.

Its eyes - they never stopped moving, darting left and right.

Its teeth - they looked as if they could crush a boulder.

Its spines - as sharp as swords, and too many to count, extending from spine to tail.

Everything about it was as real as it could get.

Every cell, every breath it took, was real.

I really wish it was just a suited actor. I really hoped it was.

But, that thing... the mere sight of it filled me with dread. Pure, unrelenting-

“M-monster!”

The wreckage... the fire... and the smoke. And in the middle of it all, the swaggering figure of that unknown figure... it was almost picturesque.

Almost like a scene from a movie, made real.

“Come out, wherever you are!”

!!

As if flicking a bug, the thing sent a nearby car flying. At the same time, I clearly heard it say that line.

Speaking human language.

Speaking Japanese.

Aika and I were too shocked to say anything. The creature, not noticing our presence, twisted it’s mouth, roaring.

Roaring those words of doom that would strike the hearts of its listeners with despair-

“Fuhahahahahaha!! All the twintails in this miserable world will be ours!!”

“Uuugh~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!"

At the hoarse, resonant voice and the warped thing it was saying I came close to choking up blood.

We were pretty far from it here, but it felt like its voice was ringing right in my ear.

“...Hey, Souji, what are you doing wearing a theme park costume.”

“That’s not me!”

A large number of pure-black creatures manifested themselves around the monster.

The identical mindless drones were massed in a group, ready for battle. Their strange forms were uniformly solid black. It was an incredibly eerie sight.

The combat drones skittered away, dispersing rapidly in all directions, capturing a number of random girls.

“Twin... tails...”

But my heart was not beating fast because the girls had twintails. It was because of the monster’s orders.

“What are they holding... Hey, it’s twintail girls!”

“What are they planning to do?”

Unlike Aika and I, who fretted in hushed voices, Twoearle silently tracked their movements.

“Even so, this world is regrettably lacking in twintails! Draped in nothing but steel and electricity -- it’s like they never left the Stone Age!”

It was clearly speaking Japanese, but something was off. Something… no, everything.

“Oh well, that just means we have to find twintails of the finest quality!”

With a wild tone of voice, the monster walked with its shoulders held high.

“Don’t forget the orders from our commander, you vermin! Top quality twintails have been detected in this area, so leave no stone unturned! … There might even be a young girl crying while holding her stuffed bunny rabbit!”

“... Moke? Moke- “

“Hold your tongues! Gathering all of the twintails is our ultimate goal… however! Beyond being a soldier, I’m also a man… and so I’d also like to see a young girl holding a stuffed animal! Find me one and there will be a reward waiting for you!!”

It wasn’t my imagination.

No, it was speaking fluent Japanese,　but for some reason nothing it was saying made any sense.

“We have no need for adults! Drag them out here quickly! I don’t mind if you’re a little rough!”

The black creatures were moving efficiently to carry out its orders.

“Moke-”

“What? There are no young girls carrying stuffed animals!? Hmm, if girls don’t have stuffed animals, then a man can provide!! I don’t care, bring them here!”

...Although, can you really call these orders? He’s shouting so crazily that I think if he had something hard in his hand he would throw it.

“Heeeelp!”

A crying young girl was brought in front of the monster.

The way she looked, with her twintails disheveled under the eyes of the grotesque, hulking figure, made me think of a shrine maiden taken for human sacrifice, the victim of a crime against nature.

I tried to jump out, but Aika grabbed my arm and stopped me.

My hazy brain began to catch up with what was going on. I got the situation clear in my head, at least.

“They’re only taking girls with twintails, what are they planning to do?”

The monster and his troops weren’t hurting them. Rather, they were giving them dolls to calm them down.

So we can stay here and watch for now, but...

“Hey, Twoearle, you took us here because you knew this was happening, didn’t you? What is that monster...”

Halfway through the sentence, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

In my line of sight was something I should never have seen.

Well, this isn't the place for sarcasm. But the radiant sight that had burned itself into my heart earlier today had not been a dream or an illusion. I knew that now.

“The... president...”

No mistake. That was it, the source of my suffering from the first day of high school life, the diabolical hairstyle that had charmed me in both the good and bad sense of the word.

Two of the solid black combat drones were dragging along Shindou Erina, president of the student council, in her school uniform, one on each arm.

“It’s, it’s her! Hey! Isn’t that the president?”

It looks like Aika has noticed too.

In the gym there were maids standing by her silently to attend on her, but I couldn’t see anyone like that now.

The president was holding something tight in her arms as if it were important. It was hard to see, of course, but the thing sticking halfway out of her shopping bag looked like a toy from a kids’ tokusatsu series.

“Release me!”

Determined resistance.

The monster ran his eyes over her as if he were deciding on her price.

“Ho-hooo, a nice little child! Not only that, but she looks like she’s a princess! A twintail princess... no, indeed, this is nearly perfect! Yours could be the ultimate twintails!!”

“Ultimate...!? No, tell me who you are! You speak human language, don’t you!? Set the other girls free!!”

“I do. As you can see, we can communicate well with each other. And so, I tell you that I cannot release them.”

“Then what are your intentions!”

“You’ll understand soon! First, while I have the opportunity...”

The monster handed a large stuffed animal to the president with an overfamiliar gentleness.

“I want you to hold this kitten stuffie! There is sweetness even in your hostility. A kitten stuffie suits a naughty young girl well!! Hug it!!”

[[File:OreTwintail_v1_049.jpg|thumb|''"You all, engrave this sight into your minds! Twintails, stuffed animal, and resting on a sofa!"'']]

The jet-black figures came up carrying a three-meter-wide pink sofa which it was hard to believe existed, maybe part of their supplies.

They forced the president, now holding the stuffed animal, to sit on it.

“You all, engrave this sight into your minds! Twintails, stuffed animal, and resting on a sofa! This is the golden ratio that my long years of discipline have led me to!!”

“““Mokkekeke--!!”””

The monster was acting like it had at last succeeded in turning gold into a base metal, and on top of that the shrill voices seemed to be cheering it for what it had done. I felt light-headed.

“...We understand that they are aiming for girls with twintails, anyway... Tell me, Twoearle, what can I do? You brought me here because there’s something I can do, right?”

“I will leave the details for later. Right now, we will act.”

My legs were trembling a little despite my brave act, but Twoearle ignored that. She was so calm that she seemed reliable.

“Souji-sama... First, please take off the clothes I am wearing. No, more like rip them off, please. ...Oh, yes. Push both of my arms above my head like this and hold them there... Like this, Souji-sama, with one hand. Then with your other hand, pull off my bra...”

“What is wroooooooooong with you!!”

Twoearle had been making gestures to go with what she was saying.

“Aika, too loud!”

I hastily clapped my hand over her mouth, but--

“Ohh, I sense the presence of a new twintail... Where? Where are you hiding!!”

(What is a presence supposed to be!)

I left that comeback inside my heart, and looked at the twintails beside me. Certainly, they do draw the eye, but...

“Aaah, I’m a twintail too--!”

“Wheeeare are yoooou!!”

We were sixty or seventy meters away from the center of the huge open-air parking lot, but the thick, harsh voice sounded as though it were coming from right next to us. Still, even though we weren’t under any kind of cover, he can't see us. What is this?

He’s looking straight at us, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

I felt deja vu.

Aika’s words in the store went through my mind.

---- “How... Why didn’t I sense her presence?”

Recognition... jamming... that’s what she said earlier.

“...Oh, ohh... Even though I was taking the serious route that I’m not used to and holding it in... This situation I was longing for... The script I polished over and over again... I can’t believe my plan was crushed the moment it started...”

Twoearle’s glare at Aika was a mixture of resentment and disappointment. Apparently something hadn’t gone well for her.

“There’s some way we can help those girls, right!? Come on, tell me!!”

Impatient, I grabbed her shoulders hard.

“Aan...”

For some reason a seductive voice.

“Oh, we can do a course correction! Well, Souji-sama, let us go ahead with the script just like before! Shove me against the wall like this, and we’re up to the place where you rip all my clothes off at once! Take them with one cut!!”

“Why don’t I shove you against the wall? As hard as I can!?”

Under Aika’s glare, Twoearle reluctantly said, “I, I understand. It is true we do not have much time, so I will skip a little! And they can sense her Twintail Element even through recognition jamming, so even in the first battle I do not think we can take them lightly.”

Did you say “the first battle?”... but I didn’t have time to wonder, because what she said next was even more outrageous.

“Souji-sama, use the bracelet I gave you and transform!”

“Transform!?”

“This is what she was going for! All that stuff earlier was for this!”

Twoearle ignored Aika and continued.

“That device creates a battle suit that will reinforce your physical power. You should become at least a match for that monster when you transform.”

“Are you serious!?”

Just as if it were a kids’ superhero show or something like that.

...But I was willing to grasp at any straw right then, and my heart soaked it up without resistance as if it were a voice from heaven.

She could have said any crazy thing to me and I wouldn’t have been able to imagine it was a joke or a trick after the unreal experience of being put through the teleporter.

At least there’s no harm in trying.

“Wa, wait a minute, I don’t know about transforming, but why do you need Souji to do something that dangerous!!”

“You idiot! The enemy’s target is twintails!! How can we overlook that!!”

“...Wait, umm, that’s the most surreal thing about this, or rather, that goal is too stupid... Or Souji, can't you at least say that it’s because they are kidnapping girls...?”

“No, that is how it should be. It is because you love twintails that you can use the bracelet. There is no need to pretend to care about justice.”

“No, I mean, I did want to rescue the girls, I was thinking that...”

An enemy who’s aiming at twintails, and supposedly I can fight against them because I love twintails? What is this?

Really more and more this seems like a joke.

The earth shook so much that I seemed to float for a second, and then came an ear-splitting roar.

“Souji, the people they caught!”

A terrifying scene was unfolding where Aika pointed.

A tragic scene as though I were looking into hell.

In the very center of the parking lot -- the parked cars had been torn out by the roots and scattered and the girls they had caught were lined up single file.

An improvised ceremonial site.

I don’t know if the girl at the front of the line had fainted, but she didn’t seem to be moving as her body floated into the air.

Like a lion jumping through a flaming hoop, the girls in the line moved through a metallic ring with light stretched across it in iridescent colours like a soap bubble. The moment the first girl passed through, her hair came gently untied, and she drifted back down tracing an arc across the sky.

One by one, the instant they could put the next one through, the girls went through the ring as lifeless as parts on a belt conveyor.

In less time than it took to blink, it was President Shindou’s turn... and even the beautiful twintails that had fascinated me dissolved into the air.

“All the twintails in this miserable world will be ours!”

That had sounded like a joke, but I was seeing it for real now.

“---- Those bastards.”

I felt something deep snap in my heart for the first time in my life.

“Souji-sama, please compose yourself. It is still all right, they can still be saved.”

“Tell me...! How can I save the twintails? How can I destroy those guys?!!”

“You’re kind of exaggerating... You know, they don’t seem to be hurt at all aside from losing their twintails?”

“Exaggerating, you say......!?”

I grabbed Aika by the front of her shirt and lifted her up with violent emotion overflowing in my heart.

“Aah...”

“Was that all that twintails meant to you? If someone takes them, then that’s fine, you don’t really care? Were they such a little thing to you?!!”

“Ca, calm down, Souji. They’ll notice us again...!”

“...S, sorry.”

When I heard Aika’s out-of-character thin voice without any force in it, my head cooled off a little, and I let go of her.

“I’m sorry for shouting at you too, Twoearle. But tell me how to use this thing. Quickly.”

“...Are you serious!? No, Souji, you shouldn’t! Especially after earlier! I don’t think you can trust her at all!”

Aika’s voice had tension in it as if she were trying to stop a comrade of hers from committing an act of murder.

“I don’t care if it’s stupid or if it’s dangerous. I can’t forgive those monsters for playing games with twintails!”

Twoearle had been at least half messing around with me, but I think that that part of my feelings got through to her.

She nodded with an earnest expression, and explained, raising her own right arm to her chest.

“Please wish in your heart, ‘I want to transform.’ Wish hard. If you do that, the bracelet should activate.”

“That’s all I have to do? I don’t think about anything specific?”

Twoearle nodded forcefully.

“Okay. Sounds like something even I can do.”

“Souji!!”

I gathered my resolve and raised the bracelet to my chest, making a fist with my right hand.

Closing my eyes, like she had told me, I wished hard, hard.

I want to transform... I want to save the president, those girls. To take back the twintails. To become someone who can defeat those bastards.

It wasn’t righteous anger. Is there a guy anywhere who can just keep quiet after he sees something he loves trampled into the dust!!

The next instant--

The “transformation” really happened, just like that.

<center>◇</center>

Light began to shine from the bracelet on Souji’s right arm.

An intense light as though soundless fireworks were exploding before his eyes.

“Aahh!”

Aika covered her eyes with her arm at the unexpected brilliance.

Bands of red light looped around Souji’s body, forming a cocoon. As specks of light flooded out, they tightened around him.

An even brighter sudden flash.

They began to change the barely visible silhouette.

Shoulders, chest, hips, legs - from the top in order light burst like an explosion, and Souji was covered from the neck down in a red suit. But this all happened in a hundredth of a second -- the work of an instant, faster than the eye could see.

Spraying out like steam, lines of red light.

And although it was strange, Souji was surrounded by a radiance that didn’t come from reflected light, just like Twoearle’s silver hair.

“Awesome... I really did transform...”

Souji put all the strength into the fists, testing how it felt.

As far as he could see, the suit covered the body without a gap, from the tips of the feet when he looked down to the fingertips he was opening and closing over and over again. But he seems to have noticed before long that there was no pressure on his head.

“Huh? My face... It isn’t hidden!?”

Touching the cheeks, Souji was disturbed to find that they weren’t covered.

“The suit itself is not that important to the defense system. Also, it is using Imagine Chaff as a countermeasure, so even though your face is uncovered, other people will not realize that it is you, Souji-sama.”

“Imagine... What’s that?”

“It is something so you do not have to worry about people finding out your real identity! Please fight with peace of mind!”

“I, is that so? Okay! Let me try this...!!” I don’t really understand the practical side very well, and there are a lot of things I’m still worried about, but there’s no time left.

Souji put his faith in Twoearle’s words and started to run toward the battlefield, his hair gallantly ''fluttering behind him''.

“Nh, uh...”

Souji had already vanished by the time Aika opened her eyes.

“That idiot! Why did he agree to all of this so easily?!”

Aika knitted her eyebrows and looked around.

“Hey, you, uh... hey, Twoearle.”

“Yes?”

“There weren’t any other girls around here just now...?”

<center>◇</center>

“Li... light, what is this, I can’t run so easil... whoaaa---!!”

As if someone had put the decimal point in the wrong place, the power in my legs was so great that I kept almost falling on my face when I sprinted.

I was reminded of the time when I was bored and tried setting the running machine to maximum speed.

<<Please focus your awareness! Souji-sama, that suit, the Tailgear, is built out of your mental force. You must drive it with your will!>>

Some kind of communications device? I heard Twoearle’s voice as if she were whispering into my ear, although I don’t think anything was mounted on it.

“The force of my mind... My will...!!”

This time, I tried to wrap my awareness around my legs.

Up until then it felt like I was clinging to a car moving at top speed, but I suddenly started to feel my feet landing on the ground through the suit.

It wasn’t like driving a car, it was a sense of complete unity like I had become the car.

I had already reached the parking lot and gone more than halfway across it, kicking the rubble out of the way as I was running without trying to avoid it. I could see the girls lying unconscious on the asphalt now.

I know they regretted having their twintails stolen.

I’ll absolutely get them back for you...!!

“Hmmm, magnificent Twintail Elements... But at this rate, I’m not sure if we can obtain the greatest power under this star, the one the Commander was praising as the ultimate...”

It seems like my hearing has improved, too. I can hear the monster muttering something cryptic to President Shindou, lying at his feet.

My anger hit its peak when I saw the president with her twintails cruelly untied.

“Stoooop-----!!”

“Mu!?”

I planted my feet on the ground, braking at high speed. As I did, something like stoppers came down from somewhere near my ankles and jammed into the asphalt, scraping it and blowing off sparks and dust.

(...What ridiculous strength. That girl created this...!?)

A sense of awe filled my body at the unknown power, taking my mind off my anger. And then I started to be afraid. I was surprised again by the kind of power the girl called Twoearle had in her hands.

How had she created something with this kind of terrifying strength? Just as I was told, just as I had wished, I had accepted it, but had that been the right thing to do?

No, I don’t have time to think about that now. I have to concentrate on saving the twintails... saving the people before me.

“You understand human language, right, monster? Give these people back the twintails that you... took.”

“Tha... You are...”

“...Did you not hear me...? You stole their twintails. Give them back, goddamn you!!”

My anger itself hit him together with my scream.

It sounds strange when I say it, but I understood that the strange ring could take people’s twintails away from them. And so it should also be possible for it to give them back.

Who would subject someone to this kind of danger just because they have twintails? The word “irrational” is not good enough for them, it’s absurd, it’s monstrous.

“Steal the twintails.” If what they said, if their objective were known to the public, then tomorrow there might not be anyone wearing twintails anymore. Because it would be stupid to take the risk.

I can’t... I can’t forgive that...!!

“Whoa... whooaaaaaaaaaaa----!?”

When I scowled at him, the monster soared high into the sky as if he had been caught in a sudden gust of wind.

“Gahaaa!!”

The ground hit him face-first.

“H, hey.”

“Nnn, nngh... Was I blown away by such a strong ''young innocent''... Those are... spectacular twintails!!”

“...Huh?”

“The Commander’s prediction was right when he chose this spot! Even if I leave out the girls before. It was you...! You’ve finally come! We didn’t miss our mark, those are the ultimate twintails!”

The monster was staggering to his feet in exultation.

“The ultimate... twintails...?”

Something is strange.

What the monster was saying gave me an uncomfortable feeling, but at the same time I myself began to feel obscure doubt.

My field of vision, my viewpoint was oddly low.

Maybe it was my imagination, but the hands I was holding up also seemed smaller than usual.

“......”

Cold sweat ran down the back of my neck.

A premonition of evil stronger than I’d ever tasted in my life sent a chill through my whole body.

“Could...”

Like a rusty gear grinding, I turned my head over to the side.

[[File:OreTwintail_v1_063.jpg|thumb|top|alt="Souji looking in a car windshield."|''There was a girl with lovely twintails there.'']]

One of the car windshields was still in its original shape. I saw the reflection and was speechless.

What would you call this.

-- There was a girl with lovely twintails there.

“--------- Oh.”

Even now a “twinta~ils” sound effect rang like a chime in my head. Beautiful, spectacular twintails hanging down past the knee.

Ribbon-shaped pieces moved up and down together with her breathing, so smoothly that they seemed to be swaying.

Her wide eyes opened even farther.

The word “armor” was a little off the mark for what she was wearing, a strange protective suit that didn’t look like it had any weight at all, showy in its use of fashion with red and white as its key colours.

In places, on top of the body suit that stuck closely to her bare skin, angular mechanical-looking armaments had been attached. They were the source of a mysterious glow.

“Ohh.”

And, and and. There were giant attachments on either side of her hips, but the crotch area of the suit had been designed like a bikini, and half of her thighs were exposed.

I wasn’t sure if I believed this. But I tried touching my chest and groin. My chest was just as flat as it looked from outside, but my constant companion for half my life, the prince between my legs, my important partner, was cleanly and completely missing.

“O, oh...”

Now that I understood, I became more conscious of it. My unnaturally high voice.

Yes, the reflection in the glass was ---

I, who had become a twintail.

“It turned me into a girl~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!?”

A childish scream was absorbed by the sky.
<center>◇</center>

“Wh...!!”

Aika, watching, was also lost for words.

“...What is that.”

“That is our single strongest weapon against those monsters, the Daydream Armor, Tailgear! Aah, you are wonderful, Souji-sama! Ehehehehe big success.”

Twoearle, with a ribbon of drool that was hanging down to the choker around her neck, stared at the panicking Souji with a look of ecstasy on her face.

“...It’s too wonderful, I’m starting to cry!!”

Aika visited Twoearle with the palm of her hand, using even less restraint. It wasn’t a pinpoint strike to her cheek or somewhere this time but an impact to the whole top of her skull.

“Is, is this already a girls’ catfight scene... or actually it is more like being mauled by a tiger...”

“Depending on your answer it really will be like that. What happened, why is Souji a wwwwwoman!! That’s not just girls’ clothing, is it? He’s even way shorter now!!”

“...Aika. In order to obtain great power, you have to pay a corresponding price. It makes a person stronger to face the truth -- little girls are cute, little girls!”

“Is this your fucking rotten hobby---!!”

The sound of a merciless blow.

“That’s not transforming, that’s warped!”

Of course, she didn’t mean “warped” in the sense of metamorphosis.

“Fight fire with fire, they say. When the enemy is ‘hentai,’ a fighter cannot oppose them without becoming HENTAI to a certain degree themselves.”

“So the enemy is yooooooooooooooooooou!!”

Thud, thud, thud...

The head of the beautiful girl whose default was complete corruption - Twoearle’s imagination soared left and right in thrilling leaps.

<center>◇</center>

Is this my punishment?

I’ve been saying twintails, twintails from childhood until now, did God finally get fed up with me and say, you’re a pain in the ass, shut up, become a twintail already, and give me a shove in the back?

You shoved too hard, God. This isn’t like I can stagger and keep moving forward, this is like a complete orbit of the Earth.

This is like even my cool entrance scene earlier looped once around the Earth and crashed into the back of my head.

“A, a, a, ah.”

I was confused and unable to deal with reality, and the monster and the black things had completely surrounded me.

“Hmm, so you’ve decided you want to be ours? You have my gratitude! Show her along, and be polite!”

At my lack of resistance, the monster suddenly switched to kindness.

“Moke---”

The black thing... the soldier in front broke out into a run toward me.

“Ge... get awaaaaaaaaaaaay!!”

As I was waving my arms in front of me like a kid throwing a tantrum, I lightly hit the black thing, and it flew into the air with a clear ‘thunk’ sound like a plastic bottle rocket and crashed into a wall on the rooftop level of a distant building.

Its body began to glow. Before long, it exploded softly into dust and disappeared into the sky.

The monster let out a little noise of interest.

“Hnnn... One Ultiroid in one blow! You’re not just beautiful twintails... What is that fierce power!? Who are you, child!!”

The enemy’s words were getting bit by bit more old-fashioned, and now, as if we were actors in a period drama, he was handing me my promised “cue.”

Although judging from his expression he was serious.

<<Souji-sama! This is a great chance for a cool intro speech!>>

Intro speech?

“...What am I supposed to be?”

If you have something you want to say, then say it, God --

<<Aaah~, that is right, you did not decide what you were going to call yourself after you transformed, did you...!?>>

“No, I’m not worried about my name, I’m having doubts about my identity!”

Communicate, help me out, Aika... If I can’t hear your comebacks, how am I supposed to do this?

Not who I am, I’m not even sure what I am.

“Waoo~h, I’m not sure what’s going on but this downhearted little girl - I can’t stand it!! One of you, get me a doll she can hug!”

“Mokee-.”

The encirclement slowly tightened around me.

I could feel piercing stares even from the soldiers though I didn’t know where their eyes were.

Like they were giving off desire as an aura.

The target of those innumerable desires - I didn’t try to hold in the chill climbing up my spine.

“Uwaaaaaaaah!!”

<<Souji-sama, touch the ribbon piece and picture a weapon in your heart. It should create a weapon made just for you!!>>

“Rib, bo, n.”

With bloodshot eyes, I hit one of the two metal ribbon pieces, the only armor on my head.

“Turn me, turn me back into a man......! Agagagagagagaga”

<<It is not a machine that grants wishes!?>>

What is this... I’m not in a fairytale with a moral, there’s no way this punishment can happen, no way I turned into a twintail!!

I hit the ribbon over and over.

Whether my bitter wish got through or not, it lit up and a burst of flame shot out. Forming a spiral in the air, it gathered in my right hand and began to take the shape of a sword like vapor condensing.

The red blade lengthened, wrapping itself around a black core.

A word appeared in my mind like it was being punched into a typewriter.

<<Blazer Blade>>

Fire burst out from my right hand. The magnificent double-edged sword was finished, glowing with red heat.

You couldn’t call it a longsword, but in my hands it looked like a longer than average blade.

Amazi~ng, coo~ol... by the way turn me back.

“Moke--------”

One of the soldiers came down out of the air with a pose like a jumping frog.

My voice was frozen, so I swung the sword. The enemy took a diagonal slash to the chest, and with a small explosion evaporated into dust.

“Mokeh”

“Mokee~~~~”

“Aagh! These...!!”

I was attacked without a moment of pause and made a sudden horizontal sweep. The soldiers, cut in half, vanished one after another.

With no hesitation - with even less hesitation than before, attacks began to come all at once from the earth and sky.

“De... yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!”

I slashed at them, the spinning sword wrapped in fire that traveled with the sword’s pressure, spreading out like a burst from a flamethrower.

The figures all in black attacked four ways, eight ways, and evaporated without even having time to scream.

“Hah... hah...”

The reptile monster, alone now, was trembling all over.

“I’m nailed to this spot, I can’t move... The sword like lightning and the twintails dancing in the sky... I was sure that I was lost in heaven!!”

“You really are lost! Stop, that’s creepy!!”

The monster was overcome with emotion. Tears were flowing from his eyes.

I’m the one who wants to cry.

“Haaah, haah, twintails...”

“Wha...!?”

Desire was swirling around the monster like a vortex. He stuck out his hands and came at me like a zombie.

He was different from the one-kick soldiers before. In many ways.

“Those twintails... Could I have you take them between your thumb and index finger and give my cheeks a few slaps, pechi pechi...!!”

Wide eyes, the blood pulsing in them. Rough, thick breaths. And with the tip of his lips stained with drool, the monster came at me.

A dread second to none rushing through me and a weak scream I’d never heard from myself even once before.

“Kyaa--!!”

I fell on my butt, letting the sword drop.

“Haah, haah, twintails...”

I can’t stand to look at this.

Is that right... is this what I look like.

Were guys who like twintails all like this? Would someone who didn’t know me think of me as his accomplice? Was this how other people saw me?

...If nobody approves of me, will I become warped too?

“Shit, it’s because there are things like you that...!”

Clutching my head and trembling, I curled up into a ball.

My memories flickered around me like shadows from a lantern.

The times I talked passionately about twintails.

Or maybe the person I was talking to didn’t know them well, but they knew something about them.

Everyone would always start to look suspicious.

What’s wrong with insisting on the kind of hairstyle you like, I always thought... but was it that monster that they were seeing?

I was pretending that I was confident and didn’t care what anyone thought, but maybe I was really feeling guilty about my love of twintails...?

<<Sou-ji! Get a hold of yourself! You’re the one who said you were going to save them, what are you doing!!>>

“...Ah...!!”

At Aika’s words I came back to reality.

<<You were bragging earlier how important twintails were to you, you even grabbed my... you grabbed the front of a girl’s shirt and lifted her up. Now that you became a twintail you’re scared!? Pull yourself together!>>

<<She said ‘the front of her shirt,’ but Souji-sama, you just grabbed her collar in one smooth motion, didn’t you? There were no obstacles to intercept you, were there? Hahaha>>

<<I’m sorry I stopped you before... I can’t look at that monster anymore either, that creep, don’t worry about all the other stuff, just punch him hard!>>

<<...Don’t, squeeze like a washcloth... Please let go of my obstacles!!>>

<<If you can’t do anything now, then that’s the thing that will make you his accomplice! If you feel guilty about your usual self, then when it’s time to act, do it right!>>

<<It hurts, ow ow ow ow ow!!>>

“...Aika...!”

Aika’s precise speech, as if she could see straight through me. A feeling rose in my heart like sunlight breaking through clouds.

I thought I heard a voice rising in pain, but my mind had already become one with the space around it.

And I’m not confused about what I am anymore.

I’m an idiot.

What Aika says is right. After shaking her off and coming into the battle, what am I doing.

I have been given the power to protect what I love and respect and I’m completely losing it because of my own small worries.

Come to think of it, back when I was a kid, when I was fighting Aika and I had that old man training me, he beat that into my head a lot. You have a lot of idle thoughts, you have to empty your heart - that kind of thing.

Let your heart fill the space... let idle thoughts loose.

Let your heart--

“You are tearing off my breaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasts!!”

“...Uooooooooooooooooooooh!!”

For the first time in my life my whole mind is concentrated on this fight. But there’s something, some noise that I can’t imagine comes from a creature of this world, that’s pulling me away and making it really hard to focus, so I let a scream out and began to run.

Nothing else than the scream now.

“Hmm!?”

“I’ll pechi-pechi you! Get your face out here!!”

I lifted the Blazer Blade above my head.

“Oooh!”

For the first time my slash was blocked.

But on the left cheek of the monster that hadn’t been touched, a burn like the mark of a sword appeared, running in a single horizontal line.

“You’re... Haah!!”

The monster screamed and a beam of light flashed out of the palm of his hand.

But the beam evaporated as soon as it touched my body without disturbing my twintails a millimeter. I didn’t feel anything either.

“Hmmn!?”

A combat suit that was so thin, except at my hips, and arms and legs and other places covered by the angular armor, that it didn’t hold me back at all - the Tailgear.

You could see its true worth in the light that surrounded me.

“...Photon Absorber... Is that what this is.”

An <<explanation>> echoed in my head.

The ultimate defensive film takes the absorbed energy of motion - in other words, impact - and kills it completely by controlling and intercepting it at the molecular level.

This is also the reason why the head, which should be protected as much as possible, is exposed. No attack will hit the Tailgear as long as the whole body is covered in light, and that makes it an invincible weapon.

“Hmph... You’re a terrifying little kid! For the first time in many days my soldier's spirit is roaring! I am Lizard Guildy, the leader of the Ultima Guil raid squadron! I fight in the belief that a man’s heart should beat even stronger at the sight of a girl who is holding a doll! Tell me your name, at least, if nothing else!!”

“---TailRed!!”

I said it so naturally that I was surprised. It felt as though the suit itself was telling me what to say.

The moment I had broken through, it had started calling to my heart.

An irrepressible power was pulsing in my whole body.

“...I asked for your real name!!”

“It’s fine... If you shout a disturbing belief like that at the top of your lungs then I don’t need someone like you to remember my name!”

“That’s mysterious! You believe more or less the same thing, don’t you?”

“Don’t put me together with you!”

“It’s obvious at a glance! If you weren’t one who loves twintails more than anything else, you wouldn’t be shining like that!”

“You know your stuff, don’t you... Fine, I shine all the brighter because of my love for twintails - go ahead and remember that!!”

“That runs counter to what we want, then, doesn’t it... For us, we love twintails even more when we have our hands on them! Hnnnn... hmph!!”

The countless spines on Lizard Guildy’s back separated and lifted high into the sky.

A thin belt of light seemed to bind the spines and his body together.

And one by one as if they had a mind of their own they came down to attack.

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

I started to cut all of them down with the Blazer Blade.

The burning spines one after another started to hiss like bombs, and after they hit they blew away part of the asphalt.

“Hnnnnn...!!”

They came flying even faster. I could dodge them by the width of a hair and they’d still spin around quickly and pursue me like guided missiles.

My eyesight for moving objects was much better because of the Tailgear, but even for my improved vision the complicated orbits were a threat.

“Twoearle! Will everything be okay even when I defeat this guy? What will happen to the twintails!?”

<<The twintails that were stolen...? The Elements... they’re stored in that ring for an hour or so, I believe! So ignore that guy! Defeat him and break the ring and they’ll go back! ...I believe!!>>

“All right!”

I had been a little frightened about the thing Aika called me about... no, incredibly frightened, but I would stick with my first decision to rescue the president’s, and everyone else’s twintails.

“Magnificent! I will not forget this day if I live for eternity! My apologies, but I’d like to take a photograph as a souvenir! Rest your head on my shoulder like this, and hold a stuffed...”

“Shut uuuuu-p!”

I shortened the distance with a single bound and with my left hand wreathed in fire, I punched him hard.

His face mushed in and a large amount of blood came out of his nose.

“Agh, aaugh... No, no help for it... I was trying hard to keep from hurting your face or your twintails, but you’re going to have to resign yourself to a certain amount of damage!!”

The muscles under Lizard Guildy’s steel scales bulged out still more.

He must be gathering all of his strength for an attack.

I stood straight in front of him, preparing for the worst.

But isn’t there... It’s going to be dangerous for the girls lying around here if we keep fighting in this flashy way!

At that moment the vivid image of a deep red pillar of fire floated into my mind.

“---Aura Pillar...? This, then!”

It’s like a help file was included and I can search through it by thinking. Very nice of her.

Following the image in my head, I let all of the Blazer Blade's power loose. Brake Release.

Fire burst out of the tip of the Blazer Blade and swelled to the size of a basketball. With all my strength I swung the sword up and let it fly loose.

“What is this!?”

The ball of fire exploded right in front of Lizard Guildy, and drawing a spiral encircled his body as its track took the shape of a pillar.

“N, m, nor can I move!”

It certainly is a barrier that binds the enemy. So this is the Aura Pillar!

“Uooooooooooh!!”

Keeping my eyes on Lizard Guildy, I began to run.

The sword that I was holding started to change shape, responding to my spirit. The hilt and ornamental piece unfolded, and the lines that ran through the sword like the veins of a leaf began to flash violently.

Fire shot from the blade shining with red heat, stretching it to almost twice its length.

The edge slipped through the barrier that was holding him. And straight down in the direction it was already going, it cut Lizard Guildy in a single sweep from the crown of his head.

Yes, <Grand Blazer> is definitely a final move... The trails of flame ran into the sky.

“Gwoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

A heat wave like a bubble popping. Lizard Guildy screamed in agony. Arcs of electricity were coming off him.

“He, hehahahaha... Magnificent... To perish with a twintail brushing gently against my cheek... How can I have any regrets! This is the end I always dreamed of as a child!!”

“Wait, hey!!”

The Aura Pillar swelled out suddenly to three times its size.

“Farewell------!!”

Lizard Guildy, holding his belief next to his heart to his last moment, detonated in a tremendous explosion which couldn’t be compared to the soldiers, and dispersed on the wind ---

“Don’t vanish with a dying vision like thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!”

After there was only silence.

I looked out on the devastated parking lot, although you could hardly tell that’s what it was anymore.

On the other hand, Grand Blazer had scorched the ground a little, but there weren’t many more traces of my fight. The unbelievable flare and impact had done almost no damage to the surroundings.

I saw Aura Pillar as something like a support technique for capturing the enemy, but maybe it’s to keep damage from explosions down to a minimum.

“Hup~”

I cut the drifting huge metal ring in half without any particularly strong feelings.

As if it had completed its task, the sword I was holding turned into flame and dissolved into the air.

The ring broke into tiny pieces and the light inside it became sparks that broke into streams flowing down into the unconscious girls one by one.

As I saw their hairstyles returning properly to twintails, I was hit by a sense of exhaustion. I wasn’t sure if I might fall on my back.

I had been lost in the fight, but was I really able to save these girls... was I really able to save twintails?

There was a small diamond-shaped stone glittering light green on the ground. I picked it up.

<Doll>

The word came into my mind. As I held it the armor piece on my left hand slid open and sucked it in.

“...Huh, this is another power of the Tailgear?”

“---Um.”

“!”

I almost jumped when someone called me from behind.

The president was awake and looking at me in wonder with her twintails fluttering behind her. They were covered in soot but had not lost their nobility.

She was making a token effort to hold the hem of her torn skirt together with her hand.

“I would like to... thank you very much for saving me.”

“Ah, hahaha, for what? I’m just a guy, no girl who happened to be passing through!”

I don’t think anyone could believe that when I’m dressed like this but I have to come up with something.

“No, um, that is... I woke up midway through the fight.”

“What?......”

“Yo, you fought wonderfully! ... You’re still only small, but you’re gallant... and strong ... I was... so moved!”

“---------!!”

This is bad. I thought everyone was unconscious.

The president is also really young-looking, but right now I don’t look like any more than an elementary schooler.

And that child was carrying a sword and fighting with monsters... how can you come up with an explanation for that situation.

“Excuse me... How in the world did you...!”

“A, a, I’m an ally of justice! Now, please get, out of here quickly!”

I’m really feeling how bad I am at ad-lib, as Aika pointed out an hour ago.

“I would like to thank you very much for saving me!! Will we meet again!?”

“You’ll see me again, as long as you love twintails.”

Bowing deeply to me, the president left at a half-run.

Thank goodness, she didn’t investigate too much.

For something on the spur of the moment, that line wasn’t bad. Although I was just trying to get through this.

“Young mistreessss!!”

A limousine cut diagonally across the parking lot at a reckless speed like it was slashing the lot in half and stopped, leaving a huge tire mark. Maids, a lot of maids, jumped out from inside and rushed over to the president.

A few of the girls who had fainted also began to wake up. The maids... probably at the orders of the president, broke the task up and began to care for them. It didn’t seem like there was any place for me anymore.

Afterward were the girls’ parents and families, maybe... adults, now free, also came running one by one.

The president might have seen me when I was screaming in terror... but I had rescued everyone safely, so I’d like her to forget about it.

“Whew...”

I shifted my line of sight to the front.

I can see myself reflected in the side mirror of a car.

“.........”

It’s a little young, but the way I look is certainly exactly what I was dreaming of, my ideal twintails.

I felt heat coming into my cheeks and shook my head desperately.

If I keep looking at myself, happiness and unease will hit me simultaneously.

Sirens started to come into earshot. Of course, the police and ambulances and things would be coming.

As the thread of tension snapped I felt dizzy.

Hugging a wall to avoid people’s eyes, as I went around a corner I saw Aika and Twoearle, who had been waiting for me.

“It’s finally over...”

My last strength drained out and I fell back on the ground.

The transformation was cancelled, and I was wrapped in a cocoon of light and returned to my original shape.

Thank God I didn’t stay like that my whole life...

“Sou-ji!”

Aika ran over to me and caught me in her arms, and out of relief, maybe, I flickered in and out of consciousness.

“It is a pity for you to have your head pressed against the ground. Please come here, my chest has proper cushions.”

“It’s my chest, not the ground!!”

“---For a woman it is only called a chest once it has begun to puff out. That is, the area below your neck is referred to as the ground, Aika.”

“Why don’t you kiss the ground, dumbaaaaaaass!!”

Aika caught the back of Twoearle’s head with an eagle grip and shoved her into the sidewalk.

“Nooo, stooooop, it’s my first kiiiiiiiss!!”

I want to fall asleep feeling like I made everything turn out okay, but I still hear screaming. Come on, guys.

As though guided by fate I dived into the maelstrom of war.

And the curtain closed on TailRed’s first battle.

<references/>

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| Forward to [[Ore, Twintail ni Narimasu:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
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